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The cheat sheet: Jim Harbaugh has done an electric job with the Bolts

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December 13, 2024

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The cheat sheet: Jim Harbaugh has done an electric job with the Bolts

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BUCCANEERS at CHARGERS

Time: 3:25 p.m.

Line: Chargers by 3.

Total: 45½.

Records (overall/ATS): Buccaneers 7-6/8-5; Chargers 8-5/9-4.

Who knows if the Bears could have hired Jim Harbaugh if general manager Ryan Poles had fired Matt Eberflus after last season to align an offensive coach with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. But since we’ll never know — the Bears didn’t even try to court the former Bears quarterback, who depending on which seemingly knowledgeable source you believe either wanted to coach the Bears or had zero interest — Harbaugh is making the Bears look bad with his success in his first season with the Chargers.

Under Harbaugh, the Chargers, who lost eight of their last nine games to finish 5-12 last season — and fired GM Tom Telesco and coach Brandon Staley in the process — are 8-5 and in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Of course, Justin Herbert is a great piece for any coach to start with. But Harbaugh had his share of hurdles to clear to return the Chargers to playoff contention.

The Chargers, in fact, lost their three best weapons — running back Austin Ekeler signed with the Commanders in free agency. Wide receiver Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears. And veteran wide receiver Mike Williams was released in a salary-cap move.

And despite having talented pass rushers in a rejuvenated Khalil Mack (17 sacks) and Joey Bosa (6.5 sacks in nine games), Harbaugh inherited a defense that was 24th in points and 28th in yards last season.

Harbaugh has done an admirable job of overcoming those obstacles. He hasn’t taken Herbert to a new level as was anticipated. Herbert has a career-low 212.6 passing yards per game and 14 touchdown passes — though only one interception for a career-high 98.4 passer rating. But while the offense is 20th in scoring, the defense under coordinator Jesse Minter leads the NFL in points allowed.

Still, there’s room for doubt about the Chargers as much as hope. They’ve beaten only one team with a winning record (the 8-5 Broncos). Their strength-of-victory is the third lowest in the NFL (35-69, .337).

Then again, their five losses have come against opponents with a composite 50-15 (.769) record. They haven’t lost to a team worse than 8-5. They’ve lost twice to the Chiefs — 17-10 at SoFi Stadium in Week 4 and 19-17 at Arrowhead last week.

The Chargers look like a team headed for an early fall if they make the playoffs. But you can’t discount the Harbaugh Factor. Pick: Chargers 24, Buccaneers 20.

TOP PLAYS

CHIEFS at BROWNS

Time: Noon, CBS 2.

Line: Chiefs by 4.

Total: 44.

Records (overall/ATS): Chiefs 12-1/5-8; Browns 3-10/6-7.

Outlook: The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes are taking “uncanny” to another level — they have failed to cover in their last seven yet are 6-1 SU in that span. (It’s tied for the longest non-cover streak since 2021, when the Panthers went 0-9 SU/ATS). Browns have beaten the Ravens (-9) and Steelers (-3½), so they’re capable, but while the trend is your friend, the Chiefs are due.

Pick: Chiefs 24, Browns 17.

COLTS at BRONCOS

Time: 3:25 p.m.

Line: Broncos by 4.

Total: 44.

Records (overall/ATS): Colts 6-7/8-5; Broncos 8-5/10-3.

Outlook: Sean Payton continues to do a bang-up job with Bo Nix and the Broncos. They were averaging 19.7 points through 10 weeks (22nd in the NFL) but have averaged an NFL-high 36 in their last three games — victories over the Falcons (38-6), Raiders (29-19) and Browns (41-32). Broncos are 7-2-1 at home in December since 2021.

Pick: Broncos 30, Colts 17.

PATRIOTS at CARDINALS

Time: 3:25 p.m.

Line: Cardinals by 6.

Total: 46.

Records (overall/ATS): Patriots 3-10/5-7-1; Cardinals 6-7/8-5.

Outlook: The upstreaming Patriots are just what the Cardinals need after losing their last three games. The Seahawks have their number, winning 30-18 at State Farm Stadium last week. But the Cardinals responded well, even in defeat vs. the Vikings, after losing to the Seahawks in Week 12.

Pick: Cardinals 27, Patriots 17.

THE REST OF THE GAMES

BEARS at VIKINGS

Time: 7 p.m., Monday, ABC 7.

Line: Vikings by 7. Total: 43½.

Records (overall/ATS): Bears 4-9/6-5-2; Vikings 11-2/8-4-1.

Outlook: The Bears have lost seven consecutive games and fired Matt Eberflus in that stretch. Still, their three division losses are by a combined seven points (3-0 ATS), including a 30-27 loss in OT to the Vikes at home in Week 12. But they’ve lost the benefit of the doubt at this point.

Pick: Vikings 27, Bears 13.

DOLPHINS at TEXANS

Time: Noon.

Line: Texans by 3. Total: 47.

Records (overall/ATS): Dolphins 6-7/5-8; Texans 8-5/5-6-2.

Outlook: The Texans play well against top-flight competition — the Lions (26-23 loss), Packers (24-22 loss) and Bills (23-20 win) —but not as well vs. losing teams. That makes this a tricky game vs. the improving Dolphins.

