chicagotribune--2020-03-05--NFL draft profile: Tight end Brycen Hopkins of Purdue

There is some concern about his pass-catching ability .
“ Hopkins ’ issue with catch consistency has been ongoing and @ @ @ @ @ a pro , ” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted .
“ While the athletic talent @ @ @ @ @ there was a noticeable drop in production and opportunities when matched against man-cover talent .
@ @ @ @ @ a one-dimensional slot tight end with Day 3 draft potential , but his issues as @ @ @ @ @ long-term prospects .
”

A tight end that run blocks and catches passes is an NFL quarterback’s best friend.
Brycen Hopkins, a redshirt senior tight end from Purdue, comes from NFL lineage — his father was a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans. During his senior season at Purdue, Hopkins earned first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Conference Tight End of the Year honors with 61 receptions for 830 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 starts.
Advertisement
There is some concern about his pass-catching ability. “Hopkins’ issue with catch consistency has been ongoing and is unlikely to change as a pro,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted. “While the athletic talent looks good in space, there was a noticeable drop in production and opportunities when matched against man-cover talent. Hopkins could be viewed as a one-dimensional slot tight end with Day 3 draft potential, but his issues as a pass-catcher could limit his long-term prospects.”
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 24 Brycen Hopkins of the Purdue Boilermakers catches a touchdown pass over Collin Wilder and Reggie Pearson of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Measurables:


chicagotribune--2020-03-05--‘The Masked Singer’ reveals the identity of the Taco: Here’s the star under the mask

`` The stage is like my second home , and I 'm having a ball up there , '' the @ @ @ @ @ package before her performance .
`` So I feel more determined than ever to stay @ @ @ @ @ leave my good job in the city , there 's no place like my home @ @ @ @ @ I ought to take a break .
But I still have more stories to tell @ @ @ @ @ that still feels exciting and new ?
I truly cherish my rare time off to @ @ @ @ @ things .
Starting a good romance novel , a little needlepoint -- my secret talent @ @ @ @ @ and cheese to bond with my friends like you .
Thanks for stopping by my @ @ @ @ @ 's time for this hostess with the mostest to get her game face on .
@ @ @ @ @ stopping me now . ''

SPOILER ALERT: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 3, episode 6 of “The Masked Singer,” which aired March 4 on Fox.
Tom Bergeron just gave “The Masked Singer” viewers something to taco 'bout. The “Dancing with the Stars” host, who had performed in the Taco costume, was eliminated from “The Masked Singer” on Wednesday night.
Advertisement
Bergeron, who performed "Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops in the episode, called the experience "bizarre" but "wonderful." "I think I lasted about as long as I deserve to," he told Variety. "Maybe one or two would have been OK, but I had no delusions about going the distance."
If anything, Bergeron admitted that he was a bit shocked that he lasted longer than last week's eliminated celebrity, Dionne Warwick. "That stunned the hell out of me," he said.
Advertisement
Bergeron's exit this season follows Lil Wayne, Drew Carey, Chaka Khan, Tony Hawk, and Warwick. But unlike last week, when most of the panel figured out Warwick, they were completely in the dark on Bergeron.
Instead, Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong guessed Martin Short, while Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg thought it was Jerry Springer, Nicole Scherzinger named Barry Manilow and guest panelist T-Pain -- the show's Season 1 winner -- guessed Kelsey Grammer.
Host Nick Cannon and Tom Bergeron in the "Friends in High Places: Group B Championships" episode of "The Masked Singer" airing Wednesday, March 4 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Michael Becker/FOX / HANDOUT)
"I was very surprised, especially given that Nicole won 'Dancing with the Stars,' Robin has performed a number of times on 'Dancing with the Stars' as a guest artist, and Jenny and I have known each other for years," Bergeron said. "The only one of the regular judges I didn't really know was Ken, so I expected one of the other three to at least guess at one point, but they didn't."
Perhaps the closest came when Thicke guessed Bob Saget as the Taco in a previous episode. Saget, a fellow former host of "America's Funniest Home Videos," was the secret guest who appeared in this episode to talk about the Taco.
"We've been friends for years and he readily agreed to do it," Bergeron said.
Bergeron was recruited to join "The Masked Singer" by showrunner Izzie Pick Ibarra, who previously served as an executive producer on "Dancing with the Stars." "She saw I had done a song for a Mr. Rogers tribute album and asked if I'd be interested, and I thought, this could be fun. And it was."
For his first two songs, Bergeron performed "Fly Me to the Moon," by Frank Sinatra, and "Bossa Nova Baby," by Elvis Presley. Bergeron said he was happy with his Sinatra number, but was so worried about forgetting the Elvis lyrics that he forgot his dance steps.
"I described it as a 'Taco-Franken-Elvis' making his way across the stage," he said. As for the taco outfit, Bergeron revealed that the hot sauce-style microphone he held was a prop.
Advertisement
“I actually had a mic under my tomato head,” he said. “But to try and move in the darn thing, there’s no peripheral vision, you have people guiding you backstage all the time.”
"The Masked Singer" is shot at CBS Television City, where "Dancing with the Stars" is also produced -- and they even use the same stage. As a result, a lot of the crew members he's worked with over the years on "Dancing," including the director, lighting director and others in the booth, are also on "Masked Singer."
So as a gag, Pick Ibarra put a camera in the control room to catch their reaction when he was revealed. "None of them had guessed either," he said. "And their reaction was hilarious, when they realized it was somebody they had worked with for years and they still didn't figure it out."
"It was such fun, and it's a great group of people," Bergeron said. "Once I was finally able to take the mask off it was a wonderful reunion with quite a few people I had worked with over the years. I'm looking forward to seeing if I can figure out who the rest of Group B is, and who Group C is as well."
"The stage is like my second home, and I'm having a ball up there," the Mouse said in the pre-taped package before her performance. "So I feel more determined than ever to stay anonymouse. But when I leave my good job in the city, there's no place like my home squeak home. You think I ought to take a break. But I still have more stories to tell. And why quit something that still feels exciting and new? I truly cherish my rare time off to catch up on my favorite things. Starting a good romance novel, a little needlepoint -- my secret talent -- and a little wine and cheese to bond with my friends like you. Thanks for stopping by my mousepad. But now it's time for this hostess with the mostest to get her game face on. Because there ain't no stopping me now."
With the Elephant (Hawk), Mouse (Warwick) and Taco (Bergeron) now gone, that leaves Frog, Kitty and Banana moving on to the "Super Nine" face-off on the show. But first, the Group C contestants will begin their portion of the competition next week.
Advertisement
Here’s a recap of the other contestants and their performances on Wednesday:
Kitty
Song: "Mama's Broken Heart," by Miranda Lambert
Voice-over: “Last time, I wore my heart on my fur. And the panel loved it. Speaking of people who love me for me, my BFF is here to dish out some kitty gossip.”
Kitty’s BFF: “I’ve known Kitty since we were little kittens. She didn’t have a ton of friends and got bullied at school for being weird. But to me, that’s always made her special. Whether she’s writing poems or directing horror movies we would star in, she’s always had a flair for the dramatic. I’ll never forget that one day in class, she said she could see ghosts, and scared one girl so badly , Kitty got detention. She may have the voice of an angel, but it’s her dark side that will help her slay the competition.”'
Panel guesses: Christina Ricci, Kristen Bell, Haylie Duff
Previous songs: “Dangerous Woman,” by Ariana Grande; “Mercy,” by Brett Young
Advertisement
Previous panel guesses: Julianne Hough, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Millie Bobby Brown, Amanda Seyfried, Sarah Hyland
Banana
Song: "Lean on Me," by Bill Withers
Voice-over: “I’m loving performing as the Banana. But last week, I had a little setback. My memory’s not what it used to be, but I’m a real driven banana. Don’t believe me? Ask these two lovely ladies.”
Banana’s daughters: “He’s such a great role model. When we were younger, Banana actually taught us how to drive by getting us go-carts. He decided to build a racetrack in our backyard. He dug up all the bushes himself, anything to make us smile. He’s been through a lot of heartburn in his life, but he’s always been able to laugh through everything.”
Why that song?: “My father is like my best friend and he recently passed away. This man was a true hero and this song was our jam.”
Panel guesses: Mario Andretti, Brad Paisley, Larry the Cable Guy, Johnny Knoxville
Advertisement
Previous songs: “A Little Less Conversation,” by Elvis Presley; “Achy Breaky Heart,” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Previous panel guesses: Bill Engvall, Ed Helms, Darius Rucker, Larry the Cable Guy, Billy Bob Thornton
Frog
Song: “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” by the Gap Band
Voice-over: “Being on that stage has been unusual. But I’ve been loving every second. And I’m too ribbit to quit. Makes me think backwards, to when my career jumpstarted and a woman that was so instrumental but barely seen.”
Frog’s team member: “I’ve known Frog since he was a tadpole. I knew immediately he’d be a super star. I looked out for him when he was in L.A. Uh-huh, even then he had an entourage. I remember taking him to his first late-night talk show. It was way past his bedtime, but I let it slide. He was cool, calm and collected, way beyond his years. But I’m most impressed with the man Frog has become. Life hasn’t always been easy for him, but he’s persevered and paved the way for so many people. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Panel guesses: Ludacris, Omarion, Tommy Davidson
Advertisement
Previous songs: “U Can’t Touch This,” by MC Hammer; “In Da Club,” by 50 Cent
Previous panel guesses: Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Ray J, Alfonso Ribiero, Kevin Hart, Omarion


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Cabbie recounts seeing Loop confrontation between Cmdr. Paul Bauer and the man accused of killing hi

Cabbie recounts seeing Loop confrontation between Cmdr. Paul Bauer and the man accused of killing him

His testimony on the trial ’ s fourth day likely will prove crucial for prosecutors as well .
Kulic said @ @ @ @ @ giving chase — Bauer — was a police officer .
And he said he did @ @ @ @ @ second gun fired on the plaza outside the Thompson Center .

