chicagosuntimes--2020-01-18--Mourners pay tribute to South Side gospel legend Pastor Maceo Woods

A trumpet fanfare filled the concert hall of Christian Tabernacle Church as hundreds of mourners gathered to remember Pastor Maceo Woods , the legendary South Side preacher and best-selling gospel artist who died earlier this month .
The ceremonious horns , which Woods would use to open concerts under his record company Gospel Supreme , set the tone for the late pastor ’ s funeral service as a lively gospel concert to celebrate his life .
“ We ’ re not coming to funeralize or mourn .
We ’ re here to celebrate the life , legacy and love of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Bryson said near the beginning of the service .
“ He promoted , played , preached and pastored .
Let the church say amen.
” As the horns faded , members of the church ’ s famed Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir , which Woods helped form after founding the church in 1960 , marched into the hall to a thumping drum beat and pipe organs .
The women wore graceful black dresses with white polka dots , while the men dressed in snazzy black suits accented with white bow ties .
Woods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Side home .
In addition to preaching , singing and serving as choirmaster at the church he founded , Woods composed gospel standards , recorded popular albums , hosted radio and TV programs and helped organize gospel music festivals .
Woods ’ three-hour funeral service was perfectly coordinated to the church organist ’ s skillful playing .
As family , friends and other clergy would take the stage to share fond memories of Woods , the organist would greet them with his instrument ’ s warm and hearty pitch .
When Pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church choked up delivering a eulogy for Woods , the organ ’ s timbre lifted him with a gentle and comforting crescendo that encouraged him to go on .
Mason spoke about how Woods brought people together to transform Christian Tabernacle , located at 47th Street and Prairie Avenue , from its humble roots to the elegant worship and concert hall that stands today .
“ Pastor Woods had such a welcoming spirit and a way of drawing people in to Christian Tabernacle , ” Mason said .
“ Even if you weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you became part of our growing family.
” In addition to the singing from the Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir , the ceremony included musical tributes from other musical groups that Woods helped create , such as the Gospel Imperials and GMAC .
“ Pastor Woods had fame and celebrity status from his music , but he never let that define him , ” said his longtime friend Howard Henry .
“ He always said he was called to pastor and he was going to stay true to his calling .
He loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list a series of words describing the pastor with each word punctuated by short applause from the audience .
“ Pastor Woods was anointed , classy , profound , distinguished , eloquent , insightful and trailblazing , ” Henry started .
“ He was also enlightened , a visionary , approachable , hilarious , caring and humble.
” Ald .
Stephanie Coleman ( 16th ) attended the funeral on behalf of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other elected officials to pay tribute to Woods , who was also honored during the City Council ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included a written acknowledgement from President Donald Trump that one of the church members read aloud .
It honored Woods as an “ American treasure ” and “ legend in our time and for generations to come.
” “ Through his service , [ Woods ] helped change the life of this country and he will forever be remembered , ” the statement finished to surprised chuckles and some muted applause .
It was followed by a second acknowledgement from President Barack Obama , which was met with roaring applause and prideful cheers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Macio L. Woods , ” Obama ’ s statement read .
“ Dr .
Woods had a great presence in the city of Chicago and religious community that will be truly missed .
His work , service and attitude was a gift to the world and will not be forgotten.
” His breakthrough came in the mid-1950s with his recording of “ Amazing Grace ” on Vee-Jay Records , where he became a house organist .
“ ‘ Amazing Grace ’ went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , reportedly selling 200,000 copies in its first year of release , ” according to Robert M. Marovich , founder of the Journal of Gospel Music , host of the WLUW radio show “ Gospel Memories ” and author of “ A City Called Heaven : Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music.
” “ Amazing Grace ” continues to sell , as do other classics by his choir , such as “ Jesus Can Work it Out , ” and “ Hello Sunshine.
” “ His music has no expiration date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morris-Walton .
Here ’ s a look at Woods funeral service held Saturday at Christian Tabernacle :

A trumpet fanfare filled the concert hall of Christian Tabernacle Church as hundreds of mourners gathered to remember Pastor Maceo Woods, the legendary South Side preacher and best-selling gospel artist who died earlier this month.
The ceremonious horns, which Woods would use to open concerts under his record company Gospel Supreme, set the tone for the late pastor’s funeral service as a lively gospel concert to celebrate his life.
Watch:
“We’re not coming to funeralize or mourn. We’re here to celebrate the life, legacy and love of Rev. Maceo Woods,” Pastor James Bryson said near the beginning of the service. “He promoted, played, preached and pastored. Let the church say amen.”
As the horns faded, members of the church’s famed Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir, which Woods helped form after founding the church in 1960, marched into the hall to a thumping drum beat and pipe organs. The women wore graceful black dresses with white polka dots, while the men dressed in snazzy black suits accented with white bow ties.
Woods died Jan. 11 at 87 at his South Side home. In addition to preaching, singing and serving as choirmaster at the church he founded, Woods composed gospel standards, recorded popular albums, hosted radio and TV programs, and helped organize gospel music festivals.
Pastor Maceo Woods. Provided by Pam Morris-Walton
Woods’ three-hour funeral service was perfectly coordinated to the church organist’s skillful playing. As family, friends and other clergy took to the stage to share fond memories of Woods, the organist greeted them with his instrument’s warm and hearty pitch.
When Pastor Mack C. Mason of Greater Prayer Garden Church choked up delivering a eulogy for Woods, the organ’s timbre lifted him with a gentle and comforting crescendo that encouraged him to go on.
Mason spoke about how Woods brought people together to transform Christian Tabernacle, located at 47th Street and Prairie Avenue, from its humble roots to the elegant worship and concert hall that stands today.
“Pastor Woods had such a welcoming spirit and a way of drawing people in to Christian Tabernacle,” Mason said. “Even if you weren’t looking for a church home, you became part of our growing family.”
A portrait of Pastor Maceo L. Woods inside Christian Tabernacle Church, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
In addition to the singing from the Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir, the ceremony included musical tributes from other groups that Woods helped create, such as the Gospel Imperials and GMAC.
“Pastor Woods had fame and celebrity status from his music, but he never let that define him,” said his longtime friend Howard Henry. “He always said he was called to pastor and he was going to stay true to his calling. He loved this church.”
Henry went on to list a series of words describing the pastor with each word punctuated by short applause from the audience.
“Pastor Woods was anointed, classy, profound, distinguished, eloquent, insightful and trailblazing,” Henry started. “He was also enlightened, a visionary, approachable, hilarious, caring and humble.”
Mourners gather at Christian Tabernacle Church for the wake and funeral for Pastor Maceo L. Woods, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Chicago. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th) attended the funeral on behalf of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other elected officials to pay tribute to Woods, who was also honored during the Chicago City Council’s session on Wednesday.
The service also included a written acknowledgement from President Donald Trump that one of the church members read aloud. It honored Woods as an “American treasure” and “legend in our time and for generations to come.”
“Through his service, [Woods] helped change the life of this country and he will forever be remembered,” the statement finished to surprised chuckles and some muted applause.
It was followed by a second acknowledgement from former President Barack Obama, which was met with roaring applause and cheers.
“Michelle and I want to offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Maceo L. Woods,” Obama’s statement read. “Dr. Woods had a great presence in the city of Chicago and religious community that will be truly missed. His work, service and attitude was a gift to the world and will not be forgotten.”
A mourner pays respects to Pastor Maceo L. Woods during the wake and funeral for Woods at Christian Tabernacle Church, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
His breakthrough came in the mid-1950s with his recording of “Amazing Grace” on Vee-Jay Records, where he became a house organist.
“‘Amazing Grace’ went on to become the best-selling gospel instrumental of all time, reportedly selling 200,000 copies in its first year of release,” according to Robert M. Marovich, founder of the Journal of Gospel Music, host of the WLUW radio show “Gospel Memories” and author of “A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music.”
“Amazing Grace” continues to sell, as do other classics by his choir, such as “Jesus Can Work it Out,” and “Hello Sunshine.”
“His music has no expiration date,” said WVON radio host Pam Morris-Walton.
Here’s a look at Woods funeral service held Saturday at Christian Tabernacle:


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Dear Abby: We moved South and love it, but family can’t handle it