Pick: Texans 24, Dolphins 20.

COMMANDERS at SAINTS

Time: Noon.

Line: Commanders by 7½. Total: 43.

Records (overall/ATS): Commanders 8-5/8-4-1; Saints 5-8/5-8.

Outlook: The hook seems a little daunting here — winning teams are just 18-10-1 ATS (.638) over the last two weeks (they were 149-25-5, .846 over the first 12 weeks). Commanders are 8-0 ATS when they win.

Pick: Commanders 27, Saints 23.

JETS at JAGUARS

Time: Noon.

Line: Jets by 3½. Total: 40½.

Records (overall/ATS): Jets 3-10/4-9; Jaguars 3-10/7-5-1.

Outlook: Trying to figure out the Jets is like trying to figure out Aaron Rodgers. Jaguars are 2-5 SU but 6-1 ATS in their last eight games after beating the Titans on the road last week. Jets took the Dolphins to OT.

Pick: Jets 24, Jaguars 21.

COWBOYS at PANTHERS

Time: Noon, Fox 32.

Line: Panthers by 2½. Total: 43.

Records (overall/ATS): Cowboys 5-8/4-8-1; Panthers 3-10/6-7.

Outlook: Bryce Young is clearing a lowered bar, but his modest resurgence — an 83.0 rating (4 TDs, 1 INT) in his last four games — is giving the Panthers a chance. The Panthers are 2-3 SU/5-0 ATS in their last five after starting 1-7 SU/ATS in their first eight.

Pick: Panthers 24, Cowboys 23.

BENGALS at TITANS

Time: Noon.

Line: Bengals by 5. Total: 46½.

Records (overall/ATS): Bengals 5-8/7-6; Titans 3-10/2-11.

Outlook: The Bengals needed a late break to win (and cover) vs. the Cowboys last week. But the Titans are 1-5 SU/0-6 ATS at home.

Pick: Bengals 34, Titans 24.

RAVENS at GIANTS

Time: Noon.

Line: Ravens by 16½. Total: 42½.

Records (overall/ATS): Ravens 8-5/6-6-1; Giants 2-11/3-9-1.

Outlook: The Ravens are 13-3 SU/9-7 ATS coming off a bye under John Harbaugh but have failed to cover the last four years.

Pick: Ravens 31, Giants 13.

BILLS at LIONS

Time: 3:25 p.m., CBS 2.

Line: Lions -2½. Total: 54½.

Records (overall/ATS): Bills 10-3/8-5; Lions 12-1/9-4.

Outlook: Lions are on long rest and at home for the third consecutive week. Bills are on the road again after losing to the Rams last week.

Pick: Lions 35, Bills 31.

STEELERS at EAGLES

Time: 3:25 p.m., Fox 32.

Line: Eagles by 5. Total: 42.

Records (overall/ATS): Steelers 10-3/10-3; Eagles 11-2/8-5.

Outlook: Russell Wilson has a 103.9 passer rating (12 TDs, 3 INTs) in six starts. But he hasn’t faced a defense like the Eagles.

Pick: Eagles 23, Steelers 17.

PACKERS at SEAHAWKS

Time: 7:20 pm., NBC 5.

Line: Packers by 2½. Total: 45½.

Records (overall/ATS): Packers 9-4/7-6; Seahawks 8-5/6-6-1.

Outlook: Seahawks have won four straight (4-0 ATS) — three on the road, but are 3-4 SU/2-3-1 ATS at home. Packers on long rest.

Pick: Packers 27, Seahawks 21.

FALCONS at RAIDERS

Time: 7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN.

Line: Falcons by 4. Total: 44½.

Records (overall/ATS): Falcons 6-7/5-8; Raiders 2-11/5-8.

Outlook: With calls for Michael Penix picking up, Kirk Cousins will be motivated to break his slump vs. the Raiders’ 30th-ranked defense.

Pick: Falcons 30, Raiders 23.

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As a Chicagoan, I’m frustrated with Mayor Johnson’s budget priorities

Jane Wells

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December 13, 2024

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As a Chicagoan, I’m frustrated with Mayor Johnson’s budget priorities

I am writing to to express my deep concerns and frustrations regarding Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent actions and decisions, which I believe are detrimental to the residents and small business owners of Chicago.

Firstly, Johnson’s decision to raise property taxes is deeply troubling. Chicago residents already bear the burden of one of the highest property taxes in the nation. This additional increase exacerbates the financial strain on homeowners, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet in an already challenging economic climate.

Secondly, the proposal to increase the tax on alcohol sales in small businesses such as restaurants and bars is another harmful measure. These establishments are a vital part of our community and economy, many of which are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. This tax not only places an undue burden on small business owners but also discourages residents from supporting local establishments.

SEND LETTERS TO: [email protected]. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.

Furthermore, Johnson appears to be prioritizing the interests of the Chicago Teachers Union over those of the general public. The CTU’s demand for a 9% raise is unreasonable, particularly given the inadequacies within the school system. As a taxpayer, I have not seen substantial improvements in the quality of education to justify such a demand. Additionally, many hard-working Chicagoans have not received raises of this magnitude in decades, with most employees fortunate to see a 3–4% increase annually.

