L.J. Peak Scores 5 Points In Final Minute To Lift Georgetown

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Rodney Pryor hit four 3-pointers and had 26 points, L.J. Peak scored five points in the final minute and Georgetown got past DePaul 76-73 on Tuesday night.

Peak drove it from past the 3-point arc, made a layup and completed the 3-point play with 55 seconds left to give Georgetown a 74-73 lead. Tre’Darius McCallum’s layup attempt on the other end was challenged by three defenders and blocked by Jessie Govan with 40 seconds left.

Georgetown elected not to call timeout and Peak dribbled down the clock, split a double team and zigzagged in the lane for a layup with 13.9 to go. After a timeout, DePaul was pressured into a broken play and McCallum had a 3-pointer bounce out at the buzzer.

Jessie Govan added 14 points and Peak finished with 13 for Georgetown (13-10, 4-6 Big East).

Billy Garrett Jr. scored 25 points for DePaul (8-14, 1-8) and Eli Cain had 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Garrett hit a pair of free throws with 4:42 left in the second half to pass Stephen Howard (528) for the most career free throws in program history. Cain scored 15 of his points in the second half.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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No. 10 Wisconsin Routs Illinois 57-43

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Ethan Happ scored 14 points and led the way in No. 10 Wisconsin’s 57-43 rout over Illinois on Tuesday night.

Wisconsin (19-3, 8-1 Big Ten) started the game with a 16-2 run and never trailed.

Much of the hot start came from the open 3-pointers Illinois allowed Wisconsin’s players to take — the Badgers shot 7 of 23 from 3-point range in the game.

The Badgers big men dominated the game in the post, out-rebounding Illinois 45-36, including 19-6 on the offensive boards.

Nigel Hayes scored 11 points and added eight rebounds for Wisconsin.

Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan both had 10 points for Illinois (13-10, 3-7).

The Illini looked overmatched as they have for much of the season against good opponents, but they came back and closed Wisconsin’s lead down to as much as six points before falling short.

Illinois shot 28 percent from the field and 5 of 21 from beyond the arc.

BIG PICTURE

Wisconsin: The Badgers will have a relatively easy next couple of games before playing Northwestern and Maryland, their last test before the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois: The Illini weren’t expected to win Tuesday’s game even if it was at home. The team is in a tailspin and no game on the schedule looks like a lock.

UP NEXT

Wisconsin will have a few days before Indiana comes to Madison for a Sunday afternoon game.

Illinois stays home for the week when it hosts Minnesota on Saturday.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Peoria Takes A Hit As Caterpillar Moves Its Headquarters To Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) — Caterpillar moving its corporate headquarters out of Peoria to Chicago is a tremendous blow to the town where the giant manufacturer was born.

In many ways, Caterpillar Inc. is the very heart of Peoria. But as the company became a worldwide manufacturing power, it’s headquarters location became an increasing liability for its globe-trotting executives.

“The ability as our city to get anywhere in the world for a company like Caterpillar, anywhere in the U.S., is a tremendous economic advantage for us,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

But most Caterpillar employees already in Peoria will stay put.

“We will maintain a significant presence in the Peoria area, said Caterpillar Spokesman Rachel Potts. “Those more than 12,000 people here today will likely by and large not be relocating.”

Still, a new headquarters building, announced just two years ago, and planned for downtown Peoria, won’t be built, which may come as a stinging blow to Peoria’s pride.

“I think its a tragedy for Peoria and the end of an amazing era,” said John Tillman, from the Illinois Policy Institute.

However, the Chicago area lands what might be Illinois’ best-known company around the world.

Its bright yellow tractors helped build the golden gate bridge, as well as roads around the globe from Mexico to India.

It remains to be seen where exactly Caterpillar’s executives intend to set up shop.

“We’re going to talk to them about what their plans ares, but know already today, over the last year, Caterpillar his moved people into the Merchandise Mart for the city of Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said.

The construction machinery and equipment company hasn’t indicated whether its moving to Chicago or to the suburbs. In either case, the headquarters move is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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Chicago’s New Bag Tax Takes Effect Feb. 1

CHICAGO (CBS) — Come Wednesday, the shopping bag you get in Chicago will cost you as the city rolls out its $0.07 tax on paper and plastic bags.

CBS 2’s Audrina Bigos spoke to shoppers in Greektown.

“This is really inconvenient and it makes the politicians, as usual, look like the fools they are,” said Bill Hutchinson.

Under the new $0.07 tax, the city will collect $0.05 and the remaining $0.02 will go to the stores.

“Every time you turn around they are taxing something else,” said Terry Pernell.

So far, the list of stores where customers will have to foot the tax bill include: Walgreens, Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Target, CVS, PetSmart, T.J. Maxx and Whole Foods.

However, stores such as Target and Whole Foods will continue to offer incentives — $0.05-0.10 when you bring your own bag.

And there is some concern about customers shifting their shopping to outside the city.

“We’re always concerned about our members that our near the border,” said Illinois Retail Merchants Association VP Tanya Triche.

“Folks are doing that today, frankly, with the bottled water tax that the suburbs don’t have and with lower gas taxes in the suburbs,” Triche added.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Friday a partnership with Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Target and Whole Foods to provide Chicago residents free, reusable bags on Wednesday.

The city is conducting a ‘day of action’ to give away free, reusable “ChiBags” to residents across Chicago. The giveaway will take place at seven CTA stations during the evening commute.

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Restaurant Robber Locks Employees In Bathroom, Steals Delivery Truck

CHICAGO (CBS) — Surveillance videos captured the armed robbery of a restaurant in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood while its employees were locked in a bathroom.

The footage shows the moment a man dressed in all black walks into Jamaica Island Jerk, a Caribbean restaurant located in the 5000 block of S. Halsted.

“We see him on the camera, he go down in his pants, he pull out the gun,” said Coralee Huckaby, the restaurant’s owner.

After showing the gun, the suspect allegedly threatened one of the restaurant’s delivery drivers, who did not wish to be identified, by pointing the gun at him.

“He didn’t look violent, he looked desperate,” Huckaby said.

Video shows the man with a gun in his hand pushing his way to the back of the restaurant and forcing the employees to the ground. He then proceeded to ask for all the money the restaurant and employees had.

“I said, ‘man, don’t hurt me, I’ve got a young kid.’ He said, ‘I got a kid to feed too,'” the delivery driver said.

The register was empty, so Huckaby gave the suspect money from her purse.

The suspect then took off in one of the delivery trucks, which he later ditched just a few blocks away from the restaurant.

“Everybody’s OK, the money I can replace, but everybody’s good,” said Huckaby.

The truck has been returned to the restaurant and they reopened shortly after the incident. No arrests have been made.

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Trump Picks Conservative Judge Neil Gorsuch For Supreme Court

CHICAGO (CBS) — President Trump introduced his Supreme Court nominee with high praise, and high hopes.

Despite being known as a conservative judge, Trump said he hopes Neil Gorsuch will be supported by Senators on both sides of the aisle.

“I only hope that both Democrats and Republicans can come together for once, for the good of the country,” Trump said Tuesday evening in the East Room of the White House as he revealed his choice.

