PORTLAND, Ore. — Police have confirmed that two members a hip-hop group with ties to the multiplatinum rap group Wu-Tang Clan were fatally shot Tuesday in Portland, Oregon.
Relatives on social media identified the rap music artists killed as 12 O’Clock and Murdock of the Brooklyn Zu, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Portland police in a news release identified the two men as David Turner, 45, and Odion Turner, 42, who are cousins.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined both died from gunshot wounds and ruled their deaths homicides, police said.
The shooting happened at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Four others were hurt in the shooting, including one person who remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, police said Wednesday. Police said it took time to confirm whether that victim had been injured in this incident, so police didn’t mention that victim on Tuesday.
Young Dirty Bastard, the son of the late Wu-Tang rap legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard, in a post to Instagram on Tuesday, wrote of his cousins, “Rip 12 O’Clock. Rip Murdock. They Were My Fathers Tightest blood bonds. My Two Older cousins Was just assassinated. Love Yalll. Blood Forever. Brooklyn Zu.”
Police have released few details about the shooting. A home surveillance video provided to the Oregonian/OregonLive appeared to capture nearly 20 gunshots and a car speeding away.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Their deaths marked the 57th and 58th homicides this year in Portland, which is more homicides than Portland recorded in all of 2020, police said.
The Illinois State Fair is back after a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, but the deadly virus — and a new, highly contagious variant — is already shaking up plans for politicos who use the event as an unofficial kick-off to the campaign season.
Though the fair begins Thursday, the political fireworks — or lack of them — will likely come next Wednesday on Governor’s Day and the following day, which is Republican Day.
Like lemon shakeups, corn dogs and the butter cow, the two politically themed days are traditions at the fair with events held on the fairgrounds and spilling over into downtown Springfield.
But a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic governor won’t attend the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association’s indoor brunch on Governor’s Day at the fair, citing concerns around the Delta variant.
The brunch, which is in its 34th year, is a traditional rallying place for Democrats from around the state.
Then Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Barack Obama, left, is surrounded by supporters hoping to get an autograph or shake his hand during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair in 2004. Seth Perlman/AP file
Pritzker plans to host his own get-together for Democrats at noon on Governor’s Day on the Director’s Lawn on the fairgrounds, a campaign spokeswoman said.
Outdoor afternoon political pep rallies are other mainstays of both parties on their respective days at the fair, but it’s still unclear how much the governor’s event will resemble past versions – which typically feature a slew of speeches from office-holders, candidates and other party figures.
“It’s a little more scaled back … since the brunch is indoors and we’re trying to be very cautious,” Ronja Abel, Pritzker’s spokeswoman said of the governor’s event.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is surrounded by Illinois Democrats as he leads a rally during Democratic Day at the Illinois State Fair in 2001.Seth Perlman/AP file
Abel said the governor’s team will have more details on the get-together and its guest list, “soon.” She did not respond to request for comment about whether or not Pritzker will attend the indoor brunch virtually.
In a statement, Kristina Zahorik, president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, said the hybrid gathering will still convene to “celebrate the party’s efforts to Build Back Better in a way that is safe and follows the science.
“While we respect the Governor and other Democrats’ decision not to join the event in person, we’d remind individuals that they can participate in our activities virtually,” Zahorik said. “We hope the Governor takes part in the Brunch virtually or sends a video to address the thousands of grassroots Democrats who will be watching, attending, and supporting his reelection.”
Gov. JB Pritzker and first lady MK Pritzker, left, unveil the 2021 Butter Cow by sculptor Sarah Pratt in the Dairy Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds as they mark the 100th anniversary of of the Butter Cow at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday.Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
State Senate President Don Harmon plans to attend and speak at the brunch, but a spokesman for the Senate Democratic leader didn’t respond to a question about whether the Oak Park Democrat will attend Pritzker’s event.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will be out of town, a spokesman for the Hillside Democrat said.
Most candidates running to succeed outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White still plan to attend the county chairs’ brunch as well as host other events.
Ald. David Moore (17th) plans to attend the brunch, a VIP meeting beforehand as well as events Tuesday night, a spokeswoman said.
“We’re not going to pass up an opportunity of being downstate and meeting additional people,” Delmarie Cobb said.
