Weird-rock trio Michael Columbia reunite after a 12-year hiatusJ.R. Nelson and Leor Galilon November 29, 2022 at 5:46 pm

Michael Columbia in 2008: Dylan Ryan, Chris Kalis, and Dave McDonnell Credit: Jeremiah Chiu

Sixteen years ago, Michael Columbia were one of Chicago’s most compelling bands, combining smooth jazz, twitchy progressive rock, the occasional wacky time signature, and sometimes even a pop-adjacent melody. Dave McDonnell (saxophone, keyboards, bass, vocals) and Dylan Ryan (drums) were cozy with several groups linked to local label Obey Your Brain and South Loop recording studio Shape Shoppe, including Icy Demons and Bablicon—and all of them enriched the world’s weirdo-rock quotient. Chris Kalis (guitar, synthesizers), who’d cofounded Chandeliers in 2005, joined the duo of McDonnell and Ryan the following year—after the recording of Stay Hard, to date the final Michael Columbia release. The band played the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009 and broke up that summer, when McDonnell left town for Cincinnati (he now lives in Philadelphia) and Ryan split for Los Angeles. For a while they continued working together remotely, but that tailed off in 2010. After a 12-year hiatus, though, Michael Columbia are back. “The band will be recording at Jamdek studios and finishing a record of material that has been on the shelves for over a decade,” Kalis says. They’ll also reunite for a show at Co-Prosperity on Saturday, December 3, which will be livestreamed on Lumpen.TV; Oui Ennui headlines, and Courtesy and Chelsea Bridge open. Welcome back, fellas! 

Michael Columbia are rerecording this track for their upcoming album.

This Michael Columbia track, which appeared posthumously on a 2011 compilation, will also get redone.

In August, Gossip Wolf caught a set by local indie-rock quartet Shoulderbird at Golden Dagger, where the mellow, jazz-tinged phrasing of guitarist and vocalist Meredith Nesbitt made an immediate impression—as did her crackerjack band, which consists of guitarist Kyle Paul, bassist Miles Allen, and drummer Lily Finnegan. In November, Shoulderbird released the mini album Parade via Bandcamp, and its five songs are even better than this wolf remembered. They glisten with warm, spacious reverb and more than a touch of soulful Americana.

Guitarist and vocalist Meredith Nesbitt wrote all the material on Parade.

Local culture outlet These Days has been on this wolf’s reading list for years. Its twice-yearly feature “Chicago Artists to Watch” is always a must-read, and the fall/winter 2022 iteration came out in November. To celebrate, These Days will host two consecutive Schubas concerts featuring acts covered in this year’s two “Artists to Watch” roundups. Fingy, Godly the Ruler, and Cece Maravilla perform on Thursday, December 1; Pretty Liyah, CP, and Semiratruth hit the stage on Thursday, December 2. Tickets are $15 per night or $25 for both. The shows are 18 and up and begin at 8 PM.

These Days’ promo video for “Chicago Artists to Watch,” shot and edited by Audiotree Media

Got a tip? Tweet @Gossip_Wolf or email [email protected].

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Gossip Wolf: Icy Demons bassist Griffin Rodriguez needs help bouncing back from a bike crash

Plus: Oshwa’s eagerly awaited debut, Lollapalooza celebrity sightings, and more.

Dave McDonnell bids Chicago adieu


Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art

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Weird-rock trio Michael Columbia reunite after a 12-year hiatusJ.R. Nelson and Leor Galilon November 29, 2022 at 5:46 pm Read More »

Fantasy basketball tips and NBA betting picks for Tuesdayon November 29, 2022 at 5:15 pm

Jalen Brunson has scored 27 or more points in four consecutive games and could have another big game on Tuesday night against the Pistons. Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

ESPN’s fantasy basketball and basketball betting tips cheat sheet is your pregame destination for basketball betting predictions and our best intel and data to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions. NBA game odds for November 29 are provided by Caesars Sportsbook, and fantasy advice is based on ESPN 10-team leagues.

