The Chicago Cubs are watching the postseason from home. However, they have seen plenty of their former players play in the postseason so far. One of those players is Joc Pederson who is on the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta is currently playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. It is a matchup […] Chicago Cubs: Joc Pederson continues to dominate with Rizzo’s bat – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Read More

The Chicago Bears were just defeated by the Green Bay Packers. They are now 3-3 following a loss to their biggest rival. Aaron Rodgers came to Chicago once again and asserted himself like he always does. The Bears are a good team when they play against below-average teams but when they face good teams, things […] Chicago Bears: 3 superstars to trade away before the deadline – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

A Superman image bears his new slogan. | DC Comics

The Man of Steel’s new motto — ‘Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow’ — is meant to inspire ‘people from around the world,’ DC Comics says.

The era of pursuing “truth, justice and the American way” is over for the Man of Steel.

DC Comics said Saturday that Superman now is looking beyond borders and performing his heroics with a new slogan: “Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow.”

The announcement came at DC FanDome, a program of live streamed events for the comics company’s superfans.

DC Chief Creative Officer and Publisher Jim Lee said in a blog post that the new motto “will better reflect the global storylines that we are telling across DC and to honor the character’s incredible legacy of over 80 years of building a better world. Superman has long been a symbol of hope who inspires people from around the world, and it is that optimism and hope that powers him forward with this new mission statement.”

In a multiverse that now includes several iterations of Superman, the slogan will apply just to the one whose secret identity is Clark Kent.

The news follows an earlier bombshell last week: that Kent’s son Jon, who succeeds his father as Superman, will come out as bisexual and begin a relationship with a man in an upcoming comic-book story.

Read More

One person is in custody after shots were fired at Chicago police Sunday night on the West Side. | Sun-Times file

The officers attempted to stop a male on the street about 9:35 p.m. in the 4200 block of West Wilcox Street when he fled and fired at officers from a gangway, Chicago police said.

Chicago police officers were shot at Sunday night in West Garfield Park on the West Side.

The officers were in an unmarked car when they attempted to stop a male on the street after observing a bulge in his jacket about 9:35 p.m. in the 4200 block of West Wilcox Street when he fled and fired at officers from a gangway, Chicago police said.

The officers were not shot and didn’t return fire, and no other injuries were reported, police said.

A weapon was recovered and a person was in custody, police said.

Read More

Moon Alert

After 5:15 a.m. Chicago time, there are no restrictions to shopping or making important decisions. The moon is in Aries,

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a fantastic day because your ruler Mars is dancing with lucky Jupiter, which boosts your energy in a marvelous, way! For starters, you will attract positive people to you. Discussions with others will definitely benefit you. It’s a fun, upbeat day!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today you find it easy to work hard and accomplish a lot. Work-related travel might be in the picture. Dealings with foreign countries and people from other cultures will benefit you. Whatever you do will expand your horizons in a good way!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is a marvelous day to socialize! It’s the perfect day for a vacation. Accept invitations to social events, sports events and activities with children. This is also an excellent day for those who work in the arts, the entertainment world or the hospitality industry. You rock!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today your efforts to make home improvements will get results. You might do something to expand where you live or you might shove furniture around and create a better living space for yourself. Likewise, relations with family members will be upbeat and mutually beneficial.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your communications will be strong and positive today, which is why you will be successful talking to others or teaching. writing, acting or editing. In other words, whatever way you choose to communicate will be a positive experience for you. Enjoy a short trip!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is an excellent day for business and commerce. Trust your ability to boost your income or find a better-paying job. Whatever you do might attract assets or even cash to you. Work-related travel might also occur. You’re prepared to work to earn money today!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a marvelous day for you because the sun, Mercury and Mars are all in Libra. Furthermore, Mars is dancing with lucky, moneybags Jupiter! This makes you optimistic, confident and eager to work to improve your life in any way that you can. Count your blessings!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a feel-good day; however, you will prefer to enjoy your pleasures in a private moment. (“Isn’t this nice?”) Perhaps, you will work alone or behind the scenes? Nevertheless, you will have strong feelings of well-being and happiness — in a private way.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a popular day for you! Your interactions with friends, groups, classes or large conferences will be a pleasant experience for you because you will work hard to make these interactions of success.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today you make a fabulous impression on bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs (including the police) because others see you as hard-working, energetic and successful. (Even if you don’t see yourself that way.) Because the stars are giving you an advantage today — use it! Go after what you want.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Travel of any kind will delight you today because, basically, you want to do something to expand your horizons and your experience of the world. If you can’t travel, then you will enjoy studying and learning something new. You will also enjoy the company of people from other cultures and different countries.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Business and commercial activities will benefit you today. In particular, you will have an advantage when dealing with others regarding shared property or getting a loan or mortgage or dealing with banks, because doors will open for you!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Freida Pinto (1984) shares your birthday. You are strong-willed and confident, which boosts your creative abilities. You are also an excellent problem solver. Your theme for this year is service to others, especially with regard to your family. In order to help others, you first have to help yourself, which is why you might explore a makeover or initiating positive changes within you.

