chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--Family of nurse killed in Little Village rebuild memorial destroyed by vandals

Family and friends of a 32-year-old nurse who was fatally shot last year in Little Village held hands and prayed as they stood in a half-circle around an altar they affectionately made for him Sunday .
Frank Aguilar ’ s loved ones gathered at the corner of 32nd Street and Hamlin Avenue , a warm sunshine casting their shadows on Augilar ’ s memorial , which was meticulously decorated with a stethoscope , old Xbox controller , Mexican flags and bouquets of flowers .
Vandals had destroyed the previous memorial for Aguilar , who was gunned down late Nov. 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s house in Little Village .
Patty Arroyo , a childhood friend of Aguilar ’ s , said they returned from court early last week to find its candles had been broken , flowers destroyed and photo was missing .
“ It ’ s a horrible sign of disrespect , but we are a strong group of people who love Frank , ” Arroyo said .
“ We will fight to honor him and make sure justice is served.
” Aguilar had stopped at his family ’ s house that November night to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his car when someone shot him in the chest from a gray SUV , according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he died .
Armando Lopez , 19 , who police suspect was the SUV ’ s driver , was arrested three days later after allegedly leading police on a vehicle chase that started in Little Village and ended in a crash in Chatham .
Lopez was charged with aggravated fleeing , attempting to elude police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in connection with Aguilar ’ s death at the time , police said .
A 13-year-old was being investigated as a person of interest , police said , but no one has been charged in the shooting .
“ We want justice .
There are criminals out here getting away with gun violence who need to be held accountable and charged to the fullest extent of the law , ” said Aguilar ’ s older sister , Sharee Rangel .
Rangel said Aguilar , who worked at a Misericordia nursing home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to graduate from college .
“ He paved the way and was a role model in our family , ” Rangel said , holding back tears as her daughter ran up to hug and comfort her .
“ His stethoscope is there because that was a dream , which he achieved coming from a community that has many barriers.
” Former prosecutor Donna More , who is running in the election for Cook County state ’ s attorney , also stopped by to support Aguilar ’ s family .
“ Frank was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his life , ” More said .
“ I came to pay my respects , because to have not only his murder , but then the desecration of a memorial site is a double affront .
”

Family and friends of a 32-year-old nurse who was fatally shot last year in Little Village held hands and prayed as they stood in a half-circle around an altar they affectionately made for him Sunday.
Frank Aguilar’s loved ones gathered at the corner of 32nd Street and Hamlin Avenue, a warm sunshine casting their shadows on Augilar’s memorial, which was meticulously decorated with a stethoscope, old Xbox controller, Mexican flags and bouquets of flowers.
Vandals had destroyed the previous memorial for Aguilar, who was gunned down late Nov. 12, 2019, outside his family’s house in Little Village. Patty Arroyo, a childhood friend of Aguilar’s, said they returned from court early last week to find its candles had been broken, flowers destroyed and photo was missing.
“It’s a horrible sign of disrespect, but we are a strong group of people who love Frank,” Arroyo said. “We will fight to honor him and make sure justice is served.”
Loved ones rebuilt Frank Aguilar’s memorial Sunday after it was destroyed by vandals earlier this week. Jake Wittich / Sun-Times
Aguilar had stopped at his family’s house that November night to do laundry, which he was unloading from his car when someone shot him in the chest from a gray SUV, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died.
Armando Lopez, 19, who police suspect was the SUV’s driver, was arrested three days later after allegedly leading police on a vehicle chase that started in Little Village and ended in a crash in Chatham.
Lopez was charged with aggravated fleeing, attempting to elude police and driving on a revoked license but not in connection with Aguilar’s death at the time, police said.
A 13-year-old was being investigated as a person of interest, police said, but no one has been charged in the shooting.
“We want justice. There are criminals out here getting away with gun violence who need to be held accountable and charged to the fullest extent of the law,” said Aguilar’s older sister, Sharee Rangel.
Rangel said Aguilar, who worked at a Misericordia nursing home, was the first person in the family to graduate from college.
“He paved the way and was a role model in our family,” Rangel said, holding back tears as her daughter ran up to hug and comfort her. “His stethoscope is there because that was a dream, which he achieved coming from a community that has many barriers.”
Former prosecutor Donna More, who is running in the election for Cook County state’s attorney, also stopped by to support Aguilar’s family.
“Frank was a nurse and did nothing but help people in his life,” More said. “I came to pay my respects, because to have not only his murder, but then the desecration of a memorial site is a double affront.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ affirms talent of a rising Steppenwolf star

A casket stands upright at one end of the stage for “ I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter , ” the Steppenwolf for Young Adults adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez ’ s YA novel .
It ’ s intermittently occupied by the actor who plays Olga , the deceased older sister of teenage protagonist Julia .
But even when empty , the casket remains in place ; Olga ’ s death seems like it might come to define Julia ’ s life .
Sánchez , a native of Cicero and a faculty member in the Latin American and Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 2017 novel in Chicago .
Julia is 15 years old when Olga , seven years her senior , is hit by a car and killed .
Olga , we intuit , was the “ perfect ” Mexican daughter — living at home , attending community college and working to help support the family .
Julia , who dreams of attending a prestigious college and becoming a writer , feels like a black sheep , struggling to relate to her grieving mother and distant father .
The novel ( which remains in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ young-adult best sellers list more than two years after its publication ) is a natural fit for Steppenwolf ’ s teen series ; as a Chicago-set coming-of-age story , it feels like a spiritual successor to Sandra Cisneros ’ “ The House on Mango Street , ” which earned a Steppenwolf for Young Adults adaptation a decade ago , penned by playwright Tanya Saracho .
For “ Perfect Mexican Daughter , ” the adapter is Isaac Gómez , a rising local talent with his own strong perspective on Mexican familial expectations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play , or sad songs for lost boys , ” a deeply personal work about sexuality and Latino masculinity , is playing at Edgewater ’ s Steep Theatre through March 14 . )
Gómez retains the novel ’ s first-person point of view , allowing Julia ( Karen Rodriguez ) to narrate her own story as she works through her own grief while also dealing with school , college applications and her first boyfriend .
Julia frequently steps outside of her present moment , even in the middle of her first kiss with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dish with the audience .
In one moment that may feel familiar to fans of the TV series “ Fleabag , ” Connor even calls Julia out on this dissociation , which she chalks up to her writerly tendencies — she ’ s always observing herself , crafting her own story as she goes .
Sánchez and Gómez adeptly capture the sense of dual identity that many first-generation children of immigrants can feel .
Julia is Chicago born and raised , but Connor — a well-off white boy from Evanston — still wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s “ from from ” ( a question that elicited groans from teenagers in the audience at Saturday ’ s opening performance ) .
And Mr. Ingman ( Peter Moore ) , who Julia describes as “ the only white teacher I like , ” encourages her to write a college application essay about her experience as a child of undocumented immigrants , without giving thought to how that might endanger her parents .
Julia ’ s parents are more roughly sketched .
Apá ( Eddie Martinez ) remains a quiet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Amá ( Charín Alvarez ) comes across as downright cruel , comparing Julia unfavorably to her sister , cutting her off from her friends , and eventually ripping her journal to shreds .
It ’ s possible that we ’ re meant to be seeing Amá through the lens of Julia ’ s angsty POV , but she reads as unapologetically vicious .
A revelation from Julia ’ s grandmother late in the play , though explicitly intended to explain why her mother is so harsh , doesn ’ t live up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a whirlwind trip to Mexico that comes and goes in the span of about five minutes , is a one of many subplots that rush past us in the course of Gómez ’ s 90-minute script .
“ Perfect Mexican Daughter ” can feel a bit meandering at times , with beats about Julia ’ s attempts to uncover her dead sister ’ s secrets given the same weight as high-school spats .
Julia ’ s friends Lorena ( Leslie Sophia Perez ) and Juanga ( Robert Quintanilla ) are given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately succeeds on the strength of Rodriguez ’ s performance .
One of the new generation of Steppenwolf ensemble members and a frequent muse for Gómez , Rodriguez is remarkably winning as she takes us into her confidence , showing the layers of hurt and hope underneath what could easily be an off-puttingly petulant character .
Julia may not be perfect , but Rodriguez makes her worth rooting for .

