chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Blackhawks-Oilers series preview: Hawks’ hopes rest in Corey Crawford, penalty kill

Corey Crawford spent much of fall 2019 trending towards a backup role .
Then New Year ’ s Day came and went , and something switched back on in the grizzled 35-year-old Blackhawks goaltender .
In his 20 games from that point on , Crawford ’ s save percentage skyrocketed to .928 , keeping the Hawks on the fringe of the playoff bubble .
Doing so behind the league ’ s most porous defense made it all the more incredible .
In terms of goals saved above expectation ( accounting for quality of shots faced ) , Crawford ranked fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saving 10.9 goals more than he should ’ ve .
When the season paused March 12 , it seemed Crawford ’ s heroics wouldn ’ t be enough for the 12th-place Hawks .
But after the strangest spring and summer the NHL has ever seen , 12th turned out to be enough .
Now Crawford and the Hawks will begin their postseason journey Saturday with Game 1 of a best-of-five series against the Oilers in Edmonton , Alberta .
“ We ’ re excited .
We ’ ve done the work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten better and better as we ’ ve gone here , ” coach Jeremy Colliton said .
“ We ’ re going to learn a lot [ in the ] first period just as far as how the games are going to go.
” Colliton , like counterpart Dave Tippett , declined Friday to explicitly name a starting goalie for Game 1 .
It would be shocking if Crawford — after battling back from COVID-19 to rejoin the team at the last moment — wasn ’ t the guy , though .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped all 11 shots he faced in Wednesday ’ s exhibition and gave himself a vote of confidence Thursday .
“ I should be ready to go , unless something crazy happens last minute , ” he said .
“ I should be alright.
” For the Hawks ’ chances to pull the upset , he needs to be .
His game readiness is really the only uncertainty left .
He said Thursday that his puck tracking came back quickly , because he sees so many shots in practice every day .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , too .
But there ’ s still one area that concerns him .
“ Seeing through a bunch of bodies when the point shots come in , or when guys cut through the middle and shoot through traffic , those situations are a little bit tougher , ” he said .
“ Hopefully I catch up right away and get good feelings right away , but we ’ ll see.
” Crawford will at least get some help in front of him , with Calvin de Haan returning from December shoulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp groin injury .
Both are expected to play Saturday and will together form the Hawks ’ second defensive pair .
Making just their second playoff appearance in 14 years , the upstart Oilers started the season 7-1-0 before coasting to fifth place in the West .
They ’ re led by near-unstoppable forwards Leon Draisaitl , whose 110 points in 71 games led the league , and Connor McDavid , who was three points away from his fourth consecutive 100-point season when the pandemic hit .
“ We know that the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Draisaitl — they ’ re going to play a lot of the game , ” Colliton said .
“ So our guys have got to be ready when they get out there.
” Elsewhere on offense , James Neal ’ s resurgence , Kailer Yamamoto ’ s breakout and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ’ consistency gave the two-headed monster extra support this year .
The Oilers are much shakier on defense .
The Hawks allowed the most opponent scoring chances this season , but the Oilers allowed the ninth-most .
Darnell Nurse and Oscar Klefbom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bear had an impressive rookie year .
In goal , it ’ s thoroughly unclear whether Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith will start .
Koskinen ’ s .917 save percentage easily trumped Smith ’ s .902 this season , but he ’ s never played an NHL playoff game .
The Hawks will need a heroic performance by their penalty kill against the Oilers ’ power play .
The PK , led by specialist Ryan Carpenter , pleasantly surprised by ranking ninth in the NHL this year .
But the Oilers ’ PP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was the best the league has seen since 1979 .
“ You know , as a killer , you ’ re going to give up shots , ” Carpenter said recently .
“ It ’ s just the nature of being down a guy .
But [ we ’ ll be ] trying to limit the touches of McDavid and Draisaitl if we can .
Trying to keep the shots to the outside , and doing the best we can to let the goalie see the puck and being detailed on clears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caggiula is far from a Hawks star , but everything points to him potentially emerging as a key part of this series .
He played with the Oilers from 2016 to 2018 .
He ’ s motivated by his expiring contract .
He ’ s finally healthy .
And his scrappy style and underrated scoring touch make him perfectly suited for the postseason .
“ Playoffs are tough hockey , dirty hockey , and I like to play in those types of games , those types of areas , ” Caggiula said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever I can to showcase that I can play this kind of style and play in these big games.
” Game 4 , if necessary : Friday , Aug. 7 ( Time and television TBD ) Game 5 , if necessary : Saturday , Aug. 8 ( Time and television TBD )

Corey Crawford spent much of the fall in 2019 trending toward a backup role. Then New Year’s Day came and went, and something switched back on for the grizzled veteran.
In 20 games since that point, Crawford’s save percentage skyrocketed to .928, keeping the Hawks on the fringe of the playoff bubble.
Doing so behind the league’s most porous defense made it all the more laudable. In terms of goals saved above expectation (accounting for quality of shots faced), Crawford ranked fifth in the league during that span, saving 10.9 goals more than he should’ve.
When the season paused March 12, it seemed Crawford’s heroics wouldn’t be enough for the 12th-place Hawks. But after the strangest spring and summer the NHL has ever seen, 12th turned out to be enough.
Now Crawford, 35, and the Hawks will begin their postseason journey Saturday with Game 1 of a best-of-five series against the Oilers in Edmonton, Alberta.
“We’re excited,’’ coach Jeremy Colliton said. ‘‘We’ve done the work, done the preparation, and the guys have gotten better and better as we’ve gone here. We’re going to learn a lot [in the] first period just as far as how the games are going to go.”
Colliton, like counterpart Dave Tippett, declined Friday to explicitly name a starting goalie for Game 1.
It would be shocking if Crawford — after battling back from COVID-19 to rejoin the team at the last moment — wasn’t the guy, though. He participated fully in practice all week, stopped all 11 shots he faced in the exhibition Wednesday against the Blues and gave himself a vote of confidence Thursday.
“I should be ready to go, unless something crazy happens last minute,” he said. “I should be all right.”
For the Hawks’ chances to pull the upset, he needs to be.
His game readiness is really the only uncertainty left. He said Thursday that his puck-tracking came back quickly because he sees so many shots in practice every day. He appreciated facing several St. Louis power plays, too. But there’s still one area that concerns him.
“Seeing through a bunch of bodies when the point shots come in, or when guys cut through the middle and shoot through traffic, those situations are a little bit tougher,” he said. “Hopefully, I catch up right away and get good feelings right away, but we’ll see.”
Crawford will at least get some help in front of him, with Calvin de Haan returning from December shoulder surgery and Connor Murphy overcoming a training-camp groin injury. Both are expected to play and will form the Hawks’ second defensive pair.
Connor Murphy (No. 5, top) returned from a groin injury to play in Wednesday’s exhibition. AP Photos
Scouting the Oilers
Making only their second playoff appearance in 14 years, the upstart Oilers began the season 7-1-0 before coasting to fifth place in the West.
They’re led by nearly unstoppable forwards Leon Draisaitl, whose 110 points in 71 games led the league, and Connor McDavid, who was three points away from his fourth consecutive 100-point season when the pandemic hit.
“We know that the top two guys in particular — McDavid and Draisaitl — they’re going to play a lot of the game,” Colliton said. “So our guys have got to be ready when they get out there.”
Elsewhere on offense, James Neal’s resurgence, Kailer Yamamoto’s breakout and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ consistency gave the two-headed monster extra support this season.
The Oilers are much shakier on defense. The Hawks allowed the most opponent scoring chances this season, but the Oilers allowed the ninth-most. Darnell Nurse and Oscar Klefbom are a below-average top pair. Ethan Bear had an impressive rookie year.
In goal, it’s unclear whether Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith will start. Koskinen’s .917 save percentage easily trumped Smith’s .902, but he has never played in an NHL playoff game.
Either Mike Smith (here facing the Hawks on Feb. 11) and Mikko Koskinen will be the Oilers’ starting goalie. AP Photos
Critical matchup
The Hawks will need a heroic performance by their penalty kill against the Oilers’ power play.
The Hawks’ penalty kill, led by specialist Ryan Carpenter, pleasantly surprised by ranking ninth in the NHL. But the Oilers’ power play, with its 29.5% conversion rate, was the best the league has seen since 1979.
“You know, as a killer, you’re going to give up shots,” Carpenter said recently. “It’s just the nature of being down a guy.
‘‘But [we’ll be] trying to limit the touches of McDavid and Draisaitl if we can. [We’ll] try to keep the shots to the outside and do the best we can to let the goalie see the puck and be detailed on clears. All those little things.”
X-factor
Drake Caggiula is far from a Hawks star, but everything points to him possibly emerging as a key part of this series.
He played with the Oilers from 2016 to 2018. He’s motivated by his expiring contract. He’s finally healthy.
And his scrappy style and underrated scoring touch make him perfectly suited for the postseason.
“Playoffs are tough hockey, dirty hockey, and I like to play in those types of games, those types of areas,” Caggiula said Thursday.
“[I’ll] do whatever I can to showcase that I can play this kind of style and play in these big games.”
Drake Caggiula foresees himself playing a significant role against his former team. AP Photos
Hawks’ expected lineup
Forward lines: Dominik Kubalik-Jonathan Toews-Brandon Saad; Alex Nylander-Dylan Strome-Patrick Kane; Alex DeBrincat-Kirby Dach-Drake Caggiula; Ryan Carpenter-David Kampf-Matthew Highmore.
Defensive pairings: Adam Boqvist-Duncan Keith; Calvin de Haan-Connor Murphy; Olli Maatta-Slater Koekkoek.
Goaltenders: Corey Crawford; Malcolm Subban.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Dear Abby: Should store owner have spoken up when regular customer spewed bigotry?