And the Federal Judge humbly accepted Trump’s nomination.

“I pledge if I am confirmed, I will do all my powers permit to be a faithful servant of the constitution and laws of this great country,” Gorsuch said.

He added that impartiality, independence, collegiality and courage are important traits for any judge, especially one on the country’s high court.

Trump said the qualifications of Judge Gorsuch are beyond dispute.

“He is the man of our country, and a man who our country really needs and needs badly to ensure the rule of law and the rule of justice,” Trump said.

Loyola Law Professor Juan Perea said Gorsuch is not only smart, qualified and conservative, but a constitutional originalist.

Gorsush said he was committed to talking with lawmakers from both parties, answering their questions, and hearing their concerns.

If confirmed, Gorsuch will fill the seat of conservative Judge Antonin Scalia, who died about a year ago. This move would provide balance to the court, with Justice Anthony Kennedy potentially providing swing votes.

Because Republicans control the Senate, Gorsuch’s confirmation seems likely.

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Trump’s Travel Ban Delays Refugee Sisters From Congo

CHICAGO (CBS) — President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking refugees from entering the U.S. is putting some families in uncertainty.

CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole takes a look at people in the Chicago area who are working to clear up the confusion.

Volunteers from Northfield’s Temple Jeremiah have been preparing since last Fall to welcome a pair of refugee sisters from Congo.

The girls have lived in a camp in Zambia for eighteen years, were vetted and finally cleared to arrive this past weekend.

But President Trump’s executive order regarding stricter scrutiny of all refugees placed the women’s transit in a state of limbo.

“It has been a very big roller coaster ride,” said one volunteer. “All they want is a safe place to live.”

As protesters rallied at airports across the nation, refugee support groups pleaded with the State Department to get the sisters and hundreds like them already in the system cleared for travel.

“There’s been a lot of back and forth ever since the executive order was signed on Friday,” said Jessica Schaffer, who is with the Jewish Child and Family Services. “We’ve wondered if these sisters would make it through.”

Volunteers learned on Sunday that the sisters would be granted entry. They are among the 850 refugees already cleared by the State Department that the Trump Administration is now allowing into the country.

“Grateful for those who were able to make it here in the next few days, but there are so many more we need to give that same opportunity to,” Schaffer said.

The volunteers helping the refugees are still riding that roller coaster.

The sisters left Zambia for Doha, but a security issue kept them from continuing on to the U.S. The particulars of that issue are unclear, but both sisters are expected to arrive at O’Hare Airport Wednesday afternoon.

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Son Charged With Murder In Fatal Stabbing Of Lipinski Aide

CHICAGO (CBS) — The 27-year-old son of a congressional aide has been formally charged with stabbing his mother to death earlier this month inside their southwest suburban home.

Steven Chmela waived extradition from Wisconsin, where he had been held on a murder warrant since Jan. 12, according to court records and Oak Lawn police. He was charged with first-degree murder and ordered held without bond at a Tuesday court hearing in Bridgeview.

Chmela is the son of 55-year-old Marianne Viverito, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds on Jan. 10 in the basement of her home in the 5100 block of West 105th Place in Oak Lawn, authorities said.

Officers went to the home after a request for a well-being check from an out-of-state police agency concerning a woman who may have been injured in a domestic fight, police said. When officers arrived, they found blood on the ground and inside the home.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office ruled her death a homicide.

Viverito worked as an aide to U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) and was the daughter of former state senator and current Stickney Township supervisor Lou Viverito.

It was unclear why Chmela was initially taken into custody in Milwaukee County on Jan. 10. He was scheduled to undergo a doctor’s evaluation at a Jan. 13 court hearing at which his attorney said: “There is reason to believe the defendant is not competent to proceed,” records show.

Chmela was brought back to Oak Lawn on Monday, police said. He is due in court again Feb. 23 in in Bridgeview.

“Marianne was a beloved and trusted member of my staff, and has been a part of my team during much of my tenure in Congress,” Lipinski said in a statement. “She has helped countless of my constituents solve challenges they’ve faced with the federal government with a smile, good nature, and humor. As with me and my staff, I know that these constituents will miss her greatly.”

Ald. Mike Zalewski, whose 23rd Ward office on Archer is adjacent to Lipinski’s office, said he and his staff were “devastated” at the news of Viverito’s death. “We’re lucky to be able to call them friends,” he said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Police: Suspects Captured After Highland Park Hit-And-Run Crash

CHICAGO (CBS) — Two suspects are in custody after a hit-and-run accident Tuesday afternoon in north suburban Highland Park.

About noon, a person told police they were involved in an accident at Skokie Valley Road and Park Avenue, according to Highland Park police.

The victim provided police with a description of the other vehicle, which drove away, and the people inside, police said.

Officers located the abandoned vehicle and learned it had been reported stolen on Tuesday in Zion, police said.

Police established a perimeter around the area where the vehicle was found, including Wayne Thomas, Oak Terrace, Northwood Jr. High and North Shore School District 112, which were placed on a soft lockdown.

Lake County sheriff’s officers and a K-9 team responded, and police also used the reverse 911 emergency notification system to alert residents to police activity in the area.

At 1:20 p.m., officers found both suspects in the 2900 block of Summit Avenue, police said. Officers remained at each school during dismissal times.

One of the suspects told police a third person in the stolen car had run away. After officers continued the search, it was determined there was not a third suspect in the car.

No charges have been filed as of late Tuesday afternoon.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Mothers Group Threatened To Take Down Englewood Crosses Memorial

CHICAGO (CBS) — A well-known mothers group threatened to take down a controversial display that they said emphasized the negative image police have of Englewood.

What promised to be a hostile confrontation turned into a tearful embrace.

“This is a very emotional issue for all of us. I completely understand where you’re coming from,” said Greg Zanis.

It started when Zanis, a retired carpenter, made crosses that represented Chicago murder victims all over the city, and placed them in an Englewood vacant lot.

“I’m trying to remember their sons and daughters,” Zanis said.

But people in Englewood objected, saying the neighborhood is not just the beleaguered community so often seen in the news. They said the crosses made it look like a cemetery.

“Then plopped in a neighborhood that already has that label really undermines a lot of the work people do to change the negative perception here,” said R.A.G.E. member Asiaha Butler.

The Moms many have come to know for setting barbecue grills on Englewood corners to curb violence vowed to take the crosses away.

Zanis was defiant.

“I understand that I might be a little controversial, but sometimes that just goes with the territory,” he said.

But when the Mom’s leader Tamar Manasseh arrived Tuesday afternoon, there was no anger.

She showed Zanis where her family members had been murdered. Too much death there already, Manasseh said. The crosses did not affirm life.

Both made a promise to continue the conversation, but for now, the crosses stay.

“I still believe it does look like a cemetery,” Manasseh said. “It does. But people are just as passionate about memorializing their dead and their loved ones. This morning I didn’t understand that side of the coin.”

Until, Manasseh said, she spoke to families of the murder victims represented on those crosses.

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2 Waukegan Men Charged With Identity Theft, Burglary In Gurnee

CHICAGO (CBS) — Two Waukegan men have been charged with burglarizing vehicles in Gurnee and using a stolen credit card at a fast food restaurant.

