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The attack happened in the 3400 block of West Monroe Street, Chicago police said.
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Aug 30, 2021, 2:11pm CDT
3 hurt in East Garfield Park shootingSun-Times Wireon August 30, 2021 at 7:11 pm Read More »
With the Sox pounding the Cubs again on Sunday, tensions were high among fans.
Such a heated intra-city rivalry has led to fan violence during past Crosstown Classic matchups both on the North and South Sides.
On Sunday, tempers boiled over again in the left-field bleachers at Guaranteed Rate Park and multiple cellphone cameras caught the incident.
It’s difficult to determine what caused fight. In the minute-long video, we see finger pointing by a Cubs fan and another fan climbing up three rows to confront someone before getting pushed to the ground by a third fan, which became the spark to spur the fighting.
From there, it becomes a melee of pushing, shoving and punching before Sox security rushed in to break things up.
Here are some other angles of the chaos:
As Sunday was the last game of this interleague, intracity matchup for the 2021 season, we’ll have to wait until next year to see the next round of the Cubs-Sox. The Sox won five of six games against the Cubs this season, including a 13-1 win on Sunday.
A fight breaks out in the left field bleachers as the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 29, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Cubs 13-1.Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Paul Tagliabue left his job as commissioner of the NFL in 2006 and didn’t get selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame until last year.
If that seems odd for a man who guided the NFL for 17 years and oversaw labor peace, expansion, new stadiums, huge increases in broadcast rights fees, a significantly enhanced international presence — and maneuvered the league through such crises and events as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans — well, Tagliabue doesn’t seem bitter about the delay.
In his memoir “Jersey City to America’s Game,” Tagliabue sticks to his journey and lets the facts speak for him. It’s a terrific ride, a look into the inner workings of the nation’s most popular sport.
While Tagliabue details his young life, including starring in basketball at Georgetown, the best material focuses on his years atop the NFL. In particular, his descriptions of the heart-wrenching scenes in New York after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and how he dealt with Saints owner Tom Benson’s desire to abandon New Orleans after Katrina are engrossing.
“As I reflected back on the attacks of Tuesday morning,” Tagliabue wrote of 9/11, “I concluded they were beyond ‘the unthinkable;’ an enemy, not clearly identified in the early moments, had seized private, commercial airplanes, carrying hundreds of civilians to domestic U.S. destinations, and converted the planes into the equivalent of intercontinental ballistic missiles to kill many thousands of civilians while destroying a huge section of our nation’s iconic city, and directly striking the military command center of the world’s leading super power.
“I was convinced that there was no real historical analogue for the attacks. … On a conference call Wednesday with our working group of owners, I told them that `This is not the Kennedy assassination. This is not Pearl Harbor. It’s worse.’ I knew that I could not support playing any games on that weekend.”
Every major sport in America followed the NFL’s lead, too.
When Katrina struck in 2005, Benson — a long-time supporter of Tagliabue — saw an opportunity to relocate the Saints permanently to San Antonio, the base for his non-football business. Benson’s attorney even threatened to sue the league if it prevented the move.
Tagliabue stood firm in one of his finest moments, saying there was not “a chance in hell you’ll prevail” to the attorney, adding it would be “destroying (Benson’s) remaining credibility” within the NFL and a Big Easy that was going through the toughest of times.
Keeping the Saints in New Orleans did, as Tagliabue predicted, aid immeasurably in the recovery of the city and region. But rather than take a large amount of credit — something many other team owners readily have sent his way — Tagliabue praised Roger Goodell, his eventual successor; Superdome executive Doug Thornton, then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana; NFL Players Association chief Gene Upshaw; NFL counsel Jeff Pash; and communications director Joe Browne for their work.
Tagliabue vowed that the Saints would play a home game in September 2006 even as the team juggled its 2005 schedule to stage home games in San Antonio and Baton Rouge. He delivered.
