chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Pilsen alderman, CTA open applications for artists to update 18th Street Pink Line murals

Two months after the CTA came under fire for whitewashing portions of murals inside the 18th Street Pink Line , the transit agency has brought in Pilsen ’ s rookie alderman in its quest to find artists to renew and revamp the artwork at the station .
The CTA originally planned to consider proposals from eight artists selected in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art to renew the decades-old murals at the station .
But those plans were never made public .
And in December , a viral Facebook post showing portions of the murals being painted over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the backlash , the CTA agreed to consider two more artists selected by Ald .
Byron Sigcho-Lopez ( 25th ) in addition to the eight already in the running .
His office is now taking applications for the two open spots .
Those artists must be able to work with youth in the neighborhood , have a “ deep connection to the community ” and not have an existing permanent art installation at any other CTA station , according to the application .
The deadline to apply is Feb. 26 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of either one or two of the ten artists for the project , and will be paying the winners a total of $ 80,000 .
The transit agency said it will announce the winner or winners later this year .
“ The CTA was moving forward with technical work to update these murals , but they were missing the emotional and cultural connection to the community that was required to make sure these murals continue to reflect the people of Pilsen , ” Sigcho-Lopez said .
“ After conversations and an openness from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the community , we ’ re ready to move forward.
” The current murals at the station were painted in the 1990s by Francisco Mendoza and several of his students , but the elements and graffiti taggers have chipped away at them over the years .
Mendoza grew up in South Chicago and taught at Peter Cooper Elementary and Jose Clemente Orozco Academy in Pilsen for more than 25 years .
He died in 2012 .
“ Our commitment is to preserve the spirit and vision of [ Mendoza ] and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heritage and Pilsen community , ” the CTA said in a statement .
Carlos Ballesteros is a corps members of Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago ’ s South Side and West Side .

Two months after the CTA came under fire for whitewashing portions of murals inside the 18th Street station on the Pink Line, the transit agency has brought in Pilsen’s rookie alderman in its quest to find artists to renew and revamp the artwork.
The CTA originally planned to consider proposals from eight artists selected in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art to renew the decades-old murals at the station.
But those plans were never made public. And in December, a viral Facebook post showing portions of the murals being painted over drew ire from Pilsen residents.
In response to the backlash, the CTA agreed to consider two more artists selected by Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) in addition to the eight already in the running. His office is now taking applications for the two open spots.
Those artists must be able to work with youth in the neighborhood, have a “deep connection to the community” and not have an existing permanent art installation at any other CTA station, according to the application. The deadline to apply is Feb. 26.
The CTA will pick either one or two of the 10 artists for the project, and will pay the winners a total of $80,000. The transit agency said it will announce the winner or winners later this year.
“The CTA was moving forward with technical work to update these murals, but they were missing the emotional and cultural connection to the community that was required to make sure these murals continue to reflect the people of Pilsen,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
“After conversations and an openness from the CTA to collaborate with our office and the community, we’re ready to move forward.”
The entrance to the 18th Street Pink Line station in Pilsen. February 14, 2020. Carlos Ballesteros/Sun-Times
The current murals at the station were painted in the 1990s by Francisco Mendoza and several of his students, but the elements and graffiti taggers have chipped away at them over the years.
Mendoza grew up in South Chicago and taught at Peter Cooper Elementary and Jose Clemente Orozco Academy in Pilsen for more than 25 years. He died in 2012.
“Our commitment is to preserve the spirit and vision of [Mendoza] and his original artwork, which celebrates the Mexican heritage and Pilsen community,” the CTA said in a statement.
Carlos Ballesteros is a corps members of Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago’s South Side and West Side.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Yoan Moncada likes the No. 2 spot in White Sox lineup

GLENDALE , Ariz. — As manager Rick Renteria kicks around lineup possibilities , he will take into account players ’ comfort levels in particular spots .
For example , some like to leadoff , others don ’ t .
Switch-hitter Yoan Moncada , whose on-base , speed and power ability profile him for anywhere in the top four , prefers batting second .
He ’ s not a big fan of leading off , where he had 449 plate appearances in 2018 and 41 in 2019 .
While Renteria doesn ’ t have an obvious solution in the leadoff spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone other than Moncada .
“ I ’ m dealing with a human being and I do take into account where guys feel comfortable , ” Renteria said Friday .
“ If you ’ re trying to change spots in the lineup where they can bat , you ’ ve got to do it subtlety and you ’ ve got to make sure you ’ re having conversations with the guy and that ultimately the player has to feel good about where they ’ re at .
But yeah , do I take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ batted .315/.367/.548 with 25 homers , 79 RBI and 10 stolen bases in an All-Star caliber season in 2019 .
In the nine games in the leadoff spot , he batted .250/.268/.375 .
In the 68 games he batted second , Moncada batted .344/.401/.604 .
While offering to bat anywhere “ to help the team , ” Moncada made his preference clear .
“ I would like to hit in the second spot of the lineup , ” he said through translator Billy Russo .
“ That ’ s where I feel more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be the Sox ’ best leadoff option , and he used his selective batting eye to take a lot of pitches “ because that ’ s the role of the leadoff hitter , ” he said .
He also excelled last season when he was more aggressive .
Moncada said he wants to steal more bases this season , that his legs are stronger after doing more flexibility work to avoid being sidelined by hamstring injuries .
“ I feel much better than the last couple of years right now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m going to be able to play 162-plus games this year.
” Left-hander Gio Gonzalez , signed to a one-year , $ 5 million contract in the offseason , has not been available to media since spring training opened Wednesday , when general manager Rick Hahn announced the 34-year-old has “ minor startup soreness ” that surfaced three weeks ago during his throwing program .
Hahn said he anticipates Gonzalez , Yasmani Grandal ( mild calf strain ) and right-hander Lucas Giolito ( chest muscle strain ) to all be ready by Opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gonzalez ’ issue seems more worrisome than the others but it ’ s the middle of February .
“ We ’ re in no hurry at this point , you know ?
” Renteria said .
“ So we ’ ll take our time.
” Shortstop Tim Anderson led the majors in batting average ( .335 ) while walking only 15 times .
Simply put , Anderson is an aggressive hitter and probably won ’ t or shouldn ’ t try to change his style .
“ I ’ m not looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If he starts laying off of particular pitches , if it leads to another walk ... sure , we welcome it .
But I ’ m not going to try to just overhaul him after doing what he did .
”

GLENDALE, Ariz. — As manager Rick Renteria kicks around lineup possibilities, he will take into account players’ comfort levels in particular spots.
For example, some like to leadoff, others don’t.
Switch hitter Yoan Moncada, whose on-base prowess, speed and power profile him for anywhere in the top four, prefers batting second. He’s not a big fan of leading off, where he had 449 plate appearances in 2018 and 41 in 2019. While Renteria doesn’t have an obvious solution in the leadoff spot, he’s probably leaning toward someone other than Moncada.
“I’m dealing with a human being, and I do take into account where guys feel comfortable,” Renteria said Friday. “If you’re trying to change spots in the lineup where they can bat, you’ve got to do it subtly, and you’ve got to make sure you’re having conversations with the guy, and ultimately the player has to feel good about where they’re at. But, yeah, do I take it into account? Absolutely.”
Moncada batted .315/.367/.548 with 25 home runs, 79 RBI and 10 stolen bases in an All-Star-caliber season in 2019. In the nine games in the leadoff spot, he batted .250/.268/.375. In the 68 games he batted second, Moncada hit .344/.401/.604.
While offering to bat anywhere “to help the team,” Moncada made his preference clear.
“I would like to hit in the second spot of the lineup,” he said. “That’s where I feel more comfortable.’’
On paper, Moncada might be the White Sox’ best leadoff option, and he used his selective batting eye to take a lot of pitches “because that’s the role of the leadoff hitter,” he said. He also excelled last season when he was more aggressive.
Moncada said he wants to steal more bases in 2020 and that his legs are stronger after doing more flexibility work to avoid being sidelined by hamstring injuries.
“I feel much better than the last couple of years right now,” he said.
“Hopefully I’m going to be able to play 162-plus games this year.”
Gonzalez playing catch, ‘feeling good’
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez, 34, signed to a one-year, $5 million contract in the offseason, has not been available to media since spring training opened Wednesday, when general manager Rick Hahn announced he has “minor startup soreness” that surfaced three weeks ago during his throwing program.
“He played catch today again,” Renteria said. “So he’s feeling good.”
Hahn said he anticipates Gonzalez, catcher Yasmani Grandal (mild calf strain) and right-hander Lucas Giolito (strained chest muscle) to all be ready by Opening Day.
Because it’s his shoulder, Gonzalez’s issue seems more worrisome than the other injuries, but it is the middle of February.
“We’re in no hurry at this point, you know?” Renteria said. “So we’ll take our time.”
Tim’s boots weren’t made for walking
Shortstop Tim Anderson led the majors in batting average (.335) while walking only 15 times. Simply put, Anderson is an aggressive hitter and probably won’t or shouldn’t try to change his style.
“I’m not looking for him to change,” Renteria said. “If he starts laying off of particular pitches, if it leads to another walk . . . sure, we welcome it. But I’m not going to try to just overhaul him after doing what he did.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--ENDORSEMENT:  Pat O’Brien for state’s attorney in Cook County Republican primary

