Millions of Gallons of Water Hauled In to Fight Huge Memorial Day Fire Near Starved Rock State Park

Memorial Day at a popular resort in a rural area near Starved Rock State Park turned dangerous Monday evening when seven cabins caught fire, according to the Utica Fire Protection District. Approximately 200 firefighters 61 fire departments were on the scene fighting the blaze into Tuesday morning, when crews were still working to put out hotspots.

While more than two dozen units across seven cabins in Grand Bear Resort were burned and damaged, no injuries were reported thanks to quick action and evacuations from law enforcement, the Utica Fire Protection District Assistant Fire Chief Drew Partain said during a press conference Tuesday.

“Law enforcement got here extremely quickly was able to knock on doors and get all the people out of these affected buildings very quickly. We don’t know of any injuries or any problems that we’re having on the fire ground. No firefighter injuries, no civilian injuries which was awesome,” Partain said.

The fire began in Cabin 18-3, and spread from there, according to fire officials.

“Once that first building became fully involved with fire, it started throwing hot embers and ashes on all the buildings that were directly north downwind. So that’s what caused so quickly to have all those cabins on fire.”

Photos posted to social media showed several cabins at the resort had erupted into flames, with clouds of smoke pouring from the buildings.

Because the resort is rural area with no fire hydrants, all the water to fight the fire by trucks.

“We had approximately 40 trucks hauling water in. I can’t tell you how many gallons we used, but it was in the 5-10 million range,” Partain continued.

Seven vehicles that were parked in front of the cabins were also burned by the blaze, Partain said, but the water park and hotel on site were not affected.

The American Red Cross was called to the scene and is currently assisting those displaced by the fire.

The fire is currently under investigation but it is not believed to be suspicious in nature, officials said.

This is the second major fire at the resort in four years. In January 2018, a four-alarm fire broke out at the resort’s lodge, resulting in multiple fire departments to be called to the scene.

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Akiem Hicks joining Bucs after 6 years with Bears

After six years as one of the Bears’ most dominant players — when healthy — defensive lineman Akiem Hicks is heading to Tampa Bay.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

After six years as one of the Bears’ most dominant players — when healthy — Akiem Hicks is heading to Tampa Bay.

The defensive lineman is signing a one-year deal to join Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, a source confirmed Tuesday. The contract could be worth up to $10 million.

Hicks was never expected to return to Chicago, and seemed to come to terms with that fact during the course of last season after trying, unsuccessfully, to sign an extension during training camp. The ending was messy. Hicks did not travel to Minnesota for the season finale. Instead, he spent time on Twitter clicking “like” on posts critical of the Bears.

Hicks, who turns 33 in November, didn’t fit the rebuilding Bears’ timeline under a new regime.

One of former general manager Ryan Pace’s best free-agent finds, Hicks signed a two-year, $10 million deal to join the Bears in 2016 after a midseason trade split his 2015 season between the Saints, who drafted him, and the Patriots.

In his first year with the Bears, he posted what was then a career high of seven sacks. He was so dominant that Pace gave him a four-year, $48 million extension in September 2017. He earned his only Pro Bowl berth the following season as the emotional leader of the NFL’s best defense.

After playing in every game his first three seasons in Chicago, Hicks was limited to five games in 2019 after dislocating his elbow in London against the Raiders. He played in only nine games last season because of groin and ankle injuries.

“I would challenge you to find another person on this team that has bled and fought and lived and died with this team the way that I have,” he said in December. “Whatever comes from that, I accept.”

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4 Illinois Donut Shops Named Among Top 100 Across U.S., Yelp List Shows

Yelp has released a list of the top 100 donut shops nationwide and Illinoisans with a sweet tooth are in luck.

Four bakeries in Illinois were listed among the best spots to enjoy unique donuts, with two in Chicago, according to the new list.

Dip and Sip Donuts, located at 2256 W Roscoe in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, ranked No. 8 and offers both pre-made donuts and customized creations.

According to Yelp, Dip and Sip is known for cake donuts, such as the popular Chocolate Dreamin’, as well as gluten free options. Customers can also order donut-layered cakes with advanced notice.

Located in suburban Crystal Lake at 181 W. Virginia St., Country Donuts was named No. 25 on the list, cooking up handmade chocolate iced cake, honey dip, white long John, devil’s food, powdered, old fashioned and red velvet donuts, among others flavors.

In Roseland, Old Fashioned Donuts ranked No. 83 and can be found at 11248 S Michigan Ave. The store has received 4.5 stars on Yelp, with some calling the treats the “best donuts in Chicago.”

Listed at No. 87, Gurnee Donuts has been serving specialty bites to the Chicago suburbs at 4949 Grand Ave. since 1994. This shop also has 4.5 stars on Yelp with over 200 reviews.

