chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Cubs’ Albert Almora crossed ‘fine line’ when he ran into wall during scrimmage

There was nothing involving a bat for Albert Almora Jr. on Saturday .
Nothing involving a glove , either .
Just a brief stop in the trainers ’ room , followed by some time on a massage table .
“ And then I sent him home , ” manager David Ross said .
And what did the outfielder do to deserve such a light day of work at Wrigley Field ?
He ran into a brick wall .
The one with gorgeous ivy grown in all over it , yet seemingly providing precious little cushion .
Almora , trying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball off Craig Kimbrel , crashed into the wall in dead center Friday during an intrasquad scrimmage .
It was an all-out attempt that left Almora shaken up on the warning track for a couple of minutes before he walked off the field .
Definitely not worth it .
“ There ’ s a fine line when you ’ re sitting in this seat , ” Ross said .
“ You love the mindset of Albert and trying to catch every ball , kind of throwing caution to the wind , but then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d like him to be a little more timid .
And I don ’ t want to take that [ aggressiveness ] away from my players … [ but ] I definitely was concerned running out there.
” Almora ’ s availability for Sunday evening ’ s scrimmage was still to be determined .
Given the Ricketts ownership family ’ s ties to the Republican party and President Donald Trump , it ’ s always interesting when president of baseball operations Theo Epstein expresses himself in , let ’ s say , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment in discussing the effects of the coronavirus on baseball .
“ The reality of living in this country in 2020 is you ’ re never divorced from concern no matter what you ’ re doing , ” he said .
“ Whether you ’ re home with your family or running errands or working from home or trying to pull off a baseball season in the middle of a pandemic , the subtext of everything that you do is concern .
“ Not just concern for yourself , not just concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your teammates , your colleagues , your brothers and sisters , your community , the country as a whole and the world as a whole — although certainly the rest of the world has seemingly managed their way into a better place at the moment than we have.
” This and that The Cubs have effectively extended the dugouts at Wrigley by creating covered , dugout-like areas for players spanning a few rows of adjacent club boxes .
This will help accommodate expanded rosters at a time when players are expected to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Reliever Brad Wieck is having a good camp , about four and a half months removed from surgery for an abnormal heart flutter .
“ He ’ s on track as anybody , ” Ross said .
“ The ball is exploding out of his hand.
” • A universal designated hitter ?
Nobody consulted veteran pitcher Jon Lester , who has become a not-so-terrible hitter in the latter stages of his career .
“ I told Rossy that I ’ m hitting in the games I ’ m pitching , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You ’ re taking a pretty big force out of the lineup .
”

There was nothing involving a bat for Albert Almora on Saturday. Nothing involving a glove, either. Just a brief stop in the trainer’s room, followed by some time on a massage table.
“And then I sent him home,” manager David Ross said.
And what did the outfielder do to deserve such a light day at Wrigley Field? He ran into a brick wall. The one with gorgeous ivy grown in all over it, yet seemingly providing precious little cushion.
Almora, trying in vain to snag a Kris Bryant fly ball off Craig Kimbrel, crashed into the wall in dead center Friday during an intrasquad scrimmage. It was an all-out attempt that left Almora shaken up on the warning track for a couple of minutes before he walked off the field.
Definitely not worth it.
“There’s a fine line when you’re sitting in this seat,” Ross said. “You love the mindset of Albert and trying to catch every ball, kind of throwing caution to the wind, but then it is a scrimmage. You’d like him to be a little more timid. And I don’t want to take that [aggressiveness] away from my players . . . [but] I definitely was concerned running out there.”
Almora’s availability for Sunday evening’s scrimmage was still to be determined.
Serious stuff
Given the Ricketts family’s ties to the Republican party and President Donald Trump, it’s always interesting when president of baseball operations Theo Epstein expresses himself in, let’s say, a different direction. He built to such a moment in discussing the effects of the coronavirus on baseball.
“The reality of living in this country in 2020 is you’re never divorced from concern no matter what you’re doing,” he said. “Whether you’re home with your family or running errands or working from home or trying to pull off a baseball season in the middle of a pandemic, the subtext of everything that you do is concern.
“Not just concern for yourself, not just concern for your families, but concern for your teammates, your colleagues, your brothers and sisters, your community, the country as a whole and the world as a whole — although certainly the rest of the world has seemingly managed their way into a better place at the moment than we have.”
This and that
The Cubs have effectively extended the dugouts at Wrigley by creating covered, dugout-like areas for players spanning a few rows of adjacent club boxes. This will help accommodate expanded rosters at a time when players are expected to remain at safe distances from one another.
• Reliever Brad Wieck is having a good camp, about four and a half months removed from surgery for an abnormal heart flutter.
“He’s on track as anybody,” Ross said. “The ball is exploding out of his hand.”
• A universal designated hitter? Nobody consulted veteran pitcher Jon Lester, who has become a not-so-terrible hitter in the latter stages of his career.
“I told Rossy that I’m hitting in the games I’m pitching,” he said.
And if not?
“You’re taking a pretty big force out of the lineup.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has COVID-19

NEW YORK — Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms .
New York manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Chapman “ overall is doing well ” but “ will not be here for the foreseeable future.
” The AL East champions are scheduled to start the virus-delayed season on July 23 at Washington .
Hours after Chapman ’ s diagnosis , Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was scratched from a simulated game with a stiff neck .
The 2017 AL Rookie of the Year was set to bat second and play right field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the lineup shortly before first pitch .
Judge declared himself “ game ready ” earlier this week after being diagnosed with a broken rib in March .
The 6-foot-7 slugger used the coronavirus shutdown to get healthy and had been swinging at full strength for at least a couple of weeks before reporting for preseason camp last week .
Chapman threw a bullpen session Tuesday , and Boone wouldn ’ t comment on whether the left-hander had been at Yankee Stadium since .
Boone said the team had done contact tracing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forced to isolate because of Chapman ’ s positive test .
“ We ’ re following all protocols , ” Boone said .
“ We have not had any other positive tests .
We adhere to all the contact tracing things .
We feel like we ’ ve handled it and are handling it .
“ Again , you know , this is something that even moving forward , a positive test is probably going to come our way .
It ’ s about doing all the things that hopefully as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Through the first week of monitor testing across all 30 major league camps , 17 out of 7,401 samples produced positives , a 0.2 % rate far below the national average around 9 % .
Atlanta star Freddie Freeman , Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez , Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon and Texas slugger Joey Gallo are among the players to miss time due to COVID-19 .
The list now includes the 32-year-old Chapman , a six-time All-Star with 273 career saves , including 37 last season when he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also without infielder DJ LeMahieu and right-hander Luis Cessa , who both tested positive prior to the start of preseason camp last week and are still isolating at home .
“ It ’ s obviously just another reminder , ” Boone said , “ that we have to be vigilant as far as wearing our masks when possible , the distance , the decisions we ’ re making away from the field , to best we can stay out of harm ’ s way.
” The Yankees will open their regular season against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chapman isn ’ t back by then , Boone said left-hander Zack Britton would be a “ natural guy ” to replace him , but a formal decision hasn ’ t been made .
The 32-year-old Britton has 145 career saves , most coming with Baltimore from 2014-17 .
“ Britton has been an elite closer in this game for a long time , ” Boone said .
Right-handed starter Masahiro Tanaka played catch on the field Saturday , one week after he was hit in the head by Giancarlo Stanton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in concussion protocol and the club doesn ’ t yet have a timeline for his return to the mound .
Boone said Tanaka is responding well to treatment and testing .

NEW YORK — Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms.
New York manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Chapman “overall is doing well” but “will not be here for the foreseeable future.”
The AL East champions are scheduled to start the virus-delayed season on July 23 at Washington.
Hours after Chapman’s diagnosis, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was scratched from a simulated game with a stiff neck. The 2017 AL Rookie of the Year was set to bat second and play right field at Yankee Stadium but was taken out of the lineup shortly before first pitch.
Judge declared himself “game ready” earlier this week after being diagnosed with a broken rib in March. The 6-foot-7 slugger used the coronavirus shutdown to get healthy and had been swinging at full strength for at least a couple of weeks before reporting for preseason camp last week.
Chapman threw a bullpen session Tuesday, and Boone wouldn’t comment on whether the left-hander had been at Yankee Stadium since. Boone said the team had done contact tracing, and no other players or personnel would be forced to isolate because of Chapman’s positive test.
“We’re following all protocols,” Boone said. “We have not had any other positive tests. We adhere to all the contact tracing things. We feel like we’ve handled it and are handling it.
“Again, you know, this is something that even moving forward, a positive test is probably going to come our way. It’s about doing all the things that hopefully as a whole keep us safe and healthy,” he said.
Through the first week of monitor testing across all 30 major league camps, 17 out of 7,401 samples produced positives, a 0.2% rate far below the national average around 9%. Atlanta star Freddie Freeman, Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon and Texas slugger Joey Gallo are among the players to miss time due to COVID-19.
The list now includes the 32-year-old Chapman, a six-time All-Star with 273 career saves, including 37 last season when he had a 2.21 ERA.
New York is also without infielder DJ LeMahieu and right-hander Luis Cessa, who both tested positive prior to the start of preseason camp last week and are still isolating at home.
“It’s obviously just another reminder,” Boone said, “that we have to be vigilant as far as wearing our masks when possible, the distance, the decisions we’re making away from the field, to best we can stay out of harm’s way.”
The Yankees will open their regular season against the World Series champion Nationals. If Chapman isn’t back by then, Boone said left-hander Zack Britton would be a “natural guy” to replace him, but a formal decision hasn’t been made. The 32-year-old Britton has 145 career saves, most coming with Baltimore from 2014-17.
“Britton has been an elite closer in this game for a long time,” Boone said.
Right-handed starter Masahiro Tanaka played catch on the field Saturday, one week after he was hit in the head by Giancarlo Stanton’s 112 mph line drive. Tanaka is still in concussion protocol and the club doesn’t yet have a timeline for his return to the mound. Boone said Tanaka is responding well to treatment and testing.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Robert Mueller defends Russia probe, says Roger Stone remains a felon