DEAR ABBY : I am a small-business owner .
My store has local ( repeat ) and one-time customers .
The other day , while checking out , one of my local customers spewed out a verbal and extremely bigoted rant .
I was stunned speechless .
I felt I should do something , but I wasn ’ t sure what it should be .
I have started losing sleep over it .
If it happens again , should I remain silent and keep the peace , or stand up for all Americans and lose this customer and probably more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FREAKED OUT : To paraphrase a well-known saying , “ All that ’ s necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to ignore it and say nothing.
” If the rant your bigoted customer spewed was aimed at another shopper , you had a responsibility to protect the victim of the onslaught .
In the future , it would not be out of line to state firmly that you don ’ t want that kind of talk in your establishment .
While doing that may ( or may not ) lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least be able to sleep better than you ’ re sleeping now .
P.S .
It may also GAIN you some customers once word gets around .
DEAR ABBY : I have been with the same doctor for 15 years , only requiring an annual checkup .
The problem is , the office is about a 40-minute drive , longer if I hit a rush hour .
I have stayed with the provider because the care is so good .
However , I recently found a doctor who is 10 minutes away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do I call the original doctor to let them know I am leaving the practice ?
Write a note ?
Leave it alone ?
What is the proper protocol ?
— GOOD PATIENT IN MICHIGAN DEAR PATIENT : Contact your longtime doctor ’ s office and ask either that your medical records be sent to your new doctor ’ s office , or they be readied for you to pick up so you can deliver them yourself .
In light of the fact that you have had a 15-year relationship with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice if you wrote a letter thanking him/her for taking such good care of you all these years and explain that the commute has become more than you can now handle , which is why you are leaving .
DEAR ABBY : I was sitting around bored with nothing to do and started thinking about my classmates from 1960 .
I hadn ’ t seen or heard from some of them in more than 55 years , so I decided to call them and found all but two .
Boy , was it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations lasted 30 minutes or more .
I enjoyed hearing their voices and reminiscing about old times .
I couldn ’ t believe how quickly the day went by .
It made me feel great , and I hope it did the same for them .
When I told them why I was calling , some of them thought it was such a good idea they were going to do it too .
Maybe others will want to consider this .
Try it .
It ’ s worth it .
— CATCHING UP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you did was wonderful .
Many people have been using this quarantine period to reconnect with long-lost friends , and I highly recommend it .
There ’ s no surer cure for the blues — or boredom — than reaching out to others .
Thank you for an upper of a letter .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I am a small-business owner. My store has local (repeat) and one-time customers. The other day, while checking out, one of my local customers spewed out a verbal and extremely bigoted rant. I was stunned speechless. I felt I should do something, but I wasn’t sure what it should be.
I have started losing sleep over it. If it happens again, should I remain silent and keep the peace, or stand up for all Americans and lose this customer and probably more? — FREAKED OUT IN FLORIDA
DEAR FREAKED OUT: To paraphrase a well-known saying, “All that’s necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to ignore it and say nothing.” If the rant your bigoted customer spewed was aimed at another shopper, you had a responsibility to protect the victim of the onslaught.
In the future, it would not be out of line to state firmly that you don’t want that kind of talk in your establishment. While doing that may (or may not) lose you a few customers, you would at least be able to sleep better than you’re sleeping now.
P.S. It may also GAIN you some customers once word gets around.
DEAR ABBY: I have been with the same doctor for 15 years, only requiring an annual checkup. The problem is, the office is about a 40-minute drive, longer if I hit a rush hour. I have stayed with the provider because the care is so good. However, I recently found a doctor who is 10 minutes away and provides the same quality of care. Do I call the original doctor to let them know I am leaving the practice? Write a note? Leave it alone? What is the proper protocol? — GOOD PATIENT IN MICHIGAN
DEAR PATIENT: Contact your longtime doctor’s office and ask either that your medical records be sent to your new doctor’s office, or they be readied for you to pick up so you can deliver them yourself. In light of the fact that you have had a 15-year relationship with “Longtime Doctor,” it would be nice if you wrote a letter thanking him/her for taking such good care of you all these years and explain that the commute has become more than you can now handle, which is why you are leaving.
DEAR ABBY: I was sitting around bored with nothing to do and started thinking about my classmates from 1960. I hadn’t seen or heard from some of them in more than 55 years, so I decided to call them and found all but two. Boy, was it ever worth it!
Most of the conversations lasted 30 minutes or more. I enjoyed hearing their voices and reminiscing about old times. I couldn’t believe how quickly the day went by. It made me feel great, and I hope it did the same for them.
When I told them why I was calling, some of them thought it was such a good idea they were going to do it too. Maybe others will want to consider this. Try it. It’s worth it. — CATCHING UP IN WISCONSIN
DEAR CATCHING UP: What you did was wonderful. Many people have been using this quarantine period to reconnect with long-lost friends, and I highly recommend it. There’s no surer cure for the blues — or boredom — than reaching out to others. Thank you for an upper of a letter.
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.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Woman killed in West Garfield Park shooting

A woman was shot to death Saturday in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
She was found on @ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 4500 block of West West End Avenue with gunshot wounds to her @ @ @ @ @ .
The woman was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital .
The Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ ’ t released details about her death .
No one is in custody as Area @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A woman was shot to death Saturday in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
She was found on a back porch about 2:42 a.m. in the 4500 block of West West End Avenue with gunshot wounds to her back, Chicago police said. The woman was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified her as Briana P. Ferguson, 23, of Lawndale.
No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Person jumps off cop car, smashes windshield outside River North hotel: police

A Chicago police squad car was damaged early Saturday while officers were trying to break up a crowd in a @ @ @ @ @ Near North Side .
Officers were trying to disperse the crowd about 1:30 a.m. at @ @ @ @ @ block of North Dearborn Street , Chicago police said .
During that time , a @ @ @ @ @ roof of a marked squad car onto the windshield , damaging it .
No one @ @ @ @ @ at the time and no injuries were reported , police said .
The suspect ran @ @ @ @ @ custody .
It was not immediately clear whether he was part of the group being @ @ @ @ @ according to police .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

A Chicago police squad car was damaged early Saturday while officers were trying to break up a crowd in a River North hotel on the Near North Side.
Officers were trying to disperse the crowd about 1:30 a.m. at a hotel in the 400 block of North Dearborn Street, Chicago police said. During that time, a male suspect jumped from the roof of a marked squad car onto the windshield, damaging it.
No one was inside the squad car at the time and no injuries were reported, police said. The suspect ran away and is not in custody.
It was not immediately clear whether he was part of the group being dispersed at the hotel, according to police.
Area Three detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Chicago sees 139% jump in murders, uptick in shootings in July 2020: police

Murders and shootings reported last month in Chicago increased drastically from July 2019 , but overall crime in the city decreased , according to data released by Chicago police .
The 105 murders reported in July mark a nearly 139 % increase from the 44 reported in July 2019 , while the 406 shooting incidents are a 75 % increase from the 232 last July , according to figures in a statement from police Saturday .
The Sun-Times has counted 106 homicides throughout Chicago in July 2020 and a total of 430 for the year through the end of July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are up 51 % compared to the period from January through July 2019 , along with a 47 % increase in shootings , police said .
The number of shooting victims for July came in at 573 , with at least 58 of them minors , according to Sun-Times records .
The month ’ s latest reported homicide was a 9-year-old boy who was fatally shot Friday on the Near North Side .
Police said he was an unintended target hit by gunfire while playing in the area .
July ’ s youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding in her family ’ s car in South Shore July 22 .
A day earlier , Chicago saw its largest mass shooting in recent memory , when 15 people were shot outside a funeral home in Gresham on the South Side .
The month opened with a bloody Fourth of July weekend that saw 79 people shot across the city , 15 of them fatally .
Eleven of that weekend ’ s victims were minors , and two of the children — 13-year-old Amaria Jones and 7-year-old Natalia Wallace — were killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a suspected carjacker July 30 outside the 25th District police station on the Northwest Side .
One officer was left in serious condition , and two others suffered injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening .
The officers returned fire , injuring 25-year-old Lovelle Jordan , who was charged with six counts of attempted murder for the shootout .
The department also faced allegations of police brutality and more than 20 misconduct complaints with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability after multiple clashes with protesters last month over statues of Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18-year-old Miracle Boyd , an activist who had at least one tooth knocked out by an officer .
Earlier in the month , police announced a new citywide unit of officers to help combat the surge in violence this year .
“ As we continue moving more officers into the districts and closer to our communities , we have also been focused on creating teams that can address violent crime head-on within our most vulnerable neighborhoods , ” CPD Supt .
David Brown said in the statement .
“ Our officers will engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their concerns , and continue to work in partnership with them as part of an all-hands-on-deck effort to curb the violence in our communities.
” Officers have seized more than 5,600 illegal guns and made 3,700 gun arrests so far this year , police said .
That ’ s a 5 % increase from the same period last year .
Overall crime — a category including murders , sexual assaults , robberies , burglaries and vehicle thefts — has decreased 9 % year-to-date compared to the same period in 2019 , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Murders more than doubled last month in Chicago compared to the same month last year, according to new data released by Chicago police.
Shootings also increased compared July 2019.
Still, police reported that overall crime in the city has decreased so far this year.
The 105 murders reported in July are a nearly 139% increase from the 44 reported in July 2019, according to police data released Saturday. The 406 shooting incidents last month were a 75% increase from the 232 reported in the same month-to-month comparison.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The Sun-Times reported 106 homicides across the city in July, bringing the total number of homicide cases this year to 430 as of Friday night.
Murders are up 51% from the same point last year, along with a 47% increase in shootings, police said.
Last month, 573 people were shot in the city — at least 58 of them juveniles, including a 9-year-old boy killed by gunfire Friday night as he played outside on the Near North Side, according to Sun-Times records.
The month’s youngest shooting victim was a 3-year-old girl who was struck July 22 while riding in her family’s car in South Shore.
A day before that, the city saw the largest mass shooting in recent memory when 15 people were shot outside a funeral home in Gresham on the South Side.
The month opened with a bloody Fourth of July weekend that saw 79 people shot across the city, 15 of them fatally.
Eleven of the holiday weekend’s victims were minors, and two of them — 13-year-old Amaria Jones and 7-year-old Natalia Wallace — were killed.
Three Chicago police officers were wounded when a man in custody opened fire Thursday morning at the Grand Central District police station in Austin with a gun he had allegedly kept hidden when he was arrested.
One officer was shot in the shoulder, another was struck in their ballistic vest and a third was struck in the hip.
Officers returned fire, striking 25-year-old Lovelle Jordan, who faces attempted murder charges.
On July 8, the police department announced a new citywide unit of officers to help combat the surge in violence this year.
“As we continue moving more officers into the districts and closer to our communities, we have also been focused on creating teams that can address violent crime head-on within our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” CPD Supt. David Brown said. “Our officers will engage directly with residents. We will hear their concerns, and continue to work in partnership with them as part of an all-hands-on-deck effort to curb the violence in our communities.”
Officers have seized more than 5,600 illegal guns and made 3,700 gun arrests so far this year — a 5% increase from the same time last year, police said.
Overall crime — a category including murders, sexual assaults, robberies, burglaries and vehicle thefts — had decreased 9% year-to-date, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Big Ten Freshman of Year Kofi Cockburn returning to Illinois

