A late party outside a home. An afternoon drive. A stop at a gas station.

They were all scenes of shootings that wounded six children over nine hours this past weekend as Chicago continues to see more young victims of gun violence than last year.

At least 91 children 15 years of age and younger have been wounded so far this year, 11 of them fatally, according to Sun-Times records. That’s seven more than the same time last year when 84 children had been shot, 12 of them fatally.

The children wounded over the weekend were in neighborhoods that experienced the most shootings between Friday evening and late Sunday: Gresham on the South Side and Austin on the West Side.

The police districts that cover those neighborhoods accounted for at least 25 of the 60 people shot overall. Many of the 10 homicides also occurred there.

The pace of gun violence in the city continues to be higher than last year’s record level.

Chicago recorded at least 2,254 shootings through July 17, according to the city’s most recent data, up 10.3 percent from the same time last year, and 60 percent compared to 2019.

Among the weekend attacks:

12-year-old, 4 teenagers hurt in Austin mass shooting

Six people were shot outside a party late Saturday in Austin on the West Side, including a 12-year-old girl and four teenagers. Five of the victims, ranging in age from 12 to 19 years old, were hospitalized in fair condition, according to police

About 11:40 p.m., they were standing with a group on the sidewalk in the 5000 block of West Ohio Street when someone in a dark-colored SUV fired shots, police said.

The 12-year-old girl was struck in the hand and driven by family members to West Suburban Medical Center, police said.

A 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl both suffered gunshot wounds to the buttocks and were taken to Stroger Hospital, police said.

A 15-year-old girl suffered a graze wound to the head and a gunshot wound to the buttocks, according to police. She was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital. A 19-year-old woman was struck in the back and transported to Stroger Hospital.

A sixth victim, a 25-year-old man, was struck in the buttocks and went to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was treated and released.

Boys 8 and 14 hurt in Gresham shootings

Early Sunday, an 8-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man were wounded in a shooting in Gresham on the South Side.

Just after 1 a.m., the pair were traveling in a car in the 2000 block of West 83rd Street when someone in a black SUV fired shots, police said.

The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg and was transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was listed in good condition, police said. The man was struck in the back and treated and released on scene, according to police.

In another shooting in Gresham, a 14-year-old boy was wounded Saturday. The teen was in a car in the parking lot of a gas station in the 1200 block of 87th Street when someone opened fire about 3:40 p.m., police said.

He was shot in the leg and was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he was in fair condition, police said.

West Town fatal attack

A man was fatally shot early Monday in the West Town neighborhood.

Just after 1 a.m., the 38-year-old was standing on the sidewalk in the 100 block of North Morgan Street when someone in a silver sedan fired shots, Chicago police said. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

2 killed in Austin shootings

A man was shot and killed Sunday night in Austin on the West Side.

The 31-year-old was standing on the sidewalk in the 900 block of North Lawler Avenue when someone approached and fired, police said. He suffered gunshot wounds to the head and body and was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has not yet been identified.

Another man was fatally wounded Sunday night.

About 7:30 p.m., the 30-year-old was in the 5500 block of West Rice Street when someone approached and fired, police said. He was struck in the shoulder and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Chicago homicide database and map

Homicides in Chicago — A list of every victim: Our comprehensive database tracks every homicide in the city with information about victims, locations and more.

Greater Grand Crossing fatal attack

A 49-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday night in Greater Grand Crossing on the South Side.

He was speaking to someone in a parked car about 10:25 p.m. when someone inside fired shots in the 7700 block of South Normal Avenue, police said.

He was struck multiple times in the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t identified him.

Gresham homicide

A person was shot to death Sunday afternoon in Gresham on the South Side.

The victim was near the street about 4 p.m. in the 1700 block of West 79th Street when he heard shots and felt pain, police said. He was struck in the stomach and he was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Man killed in Back of the Yards

A man was shot to death early Sunday morning in Back of the Yards on the South Side.

The 30-year-old was walking on the sidewalk in the 5100 block of South Marshfield Avenue about 12:40 a.m. when someone in a gray sedan fired shots, Chicago police said. He suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has not yet been identified.