The lack of transparency and accountability in these decisions undermines the trust of Chicago’s residents. I urge the mayor’s office to reconsider these measures and adopt policies that prioritize the welfare of all Chicagoans, rather than catering to special interest groups.

Barbara Singer, O’Hare

Chicago Teachers Union proposals would help, not hurt, students

Three CPS parents claim in a recent Sun-Times op-ed that Chicago Teachers Union contract demands would harm students. However, like most ideas from “astroturf” groups like Kids First, their argument relies on selective data, flawed assumptions and a refusal to address the real issue: underinvestment in schools and students. Parent voices do matter — so do facts.

Take their statistic that “only about one in three CPS students reads at grade level, less than one in five is at grade level in math.” These numbers are troubling, but this is not a CPS-specific failure. Roughly 1 in 2 U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level and only 30% can count, sort, and do basic arithmetic. This is a national education policy issue, but critics only cite this data to blame CPS teachers, not to push for solutions.

CTU offers real solutions: K-2 reading specialists, fully staffed libraries, and bilingual educators aiming to address literacy and numeracy head-on. When critics don’t acknowledge these proposals, it raises the question: are they looking at all, or are they choosing to ignore the parts that do not fit their argument?

The op-ed argues that CTU wants to “lower standards” in teacher evaluations, claiming that “1 in 4 CPS teachers are not proficient.” This figure reflects a flawed system. The Danielson Framework, never intended to be a high-stakes evaluation tool, disproportionately penalizes teachers in underfunded, high-needs schools. Teachers at “opportunity schools” are far likelier to be rated “basic,” while teachers in well-funded schools are more likely to be rated “proficient” or “distinguished.” The framework does not measure teacher effectiveness, it reflects inequities in school resources.

Lastly, the op-ed proposes linking teacher pay to student test scores. If a teacher is working in a school serving students facing generational poverty and systemic disinvestment, those students are likely to face more barriers to academic success. Tying pay to systemic barriers punishes teachers for working in high-needs schools, where vacancy rates are often higher already. To support Black and Brown students, we should support the teachers working with them, not create policies that drive them away.

CTU’s proposals — more libraries, specialists, support staff — are about equity, not perks. If we want to help students, we must fund the solutions, not attack them.

Ryan W. Brown, Bilingual English Language Arts teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Cut mayor, alderperson salaries

Why is it that there are no salary cuts for the mayor and City Council members in the proposed budget? Fiscal responsibility should start at the top. If we citizens have to bite the bullet, so should our politicians.

Joe Urbancik, Morgan Park

Enough with the insurance ads

Now that the election is over, I have to believe that no matter how you voted, everyone is happy to be done with the political commercials. I only wish that something could be done to get rid of the inane insurance company commercials that flood our TV screens all day and night.

They are not funny, not informative and just increase the cost of their products.

Steven Fortuna, Naperville

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Before Nikki Giovanni’s death, poet heard — and praised — tribute album by Chicago’s Rhymefest

Jane Wells

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December 13, 2024

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Before Nikki Giovanni’s death, poet heard — and praised — tribute album by Chicago’s Rhymefest

Since renowned poet Nikki Giovanni died at 81 on Monday, accolades have been pouring in from fans including President Joe Biden, writer Roxane Gay and countless others across social media.

But one Chicagoan was lucky enough to honor Giovanni while she was still alive.

Rapper and newly elected Chicago School Board member Che “Rhymefest” Smith released an album inspired by Giovanni and celebrated writer James Baldwin in February. Titled “James & Nikki: A Conversation,” the project features samples from a 1971 discussion between the two icons for the TV program “Soul!” Several women rappers and poets perform alongside Rhymefest on the record, issued by the Golden State Warriors’ entertainment division.

Giovanni not only heard the music, but gave it her blessing.

“I’m so honored to be able to, in 2024, give Nikki her flowers while she could smell them,” Rhymefest said. “Don’t wait to honor those who have made an impact in your life. Do it right now. And that’s what we call a warm gift. If you wait until they transition, that’s a cold gift. We’ve got to start giving warm gifts.”

Reflecting on the album, Rhymefest said he wanted to preserve the teachings of the two elders, both now “ancestors,” for younger audiences. Like many others in recent years, he discovered clips from the interview on the internet and was captivated. For two hours, Giovanni, 28, and Baldwin, 47, tackled romance, religion, politics, oppression and more in what Rhymefest describes as “poetic freestyling” and “pure alchemy.”

“They were boyfriend and girlfriend. They were father and daughter. They were poet to poet,” he said. “I knew that when I added beats and rhymes to it, it would be a forever project.”

Rhymefest explores the subject matter on nine tracks with co-writers and guest performers, including Helixx C. Armageddon, Teefa, Frayne Vibez, Brittney Carter, Rell Suma, Freddie Old Soul, EP Da Hellcat, C-Red and D. Lylez.

On tracks like “Déjà Vu” and “Creator,” listeners can hear clips of Giovanni and Baldwin discussing relationships, with Giovanni challenging him on how men should treat women. Rhymefest said the conversation inspired him to consider how he, too, should listen to women, accept their correction and allow them to hold him accountable.

