Eight Wounded By Gunfire Tuesday, Ending A Violent February In Chicago

(STMW) — At least eight people were wounded in shootings across Chicago on Tuesday, as February ended with a total of 210 gunshot victims in the city.

Forty-five of the victims this month have died, according to Chicago Sun-Times data. Since Jan. 1, at least 515 people have been shot in Chicago, 96 fatally.

Chicago Police touted promising early results from new technology and crime-fighting initiatives introduced this year, with a 40 percent drop in shootings in the Harrison District on the West Side compared to February 2016, and a 60 percent drop in the Englewood District on the South Side.

“While many of our neighborhoods have not seen a single murder this year, gun violence is plaguing neighborhoods on our South and West Sides,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement after President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, noting that the city has asked for federal resources in combating violence.

“The better question, I’d suggest, is whether the President cares enough about violence in our city to do more than talk or tweet about it,” Emanuel said.

The latest shooting happened about 8:45 p.m. in the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side, where someone in a car opened fire on two males standing outside on 55th Street near Spaulding Avenue, hitting them in the foot, police said. They were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

Forty-five minutes earlier, a male and female were each shot in the shoulder in Lawndale’s 3800 block of West Grenshaw, police said. They were in good condition at Mount Sinai.

About 5:15 p.m., someone shot a 29-year-old man in the abdomen in the 300 block of North Laramie in Austin. He was in serious condition at Mount Sinai.

A 17-year-old boy was walking in West Pullman’s 11500 block of South LaSalle about 4 p.m. on the Far South Side when someone in a gold vehicle shot him in the back. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Just after 3 a.m., a 40-year-old man was walking in the 3100 block of North Kilbourn in the Belmont Gardens neighborhood on the Northwest Side when someone got out of a vehicle and shot him in the side, police said. He was in serious condition at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

Tuesday’s first shooting happened at 1:10 a.m. in Washington Park, where a livery driver in the 6200 block of South Indiana picked up a passenger who pulled a gun and demanded the 49-year-old man’s things, police said. The driver grabbed the gun, which went off, shooting him in the finger. The suspect took off in his car; the livery driver was taken in good condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center.

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

 

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Sophia King Wins Chicago’s 4th Ward, Mayoral Showdowns Triggered In Evanston, Aurora

(CBS) — Voters went to the polls in some parts of the Chicago area on Tuesday. Here are some results from the biggest contested races:

-Ald. Sophia King appeared to be the easy winner in the special aldermanic election in the South Side’s 4th Ward.

-Sam Cunningham is the apparent winner in the mayoral race in Waukegan.

-Steve Hagerty and Mark Tendam were tops in the Evanston Mayor’s race and will compete in the general election on April 4.

-Incumbent west suburban Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero wins the Democratic  primary and does not face a challenger in April.

-Richard Irvin and Richard Guzman appear headed for an April 4 showdown to determine who will be the next mayor of Aurora.

-Riley Rogers is the apparent winner of the mayoral race in Dolton.

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Providence Beats DePaul 73-64

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Kyron Cartwright and Emmitt Holt scored 14 points apiece and Providence rolled to a 73-64 victory over DePaul on Tuesday night for its fifth straight win.

Providence (19-11, 9-8 Big East) entered the game in a four-way tie for fourth place in the conference standings, and visits St. John’s (13-17, 7-10) on Saturday to end its regular season. DePaul (9-21, 2-15) has lost 12 of its last 13 games.

The Friars took the lead for good about six minute in and built a 34-23 halftime advantage. DePaul pulled within seven points before the Friars used a 19-8 run for a 60-42 lead with 6:40 to play. Cartwright scored nine points and Holt chipped in four during the stretch.

Rodney Bullock added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Friars. Jalen Lindsey finished with 12 points.

Brandon Cyrus and Devin Gage each scored 12 points to lead DePaul.

(© 2017 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

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Denver Snaps Bulls’ 4-Game Winning Streak

CHICAGO (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season, and the Denver Nuggets rode a second-half surge to a 125-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.

Danilo Gallinari scored 22 points and Wilson Chandler added 20 as Denver, which entered the game fourth in the NBA in scoring (110.6 points per game), posted a 70-48 advantage in the second half to erase a halftime deficit.

Gary Harris and Will Barton had 15 points apiece for the Nuggets.

Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo had 19 points apiece for Chicago, which had its four-game winning streak snapped. Jimmy Butler finished with just eight points on 3-for-13 shooting.

Chicago had a 59-56 halftime lead before Denver busted out for a 35-point third quarter to take a 91-83 advantage into the fourth. The Nuggets were 11 of 20 from the field and 10 of 11 from the free throw line in the third.

Denver carried the momentum into the final quarter, scoring the first eight points — capped by Gallinari’s two 3-pointers — for a 99-83 lead. The margin was up to 21 points (110-89) a few minutes later and the rout was on.

TIPS IN

Nuggets: F Kenneth Faried (back spasms) did not make the trip and missed his second straight game. He last played against Brooklyn on Friday and is expected to be sidelined at least another week. “The back is a funny thing, and he’s had back issues in the past,” coach Michael Malone said.

Bulls: Coach Fred Hoiberg has two main objectives during the final six weeks of the regular season: win enough games to make the playoffs while taking a long look at some of the team’s young players, including newly acquired Cameron Payne and Joffrey Lauvergne. “We played 11 in the first half the other night (against Cleveland) and it’s tough to play that many guys,” Hoiberg said. “But at the same time, you do want to get a look at the new guys.”

UP NEXT

Nuggets: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night to wrap up a quick two-game road trip.

Bulls: Host Golden State on Thursday.

 

(© 2017 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

 

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Bulls Show Defensive Cracks Against Nuggets

By Cody Westerlund–

CHICAGO (CBS) — Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo was blunt in his assessment Tuesday night after Chicago allowed an opponent season-high for points in a 125-107 loss to the Denver Nuggets, who cashed in on 13 3-pointers.

“We got to run them off the line,” Rondo said.  “A team like that, everyone gets paid a lot of money to shoot the ball, those guys. We knew going into the game what the scouting report was, and we didn’t stick to the plan.”

The catch for the Bulls now, of course, is that the problem may be much bigger than the game plan.

Tuesday marked the second time in three games since the Bulls dealt veteran stalwart and quality defender Taj Gibson to the Thunder in a five-player trade that their defense has significantly cracked. Last Friday, the Suns shot 52.7 percent as the Bulls held them off in overtime. Four nights later, the Nuggets shot 56.3 percent from the field, 43.3 percent on 3-pointers and went 22-of-24 at the line.

Both foes got good looks time and again against a Bulls team that has too often been a step slow defensively or broken down in covering for teammates’ deficiencies.

“We got to figure out where everybody is supposed to be out on the floor,” said Bulls wing Jimmy Butler, who had one of his poorest games of the season Tuesday in scoring eight points on 3-of-13 shooting. “We got to focus in and make sure we know the plays, the calls, all that stuff. ”

It was no secret what Gibson meant to the Bulls. Dwyane Wade called him the “heart and soul of the team,” and Gibson was consistent defensively in his abilities and his positioning. Since the deal, the Bulls have given second-year forward Bobby Portis a starting role and others bigger responsibilities, to mostly positive returns offensively that are coupled with defensive struggles.

