Sports
5 things Hawks must do on ice to make changes count

In a sense, the Blackhawks have come a long way in a year. Season-ticket sales have risen from 3,500 last season to a franchise-record 13,000-plus this season. The front-office staff has more than doubled and is re-energized. All home games will be on TV for the first time. The Hawks are relevant again, but they really haven't done a thing where it counts the most: on the ice.
Rose starts, scores 10 as Bulls fall to Mavericks

Vinny Del Negro was confident the Bulls' defense would be well ahead of the offense in the exhibition opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Well, not so much. The Mavericks prevailed 110-102 Thursday at the United Center.
Improved Graham pushing vets Vasher, Tillman

Nathan Vasher's right wrist was sound enough for him to participate in all of practice Thursday. The telling sign, though, will be how the Bears handle their cornerbacks Sunday at Atlanta. A Pro Bowl selection in 2005, Vasher already has ceded playing time to Corey Graham in certain running situations, and after Graham turned heads filling in for Vasher last week at Detroit, he's not coming off the field for good.