Slaying of Officer Ella French shows police need our support more than everMichael Sneedon August 13, 2021 at 9:42 pm

Say her name.

“Ella French”

The slaying last weekend of Chicago Police Officer Ella French is as ugly as it gets on a hot night in a city sweating from sulfurous gun violence.

“She was like a lamb in the pit of vipers and jackals,” said a retired CPD official who asked not to be identified.

Her gun reportedly unholstered, French was killed point blank on a routine traffic stop on the city’s South Side in the West Englewood neighborhood, her partner now struggling with gunshot wounds to his head at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

What was new on that sweaty Saturday night wasn’t the bent knees of cops in a continuum of prayer outside the UIC emergency room and 7th floor hospital lobby — but what they did with the rest of their collective body.

They turned away from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her administration while waiting vigil at the medical center, shunning her with an abrupt about-face, turning their backs and silently walking away.

Already excoriated by the victim’s father, a retired police officer, for the city’s lack of proper police support, the mayor listened respectfully and then turned toward the line of police in the hospital lobby. They ignored her.

And the next day, a group of 300 plus policemen gathered at a McCormick Place roll call shunned a visit from Lightfoot.

Since the violent death of Black man George Floyd at the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, the cold eye of technology has fleshed into reality the gruesome and deadly treatment of people of color in our country by rogue cops.

Chicago police officers, now dealing with astronomical gang violence, gun proliferation and rising mortality rates, claim new legislation hampers their ability to do their jobs.

“Our exempt police ranks [street cops) are now dealing with what they believe is a culture of the police doing everything wrong,” said a former top cop.

“They are looking for direction, but they feel they are being directed out of their ability to be effective policemen,” a CPD employee said.

So what’s to be done?

Where do we go from here?

“I don’t think there is anything in a policeman’s DNA which would cause them to walk away or take a job action like the Chicago firemen did years ago,” said a retired top police source. “It’s in their DNA to serve and protect.

“But how many more people have to lose their lives in Chicago before we realize the police need their support?” said another CPD source.

“People are trapped or hiding in their homes; they feel they do not have a voice; afraid to drive their cars; or speak out because they will be targeted. Children are getting shot in cars in the midst of gang violence,” the top cop source said.

“It’s heartbreaking to know families all over the city are afraid because of the gun violence.

“When are the communities going to take action for themselves?

“How many more cops have to lose their lives before we realize police need our support. Enough lives have been lost in Chicago.

“We are only as good as a community or a city lets us be.”

Saying goodbye . . .

His name was Ed.

Edward W. Elliott Jr. to be precise.

And he was my friend.

Of Scot-Irish descent and the descendant of Catholics once raised in a very Protestant Northern Ireland, Ed’s funeral mass Aug. 7 contained a little Latin, a major thrust of incense, a soliloquy on friendship, and a glint of Eagles wings, if you get my drift.

His late wife, Betty, also a working mom, was my best friend. We raised our boys during the “God Knows What’s Up” 1990s.

A monumentally successful entrepreneur scouring the world for gas and oil and gamefish, Ed became a walking medical encyclopedia before Betty succumbed to cancer nearly 20 years ago.

He continued netting entire families into his embrace as heartily as he had once caught and released gamefish.

Only he didn’t release us.

His youngest son, Tim, planned an exquisite funeral; his eldest son, Ed’s incredible eulogy compared his dad to a quote by Booker T. Washington:

“The happiest people are those who do the most for others. The most miserable are those who do the least.”

Saying goodbye to this complicated man was so sad — but quite frankly I’ve never seen so many self-made, successful “suits” tear up before and after a funeral in my life.

We will never release him.

Sneedlings . . .

Saturday birthdays: Halle Berry, 55; Mila Kunis, 38; Magic Johnson; 62 and Joe Bejlovec, priceless. . .. Sunday Birthdays: Chicago police chaplain Dan Brandt, 51; Joe Jonas, 32; Anthony Anderson, 51; Ben Affleck, 49, and a special birthday greeting to Bernie Wojtkiewicz, ageless and priceless, husband of the fabulous Colette and still kicking at 94!