Shomari Legghette, 47, gestures as he walks out of the courtroom on Oct. 28, 2020, after being sentenced in the first-degree murder of Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Edin Kulic was driving his cab through the Loop, on the hunt for his next fare, when something dramatic caught his eye: two men dashing across Clark Street, one chasing the other.
Kulic pulled over. He watched Cmdr. Paul Bauer gain speed on his target, Shomari Legghette.
Advertisement
“The gentleman behind the first one was kind of running, (he) looked like police to me, so it was interesting," he testified Friday at Legghette’s trial for Bauer’s murder. Kulic said the men appeared to fight, then went down a steep stairwell outside the Thompson Center.
Then came the volley of gunfire.
Advertisement
Two years later, video from the security camera in Kulic’s taxi was played for the jury hearing the case.
Jurors saw images of the quick chase across Clark,and just moments later heard the unmistakable sound: seven gunshots, separate and distinct, in quick succession.
Judge Erica Reddick warned spectators beforehand that the audio might be disturbing to some. Bauer’s widow, Erin, took the opportunity to leave the room.
After Bauer’s death in February 2018, police hailed Kulic in particular as an exemplary witness. Not only did his taxi camera capture the gunfire, Kulic himself took cellphone video of Legghette being taken into custody and police recovering his gun.
His testimony on the trial’s fourth day likely will prove crucial for prosecutors as well. Kulic said he instantly recognized the man giving chase — Bauer — was a police officer. And he said he did not see or hear any second gun fired on the plaza outside the Thompson Center.
That would seem to counter the defense’s two main arguments: that Legghette did not know Bauer was a cop when he shot him, and that someone besides Legghette fired shots down the stairwell that day.
In a video obtained by the Tribune, Shomari Legghette is taken into custody on Feb. 13, 2018, after the fatal shooting of Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer outside the Thompson Center. (Video obtained by Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Earlier Friday, state police firearms expert Jennifer Sher testified that all six fired cartridge cases recovered after Bauer’s shooting trace back to Legghette’s gun.
The testimony would again seem to leave precious little wiggle room for the defense’s theory of a second shooter.
Advertisement
All three officers who responded to the stairwell have denied under oath that they fired shots or heard any gunfire after they heard the initial series of shots from the stairwell. And no other eyewitnesses so far have supported the theory of a second shooter.
But the defense is sure to note that there were seven shots fired in the stairwell, and only six cartridge casings recovered. And on cross-examination, the state firearms expert testified that she did not analyze any other weapons related to the scene.
Sher also testified that cartridge casings often bounce or roll after they are ejected, and can easily be inadvertently kicked or otherwise mistakenly moved around.
mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--State high court rejects Jussie Smollett’s attempt to throw out new charges

Foxx withdrew from the case last year in what she termed a “ colloquial ” recusal , then assigned her @ @ @ @ @ matter , which Toomin said rendered the entire prosecution invalid .
Foxx had the right @ @ @ @ @ not have the right to name her successor , the judge said .

Actor Jussie Smollett leaves the Cook County Jail on March 16, 2022, after he was ordered to be released pending appeal of his conviction and 150-day sentence. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
The state’s highest court has rejected actor Jussie Smollett’s attempt to throw out the new charges against him and remove the special prosecutor who brought them.
In an emergency motion to the Illinois Supreme Court, Smollett’s attorneys argued that Cook County Judge Michael Toomin overstepped his authority and misinterpreted the law when he ordered the appointment of a special prosecutor in Smollett’s case last year.
Advertisement
On Friday afternoon, the high court denied the request without explanation.
In their filing, Smollett’s attorneys argued that the particular statute Toomin cited to appoint a special prosecutor can only be invoked if the state’s attorney filed a formal petition for recusal — which Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx never did.
Advertisement
Foxx withdrew from the case last year in what she termed a “colloquial” recusal, then assigned her top deputy to handle the matter, which Toomin said rendered the entire prosecution invalid. Foxx had the right to step away but did not have the right to name her successor, the judge said.
But, Smollett’s attorneys argued, only Smollett himself had grounds to question whether the person who prosecuted him was properly qualified to do so.
“(If) there, in fact, had been a defect in the authority to prosecute Mr. Smollett, the only person who could properly challenge the validity of the proceedings would be Mr. Smollett — and he has not done so,” the motion states.
As a result, they argued, the state Supreme Court should throw out the order appointing a special prosecutor as well as vacate the charges currently pending against the actor.
The high court roundly rejected the motion, meaning Smollett’s case will be back before a Cook County judge March 18 as scheduled.
Smollett faces six new counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly lying to police about being the victim of a phony racist and homophobic attack.
Cook County prosecutors last year charged him with 16 counts of the same crime centered on the same allegations — but abruptly dropped them, with little explanation, the next month. It was a highly controversial move that has cast a long shadow over the upcoming primary race for state’s attorney.
[ A timeline of the Jussie Smollett case ]
After Toomin found that Smollett’s first prosecution was invalid, veteran prosecutor Dan Webb was appointed to determine whether the actor should again face charges. On Feb. 11, his special grand jury indicted Smollett on the new counts.
Advertisement
Smollett, who is black and openly gay, told police he was attacked by two men as he was walking home after getting a sandwich at a Subway restaurant in January of last year. The men shouted slurs, poured bleach or a similar substance on him and hung a noose around his neck, he told officers.
[ Who is Dan Webb? Meet the special prosecutor appointed to the Jussie Smollett case. ]
But the actor eventually turned from victim to suspect, and in a twist, police said that the entire incident was a hoax and that Smollett actually staged the assault from start to finish to bolster his career.
By the time charges were brought the first time, Foxx had recused herself from overseeing the prosecution after revealing she had contact with a member of Smollett’s family early in the investigation at the request of Tina Tchen, Michelle Obama’s former chief of staff.
Foxx declined to provide details at the time, but communications later made public showed Foxx had asked then-Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson to turn over the investigation to the FBI after she was approached by Tchen, a politically connected lawyer, about the case.
Advertisement
[ Mystery remains over why Kim Foxx's office dismissed hoax charges against Jussie Smollett ]
mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Bradley fights back from a 9-point deficit to beat Southern Illinois 64-59 in a Missouri Valley Tour

Bradley fights back from a 9-point deficit to beat Southern Illinois 64-59 in a Missouri Valley Tournament quarterfinal

The Salukis entered the tournament with three straight losses and five in six games .
They enjoyed a string of @ @ @ @ @ in the season under first-year coach Bryan Mullins , a former SIU player and a @ @ @ @ @ the Ramblers ’ 2018 Final Four run .

ST. LOUIS — A year ago at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, Bradley coach Brian Wardle’s new red loafers were so unbearably tight, he kicked them off in the locker room while talking with reporters.
He busted them out again this March. A testament to the Braves’ championship run and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019, the shoes are broken in.
Advertisement
“These are way more comfortable than last year,” Wardle said. “Whatever gives us a little spark or energy, I’ll do it.”
He assured reporters that wearing his good-luck shoes for the first time this season during a tournament quarterfinal Friday was a fashion choice simply to appease his three children. Either way, with a 64-59 comeback victory against Southern Illinois, Wardle and the Braves will march on.
Advertisement
No. 4 seed Bradley (21-11) will face No. 8 seed Drake (20-13) in a semifinal at 2:35 p.m. Saturday at the Enterprise Center. The Bulldogs pulled of a stunning upset earlier, defeating No. 1 seed Northern Iowa 77-56. It was the first time in MVC Tournament history a No. 8 seed defeated a No. 1 seed.
“Last year means nothing this year,” senior guard Darrell Brown said of being defending Arch Madness champions.
Bradley fought back from a nine-point second-half deficit against No. 5 seed SIU (16-16) and made key shots down the stretch to break a deadlock.
Ja’Shon Henry made the difference with an and-1 layup with 19.7 seconds left for a 62-59 Braves lead. Brown sank two free throws with 6 seconds remaining to clinch the victory.
“Ja’Shon just made a great cut,” Wardle said, noting the play was designed to go to Elijah Childs. “It was a big-time finish.”
The Braves struggled offensively in the first half, enduring a 1-for-16 shooting span and not breaking into double digits until less than five minutes remained. They trailed 27-24 at halftime.
“That’s pretty much the story of my career,” said Brown, who led Bradley with 19 points and eight assists. “Underdog team. Most people count us out. When we get down, we stay together. We kept sharing the ball, kept trying to compete on the defensive end.
"Once you just keep working hard and give it everything you’ve got, when your teammates are good teammates, you can pretty much overcome anything.”
Advertisement
Wardle said the Braves won by focusing on their defense. They finished with 12 blocked shots and outrebounded the Salukis 43-29.
Childs had 16 points and five blocks. Ville Tahvanainen, a freshman from Finland, hit 4 of 8 3-pointers for 12 points.
Chicago Tribune Sports Weekdays A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
The Salukis entered the tournament with three straight losses and five in six games. They enjoyed a string of seven straight MVC wins earlier in the season under first-year coach Bryan Mullins, a former SIU player and former assistant at Loyola during the Ramblers’ 2018 Final Four run.
Lance Jones led the Salukis with 20 points on 9-of-20 shooting. But his teammates combined to hit only 33% of their field-goal attempts.
Barret Benson, a graduate transfer from Northwestern, had nine points and eight rebounds.
“We have a great foundation,” Mullins said. “This was a high-level game. We’ve won some big games, we’ve lost some. Hopefully that fuels them for the rest of their career at SIU.”
Advertisement
The Braves have to feel relieved that their path doesn’t include Northern Iowa (25-6), which swept them in two meetings this season. Drake and Bradley split their games, each team winning on its home court.
The Bulldogs used a 16-0 run to extend their lead 66-48 as the Panthers missed 11 straight shots. The Bulldogs shot 50% and never trailed after a 2-0 deficit.
Guard Roman Penn led Drake with 26 points.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Highland Park man cited with traffic violation for crash that killed Evanston woman; her family’s at

Highland Park man cited with traffic violation for crash that killed Evanston woman; her family’s attorney says charge isn’t severe enough

Biernacki and the Music Center of Deerfield also were named in a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed in September @ @ @ @ @ Rondon-Stanley , the 53-year-old Evanston woman who died from blunt force injuries that were caused @ @ @ @ @ in the 800 block of Waukegan Road .