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I relocated to a warmer climate a few years ago , putting us more than 1,000 miles away from my adult children .
The kids all seem to think this trip was just for fun , and continue to ask me to “ come home.
” All three of them are busy with their own well-rounded lives , and the last few years we were there , their visits became less frequent and shorter .
We are now in a state that is much more economical than our home state , and our health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I let them know , once and for all , that I AM home ?
— LOVING THE SOUTHWEST DEAR LOVING THE SOUTHWEST : A way to let them know would be to explain that the move has been a positive experience for you and your husband , so much so that your health has improved .
Tell them the added bonus is that your living expenses have gone down , and with them , any stress about finances .
Let them know they are welcome to visit when it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do NOT make it about the fact that when you lived close by , their visits became fewer and shorter , which would be regarded as a guilt trip .
If you have other friends and relatives where your children live , it ’ s likely you may be visiting that area occasionally , too .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I recently gained custody of my younger half-brother after a nasty legal battle with my father and stepmother .
While we abhor what led to this , we are delighted my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
With the exception of his parents , so is everyone else in our families .
My brother will be coming with us to family gatherings that include my dad and stepmother .
Most of the family is not privy to the circumstances that led to this situation , and I ’ m sure questions will come up .
My brother has PTSD from it , and talking about it right now is difficult for him .
He ’ s in therapy and receiving help , but how can we dissuade potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — PROTECTIVE IN CALIFORNIA DEAR PROTECTIVE : A way to accomplish it would be to have a private talk with your relatives before these events .
Explain what happened and that your brother is receiving help but is in too much pain right now to answer any questions , which is why you prefer the subject not be mentioned .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m responding to “ Not Just Mary , in the South ” ( Nov. 10 ) , the lady whose name is Mary Lou but is continually called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being called by her full name .
I had the same problem .
My name is Mary Ann , but I was constantly called Mary , which I HATED .
To solve the problem , I combined the names and started writing my name as one word — Maryann .
Since then , I have never again been called Mary .
By the way , when I also had to give the initial of my middle name , because the “ A ” was no longer available , I started using “ B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my maiden name .
Mary Lou should try this , and I hope it is as effective for her as it was for me .
— MARYANN IN TENNESSEE DEAR MARYANN : I ’ m printing your letter because it included the most frequently mentioned suggestion by other readers , and also because it makes perfect sense .
Thank you for sharing .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I relocated to a warmer climate a few years ago, putting us more than 1,000 miles away from my adult children. The kids all seem to think this trip was just for fun, and continue to ask me to “come home.”
All three of them are busy with their own well-rounded lives, and the last few years we were there, their visits became less frequent and shorter. We are now in a state that is much more economical than our home state, and our health and well-being have greatly improved. How do I let them know, once and for all, that I AM home? — LOVING THE SOUTHWEST
DEAR LOVING THE SOUTHWEST: A way to let them know would be to explain that the move has been a positive experience for you and your husband, so much so that your health has improved. Tell them the added bonus is that your living expenses have gone down, and with them, any stress about finances.
Let them know they are welcome to visit when it’s convenient for all of you. But do NOT make it about the fact that when you lived close by, their visits became fewer and shorter, which would be regarded as a guilt trip. If you have other friends and relatives where your children live, it’s likely you may be visiting that area occasionally, too.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I recently gained custody of my younger half-brother after a nasty legal battle with my father and stepmother. While we abhor what led to this, we are delighted my brother is in our home and our lives. With the exception of his parents, so is everyone else in our families.
My brother will be coming with us to family gatherings that include my dad and stepmother. Most of the family is not privy to the circumstances that led to this situation, and I’m sure questions will come up. My brother has PTSD from it, and talking about it right now is difficult for him. He’s in therapy and receiving help, but how can we dissuade potentially upsetting questions without things being weird? — PROTECTIVE IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR PROTECTIVE: A way to accomplish it would be to have a private talk with your relatives before these events. Explain what happened and that your brother is receiving help but is in too much pain right now to answer any questions, which is why you prefer the subject not be mentioned.
DEAR ABBY: I’m responding to “Not Just Mary, in the South” (Nov. 10), the lady whose name is Mary Lou but is continually called only Mary, even though she prefers being called by her full name. I had the same problem.
My name is Mary Ann, but I was constantly called Mary, which I HATED. To solve the problem, I combined the names and started writing my name as one word — Maryann. Since then, I have never again been called Mary.
By the way, when I also had to give the initial of my middle name, because the “A” was no longer available, I started using “B,” which is the first letter of my maiden name. Mary Lou should try this, and I hope it is as effective for her as it was for me. — MARYANN IN TENNESSEE
DEAR MARYANN: I’m printing your letter because it included the most frequently mentioned suggestion by other readers, and also because it makes perfect sense. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--President Trump’s impeachment trial must do justice and get to the truth

On Tuesday , every U. S. senator has the opportunity to properly serve their constituents by staying true to their oath to “ do impartial justice.
” Whether one believes the impeachment trial is a sham or a constitutional effort to preserve our governing institutions , the proceedings will determine if our government possesses the slightest shred of respect for the American people .
Despite the long-winded diatribes of self-proclaimed media experts and shameless political partisans , this impeachment trial is far bigger than President Trump , the Democrats or the 2020 election .
You may stand firmly alongside President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Regardless , every patriotic American should take time to understand the gravity of the oath administered by Chief Justice John Roberts .
We will not rise to our gravest challenges — climate change , victory against theocratic fascism , economic empowerment of every American and preservation of individual rights — unless our government passes this test of impartial justice and duty to the truth .
If we lose the truth , we have lost our way .
SEND LETTERS TO : letters @ suntimes.com .
Please include your neighborhood or hometown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not the plastics , it ’ s the people .
Blaming plastic for litter is like blaming the fork for people being overweight .
Time to stop putting unreasonable costs and burdens on business and consumers in order to pander to tree-hugger ’ s pipe dreams .
Make it easier to get around downtown Madam Mayor , please look within your city planning department .
If city legislation does not require downtown building owners to place their address on the facade of their buildings , then I suggest a change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a healthy fine imposed .
Having worked downtown for 40-plus years , I know the city very well , and I find it very difficult to locate certain unmarked buildings .
Furthermore , if you pass your stop by just one building , due to the one-way streets you must make an illegal U-turn or go around four more blocks to get back to your destination , creating even more congestion .
Check it out .
As a side note , perhaps you might consider giving a little slack to Uber , Lyft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , those drivers put a lot of revenue into the city coffers and move thousands every single day .
One driver told me he had 14 trips downtown , and his net earnings were less than the city and special use taxes .
Imagine that .
A driver works for eight hours and takes home less than the city .
What ’ s wrong with this picture ?

On Tuesday, every U. S. senator has the opportunity to properly serve their constituents by staying true to their oath to “do impartial justice.”
Whether one believes the impeachment trial is a sham or a constitutional effort to preserve our governing institutions, the proceedings will determine if our government possesses the slightest shred of respect for the American people. Despite the long-winded diatribes of self-proclaimed media experts and shameless political partisans, this impeachment trial is far bigger than President Trump, the Democrats or the 2020 election.
You may stand firmly alongside President Trump or be his most adamant detractor. Regardless, every patriotic American should take time to understand the gravity of the oath administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.
We will not rise to our gravest challenges — climate change, victory against theocratic fascism, economic empowerment of every American and preservation of individual rights — unless our government passes this test of impartial justice and duty to the truth. If we lose the truth, we have lost our way.
Henry J. H. Wilson, Barrington
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
Plastics ban will hurt business
It’s not the plastics, it’s the people. Blaming plastic for litter is like blaming the fork for people being overweight.
Time to stop putting unreasonable costs and burdens on business and consumers in order to pander to tree-hugger’s pipe dreams.
Earl Weiss, Uptown
Make it easier to get around downtown
Madam Mayor, please look within your city planning department. If city legislation does not require downtown building owners to place their address on the facade of their buildings, then I suggest a change in the law is in order and a healthy fine imposed.
Having worked downtown for 40-plus years, I know the city very well, and I find it very difficult to locate certain unmarked buildings. Furthermore, if you pass your stop by just one building, due to the one-way streets you must make an illegal U-turn or go around four more blocks to get back to your destination, creating even more congestion. Check it out.
As a side note, perhaps you might consider giving a little slack to Uber, Lyft and cab drivers. As a group, those drivers put a lot of revenue into the city coffers and move thousands every single day. One driver told me he had 14 trips downtown, and his net earnings were less than the city and special use taxes. Imagine that. A driver works for eight hours and takes home less than the city. What’s wrong with this picture?
Donald R. Bono, Chicago


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Bitter cold, dangerous wind chills hit Chicago area

Overnight wind chills plummeted to dangerous lows in what meteorologists are calling the Chicago area ’ s coldest night so far this winter .
A wind chill advisory was issued just before 9 p.m. Saturday and remains in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday for parts of north central Illinois and the northwest suburbs , according to the National Weather Service .
Suburbs affected include Crystal Lake , Algonquin , Lake in the Hills , McHenry , Woodstock and Cary .
Temperatures in the area reached the single digits and wind chills overnight and into the morning could make the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the weather service said .
Residents are advised to use caution while traveling outside and to wear appropriate clothing , the weather service said .
Frostbite can affect exposed skin in as little as a half hour .
The forecast indicates a high temperature of 17 degrees Sunday for Chicago , followed by a low of 13 overnight and a high of 24 on Monday , according to the weather service .
Cook County officials are reminding residents that warming centers are available during the daytime for those without adequate heating in @ @ @