Read More

Bears quarterback Justin Fields shakes hands with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. | Kamil Krzaczynski/AP

The Packers quarterback once again displays his domination of the Bears.

Patrick Finley, Mark Potash and Jason Lieser break down Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields and the Bears’ 24-14 loss to the Packers.

New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Read More

Once the trophy ceremony was over, Sky fans flooded the sidewalks around the Wintrust Arena. Some waved rally towels and banged noise makers while others screamed with excitement. | Madeline Kenney/Sun-Times

The Sky are the first Chicago sports team to win a title at home since the Blackhawks in 2015. They’re the first team to bring the city a championship since the Cubs in 2016.

Milton Jackson, decked out in Chicago Bears gear, sipped on his beer Sunday afternoon between cheers he started for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky with the other men sitting at his table in the corner of Fatpour Tap Works, a bar located a half-block from Wintrust Arena on the Near South Side, where the Sky were playing for the championship title.

“This is generating a great deal of energy… and they need to be recognized for what they’re doing,” Jackson said as he intently watched the final three minutes of Game 4 of the Sky’s championship series against the Phoenix Mercury.

As the Sky clawed back from a 14-point deficit in the second half, the cheers inside the bar got louder.

“Let’s f—-g go!” a man yelled when Kahleah Copper hit a layup to pull within three points of the Mercury.

One would’ve thought the Sky had won when Candace Parker hit a game-tying three with less than two minutes that sent the bar into a total frenzy, with strangers high-fiving one another. That excitement remained until the final buzzer.

“Oh my God, they did it,” a patron said after the Sky clinched their first title, winning 80-74.

Madeline Kenney/Sun-Times
Fatpour Tap Works erupted in cheers when the Sky won their first WNBA Finals title.

“This is as equally as big as the Bulls, the Blackhawks, the Bears, White Sox, and maybe, I guess, the Cubs,” said Jackson, who had been to only one Sky game before but plans to go more next year.

The Sky are the first Chicago sports team to win a title at home since the Blackhawks in 2015. They’re the first team to bring the city a championship since the Cubs in 2016.

“They’re at the helm of Chicago prominence,” Jackson said.

Former President Barack Obama was among the notable people who praised the Sky on social media.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city proud,” Obama tweeted.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a season-ticket holder, tweeted that details about a rally for the champs were “coming soon.” She congratulated the team, saying the title was a “first but not the last” for the Sky.

And Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted: “Our hometown @chicagosky are world champions! You played with grit and determination and we’re so proud that you’ve brought a championship back to Chicago!”

Other prominent Chicagoans at the game include the Bulls’ Patrick Williams, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Chance the Rapper, who raised the WNBA Finals trophy like Simba in “The Lion King.”

Fans — mainly ones donning purple and orange — trickled out of Wintrust Arena after the game. Roars from the sell-out crowd could be heard every time the door opened.

“They did it! What else needs to be said?” one woman in a Stefanie Dolson shirt yelled as she ran to her ride to the airport.

Once the trophy ceremony was over, Sky fans flooded the sidewalks around the arena. Some waved rally towels and banged noise makers while others simply screamed with excitement.

John Gorham and his 13-year-old daughter, Cassidy, were still buzzing with adrenaline more than 30 minutes after time expired.

“It was crazy, electric, unbelievable. The place went crazy,” Gorham said. “We didn’t sit in our seats for the last half hour.”

Madeline Kenney/Sun-Times
John Gorham and his 13-year-old daughter, Cassidy, plan to celebrate the Chicago Sky’s championship win by going out to dinner.

Gorham said the two often go to sporting events around the city, but this was the father-daughter duo’s first Sky game.

“We just found a new favorite team in Chicago,” Gorham said his daughter told him after the game. “We’ll be back. We’ll be getting season tickets after this one game.”

Cassidy said it was “inspirational” to witness Sky players compete and win at the highest level.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “They’re another role model for other girls and stuff.”

Davon Woodard, 25, said Sunday’s game changed his outlook on women’s sports.

“I’m not going to lie, it was my first female sporting event in general, and it was a good game,” said Woodard, who lives on the South Side. “I’m definitely a fan of the WNBA now, I’m gonna watch, I’m gonna tune in, especially since we’ve got a good team.”

Debbie Rios and Pedro Gutierrez were among a few fans who left the Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field early to go to the Sky game. They said they went to Game 3 on Friday and enjoyed the atmosphere so much that they “had to replicate it” Sunday.