In this file photo September 2019, police investigate the scene where a woman was struck and killed by a van in downtown Deerfield. (Joe Shuman / Pioneer Press)
The driver of a van who struck and killed an Evanston woman while she was walking through a parking lot in downtown Deerfield last fall recently was cited with a traffic violation following a near six-month investigation into the incident.
Deerfield police announced Friday that Lawrence J. Biernacki, 68, of Highland Park, was cited March 5 with failure to yield while emerging from an alley, building or private road. Biernacki surrendered to police the same day.
Advertisement
Biernacki and the Music Center of Deerfield also were named in a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed in September by the family of Lucinda Rondon-Stanley, the 53-year-old Evanston woman who died from blunt force injuries that were caused by the crash Sept. 13 in the 800 block of Waukegan Road.
The lawsuit alleges that Biernacki while representing the music store failed to keep a safe and proper lookout for pedestrians, failed to avoid hitting Rondon-Stanley and failed to stop his vehicle after striking her, dragging her underneath the van.
Advertisement
On Friday, Tom Demetrio, an attorney for Rondon-Stanley’s family, said he is disappointed in the traffic citation filed against Biernacki, saying the charge wasn’t severe enough.
He said he plans to ask for a meeting with prosecutors from the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“We disagree with this decision,” Demetrio said. “We believe he fled the scene of an occurrence where he ran a woman down and killed her.”
Lucinda Rondon-Stanley, 53, of Evanston, died Sept. 13 after she was struck by a van in downtown Deerfield. (Corboy & Demetrio law firm)
Demetrio said the lawsuit still is pending in Cook County Circuit Court and all parties involved are gathering evidence.
Although the crash initially was reported as a hit-and-run, evidence from the investigation showed that Biernacki did not know the van struck Rondon-Stanley, said Lee Filas, a spokesman for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Once he realized what happened, Biernacki returned to the scene and cooperated with police, Filas said.
“What the evidence showed was this was an accident that involved a traffic violation,” Filas said. “It was a really bad accident. He wasn’t under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. He was not distracted and not on a cellphone.”
Deerfield police declined to comment on what charges, if any, the department recommended to the state’s attorney’s office.
Advertisement
Biernacki was released from police custody on bond with a notice to appear in court April 23, police said. The charge filed against Biernacki can carry fines of up to $500, police said.
Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Former Bulls center Joakim Noah set to sign a 10-day contract with the Clippers

Noah will be eligible to sign a second 10-day contract after his initial deal expires and from there can sign @ @ @ @ @ him on the roster through the playoffs .
said the person , who spoke on @ @ @ @ @ move will fill the last spot on the Clippers ’ 15-man roster and add size @ @ @ @ @ .
The 6-foot-11 , 230-pound Noah is a two-time All-Star and the NBA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 .

Los Angeles — The Clippers plan to sign veteran center Joakim Noah to a 10-day contract, a deal that will become official early next week, according to a person with knowledge of the signing but not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Noah will be eligible to sign a second 10-day contract after his initial deal expires and from there can sign another deal that would keep him on the roster through the playoffs. said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The move will fill the last spot on the Clippers’ 15-man roster and add size to its potential bench lineups. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Noah is a two-time All-Star and the NBA’s defensive player of the year in 2014.
Advertisement
Noah was scheduled to work out for team officials in September, but had to postpone because of an injury. It wasn’t until last week that he auditioned in front of the Clippers.
Over 12 NBA seasons Noah has averaged 8.8 points and 9.1 rebounds a game while shooting 49%.
Advertisement
After he played only seven games during the 2017-18 season in New York, Noah’s career was revived last season in Memphis. He averaged 16.5 minutes, 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds with the Grizzlies and allowed 0.71 points per possession when defending post-ups one-on-one, ranking him in the league’s 92nd percentile, according to Synergy Sports.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Imprisoned once for road fraud scheme, construction magnate Palumbo’s East Dundee development at cen

Imprisoned once for road fraud scheme, construction magnate Palumbo’s East Dundee development at center of new bribery case

Prosecutors told both her and Miller that they were not targets of the inquiry , Johnsen said .
They both @ @ @ @ @ interviews with investigators '' and later appeared before a grand jury to `` provide information @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s investigation , ” Johnsen ’ s statement read .

Joseph Palumbo leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Jan. 8, 1999, after entering a guilty plea in the fraud and racketeering charges that faced his family and its roadwork company. (Charles Osgood / Chicago Tribune)
Joseph Palumbo went to federal prison two decades ago for fraud involving his family’s century-old construction business, which at the time had a hand in building virtually every major expressway in Chicago.
Now another firm connected to Palumbo is at the center of federal bribery charges filed this week as part of a sprawling political corruption probe, the Chicago Tribune has learned.
Advertisement
According to the indictment, political operative William Helm paid off then-Democratic state Sen. Martin Sandoval in 2018 in exchange for his help advancing a development in East Dundee on behalf of an unidentified construction firm referred to only as Company A.
The company was seeking approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation for a traffic signal and road construction as part of the project and hired Helm, a former IDOT manager, as a consultant, the charges alleged.
Advertisement
Helm then paid at least $5,000 in bribes over five months to Sandoval, who at the time was chairman of the influential Senate Transportation Committee, to help win IDOT approval for Company A, the charges stated.
While the two-page indictment does not name the company, sources told the Chicago Tribune it is controlled by Palumbo. Business and land records show Palumbo controls two firms involved in the development. Palumbo Management LLC, oversees the development while the other, PAL LLC, owns the land.
Palumbo, 68, has not been accused of wrongdoing. An employee who answered the phone at the company Friday said Palumbo was “on the other line” and would call back, but he did not.
The charges involved the Terra Business Park along Route 72 and Christina Drive in East Dundee, a mixed-use development that includes an office building and a planned Speedway gas station.
East Dundee Village Administrator Jennifer Johnsen confirmed Friday that she and Village President Lael Miller were subpoenaed last month by a federal grand jury seeking information about the development, specifically "activity related to the planned intersection improvements and signalization of Route 72 and Christina Drive.”
Prosecutors told both her and Miller that they were not targets of the inquiry, Johnsen said. They both “willingly participated in brief interviews with investigators" and later appeared before a grand jury to "provide information and documents relevant to the government’s investigation,” Johnsen’s statement read.
A copy of the subpoena supplied to the Tribune through an open records request showed it was dated Feb. 19, and requested that Miller and Johnsen testify before the grand jury on Feb. 27. Helm was indicted a week later.
Advertisement
Johnsen also said in her statement that neither she nor Miller “were aware of any potential criminal activity associated with the project."
“It is very unfortunate to see economic development projects ... jeopardized because of the alleged criminal activity of a few individuals,” she said.
Palumbo and his family have been a central — and controversial — part of road construction in Illinois going back to the late 1800s.
In 1991, the Palumbo family and two companies under their control came under investigation when state and federal authorities began checking the composition of Palumbo-built roads with ground-penetrating radar and took core samples.
Investigators discovered that the companies had falsified weight tickets to cover the fact that they were putting less construction material into the roads than they had reported, according to Tribune accounts.
In a plea deal with prosecutors, the companies admitted overbilling by millions of dollars for construction material in 60 Chicago-area road projects by inflating weight tickets or creating “ghost” trucks that had in fact never delivered any materials at all.
Advertisement
Palumbo Brothers Inc. also admitted to bribing an IDOT engineer to overlook the fraud.
Joseph Palumbo and his brother, Sebastian, each were sentenced in 1999 to the maximum of 21 months in prison and ordered to pay fines totaling half a million dollars. Their father, Peter Palumbo, was sentenced to a year behind bars.
The brothers landed on their feet, however. Almost as soon as they were released, they were back in control of another prosperous highway company, Orange Crush LLC, that is one of the state’s largest asphalt producers and has reaped millions from local road projects.
Meanwhile, Helm, a former deputy commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, was charged in a two-page indictment with a single count of bribery stemming from the Palumbo-related project in East Dundee. He’s scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse.
The indictment doesn’t offer specifics on the improvements sought from IDOT tied to the alleged bribe, but the Courier-News has reported that the agency approved a $2 million grant to East Dundee last year to help pay for improvements at the intersection leading into the development.
In January, the village said some project delays were caused by the time it took to work through state processes, but that officials were optimistic.
Advertisement
“We feel pretty good that (the end’s) in sight,” Johnsen said at the time. “We’re excited.”
IDOT did not immediately answer questions submitted about the project, grant or involvement of Sandoval, Helm or Palumbo in advocating for it.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
jmahr@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Rivers Casino gets approval to open first Illinois sports book on Monday, just in time for March Mad

Rivers Casino gets approval to open first Illinois sports book on Monday, just in time for March Madness

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act , passed last year as part of a broader gambling expansion bill , allows the @ @ @ @ @ , three horse tracks and seven of the largest sports venues to acquire a sports @ @ @ @ @ online-only licenses will be issued 18 months after the first on-site license .
Sports betting @ @ @ @ @ offer online betting as well , but that will likely come after the bricks-and-mortar facilities @ @