WASHINGTON — Former special counsel Robert Mueller sharply defended his investigation into ties between Russia and Donald Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign , writing in a newspaper opinion piece Saturday that the probe was of “ paramount importance ” and asserting that a Trump ally , Roger Stone , “ remains a convicted felon , and rightly so ” despite the president ’ s decision to commute his prison sentence .
The op-ed in The Washington Post marked Mueller ’ s first public statement on his investigation since his congressional appearance last July .
It represented his firmest defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come under attack and even been partially undone by the Trump administration , including the president ’ s extraordinary move Friday evening to grant clemency to Stone just days before he was due to report to prison .
Mueller said that though he had intended for his 448-page report on the investigation to speak for itself , he felt compelled to “ respond both to broad claims that our investigation was illegitimate and our motives were improper , and to specific claims that Roger Stone was a victim of our office .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes .
He remains a convicted felon , and rightly so , ” Mueller wrote .
Mueller did not specify who was making the claims , but it appeared to be an obvious reference to Trump , who as recently as Saturday derided the investigation as this “ whole political witch hunt and the Mueller scam.
” The mere publication of the op-ed was striking in itself for a former FBI director who was tight-lipped during the investigation , refusing to respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or to even make public appearances explaining or justifying his work .
In his first public appearance after the conclusion of his investigation , Mueller had said that he had hoped his report would speak for itself .
When he later testified to House lawmakers , he was similarly careful not to stray beyond the report ’ s findings or offer new evidence .
But that buttoned-up approach created a void for others , including at the Justice Department , to place their own stamp on his work .
Even before the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-page summary document that Mueller said did not adequately capture the gravity of his team ’ s findings .

WASHINGTON — Former special counsel Robert Mueller sharply defended his investigation into ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, writing in a newspaper opinion piece Saturday that the probe was of “paramount importance” and asserting that a Trump ally, Roger Stone, “remains a convicted felon, and rightly so” despite the president’s decision to commute his prison sentence.
The op-ed in The Washington Post marked Mueller’s first public statement on his investigation since his congressional appearance last July. It represented his firmest defense of the two-year probe whose results have come under attack and even been partially undone by the Trump administration, including the president’s extraordinary move Friday evening to grant clemency to Stone just days before he was due to report to prison.
Mueller said that though he had intended for his 448-page report on the investigation to speak for itself, he felt compelled to “respond both to broad claims that our investigation was illegitimate and our motives were improper, and to specific claims that Roger Stone was a victim of our office.
“The Russia investigation was of paramount importance. Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes. He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so,” Mueller wrote.
Mueller did not specify who was making the claims, but it appeared to be an obvious reference to Trump, who as recently as Saturday derided the investigation as this “whole political witch hunt and the Mueller scam.”
The mere publication of the op-ed was striking in itself for a former FBI director who was tight-lipped during the investigation, refusing to respond to attacks by the president or his allies or to even make public appearances explaining or justifying his work.
In his first public appearance after the conclusion of his investigation, Mueller had said that he had hoped his report would speak for itself. When he later testified to House lawmakers, he was similarly careful not to stray beyond the report’s findings or offer new evidence.
But that buttoned-up approach created a void for others, including at the Justice Department, to place their own stamp on his work. Even before the report was released Attorney General William Barr issued a four-page summary document that Mueller said did not adequately capture the gravity of his team’s findings.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Man shot to death in La Grange

Man shot to death in La Grange

A man was killed in a shooting Friday in southwest suburban La Grange .
Curtis Clark , 51 , was @ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 300 block of Bluff Avenue , according to the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ He died about 20 minutes later .
An autopsy ruled his death a homicide , @ @ @ @ @ office said .
He lived in La Grange .
La Grange police did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed in a shooting Friday in southwest suburban La Grange.
Curtis Clark, 51, was shot multiple times about 10:25 a.m. in the 300 block of Bluff Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He died about 20 minutes later.
An autopsy ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said. He lived in La Grange.
La Grange police did not immediately return a request for details.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Cubs’ Jon Lester will get to the starting line when he’s good and ready

Yu Darvish , Kyle Hendricks , Tyler Chatwood , Alec Mills — they ’ re stretched out and almost good to go for the July 24 start of the regular season .
Then there ’ s Jon Lester .
He ’ s taking his sweet time getting ready , thank you very much .
Moseying along at his own pace .
And anyone who doesn ’ t like it might as well accept the same gentle suggestion the 36-year-old lefty offered his critics during spring training in Arizona a few weeks before baseball was put on hold .
“ Screw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think I did all right for myself.
” Technically , Lester was imagining what he might say to critics once his career is over .
There ’ s a good chance this will be his final season with the Cubs — and possibly the end of the line , period — but a franchise-changing run that began in 2015 has a few miles left in it .
An arm that has kept him alive in the game for all these years has a few bullets left in it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran of 14 big-league seasons and winner of 190 games — third among active players — doesn ’ t have any bullets to waste .
While other Cubs pitchers maintained ambitious throwing programs during baseball ’ s months-long shutdown , Lester kept things quiet and simple .
That ’ s why he ’ s expected to throw only two innings Sunday in his first intrasquad-game appearance since preseason camp started at Wrigley Field .
“ I know my body and I know what I kind of need to do when I get here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Two , yeah , I ’ m a little bit older .
I didn ’ t want to ramp up at home and then turn around and almost have to sit again.
” Lester is coming off his worst season as a Cub , a 171⅔-inning slog in which he compiled a 4.46 ERA and 1.497 WHIP and allowed a National League-high 205 hits .
Despite that , he managed to go 13-10 .
Winning is , it seems , sewn into the three-time World Series champion ’ s fabric .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ His gas tank empties sooner than it used to .
But the mulish , surly competitiveness is still there .
The adherence to his between-starts routine is still admired and aspired to by teammates .
If he makes 13 starts in a 60-game regular season ?
He ’ ll take his chances that he can still help the cause .
Maybe being a winner will be the very last Lester attribute to go .
And speaking of winning , anyone who thinks a championship in 2020 won ’ t mean what it usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get the same gentle , three-word suggestion from Lester referred to earlier in this story .
“ A trophy ’ s a trophy , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t care if it ’ s 60 games .
I mean , you still have to win .
You still have to play good baseball .
It ’ s not like they ’ re just handing them out at the end , like , ‘ Oh , hey , here ’ s your participation trophy because you guys showed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the day , when you look back on this , yeah , people will talk about this season .
But you still have to show up , you still have to play well and you still have to do your job in order to get that trophy , get that ring .
And that ’ s still important to us and still important to me .
”

Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, Tyler Chatwood, Alec Mills — they’re stretched out and almost good to go for the start of the regular season July 24.
Then there’s Jon Lester. He’s taking his sweet time getting ready, thank you very much. Moseying along at his own pace.
And anyone who doesn’t like it might as well accept the same gentle suggestion the 36-year-old left-hander offered his critics during spring training in Arizona a few weeks before baseball was put on hold.
“Screw you guys,” he said then. “I think I did all right for myself.”
Technically, Lester was imagining what he might say to critics once his career is over. There’s a good chance this will be his final season with the Cubs — and possibly the end of the line, period — but a franchise-changing run that began in 2015 has a few miles left in it. An arm that has kept him alive in the game for all these years has a few bullets left in it.
It’s just that Lester, a veteran of 14 big-league seasons and winner of 190 games — third among active players — doesn’t have any bullets to waste.
While other Cubs pitchers maintained ambitious throwing programs during baseball’s monthslong shutdown, Lester kept things quiet and simple. That’s why he’s expected to throw only two innings Sunday in his first intrasquad-game appearance since training camp started at Wrigley Field.
“I know my body, and I know what I kind of need to do when I get here to get ready,” he said. “Two, yeah, I’m a little bit older. I didn’t want to ramp up at home and then turn around and almost have to sit again.”
Lester is coming off his worst season as a Cub, a 171⅔-inning slog in which he compiled a 4.46 ERA and 1.497 WHIP and allowed an NL-high 205 hits. Despite that, he managed to go 13-10. Winning is, it seems, sewn into the three-time World Series champion’s fabric.
His fastball has lost some ticks. His gas tank empties sooner than it used to. But the mulish, surly competitiveness is still there. The adherence to his between-starts routine is still admired and aspired to by teammates. If he makes 13 starts in a 60-game regular season? He’ll take his chances that he can still help the cause.
Maybe being a winner will be the very last Lester attribute to go.
And speaking of winning, anyone who thinks a championship in 2020 won’t mean what it usually does because of the abbreviated schedule probably would get the same gentle, three-word suggestion from Lester referred to earlier in this story.
“A trophy’s a trophy,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s 60 games. I mean, you still have to win. You still have to play good baseball. It’s not like they’re just handing them out at the end, like, ‘Oh, hey, here’s your participation trophy because you guys showed up this year.’ . . .
“At the end of the day, when you look back on this, yeah, people will talk about this season. But you still have to show up, you still have to play well and you still have to do your job in order to get that trophy, get that ring. And that’s still important to us and still important to me.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Trump wears a mask in public for first time during pandemic to visit military hospital

