RESPECT – Film Reviewon August 10, 2021 at 10:15 pm

Bonnie’s EYE On…!

RESPECT – Film Review

RESPECT – Film Reviewon August 10, 2021 at 10:15 pm Read More »

Bears’ first depth chart lists surprise starters heading into preseason openerJason Lieseron August 10, 2021 at 8:56 pm

The Bears’ first depth chart of the season featured a few surprises and several injury replacements as the team prepares for its preseason opener against the Dolphins on Saturday.

Among the most uncertain position battles, second-year cornerback Kindle Vildor was a first-stringer over veteran Desmond Trufant. That spot is opposite top corner Jaylon Johnson. That’s major progress for Vildor, who was a fifth-round pick out of Georgia Southern and got just 13% of the defensive snaps last season.

Seventh-round draft pick Khyiris Tonga is the starting nose tackle until Eddie Goldman returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Nonetheless, he is ahead of eighth-year vet Mike Pennel.

Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn are the team’s top pass rushers at outside linebacker, but the second line is Jeremiah Attoachu and second-year player Trevis Gipson.

Until the Bears’ offensive line health improves, they’re going with Elijah Wilkinson at left tackle and Lachavious Simmons (a seventh-round pick last year) at right tackle. Rookie Teven Jenkins is expected to win the left tackle job, but has yet to practice because of a back injury. Veteran Germain Ifedi, a guard last season, is among the favorites to start at right tackle once he’s back from a hip flexor.

Fifth-round pick Larry Borom, currently in the concussion protocol, was listed as the third-string left tackle.

At wide receiver, the team put newcomer Marquise Goodwin third behind Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. Goodwin, 30, is coming off an opt-out season but has impressed the Bears throughout training camp.

Bears’ first depth chart lists surprise starters heading into preseason openerJason Lieseron August 10, 2021 at 8:56 pm Read More »

Brothers charged in fatal shooting of Chicago police officer denied bailStefano Espositoon August 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm

Emonte Morgan, accused of killing Chicago Police Officer Ella French, and his older brother who was also charged in connection to the shooting were ordered held without bail Tuesday.

Emonte Morgan, 21, and his brother, Eric Morgan, 22, face a litany of felony charges in the Saturday shooting in West Englewood that killed French and left her partner fighting for his life at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

About three dozen police officers, many in uniform, packed into the courtroom for Emonte Morgan’s bail hearing.

Prosecutors said both men gave statements to police.

Emonte Morgan told investigators “that he admitted to drinking and to possessing a gun in the front of his waistband,” said Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney James Murphy.

Emonte Morgan also admitted “he might have shot the girl and boy cop,” Murphy said during a hearing before Judge Arthur Willis.

Murphy said the gray SUV was initially pulled over because of expired license plates, then the officers noticed an open container of alcohol in the SUV.

French’s partner was shot twice in the head and once in his right shoulder, Murphy said.

Emonte Morgan was shot twice — in the abdomen and in his left arm — and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

In denying bail, Willis said Emonte Morgan had “callously” shot at the officers whose weapons, prosecutors said, were holstered before Morgan opened fire.

Willis also noted the events were captured on police body cameras, including the fact that the officers’ weapons were holstered before being fired upon.

Emonte Morgan, left, and Eric Morgan are charged in the fatal shooting of Chicago Police Officer Ella French. — Emonte Morgan, left, and Eric Morgan

Eric Morgan was ordered held without bail at a later hearing by Judge Charles Beach.

Beach noted that Eric Morgan, rather than fleeing the scene after the shootings, took “possession of the very weapon that was allegedly used to kill” French.

“I don’t think electronic monitoring will make the community safe in this particular case,” Beach said. “He’s shown a propensity to flee. He’s shown a propensity to commit crimes in other states.”

Emonte Morgan was charged with first-degree murder of a peace officer, two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, according to the state’s attorney office. Eric Morgan was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice, the state’s attorney office said.

Right after Tuesday’s second hearing, dozens of Cook County sheriff’s deputies stood saluting, lining the hallway as CPD officers filed out of the courtroom at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

“Say her name: Ella French. Today began the justice process for Ella and for her partners,” FOP President John Catanzara said.

Catanzara said, it was “inexcusable, ridiculous” that State’s Attorney Kim Foxx didn’t show up for the bond hearings.

He was also upset that not a single member of “the brass of CPD” showed up.”

“Disgusting leadership coming from the Chicago police department. And where was the mayor, who supposedly all of sudden cares about law enforcement?” Catanzara said

Risa Lanier, the interim first assistant at the state’s attorney’s office, said Foxx was unable to attend the hearings because she was meeting with FBI Director Christopher Wray and other “law enforcement partners.”