2 shot, 1 fatally, in Chatham

One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting Saturday night in Chatham on the South Side.

The pair was standing outside about 11:25 p.m. in the 7600 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue when someone in a black SUV fired shots, police said.

A male suffered gunshot wounds to the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said. A 27-year-old woman was struck in the right knee and taken to the same hospital in fair condition, police said.

Man fatally shot in East Garfield Park

A man was fatally shot early Saturday during an argument in East Garfield Park.

About 1:45 a.m., the 31-year-old was shot in the head by a man during an argument outside in the 2800 block of West Van Buren Street, police said. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The shooter was on the scene when officers arrived and was taken to Area Four headquarters for further investigation, police said.

1 killed, 3 wounded in Austin shooting

One man was killed and three others wounded in a shooting late Friday night in Austin on the West Side.

About 11:55 p.m., the four men were standing outside in the 700 block of North Lockwood Avenue when three people approached them and fired shots, police said. A 29-year-old man was struck in the head and back and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. He has not yet been identified.

A man, 40, suffered gunshot wounds to the hip and leg and another man, 45, was also struck in the leg, police said. Both men were transported to Stroger Hospital in serious condition. A fourth man, 62, suffered a graze wound to the back and was taken to the same hospital in good condition.

West Pullman fatal drive-by

A man was shot to death Friday evening in a drive-by in West Pullman on the Far South Side.

The 26-year-old was on the street about 6:50 p.m. in the 12000 block of South Union Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and someone from inside fired shots, police said. He was struck multiple times on the body and he was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Antwan Davis.

At least 39 other people were wounded in shootings between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.

Last weekend, 13 people were killed and 33 others wounded in shootings citywide.

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Julianna Zobrist, the estranged wife of former Cubs player Ben Zobrist, is seeking an additional $4 million in a settlement because of salary forfeited when the former infielder took a leave of absence during the 2019 season.

According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, Julianna Zobrist claimed in court documents that Ben Zobrist failed “to preserve marital assets” by leaving the Cubs in 2019. Because of the leave, Ben earned only $4.5 million instead of the $12 million his contract called for.

Zobrist left the team to address marital problems.

The court document claims that Ben “essentially went from the top of his game to basically giving up, which caused a massive loss in income,” according to the Tribune report.

The claim is the latest in the couple’s public and contentious split.

Ben Zobrist has previously claimed Julianna was having an affair with their minister. He is suing the minister, Byron Yawn, for $6 million, claiming he defrauded Ben’s charity foundation.

Yawn also is a former pastor and elder at Community Bible Church in Nashville. In that position, Yawn met Zobrist and his wife, the former Julianna Gilmore, about 16 years ago. The Zobrists were married in 2005.

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A Nashville Predators prospect has come out as gay before his first NHL camp.

Luke Prokop, a 19-year-old Canadian who was a second-round pick in the 2020 draft last fall, posted a message to Twitter on Monday.

“It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life, but I cannot be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “From a young age I have dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink improve my chances for filling my dreams.”

No active NHL player has come out as gay. Prokop said he hopes his example shows that gay people are welcome in the hockey community.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib in June became the first active NFL player to come out.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement the league is proud of Prokop and thanked him “for sharing his truth and for being so brave.”

“I share his hope that these announcements can become more common in the hockey community,” Bettman said. “LGBTQ players, coaches and staff can only perform at their absolute best if they live their lives as their full and true selves. We do not take the meaning and importance of this announcement lightly.”

The Predators said in a statement the club is “proud of Luke for the courage he is displaying in coming out today, and we will support him unequivocally in the days, weeks, and years to come as he continues to develop as a prospect.”

Prokop is from Edmonton, Alberta. He played parts of the past four seasons with Calgary in the Western Hockey League. He said the past year and a half gave him a chance to find his true self.

“I am no longer scared to hide who I am,” Prokop said. “I may be new to the community but I’m eager to learn about the strong and resilient people who came before me and pave the way so I could be more comfortable today.”

Bettman pledged the NHL will “do everything possible to ensure Luke’s experience is a welcoming and affirmative one” and work to ensure support for players who follow his path in the future.

