Springing Into Action For Easter Eggs

CHICAGO (CBS) — Mother Nature couldn’t damper the Easter celebrations going on across the city today.

CBS 2’s Audrina Bigos reports from Holy Name Cathedral.

Damp and cold but definitely not a bust.

So much fun today across the city.

And in just a few hours, families will come here for an Easter Vigil  celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

Hundreds of little ones hunting for Easter eggs.

The clouds moved out just in time for South Loop’s annual Easter event.

“It’s Chicago spring, right?” says Karie Barlan. “You never know what you’re going to get.”

The kids were bundled up but they dodged the band of rain that rolled through the city while families hunted for eggs at Lincoln Park Zoo.

And in Englewood at Ogden Park, families stayed out of the rain and cold.

“Even though its raining, we’re going to make it shine,” says community activist Andrew Holmes.

Holmes and 7th district Chicago Police officers teamed up to make this all happen.

“That smile. It puts some joy into your heart,” he says.

Further north, today was a chance to celebrate at church.

At Holy Name Cathedral it was the the blessing of Easter baskets.

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Loyola’s Cinderella Season Comes To An End

CHICAGO (AP) — Staring down a 10-point deficit against an underdog that seemed nothing short of blessed during the madness of March, Moe Wagner and Michigan clamped down on Loyola and ended one of the most memorable NCAA Tournament runs ever.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Donte Ingram #0 of the Loyola Ramblers shoots against Moritz Wagner #13 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Moritz Wagner; Donte Ingram

Wagner, Charles Matthews and the Wolverines erased a 10-point second-half deficit and Michigan beat the Ramblers 69-57 Saturday night in the Final Four.

The third-seeded Wolverines (33-7) will take a 14-game winning streak into their first national championship game appearance since 2013, and second under coach Jon Beilein.

Michigan will play either Villanova or Kansas for its first NCAA title since 1989 on Monday night at the Alamodome.

Lovable Loyola (32-6), with superfan Sister Jean courtside and their fans behind the bench standing for pretty much the entire game, could not conjure another upset.

The Ramblers were the fourth 11th-seeded team to make it this far and like the previous three, the semifinals were the end of the road.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Loyola had no answers for the 6-foot-11 Wagner and its offense, so smooth and efficient on the way to San Antonio, broke down in the second half and finished with 17 turnovers.

Wagner, playing in front of his parents who made the trip from Germany, scored 24 points, had 15 rebounds and was 10 for 16 from the field. Matthews, the Kentucky transfer and Chicago native, added 17 points, including a run-out dunk with 1:33 left that made it 63-53.

And that was that.

“I just tried to go in the game, take what the opponent is giving me, what the game is giving me, stay emotionally solid and don’t get emotionally drunk, and it worked out today,” Wagner said.

As the seconds ticked off, Wagner pumped his fist to the many Michigan fans who made the trek to San Antonio and Loyola’s Aundre Jackson, who got the Ramblers rolling with a late game-winning 3 in the first round against Miami, looked toward the roof and shook his head.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Marques Townes #5 of the Loyola Ramblers is defended by Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman #12 and Jaaron Simmons #5 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jaaron Simmons;Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman;Marques Townes

Cameron Krutwig, Loyola’s big man in the middle, scored 17 points and Clayton Custer had 13 of his 15 after halftime.

But facing one of the best defensive teams in the country, the best defensive team Beilein has ever had in 11 seasons in Ann Arbor, the Ramblers scored just 16 points in the final 14 minutes.

Custer scored seven straight points for Loyola at one point to put the Ramblers up 41-31 with 14:08 remaining.

Michigan refused to fade, even with point guard Zavier Simpson — whose solid play has been critical to the Wolverines’ late-season surge — playing terribly.

Jaaron Simmons, Simpson’s backup, made a 3 and Duncan Robinson hit another a few minutes later and the deficit was down to 45-42 with 10 minutes left.

Wagner hit a 3 from right in front of the Michigan bench with 6:50 left to tie it, and moments later the Wolverines were back on top, 49-47, when Jordan Poole made two free throws.

Loyola turned it over on three straight possessions and Wagner tipped in a miss by Poole, was fouled and converted the three-point play to put Michigan up 54-47 with just under five minutes left.

The Ramblers’ 14-game losing streak is over, along with an incredible feel-good story at time college basketball, engulfed in scandal, could truly use one.

Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt and her favorite team, the Missouri Valley Conference champions, making their first NCAA appearance since 1985, will return to Chicago as heroes, regardless.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers team chaplain Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt looks on before the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt

Michigan has more work to do.

The Wolverines will resume the underdog role they played much of the season Monday night, trying to win its second NCAA championship.

© 2018 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Avs Beat Blackhawks 5-0

CHICAGO (AP) — Semyon Varlamov stopped everything — including a hard-crashing Chicago player late in the third period.

Only, the collision took its toll: sending the Colorado goaltender flying into the net and knocking him out of the game.

Varlamov stopped 30 shots before leaving with an apparent injury, and the Avalanche continued their playoff push with a 5-0 victory over the Blackhawks on Friday night.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar had no update on Varlamov’s status after the victory.

Varlamov was cruising along until Blackhawks forward Tomas Jurco tumbled into his left pad with 6:25 remaining.

Varlamov was looked at by trainers before Jonathan Bernier skated in to finish the game.

Bernier, who stopped three shots, and Varlamov combined for the first team shutout in franchise history, according to the Avalanche.

Losing Varlamov — who has a history of groin issues — would be a blow for an Avalanche squad that remains in contention a season after finishing with a league-worst 48 points.

“Varly keeps us in it for a while and then we get our legs going,” Bednar said. “We have to take care of our business. That’s all we can do.”

Collin Delia stopped 31 shots for last-place Chicago.

He made his NHL debut the night before, but left in the third due to cramps.

That opened the door for Scott Foster, a 36-year-old accountant who made an emergency appearance and became an instant feel-good story.

Delia was impressed by the speed of the Avalanche, whose scoring attack was led by Sven Andrighetto’s two goals .

Tyson Barrie, Mikko Rantanen and Tyson Jost also scored.