CHAMPAIGN — Big Ten Freshman of the Year Kofi Cockburn is returning to Illinois for his sophomore season .
The @ @ @ @ @ “ IM BACK ‼ ” with a graphic on Twitter on Saturday .
The announcement @ @ @ @ @ their top two players return from a team that was in line to make the @ @ @ @ @ after all-conference guard Ayo Dosunmu said Friday he plans to return for his junior year @ @ @ @ @ Cockburn , who ’ s from Jamaica and played at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia @ @ @ @ @ 8.8 rebounds — a record for an Illinois freshman .
The Illini have four starters @ @ @ @ @ went 21-10 overall and 13-7 in conference play .
They were in line for their @ @ @ @ @ season got shut down because because of the COVID-19 pandemic .

CHAMPAIGN — Big Ten Freshman of the Year Kofi Cockburn is returning to Illinois for his sophomore season.
The 7-foot, 290-pound Cockburn posted “IM BACK ‼” with a graphic on Twitter on Saturday. The announcement means the Illini will have their top two players return from a team that was in line to make the NCAA Tournament last season, after all-conference guard Ayo Dosunmu said Friday he plans to return for his junior year rather than turn pro.
Cockburn, who’s from Jamaica and played at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, averaged 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds — a record for an Illinois freshman.
The Illini have four starters returning from a team that went 21-10 overall and 13-7 in conference play. They were in line for their first NCAA appearance before the season got shut down because because of the COVID-19 pandemic.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Man stabs 3 people, then himself in murder-suicide at Worth home

An Oak Lawn man stabbed three people Friday at a home in southwest suburban Worth , killing one before turning @ @ @ @ @ About 2:30 p.m. , 27-year-old Kyle Palakaitis attacked the group while he was a guest @ @ @ @ @ 7400 block of West 114th Place , Worth police said .
Robert Schadt , 56 @ @ @ @ @ said .
Two others were wounded , but later stabilized at a hospital .
Palakaitis @ @ @ @ @ officers ’ attempts to provide “ life-saving measures , ” according to police .
Police @ @ @ @ @ believe the circumstances of the attack were , nor what Palakaitis ’ relationship to the @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner ’ s office released their identities Saturday and ruled Schadt ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ’ death a suicide .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

An Oak Lawn man stabbed three people Friday at a home in southwest suburban Worth, killing one before turning the knife on himself.
About 2:30 p.m., 27-year-old Kyle Palakaitis attacked the group while he was a guest in their home in the 7400 block of West 114th Place, Worth police said.
Robert Schadt, 56, was killed, police said. Two others were wounded, but later stabilized at a hospital.
Palakaitis stabbed himself and died despite officers’ attempts to provide “life-saving measures,” according to police.
Police did not say what they believe the circumstances of the attack were, nor what Palakaitis’ relationship to the others was.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office released their identities Saturday and ruled Schadt’s death a homicide and Palakaitis’ death a suicide.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Blackhawks’ power play, rather than penalty kill, neutralizes impact of Oilers’ special teams

The Blackhawks talked for weeks about neutralizing the impact of the Oilers ’ historically dominant power play , the most efficient unit the NHL has seen in 41 years .
On Saturday , they did exactly that .
But it wasn ’ t their penalty kill , which tied for eighth in the league in the regular season , that accomplished their job .
In fact , despite all the talk , Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sliced through them effortlessly .
Instead , it was the Hawks ’ own power play , which ranked 28th during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled out the Oilers ’ presumed special-teams advantage .
In the end , the Oilers went 3-for-4 on the power play , the Hawks went 3-for-6 on the power play , the Hawks out-scored the Oilers 3-1 at even strength and the Hawks took Game 1 by a 6-4 score .
“ We tried to work on [ the power play ] in practice for sure , because the regular season wasn ’ t very good , ” Dominik Kubalik said .
“ We got a couple goals so it got the confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We just tried to make it real simple , get the pucks to the net , get those pucks back after rebounds , and it worked pretty well.
” Coach Jeremy Colliton made a notable tactical switch to the power play during this summer ’ s training camp .
The Hawks left off in March with Patrick Kane manning the right side , Jonathan Toews manning the left side , Duncan Keith playing at the point , Kubalik playing down low , and Alex DeBrincat serving as the “ bumper , ” roaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other four .
But in camp — and on Saturday — the Hawks moved Kubalik to the “ bumper ” role and put Kirby Dach in the down-low role , demoting DeBrincat to the second unit .
“ [ Kubalik ] is a shooter , and we want to find a way to release him in the middle of the ice , ” coach Jeremy Colliton said , explaining the change .
“ We have two guys in Toews and Kane who are really comfortable on the puck on either flank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows us to be a bit more unpredictable in terms of where are attacks are coming from.
” That shuffle paid enormous dividends in their first matchup against the Oilers ’ penalty kill , which ranked second in the NHL during the regular season .
For the first of the three ‘ PP ’ goals , Kane and Dach drew three Oilers players into the right corner , Kubalik found space just below them and fed a wide-open Toews cruising down the left side .
The second , a Kubalik one-timer off a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t require use of the formation .
But for the third , Dach gathered a rebound and recycled it eventually to Keith on the blue line , and Kubalik dropped next to Dach — into goalie Mikko Koskinen ’ s sight line — and tipped in Keith ’ s shot .
“ Our guys had a shooting mentality and we recovered a lot of pucks , ” Colliton said .
“ We were able to get those extended zone times , where we ’ re able to get multiple chances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t just lucky finishes , either .
The Hawks consistently generated great chances on their power plays , including plenty they didn ’ t convert .
During the regular season , the Hawks averaged 1.5 shot attempts ( 22nd in the league ) and 0.8 scoring chances ( 17th ) per minute of 5-on-4 time .
On Saturday , they averaged 3.1 shot attempts and 1.6 scoring chances per minute .
“ Hopefully we can continue that , ” Colliton said .
“ Certainly in the playoffs , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll make some , and we ’ ll make some , and we ’ ve got to find a way to do it again .
”

The Blackhawks talked for weeks about neutralizing the impact of the Oilers’ historically dominant power play, the most efficient unit the NHL has seen in 41 years.
On Saturday, they did exactly that.
But it wasn’t their penalty kill, which tied for eighth in the league in the regular season, that accomplished their job. In fact, despite all the talk, Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sliced through them effortlessly.
Instead, it was the Hawks’ own power play, which ranked 28th during the regular season, which kept pace and canceled out the Oilers’ presumed special-teams advantage.
In the end, the Oilers went 3-for-4 on the power play, the Hawks went 3-for-6 on the power play, the Hawks out-scored the Oilers 3-1 at even strength and the Hawks took Game 1 by a 6-4 score.
“We tried to work on [the power play] in practice for sure, because the regular season wasn’t very good,” Dominik Kubalik said. “We got a couple goals so it got the confidence going, which is always nice. We just tried to make it real simple, get the pucks to the net, get those pucks back after rebounds, and it worked pretty well.”
Coach Jeremy Colliton made a notable tactical switch to the power play during this summer’s training camp.
The Hawks left off in March with Patrick Kane manning the right side, Jonathan Toews manning the left side, Duncan Keith playing at the point, Kubalik playing down low, and Alex DeBrincat serving as the “bumper,” roaming the center of the diamond created by the other four.
But in camp — and on Saturday — the Hawks moved Kubalik to the “bumper” role and put Kirby Dach in the down-low role, demoting DeBrincat to the second unit.
“[Kubalik] is a shooter, and we want to find a way to release him in the middle of the ice,” coach Jeremy Colliton said, explaining the change. “We have two guys in Toews and Kane who are really comfortable on the puck on either flank, and [Kubalik in the center] allows us to be a bit more unpredictable in terms of where are attacks are coming from.”
The Blackhawks’ power play formation Saturday, with Patrick Kane on the right side, Jonathan Toews on the left, Duncan Keith on the point, Dominik Kubalik in the middle and Kirby Dach down low. NBC Sports screenshot
That shuffle paid enormous dividends in their first matchup against the Oilers’ penalty kill, which ranked second in the NHL during the regular season.
For the first of the three ‘PP’ goals, Kane and Dach drew three Oilers players into the right corner, Kubalik found space just below them and fed a wide-open Toews cruising down the left side.
The second, a Kubalik one-timer off a Toews faceoff win and Keith pass, didn’t require use of the formation. But for the third, Dach gathered a rebound and recycled it eventually to Keith on the blue line, and Kubalik dropped next to Dach — into goalie Mikko Koskinen’s sight line — and tipped in Keith’s shot.
“Our guys had a shooting mentality and we recovered a lot of pucks,” Colliton said. “We were able to get those extended zone times, where we’re able to get multiple chances, and we broke through.”
The breakthroughs weren’t just lucky finishes, either. The Hawks consistently generated great chances on their power plays, including plenty they didn’t convert.
During the regular season, the Hawks averaged 1.5 shot attempts (22nd in the league) and 0.8 scoring chances (17th) per minute of 5-on-4 time. On Saturday, they averaged 3.1 shot attempts and 1.6 scoring chances per minute.
“Hopefully we can continue that,” Colliton said. “Certainly in the playoffs, there’s adjustments made on both sides. They’ll make some, and we’ll make some, and we’ve got to find a way to do it again.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Man fatally shot in Sauk Village