A casket stands upright at one end of the stage for “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” the Steppenwolf for Young Adults adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s YA novel. It’s intermittently occupied by the actor who plays Olga, the deceased older sister of teenage protagonist Julia. But even when empty, the casket remains in place; Olga’s death seems like it might come to define Julia’s life.
Sánchez, a native of Cicero and a faculty member in the Latin American and Latino Studies Department at DePaul University, set her 2017 novel in Chicago. Julia is 15 years old when Olga, seven years her senior, is hit by a car and killed. Olga, we intuit, was the “perfect” Mexican daughter — living at home, attending community college and working to help support the family. Julia, who dreams of attending a prestigious college and becoming a writer, feels like a black sheep, struggling to relate to her grieving mother and distant father.
‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’
Untitled When: Through March 21, then April 1–5 Where: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20 – $30 Info: steppenwolf.org Run time: 1 hour 30 minutes, with no intermission
The novel (which remains in the top 10 on the New York Times’ young-adult best sellers list more than two years after its publication) is a natural fit for Steppenwolf’s teen series; as a Chicago-set coming-of-age story, it feels like a spiritual successor to Sandra Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street,” which earned a Steppenwolf for Young Adults adaptation a decade ago, penned by playwright Tanya Saracho.
For “Perfect Mexican Daughter,” the adapter is Isaac Gómez, a rising local talent with his own strong perspective on Mexican familial expectations. (Gómez’s “The Leopard Play, or sad songs for lost boys,” a deeply personal work about sexuality and Latino masculinity, is playing at Edgewater’s Steep Theatre through March 14.)
Gómez retains the novel’s first-person point of view, allowing Julia (Karen Rodriguez) to narrate her own story as she works through her own grief while also dealing with school, college applications and her first boyfriend. Julia frequently steps outside of her present moment, even in the middle of her first kiss with Connor (Harrison Weger), to dish with the audience. In one moment that may feel familiar to fans of the TV series “Fleabag,” Connor even calls Julia out on this dissociation, which she chalks up to her writerly tendencies — she’s always observing herself, crafting her own story as she goes.
Sánchez and Gómez adeptly capture the sense of dual identity that many first-generation children of immigrants can feel. Julia is Chicago born and raised, but Connor — a well-off white boy from Evanston — still wants to know on their first meeting where she’s “from from” (a question that elicited groans from teenagers in the audience at Saturday’s opening performance). And Mr. Ingman (Peter Moore), who Julia describes as “the only white teacher I like,” encourages her to write a college application essay about her experience as a child of undocumented immigrants, without giving thought to how that might endanger her parents.
Julia’s parents are more roughly sketched. Apá (Eddie Martinez) remains a quiet cipher for most of the play, while Amá (Charín Alvarez) comes across as downright cruel, comparing Julia unfavorably to her sister, cutting her off from her friends, and eventually ripping her journal to shreds. It’s possible that we’re meant to be seeing Amá through the lens of Julia’s angsty POV, but she reads as unapologetically vicious. A revelation from Julia’s grandmother late in the play, though explicitly intended to explain why her mother is so harsh, doesn’t live up to its billing.
That exchange, part of a whirlwind trip to Mexico that comes and goes in the span of about five minutes, is a one of many subplots that rush past us in the course of Gómez’s 90-minute script. “Perfect Mexican Daughter” can feel a bit meandering at times, with beats about Julia’s attempts to uncover her dead sister’s secrets given the same weight as high-school spats. Julia’s friends Lorena (Leslie Sophia Perez) and Juanga (Robert Quintanilla) are given especially short shrift.
But the play ultimately succeeds on the strength of Rodriguez’s performance. One of the new generation of Steppenwolf ensemble members and a frequent muse for Gómez, Rodriguez is remarkably winning as she takes us into her confidence, showing the layers of hurt and hope underneath what could easily be an off-puttingly petulant character. Julia may not be perfect, but Rodriguez makes her worth rooting for.
Kris Vire is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--White Sox’ Lucas Giolito tunes up for first Cactus League start

Giolito tunes up for first start Probable Opening Day starter Lucas Giolito , whose start to spring training was delayed by a muscle strain near his ribcage , threw live batting practice as he gets on track for March 26 against the Royals .
On four days rest , Giolito could begin a sequence of four starts Friday against the Cubs as he ramps up for the opener in Chicago .
“ We ’ ve got enough time for him to be ready if we don ’ t have any snags , ” pitching coach Don Cooper said .
Giolito @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stretch , facing Yasmani Grandal and James McCann .
Grandal hit two drives off the fence , although he might have had an idea what pitches were coming .
Overall , Giolito was pleased .
‘ I ’ m happy with the health , ” Giolito said .
“ With everything , my arm feels really good .
Body feels really good .
I felt pretty in sync today with my mechanics , but for a couple of things to kind of harp on but yeah , it was it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who already had two long home runs this spring , roped a double into the left-center field gap in an eight-run fourth inning ( all runs charged to Neil Ramirez ) and reached on third baseman Anthony Rendon ’ s error .
An entertaining 5-for-12 in Cactus League games , Mercedes ’ offense will have to override defensive shortcomings to win a roster spot .
Mercedes misjudged a pop-up that fell for a single and should have been charged with at least one passed ball on two wild pitches charged to Ian Hamilton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts last season but is likely ticketed for AAA Charlotte , gave up a three-run homer to Rendon and six runs over 2 1⁄ innings .
Prospects Cody Heuer ( perfect inning , one strikeout ) and Bernardo Flores ( two perfect innings , four strikeouts ) were better against Angels prospects .
Padres at Sox , Glendale , 2:05 p.m. , whitesox.com , TBA vs. Dallas Keuchel .
Aaron Bummer , Steve Cishek , Jimmy Cordero , Kelvin Herrera , Alex Colome and Zack Burdi are also scheduled to pitch .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

SOX 8, ANGELS 7
Giolito tunes up for first start
Probable Opening Day starter Lucas Giolito, whose start to spring training was delayed by a muscle strain near his rib cage, threw live batting practice as he gets on track for March 26 against the Royals. On four days of rest, Giolito could begin a sequence of four starts with an appearance Friday against the Cubs as he ramps up for the opener in Chicago.
“We’ve got enough time for him to be ready if we don’t have any snags,” pitching coach Don Cooper said.
Giolito threw two 15-pitch segments, one from the stretch, facing Yasmani Grandal and James McCann. Grandal hit two balls off the fence, but, overall, Giolito was pleased.
‘‘I’m happy with the health,” Giolito said. “My arm feels really good. Body feels really good. I felt pretty in sync today with my mechanics, except for a couple of things to kind of harp on, but, yeah, it was a good day.”
Mercedes’ mixed bag
Catcher Yermin Mercedes, who already had two long home runs this spring, roped a double into the left-center-field gap in an eight-run fourth inning (all runs charged to Neil Ramirez) and reached on third baseman Anthony Rendon’s error. An entertaining 5-for-12 in Cactus League games, Mercedes’ offense will have to override defensive shortcomings to win a roster spot. Mercedes misjudged a pop-up and should have been charged with at least one passed ball on two wild pitches charged to Ian Hamilton.
Pitchers’ mixed bag
Ross Detwiler, who made 12 starts last season but is likely ticketed for Class AAA Charlotte, allowed a three-run homer to Rendon and six runs in 2⅓ innings. Prospects Codi Heuer (perfect inning, one strikeout) and Bernardo Flores (two perfect innings, four strikeouts) were better against Angels prospects.
On deck
Padres at Sox, Glendale, 2:05 p.m. Monday, whitesox.com, TBA vs. Dallas Keuchel. Aaron Bummer, Steve Cishek, Jimmy Cordero, Kelvin Herrera, Alex Colome and Zack Burdi also are scheduled to pitch. There is a B game at the Brewers.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--Jon Lester sharp in second start as Cubs beat Mariners 7-3 in Cactus League play

MESA , Ariz. — The Cubs took advantage of shaky Mariners pitching for eight walks and a pair of homers to beat the Mariners 7-3 at Sloan Park and snap a three-game Cactus League losing streak .
the Cubs improved to 4-5 this spring .
Lester sharp : After a rough first outing , veteran Jon Lester was in command for three scoreless innings in his second start of the spring , facing the minimum , thanks to catcher Willson Contreras throwing out a pair of would-be base stealers to wipe out the two singles Lester allowed .
The left-hander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Albert Almora Jr. and his simplified swing homered on the first pitch leading off the fourth for the Cubs ’ first run .
Almora , who is battling Ian Happ for the centerfield job , is 7-for-14 this spring with two homers and two walks after his 1-for-3 day .
Injury watch : Hard-throwing prospect Manuel Rodriguez was forced to leave the game in the sixth inning after suffering an arm injury on a pitch to his third batter of the inning .
The right-hander struck out two in a scoreless debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injury was not immediately known .
Old friends : Former Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. pitched a scoreless sixth for the Mariners , pitching around a leadoff walk by getting a strike- ‘ em-out , throw- ‘ em-out double play .
And former Cubs farmhand Dan Vogelbach , a 2011 second-round pick , drove in the M ’ s first run with a sixth-inning single and just missed a two-hit game when Jason Heyward robbed him of a two-run homer to end the fourth with a leaping catch at the wall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Angels at Cubs , Mesa , 2:05 p.m. , Monday , ESPN , Julio Teheran vs. Kyle Hendricks ; Cubs at Athletics , Mesa , 9:05 p.m. , Monday , Alec Mills vs. Frankie Montas .

Cubs 7, Mariners 3
MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs took advantage of shaky Mariners pitching to draw eight walks and hit a pair of home runs to snap a three-game Cactus League losing streak and improve to 4-5 this spring.
Lester sharp
After a rough first outing, veteran left-hander Jon Lester was in command for three scoreless innings in his second start of the spring. He faced the minimum, thanks to catcher Willson Contreras throwing out two would-be base-stealers to wipe out the two singles Lester allowed. Lester struck out four.
Center of attention
Albert Almora Jr. used his simplified new swing to homer on the first pitch of the fourth inning to account for the Cubs’ first run. Almora, who is battling Ian Happ for the center-field job, is 7-for-14 with two homers and two walks this spring after his 1-for-3 day.
Injury watch
Hard-throwing prospect Manuel Rodriguez was forced to leave the game in the sixth inning after suffering an arm injury on a pitch to his third batter. The Cubs said he experienced ‘‘right biceps discomfort” and is to be examined again Monday. The right-hander struck out two in a scoreless debut inning this spring.
Old friends
Former Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. worked a scoreless sixth inning for the Mariners, pitching around a leadoff walk by getting a strike-’em-out, throw-’em-out double play. And former Cubs farmhand Dan Vogelbach, a second-round draft pick in 2011, drove in the Mariners’ first run with a single in the sixth. Vogelbach just missed a two-hit game because Jason Heyward had robbed him of a two-run homer with a leaping catch at the wall in right to end the fourth.
On deck
Split squads: Angels at Cubs, Mesa, 2:05 p.m. Monday, ESPN, Julio Teheran vs. Kyle Hendricks; Cubs at Athletics, Mesa, 9:05 p.m. Monday, Alec Mills vs. Frankie Montas.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--Dosunmu leads Illini past Hoosiers to earn team’s 20th victory