About 3 a.m. Sunday, a resident in the 1100 block of Summer Circle heard a car with a loud muffler driving slowly through her neighborhood and stopping frequently, according to a statement from Gurnee police.

The resident looked through her window and saw the door of one of the vehicles parked in her driveway was open and contacted police, according to the statement.

On the way to the scene, officers noticed several other vehicles in the area that appeared to have been burglarized, police said. One victim reported that her stolen credit card had just been used at a local fast food restaurant.

Paulo Aragon (Credit: Gurnee police)

Officers responded to the fast food restaurant and took into custody Paulo Aragon and Edgar V. Vazquez into custody, police said.

Aragon, 20, was charged with identity theft and burglary, both felonies, police said. Vazquez, 20, was charged with one felony count of burglary.

Aragon was ordered held at the Lake County jail on a $10,000 bond Monday, and Vaquez was ordered held on a $5,000 bond, police said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Police: Berkeley Man Arrested For Elmhurst Car Burglaries

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 23-year-old Berkeley man was arrested Tuesday for several vehicle burglaries and thefts the past three months in west suburban Elmhurst.

On Jan. 12, police responded to a report of a resident who spotted a man inside their garage in the 800 block of South Linden Avenue, according to a statement from Elmhurst police. The suspect ran away and was not located.

The next day, police were alerted by the DuPage County sheriff’s office of a suspect entering unlocked vehicles in unincorporated Yorkfield, the statement said.

Darius Anthony (Credit: Elmhurst police)

A joint investigation revealed Darius Anthony had broken into numerous unlocked vehicles in the Elmhurst area beginning in November, police said.

Anthony, of the 5800 block of Prospect Avenue in Berkeley, was charged with eight counts of burglary, police said. He is currently being held at DuPage County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Detectives recovered several items from the burglaries that have not yet been associated with any of the reported vehicle thefts, police said.

Residents are encouraged to contact Elmhurst police to report any burglaries at (630) 530-3050.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Metra Faces Lawsuit Of Racial Discrimination Against Employees

CHICAGO (CBS) – A group of African-American Metra police officers are suing the transit agency.

They said they were singled out for discipline, where white officers got off with an insignificant punishment.

CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker has more on their allegations in an original report.

“I was fired for insubordination in early May 2015.”

All because David Lee, a former Metra Police officer decided to give a homeless woman a pass and not arrest her for trespassing.

“They said you should have locked her up,” Lee said.

They, according to Lee, are his former Metra bosses who concluded he violated police. He said he did not.

“I explained she had a circuit card,” Lee said. “Which means she is not a trespasser and she was not disrupting service.”

“It was excessively punitive,” said Jill Willis, Lee’s attorney, on behalf of the men along with eight other African American Metra police officers, she has filed this federal lawsuit, accusing Metra of racial discrimination.

“It appears to be a pattern of trying to reduce African American employment base in order to bring in younger white and Hispanic officers,” Willis said.

A patter, Willis said, began a couple of years ago and according to suit, blacks are denied promotions, unjustly terminated and unfairly disciplined while, “white officers charged with serious disciplinary issues ae given the option to resign.”

“I was fired for taking a class to be promoted.”

Larry Geanes worked at the agency 19 years and took a class to become a detective. He said he was fired because he did not get permission for taking the class, but he claims that rule was implemented after his termination.

“I’m very hurt. I’m angry,” Geanes said. “We are just treated unfairly. Discipline is metered out unfairly.”

CBS 2 reached out to Metra. Their response: “We vehemently deny these allegations of racism and discrimination. This lawsuit from current and former police officers, most of whom were justifiably disciplined for dishonesty or negligence in the performance of their duties, has absolutely no merit. We will relentlessly contest these allegations in a court of law and are confident we will prevail.”

Attorneys for the police officers say they have yet to hear from Metra.

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Trump Cancels Planned Milwaukee Economic Speech

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump canceled an expected speech on the economy in Milwaukee on Thursday, without saying why or if he will reschedule. The visit would have been one of his first outside of Washington as president.

Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski with the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard in Milwaukee confirmed Tuesday that the visit had been canceled. She said she had no information on why it was called off.

When the White House announced on Monday that Trump planned to come to Wisconsin, a group called the Milwaukee Coalition Against Trump quickly organized a protest. According to its Facebook page, by late Tuesday afternoon 1,200 people were planning to attend a protest with another 4,500 interested.

Gov. Scott Walker’s spokesman, Tom Evenson, said he didn’t have any information about why the trip was not happening. Walker met with Trump in the White House on Saturday and is close with his chief of staff Reince Priebus, who previously was head of the Wisconsin Republican Party.

Walker is the head of the Republican Governors Association and a former rival of Trump’s for the GOP presidential nomination, later got behind Trump as the GOP nominee.

Trump was expected to give a speech on the economy during the Wisconsin stop. Trump is the first Republican presidential candidate to win Wisconsin since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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ComEd Sends Out Fliers After Employee’s Daughter Goes Missing

CHICAGO (CBS) — For the first time, ComEd is sending out missing person’s fliers in customers’ monthly billings and grabbing the attention of 3.8 million people.

One case hits close to home. CBS 2’s Suzanne Le Mignot has an original report.

“She just went for a walk and she didn’t make it home. Never made it home.”

Shantinel Laws remembers Aug. 17, 2015 as the day her 24-year-old daughter, Jerrica Lizette Laws vanished without a trace.

“My neighbors saw her the day of her disappearance,” Laws said. “But they didn’t see her return.”

Park Forest Police Deputy Paul Morache said Jerrica was not your typical 24-year old.

“She was more of a stay-at-home person and a church going person,” Dep. Morache said.

Jerrica had gone for her regular afternoon walk her neighborhood of Park Forest.

When she did not return, Shantinel Laws’ ComEd co-workers took part in searches, to find Jerrica. The CEO, even called, Shantinel.

“She reassured me, if there’s anything that she could do, she was available and I could reach out to her,” Laws said.

That is when she thought about enclosing this flier about her daughter’s disappearance, with each ComEd customers’ bill.

“One of the things people will say is this is something ComEd is doing with other people’s money and this is ComEd’s money, that we’re using to leverage this,” said Melissa Washington, ComEd VP External Affairs. “Shareholder money. It’s the shareholders that are footing the bill for this.”

This is the first time ComEd has ever enclosed fliers with customers’ bills.

“We were really inspired because, not just that it was the right thing to do, but this was affecting a co-worker, which is essentially a family member, when you think about the amount of time that we spend together,” Washington said.

“Everyone has been so supportive,” Laws said. “I just want her home and I love her.”

Laws’ simple request could soon affect other families with missing loved ones. ComEd is now looking at collaborating with missing persons organizations to include other cases, in bill mail outs.

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Chicago FBI Honors Community Activist Andrew Holmes

CHICAGO (CBS) — If there’s a crime scene, a missing child or an unsolved murder, Andrew Holmes is likely there. He’s a familiar face within Chicago’s most crime ridden neighborhoods. He even lost his own daughter to gun violence in August 2015.

Now, he’s being honored with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership award for his life long activism. WBBM’s Lisa Fielding reports.

