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Will The Geese Get Gone?on July 30, 2021 at 11:49 am

Getting More From Les

Will The Geese Get Gone?

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Will The Geese Get Gone?on July 30, 2021 at 11:49 am Read More »

2 wounded in Roseland drive-by shootingSun-Times Wireon July 30, 2021 at 9:34 am

Two men were wounded in a drive-by shooting early Friday in Roseland on the South Side.

About 2:30 a.m., the men had just exited a vehicle in the 11200 block of South Normal Avenue when someone in a passing white car fired shots, Chicago police said.

One man, 33, was shot in the leg and the other man, 35, was struck in the back and leg, police said.

Both men were transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition, police said.

There was no one in custody. Area Two detectives are investigating.

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2 wounded in Roseland drive-by shootingSun-Times Wireon July 30, 2021 at 9:34 am Read More »

1 killed, 15 wounded — including 14-year-old — in shootings in Chicago ThursdaySun-Times Wireon July 30, 2021 at 8:58 am

At least 16 people were shot, one fatally, in gun violence across Chicago Thursday.

The fatal attack occurred on the South Side. About 12:50 p.m., a 22-year-old man was in the 6500 block of South Peoria Street when a gray Audi drove by and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said. Kevin Stephens was struck twice in the head and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. The Audi fled south on Peoria after the shooting, police said.

Other attacks:

A 14-year-old boy was critically wounded in a double shooting early Thursday in Morgan Park on the Far South Side. The attack happened around 12:10 a.m. when someone opened fire in the 1600 block of West Waseca Place, Chicago police said. The teen was struck twice in the head and was taken to Roseland Hospital by a family member. He was then transferred to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was listed in critical condition. A man, 29, was grazed in the head and refused medical treatment

Two people were wounded Thursday morning in a shooting in Park Manor on the South Side. The man and woman, both 20, were sitting in a parked car in the 7000 block of South Eberhart Avenue when someone walked up and opened fire around 1:50 a.m., police said. The man suffered wounds to the abdomen and was grazed in the waist, while the woman was grazed in the leg, police said. They went to St. Bernard Hospital, police said. The woman was released and the man was transferred to Stroger Hospital where his condition was stabilized.

A man was shot while driving Thursday morning in South Deering on the Far South Side. The man, 31, was driving in the 2200 block of East 103rd Street when someone fired shots from a black Jeep around 12:20 a.m., police said. The victim was struck in the head and ear, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and was listed in fair condition.

At least ten other people were wounded in shootings across Chicago.

One person was killed and seven others — including a 16-year-old — were wounded in shootings in Chicago Wednesday.

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1 killed, 15 wounded — including 14-year-old — in shootings in Chicago ThursdaySun-Times Wireon July 30, 2021 at 8:58 am Read More »

DBU of the FCS? Southern Illinois seniors Brown, Ceasar lead dogs for Salukison July 30, 2021 at 9:25 am

Prairie State Pigskin

DBU of the FCS? Southern Illinois seniors Brown, Ceasar lead dogs for Salukis

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DBU of the FCS? Southern Illinois seniors Brown, Ceasar lead dogs for Salukison July 30, 2021 at 9:25 am Read More »

