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7 shot Tuesday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon November 17, 2021 at 8:46 am

Seven people were shot Tuesday in Chicago. | Foto de archivo

A 17-year-old boy was shot in Englewood.

Seven people were shot Tuesday in Chicago, including a 17-year-old boy who was shot in Englewood on the South Side.

The teen was standing on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 200 block of West 55th Street when someone opened fire, Chicago police said. He was struck in the hand and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

A man was shot and grazed in South Austin on the Northwest Side. The 32-year-old was riding in a car just before 7 p.m. in the 400 block of North Laramie Avenue when he was grazed in his face by gunfire, police said. He was taken to West Suburban Hospital in good condition.

In the day’s most recent reported shooting, a 40-year-old man was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side. About 11:05 p.m., he was traveling in his vehicle when he was shot at by someone on the street in the 2700 block of South Homan Avenue, police said. The man was struck in the lower back, and drove himself to St. Anthony Hospital. He was transferred to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he is in fair condition.

Four others were wounded in shootings citywide.

Three people were killed, and three others were wounded, in shootings Monday in Chicago.

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7 shot Tuesday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon November 17, 2021 at 8:46 am Read More »

Horoscope for Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021Georgia Nicolson November 17, 2021 at 6:01 am

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Taurus.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Be smart and double check details related to banking, shared property, inheritances, insurance issues and anything that you share with someone else because something unexpected could throw a wrench in things. (And if you’re in England, it’s a spanner.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You might meet someone unusual or “different.” What’s more likely is that a friend or your partner will throw you a curveball or suggest something that you didn’t see coming. They might demand more freedom in the relationship. Expect a surprise today.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Your work routine or something to do with your job will change today: staff shortages, power outages, equipment breakdowns, computer glitches — could be anything. Therefore, be smart and allow extra time so that you can have wiggle room to cope with the unexpected.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Parents take note: this is an accident-prone day for your kids, so be extra vigilant. Meanwhile, everyone can expect a change of plans to social occasions or anything to do with sports and the arts. You might receive a surprise invitation? A social event might be canceled?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your home routine will be interrupted. Perhaps a small appliance will break down or a minor breakage will occur? Someone unexpected might knock on your door? It will be wise to stock the fridge because anything could happen, and it’s nice to be prepared. (Food always helps.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pay attention to everything you say and do, because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. Your daily routine will be interrupted. New faces, new places and new ideas might create change for you. Fortunately, you’ll be light on your feet and ready to think outside the box.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today because something unexpected might affect them. For example: You might find money, you might lose money. Be smart and keep an eye on your possessions to protect them from loss, damage or theft. Check your bank account.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Today fiery Mars is in your sign sitting opposite unpredictable Uranus. This will make you impulsive and will promote rash actions on your part. You might act without thinking. Remember to count to three before you say anything or do anything, so that you can avoid regrets.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today you feel vaguely restless. You have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Possibly, something going on behind the scenes will surprise you. For example, a secret might come out. Tread carefully because today is full of little surprises for everyone. (In some cases, an accident.)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You might want to direct the activities of a friend or a group today. If so, think carefully about what you’re doing because things are unpredictable and will not unfold as you expect them to do so. Someone in the group might rebel against your suggestions? Things are tricky today.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Today it’s tough to predict how bosses, parents, teachers and the police will react to you. Everything might go smoothly — or not. It’s definitely a poor day to challenge authority figures. Instead, decide to sit this one out until everything is more predictable.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Travel plans will change today, almost certainly. Therefore, allow extra time to cope with the unexpected. Alternatively, you might suddenly have to travel when you did not expect to do so. Likewise, school schedules, especially at the college and university level, might change.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Tom Ellis (1978) shares your birthday. You are intelligent and clever. You know how to motivate others and inspire them. You have a vibrant, dynamic personality. You’re an excellent communicator. This is a year of service for you where you will focus on your responsibilities to others, especially family. Because of this, it’s important that you take care of yourself. Perhaps time for personal makeover?

