chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--Why Chicago’s 1st female mayor moved into the city’s most notorious pubic housing project

In the room where it happened .
A new play titled : “ Her Honor Jane Byrne ” opened this weekend at the Lookingglass Theatre .
Its focus centers around the late Mayor Jane Byrne ’ s shocking decision in 1981 to move with her husband , Jay McMullen , into the Cabrini-Green public housing projects .
The play has been described by the author , J. Nicole Brooks , as a dramatic work of historic , imaginative fiction based on hard research — due in part to not exactly being sure why Byrne made such a decision .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you try to fix something based on a localized response rather than dealing with a systemic problem , ” said Brooks .
As Byrne ’ s former press secretary who had returned to journalism a year before she moved into Cabrini ’ s apartment 416 , I just happened to be with one person she called seeking advice on fixing Cabrini-Green ’ s serious crime problem .
• Backstory : To the best of my recollection , an angry and frustrated Byrne had just witnessed the way police were handling a woman assaulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the projects with her husband and her bodyguards in March 1981 .
• Backshot : The person she called was savvy enough to know there was no quick fix and no specific solution to end the crime , but noted : “ Wherever the mayor goes , goods and services follow.
” Her moving into Cabrini-Green was discussed .
Byrne ’ s decision to do so was not only a shocker , it was unexpected .
Byrne , who was known for late-night decisions and hallway press conferences , startled everyone .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer , knew how to make headlines and this was a helluva one .
Byrne ’ s decision became the birth of her version of a housing project called “ Cabrini O Green ” with sports incentives to keep kids off the street , like baseball diamonds and basketball courts .
Goods and services did roll in , but “ Jane ” and “ Jay ” moved out after less than a month , and the blight eventually returned .
The city ’ s 50th mayor and first female in the post lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t wait to see the play .
Can ’ t wait to see the playwright ’ s take .
Proof once again life is usually stranger than fiction .
I spy : NBC Today weather anchor Al Roker spotted shopping last Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago , where he picked up a limited edition scarf from Nigerian-born British designer ’ s Duro Olowu : Seeing Chicago exhibit pop-up shop .
... Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo dining at Chicago Cut recently .
... Saturday ’ s birthdays : Bryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 ; and Hailey Clauson , 25 .
... Sunday ’ s birthdays : Freddie Prinze Jr. , 44 ; Lester Holt , 61 ; and Kenny Smith , 55 .

In the room where it happened.
I was there.
Let’s back up.
A new play titled: “Her Honor Jane Byrne” opened this weekend at the Lookingglass Theatre.
Its focus centers around the late Mayor Jane Byrne’s shocking decision in 1981 to move with her husband, Jay McMullen, into the Cabrini-Green public housing projects.
The play has been described by the author, J. Nicole Brooks, as a dramatic work of historic, imaginative fiction based on hard research — due in part to not exactly being sure why Byrne made such a decision.
“It’s about what happens when you try to fix something based on a localized response rather than dealing with a systemic problem,” said Brooks.
As Byrne’s former press secretary who had returned to journalism a year before she moved into Cabrini’s apartment 416, I just happened to be with one person she called seeking advice on fixing Cabrini-Green’s serious crime problem.
Backstory: To the best of my recollection, an angry and frustrated Byrne had just witnessed the way police were handling a woman assaulted in Cabrini-Green on a late-night drive through the projects with her husband and her bodyguards in March 1981.
Backshot: The person she called was savvy enough to know there was no quick fix and no specific solution to end the crime, but noted: “Wherever the mayor goes, goods and services follow.” Her moving into Cabrini-Green was discussed.
Byrne’s decision to do so was not only a shocker, it was unexpected.
Byrne, who was known for late-night decisions and hallway press conferences, startled everyone. Her husband, a former Sun-Times real estate writer, knew how to make headlines and this was a helluva one. Byrne’s decision became the birth of her version of a housing project called “Cabrini O Green” with sports incentives to keep kids off the street, like baseball diamonds and basketball courts.
Children run along the Cabrini-Green campus six months after Mayor Jane Byrne briefly moved in there in 1981 to bring attention to Cabrini’s troubles. Sun-Times/John H. White.
Goods and services did roll in, but “Jane” and “Jay” didn’t stay very long, and the blight eventually returned. The city’s 50th mayor and first female in the post lost re-election in April 1983.
Mayor Byrne’s daughter Kathy saw the play and declared it “terrific,” saying: “They even copied my mother’s clothes.”
Can’t wait to see the play. Can’t wait to see the playwright’s take.
Proof once again life is usually stranger than fiction.
Sneedlings . . .
I spy: NBC Today weather anchor Al Roker spotted shopping last Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, where he picked up a limited edition scarf from Nigerian-born British designer’s Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago exhibit pop-up shop. ... Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo dining at Chicago Cut recently. ... Saturday’s birthdays: Bryan Cranston, 64; Wanda Sykes, 56; and Hailey Clauson, 25. ... Sunday’s birthdays: Freddie Prinze Jr., 44; Lester Holt, 61; and Kenny Smith, 55.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--Lightfoot chooses Minneapolis public housing chief to make leap to CHA

Mayor Lori Lightfoot Friday chose the interim executive director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to make the giant leap to Chicago .
In one fell swoop , Tracey Scott goes from a system that serves just 26,000 residents to a Chicago Housing Authority nearly triple that size — the second largest in the country .
The CHA has an operating budget of $ 1 billion .
It serves more than 63,000 low-income families , owns more than 21,000 public housing units and manages 47,000 housing choice vouchers .
Outsiders have a history of being eaten alive by Chicago ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lightfoot has not been afraid to go outside the city in filling pivotal jobs in her administration .
She also chose Detroit planning chief Maurice Cox to serve as Chicago ’ s planning and development commissioner .
“ Tracey ’ s breadth of experience and dedication for improving public housing makes her a perfect fit to lead the Chicago Housing Authority as we embark on our ambitious agenda to transform our city ’ s economic landscape , ” the mayor was quoted as saying in a statement .
Noting that Scott also held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lightfoot said she looks forward to working with Scott to “ provide access to safe , affordable housing ” for all Chicagoans .
The mayor ’ s news release quoted Scott as saying she was “ honored ” to be chosen and “ very excited ” by the challenge .
“ I look forward to bringing new ideas , innovation and perspective to the CHA and to work alongside city leaders and community members to increase partnerships and housing solutions that will help more low-income families and children in Chicago thrive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CHA has been under interim leadership since early September .
That ’ s when Eugene Jones Jr. abruptly resigned , ending a highly-acclaimed , 4 1/2-year run that brought stability to an agency that needed it and compassion to public housing residents .
Jones was supposed to stay longer after resigning , but was asked to leave immediately after accepting a job in Atlanta .
The news release announcing Scott ’ s appointment talks about the new public housing community she developed for homeless families in Minneapolis .
It also credited Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first project utilizing tax credits in a $ 26 million rehab ” of a 184-unit property .
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune , Scott launched a “ Stable Homes , Stable Schools ” a rental subsidy partnership that included the city of Minneapolis and its public schools .
Scott ’ s tenure in Minneapolis was not without controversy .
Last year , an apartment fire in a Minneapolis building without sprinklers killed five residents .
The fire raised questioned about the housing authority ’ s maintenance priorities amid a massive backlog of @ @

Mayor Lori Lightfoot Friday chose the interim executive director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to make the giant leap to Chicago.
In one fell swoop, Tracey Scott goes from a system that serves just 26,000 residents to a Chicago Housing Authority nearly triple that size — the second largest in the country.
The CHA has an operating budget of $1 billion. It serves more than 63,000 low-income families, owns more than 21,000 public housing units and manages 47,000 housing choice vouchers.
Outsiders have a history of being eaten alive by Chicago’s unique brand of politics. But Lightfoot has not been afraid to go outside the city in filling pivotal jobs in her administration.
She also chose Detroit planning chief Maurice Cox to serve as Chicago’s planning and development commissioner.
“Tracey’s breadth of experience and dedication for improving public housing makes her a perfect fit to lead the Chicago Housing Authority as we embark on our ambitious agenda to transform our city’s economic landscape,” the mayor was quoted as saying in a statement.
Noting that Scott also held top jobs at the Atlanta Housing Authority, Lightfoot said she looks forward to working with Scott to “provide access to safe, affordable housing” for all Chicagoans.
The mayor’s news release quoted Scott as saying she was “honored” to be chosen and “very excited” by the challenge.
“I look forward to bringing new ideas, innovation and perspective to the CHA and to work alongside city leaders and community members to increase partnerships and housing solutions that will help more low-income families and children in Chicago thrive,” Scott was quoted as saying.
The CHA has been under interim leadership since early September. That’s when Eugene Jones Jr. abruptly resigned, ending a highly-acclaimed, 4 1/2-year run that brought stability to an agency that needed it and compassion to public housing residents.
Jones was supposed to stay longer after resigning, but was asked to leave immediately after accepting a job in Atlanta.
The news release announcing Scott’s appointment talks about the new public housing community she developed for homeless families in Minneapolis. It also credited Scott with initiating the city’s “first project utilizing tax credits in a $26 million rehab” of a 184-unit property.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Scott launched a “Stable Homes, Stable Schools” a rental subsidy partnership that included the city of Minneapolis and its public schools.
Scott’s tenure in Minneapolis was not without controversy.
Last year, an apartment fire in a Minneapolis building without sprinklers killed five residents. The fire raised questioned about the housing authority’s maintenance priorities amid a massive backlog of repairs.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--NCAA Tournament Division III game played in empty gym as coronavirus precaution