The song “Blackman,” which addresses religion, features clips of Baldwin and Giovanni discussing the topic.

“What I wanted people to understand is what I believe James and Nikki were saying, which is that God is bigger than dogma,” Rhymefest said. “It is the expansion of spirituality. It is taking religion and making traditions that are culturally and communally relevant that will keep God as big as ever in the center of our hearts.”

Rhymefest - A Conversation.jpg — The cover of Rhymefest’s album, “James & Nikki: A Conversation,” which features samples from a 1971 discussion between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.

Other songs, like “Elderberry” and “Surprise,” touch on lineage and legacy.

“When we’re talking about legacy, we’re really talking about the transference of the wealth of ideas and and generational power that has been gained so that the next generation doesn’t have to repeat oppression,” Rhymefest said. “The only true power is the power to give power. The way you prove that you’re powerful is who you empower and how powerful they become.”

Rhymefest said he was empowered during a discussion with Giovanni, who praised the album and considered how Baldwin, whom she called “Jimmy,” would feel.

“I love it,” she said. “Jimmy would love it, too.”

Nikki Giovanni (pictured in 1973) conducted televised conversations with writer James Baldwin in 1971 that inspired Rhymefest's album “James & Nikki: A Conversation.” — Nikki Giovanni (pictured in 1973) conducted televised conversations with writer James Baldwin in 1971 that inspired Rhymefest’s album “James & Nikki: A Conversation.”

Giovanni also spoke positively of the project during an appearance on Tavis Smiley’s podcast in July.

“I’m really pleased that the youngsters are listening to us and finding a way to use us,” she said at the time.

When Rhymefest heard that Giovanni died, he said he was “frozen” when considering what to say publicly.

“I couldn’t even post anything,” he said. “I thought, ‘What would Nikki say in a time like this?’ And I heard her voice. She said, ‘Don’t mourn for me. Mourn for yourself. You’re the one still there. I served my sentence.’ ”

As Rhymefest embarks on his new journey representing the 10th District on the Chicago School Board, he said he is keeping a 2007 quote from Giovanni in mind: “Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.”

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Older Chicagoans can’t afford a property tax increase

Jane Wells

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December 13, 2024

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Older Chicagoans can’t afford a property tax increase

Older Chicagoans, including AARP Illinois’ 250,000+ members in Chicago, are struggling to make ends meet while staying in the homes they love. We know this from the calls to our office from desperate seniors looking for guidance on property tax appeals and other remedies. And we know it from compelling research conducted by AARP in our efforts to advocate for those 50-plus and their families.

Last year, nearly half of Chicago voters 50-plus said they personally considered leaving the city of Chicago in the past year. Economic reasons like a need for a lower cost of living (79%) and lower taxes (73%) were key reasons for potentially leaving the city.

In August, Illinois residents painted the picture of what managing tight finances looks like for them: 63% of Illinois adults eat out less, 45% buy fewer clothes, 36% spend less on groceries, 29% cancel vacations, and 10% put off or postpone doctor appointments or cut back on prescription medications.

And this week, when AARP Chicago invited its members to send e-mails to their City Council member explaining why they cannot afford a property tax increase, 363 did within the first 12 hours. Many talked about being on fixed incomes, unable to pay increased bills and still live comfortably. Others described how their taxes have doubled while the value of their homes has only grown 10% in a decade.

This proposed $68 million hike comes after the total property tax burden on Chicagoans has already risen by 53.3% in the last decade. Comparably, during that same time period, inflation rose by 35%.

An inability to pay property taxes has a ripple effect. If unable to keep up with taxes, our parents, aunts, uncles and other loved ones who have spent decades investing in and aging in their homes stand to lose those very homes and all of their equity in them. It increases the need for people to use property tax deferral programs and makes more glaring the stagnant eligibility levels that haven’t kept pace with household incomes.

As a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advocating for those 50-plus and their families, AARP Illinois cannot stand by without letting Chicago leaders know how harmful another property tax increase would be to older adults in the city.

Older adults in Chicago have earned the right to stay in the homes they own, and they’re counting on city leaders to do everything in their power to ensure that happens.

Philippe Largent is state director of AARP Illinois.

The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Chicago Sun-Times or any of its affiliates.

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Here are more than a dozen ways Cook County’s property tax system could be more fair

Jane Wells

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December 13, 2024

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Here are more than a dozen ways Cook County’s property tax system could be more fair

A new study calls for government agencies involved in the Cook County property tax system to better collaborate to help the system become more fair and equitable, as a growing chorus of homeowners complain they are struggling to pay skyrocketing bills.

A common theme theme in the study is that communication between county Assessor Fritz Kaegi and the county Board of Review needs to improve. These two key county agencies help determine the fate of how much commercial property owners pay in taxes, and how that burden shifts to struggling homeowners.

Researchers found there’s a big gap in how much data these two agencies share to figure out how much a property is worth, leading to wild fluctuations in how much everyone in Cook County pays in taxes.

“If we get commercial property right, it’ll help residents because they’ll be paying a fair share,” said Jim Thompson, director of property tax policy for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Everyone will be paying a fair share.”