“This year, Mr. Andrew Holmes was selected for this award by the FBI’s Chicago Division for his dedication and leadership in local communities that has helped law enforcement combat violent crime throughout the Chicago area,” said Michael J Anderson, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago FBI.

Holmes said he continues to bridge the gap between the police and the community they serve.

Andrew Holmes with his FBI Director’s Community Leadership award (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

“We have a lot of progress that is working but at the same time, we still have a lot who are slipping through the cracks,” said Holmes. “I’m grateful for this award and I’m going to take this honor for those who have lost their lives not only in the city of Chicago, but across the United States. I just want the community to come together, end this gun violence, work with the Chicago Police Department and the FBI, which is trying to work with the community to stop this. I’m waiting for this to sink in.”

Holmes will officially receive his award from FBI Director James comey on April 28.

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Bears Get Up-Close Look At TE Jeremy Sprinkle, Who Addresses Character Questions Head On

By Chris Emma–

(CBS) Embarrassment sank through Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle immediately after the great mistake that ended his collegiate career.

One month later, it’s still there. Sprinkle is trying to salvage his reputation.

Sprinkle was suspended for what would’ve been the final game of his career, the Belk Bowl, when he was arrested for shoplifting eight items worth $260 dollars from a Belk store in December, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Members of the Arkansas and Virginia Tech football team were given $450 to spend as part of their bowl game package. He took more than allotted.

Such a mistake was out of character, Sprinkle has been telling teams in advance of the NFL Draft. Sprinkle understands his stock will hurt if he’s not open about the error in judgement.

“Just being up front and honest with them, telling them the story about what happened,” Sprinkle said. “That’s really all I can do. (Teams) understand it was out of my character to do that. They’re pretty understanding about it.”

Sprinkle began his attempt to prove himself last week in Mobile, Alabama, participating with the North team at the Senior Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 256-pound Sprinkle is a monster in the open field, a dangerous threat for any NFL offense. He views himself as a mismatch in the passing game who “can stick my nose in there and block” too.

“I’m trying to prove I’m an all-around tight end,” Sprinkle said.

The Bears got an up-close look at Sprinkle during their North team workouts at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, and they got the advantage no other team could in Mobile, getting to see Sprinkle behind the scenes too.

Coach John Fox spoke of the benefits to seeing players in meeting rooms, getting to know them over dinner and receiving a better glance at character. All of that could make Sprinkle a more draftable player in their mind.

Chicago could be looking for a tight end in the middle rounds to create a tandem alongside veteran Zach Miller. The Bears could be looking at Sprinkle on their board.

In addition to the character fit, the Bears saw how Sprinkle fits into their offense, which he pointed out was similar to his system at Arkansas.

“I feel like it’s a good opportunity, just learning the plays and things,” Sprinkle said of playing for the Bears last week.

Alabama standout O.J. Howard proved to be the best tight end at the Senior Bowl and one of the top overall players. He appears to be the top tight end in the draft class and could go in the middle or late first round. His abilities would fit just about any team.

On the other hand, Sprinkle has seen his stock fall to the middle rounds, and his character questions may drop him to Day 3. Perhaps the breakout rookie season of former Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry could benefit Sprinkle.

The Bears saw Sprinkle’s talents as a tight end and and had a glimpse at his character up close. Now, Sprinkle is ready to move past his lapse of judgement and prove himself in the league

“I’m just trying to get past it and show (the NFL) who I really am,” he said, “show them it was out of my character.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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Chicago’s Soldier Field Will Host MLS All-Star Game

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago’s Soldier Field will host this year’s Major League Soccer All-Star game, the league announced Tuesday.

Chicago will get a kick out of this: Mayor Emanuel announces MLS All-Star Game at Soldier Field on Aug. 2, 2017. http://pic.twitter.com/PPyWa7nAGL

— Derrick Blakley (@BlakleyCBS2) January 31, 2017

The match on Aug. 2 will feature the MLS All-Stars against an international team that has not been named yet. The Chicago Fire, who play at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois, will host the event.

It is the first time in six years that the game will not be played at an MLS home venue. The 2010 All-Star game was played at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended a press conference Tuesday announcing the game.

The Fire, embarking on its 20th year, previously hosted the All-Star game at Toyota Park against Chelsea in 2006. Fire Coach Veljko Paunovic will manage the MLS All-Stars.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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White Sox Preaching Patience At Every Level

(CBS) While it’s still late January, White Sox director of player development Chris Getz already knows where he’s going to be spending much of his time in 2017.

Charlotte, home of the the Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the White Sox. As Chicago has embarked on a rebuild, some of its top young talent — including second baseman Yoan Moncada and likely right-hander Lucas Giolito — will open the season at Triple-A. As they do, Getz plans on being around Charlotte plenty, and the White Sox will have a keen eye on when it’s time to move their prospects along to the next level.

Past that, what’s the key? Patience, Getz reminded. That’s a point general manager Rick Hahn kept making over the weekend at SoxFest and one that’s a refrain throughout the organization.

“It’s something we’re all going to have to get behind and be open and transparent as possible,” Getz said Tuesday on the Spiegel and Parkins Show on 670 The Score. “It’s going to be a process. You’re going to have to be patient with things. Some guys are going to perform right away, some aren’t. Some of these guys may not even pan out. We hope they do, but it’s just kind of the reality of the whole deal. That’s why we need to continue to develop, continue to draft well. We need to continue to show up every day and get better.”

“It’s a very tight pyramid at the top, and if you’re not continually trying to be competitive and getting better in all different areas, you’re going to have a tough time at long-standing success.”

Listen to Getz’s full interview below.

Chris Getz on the Spiegel and Parkins Show

670 The Score

playpause

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Winter Weather: How To Survive In Hazardous Conditions

Photo Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Clinton Emerson, retired Navy SEAL, spent 20 years conducting special ops all over the world while attached to SEAL Teams (including the elite SEAL Team SIX) and the National Security Agency (NSA). His security company, Escape The Wolf, works with international organizations, such as the Wall Street Journal, to decrease exposure to crisis and increase survivability.

Emerson’s book 100 Deadly Skills: Survival Edition, is on sale now from our sister company, Simon & Schuster.

As winter approaches, it is important to be prepared for all of the hazardous conditions created by snow and ice. Retired Navy SEAL Clint Emerson shares his tips for surviving blizzard conditions while on the road and surviving an avalanche while participating in winter sports.

Related: The Two-Day Hike: What To Bring And Why To Bring It

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Surviving A Blizzard While Driving

Winterize Your Vehicle

In regions where extreme winter weather conditions are common, be prepared. Stash emergency blankets, a wool hat and pocket heaters in the trunk of your car.

Have your car winterized, making sure your mechanic checks your exhaust system for leaks and crimped pipes. Your mechanic should also replace air filters; check brakes for wear and fluid levels; install good winter tires with adequate tread; check oil; ensure the heater, defroster, and thermostat are working properly; check antifreeze; clean and check the battery and ignition system; replace worn-out windshield wipers; and assess all lights.