Slaying of Officer Ella French shows police need our support more than everMichael Sneedon August 13, 2021 at 9:42 pm Read More »

As more places demand COVID vaccination proof, here’s everything you need to knowStephanie Zimmermannon August 13, 2021 at 9:40 pm

In the absence of a government mandate on coronavirus vaccines, Katie Tuten, co-owner of The Hideout, set up her own COVID-19 vaccine requirements to protect her employees and patrons from the virus.

“We’re just managing the risk as best we can,” says Tuten, whose club at 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. is among dozens of Chicago bars and performance venues that have announced they’re requiring employees, performers and patrons to provide proof they are vaccinated or of a recent negative coronavirus test.

Major Chicago-area companies also requiring vaccinations for some or all of their employees include United Airlines, Walgreens, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Advocate Aurora Health, Ascension Health, Rush University Medical Center, Loyola Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine and UI Health.

On Friday, the Chicago Public Schools announced that all teachers, staff and vendors must be vaccinated by Oct. 15 unless they have a medical or religious reason not to.

Nationally, Google, Facebook, Disney, Netflix, The Washington Post, Cisco, Frontier Airlines, Walmart and Tyson Foods are among those with new vaccine mandates.

President Joe Biden has said federal employees and on-site contractors must be vaccinated or submit to regular testing. And he has ordered that members of the military must be vaccinated beginning next month, when the Food and Drug Administration is expected to give final approval to the Pfizer vaccine.

Hundreds of colleges and universities, including the University of Illinois, are requiring the shots for employees and students this fall.

The vast majority of those hospitalized with coronavirus amid the surge of the highly infectious Delta variant are unvaccinated people.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has called on Chicago businesses to require vaccination unless there’s a valid health or religious reason — “or have stringent masking and testing protocols in place if vaccine requirements are not possible.”

That Chicago businesses are stepping up on vaccines is encouraging to Sydney Schumacher, who’s vaccinated. But it’s tough to navigate things when there’s no single accepted way to provide proof, says Schumacher, who went to Lollapalooza in July and says some of the bouncers at the front gate were pretty laid back about checking. The music festival required people to bring and show their vaccination card, not just a smartphone photo.

“They weren’t checking your I.D. to see if you are who you say you are,” says the Lincoln Park resident, who put hers in a plastic bag to protect it. “They briefly looked at it. But it wasn’t super in-depth to make sure it was your vaccine card.”

Festival-goers show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as they pass through a health screening station at the main entrance at Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

Other Chicago festivals have gone further. The Windy City Smokeout country festival in July required all ticket-holders to upload their vaccination record to an app in advance.

At The Hideout, a smaller club that’s presenting only outdoor shows on its patio for now, patrons can show a card, a photo of a card on their phone or an app, any of which gets checked against their driver’s license photo.

“No system is going to be perfect,” Tuten says. “People have been just wonderful about it. They’re being really supportive.”

Nearly three-quarters of eligible Illinois residents have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and about 57% are fully immunized.

Here’s the lowdown on key questions about providing proof that you’re immunized.

Do Chicago or the state have an official vaccination app?

No. But Dr. Allison Arwady, the city’s public health commissioner, says she’s monitoring how New York City’s vaccine mandate and phone app for indoor restaurants, gyms and performances is working.

“I’m not taking it off the table, that that might be something that we could consider in the future,” Arwady said Thursday. “We’ve been really pleased to see employers make that decision to mandate vaccinations or, in some cases, vaccinations or frequent negative testing for their employees. … And I’ve also been thrilled to see so many high-risk settings, whether that’s bars, whether that’s clubs, whether that’s events, make that decision to require proof of vaccination or a negative test to come in.”

Melaney Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, says the state “is not considering apps at this time.”

Her agency has just launched what it calls Vax Verify, an online portal that people can use to check how their vaccination status is recorded with the I-CARE, the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange, and download and print their record. It uses Experian, the credit-reporting agency, to verify a person’s identity.

Technologically, New York is ahead of Illinois. It has its Excelsior Pass app, which provides a QR code once a person’s uploaded vaccine information is confirmed with city or state records. And New York City has the COVID Safe App, which keeps an image of people’s cards on their phone but doesn’t verify it.

Should I carry my paper card?

You could. Or take a photo of it with your smartphone, and use that when asked for proof of vaccination.

