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2 killed, 13 shot, Monday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am

Two people were killed, and thirteen others were wounded, in shootings Monday in Chicago, including a man who was shot and killed after a gunman forced his way into a South Shore home on the South Side.

The 55-year-old man was attacked about 1:50 a.m. after responding to loud knocking at his door in the 7700 block of South Shore Drive, Chicago police said. The man was shot multiple times and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He has not been identified.

Later that evening, a man was killed, and two others were wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the Far South Side. They were standing outside about 8:50 p.m. in the 400 block of East 111th Street when someone inside a black car opened fire, police said. A 31-year-old man was shot in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead. He hasn’t been identified. Another man, 54, was struck in the wrist and self-transported to Roseland Hospital in good condition. A third man, 30, was shot in the foot and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

In non-fatal shootings, a teen boy was shot in Burnside on the South Side. About 11:10 p.m., the 17-year-old boy was standing in the 500 block of East 92nd Street, when he heard several shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the thigh, and taken to Roseland Community Hospital in good condition. A 17-year-old boy was hurt in a shooting in Chatham on the South Side. The teen was traveling in a rideshare bicycle about 6:50 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Vernon Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the arm and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition. A man was shot while entering his home in Gresham on the Far South Side. The 26-year-old was shot in the thigh about 2:35 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Honore Street, Chicago. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

In the day’s first reported shooting, a man was shot while entering his home in Gresham on the Far South Side. The 26-year-old was shot in the thigh about 2:35 a.m. in the 7500 block of South Honore Street, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

Five others were wounded in shooting citywide.

Six people were killed, and Forty-nine others were wounded in shootings last weekend citywide.

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2 killed, 13 shot, Monday in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 9:49 am Read More »

Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching winson August 31, 2021 at 10:24 am

Prairie State Pigskin

Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching wins

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Spack poised to become Illinois State’s career leader in coaching winson August 31, 2021 at 10:24 am Read More »

Horoscope for Tuesday, August 31, 2021Georgia Nicolson August 31, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 3:30 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Gemini.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Because you’re in a positive frame of mind, this is a great day to enjoy the company of others, especially siblings, relatives and neighbors. You will also enjoy a short trip, if this is possible, and any chance to meet new faces and see new places. Heed the moon alert.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today you might have excellent money-making ideas. This is also be a good day for business and commerce. Likewise, you might contemplate a major purchase. Nevertheless, depending on your time zone, these things should be avoided if they collide with the moon alert.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today the moon is in your sign dancing with Jupiter, which makes you feel warm and friendly to everyone! Interactions with others will give you a pleasant sense of well-being. (Note: It’s easy for you to attract happy, positive people to you.) Nevertheless, be aware of the limitations of the moon alert.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a feel-good day! Oh yes, you have a warm feeling in your tummy and you’re happy to talk to others. Or perhaps, you prefer to retire by yourself somewhere. Either way, it’s your choice. No matter what you do, be aware of the moon alert.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a marvelous day to schmooze, because you will enjoy interacting with friends, groups and organizations. During the moon alert, although it is a poor time to shop or make important decisions, it’s a creative, fun-loving time to socialize!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You make a great impression on others today. People see you as wise, affluent and successful. (Since others are impressed, you might be able to use this to your advantage.) Nevertheless, no matter what you do, be aware of the limitations of the moon alert. Enjoy your day!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you want to shake things up a little. You want some adventure and stimulation. Be advised that during the moon alert, it’s better to go with the flow. Enjoy socializing with others, especially people who are different or from another culture. Don’t shop, except for food.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You might be focused on matters related to shared property. In fact, you might be the recipient of someone’s generosity today. However, during the moon alert, avoid important financial decisions. Instead, socialize and enjoy the company of others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

People admire you now, which is something you can use to your advantage. Meanwhile, today relations with partners and close friends are warm and friendly. However, during the moon alert make no promises. Agree to nothing important.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Work-related travel is likely for you today. Relations with coworkers are friendly. Look for ways to expand your world in some way. However, during the moon alert, postpone important decisions and don’t shop except for food.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a wonderful, creative day for you! Write down your creative ideas. If you work in the arts, you will be original and productive. This is also a great day to party, schmooze and enjoy sports and playful activities with kids. Have fun!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You might be happy to cocoon at home today, especially if you can read or learn something new. Alternatively, you might entertain at home or host some kind of group meeting. Do not volunteer for anything during the moon alert. Be smart.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor, comedian Chris Tucker (1971) shares your birthday. People are attracted to you because you have a strong personality and are very charming. You have excellent social skills. You also have strong values when it comes to security and stability, which will affect your relationship choices. Lucky you! This is your year for kudos, recognition and promotions! You are reaping the rewards of the seeds you have planted.