BALTIMORE — In what was believed to be the first U.S. sports event held without fans because of the new coronavirus , Yeshiva University beat Worcester Polytechnic Institute in a Division III men ’ s basketball NCAA Tournament game Friday in an empty gym at Johns Hopkins University .
Players on each team ’ s bench cheered and chanted “ De-fense !
” to make up for the lack of fans .
The squeaking sound of sneakers and bouncing of the ball reverberated off the walls of the 1,100-seat Goldfarb Gymnasium that was otherwise so quiet that the in-game chatter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It was definitely a weird experience , ” WPI forward Jake Wisniewski said .
“ All the emotions that are going on the court , everyone was able to hear it , which was weird .
Usually , the crowd can kind of mask a lot of things that are being said on the court.
” As students walked by the athletics facility , there were police officers outside and signs on doors reading , “ No spectators.
” Music blared over the speakers inside and some pre-planned fan announcements , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tell the world you ’ re here ” — went on with no fans to hear them .
Only players , coaches , referees , employees and media members were present , so the official attendance was 0 .
“ It was definitely different , but our guys on the bench really made up for it , ” Yeshiva coach Elliott Steinmetz said after the 102-78 win .
“ The energy on the bench was absolutely awesome , and I think it really carried the guys on the court in a big way.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday it is “ not recommending cancellation or public spacing of athletic and related events scheduled to occur in public spaces across the United States.
” Johns Hopkins senior scholar Amesh Adalja is on the panel .
Johns Hopkins University said it was “ prudent to hold this tournament without spectators ” after Maryland ’ s recently confirmed COVID-19 cases and CDC guidelines for large gatherings .
Maryland announced there were three cases of the virus .
A student at Yeshiva , an Orthodox Jewish university in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The game was delayed by more than an hour after a Yeshiva rabbi tested positive and the school needed to provide documentation to ensure it was safe to play .
WPI waited at its hotel while that was completed , and three players decided not to to take the court because of fears about the virus .
“ Once we got the OK from Johns Hopkins University and the NCAA that they felt comfortable , we had most of our team and student-athletes and parents comfortable about playing .
We didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” WPI coach Chris Bartley said .
“ We left it up to the individual student and their parents to make that decision and we tried to provide as much information as possible .
The difficulty in this situation is there was not much information for us to disseminate to our parents and students.
” When things got under way , the national anthem and starting lineups went on as normal with players giving each other fist pounds instead of handshakes .
The two coaches shook hands before tip-off and shared some disappointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a normal environment .
“ Fans are part of the experience , ” Bartley said .
“ It ’ s too bad that given the importance of reaching the NCAA Tournament that not only the Yeshiva team but our student-athletes didn ’ t get the full experience.
” It didn ’ t affect Yeshiva , which won its first NCAA Tournament game in program history and extended its winning streak this season to 28 .
Sophomore Ryan Turell , who scored a career-high 41 points in the empty arena , said players were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circusmtances .
Host Johns Hopkins was set to face Penn State Harrisburg on Friday night , with the winner playing Yeshiva in the second round Saturday night The gym was heavily disinfected Thursday night and then again between games Friday .
“ We did that specific to make sure that there were no questions that we were doing our due diligence , that everything was clean and ready to go , ” Johns Hopkins director of athletic communications Ernie Larossa said .
“ We ’ re just doing our due diligence to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compete in.
” Johns Hopkins offered refunds to fans who bought tickets .
Larossa said more than 400 tickets had been sold for the two sessions Friday .
Sports events in Italy and Japan have been held without fans in recent weeks , and Meydan Racecourse in Dubai announced it would hold its Super Saturday horse racing this weekend at an empty track .
Santa Clara County in California on Thursday recommended the cancellation of large gatherings , including San Jose Sharks hockey games , but the NHL went ahead with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night and the team said weekend games would go on as scheduled .
This game is the second in Baltimore to be held without fans , albeit under different circumstances .
A 2015 Major League Baseball game between the Orioles and White Sox went on at an empty Camden Yards because of civil unrest in the city after the death of Freddie Gray .
Yeshiva ’ s team had its hotel reservation in suburban Baltimore canceled over coronavirus fears , forcing the team to book rooms at a different place .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement sent to The Associated Press “ the management of the property followed the precautionary measures set by Yeshiva University , that has recently cancelled classes , as well as scheduled events , through Tuesday , March 10th ” and did not discriminate against the team .
The Maccabees , named after the rebel Jewish warriors , are used to legions of faithful fans who sing in Hebrew , chant out their names from the stands and often them follow them on the road .
Players on the bench , some wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s go , Macs !
” while their parents watched back at the hotel .
“ Our bench ( players ) , they did a concerted effort to really be loud and energetic and try to fill it with as much noise as possible , ” Yeshiva ’ s Simcha Halpert said .
The virus has sickened more than 100,000 people worldwide with over 3,400 deaths .
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 climbed to 14 , with all but one victim in Washington state , while the number of infections increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BALTIMORE — In what was believed to be the first U.S. sports event held without fans because of the new coronavirus, Yeshiva University beat Worcester Polytechnic Institute in a Division III men’s basketball NCAA Tournament game Friday in an empty gym at Johns Hopkins University.
Players on each team’s bench cheered and chanted “De-fense!” to make up for the lack of fans. The squeaking sound of sneakers and bouncing of the ball reverberated off the walls of the 1,100-seat Goldfarb Gymnasium that was otherwise so quiet that the in-game chatter could be heard several rows back.
“It was definitely a weird experience,” WPI forward Jake Wisniewski said. “All the emotions that are going on the court, everyone was able to hear it, which was weird. Usually, the crowd can kind of mask a lot of things that are being said on the court.”
As students walked by the athletics facility, there were police officers outside and signs on doors reading, “No spectators.” Music blared over the speakers inside and some pre-planned fan announcements, including one promoting social media sharing — “Tell the world you’re here” — went on with no fans to hear them.
Only players, coaches, referees, employees and media members were present, so the official attendance was 0.
“It was definitely different, but our guys on the bench really made up for it,” Yeshiva coach Elliott Steinmetz said after the 102-78 win. “The energy on the bench was absolutely awesome, and I think it really carried the guys on the court in a big way.”
An NCAA COVID-19 advisory panel said Friday it is “not recommending cancellation or public spacing of athletic and related events scheduled to occur in public spaces across the United States.” Johns Hopkins senior scholar Amesh Adalja is on the panel.
Johns Hopkins University said it was “prudent to hold this tournament without spectators” after Maryland’s recently confirmed COVID-19 cases and CDC guidelines for large gatherings. Maryland announced there were three cases of the virus.
A student at Yeshiva, an Orthodox Jewish university in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, tested positive for the virus.
The game was delayed by more than an hour after a Yeshiva rabbi tested positive and the school needed to provide documentation to ensure it was safe to play. WPI waited at its hotel while that was completed, and three players decided not to to take the court because of fears about the virus.
“Once we got the OK from Johns Hopkins University and the NCAA that they felt comfortable, we had most of our team and student-athletes and parents comfortable about playing. We didn’t have everybody, though,” WPI coach Chris Bartley said. “We left it up to the individual student and their parents to make that decision and we tried to provide as much information as possible. The difficulty in this situation is there was not much information for us to disseminate to our parents and students.”
When things got under way, the national anthem and starting lineups went on as normal with players giving each other fist pounds instead of handshakes. The two coaches shook hands before tip-off and shared some disappointment the game wasn’t played in a normal environment.
“Fans are part of the experience,” Bartley said. “It’s too bad that given the importance of reaching the NCAA Tournament that not only the Yeshiva team but our student-athletes didn’t get the full experience.”
It didn’t affect Yeshiva, which won its first NCAA Tournament game in program history and extended its winning streak this season to 28. Sophomore Ryan Turell, who scored a career-high 41 points in the empty arena, said players were focused on basketball and not the strange circusmtances.
Host Johns Hopkins was set to face Penn State Harrisburg on Friday night, with the winner playing Yeshiva in the second round Saturday night The gym was heavily disinfected Thursday night and then again between games Friday.
“We did that specific to make sure that there were no questions that we were doing our due diligence, that everything was clean and ready to go,” Johns Hopkins director of athletic communications Ernie Larossa said. “We’re just doing our due diligence to make sure that everybody has a safe environment to compete in.”
Johns Hopkins offered refunds to fans who bought tickets. Larossa said more than 400 tickets had been sold for the two sessions Friday.
Sports events in Italy and Japan have been held without fans in recent weeks, and Meydan Racecourse in Dubai announced it would hold its Super Saturday horse racing this weekend at an empty track. Santa Clara County in California on Thursday recommended the cancellation of large gatherings, including San Jose Sharks hockey games, but the NHL went ahead with the team’s game against Minnesota on Thursday night and the team said weekend games would go on as scheduled.
This game is the second in Baltimore to be held without fans, albeit under different circumstances. A 2015 Major League Baseball game between the Orioles and White Sox went on at an empty Camden Yards because of civil unrest in the city after the death of Freddie Gray.
Yeshiva’s team had its hotel reservation in suburban Baltimore canceled over coronavirus fears, forcing the team to book rooms at a different place. A PR firm representing the hotel said in a statement sent to The Associated Press “the management of the property followed the precautionary measures set by Yeshiva University, that has recently cancelled classes, as well as scheduled events, through Tuesday, March 10th” and did not discriminate against the team.
The Maccabees, named after the rebel Jewish warriors, are used to legions of faithful fans who sing in Hebrew, chant out their names from the stands and often them follow them on the road. Players on the bench, some wearing Jewish skullcaps, instead chanted “Let’s go, Macs!” while their parents watched back at the hotel.
“Our bench (players), they did a concerted effort to really be loud and energetic and try to fill it with as much noise as possible,” Yeshiva’s Simcha Halpert said.
The virus has sickened more than 100,000 people worldwide with over 3,400 deaths. The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 climbed to 14, with all but one victim in Washington state, while the number of infections increased to over 200 across 18 states.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--Not the first time ‘Lock ‘em up judge’ showed questionable judgment