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital on Saturday , the first time the president has been seen in public with the type of facial covering recommended by health officials as a precaution against spreading or becoming infected by the novel coronavirus .
Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington to meet wounded service members and health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients .
As he left the White House , he told reporters : “ When you ’ re in a hospital , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask.
” Trump was wearing a mask in Walter Reed ’ s hallway as he began his visit .
He was not wearing one when he stepped off the helicopter at the facility .
The president was a latecomer to wearing a mask during the pandemic , which has raged across the U.S. since March and infected more than 3.2 million and killed at least 134,000 .
Most prominent Republicans , including Vice President Mike Pence , endorsed wearing masks as the coronavirus gained ground this summer .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more updates .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital on Saturday, the first time the president has been seen in public with the type of facial covering recommended by health officials as a precaution against spreading or becoming infected by the novel coronavirus.
Trump flew by helicopter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington to meet wounded servicemembers and health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients. As he left the White House, he told reporters: “When you’re in a hospital, especially ... I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask.”
Trump was wearing a mask in Walter Reed’s hallway as he began his visit. He was not wearing one when he stepped off the helicopter at the facility.
The president was a latecomer to wearing a mask during the pandemic, which has raged across the U.S. since March and infected more than 3.2 million and killed at least 134,000. Most prominent Republicans, including Vice President Mike Pence, endorsed wearing masks as the coronavirus gained ground this summer. Republican governors have been moving toward requiring or encouraging the use of masks as the pandemic has grown more serious in some states in the South and West.
Getty 1 of 7 AP Photos 2 of 7 Getty 3 of 7 AP Photos 4 of 7 Getty 5 of 7 AP Photos 6 of 7 Getty 7 of 7
Trump, however, has declined to wear a mask at news conferences, coronavirus task force updates, rallies and other public events. People close to him have told The Associated Press that the president feared a mask would make him look weak and was concerned that it shifted focus to the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery. They spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private matters.
While not wearing one himself, Trump has sent mixed signals about masks, acknowledging that they would be appropriate if worn in an indoor setting where people were close together. But he has accused reporters of wearing them to be politically correct and has retweeted messages making fun of Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing a mask and implying that Biden looks weak.
Questions remain whether Trump will wear a mask with any regularity.
The wearing of masks became another political dividing line, with Republicans more resistant to wearing them than Democrats. Few masks were seen at recent Trump campaign events in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Phoenix and South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore.
The only time Trump has been known to wear a mask was during a private part of a tour of a Ford plant in Michigan.
A spokesman for the Biden campaign cast the president’s action as too little, too late.
“Donald Trump spent months ignoring the advice of medical experts and politicizing wearing a mask, one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of the virus,” spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement. “Rather than taking responsibility and leading, he wasted four months that Americans have been making sacrifices by stoking divisions and actively discouraging people from taking a very basic step to protect each other.”
On its website, Walter Reed carries this recommendation: “Whenever you’re out in public, like at your local grocery store or pharmacy, where it’s difficult to maintain 6 feet of social distance, you should wear a cloth face covering.” The facility also notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--1,195 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois; 24 COVID deaths reported

Illinois health officials Saturday reported 1,195 new cases of the coronavirus , marking the third day in a row that daily tallies have exceeded 1,000 , a stretch not seen since May .
Officials also reported another 24 deaths attributed to COVID-19 , raising the state ’ s death toll to 7,168 , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The newly confirmed cases raise the state ’ s total case count to 152,962 .
So far this month , an average of about 888 new cases have been reported each day .
The latest cases were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last day .
The statewide positivity rate for cases in the last week was 3 % .
Daily case totals have inched upward since a nearly three-month low of 462 reported on June 22 .
The slow rise has been attributed by public health officials to an increase in testing .
Illinois ’ deadliest month for the coronavirus was May , with a daily average of about 2,172 cases and 100 deaths .
As of Friday night , 1,398 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19 , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators , according to the state health department .

Illinois health officials Saturday reported 1,195 new cases of the coronavirus, marking the third day in a row that daily tallies have exceeded 1,000, a stretch not seen since May.
Officials also reported another 24 deaths attributed to COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 7,168, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The newly confirmed cases raise the state’s total case count to 152,962. So far this month, an average of about 888 new cases have been reported each day.
The latest cases were confirmed among the 32,345 tests conducted in the last day.
The statewide positivity rate for cases in the last week was 3%.
Daily case totals have inched upward since a nearly three-month low of 462 reported on June 22. The slow rise has been attributed by public health officials to an increase in testing.
Illinois’ deadliest month for the coronavirus was May, with a daily average of about 2,172 cases and 100 deaths.
As of Friday night, 1,398 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19, including 321 in the ICU and 139 on ventilators, according to the state health department.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Boy, 14, shot in Marquette Park

Boy, 14, shot in Marquette Park

A teenage boy was injured by gunfire Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
The 14-year-old was standing @ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 6500 block of South Francisco Avenue when someone fired shots , according @ @ @ @ @ was hit in the abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in @ @ @ @ @ .
No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

A teenage boy was injured by gunfire Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
The 14-year-old was standing in an alley about 2:55 a.m. in the 6500 block of South Francisco Avenue when someone fired shots, according to Chicago police.
He was hit in the abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition, police said.
No one is in custody as Area Two detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Dear Abby: Why won’t my boyfriend let me visit his house?

DEAR ABBY : I am 43 , and my boyfriend is 40 .
He is always at my house , but I can never go to his to sit around and relax .
When I get upset about it and want to talk to him about it , he tells me that ’ s not the case at all .
I ’ m welcome anytime .
But when I suggest it , I am always turned down .
I ’ m trying hard to be optimistic , but I have so many negative thoughts about this .
What should I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR KEPT OUT : It appears your boyfriend is more comfortable at your place than hosting you at his .
Why that would be is anybody ’ s guess .
Maybe he is lazy and doesn ’ t want to straighten up for a guest .
Maybe he ’ s unwilling to provide food or a beverage you prefer .
Are you sure he lives alone and there isn ’ t another hen sitting in his nest ?
You haven ’ t said how long you have been together as a couple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking advantage .
It also seems he is pretty slick about denying reality when it comes to hospitality .
Unless he can explain to you WHY you can ’ t come over , your negative thoughts about this may be warranted .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m a male in my early 20s who has a very small appetite .
I eat small portions regularly throughout the day .
During holidays and other occasions , I eat at the parents ’ of my friends a lot , or at my grandparents ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They think I should have the typical “ growing boy ” appetite and consume large amounts of food at each meal .
When I don ’ t clean my plate ( or even half ) , they ask me what ’ s wrong or if I didn ’ t like it .
Usually , I enjoyed it very much but just couldn ’ t finish the whole thing .
How do I navigate these dinners without offending anyone ’ s cooking ?
— QUICKLY SATISFIED DEAR SATISFIED : If possible , what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are comfortable eating rather than waste the food .
If that is not possible , quietly point out to your hosts that although you love what they prepare , you are in the habit of eating small portions throughout the day and would appreciate it if they didn ’ t overwhelm you .
It ’ s a reasonable request , and it shouldn ’ t offend anyone .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been married to the same woman for 24 years .
We have been faithful since we took our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stray .
I have looked at her throughout the years and thought to myself how lucky I am to have such an unbelievably beautiful woman by my side .
She ’ s everything I ’ ve ever wanted and more — intelligent , empathetic and a fun and outgoing person to be in love with .
She keeps getting better looking .
My question is , after all these years , is it unnatural for me to just want to be near her , to smell her , to hold her ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands off her .
— HANDSY IN NEW MEXICO DEAR HANDSY : As long as your wife doesn ’ t feel encroached upon , your need to touch her is not only natural , it is enviable .
Many women would not only love to be adored the way you do her but would reciprocate .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I am 43, and my boyfriend is 40. He is always at my house, but I can never go to his to sit around and relax. When I get upset about it and want to talk to him about it, he tells me that’s not the case at all. I’m welcome anytime. But when I suggest it, I am always turned down. I’m trying hard to be optimistic, but I have so many negative thoughts about this. What should I do? — KEPT OUT IN ALABAMA
DEAR KEPT OUT: It appears your boyfriend is more comfortable at your place than hosting you at his. Why that would be is anybody’s guess. Maybe he is lazy and doesn’t want to straighten up for a guest. Maybe he’s unwilling to provide food or a beverage you prefer. Are you sure he lives alone and there isn’t another hen sitting in his nest?
You haven’t said how long you have been together as a couple, but it does seem like he is taking advantage. It also seems he is pretty slick about denying reality when it comes to hospitality. Unless he can explain to you WHY you can’t come over, your negative thoughts about this may be warranted.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a male in my early 20s who has a very small appetite. I eat small portions regularly throughout the day. During holidays and other occasions, I eat at the parents’ of my friends a lot, or at my grandparents’ or other family members’ homes. They think I should have the typical “growing boy” appetite and consume large amounts of food at each meal. When I don’t clean my plate (or even half), they ask me what’s wrong or if I didn’t like it. Usually, I enjoyed it very much but just couldn’t finish the whole thing. How do I navigate these dinners without offending anyone’s cooking? — QUICKLY SATISFIED
DEAR SATISFIED: If possible, what you should do is serve yourself the portions you are comfortable eating rather than waste the food. If that is not possible, quietly point out to your hosts that although you love what they prepare, you are in the habit of eating small portions throughout the day and would appreciate it if they didn’t overwhelm you. It’s a reasonable request, and it shouldn’t offend anyone.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to the same woman for 24 years. We have been faithful since we took our vows and have never had a reason to stray. I have looked at her throughout the years and thought to myself how lucky I am to have such an unbelievably beautiful woman by my side. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more — intelligent, empathetic and a fun and outgoing person to be in love with. She keeps getting better looking.
My question is, after all these years, is it unnatural for me to just want to be near her, to smell her, to hold her? I really can’t keep my hands off her. — HANDSY IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR HANDSY: As long as your wife doesn’t feel encroached upon, your need to touch her is not only natural, it is enviable. Many women would not only love to be adored the way you do her but would reciprocate.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Police seek suspect in Lincoln Park 7-Eleven robbery