Several other Midwestern donut shops made the list, as well. Here’s where they fell:

No. 19: Pana Donuts, Coffee and Boba Tea in Indianapolis, Indiana
No. 23: Pharaoh’s Donuts in St. Louis, Missouri
No. 28: Avon Donuts Inc in Pontiac, Michigan
No. 33: Donna’s Delicious Dozen in Columbus, Ohio
No. 48: Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream in Kentwood, Michigan
No. 62: Cherbourg Bakery in Bexley, Ohio
No. 71: Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville, Ohio
No. 72: The Vegan Doughnut Company in Lakewood, Ohio
No. 82: Fresh Donuts in Kansas City, Missouri
No. 100: The Donut Stop in Saint Louis, Missouri

For the full list, click here.

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Early voting finally gets underway in the city at downtown supersite

Martha Roman, 80, casts her ballot Tuesday at the early-voting supersite at 191 N. Clark St.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

On a muggy Tuesday morning, early voting for the June 28 primary got underway in the city with a dozen people waiting in line outside the Chicago Board of Elections supersite downtown.

Most of those in line at 191 N. Clark were retirement-age folks eager to take care of their civic duty.

“I wanted to get it off my mind and get it over with,” said Martha Roman, 80, who lives in the Lake View neighborhood. “I’ve been watching [political ads] on TV for so long, with all these people contradicting each other.”

Marene Smith, 67, of Andersonville, said she was in the hospital during the last Illinois gubernatorial election and was unable to vote. She’s a fan of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“I like that he’s got our state budget closest to being in alignment than the previous administration,” Smith said.

Lloyd Bellinger, 68, a South Side resident, said he always remembers to vote.

“I never forget because Blacks didn’t have their rights a long time ago. … They did anything and everything to keep us from voting,” said Bellinger.

Early voting in the city was supposed to begin May 19 but was delayed to accommodate late changes to the ballot. Chicago voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site regardless of where they live.

The supersite, which has 71 voting booths and is the city’s largest voting location, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays; and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Only city residents are eligible to vote at the city sites.

Early voting at sites all across the city begins June 13. For more information, go to cboe@chicagoelections.gov.

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Tim Anderson Update: White Sox SS to 10-Day IL With Groin Strain

Tim Anderson to 10-Day IL, Luis Robert reinstated originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The White Sox placed Tim Anderson on the 10-Day IL with a groin injury on Monday. It’s relatively good news, as some were speculating that the injury could’ve required a lengthier IL stint. In a corresponding move, the team also reinstated Luis Robert from the COVID-19 related injured list.

Regardless of the presumed shorter stay on the IL for Anderson, the team will miss him in the meantime.

“It’s devastating,” Jake Burger said after Sunday’s game, when Anderson was hurt. “We were all around him [when he went down]. You saw all nine guys out there around him.

“It’s tough. He’s such a leader and such an impactful person in this clubhouse that it will be tough. But he’ll always be with us no matter what it is.”

Anderson hurt himself while fielding a ground ball in the fifth inning of Sunday’s game against the Cubs. He went down after the play and needed to be helped off the field by two trainers.

The White Sox offense has struggled to meet lofty expectations this season, but Anderson has acted as a spark plug, nearly single-handedly. His .356 average is third-best in the game. Anderson is also the only player hitting over .300 on the team. He also leads the team with eight stolen bases, tied for second with five home runs, and is third with 19 RBI despite hitting at the top of the lineup.

“We’re not nearly as good without him, but we’re going to have to be good enough to win,” said Tony La Russa on Sunday.

That is becoming increasingly more difficult due to the sheer amount of injuries the Sox have sustained this year, dating back to Spring Training. In addition to Anderson, the team has been without Eloy Jiménez for 35 games with a torn hamstring. Jiménez began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte, but he had to leave his first game with the Knights with right leg soreness. Moncada has missed 31 games with various injuries. Luis Robert has been out of the lineup 13 times due to a groin strain in April and a bout with COVID-19.

Things have been equally tough for the pitchers. Lance Lynn has yet to make his debut as he recovers from surgery on his right knee. Joe Kelly missed the first month of the season with a biceps injury, then went back on the IL with a hamstring injury just a few weeks after making his debut. Lucas Giolito had to leave his Opening Day start early with an abdominal strain, then missed a couple of weeks after that. Garrett Crochet was lost for the year before the season began after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The White Sox will likely turn several players to fill the void left by Anderson, both in the lineup and in the field. Danny Mendick came in to replace Anderson on Sunday. Leury García has experience playing shortstop as well.

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First Mosquitoes to Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Illinois in 2022 Confirmed in DuPage County

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health the first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in 2022 have been found in Roselle, in DuPage County.

The positive batch was collected on May 24. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.

“This is the time of year when West Nile virus make its annual appearance,” said IDPH Acting Director Amaal Tokars. “We remind everyone — and especially older people and those with weakened immune systems — to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and eliminating standing water around their home where mosquitos breed.”

People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

According to the state health department, West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

“Symptoms of West Nile in humans include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, with symptoms lasting from a few days to a few weeks,” a release from the Illinois Department of Public Health says. “However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur.”

The state health department says that monitoring West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms.