Five years before she got in trouble for placing a child in her courtroom lockup , Cook County Circuit Judge Jackie Portman-Brown traded f-bombs from the bench with a defendant .
A transcript of the exchange has found its way into my hands .
I ’ m fairly certain it ’ s the first time I ’ ve read a transcript in which a judge calls the defendant a “ f -- -- -.
” Judges usually reserve such language for the lawyers — in chambers when there ’ s no court reporter taking down every word .
But Portman-Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decorum normally observed in court .
The self-proclaimed “ lock- ’ em-up judge ” favors a keeping-it-real approach more commonly heard on the streets of Englewood , where she grew up .
That unorthodox style won Portman-Brown admirers — including Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans — when she ran a program aimed at keeping drug users and others out of prison .
But her career ran aground two weeks ago when a video surfaced of her locking up a child in the holding cell behind her courtroom as a disciplinary lesson to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mother — their version of a “ scared straight ” program .
Portman-Brown was placed on administrative duties while the state ’ s Judicial Inquiry Board investigates Some say there were plenty of red flags the judge was in need of an intervention much sooner .
One such incident came June 1 , 2015 .
Benjamin Dawkins , a 22-year-old drug defendant who had been working his way through Portman-Brown ’ s intensive-probation program , was in court .
Dawkins was in trouble because he had been charged in another felony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter the judge was handling .
“ I ’ m just shocked .
I ’ m shocked and chagrined , ” she told him .
Dawkins tried to talk her into letting him post bond to be home for his daughter ’ s birth , expected five days later .
But Portman-Brown told him : “ You should have thought about that before you picked up a new felony .
You should have been home with your baby mama instead of being out in the streets putting yourself in a position where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , don ’ t come in here trying to play the violin for me.
” She ordered him held for violating his probation .
As he was led away , Dawkins “ made statements ” that were “ incomprehensible to the court reporter.
” His words became clear enough after Portman-Brown told deputies , “ Bring him back !
” “ Man , f -- - you .
Man , f -- - all y ’ all .
You ’ re tweakin ’ , man .
You all tweakin ’ , man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , ” Dawkins said .
“ Keep talking , ” Portman-Brown said .
“ Say some more .
I welcome you to say all you need to say because that ’ s what punks do.
” As Dawkins then tried to apologize , Portman-Brown was just working up a head of steam .
“ You said , ‘ F -- - all you all.
’ That ’ s what you said , ” she said .
“ You told John [ the public defender ] to f -- - him .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and nobody ’ s f -- -- -- me , f -- -- - , just so you know it .
That was so ignorant and so disrespectful to do that in front of your family and the child that is here.
” She threatened to hold Dawkins in contempt and add six months to his sentence .
After a recess , Dawkins explained he was frustrated about missing his daughter ’ s birth .
Portman-Brown responded , “ And I ’ m highly offended that you ’ re all pissed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put you here.
” Portman-Brown : “ You mad at me because you cussed me .
You cussed me .
You told me to f -- - me.
” Portman-Brown : “ You said f -- - him .
You said f -- - y ’ all .
When you say f -- - somebody , that ’ s serious .
Them fightin ’ words .
And if I was in my neighborhood over in Englewood , the robe would be off , and we ’ d be fightin ’ .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my hands , my hair in ponytails , and we ’ d be fightin.
’ You don ’ t do that .
And you know you don ’ t do that .
And you especially wouldn ’ t do that to a judge , the person who ’ s deciding your freedom.
” A spokesman for Evans said this was the first that the chief judge had heard of the matter .
If Portman-Brown ever gets back on the bench , I ’ d watch out if she comes to work carrying @ @ @ @ @

Five years before she got in trouble for placing a child in her courtroom lockup, Cook County Circuit Judge Jackie Portman-Brown traded f-bombs from the bench with a defendant.
A transcript of the exchange has found its way into my hands.
I’m fairly certain it’s the first time I’ve read a transcript in which a judge calls the defendant a “f-----.”
Judges usually reserve such language for the lawyers — in chambers when there’s no court reporter taking down every word.
But Portman-Brown is not known for adhering to the decorum normally observed in court.
The self-proclaimed “lock-’em-up judge” favors a keeping-it-real approach more commonly heard on the streets of Englewood, where she grew up.
That unorthodox style won Portman-Brown admirers — including Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans — when she ran a program aimed at keeping drug users and others out of prison.
But her career ran aground two weeks ago when a video surfaced of her locking up a child in the holding cell behind her courtroom as a disciplinary lesson to the girl and favor to the girl’s mother — their version of a “scared straight” program.
Portman-Brown was placed on administrative duties while the state’s Judicial Inquiry Board investigates.
Some say there were plenty of red flags the judge was in need of an intervention much sooner.
One such incident came June 1, 2015. Benjamin Dawkins, a 22-year-old drug defendant who had been working his way through Portman-Brown’s intensive-probation program, was in court. Dawkins was in trouble because he had been charged in another felony drug case while free on bail in the matter the judge was handling.
“I’m just shocked. I’m shocked and chagrined,” she told him.
Dawkins tried to talk her into letting him post bond to be home for his daughter’s birth, expected five days later.
But Portman-Brown told him: “You should have thought about that before you picked up a new felony. You should have been home with your baby mama instead of being out in the streets putting yourself in a position where you could have got locked up. Now, don’t come in here trying to play the violin for me.”
She ordered him held for violating his probation.
As he was led away, Dawkins “made statements” that were “incomprehensible to the court reporter.”
His words became clear enough after Portman-Brown told deputies, “Bring him back!”
“Man, f--- you. Man, f--- all y’all. You’re tweakin’, man. You all tweakin’, man. You all are tweakin’, man,” Dawkins said.
“Keep talking,” Portman-Brown said. “Say some more. I welcome you to say all you need to say because that’s what punks do.”
As Dawkins then tried to apologize, Portman-Brown was just working up a head of steam.
“You said, ‘F--- all you all.’ That’s what you said,” she said. “You told John [the public defender] to f--- him. You told me to f--- me, and nobody’s f------ me, f-----, just so you know it. That was so ignorant and so disrespectful to do that in front of your family and the child that is here.”
She threatened to hold Dawkins in contempt and add six months to his sentence.
After a recess, Dawkins explained he was frustrated about missing his daughter’s birth.
Portman-Brown responded, “And I’m highly offended that you’re all pissed off at me when I didn’t put you here.”
Dawkins: “I ain’t mad at you.”
Portman-Brown: “You mad at me because you cussed me. You cussed me. You told me to f--- me.”
Dawkins: “I apologize.”
Portman-Brown: “You said f--- him. You said f--- y’all. When you say f--- somebody, that’s serious. Them fightin’ words. And if I was in my neighborhood over in Englewood, the robe would be off, and we’d be fightin’. I’d have Vaseline on my face and on my hands, my hair in ponytails, and we’d be fightin.’ You don’t do that. And you know you don’t do that. And you especially wouldn’t do that to a judge, the person who’s deciding your freedom.”
A spokesman for Evans said this was the first that the chief judge had heard of the matter.
Portman-Brown couldn’t be reached.
If Portman-Brown ever gets back on the bench, I’d watch out if she comes to work carrying a jar of Vaseline.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--Man with Illinois’ 5th coronavirus case released from hospital for home isolation

A Cook County man in his 20s has been sent home from a hospital for home recovery just a day after he became Illinois ’ fifth confirmed case of coronavirus , officials announced Friday .
The man flew into O ’ Hare Airport earlier this month after traveling to Italy , the state ’ s Department of Public Health said .
The man “ acquired the infection ” while in Italy and was admitted to Rush University Medical Center early Thursday .
He was released Friday afternoon for home isolation after medical professionals evaluated him and determined it was OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rush officials said in a news release .
“ The Medical Center has been working closely with public health officials and has determined that the patient is able to begin recovery under quarantine at home .
The patient still is showing symptoms but no longer requires hospitalization , ” the hospital said .
The state ’ s third and fourth cases were an Arlington Heights couple in their 70s .
Both are isolated at home after the man was released Thursday from Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights .
The department said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus .
That means health officials are looking into whether the couple contracted the virus “ due to community transmission in Illinois.
” “ While we expect to see additional cases , we are not seeing widespread transmission of the virus in Illinois and we believe the risk to the general public remains low , ” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement Thursday .
“ We understand people are concerned , but we want to reassure residents that we have been working with local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CDC , and other state agencies around the clock and are using every resource at our disposal to prepare .
”

A Cook County man in his 20s has been sent home from a hospital for home recovery just a day after he became Illinois’ fifth confirmed case of coronavirus, officials announced Friday.
The man flew into O’Hare Airport earlier this month after traveling to Italy, the state’s Department of Public Health said. The man “acquired the infection” while in Italy and was admitted to Rush University Medical Center early Thursday.
He was released Friday afternoon for home isolation after medical professionals evaluated him and determined it was OK for him to be transported home, Rush officials said in a news release.
“The Medical Center has been working closely with public health officials and has determined that the patient is able to begin recovery under quarantine at home. The patient still is showing symptoms but no longer requires hospitalization,” the hospital said.
The state’s third and fourth cases were an Arlington Heights couple in their 70s. Both are isolated at home after the man was released Thursday from Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
The department said it’s still unclear how the couple contracted the virus. That means health officials are looking into whether the couple contracted the virus “due to community transmission in Illinois.”
“While we expect to see additional cases, we are not seeing widespread transmission of the virus in Illinois and we believe the risk to the general public remains low,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement Thursday. “We understand people are concerned, but we want to reassure residents that we have been working with local health departments, hospitals, clinicians, the CDC, and other state agencies around the clock and are using every resource at our disposal to prepare.”
Contributing: Tina Sfondeles


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-06--Uber opens pickup and drop-off site near United Center

In a deal with the United Center , Uber has opened an indoor lounge near the stadium where riders can find their drivers .
Called the Uber Zone , it serves as the ride-hailing service ’ s designated pickup and drop-off location for United Center events .
Uber said it is the first permanent structure it has built to serve any sports and entertainment arena .
The facility is in Lot E at the northeast corner of Madison and Wood streets .
Asked if it operates on a lease agreement , an Uber spokeswoman said the service is a partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The temperature-controlled Uber Zone can accommodate up to 1,000 people and has seating , digital screens and charging stations .
“ We are excited to collaborate with Uber and be the first arena to launch a space outside our main gates for our visiting fans to comfortably await their ride after a game or concert , ” said Joe Myhra , senior vice president at the United Center .
Fans can book rides through the Uber app .
The company said after the event , riders can head to the pickup site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where their driver is parked .
The attendant would direct the riders to the proper vehicle .
The United Center said on its website the Uber Zone will open two hours before events and stay open for an hour after they end .
Niraj Patel , Uber ’ s director of rider operations , said the service will be a model for others at similar arenas .

