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Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 5 p.m. Chicago time. The moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Social plans might suddenly change. You might encounter a cancellation to an event or perhaps, instead, you might get an unexpected invitation? Meanwhile, guard against sports accidents and accidents with your kids. Be vigilant! Slow down and take it easy. Keep your eyes open.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Your home routine will be interrupted because small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur. It could be as minor as burning the toast at breakfast, or you might have a domestic argument or worse. Patience is your best ally today. Especially be patient with parents.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is an accident-prone day for your sign. Be extra careful jogging, walking, biking and driving. Slow down and be mindful and aware. Think before you speak and act. Guard against knee-jerk reactions. Do what you can to keep everything smooth and happy.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today because something unexpected, out of the blue, could affect your assets. For example, you might find money or you might lose money. Be wise and guard what you own against loss, theft or damage. Better safe than sorry.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Today the sun is in your sign at odds with unpredictable Uranus. This could encourage an argument with someone. It might make you overreact or be impulsive and say or do rash things that you might regret. It might also encourage accidents. Be vigilant and stay chill.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today you might feel restless and at odds with things around you. You might not know why but you have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Relax, there is definitely a restless influence out there. Stay calm and take it easy.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Something unusual might take place today with a friend or a group. You might suddenly meet someone unusual, which in turn, leads to a very different situation. Or you might have difficulty with a friend and the friendship might end. Your interaction with a group might go sideways. Be tactful.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a tricky day with authority figures — parents, bosses, teachers, VIPs and the police. They might suddenly do something that catches you off guard. You might also feel like lashing out or rebelling against any kind of restriction. Stay calm and never underestimate the power of courtesy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Travel plans might suddenly change today. Perhaps they will be canceled; or perhaps you suddenly have to travel? Likewise, school plans might change. Something unusual and unexpected connected with the church, libraries, universities or the government might occur.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Stay on top of things, especially financially speaking. Make friends with your bank account. Something unexpected could affect shared property or anything that you own jointly with others. Lovers’ quarrels might erupt today, especially about intimacy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Relations with partners and close friends are challenging today. Someone might be demanding. You might be demanding. Things might change so fast that a relationship is threatened or it might end? Or maybe you will have a little tiff — nothing to worry about.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Your work routine will have some surprises today. Computer glitches, power outages, staff shortages something unexpected will affect how you do things. This could be an accident-prone day for your pet, so be alert!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Soleil Moon Frye (1976) shares your birthday. You are skilled with business and practical matters. You are also a spiritual person. People find it easy to get along with because you are gracious, diplomatic, warm and friendly. This year is the beginning of a new cycle for you, which is why you need to be open to explore your options. Be courageous and open any door!

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Two people were wounded in a shooting Thursday in Back of the Yards on the South Side.

Just after 9:45 p.m., two men, 27 and 30, were standing on a sidewalk in the 5000 block of South Justine Street when someone in a black sedan opened fire, Chicago Police said.

The 27-year-old victim was shot in his right leg, and the 30-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his buttocks, police said.

Both were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center where their conditions were stabilized, police said.

No one was in custody.

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A fleet of yellow rubber duckies sporting sunglasses bobbed down the Chicago River on Thursday afternoon.

Crowds of smiling spectators, children blowing duck beak whistles, boat riders, kayakers and drivers cheered on the 70,000 toy ducks raising money for Special Olympics Illinois.

A truckload of them was dropped into the Chicago River from the Columbus Bridge at the 1 p.m. “Splashdown.” With the help of the Chicago Park District and Coast Guard, the ducks floated to the finish line halfway to the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

Chicago residents could “adopt” a duck for $5 to enter the race. As of Thursday afternoon, the Derby has raised about $310,340 for Special Olympics Illinois.

“We sold 70,000 duckies, which is a huge accomplishment,” said Alexandra MacMillan, the event’s communications coordinator.

The first place ducky won a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. Second and third place duckies won an all-inclusive trip to Mexico and $2,000, respectively.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Before the race, families milled around the festival of games, music and food at 401 N. Michigan Ave. Visitors lined the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The Derby also hosted a virtual festival for those who could not attend in person.

Becky Cavanagh, a Special Olympics Illinois global messenger and athlete, sold about 900 rubber ducks. The race day was also her sixteenth birthday.

“There’s a lot of people who like Becky and believe in this cause,” said Joe Cavanagh of his daughter with Down syndrome.