Man fatally shot in Sauk Village

A man was shot to death Friday in south suburban Sauk Village .
Tevin Watkins , 26 , was shot @ @ @ @ @ in the 1700 block of 223rd Street , the Cook County medical examiner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of his injuries less than half an hour later .
An autopsy Saturday ruled Watkins @ @ @ @ @ the medical examiner ’ s office said .
He lived in East Hazel Crest .
@ @ @ @ @ immediately respond to a request for details .
Read more on crime , and track @ @ @ @ @ .

A man was shot to death Friday in south suburban Sauk Village.
Tevin Watkins, 26, was shot multiple times about 1:30 p.m. in the 1700 block of 223rd Street, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He died of his injuries less than half an hour later.
An autopsy Saturday ruled Watkins’ death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said. He lived in East Hazel Crest.
Sauk Village police did not immediately respond to a request for details.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Man killed in Gresham crash

Man killed in Gresham crash

A man died in a motorcycle crash Friday in Gresham on the South Side .
Anthony Lott , 56 , @ @ @ @ @ crash about 11:20 a.m. near 87th Street and Normal Avenue , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ office .
He died shortly after at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
An @ @ @ @ @ of multiple blunt force injuries from a motorcycle crash , according to the medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ death was ruled an accident .
Lott lived in southwest suburban Oak Lawn , the @ @ @ @ @ said .

A man died in a motorcycle crash Friday in Gresham on the South Side.
Anthony Lott, 56, was involved in a motorcycle crash about 11:20 a.m. near 87th Street and Normal Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He died shortly after at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
An autopsy Saturday said Lott died of multiple blunt force injuries from a motorcycle crash, according to the medical examiner’s office. His death was ruled an accident.
Lott lived in southwest suburban Oak Lawn, the medical examiner’s office said.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Blackhawks shock Oilers in Game 1, earn first postseason win since 2016

The last time the Blackhawks made the playoffs , they scored just three goals in four games as the Predators swept .
On Saturday , the Hawks ’ first postseason appearance since that infamous 2017 series , they doubled that goal total in Game 1 alone .
Behind a record-setting five points by Dominik Kubalik , the Blackhawks shocked the Oilers with an assertive — at times dominant — 6-4 win to begin their best-of-five series .
“ On the outside , people may say that we don ’ t have a chance , ” coach Jeremy Colliton said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that got better as the year went on , and now we have a chance to show it .
So everyone ’ s excited about that.
” For weeks , the Hawks have banked on their roster ’ s unique combination of old and young players coming together to defy their 12th-place finish and produce a playoff run reminiscent of those of the early 2010s .
Colliton described it as a “ best of both worlds ” situation .
The Hawks iced four players in Game 1 — Jonathan Toews , Patrick Kane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with multiple Cup wins to their name .
They also deployed three rookies — Kubalik , Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist — in key roles .
And up against an explosive but inexperienced Oilers team , the Hawks ’ multiple identity-spanning approach worked to perfection .
“ The camaraderie on the team is at an all-time high , ” Brandon Saad said .
“ Everyone ’ s excited to be here , be in playoff action .
And anytime you ’ re scoring goals , you ’ re hooting and hollering .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” After an early Oilers tally , the Hawks erupted for four goals in a span of just over seven minutes in the first period , taking advantage of Edmonton ’ s loose defense and coach Dave Tippett questionable decision to start Mike Smith over Mikko Koskinen in goal .
A bad turnover by Smith — known as the league ’ s most aggressive puck-playing goalie — gave Dylan Strome the tying goal .
Then Kubalik went to work , setting up Toews , Saad and Toews again .
In the second period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talents .
A ripped one-timer chased Smith ( five goals allowed on 23 shots ) from the net ; Kubalik then welcomed Koskinen with a tip-in later in the frame .
Kubalik ’ s five points Saturday , adding to his three-point outing in Wednesday ’ s exhibition win , are the most ever by a rookie in his NHL playoff debut .
He fell just one point shy — and created numerous opportunities to get it in the third period , too — of the overall rookie playoff record .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , understated as always .
“ Everything went my way .
Obviously it ’ s nice , but it ’ s just the first game , so we ’ ve got to keep going.
” The Hawks looked hungrier , faster , smarter and more cohesive than the favored Oilers , in their own arena no less , throughout the afternoon .
They finished with a 43-29 advantage in shots on goal and 70-51 lead in shot attempts .
Indeed , they looked a lot like the poised Hawks teams Chicagoans saw in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs — and far from the talented but underachieving teams that lost in the first round in 2016 and 2017 and won just 32 of 70 games this past regular season .
Toews , personally well-versed in the difference between contention and mediocrity , seemingly saw the same .
“ Obviously it ’ s a qualifier , but you get one win under your belt and it ’ s a good feeling , ” he said .
“ It gives you that confidence there ’ s no telling how far you can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anything can happen .
It ’ s good to be back .
”

The last time the Blackhawks made the playoffs, they scored three goals in four games as the Predators swept them.
On Saturday, the Hawks’ first postseason appearance since that infamous 2017 series, they doubled that goal total in Game 1 alone.
Behind a record-setting five points by Dominik Kubalik, the Hawks shocked the Oilers with an assertive — and at times -dominant — 6-4 win to begin their best-of-five -series.
“On the outside, people may say that we don’t have a chance,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “We’ve got a group that got better as the year went on, and now we have a chance to show it. So everyone’s excited about that.”
For weeks, the Hawks have banked on their roster’s unique combination of old and young players coming together to defy their 12th-place finish and produce a playoff run reminiscent of those of the early 2010s.
Colliton described it as a “best of both worlds” situation. The Hawks had five players in Game 1 — Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brandon Saad and Corey Crawford — with multiple Cup wins to their name. They also deployed three rookies — Kubalik, Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist — in key roles.
And up against an explosive but inexperienced Oilers team, the Hawks’ multiple identity-spanning approach worked to perfection.
“The camaraderie on the team is at an all-time high,” Saad said. “Everyone’s excited to be here, be in playoff action. And anytime you’re scoring goals, you’re hooting and hollering. It was just a great feeling overall today.”
After an early Oilers tally, the Hawks erupted for four goals in a span of just over seven minutes in the first period, taking -advantage of the Oilers’ loose defense and coach Dave Tippett’s questionable decision to start Mike Smith over Mikko Koskinen in goal.
Starter Mike Smith struggled in goal for the Oilers. AP Photos
A bad turnover by Smith — known as the league’s most aggressive puck-playing goalie — gave Dylan Strome the tying goal. Then Kubalik went to work, setting up Toews, Saad and Toews again.
In the second period, Kubalik shifted over to his goal-scoring talents. A ripped one-timer chased Smith (five goals allowed on 23 shots) from the net. Kubalik then welcomed Koskinen with a tip-in later in the frame.
Kubalik’s five points (after his three-point outing in the exhibition win Wednesday) are the most by a rookie in his NHL playoff debut. He fell one point shy of the overall rookie playoff record — and created numerous opportunities in the third period to get it.
“I felt really good,” said Kubalik, understated as always. “Everything went my way. Obviously it’s nice, but it’s just the first game, so we’ve got to keep going.”
The Hawks looked hungrier, faster, smarter and more cohesive than the favored Oilers, in the Oilers’ arena no less. The Hawks finished with a 43-29 advantage in shots on goal and 70-51 lead in shot attempts.
Indeed, they looked a lot like the poised Hawks teams Chicagoans saw in the 2010, ’13 and ’15 championship runs — and far from the talented but underachieving teams that lost in the first round in 2016 and ’17 and won just 32 of 70 games during this past regular season.
Toews, personally well-versed in the difference between contention and mediocrity, seemingly saw the same.
“Obviously it’s a qualifier, but you get one win under your belt and it’s a good feeling,” he said. “It gives you that confidence there’s no telling how far you can go. It’s playoff hockey. Anything can happen. It’s good to be back.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--ATF agent shoots at would-be carjacker in Austin

A federal agent opened fire on a would-be carjacker Friday in Austin on the West Side .
The agent with @ @ @ @ @ Tobacco and Firearms ( ATF ) witnessed the attempted carjacking about 6:15 p.m. at Madison @ @ @ @ @ according to Kimberly Nerheim , spokeswoman for the Chicago Field Division of the ATF .
@ @ @ @ @ pulled out a gun and fired shots , Nerheim said .
He missed the suspect @ @ @ @ @ .
No one was injured during the incident , Nerheim said .
The agent who @ @ @ @ @ stationed in Chicago and not affiliated with Operation Legend , a Justice Department initiative that @ @ @ @ @ agents to Chicago to combat a “ sudden surge in violent crime ” in cities @ @ @ @ @ The ATF is investigating the shooting incident , Nerheim said .
Read more on crime @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homicides .

