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In sports, 2021 — a year of unimaginable surprises — is a gift that keeps on givingon June 26, 2021 at 2:10 am

Alec Martinez had been there before. The left point, that is. Who can forget the shot made from there by Martinez, then playing for the Kings, in overtime of Game 7 in the 2014 Western Conference finals? It deflected off Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy, floated ever so cruelly past goalie Corey Crawford’s right ear and left a little hole in Chicago’s heart.

Thursday night in Montreal, Martinez, now with the Golden Knights, was back at the left point, again in overtime, again with a passage to the Stanley Cup finals palpably in the balance. This time, though, his snipe bounced off Canadiens goalie Carey Price like a tennis ball off a wall and led to a mad rush the other way. Phillip Danault found Artturi Lehkonen, who pounded the puck past former Hawk Robin Lehner for a 3-2 win — the stunning climax to a six-game series upset that had 2021 written all over it.

What is it about this year that keeps making unimaginable outcomes in sports so wonderfully commonplace?

We can all agree that 2020 was one of the worst years in sports, but is anybody else starting to believe 2021 is one of the best? Fans are returning to most venues. Many teams are being unburdened of COVID-19-related restrictions. And as for the action itself? Taken all together, it’s a fantastical yarn.

We got a hint of what was to come when 43-year-old Tom Brady led the Buccaneers — the No. 5 seeds in the NFC — on a postseason run that was like something from the Brothers Grimm. Not only did the Bucs vanquish Drew Brees’ Saints, Aaron Rodgers’ Packers and Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs all in a row, but they did it in each case as underdogs and with a quarterback who ended his first year in Tampa as the oldest player to play in a Super Bowl.

“This team never stopped fighting, never stopped believing,” Brady said, “and we found a way when it mattered most.”

PGA Championship - Final Round
Mickelson made 50-year-old magic at the PGA Championship.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Phil Mickelson captured that spirit in May when, at 50, he won the PGA Championship to become the oldest major champion on record. This followed Hideki Matsuyama’s stirring triumph in April at the Masters, where he became the first Japanese male golfer to win a major and the first Asian-born player to don the green jacket. And it preceded Jon Rahm’s ferocious final round in this month’s U.S. Open, the title claimed by a Spaniard for the first time.

In women’s golf, the first two majors of the year went to players — Patty Tavatanakit and Yuka Saso — who’d never won one before. And no one within five strokes of the lead heading into Saturday’s third round of the Women’s PGA Championship has, either.

As for the Canadiens, winning the Stanley Cup wouldn’t be anything they haven’t done 24 times before. But they haven’t done it since 1993. If you can believe it, no Canadian team has hoisted the Cup in all that time.

And this Montreal team was the biggest longshot of the postseason, owner of the worst record of any team in the playoff field. Heading in, the Canadiens were +3500 on the money line to win it all. They survived three elimination games to get through the opening round against Toronto. They even have an interim coach behind the bench in Luke Richardson.

“They deserve this,” Richardson said of his players. “And they’re not done yet. They still have fire in their eyes.”

Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns - Game Two
The Suns celebrate a wild win in Game against the Clippers.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Speaking of fire, not to mention 1993, who’s hotter than the Suns? They’re two wins from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since a John Paxson three-pointer shattered their dreams 28 years ago. Trailing 2-1 in the Western Conference finals are the Clippers, who’ve never gotten this far before, let alone taken the next step to play for a championship.

But why are we talking about those teams when we could be talking about Trae Young and the out-of-nowhere Hawks? They’re trying to get to the Finals for the first time since 1961 — when the franchise was still located in St. Louis — and are knotted 1-1 with the Bucks, whose title drought is a mere 10 years shorter.

When was the last time the NBA playoffs were so … different? The answer is basically never because certain players and teams have always been stuck on repeat. You have to flip back through LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and by the time you do you’re exhausted from the recollecting. Maybe 2011, when Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks won it all, offered this kind of a different feel? Maybe not quite.

