chicagosuntimes--2020-01-25--Former Blackhawks draft pick helps Stars down Wolves

CEDAR PARK , Texas — Anthony Louis , a native of Winfield and a sixth-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2013 , scored twice to spark the Texas Stars to a 5-3 victory over the Wolves on Saturday night .
Forwards Nicolas Roy and Keegan Kolesar scored power-play goals and center Jake Leschyshyn added an even-strength tally for the Wolves ( 21-19-3-2 ) , who stand one point ahead of the Stars and Grand Rapids Griffins for third place in the AHL ’ s Central Division entering the All-Star break .
The Wolves outshot the Stars 37-19 .
Roy gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally at 7:06 .
After defenseman Brayden Pachal ’ s shot was stopped by traffic , Kolesar collected the puck in the slot and backhanded a short , nifty pass to set up Roy ’ s precise flick past goaltender Landon Bow .
The Stars ( 21-19-2-2 ) answered quickly with a power-play goal at 9:16 , snapping the Wolves ’ streak of 21 consecutive penalty kills .
Louis snapped a shot from the right faceoff circle over goaltender Garret Sparks ’ blocker to make it 1-1 .
Texas grabbed a 2-1 lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brad McClure stole the puck in the defensive zone , spun to face the net and fired it home .
The Wolves tied it at 2 at 12:30 of the first as Roy repaid Kolesar for his earlier setup .
Pachal zipped a pass from the left faceoff circle to the right faceoff circle for Roy , who spied Kolesar open at the far post and fed him for a redirect .
Texas regained a one-goal lead at 15:49 of the second period when defenseman Joel Hanley blasted a one-timer from the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward Tanner Kero , banked off the far post and went in the net .
The Stars made it 4-2 at 17:16 on Louis ’ snapper from the right circle .
The Wolves pulled within 4-3 on Leschyshyn ’ s quick strike from just outside the crease at 6:03 of the third .
Curtis McKenzie collected the puck in the corner , forced his way toward the net , despite the Texas defender draped all over him , and slid a quick pass to Leschyshyn for a redirect .
Texas responded moments after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mersch set up a wide-open Jason Robertson for a blast from the left circle to make it 5-3 at 10:04 .
Wolves coach Rocky Thompson pulled Sparks with just over four minutes to go to try to carve into the two-goal deficit , but Bow stood up to the late charge .

CEDAR PARK, Texas — Anthony Louis, a native of Winfield and a sixth-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2013, scored twice to spark the Texas Stars to a 5-3 victory over the Wolves on Saturday night.
Forwards Nicolas Roy and Keegan Kolesar scored power-play goals and center Jake Leschyshyn added an even-strength tally for the Wolves (21-19-3-2), who stand one point ahead of the Stars and Grand Rapids Griffins for third place in the AHL’s Central Division entering the All-Star break.
The Wolves outshot the Stars 37-19. Roy gave the Wolves the lead with his power-play tally at 7:06. After defenseman Brayden Pachal’s shot was stopped by traffic, Kolesar collected the puck in the slot and backhanded a short, nifty pass to set up Roy’s precise flick past goaltender Landon Bow.
The Stars (21-19-2-2) answered quickly with a power-play goal at 9:16, snapping the Wolves’ streak of 21 consecutive penalty kills. Louis snapped a shot from the right faceoff circle over goaltender Garret Sparks’ blocker to make it 1-1.
Texas grabbed a 2-1 lead just 24 seconds later as right wing Brad McClure stole the puck in the defensive zone, spun to face the net and fired it home.
The Wolves tied it at 2 at 12:30 of the first as Roy repaid Kolesar for his earlier setup. Pachal zipped a pass from the left faceoff circle to the right faceoff circle for Roy, who spied Kolesar open at the far post and fed him for a redirect.
Texas regained a one-goal lead at 15:49 of the second period when defenseman Joel Hanley blasted a one-timer from the top of the right circle that tipped off forward Tanner Kero, banked off the far post and went in the net. The Stars made it 4-2 at 17:16 on Louis’ snapper from the right circle.
The Wolves pulled within 4-3 on Leschyshyn’s quick strike from just outside the crease at 6:03 of the third. Curtis McKenzie collected the puck in the corner, forced his way toward the net, despite the Texas defender draped all over him, and slid a quick pass to Leschyshyn for a redirect.
Texas responded moments after a power play ended as forward Michael Mersch set up a wide-open Jason Robertson for a blast from the left circle to make it 5-3 at 10:04.
Wolves coach Rocky Thompson pulled Sparks with just over four minutes to go to try to carve into the two-goal deficit, but Bow stood up to the late charge.
Bow (11-8-2) finished with 34 saves, while Sparks (5-13-3) posted 14.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--2 shot in West Englewood

2 shot in West Englewood

Two men were shot Sunday in West Englewood on the South Side .
About 5 p.m. , the men , @ @ @ @ @ inside a vehicle in the 5700 block of South Winchester Avenue when a gray vehicle @ @ @ @ @ opened fire , Chicago police said .
The 30-year-old was struck twice in the leg @ @ @ @ @ in the hip , police said .
Both were taken to the University of Chicago @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two men were shot Sunday in West Englewood on the South Side.
About 5 p.m., the men, 30 and 35, were inside a vehicle in the 5700 block of South Winchester Avenue when a gray vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.
The 30-year-old was struck twice in the leg and the 35-year-old was shot in the hip, police said. Both were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
Area South detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--Michael Jordan reacts to Kobe Bryant’s death: ‘Words can’t describe the pain’

Michael Jordan joined the chorus of sadness and admiration for Kobe Bryant following his widely reported death in a helicopter accident Sunday , saying that “ words can ’ t describe the pain I ’ m feeling.
” Bryant , who died Sunday morning at age 41 , grew up idolizing Jordan before successfully emulating him in becoming a basketball icon .
“ I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe ’ s and Gianna ’ s passing .
Words can ’ t the pain I ’ m feeling .
I loved Kobe – he was like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk often , and I will miss those conversations very much .
“ He was a fierce competitor , one of the greats of the game and a creative force .
Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter ’ s love for the game of basketball .
“ Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa , the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.
” Bryant and Jordan ’ s careers only overlapped for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t help but compare the two guards given their styles and high-scoring , title-winning resumes .
The former Los Angeles Lakers star once called Jordan a “ big brother ” and said that “ because we see things in a similar way in terms of our competitive spirit or fire or whatever the case may be , there ’ s an understanding that we have—a connection that we have.
” Jordan said in his statement Sunday he saw Bryant as a “ little brother.
” Kobe finished his career third on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot ahead of MJ .
When LeBron James passed him for the No .
3 spot all-time Saturday night , Bryant tweeted out his congratulations to James .

Michael Jordan joined the chorus of sadness and admiration for Kobe Bryant following his widely reported death in a helicopter accident Sunday, saying that “words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling.”
Bryant, who died Sunday morning at age 41, grew up idolizing Jordan before successfully emulating him in becoming a basketball icon.
Following Bryant’s death Sunday, Jordan released a statement:
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.
“He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball.
“Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”
Bryant and Jordan’s careers only overlapped for a few seasons, but the media and fans couldn’t help but compare the two guards given their styles and high-scoring, title-winning resumes.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star once called Jordan a “big brother” and said that “because we see things in a similar way in terms of our competitive spirit or fire or whatever the case may be, there’s an understanding that we have—a connection that we have.” Jordan said in his statement Sunday he saw Bryant as a “little brother.”
Kobe finished his career third on the all-time NBA scoring leaderboard, one spot ahead of MJ. When LeBron James passed him for the No. 3 spot all-time Saturday night, Bryant tweeted out his congratulations to James.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant’s death stuns the entire sports world