In a deal with the United Center, Uber has opened an indoor lounge near the stadium where riders can find their drivers. Called the Uber Zone, it serves as the ride-hailing service’s designated pick-up and drop-off location for United Center events.
Uber said it is the first permanent structure it has built to serve any sports and entertainment arena.
The facility is in Lot E at the northeast corner of Madison and Wood streets. Asked if it operates on a lease agreement, an Uber spokeswoman said the service is a partnership between the company and the stadium.
The temperature-controlled Uber Zone can accommodate up to 1,000 people and has seating, digital screens and charging stations.
“We are excited to collaborate with Uber and be the first arena to launch a space outside our main gates for our visiting fans to comfortably await their ride after a game or concert,” said Joe Myhra, senior vice president at the United Center.
Fans can book rides through the Uber app. The company said after the event, riders can head to the pick-up site and show the Uber attendant the lane number where their driver is parked. The attendant would direct the riders to the proper vehicle.
The United Center said on its website the Uber Zone will open two hours before events and stay open for an hour after they end.
Niraj Patel, Uber’s director of rider operations, said the service will be a model for others at similar arenas.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Dear Abby: I never knew my boyfriend drank — until I found him dead

DEAR ABBY : A short time ago , I experienced a terrible loss .
I came home from work one evening and found “ Martin , ” my boyfriend of almost 17 years , dead at the bottom of the stairs .
I later found out he had been drinking .
I never saw Martin drinking before .
He did it very rarely .
He didn ’ t go to bars , and he would never drink and drive .
He did have a close friend who would visit him on occasion , and they would drink beer together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top of the terrible grief I can ’ t seem to overcome .
Martin knew how I felt about drinking because I was previously married to an alcoholic for 19 years .
How do I get past this ?
— WOUNDED IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR WOUNDED : Please accept my deepest sympathy , not only for your loss , but for the manner in which you found your boyfriend .
It had to have been an awful shock .
Are you absolutely certain his death was alcohol-related ?
Was there an autopsy ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or massive heart attacks that can take them suddenly , and if Martin was on the stairs , something like that could have caused his fall rather than the fact he had alcohol in his system .
A way to move past your anger and disappointment would be to look further into what happened if that ’ s possible , and if his cause of death is what you suspect , forgive him .
Hanging onto anger and bitterness is not healthy for you .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most of them have not been good .
When we have disagreements , he calls me names and then gives me the silent treatment , sometimes for weeks at a time .
We tried counseling .
It was initially helpful , but he refuses to go anymore , saying “ it didn ’ t work.
” ( We went to three one-hour sessions . )
I ’ m trapped financially because I can ’ t afford our mortgage alone ( he threatens me financially when we argue by not contributing his agreed-upon share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have the means to move out while still paying my share of the mortgage .
I have three dogs , so renting is practically impossible .
I ’ m lost , and I don ’ t know what to do .
I can not continue living in silence anymore .
Help !
— MISERABLE IN FLORIDA DEAR MISERABLE : A good marriage is like heaven ; a bad one is like living with a truly unpleasant cellmate .
Pick up the phone , start interviewing divorce attorneys and tell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you will be pleasantly surprised that you do not HAVE to remain married .
Consider selling the house .
That way you may not wind up with nothing .
If you are unable to find homes for your dogs , contact pet rescue groups in your area and explain the situation .
You did not mention whether you have family you might be able to stay with until you are financially stable , but whether they can accommodate you or not , let them know what you have been going through .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there is life after you close this unhappy chapter .
DEAR READERS : As a fan of longer , brighter days and warmer weather , I ’ m pleased to issue my annual reminder to those of you who live where daylight saving time is observed : Don ’ t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight at bedtime .
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow .
Spring is on the way !
— ABBY Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) .
to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @

DEAR ABBY: A short time ago, I experienced a terrible loss. I came home from work one evening and found “Martin,” my boyfriend of almost 17 years, dead at the bottom of the stairs. I later found out he had been drinking.
I never saw Martin drinking before. He did it very rarely. He didn’t go to bars, and he would never drink and drive. He did have a close friend who would visit him on occasion, and they would drink beer together.
Abby, I feel deceived and betrayed on top of the terrible grief I can’t seem to overcome. Martin knew how I felt about drinking because I was previously married to an alcoholic for 19 years. How do I get past this? — WOUNDED IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR WOUNDED: Please accept my deepest sympathy, not only for your loss, but for the manner in which you found your boyfriend. It had to have been an awful shock.
Are you absolutely certain his death was alcohol-related? Was there an autopsy? People have been known to suffer strokes or massive heart attacks that can take them suddenly, and if Martin was on the stairs, something like that could have caused his fall rather than the fact he had alcohol in his system.
A way to move past your anger and disappointment would be to look further into what happened if that’s possible, and if his cause of death is what you suspect, forgive him. Hanging onto anger and bitterness is not healthy for you.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 4 1/2 years. Most of them have not been good. When we have disagreements, he calls me names and then gives me the silent treatment, sometimes for weeks at a time. We tried counseling. It was initially helpful, but he refuses to go anymore, saying “it didn’t work.” (We went to three one-hour sessions.)
I’m trapped financially because I can’t afford our mortgage alone (he threatens me financially when we argue by not contributing his agreed-upon share into our household account). I don’t have the means to move out while still paying my share of the mortgage. I have three dogs, so renting is practically impossible. I’m lost, and I don’t know what to do. I cannot continue living in silence anymore. Help! — MISERABLE IN FLORIDA
DEAR MISERABLE: A good marriage is like heaven; a bad one is like living with a truly unpleasant cellmate. Pick up the phone, start interviewing divorce attorneys and tell them everything you have told me. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that you do not HAVE to remain married. Consider selling the house. That way you may not wind up with nothing. If you are unable to find homes for your dogs, contact pet rescue groups in your area and explain the situation.
You did not mention whether you have family you might be able to stay with until you are financially stable, but whether they can accommodate you or not, let them know what you have been going through. All of life is a learning experience, and there is life after you close this unhappy chapter.
DEAR READERS: As a fan of longer, brighter days and warmer weather, I’m pleased to issue my annual reminder to those of you who live where daylight saving time is observed: Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight at bedtime. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow. Spring is on the way! — ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds). to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Police seek car that damaged memorial in Hobart park

Authorities are looking for a car that drove through a park last week in northwest Indiana , knocking down poles @ @ @ @ @ The car , thought to be a Ford Taurus from 2001-2003 , was recorded on @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 29 driving on sidewalks in Festival Park , 11 E. Old Ridge Road in @ @ @ @ @ to a statement from Hobart police .
The car knocked down multiple light posts , @ @ @ @ @ a memorial for a deceased person and another that commemorated a civic organization , police @ @ @ @ @ several thousand dollars worth of damage.
” Investigators found debris at the scene that may @ @ @ @ @ ’ s driver ’ s-side taillight cover , police said .
The car appeared to @ @ @ @ @ the videos , but the lighting made its exact color unclear .
Police released surveillance @ @ @ @ @ are asking anyone with information to call Detective Zachary Crawford at 219-942-4774 .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

Authorities are looking for a car that drove through a park last week in northwest Indiana, knocking down poles and damaging a memorial.
The car, thought to be a Ford Taurus from 2001-2003, was recorded on surveillance video about 1:40 a.m. Feb. 29 driving on sidewalks in Festival Park, 11 E. Old Ridge Road in Hobart, Indiana, according to a statement from Hobart police.
The car knocked down multiple light posts, including one that served as a memorial for a deceased person and another that commemorated a civic organization, police said. It caused “several thousand dollars worth of damage.”
Investigators found debris at the scene that may have come from the car’s driver’s-side taillight cover, police said. The car appeared to be gray or black in the videos, but the lighting made its exact color unclear.
Police released surveillance images of the car and are asking anyone with information to call Detective Zachary Crawford at 219-942-4774.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Bears approach ultimate crossroads in 2020 season

A Bears team that less than a year ago looked primed to make the jump from good to great now wobbles between contending and imploding .
A resurgent season could save a lot of jobs and keep their core together , but if they fall flat in 2020 — as they did last season — the whole blueprint is up for a redesign .
It wasn ’ t just that the Bears went 8-8 , which was viewed as disastrous only because of the sky-high expectations , but it was alarming because they sat near the bottom of the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good team they faced but the Vikings .
‘ ‘ We expect more from ourselves and our team , ’ ’ general manager Ryan Pace said at the end of it .
‘ ‘ We didn ’ t hit the goal we set out to achieve .
.
.
.
We have to learn from our failures , see it as an opportunity to improve .
‘ ‘ We believe we have the right foundation , the right pieces in place , but we have to make the right decisions going forward.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pace almost certainly will be the first one gone .
Coach Matt Nagy ’ s future will depend on how ugly it gets .
Same for quarterback Mitch Trubisky .
And if a team moves on from its GM , coach and quarterback in the same offseason , that ’ s a total rebuild .
Pace has had five seasons to turn the Bears around and has managed a 34-46 record , one playoff appearance and a choppy performance in the draft .
That 8-8 mess last season was the Bears ’ second-best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His vision of a lights-out defense and Nagy spinning the far-less-impressive half of the roster into a viable offense was a flop last season .
The Bears ’ defense was once again good enough to win a championship , but the offense undermined that by averaging 17.5 points .
Nagy might not have been dealt a great hand , especially at quarterback , but he also whiffed repeatedly .
The running game was nonexistent , he made questionable decisions in games and he couldn ’ t strike the right balance between his ideals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent every cent of the credibility he earned while going 12-4 and winning Coach of the Year in 2018 , which leaves him with everything to prove in 2020 .
Nagy ’ s 20-12 record already puts him among the coaches with the best winning percentages in Bears history .
That mark wouldn ’ t usually put someone on the hot seat , but he hasn ’ t fixed the No .
1 thing the team hired him to get right .
The modest success of Trubisky and the offense was overblown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagy might survive another ho-hum season overall , but not if it ’ s once again because the offense is putrid .
Trubisky ’ s upcoming season is as much about trying to keep his job with the Bears as it is preserving his career as an NFL starter in general .
It seems crazy to mention after how badly he floundered last season , but if he manages to be even average in 2020 , he might get an extension .
In the last few seasons , the Bengals did it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ryan Tannehill .
High draft picks usually get that second contract as long as they aren ’ t terrible , especially if the person who picked them is still in charge .
If the Bears bring in a veteran ( such as Dalton ) who beats out Trubisky for the starting job this summer , it ’ ll ground that idea before it gets a chance to take flight .
The stakes are high well beyond the Pace-Nagy-Trubisky triumvirate .
If the Bears compete in 2020 , they probably will keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them have another go at it in 2021 .
If not , Trubisky and 10 other starters might be headed out as free agents or relatively cheap cuts .
The Bears are at the same juncture any team hits when it gets stuck in mediocrity .
Whether a team rises to that level or stoops to it , the question is always whether there ’ s enough of a foundation to get to the top or so little of it that it ’ s not worth keeping .
The Rams , Vikings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Falcons must decide quickly which way coach Dan Quinn has them trending .
Is the Vikings ’ plan , which isn ’ t much different than what the Bears are trying , ever going to get them more than 10 victories and a playoff berth ?
And the Rams have followed a nearly identical path to that of the Bears , with both teams spending the next several months evaluating shaky quarterbacks and trying to decide whether they ’ re closer to what they did in a glorious 2018 or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for the Bears is that it makes them compelling .
While the expectations aren ’ t nearly as high as they were last summer , the Bears will be must-watch with everything on the line .
And with free agency opening in a little more than a week , that drama starts soon .

