chicagosuntimes--2020-01-21--Michael O’Brien’s high school basketball notebook

A friend of mine told me earlier this season that he read somewhere that Kankakee was named the worst town in Illinois or the country or something .
I told him it wasn ’ t even close and was fairly confident that was true .
That conversation had me thinking as I drive around this season and I ’ ve picked out the worst town in the Chicago area .
That is not something I ’ ll be divulging in the notebook , but it is not Kankakee .
My drives in and out of town tonight just backed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights strung across a main street downtown and some new bike lanes .
I even drove by two new looking places that looked like great spots to grab a beer .
You could do a lot worse than Kankakee .
The Kays drew a nice crowd tonight for the showdown with Thornton but it didn ’ t go their way .
Zion-Benton 90 , No .
2 Evanston 71 : The big result of the night .
This one was in Evanston .
The Wildkits lose their first game of the season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ games against New Trier and Bloom .
It will be interesting to see how they respond .
Unfortunately the Zee-Bee ’ s were not included on No Shot Clock ’ s list of the best teams no one is talking about .
That was clearly a mistake .
No .
24 Simeon 63 , Brooks 36 : The Wolverines recover quickly from the heavy loss to Fenwick .
Ahamad Bynum led the way with 22 points and freshman Davius Loury , who I don ’ t think I ’ ve seen play this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebounds and three blocks .
The Battle of Vincennes is up next for Simeon on Thursday at Morgan Park No .
1 Curie 61 , Corliss 53 : Solid win for the Condors .
Ramean Hinton and Armond Williams each scored 13 .
The Trojans have played well against most of the big boys in the Red-South/Central again this season .
Brother Rice 55 , Marist 47 : This is one of my favorite games every season , I was sad to miss it .
The Crusaders win The Battle of Pulaski behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hagan added 12 points and 10 rebounds .
Alex Knight led the RedHawks with 18 .
Longwood 65 , South Shore 58 OT : The Panthers win the White-South .
I would add the leading scorers but there were no first names in the tweet .
Carmel 65 , North Chicago 38 : Five consecutive wins for the Corsairs , who are now 11-9 .
Kimahri Wilson nearly had a triple double with 15 points , 13 steals and eight rebounds .
Fenwick 60 , Marmion 49 : The Friars are on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points , 10 rebounds and five assists and Trey Pettigrew added 19 points .
St. Ignatius 58 , Sandburg 40 : I like this game .
Something a little different on a Tuesday with a Catholic League team against a steady south suburban program .
Sophomore Kolby Giles led the Wolfpack with 12 points and Daniel Florey added 11 .
Jones 54 , Stagg 50 : Rron Thaci , a 6-6 senior , scored 26 points and grabbed 16 rebounds .
He passed the 1,000 point mark for his career .
York 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the Dukes pick up the win .
I suppose they have played a ton of games over the last few days .
Nate Shockey passed the 1,000 point mark for his career .
Ag .
Science 67 , Julian 40 : Shawn Frison scored 16 and Corey Jones added 14 .
This is the second consecutive season that Ag .
Science has finished 8-1 in the White-South and finished second .
Dyett 69 , Chicago Military 45 : The Eagles win the Blue-South and will be promoted to the White .
Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Bar Wheatley added 16 points and eight rebounds .

A friend of mine told me earlier this season that he read somewhere that Kankakee was named the worst town in Illinois or the country or something. I told him it wasn’t even close and was fairly confident that was true.
That conversation had me thinking as I drive around this season and I’ve picked out the worst town in the Chicago area. That is not something I’ll be divulging in the notebook, but it is not Kankakee. My drives in and out of town tonight just backed up my previous opinion. Kankakee had pretty lights strung across a main street downtown and some new bike lanes. I even drove by two new looking places that looked like great spots to grab a beer.
You could do a lot worse than Kankakee.
The Kays drew a nice crowd tonight for the showdown with Thornton but it didn’t go their way.
Tuesday’s top games
Zion-Benton 90, No. 2 Evanston 71: The big result of the night. This one was in Evanston. The Wildkits lose their first game of the season. They have a huge weekend ahead with games against New Trier and Bloom. It will be interesting to see how they respond. Unfortunately the Zee-Bee’s were not included on No Shot Clock’s list of the best teams no one is talking about. That was clearly a mistake.
No. 24 Simeon 63, Brooks 36: The Wolverines recover quickly from the heavy loss to Fenwick. Ahamad Bynum led the way with 22 points and freshman Davius Loury, who I don’t think I’ve seen play this season, had 10 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Battle of Vincennes is up next for Simeon on Thursday at Morgan Park
No. 1 Curie 61, Corliss 53: Solid win for the Condors. Ramean Hinton and Armond Williams each scored 13. The Trojans have played well against most of the big boys in the Red-South/Central again this season.
Brother Rice 55, Marist 47: This is one of my favorite games every season, I was sad to miss it. The Crusaders win The Battle of Pulaski behind 22 points from Rico Powell. Deandre Hagan added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alex Knight led the RedHawks with 18.
Longwood 65, South Shore 58 OT: The Panthers win the White-South. I would add the leading scorers but there were no first names in the tweet.
Carmel 65, North Chicago 38: Five consecutive wins for the Corsairs, who are now 11-9. Kimahri Wilson nearly had a triple double with 15 points, 13 steals and eight rebounds.
Fenwick 60, Marmion 49: The Friars are on a nice roll. Bryce Hopkins had 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and Trey Pettigrew added 19 points.
St. Ignatius 58, Sandburg 40: I like this game. Something a little different on a Tuesday with a Catholic League team against a steady south suburban program. Sophomore Kolby Giles led the Wolfpack with 12 points and Daniel Florey added 11.
Jones 54, Stagg 50: Rron Thaci, a 6-6 senior, scored 26 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. He passed the 1,000 point mark for his career.
York 55, Proviso West 49: Interestingly close but the Dukes pick up the win. I suppose they have played a ton of games over the last few days. Nate Shockey passed the 1,000 point mark for his career.
Ag. Science 67, Julian 40: Shawn Frison scored 16 and Corey Jones added 14. This is the second consecutive season that Ag. Science has finished 8-1 in the White-South and finished second.
Dyett 69, Chicago Military 45: The Eagles win the Blue-South and will be promoted to the White. Senior Jarret Rhone scored 29 and junior Ja’Bar Wheatley added 16 points and eight rebounds.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-21--Chicago ranked 10th among the most diverse cities in the country

Chicago barely cracks the top 10 of the most racially diverse cities in the country , and its diversity has dipped a little since 2010 in part because of the city ’ s declining black population , according to a new U.S. News & World Report analysis .
U.S. News calculated a “ diversity score ” by analyzing the most recent census data for 66 cities with populations of 300,000 or more .
A city ’ s score represents that two people chosen at random will be from a different ethnic or racial group — a perfect diversity index score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 0.75 was ranked 10th on the list .
Seven of the top 10 most-diverse cities were in California — the top three were Stockton ( 0.84 ) ; Oakland ( 0.82 ) ; and Sacramento ( 0.81 ) .
At the bottom of the list were Lexington , Kentucky ( 0.47 ) ; Detroit ( 0.43 ) ; and El Paso , Texas ( 0.43 ) .
Despite Detroit receiving the second-lowest diversity score , its diversity increased 21 % — the largest growth of any city .
Chicago ’ s diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also behind other cities with comparable population sizes .
It ranked behind New York ( 0.79 ) ; Houston ( 0.77 ) ; and Los Angeles ( 0.76 ) .
Each of those cities also experienced a slight dip in its diversity except New York .
Overall , the country ’ s largest cities have become 2 % more diverse between 2010 and 2018 .
About 70 % of the 66 cities evaluated grew in racial diversity during that same time .
Devon Haynie , assistant managing editor for cities at U.S. News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homogenous , but “ diversity doesn ’ t always translate to equal opportunity.
” The report doesn ’ t factor a city ’ s racial segregation into its diversity score but relies on 2018 population estimates from the American Community Survey and 2010 ’ s decennial census data .
It uses white , black , Asian , American Indian/Alaska Native , Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic as racial and ethnic groups .
“ Even the most diverse cities in the country are facing racial inequalities in income levels , educational attainment and homeownership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago ’ s South and West sides .