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Horoscope for Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021Georgia Nicolson November 17, 2021 at 6:01 am Read More »

10TH ANNUAL FASHION FILM FESTIVAL CHICAGO® ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2021 JURY COMPETITIONon November 17, 2021 at 5:35 am

iStyle

10TH ANNUAL FASHION FILM FESTIVAL CHICAGO® ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2021 JURY COMPETITION

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10TH ANNUAL FASHION FILM FESTIVAL CHICAGO® ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR 2021 JURY COMPETITIONon November 17, 2021 at 5:35 am Read More »

Chicago fishing report, Midwest Fishing Report: Lakers, hints of ice north, waiting on perch, pier passesDale Bowmanon November 17, 2021 at 2:20 am

Mike Wagner, of Rockford, with a Big Green Lake smallmouth bass. | Mike Norris

Lake trout on southern Lake Michigan, hints of ice to come in the Northwoods, waiting on perch to truly set up on southern Lake Michigan, and sales beginning for pier passes for Chicago harbors are the leading items in this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Lake trout on southern Lake Michigan, hints of ice to come in the Northwoods, waiting on perch to truly set up on southern Lake Michigan, and sales beginning for pier passes for Chicago harbors lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Mike Norris texted the photo above, which shows the rewards of fishing this time of year. Of course, as somebody who has fished with Norris, I know it helps to go with somebody as good at teaching as he is.

PERCH REPORT

The word is waiting; and hoping.

Ken Schneider and Arden Katz tried the South Side slips without luck Saturday afternoon. Schneider noted that the water is clearing some after the blow, but probably needs to cool a few degrees more.

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

. . . Everybody’s waiting on perch. I have had a couple reports of possible perch here and there but none that I would bank on yet. Shouldn’t be long though. . . .

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport texted:

Perch are still trying, mixed reports , but still improving

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station, Ind., texted:

Everybody still waiting on the perch to load up at cal park and up the river. Some caught last few days but still not good.

PIER PASSES

The $6 pier passes, which allow legal access to select piers at most Chicago harbors, went on sale Monday. A number of additional piers were added this year to bring the total to 31 piers. The passes may be bought at Henry’s Sports and Bait, Park Bait and Northerly Island Visitor Center. Henry’s and Park Bait are cash only; Northerly Island is credit-card only.

Carl Vizzone, fishing coordinator for the Chicago Park District gave these details:

A pier pass gives fisherman an opportunity to use various docks in 6 of our harbors. There are 31 different piers to choose from in our harbor system. The only harbor that may not be ready to go on schedule is Burnham as it is our late leaver harbor for boaters. We printed Covid guidelines on the passes as well as Westrec has hand sanitizer stations at each accessible gate that we will try to keep filled. Pier pass program runs from November 15th through March 31st, from 6 AM to 11 PM 7 days per week. Passes will be available at Henry’s Bait & Sports, Park Bait Shop and at Northerly Island Visitors Center. There should be metal signage on all eligible pier gates with info and contact number.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors are on sale at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport and Park Bait at Montrose Harbor.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (now a mix of metered and free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot or fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters, pay lot or fisherman’s lot); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); Oakwood/39th (meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

AREA LAKES

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley nicely captured last of the fall colors.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the fall photo above and this:

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing.

Area lakes-Crappie continue to be the most consistent bite. Prior to the cold front, fish were still scattered along the main basin. Twitch minnows worked just over the top of weeds will take the active biters. A few smaller bass can be caught as well with this presentation. The cold front should get the fish to start schooling up more.

. . .

TTYL

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

Rob Abouchar emailed the photo below and this:

Hi Dale

Just wanted to share nice sunset in November on island lake. I Noticed some small ponds with ice off rte 12 on the way home and monkey apples on the ground off rte 176 . I’ve heard of good ice fishing on island lake so hopefully we will have some music sessions and fish fry action this winter. I have another jam session scheduled for this Saturday to keep working on the original reggae music.