Overnight wind chills plummeted to dangerous lows in what meteorologists are calling the Chicago area’s coldest night so far this winter.
A wind chill advisory was issued just before 9 p.m. Saturday and remains in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday for parts of north central Illinois and the northwest suburbs, according to the National Weather Service. Suburbs affected include Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, McHenry, Woodstock and Cary.
People wait for the bus along North Sheridan Road in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood on Jan. 19, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Temperatures in the area reached the single digits and wind chills overnight and into the morning could make the air feel as cold as minus 20 degrees, the weather service said.
Residents are advised to use caution while traveling outside and to wear appropriate clothing, the weather service said. Frostbite can affect exposed skin in as little as a half hour.
The forecast indicates a high temperature of 17 degrees Sunday for Chicago, followed by a low of 13 overnight.
A Chicagoan walks their dog around the Bryn Mawr/Lake Shore Drive Park in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood on Jan. 19, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Temperatures are expected to gradually climb over the next few days, peaking at high of 39 Thursday, forecasters said. Martin Luther King Day is forecasted to be partly sunny with a high of 25 and a low of 12 at night. Tuesday is expected to have similar conditions, while Wednesday temperatures will climb to 35, but there is a slight chance of snow that evening carrying into Thursday morning.
Sandeep Kumar, 27, covered up to protect himself from the cold in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood on Jan. 19, 2020. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Cook County officials are reminding residents that warming centers are available during the daytime for those without adequate heating in their homes.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--New York man wanted on gun, drug charges arrested in Waukegan

A fugitive wanted on weapons and narcotics charges in New York was arrested Thursday in north suburban Waukegan .
Officers with the Lake County sheriff ’ s office and the U.S .
Marshals Service arrested 21-year-old Eduardo Gutierrez at a home in the 500 block of Oak Street in Waukegan , according to a statement from the sheriff ’ s office .
Gutierrez , who lives in New Rochelle , New York , was wanted on a no-bond New York arrest warrant for criminal possession of a firearm , bail jumping and drug sales , the sheriff ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he might be staying in the Waukegan area and eventually located him at the home .
At the time of his arrest , he was found to have a semi-automatic pistol with an “ obliterated ” serial number , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
He was charged in Lake County with felony counts of possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon .
He remains in custody at the Lake County Jail pending a Jan. 22 court date , the sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A fugitive wanted on weapons and narcotics charges in New York was arrested Thursday in north suburban Waukegan.
Officers with the Lake County sheriff’s office and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 21-year-old Eduardo Gutierrez at a home in the 500 block of Oak Street in Waukegan, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Eduardo Gutierrez Lake County sheriff’s office
Gutierrez, who lives in New Rochelle, New York, was wanted on a no-bond New York arrest warrant for criminal possession of a firearm, bail jumping and drug sales, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators earlier this month learned that he might be staying in the Waukegan area and eventually located him at the home.
At the time of his arrest, he was found to have a semi-automatic pistol with an “obliterated” serial number, according to the sheriff’s office. He was charged in Lake County with felony counts of possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
He remains in custody at the Lake County Jail pending a Jan. 22 court date, the sheriff’s office said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Man struck by Jeep in West Loop hit-and-run

Authorities are looking for a Jeep that drove off after hitting a man Sunday in the West Loop .
The @ @ @ @ @ about 2:30 a.m. in the 700 block of West Randolph Street when he was hit @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said .
He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries @ @ @ @ @ westbound on Randolph , police said .
The driver is not in custody .
Read @ @ @ @ @ track the city ’ s homicides .

Authorities are looking for a Jeep that drove off after hitting a man Sunday in the West Loop.
The 41-year-old tried crossing the street about 2:30 a.m. in the 700 block of West Randolph Street when he was hit by the black Jeep, Chicago police said. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Jeep continued traveling westbound on Randolph, police said. The driver is not in custody.
Chicago police’s major accidents unit is investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--10 residents displaced in Austin apartment fire

Multiple residents were displaced after a fire broke out Sunday at an apartment building in Austin on the West Side @ @ @ @ @ at 1:29 a.m. in a third-floor unit in the 5400 block of West Iowa Street @ @ @ @ @ .
It spread to multiple apartments .
No injuries were reported , but 10 people @ @ @ @ @ of the blaze , police said .
The cause of the fire remains under investigation @ @ @ @ @ could not immediately be reached for details about the fire early Sunday .

Multiple residents were displaced after a fire broke out Sunday at an apartment building in Austin on the West Side.
The fire was reported at 1:29 a.m. in a third-floor unit in the 5400 block of West Iowa Street, according to Chicago police. It spread to multiple apartments.
No injuries were reported, but 10 people were displaced as a result of the blaze, police said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Chicago Fire Department officials could not immediately be reached for details about the fire early Sunday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Armed robberies in Oakland reported blocks apart: police

Two armed robberies were reported blocks apart this month in Oakland on the South Side .
In both cases , @ @ @ @ @ lone victims and displayed a black or silver semi-automatic handgun , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ the scene .
In one incident , the suspects drove away inside a blue Oldsmobile @ @ @ @ @ happened at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 700 block of East 38th Street , @ @ @ @ @ happened at 3 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 700 block of East 38th Place .
@ @ @ @ @ were a group of three people , police said .
One of them had long @ @ @ @ @ the right eye .
In the other incident , two males were described .
One @ @ @ @ @ and wore a black cap and black hoodie .
Anyone with information about the robberies @ @ @ @ @ Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ @ @ @

Two armed robberies were reported blocks apart this month in Oakland on the South Side.
In both cases, two to three suspects approached lone victims and displayed a black or silver semi-automatic handgun, Chicago police said. They stole property and fled the scene.
In one incident, the suspects drove away inside a blue Oldsmobile Intrigue.
The first robbery happened at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 700 block of East 38th Street, police said. The other happened at 3 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 700 block of East 38th Place.
The suspects in one case were a group of three people, police said. One of them had long dreadlocks and a tattoo above the right eye.
In the other incident, two males were described. One was 6-foot-2, 170 pounds and wore a black cap and black hoodie.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-18--Horoscope for Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020

Horoscope for Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. After that , the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius .
Friends will be more important to you in the next four weeks .
You should know that your interaction with others will benefit you , especially interaction with younger people .
Listen to their ideas , suggestions and encouragement because they could influence your future .
You will be more high visibility in the next four weeks .
In fact , bosses , teachers and parents will admire you more than usual even if you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s all smoke and mirrors . )
Obviously , this is your window to make your pitch !
Travel , learning and new activities that expand your world will be tops on your menu for the next four weeks .
Let books , film , road trips and discussions with people from other cultures teach you more about life .
It ’ s time to feed your curious , Gemini soul !
You will be more passionate about every aspect of your life in the net four weeks .
( Yes , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on shared property , inheritances and insurance issues will be intense because you want to sort out loose ends and make sure that you are treated fairly .
Natch !
In the next four weeks , the sun will be opposite your sign , which is as far away from Leo as it gets all year ( in your chart ) .
Because the sun represents your energy , you will need more sleep .
Go to bed .
Expect an increased focus on close friends and partners .
It took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pull your act together .
You want to run your life more efficiently and feel that you ’ re on top of your game .
You want to declutter .
You want to eat well and exercise .
“ I ’ m going to turn over a new leaf !
” Lucky you !
It ’ s party city for Librans for the next four weeks .
Grab every chance to slip away on a vacation !
Accept all invitations to socialize with others .
Enjoy sports events , the arts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have fun !
Home , family and your private life are your strong focus for the next four weeks .
The holiday season was busy and you need to re-group .
Back-to-school issues plus reclaiming your home and setting in motion new objectives require your attention .
Just do it .
Short trips , errands , visits with others plus increased reading , studying and writing will keep you hopping in the next four weeks .
Many of you will be more involved with siblings and relatives than usual .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cash flow , earnings and financial matters will assume a greater importance in the next four weeks .
However , at a deeper level , you will give more thought to what your values are .
What really matters in life ?
You don ’ t want to be 90 years old thinking , “ I blew it !
” The sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks , giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year .
You will also attract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so make the most of this is opportunity that is sitting in your lap !
Stay low key for the next four weeks before the sun enters your sign when your birthday arrives .
Instead , use this downtime to ponder what you want for yourself and your new year ahead .
Make some goals !
Ideas ?
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Rob Delaney ( 1977 ) shares your birthday .
You are innovative and versatile .
You are honest , determined and reliable .
You love beautiful things .
Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially with family .
This means you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others .
Invest in the relationships that you value .
Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. After that, the moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Friends will be more important to you in the next four weeks. You should know that your interaction with others will benefit you, especially interaction with younger people. Listen to their ideas, suggestions and encouragement because they could influence your future.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You will be more high visibility in the next four weeks. In fact, bosses, teachers and parents will admire you more than usual even if you don’t do anything special. (It’s all smoke and mirrors.) Obviously, this is your window to make your pitch!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Travel, learning and new activities that expand your world will be tops on your menu for the next four weeks. Let books, film, road trips and discussions with people from other cultures teach you more about life. It’s time to feed your curious, Gemini soul!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You will be more passionate about every aspect of your life in the net four weeks. (Yes, this includes sex.) Plus, your focus on shared property, inheritances and insurance issues will be intense because you want to sort out loose ends and make sure that you are treated fairly. Natch!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
In the next four weeks, the sun will be opposite your sign, which is as far away from Leo as it gets all year (in your chart). Because the sun represents your energy, you will need more sleep. Go to bed. Expect an increased focus on close friends and partners.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
It took a few weeks, but now you want to pull your act together. You want to run your life more efficiently and feel that you’re on top of your game. You want to declutter. You want to eat well and exercise. “I’m going to turn over a new leaf!”
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Lucky you! It’s party city for Librans for the next four weeks. Grab every chance to slip away on a vacation! Accept all invitations to socialize with others. Enjoy sports events, the arts and playful activities with kids because you want to have fun!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Home, family and your private life are your strong focus for the next four weeks. The holiday season was busy and you need to re-group. Back-to-school issues plus reclaiming your home and setting in motion new objectives require your attention. Just do it.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Short trips, errands, visits with others plus increased reading, studying and writing will keep you hopping in the next four weeks. Many of you will be more involved with siblings and relatives than usual. Don’t stay home getting dusty.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Money, cash flow, earnings and financial matters will assume a greater importance in the next four weeks. However, at a deeper level, you will give more thought to what your values are. What really matters in life? You don’t want to be 90 years old thinking, “I blew it!”
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. You will also attract people and favorable situations to you, so make the most of this is opportunity that is sitting in your lap!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Stay low key for the next four weeks before the sun enters your sign when your birthday arrives. Instead, use this downtime to ponder what you want for yourself and your new year ahead. Make some goals! Ideas?
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Rob Delaney (1977) shares your birthday. You are innovative and versatile. You are honest, determined and reliable. You love beautiful things. Service to others is your theme this year, especially with family. This means you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Invest in the relationships that you value. Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-18--Robberies reported in Gold Coast, River North: police