Ald. David Moore (17th), left, in June of 2020; Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), center, in 2019; City Clerk Anna M. Valencia, right, in 2018. Ashlee Rezin Garcia; Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
Cobb said the campaign feels the measures the county chairs’ association has taken to try to mitigate the spread of the virus are “satisfactory at this point, and they’ve been very vigilant about making sure that they are flexible and responsive.”
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia will attend the brunch and give a speech, and plans to host a fundraiser the night before headlined by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) will also attend the brunch as well as other events Tuesday night, her spokesman said.
Then Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias speaks during a rally on Democrats Day at the Illinois State Fair in 2010.Seth Perlman/AP file
The remaining Democratic candidate for secretary of state — former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — plans to host a free, campaign event next Tuesday at a craft beer brewery in downtown Springfield, an event that will largely be outside and will follow protocols on masking, a spokeswoman said. She didn’t provide any details on his plans for Governor’s Day.
The following day, the state’s Republicans will rally outdoors at noon on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Speakers for the roughly hour and a half program that day will include Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks and Committeeman Richard Porter as well as the General Assembly’s Republican leaders, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., addresses the crowd at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in 2019.Justin L. Fowler / The State Journal-Register
Republican U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood, Rodney Davis, and Mary Miller are also planning to attend.
Davis, considered a potential candidate for governor, is also expecting to attend a breakfast that day with members of the Republican Party’s state central committee and the party’s county chairs’ association, where he’ll deliver a speech.
But his spokesman punted when asked if the Taylorville Republican is planning to attend as a candidate for governor.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., gets a standing ovation from the crowd as he takes the podium during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in 2019.Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP file
“His intent and preference is to run for Congress again, but at end of the day it depends on the political landscape that the Democrats give him based on however they approach redistricting,” Aaron DeGroot said.
Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard, who said last week he was weighing a third run for governor, said if he goes to the Republican Party’s event he’ll just be an observer.
Republicans who’ve already announced their plans to try to unseat Pritzker will also be present.
Suburban businessman Gary Rabine, left, in March; State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, center; former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, right.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file; Facebook
State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, plans to attend Republican events Wednesday night, the Republican Party chairman’s breakfast on Thursday and Republican Day at the fair.
Suburban businessman Gary Rabine will also attend Republican Day events, his spokesman said.
Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, of Waterloo, said he’ll walk in the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade on Thursday. He’ll also attend Republican Day and may host something informal for supporters of his gubernatorial bid, though details are still being worked out.
Federal public health officials say COVID-19 is now spreading at a high rate across nearly all of Illinois as the Delta-fueled surge lifts infections to the highest level seen statewide in four months.
Transmission is considered high in all but 13 of Illinois’ 102 counties, including the entire Chicago area except for northwest suburban McHenry County, according to metrics set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the spread is still labeled “substantial” in McHenry and nine of the other remaining counties.
The CDC laid out the sobering color-coded state map Wednesday as the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 3,933 new cases of the disease, the most in a day since April 9.
COVID-19 transmission is considered high in counties marked red.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The state is now averaging nearly 3,000 new COVID-19 diagnoses each day, a rate that has multiplied by eight since the first week of July.
The seven-day average statewide positivity rate is up to 5.1%, which marks a seven-month high, while the total of 1,558 hospitalized coronavirus patients is the greatest burden facing Illinois care centers since May 15.
Daily death tolls have risen slightly, too. With nine more COVID-19 fatalities reported Wednesday, Illinois is averaging 11 per day over the last week, compared to eight per day in early July.
Cases have been on the rise in the state since about two weeks after Gov. J.B. Pritzker allowed the state to fully reopen in mid-June — not long after the more infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 emerged in the United States.
The latest suffering is overwhelmingly concentrated in unvaccinated communities. Only 899 fully vaccinated residents have ended up in a hospital with COVID-19 all year, according to state data — about 0.01% of the 6.5 million-plus Illinoisans who have completed their vaccine series.
Just over 74% of residents have gotten at least one shot. About 57% are fully vaccinated.
Last week, Pritzker issued a vaccination mandate for some state workers, and he’s said he’s considering expanding that to more employee groups.