A federal agent opened fire on a would-be carjacker Friday in Austin on the West Side.
The agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) witnessed the attempted carjacking about 6:15 p.m. at Madison Street and Austin Boulevard, according to Kimberly Nerheim, spokeswoman for the Chicago Field Division of the ATF.
The agent identified himself, pulled out a gun and fired shots, Nerheim said. He missed the suspect, who fled the scene.
No one was injured during the incident, Nerheim said.
The agent who fired his gun is permanently stationed in Chicago and not affiliated with Operation Legend, a Justice Department initiative that has sent over 200 federal agents to Chicago to combat a “sudden surge in violent crime” in cities across the United States.
The ATF is investigating the shooting incident, Nerheim said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson goes on injured list with groin strain

With shortstop Tim Anderson going on the 10-day injured list with a strained right groin Saturday , the White Sox featured a new look up the middle of their defense with Leury Garcia at shortstop and Nick Madrigal playing his second career game at second base in their game against the Royals Saturday night .
Anderson ’ s injury also opened the door for manager Rick Renteria to elevate Luis Robert to the leadoff spot .
Robert , who had batted seventh six times and sixth once in his first seven career games , homered to center against right-hander Ronald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second inning to give the Sox a 5-0 lead .
He grounded out to shortstop his first time up .
Anderson was pinch-hit for by Leury Garcia in the seventh inning of the Sox ’ 3-2 win against the Royals Friday .
Anderson said the strain occurred moving to his left for a ground ball .
“ It ’ s nothing .
It ’ s mild , I would say , ” Anderson said .
“ It ’ s really nothing crazy , just a groin .
I don ’ t see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of action ] .
” Anderson led the major leagues with a .335 average last season and was batting .333/.355/.567 with four doubles and a home run .
Robert batted leadoff in Cuba and “ was a leadoff last year all season [ in the minor leagues ] and that ’ s my spot , ” he said .
“ I feel very comfortable there.
” Renteria has said Robert , who has blazing speed and home run power , could bat first through fifth and had kept him lower to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major league pitching .
“ It ’ s actually an opportunity , ” Renteria said before the game .
“ That window has opened , but this is not a set in stone position for him right now .
I want to see how he does tonight.
” Robert homered on a fastball but he is among baseball ’ s leaders in breaking pitches seen , which hasn ’ t surprised him .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s anything else I need to change , ” he said through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adjustment .
I definitely was expecting that and I was prepared for that.
” He said it didn ’ t bother him batting lower in the lineup .
“ He ’ s an impactful type person , ” Renteria said .
“ Today ’ s maybe a nice test , a nice test run to see how he does .
Hopefully he has a nice outing out there and can take advantage of it.
” Robert , Yoan Moncada , Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal batting first through fourth , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first four places in a lineup , according to Elias .
Catcher Yermín Mercedes was recalled from the Schaumburg training facility to take Anderson ’ s spot on the 30-man roster .
Mercedes , 27 , has put up big numbers in the minor leagues and he hit four home runs with nine RBI before spring training was suspended .
The 5-11 , 235-pounder , who has no major league experience and is limited defensively but has featured an explosive bat .
“ It would take a long time to explain how I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercedes said .
“ I ’ m excited because I ’ ve waited a long time , long time.
” This and that Renteria offered no timeline for a return for right-hander Reynaldo Lopez , who went on the IL Monday with shoulder inflammation .
*Anderson on the team ’ s safety concerns as games around the league are postponed because of the coronavirus : “ Guys are opting out , but we just try to do the best we can to protect ourselves and continue to stay safe , but also compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re risking it but we ’ ve got to continue to play .
”

With shortstop Tim Anderson going on the 10-day injured list with a strained right groin Saturday, the White Sox featured a middle infield with Leury Garcia at shortstop and rookie Nick Madrigal — playing in his second major-league game — at second base against the Royals.
Anderson’s injury also opened the door for rookie center fielder Luis Robert to be elevated to the leadoff spot. Robert, who had batted seventh six times and sixth once in his first seven games, homered to center against right-hander Ronald Bolanos in the second inning to give the Sox a 5-0 lead. He grounded to short his first time up.
Anderson said the strain occurred while moving to his left for a grounder in the Sox’ 3-2 victory Friday.
‘‘It’s nothing,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘It’s mild, I would say. It’s really nothing crazy, just a groin. I don’t see it being too much time [out of action].’’
Anderson led the majors with a .335 average last season and was batting .333/.355/.567 with a homer and four doubles.
Robert first
Robert batted leadoff in his native Cuba and ‘‘was a leadoff [man] last year all season [in the minor leagues], and that’s my spot,’’ he said through an interpreter. ‘‘I feel very comfortable there.’’
Manager Rick Renteria has said Robert, who has blazing speed and home-run power, could bat anywhere from first through fifth and had kept him lower in the order to keep the pressure off him as he gets acclimated to major-league pitching.
‘‘It’s actually an opportunity,’’ Renteria said before the game. ‘‘That window has opened, but this is not a set-in-stone position for him right now. I want to see how he does tonight.’’
Robert homered on a fastball, but he is among the major-league leaders in breaking pitches seen, which hasn’t surprised him.
‘‘I don’t think there’s anything else I need to change,’’ he said. ‘‘You make an adjustment. I definitely was expecting that, and I was prepared for that.’’
Robert said batting lower in the order didn’t bother him.
‘‘He’s an impactful-type person,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘Today’s maybe a nice test run to see how he does. Hopefully he has a nice outing and can take advantage of it.’’
Cuban connection
Robert, third baseman Yoan Moncada, first baseman Jose Abreu and catcher Yasmani Grandal batted first through fourth, the first time four Cuban-born players occupied the first four places in a big-league lineup, according to Elias.
Mercedes promoted
The Sox recalled catcher Yermin Mercedes from their training facility in Schaumburg to take Anderson’s spot on the 30-man roster.
Mercedes, 27, has put up big numbers in the minors and had four homers and nine RBI before spring training was suspended in March. The 5-11, 235-pounder had no previous major-league experience.
‘‘It would take a long time to explain how I feel right now,’’ an emotional Mercedes said. ‘‘I’m excited because I’ve waited a long time, long time.’’
No update on Lopez
Renteria offered no timeline for the return of right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who went on the IL with inflammation in his pitching shoulder Monday.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Nick Madrigal got mad about not making White Sox’ Opening Day roster — but got over it quickly

The White Sox ’ top second-base prospect , Nick Madrigal , felt like he belonged on the Opening Day roster , and , boy , did he want to be on it .
“ I ’ ve never wanted something so much in my life , just to be a part of this team right now , ” Madrigal said last week before the roster was set , “ and I feel like I can help this team win.
” So when he found out his debut would have to wait — as it turned out till Friday night in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-game series — Madrigal said he was “ a little mad.
” “ He actually didn ’ t even shake my hand when he was told he wasn ’ t going to make the club , ” manager Rick Renteria said .
“ He just turned around and walked out .
And I was like , ‘ OK. ’ ’ ’ Madrigal said he got “ locked in ” again because “ it ’ s not my style to pout and be angry for more than a couple of days.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain way , you understand it , you get it , ” Renteria said .
“ It ’ s one of those things you love about a competitive nature .
It was no indication of who he is except that he ’ s a fighter .
He wanted to make this club.
” The Sox purchased the contract of their 2018 first-round draft choice and penciled him into the lineup against the Royals .
He batted ninth against one of the Royals ’ top prospects , left-hander Kris Bubic , a friend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major-league debut .
“ I imagined this moment for a long time , even since I was a little kid , ” Madrigal said .
“ It looks a little bit different with the stadiums empty , but it ’ s still a dream come true and something I ’ ve worked extremely hard [ to achieve ] for a long time.
” The Sox have been starting all-purpose outfielder-infielder Leury Garcia at second base , as planned , with Madrigal waiting in the wings .
By keeping Madrigal off the major-league roster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , the Sox secured an extra year of contract control , and there was no getting around the timing of the promotion .
Madrigal , who grounded out softly to second baseman Nicky Lopez in his first at-bat — immediately after Adam Engel ’ s homer against Bubic gave the Sox and lefty Dallas Keuchel a 3-0 lead — doesn ’ t hit for power but should improve the Sox defensively up the middle .
In 663 total chances over three minor-league levels last season , he made only five errors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , striking out only 16 times and drawing 44 walks in 532 minor-league plate appearances last year , but he didn ’ t distinguish himself at the plate with the Sox during spring and summer camp .
He appeared to be more relaxed and his overall performance improved in the summer , however .
In the home-run-happy , launch-angle era of baseball , will Madrigal ’ s bat play in the majors ?
“ We ’ re going to find out , ” Renteria said .
“ Will he serve a purpose for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets more comfortable with the pitching , he ’ ll put balls in the gap because he has bat speed .
His overall game is going to be his plus .
Defend , run the bases , be part of the leadership out there in the field and give you at-bats that hopefully drive pitchers crazy and open it up for the hitter behind him.
” A No .
4 overall selection , Madrigal batted .311 with a .377 on-base percentage with four homers and 55 RBI in 120 total games at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wouldn ’ t necessarily worry about the power , ” Renteria said .
“ Those things take care of themselves .
But he has a history of being a winning player , and he has a history of hitting some balls out of the park .
Hopefully , sooner rather than later , we ’ ll find out what kind of player he is.
” MLB Pipeline ranked Madrigal as the Sox ’ No .
4 prospect behind Luis Robert ( 1 ) , Andrew Vaughn ( 2 ) and Michael Kopech @ @ @ @