Chicago police are warning Gold Coast and River North residents about a series of robberies that have happened over the @ @ @ @ @ North Side neighborhoods .
In each incident , a group of two or three males @ @ @ @ @ fleeing in a white SUV , Chicago police said .
The majority of the robberies @ @ @ @ @ between Dec. 24 and Jan. 16 , police said .
They happened in : • @ @ @ @ @ Walton Street and The suspects are described as 20 to 25-year-old men standing 5-foot-6 to @ @ @ @ @ 185 pounds , police said .
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to @ @ @ @ @ 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning Gold Coast and River North residents about a series of robberies that have happened over the past month in the Near North Side neighborhoods.
In each incident, a group of two or three males attack and rob someone before fleeing in a white SUV, Chicago police said.
The majority of the robberies happened in the evening, between Dec. 24 and Jan. 16, police said. They happened in:
The 900 block of North DeWitt Place;
The 200 block of East Pearson Street;
The 800 block of North DeWitt Place;
The 900 block of North DeWitt Place;
The 200 block of East Chestnut Street;
The 600 block of North La Salle Drive;
The 200 block of East Delaware Place;
The 200 block of East Walton Street and
The 800 block of North DeWitt Place.
The suspects are described as 20 to 25-year-old men standing 5-foot-6 to 6-feet and weighing 145 to 185 pounds, police said.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Don Harmon selected as Illinois Senate president

SPRINGFIELD — After hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations — and some internal strife — west suburban senator Don Harmon on Sunday was unanimously selected to serve as the next Illinois Senate president .
Tensions were high and emotions were strong as Senate Democrats on Sunday weighed the historic nature of the vote for Senate president over who had the most support .
In the end , the caucus came together to support Harmon , D-Oak Park , who had previously served as Assistant Majority Leader — with a deal to ensure that state Sen. Kimberly Lightford , D-Maywood , would maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a show of goodwill after hours of negotiations , Lightford nominated Harmon as Senate President on the Senate floor – and the two also shared a hug .
Senators began negotiations during a private caucus at 11 a.m. By about 4:30 p.m. , a consensus was reached to unanimously support Harmon .
Earlier during a private caucus vote , Harmon outranked Lightford with a 22-17 vote .
From there , the two went behind closed-doors to reach a compromise .
State Sen. Emil Jones III , D-Chicago , emerged from talks on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed the historic nature of the vote .
Lightford would have become the state ’ s first woman to lead the Senate .
Lightford also leads the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus .
Jones , a member of the black caucus , chose to support Harmon in the first vote .
“ People support their candidate very strongly and you know , without a doubt , you can ’ t argue with that .
So the tensions are high , ” Jones said .
“ Either we ’ re going to make history today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he has not been promised a leadership post for supporting Harmon .
“ I said in the beginning that it ’ s time for a woman to lead this chamber , but if you don ’ t have the support to pull it over the finish line , me putting my district first , I chose to be with Don Harmon , ” Jones said .
Asked if the vote will cause a rift in the black caucus , Jones said , “ we have no choice but to do it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job and as Democrats , we will come together and have a new Senate president , ” Jones said .
State Sen. Terry Link , D-Vernon Hills , and Sen. Rachelle Crowe , D-Glen Carbon , were not present but voted in the private caucus via a conference call .
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton on Nov. 14 shocked his Democratic colleagues in announcing his plans to retire in January .
That set the wheels in motion for Senate Democrats to scramble and drum up support — privately — for their next leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the two picks – and there were plenty of behind-the-scenes rumblings of drama over leadership posts , and even office spaces .
On the Senate floor , Cullerton first submitted his resignation as Senate president , triggering the vacancy and election .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker presided over the election .
Cullerton voted for Harmon , then stepped down as senator from the North Side ’ s 6th District .
After a series of one-on-one meetings , telephone calls and a meeting at a suburban hotel , Harmon and Lightford became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Heather Steans , D-Chicago , Sen. Andy Manar , D-Bunker Hill , and Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz , D-Chicago , all announced their support for Lightford ’ s bid , giving her a big boost .
On Friday , seven senators announced their support for Harmon , including Jones , Sen. Omar Aquino , D-Chicago , Sen. Linda Holmes , D-Aurora , and Sen. Julie Morrison , D-Lake Forest .
Harmon was elected in 2002 and was appointed president pro tempore by Cullerton in 2011 .
Harmon has said he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unified and protected ” — and he ’ d help drum up support for the graduated income tax , which will be on the November ballot .
Lightford would have become the third African-American senator elected to lead the chamber , but the first woman — of any race .
She has represented the 4th District since 1998 — and became the Senate ’ s first African-American woman majority leader in January 2019 .
Lightford also took the lead in the 2003 and 2006 laws that gradually increased the minimum wage from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last year , she also advocating for a raise in the minimum wage –with Pritzker ultimately signing a law that gradually increases it to $ 15 per hour .