Patrick W. “ Pat ” O ’ Brien is about as qualified a candidate as you could find to run for state ’ s attorney in Cook County , having spent most of his 45-year career as a high-level county prosecutor , assistant Illinois attorney general , defense attorney and judge .
The Sun-Times endorses O ’ Brien in this primary race .
As the county ’ s top prosecutor , O ’ Brien says he would substantially increase the number of prosecutions — he thinks the office is punching below its weight — and repair relationships with police departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbent State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx .
O ’ Brien said he voted for Foxx in 2016 , but became a critic — and candidate — after Foxx ’ s poor handling of the high-profile case of Jussie Smollett , the actor charged with faking a hate crime mugging .
Smollett was allowed to walk , without having to admit guilt , after a politically connected attorney called Foxx on his behalf .
“ I saw Smollett , starting looking at the office and other details and paying more attention and decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wrong direction , ” O ’ Brien told the Sun-Times Editorial Board .
“ It was a tipping point.
” O ’ Brien also says he would bring cases to trial faster , shortening the time defendants are held in Cook County Jail .
A Republican hasn ’ t been elected state ’ s attorney in Cook County in many years .
Jack O ’ Malley last pulled it off in 1990 .
But O ’ Brien ’ s long resume and insider ’ s understanding of the office would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Smollett had never set foot in this town .
Also running in the GOP primary is Christopher Pfannkuche , a former assistant state ’ s attorney who lost to Foxx in 2016 .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Patrick W. “Pat” O’Brien is about as qualified a candidate as you could find to run for state’s attorney in Cook County, having spent most of his 45-year career as a high-level county prosecutor, assistant Illinois attorney general, defense attorney and judge.
The Sun-Times endorses O’Brien in this primary race.
As the county’s top prosecutor, O’Brien says he would substantially increase the number of prosecutions — he thinks the office is punching below its weight — and repair relationships with police departments that he says have been damaged by incumbent State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
O’Brien said he voted for Foxx in 2016, but became a critic — and candidate — after Foxx’s poor handling of the high-profile case of Jussie Smollett, the actor charged with faking a hate crime mugging. Smollett was allowed to walk, without having to admit guilt, after a politically connected attorney called Foxx on his behalf.
“I saw Smollett, starting looking at the office and other details and paying more attention and decided that this [office] was headed in the wrong direction,” O’Brien told the Sun-Times Editorial Board. “It was a tipping point.”
O’Brien also says he would bring cases to trial faster, shortening the time defendants are held in Cook County Jail.
A Republican hasn’t been elected state’s attorney in Cook County in many years. Jack O’Malley last pulled it off in 1990. But O’Brien’s long resume and insider’s understanding of the office would make him a credible challenger to Foxx even if Smollett had never set foot in this town.
Also running in the GOP primary is Christopher Pfannkuche, a former assistant state’s attorney who lost to Foxx in 2016.
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--More ‘athletic’ Kyle Hendricks looks to reclaim 2016 form as he looks ahead to 2020 for Cubs

MESA , Ariz. – After a full day of meetings and workouts for pitchers and catchers on Thursday , new Cubs manager David Ross finally got a chance to head to the Cubs ’ gym for his workout .
It was almost 4 – late in the day for the first week of spring training .
“ And Kyle was heading to the cage with a bat , ” Ross said of pitcher Kyle Hendricks .
“ I was like , ` That ’ s what I ’ m talking about.
’ “ Hendricks , the former ERA champ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new manager .
He seems to have found an extra gear this winter in preparing for 2020 after missing the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in five years .
“ I changed a few things , for sure , ” the right-hander said of his offseason program in the wake of a season that disappointed him personally and from a team outlook .
“ I didn ’ t like the trend I was going the last two years or so.
” It wasn ’ t like Hendricks had a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midseason stretch on the injured list because of a shoulder issue , he produced a 3.46 ERA and made 30 starts – a 2.41 ERA in all but four clunkers .
But he said he felt his mechanics were getting , well , “ very mechanical , I guess.
” Not as fluid and “ athletic ” as he ’ d like .
“ And also I was just kind of fatiguing more than I would like to at the end of the season , especially with my lower half.
” So he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started his throwing program earlier in the offseason .
And , now , he said , “ I feel really strong shoulder-wise .
My lower half feels a lot better .
And I just feel more athletic overall – and my mechanics kind of show it.
” It ’ s not hard to imagine the kind of impact it might have on a team that added little over the winter and – for the second consecutive year – seeks its improvement internally from a group that returns after underperforming .
Hendricks ’ best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also was the Cubs ’ best during his six years with the club .
Replicating that 2016 performance , not surprisingly , is the goal this year .
“ He ’ s one of the guys you ’ ve got to worry about the least , ” said Ross , who caught Hendricks as a Cubs backup catcher in 2015 and ’ 16 .
“ You know what you ’ re going to get out of him , and he sets one of the best tones [ for teammates ] .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he looks sharp already.
” Hendricks said he plans to keep his well publicized yoga work as part of his routine ( even after his instructor , Christine Schwan , was let go by the team as part of a long list of organizational changes ) .
But he wasn ’ t satisfied – with his own level of performance or the team ’ s .
“ You learn a lot going through adversities .
And we ’ ve had a lot of that , ” he said .
“ The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially coming down to the end .
We know what we need to do .
“ I think we ’ ve learned a lot from that , having a couple different people in charge here .
Things are changing , and I think that ’ s good .
You need to change the way you ’ re doing things if you want the result to change .
”

MESA, Ariz. — After a full day of meetings and workouts for pitchers and catchers Thursday, new manager David Ross finally got a chance to head to the Cubs’ gym for his workout. It was almost 4 — late in the day for the first week of spring training.
‘‘And Kyle was heading to the cage with a bat,’’ Ross said of right-hander Kyle Hendricks. ‘‘I was like, ‘That’s what I’m talking about.’ ’’
Hendricks, the major-league ERA champ in 2016, probably wasn’t sucking up to Ross.
‘‘I changed a few things, for sure,’’ Hendricks said of his offseason program in the wake of a season that disappointed him personally and from a team perspective. ‘‘I didn’t like the trend I was going the last two years or so.’’
It wasn’t as though Hendricks had a bad season in 2019. Even with a midseason stretch on the injured list because of a shoulder issue, he produced a 3.46 ERA and made 30 starts.
But he said he thought his mechanics were getting, well, ‘‘very mechanical, I guess.’’ Not as fluid and ‘‘athletic’’ as he’d like.
‘‘And also I was just kind of fatiguing more than I would like to at the end of the season, especially with my lower half,’’ he said.
So he changed trainers, altered his workouts and started his offseason throwing program earlier.
‘‘I feel really strong shoulder-wise,’’ he said. ‘‘My lower half feels a lot better. And I just feel more athletic overall, and my mechanics kind of show it.’’
It’s not hard to imagine the kind of effect it might have on a team that added little during the winter and is seeking improvement internally from a group that underperformed.
Hendricks’ best season (16-8, 2.13 ERA) also was the Cubs’ best during his six years with them. Replicating that 2016 performance, not surprisingly, is his goal this season.
‘‘He’s one of the guys you’ve got to worry about the least,’’ said Ross, who caught Hendricks in 2015 and 2016. ‘‘You know what you’re going to get out of him, and he sets one of the best tones [for teammates].
‘‘He looks phenomenal. He looks strong. And he looks sharp already.’’
Hendricks said he plans to keep his well-publicized yoga work as part of his routine, even though the Cubs parted ways with instructor Christine Schwan as part of a long list of organizational changes.
But he wasn’t satisfied with his performance — or with the team’s — last season.
‘‘You learn a lot going through adversities, and we’ve had a lot of that,’’ he said. ‘‘The last couple of years have definitely been tough, especially coming down to the end. We know what we need to do.
‘‘I think we’ve learned a lot from that, having a couple of different people in charge here. Things are changing, and I think that’s good. You need to change the way you’re doing things if you want the result to change.’’


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Dem candidates take a new tack on Madigan

All six Democratic candidates vying to replace former Rep. Sara Feigenholtz , D-Chicago , gathered for a candidates ’ forum last week moderated by Laura Washington of the Sun-Times .
Feigenholtz was recently appointed to the Illinois Senate .
After their introductory remarks , Washington ’ s first question was : “ How many of you think it ’ s time for Mike Madigan to step down as speaker of the House ?
” All six raised their hands .
I reached out to five of the six to follow up , asking , among other things , if this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-elect Madigan next January .
I didn ’ t bother asking Jimmy Garfield , who ’ s made opposition to Madigan a centerpiece of his campaign .
And I wasn ’ t able to reach Kimberly Walz , but , as it turns out , she had by then decided to drop out of the race .
Yoni Pizer , who is backed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and lots of others , said “ The culture in Springfield is broken .
It ’ s clear that the status quo simply isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost faith in their elected officials , and I will do everything I can to ensure that we regain their faith .
That ’ s why I support legislative leadership term limits , so the same people aren ’ t in power for years and years.
” But Pizer will be voting for Madigan if he runs again .
“ As a Democrat , I will vote for the Democrat for speaker over the Republican , ” Pizer said .
“ There is too much at stake this session and we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clean Energy Jobs Act , repealing the Parental Notification Act , and ensuring Illinois never becomes a right to work state.
” Repealing the PNA is the top priority of pro-choice groups this year .
The cash-rich , pro-choice Personal PAC has not yet taken sides in this primary , but could do so soon .
Margaret Croke , who works for the Pritzker administration and has been endorsed by organized labor , confirmed that she thought it was time for Madigan to step down : “ I answered yes because I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation of leadership.
” ” However , ” Croke added , “ as I have said on several occasions , I will vote for the Democrat for speaker which in all likelihood will be Mike Madigan.
” Croke had about $ 110,000 cash on hand at the end of the year , the most of any candidate in this primary .
She has reported raising $ 21K since then .
Pizer had $ 56K on hand and has reported raising about $ 30K since January 1 .
No other candidate is close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , but apparently not enough to effectively compete .
Marty Malone , who worked for Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer before quitting to run for the House , but reported raising no money in the fourth quarter and had only about a thousand dollars on hand , said he “ Absolutely wouldn ’ t vote present , ” in the House Speaker ’ s race .
” If he ’ s in the running I ’ d vote yes because there ’ s no way my 5 % property tax cap legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Malone said of Madigan .
“ I believe he should consider personally stepping down , yes .
Much like Cullerton .
And I guess I could plug here that I believe in term limits.
” But you can ’ t be term limited if you don ’ t win .
Another candidate , Ryan Podges , did not respond .
Podges raised just over $ 3K in the fourth quarter and has reported no contributions since then .
Jimmy Garfield , by the way , says he was endorsed by the Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
“ I won ’ t back Michael Madigan for speaker , ” he announced in his press release .
Garfield reported raising $ 25K in the fourth quarter , including a $ 5K loan from himself .
He spent about $ 15K , almost all of it on consultants and staff .
He ’ s reported raising $ 15K since then , including another $ 5K loan from himself .
Madigan ’ s spokesperson Steve Brown would only say in response , “ I think Laura Washington wandered into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates dodge or even flat-out run away from the “ Madigan question.
” All but one of the Democratic 12th House District Democratic candidates have found a new path : Say he should step down without actually committing to making him go away .
Whatever works , I suppose .
But it ’ s certainly different than what we ’ re used to , and likely for good reason because that ’ s a pretty liberal independent district .
Let ’ s see if it spreads .