Nina Molina

The Clarendon Hills family has been attending and fundraising for the Ducky Derby for eight years.

“I do horseback riding, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming,” said Becky Cavanagh. “And, I’m excited for the boat ride.”

Many other Special Olympics Illinois athletes brought their families to support the cause.

“Nate’s one of the best golfers in the state of Illinois,” said Holly Simon, mother of the Special Olympian. “We support him every chance we get.”

Nate Simon, 18, has been golfing for 10 years but also participates in gymnastics, swimming, basketball and track and field events.

Nina Molina

His older sister, Lindsey, also came along to support “Nate the Great,” or “The Mayor of Chicago,” as Nate has won over 100 Special Olympics medals and makes friends with everyone he meets.

“We love what Special Olympics Illinois does for our children,” said Holly Simon. “He’s met amazing people and friends, and he’s had a blast along the way.”

This year’s Ducky Derby Ambassador is Mallory Taylor, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete from Naperville.

The first rubber ducky that passed through the plastic tunnel near the finish line won. The 24-year-old thrust the lucky ducky into the air for the crowds to see.

“It (Special Olympics Illinois) has a special place in my heart,” said Taylor, after the race. “It was great, and I am very proud.”

Taylor’s boyfriend of 10 years, Mike Riordan, and Taylor’s parents, Bonnie and Bob, cheered her on from the Riverwalk.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Taylor’s team, the Darling Ducklings, a group of about 25 Special Olympics Illinois athletes, sold over 13,000 ducks.

“Thank you for the support and this great experience,” Taylor said.

Bonnie Taylor echoed her daughter’s enthusiasm.

“Chicago and the state of Illinois have been so supportive of Special Olympics,” she said. “It’s been quite an honor.”

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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Memo to the first-place White Sox:

If you make it to the World Series, I have taken the liberty, on the authority of no one, to ask none other than Jennifer Hudson if she’d be interested in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the first home game on the South Side of Chicago.

Spoiler alert: She’s all-in.

“You do understand, that’s one of my dreams,” Hudson told me Thursday. “As a little girl riding through the city of Chicago, I used to dream of singing [at Comiskey Park]. My grandmother — and that’s who I got my voice from — used to love to watch baseball. I would watch with her.

“And it’s still one of my dreams. I would absolutely love to sing [the national anthem] if they make it.”

Not that I have any sway whatsoever in the matter, but as Hudson said, “Yes, you do, if you write it. I love this idea. This is our pact. It’s going to happen, and you’re going to write about it again, you’re going to say, ‘I wrote it and it happened,’ and you can take all the credit.”

Who am I to argue?

Go Sox.

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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks on Thursday granted final approval of landmark status for the South Side home where blues legend Muddy Waters lived and raised his family, the quest for designation now moving to the Chicago City Council for approval.

It was the final hurdle in the journey through the Commission for the property at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave. in North Kenwood to be named a city of Chicago landmark.

Next stop is the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. With committee approval, it then goes before the full council for vote.

The brick two-flat — where Waters lived on the first floor, rented out the top floor and had his recording studio in the basement — is owned by Waters’ great-granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, who is converting the home into The MOJO Muddy Waters House Museum.

At one time or another, legends like Otis Spann, Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry lived there.

“We are so elated and happy that the city of Chicago Landmarks Commission has recognized and is honoring the home of my great-grandfather, where there is musical legacy and history,” Cooper said. “We’re on this great path toward becoming one of Chicago’s landmarks, and we are looking forward to working with the blues community, the city and the alderman on this project to leave a piece of his legacy for the city of Chicago.”

Courtesy of Chicago Department of Planning and Development

The project is among burgeoning efforts to honor Black history in a post-George Floyd era, and part of a wave of house museums within an emerging tourism sector — including those honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley, Phyllis Wheatley and Lu and Jorja Palmer.

Arriving in Chicago from rural Issaquena County, Mississippi in 1943, the acclaimed “Father of Chicago Blues” moved his family into the home in 1954, purchasing it in 1956.

He played house parties at night for extra money, eventually becoming a regular in local nightclubs. By 1948, Chess Records released his first hits, “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Feel Like Going Home,” and his career took off.

By the early ’50s, his blues band, which at one time or another comprised musicians who went on to make their own mark — Otis Spann, Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elgin Evans, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton — had become one of the most acclaimed in history.