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Horoscope for Tuesday, August 31, 2021Georgia Nicolson August 31, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

3 shot, 1 fatally, in Roseland: policeSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 4:04 am

A man was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting Monday night in Roseland on the Far South Side.

They were standing outside about 8:50 p.m. in the 400 block of East 111th Street when someone inside a black car opened fire, Chicago police said.

A 31-year-old man was shot in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.

Another man, 54, was struck in the wrist and self-transported to Roseland Hospital in good condition, police said. A third man, 30, was shot in the foot and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

No arrests were made.

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3 shot, 1 fatally, in Roseland: policeSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 4:04 am Read More »

Apparently, playing basketball is all LaMelo Ball needsRick Telanderon August 31, 2021 at 3:36 am

”We not trippin’ off school,” LaMelo Ball, the NBA Rookie of the Year last season, told his GQ interviewer. ”We don’t need school. And school not even teachin’ you [bleep] — what the [bleep] is school?”

Yep. That got some attention.

I think a lot of us were just waiting for some big-time athlete to blurt out such an opinion, rather than giving the usual lip service to the value of education, self-reflection, book knowledge, refined discourse, college diplomas, forward thinking, etc.

Ball plays for the Hornets and was the third pick in the 2020 draft. He’s also the brother of new Bulls guard Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball, who is a free agent.

This trio is really something, being the offspring of 6-6 former college football and basketball player LaVar Ball and 6-0 former college basketball player Tina Slatinsky Ball. And, of course, there’s that perfect last name.

You could say the Balls were bred to play hoops, with their aggressive and outspoken dad guiding them through their youth with the goal of being global basketball stars seemingly the only thing on his mind. He even created his own junior pro league for his sons to play in and started an apparel company, Big Baller Brand, to market clothes they endorsed.

And, of course, the Balls have that California necessity, a reality show, ”Ball in the Family.”

LaVar projects shades of notorious sports and entertainment dads such as Marv Marinovich, Stefano Capriati, Peter Graf, Earl Woods, Joe (Jackson Five) Jackson, Kris Kardashian and Jamie Spears.

There long have been parents who lived through their gifted children, with little concern about their offspring’s education, mental health or socialization skills, caring mainly about the pursuit of fame and riches.

So that parental manipulation must be considered whenever the affected child says or does stuff that seems a little loony. Remember that when thinking about LaMelo Ball.

Consider that his college career consists of nothing. At 16, he dropped out of high school, turned pro and played in Lithuania and Australia, neither of which he liked. About Australia, he said to GQ: ”Big-ass spiders. I’m talking this big. Hellll naw!”

The kid, just 19 when he did the interview, is one of the youngest NBA stars ever, being close in certain skills to the rarefied genius of teen stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Of course, he was primed for such, having scored 92 points in a high school game when he was only 15.

But maturity?

What he said about school is true on one level: If you’re a freakishly gifted athlete, you don’t need anything but your game to earn a living. On another level, however, it’s so wrong because our world depends on education, thoughtfulness and knowledge all being directed toward the global problems we live with and, hopefully, someday can solve.

LaMelo quickly sensed a possible public-relations problem with his GQ words and wrote on Instagram: ”Let me rephrase . . . school not for EVERYBODY.”

But it’s for a lot.

I’ve always thought the best line preceding LaMelo’s dissing of higher education came from former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, who back in 2012 tweeted: ”Why should we have to go to class if we come here to play FOOTBALL, we ain’t come to play SCHOOL, classes are POINTLESS.”

That got him a lot of attention, and he later regretted it. Two and a half years later, he tweeted: ”can’t believe I tweeted something as stupid as this but hey, we live and we learn, NOTHING is more important then education.”

Yes, the ”then” misspelling got him a lot of sarcastic responses. But Jones had the last laugh: He graduated from Ohio State.

Jones and LaMelo seem to be high-spirited, playful, young men — Jones still has 1.5 million Twitter followers and often tweets about college football — and we must cut developing young men some slack. Who doesn’t grow up? (Well, at least a bit.)

Our country was built on the twin ideals of democracy and capitalism. Both those things allow for profiting off your skills, and profiting has come to college sports, for sure.

You could ask budding teenage Alabama football star Kool-Aid McKinstry about that. He just signed a big promotional contract with — yup — Kool-Aid.

So, LaMelo, play ball. College ain’t for everyone. Neither is proper grammar.

But they’re certainly not (bleep).

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Apparently, playing basketball is all LaMelo Ball needsRick Telanderon August 31, 2021 at 3:36 am Read More »

How Peppermint Supports Your Respiratory System as October Reminds Us of Healthy Lung Monthon August 31, 2021 at 2:28 am

All is Well

How Peppermint Supports Your Respiratory System as October Reminds Us of Healthy Lung Month

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How Peppermint Supports Your Respiratory System as October Reminds Us of Healthy Lung Monthon August 31, 2021 at 2:28 am Read More »

17-year-old boy shot in ChathamSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 12:58 am

A 17-year-old boy was hurt in a shooting Monday night in Chatham on the South Side.

