Chicago Sports

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be sunny with a high near 85 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 64. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high near 86.

CENTRALIA, Ill. — When Bruce Merrell casts his ballot for governor this November, he’ll be thinking about education, COVID-19, roads, transportation and corruption.

Who is he voting for?

Darren Bailey.

Why?

“He’s a Republican,” the 70-year-old retiree said with a laugh.

“That’s about all you need. The Democrats control Illinois. They control pretty much the presidential election and electoral votes. Chicago and northern Illinois controls the state so, you know, I think people that live in southern Illinois, we realize that we’re an afterthought,” Merrell said.

“It’s two different worlds. The viewpoint of a person from Chicago about what the people are in southern Illinois is they’re practically not even human. They consider southern Illinois to be backward,” said Merrell, retired president of Centralia’s St. Mary’s Hospital.

“And I think that’s true throughout the nation. The nation is divided into not only two political parties, but urban and rural, and in general, rural people are Republicans, urban people are Democrats,” he said.

That sense of being left behind, forgotten, not understood comes up again and again when you talk to residents of this historic railroad town in southern Illinois.

Our Tina Sfondeles visited the city 271 miles southwest of Chicago as part of an effort to see what’s on voters’ minds and what might influence their choices in November.

Read Sfondeles’ full story from downstate Illinois here.

More news you need

Former Bulls star Toni Kukoc is suing his former Swiss bank, accusing one of its bankers of working with Kukoc’s personal financial adviser to steal $11 million. WBEZ’s Alex Degman and Dan Mihalopoulos have more on the lawsuit Kukoc filed in Cook County court last week.Gov. J.B. Pritzker, while standing next to Planned Parenthood leaders, vowed yesterday that “anti-choice” politicians in Illinois will lose in November. “Darren Bailey’s dangerous politics are a threat to women and girls everywhere,” Pritzker said. “This is not a drill. This is an actual emergency.”It’s that time of year when hybrid striped bass start “busting gizzard shad” on top at Shabbona Lake, in the words of our Dale Bowman. Here’s more on what “The Jumps” phenomena means.Twenty-five years ago, our Michael Sneed was in England after Princess Diana’s death to cover the outpouring of grief and services for the beloved icon. Sneed looks back at those unforgettable days in her latest column.

A bright one

Richard Roeper reviews ‘Rings of Power’: There’s some good in this world, and it’s worth watching for

The residents of Current Earth known as Entertainment Journalists tell us the Prime Video fantasy adventure saga “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” is the most expensive television series of all time, with Amazon spending some $250 million just to acquire the rights from the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien and investing somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 billion in a projected five-season run. I mean geez, that’s like 0.5% of Jeff Bezos’ reported net worth!

Having borne witness to the first two episodes, I can confirm this is one of the most expansive, lush and well-photographed projects you’ll ever see — a gorgeous, sprawling and magical albeit somewhat overstuffed epic filled with fascinating characters populating a world that feels like a colorful waking dream (with a potential nightmare lurking around the corner).

Created by JD Payne and Patrick McKay and set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Rings of Power” begins with a voice-over saying, “Nothing is evil in the beginning,” which pretty much tells us we shouldn’t get used to the idyllic tableau we’re seeing right now, because something wicked will be coming.

We had no word for death, for we thought our joys would be unending,” says the narrator, who will become one of the key figures in the stories to come. “We thought our light would never end.”

Read the rest of Roeper’s 3-star review of Amazon Prime’s new “Lord of the Rings” prequel here.

From the press box

When Mitch Trubisky takes the field for the Steelers’ season opener on Sept. 11, it’ll be the first time he’s started an NFL game in over 600 days. Our Pat Finley was in Pittsburgh this week to hear Trubisky discuss how he’s grown as a player and a person in that time.A day after the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline, the Bears took advantage of other teams’ moves by scooping up six players off waivers, including former Raiders offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.Down 1-0 in their series, the Sky are far from favorites in the WNBA playoffs, but don’t tell them that, Steve Greenberg writes.2023 spring training schedules: Cubs and White Sox.

Your daily question?

Princess Diana was a beloved icon before her tragic death 25 years ago today. What do you remember her for?

Send us an email at [email protected] and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: When is summer officially over in Chicago?Here’s what some of you said…

“When baseball in the city is over, so is summer.” — Ag Schryver

“Last Sox game in September.” — Lauren Edwards

“When Mario’s Italian Lemonade closes for the season.” — Lisa Rivera

“When the kids go back to school.” — Charlotte Rosso

“It’s over when I have to start wearing shoes and long pants.” — Tony Galati

“Day after Labor Day.” — Ryan Alejandro de Lozoya

Thanks for reading the Chicago Sun-Times Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

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The latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters.