“Everybody is happy we made it to the Eastern Conference finals, but we’re not satisfied,” Young said. “It’s great that we’re here, but we still got some games left.”

We’re counting on it. And we still have half the year to go. You don’t need us to tell you that in 2021 in sports, anything might happen.

Yes, Cubs and White Sox, that was a hint.

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In sports, 2021 — a year of unimaginable surprises — is a gift that keeps on givingon June 26, 2021 at 2:10 am Read More »

Feds charge man in carjacking, murder of Chicago Uber driveron June 25, 2021 at 10:52 pm

A Chicago man has been charged in federal court with carjacking and killing a ride-share driver in Lawndale earlier this year.

Federal prosecutors allege 18-year-old Edmond Harris carjacked Javier Ramos’ 2013 Lexus GS on March 23 and shot him during a violent altercation. The charges accuse Harris of brandishing a firearm before shooting Ramos and taking his car.

Harris was charged with one count of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of causing death through the use of a firearm. These charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of death.

Harris was taken into federal custody Friday where he was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffery Cummings.

“Senseless acts of violence like the ones charged in this indictment have no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney John Lausch. “The charges announced today are the direct result of a strong partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement in Chicago. We will not hesitate to prosecute violent carjackers to the fullest extent of federal law.”

Ramos, a 46-year-old Uber driver, was shot in the head at 3:40 a.m. after he dropped off his passenger, who fled the scene in Ramos’ car. Ramos was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he later died.

“Carjacking is a threat to the safety of the community,” said Kristen de Tineo, an agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. “I pledge the continued full support of the men and women of the Chicago Field Division to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes.”

A couple weeks after Ramos’ death, the Independent Drivers Guild’s Illinois chapter called on Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies to do more in protecting its drivers. This included requiring passengers to upload a photo of their driver’s licenses, state IDs or passport on their account profiles.

“We are thankful for the efforts of the law enforcement community in tracking down the killer of Javier Ramos,” said Lenny Sanchez, co-founder of the Independent Drivers Guild’s Illinois chapter. “While this won’t bring [Ramos] back to his family, these federal charges are a critical step toward accountability and we hope they send a message to all the carjackers who have been victimizing gig workers across our city.”

Carjackings were up dramatically in 2020 and are on a similar pace this year, with 702 between Jan. 1 and June 25, police records show.

Contributing: Emmanuel Camarillo

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Feds charge man in carjacking, murder of Chicago Uber driveron June 25, 2021 at 10:52 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears or not, Soldier Field can soldier onon June 25, 2021 at 11:00 pm

The Chicago Bears, once again, are threatening to move to the suburbs — a routine that’s just as much a part of the franchise history as Dick Butkus terrorizing an opposing team’s offense or Walter Payton high-stepping across the goal line to score a touchdown.

The threat usually winds up being a bid for the team to get a better Soldier Field lease deal from the city, or some kind of new stadium on the public’s dime. The nearly $700 million renovation of Soldier Field in 2003 was kind of a hybrid between the two.

But the Bears could be serious this time. The team last week put in a bid to buy the Arlington International Racecourse property in Arlington Heights.

We’d love to keep the Bears in Chicago, playing inside the (mostly) historic Soldier Field, the team’s home since 1971. We enjoy the iconic game day, television shots of the stadium with Chicago’s glorious skyline behind it.

And yet, if the Bears want to move to Arlington Heights, let them. Neither city nor state taxpayers should be asked to pay the usual ransom to keep them in town.

Bears ‘to explore every option’

Chicago Bears President Ted Phillips last week confirmed days of speculation that the team had been eyeballing the 326-acre former racetrack, which was placed on the market in February by its owner, Churchill Downs, Inc., for an undisclosed price.

The Bears are among fewer than 10 serious suitors bidding for the site.