CHAMPAIGN — Ayo Dosunmu is becoming legendary at Illinois for his hustle , talent and an intangible yet reliable ability to take over a game and win it in the final seconds .
On Sunday , the sophomore guard ( and possibly NBA hopeful either this year or next ) added another chapter , scoring a game-high 17 points , including a key 3-pointer down the stretch , to lead Illinois over Indiana 67-66 .
“ He ’ s amazing , ” said Illinois coach Brad Underwood .
“ I ’ m blessed to have guys like Ayo and Kofi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high school .
He ’ s confident and a winner , period.
” Dosunmu hit the 3-pointer with 1:28 left to put Illinois ( 20-9 , 12-6 Big Ten ) up 65-60 .
Rob Phinisee then hit a 3-pointer with 1:14 left to pull Indiana ( 18-11 , 8-10 ) to within two points .
Following a missed Illinois free throw by Da ’ Monte Williams , Andres Feliz ripped the ball away from Phinisee and called a timeout for Illinois with 13 seconds left .
Dosunmu was fouled intentionally and hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67-63 .
Phinisee hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Hoosiers to make the final score 67-66 .
“ I ’ m pretty confident and I put the work in , ” Dosunmu said .
“ So when the time comes , I can take the right shot.
” Feliz scored 15 for Illinois and Kofi Cockburn added 15 points and six blocked shots .
Aljami Durham led Indiana with 13 points .
Trayce Jackson-Davis had 12 points and 12 rebounds , Devonte Green added 11 points and Phinisee 10 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening tip .
Indiana ’ s largest lead was five points , while Illinois ’ was seven The Illini needed runs of 7-0 and 9-0 in the second half to pull ahead .
The score was tied 36-36 at the half .
“ That was a good win for Illinois , ” said Indiana coach Archie Miller .
“ I have to give our guys credit , too , for playing hard and giving us a chance to win it at the end.
” Underwood saw much he liked going into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That was a great Big Ten basketball game , ” he said .
“ It ’ s March now .
You get beat , you go home .
This right here is why you work and sweat so much back in July .
To get to this point makes it all worthwhile.
” Indiana : The Hoosiers have dropped two straight and dropped into a tie for 10th .
Illinois : The Illini needed the win and pull into a tie for second place with Michigan State in the conference with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HE SAID IT Asked whether he used to envision himself winning games at the last second when he was younger , Dosunmo laughed .
“ Oh yeah , ” he said .
“ I mean , I think probably most ballers do that .
I know I did.
” Sophomore forward and crowd favorite Giorgi Bezhanishvili has been in a bad spot the past couple of months , struggling to score or contribute at all .
He lost his starting role and helps back up Cockburn at the post .
But the 6-feet-9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smart game on Sunday , and his coach noticed .
“ Giorgi was more confident today , ” Underwood said after Bezhanishvili scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds .
“ I ’ m really proud of Giorgi .
No one works harder than he does .
I need to quit talking about him or I ’ m going to get emotional .
He ’ s just a really good kid.
” Underwood understands that his team is talented and stands a real chance of contending for the conference crown and possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I feel like we ’ re in a really , really good place right now , ” he said .
“ And it ’ s not even the plays on the floor , or the talent .
It ’ s those guys in the locker room .
If the locker room isn ’ t right , you ’ re not going to win .
It ’ s all about character first , and that helps build the culture of winning.
” Indiana hosts Minnesota on Wednesday and Wisconsin on Saturday .
Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday and finishes the regular season at home against No .
18 Iowa next Sunday .

CHAMPAIGN — Ayo Dosunmu is becoming legendary at Illinois for his hustle, talent and an intangible yet reliable ability to take over a game and win it in the final seconds.
On Sunday, the sophomore guard (and possibly NBA hopeful either this year or next) added another chapter, scoring a game-high 17 points, including a key 3-pointer down the stretch, to lead Illinois over Indiana 67-66.
“He’s amazing,” said Illinois coach Brad Underwood. “I’m blessed to have guys like Ayo and Kofi (Cockburn). Ayo did that in high school. He’s confident and a winner, period.”
Dosunmu hit the 3-pointer with 1:28 left to put Illinois (20-9, 12-6 Big Ten) up 65-60. Rob Phinisee then hit a 3-pointer with 1:14 left to pull Indiana (18-11, 8-10) to within two points.
Following a missed Illinois free throw by Da’Monte Williams, Andres Feliz ripped the ball away from Phinisee and called a timeout for Illinois with 13 seconds left.
Dosunmu was fouled intentionally and hit both free throws to make the score 67-63. Phinisee hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Hoosiers to make the final score 67-66.
“I’m pretty confident and I put the work in,” Dosunmu said. “So when the time comes, I can take the right shot.”
Feliz scored 15 for Illinois and Kofi Cockburn added 15 points and six blocked shots.
Aljami Durham led Indiana with 13 points. Trayce Jackson-Davis had 12 points and 12 rebounds, Devonte Green added 11 points and Phinisee 10.
It was a physical and close game from the opening tip. Indiana’s largest lead was five points, while Illinois’ was seven The Illini needed runs of 7-0 and 9-0 in the second half to pull ahead.
The score was tied 36-36 at the half.
“That was a good win for Illinois,” said Indiana coach Archie Miller. “I have to give our guys credit, too, for playing hard and giving us a chance to win it at the end.”
Underwood saw much he liked going into the final week of the regular season.
“That was a great Big Ten basketball game,” he said. “It’s March now. You get beat, you go home. This right here is why you work and sweat so much back in July. To get to this point makes it all worthwhile.”
BIG PICTURE
Indiana: The Hoosiers have dropped two straight and dropped into a tie for 10th.
Illinois: The Illini needed the win and pull into a tie for second place with Michigan State in the conference with two games left in the regular season.
HE SAID IT
Asked whether he used to envision himself winning games at the last second when he was younger, Dosunmo laughed.
“Oh yeah,” he said. “I mean, I think probably most ballers do that. I know I did.”
GIORGI IS BACK?
Sophomore forward and crowd favorite Giorgi Bezhanishvili has been in a bad spot the past couple of months, struggling to score or contribute at all. He lost his starting role and helps back up Cockburn at the post.
But the 6-feet-9 native of the country of Georgia played a smart game on Sunday, and his coach noticed.
“Giorgi was more confident today,” Underwood said after Bezhanishvili scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. “I’m really proud of Giorgi. No one works harder than he does. I need to quit talking about him or I’m going to get emotional. He’s just a really good kid.”
CHARACTER COUNTS
Underwood understands that his team is talented and stands a real chance of contending for the conference crown and possibly going deep into the NCAA tournament.
“I feel like we’re in a really, really good place right now,” he said. “And it’s not even the plays on the floor, or the talent. It’s those guys in the locker room. If the locker room isn’t right, you’re not going to win. It’s all about character first, and that helps build the culture of winning.”
UP NEXT
Indiana hosts Minnesota on Wednesday and Wisconsin on Saturday.
Illinois travels to No. 23 Ohio State on Thursday and finishes the regular season at home against No. 18 Iowa next Sunday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 high school basketball rankings for March 1, 2020

Oak Forest didn ’ t pass either of its late season tests , losing to Curie and then Hillcrest on Friday .
The Bengals had been flying high all season , losing just once .
The step up in schedule quality was rough , but both games will benefit the team on its Class 3A playoff run .
“ This is going to hurt , ” Oak Forest coach Matt Manzke said after the Hillcrest loss .
“ But the experience of losing in the first round of the playoffs on a buzzer beater last year , our guys know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will be ok. That being said , we are going to have to play better.
” The Bengals will likely face Brooks in the regional semifinals on Tuesday .
The White Division has asserted itself lately ( Taft narrowly losing to Fenwick and Jones beating St. Ignatius ) , so don ’ t underestimate the challenge of that game .
New additions to the Super 25 Hinsdale South ( 28-3 ) : The Hornets have been in and out of the rankings all season .
They knocked off York on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has missed the last several games for the Dukes .
They are hoping to have him back from injury in time for the playoffs this week .
With record and last week ’ s ranking Peaking at the right time

Oak Forest didn’t pass either of its late season tests, losing to Curie and then Hillcrest on Friday. The Bengals had been flying high all season, losing just once. The step up in schedule quality was rough, but both games will benefit the team on its Class 3A playoff run.
“This is going to hurt,” Oak Forest coach Matt Manzke said after the Hillcrest loss. “But the experience of losing in the first round of the playoffs on a buzzer beater last year, our guys know what is at stake next week. We will be ok. That being said, we are going to have to play better.”
The Bengals will likely face Brooks in the regional semifinals on Tuesday. The White Division has asserted itself lately (Taft narrowly losing to Fenwick and Jones beating St. Ignatius), so don’t underestimate the challenge of that game.
New additions to the Super 25
Hinsdale South (28-3): The Hornets have been in and out of the rankings all season. They knocked off York on Wednesday.
Dropping out
York (27-4): Nate Shockey has missed the last several games for the Dukes. They are hoping to have him back from injury in time for the playoffs this week.
With record and last week’s ranking
1. Curie (26-2) 1
Mature win at Notre Dame
2. Bloom (26-5) 2
Goal is 4A state title
3. Thornton (29-1) 3
Took down St. Laurence
4. Simeon (22-8) 4
Long layoff for city champs
5. Notre Dame (26-5) 5
Fell short vs. Curie
6. Morgan Park (20-9) 6
Serious contenders in Class 3A
7. Bogan (25-3) 8
Begin playoffs on Wednesday
8. Young (18-9) 9
Face Proviso West on Tuesday
9. Evanston (26-4) 10
Can Wildkits return to Peoria?
10. Joliet West (26-4) 12
Undefeated in conference
11. Stevenson (25-4) 13
Peaking at the right time
12. Bolingbrook (26-5) 15
Enough talent for a long playoff run
13. Homewood-Flossmoor (23-4) 7
Lost at Bolingbrook
14. Loyola (27-4) 16
Top seed at Evanston
15. Glenbrook South (27-4) 17
Opens playoffs vs. Conant
16. Hillcrest (21-8) 23
Won at Oak Forest
17. Marian Catholic (22-8) 11
Lost to Richards
18. Kankakee (24-4) 18
Dark horse in Class 3A
19. Mundelein (27-4) 20
Beat Warren
20. Oak Forest (26-3) 14
Lost to Hillcrest
21. DePaul Prep (24-5) 21
Beat Peoria Manual
22. Orr (19-7) 22
Won Class 2A regional
23. Cary-Grove (28-3) 24
Top seed at McHenry
24. Hinsdale South (28-3) NR
Beat York
25. Indian Creek (33-0) 25
Still unbeaten, dreaming of Peoria