Class 8ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Loyola (8) (1-0) 115 2

2. Lincoln-Way East (3) (1-0) 109 1

3. Glenbard West (1-0) 92 3

4. Bolingbrook (1-0) 80 4

5. Warren (1-0) 60 5

6. Neuqua Valley (1) (1-0) 59 6

7. Maine South (1-0) 43 7

8. O’Fallon (1-0) 37 9

9. Naperville North (1-0) 21 T10

10. Edwardsville (1-0) 15 NR

Others receiving votes: Marist 13, Lockport 6, York 5, Palatine 2, Glenbrook North 2, Glenbrook South 1.

Class 7ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Mount Carmel (12) (1-0) 120 1

2. Batavia (1-0) 108 3

3. Prospect (1-0) 92 5

4. Glenbard North (1-0) 64 7

5. St. Rita (0-1) 60 4

6. Jacobs (1-0) 57 8

7. Brother Rice (1-0) 50 9

8. Wheaton North (1-0) 34 10

9. Pekin (1-0) 23 NR

(tie) Moline (1-0) 23 10

Others receiving votes: Hononegah 5, Lake Zurich 5, Geneva 4, Willowbrook 4, Yorkville 4, Normal 3, Hersey 3, Downers Grove North 1.

Class 6ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. East St. Louis (11) (0-1) 120 1

2. Prairie Ridge (1) (1-0) 115 2

3. Cary-Grove (1) (1-0) 105 5

4. Lemont (1-0) 74 6

5. Crete-Monee (0-1) 73 3

6. Notre Dame (1-0) 45 NR

7. Chatham Glenwood (1-0) 40 NR

8. Harlem (1-0) 35 10

(tie) Simeon (1-0) 35 NR

10. Kenwood (0-1) 25 7

Others receiving votes: St. Ignatius 24, Deerfield 13, Lake Forest 5, Kennedy 3, Carmel 2, Wauconda 1.

Class 5ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Nazareth (12) (1-0) 120 2

2. Kankakee (0-1) 95 1

3. Mahomet-Seymour (1-0) 92 3

4. Morris (1-0) 89 4

5. Sycamore (1-0) 46 8

6. Peoria (1-0) 44 6

7. Rockford Boylan (1-0) 43 7

8. St. Patrick (1-0) 40 NR

9. Sterling (1-0) 32 9

10. Morgan Park (1-0) 25 10

Others receiving votes: Kaneland 12, Fenwick 6, Glenbard South 6, Highland 4, Mascoutah 4, Marian Catholic 1, Decatur MacArthur 1.

Class 4ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Joliet Catholic (6) (1-0)1142

(tie) Sacred Heart-Griffin(6) (1-0)1141

3. St. Francis(1-0)924

4. Richmond-Burton (1-0)745

5. Rochester (0-1)623

6. Genoa-Kingston(1-0)586

7. Stillman Valley(1-0)47NR

8. Wheaton Academy (1-0)3410

9. Breese Central (1-0)20NR

10. Carterville (1-0)15NR

Others receiving votes: Freeburg 6, Cahokia 6, Quincy Notre Dame 5, Phillips 5, Peoria Notre Dame 4, Coal City 3, St. Laurence 1.

Class 3ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. IC Catholic (10) (1-0)1272

2. Reed-Custer (2) (1-0)108T3

3. Williamsville (1) (1-0)101T3

4. Princeton(1-0)866

5. Byron (0-1)721

6. Mt. Carmel, Ill.(1-0)637

7. Eureka (1-0)518

8. Fairbury Prairie Central (1-0)49NR

9. Durand-Pecatonica (1-0)23NR

10. Hillsboro(1-0)9NR

Others receiving votes: Tolono Unity 7, Peotone 6, St. Joseph-Ogden 6, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 5, Greenville 2.<

Class 2ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Wilmington (10) (1-0)1181

2. St. Teresa (2) (1-0)1072

3. Downs Tri-Valley(1-0)943

4. Maroa-Forsyth (1-0)827

5. Nashville(1-0)668

6. Bismarck-Henning(1-0)5110

7. Vandalia (1-0)43NR

8. Mercer County (1-0)37NR

9. Sterling Newman(1-0)25NR

10. Knoxville(1-0)12NR

Others receiving votes: Erie-Prophetstown 8, North-Mac6, Breese Mater Dei 4, Pana 3, Farmington 2, Rockridge 1, Tremont 1.