“We recently submitted a bid to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse property,” Phillips said in a news release. “It’s our obligation to explore every possible option to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our organization and its future. If selected, this step allows us to further evaluate the property and its potential.”

If the deal works out, the Bears could build a stadium to their specifications — certainly one larger than the 61,509-seat Soldier Field, which is the NFL’s smallest capacity stadium — and fill it and its surroundings with all the amenities, parking and sponsorship deals the team and it’s ownership desires.

New chapter for Soldier Field?

The Bears are locked into their Soldier Field lease until 2033. If they bail before then, the team will be on the hook to the Park District for $5 million a year for the remainder of the agreement.

“This announcement from the Bears comes in the midst of negotiations for improvements at Soldier Field,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. “This is clearly a negotiating tactic that the Bears have used before.”

True. But as the Daily Herald reported last week, the Bears quietly signed a sponsorship deal with Des Plaines’ Rivers Casino — the majority owner of which is Churchill Downs, Inc.

That the Bears would now enter into a deal with the company that can soon select the team’s bid for the Arlington Heights racetrack is no small thing. If nothing else, it shows that Chicago has to seriously think about a post-Bears life for Soldier Field, be it now or a decade down the road.

The Soldier Field reconstruction brought with it two major improvements that could serve the venue well if it must forge ahead without the Bears.

The stadium was reconfigured for professional soccer — the Chicago Fire plays there now — and has hosted world rugby matches. And Soldier Field has become a pretty decent outdoor concert venue, with a notably good sound system.

Elton John’s farewell tour is scheduled to make a stop there next summer. So is country music star Kenny Chesney.

More events like these are what Soldier Field would need, not only to make up for the eight regular-season Bears football dates, but to help rebrand the stadium as a multi-use facility that can command top music acts and sporting events.

Envisioning a life for Soldier Field beyond Bears games also would help move the city away from the temptation to start spending money to keep the team here.

This isn’t the 1970s, 1980s, or even the 2000s, when mayors, political leaders and civic movers and shakers openly feared the loss of a sports franchise would doom the city, so they committed vast fortunes of taxpayer funds to keep that from happening.

Times have changed — or so we hope.

If the Bears leave, Chicago and Soldier Field will survive. Particularly if the city is smart about programming and repositioning the Park District-owned stadium.

Send letters to [email protected].

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Chicago Bears or not, Soldier Field can soldier onon June 25, 2021 at 11:00 pm Read More »

8 Best Places to Visit On a Summer Vacation in Chicagoon June 22, 2021 at 12:56 am

You’re vaccinated, you’ve got a significant other to do things with, and Chicago is open for the summer season— so now what are you going to do? There are so many great ways to have fun with a friend here in the city; here are just a few suggestions to resurrect Date Night with the perfect summer vacation.

1551 W North Ave, Chicago IL 60622

Experience Patio Season as it was meant to be experienced with a great view of the city and the perfect cocktail. This newer rooftop spot in Wicker Park is situated at the top of Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park, giving you the best vantage point from which to appreciate the skyline with your boo.

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2444 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

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Located at 2444 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, The Hotel at Midtown is perhaps the finest boutique hotel in the entire city to visit in the summer. But it’s so much more to that. Attached to the Midtown Athletic Club, a stay at The Hotel at Midtown gives you access to a world-class fitness facility, a brunch restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a spa that is to die for. If you’re looking for hotels to visit for your vacation in Chicago, The Hotel at Midtown is truly a perfect blend of luxury and wellness. Enjoy the indulgence without having to stay directly in the heart of The Loop.

700 E Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60611

With food, music, and other attractions, it’s no surprise that Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s top destinations. Even if you’re a Chicago native who’s had all the deep-dish pizza and ferris wheel rides they can stand, the summertime fireworks are always a great opportunity to get outside with your honey and gaze at the night sky.

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste 470, Chicago IL 60654

This huge light display on the facade of the old Merchandise Mart building is often accompanied by music, and features work by world-renowned artists. What better way to enjoy the summer nights on your vacation in Chicago than to see some local art in the fresh air?