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ATHENS, GREECE — Tolis Voskopoulos, a popular Greek folk singer, songwriter and actor whose career spanned more than six decades, has died. He was 80.

Voskopoulos, considered a star of modern Greek folk music, died Monday in an Athens hospital of cardiac arrest, a few days shy of his 81st birthday and several weeks after being hospitalized with respiratory problems, Greek media reported.

“Tolis Voskopoulos was fortunate to be appreciated by his colleagues and adored by the public,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a statement. “He was a true popular idol, a talented, intelligent performer who created a different, particular kind of entertainment on the stage.”

AP

He “lived as he sang, sang as he lived and in the same way he left: ‘unrepeatable,’ as his melodic lyrics will say forever,” tweeted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, using the title of one of Voskopoulos’s songs.

Born in Greece’s main port city of Piraeus on July 26, 1940, to parents who were refugees from Asia Minor, Voskopoulos was the youngest of 12 children and the only boy. He began his career as an actor, first appearing on stage at the age of 18 in 1953, and made his film debut a few years later in 1963.

His first major musical success was considered to be the 1968 song “Agonia,” composed by Giorgos Zambetas, which sold more than 300,000 copies, a record-breaking figure for Greek music at the time.

He continued producing major hits over the following decades, and became known as “prince” to his legions of fans. His last stage performance was in February 2020, when he sang alongside his daughter Maria to celebrate 60 years of his career.

Voskopoulos was married four times. He is survived by his wife, former minister and current head of the Greek Tourist Organization Angela Gerekou and their daughter Maria Voskopoulou.

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On July 19, 1980, the Summer Olympics opened in Moscow with 66 nations — led by the United States — boycotting because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Games weren’t televised in this country, replaced by an eerie two-week hole in the sports calendar.

So consider the 2021 Tokyo Games — officially, still the 2020 Tokyo Games — the strangest Olympics many of us will have ever seen. It is, of course, a matter of COVID-19. Already, multiple non-U.S. athletes and at least one volunteer have tested positive inside the Olympic Village. And at least one American, tennis player Coco Gauff, has tested positive. According to NPR, “more than 45 people affiliated with the Games” — most of them contractors — have tested positive this month. The Japanese capital lags behind the U.S. and much of the world in vaccination rates, and the city is under its fourth state of emergency since the start of the pandemic.

As they say: What could go wrong?

The theme for Friday’s opening ceremony at Tokyo’s National Stadium is “United by Emotion,” but many — perhaps most — athletes will not march in the Parade of Nations and there won’t be any fans allowed. The warm bodies in the stands will belong to sponsors, dignitaries, International Olympic Committee members and the like.

Again: kind of strange. At least there will be televised replays of all events for those who aren’t vampires or worse — annoying get-up-and-go types. Did we mention the opening ceremony starts at 5:55 a.m. CDT? No, thanks.

Here’s what’s happening:

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

MON 19

Twins at White Sox (4:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

Shohei Ohtani takes the hill for the Sox in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Twins. Wait, did we say Shohei Ohtani? Sorry, should’ve been Lance Lynn.

Cubs at Cardinals (7:15 p.m., ESPN, Marquee)

The Cubs’ rivals are no better off in the standings, but they’re more inclined to keep their roster together and stay in the fight (see: “Losing With Dignity” on Page 132 of the “Cardinals Way” manual).

TUE 20

Twins at White Sox (7:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

The Sox were 10-2 against the Twins in the season’s first half, outscoring them 91-47. No need to start making things more exciting now.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Suns at Bucks, Game 6 (8 p.m, Ch. 7)

Phoenix fans can count to 10 until they’re blue in their faces. At the end of the day, all Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has to do is count to four.

WED 21

Olympic women’s soccer: U.S. vs. Sweden (7:30 a.m., 5 p.m., NBCSN)

The only time since November 2019 when our women’s team failed to win was three months ago against Sweden — fifth in FIFA’s world rankings — which led deep into an eventual 1-1 draw in Stockholm.

D.C. United at Fire (7 p.m., Ch. 9)

It’s not just a dirty rumor: The Fire — yes, the Fire — recently won two games in a row. Let’s see you top that, Olympics.