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-01--Fire fall in opener, allowing winning goal in third minute of stoppage time

SEATTLE — Jordan Morris scored two second-half goals , the second in the third minute of stoppage time , and the Seattle Sounders opened their MLS Cup defense with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday .
Seattle started the day parading the MLS championship trophy through the streets and unveiling its second championship banner .
But much of the opener had been a frustrating mix of being outplayed for stretches and missing several easy opportunities at goal .
Morris was the difference after coming on as a substitute at halftime .
His goal in the 62nd minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle even .
The two connected again in stoppage time .
Off a corner kick from João Paulo , Roldan whipped a header across the front of goal and Morris was standing at the back post to nod it home .
Robert Beric scored in the 46th minute for Chicago .
The Fire , in their first game under coach Raphael Wicky , had two first-half goals waved off because of offside .
Seattle also had a goal in the 56th minute overturned on video replay after Morris was ruled offside .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Field marched to the stadium before the match with the championship trophy leading the way , and reveled in the celebration and memories of the title won 3 1/2 months earlier in the same stadium with a victory over Toronto .
But the opener to the MLS season came at the end of a disappointing and frustrating couple of weeks for the club .
Seattle was surprisingly ousted from the CONCACAF Champions League by CD Olimpia of Honduras , blowing leads in both matches of the two-leg series before being eliminated on penalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put significant effort and resources into this season in the hope of being the first MLS squad to win the competition under its current format , only to be the lone MLS team eliminated in the round of 16 .
Seattle also played the opener without three key starters , most notably midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro .
He is sidelined by a hamstring injury .

SEATTLE — Jordan Morris scored two second-half goals, the second in the third minute of stoppage time, and the Seattle Sounders opened their MLS Cup defense with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday.
Seattle started the day parading the MLS championship trophy through the streets and unveiling its second championship banner. But much of the opener had been a frustrating mix of being outplayed for stretches and missing several easy opportunities at goal.
Morris was the difference after coming on as a substitute at halftime. His goal in the 62nd minute off a cross from Cristian Roldan pulled Seattle even. The two connected again in stoppage time. Off a corner kick from João Paulo, Roldan whipped a header across the front of goal and Morris was standing at the back post to nod it home.
Robert Beric scored in the 46th minute for Chicago. The Fire, in their first game under coach Raphael Wicky, had two first-half goals waved off because of offside. Seattle also had a goal in the 56th minute overturned on video replay after Morris was ruled offside.
Many of the 40,126 that eventually filled CenturyLink Field marched to the stadium before the match with the championship trophy leading the way, and reveled in the celebration and memories of the title won 3 1/2 months earlier in the same stadium with a victory over Toronto. But the opener to the MLS season came at the end of a disappointing and frustrating couple of weeks for the club.
Seattle was surprisingly ousted from the CONCACAF Champions League by CD Olimpia of Honduras, blowing leads in both matches of the two-leg series before being eliminated on penalty kicks. It was a competition Seattle put significant effort and resources into this season in the hope of being the first MLS squad to win the competition under its current format, only to be the lone MLS team eliminated in the round of 16.
Seattle also played the opener without three key starters, most notably midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro. He is sidelined by a hamstring injury.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--To our readers: A joint statement from the Sun-Times and Sun-Times Guild

After eight months at the bargaining table , the Chicago Sun-Times and the union representing its journalists have agreed to a three-year extension of the newsroom ’ s collective bargaining agreement .
The contract was ratified unanimously by Sun-Times Guild members in a two-day vote last week .
The contract improves pay across all job categories , adds initiatives targeting a more diverse and equitable newsroom , opens a path to improved health care , allows paid professional development days for every Guild member and establishes that some employees in the newsroom ’ s analytics department will be represented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , every Sun-Times Guild member will receive a cumulative 5.6 % pay increase , amounting to an average raise of $ 3,375 .
The raise schedule will be : 1 % retroactive to Sept. 1 , 2019 ; 2 % effective this month ; another 2 % effective September 2020 , and 1.5 % effective September 2021 .
By fall 2021 , a reporter with five or more years of industry experience will be earning a minimum annual salary of $ 69,783 .
This is a vast improvement for Sun-Times journalists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 % raise in the past decade .
“ This agreement represents a step forward for the Sun-Times and the hard-working journalists who make our newspaper a powerful voice in this city , ” said Nader Issa , co-chair of the Sun-Times Guild .
“ We ’ re optimistic about what lies ahead for the paper , and we ’ re looking forward to continuing our work with Sun-Times management to build a bright and sustainable future .
We ’ re especially proud of our provisions that strengthen the way we approach recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists of color.
” Under the agreement , the Sun-Times is becoming the first news organization in the Chicago area — and perhaps in the country — to disclose in real time on its website the racial and gender breakdown of every newsroom department .
That information can be found here .
The Sun-Times and Guild also worked together on a plan that will ensure that at least one woman or member of a traditionally underrepresented group , including black , Latino , Asian American , Native and LGBTQ journalists , is interviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Guild also are creating a joint committee to identify and recruit qualified journalists of underrepresented groups .
“ I ’ m glad we were able to work with the Guild to build a framework for future growth of the Sun-Times , especially in light of the critical role that regional newspapers have played — and must continue to play — in informing citizens and holding power accountable , ” Editor-in-Chief Chris Fusco said .
“ I ’ m particularly grateful to our newspaper ’ s ownership for recognizing the quality journalists we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism they produce .
The Sun-Times is by no means immune to newspaper industry headwinds , but this agreement is a vote of confidence that we can overcome them together for the good of our city and region.
” • On health care , the agreement offers a path for a new companywide plan that could bring members additional savings and better coverage .
The Sun-Times Guild , which has been enrolled in a separate insurance plan than the one the company offers the rest of its employees , will vote on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of May .
• The agreement extends previous protections that bar the company from outsourcing work in order to lay off Guild members .
Additionally , better severance packages will now be possible for the Sun-Times ’ longest-serving journalists in the event of layoffs .
• The parties agreed to a 50/50 split of the Sun-Times ’ assistant metro editor positions and established that its new analytics department will include Guild members as the newsroom grows into the 21st century .
“ As is the case in any negotiation , neither side got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mazzoni , co-chair of the Sun-Times Guild .
“ But a sense of good faith , cooperation and compromise got us through some of the more troublesome issues .
We look forward to working with this management for the duration of this contract and beyond.
” The union belongs to the Chicago News Guild , a local of The News Guild-Communication Workers of America .
Members of the Chicago Sun-Times Guild bargaining committee are : Craig Rosenbaum , executive director of the Chicago News Guild ; Bob Mazzoni , Co-Chair and sports copy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education reporter ; Lauren FitzPatrick , Watchdogs reporter ; Rachel Hinton , Cook County reporter ; Tom Schuba , marijuana reporter .
The company negotiating team was led by Labor Relations VP Ted Rilea , attorney Jon Rosenblatt and Editor-in-Chief Chris Fusco .

After eight months at the bargaining table, the Chicago Sun-Times and the union representing its journalists have agreed to a three-year extension of the newsroom’s collective bargaining agreement. The contract was ratified unanimously by Sun-Times Guild members in a two-day vote last week.
The contract improves pay across all job categories, adds initiatives targeting a more diverse and equitable newsroom, opens a path to improved health care, allows paid professional development days for every Guild member and establishes that some employees in the newsroom’s analytics department will be represented by the union.
By Sept. 1, 2021, every Sun-Times Guild member will receive a cumulative 5.6% pay increase, amounting to an average raise of $3,375. The raise schedule will be: 1% retroactive to Sept. 1, 2019; 2% effective this month; another 2% effective September 2020, and 1.5% effective September 2021. By fall 2021, a reporter with five or more years of industry experience will be earning a minimum annual salary of $69,783. This is a vast improvement for Sun-Times journalists, who have seen only a single, 2% raise in the past decade.
“This agreement represents a step forward for the Sun-Times and the hard-working journalists who make our newspaper a powerful voice in this city,” said Nader Issa, co-chair of the Sun-Times Guild. “We’re optimistic about what lies ahead for the paper, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with Sun-Times management to build a bright and sustainable future. We’re especially proud of our provisions that strengthen the way we approach recruiting, hiring, and retaining women and journalists of color.”
Under the agreement, the Sun-Times is becoming the first news organization in the Chicago area — and perhaps in the country — to disclose in real time on its website the racial and gender breakdown of every newsroom department. That information can be found here.
The Sun-Times and Guild also worked together on a plan that will ensure that at least one woman or member of a traditionally underrepresented group, including black, Latino, Asian American, Native and LGBTQ journalists, is interviewed for newsroom job openings. The Sun-Times and Guild also are creating a joint committee to identify and recruit qualified journalists of underrepresented groups.
“I’m glad we were able to work with the Guild to build a framework for future growth of the Sun-Times, especially in light of the critical role that regional newspapers have played — and must continue to play — in informing citizens and holding power accountable,” Editor-in-Chief Chris Fusco said. “I’m particularly grateful to our newspaper’s ownership for recognizing the quality journalists we have in our newsroom and the quality journalism they produce. The Sun-Times is by no means immune to newspaper industry headwinds, but this agreement is a vote of confidence that we can overcome them together for the good of our city and region.”
Other contract highlights include:
• On health care, the agreement offers a path for a new companywide plan that could bring members additional savings and better coverage. The Sun-Times Guild, which has been enrolled in a separate insurance plan than the one the company offers the rest of its employees, will vote on a permanent health care decision by the end of May.
• The agreement extends previous protections that bar the company from outsourcing work in order to lay off Guild members. Additionally, better severance packages will now be possible for the Sun-Times’ longest-serving journalists in the event of layoffs.
• The parties agreed to a 50/50 split of the Sun-Times’ assistant metro editor positions and established that its new analytics department will include Guild members as the newsroom grows into the 21st century.
“As is the case in any negotiation, neither side got everything it sought,” said Bob Mazzoni, co-chair of the Sun-Times Guild. “But a sense of good faith, cooperation and compromise got us through some of the more troublesome issues. We look forward to working with this management for the duration of this contract and beyond.”
The union belongs to the Chicago News Guild, a local of The News Guild-Communication Workers of America.
Members of the Chicago Sun-Times Guild bargaining committee are: Craig Rosenbaum, executive director of the Chicago News Guild; Bob Mazzoni, Co-Chair and sports copy editor; Nader Issa, Co-Chair and education reporter; Lauren FitzPatrick, Watchdogs reporter; Rachel Hinton, Cook County reporter; Tom Schuba, marijuana reporter. The company negotiating team was led by Labor Relations VP Ted Rilea, attorney Jon Rosenblatt and Editor-in-Chief Chris Fusco.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Dear Abby: Told not to enter, teen’s friends barge in, refuse to leave