That ’ s where the one-time Bulls big man was in the minority .
When celebrating the life and death of Bryant , it ’ s important to distinguish Bryant from the “ Mamba ’ ’ because the two were very different .
Bryant , 41 , was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday afternoon , completely shaking the very foundation of not only the NBA , but the entire sports world .
That was the force he commanded .
In his auto-documentary “ Muse , ’ ’ however , Bryant talked about how he had to create the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the 2003 sexual assault charges – and the pending court case that followed .
“ I went from a person who was at the top of his game , had everything coming , to a year later , having absolutely no idea where life is going or if you are even going to be a part of life as we all know it , ’ ’ Bryant said in the documentary .
“ I had to separate myself .
It felt like there were so many things coming at once .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing .
I had to organize things .
So I created The Black Mamba.
’ ’ Kobe Bryant handled the personal challenges .
“ The Mamba ’ ’ handled everything and anything on the court .
And damn right , he was difficult on teammates .
“ He ’ s got that Alpha personality , character , ’ ’ Gasol said in a 2015 interview with the Sun-Times .
“ You just got to understand where he ’ s coming from and work with him the best you can .
Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not going to work out really well , so I understood , and my personality fit in perfectly with his and the team at the time .
“ He ’ s just a hard , hard-working guy that wants to be the best .
He doesn ’ t settle for anything less , and he ’ s always going to try to be and will be exceptional.
’ ’ That ’ s why the news on Bryant was so devastating .
What he did on the basketball court in picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Jordan was legendary .
Five NBA Championships , playing with Los Angeles Lakers his entire career .
What he was doing post-basketball career was just as “ exceptional , ’ ’ winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for “ Dear Basketball.
’ ’ Hollywood was just the next court for the “ Mamba ’ ’ to excel on , while Bryant had reworked his image into being a stellar father .
That ’ s what former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wanted to focus on .
The man and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the title game when he was an assistant with Boston , and maintained a relationship with Bryant off the court since .
“ It ’ s just heart-breaking , ’ ’ Thibodeau said to the Sun-Times after hearing the news .
“ It ’ s stunning , it ’ s devastating , it ’ s all of those things .
This guy , and it ’ s not just what he was as a basketball player , that ’ s obvious to anyone that watched him play .
And I knew him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just to watch him grow up and all the things he was able to achieve .
To continue on after his playing career , just a remarkable human being , a remarkable father .
It ’ s devastating on all levels in terms of his family , his Laker family , just so sad.
’ ’ But when talking about Bryant ’ s life , especially in Chicago , as big a shadow as Bryant cast on the NBA , he will forever be in Jordan ’ s shadow .
Jordan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not only from a title standpoint , but for a time he even started to sound like Jordan in interviews , mimicking his mannerisms .
And while Bryant never fully reached Jordan ’ s legend , both he and LeBron James were as close as it gets .
“ I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe ’ s and Gianna ’ s passing .
Words can ’ t describe the pain I ’ m feeling .
I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will miss those conversations very much .
He was a fierce competitor , one of the greats of the game and a creative force .
Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter ’ s love for the game of basketball .
Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa , the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world , ’ ’ Jordan said in a statement .
Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson sent out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization is terribly saddened about the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant , his daughter Gianna , and the other passengers in today ’ s horrific helicopter crash in California , ’ ’ Paxson said .
“ While he leaves us far too soon , his legacy and persona will forever be remembered .
One of the best to have ever played the game of basketball , we extend our deepest sympathies to the Bryant family and the other families affected.
’ ’ Former President Barack Obama also issued a heart-felt Tweet : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act .
To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents .
Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
’ ’ Just a trickle of the out-pouring in the wake of Bryant ’ s death and the death of his daughter , Gianna .
“ I ’ m shook….. idk what to think right now , ’ ’ Bulls guard Zach LaVine wrote .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even come close to describing it .
Just an incredibly sad and tragic day , ’ ’ former Bulls great Scottie Pippen Tweeted out .
And of course , Gasol .
“ Beyond devastated… my big brother , ’ ’ Gasol wrote .
“ I can ’ t , I just can ’ t believe it .
’ ’

Former Bulls big man Pau Gasol loved Kobe Bryant. Millions worldwide did.
Gasol also loved the ‘‘Black Mamba.’’ That’s where he was in the minority.
When celebrating the life and mourning the death of Bryant, it’s important to distinguish Bryant from the ‘‘Mamba’’ because the two were very different.
Bryant, 41, was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday, shaking the foundation of the NBA and the entire sports world. That was the force he commanded.
In his auto-documentary, ‘‘Muse,’’ Bryant talked about how he had to create the ‘‘Black Mamba’’ persona to deal with sexual-assault charges in 2003 and the pending court case that followed.
‘‘I went from a person who was at the top of his game, had everything coming, to a year later having absolutely no idea where life is going or if you are even going to be a part of life as we all know it,’’ Bryant said in the documentary. ‘‘I had to separate myself. It felt like there were so many things coming at once. It was just becoming very, very confusing. I had to organize things. So I created the ‘Black Mamba.’ ’’
Bryant handled the personal challenges; the ‘‘Mamba’’ handled everything on the court. And damn right he was difficult on teammates.
‘‘He’s got that alpha personality, character,’’ Gasol said in an interview with the Sun-Times in 2015. ‘‘You’ve just got to understand where he’s coming from and work with him the best you can. Don’t try and bump heads with him; it’s not going to work out really well. So I understood, and my personality fit in perfectly with his and the team at the time.
‘‘He’s just a hard-working guy that wants to be the best. He doesn’t settle for anything less, and he’s always going to try to be — and will be — exceptional.’’
That’s why the news about Bryant was so devastating. What he did on the court in picking up the mantle from Bulls legend Michael Jordan — five NBA titles with the Lakers — was legendary.
What he was doing after his basketball career was just as exceptional, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for ‘‘Dear Basketball.’’
Hollywood was just the next court on which the ‘‘Mamba’’ could excel. Meanwhile, Bryant had reworked his image into being a stellar father.
That’s what former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wanted to focus on. Thibodeau coached against the Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals as an assistant with the Celtics and had maintained a relationship with Bryant since.
‘‘It’s just heartbreaking,’’ Thibodeau told the Sun-Times after hearing the news. ‘‘It’s stunning, it’s devastating, it’s all of those things. And it’s not just what he was as a basketball player; that’s obvious to anyone that watched him play. . . . To continue on after his playing career, just a remarkable human being, a remarkable father. It’s devastating on all levels in terms of his family, his Laker family. Just so sad.’’
But when talking about Bryant’s life, especially in Chicago, he forever will be in Jordan’s shadow.
Jordan’s legacy was the ghost he chased — and not only from a title standpoint. For a time, he even started to sound like Jordan in interviews, mimicking his mannerisms.
And while Bryant never fully reached Jordan’s legend, he and LeBron James are as close as it gets.
‘‘I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and [daughter] Gianna’s passing,’’ Jordan said in a statement. ‘‘Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe; he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.
‘‘Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. [My wife] Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to [Bryant’s wife] Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.’’
Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson also released a statement about Bryant’s death.
‘‘The Chicago Bulls organization is terribly saddened about the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the other passengers in today’s horrific helicopter crash in California,’’ Paxson said. ‘‘While he leaves us far too soon, his legacy and persona will forever be remembered. One of the best to have ever played the game of basketball, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Bryant family and the other families affected.’’
Former President Barack Obama issued a heartfelt tweet that read: ‘‘Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. [Wife] Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.’’
Here is a sample of some of the other thoughts in the wake of Bryant’s death:
• ‘‘I’m shook. . . . idk what to think right now,’’ Bulls guard Zach LaVine tweeted.
• ‘‘I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day,’’ former Bulls great Scottie Pippen tweeted.
• ‘‘Beyond devastated . . . my big brother . . . I can’t, I just can’t believe it,’’ Gasol tweeted.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--The death of Kobe Bryant and the pain of losing someone you didn’t know

Some news is just crushing .
It comes out of nowhere , stops you in your tracks , punches you in the stomach , steals your breath and slips away .
It leaves you with a dumb , dopey open mouth that , in the moment , is incapable of forming the words you ’ re asking yourself .
What ?
How ?
When ?
And , most of all , why ?
I did not know Kobe Bryant .
If I interviewed him or sat in on one of his press conferences , I have no memory of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit in the raw moments after hearing of his death , and I feel like I ’ ve lost something of my own .
Why is that ?
There ’ s the suddenness of it , for sure .
One moment a man is flying in a helicopter and the next there is only the sky where he and it used to be , like some old TV cartoon .
But in those cartoons , there were no consequences after gravity had taken over .
Wile E. Coyote always walked away .
Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most human beings on the planet , was beholden to gravity like the rest of us .
A helicopter crash killed him and eight others , including his 13-year-old daughter , on Sunday morning in Calabasas , Calif .
The former Lakers star was 41 .
Why does this news sting so much ?
Part of it is that superstars aren ’ t supposed to die relatively young and certainly not tragically .
I don ’ t know how they ’ re supposed to die , and , frankly , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from inside me .
Maybe from that place where a little boy first started watching sports .
Where stars can do no wrong .
Where they ’ re bigger than life and above death .
But of course they can die .
I knew that .
I just wish I didn ’ t know it so well right now .
The death of his daughter , Gianna , feels like another punch , this one after the round had ended .
Unfair .
And beyond cruel .
Bryant was a phenomenal basketball player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA champion .
He unapologetically patterned himself after the Bulls ’ Michael Jordan .
We in Chicago teased him about that – about the way he shot like MJ , the way he backed into defenders like MJ , the way he talked like MJ .
But the truth is that he was the closest thing to a Jordan clone there has ever been .
There ’ s no faint praise in that , only respect ; you had to be damn good just to get a foot inside Michael ’ s shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court that lots of people wanted to do but couldn ’ t .
He scored 81 points in a game , second only to Wilt Chamberlain ’ s 100 .
He won two scoring titles .
He came to the NBA right out of high school in 1996 and fit right in .
He was an All-Star his second season .
I didn ’ t have much use for Bryant earlier in his career , when he was accused of sexually assaulting a hotel worker in 2003 .
The criminal charges were dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court , but he reached a settlement with her after she filed a civil suit .
There was an apology from him but no admission of guilt .
There was no # MeToo movement back then , and fans greeted him with cheers when he returned to the basketball court .
Way too many fans , in my opinion .
It was nasty and ugly and , like a lot of things in a celebrity obsessed country , eventually pushed to the corner of our collective memory .
You play long enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back .
That can happen when you average a career-high 35.4 points a game , which Bryant did two years later .
He never stopped being excellent at his craft .
The proof of that is what we called him : Kobe .
Just Kobe .
There was only one of him , and he didn ’ t require a last name .
He ’ s a sure-fire top-15 player in NBA history .
Many would put him in the top 10 , and others would put him in the top five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was great .
You can ’ t tell the story of the NBA without him .
He could get his shot whenever he wanted .
He could move his body almost effortlessly in midair .
Having springs for quadriceps helped .
He ’ s gone , and I still can ’ t quite believe it .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve been this shocked over national news since 9/11 .
If my emotional proportionality is out of whack , I ’ m sorry .
I ’ m just telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — gutted , for reasons I ’ m not sure I totally understand .
I don ’ t feel like I ’ ve been deprived of something .
Bryant gave basketball fans everything they could have wanted when he was playing , but I haven ’ t sat around since he retired in 2016 wondering what he was going to do with the rest of his life .
I didn ’ t pay much attention to the 2018 Oscar he won for an animated short film he wrote and produced .
I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve lost an idea .
I ’ ve lost somebody I didn ’ t know .
For one person to have that effect on another is an amazing thing .
It ’ s a measure of a life .