What you need to know for Tuesday’s games

Killian Them Softly: The Pistons have been hit by a wave of injuries lately, most notably the significant shin injury Cade Cunningham suffered. With Cunningham ruled out and several other key players listed as questionable for Detroit against the Knicks tonight, Killian Hayes could continue his hot streak as the team’s lead creator lately. Hayes, available in 88% of ESPN leagues, has at least eight assists in four of his last six games to go with an uptick in scoring. Given the likelihood he leads the Pistons in touches and passes in the Garden tonight, Hayes is an ideal target for passing props and DFS lineups. If you need some scoring pop, Alec Burks (93% available) has averaged 18.7 points across his past six appearances.

Waiver Winslow: During a light three-game slate, it’s helpful in head-to-head fantasy formats to stream productive options in order to gain games played. Portland’s Justise Winslow, for instance, is a free agent in 96% of leagues and yet has 10 dimes and 18 boards across his last two games while playing heavy minutes for coach Chauncey Billups. With the Clippers still without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Winslow could produce another strong line tonight.

Next Mann Up: Speaking of those ailing Clippers, two wings stand out as values in DFS and for streaming potential, as well. Terance Mann (93% available) has averaged nearly 34 minutes in three games over the past week, helping drive a slash of 15.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 4.0 APG as a key two-way perimeter player for Los Angeles. Norman Powell (76%), meanwhile, has averaged 20.6 PPG during his last five games and is particularly productive from deep, suggesting there’s room for him to top his shooting props against the Trail Blazers.

Point Total Pistons: Sportsbooks have been telling you what side of the total to bet in Detroit games this season. In eight of nine games with a projected total of at least 226 points, over tickets have cashed and in nine of the other 13 games, under bets have come through.

When November Ends: Dallas is 1-12 ATS this month. Which means this is your last look at the November Mavs!

— Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe

Games of the night

Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks7 p.m. ET, American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Line: Warriors (-1.5)Money line: Warriors (-125), Mavericks (+105)Total: 228 pointsBPI Projected Total: 231.5 pointsBPI Win%: Mavericks (56.9%)

Best bet: Klay Thompson over 17.5 points. In the last three games, the Mavericks’ defensive rating has dropped significantly. A fundamental element of Dallas’ defense is limiting the number of triples an opponent makes. Thompson and the Warriors are well suited to exploit this weakness. Over the last six games, he has averaged 23.2 points per game. — Eric Moody

Best bet: Luka Doncic over 8.5 rebounds and assists. The Warriors are struggling on the boards, among the top 10 in permitting opponents’ rebounds and they are having trouble in road games, having won only two of 11 contests. Doncic’s scoring and rebounding have been a bit recently against defensive-minded teams, but the Warriors are not playing great defense. Doncic has decent odds for triple-double, and I’d take the over on the rebounds and assists. — Eric Karabell

New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons7:30 p.m. ET, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Line: Knicks (-5)Money line: Knicks (-210), Pistons (+175)Total: 226.5 pointsBPI Projected Total: 224.9 pointsBPI Win%: Knicks (65.4%)

Probable: Isaiah Stewart (toe)Questionable: Marvin Bagley III, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jaden IveyRuled Out: Cade CunninghamNote: BPI numbers factored in players who are ruled out but assumes questionable players will play

Fantasy streamer: Mitchell Robinson (rostered in 54.6% of ESPN leagues) has worked his way back from his knee injury and has played very well over the last two games. Over that time frame, he has scored 29 or more fantasy points. Considering the matchup, Robinson is well-positioned to succeed. — Moody

Best bet: Knicks -5.0. A number of injuries are plaguing the Pistons and I believe they will have a difficult time overcoming that even against a Knicks team that ranks 27th in points allowed per possession. New York is a better offensive team ranking 13th in points scored per 100 possessions. The Knicks are 8-1-1 against the spread in their last 10 matchups against the Pistons. Furthermore, New York is 4-1 against the spread in its last five road games against Detroit. — Moody