Tight Lines and Good Health

Rob

Rob Abouchar
Fall scene at Island Lake.

I don’t why, but I just enjoy hearing about reggae stirred in the fishing report.

CALUMET SYSTEM

See perch report at top.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Art Frisell at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said largemouth and pike remain fairly shallow, catfish and white bass are good on Marie and Channel; crappie slowed outside of the channels with the cooler weather; there’s some bluegill action on Channel; muskie picking up on Marie, Catherine and Channel, mostly on suckers (smaller sizes) or something like Bull Dawgs. Water levels are being dropped.

NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.

NOTE 2: The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed through April 30.

COOLING LAKES/STRIP PITS

Braidwood, Heidecke and LaSalle are closed for the season; so is Mazonia, except Monster stays open all year.

DOWNSTATE

SPRING LAKE: Boat fishing is closed on the main lake; boat fishing is allowed from the Sky Ranch Road ramp to Maple Island buoy during waterfowl seasons. Bank fishing along South Lake Road is not allowed until after 1 p.m. during waterfowl season.

EMIQUON PRESERVE: During waterfowl season, non-waterfowl hunting boating (which includes fishing) is not allowed until noon. Access permits and liability waivers are required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

POWERTON: Fishing is closed.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season. Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Guide Mike Norris emailed this report (the photo at the top is from Big Green Lake):

Fishing Report – 11/15/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – Smallmouth bass are active anywhere from weed edges located in 14 feet of water to drop-offs in 22 to 35 feet of water. Anglers working umbrella rigs, tube baits, or snap jigging with blade baits are catching bass, but my clients and I are catching more bass while fishing with live bait. We are also catching a few northern pike and walleye while bass fishing, but the best bet for larger walleye can be had while trolling crankbaits over deeper weedbeds after sunset. Surface water temperature remains steady at 51 degrees.

Beaver Dam Lake – Jumbo perch are roaming the shoreline areas. Look for neckdown areas to draw the best perch which are running up to 11 inches. Try using an ice jig beneath a float and tip the jig with a maggot or small pieces of red worms.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

Perch report at top.

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

Hi Dale steelhead still being caught over at Diversey. Everybody’s waiting on perch. I have had a couple reports of possible perch here and there but none that I would bank on yet. Shouldn’t be long though. Our hours right now are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the possibility of leaving early if the weather is really bad, call ahead. We also plan on staying open through the first weekend of December. We will also be open Thanksgiving Day at 6 a.m. I just haven’t worked out of closing time yet I’ll know more next week. Have a great week!

Capt. Dan Leslie at the Salmon Stop in Waukegan said some steelhead are being caught on in-line spinners; and a couple coho as well, still some Chinook; a few boaters catching lakers. Water cooled to the 50s.

SALMON SNAGGING: Here are the details from the IDNR:

4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlefish. All snagged salmon and paddlefish must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

I think the report below has the first mention of ice.

But otherwise, most focus seems to be on deer hunting, both for bowhunters and for gun hunters (season opens Saturday). At least some anglers are targeting muskies.

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

At the halfway point of November. Pond behind shop is ice covered. Typically, that means Lake Minocqua will have ice (not safe, just ice) cover in 7-10 days. We will see!

Musky: Good – Not many anglers on water. Air temps in 30’s as are water temps. Guide Jake Smith ended his season (of 59 straight Musky trips) with a three fish day on Sunday, including a big Tiger. Most of the few Musky anglers reported best on suckers or trout, with a few boated fish on jerk baits and rubber.

Walleye: Good – Deep water bite still good for the few anglers using suckers or large fatheads in 25-40′ along mud/gravel transitions.

Little else to report as open water fishing activity is quieting down. Of note, this is the first year here in the North where Musky season remains open thru December 31st…but only on open water. ICE is not allowed to be used as a base.

