MINNEAPOLIS — Pretty soon, even a creative screenwriter would run out of new and inventive ways for the Chicago Bears to win in dramatic fashion.

In stopping, at least for one game, a long trend of losing to NFC North foes, the Bears continued a run of pulling out victories in the final moments. Cairo Santos’ 48-yard field-goal attempt sailed through the uprights with no time remaining, lifting the Bears to a 19-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

10 thoughts after the Bears improved to 7-3 — their best record through 10 games since winning the division in 2018.

1. The Bears were 3-18 in their last 21 division games, including a 27-24 loss to these Vikings in Week 1 and a 31-point beatdown the next week in Detroit.

They blew that first game to Minnesota, coughing up an 11-point lead entering the fourth quarter. While there was nothing pretty about this game and no style points were earned, there also won’t be any apologies for winning as players who’ve been around for even a little while know the many, many ways this organization used to find to lose narrow games.

This is a much different team from the Bears of the first two weeks, and thus they were able to avoid what would have been an embarrassing loss. Devin Duvernay’s 56-yard kickoff return — his longest of the season — put Cairo Santos close to his range for the winner, making him just the most recent late-game hero.

It’s the fifth time in the last seven games the Bears have scored the go-ahead points in the final two minutes.

Josh Blackwell blocked a field goal in Las Vegas with 33 seconds remaining in Week 4 after D’Andre Swift’s 2-yard touchdown run with 1:34 remaining had put the Bears ahead. That was the beginning of a roller coaster of wild endings.

After the bye week, Jake Moody — filling in for the injured Santos — nailed a 38-yard field goal as time expired for a 25-24 victory at Washington.

Rookie tight end Colston Loveland scored on a 58-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds remaining two weeks ago in Cincinnati. Last week it was Caleb Williams running in from 17 yards out with 1:54 left to finish off the New York Giants.

“Seven-and-three is nothing to scoff at,” coach Ben Johnson said. “As ugly as it can be at times, this group has just proven time and time again that when it’s close there in the fourth quarter that we’re capable of finding a way.”

Bears coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline in the first quarter against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

The record is nothing to scoff at. The record of the teams the Bears have defeated is another story. The seven teams the Bears have beaten are a combined 19-50-1 with the Raiders (2-7) hosting the Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) on Monday night. The Bears’ strength of victory is a ridiculously low .279.

Johnson didn’t select the schedule when he was hired, though. He did set out to change the culture, and that’s one of the intangible areas where the Bears have improved. This team has been poised in crucial situations, where the Bears previously were almost always good for a few flabbergasting moments to give away games.

This game shouldn’t have been nearly this close. The Bears ran 73 offensive plays to 54 for the Vikings. That led to a nearly 14-minute advantage in time of possession.

The Bears finished plus-two in turnover margin as free safety Kevin Byard III got his NFL-leading fifth interception of the season and Nahshon Wright made a pick in the end zone. Both were the result of terrible throws by J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota converted only 3 of 11 third downs (27.3%), and the Bears limited the Vikings to 265 total yards.

Add up all of that, and this should have been a two-score game at the end. McCarthy, in his fifth NFL start, had completed 10 of 24 passes for 74 yards when the Vikings took possession on their 15-yard line with 3:14 remaining. All he did was march his team right downfield. He converted a fourth-and-5 pass at midfield and then some chunk completions before Jordan Addison was open for a 15-yard touchdown.

It was much too easy for the Vikings to go downfield, but Minnesota left too much time on the clock for the Bears. Duvernay flipped the field and Johnson was able to call a couple of running plays to get in proper range for the winner after Santos had missed wide left from 45 yards earlier in the fourth quarter.

“That’s who he is,” Johnson said. “He is a high-percentage field-goal kicker anyway. I’ve got a lot of confidence in him. He’s proven that over the course of the season and really he’s been doing this for a long time. He doesn’t let things — one miss — faze him. We know it’s highly likely he’ll make the next one. So he really kind of embodies what we are as a team. Very resilient.”

That resiliency has been the story of the season to this point. The Bears have battled through injuries, especially on defense, and continue to deal with inconsistencies on offense. Whether it was having to deal with pressure from Brian Flores’ defense or something else, it wasn’t a great game for Williams. He completed 16 of 32 passes for 193 yards. The chunk plays that had come in recent weeks were harder to find, especially when he was outside of the pocket.

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His completion percentage for the season has dipped to 59.7%. But he’s taking care of the football and he has had the hot hand in previous rallies.

“Hard to say,” Johnson said when asked to evaluate Williams’ play. “I’ve got to look at the tape.”

The closer you look at how the Bears have finished off some of these games, a lot of names deserve credit. The offensive line absolutely has to be mentioned for improved protection all season and a now-robust ground game.

That gives the Bears reason for confidence, that it’s spreading to all areas of the locker room. But it doesn’t look like a sustainable formula, certainly not when they encounter better teams. The Vikings (4-6) have the best record of any team the Bears have defeated.

“You can’t apologize for winning, but we haven’t developed that killer instinct just yet,” Byard said. “We had so many opportunities in the third and fourth quarter to be able to really put that team away. When you have an opponent like that and especially with a coach like that, for as talented as that team is, you give them opportunities to keep chopping wood and they’re eventually going to make a play at the end.”

Would this effort beat a better opponent?

“Personally, I don’t want to find out,” Byard said. “That’s why I am saying we have to continue to develop that killer instinct because, you know, I hate to try to use what my dog A.J. (Brown) is saying in Philly, but you don’t want to keep slapping a Band-Aid on these types of things.”

That’s a reference to Brown, with whom Byard played for the Tennessee Titans, publicly venting about the Eagles’ ongoing offensive struggles.

“If we’re really focused on winning and doing our job, we can’t just keep slapping a Band-Aid over the defense doing their job and getting us out of trouble,” Brown told Philadelphia media. “At what point are we going to pick up our slack as an offense?”

At what point will the Bears not need a score in the final two minutes to pull out a win?

“You want to be able to play better and not continuously be in this situation,” Byard said. “But we are battle-tested. Last year, how many times were we in these one-score games and losing? That’s the difference. We’re going to have to win a few of these. We just don’t want to have to win as many (like this).”

2. It looked like an old-fashioned counter on Devin Duvernay’s 56-yard kickoff return to set up the victory.

Bears’ Devin Duvernay runs back a kickoff for positive field position late in the fourth quarter of a game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower has consistently said the group has been close to hitting a big return. A holding penalty on Jahdae Walker wiped out a 52-yard return at Cincinnati two weeks ago. There have been a couple of other spots where he’s been one block or missed tackle away from getting out.

Reality, too, is that it’s a new adventure every week for special teams coaches around the league as they adjust to the dynamic kickoff rules. They’re reviewing their own game tape and then they’re looking at what everyone else has done for tips, clues or ideas. It’s a copycat league for a reason.

We’ll see what Hightower has to say later this week but it looked like a counter, one that was set up nicely with some earlier returns in the game, including a 30-yarder by Josh Blackwell that was very close to being much longer.

On this play, Blackwell was the off-returner and he blocked the No. 1, or coverage player on the far right for the return team, Vikings safety Tavierre Thomas. That didn’t happen until Duvernay pressed the return up the middle with the front line inviting the coverage team on the inside. The Bears set up as if it were a left return and had Duvernay break it back across the field.

“Just the design of the play,” Duvernay said. “Design of the play where it’s supposed to hit. And we executed it almost perfectly.”

After Chicago Bears special teams had its miscues, returner Devin Duvernay found ‘a moment to make a play’

Running back Travis Homer had a nice block on 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the middle of the formation. He did enough to turn Ingram-Dawkins away from the play and hold him off.

Closer to the point of attack, safety Elijah Hicks and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga double-teamed outside linebacker Tyler Batty. That block was completed at about the same instant Blackwell arrived and kicked out Thomas, opening a huge alley.

“We knew the ball was going to bounce to the right,” Hicks said. “(Blackwell) had a similar return that damn near he hit. The dude (Batty) that almost got (Duvernay), I let him go at the perfect time. Because, you know, they throw flags on that play like a mother.

“The return was going for a long time and I was like, ‘All right, even though I am in the double, when the dudes start to move and re-direct, you’ve got to let go.’ So, in my head as he was moving, I was like, ‘let me just let go.’ That was my thinking. It’s a game of inches. It’s crazy. (Duvernay) hit it so hard. Dude had no chance to re-direct and grab him. It was a team effort.”