Cubs at Cardinals (7:15 p.m., ESPN, Marquee)

Adam Wainwright makes career start No. 44 against the Cubs, the opponent he has faced more than any other. In related news, Wainwright is pretty dang old.

THU 22

Bucks at Suns, Game 7 (if necessary; 8 p.m., Ch. 7)

Can Chris Paul complete the coronation comeback? Worst case, he moves up the best-player-never-to-win-a-title list. (Not much of a consolation prize, but it’s the best we can do.)

FRI 23

Olympics: opening ceremony (5:55 a.m., 6:30 p.m., Ch. 5)

It’s a tradition that dates back to the very first Olympic Games in the 8th century B.C.: asking why in the hell the opening ceremony doesn’t come before the competition starts.

Diamondbacks at Cubs (1:20 p.m., Marquee)

If fans in the desert don’t get their NBA title, at least they can take comfort in their soon-to-be-100-loss baseball team.

White Sox at Brewers (7:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

Some of us are old enough to remember a long-ago time when these teams waged frequent, sometimes ornery battles as division rivals. If you don’t know, ask Phil Garner and Terry Bevington about it.

SAT 24

Olympic swimming (7 p.m., Ch. 5)

The men’s and women’s 400-meter individual medleys and the men’s 400-meter freestyle are highlighted today in this sport we care about — a crazy lot — every four years.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

SUN 25

Olympic men’s basketball: U.S. vs. France (5 a.m., Peacock, 11:15 a.m., Ch. 5)

Two words sums up the state of the American squad: “compromised roster.” At least Zach LaVine has plenty of experience with that.

Red Stars at Gotham FC (4 p.m., Paramount+)

Between them, the teams have seven players on Olympic duty. But who needs Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher and Carli Lloyd, anyway?

White Sox at Brewers (6:08 p.m., ESPN)

Look, just because the Cubs can’t beat the Brewers, that doesn’t mean the Sox can’t.

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A summer version of the City/Suburban Hoops Report Three-Pointer:

No. 1

There is still some work to do but with three hot in-state prospects making a push in July, Illinois could have four players ranked together in the top 100 for the first time since the Class of 2017.

Young’s AJ Casey is an established top 100 name who is currently a consensus top 30 prospect. It would be very surprising if Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt doesn’t make the jump into the top 100 following July, while Buffalo Grove’s Kam Craft and Glenbard West’s Braden Huff may be forcing their way in as well with their play.

The Class of 2017 finished with four players as consensus top 100 prospects: East St. Louis’ Jeremiah Tilmon (No. 40), Belleville Althoff’s Jordan Goodwin (No. 52), Evanston’s Nojel Eastern (No. 67) and Edwardsville’s Mark Smith (No. 90)

No. 2

Each year there is usually always one AAU basketball matchup I would want to see in the summer here in Illinois. And inevitably is usually never happens.

Unlike high school basketball where you typically can find a way to see the top teams play one another either in a high-profile shootout, holiday tournament, Chicago Public League play or, finally, in state tournament action in March, it rarely ever happens in club basketball in Illinois.

Basketball politics and shoe company affiliations get in the way of what should be a no-brainer: the best local teams and players going at one another — somewhere, somehow.

This year it’s clear the top two teams in the state are the Meanstreets and Illinois Wolves 17U teams. The City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top five prospects in the senior class all hail from one of these two teams. They’ve also shown it on the court.

The Illinois Wolves went 7-0 this past weekend playing in the Under Armour Association. Glenbard West’s Braden Huff and Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt are high-major prospects.

Tuscola’s Jalen Quinn, the best player in Illinois outside the Chicago area, is on the cusp of being one as well.

Glenbard West’s Cade Pierce is a mid-major prospect who is pushing top 10 status in the senior class, while DePaul Prep’s 6-9 Dylan Arnett continues to see his stock rise as a Division I prospect.

The Illinois Wolves will travel to Dallas this weekend to continue their Under Armour schedule.

Meanstreets, meanwhile, tuned up for the always rugged Nike EYBL play that begins this week by barnstorming through the lesser Prep Hoops event in Alabama last weekend, cruising to four wins.