In an emailed statement later Tuesday, Foxx said French’s death in the line of duty was “a tremendous loss.”

“The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office stands with the Chicago Police Department and the families of those officers in their time of mourning,” Foxx said. “As to the two offenders who we have now charged, we will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

A Chicago police officer wears a blue and black band on her badge as she walks into the Leighton Criminal Courthouse to attend the Tuesday bond hearings for two brothers charged after the fatal shooting of Chicago Police Officer Ella French.

Brothers charged in fatal shooting of Chicago police officer denied bailStefano Espositoon August 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm Read More »

Afternoon Edition: Aug. 10, 2021Matt Mooreon August 10, 2021 at 8:00 pm

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

Afternoon Edition

Chicago’s most important news of the day, delivered every weekday afternoon. Plus, a bonus issue on Saturdays that dives into the city’s storied history.

This afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees and heat index values as high as 106. A heat advisory currently in effect will end at 7 p.m. tonight with temps expected to dip to a low of 76. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a chance of thunderstorms and a high near 91.

Top story

Police radio calls show frantic effort to save Chicago cop’s life. ‘Start compressions, start breathing, whatever we got to do. Start it now.’

An unconscious Chicago police officer lay dying in the backseat of a squad car, the officer next to her trying to keep her alive with chest compressions as they raced to a hospital.

A dispatcher radioed over and over the intersections that needed to be cleared to speed their way to the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Behind them, a police helicopter hovered over an intersection in West Englewood where the officer and her partner had been badly shot. The scene was growing with flashing lights as supervisors asked for more and more help with a third suspect still at large.

For the moment, though, the dispatcher focused his attention on Officer Ella French in the backseat.

“OK, listen to me, take that damn vest off right now and start compressions,” he told the officers in the car. “Start breathing, whatever we got to do. Start it now. While you’re driving, the officer in the back with her, take the vest off and start compressions now.”

Police radio calls provide a gripping account of the frantic moments after the officers were shot during a traffic stop shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday at 63rd Street and Bell Avenue.

Directing much of that response was a dispatcher who stayed on the air for more than three hours, sending out ambulances, positioning cars in a wide perimeter to close off the scene, even helping a helicopter pilot spot officers on the ground.

Manny Ramos has more from the radio calls here.

More news you need

Brothers Emonte and Eric Morgan were ordered held without bail today as they face a litany of felony charges in the Saturday shooting that killed French and wounded her partner. Emonte Morgan told investigators “that he admitted to drinking and to possessing a gun in the front of his waistband,” said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy.
Socialist aldermen today fired back against colleagues’ assertions that progressive politics are to blame for French’s death. It was part of the public finger-pointing by Chicago officials following recent high-profile shootings.
Former Ald. Ricardo Munoz is expected to enter a guilty plea in his federal fraud case next month. Federal prosecutors allege Munoz used a caucus he once led as a personal piggy bank.
The former CEO of a Schaumburg tech firm appears set to become the first Illinoisan to plead guilty to federal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, records show. The feds have so far charged at least 13 Illinoisans in connection with the insurrection.
A newborn was hospitalized in good condition after being found in a dresser drawer in an alley in Montclare this morning. He was taken in good condition to Lurie Children’s Hospital.
The city opened six cooling centers today as heat index figures pushed above 105. In addition to the cooling centers, you can also chill out in any CPL location — just be sure you bring your mask with you.

A bright one

Chicago chef Maya-Camille Broussard ready for the competition on ‘Bake Squad’

South Side-based chef Maya-Camille Broussard appreciates the opportunity to showcase her talents on “Bake Squad,” the Netflix series that premieres tomorrow.

Broussard is no stranger to the stage, as her theater background will attest. Her father, the late trial attorney Stephen Broussard, was a community theater actor with ETA Creative Arts Foundation, a South Chicago-based performance and training organization, and she holds theater degrees from Howard and Northwestern Universities.

The series, which features four bakers competing to see whose dessert will be chosen for someone’s special event, is hosted by Milk Bar owner and chef Christina Tosi.

South Side-based chef Maya-Camille Broussard is one of four bakers competing on the Netflix series “Bake Squad.”

On “Bake Squad,” Broussard said she wants to show anything is possible for young Black and brown girls.

“I’m grateful for the show. Obviously, it gives me and my brand another level of visibility,” she said. “What’s more important is — I hope this doesn’t sound corny — I want someone to see me on the show and say: ‘Oh, she’s hard of hearing, and her speech is perfect.’ Well I’ve had speech therapy for years and years, so I may not have the classic Chicago accent all the time. … I want primarily Black and brown girls — people living with disabilities — to be inspired by my story, my tenacity, drive and success. … When people see me shine on TV, I want them to see me shine through the lens of a Black woman living with a disability — and doing it well.”