Entering Tuesday, the Bulls had the league’s 16th-best defensive rating, per basketball-reference.com, so it’s an end they’d previously been average in.

“We’ve basically had one practice, and we just got to try to continue to get those guys as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible,” coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Again, we’ll bounce back tomorrow and hopefully have a solid practice, again a lot of teaching with the young guys. It’s tough. It’s tough doing it on the fly, but multiple teams are doing it right now, and we got to do the best job we can.”

The loss to the Nuggets snapped the Bulls’ four-game winning streak and dropped them to 30-30, with a matchup against the league-leading Warriors awaiting Thursday at the United Center. Chicago remains in seventh place in the East, one-and-a-half games ahead of eighth-place Detroit and three games ahead of Milwaukee and Miami, which are tied for ninth.

“We’re not going to go to one loss and say it’s the new guys or we have a problem,” Rondo said. “It’s basketball. We didn’t point the finger when we got four wins in a row, so we’re not going to point the finger and say it’s the new schemes or the new guys. It’s us. It’s a team.”

Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for CBSChicago.com and covers the Bulls. He’s also the co-host of the @LockedOnBulls podcast, which you can subscribe to on iTunes and Stitcher. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.

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1 Killed, More Than A Dozen Injured When Tornado Hits LaSalle County

(CBS) – Severe weather and tornadoes that ripped through LaSalle County Tuesday evening killed at least one person, injured at least six and displaced several others.

The people whose homes were damaged were spending the night at shelters.

The tornado and winds “caused a lot of structural damage,” said John Nevins, fire chief of the village of Naplate, one of the hardest-hit areas. “A lot of power lines are down. Power poles down. Trees down.”

Naplate Mayor Jim Rick saw the tornado pass through town and the debris it scattered through the air.

“Signs, parts of roofs and tree limbs,” he says.

About 50 homes were damaged.

Kim French’s house was one of them. She took cover between two heavy appliances.

“I have no roof. It’s just bad,” she tells CBS 2’s Ed Curran.

Just outside of town there was heavy damage to the Pilkington glass factory. Naplate is named after the national plate glass company, a huge employer in its early years.

There was one known fatality, but details weren’t available.

OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa says it has received 14 patients with storm-related injuries.

“The types of injuries we have received include fractures and injuries to the head, knee, and arm areas. Several injuries were the result of falling tree limbs and the inability of drivers to see as they tried to travel home,” the hospital said in a prepared statement.

Two patients were transferred to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.

One of the people hurt was David Johnson Jr., according to his father, David Johnson Sr. The elder Johnson says his 31-year-old son sustained a head injury from a falling tree.

“The outcome is probably not good,” the father tells CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar.

 

 

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Trump References Chicago Violence, Honors Killed Navy SEAL from Peoria, In Speech

(CBS) – President Trump once again took aim at Chicago street violence and he also honored a Navy SEAL from Peoria who was killed in action, as he made his first address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening.

The Republican also recounted many familiar themes: cutting taxes, building a Mexican border wall and repealing Obamacare.

In referencing Chicago, the president recounted last year’s national jump in the homicide rate.

“In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone. And the murder rate this year has been even higher. This is not acceptable in our society,” he said.

He then voiced a plea to support police.

“Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to a great school and to have access to a high-paying job. But to create this future we must work with, not against, not against, the men and women of law enforcement.”

The president drew groans when he linked immigrants to crime. He said he has directed the Department of Homeland Security to create an office called VOICE – Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement.

Some groans could be heard in the House of Representatives, where Trump spoke.

The most unanimous applause Tuesday was reserved for the widow of Peoria’s Ryan Owners, who died in a U.S. military raid in Yemen. Responding to criticisms about the casualty, Trump insisted the raid yielded results that will help the U.S. war on terrorism.

“Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity,” Trumps said.

 

 

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Police: Woman Robbed, Sexually Assaulted In Her Car In Lake View

CHICAGO (CBS) — A woman was sexually assaulted in her car early Tuesday in the Lake View neighborhood on the North Side.

Around 12 a.m. the 25-year-old woman was walking to her car in the 1200 block of West Barry when a man approached her with a handgun, according to a community alert from Chicago Police.

The man demanded her cash, then forced her into her car at gunpoint, police said. He assaulted her and ran away, police said.

He is described as a black man between 25 and 30 years old, with a medium complexion, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10, 150 to 170 pounds, with short black hair, a short beard and scruff on his chin, police said.

Anyone with information should contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8261.

(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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Severe Weather Damages Factory, Nursing Home In LaSalle County

(CBS) — The small village of Naplate in LaSalle County was especially hard hit by the severe weather, including tornadoes, that ripped through Northern Illinois Tuesday evening.

Teresa Zuk lives in Naplate and works at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa, which was damaged by the storm.

She was at home when the storm hit.

Zuk says she tried to go to the nursing home to see if she could help but was turned back by police.

Along the way, she saw the Pilkington Glass plant, which was heavily damaged.

A staff member at the nursing home tells WBBM there were “minimal injuries” but everyone is OK.

Another Naplate resident, Kim French, tells CBS 2’s Ed Curran that her home and several others in her neighborhood sustained heavy damage. Her back yard fencing and shed were gone.

“I see a lot of open space,” she said. “I’ve never seen that much openness in the neighborhood.”

One person was reported killed in Ottawa.

 

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Toyota Recalls Millions Of Vehicles Over Potentially Deadly Air Bags

CHICAGO (CBS) — Toyota is recalling 29 million vehicles in the United States to replace potentially deadly Takata air bags.

The recall includes 46 million Takata airbags, which have resulted in 11 deaths and 180 injuries in the U.S.

Toyota issued a letter to let motorists know that their car is included in a safety recall and that parts are not yet available.

“Until the remedy becomes available we recommend that you do not operate the vehicle with an occupant in the front passenger seat,” the letter said in bold print.

“It’s telling you to put passengers in the back of the car,” said Toyota on Western Service Manager Keith Richardson.

But if you can’t do that, perhaps if you are a family of four or five, you should call Toyota.

So CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker did just that.

According to the clerk on the phone, Toyota will give customers a loaner upon request.

If a loaner is not available, dealers say the company will issue a rental and Toyota will cover the bill, up $35 a day.

“We talk to the warranty administration here at the dealership who contacts the people at Toyota to make that arrangement, and if they authorize it we do it,” said Toyota on Western Dealer Dan Schur.

If you received an interim letter, company representatives say you can expect another letter with more information about how to get your air bags repaired or replaced before May.

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Blackhawks Acquire Johnny Oduya In Trade With Stars

(CBS) Johnny Oduya is coming back to Chicago for another championship push.

The Stars traded the 11-year veteran defenseman Oduya to the Blackhawks on Tuesday evening, reuniting him with the organization he won Stanley Cups with in 2013 and 2015.

Chicago sent forward Mark McNeill and a conditional fourth-round draft pick back to Dallas. The conditional pick could turn into a third-rounder depending on the performance of Chicago and Oduya in the playoffs.

The 35-year-old Oduya has one goal and six assists in 37 games this season. He’s dealt with an ankle injury recently.

Oduya will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. He signed a two-year with the Stars in July 2015 as the Blackhawks couldn’t offer similar money while facing a salary cap crunch.