Independent record companies like Chess, King, Vee Jay, Chance and Parrot, and distributors like United and Bronzeville were then headquartered around Cottage Grove from 47th to 50th streets, and the home became a gathering place for musicians welcomed at all hours.

Waters lived there until after the death of his wife in 1973. He moved to suburban Westmont, where he lived until his death on April 30, 1983.

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday refused to say whether Park District Supt. Mike Kelly should keep his job after waiting six weeks to launch an investigation into a female lifeguard’s complaint of sexual harassment and physical abuse — breaking his promise to her and, potentially, violating park district rules.

At an unrelated news conference, Lightfoot was asked repeatedly if Kelly should be disciplined or fired for promising a young woman he would immediately investigate her complaints of rampant abuse at Oak Street Beach but then waiting six weeks to do so. He did not act until after a second complaint alleging sexual assault was forwarded to him by the mayor’s office, the Sun-Times has learned.

Her reply implied the problem already was solved:

“The park district earlier this year took a number of steps to address the issue in that particular program” such as renewed training and “getting rid of people that were problematic,” Lightfoot said. “So I feel like they’ve taken the steps that are necessary. But we can never rest on issues like this.”

Pressed again about whether waiting 41 days was her idea of an immediate investigation, Lightfoot reverted to now-familiar talking points about the lifeguard scandal that has been brewing at the Park District for months, with allegations going back for years and involving, for now, 15 women.

“As I said before, any time there’s an allegation that a child has been violated in any way, everyone has to be immediately focused, taking it seriously, investigating it and making sure that that child is taken out of harm’s way, period,” Lightfoot said, sounding as if she were trying to straddle the line between a concerned parent and a mayor defending the park district boss she inherited and decided to keep.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported this week that in February 2020, an Oak Street Beach lifeguard sent 11 pages of explosive allegations to Kelly, detailing a frat-house environment at the beach during the summer of 2019. She said she’d been pushed into a wall, called sexually degrading and profane names by fellow lifeguards and abandoned for hours at her post for refusing to take part in their drinking parties and on-the-job drug use.

“I take your assertions very seriously,” Kelly responded, assuring the young woman he was forwarding the complaint to Elaine Little, the park district’s inspector general. “Thank you for your courage and call for change.”

But he didn’t forward the complaint, the Sun-Times has learned, for about six weeks — not until after a second woman wrote her own letter to Lightfoot, who forwarded it to Kelly.

That delay runs contrary to Park District rules, which require alleged wrongdoing be reported immediately to the inspector general. The Park District’s sexual harassment policy also mandates allegations be reported “as soon as possible,” or within five business days, to human resources.

Park District Board President Avis LaVelle has not returned repeated phone calls seeking comment. Vice President Tim King did not respond to messages left by telephone and on his Urban Prep Academies email account.

Park District spokeswoman Michele Lemons declined to answer specific questions or to make Kelly available for an interview. Kelly has not responded to emails seeking comment.

Instead, Lemons has referred to a letter Kelly wrote on June 23. The letter, posted on the Park District website, claims “immediate action” was taken about unspecified allegations of misconduct by lifeguards. In it, Kelly also assures the public that employees accused of misconduct who are still under investigation by Little’s office have been placed on emergency suspension. and others were fired.

Appointed to his post in 2011 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Kelly remains in his $230,000-a-year job.

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DENVER – Second baseman Nico Hoerner hasn’t had the easiest season in 2021 and after getting off to a red-hot start, he’s had a tough time with staying on the field.

Hoerner has been on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain since July 29, but has begun to make some progress. The 24-year-old infielder went through about an hour of on-field agility drills and also played catch for the first time since the injury.

“Learning to play baseball at this level is a lot about playing baseball and also just being available,” Hoerner said before Thursday’s 6-5 loss. “When you’re not available then the baseball side of it isn’t an option. No regrets on how I’ve been training or going about it, but kind of just take things that have happened and learn from it as best you can.”

Hoerner is slashing .313/.388/.388 with 10 doubles, 14 RBIs and 15 walks in 39 games this season.

The Cubs are going to take their time with Hoerner and while going through baseball activity is a positive sign, he won’t be coming off the IL any time soon. A possible return for Hoerner would likely come toward the end of August or beginning of September.