Some news is just crushing. It comes out of nowhere, stops you in your tracks, punches you in the stomach, steals your breath and slips away. It leaves you with a dumb, dopey open mouth that, in the moment, is incapable of forming the words you’re asking yourself.
What? How? When?
And, most of all, why?
I did not know Kobe Bryant. If I interviewed him or sat in on one of his press conferences, I have no memory of it. And, yet, here I sit in the raw moments after hearing of his death, and I feel like I’ve lost something of my own. Why is that? There’s the suddenness of it, for sure. One moment a man is flying in a helicopter and the next there is only the sky where he and it used to be, like some old TV cartoon. But in those cartoons, there were no consequences after gravity had taken over. Wile E. Coyote always walked away.
Bryant, who could once jump higher than most human beings on the planet, was beholden to gravity like the rest of us. A helicopter crash killed him and eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, on Sunday morning in Calabasas, Calif. The former Lakers star was 41.
Why does this news sting so much?
Part of it is that superstars aren’t supposed to die relatively young and certainly not tragically. I don’t know how they’re supposed to die, and, frankly, I don’t know where this idea of immortality comes from inside me. Maybe from that place where a little boy first started watching sports. Where stars can do no wrong. Where they’re bigger than life and above death. But of course they can die. I knew that. I just wish I didn’t know it so well right now.
The death of his daughter, Gianna, feels like another punch, this one after the round had ended. Unfair. And beyond cruel.
Kobe talking with Gianna in 2018. Chris Carlson/AP Photo
Bryant was a phenomenal basketball player, an 18-time All-Star and a five-time NBA champion. He unapologetically patterned himself after the Bulls’ Michael Jordan. We in Chicago teased him about that – about the way he shot like MJ, the way he backed into defenders like MJ, the way he talked like MJ. But the truth is that he was the closest thing to a Jordan clone there has ever been. There’s no faint praise in that, only respect; you had to be damn good just to get a foot inside Michael’s shadow.
Bryant did things on a basketball court that lots of people wanted to do but couldn’t. He scored 81 points in a game, second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100. He won two scoring titles. He came to the NBA right out of high school in 1996 and fit right in. He was an All-Star his second season.
I didn’t have much use for Bryant earlier in his career, when he was accused of sexually assaulting a hotel worker in 2003. The criminal charges were dropped when the alleged victim refused to testify in court, but he reached a settlement with her after she filed a civil suit. There was an apology from him but no admission of guilt. There was no #MeToo movement back then, and fans greeted him with cheers when he returned to the basketball court. Way too many fans, in my opinion.
It was nasty and ugly and, like a lot of things in a celebrity obsessed country, eventually pushed to the corner of our collective memory. You play long enough, and those endorsements you lost start coming back. That can happen when you average a career-high 35.4 points a game, which Bryant did two years later.
He never stopped being excellent at his craft. The proof of that is what we called him: Kobe. Just Kobe. There was only one of him, and he didn’t require a last name.
He’s a sure-fire top-15 player in NBA history. Many would put him in the top 10, and others would put him in the top five. It doesn’t matter. He was great. You can’t tell the story of the NBA without him. He could get his shot whenever he wanted. He could move his body almost effortlessly in midair. Having springs for quadriceps helped.
He’s gone, and I still can’t quite believe it.
I don’t think I’ve been this shocked over national news since 9/11. If my emotional proportionality is out of whack, I’m sorry. I’m just telling you how I feel in this moment — gutted, for reasons I’m not sure I totally understand.
I don’t feel like I’ve been deprived of something. Bryant gave basketball fans everything they could have wanted when he was playing, but I haven’t sat around since he retired in 2016 wondering what he was going to do with the rest of his life. I didn’t pay much attention to the 2018 Oscar he won for an animated short film he wrote and produced.
I feel like I’ve lost something. I’ve lost an idea. I’ve lost somebody I didn’t know. For one person to have that effect on another is an amazing thing. It’s a measure of a life.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--World reacts to Kobe Bryant’s death: ‘RIP LEGEND’

• Kobe Bryant # 24 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball with his left hand in the lane in the third quarter against the New Orleans Hornets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 26 , 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles , California .
• In this photo taken on July 21 , 2009 US Baskeball player Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to fans as he arrives for a charity event as part of his Asian tour in Manila .
• In this photo taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles on court in the closing moments of Game 5 in the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena in Orlando , Florida .
• In this photo taken on June 16 , 2009 Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates on court moments before the end of Game 5 in the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena in Orlando , Florida .
• In this photo taken on June 07 , 2009 Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Orlando Magic at the Staples Center in Los Angeles .
• In this photo taken on August 24 , 2008 ( L to R ) USA ’ s Kobe Bryant and USA ’ s Dwyane Wade bite their medals on the podium after the men ’ s basketball gold medal match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing • In this photo taken on August 24 , 2008 USA ’ s Kobe Bryant celebrates at the end of the men ’ s basketball gold medal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing .
• In this photo taken on June 17 , 2010 Los Angeles Lakers MVP Kobe Bryant holds the team and MVP trophies after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals to clinch the Championship at Staples Center in Los Angeles , California .
• Chicago Bulls ’ Michael Jordan , playing for the East All-Stars , drives in between Los Angeles Lakers ’ Kobe Bryant ( 8 ) and Utah Jazz ’ Karl Malone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NBA All-Star game at New York ’ s Madison Square Garden on Sunday , Feb. 8 , 1998 .
Atlanta Hawks ’ Dikembe Mutombo watches at left .
Jordan was selected as the games Most Valuable Player .

Kobe Bryant, one of the most important and influential athletes of his generation, died Sunday in a helicopter crash in California. An 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, he made an indelible impact on athletes across the planet with his passion both on and off the court.
As news of Bryant’s death at age 41 spread across the sports world, there was an outpouring of shock, sadness, respect and admiration for the former Laker. At Staples Center, fans have already assembled to create a memorial in his honor. Athletes in other sports, such as Tom Brady and CC Sabathia, have shared their thoughts.
President Donald Trump called it “terrible news.”
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2020
Former President Barack Obama sent his love and prayers to the Bryant family on an “unthinkable day.”
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day. — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
Here’s a look at how his peers in basketball have reacted to the heartbreaking news:
Former NBA players and legends
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1 — SHAQ.SOL (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day. — Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No! — DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can’t, I just can’t believe it — Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk — Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
This is piercing my soul, prayers to the Bryant family... Hard to even comprehend.. — Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) January 26, 2020
This is not real right now — Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
I’m truly lost for words! We’ve been friends since we were 12 years old and to lose you and your daughter like this is unthinkable. I’m so heartbroken right now 💔💔💔💔💔! I love you my brother and you will be severely… https://t.co/h8GMOH5vtb — Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) January 26, 2020
My brother words cannot express what you meant to the lives of many. Prayers to the Bryant family #MambaForever #GoneTooSoon #24#8 rest peacefully pic.twitter.com/Yy0b7Kpbwm — Jason "The Jet" Terry (@jasonterry31) January 26, 2020
Legends will always live 🐐 🙏 pic.twitter.com/UVdZe4e686 — Charlie Villanueva cvbelieve.eth (@CVBelieve) January 26, 2020
Don’t know where to begin..
Thoughts and prayers out to the Bryant Family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YqoetFdgQi — Mike Miller (@MikeMiller_13) January 26, 2020
Current NBA stars
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND — Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 this is so sad! RIP💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/5ykf0drVSG — Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true. — Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
This is devastating to not just his family but the world. My condolences to his family and loved ones. #ripkobe — Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) January 26, 2020
🙏🏽🤦🏽♂ RIP to a legend smh — Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) January 26, 2020
It’s not even about basketball at this moment, May God be with your family 🙏🏾 thank you for all the words. #RIP #kobe #8 #24 pic.twitter.com/j9zmjaoQP5 — Emmanuel Mudiay (@emmanuelmudiay) January 26, 2020
💔🖤 — John Wall (@JohnWall) January 26, 2020
No fucking way... no way, no way........ No way......... No way......no way...... I love you Kobe... — 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 26, 2020
Peace and power to the Bryant family, and basketball lovers around the world. R.I.P @kobebryant 😢 #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/yn3Bgo0VAu — Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) January 26, 2020
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn’t even feel real man.. — Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020
I had the honor to shake Kobe’s hand before my first ever NBA game. The man was a legend and that is a moment I will never forget. Prayers to his family and friends. Life is fragile. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/yl1UgyrWZc — Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) January 26, 2020
Rip @kobebryant 😔 doesn’t feel real.... my heart goes out to his family and loved ones 🦋 pic.twitter.com/0qQeBtsz6U — Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 26, 2020
I’m shook..... idk what to think right now — Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) January 26, 2020
God, we ALL need you! — Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) January 26, 2020
THE DAY I EARNED YOUR RESPECT WAS A DAY ILL NEVER FORGET.! REST PEACEFULLY GOAT.! 😔😔🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/cKnTCNo23s — JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) January 26, 2020
Devastating news :((( completely speechless !! RIP legend .... — Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) January 26, 2020
Can’t be real — Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 26, 2020
I couldn’t guard him. No one could. He’s an All-Star in Heaven too. Praying for the whole family. I’m in shock. pic.twitter.com/xdGAgi5seM — marcus smart (@smart_MS3) January 26, 2020
Outside the NBA world
We miss you already Kobe ❤❤🙏🏼🙏🏼 — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Kobe, We love you brother
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY — ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
My heart hurts for Kobe and his family. Life aint fair man. This cant be — Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 26, 2020
Don’t want to believe what I’m seeing / hearing on Kobe 🙏🏾😞 — D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant man. pic.twitter.com/oYsPutCmpD — Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant Photo Gallery