It looked like the Bears also tinkered with how they had players on the front line for the final return. That’s not out of the ordinary. It’s just like a wide receiver moves to different areas of the formation on different plays. Hightower does the same thing on occasion with his players when hunting specific matchups or in a bid to set up a certain type of return or even coverage.

Now, two weeks after a bad special teams effort at Cincinnati, the Bears were pretty darn good here. Not perfect, far from it. Cairo Santos pulled a 45-yarder wide left earlier in the fourth quarter. But he hit a season-long 54-yarder in the third quarter that looked like it would have been good from probably 60. He also made 34- and 33-yarders. Santos did a terrific job with kickoffs. Minnesota’s average starting field position on kickoffs was its own 23-yard line.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos stares at the uprights before kicking a filed goal in the second half against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

But Myles Price got loose for a 43-yard punt return that enabled the Vikings to have a two-play, 24-yard touchdown drive. As usual, there’s stuff to fix and this unit’s miscues were one of the reasons the Bears were backed against the wall with 50 seconds to play when Duvernay fielded the kickoff.

“We’re always confident,” Blackwell said. “It’s never like we’re not confident about stuff. (Duvernay) has the juice. We just have to get him free. We blocked everything right and he had to make one cut and go. He’s been a Pro Bowler for a reason.”

Duvernay reached the Vikings’ 40-yard line.

“We absolutely needed that,” Ben Johnson said. “He had kind of been waiting for one of those, to be honest with you. He’s come really close a number of times and then he was able to capture it and got us right there on the cuff of field goal range.”

The Bears were close enough to run it three times and send Santos on for the final play. Now, the Vikings can answer the kind of question that has popped up for the Bears earlier this season: Why didn’t they go for a touchback to eliminate the possibility of a big return?

3. It will be interesting to learn how Ben Johnson evaluates Caleb Williams and the passing offense.

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze can’t catch an overthrown ball by quarterback Caleb Williams in the first quarter during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The Bears won’t have to deal with the constant unknown of going against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores again this season. After not pressuring as much as expected in the first meeting, it looked like Minnesota amped things up.

Williams finished 16 of 32 for 192 yards. He ran four times for 26 yards, including a 16-yard gain in the third quarter. He was sacked twice. A week after bad hands hurt the Bears, there might have been only one blatant drop for a big play. DJ Moore came open on an in-breaker on a second-and-13 play late in the fourth quarter. He just didn’t make the catch. Fortunately, Colston Loveland did pull in the ball that came his way on third down and then broke tackle efforts by safeties Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith to gain 24 yards.

A handful of the incomplete passes you can chalk up to scrambles where Williams made the right decision. No question. Were there checkdown targets available sooner in a few of the plays? We’ll see. Every quarterback deals with these kinds of things and Williams’ completion percentage is dipping, now to 59.7%.

He was particularly off on some deep balls early in the game. Rome Odunze had a step on the first third down of the game. A perfect throw was needed. It wasn’t close. DJ Moore was open deep on the second series on third down. It was an interesting play. The Bears had three tight ends on the field with Moore and Odunze. The deep corner route was wide open by NFL standards and it wasn’t close.

“He still misses on the deep balls,” said a pro scout, who has watched Williams last season and this year. “That remains an issue for him. You can almost count on it that he’s going to sail those specific throws. He’s gotten better at some of the other ones. But deep corner routes? He’s missing those by a lot.”

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams points up filed after escaping being tackled by Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Williams specifically said the Vikings were more aggressive with corner blitzes.

“We were able to pick it up or get the ball out or I would see him and throw hot or throw a checkdown,” he said. “I think overall we did a good job with that and that was one of the wrinkles. He has a bunch more wrinkles that he’s thrown in there. He had a couple times throughout the game, dropping back, you’re trying to figure out the coverage and a bunch of different guys are flying in different areas. It’s always fun playing versus (Flores) because he’s such a good D-coordinator and he has such good talent over there. Lot of respect for them.”

With all the pressure Minnesota sent, the Bears weren’t able to make them play with anything big, over the top. An offense that has produced a ton of explosive plays of late was held in check. When the quarterback’s completion percentage isn’t ideal but he’s hitting chunk plays, that balances out. It didn’t balance out here, but Williams didn’t turn the ball over and did do a heck of a job keeping the sack number at two instead of something more like five.

4. When this season ends, folks are going to take a look at the Vikings and point out they ended 2024 with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones on their roster.

Bears middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) tries to block the pass of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy on a fourth down play late in the fourth quarter of a game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

I’m not faulting their process and I’m not going to pretend to know everything that went on in the decisions they made. I doubt there are a lot of folks out there who were seriously floating the franchise tag as an option for Darnold. Short of that, free agency is a two-way street.

But, boy, the Vikings have gone from a 14-win team to one that’s scuffling and just about to the point where they will be playing out the string. That might not be fair to J.J. McCarthy, drafted in the first round in 2024 before a knee injury shelved him as a rookie, but life isn’t always fair to quarterbacks drafted in the first round.

McCarthy was bad in this game. He’s struggled for the majority of his five starts this season. His best ball probably came in the fourth quarter of the opener at Soldier Field. The Vikings ran the ball well enough to support him here too. They had 22 carries for 115 yards (5.2 average) but they couldn’t stay on the field.

McCarthy was missing targets by so much that the Fox broadcast crew could have used the late, great Bob Uecker in the booth today.

“Juuuuust a bit outside.”

At one point, McCarthy put both his hands on his head after one errant throw. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has been pretty restrained to this point, looked ready to blow on the sideline.

Like Williams, McCarthy was 16 of 32 for 150 yards and he didn’t get any sort of groove until the final possession. It’s not like he was under the kind of pressure the Vikings threw at Williams, either.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is pressured by Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) and safety Kevin Byard III during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

His two interceptions were really bad throws. Kevin Byard baited him a little on the first throw but it was bad. McCarthy was intercepted on the next possession right before halftime when Jordan Addison had Nahshon Wright beat in the end zone and the ball was underthrown right before halftime.

Make that throw and it’s a touchdown. That’s the one thing Wright has. He’s got exceptional length at 6-foot-4. Guys like that, when they’re trailing and sort of in position, they can recover where a shorter defensive back cannot. But only if the ball is underthrown. If that play is to the upfield shoulder, there’s nothing Wright can do. It’s an easy touchdown.

“We did a lot of the things that we talked about not doing and the main thing being the turnovers. Gotta take a look at them, obviously,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “But I was proud of the way we ran the ball, tried to stick with it as much as we could. For the most part the guys up front, I felt like we protected. We limited the negatives for the most part, we just felt like we were a play away all day.

“Felt like we were one or two pitch and catches away from maybe having a little bit of a different dynamic to the game throughout.”

O’Connell has done great work with quarterbacks since he took over in Minnesota. It’s still early with McCarthy and he’s missed so much time — all of 2024 and then a big chunk of this season with a high ankle sprain. The coach has his work cut out for him because this was reflective of struggles McCarthy has had when he’s been on the field.

And everybody knows it who is watching with sober eyes. Emmanuel Acho tried to gas up McCarthy for having that “clutch gene” after the touchdown drive late in the game. It was a nice drive.

Vikings Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, who was at the game, provided some perspective.

“Did you watch the first 59 mins?” Carter wrote in a social media post. He also added a thumbs down and that about summed it up.

5. The run the Bears are on is a good reminder of why teams strive to keep a quality backup quarterback on the roster.

Bears quarterbacks Caleb Williams, right, and Tyson Bagent have a laugh as they warm up for a game against the Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

It’s something you can keep in the back of your mind almost weekly with the way the schedule has fallen. Now, Aaron Rodgers’ status for Sunday’s game at Soldier Field is up in the air. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback sat out the second half of a 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a left wrist injury that will be further evaluated Monday.

If Rodgers can’t go Sunday, the list of opposing quarterbacks in a six-week span would look like this:

Week 7: Spencer Rattler, Saints
Week 8: Tyler Huntley, Ravens
Week 9:  Joe Flacco, Bengals
Week 10: Jaxson Dart, Giants
Week 11: J.J. McCarthy, Vikings
Week 12: Mason Rudolph, Steelers

It was the 13th start of Rattler’s career, and the Bears intercepted him three times. He got the start the following week and then was sent to the bench, replaced by rookie Tyler Shough. Then the Bears missed two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in consecutive weeks. That’s the kind of run of luck usually associated with table games in Las Vegas, right?