SPRINGFIELD — Kimberly Lightford’s vote for a white candidate for Illinois Senate president over a fellow African American politician — 11 years ago — may have helped cost her this year’s Senate president’s job on Sunday.
After hours of tense, behind-the-scenes negotiations between lawmakers on Sunday, Lightford lost out to Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, who will replace retiring Senate President John Cullerton.
Publicly, party leaders made a show of unity. Lightford, who is Senate majority leader, hugged Harmon on the Senate floor Sunday afternoon as she nominated him to become the next Senate president. Harmon, who is white, was elected unanimously after hours of negotiations.
But afterward, accusations flew of personal betrayal, and longtime simmering feuds bubbled over.
Lightford, D-Maywood, blamed former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., and his son, Emil Jones III, who is currently in the Senate, for her loss. She would have been the first female black Senate president. She thinks their opposition may stem from an 11-year-old grudge.
State Senate President Don Harmon, left, and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford John O’Connor/AP; Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
In 2009, Lightford voted for Cullerton, the white candidate, for Senate president, over Sen. James Clayborne Jr., who is black.
Lightford claims Jones III, D-Chicago, acted as a double agent, calling what he did a personal betrayal. Lightford claimed the elder Jones, 84, also helped to steer votes away from her, a claim he denied to the Sun-Times on Sunday.
Lightford said since “I didn’t vote for Clayborne,” the elder Jones put his son “up to making sure that I didn’t become Senate president.”
Lightford said she never felt respected by the elder Jones.
“I never did anything negative to Emil Jones. He was a much older man, like my grandfather’s age. And I just think he had an issue with women and never supported me.”
“I never voted against him, even when he was treating me bad. So now you want to come and give me this payback and use your son as a vehicle to do it?”
Reached Sunday night, the elder Jones denied he got involved in the race or that his son voted for Harmon over bad blood.
But he brought up Lightford’s vote for a white candidate over a black one in the 2009 Senate president election.
“I don’t know how you can come back and say I want the black support when you had that opportunity to support the black and you didn’t,” the elder Jones said.
Lightford told reporters Jones III betrayed her by telling her he would support her but in fact worked behind her back by informing Harmon’s camp of her moves and drumming up support for Harmon.
State Sen. Emil Jones III talks to reporters Sunday as his fellow Democrats worked to elect a new Senate president. Tina Sfondeles / Sun-Times file
Lightford said she had just left Jones III’s house Friday night when his support for Harmon went public by a news release.
When Emil Jones III came into the Senate, “I always treated him really, really well and I wanted him to see that ‘I can mentor you and be there for you in ways that your father wasn’t for me,’” Lightford said.
Lightford said Jones III is a familiar face at family functions.
“He’s been just part of my family. So it was emotional for me in that it was heartbreaking — because it’s OK to vote for someone else . . . But it’s not OK when you appear to be a part of my family and you lie.
“And he kept the Senate Black Caucus divided the entire time,” said Lightford, who heads the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
Lightford said Jones III’s role in the process was discussed during negotiations with Harmon earlier Sunday. She said she and others demanded that Jones III remain out of leadership and said Harmon agreed. Lightford said the riff had nothing to do with her relationship with Harmon.
“We talked to him because that was a part of our negotiations. That he can’t be representing us in leadership if he has behavior such as that,” Lightford said.
By mid-afternoon, Jones III exited the private caucus to update reporters. He was asked if he would be getting a leadership position because of his support for Harmon and said no.
Reached Sunday evening, Jones III said he told Lightford on Friday night he would support Harmon. He also told her he would resign as co-chair of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus.
Jones III denied that he voted for Harmon over any bad blood.
“Leader Lightford stated that she had certain votes and me reaching out to those members directly, they told me otherwise,” Jones III said.
Jones III downplayed that he won’t get a leadership post, despite helping bring votes to Harmon.
As for Lightford’s claims of payback, Jones III suggested Lightford hadn’t been straight with him: “A friend would not let you go down on a sinking ship. If your ship is sinking and you know it’s sinking, let your friend know.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Reunited and it feels so ‘awesome’: Lee Smith rejoins Cubs after 3 decades away from ‘home’

Legendary closer Lee Smith , who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Cub last season , has rejoined the organization this year as an “ ambassador.
” “ Whatever the hell that means , ” he said with a laugh Sunday as Cubs Convention concluded with morning panels that included a star-studded group of 1980s fan favorites .
“ When Mr. Ricketts calls me to do something , I ’ m going , ” he said of chairman Tom Ricketts .
“ It is awesome .
It ’ s really good to be back home .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith , who joined Fergie Jenkins and former teammates as Ryne Sandberg , Gary Matthews , Andre Dawson , Bobby Dernier on Sunday ’ s panel , left the Giants organization , where he was a minor-league pitching instructor .
Smith , a seven-time All-Star who earned 180 of his 478 career saves during eight seasons with the Cubs , also weighed in on the Astros ’ electronic sign-stealing scandal and a new rule in 2020 impacting use of relievers .
“ Man , I couldn ’ t figure all that crap out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sign stealing .
“ I was just trying to figure my way to the bullpen .
You ’ ve still got to throw it over the plate , man .
You ’ ve still got to hit the ball .
Smith said , “ They ’ ve probably been doing it for years , ” but downplayed suggestion the Astros wouldn ’ t have been successful without cheating .
“ They ’ ve still got to pitch and play .
They ’ ve got to go on the road and things like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I was in Chicago , I remember the guys saying [ about the Cubs ] , ` Oh , man , they got something going on out in the center-field clock.
’ I ’ m like , ` You do know we lost 96 damn games that year.
’ “ As for the new rule that requires a reliever to face at least three batters or finish an inning , the man who averaged five batters per relief appearance in his career said he likes it .
“ Because you can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitters , ” he said .
“ You learn to pitch by seeing hitters .
”

Closer Lee Smith, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Cub last season, has rejoined the organization as an “ambassador.”
“Whatever the hell that means,” he said with a laugh Sunday as the Cubs Convention concluded with morning panels that included a star-studded group of 1980s fan favorites.
“When Mr. [Tom] Ricketts calls me to do something, I’m going,” he said. “It’s awesome. It’s really good to be back home. I’m loving it, man.”
Smith, who joined Fergie Jenkins and former teammates Ryne Sandberg, Gary Matthews, Andre Dawson and Bob Dernier on the panel, left the Giants’ organization, where he was a minor-league pitching instructor.
A seven-time All-Star who earned 180 of his 478 career saves during eight seasons with the Cubs, Smith also weighed in on the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal and a new rule that affects the use of relievers.
“Man, I couldn’t figure all that crap out,” he said when asked about the sign-stealing. “I was just trying to figure my way to the bullpen. You’ve still got to throw it over the plate. You’ve still got to hit the ball. Still, it’s illegal, man.”
Smith added, “They’ve probably been doing it for years,” but he downplayed suggestions the Astros wouldn’t have been successful without cheating.
“They’ve still got to pitch and play,’’ he said. ‘‘They’ve got to go on the road and things like that. When I was in Chicago, I remember the guys saying [about the Cubs], ‘Oh, man, they got something going on out in the center-field clock.’ I’m like, ‘You do know we lost 96 damn games that year.’ ’’
He likes the new rule that requires a reliever to face at least three batters or finish an inning.
“Because you can see and learn how to pitch by facing hitters,” he said. “You learn to pitch by seeing hitters.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Man, 41, dies nearly 10 years after West Humboldt Park shooting

A 41-year-old man died last week nearly 10 years after being wounded in a West Humboldt Park shooting .
Just @ @ @ @ @ , 2010 , Marco Rainge was shot in the 1200 block of North Kildare Avenue @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner ’ s office .
Rainge was pronounced dead about 1:45 a.m. Jan. @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office reported .
An autopsy Sunday said he died of complications from multiple @ @ @ @ @ his death a homicide .
Chicago police were unable to immediately provide details about the @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 41-year-old man died last week nearly 10 years after being wounded in a West Humboldt Park shooting.
Just before 10 a.m. Oct. 12, 2010, Marco Rainge was shot in the 1200 block of North Kildare Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Rainge was pronounced dead about 1:45 a.m. Jan. 14, the medical examiner’s office reported. An autopsy Sunday said he died of complications from multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled his death a homicide.
Chicago police were unable to immediately provide details about the shooting.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Adbert Alzolay believes he can be missing piece in Cubs’ rotation

Right-hander Adbert Alzolay isn ’ t the same pitcher he was a year ago .
He ’ s stronger , wiser and more confident in his abilities .
So much so , that he believes he has a realistic shot at earning the fifth spot in the Cubs ’ rotation this season .
And he ’ s not the only one who thinks that .
“ He ’ s electric , ” Hendricks said at the Cubs Convention this weekend .
“ He has a really good shot at being a really good major-league starter for a long time.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top pitching prospects , got a taste of the majors last season .
In June , he made an impressive four-plus inning big-league debut out of the bullpen that earned him his first career start .
His first two outings went as well as one could imagine , but Alzolay lost his composure in his second start and was sent down to the minors where he stayed until his September call-up .
Though he was disappointed he couldn ’ t stay with the Cubs , Alzolay believes he ’ s better because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majors ] was up and down for me , but that was a good thing , ” Alzolay said .
“ To me , it was really , really good that that happened to me because when you ’ re kind of having like success and success and success and then you fall you kind of feel like , ‘ Oh , what am I gon na do now ?
’ ...
I ’ ve been learning a lot from that and that really helped me to find out , ‘ OK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na do now.
’ ” This offseason , Alzolay has focused on increasing his flexibility and overall strength .
And with the guidance of his fiancée , who is a nutritionist , Alzolay overhauled his diet and became a vegetarian .
The result ?
He ’ s shed unnecessary body fat and bulked up .
He ’ s also recovering faster and better than ever .
“ That was a good game-changer for me , ” he said .
“ I feel like this is the best shape that I ’ ve ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has worked alongside Alzolay in Arizona this winter , has seen the 24-year-old ’ s improvements since last season .
“ He looks unbelievable right now , ” Hendricks said .
“ [ He ’ s ] throwing bullpens and working out , doing everything he needs to do , so I think he could definitely be a big piece for us this year.
” The first four spots of the Cubs ’ rotation this season are a lock with Yu Darvish , Hendricks , Jon Lester and Jose Quintana .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Right-hander Tyler Chatwood , who is in the last year of his $ 38 million deal , is back in the mix after a demotion to the bullpen last season .
But Alzolay could make a compelling argument for himself this spring .
“ I feel like mentally , this year , I ’ m more prepared , ” he said .
“ I ’ m feeling great .
...
I ’ m just ready for spring training .
”