On Wednesday, the governor applauded small music venues that are requiring concertgoers to show proof of vaccination.
“We must take the utmost precautions in crowded indoor spaces — and that means getting vaccinated,” Pritzker said in a tweet.
State public health officials launched a new online portal in an effort to make it easier for residents to obtain their vaccination records in case they lose their CDC-issued cards. The “Vax Verify” system uses the credit reporting company Experian as an “identity verification service provider” before providing access to vaccine records.
“With the current surge in cases, more people are making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and this new tool will aid residents in confirming their vaccination where needed,” Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement.
Two teen boys were shot, one fatally, after a person fired shots into a home Wednesday afternoon in Englewood on the South Side.
About 4 p.m., two boys, both 16, were inside a home in the 6000 block of South Carpenter Street, when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired shots into the home, Chicago police said.
One of the boys was struck in the chest and brought to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has not been identified.
The second teen was struck in the right leg and taken to the same hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
The Illinois State Fair is back after a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, but the deadly virus — and a new, highly contagious variant — is already shaking up plans for politicos who use the event as an unofficial kick-off to the campaign season.
Though the fair begins Thursday, the political fireworks — or lack of them — will likely come next Wednesday on Governor’s Day and the following day, which is Republican Day.
Like lemon shakeups, corn dogs and the butter cow, the two politically themed days are traditions at the fair with events held on the fairgrounds and spilling over into downtown Springfield.
But a spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic governor won’t attend the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association’s indoor brunch on Governor’s Day at the fair, citing concerns around the Delta variant.
The brunch, which is in its 34th year, is a traditional rallying place for Democrats from around the state.
Pritzker plans to host his own get-together for Democrats at noon on Governor’s Day on the Director’s Lawn on the fairgrounds, a campaign spokeswoman said.
Outdoor afternoon political pep rallies are other mainstays of both parties on their respective days at the fair, but it’s still unclear how much the governor’s event will resemble past versions – which typically feature a slew of speeches from office-holders, candidates and other party figures.
Then Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Barack Obama, left, is surrounded by supporters hoping to get an autograph or shake his hand during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair in 2004. Seth Perlman/AP file
“It’s a little more scaled back … since the brunch is indoors and we’re trying to be very cautious,” Ronja Abel, Pritzker’s spokeswoman said of Pritzker’s event.
Abel said the governor’s team will have more details on the event, and its guest list, “soon.” She did not respond to request for comment about whether or not Pritzker will attend the indoor brunch virtually.
In a statement, Kristina Zahorik, president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, said the hybrid gathering will still convene to “celebrate the party’s efforts to Build Back Better in a way that is safe and follows the science.
“While we respect the Governor and other Democrats’ decision not to join the event in person, we’d remind individuals that they can participate in our activities virtually,” Zahorik said. “We hope the Governor takes part in the Brunch virtually or sends a video to address the thousands of grassroots Democrats who will be watching, attending, and supporting his reelection.”
Gov. JB Pritzker and first lady MK Pritzker, left, unveil the 2021 Butter Cow by sculptor Sarah Pratt in the Dairy Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds as they mark the 100th anniversary of of the Butter Cow at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday.Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
State Senate President Don Harmon plans to attend and speak at the brunch, but a spokesman for the Senate Democratic leader didn’t respond to a question about whether Harmon will attend Pritzker’s event.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will be out of town, a spokesman for the House’s No. 1 Democrat said.
Most candidates running to succeed outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White still plan to attend the county chairs’ brunch as well as host other events.
Ald. David Moore (17th) plans to attend the brunch, a VIP meeting beforehand as well as events Tuesday night, a spokeswoman said.
“We’re not going to pass up an opportunity of being downstate and meeting additional people,” Delmarie Cobb said.
Ald. David Moore (17th) speaks to reporters in 2019.Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Cobb said the campaign feels the measures the county chairs’ association has taken to try to mitigate the spread of the virus are “satisfactory at this point, and they’ve been very vigilant about making sure that they are flexible and responsive.”
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia will attend the brunch and give a speech, and plans to host a fundraiser the night before headlined by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) will also attend the brunch as well as other events Tuesday night, her spokesman said.