They caught the rookie Dart making his seventh start and then McCarthy in his fifth career start. Rudolph has been around for a while. He’s on his second go-round with the Steelers.

The Bears obviously feel pretty good about their No. 2. That’s why they went to Tyson Bagent before the season with a contract extension, giving the former undrafted free agent a nice pay bump to stand ready behind Caleb Williams.

As I mentioned in the top item, the Bears are 7-3 for the first time since 2018. They were also 7-3 to begin the 2011 season but missed the playoffs. Jay Cutler suffered a broken thumb, and when Caleb Hanie was pressed into action, he couldn’t deliver. The Bears lost five straight games to slide out of postseason contention. It was at least a factor in general manager Jerry Angelo being fired.

The Steelers will try to hang on with Rudolph if he has to replace Rodgers, and the Bears could be the beneficiary. It makes you realize there’s something to be said for Williams’ durability. He has started 27 consecutive games. It’s definitely different when it’s the opponents riding the QB carousel with regularity and not the Bears.

6. The Bears might have a chance this week to do something they’ve done only once in the last decade: beat Aaron Rodgers.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a game on Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)

Perhaps it’s dwindling now because of his injury situation. If healthy, the future Hall of Fame quarterback will lead the Steelers into Soldier Field on Sunday for what likely would be the 41-year-old’s final appearance against the Bears. I’m guessing that if you asked Chairman George McCaskey, he’d very much prefer to face Rodgers on Sunday. But that’s just a hunch.

More so than any other opponent I’ve covered, Rodgers has a deep appreciation for the history of the Bears, the Bears-Packers rivalry and Chicago sports in general. He’s not unlike Ben Johnson in that he has noted how, as a youngster, he grew up watching Cubs and Bulls games on WGN-TV.

“I’ve been a fan of Chicago sports for a while,” Rodgers said before a December 2022 game at Soldier Field, the last time he faced the Bears. “I have a lot of respect for the city and the legacy of excellence that the team and the region has. I always enjoy playing against the Bears.”

Over the years, Rodgers was quite open and direct in praising Lovie Smith, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Vic Fangio, Eddie Jackson and more recently Jaylon Johnson. When I visited with Rodgers during training camp back in 2017, I asked what he thought about Urlacher’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame.

“Brian Urlacher should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” he said. “He is one of my favorites if not my favorite (opponent) … because he is hypercompetitive. He is a tough human and he does it the right way. He plays with a lot of passion, lot of grit and a lot of class. I always enjoyed our battles.”

Bears fans have come to loathe Rodgers because, well, they got tired of seeing him beat their team time and again. Rodgers is 25-5 as a starter against the Bears, including the postseason, with 12 wins in his last 13 starts.

There was the infamous moment after he scored on a 6-yard run in the 2021 meeting at Soldier Field when cameras caught him saying, “I own you. …. I still own you.” I left an expletive out of the quote because this is a family publication.

“Sometimes you black out on the field, in a good way,” Rodgers said. “But I looked up in the stands and in the front row, all I saw was a woman giving me the double bird. So I’m not sure exactly what came out of my mouth next.”

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field after a win over the Bears on Dec. 4, 2022, at Soldier Field. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

There was a fun story in the Green Bay Press-Gazette about a chance encounter a young Mount Prospect boy and his mom had with Rodgers walking downtown the night before a Packers-Bears game in 2017. The boy, 11 at the time, recognized Rodgers at a busy crosswalk. They started chatting with him and spent 20 minutes walking with him.

Bears secondary coach Al Harris, who is in the Packers Hall of Fame, was playing in Green Bay when Rodgers was drafted in 2005 and when he replaced Brett Favre in 2008.

“Man, let me tell you, a lot of things that I preach and talk about now, I saw as a player looking at that guy,” Harris said of Rodgers. “Looking at (Rodgers), Brett Favre and those guys and how they went about their business, their reads and things like that. For him to still be playing at a high level and to have been in the league this long, hats off to him.”

Harris got a good idea of what kind of player Rodgers would be long before Favre took off for the New York Jets and eventually wrapped up his career in Minnesota.

“He was the scout-team quarterback, so I saw it early,” Harris said. “I saw the no-look passes, the arm talent. I witnessed it. I saw this movie early.”

The first start of safety Kevin Byard III’s career came in Week 10 in 2016. The Tennessee Titans were hosting the Packers.

“Dick LeBeau was our coordinator and he called a safety blitz,” Byard said. “I was so amped up. I didn’t have a celebration or anything and I did some weird leg kick. To get a sack against Aaron Rodgers was special.”

Tight end Cole Kmet recalled his rookie season in 2020 at Lambeau Field, where, because of COVID-19 restrictions, there were no fans in the stadium. He described it as surreal to hear Rodgers pushing back on coach Matt LaFleur about certain play calls and essentially running his own show at times. From the Bears sideline, with no crowd noise, you could hear everything.

Green Packers’ Aaron Rodgers passes against the Bears’ Julius Peppers, Stephen Paea and Brian Urlacher in the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sept. 13, 2012. (Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune)

“I was like, ‘Holy (smokes)! This is amazing,’” Kmet said. “I was 9 years old in 2008 (when Rodgers replaced Favre). Much respect to him. He’s an all-time great. Probably the most talented quarterback to ever play in terms of arm talent and escapability, all that stuff.”

Rodgers has contemplated the possibility of his final appearance at Soldier Field in the past. His recall of plays is next level and always has been. He can even cite pregame moments with a high degree of accuracy.

“I’ve had a lot of great moments in this place,” Rodgers said after the 2022 game. “As much as the fans don’t really like me, I do have respect for the city of Chicago and their great sports fans here and the stadium. It’s been a lot of fun over the years to go to battle, win or lose.

“There’s some really cool, like, Chicago moments. Colbie Caillat did the national anthem back in 2010 with, like, a guy on a ukulele. That’s a cool moment. Just night game, the energy, the guy (Jim Cornelison), the baritone that sings. That opera voice. Those are cool moments.

“The in-between timeout stuff that they do here, I’m not crazy about the song. It gets a little old. But there’s a lot of cool things about this sports town and this city and the stadium, and I’ve enjoyed playing here.”

One more time. Maybe.

7. Playoffs? It’s what everyone who is not inside Halas Hall is going to want to talk about.

Keith Kinzleo of Joliet stands with a sign of Ben Johnson and celebrates a Bears touchdown in the first half against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

“We’re midseason right now,” Ben Johnson said when it was pointed out after the noon slate of games how close his team was to being alone in first place in the division. “So we’re not even looking at that. We’ve earned seven wins so far and we’re really looking for the opportunity to go 1-0 next week.”

That’s what they will preach to the players all week because unless they keep stacking wins, the Bears will not remain atop the NFC North, which is where they found themselves all alone after the Philadelphia Eagles finished their win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.

There are nine NFC teams above .500 right now and, having won seven of their last eight, the Bears are a game behind the Eagles and Los Angeles Rams in the conference. Both of those teams are 8-2. If you want to get wild, sure, go ahead and dream about the Bears battling for the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. That seems rather unlikely. But everything is in front of this team.

You could toggle with playoff simulators from now until next month and come up with all sorts of odds and percentages. There’s so much action remaining — seven weeks — and it’s impossible to say how injuries are going to impact teams in the mix.

Here’s what I know: Of the Bears’ remaining seven opponents, only the Cleveland Browns (2-8) are currently below .500. The remaining opponents have a collective winning percentage of .592. That’s the same winning percentage the Packers’ remaining opponents have. Two games with Green Bay in a three-week stretch will be pivotal. Something seems off for the Packers, especially without tight end Tucker Kraft in that offense.

The Lions (6-4) have a slightly easier schedule but it’s not filled with cupcakes. Detroit’s remaining opponents have a .529 winning percentage. Four of the Lions’ next five games are at Ford Field before they close the season at Minnesota and at Soldier Field.

The Bears could have an impactful game with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 at Santa Clara, Calif. The Niners are 7-4 and they have the easiest remaining schedule of all the teams I’ve referenced. They host the Carolina Panthers (6-5) this week and then go to Cleveland before a Week 14 bye. The winning percentage of San Francisco’s remaining seven opponents is .508.