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17-Year-Old Boy Wounded In West Pullman Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 17-year-old boy was wounded Tuesday afternoon in a West Pullman shooting on the Far South Side.

It happened just after 4 p.m. when the boy was walking in the 11500 block of South LaSalle, according to Chicago Police. A gold vehicle drove up and someone inside fired shots.

The victim was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Area South detectives are investigating.

(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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Jewish Cemetery Takes Extra Precautions After Nationwide Vandalism

CHICAGO (CBS) — The director of a Chicago area Jewish cemetery said he is taking extra precautions following vandalism of Jewish cemeteries in Saint Louis and Philadelphia.

The headstones are not just pieces of granite, saif David Penzell, director of operations at a Chicago area Jewish cemetery. WBBM’s Steve Miller reports.

“They represent someone’s mother, someone’s sister, someone’s aunt. And it is so disrespectful.”

In light of the destruction at other Jewish cemeteries, Penzell has taken some steps here.

“We have off-duty police patrolling the cemetery. We have extra employees in the cemetery, after hours – as well as, shall we say, enhanced security measures in and around the cemetery.”

Penzell asks that we not use the name or even mention the name of the suburb where the Jewish cemetery is.

“I prefer that we stay under the radar, so to speak.”

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Ground Stop Imposed At O’Hare As Storms Approach From West

(CBS) — A ground stop was imposed Tuesday evening on departing airplanes at O’Hare International Airport, as severe weather systems moved into the Chicago area from the west, the FAA reported.

O’Hare Airport had cancelled 114 flights and is averaging delays of 27 minutes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Midway Airport has cancelled 27 flights and flight delays of about 15 minutes as of 5:17 p.m., the Sun-Times Media Wire reported.

 

Severe weather headed towards Chicago area. ORD flights could be impacted. Confirm flight status w/ your airline.

— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) February 28, 2017

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City Hosting First-Ever Youth Culinary Competition

CHICAGO (CBS) — Do you have a fabulous cupcake recipe? Or a passion for the culinary arts?

The French Pastry School has launched its first ever “Mayor’s Cup Youth Pastry Competition.” WBBM’s Lisa Fielding reports.

“It’s the first of its kind. We will be selecting 50 applicants, one from each ward, then we will narrow it down to 12 and coach them along the way with world renowned chefs and then we’ll have a final competition live where we will pick the champion,” said Chef Sebastien Canonne, Co-owner, French Pastry School.

Teens between 14-19 can apply on the school’s website. They will then submit their best cupcake recipe and an essay in 100 words or less on “What inspires you to bake”.

Current students at the FPS showcasing their work. (Credit: The French Pastry School)

Teen bakers will be mentored by celebrity chefs and the finalists will compete for a $23,700 scholarship to the French Pastry School.

Through this unprecedented youth competition, FPS will empower Chicago’s students to acquire real-world apprentice experiences and to hone the skills necessary for career opportunities in this fast-growing industry.

“Chicago students are excelling across every endeavor, and that includes the complex and competitive world of culinary arts,’ said Mayor Emanuel. “The Mayor’s Cup supports our goal of providing students in every neighborhood with a shot at hands-on experiences that will give them a leg-up in college and careers, and the confidence they’ll need to succeed once they get there.”

Current students of FPS preparing for their career in the culinary arts (Credit: The French Pastry School)

Starting Tuesday, FPS is launching an open call for best cupcake recipe and a caption on “What Inspires You to Bake,” from youth throughout Chicago to express their passion for pastry-making, baking and confectionary arts.

“We’re looking for originality, the breakdown of the recipe and how the ingredients seem to make sense, the balance, the flavor and combination and the caption of what inspires them to bake,” Canonne said.

Students can apply at frenchpastryschool.com

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Tornado Damage Reported In Naplate In LaSalle County

CHICAGO (CBS) — Multiple first responders have been dispatched to Naplate, Ill., after reports of damage from a tornado.

According to dispatch reports, buildings are down near 18th and Center Street.

There are reports that people may be trapped.

A second alarm has been called to that location.

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Gas Prices Are On The Rise As The Season Begins To Change

CHICAGO (CBS) – The party is over at the gas pumps, prices across Chicago are on the move up.

It is time for the summer blend prices, but just what does that mean? CBS 2’s Marissa Bailey went out to find answers.

It may not even be March yet, but summer-blend gas prices are here. The area has reached the beginning of the end of the cheap gas price season.

“This is kind of the trajectory where gas prices will start to trend higher.”

Patrick Dehaan with Gasbuddy.com said the switch to summer blend started this week and we could see prices go up as much as 20 cents almost immediately.

“By later tonight, you will notice if you are coming home to the suburbs that gas prices shot up, so in many cases if you can ship around, fill the tank sooner, I’d certainly recommend it.”

Dehaan said city gas prices tend to fluctuate more slowly, but no matter where you live or buy gas this is the start of an expensive few months for gas.

“Every one to two weeks, you’ll see an increase at the pump,” Dehaan said.

“I wish it would wait until at least April or May when it is at least nice outside, but it’s gas prices,” said Rachel Durbin, Chicago.

Patrick Dehaan with Gasbuddy.com said if you want to save some money when you buy gas, try to buy it at the beginning of the week. That is when prices do tend to be a little lower.

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Lost Wallet Leads To Arrest In Vernon Hills Vehicle Burglaries

CHICAGO (CBS) — A lost wallet led to four arrests in a string of vehicle burglaries this month in north suburban Vernon Hills.

Between Feb. 14 and 15, eight vehicles were burglarized in the New Century Town subdivision, according to Vernon Hills police. The majority of the vehicles had been left unlocked, and one was inside a garage.

On Feb. 15, a resident reported that landscapers found a wallet in the area where the burglaries happened, police said. The contents of the wallet identified two people, 23-year-old Melanie N. Cobb of Mundelein, and 22-year-old James N. Knowles of Round Lake.

James N. Knowles (Credit: Vernon Hills police)

Cobb and Knowles were taken into custody Feb. 20 in Libertyville and had items taken in the Vernon Hills burglaries, police said.

Police obtained a search warrant for the Vernon Hills home of acquaintances of Cobb and Knowles, 31-year-old Mary J. Smaron and 29-year-old Michael Decker. Several items that had been taken in the robberies, including 14 credit cards and checkbooks, were found in the home.

Mary J. Smaron (Credit: Vernon Hills police)

“Our investigation was helped immensely by the citizen who reported the found wallet,” Chief of Police Mark Flesichhauer said in the statement. “It underscores the significance of immediately reporting things unusual or suspicious. Without that call, additional crimes may very well have occurred before the suspects were identified and apprehended.”

Michael Decker (Credit: Vernon Hills police)

Smaron and Decker were charged with possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of another’s credits cards, and child endangerment, police said. There were each ordered held at the Lake County Jail on a $100,000 bonds.

Cobb and Knowles were each charged with possession of stolen property, police said. They were each ordered held on $75,000 bonds.

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Illinois Congressional Delegation Bring Telling Guests To Trump Speech

(CBS) –Some members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation are bringing guests to President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress tonight, and a few are making a statement in doing so.

WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports.

It’s not a State of the Union Address, where bringing guests is a thing among members of Congress.

