Videos

‘Friends’ star reveals Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosisUSA TODAYon June 22, 2021 at 6:55 pm

A man in a dark blue button down and olive green baseball cap sits on an orange couch in a coffee shop. He’s holding a black mug with both hands.
James Michael Tyler sits on an orange couch in a Central Park coffeehouse. | Jennifer S. Altman/USA Today

James Michael Tyler, 59, publicly opened up about his cancer battle for the first time while appearing on the ”Today” show Monday. 

James Michael Tyler, who played the Central Perk employee Gunther on “Friends,” revealed he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.

The actor, 59, publicly opened up about his cancer battle for the first time while appearing on the ”Today” show Monday.

“I’m sorry to say that I’m not appearing today with you to announce that there’s a ‘Friends’ movie,” Tyler said. ”Actually, I’m here to let you know that in September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.”

Though Tyler had hoped to attend HBO Max’s “Friends” reunion last month in-person, he explained he was only able to appear virtually due to his health.

“I wanted to be a part of that, and initially I was going to be on the stage, at least, with them, and be able to take part in all the festivities,” Tyler explained. “It was my decision not to be a part of that physically and make an appearance on Zoom, basically, because I didn’t wanna bring a downer on it, you know? I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer.’

Tyler noted that producers knew about his diagnosis and have “been aware for a long time,” and added that cast members such as David Schwimmer have “corresponded with me via Instagram.”

According to Tyler, doctors first discovered his cancer during a routine physical, in which he took his first prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Though his early days were “optimistic,” Tyler said the cancer mutated during the pandemic, spreading to his bones and spine, resulting in his inability to walk.

“It’s Stage 4, late stage cancer, so eventually, it’s gonna probably get me,” Tyler said, adding that he wished he had gotten tested sooner.

“I would’ve listened to my wonderful wife, who has been my absolute strength throughout all of this,” a teary-eyed Tyler responded when asked if he would do anything differently. “I would have gone in earlier and would’ve hopefully been caught earlier. Next time you go in for a basic exam or your yearly check up, please ask your doctor for a PSA test. Caught early, (it’s) 99% treatable.”

While holding back tears, Tyler said he hopes his story will “save just one life” as he encourages others to get screened.

“My goal this past year was to see my 59th birthday. I did that, May 28th,” he said. ”My goal now is to help save at least one life by coming out with this news.”

Read More

‘Friends’ star reveals Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosisUSA TODAYon June 22, 2021 at 6:55 pm Read More »

The Feds can’t compel states to enforce restrictions on guns or immigrantsJacob Sullumon June 22, 2021 at 7:19 pm

A new law in Missouri declares that some federal firearm policies — including bans, registration requirements, and taxes that have “a chilling effect” on purchases — “shall be considered infringements on the people’s right to keep and bear arms.” | AP Photos

The anti-commandeering principle serves causes favored by both the Right and the Left.

When state and local officials decline to help enforce federal firearm rules they view as unconstitutional, The New York Times says, they are adopting “a legally shaky but politically potent strategy” with racist roots.

But when state and local officials decline to help enforce federal immigration rules they view as “unjust, self-defeating and harmful to public safety,” the Times says, they should be “proud” of “choos[ing] not to participate in deportation crackdowns.”

That blatant double standard illustrates how policy preferences and partisan allegiances color people’s views of federalism, which they tend to endorse when it serves their purposes and reject when it doesn’t. But as Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt recently observed while defending that state’s Second Amendment Preservation Act, “you cannot have it both ways.”

Missouri’s law, which Parson signed last week, is part of a broader movement to resist federal gun control. It declares that some federal firearm policies — including bans, registration requirements, and taxes that have “a chilling effect” on purchases — “shall be considered infringements on the people’s right to keep and bear arms,” which is guaranteed by the Second Amendment and the state constitution.

The law says such rules “shall be invalid to this state, shall not be recognized by this state, shall be specifically rejected by this state, and shall not be enforced by this state.” It authorizes injunctions against law enforcement agencies that violate this new policy, along with civil penalties of $50,000 “per occurrence.”

In response to anxious questions from the U.S. Justice Department, Parson and Schmitt said the law’s restrictions and remedies apply only to state and local officials. That means they do not interfere with federal enforcement of federal laws — the same point the Times made in defense of “sanctuary” cities and states.

The immediate impact of this law — which is similar in spirit to laws passed by 11 other states this year, although their details and practical significance vary widely — is likely to be minor. The restrictions do not apply to federal firearm offenses that are also crimes under Missouri law, and currently there is not much difference between those categories.