All six Democratic candidates vying to replace former Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, gathered for a candidates’ forum last week moderated by Laura Washington of the Sun-Times. Feigenholtz was recently appointed to the Illinois Senate.
After their introductory remarks, Washington’s first question was: “How many of you think it’s time for Mike Madigan to step down as speaker of the House?”
All six raised their hands.
”So, it’s unanimous,” Washington said. “That’s news.”
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I reached out to five of the six to follow up, asking, among other things, if this meant they wouldn’t be voting to re-elect Madigan next January. I didn’t bother asking Jimmy Garfield, who’s made opposition to Madigan a centerpiece of his campaign. And I wasn’t able to reach Kimberly Walz, but, as it turns out, she had by then decided to drop out of the race.
Yoni Pizer, who is backed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and lots of others, said “The culture in Springfield is broken. It’s clear that the status quo simply isn’t working anymore. My constituents have lost faith in their elected officials, and I will do everything I can to ensure that we regain their faith. That’s why I support legislative leadership term limits, so the same people aren’t in power for years and years.”
But Pizer will be voting for Madigan if he runs again. “As a Democrat, I will vote for the Democrat for speaker over the Republican,” Pizer said. “There is too much at stake this session and we need to get to work on passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act, repealing the Parental Notification Act, and ensuring Illinois never becomes a right to work state.” Repealing the PNA is the top priority of pro-choice groups this year. The cash-rich, pro-choice Personal PAC has not yet taken sides in this primary, but could do so soon.
Margaret Croke, who works for the Pritzker administration and has been endorsed by organized labor, confirmed that she thought it was time for Madigan to step down: “I answered yes because I believe that Springfield would benefit from a new generation of leadership.”
”However,” Croke added, “as I have said on several occasions, I will vote for the Democrat for speaker which in all likelihood will be Mike Madigan.”
Croke had about $110,000 cash on hand at the end of the year, the most of any candidate in this primary. She has reported raising $21K since then. Pizer had $56K on hand and has reported raising about $30K since January 1. No other candidate is close to those two. Walz had raised some money, but apparently not enough to effectively compete.
Marty Malone, who worked for Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer before quitting to run for the House, but reported raising no money in the fourth quarter and had only about a thousand dollars on hand, said he “Absolutely wouldn’t vote present,” in the House Speaker’s race.
”If he’s in the running I’d vote yes because there’s no way my 5% property tax cap legislation would have a chance without him,” Malone said of Madigan. “I believe he should consider personally stepping down, yes. Much like Cullerton. And I guess I could plug here that I believe in term limits.” But you can’t be term limited if you don’t win.
Another candidate, Ryan Podges, did not respond. Podges raised just over $3K in the fourth quarter and has reported no contributions since then.
Jimmy Garfield, by the way, says he was endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organizations last week. “I won’t back Michael Madigan for speaker,” he announced in his press release. Garfield reported raising $25K in the fourth quarter, including a $5K loan from himself. He spent about $15K, almost all of it on consultants and staff. He’s reported raising $15K since then, including another $5K loan from himself.
Madigan’s spokesperson Steve Brown would only say in response, “I think Laura Washington wandered into a news desert.”
Usually, viable Democratic candidates dodge or even flat-out run away from the “Madigan question.” All but one of the Democratic 12th House District Democratic candidates have found a new path: Say he should step down without actually committing to making him go away. Whatever works, I suppose. But it’s certainly different than what we’re used to, and likely for good reason because that’s a pretty liberal independent district. Let’s see if it spreads.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--1 injured in South Shore apartment fire

1 injured in South Shore apartment fire

One person was injured in a fire Friday at an apartment building in South Shore .
Firefighters responded about 4 @ @ @ @ @ the 6700 block of South Cornell Avenue , according to Chicago Fire Department officials .
@ @ @ @ @ was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious-to-critical condition , officials said @ @ @ @ @ evaluated for smoke inhalation .
The fire was contained to one unit , and was @ @ @ @ @ officials said .

One person was injured in a fire Friday at an apartment building in South Shore.
Firefighters responded about 4 p.m. to the blaze in the 6700 block of South Cornell Avenue, according to Chicago Fire Department officials.
A woman who suffered burns was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious-to-critical condition, officials said. Another person was being evaluated for smoke inhalation.
The fire was contained to one unit, and was extinguished by 4:30 p.m., officials said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Pritzker touts $225M in state savings before budget address

Days before he unveils his administration ’ s budget for the next fiscal year , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Friday touted $ 225 million he says state officials have saved by trimming inefficient spending , optimizing operations — and potentially merging some state agencies .
The streamlined spending will save the state at least $ 750 million over the next three years , according to the freshman Democrat ’ s office .
Most of that is thanks to 20 new labor agreements with state workers ’ unions that include “ innovative health care plan design , ” saving $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget and $ 650 million over three years , Pritzker said .
That ’ s in contrast to the “ years of hostility ” with organized labor , the governor said , pointing to his preferred political punching bag , Republican former Gov .
Bruce Rauner .
“ In the past , irresponsible management of state revenue and a failure to invest in the long-term health of our state and its people put us in a challenging fiscal position , ” Pritzker said .
“ But today , I ’ m proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our efficiencies and initiatives will yield at least $ 225 million in savings and will put the state in a position to save more than $ 750 million over the next three years.
” The state is also trimming the fat by paying down overdue medical bills to avoid $ 15.7 million in late fees in this year ’ s budget and $ 25 million in the next .
And state agency heads who were ordered last summer to find room for funding cuts did just that , Pritzker said , including more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Corrections operating budget .
His administration is also counting on up to $ 15 million from “ enhanced revenue collections ” by the Department of Revenue .
Beyond that , Pritzker ’ s office is considering consolidating state agencies with “ duplicative ” functions .
That could include a merger of the state departments of Labor and Employment Security , an idea the governor said they ’ re “ exploring.
” Several business groups banded together as the Joint Employers immediately condemned the potential merger .
“ Such a proposal suggests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the Illinois Department of Employment Security ] to act as a standalone agency and raises questions about what , if any , benefits would come from a merger , ” the group said in a statement .
Two other mergers will indeed happen , Pritzker ’ s office said : the anti-fraud programs of the Workers ’ Compensation Commission and the Department of Insurance , and the Coroner Training Board into the Department of Public Health .
The state has more than 700 boards and commissions — many deemed “ duplicative , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office — that are also under scrutiny .
The $ 225 million in potential savings represents only about 0.5 % of the current fiscal year ’ s $ 40 billion budget , a number that ’ s only expected to balloon when Pritzker releases his second state budget in Springfield Feb. 19 .
But he suggested it ’ s a sign of progress , again pointing to his predecessor Rauner .
“ Let ’ s start with the situation that I walked into when I became governor , the agencies of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if you would talk to our state agency directors , they would tell you that they walked into situations where sometimes the basic functions of government required by law weren ’ t being performed , ” Pritzker said .
“ So we ’ re in the process here of making government more efficient and effective with the dollars that we have , and making sure that we ’ re restoring services that people deserve.
” Here ’ s a breakdown from Pritzker ’ s office on the $ 225 million in savings @

