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Chicago Tribune
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Cook County tax board commissioner, staff face multiple fines from ethics board
Cook County's ethics board fined Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele and aides for a series of breaches this week, finding that she provided confidential information to the press about the Chicago Bears' Arlington Heights property and wrongly allowed a staffer to attend a conference on county time. A top Steele aide was separately fined for attending Cubs games and traveling for personal trips on county time. Reached Friday, Steele said she 'absolutely disagreed' with the findings but declined to comment further. Steele is one of three commissioners on the county's Board of Review, which hears property tax appeals. She is currently running in the Democratic primary for county assessor. The county's board of ethics released three findings related to Steele's office this week. The highest-profile found that Steele had improperly shared appraisal information about the Chicago Bears' Arlington Heights property with the media three different times. She did so first in the middle of settlement negotiations in mid-2023, and then again later that year during an appeal. Steele had been warned by the county's general counsel afterwards that the board was prohibited from commenting on pending, confidential board matters, noting the property tax code required board members to 'remain fair and impartial and free from bias or influence,' and that confidence in the board would be eroded if the board's decision-making was perceived to be 'subject to inappropriate outside influences.' But Steele again commented for February 2024 stories about an appeal, triggering an email from the Bears' lawyer, who asked why the press was notified before the team. The board of ethics found Steele's comments to Crain's Chicago Business, NBC Chicago and the Tribune amounted to three violations of confidentiality code in the county's ethics ordinance and fined her $3,000, which she must pay in 30 days. Steele was arrested in 2024 for driving under the influence of alcohol after a car crash, but has been fighting the charge and is due back in court later this summer. She won back her right to drive after her attorney argued she wasn't given proper warning of the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test. She was fined another $1,000 by the ethics board this week and her top aide, Dan Balanoff, $750 for permitting an employee to attend an unauthorized conference unrelated to his county duties on county time. That employee, Ryan McIntyre, was fined the equivalent of 16 hours of county pay after he improperly attended the 2023 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. McIntyre managed Steele's calendar, meetings, and outreach events. He told the ethics board he was 'told to go' to the conference with Steele in late 2023. After learning about the trip, BOR staff told Balanoff twice that McIntyre would need to use paid time off to go because the conference was 'political in nature and unrelated to McIntyre's County duties,' according to the board's ruling. Balanoff told them Steele pushed back and he went on to approve travel and lodging expenses. The board did not determine attendance was 'prohibited political activity,' but did conclude it was unrelated to his job at the county. Balanoff, they said, 'still approved and submitted' McIntyre's request for reimbursement, permitting him 'to misuse County property,' and failing to ask about the purpose of the conference or review any materials related to it. Steele, meanwhile, 'had even more of a duty' to meet the highest ethical standards as the head of the office, including getting preauthorization for attendance at conferences and training sessions. In the third finding, the ethics board concluded Balanoff, Steele's director of special projects, 'conducted dual employment' by doing legal work for his own firm and attended non-government activities — including two Cubs games — on county time on four separate occasions. Balanoff admitted to answering client calls and working on three real estate transactions during county hours, though he contended he did not have a set 9-to-5 schedule at the county. Balanoff posted pictures of himself at Wrigley Field and the nearby bar, Murphy's Bleachers, on social media on August 4, 2023, when the team played against the Braves, after clocking in at the county that morning. He posted on his Instagram from Wrigley again on April 1, 2024, the day of the Cubs season opener against the Rockies. According to the board, he used sick time to attend when he should have used vacation time, a violation of the county's attendance policy. Balanoff also joined a Board of Review meeting virtually in September 2023 while on a plane for a personal trip after clocking in that morning and not requesting time off. He said he had notified Steele of the travel. The board reported a similar incident in which Balanoff traveled for personal reasons without clocking out. The board separately found Balanoff took non-county calls during normal working hours. Balanoff tried to challenge the board's investigatory findings after he resigned on May 25, arguing the board didn't have jurisdiction anymore, that he did not knowingly violate the county's rules, and that his use of county resources was 'de minimus,' because they did not interfere with his county duties or impose extra taxpayer cost. The board said those arguments were 'unavailing,' that his behavior was 'troubling,' and that the comingling of the outside activities 'creates the appearance of impropriety' and misused taxpayer funds, but was not 'an indictment of Balanoff's performance of his County duties.' He was fined a total of $4,500 for various ethics provisions, which are due within 30 days. Balanoff on Friday said the ruling was a political attack by opponents to unionization within the office. 'We obviously don't agree with it, I'm going to appeal,' he said.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why the Hail Mary loss was a blessing in disguise for Bears