Still, it’s President Trump’s first speech to Congress, so it’s an occasion and some members Illinois’ delegation are acting accordingly.

Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley’s announced that he is bringing a DACA, or “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” – student, Zarna Patel, as his guest to make a statement about immigration reform.

Fellow Democrat Jan Schakowsky has invited Suzanne Sahloul, president of the Syrian Community Network, for similar reasons.

Republican Congressman Randy Hultrgen is bringing a guest too, but a spokesman says it’s a longtime family friend from Wheaton. And, at last check, Democratic Congressman Bobby Rush, who plans to have a lot to say after the president’s speech, did not say if he’s even bringing a guest.

Senior U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin invited third-year Illinois medical student Aaima Sayed, who has temporary resident status under the DACA program.

Junior Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth chose Abdulla Sindi as her guest. He’s a naturalized Citizen from Iraq who worked with U.S. forces there.

Obviously, immigration reform is on the minds of the Democratic senators.

South Side and South Suburban Congresswoman Robin Kelly invited two guests, Donna Miller of Planned Parenthood, to highlight women’s issues, and an African-American radio talk show host to highlight the First Amendment.

President Trump is expected to lay out his legislative agenda, CBS 2 Political Reporter Derrick Blakley says.

He is expected to unveil his budget priorities, including a 10 percent increase in defense spending, offset by $54 billion in cuts to most government agencies and foreign aid.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he hopes big cities’ needs aren’t overlooked.

“My one hope, beyond the substance they’ve talked about, is that he would do it in a way that brought the country together rather than the polarization,” Emanuel said.

 

Meantime, along Lake Shore Drive at North Avenue and 31st Street, banners from Resist Now urge resistance to Trump.

When the president met with attorneys general from around the nation at the White House, Illinois’s AG, Lisa Madigan, was not there.

“The president has threatened our civil rights and civil liberties in a way we haven’t seen in decades,” she said in a statement. “I declined his invitation on behalf of the many Americans harmed by his actions.”

Speaking off the record, White House officials hint the president may endorse an immigration compromise — a road to legal residence for the undocumented that stops short of full citizenship.

That, of course, would be a sharp reversal of trump’s campaign stance.

 

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Levine: Michael Kopech Gets Hit Hard In His Spring Debut With White Sox

By Bruce Levine–

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) — The legend of White Sox  prospect Michael Kopech began in January, when the 20-year-old flame-throwing right-hander was captured on video throwing 110 mph from flat ground with a running start. The clip went viral, creating a stir around baseball.

On Tuesday, Kopech was again throwing heat, but he was also taking plenty of it back from the Mariners’ lineup. Facing a level of hitting talent he hasn’t encountered in the lower levels of the minor leagues, Kopech allowed four runs on three hits and a walk in one inning. That included a double by Nelson Cruz and a homer by Mitch Haniger.

It was a tough first outing with the White Sox for Kopech, who was acquired in the December trade that sent ace Chris Sale to the Red Sox.

“There were some pitches that needed to be made that were not,” Kopech said of his pitch location. “Obviously, the home run was an issue. Cruz hit a good shot off of the wall. I just need to execute better. Early, I felt good. I think I got in my own way after a little bump did not go my way. The name of the game is executing pitches. I did not do that today.”

Nobody is expecting Kopech to be in the big leagues anytime soon, as he’ll likely start the season at high Class-A. The White Sox’s hope is he can put in quality work there and earn a promotion to Double-A later in the season.

Despite being shelled, the confident Kopech emphasized he wasn’t intimidated Tuesday.

“Of course they are good hitters,” Kopech said. “That is not something I really pay attention to. There are a couple of guys in that lineup I actually know. They are all good hitters. It was an honor facing them, but I really never thought about that getting ready for the game.”

Kopech and everyone in the White Sox organization understands it will take time for him to development and that the minor leagues are best for him for some time.

“Nobody is trying to hide where he starts the season,” Renteria said. “I am sure he is aware of it as well. He is more concerned about doing well and executing pitches. If they do what they have to do, they all know they will be here (in the big leagues) soon enough.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.

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Peru Reports Two Tornadoes; Warning For LaSalle County

CHICAGO (CBS) — Authorities in Peru tell CBS 2 that two tornadoes may have touched down as of 4:39 p.m.

Here's brief video of the tornado that affected the LaSalle County Nursing Home. #ILwx http://pic.twitter.com/5vyUTaU1aV

— Equinox Weather, LLC (@EquinoxWeather) February 28, 2017

The storms damaged a nursing home, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Damage at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. #ILwx http://pic.twitter.com/cG86vyKCtR

— Equinox Weather, LLC (@EquinoxWeather) February 28, 2017

In Ottawa, this home sustained damage.

(Credit: Jeremy Stender)

A tornado warning had been issued for LaSalle County until 5:15 p.m.

⚠️ Take Cover! Tornado Warning including Ottawa IL, Peru IL, Oglesby IL until 5:15 PM CST http://pic.twitter.com/E9KZ594mzw

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 28, 2017

Peru tornado before it touched down #ilwx http://pic.twitter.com/NyLq18udvF

— LaSalle County EMA (@LascoEMA) February 28, 2017

Officials are assessing damage right now.

NOW: LaSalle County Tornado via @AereoMeteo http://pic.twitter.com/5wSWwcKJhO

— Brad Edwards (@tvbrad) February 28, 2017

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

Indiana State Police PSA Video On Turn Signals Goes Viral

CHICAGO (CBS) — An Indiana State Trooper has created a tongue-and-cheek public service announcement video that has gone viral.

Indiana State Trooper Sargent John Perrine introduced the world to what he says is an incredible feature to every car – the turn signal. WBBM’s Mike Krauser reports.

Sgt. Perrine posted Friday a video to his Facebook page speaking about the “incredible” feature.

“So if you look at your steering wheel, to the left side of your steering wheel, there’s a stick that comes down. That’s pretty incredible. That’s called a turn signal,” Sgt. Perrine said in a Facebook video. “If you push it down, let me show you what it does – it’s amazing. At the front of your car, it starts making a light flash. Now if you push it down, it indicates that you are going to turn left. But not only on the front! Let me show you what it also does here, on the back of your car, it also flashes a light.”

Perrine closes out the video explaining why it’s important to use a signal. “This is not only the right thing to do, it’s not only against the law not to use it, but it’s the courteous thing to do.”

He said the turn signal can prevent crashes and road rage, by helping those around you, that you are going to change lanes or make a turn.

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Man Gets 3 Years For Accidental Shooting That Killed 15-Year-Old

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison for an accidental shooting that left a teenage boy dead last year in a home in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

Orlando Gonzalez pleaded guilty Friday to causing child endangerment and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to Cook County court records.

Mario Venegas Jr., 15, was with Gonzalez and a 17-year-old boy inside a home in the 2700 block of West Evergreen on the afternoon of Aug. 5, 2016, authorities said at the time.

The 17-year-old was handling a gun, which belonged to Gonzalez, when it accidentally discharged and shot Venegas in the head, authorities said.

Venegas, who lived in Bucktown, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he died the next day, authorities said. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.

The 17-year-old was charged with involuntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm by someone under 18, authorities said. His court information wasn’t available because he is a juvenile.

