From the Saturday, Feb. 8, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … The WISCH LIST By Dave Wischnowsky There are hotel rooms without doorknobs and with toxic tap water. There are stray dogs roaming the streets – and then vanishing off them to who knows where. There are unfinished […]
Author Archives: Dave
What Will Illini Hoops Transfers Bring in 2014-15?
Saturday’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Separated by 140 miles, four counties and countless cornfields, State Farm Center down in Champaign and Wrigley Field up in Chicago wouldn’t seem to have a whole lot in common. But here in 2014, you can expect to hear, “Wait ’til Next Year” at both venues. In fact, at State […]
Poor Is The State Of Illinois Recruiting
Today’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Around the country, Wednesday was National Signing Day for college football programs. But for University of Illinois fans, it was Sighing Day, too. Illini coach Tim Beckman’s third recruiting class ranked 13th out of 14 Big Ten teams, according to 247sports.com’s composite rankings, which was one spot behind […]
Chicago Isn’t A Super Bowl City
Today’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) In spite of its taxes, politics and potholes, Chicago is a super city. But it isn’t a Super Bowl city. And it shouldn’t be. No matter how much you, the Bears or Mayor Rahm Emanuel might want it to be. That is, not unless Emanuel takes out another […]
Mayoral plan to light up Chicago could be a bright idea
From the Saturday, Feb. 1, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … The WISCH LIST By Dave Wischnowsky One night a few weeks ago, I was headed northbound on the Dan Ryan when I noticed something off-kilter about the twinkling Chicago skyline looming beyond my car’s windshield. It was […]
Illini Revenue Sports At Risk Of A Postseason O-fer
Friday’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) As we enter February, the days are supposed to be getting longer. But for the Illinois basketball team, they’re still looking awfully dark. Caught up in a six-game tailspin, the Illini not only are showing a shooting percentage that makes the polar vortex look downright toasty, but they […]
Notre Dame Breaking Ground, Busting Up Traditions
Thursday’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Just when you thought you’d heard the words “Notre Dame football” and “expansion” for the last time, the Fighting Irish went and brought them up again on Wednesday. Granted, Notre Dame meant expansion in a different way. But potential fan concerns about the school’s construction goals still made […]
Mike Thomas’ To-Do List In Champaign
My Jan. 28 column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Generally, contract extensions and pay raises come as a result of success. But for University of Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas, apparently the hope in Champaign is that they’ll lead to success instead. Last Thursday, Illinois’ third-year athletic director was awarded by the school’s board of […]
Chicago’s Restaurant Week is twice as nice
From the Saturday, Feb. 25, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … The WISCH LIST By Dave Wischnowsky In Chicago, they like to do things big. Such as Restaurant Week, which actually lasts for two. The city’s 2014 Restaurant Week(s) – which involves participating restaurants offering three-course lunches for […]
Can Collins Keep It Up At Northwestern?
My Jan. 25 column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) When it comes to the glory days of Northwestern basketball, there’s a lot more daze than there is glory. The Wildcats have never made an NCAA Tournament. The last time they had a winning record in the Big Ten was back in 1968 – when Chris […]