Return Of Chief Illiniwek Proposed – And Ignored?

Today’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Banished from athletic events at the University of Illinois six years ago, Chief Illiniwek is now standing on the hypothetical sidelines in Champaign, holding a new proposal for his return. But Chancellor Phyllis Wise won’t let the Chief on the field. Or even truly consider that possibility. And […]

Five ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago

This weekend’s Wisch List newspaper column from The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s most important patriotic holiday – that would be the nation’s Independence Day, celebrated on Sept. 16. But Cinco, which commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French […]

My Solution To The Wrigley Field Rooftop Crisis

Today’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) I encountered an endangered species on Wednesday night. The Wrigleyville Ballhawk. While out for a run through Lakeview around 9 p.m., I stopped for a breather at the intersection of Kenmore and Waveland beyond Wrigley Field’s left-field bleachers, and as sounds from the Cubs game spilled out over […]

‘Conquering’ Chicago would be crowning achievement for U. of I.

From the Saturday, April 27, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) … From the heart of Chicago to the heart of Champaign, it’s about 140 miles as the car drives. But if the University of Illinois has its way, the distance between its campus and the metropolis to its […]

Big Ten Sacks Legends & Leaders, Now Must Tackle Trophies

Today’s column from CBS Chicago … (CBS) Over the weekend, the Big Ten pulled off a heady play when the league leaked word that it’s mercifully dumping the much-maligned Legends and Leaders divisional monikers in favor of geographical names. However, when it comes to actually rallying to win this conference name game, the Big Ten […]