Tag Archives: labor day

Police: 13 killed, 52 wounded in Labor Day weekend shootings

(CHICAGO) Thirteen people were killed and at least 52 others, including a pregnant woman, were wounded in shootings across Chicago over Labor Day weekend, according to Chicago Police.

The latest homicide happened about 10:45 p.m. Monday in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side. A group was standing on the sidewalk in the 2700 block of West Lexington when someone in a silver minivan opened fire, police said. A 22-year-old man was shot in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Another 22-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and thigh and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was also pronounced dead.

Three other people were also shot and taken to Mount Sinai, police said. A 16-year-old boy was shot in the chest and listed in critical condition; a 17-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was seriously wounded; and a 20-year-old man was shot in the right arm and buttocks and was also listed in serious condition.

Earlier Monday evening, two men were killed in a shooting near Ogden Park in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side. About 7:15 p.m., a 47-year-old man was walking his dog in the 1200 block of West Marquette when someone in a vehicle started shooting, striking him in the chest, police said. The shots also struck a 24-year-old man in the chest as he ran away from the gunfire. Both men were taken to Stroger Hospital, where they later died, police said. It was unclear if either of the victims were intended targets.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office did not immediately confirm those fatalities early Tuesday.

About 30 minutes earlier in the same neighborhood, a light-colored car pulled up to a man in the 900 block of West 58th Street about 6:45 p.m., and someone inside it shot him in the back. The man, thought to be between 18 and 25, was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where he later died, police said. Authorities have not released his name.

About 4 p.m. in Back of the Yards on the South Side, Albertano Medrano was driving in the 4500 block of South Hermitage when three people in a white van began to harass him, authorities said. Medrano kept driving away, and one of the passengers in the white van opened fire, striking him in the head, neck and back. His vehicle then crashed into three other vehicles after he was shot. Medrano, who lived in the 1800 block of West 46th Street, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m., police and the medical examiner’s office said.

Hours earlier in the Brighton Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side, the roommates of a 22-year-old Enrique D. Morales found him dead about 1:30 p.m. on their driveway in the 4500 block of South Whipple, according to police and the medical examiner’s office. Morales was shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:45 p.m. Area Central detectives were conducting a homicide investigation.

Monday morning, a man was killed and another wounded in more Englewood violence. David Baldwin, 24, was shot in the head about 9:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of South Emerald and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died at 2:58 p.m., authorities said. He lived in the 1100 block of West 67th Street. Another man, 26, was shot in the thigh and grazed across the face. His condition was stabilized at Stroger Hospital, but he was uncooperative with investigators, police said.

About 6:20 a.m. in the South Shore neighborhood, someone walked up to an 80-year-old man in the 2800 block of East 77th Place, exchanged words with the elderly man and then shot him in the face. He died at the scene, according to police, who said the shooter was arrested with charges pending Monday night. The 80-year-old man’s name has not been released.

Late Sunday in the same neighborhood, two gunmen walked up to a 17-year-old boy about 10:30 p.m. in the 7800 block of South Cornell and shot him in the back. The teen was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he later died, police said. His name has not been released.

Just after 6 p.m. Sunday, officers responding to a call of more Back of the Yards neighborhood gunfire in the 5200 block of South Sangamon found a 19-year-old man shot multiple times. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. His name has not been released.

Less than an hour earlier, a 45-year-old man was killed and a 27-year-old wounded in another Englewood shooting. Robert L. Porter Jr. and the younger man were unloading boxes in an alley in the 6700 block of South Green when someone dressed in black walked up and fired shots, authorities said. Porter, of the 7300 block of South Green, was shot across the torso and chest and taken to Christ Medical Center, where he died at 6:02 p.m. The other man was taken to the same hospital in serious condition with wounds to the chest, back and wrist, police said.

The holiday weekend’s first fatal shooting happened early Sunday in the Archer Heights neighborhood on the Southwest Side. Juan Pita-Rosas, 32, was standing in an alley with a 22-year-old man shortly after midnight in the 4800 block of South Kildare when they heard gunfire and both felt pain, authorities said. Pita-Rosas, who lived in the 4700 block of South Springfield, was shot in the head and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m. The younger man suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and chest and later showed up at Holy Cross Hospital in serious condition.