The main point of the law, according to its sponsors, is proactive. Should Congress pass the gun controls that President Joe Biden favors, such as a ban on the manufacture and unregistered possession of “assault weapons,” Missouri officials will be prohibited from assisting in their enforcement.

Contrary to what the Times reported, that policy is not “legally shaky.” It relies on the well-established anti-commandeering doctrine, which says the federal government cannot compel state and local officials to enforce its criminal laws or regulatory schemes.

That doctrine is rooted in the basic design of our government, which limits Congress to a short list of specifically enumerated powers and leaves the rest to the states or the people, as the 10th Amendment makes clear. That division of powers gives states wide discretion to experiment with different policies, some of which are bound to offend the Times.

The paper suggests that defending state autonomy is disreputable, because that argument was “deployed in the past in the South to resist antislavery and civil rights laws.” But federalism does not give states a license to violate rights guaranteed by the Constitution or to flout laws authorized by it.

Although the Times tries to tar the anti-commandeering principle as racist, the same basic idea was a crucial weapon for Northern states that refused to help the federal government enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. Today that principle likewise means that state and local officials have no obligation to participate in the “deportation crackdowns” that the Times decries.

Similarly, the ongoing collapse of marijuana prohibition — a development the Times welcomes — would be impossible if states were obligated to participate in the federal war on weed. While both progressives and conservatives might wish that federalism could be limited to achieving results they like, that is not how constitutional principles work.

Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine.

Send letters to [email protected].

Read More

The Feds can’t compel states to enforce restrictions on guns or immigrantsJacob Sullumon June 22, 2021 at 7:19 pm Read More »

Monday was one of the deadliest days in Chicago this year, following a weekend when more than 50 people were shotSun-Times Wireon June 22, 2021 at 7:55 pm

Onlookers watch as Chicago police work the scene where two people were shot and killed in the 6300 block of South Kimbark Avenue, in the Woodlawn neighborhood, Monday, June 21, 2021.
Onlookers watch as Chicago police work the scene where two people were shot and killed in the 6300 block of South Kimbark Avenue, in the Woodlawn neighborhood, Monday, June 21, 2021. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

There have been at least 317 homicides in Chicago this year, up from 302 this time last year. 

Chicago recorded one of its deadliest days of the year Monday, following a week of mass shootings and a weekend where at least 52 people were shot across the city.

There were at least seven homicides on Monday, one shy of the worst day for murders in Chicago so far this year. That was just a week ago when eight people were shot to death, including four at a mass shooting in Englewood.

Five of the seven homicides occurred in neighborhoods that are seeing more murders this year than last year, according to Sun-Times data: Roseland, Woodlawn, East Garfield and North Lawndale.

One of the homicides was in the Morgan Park neighborhood, which is even with last year. The other was in Fuller Park, which saw no homicides last year.

The violence followed a weekend that saw seven people killed and 45 others wounded. The victims included a Maryland grad student stabbed to death Saturday afternoon in the Loop, and a couple shot to death during the Puerto Rican Day parade later that night.

Last week, Chicago was hit by two mass shootings: four killed and four wounded in an Englewood home; and five people wounded in a shooting in West Garfield Park.

In all, there have been at least 317 homicides in Chicago this year, up from 302 this time last year. 2020 ended with 775 homicides, an increase of more than 50% from 506 murders in 2019.

Other deadly days this year have been Jan. 7 (seven homicides), April 4 (also seven), May 21 (six) and June 11 (five).

Monday’s murders included:

  • A 19-year-old woman who was sitting in a car in the 300 block of West 52nd Placein Fuller Park about 9:40 p.m. when someone stepped out of a gray Infiniti G35 and opened fire, Chicago police said. She was struck twice to the side of her body and once to her lower back. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
  • Minutes earlier, a man was killed and a woman critically wounded on the Far South Side. They were sitting in a car in the 11800 block of South Michigan Avenue when someone fired at them about 9:40 p.m., police said. The man, 32, was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead. The 35-year-old woman was taken to the same hospital in critical condition.
  • A man was killed while working on his car in Fernwood on the South Side. He was in front of his home in the 10400 block of South Eggleston Avenue about 8:40 p.m. when someone fired from a silver Chevy Malibu, police said. The 28-year-old was struck multiple times and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
  • Two people were killed in a shooting in Woodlawn on the South Side. Dominique Johnson, 20, and Shanal Guy, 18, were shot in their heads around 5:40 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Kimbark Avenue, authorities said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. A weapon was recovered.
  • A man was killed in East Garfield Park. The 23-year-old was in a car in the 3400 block of West Walnut Street when a car pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said. The man was struck in the neck and back. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
  • A 67-year-old man was shot and killed in a road-rage shooting Monday morning in Lawndale on the West Side. The shooter thought Patrick Earl had cut him off in the 1600 block of South Kostner Avenue at 9:45 a.m., police said. He argued with Earl, took out a gun and fired two shots, striking Earl once in his chest. Earl, who was the only person in the car, crashed and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

At least 11 other people were wounded, including a 4-year-old boy shot possibly by accident in a Woodlawn home and two people wounded on the Eisenhower Expressway near West Garfield Park.