The White Sox’ top second-base prospect, Nick Madrigal, felt like he belonged on the Opening Day roster, and, boy, did he want to be on it.
“I’ve never wanted something so much in my life, just to be a part of this team right now,” Madrigal said last week before the roster was set, “and I feel like I can help this team win.”
So when he found out his debut would have to wait — as it turned out till Friday night in Kansas City, where the Sox opened a three-game series — Madrigal said he was “a little mad.”
How mad?
“He actually didn’t even shake my hand when he was told he wasn’t going to make the club,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He just turned around and walked out. And I was like, ‘OK.’ ’’
Madrigal said he got “locked in” again because “it’s not my style to pout and be angry for more than a couple of days.”
“When you see a player react a certain way, you understand it, you get it,” Renteria said. “It’s one of those things you love about a competitive nature. It was no indication of who he is except that he’s a fighter. He wanted to make this club.”
The Sox purchased the contract of their 2018 first-round draft choice and penciled him into the lineup against the Royals. He batted ninth against one of the Royals’ top prospects, left-hander Kris Bubic, a friend of Madrigal’s who also made his major-league debut.
“I imagined this moment for a long time, even since I was a little kid,” Madrigal said. “It looks a little bit different with the stadiums empty, but it’s still a dream come true and something I’ve worked extremely hard [to achieve] for a long time.”
The Sox have been starting all-purpose outfielder-infielder Leury Garcia at second base, as planned, with Madrigal waiting in the wings. By keeping Madrigal off the major-league roster for a week’s worth of games, the Sox secured an extra year of contract control, and there was no getting around the timing of the promotion.
Madrigal, who grounded out softly to second baseman Nicky Lopez in his first at-bat — immediately after Adam Engel’s homer against Bubic gave the Sox and lefty Dallas Keuchel a 3-0 lead — doesn’t hit for power but should improve the Sox defensively up the middle. In 663 total chances over three minor-league levels last season, he made only five errors. Offensively, Madrigal excels at making contact, striking out only 16 times and drawing 44 walks in 532 minor-league plate appearances last year, but he didn’t distinguish himself at the plate with the Sox during spring and summer camp. He appeared to be more relaxed and his overall performance improved in the summer, however.
In the home-run-happy, launch-angle era of baseball, will Madrigal’s bat play in the majors?
“We’re going to find out,” Renteria said. “Will he serve a purpose for us? Absolutely.
“As he gets more comfortable with the pitching, he’ll put balls in the gap because he has bat speed. His overall game is going to be his plus. Defend, run the bases, be part of the leadership out there in the field and give you at-bats that hopefully drive pitchers crazy and open it up for the hitter behind him.”
A No. 4 overall selection, Madrigal batted .311 with a .377 on-base percentage with four homers and 55 RBI in 120 total games at the three minor-league levels in 2019.
“I wouldn’t necessarily worry about the power,” Renteria said. “Those things take care of themselves. But he has a history of being a winning player, and he has a history of hitting some balls out of the park. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, we’ll find out what kind of player he is.”
MLB Pipeline ranked Madrigal as the Sox’ No. 4 prospect behind Luis Robert (1), Andrew Vaughn (2) and Michael Kopech (3).


chicagosun-times--2020-08-02--Dear Abby: When homeowner is away, caretaker uses her house for adulterous trysts

DEAR ABBY : We live next door to an 89-year-old woman , “ Estelle.
” She ’ s a “ snowbird , ” meaning she is our neighbor for only part of the year .
She has a devoted caretaker , “ Iris , ” who visits her almost daily .
Iris shops for her , brings in her mail , and helps her with laundry , bathing and many other intimate tasks .
Estelle has given us a key to her house for emergencies .
The issue is that once Estelle leaves for the summer , Iris arrives almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trysts with a man , not her husband .
They stay in the house for two to three hours and then leave , always in separate cars .
After several weeks of seeing this , my husband went over to Estelle ’ s house to check on things .
The bed in the master bedroom was obviously used .
The air conditioning was on high , and the house was in general disorder ; not anything like how Estelle would have left things .
Our dilemma is , we know Estelle depends upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do we turn a blind eye to what ’ s going on ?
It really isn ’ t our business except that we hate seeing someone taken advantage of .
Last year we reported our observations to Estelle ’ s son as he was bringing his mother here for the winter .
He wasn ’ t sure what to do because , as I said before , she ’ s quite dependent on her caretaker .
Advice ?
— SEEING TOO MUCH IN FLORIDA DEAR SEEING : This is Estelle ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If this were happening on your property , wouldn ’ t YOU want to know about it ?
I see nothing to be gained by keeping Estelle in the dark .
Tell her what has been going on , that your husband went to check the place and found it in disarray .
Then leave the ball in her court .
DEAR ABBY : For a handful of years , I have been dealing with anxiety and mild depression .
But over the last 18 months or so , I have been experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lows .
These periods can last for up to a week and affect my productivity levels .
My ability to function as a normal human being isn ’ t noticeably diminished , though .
Because I ’ m a teenager , a lot of emotional turmoil is happening .
But I can ’ t help feeling that maybe what I ’ m experiencing isn ’ t normal for people my age .
How do I know the difference between routine mood swings and a mental disorder like bipolar ?
There is a history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know if it has transferred to me .
I want to know if I need to start talking about that aspect of things with my therapist or if what I ’ m going through doesn ’ t need to be bothered with .
— TEEN IN TOUCH IN WASHINGTON DEAR TEEN : You are obviously very bright .
Because of the history of bipolar disorder in your family , your mood swings are something you should be paying attention to .
I am glad you are seeing a therapist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your concerns — all of them — with that person .
In psychotherapy , honesty is always the best policy .
If it turns out that your worries are needless — fine .
However , if they are not , it would be to your advantage to know it so you can be treated for it .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: We live next door to an 89-year-old woman, “Estelle.” She’s a “snowbird,” meaning she is our neighbor for only part of the year. She has a devoted caretaker, “Iris,” who visits her almost daily. Iris shops for her, brings in her mail, and helps her with laundry, bathing and many other intimate tasks.
Estelle has given us a key to her house for emergencies. The issue is that once Estelle leaves for the summer, Iris arrives almost daily for what appear to be afternoon trysts with a man, not her husband. They stay in the house for two to three hours and then leave, always in separate cars.
After several weeks of seeing this, my husband went over to Estelle’s house to check on things. The bed in the master bedroom was obviously used. The air conditioning was on high, and the house was in general disorder; not anything like how Estelle would have left things.
Our dilemma is, we know Estelle depends upon Iris. She trusts and adores her. Do we turn a blind eye to what’s going on? It really isn’t our business except that we hate seeing someone taken advantage of. Last year we reported our observations to Estelle’s son as he was bringing his mother here for the winter. He wasn’t sure what to do because, as I said before, she’s quite dependent on her caretaker. Advice? — SEEING TOO MUCH IN FLORIDA
DEAR SEEING: This is Estelle’s home and Estelle’s employee. If this were happening on your property, wouldn’t YOU want to know about it? I see nothing to be gained by keeping Estelle in the dark. Tell her what has been going on, that your husband went to check the place and found it in disarray. Then leave the ball in her court.
DEAR ABBY: For a handful of years, I have been dealing with anxiety and mild depression. But over the last 18 months or so, I have been experiencing both the highest highs and the lowest lows. These periods can last for up to a week and affect my productivity levels. My ability to function as a normal human being isn’t noticeably diminished, though.
Because I’m a teenager, a lot of emotional turmoil is happening. But I can’t help feeling that maybe what I’m experiencing isn’t normal for people my age. How do I know the difference between routine mood swings and a mental disorder like bipolar? There is a history of bipolar in my family, but I don’t know if it has transferred to me. I want to know if I need to start talking about that aspect of things with my therapist or if what I’m going through doesn’t need to be bothered with. — TEEN IN TOUCH IN WASHINGTON
DEAR TEEN: You are obviously very bright. Because of the history of bipolar disorder in your family, your mood swings are something you should be paying attention to. I am glad you are seeing a therapist, and you should ABSOLUTELY be discussing your concerns — all of them — with that person. In psychotherapy, honesty is always the best policy. If it turns out that your worries are needless — fine. However, if they are not, it would be to your advantage to know it so you can be treated for it.
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 an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-02--Thefts reported from boats docked at Burnham Harbor: police

Police are warning boat owners about a series of thefts last month from boats docked at Burnham Harbor near the @ @ @ @ @ case , a man entered unlocked boats or pried them open to remove items from @ @ @ @ @ community alert from Chicago police .
The thefts all occurred at the harbor , 1559 @ @ @ @ @ at the following times : • Between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. July 8 ; @ @ @ @ @ July 6 and 7 a.m. July 17 .
The suspect is described as a 5-foot-10 @ @ @ @ @ and 50 years old , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to call @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning boat owners about a series of thefts last month from boats docked at Burnham Harbor near the South Loop.
In each case, a man entered unlocked boats or pried them open to remove items from within, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The thefts all occurred at the harbor, 1559 S. Lake Shore Drive, at the following times:
About 6 p.m. July 19;
Between 9 p.m. July 12 and 3 p.m. July 13;
Between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. July 8; and
Between 6 a.m. July 6 and 7 a.m. July 17.
The suspect is described as a 5-foot-10, 160-pound man between 25 and 50 years old, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-02--Police seek suspects in Near South Side hit-and-run

Police are asking for the public ’ s help identifying two people wanted in connection with a hit-and-run last year @ @ @ @ @ .
A black 1996 Chevrolet Suburban drove onto the sidewalk and hit a woman at @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , in the 2200 block of South King Drive , according to a community @ @ @ @ @ The woman was seriously injured .
Police released surveillance images of multiple people who got @ @ @ @ @ ran away .
Anyone with information is asked to call the police Major Accident Investigation @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two people wanted in connection with a hit-and-run last year on the Near South Side.
A black 1996 Chevrolet Suburban drove onto the sidewalk and hit a woman at 8:59 p.m. Oct. 2, 2019, in the 2200 block of South King Drive, according to a community alert from Chicago police. The woman was seriously injured.
Police released surveillance images of multiple people who got out of the SUV and ran away.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.
Police released surveillance images of the suspects in a hit-and-run Oct. 2, 2019, in the 2200 block of South King Drive. Chicago police
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-02--Armed robber holds up Logan Square, Humboldt Park businesses

A man has robbed multiple businesses at knifepoint over the past week in Humboldt Park and Logan Square on the @ @ @ @ @ case , he entered a business , pulled out a knife and took cash , @ @ @ @ @ from Chicago police .
• About 12:45 p.m. Aug. 1 in the 3100 block of @ @ @ @ @ About 9:50 a.m. July 31 in the 3200 block of West North Avenue ; and @ @ @ @ @ 30 in the 3100 block of West Armitage .
The suspect was described as a @ @ @ @ @ and 30 years old , about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds , police said @ @ @ @ @ asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394 .
Read more on crime , and @ @ @ @ @ homicides .