A Bears team that less than a year ago looked primed to make the jump from good to great now wobbles between contending and imploding.
A resurgent season could save a lot of jobs and keep their core together, but if they fall flat in 2020 — as they did last season — the whole blueprint is up for a redesign.
It wasn’t just that the Bears went 8-8, which was viewed as disastrous only because of the sky-high expectations, but it was alarming because they sat near the bottom of the NFL in offense and got walloped by every good team they faced but the Vikings.
‘‘We expect more from ourselves and our team,’’ general manager Ryan Pace said at the end of it. ‘‘We didn’t hit the goal we set out to achieve. . . . We have to learn from our failures, see it as an opportunity to improve.
‘‘We believe we have the right foundation, the right pieces in place, but we have to make the right decisions going forward.’’
If they don’t, Pace almost certainly will be the first one gone. Coach Matt Nagy’s future will depend on how ugly it gets. Same for quarterback Mitch Trubisky. And if a team moves on from its GM, coach and quarterback in the same offseason, that’s a total rebuild.
Pace has had five seasons to turn the Bears around and has managed a 34-46 record, one playoff appearance and a choppy performance in the draft. That 8-8 mess last season was the Bears’ second-best record with him running the team.
His vision of a lights-out defense and Nagy spinning the far-less-impressive half of the roster into a viable offense was a flop last season. The Bears’ defense was once again good enough to win a championship, but the offense undermined that by averaging 17.5 points.
Nagy might not have been dealt a great hand, especially at quarterback, but he also whiffed repeatedly. The running game was nonexistent, he made questionable decisions in games and he couldn’t strike the right balance between his ideals and Trubisky’s strengths. He spent every cent of the credibility he earned while going 12-4 and winning Coach of the Year in 2018, which leaves him with everything to prove in 2020.
Nagy’s 20-12 record already puts him among the coaches with the best winning percentages in Bears history. That mark wouldn’t usually put someone on the hot seat, but he hasn’t fixed the No. 1 thing the team hired him to get right. The modest success of Trubisky and the offense was overblown in 2018 and fully exposed last season. Nagy might survive another ho-hum season overall, but not if it’s once again because the offense is putrid.
Trubisky’s upcoming season is as much about trying to keep his job with the Bears as it is preserving his career as an NFL starter in general.
It seems crazy to mention after how badly he floundered last season, but if he manages to be even average in 2020, he might get an extension. In the last few seasons, the Bengals did it with Andy Dalton, as did the Dolphins with Ryan Tannehill. High draft picks usually get that second contract as long as they aren’t terrible, especially if the person who picked them is still in charge.
If the Bears bring in a veteran (such as Dalton) who beats out Trubisky for the starting job this summer, it’ll ground that idea before it gets a chance to take flight.
The stakes are high well beyond the Pace-Nagy-Trubisky triumvirate. If the Bears compete in 2020, they probably will keep the majority of the roster intact and let them have another go at it in 2021. If not, Trubisky and 10 other starters might be headed out as free agents or relatively cheap cuts.
The Bears are at the same juncture any team hits when it gets stuck in mediocrity. Whether a team rises to that level or stoops to it, the question is always whether there’s enough of a foundation to get to the top or so little of it that it’s not worth keeping.
The Rams, Vikings and Falcons are there this season, too. The Falcons must decide quickly which way coach Dan Quinn has them trending. Is the Vikings’ plan, which isn’t much different than what the Bears are trying, ever going to get them more than 10 victories and a playoff berth? And the Rams have followed a nearly identical path to that of the Bears, with both teams spending the next several months evaluating shaky quarterbacks and trying to decide whether they’re closer to what they did in a glorious 2018 or a listless 2019.
The great thing about it for the Bears is that it makes them compelling. While the expectations aren’t nearly as high as they were last summer, the Bears will be must-watch with everything on the line. And with free agency opening in a little more than a week, that drama starts soon.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Police cleared in fatal Fox Lake crash stemming from Wisconsin chase

Investigators found no wrongdoing by police in a chase last year before a crash that killed two people in northwest suburban Fox Lake .
Fox Lake police and Lake County prosecutors determined the Genoa City , Wisconsin , officer who tried stopping 28-year-old Theopolis Owens for speeding Oct. 20 , 2019 , didn ’ t do anything to cause the fatal crash , according to a statement from Fox Lake police .
“ It has been determined that the criminal actions of and criminal fault for these tragic events rest solely with Mr. Owens , ” Fox Lake Police Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Mr .
Owens had the opportunity at all times prior to the collision to simply stop fleeing.
” No officers will face criminal charges or be considered liable in the crash , police said .
Officers tried to pull Owens over for speeding in Genoa City , Wisconsin , Lee and the Lake County coroner ’ s office said at the time .
Owens , who lived in Chicago , refused to stop and led police on a chase into northern Illinois .
As he passed through Spring Grove on Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursuit .
Owens lost control of the Toyota Camry about 7:20 p.m. in Fox Lake , hitting a guardrail and several trees on Route 173 near Converse Road , authorities said .
Owens and his passenger , 18-year-old Kayla Crews of Lake Geneva , Wisconsin , were both pronounced dead at Northern Illinois Medical Center , according to police and the coroner ’ s office .
A second passenger , who lived in Waukegan , was seriously injured and underwent surgery .
An autopsy found that both Owens and Crews died of blunt-force @ @ @ @ @ @

Investigators found no wrongdoing by police in a chase last year before a crash that killed two people in northwest suburban Fox Lake.
Fox Lake police and Lake County prosecutors determined the Genoa City, Wisconsin, officer who tried stopping 28-year-old Theopolis Owens for speeding Oct. 20, 2019, didn’t do anything to cause the fatal crash, according to a statement from Fox Lake police.
“It has been determined that the criminal actions of and criminal fault for these tragic events rest solely with Mr. Owens,” Fox Lake Police Chief Jimmy Lee wrote in the statement Thursday. “Mr. Owens had the opportunity at all times prior to the collision to simply stop fleeing.”
No officers will face criminal charges or be considered liable in the crash, police said.
Officers tried to pull Owens over for speeding in Genoa City, Wisconsin, Lee and the Lake County coroner’s office said at the time. Owens, who lived in Chicago, refused to stop and led police on a chase into northern Illinois. As he passed through Spring Grove on Route 173, a local officer joined the pursuit.
Owens lost control of the Toyota Camry about 7:20 p.m. in Fox Lake, hitting a guardrail and several trees on Route 173 near Converse Road, authorities said.
Owens and his passenger, 18-year-old Kayla Crews of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, were both pronounced dead at Northern Illinois Medical Center, according to police and the coroner’s office. A second passenger, who lived in Waukegan, was seriously injured and underwent surgery.
An autopsy found that both Owens and Crews died of blunt-force injuries caused by the wreck.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Armed robbers target victims near apartments in Park Manor: police

Police are warning South Side residents about multiple armed robberies last month in Park Manor .
In each case two @ @ @ @ @ and robbed them at gunpoint , Chicago police said in a community alert .
The @ @ @ @ @ dark-colored , newer model Ford Explorer with chrome wheels .
• About 4:50 p.m. Feb. @ @ @ @ @ of South Wabash Avenue ; • About 5:25 p.m. Feb. 22 in the first block @ @ @ @ @ and • About 5:55 p.. Feb. 25 in the 7200 block of South Michigan Avenue @ @ @ @ @ as two men between 19 and 30 years old , police said .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ about 150 pounds .
In one case , they were with a 5-foot-4 , 150-pound @ @ @ @ @ years old .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning South Side residents about multiple armed robberies last month in Park Manor.
In each case two suspects approached victims near apartments and robbed them at gunpoint, Chicago police said in a community alert. The robbers may be in a dark-colored, newer model Ford Explorer with chrome wheels.
The robberies happened:
About 4:50 p.m. Feb. 16 in the 7000 block of South Wabash Avenue;
About 5:25 p.m. Feb. 22 in the first block of East 69th Street; and
About 5:55 p.. Feb. 25 in the 7200 block of South Michigan Avenue.
The suspects are described as two men between 19 and 30 years old, police said. They’re 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-1 and about 150 pounds. In one case, they were with a 5-foot-4, 150-pound woman between 20 and 30 years old.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Burglars hit Near West Side, West Town businesses

Police are warning businesses about a series of burglaries this week in West Town and the Near West Side .
@ @ @ @ @ broke glass doors or windows to enter businesses in the early morning or overnight hours @ @ @ @ @ alert from Chicago police .
• About 12:25 a.m. March 2 in the 2300 block @ @ @ @ @ • About 5:20 a.m. March 2 in the 2300 block of West Madison ; and @ @ @ @ @ 4 in the 2100 block of West Walnut Street .
The suspect was described as @ @ @ @ @ 6 feet tall , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning businesses about a series of burglaries this week in West Town and the Near West Side.
In each case, someone broke glass doors or windows to enter businesses in the early morning or overnight hours, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The break-ins occurred:
About 12:25 a.m. March 2 in the 2300 block of West Madison Street;
About 5:20 a.m. March 2 in the 2300 block of West Madison; and
About 3:15 a.m. March 4 in the 2100 block of West Walnut Street.
The suspect was described as a male between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Loyola stunned by Valparaiso in MVC quarterfinals

John Kizer drove the left side of the paint , drawing two defenders and passed to Eron Gordon for the winning layin as Valparaiso stormed from 18 points down to knock No .
2 seed Loyola out of the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference 74-73 in overtime Friday night .
Kiser finished with 12 points , eight rebounds , three assists , three steals and two blocked shots for the seventh-seeded Crusaders .
His late-game performance was invaluable .
Kiser stole Loyola ’ s final possession in regulation , preventing a potential winning shot , and swatted what seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in OT after Loyola stole the ball mere steps from the hoop .
Valparaiso ( 18-15 ) , which trailed 45-27 early in the second half , had not beaten Loyola in seven straight meetings and has never before made the semifinal round of the conference tournament .
All nine Loyola players scored but only Keith Clemons reached double figures with a career-high 28 for the Ramblers ( 21-11 ) , who were 1-for-10 shooting in overtime .
Ryan Fazekas had 15 points for Valparaiso ( 18-15 ) .
Daniel Sackey added 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 10 points , eight rebounds , seven assists and three blocks .
The MVC tournament lost its top two seeds , Northern Iowa and Loyola on Friday .