Days before he unveils his administration’s budget for the next fiscal year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday touted $225 million he says state officials have saved by trimming inefficient spending, optimizing operations — and potentially merging some state agencies.
The streamlined spending will save the state at least $750 million over the next three years, according to the freshman Democrat’s office.
Most of that is thanks to 20 new labor agreements with state workers’ unions that include “innovative health care plan design,” saving $175 million in this year’s budget and $650 million over three years, Pritzker said.
That’s in contrast to the “years of hostility” with organized labor, the governor said, pointing to his preferred political punching bag, Republican former Gov. Bruce Rauner.
“In the past, irresponsible management of state revenue and a failure to invest in the long-term health of our state and its people put us in a challenging fiscal position,” Pritzker said. “But today, I’m proud to announce that for the coming year, our efficiencies and initiatives will yield at least $225 million in savings and will put the state in a position to save more than $750 million over the next three years.”
The state is also trimming the fat by paying down overdue medical bills to avoid $15.7 million in late fees in this year’s budget and $25 million in the next.
And state agency heads who were ordered last summer to find room for funding cuts did just that, Pritzker said, including more than $25 million from the Department of Corrections operating budget. His administration is also counting on up to $15 million from “enhanced revenue collections” by the Department of Revenue.
Beyond that, Pritzker’s office is considering consolidating state agencies with “duplicative” functions. That could include a merger of the state departments of Labor and Employment Security, an idea the governor said they’re “exploring.”
Several business groups banded together as the Joint Employers immediately condemned the potential merger.
“Such a proposal suggests a lack of understanding of the need for [the Illinois Department of Employment Security] to act as a standalone agency and raises questions about what, if any, benefits would come from a merger,” the group said in a statement.
Two other mergers will indeed happen, Pritzker’s office said: the anti-fraud programs of the Workers’ Compensation Commission and the Department of Insurance, and the Coroner Training Board into the Department of Public Health.
The state has more than 700 boards and commissions — many deemed “duplicative, outdated and dormant” by Pritzker’s office — that are also under scrutiny.
The $225 million in potential savings represents only about 0.5% of the current fiscal year’s $40 billion budget, a number that’s only expected to balloon when Pritzker releases his second state budget in Springfield Feb. 19.
But he suggested it’s a sign of progress, again pointing to his predecessor Rauner.
“Let’s start with the situation that I walked into when I became governor, the agencies of state government had been significantly hollowed out, and if you would talk to our state agency directors, they would tell you that they walked into situations where sometimes the basic functions of government required by law weren’t being performed,” Pritzker said. “So we’re in the process here of making government more efficient and effective with the dollars that we have, and making sure that we’re restoring services that people deserve.”
Here’s a breakdown from Pritzker’s office on the $225 million in savings:


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--High school basketball scores

High school basketball scores

Judy Baar Topinka fed the FBI tips for years on possible corruption in the west suburbs , records show Her @ @ @ @ @ when she was a newspaper reporter and continued when the longtime Republican state office-holder moved @ @ @

Chicagoans are brutal critics when our city is on the screen. One wrong intersection or misplaced neighborhood, and we turn up our noses. ‘The Fugitive,’ now celebrating its 30th anniversary, gets it right.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Kanye West mixes gospel classics with eclectic catalog at second Sunday Service in Chicago

Kanye West presented his eclectic Sunday Service , a two-hour concert mixing gospel music classics with the Chicago-born rapper ’ s catalog of genre-bending hits , to a crowd of nearly 10,000 ecstatic fans at UIC ’ s Credit Union 1 Arena .
West played a more subdued role in the show , allowing The Samples — his massive gospel choir directed by singer Jason White — to take most of the spotlight .
They congregated in a large circle at the arena ’ s center , singing gospel praises mixed with a selection of West ’ s hits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them onstage .
“ People who came for a Kanye concert left with a Jesus concert , ” said Shawna Woodruff , of North Lawndale .
“ The focus was on the choir and the words they preached .
I didn ’ t expect that from Kanye and really appreciated the message.
” Tickets for Sunday ’ s show quickly sold out Wednesday after West announced he was bringing the soulful concert series to Chicago ’ s NBA All-Star Weekend .
It was West ’ s second Sunday Service in his hometown after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special guest Chance the Rapper , to Northerly Island last September .
White stood in the middle of the two-tiered stage , a large mound of what appeared to be dirt in the middle of the arena .
He directed the choir as it reimagined the rapper ’ s catalog by remixing his old hits with gospel-themed lyrics or mashing them with gospel classics like “ Perfect Praise ( How Excellent ) ” by Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago .
Fans danced , praised and sang along as The Samples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hip-hop , house and just about every other genre found in West ’ s wide-ranging catalog .
At one point , a lively mashup of the choir ’ s “ Follow Me - Faith , ” with West ’ s Chicago house music-inspired “ Fade , ” created an entryway for fans of the rapper to experience the gospel .
West joined the choir halfway through the show , performing a version of his early hit “ Can ’ t Tell Me Nothing ” that had been remixed with gospel-themed music .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music from a gospel perspective , ” Woodruff said .
Her younger sister , Alexis James , is a member of The Samples .
Woodruff came out to the service to finally see her perform .
“ Two years ago my sister took a risk and quit her job to pursue music in Los Angeles , and she fell into The Samples , ” Woodruff said .
“ I ’ m proud of her for being part of something bigger than her — bigger than Kanye .
They ’ re spreading a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have listened to gospel.
” West let his music do most of the talking during the show , only addressing the crowd during his closing performance of “ Jesus Walks ” to reflect on his musical pivot to gospel .
“ The Devil ’ s greatest trick is taking all the tricks , all the sauce , all the wealth and fire beats and saying ‘ if the beat is fire , you ’ ve got ta work for me now .
You can ’ t mention Jesus on there , or that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” West said .
“ The , [ ‘ Jesus is King ’ ] came out and became number one .
I ain ’ t afraid no more.
” “ I ain ’ t afraid no more , ” the crowd sang back in harmony with The Samples .
For Tyler Chlapecka , a 28-year-old from Wicker Park and lifelong Kanye West fan , the Sunday Service was a daylong affair .
He was one of hundreds who lined up outside streetgear store Leaders 1345 , located at 1152 W. Madison St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pair of the Yeezy QNTM , West ’ s newest sneakers .
He brought his newly purchased kicks to the Sunday Service , taking them out of the box to admire them before the show began .
“ It ’ s been an inspirational day , ” Chlapecka said .
“ Kanye ’ s music is universal .
Some saw him making gospel as a complete 180 , but when you listen to ‘ Jesus Walks , ’ you see this has been his message all along .
”

Kanye West presented his eclectic Sunday Service, a two-hour concert mixing gospel music classics with the Chicago-born rapper’s catalog of genre-bending hits, to a crowd of nearly 10,000 ecstatic fans at UIC’s Credit Union 1 Arena.
West played a more subdued role in the show, allowing The Samples — his massive gospel choir directed by singer Jason White — to take most of the spotlight. They congregated in a large circle at the arena’s center, singing gospel praises mixed with a selection of West’s hits for an hour before the rapper even joined them onstage.
“People who came for a Kanye concert left with a Jesus concert,” said Shawna Woodruff, of North Lawndale. “The focus was on the choir and the words they preached. I didn’t expect that from Kanye and really appreciated the message.”
Tickets for Sunday’s show quickly sold out Wednesday after West announced he was bringing the soulful concert series to Chicago’s NBA All-Star Weekend. It was West’s second Sunday Service in his hometown after previously bringing the show, along with special guest Chance the Rapper, to Northerly Island last September.
White stood in the middle of the two-tiered stage, a large mound of what appeared to be dirt in the middle of the arena. He directed the choir as it reimagined the rapper’s catalog by remixing his old hits with gospel-themed lyrics or mashing them with gospel classics like “Perfect Praise (How Excellent)” by Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago.
Fans danced, praised and sang along as The Samples grooved through a blend of gospel, hip-hop, house and just about every other genre found in West’s wide-ranging catalog. At one point, a lively mashup of the choir’s “Follow Me - Faith,” with West’s Chicago house music-inspired “Fade,” created an entryway for fans of the rapper to experience the gospel.
West joined the choir halfway through the show, performing a version of his early hit “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” that had been remixed with gospel-themed music.
“I loved how he revisited his older music from a gospel perspective,” Woodruff said.
Her younger sister, Alexis James, is a member of The Samples. Woodruff came out to the service to finally see her perform.
“Two years ago my sister took a risk and quit her job to pursue music in Los Angeles, and she fell into The Samples,” Woodruff said. “I’m proud of her for being part of something bigger than her — bigger than Kanye. They’re spreading a message of unity to people who might never have listened to gospel.”
West let his music do most of the talking during the show, only addressing the crowd during his closing performance of “Jesus Walks” to reflect on his musical pivot to gospel.
“The Devil’s greatest trick is taking all the tricks, all the sauce, all the wealth and fire beats and saying ‘if the beat is fire, you’ve gotta work for me now. You can’t mention Jesus on there, or that’s going to be corny,’” West said. “Then, [‘Jesus is King’] came out and became number one. I ain’t afraid no more.”
“I ain’t afraid no more,” the crowd sang back in harmony with The Samples.
For Tyler Chlapecka, a 28-year-old from Wicker Park and lifelong Kanye West fan, the Sunday Service was a daylong affair. He was one of hundreds who lined up outside streetgear store Leaders 1345, located at 1152 W. Madison St. in the West Loop, to purchase a pair of the Yeezy QNTM, West’s newest sneakers.
He brought his newly purchased kicks to the Sunday Service, taking them out of the box to admire them before the show began.
“It’s been an inspirational day,” Chlapecka said. “Kanye’s music is universal. Some saw him making gospel as a complete 180, but when you listen to ‘Jesus Walks,’ you see this has been his message all along.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Simeon beats Morgan Park, wins 10th city title