We could dive into all of the contenders and schedules. I don’t know that we’d really learn a ton. There’s just too much football remaining to be played to get too deep into it. So, on to Pittsburgh, right?

8. It looked like Andrew Billings got another false start called against an opponent with his “move” call.

Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings rushes Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first quarter on Oct. 27, 2024, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Minnesota was facing a third-and-2 on its own 38-yard line in the third quarter. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was flagged before the snap, turning it into a third-and-7 that led to a punt.

Billings got one last week against the Giants when guard Jon Runyan jumped. I don’t know for certain Darrisaw’s head start on the play was because of Billings, but it’s a weapon and something the Bears love to use.

And it’s as simple as Billings calling out “move” before the snap — preferably right before it — to signal his teammates to shift laterally. It’s been in football forever. It’s perfectly legal. And Billings is very effective at it.

“As the game goes along, you get a feel for the snaps,” Billings said. “You get a feel for the cadence and what formation they’re really going to run out of. Sometimes there’s a motion. If the quarterback is doing this (motioning behind his back), he’s not going to snap it. He’s getting a receiver to move. After that happens, then you do it. It’s gotta be timed. It’s pretty much gotta be late (right before the snap).”

It’s not whenever Billings wants to call it. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will tag his call with a move. Players get that relayed pre-snap. Allen picks and chooses his spots and looks for bigger spots in the game. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett said on average, it’s maybe called two or three times each week and usually not early in the game because it takes Billings a while to get a feel for the quarterback and how he’s operating. In order to scout it, the Bears will watch TV copies of opponents — not just the All-22 film.

Garrett saw Billings put it to work on film when he was watching last season after arriving. Billings said he drew five false starts in 2024.

“The move call, honestly, I get more tight ends than offensive linemen,” Billings said. “Because linemen are keyed into the cadence. It’s mostly tight ends. It’s become a part of my game. I’m not going to lie.”

9. Eyebrows were raised when Jaylon Johnson returned to practice Friday for the first time since undergoing core muscle surgery and was listed as limited and questionable for Sunday’s game.

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson smiles as he chats with officials during a commercial in the second half against the Viking at U.S Bank Stadium on Dec. 16, 2024, in Minneapolis. The Vikings beat the Bears 30–12. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Johnson was about as questionable as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practices before they played the Bears last month. The difference, of course, was the Ravens were (apparently unknowingly) skirting league rules for injury reports. The Bears did nothing wrong by labeling Johnson as questionable and then downgrading him to out less than 24 hours later.

But it raises a legitimate question: What’s a timeline for the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback to be back on the field? Instinct tells me the Bears will want more than just three days of practice this week before the Steelers come to Soldier Field to get him ready.

He has missed two months and, remember, Johnson was sidelined for all of training camp and the preseason too. Every injury situation is treated differently, but it’s at least worth noting the team was conservative with defensive end Austin Booker and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga coming back off IR. Both used the entire 21-day practice window, although, at least in the case of Booker, the team felt like it had some depth at defensive end and roster needs in other places.

If Johnson doesn’t suit up against the Steelers, then you’re looking at the Nov. 28 game in Philadelphia in Week 13 or the Dec. 7 game at Lambeau Field against the Packers. What could be tricky about the Eagles game is I don’t know what kind of practice schedule the team will hold with a rare Friday game. Is there a light practice during the week, or will Ben Johnson opt for more walk-throughs, which is what teams normally do in preparation for Thursday games?

Chicago Bears open cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s 21-day practice window: ‘He’s in a good spot right now’

“You probably need a couple weeks from the football conditioning standpoint and the movement perspective,” a pro scout told me. “The hardest thing when you miss that much time with an injury and come back as a defensive back is the lower-body soreness you get when you first get back on the field. It’s hard to get your legs conditioned to change directions, to stop and start and not knowing when you have to stop and start because you play defensive back. As a defensive back you have to make so many sharp, sudden moves instantly.

“His hip mobility has to be on. I don’t have any idea what kind of running he’s been able to do before getting back to practice, but I would guess he’s going to need at least two weeks of practice where you’re going at top speed. The next part is he hasn’t hit anyone for a long time. Anyone can run, run hills, sprint, do treadmill work. Until you start hitting, that physical impact is different.

“From a selfish coaching perspective, that Eagles game would be the one game you want him back for. I don’t think Chicago has anyone right now that can body up A.J. Brown. He really takes advantage of DBs with smaller frames and ones that don’t play physical. You saw it against Minnesota. Byron Murphy and those guys couldn’t handle him. They’re just not strong enough.”

Brown has been plenty outspoken about the number of opportunities he’s getting in the Eagles offense this season. But he was targeted six times in that game against the Vikings last month and had four catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

He torched the Bears the last time he played them, catching nine passes (16 targets) for 181 yards in a 25-20 Philadelphia win Dec. 18, 2022, at Soldier Field. That’s the most receiving yards an opponent has had against the Bears since Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown went for 196 in a 2013 game. A.J. Brown had four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Bears when he was with Tennessee in 2020.

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown catches the ball against Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin during the first half on Nov. 16, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Could Tyrique Stevenson potentially handle Brown in certain situations?

“He could,” the scout said. “But I don’t think he possesses the top-end speed like Jaylon does, and that’s where it could be a mismatch. Nahshon Wright could not. A.J. Brown would run through him.”

There’s no question Dennis Allen is looking forward to being able to design game plans that involve Johnson. His availability could bring with it more options in the secondary.

“Just consider what he can do facing trips when there are three receivers to one side of the field,” the scout said. “If you can lock that back-side X in single coverage using Johnson, now you get the flexibility of pushing that boundary safety to the front side. It opens up everything for you.

“Now, the offense can’t run those deep in-breakers and crossers because the defense has someone waiting there. You can bracket the receivers on the front side. There are so many things the defensive coordinator can do if he’s got the confidence that he can take away that boundary receiver. That’s one thing Johnson can do when he’s in football shape and ready to go.”

10. I wrote last week that, excluding the 2023 trade for Montez Sweat and special teams moves, I couldn’t recall a player added to the roster during the season who made an immediate impact like C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson tackles Vikings tight end Josh Oliver in the first quarter of a game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

I checked in with some former Bears players from the past two decades. They were stumped as well.

Gardner-Johnson had four tackles, one for a loss and one quarterback hit against the Vikings. Last week, he had two sacks and a forced fumble in the victory over the Giants. The Bears found a perfect fit for their nickel cornerback need with a former Dennis Allen player on the street.

At least now I have a marquee name to offer in terms of an in-season acquisition who was immediately impactful, thanks to an email from discerning reader Tom Nichols.

Nichols pointed out that the Vikings released Alan Page after the first six games of the 1978 season. They felt his passion for running had led him to lose too much weight to remain effective. The Bears claimed Page on waivers the next day. He had 11 1/2 sacks (before it was an official statistic) in the final 10 games. The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle totaled 40 sacks in 58 games over four seasons with the Bears to complete his distinguished career.

Page was bound for the Hall of Fame — the first Canton, Ohio, native to be enshrined — before he got to the Bears. But they sure got immediate results from the move for a defense that Buddy Ryan was just beginning to construct.

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Gardner-Johnson doesn’t have the same career arc, but he has helped — so much so that there are already questions about what kind of role he will play when Kyler Gordon returns to the field.

That’s probably a few weeks away. This was the fourth game Gordon missed on IR, so the team can open the window for him to return to practice any day. Given that he has missed eight of 10 games and has been listed with calf, hamstring and groin injuries, they will likely ramp him up with some caution to prevent yet another setback.

“There’s probably a lot of things we could do,” secondary coach Al Harris said. “But that’s just a bridge we’ve got to cross when we get there.”

Gardner-Johnson could potentially be used as a dime safety. We’ll see how it plays out. First, Gordon has to be back on the field.

10a. As much as I wrote about targeting tight ends earlier in the season, I’d be remiss to not mention that they accounted for 12 of Caleb Williams’ 28 targets. Cole Kmet caught all five targets for 45 yards. Colston Loveland had three catches on four targets for 40 yards and Durham Smythe hauled in one of three targets for 8 yards.

It’s possible they were hot reads and going against the pressure, but Williams did a better job of using them as outlet receivers. It was notable to see the ball going their way that often.