Sports betting at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is set to begin Monday in time for March Madness. (handout / HANDOUT)
Legal sports betting is set to begin in Illinois this week, with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines planning to open its BetRivers Sportsbook just in time for March Madness.
The Illinois Gaming Board granted approval Friday for Rivers to begin taking sports bets at noon Monday.
Advertisement
The state’s first sports book has lined up former Chicago Blackhawks star Eddie Olcyzk to place the first sports bet.
Advertisement
“The BetRivers Sportsbook will take March Madness out of the office pool and into an exciting, elevated live sports wagering experience,” Corey Wise, general manager of Rivers Casino, said in a news release Friday.
Rivers is among six casinos across the state that filed applications for sports wagering licenses. The gaming board formally opened the application process in December, with officials and applicants alike aiming to open by the time the NCAA men’s basketball tournament tips off March 17.
Penn National Gaming, which operates the Hollywood Casinos in Joliet and Aurora and Argosy Casino Alton near St. Louis, will offer information on their sports book rollouts in the “coming days,” company spokesman Jeff Morris said Friday.
Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin did not respond to a request for comment. Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino in East Peoria is further behind in the application process to begin sports wagering operations.
The Illinois Sports Wagering Act, passed last year as part of a broader gambling expansion bill, allows the state’s 10 casinos, three horse tracks and seven of the largest sports venues to acquire a sports gaming license. Three additional online-only licenses will be issued 18 months after the first on-site license. Sports betting locations will be able to offer online betting as well, but that will likely come after the bricks-and-mortar facilities open.
Advertisement
Rivers got a head start on the process when it opened BetRivers as a sports bar in December, with 29 leather lounge chairs, a 47-foot-wide video wall topped by a sports ticker and five betting windows. There also will be 30 self-service kiosks when it opens for sports betting Monday.
The casino said it will launch its BetRivers.com website and mobile app later this year.
Illinois will become the 15th state to have live sports betting. The state is projecting sports betting to generate between $384 million and $680 million per year in adjusted gross wagering receipts — revenue after winnings are paid, according to a report published in September. At the enacted tax rate of 15%, that would result in annual state tax revenues of between $58 million and $102 million.
Indiana launched its sports books statewide in September, and the first six months have produced robust results, generating nearly $13 million in adjusted gross receipts in January alone, according to the most recent report published by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Dan Nita, regional president of Caesars Entertainment, the parent of Horseshoe Hammond, said many of its sports bettors have been Chicagoans crossing the state line. He acknowledged the opening of the Rivers sports book could put a dent in Horseshoe’s business.
Advertisement
“Obviously, just from a pure supply and demand standpoint, that will definitely have some degree of impact in guests having more choices,” Nita said.
Both Horseshoe and Rivers are planning big March Madness promotions, usually one of the biggest sports betting events of the year. Rivers plans to charge for prime seating to watch the games during the opening round of play.
While launching BetRivers ahead of March Madness is likely good timing for Rivers, it also comes as fears over the coronavirus outbreak are keeping some people from attending events, with a number of conferences and conventions cancelled in Chicago and other cities in recent days.
Rivers spokesman Patrick Skarr said the casino is taking extra measures to protect its guests, but the sports book will open as planned.
“We’re doing everything we can, increasing cleaning and following guidance from health officials,” Skarr said. “But we’re continuing on.”
rchannick@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Austin officials cancel South by Southwest festival over coronavirus concerns

AMC had pulled its featured session with Jason Segel to promote his new series , “ Dispatches From Elsewhere.
” @ @ @ @ @ to no longer participate in SXSW this year ; NBC News first reported the news @ @ @ @ @ had been officially announced , but NBCU had intended to once more set up its @ @ @ @ @ last year featured immersive virtual reality , gaming experiences and panels .

AUSTIN, Texas — South by Southwest has officially been canceled, amid growing fears over the spread of coronavirus. As of Friday afternoon, there have been 17 confirmed cases in Texas, where the annual entertainment, music and technology festival takes place.
Festival organizers shared the following statement online, adding that they are “devastated,” but will follow the City of Austin’s decision:
Advertisement
The City of Austin has cancelled the March dates for SXSW and SXSW EDU. SXSW will faithfully follow the City’s directions.
We are devastated to share this news with you. “The show must go on” is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place. We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation.
Advertisement
As recently as Wednesday, Austin Public Health stated that “there’s no evidence that closing SXSW or any other gatherings will make the community safer.” However, this situation evolved rapidly, and we honor and respect the City of Austin’s decision. We are committed to do our part to help protect our staff, attendees, and fellow Austinites.
We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants, starting with SXSW EDU. For our registrants, clients, and participants we will be in touch as soon as possible and will publish an FAQ.
We understand the gravity of the situation for all the creatives who utilize SXSW to accelerate their careers; for the global businesses; and for Austin and the hundreds of small businesses – venues, theatres, vendors, production companies, service industry staff, and other partners that rely so heavily on the increased business that SXSW attracts.
We will continue to work hard to bring you the unique events you love. Though it’s true that our March 2020 event will no longer take place in the way that we intended, we continue to strive toward our purpose – helping creative people achieve their goals.
An Update on SXSW 2020. Please read our full statement here: https://t.co/P56nF8KFmE pic.twitter.com/ouJPKM9GNy — SXSW (@sxsw) March 6, 2020
Between Thursday night and Friday morning, three more cases had been confirmed in Texas. There are currently 66 confirmed cases in California, where many of the participating media and tech companies are based.
Prior to the announcement, much of Hollywood and Silicon Valley had already canceled their plans for the annual festival, which was scheduled to run from March 13 through March 22.
Amazon Studios, Apple, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and Starz had been among the companies that had canceled their SXSW plans, while Starz parent Lionsgate and HBO Max and CNN parent WarnerMedia had scaled back their activities.
AMC had pulled its featured session with Jason Segel to promote his new series, “Dispatches From Elsewhere.” Meanwhile, NBCUniversal had decided to no longer participate in SXSW this year; NBC News first reported the news on Thursday. No panels had been officially announced, but NBCU had intended to once more set up its Comcast NBCUniversal House, which last year featured immersive virtual reality, gaming experiences and panels.
Advertisement
Additionally, Sony had canceled its panel for AMC’s “Better Call Saul.” Co-creator Peter Gould tweeted late Thursday that he was “very sorry and disappointed” that the event had been dropped from the schedule.
Very sorry and disappointed that our #BetterCallSaul panel at #SXSW is canceled. — Peter Gould (@petergould) March 6, 2020
The announcement comes days after several high-profile companies, including Netflix, tech news outlet Mashable, video-based social media platform TikTok and U.S. chip maker Intel, pulled out of the festival. Speculation about the cancellation grew on Friday, with many thinking it would likely be canceled, but the festival was awaiting the decision from the city of Austin.
More than 50,000 people had signed a petition seeking to get the festival cancelled.
The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has climbed to 14, with all but one victim in Washington state, while the number of infections swelled to over 200 scattered across at least 18 states, including at least six cases in the Houston area.
Coachella, scheduled for April 10-12 and 17-19 in California, is the next big event on the schedule, and one that in terms of audience and headlining acts. is significant. There has been no word yet about any schedule alteration.
Regarding what the coronavirus might mean for the Pitchfork Music Festival, scheduled for mid-July, and Lollapalooza in early August, representatives for the respective festivals have not responded to requests for comment.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Jill Biden, wife of Democratic presidential front-runner, rallies fellow teachers in Chicago as cand

Jill Biden, wife of Democratic presidential front-runner, rallies fellow teachers in Chicago as candidates jockey for union backing

Erica Bray-Parker , a union delegate and high school civics teacher , said she ’ d pledged to support Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ having dropped out of the race Thursday , Bray-Parker said she wasn ’ t thrilled @ @ @ @ @ between two older white men .
But she was impressed with Jill Biden and said @ @ @ @ @ lady may play in to her decision , as she believes it will could be @ @ @ @ @ decisions of many other educators .
Bray-Parker said she appreciated how Jill Biden made sure @ @ @ @ @ , from bus drivers to counselors to teachers .

Jill Biden highlighted her credentials as a community college instructor and former public schoolteacher as she campaigned for her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, in the Chicago area Friday. (Hannah Leone / Chicago Tribune)
Standing before rows of Illinois educators wearing “red for ed,” Jill Biden, a community college instructor and former public schoolteacher, offered assurances that her husband has what it takes to beat President Donald Trump and transform the country with a “blue wave."
Advertisement
Speaking to members of the Illinois Education Association teachers union at a hotel near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the wife of the Democratic front-runner — in a red dress and union pin of her own — sought to make the case that having an educator in the White House would make a world of difference for America’s teachers. Former Vice President Joe Biden understands their value because, for one thing, he’s been married to one for 42 years, she said.
“No one knows how to serve our students better than you do. No think tanks, no philanthropists, not politicians. Educators," she said. “... So often, we get pushed aside. Our voices aren’t heard. But Joe Biden hears us."
Advertisement
IEA President Kathi Griffin introduced Jill Biden as having displayed the “calm" and “cool” of a public schoolteacher earlier this week when she fended off protesters who stormed the stage at a Biden campaign event.
“She showed the heart of an educator,” Griffin said.
IEA officials have said they invited all of the candidates to speak to them and so far Biden is the only one to have sent a surrogate.
In a show to educators that she is one of them, Biden called them her colleagues, spoke fondly of her students and talked of the myriad roles teachers end up filling both inside and outside the classroom, from parent to therapist to biggest fan and support system.
She touched on highlights of the Biden education plan, such as his promises to increase Title I funding, promote mental health by adding more counselors and school psychologists, invest in early childhood education and enable students to attend community colleges or trade schools for two years free of debt.
Her proclamation that a Biden administration secretary of education would be an educator, one with public school experience, earned her a standing ovation.
“Somebody who listens to educators,” Biden said, “not just speaks to us.” She asked the crowd what they wanted in their next secretary of education, then dashed off the stage to bring the microphone around and amplify some of the answers. One person said they wanted the next education secretary to be an ethnic minority. Randall Miller, president of the City Colleges Contingent Labor Organizing Committee, said he’d like to see someone who will reverse the trend of more and more part-time professors.
Advertisement
Erica Bray-Parker, a union delegate and civics teacher at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, said she’d pledged to support Elizabeth Warren, but with Warren dropping out of the race Thursday, Bray-Parker said she was feeling sad and exhausted, and not thrilled about now having to choose between two older white men. “I’m a little disappointed in the diversity of my options,” Bray-Parker said.
But she was impressed with Jill Biden and said having an educator as first lady may play in to her decision on whom to support. Bray-Parker said she appreciated how Jill Biden made sure to talk about all educators, from bus drivers to counselors to teachers.
Following her speech and a brief Q&A with Griffin, Biden chatted with smaller groups of union members. Biden shook many hands but insisted she wouldn’t be offended if someone would rather avoid physical contact — a nod to ongoing concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Advertisement
Willus Vivian, a high school teacher in Midlothian, asked Biden more about plans to recruit and retain educators of color, a priority she’d noted during her speech. He liked her answers enough to pose with her for a picture, which he quickly texted to a group.
“I’m very curious to see what we can do as a country to foster minorities to go into education," Vivian said later. "... You need to see someone who looks like you, who understands the way you were treated in education because I don’t think minorities are treated fairly in education.”
Democratic presidential candidates have long been courting the teacher vote, but it’s unclear if educator unions will line up behind a single candidate.
Locally, the powerful Chicago Teachers Union attracted support from candidates including Sanders, Warren and Biden for the contract fight that led to an 11-day strike last fall. Sanders appeared at a CTU rally leading up to the walkout and called CTU President Jesse Sharkey with congratulations after the deal was struck. Warren stood with Chicago teachers on the picket lines, and Biden tweeted and phoned in his backing.
Advertisement
Sharkey and CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates announced their personal endorsements of Sanders this week, after the CTU’s governing body voted narrowly against a full union endorsement.
Sanders’ campaign has also reported “teacher" as the most common donor occupation in recent months.
In February, the American Federation of Teachers passed a resolution encouraging support for Sanders, Biden or Warren, saying those three had “significant support within our membership.” AFT President Randi Weingarten personally endorsed Warren before the Massachusetts senator backed out of the race.
The National Education Association also has not made a recommendation, nor has IEA, its Illinois affiliate.
Advertisement
hleone@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ contestant Sherry Pie disqualified after admitting to catfishing