People who see a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird should contact their local health department.

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Three women found dead in senior apartments with no air conditioning during Chicago heat wave

Residents said building was like ‘brick oven’

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Put gun safety on voters’ minds this November

People visit memorials for victims of Tuesday’s mass shooting at a Texas elementary school, in City of Uvalde Town Square on May 26, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas. Nineteen children and two adults were killed at Robb Elementary School after a man entered the school through an unlocked door and barricaded himself in a classroom where the victims were located.

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It happened again.

This time it was a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, of 19 mostly fourth-grade students, along with two teachers, killed by a young man who had just turned 18 and bought himself a gift of two high-powered military weapons designed to kill people in war and 375 rounds of ammunition, which he used to shoot down his victims like rabid dogs.

For an event to be considered a mass shooting at least four people must be killed or wounded. Anything less is not considered a mass shooting. So far this year we are at 214 mass shootings, an average of about 10 per week.

The red and blue teams immediately jumped to their customary positions. The red team in the past blamed young people for watching too many violent video games. Now mental illness seems to be the red team’s dominant rationale. And their solutions range from arming teachers to hardening schools and many other ideas in between.

What’s the red team’s strategy? Look over here! Look over there at any shiny object other than we live in a country where citizens own more than 400 million guns in a population of 330 million, with a long history of violence growing out of an ideology of white supremacy over racial minorities — Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Some whites are now advocating, expecting or preparing for another civil war, much of it based on a racist “white replacement theory.”

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The blue team mostly advocates for H.R. 8, a fairly comprehensive common-sense gun regulation proposal passed in the U.S. House but sitting on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, D-New York, desk because Republicans are universally opposed — possibly along with Democrats Joe Manchin, D-W.Va, and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. — and because it requires 60 votes or an end to the filibuster. It will never pass in this Congress.

Democrats are being un-political because they are still trying to persuade Republicans to support common-sense gun legislation through moral persuasion and rational arguments. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Republicans are not interested.

The only “replacement theory” Democrats should be advancing is replacing members of the red team with members of the blue team. This group of congressional Republicans is about power, not being moral or rational. They have to be taken on and taken out politically — defeated and replaced.

What should be the Democratic strategy? There will likely be many motivating events and issues that should inspire Democrats to go to the polls for the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

The Supreme Court may play a big part in this regard as early as June. The court may overturn Roe v. Wade and galvanize women voters. It may upend or weaken affirmative action and activate racial minorities and women to rush to the voting booth. It likely will declare a New York gun law unconstitutional, opening the door to a national policy of “open carry” and awakening gun regulation advocates to vote in record numbers.

But to make sure greater gun safety and common sense gun laws — supported by up to 90% of the American people — are on voters’ minds in November, Democrats must do the following.

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Break up the dozen or more individual parts of a comprehensive package of gun safety legislation — e.g., an assault weapons ban, background checks, red flag law and more — and make the House and the Senate members vote on them individually. There should be coordination between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Schumer in the Senate. The House should vote on Tuesday and the Senate on Thursday, on one issue at a time, one a week, week after week, all the way to November.

It’s possible one of them may actually pass. That would be good news and start us down a path of greater gun safety. But strategically, put it at the beginning so that the closer we get to Nov. 8, voters will mostly remember all the “no” votes cast by Republicans on common-sense gun laws that would make the American people safer.

Democrats must stop being naive about negotiating with Republicans over guns because their strategy is to delay, divert, deny and defeat Democrats in November. Democrats must flip the table.

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Chicago Forecast: Hot and Windy Monday, Storms Rolling in Tuesday

It’s a warm and windy day out in Chicago for Memorial Day, with high temperatures expected around 90 degrees.

The weather bodes well for beaches in the city, which just opened back up to the public on Friday. However, while it may be hot outside, hit may be too cool to swim. As of Monday, the water temperature of Lake Michigan was recorded at 53 degrees.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, cold-water immersion can create a condition called “immersion hypothermia,” which can conduct heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air.

Hypothermia can occur at some level in any water that is below 70 degrees, according to NIOSH.

Tuesday, the humidity will kick in and temperatures will remain warm, with a high of 88, but showers and storms are expected to develop in the late afternoon and early evening.

According to the the Storm Prediction Center, forecast models show a Marginal to Slight risk for severe weather, with the biggest threats being damaging winds up to 60 miles-per-hour, along with large hail and an isolated tornado.

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A New Meteor Shower May Be Visible Overhead Monday Night. Here's What it is, and When to Watch

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a new meteor shower could be visible across North America Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

It’s called the tau Herculid Shower, and its forecasted to peak at night on Memorial Day. However, NASA calls it an “all or nothing” event.

“If it makes it to us this year, the debris from SW3 will strike Earth’s atmosphere very slowly, traveling at just 10 miles per second – which means much fainter meteors than those belonging to the eta Aquariids,” Bill Cooke said, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office  “But North American stargazers are taking particular note this year because the tau Herculid radiant will be high in the night sky at the forecast peak time. Even better, the Moon is new, so there will be no moonlight to wash out the faint meteors.”