The teen was traveling in a rideshare bicycle about 6:50 p.m. in the 7900 block of South Vernon Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots, Chicago police said.

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

Area Two detectives are investigating.

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17-year-old boy shot in ChathamSun-Times Wireon August 31, 2021 at 12:58 am Read More »

Kanye’s original plan: Move mom’s actual house to Soldier FieldFran Spielmanon August 31, 2021 at 1:03 am

Kanye West built a replica of his boyhood home for his show last week at Soldier Field because the city denied him permission to move the real thing.

The city’s Buildings Department explained it like this: “Moving a home in Chicago is a very technical process that requires structural engineer reports and multiple city permits. The request to move the house at 7815 S. South Shore Dr. was denied last week because no permit application had been received to excavate and move the vacant property which is also in Demolition Court.”

So Kanye fabricated the South Shore home, with the addition of a beaming cross on top, for the Chicago stop on his “listening tour,” in which he played his new album.

A full-scale model of Kanye West’s childhood home was constructed inside Soldier Field last week. But West’s original plan was even more ambitious — moving the actual home into the stadium from South Shore.ABC7 Chicago

The album is named “Donda,” after his mother.

The home, plopped in the middle of the field, served as a dramatic centerpiece as dancers dressed in SWAT gear and a lineup of trucks continuously circled its perimeter at one point. To close out the show, West lit himself on fire (he was safely extinguished) and reenacted his wedding vows with a little help from Kim Kardashian, despite their pending divorce.

According to a WGN report from April of last year, West purchased the home where he lived from the time he was a toddler until he was 20 for about $225,000 with plans to renovate. It wasn’t immediately clear how the home, which has been empty and boarded up for several years, ended up in demolition court.

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Kanye’s original plan: Move mom’s actual house to Soldier FieldFran Spielmanon August 31, 2021 at 1:03 am Read More »

Watch Berkowitz w/2014 and potential 2022 GOP GOV Primary Cand Sen. Dillard & Gov Edgar re Dillard’s 2014 views on IL pension reform, teachers’ unions & much more. Has Dillard Changed? Has IL GOP? Cable & Webon August 31, 2021 at 1:26 am

Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz

Watch Berkowitz w/2014 and potential 2022 GOP GOV Primary Cand Sen. Dillard & Gov Edgar re Dillard’s 2014 views on IL pension reform, teachers’ unions & much more. Has Dillard Changed? Has IL GOP? Cable & Web

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Watch Berkowitz w/2014 and potential 2022 GOP GOV Primary Cand Sen. Dillard & Gov Edgar re Dillard’s 2014 views on IL pension reform, teachers’ unions & much more. Has Dillard Changed? Has IL GOP? Cable & Webon August 31, 2021 at 1:26 am Read More »

Union representing Chicago firefighters and paramedics is opposed to vaccine mandateMitch Dudekon August 31, 2021 at 12:18 am

The union that represents Chicago firefighters and paramedics has voiced its opposition to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccine mandate.

“I’m 100 percent opposed to the mandate; it should be a personal decision,” Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 President Jim Tracy told the Sun-Times on Monday.

Last week Lightfoot announced that all city workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 15.

“It’s the carrot and the stick, and it drives me crazy when you always use the stick,” said Tracy.

For Tracy and good amount of his membership, something like firefighting gear is a justified requirement, but requiring a vaccine in their opinion is different.

“I’m not going to go into a fire with a T-shirt and pants, but when you stick something in someone’s arm it’s a different story,” he said.

“It should be a personal choice, like a flu shot,” he said, noting that many members who’ve been vaccinated feel the same way.

Tracy said he encourages his approximately 4,600 members to get inoculated, and estimates about 60% have done so.

There are members who are in the anti-vaccination camp. Tracy didn’t know how many but said “they are screaming their heads off.”

Three members of the union have died from COVID-19.

Tracy said he sent a letter to Lightfoot expressing his displeasure but hasn’t formally heard back.

Lightfoot’s office didn’t return a request for comment.

Union members have been in ongoing discussions with members of Lightfoot’s team about the issue. Officials from the Chicago Federation of Labor, an umbrella organization that represents hundreds of unions — including Firefighters Union Local 2 — have also been at the table.

The CFL has an ownership stake in Sun-Times Media.

Tracy said he favors weekly testing instead of a vaccine mandate.

“We’re looking out for our members and all the citizens of Chicago,” he said.

The union representing Chicago police officers also opposes a vaccine mandate.

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Union representing Chicago firefighters and paramedics is opposed to vaccine mandateMitch Dudekon August 31, 2021 at 12:18 am Read More »