“ This is Joey , I want to start by saying how sorry I am that I caused such trauma @ @ @ @ @ embarrassed and disgusted I am with myself .
I know that the pain and hurt @ @ @ @ @ never go away and I know that what I did was wrong and truly cruel @ @ @ @ @ “ Until being on ‘ RuPaul ’ s Drag Race , ’ I never really @ @ @ @ @ health and taking care of things meant .
I learned on that show how important @ @ @ @ @ and I don ’ t think I have ever loved myself .
I have been @ @ @ @ @ since coming back to NYC .

"RuPaul's Drag Race" has taken the almost unprecedented step of disqualifying one of the contestants who is set to appear this season.
Sherry Pie, whose birth name is Joey Gugliemelli, has been kicked off the show after admitting to catfishing allegations made by several young actors. In one Facebook post by Ben Shimkus, Gugliemelli is accused of having posed under the pseudonym of Allison Mossey and asked Shimkus to "film scenes that felt particularly sexual" for an audition. Later, having sent the tape to Mossey, Shimkus never heard from her again.
Advertisement
“In light of recent developments and Sherry Pie’s statement, Sherry Pie has been disqualified from RuPaul’s Drag Race,” confirmed a statement from VH1 and the show’s producer World of Wonder. “Out of respect for the hard work of the other queens, VH1 will air the season as planned. Sherry will not appear in the grand finale scheduled to be filmed later this spring.”
A source close to the production confirmed to Variety that Sherry Pie will still appear in tonight's episode, and that the network will still air the rest of the season as planned.
Advertisement
As referenced in VH1′s statement, Gugliemelli appeared to confess that the allegations were true in a message posted to his Facebook page Wednesday.
“This is Joey, I want to start by saying how sorry I am that I caused such trauma and pain and how horribly embarrassed and disgusted I am with myself. I know that the pain and hurt that I have caused will never go away and I know that what I did was wrong and truly cruel," Gugliemelli wrote. “Until being on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ I never really understood how much my mental health and taking care of things meant. I learned on that show how important ‘loving yourself’ is and I don’t think I have ever loved myself. I have been seeking help and receiving treatment since coming back to NYC.
“I truly apologize to everyone I have hurt with my actions. I also want to say how sorry I am to my sisters of season 12 and honestly the whole network and production company. All I can do is change the behavior and that starts with me and doing that work,” the post read.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Dr. Mary Ann Malloy, Channel 5′s longtime medical correspondent, dies at 77

“ It really was her bedside manner , ” said Antoine Lewis , who produced Malloy ’ s TV segments @ @ @ @ @ Whether it was the way she went about her day-to-day work or on TV , @ @ @ @ @ she could explain complex terms .
And many of us ( at the station ) @ @ @ @ @ health problems as well .
”

Dr. Mary Ann Malloy was an internal medicine physician at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital who also for more than two decades was well known to Chicago TV viewers as WMAQ-Ch. 5’s medical correspondent, appearing regularly on the station’s newscasts.
Mary Ann Malloy (Family photo)
“She seemed to have time for everybody and not only did she have all these patients, but she could deal with her practice and she could deal with being on television,” said longtime Channel 5 newscast director Patrick Lake.
Advertisement
Malloy, 77, died of pulmonary fibrosis on Feb. 4 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, said her son, Rob. She had lived in Oak Brook for more than 40 years.
Born Mary Ann Malone in Oak Park, Malloy grew up in River Forest. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Vassar College in 1963 and then earned a medical degree from Northwestern University in 1967. She did her residency at Cook County Hospital and in 1972 began working at Elmhurst Hospital as an internist with a focus on cardiac care.
Advertisement
“Knowledge was something that she loved — she loved reading medical journals,” her son said. “The things you and I would consider work or homework, she considered fun. Being able to help people and connect with people meant a lot to her.”
In 1987 and 1988, she was the president of the American Heart Association of Metropolitan Chicago, where she organized a committee on women and heart disease. She helped organize the first Women and Heart Disease conference in Chicago in 1991.
“Women have to take responsibility for their own health care,” Malloy told the Tribune in 1994. “You have to set priorities and then do what is necessary to achieve them.”
In 1992, Channel 5 tapped Malloy to begin hosting a live health information segment during Sunday morning newscasts, titled “What’s Up Doc?” Malloy found she greatly enjoyed the opportunity to use her expertise and communication skills to explain medical concepts to TV viewers.
“Most medical news on TV comes from people who are not medically trained or from full-time media docs, not practicing physicians,” she told the Tribune in 1994.
The segment later was renamed “Living Well,” and Malloy moved up to delivering segments on weeknight newscasts.
“It really was her bedside manner,” said Antoine Lewis, who produced Malloy’s TV segments in the 1990s. “Whether it was the way she went about her day-to-day work or on TV, she was relatable, and she could explain complex terms. And many of us (at the station) came to her with personal health problems as well.”
Malloy stopped doing newscasts in 2014.
Advertisement
Malloy took on other publicly visible roles as well. For a time, she wrote a column for the Daily Southtown newspaper. And she pushed for Oak Brook’s fire department to start having paramedics on staff after she attended a Fourth of July event in the village and helped treat a man who had been shooting off fireworks and suffered a major injury.
Malloy retired from Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in 2017 due to declining health.
Malloy’s husband of 40 years, John, died in 2007. She is survived by another son, Stephen; and one grandson.
Services were held.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--More single women are buying homes — and Chicago is one of the best cities for it: study

“ I saw the house and it was what I was looking for — a single-family home with a yard @ @ @ @ @ “ I was looking online on what a house could be .
This house was @ @ @ @ @ was move-in ready .
I realized that houses like this aren ’ t coming up @ @ @ @ @ I had to move fast on it .
”

Victoria Kent, 37, began house hunting in August, on the advice of her accountant sister. Within a month, she'd found a home that fit her needs in Avondale. Kent is among a growing cohort of single women buying their own homes. (Jeffy Mai)
The news that more single women are buying homes comes as no surprise to Chicago real estate broker Julie Harron.
Over the course of her 27-year career, the Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty vice president of sales found that even when working with couples, women are often the driving force and decision-makers.
Advertisement
“I have worked with women who have lost spouses or are divorced," Harron said. “And I think younger women who know where they are in their careers and are financially stable are making concrete property decisions.”
A new study from real estate agency Compass and mortgage lender Better.com named Chicago one of the top cities for single women to buy property, due to the high percentage of women applying for loans through Better.com.
Advertisement
Chicago ranked No. 3 on the list, with Atlanta and Los Angeles nabbing the top two spots. Seattle, Denver, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Houston and Oakland, California, rounded out the top 10.
Across the U.S., 1 in 5 homebuyers are single women, according to the study, which surveyed Compass agents and analyzed Better.com mortgage data. Even women who aren’t single — a cohort increasingly out-earning their partners — are securing loans without their spouses or listing themselves as the primary source of income.
Nationally, 58% of real estate agents surveyed said the majority of their clients were women. More than 80% said they have seen this number increase within the last five years.
Among the most dramatic shifts, single women of color are taking out mortgages far more frequently than a year ago, Better.com reported. Three-quarters of surveyed real estate agents said they are seeing single women entering the housing market earlier than their male counterparts as well.
Data from the National Association of Realtors suggests the same. In 2019, 17% of homebuyers were single women, while 9% were single men. A LendingTree.com study found that single women in Chicago own 312,997 homes, while single men are behind by about 100,000.
Kate Waddell, lead agent of the Compass-affiliated Kate Waddell Group, said about 10% of her clients are single women. She said while she doesn’t have concrete numbers, she thinks there has been an uptick specifically because of the city’s great job market.
“I think we are in a time where you don’t need a partner to buy property," Waddell said. “A lot of women who have successful careers can do better for themselves with owning and not renting. I think today, women are a lot more bold, so they’re willing do things that, 10 years ago, women weren’t doing. I think it’s awesome.”
Victoria Kent, 37, recently bought a house in Avondale. Her sister — who also handles the publicist’s accounting — suggested buying property as a good investment. So Kent started looking in the late summer and ended up signing much sooner than she anticipated.
Advertisement
“I saw on this house on Zillow and after that, things snowballed from there,” Kent said.
She saw the house online on a Friday in August. The next day, she saw the house in person with her mother and a real estate agent, who also owned the condo where Kent was living at the time.
Within hours of seeing the house, Kent was pre-approved for a loan online through Guaranteed Rate — a recommendation of her real estate agent. By that Sunday, she put in an offer and signed the contracts. One month later, she moved into her home.
“I saw the house and it was what I was looking for — a single-family home with a yard," Kent said. “I was looking online on what a house could be. This house was in my price range and was move-in ready. I realized that houses like this aren’t coming up often, and I knew I had to move fast on it.”
Kent describes her house hunting as smooth and virtually problem-free. She said she learned about the process by picking the brains of her parents and friends with home-buying experience. Her real estate agent also shared a handy graphic outlining the home-buying process.
“I am proud of being a homeowner — I never thought I would do it," Kent said. “I wish I would have known the process wasn’t as scary as I thought, because I would’ve started sooner.”
Advertisement
As part of the study, Compass and Better.com offered tips for women who are entering the housing market for the first time. Look for agents who have recently closed on properties similar to what you’re looking for and lenders who can provide a pre-approval letter to strengthen your offer. Keep closing costs in mind when setting a budget, and factor in mortgage-related tax deductions before making an offer.
First-time homebuyers in the Chicago area can take advantage of coaching programs and down payment grants to ease the process, which can be difficult for millennials to weather when finances are bogged down by student loan debt and the market suffers from low inventory.
Kent says having the means to buy a home and a good credit score can move the process along. She said finding a real estate agent you trust is also key, because they can provide recommendations for getting the best rate possible.
Having gone through the experience, Kent is able to keep tabs on the market to further improve her situation as a homeowner.
“People should look now, because interest rates are dropping," she said. “I am currently refinancing to get a lower loan rate.”
hgreenspan@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--You might be cheering Chicago’s warmer winter. What about businesses that rely on frigid days and wi