Read More

Monday was one of the deadliest days in Chicago this year, following a weekend when more than 50 people were shotSun-Times Wireon June 22, 2021 at 7:55 pm Read More »

Insider Hints at Chicago Bears’ Preseason Plans for Justin FieldsStephen Johnsonon June 22, 2021 at 4:36 pm

The preseason is going to be an interesting evaluation period for Bears’ rookie QB Justin Fields according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

The post Insider Hints at Chicago Bears’ Preseason Plans for Justin Fields first appeared on CHI CITY SPORTS l Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Fans – Rumors.Read More

Insider Hints at Chicago Bears’ Preseason Plans for Justin FieldsStephen Johnsonon June 22, 2021 at 4:36 pm Read More »

Yu Darvish becomes fastest to 1,500 strikeoutson June 22, 2021 at 5:01 pm

SAN DIEGO — Yu Darvish said he never envisioned himself as an ace until recently.

Well, nothing says it more than 1,500 strikeouts in 197 career starts.

Darvish struck out 11 in six brilliant innings to become the fastest big leaguer to reach 1,500 for his career, Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth homered and the San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the NL West rivals.

“Since I’ve come here I’ve had my ups and downs, but the reason why I’m sitting here being able to talk about reaching 1,500 strikeouts is definitely because of all the support I have been given since I started my career here,” said Darvish, who came to the majors in 2012 after spending seven seasons in his native Japan.

“Just from the bottom of my heart I’m really thankful and grateful for all the support I’ve been given through the years,” said Darvish, who turns 35 on Aug. 16.

Darvish (7-2) reached 1,500 strikeouts on the nose in 197 starts. He held the Dodgers to two hits, including Mookie Betts’ solo homer, and walked just one.

The Padres improved to 5-3 this season against the Dodgers.

Darvish pitched for the Dodgers in the second half of 2017, including the World Series loss to Houston. He was obtained by the Padres in a trade with the Cubs on Dec. 29.

“I like the Dodgers as a team,” Darvish said. “I get excited facing this team so maybe there’s a little more adrenaline I would say, yes.”

After playing two entertaining series before limited-capacity crowds, this was the first time this season the teams faced each other in a full-capacity ballpark after California’s reopening plan went into effect last week. The sellout crowd of 42,220 appeared to be fairly evenly split between Dodgers and Padres fans.

The Dodgers swept the Padres in their NL Division Series last year en route to the World Series title.

Darvish’s only big mistake was allowing Betts’ homer to center with two outs in the third, his ninth. That ended a string of seven straight strikeouts for the right-hander.

Darvish notched his milestone 1,500th strikeout when he got Steven Souza Jr. looking leading off the sixth. After Cronenworth’s error at first base allowed Gavin Lux to reach with two outs, Darvish allowed just his second hit, a single by Justin Turner.

Rookie second baseman Kim Ha-seong then made a nice play on Will Smith’s hard smash to end the inning, although he injured the index finger on his throwing hand and was replaced by Cronenworth the next inning. Padres manager Jayce Tingler said X-rays on Kim’s finger were negative.

Tingler said Darvish being the quickest to 1,500 strikeouts “is unbelievably impressive. Obviously you have to be able to do that in a short period of time. For him to do everything with those strikeouts over the years, he’s got a ton of weapons. The way he spins the ball, the way he manipulates the ball, being able to get swing and miss, he’s tremendous at it.”

Darvish is known for a wide variety of breaking pitches as well as his firm fastball.

“He’s one of the best at just manipulating the baseball and getting it to do different things. That’s certainly a big factor in getting as many punchouts in a pretty short amount of time,” Tingler said.

Machado hit a three-run homer off Julio Urias (9-3) to give the Padres a 4-0 lead before the Dodgers got an out in the first. Urias allowed Tommy Pham’s leadoff double, walked Fernando Tatis Jr. and allowed Cronenworth’s opposite-field double to left before Machado drove his 11th homer to left.

Cronenworth homered to right in the fifth after Tatis hit a leadoff double to left. It was Cronenworth’s ninth.

Will Smith homered off San Diego reliever Craig Stammen in the eighth, his ninth.