Judge Earl Hoffenberg sentenced Gonzalez to three years for each count, but the sentences will be served concurrently, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records. He will receive credit for 204 days served in the Cook County Jail, and must serve one year of supervised release.

He was booked into the Stateville Correctional Center to begin serving his sentence on Monday, according to IDOC records.

(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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From Trash To Treasure, Students Recreate Musical Instruments

(CBS) – People are moved by music, but these students are putting their talent to work in hopes to create a larger impact worldwide.

Freshman students are Lebanon Trail High School in Texas are building handmade musical instruments from random objects found in the trash. CBS Dallas Forth Worth reports.

From trash to percussion instruments. #upcycle #recycle #SecondChanceBand #MusicLives #music #lexusecochallenge http://pic.twitter.com/Kopq0WQjrw

— Second Chance Band (@2nd_Chance_Band) February 26, 2017

The project started as a recycling idea that recently one the group $10,000 in scholarships as the regional winner of the Lexus Eco Challenge National STEM competition.

But the students have discovered an even greater reward.

“They say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, but one man’s junk is another child’s future,” said Avery Sinnathamby, one of the students involved in the project.

They are donating their creations to orphanages, refugee camps and other places in need in places like Mexico and the Middle East.

#upcycled &refurbished string instruments w/ new owners @ orphanage in #Mexico! Thnx Elise! #SecondChanceBand #LexusEcoChallenge #lthslearns http://pic.twitter.com/QbwKB8KKha

— Second Chance Band (@2nd_Chance_Band) February 19, 2017

You can follow the students’ work on Twitter.

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Levine: Brett Anderson Fights For Cubs’ Final Rotation Spot

By Bruce Levine–

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) — Left-hander Brett Anderson’s main job in Cubs spring training camp is to stay healthy.

The 29-year-old Anderson is hoping to land a rotation spot with the team after signing a one-year deal, as he battles left-hander Mike Montgomery for the No. 5 starter’s spot. Anderson is coming off a season in which he had back surgery and made just four appearances with the Dodgers, including three starts.

On Monday, Anderson threw a scoreless inning against the White Sox.

“It was good to get back in a game and not just face your own guys,” Anderson said. “I got through it. That is step one. Hopefully, now I can get back into a routine of being on the mound every five days.”

Anderson isn’t really a bullpen candidate for the Cubs, except for a possible long-man role. Since Anderson debuted in 2009, injuries have dominated his story arc. Not being too amped up and pushing too hard early in yet another comeback attempt is a top-of-mind focus for Anderson, who has a career 3.86 ERA.

“The biggest thing for me is being healthy and feeling good going forward,” Anderson said. “Everything after that should take care of itself. You don’t want to go out there and blow it out in your first two outings. We want to go out there with a purpose in mind. That is true if your pitching in a big league stadium or the backyard. I am happy with not giving up runs.”

The Cubs are considering using a six-man rotation for stretches of 2017, an idea that was actually hatched last season. In using such a system, the goal would be to protect pitchers after the Cubs have had deep postseason runs in back-to-back years, including a championship last season.

For now, Anderson isn’t preoccupied with the battle for the No. 5 rotation spot.

“That will work itself out,” Anderson said. “It’s always good to have competition. As a team, you can’t have too much depth. If I am healthy, everything will work its way out. I will take my chances after that.”

With a groundball rate of around 60 percent for his career, Anderson has proved to be an effective pitcher when healthy.

“I have never been a big strikeout guy,” he said. “My pitches were down in the zone (Monday). When the ball is on the ground, especially with this defense, it will be an out more times than it’s not.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.

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AG Lisa Madigan Declines White House Invitation

CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan declined President Trump’s invitation to meet with a group of states’ attorneys general at the White House on Tuesday.

“This President has threatened our civil rights and civil liberties in a way we haven’t seen in decades,” Madigan said in a statement. “He has put Wall Street bankers in the administration to protect the greed that brought our country to financial collapse. I declined his invitation on behalf of the many Americans harmed by his actions.”

President Trump met with about two dozen members of the National Association of Attorneys General, which is comprised of states’ top law enforcement officials.

Double thumbs up from Pres Trump during 17-sec photo-op in East Room with National Assn of Attorneys General. "Called them "great people." http://pic.twitter.com/tGTteiJ9jf

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 28, 2017

The President posed for a photo in the East Room and saluted the “great people” standing around him.

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

Tornado Watch Issued For Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana

CHICAGO (CBS) — A tornado watch has been issued for Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri until 10 PM CST http://pic.twitter.com/rjydYtU4BS

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 28, 2017

The watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. It is in effect until 10 p.m..

“The area is being monitored for increasing severe-thunderstorm potential, including the risk for tornadoes, severe hail (possibly significant), and damaging wind gusts,” the weather service said.

Storms are expected to fire up later this afternoon and continue into the evening. The entire area has the potential for strong weather, but the risk increases south of I-80, according to CBS 2’s Ed Curran.

The fast-moving storms and risk of tornadoes are especially dangerous because they develop so quickly under the cover of darkness.

CBS 2’s Steve Baskerville expects waves of storms to continue through the early evening and then again overnight.

A similar watch was issued earlier for Southern Illinois

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Kansas and Missouri until 9 PM CST http://pic.twitter.com/iyahUocJu7

— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) February 28, 2017

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2m4mYc4

Severe Weather A Risk For Chicago Area Today

CHICAGO (CBS) — Hail, high winds and a threat of tornadoes are expected Tuesday evening across the Chicago area.

The threat for severe weather in Chicago increased Tuesday morning, and again in the afternoon. CBS 2’s Meteorologist Megan Glaros said the farther South you are, the more likely you are to enter the severe weather zone.

Active aftn & evening with storms expected across the region with a early season severe weather risk. #ilwx #inws http://pic.twitter.com/QpYpmvNhlo

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 28, 2017

Chicago is expected to have a moist and mild environment the vast majority of the afternoon. But thunderstorms are expected to start Tuesday evening around 5:00 p.m. and have the potential to turn severe about one hour later.

One severe thunderstorm warning has already been issued in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Forecasts suggest the storms may go into the midnight hours. Glaros recommended that people have their mobile phones set to receive weather warnings.

A cold front is expected to pass through Chicago on Wednesday, turning the rain to snow.

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Texas Mom Says She Found Pill In Gerber Snack, Other Cases Come Forward

(CBS) – A Texas mother said she found a pill in her child’s pre-packaged snack, but the company that makes the product said it is highly unlikely.

Mother, Meghan Holt Davis had given her 6-month-old son Gerber Puffs and noticed something that did not belong – a piece that looked liked a white pill. CBS Dallas Fort Worth reports.

“I put B into his high chair and dumped some Puffs onto his tray & a little piece of what looks like a white pill came out with them. After removing him, I dumped the rest of the container and found another little piece,” said Meghan Holt Davis on Facebook.

Holt Davis said she contacted Gerber within minutes of her findings and then posted a photo on Facebook.

On Feb. 17, she updated the post stating she took the “foreign object” to be tested in two different cities and three pharmacists concluded the object was a Tylenol 300mg with Codeine.

Holt Davis contacted both Gerber and Walmart, where she bought the Puffs. Consumer Justice also contacted Gerber and learned the company has a strict employee policy to prevent these issues.