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Lil Nas X win early Grammys

LOS ANGELES — “ A Star Is Born ” is having a rebirth at the 2020 Grammys : After winning two honors at last year ’ s show , the top-selling soundtrack won Lady Gaga two more awards Sunday .
The album won best compilation soundtrack for visual media , giving Bradley Cooper his second Grammy .
The song “ I ’ ll Never Love Again ” picked up best song written for visual media , awarded to songwriters including Gaga , Natalie Hemby , Hillary Lindsey and Aaron Raitiere .
At the 2019 Grammys , Gaga and Cooper won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and the Oscar-winning song also won the Grammy for best song written for visual media .
Gaga will compete for one more Grammy — song of the year for “ I ’ ll Never Love Again ” — which will be presented during the live show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles .
The pre-telecast ceremony , where most of the awards are handed out , opened with a brief remembrance of NBA star Kobe Bryant , who was killed earlier in the day in a helicopter crash in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played for the LA Lakers , Interim Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said , “ Since we are in his house , I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence.
” Michelle Obama picked up best spoken world album for “ Becoming ” during the pre-show .
Former President Barack Obama has won that same honor twice .
Mrs. Obama beat out the Beastie Boys , Eric Alexandrakis , John Waters , and Sekou Andrews & The String Theory to earn her first Grammy win ; she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Grown : The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.
” And Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus won best music video for “ Old Town Road , ” marking the first Grammy win for both performers .
“ Let me just hold it , ” Lil Nas X said , looking at the gramophone .
“ Um .
Thank you.
” Others who won ahead of the telecast included Billie Eilish ’ s older brother Finneas , who picked up best engineered album ( non-classical ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s debut album .
Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir won best score soundtrack for visual media for “ Chernobyl.
” Guðnadóttir won an Emmy last year for composing the TV series and she ’ s nominated for an Oscar for her work on “ Joker.
” Beyoncé also won an early Grammy : She picked up best music film for her Netflix special “ Homecoming.
” It was her 24th Grammy .
New stars like Lizzo and Eilish have a chance at winning the first Grammys of their career , but a cloud loomed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days before arguably the biggest night in music , the industry erupted when the Recording Academy announced it had put its recently hired CEO , Deborah Dugan , on administrative leave for misconduct .
Dugan and her lawyers fired back at the academy , claiming that the awards show is rigged .
Tarriona “ Tank ” Ball of the New Orleans soul-funk band Tank and the Bangas , nominated for best new artist , said she ’ s not letting the drama ruin the achievement for her band .
“ I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m supposed to be at , and I don ’ t want anything taking away from all the nominees , ” Ball said .
“ This is our moment .
This is our time.
” Alicia Keys is hosting the Grammys , which air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles starting at 8 p.m. Eastern .
The show will be jam-packed with performances , including Ariana Grande , BTS , Camila Cabello , Demi Lovato , Jonas Brothers , DJ Khaled , Rosalia , Aerosmith , Bonnie Raitt , Tyler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shelton , John Legend and Cyndi Lauper .
The show will also include special tributes to Prince and Nipsey Hussle , who is posthumously nominated for three awards , as well as longtime Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich , who is wrapping up his career with the show Sunday .
The last Hussle won his first Grammy Award , posthumously for best rap performance Sunday for “ Racks in the Middle , ” which also features Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy .
Lauren London , Hussle ’ s partner and the mother of his child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hussle ’ s family .
London called Hussle “ a phenomenal vessel ” who “ did it not just for the awards , but for the people.
” The Los Angeles rapper whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom , got his first Grammy nomination last year .
Less than two months later , he was shot and killed at age 33 as he stood outside his clothing store .
Lizzo , the top nominee competing for eight awards , will also perform .
Her major-label debut , “ Cuz I Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year along with projects from Grande , Lana Del Rey , Vampire Weekend , H.E.R.
, Bon Iver , Eilish and Lil Nas X. Lizzo ’ s No .
1 hit , “ Truth Hurts , ” is also up for song and record of the year .
Eilish , who will perform , also scored song and record of the year nods for her No .
1 hit , “ Bad Guy.
” Other record of the year nominees include Lil Nas X ’ s “ Old Town Road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Post Malone and Swae Lee ’ s “ Sunflower , ” H.E.R.
’ s “ Hard Place , ” Bon Iver ’ s “ Hey , Ma ” and Khalid ’ s “ Talk.
” Taylor Swift was shut out of album and record of the year , but she did score a nod for song of the year — a songwriter ’ s award .
Her tune “ Lover ” is nominated against “ Truth Hurts , ” “ Bad Guy , ” “ Hard Place , ” Lady Gaga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Way ” from “ A Star Is Born , ” Lewis Capaldi ’ s “ Someone You Loved , ” Lana Del Rey ’ s “ Norman ( Expletive ) Rockwell ” and Tanya Tucker ’ s “ Bring My Flowers Now , ” which was co-written by Brandi Carlile .
The Grammys will hand out roughly 10 awards during the live show .
Most of the 84 awards are given out before the live show .
Presenters this year include Stevie Wonder , Smokey Robinson , Billy Porter , Trevor Noah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ava DuVernay , Shania Twain and Common .