Read More

Yu Darvish becomes fastest to 1,500 strikeoutson June 22, 2021 at 5:01 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: Grading the 3 most recent free agent signingson June 22, 2021 at 5:30 pm

Read More

Chicago Bears: Grading the 3 most recent free agent signingson June 22, 2021 at 5:30 pm Read More »

Pair charged in South Shore robbery that killed Urban Prep football staron June 22, 2021 at 3:57 pm

Two men are charged with murder in connection to a robbery last year in South Shore that wounded a man and killed an 18-year-old Urban Prep Academy student.

Justin Jones, 19, and Jasper Price, 25, were arrested Monday in connection to the murder of Rashad Verner during an armed robbery on Sept. 28, Chicago police said.

Verner and a 19-year-old man were found with gunshot wounds in the 7000 block of South Paxton Avenue, police said. Verner was killed and the 19-year-old was hospitalized in fair condition.

Verner was a scholar and a star on his high school’s football team, family and friends said during a memorial service after his death.

Jones and Price are charged with murder, murder during a forcible felony and armed robbery, police said.

They were expected to appear in court Tuesday.

Read More

Pair charged in South Shore robbery that killed Urban Prep football staron June 22, 2021 at 3:57 pm Read More »

Ten high school basketball players that elevated their stock during the first live periodon June 22, 2021 at 4:51 pm

This past weekend was a breath of fresh air for everyone in the high school basketball community.

There was a return to normalcy.

Players were competing in front of college coaches for the first time in almost a year and a half. High school coaches were back to teaching and preparing, knowing a true, regular season was now just five months away.

Chicago area basketball diehards were back in a gym, watching top teams and players in person rather than through a live stream on a computer.

And college coaches were evaluating, dissecting and reunited, back to the constant summer banter among friends — both basketball talk and beyond — that was probably taken for granted.

After spending three full days at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout and the Midwest Crossroads Showcase at Normal West, there is so much to unpack from the past weekend.

Today it’s a look at some of the stellar performances from the weekend. Later this week it will be a City/Suburban Hoops Report weekend rewind, a mega-notebook with thoughts and perceptions on players, teams, recruiting and whatever came to mind from the weekend.

There were certainly some dud performances from a few high-profile players, but we’ll stick to the positive and highlight those who really shined.

Sometimes we are too focused on always looking for breakthrough performances and unknown prospects, forgetting that many of those already established household names are still trying to prove themselves.

Thus, this list of 10 prospects is a combination of both — established players who cemented their standing and a few who did truly elevate themselves from obscurity.

Asa Thomas, Lake Forest

It’s not as if the 6-6 junior’s stock wasn’t already high — Thomas has been a Hoops Report favorite and highly-ranked prospect since his impactful freshman season two years ago. But he raised his profile to a new level among college coaches with his performance this past weekend.

It starts with the effortless shooting stroke and release out of his hand. That’s what immediately jumps out at you. If Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt is the state’s best shooter, Thomas isn’t far behind. This is an elite shooter that high-major programs will be on board with sooner than later. Some already are following the weekend.

He put on a show with a 37-point performance against Proviso East and backed it up the next day hitting an array of shots from all over the floor.

Thomas keeps growing, inching his way towards a legit 6-7, maturing as a player and is finally starting to play with more assertiveness. He has size, range, an effortless shot that breeds consistency and has been billed as a baby Kyle Korver by the Hoops Report.

NJ Benson, Mt. Vernon

This is the player who made the most of the opening live period in Illinois.

There is no question the player whose stock rose the most in the eyes of the Hoops Report — and for many college coaches in attendance — was that of the overlooked big man from Mt. Vernon.

Benson headed into the summer as a City/Suburban Hoops Report top 15 prospect in the Class of 2022, so it’s not as if he was an absolute unknown. But he will vault past several bigger names in the class and into the top 10 after watching him this past weekend.

Benson is fast-approaching 6-8 and looks as if he’s not done growing yet. He plays hard, showcased an aggressiveness and confidence offensively while finishing loudly, putting down plenty of powerful dunks. He finishes at a high level at the rim.

He gets on the glass, moves well and boasts the type of athleticism that makes a difference.

Benson has gone from a low-major Division I prospect who mid-majors need to keep an eye on to a must-have mid-major/mid-major plus prospect. It’s so clear to see there is so much upside and untapped potential left in Benson.

Ahmad Henderson, Brother Rice

There wasn’t a question about Henderson’s ability or the fun style he brings to the floor with the basketball in his hands. He showed that with a breakout sophomore year in this past winter’s abbreviated season. He then continued with an impactful spring in club basketball.