10b. My unofficial snap count had rookie wide receiver Luther Burden at 35 plays, including those wiped out by penalties. So, that’s about where it was last week. As some wondered, Olamide Zaccheaus’ action took a hit. He had some bad drops against the Giants and I only counted 10 snaps for him. He was not targeted.

10c. This was the first game the Bears have not gone for it on at least one fourth down. They are 6 for 14 on fourth down on the season. That led to six punts for Tory Taylor, which tied a season-high.

10d. The CBS crew of Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt and Evan Washburn will call Sunday’s game against the Steelers at Soldier Field. It’s the second Bears game the crew will call and the fifth time they will work a Steelers game this season. The savvy veteran Eagle and fast riser Watt are the B crew for CBS and they do a nice job.

“It turns out that the second-best AFC games on CBS every week generally does tend to involve the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Watt said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” in October before the third Pittsburgh game he called.

Conspiracy nuts probably already have Watt feeding information to his brother T.J., the edge rusher for the Steelers. As we learned during the Raiders/Tom Brady/Fox non-story in September, if J.J. has any worthwhile intel to pass along to his brother, it’s because the Bears had a slip of the lip. I wouldn’t worry about that happening.

10e. The Bears opened as a 2 1/2-point favorite (-120) over the Steelers for Sunday’s game at Soldier Field at Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/chicago-bears-10-thoughts-brad-biggs-week-11/ 

“Catholic Church Is Wrong” On Illegal Immigration, Homan Says

Tyler Durden
Mon, 11/17/2025 – 07:20

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/catholic-church-wrong-illegal-immigration-homan-says 

The recent end of the longest federal government shutdown in history didn’t end concerns some Fox Valley residents have about the state of the country right now.

A demonstration focusing on immigrant rights, health care affordability and food insecurity was held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday outside the Batavia Public Library.

The rally was organized by the Batavia-Aurora Area Chapter of Indivisible Illinois, which, according to a press release from the organization, is “an action group fighting for a democracy that is inclusive, fair and nonviolent, aiming to change policy at local, state and federal levels.”

Brian Strobel of Batavia was one of the protestors on site and said he has attended many rallies over the past several months.

“I continue to come out because this is something we believe in. We don’t like the way the country is going,” he said. “The present administration – we want to see change. Everything we can do to get the word out we’re doing.”

Batavia resident Sharon Riggle, who founded the Batavia-Aurora Area Chapter of Indivisible Illinois, said the group has been very active in the past year, especially given that it was just launched this past February.

“We’ve had something like 10 to 12 rallies already,” she said before Saturday’s event. “On Saturday, we’re focusing on three different issues as there is a lot going on right now. We’re looking at health care access and affordability, food insecurity and immigration rights and fair policies.”

Riggle spoke about the ending of the recent federal government shutdown and said that “the reopening did not solve all our problems.”

“I wish we didn’t have to continue to raise awareness. I wish the reopening had solved all our problems but clearly it does not,” she said.

Riggle said concerns remain about the affordability of health care. Regarding food insecurity, Riggle said rising prices and concerns about SNAP benefits make this a troubling time.

“I’m worried about people getting food down the road,” she said.

She also expressed concern about immigration issues and “the safety of our neighbors and friends in the Aurora-Batavia area.”

“There is talk about things scaling back but, in fact, things are ramping up,” she said. “I am worried about people being pulled off the street with lack of due process.”

Many who took part in Saturday’s rally spoke about the need to keep the pressure on politicians as well as the need for public awareness.

Ginger Neenan of Aurora said that “things are not going well in the country these days and the power is with the people.”

Kathy Sullivan of Batavia said events like the one held Saturday are important.

“I’ve been coming to these since they started having them and feel there is just too much corruption with the (Trump) administration,” she said. “We have to speak out. To me, this is making a difference because we’re getting publicity and people need to know there are also people out there who feel this way.”

Saturday’s event was organized just two weeks ago and Riggle said “due to a lot of competing activities it would probably be rather small.”

By 1 p.m. on Saturday, about four to five dozen participants had shown up.

“This is still a way of showing others how we feel – the people who drive by and honk – it encourages us as well as them,” she said. “It’s valuable regardless of the numbers. We know these events are making a difference.”

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/batavia-rally-focuses-on-immigrant-rights-food-insecurity-and-the-affordability-of-health-care/ 

Chronic absenteeism is still on the rise at East Aurora School District 131, but so is its graduation rate, according to its 2025 Illinois Report Card.

The annual report from the Illinois State Board of Education offers a comprehensive analysis of academic, demographic and financial data for every school and district in the state.

Mirroring statewide trends, East Aurora continues to struggle with chronic absenteeism, but saw its graduation rate tick up once again. The district also saw some schools’ designations shift in the state’s tiered system, which is based on metrics like test scores and graduation rates.

Here are some of the key data points for the district from the 2025 Illinois Report Card.

East Aurora’s total enrollment has been steadily going downward in recent years, though the most recent batch of data from the Illinois State Board of Education indicates a less sharp decline than in previous years. This year’s numbers put the district at just over 12,000 students, down from more than 14,000 in 2019.

The district’s own enrollment data, for comparison, puts that figure even a bit lower, based on numbers from October.

The figures from ISBE also show attendance rates declining slightly in District 131, for an average of just over 88% for 2025. That’s lower than the state average of a little under 92%.

Chronic absenteeism continues to be an issue for the district, mirroring a statewide trend. According to its 2025 data, more than 30% of district students missed 10% or more of school days with or without a valid excuse, a figure that has ticked upwards in recent years.

Attendance is an “area of focus” for the district, according to Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments Ami Engel. She said in a statement to The Beacon-News that, though some schools made a targeted effort to address absenteeism and saw a positive impact, the district is “reaching out to students and families to address any barriers they may have in coming to school.”

Four-year high school graduation rates, however, have been on the rise for the district, topping 90% on this year’s report card and again outpacing the state average.

The district saw some changes in individual schools’ summative designations — a five-tiered metric from the state Board of Education that assesses a school’s performance and, if it is designated as being in one of the lower three tiers, requires it to begin a four-year cycle of school improvement.

This year, one district school — Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy — received the highest designation of “exemplary.” Exemplary schools are those with overall performance in the top 10% in the state, with commendable the next highest rating, according to ISBE. In the East Aurora district, 10 schools were deemed commendable.

Seven district schools were designated as in need of targeted support this year, according to the report card figures.

But none were deemed “comprehensive,” which refers to schools in the lowest-performing 5% of schools in Illinois and any high school with a graduation rate of 67% or less. The year prior, two district schools had been designated as in need of comprehensive support, Engel said at a recent meeting of the district’s school board.

As for academic achievement, East Aurora’s rates of proficiency in English Language Arts, or ELA, math and science fell well below the state averages, the data from the Illinois State Board of Education shows.

The state’s benchmarks for proficiency have changed, however, meaning proficiency rates can’t be compared with previous years.

And students’ growth percentiles — which show their improvement compared with their peers — indicate that East Aurora students are improving slightly below the state average in ELA and math.

The district’s ACT scores also fall below state averages, and are slightly lower than the last time the ACT was recorded for the district, in 2017.

East Aurora’s average score on the ACT was 14.1 for ELA, 15.2 for math and 16 for science, according to this year’s Illinois Report Card data.

On the district’s ACT scores, Engel highlighted that this was the first year in many years that Illinois provided the ACT to students. She said the district provides the fall pre-ACT to students in advance of spring testing, and have incorporated practice for the assessment into their courses.

However, the district has been seeing gains in the number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement, or AP, coursework in recent years. Around 36% of students were enrolled in AP coursework, per the latest report card numbers, more than 10 percentage points higher than the state average.

Asked about the district’s AP enrollment, Engel said the district “strive(s) to provide a variety of programs” for students, and that “student choice is an important part” of supporting students “to be ready for whatever future they want.”

The district’s full Illinois Report Card for 2025 can be found at: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.

mmorrow@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/east-aurora-2025-illinois-report-card/ 

Visualizing The World’s $111 Trillion In Government Debt In One Giant Chart

Tyler Durden
Mon, 11/17/2025 – 06:55

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/visualizing-worlds-111-trillion-government-debt-one-giant-chart 

Por ANDREW DALTON

LOS ÁNGELES (AP) — Tom Cruise, a sus 63 años todavía la mayor estrella de cine en una sala llena de ellas, finalmente pudo sostener su propio Oscar en un escenario de Hollywood el domingo por la noche.