“Very skilled,” Delia said. “It’s good for me to get in there and see that, see a dominant team like them, how they move the puck.”

Colorado converted each of its three power plays. Rantanen’s goal with the man advantage in the third came off a feed from Nathan MacKinnon, who now has 93 points.

It’s the most by an Avalanche player since Joe Sakic had 100 in 2006-07.

Barrie gave the Avalanche a 2-0 lead at 8:14 of the second period with a shot near the blue line.

Barrie then saved a potential goal minutes later when he swatted away a puck that had trickled through the pads of Varlamov, who was back in net after missing a game with an illness.

“It was probably my fault that the puck was even that close to the goal line,” Barrie said. “So, it’s fortunate that I could get a stick on it a couple of times.”

Andrighetto scored the game’s first goal on a power play late in the first period.

He skated in, split two defensemen and lifted a shot over Delia for his first goal since Dec. 23 at Arizona.

He has missed a total of 31 games this season with what’s been termed by the team as a lower-body injury.

“Definitely a big win for us and we’ve got to keep that going,” Andrighetto said.

Chicago called up goaltender J-F Berube on the heels of Foster’s appearance against Winnipeg on Thursday.

Foster was summoned into action when starter Anton Forsberg was hurt during pregame and Delia, who was just recalled from the minors, went out with cramps.

The NHL adjusted its rules last summer to mandate that teams have an emergency goalie present for all home games ready to fill in for either side.

Foster, a former goaltender at Western Michigan University, stopped all seven shots.

Foster made an immediate impression.

“What are the chances that someone else ever gets to do that again?” Delia said. “It was good for him and the boys really rallied around him.”

NOTES: Blackhawks D Blake Hillman made his NHL debut.

He recently signed a two-year deal with the team after playing down the road at the University of Denver.

Bernier is quickly mending after suffering a cut on his finger that became infected. “It was pretty bad,” Bernier said. “Lucky enough, didn’t need surgery.”

Avalanche D Erik Johnson was a late scratch with a lower-body injury.

It was the Avalanche’s 27th home win, which is tied for second-most in franchise history.

UP NEXT

Blackhawks: At St. Louis on Wednesday.

Avalanche: Start a three-game trip Sunday in Anaheim.

© 2018 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Million Dollar Bond For Alleged Oak Brook Carjacker

CHICAGO (CBS) — One of two men accused of stealing a 68-year-old woman’s car from the Oak Brook Mall has his bond set at a million dollars.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Jame Kruger say 26-year-old Darnell Anderson was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking with a gun and armed robbery.

On March 28 around 9:30 a.m., the victim was waiting in her car before going into work at the Oak Brook Mall.

Authorities say that’s when another vehicle pulled up and blocked her.

It’s alleged that one of the people in the car opened her driver’s side door and showed a gun.

Police say he ordered the woman out of the car. As she fled, one of the men chased her and stole her purse.

A man went back and took the woman’s car.

No word on the other person involved in the crime.

Authorities say he faces up 45 years in prison.

Anderson’s next court appearance is set for April 23.

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Cured Meat Comes To Chicago In Baconfest 2018

CHICAGO (CBS) — It is that time of year again.

The bacchanalia of bacon.

Chicago celebrates its favorite cured meat.

It’s Baconfest 2018.

The event’s co-founder is Seth Zurer.

It’s the 10th anniversary of the event.

VIP ticket holders will have access to the Old Forester Speakeasy, a special lounge with bourbon tastings.

2018 will also have a People’s Choice Award where guests can text their choice for best dish

Click here for more information on Baconfest Chicago.

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Watch Parties In Place For Loyola’s Big Night

CHICAGO (CBS) — Couldn’t make to Texas to catch the Ramblers and Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four game?

You and thousands of other fans can still watch the event from several watch parties in Chicago.

On Loyola’s campus at the Gentile Arena at 6511 North Sheridan Road doors will open at 4:00 for fans to watch the game.

It’s free but seating will be limited.

Bars and restaurants in Rogers Park will have the game on for fans to cheer on the Ramblers.

Beginning at 3:00, R Public House at 1508 West Jarvis Avenue will be open for game watchers.

The Bulldog Ale House on 6606 North Sheridan will welcome fans of this anticipated Final Four match.

Rogers Park isn’t the only place where watch parties will be held.

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce says many bars and restaurants in that neighborhood will also host Loyola events.

And Dick’s Sporting Goods at 5601 Touhy Avenue in Niles is having an in-store pep rally complete with a d.j., cheer cards, face painting and other game activities.

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Accountant-Turned-Goalie Helps Blackhawks Beat Jets

CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Foster thought it was going to be just another night.

Then the 36-year-old accountant signed a contract, put on his goaltender gear and waited in Chicago’s locker room.

Then he got into the game.

Then it was his night.

Foster was pressed into action when Chicago lost Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia to injuries, and the former college goalie stopped all seven shots he faced over the final 14 minutes of the Blackhawks’ 6-2 victory over the playoff-bound Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

“This is something that no one can ever take away from me,” Foster said. “It’s something that I can go home and tell my kids and they can tell their friends. Just a ton of fun.”

Foster is part of a crew of recreational goaltenders who staff Chicago’s home games in case of emergencies for either team.

But it usually just means a nice dinner and a night in the press box watching the world’s best players compete at hockey’s highest level.

Nothing at all like this.

“What a moment,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said with a chuckle.

Forsberg was expected to start, but he got hurt during a “pregame ritual,” according to Quenneville.

Delia, who was just recalled from the minors Wednesday, then stopped 25 of 27 shots in his NHL debut before he was helped off the ice with 14:01 left after he cramped up.

Enter Foster, a married father of two who lives in nearby Oak Park and plays in two rec leagues.

After a short warmup, the game resumed and Foster got a big cheer from the crowd of 21,839 when he denied Tyler Myers for his first save about a minute after he came in.

“The initial shock happened when I had to dress. I think you just kind of black out after that,” Foster said.

Backed by chants of “Foster! Foster!” and more loud ovations, he made another stop on Myers and turned away Paul Stastny and Dustin Byfuglien in the final minutes.

When it was over, the Blackhawks poured onto the ice and mobbed Foster in the net.