You might be cheering Chicago’s warmer winter. What about businesses that rely on frigid days and wintry mix?

Globally , this January was the warmest on record , and the fifth warmest for the U.S. , leaving 2020 @ @ @ @ @ of Earth ’ s 10 hottest years , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric @ @ @ @ @ temperatures are expected to trend upward , that doesn ’ t mean they will rise @ @ @ @ @ throughout the year , Castro said .
Chicago ’ s winters “ haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .

Mike Toohey and Jason Wolstenholm, right, build a pool for the "Puddle Cup" at Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle on March 6, 2020. They were preparing for the last weekend of the season, including building a pool where people ski through slush and water. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Time to put the parkas back in storage: Temperatures in the Chicago area could top 60 degrees Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Of course, that’s if you bothered to break them out at all this winter. Just how balmy was it?
Advertisement
Average daily temperatures between December and February were the 14th highest of any year since the weather service started keeping records in 1871, said meteorologist Ricky Castro. Typically, that 90-day period would have 39 days when temperatures peaked at or below freezing. This year had 21, the fewest since the 2011-12 winter.
Globally, this January was the warmest on record, and the fifth warmest for the U.S., leaving 2020 on track to be one of Earth’s 10 hottest years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But while global temperatures are expected to trend upward, that doesn’t mean they will rise uniformly across the world or throughout the year, Castro said. Chicago’s winters “haven’t followed a strong trend yet,” he said.
Advertisement
This year’s mild temperatures were good news for Chicagoans, at least when it comes to paying the electric bill. Between December and February, Commonwealth Edison Co.'s residential customers used about 4.5% less electricity than what the utility considers typical for that period, said spokesman Tom Dominguez.
It’s more complicated for seasonal businesses. Even some that thrive when temperatures dip don’t want cold so bone-chilling that customers and employees don’t want to venture outdoors. Here’s what warm temperatures meant for ski hills, food delivery services and car wash operators:
Food delivery services
Frigid temperatures or storms can make the idea of paying to have a meal brought to the front door more palatable than venturing out to a restaurant or grocery store.
Last winter, on Jan. 31, 2019 — which marked the end of a 52-hour stretch of subzero temperatures — Chicagoans placed 34% more orders with Postmates than on the same day the prior week, the company said. The day before, temperatures peaked at 10 below zero, cold enough to freeze-fry an egg on a sidewalk. Postmates said it saw large increases in orders of pet supplies, alcohol, breakfast and convenience store items.
Postmates orders also rose 11% in Chicago between September and October 2019, as summer turned to fall and Halloween saw record snowfall.
Another company, GoPuff, which delivers snacks, drinks and convenience store items, said it generally sees orders rise about 4% during storms, as long as the weather isn’t bad enough to keep its drivers off the road.
Advertisement
With 18 fewer days below freezing this winter, there were fewer opportunities for weather-related spikes in business.
Still, in a letter to investors last month, executives at Chicago-based Grubhub said they think weather during the fourth quarter of 2019 boosted average daily orders nationwide. Grubhub doesn’t provide city-specific ordering data. Typically, weather events that help business, like precipitation, and those that hinder it, like unseasonably warm winters, balance out over the course of a quarter, the executives said.
Convenience can also drive orders regardless of weather.
Advertisement
“Whether it’s warm or freezing out, once they get home from work and realize they forgot to pick up toilet paper or diapers, they turn to us to access those essentials so they can instead spend their time doing the things they enjoy,” GoPuff spokeswoman Elizabeth Romaine said in a statement.
Snow sports
Just under 19 inches of snow fell in Chicago between December and February, which is 9.5 inches less than normal, according to the weather service. Chicago-area ski resorts don’t count on getting enough natural snow to cover the slopes. As long as temperatures drop into the upper 20-degree range, resorts can make their own.
But milder winters can affect the length of the season, and they also make it tougher to draw visitors.
“When people don’t see snow in their backyards, they don’t think of skiing,” said Chris Buehler, area director at Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle.
Four Lakes sent out nearly 50,000 mailers this winter reminding recipients the slopes would be open “even if we haven’t had snow since Halloween.” It was the first time Four Lakes used mailers in about seven years, Buehler said.
Employees prepare for the last weekend of the season by building a pool for the "Puddle Cup" at Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle on March 6, 2020. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
A couple inches of snowfall in late February made a noticeable difference. In the days that followed, crowds were back to typical midwinter levels, he said. Lessons tend to fill regardless of the weather.
Advertisement
Even if warmer temperatures are here to stay, there are plenty of “creative solutions” that will keep suburban slopes open, Buehler said.
Four Lakes opened in early January this year, a couple of weeks later than usual, and relied more heavily on manmade snow. That raises costs, though Four Lakes’ ability to use natural water helps, he said. Buehler hopes to purchase more snowmaking guns in order to take better advantage of cold spells, he said.
The larger Wilmot Mountain, about 65 miles north of Chicago, opened earlier than usual this year, on Nov. 22, thanks in part to investments in snowmaking equipment.
Advertisement
Wilmot, owned by Vail Resorts, upgraded its more than 70 snowmaking guns last summer so they can be turned on and off or redirected automatically based on temperature and wind data collected at each gun. Previously, employees had to adjust the guns’ valves or direction by hand, general manager Peter Disch said.
Wilmot has been “really happy with the weather,” Disch said. He declined to share visitor numbers but said there were no weather-related closures in January or February, unlike last year when the resort closed during the polar vortex.
“It’s kind of nice not to have those days that are very cold where people might not want to get outside,” he said.
Seasonal attractions
The ice skating rink at Gallagher Way, outside Wrigley Field, didn’t suffer in warmer weather. The rink drew about 10% more skaters this winter than last year, Eric Nordness, senior vice president of Marquee Development, said in an email. People also appeared to linger longer at nearby shops and restaurants, he said.
The Ice Castles attraction in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, also had no trouble drawing visitors, but warm temperatures posed more of a challenge, said Ice Castles spokeswoman Melissa Smuzynski.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 A water feature with changing colors is one of the eye-catching attractions at Ice Castles, a winter playground built out of thousands of hand-harvested icicles in Lake Geneva, Wis. It opened to the public on Jan. 31, 2020. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
The company aims to have its six structures, with LED-lit sculptures, tunnels, slides, fountains and thrones made of ice, open from the first weekend in January through early March. Ice Castles got an early start on building the Wisconsin attraction thanks to a chilly Halloween, but lost much of that work when temperatures thawed. That delayed the opening to Jan. 31.
Advertisement
To preserve the ice as long as possible, the attraction also closed on a handful of particularly chilly weekdays that tend to see lower attendance to give workers time to rebuild parts of the structure that melted, Smuzynski. Still, it closed earlier than the company hoped, on Feb. 22.
Despite having a shorter season, Ice Castles drew about the same number of visitors as last year, Smuzynski said. The Wisconsin location moved to a new venue this year, Geneva National Resort and Club, that could accommodate a larger castle, and every weekend sold out, she said.
“It was a successful season,” she said. “We’re used to weather challenges.”
Car washes
Heavy snowfall makes for slushy, salt-filled roads and grimy cars. Drivers want to get dirt and salt off their vehicles and out of the undercarriage, which means more business for car wash operators, said Jose De La Rosa, manager of Gold Coast Car Wash.
“The more it snows, the busier we are,” he said.
Chicago got fewer inches than usual this year, and some of the snowiest days came early, in October.
Advertisement
Lisa Souter, founder of mobile car washing service Sparkl, estimates washes were down about 8% this winter.
But the recent warm temperatures could help make up for a sluggish start to the year. Drivers tend to bring cars in for a cleanup at the start of spring, De La Rosa and Souter said.
“We’ve seen a surge ... because everyone’s out and about when it’s 40 (degrees) in Chicago,” Souter said.
lzumbach@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--White Sox option Dane Dunning and Jimmy Lambert to Double-A Birmingham as part of 7 roster moves

Following the moves , the Sox have 60 players remaining in their major-league camp : 32 pitchers , six catchers @ @ @ @ @ outfielders .