The Chicago Bears' miserable 5-12 season can be summed up with one play -- the infamous Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders that kickstarted a 10-game losing streak and a chaotic locker room environment. That one play ruined the entire season for the Bears, as many players admitted that they weren't the same following that moment. One bad mistake, tearing the locker room apart the way that it did, showed that it was fragile. But the fact remains that everything collapsed thanks to that moment. Through all the bad, however, there is one silver lining to this play that destroyed everything in 2024. During the 10-game losing streak, Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous loss to the Detroit Lions. It was the first time in franchise history that the Bears fired a head coach in-season. Eberflus knew how to handle a defense at times, but he was way over his head when it came to being a leader. He was stuck in his ways and didn't hold anybody accountable. It is hard to remember a tougher performance by a Bears head coach throughout their existence. Imagine a world where Chicago wins the football game. The collapse that they had likely wouldn't have happened, and there wouldn't have been a dramatic end for Eberflus. They may have even gone on to win nine or 10 games with the vibes they would have had at 5-2. If that happened, not only would Eberflus not get fired, but he also likely would get an extension. That means that Ben Johnson and his new staff never would have been hired. For obvious reasons, that's a blessing in disguise for the Bears. Perhaps the shortcomings that Eberflus had as a head coach wouldn't have been revealed had they not lost that Commanders game -- although there were plenty of other examples of finding ways to lose games they should've won. The future of the team would be much bleaker. Now, we don't know if Johnson is going to work out. He was the hottest name in terms of head coach candidates, and general manager Ryan Poles was able to land him. Johnson has a brilliant offensive mind, and that's what they want for quarterback Caleb Williams going forward. If it doesn't work, it won't be for a lack of trying. Now, as a defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Eberflus is in a much better spot suited for him. He can focus on defense, which was his strength coming into his head coaching gig in Chicago. Everything happens for a reason, and everyone involved became better in the long run thanks to that play that set the Bears back while also setting them on a potential winning track with Johnson in place.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans QB C.J. Stroud jokingly takes jab at Bears QB Caleb Williams for Week 2 comments
Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud haven't seen each other since Week 2, when the Houston Texans' second-year quarterback passed on some words of wisdom over to his Chicago Bears' counterpart. People, as per usual, took it out of context and made it a bigger deal because of the age gap. After all, Stroud was only one year into his NFL tenure and yet some assumed he was talking down to the quarterback who beat him out for the Heisman Trophy in 2022. For the first time since Stroud told Williams to "stop taking so many hits," the two met in public during a panel session hosted by the Manning brothers at the Fanatics Fest in New York City on Saturday. When asked if the third-year quarterback had any advice for the Bears' top pick last season, Stroud cracked with a smile at the crowd. 'I don't know if Caleb likes my advice," Stroud joked, to which Williams laughed. Stroud might not have much room to talk after being sacked 52 times, but he still wasn't the league's most hit quarterback. That title belongs to Williams, who was sacked 68 times over 17 games. Although a poor offensive line took much of the blame, the former No. 1 overall often needed to get rid of the ball, which is what Stroud meant after a Week 2 win on Sunday Night Football. At the moment, Williams put it off. He had just thrown two late picks that cemented a 2-0 start for the Texans and cost the Bears a promising start. After eight months and a full offseason running the show for Ben Johnson's revamped offensive system two young franchise quarterbacks can now laugh about the famous intercations. Also, Stroud can say he was right for giving the advice since it led to the firing of a coach and a record-setting number of hits in Bears' history against a quarterback.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'F*ck GREEN BAY': Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams fires up Bears fans with bold rivalry moment on video