Chicago barely cracks the top 10 of the most racially diverse cities in the country, and its diversity has dipped a little since 2010 in part because of the city’s declining black population, according to a new U.S. News & World Report analysis.
U.S. News calculated a “diversity score” by analyzing the most recent census data for 66 cities with populations of 300,000 or more. A city’s score represents that two people chosen at random will be from a different ethnic or racial group — a perfect diversity index score is 1.
Chicago’s score of 0.75 was ranked 10th on the list.
Seven of the top 10 most-diverse cities were in California — the top three were Stockton (0.84); Oakland (0.82); and Sacramento (0.81). At the bottom of the list were Lexington, Kentucky (0.47); Detroit (0.43); and El Paso, Texas (0.43).
Despite Detroit receiving the second-lowest diversity score, its diversity increased 21% — the largest growth of any city. Chicago’s diversity fell by 1.1%.
Chicago is also behind other cities with comparable population sizes. It ranked behind New York (0.79); Houston (0.77); and Los Angeles (0.76). Each of those cities also experienced a slight dip in its diversity except New York.
Overall, the country’s largest cities have become 2% more diverse between 2010 and 2018. About 70% of the 66 cities evaluated grew in racial diversity during that same time.
Devon Haynie, assistant managing editor for cities at U.S. News, said U.S. cities are becoming less homogenous, but “diversity doesn’t always translate to equal opportunity.”
The report doesn’t factor a city’s racial segregation into its diversity score but relies on 2018 population estimates from the American Community Survey and 2010’s decennial census data. It uses white, black, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic as racial and ethnic groups.
“Even the most diverse cities in the country are facing racial inequalities in income levels, educational attainment and homeownership rates,” Haynie said in a statement.
U.S. News & World Report’s most-diverse cities 2018 Diversity Rank CITY 2018 Diversity Index Score Change in Diversity Between 2010-2018 1 Stockton, California 0.84 0.10% 2 Oakland, California 0.82 0.90% 3 Sacramento, California 0.81 1.50% 4 New York, New York 0.79 0.90% 5 Long Beach, California 0.78 -1.70%
U.S. News & World Report’s least-diverse cities 2018 Diversity Rank CITY 2018 Diversity Index Score Change in Diversity Between 2010-2018 66 El Paso, Texas 0.43 -1.20% 65 Detroit, Michigan 0.43 21.00% 64 Lexington, Kentucky 0.47 7.30% 63 Portland, Oregon 0.48 3.10% 62 Louisville, Kentucky 0.51 6.20% U.S. News & World Report
Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago’s South and West sides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-21--Horoscope for Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Capricorn .
This is the perfect day to ask for a raise or a favor from a boss or someone in authority .
( Perhaps you want a better parking space ?
Could be anything . )
Timing is everything and today is the perfect time !
Work-related travel will delight .
This is a fabulous day to travel because everyone is in a great mood , including you .
It will thrill you to do something to expand your world .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn something new .
Legal decisions will likely favor you .
Keep your pockets open because gifts , goodies and favors from others will come your way .
Because of beneficial influence from others , this is the perfect day to ask a bank for a loan or a mortgage .
You might also want to borrow something from a friend ?
“ Spare change ?
” This is a wonderful day to negotiate with partners , close friends or members of the general public .
Note : Good business is mutually beneficial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means all parties will be happy .
We like !
Work-related travel will be exciting .
You will enjoy dealing with other countries or people from other cultures in order to expand your world .
Dealing with large groups will go well .
Please note that your actions will come back to you .
Give and ye shall receive !
This is a great day to schmooze and enjoy parties and social outings because everyone is in an upbeat mood .
People are generous to each other as well as warm-hearted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do anything that pleases you or makes you happy .
This is an excellent day to negotiate real estate deals or discuss anything related to home and family because a sense of mutual generosity exists .
If you are generous to others , they will be generous to you .
It ’ s a great day to entertain at home .
Invite the gang over for good food and drink !
Today you are in a positive frame of mind , which is why you will enjoy talking to everyone you meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who write , teach , market , sell or act because your words will be inspirational and upbeat .
A short trip will please you .
Go somewhere new and different !
Business and commerce are favored because this is an excellent day to do business .
Whatever you do might increase your wealth and assets in some way .
Negotiations with foreign interests and people from other cultures will be favored .
The moon is lined up with lucky , moneybags Jupiter in your sign , which makes you happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will get what you give in terms of kindness , friendship and nurturing support .
Relations with members of the public or groups will be positive .
This is a feel-good day !
Furthermore , you might have a stronger concern for the deeper aspects of life , which is why metaphysical and spiritual insights will intrigue you .
You have a fine mind and are always interested in the elusive aspects of reality .
Any group or gathering will be fun for you because everyone is in a great mood .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face !
This upbeat tone will promote meetings , conventions and small gatherings .
You will also enjoy the company of friends .
Hey , nonny nonny and all that !
If Your Birthday Is Today Actress Diane Lane ( 1965 ) shares your birthday .
You are loving , caring and generous to others .
You are multitalented , forward thinking and realistic .
This year you ’ re winding up many things you began nine years ago by letting go of what is no longer relevant and moving on to something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your load to get ready for new beginnings !

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
This is the perfect day to ask for a raise or a favor from a boss or someone in authority. (Perhaps you want a better parking space? Could be anything.) Timing is everything and today is the perfect time! Work-related travel will delight.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a fabulous day to travel because everyone is in a great mood, including you. It will thrill you to do something to expand your world. It’s also a lovely day to study or learn something new. Legal decisions will likely favor you.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Keep your pockets open because gifts, goodies and favors from others will come your way. Because of beneficial influence from others, this is the perfect day to ask a bank for a loan or a mortgage. You might also want to borrow something from a friend? “Spare change?”
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a wonderful day to negotiate with partners, close friends or members of the general public. Note: Good business is mutually beneficial and this is what you will achieve, which means all parties will be happy. We like!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Work-related travel will be exciting. You will enjoy dealing with other countries or people from other cultures in order to expand your world. Dealing with large groups will go well. Please note that your actions will come back to you. Give and ye shall receive!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is a great day to schmooze and enjoy parties and social outings because everyone is in an upbeat mood. People are generous to each other as well as warm-hearted and friendly. Take a mini vacation and do anything that pleases you or makes you happy.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is an excellent day to negotiate real estate deals or discuss anything related to home and family because a sense of mutual generosity exists. If you are generous to others, they will be generous to you. It’s a great day to entertain at home. Invite the gang over for good food and drink!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Today you are in a positive frame of mind, which is why you will enjoy talking to everyone you meet. It’s a great day for those who write, teach, market, sell or act because your words will be inspirational and upbeat. A short trip will please you. Go somewhere new and different!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Business and commerce are favored because this is an excellent day to do business. Whatever you do might increase your wealth and assets in some way. Negotiations with foreign interests and people from other cultures will be favored.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
The moon is lined up with lucky, moneybags Jupiter in your sign, which makes you happy and fearless! Take note that today you will get what you give in terms of kindness, friendship and nurturing support. Relations with members of the public or groups will be positive.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a feel-good day! Furthermore, you might have a stronger concern for the deeper aspects of life, which is why metaphysical and spiritual insights will intrigue you. You have a fine mind and are always interested in the elusive aspects of reality.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Any group or gathering will be fun for you because everyone is in a great mood. Yes, everyone wants to see your face! This upbeat tone will promote meetings, conventions and small gatherings. You will also enjoy the company of friends. Hey, nonny nonny and all that!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Diane Lane (1965) shares your birthday. You are loving, caring and generous to others. You are multitalented, forward thinking and realistic. This year you’re winding up many things you began nine years ago by letting go of what is no longer relevant and moving on to something new and different. You are lightening your load to get ready for new beginnings!


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Nick Kyrgios barks, mocks his way to Australian Open’s 3rd round

MELBOURNE , Australia — Love him or hate him — and make no mistake , there are plenty in each camp — Nick Kyrgios never allows for a dull moment when he ’ s on a tennis court , whether it ’ s shot selection , showmanship , momentum swings , barking at his entourage or mocking another player not even involved in the match at hand .
All of the above happened during his ever-eventful 6-2 , 6-4 , 4-6 , 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon in the Australian Open ’ s second round Thursday night .
That included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six months ’ probation from the ATP for verbally abusing tennis officials — poked fun at the man he might meet in the fourth round , Rafael Nadal .
After being warned for taking more than the allotted 25 seconds between serves , Kyrgios mimicked how Nadal fidgets before a point , as if to remind the chair umpire that there are folks who more egregiously waste time .
When a reporter asked Nadal about Kyrgios ’ imitation of the 19-time major champion , the Spaniard replied : “ I really don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play tennis.
” About the only boring segment of the proceedings came during the in-stadium interview , when an allusion was made to later rounds and Kyrgios , an Australian seeded 23rd , told the Melbourne Arena crowd , “ I ’ m not thinking ahead .
...
I ’ m just taking it one match at a time at the moment.
” After Kyrgios wrapped up , the top-seeded Nadal was still in the early stages of what became a 6-3 , 7-6 ( 4 ) , 6-1 win against Federico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those results were the most intriguing of Day 4 at the year ’ s first Grand Slam tournament , especially given the distaste Kyrgios and Nadal have for each other in a raucous rivalry that provided one of the highlights of Wimbledon in 2019 .
Never too early to begin pondering a meeting with a quarterfinal berth at stake during Week 2 in Melbourne , with the popular Nadal facing the home-backed Kyrgios .
For that to materialize , Kyrgios first needs to beat No .
16 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish matchup .
A massive overnight storm blew dirt all over town , turning the Yarra River brown and leaving traces of red dust on the blue courts Thursday .
The playing surfaces required power washing , which delayed the start of action on some outside courts for more than four hours .
Among the noteworthy winners were U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev , who took a medical timeout because of a nosebleed late in the second set of his 7-5 , 6-1 , 6-3 victory over Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Open finalist Dominic Thiem , No .
7 Alexander Zverev , No .
10 Gael Monfils and a trio of women who have been ranked No .
1 and own Grand Slam titles : Simona Halep , Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza .
Nothing captivated a crowd quite like Kyrgios did against Simon , a 35-year-old from France who is ranked 61st .
Not all for good reasons , though .
Yes , Kyrgios delighted the fans with his between-the-legs shots and his booming serves — to the tune of 28 aces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the match .
He also probably made them nervous with the way he seemed to completely give away the third set after twice being a single point from serving for the win , holding break chances while already leading 4-2 .
Kyrgios dropped the last four games of that set , no longer showing the patience in baseline exchanges that helped build a lead in the first place .
There also were the consecutive double-faults that allowed Simon to get to 4-all with his first break of the match .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veered off course for quite a while .
The talented 24-year-old went from a total of 10 unforced errors over the first couple of sets to 30 over the next two .
During the changeover before the fourth set , Kyrgios expressed his displeasure with the sort of support he was getting from his group in the audience — which included former No .
1 Lleyton Hewitt — sarcastically huffing : “ So creative .
So creative .
So creative .
Out of all the things you could say : ‘ Stay tough.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Stay tough.
’ That ’ s what I get .
Every break point : ‘ Stay tough.
’ Wow .
Wow .
Wow.
” Kyrgios later described himself with a vulgar term for that reaction and said he apologized to his entourage in the locker room .
“ They don ’ t deserve that .
They do a lot of things for me , on and off the court , ” he said .
“ No , it ’ s not acceptable from me .
Nothing to do with them.
” Eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right direction , earning break points at 5-all in the fourth with the help of an unnecessary leaping backhand that seemed to fly out of control yet somehow landed on the baseline .
Kyrgios got that key break with a forehand winner to lead 6-5 , then extended his arm toward the spectators .
He served it out with a trio of aces , adding to his pledge of 200 Australian dollars per ace this month — there have been 111 in singles thus far , so 22,200 Australian dollars ’ worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfires burning around his country .
Then he turned toward the stands behind the baseline and let out a roar .
“ Could have gone to a dark place , and I brought it back .
I somehow scraped the win , ” Kyrgios said later .
“ Maturity ?
I don ’ t know .
I ’ m just happy to get the win .
”

