What’s New

Buddi — Hyde Park CatsHydeParkCatson August 14, 2020 at 4:54 am

Pets in need of homes

Buddi — Hyde Park Cats

Read More

Buddi — Hyde Park CatsHydeParkCatson August 14, 2020 at 4:54 am Read More »

No No-No But Still Good–Cubs 4 Brewers 2Mike Bangharton August 14, 2020 at 3:43 am

Cubs Den

No No-No But Still Good–Cubs 4 Brewers 2

Read More

No No-No But Still Good–Cubs 4 Brewers 2Mike Bangharton August 14, 2020 at 3:43 am Read More »

PHOTOS: Devastation from derecho in IowaChicagoNow Staffon August 14, 2020 at 3:05 am

ChicagoNow Staff Blog

PHOTOS: Devastation from derecho in Iowa

Read More

PHOTOS: Devastation from derecho in IowaChicagoNow Staffon August 14, 2020 at 3:05 am Read More »

Harper — Hyde Park CatsHydeParkCatson August 14, 2020 at 4:58 am

Pets in need of homes

Harper — Hyde Park Cats

Read More

Harper — Hyde Park CatsHydeParkCatson August 14, 2020 at 4:58 am Read More »

PHOTOS: Lakeview 5-bedroom home with kegerator, outdoor fireplace: $1.4MChicagoNow Staffon August 14, 2020 at 12:34 pm

ChicagoNow Staff Blog

PHOTOS: Lakeview 5-bedroom home with kegerator, outdoor fireplace: $1.4M

Read More

PHOTOS: Lakeview 5-bedroom home with kegerator, outdoor fireplace: $1.4MChicagoNow Staffon August 14, 2020 at 12:34 pm Read More »

NCAA cancels fall championships as major football marches onAssociated Presson August 13, 2020 at 11:58 pm

The NCAA called off fall championship events — a move Thursday that does not effect major college football — because not enough schools will be competing in sports such as men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball during the first semester.

NCAA President Mark Emmert made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter, but it has been clear this was coming as more and more conference canceled fall sports seasons because of the coronvirus pandemic.

“Sadly, tragically that’s going to be the case this fall. Full stop,” Emmert said. “That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t and can’t turn toward winter and spring and say, ‘How can we create a legitimate championship for those students?’ There are ways to do this. I am completely confident we can figure this out. If schools and conferences want to move forward … let’s do it.”

Emmert said the NCAA would prioritize staging championships in winter and spring sports because those — including the NCAA basketball tournaments– were canceled when COVID-19 first spiked across the United States in March.

Moving fall sports to the spring still must go through the Division I Council, which is comprised of representatives of all 32 conferences, and be approved by the DI Board of Directors.

“If we modify the model, which we need to do anyway because of the virus, shrink the bracket sizes, do everything in predetermined sites instead of running kids around the country. Use predetermined sites, move toward a bubble or semi-bubble models,” Emmert said. “Will it be normal, of course not. Will it create other conflicts and challenges, of course. But is it doable? Yeah.”

Last week the NCAA Board of Governors said championship events in a sport would canceled if fewer than 50% of the teams competing in that sports played a regular season.

Divisions II and III almost immediately followed by canceling their fall championships. Division I — which is comprised of 357 schools — held on, but as conference after conference canceled their fall seasons the tipping point came.

Falls sports also include field hockey, cross country and water polo. Schools in conferences that have not yet canceled their fall seasons could conceivably try to stage regular-season competition over the next few months.

The highest tier of Division I football, the Bowl Subdivision, is not impacted. The College Football Playoff is run by the conferences and six of those leagues are still moving toward having a season, including the Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12.

Earlier in the day, the NCAA’s chief medical officer and two of its infectious disease expert advisers warned the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States remains an enormous obstacle for college sports to overcome.

“I feel like the Titanic. We have hit the iceberg, and we’re trying to make decisions of what time should we have the band play,” said Dr. Carlos Del Rio, executive associate dean at Emory University.

Del Rio, a member of the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel, appeared with NCAA chief medical officer Dr. Brian Hainline on a webinar hosted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Earlier this week, the Big Ten and Pac-12 became the first Power Five conferences to decide not to play football, or any sports, this fall.

“We need to focus on what’s important,” Del Rio said. “What’s important right now is we need to control this virus. Not having fall sports this year, in controlling this virus, would be to me the No. 1 priority.”

The United States has had more than 5 million COVID-19 cases.