The shoe company spectacle that transformed Jones Armory into a sparkly showcase of Public League basketball left coaches and players and fans in awe over the weekend .
The overall reviews were mixed but one of the very youngest people involved , Simeon sophomore Avyion Morris , wasn ’ t distracted by a single element of the hype .
The 5-8 guard didn ’ t play to please the crowd and didn ’ t think about points .
He was a single-minded defensive force .
He limited Curie star Ramean Hinton in the semifinals and then took it upon himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the championship game .
“ Morris has the heart of a lion , ” Simeon senior Jeremiah Williams said .
Morris used all of his skills and smarts to deny Miller shooting opportunities .
Williams scored , rebounded and blocked shots .
Junior Ahamad Bynum was an offensive force .
Sophomore point guard Jaylen Drane was a blur in the open court and junior Fred Poole did the dirty work .
That ’ s what Simeon expected from the start of the season .
But it was a rocky road for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival Morgan Park on Sunday .
The Wolverines hung on for an 81-76 victory and the school ’ s tenth city title .
“ I know how to play defense and I know how I was brought up , ” Morris said .
“ I watched film on him and got to know his game .
I knew the moves he was going to do and played smart and fundamentally sound against him.
” Miller , an Illinois recruit , missed most of the second quarter due to foul trouble .
He finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m so proud of [ Morris ] , ” Bynum said .
“ All he wants to do is play defense .
He doesn ’ t care about anything else.
” Bynum finished with 22 points and five rebounds .
He was 7-for-10 shooting and said that playing the second game with the strange lighting ( court bright , everything else dark ) was much easier .
“ It felt good playing out there , ” Bynum said .
“ I was just confident in my shot.
” Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also provided a rim-protecting presence against Morgan Park ’ s leapers with size .
His play over the last month has taken Simeon from an unranked team to city champs .
“ It feels amazing to win it , ” Williams said .
“ Through the struggles we had I stopped looking at the rankings .
I was completely done with it .
We all stopped looking at it and got completely locked in as a team .
We knew what we were capable of and we showed it.
” Simeon led 73-56 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park did not go down quietly .
Senior Marcus Watson , a Wake Forest recruit , came alive at the end .
He scored 15 of his 28 points in the final in that final stretch .
Watson ’ s three-pointer with four seconds to play pulled the Mustangs within 80-76 .
Poole drained a free-throw with three seconds left to seal the win for Simeon .
Brandon Weston finished with 19 points and eight rebounds for Morgan Park .
Simeon won the conference showdown between the two rivals last month on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titles , good enough for third on the all-time list behind Marshall ( 12 ) and Crane ( 11 ) .
“ This one is a little more special , ” Simeon coach Robert Smith said .
“ I don ’ t think anyone gave us a chance or thought we ’ d have an opportunity to get this far .
Especially early in the season the way we were playing .
And we are so young .
I was really out there coaching .
It wasn ’ t like we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good players but we don ’ t have that electric person .
”

The shoe company spectacle that transformed Jones Armory into a sparkly showcase of Public League basketball left coaches and players and fans in awe over the weekend.
The overall reviews were mixed but one of the very youngest people involved, Simeon sophomore Avyion Morris, wasn’t distracted by a single element of the hype.
The 5-8 guard didn’t play to please the crowd and didn’t think about points. He was a single-minded defensive force. He limited Curie star Ramean Hinton in the semifinals and then took it upon himself to nullify Morgan Park senior Adam Miller in the championship game.
“Morris has the heart of a lion,” Simeon senior Jeremiah Williams said.
Morris used all of his skills and smarts to deny Miller shooting opportunities. Williams scored, rebounded and blocked shots. Junior Ahamad Bynum was an offensive force. Sophomore point guard Jaylen Drane was a blur in the open court and junior Fred Poole did the dirty work.
That’s what Simeon expected from the start of the season. But it was a rocky road for a couple months before everything came together against rival Morgan Park on Sunday.
The Wolverines hung on for an 81-76 victory and the school’s tenth city title.
“I know how to play defense and I know how I was brought up,” Morris said. “I watched film on him and got to know his game. I knew the moves he was going to do and played smart and fundamentally sound against him.”
Miller, an Illinois recruit, missed most of the second quarter due to foul trouble. He finished with 14 points and was 3-for-11 shooting.
“I’m so proud of [Morris],” Bynum said. “All he wants to do is play defense. He doesn’t care about anything else.”
Bynum finished with 22 points and five rebounds. He was 7-for-10 shooting and said that playing the second game with the strange lighting (court bright, everything else dark) was much easier.
“It felt good playing out there,” Bynum said. “I was just confident in my shot.”
Williams had 21 points and 11 rebounds and also provided a rim-protecting presence against Morgan Park’s leapers with size. His play over the last month has taken Simeon from an unranked team to city champs.
“It feels amazing to win it,” Williams said. “Through the struggles we had I stopped looking at the rankings. I was completely done with it. We all stopped looking at it and got completely locked in as a team. We knew what we were capable of and we showed it.”
Simeon led 73-56 with just 2:40 to play. Morgan Park did not go down quietly. Senior Marcus Watson, a Wake Forest recruit, came alive at the end. He scored 15 of his 28 points in the final in that final stretch.
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Watson’s three-pointer with four seconds to play pulled the Mustangs within 80-76. Poole drained a free-throw with three seconds left to seal the win for Simeon.
Brandon Weston finished with 19 points and eight rebounds for Morgan Park. Simeon won the conference showdown between the two rivals last month on the road.
Simeon now has 10 city titles, good enough for third on the all-time list behind Marshall (12) and Crane (11).
“This one is a little more special,” Simeon coach Robert Smith said. “I don’t think anyone gave us a chance or thought we’d have an opportunity to get this far. Especially early in the season the way we were playing. And we are so young. I was really out there coaching. It wasn’t like we have a star player. Bynum and Williams are good players but we don’t have that electric person.”
Related Complete list of Public League boys high school basketball championships


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Wolves get key two points with overtime win over Cleveland

The wins don ’ t have to be pretty.when you ’ re trying to make the playoffs in a tight divisional race .
The Wolves ’ 3-2 overtime victory Sunday over the Cleveland Monsters thanks to Dylan Coghlan ’ s score proves that point .
“ It ’ s huge , ” said Coghlan , who also connected with exactly nine minutes left in the third period to tie the game .
“ Every game is a playoff game .
If you look at the standings , our division is so tight .
One loss or another team ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s one of those things where you try to keep that in the back of your mind and just go out there and work.
” A day after a 5-2 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins that was one of their worst performances of the season , the Wolves fell behind again Sunday .
Facing a last-place Cleveland team playing for the third straight day in a third different city , the Wolves went down 2-0 and looked to be heading to another loss .
But Curtis McKenzie ’ s goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the Wolves ’ deficit in half , and seemed to ignite something in his teammates .
Following that goal , the Wolves ’ forecheck was sharper and their puck management was more precise , leading to better scoring opportunities .
“ Sometimes you need that , because we were really dead on the bench , ” Wolves coach Rocky Thompson said .
“ The guys were saying ‘ Hey guys , we ’ re dead !
” but it was still dead .
It ’ s unbelievable - sometimes you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel good about yourself .
Not get a chance , you ’ ve got to actually bury one and then it can really be uplifting for the guys.
” Losing Sunday , as Coghlan alluded to , would ’ ve been costly .
The Wolves were the only team from the Central Division playing Sunday and anything other than two points would ’ ve been a missed chance to gain ground .
The comeback win lifted the Wolves ( 25-22-3-2 , 55 points ) back to third in the division , ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a really tight race in our ( division ) where the last two playoff spots , no one ’ s pulling away from it , ” McKenzie said .
“ Everyone ’ s winning , losing , winning , losing , so you just want to try to find a way to grow some separation going down the stretch.
” The Wolves could do that if they avoid starts like Sunday .
But in the end , what mattered was the two points .
“ It was really important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Thompson said .
“ Obviously , it ’ s something we ’ ll evaluate and show the guys ‘ Hey , if we play this way earlier , it ’ s going to make it a little easier on ourselves to accomplish our goals and have success.
’ But it was good for us to be able to do that coming off a really tough one last night and then being down in this game .
It shows a lot of character , not giving up.
” NOTE : Forward Nicolas Roy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues after being assigned to the Wolves early Sunday morning .
Roy has been involved in 25 transactions between the Wolves and Golden Knights since Oct. 1 , and 10 since Jan. 1 .

The wins don’t have to be pretty.when you’re trying to make the playoffs in a tight divisional race.
The Wolves’ 3-2 overtime victory Sunday over the Cleveland Monsters thanks to Dylan Coghlan’s score proves that point.
“It’s huge,” said Coghlan, who also connected with exactly nine minutes left in the third period to tie the game. “Every game is a playoff game. If you look at the standings, our division is so tight. One loss or another team’s win could change the whole standings. It’s one of those things where you try to keep that in the back of your mind and just go out there and work.”
A day after a 5-2 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins that was one of their worst performances of the season, the Wolves fell behind again Sunday. Facing a last-place Cleveland team playing for the third straight day in a third different city, the Wolves went down 2-0 and looked to be heading to another loss.
But Curtis McKenzie’s goal with 5:44 to go in the second cut the Wolves’ deficit in half, and seemed to ignite something in his teammates. Following that goal, the Wolves’ forecheck was sharper and their puck management was more precise, leading to better scoring opportunities.
“Sometimes you need that, because we were really dead on the bench,” Wolves coach Rocky Thompson said. “The guys were saying ‘Hey guys, we’re dead!” but it was still dead. It’s unbelievable - sometimes you need to score a goal. You need to feel good about yourself. Not get a chance, you’ve got to actually bury one and then it can really be uplifting for the guys.”
Losing Sunday, as Coghlan alluded to, would’ve been costly.
The Wolves were the only team from the Central Division playing Sunday and anything other than two points would’ve been a missed chance to gain ground. The comeback win lifted the Wolves (25-22-3-2, 55 points) back to third in the division, ahead of fourth-place Grand Rapids in points percentage.
“It’s a really tight race in our (division) where the last two playoff spots, no one’s pulling away from it,” McKenzie said. “Everyone’s winning, losing, winning, losing, so you just want to try to find a way to grow some separation going down the stretch.”
The Wolves could do that if they avoid starts like Sunday. But in the end, what mattered was the two points.
“It was really important at the end of the day,” Thompson said. “Obviously, it’s something we’ll evaluate and show the guys ‘Hey, if we play this way earlier, it’s going to make it a little easier on ourselves to accomplish our goals and have success.’ But it was good for us to be able to do that coming off a really tough one last night and then being down in this game. It shows a lot of character, not giving up.”
NOTE: Forward Nicolas Roy didn’t play because of travel issues after being assigned to the Wolves early Sunday morning. Roy has been involved in 25 transactions between the Wolves and Golden Knights since Oct. 1, and 10 since Jan. 1.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Bulls front office has used All-Star Weekend to start making changes