“He was great,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I think the boys were doing whatever they could to help him out. He made some big saves. Fun night.”

The Jets had won six in a row and were trying to clinch home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

But even they were moved by what happened.

“It’s tough for anybody to come in 50 minutes into a hockey game, let alone a guy who hasn’t played in the (NHL),” coach Paul Maurice said. “A great moment for him.”

Carolina Hurricanes equipment manager Jorge Alves became the first emergency goalie to play in a game in the modern era last season. He closed out the final 7.6 seconds of a 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

The NHL adjusted its rules last summer to mandate that teams have an emergency goalie present for all home games ready to fill in for either team.

It set the stage for Foster’s most competitive action since 20 minutes in relief with Western Michigan University in the 2005-06 season.

“A few hours ago I was sitting on the computer typing on a 10-key, and now I’m standing in front of you guys having just finished 14 1/2 minutes of NHL hockey,” he cracked.

It was a wild finish to one of Chicago’s best performances in a lousy season.

Tomas Jurco scored a career-high two goals in Seabrook’s 1,000th regular-season game, and touted prospect Dylan Sikura had two assists in his NHL debut.

Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Erik Gustafsson each had a goal and an assist, and Brandon Saad also scored.

The 32-year-old Seabrook got the start alongside fellow alternate captain and frequent defensive partner Duncan Keith.

He became the fifth player in franchise history to skate in 1,000 or more games for the team, joining Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, Eric Nesterenko and Bob Murray.

Bryan Little scored his 200th NHL goal for Winnipeg in the opener of a four-game trip.

Mark Scheifele also scored for the Jets, and Eric Comrie made 36 saves while subbing for starter Connor Hellebuyck.

“It wasn’t a good night,” Little said. “It wasn’t good from the start. It’s one of those games you want to forget and put behind you and look to the next one.”

Kane got Chicago off to a fast start when he shot it between Comrie’s legs for his 27th goal 3:44 into the first, and the Blackhawks just poured it on from there.

Saad made it 2-0 with a nifty move to his backhand in front at 17:17.

Jurco added two goals in the second before Little got Winnipeg on the board with his 16th of the season at 14:24.

But Gustafsson responded for the Blackhawks, scoring on a nice rush to the net at 17:27.

NOTES: Quenneville said Delia was going to travel with the team to Colorado and should be fine for Friday night’s game against the Avalanche.

With four games left in the season, he said Forsberg (lower body) is likely done for the year.

Jean-Francois Berube was recalled from Rockford of the AHL on an emergency basis.

UP NEXT

Jets: Visit Toronto on Saturday night.

Blackhawks: Visit Colorado on Friday night.

© 2018 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Loyola Ready For Saturday’s Final Four Game

CHICAGO (CBS) — Today is the day.

The biggest stage in college basketball will showcase the Loyola Ramblers.

The team got a taste of what’s to come in an open practice Friday.

And perhaps a boost from a Loyola legend.

CBS 2’s Ryan Baker has more from San Antonio.

It’s easy to feel the energy, excitement and anticipation building in the Alamodome.

With Loyola and Michigan set to tip off in the national semi-finals around 5:00 on Saturday.

Loyola legend Jerry Harkness, the captain of the 1963 National Championship team was beaming with pride during the Ramblers Final Four practice.

The current squad didn’t look too wide-eyed with thousands of fans in the stands.

There will surely be more Saturday night.

“Honestly when you’re dreaming you say I want this to be an actual thing,” says Loyola guard Donte Ingram. “So now that I’m here, it doesn’t get any better.”

“It’s the biggest game of our lives,” says Loyola guard Clayton Custer.

“I’m going to be a little nervous,” admits Loyola guard Lucas Williamson. “It comes with the territory. But the game is still the same.”

Jerry Harkness is all smiles in describing what he sees from this Loyola team.

“You wait 50-something years, this is so unbelievable that I can’t talk,” says Harkness. “I think we got a shot at this.”

Harkness isn’t the only one who believes the Rambles can pull off yet another upset in this NCAA Tournament.

The Michigan Wolverines, who are evenly matched with Loyola, have a lot of respect for their opponent tonight.

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Marlins Top Cubs In 17 Innings

CHICAGO (AP) — Derek Jeter waited a long time for his first win as CEO of the Miami Marlins.

Not in terms of games, just innings.

Miguel Rojas’ sharp single to center brought home Brian Anderson with two out in the 17th inning, giving the Marlins a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in a 5-hour, 18-minute marathon that left Jeter beaming and high-fiving anyone he could reach when it was finally over.

“It’s one of those wins that feel really good for our club,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.

The teams went through 14 pitchers, had 119 at-bats and combined for 34 strikeouts and 33 runners left on base.

Kris Bryant homered in the top of the third to make it 1-0 Cubs.

Starlin Castro tied it for Miami with an RBI single in the bottom of that inning.

The next 13 innings and four hours? Scoreless, and the night eventually turned historic.

There has only been one instance in the last 100 years of teams playing either their first or second game of the season needing this many innings to decide a winner.

Kansas City and Minnesota went 17 innings in their second game of the 1969 season, with the Royals winning 4-3.

“We’re not supposed to get tired this early in the season,” Rojas said.

Going this long, this early, was certainly not on the wish list for either club.

“That’s a lot to ask out of your guys this quickly,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

Odrisamer Despaigne (1-0) was supposed to pitch for the Marlins on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. as their starter in the third game of the series, not at 12:14 a.m. as Miami’s seventh reliever.

But he worked a perfect 17th, capping a night where the Marlins’ bullpen (and technically one member of their rotation) allowed four hits and struck out 12 in 11 2/3 scoreless innings.

Mattingly didn’t even rule out Despaigne coming back on Saturday, which means he could get two wins on March 31.

“He threw 10 pitches,” Mattingly said.

Lewis Brinson was 4 for 8 for the Marlins, who avoided what would have been their fourth consecutive 0-2 start thanks in large part to six innings of one-hit relief from Jarlin Garcia, one of eight Miami pitchers.

Bryant and Ben Zobrist each had three hits for the Cubs. Eddie Butler (0-1), the fifth Cubs pitcher, gave up four hits and one run in seven innings while striking out five.