“Hacer películas no es lo que hago, es quien soy”, declaró Cruise en los Premios de los Gobernadores, que la Academia de Ciencias y Artes Cinematográficas organiza anualmente. Se mostró sereno como siempre, pero por momentos pareció estar al borde de las lágrimas mientras hablaba, sosteniendo la estatuilla dorada honorífica que celebraba sus más de 40 años en la cima de la industria.

“En ese cine reímos juntos, sentimos juntos, albergamos esperanza juntos”, expresó después de una ovación de dos minutos.

El director mexicano Alejandro González Iñárritu —que ya ha ganado varios Oscar— presentó el premio a Cruise. Ambos han pasado varios meses rodando una película en Londres que se estrenará en 2026. La colaboración deja entrever que Cruise, quien se ha mantenido en franquicias de gran éxito en los últimos años, podría no haberse dado por vencido en intentar ganar un premio de la Academia a la antigua usanza.

“Este puede ser su primer Oscar”, expresó Iñárritu, “pero por lo que he visto y experimentado, este no será el último”.

El diseñador de producción Wynn Thomas y la coreógrafa y actriz Debbie Allen también fueron seleccionados por la junta de gobernadores de la Academia para ser honrados por sus ilustres carreras, y una ausente Dolly Parton fue honrada por una vida de filantropía en la ceremonia efectuada en el salón Ray Dolby en Los Ángeles.

Un Oscar competitivo ha eludido a Cruise, quien ha sido nominado cuatro veces: como actor por “Nacido el cuatro de julio”, de 1989; “Jerry Maguire” de 1996, y “Magnolia” de 1999, y como productor por “Top Gun: Maverick” de 2022.

Antes de subir al escenario, el público vio un largo montaje de clips de esas y otras de sus películas —cargado de acrobacias temerarias que a menudo realizó él mismo—, desde “Taps” de 1981 hasta “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” de este año.

Era lógico que los Premios de los Gobernadores no se televisaran. Tom Cruise no trabaja en televisión, y ha sido uno de los mayores defensores de la experiencia de ir al cine por encima del streaming.

“Siempre haré todo lo que pueda para ayudar a esta forma de arte”, expresó Cruise. “Para apoyar y defender nuevas voces, para proteger lo que hace al cine poderoso. Esperemos que sin muchos más huesos rotos”.

La lista de estrellas que asistieron deja entrever que la campaña para los próximos Oscar competitivos ya está en marcha, aunque discretamente. Las mesas del banquete estaban llenas de posibles nominados, incluidos Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Sydney Sweeney, Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande y Jacob Elordi.

———

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/por-su-trayectoria-tom-cruise-finalmente-recibe-un-oscar-en-los-premios-de-los-gobernadores/ 

Taiwan’s Central Bank To Explore Bitcoin Reserves, Pilot BTC Holdings

Tyler Durden
Mon, 11/17/2025 – 06:30

https://www.zerohedge.com/crypto/taiwans-central-bank-explore-bitcoin-reserves-pilot-btc-holdings 

While still struggling with chronic absenteeism among students post COVID-19, Thornton Township High School District 205 is tackling teacher attendance issues with $5,000 bonuses.

“Thousands of more students have had their own teachers in front of them, teaching their curriculum, building trust, and you can’t overstate how important that is to our learning, our culture and our stability,” District 205 Superintendent Nathaniel Cunningham said Thursday.

The bonuses for teachers present for 95% or more of the school year, or absent for about nine days, were first instituted for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years in negotiations with the district’s faculty union.

They were later extended through the current school year as part of a separate agreement with the union. The District 205 faculty union did not respond to requests for comment.

The bonus incentive rewards people for doing the right thing during exceedingly difficult times, Cunningham told the school board June 8, 2022, according to the board’s meeting minutes.

Cunningham said he is unsure whether the district will opt to extend the bonuses for another year, “but the way it’s working, it looks like the teachers like it and we’re getting a bonus for it.”

The district’s bonus in exchange for bonuses, Cunningham said, is more consistency in classrooms.

In 2022, about 54% of teachers had 10 or more absences, slightly lowering to 49% in 2023, according to the Illinois State Board of Education’s district report card. Statewide, about 34% of teachers miss 10 or more days.

The district saw a major boost in teacher attendance, with only 21% of teachers missing 10 or more days in 2024 and 20% so far in 2025.

Teacher attendance is considered critical for instruction and giving students adequate attention, Cunningham said. While teachers are entitled to take sick days and other leave, he said “we wanted to reward those teachers who went above and beyond.”

“Teacher attendance matters for kids,” Cunningham said. “At a high poverty district like ours, students rely on strong relationships, consistent instruction. ”

Thornton High School District 205 Superintendent Nathaniel Cunningham (Daily Southtown)

The district also sees some cost savings in hiring fewer substitute teachers, Cunningham said.

“Our kids deserve consistent, high quality instruction, and this program helps make that possible,” Cunningham said.

District 205, which includes Thornton High School in Harvey, Thornwood High School in South Holland, and Thornridge High School in Dolton, educates about 6,000 students, 81% of whom are designated low income.

The district did not say how much it has spent on attendance bonuses, but based on Illinois Report Card data 270 of the district’s roughly 340 teachers received the bonuses, costing taxpayers $1.4 million this year alone.

Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism among District 205 students has declined slightly, but remains significantly higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Illinois Report Card, student chronic absenteeism since the pandemic hit its peak in 2022, with 30% of District 205 students missing 10% or more of the school year. In 2023, 28% of students were chronically absent, decreasing to 26% in 2024 and 25% in 2025. The current rate is in line with the state average.

Cunningham said chronic absenteeism is something the district is working on, “because there was such a change after the pandemic.”

“Working on connecting again with your students and your community — and part of this program also helps because the teachers are consistently there, and that consistently helps kids want to come back to school,” Cunningham said.

While Cunningham said he’s unaware of any other school districts offering bonuses for employee attendance, the Tribune in 2016 reported more experimentation taking place in school districts with linking compensation and student achievement.

What has long been the status quo in teacher compensation are raises for experience and adding education credentials, such as a master’s degree.

Matthew Springer, an assistant professor of public policy and education at Vanderbilt University who has researched performance-based pay for educators, told the Tribune that that approach goes back decades. It aims to standardize pay for educators and fix inequities in pay based on race, gender, nepotism and other factors, said

That traditional system results in the same type of raises for teachers, “regardless of their effectiveness,” Springer said. “It is inefficient, it is broken — but we don’t know how to fix it yet.”

Bonus and incentive programs in other states have produced varied results, some short-lived, Springer said.

“They are so controversial that they are likely to come under some type of scrutiny,” he said.

ostevens@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/thornton-township-district-205-teacher-bonuses/ 

No matter how delicious the turkey and fixings are, Thanksgiving diners always find some restraint to save a bit of room for dessert. Pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and apple pie might be the most traditional way to finish the meal, but everyone has a favorite slice, which means it’s nice to have a few to choose from. 

If you’re in charge of satisfying sweet tooths, you don’t have to stress out about baking. These 36 area restaurants and bakeries are selling Thanksgiving pies that will provide the perfect end to your meal, whether you’re sticking to the classics, looking to dazzle with something novel, or catering to diners with dietary restrictions. Make sure to plan ahead and place your order in advance to get the best selection.

The Loop and Near North Side

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

The restaurant’s signature pies are all available to go, with options including Key lime ($60), sweet potato pecan ($70), coconut cream ($70) and chocolate fudge ($80). Place an order by Nov. 21 for pickup Nov. 25-26. 60 E. Grand Ave., 312-379-5637, joes.net/chicago

Marisol Restaurant & Bar

The restaurant within the Museum of Contemporary Art offers pumpkin pie ($25), vegan cranberry apple pie ($29) and a bourbon brown sugar cheesecake with cranberry caramel sauce and ginger streusel ($32). Orders must be placed by Nov. 21 for pickup from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 25-26. 205 E. Pearson St., 312-799-3599, order.toasttab.com/online/marisol

Prime & Provisions

The steakhouse offers whole banana cream, apple, caramel pecan, cherry and pumpkin pies ($40, $100 for three) for pickup. 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com

Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.