Read More

NCAA cancels fall championships as major football marches onAssociated Presson August 13, 2020 at 11:58 pm Read More »

8 Places in Chicago Where You Can Get Amazing CheesecakeAudrey Snyderon August 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm

Table of Contents

Some people are strict pie-lovers, while others will dabble in a cake here and there; some love a crunchy cookie, while their friends might prefer the soft, gooey middle of a brownie. When it comes to desserts, people tend to have strong opinions. Luckily, if you’re specifically a fan of the creamy texture and mild tang of a great cheesecake, there’s no shortage of options in the Chicago area. Whether fruity or chocolatey, complex or simple, an amazing cheesecake flavor is sure to be found at one of these Chicago dessert shops.

Chicago Cheesecake
Photo Credit: Schweet Cheesecake Facebook Page

5051 W Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60651

Advertisement

The self-proclaimed purveyors of the “original homemade Chicago cheesecake,” Schweet has an undeniably comprehensive selection of cheesecakes. From The Viola (topped with blueberries or strawberries) to the Ndizi Banana Pudding Cheesecake (which includes sweet whiskey), there’s a flavor for everybody.

Chicago Cheesecake
Photo Credit: Eli’s Cheesecake Company Facebook Page
6701 W Forest Preserve Dr, Chicago IL 60634
Advertisement

Eli’s has been cranking out delicious cheesecake since 1980 on the northwest side. Need a light summery flavor for a weekend get-together? Try the Lemon Mixed Berry Cheesecake. Not sure you can commit to one flavor? Check out the Cheesecake Samplers, each of which includes multiple flavors in one cheesecake.
Cheesecake Chicago

Photo Credit: JR Dessert Bakery Facebook Page
2841 Howard St, Chicago IL 60645
Advertisement

In addition to an array of other dessert items, JR has a solid selection of cheesecakes. Pair a Cappuccino or Double Chocolate Cheesecake with your afternoon coffee, or keep things light and tropical for teatime with a Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake.
Cheesecake Chicago

Photo Credit: Sweet Mandy’s B’s Facebook Page
254 E Ontario St, Chicago IL 60611
Advertisement

Find your new favorite cheesecake at Sweet Mandy B’s Streeterville location! With fresh summer flavors like Lemon Raspberry and Lemon Blueberry, as well as individually-sized cakes in Oreo and Turtle flavors, you can’t lose with this dessert shop.
Cheesecake Chicago

Photo Credit: Molly’s Cupcakes
179 N Morgan St, Chicago IL 60607
Advertisement

In addition to Molly’s special Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcake, you can find multiple flavors of mini cheesecake here. Get a Cherry, Chocolate, Turtle, or Plain cheesecake all for yourself (you can always break out a second fork if you’re feeling especially generous).
Cheesecake Chicago

Photo Credit: Jennivee’s Bakery, LLC Facebook Page
3301 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago IL 60657
Advertisement

Lakeview-based Jennivee’s offers a constantly-changing rotation of specialty cake slices, which often includes multiple types of cheesecake. You should call to determine availability, but with any luck you’ll be able to snag a slice of Red Velvet or Strawberry Cheesecake.

Advertisement

Cheesecake Chicago

Photo Credit: Eméché Cakery & Cafe Facebook Page
3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616
This Bronzeville cafe offers not only breakfast items, coffee, and tea, but dessert items— including cheesecake slices. Pick up a slice of Vanilla or “Chicago Mix” Cheesecake to go with your cup of coffee.
Floriole
Photo Credit: Floriole
View the Best Desserts in Chicago
Need more of that sugar high? View our list of the best desserts in the city.
View the Best Desserts in Chicago
Cheesecake Chicago
Photo Credit: Oak Park Bakery Inc Facebook Page
904 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park IL 60304
Out in Oak Park, satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of one of this bakery’s excellent flavors of cheesecake. Stick to fresh, fruity flavors like Raspberry or Strawberry Cheesecake, or prepare for the impending Autumnal season with Caramel Apple or Pumpkin Cheesecake.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Jennivee’s Bakery, LLC Facebook Page

READ MORE LIKE THISDOWNLOAD THE URBANMATTER APPFIND PARKING 

Read More

8 Places in Chicago Where You Can Get Amazing CheesecakeAudrey Snyderon August 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears News: Eddie Jackson wants revengeRyan Heckmanon August 13, 2020 at 1:30 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson is out for revenge this coming season.

The Chicago Bears need an Eddie Jackson revenge tour. If they are going to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 campaign, Jackson is one of the key players who will make it all happen on defense.

Two years ago, Jackson was comfortable at the free safety spot and proved why he was an elite safety in this league. In that magical 2018 season, Jackson came up with 15 passes defended, six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

Last season, he made the switch to strong safety so that Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could line up at his former spot. To say he didn’t make an impact would be silly, but he certainly didn’t make the big plays he did a year ago — and that came primarily because of where he lined up.

This coming season, Jackson is back to free safety and is ready to prove the doubters wrong. A player as good as Jackson should not have been left off this year’s NFL Top 100, but he was — and that will be one of many motivating factors for he and the Bears this year.