If you’re worried about privacy, you can keep that photo private on an iPhone by going to the “share” button in “Photos” and selecting “hide. To find it again, tap “albums,” and scroll to “utilities.” You also can hide it in your iPhones Notes app. On Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phones, you can store the photo in a locked folder.

You also could use another phone app to store your vaccine info.

Like which other apps?

Anyone can use the COVID Safe app offered by New York City. Basically, it stores a copy of your vaccination card on your phone.

Other apps include Clear Health Pass, VaxYes, Airside and CommonPass.

Since businesses can choose to accept any or none of these apps, and that could change, it’s best to check in advance before heading, say, to a music festival or performance and see whether its website explains what’s required.

Some institutions are creating their own apps. This fall, the University of Illinois is requiring students and staff to upload their vaccination cards to a portal, to be checked against public health records, says Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for public affairs. Once the info is verified, the person can use their phone to gain entry to university buildings.

Is it OK to laminate my vaccination card to protect it?

Bad idea. Because whenever the day comes when people might need a booster shot, whoever provides it will need to note that on your card.

If you’re worried about spills ruining your card, you could always buy a plastic sleeve for it.

What if I lose my card?

Contact your vaccine provider. It will have your record and can issue a new card.

If you have any trouble, contact Illinois’ I-CARE registry. For details, go online to http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/icare

What about getting a replacement from the CDC?

Even though vaccination cards bear the logo of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal agency doesn’t store individuals’ health data and can’t issue replacement cards.

What if my provider didn’t provide cards?

That, for instance, was the case early on with Northwestern Medicine, which told patients to go to their online MyChart record and print that out for proof, rather than give a CDC card. Now, any Northwestern patient who wants a CDC card can request one in MyChart or by calling (877) 973-2673.

Is it even legal to require vaccination for work?

Yes. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance in May that said it is legal under federal law for businesses to require a COVID-19 vaccination. The EEOC says that, as long as an employer complies with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other equal opportunity considerations, they can require that their workers be vaccinated.

Even so, some states have passed laws banning vaccine requirements, notably Texas and Florida, states in which the number of cases of the highly contagious Delta variant have been shooting up.

Expect court fights to settle this, such as a recent federal ruling in favor of Norwegian Cruise Line, which is requiring that its crews and passengers prove they’re vaccinated despite Florida’s state law against doing so.

What about fake cards?

Those have been offered for sale online. But the FBI warns that it’s a crime to falsely use the seal of a federal agency. The Justice Department charged a California woman with wire fraud last month, accusing her of supplying fake cards and bogus “immunization pellets.”

Besides, why spend hundreds of dollars on a fake card and risk getting sick or dying from COVID or passing it on to a loved one when you can get a lifesaving vaccination for free?

As more places demand COVID vaccination proof, here’s everything you need to knowStephanie Zimmermannon August 13, 2021 at 9:40 pm Read More »

Chicago police officers put aside their anger at Lightfoot to ratify eight-year contractFran Spielmanon August 13, 2021 at 8:52 pm

Rank-and-file Chicago police officers on Friday rose above their anger at Mayor Lori Lightfoot and overwhelmingly ratified a new contract that guarantees them a 20% pay raise over eight years, more than half of it retroactive.

Cops have been venting their anger at Lightfoot ever since the Saturday night traffic stop in West Englewood that killed Officer Ella French and left her partner fighting for his life.

They turned their backs on Lightfoot on the seventh floor of University of Chicago Medical Center after the mayor ignored demands from the injured officer’s father to stay away and got a tongue lashing from the father in return.

They’re furious at the mayor for defending First Deputy Police Supt. Eric Carter’s decision to speed up their solemn send-off to French when their slain colleague’s body was brought to the medical examiner’s office.

Even so, rank-and-file members of the Fraternal Order of Police who started voting before French was murdered ratified the new contract by a 79% vote, City Hall sources said.

It was the apparent lure of retroactive paychecks that will range from $18,000 to $36,000 depending on seniority and retroactive overtime pay that will add as much as 20% to that amount and duty availability back pay that means as much as $7,600 per officer.

“It was a fair deal. The membership realized it was a fair deal,” said FOP President John Catanzara.