DEAR ABBY : On a recent Saturday afternoon , two of my daughter ’ s 13-year-old friends came to our house .
My daughter answered the door , and after being denied access , both pushed their way in .
During their stay , the girls were rude and disrespectful , going through the refrigerator and pantry and helping themselves to whatever they wished .
My wife and daughter repeatedly asked them to leave , but the girls laughed and ignored the requests .
What do you suggest in an event such as this without getting physical , as my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ phone numbers ?
( I was away on a work trip during all of this . )
— DISRESPECTED IN OUR HOME DEAR DISRESPECTED : These are “ friends ” ?
Your wife should have done what anyone should do when unwanted intruders burst into one ’ s home .
She should have called the police , had the girls removed and filed a formal complaint .
She should also have reported the incident to the school , gotten the parents ’ phone numbers and informed them about what occurred so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your daughter or some other family again .
And by the way , your daughter should be taught to never open the door unless she WANTS to let someone in .
DEAR ABBY : I have managed to tangle myself in a sticky situation .
Two close friends of mine have asked me to be a bridesmaid in their weddings .
When “ Maya , ” who has been a huge support system for me the past two years through nursing school , informed me that she would ask me to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for me came in the mail , I yelped with excitement .
However , my childhood friends “ Lily ” and “ Byron ” are engaged and have formally asked me to be a bridesmaid in their wedding on the SAME DAY that Maya said she would ask me to be in HER wedding .
Unfortunately , I forgot that Maya ’ s date was the same as Lily ’ s , and I told both of these close friends I would stand beside them on their wedding day .
How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — DESPERATE BRIDESMAID IN VIRGINIA DEAR BRIDESMAID : Yes , you ARE in a pickle .
Now you must decide who you REALLY want to be with .
Frankly , from what you have written , it seems you are more excited about Maya ’ s nuptials than Lily and Byron ’ s .
Technically , you accepted Maya ’ s “ almost invitation ” before you were invited by Lily and Byron .
But you ’ re on your own in determining to whom you ’ re more comfortable giving your regrets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend of three years got mad at me and destroyed all my late mother ’ s vintage jewelry .
It had been in the family for 70 years .
He apologized when I returned home , but I don ’ t think he is sincere .
What should I do ?
— STOLEN MEMORIES IN CALIFORNIA DEAR STOLEN MEMORIES : Your boyfriend appears to have serious anger management problems .
What you should do is realize that the longer you two are together , the greater the chances of him damaging not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even you .
Continue this relationship ONLY if he starts anger management classes .
If he refuses , end the romance .
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 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: On a recent Saturday afternoon, two of my daughter’s 13-year-old friends came to our house. My daughter answered the door, and after being denied access, both pushed their way in.
During their stay, the girls were rude and disrespectful, going through the refrigerator and pantry and helping themselves to whatever they wished. My wife and daughter repeatedly asked them to leave, but the girls laughed and ignored the requests.
What do you suggest in an event such as this without getting physical, as my wife didn’t have their parents’ phone numbers? (I was away on a work trip during all of this.) — DISRESPECTED IN OUR HOME
DEAR DISRESPECTED: These are “friends”? Your wife should have done what anyone should do when unwanted intruders burst into one’s home. She should have called the police, had the girls removed and filed a formal complaint. She should also have reported the incident to the school, gotten the parents’ phone numbers and informed them about what occurred so it doesn’t happen to her and your daughter or some other family again. And by the way, your daughter should be taught to never open the door unless she WANTS to let someone in.
DEAR ABBY: I have managed to tangle myself in a sticky situation. Two close friends of mine have asked me to be a bridesmaid in their weddings.
When “Maya,” who has been a huge support system for me the past two years through nursing school, informed me that she would ask me to be a bridesmaid as soon as her “gift” for me came in the mail, I yelped with excitement. However, my childhood friends “Lily” and “Byron” are engaged and have formally asked me to be a bridesmaid in their wedding on the SAME DAY that Maya said she would ask me to be in HER wedding.
Unfortunately, I forgot that Maya’s date was the same as Lily’s, and I told both of these close friends I would stand beside them on their wedding day. How do I decide whose wedding to attend? — DESPERATE BRIDESMAID IN VIRGINIA
DEAR BRIDESMAID: Yes, you ARE in a pickle. Now you must decide who you REALLY want to be with.
Frankly, from what you have written, it seems you are more excited about Maya’s nuptials than Lily and Byron’s. Technically, you accepted Maya’s “almost invitation” before you were invited by Lily and Byron. But you’re on your own in determining to whom you’re more comfortable giving your regrets and apologies.
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of three years got mad at me and destroyed all my late mother’s vintage jewelry. It had been in the family for 70 years. He apologized when I returned home, but I don’t think he is sincere. What should I do? — STOLEN MEMORIES IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR STOLEN MEMORIES: Your boyfriend appears to have serious anger management problems. What you should do is realize that the longer you two are together, the greater the chances of him damaging not only more of your property, but also even you. Continue this relationship ONLY if he starts anger management classes. If he refuses, end the romance.
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.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Fuel leak contained after O’Hare crash that left 1 injured

One person was injured in a crash that caused a fuel leak Monday at O ’ Hare Airport .
A @ @ @ @ @ truck shortly before 5 a.m. on an access road at the airport , according to @ @ @ @ @ One person was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge in fair-to-serious condition , @ @ @ @ @ crash caused the truck to spill fuel and prompted a hazardous materials response , which @ @ @ @ @ according to the fire department .

One person was injured in a crash that caused a fuel leak Monday at O’Hare Airport.
A car collided with a delivery truck shortly before 5 a.m. on an access road at the airport, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
One person was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge in fair-to-serious condition, fire officials said.
The crash caused the truck to spill fuel and prompted a hazardous materials response, which has since been secured, according to the fire department.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--18 shot, 4 fatally, across Chicago this weekend