MELBOURNE, Australia — Love him or hate him — and make no mistake, there are plenty in each camp — Nick Kyrgios never allows for a dull moment when he’s on a tennis court, whether it’s shot selection, showmanship, momentum swings, barking at his entourage or mocking another player not even involved in the match at hand.
All of the above happened during his ever-eventful 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon in the Australian Open’s second round Thursday night.
That included a moment when Kyrgios — currently on six months’ probation from the ATP for verbally abusing tennis officials — poked fun at the man he might meet in the fourth round, Rafael Nadal. After being warned for taking more than the allotted 25 seconds between serves, Kyrgios mimicked how Nadal fidgets before a point, as if to remind the chair umpire that there are folks who more egregiously waste time.
When a reporter asked Nadal about Kyrgios’ imitation of the 19-time major champion, the Spaniard replied: “I really don’t care. I’m here to play tennis.”
About the only boring segment of the proceedings came during the in-stadium interview, when an allusion was made to later rounds and Kyrgios, an Australian seeded 23rd, told the Melbourne Arena crowd, “I’m not thinking ahead. ... I’m just taking it one match at a time at the moment.”
Zzzzzzzz.
After Kyrgios wrapped up, the top-seeded Nadal was still in the early stages of what became a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-1 win against Federico Delbonis over at Rod Laver Arena.
Those results were the most intriguing of Day 4 at the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, especially given the distaste Kyrgios and Nadal have for each other in a raucous rivalry that provided one of the highlights of Wimbledon in 2019.
Never too early to begin pondering a meeting with a quarterfinal berth at stake during Week 2 in Melbourne, with the popular Nadal facing the home-backed Kyrgios.
For that to materialize, Kyrgios first needs to beat No. 16 Karen Khachanov of Russia on Saturday, when Nadal plays No. 27 Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish matchup.
A massive overnight storm blew dirt all over town, turning the Yarra River brown and leaving traces of red dust on the blue courts Thursday. The playing surfaces required power washing, which delayed the start of action on some outside courts for more than four hours.
Among the noteworthy winners were U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev, who took a medical timeout because of a nosebleed late in the second set of his 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez, along with two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem, No. 7 Alexander Zverev, No. 10 Gael Monfils and a trio of women who have been ranked No. 1 and own Grand Slam titles: Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza.
Nothing captivated a crowd quite like Kyrgios did against Simon, a 35-year-old from France who is ranked 61st.
Not all for good reasons, though.
Yes, Kyrgios delighted the fans with his between-the-legs shots and his booming serves — to the tune of 28 aces, including one at 136 mph to end the match.
He also probably made them nervous with the way he seemed to completely give away the third set after twice being a single point from serving for the win, holding break chances while already leading 4-2. Kyrgios dropped the last four games of that set, no longer showing the patience in baseline exchanges that helped build a lead in the first place.
There also were the consecutive double-faults that allowed Simon to get to 4-all with his first break of the match.
That was part of a stretch in which Kyrgios veered off course for quite a while. The talented 24-year-old went from a total of 10 unforced errors over the first couple of sets to 30 over the next two.
During the changeover before the fourth set, Kyrgios expressed his displeasure with the sort of support he was getting from his group in the audience — which included former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt — sarcastically huffing: “So creative. So creative. So creative. Out of all the things you could say: ‘Stay tough.’ Thanks, man. Thanks. ‘Stay tough.’ That’s what I get. Every break point: ‘Stay tough.’ Wow. Wow. Wow.”
Kyrgios later described himself with a vulgar term for that reaction and said he apologized to his entourage in the locker room.
“They don’t deserve that. They do a lot of things for me, on and off the court,” he said. “No, it’s not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them.”
Eventually, he got himself headed back in the right direction, earning break points at 5-all in the fourth with the help of an unnecessary leaping backhand that seemed to fly out of control yet somehow landed on the baseline. Kyrgios got that key break with a forehand winner to lead 6-5, then extended his arm toward the spectators.
He served it out with a trio of aces, adding to his pledge of 200 Australian dollars per ace this month — there have been 111 in singles thus far, so 22,200 Australian dollars’ worth — to help relief efforts for the wildfires burning around his country.
Then he turned toward the stands behind the baseline and let out a roar.
“Could have gone to a dark place, and I brought it back. I somehow scraped the win,” Kyrgios said later. “Maturity? I don’t know. I’m just happy to get the win.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Loyola rolls past Indiana State 75-55

Loyola rolls past Indiana State 75-55

Tate Hall matched his career high with 23 points as Loyola romped past Indiana State 75-55 on Wednesday night at @ @ @ @ @ Krutwig had 13 points , 12 rebounds and nine assists for Loyola ( 14-6 , @ @ @ @ @ , which earned its fourth straight win .
Franklin Agunanne added 10 points .
Loyola @ @ @ @ @ led 40-23 at the break .
The Sycamores ’ 23 points in the first half @ @ @ @ @ the team .
Jordan Barnes had 18 points for the Sycamores ( 10-8 , 3-4 @ @ @ @ @ who led the Sycamores in scoring coming into the contest with 18 points per game @ @ @ @ @ points on 3-of-11 shooting .
Loyola faces Northern Iowa on the road on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ home on Saturday .

Tate Hall matched his career high with 23 points as Loyola romped past Indiana State 75-55 on Wednesday night at the Gentile Center.
Hall made 9 of 10 shots.
Cameron Krutwig had 13 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for Loyola (14-6, 6-1 Missouri Valley Conference), which earned its fourth straight win. Franklin Agunanne added 10 points.
Loyola dominated the first half and led 40-23 at the break. The Sycamores’ 23 points in the first half marked a season low for the team.
Jordan Barnes had 18 points for the Sycamores (10-8, 3-4).
Tyreke Key, who led the Sycamores in scoring coming into the contest with 18 points per game, was held to eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Loyola faces Northern Iowa on the road on Sunday. Indiana State plays Bradley at home on Saturday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Abdelnasser Rashid, Cook County Board of Review commissioner Democratic candidate profile