Forecast for coming week has lows of 20’s to down to single digits by next Tuesday (11/23), the short time temps will be above freezing won’t keep ice from forming on smaller lakes.

Deer Gun Season opens 11/20, so be aware of your surroundings when in the outdoors and good luck!

Kurt Justice

Kurt’s Island Sport Shop – Like us on Facebook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Everybody still waiting on the perch to load up at cal park and up the river. Some caught last few days but still not good.

Lake trout and whitefish in Michigan city spawn or skein on bottom and blade baits and spoons baits to start with.

Crappie at lake George in Hobart around the gazebo near the bank and around the bridges using crappie minnows and Rufus jr jigs tipped with beemoth.

Few steelhead being caught in area tributaries floating voodoo jigs tipped with beemoth. Don’t stay in one area you must cover some water.

Musky suckers still in stock over here. Open 5 to 5 this time of year.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin DNR’s report is done for the season, should return in the spring.

The report had this note: “Nov. 15, 2021 was the 11th and final processing day at the Root River Steelhead Facility.”

SHABBONA LAKE

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a Shabbona Lake crappie.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photo above and this:

Hey Dale,

. . .

Shabbona Lake-water temps are 47-48 throughout the lake. Muskie have been slow with most days not having even a follow. A few crappie can be taken by working plastics in the brush piles and cribs for those looking to take a break from throwing the big baits.

. . .

TTYL

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

Concessions are closed. Site hours through Jan. 31 are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said a few steelhead are being caught at Berrien Springs; same with a few whitefish off the pier (more at South Haven).

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

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Chicago fishing report, Midwest Fishing Report: Lakers, hints of ice north, waiting on perch, pier passesDale Bowmanon November 17, 2021 at 2:20 am Read More »

Farmer’s Berry Tan, a Farm-to-Bar Beeron November 17, 2021 at 2:11 am

The Beeronaut

Farmer’s Berry Tan, a Farm-to-Bar Beer

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Farmer’s Berry Tan, a Farm-to-Bar Beeron November 17, 2021 at 2:11 am Read More »

Loyola leaving Missouri Valley for Atlantic 10Sun-Times wireson November 17, 2021 at 1:16 am

Drew Valentine smiles as he speaks during a press conference where he was introduced as Loyola University’s new men’s NCAA college basketball head coach, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Chicago. | Shafkat Anowar/AP

Ramblers will be 15th school in A-10 effective in July

Loyola has accepted an invitation to join the Atlantic 10 Conference and is leaving the Missouri Valley Conference.

The move announced Tuesday by the school and leagues takes effect on July 1. Adding Loyola as the conference’s 15th member gives the Atlantic 10 a foothold in Chicago and a boost in men’s basketball.

The Ramblers advanced to the Final Four in 2018 and reached the Sweet 16 last season. They are 2-0 under Drew Valentine, who was promoted to head coach after Porter Moser left for Oklahoma.

Loyola also won NCAA championships in men’s volleyball in 2014 and 2015.

“The A-10 is widely regarded as one of the top leagues in the country for its success in competition and in the classroom,” school president Dr. Jo Ann Rooney said. “This move will continue to grow our visibility at a national level, while at the same time placing us in a league with three other Jesuit institutions. We are confident this is a move that positions Loyola for even greater success, both athletically and academically, in the future.”

Loyola joins fellow Jesuit schools Fordham, Saint Joseph’s and Saint Louis in the Atlantic 10. It also renews rivalries with Dayton, Duquesne, La Salle and Saint Louis from its time in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference.

Loyola moved from the Horizon League to the Missouri Valley in 2013, after Creighton left for the Big East.

“Loyola’s commitment to the high-level scholastic achievement of all of its students, coupled with its excellent athletic profile, from success in basketball, soccer and volleyball to outstanding facilities and resources is a perfect fit for the A-10,” Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade said. “The addition expands the A-10 footprint into the Chicago market, giving the conference a presence in three of the top four media markets in the United States.”