Four people were killed and 14 others were injured in Chicago shootings over the weekend .
The most recent fatal shooting happened early Monday in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
A 30-year-old man was standing on the sidewalk at 2:18 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Springfield Avenue when someone shot at him from a silver sedan , according to Chicago police .
He was hit in the head and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released details about the fatality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bronzeville on the South Side .
Tramen Starnes , 22 , was outside a home about 4:55 p.m. in the 4700 block of South Evans Avenue when three males walked up to him and fired shots , police and the medical examiner ’ s office said .
He was struck multiple times in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead at 5:19 p.m .
He lives in Bronzeville .
Earlier that morning , a man and woman were killed in a possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded in Chatham on the South Side .
A fight involving multiple people broke out about 6:40 a.m. in the 8300 block of South LaSalle Street , during which a 40-year-old man pulled out a gun and fired shots , striking 28-year-old Michael Lee and 34-year-old Takeyla Sims , police and the medical examiner ’ s office said .
After being shot , Lee pulled out his own gun and returned fire , striking the 40-year-old in the arm .
Lee and Sims were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 40-year-old man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
Charges against him are pending .
Two minors were among those injured in nonfatal shootings over the weekend , including a teenage boy shot Sunday afternoon .
The 15-year-old was outside about 5:50 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up on Fillmore Street in Lawndale and opened fire , police said .
He was struck in the right thigh and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition .
Earlier Sunday morning , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Pullman on the Far South Side .
The child suffered the graze wound about 4 a.m. near 119th and Halsted streets while in a vehicle with four other people , according to Illinois State police .
Medical attention was turned down for the child , whose age and gender were unknown .
State police said the shooting was related to another incident about half an hour earlier , when shots were fired on the westbound Sibley Boulevard ramp to I-57 in Posen .
Two people in the vehicle targeted in that incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting left a man seriously injured early Monday in Park Manor on the South Side .
The 32-year-old was standing on the sidewalk at 3:38 a.m. in the 200 block of West 75th Street when someone fired shots , striking him in the abdomen , according to police .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition .
Two men were wounded , one of them critically , on Sunday afternoon in West Englewood on the South Side .
The men , 28 and 31 , were outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7200 block of South Damen Avenue when someone got out of a gray Dodge and fired shots at them , police said .
The younger man was struck in the hip and forearm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , while the older man was struck in the thigh and taken to the same hospital in fair condition .
Earlier that morning , two other men were shot in Lawndale on the West Side .
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert about 5:01 a.m. found the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 4000 block of West 19th Street , according to police .
They told officers they heard gunshots and realized they ’ d been hit .
The younger man was struck in the thigh and the older man was struck in the calf .
They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
The weekend ’ s first shooting left a 20-year-old man injured Friday night while driving in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side .
He was in a northbound vehicle at 8:55 p.m. when he heard gunfire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Campbell Avenue , according to police .
A friend drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed in good condition with gunshots to his arm and torso .
Five other people were injured by gunfire throughout the city between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
A man was also critically wounded in a shootout with Chicago police Sunday afternoon in Little Village .
Officers shot him after he allegedly fired at them about 3:15 p.m. in the 2100 block of South Washtenaw Avenue , according to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in critical condition .
No officers were injured in the shooting .
On Friday , a Chicago police officer shot a man at the Grand Red Line station during the afternoon rush hour in what Mayor Lori Lightfoot called an “ extremely disturbing ” incident .
Last weekend , five people were killed and 17 others were wounded in shootings across the city .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Four people were killed and 14 others were injured in Chicago shootings over the weekend.
The most recent fatal shooting happened early Monday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
A 30-year-old man was standing on the sidewalk at 2:18 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Springfield Avenue when someone shot at him from a silver sedan, according to Chicago police. He was hit in the head and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not released details about the fatality.
Another man was killed Sunday afternoon in Bronzeville on the South Side.
Tramen Starnes, 22, was outside a home about 4:55 p.m. in the 4700 block of South Evans Avenue when three males walked up to him and fired shots, police and the medical examiner’s office said. He was struck multiple times in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:19 p.m. He lives in Bronzeville.
Chicago police investigate a scene where a man and woman was shot to death March 1, 2020, in the 8300 block of South La Salle Street in Chatham. Carly Behm/Sun-Times
Earlier that morning, a man and woman were killed in a possibly domestic-related shootout that also left another man wounded in Chatham on the South Side.
A fight involving multiple people broke out about 6:40 a.m. in the 8300 block of South LaSalle Street, during which a 40-year-old man pulled out a gun and fired shots, striking 28-year-old Michael Lee and 34-year-old Takeyla Sims, police and the medical examiner’s office said. After being shot, Lee pulled out his own gun and returned fire, striking the 40-year-old in the arm.
Lee and Sims were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they both died, authorities said.
The 40-year-old man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said. Charges against him are pending.
Two minors were among those injured in nonfatal shootings over the weekend, including a teenage boy shot Sunday afternoon.
The 15-year-old was outside about 5:50 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up on Fillmore Street in Lawndale and opened fire, police said. He was struck in the right thigh and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
Earlier Sunday morning, a child was grazed by a bullet in West Pullman on the Far South Side.
The child suffered the graze wound about 4 a.m. near 119th and Halsted streets while in a vehicle with four other people, according to Illinois State police. Medical attention was turned down for the child, whose age and gender were unknown.
State police said the shooting was related to another incident about half an hour earlier, when shots were fired on the westbound Sibley Boulevard ramp to I-57 in Posen. Two people in the vehicle targeted in that incident were uninjured.
The most recent nonfatal shooting left a man seriously injured early Monday in Park Manor on the South Side.
The 32-year-old was standing on the sidewalk at 3:38 a.m. in the 200 block of West 75th Street when someone fired shots, striking him in the abdomen, according to police. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition.
Two men were wounded, one of them critically, on Sunday afternoon in West Englewood on the South Side.
The men, 28 and 31, were outside a home about 5:35 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Damen Avenue when someone got out of a gray Dodge and fired shots at them, police said. The younger man was struck in the hip and forearm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, while the older man was struck in the thigh and taken to the same hospital in fair condition.
Earlier that morning, two other men were shot in Lawndale on the West Side.
Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert about 5:01 a.m. found the two men, 23 and 25, in the 4000 block of West 19th Street, according to police. They told officers they heard gunshots and realized they’d been hit. The younger man was struck in the thigh and the older man was struck in the calf. They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
The weekend’s first shooting left a 20-year-old man injured Friday night while driving in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
He was in a northbound vehicle at 8:55 p.m. when he heard gunfire and felt pain in the 3900 block of South Campbell Avenue, according to police. A friend drove him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition with gunshots to his arm and torso.
Five other people were injured by gunfire throughout the city between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
A man was also critically wounded in a shootout with Chicago police Sunday afternoon in Little Village. Officers shot him after he allegedly fired at them about 3:15 p.m. in the 2100 block of South Washtenaw Avenue, according to police. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. No officers were injured in the shooting.
On Friday, a Chicago police officer shot a man at the Grand Red Line station during the afternoon rush hour in what Mayor Lori Lightfoot called an “extremely disturbing” incident.
Last weekend, five people were killed and 17 others were wounded in shootings across the city.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Chicago named top metro area for corporate investment

A magazine has named Chicago ’ s metro area the nationwide leader in economic investment as more companies moved into the region and expanded their current operations last year .
This marks the seventh consecutive year the Chicago metro area earned the honor from Site Selection , a business publication that tracks real estate and corporate development .
The magazine tracked 416 business expansions and relocations in 2019 that accounted for over $ 5 billion in investment in the Chicago area .
That includes Uber Freight ’ s move into the Old Main Post Office , which brought over 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power of inclusive growth in Chicago , which had been a priority since day one for Mayor Lightfoot , ” Chicago Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar said Sunday .
“ This is exemplified by the fact that we can continue to grow downtown and also have that extended to Chicago ’ s 77 neighborhoods.
” Blue Cross Blue Shield ’ s decision to convert a shuttered Target store in Morgan Park into a customer service center helped create 550 jobs , Mayekar said .
And Evanston Technology Partners , Chicago ’ s largest black-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it set up shop in Bronzeville .
“ When you see the types of companies that are growing , you see a balance , ” Mayekar said .

A magazine has named Chicago’s metro area the nationwide leader in economic investment as more companies moved into the region and expanded their current operations last year.
This marks the seventh consecutive year the Chicago metro area earned the honor from Site Selection, a business publication that tracks real estate and corporate development.
The magazine tracked 416 business expansions and relocations in 2019 that accounted for over $5 billion in investment in the Chicago area. That includes Uber Freight’s move into the Old Main Post Office, which brought over 2,000 jobs.
“This announcement highlights the power of inclusive growth in Chicago, which had been a priority since day one for Mayor Lightfoot,” Chicago Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar said Sunday. “This is exemplified by the fact that we can continue to grow downtown and also have that extended to Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s decision to convert a shuttered Target store in Morgan Park into a customer service center helped create 550 jobs, Mayekar said. And Evanston Technology Partners, Chicago’s largest black-owned cybersecurity firm, added 130 new jobs when it set up shop in Bronzeville.
“When you see the types of companies that are growing, you see a balance,” Mayekar said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--ENDORSEMENT: Davis, DuBuclet and Sepúlveda for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in the Democr

ENDORSEMENT: Davis, DuBuclet and Sepúlveda for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in the Democratic primary

Three candidates for the three open seats on this board have displayed notably strong leadership on the important issues facing the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District : incumbent Commissioner M. Cameron “ Cam ” Davis of Evanston , incumbent Commissioner Kimberly Neely DuBuclet of Chicago and three-term Hanover Park Village Clerk Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda .
They are endorsed in this crowded Democratic primary field of 10 candidates .
The MWRD , once a haven for insider dealing , is facing ever-growing challenges in guarding against flooding in an era of bigger storms — and in improving the environment at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the job .
The district must become a leader in combating climate change , led by people who can get the job done .
Davis has been a valuable member of the MWRD board since he was elected in 2018 after an unusual write-in primary race .
He has been a leader in setting the district ’ s environmental agenda , having come to the board well prepared by his previous experience as President Barack Obama ’ s point person on the Great Lakes , former president and CEO of the Alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the federal Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee .
What is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ?
The MWRD is the second-largest landowner in Cook County , and Davis would like to see some of its unused property put to use for community farms and stormwater management , especially on the South Side .
He wants to devote MWRD land to solar and other renewable energy projects , as well , and increase the production of energy from biogas .
This is a kind of fuel naturally produced from the decomposition of organic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DuBuclet , a state representative from 2011 to 2013 and former director of legislative and community affairs for the Chicago Park District , has supported important pro-environment MWRD initiatives during her two years on the commission ’ s board .
She has worked with local governments and communities to promote environmentally friendly building codes , and she has advocated for financial incentives to encourage the use of permeable pavement and rain barrels to catch rainwater .
These are simple , practical measures that can reduce the amount of stormwater flooding the system — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an energetic and thoughtful newcomer who has demonstrated a keen interest in environmental issues .
She says she first became interested in the work of the district as she walked her children to school across MWRD property , and she became more involved when her home flooded .
As a Hanover Park official , she says , she learned how the village manages its own sanitary sewer treatment plant , which serves the DuPage County portion of the village outside of the MWRD ’ s jurisdiction .
Among Sepulveda ’ s priorities would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watershed Management Ordinance to cover small residential developments , further preventing new construction from contributing to flooding .
She also would revise the district ’ s new ethics ordinance so that it still cracks down on lobbyists and contractors but does not lump in nonprofit environmental organizations that worry they will be mired in new red tape for any paperwork errors they might make as they provide input to the MWRD .
And she would push for a sensor system similar to one in Kansas City that would provide real-time data on when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gates .
That could reduce combined sewer overflows , which pollute Chicago area waterways and Lake Michigan .
Also running are longtime incumbent Commissioner Frank Avila of Chicago , high school teacher/coach Mike Cashman of Chicago and Michael G. Grace of La Grange , a vice president trustee of the South Lyons Township Sanitary District .
Other candidates — Heather Boyle of Norridge , Deyon Dean of Riverdale , Patricia Theresa Flynn of Crestwood and Shundar Lin of Chicago — did not participate in our endorsement process .
For more information about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Three candidates for the three open seats on this board have displayed notably strong leadership on the important issues facing the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District: incumbent Commissioner M. Cameron “Cam” Davis of Evanston, incumbent Commissioner Kimberly Neely DuBuclet of Chicago and three-term Hanover Park Village Clerk Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda.
They are endorsed in this crowded Democratic primary field of 10 candidates.
The MWRD, once a haven for insider dealing, is facing ever-growing challenges in guarding against flooding in an era of bigger storms — and in improving the environment at a time when the federal government has walked off the job. The district must become a leader in combating climate change, led by people who can get the job done.
Davis has been a valuable member of the MWRD board since he was elected in 2018 after an unusual write-in primary race. He has been a leader in setting the district’s environmental agenda, having come to the board well prepared by his previous experience as President Barack Obama’s point person on the Great Lakes, former president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes and former co-chair of the federal Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.
What is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which is governed by a nine-member board, guards the safety of Lake Michigan water, protects businesses and homeowners from flooding and operates seven plants to treat industrial and residential wastewater. Its boundary is 883.5 square miles, roughly Cook County, and it serves 5.25 million people.
The MWRD is the second-largest landowner in Cook County, and Davis would like to see some of its unused property put to use for community farms and stormwater management, especially on the South Side. He wants to devote MWRD land to solar and other renewable energy projects, as well, and increase the production of energy from biogas. This is a kind of fuel naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste — including municipal sewage waste.
DuBuclet, a state representative from 2011 to 2013 and former director of legislative and community affairs for the Chicago Park District, has supported important pro-environment MWRD initiatives during her two years on the commission’s board. She has worked with local governments and communities to promote environmentally friendly building codes, and she has advocated for financial incentives to encourage the use of permeable pavement and rain barrels to catch rainwater. These are simple, practical measures that can reduce the amount of stormwater flooding the system — and homeowners’ basements.
Sepulveda is an energetic and thoughtful newcomer who has demonstrated a keen interest in environmental issues. She says she first became interested in the work of the district as she walked her children to school across MWRD property, and she became more involved when her home flooded. As a Hanover Park official, she says, she learned how the village manages its own sanitary sewer treatment plant, which serves the DuPage County portion of the village outside of the MWRD’s jurisdiction.
Among Sepulveda’s priorities would be expanding Cook County’s 2014 Watershed Management Ordinance to cover small residential developments, further preventing new construction from contributing to flooding. She also would revise the district’s new ethics ordinance so that it still cracks down on lobbyists and contractors but does not lump in nonprofit environmental organizations that worry they will be mired in new red tape for any paperwork errors they might make as they provide input to the MWRD. And she would push for a sensor system similar to one in Kansas City that would provide real-time data on when it is most efficient to open flood gates. That could reduce combined sewer overflows, which pollute Chicago area waterways and Lake Michigan.
Also running are longtime incumbent Commissioner Frank Avila of Chicago, high school teacher/coach Mike Cashman of Chicago and Michael G. Grace of La Grange, a vice president trustee of the South Lyons Township Sanitary District. Other candidates — Heather Boyle of Norridge, Deyon Dean of Riverdale, Patricia Theresa Flynn of Crestwood and Shundar Lin of Chicago — did not participate in our endorsement process.
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--West Side nonprofit inspires many as it helps  the formerly incarcerated find jobs