The company said employees are not allowed to bring anything into the room where Puffs are made and packaged. They’re not even allowed to wear shirts with pockets, just to be safe.

Gerber said it is investigating Davis’s report, and that it has received no other reports like this.

On Feb, 19, Holt Davis updated her Facebook post again with the new that other families have reached out saying they had similar experiences. The families sent her information, pictures, case numbers & complaint file numbers where Gerber has “swept this recklessness under the rug.”

Holt Davis continued, “This Momma & Daddy WILL get something done about this! And as I always say, continue to be vigilant when giving your child pre-packaged snacks!”

On Feb. 23, Holt Davis updated her post again with news that some Illinois parents found a white tablet of medication in their child’s Gerber oatmeal and filed a police report.

“I just got off of the phone with that police department and they informed me that they had sent the evidence to Gerber and that Gerber said it was an isolated incident and never reported back their findings,” she wrote. “Just a quick update for those who seem to believe this is not real or it is not worth raising concern over.”

She noted that the container of Puffs was sealed twice, once under the lid and one sealed around the lid.

“Both seals were 110% in tact with no holes, cuts or damage. The container its self was in perfect condition. When I notified Gerber within minutes of my finding I did inform them of that from the start.”

Davis, whose Facebook post has been shared more than 143,000 times, said she wants Gerber to increase safety.

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White Castle Offers Free Crab Cake Sliders To McDonald’s Employees

CHICAGO (CBS) — A White Castle restaurant near Chicago is offering a playful promotion for McDonald’s employees, after the fast food rival began testing a new snow crab sandwich in California.

White Castle took out a full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune, inviting workers at the McDonald’s headquarters in Oakbrook to the White Castle in Lombard to try their seafood crab cake sliders for free.

“They’re testing a crab sandwich out in San Francisco, and we just happen to think for all the employees at their corporate headquarters, that’s 2,200 miles away if they wanted to enjoy a crab sandwich. So we extended an invitation to all their employees to join us tonight at our Lombard Castle, which instead of going 2,200 miles, they only need to go 4.9 miles,” White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson said.

The offer came with an incentive. If 50 or more McDonald’s employees show up for the free seafood sliders, White Castle will donate $10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which Richardson said they will do anyway.

“We’re really hoping a bunch of them come out this evening at 6 o’clock, and enjoy the party. It’s Fat Tuesday, it’s going to have a Mardi Gras theme, and we’re going to give each of those individuals who show up one free seafood crab cake slider from White Castle,” he said.

.@McDonalds Headquarters employees, join us tomorrow at the Lombard, IL to receive the Ronald McDonald House donation! http://pic.twitter.com/HZC3etNYbY

— White Castle (@WhiteCastle) February 27, 2017

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Watch: Cubs’ Munenori Kawasaki Stars In A Commercial For A Japanese Drink

(CBS) Cubs infielder Munenori Kawasaki’s role with the big league club may be small, but as always, he’s playing a big part in entertaining us.

For his latest heroics, Kawasaki starred in a commercial spot for Kirin, a Japanese brewery. We feel like that’s all we need to say to get you to watch.

 

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2m4p1g7

Hundreds Line Up For New Block Of “Hamilton” Tickets

CHICAGO (CBS) — If you haven’t seen “Hamilton” yet, now is your chance – the next block of tickets were released Tuesday and best believe the lines at the box office were long.

The line curled Tuesday morning around Dearborn Street as hundreds camped out in front of the Private Bank Theater to be one of the first to get their hands on the next block of “Hamilton” tickets.

“I’ve been here since 11:30 p.m. last night, but there were people here way before me,” laughed Myrick Jackson, Chicago.

Jackson said he came prepared, as he has been trying to get tickets online for months without any luck. WBBM’s Lisa Fielding reports.

“I brought a chair and a little sleeping bag to keep me warm real quick,” he said.

Jackson scored tickets, and though his tickets are not until the end of December, but he said it’s worth the wait.

Myrick Jackson scored tickets to “Hamilton”after next block was released. (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

“I told my husband, don’t tell anybody how crazy I am,” laughed Florence Banack, Evanston.

Banack has been wanting to see the show, so when she heard the next block was released, she decided to come down and wait in line.

Among those in line was Maxine Mar, who took the train in from Burr Ridge.

“I’ve tried many times online,” she said. “I’ve done the lottery everyday and this was a big chance. I listen to the music every day when I work out. I’m really excited.”

Hundreds lined Dearborn in hopes to score tickets to “Hamilton” (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

And Joe Marcinek from Crowne Point, who grabbed his spot in line at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning…

“I’m super excited to finally get in and see it,” Marcinek said.

Patrick DeCori of Chicago bought tickets for Feb. 5, but didn’t use them because it was Superbowl Sunday.

“We decided to watch the game instead. I gave them to my brother, so this is my second chance. We are going to make sure we get the appropriate dates so everyone can make it this time.”

Joe Marcinek, of Crowne Point, and Patrick DeCori, of Chicago successful score tickets to “Hamilton” after waiting in line early Tuesday morning. (WBBM/Lisa Fielding)

Sixteen more weeks of performances through Jan. 7 of next year are now on sale. The show opened in Chicago in October and has been playing to sold out crowds ever since.

Prices range between $65 and $190 for regular performances. There is a limit of six tickets per household. The online day-of-show lottery for $10 seats will continue.

“Hamilton” is a story about the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton; and was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tells the story using rap and hip hop music.

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Levine: DH Is A Big Question Mark For White Sox

By Bruce Levine–

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) — Finding a designated hitter should be a rather simple matter for American League teams. You identify a slugger whose fielding skills have diminished but who still has power potential and the ability to drive in runs.

In the case of the White Sox, it’s not that simple. They’re set to enter the new season without a full-time DH. Instead, manager Rick Renteria plans to use the DH position as a rest spot for regular position players.

In 2016, Avisail Garcia was tasked with filling Chicago’s DH role, but the results were poor. Garcia hit .245 with 12 homers, 51 RBIs and a .692 OPS in 120 games. This season, Garcia will get the chance to play right field regularly.

The White Sox have struggled at the DH spot since Jim Thome was traded late in the 2009 season. They signed Adam Dunn ahead of the 2011 season, only to see him register the lowest qualified batting average (.159) in modern baseball history in his debut season in Chicago. He was an All-Star in 2012 but was a disappointment across his four years with the White Sox. The Adam LaRoche experiment ended poorly as well, with one underwhelming season followed by his abrupt retirement last March.

With the White Sox in full rebuild mode, it appears they’re not concerned about the DH role being handled by one individual. One player who figures to get quite a few at-bats there is 25-year-old Matt Davidson, who after spending two-and-a-half years in the White Sox minor league system broke his foot in his debut with the big league club last June. Davidson has struggled with contact, striking out in 31 percent of his plate appearances in 2014 and 2015 at Triple-A.

After rehab went well on his foot, Davidson is feeling good.

“There is a great opportunity with the team this year,” Davidson said. “I am just thankful for another chance. The emotional part of missing the year was difficult at first. The whole season mostly was a huge positive for me. So I decided not to go to a negative spot.”

Another candidate to serve as the White Sox’s DH is Cody Asche. Past that, it will be position players who are getting a rest on certain days. That will likely be Garcia from time to time.