300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago IL 60624

With thousands of plants on display in eight different indoor gardens, Garfield Park Conservatory is an oasis of green within the urban landscape. Make a reservation for you and your friend to take a minute and smell the roses.

This 1.25-mile walk includes some of the city’s best dining, public art, outdoor activities, and more. If you are taking a vacation in Chicago, we recommend checking out the Chicago Architecture Center. Grab some lunch at one of the Riverwalk’s many restaurants, and even try your hand at urban kayaking!

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60611

June through August, you can catch live music at the Museum of Contemporary Art every Tuesday at 5:30p.m. No more date nights watching music livestreams on a screen!

Photo by Sawyer Bengtson on Unsplash

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8 Best Places to Visit On a Summer Vacation in Chicagoon June 22, 2021 at 12:56 am Read More »

Make A Wish Foundation is granting wishes to only to the fully vaccinated.on June 25, 2021 at 10:40 pm

Life is a TV Dinner

Make A Wish Foundation is granting wishes to only to the fully vaccinated.

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Make A Wish Foundation is granting wishes to only to the fully vaccinated.on June 25, 2021 at 10:40 pm Read More »

Afternoon Edition: June 25, 2021Matt Mooreon June 25, 2021 at 8:00 pm


Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be cloudy with a chance of rain and a high near 80. A flash flood watch is in effect until 7 a.m. tomorrow as more rain and thunderstorms are expected tonight. This weekend will bring even more rain with a high around 83 each day.

Top story

Illinois law says ex-pols can keep campaign cash for personal use. One just pocketed $392,606.

Former Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan is the latest Illinois politician to cash out his campaign fund by pocketing the balance.

Sheahan, who also once was 19th Ward alderman, paid himself $392,606 in January out of his Citizens for Michael F. Sheahan campaign committee before closing its books nearly 15 years after he last held public office.

It’s a dubious practice that’s completely legal under Illinois law.

Former President Barack Obama once called the practice “legalized bribery.”

The Illinois Legislature voted in 1998 to ban the practice — but only for all future politicians in the state, exempting themselves along with anyone else who already had a campaign fund.

Since then, government officials and former officials have been allowed to cash out an amount equal to whatever money they held in their political accounts on June 30, 1998. The only requirement is that they must pay income taxes on the money.

Mark Brown makes his argument for why this shouldn’t be legal here.

More news you need

  1. After a chemical explosion at a Rockton plant, the task of protecting the nearby Rock River from gallons of oil stored at the facility has been handed over to its owner, Lubrizol. That “defies logic,” says Angela Fellars, a Winnebago County Board member.
  2. Six months into a historic vaccination campaign, more than six million Illinois residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — or slightly more than 47% of the population. And with a case positivity rate of 0.6%, those numbers are as encouraging as they’ve been since the pandemic hit.
  3. The family of Katie Wilson, a pregnant mother severely injured during this week’s tornado, is raising money on her behalf. A tree landed on Wilson when it broke through her home, injuring her and killing her unborn child.
  4. As part of a sweeping election bill recently signed into law, candidates with young children will be able to use their campaign funds for child care expenses. The new campaign finance rule aims to make politics more family friendly.
  5. Oversight of Chicago’s public schools could soon see its most significant shift in decades after a meeting yesterday between Lori Lightfoot and a group of legislators who passed a bill creating an elected Chicago school board. The measure, which would be a major check on the mayor’s power over CPS, is now likely to head to Gov. Pritzker’s desk.
  6. Ald. Brendan Reilly introduced an ordinance today that would effectively establish a minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers — even if it raises prices for riders. This comes after the downtown alderman proposed a cap on ride-hailing surge fees to rein in what he called “predatory” charges.
  7. A potential class action lawsuit filed this week against the private company that operates Chicago’s parking meter system alleges its exclusive contract with the city amounts to an “unreasonable 75-year monopoly.” The complaint says the deal with the city has brought increased parking rates and restrictions on other forms of travel.
  8. In a 53-40 vote, the Senate confirmed Candace Jackson-Akiwumi yesterday for a seat on the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. She will be the only person of color on the panel and the second Black judge in its history.
  9. South Side-born Alice Clark Brown was one of the first Black women to work as a showgirl, dancer and aerial acrobat with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Read Maureen O’Donnell’s tribute to the trailblazer, who died June 6 at 68.