“They hate her, but they’ve still got to go to work every day. They want a contract to work under. So, we’ll deal with the mayor in 18 months.”

Friday’s vote sets the stage for a similar ratification vote in the City Council.

If 26 aldermen sign off on the new deal, the city will be on the hook for $377.6 million for four years of back pay. That’s how long police officers have been waiting for a pay raise during what was the longest labor stalemate in Chicago history.

Lightfoot knew it was coming, but nevertheless set aside just $103.3 million for back pay in her 2021 budget. The city plans to cover the rest by refinancing $1 billion in existing debt at reduced interest rates during the last quarter of this year. That’s expected to generate $232 million in savings.

The remaining $42.3 million will come from “corporate fund resources,” according to a three-year financial plan released this week that didn’t offer specifics.

Going forward, the city needs to come up with an additional $325 million to cover future costs of the contract. Even so, top mayoral aides have touted the contract for the “financial stability” it provides. It also guarantees labor peace until after the 2023 mayoral election.

Civic Federation President Laurence Msall is not so sure about the financial stability claim. Using savings from a debt refinancing “prudently matches one-time revenues to a one-time expense,” but “taking the savings upfront” will force the city to “either cut or find new sources of revenue,” he said.

“We already have the highest sales tax of any major city in the United States. It’s not the time to be raising property taxes” beyond the $20 million automatic escalator tied to the consumer price index. “There are no easy taxes to raise. I think they’re gonna have to cut,” he said.

“Find ways to be more efficient. Reduce staff. Some of the lessons from the pandemic as to whether we need to have as many people performing these services. How can we deliver the services effectively at less of a cost?”

The contract calls for rank-and-file Chicago police officers to receive a 10.5% retroactive pay raise and 9.5% more through January 2025. The city has also agreed to increase so-called “duty availability pay” to $950 per quarter and raise the annual uniform allowance to $1,950.

Duty availability pay will be offered “retroactively” from July 2017 to all officers whose probation period has ended after 18 months. And going forward, duty availability pay will be available after 18 months, instead of after 42 months.

Rank-and-file police officers will be asked to absorb “only 50%” of the increase in health care contributions imposed on police sergeants and Chicago firefighters and paramedics. And the “second half” of that increase will be “postponed until July, 1, 2022, to allow members to retire under the current 2.2% at age 55 and zero percent for those 60 and over.”

Although the contract was four years in the making, the negotiations are not complete. Only “core accountability issues” have been resolved.

They include ending “the 40-year ban on the investigation of anonymous complaints about police misconduct”; expediting the override process that paves the way for those complaints; no longer allowing officers to change their stories after reviewing bodycam video of an incident; and eliminating a requirement that disciplinary records older than five years be destroyed.

More controversial disciplinary changes must still be negotiated and are likely to end up in arbitration.

Chicago police officers put aside their anger at Lightfoot to ratify eight-year contractFran Spielmanon August 13, 2021 at 8:52 pm Read More »

Cubs’ young starters using final two months as audition for spot for 2022 rotationRussell Dorseyon August 13, 2021 at 8:36 pm

The Cubs’ priorities this season have changed as the team has gone from fighting for a playoff spot pre-trade deadline to focusing on the future post-trade deadline. But with the team focusing on the future with two months left in the season and the World Series core now broken up, many see the team heading toward a long, grueling rebuild.

After seeing the roster since the deadline, it’s hard to blame fans for not expecting much and the team will have to spend this offseason to avoid fighting for a Top 10 pick again in the 2023 draft.

But if there’s something that should give fans hope that the Cubs’ rebuild isn’t going to be a long, strenuous process like their last one, it’s the fact that they now have homegrown arms they can watch develop at the Major League level.

“I think one of the biggest positives that we’ve seen around here this year are these young guys,” starter Kyle Hendricks told the Sun-Times.

No. Having homegrown arms that can go out and perform aren’t the only thing that will help the Cubs avoid a three-to-four year rebuilding process. But the team’s ability to find quality arms in the interim is significant.

Right-handers Adbert Alzolay, Keegan Thompson and left-hander Justin Steele are each getting their opportunity over the final two months of the 2021 season. While Alzolay has been in the rotation since the season began, Steele is finally getting his chance with Thompson’s time coming in the next few weeks.