Best bet: Jalen Brunson over 22.5 points. Brunson has scored 27 or more points in four consecutive games, as each Knicks game seems like a shootout, and he has the ball in his hands the most. Brunson’s usage is sky high and he’s not only getting more than three more field goals per game than last season, but he is more than doubling his output from the free throw line. Brunson should surpass 23 points yet again. — Eric Karabell

LA Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers10 p.m. ET, Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

Line: Blazers (-3.5)Money line: Blazers (-170), Clippers (+143)Total: 211 pointsBPI Projected Total: 220.4 pointsBPI Win%: Blazers (56.4%)

Ruled Out: John Wall, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Luke Kennard, Keon Johnson, Damian LillardNote: BPI numbers factored in players who are ruled out but assumes questionable players will play

Fantasy streamer: Norman Powell (rostered in 23.6% of ESPN leagues) has never contributed much when it comes to rebounds or assists but he sure likes to shoot, and he’s become fairly adept at scoring points in limited minutes. In fact, Powell averages 14 PPG in only 25.3 MPG this season, and with no sign of Leonard playing soon he’s scored 103 points over the past five games, in only 138 minutes. Portland is far from a defensive juggernaut, and Powell should sail past his season average of 20 fantasy points. — Karabell

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Fantasy basketball tips and NBA betting picks for Tuesdayon November 29, 2022 at 5:15 pm Read More »

St. Ignatius hockey players sue truck driver who struck their bus in Indiana

Sixteen St. Ignatius junior varsity hockey players have filed a lawsuit against the truck driver who plowed into their team bus in Indiana earlier this month, knocking the bus on its side and seriously injuring three players.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Kosciusko County, Indiana, names the driver Victor Santos and the trucking companies as defendants.

Santos, 58, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with felony counts of causing serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle and criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon.

Police have said Santos was seen swerving across a highway and traveling more than 90 mph before he crashed into the school bus on Nov. 12.

Santos briefly tapped the brakes as he approached an intersection on U.S. Route 30 in the town of Warsaw, then barreled through a red light and knocked the school bus on its side, officials said.

At least 16 members of the school’s junior varsity hockey team were injured, three of them critically.

Santos’ blood alcohol level was .13%, almost twice the legal limit in Indiana, police reported.

The lawsuit alleges counts of negligence and seeks punitive damages because police alleged Santos was driving under the influence of alcohol. The lawsuit also names the companies N&V Trucking Express, B&W Cartage Inc. and B&W International as defendants.

Representatives for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The students, their parents and lawyers were expected to speak at a news conference later Tuesday morning.

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High school basketball: No Shot Clock, Ep. 141, The season opens with a bang

Michael O’Brien and Joe Henricksen are back with their weekly discussion of high school basketball.

The season is underway. We break down two of the biggest games of the first week: Kenwood vs. Young and Joliet West vs. St. Rita and give our early impressions of several other teams. The episode wraps up with a preview of this week, including a look at the loaded Chicago Elite Classic.

The podcast is on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so please subscribe.

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Iran releases former national soccer team members

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian authorities said Tuesday that two former members of the national soccer team arrested this month in connection with nationwide protests have been released on bail.

The announcement came hours before Iran was set to play the U.S. at the World Cup in a match that authorities are heavily promoting as they grapple with nationwide protests that are well into their third month.

Parviz Boroumand, a retired goalkeeper, was arrested nearly two weeks ago on charges of participating in protests in the capital, Tehran, and was accused of damaging property. Voria Ghafouri was arrested last week for “insulting the national soccer team and propagandizing against the government,” according to state-linked media.

The judiciary announced their release Tuesday without elaborating.

Ghafouri, who is still playing for a local club but was not chosen to go to the World Cup, has been an outspoken critic of Iranian authorities throughout his career. He objected to a longstanding ban on women spectators at men’s soccer matches as well as Iran’s confrontational foreign policy, which has led to crippling Western sanctions.