Other fascinating topics Tagliabue deals with in his book are the development of the Rooney Rule — he is a powerful advocate for equality and diversity throughout the memoir; the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa during the Gulf War; his productive relationship with Upshaw and the union; and how the league’s television deals were struck with a variety of partners.
Not quite as revealing is Tagliabue’s discussion of the concussion issue that has plagued pro and college football for decades. Indeed, his handling of that subject is considered a major reason the Hall of Fame didn’t come calling for so long.
Overall, though, Tagliabue’s memories and reflections, provided with help from author Michael MacCambridge, are revealing, provocative and entertaining.
“Reading back over this now,” he writes in concluding the 137-page memoir that he primarily published for family and friends. “I’m struck by the dedication of so many people in the world of the NFL. It remains the greatest game of all not simply because of the players who play it, but also because of the many people in and around it.”
As I’ve probably referenced in my previous articles, fall is fast approaching. This is the last few weeks you can enjoy a warm summer day, sipping on signature cocktails. Yes, alcohol has no boundaries, so you can enjoy it in whatever season, obviously. But, there is nothing like walking through the city streets on a summer night searching for the next best cocktail. Now there’s a lot to choose from in Chicago, but below is a list of 8 of the best cocktail bars in the city. You’ll find everything from your classic Manhattan to a wild display of rum concoctions. Each of these cocktail bars offer uniquely inspired creations that will keep you coming back for more.
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
The Violet Hour serves artisanal cocktails in the heart of Wicker Park. Rooted in pre-prohibition style libations, the James Beard Award-winning bar program features a seasonally rotating cocktail list, as well as an extensive selection of approachable and sought-after spirits.
1846 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Machine serves a globally-inspired, modern-American menu with an innovative craft cocktail program along with an on-site flower shop. The trinity combines to create an approachable neighborhood concept in the heart of Wicker Park. Every meal, cocktail, bouquet & menu has been thoughtfully engineered for a new dining & drinking experience. And each cocktail is made to perfection and is one of a kind. My recommendation is to literally try them all. You can’t go wrong with any of them and there is something for everyone.
955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Located in the West Loop, The Aviary features creative cocktails and delicious food. The cocktails receive the same innovative treatment from beverage director Micah Melton as the food at Next or Alinea. That is to say, you should expect to drink cocktails like the Ford’s Model Tea Party, a refreshing twist of gin and early gray tea.
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Three Dots and a Dash serves Tiki drinks (flaming options included), 200+ rums & luau bites in a retro Polynesian-island setting. The secret hideaway – named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks International – is led by cocktail expert Kevin Beary. Their team has researched tirelessly to source and create the best possible tiki cocktails using the freshest exotic fruits and spices, the finest rums and distilled spirits, and juices and elixirs that are cold-pressed and concocted in house every day.
1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Be seduced by the sights, sounds and flavors of Bordel as you are transported to the licentious quarters of Pigalle and Montmarte. As the sun sets in Wicker Park, Bordel’s sumptuous candle lit interiors, award-winning cocktails and live performances beckon with nightly entertainment. All drinks draw inspiration from the last golden age of cocktails, with exotic garnishes that follow a no-waste sensibility utilizing ingredients found in the cocktails they adorn.
39 S LaSalle St #200, Chicago, IL 60603
When you set foot inside Vol. 39, you might feel as though you’re stepping into a decadent cocktail bar from a bygone era. Their menu offerings, of impeccable craft cocktails, are versions of the classics with a modern twist and a hint of irreverence.
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Set above Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue, Z Bar celebrates the city and its spectacular views while guiding visitors on an immersive journey inspired by the world’s cultural and culinary riches. From rare spirits used in uncommon ways, to small-batch bitters unavailable elsewhere in the nation, Z Bar is a veritable goldmine of ingredients of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Located in the cellar level of The Hoxton, Chicago hotel, Lazy Bird is a cocktail and music lounge in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Some signature cocktails include Salty Dog made with london dry gin, aquavit, grapefruit juice, lime, myrtleberry, grapefruit simple syrup, and hawaiian black sea salt, and Toronto, made with rye whiskey, house fernet blend, and sirop de cappilare.