Horoscope for Friday, July 30, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 30, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a high-energy day for you. For the first half of the day, the moon is in your sign dancing with Jupiter, which makes you feel happy and optimistic. Later, shopping or money-making ideas will appeal. You might spend money on entertainment.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a positive day for you! In the morning, you will feel happy with your own company. (Pleased with yourself.) After the moon alert, the moon will be in your sign, which will make you emotionally energized. This is the perfect time to ask for what you want.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This morning is a good time for pleasant conversations with friends and groups. However, later in the day, you will enjoy your own solitude because there’s something you want to do. You’re going to spend energy doing it — by yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You are high visibility this morning. This is a good thing because people admire you! (You might use this to your advantage.) Later in the day, warm bonds with a friend or a group will lift your spirits. These connections might even boost your earnings?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This morning travel plans appeal. You want to do something different that expands your experience of the world. This afternoon, people will notice you much more. Caution: Because you make such a strong impression, you might arouse opposition to you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This morning is a good time for discussions with banks or anything to do with loans and mortgages because others will benefit you. After the moon alert, your attention shifts and suddenly, you want adventure! You want to run away and join the circus.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You might attract someone to you this morning who is enthusiastic and upbeat. Either way, your interactions with others will be positive and enjoyable. Later in the afternoon, financial discussions about shared property will benefit you. In fact, you will make sure of this.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Choose to work with others this morning because various group activities will benefit you. You will get more done by letting someone help or by helping someone else. After the Moon Alert, expect a lively discussion with a partner or close friend. Someone has something to say!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a happy morning full of fun opportunities. Perhaps a power breakfast? Meet someone for brunch? Activities with children or anything to do with sports will appeal. In the afternoon, after the moon alert, you’re ready to work hard and be productive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This morning you’re enthusiastic with big ideas about something to do with your home or your family. This could relate to a home expansion or even a family expansion? Later in the afternoon, take time off to play and enjoy yourself. The arts, sports and fun activities with kids will appeal.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

A general feeling of enthusiasm and a positive outlook on the world will embrace you this morning. It feels good. However, this afternoon, intense feelings at home will be lively and dynamic. This could describe a family conversation or some kind of event taking place.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This morning is an excellent time for financial negotiations. (See moon alert) You might see how to boost your income or, perhaps, you will make a big expenditure? This afternoon, short trips, conversations and a busy pace will excite you. “The game, Mrs. Hudson, is on!”

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Lisa Kudrow (1963) shares your birthday. You are friendly, likable and entertaining. You are also impulsive and spontaneous, sometimes dramatically so. You will be youthful, warm-hearted and generous all your life. This year is all about you. You might do a makeover. Think of the impression you create. What courses or further education might you get? How can you be the best that you can be?

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Horoscope for Friday, July 30, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 30, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

Bulls play long game, grab hometown kid Ayo DosunmuJoe Cowleyon July 30, 2021 at 3:54 am

According to Arturas Karnisovas, there’s a solid foundation to build around within his own facility.

The Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations made that clear during the March trade deadline when he acquired Nikola Vucevic from the Magic, sacrificing their first-round draft capital from this year’s deep talent pool, then reminded the media of it in his end-of-season address.

“I think when you have a foundation of, let’s say, two All-Stars [in Vucevic and Zach LaVine] in one place, I think it’s easier to add additional things that we need,” Karnisovas said. “So we’re going to discuss the needs of the team, and we’ll attack it during free agency [on Aug. 2].”

One problem: The rest of the Central Division wasn’t waiting around for free agency to add star power.

At least potential star power.

While the Bulls used a second-round pick (38th overall) to select hometown kid, and Illini standout, Ayo Dosunmu that definitely appeased the fan base.

The combo guard and Morgan Park grad averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game last season, and was expected to be a versatile rotation option if he adds some strength.

A solid selection, but not the first-round pedigree that others in the division had.

Detroit, Cleveland and even Indiana took advantage of a 2021 NBA Draft class considered to be one of the most talented since the 2003 class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.

The Pistons made Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham the No. 1 overall selection Thursday.

In adding Cunningham, Detroit feels like it now has a generational point guard with a Luka Doncic-style ability to control the tempo of a game. At 6-8, Cunningham can score around the rim and from outside, but it’s his unselfish playmaking that stood out for scouts. He’s also a versatile defender, able to guard one through four comfortably.

The Rockets took explosive scorer Jalen Green with the second pick, setting the stage for Cleveland to add yet another solid piece to the post-LeBron rebuild. The Cavs took 7-footer Evan Mobley from USC. The Mobley comps to Bosh are there for a reason. He’s an inside-outside threat who excels in the shot-blocking department.

The Cavaliers added veteran Ricky Rubio in a predraft deal and are building a talented stable with Mobley, Isaac Okoro, Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen. As soon as they can shed themselves of the Kevin Love contract, it will be interesting to see if they can attract some veteran talent to jump aboard.