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Loyola leaving Missouri Valley for Atlantic 10Sun-Times wireson November 17, 2021 at 1:16 am Read More »

City should buy Bears and sell shares to fans, alderperson saysFran Spielmanon November 17, 2021 at 1:13 am

Ald. George Cardenas (12th) wants Chicago to study buying the Bears to keep them from moving to Arlington Heights. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

Ald. George Cardenas (12th), Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader, plans to introduce a resolution Wednesday to authorize a feasibility study on “whether it is practical and advisable for the city to pursue the purchase of the Chicago Bears.”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been urged to pull out all the stops to keep the Bears in Chicago. But does that include the possibility of the city purchasing the team and selling shares to fans, following the Green Bay Packers’ model?

The mayor’s deputy City Council floor leader believes it should — and he’s planning to introduce a resolution Wednesday to get the drive started.

Ald. George Cardenas (12th) was undaunted by the fact that Forbes Magazine has said the Bears are worth more than $4 billion, a valuation 16% higher than last year.

Cardenas was equally unfazed by the fact that the Bears have been a family business for generations and that the family, led by 98-year-old matriarch Virginia McCaskey, has shown no interest in selling the team.

A candidate for the Cook County Board of Review, Cardenas simply wants City Hall to be “creative” to keep the beloved Bears in Chicago — and prevent its potential move after the team signed an agreement to buy the 326-acre site of the now-shuttered Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights for $197.2 million.

“The city just acquired a casino. We need these assets to stay in the city. And we have to come up with a way to entice the Bears. If they don’t want to be here, let’s buy them out. I mean — they can’t manage this team. They haven’t managed this team [well] in decades,” Cardenas said of the 3-6 Bears.

“We can definitely find and have a group of investors, including the city, to be able to say, ‘We’ll take it off your hands. Let us do the hard work that needs to be done.'”

Cardenas’ resolution calls on the City Council’s Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation to “convene a hearing” to authorize a “feasibility study on whether it is practical and advisable for the city to pursue the purchase of the Chicago Bears.”

The resolution notes that there “may be financial or legal barriers to the city acquiring an ownership stake in an NFL franchise — including NFL bylaws regarding ownership and potential issues regarding the city having a stake in a for-profit enterprise or in a gaming position.”

But, it states, “The City Council feels the city should explore every opportunity to keep the Bears in Chicago, even if that means buying the team.”

Cardenas told the Chicago Sun-Times he’s discussed the possibility of municipal ownership with Lightfoot, including the possibility of using “crowd sourcing.” The mayor’s office refused to comment.

The Packers have been publicly owned since 1923. More than 360,000 people have shares in the team, with the last stock sale taking place as recently as 2012. While the corporation is overseen by a board of directors and an executive committee, “shareholders do not receive any dividend on the investment,” the team’s website says.

The team recently announced it was planning another sale of common stock at $300 per share. That would grant owners an invitation to the team’s annual meeting and voting privileges — but no ability to make a profit.

Still, the sales have supported expanding Lambeau Field among other improvements.

But doing something similar here is another matter.

Chicago-based sports marketing expert Marc Ganis branded Cardenas’ proposal a “ludicrous idea.”

The Packers ownership, he noted, was grandfathered in by the league “generations ago.”

“Any concept like that is totally and completely contrary to all of the ownership rules of the National Football League,” said Ganis, who has advised numerous NFL teams on their stadium financing.

Even if the McCaskeys ultimately decided to sell the family business, they might have to get the go-ahead from businessman Andrew McKenna Sr. and insurance magnate Patrick Ryan, who have a 19.6% ownership stake in the Bears, Ganis said. They might also have an option to buy the team.

“If city officials wanted to put their efforts into stopping a move to Arlington Heights, they should be thinking about how to build a new stadium for them within the city limits,” Ganis said.