Right-hander Adbert Alzolay isn’t the same pitcher he was a year ago. He’s stronger, wiser and more confident.
So much so that he believes he has a realistic shot at earning the fifth spot in the Cubs’ rotation.
And he’s not the only one.
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks believes Alzolay, 24, has serious major-league potential.
“He’s electric,” Hendricks said at the Cubs Convention this weekend. “He has a really good shot at being a really good major-league starter for a long time.”
Alzolay, one of the Cubs’ top pitching prospects, got a taste of the majors last season. On June 20 against the Mets, he made an impressive four-plus-inning big-league debut out of the bullpen that earned him his first career start.
His first two outings went well, but Alzolay lost his composure in his second start and was sent down to the minors, where he stayed until a September call-up.
Though he was disappointed he couldn’t stay with the Cubs, Alzolay believes he’s better because of it.
“[Pitching in the majors] was up and down for me, but that was a good thing,” Alzolay said. “To me, it was really, really good that that happened because when you’re kind of having success and success and success, and then you fall, you kind of feel like, ‘Oh, what am I gonna do now?’ . . . I’ve been learning a lot from that, and that really helped me to find out, ‘OK, this is what we’re gonna do now.’ ”
This offseason, Alzolay has focused on increasing his flexibility and overall strength. And with the guidance of his fiancée, who’s a nutritionist, Alzolay overhauled his diet and became a vegetarian.
The result? He has shed unnecessary body fat and bulked up. He’s also recovering faster and better than ever.
“That was a good game-changer for me,” he said. “I feel like this is the best shape that I’ve ever been in.”
Hendricks, who has worked alongside Alzolay in Arizona this winter, has seen the improvements since last season.
“He looks unbelievable right now,” Hendricks said. “[He’s] throwing bullpens and working out, doing everything he needs to do, so I think he could definitely be a big piece for us this year.”
The first four spots in the rotation are locked up with Yu Darvish, Hendricks, Jon Lester and Jose Quintana. But the fifth spot is up for grabs.
Right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who’s in the last year of his $38 million deal, is back in the mix after a demotion to the bullpen last season. But Alzolay could make a compelling argument for himself this spring.
“I feel like mentally, I’m more prepared this year,” he said. “I’m feeling great. . . . I’m just ready for spring training.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Blackhawks notebook: Brandon Saad doesn’t miss a beat in return from injury

Brandon Saad scored on his just his fourth shift of the Blackhawks ’ game Saturday in Toronto , offering early proof that his month-long absence recovering from an ankle injury hadn ’ t disrupted his dominant pre-injury run .
“ I wanted to keep it simple and play good hockey early on , ” Saad said .
“ For me to get a goal out of the way too , it always gives you that confidence.
” “ [ I ’ m ] playing with some good players out there too , so that always helps.
” Saad was slotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carpenter , bumping struggling Alex Nylander down to the fourth line , and the trio produced a fantastic outing .
In a little over 14 minutes together at 5-on-5 , they enjoyed 16-10 shot attempt , 10-1 shot on goal and 12-8 scoring chance differentials .
“ That line was really good last game , ” coach Jeremy Colliton said Sunday .
“ Obviously the [ Jonathan ] Toews line , they were the one scoring all the goals , but I thought the Carpenter line had almost as many scoring opportunities.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chance-generating power forward that he was throughout the autumn .
The only difference was actually the goal : despite his autumn dominance , he failed to convert most of his golden opportunities in the season ’ s opening months .
Perhaps the time off will prove to have reversed that trend .
Dylan Sikura was sent down to Rockford on Sunday — before the Hawks ’ game against the Jets — after tallying one goal and two assists in nine appearances .
Colliton provided a relatively transparent explanation for the decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in those depth positions , ” the coach said .
“ I talked to him yesterday .
I ’ m not unhappy with his play .
He showed he can play in the league definitely , and he ’ s part of the group we have going forward .
But he hasn ’ t played [ much ] lately either , and I see other guys playing ahead of him for now.
” With Matthew Highmore earning a nightly spot on the fourth line and Brandon Saad now back from injury , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHL roster has certainly declined .
The Hawks also have Brandon Hagel up from the AHL right now for the first time in his career , even though he ’ s yet to get into a game .
Sikura ’ s 42-day stint with the Hawks contained some bright spots — his two-assist game in Calgary was impressive , and his first career goal last week against the Red Wings was an unforgettably joyous moment — but also a lot of inactivity .
He was scratched for 11 of 20 games total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The demotion marks another opportunity missed for Sikura , and even when recalled in early December , it was clear his window to become a full-time NHL forward was tightening .
It ’ s not encouraging news for his career moving forward .
After Tuesday ’ s home game against the Panthers — Joel Quenneville ’ s long-awaited return to Chicago — the Hawks won ’ t play again until Feb. 1 in Arizona .
The lengthy break from team activities is because of the NHL All-Star Game this coming weekend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ bye week .
Half of the league ’ s teams are enjoying their bye weeks this week ; the other half will do so at the same time as the Hawks .
“ Selfishly , you ’ d love to practice a little more , but it ’ s the same for all the teams , ” Colliton said Saturday .
“ For the players , it is nice to get away .
For coaches , too , to just be able to turn your brain off for a few days .
@

Brandon Saad scored on his fourth shift Saturday in Toronto, offering early proof that he hadn’t lost his dominant form despite a monthlong absence with an ankle injury.
“I wanted to keep it simple and play good hockey early on,” Saad said. “To get a goal out of the way, too, it always gives you that confidence.
“[I’m] playing with some good players out there, too, so that always helps.”
Saad was slotted alongside Patrick Kane and center Ryan Carpenter, bumping struggling Alex Nylander down to the fourth line, and the trio produced a fantastic outing.
In a little over 14 minutes together at five-on-five, they enjoyed a 16-10 shot differential, a 10-1 shot-on-goal differential and a 12-8 scoring-chance differential.
“That line was really good last game,” Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said Sunday. “Obviously, the [Jonathan] Toews line, they were the one scoring all the goals, but I thought the Carpenter line had almost as many scoring opportunities.”
Saad looked every bit the consistent possession-driving, chance-generating power forward that he was early in the season.
The only difference, actually, was the goal. Despite his dominance, he failed to convert most of his golden opportunities in the season’s opening months.
Perhaps the time off will help resolve that issue.
Sikura sent down
Dylan Sikura was demoted to Rockford before the game against the Jets. He had a goal and two assists in nine appearances with the Hawks.
Colliton provided a relatively transparent explanation for the decision.
“Other guys have kind of outplayed him in those depth positions,” he said.
“I talked to him yesterday. I’m not unhappy with his play. He showed he can play in the league, definitely, and he’s part of the group we have going forward. But he hasn’t played [much] lately, either, and I see other guys playing ahead of him for now.”
With Matthew Highmore earning a nightly spot on the fourth line and Saad back from injury, the need for Sikura on the NHL roster had diminished.
Sikura’s 42-day stint with the Hawks included some bright spots — his two-assist game in Calgary was impressive, and his first career goal last week against the Red Wings was an unforgettably joyous moment — but also a lot of inactivity. He was scratched for 11 of 20 games, and three of the last five.
It’s another missed opportunity for Sikura, and his window to become a full-time NHL forward clearly is tightening.
Lengthy break approachingwn
After the home game Tuesday against the Panthers — Joel Quenneville’s long-awaited return to Chicago — the Hawks won’t play again until Feb. 1 in Arizona.
The lengthy break from team activities is because of the NHL All-Star Game this coming weekend in St. Louis, followed by the Hawks’ bye week. Half of the league’s teams are enjoying their bye weeks this week; the other half will do so at the same time as the Hawks.
“Selfishly, you’d love to practice a little more, but it’s the same for all the teams,” Colliton said Saturday. “For the players, it is nice to get away. For coaches, too, to just be able to turn your brain off for a few days.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Chicago high school basketball scores: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020

Teen charged with murder accused of looking for random person to shoot Willie Washington , 18 , was killed when @ @ @ @ @ the shooting , prosecutors said .