Evan F. Moore has more from his conversation with Maya-Camille Broussard here.

From the press box

Your daily question ?

On a scorching hot summer day like today, what’s the best way to stay cool in Chicago?

Reply to this email (please include your first name and where you live) and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: The Tokyo Olympics ended last night. What was your favorite moment from the Summer Games? Here’s what some of you said…

“Enjoyed all parts but especially enjoyed women’s basketball. Dawn Staley is an amazing coach and she had very strong players to coach.” — Anne Walker

“Simone Biles putting herself and her mental health first and not putting herself or her teammates at risk. Glad MyKayla Skinner and Jade Carey each got another opportunity to earn medals when they stepped in for Simone.” — Felicia Marie

“The women’s track and field, volleyball. Molly Seidel, who won the marathon. The handing over the next Olympics from Toyko to Paris. The 4x400M men’s track and field.” — Andrea Fulgham

“It was thrilling when the 18-year-old Tunisian Ahmed Hafnaoui won the swimming event from the outermost lane. Really a great surprise!” — Patti Joyce

“When Lydia Jacoby, from Alaska, won the swimming event; when Alessandra Perilli, from San Marino, won that country’s first medal; and when Hidilyn Diaz, from the Philippines, won the country’s first gold.” — Jeffrey Hart

“It was thrilling when Puerto Rico won the gold medal.” — Judy Hernandez

“It has to be, for me, Allyson Felix winning her record 11 medals in track and field, becoming the most decorated Olympic track star ever.” — Maurice Snell

“One of my favorites was the two high jumpers (Italy and Qatar) deciding to share the gold medal instead of having a jump off.” — Alan Anton

Thanks for reading the Chicago Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

Sign up here to get the Afternoon Edition in your inbox every day.

Afternoon Edition: Aug. 10, 2021Matt Mooreon August 10, 2021 at 8:00 pm Read More »

Opportunity knocks, and Alec Ogletree answersMark Potashon August 10, 2021 at 7:48 pm

Out of football since being cut by the Jets last September, former Rams and Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree was visiting his buddy Robert Quinn at Halas Hall earlier this month — watching Quinn’s sister, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, win a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics.

“Just was gonna be here for a couple days and then go back to Georgia,” Ogletree said. “My agent called me and asked me where I was at. I said, ‘I’m in Chicago.’ He’s like, ‘Uh, don’t leave. They want to sign you.’

“Just right timing, I would say. I’m appreciative of the opportunity to come in here and still get a chance to play and show them I can still be here.”

Ogletree already has made the most of the opportunity. He had an interception in his first practice with the Bears last Thursday, then three on Friday, one on Saturday and one more on Sunday to give him six interceptions in four practices. Ogletree is a long way from proving he deserves a roster spot — he was signed only after reserves Josh Woods (quadriceps), Joel Iyiegbuniwe (hamstring) and Christian Jones (COVID-19 list) missed practice time. But he’s taken a giant first step by getting the attention of the coaching staff.

“He’s doing great,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said. “What a credit to him to come in here and we’re down on some numbers at inside linebacker and all he is doing is making plays. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Ogletree, a first round draft pick by the Rams in 2013, started seven seasons in the NFL before his career stalled. The Giants cut him after the 2019 season. The Jets signed Ogletree during Week 1 last year but cut him after two games. He was all but out of football before the Bears called.

“You’re a free agent and you’re just out there in the market and — especially with COVID and stuff now, things are a lot different than they were before,” Ogletree said. “It’s definitely a lot of unknowns — and when you have that, you can have a bad thoughts. But you just have to keep the faith and keep believing that you are special and you can do it and given the right opportunity, the right chance, things can work out for you.”

In that regard, Ogletree couldn’t have asked for a much better opportunity. he joins a Bears defense with a Bears’ defense that has plenty of playmakers. And with starting inside linebackers Roquan Smith (groin) and Danny Trevathan (knee) not practicing Tuesday, Ogletree was getting first-team reps with Jones.

“It inspires me to come here and do my part,” Ogletree said. “You have guys that have been around, make plays, that are big-time players in this league. For me, it’s about playing at the same standard as those guys, doing my part and making sure I’m ready to go. It’s been a little [while] since I’ve had a front like that. But it’s definitely inspiring.”

Ogletree, who turns 30 on September 25, feels he still has it (“I’m like a good wine. I feel like I get better with age.”). And like any player in his position, he’s motivated to prove disbelievers wrong.

“At a certain point, you have little bit of pride, and that’s one of the things I learned this offseason,” he said. “You’ve done things in this league — good, bad, whatever — but it’s what can you do for me now?