Veteran sportswriter Lester Munson called a city purchase of the Bears “implausible” — to say the least.

“I’m sure you could get a lot of Bear fans to put up money the way Packer fans do. But that is a one-of-a-kind thing under a bizarre Wisconsin law, and I’m not sure it’s even legally feasible here. You might need legislation in Springfield,” Munson said.

Calling the idea a “pipe dream,” Munson said, “The price is too high, and I’m not sure the city belongs” in the business of owning an NFL franchise.

Civic Federation President Laurence Msall is among those who have urged Lightfoot to pull out all the stops to keep the Bears in Chicago — and not necessarily at Soldier Field.

But he, too, argued that municipal ownership is a bad idea.

“I don’t know where the city of Chicago would come up with … the $4 billion that is the expected market value,” Msall said.

“A better use of city resources and time would be to come up with additional proposals beyond Soldier Field for the Bears stadium if they [cannot be persuaded] to stay at Soldier Field.”

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City should buy Bears and sell shares to fans, alderperson saysFran Spielmanon November 17, 2021 at 1:13 am Read More »

For Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu, joy is having the hometown presence of family in abundanceSteve Greenbergon November 17, 2021 at 12:32 am

Dosunmu has family support all around him. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Dosunmu, 21, gets to live with his brother, eat dinner with his sisters, lean on Mom and Dad and chase his hoops dream in his own backyard. What a wonderful life.

The name at the top of the Dosunmu family text group is #WeTalkSh*t — asterisk and everything — and there’s only one rule: There are no rules.

“Come as you are,” says Quam Dosunmu, father of Bulls guard Ayo. “Speak openly. Express yourself.”

The rookie’s brother, sisters, parents, aunts and uncles all are part of a group that texts mostly about — take a wild guess — basketball. At least half the texts these days seem to come during Bulls games, and a good many of those are sent from the United Center stands, where upward of a dozen family members pile into the same section and cheer on the pride of Morgan Park and the University of Illinois.

Ayo is the baby. Every now and then, perhaps after a rough practice or a bad game, the 21-year-old Dosunmu — not much of a curser — will get a tad colorful with his language. “Excuse me, parents and aunts and uncles, but this is how I feel right now,” one such text began.

The texts bring Dosunmu comfort, but there’s nothing like the physical presence of family. Ayo — which means “joy” in the West African language Yoruba — got to stay home after the Bulls drafted him 38th in July. He got to chase his hoops dream in his own backyard, got to find a new place to live in the West Loop with brother Kube, gets to see his sisters for dinner at Mom and Dad’s multiple times a week when the Bulls are in town.

What a wonderful life.

“It feels amazing,” said Jamarra, his mom. “It definitely is a blessing. Like most rookies, he is very young and inexperienced in life. For us to be here to help him navigate through this next phase of his life on a day-to-day basis, to have that guidance — he’s a man now, but still, to have that guidance — it does feel good.”

Ayo Dosunmu’s parents, Jamarra (front, in red) and Quam (rear, in stripes), with family at Staples Center in Los Angeles on the Bulls’ current trip.

Jamarra, Quam, both of Quam’s brothers and one sister-in-law were in the stands for games at the Warriors, Clippers and Lakers on the Bulls’ current road trip. Going to all home games and scattered road ones is a deviation from what would have been the plan had Dosunmu been drafted by a team in another city. Quam was going to move wherever Ayo did for the first couple of years. Jamarra was going to keep running her South Loop beauty salon, Salon Sevhn, and make regular visits to see them.

Instead, they’re doing this. And this is mighty nice.

“The foundation has been laid,” Quam said, “and now we’re continuing to build together. I’ll use the words [Ayo] uses: ‘brick by brick.’ We’re just going to go brick by brick in what we’re doing.”

Awesome reaction from Ayo Dosunmu’s mom about her son being a Chicago Bull.

