Illinois Influencers

Loyola University Chicago makes a promise − "to prepare people to lead extraordinary lives. (or, as I tell my students, "before electricity"), I have seen that promise come true again and again. And that's why it's so great to see Loyola being recognized nationally through the continuing adventures of its basketball team, the Loyola Ramblers, and the school's media sensation, "Sister Jean" Dolores Schmidt, the team chaplain and honorary assistant captain, who actually has her own bobblehead. Watching this team that made the Final Four in 2018, and is now in the Sweet Sixteen, takes me back to the simpler days of my college years and listening to U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love)," watching "The Breakfast Club" at the movies and "Knight Rider" on TV, and reveling in the epic rollout of Dr. Pepper Gum

More than 1,800 children and teens die by gunfire every year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention with 3 million children directly exposed to gun violence each year resulting in injury and lasting trauma. Despite the calls for more gun restrictions and gun control, Americans purchased 23 million guns in the United States last year a slight increase over 2019. Indeed during this entire year, not one politician came forward demanding action against the gangs and the Justice system that has a revolving door when it comes to criminals committing crimes while armed. More laws and the failure to enforce the laws already there speak to the confidence of people who hear the speeches and the constant babble of more gun laws and more gun laws and no action against those criminals who are arrested.

Normally I wouldn't start my Release Radar off with a remix, especially a song that's nearly 15 years old. But, this version of "Naive" by The Kooks, fancified by Seeb, is a fun one, ripe for the Spring weekend. Performed live from the BBC with none other than Jools Holland, it reminds us of a voice we are desperately missing. Straight-up rock and roll, and an example of what Bob Pollard does best when he stays on course.

Today is part II of a three-part look at the shenanigans of the race for Mayor in Bradley, Illinois, just an hour south of Chicago’s loop. A local businessman owns a Hotel a stone-throw away from the mall of Mr. Watson’s proposed convention center. The interim Mayor held a fundraiser recently, and the hotel owner gave the maximum amount under Illinois law to Mr. Watson’s campaign. A significant donation came at a fortuitous time, as Mr. Watson’s political organization was facing fines from the State of Illinois for reporting violations.

In the American President, a 1971 film to which I often refer, President Andrew Shepard defends himself from his political opponent, Senator Bob Rumson, who has castigated him for being a member of the ACLU. Shepard explains in a press briefing that the American Civil Liberties Union "…is an organization whose sole purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights, so it naturally begs the question: Why would a senator, his party's most powerful spokesman and a candidate for President, choose to reject upholding the Constitution? While Right wing trolls are making hay about it, the truth is that anyone who owns a website can redirect it to any other website without getting permission to do so. the answer maybe more disturbing: Why would any loyal American support those who violently oppose Americans standing up to Fascism and racism?

PBS White House reporter Yamiche Alcindo gave new meaning to "obsequious" during her questioning of President Joe Biden during the first press conference of his tenure on Thursday. With some exceptions, a number of the 30 reporters present displayed a dismaying streak of deferential brown-nosing--no surprise there--confirming the widely-shared public perception that the media is singing the progressive/liberal/Democratic libretto. Instead, the perception of you that got you elected as a moral, decent man is the reason a lot of immigrants are coming to this country and are trusting you with unaccompanied minors. For example, does he accept the CDC's most recent switch in "the science," saying that a 3-foot separation in schools is acceptable social distance in schools instead of the earlier (firmly stated)

This 'expert' is here to tell you who will win the next Sweet 16 round of games. Good luck this weekend, unless you have something better to do- Brian Williams. Type your email address in the box and click the "create subscription" button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

Struck joined Missouri State in January after he started 11-of-12 games as a junior for Idaho State, completing 164-of-320 (.512) passes for 2,334 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2019. Johnson, who transferred to Missouri State from Southern Mississippi, completed 56 percent of his passes between the seven combined fall and spring games the Bears have played. (Saluki special teams/defensive ends coach) are cousins to Missouri State head coach Bobby Petrino and Idaho coach Paul Petrino. Where to find the game SIU (4-2, 3-2) will kick off at 2 p.m. against Missouri State (3-4, 3-1) in Springfield, Mo. on ESPN+ online.

The Suess family figured if they dropped the fraction of their inventory that might offend some Dr. Suess fans, that they would bolstered their image to their MARKET, which consists of parents who like to read to their children and to intellectually stimulate them. Otherwise known as educated liberals who have plenty of money to buy books, good business people making shrewd marketing decisions that are bound to bring them increased profits. You know: PROFITS (the whole point of Free Enterprise, the very marrow of Capitalism, you schmucks).

North Dakota (3-0) to Hanson Field for a Missouri Valley Football Conference game. After dropping its season opener to Missouri State 30-24, WIU was run over by eighth-ranked South Dakota State 45-10 last weekend. "We gave up way too many, specifically in the run game and three in the passing game," Elliott said of the loss at South Dakota State. UND followed that up with wins over nationally ranked foes South Dakota State (28-17) and South Dakota (21-10).