More recently, he expressed sympathy for the family of a 22-year-old woman whose death while in the custody of Iran’s morality police ignited the latest protests. He also called for an end to a violent crackdown on protests in Iran’s western Kurdistan region.

Iranian officials have not said whether Ghafouri’s activism was a factor in not choosing him for the national team.

The latest protests mark one of the biggest challenges to Iran’s ruling clerics since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought them to power. Rights groups say security forces have unleashed live ammunition and bird shot on the protesters, as well as beating and arresting them, with much of the violence captured on video.

At least 452 protesters have been killed and more than 18,000 detained since the start of the unrest, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group that has been monitoring the protests.

Authorities have blamed the unrest on hostile foreign powers, without providing evidence. The judiciary says it has released more than 1,000 detainees in recent days.

The protesters say they are fed up after decades of social and political repression, including a strict dress code imposed on women. Young women have played a leading role in the protests, stripping off the mandatory Islamic headscarf to express their rejection of clerical rule.

Some Iranians are rooting against their own team at the World Cup, associating it with rulers they view as violent and corrupt. Others insist the national team, which includes players who have spoken out on social media in solidarity with the protests, represents the country’s people. Billboards promoting the team have sprung up across the capital, Tehran.

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Mike Clevinger signing is a mistake for the Chicago White SoxJordan Campbellon November 29, 2022 at 4:49 pm

The Chicago White Sox began with their offseason plans on Monday as the team finalized a one-year deal with free-agent starting pitcher Mike Clevinger worth $12 million.

The deal has yet to be officially announced by the team as Clevinger still needs to complete a physical but the move is questionable at best for a team that is looking for significant improvement to their starting rotation this offseason.

Entering the offseason with Johnny Cueto being a free agent and uncertainty surrounding the health of Michael Kopech and the future of Lucas Giolito, the White Sox had several question marks in their rotation that needed to be addressed.

For the Sox, they believe that Clevinger will be their answer. Here is the thing about that thought, it is wrong. After missing the entire 2021 season while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Clevinger returned to the mound for the San Diego Padres in 2022.

He was not the same top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher that the team thought they were acquiring from the Cleveland Guardians in 2020.

Mike Clevinger is not the answer to the Chicago White Sox’s current needs.

In a tick over 114 innings pitched last season, Clevinger posted a 4.33 ERA but his FIP of 4.98 truly indicates the struggles he had with the Padres.

Furthermore, Clevinger’s average fastball velocity was down by nearly two mph last season in comparison to 2020.

Coupling the regression in velocity along with Clevinger’s strikeouts per 9 innings dropping from 8.6 in 2020 to 7.16 in 2022 and the White Sox have some work to do if they want Clevinger to return to finding success at the Major League level.

Especially when you consider the lack of competent fielding that will be backing up Clevinger when he is on the mound.

The White Sox are not getting the Clevinger that dominated the American League Central division when he was with the Guardians for the first five seasons of his career. The White Sox are getting a Clevinger that is broken and will only add to the question marks of their rotation.

For a team that is claiming to be strapped for cash this offseason, spending $12 million on a reclamation project in Clevinger is not smart business.

Unfortunately, Clevinger can not be depended on to be a competent starting pitcher at this point in his career. A much cheaper alternative for the White Sox, and likely more effective, would have been to re-sign Cueto.

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Mike Clevinger signing is a mistake for the Chicago White SoxJordan Campbellon November 29, 2022 at 4:49 pm Read More »

JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistance

A skilled worker in the manufacturing industry can anticipate a lifetime of financial stability in a vibrant, in-demand field. But for many, getting the necessary training and education to launch a career in the trades can be daunting, and even cost prohibitive. The folks at Jane Addams Resource Center know there’s no time like the present to take your career—and your life—by the reins. 