(Video via @WCIA3sports) pic.twitter.com/WCZSa8JyJO

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) July 30, 2021

The whole family feels connected to Dosunmu’s success and to that of the resurgent Bulls. Both parents emphasize they root and cheer for everyone on the team just as they did at Illinois, Morgan Park and Westinghouse before that. Jamarra makes a point of saying how grateful she is to DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine for taking her son under their wings.

“For him to get to see how it’s done?” she said. “That’s a blessing.”

That’s joy.

JUST SAYIN’

Illinois basketball fans were all over Andre Curbelo after the sophomore shot 4-for-18 and turned the ball over seven times Monday night in a 67-66 loss at Marquette. Curbelo, maybe the best pure point guard the Illini have had since Deron Williams, was kind of a mess out there in the third and final game of All-American center Kofi Cockburn‘s suspension.

But you know what? That’s college basketball in November. And that’s Curbelo, who never met a flashy play he was unwilling to try. It’s what makes him as entertaining as any player in the country. There’s going to be some bad — especially early on — with all the good. It’s just how this thing works.

Ask Williams.

“Oh, man, I know what that’s like,” he said Tuesday. “I had 10 turnovers against Providence.”

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Deron Williams in his Illini years.

Not true. Williams, then a sophomore, had nine of them — to go with one stinkin’ basket — in a December 2003 upset loss to the Friars at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“That wasn’t fun,” he said.

The Illini — a season before they reached the national championship game — went on to win the school’s first outright Big Ten title in 52 years. That? That was fun.

o My latest AP Top 25 ballot: 1. Gonzaga, 2. Kansas, 3. UCLA, 4. Villanova, 5. Michigan, 6. Duke, 7. Purdue, 8. Illinois, 9. Memphis, 10. Houston, 11. Alabama, 12. Oregon, 13. Kentucky, 14. Baylor, 15. Connecticut, 16. Virginia Tech, 17. St. Bonaventure, 18. Arkansas, 19. Maryland, 20. Tennessee, 21. Ohio State, 22. Auburn, 23. USC, 24. North Carolina, 25. Texas.

o OK, so Loyola University isn’t located all that close to the Atlantic Ocean. Just calling it like I see it, folks. But Loyola’s planned move to the Atlantic 10 Conference beginning in the 2022-23 academic year is big for the school and very promising for a men’s basketball program that has rarely, if ever, been hotter.

There’s nothing wrong with the Missouri Valley, but the A-10 is a step up in quality and visibility. Dayton and Saint Louis make good sense as budding rivals. St. Bonaventure is on fire right now. Is it relevant that Steph Curry played at Davidson? Probably not. But this is a move Ramblers fans should be excited about.

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For Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu, joy is having the hometown presence of family in abundanceSteve Greenbergon November 17, 2021 at 12:32 am Read More »

Teen boy, 17, shot in EnglewoodSun-Times Wireon November 17, 2021 at 12:06 am

A 17-year-old boy was shot November 16, 2021 in Englewood. | Adobe Stock Photo

The teen was standing on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 200 block of West 55th Street when someone opened fire.

A 17-year-old boy was shot Tuesday afternoon in Englewood on the South Side.

The teen was standing on the sidewalk about 3 p.m. in the 200 block of West 55th Street when someone opened fire, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the hand and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.

Area One detectives are investigating.

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Teen boy, 17, shot in EnglewoodSun-Times Wireon November 17, 2021 at 12:06 am Read More »

College Football Playoff: Notre Dame sticks in top tenVincent Pariseon November 17, 2021 at 12:29 am

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was number nine according to the College Football Playoff committee last week. Now, after a huge 28-3 win over Virginia on Saturday, they move up one spot into the eighth spot. They are in the top ten in mid-November which is really good when you consider the things […] College Football Playoff: Notre Dame sticks in top ten – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

College Football Playoff: Notre Dame sticks in top tenVincent Pariseon November 17, 2021 at 12:29 am Read More »