“Between Adbert and what he’s been able to do this year with unbelievable work ethic and then Keegan and Steele,” said Hendricks. “Those two guys, you can see the competitiveness and the fire. Seeing those kinds of flashes throughout the season gives you a lot of hope that it can turn around real quick.”

All three Cubs’ rookie arms are 26-years-old and as all three enter what should be the strongest years of their careers – if the Cubs find rotation options out of them, it puts their rebuild in a much better place.

“‘Each time I go out there, I’m trying to prove something,” Steele said. ”I’m trying to show that I can be a part of this up-and-coming [group]. That’s why we’re here.

There’s no reason not to find out who exactly Alzolay, Thompson and Steele are right now. Whether the Cubs find they have three mid-rotation, three back-end starters or maybe two relievers and a starter, learning what they are is beneficial as the team makes plans for the future.

“It’s important for us as an organization to evaluate some of the young guys so we can make better decisions when we go into the offseason,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “If we anticipate things are going to happen and we don’t give them the chance to actually prove it, that’s when we get in trouble. So I think as an organization it’s important for us to be able to give them room to work through some outings and be able to see what we have and make better decisions.”

Alzolay has battled through the up-and-downs of his first full season in a rotation and Steele and Thompson are going to get a taste of that before the season is over. Over the final two month of the season, the Cubs will get to see them in a rotation together for the first time. While it should give some clarity on if they can handle starting, it could also be a preview of what the team’s rotation looks like next season.

“For a lot of the young guys, we’re using this as an opportunity for them to get experience but also learn,” Hottovy said. “Learn about pitch sequencing. Learn about how stuff works. Giving them the tools of learning. I think our routine is similar [as before]. A lot of the same scouting reports. We’re not changing how we want to gameplan and attack guys.”

Cubs’ young starters using final two months as audition for spot for 2022 rotationRussell Dorseyon August 13, 2021 at 8:36 pm Read More »

Family of slain National Guard soldier calls on Kim Foxx to file murder chargesMitch Dudekon August 13, 2021 at 8:25 pm

Family members of Chrys Carvajal, the 19-year-old Illinois National Guard soldier who was murdered last month in a random drive-by shooting, are demanding Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx file charges in the case.

“We have come here today to demand justice,” Carvajal’s sister, Jennifer Ramirez, 25, said at a news conference in the Loop.

“My brother’s life was taken by a coward. This coward did not know my brother. He did not even speak to my brother. He simply saw an opportunity to kill and shot with no remorse whatsoever,” she said.

“How many more lives need to be taken for the correct action to be made?” Ramirez said. “We are living in a war zone, and no one seems to defend us.”

Carvajal, who had recently completed basic training, was attending a party July 3 in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood when he was shot twice about 1 a.m. while retrieving something from his car.

Chicago detectives have a suspect — a high-ranking Milwaukee Kings gang member — and presented evidence Sunday to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, which rejected a murder charge, police said.

Police identified the vehicle used in the shooting and obtained data putting the suspect’s cellphone in the area of the shooting. The 38-year-old man jumped out of the car and randomly shot Carvajal, police said.

The suspect’s criminal record includes convictions for violent crimes including home invasion and aggravated battery. He also was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors dropped an attempted murder charge in that case, records show.

A Foxx spokesman, in an emailed statement, said the evidence, including video and witness accounts, was “insufficient to meet our burden of proof to file murder charges at this time.”

“As prosecutors, we have both an ethical and legal obligation to make charging decisions based on the evidence, facts, and the law. We will review any additional information that is brought to us, as we remain committed to the work of justice for those most impacted by violence in our communities.”

A police source said they’re frustrated a murder charge was rejected in Carvajal’s killing — the latest grievance in the continuing tension between the police department and the state’s attorney’s office.

For months, police Supt. David Brown has pointed a finger at State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, saying her office isn’t tough on violent criminals. Foxx has fired back, saying police need to do more to build solid cases against suspected shooters instead of focusing on people who illegally possess firearms.

Carvajal’s family praised the diligent work detectives have done on the case.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) denounced the decision not to file charges.

“What else do you want? You’re not going to have the person who committed the crime say ‘I did it,’ ” he said.