The eta Aquarrids shower, which took place earlier in the month, is caused by the annual encounter with debris from Halley’s comet.

According to NASA, late Monday night and early Tuesday, the Earth will pass through the debris trails of a broken comet called SW3. The comet, which broke into large fragments back in 1995, won’t reach this point in its orbit until August.

However, if the fragments from were ejected with speeds greater than twice the normal speeds—fast enough to reach Earth—a meteor shower might occur.

“If the debris from SW3 was traveling more than 220 miles per hour when it separated from the comet, we might see a nice meteor shower,” Cooke said. 

The peak time to watch will be around midnight, Central Standard Time, NASA says.

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White Sox’ top payroll producing mediocre results

White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez, left, catches the final out as teammate Yoan Moncada dives under during the ninth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers in 2020, in Chicago. (AP)

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Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is footing the bill on his highest White Sox payroll ever this season.

But he isn’t getting much bang for his buck.

Consider:

In the fourth season of a six-year, $43 million contract, Eloy Jimenez has played in 243 games of a possible 430 since signing his deal, including 11 this season because of his latest of numerous injuries, a torn hamstring requiring surgery. Jimenez’ recovery was stalled when he left the first game of his rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Charlotte after two at-bats with soreness in the hamstring area.

Lance Lynn, signed to a $39 million extension that pays $18.5 million this season and next, will miss the first 2 1/2 months of the season with a knee injury.

Yoan Moncada, earning $13 million this season in the third year of a five-year, $70 million extension, has played in 15 games in 2022.

Luis Robert, earning $6 million in the third year of a $60 million contract, has missed 13 games in 2022 because of groin and COVID issues after being limited to 68 games last season because of a torn hip flexor.

Reliever Joe Kelly signed a two-year, $17 million deal before the season and started it on the injured list with a biceps nerve injury. Kelly returnedto the IL after straining a hamstring last week after just seven appearances and will be out at least a three weeks.

Catcher Yasmani Grandal, in the third year of a four-year, $73 million deal – the richest in franchise history – is at the center of the Sox’ offensive plight with his .168/.281/.226 hitting line, two homers and .508 OPS. Grandal was limited to 93 games last season because of knee problems that required surgery.

And José Abreu, in the final season of a three-year, $50 million deal, is batting .238/.332/.400, the worst April-May of his nine-year career with the possible exception of 2016. Say this for Abreu: he doesn’t get hurt, which on this White Sox team sets him in a class by himself.

On Sunday, All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson went down with a right groin strain and will go on the injured list, a blow the injury-riddled Sox can hardly withstand. They’re 23-23, trailing the Twins by five games in the AL Central, and their offense has been awful.

Now they carry on with a six-game road trip against the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays without Anderson, a .354/.392/.503 hitter with five homers and an .895 OPS. Imagine where the Sox offense, which ranks 27^th among 30 teams in OPS and on-base percentage and 28^th in runs, would be without Anderson at the top.

We’re going to find out this week.

“I don’t want to,” manager Tony La Russa said Sunday, “because then it really strains your optimism to say we’re going to be OK.”

In the final year of a team friendly six-year, $25 million deal (with club options of $12.5 million and $14 million the next two seasons), Anderson, like Jimenez, Moncada and Robert after him, was locked in long term before his arbitration and free-agent years. He has had his share of injuries with two stints on the IL with hamstring issues last season and a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss more than a month in 2019.

Anderson had an MRI and was examined by doctors Monday, the results of which the Sox will share Tuesday. Whatever the outcome, it will be a matter of weeks before he returns. He’ll join Jimenez, Lynn, Kelly and Garrett Crochet on the IL Tuesday.

The Sox survived a barrage of injuries last season and won the AL Central with 93 victories. But they were 33-21 on May 31, and need a win Tuesday in Toronto to be above .500 going into June this season.

With a total payroll of $195 million, the seventh highest in the majors per Spotrac, mediocre in the prime year of a contention window is not what ownership had in mind.

 There are four months of the season left to make it pay off.

 

WHITE SOX AT JAYS

 

Tuesday: Lucas Giolito (3-1, 2.63 ERA) vs. Kevin Gausman (4-3, 2.25), 6:07 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Wednesday: Michael Kopech (1-1, 1.29) Hyun Jin Ryu (2-0, 5.48), 6:07 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

Thursday: Johnny Cueto (0-1, 2.40) vs. Alek Manoah (5-1, 1.77), 2:07 p.m., NBCSCH, 1000-AM

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Man stabbed during fight in Loop hotel, 1 in custody

A man was stabbed during a fight in a Loop hotel May 29, 2022.

File Photo

One person was taken into custody after a man was stabbed during a fight in a hallway of a Loop hotel early Sunday.

About 1 a.m., two men were fighting in the fifth-floor hallway of a hotel in the 100 block of West Randolph Street, when one stabbed the other multiple times, Chicago police said.