He lasted 90 pitches before eventually giving the ball up to Brandon Morrow.

“Guys were making plays for me all over the place,” Butler said.

Morrow threw only two pitches in his Cubs debut, the last of which left the Marlins storming the field in celebration.

“An unbelievable night,” Rojas said.

Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks allowed one run and four hits in six innings.

Caleb Smith threw 100 pitches over 5 1/3 innings in his Marlins debut, giving up one run and striking out eight.

Smith was asked after the game about a pitch he threw in a certain situation, and struggled to remember.

“Feels like so long ago,” Smith said.

That’s because it was.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins right fielder Garrett Cooper left in the fourth inning after getting hit on the inside of his right hand. He is day to day with a bruise.

Miami already has a slew of injury woes, with seven players on the disabled list, including right-hander Dan Straily.

He threw off flat ground Friday, a first step toward his return from right forearm tightness.

Straily probably would have been the Marlins’ No. 2 starter (and pitching Friday) until he got hurt a couple weeks ago.

MSD STRONG

Relatives of three victims of the Feb. 14 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, the alma mater of Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, were among those throwing ceremonial opening pitches.

Coach Aaron Feis’ daughter Arielle, athletic director Chris Hixon’s son Corey, and Jaime Guttenberg’s brother Jesse took part, as did recovering student Ben Wikander.

A check for $305,000, raised by Rizzo’s foundation, was presented to help victims’ families.

Also, Douglas’ baseball team will face Coral Springs at Marlins Park on Wednesday.

UP NEXT

RHP Yu Darvish makes his Cubs debut Saturday night. The Marlins were scheduled to use Despaigne.

© 2018 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Cutting Costs: New Way To Get Customer Service

CHICAGO (CBS) – Don’t you just hate calling customer service?

Being put on hold and then bounced around from one person to another?

CBS 2 Cost Cutter Dorothy Tucker looks into a better way of communicating that may save you time and money.

Frustrated consumers are now turning to live chats.

It’s a new option more and more companies offer online.

“You can have a live chat through Facebook. You can integrate a chat into a company’s website or you can have it on a smartphone,” says consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

Just type in your question, comment or complaint.

“With a live chat you have a better chance of getting a resolution on the first try,” says Elliott.

You can also ask for a better deal.

That’s what we did in this live chat.

Kohl’s was selling a Keurig coffee maker with a discount for $95.99.

I wrote ‘I found it for $89.00 at Home Depot. Can you match that price?’

Seconds later this response: “I’m happy to inform you that product is eligible for price match.”

There are words and phrases people can use to maximize the benefits of live chatting.

“Say ‘hey, I like to get free shipping can you add that to my order,” says Elliott. “I saw a coupon for 20 percent off. Can you honor that?”

One of the most popular platforms is Facebook Messenger.

Send a message online or through the app on your phone.

“The volume of messages between people and businesses on Messenger that’s now over two billion messages every month,” says Linda Lee of Facebook Messenger.

According to Facebook, 56 percent would rather message a business than call customer service.

And 67 percent expect to message businesses more over the next two years.

“You’re able to get that response much faster than picking up the phone sitting on hold waiting to talk to somebody,” says Lee. “Which ultimately leads to much higher customer satisfaction.”

Another benefit is you’re able to save a written copy of your communication to prove you were given an offer or resolution.

And more senior agents usually staff those live chat lines.

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A Legacy Of Faith

CHICAGO (CBS) — On this Good Friday, we wanted to take a look at what Sister Jean’s time in the spotlight has done for all nuns.

CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole introduces us to some hard working Chicago women motivated by faith.

The nuns at St. Scholastica Monastery are reviewing their brackets.

Sisters motivated by a woman they knew in their youth.

“She’s a shot in the arm for all religious women,” says Sister Mary Melady.

Melady is talking about the Loyola Ramblers’ 98-year-old chaplain Sister Jean.

“She was Sister Jean Delores when we knew her,” says Sister Judith Murphy.

At Mudelein College Sister Jean helped teach these women and many other nuns in Chicago philosophies of education.

Even then, Jean the Dean also provided spiritual guidance.

Coming forward as a nun, showing faith is part of all aspects of life, even a basketball tournament, is what touches the sisters most.

“She breaks the stereotype people have of Catholic religious sisters,” says Melady. “It makes me feel wonderful just to watch her.”

“It’s a very wonderful lesson she can give without even trying to teach a lesson,” says Murphy.

Sister Jean has been inspiring the team for years.

But in recent years the sisters’ say she’s also made a point of riding the Loyola shuttle between the downtown and Rogers Park campuses, just to be there to help talk to students along the ride about faith.

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Pot Confiscated In Skokie Worth Three Million

CHICAGO (CBS) — Police put a dent in the operations of a major supplier in Chicago.

Authorities confiscated more than 400 pounds of marijuana worth more than three million dollars.

Police busted the pot supplier in Skokie.

It started with police investigating drug sales on the North Side.

Seven guns and cash were also confiscated.

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Loyola Fans In San Antonio Excited About The Final Four Game

CHICAGO (CBS) — The big game is Saturday but the road trip to San Antonio ended on Friday.

CBS 2 took a cardboard cutout of Sister Jean on the three-day trip to the Final Four.

She arrived with CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar who greeted Loyola fans from Chicago at San Antonio’s famed River Walk.

A quick stop at In-N-Out Burger with photographer Tim Viste and San Antonio was on the horizon.

The maroon and gold eager to welcome cut-out Sister Jean.

“It’s been amazing,” says Loyola grad Marcy Cook. “They were not this good when I went there in the 1990s. But it’s good fun to watch and I’m so excited.”

“It’s pretty great to see a Chicago basketball team go to the Final Four,” says her son Nate Cook.

Cut-out Sister Jean embracing her new city.

The cardboard version now on the look out for the real sister.

“She’s 85-years-old and not a basketball fan but she loves this. Absolutely loves this,” says Terry Ziemer, who’s making his 31st trip to see the Final Four and credits Sister Jean for turning his mother into a basketball fan.

Loyola and Michigan tip off just after 5:00 Saturday.

Then it’s a battle of two top seeds: Kansas and Villanova.