Villegas said he planned to reach out to Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to see if it might be possible to bypass Foxx and seek justice through the military’s legal system or federal prosecutors.

Carvajal, who lived in Portage Park and aspired to become a Chicago police officer, was a graduate of Chicago Academy High School.

His mother, Lourdes Lara, clutched a rosary and repeatedly squeezed a yellow foam ball with a smiley face on it Friday as she fought back tears while calling for justice for her son.

“My son swore to protect the country, and the country isn’t doing the same,” Lara, a Chicago Public Schools cafeteria worker, said in Spanish.

Carvajal’s father, Eliseo Carvajal, wearing a “U.S. Army Proud Dad” T-shirt, didn’t speak at the news conference. He said he had nothing to add to what his family had already said.

“Chrys would have done anything for this city, so do the bare minimum for Chrys,” said Citlali Olivares, 20, Carvajal’s girlfriend and a National Guard member.

Christopher Garibay is an active National Guard soldier from Chicago who didn’t know Carvajal but stood with his family members Friday to show support.

“This seems like an easy win for the state’s attorney’s office,” he said. “The detectives have put together a very strong case. And so it’s an act of cowardice for them not to take this case.”

Family of slain National Guard soldier calls on Kim Foxx to file murder chargesMitch Dudekon August 13, 2021 at 8:25 pm Read More »

The Bulls are in a culture shift, and can thank guard Lonzo BallJoe Cowleyon August 13, 2021 at 8:25 pm

Lonzo Ball was the first domino.

Once he fell, the Bulls found themselves in a very unfamiliar place this offseason: An NBA destination place.

Make no mistake, that’s a description this organization suddenly carries. A description that was more punchline for years rather than a reality.

Is it Miami or Los Angeles? No, and likely never will be.

But in acquiring Ball in a sign-and-trade with New Orleans last week, the new regime continued living up to the promises of a changing culture.

Now, a culture that All-Star-type players want to be a part of.

“Obviously the core,” four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan said on Friday, when asked what sold him on joining the Bulls. “With Vooch [Nikola Vucevic] being there, Zach [LaVine], the organization, the city, overall the whole spectrum of the team and the organization for me.

“And obviously once Lonzo signed, that made it even more appealing. You could see what they were working toward, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. It wasn’t too much of a pitch that they had to make after that.”

So why Ball?

According to DeRozan, he had been watching his game since back in high school, when the point guard was the “it” prospect out of Chino Hills.

“One, I’ve been a fan of his,” DeRozan said. “I remember watching him play in high school, through college. And since he’s been in the league, it seemed like he hasn’t really been let free to be the player that I believe he is. And coming to this organization once I saw him sign, and seeing him having that opportunity for the first time in his career, was something that I definitely wanted to be a part of.

“The dynamic that he brings to the court on both ends is tremendous. He’s a hell of a point guard, a hell of a player. And for him, I think you’re definitely going to see the best out of Lonzo this upcoming year. It was something that I definitely wanted to be a part of.”

And now he is, as the Bulls completed a sign-and-trade deal for DeRozan that will pay the versatile forward $85 million over the next three years.

But Ball came first.

Finally.

The Ball to the Bulls rumors have been the worst-kept secret going back to 2019, when someone in the guard’s camp leaked a handful of teams the then-Laker would like to be a part of. Even with former vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and former general manager Gar Forman making up the front office back then, the Bulls were on that short list.

It was about timing.

A new regime, a new aggressive attitude, and just like that it finally happened within minutes of the window opening on the free agent period.

“Like [the media] said, [the Bulls have] been on me for a minute now,” Ball said of his decision. “Just me personally, I feel like they wanted me. And I want to play for someone that wants me to play for them. So that was attractive.”

In the eyes of the NBA, maybe a bit too attractive, as the deal is under league investigation for tampering.

“Nah, I haven’t gotten into that, I’m not going to get into that,” Ball said of the investigation. “I’m here [Friday] to talk about me being a Bull and how happy I am to be a part of the organization.”

Not a comment that too many high-profile players have actually been able to say the last five years

“They’re an exciting team,” Ball added. “I see the future and I think we can get up and down, and win basketball games. At the end of the day that’s how I want to play, and I’m happy to be a Bull.”