Upon his release from prison , Nityananda Bell completed a mechanic training program at Lincoln Tech but couldn ’ t get hired anywhere because of his criminal background .
He enrolled in the North Lawndale Employment Network ’ s U-Turn Permitted program offering counseling and job skills training to the formerly incarcerated .
“ It ’ s a blessing that I ’ m sitting here .
I received support .
They didn ’ t know me , but they still had faith in me — when I didn ’ t have faith in myself , ” said Bell , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the “ Sweet Beginnings ” celebration of 20 years of helping ex-offenders returning to their communities .
Completing the program in 2015 , he was placed as a rebuild mechanic with the Chicago Transportation Authority , and after several promotions , is a bus maintenance manager today , overseeing a staff of 30 .
“ I was asleep for a long time , and everything I was looking for was right in front of me when I woke up , ” Bell said .
“ And talk about discipline .
Every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it ’ s harder to maintain what you got than it was to obtain it .
But I ’ m so grateful for the opportunity .
A lot of times I think I don ’ t deserve it , but God saw fit that I do.
” Internationally known for its innovative “ Sweet Beginnings ” program creating transitional jobs for the formerly incarcerated in bee-keeping and producing honey and skin care products , the North Lawndale Employment Network has been helping West Siders like Bell get past the criminal record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just one of the stories of successful lives post-prison shared at the event Friday at the Four Seasons , where actress/activist Alysia Reiner , who became an advocate for prison reform after starring in Netflix ’ s “ Orange Is The New Black ” series , was honored .
“ With ‘ Orange Is The New Black ’ ending , I ’ m in a position where I have to find a new job , and I have to be honest with you , it ’ s scary , ” said Reiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Voiceless Award ” for her support of prisoner re-entry programs nationwide .
“ I can ’ t even imagine what it ’ s like for someone coming out of prison .
I can ’ t imagine how much heart and belief it takes .
It ’ s why it ’ s so important to feel like other people are there believing in you , willing to give you that second chance or a helping hand , ” said Reiner , who played Warden “ Fig ” on the groundbreaking women-in-prison series that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the U-Turn Permitted program in 2008 , eventually enrolled at DePaul University for her bachelor ’ s degree and went on to earn a master ’ s degree in adult education .
She ’ ll complete a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at DePaul next year .
“ I never thought I ’ d see myself earning a Ph.D. or even attending college at all .
God blessed me with a mentor that I never thought I would have , ” Rogers said .
“ I feel blessed because I ’ m 69 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school when I was 53 .
I was an undergrad student at DePaul , and I was reading at the 7th grade level .
I didn ’ t know how to write a sentence .
I just knew that God was ordering my steps , so I just kept moving forward .
Now I ’ ve got a new attitude about myself , about life , ” she said .
Reiner , who is active with such national prison reform groups as the Women ’ s Prison Association and Still She Rises Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has made helping the formerly incarcerated her mission .
“ I have felt a responsibility , as someone with a platform , to help educate and inspire others about this issue .
“ In the seven years I ’ ve been blessed to play ‘ Fig , ’ I learned so much about our criminal ‘ injustice ’ system , and mass incarceration .
It has been deeply educational , humbling and heartbreaking , ” she said .
“ One of the most important things I personally have focused on is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prison , how do we make sure they have that chance to succeed ?
It ’ s why it is such a true honor to be recognized in this way.
” Chaired by the city ’ s former first lady Amy Rule , wife of ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel , the benefit raised nearly a half million dollars toward NLEN ’ s new 20,000-square-foot campus opening at 1111 S. Homan Ave. this spring .
It will double to 5,000 the organization ’ s capacity to train and find jobs for West Side residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often , people turn a deaf ear or walk away from people who are in need .
Alysia does just the opposite , ” said Carla Javits , president/CEO of the California-based Roberts Enterprise Development Fund , an investor in social enterprises like “ Sweet Beginnings.
” “ After hearing me talk about how inspiring “ Sweet Beginnings ” is ... Alysia immediately joined the cause , ” said Javits , who introduced Reiner to NLEN .
She “ uses her network and influence to get more people excited about NLEN ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more jobs for people coming home from prison.
” The work of NLEN and others is critical against the justice system inequities feeding America ’ s prison industrial complex and the highest incarceration rate in the world , Reiner told the Chicago Sun-Times afterward .
“ All of us can be the voice for the voiceless when we set aside our biases .
With all the darkness , all the hopelessness we can feel in these times , all of us can be the change we want to see .
”

Upon his release from prison, Nityananda Bell, 41, completed a mechanic training program at Lincoln Tech but couldn’t get hired anywhere because of his criminal background.
He enrolled in the North Lawndale Employment Network’s U-Turn Permitted program offering counseling and job skills training to the formerly incarcerated.
“It’s a blessing that I’m sitting here. I received support. They didn’t know me, but they still had faith in me — when I didn’t have faith in myself,” said Bell, one of several formerly incarcerated individuals who spoke at the “Sweet Beginnings” celebration of 20 years of helping ex-offenders returning to their communities.
Completing the program in 2015, he was placed as a rebuild mechanic with the Chicago Transportation Authority, and after several promotions, is a bus maintenance manager today, overseeing a staff of 30.
“I was asleep for a long time, and everything I was looking for was right in front of me when I woke up,” Bell said. “And talk about discipline. Every day, it’s a struggle. I think it’s harder to maintain what you got than it was to obtain it. But I’m so grateful for the opportunity. A lot of times I think I don’t deserve it, but God saw fit that I do.”
Internationally known for its innovative “Sweet Beginnings” program creating transitional jobs for the formerly incarcerated in bee-keeping and producing honey and skin care products, the North Lawndale Employment Network has been helping West Siders like Bell get past the criminal record barrier to employment since 1999.
Bell was just one of the stories of successful lives post-prison shared at the event Friday at the Four Seasons, where actress/activist Alysia Reiner, who became an advocate for prison reform after starring in Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black” series, was honored.
“With ‘Orange Is The New Black’ ending, I’m in a position where I have to find a new job, and I have to be honest with you, it’s scary,” said Reiner, who received a “Voice of the Voiceless Award” for her support of prisoner re-entry programs nationwide.
“I can’t even imagine what it’s like for someone coming out of prison. I can’t imagine how much heart and belief it takes. It’s why it’s so important to feel like other people are there believing in you, willing to give you that second chance or a helping hand,” said Reiner, who played Warden “Fig” on the groundbreaking women-in-prison series that ended last year.
It was Netflix’s most-watched original series, drawing a whopping 105 million viewers.
Deniece Rogers, 69, came to the U-Turn Permitted program in 2008, eventually enrolled at DePaul University for her bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a master’s degree in adult education. She’ll complete a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at DePaul next year.
(L-R) Michael McAfee, board president of the North Lawndale Employment Network, listens to former clients VonKisha Adams and Everett Dean. A panel of formerly incarcerated Chicagoans shared stories of building successful lives post-prison, at the group’s celebration of 20 years of providing job training and placement to the formerly incarcerated. Dot Ward Photography
“I never thought I’d see myself earning a Ph.D. or even attending college at all. God blessed me with a mentor that I never thought I would have,” Rogers said.
“I feel blessed because I’m 69 years old and I went back to school when I was 53. I was an undergrad student at DePaul, and I was reading at the 7th grade level. I didn’t know how to write a sentence. I just knew that God was ordering my steps, so I just kept moving forward. Now I’ve got a new attitude about myself, about life,” she said.
Reiner, who is active with such national prison reform groups as the Women’s Prison Association and Still She Rises Tulsa, has made helping the formerly incarcerated her mission. “I have felt a responsibility, as someone with a platform, to help educate and inspire others about this issue.
“In the seven years I’ve been blessed to play ‘Fig,’ I learned so much about our criminal ‘injustice’ system, and mass incarceration. It has been deeply educational, humbling and heartbreaking,” she said. “One of the most important things I personally have focused on is, how do we support women coming out of prison, how do we make sure they have that chance to succeed? It’s why it is such a true honor to be recognized in this way.”
Chaired by the city’s former first lady Amy Rule, wife of ex-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the benefit raised nearly a half million dollars toward NLEN’s new 20,000-square-foot campus opening at 1111 S. Homan Ave. this spring. It will double to 5,000 the organization’s capacity to train and find jobs for West Side residents with criminal backgrounds.
Actress/activist Alysia Reiner, who starred in the groundbreaking Netflix women-in-prison dramedy “Orange Is The New Black,” and has since become a national advocate for prison reform and prisoner re-entry programs, raises her paddle to donate to North Lawndale Employment Network. She received the network’s “Voice of the Voiceless Award” at its celebration of 20 years of providing job training and placement to the formerly incarcerated. Dot Ward Photography
“Far too often, people turn a deaf ear or walk away from people who are in need. Alysia does just the opposite,” said Carla Javits, president/CEO of the California-based Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, an investor in social enterprises like “Sweet Beginnings.”
“After hearing me talk about how inspiring “Sweet Beginnings” is ... Alysia immediately joined the cause,” said Javits, who introduced Reiner to NLEN. She “uses her network and influence to get more people excited about NLEN’s work. That means more support and more jobs for people coming home from prison.”
The work of NLEN and others is critical against the justice system inequities feeding America’s prison industrial complex and the highest incarceration rate in the world, Reiner told the Chicago Sun-Times afterward.
“Part of being an actor is you dive into other people’s lives and you become another human being. As an activist and as an artist, I sometimes fall in love with an idea. After OITNB, I kind of wanted to quit my job and do exactly what Brenda’s doing,” said Reiner, who is married with an 11-year-old daughter.
“And then I met Brenda, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s doing exactly what I wanted to do!’ ” she said. “I’m asked a lot where I learned to be an activist, and honestly, I have no clue. All of us can be the voice for the voiceless when we set aside our biases. With all the darkness, all the hopelessness we can feel in these times, all of us can be the change we want to see.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--The Pulaski Day photo op that will be as crowded as this month’s ballot

