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Man killed, 2 others wounded in shooting outside Cook County JailJermaine Nolenon July 12, 2021 at 3:20 am

A man was killed and two women were wounded in a shooting Saturday night outside of Cook County Jail.

Londre Sylvester, 31, and a woman were walking in the 2700 block of South California Avenue when two people got out of a car and began firing about 8:50 p.m., Chicago police said.

Sylvester was struck in the face and chest and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The woman, 60, was struck in the knee and taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was listed in good condition.

Another woman, 35, standing nearby was grazed by a bullet to her face, police said. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was also listed in good condition.

Chicago police work the scene where 3 people were shot, including 1 person who was shot and killed, in the 2700 block of South California Avenue, in the Little Village neighborhood, Saturday, July 10, 2021.
Chicago police work the scene where 3 people were shot, including 1 person who was shot and killed, in the 2700 block of South California Avenue, in the Little Village neighborhood, Saturday, July 10, 2021.
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Officers combed California Boulevard in a light rain for evidence, and dozens of markers were seen in the street in front of an area of the jail where visitors can enter. A bloody shirt could be seen on the sidewalk near some of the markers.

A woman who had gone to the jail to visit a detainee said she heard what she thought were fireworks going off as she talked with another visitor at the entrance to a parking lot a block south.

“We were talking from car to car and I looked at her and said, ‘Those sounded really close,” she told the Sun-Times. “Moments later, I heard two pops in front of the visiting area, then more in a cadence that couldn’t be anything but gunshots.”

The woman, who asked that her name not be used, said they ducked inside their cars and waited for the shots to end.

“When the shooting stopped, a Cook Country [sheriff’s officer] said to me, ‘Young lady, I think you better move your car,’ and at first I laughed it off because I didn’t believe him, but he was serious and told me those were gunshots.

“I can’t stop thinking to myself that had I not stopped to talk to my friend, I could have been in that area when they were shooting,” she said. “I was supposed to be over there.”

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Man killed, 2 others wounded in shooting outside Cook County JailJermaine Nolenon July 12, 2021 at 3:20 am Read More »

Chicago Cubs: A tough spot to be in at the All-Star breakVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 09: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 09, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 10-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 09: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 09, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 10-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most up and down teams in all of Major League baseball so far in 2021. It has been more down lately which is why they are where they are headed into the All-Star break. That would be with a 44-46 record and an 8.0 game deficit in the National League Central. Things are especially bad right now as they have lost eight of their last ten games. Included in that bad stretch is an 11 game losing streak.

Things might get crazy around the Chicago Cubs organization this month.

The biggest story around the Cubs this season has been their roster. You can wonder if that has a lot to do with where they are in the standings but it is what it is. Most of their core has no clue where they are going to be playing next month let alone next year.

Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant are all on expiring contracts. The Cubs may or may not trade one or all of them before trying to get them resigned. They aren’t a good team at all and could have a full rebuild on the horizon. It doesn’t help that the only other core piece, Willson Contreras, has only one year left after this one as well. It is a large looming decision for the organization.

The starting rotation has been brutal. Outside of a rocky start for Kyle Hendricks, he has been really good this season. Once you get past him, there isn’t much. Adbert Alzolay has been pretty good at times but he is still developing. Everyone else hasn’t carried their weight and it has shown.

The bullpen has been brilliant when used properly. Unfortunately, the starters not going deep into games has forced them to not always be used properly. Craig Kimbrel in particular has been outstanding for them. After lots of question marks going into the season, he has been one of the very best closers in all of baseball.

Are the Cubs going to be able to climb out of this 8.0 game hole? That is a question that only the owner and GM can have a say in. If they declare a rebuild, then they will continue to lose frequently because the talent level will go way down after trades. However, if they don’t trade any of the big three, they might be all in on this season and go on a run.

Related Story: The Cubs made a great draft pick on Sunday night

That is why the month of July is going to be so interesting for the team. However, for this week only, Cubs fans can look forward to the All-Star Game festivities. Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel will be there representing the North Side for the National League All-Stars. Out of every team in the sport, the Cubs will be the most interesting to watch in the second half both on and off the field.