Young’s AJ Casey, Buffalo Grove’s Kam Craft, Oak Forest’s Robbie Avila and Glenbrook South’s Nick Martinelli are the local talents, while Meanstreets is also able to draw from neighboring states. High-profile stars like Gary West Side’s Jalen Washington, a recent North Carolina commit, and top 100 talent Ty Rodgers out of Michigan, rounds out a group of a half dozen Division I players.

Meanstreets began a stretch this past weekend where they will be on the road for 19 consecutive days. Nike EYBL play starts July 13 and runs through July 19 while the famed Peach Jam Tournament will be played from July 20-25.

How about a City/Suburban Hoops Report sponsored club basketball exhibition featuring these two teams at the end of the month?

No. 3

Glenbard West, led by a pair of Division I prospects in Braden Huff and Cade Pierce, received a ton of hype and notoriety with their play in June — and deservedly so. The Hilltoppers will be in the conversation for No. 1 when the preseason rankings come out in November.

But a team that impressed, played extremely well and boasts individual players who continue to open eyes this summer is New Trier. Coach Scott Fricke’s Trevians, which quietly finished 13-2 this past season, should be a bonafide top 10 team when the season tips this Thanksgiving.

Big man Jackson Munro continues to excite with his play and development. Although the 6-8 senior remains one of the most overlooked prospects in the senior class, the late-blooming Munro will be a difference-maker this winter.

Following another solid weekend with Fundamental U on the club basketball circuit this past weekend, look for the recruitment of Munro to increase. He did his work around the basket and also stepped out and showed an ability to knock down the three.

The under-recruited Munro, who boasts a 35 ACT, has just one offer — from Loyola-Maryland — but is seeing the interest pick up among other schools.

Sharpshooter Jake Fiegen made noise last year as a sophomore, but the 6-2 guard has also made significant strides since and is one of the best shooters in the junior class.

There is additional size, shooting and experience in 6-4 Noah Shannon, 6-5 Karlo Colak, guard Josh Kirkpatrick and 6-10 junior Tyler Van Gorp.

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When the pandemic first hit, some people predicted COVID-19 would test our relationships. Because spending ALL of our free time with one person is…challenging? Exhausting? Not natural? So if you and your boo didn’t make it out of quarantine together, no worries. It’s time to ~get back out there~ and hit up recently reopened Chicago dance clubs. Here are a few places you might find your soulmate (or, you know, one night stand). 

1575 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60622

This easygoing late-night bar in Wicker Park is a neighborhood staple, complete with bottle service and dance parties until 2am on the weekends. Don’t miss DJ’s spinning tracks upstairs and downstairs for sick vibes. The perfect spot to get flirty and frisky with a new fling. 

222 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654

Looking to find love suuuuper late? This old River North warehouse is open til 5am. Party like a rockstar amongst disco balls, exposed brick walls, and bright neon-signs that’ll give you a nice Instaglow. Heads up, you’ll need to make reservations on their website ahead of time. Book here, cupid.

632 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60654

You know what rhymes with Tao? WOW. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this high-end, posh Asian nightclub. Dance the night away in this 1000-capacity space featuring a 10-foot Japanese bell, world-famous DJ sets, and funky lights. Make your VIP request here. 

948 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607

It might seem like an ordinary barbershop but tucked away behind a false wall is a dope speakeasy that’s super popular amongst Chicago locals. And it’s not your average nightclub: the dance dance is tiny and the space itself is pretty small. But the ambience is unparalleled with stylish seating and trendy decor. You should also know Blind Barber is cashless and all seated reservations are limited to 2 hours. Get yours here. 

3730 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60613

Say hello to Chicago’s independent nightclub, featuring the sickest DJs spinning techno dance music from across the globe. Snag a new sweetheart and sway among the blue, purple, and pink lights. Plus, if you love music, there are a ton of upcoming shows in July. 

4810 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640

Looking for something a little more laid back? Check out this French nightclub featuring a state-of-the-art 25,000 watt KV2 Audio system and over 99 separate pieces of intelligent lighting. The space is gorgeous with comfortable seating and a cozy outdoor patio. 

1543 N Kingsbury St Chicago, IL 60642

Okay, Lincoln Park, we see you. This top-rated hybrid venue offers live music, private events, and epic nightclub performances. And with 10,000 square feet of space and three distinct bars, you can find your perfect vibe. Secure your reservations here. 

Featured Image Credit: Artem Bryzgalov on Unsplash

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RIP Amy Winehouse, 10 years on – why the little Jewish girl from London still matters.

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By Michelle Babicz,
today at 9:28 am

Legendary British singer Amy Winehouse died ten years ago this Friday, July 23rd, a member of that damnable “27 Club” that took so many artists before her – Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain – at age 27.

Afflicted by acute alcohol addiction and the effects of years of bulimia (she had quit dope several years’ prior), Amy’s heart simply stopped, and she died alone on her bed, laptop by her side, one of its last items viewed a video of her singing on YouTube.

Winehouse’s death ended a sad, complex and cautionary tale of great talent, self-doubt, the terrible price of fame and the vicious nature of addiction when it’s not systematically treated. Even when it is, some don’t make it. They one day just run out of road.

Unforunately, Amy Winehouse’s saga took place in full view of a certain cruel public sector, as the Internet was ramping up content to satisfy the 24/7 voracious appetites of its voyeuristic hordes. As her personal issues (the addictions, a headline-grabbing violent marriage) began to overshadow her talent, the press went rabid. Often called a “train wreck,” with many performances labeled “shambolic,” Amy seemed the ‘Net’s perfect It Girl, if “It” meant someone destined to hit a wall at 80 mph. London’s notorious Fleet Street paps were especially merciless in pursuit and taunting of her, gleeful to catch her loaded or emotionally distraught. Much online content attests to this. It’s horrible to witness.

And how she hated it! Yet the press continued to the end to hunt, devour and spit her out, and she was powerless to stop them.

Amy Winehouse’s biggest hit was a song called Rehab, the infamous gist of which is that friends tried to make her go to rehab but she said No, No, No. Bitter irony, of course, in that rehab was exactly what she needed. She did end up there several times, never fully committing until the very end, but by then it was too late. Her health and voice were shot, her fragile emotions shredded.

By now you may be asking, so why did Amy Winehouse – a small, Jewish girl from North London, a hard-core addict – matter?

She mattered for the same reason that Billie Holliday, Judy Garland and Janis Joplin did before her. Addicts all, yes, but also once-in-a-generation talents of blinding brilliance. Amy truly was every bit the equal of those greats and others artists whom she worshipped, like Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Sinatra and Dinah Washington.

Hyperbole? It’s not. She wrote her own music and performed it indelibly with incredible sidemen. Her look morphed into pure 60s girl-group – skinny, giant black beehive and swoopey black eyeliner, a la Ronnie Spector – but her lyrics and sensibilities were solid London Chick of the new Millennium. She wrote amazing lyrics of modern heartache and romantic ennui better than anyone, in a soul/R&B/jazz mode that respected the past yet was utterly fresh. Amy Winehouse connected in a way that few had before her or since. She was adored by fans from the jump.

She wrote, always, with depth and humour. Her clever, sometimes bawdy lyrics could make you laugh one minute and gut you the next.

And her voice – that voice! One of the most unique ever, a throaty contralto with the depth and seasoning of the very best jazz singers. It was often said that Amy was an old soul in a young body – emphasis on soul.

Sadly, her recorded output while alive was only two albums – 2003’s Frank, and the legendary Back to Black from 2006, which was the all-time best selling album in the U.K. for years. (A posthumous album, Lioness, came out in late 2011.) Thankfully, there is a ton of concert footage online, mainly on YouTube, with many of her concerts also available on DVD.

A fine, if controversial documentary entitled Amy, by noted director Asif Kapadia, came out in 2015, not sanctioned by her family. A new BBC documentary is to air this week to commemorate the tenth anniversary of her death, and a big-screen biopic is said to be in the works, both with the family’s blessing.

As a huge Winehouse fan, I’ve heard and seen probably 99% of her available music, and read every book on her I could find. A great one came out just last month called My Amy, by her lifelong friend, Brit soul singer Tyler James. Brutally honest, he pulls no punches, yet his love for her shines. It’s my favorite of the many books on Amy. (Also very good and very honest are the two separate books written by her mother and father, both seriously misunderstood people.)

So give the girl a listen, for the first time if you don’t know her or the 50th time if you do. Delve into her fascinating life. Watch her many concerts and videos on YouTube. She’ll get in deep. You will never forget her.

RIP, Amy. May you now have the peace that so eluded you when you were here, treading your “troubled track.”

If only you truly could have believed how talented you were, how beautiful – and how loved.

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Daily Cubs Minors Recap: Davis homers again; Maldonado and Aliendo with game winning blasts; Gallardo sharp on the mound

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By Michael Ernst,
today at 9:45 am

AAA

Toledo 3, Iowa 0

Top Performers

• Matt Duffy: 2-3, 2B (.308)
• Andrew Romine: 1-3 (.281)
• Adrian Sampson: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K (L, 4-3, 4.98)
• Manuel Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (0.00)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

The Cubs claimed veteran Minor League 1st baseman Frank Schwindel off waivers from Oakland. The 29-year old has yet to be given much of a chance in the Majors with KC or Oak (.114 AVG in 35 ABs between 2019 and 2021). He’s a contact oriented right handed bat who also has 20 HR pop. Maybe the Cubs see some value in him as a guy who could platoon with Alfonso Rivas in AAA or maybe even the Majors should they pull the trigger on an Anthony Rizzo trade. Neither guy possesses the ideal power profile for first base, but pairing them as a platoon to take full advantage of their contact skills might work, at least as a stopgap.

Matt Duffy and David Bote both started again. They played the majority of the game this time before getting lifted for a pinch hitter late. They both seem to be on track for a return next week.

Flamethrower Manuel Rodriguez has not allowed an earned run since blowing a save on Opening Day. Since then, he’s been lights out: 17.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 10 BB, 24 K. His fastball registers in the upper-90s and touches triple digits as it did in the Future’s Game. He pairs it with a power curve. His command still wavers, so I still have concerns if he can be a reliable late inning guy in the Majors, where more of the fastballs that catch middle of the plate could end up in the seats. But Rodriguez has the stuff, and for now he’s been mowing through AAA lineups without needing to stay on the edges.

AA

Tennessee 6, Mississippi 3

Top Performers

• Nelson Maldonado: 2-3, HR (4), R, 3 RBI (.288)
• Levi Jordan: 1-4, HR (3), R, 2 RBI (.264)
• Brennen Davis: 1-4, HR (6), R, RBI (.281)
• Tim Susnara: 2-3, 2B, BB (.393)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

At some point AA pitchers will start to think twice about letting Brennen Davis get his arms extended. The big righty has been wearing out the RCF gap of late, and showing the power to do damage when going that way. He hit an opposite field homer for the second straight day. In 14 games since June 30th, Davis has hit .360/.448/.820 (236 wRC+) with 8 doubles and 5 home runs.

In 14 games since June 30th, Brennen Davis has hit .360/.448/.820 with 8 doubles and 5 home runs. https://t.co/VAbI0Gob6a

— Michael Ernst (@mj_ernst)

July 19, 2021

There are just five hitters at Double-A with a better wRC+ than Brennen Davis’s 151, and all of them are at least a year older than Davis, with hundreds of games more pro experience.

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation)

July 19, 2021

Not only is Nelson Maldonado batting .325/.391/.525 (153 wRC+) over his last 33 games, but he hit a game winning 3-run shot in the 7th to break a 3-3 tie. Maldonado is more of a line drive and gap power hitter, but he’s shown the occasional over the fence pop this season.

FINAL: M-Braves 3, Smokies 6. Nelson Maldonado’s 406 foot home run gave the Smokies the WIN today! #SmokiesBaseball #GoSmokies pic.twitter.com/52Tpud9Odt

— Tennessee Smokies (@smokiesbaseball)

July 18, 2021

The Cubs picked up veteran backstop Tim Susnara midseason from the Indy ball ranks. In his first three pro seasons (2017-2019) he failed to hit much in the lower levels, but so far with Tennessee he’s done nothing but hit. After reaching base three times last night he is now slashing .393/.486/.857. The Smokies haven’t been playing him much (9 games), and I frankly haven’t paid much attention to him during games, but I guess it is possible he unlocked some offensive potential during his time away from organized ball. This is probably just a hot streak, but if he keeps it up I’ll have to dig a little.