Earlier this week, Jackson made an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, where Kyle Brandt asked him about one simple graphic — his Twitter header.

His cover photo across the top of his Twitter profile reads “Revenge.” In his bio, it reads “Coming For Everything They Say I Couldn’t Have…I Want REVENGE.”

RELATED PRODUCT
Tailgate Men's Chicago Bears Sweatshirt Chestnut XL
Tailgate Men’s Chicago Bears Sweatshirt Chestnut XL

In response to Brandt’s question, Jackson said:

“Right now it’s revenge season for everything.”

He talked about how it’s not just about him, but about the Bears as a team. All of the sudden, you go from a 12-4 playoff team to a group that misses the playoffs and people forget about you altogether.

Jackson is as motivated as ever and wants the world to know he and the Bears are coming. He’s not happy about being forgotten. The Bears, as a team, are certainly not happy about being forgotten.

This kid is only in his fourth NFL season and has already seen two Pro Bowl nods and an All Pro selection. On top of the fact he gets to move back to his natural position in 2020, he’s also backed by a pass rush featuring Khalil Mack and newly-signed Robert Quinn.

Imagine the havoc this front seven is going to wreak on opposing quarterbacks. Jackson is going to have more opportunities than ever to make big things happen on broken plays and bad decisions by quarterbacks.

And that is exactly what the Bears need this season.

With the quarterback position up in the air and no one really knowing what will happen offensively, it’s going to be the defense which leads the team yet again — and Jackson is at the center of it all.

It’s time for revenge.

Load Comments

Read More

Chicago Bears News: Eddie Jackson wants revengeRyan Heckmanon August 13, 2020 at 1:30 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: Expert lays out Zach LaVine extension scenarioRyan Heckmanon August 13, 2020 at 12:43 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Will the Chicago Bulls end up extending Zach LaVine before the deadline?

Since they were not one of the 22 teams selected to play in the NBA bubble, the Chicago Bulls got an early start on their official offseason. Already making the most of the season being on hold earlier this year, the Bulls shook up their front office in their first offseason to-do’s.

Coming up, though, they will have some decisions to make. One of the biggest decisions has to be made by November 30th, the deadline for extending eligible players. On October 18th, the Bulls can officially extend Zach LaVine — but will they?

In a recent piece (subscription required) by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, he outlines a little bit of what the Bulls could do with LaVine come that time.

Once upon a time, the Bulls signed LaVine to a 4-year, $78 million deal which now looks like a bargain compared to some of the other contracts being handed out to similar players. All LaVine has done since receiving that deal is continue to improve his game and become the go-to guy in Chicago.

Some argue whether or not he can be that number one player on a playoff team, but he’s had no choice with how poorly the team has been led; whether we’re talking coaching or front office. LaVine has done his part.

This past year, he averaged a career-best 25.5 points per game on 45 percent shooting. He also shot the three ball at a 38 percent clip, but took a career-high eight three-pointers per game. That’s a strong percentage for someone chucking them up at such a high volume.

RELATED PRODUCT
Chicago Bulls 2' x 4' Court Cornhole Game Set
Chicago Bulls 2′ x 4′ Court Cornhole Game Set

Come October, when the Bulls can extend LaVine, they are able to offer him a 3-year deal worth $76 million ($25.3 million annual average) — a chunk of an improvement from his last annual average of $19.5 million.

Marks points out in his article, though, that LaVine could choose to decline an extension for multiple reasons. It would hurt Bulls fans, but for LaVine personally, it makes sense.

Sure, the Bulls made a huge change up top with bringing in Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, but it looks as though they will keep Jim Boylen around a little longer — and that won’t sit well with LaVine.

Just how much longer will LaVine have to deal with Boylen? Is it worth taking a discount to stay in Chicago with this mess of a head coach? LaVine very well could play out his contract and likely earn the same, if not more money, on a much better team.

On the other hand, the Bulls could decide not to extend him and then enter trade discussions next year with one of the league’s best trade chips and expiring contracts.

If LaVine accepted the extension Chicago could offer him this fall, he would be doing the Bulls a huge favor. There would be another team which would absolutely offer him more, come free agency of 2022. For now, we’ll see how he handles the coming months and what the team does with Boylen.

Load Comments

Read More

Chicago Bulls: Expert lays out Zach LaVine extension scenarioRyan Heckmanon August 13, 2020 at 12:43 pm Read More »

Now, more than ever, the wisdom of the elders is neededHoward Englanderon August 13, 2020 at 1:00 pm

Cheating Death

Now, more than ever, the wisdom of the elders is needed

Read More

Now, more than ever, the wisdom of the elders is neededHoward Englanderon August 13, 2020 at 1:00 pm Read More »