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Chicago Cubs: A tough spot to be in at the All-Star breakVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »

After the Exit, A Scattered Road Tripon July 12, 2021 at 1:32 pm

Becoming SuperMommy

After the Exit, A Scattered Road Trip

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After the Exit, A Scattered Road Tripon July 12, 2021 at 1:32 pm Read More »

An improvised-music summit offers contrasting experiences of community and austerityBill Meyeron July 12, 2021 at 11:00 am

The double album Houston 2012 captures a two-day encounter in October 2012 between English tabletop guitarist Keith Rowe and the experimental-music community of Houston, Texas. Rowe’s visit came about thanks to the initiative of Saint Louis double bassist Damon Smith, who lived in Texas at the time. While there Smith developed a strong working relationship with Sandy Ewen, who’s not only a splendid, unconventional guitarist but also an organizer committed to facilitating women’s access to the arts. In 2009 she established Lady Band (of Various Fruit Names), an all-female experimental ensemble whose political roots and widely varying experience levels bear similarities to the mixture of trained and amateur participants in the egalitarian-minded Scratch Orchestra, an experimental-music ensemble Rowe had played in 40-odd years earlier.

The album’s first disc documents that convergence. First Rowe, Ewen, and Smith improvised a thrilling set of negotiations among Rowe’s finely abraded textures, Ewen’s more eruptive attack, and Smith’s groaning drones. Then a ten-strong Lady Band, using the name Gooseberry Marmalade, played a series of Scratch Orchestra scores that they’d workshopped with Rowe. Their performances reconcile rigor and playfulness, sounding by turns like a brawl in a metalworking shop, a convention of stocking-footed mimes, and a straight-up dance party. The second disc is just the trio, recorded when they reunited in the studio the next day. The resulting improvisations are much more austere than their first, reducing each musician’s signature sound to elemental expressions of electricity and friction enacted upon a vast field of sonic emptiness. v

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An improvised-music summit offers contrasting experiences of community and austerityBill Meyeron July 12, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Chicago White Sox: They are in a great spot heading into the breakVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 09: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox runs the bases against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 09, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 09: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox runs the bases against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 09, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Chicago White Sox is one of the best teams in Major League Baseball after the pre-All-Star portion of the 2021 schedule. Going into the break, they are 54-35 after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles. They have won 7 of their last 10 games and lead the American League Central Division by 8.0 games. To say things are going well on the southside would be putting it lightly because they are legit World Series contenders.

The White Sox are in first place despite lots of adversity in the first half.

When we say World Series contenders, that does come with a disclaimer. They have had terrible injury luck this season. Players like Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Nick Madrigal, and Adam Engel have all spent a lot of time on the Injured List.

Madrigal is out for the season, Jimenez is currently on his rehab stint, Robert will be back later in the season, and Engel is back healthy. Yasmani Grandal is now out for a minimum of 4 weeks as well. For the exception of Madrigal, all of the rest coming back would be a huge boost to the already first-place team.

There are even a few smaller injuries that the team has dealt with. Players like Michael Kopech, Tim Anderson, Lance Lynn, Evan Marshall, and Aaron Bummer have all or are currently on the short-term Injured List. Even players like Yoan Moncada and Jose Abreu have dealt with little injuries that kept them out for a couple of games at a time without IL stints. It is hard to think of a team in the history of the sport that has dealt with more injuries to such consequential players.

So how have the White Sox done this well with that many great players out for long stretches? There are two answers. The easiest one is their “next man up” mentality. They brought in guys like Brian Goodwin, Billy Hamilton, and Yermin Mercedes at different points who have all had their great moments so far. Without guys like that contributing, it would have been hard to win.

The other obvious answer is pitching. Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Carlos Rodon, Dallas Keuchel, and Dylan Cease have formed one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball. Rodon and Lynn will be at the All-Star Game because they were so good. The bullpen has had its shaky moments at times but they have gotten the job done overall. Liam Hendriks has been such a good closer that he is going to the All-Star Game as well.

One piece in the bullpen worth mentioning is Kopech. Outside of his little injury stint, he has been so amazing. He is the best pitcher in the organization. He is a superweapon in the bullpen right now but he should be a starter in short order.

Related Story: The Chicago White Sox made a great draft pick on Sunday night

With the team’s only position playing All-Star in Tim Anderson leading the way, the White Sox have been as good as advertised despite the unexpected injury trouble. Tony La Russa takes a lot of heat at times but nobody can deny what he has done with his ballclub so far this season. If they are able to get healthy they will go on a deep run later in the fall. Hopefully, they can continue to play well once the second half begins!