John Kizer drove the left side of the paint, drawing two defenders and passed to Eron Gordon for the winning layin as Valparaiso stormed from 18 points down to knock No. 2 seed Loyola out of the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference 74-73 in overtime Friday night.
Kiser finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots for the seventh-seeded Crusaders. His late-game performance was invaluable. Kiser stole Loyola’s final possession in regulation, preventing a potential winning shot, and swatted what seemed like a gimme go-ahead bucket late in OT after Loyola stole the ball mere steps from the hoop.
Valparaiso (18-15), which trailed 45-27 early in the second half, had not beaten Loyola in seven straight meetings and has never before made the semifinal round of the conference tournament.
All nine Loyola players scored but only Keith Clemons reached double figures with a career-high 28 for the Ramblers (21-11), who were 1-for-10 shooting in overtime.
Ryan Fazekas had 15 points for Valparaiso (18-15). Daniel Sackey added 13 points and six rebounds. Donovan Clay had 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
The MVC tournament lost its top two seeds, Northern Iowa and Loyola on Friday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Cubs’ Kris Bryant prefers baby talk over baseball as he returns home for weekend

LAS VEGAS — Kris Bryant ’ s dad , Mike , wasn ’ t only a professional baseball player who taught his sons how to hit .
He also played guitar for a band he and his friends started , called Looking Back , which was good enough to get paid gigs around town .
“ His buddies still come to Vegas once or twice a year and , in our [ batting ] cage , just blast the music , ” Kris said .
Mike doesn ’ t have the same long rock-star hair that he used to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little .
“ Don ’ t tell him I said it , ” Kris said , “ but he ’ s pretty good.
” Maybe that ’ s where the Cubs ’ All-Star third baseman got the idea for the plans he keeps telling his wife , Jess , he has for their son , who ’ s due in a few weeks .
“ I ’ ve always told her my kid ’ s not going to play baseball ; he ’ s going to be a rock star , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been clear since spring training started that the biggest thing on Bryant ’ s mind these days is family , no matter how many trade rumors , grievances or annoying Cubs-at-crossroads questions he gets from the media .
Which makes this weekend ’ s annual trip home to Las Vegas with the Cubs his most anticipated of the six he has taken with them .
“ Oh , yeah .
I don ’ t even care about the baseball games , ” he said .
“ I ’ m excited to go check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” When the Cubs finish their two-game series against the Reds on Sunday , Bryant will stay home for an ultrasound appointment Tuesday before rejoining the team .
“ I think this is really what I ’ ve been put on this earth to do , is to be a dad , ” Bryant told the Marquee Sports Network during a recent game broadcast .
“ He ’ s excited .
Shoot , I ’ m excited for him , ” teammate and pal Anthony Rizzo said .
Bryant has said that baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an offseason filled with trade talks .
His status as a Cub seems settled for now , and if the 2016 National League MVP is spending any time wondering what might happen at the trade deadline if the team gets off to a rough start , you wouldn ’ t know it .
His thoughts are on April 7 , the tentative birth day , and sometimes even on how to keep him from taking baseball seriously , like his pop .
“ It ’ s kind of hard to chase what your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We won the World Series after 108 years , and [ I ] won MVP in the same year .
He ’ ll always have to look at that .
At the same time , I know there ’ s going to be people around me , my family , who would love to see him out there on the tee-ball field running the bases backward , like I did my first game.
” “ My first game , my first hit , I hit the ball and ran to third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be plenty of that .
It ’ s more of I just want to put him in the best position to succeed.
” If for no other reason than Grandpa Mike is a baseball instructor with a batting school , the little guy is almost certain to play .
“ I know it ’ s going to happen , ” Kris said .
“ It ’ s just more of a protective thing .
Because I know how hard I am on myself and how I ’ m my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ Nobody should have to go through that.
’ But he probably will .
“ I ’ ll teach him how to be less of a critic.
” And let him play golf .
Piano .
Guitar .
Anything and everything to allow him to find his own passion and identity .
“ The only thing I want in him is to have my initials , ” Kris said .
“ So he ’ s going to be a ‘ KB.
’ That ’ s all I can really say right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me his name was ‘ Tony , ’ ” Rizzo said .
“ No ?
” “ Not Kevin , ” Bryant said .
“ We ’ ll stick with Kevin as a dog — no offense to any Kevins out there.
” Meanwhile , about that rock-star plan .
Imagine Mike and little KB starting their own band someday .
They could call it Looking Ahead .

LAS VEGAS — Kris Bryant’s dad, Mike, wasn’t only a professional baseball player who taught his sons how to hit. He also played guitar for a band he and his friends started, called Looking Back, which was good enough to get paid gigs around town.
“His buddies still come to Vegas once or twice a year and, in our [batting] cage, just blast the music,” Kris said.
Mike doesn’t have the same long rock-star hair that he used to. But the old man can still play a little.
“Don’t tell him I said it,” Kris said, “but he’s pretty good.”
Maybe that’s where the Cubs’ All-Star third baseman got the idea for the plans he keeps telling his wife, Jess, he has for their son, who’s due in a few weeks.
“I’ve always told her my kid’s not going to play baseball; he’s going to be a rock star,” Bryant said.
Regardless, it has been clear since spring training started that the biggest thing on Bryant’s mind these days is family, no matter how many trade rumors, grievances or annoying Cubs-at-crossroads questions he gets from the media.
Which makes this weekend’s annual trip home to Las Vegas with the Cubs his most anticipated of the six he has taken with them.
“Oh, yeah. I don’t even care about the baseball games,” he said. “I’m excited to go check out what his chubby cheeks look like.”
When the Cubs finish their two-game series against the Reds on Sunday, Bryant will stay home for an ultrasound appointment Tuesday before rejoining the team.
“I think this is really what I’ve been put on this earth to do, is to be a dad,” Bryant told the Marquee Sports Network during a recent game broadcast.
“He’s excited. Shoot, I’m excited for him,” teammate and pal Anthony Rizzo said.
Bryant has said that baby plans and appointments helped distract him in an offseason filled with trade talks. His status as a Cub seems settled for now, and if the 2016 National League MVP is spending any time wondering what might happen at the trade deadline if the team gets off to a rough start, you wouldn’t know it.
His thoughts are on April 7, the tentative birth day, and sometimes even on how to keep him from taking baseball seriously, like his pop.
No baseball for Kris Bryant’s kid?
“It’s kind of hard to chase what your dad has done,” he said. “We won the World Series after 108 years, and [I] won MVP in the same year. He’ll always have to look at that. At the same time, I know there’s going to be people around me, my family, who would love to see him out there on the tee-ball field running the bases backward, like I did my first game.”
Huh?
“My first game, my first hit, I hit the ball and ran to third,” he said. “There’s going to be plenty of that. It’s more of I just want to put him in the best position to succeed.”
If for no other reason than Grandpa Mike is a baseball instructor with a batting school, the little guy is almost certain to play.
“I know it’s going to happen,” Kris said. “It’s just more of a protective thing. Because I know how hard I am on myself and how I’m my own worst critic. It’s like, ‘Nobody should have to go through that.’ But he probably will.
“I’ll teach him how to be less of a critic.”
And let him play golf. Piano. Guitar. Anything and everything to allow him to find his own passion and identity.
No Kris Jr. tag, either.
“The only thing I want in him is to have my initials,” Kris said. “So he’s going to be a ‘KB.’ That’s all I can really say right now.”
“I thought he told me his name was ‘Tony,’ ” Rizzo said. “No?”
Rizzo has a dog named Kevin.
“Not Kevin,” Bryant said. “We’ll stick with Kevin as a dog — no offense to any Kevins out there.”
Meanwhile, about that rock-star plan. Imagine Mike and little KB starting their own band someday.
“No,” Kris said flatly, before smiling. “Stop giving ideas.”
They could call it Looking Ahead.
“Ha … Looking Ahead …”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Home burglaries reported in West Elsdon, West Lawn: police

Man who tried to sell gun with ‘ bodies on it ’ on Facebook Live now faces murder charge , @ @ @ @ @ allegedly used the gun to kill Diviris Garfeed Monday in Humboldt Park .

Chicagoans are brutal critics when our city is on the screen. One wrong intersection or misplaced neighborhood, and we turn up our noses. ‘The Fugitive,’ now celebrating its 30th anniversary, gets it right.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Jeremy Colliton wise to reserve Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane nuclear line for desperate times