Police are asking for the public ’ s help identifying the person who robbed a 7-Eleven store at knifepoint last @ @ @ @ @ the North Side .
He entered a store at 1:52 a.m. July 3 in the @ @ @ @ @ Street and demanded money while armed with a knife , police said .
The 7-Eleven @ @ @ @ @ Clark .
The suspect was described as a male between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-6 weighing about @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He wore a face mask , had a white T-shirt wrapped around @ @ @ @ @ multi-colored tote bag .
Police released surveillance photos of the suspect inside the store and @ @ @ @ @ to call Area Three detectives at 312-747-8263 .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the person who robbed a 7-Eleven store at knifepoint last week in Lincoln Park on the North Side.
He entered a store at 1:52 a.m. July 3 in the 2600 block of North Clark Street and demanded money while armed with a knife, police said.
The 7-Eleven is located at 2619 N. Clark.
The suspect was described as a male between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-6 weighing about 140 to 150 pounds, police said. He wore a face mask, had a white T-shirt wrapped around his head and carried a multi-colored tote bag.
Police released surveillance photos of the suspect inside the store and are asking anyone with information to call Area Three detectives at 312-747-8263.
Police released surveillance images of the suspect in a robbery July 3, 2020, at the 7-Eleven store at 2619 N. Clark St. Chicago police
Police released surveillance images of the suspect in a robbery July 3, 2020, at the 7-Eleven store at 2619 N. Clark St. Chicago police
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Man fatally struck by SUV in Mount Greenwood

A man was hit and killed by a vehicle Saturday in Mount Greenwood on the Far South Side .
A @ @ @ @ @ at 11:53 p.m. in the 11100 block of South Pulaski Road when the man in @ @ @ @ @ street , according to Chicago police .
The SUV hit the man , who was @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
No other injuries were reported .
The Cook County medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ released details about the death .
The male driver of the Honda stayed at the @ @ @ @ @ police said .
No citations have been issued as of early Sunday and alcohol did @ @ @ @ @ factor .

A man was hit and killed by a vehicle Saturday in Mount Greenwood on the Far South Side.
A 2015 Honda SUV was southbound at 11:53 p.m. in the 11100 block of South Pulaski Road when the man in his 20s walked into the street, according to Chicago police.
The SUV hit the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No other injuries were reported.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the man as 21-year-old John Roche Jr. An autopsy ruled his death an accident.
The male driver of the Honda stayed at the scene after the crash, police said. No citations have been issued as of early Sunday and alcohol did not appear to be a factor.
The CPD Major Accidents unit is investigating.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Police search for car used in slaying of 13-year-old in Austin

Chicago police released images Saturday of the car used in the killing of 13-year-old Amaria Jones last month in Austin @ @ @ @ @ searching for is believed to be a silver two-door Infiniti G35 or G37 with tinted @ @ @ @ @ plate , police said .
A person who was the Infiniti fired shots at a @ @ @ @ @ front porch June 20 in the 1000 block of North Leclaire Avenue , police said @ @ @ @ @ flew into the home and struck Jones , police said .
Two teenage boys who @ @ @ @ @ also wounded .
The shooter fled in the Infiniti from the west alley of Leclaire @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Jones was one of 12 minors who was shot amid an exceptionally @ @ @ @ @ weekend that saw 104 total shooting victims .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

Chicago police released images Saturday of the car used in the killing of 13-year-old Amaria Jones last month in Austin.
The car police are searching for is believed to be a silver two-door Infiniti G35 or G37 with tinted windows and no front license plate, police said.
A person who was the Infiniti fired shots at a group of people on a front porch June 20 in the 1000 block of North Leclaire Avenue, police said.
One of the bullets flew into the home and struck Jones, police said. Two teenage boys who were on the porch were also wounded.
The shooter fled in the Infiniti from the west alley of Leclaire Avenue towards Thomas Street, police said.
Jones was one of 12 minors who was shot amid an exceptionally violent Father’s Day weekend that saw 104 total shooting victims.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Horoscope for Sunday, July 12, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, July 12, 2020

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions .
The moon is in Aries .
It ’ s a mixed bag .
In one way , you might be short tempered , especially dealing with parents or authority figures .
However , in the next moment , you see where you might be judgmental and you regret it .
( Now you feel sympathy for what is going on . )
You might spend time daydreaming because your imagination is heightened .
In fact , your ESP is also heightened , which is why you might pick up acid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear of controversial subjects because this will only bring you down .
Keep things light .
Be careful if shopping because you will be tempted to go overboard spending money on luxurious items that might be an expense you regret .
Furthermore , financial negotiations might be unrealistic .
You can ’ t always “ make it so.
” ( Would that we could . )
You feel strong sympathy for someone because of what they are going through .
( Of course , you are a sympathetic individual because you are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that for some reason , personal details about your private life are public today .
You might feel vague or weird because in one way , you want some change and adventure !
Nevertheless , you also want to relax in solitude and let someone peel you a grape .
Yes , it ’ s a mixed bag .
Explore learning something unusual , mysterious and new because this will please you .
Today your inner idealism is aroused , which is why you might be drawn to meditate with a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consciousness-raising activity with others .
Perhaps you will work on behalf of someone else to help them ?
Your sensitivity to the world around you is heightened .
Someone in a position of authority might help you today .
Or vice versa , you might be in a position to help someone else .
Either way , this is a kind of day where people feel naturally sympathetic toward each other even though at the same time , there is also an element of impatience .
“ Life !
” You will enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone today .
You might also dream about a wished-for vacation in the future .
That ’ s because today is full of “ what if ’ s. ” For those of you at work , be patient with coworkers .
If you are dealing with shared property , inheritances , estates , wills or anything to do with the wealth of your partner , be careful .
Out of a moment of idealism or even confusion , you might give away the farm .
Make sure you know what you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutually beneficial to your partner or close friend and you hope that they will feel the same way .
Unfortunately , sometimes idealism gets in the way of reality , and the result is disappointment .
At least express your expectations to someone .
Put them in the picture .
You might feel a heart connection with a pet , which is certainly easy to do .
Your idealism is aroused , especially related to working on behalf of others , helping someone or working with a pet .
Be careful about confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect too much from a romantic partner because down deep , your idealism wants someone to be more than they could possibly be .
Of course , anything is possible .
Charles Schultz said , “ Life is like a 10-speed bicycle — most of us have gears we never use.
” If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Gordon Pinsent ( 1930 ) shares your birthday .
You are bright , enthusiastic and cheerful .
People love to be in your presence !
This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situations .
If possible , ( maybe not ) , explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
It’s a mixed bag. In one way, you might be short tempered, especially dealing with parents or authority figures. However, in the next moment, you see where you might be judgmental and you regret it. (Now you feel sympathy for what is going on.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You might spend time daydreaming because your imagination is heightened. In fact, your ESP is also heightened, which is why you might pick up acid rock through your Mercury fillings. Steer clear of controversial subjects because this will only bring you down. Keep things light.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Be careful if shopping because you will be tempted to go overboard spending money on luxurious items that might be an expense you regret. Furthermore, financial negotiations might be unrealistic. You can’t always “make it so.” (Would that we could.)
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You feel strong sympathy for someone because of what they are going through. (Of course, you are a sympathetic individual because you are a nurturer at heart.) Do be aware that for some reason, personal details about your private life are public today.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You might feel vague or weird because in one way, you want some change and adventure! Nevertheless, you also want to relax in solitude and let someone peel you a grape. Yes, it’s a mixed bag. Explore learning something unusual, mysterious and new because this will please you.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today your inner idealism is aroused, which is why you might be drawn to meditate with a group or explore yoga or some kind of consciousness-raising activity with others. Perhaps you will work on behalf of someone else to help them? Your sensitivity to the world around you is heightened.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Someone in a position of authority might help you today. Or vice versa, you might be in a position to help someone else. Either way, this is a kind of day where people feel naturally sympathetic toward each other even though at the same time, there is also an element of impatience. “Life!”
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You will enjoy discussing heady ideas about profound topics with someone today. You might also dream about a wished-for vacation in the future. That’s because today is full of “what if’s.” For those of you at work, be patient with coworkers.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
If you are dealing with shared property, inheritances, estates, wills or anything to do with the wealth of your partner, be careful. Out of a moment of idealism or even confusion, you might give away the farm. Make sure you know what you’re doing.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today you want to be mutually beneficial to your partner or close friend and you hope that they will feel the same way. Unfortunately, sometimes idealism gets in the way of reality, and the result is disappointment. At least express your expectations to someone. Put them in the picture.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You might feel a heart connection with a pet, which is certainly easy to do. Your idealism is aroused, especially related to working on behalf of others, helping someone or working with a pet. Be careful about confusion related to health issues.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Do not expect too much from a romantic partner because down deep, your idealism wants someone to be more than they could possibly be. Of course, anything is possible. Charles Schultz said, “Life is like a 10-speed bicycle — most of us have gears we never use.”
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Gordon Pinsent (1930) shares your birthday. You are bright, enthusiastic and cheerful. People love to be in your presence! This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible, (maybe not), explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-11--Man, 92, killed in I-90 crash in Arlington Heights