“He’s moving forward,” manager David Ross said. “His rehab is going well. I don’t think it’s a process where we’re gonna see him soon, but yeah, I mean he’s doing some things. … He moved around really nicely yesterday. Ran, did all his lower body work, his sprint work and we’ll see how the rotational stuff goes for him.”

Ross looking to get Contreras some rest

Catcher Willson Contreras is a workhorse behind the plate and in a league that has gone away from catchers giving backstops a serious workload, the Cubs catcher has taken on the challenge.

Contreras leads all catchers in MLB with 92 games caught and while his manager has relied on him to be in the lineup, especially when the team’s backup catchers went down with injury, Ross wants to make sure to get his catcher some rest down the stretch.

“He’ll have tomorrow off,” Ross said. “I wanted to get him three [starts] in a row here. He swung the bat really well yesterday and didn’t have a lot to show for it.

“It’s hard to keep [Robinson Chirinos] and [Willson] out of the lineup when there’s a lefty going. I want to give [Chirinos] a lefty for once. He’s got some good numbers off of them historically.”

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White Sox rookie Andrew Vaughn hasn’t played in the Cubs-Sox crosstown series and he hasn’t heard much about it, he said.

“The only thing I really know is the fans can get a little hectic on each other, Sox and Cubs,” Vaughn said. “Heard that. But we’ve just got to go out there and put on a good show and try to bring some wins for the South Side.”

The Sox play three games at Wrigley Field this weekend and three more the last weekend of August. The Sox have a big lead in the AL Central, and the Cubs traded their top stars, including closer Craig Kimbrel to the Sox, last week to signal the start of a rebuild.

The roles are reversed from only a few years ago when the Sox were rebuilding and the Cubs were contending every year. For Sox manager Tony La Russa, the Cubs are just another team on the schedule.

“But it is also realistic that it’s a team in your city and there’s a lot of rabid interest from either side to beat the other side,” he said. “I can remember the very first year, I think it was ’84, we played the Crosstown Classic, and I had a number of people say, ‘I don’t care what you do all season, just don’t let the Cubs beat you in one game.’ ”

And so it adds some juice to a “road” game, La Russa said.

“It’s going to be in Chicago, and it’s against the Cubs,” La Russa said. “So just enjoy it more than you would normally.”

No Cubs for Robert

Center fielder Luis Robert is very close to rejoining the team, La Russa said, with a Sunday decision to be made after he plays perhaps his final rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte.

“This weekend is an important test for him,” La Russa said. “It’s getting where it’s imminent.”

Robert hasn’t played for the Sox since he tore his right hip flexor on May 2.

Corner infielder/outfielder Jake Lamb (quad) is also due back “sooner rather than later,” La Russa said.

Eloy in left vs. Cubs

Eloy Jimenez was the designated hitter for the third straight night Thursday after missing four games with groin soreness but will be in left field against the Cubs Friday.

There is no DH in National League parks but La Russa said it’s possible Jimenez plays all three games at Wrigley in left field.

“But you’re really going to have to err on the side of caution,” he said.

Jimenez is batting .320/.414/.760 with three homers in seven games against the organization that traded him in 2017.

Hail, Cesar

Second baseman Cesar Hernandez, acquired from the Indians before the trade deadline last Friday, gives the Sox good defense, power and speed and some intangibles, too.”

“He’s got a really high baseball IQ and when you have that kind of IQ in the infield, especially the middle of the infield, you can make some not-so-subtle differences in games to help you win,” La Russa said.

Marshall plan

Right-hander Evan Marshall threw 10 pitches off the mound Wednesday, but no breaking balls as he works his way back from a strained right flexor pronator in his elbow.

Marshall, one of the Sox’ most trusted arms in the back of their bullpen in 2019 and ’20, landed on the injured list June 30. He is hoping to be back by the very end of August.

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Chicago Bears: Larry Borom turning heads at training camp by Anish Puligilla

The Chicago Bulls might lose out on their 7-footer, Lauri Markkanen. According to Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are prepared to make him an offer sheet. Restricted free agents can start signing offer sheets on Friday.

The Bulls can match the offer sheet since Markkanen is a restricted free agent. The question is whether or not the Bulls will decide to match whatever offer the Hornets make Markkanen.

Markkanen has already stated he would not be interested in playing under the qualifying offer the Bulls gave him to start free agency. Most likely, the Bulls wouldn’t be interested either. Markkanen would make around $9 million next year, and the Bulls would take a $20 million cap hit on the deal.