Political/civic background : I served as Policy Director and then Deputy Chief of Staff for former Cook County Clerk David Orr , and as Chief Policy Officer for Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi .
I led a successful effort to help senior citizens save time and money by passing legislation to automatically renew the senior exemption , instead of forcing seniors to apply for the exemption each year .
I previously ran for Cook County Commissioner against the chairman of the Cook County Republican Party .
Occupation : Former Deputy Assessor , full-time Board of Review candidate & Neubauer Civic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Business Neubauer Civic Scholar ( MBA Candidate ) at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business As the Cook County assessor moves to make assessments more transparent and reduce the need for appeals , as he has pledged to do , what will you do to reduce the overhead in your office ?
Even before appeal volumes drop , as they should , the Board of Review should look to save taxpayer dollars by increasing efficiencies using technology and data to make more accurate and faster determinations .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( PTAB ) backlog related to Cook County has increased overhead for the Board of Review .
Reducing this backlog is a potential source of overhead reduction as well .
Over time , as assessments become more accurate , the volume of appeals will decrease , which should result in less overhead .
This will likely occur over several years , partly because the Assessor will complete the full cycle of triennial assessments in 2021 .
In addition , it will take some adjustment to break a culture of habitual appeals .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to continue to see high appeal volumes .
It will be important for the Board of Review to establish a clear practice that appeals will only be granted based on fair market value—not for any other reason .
This is an important step in reducing appeal volumes and overhead .
As a former Deputy Chief of Staff for Cook County Clerk David Orr , my responsibilities included collaborating with multiple stakeholders on the agency ’ s budget .
I have always been guided by values of equity , transparency and efficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Board of Review Commissioner .
The Board of Review historically has been described as a body that greases squeaky wheels — people who file appeals — rather than working more generally to be an arbiter of uniformity in assessments .
What ’ s your view of the board ’ s proper role ?
* The Board of Review ’ s proper role is straightforward : determine whether the Assessor ’ s valuation of a property is fair , based on the fair market value , and correct the valuation if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on market averages , not the operating choices made by a property owner , such as the choice to keep a property vacant if the market would otherwise provide a renter .
As such , the Board of Review should obtain the best market data available from a variety of sources , including databases such as Trepp .
In the past , people who were dissatisfied with a ruling from the Board of Review could go to court to appeal that decision but had to prove “ constructive fraud ” —that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the original assessment .
That standard has been made less stringent .
Has this been a change for the better , or has it resulted in too many baseless court appeals ?
Please explain .
The Assessor and the Board of Review are best equipped to handle valuations and appeals , and courts should be a last resort only when there is gross error or fraud .
It is unclear exactly how many appeals cases are in the court system , but given the significant number of appeals at the Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board , it is likely that there are too many appeals in the courts .
The Board of Review has property valuation professionals and subject matter experts whose function is to prevent courts from being flooded with assessment appeals .
The agency ’ s role is to weigh the evidence and make a proper determination .
If a taxpayer is unhappy with the assessment after multiple opportunities to appeal , there should be a stringent but reasonable standard to take the case to court .
Are there too many or few avenues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , the Board of Review , the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board , the courts — available to property owners ?
In your view , which avenues should exist ?
With an appeals process through the Assessor , the Board of Review , as well as remedies through the courts , it is appropriate to revisit the extent to which the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board should have jurisdiction over Cook County .
PTAB only began to hear cases from Cook County after 1996 legislation .
But we should be careful not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courts instead .
This would continue to force local governments to wait several years for an outcome and prolong budget instability .
Scaling back PTAB jurisdiction over Cook County must be coupled with enforcing a more stringent standard to take cases to court .
The context outside of Cook County may be different due to the unique needs and limited resources in smaller counties .
Should governmental units be given more time to argue that particularly large properties are under-assessed ?
Please explain .
Yes , they should have more time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unfair burden being placed on homeowners and small businesses , and local government should have the appropriate time to mount an informed objection .
It could take significant time and resources for local governments to gather the appropriate data , evidence and experts to mount a challenge .
Are staffers fairly distributed among the three Cook County Board of Review commissioners ?
Please explain .
The current allocation is unfair : staffers should be fairly distributed to all commissioners .
At the same time , each commissioner should share equal responsibility for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Board needs to work together as one agency on behalf of homeowners and taxpayers .
What should be the role of the Cook County Board of Review in providing technical help to school districts and other local taxing bodies when they challenge decisions by the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board to trim assessments ?
Please explain .
First , the Board of Review as a matter of course should provide ample documentation about how it arrives at its decisions—including information about capitalization rates , rent , and vacancy .
More thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local taxing bodies about the Board ’ s methodology and assumptions .
With this information , local governments are less likely to seek technical support from the Board .
Still , the Board should always be a resource for taxing bodies seeking technical assistance .
The goal must be fairness and accuracy , and school districts and municipalities are a welcome partner to achieving that goal .
Should you have to be a lawyer to represent someone before the Board of Review ?
Why or why not ?
No , you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many other states and jurisdictions outside of Illinois do not require an attorney , but allow other experienced professionals to represent taxpayers .
I believe property owners should be able to make their own choice about whether to hire an attorney or another qualified professional .
Homeowners could have highly professional representation at a lower cost than many attorneys would likely charge .
Is it acceptable for a member of the Board of Review to work as a lobbyist at any level of government in Illinois ?
Please explain .
No , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a duty to represent the interests of their constituents and not any particular interest group .
What historical figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from ?
Please explain .
Former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington .
He built a diverse , multi-racial coalition of communities and leaders to advance the interests of working families and fight corruption .
We need his same coalition-building and fighting spirit to address the challenges we ’ re facing today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , streaming or web-based show of all time .
Why ?
Stranger Things , because I missed all but five months of the 1980s , and I like to believe that we ’ ll prevail over the monsters in our own upside down .
Also , Hopper is still alive .

Candidate profile
Abdelnasser Rashid
Running for:Cook County Board of Review, 1st District
Political/civic background:I served as Policy Director and then Deputy Chief of Staff for former Cook County Clerk David Orr, and as Chief Policy Officer for Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. I led a successful effort to help senior citizens save time and money by passing legislation to automatically renew the senior exemption, instead of forcing seniors to apply for the exemption each year. I previously ran for Cook County Commissioner against the chairman of the Cook County Republican Party.
Occupation:Former Deputy Assessor, full-time Board of Review candidate & Neubauer Civic Scholar at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Education: Harvard University ‘11
Neubauer Civic Scholar (MBA Candidate) at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Campaign website: rashidforcook.com
Facebook: @rashidforcook
Twitter: @rashidforcook
Instagram: @rashidforcook
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.
As the Cook County assessor moves to make assessments more transparent and reduce the need for appeals, as he has pledged to do, what will you do to reduce the overhead in your office?
Even before appeal volumes drop, as they should, the Board of Review should look to save taxpayer dollars by increasing efficiencies using technology and data to make more accurate and faster determinations. In addition, the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board (PTAB) backlog related to Cook County has increased overhead for the Board of Review. Reducing this backlog is a potential source of overhead reduction as well.
Over time, as assessments become more accurate, the volume of appeals will decrease, which should result in less overhead. This will likely occur over several years, partly because the Assessor will complete the full cycle of triennial assessments in 2021. In addition, it will take some adjustment to break a culture of habitual appeals. Therefore in the coming few years, we are likely to continue to see high appeal volumes. It will be important for the Board of Review to establish a clear practice that appeals will only be granted based on fair market value—not for any other reason. This is an important step in reducing appeal volumes and overhead.
As a former Deputy Chief of Staff for Cook County Clerk David Orr, my responsibilities included collaborating with multiple stakeholders on the agency’s budget. I have always been guided by values of equity, transparency and efficiency. I will bring that same approach as a Board of Review Commissioner.
The Board of Review historically has been described as a body that greases squeaky wheels — people who file appeals — rather than working more generally to be an arbiter of uniformity in assessments. What’s your view of the board’s proper role?
The Board of Review’s proper role is straightforward: determine whether the Assessor’s valuation of a property is fair, based on the fair market value, and correct the valuation if it is mistaken. These valuations should be based on market averages, not the operating choices made by a property owner, such as the choice to keep a property vacant if the market would otherwise provide a renter. As such, the Board of Review should obtain the best market data available from a variety of sources, including databases such as Trepp.
In the past, people who were dissatisfied with a ruling from the Board of Review could go to court to appeal that decision but had to prove “constructive fraud” —that there had been fraud or gross error in making the original assessment. That standard has been made less stringent. Has this been a change for the better, or has it resulted in too many baseless court appeals? Please explain.
The Assessor and the Board of Review are best equipped to handle valuations and appeals, and courts should be a last resort only when there is gross error or fraud. It is unclear exactly how many appeals cases are in the court system, but given the significant number of appeals at the Board of Review and the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board, it is likely that there are too many appeals in the courts.
The Board of Review has property valuation professionals and subject matter experts whose function is to prevent courts from being flooded with assessment appeals. The agency’s role is to weigh the evidence and make a proper determination. If a taxpayer is unhappy with the assessment after multiple opportunities to appeal, there should be a stringent but reasonable standard to take the case to court.
Are there too many or few avenues of appeals — the county assessor’s office, the Board of Review, the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board, the courts — available to property owners? In your view, which avenues should exist?
With an appeals process through the Assessor, the Board of Review, as well as remedies through the courts, it is appropriate to revisit the extent to which the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board should have jurisdiction over Cook County. PTAB only began to hear cases from Cook County after 1996 legislation. But we should be careful not to unintentionally transfer the PTAB backlog to the courts instead. This would continue to force local governments to wait several years for an outcome and prolong budget instability. Scaling back PTAB jurisdiction over Cook County must be coupled with enforcing a more stringent standard to take cases to court.
The context outside of Cook County may be different due to the unique needs and limited resources in smaller counties.
Should governmental units be given more time to argue that particularly large properties are under-assessed? Please explain.
Yes, they should have more time. Under-assessment of large commercial properties leads to an unfair burden being placed on homeowners and small businesses, and local government should have the appropriate time to mount an informed objection. It could take significant time and resources for local governments to gather the appropriate data, evidence and experts to mount a challenge.
Are staffers fairly distributed among the three Cook County Board of Review commissioners? Please explain.
The current allocation is unfair: staffers should be fairly distributed to all commissioners. At the same time, each commissioner should share equal responsibility for the work of the agency. Ultimately, the Board needs to work together as one agency on behalf of homeowners and taxpayers.
What should be the role of the Cook County Board of Review in providing technical help to school districts and other local taxing bodies when they challenge decisions by the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board to trim assessments? Please explain.
First, the Board of Review as a matter of course should provide ample documentation about how it arrives at its decisions—including information about capitalization rates, rent, and vacancy. More thorough documentation provides greater transparency to the public and local taxing bodies about the Board’s methodology and assumptions. With this information, local governments are less likely to seek technical support from the Board. Still, the Board should always be a resource for taxing bodies seeking technical assistance. The goal must be fairness and accuracy, and school districts and municipalities are a welcome partner to achieving that goal.
Should you have to be a lawyer to represent someone before the Board of Review? Why or why not?
No, you should not have to be a lawyer. Many other states and jurisdictions outside of Illinois do not require an attorney, but allow other experienced professionals to represent taxpayers. I believe property owners should be able to make their own choice about whether to hire an attorney or another qualified professional. Homeowners could have highly professional representation at a lower cost than many attorneys would likely charge.
Is it acceptable for a member of the Board of Review to work as a lobbyist at any level of government in Illinois? Please explain.
No, it is not acceptable. Elected officials have a duty to represent the interests of their constituents and not any particular interest group.
What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
Former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington. He built a diverse, multi-racial coalition of communities and leaders to advance the interests of working families and fight corruption. We need his same coalition-building and fighting spirit to address the challenges we’re facing today.
What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time. Why?
Stranger Things, because I missed all but five months of the 1980s, and I like to believe that we’ll prevail over the monsters in our own upside down. Also, Hopper is still alive.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Presidential portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama coming to Chicago in 2021

The presidential portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to Chicago .
Chicagoans will have more than a year @ @ @ @ @ artwork before they ’ ll be displayed June 18 to Aug. 15 , 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ Chicago .
The portraits are normally on display at the Smithsonian ’ s National Portrait @ @ @ @ @ s capital .
According to the Smithsonian ’ s website : “ The Obama Portraits @ @ @ @ @ Portrait Gallery-led teacher workshops , curatorial presentations , and a richly illustrated book ( National @ @ @ @ @ Press ) .
This special presentation will enhance the conversations surrounding the power of portraiture @ @ @ @ @ communities.
” The Art Institute will be the first stop of a five-city tour that @ @ @ @ @ to New York , Los Angeles , Atlanta and Houston .