8 Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago Right NowOlessa Hanzlikon August 30, 2021 at 5:14 pm Read More »
Jose Abreu has one more game to play in August.
Everyone in baseball outside the White Sox organization is celebrating.
This August, Abreu stood as tall as the Iowa corn he lined a home run into at the Field of Dreams game on Aug. 12. It was one of nine homers Abreu hit this month to go with a .324/.378/.639 hitting line, 1.017 OPS and 24 RBI. The numbers are very close to his best month of May (.333/.422/.631 with a 1.053 OPS), and predictable. In his eight seasons, all with the White Sox, Abreu is batting .334/.390/.601 in August, easily his best month.
The good followup news for Sox fans? September is Abreu’s second-best month.
The old news? At 34, Abreu is maintaining the remarkable consistency he has demonstrated since he signed as a free agent out of Cuba in October, 2013.
“It’s a testament to the work that he puts in, it’s a testament to the stuff that he takes seriously,” hitting coach Frank Menechino said. “He’s a good hitter and if you ask Jose Abreu, he’s had a bad year. You talk to Jose Abreu and ask him about some stuff, he’d be like, ‘You know what? This isn’t the best year of my life.’ But he finds a way and that just goes to show you how hard he works, how seriously he takes it and the pride he takes in what he does.”
If there is anything Abreu takes pride in, it’s driving in runs. The reigning American League MVP is batting .263/.344/.496 with an .840 OPS, 27 home runs and an AL-high 101 RBI. He is attempting to join Detroit’s Cecil Fielder (1990-92) as the only players in history to lead the American League in RBI three straight seasons.
“I mean, driving in runs is not easy,” Menechino said. “Some people think, ‘Oh, you’ve got a man on second and third and one out or two outs, it’a a gimme. No outs or one out, it’s a gimme.’ It’s not a gimme, you’ve got to still execute your plan and sometimes you’re putting the pitcher’s pitch in play. It’s a testament to his work ethic and his pride.”
With 46 walks, Abreu is only five away from his career high set in 2014, his rookie season, perhaps a reflection of the Sox lineup missing Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal for large chunks of the season. With those big bats missing, pitching around Abreu made more sense than it might now with the full lineup nearly at full strength.
“Abreu has benefited from it,” assistant hitting coach Howie Clark said. “I feel like he’s been more selective at the plate, not feeling like he has to drive in the runs. It’s nice knowing you have that behind you and with a good, deep lineup, if guys are willing to recognize they’re getting pitched around they’re not going to expand. Stay stubborn and let the next guy. That’s the sign of a really good team.”
Pitchers work Abreu inside with hard stuff, and he has been hit 16 times, a career high. He refuses to wear padding on his left arm and responds to almost each hit by pitch with a hustling sprint to first base. It’s one small way his leadership is demonstrated.
“It goes beyond what the numbers are,” manager Tony La Russa said. “Jose’s consistency and competitiveness, the way he prepares, how he literally can attack pitches at all parts of the strike zone, those are represented in his RBI totals.
“[The RBI] are hard earned, man. A lot of work, a lot of days where I’m sure he’s sore, he goes to the post and concentrates when other guys are distracted. An RBI producer, especially when you’re in the middle of the lineup and everybody’s trying to stop you, is a really difficult job. He cannot get enough credit.”
A person was arrested after allegedly shooting at police officers Monday morning about a block away from Chicago police headquarters on the South Side.
No one was injured in the encounter, which occurred at 7 a.m. as police officers responded to a call of a person with a gun in the 3600 block of South Indiana Avenue, police said.
As officers approached someone who matched the description, the person ran away and then turned around and fired one shot at the officers, police said in a statement.
The officers were not struck and did not return fire, police said.