The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where his condition was unknown.

The other man was taken into custody.

Police have not released any additional information.

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5 People, Including 16-Year-Old Girl, Hurt When Gunfire Erupts During Fight on West Side

Chicago police say that five people, including a 16-year-old girl, were seriously injured after a fight led to an explosion of gunfire in the city’s Lawndale neighborhood.

According to police, a group of people were standing on a sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue at approximately 1:32 a.m. Sunday when a large fight broke out.

During that altercation, someone began firing a weapon, and five people were ultimately struck by gunfire.

A 16-year-old girl was shot in the back, and she was taken to an area hospital in serious condition, police said.

Two 21-year-old men were shot in the left side, and both were taken to area hospitals in serious condition. A 21-year-old woman was shot in the left arm, and a 33-year-old man was shot in the face. Both were also hospitalized in serious condition.

There are currently no suspects in custody, and Chicago police are continuing to investigate the incident.

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White Sox’ Eloy Jimenez not finishing first rehab game “not what you would hope”

Eloy Jimenez hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals last season. (Getty Images)

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White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Eloy Jimenez “felt a tug” in the area of his surgically repaired torn tendon on a swing Saturday night, causing him to exit his first rehabilitation game for Triple-A Charlotte after two at-bats.

“I talked to [Sox trainer James] Kruk. It’s not perfect, it’s not what you would hope,” La Russa said Sunday, “but it still doesn’t change the expectation that he’s healing and on his way. Just have to be careful with him.”

The hope that Jimenez would need about 10 days before returning to the team has been dashed.

“It might [mean more time],” La Russa said. “He may not play for a day or two, I think.”

The official word from the Sox is that Jimenez left the game with right hamstring soreness. A day or two seemed highly optimistic, especially after La Russa allowed that Jimenez is “just not completely 100 percent yet.”

“The way [Kruk] described it, it felt like it’s just part of the healing,” La Russa said.

La Russa said he knew Jimenez, who had worked with Sox for about three weeks before going to Charlotte, would be eager to return as soon as possible, especially with the team struggling to score runs.

“I had to stand on a chair to get my arm around his neck and squeeze to tell him, ‘Look, there’s too much at stake here for you to rush yourself,’ ’’ La Russa said. “And you don’t want to get hurt again, do you?’ With that big smile, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Quit smiling, because it’s serious.’ And he couldn’t quit smiling, you know him. So I think it’s a good sign. He knows what he feels, and we have to rely on it.”

No definite return for day Moncada

Yoan Moncada was out of the lineup with a sore quad and, after the off day Monday, might not be ready Tuesday, the first day of a road trip in Toronto and Tampa.

“Our expectation is — and we’re hopeful — that he would be able to play Tuesday,” La Russa said. “But he doesn’t feel right yet, so it may not be Tuesday.”

Moncada has played in only 14 games due to an oblique injury and the quad issue and is batting .136/.177/.254 with two homers in 14 games.

Leury Garcia didn’t start for the second straight night with soreness in his hip area.

Robert possible for Toronto

In better injury-related news, center fielder Luis Robert made significant process and seemed a decent bet to come off the COVID-19 related list.

“He’s made that much of an improvement,” La Russa said.

Robert, who went on the IL Monday, is still feeling some fatigue when he works.

“Just got to eyeball him and see where he is,” La Russa said.

“Hopefully we get the green light and he can work out here in the morning before we take off.”

Lynn starts for Charlotte

Lance Lynn is beginning a rehab assignment today with Charlotte, starting for the Knights against the Durham Bulls.

Lynn said he would need at least three starts before rejoining the team, which could come as soon as June 12 or 13.

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Cubs Calling Up Prospect Nelson Velázquez From Triple-A

Cubs calling up prospect Velázquez from Triple-A Iowa originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Another Cubs position player prospect is on his way to the big leagues.

The Cubs are calling up outfielder Nelson Velázquez from Triple-A Iowa. Velázquez, the Cubs’ No. 16 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and the 2021 Arizona Fall League MVP, posted the news on his Instagram.

From Cubs prospect Nelson Velazquez’ Instagram story: pic.twitter.com/YZNnjvoUDu

— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) May 29, 2022

Velázquez is already on the 40-man roster. 

It appears to be a move for Monday, when the Cubs are scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Brewers. They will be able to add a ’27th man’ for the twinbill. 

The Cubs have an open roster spot after placing reliever Chris Martin on the bereavement list before Sunday’s game against the White Sox.

Martin must remain off the roster for three days and may remain on the bereavement list for a maximum of seven days.

Velázquez also could be insurance for Seiya Suzuki, who remains day-to-day with a sprained left ring finger. Suzuki was out of the starting lineup for the second straight day Sunday but threw pregame and was scheduled to hit.

The Cubs promoted Velazquez from Double-A Tennessee to Iowa earlier this month, and he’s hit .214/.291/.414 with three homers in 19 games.