The presidential portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to Chicago.
Chicagoans will have more than a year to bone up on the artwork before they’ll be displayed June 18 to Aug. 15, 2021, at the Art Institute of Chicago.
The portraits are normally on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in the nation’s capital.
According to the Smithsonian: “The Obama Portraits will feature audiovisual elements, Portrait Gallery-led teacher workshops, curatorial presentations and a richly illustrated book. This special presentation will enhance the conversations surrounding the power of portraiture and its potential to engage communities.”
The Art Institute will be the first stop of a five-city tour that also will take the portraits to New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--1 killed, 3 wounded Wednesday in Chicago shootings

One person was killed and three others were wounded Wednesday in two shootings in Chicago — one of which was a triple shooting in West Garfield Park .
The trio were in a gray SUV about 1:30 p.m. when they stopped at a corner in the 200 block of South Kilpatrick Avenue and had a “ verbal confrontation ” with someone , Officer Michelle Tannehill , a CPD spokeswoman , said .
The person on the corner pulled out a gun and started shooting , Tannehill said .
The driver , 19-year-old Tyrese Hearon , was hit multiple times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said .
He crashed the vehicle as he drove away .
Hearon was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was pronounced dead , police and the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Investigators believe the shooting was connected to a “ narcotics-related robbery , ” Tannehill said .
Multiple persons of interest were being questioned .
The day ’ s other shooting left a teenage boy wounded in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
The 17-year-old was in an alley at 1:24 p.m. behind a home in the 2600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ males walked up and one of them fired shots , according to police .
The boy , who was grazed on his right arm twice , was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition , police said .
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate .
Two people were wounded Tuesday in citywide instances of gun violence .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

One person was killed and three others were wounded Wednesday in two shootings in Chicago — one of which was a triple shooting in West Garfield Park.
The trio were in a gray SUV about 1:30 p.m. when they stopped at a corner in the 200 block of South Kilpatrick Avenue and had a “verbal confrontation” with someone, Officer Michelle Tannehill, a CPD spokeswoman, said.
The person on the corner pulled out a gun and started shooting, Tannehill said. The driver, 19-year-old Tyrese Hearon, was hit multiple times, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He crashed the vehicle as he drove away.
Hearon was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police and the medical examiner’s office said.
Investigators believe the shooting was connected to a “narcotics-related robbery,” Tannehill said. Multiple persons of interest were being questioned.
The day’s other shooting left a teenage boy wounded in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
The 17-year-old was in an alley at 1:24 p.m. behind a home in the 2600 block of West 64th Street when two males walked up and one of them fired shots, according to police.
The boy, who was grazed on his right arm twice, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate.
Two people were wounded Tuesday in citywide instances of gun violence.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Trump wants to force us to use the dirtiest forms of energy possible

About your editorial : “ How to stop Trump from jacking up electric bills and hurting our environment ” [ Jan. 13 ] , the recent decision ( in a divided , 2-1 vote ) by President Donald Trump ’ s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will harm efforts to develop renewable energy in Illinois .
The misguided FERC ruling will increase energy costs to consumers and make the cost of clean renewable energy in Illinois much more expensive .
The net effect of the FERC ruling will be to encourage the use of older , dirtier forms of energy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important than ever to use clean , renewable energy , Trump and FERC want to force us to use the dirtiest forms of energy possible .
The State of Illinois can reverse the harmful effects of this ruling by passing clean energy legislation that would continue the development of clean energy in Illinois .
If you believe in the beneficial effects of clean , renewable energy , please raise your voice in opposition to FERC ’ s ( and Trump ’ s ) recent ruling .
Call Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the duration of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , however long that might be , senators will have to sit through the trial and remain silent .
Doesn ’ t the Constitution prohibit cruel and unusual punishment ?
The impeachment trial , tensions with Iran and a world on fire has the American people rightfully distracted .
However , with an election this year , we can not afford to avoid the elephants in the room .
The elephants represent the multiple Republican primary challengers to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire country , are tip-toeing around those elephants at all costs .
In fact , the GOP has unilaterally canceled 10 state primary elections or allowed onnly Trump ’ s name on the ballot .
This action is fundamentally un-American , and guess what ?
No one is talking about it .
The corporate media , our feckless leaders and people on the street are not raising one iota of an objection to President Donald Trump ’ s autocratic action .
Do the primary challengers have a chance ?
Absolutely not .
Regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If we lose free , fair and open elections , by our own hand , we will do the Russians ’ work for them .
If we lose truth , justice and the American way , all will be lost .
We the people demand that Trump allow all elections to continue unabated .
If he fails to do so , he is not worthy of the presidency of the United States .

About your editorial: “How to stop Trump from jacking up electric bills and hurting our environment” [Jan. 13], the recent decision (in a divided, 2-1 vote) by President Donald Trump’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will harm efforts to develop renewable energy in Illinois.
The misguided FERC ruling will increase energy costs to consumers and make the cost of clean renewable energy in Illinois much more expensive. The net effect of the FERC ruling will be to encourage the use of older, dirtier forms of energy. At a time when it is more important than ever to use clean, renewable energy, Trump and FERC want to force us to use the dirtiest forms of energy possible.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
The State of Illinois can reverse the harmful effects of this ruling by passing clean energy legislation that would continue the development of clean energy in Illinois. If you believe in the beneficial effects of clean, renewable energy, please raise your voice in opposition to FERC’s (and Trump’s) recent ruling. Call Gov. J.B. Pritzker and urge him to pass clean energy legislation now.
Mark Kraemer, Wilmette
Cruel punishment
For the duration of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, however long that might be, senators will have to sit through the trial and remain silent. Doesn’t the Constitution prohibit cruel and unusual punishment?
Gerald Weisberg, Lake View
Canceled primaries
The impeachment trial, tensions with Iran and a world on fire has the American people rightfully distracted. However, with an election this year, we cannot afford to avoid the elephants in the room.
The elephants represent the multiple Republican primary challengers to President Trump. The Republican Party, and the entire country, are tip-toeing around those elephants at all costs. In fact, the GOP has unilaterally canceled 10 state primary elections or allowed onnly Trump’s name on the ballot. This action is fundamentally un-American, and guess what? No one is talking about it.
The corporate media, our feckless leaders and people on the street are not raising one iota of an objection to President Donald Trump’s autocratic action. Do the primary challengers have a chance? Absolutely not. Regardless, this issue is about the principle. If we lose free, fair and open elections, by our own hand, we will do the Russians’ work for them. If we lose truth, justice and the American way, all will be lost. We the people demand that Trump allow all elections to continue unabated. If he fails to do so, he is not worthy of the presidency of the United States.
Henry J.H. Wilson, Barrington


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--March Madness possible — but not the Oscars — as Illinois sports betting moves closer to launch

Sports betting inched one step closer to becoming a reality in Illinois .
A second round of operating procedures for casinos and racetracks was released by the Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday , but one key thing was missing : a launch date .
Instead , the board made it clear that once casinos and racetracks do get the go-ahead , they can start taking bets “ as soon as they are ready to do so.
” Of course , as gambling venues get “ ready , ” they still have no clue when the regulatory agency will give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making allowances for “ temporary ” permits , presumably to speed that process up a bit .
“ Once applications are submitted , vetted , and approved , an applicant may receive a temporary operating permit and could then begin accepting wagers as soon as they are ready to do so , ” gaming board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said in a statement .
But Illinois gamblers should prepare to make their bets on sporting events , not the entertainment world .
In Indiana , gambling regulators announced Wednesday that sportsbooks will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Awards next month .
Online betting giants DraftKings and FanDuel each requested Indiana Gaming Commission approval to open the Oscars to the action .
But the Illinois Gaming Board ’ s new rules specify the state sports betting will be limited to sports — no bets on whether “ The Irishman ” will win an Academy Award this year .
The new rules specify that betting will be contained to “ any professional sport , any motorsport , and any collegiate sport excluding those involving Illinois collegiate teams.
” “ The Illinois Gaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ types or kinds of wagers or ban wagers on certain sports , leagues , or other activities , ” the board says on its website .
Architects of the gambling expansion hope sports betting will be up and running within weeks , to help Illinois nab some much needed revenue .
“ March Madness is a reasonable goal [ for sports betting to begin ] , ” state Rep. Mike Zalewski , D-Chicago , said .
“ I think that the second round of rules gives the operators the ability to know once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast they can turn a key into being operational.
” Zalewski , who played a key role in the gambling expansion measure last year , said the new rules are mostly technical in nature but are an “ early good step.
” “ It shows that they ’ re moving things along , ” Zalewski said .
“ Hopefully it ’ s up and running by March.
” Nearly seven months after Gov .
J.B. Pritzker signed sports betting into law as part of a massive gambling expansion , the Illinois Gaming Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
Applications for sports betting licenses were issued for Illinois casinos and racetracks in December , while state gambling regulators were still ironing out thousands of rules governing operating procedures .
Sports betting was legalized in Indiana about two months before it was in Illinois , and sportsbooks opened in Indiana in September .
Bettors have plunked down nearly $ 430 million in Indiana casinos and on mobile betting applications since then , generating almost $ 4 million in tax revenue , according to Indiana regulators .