LOS ANGELES — “A Star Is Born” is having a rebirth at the 2020 Grammys: After winning two honors at last year’s show, the top-selling soundtrack won Lady Gaga two more awards Sunday.
The album won best compilation soundtrack for visual media, giving Bradley Cooper his second Grammy. The song “I’ll Never Love Again” picked up best song written for visual media, awarded to songwriters including Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey and Aaron Raitiere.
At the 2019 Grammys, Gaga and Cooper won best pop duo/group performance for “Shallow,” and the Oscar-winning song also won the Grammy for best song written for visual media.
Gaga will compete for one more Grammy — song of the year for “I’ll Never Love Again” — which will be presented during the live show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The pre-telecast ceremony, where most of the awards are handed out, opened with a brief remembrance of NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed earlier in the day in a helicopter crash in California.
Referring to the arena where Bryant played for the LA Lakers, Interim Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “Since we are in his house, I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence.”
Michelle Obama picked up best spoken world album for “Becoming” during the pre-show. Former President Barack Obama has won that same honor twice. Mrs. Obama beat out the Beastie Boys, Eric Alexandrakis, John Waters, and Sekou Andrews & The String Theory to earn her first Grammy win; she was previously nominated for 2013’s “American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.”
And Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus won best music video for “Old Town Road,” marking the first Grammy win for both performers.
Lil Nas X accepts the Best Music Video award for ‘Old Town Road’ onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on Sunday in Los Angeles. Getty
“Let me just hold it,” Lil Nas X said, looking at the gramophone. “Um. Thank you.”
Others who won ahead of the telecast included Billie Eilish’s older brother Finneas, who picked up best engineered album (non-classical) for his work on his sister’s debut album. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir won best score soundtrack for visual media for “Chernobyl.” Guðnadóttir won an Emmy last year for composing the TV series and she’s nominated for an Oscar for her work on “Joker.”
Beyoncé also won an early Grammy: She picked up best music film for her Netflix special “Homecoming.” It was her 24th Grammy.
New stars like Lizzo and Eilish have a chance at winning the first Grammys of their career, but a cloud loomed over this year’s awards.
Ten days before arguably the biggest night in music, the industry erupted when the Recording Academy announced it had put its recently hired CEO, Deborah Dugan, on administrative leave for misconduct. Dugan and her lawyers fired back at the academy, claiming that the awards show is rigged.
Tarriona “Tank” Ball of the New Orleans soul-funk band Tank and the Bangas, nominated for best new artist, said she’s not letting the drama ruin the achievement for her band.
“I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be at, and I don’t want anything taking away from all the nominees,” Ball said. “This is our moment. This is our time.”
Alicia Keys is hosting the Grammys, which air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles starting at 8 p.m. Eastern. The show will be jam-packed with performances, including Ariana Grande, BTS, Camila Cabello, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, Rosalia, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Tyler, the Creator, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, John Legend and Cyndi Lauper.
The show will also include special tributes to Prince and Nipsey Hussle, who is posthumously nominated for three awards, as well as longtime Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich, who is wrapping up his career with the show Sunday.
The last Hussle won his first Grammy Award, posthumously for best rap performance Sunday for “Racks in the Middle,” which also features Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy.
Lauren London, Hussle’s partner and the mother of his child, accepted the award with several members of Hussle’s family.
London called Hussle “a phenomenal vessel” who “did it not just for the awards, but for the people.”
The Los Angeles rapper whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, got his first Grammy nomination last year.
Less than two months later, he was shot and killed at age 33 as he stood outside his clothing store.
Lizzo, the top nominee competing for eight awards, will also perform.
Her major-label debut, “Cuz I Love You,” is nominated for album of the year along with projects from Grande, Lana Del Rey, Vampire Weekend, H.E.R., Bon Iver, Eilish and Lil Nas X.
Lizzo’s No. 1 hit, “Truth Hurts,” is also up for song and record of the year. Eilish, who will perform, also scored song and record of the year nods for her No. 1 hit, “Bad Guy.”
Other record of the year nominees include Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Grande’s “7 Rings,” Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower,” H.E.R.’s “Hard Place,” Bon Iver’s “Hey, Ma” and Khalid’s “Talk.”
Taylor Swift was shut out of album and record of the year, but she did score a nod for song of the year — a songwriter’s award. Her tune “Lover” is nominated against “Truth Hurts,” “Bad Guy,” “Hard Place,” Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way” from “A Star Is Born,” Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved,” Lana Del Rey’s “Norman (Expletive) Rockwell” and Tanya Tucker’s “Bring My Flowers Now,” which was co-written by Brandi Carlile.
The Grammys will hand out roughly 10 awards during the live show. Most of the 84 awards are given out before the live show. Presenters this year include Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Billy Porter, Trevor Noah, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Cynthia Erivo, Ava DuVernay, Shania Twain and Common.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-26--Woman, 29, missing from Grand Crossing safely located

A 29-year-old woman who was reported missing from Grand Crossing on the South Side has been safely located .
Tierra @ @ @ @ @ in the 6900 block of South Stony Island Avenue and the 7000 block of South @ @ @ @ @ a missing persons alert from Chicago police .
Police cancelled the alert about 3:20 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ safely located .
”

A 29-year-old woman who was reported missing from Grand Crossing on the South Side has been safely located.
Tierra Bostick was last seen Sunday in the 6900 block of South Stony Island Avenue and the 7000 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, according to a missing persons alert from Chicago police.
Police cancelled the alert about 3:20 p.m., saying Bostick was “safely located.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Metra MD-N inbound service delayed after train breaks down near Libertyville

Inbound trains are running behind schedule on Metra ’ s Milwaukee District North line after a train broke down during @ @ @ @ @ suburban Libertyville .
Train 2102 , scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:19 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ 5:30 a.m. because of a mechanical failure , according to service alerts from Metra .
@ @ @ @ @ arrive at Union Station at 6:51 a.m. , was also stopped near Libertyville because of @ @ @ @ @ said .
Both trains will combine and run express from Deerfield to Chicago .
A @ @ @ @ @ will accommodate commuters bypassed by the expressing train , according to Metra .
Train 2192 @ @ @ @ @ Forest at 7:48 a.m. , will not run Monday because of the mechanical problems .
@ @ @ @ @ Metra ’ s website and listen to platform announcements for the latest service information .

Inbound trains are running behind schedule on Metra’s Milwaukee District North line after a train broke down during the morning commute near north suburban Libertyville.
Train 2102, scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:19 a.m., was halted near Libertyville about 5:30 a.m. because of a mechanical failure, according to service alerts from Metra.
Train 2104, scheduled to arrive at Union Station at 6:51 a.m., was also stopped near Libertyville because of the earlier breakdown, Metra said. Both trains will combine and run express from Deerfield to Chicago.
A subsequent train, 2106, will accommodate commuters bypassed by the expressing train, according to Metra. Train 2192, scheduled to leave Lake Forest at 7:48 a.m., will not run Monday because of the mechanical problems.
Riders are advised to check Metra’s website and listen to platform announcements for the latest service information.
Metra Alert MD-N - #2102/#2104 combination trains is on the move, operating with extensive delays. This train will express from Deerfield to Chicago, train #2106 will accommodate the Customers. — Metra MD-N (@metraMDN) January 27, 2020


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--2 killed, 14 wounded in Chicago weekend shootings

Sixteen people were shot , two of them fatally , across Chicago over the weekend .
A man was killed Sunday afternoon in Back of the Yards on the South Side .
The 31-year-old was inside a vehicle about 3:30 p.m. in the 5200 block of South Loomis Boulevard when someone walked up and fired shots , Chicago police said .
The man was struck and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released his identity .
On Saturday , another man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Little Village on the Southwest Side .
Arturo Luna , 32 , was in a vehicle with a woman at 5:13 a.m. when an SUV pulled alongside them in the 3400 block of West 24th Street and someone inside opened fire , according to police and the medical examiner ’ s office .
Luna was hit in the head while the woman , 33 , was hit in the lower back and buttocks , officials said .
They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition , and Luna succumbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest nonfatal shooting left a 68-year-old man injured early Monday in Garfield Park on the West Side .
He was in his vehicle about 2:05 a.m. in the 400 block of South Pulaski Road when a light-colored vehicle with two people inside drove up , police said .
The driver fired shots , striking the man in the shoulder , and sped off northbound on Pulaski .
The man drove to the 300 block of South Pulaski to call for help and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in West Englewood on the South Side .
The men , 30 and 35 , were inside a vehicle just after 5 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Winchester Avenue when a gray vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire , according to police .
The 30-year-old was struck twice in the leg and the 35-year-old was shot in the hip .
Both were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
Less than ten minutes before that , two men were wounded in the Back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were in a vehicle about 4:55 p.m. in the 5400 block of South Justine Street when two males walked up and shot at them , police said .
One man , 28 , was shot in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
The other , 26 , took himself to the same hospital with gunshot wounds to the calf and forearm , and was also in fair condition .
On Saturday afternoon , two men were grazed in a shooting near Riis Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 and 20 , were inside a vehicle about 4:45 p.m. when another vehicle approached them in the 6100 block of West Wrightwood Avenue , according to police .
Someone in the other vehicle pulled out a handgun and opened fire , grazing the 19-year-old in the shoulder and the 20-year-old in the head .
They drove themselves to Illinois Masonic Medical Center , where they were in fair condition .
The weekend ’ s first shooting left a man injured Friday in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
The 24-year-old was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 3700 block of West Division Street when someone got out of a dark-colored sedan and opened fire , according to police .
He was hit in the shoulder and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition .
Five other people were wounded in Chicago shootings between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday .
Last weekend , 16 people were shot , three of them fatally , in gun violence across the city .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Sixteen people were shot, two of them fatally, across Chicago over the weekend.
A man was killed Sunday afternoon in Back of the Yards on the South Side.
Anthony Harris, 31, was inside a vehicle about 3:30 p.m. in the 5200 block of South Loomis Boulevard when someone walked up and fired shots, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Harris, who lived in Chatham, was struck and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m.
On Saturday, another man was fatally wounded in a double shooting in Little Village on the Southwest Side.
Arturo Luna, 32, was in a vehicle with a woman at 5:13 a.m. when an SUV pulled alongside them in the 3400 block of West 24th Street and someone inside opened fire, according to police and the medical examiner’s office.
Luna was hit in the head while the woman, 33, was hit in the lower back and buttocks, officials said. They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, and Luna succumbed to his injuries soon after.
The latest nonfatal shooting left a 68-year-old man injured early Monday in Garfield Park on the West Side.
He was in his vehicle about 2:05 a.m. in the 400 block of South Pulaski Road when a light-colored vehicle with two people inside drove up, police said. The driver fired shots, striking the man in the shoulder, and sped off northbound on Pulaski. The man drove to the 300 block of South Pulaski to call for help and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition.
On Sunday afternoon, two men were shot in West Englewood on the South Side.
The men, 30 and 35, were inside a vehicle just after 5 p.m. in the 5700 block of South Winchester Avenue when a gray vehicle pulled up and someone inside opened fire, according to police. The 30-year-old was struck twice in the leg and the 35-year-old was shot in the hip. Both were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
Less than ten minutes before that, two men were wounded in the Back of the Yards on the South Side.
They were in a vehicle about 4:55 p.m. in the 5400 block of South Justine Street when two males walked up and shot at them, police said. One man, 28, was shot in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition. The other, 26, took himself to the same hospital with gunshot wounds to the calf and forearm, and was also in fair condition.
On Saturday afternoon, two men were grazed in a shooting near Riis Park in Belmont Central.
The men, 19 and 20, were inside a vehicle about 4:45 p.m. when another vehicle approached them in the 6100 block of West Wrightwood Avenue, according to police. Someone in the other vehicle pulled out a handgun and opened fire, grazing the 19-year-old in the shoulder and the 20-year-old in the head. They drove themselves to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where they were in fair condition.
The weekend’s first shooting left a man injured Friday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
The 24-year-old was on the sidewalk about 5:45 p.m. in the 3700 block of West Division Street when someone got out of a dark-colored sedan and opened fire, according to police. He was hit in the shoulder and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
Five other people were wounded in Chicago shootings between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.
Last weekend, 16 people were shot, three of them fatally, in gun violence across the city.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--If only 1 in 4 kids are ready for kindergarten, then Illinois is not ready at all