Based on the figures presented by Spotrac, the Hornets have over $17 million in practical cap space left. This means they can offer Markkanen the full value of his desired contract.

The Charlotte Hornets have emerged with strong interest in a potential offer sheet for Chicago restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. RFAs can begin signing sheets Friday.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2021

The Hornets have a lot of young talent in their frontcourt. P.J Washington, Vernon Carey, Kai Jones, Nick Richards, and Jalen McDaniels are all younger than Markkanen.

Markkanen is virtually a better shooter than all of these players and has more versatility with his outside game. He would make a great fit playing alongside one of the best young facilitators in the game — LaMelo Ball.

The Bulls have not shown much interest in keeping Markkanen. In fact, they have been tied into rumors of trying to sign-and-trade him to another team. One team, they nearly signed and traded him to was the Spurs for DeMar DeRozan. But, the Bulls got away with just having to give up Thaddeus Young and Al Farouq-Aminu.

Nevertheless, the Bulls will be looking to get value for the young Finnish center. Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley’s work has been uncanny this offseason. They have pulled off two sign-and-trade deals, which is unheard of for one team in a single offseason.

Deleted earlier Tweet to acknowledge the Hornets’ Plumlee trade also is possibly headed for cap space. Either way, can the Bulls try to get draft capital in S&T before possible offer sheet is signed? Wrote yesterday that Markkanen isn’t interested in playing this season on QO. https://t.co/wv3iu5ke8B

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) August 5, 2021

Seeing as they have been dominating the market in sign-and-trade deals, signing and trading for Lonzo Ball, DeRozan, and a trade exception for Daniel Theis, it would be optimal for them to try their hand with dealing Markkanen.

However, it wouldn’t be unheard of the Hornets to decline to do so to save them from having to give up any assets for Markkanen. This way, they can just sign Markkanen, knowing the Bulls will decline to match any offer they release anyways and be on their way with a new starting power forward.

Next: Chicago Bulls: How Kemba Walker signing impacts the Bulls

Another busy night for AKME lies ahead.

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Chicago Bears: Louis Riddick has a shocking Justin Fields take by Anish Puligilla

The biggest area of concern for the Chicago Bears going into the upcoming season is the offensive line. The play of the offensive line this year will have a ripple effect throughout this entire team that is not just limited to how well the offense plays.

Their play could impact Justin Fields’ timeline as the coaching staff may feel pressured to rush him in because his legs could make up for line play. However, it could also force them to sit him longer in order to avoid a rough start in the NFL. Regardless, neither scenario is one the Chicago Bears want to find themselves in. Fortunately, Chicago Bears’ rookie tackle Larry Borom has been impressive in training camp.

The Chicago Bears are currently missing Teven Jenkins, their second-round pick slated to start at left tackle, and also Germain Ifedi who had a strong end to the season at right tackle last year. Many of us have been begging Ryan Pace to sign one of the available free agent tackles (Russell Okung, Mitchell Schwartz, etc.) to add some depth and experience to the line but as of now, the Chicago Bears have not been linked to any of these players.

What does this tell us about Larry Borom? There have been whispers about Larry Borom dating back to rookie minicamp that indicated he could be a valuable long-term prospect. However, during training camp, he has been given an opportunity to play with the starters and has begun to accelerate his own timeline.

Jeff Joniak said that Borom has been turning heads at practice and showed well in his first padded practice at left tackle. Nagy added that Borom never looked overwhelmed, a characteristic that even showed up on his college tape. Keep in mind that Larry Borom is a fifth-round pick starting against arguably the most talented defensive line in the NFL – and he’s not only not overwhelmed but also performing well.

Additionally, we know that the Chicago Bears think much higher of Borom than many fans or media realize. Nagy confirmed today that they had a second/third-round grade on Borom which means they envisioned him being an eventual starter on the offensive line.

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Tom Thayer also called Larry Borom a shining star and that he would be confident starting Borom at left tackle. Thayer himself has been covering the Chicago Bears for years and also played on the offensive line for the ’85 Bears so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to play the tackle position (via Kevin Wells).

Should Borom maintain this development and Jenkins or Ifedi returns healthy, the Chicago Bears could still start this season with a solid offensive line which will only improve as they continue playing together throughout the season. Unfortunately, the Bears still have to plan for the worst-case scenario but the emergence of Larry Borom is a reason for optimism.

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