A man has robbed multiple businesses at knifepoint over the past week in Humboldt Park and Logan Square on the Northwest Side.
In each case, he entered a business, pulled out a knife and took cash, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The hold-ups occurred:
About 12:45 p.m. Aug. 1 in the 3100 block of West Armitage Avenue;
About 9:50 a.m. July 31 in the 3200 block of West North Avenue; and
About 9:40 p.m. July 30 in the 3100 block of West Armitage.
The suspect was described as a man with dreadlocks between 20 and 30 years old, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Lena Dunham reveals debilitating battle with COVID-19

LOS ANGELES — Lena Dunham says her body “ revolted ” in a debilitating month-long struggle with COVID-19 .
The 34-year-old creator and star of “ Girls ” gave a detailed account Friday on Instagram of what she said she experienced after testing positive for the coronavirus in mid-March , just as much of the nation was shutting down because of the pandemic .
“ It started with achy joints , ” Dunham writes , “ then the pain was joined by a crushing fatigue .
Then a fever of 102 .
Suddenly my body simply revolted.
” She went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks , she said .
Dunham said she was treated by a doctor in her home and she did not have to be hospitalized , and said she knows she is lucky to have exceptional health care and flexible work .
She tested negative after a month and was able to see people in her inner circle again , but said she is having lingering problems .
Dunham is a native New Yorker , but did not say where she was when she contracted the disease and went into isolation .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HBO series “ Girls ” from 2012 to 2017 and is working on a film adaptation of the young adult novel , “ Catherine , Called Birdy.
” Dunham said she was reluctant to tell her story , but felt compelled to after seeing the carelessness with which so many are treating social distancing and mask-wearing .
“ When you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your neighbors , ” she writes , “ you save them a world of pain.
” For most people , the new coronavirus causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

LOS ANGELES — Lena Dunham says her body “revolted” in a debilitating month-long struggle with COVID-19.
The 34-year-old creator and star of “Girls” gave a detailed account Friday on Instagram of what she said she experienced after testing positive for the coronavirus in mid-March, just as much of the nation was shutting down because of the pandemic.
“It started with achy joints,” Dunham writes, “then the pain was joined by a crushing fatigue. Then a fever of 102. Suddenly my body simply revolted.”
She went into isolation and felt severe symptoms for three weeks, she said.
Dunham said she was treated by a doctor in her home and she did not have to be hospitalized, and said she knows she is lucky to have exceptional health care and flexible work.
She tested negative after a month and was able to see people in her inner circle again, but said she is having lingering problems.
Dunham is a native New Yorker, but did not say where she was when she contracted the disease and went into isolation. She was the lead writer and star of the HBO series “Girls” from 2012 to 2017 and is working on a film adaptation of the young adult novel, “Catherine, Called Birdy.”
Dunham said she was reluctant to tell her story, but felt compelled to after seeing the carelessness with which so many are treating social distancing and mask-wearing.
“When you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your neighbors,” she writes, “you save them a world of pain.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Actor Wilford Brimley, starred in ‘Cocoon, ‘The Natural,’ dies at 85

LOS ANGELES — Wilford Brimley , who worked his way up from stunt performer to star of film such as “ Cocoon ” and “ The Natural , ” has died .
He was 85 .
Brimley ’ s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital .
He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments , she said .
The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles , often playing gruff characters like his grizzled baseball manager in “ The Natural.
” Brimley ’ s best-known work was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them .
The 1985 Ron Howard film won two Oscars , including a supporting actor honor for Don Ameche .
Brimley also starred in “ Cocoon : The Return , ” a 1988 sequel .
For years he was pitchman for Quaker Oats and in recent years appeared in a series of diabetes spots that turned him at one point into a social media sensation .
“ Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust , ” Bensky said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he meant and he meant what he said .
He had a tough exterior and a tender heart .
I ’ m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend ’ s wonderful stories .
He was one of a kind.
” Though never nominated for an Oscar or Emmy Award , Brimley amassed an impressive list of credits .
In 1993 ’ s John Grisham adaptation “ The Firm , ” Brimley starred opposite Tom Cruise as a tough-nosed investigator who deployed ruthless tactics to keep his law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah native , Brimley ’ s Hollywood career started in the late 1960s as a stuntman , where he forged a friendship with Robert Duvall .
Duvall ’ s encouragement led Brimley to seek more prominent acting roles and his career took off after his appearance in 1979 ’ s “ The China Syndrome , ” according to a biography prepared by Turner Classic Movies .
Brimley had a recurring role as a blacksmith on “ The Waltons ” and the 1980s prime-time series “ Our House.
” In recent years , Brimley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned him into an internet sensation for his drawn out pronunciation of diabetes as “ diabeetus.
” He owned the pronunciation in a tweet that drew hundreds of thousands of likes earlier this year .

LOS ANGELES — Wilford Brimley, who worked his way up from stunt performer to star of film such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural,” has died. He was 85.
Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital. He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments, she said.
The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles, often playing gruff characters like his grizzled baseball manager in “The Natural.”
Brimley’s best-known work was in “Cocoon,” in which he was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them. The 1985 Ron Howard film won two Oscars, including a supporting actor honor for Don Ameche.
Brimley also starred in “Cocoon: The Return,” a 1988 sequel.
For years he was pitchman for Quaker Oats and in recent years appeared in a series of diabetes spots that turned him at one point into a social media sensation.
“Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust,” Bensky said in a statement. “He said what he meant and he meant what he said. He had a tough exterior and a tender heart. I’m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend’s wonderful stories. He was one of a kind.”
Though never nominated for an Oscar or Emmy Award, Brimley amassed an impressive list of credits. In 1993’s John Grisham adaptation “The Firm,” Brimley starred opposite Tom Cruise as a tough-nosed investigator who deployed ruthless tactics to keep his law firm’s secrets safe.
A Utah native, Brimley’s Hollywood career started in the late 1960s as a stuntman, where he forged a friendship with Robert Duvall. Duvall’s encouragement led Brimley to seek more prominent acting roles and his career took off after his appearance in 1979’s “The China Syndrome,” according to a biography prepared by Turner Classic Movies.
Brimley had a recurring role as a blacksmith on “The Waltons” and the 1980s prime-time series “Our House.”
In recent years, Brimley’s pitchwork for Liberty Mutual had turned him into an internet sensation for his drawn out pronunciation of diabetes as “diabeetus.” He owned the pronunciation in a tweet that drew hundreds of thousands of likes earlier this year.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Cubs remain on high alert as coronavirus outbreak enters NL Central

The virus has made its way to the National League Central and put the Cubs , who beat the Pirates 4-3 on Saturday , in a precarious position .
The Cardinals are the latest team to suffer an outbreak , with several players and staff members testing positive this week .
St. Louis was supposed to face the Brewers in a three-game series this weekend , but it was postponed .
The Cubs are scheduled to start a three-game set with the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday , but it ’ s still unclear if those games will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team in baseball without a positive COVID-19 test for a player .
“ You ’ d be crazy not to start thinking about the number of days and making sure that outbreak is under control , ” general manager Jed Hoyer said .
“ I think you have to be careful .
You have a right to have those concerns , ask those questions .
We ’ re confident that MLB and the Cardinals and everyone will make sure that every precaution is taken .
I think that by this weekend , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s going on with them .
But I think right now , it ’ s a really fluid situation.
” The uncertainty has undoubtedly affected players .
Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain announced Saturday that he was opting out , becoming the latest player to forgo the season .
“ Lorenzo Cain is a big part of the MLB fraternity , a great player and face for a franchise , ” Cubs left-hander Jon Lester said .
“ That ’ s a decision that him and his family probably sat down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m sure he talked to his teammates about it .
.
.
.
It ’ s a crazy time that we ’ re in , and you can ’ t second-guess anybody that wants to make a decision like that.
” MLB appears to be at a crossroads after this week ’ s events .
ESPN reported Friday that commissioner Rob Manfred told MLBPA president Tony Clark that baseball would be at risk of a shutdown if it didn ’ t get the outbreaks under control .
Manfred told ESPN on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The players need to be better , but I am not a quitter in general , and there is no reason to quit now .
We have had to be fluid , but it is manageable.
” Players and teams should be held accountable for following all health and safety protocols .
Manfred playing the blame game , however , as if he has no role in the matter , is not the way to gain the respect of players or encourage unity within the sport .
“ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to put my foot in my mouth on that one , ” Lester said .
“ But I do know we — not only the players , but families — are making sacrifices day in and day out .
.
.
.
I guess I ’ ll stop there.
” The question of ethics begins to come into play as teams travel amid these outbreaks .
While the Cubs have been the gold standard for health and safety , can MLB continue to preach health and safety as its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ?
“ We ’ ve done everything we can to keep our players safe , ’ ’ Hoyer said .
‘ ‘ We ’ ve over-communicated as much as possible , and , luckily , we have a group of players that have been incredibly vigilant themselves .
So , yeah , I do feel like , ethically , I have no problem saying we ’ re gon na keep doing this .
But that said , we have to do it the right way .
“ If you ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not going to take the virus seriously and you ’ re going to go on the road and travel to different cities and stay in hotels and things like that , we ’ re gon na have a problem .
.
.
.
It is no foolproof way to make sure no one gets [ the coronavirus ] , but we have to do everything we can to make sure that it doesn ’ t spread within our team with social-distancing , masks and handwashing .
Making sure that we obey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid that .
”