Know When To Go

To avoid getting stranded on the road, err on the side of caution when making the decision to drive in a blizzard. Avoid driving on unplowed roads. If conditions look questionable, they probably are. A vehicular death caused by driving in low-visibility conditions is most often a death that would have been preventable through the use of one simple tool: human judgment.

If conditions rapidly worsen while you’re already on the road, don’t feel the need to soldier through. Though emergency conditions set off a kind of fight-or-flight response that launches drivers into frenzied attempts to drive through or away from storms, sometimes the safest course of action is to do nothing—i.e., pull over and wait out the storm.

Wait Out The Storm

If you do become stranded in a remote area, do not attempt to hike your way to safety unless you know the area well and have on appropriate clothing. Remain in your car. Blizzard conditions will severely reduce visibility and increase the chances of your getting lost while being completely exposed to the elements.

To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve your battery, only run your engine and heater for ten minutes of every hour. If you aren’t traveling with a trunkful of warm layers and/or blankets, stack seat covers and floor mats on top of you as insulation. At night, leave the dome light on so that your car is visible to other drivers. Hazard lights will burn up your battery.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Surviving An Avalanche

Though occasional incidents involve mass casualties, avalanches claim only some 150 lives per year. But many more non-fatal incidents go unreported. To avoid landing in either category, abstain from skiing, rock climbing, or snowmobile riding on heavily powdered, backcountry slopes that haven’t been groomed or detonated in order to purposely precipitate avalanches in advance of human activity. Talk to locals in order to identify known avalanche zones and the general probability of avalanches in the area. Pay attention to the weather—a foot or more of fresh snow can pose a risk factor, as can rain.

If you are caught in the midst of an avalanche while on a steep, barren slope, quickly move to its flanks while you still can. Snow will be funneled down the center of the slope, potentially carrying less momentum and mass on its sidelines. If an avalanche starts below your feet, jump upslope of any crack you might be able to see in the top layer of snow.

If you cannot avoid the oncoming rush, grab onto any solid fixture you can reach (tree, rock formation, telephone pole), or lie down and try to “swim” with the moving snow so that you don’t receive the impact at a perpendicular angle.

Being buried in snow isn’t dissimilar to being buried in sand. You may not be able to move or breathe once the precipitation comes to a halt, so if you can, create an air pocket by placing your hands in front of your face as you’re still moving. Determine which way is up by sensing the direction of the blood flow to your head or lighting a lighter, if movement is available. Punching an air channel from your face up toward the surface of the snow will put you closer to a full breath when a rescue team starts digging.

Related: How To Turn Strangers Into Friends

Clinton Emerson, retired Navy SEAL, spent 20 years conducting special ops all over the world while attached to SEAL Teams (including the elite SEAL Team SIX) and the National Security Agency (NSA). His security company Escape the Wolf works with international organizations, such as the Wall Street Journal, to decrease exposure to crisis, and increase survivability. Emerson’s book 100 Deadly Skills: Survival Edition, is on sale now from our sister company, Simon & Schuster.

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Emma: Kopech, Giolito Are 2 Faces Of White Sox Hope Amid Rebuild

By Chris Emma–

CHICAGO (CBS) — Walking through the streets of this great city as the newly acquired star prospect, being recognized as the guy whose powerful arm produced a 110-mph throw on a viral video, Michael Kopech is a long way from his home in small-town Texas.

The new fame, the high hopes, the pictures, the autographs, the selfies, it’s all different for the 20-year-old Kopech.

“It’s something I’ve had to adjust to,” Kopech said.

Kopech’s new status as a face of the White Sox’s future was on display this past weekend at the annual SoxFest convention, which gathered diehard fans at the downtown Hilton to welcome in a new season. Only this SoxFest was different, with the fan base instead more focused on celebrating its now-promising future rather than this 2017 season.

Rick Hahn owns the White Sox’s new direction

Even general manager Rick Hahn was transparent enough to admit struggles could be headed the White Sox’s way as they build for the future. Judging by the reception for a young player like Kopech, the fans are re-energized by a new direction.

The White Sox started their busy offseason with a blockbuster deal in December that sent ace left-hander Chris Sale to the Red Sox for a return headlined by Kopech, a right-hander and the No. 16 prospect in the new MLB.com rankings, and second baseman Yoan Moncada, the second-rated prospect. Then, Hahn pulled a mega deal for outfielder Adam Eaton that returned right-hander Lucas Giolito (No. 11 prospect) and right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (No. 46) as the headliners.

Now, the White Sox boast six of the top 100 prospects in the game, per MLB.com rankings. Should they find the right package for left-hander Jose Quintana — Hahn is holding out for the right price — they could have even more.

Kopech and Giolito were two of the stars at the SoxFest, the arms of the White Sox’s future. They were two of the major returns from these blockbuster deals, two pitchers who inspire hope for the organization. Kopech will start the season at high Class-A or Double-A, Hahn has said. Giolito is likely to start at Triple-A.

“The talent’s amazing,” Giolito said. “Just look at all these guys. We’re all here, we’re ready to work, we’re ready to put it all together.

“I’m excited that we’re all going to develop together and put a good team together here in Chicago.”

Giolito wasn’t too surprised when his name was included in the deal for Eaton — certainly not nearly as surprised as most in Chicago were. Hahn caught the Nationals pressed in win-now mode, looking at a possible future without superstar Bryce Harper after the 2017 season. In Giolito, the White Sox landed another potential top-end starter two days after landing Kopech.

The 22-year-old Giolito has an imposing frame on the mound, standing at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds. His big league debut didn’t go as planned this past season, with the rookie posting a 6.75 ERA in 21 1/3 innings. That doesn’t concern the White Sox, who plan on starting him in Triple-A Charlotte and developing him to their liking.

As for Kopech, his viral video was the talk of SoxFest. It’s rare to see a radar gun hit 110 mph. Driving that fast in Illinois is a Class-A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. Kopech downplayed it, explaining he was working in the “overload phase” of his arm-training program. Essentially, it was a max-out session for velocity with an underload phase ball.

“It’s not something I really thrive to do, throw a certain number,” Kopech said. “Velocity’s always cool, and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to throw extremely hard. That’s great for me. But my main focus is pitching. If I can use that tool to help me get somebody out, that’s all it’s for.”

Still, it caught the attention of the White Sox in attendance. Top catching prospect Zack Collins has faced Kopech once before.

“Thank God he walked me,” Collins joked. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

Pressed to give a date for when the White Sox will be poised for perennial contention, Hahn hinted at 2019 while acknowledging the many variables in play. In the meantime, the developmental phase of the organization will bring great work. Unlike what the rival Cubs did on the north side of town, the White Sox’s rebuild largely revolves around the progress of young pitching, not hitters.

The White Sox have many candidates for their rotation of the future — Kopech, Giolito, Lopez, Carlos Rodon, Carson Fulmer, Zack Burdi, Spencer Adams and more. Scouting is an inexact science,and rebuilding comes with a risk, but the reward could be great. If the White Sox hit on half their pitching prospects, they could have one of the best rotations in baseball.

Becoming one of the faces of a rebuild takes some getting used to, but Kopech and Giolito are eager for what’s ahead, even if it means getting stopped on the street.