A bright one

Nigeria-born artist puts his style into his murals, his name on them and his dogs in them

Chicago muralist Uprizn Ikpemi grew up around dogs and always enjoyed painting them.

So when the artist moved to Chicago four years ago from Lagos, Nigeria, and saw how artists signed their work, he had an idea.

He would put his name to his work, like other artists do. And, when he could, he’d also include his dogs in them, finding a way to get his 3-year-old bullmastiff Peppo or his 2-year-old American bulldog Risky somewhere in the mural.

“Most artists out here have a unique style or have a unique symbol or have something that they’re known for,” Ikpemi says. “I could just be the dog guy who paints the dogs.”


Provided
Artist Uprizn Ikpemi has made his dogs a signature element in the murals he’s painted around Chicago.

Over the years, featuring a dog became his signature element as he got better at drawing them.

He started doing that after noticing that other artists often develop a signature element they often feature. So he decided that his dogs would be his personal symbol.

Ikpemi has worked on murals across Chicago, most of them on the South Side.

Ikpemi says his style is influenced by his African background, with bold color and abstract elements as seen in the mural at 63rd and Racine.

He’s also partial to using a graffiti-like technique known as wildstyle that interweaves shapes.

Lu Calzada has more on Ikpemi’s art here.

From the press box

Your daily question ☕

Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve spotted in Chicago? Tell us where and when you saw them.

Reply to this email (please include your first name and where you live) and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: Say you have a friend visiting Chicago for the first time — where will you take them to get the full experience Here’s what some of you said…

“A day at the Shedd Aquarium and water taxi to Navy Pier. Water taxi from downtown to Chinatown. Go to The Signature Lounge for a drink and a stop at the women’s restroom with an amazing view of the City. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum and then the J. Parker.” — Kate Gronstal

“For the full experience, it would have to be the top of one of the buildings, so they can see it all at once. Only then would I start taking them around to the obvious: Navy Pier, the Bean, the Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field, etc.” — Sandy Gulliver

“1. An old school neighborhood tavern (I like Stanley’s at 43rd and Ashland). 2. Take the brown line to the end of the line so they get a birds-eye view of like 10 different neighborhoods. 3. Take the pink line to Ashland and walk around Pilsen to see the murals — pop in one of the many great Mexican restaurants around there.” — Paul Mulchrone

“For the perfect day, head over to Hyde Park and the University of Chicago where you can walk the campus and appreciate the amazing architecture and vibe. Then just a stone’s throw away is the wonderful Medici on 57th restaurant for a fabulous breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Finally, end your afternoon with an awesome browsing experience at 57th. Street Books. You will not be disappointed!” — Patti Joyce

“Get an all-day water taxi pass — it’s a relaxed way to see different parts of the city, with unlimited on-off privileges, so you can hop off if an area looks interesting. Up to Goose Island; out to Navy Pier; Michigan Avenue; and always end the day in Chinatown, so that you’re getting back to where you started while the city is all lit up.” — Carolyn Leeb

“Mostly South Side stuff: Rainbow Cone, DiCola’s Seafood Beverly, Vienna Beef at 38th and Morgan. Weber’s Bakery on Archer. Nick & Vitos on Pulaski. A breaded steak from Ricobenes on 26th. That should hold em for a while.” — John Czerwiec

Thanks for reading the Chicago Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

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Afternoon Edition: June 25, 2021Matt Mooreon June 25, 2021 at 8:00 pm Read More »

Ex-Officer Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years for murder of George FloydAssociated Presson June 25, 2021 at 8:02 pm

In this image taken from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin addresses the court as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presides over Chauvin’s sentencing, Friday, June 25, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Chauvin faces decades in prison for the May 2020 death of George Floyd. | AP Photos

Chauvin broke his silence at his sentencing for the murder of George Floyd, offering condolences to Floyd’s family and saying he hopes more will come out in the future to give them “some peace of mind.”