MESA, Ariz. — Lucas Giolito wanted to feel comfortable working at game speed. He also wanted his pitches to be in the strike zone.
The right-hander accomplished both Friday against the Cubs in his first outing of the spring.
Advertisement
Giolito pitched one scoreless inning at Sloan Park. He hit one batter and had one strikeout while throwing 15 pitches.
“It was good overall, working ahead in the count,” Giolito said. “Unfortunately I hit (Kyle Schwarber) but working back into a count to end up striking out Willson (Contreras). So that was a good experience. In a short outing, I got to experience a few things to get back to game speed.”
Advertisement
Giolito had been slowed this spring by a strained muscle in the rib-cage area. He said he felt “great” physically after Friday’s outing.
“I wasn’t going to go out there and step on the gas 100% as far as body-intensity wise,” Giolito said. “I was pitching with intensity, but the big thing was feeling things out and making sure I was controlling myself as the game sped up, which I thought I did a pretty good job of. I thought the stuff was good, pretty much fastball and a couple of changeups. We’ll keep working.”
Giolito enjoyed working with Yasmani Grandal for the first time. Grandal, who had been hampered by a mild left calf strain, also was playing in his first Cactus League game with his new team.
“He presents a great target, very relaxed back there," Giolito said. “We didn’t get deep into sequencing and things like that. ... I was a fan of the 3-2 changeup call for sure (on Contreras). ... But we’re going to keep working, for sure.”
1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K for @LGio27 in his 2020 Cactus League debut. pic.twitter.com/AYUfulD1mT — Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 6, 2020
Giolito said he threw about 10 more pitches in the bullpen after his outing.
“All we’re looking for is to make sure that he leaves the spring healthy, which he is, and build him up as much as we possibly can, use whatever means necessary to meet that criteria,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said before the game. “We want him to get his feet wet (Friday) and get on that mound. ... There’s nothing in our mind that he won’t be ready for us on opening day.”
Giolito has no concerns about being ready.
“I’m just going to keep progressing nicely here,” Giolito said. “First game back, always a little bit of adrenaline. We had a lot of fun with it and now we go ahead and pitch in five days and keep building up.”
Advertisement
Roster moves: The Sox optioned pitcher Matt Foster to Triple-A Charlotte, while pitchers Dane Dunning and Jimmy Lambert were optioned to Double-A Birmingham. Pitchers Ryan Burr, Jonathan Stiever and Hunter Schryver and infielder Matt Skole were reassigned to minor-league camp.
General manager Rick Hahn said Stiever is dealing with “a little muscle strain in the forearm.”
“There’s no long-term concern,” Hahn said. "It was viewed as, ‘Let’s let him rest for two to three weeks and then start ramping him back up.’ Because of those two to three weeks, he’s probably going to be a little bit behind to start the season, but long term we don’t have any concerns right now, knock on wood.”
The Sox have 60 players remaining in major-league camp: 32 pitchers, six catchers, 11 infielders and 11 outfielders.
José Abreu blasts his first of the spring! pic.twitter.com/dNFWHEXYgW — Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 6, 2020
White Sox 6, Cubs 3: Jose Abreu and Adam Engel both hit two-run homers in the victory. Luis Robert went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Grandal went 0-for-2 with a walk.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Carjacking suspect, 2 others arrested following crash, police chase on Lake Shore Drive in Gold Coas

Carjacking suspect, 2 others arrested following crash, police chase on Lake Shore Drive in Gold Coast

Eric Taylor , 19 , left ; and Malik Winding , 20 are facing charges after a car crash and @ @ @ @ @ block of North Lake Shore Drive on March 5 , 2020 .
Winding was charged @ @ @ @ @ or selling a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor battery for a head-butt .
Winding , of @ @ @ @ @ 80th Street , was also issued three citations for disregarding a green arrow , yield @ @ @ @ @ left turn and failure to report an accident , police said .
Taylor , of @ @ @ @ @ 70th Street , was charged with felony carjacking for the Dec. 21 , 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ of South Stony Island Avenue and trespassing to a vehicle ; obstructing identification ; resisting @ @ @ @ @ ; and reckless conduct from the March 5 , 2020 incident , all of which @ @ @ @ @ also wanted on three warrants .
( Chicago Police Department )

Three South Side men are facing charges after crashing a stolen car and leading police on a chase Thursday afternoon on Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
The incident started about 12:20 p.m. in the 1000 block of Lake Shore Drive when officers spotted a blue car that had been stolen during an armed carjacking in December on the city’s South Side and began following it.
Advertisement
Suddenly the blue car, being driven by 20-year-old Malik Winding, veered left and crashed into a northbound silver car that a 20-year-old woman was driving, according to authorities.
Eric Taylor, 19, left; and Malik Winding, 20 are facing charges after a car crash and police chase in the 1000 block of North Lake Shore Drive on March 5, 2020. Winding was charged with felony receiving, possessing or selling a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor battery for a head-butt. Winding, of the 1200 block of West 80th Street, was also issued three citations for disregarding a green arrow, yield right of way on a left turn and failure to report an accident, police said. Taylor, of the 1000 block of West 70th Street, was charged with felony carjacking for the Dec. 21, 2019, attack in the 6700 block of South Stony Island Avenue and trespassing to a vehicle; obstructing identification; resisting or obstructing a peace officer; and reckless conduct from the March 5, 2020 incident, all of which are misdemeanors. Taylor was also wanted on three warrants. (Chicago Police Department)
Winding slammed on the brakes and he and at least four passengers, including 21-year-old Tashaun Ross and 19-year-old Eric Taylor, got out and ran away. At some point during their escape attempt, Winding “head-butted’’ a 28-year-old man working in a store nearby.
Advertisement
Officers ran after them and caught up with the three ‘’within minutes,’’ and placed them into custody, police said.
Winding was charged with felony receiving, possessing or selling a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor battery for the head-butt. Winding, of the 1200 block of West 80th Street, was also issued three citations for disregarding a green arrow, yield right of way on a left turn and failure to report an accident, police said.
Taylor was charged with felony carjacking for the Dec. 21, 2019, attack in the 6700 block of South Stony Island Avenue and trespassing to a vehicle; obstructing identification; resisting or obstructing a peace officer; and reckless conduct from Thursday’s incident, all of which are misdemeanors. Taylor, of the 1000 block of West 70th Street, was also wanted on three warrants.
Ross, of the 7600 block of South Emerald Avenue, was charged with obstructing identification because he gave officers a fake name and criminal trespassing to a vehicle, both misdemeanors, according to police.
After being arrested, Winding was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for back pain. The 20-year-old woman driving the silver car was also taken to Northwestern suffering from chest pain, police said. Her condition had stabilized.
Taylor and Winding were scheduled to appear in bond court Friday while Ross was due in court on March 31.
Detectives were still talking to two people of interest believed to be passengers in the car Winding was driving.
rsobol@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Ditch the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, here are 50 better things to hum while washing hands to prevent cor

Ditch the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, here are 50 better things to hum while washing hands to prevent coronavirus

So , as the world hunkers down for a long haul — not to mention , my sudden awareness that @ @ @ @ @ touch my face all day long — I have been compiling a useful list of @ @ @ @ @ should take at least 20 seconds to say , sing or hum to yourself while @ @ @ @ @ washing your hands of any infectious disease :

Sorry but I’m just not into humming “Happy Birthday” while I wash my hands.
And I’m definitely not into singing it twice in a row, which supposedly takes about 20 seconds, which is exactly the amount of time that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests we wash our hands regularly to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Advertisement
Of course, there are some alternatives to what you can recite while washing hands for 20 seconds. The alphabet song, I’m told. The BBC says that “God Save the Queen” works well (though even better advice is staying away from the BBC employee who learned this). The Los Angeles Times recommends a chorus of “Raspberry Beret” or “Jolene.”
Yet nothing has set me on fire.
Advertisement
So, as the world hunkers down for a long haul — not to mention, my sudden awareness that basically all I do is touch my face all day long — I have been compiling a useful list of 50 socially acceptable things that should take at least 20 seconds to say, sing or hum to yourself while standing at a sink and washing your hands of any infectious disease:
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost
The first three verses of Ellington’s “Take the A Train”
A complete list of Ivy League colleges
Any part of Emily’s speech in “Our Town”
Ten endangered North American animals
The ocean zones, from epipelagic to hadalpelagic
Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues
The Ten Commandments
The theme to “Sanford and Son”
The title of every “Fast & Furious” movie
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” (from “Harry Truman” to “Santayana goodbye” only)
“The Imperial March” from “Star Wars”
The theme to “Full House”
The lyrics of “O Holy Night” until you fake it
Founding members of Earth, Wind & Fire
Fifteen worse names than Guaranteed Rate Field
Whatever plot you can remember at all from any of the six “Mission: Impossible” films
An imitation of Mariah Carey singing the phrase “home of the free” at an NBA game
The names of every living thing that ever entered the Brady household
Ten streets in Chicago named after complete jackasses
Nine restaurants that charge $6 for toast
Eight people from high school who are cops now
Seven dwarfs you think are Snow White’s dwarves but surprisingly aren’t
Six cable stations that justify the size of your cable bill
Five reasons your Christmas wreath is still up
Four demonic incantations you learned at summer camp
An incomplete list of Chicago politicians who sweat on camera
The final chorus of Styx’ “Come Sail Away”
Dante’s nine circles of hell
The titles of every political memoir you’ve re-gifted
What you should have said to that Whole Foods cashier who didn’t think you noticed his subtle frown after you said, well, yeah, you will need a bag for 14 loose yogurt cups
All 206 bones in an adult human body
Every wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum
Every element on the periodic table
All known species of Cheerios
All known actresses you think are Margot Robbie
Disney characters you would probably date
One short song composed of every Lizzo lyric you know
NATO’s phonetic alphabet
Newton’s three laws of motion
The names of five Chicago TV personalities who resemble emojis
Four reasons to avoid Indiana
Brian Urlacher billboards you compose while sitting in traffic on the Kennedy
The seven stupidest people you are paid to talk to daily
Three reasons we can’t have nice things anymore
A dramatic reading of Tennyson’s “The Eagle”
A dramatic reading of what you forgot to buy at CVS
A dramatic reading of why you are calling in sick again
Brands of soap you have known
cborrelli@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Indiana confirms first illness linked to coronavirus outbreak

He is expected to be in isolation for 14 days .
Box said the man was otherwise healthy and emphasized @ @ @ @ @ those with chronic illnesses , are at the greatest risk from COVID-19 .
Indiana nursing @ @ @ @ @ any visitors who may have been exposed internationally or in the U.S. should stay away @ @ @ @ @ said .