He hit .288/.394/.700 with nine homers in 22 games with Tennessee this season.

The Cubs called up outfielder Christopher Morel from Tennessee two weeks ago.

Big Boys.
This photo was taken on April 6th in Kodak.
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Body pulled from Lake Michigan in Wilmette identified as missing UIC grad student

On Saturday, the Cook County medical examiner’s office identified Daniel Sotelo, 26, as the person whose body was discovered May 22 at 10 Harbor Drive in Wilmette.

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The body of a University of Illinois Chicago graduate student who was reported missing from Pilsen in late April was pulled from Lake Michigan in suburban Wilmette last week, authorities said.

Daniel Sotelo had last been seen on April 29 in the 1700 block of South Racine Avenue, according to a missing person alert sent by Chicago police.

On Saturday, the Cook County medical examiner’s office identified Sotelo as the person whose body was discovered May 22 at 10 Harbor Drive in Wilmette, where a U.S. Coast Guard station is located. Kyle Murphy, chief of police in the North Shore suburb, said a boater initially found his body about a mile from the shoreline that afternoon.

Sotelo was identified using dental records, according to Murphy. An autopsy determining the cause and manner of his death is pending, the medical examiner’s office said.

A GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $4,000 to cover his memorial and funeral costs notes that Sotelo was expected to graduate from UIC this month with a master’s degree in organic chemistry.

“Danny was an absolute light for us all,” his sister, Jennifer Sotelo, said in a statement included on the page. “Losing him is like losing the color from our world. As heartbroken as we are, we are so grateful for the light that he provided us for the past 26 years. We hope and pray that his soul rests in peace.”

The crowdfunding campaign adds that Sotelo was a first-generation immigrant whose parents came from Mexico “to provide their children with opportunities that they never had.” In addition to Jennifer Sotelo, he’s survived by his parents, a brother and two other sisters.

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Faith Leaders Plead for Peace, Denounce Violence as Memorial Day Weekend Begins

Chicago’s faith community took a stand against gun violence Saturday as several congregations marched downtown Chicago and gathered in Millennium Park, offering a united front against the ongoing epidemic.

Members of many churches marched along Michigan Avenue, doing what they can to help city leaders and police fight one of the city’s most pressing problems.

“I am heartbroken, and that’s why I’m here because I’m a native Chicagoan, I love this city,” said Pastor Michael Eaddy of the People’s Church of the Harvest.

Gun violence is a complicated issue for Chicago, and one faith leaders say cannot be solved alone.

“We need the city, we need the police, we need the faith community, we need the faith community, we need the schools involved,” said Michael Allen, co-founder of Together Chicago.

Participants say the event is not just about stopping gun violence and pushing for safety, but encouraging unity and getting people involved from all across the city. 

“We gotta work together to put out this fire, because that’s what is needed,” Allen stated. “Gun violence is like a fire that is spreading across the our city, across our nation, and we need everyone involved to put out this fire of gun violence, it’s crazy.”

The city of Chicago unveiled a safety plan ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, which included beefing up the number of police officers downtown, on CTA trains and in neighborhoods, as well as changing the citywide curfew for minors from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Regardless of one’s neighborhood, religion or race, faith leaders are calling people to come together and save lives.

“We believe our presence here is going to make an impact,” Eaddy said.

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Faith leaders condemn Chicago gun violence heading into Memorial Day weekend

Edwina Holley, left, and Kendall Brown, right, pray during the Michigan Avenue March for Peace on North Michigan Avenue in the Loop on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday afternoon, May 28, 2022.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Chicago’s faith leaders want peace.

In the wake of a violent month highlighted by the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday and a mass shooting resulting in two deaths downtown, a coalition of pastors, bishops and other church leaders walked down Michigan Avenue on Saturday praying for an end to the mayhem.

“There will be no silence till we end the violence,” a group of around 50 people chanted as they marched from the Mag Mile south to Millennium Park, stopping steps from where Holliday was shot.

A group of church leaders and others gathered to for a prayer walk down Michigan Avenue Saturday. It took place following a deadly month of gun violence in Chicago and ahead of a historically violent holiday weekend.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

The rally took place as the nation once again grieves the victims of mass shootings from Texas to New York. Earlier this week, a gunman shot and killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, just 10 days after a white supremacist opened fire and killed 10 Black people at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York.

Memorial Day weekend has historically ushered in increased summertime gun violence in Chicago, but advocates are hoping for a different outcome this year.

Related

• 1 killed, 10 wounded in citywide shootings Friday

“Things have to be stopped before they become normal,” said Pastor Donovan Price, a street pastor who addressed the crowd at the rally. “We don’t want our young people thinking this is how life is.”

At least 225 people have been shot and killed in Chicago so far this year, according to Sun-Times data.

Related

• Lightfoot preaches tough love, parental responsibility heading into Memorial Day weekend
• Violence-reduction efforts are getting millions from the state — and must show results

Attendees of the Michigan Avenue March for Peace chant along North Michigan Avenue in the Loop on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday afternoon, May 28, 2022.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Drawing on momentum pushing toward gun reform following the Uvalde school shooting, Pastor James Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago called on public officials to pass universal background checks for firearm purchases.