“Once we cross that bridge and head into the end of spring training, we will determine who best fits into that slot,” manager Rick Renteria said. “Anything is possible. If someone fits a prototypical DH position, it’s possible (to have one player in that role), for sure.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.

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Man Who Helped Scam Cubs, Cancer Survivor Gets 6 Months In Jail

CHICAGO (CBS) — Joseph Gurdak landed in the feds’ crosshairs because he helped scam the Chicago Cubs out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. But along the way, it was discovered he also embezzled $358,000 from a client who had been struggling with breast cancer.

He used some of her money to buy toy trains, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

Gurdak, 73, of Park Ridge, was sentenced to 6 months in jail Tuesday in federal court. U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin cited Gurdak’s advanced age for the relatively light sentence.

Gurdak pleaded guilty in July to one count of mail fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. He admitted he helped Marc Hamid, the former co-owner of Skybox on Sheffield, file false royalty statements with the Cubs that underreported Skybox’s attendance between 2007 and 2015.

The scam cost the Cubs about $245,000, and the feds hold Gurdak responsible for $127,552 of that.

Gurdak spent much of Tuesday’s sentencing hearing with his head against his hands, which were often balled into fists.

Hamid has already been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty by a jury of four counts of mail fraud and five counts of illegally structuring bank transactions.

The feds say Hamid “led the charge” in the scam against the Cubs. But Gurdak embezzled $358,000 on his own from Christine Shaw, a longtime client. Prosecutors said he took advantage of their close relationship and his position as her accountant.

“(Gurdak’s) embezzlement from Ms. Shaw was reprehensible,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Jonas wrote.

Jonas wrote that Gurdak used Shaw’s money to pay his own credit card bills and “to issue checks to a hobby store where (Gurdak) purchased toy trains for his collection.”

Before the judge handed down the sentence, Gurdak apologized to Shaw and told the judge, “I will always be ashamed.”

“There’s nothing to justify what I did,” Gurdak said.

“I don’t know why you did it,” the judge told Gurdak.

Shaw also appeared in court Tuesday, telling the judge she “completely trusted (Gurdak) with my financial affairs.” She said she considered him a part of her family, and the embezzlement left her feeling “betrayed,” “shocked” and “hurt.”

“I counted on him,” Shaw said.

When she finished speaking, Shaw took her seat in the courtroom but began to cry and briefly stepped into the hallway.

Gurdak persuaded Shaw to make a $300,000 loan to Hamid, prosecutors say. Hamid told her the money would be used to renovate the rooftop. It wasn’t. And when she later asked Gurdak about the loan, he told her he and Hamid might go to prison for fraud. When Hamid was indicted days later, Shaw ordered a forensic audit and discovered the theft.

Shaw told the judge that Gurdak also stole from her aunt, but Jonas later called it an overbilling issue.

Steven Fritzshall, Gurdak’s lawyer, disputed that Gurdak overbilled Shaw’s aunt. He has said Gurdak repaid Shaw the money he embezzled, and he told the judge another $200,000 would be paid to cover attorney fees.

“Great weight must also be given to (Gurdak’s) efforts in aiding the prosecution,” Fritzshall wrote in a memo filed last week. “(Gurdak) cooperated significantly with the government in its pursuit of a conviction in the trial of Marc Hamid. (Gurdak) met with or spoke to the government on at least 13 occasions.”

The investigation into the Cubs fraud also nabbed Richard Zasiebida, a former suburban cop who admitted he dodged about $140,000 in federal taxes in connection with Hamid’s fraud scheme. His sentencing is set for March 15, and the feds have said they would ask a judge to send him to prison for about a year.

(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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Reward In Killings Of 2 Indiana Teenage Girls Reaches $100K

DELPHI, Ind. (AP) — Authorities say the reward in the killings of two northern Indiana teenage girls reaches over $100,000.

500 additional tips received overnight in Delphi murder case. Total over 9300. Reward is up to $100,360. No suspect (s) in custody yet. http://pic.twitter.com/BM20QnQrrN

— Sgt. Tony Slocum (@ISPPeru) February 28, 2017

State Police say donations from the public and businesses had boosted to $100,360 the reward for information leading to an arrest or arrests in the killings of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams.

Police also said Monday they’ve received about 8,800 tips in the murders. They received 500 additional tips overnight, totalling over 9,300.

The Delphi girls’ bodies were found Feb. 14 in a wooded area near the city about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis, a day after they vanished while hiking.

Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby says investigators remain confident they’ll eventually make an arrest.

Authorities have released two grainy photographs of a man and audio of a male saying “down the hill.” That evidence came from German’s cellphone.

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

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Sheriff: Aurora Man Tried To Meet Two Boys For Sex

CHICAGO (CBS) — A west suburban man has been arrested for trying to meet two boys under the age of 13 for sex, according to the Will County sheriff’s office.

Andrew D. Stewart, 29, was charged with indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives set up a meeting Monday with Stewart as part of an ongoing investigation, according to the sheriff’s office. He thought he was meeting two boys under the age of 13 for sex.

Stewart had two condoms, and cellphones that contained pornographic videos and images of children, according to the sheriff’s office.

When he was taken into custody, he told detectives that “if the police did not stop him … he would have had sex and sexual acts with the (minors),” according to the sheriff’s office.

The Aurora resident is being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility awaiting a bond hearing.

(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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Bovada Sets Cubs’ Over/Under Wins Total At 95.5, Highest In Big Leagues

(CBS) On every front, the defending champion Cubs are the favorites to win the 2017 World Series title.

Bovada has set the Cubs’ over/under wins total at 95.5, the highest mark in the big leagues. The Dodgers have the second-highest expectations, with their mark set at 93.5. The Red Sox and Indians follow at 92.5.

The Cubs are expected to dominate the NL Central, as the next-highest wins total among division foes was the Cardinals’ 84.5.

The rebuilding White Sox have some of the league’s lowest expectations, with an over/under wins total set at 69.5. That’s the second-lowest mark, behind only the Padres’ 66.5.

Bovada over/unders http://pic.twitter.com/pcnbyDuCmJ

— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 28, 2017

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Rauner Simplifies Job-Application Program In Case Of Strike

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has made it easier to find temporary workers in case a major public-employee union strikes.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees state council says hiring replacements would be illegal.

Rauner attorney Dennis Murashko said Tuesday the “Working for a Better Illinois ” website allows applicants to input the type of work they want and in what part of the state.

A news release says it will allow state agencies to quickly hire temporary workers in case of a strike. They would then begin a process to fill positions permanently.

AFSCME has been unable to settle a contract with Rauner for two years. Its 38,000 members have voted to authorize a strike.

Union spokesman Anders Lindall says Rauner should negotiate and not “intimidate.”

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

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Keith Thurman Discusses Undefeated Welterweight Clash With Danny Garcia And Fighting In Primetime On CBS

Jason Keidel

When Al Haymon launched the Premiere Boxing Championship (PBC) TV series, designed to put the sweet science back on free network television, the goal was to provide bouts like the one this Saturday, March 4, when Keith “One Time” Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) will fight Danny “Swift” Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight will also be airing live and in primetime on CBS beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

There’s no more pure or pristine result than two champions, in their prime (28), and undefeated. The winner will be welterweight champion and well up the rungs of the pound-for-pound kings of pugilism.