The person was arrested in the 200 block of East 35th Street. A gun was recovered, police said.
No charges have been filed.
On Sunday, the Chicago White Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs for the fifth time out of six games. They took the Crosstown Classic in dominating fashion and it was a lot of fun to watch. However, one of the big stories after the game was the way Ozzie Guillen felt about the Sammy Sosa situation.
For those who don’t know, Sammy Sosa has not been welcomed back in any way at Wrigley Field. They won’t put him in the Cubs Hall of Fame either and he clearly deserves to be there. He is one of the greatest and most marketable players that the team has ever had.
NEW YORK — During Sunday’s victory over the Washington Nationals, Javier Baez parked a baseball in the second deck at Citi Field, the type of mammoth blast the Mets expected to regularly occur when they acquired him from the Cubs at the trade deadline.
The crowd roared because, for the second straight day, the Mets’ offense showed signs of life during an otherwise miserable month.
A couple hours later, Baez seemingly called out some of the same fans who have tirelessly followed this franchise through all of its messes, mishaps and letdowns over the years.
Baez and a couple of his teammates, including Francisco Lindor, put their thumbs down after collecting hits in front of their home crowd Sunday at Citi Field. According to footage from SNY’s broadcasts, it appears this thumbs down gesture might have been going on as early as the team’s series in Philadelphia from Aug. 6-8.
When asked about the thumbs down celebration on Sunday, Baez was honest in describing how the gesture is almost a way of booing fans back.
“We’re not machines. We’re going to struggle,” Baez said. “We’re going to struggle seven times out of 10. It just feels bad when I strike out and get booed. It doesn’t really get to me, but I want to let them know that when we have success, we’re going to do the same thing to let them know how it feels. Because if we win together, then we got to lose together. The fans are really a big part of it.
“In my case, they’ve got to be better,” he added. “I play for the fans. I love the fans. But if they’re going to do that, they just put more pressure on the team. That’s not what we want.”
To be clear: I’ve never understood booing your own team. I probably never will. Professional athletes are the best in the world at what they do and they work hard. (And let’s also make sure to note that not all Mets fans boo their team).
But the customer is always right and, as long as someone pays, they can theoretically say whatever they want, within reason. (Remember how manager Luis Rojas addressed the “Fire Rojas” chants last week? He said fans can say whatever). The sport survives and thrives because of fans, and disenfranchising them is never the correct move. How would that work out for a small-business owner?
Hours after Baez made those comments, Mets president Sandy Alderson played damage control with fans. He released a lengthy statement that, in part, began with: “These comments, and any gestures by him or other players with a similar intent, are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“Mets fans are understandably frustrated over the team’s recent performance,” Alderson said. “The players and the organization are equally frustrated, but fans at Citi Field have every right to express their own disappointment. Booing is every fan’s right.
“The Mets will not tolerate any player gesture that is unprofessional in its meaning or is directed in a negative way toward our fans. I will be meeting with our players and staff to convey this message directly.”
The biggest issue in all of this: The third-place Mets are near the bottom of the league in most important offensive categories. They sit 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Braves with 32 to play. They are fighting for their season. The fans should not be occupying enough of the players’ headspace for the players to even make this an issue.
It’s possible Baez simply chose his words poorly and made this seem like a bigger deal, but it didn’t sound great.
Fans pay hard-earned money to watch this team play. They shell out money for tickets, parking, food, merchandise and more. Is it productive to boo? Maybe not, but anger is always better than apathy. These fans care. They desperately want their team to reach the postseason.
“They have the right to react however they want,” Rojas said Sunday. “With Mets fans, New York fans, this market, this city knows baseball probably more than any other city. They have the right to act however they want. We have to understand where they’re coming from. Our job is to be ready every day to give them the best baseball.”
Added Alderson: “Mets fans are loyal, passionate, knowledgeable and more than willing to express themselves. We love them for every one of these qualities.”