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin’s knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the U.S. in generations.

The punishment — which fell short of the 30 years that prosecutors had requested — came after Chauvin broke his more than yearlong silence in court to offer condolences to the Floyd family and say he hopes more information coming out will eventually give them “some peace of mind.”

With good behavior, Chauvin, 45, could be paroled after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.

In imposing the punishment, Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12 1/2-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing “your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty” shown to Floyd.

Chauvin was immediately led back to prison. As with the verdicts in April, he showed little emotion when the judge pronounced the sentence. His eyes moved rapidly around the courtroom, his COVID-19 mask obscuring much of his face.

The fired white officer was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for up to 9 1/2 minutes as the 46-year-old Black man gasped that he couldn’t breathe and went limp on May 25, 2020.

Bystander video of Floyd’s arrest on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a corner store prompted protests around the world and led to scattered violence in Minneapolis and beyond.

On Friday, Chauvin, who did not testify at his trial, removed his mask and turned toward the Floyd family, speaking only briefly because of what he called “some additional legal matters at hand” — an apparent reference to the federal civil rights trial he still faces.

“But very briefly, though, I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest. And I hope things will give you some some peace of mind,” he said, without elaborating.

In asking that Chauvin be left off on probation, defense attorney Eric Nelson called Floyd’s death “tragic” and said that Chauvin’s “brain is littered with what-ifs” from that day: “What if I just did not agree to go in that day? What if things had gone differently? What if I never responded to that call? What if what if what if?”

Floyd’s family members took the stand and expressed sorrow about his death. They asked for the maximum penalty.

“We don’t want to see no more slaps on the wrist. We’ve been through that already,” said a tearful Terrence Floyd, one of Floyd’s brothers.

Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams said: “Our family is forever broken.” And Floyd’s 7-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a video played in court, said that if she could say something to her father now, it would be: “I miss you and and I love you.”

Prosecutor Matthew Frank asked the judge to exceed sentencing guidelines and give Chauvin 30 years in prison, saying “tortured is the right word” for what the officer did to Floyd.

“This is not a momentary gunshot, punch to the face. This is 9½ minutes of cruelty to a man who was helpless and just begging for his life,” Frank said.

Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, appeared in court to plead for mercy for son, saying his reputation has been unfairly reduced to that of “an aggressive, heartless and uncaring person” and a racist.

“I can tell you that is far from the truth,” she told the judge. “I want this court to know that none of these things are true and that my son is a good man.” She added: “Derek, I want you to know I have always believed in your innocence, and I will never waver from that.”

“I will be here for you when you come home,” she said.

The concrete barricades, razor wire and National Guard patrols at the courthouse during Chauvin’s three-week trial in the spring were gone Friday, reflecting an easing of tensions since the verdict in April.

Ahead of the sentencing, the judge agreed with prosecutors that there were aggravating circumstances that could justify a heavier punishment than the recommended 12 1/2 years — among them, that Chauvin treated Floyd with particular cruelty, abused his position of authority as a police officer and did it in front of children.

Before the sentencing, the judge denied Chauvin’s request for a new trial. The defense had argued that the intense publicity tainted the jury pool and that the trial should have been moved away from Minneapolis.

The judge also rejected a defense request for a hearing into possible juror misconduct. Nelson had accused a juror of not being candid during jury selection because he didn’t mention his participation in a march last summer to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Prosecutors countered the juror had been open about his views.