The remaining candidate for secretary of state — former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias plans to host a free, campaign event next Tuesday at a craft beer brewery in downtown Springfield, an event that will largely be outside and will follow protocols on masking, a spokeswoman said. She didn’t provide any details on his plans for Governor’s Day.
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), left, in May; Former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, center, last month; City Clerk Anna Valencia, right, in 2018.Ashlee Rezin Garcia; Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
The following day, the state’s Republicans will rally outdoors at noon on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Speakers for the roughly hour and a half program that day will include Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks and Committeeman Richard Porter as well as the General Assembly’s Republican leaders, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods.
Republican U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood, Rodney Davis, and Mary Miller are also planning to attend.
Davis, considered a potential candidate for governor, is also expecting to attend a breakfast that day with members of the Republican Party’s state central committee and the party’s county chairs’ association, where he’ll deliver a speech.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., addresses the crowd at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in 2019.Justin L. Fowler / The State Journal-Register
But his spokesman punted when asked if the Taylorville Republican is planning to attend as a candidate for governor.
“His intent and preference is to run for Congress again, but at end of the day it depends on the political landscape that the Democrats give him based on however they approach redistricting,” Aaron DeGroot said.
Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard, who said last week he was weighing a third run for governor, said if he goes to the Republican Party’s event he’ll just be an observer.
Republicans who’ve already announced their plans to try to unseat Pritzker will also be present.
State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, plans to attend Republican events Wednesday night, the Republican Party chairman’s breakfast on Thursday and Republican Day at the fair.
Suburban businessman Gary Rabine will also attend Republican Day events, his spokesman said.
Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, of Waterloo, said he’ll walk in the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade on Thursday. He’ll also attend Republican Day and may host something informal for supporters of his gubernatorial bid, though details are still being worked out.
Chicago property taxes will rise by $20 million to match the consumer price index, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday she hopes to hold it to that despite a $733 million budget shortfall for 2022.
“It’s my hope that we will not need to raise taxes — and by taxes, I assume you mean property taxes. It’s our hope that we will not need to use that tool,” Lightfoot told reporters at the Cultural Center.
The mayor did not rule out other tax increases. A budget summary chart tied to the city’s three-year financial analysis talks about “exploring new revenue sources, financial reforms” and department efficiencies to close the $733 million gap.
During a conference call after the mayor’s speech, Budget Director Susie Park acknowledged that Lightfoot’s declaration does not mean property taxes will be frozen.
“It is not our intention to increase the property tax for the upcoming budget. However, the CPI that was approved in the last budget remains. … I think it’s around $20 million-ish,” Park said.
The 2022 shortfall is down 40% from the $1.2 billion gap that preceded what Lightfoot calls her “pandemic” budget.
It would have been bigger and more daunting if not for the $1.9 billion of federal stimulus funds on its way to Chicago. It will allow the Lightfoot administration to play a financial shell game of sorts.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivers the city’s budget forecast Wednesday during a news conference at the Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Gone is the mayor’s plan to use more than half of the money to retire $465 million in scoop-and-toss borrowing and canceling plans to borrow $500 million more. That ran contrary to initial Treasury Department guidelines.
Instead, the mayor plans to use $782 million in stimulus money to replace revenues lost to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. That will free up corporate fund revenues to retire the scoop-and-toss borrowing.
During the fourth quarter of this year, the city plans to refinance $1 billion in debt at reduced interest rates and use the $250 million in savings to pay for retroactive pay raises for Chicago police officers.
The tentative contract gives rank-and-file police officers a 20% pay raise over eight years, 10.5% of it retroactive.
The total cost of the retroactive paychecks is $375 million. The mayor’s 2021 budget set aside only $100 million for police back pay. That means Lightfoot needs to find at least $25 million more — even after the refinancing — and come up with “around $165 million” going forward.
Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said the city’s plan to use federal stimulus funds to close the 2020 and 2021 budget gaps is “reasonable as a one-time backfill to address very significant one-time revenue losses due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“Similarly, use of economic savings from a debt refinancing to pay retroactive costs on the new police contract prudently matches one-time revenues to a one-time expense. However, taking savings upfront, as the city plans to do, still creates gaps in future years’ budgets that will need to be filled,” Msall said in a statement.