Class 1ASchool W-L Pts Prv

1. Lena-Winslow (12)1-0)1211

2. Athens (1) (1-0)1132

3. Moweaqua Central A&M (1-0)934

4. Colfax Ridgeview(1-0)903

5. Forreston(1-0)726

6. Camp Point Central(1-0)6910

7. Fulton(1-0)428

8. Tuscola(1-0)27NR

9. Gilman Iroquois West(1-0)267

10. Hope Academy (1-0)12NR

+(tie) Routt (1-0)12NR

Others receiving votes: Carrollton 10, Greenfield-Northwestern 7,Annawan-Wethersfield 6, Ottawa Marquette 5, St. Bede 5, Brown County 2, Salt Fork 2, Shelbyville 1.

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White Sox manager Tony La Russa will be out indefinitely while undergoing tests on his heart, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.

The person spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity.

La Russa will fly to Phoenix on Wednesday night and is scheduled to see doctors Thursday at the Mayo Clinic.

The team issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “Following a medical evaluation this morning, Chicago White Sox Manager Tony La Russa now is scheduled over the coming days to undergo additional testing in Arizona by his personal physicians. His absence from the club will be indefinite pending the results of these evaluations.”

La Russa, 77, baseball’s oldest manager, recently had tests by a cardiologist in Chicago, who recommended Tuesday night that he miss the game against the Kansas City Royals. La Russa underwent further tests Wednesday and it was advised that he see heart specialists.

“It’s unbelievably tough,” outfielder Andrew Vaughn said. “We really don’t have much information on what’s going on.”

It’s unknown whether La Russa, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, will return this season. He will enter 2023, depending on his health, in the final year of his three-year contract.

Bench coach Miguel Cairo will serve as the interim manager in La Russa’s absence.

La Russa has been under a lot of stress this season, drawing the wrath of fans who have called for his firing. The White Sox were heavily favored to win the AL Central, but just 63-66, six games out of first place behind the Cleveland Guardians.

Read more at usatoday.com

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The Bears added 14 players to their practice squad on Wednesday, and figure to add two more before the end of the week.

All 14 spent time with the Bears in training camp, including third-string quarterback Nathan Peterman.

Joining him on offense is tight end Chase Allen, receiver Isaiah Coulter, running back Darrynton Evans, offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons and receiver Nsimba Webster.

The list of defensive players kept by the Bears is highlighted by defensive lineman Trevon Coley, who led the team with three preseason sacks. Fellow lineman Micah Dew-Treadway, a 25-year-old rookie who went to Bolingbrook High School, also made the practice squad.

Joining him is linebacker DeMarquis Gates, defensive lineman Sam Kamara, cornerback Davontae Harris and safety A.J. Thomas. Cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., who has not practiced during camp because of an injury but was considered an intriguing piece on this year’s roster, also made the practice squad.

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White Sox manager Tony La Russa will be away from the team for an indefinite time while undergoing medical tests in Arizona, according to a report by USA Today Sports baseball writer Bob Nightengale. La Russa is under the care of his personal doctors.

He missed Tuesday night’s game against the Royals.

La Russa, 77, held his daily meeting with media at about 4 p.m. Tuesday and seemed fine. He was also seen talking to general manager Rick Hahn on the field before the game — not an unusual occurrence — and going through his normal routine. Earlier, he was on the field while players were doing early work. La Russa also chatted with former Oakland Athletics All-Star pitcher Dave Stewart.

Bench coach Miguel Cairo managed the team in La Russa’s absence.

La Russa, who turns 78 on Oct. 4, is in his second season managing the Sox since getting hired before the 2021 season to come out of a nine-year retirement from a Hall of Fame career. The Sox won 93 games and the American League Central Division title in 2021 but have been among the biggest disappointments in baseball in 2022. They fell to 63-66 and to six games out of first place.

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David Montgomery is still a question mark as the best running back option on the Bears in 2022.

David Montgomery is first on the depth chart but there are still doubts that he is the best option for the Bears within the new outside zone offensive scheme.  According to reports, Montgomery may be sharing the ball a lot more than expected in the final year of his contract.  

“The new staff seems to like David Montgomery just fine, but there is some skepticism about whether his style fits the new offense as well as [Khalil] Herbert’s does,”

Montgomery played very well in the final game of the preseason against the Browns.  He tore off a big run that was called back as a result of a weak holding call.  But he ran with anger which is the best version of David Montgomery the Bears are going to get.