Even Navy Pier’s got a case of Ramblers fever.

The Centennial Wheel is all lit up for Loyola.

On Saturday you can ride for just $4.00 in honor of the trip to the Final Four.

Just use promo code “Ramblers” when buying your tickets online or at the box office.

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CTA Assaults And Robberies Upset Riders And Workers

CHICAGO (CBS) — A string of attacks on the CTA Red Line is causing passengers and CTA workers to speak out about the dangers.

Three robberies at the same location.

CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker reports from Lincoln Park.

Those attacks happened on board a moving train.

All three passengers  had gotten on at the Clybourn Station.

For regular riders on the Clybourn stop, news that three passengers were robbed is disturbing.

“It makes me nervous to ride the train late, but we all have to do it,” says CTA rider Coal Souder. “It’s not always a safe place.”

“It’s scary because I work here and I do get on the train at night,” adds CTA rider Lacheryl Robinson.

It was the middle of the night, around 12:45 a.m., when all three victims boarded at the Clybourn and were robbed by three men as the train heading north.

Victim number one was a 22-year-old man who told police one of the suspects implied he had a weapon and another hit him in the face before taking his property.

Victims number two and three, a 19-year-old man and a 41-year-old man had the same story.

Three suspects approach them, demanded property and fled when the train stopped at Fullerton.

CTA clerks who didn’t want to be identified heard the police traffic on the radio.

“Somebody was on the radio and was asking them to contact the police because he had gotten robbed,” says the CTA worker. “I had no description of the guys.”

Even workers expressed concerned for their safety.

“We need security on the trains. We need more security on the platforms. We even need security for ourselves,” says a worker.

Police are still looking for the suspects.

They hope to release surveillance photos and videos as soon as possible.

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Sister Jean In The Spotlight

CHICAGO (CBS) — It’s Good Friday, but the feel good story surrounding Loyola’s beloved Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt is not being felt by everyone.

Sister Jean’s press conference this morning, her only media availability during the Final Four, drew the most cameras seen in San Antonio.

The NCAA added her to the interview schedule after her celebrity status continued to skyrocket with the Ramblers’ unexpected run through the tournament.

However the 98-year old nun, as well as the media, is getting criticized on Twitter about stealing the spotlight from the Loyola players during their well-earned Final Four moment.

That belief about Sister Jean doesn’t have a prayer with the team.

“She’s getting a lot of attention which takes away from us and we’re able to focus on the game and preparations,” says Loyola forward Aundre Jackson.

“I walked by and thought it looked like Tom Brady at the Super Bowl,” says Loyola coach Porter Moser.

“I’ve seen some things where some people are frustrated that she’s getting more attention than us, but none of us think that,” says guard Clayton Custer. “We are so happy for Sister Jean. We want the world to know who she is because she’s an amazing person and she inspires all of us.”

Sister Jean herself seems to be a little surprised by all of the attention.

“I never even imagined two or three, let alone this large group,” says Sister Jean referring to the giant media presence just to see her. She says it hasn’t gone to her head.

“I haven’t done that nor has the team. Those young men are very humble. They keep saying how confident they are. I’m really glad to hear that.”

After being around the razor-sharp Sister Jean from Dallas to Atlanta to San Antonio, she consistently makes it all about the young men on the court, and not herself.

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Barkley On Loyola’s Game And Sister Jean

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Final Four game featuring Loyola and Michigan isn’t until Saturday.

But an NBA legend has a few thoughts about Loyola’s ascension and the team’s spiritual secret weapon.

CBS 2’s Ryan Baker sat down with NCAA Tournament commentator Charles Barkley to get his thoughts on the Ramblers, the 3-point game and what the team needs to do to move on to the championship game.

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ICE Fugitive Captured In Chicago Coffee Shop

CHICAGO (CBS) — A person detained by ICE who later escaped from federal custody was found in a Chicago coffee shop.

According to authorities, 31-year-old Mohamadou Lamine Mbacke is from Senegal.

He was at JKF airport to be sent back to his home country on Tuesday, but Mbacke eluded authorities.

According to CBS New York, when Mbacke’s handcuffs were taken off at an x-ray screening site, that’s when he took off.

Mohamadou Lamine Mbacke (credit: Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Video surveillance footage shows Mbacke getting into a cab and leaving the airport around 9:00 p.m. that night.

He was taken into custody without incident at a coffee shop near the Chicago Amtrak station.

Authorities say Mbacke entered the U.S. in 2005 “before violating the terms of his status.”

In 2015 he was ordered to be deported for weapons and firearms offenses.

 

RELATED: NYC AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR ICE FUGITIVE

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Emanuel Makes Final Four Bet With Ann Arbor Mayor

CHICAGO (CBS) — Mayor Rahm Emanuel is making a friendly wager with his counterpart in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Saturday’s Final Four game between the Loyola Ramblers and the Michigan Wolverines.

If 11th-seeded Loyola wins, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor will pay up with a Georgia Reuben sandwich from Ann Arbor’s famous Zingerman’s deli. If 3rd-seeded Michigan wins, Emanuel will send corned beef and pastrami from Manny’s Deli to Ann Arbor.

“Chicago is united behind the Loyola Ramblers and their most devout fan, Sister Jean, and we continue to be inspired and amazed by this remarkable team,” Emanuel said in a statement. “The Ramblers have defied the odds and proven themselves at every step on the road to the Final Four. We are confident we will be celebrating their trip to the NCAA Finals with deli food from Zingerman’s, but in the unlikely event the Wolverines advance we are prepared to send some legendary Manny’s corned beef to Ann Arbor.”

The losing mayor also will make a donation to charity of the winning mayor’s choice: the Becoming A Man youth mentoring program in Chicago if the Ramblers win, and the Jim Toy Community Center, an LGBTQ center in Ann Arbor, if the Wolverines are victorious.

“Ann Arborites everywhere are so proud of the great University of Michigan and the Wolverines’ exciting march through the tournament,” Taylor said in a statement. “With buzzer-beating offense, tenacious defending, and an infectious spirit, Coach Beilein’s team of dedicated student-athletes exemplifies the best of college athletics. Whether Mayor Emanuel celebrates a Rambler win or I revel in a Michigan victory, both of our communities have been enlivened by these two remarkable teams. That said . . . I wonder which mustard I’ll choose for my Manny’s. Go Blue!”