Founded in 1985, as an economic development agency focused on preserving manufacturing jobs in and around the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Jane Addams Resource Center (JARC) has blossomed into one of Chicago’s most vital resources for unemployed and low-income workers seeking careers in the trades. 

JARC operates under the guiding principles that people who work should not live in poverty, and that focusing on careers can lead to lasting, substantive change. At their three locations in Austin, Ravenswood, and Chatham, they’ve provided free job training programs for thousands of Chicagoans, empowering them to transform their lives and support their families through well-paying jobs while helping to fill a void of highly skilled workers in the U.S. manufacturing space.

As a 501c3 nonprofit, JARC is mission driven, focused on alleviating poverty in Chicago and promoting gainful paths to employment that lead to family sustaining wages. During this season of giving you can support JARC by making a contribution on 11/29 for Giving Tuesday.

Getting started on a brand-new career path with JARC’s job training program is as easy as registering for one of the weekly application sessions, which are held in person on the first Wednesday of each month, and virtually every Wednesday in between. Applicants can choose between several different programs focusing on in-demand skills, which currently include: Manufacturing Bridge Program, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, Mechanical Assembly, CNC Operating, and Welding. (Courses run anywhere from ten to 20 weeks.) Rather than a traditional classroom setting with long lectures and copious amounts of homework, JARC’s training programs simulate a manufacturing workplace environment, adhering to strict attendance and safety protocols, while prioritizing peer learning, teamwork, and leadership development through hands-on, project-based lessons. 

JARC applies a holistic lens when working with students; this approach better addresses their needs beyond career training and education alone. Trainees can tap into an array of support services, such as financial education and coaching, legal aid, and help with applying for Medicaid, and other public benefits. These services are also available at no cost, and students may be eligible for further assistance, such as prepaid public transit cards to offset the cost of commuting to class or funds to help pay for costly but necessary safety gear.

As JARC students prepare to complete their programs and transition into their new professions, they can utilize the center’s resume-writing services, mock interviews, and job-placement opportunities.In fact, some students are able to find employment through JARC before they even finish their studies. 

So whether you’re launching your career for the first time, seeking a change, returning to the workforce, or interested in improving your English language and math skills while learning a lucrative, exciting trade, JARC could be the place for you. 

Support JARC for Giving Tuesday today. Visit JARC online at www.jane-addams.org today to learn more about its programs and sign up for a Wednesday application session

This content is sponsored by Jane Addams Resource Corporation.

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JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistance Read More »

JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistance

A skilled worker in the manufacturing industry can anticipate a lifetime of financial stability in a vibrant, in-demand field. But for many, getting the necessary training and education to launch a career in the trades can be daunting, and even cost prohibitive. The folks at Jane Addams Resource Center know there’s no time like the present to take your career—and your life—by the reins. 

Founded in 1985, as an economic development agency focused on preserving manufacturing jobs in and around the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Jane Addams Resource Center (JARC) has blossomed into one of Chicago’s most vital resources for unemployed and low-income workers seeking careers in the trades. 

JARC operates under the guiding principles that people who work should not live in poverty, and that focusing on careers can lead to lasting, substantive change. At their three locations in Austin, Ravenswood, and Chatham, they’ve provided free job training programs for thousands of Chicagoans, empowering them to transform their lives and support their families through well-paying jobs while helping to fill a void of highly skilled workers in the U.S. manufacturing space.

As a 501c3 nonprofit, JARC is mission driven, focused on alleviating poverty in Chicago and promoting gainful paths to employment that lead to family sustaining wages. During this season of giving you can support JARC by making a contribution on 11/29 for Giving Tuesday.