Keith Thurman, who not only has an innate and acute sense of the sport and himself, but also sees himself as equal parts boxer and ambassador for boxing, spent some time talking to CBS Local Sports about the bout and what made him the fighter he is today.

Jason Keidel: When did you first put on gloves?

Thurman: When I was seven years old. My first trainer was Ben Getty, who worked with me from age 7 to 20. And at age 14, wherever we went, he told me and everyone that, “this boy will be champ.”

Keidel: When did you fall in love with boxing?

Thurman: Also at age seven. We had after school exhibitions at the local YMCA.  A kid in my class… smallest kid in the school… he got up on stage and he was throwing combinations that Ben taught him. I said, “man, who knew little Johnny could fight like that?” I took the paperwork home for my mom to sign, and walking into my apartment, took three steps, reached in my backpack and grabbed the paperwork, and she signed.

My dad did martial arts. My dad and I watched Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies when I was five. I got beat up a lot at a young age. But then I got better.

Keith Thurman takes part in a media workout ahead of his fight on March 4 against Danny Garcia. Credit: SHOWTIME.

Keidel: When did you know you’d be any good at it?

Thurman: I was about eight and I fought someone who was nine. About five pounds apart. He had some nice muscles for a kid and was whipping me. Then there was a sparring session about two weeks later and i knocked him down. I did it because I was training between sparring sessions and he wasn’t.

Keidel: Which is more important – talent or persistence?

Thurman: Equally important. Talent is necessary, especially in competitive sports. But without determination and work ethic talent is wasted.  Ben put it (determination) in me. Ben Getty was a military man Vietnam veteran. And he was Ft. Bragg’s strength and conditioning coach. I saw Ben take many kids off the street and turn them into amateur champions.

Keidel: When did you know you wanted to pursue boxing professionally?

Thurman: I started thinking about it seriously around 13 or 14. At 14 or 15 years old I’d won three national championships. Silver Gloves.

Keidel: What’s your walk around weight?

Thurman: Depends. Sometimes 168 pounds. Can go up to 173/174. But making weight is never a problem. And I keep a cardio regimen. As I’m getting older, 165 will be ideal.

Keidel: How long is your average training camp?

Thurman: 8-10 weeks.

Keidel: How long did it take to finalize this fight?

Thurman: Quick and easy. Al Haymon handled it.

Keidel: Is Garcia your toughest foe yet?

Thurman: That’s my favorite question, and one I never answer, because I can’t until we fight. I never rate a fighter until I fight him.

Keidel: What’s the hardest part of Garcia’s game to face?

Thurman: He’s flat-footed, so we should be able to box around him. That’s the typical mindset. But what you don’t understand is he’s always on balance. Being flat-footed is one of his greatest strength. His balance. He’s willing to commit and trade with you at all times. He’s willing to trade, blow for blow. I have fewer fights but more KOs. I look forward to gauging his true punching power. He does have true power. He didn’t put Robert Guerrero on his back. I did. He knocks people out on their feet more than on their back. I think that’s a good way of gauging people’s power.

Keidel: What part of your game will be hardest for him to handle?

Thurman: Everything. My diversity in particular. My ability to change it up. I like to be unpredictable. One of my best fights was Julio Diaz: my first for Showtime. After the second round he went back to his corner. When they tried to give him advice he said I was awkward. They didn’t know I was awkward. I prepare my training camp for my opponent to stay awkward.

Credit: SHOWTIME Boxing

Keidel: Name some of your favorite fighters growing up?

Thurman: I started off with Mike Tyson. But at welterweight, I liked Aaron Pryor. I loved his skill and determination. And his handle, “The Hawk.”

Keidel: Did you pattern your style after anyone?

Thurman: Not really. I always wanted to be my own fighter. I take techniques from a lot of fighters. Like (Muhammad) Ali and his triple jab.

Keidel: How has PBC helped the sport? 

Thurman: PBC has done some amazing things over the past several years. I’m truly honored and blessed to be at the forefront of it. I led it with my fight vs Robert Guerrero on NBC. Then me and Shawn Porter on CBS with 4.2 million fans watching. Now CBS primetime again with two undefeated champs. Toe to Toe.

A reporter recently told me that this is only the third time two undefeated welterweight champions have squared off in the ring. The last time was Oscar De La Hoya vs Felix Trinidad (in 1999).

Keidel: Do you feel the sport needs stars?

Thurman: Boxing needs to stay with network TV so that the American people can see it for free. Boxing doesn’t need a Mayweather in the sense that he so strategically promoted himself. They need to face other great fighters and it shouldn’t take so long to manifest.

Keidel: Are you the next star? 

Thurman: Media and television create stars. I didn’t do this (boxing) to become a star. I’m here for the fight game. I was just happy to fight on HBO way back. I felt I’d made it. Now I’m on CBS on primetime.

Keidel: Any desire to move up in weight?

Thurman: Yeah. I see myself moving up. But I wanna make history at 147 pounds. When they talk about the best welterweights, I want my name mentioned.

Keidel: Best fight so far in your career?

Thurman: The Diego Chavez fight. We were both undefeated. he was 18-0 and i was 20-0. It went exactly as I wanted. I was just there willing to take it from him.

Keidel: Hardest fights of your pro career? 

Thurman: Shawn Porter and Diego Chavez.

Keidel: Most defining fight?

Thurman: The Chavez fight put me on the map. Two fighters who wanted it. In the fifth round I made a decision. This kid is real. I switched from finesse to power to finesse. Sure enough I hit him with body shots in the ninth, then tenth, to close the show. The Shawn Porter fight was second. Again, another fighter who wouldn’t back down. Took my best shots. We showed our will to win. I showed my will to win. The Porter camp swore they would break Keith Thurman down at the end of the night. The opposite happened, and it was PBC Fight of the Year.

BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 25: Keith Thurman (left) lands a left hand to the head of Shawn Porter (right) during their 12 round WBA welterweight championship bout at the Barclays Center on June 25, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

Keidel: Do you think this fight will inspire other fighters to take the toughest/best fights?

Thurman: Me and Shawn Porter set a good example and me and Danny are setting good examples. It’s up to promoters, too, to make good fights. Boxing is making a turn and a change. We’re tapping into the new generation of fighters. Manny Pacquiao won’t be here forever, a legend and champion in his own right. We are beyond the Klitschkos and such. Boxing is at a crossroads. New talent is peaking. We have a great future, as fighters and fans.

Keidel: How long would you like to fight?

Thurman: Five years from now I think hopefully I’ll have a nice pension and be able to retire. But I can give the sport, god willing, if I’m injury free, seven more years.

Keidel: Is Brooklyn your favorite place to fight?

Thurman: It’s becoming my favorite place. I love Vegas. I love California. I love Tampa. When it comes to cities, NYC has the history. The fans of NYC are the greatest city in america, always have been. And there’s nothing like the diversity of NYC. My third time fighting here. Fans have given me nothing but love and respect.

Keidel: If you could fight anyone in history, who would it be?

Thurman: If I could go all the way back… I’d go back to the best: Sugar Ray Robinson.

Twitter: @JasonKeidel

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