The city’s Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett discusses the budget forecast Wednesday at the Chicago Cultural Center.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Lightfoot blamed the “still sizable” shortfall on the “lasting and continuing impacts” of the coronavirus pandemic.
Her three-year financial analysis forecast a “base, positive and negative” case shortfall of $733 million in 2021. The shortfall rises to anywhere from $391 million to $1.2 billion by 2024, depending on the economy.
“COVID has thrown us a wrench a number of times in terms of the actual pace of the virus, the recovery, potential additional waves of cases. We are planning for all of those various scenarios and how we might be able to address the potential change in revenue forecasting,” Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett said.
Lightfoot said the surge in coronavirus cases tied to the Delta variant underscores the need for the city to be “smart” about how it spends the once-in-a-lifetime avalanche of the federal stimulus funds.
“It’s not gone. It’s not going to be gone entirely for some time. … This race sometimes feels like a race against time with these mutations that are coming,” Lightfoot said, renewing her push for Chicagoans to get vaccinated.
“We’ve gotta be diligent. And being diligent is also being smart in making sure that we’ve got the resources in order to respond. If we spent every penny that has been allocated for COVID and we had, God forbid, another catastrophic surge, then people would say, `What happened to the mayor. Why did she do that?'”
The city has used $800 million in federal stimulus money to support hard-hit small businesses and provide a safety net of assistance for housing, food, homeless services and mental health and cover the salaries of police officers, firefighters and other first responders.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivers the city’s budget forecast Wednesday.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
On Wednesday, City Hall disclosed plans to use $37 million in remaining first-round stimulus funds to “create a bridge” toward the investments Lightfoot intends to make with the next round of federal help.
The new investments include $14 million for youth prevention programming, $9 million for neighborhood recovery initiatives and $14 million for child care assistance.
Last year, Lightfoot spent months claiming Chicago was well-positioned to weather the economic storm caused by the coronavirus only to finally reveal that the stay-at-home shutdown had blown a two-year, $2 billion hole in the city’s budget.
After weeks of contentious negotiations, the City Council ultimately approved her $12.8 billion budget by the narrowest margin Chicago has seen in decades.
The mayor’s plan to raise property taxes by $94 million, followed by annual increases tied to the consumer price index, passed with only two votes to spare. The roll call was 28 to 22.
Although she has condemned political horse-trading, Lightfoot was forced to do a lot of wheeling and dealing to line up the 26 votes she needed to approve the budget. The vote on the budget was 29 to 21.
She canceled 350 layoffs in favor of borrowing against future revenues from the sale of recreational and medical marijuana and ordered five furlough days for those nonunion employees with six-figure salaries.
She sweetened the pot for violence prevention by $10 million and set aside $2 million to test a pair of alternate response pilot programs for emergency calls related to mental health.
And she increased the value of the treasured aldermanic menu program from $1.32 million for each of the 50 wards to $1.8 million.
For the second straight year, Lightfoot’s budget was also precariously balanced with one-time revenues.
It called for the city to refinance $1.7 billion in general obligation and sales tax securitization bonds and claim $949 million of the savings in the first two years.
That would have extended the debt for eight years and returned Chicago to the days of “scoop-and-toss” borrowing that former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ended, although not nearly fast enough to satisfy Wall Street rating agencies.
A $304 million tax increment financing surplus created a $76 million windfall for the city. The 2021 budget also included $59 million by “sweeping aging accounts”; a $30 million raid on the city’s $900 million in reserves, and $54 million in savings by offloading the cost of pensions and crossing guards from the city to Chicago Public Schools.
This year, Lightfoot moved up her budget unveiling to mid-September, one month earlier than normal.
Chicago’s $33 billion pension crisis continues to weigh heavily on city finances, in part because all four pension funds are now on the actuarial road to 90% funding.
Next year, the state-mandated payment rises to $2.25 billion to four city employee pension funds. That’s up from $1.8 billion this year.
The firefighters’ pension fund is in the worst shape, with assets to cover just 19% of its liabilities.
Unlike the fledgling quarterbacks the Bears had the last few seasons, Andy Dalton doesn’t need this preseason game against the Dolphins. He’s not a star by any means, but he’s also not Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles.