The Bulls are in a culture shift, and can thank guard Lonzo BallJoe Cowleyon August 13, 2021 at 8:25 pm Read More »

Nanci Griffith, Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter, dies at 68Kristin M. Hall | Associated Presson August 13, 2021 at 8:24 pm

NASHVILLE — Nanci Griffith, the Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter from Texas whose literary songs like “Love at the Five and Dime” celebrated the South, has died. She was 68.

Her management company, Gold Mountain Entertainment, said Griffith died Friday but did not provide a cause of death.

Nanci Griffith and John Prine perform at the Americana Music Association awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 17, 2009.

“It was Nanci’s wish that no further formal statement or press release happen for a week following her passing,” Gold Mountain Entertainment said in a statement.

Griffith worked closely with other folk singers, helping the early careers of artists like Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris. She had a high-pitched voice, and her singing was effortlessly smooth with a twangy Texas accent as she sang about Dust Bowl farmers and empty Woolworth general stores.

Griffith was also known for her recording of “From a Distance,” which would later become a well-known Bette Midler tune. The song appeared on Griffith’s first major label release, “Lone Star State of Mind” in 1987.

Her 1993 album “Other Voices, Other Rooms,” earned a Grammy for best contemporary folk album. Named after a Truman Capote novel, the album features Griffith singing with Harris, John Prine, Arlo Guthrie and Guy Clark on classic folk songs.

In 2008, Griffith won the Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award from the Americana Music Association.

Country singer Suzy Bogguss, who had a Top 10 hit with Griffith’s song “Outbound Plane,” posted a remembrance to her friend on Instagram.

“I feel blessed to have many memories of our times together along with most everything she ever recorded. I’m going to spend the day reveling in the articulate masterful legacy she’s left us,” Bogguss wrote.

View this post on Instagram

Darius Rucker called Griffith one of his idols and why he moved to Nashville.

“Singing with her was my favorite things to do,” he wrote on Twitter.

Keeping in line with the tradition of folk music, Griffith often wrote social commentary into her songs, such as the anti-racist ode “It’s a Hard Life Wherever You Go,” and the economic impact on rural farmers in the 1980s on “Trouble in the Fields.”

“I wrote it because my family were farmers in West Texas during the Great Depression,” Griffith told the Los Angeles Times in a 1990 interview. “It was written basically as a show of support for my generation of farmers.”

Griffith gained many fans in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where she would often tour.

Griffith most recently toured with Bogguss, John Prine, and Judy Collins, and recorded duets with a host of artists including Prine, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffett, Adam Duritz, Darius Rucker and Willie Nelson.

Nanci Griffith, Grammy-winning folk singer-songwriter, dies at 68Kristin M. Hall | Associated Presson August 13, 2021 at 8:24 pm Read More »

Man charged in fatal Lawndale shooting that also wounded teenage girlMatthew Hendricksonon August 13, 2021 at 8:13 pm

A 32-year-old parolee has been charged in a shooting that claimed the life a man and a left a teenage girl wounded in Lawndale.

Kevell Chester was captured on video opening fire on a car as it drove in the 4700 block of West Arthington Street shortly after 2 a.m. on May 25, Cook County prosecutors said Friday.

The driver of the car, Charles Rice, 31, was struck multiple times and the 16-year-old girl who was in the passenger seat was struck in her right leg and suffered a graze wound to her left arm, prosecutors said.

Rice was later pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago police said.

Kavell Chester arrest photo — Kavell Chester

Just before he was killed, Rice saw a woman standing in the street and offered her a ride, prosecutors said. The woman refused and started to walk away.

As Rice continued to drive, Chester, who was standing on the sidewalk, fired a barrage of bullets, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors didn’t say what led to the shooting or what Chester’s relationship to the teenage victim was.

Investigators found both 9-mm and .380-caliber shell casings at the scene, which indicated there was a second shooter involved, prosecutors said. The other person was not captured surveillance videos.

Chester was seen on video going back-and-forth from an SUV that was parked on the street, prosecutors said. When police arrived at the scene, the SUV was still parked and an officer’s body-worn camera recorded the license plate, which showed the car was registered to Chester, prosecutors said.