Getting started on a brand-new career path with JARC’s job training program is as easy as registering for one of the weekly application sessions, which are held in person on the first Wednesday of each month, and virtually every Wednesday in between. Applicants can choose between several different programs focusing on in-demand skills, which currently include: Manufacturing Bridge Program, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, Mechanical Assembly, CNC Operating, and Welding. (Courses run anywhere from ten to 20 weeks.) Rather than a traditional classroom setting with long lectures and copious amounts of homework, JARC’s training programs simulate a manufacturing workplace environment, adhering to strict attendance and safety protocols, while prioritizing peer learning, teamwork, and leadership development through hands-on, project-based lessons. 

JARC applies a holistic lens when working with students; this approach better addresses their needs beyond career training and education alone. Trainees can tap into an array of support services, such as financial education and coaching, legal aid, and help with applying for Medicaid, and other public benefits. These services are also available at no cost, and students may be eligible for further assistance, such as prepaid public transit cards to offset the cost of commuting to class or funds to help pay for costly but necessary safety gear.

As JARC students prepare to complete their programs and transition into their new professions, they can utilize the center’s resume-writing services, mock interviews, and job-placement opportunities.In fact, some students are able to find employment through JARC before they even finish their studies. 

So whether you’re launching your career for the first time, seeking a change, returning to the workforce, or interested in improving your English language and math skills while learning a lucrative, exciting trade, JARC could be the place for you. 

Support JARC for Giving Tuesday today. Visit JARC online at www.jane-addams.org today to learn more about its programs and sign up for a Wednesday application session

This content is sponsored by Jane Addams Resource Corporation.

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JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistance Read More »

JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistanceChicago Readeron November 29, 2022 at 3:41 pm

A skilled worker in the manufacturing industry can anticipate a lifetime of financial stability in a vibrant, in-demand field. But for many, getting the necessary training and education to launch a career in the trades can be daunting, and even cost prohibitive. The folks at Jane Addams Resource Center know there’s no time like the present to take your career—and your life—by the reins. 

Founded in 1985, as an economic development agency focused on preserving manufacturing jobs in and around the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Jane Addams Resource Center (JARC) has blossomed into one of Chicago’s most vital resources for unemployed and low-income workers seeking careers in the trades. 

JARC operates under the guiding principles that people who work should not live in poverty, and that focusing on careers can lead to lasting, substantive change. At their three locations in Austin, Ravenswood, and Chatham, they’ve provided free job training programs for thousands of Chicagoans, empowering them to transform their lives and support their families through well-paying jobs while helping to fill a void of highly skilled workers in the U.S. manufacturing space.

As a 501c3 nonprofit, JARC is mission driven, focused on alleviating poverty in Chicago and promoting gainful paths to employment that lead to family sustaining wages. During this season of giving you can support JARC by making a contribution on 11/29 for Giving Tuesday.

Getting started on a brand-new career path with JARC’s job training program is as easy as registering for one of the weekly application sessions, which are held in person on the first Wednesday of each month, and virtually every Wednesday in between. Applicants can choose between several different programs focusing on in-demand skills, which currently include: Manufacturing Bridge Program, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, Mechanical Assembly, CNC Operating, and Welding. (Courses run anywhere from ten to 20 weeks.) Rather than a traditional classroom setting with long lectures and copious amounts of homework, JARC’s training programs simulate a manufacturing workplace environment, adhering to strict attendance and safety protocols, while prioritizing peer learning, teamwork, and leadership development through hands-on, project-based lessons. 

JARC applies a holistic lens when working with students; this approach better addresses their needs beyond career training and education alone. Trainees can tap into an array of support services, such as financial education and coaching, legal aid, and help with applying for Medicaid, and other public benefits. These services are also available at no cost, and students may be eligible for further assistance, such as prepaid public transit cards to offset the cost of commuting to class or funds to help pay for costly but necessary safety gear.

As JARC students prepare to complete their programs and transition into their new professions, they can utilize the center’s resume-writing services, mock interviews, and job-placement opportunities.In fact, some students are able to find employment through JARC before they even finish their studies. 

So whether you’re launching your career for the first time, seeking a change, returning to the workforce, or interested in improving your English language and math skills while learning a lucrative, exciting trade, JARC could be the place for you. 