Philip Stinson, a criminal justice professor at Bowling Green State University, said 11 non-federal law officers, including Chauvin, have been convicted of murder for on-duty deaths since 2005. The penalties for the nine who were sentenced before Chauvin ranged from from six years, nine months, to life behind bars, with the median being 15 years.

With Chauvin’s sentencing, the Floyd family and Black America witnessed something of a rarity: In the small number of instances in which officers accused of brutality or other misconduct against Black people have gone to trial, the list of acquittals and mistrials is longer than the list of sentencings after conviction.

In recent years, the acquittals have included officers tried in the deaths of Philando Castile in suburban Minneapolis and Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two mistrials were declared over the death of Samuel Dubose in Cincinnati.

“That’s why the world has watched this trial, because it is a rare occurrence,” said Arizona-based civil rights attorney Benjamin Taylor, who has represented victims of police brutality. “Everybody knows that this doesn’t happen every day.”

Chauvin has been held since his conviction at the state’s maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights, where he has been kept in a cell by himself for his own protection, his meals brought to him.

The three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest are scheduled for trial in March on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter. They will also stand trial with Floyd on the federal civil rights charges. No date has been set for that trial.

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Ex-Officer Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years for murder of George FloydAssociated Presson June 25, 2021 at 8:02 pm Read More »

Man dies week after being shot on motorcycle on West SideDavid Struetton June 25, 2021 at 8:40 pm

Sun-Times file photo

Clifton Williamson, 40, was shot multiple times June 13 in the 1300 block of North Cicero Avenue.

A man has died days after being shot on a motorcycle on the border of Austin and West Humboldt Park on the West Side.

Clifton Williamson, 40, was shot multiple times around 3:20 p.m. June 13 in the 1300 block of North Cicero Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

He was riding a motorcycle when someone in another vehicle fired shots, striking him in the back and legs, Chicago police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Williamson, of Austin, died 11 days later on June 24 from complications of the gunshot wounds, the medical examiner’s office said.

Police reported no arrest.

Williamson is at least the fifth recorded homicide on the weekend he was shot. Four other people were killed and 42 others wounded in shootings during that weekend.

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Man dies week after being shot on motorcycle on West SideDavid Struetton June 25, 2021 at 8:40 pm Read More »

4th of July Restaurant Specials and Hotel Ideas in Chicago for the Holiday WeekendBrian Lendinoon June 23, 2021 at 7:07 pm

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend is right around the corner and to celebrate Chicago’s hospitality industry is rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet. Check out our roundup of the best 4th of July restaurant specials and local hotel accommodations in Chicago for the big holiday weekend.

Restaurants

BLVD Steakhouse

The popular West Loop steakhouse is offering a chef-driven Grilling Kit to make your 4th of July spectacular. The Grilling Kit includes: your choice of two Prime Steaks, either Bone-In Ribeye, Filet Mignon or NY Strip; 50/50 Mashed Potatoes; Asparagus, Bone Marrow Butter and BLVD Steak Salt. The kits offered by this restaurant in Chicago will include grilling instructions from Executive Chef Johnny Besch! Order via TOCK for pick-up July 1-3 here: https://www.exploretock.com/blvd/ 

El Che Meat & Provisions

El Che Steakhouse & Bar’s retail marketplace is offering everything needed to host a successful barbecue on the 4th of July in Chicago with take-home grilling kits. The Weekender Kit ($57) includes a 4 pack short ribs, 2 morcilla links, 2 chorizo links, 4-pack BabyGold Beer—part of his partnership at iconic Berwyn establishment Fitzgeralds—plus 4 oz each of housemade Chimichurri, Chimichurri Rojo, Salsa Criolla.

In addition, recreate Chef/Owner John Manion’s iconic meat platter at your home grill with the Parrillada Platter for four ($109): a 12 oz Picanha, 4 short ribs, 2 morcilla links, 2 chorizo links, sweetbreads, 2 marrow bones, bread and Chimichurri, Rojo Chimichurri and Salsa Criolla. Finally, the Beat the Heat Wine Box ($45) offers three South American bottles that are best served chilled. 