Saturday’s game tips off at 5:09 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The winner will face the winner of the other Final Four game between Kansas and Villanova. The NCAA National Championship game is Monday night.

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Man Charged In South Shore Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) — A convicted felon has been charged with attempted murder, for allegedly shooting a 37-year-old man Wednesday morning in the South Shore neighborhood.

Police said officers responding to another call near 76th and Coles shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday, when they heard five or six gunshots.

The officers found a 37-year-old man who had been shot in the face and body in the 2800 block of East Coles. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Roosevelt Love, 22, is charged with attempted murder in a shooting in the South Shore neighborhood on March 28, 2018. (Credit: Chicago Police)

Roosevelt Love, 22, was identified as the gunman, and has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery, police said.

A second person who was taken into custody after the shooting was released without charges.

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Man Killed In Aurora Crash

CHICAGO (CBS) — A man was killed Thursday evening when his car crashed into a tree and caught fire in west suburban Aurora.

Aurora police said the man apparently was speeding west on Diehl Road just west of Molitor Road around 6:25 p.m., when he lost control of the car, hit a fiber optics box, and then a tree on the north side of the road.

The car, a 2007 Infiniti G35 flipped over as a result of the crash, and then caught fire.

Firefighters put out the flames and pulled the man out of the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the victim’s body was too badly burned to identify him.

The Kane County Coroner’s office was conducting forensic exams to determine the man’s identity and cause of death.

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Man Charged With Shooting Guard During Church Robbery Attempt

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 25-year-old man has been charged with multiple felonies, after allegedly wounding a security guard in a shootout while trying to rob a church Wednesday night in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

Police said Kenneth Baines, of the Homan Square neighborhood, walked into a church near Kostner and Maypole around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, and announced a robbery.

Baines and a security guard at the church exchanged fire. The guard was shot in the arm, and Baines was shot multiple times in the chest.

The guard was not seriously wounded.

Baines was in critical condition at Stroger Hospital.

Baines has been charged with one felony count each of aggravated battery, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

A bond hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

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2 Men Killed In West Garfield Park Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) — Two men were shot and killed Thursday afternoon in the West Garfield Park neighborhood.

Police said the men were sitting in a car near Van Buren and Pulaski around 4:10 p.m., when two people walked up and opened fire.

Lovon Jordon, 21, and Priest Young, 20, both were pronounced dead a short time later, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

No one was in custody on Friday.

Area North detectives were investigating.

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Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute To Air On Tuesday, Apr. 10 On CBS

Elton John: I’m Still Standing—A GRAMMY® Salute, will be broadcast on Tuesday, Apr. 10 at 9/8c on CBS and CBS All Access, and features a collection of all-star performers from across the musical map, who will all gather together to celebrate the illustrious career of this true music legend.

Not only will the bill include Elton John himself, performing a medley of his timeless hits—including “Bennie And The Jets” and “Philadelphia Freedom”—but also expect to see the following artists cover even more of John’s gems, like:

“The Bitch Is Back” – Miley Cyrus
“Candle in the Wind” – Ed Sheeran
“Daniel” – Sam Smith
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” – Alessia Cara
“Your Song” – Lady Gaga
“Rocket Man” – Little Big Town
“Border Song” – Christopher Jackson & Valerie Simpson
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – SZA & Shawn Mendes
“Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” – Maren Morris
“We All Fall In Love Sometimes” – Chris Martin
“My Father’s Gun” – Miranda Lambert
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – Kesha
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – John Legend
“I’m Still Standing” – Elton John and ensemble

Also making special appearances to celebrate Elton John’s five-decade career will be the likes of:

– The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Jon Batiste
– Entertainer Neil Patrick Harris
– Bull star Christopher Jackson
– Actress Anna Kendrick
– CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King
– Elementary star Lucy Liu
– R&B singer Valerie Simpson
– Singer/actress Hailee Steinfeld

Watch Elton John: I’m Still Standing—A GRAMMY® Salute on Tuesday, Apr. 10 at 9/8c on CBS and CBS All Access.

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Two Busloads Of Loyola Students Take Last-Minute Road Trip To Final Four

CHICAGO (CBS) — Dozens of Loyola students are making a last-minute bus trip to San Antonio to watch the Ramblers take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four.

The students said they just couldn’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

They met up on campus Friday morning, loaded up their bags, and boarded two shuttle buses bound for the Alamodome to cheer on the Ramblers on Saturday.
Approximately 80 students will make the 20 hour trip. They said they’re thrilled for the opportunity.

“My parents were like, ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. You’ve got to do it when you can, which I couldn’t believe, because it’s a lot. It’s a big commitment, and I’m missing part of school, but I honestly can’t believe that I’m actually going to go, and I can’t wait to actually be there,” Mary Cavanaugh said.

Jake Boling said he never thought he’d be going to the Final Four.

“That’s the thing. That’s why this is so great,” he said. “I didn’t go to Loyola because it’s a sports school. I went because for education and whatnot, and the fact that this is happening is just … it’s really like the stars realigning. It’s perfect.”

Most of the students taking the big trip said, when they came to Loyola, they couldn’t have imagined their team would be headed to the Final Four, or that they’d be along for the ride.

This is the First time Loyola has seen NCAA action in 33 years, and their first Final Four since winning the NCAA title in 1963.

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SportsLine’s Top Weekend Picks: Final Four

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
Friday, March 30, 2018, 7:00 pm ET

Chicago +6.5

My numbers see the Bulls hanging around with the Magic on Friday, as I’m projecting a one-score game that makes the underdog a solid position. Chicago is covering the number in 60 percent of simulations, and it should pay dividends to grab the points in a battle of moribund clubs.

SportsLine Expert: Stephen Oh (10-3 in last 13 NBA O/U picks)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
Friday, March 30, 2018, 8:30 pm ET

DALLAS +5.5

The trusty projection model sees the Mavericks delivering as home underdogs Friday against the Timberwolves, as a one-score game appears to be in the works. My simulations have Dallas covering more than 60 percent of the time and winning straight up about half the time. Let’s pocket this handful of points and scalp a value position.