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announces during a press conference at the Indiana Statehouse, Friday, March 6, 2020, in Indianapolis, that the first case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in the state. Kristina Box, left, Indiana State Health Commissioner, and doctors from Community Health Network stand behind him. (Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar/AP)
Indianapolis — The man with Indiana’s first confirmed illness from the coronavirus outbreak was in isolation Friday after going to an Indianapolis hospital with mild symptoms, state health officials said.
The man became ill after returning Wednesday from a conference in Boston, where he had contact with people who have the virus that causes COVID-19, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said.
Advertisement
Box described the Indiana case as isolated and said health officials were reviewing the man’s travel and who else he had been in contact with since returning to Indianapolis.
The Indiana announcement came Friday as the U.S. tally topped 200 cases, including more than a dozen deaths. Illinois officials have reported five cases.
Advertisement
“With the global spread of COVID-19, the question has never been if Indiana would get a case, but when we would see one,” Box said.
[ Coronavirus in Illinois: What you need to know ]
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced he was declaring a public health emergency to help obtain federal funding for a coronavirus response.
That money would fund disease tracking efforts - more epidemiologists to find others those sick infected, additional face masks for ill patients, lab testing, and boosting the state’s information phone line, Box said.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, left, greets Community Health Network Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive Dr. Ramarao Yeleti, and Community Health Network Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robin Ledyard, M.D., right, with elbow bumps before a press conference at the Indiana Statehouse, Friday, March 6, 2020, in Indianapolis, Gov. Holcomb announced that the first case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in the state. (Kelly Wilkinson/The Indianapolis Star via AP) (Kelly Wilkinson/AP)
The ill man developed a sore throat, cough and low-grade fever before going to Community Hospital North in Indianapolis.
He waited in the parking lot until hospital staff came to him and took him through a side entrance to an isolation room for treatment and testing, said Dr. Ram Yeleti, Community Health Network’s chief physician executive.
The man was transported home for self-quarantine early Friday and there was minimal to zero exposure to other hospital patients, Yeleti said.
“At this time, we do not see any evidence for any spread of this,” he said.
He is expected to be in isolation for 14 days. Box said the man was otherwise healthy and emphasized that older people, especially those with chronic illnesses, are at the greatest risk from COVID-19. Indiana nursing homes are being notified that any visitors who may have been exposed internationally or in the U.S. should stay away as a precaution, she said.
Advertisement
Federal authorities announced they are investigating a Seattle-area nursing home where nine of Washington states’ 11 deaths have happened so far.
Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis, urged people to take precautions, wash hands frequently, and avoid hugging and shaking hands.
“I need the public to be patriotic and do the things they need to do to protect themselves,” Caine said. “I want them to take this virus very seriously, but you can die just as well from the flu.”
Local hospitals said they train year-round for disease outbreaks and are following protocols if a case is identified in Northwest Indiana. Folks should be proactive, monitoring symptoms if they think they’ve been exposed, Community Hospital spokeswoman Marie Forszt said.
“Anyone who has come into contact with someone who has traveled overseas, especially to China, Japan, Iran, Italy or Korea and potentially could have the COVID-19 virus should monitor themselves for fever (greater than 100 degrees) and respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath for 14 days. If symptoms develop, we ask that you immediately contact your primary health care provider’s office first, before proceeding to an immediate care facility or emergency department.”
Like other hospitals, Franciscan has set up protective barriers and isolation areas to minimize airborne spread, spokesman Robert Blaszkiewicz said. They are also making sure they have enough masks, gowns and gloves, he said.
Advertisement
Meredith Colias-Pete contributed.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Man charged with shooting 16-year-old girl during a fight over parking spot last summer

The attack occurred near the 1100 Block of West 110th Place on June 26 .
Hardy and another man got @ @ @ @ @ parking spot and Hardy drew a gun and opened fire , striking the girl sitting @ @ @ @ @ car , police said .

A man has been charged with shooting a 16-year-old girl during a fight over a parking spot on the Far South Side last June.
Kenneth Hardy, 48, was charged Friday with one felony count of aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm, according to Chicago police.
Advertisement
The attack occurred near the 1100 Block of West 110th Place on June 26. Hardy and another man got into a fight over a parking spot and Hardy drew a gun and opened fire, striking the girl sitting in the backseat of a car, police said.
The girl was hit in the face and chest and taken in serious condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Advertisement
Hardy had not been aiming at the girl, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in June. He was extradited from Ohio to Chicago on Wednesday and was to appear in bond court Friday.


chicagotribune--2020-03-06--Stevenson High School senior to receive Congressional Gold Medal Award: ‘I’m a strong believer in th

Stevenson High School senior to receive Congressional Gold Medal Award: ‘I’m a strong believer in the idea that a single person can create change’

Justin Kuncheria wants to go to college next year , but he doesn ’ t know where yet .
He @ @ @ @ @ in the next month or so .
He does know , though , that he @ @ @ @ @ do with policy , government and business .
He wants to continue advocating for policy @ @ @ @ @ and youth empowerment , like he did with the Civil Air Patrol .

Justin Kuncheria, a senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, has been named a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal Award for 2020. He is one of six in Illinois to receive the honor this year, and will accept the award at an event June 15-17, 2020. (Adlai E. Stevenson High School / HANDOUT)
From his earliest days as a Cub Scout, Justin Kuncheria has been committed to giving back to the community, according to his father.
Now, following a more than two-year journey of targeted community service and self-development, the Stevenson High School senior has received national recognition for his efforts.
Advertisement
Kuncheria, 17, of Buffalo Grove, was recently named a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal Award, the “highest honor” Congress bestows on young people, according to the program website. He is one of only six in Illinois to receive the honor this year.
“Having finally reached what I envisioned years ago was a great feeling,” he said. “Embracing my role as a youth citizen and knowing that just because I’m young doesn’t mean I don’t have the potential for large scale impact.”
Advertisement
Kuncheria, along with hundreds of other Gold Medal recipients in their teens and 20s , will attend an award ceremony June 15-17 in Washington D.C.
The program also awards silver and bronze medals and gold, silver and bronze certificates, each with varying requirements. But the Gold Medal is the pinnacle of the program, and in order to reach it, recipients must complete hours in four key areas: at least 400 hours of volunteer service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and five days of “expedition or exploration,” according to information on the website.
Kuncheria plays volleyball, so he set a goal of increasing his hits over the course of two years to fulfill the physical fitness requirements. For personal development, he focused on meditation – mind and body development. And for cultural exploration, he spent a month traveling through India.
“I got to meet a lot of new people and learn about languages and cultures and traditions and religions,” he said about his trip. “It was a really great experience.”
Kuncheria’s favorite part of the program, though, was the volunteer service, he said. He fulfilled his service hours through a couple of projects. Doubling as an Eagle Scout project, he renovated the outside of a home for residents who are disabled, and, in school, he led and mentored a yearlong class for freshmen students.
Hector Vazquez, a counselor at Stevenson High School, served as one of Kuncheria’s validators who signed off on his hours. He said Kuncheria is hardworking and has an “unquenchable thirst for knowledge,” and that he’ll be missed when he graduates.
“He is extremely hardworking and always willing to learn, grow and take on new challenges not only to develop himself, but to help others,” Vazquez said in an email. “At such a young age, Justin is incredibly accomplished and yet humble.”
In addition to sports, Boy Scouts and the mentor program, Kuncheria takes part in teen court, a program in which he advocates for students who have committed an offense, to “provide them with a constructive sentence rather than a punishment.”
Advertisement
He’s also a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, a civil nonprofit arm of the Air Force that trains students in aviation. He actually got the idea to embark on his own Congressional Gold Medal journey from another person in the program who had earned the award, he said.
Through this group, he spoke to Congressional members on Capitol Hill last year to push for funding increases for the program.
“That’s one of my major commitments where I could combine service while also tying in the mission of youth empowerment as well,” he said.
Kuncheria said throughout these two and a half years of working toward the Gold Medal, he learned about the power in numbers, as well as the power that an individual can have.
“I'm a strong believer in the idea that a single person can create change,” he said. “But by rallying other people towards a common cause, … it’s something that has the potential for immense change.”
Kuncheria lives in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District. U.S. Representative Brad Schneider, who serves this district, said he looks forward to celebrating with Kuncheria at the award ceremony this summer.
Advertisement
“With young leaders like Justin, our future is in good hands,” Schneider said in an email. “I congratulate Justin on this momentous personal accomplishment, and in particular applaud the more than 400 hours of volunteer work he completed giving back to our community."
Kuncheria’s father, Joshi Kuncheria, said he was happy to see his son’s efforts had finally come to fruition. He said he and his wife were unsure in the beginning whether Justin would be able to balance the program goals with his school work and extra-curriculars, but they knew he was focused and passionate about what he was doing.
“He thought initially he may not be able to handle everything,” Joshi Kuncheria said. “But as he moved through it he was confident, and he built more and more confidence.”
Justin Kuncheria wants to go to college next year, but he doesn’t know where yet. He said he’ll decide in the next month or so. He does know, though, that he wants to study something to do with policy, government and business. He wants to continue advocating for policy reform on behalf of youth and youth empowerment, like he did with the Civil Air Patrol.
“I know there's a lot that could be developed and improved so more youth can have more opportunities and ability to succeed,” he said.
According to his dad, Justin will be an asset to whichever college he chooses.
Advertisement
“Wherever he goes, he will be doing something meaningful for his community,” he said. “That’s the way we brought him up, and I’m happy to see he’s doing that.”
kedquist@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist