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Dear Abby: Wife’s high volume of clutter is making man anxious

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are in our 80s, married for 61 years. We are financially well-off and have few medical issues. As we approach our departure from this Earth, we’ve created the necessary legal documents to distribute our assets. So, what’s the problem? My spouse is a “collector.” We have several wonderful china settings, sterling silver and beautiful linens. At one time, we set a beautiful table.

Today, old age has caught up with us. Most of those invitees are gone. But my spouse and I are living like we did 50 years ago, and it’s getting on my nerves. Nobody wants our stuff! It’s time to divest ourselves of possessions that somebody else might have an interest in and get them off our hands. My spouse refuses to part with ANYTHING. There’s always an excuse to keep the clutter.

I saw this in my parents decades ago. If it came in the front door, it didn’t go out again. Why are people so addicted to things, and what can be done to alleviate my anxiety? — READY TO LET GO IN SAN FRANCISCO

DEAR READY: Consider this: Every piece of china and crystal, every pattern of silverware and all the accessories that people used to think were necessary to create a beautiful home (and life), have treasured memories attached. Where you see clutter, your wife sees the happy years spent acquiring it and entertaining.

Because these items are no longer being used, they could be boxed up “just in case” they are needed again. Photograph them so you have a record of what they are, and discuss with your wife possibly donating them to a charity thrift store. While you are correct that young people today aren’t as avid about formal entertaining as members of your generation were, there are still people around who recognize quality and value who might be interested in having some of it.

As to your anxiety, discuss this with your doctor and, if necessary, ask for a referral to a therapist for some counseling.

DEAR ABBY: I have a wonderful, intelligent 19-year-old daughter. She’s a junior in college in another city. She has always been extremely thin. We have taken her to doctors to address this. They discovered a vitamin deficiency and suggested she eat more nutritious foods with vitamins prescribed.

My question is, is it OK to push foods on her after her barely eaten meals? She gets full immediately and doesn’t always take her vitamins. I don’t want her to distance herself from me by insisting she eat more. — MOTHERING MOTHER IN TEXAS

DEAR MOTHER: I do not recommend that you “push” foods on your daughter. If you do, it may cause her to rebel. I do, however, think it might be a good idea for you to do some research about eating disorders, because your daughter may have one.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)



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I’m stressed about taking time off work. Should I just quit?

An advice column where Chicago can ask questions on how to navigate life transitions, relationships, family, finance and more.

Dear Ismael,

My dad was in a motorcycle accident last week and he fractured his ribs, so I’ve been taking care of him with the help of my mom. I was under stress at work because of deadlines and stuff even before the accident, but I think this just added more anxiety to my overall general anxiety, so I was fully intending on quitting on Friday because I hit a breaking point.

My parents talked me out of it and told me to take FMLA instead because I’ve basically been helping with all his needs and transportation anyway. So we went to the doctor this morning and they suggested three weeks off, but ultimately it’s up to human resources and if they want to agree to that. But I don’t know. I still want to quit anyway because I’m realizing I actually hate my job and I’m just not happy.

I have enough savings where I can be OK without a job for a few months. So I got really excited about the notion of quitting and checking into a mental health facility to heal from some past traumas because I’m seeing a pattern where I work and work until I’m really stressed out and can’t deal with it. The only thing I’m worried about is leaving my team in a bad spot, but I feel like I already am by taking these few weeks off anyway. So should I address my anxiety and quit right now? Or should I continue working through the holidays and figure it out?

— Give Me a Break in Logan Square

Dear Give Me a Break,

I’m sorry about what happened with your dad, and how your professional life doesn’t allow you peace of mind to step away when your family needs you the most. But I’m not worried about you.

You have all the answers to what you need, or at least your body and mind are telling you what you need — a break — and hope you listen to them.

And look, I appreciate your parents looking out for you and telling you to push through. Sometimes we need people to keep us grounded at times when we feel out of balance. But don’t listen to them.

This isn’t the first time you’ve gone through this anxiety with work, and the times you’ve pushed through didn’t make anything better because you’re back here again. Listen to yourself, take advantage of the resources you have available and break out of this cycle of burning out at work.

I love that you are open to a mental health facility. Do your research and go see a doctor to see what they recommend for the next steps to be.

Doctor support and approval will also help lessen inner guilt, whether it’s taking a long period of time off work or leaving a job that isn’t good for your health. If the doctor doesn’t exactly recommend a mental health facility, they could recommend another avenue to explore.

Either way, if you’re not happy at your job and it’s getting to you, use that money you have saved up and take a breather. That’s what it’s there for.

When we refuse to listen to the signs that tell us to slow down, the universe intervenes and it’s not always pretty.

I had a mental health crisis early this year and felt unsure about asking for time off. And then I also fell off my diabetes medication. It wasn’t until I got hit by a car that I was forced into a doctor’s office to address all that (plus the broken bones) throughout a recommended three-month recovery.

Maybe your dad’s accident, while scary and unfortunate, was your moment to stop, look at where you are (again) and determine where you want to go from there.

Write to Someone in Chicago at [email protected].



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Three keys for Bears vs. Vikings

Three keys for the Bears to win Sunday’s game against the Vikings at Soldier Field:

Beware the blitz

Vikings coordinator Brian Flores, a former Bill Belichick disciple and Dolphins head coach, blitzes more than any other defensive play-caller in the sport. The best way to avoid obvious blitz situations if for the Bears to run the ball well on first down. One problem: the Vikings allow a league-low 74.4 rushing yards per game and force more second-and-long plays than any other team in the sport.

Go deep

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is the worst deep-ball quarterback in the NFL this season; no passer has a worse Pro Football Focus grade on throws of 20 yards or more.

“I really think we took a really big step last week,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “We saw some glimpses of that earlier in the season, and I know it’s going to come to fruition there. I know Rome [Odunze] is a really good guy in the deep part of the field. I know DJ [Moore] is. And I know Keenan [Allen] has got that ability too, to work the short area but also work some deep routes too. I just think it’s time on task and just keep working it.

Pick one

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown a whopping 10 interceptions this season — including three two weeks ago and two three weeks ago. He’ll need to turn the ball over to give the Bears a chance.



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Chuck Woolery dead: Game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ was 83

NEW YORK — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83.

Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him,” Young wrote.

Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.

In 1983, Woolery began an 11-year run as host of TV’s “Love Connection,” for which he coined the phrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” a two-fingered signature dubbed the “2 and 2.” In 1984, he hosted TV’s “Scrabble,” simultaneously hosting two game shows on TV until 1990.

“Love Connection” — long before the dawn of dating apps — had a premise that featured either a single man or single woman who would watch audition tapes of three potential mates and then pick one for a date.

A couple of weeks after the date, the guest would sit with Woolery in front of a studio audience and tell everybody about the date. The audience would vote on the three contestants, and if the audience agreed with the guest’s choice, “Love Connection” would offer to pay for a second date.

Woolery told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003 that his favorite set of lovebirds was a man aged 91 and a woman aged 87. “She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride.”

Other career highlights included hosting the shows “Lingo,” “Greed” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as hosting the short-lived syndicated revival of “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and an ill-fated 1991 talk show. In 1992, he played himself in two episodes of TV’s “Melrose Place.”



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Horoscope for Sunday, November 24, 2024

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or important decisions after 11:15 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Virgo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

An average day

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Owners should be vigilant today because something unexpected related to your pet might occur. Keep your eyes open. Likewise, anything related to your job might suddenly go sideways in a New York minute. Stay on your toes! On the whole, this is a positive, energetic day.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A positive day

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Parents should be extra vigilant today because this is a potentially accident-prone day for your kids. Meanwhile, social plans might suddenly change. They could be canceled, delayed, or, alternatively, you might receive an unexpected invitation? Act fast because this window of opportunity will be brief.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

An average day

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Your home routine might change today. Small appliances might break down, or a minor breakage could occur. Someone unexpected might knock at your door. Stock the fridge because if there’s food on hand, everyone can cope better. (Ain’t it the truth?)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

An average day

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Pay attention to everything you say and do today because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. On the upside, you might learn something new because you feel experimental. New faces, new places and new ideas will intrigue you.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

An average day

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Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today to avoid loss, theft or damage because something unexpected could impact your wealth. For example, you might find money; you might lose money. You might also have an interesting moneymaking idea? Who knows?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A positive day

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This is a restless day for you. Quite likely, you will spontaneously do something and go off in a new direction, which is just fine. That’s because the moon is in your sign dancing with unpredictable Uranus. It’s a perfect day to encounter new friends or to meet unusual people. “Hi Darth.”

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

An average day

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You might feel restless today. You have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. A sense of anticipation will pervade this day, and, yet, you might not know why. Don’t worry about this. Relax. Focus on fun conversations with others. Tweak your digs at home.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

An average day

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Today a friend or even a member of a group might do or say something that surprises you. Perhaps they are going to change their mandate? Are these your people? Or possibly, you will meet someone today who is a real character— avant-garde or unusual. It’s not a boring day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

An average day

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Be on the lookout today because bosses, parents, teachers and the police — all authority figures — might suddenly throw a curveball at you. (“Busted!”) Be ready for the unexpected. If necessary, keep a low profile if you don’t want to take any chances. And why do that?

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A positive day

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Some opportunities to travel might fall in your lap today. Alternatively, scheduled travel plans might suddenly change or be delayed. If you’re picking someone up at the airport, double check details. You might also be surprised by something you learn today, perhaps in the media.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

An average day

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Keep an eye on issues related to shared property, inheritances, insurance matters and banking. Know what’s happening. Very likely, something you didn’t expect could impact these areas, and if you are not aware of it, it could cost you money. Or it might be a windfall?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

An average day

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This is a tricky day because people who are closest to you are quite unpredictable. They might be charming — or they might not be. They might be moody. It’s also possible that you will be introduced to someone who is unusual or highly individualistic. This could interest you because you are intrigued by characters.

If your birthday is today

Colin Hanks (1977) shares your birthday. You are alive, alert and full of positive energy. You’re confident, with your own views and ideas. This is a year of learning, teaching and reflection. You might renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore philosophies that give you a better sense of your own self-awareness.

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And the bad-news Bears’ season-ending record will be …

How about those Bears, everybody?

To put a finer point on it: Will they ever win again?

In this week’s “Polling Place,” your home for Sun-Times sports polls on the social platform X, we asked what the Bears’ record will be after the 17-game season. They’re 4-6 heading into Sunday’s game against the Vikings at Soldier Field.

“Could be 7-10, but probably 6-11,” @JeffreyCanalia commented.

“All these choices are pathetic,” @JTurco60 wrote. “What a freaking embarrassment from top to bottom.”

Next, we asked about the Bulls’ projected season win total of 29½. Over or under?

“Over,” @DeyoSahler replied. “The East is bad, and the team plays hard. Young guys will carry them even if [Zach] LaVine and [Nikola] Vucevic are traded.”

Finally, got any plans for New Year’s Eve? We asked if you’d go to the Blackhawks’ Winter Classic game at Wrigley Field if offered a free ticket.

“Saying no to this is crazy work,” according to @arrosen76.

“I’d pay $100 not to have to go,” @TheChrisSchultz wrote.

On to the polls:

Poll No. 1: Some are saying the Bears (4-6) might not win another game. With seven to go, predict their final record.

Upshot: Bears fans, bless ’em, somehow keep getting out of bed on Sundays anyway.

Poll No. 2: The over/under on wins for the Bulls (who are 6-10 with 66 games left) is 29½. What are you taking?

Upshot: One of these years, the Bulls will have a team we all can’t help but be excited about. OK, fine, one of these decades.

Poll No. 3: If you were offered a free ticket to the Blackhawks-Blues Winter Classic game at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve, would you go?

Upshot: Just so everyone knows, this New Year’s gala is black-tie optional. Alas, it’s also Blackhawks-score-a-goal optional.



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Picture Chicago: 15 must-see Sun-Times photos from this week in news

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Adrian Martinez Jr. hugs his mother Rosa Mayen after speaking about his brother during the funeral services for Police Officer Enrique Martinez at St. Rita Cascia Shrine Temple at 7740 S Western Ave in Ashburn, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Police Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was shot and killed on November 4, 2024, while conducting a traffic stop in East Chatham. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Flanked by family members and mourners, Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez’s mother, Rosa Mayen, hugs the folded Chicago flag that draped her son’s casket after his funeral at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Martinez, 26, who was on the force for nearly three years, was fatally shot Nov. 4 during a traffic stop in the Chatham neighborhood. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Flanked by family members and mourners, Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez’s mother, Rosa Mayen, hugs the folded Chicago flag that draped her son’s casket after his funeral at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Martinez, 26, who was on the force for nearly three years, was fatally shot Nov. 4 during a traffic stop in the Chatham neighborhood.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

A pedestrians walks through the snow in Washington Park on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. | Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times

A pedestrian walks through the snow in Washington Park on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times

A biker wearing goggles approaches North Broadway Street in Edgewater as snow falls, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

A biker wearing goggles approaches North Broadway Street in Edgewater as snow falls Thursday across the Chicago area.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

A pedestrian walks along North Greenview Avenue near West Howard Street in Rogers Park on the North Side as snow falls across the Chicago area, Nov. 21, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

A pedestrian walks along North Greenview Avenue near West Howard Street in Rogers Park on the North Side as snow falls across the Chicago area, Nov. 21, 2024.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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A couple young boys watch as Chicago police work the scene where a woman was killed and a off-duty officer was injured in the 5600 block of West Leland Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

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Winner Ben Shabad is hoisted in the air by other participants during a Jeremy Allen White look-a-like contest at Humboldt Park, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Over 50 participants came out to take home the crown of the most Jeremy Allen White look-a-like, most dressing as his character Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto from the series “The Bear”. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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A group of contestants huddle for a photo during a Jeremy Allen White look-a-like contest at Humboldt Park, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Over 50 participants came out to take home the crown of the most Jeremy Allen White look a like, most dressing as his character Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto from the series “The Bear”. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Chicago police work a SWAT incident in the 7100 block of North Lincoln Avenue in the North Center neighborhood, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. The incident is related to a shooting of a retired Chicago Police Sergeant that happened earlier in the day near the same location.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Trainees for the Jesse White Tumblers practice at the Jesse White Community Center on the North Side, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

In anticipation of the organization’s 65th anniversary, trainees for the Jesse White Tumblers practice at the Jesse White Community Center on the North Side, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan walks out of the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in the Loop after his trial, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos #8 reacts after his 46-yard field goal attempt is blocked at the bottom of the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. The Bears lost 20 - 19 against the Packers. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos #8 reacts after his 46-yard field goal attempt is blocked at the bottom of the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. The Bears lost 20 – 19 against the Packers.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Supporters cheer as 5-year-old Sally, who suffered a severe head injury in a bombing in Gaza, arrives with her mother at O’Hare International Airport to receive free medical care in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Sally is the fourth injured Palestinian child to be treated in Chicago through the nonprofit HEAL Palestine, according to the organization. Sally’s mother asked not to be identified. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Supporters cheer as 5-year-old Sally, who suffered a severe head injury in a bombing in Gaza, arrives with her mother at O’Hare International Airport to receive free medical care in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Sally is the fourth injured Palestinian child to be treated in Chicago through the nonprofit HEAL Palestine, according to the organization. Sally’s mother asked not to be identified.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times


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Teen boy seriously wounded in Morgan Park shooting

A teenage boy was shot and wounded Saturday in Morgan Park.

The 17-year-old was walking about 9:15 p.m. in the 900 block of West 115th Street when someone in a dark-colored car opened fire, Chicago police said.

The boy was shot in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was listed in serious condition, police said.

No one is in custody, and Area 3 detectives are investigating.



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Vikings have flaws, but they’re no joke as they cruise into Soldier Field at 8-2 to face Bears

With the Vikings coming off a losing season and undergoing a full reboot at quarterback, hardly anyone took them seriously going into this season. Well, look who’s 8-2 now.

The Bears will be hard-pressed to pull off an upset Sunday at Soldier Field against these Vikings, who are no joke. They have a top-five defense, one of the NFL’s best players in wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a quarterback in Sam Darnold playing at a Pro Bowl level.

That enough to get your attention?

The Vikings have been uneven lately, but their only losses were against the Lions (9-1) and Rams (5-5).

They lost 31-29 to Detroit on a last-second field goal and, on a quick turnaround to fly to the West Coast four days later, couldn’t keep up with the Rams.

Meanwhile, the Bears have trudged through a four-game losing streak that got so bleak they fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron last week.

Every opponent starts by making a plan for Jefferson, who needs 88 receiving yards to hit 1,000 for a fifth consecutive season. And the Bears won’t simply stick Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson on him because they keep their corners on specific sides of the field regardless of where the receivers line up.

The Vikes also have a strong No. 2 receiver in Jordan Addison, two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson and former Packers 1,000-yard running back Aaron Jones.

Defensively, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, a free-agent addition, has eight sacks (sixth-most in the league) and two interceptions, cornerback Byron Murphy has four picks and the unit is second in the NFL with 21 takeaways.

Minnesota’s defense is run by renowned coordinator Brian Flores, a strategic mastermind. He learned under Bill Belichick, and it shows.

“You can definitely see it,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Friday. “The way they utilize their fronts is very similar to what New England used to do.”

Flores, like Belichick, is brilliant at disguising his defenses. Everyone knows he’s the league’s most blitz-heavy play-caller, but every week he surprises opponents nonetheless. It’s incredibly difficult for veteran quarterbacks -— let alone a rookie such as Caleb Williams — to decode his looks.