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Chicago White Sox: They are in a great spot heading into the breakVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Chicago weekend gun violence: 11 killed, 35 woundedSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 11:15 am

At least 39 people were shot, 10 fatally since 5 p.m. July 9, 2021. 
At least 39 people were shot, 10 fatally since 5 p.m. July 9, 2021.
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

At least 46 were shot, 11 fatally, across Chicago over the weekend.

  • A man was killed and another wounded Friday evening in a home in West Pullman on the Far South Side. The shooting occurred around 5:20 p.m. in the 11800 block of South State Street, Chicago police said. Shawn Young, 47, was shot in the head, buttocks and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The other man, 34, was struck in the hand and shoulder. He was in critical condition at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
  • An hour later, a man was killed in Roseland on the South Side. He was on the sidewalk in the 11000 block of South Vernon Avenue when a light-colored vehicle pulled up and someone inside fired about 6:20 p.m., police said. The 39-year-old was struck in the chest and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name hasn’t been released.
  • Two people were shot and killed Saturday afternoon in a drive-by in Englewood on the South Side. The men, 20 and 33, were in the parking lot of a gas station in the 6100 block of South Ashland Avenue when a dark-colored car pulled up and someone inside opened fire, police said. The 33-year-old was struck in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The younger man was struck throughout his body and pronounced dead at the scene.
  • A man was killed and two women were wounded Saturday night outside Cook County Jail. Londre Sylvester, 31, and a woman were walking in the 2700 block of West California Boulevard when two people got out of a car and began firing about 8:50 p.m., Chicago police said. Sylvester was struck in the face and chest and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The woman, 60, was struck in the knee and taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was listed in good condition. Another woman, 35, standing nearby was grazed by a bullet to her face, police said. She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was also listed in good condition.
  • On Sunday, a man was killed and another critically wounded in a shooting in the Lower West Side. They were walking in the 2100 block of South Oakley Avenue when someone opened fire about 3:45 a.m., police said. The gunman may have fired shots from a black car. A 22-year old was shot in the chest and was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified. The other, 25, was shot in the head and was taken to the same hospital in critical condition, police said.

Attacks that were not fatal:

  • A man was wounded Friday in West Englewood on the South Side. He was in a parked car in the 5600 block of South Wolcott Avenue when someone opened fire about 6:10 p.m., police said. The 26-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
  • A 59-year-old man was wounded late Friday in the University Village neighborhood. He was walking in the 1300 block of South Blue Island Avenue when he shot about 10:15 p.m. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was in fair condition..
  • On Saturday, two men were seriously hurt in a shooting in West Garfield Park. They were standing with a group of people about 1 a.m. in the 4100 block of West Adams Street when someone opened fire, police said. A 32-year-old was shot twice in the chest and went to Stroger Hospital, where he was in serious condition, police said. The other man, 48, was struck in the back, chest and arm and went to Mount Sinai hospital, also in serious condition.

At least 32 other people were wounded in shootings between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.

Last weekend in Chicago, 104 people were shot, 19 fatally, making it the deadliest and most violent this year.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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Chicago weekend gun violence: 11 killed, 35 woundedSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 11:15 am Read More »

Man fatally shot in South ShoreSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 4:21 am

A man was fatally shot Sunday in South Shore on the South Side.

The man, 45, was in the 2000 block of East 71st Street when someone approached, pulled out a gun and fired, Chicago police said.

Danny Cline was struck in the head, neck and abdomen, and was taken to Jackson Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

No one was in custody.

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Man fatally shot in South ShoreSun-Times Wireon July 12, 2021 at 4:21 am Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Montreal Canadiens free agents to considerVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 11:00 am

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JULY 07: Ondrej Palat #18 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Shea Weber #6 of the Montreal Canadiens battle in front of Carey Price #31 during the first period in Game Five of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on July 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JULY 07: Ondrej Palat #18 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Shea Weber #6 of the Montreal Canadiens battle in front of Carey Price #31 during the first period in Game Five of the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on July 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Chicago Blackhawks, Carey Price

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks have a sweet rich history of being an Original Six organization in the National Hockey League. Another team that shares that distinction is the Montreal Canadiens. They were one of the biggest surprise teams this season. They were expected to make the playoffs in the North Division because of the division’s lack of depth.