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--2020-01-19--Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 Chicago high school basketball rankings for Jan. 19, 2020

Not too many changes this week .
There wasn ’ t any movement in the top tier of teams other @ @ @ @ @ a bit .
It ’ s the calm before this week ’ s storm .
@ @ @ @ @ next Sunday .
Things remain muddy in the third tier of teams .
There are @ @ @ @ @ three loss squads without much to distinguish them from each other .
Bolingbrook ( 15-4 @ @ @ @ @ and the Raiders are back .
What a week it was too , they knocked @ @ @ @ @ and Lincoln-Way East .
Lincoln-Way East ( 12-3 ) : The Griffins jumped into the @ @ @ @ @ win the Effingham Holiday Tournament .
Truthfully they ’ ve probably only held on this @ @ @ @ @ have really stepped up to earn a place over the last month .
With record @ @ @ @ @ ranking

Not too many changes this week. There wasn’t any movement in the top tier of teams other than Thornton and Homewood-Flossmoor flipping a bit. It’s the calm before this week’s storm. Things could look very different next Sunday.
Things remain muddy in the third tier of teams. There are a lot of one to three loss squads without much to distinguish them from each other.
New additions
Bolingbrook (15-4): One week out and the Raiders are back. What a week it was too, they knocked off Marian Catholic, Romeoville and Lincoln-Way East.
Dropping out
Lincoln-Way East (12-3): The Griffins jumped into the rankings after beating Corliss to win the Effingham Holiday Tournament. Truthfully they’ve probably only held on this long because so few teams have really stepped up to earn a place over the last month.
With record and last week’s ranking
1. Curie (16-1) 1
At Corliss on Tuesday
2. Evanston (18-0) 2
Tough week ahead
3. Notre Dame (19-2) 3
Faces Morgan Park Monday
4. Bogan (18-2) 4
At Hyde Park Tuesday
5. Thornton (18-0) 6
So good vs. Homewood-Flossmoor
6. Bloom (18-4) 7
Can prove a lot vs. Evanston
7. Young (12-6) 8
DJ Steward scored 28 at Hoophall
8. Homewood-Flossmoor (15-2) 5
Solid win vs. Loyola
9. DePaul Prep (17-2) 9
At St. Laurence on Friday
10. Lincoln Park (15-3) 10
Faces Joliet West Monday
11. Morgan Park (12-6) 14
Solid win at Corliss
12. Marian Catholic (14-5) 12
Lost to Bolingbrook
13. Joliet West (17-2) 13
Jamere Hill to Toledo
14. Stevenson (14-3) 15
Undefeated in North Suburban
15. Glenbrook South (17-2) 16
Dom Martinelli’s supporting cast is solid
16. Niles North (15-3) 17
Handled Deerfield
17. Waubonsie Valley (18-2) 11
Lost to Lyons
18. Mundelein (15-3) 18
Couldn’t handle Dom Martinelli
19. Loyola (19-2) 19
Lost to Homewood-Flossmoor
20. Kankakee (14-1) 20
Can Kays beat Thornton?
21. Oak Forest (17-1) 21
Took down Sandburg
22. St. Charles North (13-3) 22
Beat Batavia
23. Cary-Grove (17-2) 24
Solid three-win week
24. Simeon (12-7) 25
At Morgan Park Thursday
25. Bolingbrook (15-4) NR
Beat Marian Catholic


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Does delayed offseason start now for Cubs — and other lingering questions as CubsCon wraps up

Three days of Cubs Convention and countless questions to front office personnel , players , the manager and coaches revealed precious few answers to some of the most pressing questions surrounding the team ’ s roster and direction as they head into the offseason ’ s final stretch toward spring training .
That certainly won ’ t make fans any less likely to boo the occasional Ricketts or Marquee Network executive they might encounter in the next few weeks .
But it should at least make this traditionally quiet time of the baseball calendar a more compelling time to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks before pitchers and catchers report to spring training ( Feb. 11 ) .
Will they trade any core players off the roster – and/or trade for a significant addition to the roster ?
This could be a question that lingers through the spring , if not until the July 31 trade deadline , even if they pull off a trade before camp opens .
For now , team president Theo Epstein and manager David Ross say they expect trade-rumor leader Kris Bryant to be on the roster on Opening Day – but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some moves between now and then .
In other words , it takes two to make a rumor more than a rumor – and significantly more than that to actually get a deal done .
So stay tuned .
“ It ’ s going to be a whole different team without him , ” All-Star shortstop Javy Baez said of the possibility that Bryant is traded .
“ We ’ ll see if that happens , and who ’ s coming and who ’ s not .
Hopefully , we ’ ll keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If [ a trade ] happens , I don ’ t know what ’ s going to be the reaction of the fans and of the players , to be honest.
” Somebody say Javy Baez ?
Will the 2018 National League MVP runner-up ultimately provide the headline the Cubs ’ winter if he can reach agreement with the team on a long-term extension ?
This might be the likeliest question to be answered in the near term now that the sides have gotten their $ 10 million contract for 2020 done ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that starts in 2021 won ’ t impact this year ’ s luxury-tax liability and would provide a foundation piece with cost certainty as the Cubs make extended plans for another potential championship window .
“ Hopefully , if it happens [ it happens ] before the season , ” Baez said .
“ If not , there is no pressure .
When the right deal comes we ’ ll be ready for it.
” Why hasn ’ t Nick Castellanos signed anywhere as a free agent yet – and does that mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to free up payroll space to bring him back after that electrifying two months last summer ?
Not necessarily .
Despite a lot of mutual admiration and respect , Castellanos isn ’ t the best fit – maybe for either side – when considering position options , projected numbers vs. expectations created in 2019 and the multi-year price tag .
“ We love him , ” Epstein said , echoing previous comments .
“ He exceeded all of our expectations .
… But he ’ s played himself into having a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure we ’ re going to be able to bring him back .
But we ’ re sure we ’ d like to have him back .
“ I think he ’ s in a pretty good spot based on everything he ’ s done in his career and his age [ 27 ] .
But we ’ ll see.
” How are the Cubs going to start the 2020 season – literally ?
Who ’ s going to take that first at-bat as the leadoff man in Milwaukee on March 27 ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 different leadoff hitters in the last three years since Dexter Fowler left as a free agent , including 10 currently on the roster .
And Ross said he is spending a lot of his time “ looking at that heavily.
” Rookie Nico Hoerner has the “ ability and the mindset ” to grow into that role someday , player development exec Matt Dorey said Sunday .
But for now , Ross calls it a wait-and-see proposition .
“ I don ’ t believe the lack of success in some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , ” he said .
“ I haven ’ t [ decided on ] anybody that I won ’ t put up there .
But there ’ s nobody that ’ s jumped out at me either .
”

Three days of countless questions to front-office personnel, players, the manager and coaches at the Cubs Convention revealed precious few answers to some of the most pressing questions about the team’s roster and direction as it heads toward spring training Feb. 11.
That won’t make fans any less likely to boo the occasional Ricketts or Marquee Sports Network executive they might encounter in the next few weeks, but it should make this traditionally quiet period of the baseball calendar a more compelling time to see what gets answered in the next three weeks.
Will the Cubs trade any core players and/or trade for a significant addition to the roster?
This might be a question that lingers through the spring — if not until the trade deadline July 31 — even if the Cubs pull off a trade before camp opens. For now, president Theo Epstein and manager David Ross say they expect third baseman Kris Bryant to be on the roster on Opening Day. But Epstein also said he hopes to make some moves between now and then.
In other words, it takes two to make a rumor more than a rumor and significantly more than that to get a deal done. So stay tuned.
‘‘It’s going to be a whole different team without him,’’ All-Star shortstop Javy Baez said of the possibility that Bryant is traded. ‘‘We’ll see if that happens and who’s coming and who’s not. Hopefully we’ll keep Kris here his entire career. . . . If [a trade] happens, I don’t know what’s going to be the reaction of the fans and of the players, to be honest.’’
Somebody say Javy Baez? Will the 2018 National League MVP runner-up ultimately provide the headline of the Cubs’ winter by reaching agreement with the team on a long-term extension?
This might be the likeliest question to be answered in the near term now that the sides have gotten their $10 million contract for 2020 done. Any extension that starts in 2021 won’t affect the Cubs’ luxury-tax liability this season and would provide a foundation piece with cost certainty as the team makes extended plans for another potential championship window.
‘‘Hopefully if it happens, [it happens] before the season,’’ Baez said. ‘‘If not, there is no pressure. When the right deal comes, we’ll be ready for it.’’
Why hasn’t Nick Castellanos signed anywhere as a free agent yet, and does that mean he’s waiting for the Cubs to free up payroll space to bring him back after an electrifying two months last summer?
Not necessarily. Despite a lot of mutual admiration and respect on both sides, Castellanos isn’t the best fit — maybe for either party — when considering position options, projected numbers against expectations created in 2019 and the multiyear price tag.
‘‘We love him,’’ Epstein said, echoing previous comments. ‘‘He exceeded all of our expectations. . . . But he’s played himself into having a really good market, and we’re not sure we’re going to be able to bring him back. But we’re sure we’d like to have him back.
‘‘I think he’s in a pretty good spot, based on everything he’s done in his career and his age [27]. But we’ll see.’’
How are the Cubs going to start the 2020 season? Who will take the first at-bat as their leadoff man March 27 in Milwaukee?
Short answer: ‘‘That’s a good one. I don’t know,’’ Ross told a fan Saturday.
Longer answer: The Cubs have used 17 leadoff hitters in three seasons since Dexter Fowler left as a free agent, including 10 currently on the roster. And Ross said he is spending a lot of his time ‘‘looking at that heavily.’’
Rookie Nico Hoerner has the ‘‘ability and the mindset’’ to grow into that role someday, player-development exec Matt Dorey said Sunday. But Ross calls it a wait-and-see proposition.
‘‘I haven’t [decided on] anybody that I won’t put up there,’’ he said. ‘‘But there’s nobody that’s jumped out at me, either.’’