Sports betting inched one step closer to becoming a reality in Illinois.
A second round of operating procedures for casinos and racetracks was released by the Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday, but one key thing was missing: a launch date.
Instead, the board made it clear that once casinos and racetracks do get the go-ahead, they can start taking bets “as soon as they are ready to do so.”
Of course, as gambling venues get “ready,” they still have no clue when the regulatory agency will give them the final go-ahead. But the board is making allowances for “temporary” permits, presumably to speed that process up a bit.
“Once applications are submitted, vetted, and approved, an applicant may receive a temporary operating permit and could then begin accepting wagers as soon as they are ready to do so,” gaming board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said in a statement.
But Illinois gamblers should prepare to make their bets on sporting events, not the entertainment world.
In Indiana, gambling regulators announced Wednesday that sportsbooks will be able to lay odds on the Academy Awards next month. Online betting giants DraftKings and FanDuel each requested Indiana Gaming Commission approval to open the Oscars to the action.
But the Illinois Gaming Board’s new rules specify the state sports betting will be limited to sports — no bets on whether “The Irishman” will win an Academy Award this year.
Actress Sally Field accepts her Academy Award for best actress in the film “Places in the Heart” at the Oscar ceremonies in Los Angeles in 1985. File Photo AP
The new rules specify that betting will be contained to “any professional sport, any motorsport, and any collegiate sport excluding those involving Illinois collegiate teams.”
“The Illinois Gaming Board retains the authority to ban certain types or kinds of wagers or ban wagers on certain sports, leagues, or other activities,” the board says on its website.
Architects of the gambling expansion hope sports betting will be up and running within weeks, to help Illinois nab some much needed revenue.
“March Madness is a reasonable goal [for sports betting to begin],” state Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Chicago, said. “I think that the second round of rules gives the operators the ability to know once they get their application approved, how fast they can turn a key into being operational.”
Zalewski, who played a key role in the gambling expansion measure last year, said the new rules are mostly technical in nature but are an “early good step.”
Spike Lee, left, poses with his Oscar for “ Best Adapted Screenplay” for “BlacKkKlansman” last year; Nevada forward Caleb Martin, right, blocks a shot by Loyola-Chicago guard Lucas Williamson during a regional semifinal NCAA college basketball game last year. File Photos. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images; David Goldman/AP
“It shows that they’re moving things along,” Zalewski said. “Hopefully it’s up and running by March.”
Of course, even if Illinois sports betting does go live in time for March Madness, gamblers shouldn’t plan on laying any money on Loyola or any other home-state favorites, since the law bans betting on Illinois collegiate teams.
Nearly seven months after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed sports betting into law as part of a massive gambling expansion, the Illinois Gaming Board has yet to announce an industry launch date.
Applications for sports betting licenses were issued for Illinois casinos and racetracks in December, while state gambling regulators were still ironing out thousands of rules governing operating procedures.
Sports betting was legalized in Indiana about two months before it was in Illinois, and sportsbooks opened in Indiana in September. Bettors have plunked down nearly $430 million in Indiana casinos and on mobile betting applications since then, generating almost $4 million in tax revenue, according to Indiana regulators.
The Illinois Gaming Board next meets Jan. 30.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--White Sox GM’s heavy lifting is over

White Sox GM’s heavy lifting is over

Right after Rick Hahn laid out the White Sox ’ offseason plan at the end of last season , someone from the team ’ s media relations staff told he said too much .
“ You set yourself a high standard or a high bar for this offseason , ” Hahn said he was told after telling media he would target two starting pitchers , a designated hitter , right fielder and bullpen help .
Being transparent , however , didn ’ t seem to hurt .
“ But I think we were able to accomplish everything , at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things when you include the Luis Robert extension or bringing back [ Jose ] Abreu .
So we ’ re certainly pleased.
” So is most of the Sox fan base , it seems .
After adding left-handers Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to the rotation , Yasmani Grandal behind the plate , Edwin Encarnacion at DH , Nomar Mazara in right field and Steve Cishek to the bullpen , Hahn ’ s heavy lifting is over , and apart from a touch-up here or there , the team fans will fawn over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend is what they ’ ll get come Opening Day March 26 .
“ We ’ re probably done with any major acquisitions , ” Hahn said .
As it stands , the roster projects on paper as a team that should finish above .500 .
The expectation from manager Rick Renteria and players is higher .
“ I would be disappointed if we don ’ t make the playoffs , ” Renteria said , three fresh losing seasons of rebuilding on his resume , including 72-89 last season .
Renteria and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guaranteed Rate Field Thursday , on the eve of SoxFest and less than three weeks from spring training .
Hahn and vice president Ken Williams have assembled a team they believe can win in 2020 , but view the season as a bridge to contention and even stronger teams beyond this year as the young core evolves .
Nothing done this winter guarantees a winning record , and Hahn and Renteria know it .
The buzz around SoxFest from the more than $ 200 million committed to the next several seasons will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we haven ’ t accomplished anything yet , we haven ’ t won yet , ” Hahn said .
“ This whole process was about winning championships , was about finishing with a parade at the end of October down Michigan Avenue .
Until that happens , I don ’ t think any of us are really in a position to feel satisfied or feel like we ’ ve accomplished anything .
We ’ ve had a nice winter.
” It would have been really , really nice had Hahn reeled in Nicholas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field instead of 24-year-old Nomar Mazara , a less expensive left-handed hitter with upside the Sox are taking a flyer on .
“ Given the [ contract ] control of a couple of years and the price points that he comes with , we think it ’ s a nice fit within the other things that we wanted to accomplish on that roster , ” Hahn said .
“ We spent a lot of time talking about the young core and it coming along here .
We ’ re not complete yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a contribution this year , Nick Madrigal at some point over the course of the season , Andrew Vaughn probably not too far behind him at some point .
But the right-field situation we haven ’ t quite gotten to who is that long-term answer yet .
“ Mazara presented , at least potentially , a nice two-year bridge to allow some of the young players in our system or perhaps some alternatives from outside the system to become available and lay claim to that position for the long term.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play out for the first few months of the season , and if they are in position to contend , Hahn said he will spend for needed upgrades .
“ When we ’ ve been in a position [ in the past ] to truly win and add impactful pieces around the deadline , we ’ ve been able to find the wherewithal to get that done , ” he said .

Right after general manager Rick Hahn laid out the White Sox’ offseason plan at the end of last season, someone from the team’s media-relations staff told him he said too much.
‘‘You set yourself a high standard or a high bar for this offseason,’’ Hahn said he was told after telling the media he would target two starting pitchers, a designated hitter, a right fielder and bullpen help.
Being transparent, however, didn’t seem to hurt.
‘‘I think we were able to accomplish everything, at least on that list, and a few other things when you include the Luis Robert extension or bringing back [Jose] Abreu,’’ Hahn said Thursday. ‘‘So we’re certainly pleased.’’
So is most of the Sox’ fan base, it seems.
After adding catcher Yasmani Grandal, left-handers Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to the rotation, Edwin Encarnacion at DH, Nomar Mazara in right field and Steve Cishek to the bullpen, Hahn’s heavy lifting is over. Apart from a touch-up here or there, what fans will fawn over this weekend at SoxFest is what they’ll get come Opening Day on March 26.
‘‘We’re probably done with any major acquisitions,’’ Hahn said.
As it stands, the roster projects as a team that should finish above .500. The expectation from manager Rick Renteria and his players, however, is higher.
‘‘I would be disappointed if we don’t make the playoffs,’’ said Renteria, who has three losing seasons of rebuilding on his résumé, including 72-89 last season.
Renteria and Hahn spoke at a news conference at Guaranteed Rate Field on the eve of SoxFest and less than three weeks from spring training. Hahn and vice president Ken Williams have assembled a team they think can win in 2020, but they view the season as a bridge to even stronger teams as the young core evolves.
Nothing the Sox have done this winter guarantees a winning record, and Hahn and Renteria know it. The buzz around SoxFest from the more than $200 million committed to the next several seasons will be nice, ‘‘but . . . we haven’t accomplished anything yet,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘We haven’t won yet.
‘‘This whole process was about winning championships, was about finishing with a parade at the end of October down Michigan Avenue. Until that happens, I don’t think any of us are really in a position to feel satisfied or feel like we’ve accomplished anything. We’ve had a nice winter.’’
It would have been even better had Hahn reeled in Nicholas Castellanos or Marcell Ozuna to play right field instead of Mazara, a less expensive left-handed hitter with upside.
‘‘Given the [contract] control of a couple of years and the price points that he comes with, we think it’s a nice fit within the other things that we wanted to accomplish,’’ Hahn said.
‘‘We spent a lot of time talking about the young core and it coming along here. We’re not complete yet. We still have Luis Robert we expect to make a contribution this year, Nick Madrigal at some point over the course of the season [and] Andrew Vaughn probably not too far behind him at some point. But the right-field situation, we haven’t quite gotten to who is that long-term answer yet.
‘‘Mazara presented, at least potentially, a nice two-year bridge to allow some of the young players in our system or perhaps some alternatives from outside the system to become available and lay claim to that position for the long term.’’
So the Sox will let things play out for the first few months of the season, and Hahn said he will spend for necessary upgrades if the team is in position to contend.
‘‘When we’ve been in a position [in the past] to truly win and add impactful pieces around the deadline, we’ve been able to find the wherewithal to get that done,’’ he said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Cook County’s 23rd cold-related death reported in Rogers Park

A man who died last week on the North Side is Cook County ’ s 23rd cold-related death this season .
Paramedics responded about 9:49 p.m. Jan. 17 to the Howard Red Line station , 7519 N. Paulina St. , for reports of a person down on the platform , according to Chicago Fire Department officials .
Witnesses said the man had been there for 10 minutes .
The 81-year-old was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston , where he was pronounced dead , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
An autopsy found he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a contributing factor , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
His death as ruled an accident .
The first death to be classified as cold-related this season was reported Nov. 1 , 2019 , in Avondale .
A 58-year-old man was found in the 3600 block of West Belmont Avenue and taken to Community First Medical Center , where he died of heart disease with cold exposure and alcohol poisoning as contributing factors , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Last season , 60 cold-related deaths were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , and May 23 , 2019 .