The debate was always going to be about this point guard’s size and how his game would translate to the next level as a college player. While there will still be plenty of doubters because he’s likely only 5-9 right now, it’s about time everyone realizes the special qualities he has that trumps the diminutive size.

Henderson has a unique way of controlling a basketball game. With the often hard-to-find blend of scoring and distributing at the point guard position, Henderson is always impacting each game he plays and putting pressure on a defense. He has a vintage game who has a knack for getting buckets.

Henderson is the type of small guard teams win with and who can, without question, play at the Division I level.

Tavari Johnson, Lyons

I’ve personally hyped Johnson all winter and spring, but the 5-11 point guard went out and lived up to the hyperbole all weekend long with college coaches watching. Another pint-sized lead guard, Johnson is one of the top 10 prospects in next year’s senior class.

The slick-handling Johnson dazzles with the ball, making reads and decisions off the ball screen that lead to buckets for himself or open looks for teammates. He’s always in control, doesn’t get sped up and can handle it, pass it and score the basketball.

Johnson solidified himself as a mid-major prospect.

Cam Christie and Orlando Thomas, Rolling Meadows

With superstar and Player of the Year Max Christie off to Michigan State, the Rolling Meadows duo of junior Cam Christie and senior Orlando Thomas took center stage and didn’t disappoint.

Even with a familiar name and an impactful first two seasons on the high school scene, the Hoops Report has always felt that the younger Christie has been a little undervalued by most. It was just a matter of time before he proved he was a legitimate high-major talent. There is a freedom now that Christie plays with, and he’s showing that he’s more than just potential.

Christie will need to continue to add weight and strength, but it’s all starting to come together. Look for a ton of growth from the 6-5 guard over the next 12-18 months as he plays out his junior and senior years.

How about the weekend of work Thomas put in for the Mustangs? The 6-3 Thomas hit the ground running and opened eyes with his offensive potential. The lefty guard scored the basketball in a variety of ways and moved himself into the conversation of scholarship player.

Daniel Johnson, Young

Whitney Young is loaded. AJ Casey is the heralded senior prospect with high-major offers and a nationally ranking. Xavier Amos is the promising 6-7 senior who is gaining traction. And Dalen Davis is the prized junior point guard with high-major offers and interest.

Then there is Daniel Johnson, the 6-5 junior with very little fanfare. But time and time again, whether it’s been as a freshman at Fenwick, his time at Young since transferring there as a sophomore or with Meanstreets, Johnson showcases his vast potential.

Johnson’s steady progression is going to ultimately push the 6-5 forward into top 10 consideration in the Class of 2023 before it’s all said and done. He is blessed with some stretch-the-floor shooting ability and a physical profile that adds to his value. If Johnson can steady his handle and become a threat off the dribble, the stock will climb even more.

Christian Jones, East St. Louis

The long, lanky 6-4 point guard didn’t get a whole lot of time when watching him play with Bradley Beal Elite this past spring on the club basketball scene. But he had time to shine with his high school team this past weekend.

He may not have as big of a name on prospect lists as teammate McCaleb Rich, the athletic 6-4 junior, but Jones is rising quickly in the senior class.

Jones has a glide to him with the ball in his hands and the type of length and activity level that impresses. He handles and distributes, gets to the rim and finishes. If he can show any type of consistency with his jumper, Jones is going to gain a whole lot of interest.

Davius Loury, Kenwood

The phrase “He’s got a chance” is thrown around loosely at this time of year when watching young basketball prospects, but it fits Loury.

The 6-7 junior is blessed with a raw skill package who will still need to progress as a player in putting it all together. But he’s a tantalizing talent who simply needs seasoning.

Loury can handle the basketball effectively for his size and position while showing soft touch on his shot that extends to the three-point line. There is a high-major upside for the hybrid forward who “has a chance.”

Mekhi Lowery, Oswego East

Here’s a name virtually no one knows.

The multi-dimensional 6-5 junior opened eyes and put his name on the map with his versatility on the perimeter. A late-bloomer who keeps getting better, Lowery has shown he can play multiple positions as an offensive orchestrator and as a smooth scorer at his size.

Lowery is all upside who can manipulate a defense with hesitation and deceptive moves to generate space.

After his strong showing at Riverside-Brookfield, Lowery is a junior who has put himself othe map among evaluators and college coaches.

Read More

Ten high school basketball players that elevated their stock during the first live periodon June 22, 2021 at 4:51 pm Read More »

Here’s what will happen if the Chicago Bulls get a top-four draft pickon June 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm

Read More

Here’s what will happen if the Chicago Bulls get a top-four draft pickon June 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm Read More »