DETROIT — Knowing whether the Blackhawks are winning or losing doesn ’ t require a scoreboard whenever Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane appear together in 5-on-5 play .
In that case , they ’ re definitely losing .
Coach Jeremy Colliton has typically only used the two superstar forwards together in desperate times .
True to form , the Toews-Kane ‘ nuclear line ’ made its first extended appearance in a while in the Hawks ’ sloppy 2-1 loss against the woeful Red Wings on Friday , spending the latter part of the second period and most of the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notable only because Colliton has deployed them together so rarely this season .
At 5-on-5 , Kane and Toews have spent only 261 minutes together — under four minutes per game .
Kane has been one of Toews ’ two most common wingers in only seven games , and five of those were in the season ’ s first month .
Dominik Kubalik , by comparison , has been one of Toews ’ two most common wingers for 39 consecutive games .
It ’ s certainly exciting to dream about the dominance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of offense — thus why Colliton sometimes turns to them when trailing .
With them both on the ice , the Hawks have out-scored opponents 19-10 and generated an average of 32.0 scoring chances per 60 minutes together , more than they do when just Toews or just Kane ( or neither , for that matter ) are playing .
The negative effect of their union on the rest of the Hawks ’ scoring depth and line trios , however , is significant enough to justify starting — and usually keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once Kane moved up onto the first line , the Hawks rotated Dominik Kubalik and Brandon Saad in and out of the other wing slot .
Kubalik also took a few shifts with Dylan Strome and Ryan Carpenter , while Saad also took a few shifts with Strome and Alex Nylander .
In other words , the Kane promotion scrambled the rest of the depth chart into chaos .
If done full-time , Colliton would need to create more stable second and third trios , and none of the options are promising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that work best as complementary pieces next to a star — Kubalik , Drake Caggiula , even Brandon Saad to some extent — and not many who can create their own chances .
With Kirby Dach still developing , Dylan Strome struggling defensively and Ryan Carpenter unable to contribute much offensively , the Hawks also don ’ t have the center depth beneath Toews to justify using Kane — the one player guaranteed to make any of those centers look good — on Toews ’ line .
Plus , even the Toews-Kane duo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own end .
The Hawks allow 33.1 opponent scoring chances per 60 minutes when both players are on the ice , more than when either one plays without the other — essentially the same effect as stated before , but reversed .
That makes the decision to preserve that stacked first line for last-gasp periods , when the Hawks need a goal at all costs , seem wise .
• Adam Boqvist ’ s right wrist injury , which ruled him out of Friday ’ s game against the Red Wings at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Thursday ’ s game against the Oilers , Colliton said .
The Hawks haven ’ t provided return timetables yet for Boqvist or the concussed Lucas Carlsson .
• Rockford signed Blackhawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov to a professional tryout contract Saturday , giving the 25-year-old longtime Russian league star — whose North American rights the Hawks have owned since the 2014 draft — an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a 2020-21 contract .

DETROIT — Knowing whether the Blackhawks are winning or losing doesn’t require a scoreboard whenever Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane appear together in five-on-five play.
In that case, they’re definitely losing.
Coach Jeremy Colliton typically only has used the superstar forwards together in desperate times. True to form, the Toews-Kane ‘‘nuclear line’’ made its first extended appearance in a while in the Hawks’ sloppy 2-1 loss Friday against the woeful Red Wings.
Toews and Kane spent the latter part of the second period and most of the third period together.
Their presence was notable only because Colliton has deployed them together so rarely this season.
At five-on-five, Kane and Toews have spent only 261 minutes together — under four minutes per game. Kane has been one of Toews’ two most common wingers in only seven games, and five of those were in the season’s first month. Dominik Kubalik, by comparison, has been one of Toews’ two most common wingers for 39 consecutive games.
It’s certainly exciting to dream about the dominance of that duo, and Toews and Kane do produce a lot of offense — which is why Colliton sometimes turns to them when trailing. With them both on the ice, the Hawks have outscored opponents 19-10 and generated an average of 32.0 scoring chances per 60 minutes, more than they do when just Toews or just Kane (or neither, for that matter) is playing.
The negative effect of their union on the rest of the Hawks’ scoring depth and line trios, however, is significant enough to justify starting — and usually keeping — them apart.
Against the Wings, once Kane moved into the first line, the Hawks rotated Kubalik and Brandon Saad in and out of the other wing slot. Kubalik also took a few shifts with Dylan Strome and Ryan Carpenter; Saad took a few shifts with Strome and Alex Nylander.
In other words, Kane’s promotion scrambled the rest of the depth chart into chaos. If done full-time, Colliton would need to create more stable second and third trios, and none of the options is promising.
The Hawks have too many players who work best as complementary pieces next to a star — Kubalik, Drake Caggiula, even Saad to some extent — and not many who can create their own chances.
With Kirby Dach still developing, Strome struggling defensively and Carpenter unable to contribute much offensively, the Hawks also don’t have the center depth beneath Toews to justify using Kane — the one player guaranteed to make any of those centers look good — on Toews’ line.
Plus, even the Toews-Kane duo has its weaknesses, namely in its own end. The Hawks allow 33.1 opponent scoring chances per 60 minutes when both players are on the ice, more than when either one plays without the other — essentially the same effect as stated before but reversed.
That makes the decision to preserve that stacked first line for last-gasp periods, when the Hawks need a goal at all costs, seem wise.
Notes: Defenseman Adam Boqvist suffered his right wrist injury, which ruled him out of the game against the Red Wings at the last minute, midway through Thursday’s game against the Oilers, Jeremy Colliton said. The Hawks haven’t provided return timetables for Boqvist or defenseman Lucas Carlsson (concussion).
... Rockford signed Hawks goalie prospect Ivan Nalimov, 25, to a professional tryout contract Saturday, giving the longtime Russian league star — whose North American rights have been owned by the Hawks since the 2014 draft — an opportunity to prove himself worthy of a 2020-21 contract.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--NU ends regular season with upset of visiting Penn State

Miller Kopp scored 21 points , and struggling Northwestern beat No .
20 Penn State 80-69 on Saturday at Welsh-Ryan Arena Penn State ( 21-10 , 11-9 ) came in looking to head into the Big Ten Tournament on a winning note , only to stumble against one of the worst teams in the conference and lose for the fifth time in six games .
Northwestern ( 8-22 , 3-17 ) beat a ranked team for the first time since knocking off No .
20 Michigan on Feb. 6 , 2018 .
The Wildcats went on a 17-2 run down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 and came away with the win after losing 13 of 14 .
They moved a half-game ahead of last-place Nebraska .
Kopp made five 3-pointers .
Boo Buie scored 13 points , and Northwestern regrouped after blowing an early 14-point lead .
Lamar Stevens continued to close in on Penn State ’ s all-time scoring record , finishing with 18 points .
That gave him 2,207 in four seasons , six shy of the mark set by Talor Battle from 2007-11 .
Myles Dread scored 14 , nailing four 3s .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after losing to Iowa and Michigan State .
Northwestern led 55-54 midway through the second half when Buie converted a three-point play to start the decisive run .
Kopp hit two 3-pointers during that stretch , including one from the corner that drew loud cheers from the crowd .
Buie then hit one of his own to make it 72-56 with five minutes remaining .
Penn State missed its first eight shots and trailed by as many as 14 in the first half before turning things around .
The Nittany Lions tied it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ hook shot .
Two free throws by John Harrar with just under a minute left gave them their first lead of the game , before Northwestern ’ s Ryan Young hit two of his own with 15 seconds remaining .
Penn State : The Nittany Lions head into the conference tournament reeling after losing to a team that was tied for last in the Big Ten .
Northwestern : The Wildcats haven ’ t had much to celebrate in the three years since their lone NCAA Tournament appearance .

Penn State coach Patrick Chambers chose to focus on the positives this season — not the recent rough patch. And he’s banking on the Nittany Lions to put a loss to Northwestern behind them with the Big Ten Tournament coming up.
Miller Kopp scored 21 points, and the struggling Wildcats beat No. 20 Penn State 80-69 on Saturday at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Penn State (21-10, 11-9) hoped to head into the conference tournament on a winning note, only to stumble against one of the worst teams in the league and lose for the fifth time in six games. Even so, the Nittany Lions have their second 20-win season in 11 years. And those 11 victories in Big Ten play are second only to the 12 posted by the 1995-96 team.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done — 21 wins, 11 wins in this league,” Chambers said. “We had eight teams in the top 25. I am not going to diminish or steal the joy from my players and my staff. Am I disappointed how we’re finishing these games here? Yeah. However, the big picture, the macro — these kids have done something Penn State really hasn’t seen.”
Star Lamar Stevens agreed.
“I’m with coach,” he said. “We have a lot to be proud of. But, obviously, there’s still more work to be done.”
Northwestern (8-22, 3-17) beat a ranked team for the first time since knocking off No. 20 Michigan on Feb. 6, 2018.
The Wildcats went on a 17-2 run down the stretch to bump their lead to 16 and came away with the win after losing 13 of 14. They moved a half-game ahead of last-place Nebraska.
Kopp made five 3-pointers. Boo Buie scored 13 points, and Northwestern regrouped after blowing an early 14-point lead.
Stevens continued to close in on Penn State’s all-time scoring record, finishing with 18 points despite making just 5 of 20 shots. That gave him 2,207 in four seasons, six shy of the mark set by Talor Battle from 2007-11.
Myles Dread scored 14, nailing four 3s. John Harrar had 12 points and 14 rebounds with Mike Watkins held out for violating team rules. But the Nittany Lions got knocked off again after losing to Iowa and Michigan State.
DECISIVE RUN
Northwestern led 55-54 midway through the second half when Buie converted a three-point play to start the decisive run. Kopp hit two 3-pointers during that stretch, including one from the corner that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Buie then hit one of his own to make it 72-56 with five minutes remaining, and the Wildcats won for the second time in three games.
“I kept telling them all year, just keep putting yourself at the doorstep and keep banging on the door,” coach Chris Collins said.
EARLY EDGE
Penn State missed its first eight shots and trailed by as many as 14 in the first half before turning things around.
The Nittany Lions tied it at 32 with 1:31 remaining on Stevens’ hook shot. Two free throws by Harrar with just under a minute left gave them their first lead of the game before Northwestern’s Ryan Young hit two of his own with 15 seconds remaining. But after making the big push, Penn State fizzled down the stretch.
“We look weary, mentally and physically,” Chambers said. “We need a couple days off. Let’s reboot. Isn’t that what we all do with our computers and phones? Let’s reset, let’s reboot and let’s get our energy back. It’s a new season, right? It’s a new season, Big Ten Tournament.”
BIG PICTURE
Penn State: The Nittany Lions head into the conference tournament reeling after losing to a team that was tied for last in the Big Ten.
Northwestern: The Wildcats haven’t had much to celebrate in the three years since their lone NCAA Tournament appearance.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Fire, Revolution battle to a 1-1 draw

Fire, Revolution battle to a 1-1 draw

FOXBOROUGH , Mass .
— Jonathan Bornstein headed home a cross from Djordje Mihailovic in the 70th minute to help @ @ @ @ @ 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution on Saturday .
Gimenez , near midfield , @ @ @ @ @ Djordje Mihailovic in the left corner .
Mihailovic played a high cross and Jonathan Bornstein @ @ @ @ @ the finish .
Adam Buksa gave New England ( 0-1-1 ) a 1-0 lead in @ @ @ @ @ shot 16 yards out from the left side of the box , assisted by Brandon @ @ @ @ @ five saves for New England .
Gastón Giménez , a 28-year-old designated player from Argentina @ @ @ @ @ the Fire ( 0-1-1 ) when he came on for Brandt Bronico in the 63rd @ @ @ @ @ s next match is Sunday at home against Portland .
The Fire visit Orlando City @ @ @ @