A whole 10- ($35) or 14-inch ($65) apple pie made with pizza dough will serve a group of six or 12. Orders must be placed by Nov. 24 for pickup Nov. 26. 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com

Shaw’s Crab House

Whole Key lime, raspberry, Dutch apple, pumpkin and pecan pies ($50) are available for pickup from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 25-26. Place your order by Nov. 24. 21 E. Hubbard St., 312-527-2722, shawscrabhouse.com

North Side & Northwest Side

Andros Taverna

Pastry chef Hsing Chen offers Greek-inspired pies including pumpkin phyllo, chocolate halva and baklava cream for $44, with vanilla whipped cream available for $11. Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 26. 2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-365-1900, androstaverna.com

Bang Bang Pie Shop

This Logan Square Bakery’s options include pumpkin ($38) and apple ($42) pies, and you can cater to gluten-free and vegan guests with an apple crisp ($66). Orders can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-26. 2051 N. California Ave., 773-276-8888, bangbangpieshop.com

Defloured

The gluten-free bakery offers pecan, apple and pumpkin pies, with vegan options for apple and pumpkin ($36-$44). Orders must be placed by Nov. 20. 1477 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-234-5733, deflouredbakery.com

Delightful Pastries

The family-owned bakery’s offerings include apple ($26), pecan ($32), pumpkin ($18) and cranberry fudge ($28) pies along with a pumpkin roll ($12). 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., 773-545-7215, delightfulpastries.com

Floriole

Try twists on the classics with a pumpkin pie sweetened with brandied honey caramel and topped with vanilla bean mascarpone cream, toasted pepitas and crunchy chocolate pearls, and a five-spice apple crumble pie. Both are available in portions for two ($23-$25) or six to eight ($58-$60). Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup Nov. 25-26. 1220 W. Webster Ave., 773-883-1313, floriole.com

Honeypie

Feed eight to 12 people with nine varieties of 11-inch pies, including vegan apple with streusel, Key lime and whiskey-walnut pecan. Orders can be picked up from Nov. 21-26. 6155 N. Broadway, 773-754-7429, honeypiechicago.com

Little Goat Diner

Chocolate shake french fry pie from Little Goat Diner. (Boka Restaurant Group)

Chef Stephanie Izard’s diner offers cheesy caramel apple pie, pecan pie and chocolate shake french fry pie ($45 each) for pickup from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 26. 3325 N. Southport Ave., 3325 N. Southport Ave., 773-819-7673, littlegoatchicago.com

Mindy’s Bakery

James Beard Award winner Mindy Segal’s bakery offers pumpkin pie ($45) and apple honey cake ($45) with pecan pie ice cream ($15) and vanilla bean chantilly ($7-$14). Orders must be placed by Nov. 22 for pickup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 25-26. 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-1747, mindys-bakery.square.site

Minyoli

The Taiwanese restaurant offers its signature pineapple tart ($48) for pickup from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-26. Orders must be placed by Nov. 21. 5420 N. Clark St., minyolichicago.com

West Side & Near West Side

Good Ambler

Pick up a classic pumpkin pie with a side of whipped vanilla bean, white chocolate ganache ($35) or a chocolate espresso pie ($45) Wednesday or Thursday. Add on some chocolate turkeys ($12) or bonbons with filling inspired by maple pecan, caramel apple and pumpkin pie ($6). 216 N. Peoria St., 312-872-7165, goodambler.com

Kasama

The Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant and bakery offers a pumpkin pie ($70), lemon-pecan pie ($75) and their popular ube and huckleberry Basque cake ($65) for pickup Nov. 26. 1001 N. Winchester Ave., 773-697-3790, kasamachicago.com

Momotaro

Place an order by Nov. 23 to get an Okinawa sweet potato pie with graham cracker crust and cardamom whipped ganache for $50. Pickup is Nov. 26. 820 W. Lake St., 312-733-4818, momotarochicago.com

Nettare

Thanksgiving pies from Nettare. (Ryan Beshel)

Pick up 6-inch pecan, pumpkin or malted chocolate chess pie ($25) on Nov. 26 or get all three for $70. 1953 W Chicago Ave. 312-219-5101, barnettare.com

Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain

Key lime hibiscus pie from Spinning J. (Clayton Hauck)

Go bold with cranberry-yuzu meringue ($48) or Key lime hibiscus pie ($40) or keep it traditional with pumpkin ($40) or chocolate-bourbon-pecan pie ($48). If you’re also handling Thanksgiving sides, add on house-made sourdough stuffing ($30) or half a dozen buttermilk biscuits ($24). Orders can be picked up Nov. 25-27. 1000 N. California Ave., 872-829-2793, spinningj.com/thanksgiving

Swift & Sons

Pastry chef George Mouzelis offers pumpkin and French silk pies for $35 each. Place an order by Nov. 24 to pick up from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 26. 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com 

South Side & Near South Side

Weber’s Bakery

A part of holiday traditions since 1930, Weber’s Bakery offers pumpkin, baked apple, pecan and chocolate whipped cream pies along with turkey cookies. 7055 W. Archer Ave., 773-586-1234, webersbakery.com

Suburban and multiple locations

Beatrix

Thanksgiving pie from Beatrix. (Samantha Brauer)

The restaurant’s four locations are offering their signature Oh My! Caramel Pie ($50) along with pumpkin chiffon pie ($55) and gluten-free chocolate cake ($55) for carryout or delivery from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20-26. Multiple locations, beatrixrestaurants.com

Bennison’s Bakery

Bennison’s has been making its pumpkin pie ($23) the same way since it opened in 1938. Try the classic recipe or one of their many other options, such as pecan, sweet potato or apple ($23-$36). They also offer turkey cookies ($4) and cupcakes ($7). Orders can be picked up from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 26 or 7 a.m. to noon Nov. 27. 1000 Davis St., Evanston, 847-328-9434, bennisonscakes.com

Bub City

A slice of pie from Bub City. (Lindsay Eberly x Eberly Film Lab)

Choose from a whole peanut butter pie ($48), apple pie ($35) or pumpkin pie ($35) or a dozen chocolate chip cookies ($28). Orders must be placed by 7 p.m. Nov. 25 for pickup from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 26. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4200 and 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-261-0399; bub-city.com

Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop

Buck Russell’s offers treats for everyone, selling dog-friendly mini pup pies ($12) in addition to pumpkin, Dutch apple, blueberry and bourbon-pecan pies ($32-$38). Add on salted caramel sauce ($8) or pints of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream ($9). Place an order by Nov. 23 to pick up Nov. 25-26. Desserts can also be picked up at sibling spots DeNucci’s and Sophia Steak. 1137 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, 847-920-4222, buckrussells.com/thanksgiving

First Slice Pie Cafe

Choose a small pie that serves three to five ($26-$30) or a large one for 10 to 12 ($32-$40), with flavors including balsamic-raspberry-pear, chocolate pecan and sweet potato praline. The bakery also offers a gluten-free polka dot pie for $32. Orders can be picked up Nov. 24-26. Multiple locations, firstslice.org

The Goddess and Grocer

Thanksgiving pies from The Goddess and Grocer. (Kristen Mendiola)

Pecan, apple and pumpkin pie is available by the slice ($6-$7) or as a whole 9-inch pie ($23-$32) along with gluten-free cupcakes ($32) and a cookie decorating kit ($35). Orders can be picked up or delivered Nov. 26-27. Multiple locations, goddessandgrocer.com/thanksgiving

Hewn

The bakery’s three locations offer pecan pie made with FEW bourbon and a cornmeal crust ($42), apple pie ($40) and pumpkin log cake ($35). You can also get a $15 frozen pie crust if you want to try baking at home. Orders must be placed by 8 p.m. Nov. 22 for pickup Nov. 25-26. Multiple locations, hewnbread.com

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge

Place an order by 8 p.m. Nov. 23 to pick up a whole pecan, pumpkin or Key lime pie ($50) or chocolate layer cake ($70) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26. 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, 847-677-3350, lwoodsrestaurant.com

Lost Larson

Both the Wicker Park and Andersonville locations offer an apple pie with a bit of cheddar in the crust, and a bourbon-chocolate -pecan pie, and a pumpkin pie topped with house-made vanilla cream and pepita pralines ($52-$54). Add on a box of take-and-bake cinnamon rolls ($24) to get a decadent start to your feast day. Orders can be picked up Nov. 25-26. 5318 N. Clark St., 773-944-0587 and 2140 W. Division St., 773-770-9015; lostlarson.com