Support JARC for Giving Tuesday today. Visit JARC online at www.jane-addams.org today to learn more about its programs and sign up for a Wednesday application session

This content is sponsored by Jane Addams Resource Corporation.

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JARC provides life-changing opportunities for Chicagoans by offering FREE manufacturing training and job placement assistanceChicago Readeron November 29, 2022 at 3:41 pm Read More »

High school basketball: This season’s 30 must-see games

With a busy opening week and Thanksgiving tournament results in the books, the sprint into the regular season begins.

Here are 30 circle-the-date matchups in this 2022-23 season. Whether it’s key conference games, heated rivalries, shootout showdowns or non-conference measuring sticks, these are all big, important games featuring in-state teams.

Hillcrest at Oak Lawn, Dec. 2

Perennial power Hillcrest is fresh off winning the Chicago Heights Classic with wins over Bloom and Marian Catholic. Oak Lawn has grabbed people’s attention with its 4-0 start, including a win over ranked Mount Carmel.

Simeon vs. St. Rita, Dec. 3

Chicago Elite Classic at UIC

Arguably the best the Public League and Catholic League have to offer take center stage in a high-profile event. Extra intriguing is a matchup of multiple big men you don’t always get at the high school level.

Kenwood vs. Joliet West, Dec. 3

Chicago Elite Classic at UIC

There will be no shortage of high-level talent and bonafide stars in this showdown, highlighted by Joliet West’s Jeremy Fears, Jr. and Kenwood’s Darrin Ames, two of the elite players in the state.

Hillcrest vs. East St. Louis, Dec. 10

Midwest Showdown in St. Louis

A long trip for the highly-regarded Hawks as coach Don Houston takes his team to play Missouri recruit Macaleab Rich and a loaded Flyers team. East St. Louis is a legit Class 3A state title contender.

Hillcrest vs. Normal, Dec. 11

Team Rose Shootout at Mt. Carmel

Hillcrest coach Don Houston and the Hawks travel back from St. Louis to play a talented Normal team the next day, one featuring a pair of Division I junior prospects: big man Jaheem Webber and guard Braylon Roman.

Evanston vs. Marian Catholic, Dec. 11

Team Rose Shootout at Mt. Carmel

A pair of preseason ranked teams looking to make an early non-conference statement. Evanston, led by senior Prince Adams, is off to a quick 4-0 start.

Marian Catholic at Benet, Dec. 16

This is the first of two key East Suburban Catholic Conference games between the two as the league has adopted a home-and-home for every conference team. This one sets the tone in a game featuring the two ESCC favorites.

New Trier vs. Evanston, Dec. 22

at Northwestern

This pre-holiday rivalry game is a must on the North Shore. It’s a key, early-season CSL South battle in front of thousands of fans at Northwestern.

Simeon vs. Young, Dec. 23

at UIC

The two premier programs in the state collide. These two have nine state championships between them — and 14 state title game appearances — since Simeon coach Robert Smith and Young coach Tyrone Slaughter have led these programs. Throw in a unique, pre-holiday date and it’s a special holiday gift for the high school basketball fan.

Curie at Kenwood, Jan. 5

A pair of preseason top 10 teams will start the new year off with a big one. Kenwood knocked off Curie 65-61 last year.

Downers Grove North at Lyons, Jan. 6

Move over Glenbard West. The West Suburban Silver will ultimately go through either Downers Grove North or Lyons this year. This will go a long way in deciding it.

Joliet West vs. Rolling Meadows, Jan. 7

Pappas Shootout at DePaul Prep

The state’s top two senior prospects, Cameron Christie and Jeremy Fears, Jr., go head-to-head while leading state-ranked teams.

Kenwood at Simeon, Jan. 10

The game of the year in the Chicago Public League? This one just might be.