The latest nonfatal attack happened about 3 a.m. Tuesday in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side. A 20-year-old man was walking down the street in the 6300 block of South Winchester when he heard gunshots and realized he’d been struck, police said. He suffered a gunshot wound to the back and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. A police source said the man is gang affiliated.

About 3:15 p.m., a 23-year-old pregnant woman and 25-year-old man were shot on a porch in the 900 block of West 53rd Street when someone walked up and opened fire, hitting her in the abdomen and him in the back, police said. They were taken to Stroger Hospital, where the woman was listed in serious condition and the man critical. Family members said the woman was due to deliver her first baby boy at the end of September.

At least 43 more people were wounded in shootings across Chicago between 9 p.m. Friday and 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. Last year, 54 people were shot—8 fatally—over Labor Day weekend.

Big John & Ray Welcome Fisher House for a special Labor Day Show

Big John and Ray are taking the week off, but hope you’ll take a few moments to listen to our radio special (Monday/Labor Day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.), featuring the Heroes of Fisher Houses, sharing stories of our nation’s veterans and military families.

Big John and Ray large photo

Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major U.S. military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths.

Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room and a living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $200 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

On this holiday, here is how you can help Fisher House:

The closest Fisher House to WLS-AM 890 is at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. Support them by clicking here, or call 888-294-8560 for the national office.

Labor Day weekend travel forecast: sunny and heavy traffic

(CHICAGO) The upcoming Labor Day weekend is expected to be mostly sunny, and one of the most heavily traveled weekends in Chicago and surrounding areas.

The holiday weekend is expected have highs near 80 degrees, and a few chances for thunderstorms at the end of the holiday, according to the National Weather Service.

Friday and Saturday are expected to be sunny with highs near 75 degrees. Sunday and Monday are also expected to be sunny but with highs near 85 degrees. Following Labor Day, a chance of showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday night.

More than 1.7 million passengers are expected at O’Hare and Midway between September 1 to September 6. The busiest travel day is projected to be Thursday at Midway with 76,000 passengers and Friday at O’Hare with 251,000 passengers, according to Chicago Department of Aviation.

“This has been one of the busiest summers on record for air travel at Chicago’s airports and that trend will continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend,” said CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans in a statement.

Passengers traveling through Chicago airports on Friday can enjoy live entertainment in the baggage claim area at Midway and in the domestic terminals at O’Hare. Midway ambassadors will offer complimentary lemonade to passengers on Friday and Tuesday as well, according to CDA.

Nearly 55 percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices, according to AAA. However, heading into Labor Day weekend the national average gas prices are on the rise.

The Illinois Tollway anticipates 7.8 million vehicles will travel the tollway system this holiday weekend, with the heaviest traffic on Friday. To accommodate the increase, most construction and lane closures will be restricted.

A reminder to drive sober this weekend comes from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police. Last year 13 people were killed in crashes over Labor Day weekend, three of which involved drivers who tested positive for alcohol, according to IDOT.

If you’d rather not drive, Metra is offering additional early departures for nine of its 11 lines from downtown on Friday. The Metra weekend pass will include Labor Day and kids under 11 can ride for free. On Monday, Metra will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule. However, the SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service trains will not operate on Monday, according to Metra.

Additionally, this Tuesday the CTA will provide all students and accompanying adults with free bus and train rides on the first day of the CPS school year. While school is in session, the CTA will continue to offer 75 cent fares for elementary and high school students.

Weekend A-Jenda: Labor Day Weekend, 2016


Click Here for Weekend Traffic Projects
Click Here for Weekend CTA Travel Alerts

It’s technically the end of summer in Chicago with the beaches shutting down promptly on Monday night, and CPS going back in session come Tuesday. It’s usually a pretty busy weekend at the Chicago beaches, but here are some water sports to get in before the summer comes to an end!

Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Beach
http://www.chicagowatersportrentals.com/
Jet Ski, Hobie Kayak and Paddleboard rentals

Jet Ski Chicago at North Avenue Beach
http://www.jetskischicago.com/
Jet Ski Rentals (Must be 18 years of age)

Kayak Chicago at Montrose Beach, North Avenue Beach and the Chicago River
https://kayakchicago.com
Kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals
SUP classes and Lake tours

Chicago Paddle Co. at Kathy Osterman (Hollywood) Beach
http://www.chicagopaddlecompany.com/
Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

Chicago SUP at North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor
http://www.chicagosup.com/
SUP Lessons, group outings, yoga

 


The Great American Lobster Fest

Date: Friday, September 2 – Saturday, September 3
Time: Noon to 10:00 p.m. on Friday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday
Location: Navy Pier

Info from the website: The Great American Lobster Fest is the Midwest’s largest Lobster and seafood festival. We’re returning for our 3rd year to Chicago’s legendary Navy Pier on Labor Day Weekend! September 2nd and 3rd 2016, summer’s last hurrah! Enjoy live lobster flown in fresh from the cold waters of the East Coast, live music performances, family-friendly games and activities, unique craft shopping, and cold beverages. What’s not to love!?

Not a lobster fan? Not to worry, many other great food options will be available including Steak, Surf & Turf Options, and more!

The Great American Lobster Fest is an all-ages, family friendly event.

 


Naperville Last Fling

Friday, September 2 – Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3 – Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 4 – Gates open at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, September 5 – Gates open at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Naperville

Sponge, Lit, Everclear, Sugar Ray…and that is just on Sunday!

From the website: The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival which takes place over Labor Day Weekend in and around Downtown Naperville and, for many, is a fun way to say farewell to summer! The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy including national and local musicians on two stages, Family Fun Land, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo and a few running events.

 


Windy City Dub Fest

Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds

Windy City Dub Fest® 2016 will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 2016 from Noon to 6pm CST at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Spectator Tickets and Show Registration are now available for purchase online. More information at the event website.


The Loop Luau!

Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Northerly Island

loop luau feat sammy hagar
Visit http://www.wlup.com/loop-luau-2016/ for more info and tickets.

 

Other events around the area

via festing.com

Buffalo Grove Days 08/31/2016 Buffalo Grove, IL
37th Annual Jazz Festival 09/01/2016 Chicago, IL
Summer Carnival, Carol Stream 09/01/2016 Carol Stream, IL
Tri County Fair 09/02/2016 Mendota, IL
Naperville Last Fling 09/02/2016 Naperville, IL
Latin American Festival 09/02/2016 Waukegan, IL
North Coast Music festival 09/02/2016 Chicago, IL
Taste of Melrose Park 09/02/2016 Melrose Park, IL
Hometown Days Festival 09/02/2016 Yorkville, IL
Manito Popcorn Festival 09/02/2016 Manito, IL
Harvard Balloon Fest 09/02/2016 Harvard, IL
Taste of Polonia 2016 09/02/2016 Chicago, IL
Sounds on the Street 09/02/2016 Glen Ellyn, IL
Kewanee Hog Days 09/02/2016 Kewanee, IL
Lake In The Hills Summer Sunset Festival 09/02/2016 Lake in the Hills, IL
Frankfort Fall Festival 09/03/2016 Frankfort, IL
Lemont Heritage Festival 09/03/2016 Lemont, IL
Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival 09/03/2016 Arthur, IL
Schaumburg Septemberfest 09/03/2016 Schaumburg, IL
Long Grove Irish Days 09/03/2016 Lake Zurich, IL
Taste of Serbia 09/03/2016 Lake Forest, IL

 

Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, 200 local Illinois law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

From the Illinois Department of Transportation:

“A high number of fatal traffic crashes on Illinois roads occur late at night, with an unacceptable amount involving drinking and motorists failing to buckle up, especially during the busy holiday travel periods,” said Priscilla Tobias, director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “Please, if you are on the road over the Labor Day weekend, drive sober and buckle up.”

Statistics show during last year’s Labor Day weekend (from 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7) 13 people lost their lives in crashes.

Three of those fatalities involved a driver who tested positive for alcohol in their system.