A 92-year-old man was killed in a crash Friday on Interstate 90 in northwest suburban Arlington Heights .
The man @ @ @ @ @ p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the tollway booth at @ @ @ @ @ Road , Illinois State Police said .
Though his injuries were minor , according to @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead about an hour later at a local hospital , the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials believe he may have suffered a medical emergency while driving .
The medical @ @ @ @ @ the man as Lavern Gank .
An autopsy said he died of his injuries , @ @ @ @ @ an accident .

A 92-year-old man was killed in a crash Friday on Interstate 90 in northwest suburban Arlington Heights.
The man was driving west about 2:40 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the tollway booth at Plaza 18 near Arlington Heights Road, Illinois State Police said.
Though his injuries were minor, according to police, the man was pronounced dead about an hour later at a local hospital, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Officials believe he may have suffered a medical emergency while driving.
The medical examiner’s office identified the man as Lavern Gank. An autopsy said he died of his injuries, and his death was ruled an accident.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Record number of complaints filed against Chicago police during George Floyd protests

Complaints against Chicago police officers spiked to record levels last month amid citywide George Floyd demonstrations — including a single day when nearly 100 complaints were recorded , city data shows .
More than 900 complaints were filed against officers between May 26 — the date of the first protest after the murder of Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota — and June 29 , the last day for which records were available .
On June 4 alone the city reported 99 complaints against officers — the most of any day in the last 13 years , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
For comparison , 175 complaints were filed against officers during the week of the 2012 NATO summit that saw clashes between police and protesters , and 79 complaints were filed the week after video of the murder of Laquan McDonald by former Chicago Police Department Officer Jason Van Dyke was publicly released in 2015 .
COPA , which replaced its predecessor , the Independent Police Review Authority , in 2017 , did not respond to a question about whether the methodology for tracking complaints had changed over the 13 years records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability ( COPA ) and the Police Department ’ s Bureau of Internal Affairs likely don ’ t come close to the number of incidents in June where protesters were subjected to undue force by officers .
“ I think it ’ s evidence that there was a level of [ police ] brutality that people experienced at a historic , alarming rate , ” said Aislinn Pulley , a founder of Black Lives Matter Chicago .
Chicago police declined to answer questions about the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department was committed to facilitating demonstrations in a safe and peaceful manner .
“ During the period of civil unrest , enforcement action was appropriately taken when individuals were violating the law and participating in criminal acts .
This was done to protect public safety and all those involved , ” police spokesman Luis Agostini said .
Civil rights groups and attorneys representing organizers of the protests say videos taken during protests document many cases where police used force against protesters who were only exercising their rights — sometimes loudly — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheila Bedi , director of the Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic at Northwestern University , said CPD officers violated a federal consent decree that was imposed on the department last year with the use of pepper spray and striking protesters with batons .
The consent decree , which mandates widespread reforms by CPD , requires officers to engage in de-escalation and avoid force whenever possible .
“ What we see here is officers doing the opposite , ” Bedi said .
“ The consent decree has been in place now for approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more incidents that demonstrate clear violations of the consent decree in the past month than the entire time it ’ s been in place.
” According to a report published by COPA , the oversight agency identified 413 complaints as directly related to the protests between May 29 and June 5 .
Of those , the top complaints were for excessive force ( 55 % ) , improper searches ( 22 % ) and verbal abuse by officers ( 11 % ) , the report stated .
“ It ’ s certainly unfortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against police violence that they were met with violence , ” Karen Sheley , an attorney with the ACLU , said .
“ I ’ m not surprised that a group of people protesting police violence , that were met with police violence , would be motivated to make a complaint.
” On May 30 , Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered a citywide curfew when a George Floyd demonstration in the city ’ s downtown was marred by pockets of looting and property destruction that lasted through June 6 .
Nearly 47 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that week , the city ’ s data shows .
Out of the top six days when the highest number of complaints were filed against police in the city ’ s 13-year dataset , five occurred during the curfew .
Pulley , of Black Lives Matter , believes police were more aggressive during the protests because of the curfew , particularly against people of color .
“ Normally , we ’ re not under a curfew , and there aren ’ t legal excuses made to kind of give cover to that type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I think that ’ s what CPD used the curfew [ to do ] .
” Only 20 % of the city ’ s complaint records categorized the race of the person who filed the complaint , but of those that did , 60 % of complainants were African American , 17 % were Latino and 17 % were white .
During a May 31 demonstration in Hyde Park , activist Amika Tendaji said she and her teenage daughter were struck with a batons in the head and chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complaint with police or COPA , saying , “ I , like many other people , have no faith in COPA to [ conduct ] a diligent investigation.
” Tendaji said many protesters don ’ t trust COPA to do a thorough investigation and say that even when a complaint is sustained , the officers don ’ t face consequences .
The Invisible Institute , a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization , has been tracking police complaints since 2015 when it launched its Citizens Police Data Project and began publishing complaints in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The likelihood that you will get your complaint sustained is very low , ” said Trina Reynolds-Tyler , a data analyst at the organization .
Still , she feels it ’ s important for people to report complaints to the city .
“ We really want to encourage people to file complaints because we need that data if we ’ re going to be able to see if COPA is doing its job ... if the same officers are coming up again and again , we need to be able to show it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ephraim Eaddy said the agency sustained 42 % of all concluded investigations last year .
In the past month , COPA has recommended that three officers be fired for providing false statements to investigators and recommended that two officers be discharged for engaging in the code of silence , Eaddy said .
All five cases are pending before the Chicago Police Board .
The sheer number of complaints has led to a backlog for investigators .
Of the cases assigned to COPA , 91 have been closed and 289 are listed as pending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protests locally , COPA received 591 complaints in a period of two weeks , which is more than the number of complaints we typically receive in an entire month , ” Eaddy said , adding the agency was “ committed to conducting thorough and timely investigations.
” Following the death of Floyd and the resulting protests , COPA says it formed a “ specialized team of investigative personnel and began reviewing and responding to complaints in real time.
” “ While we have witnessed officers exercising restraint and professionalism during tense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnessed uses of force which appear excessive , ” Eaddy said .
After COPA receives a complaint case , it is either retained by COPA for investigation or turned over to the Bureau of Internal Affairs based on jurisdiction , Eaddy said .
More than 500 cases that have been assigned to CPD ’ s Bureau of Internal Affairs do not list a status in the city ’ s data , and police declined to provide updated records .
“ CPD is working with the Department of Innovation and Technology to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are reflected on the public portal , ” the department said .
Matthew Hendrickson is a Sun-Times staff reporter .
Matt Kiefer is a former data editor at the Chicago Reporter and a 2020 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University .