Chester was taken into custody on Thursday and allegedly identified himself in the videos. The woman who was offered a ride by Rice also identified Chester in a photo array as a person she saw on the street immediately before the shooting, prosecutors said.

Chester has a lengthy criminal history, largely for drug convictions, prosecutors said.

He was paroled a month before the shooting after serving a sentence for a drug charge, state records show.

Chester has two children and lives with his girlfriend and sometimes his sister, an assistant public defender said.

Judge Arthur Wesley Willis ordered Chester held without bail for Rice’s murder.

Chester is expected back in court on Sept. 2.

Man charged in fatal Lawndale shooting that also wounded teenage girlMatthew Hendricksonon August 13, 2021 at 8:13 pm Read More »

8 Best Running Shoes Stores in ChicagoOlessa Hanzlikon August 13, 2021 at 2:55 pm

I know how hard it is to find the right fit or comfort level when it comes to athletic shoes. Whether you’re looking for a running shoe or hiking, or just walking, it’s important to find one that will last you awhile and that will be comfortable. There are probably hundreds of running shoe stores in Chicago, so I’ve narrowed it down to 8 of the best ones. There are some obvious ones like Nike and Famous Footwear but also some community driven ones that have an impressive selection.

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1706 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

At Fleet Feet, you will find a welcoming environment where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service and support. The mission of this running shoe store in Chicago is to help you find the right ”FIT” in every facet of your active lifestyle. Whether you walk, run, or simply need a good fitting pair of shoes, the educators at Fleet Feet will work with you to evaluate your foot’s gait and natural biomechanics to help you select a shoe that offers the best fit and function for you.

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669 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

I don’t think I really need to go into detail about Nike. We all know and love this brand and it’s clear that they dominate the athletic shoe market. This sport shoes store in Chicago offers any kind of product for any sporting occasion. So whether you’re a runner, walker, cyclist, or just want a trendy pair of high tops, Nike is the place to go.

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10328 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Running Excels serves the south side of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. It is a specialty running store that features high quality athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. They also can share their knowledge of running, through education on injury prevention and recovery, proper training, nutrition, etc.

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1730 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Famous Footwear, like Nike, is another running shoe store in Chicago that has dominated the market. They have shoes for any occasion, not just sports. They carry brands like Adidas, Nike, Converse, Crocs, Birkenstock, Vans, etc. So if you’re looking for a place where you can shop for athletic shoes but also everyday shoes, this is the place.

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1631 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Commonwealth isn’t exactly in Chicago, but if you live in or around the city, you’ll know Evanston. Commonwealth Running Company is a community-first running company that will take what local running stores do best and utilize technology to enhance that experience by offering everything a runner needs in a seamless and comprehensive way. Founded by a distance runner from Chicago, this grassroots running company will look to outfit and supply runners with gear that enhances their running experience, and in doing so, will look to grow the sport and expand a market.

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513 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60201

Just like the previous store, this one is in Evanston. I’m not too familiar with this store but it has a ton of great reviews on Yelp. They seem to carry a lot of running shoes as well and brands like Asics, New Balance and Mizuno.

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1435 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

At Road Runner Sports you can try, touch, feel and test out a huge selection of running, cross training, trail and gym gear. They’ve got 116 brands and countless colors and sizes of running shoes, electronics, and fitness apparel. You can choose from brands like Adidas, Altra, ASICS, Brooks, HOKA ONE ONE, Merell, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, OluKai, On, Reebok, Salomon, Saucony, and Under Armour. They also stock some newer brands like Hyperrice, Goodr Sunglasses, On, and R-Gear. They’ve got everything you need for running, training, everyday activity, trail, hiking, and even kid’s shoes.

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5321 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Alamo Shoes has been a family-owned shoe store providing family-focused superior service since 1973. In those years, Alamo Shoes has thrived on providing personalized service for Northsiders, Southsiders, suburbanites, people from across the country and the globe. It is a staple of Chicago’s north side Andersonville neighborhood. They carry all the popular brands and even ones that are just starting to gain popularity.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels.com

8 Best Running Shoes Stores in ChicagoOlessa Hanzlikon August 13, 2021 at 2:55 pm Read More »