“It’s a good opportunity for the White Sox as a team,” Kopech said, “because we’re going to have a chance to be good for a long time.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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Bomb Threat At Jewish Community Center Camp In Lake County

CHICAGO — A Jewish center in the area was targeted by an apparent bomb threat Tuesday. Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the JCC Apachi Day Camp in unincorporated Lake Zurich.

The students in attendance at the camp were transported to a different location. Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports that no students or staff were injured during the incident and all are safe and accounted for.

This threat remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

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Employee Charged With Striking Disabled Adult At Elmhurst Group Home

CHICAGO (CBS) — A woman has been charged with striking a disabled adult at a group home where she worked in west suburban Elmhurst.

Lasonya T. Butler, 43, faces one count of aggravated battery, according to Elmhurst police.

Management of the group home in the 100 block of South Monterey Street in Elmhurst, operated by UCP Seguin, became aware of the incident when they were shown a video of an employee striking a seated, disabled adult several times on Jan. 18, police said.

The incident was reported to Elmhurst police, who went to the home. The victim was taken to a hospital for an examination as a precaution.

Elmhurst police also alerted Illinois Adult Protective Services and the Illinois Department of Healthcare.

Butler, of the 900 block of North Drake in Chicago, was taken to the DuPage County Jail.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2017. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Pop-Up Pizza Exhibit Opens At Niles Public Library

CHICAGO (CBS) — Warning: This story might make you hungry. It’s about pizza…and an new exhibit.

The Niles Public Library opens Wednesday a temporary ‘U.S. Pizza Museum’ exhibit, which will run through March 31st.

The U.S. Pizza Museum is an online museum that hosts pop-up exhibitions showcasing a collection of pizza items. Founded by Kendall Bruns in 2015, the museum’s mission is to “inspire curiosity and new ways of thinking about the rich history and recent developments in the world of pizza by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting pizza-related items.”

The exhibit at Niles Public Library will allows guests to learn about the history of pizza in both Chicago and beyond. WBBM’s Bernie Tafoya reports.

“I love pizza. It’s a common sentiment,” says Kendall Bruns, curator of the online USPizzaMuseum.com.

The library’s exhibit will explain Chicago style pizzas and how they compare to styles nationwide.

Bruns said the exhibit “goes over the history of pizza in Chicago specifically, but also a little bit of context at how that fits in with pizza in America.”

New and vintage items from the U.S. Pizza Museum collection will help bring the history to life. Items will include, vintage menus from Chicago pizzerias such as Pizzeria Uno’s and Father and Son; and pop culture items such as pizza-related toys and video games and posters from the movie Mystic Pizza.

There will be special events as well, including a pizza box art contest, a pizza dough demo day and two talks on the history of pizza. A full list of special events are below with their designated dates and times.

The exhibit will hold Friday an opening celebration at 6:30 p.m. The first 200 people in line will get a free piece of pizza from Home Run Inn.

“I LOVE PIZZA” events:

I LOVE PIZZA Kickoff Event
Friday, Feb. 3
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pizza Box Art Contest
Feb. 4 – Feb. 28

History of Pizza
Thursday, Feb. 9
7:00-8:15 p.m.

Pizza Dough Making
Saturday, Feb. 18
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bedtime Pizza Math
Wednesday, Feb. 22
7:00-7:45 p.m.

Pizza Snack Food Taste-off
Saturday, March 4
12-4 p.m.

Explore Southern Italy
Monday, March 6
7:00-8:30 p.m.

Pizza Pi Day
Tuesday, March 14
4:00-4:45 p.m.

Senior Coffee Hour: The History of Pizza
Wednesday, March 22
10:30-11:30 a.m.

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Conservative Policy Group Pitches State Budget Plan With No Tax Hike

CHICAGO (CBS) — A conservative lobbying group has outlined a plan for ending the state’s budget standoff without a major income tax increase.

The Illinois Policy Institute’s budget plan would move all new employees and as many current workers as it can persuade into a 401(k)-style retirement plan, instead of defined pensions.

The proposal also would make most able-bodied people without children ineligible for Medicaid, impose the state’s most recent contract offer to unionized state workers, reduce state payroll by 10 percent, and freeze property taxes for five years.

Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman said it also would end state revenue sharing with larger local governments, which he claimed spend more money than they should.

“We want to end that charade. We want to create local accountability. If a local school district wants to engage in pension spiking at the end of a teacher’s career, they can do that. If they want to give administrators excessive compensation packages, they can do that. But they won’t be able to send the bill to other taxpayers anymore,” he said.

Tillman said state mandates on local government would be reduced, but he acknowledged there would be skepticism and resistance to much of the IPI budget plan.

“Every single political actor at the local level will want to hold on to every penny they can, and it won’t be until the public demands these reforms that we really see the political will,” he said.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) said she thinks the public will press for approval of the IPI budget plan.

“That four-person family where the dad’s working his tail off, and maybe has a second job, and they know that they’re funding the Medicare for an able-bodied single adult who doesn’t want to get a job; I’ll tell you what, they’re all in on this plan, sir. All in,” she said.

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Jimmy Buffett Set To Return To Wrigley Field After 12 Years

CHICAGO (CBS) — The man who kicked off concerts at Wrigley Field is returning after 12 years.

Live Nation announced Tuesday the return of Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band to Wrigley Field for a one night only performance. Buffett and the band will be joined by special guest Huey Lewis & The News performing Saturday, July 15 at 7 p.m. as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “I Don’t Know” Tour 2017.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band to Wrigley Field for the first time since the inaugural Wrigley Concert Events in 2005,” said Julian Green, Vice Presidents of Communications, Wrigley Field. “Jimmy Buffett is the best outdoor party of the summer and we look forward to the festive atmosphere he brings. Don’t miss out!”

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at, http://ift.tt/2jQ8fQs or over the phone, by calling (800) THE-CUBS. Customers are limited to eight tickets each.

Other artists scheduled to perform at Wrigley Field in 2017 include, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (Thursday, June 29); Dead & Company (Friday, June 30 & Saturday, July 1); James Taylor (Monday, July 17); Billy Joel (Friday, Aug. 11); Green Day (Thursday, Aug. 24); and Zac Brown Band (Saturday, Aug. 26).

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Oprah Winfrey Set To Join 60 Minutes

Oprah Winfrey, esteemed broadcaster, producer, actress and philanthropist is set to become a special contributor to 60 Minutes, as per executive producer Jeff Fager’s announcement earlier today.

“There is only one Oprah Winfrey,” said Fager. “She has achieved excellence in everything she has touched. Her body of work is extraordinary, including thousands of interviews with people from all walks of life. She is a remarkable and talented woman with a level of integrity that sets her apart and makes her a perfect fit for 60 MINUTES. I am thrilled that she will be bringing her unique and powerful voice to our broadcast.”

“I’ve been a big admirer of 60 MINUTES since my days as a young reporter,” said Winfrey. “I’m so excited and proud to join forces with this historic news program, which for me represents the bastion of journalistic storytelling. At a time when people are so divided, my intention is to bring relevant insight and perspective, to look at what separates us, and help facilitate real conversations between people from different backgrounds.”

Ms. Winfrey will make her first appearance on CBS News’ legendary Sunday night broadcast this fall.