Most people are of the general view that children are ready for kindergarten when they have mastered the most basic of skills , such as tying their shoes , reciting the ABCs and identifying colors and shapes .
As it happens , though , “ school readiness ” is a lot more involved than that .
And kindergarten teachers in an increasing number of states , including Illinois , are required to measure that readiness in kids ’ first days in school .
If a child is found to be behind , the thinking goes , the teacher can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , is the child able to engage in conversation with an adult ?
Does he understand and ask questions about a story that someone reads to him ?
Can she sort beads into groups , by size and color ?
Does he interact with classmates and wait for his turn on the playground swings ?
A “ yes ” to such questions indicates a child is ready for kindergarten , and for life beyond .
Illinois is among at least 25 states that now require schools to assess school readiness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early findings are not heartening .
The first results of Illinois ’ Kindergarten Individual Development Survey , or KIDS , flew largely under the radar when they were released in late 2019 .
The key finding , though , was eye-opening : Only one in four kindergartners are “ school ready.
” In administering the KIDS survey , teachers observed their children ’ s classroom behavior and activities , then rated the kids on 14 specific indicators of language , math and social and emotional skills .
When the results of observations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyzed , only 26 % of the kids were found to have the necessary skill levels in all three areas .
Equally troubling , four in 10 children didn ’ t have sufficient skills in any of the three areas .
Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz , a leader of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s new early childhood commission , put it to us bluntly .
“ The KIDS data bears out the fact that we have a lot of work to do , ” Ruiz told us .
“ Kindergarten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t make that up in the K-12 years .
We have to pay attention to the first five years.
” The latest and best research on brain development has concluded that the years from birth to age 5 , when children ’ s brains soak up everything like sponges , are a make-or-break time .
That ’ s when the stage is heavily set for success — or struggle — in school and life .
Investing in high-quality early care and preschool is one of the best ways to ensure that children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend a high-quality preschool are more likely to earn their high school diploma , enroll in college , get a good job and even stay healthy .
Pritzker recently named a 29-member early childhood commission to figure out the best way for cash-strapped Illinois to use its resources to improve child care and preschool programs .
Eventually , Ruiz told us , the commission will put a price tag on the governor ’ s ambitious campaign promise to provide universal preschool throughout the state before the end of his first term .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58 million in new federal dollars to expand home visiting programs and shore up the abysmally low pay of child care workers , Pritzker announced last week .
Commission members are optimistic about the prospects for universal preschool .
We ’ re more skeptical , given the state ’ s fiscal mess .
But let ’ s see what the commission comes up with .
“ Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man , ” Aristotle famously said .
Our worry is that 7 might @ @ @ @

Most people are of the general view that children are ready for kindergarten when they have mastered the most basic of skills, such as tying their shoes, reciting the ABCs and identifying colors and shapes.
As it happens, though, “school readiness” is a lot more involved than that. And kindergarten teachers in an increasing number of states, including Illinois, are required to measure that readiness in kids’ first days in school.
If a child is found to be behind, the thinking goes, the teacher can help him or her catch up fast.
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For example, is the child able to engage in conversation with an adult? Does he understand and ask questions about a story that someone reads to him? Can she sort beads into groups, by size and color? Does he interact with classmates and wait for his turn on the playground swings?
A “yes” to such questions indicates a child is ready for kindergarten, and for life beyond.
Illinois is among at least 25 states that now require schools to assess school readiness, according to 2018 federal data.
The early findings are not heartening.
The first results of Illinois’ Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, or KIDS, flew largely under the radar when they were released in late 2019. The key finding, though, was eye-opening: Only one in four kindergartners are “school ready.”
In administering the KIDS survey, teachers observed their children’s classroom behavior and activities, then rated the kids on 14 specific indicators of language, math and social and emotional skills. When the results of observations of nearly 124,000 children across the state were analyzed, only 26% of the kids were found to have the necessary skill levels in all three areas.
Equally troubling, four in 10 children didn’t have sufficient skills in any of the three areas.
Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz, a leader of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new early childhood commission, put it to us bluntly.
“The KIDS data bears out the fact that we have a lot of work to do,” Ruiz told us. “Kindergarten readiness is key. We can’t make that up in the K-12 years. We have to pay attention to the first five years.”
The latest and best research on brain development has concluded that the years from birth to age 5, when children’s brains soak up everything like sponges, are a make-or-break time. That’s when the stage is heavily set for success — or struggle — in school and life.
Investing in high-quality early care and preschool is one of the best ways to ensure that children are fully ready for kindergarten. Children who attend a high-quality preschool are more likely to earn their high school diploma, enroll in college, get a good job and even stay healthy.
Pritzker recently named a 29-member early childhood commission to figure out the best way for cash-strapped Illinois to use its resources to improve child care and preschool programs. Eventually, Ruiz told us, the commission will put a price tag on the governor’s ambitious campaign promise to provide universal preschool throughout the state before the end of his first term.
In the meantime, Illinois is spending $58 million in new federal dollars to expand home visiting programs and shore up the abysmally low pay of child care workers, Pritzker announced last week.
Commission members are optimistic about the prospects for universal preschool. We’re more skeptical, given the state’s fiscal mess. But let’s see what the commission comes up with.
“Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man,” Aristotle famously said.
Our worry is that 7 might be too late.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Menu planner: Mediterranean lemon chicken and potatoes both frugal, flavorful

Heat oven to 400 degrees .
In a large bowl , mix all ingredients except tomato .
Place equal amounts of mixture onto 4 large squares of heavy-duty foil .
Fold top and sides of each packet to enclose filling , leaving room for air to circulate .
Place on a baking sheet ; bake 30 minutes .
Carefully open packets away from your face ; sprinkle equal amounts of tomato over each .
3 cups ( or one 26-ounce jar ) no-salt-added or regular red pasta sauce Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Mix pasta sauce , zucchini and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 7-by-11-inch baking dish ; top with half the noodles .
Mix ricotta cheese , parmesan and oregano ; spread over noodles in dish .
Spread with one-third of the pasta sauce mixture .
Top with remaining noodles and pasta sauce mixture .
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese .
Bake , uncovered , 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly .
Let stand 15 minutes before portioning .
Cut cake into 1/2-inch cubes ; place half of cubes in 2-quart souffle dish .
In a medium bowl , beat cheese with an electric mixer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juice and continue beating until combined .
Stir in lemon zest .
Fold in about 1/4 cup of dessert topping until combined , then fold in remaining topping .
Divide mixture in half ; stir 1 1/2 cups berries into one portion of cheese mixture .
Spoon over cake cubes in dish .
Top with remaining cake cubes and remaining plain cheese mixture .
Cover and freeze about 4 hours or until firm .
Before serving , sprinkle with remaining blueberries .
If desired , garnish with lemon peel strips .
Serve it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garlic grits .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray .
Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan .
Stir in 1 cup quick grits and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt .
Reduce heat to medium-low ; cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened , stirring occasionally .
Stir in 1 ( 10 3/4-ounce ) can condensed less-sodium less-fat cheddar cheese soup , 1 tablespoon butter and 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ; mix well .
Spread mixture in dish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light sharp cheddar cheese and garnish with paprika .
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese melts and bubbles .
Brush slices of rosemary bread ( or focaccia ) with olive oil .
Top with sliced leftover lamb , roasted red peppers ( from a jar ) cut into strips , sliced tomatoes , red-tipped lettuce and goat cheese .
Spread vegetarian refried beans on whole-grain flour tortillas .
Place heated hot dogs ( look for lowest fat and lowest sodium ) on the beans .
Top with any shredded cheese ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cheese melts .
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray , cook 1/2 cup chopped onion 4 minutes on medium or until softened .
Add 1 cup egg substitute ( Southwestern style , if available ) ; sprinkle with pepper to taste .
Cook and stir mixture until eggs are set .
Divide mixture evenly among 4 ( 8-inch ) warmed whole-grain flour tortillas ; top with 1/2 cup shredded 50 % light sharp cheddar cheese .
Fold tortillas over egg mixture ; top with drained salsa .
Remove tops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into 1-inch pieces to measure 1/4 cup ; set aside .
Cut white portion into 2-inch pieces .
Combine 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro , 1 tablespoon peeled , minced fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish .
Fold 4 ( 5- or 6-ounce ) skinless flounder fillets in half and place in baking dish .
Arrange white part of onions around fillets .
Combine onion tops , 1 more teaspoon dark sesame oil and 2 teaspoons lower-sodium soy sauce and pour over fish .
Cover with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high ( 100 % power ) 4 minutes or until fish is opaque throughout .
Let stand 1 minute , covered .
Spoon liquid over fish .
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve with jasmine rice .