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-19--Man killed, 14-year-old boy wounded in separate Englewood shootings Friday morning

A 14-year-old boy was in serious condition after being shot in the leg Friday morning in Englewood , just minutes after a man was killed in a separate shooting blocks away .
The boy was walking on a sidewalk about 9:13 a.m. in the 100 block of West 69th Street when a black four-door car drove by and someone inside fired shots , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the leg and taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital , police said .
His condition was serious , but had stabilized .
Minutes earlier , a man was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers responded to a call of gunfire about 8:55 a.m. and found the 40-year-old man on a sidewalk in the 5800 block of South Aberdeen Street , police said .
He was taken in critical condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his groin , but died a day later , police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
Although he remains unidentified , an autopsy conducted Sunday confirmed he died of his gunshot wounds , the medical examiner ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a homicide .
No arrests have been made .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed in a shooting Friday morning in Englewood within minutes of a separate shooting the the South Side neighborhood that seriously wounded a 14-year-old boy.
Officers responded to a call of gunfire about 8:55 a.m. and found the 49-year-old man on a sidewalk in the 5800 block of South Aberdeen Street, Chicago police said.
Willie James Brownlee was taken in critical condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his groin, but died a day later, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
An autopsy conducted confirmed he died of his gunshot wounds, the medical examiner’s office said. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Minutes later, a boy was walking on a sidewalk about 9:13 a.m. in the 100 block of West 69th Street when a black four-door car drove by and someone inside fired shots, police said.
He was struck in the leg and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, police said. His condition was serious, but had stabilized.
Minutes earlier, a man was shot in the groin several blocks north.
No arrests have been made.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-20--2 dead, 15 reportedly injured in Missouri shooting: police

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
— Police in Kansas City , Missouri , say at least two people are dead and 15 people were reportedly injured in a shooting outside a bar .
The shooting took place shortly before midnight Sunday , Kansas City police said at the scene .
Capt .
David Jackson told news outlets at the scene that responding officers found “ a chaotic scene ” and had to call in help from around the city .
A man and a woman were found dead .
Police believe the shooter is the deceased man , Jackson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shooter opened fire on a line of people waiting to enter a bar , but the motive for the shooting wasn ’ t immediately clear .
The shooter was shot by an armed security guard , police said .
During the investigation , police heard that people — at least 15 — were showing up to local hospitals with injuries from the shooting .
At least three people were in critical condition , police said .
The scene was near U.S. Highway 40 .
News outlets at the scene identified the bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9ine Ultra Lounge .
A Facebook post on the club ’ s page advertised Sunday night ’ s “ Sold Out Sundays ” event , which appeared to be a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs .
The Chiefs — featured on the event ’ s artwork — beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl .
“ It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City , ” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said at the scene , referencing the win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time .
”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police in Kansas City, Missouri, say at least two people are dead and 15 people were reportedly injured in a shooting outside a bar.
The shooting took place shortly before midnight Sunday, Kansas City police said at the scene. Capt. David Jackson told news outlets at the scene that responding officers found “a chaotic scene” and had to call in help from around the city. A man and a woman were found dead.
Police believe the shooter is the deceased man, Jackson said in a statement. A spokesman said the shooter opened fire on a line of people waiting to enter a bar, but the motive for the shooting wasn’t immediately clear. The shooter was shot by an armed security guard, police said.
During the investigation, police heard that people — at least 15 — were showing up to local hospitals with injuries from the shooting. At least three people were in critical condition, police said.
The scene was near U.S. Highway 40. News outlets at the scene identified the bar outside which the shooting took place as 9ine Ultra Lounge. A Facebook post on the club’s page advertised Sunday night’s “Sold Out Sundays” event, which appeared to be a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs — featured on the event’s artwork — beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.
“It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said at the scene, referencing the win. “It’s just hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-20--Dear Abby: Like me, my adult children fall into abusive relationships

DEAR ABBY : I married someone who turned out to be very abusive and controlling of me and the kids .
I felt powerless to leave with them because of the emotional control , and I had no way to make a living to support them .
They are all adults now , and three of them have been in unhealthy relationships .
I know their example of a good marriage or a long-term relationship was awful because of how their father treated me .
I live with the guilt and pain of that , but beyond that , seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive relationships is painful .
When two of my girls reach out to me when things are not going well , I ’ m supportive and I try to be helpful .
I guess my question is , given my example of an unhealthy marriage , will any advice I give them fall on deaf ears ?
Should I just listen ?
I don ’ t feel like anything I say will help .
— UNHAPPY MOM IN THE SOUTH DEAR UNHAPPY MOM : Of course you should listen , but that doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also weigh in on what is happening to them .
It could be very helpful if you point out to them that what they witnessed while growing up was not normal — and explain what IS acceptable behavior in an adult relationship .
You might also apologize for not being stronger earlier on , and explain that their father had eroded your self-esteem to such an extent that you were paralyzed .
If their experiences mirror your own , point that out , too , and offer them the number of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you do , it might not only open their eyes , but also give them the escape they need .
DEAR ABBY : My siblings and I have always enjoyed spending quality time together , and every eight to 10 weeks or so we get together for “ Siblings Day.
” There ’ s no set schedule or particular date ; one of us will call the others and say , “ I need some siblings time.
” ( There are five of us , all over 60 . )
Sometimes we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play board games or cards , or dance in the living room and enjoy the laughter that comes with it .
It ’ s a time when we just enjoy being family .
Our brother ’ s lady friend , a very nice person , has arrived , uninvited , the last three times we have gotten together .
Talk about a party-pooper .
We have explained , as graciously as we know how , that these times are very important to us .
Our brother has asked her to please allow us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just laughs and says it ’ s silly for grown people to be so needy of each other .
( She has six siblings who live close by and with whom she keeps in contact . )
We all love each other and are aware that life is truly short and that we are very lucky to still have this close bond when so many families do not .
Can you suggest what we can do to make her understand what this time together means to us and that she is the ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IN LOUISIANA DEAR SIBS : What gall !
Your brother ’ s girlfriend does not have the right to judge your family spending time with one another as “ silly.
” It ’ s the height of rudeness .
Please point out to him that her behavior is an important red flag for him to consider .
The next time she drops by uninvited , your brother should put his foot down and not let her intrude .
DEAR READERS : Today we remember the birthday of Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cause of civil rights .
In that time of insanity , his was a voice of reason when he eloquently preached , “ Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
” Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I married someone who turned out to be very abusive and controlling of me and the kids. I felt powerless to leave with them because of the emotional control, and I had no way to make a living to support them.
They are all adults now, and three of them have been in unhealthy relationships. I know their example of a good marriage or a long-term relationship was awful because of how their father treated me. I live with the guilt and pain of that, but beyond that, seeing three of my four kids in similar abusive relationships is painful.
When two of my girls reach out to me when things are not going well, I’m supportive and I try to be helpful. I guess my question is, given my example of an unhealthy marriage, will any advice I give them fall on deaf ears? Should I just listen? I don’t feel like anything I say will help. — UNHAPPY MOM IN THE SOUTH
DEAR UNHAPPY MOM: Of course you should listen, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also weigh in on what is happening to them. It could be very helpful if you point out to them that what they witnessed while growing up was not normal — and explain what IS acceptable behavior in an adult relationship.
You might also apologize for not being stronger earlier on, and explain that their father had eroded your self-esteem to such an extent that you were paralyzed. If their experiences mirror your own, point that out, too, and offer them the number of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233). If you do, it might not only open their eyes, but also give them the escape they need.
DEAR ABBY: My siblings and I have always enjoyed spending quality time together, and every eight to 10 weeks or so we get together for “Siblings Day.” There’s no set schedule or particular date; one of us will call the others and say, “I need some siblings time.” (There are five of us, all over 60.) Sometimes we meet at one of our homes and play board games or cards, or dance in the living room and enjoy the laughter that comes with it. It’s a time when we just enjoy being family.
Our brother’s lady friend, a very nice person, has arrived, uninvited, the last three times we have gotten together. Talk about a party-pooper. We have explained, as graciously as we know how, that these times are very important to us. Our brother has asked her to please allow us this time for family, but she just laughs and says it’s silly for grown people to be so needy of each other. (She has six siblings who live close by and with whom she keeps in contact.)
We all love each other and are aware that life is truly short and that we are very lucky to still have this close bond when so many families do not. Can you suggest what we can do to make her understand what this time together means to us and that she is the ultimate uninvited guest? — JUST THE SIBS IN LOUISIANA
DEAR SIBS: What gall! Your brother’s girlfriend does not have the right to judge your family spending time with one another as “silly.” It’s the height of rudeness. Please point out to him that her behavior is an important red flag for him to consider. The next time she drops by uninvited, your brother should put his foot down and not let her intrude.
DEAR READERS: Today we remember the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who in 1968 was martyred in the cause of civil rights. In that time of insanity, his was a voice of reason when he eloquently preached, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)