With 8,151 snaps and 142 starts in his career — more than Trubisky and Foles combined — and such a thorough mastery of the offense that he has committed just one mental error since the start of training camp, Dalton continues to make coach Matt Nagy’s job easier. Dalton will exit early, possibly after the first opening possession, and Nagy can tend to the ultra-important, franchise-shifting development of rookie Justin Fields.
“If he wasn’t at the point that we wanted, we would play him more in the preseason,” Nagy said. “He’s exceeded that. He could play tomorrow in a game, and I would feel great about it.”
Nagy’s plan is to let Dalton feel out how many snaps he wants — in the single digits, certainly — and that’s how it should be with a sturdy, experienced quarterback. It’d be concerning if the Bears were fretting about Dalton’s readiness at this point.
Nagy convinced himself that Trubisky was equally prepared heading into the ill-fated 2019 season and it quickly backfired on him. He knew going into 2020 that both his quarterbacks needed those snaps, but the pandemic prompted the league to cancel the preseason.
With Dalton, though, there’s not nearly as much teaching and adjusting. Trubisky was still learning how to run the offense and decode defenses.
Foles had minimal history with Nagy, and it became clear as the season progressed that they were on very different wavelengths.
Nagy erupted at Foles over a delay-of-game penalty at the 7-yard line against the Panthers, criticized him for another one against the Saints when he was too preoccupied with the plays on his wristband to get them to the line of scrimmage quickly enough and ESPN’s Brian Griese shared a conversation in which Foles said Nagy didn’t grasp that some of his play calls were doomed.
Those little snags are highly unlikely with Dalton. He already seems fluent in the offense and in step with Nagy.
“I feel really comfortable with everything that we’ve got in [the playbook], but you get out there to get into a little bit of a rhythm,” he said when asked if there was anything he needed to get out of this preseason game. “We’ll see how long I’m actually out there.”
The translation on that last part is that he’ll barely play. Nagy will have to be careful how much he uses Fields, too, because the Bears could be missing three injured starters on the offensive line.
Dalton’s most valuable work might actually be helping out on the sideline when Fields is playing. He has embraced the role of mentoring him this season, even as Fields strives to replace him, and has been serving as somewhat of a part-time assistant coach. That will continue Saturday.
In the meantime, Dalton will get one more full session of game-like competition in a joint practice with the Dolphins on Thursday.
Everything about the offense seems to be sharper since Dalton arrived, which is probably a big factor in Nagy feeling “as calm as I’ve ever been in my life” as he heads into a season in which his job appears to be at stake. Their relationship has been much closer to a partnership than the teacher-student dynamic he had with Trubisky and the choppy ride with Foles.
“Our guys right now, they’re playing fast, playing confident,” Nagy said. “It’s not like in Year 1 when they were thinking about the play. They know the play, and now they can take it to the next level.”
It’s that time of year again when the Cubs and Sox converge on Wrigley Field to see who will take that Chicago crown home, and, of course, bragging rights for another season. I’ll be hitting the game to usher in the weekend and scream, “Let’s Go, Sox!” Now, more new music.
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Hippo Campus is back with their 5 track, 15 minute EP titled Good Dog, Bad Dream. It’s a little quirky at times, but it’s good to hear them making music again. “Sex Tape” and “Where To Now,” are my favorites, the latter sounding a bit Cure-like or New Order-ish
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Local H used the pandemic to secure one of the most rabid fanbases in the industry. They put out a new record and played anywhere they were allowed, whether it be online or at the drive-in. Now their back with another mix-tape of covers including a favorite of mine “Brandy You’re A Fine Girl.” They do the song justice while cranking the knobs to 11, taking it from pop to rock in a matter of seconds.
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Looks like Starting Now is the title of the new record from Toad The Wet Sprocket, due out on August 28th. For me, it seems like perfect timing, as I’ve been going through a TOAD phase the last week. For some treason “Something To Say” has been an earworm that led me down a rabbit hole of everything Toad including “Nothing Is Alone.” “Game Day” is starting to grow on me as well.
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10,000 Maniacs finally release their Candy Everybody Wants EP to Spotify. It is a gem that includes a couple of great covers, Morrissey’s “Every Day Is Like Sunday,” and R.E.M’s “Don’t Go Back To Rockville.”