Complaints against Chicago police officers spiked to record levels last month amid citywide George Floyd demonstrations — including a single day when nearly 100 complaints were recorded, city data shows.
More than 900 complaints were filed against officers between May 26 — the date of the first protest after the murder of Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota — and June 29, the last day for which records were available.
On June 4 alone the city reported 99 complaints against officers — the most of any day in the last 13 years, according to a Chicago Sun-Times review of publicly available data.
For comparison, 175 complaints were filed against officers during the week of the 2012 NATO summit that saw clashes between police and protesters, and 79 complaints were filed the week after video of the murder of Laquan McDonald by former Chicago Police Department Officer Jason Van Dyke was publicly released in 2015.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
COPA, which replaced its predecessor, the Independent Police Review Authority, in 2017, did not respond to a question about whether the methodology for tracking complaints had changed over the 13 years records were available.
Chicago activists say complaints filed with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) and the Police Department’s Bureau of Internal Affairs likely don’t come close to the number of incidents in June where protesters were subjected to undue force by officers.
“I think it’s evidence that there was a level of [police] brutality that people experienced at a historic, alarming rate,” said Aislinn Pulley, a founder of Black Lives Matter Chicago.
Chicago police declined to answer questions about the increase in complaints but said in a statement the department was committed to facilitating demonstrations in a safe and peaceful manner.
“During the period of civil unrest, enforcement action was appropriately taken when individuals were violating the law and participating in criminal acts. This was done to protect public safety and all those involved,” police spokesman Luis Agostini said.
‘Clear violations of the consent decree’
Civil rights groups and attorneys representing organizers of the protests say videos taken during protests document many cases where police used force against protesters who were only exercising their rights — sometimes loudly — but were not participating in criminal behavior.
Sheila Bedi, director of the Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic at Northwestern University, said CPD officers violated a federal consent decree that was imposed on the department last year with the use of pepper spray and striking protesters with batons.
The consent decree, which mandates widespread reforms by CPD, requires officers to engage in de-escalation and avoid force whenever possible.
Related Lawyer overseeing CPD reform planning special report on recent protests
“What we see here is officers doing the opposite,” Bedi said. “The consent decree has been in place now for approximately a year-and-a-half, and we have received more incidents that demonstrate clear violations of the consent decree in the past month than the entire time it’s been in place.”
According to a report published by COPA, the oversight agency identified 413 complaints as directly related to the protests between May 29 and June 5.
Of those, the top complaints were for excessive force (55%), improper searches (22%) and verbal abuse by officers (11%), the report stated.
“It’s certainly unfortunate that in response to people speaking out against police violence that they were met with violence,” Karen Sheley, an attorney with the ACLU, said. “I’m not surprised that a group of people protesting police violence, that were met with police violence, would be motivated to make a complaint.”
Complaints highest during citywide curfew order
On May 30, Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered a citywide curfew when a George Floyd demonstration in the city’s downtown was marred by pockets of looting and property destruction that lasted through June 6.
Nearly 47% of all complaints filed against police occurred during that week, the city’s data shows.
Out of the top six days when the highest number of complaints were filed against police in the city’s 13-year dataset, five occurred during the curfew.
Pulley, of Black Lives Matter, believes police were more aggressive during the protests because of the curfew, particularly against people of color.
“Normally, we’re not under a curfew, and there aren’t legal excuses made to kind of give cover to that type of [police] violence,” she said. “I think that’s what CPD used the curfew [to do].”
Only 20% of the city’s complaint records categorized the race of the person who filed the complaint, but of those that did, 60% of complainants were African American, 17% were Latino and 17% were white.
Activists question COPA’s investigations, impact
During a May 31 demonstration in Hyde Park, activist Amika Tendaji said she and her teenage daughter were struck with a batons in the head and chest by officers.
Tendaji did not file a complaint with police or COPA, saying, “I, like many other people, have no faith in COPA to [conduct] a diligent investigation.”
Tendaji said many protesters don’t trust COPA to do a thorough investigation and say that even when a complaint is sustained, the officers don’t face consequences.
The Invisible Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization, has been tracking police complaints since 2015 when it launched its Citizens Police Data Project and began publishing complaints in a searchable database on its website.
“The likelihood that you will get your complaint sustained is very low,” said Trina Reynolds-Tyler, a data analyst at the organization.
Still, she feels it’s important for people to report complaints to the city.
“We really want to encourage people to file complaints because we need that data if we’re going to be able to see if COPA is doing its job ... if the same officers are coming up again and again, we need to be able to show it.”
In a statement, COPA spokesman Ephraim Eaddy said the agency sustained 42% of all concluded investigations last year.
In the past month, COPA has recommended that three officers be fired for providing false statements to investigators and recommended that two officers be discharged for engaging in the code of silence, Eaddy said.
All five cases are pending before the Chicago Police Board.
Record level of complaints stack up
The sheer number of complaints has led to a backlog for investigators.
Of the cases assigned to COPA, 91 have been closed and 289 are listed as pending investigation.
“As a result of the protests locally, COPA received 591 complaints in a period of two weeks, which is more than the number of complaints we typically receive in an entire month,” Eaddy said, adding the agency was “committed to conducting thorough and timely investigations.”
Following the death of Floyd and the resulting protests, COPA says it formed a “specialized team of investigative personnel and began reviewing and responding to complaints in real time.”
“While we have witnessed officers exercising restraint and professionalism during tense and at times violent confrontations we have also witnessed uses of force which appear excessive,” Eaddy said.
After COPA receives a complaint case, it is either retained by COPA for investigation or turned over to the Bureau of Internal Affairs based on jurisdiction, Eaddy said.
More than 500 cases that have been assigned to CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs do not list a status in the city’s data, and police declined to provide updated records.
“CPD is working with the Department of Innovation and Technology to ensure the most updated statuses and related BIA information are reflected on the public portal,” the department said.
Matthew Hendrickson is a Sun-Times staff reporter. Matt Kiefer is a former data editor at the Chicago Reporter and a 2020 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Notre Dame’s Troy D’Amico commits to SIU

Southern Illinois coach Bryan Mullins has been at the helm of his alma mater for 16 months .
Within a couple of months on the job , Mullins landed Marcus Domask out of Wisconsin , who went on to become the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year this past season .
Now Mullins has a commitment from arguably the hottest mid-major prospect in Illinois in the Class of 2021 .
Notre Dame ’ s Troy D ’ Amico , the City/Suburban Hoops Report ’ s No .
6 ranked player in the Class of 2021 , committed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something I just felt in my gut and something I ’ ve been leaning towards for awhile , ” D ’ Amico said .
“ So why wait to decide ?
I thought it was time to pull the trigger.
” Southern Illinois is getting the City/Suburban Hoops Report ’ s highest ranked player since Sun-Times Player of the Year Kevin Dillard of Homewood-Flossmoor signed with the Salukis in 2008 .
The talented and versatile 6-7 forward said the odd recruiting process , due to the coronavirus , was more “ difficult ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to get on the Southern Illinois campus as a sophomore and again this past season for a game .
“ Not being able to get on the campuses and see the coaches up close and personal did make it more difficult , ” D ’ Amico said .
“ But I ’ ve had such a great feeling about Southern Illinois .
The coaching staff , from day one , made me feel welcome and comfortable .
The campus is nice , the facilities are good and everyone is invested in building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zooms and those initial trips to Carbondale stood out with D ’ Amico .
There was an obvious comfort level with the staff throughout the process .
“ They [ coaches ] did a great job of explaining how they saw the future , both for the program and for myself , ” D ’ Amico said .
D ’ Amico , a Sun-Times all-area performer and all-stater as a junior , led the Dons to a 29-5 record while averaging 15.6 points , 5.1 rebounds and three assists a game .
D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorites in Class 3A and set to play for a sectional championship before the Covid-19 shutdown in March .
D ’ Amico ’ s game took a big step forward this past season , particularly with his ability and comfort level in putting the ball on the floor .
He became more creative and effective as an ultra-skilled 4-man .
Whether it be handling the ball , a reliable jumper from the three-point line or an improvement in scoring around the basket , D ’ Amico evolved into a prized mid-major target and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
D ’ Amico has a competitiveness and toughness that resonates when watching him play at the highest level in high school .
“ Troy took a huge jump during the season , ” Notre Dame coach Kevin Clancy said .
“ He ’ s such a complete player , capable of doing so many things to help a team win .
Southern Illinois is getting a great kid and player .
”

Southern Illinois coach Bryan Mullins has been at the helm of his alma mater for 16 months.
Within a couple of months on the job, Mullins landed Marcus Domask out of Wisconsin, who went on to become the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year this past season.
Now Mullins has a commitment from arguably the hottest mid-major prospect in Illinois in the Class of 2021.
Notre Dame’s Troy D’Amico, the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s No. 6 ranked player in the Class of 2021, committed to the Salukis Sunday.
“It’s something I just felt in my gut and something I’ve been leaning towards for awhile,” D’Amico said. “So why wait to decide? I thought it was time to pull the trigger.”
Southern Illinois is getting the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s highest ranked player since Sun-Times Player of the Year Kevin Dillard of Homewood-Flossmoor signed with the Salukis in 2008.
The talented and versatile 6-7 forward said the odd recruiting process, due to the coronavirus, was more “difficult” than “frustrating.” But he was able to get on the Southern Illinois campus as a sophomore and again this past season for a game.
“Not being able to get on the campuses and see the coaches up close and personal did make it more difficult,” D’Amico said. “But I’ve had such a great feeling about Southern Illinois. The coaching staff, from day one, made me feel welcome and comfortable. The campus is nice, the facilities are good and everyone is invested in building that program.”
The many conversations, zooms and those initial trips to Carbondale stood out with D’Amico. There was an obvious comfort level with the staff throughout the process.
“They [coaches] did a great job of explaining how they saw the future, both for the program and for myself,” D’Amico said.
Notre Dame’s Troy D’Amico (0) directs the Dons’ offense from the high post. Allen Cunnigham/For the Sun-Times
D’Amico, a Sun-Times all-area performer and all-stater as a junior, led the Dons to a 29-5 record while averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and three assists a game. D’Amico and Notre Dame were the favorites in Class 3A and set to play for a sectional championship before the Covid-19 shutdown in March.
D’Amico’s game took a big step forward this past season, particularly with his ability and comfort level in putting the ball on the floor. He became more creative and effective as an ultra-skilled 4-man. Whether it be handling the ball, a reliable jumper from the three-point line or an improvement in scoring around the basket, D’Amico evolved into a prized mid-major target and recruit.
The intangibles also stand out. D’Amico has a competitiveness and toughness that resonates when watching him play at the highest level in high school.
“Troy took a huge jump during the season,” Notre Dame coach Kevin Clancy said. “He’s such a complete player, capable of doing so many things to help a team win. Southern Illinois is getting a great kid and player.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Benjamin Keough, grandson of Elvis Presley, dies at 27

Benjamin Keough , the son of Lisa Marie Presley and grandson of Elvis Presley , has died .
He was @ @ @ @ @ representative Roger Widynowski said in a statement Sunday that she was “ heartbroken ” after @ @ @ @ @ her son .
TMZ reports that Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in @ @ @ @ @ She is completely heartbroken , inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for @ @ @ @ @ oldest daughter Riley , ” Widynowski said in the statement .
“ She adored that @ @ @ @ @ love of her life.
” Keough ’ s father is singer-songwriter Danny Keough , and @ @ @ @ @ Keough of TV ’ s “ The Girlfriend Experience ” and the films “ American @ @ @ @ @ Comes at Night ” and “ The Lodge .
”

Benjamin Keough, the son of Lisa Marie Presley and grandson of Elvis Presley, has died. He was 27.
Presley’s representative Roger Widynowski said in a statement Sunday that she was “heartbroken” after learning about the death of her son.
TMZ reports that Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in Calabasas, California.
“She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley,” Widynowski said in the statement. “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
Keough’s father is singer-songwriter Danny Keough, and his sister is actress Riley Keough of TV’s “The Girlfriend Experience” and the films “American Honey,” “It Comes at Night” and “The Lodge.”