Mediterranean lemon chicken and potatoes
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound yellow potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup olive oil vinaigrette
1/3 cup quartered Kalamata olives
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup chopped tomato
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except tomato. Place equal amounts of mixture onto 4 large squares of heavy-duty foil. Fold top and sides of each packet to enclose filling, leaving room for air to circulate. Place on a baking sheet; bake 30 minutes. Carefully open packets away from your face; sprinkle equal amounts of tomato over each.
Per serving: 418 calories, 39 grams protein, 15 grams fat (33 percent calories from fat), 2.3 grams saturated fat, 30 grams carbohydrate, 109 milligrams cholesterol, 777 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber. Carb count: 2.
Zucchini lasagna
Servings: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes; standing time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3 cups (or one 26-ounce jar) no-salt-added or regular red pasta sauce
1 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
12 uncooked no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup reduced-fat ricotta or small-curd cottage cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pasta sauce, zucchini and basil. Spread one-third of mixture in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish; top with half the noodles. Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan and oregano; spread over noodles in dish. Spread with one-third of the pasta sauce mixture. Top with remaining noodles and pasta sauce mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before portioning.
Per serving: 316 calories, 19 grams protein, 9 grams fat (26 percent calories from fat), 4.5 grams saturated fat, 39 grams carbohydrate, 31 milligrams cholesterol, 367 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber. Carb count: 2.5.
Lemon blueberry angel cake
Servings: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: about 4 hours
INGREDIENTS
1/2 (7- to 8-inch) angel food cake (about 5 ounces)
8 ounces Neufchatel or low-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest (yellow part only)
1 1/2 cups frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed and divided
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and drained (divided)
Lemon peel strips for garnish, if desired
Cut cake into 1/2-inch cubes; place half of cubes in 2-quart souffle dish. In a medium bowl, beat cheese with an electric mixer on medium until smooth. Add lemon juice and continue beating until combined. Stir in lemon zest. Fold in about 1/4 cup of dessert topping until combined, then fold in remaining topping. Divide mixture in half; stir 1 1/2 cups berries into one portion of cheese mixture. Spoon over cake cubes in dish. Top with remaining cake cubes and remaining plain cheese mixture. Cover and freeze about 4 hours or until firm. Before serving, sprinkle with remaining blueberries. If desired, garnish with lemon peel strips.
Per serving: 113 calories, 3 grams protein, 5 grams fat (41 percent calories from fat), 3.7 grams saturated fat, 14 grams carbohydrate, 14 milligrams cholesterol, 170 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber. Carb count: 1.
Leg of lamb
Serve it with a Southern favorite, cheese and garlic grits. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in 1 cup quick grits and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed less-sodium less-fat cheddar cheese soup, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; mix well. Spread mixture in dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup 50% light sharp cheddar cheese and garnish with paprika. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese melts and bubbles.
Lamb sandwiches
Brush slices of rosemary bread (or focaccia) with olive oil. Top with sliced leftover lamb, roasted red peppers (from a jar) cut into strips, sliced tomatoes, red-tipped lettuce and goat cheese.
Pigs in a jacket
Spread vegetarian refried beans on whole-grain flour tortillas. Place heated hot dogs (look for lowest fat and lowest sodium) on the beans. Top with any shredded cheese; roll and heat in the microwave until the cheese melts.
Breakfast-for-dinner burritos
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook 1/2 cup chopped onion 4 minutes on medium or until softened. Add 1 cup egg substitute (Southwestern style, if available); sprinkle with pepper to taste. Cook and stir mixture until eggs are set. Divide mixture evenly among 4 (8-inch) warmed whole-grain flour tortillas; top with 1/2 cup shredded 50% light sharp cheddar cheese. Fold tortillas over egg mixture; top with drained salsa.
Asian flounder
Remove tops from 8 green onions and slice tops into 1-inch pieces to measure 1/4 cup; set aside. Cut white portion into 2-inch pieces. Combine 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon peeled, minced fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil in a 7-by-11-inch baking dish. Fold 4 (5- or 6-ounce) skinless flounder fillets in half and place in baking dish. Arrange white part of onions around fillets. Combine onion tops, 1 more teaspoon dark sesame oil and 2 teaspoons lower-sodium soy sauce and pour over fish. Cover with plastic wrap and vent. Microwave on high (100% power) 4 minutes or until fish is opaque throughout. Let stand 1 minute, covered. Spoon liquid over fish. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve with jasmine rice.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Man charged with DUI in Cragin crash that hurt Chicago police officers

A man was charged with DUI after a crash with a squad car last week that injured two Chicago police officers in Cragin on the Northwest Side .
Enrique Hernandez Carreno , 19 , is charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol , according to Chicago police .
The marked squad car was northbound at 11:12 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 3300 block of North Laramie Avenue when the 2004 Ford Explorer Carreno was driving ran a stop sign and hit it , police said .
The Explorer also hit a parked car before Carreno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , police said .
They were taken into custody in a nearby alley .
Two officers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening , police said .
Carreno , who lives in Belmont Central , was also issued citations for leaving the scene of an accident , failure to notify for a damaged vehicle , transporting or carrying alcohol in a vehicle , failure to report an accident , failure to reduce speed and failure to stop at a stop sign , according to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without being charged , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was charged with DUI after a crash with a squad car last week that injured two Chicago police officers in Cragin on the Northwest Side.
Enrique Hernandez Carreno, 19, is charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Chicago police.
The marked squad car was northbound at 11:12 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 3300 block of North Laramie Avenue when the 2004 Ford Explorer Carreno was driving ran a stop sign and hit it, police said.
The Explorer also hit a parked car before Carreno and a passenger got out and ran away, police said. They were taken into custody in a nearby alley.
Two officers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, police said.
Carreno, who lives in Belmont Central, was also issued citations for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify for a damaged vehicle, transporting or carrying alcohol in a vehicle, failure to report an accident, failure to reduce speed and failure to stop at a stop sign, according to police.
The passenger was released from custody without being charged, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--6 vehicles stolen from auto shop in Ashburn

Six vehicles were stolen Sunday in Ashburn on the Southwest Side .
Suspects broke into the gate of an auto @ @ @ @ @ the 8100 block of South Kedzie Avenue , Chicago police said .
They got away @ @ @ @ @ northbound on Kedzie , police said .
No arrests have been made , and Area @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Six vehicles were stolen Sunday in Ashburn on the Southwest Side.
Suspects broke into the gate of an auto shop about 9 p.m. in the 8100 block of South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago police said.
They got away with six vehicles and fled northbound on Kedzie, police said.
No arrests have been made, and Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Trio steals ATM from Near West Side business

Three people stole an ATM Monday from a Near West Side business .
The males entered the vestibule of the @ @ @ @ @ the 1000 block of West Jackson Boulevard and took the ATM that was inside , @ @ @ @ @ When an employee , a 54-year-old man , tried to confront them , they got @ @ @ @ @ drove off southbound on Morgan , police said .
The employee was not injured .
@ @ @ @ @ as Area Central detectives investigate .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Three people stole an ATM Monday from a Near West Side business.
The males entered the vestibule of the business at 12:50 a.m. in the 1000 block of West Jackson Boulevard and took the ATM that was inside, according to Chicago police.
When an employee, a 54-year-old man, tried to confront them, they got into a dark-colored vehicle and drove off southbound on Morgan, police said. The employee was not injured.
No one is in custody as Area Central detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Business burglaries reported on Near North Side: police

Police are warning business owners about burglaries that happened in January and December in the Gold Coast , Ranch Triangle @ @ @ @ @ Side .
In each case , the suspects got into the businesses by breaking glass @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said in a community alert .
They stole high-end clothing , purses , @ @ @ @ @ burglaries happened in the early morning and morning hours on the following dates : • @ @ @ @ @ block of North State Street ; • Dec. 26 in the 400 block of North @ @ @ @ @ 28 in the 900 block of North Rush Street ; • Dec. 28 in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue ; • Jan. 9 in the 100 block of East Oak Street ; and @ @ @ @ @ 600 block of North Michigan Avenue .
The suspects are described at one to three @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s homicides .