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Baffoe: Keep Talking Politics, Sports World

By Tim Baffoe–

(CBS) Keep talking.

As Americans, we have run out of figurative safe spaces. Two-and-a-half minutes to midnight for the first time in most of our lives says so. Perhaps no greater illusory one exists than that of the sports world. Don’t let it get earmuffs.

It’s the place where so many ignorant people who will just as easily label someone the epithet du jour, “snowflake,” seek asylum from having a flawed worldview held up to them like a mirror. It’s where smart, critical thinkers burp “stick to sports” at all who dare to acknowledge that politics and sports have always and will always intersect. Oh, how the dumb demand a place to be mindless. And they believe they’re entitled to a world of sports devoid of the political. Nah. Not only does such a sports world not exist, we can’t let such a canard have oxygen.

Ignorance and apathy and delusional escapism make fertile ground for the budding of the dictatorial. Sports can’t be allowed to contribute.

Thankfully, there are those not going gentle into that good night, that darkness of information, however unpleasant and challenging. Plenty of writers who happen to cover sports have made their thoughts known about the ethical and moral conflicts posed in just the first week of the new presidency and its dangerous shadow puppeteers. Bryan Curtis of The Ringer on Monday chronicled some of the names amid the changing duties of Joe and Jane Fedora. Outside of the game whistles, we all need a civics lesson. If writers who like sports are to be some of the instructors, fantastic.

Others have done the service of asking coaches and athletes for their thoughts. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked Sunday about the recent executive order targeting Muslim refugees. Kerr, who was born in Lebanon and whose father was executed by terrorists in Beirut, had this to say:

Steve Kerr — "as someone whose family member was a victim of terrorism" — speaks out against Donald Trump's recent executive order http://pic.twitter.com/YbCH2sn0hw

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 30, 2017

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry was a bit more succinct in his response to similar question, though no less apt (caution: NSFW).

Kyle Lowry's comments on President Trump's #MuslimBan http://pic.twitter.com/DOIPpOE0AP

— Mark Sheldon (@markdsheldon) January 30, 2017

This is good. Reporters need to continue to ask the political thoughts of sports figures because sports figures are shapers of culture, as all entertainers are, no matter how much certain wealthy pundits will try to deflect with “Hollywood elite” ad hominem. Sure, a coach or athlete has the right to avoid a political question — if they haven’t otherwise injected themselves already like Tom Brady did when he placed a “Make America Great Again” cap in his locker for the media to see and yet now cowardly dodges any questions about his relationship to the president. Weak sauce as it is to pretend you’re robot without politics, kudos to those willing to deal with the backlash in favor of honesty. We all must keep talking. History shows that avoiding the difficult topics of discussion only worsens them. You can’t ignore away a cancer.

I strive for a diverse balance of texts in my classes. At the end of last schoolyear I replaced this one because I didn't foresee this year. http://pic.twitter.com/8YRkdOW2ZW

— Tomi Baffoe (@TimBaffoe) January 27, 2017

Sports is politics is art. Because too much is at stake for too many people, we don’t get to hide in a world of box scores. This past weekend showed that most obviously at America’s airports and, again, that was just Week 1.

There will be those in the sports world who attempt to derail the conversations and righteous actions. Keep talking. ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele flexed her privilege and stood up for those who appreciate a good protest so long as it fits their convenience level and posted about how protesters at LAX made people miss flights, including (boom) immigrants. Steele also used Twitter for some Facebook-y thoughts last year on Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans kneeling during the national anthem and made the odd reprimand of “We’re talking celebrity stuff, not politics” to Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, who tried to speak on healthcare during the last NBA All-Star Weekend.

Aubrey Huff, ruiner of multiple fantasy baseball teams of mine, was on Twitter on Sunday acting very much like a dude named Aubrey Huff. In several tweets of veiled bigotry that he has since deleted after getting waxed by not stupid people, Huff choked on a dip over people he was probably watching from a distance on TV stand up for their fellow man.

So he keypad smashed “I mean seriously what the hell is going on? If you have time 2 march, protest and riot. Maybe it’s time for something called a job!” — for which people reminded him he was both describing a Sunday and ignoring how a labor union fought for what he has now in unemployment. He also retorted to critics, “Yeah there hasn’t been any protests or marches Monday thru Friday my bad,” inadvertently bus-tossing last Friday’s conservative-leaning March for Life marchers.

Former pitcher, current Texas Rangers broadcaster, paternalist, sexual assault apologist and Bible passage Twitter bio holder C.J. Nitkowski chose to mock now-former Attorney General Sally Yates on Monday night after she was fired by Trump for refusing to enforce something she found unjust.

Good run. http://pic.twitter.com/UgLap8rijU

— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) January 31, 2017

@King_Gregoro I guess if publicly announcing you're not going to do your job is a way to gain an elected position she'll be successful.

— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) January 31, 2017

The Steeles, Huffs and Nitkowskii are crucial to keeping these conversations going, though. Famous sports figures need to make the really bright comments and really witless stuff because the latter will collide with the former and foster discussion (like Dan Le Batard’s response to Steele and ESPN) and people paying more attention to the very serious domestic and world problems being exacerbated right now.

Human beings who play and coach and write about and consume sports must keep talking about the humanity of the world. As shapers of culture, there’s a certain duty in that. And they owe it to the military they praise that may be needlessly sent into harm’s way for oil and/or against an enemy galvanized by our own politicians. To the Make-a-Wish kid whose health care may now be compromised. To the mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and teammates certainly not respected by this administration. To the teammates and fans of color whose lives stand to get a lot worse in America before they get better.

The frightened bearers of the status quo, emboldened by a fascism that they refuse to acknowledge is repeating history right in front of their faces, can’t win in shouting constructive criticism and social justice into silence.

Brandon Saad of the Columbus Blue Jackets needs to talk about his Syrian refugee family’s struggles. Let NASCAR’s — friggin’ NASCAR’s — Dale Earnhardt Jr. speak, even in simple volumes.

@GelarBudidarma my fam immigrated from Germany in 1700s escaping religious persecution. America is created by immigrants.

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 29, 2017

Former Bull and current Lakers forward Luol Deng sure as hell gets to talk.

I am a #ProudRefugee. http://pic.twitter.com/4aeMY98vaJ

— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) January 30, 2017

A huge chunk of the NBA has to speak out against obvious racism masked as national security. More books about not sticking to sports should be written, like that of former Chicago Bulls guard Craig Hodges. Wisconsin Badger guard Bronson Koenig is right to shove the continued inhumanity toward fellow Native Americans in our faces.

Gaslighting and doublespeak are going to be staples of how information is presented to us by the powers that be for the next four years. This is already established. The powers that be want those who point out lies and inconsistencies and wrongdoing to literally shut up.

Combatting all that through listening to smart people and critically thinking and speaking up against injustice is grueling and tiresome, and a fatigue will set in where self-preservation seems to be the best course of action instead. But the more outlets for ignorance there are, the more that misinformation will thrive. Sports can’t be such. I won’t let it, and luckily a lot of others won’t either.

The bad guys win when sports shuts up. Keep talking.