Fans are frustrated because the team is spiraling in a year that began with so much promise. The Mets have won two World Series, but they’ve paid for those with years and years of heartache.
This season, Mets fans saw their team hold first place for almost three months before losing it in Philadelphia earlier this month. The Mets have continued to spiral since.
Along this season’s journey, fans have been told to “smile” and “believe in us” by Pete Alonso — and those comments were a microcosm of the positivity preached by Mets players this year. It seems some fans want accountability at this point, which is why a group of them viewed Baez’s comments in such a poor light.
Baez has been a Met for less than a month. He’s batting .210 with a .709 on-base plus slugging percentage since the Cubs traded him to Queens — though we should note he’s spent time on the injured list. He’s homered four times, and his power, wizardly slides, blazing speed and great defense have helped the Mets win multiple games in a tough month. Still, the team needs more from him if it hopes to reach the postseason.
While Baez could’ve handled all of this better, it’s no scandal. Fans want the players to perform well, while players want to be cheered. Both sides are in it together, which is why this story could soon blow over. It’s certainly not as serious as it’s being made out to be in some circles.
But the Mets are already struggling on the field and trying to find a way to escape their funk. They have enough to worry about regarding the teams on their schedule.
They didn’t need another distraction.
Read more at usatoday.com
For many Labor Day Weekend marks the de facto end of summer. For others, it’s a weekend filled with outdoor activities, the start of football season, and, of course, more bar and restaurant specials than you know what to do with. In Chicago, patio and rooftop season is still very much in full swing. Say you find yourself bopping around the city during LDW 2021and looking for the next ice cold beer or delicious plate of food, check out these 7 restaurants running deals.
But here at UrbanMatter we want to take it one deeper for you. If you’re a suburbanite, or an out-of-towner looking for a weekend getaway in the city, we’ve added 4 Chicagoland area hotels putting on events for the weekend festivities to boot.
Eat. Sleep. Breathe. It’s really that easy.
On your left! Bring your party to Recess this Labor Day and make sure one of them knows how to ride a bike. You’ll need your best rider to help you mix a pitcher of margaritas on Recess’ new Fender Blender Patron Bike, which serves six for $75. You’ll also enjoy being out on Chicago’s largest patio one last time for Summer 2021 before they need to bring back the outdoor heaters. Reserve your party’s table now for Labor Day by visiting https://www.chicagoinrecess.com.
Just in time for the holiday weekend and last moments of summer, Chicago residents can now soak up the sun with The Smith’s Picnic Totes! The $48 tote serves two guests and includes Toasted Sesame Hummus & Vegetables, a Caesar Salad, potato chips, chocolate chip cookies, and choice of two sandwiches, either the Grilled Chicken, BLT+E, The Smith Burger or the Veggie Burger Royale. Looking to upgrade? Diners can also add the Lobster Roll for an additional +$15 per person.
Logan Square’s new Midwestern salumeria just launched dinner service every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, perfect for celebrating the holiday weekend. Available weekends from 5:30 to 10 p.m, the dinner menu features dishes like their signature Lardon Salad, decadent Crispy Duck Leg Confit and Steak Frites. Reservations are available on Resy. This new dinner service adds onto Lardon’s daily offerings, including coffee and pastries starting at 7 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and house-cured meat and artisanal cheeses until close.
Looking to plan the perfect picnic with your friends or family this Labor Day Weekend? Nonnina is offering the ultimate “RiverWalk Package” which features a large salad, 12-inch sub, and a bottle of wine for $35.
Lakeview’s favorite neighborhood spot is opening early on Labor Day itself, giving you a chance to ward off the Monday scaries before heading back to work on Tuesday. Monday Brunch specials include: Midwestern farm-to-table favorites like monkey bread and buttermilk pancakes with Wisconsin-made apple brandy maple syrup, plus the Farm Bar-favorite breakfast sandwich—which features slow-roasted pork belly on French toast with a sunnyside farm egg, strawberry jam, melted Monterey Jack cheese and spicy potatoes. Any meal is paired perfectly with an espresso martini, seasonal watermelon mimosa or cider sangria.