Coach Kevin O’Connell, meanwhile, has proved to be everything the Bears mistakenly thought they were getting when they hired Matt Nagy in 2018: a steady hand, a quarterback whisperer and a savvy play-caller.

“You can see a guy who is adaptable and adjustable and very creative in the way he calls a game,” Eberflus said. “That’s why he’s had success.”

O’Connell inherited Kirk Cousins in 2022, and the Vikings rolled to a 13-4 record and an NFC North title. When Cousins tore his Achilles last season, O’Connell patched it together with two journeymen and a rookie drafted in the fifth round and had the team 7-6 in December before it ran out of gas and finished 7-10.

Now, with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy — the No. 10 pick — declared out for the season in August with a knee injury, he has brought out by far the best play of Darnold’s career.

It must drive the Bears crazy seeing how easy it looks everywhere else.

Darnold, already on his fourth team at 27, is ninth in the NFL in passer rating (100.0), 10th in completion percentage (67.9) and fifth in touchdown passes (19).

The downside to Darnold is that O’Connell hasn’t cured the interception problem that derailed his career in the first place — he has 10, second-most in the league — and he has been shaky lately. After racing into MVP candidacy to begin the season, Darnold slipped with two interceptions against the Colts in Week 8 and three the next week against the Jaguars.

The Vikings certainly have flaws, but they’re rock solid compared to how the Bears have looked this season.

Justin Fields (1) was sacked by Vikings edge rusher D.J. Wonnum (98) on the first play from scrimmage Sunday. Fields was sacked four times in the Bears’ 19-13 loss.

Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams — and the Bears’ protection scheme — faces a big challenge from the Vikings’ blitzing front. The Bears’ defense has to find a way to contain Vikings record-setting wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Stopping the run would be a good start.

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If the Bears beat the odds and rally to finish 9-8, Eberflus’ contribution has to be more than promoting Thomas Brown to replace Shane Waldron. He has to be the reason they win. The Bears not only have to win for Eberflus to survive, they have to be well-coached.

Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears

Williams will face perhaps his hardest test of the season Sunday against the Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but every game is tough from here on out.



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Chicago man faces felony charge for alleged role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

A 27-year-old Chicago man faces felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly taking part in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

Patrick Gorski, 27, was arrested Thursday and charged with a felony count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and four misdemeanor offenses: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

He was released pending trial, according to court documents.

Gorski joins more than 50 other Illinois residents charged in relation to the insurrection, according to prosecutors with the Northern District Court of Illinois.

Gorski attended the “Stop the Steal” rally before marching toward the Capitol building with others, prosecutors said. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hoodie and hat, he climbed a wall onto the northwest stairs, taking selfies and helping other rioters remove tarps from the inaugural scaffolding and passing a bike rack to others in the mob.

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Patrick Gorski, a 27-year-old Chicago man, allegedly pushing against an officer’s riot shield during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

The group broke the police line while Gorski allegedly shouted “This is our house” and “Let us in,” before he made his way to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, prosecutors said. He is then alleged to have entered again near the Senate Wing door at 3:14 p.m. before trying to re-enter the building through the East Rotunda Doors, though police kept him and others out.

Gorski, who previously worked as a freelance photographer in Chicago, told investigators he hadn’t been at the riot but was in Washington sightseeing, according to court documents. He also said anyone who alleged he was there was only doing so because of his political views.

But in messages obtained by investigators, Gorski often shared election conspiracies and later discussed being there with friends, according to court documents.

“Last time this happened it was done by the British in 1812 regardless this was one of the most historical things ever,” he wrote in a message to a friend Jan. 6, 2021. “Zero media covering it when it was actually happening [sic] I was the closest thing to a photographer there.”

After at least four tips identified him as someone who had been part of the riot, he began messaging people he thought had sent the tips, according to court documents.

“I did nothing wrong lol please put me in the select j6 committee [sic] to show it was people like you that gave up our country,” he said to a friend he believed gave the FBI tips on his whereabouts that day. “I don’t know what you thought you’d get out of it by submitting my name to a database when it is already public.”

Another Illinois man charged in the attack, Theodore Middendorf of McLeansboro, has now sought to delay a guilty plea resulting from the riot. His lawyer argued that Trump’s election means “there will be an upcoming, likely significant, change in administration and uncertainty” around how such cases will play out.

Trump has promised to pardon those who have been prosecuted for their role in the attack.

Contributing: Jon Seidel



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