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--50 shot, 9 fatally, this weekend so far

50 shot, 9 fatally, this weekend so far

Fifty people have been shot , nine of them fatally , across Chicago so far this weekend .
Fifteen-year-old Terrance Malden , who was gunned down about 4:50 p.m. Friday in Jeffery Manor on the South Side , was the weekend ’ s first victim .
Two other teenagers were wounded in separate shootings between then and 5:30 p.m. Sunday .
The alarming numbers marked a dip from the gun violence that befell the city over the Fourth of July weekend , when 79 people were shot , 15 fatally .
Eleven of those victims were minors , and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the same weekend last year , nine people were killed and 32 more were wounded .
The most recent fatal attack left a 26-year-old man dead in Englewood on the South Side .
About 5:15 a.m. , he was standing in the 2100 block of West 71st Street when he heard shots and felt pain , Chicago police said .
He was struck multiple times and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Earlier Sunday , a man was killed and two others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Humboldt Park on the West Side .
They were standing on the street at 12:44 a.m. in the 1100 block of North Lawndale Avenue when they got into a fight with several other males , who fired gunshots , according to Chicago police .
A 52-year-old man was shot in the neck and pronounced dead at the scene .
Two other men , 23 , and 33 , were each shot multiple times and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
A 33-year-old woman was killed and two others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the South Side .
She and two 28-year-old women were standing in the street with a group of people about 9:40 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Woodlawn Avenue when the shots were fired , police said .
All three were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where the 33-year-old who was shot in the chest was pronounced dead .
The other two , both 28 , were in fair condition , police said .
One was shot in the arm , and the other was struck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour earlier , a 33-year-old man was shot to death in Englewood on the South Side .
Frank Ellis was outside a home about 8:15 p.m. in the 6900 block of South Elizabeth Street when a vehicle pulled up in front of him , police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
Several people got out and opened fire , striking him in the back .
Ellis , who lived in West Englewood , was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he died .
Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another was wounded in Austin on the West Side .
They were standing on the sidewalk about 1:48 a.m. in the 5400 block of West Congress Parkway when someone fired shots , according to police .
A 31-year-old man was struck and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The other man , 35 , was hit in the left hand and refused medical treatment .
Minutes before , a man was fatally shot in West Town .
The man , 41 , was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1:32 a.m. in the 300 block of North Ashland Avenue , police said .
He was pronounced dead on the scene .
Another man was found with a fatal gunshot wound about half an hour earlier in Park Manor on the South Side .
Officers responding to ShotSpotter reports of gunfire at 1:04 a.m. found the 41-year-old man in an alley in the 7000 block of South King Drive , according to police .
He was shot in the back and chest and pronounced dead at the scene .
The weekend ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening in McKinley Park on the South Side .
About 6:50 p.m. , Sergio Cervantes was in the 3400 block of South Paulina Street when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire , authorities said .
Cervantes , who lived in McKinley Park , was struck in the face and back and taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
Two of the weekend ’ s victims were teenage boys .
A 14-year-old was shot early Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 6500 block of South Francisco Avenue when someone fired shots , according to police .
The boy was hit in the abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition .
On Friday evening , a 17-year-old boy was shot in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
He was inside a vehicle about 7:33 p.m. in the first block of South Kostner Avenue when another vehicle pulled up , police said .
Someone inside fired shots , striking the boy in the arm .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .
At least 35 other people have been injured by gun violence since 5 p.m. Friday .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Sixty-four people were shot, 13 of them fatally, across Chicago over the weekend.
Fifteen-year-old Terrance Malden, who was gunned down about 4:50 p.m. Friday in Jeffery Manor on the South Side, was the weekend’s first victim. Five other teenagers were wounded in separate shootings between then and Monday morning.
The alarming numbers marked a dip from the gun violence that befell the city over the Fourth of July weekend, when 79 people were shot, 15 fatally. Eleven of those victims were minors, and two of the children died from their injuries.
In the same weekend last year, nine people were killed and 32 more were wounded.
On Monday, CPD Supt. David Brown asked for patience from the public as he prepares to implement his crime-fighting strategies.
Monday morning
The most recent fatal attack left a man dead early Monday in Park Manor on the South Side.
Shamari K. Smith, 27, was on the street about 1:45 a.m. in the 6700 block of South Rhodes Avenue when someone fired shots from a vehicle, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Smith, who lived in Park Manor, was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Less than an hour before that, a 26-year-old man was shot and killed in Lawndale on the West Side.
Marshawn Thomas was standing on the sidewalk about 12:24 a.m. in the 1500 block of South Homan Avenue when he was gunned down, authorities said. Thomas, who lived in Lawndale, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Sunday
Late Sunday night, a man was shot to death and two teenagers were wounded at a gas station in West Englewood on the South Side.
They were in a vehicle at a gas station at 11:28 p.m. in the 7000 block of South Damen Avenue when a silver SUV pulled up and someone inside started shooting, according to police. The driver, a 20-year-old man, was shot multiple times and taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he died.
A 14-year-old boy was shot in the back and a 17-year-old boy was hit in the right arm, police said. Both were taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition.
Another attack earlier that night left a man dead and three people wounded in Englewood.
Officers responding to a call of a person shot about 9:47 p.m. found 39-year-old Rodney Hampton unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in the 700 block of West 66th Place, officials said. Hampton, an Englewood resident, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Soon after, three other people showed up at St. Bernard Hospital saying they had been shot at the same location, police said. Two men, 27 and 33, and a 20-year-old woman were all shot in their legs, and all were in good condition.
Early Sunday morning, a 26-year-old man was shot dead in the same neighborhood.
About 5:15 a.m., Luther D. Teagues was standing in the 2100 block of West 71st Street when he heard shots and felt pain, authorities said. He was struck multiple times and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Hours before that, a man was killed and two others were critically wounded in a shooting in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
They were standing on the street at 12:44 a.m. in the 1100 block of North Lawndale Avenue when they got into a fight with several other males, who fired gunshots, according to police. A 52-year-old man was shot in the neck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other men, 23, and 33, were each shot multiple times and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
Saturday
A 33-year-old woman was killed and two others were injured Saturday night in Avalon Park on the South Side.
She and two 28-year-old women were standing in the street with a group of people about 9:40 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Woodlawn Avenue when the shots were fired, police said. All three were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where the 33-year-old who was shot in the chest was pronounced dead.
The other two, both 28, were in fair condition, police said. One was shot in the arm, and the other was struck in the buttocks.
A little over an hour earlier, a 33-year-old man was shot to death in Englewood on the South Side.
Frank Ellis was outside a home about 8:15 p.m. in the 6900 block of South Elizabeth Street when a vehicle pulled up in front of him, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Several people got out and opened fire, striking him in the back. Ellis, who lived in West Englewood, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died.
Saturday morning, a man was killed and another was wounded in Austin on the West Side.
They were standing on the sidewalk about 1:48 a.m. in the 5400 block of West Congress Parkway when someone fired shots, according to police. A 31-year-old man was struck and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The other man, 35, was hit in the left hand and refused medical treatment.
Minutes before, a man was fatally shot in West Town.
The man, 41, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest about 1:32 a.m. in the 300 block of North Ashland Avenue, police said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Another man was found with a fatal gunshot wound about half an hour earlier in Park Manor on the South Side.
Officers responding to ShotSpotter reports of gunfire at 1:04 a.m. found the 41-year-old man in an alley in the 7000 block of South King Drive, according to police. He was shot in the back and chest and pronounced dead at the scene.
Friday
A man was shot to death Friday evening in McKinley Park on the South Side.
About 6:50 p.m., Sergio Cervantes was in the 3400 block of South Paulina Street when a vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, authorities said. Cervantes, who lived in McKinley Park, was struck in the face and back and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Nonfatal shootings
Three other teenagers were among those wounded over the weekend.
A man and a 15-year-old girl were shot late Sunday night in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
They were standing on the sidewalk just before midnight in the 4200 block of West Monroe Street when they heard gunshots and realized they were hit, according to police. The girl was shot in the left knee, calf and shoulder while the man, 29, was hit in the calf. Both were taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
A 14-year-old boy was shot early Sunday in Marquette Park on the Southwest Side.
He was standing in an alley about 2:55 a.m. in the 6500 block of South Francisco Avenue when someone fired shots, according to police. The boy was hit in the abdomen and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in fair condition.
On Friday evening, a 17-year-old boy was shot in West Garfield Park.
He was inside a vehicle about 7:33 p.m. in the first block of South Kostner Avenue when another vehicle pulled up, police said. Someone inside fired shots, striking the boy in the arm. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
At least 37 other people were injured by gun violence between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--New Juice Wrld album includes late rapper’s tracks with Halsey, Trippie Redd