A man who died last week on the North Side is Cook County’s 23rd cold-related death this season.
Paramedics responded about 9:49 p.m. Jan. 17 to the Howard Red Line station, 7519 N. Paulina St., for reports of a person down on the platform, according to Chicago Fire Department officials. Witnesses said the man had been there for 10 minutes.
The 81-year-old was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
An autopsy found he died of heart disease with cold exposure as a contributing factor, the medical examiner’s office said. His death as ruled an accident.
The first death to be classified as cold-related this season was reported Nov. 1, 2019, in Avondale.
A 58-year-old man was found in the 3600 block of West Belmont Avenue and taken to Community First Medical Center, where he died of heart disease with cold exposure and alcohol poisoning as contributing factors, the medical examiner’s office said.
Last season, 60 cold-related deaths were reported in Cook County between Sept. 14, 2018, and May 23, 2019.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Civilian police review will finally pass City Council in February or March, alderman says

A long-stalled ordinance paving the way for civilian police oversight will pass the City Council in February or March — before Mayor Lori Lightfoot chooses a permanent replacement for fired CPD Supt .
Eddie Johnson , an influential alderman predicted Thursday .
Ald .
Chris Taliaferro ( 29th ) , chairman of the City Council ’ s Committee on Public Safety , said negotiators for the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability and the mayor ’ s office are closing in on an agreement that includes at least a partially-elected board with policy-making authority shared with the Chicago Police Department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m hopeful that we ’ ll bring in February or March a final version that can be voted on by this committee , ” said Taliaferro , a former Chicago Police officer .
Taliaferro spoke Thursday after the latest in a seemingly-endless string of “ subject matter hearings ” on the vexing issue of civilian police review .
Aldermen were told the Los Angeles Police Department has a five-member police commission made up solely of mayoral appointees .
Taliaferro said that won ’ t work in Chicago to restore trust between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shattered by the police shooting of Laquan McDonald .
“ Chicago right now is asking for an elected commission — or some hybrid thereof .
I would support an elected commission or appointments by the mayor , along with elected .
But we have to figure out a way to bring that trust back , ” Taliaferro said .
A fully-appointed board “ I don ’ t think is gon na restore the trust .
... We have a police board that ’ s appointed .
We have an IG appointed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief administrator appointed by the mayor .
... To have that [ elected ] civilian aspect of it is very important.
” The policy-making piece is also pivotal .
Arif Alikhan , former director of constitutional policing for the Los Angeles Police Department , told aldermen the Board of Police Commissioners there has a “ significant role in policy decision making , ” but the LAPD does the research and analysis .
“ 99 percent of the policies start and are developed by the department and its professional staff because of the complexities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , wanting to use robust and sound research , negotiations with the unions and all of the other things to make sure it can actually be effective in operations of the LAPD , ” Alikhan said .
Taliaferro believes the same thing will happen here .
“ It ’ s a team effort — and the commission has the final authority on approval .
That ’ s what I would like our city to do , ” the chairman said .
“ It allows our community to have input on major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
...
I don ’ t agree with the notion that only police can write policy.
” The debate over what form civilian police review should take in Chicago has dragged on for years — ever since the Task Force on Police Accountability chaired by then-Police Board President Lori Lightfoot recommended that step to restore public trust .
The mayor ’ s office said Lightfoot still believes “ implementing civilian oversight ” of CPD “ is an essential component for building greater transparency , accountability and trust between our law enforcement and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prediction about council approval in February or March , the mayor ’ s office would only say it remains “ closely engaged ” with Grassroots Alliance leadership and “ committed to finalizing and working with the City Council to pass this legislation as soon as possible.
” The most recent version of the Grassroots Alliance ordinance calls for a nine-member commission , chosen by elected representatives from the 22 police districts .
But it no longer gives that commission absolute power to fire the police superintendent or establish police policy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department and “ reviewed and voted on ” by the civilian commission .
Six of nine civilian commission members could get the ball rolling on a change at the top by taking a vote of no-confidence in the superintendent .
The final word on firing would rest with a simple majority of the City Council .
When a police superintendent is fired or retires , the Civilian Police Commission would conduct the nationwide search and recommend three finalists .
That commission also would recommend candidates to run the Civilian Office of Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A long-stalled ordinance paving the way for civilian police oversight will pass the City Council in February or March — before Mayor Lori Lightfoot chooses a permanent replacement for fired CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson, an influential alderman predicted Thursday.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Public Safety, said negotiators for the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability and the mayor’s office are closing in on an agreement that includes at least a partially-elected board with policy-making authority shared with the Chicago Police Department.
“I see movement on this. I’m hopeful that we’ll bring in February or March a final version that can be voted on by this committee,” said Taliaferro, a former Chicago Police officer.
Taliaferro spoke Thursday after the latest in a seemingly-endless string of “subject matter hearings” on the vexing issue of civilian police review.
Aldermen were told the Los Angeles Police Department has a five-member police commission made up solely of mayoral appointees.
Taliaferro said that won’t work in Chicago to restore trust between citizens and police in the black community shattered by the police shooting of Laquan McDonald.
“Chicago right now is asking for an elected commission — or some hybrid thereof. I would support an elected commission or appointments by the mayor, along with elected. But we have to figure out a way to bring that trust back,” Taliaferro said.
A fully-appointed board “I don’t think is gonna restore the trust. ... We have a police board that’s appointed. We have an IG appointed by the mayor. We have COPA with a chief administrator appointed by the mayor. ... To have that [elected] civilian aspect of it is very important.”
The policy-making piece is also pivotal.
Arif Alikhan, former director of constitutional policing for the Los Angeles Police Department, told aldermen the Board of Police Commissioners there has a “significant role in policy decision making,” but the LAPD does the research and analysis.
“99 percent of the policies start and are developed by the department and its professional staff because of the complexities that exist — whether it is about the law, wanting to use robust and sound research, negotiations with the unions and all of the other things to make sure it can actually be effective in operations of the LAPD,” Alikhan said.
Taliaferro believes the same thing will happen here.
“It’s a team effort — and the commission has the final authority on approval. That’s what I would like our city to do,” the chairman said.
“It allows our community to have input on major aspects of policy within the Police Department. ... I don’t agree with the notion that only police can write policy.”
The debate over what form civilian police review should take in Chicago has dragged on for years — ever since the Task Force on Police Accountability chaired by then-Police Board President Lori Lightfoot recommended that step to restore public trust.
The mayor’s office said Lightfoot still believes “implementing civilian oversight” of CPD “is an essential component for building greater transparency, accountability and trust between our law enforcement and the residents they serve.”
As for Taliaferro’s prediction about council approval in February or March, the mayor’s office would only say it remains “closely engaged” with Grassroots Alliance leadership and “committed to finalizing and working with the City Council to pass this legislation as soon as possible.”
The most recent version of the Grassroots Alliance ordinance calls for a nine-member commission, chosen by elected representatives from the 22 police districts. But it no longer gives that commission absolute power to fire the police superintendent or establish police policy.
Instead, policy would be written by the department and “reviewed and voted on” by the civilian commission.
Six of nine civilian commission members could get the ball rolling on a change at the top by taking a vote of no-confidence in the superintendent. The final word on firing would rest with a simple majority of the City Council.
When a police superintendent is fired or retires, the Civilian Police Commission would conduct the nationwide search and recommend three finalists. That commission also would recommend candidates to run the Civilian Office of Police Accountability and serve on the Police Board.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Bears’ three Pro Bowl participants had loftier goals