“State police will be out in force with local law enforcement to get drunk drivers off the road during the Labor Day weekend,” said ISP Col. Tad Williams. “Troopers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving and seat belt law violators. Designate a driver before going out, and always buckle up,”

Here are some important safety tips:

– Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

– Use your community’s designated driver program.

– If you are with someone who is impaired, do not let them drive.

– If you are impaired: Call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

– Promptly report impaired drivers, pull over to a safe location and dial 911.

– Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day crackdown began Monday, Aug. 22, and continues through the early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 6. It is administered by IDOT and supported by ISP local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois.

WISDOT news release: Labor Day enforcement & travel
State Patrol will significantly increase enforcement during Labor Day weekend
Construction on most major highways will be suspended for the holiday The Labor Day holiday period from Friday through Monday has been deadly on Wisconsin roads with an average of eight traffic fatalities during the last five years.  Moreover, traffic fatalities so far this year are about 8 percent higher than the same period last year.To prevent deaths and injuries over the Labor Day holiday period, the Wisconsin State Patrol will use all of its available resources for high-visibility traffic safety enforcement to get motorists to buckle up, obey speed limits, drive sober, and eliminate distractions.“Every State Patrol region will be participating in special emphasis details during the upcoming holiday period to increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not to write more tickets,” says Lt. Col. J.D. Lind. “We’ve identified times and locations with high crash rates, and we’re concentrating our resources on those targeted areas.  Our Air Support Unit pilots will be flying missions to watch for traffic violations especially speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. Our commercial motor vehicle inspectors will be focusing on violations of truck safety laws, including speed limits on highway corridors, and will intently monitor traffic traveling near large trucks. Many of our high-visibility patrols throughout the state will be announced in advance on WisDOT Twitter. (@WisconsinDOT, #WisDOT) to motivate motorists to make responsible decisions.”To minimize travel disruptions during the Labor Day weekend, most major highway construction projects will be suspended from about noon on Friday, Sept. 2 until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. However, drivers may still encounter lane restrictions and traffic delays in highway work zones, according to Beth Cannestra of the WisDOT Bureau of Project Development.“To prevent crashes, drivers must slow down, pay attention and not tailgate when approaching and traveling through work zones. Rear-end collisions caused primarily by speeding, distracted driving and following other vehicles too closely are the most frequent type of crash in work zones,” Cannestra says.

“When you see orange cones, put down your phone,” she says. “To help prevent distracted driving, a new state law taking effect Oct. 1 makes it illegal to talk on a handheld mobile device while driving in a work zone.”

Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period especially from about noon until 8 p.m. on both Friday, Sept. 2, and Monday, Sept. 5.

 

CTA and Public Transit Weekend Alerts

On Sunday, Sep 4, updated schedules will go into effect for several bus routes. Most routes continue to have the same frequency and span of service, but arrival times may change up to a few minutes. For a copy of the new timetable brochure for any route, see the Advance Timetables page or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.

It’s the last weekend for the #10 Museum of Science & Industry Revised Service Period — this bus only runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Metra – This weekend Metra will offer special early departure schedules for the holiday weekend.

From the Metrarail.com website: Most of these schedules include extra service prior to the regular 5 p.m. start of the rush hour, with the cancellation or modification of some later rush hour train schedules. A summary of the early departure schedules can be found here.

“Summer’s gone by too fast and we want to make it easy to squeeze in as much extra fun as possible this holiday weekend,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Expanding our $8 Weekend Pass to include Labor Day, plus the fact that kids 11 and under can ride free, make Metra the most affordable choice for Labor Day weekend fun in the city.”

The Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, fireworks at Navy Pier and the North Coast Music Fest at Union Park are just a few of the many events to enjoy in the city over Labor Day weekend. Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass allows unlimited rides anywhere on our system. The pass, which is normally sold on Saturdays and Sundays, will also be available for travel on the Monday holiday.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, Metra will operate all services on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Metra SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service trains will not operate on Labor Day. Alcohol restrictions will also be in effect and no alcohol will be allowed onboard Metra trains after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2 and all day Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4.