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El Che Steakhouse & Bar

Chef/Owner John Manion’s Argentine steakhouse recently evolved its wine program to feature an exclusively South American list—one of the only places in the US to commit to serving only South American wines. Pais is a crushable summer red wine that was the first grape brought from the old world in the mid 16th Century. Pairing perfectly for the 4th of July weekend, and beverage director Alex Cuper is offering a variety available by-the-glass June 29 through July 3. Examples of the Pais wines on special include: J. Bouchon ‘Viejo’, 2019 Maule Valley ($12/glass); Cacique Maravilla Pipeno, 2019 Bio Bio ($13/glass); Vinateros Bravos ‘Volcanico’, 2020 Itata Valley ($14/glass); and Roberto Henriquez ‘Rivera del Norto’, 2018 Itata Valley ($14/glass).

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Recess

There’s no better inland destination to celebrate this 4th of July weekend in Chicago than at Recess—enjoy live music from DJs on Friday 7/2 and Saturday 7/3 night indoors, or start your day early on one of the 500+ seats on the expanded patio. To commemorate the holiday weekend, Recess is also hosting a special Photo Contest on their Instagrammable patio. To enter, strike a pose in your best red, white & blue outfit in front of the new street art and murals gracing the patio, such as this patriotic eagle. Tag @chicagoinrecess, for your chance to win Recess swag, Bluetooth speakers and gift cards.

The Smith

In the heart of River North, diners can sip on frozen cocktails such as the French 75 Slushie on the 4th of July in Chicago at The Smith on their expansive patio before walking over to watch. After cocktails, indulge in The Smith’s signature skillet roasted Mac & Cheese, Spicy Salmon Tartare, Veggie Royale Burger, and more. Diners can also enjoy The Smith’s “Weekend Sunset” menu featuring $3 oysters, Little Gem Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and more.  

Hotels

Sheraton Grand

What better way to spend the 4th of July in Chicago than watching the fireworks from a riverfront hotel? Offering one-of-a-kind views of the show over the holiday weekend, the recently reopened Sheraton Grand is the perfect place to stay when visiting the city or planning a holiday staycation. A blend of refined comfort and stylishly appointed accommodations, the hotel offers striking views of the lake, river and Chicago skyline. With a location steps away from Millennium Park and Navy Pier, you can enjoy the show in person or watch the fireworks with family and friends from one of the lake view suites. 

The Blackstone 

Long dubbed “The Hotel of Presidents,” experience a place where past meets present this 4th of July in Chicago. Dating back to 1910, The Blackstone hotel’s iconic past contains stories of things that happened in smoke-filled rooms and windowless barbershops.

Live the legacy first hand by staying in the Suite of Presidents, where Harry Truman delighted staff with a private piano performance of the “Missouri Waltz;” President Eisenhower watched his 1952 nomination; and President Kennedy enjoyed Boston clam chowder when he received word he had to return to the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

Hotels of Oak Brook 

Escape the city over the holiday weekend and celebrate the 4th of July in Oak Brook. A serene suburb setting just beyond city limits, the Hotels of Oak Brook offer a great alternative to downtown Chicago. Just 15 miles west of the city, Oak Brook is home to six outdoor parks, one of the Midwest’s hottest shopping destinations Oak Brook Center and seven hotel options for all budgets. While visiting, experience the largest exhibition of original Frida Kahlo works in the Chicagoland area in over 40 years or Human+Nature Exhibit at Morton Arboretum. 

The post 4th of July Restaurant Specials and Hotel Ideas in Chicago for the Holiday Weekend appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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4th of July Restaurant Specials and Hotel Ideas in Chicago for the Holiday WeekendBrian Lendinoon June 23, 2021 at 7:07 pm Read More »