SportsLine Expert: Stephen Oh (10-3 in last 13 NBA O/U picks)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Friday, March 30, 2018, 10:30 pm ET

PORTLAND -6

The Trail Blazers lost a game against Memphis last time out so they’ll be looking determined to get back on the winning track with Damian Lillard returning to the lineup. Lillard will be rested and ready to roll and the Clippers have trouble defending the guard positions, giving Portland a clear edge. Lay the points.

SportsLine Expert: Galin Dragiev (58-44-2 in last 104 NBA picks)

>>MORE: See all NBA picks

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, March 31, 2018, 6:09 pm ET

MICHIGAN -5.5

Two full weekends of March Madness have created yet another Cinderella story in Loyola-Chicago. Fortunate finishes resulted in three close victories before an eye-opening pull-away win over Kansas State. The Ramblers would seem to have another perfect matchup against guard-oriented Michigan. Yet, this is when a coach of John Beilein’s caliber shines. It’s also where Cinderella long-shot stories usually come to an end (Syracuse-VCU-George Mason). After the Wolverines struggled to score against athletic teams in Houston and Florida State, I expect Beilein to have extended half-court sets to tear apart Loyola. Grab Michigan.

SportsLine Expert: Zack Cimini (12-3 in last 15 CBB ATS picks)

Villanova Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday, March 31, 2018, 8:49 pm ET

VILLANOVA -5

It never pays to underestimate Bill Self, as the Kansas coach proved again Sunday by upsetting Duke and advancing to the Final Four, after coming up short with more talented teams the past two years. What appeared to be a down season for the Jayhawks will end with them on college basketball’s biggest stage. However, in Saturday’s Final Four, they run into a Villanova team that looks destined to win its second national title in three years. The Wildcats overcame adversity with a second-half comeback against West Virginia and fended off resilient Texas Tech on Sunday. They will clip their third straight Big 12 opponent Saturday and cover the number with a strong finish.

SportsLine Expert: Josh Nagel (64-49-1 in last 114 CBB ATS picks)

>>MORE: See all College Basketball picks
>>MORE: NCAA Tournament coverage

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Loyola’s Sister Jean Vs. Michigan’s Grammie Rose? ‘We’ll See What Happens’

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Loyola Ramblers and Michigan Wolverines are getting ready for their Final Four matchup on Saturday, and the biggest — if most polite — trash talk might be coming from two elderly ladies.

At age 98, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt certainly has proved to be the Ramblers’ most popular booster, but she’s not the only elderly basketball fan making headlines ahead of the Final Four.

Earlier this week, former Wolverines star Jalen Rose posted a video on Instagram of his 100-year-old grandmother saying, “Grammie has a Final Four message for Sister Jean!!”

“Sister Jean, it’s been a good ride. But it’s over Saturday. Go Blue!” Rose’s grandmother said.

Sister Jean fired back in polite fashion on Friday.

“I saw her on Facebook the other day, and I also heard that she said she’s out to get me. So we’ll see. Somebody said maybe you need a pair of boxing gloves, and I said ‘We’ll see what happens,’” she said. “We’ll probably see each other. I hope we see each other, we meet there. I love to meet people,” she said.

A few people showed up to the Sister Jean presser this morning… #OnwardLU pic.twitter.com/MAIHOlGUqD

— Loyola Basketball (@RamblersMBB) March 30, 2018

Schmidt might just be the biggest star of the Final Four, flashing a beaming smile as she spoke to a room packed to the gills with reporters on Friday in San Antonio for 15 minutes.

“I could stay for an hour,” she said. “This is the most fun I’ve had in my life. It is. It’s just so much fun for me to be here, and I almost didn’t get here, but I fought hard enough to do that, because I wanted to be with the guys.”

She said the sudden national fame has been “overwhelming,” especially seeing her face practically everywhere, from socks to cardboard cutouts, and even a new Sister Jean bobblehead that quickly became the best seller for the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, with more than 10,000 sold in five days so far.

“I think the company could retire when they’re finished making my bobblehead,” she joked.

Despite the fame, Schmidt said she’s doing her best to stay humble.

“I think to myself, who am I? Don’t let it go to your head. I haven’t done that, nor has the team. The team, those young men are very humble. They keep saying how confident they are, and I say ‘Oh, I’m really glad to hear that. I’m probably more nervous in the game than you are,’” she said.

It’s no surprise the Ramblers’ team chaplain is praying for a Loyola victory on Saturday, but Schmidt said she’s praying for the Wolverines, too.

“I like to pray for both teams, so that especially the fans who might hear me know that I’m partly on one side, but only partly, because at the end of the prayer, I always ask God to be sure that the scoreboard indicates that the Ramblers have the big W,” she said.

So does Sister Jean think God is a basketball fan?

“He probably is, and he’s probably a basketball fan more of the NCAA than the NBA,” “I say that because these young people are playing with their hearts, and not for any financial assistance.”

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SportsLine’s Top Weekend Picks: Final Four

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
Friday, March 30, 2018, 7:00 pm ET

Chicago +6.5

My numbers see the Bulls hanging around with the Magic on Friday, as I’m projecting a one-score game that makes the underdog a solid position. Chicago is covering the number in 60 percent of simulations, and it should pay dividends to grab the points in a battle of moribund clubs.

SportsLine Expert: Stephen Oh (10-3 in last 13 NBA O/U picks)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
Friday, March 30, 2018, 8:30 pm ET

DALLAS +5.5

The trusty projection model sees the Mavericks delivering as home underdogs Friday against the Timberwolves, as a one-score game appears to be in the works. My simulations have Dallas covering more than 60 percent of the time and winning straight up about half the time. Let’s pocket this handful of points and scalp a value position.

SportsLine Expert: Stephen Oh (10-3 in last 13 NBA O/U picks)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Friday, March 30, 2018, 10:30 pm ET

PORTLAND -6

The Trail Blazers lost a game against Memphis last time out so they’ll be looking determined to get back on the winning track with Damian Lillard returning to the lineup. Lillard will be rested and ready to roll and the Clippers have trouble defending the guard positions, giving Portland a clear edge. Lay the points.