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Jonathan Bornstein headed home a cross from Djordje Mihailovic in the 70th minute to help the Fire salvage a 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
Gaston Gimenez, near midfield, lofted a long ball to Mihailovic in the left corner. Mihailovic then played a high cross to Bornstein at the near post for the finish.
‘‘When I saw [Mihailovic] starting to cross it with his right foot, I just made a run for the front post,’’ Bornstein said. ‘‘I knew it was coming to my head and in the moment, [I was] just trying to get it on goal, get it in the goal, and that’s what happened.’’
Adam Buksa gave the Revolution (0-1-1) a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute with a shot 16 yards out from the left side of the box, assisted by Brandon Bye.
Goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm had two saves for the Fire. Brad Knighton made five for the Revolution, including one on a Fabian herbers shot in the 31st minute and one against Przemyslaw Frankowski in the 74th minute.
‘‘That’s the basic thing we ask for from the players, is that they all work and fight together,’’ coach Raphael Wicky said. ‘‘I think they showed that. We have to keep working. A lot of positives again. We had a lot of chances.’’
Gimenez, a 28-year-old designated player from Argentina, made his debut for the Fire (0-1-1) when he came on for Brandt Bronico in the 63rd minute. Defender Miguel Angel Navarro also made his MLS debut for the Fire, who increased their record to 27-22-14 all-time against the Revolution.
‘‘To get a point, the first point of the season, I think it will really lift up the team.’’ Bornstein said. ‘‘For me, it’s always about doing what’s best for my team. This group is really coming together.’’
The Fire visit Orlando City SC on Saturday before their home opener against Atlanta United FC on March 21 at Soldier Field.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--Students find cop’s gun in washroom at Catherine Cook School in Old Town

A gun found Friday by students at Catherine Cook School in Old Town has been linked to an off-duty Chicago @ @ @ @ @ and is now the subject of an internal affairs investigation .
The three girls were @ @ @ @ @ washroom about 2:30 p.m. at the school , located at 226 W. Schiller St. , @ @ @ @ @ , according to Chicago police .
The girls reported it to school officials and the @ @ @ @ @ officers , police said .
After a police report was filed , authorities learned the @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police officer who worked security at the school and an internal affairs investigation was @ @ @ @ @ That officer likely will face some type of discipline , police said , but not @ @ @ @ @ Catherine Cook School , which enrolls students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade , could not @ @ @ @ @ .

A gun found Friday by students at Catherine Cook School in Old Town has been linked to an off-duty Chicago police officer who works security and is now the subject of an internal affairs investigation.
The three girls were in a women’s washroom about 2:30 p.m. at the school, located at 226 W. Schiller St., when they found the gun, according to Chicago police.
The girls reported it to school officials and the gun was secured by security officers, police said.
After a police report was filed, authorities learned the gun belonged to an off-duty Chicago police officer who worked security at the school and an internal affairs investigation was opened, police said.
That officer likely will face some type of discipline, police said, but not criminal charges.
Officials at Catherine Cook School, which enrolls students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, could not be reached for comment Saturday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-07--T.J. Gibbs scores 22 points to lead Notre Dame to ACC victory against Virginia Tech

SOUTH BEND , Ind .
— Mike Brey ’ s Notre Dame basketball team knows the Tobacco Road ahead for an NCAA tournament bid could be a long shot for his team .
But T.J. Gibbs believes the Irish are on a mission following their 64-56 victory Saturday over Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale for both teams .
“ It was emotional at the beginning , but we ’ re on a mission and we ’ ve got a lot of work to do , ” the 6-foot-3 Gibbs said after scoring 22 points in what could be his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 12 shots , including 5 of 8 from 3-point range , as the Irish shot 43 % for the game ( 23 of 54 ) and dominated the backboards with a 44-27 edge in rebounds .
Reserve Dane Goodwin added 13 points and nine rebounds the Fighting Irish ( 19-12 , 10-10 ACC ) who got 12 rebounds from double-double machine John Mooney but just seven points .
The 6-foot-9 senior forward entered the game leading the nation in double-doubles with 25 .
Grad student Rex Pflueger had seven points .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we ’ re not done yet , ” Mooney said .
“ We had a job to do tonight and we took care of business .
T.J. was on fire – when he ’ s hunting his shot that ’ s when we ’ re at our best.
” Brey was happy with his team ’ s performance after losing its last two games at Wake Forest and versus No .
7 Florida State .
“ We ’ re 8-4 since Jan. 24 and two of the four losses have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re playing pretty good , so we ’ ll go to Greensboro ( North Carolina ) and let it rip.
” Meeting the Fighting Irish for the first time this season , P.J .
Horne scored 14 points and Hunter Cattoor 12 to lead the Hokies ( 16-15 , 7-13 ) who could end up playing the Irish Wednesday night in the Greensboro Coliseum .
Notre Dame took a 28-17 halftime lead behind 15 points from Gibbs .
The senior hit 4 of 5 3-pointers and added three free throws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think Mike ’ s bunch did some things in the first half that had us on our heels a little bit , ” Virginia Tech first-year coach Mike Young said .
“ In the first 10 minutes we missed some shots that were head-scratchers.
” Virginia Tech had scoring droughts of nearly-nine minutes and three-plus minutes as the Irish pulled away with Gibbs and Prentiss Hubb hitting 3-pointers to give the Irish their largest lead of the half at 28-15 before Horne beat the first-half horn with a jumper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then a layup to trim Virginia Tech ’ s deficit to 33-28 with 16:36 to play but the Hokies got no closer .
Hubb set up Juwan Durham and Nate Laszewski for dunks in a 27-second span and Goodwin added a short jumper to make it 47-32 midway through the second half .
Virginia Tech : The Hokies shot just 21 % ( 6 of 28 ) in the first half after shooting 54 % in their 70-58 victory over Clemson on Wednesday that ended a four-game losing streak .
Virginia Tech shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 of 30 ) but finished at 36 % ( 21 of 58 ) .
“ It puts a lot of pressure on your defense , ” Young said .
“ I thought we fought like heck in the first half to limit Notre Dame to 33 % ( 9 of 27 ) from the field and they had nine turnovers .
And they never turn the ball over.
” Notre Dame : Mooney was held scoreless in the first half , extending a scoreless string of 42 minutes going back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss to No .
7 Florida State .
He finally broke the string at 52:32 when Hubb set him up for a 3-pointer for a 50-35 Irish lead .
“ There ’ s other things you can do to help your team besides scoring the ball , ” Mooney said .
Gibbs saluted his teammate .
“ A lot of teams are doubling him , ” he said .
“ John ’ s been doing a great job with the outlet pass and the skip pass .
That ’ s the way we @ @ @

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Mike Brey’s Notre Dame basketball team knows the Tobacco Road ahead for an NCAA tournament bid could be a long shot for his team.
But T.J. Gibbs believes the Irish are on a mission following their 64-56 victory Saturday over Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale for both teams.
“It was emotional at the beginning, but we’re on a mission and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” the 6-foot-3 Gibbs said after scoring 22 points in what could be his final home game.
Gibbs hit 7 of 12 shots, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range, as the Irish shot 43% for the game (23 of 54) and dominated the backboards with a 44-27 edge in rebounds.
Reserve Dane Goodwin added 13 points and nine rebounds the Fighting Irish (19-12, 10-10 ACC) who got 12 rebounds from double-double machine John Mooney but just seven points. The 6-foot-9 senior forward entered the game leading the nation in double-doubles with 25. Grad student Rex Pflueger had seven points.
“It’s been an awesome experience, but we’re not done yet,” Mooney said. “We had a job to do tonight and we took care of business. T.J. was on fire – when he’s hunting his shot that’s when we’re at our best.”
Brey was happy with his team’s performance after losing its last two games at Wake Forest and versus No. 7 Florida State.
“We’re 8-4 since Jan. 24 and two of the four losses have been heart breakers,” said Brey. “We’re playing pretty good, so we’ll go to Greensboro (North Carolina) and let it rip.”
Meeting the Fighting Irish for the first time this season, P.J. Horne scored 14 points and Hunter Cattoor 12 to lead the Hokies (16-15, 7-13) who could end up playing the Irish Wednesday night in the Greensboro Coliseum.
“We can save the scouting report,” Brey joked.
Notre Dame took a 28-17 halftime lead behind 15 points from Gibbs. The senior hit 4 of 5 3-pointers and added three free throws after being fouled on another 3-point attempt.
“I think Mike’s bunch did some things in the first half that had us on our heels a little bit,” Virginia Tech first-year coach Mike Young said. “In the first 10 minutes we missed some shots that were head-scratchers.”
Virginia Tech had scoring droughts of nearly-nine minutes and three-plus minutes as the Irish pulled away with Gibbs and Prentiss Hubb hitting 3-pointers to give the Irish their largest lead of the half at 28-15 before Horne beat the first-half horn with a jumper.
Nahiem Alleyne made two free throws and then a layup to trim Virginia Tech’s deficit to 33-28 with 16:36 to play but the Hokies got no closer. Hubb set up Juwan Durham and Nate Laszewski for dunks in a 27-second span and Goodwin added a short jumper to make it 47-32 midway through the second half.
BIG PICTURE
Virginia Tech: The Hokies shot just 21% (6 of 28) in the first half after shooting 54% in their 70-58 victory over Clemson on Wednesday that ended a four-game losing streak. Virginia Tech shot 50% in the second half (15 of 30) but finished at 36% (21 of 58).
“It puts a lot of pressure on your defense,” Young said. “I thought we fought like heck in the first half to limit Notre Dame to 33% (9 of 27) from the field and they had nine turnovers. And they never turn the ball over.”
Notre Dame: Mooney was held scoreless in the first half, extending a scoreless string of 42 minutes going back to the first half of Wednesday’s 73-71 loss to No. 7 Florida State. He finally broke the string at 52:32 when Hubb set him up for a 3-pointer for a 50-35 Irish lead.
“There’s other things you can do to help your team besides scoring the ball,” Mooney said.
Gibbs saluted his teammate. “A lot of teams are doubling him,” he said. “John’s been doing a great job with the outlet pass and the skip pass. That’s the way we play.”