For many if not most Chicagoans , Pulaski Day is that quirky bonus Illinois holiday that nobody else gets : an opportunity perhaps to take the kids for a three-day weekend getaway to the Dells without having to fight the crowds unleashed on a real holiday .
Not so for our political leaders , who in a fitting payback for this blatant sop to Polish-American voters , must stick close to home .
That ’ s because no current or aspiring officeholder dare miss the command appearance at the annual Pulaski Day celebration at the Polish Museum of America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pulaski Days , you will find at least one U.S. senator , several Congressmen , the governor , the mayor , the county board president and numerous lesser figures seated on the stage of the museum ’ s Great Hall .
Looming behind them is Stanislaw Batowski ’ s huge painting of the man of the hour himself , General Casimir Pulaski , leading the fateful—and fatal—cavalry charge in Savannah , Ga. , that ended for him with a cannon blast .
Every politician who is accorded their turn at the microphone — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large number of them — will salute the bravery of the Revolutionary War hero , express their “ solidarity ” with the Polish people and acknowledge the many contributions of Polish Americans here in “ our great city [ or state ] .
” With this being an election year , attendance should be especially good .
This year ’ s event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m .
Bonus points are awarded the politicians who can stay through the entire program .

For many if not most Chicagoans, Pulaski Day is that quirky bonus Illinois holiday that nobody else gets: an opportunity perhaps to take the kids for a three-day weekend getaway to the Dells without having to fight the crowds unleashed on a real holiday.
Not so for our political leaders, who in a fitting payback for this blatant sop to Polish-American voters, must stick close to home.
That’s because no current or aspiring officeholder dare miss the command appearance at the annual Pulaski Day celebration at the Polish Museum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Gov. Pat Quinn speaks during a Pulaski Day Celebration Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago. AP
On most Pulaski Days, you will find at least one U.S. senator, several Congressmen, the governor, the mayor, the county board president and numerous lesser figures seated on the stage of the museum’s Great Hall.
Looming behind them is Stanislaw Batowski’s huge painting of the man of the hour himself, General Casimir Pulaski, leading the fateful—and fatal—cavalry charge in Savannah, Ga., that ended for him with a cannon blast.
Every politician who is accorded their turn at the microphone — and that’s usually quite a large number of them — will salute the bravery of the Revolutionary War hero, express their “solidarity” with the Polish people and acknowledge the many contributions of Polish Americans here in “our great city [or state].”
With this being an election year, attendance should be especially good.
This year’s event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bonus points are awarded the politicians who can stay through the entire program.
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Sun-Times named one of ‘10 News Publishers That Do It Right’

Thanks to the support of our owners , our advertisers and you , our readers , we hired additional journalists , transformed our digital experience and partnered with a variety of other media organizations last year to produce high-quality journalism that moved the needle .
Now , we ’ re being nationally recognized for all this work .
A change on the top of our homepage says it all : We ’ ve swapped out “ The Hardest-Working Paper in America ” with a new tagline : “ One of Editor & Publisher ’ s ‘ 10 That Do It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been working on revamping its newsroom through several initiatives and projects , specifically when it comes to digital , ” the magazine said in its story Monday honoring our media company and others .
“ Recently , the newsroom rebranded both their print and digital offerings to make them feel more polished and cohesive as well as launched digital subscriptions.
” E & P — for decades a national authority on the news industry — spotlighted our innovative Sports Saturday edition , our new website powered by Vox Media ’ s Chorus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that included partnerships with WBEZ and the Chicago Reader .
We ’ re honored to be in the company of quality news companies big and small , from the Arizona Republic to the Financial Times to the Keene Sentinel in Keene , New Hampshire .
Our appearance in the “ 10 That Do It Right ” reflects the work of our entire staff .
It also seems fitting to recognize individual Sun-Times reporters who won national honors last year .
They include : • Lauren FitzPatrick , National Headliner Award for best “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” for her collection of stories on school cleanliness , school nursing shortages and a profile of a principal who suffered from PTSD sparked by his violent childhood .
• Stephanie Zimmermann , Consumer Federation of America Betty Furness Consumer Media Service Award for her body of work in consumer investigations .
• Nader Issa , National Association of Black Journalists ’ Salute to Excellence Awards , “ digital media , single story news ” for his multimedia coverage of a controversial Chicago police shooting of a South Side barber .
• Maureen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obituary Writers Awards , “ best short-form obituary ” for her obit of longtime diner owner Sarkis Tashjian .
• Richard Roeper , African American Film Critics Association Roger Ebert Award for his “ esteemed career spanning over 30 years , in which he used his platform to analyze and champion vital works of cinema , both mainstream and independent , at the Chicago Sun-Times.
” • Mary Mitchell , National Society of Newspaper Columnists , honorable mention for a series of columns related to the Laquan McDonald case .
Already this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , breaking stories about the administrative scandal at Lincoln Park High School , violence on the CTA and the possibility of soaring utility rates , among others .
Sports Saturday continues to be a big part of our future , including this past Saturday ’ s stories on Hawk Harrelson ’ s health woes and David Ross balancing his role as Cubs manager with being a divorced dad .
Here ’ s the thing : For as good as the past year has been , we continue to battle the same headwinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep moving that needle , we ’ ll need to keep building our readership .
So if you buy us at the grocery store from time to time , please consider subscribing for home delivery .
If you read us online , consider a digital subscription .
We play a critical role in informing and entertaining Chicagoans and holding power accountable .
Your support enables us to keep “ doing it right , ” and we hope to grow and give you even more quality journalism in the future .

Thanks to the support of our owners, our advertisers and you, our readers, we hired additional journalists, transformed our digital experience and partnered with a variety of other media organizations last year to produce high-quality journalism that moved the needle.
Now, we’re being nationally recognized for all this work. A change on the top of our homepage says it all: We’ve swapped out “The Hardest-Working Paper in America” with a new tagline: “One of Editor & Publisher’s ‘10 That Do It Right 2020.’”
“The Sun-Times has been working on revamping its newsroom through several initiatives and projects, specifically when it comes to digital,” the magazine said in its story Monday honoring our media company and others. “Recently, the newsroom rebranded both their print and digital offerings to make them feel more polished and cohesive as well as launched digital subscriptions.”
E&P — for decades a national authority on the news industry — spotlighted our innovative Sports Saturday edition, our new website powered by Vox Media’s Chorus system, and video and podcasting initiatives that included partnerships with WBEZ and the Chicago Reader.
Digital Subscription offer Subscribe today Support civic-minded, independent journalism by signing up for a Chicago Sun-Times digital subscription. See subscription offers
We’re honored to be in the company of quality news companies big and small, from the Arizona Republic to the Financial Times to the Keene Sentinel in Keene, New Hampshire.
Our appearance in the “10 That Do It Right” reflects the work of our entire staff. It also seems fitting to recognize individual Sun-Times reporters who won national honors last year. They include:
Already this year, we’ve been hard at work, breaking stories about the administrative scandal at Lincoln Park High School, violence on the CTA and the possibility of soaring utility rates, among others. Sports Saturday continues to be a big part of our future, including this past Saturday’s stories on Hawk Harrelson’s health woes and David Ross balancing his role as Cubs manager with being a divorced dad.
Here’s the thing: For as good as the past year has been, we continue to battle the same headwinds as other regional newspapers. For us to keep moving that needle, we’ll need to keep building our readership.
So if you buy us at the grocery store from time to time, please consider subscribing for home delivery. If you read us online, consider a digital subscription.
We play a critical role in informing and entertaining Chicagoans and holding power accountable. Your support enables us to keep “doing it right,” and we hope to grow and give you even more quality journalism in the future.
Chris Fusco
Editor-in-Chief