The city has seen a who ’ s who of NBA dignitaries over the weekend .
Legendary former players , elite current players , coaches , and front office executives , all gathered in hotel lobbies , at All-Star parties , and at the United Center .
Bulls team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson weren ’ t exactly front and center in all the public activities , but make no mistake , the two were lurking .
Actually , more than lurking , they were engaged in the initial legwork of much-needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to several NBA executives , the Bulls have started the early stages of adding a new face to the front office , with the position defined as a general manager “ with a louder voice.
’ ’ One executive did say that the talks the Bulls have had with candidates have been through back channels , with no formal interviews taking place , but the search is believed to be wide-spread .
This would be in-line with a Sun-Times report back in November , in which the newspaper wrote that general manager Gar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on water , with the organization ’ s senior advisor Doug Collins the loudest voice in a needed change .
Collins has never been a big fan of Foreman ’ s , starting with questioning Forman for the hiring of Fred Hoiberg .
Collins was underwhelmed by Hoiberg ’ s leadership skills , and was openly critical of Hoiberg throughout the Advocate Center in the wake of the Nikola Mirotic-Bobby Portis practice altercation .
Paxson and Reinsdorf have both insisted that Hoiberg ’ s hiring was a group decision , but it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoiberg almost a year before former coach Tom Thibodeau was fired .
In Collins ’ mind , the Hoiberg hiring was strike one , but for those that have been around the organization much longer it was yet another swing-and-miss by Forman .
Throw in the mistrust between players and Forman , draft picks and free agents that haven ’ t panned out , former players upset with Forman acting aloof to them in mid-November when the team honored Luol Deng , and it ’ s become obvious on where the organization needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets reported last offseason that Forman had been stripped of many of the GM duties anyway , with Paxson also handling most of the media requirements the past few years .
The hope for Paxson is this new hire will take over the media duties , allowing him to slip into the background .
As for Forman , he is not expected to be fired , but reassigned into a scouting position , as the team is also looking to build up that department .
The Bulls have long been known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they plan on an expansion this spring .
There was a report that Paxson would also be somewhat neutered and put into a different title , but all indications from other executives is that will not be the case .
What will be interesting is what happens to coach Jim Boylen ?
The current Bulls front office and ownership have backed Boylen fully , but all indications are that the new hire will be given the chance to stick with Boylen or bring in a coach that they hand pick .
That scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because if Boylen is let go with two more years on his deal , Paxson and Reinsdorf would escape the scrutiny of yet another coaching change , able to explain it as standing behind the new GM and what they felt was best for the franchise .
As far as where Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf stands in all of this , he likes the model with the White Sox , where GM Rick Hahn has been empowered , while former GM Ken Williams has been allowed to become more silent in his VP role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A who’s who of NBA dignitaries descended upon Chicago this weekend.
Legendary former players, elite current players, coaches and front-office executives all gathered in hotel lobbies, at All-Star parties and at the United Center.
Bulls team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson weren’t exactly front and center during all the public activities, but they definitely were lurking.
Actually, they were engaged in the initial legwork for a much-needed change coming to the organization.
According to several NBA executives, the Bulls are in the early stages of adding a new face to the front office, with the position defined as a general manager “with a louder voice.’’ One executive said the talks with candidates have been through back channels, with no formal interviews taking place, but the search is believed to be widespread.
This would be in line with a Sun-Times report from November that said general manager Gar Forman’s job security was tenuous and that the organization’s senior advisor, Doug Collins, was the loudest advocate for a change.
Collins never has been a big fan of Forman’s, starting with his questioning of the hiring of Fred Hoiberg as coach.
He was underwhelmed by Hoiberg’s leadership skills and was openly critical after the Nikola Mirotic-Bobby Portis practice altercation. Paxson and Reinsdorf have insisted that Hoiberg’s hiring was a group decision, but it was no secret that Forman was pushing for Hoiberg almost a year before former coach Tom Thibodeau was fired.
For Collins, the Hoiberg hire was strike one, but for those with more experience in organizational matters, it was yet another swing-and-miss by Forman.
Throw in the mistrust between Bulls players and Forman, the draft picks and free agents that haven’t panned out, the former players upset with Forman’s aloofness in mid-November when the team honored Luol Deng, and it’s obvious which front-office figure was being targeted.
Multiple media outlets reported last offseason that Forman had been stripped of many of his GM duties anyway, with Paxson also handling most of the media requirements the last few years.
The hope for Paxson is this new hire will take over the media duties, allowing him to slip into the background.
As for Forman, he’s not expected to be fired. Instead, he’d be moved to the scouting department, which the Bulls are looking to build up. They’ve long been known for a small scouting department and are planning an expansion this spring.
There was a report that Paxson’s power also would be diminished and that he’d be given a different title, but other executives indicated that will not be the case.
Coach Jim Boylen’s situation will be interesting to watch. The current front office and ownership have backed Boylen fully, but all indications are that the new hire will be given the chance to stick with Boylen or bring in a coach he can handpick.
That scenario works from a public-relations standpoint because if Boylen is let go with two more years on his deal, Paxson and Reinsdorf would be able to explain it away as standing behind the new GM and what they felt was best for the franchise.
As far as chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s take on all this, he likes the White Sox’ model in which GM Rick Hahn has been empowered and former GM Ken Williams has been allowed to slip into the background in his VP role but still have a say on matters.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Nick Castellanos on 2019 Cubs: ‘If you have a math final and you fail, did you study hard enough?’

GOODYEAR , Ariz. – Nick Castellanos made such an eye-opening impact in the Cubs ’ lineup and in their clubhouse last summer that he became a symbol for almost everything that happened – and didn ’ t happen – since the season ended .
“ He ’ s reminding us what hunger looks like , ” then-manager Joe Maddon said last summer in an unwitting harbinger of the changes and attempted changes that followed – including the manager .
An offseason later , the free agent fans clamored most for the Cubs to re-sign and that the Cubs couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reds clubhouse on an early-spring morning , deftly trying to avoid pointing fingers as he answers questions about what might have been lacking or dysfunctional with a Cubs team that missed the playoffs for the first time in five years .
“ Last year ?
” he said , fixing a steeled gaze .
“ If you have a math final and you fail , did you study hard enough ?
But why ?
How ?
As Castellanos pointed out , “ That ’ s a talented [ expletive ] team .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series.
” So was it the long list of injuries throughout the season that cost them a playoff berth ?
The poor bullpen performance in high-leverage situations ?
Or a complacency team president Theo Epstein has alluded to for more than a year ?
“ That ’ s a question for them .
That ’ s not a question for me , man , ” said Castellanos , who might have been the most conspicuously intense competitor in Chicago after joining the Cubs in a trade-deadline deal from Detroit .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t know what gear they feel comfortable playing baseball in , and who am I to judge that ?
The only thing I can do is be the best version of myself every day , bro.
” Meanwhile , as Castellanos continued his work Sunday on trying to make the Reds the best versions of Cubs rivals in the National League Central Cubs shortstop Javy Baez stood up in front of the Chicago media 35 miles away in Mesa , Arizona , and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others in the Cubs core were part of the problem .
“ We had a lot of optional things , not mandatory , ” Baez said of on-the-field , pregame work .
“ And everybody kind of sat back , including me .
I wasn ’ t really going out there and preparing for the game .
I was getting ready during the game , which is not good .
…I feel like I was getting loose during the first four innings .
“ I feel like a lot of players were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
“ You can lose the game in the first inning .
And sometimes when you ’ re not ready and the other team scores by something simple , I feel like it was because of that .
It was because we weren ’ t ready .
… “ And I promise you guys this year is going to be [ different ] .
” More mandatory pregame work involving the whole team is something team president Theo Epstein has referenced since last season .
Either way .
a change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority in moves the Cubs were able to make this winter , including hiring manager David Ross and quality assurance coach Mike Napoli , and signing non-roster badass Jason Kipnis to compete for the second base job .
“ Talking with [ Anthony ] Rizzo , talking with Theo , talking with Nap , I think I can bring a lot [ to the clubhouse ] , ” said Kipnis , the two-time All-Star from Northbrook , who sought a scouting report from his pal , Rizzo , on what went wrong last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran side to me that ’ s been around , that ’ s seen things , that knows how to handle things , ” he added .
“ I ’ m not shying away from any competition , not shying away from whoever ’ s across the line against us .
I ’ m ready to strap it on and go against them , and I think there ’ s a lot of guys here who feel the same way .
“ Sometimes you just need a little fire set under you.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season , partly in reference to Castellanos , “ We want to have a culture where , when a player steps in here midseason , he ’ s not providing energy ; there ’ s already energy .
To be clear , Ross has no intention of suddenly imposing a culture of hard discipline , nor hand-holding , he said .
“ What Joe created here was really healthy , ” he said .
“ But there also creates a little bit of accountability on the players ’ part when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nice that Javy recognizes what he needs .