'F*ck Green Bay': Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams fires up Bears fans with bold rivalry moment on video (Image via Getty) Something wild happened at Summer Bash! Caleb Williams, the new quarterback for the Chicago Bears, grabbed everyone's attention when he started shouting a strong message. But what did he say? Keep reading to find out who he was with, where it was, and why people are talking about this moment today. Caleb Williams joins fans chanting 'F*CK GREEN BAY' Caleb Williams (born November 18, 2001) was at the Summer Bash event in Chicago on June 22, 2025, enjoying time with Bears fans. When the moment came, he loudly chanted, 'F*CK GREEN BAY,' showing clear feelings toward the rival Packers. A video of the chant spread fast online, making the moment go viral. Photos and clips from Instagram show fans cheering along, surprised yet excited to hear their superstar quarterback join in. Williams, fresh off being drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Bears, stood among supporters waving Bears flags. The scene took place at Old Crow Smokehouse, the same spot known for previous Bears-Packers chants in summer events . Onlookers said the energy was electric. One fan in the clip yelled, 'Now that's our QB!' Another added, 'He brings fire!' Both fans and commentators praised Williams for showing passion and team spirit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo A few cautious voices pointed out that Williams hasn't beaten the Packers yet on the field, suggesting that talking trash before delivering wins could be risky . Caleb Williams: Rivalry, reaction, and what it means Caleb Williams has played college ball at both Oklahoma and USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2022 . Now, as the starting quarterback for the Bears, he is under pressure—and this was a bold move. Fans online reacted fast. Some wrote, 'Let's beat Green Bay a couple times first, this a bad look,' while others shouted back, 'Caleb Williams has never lost to the Green Bay Packers. You think he cares about the past history?. ' Also Read: Chicago Bears' Quarterback Caleb Williams Inspires Young Boy To Paint Nails And Fight Bullies With Love Not Fear The Bears have not beaten the Packers in over ten games, with the last win dating back to before 2025 . Caleb Williams is expected to lead the team to break that losing streak. By chanting, he showed he wants to step into the heart of the rivalry—and fans saw it as both bold and maybe a bit risky until he gets real game results. This strong statement at Summer Bash became a symbol. It highlighted Bears fans' deep feelings, ancient rivalry from the Chicago–Green Bay NFC North battles, and Caleb's confidence. His outburst turned a fun summer event into major sports news—and chances are, everyone watching will hold him to his wor Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams inspires young boy to paint nails and fight bullies with love not fear
Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams inspires young boy to paint nails and fight bullies with love not fear (Image via Getty) Nine year old Henry did something very special. He had just finished watching Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' new quarterback, when he started to feel brave. Caleb Williams paints his nails before games, and that gave Henry and his dad the idea to do it too. But some people didn't like it, and Henry was made fun of. Instead of sadness, Henry wrote a heartfelt kind letter to Caleb Williams, and what Henry wrote in the letter is now being circulated everywhere on the web. And it's making many people smile. Henry thanks Caleb Williams in a sweet letter for helping him feel strong In June 2025, little Henry sent a letter through the mail to Caleb Williams, the No 1 draft pick for the Chicago Bears. Henry wrote the letter by hand. In it, he thanked Caleb Williams for showing him it's okay to be different. Henry said, 'I paint my nails now because of you. My dad does it with me. Sometimes kids say mean things, but I stand up for myself now.' He also said Caleb Williams gave him the courage to be proud of who he is. At the end of the letter, Henry drew a football and a heart. He said, 'Thank you for being brave.' His family shared the letter on X (Twitter). The post became popular very quickly. Many people said Henry's words were beautiful and brave. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Current Administration Approved the 2025 Food Card for Seniors Undo Retirees Who Collect Under $3,495/mo SS Could Now Be Entitled To These 'Extra' Benefits Undo Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 12 "Kickbacks" (Tap for List) Undo 7 Things the New President Plans To Do for Seniors On SS This Year Undo 96.3% Of Salt Lake City Residents Are Not Taking Advantage Of This Benefit Undo Caleb Williams inspires kids by being himself on & off the field Caleb Williams has become known for more than being an unbelievable talent at playing football. He is known to paint his fingernails bright colors on a regular basis, and occasionally with words, fashioned as 'Fight' and 'Love.' He did this even when he played for USC, and now continues it with the Chicago Bears. In past interviews, Caleb Williams said, 'Painting my nails is just me showing love and staying true to myself.' Now, young fans like Henry are feeling brave too. Caleb Williams' small actions are helping kids stand up for themselves—and feel proud of who they are. Also Read: Antonio Brown Mocks Caleb Williams With Slur-Filled Post, Sparks Wave Of Ugly Online Reactions Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