Sweet Mandy B’s

Pumpkin pie from Sweet Mandy B’s. (Sweet Mandy B’s)

Head to Streeterville or Lincoln Park for a wide variety of 9-inch pies designed to serve six to eight people for $30-$36. Flavors include pumpkin, chocolate cream, pecan and apple streusel. Orders can be picked up Nov. 23-27. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773-244-1174 and 254 E. Ontario St., 312-255-1632; sweetmandybs.com

Vanille Patisserie

Order a pumpkin pie ($37), an apple streusel pie ($44), a traditional pecan pie ($44) or chocolate-hazelnut French silk pie ($46). Add a Thanksgiving cookie ($7.95) or take & bake cinnamon rolls ($19). For every 10 pies sold, the bakery will donate one to Fight2Feed. 2108 N. Clark St. and 131 N. Clinton St., 773-868-4574, vanillepatisserie.com

Vistro Prime

Pies from Vistro Prime. (Nathan Olsen)

Pastry chef Angelyne Canicosa offers hazelnut chocolate silk pie ($65) and cherry lattice pie ($55) for pickup from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 26. 112 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630-537-1459, opentable.com/r/vistro-hinsdale

West Town Bakery

Pick up your pies from the bakery’s West Town or River North locations. Options include apple crumble, chocolate silk and caramelized honey ($28-$36). For extra festive treats, add on a turkey sugar cookie ($6.25) or pumpkin pop ($5). 1916 W. Chicago Ave. and 15 E. Ohio St., westtownbakery.com

Wildfire

A slice of pie from Wildfire. (Anjali M. Pinto)

Finish your meal with a slice of pumpkin, maple pecan, Door County cherry or Key lime pie ($10.95) or take home the whole thing for $35. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com

Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/thanksgiving-pies-2025/ 

As a hospice chaplain and a state representative, I am guided by a simple truth: We are all connected. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” I see that every day, whether sitting with a family in hospice or amending a bill in Springfield.

At its best, government reflects that interconnection. It’s how we come together to serve the common good, to make sure every neighbor has a fair chance, a safe home, and the food and health care they need. When one person falls behind, the whole community feels it.

But lately, that shared sense of connection has been strained. The lingering trauma of COVID-19 and the loneliness that comes from so much time online have left many feeling isolated and less empathetic. When compassion fades, we all lose something essential.

We see it now as fear spreads through our immigrant communities. When neighbors are afraid to go to work, take their children to school or seek medical care, the harm ripples outward. Businesses lose trusted employees, schools lose engaged students and hospitals lose patients who delay care until it’s too late. Our economy depends on stability and inclusion, not fear and division.

That same ripple effect happens when programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are cut. Families must choose between rent and groceries. Children, veterans and seniors go hungry. The harm doesn’t stop there: Local grocers lose business, health outcomes worsen and the strain spreads across our entire community.

Yet even in hardship, I’ve seen neighbors step up, delivering meals, stocking food pantries, organizing neighborhood watches and supporting immigrant families harmed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. These acts of kindness remind us that connection isn’t lost; it’s being rebuilt, one caring act at a time.

— State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights

Don’t provoke agents

Here’s a radical idea for preventing violent confrontations between federal agents and protesters. Suppose Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson and national Democrats stop encouraging confrontations with inflammatory demagoguery. Suppose protesters observed a nonthreatening distance from agents enforcing federal law enacted by Congress. Suppose no one throws objects. Then federal agents would have no excuse to respond with force.

That would also allow an already stretched-thin Chicago Police Department to redirect officers to the job of protecting Chicago residents instead of protecting federal agents. It would also remove any excuse to send  the National Guard into communities to protect agents who are being assaulted.

— R. Staneiak, Woodridge

Diversity in military

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Tribune for the story about the Navajo code talkers (Nov. 11).

My father served as a highly decorated senior master sergeant in the Air Force. I represent his voice when I write that he was extremely proud of all of the service members who worked under his leadership in Bomb Nav. He did not care about the backgrounds, the color and the gender of his soldiers. He cared that they loved the United States of America and that they were masters of their trade.

Because of my dad, his staff and thousands more like them, bombers could fly their missions, soldiers could come home and the United States of America stayed safe.

Articles about the Montford Point Marines and the Navajo code talkers remind us that the armed services are made of loyal men and women from every ethnicity, gender, religion and background.

We are living under this current administration and secretary of defense who seem determined to erase the history of the men and women who proudly served this country in every branch of the armed services. Many served without thanks. Many served without recognition. Many served without receiving jobs or benefits that were duly theirs after their service.

We cannot let their stories go untold. We cannot let veterans and their service be wiped from print or official websites.

Thank you for being the voice of so many.

— Patricia Kluzik, Elgin

Necessity of change

After reading the Tribune article “‘This is a Veterans Day like no other,’” I had to respond to how interconnected our struggles are. The Statue of Liberty has long been the first beacon of America’s light and hope, which guided my grandparents’ boat to shore. As a 74-year-old retired reading teacher, grandmother, and active supporter of peace and justice groups — including Veterans For Peace — I read the news with alarm. Mass deportations, militarization in our cities, and constant cuts to crucial programs such as food assistance, health care and education are shameful tarnishes to the legacy of that great statue and its values.

This systemic failure confirms the necessity of change. As my professional mantra states: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” As Jesus was forced to do to the money lenders in the temple, it’s time to turn the tables over and fulfill the promise of a “more perfect union.” Perhaps we all need to get into a little “good trouble.” For God’s sake, the Eucharist was not even allowed into the Broadview processing center!

The issue boils down to our priorities. When the national debt is staggering, we spend billions on border enforcement and trillions on military and nuclear weapons and yet allow billionaires to evade their fair share in taxes, the system is fundamentally broken. Even children grasp this absurdity; in a simple exercise of distributing “budgetary pennies” among education, health care, housing, environment and military, students consistently fund the first four and leave the military with little.

We must heed the call from groups such as About Face: Veterans Against the War. Take action: Call your representatives to enact comprehensive immigration reform,  oppose troops in our streets and stand against authoritarianism.

It is high time to follow the Peace Alliance’s all-inclusive, simple demand: Give peace a bigger piece of the budgetary pie!

— Concetta Smart, Crete

Immigration in the US

In 1910 and later in 1914, my grandfather and grandmother were processed at Ellis Island. They were both from unstable Eastern European countries speaking different languages.

Like most immigrant families, my grandfather worked hard raising a family but hadn’t become a citizen. During the mid-1940s, much like today’s environment, my grandfather was rounded up for deportation. My father was an Army officer in Europe, preparing for the invasion, so his oldest sister fought and saved the day.

Three years later, my grandfather became a citizen. He was like most immigrants who came to our country after and in between wars: His priority was raising a family.

Immigration has always been a challenge for both the countries and the immigrants. Without immigrants, we wouldn’t be the most successful country in the world. But we could do a better job on handling it!

— Mike Krauss, Wayne, Illinois

Durbin lacks courage

Many have praised U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin for his courage on his recent vote. I respectfully disagree. Durbin is not running for reelection. Didn’t anyone else notice Sen. Tammy Duckworth did not vote to reopen the government?

If Durbin had “courage,” he would have negotiated with the majority party. Durbin voted the way he did because he knew there would be no consequences which is hardly the definition of courage.

— Mitch Johnson, Western Springs

Honorable service

Thanks to the Tribune Editorial Board for the description of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin as an “honorable public servant” (“In defense of Dick Durbin, honorable public servant of our state,” Nov. 13).

Illinois has been graced with the services of this intelligent, thoughtful, good and honest man for many years, and our state has been the better for it. His qualities are not much on display on our national scene right now, and his recent vote has demonstrated again his ability to fairly deal with ambiguous situations, weighing the factors with an eye to public good, not political popularity.

— Patricia Groh, Wilmette

Note to readers: As part of our annual Thanksgiving tradition, we’d like to hear from you about what is making you feel thankful this year. (Sincere thoughts only, please.) Email us a letter of no more than 400 words by Sunday, Nov. 23 to letters@chicagotribune.com. Be sure to include your full name and your city/town and use the subject line “Thankful.”

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/17/letters-111725-acts-of-kindness/