When they got to the playoffs, however, few people picked them to beat the division-winning Toronto Maple Leafs in round number one. It looked even bleaker for the Habs when they were down in that series 3-1. They climbed all the way back from that point and defeated the Leafs in seven games. It was one of the feel-good stories from the first round.

From there, they defeated the Winnipeg Jet to reach the big bad Vegas Golden Knights in the third round. As expected, Vegas was a heavy favorite because they are a better team on paper by a lot. Montreal buckled down and defeated them to keep their Cinderella run going.

They made it to the Stanley Cup Final where they would be defeated in five games by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The fun season for them was over but they have a lot to be proud of. It was a lot of fun to watch them battle so that they can prove a lot of people wrong.

The Chicago Blackhawks could use some help during 2021 the free agency period.

During the offseason, like everyone else, Montreal is going to deal with some changes. There are a few different free agents that they might lose out on. The Chicago Blackhawks might be a team that tries to scoop up one or two. These are the three that they should look at:

Next: Player One

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Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Montreal Canadiens free agents to considerVincent Pariseon July 12, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

EXXXOTICA Chicago 2021on July 12, 2021 at 5:00 am

Count Gregula’s Crypt

EXXXOTICA Chicago 2021

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EXXXOTICA Chicago 2021on July 12, 2021 at 5:00 am Read More »

Horoscope for Monday, July 12, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 12, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Caution! Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 7 a.m. Chicago time for the rest of the day. The moon is in Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You’re excited about big plans related to home and family. Work with your ideas but be aware that there is a moon alert all day. Wait until tomorrow to act on your exciting plans.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Because you’re enthusiastic, people will enjoy talking to you, especially siblings, relatives and neighbors. They’re interested to hear your big ideas and exciting travel plans. Explore your ideas but wait until tomorrow to act. (Check moon alert.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Today your ruler Mercury is dancing with lucky Jupiter, which makes you excited about big plans connected with finances, major purchases or something to do with your earning power. Jot down these ideas because they could be great. However, wait until tomorrow to spend your money.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

With Mercury in your sign dancing with lucky Jupiter, you are enthusiastic today! You can give anyone a pep talk! Your upbeat energy and optimism will impress others. You’re also eager to learn new things and expand your world through knowledge. Note: Postpone major purchases until tomorrow.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a wonderful day for you to do research of any kind. For starters, you are interested in philosophical, deep ideas. In addition, because of the moon alert, your mind is willing to entertain new concepts. Learn as much as you can!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Group discussions will go very well because you are enthusiastic and encouraging to others. Quite likely, you will play a leadership role. However, because of today’s moon alert do not act on important decisions. Explore ideas today — but wait until tomorrow to act.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You impress bosses, parents and teachers today because you are enthusiastic and willing to think big. They are impressed with your thoughts and your bold energy. However, because of the moon alert today, don’t volunteer for anything. Wait until tomorrow to initiate your plans.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a marvelous day to learn and explore new ideas because your mind is eager to explore new concepts. Likewise, you might want to make travel plans or introduce ideas related to publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Please note: Today is a moon alert Wait until tomorrow to initiate anything.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Be careful today. Because there is a moon alert in effect all day, avoid financial decisions and spending big amounts of money. Meanwhile, this is the very thing you’re interested in doing because you’re focused on inheritances, shared property and insurance matters. Do your research but wait until tomorrow.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You will enjoy schmoozing with partners and close friends today. You will also enjoy talking to members of the general public because you are in an upbeat, enthusiastic mood. Likewise, you will encounter others who are happy to chat to you as well. (Agree to nothing important. Be smart and wait until tomorrow.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Work-related travel is likely for some of you. Form working units and work with each other today; however, don’t volunteer for anything important. Today is a moon alert. Just coast and enjoy your day! Easy does it.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is a fun-loving, playful day for you! Enjoy social outings, sports events and fun activities with kids. In particular, your own creative talents will be hot! Express your ideas but wait until tomorrow to set something in motion. (Moon alert.)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Rachel Brosnahan (1990) shares your birthday. You are easy-going, cheerful and energetic. You are also intelligent and persuasive. This year you have a strong focus on partnerships whether they are beginning or ending. Everything to do with your home is also highlighted, which is why you might do something to change your residence or fix up where you currently live. Privately, your idealism is aroused.

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Horoscope for Monday, July 12, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 12, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »