With his Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl, quarterback Tom Brady can joke about his Soldier Field gaffe.

With his Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl, quarterback Tom Brady can joke about his Soldier Field gaffe. In a video posted to his Tik-Tok account, Brady detailed what was going through his head — or what wasn’t — when he mistakenly lost track of downs.

Bears cornerback DeAndre Houston-Carson broke up a fourth-down pass from Brady with 33 seconds left in the Bears’ 20-19 win Oct. 8. Brady held up four fingers, as if to say he thought the Bucs still had fourth down coming up. After the game, he demurred when asked if he lost count; coach Bruce Arians said he didn’t.

On Tik-Tok, though, Brady said he thought it was third down.

“You guys remember this one?” he said with the clip playing in the background. “Fourth quarter, last chance in Chicago. I thought it was the second-to-last chance in Chicago, but apparently not. I don’t think I’ve ever been as confused as I am in this moment right here. Look at that face.”

Brady then held up four fingers again — and smacked himself in the face.

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During the 1964 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears had three first-round draft picks. Gale Sayers, born this week, became their first pick and signed with the team.

As published in the Chicago Daily News, sister publication of the Chicago Sun-Times:

In 1964, the Chicago Bears needed a big win in the NFL draft. A boring 3-7 season left many fans feeling dejected, yet impossibly hopeful about what the upcoming draft might bring because the Bears had three first-round picks and some excellent prospects to choose from.

Before the draft, the Chicago Daily News asked readers to vote for who they thought the Bears should pick first, and the paper published the results in the Nov. 19, 1964 edition. While Illinois linebacker Dick Butkus reigned as everyone’s top pick, the second favorite was none other than running back Gale Sayers.

Sayers, who was born May 30, 1943, may not have played on the famed 1985 Super Bowl-winning team, but he holds a special place in the hearts of Bears fans. He would become the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his memoir recounting his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970, inspired the hit made-for-TV movie, “Brian’s Song.”

Fans in 1964 may have picked Butkus first, but they also recognized that what the Bears really needed was a breakaway runner more than a linebacker. Sayers suffered an injury earlier in the year, “but he’s well now. He’s a fine offensive player and he’ll go early, too,” defensive coach George Allen told Bears reporter Bob Smith.

When the paper published the team’s draft picks on Nov. 30, the Bears chose Sayers first — but so did the American Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs. Butkus may have been the fan favorite, but he ended up being the Bears’ third choice. On Dec. 2, Sayers made his decision.

“The setting is a rented hotel room,” Smith wrote. “Newsmen are gathered to record that Sayers has signed with the Bears instead of with Kansas City of the rival American Football League.”

Linda Sayers accompanied her husband alongside Bears coach George Halas and scout Buddy Young, who delivered Sayers to the Bears.

“I knew Gale from scouting him for the Colts,” Young said. “The NFL says, ‘Young, talk to Sayers … keep him active … keep him in a position where he has a choice.’ You’d be surprised how many kids never had a choice … how many the other league pressures into signing before the draft.”

To Smith, Sayers appeared “friendly and courteous and maybe a hair ill-at-ease with all the fanfare.”

The newly signed player told him, “My wife and I decided Monday night that it would be the Bears. I’ve always had a great admiration for the team and for coach Halas. I wanted to be a running back and that’s where the Bears plan to use me.”

When asked what Sayers would make and if he signed a no-cut contract, Halas danced around the reply, giving Smith what he called a “newsless answer.”

“The Bears are reluctant to give no-cut contracts,” Halas said. “When we sign a player, we don’t like to announce the term of years involved or the amount.”

Smith speculated that Sayers probably cost the Bears about $20,000 a year “for a certain number of years” along with a signing bonus between $7,000 and $10,000.

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PLEASE NOTE: Events may be postponed or simply canceled. Please call ahead to make sure they are still scheduled to take place. 1 ART Toward Common Cause Timed to the 40th anniversary of the MacArthur Foundation’s Fellows Program — popularly known as the “genius” grants — this sweeping, multi-site exhibition organized by the University of … Read moreRead More

Jeff Reinebold, special teams coordinator of the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and his nearly 40 years of coaching experience joins the 100 Crew to talk Chicago Bears football

The post Keepin’ It 100 – North of the Border first appeared on CHI CITY SPORTS l Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Fans – Rumors.Read More

Although the Sox maintain a 2.5 game lead in the Central, they left Cleveland with a sour taste.

The post Good Guys Talk Back – Episode 104 – Tame the Tigers first appeared on CHI CITY SPORTS l Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Fans – Rumors.Read More

A key aim of Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s visit to Washington is believed to be securing U.S. funding to help restock Israel’s Iron Dome, a sophisticated missile defense system that smacked down many of the more than 4,000 rockets that Hamas militants fired toward Israel last month.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz sought a reaffirmation of U.S. security commitments to Israel on Thursday as the country weathers its greatest domestic political upheaval in years and the aftermath of last month’s war with Hamas militants in Gaza.

A key aim of Gantz’s visit to Washington is believed to be securing U.S. funding to help restock Israel’s Iron Dome, a sophisticated missile defense system that smacked down many of the more than 4,000 rockets that Hamas militants fired toward Israel last month. More than a week of Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets killed 254 people in Hamas-ruled Palestinian Gaza and 12 in Israel.

Gantz was meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Biden administration pledged ongoing support for Iron Dome on the eve of Gantz’s visit.

“During the conflict we saw the Iron Dome system, which our nations developed together, save the lives of countless innocent civilians,” acting Assistant Secretary of State Joey Hood told the Israel Policy Forum, a New York-based research group.

President Joe Biden “is clear about this administration’s support for replenishing this system to support Israel’s ability to defend itself in the future,” Hood said.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, touring Israel this week in a show of support after the latest Gaza war, said he expected Israelis to seek up to $1 billion from the U.S. for Iron Dome, including for restocking the system’s interception missiles.

The U.S. partnership in Israel’s Iron Dome has wide bipartisan support in Congress, as does overall U.S. support for Israel’s defense, a tenet of U.S. foreign policy for decades. Last month’s war, however — the fiercest Israeli-Palestinian fighting since 2014 — has exposed a rift in Biden’s Democratic Party. Progressives and some others demanded a cease-fire by Israel as well as Hamas as Palestinian deaths grew in the crowded Gaza Strip, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, said the U.S. should take an “even-handed” approach to ally Israel in its long-running conflict with the Palestinians.

The latest Gaza war started May 10 after Hamas fired rockets toward Jerusalem in support of Palestinian protests against Israel’s heavy-handed policing of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site sacred to Jews and Muslims, and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers.

Biden and his administration have stressed U.S. support for Israel’s defense and condemnation of Hamas attacks, while exhorting both sides to avoid incendiary moves. Long-term, the administration says it is maintaining U.S. backing for reviving a moribund peace process that would include a separate state for Palestinians.

Gantz’s visit with Israel’s top ally comes as Israeli opposition leaders seek to come together in a coalition to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ending his record 12 years in power.

Gantz is part of the coalition pushing to unseat Netanyahu. He is expected to remain in his post as defense minister if the government changes.

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A survey of 2,000 baseball fans said Clark was the best. The White Sox’ Southpaw? Not so much.

The Cubs are way ahead of the White Sox when it comes to mascot popularity.

According to a survey conducted by PlayUSA.com, Clark the Cub is the best mascot in Major League Baseball. Clark’s South Side counterpart, Southpaw, came in 22nd place. Slider, the mascot for the Sox’ AL Central rival Cleveland Indians, came in last place.

Fans surveyed gave Clark a 3.95 rating out of 5. Southpaw had an average rating of 3.07.

Rounding out the top 5 best MLB mascots: 2. Paws (Detroit Tigers) 3. Dinger (Colorado Rockies) 4. T.C. (Minnesota Twins) 5. The Oriole Bird (Baltimore Orioles).

The worst MLB mascots: 1. Slider (Cleveland Indians) 2. Swinging Friar (San Diego Padres) 3. Billy the Marlin (Miami Marlins) 4. Raymond (Tampa Bay Rays) 5. Blooper (Atlanta Braves).

The most obnoxious MLB mascots: 1. Philly Phanatic (Philadelphia Phillies) 2. Baxter (Arizona Diamondbacks) 3. Slider (Cleveland Indians) 4. Swinging Friar (San Diego Padres) 5. Blooper (Atlanta Braves).

PlayUSA.com surveyed more than 2,000 baseball fans and asked them to rate every official MLB mascot on a scale of 1-5. Ratings were then averaged for each mascot. Among respondents, 59% were male and 41% were female with an average age of 37.

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With summer on our doorsteps, it’s time to enjoy the area’s many al fresco dining options.

With pandemic restrictions increasingly easing, and Chicago making huge strides to a return to pre-pandemic normalcy, the area’s restaurant community is adding a spring/summertime favorite to its menus: al fresco dining.

Devasted by the pandemic, Chicago’s culinary scene has weathered more than a year of closures, carryout, deliver-only and limited indoor dining. But customers have done their best to patronize their favorite eateries and discover some new ones along the way.

Jeff Marini

Here’s a look at some of what the area’s outdoor dining scene is offering. But check out your neighborhood — there are hundreds of restaurants, diners and food-offering bars serving up some of the best food in the country.

Aba: The rooftop patio seating features heaters and fire pits throughout, and a Mediterranean menu from chef CJ Jacobson, highlighting influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. 302 N. Green Street; abarestaurants.com

Aire: Located at the Hyatt Centric in the Loop, this rooftop hotspot has a 360-degree view of the city and features fire pits, cabanas and couches. The menu includes an array of appetizers, flatbreads and salads plus craft cocktails and beer. 100 W. Monroe; hyatt.com

Angelo’s: The Albany Park restaurant has a streetside patio plus a handy covered patio in case of inclement weather. The menu includes pasta, pizzas and seafood plus craft cocktails and wine. 3026 W. Montrose; angeloschicago.com

Hyatt

Athena: This Greektown staple has a charming patio with a retractable roof, Greek columns and a waterfall. The extensive menu is full of Greek-inspired classics from flaming saganaki to gyros and solmades plus many varieties of lamb. 212 S. Halsted; athenachicago.com

Avli River North & Avli on the Park. The River North spot offering contemporary Greek cuisine features a cedar terrace/patio and sidewalk café. The Lakeshore East location has a rooftop patio with fireplaces and a great view. 702 N. Wells and 180 N. Field; avli.us

Bar Avec: Located in River North, this new rooftop is inspired by the leisurely style of dining found at seaside diners in coastal Spanish and Portuguese towns. Chefs Paul Kahan and Ross Henke’s menu is simple fare that showcases seafood and seasonal vegetables as well as Avec classics. 640 N. Lasalle; baravec.com

Bar Chido: A patio extends the fun atmosphere of this restaurant that offers a modern take on Mexican street food. There’s also a taco takeout window. 1012 Curtiss, Downers Grove; facebook.com/barchidodg/

The Barn Steakhouse: The Evanston restaurant features an outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and firepits. In addition to steaks, the menu includes seafood, salads and more. 1016 Church, Evanston; thebarnsteakhouse.com

Big Star Wicker Park & Big Star Wrigleyville: The outdoor patio of the Wicker Park location is a lively neighborhood cornerstone with tasty tacos, slushies and margaritas with music provided by DJs. A smaller streetside patio at the restaurant’s Wrigleyville location features the same food and honky-tonk vibe within sightlines of the ballpark. 1531 N. Damen and 3640 N. Clark; bigstarchicago.com

BiXi Beer: The Asian-inspired brewpub located in Logan Square features a roof deck with a covered section for outdoor dining in inclement weather. Chef Bo Fowler’s menu includes noodles, burgers, seafood and more. 2515 N. Milwaukee; bixi.beer

The Bureau Bar + Restaurant: The South Loop restaurant and event space is equipped with outdoor patio seating, a pool table, live music, and a comprehensive menu including brunch options. 2115 S. State. Visit bureaubarandrestaurant.com.

Cabra: Stephanie Izzard’s Peruvian-influenced restaurant is situated atop the Hoxton hotel and includes a partially covered patio space with views of Fulton Market. The menu features small plates including salmon ceviche, goat empanadas, eggplant saltado and more. 200 N. Green; cabrachicago.com

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba: Chicago’s original tapas bar has tented outdoor tables where patrons can enjoy a menu of authentic Spanish cuisine designed to share. 2024 N. Halsted; cafebabareeba.com

Chez Moi: The French restaurant located in Lincoln Park features bistro-style outdoor dining with a romantic ambiance. Chef Dominique Tougne’s classic French menu includes onion soup, foie gras, steak frites, crème brulee and more. 2100 N. Halsted; chezmoichicago.com

City Winery: The restaurant/music venue has a large dog-friendly outdoor patio where patrons can enjoy a selection of small and large plates, pizzas, salads, cocktails and, of course, wine. 1200 W. Randolph; citywinery.com/chicago

Coco Pazzo Café: This casual eatery has reopened with an outdoor patio and a new menu of small plates. 212 E. Ohio; cocopazzocafe.com

The Duck Inn: Enjoy everything duck (rotisserie duck, duck fat French fries, duck wings and more) under a tent on the Bridgeport restaurant’s backyard patio. 2701 S. Eleanor; theduckinnchicago.com

Found Kitchen & Social House: The restaurant includes an outdoor patio where you can enjoy chef Debbie Gold’s menu that highlights seasonal flatbreads, an array of cheeses, shared plates and kitchen driven craft cocktails. 1631 Chicago, Evanston; foundkitchen.com

French Quiche: There’s cozy patio hidden away in the back of this Lincoln Park establishment. It’s the perfect place to read the paper and enjoy quiche, sandwiches, sweets and more. 2210 N. Halsted; fqchicago.com

Frontier: Chef Brian Jupiter’s bar/restaurant features a covered patio with string lights and a fireplace. Famous for its Whole Animal Experience perfect for a large group, the menu also features blackened salmon, wagyu ribs, char-grilled oysters and the fan favorite five-cheese mac. 1072 N. Milwaukee; thefrontierchicago.com

Fuller House: Enjoy signature American cuisine on this restaurant’s large outdoor patio while also soaking up some sunshine. 35 E. First, Hinsdale; fullerhousebar.com

Fulton Market Kitchen: Chef Jonathan Harootunian offers a new seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from regional farms and markets at this part restaurant, part art gallery crossover that also has a comfortable outdoor patio. 311 N. Sangamon; fultonmarketkitchen.com

Geja’s Café: Enjoy fondue and fine wines on a pergola-covered patio at this North Side staple know as “Chicago’s most romantic restaurant.” 340 W. Armitage; gejascafe.com

Gibson’s Italia: The restaurant’s outdoor area features a retractable roof and walls for warm summer nights along the Chicago River. Chef Jose Sosa’s menu pairs the tastes of Italy with the meat-based menu of Gibson’s Steakhouse. 233 N. Canal; gibsonsitalia.com

Greek Islands: The Greektown restaurant has a traditionally decorated outdoor space and a menu of favorite Greek classics. 200 S. Halsted; greekislands.net

Harold’s #88 Chicken Meets Beer: While the hook is the chicken, the South Loop location stands out with outdoor patio seating, “infused” smoothies, and an occasional Thursday comedy night. 1450 S. Michigan. Visit instagram.com/haroldschicken88meetsbeer/.

Il Culaccino: Located in the South Loop, this Italian eatery has an outdoor patio with a retractable roof and walls. The menu boasts an extensive list of pasta dishes as well as salmon, chicken and veal. 2134 S. Indiana; ilculaccino.com

IO Godfrey: A year-round rooftop patio with a retractable roof, craft cocktails and a menu that features shared plates, grilled selections, sushi and flatbreads. 127 W. Huron; iogodfrey.com

The J. Parker: The rooftop restaurant sits atop Hotel Lincoln and features great views of the city and Lake Michigan. The menu features small plates, sandwiches and burgers. There’s also a breakfast menu. 1816 N. Clark; jparkerchicago.com

Kennedy Rooftop: Located in Wicker Park atop the Hyatt Place Chicago, this outdoor deck has views of the Chicago skyline. The menu features sharable plates as well as burgers, salads and more. 1551 W. North; kennedyrooftop.co

Kimski: Operating within Bridgeport’s Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar, the Polish-Korean mashup has outdoor patio service, eats such as the “Puff Daddy,” a burger patty in between two pizza puffs, and Chap Chae noodles, a vegan stir-fry delicacy. 954-960 W. 31st. Visit kimskichicago.com.

Courtesy Kinzie Chophouse

Kinzie Chophouse: The River North mainstay’s streetside patio features overhead awnings and large umbrellas. Order from the expansive menu (steaks, seafood, pasta) or just stop by for happy hour, which features its own drink and food menu that includes buy one get one free appetizers. 400 N. Wells; kinziechophouse.com

La Josie: The West Loop eatery features a rooftop deck plus a sidewalk café. The upscale-casual Mexican restaurant’s menu includes tacos, enchiladas and more plus a full agave bar. 740 W. Randolph; lajosie.com

MacArthur’s Restaurant: The West Side institution, which boasts Southern comfort food such as smothered chicken, fried catfish, and collard greens, among many other eats, has an outdoor patio. 5412 W. Madison. Visit macarthursrestaurant.com.

Nobu Hotel: Located along the Randolph Street’s restaurant row, this restaurant and hotel has a rooftop space that is partially covered from the elements and has a relaxed, lounge vibe. The menu features small and large plates inspired by the team at Nobu. 155 N. Peoria; chicago.nobuhotels.com

Norman’s Bistro: The North Kenwood hotspot boasts outdoor patio service, a menu featuring signature sandwiches, and a weekly jazz set, among other amenities. 1001 E. 43rd. Visit normansbistro.com.

Offshore: The large rooftop deck located at Navy Pier has spectacular views of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan. The menu offers salads, pizzas, poke bowls, fish and burgers plus an extensive drink menu. 1000 E. Grand; drinkoffshore.com

Open Outcry Brewery Company: The Morgan Park-based brewery, which has a rooftop beer garden and a community taproom, specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza. 10934 S. Western. Visit openoutcrybrewing.com.

Osteria Langhe: Patrons can enjoy the traditional Piedmontese cuisine of chef Cameron Grant in the relaxed atmosphere of a patio hidden behind this Logan Square eatery. There’s also a curated regional wine list. 2824 W. Armitage; osterialanghe.com

Pacino’s: Pull up a seat under the outdoor pergola at this Italian eatery where Sicily meets South Loop. Menu includes antipasti, pizza, salads, seafood, pasta and more. 1010 S. Delano; pacinoschicago.com

Pacino’s

Pilsen Yards: Sporting a menu including tequila and bourbon options, along with vegan pozole and “Drunken Tres Leches (rum, mezcal, charred pineapple),” the Pilsen eatery and event space has outdoor patio seating and other amenities. Live DJ vinyl sets from local creatives round out the ambiance. 1163 W. 18th. Visit pilsenyards.com.

Pizza Friendly Pizza: Hidden behind the Empty Bottle music club in Ukrainian Village this is an urban patio that has an alt-rock energy. There’s a walk-up window to order chef Noah Sandoval’s Sicilian-style pizza and tables to sit at under twinkling lights. 1030 N. Western; pizzafriendlypizza.com

The Promontory: The Hyde Park-based restaurant and event space is equipped with an outdoor patio downstairs, an outdoor deck upstairs, and a menu featuring “Heavy Artillery,” a cocktail with bourbon, cognac, rum, pineapple, lime, black pepper, along with food options. 5311 S. Lake Park West. Visit promontorychicago.com.

The Publican: The West Loop mainstay of chef Paul Kahan features a patio expanded into the closed-off street. The menu as always features an array of meat, seafood and vegetables. 837 W. Fulton; thepublicanrestaurant.com

Publican Quality Meats: Patrons can enjoy artisanal meats and cheese plus unique sandwiches in this outdoor café setting. There’s also a menu of charcuterie selections curated by chef-butcher Rob Levitt. 825 W. Fulton; publicanqualitymeats.com

Reggie’s On the Beach: Reggies Chicago’s Jackson Park seasonal location opened this month. While the eatery has a similar menu (burgers, wings, etc.) as the original, the latest iteration sports an outdoor patio within the backdrop of a beachwalk shoreline behind the 63rd Street Beach House. 6300 S. Lake Shore. Visit reggieslive.com.

Roof on the Wit: Check out the sweeping skyline views at this bar atop the Wit hotel with a retractable roof plus an open patio under the stars. The menu features Neapolitan-style pizzas and classic cocktails. 201 N. State; roofonthewit.com

Saint Lou’s: The Fulton Market hangout spot has a new drink menu and a socially distanced, dog-friendly backyard patio with picnic tables, fire pits and a Bocce ball court. The food menu includes snacks, dips and poboys. 664 W. Lake; saintlouischicago.com

Testaccio: The Logan Square restaurant’s cozy patio echoes al fresco street dining in Europe. The menu features Italian comfort food and wood-fired oven specialties from chef Jacob Solomon plus live music throughout the summer. 2456 N. California; testacciochicago.com

Tuscan Hen Market: The North Center eatery has a quaint European-style patio in its back courtyard where you can enjoy your favorite Italian dinner under the stars. 4019 N. Damen; tuscanhenmarket.com

Tzuco: This Gold Coast restaurant features a patio with a cantilevered ceiling and removable side panels where you can enjoy chef Carlos Gaytán’s vision of Mexican cuisine. 720 N. State; tzuco.com

Uncommon Ground: The Edgewater location has a large patio where patrons can peruse a menu that includes seasonal bucatini, bacon wrapped meatloaf, BBQ roasted chicken and more. 1401 W. Devon; uncommonground.com

Venteux: The French brasserie from chef Donald Young offers a Parisian-inspired garden patio with umbrellas, hanging plants and floral arrangements. Enjoy Young’s nouvelle French menu along with wine and craft cocktails. 224N. Michigan; venteuxchicago.com

Virtue: The Hyde Park eatery has a wrap-around patio where you can choose from chef Erick Williams’s Southern-influenced menu, which includes blackened catfish, lemon chicken, pork steak and more. 1462 E. 53^rd; virtuerestaurant.com

The Woodlawn: The Chatham eatery and event space, where the menu includes jerk chicken salad, jambalaya flatbread pizza, and turkey tips, among other eats, is equipped with a rooftop deck and outdoor dining. Starting today, The Woodlawn kicks off their “Underneath the Moon” rooftop DJ and dining series. 1200 E. 79th. Visit thewoodlawn1200.com.

Compiled by Mary Houlihan and Evan F. Moore

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Benetti and Sox radio voice Len Kasper will debut their podcast “Sox Degrees” on Monday.

White Sox TV voice Jason Benetti already is one of the busiest people in sports broadcasting. Now he’s adding the Summer Olympics to his list of responsibilities.

Benetti confirmed he’ll be calling baseball for NBC in the Tokyo Olympics, which begin July 23. His schedule is still being worked out.

Benetti, who already is in the NBC family with NBC Sports Chicago, also calls major-league baseball and college basketball and football for ESPN. He’s the lead voice for the network’s Statcasts of MLB games, and he called his first NBA game this season.

On Monday, he and Sox radio voice Len Kasper will debut their podcast “Sox Degrees.”

Beth Mowins, who occasionally fills in calling Cubs games on Marquee Sports Network, will call Olympic softball. Baseball and softball are back in the Olympics for the first time since 2008 in Beijing.

NBC is expected to announce more broadcast assignments today.

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The girl was on a sidewalk in the 1700 block of West 48th Street when three people approached and one fired shots, striking her in the head, police said.

Three young gunmen chased a 14-year-old girl down a sidewalk in Back of the Yards and shot in her head Wednesday evening after asking what gang she belonged to, officials said.

The girl was walking her dog, headed to a corner store with her boyfriend, when she was confronted by the three around 6 p.m. in the 1700 block of West 48th Street, according to police.

They asked if she was in a gang and she said she wasn’t, at which point the three chased her half-way down the block and opened fire, according to Ald. Ray Lopez (15th), who said he got the details from police.

She was struck in the head and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition, police said.

Anthony Vazquez / Sun-Times

No one was in custody.

Lopez said the shooters, who were believed to be 15 and younger, are part of a new gang in the area that has been recruiting from a neighborhood school. The alderman blamed the glorification of gang culture for violence in his ward.

“This elevation of gang life has to come to an end. It’s not cute. It only comes to one outcome, what we saw last night,” Lopez said.

Community activist Andrew Holmes said the girl was taken into surgery Wednesday evening. Her family was at the hospital.

Holmes urged neighbors who may have cameras on their homes to give footage to the Chicago Police Department.

With shootings up 36% this year compared to 2020, Holmes put partial blame on pretrial judges who set bonds, saying the lack of consequences for gun offenders is resulting in more violence — a belief repeatedly expressed by Chicago Police Supt. David Brown.

“These streets belongs to the children, the parks belong to the children,” Holmes said Wednesday outside Comer Hospital. “Give our city back to our youth.”

Between 5 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, at least four other people were shot in Chicago, two of them fatally. Since last week Thursday, at least 10 people 18 or younger have been shot in the city.

Through the end of May, 1,386 people were shot in Chicago, a jump from 1,116 during the same time in 2020. Murders have risen 5% compared to 2020, with the department reporting 252 murders so far this year.

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