This Labor Day weekend, kick off the festivities at West Loop hotspot, PB&J, with a variety of special frozen drinks! Sip on a frozen “Sour Watermelon” featuring Pink Lemonade Smirnoff, Lemon and Red Bull Watermelon Edition, or the Chi Colada, a mix of Captain Morgan, Pineapple and Coconut. Lastly, diners can sit on the expansive patio and soak in the sun while enjoying the best of both worlds with the new “West Loop Vice”, a mixture of both the Sour Watermelon and Chi Colada. Looking to start the weekend festivities early? Finally, end the Dog Days of Summer with a Splash! Join PB&J at their “Puppy Pool Party” on Wednesday, September 1st.
As your family plans to gather for your Labor Day cookout, El Che Steakhouse & Bar’s retail marketplace is offering everything needed for a successful BBQ with take-home grilling kits. The Weekender Kit ($57) includes a 4 pack short ribs, 2 morcilla links, 2 chorizo links, 4-pack BabyGold Beer—part of his partnership at iconic Berwyn establishment Fitzgeralds—plus 4 oz each of housemade Chimichurri, Chimichurri Rojo, Salsa Criolla. Steak lovers can take home the Ultimate Steak Box ($220) which includes 8oz Filet, 14oz Ribeye 16oz Tira de Asado, 16oz New York Strip, 32oz Bone-In Ribeye and 1/2 Pint Chimichurri. Finally, before the summer ends the Beat the Heat Wine Box ($45) offers three must-try South American wine bottles, best served chilled. Book via Toast here.
Stay at The Blackstone, an architectural icon rooted in Chicago’s past, and book the hotel’s “End of Summer Escape” flash rate for Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy 20% off the best available rate on bookings now through September 9, starting at just $211. Just a short walk away from Millennium Park, the Museum Campus and Lake Michigan, you can experience art, history and nature from one location. In addition to this great end of summer rate, The Blackstone is offering two new packages: “Chicago Fire’d Up” that has fans in mind and turns the soccer game into an amazing overall experience and “Soulful Chicago,” a customized tour that transports guests to the golden twenties where they will hear stories of Chicago’s past.
Experience luxury this Labor Day Weekend by booking Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s “Suite Retreat Package.” Relax with a stay in an Ambassador Suite and receive 20% off the best available rate, breakfast for two and a 2 p.m. late check-out. During your stay enjoy not one but two pools. Ideal for any type of weather, the indoor and outdoor pools offer the best of both worlds. The outdoor terrace also includes the city’s largest recreation deck, a running track, indoor basketball court, media and game rooms, and an 8,000-square-foot fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. For those that want to explore, the hotel is located minutes from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Navy Pier.
Sheraton Grand is the perfect place to stay when visiting the city this Labor Day Weekend. A blend of refined comfort and stylishly appointed accommodations, the hotel offers striking views of the lake, river and Chicago skyline. Celebrate the start to the holiday weekend on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and experience the hotel’s new concert series, “Riverfront Riffs.” Listen to local musician Dave Herrero sing the blues along the Riverwalk outside of Chicago Burger Company while enjoying tasty dishes and refreshing beverages. If traveling with the family, the hotel’s location steps away from Millennium Park and Navy Pier offers daytime adventures and a refreshing pool to come back to after a fun-filled day.
Escape the city over the holiday weekend and celebrate Labor Day in Oak Brook. A serene suburb setting just beyond city limits, the Hotels of Oak Brook offer a great alternative to downtown Chicago. Just 15 miles west of the city, Oak Brook is home to six outdoor parks, one of the Midwest’s hottest shopping destinations Oak Brook Center and seven hotel options for all budgets. While visiting experience the largest exhibition of original Frida Kahlo works in the Chicagoland area in over 40 years or Human+Nature Exhibit at Morton Arboretum.
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