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Nick Castellanos made such an eye-opening impact in the Cubs’ lineup and clubhouse last summer that he became a symbol for almost everything that happened — and didn’t happen — after the season ended.
“He’s reminding us what hunger looks like,” then-manager Joe Maddon said last August in an unwitting harbinger of the changes and attempted changes that followed, including Maddon being relieved as manager.
An offseason later, Castellanos — the free agent whom fans clamored the most for the Cubs to re-sign, and whom the Cubs couldn’t afford — sits in the Reds’ clubhouse on an early February morning, deftly trying to avoid pointing fingers as he answers questions about what might have been lacking or dysfunctional with the Cubs, who missed the playoffs in 2019 for the first time in five years.
“Last year?” he said, fixing a steeled gaze. “If you have a math final and you fail, did you study hard enough? We failed our math final.”
But why? How? As Castellanos pointed out, “That’s a talented [expletive] team. They have the talent to win the World Series.”
So was it the long list of injuries throughout the season that cost the Cubs a playoff berth? The poor bullpen performance in high-leverage situations? Or a complacency that team president Theo Epstein has alluded to for more than a year?
“That’s a question for them — that’s not a question for me, man,” said Castellanos, who might have been the most conspicuously intense competitor in Chicago after joining the Cubs from Detroit in a trade-deadline deal. “I don’t know these cats’ heart. I don’t know what gear they feel comfortable playing baseball in, and who am I to judge that? The only thing I can do is be the best version of myself every day, bro.”
Meanwhile, as Castellanos continued his work Sunday to try to make the Reds the best division rivals they can be, Cubs shortstop Javy Baez stood up in front of the Chicago media 35 miles away in Mesa and said what Castellanos would not: That Baez and others in the Cubs’ core were part of the problem.
“We had a lot of optional things, not mandatory,” Baez said of on-the-field, pregame work. “And everybody kind of sat back, including me. I wasn’t really going out there and preparing for the game. I was getting ready during the game, which is not good. . . . I feel like I was getting loose during the first four innings.
“I feel like a lot of players were doing the same as me. You can lose the game in the first inning. And sometimes, when you’re not ready and the other team scores by something simple, I feel like it was because of that. It was because we weren’t ready. . . .
“And I promise you guys, this year is going to be [different].”
More mandatory pregame work involving the whole team is something Epstein has referenced since last season. And a change in clubhouse tone and accountability was a clear priority in moves the Cubs were able to make this winter, including hiring manager David Ross and quality-assurance coach Mike Napoli and signing veteran Jason Kipnis to a minor-league deal to compete for the second-base job as a non-roster invitee.
“Talking with [first baseman Anthony] Rizzo, talking with Theo, talking with Nap, I think I can bring a lot [to the clubhouse],” said Kipnis, the two-time All-Star from Northbrook who sought a scouting report from his pal Rizzo on what went wrong last year.
“There’s that veteran side to me that’s been around, that’s seen things, that knows how to handle things. I’m not shying away from any competition, not shying away from whoever’s across the line against us. I’m ready to strap it on and go against them, and I think there’s a lot of guys here who feel the same way. Sometimes you just need a little fire set under you.”
As Epstein said at the end of last season, partly in reference to Castellanos, “We want to have a culture where, when a player steps in here midseason, he’s not providing energy — there’s already energy.”
To be clear, Ross has no intention of suddenly imposing a culture of hard discipline, nor hand-holding, he said.
“What Joe created here was really healthy,” Ross said. “But there also created a little bit of accountability on the players’ part when you have a lot of freedom. And it’s nice that Javy recognizes what he needs. That’s a powerful message.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--Hundreds flock to West Loop sneaker shop as Kanye’s latest kicks go on sale

Two days after Kanye West grabbed headlines by deploying a fleet of military-style vehicles around Chicago to hand out his latest pair of sneakers , hundreds flocked to a West Loop store to purchase the sought-after Adidas kicks as soon as they went on sale .
At 9 a.m. Sunday , a line of customers alerted to the sale by social media posts were already stretching down the block from Leaders 1345 , located at 1152 W. Madison St. By late afternoon , the vaunted streetwear shop had sold out of a couple hundred pairs of the Yeezy QNTM kicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already being resold for as much as $ 4,000 .
While there was a large police presence managing the roughly 500 shoppers that queued up outside , Leaders employee Shannon Sims said the high-profile shoe release went off without a hitch .
“ We did n't have any incidents .
It was all love , ” said Sims , who noted that the shoes were sold on a first come , first served basis .
“ We wanted to do it for Chicago.
” The release of West ’ s QNTM basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used massive tank-like vehicles to hand out the trendy sneakers .
From the Near West Side to Wicker Park , hordes of eager sneaker geeks braved the freezing temperatures to chase down a free pair .
On Sunday , the man behind the mayhem capped off the weekend by performing a sold out show at Credit Union 1 Arena with his Sunday Service Choir .

Two days after Kanye West grabbed headlines by deploying a fleet of military-style vehicles around Chicago to hand out his latest pair of sneakers, hundreds flocked to a West Loop store to purchase the sought-after Adidas kicks as soon as they went on sale.
At 9 a.m. Sunday, a line of customers alerted to the sale by social media posts were already stretching down the block from Leaders 1345, located at 1152 W. Madison St. By late afternoon, the vaunted streetwear shop had sold out of a couple hundred pairs of the Yeezy QNTM kicks — which retail for $250 and are already being resold for as much as $4,000.
The Yeezy QNTM shoe Provided photo
While there was a large police presence managing the roughly 500 shoppers that queued up outside, Leaders employee Shannon Sims said the high-profile shoe release went off without a hitch.
“We didn't have any incidents. It was all love,” said Sims, who noted that the shoes were sold on a first come, first served basis. “We wanted to do it for Chicago.”
The release of West’s QNTM basketball shoes came two days after his team used massive tank-like vehicles to hand out the trendy sneakers. From the Near West Side to Wicker Park, hordes of eager sneaker geeks braved the freezing temperatures to chase down a free pair.
On Sunday, the man behind the mayhem capped off the weekend by performing a sold out show at Credit Union 1 Arena with his Sunday Service Choir.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-16--As weekend gun violence injures 10 kids, filmmaker Spike Lee targets NRA in  stop at St. Sabina

After delivering a rousing speech Sunday aimed at empowering Chicago youth , filmmaker Spike Lee responded to the spate of shootings that have now left 10 kids wounded across the city this weekend .
“ This is not something that ’ s new , ” Lee told reporters following his speech at St. Sabina in Gresham .
“ I think that we got ta take down the [ National Rifle Association ] .
“ We have more guns than any other country on God ’ s planet , and we ’ re all getting tired , ” added Lee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Chicago ’ s culture of gangs and violence .
Rev .
Michael Pfleger , a staunch anti-violence advocate , invited Lee to speak at his church on Sunday , honoring him with an award and heralding the Academy Award winner as “ the Dr. King of the film industry.
” During his speech , Lee urged the young people in attendance to pursue higher education and encouraged them to follow their creative instincts .
“ You were brought to this Earth to do good things , ” Lee said after meeting each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as he delivered the call to action , the city was already reeling from the spate of gun violence affecting the very kids he sought to inspire .
Between Friday night and Sunday afternoon , 10 juveniles had been wounded in citywide gun violence , according to Chicago police .
Three of those shootings — which injured two boys , ages 8 and 11 , and two girls , ages 12 and 14 — were reportedly accidental .
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times , Pfleger cast blame on the adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns in the first place .
“ How do you have a house where guns are accessible to children , ” he asked .
“ Adults have to be held responsible.
” However , only a 15-year-old boy had been arrested by Sunday afternoon .
About 1:15 p.m. the previous day , the boy was handling a gun inside an apartment building near 24th and Troy streets when it went off and struck a 14-year-old girl in the cheek , police said .
She was rushed to Stroger Hospital in fair condition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge , police said .
He was expected to appear at a bond hearing Sunday in juvenile court .
Pfleger noted that communities on the South and West sides that have been ravaged by disinvestment now resemble “ third world countries.
” And with the national spotlight beaming on Chicago during NBA All-Star Weekend , he said the gun violence that has happened concurrently underscores the city ’ s divide .
“ While everybody ’ s shouting and celebrating downtown and [ at ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear gunshots , sirens and tears , ” Pfleger said .
“ Same weekend .
”

After delivering a rousing speech Sunday aimed at empowering Chicago youth, filmmaker Spike Lee responded to the spate of shootings that have now left 10 kids wounded across the city this weekend.
“This is not something that’s new,” Lee told reporters following his speech at St. Sabina in Gresham. “I think that we gotta take down the [National Rifle Association].
“We have more guns than any other country on God’s planet, and we’re all getting tired,” added Lee, whose 2015 film “Chi-Raq” delved into Chicago’s culture of gangs and violence.
Rev. Michael Pfleger, a staunch anti-violence advocate, invited Lee to speak at his church on Sunday, honoring him with an award and heralding the Academy Award winner as “the Dr. King of the film industry.”
During his speech, Lee urged the young people in attendance to pursue higher education and encouraged them to follow their creative instincts.
“You were brought to this Earth to do good things,” Lee said after meeting each youngster on hand for the service.
But as he delivered the call to action, the city was already reeling from the spate of gun violence affecting the very kids he sought to inspire.
Between Friday night and Sunday afternoon, 10 juveniles had been wounded in citywide gun violence, according to Chicago police. Three of those shootings — which injured two boys, ages 8 and 11, and two girls, ages 12 and 14 — were reportedly accidental.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Pfleger cast blame on the adults who allowed kids to get ahold of guns in the first place.
“How do you have a house where guns are accessible to children,” he asked. “Adults have to be held responsible.”
However, only a 15-year-old boy had been arrested by Sunday afternoon. About 1:15 p.m. the previous day, the boy was handling a gun inside an apartment building near 24th and Troy streets when it went off and struck a 14-year-old girl in the cheek, police said.
She was rushed to Stroger Hospital in fair condition, and he was later charged with felony counts of unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge, police said. He was expected to appear at a bond hearing Sunday in juvenile court.
Pfleger noted that communities on the South and West sides that have been ravaged by disinvestment now resemble “third world countries.” And with the national spotlight beaming on Chicago during NBA All-Star Weekend, he said the gun violence that has happened concurrently underscores the city’s divide.
“While everybody’s shouting and celebrating downtown and [at] the United Center, out here we hear gunshots, sirens and tears,” Pfleger said. “Same weekend.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-17--11 kids among 26 shot in Chicago this weekend