That being said Montgomery’s lack of breakaway speed was also evident in the game against the Browns as he wasn’t able to pull away from defenders perhaps the way Herbert or Ebner has shown the ability to thus far.

Despite some of the skepticism surrounding Montgomery, he was named 98th overall amongt the top 100 players in the NFL as voted on by NFL players. He does play with a style that definitely endears him to Bears fans and probably GM Ryan Poles.

What seems to be keeping Montgomery the starter for now, is he has more consistent hands as a pass catcher out of the backfield.  David Montgomery is also far and away the best blocker from the running back spot on the Bears roster at the moment.  These were the two major things that were evident this preseason, Herbert struggled with drops and was a horrible blocker this preseason.

So for now Montgomery remains the starter, but he is going to have wind up losing production due to the depth the Bears have at the RB position heading into the 2022 season.

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

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David Montgomery is still a question mark as the best running back option on the Bears in 2022.

David Montgomery is first on the depth chart but there are still doubts that he is the best option for the Bears within the new outside zone offensive scheme.  According to reports, Montgomery may be sharing the ball a lot more than expected in the final year of his contract.  

“The new staff seems to like David Montgomery just fine, but there is some skepticism about whether his style fits the new offense as well as [Khalil] Herbert’s does,”

Montgomery played very well in the final game of the preseason against the Browns.  He tore off a big run that was called back as a result of a weak holding call.  But he ran with anger which is the best version of David Montgomery the Bears are going to get.

That being said Montgomery’s lack of breakaway speed was also evident in the game against the Browns as he wasn’t able to pull away from defenders perhaps the way Herbert or Ebner has shown the ability to thus far.

Despite some of the skepticism surrounding Montgomery, he was named 98th overall amongt the top 100 players in the NFL as voted on by NFL players. He does play with a style that definitely endears him to Bears fans and probably GM Ryan Poles.

What seems to be keeping Montgomery the starter for now, is he has more consistent hands as a pass catcher out of the backfield.  David Montgomery is also far and away the best blocker from the running back spot on the Bears roster at the moment.  These were the two major things that were evident this preseason, Herbert struggled with drops and was a horrible blocker this preseason.

So for now Montgomery remains the starter, but he is going to have wind up losing production due to the depth the Bears have at the RB position heading into the 2022 season.

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

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Armon Watts had a decent year in 2021

The Chicago Bears added Armon Watts off of waivers Wednesday morning. It was a surprise pickup for the Bears as most analysts thought the Minnesota Vikings would keep him. Watts will help to bring depth to the Bears’ defensive end position.

Watts started in nine games for the Vikings last season. He put up decent stats for the Vikings in 2021. He recorded 46 total tackles, five sacks, and forced two fumbles.

The Vikings drafted Watts in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Cody Benjamin with CBS Sports wrote that the shocking move would help the Vikings with cap space:

Watts, 26, was a surprise casualty of final cuts after starting nine games in 2021 and exiting the preseason as one of the Vikings’ expected first-teamers along the defensive line. A year after logging a career-best 46 tackles, five sacks and 10 quarterback hits, his release — which comes three years after Minnesota made him a sixth-round pick — saves the team nearly $2.6 million.

It’s a great pickup for the Bears. Armon Watts will bring talent and good experience from last year to this defense. Having Watts on the depth chart could make it easier for the Bears to trade Robert Quinn this season.

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Read More

Armon Watts had a decent year in 2021

The Chicago Bears added Armon Watts off of waivers Wednesday morning. It was a surprise pickup for the Bears as most analysts thought the Minnesota Vikings would keep him. Watts will help to bring depth to the Bears’ defensive end position.

Watts started in nine games for the Vikings last season. He put up decent stats for the Vikings in 2021. He recorded 46 total tackles, five sacks, and forced two fumbles.

The Vikings drafted Watts in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Cody Benjamin with CBS Sports wrote that the shocking move would help the Vikings with cap space:

Watts, 26, was a surprise casualty of final cuts after starting nine games in 2021 and exiting the preseason as one of the Vikings’ expected first-teamers along the defensive line. A year after logging a career-best 46 tackles, five sacks and 10 quarterback hits, his release — which comes three years after Minnesota made him a sixth-round pick — saves the team nearly $2.6 million.

It’s a great pickup for the Bears. Armon Watts will bring talent and good experience from last year to this defense. Having Watts on the depth chart could make it easier for the Bears to trade Robert Quinn this season.

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

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