High-A

Cedar Rapids 13, South Bend 3

Top Performers

• Nelson Velazquez: 3-4, SB (10) (.284)
• D.J. Artis: 1-4, HR (2), R, RBI (.150)
• Grayson Byrd: 1-4, 2B, R, RBI (.208)
• Bradford Deppermann: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (4.19)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

D.J. Artis homered for the second time in three days.

It was a really, really rough night for Cubs reliever Tyler Suellentrop. He failed to record an out, while allowing 8 runs (6 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks. Ouch.

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 5, Columbia 2

Game Recap

recap

Top Performers

• Richard Gallardo: 5 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.70)
• Gabriel Jaramillo: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K (S, 1, 1.64)
• Pablo Aliendo: 2-4, HR (4), 2 R, 2 RBI (.271)
• Jordan Nwogu: 1-2, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.193)
• Kevin Made: 2-3, RBI, SB (2) (.225)
• Ezequiel Pagan: 1-3, RBI, SF (.259)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

The Pelicans fell behind 2-1 heading into the 6th, but a two run shot by Pablo Aliendo (.271/.366/.406) put them ahead for good. Aliendo got off to a hot start in May and June, but cooled off a bit after that. He’s been starting to get dialed back in though. Hopefully he can rediscover the consistency that made him one of the few threats in the Pelicans offense back in May.

Three run jack for my guy Pablo Aliendo pic.twitter.com/FaaDND5J0L

— Todd (@CubsCentral08)

June 20, 2021

It’s been a good week for Jordan Nwogu (.193/.298/.343) at the dish. He seems to be starting to turn the corner over his last 7 games (.368/.429/.632, 183 wRC+ with 2 doubles and homer). He’s still striking out a bit, but his timing has improved and he is making really hard contact when he gets hittable pitches. There may be no one outside of the newly acquired Bryce Ball with more raw power in the system. The ball just jumps off Nwogu’s bat.

Richard Gallardo had his sinker working in this one. The high profile IFA signing from 2019 is stoutly built and shows feel for pitching well beyond his 19 years. His stuff is pretty average though (low-to-mid-90s sinking FB, CV, CH), and I’m not sure how much projection he has remaining given how he’s already filled out his frame. He’ll need to rely on command (which he already does a pretty good job with) and generating ground balls, which he did last night as 6 of the 7 outs he recorded in play were on the ground.

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Chicago Blackhawks: 3 unprotected players for Seattle to take by Vincent Parise

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Chicago Cubs (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The 2021 MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away now, with the July 30 date coming up quickly. For the Chicago Cubs, their fans and the clubhouse, this time is a stressful one.

The Cubs may end up tearing apart their core — the same core that led them to a 2016 World Series.

It is a sad reality, but one that fans should have seen coming for a couple of years now. It seems as though the Ricketts haven’t cared much about winning another title after that magical 2016 campaign. Instead, ownership has been content in doing the bare minimum.

It’s clear the Cubs aren’t going to contend anytime soon, so attempting to get a return for guys like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo makes sense. Next year, all three will be free agents. Bryant, in particular, is maybe the hottest name amongst those three in terms of a possible trade.

Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant has much more to offer than just third base prowess.

One thing Bryant has been able to offer the Cubs over the years is his versatility in the field. When thinking about possible trades with Bryant, it’s important to look past just his current position at third base.

Being able to play in the outfield, as well, should open up far more trade possibilities for the former NL MVP. Teams may have a need at third base, but other teams currently need help in the outfield. Either one of those types of clubs are excellent candidates for Bryant.

Looking at some of the teams which currently need help in the outfield, we can see three particular landing spots which also make sense for Bryant — outside of a top rumored team like the Mets.

When talking about a deal for Bryant, it’s important to remember that his contract is up after this season. If that wasn’t the case, the Cubs would be looking at an enormous return. Because he’s entering free agency in 2022, Chicago likely wouldn’t get as much as they’d like. Nevertheless, the following three trades make sense.

Next: Trade Number 1

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