If the county has a more accurate picture of how much residential property owners owe in taxes each year, the government could come up with better ways to help people who are struggling to pay their bills, said Rachel Ruttenberg, Preckwinkle’s deputy chief of staff for policy. For starters, there’s a new $15 million homeowner relief fund next year.

For business owners, knowing what they might pay in property tax bills each year could help them better plan, Thompson said.

“If we have a system that is transparent, that’s predictable, that is fair and that people understand, it builds trust back into the system,” Thompson said.

Preckwinkle launched a property tax reform working group in 2021 to take a deeper look at how to fix the county’s complicated and confusing property tax system, which involves a web of agencies.

Property taxes are key to funding schools, libraries, park districts and other layers of government. But a common criticism is that the system is unfair, with people who live in low-income areas of the county socked with rising property tax bills they can’t afford, while landlords complain they pick up more than their fair share.

The Cook County Assessor values property and if a taxpayer doesn’t agree with the findings they can appeal to the Cook County Board of Review, which has three commissioners. Voters elected the people who run these agencies, and these leaders also are part of Preckwinkle’s property tax reform working group.

Cook County hired Josh Myers Valuation Solutions to review the way the county values commercial properties, from offices in skyscrapers to warehouses and neighborhood strip malls. Over the years, there’s been a volley of fingerpointing between the assessor and Board of Review commissioners as the burden of which taxpayers pay more or less shifts around the county.

“Concerns have been raised by stakeholders in these processes regarding the accuracy of mass valuations, the number of appeals, the large number of appeals at the (Board of Review) level that result in reductions” and the dynamics of the relationship between the assessor and Board of Review offices, the study found.

Since February, researchers have pored over close to 100,000 commercial and industrial properties and thousands of sales. They found the values of commercial properties in Cook County often don’t meet industry standards, and the inconsistent methods the assessor and Board of Review each use to determine property values combined with not doing a good job of sharing data contributes to substantial discrepancies in property values and assessments. These are some of the most important indicators for how much a property owner pays in taxes, Thompson said.

The study also found that commercial properties are frequently underassessed around the county, particularly in the south and north suburbs. That means homeowners could be paying more than their fair share.

Researchers recommended more than a dozen areas where procedures for assessing properties could be improved. Some ideas have already been implemented.

Suggestions include storing data in a centralized database with information about properties, like the type (such as an office building) and where they are located. For example, commercial taxpayers often don’t provide appraisals outlining the fair market value of their properties, or their income and expenses that would help the assessor better determine how much their properties are worth. Yet when they appeal to the Board of Review, they almost always provide this information. There’s no effective process in place to share this data with the assessor’s office.

Researchers recommended employees at the assessor’s office attend hearings before the Board of Review more regularly to defend the way they determine how much properties are worth.

Another suggestion: if analysts at the assessor’s office and Board of Review met more regularly to talk about how they each approach valuing property, they might create more consistent methods, the study found, creating less of a rollercoaster of a process.

Thompson said the conflicts between the assessor and Board of Review go back decades. In a statement, both offices supported collaborating more.

Kristen Schorsch covers public health and Cook County for WBEZ.

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Bears-Vikings won’t be alone Monday night — fortunately for Bears fans

Jane Wells

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December 12, 2024

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Bears-Vikings won’t be alone Monday night — fortunately for Bears fans

Fear not, Bears fans. If the game Monday night against the Vikings goes south, there will be another NFL game to satisfy your football fix.

After the Bears-Vikings game starts at 7 p.m. on ABC, the Falcons and Raiders will kick off at 7:30 on ESPN. It marks the first time the Bears will be part of such side-by-side scheduling, which is in its third year on the Disney-owned networks.

“When we got this included in our new rights deal, the best thing was it was an opportunity to have more football on Monday night,” said Tim Reed, ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions.

In March 2021, the NFL and Disney agreed to a rights deal granting ESPN and ABC the ability to air different games on the same Monday night. The first instance was in Week 2 of 2022, the bridge year between Disney’s previous deal and the beginning of its current 10-year deal. The double broadcasts expanded to three weeks last year; the Bears are part of this season’s final installment.

The setup increases Disney’s annual NFL inventory, the most valuable product in broadcasting. It had been 17 games and is now 25, including an exclusive ESPN+ broadcast, two ESPN/ABC simulcasts in Week 18 and two playoff games. The setup also increases ESPN’s reach by airing games on broadcast TV, a what’s-old-is-new-again trend in sports broadcasting.

“We’re fortunate to have ABC and ESPN to take advantage of programming two games at the same time,” said Reed, who leads ESPN’s daily activity with the NFL regarding business and programming. “I think about it more like a late-afternoon window on Sunday where one game is starting earlier than the other. So from a fan perspective, you have this awesome opportunity to get updates on either one.”

That’s a key component of both broadcasts and a rarity for prime-time games, which largely are exclusive. Bears fans locked into their game will stay updated on the Falcons-Raiders game by a constant scorebug in the upper-left corner of the screen. ESPN even added a notification to alert viewers when either team is in the red zone.

ESPN has learned to be judicious with studio updates and live look-ins of either game, fully aware viewers of one might have no interest in the other. The decision to show either is made from ESPN’s studio in Bristol, Connecticut. A producer there will communicate with the producers on-site to notify them whether an update is coming or a two-box will be used.