Seven months after he died of an accidental overdose , Chicago-born rapper Juice Wrld ’ s final works are now seeing the light of day .
“ Legends Never Die , ” a new , 15-track album from the rapper whose real name was Jarad Anthony Higgins , dropped Friday .
It ’ s on track for the biggest streaming week of any album this year , Hits Daily Double reports .
“ The album shines a light on the collaborators that meant so much to Juice and deeply impacted his musical process .
... We hope this album brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , ” his estate said in a statement that accompanied news of the album ’ s release .
Among the tracks are “ Life ’ s a Mess , ” a somber collaboration with Halsey .
Released on last week , the song grapples with tribulations of love , with lyrics like : ” Have you ever fallen head over heels for somebody / That made promises to give you the world ?
Um / I really hope they held you down / I really hope it was no lying / ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s gone.
” The track is accompanied by a touching video that shows a street artist slowly spray-painting a canvas that , by song ’ s end , has a picture of Juice Wrld embracing Halsey .
The video had more than 8 million views on YouTube by Sunday afternoon .
Two other tracks were released ahead of the album ’ s debut : “ Righteous , ” Juice Wrld ’ s first posthumous single , and “ Tell Me U Luv Me , ” a collaboration with fellow rapper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top new artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards , died Dec. 8 at Chicago ’ s Midway International Airport .
He had turned 21 six days earlier .
Autopsy and toxicology results showed the rapper ’ s death was the result of “ oxycodone and codeine toxicity , ” according to the Cook County Medical Examiner ’ s Office .
His manner of death was accidental , an autopsy report indicated .

Seven months after he died of an accidental overdose, Chicago-born rapper Juice Wrld’s final works are now seeing the light of day.
“Legends Never Die,” a new, 15-track album from the rapper whose real name was Jarad Anthony Higgins, dropped Friday. It’s on track for the biggest streaming week of any album this year, Hits Daily Double reports.
“The album shines a light on the collaborators that meant so much to Juice and deeply impacted his musical process. ... We hope this album brings some reprieve to everyone during these unsettling times,” his estate said in a statement that accompanied news of the album’s release.
Among the tracks are “Life’s a Mess,” a somber collaboration with Halsey. Released on last week, the song grapples with tribulations of love, with lyrics like: ”Have you ever fallen head over heels for somebody / That made promises to give you the world? Um / I really hope they held you down / I really hope it was no lying / ‘Cause when heart breaks it feel like the world’s gone.”
The track is accompanied by a touching video that shows a street artist slowly spray-painting a canvas that, by song’s end, has a picture of Juice Wrld embracing Halsey. The video had more than 8 million views on YouTube by Sunday afternoon.
Two other tracks were released ahead of the album’s debut: “Righteous,” Juice Wrld’s first posthumous single, and “Tell Me U Luv Me,” a collaboration with fellow rapper Trippie Redd.
Juice Wrld, named top new artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, died Dec. 8 at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. He had turned 21 six days earlier.
Autopsy and toxicology results showed the rapper’s death was the result of “oxycodone and codeine toxicity,” according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
His manner of death was accidental, an autopsy report indicated.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-12--Tim Anderson homers twice, flips bat once in White Sox intrasquad

Shortstop Tim Anderson looks ready for the season to begin right now .
Baseball ’ s leading hitter with a .335 average last season , Anderson has hit for consistent hard contact in the White Sox ’ four intrasquad games , and is slugging for power as well .
He slugged two home runs Sunday , to left-center field and center against right-handers Evan Marshall and Carson Fulmer , and has three of the Sox ’ 10 long balls .
And yeah , Anderson tossed in a bat flip toward the home dugout for style points after connecting against Marshall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp , too .
“ TA is absolutely picking up where he left off last year , ” bench coach Joe McEwing said .
“ In this environment right now , the way he ’ s grinding out at-bats ... and if he ’ s down in the count , getting back in the count .
He ’ s hitting balls hard and driving them to all parts of the field on both sides .
Defensively his jumps have been amazing getting off the ball.
” Anderson , 27 , a face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has carried a torch for making the game fun , and in the empty ballpark for intrasquads , his chattering voice has been loud and clear .
“ He looks amazing , ” McEwing said .
“ He ’ s grown into a man , not just on the field , but off the field .
I couldn ’ t be happier or prouder of him .
It ’ s like ‘ OK , you can leave the nest now .
You are on your own.
’ I ’ m proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 123 games last season after hitting a career high 20 in 2018 , when he batted .240 .
Andrew Vaughn hooked a home run inside the left foul pole against Gio Gonzalez and made a tricky pick of a throw at first base .
The 22-year-old No .
3 overall pick in the 2019 draft has impressed since spring training and figures to contribute next season .
“ Nothing is sped up on him , ” McEwing said .
“ The way he ’ s able to control his body in the batter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on time for 105 [ mph ] or for 85 .
And it ’ s impressive to see at such a young age [ his ] consistent approach mentally and physically in the box.
” Right fielder Nomar Mazara , who homered against Jimmy Lambert Saturday , has looked good at the plate .
The 25-year-old with four years of experience already with the Rangers , for whom he hit 20 , 20 , 20 and 19 homers , has lowered his hands in his stance , “ staying calm ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” his swing .
“ I ’ ve been working every morning with [ hitting coach ] Frankie [ Menechino ] , ” Mazara said .
“ Don ’ t try to go all crazy in the batters box , just keep it simple.
” This and that Left-hander Gio Gonzalez tipped his cap to an imaginary crowd before taking the mound for his intrasquad before allowing three runs in three innings .
Gonzalez said his shoulder responded well to his biggest workload of 2020 .
*A day after hitting an opposite field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins bounced a ground rule double to the same area , walked and singled sharply to center .
*Catcher Yermin Mercedes made a sprawling catch of Eloy Jimenez ’ liner and drove in two runs with a single against Gonzalez .
Mercedes has also played third in the intrasquads .
*Manager Rick Renteria is expected back soon , possibly by Monday , after attending the funeral of a family member in California .

Shortstop Tim Anderson looks ready for the season to begin right now.
Baseball’s leading hitter with a .335 average last season, Anderson has hit for consistent hard contact in the White Sox’ four intrasquad games and is slugging for power, as well. He blasted two home runs Sunday, to left-center field and center against right-handers Evan Marshall and Carson Fulmer, and has three of the Sox’ 10 long balls.
And, yeah, Anderson tossed in a bat flip toward the home dugout for style points after connecting against Marshall. Gotta practice those in summer camp, too.
“TA is absolutely picking up where he left off last year,” bench coach Joe McEwing said. “In this environment right now, the way he’s grinding out at-bats . . . and if he’s down in the count, he’s getting back in the count. He’s hitting balls hard and driving them to all parts of the field on both sides. Defensively, his jumps have been amazing getting off the ball.”
Anderson, 27, a face of the Sox’ Change the Game campaign, has carried a torch for making the game fun, and in the empty ballpark for intrasquad games, his chattering voice has been loud and clear.
“He looks amazing,” McEwing said. “He’s grown into a man, not just on the field but off the field. I couldn’t be happier or prouder of him. It’s like ‘OK, you can leave the nest now. You are on your own.’ I’m proud of him.”
Anderson hit 18 homers in 123 games last season after hitting a career-high 20 in 2018, when he batted .240.
Vaughn goes deep, too
Andrew Vaughn hooked a home run inside the left-field foul pole against Gio Gonzalez and made a tricky pick of a throw at first base. The 22-year-old No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft has impressed since spring training and figures to contribute next season.
“Nothing is sped up on him,” McEwing said. “The way he’s able to control his body in the batter’s box, he could be on time for 105 [mph] or for 85. And it’s impressive to see, at such a young age, [his] consistent approach mentally and physically in the box.”
Mazara’s adjustments working
Right fielder Nomar Mazara, who homered Saturday against Jimmy Lambert, has looked good at the plate. The 25-year-old with four years of experience already with the Rangers, for whom he hit 20, 20, 20 and 19 homers, has lowered his hands in his stance, “staying calm” in the batter’s box and “quieting” his swing.
“I’ve been working every morning with [hitting coach] Frankie [Menechino],” Mazara said.
“Don’t try to go all crazy in the batter’s box, just keep it simple.”
This and that
Gonzalez tipped his cap to an imaginary crowd as he headed toward the mound before allowing three runs in three innings. Gonzalez said his shoulder responded well to his biggest workload of 2020.
† A day after hitting an opposite-field homer to left-center, catcher Zack Collins bounced a ground-rule double to the same area, walked and singled sharply to center.
† Yermin Mercedes made a sprawling catch on a liner hit by Eloy Jimenez and drove in two runs with a single against Gonzalez. Mercedes, a catcher, also has played third base in the intrasquad games.
† Manager Rick Renteria is expected back soon, possibly by Monday, after attending the funeral of a family member in California.