MLB continues to battle coronavirus outbreaks on multiple fronts.
The virus has made its way to the National League Central and put the Cubs, who beat the Pirates 4-3 on Saturday, in a precarious position.
The Cardinals are the latest team to suffer an outbreak, with several players and staff members testing positive this week. St. Louis was supposed to face the Brewers in a three-game series this weekend, but it was postponed.
The Cubs are scheduled to start a three-game set with the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday, but it’s still unclear if those games will be played. The Cubs remain the only team in baseball without a positive COVID-19 test for a player.
“You’d be crazy not to start thinking about the number of days and making sure that outbreak is under control,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “I think you have to be careful. You have a right to have those concerns, ask those questions. We’re confident that MLB and the Cardinals and everyone will make sure that every precaution is taken. I think that by this weekend, our hope is certainly that we understand everything that’s going on with them. But I think right now, it’s a really fluid situation.”
The uncertainty has undoubtedly affected players. Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain announced Saturday that he was opting out, becoming the latest player to forgo the season.
“Lorenzo Cain is a big part of the MLB fraternity, a great player and face for a franchise,” Cubs left-hander Jon Lester said. “That’s a decision that him and his family probably sat down and thought long and hard about, and I’m sure he talked to his teammates about it. . . . It’s a crazy time that we’re in, and you can’t second-guess anybody that wants to make a decision like that.”
MLB appears to be at a crossroads after this week’s events. ESPN reported Friday that commissioner Rob Manfred told MLBPA president Tony Clark that baseball would be at risk of a shutdown if it didn’t get the outbreaks under control.
Manfred told ESPN on Saturday: “We are playing. The players need to be better, but I am not a quitter in general, and there is no reason to quit now. We have had to be fluid, but it is manageable.”
Players and teams should be held accountable for following all health and safety protocols. Manfred playing the blame game, however, as if he has no role in the matter, is not the way to gain the respect of players or encourage unity within the sport.
“I don’t know Rob’s situation, and I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth on that one,” Lester said. “But I do know we — not only the players, but families — are making sacrifices day in and day out. . . . I guess I’ll stop there.”
The question of ethics begins to come into play as teams travel amid these outbreaks.
While the Cubs have been the gold standard for health and safety, can MLB continue to preach health and safety as its priorities with outbreaks popping up around the game?
“We’ve done everything we can to keep our players safe,’’ Hoyer said. ‘‘We’ve over-communicated as much as possible, and, luckily, we have a group of players that have been incredibly vigilant themselves. So, yeah, I do feel like, ethically, I have no problem saying we’re gonna keep doing this. But that said, we have to do it the right way.
“If you’re not going to obey the protocols or you’re not going to take the virus seriously and you’re going to go on the road and travel to different cities and stay in hotels and things like that, we’re gonna have a problem. . . . It is no foolproof way to make sure no one gets [the coronavirus], but we have to do everything we can to make sure that it doesn’t spread within our team with social-distancing, masks and handwashing. Making sure that we obey all these protocols is the way you avoid that.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Woman dead after motorcycle crash in Eisenhower Expressway

A woman was killed in a motorcycle crash Friday on the Eisenhower Expressway in west suburban Forest Park .
Rosemarie @ @ @ @ @ riding west on a 2011 Harley Davidson about 8:05 p.m. when she veered onto the @ @ @ @ @ median near Des Plaines Avenue , Illinois State Police said .
Rivera was thrown from @ @ @ @ @ at the scene , police said .
An autopsy Saturday ruled Rivera ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner ’ s office said .
She lived in West Rogers Park on @ @ @ @

A woman was killed in a motorcycle crash Friday on the Eisenhower Expressway in west suburban Forest Park.
Rosemarie Rivera, 48, was riding west on a 2011 Harley Davidson about 8:05 p.m. when she veered onto the left shoulder and hit the median near Des Plaines Avenue, Illinois State Police said.
Rivera was thrown from her motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
An autopsy Saturday ruled Rivera’s death an accident, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. She lived in West Rogers Park on the North Side.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-01--Horoscope for Sunday, August 2, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, August 2, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius .
Social plans might be canceled .
Alternatively , you might receive an unexpected invitation to go somewhere .
Meanwhile , parents should be extra vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids .
Sports accidents in particular are also likely .
In many respects , today is a crapshoot !
Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur because something will interrupt your home routine .
Do get dressed because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door .
Be patient with family members to avoid arguments .
Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is an accident-prone day for your sign .
You might also be too impulsive .
You might be too blunt .
You might say or do something that you regret .
Today is full of surprises , new places and new faces .
Get ready .
Keep an eye on your money and assets because you might find money or you might lose money .
Or perhaps , something that you own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Keep your eyes open so that you have no regrets .
“ Hey !
That ’ s mine !
” Today you feel rebellious and impulsive .
In some ways , this might create an exciting day for you .
In other ways , you might suddenly end up with egg on your face because you acted too quickly , without thinking .
Today is full of disruptions and surprises .
This might be an accident-prone day for you because you feel impulsive .
But really , you ’ re restless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any restrictions that have been placed on you .
You feel you need your freedom to do your own thing !
( Take it easy . )
Something unexpected will happen when you deal with a friend today or perhaps a group .
A meeting might be disrupted .
If you get together with others , things will not follow their normal routine .
Relationships will be difficult because people will be rebellious .
Oh yeah .
Relations with parents , bosses , authority figures , including the police , will be difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
People feel rebellious and independent .
However , if you are in this position and you are dealing with an authority figure , don ’ t be foolish .
Be courteous .
Travel plans will be interrupted , delayed or canceled today .
Alternatively , you might suddenly have to travel when you least expected to do so .
You might also meet a real character — someone unusual from another country or a different culture .
It ’ s not a boring day .
Double check all matters of business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance issues and anything that you own jointly with someone else because something unexpected will affect these areas .
Because it could affect you financially , stay top of things !
Relationships with others might be difficult today either because you are having difficulty dealing with restrictions that someone else might place on you , or they might have difficulty dealing with restrictions that you place on them .
Either way , you are at loggerheads .
( Yikes ! )
Your work routine will be interrupted today by something unexpected .
Canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , power outages and equipment breakdowns are just some reasons your day will go sideways in a New York minute .
If you own a pet , be mindful and make sure everything is OK. Health news might also surprise you .
If Your Birthday Is Today Politician , writer , journalist Chrystia Freeland ( 1968 ) shares your birthday .
You are charming , entertaining and funny .
You have the gift of the gab and are convincing !
This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities !
You will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning .
Welcome change !
Let your personal freedom be your goal this year .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Social plans might be canceled. Alternatively, you might receive an unexpected invitation to go somewhere. Meanwhile, parents should be extra vigilant because this is an accident-prone day for your kids. Sports accidents in particular are also likely. In many respects, today is a crapshoot!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur because something will interrupt your home routine. Do get dressed because someone unexpected might suddenly knock on your door. Be patient with family members to avoid arguments.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is an accident-prone day for your sign. You might also be too impulsive. You might be too blunt. You might say or do something that you regret. Today is full of surprises, new places and new faces. Get ready.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Keep an eye on your money and assets because you might find money or you might lose money. Or perhaps, something that you own will be lost, stolen or damaged. Keep your eyes open so that you have no regrets. “Hey! That’s mine!”
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today you feel rebellious and impulsive. In some ways, this might create an exciting day for you. In other ways, you might suddenly end up with egg on your face because you acted too quickly, without thinking. Today is full of disruptions and surprises.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This might be an accident-prone day for you because you feel impulsive. But really, you’re restless. You might also have difficulty dealing with any restrictions that have been placed on you. You feel you need your freedom to do your own thing! (Take it easy.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Something unexpected will happen when you deal with a friend today or perhaps a group. A meeting might be disrupted. If you get together with others, things will not follow their normal routine. Relationships will be difficult because people will be rebellious. Oh yeah.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Relations with parents, bosses, authority figures, including the police, will be difficult because nobody wants to be bossed around today. People feel rebellious and independent. However, if you are in this position and you are dealing with an authority figure, don’t be foolish. Be courteous.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Travel plans will be interrupted, delayed or canceled today. Alternatively, you might suddenly have to travel when you least expected to do so. You might also meet a real character — someone unusual from another country or a different culture. It’s not a boring day.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Double check all matters of business related to inheritances, shared property, insurance issues and anything that you own jointly with someone else because something unexpected will affect these areas. Because it could affect you financially, stay top of things!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Relationships with others might be difficult today either because you are having difficulty dealing with restrictions that someone else might place on you, or they might have difficulty dealing with restrictions that you place on them. Either way, you are at loggerheads. (Yikes!)
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your work routine will be interrupted today by something unexpected. Canceled appointments, staff shortages, computer crashes, power outages and equipment breakdowns are just some reasons your day will go sideways in a New York minute. If you own a pet, be mindful and make sure everything is OK. Health news might also surprise you.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Politician, writer, journalist Chrystia Freeland (1968) shares your birthday. You are charming, entertaining and funny. You have the gift of the gab and are convincing! This is an exciting year of change and new opportunities! You will encounter adventure and stimulating situations. If possible, explore opportunities to travel and expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Let your personal freedom be your goal this year.