SportsLine Expert: Galin Dragiev (58-44-2 in last 104 NBA picks)

>>MORE: See all NBA picks

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, March 31, 2018, 6:09 pm ET

MICHIGAN -5.5

Two full weekends of March Madness have created yet another Cinderella story in Loyola-Chicago. Fortunate finishes resulted in three close victories before an eye-opening pull-away win over Kansas State. The Ramblers would seem to have another perfect matchup against guard-oriented Michigan. Yet, this is when a coach of John Beilein’s caliber shines. It’s also where Cinderella long-shot stories usually come to an end (Syracuse-VCU-George Mason). After the Wolverines struggled to score against athletic teams in Houston and Florida State, I expect Beilein to have extended half-court sets to tear apart Loyola. Grab Michigan.

SportsLine Expert: Zack Cimini (12-3 in last 15 CBB ATS picks)

Villanova Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday, March 31, 2018, 8:49 pm ET

VILLANOVA -5

It never pays to underestimate Bill Self, as the Kansas coach proved again Sunday by upsetting Duke and advancing to the Final Four, after coming up short with more talented teams the past two years. What appeared to be a down season for the Jayhawks will end with them on college basketball’s biggest stage. However, in Saturday’s Final Four, they run into a Villanova team that looks destined to win its second national title in three years. The Wildcats overcame adversity with a second-half comeback against West Virginia and fended off resilient Texas Tech on Sunday. They will clip their third straight Big 12 opponent Saturday and cover the number with a strong finish.

SportsLine Expert: Josh Nagel (64-49-1 in last 114 CBB ATS picks)

>>MORE: See all College Basketball picks
>>MORE: NCAA Tournament coverage

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$45 Million Awarded Estate Of Toddler Killed In 2011

CHICAGO (AP) — The estate of a 2-year-old suburban Chicago boy who was beaten to death in 2011 was awarded $45 million by a Cook County jury this week.

The estate of Lavandis Hudson sued Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, alleging the nonprofit should not have given Marles Blackman custody of the child. Lavandis was taken into protective custody after his premature birth when cocaine was found in his system.

The boy’s mother was charged with first-degree murder after an autopsy uncovered multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Court records show the case against Blackman is pending.

The lawsuit contended that despite Lutheran Social Services’ failure to conduct a risk assessment and extensive contact with Blackman and Hudson, they reunited the pair.

In a statement, Lutheran Social Services says it grieves the death of Lavandis Hudson and continues to be vigilant in advocating for and protecting vulnerable children.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Illinois Is In High-Risk Area For Falling Space Station

(Patch.com) — It might sound like a bad joke, but a space station the size of a bus is literally falling out of the sky and parts of it are expected to hit Earth on April Fools’ Day, give or take a few days. A map from Aerospace predicts the most likely spots for China’s Tiangong-1 space lab to land include most of Illinois and Indiana, nearly all of Iowa and the southern tip of Wisconsin, and it’s expected to fall to earth between March 30 and April 6, depending on who you ask. And while the odds that someone is hit by space debris in Illinois are pretty low, it has happened at least one other time in the U.S.

Tiangong-1, China’s first space station and an experimental space laboratory, was launched in September 2011. Initially, the disposal plan was to have a controlled reentry for the station. People on the ground would control the craft’s engines and significantly slow its descent.

Read More From Patch.com

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‘Just An Unreal Feeling’ As Loyola Ramblers Approach Final Four

CHICAGO (CBS) — One more day, Ramblers fans. Anticipation is high for the Final Four.

Loyola hits the hardwood Saturday for their game against Michigan, but the team got a first look at the court at the Alamodome on Thursday.

The enormity of being in the Final Four really registered for the Ramblers when they took the court inside the cavernous Alamodome for a closed practice.

“When we first walked in there, we was like ‘Wow,’” junior guard Marques Townes said. “I was just telling these guys now it’s starting to finally hit me; that we’re here, that we’re finally in San Antonio in the Final Four. I’m really soaking it in now. This is great. This is awesome. I’m so happy.”

The elevated court inside the Alamodome is an enormous stage, both literally and figuratively. Nearly 70,000 fans are expected to pack the arena for the Final Four games. It’s a few steps up from the 5,000-seat Gentile Arena on Loyola’s campus, to say the least.

“Just looking around, you see how big it is, and just imagining how packed it will be, it’s just an unreal feeling, because we deserve to be on this stage,” senior forward Aundre Jackson said.

Meantime, Loyola players are seeing their faces plastered everywhere they turn in San Antonio. Murals of the Ramblers adorn the walls of their team hotel, and the walls outside their locker room at the Alamodome.

Rapper Drake and NBA superstar Russell Westbrook are the latest celebrities to have a crush on the Ramblers.

Jackson, a Texas native, snapped a picture with Westbrook, who was staying at Loyola’s team hotel on Thursday.

“It’s pretty cool to see that. I mean, he knows who we are. He knows Loyola, because we’re kind of a nationwide thing now, and it’s just cool to kind of see him and get a picture with him,” Krutwig said.

Westbrook wished the team good luck, and told them to, “Go ahead an win it!”

All of the extra attention for Loyola might be adding more fuel to Michigan’s fire for Saturday’s game.

South Side native and St. Rita graduate Charles Matthews is well aware of how Loyola has taken over the city, but Michigan’s leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament is trying hard to not think about facing a team from his hometown.

“Crazy, right? I actually put out the whole mindset that they’re from Chicago, because right now it’s me versus them. It’s Michigan versus Loyola,” he said. “I don’t get into one-on-one matchups or whatnot, but I’m happy for a team from Chicago to be here; especially all the negativity that you hear amongst the city. So I’m happy they shined some positive light.”

Loyola will have their first open practice Friday morning. Up to 30,000 people might be in attendance for that. There might be a bigger crowd for Sister Jean’s press conference after practice.

The new 400 theater in rogers park is opening its doors to rambler fans this weekend. It’s showing the game in three theaters. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The Loyola-Michigan game tips off at 5:09 p.m., followed by the battle of number one seeds, Kansas and Villanova.

Both games will air on TBS.

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