ORLANDO , Fla. — One year ago , the Bears invaded this city like toddlers with mouse ears on .
Seven players — including starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky , believed to be on the brink of becoming the Bears ’ long-awaited franchise quarterback — jogged through practices , posed for pictures and signed autographs at ESPN ’ s Wide World of Sports Complex .
Somewhere back home , Khalil Mack , their best player , rested up for what was certain to be a better second season with the Bears .
Even after a crushing playoff loss , the Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those late-night Disney parades .
Thursday felt different .
Rather than having seven players representing the NFC , the Bears boasted three players at the second practice of Pro Bowl week : safety Eddie Jackson , cornerback Kyle Fuller and special teams player Cordarrelle Patterson .
Mack , voted into Sunday ’ s all-star game , stayed home again this year .
Jackson and Fuller weren ’ t as gobsmacked as they were last season , in which they both made their all-star game debuts .
“ Last year as a surreal feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year is more numb.
” Like last year , Fuller could appreciate sharing a field with the best in the game .
“ I guess I had the experience last year so I know what to expect , I know how to feel , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a cool experience.
” None of the three could be blamed for the Bears ’ disappointing season , in which they needed to beat the Vikings ’ second string to finish 8-8 .
Patterson was a first-team all-pro returner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ each finishing with four fewer interceptions than he did the year before .
All three had Super Bowl expectations for the team — and Pro Bowl expectations for themselves .
They were proven half-right .
This week is bittersweet : they ’ d hoped , at the start of the season , to be able to skip the game while preparing for the Super Bowl .
Patterson was doing just that as a member of the Patriots at this time last year .
As fun as his third career Pro Bowl week feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , getting the opportunity to come out here with the best of the best , and some of these guys are Hall of Famers , ” he said — last year felt more substantial .
This offseason has taken some getting used to .
“ It ’ s long as [ heck ] , man , ” he said .
“ Now I ’ m out here and I ’ m done in January .
Dec. 29 , we were done .
That was kind of weird .
“ That gives you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and look back and critique yourself and see what you can do to fix all your stuff.
” Patterson said he didn ’ t have strong opinion on the Bears ’ offensive coaching changes — receivers coach Mike Furrey , who oversees Patterson , remains from last year .
Patterson insisted , though , that he left yards on the field on offense and as a returner .
“ Next year I ’ ll try to double what I did last year , ” he said .
“ Every year you just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year before then.
” Watching the Chiefs and 49ers reach the Super Bowl has only added to the offseason motivation .
“ Just seeing where we ended up and where we wanted to be , ” Fuller said .
“ Seeing these teams in the playoff and that get to play in the Super Bowl , I think that speaks for itself.
” Former Bears coach John Fox once said he ’ d rather have Super Bowlers than Pro Bowlers .
He got exactly three of the latter during his three-year stint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named as injury replacements — and none of the former .
The Bears ’ all-star roster this year looks abundant by comparison .
Fuller has now reached the Pro Bowl twice since inking a lucrative extension , while Jackson is mere weeks removed from a signing four-year , $ 58.4 million deal .
“ They even took an opportunity with me , giving me a chance to come in and prove myself after my injury [ during his senior year at Alabama ] , ” Jackson said .
“ Now , having this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — I ’ d rather it be a Super Bowl , obviously .
But coming out here and being selected and being around the guys , it ’ s always a blessing.
” Jackson smiled when he was asked if the contract means he plans on being one of the faces of the franchise going forward .
“ I ’ ve been feeling like that — with the money or without , ” he said .
“ We have a job .
everybody has a role to play .
Ours is to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In that sense , Fuller said , this offseason won ’ t be different from last year .
“ I think we ’ ll approach it the same way , ” he said .
“ Just work hard and try our best to have a better year .
”

ORLANDO, Fla. — One year ago, the Bears invaded this city like toddlers with mouse ears on.
Seven players — including starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who was thought to be on the brink of becoming the Bears’ long-awaited franchise quarterback — jogged through Pro Bowl practices, posed for pictures and signed autographs at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Somewhere back home, outside linebacker Khalil Mack rested up for what was certain to be a better second season with the Bears.
Even after a crushing playoff loss, the Bears’ future was as bright as one of those late-night Disney parades.
Thursday felt different. Rather than having eight players named to the game, the Bears had three at the second practice of Pro Bowl week: safety Eddie Jackson, cornerback Kyle Fuller and special-teams player Cordarrelle Patterson. Mack stayed home again this year.
Jackson and Fuller weren’t as gobsmacked as they were last year, when they both made their Pro Bowl debuts.
‘‘Last year was a surreal feeling,’’ Jackson said. ‘‘This year is more numb.’’
Like last year, Fuller could appreciate sharing a field with the best players in the game.
‘‘I guess I had the experience last year, so I know what to expect, I know how to feel,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s a cool experience.’’
None of the three could be blamed for the Bears’ disappointing 8-8 season. Patterson was a first-team All-Pro return man. Jackson and Fuller were standouts despite each finishing with four fewer interceptions than he did last season.
All three had Super Bowl expectations for the Bears and Pro Bowl expectations for themselves. They proved to be half-right. At the start of the season, they had hoped to be able to skip the Pro Bowl while preparing for the Super Bowl.
Patterson was doing just that as a member of the Patriots at this time last year. As fun as his third career Pro Bowl week feels — ‘‘It’s a blessing, getting the opportunity to come out here with the best of the best, and some of these guys are Hall of Famers,’’ he said — last year felt more substantial.
This offseason has taken some getting used to.
‘‘It’s long as [heck], man,’’ he said. ‘‘Now I’m out here, and I’m done in January. Dec. 29, we were done. That was kind of weird.
‘‘That gives you a long time to really reflect on your year and look back and critique yourself and see what you can do to fix all your stuff.’’
Patterson said he didn’t have a strong opinion about the Bears’ offensive coaching changes. He insisted, however, that he left yards on the field on offense and as a returner.
‘‘Next year, I’ll try to double what I did last year,’’ he said. ‘‘Every year, you just want to be better than you were the year before then.’’
Watching the Chiefs and 49ers reach the Super Bowl only has added to the offseason motivation.
‘‘Just seeing where we ended up and where we wanted to be,’’ Fuller said. ‘‘Seeing these teams in the playoffs and that get to play in the Super Bowl, I think that speaks for itself.’’
Former Bears coach John Fox once said he rather would have Super Bowl players than Pro Bowl players. He got none of the former and three of the latter during his three-year stint with the Bears.
The Bears’ Pro Bowl threesome this year looks abundant by comparison. Fuller has reached the Pro Bowl twice since signing a lucrative extension, and Jackson is mere weeks removed from a signing four-year, $58.4 million deal.
‘‘They even took an opportunity with me, giving me a chance to come in and prove myself after my [leg] injury [during his senior year at Alabama],’’ Jackson said.
‘‘I’d rather it be a Super Bowl, obviously. But coming out here and being selected [to the Pro Bowl] and being around the guys, it’s always a blessing.’’
Jackson smiled when he was asked whether the contract means he plans on being one of the faces of the franchise going forward.
‘‘I’ve been feeling like that — with the money or without,’’ he said. ‘‘We have a job. Everybody has a role to play. Ours is to go out there and lead and win.’’
In that sense, Fuller said, this offseason won’t be different from the last one.
‘‘I think we’ll approach it the same way,’’ he said. ‘‘Just work hard and try our best to have a better year.’’


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Long-vacant Ravenswood Hospital being converted to senior apartments, assisted living

The vacant Ravenswood Hospital on the North Side has long been an eyesore , its walls grubby with graffiti .
@ @ @ @ @ broke ground on a $ 81 million project to turn the 10-story building into a @ @ @ @ @ .
It is expected to provide 74 one-bedroom units for Chicago Housing Authority seniors , @ @ @ @ @ assisted-living units — apartments overseen by the Illinois Housing Development Authority .
“ This development @ @ @ @ @ approach to expanding affordable housing , ” said James L. Bebley , CHA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ offers a unique combination of independent and supportive living for low-income seniors.
” Officials described @ @ @ @ @ at 4515 N. Winchester Ave. , as “ one of the first developments in the @ @ @ @ @ living and supportive living for low-income seniors in a single location.
” Construction is expected @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
The building has been vacant since 2002 .

The vacant Ravenswood Hospital on the North Side has long been an eyesore, its walls grubby with graffiti.
But on Thursday, officials broke ground on a $81 million project to turn the 10-story building into a 193-unit facility for senior citizens. It is expected to provide 74 one-bedroom units for Chicago Housing Authority seniors, as well as another 119 assisted-living units — apartments overseen by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
“This development illustrates CHA’s creative approach to expanding affordable housing,” said James L. Bebley, CHA’s acting CEO. “It offers a unique combination of independent and supportive living for low-income seniors.”
Officials described the planned facility, located at 4515 N. Winchester Ave., as “one of the first developments in the country to offer both independent living and supportive living for low-income seniors in a single location.”
Construction is expected to take about 18 months, officials said. The building has been vacant since 2002.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Planning agency revises rules for public input

The Chicago Plan Commission — a mayoral-appointed agency founded 111 years ago to provide citizen reviews of major developments — is giving the public more notice of its business .
In changes announced Thursday , the commission said it will begin posting Planned Development , or PD , applications at least 15 days before their public hearing .
The applications currently are viewable on the City Clerk ’ s website for legislation , but can be hard to find .
PDs are zoning changes for large-scale projects .
The commission has to vote for or against a PD before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , developers ’ presentation materials for each PD will be posted at least three business days before the hearing .
The materials currently are unavailable before the hearing .
The changes are part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s initiative to improve government transparency , said officials at the Department of Planning and Development .
Departmental staff assist the plan commission .
Lightfoot said the changes will allow for more public input , “ ensuring future development is conducted through an open and transparent process.
” Plan Commission Chairman Teresa Cordova said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to take time from work to attend a hearing .
Commission meetings typically start at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month in the City Council chambers .
Also , the agency said a dedicated email address — CPC @ cityofchicago.org — will accept written public comments up to 24 hours before a hearing .
The comments will be shared with plan commission members .

The Chicago Plan Commission — a mayoral-appointed agency founded 111 years ago to provide citizen reviews of major developments — is giving the public more notice of its business.
In changes announced Thursday, the commission said it will begin posting Planned Development, or PD, applications at least 15 days before their public hearing. The applications currently are viewable on the City Clerk’s website for legislation, but can be hard to find.
PDs are zoning changes for large-scale projects. The commission has to vote for or against a PD before the proposal goes to the City Council.
Also, developers’ presentation materials for each PD will be posted at least three business days before the hearing. The materials currently are unavailable before the hearing.
The changes are part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s initiative to improve government transparency, said officials at the Department of Planning and Development. Departmental staff assist the plan commission.
Lightfoot said the changes will allow for more public input, “ensuring future development is conducted through an open and transparent process.”
Plan Commission Chairman Teresa Cordova said the changes will help residents who might have to take time from work to attend a hearing. Commission meetings typically start at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month in the City Council chambers.
Also, the agency said a dedicated email address — CPC@cityofchicago.org — will accept written public comments up to 24 hours before a hearing. The comments will be shared with plan commission members.