“It was so much fun. Chicago all the way,” Gutierrez said.

Madeline Kenney/Sun-Times
Pedro Gutierrez and Debbie Rios left the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field early to attend Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at nearby Wintrust Arena.Read More

Bears quarterback Justin Fields shakes hands with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. | Kamil Krzaczynski/AP

The Packers quarterback once again displays his domination of the Bears.

Patrick Finley, Mark Potash and Jason Lieser break down Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields and the Bears’ 24-14 loss to the Packers.

New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Read More

The Sky’s Candace Parker and Kahleah Copper celebrate after winning the WNBA championship at Wintrust Arena. | Stacy Revere/Getty Images

As the buzzer sounded, blue and gold confetti blotted out the arena lights, falling to the floor in celebration of the Sky’s first WNBA title after beating the Mercury 80-74.

Tears welled up in Candace Parker’s eyes as her teammate, Courtney Vandersloot sank the final two free-throws of Sunday’s WNBA Finals Game 4.

Parker could taste it.

The WNBA Championship, a hometown championship that she had set out to win when she signed with the Sky eight months ago, was seconds away from being realized.

On the ensuing play, Parker lept to the rim to pull down her 13th rebound and the last of the night before streaking down the sideline, towards her mother, Sara, dribbling out the clock as she went.

As the buzzer sounded, blue and gold confetti blotted out the arena lights, falling to the floor in celebration of the Sky’s first WNBA title, after beating the Mercury 80-74.

“I had flashbacks to high school,” Parker said. “When I first realized we won the state championship. [That moment] was similar.”

Castles were built in the sky when Parker made her hometown return in the Spring, heightening the Sky’s already existing Championship expectations.

But what came next was less compelling and more adverse than anyone could have predicted for this team. The Sky’s season began incredibly low, before being resurrected by a franchise-best win streak.

The highs and lows of the Sky’s 2021 season didn’t end there. In their second-to-last game of the regular season — which they finished 16-16 — the Sky took a 33-point loss to the Las Vegas Aces, prompting a team meeting.

It was at that point the Sky readjusted their focus and commitment to their Championship hopes that had been years in the making.

“We asked each other ‘who are we going to play for?'” Allie Quigley said after her team-high 26-point performance Sunday. “The first thing Candace said was she was going to play for me. In the end, we all said we wanted to play for each other.”

Sunday afternoon, that’s exactly what the Sky did, they played James Wade’s team basketball.

Four players scored in double figures, including Parker who had a double-double with 16 points to go along with her 13 rebounds. Vandersloot finished with a near triple-double, 10 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds. Kahleah Copper, WNBA Finals MVP, added 10 points and two rebounds.

Trust permeated through the Sky, even as they fell to a 14-point deficit late in the third quarter. As Wintrust Arena’s spark began to fade, Parker knocked in a three from the top of the key. When her feet hit returned to the floor, arm still extended in a follow-through, she glanced around the stadium.

It felt like a signal direct from her to the fans that the game was far from over.

“[The second half] was a microcosm of our season,” Wade said. “Where you go down, but you keep pushing.”

Game 4 was physical through all four quarters. The Mercury’s Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner took the court with vengeance in their eyes. It’s what was expected after Diana Taurasi left the media room Friday night yelling, “FIFTY! We can’t be any worse than fifty.”

Griner poured in 28 points on 63.2% shooting. Despite the Sky’s best defensive efforts, they could not take her out of her game.

Even with Griner going off for a near repeat of her Game 2 performance, the Sky knew they would outlast the Mercury, specifically Copper.

“I knew we were going to win this championship yesterday when Allie was the only one in the gym shooting,” Copper said.

Quigley opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-point baskets to bring the Sky within five of the Mercury. Her 11 points in the last 10 minutes of the game invigorated not just her team but the 10,378 fans in attendance.

There is no questioning the role Parker played in bringing the Sky its first WNBA title. She, as her former teammate Lisa Leslie said, may not have played her best year statistically but it was her best leadership performance ever.

But this title truly required every piece of this 2021 Sky puzzle.

The Sky needed Vandersloot’s 11-year loyalty to the organization, Quigley’s sharpshooting and empathetic connection to her teammates, Copper’s fire, Azura Steven’s x-factor abilities and all the individual qualities of every member of the Sky’s bench squad.

They also needed Wade. Years ago, before she was even a member of the team, Parker knew the Sky needed him too.

“Candace told me ‘This dude is special,'” Vandersloot said. “I told Michael Alter ‘Candace Parker said we need to hire this guy.’ Now, she comes to play for him and the first year we win a championship. I don’t think you can write it better than that.”

Read More