Oswego East at Bolingbrook, Jan. 11

A sectional preview in this non-conference showdown? Plus, a couple of under-appreciated Division I players in Oswego East’s Mehki Lowery and Bolingbrook’s Mekhi Cooper will be on display.

Oswego East at Joliet West, Jan. 13

These two won their respective sides of the Southwest Prairie a year ago and are favored to do so again.

St. Ignatius at Loyola, Jan. 13

The Jesuit Cup always means something. But when these two teams are as solid as they continue to be, the rivalry means even more. Ignatius has the Division I senior combo of Richard Barron and Jackson Kotecki to help turn the tide in this rivalry. Loyola has won eight of the last nine.

Hillcrest at Lemont, Jan. 17

Hot 4-0 starts to the season for these two only enhances the anticipation for this showdown in the South Suburban Blue. Hillcrest is the favorite, but Lemont and the Castillo brothers, senior guards Rokas and Matas, will be ready.

Brother Rice vs. Rolling Meadows, Jan. 21

When Sides Collide

These two seasoned, veteran teams with Division I stalwarts (Cameron Christie and Ahmad Henderson) leading the way began the year ranked among the top 10. And both impressed over Thanksgiving with 4-0 starts.

Simeon vs. Moline, Jan. 21

When Sides Collide at Benet

Chicago area fans are able to get a glimpse of arguably the best Class 4A team in Illinois and the Iowa-bound tandem of point guard Brock Harding and 6-9 Owen Freeman.

Benet vs. Kenwood, Jan. 21

When Sides Collide at Benet

Coach Mike Irvin takes his loaded Kenwood team into what will be a hostile environment in the When Sides Collide finale. This is one of those games where both teams will truly be better from playing it.

Joliet West vs. Young, Jan. 21

When Sides Collide at Benet

Joliet West will get a possible shot at all the Public League heavyweights, including this one where two elite point guards, Jeremy Fears, Jr. and Dalen Davis, square off.

Bolingbrook at Downers Grove North, Jan. 21

A fun midseason battle featuring an established and dynamic senior guard, Bolingbrook’s Mekhi Cooper, and an up-and-coming junior, Downers North guard Jack Stanton.

St. Rita at Mount Carmel, Jan. 24

The South Side will be buzzing when talented and hyped St. Rita heads to 64th and Dante for a big-time road test. This one could mean a lot in the Chicago Catholic League.

Glenbrook North at Evanston, Jan. 27

Could this one decide the always tough Central Suburban League South? GBN has the experience and solid guard play with Ryan Cohen and Josh Fridman to go into Evanston and win.

Rolling Meadows vs. Moline, Jan. 28

at Glenbrook South

Talented Moline’s second trip to the Chicago area in eight days. This one involves three future Big Ten players in Moline’s Brock Harding and Owen Freeman, who are both headed to Iowa, and Minnesota recruit Cameron Christie of Rolling Meadows.

Mount Carmel at Brother Rice, Feb. 3

Should be a fun atmosphere and a good one in the Catholic League with two veteran, impact Division I-bound point guards — Brother Rice’s Ahmad Henderson and Mt. Carmel’s DeAndre Craig — leading the way.

Rolling Meadows at Glenbrook North, Feb. 7

These two were top four sectional seeds last year. If sectional assignments remain the same they could be together again as top four sectional seeds.

DePaul Prep at Brother Rice, Feb. 10

The last of many big Catholic League battles this year for a young but talented DePaul Prep team. But that youthful talent will be seasoned by February — and will need to be — facing the experienced and highly-ranked Brother Rice.

St. Ignatius at St. Rita, Feb. 17

We squeeze one more Chicago Catholic League matchup on the list. Who knows what the league standings will look like in the final week of the season. But these two could be at the top.

Lake Forest at Evanston, Feb. 17

This is a heck of a state tournament tune-up for these two teams — Lake Forest in Class 3A and Evanston in Class 4A. Asa Thomas, the sharpshooting Clemson recruit, takes Lake Forest into E-Town in an intriguing non-conference battle.

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