Tim Baffoe is a columnist for CBSChicago.com. Follow Tim on Twitter @TimBaffoe. The views expressed on this page are those of the author, not CBS Local Chicago or our affiliated television and radio stations.

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Luol Deng Speak Out Against President Trump’s Immigration Ban: ‘I Am A Proud Refugee’

(CBS) Former Bull and current Lakers forward Luol Deng has spoken out against President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that places a temporary immigration ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries by preventing them from entering the United State for 90 days and which also suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days.

Deng was born in Wow, Sudan, which later became part of the South Sudan when the latter gained its independence in 2011. Deng later left for Egypt and then moved to the United Kingdom. He became a British citizen in 2006.

Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Libya and Yemen are the seven countries under Trump’s ban.

Deng was the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and played for the Bulls from 2004-’14.

“I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the opportunity to find refuge in a safe harbor,” Deng wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter account. “For the people of South Sudan, refugee resettlement has saved countless lives, just as it has for families all over the world escaping the depths of despair.

“It’s important that we remember to humanize the experience of others. Refugees overcome immeasurable odds, relocate across the globe, and work hard to make the best of their newfound home. Refugees are productive members of society that want for their family just as you want for yours. I stand by all refugees and migrants, of all religions, just as I stand by the policies that have historically welcomed them.”

Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy and Suns coach Earl Watson are among those in the NBA who have been critical of Trump’s immigration ban.

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Preview: Blackhawks-Sharks

Puck drop is set for 9:30 p.m. CT at the SAP Center.

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Pat Hughes Wins Ring Lardner Award For Excellence In Sports Journalism

(CBS) Cubs radio play-by-play man Pat Hughes has been named the winner of the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism.

Hughes won his award in the broadcast category. Author Dan Jenkins the print award, while the late Joe Mooshil won in the posthumous category. Mooshil was an Associated Press writer for 42 years, Robert Feder reported.

Hughes will be presented the award on April 13 at the Union League of Chicago. Proceeds benefit the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs. Call 312-765-0405 or visit www.ulbgc.org for tickets and more information.

Hughes called the Cubs’ historic championship journey on the 670 The Score airwaves this season. Click here to hear his call of the championship-clinching out.

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Best Low Carb Dishes In Chicago

By Jacqueline Runice

Your parents’ only option was the “diet” plate which consisted of a gray hamburger patty, scoop of watery cottage cheese and maybe a sad slice of mealy tomato on the plate accompanied by a look of pity from your waitress. Since then, scores of athletes, film stars and suburban moms have opted for the high protein low carb tilt toward more energy, leaner bods and even warding off diabetes and heart disease. In Chicago, you can find crave worthy low carb dishes at an array of eateries from a French bistro and a legendary Chicago pizzeria, to a modern breakfast joint, a fast food favorite and a culinary oasis of wellness.

Retro Bistro
1746 W. Golf Road
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 439-2424
www.retrobistro.com

Owners and Kendall College grads, Lorraine and Chris Barth, offer French and Tuscan bistro fare with an extraordinary number of items that qualify as low carb and high flavor. Starters like tuna tartare deviled eggs and beef tenderloin carpaccio followed by wasabi crusted seared Hawaiian Ahi tuna, served rare, with soy and Asian veggies would thrill food fans of any ilk.  Flamed Steak au Poivre is a 10 oz seared New York Strip Steak with a black pepper cognac sauce served over a gratin of the low carb lover’s fave – cauliflower. while the Confit Leg of Duck and Duck Sausage dish sided with baby arugula with a light Dijon dressing allows you to indulge in something very French. So-light-on-the-carbs salad selections are dizzying from a grilled Gulf shrimp brochette salad to to a confit of duck number. After 25 years in Mt. Prospect, the bistro now has la soeur location in Crystal Lake, too.

Kanela Breakfast Club
502 E. Illinois St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 380-0071
http://ift.tt/2kNVxDy

Who doesn’t like breakfast for breakfast or lunch? With five locations in Chicago – Andersonville, Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park and Streeterville –  Kanela Breakfast Club is that old Greek diner reinterpreted and elevated for the 21st century. The choices that qualify as  low carb are myriad especially when you opt for a side of fruit (healthier carbs) rather than potatoes or toast. You won’t miss the starch when flavor peaks on your plate of Spicy Feta or Goat Cheese Omelette, Egg-White Omelette (with mushroom, avocado, tomato, onion, broccoli, green pepper and salsa verde), Chorizo and Eggs, Kale Cobb Salad (that includes roasted chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado, bleu cheese, hard boiled egg, creamy bleu cheese dressing) and  a Lorraine Scramble. In addition, you’re getting Eggland’s Best Cage-Free Organic Eggs, Bow Truss coffee and ingredients from local farms and markets.

Buona Beef
6745 Roosevelt Road
Berwyn IL 60402
(708) 749-2555
www.buona.com

What? You can have low carb fast food? Certainly – if you get to one of the 18 Chicagoland locations of Buona, The Original Italian Beef. The largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group (and official Italian Beef of the Chicago Cubs, 2016 World Series Champions), offers a “Skip the Gym” menu. You can still savor Chicago’s best Italian beef via a Naked Beef Bowl: lots o’ Buona Beef, peppers and cheese. There’s also a Naked Combo Bowl that adds Italian sausage to the bowl. We would suggest adding one of the eight or so salads but they’re sizable buckets of veg and protein. Try the Old Neighborhood House Salad (mixed greens, arugula, Roma tomato, cucumber, parmesan cheese, banana peppers, Italian vinaigrette dressing – just tell them to skip the croutons), a chopped or a Cobb salad.

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Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
4340 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 654-4000
www.loumalnatis.com

What? You can have low carb Chicago style pizza? Lou Malnati’s, the only deep dish pizza that matters, can be a dieter’s downfall with that authentic Buttercrust.  The “Crustless” pizza, however,  is prepared just like a deep dish pie but uses Lou’s lean sausage as the base. and then it’s constructed in the traditional way – topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, then chunky tomatoes and finished with a dusting of Parmesan and Romano cheese. Of course, you can load it with other low carb ingredients like mushrooms, onions, peppers, black olives, basil, garlic, hot giardiniera, anchovies, etc. and not have to ingest another thing for 24 hours. There are 47 Chicagoland locations.

True Food Kitchen
1 W. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 204-6981
http://ift.tt/2kQs6MV

Spacious, sunny and oozing health, True Food Kitchen is the brainchild of wellness visionary, Dr. Andrew Weil and although the new River North eatery does not necessarily label menu items by carb or calorie counts, there are quite a few dishes on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid that are naturally low carb. Brussels sprouts are prepared with Jerusalem artichoke, sultana, shallot and toasted hazelnut. Runner up in trendy veg is charred cauliflower and here it’s served with harissa tahini, dill, mint, pistachio. Order some crisp Farmer’s Market crudites to dip into  tzatziki and black olive dip or shitake lettuce cups which are  protein emboldened by tofu and made interesting with exotic extras.  It not all about the garden, though, as protein rich entrees like Grilled Chicken or Seared Albacore Tuna Salad and Scottish Steelhead Salmon satisfy bigger appetites.

Related: Best Curry In Chicago

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2jQImQB