While the focus of Saturday’s rally and prayer walk was spiritual, leaders said action goes beyond prayer.

“It’s all hands on deck,” Price said. “There’s plenty of gang bangers and drug dealers. We need plenty of hope bringers.”

A resounding chant broke out in Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square following New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Cy Fields’ prayer: “Chicago belongs to God.”

“Chicago doesn’t belong to the mayor. Chicago belongs to God,” Fields said. “Chicago doesn’t belong to [Governor J.B.] Pritzker. Chicago belongs to God.”

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Indiana Man Found Guilty of Killing Woman, 2 Teens in 1998

A jury has convicted a Lake County man in the killings of a woman and two teenage boys found bludgeoned to death in 1998 in a house in northwest Indiana.

James H. Higgason III, 52, of Whiting, found guilty Friday of murder and murder during the commission of a robbery, could face consecutive sentences of 45 to 65 years when he’s sentenced June 24.

Prosecutors alleged Higgason and David Copley, 47, beat Elva Tamez, 36, Jerod Hodge, 18, of Chicago; and Timothy Ross, 16, of Calumet City, Illinois, to death on Jan. 18, 1998, at the woman’s Hammond home with pieces of wood or metal pipes, court records stated. They were trying to get drugs and cash, prosecutors said.

The victims had their skulls bashed in a drug-fueled “frenzy,” Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jovanni Miramontes said.

Defense lawyers Mark Gruenhagen and Matthew Fech said the evidence against Higgason was thin and Copley wasn’t credible because he reached a deal with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony.

Copley pleaded guilty to Hodge’s murder last year and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. In exchange for his testimony, prosecutors dropped two other murder charges.

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Election 2022: Here's Who is Running in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District

As we continue our look at the candidates running for office this summer, we’re turning our eye toward Illinois’ 2^nd Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Robin Kelly is hoping to be elected to a sixth term in office.

Kelly is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, while a trio of Republicans are vying for the opportunity to challenge her in November.

Here are the candidates running for the seat.

Democrats:

Rep. Robin Kelly

Kelly has been in Congress since 2013 when she won her seat in a special election to replace former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Since then, she has been named the head of the Illinois Democratic Party, replacing former House Speaker Mike Madigan. The primary issues on Kelly’s platform include fighting for gun reform legislation in Washington, investing in job programs throughout her district, and expanding access to health care.

Republicans:

Onarga Village Board President Shane Cultra

Cultra, who formerly served in the State House and Senate, is campaigning on a platform to push back against increases in crime, as well as promoting policies to curb inflation and to promote energy independence, according to his website.

Thomas Lynch

Lynch, a Cissna Park-native, is campaigning on expanding American drilling operations to encourage energy independence, and on focusing investments in the United States. He has also pitched reductions in government spending on his campaign’s Facebook page.

Ashley Ramos

Ramos, who hails from suburban Bradley, started a non-profit called “Back the Blue Events” to help encourage support for police officers throughout the Midwest. She has campaigned on increasing investments, and changing some tactics, in tackling issues like opioid addiction, homelessness and education, according to an interview with the Southland Journal.

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Ald. Sigcho-Lopez files complaint against Mayor Lightfoot over rezoning of St. Adalbert Church

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) accused Mayor Lori Lightfoot of “overstepping” by pushing a Zoning Committee item to be defer and publish for a full vote next month in City Council.

Sun-Times file

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) has filed a complaint against Mayor Lori Lightfoot with the city inspector general’s office, accusing her of intervening in a zoning matter to favor the Archdiocese of Chicago over his constituents.

On May 24, Sigcho-Lopez successfully got his long-sought plan to downzone St. Adalbert Church, 1650 W. 17th St., from residential to public space through the city’s Zoning Committee, but it faced scrutiny during a City Council meeting the next day. It has been put off until next month’s council meeting.

“Mayor Lightfoot has taken it upon herself to intervene despite this being vetted in committee, so I don’t understand why she is intervening in a 25th Ward item,” Sigcho-Lopez told the Chicago Sun-Times. “We need Lightfoot to focus on important matters like addressing violent crime, and stop meddling in what we want to see in our community.”

The council member accused Lightfoot of taking cues from the Archdiocese and Cardinal Blase Cupich over what parishioners are asking for — a transparent process for the future of the church and property.

Archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Thomas said Cupich didn’t contact the mayor regarding the matter.

Sigcho-Lopez’s complaint accuses the Archdiocese and a lobbyist of “pushing a real estate deal without any communications to our office, parishioners or residents, despite multiple attempts, including a formal request to meet and discuss plans for the site. Other affluent communities are given meetings and consideration all the time.”

Sigcho-Lopez said Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), who chairs the Zoning Committee, told him directly that Lightfoot pushed to defer the rezoning.