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“Handshake Agreement” is the fourth single from We Are Scientists’ forthcoming album Contact High, and maybe the best yet? The production value is high and it seems they are going for more of a pop-rock sound, stripping back the verses, so the choruses sound extra big. The album is due out on October 8th, and I’m looking forward to hearing this as a whole project.
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I hope I live to be 95, for starters, But, to sound as good as Tony Bennet does, and to be making great music with the likes of Lady Gaga at that age? Well, that seems to be possible for only one man.
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week, is from that dynamic duo, as they are reunited for a Cole Porter tribute album called Love for Sale, Due out on October 1, their first single is a number we all know and love “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
“I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE SHIP OF FOOLS IN CHICAGO HAS TURNED INTO AN OCEAN LINER” BOB ANGONE CIRCA 2021- SEE IF YOU AGREE!
Immediately following the shooting of two Chicago Police officers, several officers gathered at the hospital late Saturday. Officer Ella French was pronounced dead and her partner was critically wounded. What followed next can only be described as pathetic. As Mayor Lightfoot attempted to enter the hospital she was warned that the wounded officer’s father did not want her there. She insisted anyway and the officer’s father proceeded to “scold” the Mayor saying she was at fault for putting Chicago’s cops at a disadvantage against violent criminals in Chicago and told her to leave. As the Mayor was leaving she tried to approach several of the officers who gathered at the hospital, the officers immediately turned their backs to her and walked away. Surprising at least to those of us in the world of law enforcement the news media reported the ugly incident. See below headlines in both Chicago papers.
What can only be described as a clown act of the highest proportions continued on into the late morning. Holding a press conference at Police headquarters for the Chicago press corps, Superintendent David Brown while explaining the circumstances of the shooting referred to Ella French the murdered Officer as ELLA FITZGERALD. HE HAD TO BE CORRECTED BY A MEMBER OF THE PRESS-IMAGINE THAT IF YOU CAN?
Not to be outdone in the lack of leadership and basic decency department Chicago Police’s second in command Eric Carter showed up at the Medical Examiner’s office when the body of the murdered officer was being delivered to the Medical Facility. In a time-honored tradition, First Responders have always gathered in the parking lot of the Office of the Medical Examiner to pay last respects to fallen police officers and firefighters with the Emerald Society’s traditional playing of the bagpipes. Suddenly First Deputy Carter began shouting, “WE’RE NOT WAITING FOR ANY BAGPIPES. GO AHEAD AND GET THE AMBULANCE INSIDE. WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS SHIT.” Here again, see below the press reported this bizarre incident.
Not stopping there we have United States Senator Dick Durbin. What most people say has been as hard to find as far as Chicago’s violence is concerned as live Chicken at a KFC picnic. However, Senator Durbin it seems is always ready to snatch a good headline when the times present themselves. It’s what Rahm Emanuel described as never letting a good CRISIS go to waste. Sensing a chance to grab a headline Senator Durbin has PROCLAIMED TO ALL THE PRESS IN CHICAGO THAT STRAW GUN SELLERS OR PURCHASERS BE GIVEN MORE HARSH PRISON TERMS. You gotta hand it to the Senator, it worked. Both major papers carried his hallow pronouncement, most likely from as far away from Chicago as possible.
The gun used to murder Ella French and critically wound her partner was bought by a person from Indiana who was having an affair with one of the brothers involved in the shooting of the two officers. He has been arrested on charges of straw purchasing — a Federal Crime punishment of up to 5 years. Last year Chicago cops confiscated over 12,000 guns on Chicago’s streets and so far this year over 7,540 guns have been confiscated. All those guns seizures have led to approximately 11,000 charges filed with the Cook County States Attorneys Office. Out of that, I would be astonished if more than 100 were convicted of gun crimes. So what essentially DURBIN is SELLING in his headline-grabbing is, let’s give 5 years or more to the slug who buys the gun and let the guy who uses it out on bond or no bond, or the useless home monitoring system. The ship of fools in Chicago has suddenly turned into an ocean liner and it’s loaded with passengers. DID YOU AGREE?