“I kind of understood that, and it helped shape my mindset in terms of getting back in the league. I wanted to come in and show I can still do it. I never lost it. People can say different. But if I believe in myself, that’s all that matters to me.”

Opportunity knocks, and Alec Ogletree answersMark Potashon August 10, 2021 at 7:48 pm Read More »

Lionel Messi finishes move to Paris Saint-GermainRob Harris | Associated Presson August 10, 2021 at 8:41 pm

Lionel Messi finally signed his eagerly anticipated Paris Saint-Germain contract on Tuesday night to complete the move that confirms the end of a career-long association with Barcelona and sends PSG into a new era.

PSG said in a statement that the 34-year-old Argentina star signed a two-year deal with the option for a third season.

“I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain,” Messi said. “Everything about the club matches my football ambitions. I know how talented the squad and the coaching staff are here. I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes.”

No salary details were given, but a person with knowledge of the negotiations earlier told The Associated Press that Messi is set to earn around 35 million euros ($41 million) net annually. The person said on condition of anonymity before the contract was signed.

“I am delighted that Lionel Messi has chosen to join Paris Saint-Germain and we are proud to welcome him and his family to Paris,” PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. “He has made no secret of his desire to continue competing at the very highest level and winning trophies, and naturally our ambition as a club is to do the same.”

Throngs of PSG fans gathered at Le Bourget Airport in Paris to welcome Messi, who was wearing a T-shirt featuring “Ici c’est Paris” — “This is Paris.”

The words are a long-familiar refrain from a favored fan chant at Parc des Princes stadium, where Messi is to be presented to them before kickoff of Saturday night’s game against Strasbourg.

Such was the fervor of his arrival that police had to push back to stop metal barriers from toppling over at the airport as fans surged forward to get a better view. He then traveled into Paris with a police escort that included several officers on motorbikes and clad in black at the back of it.

As disbelief at landing one of soccer’s all-time greats turned to sheer enthusiasm, many gathered for a glimpse of Messi at the stadium. They got their wish as the smiling superstar briefly waved to them before he underwent a medical check.

Earlier, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, had also confirmed his son was moving to PSG in a brief exchange with reporters at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport before he took his flight in the early afternoon.

Messi arrived with his wife and three children and boarded a private jet.

“With it all, toward a new adventure. The five together,” Antonela Roccuzzo said on Instagram alongside a photo with her husband on the plane.

PSG supporters have seen their club transformed over the last decade since the influx of Qatari sovereign wealth investment linked to the emir. Once Messi’s Barcelona contract expired — and the Catalan club was unable to afford to keep him — PSG was one of the few clubs that could finance a deal to sign the six-time world player of the year.

Messi’s arrival gives PSG formidable attacking options as he links up with France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and Brazil forward Neymar.

“Back together,” Neymar posted on Instagram over a video of them hugging, playing for Barcelona.

While PSG had to pay 222 million euros (then $261 million) to sign Neymar from Barcelona in 2017, there was no transfer fee for Messi.

Messi became the most desired free agent in soccer history after his attempts to stay at Barcelona were rejected last week by the Spanish league because the salary would not comply with financial regulations, with the Catalan club burdened by debts of more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion).

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino quickly made contact with his fellow Argentine after Barcelona announced last Thursday that Messi would be leaving the club he joined as a 13-year-old.

Messi won every major honor with Barcelona and was granted a tearful exit news conference on Sunday to signal the end of an era. Only Cristiano Ronaldo in the current era challenges Messi’s status as an all-time great.

PSG will be hoping not only that Messi helps the team regain the French title it lost to Lille last season, but finally win the Champions League.

If Pochettino uses a 4-3-3 formation, the front three could see Messi deployed on the right with Neymar on the left and Mbappe between them as the center forward.

The quandary for Pochettino would be how to use Angel Di Maria, whose goal sealed the Copa America title last month, and another Argentine attacker — Mauro Icardi. It’s a tactical challenge most coaches would relish, with a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 also in the mix to accommodate the attacking talents available.

What should be less demanding is PSG complying with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play. Some flexibility has been provided in the rules due to the pandemic and changes are due to the system that were designed to stem losses. It is PSG president Al-Khelaifi who, as chairman of the European Club Association and a member of UEFA’s executive committee, is involved in the process of discussing a wider update to FFP that could allow more unchecked spending again.

Lionel Messi finishes move to Paris Saint-GermainRob Harris | Associated Presson August 10, 2021 at 8:41 pm Read More »

Brothers charged in fatal shooting of Chicago police officer denied bailStefano Espositoon August 10, 2021 at 8:15 pm