Tunney and the mayor’s office didn’t respond to requests for comment Friday.

“I would like the inspector general to check with the Archdiocese’s lobbyist because this move simply favors a developer rather than the Mexican and Polish parishioners that want a transparent process for what to do with St. Adalbert,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

St. Adalbert Church in Pilsen, pictured in 2008.

Sun-Times file

St. Adalbert was built by Polish immigrants in the early 1900s and opened its doors to parishioners in 1914. It was announced in 2016 that the church’s would close, and on July 14, 2019, St. Adalbert held its last Mass.

Sigcho-Lopez said the move to downsize the church from residential to an open space designation would ensure the community has input in what happens to the church, which has been left deteriorating.

City Law Department attorney Lisa Misher previously told the Zoning Committee it was unusual for the property to be downzoned in this manner.

“Parks and open space essentially eliminate all development rights and converts the property to effectively an open space, almost for public use,” Misher said.

She said even though the property is a church and has inviting characteristics, it remains a private property, limiting the government’s reach of what it can order its owners to do.

Eric Wollan, chief capital assets officer with the Archdiocese, said they would seek legal remedy if the council approves the downsizing.

“We view this as the city taking ownership of the property, and there is no ability for the property to be redeveloped other than to make it an open space,” Wollan said. “If that is the city’s interest, to take the property and infringe on our property rights, then we will move to protect that for the parish.”

Wollan called Sigcho-Lopez’s action “unnecessary,” arguing it would leave the building empty and further deteriorating.

“The redevelopment and reuse of St. Adalbert is ultimately a positive for the community,” Wollan said. “It doesn’t displace anyone; it is not harmful in any way.”

Wollan said there wasn’t any stipulation the next owner would be barred from tearing the church down. Restoring the church could cost $30 million to $40 million, he said.

“Just stabilizing the church and fixing the exterior is a $4 to $5 million investment,” he said.

Julie Sawicki, president of the Society of St. Adalbert, has fought to save the church from a backhoe since its announced closure over five years ago. She called it a “slap in the face to the Mexican and Polish community” that city officials aren’t doing more to preserve the church.

She accused the Archdiocese of “lying” about the restoration cost. Architects and contractors, she said, had visited the church and estimated the job could be done for under $6 million.

“The church and property were built by immigrants who turned it over to the diocese for stewardship,” Sawicki said. “They were poor stewards, and now they want $4 million for it.”

In 2019, it was reported that a real estate firm entered a contract to buy the church for $4 million, but that deal fell through.

“Public and open space zoning is not a perfect zone, but that’s OK. It is enough to deter real estate developers from tearing down the church and building a massive real estate project,” Sawicki said. “It doesn’t matter what the downzone is. It is the spirit of it to deter any buyers.”

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Officials Urge Caution Due to Cold Water Temps as Chicago Beaches Open

Chicago’s beaches may be open for the season, but experts are warning residents to use caution when going out on the water this weekend.

That’s because the Lake Michigan water temperature is still on the cold side, holding at 54 degrees in Chicago as of Saturday at noon.  

According to the National Weather Service, “even strong swimmers can lose muscle control in about 10 minutes” in water that is cold, with officials recommending that boaters, kayakers and swimmers wear life vests if they are planning on going out on the water because of the chilly conditions.

According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, cold-water immersion can create a condition called “immersion hypothermia,” which can conduct heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air.

Hypothermia can occur at some level in any water that is below 70 degrees, according to NIOSH.

Chicago’s beaches opened for the first time this weekend, and while lifeguards are on duty, experts are still cautioning residents to be careful when entering the water because of the cool conditions.

In the coming days, the water temperatures should begin to rise as warm air gets pumped into the region, with air temperatures expected to soar into the 90s by Monday.

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No Bail for Man Charged in Fatal Attempted Carjacking Outside Belmont Cragin Restaurant

Bail was denied Friday for a man facing murder charges for an attempted carjacking that turned fatal in the Belmont Central neighborhood earlier this year.

Jeffrey Montes De Oca, 31, was arrested Wednesday by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Orland Park, according to police.

Montes De Oca was leaving Tacos El Tio, 5737 W. Belmont Ave., March 25 with a 26-year-old man, when he saw a Chevy Equinox drive by, prosecutors said.

Montes De Oca allegedly ran back to his vehicle and chased after the Chevy while his co-defendant followed on foot.

The Chevy attempted to make a U-turn at the end of an alleyway but Montes blocked the vehicle in.

Montes De Oca exited his vehicle along with his co-defendant, who was armed with a handgun, prosecutors said.

The co-defendant then fired inside the front driver and front passenger seats.

The front passenger, Miguel Marchan, was hit in the right shoulder and was pronounced dead at Community First Hospital, police said.

Montes De Oca and his co-defendant fled the scene of the shooting.

Surveillance video of the attack shows the co-defendant was the only shooter. He has not yet been charged, according to prosecutors.

Montes De Oca was ordered held without bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 15. Post Views: 7

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