“We’ve become more strategic and situational about when we do live look-ins,” Reed said. “There’s a lot of factors at play. To our production team’s credit, there’s no exact script for those. It’s a little bit of a feel for what’s going on. If one game’s in a critical moment, you don’t necessarily want to go to a two-box.

“The one piece that works well is the in-progress highlights. That’s something as football fans we’ve seen forever on Sunday afternoons. To have Scott van Pelt cut into one game and offer a highlight, that’s a nice little added element.”

ESPN continues to experiment with kickoff times. The two games have been separated by as many as 75 minutes and as few as zero. Those are set when the full schedule is released in May and are chosen in collaboration with the NFL.

As for the announcers, Bears-Vikings gets ESPN’s regular “Monday Night Football” crew of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters. Falcons-Raiders gets Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky and Laura Rutledge.

“Our biggest hope is that all of those Bears fans, when that game concludes, they’re going to quickly flip over to ESPN to watch the conclusion of the second game,” Reed said. “And to me, that’s what the beauty is of having two games on one night and offering the fans more football than they’re used to getting on a Monday night.”

Remote patrol

No NFL game will air in the Chicago market opposite the Lions-Bears game Dec. 22, but don’t blame the Bears. The league allows broadcasters to air a game opposite an in-market home game four times a season, and that number was reached. Bears fans may recall that number being zero, but the NFL has relaxed the restriction over the years, first to two times and now four. Such decisions are made between the league, the network and the local affiliate, those being CBS and CBS 2 Chicago in the Bears’ case.

• The NFL’s Week 17 schedule will take shape soon. That’s the week with five games still listed as TBD, three of which will air that Saturday on NFL Network. One of those games could end up on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” which figures to flex out Dolphins-Browns. Also that week, there’s a chance Fox switches Packers-Vikings from noon to 3:25 in place of Cowboys-Eagles. That will be a fascinating week.

• This week is a double doubleheader week in the NFL. That means CBS and Fox will show two games each Sunday. In the Chicago market, those games are Chiefs-Browns (Ian Eagle, Charles Davis) and Bills-Lions (Jim Nantz, Tony Romo) on CBS, and Cowboys-Panthers (Joe Davis, Greg Olsen) and Steelers-Eagles (Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady) on Fox.

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Dispute between a landlord and city of Markham has young family paying the price

Jane Wells

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December 12, 2024

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Dispute between a landlord and city of Markham has young family paying the price

A dispute between the city of Markham and a landlord has left the property owner’s tenant and her four young children without water for nearly a month, a newly-filed lawsuit says.

The lack of running water for Iesha Taylor made for a dismal Thanksgiving and has threatened to ruin Christmas as well, says Taylor, a single mom who’s been decamping to nearby hotels so her kids ages 4, 7, 13 and 15 can wash up, shower and sleep.

Taylor was told her water would remain off until mid-January. But in a ruling late Thursday on an emergency motion, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Eve M. Reilly ordered Markham city officials to temporarily restore Taylor’s water service within 24 hours while the case continues.

The trouble started Nov. 18, when without warning the taps stopped working at her rental home in Markham, Taylor said.

She notified the city and was told her water bill was fully paid, but that the water was shut off because the property management company, Chicago Style Management, and her out-of-state landlord hadn’t obtained a necessary landlord license from the city, according to Taylor and the lawsuit filed this week by Legal Aid Chicago.

According to the lawsuit, the property manager quickly applied for the license and paid the fine the next day — but the water remained off.

The landlord, who flew into town, appeared with the property manager and Taylor at the Markham City Council’s Dec. 4 meeting to try and speed up the application process. But the landlord’s licensing matter was tabled until the council’s January meeting.

Taylor said there was another family at the meeting who said their water also had been cut off for the same reason.

Iesha Taylor turns on the kitchen faucet, but no water comes out after the city shut off access last month.

“I just feel like they’re doing it out of spite or something,” she said. “They’re making families homeless and they’re causing stress to families. And that’s not fair.”

Jessica Kalmewicki, the Legal Aid Chicago attorney who brought the lawsuit and filed the emergency motion, said she was glad the judge granted the emergency request. But she said the city of Markham, as of Thursday afternoon, still opposed her bid to keep Taylor’s water on.

Kalmewicki, associate director of Legal Aid’s housing practice, says she’s seen a lot in her job after nearly 25 years — but never a case like this.

“It’s insane,” Kalmewicki said.

The lawsuit says Markham violated Taylor’s rights to equal protection and due process by punishing her for a licensing issue involving her landlord. The city code allows for fines of up to $750 for landlords who violate the license obligations but says nothing about cutting off tenants’ water to punish landlords.

Mayor Roger Agpawa and his administrator did not respond to requests for comment.

City Administrator Derrick Champion declined to address the lawsuit. “There’s no story here,” Champion said in an emailed statement. “The problem is with Iesha Taylor’s property management company. … Unfortunately, they did not follow our workflow and processes here at the City of Markham, which are in place for a reason.”

Taylor’s property manager agreed to speak with the Sun-Times but did not respond to requests for comment.

Markham made the news in June for another unique way it handles municipal violations by holding landlords responsible for their tenants’ unpaid parking fines, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

Meanwhile, Taylor said she has been relying on bottled water and public restrooms during the day while her kids are at school and moving from one hotel to another with her children every evening.

She says it has been disruptive to her children’s education — they’ve missed some school days because of this — and it’s especially sad this time of year. On Thanksgiving, “we ordered some food and we stayed at the hotel. It was so depressing,” she said.

The children have asked for a Christmas tree, but Taylor hasn’t been able to get one.

“I’m not even in the spirit, and Christmas is my favorite holiday. I can’t even sleep,” she said.

The city of Markham's water tower. — The city of Markham’s water tower.

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Former Bears kicker Robbie Gould introduced as St. Viator’s new football coach

Jane Wells

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December 12, 2024

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Former Bears kicker Robbie Gould introduced as St. Viator’s new football coach

For the second time in ten months, former Bears kicker Robbie Gould was introduced as the new head football coach at an area high school.

Gould resigned from Rolling Meadows on Dec. 3 and was hired by St. Viator, the Catholic high school four miles northeast, on Dec. 10. The school held a press conference to introduce him on Thursday.

“I’m truly honored to be in this position,” Gould said. “I want to thank everyone involved in this hiring process. It was thorough and thoughtful, and it made it clear that St. Viator is a place where core values and hard work are prioritized. This is a school that places an emphasis on education, character development, and service—values I personally believe in and that I see reflected in this football program.”

St. Viator was 4-5 this season and did not qualify for the state playoffs. The Lions lost five of their last six games, and coach David Archibald resigned after the season.
St. Viator’s starting quarterback was senior Cooper Kmet, the younger brother of Bears tight end Cole Kmet.

St. Viator was 4-5 this season and did not qualify for the state playoffs. The Lions lost five of their last six games, and coach David Archibald resigned after the season.

St. Viator’s starting quarterback was senior Cooper Kmet, the younger brother of Bears tight end Cole Kmet. The Lions have another significant connection to the Bears. Walter Payton’s son Jarrett Payton attended St. Viator.

Gould guided the Mustangs to the IHSA playoffs in his one season as coach, improving their record from two victories to five.

Gould’s move to the Catholic League comes at a time of heightened attention to the public school vs. private school debate. Gould emphasized St. Viator’s facilities in his comments on Thursday.

“The strength and conditioning program here is outstanding, and it’s a critical part of developing our athletes,” Gould said. “But it’s not just about physical strength—this program is about developing mental toughness, perseverance, and teamwork,” said Gould. “These core values will be the foundation of our football team moving forward.”

There are a few former Bears coaching high school football teams in the area. Tom Nelson is at Hersey, Jason McKie at Carmel and Jordan Lynch coaches Mount Carmel.

“As a former Penn State Nittany Lion, I understand the importance of tradition, and the alumni here are incredibly supportive,” Gould said. “I look forward to building a strong community of former players and supporters who will continue to help shape this program for years to come.”

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City subsidy increased for third time to spur Congress Theater rehab

Jane Wells

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December 12, 2024

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City subsidy increased for third time to spur Congress Theater rehab

A City Council committee agreed Thursday to up the ante to save the landmark Congress Theater amid warnings that the deteriorating movie palace-turned-concert-venue won’t make it through another brutal Chicago winter.

It’s the third time the Council’s Finance Committee has agreed to revise a city subsidy to pave the way for an $87.8 million “gut rehab” of the 104-year-old theater at 2135 N. Milwaukee in Logan Square.

Last year, local Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1st) convinced his colleagues to extend the life of the Fullerton/Milwaukee tax increment financing district by three years — until Dec. 31, 2027 — and grant the latest development team tackling the formidable project a $27 million subsidy.

The extension and increased TIF subsidy — up from $7 million the year before — was supposed to give a team led by Baum Revision time to complete the complex and ambitious project that had eluded the previous developer.

It still hasn’t happened. That’s apparently why the deal was sweetened yet again in hopes the third time will be the charm.

Baum Revisions now will receive $250,000 in additional TIF money and other city assistance. The city will “restructure TIF dispersement milestones” into four installments. And the funds will be “converted from a grant to forgiveable loans,” the Finance Committee was told.

Deputy Planning and Development Commissioner Jeffrey Cohen said the “primary purpose” of the revised agreement is to “provide a pathway of navigating a very difficult capital market for projects of this size and nature” and spare developers “unnecessary interest costs” that would “make the development financially unfeasible.”

With single-digit temperatures on the coldest day of the year, Cohen argued the $250,000s not only is “warranted” but also is “necessary” to ensure “interior demolition and winterization” of the historic 104-year-old theater “can commence before another Chicago winter like today.”

“This structure, as modified, will generate approximately $1.02 million in interest savings. A portion of the loan balance will be forgiven on an annual basis throughout the compliance period provided the project remains in good standing,” Cohen told the Finance Committee.

La Spata said it’s been a “difficult road to walk to get here” and a “difficult road ahead” remains. But he has seldom seen a project where “every square foot solves a problem for” the surrounding community.