Bob Angone is a Marine VETERAN and a retired Chicago Police Lieutenant. He worked his entire Career covering the streets of Chicago as a Tactical Officer, Tactical Sergeant, and Tactical Lieutenant. His last assignments were in special Functions, he was the C/O of the CPD Swat teams his last five years and was an HBT (Hostage Barricade Terrorist) Sergeant for 10 years.
Matt Gangl vividly remembers the first time he laid eyes on the Field of Dreams.
The lead director of Fox Sports’ MLB coverage was making the 4 1/2 – hour drive last year to Dyersville, Iowa, from his home in Minnesota. He saw on his GPS that the site of the beloved 1989 movie was just a bit farther.
“You take a corner, and all of a sudden you can see the light stanchions for the fields, and I literally got chills,” Gangl said. “I’m like, This is exactly why we’re doing this, to provide that moment of wow. You get those goosebumps. It’s like nothing I can fully explain as you drive up the first time.”
The fields Gangl referred to are the movie site, now a tourist attraction, and the nearby pop-up stadium that will host the “Field of Dreams” Game on Thursday between the White Sox and Yankees. “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and other players from the 1919 Sox were featured in the movie. Hence, the Sox’ inclusion in the game. Fox will broadcast the game, and Gangl will direct.
“This game is not only gonna draw baseball fans, but fans of the movie and people who are just intrigued to see how they put a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield,” Gangl said.
Not just a baseball field, but a full-on TV production. Just as the stadium was built from scratch, the broadcast will be, too.
“There’s no obvious stadium infrastructure there. Everything’s being built,” said Judy Boyd, senior vice president of Fox Sports productions. “So you get some things as simple as how do we get a broadcast signal out of there. You’re working in a cornfield. It’s a testament to our tech side.”
Gangl said the broadcast was budgeted roughly to that of a division-series playoff game. The production crew will include just short of 30 manned cameras, a lot for a regular-season game. And because of the bare-bones stadium and remote location, Gangl said Fox will run thousands of feet of cables.
With only 8,000 seats available, the game is truly a made-for-TV event. Both Boyd and Gangl used the word “cinematic” to describe their plan for the broadcast. Gangl said he lost count of how many times he has watched “Field of Dreams,” trying to devise ways to incorporate the movie into the broadcast. The last time he was on site, Gangl visited the house where Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) lived.
“I’m thinking, What kind of shots could I use that take us the same paths that they did when [Kinsella] goes over and looks out the window to see the first time Ray Liotta, ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson, is on the field,” Gangl said. “There’s fun stuff in the works.”
That includes keeping the aesthetics of the era. Boyd said Fox told MLB that it wanted hard advertising signage behind home plate as opposed to virtual or rotating signage. A crew will swap out the sign manually every inning. Fox also altered its graphics, which will have the appearance of an old-time scoreboard. But the network still will use the technology baseball viewers have become accustomed to.
“It is an interesting balance because everything we do as we move forward in sports television is advancing technology,” Gangl said. “More super slow-mo, more big lens, higher-speed camera. To me, it’s using those things in a way that is a little more cinematic than standard game coverage.
“As much as I love great tight shots, and we’ll find those emotion shots, but I think there’s gonna be a lot more resetting grander shots, sweeping motions, things that give us place and proximity of where this event is taking place.”
All that said, Fox knows there’s a game to cover. Coverage begins at 5 p.m. with a one-hour pregame show with host Kevin Burkhardt and analysts Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas. Tom Rinaldi also will be on site to deliver one of his fabled features. Joe Buck and John Smoltz will call the game, and Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci will serve as reporters.
There will be surprises along the way, but Boyd said viewers can expect to see members of the “Field of Dreams” cast in some capacity, as well as Sox and Yankees players sharing their thoughts on the movie.
And if the last shot of the broadcast looks familiar, that’s because it probably will be.
“It’s that iconic shot,” Gangl said. “There’s the low shot where they’re in the field having a catch, and then it goes to that aerial where you see all the cars coming into the field. I think Dyersville in the background will be cool because I want to replicate that shot at the end of the night.
“There’s things that you want to pay homage to from the movie, and there are things that we can do that can bring some of those moments and memories from the movie to the game. I wanna try to take advantage of as many of those as you can.”
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