Eleven children were wounded by gunfire over a weekend that saw a total of 26 people shot in Chicago , including three fatalities .
A 17-year-old girl shot in Logan Square early Monday was the latest child victim .
She was walking with her friend , a 19-year-old man , at 12:14 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Harding Avenue when three males approached in a tan SUV and asked if they wanted to buy drugs , according to Chicago police .
When they refused , someone in the SUV fired shots , hitting the girl in the foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Center in good condition .
On Sunday afternoon , a 17-year-old boy was wounded in a Southwest Side drive-by .
About 2:30 p.m. the teen was in a vehicle traveling west in the 5000 block of West 63rd Street in Clearing when another vehicle pulled up to him and someone inside opened fire , police said .
He was struck in the face but drove himself to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he is listed as being in fair condition .
Earlier Sunday , a 16-year-old boy was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking at 3:14 a.m. in the 900 block of West 31st Street in Bridgeport when someone shot at him from a passing black sedan , according to police .
He was hit in the leg and was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition .
At least three children were hurt in accidental shootings from Friday night to Saturday afternoon , according to police .
Friday night , a boy playing with a gun accidentally shot an 8-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl in Bronzeville on the South Side .
The child , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun and was playing with it about 10:20 p.m. inside a home when he shot the other two children , according to Chicago police .
The 8-year-old boy was hit in the shoulder and hand while the girl was grazed on her arm .
They were both taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital in fair condition .
Police said it was unclear where the gun came from or who it belongs to .
All three kids are related .
At 7:49 p.m. , Friday , a 7-year-old girl accidentally shot her 11-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The girl was handling a gun when it accidentally went off and hit her brother in the neck , police said .
He was taken to Stronger Hospital in serious condition .
Saturday , a 14-year-old girl was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side and a 15-year-old boy was charged in that incident .
About 1:15 p.m. she was with the 15-year-old , described as a “ male acquaintance , ” inside an apartment building near 24th Street and Troy Street .
The boy was handling a gun when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheek , police said .
She was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition , and the boy was taken into custody , police said .
The boy , whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile , was charged with a felony count of reckless discharge of a firearm as well as unlawful use of a weapon by someone under the age of 18 , Chicago police said .
He was due in juvenile court Sunday .
In response to the rash of shootings of children , Mayor Lori @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The past 24 hours have been extremely painful as we ’ ve seen more children impacted by gun violence — due in large part to children and teens having ready access to these deadly weapons , ” the mayor wrote .
“ Adults are failing these children .
We can not normalize children and teens with guns .
We need more supports , more love and more accountability , ” she added .
“ As a city , we have a fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of our children so that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life free from violence .
Each and every one of us needs to step up and play a role in fulfilling that commitment.
” The incident in which the most people were hurt occurred Friday night at an apartment in Parkway Gardens on the South Side , where six people were shot , including three teenage girls .
The shooting started at 9:08 p.m. during a gathering inside the apartment and spilled out into the hallway in the 6500 block of South King Drive , according to police .
A 23-year-old woman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the back , shoulder , head and abdomen .
A 14-year-old girl with gunshot wounds to the back , shoulder and lower backside and a 15-year-old girl with gunshot wounds to the leg and foot were both taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital , police said .
The younger girl was in critical condition while the older girl was in good condition .
Another 14-year-old girl was shot in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Chicago Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in serious-to-critical condition .
A 20-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the face , chest and leg and an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , authorities said .
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation .
A 16-year-old boy was also wounded in a shooting that happened Saturday afternoon in the Roseland neighborhood on the Far South Side .
The teenage boy was walking on the sidewalk about 4:52 p.m. in the 400 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled up , police said .
Someone inside fired shots , striking him in the thigh .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition .
Early Monday morning , a man was fatally shot and two other people were injured at a CTA subway station in the Loop .
The shooting happened just after 2 a.m. in the tunnel connecting the Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations in the 200 block of South Dearborn Street , according to police .
One man was shot in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Another was hit in the head and arm and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition .
Chicago Fire Department officials said both men are in their 20s .
A 19-year-old woman was also shot in the lower backside and taken to a hospital in good condition , police said .
Investigators think she was with the men but was not an intended target .
Another man was killed in a shooting about 3:05 p.m. Sunday in Dunning on the Northwest Side , police and the Cook County medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estrada , 30 , was in the 6400 block of West Belmont Avenue , arguing with a male suspect who then pulled out a gun and shot Estrada twice in the torso .
Estrada , of Belmont Cragin , was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center , authorities said .
Also , a 40-year-old man was found fatally shot Sunday night in Back of the Yards on the South Side .
Seven other people were injured by gunfire across the city between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
Last weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others were wounded in Chicago ’ s deadliest February weekend in 18 years .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Eleven children were wounded by gunfire over a weekend that saw a total of 26 people shot in Chicago, including three fatalities.
A 17-year-old girl shot in Logan Square early Monday was the latest child victim.
She was walking with her friend, a 19-year-old man, at 12:14 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Harding Avenue when three males approached in a tan SUV and asked if they wanted to buy drugs, according to Chicago police. When they refused, someone in the SUV fired shots, hitting the girl in the foot. She was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.
On Sunday afternoon, a 17-year-old boy was wounded in a Southwest Side drive-by.
About 2:30 p.m. the teen was in a vehicle traveling west in the 5000 block of West 63rd Street in Clearing when another vehicle pulled up to him and someone inside opened fire, police said. He was struck in the face but drove himself to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he is listed as being in fair condition.
Earlier Sunday, a 16-year-old boy was shot on the South Side. He was walking at 3:14 a.m. in the 900 block of West 31st Street in Bridgeport when someone shot at him from a passing black sedan, according to police. He was hit in the leg and was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition.
At least three children were hurt in accidental shootings from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, according to police.
Friday night, a boy playing with a gun accidentally shot an 8-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl in Bronzeville on the South Side.
The child, whose age was not specified, found the gun and was playing with it about 10:20 p.m. inside a home when he shot the other two children, according to Chicago police. The 8-year-old boy was hit in the shoulder and hand while the girl was grazed on her arm. They were both taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition.
Police said it was unclear where the gun came from or who it belongs to. All three kids are related.
At 7:49 p.m., Friday, a 7-year-old girl accidentally shot her 11-year-old brother in Lawndale on the West Side.
The girl was handling a gun when it accidentally went off and hit her brother in the neck, police said. He was taken to Stronger Hospital in serious condition.
Saturday, a 14-year-old girl was shot in Little Village on the Southwest Side and a 15-year-old boy was charged in that incident.
About 1:15 p.m. she was with the 15-year-old, described as a “male acquaintance,” inside an apartment building near 24th Street and Troy Street. The boy was handling a gun when the gun fired, striking her in the cheek, police said.
She was taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition, and the boy was taken into custody, police said.
The boy, whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile, was charged with a felony count of reckless discharge of a firearm as well as unlawful use of a weapon by someone under the age of 18, Chicago police said. He was due in juvenile court Sunday.
In response to the rash of shootings of children, Mayor Lori Lightfoot posted comments on Twitter.
“The past 24 hours have been extremely painful as we’ve seen more children impacted by gun violence — due in large part to children and teens having ready access to these deadly weapons,” the mayor wrote.
“Adults are failing these children. We cannot normalize children and teens with guns. We need more supports, more love and more accountability,” she added.
“As a city, we have a fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of our children so that they can pursue their dreams and live a life free from violence. Each and every one of us needs to step up and play a role in fulfilling that commitment.”
The incident in which the most people were hurt occurred Friday night at an apartment in Parkway Gardens on the South Side, where six people were shot, including three teenage girls.
The shooting started at 9:08 p.m. during a gathering inside the apartment and spilled out into the hallway in the 6500 block of South King Drive, according to police. A 23-year-old woman who was armed with a handgun was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the back, shoulder, head and abdomen.
A 14-year-old girl with gunshot wounds to the back, shoulder and lower backside and a 15-year-old girl with gunshot wounds to the leg and foot were both taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, police said. The younger girl was in critical condition while the older girl was in good condition. Another 14-year-old girl was shot in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Chicago Fire Department officials said all three teens were in serious-to-critical condition.
A 20-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the face, chest and leg and an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg were both taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, authorities said. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
A 16-year-old boy was also wounded in a shooting that happened Saturday afternoon in the Roseland neighborhood on the Far South Side.
The teenage boy was walking on the sidewalk about 4:52 p.m. in the 400 block of East 113th Street when a light-colored vehicle pulled up, police said. Someone inside fired shots, striking him in the thigh. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition.
Early Monday morning, a man was fatally shot and two other people were injured at a CTA subway station in the Loop.
The shooting happened just after 2 a.m. in the tunnel connecting the Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations in the 200 block of South Dearborn Street, according to police. One man was shot in the abdomen and chest and pronounced dead at the scene. Another was hit in the head and arm and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Chicago Fire Department officials said both men are in their 20s.
A 19-year-old woman was also shot in the lower backside and taken to a hospital in good condition, police said. Investigators think she was with the men but was not an intended target.
Another man was killed in a shooting about 3:05 p.m. Sunday in Dunning on the Northwest Side, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Erik Estrada, 30, was in the 6400 block of West Belmont Avenue, arguing with a male suspect who then pulled out a gun and shot Estrada twice in the torso.
Estrada, of Belmont Cragin, was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, authorities said.
Also, 40-year-old Ronnie L. Peterson was found fatally shot Sunday night in the 700 block of West 50th Street in the Back of the Yards on the South Side, authorities said.
Seven other people were injured by gunfire across the city between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last weekend, nine people were killed and 14 others were wounded in Chicago’s deadliest February weekend in 18 years.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.