“For arts groups at risk of displacement in our neighborhood, this building provides affordable spaces for them to continue their work. For the hundreds of workers in our commercial retail spaces along Milwaukee Avenue, this provides apartments for them to live in,” he said.

The Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. — Exterior view of the Congress Theater.

The “catalytic impact” of the development is already evidenced by “interest in vacant lots, vacant storefronts along Milwaukee Avenue” and it’s “only going to get stronger,” LaSpata said.

Under the current plan — the latest in a series of rehab proposals — the Congress would be reborn as a “state of the art, 3,500-seat live music venue” operated by AEG Presents.

The project also includes13,000 square feet of retail space along Milwaukee Avenue, 23,000 square feet of office space dedicated to nonprofits and community groups and developing16 residential units, with 14 of those qualifying as affordable housing.

Roof replacement and restoration of the theater’s familiar marquee are in the plan. City planners also say a “significant amount of exterior stabilization” is needed to keep the Congress operating for the next century. Inside, there will be a “total rehab” of interior systems and spaces with a particular focus on restoring the theater’s “historic features,” including lobby spaces and ornate fixtures.

A rendering of a proposed renovation of the Congress Theater. — A rendering of a proposed renovation of the Congress Theater by developer Baum Revision. | Provided

The city’s investment will be protected by a redevelopment agreement requiring “at least 75%” of the retail, commercial and affordable housing units to be “leased and occupied” and that AEG “continuously operate the theater for no less than 10 years.”

The developer must also provide retail and commercial spaces — to locally owned artists, businesses and neighborhood-based organizations — at rents “no greater than 70% of the neighborhood’s market rate,” he said.

If those conditions are not met, the city has the right to lien the property to re-capture TIF funds.

The Congress was built in 1926 in the Classical Revival and Italian Renaissance style. The ornate movie theater was once “one of 30” of its kind in Chicago. In the 1980s, it was turned into a live music venue. It earned landmark status and a place in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

It has been closed since 2013, when the city threw the book at the facility after the latest in a series of failed inspections.

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Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson unbowed by Hail Mary aftermath

Jane Wells

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December 12, 2024

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Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson unbowed by Hail Mary aftermath

The Hail Mary debacle against the Commanders has defined a season gone wrong — the Bears haven’t won since that dark day on October 27 in Landover, Md. But cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is resolute that it won’t define him.

“It’s gonna be what it is, for the rest of my life,” Stevenson said. “It was a play that I was trying to help my team win. But I feel like what I did before the play is overshadowing the fact that I tried to slap the ball down and send my team home with a victory. It’s literally a lesson learned. A life-changing event. All I can do is move forward.”

Stevenson infamously failed his responsibility twice on a play that was bound to live forever in Bears history the moment it happened, but with even greater ignominy now that the Bears have been unable to recover from it.

Stevenson was caught engaging with fans in the stands at Northwest Stadium, with his back to the play after the ball was snapped. And when he turned around and got into the play, he tried to deflect Jayden Daniels’ pass instead of boxing out receiver Noah Brown. As fate would have it, Stevenson tipped the ball back to Brown, who made an easy catch for a stunning 52-yard game-winning touchdown.

Stevenson was benched by then coach Matt Eberflus for two series in the following game against the Cardinals and has since continued to split the cornerback job opposite Jaylon Johnson with Terrell Smith. And he knows fans are down on him for his role in that loss. But the 2023 second-round draft pick hasn’t lost any of the trademark confidence.

“I feel excellent. I feel I’m having a great year,” Stevenson said. “If you’re gonna take one play and use that to brand me as a bad player, that’s on you. That’s your opinion. Have a great life — and I still love you.

“And to the fans, I love them. We’ve got some great fans. But I wake up and come to this building I do my job. You can critique my job because … I lost a regular-season game. But I definitely feel I’m having a solid season despite the one mistake I made. If that’s what’s making me a bad player, I don’t understand it.”

Stevenson, 24, came into the season as a potential star in a rising Bears defense — and opened the season with a game-turning pick-6 in a 24-17 victory over the Titans. But the Commanders game (besides the Hail Mary, he also allowed a 61-yard pass play earlier in that game), an $8,143 fine for taunting against the Colts in Week 3 and a $19,697 fine for tripping Lions receiver Jameson Williams on Thanksgiving, likely have given the Bears reason for concern.

Stevenson is an aggressive player whose edgy approach makes him impactful on the field but also leads him astray. But general manager Ryan Poles doesn’t have as much cushion to take risks that he once did. And the Bears already have Smith in place at his position.

But Stevenson is unbowed.

“I’m holding up pretty good,” he said. “It’s been one hell of a season, but that comes with football. Sometimes you make plays that are good. Sometimes you make bad plays and people remember you for that. But the season’s been good. I’m still a Chicago Bear — that’s all that matters. And the guys in the locker room have been keeping me up.”

And Stevenson is disputing the fine against the Lions. While standing on the sideline — not in the play — Stevenson appeared to move his right foot to trip Williams.

“I’m just waiting to talk to the [league] so I can tell them, ‘You’re reaching,’” Stevenson said. “‘You’re slowing the video down three, four times to find the angle of me dong something.’ It is what it is.”

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