Police are warning business owners about burglaries that happened in January and December in the Gold Coast, Ranch Triangle and on the Near North Side.
In each case, the suspects got into the businesses by breaking glass doors or prying entrances, Chicago police said in a community alert. They stole high-end clothing, purses, wallets and cash.
The burglaries happened in the early morning and morning hours on the following dates:
Dec. 18 in the 600 block of North State Street;
Dec. 26 in the 400 block of North State Street;
Dec. 28 in the 900 block of North Rush Street;
Dec. 28 in the 1900 block of North Clybourn Avenue;
Jan. 9 in the 100 block of East Oak Street; and
Jan. 26 in the 600 block of North Michigan Avenue.
The suspects are described at one to three males, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--4 charged after CPD officers recover stolen vehicle in Calumet Park

Charges have been filed against three men and a teenage boy who were arrested when Chicago police recovered a stolen vehicle last week in south suburban Calumet Park .
Devante Givan , 21 ; Shamir Younger , 20 ; and 20-year-old D Mari Moore are each charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal trespass to a vehicle , according to Chicago police .
All three are due in court on March 20 .
A 17-year-old boy is also charged with a felony count of receiving , possessing or selling a stolen vehicle , police said .
They were arrested at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered a vehicle in the 12800 block of South Bishop Street in Calumet Park , police said .
Authorities said at the time that the vehicle may be connected to a series of robberies .
In a community alert issued earlier that day , police said a group of males driving around in a dark-colored car were wanted in connection with seven robberies since Jan. 17 , including one Thursday night during which a man was shot in the chest in Rogers Park .
No robbery charges have been filed as of Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains under investigation .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Charges have been filed against three men and a teenage boy who were arrested when Chicago police recovered a stolen vehicle last week in south suburban Calumet Park.
Devante Givan, 21; Shamir Younger, 20; and 20-year-old D Mari Moore are each charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal trespass to a vehicle, according to Chicago police. All three are due in court on March 20.
A 17-year-old boy is also charged with a felony count of receiving, possessing or selling a stolen vehicle, police said.
They were arrested at 11:36 p.m. Jan. 24 when CPD officers recovered a vehicle in the 12800 block of South Bishop Street in Calumet Park, police said. Authorities said at the time that the vehicle may be connected to a series of robberies.
In a community alert issued earlier that day, police said a group of males driving around in a dark-colored car were wanted in connection with seven robberies since Jan. 17, including one Thursday night during which a man was shot in the chest in Rogers Park.
No robbery charges have been filed as of Monday morning, police said. The case remains under investigation.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--Cook County reports 25th cold-related death of season

Another death related to cold-exposure was reported in Cook County , bringing the total to 25 for the season .
Tracy M. Valle , 37 , was found about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30 , 2019 , in the 3900 block of South Rockwell Street , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
She was pronounced dead less than an hour later at Mt .
Sinai Hospital , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy found she died as a result of ethanol toxicity with cold exposure as a contributing factor , the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death was ruled an accident .
She lived in McKinley Park .
The first death to be classified as cold-related this season was reported Nov. 1 , 2019 , in Avondale .
A 58-year-old man was found in the 3600 block of West Belmont Avenue and taken to Community First Medical Center , where he died of heart disease with cold exposure and alcohol poisoning as contributing factors , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Last season , 60 cold-related deaths were reported in Cook County between Sept. 14 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Another death related to cold-exposure was reported in Cook County, bringing the total to 25 for the season.
Tracy M. Valle, 37, was found about 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2019, in the 3900 block of South Rockwell Street, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
She was pronounced dead less than an hour later at Mt. Sinai Hospital, the medical examiner’s office said.
An autopsy found she died as a result of ethanol toxicity with cold exposure as a contributing factor, the medical examiner’s office said. Her death was ruled an accident. She lived in McKinley Park.
The first death to be classified as cold-related this season was reported Nov. 1, 2019, in Avondale.
A 58-year-old man was found in the 3600 block of West Belmont Avenue and taken to Community First Medical Center, where he died of heart disease with cold exposure and alcohol poisoning as contributing factors, the medical examiner’s office said.
Last season, 60 cold-related deaths were reported in Cook County between Sept. 14, 2018, and May 23, 2019.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-27--‘Transformational’ new CPS positions will help students who are homeless

Months of debate over one of the Chicago Teachers Union ’ s key contract demands , affordable housing , led to a breakthrough in teacher negotiations last fall : Chicago Public Schools has agreed to hire new staff members to help kids deal with homelessness and other temporary living situations .
Though news of the positions was widely shared when the deal was reached as part of the agreement to end the teachers strike , all involved have spent the time since then discussing the finer details and mechanics of what many view as a significant benefit to a district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids without a permanent home .
Half of the students are concentrated in 10 South and West side wards .
Though 36 percent of the district ’ s students are African American , 81 percent of homeless students are black , according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless .
The CTU is hosting an informational session at 5 p.m. Tuesday at its headquarters , 1901 W. Carroll , to help families and teachers understand homeless students ’ rights .
“ This will be the first opportunity that we know of where our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these issues , ” said Sarah Rothschild , a CTU education policy analyst .
“ Really elevating this issue [ is important ] .
” The added help comes as a relief to those who have long argued that factors outside of school buildings have as much or more of an impact on kids ’ outcomes as test scores and homework .
Now , the district sees the idea as a game changer .
“ Their needs are very complex , ” said Molly Burke , executive director of CPS ’ Student Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of their instability has a significant impact on their attendance and ability to concentrate in the classroom .
So these new resources that are dedicated to … addressing their trauma I think are going to have a significant impact on their success.
” The new positions , called school community representatives , will go into schools that have at least 75 students living in those situations .
Schools that have 140 or more such students will get two new staff members .
The school community reps will help families apply for fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as provide resources such as CTA passes , school uniforms and school supplies .
And in many cases , they ’ ll work to identify students as homeless who have gone under the radar and aren ’ t getting the necessary support .
In all , 15 schools will get the positions , with three schools getting two school community reps and 12 getting one .
CPS human resources head Matt Lyons said the list of schools couldn ’ t yet be shared because the district is still working to inform principals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another week or two .
Meanwhile , workers at other schools who help homeless kids in addition to their other duties will for the first time receive stipends of $ 1,000- $ 3,000 .
“ Even though it ’ s not a huge stipend , it ’ s a big , big step politically at the school level in highlighting the importance of the work that they do , ” Rothschild said .
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has already been working with the district on annual training for school staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are homeless , and the nonprofit is helping develop these new positions .
“ Having one dedicated person fulfilling those responsibilities is going to be really transformational for those students , ” said Patricia Nix-Hodes , director of the coalition ’ s free legal services program .
“ I think it will really change the direction of students ’ lives .
”

Months of debate over one of the Chicago Teachers Union’s key contract demands, affordable housing, led to a breakthrough in teacher negotiations last fall: Chicago Public Schools has agreed to hire new staff members to help kids deal with homelessness and other temporary living situations.
Though news of the positions was widely shared when the deal was reached as part of the agreement to end the teachers strike, all involved have spent the time since then discussing the finer details and mechanics of what many view as a significant benefit to a district that last year had more than 16,000 kids without a permanent home.
Half of the students are concentrated in 10 South and West side wards. Though 36 percent of the district’s students are African American, 81 percent of homeless students are black, according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
The CTU is hosting an informational session at 5 p.m. Tuesday at its headquarters, 1901 W. Carroll, to help families and teachers understand homeless students’ rights.
“This will be the first opportunity that we know of where our members are all getting together to discuss these issues,” said Sarah Rothschild, a CTU education policy analyst. “Really elevating this issue [is important].”
The added help comes as a relief to those who have long argued that factors outside of school buildings have as much or more of an impact on kids’ outcomes as test scores and homework. Now, the district sees the idea as a game changer.
“Their needs are very complex,” said Molly Burke, executive director of CPS’ Student Support and Engagement Department. “And the impact of their instability has a significant impact on their attendance and ability to concentrate in the classroom. So these new resources that are dedicated to … addressing their trauma I think are going to have a significant impact on their success.”
The new positions, called school community representatives, will go into schools that have at least 75 students living in those situations. Schools that have 140 or more such students will get two new staff members.
The school community reps will help families apply for fee waivers and understand their rights, as well as provide resources such as CTA passes, school uniforms and school supplies. And in many cases, they’ll work to identify students as homeless who have gone under the radar and aren’t getting the necessary support.
In all, 15 schools will get the positions, with three schools getting two school community reps and 12 getting one. CPS human resources head Matt Lyons said the list of schools couldn’t yet be shared because the district is still working to inform principals and isn’t posting the jobs for another week or two.
Meanwhile, workers at other schools who help homeless kids in addition to their other duties will for the first time receive stipends of $1,000-$3,000.
“Even though it’s not a huge stipend, it’s a big, big step politically at the school level in highlighting the importance of the work that they do,” Rothschild said.
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has already been working with the district on annual training for school staff on how to best aid students who are homeless, and the nonprofit is helping develop these new positions.
“Having one dedicated person fulfilling those responsibilities is going to be really transformational for those students,” said Patricia Nix-Hodes, director of the coalition’s free legal services program. “I think it will really change the direction of students’ lives.”