Then at No. 13, the Pacers added one of the top perimeter shooters in the draft, grabbing Oregon guard Chris Duarte. While Duarte likely won’t start like a Cunningham or Mobley, he is expected to give the Pacers scoring depth off the bench.

Indiana finished three games better than the Bulls, and that was despite all kinds of health issues surrounding Caris LeVert and Myles Turner.

As far as what could have been for the Bulls, that’s where it got interesting. The Magic took the No. 8 pick it received in return for Vucevic and added versatile forward Franz Wagner. With its own pick at No. 5, the Magic took point guard Jalen Suggs, who would have been the perfect fit in Chicago.

While the Bulls had to live in the what-could-have-beens, the Lakers captured the night, living in what is. Before a name was even muttered in the draft, news broke that the Lakers had acquired Russell Westbrook to join James and Anthony Davis in Hollywood.

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Bulls play long game, grab hometown kid Ayo DosunmuJoe Cowleyon July 30, 2021 at 3:54 am Read More »

The Unnecessary Rebuildon July 30, 2021 at 3:04 am

World Series Dreaming

The Unnecessary Rebuild

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The Unnecessary Rebuildon July 30, 2021 at 3:04 am Read More »

Cheney, Kinzinger should have stood up for the truth soonerMona Charenon July 30, 2021 at 1:00 am

I wish I could be a Cheney fan. I really do. Rep. Liz Cheney has conducted herself honorably for the past nine months. Her courage in telling the truth about the election and the insurrection of Jan. 6 has been punished by the Republican conference, which booted her from leadership and replaced her with the lying, scheming Trumpist, Rep. Elise Stefanik. Former President Donald Trump is apparently working feverishly to unseat Cheney from Congress altogether, and his lickspittle lieutenants are joining the effort.

The invertebrate minority leader, Kevin McCarthy — who, let’s recall, declared on Jan. 13 that “the president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters” — has long since scurried back under Trump’s skirts, whence he issues barbs against the few remaining Republicans who still have some principles. McCarthy sniped that Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the other Republican appointed to the Jan. 6 committee over the objections of party leadership, are “Pelosi Republicans.”

In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.

The opening segments of the Jan. 6 committee were another fine moment for Cheney. She began by thanking the police officers who testified about their experiences defending the Capitol that day: “Thank you to each of the witnesses appearing before us today. … You defended the Constitution and our Republic, and every American owes you our undying gratitude. Every American, I hope, will be able to hear your testimony today and will watch the videos. The videos show the unbelievable violence and the inexcusable and intolerable cruelty that you all faced, and people need to know the truth.”

She went on to outline the stakes: “If those responsible are not held accountable, and if Congress does not act responsibly, this will remain a cancer on our Constitutional Republic, undermining the peaceful transfer of power at the heart of our democratic system.”

Those are good words, and as I said above, I respect Cheney’s willingness to pay a price. She understood that by taking on the “Big Lie” and the almost-as-consequential lie about what happened on Jan. 6, she was risking her leadership position, her seat and possibly her own security. Every word of truth that she (and Kinzinger) utters is like a balm of Gilead.

And yet, the voice in the back of my head keeps saying, “Is it too late?”

Both Cheney and Kinzinger, may they live to be 120, had many, many earlier opportunities to extinguish this forest fire before it became a raging inferno. Both supported Trump’s reelection in 2020. Kinzinger said he was “upset” by President Joe Biden’s victory. Cheney appeared on “Fox and Friends” in July 2020, and while she allowed that she disagreed with Trump on some issues, most notably withdrawal from Afghanistan, she emphasized how important it was that Trump be reelected: “Whether or not we have debates and discussions internally — as I’m sure we continue, we will continue to do — we are going to be absolutely united going forward on the big issues, and I’m not going any place.” Both Cheney and Kinzinger voted against the first Trump impeachment. They stuck with their support for his reelection, despite the first debate with Biden, despite the catastrophic handling of COVID-19, despite Trump’s green light to China’s Uyghur camps, despite QAnon, and despite the avalanche of lies and cruelty that corrupted America’s soul — and prepared the ground for the violent insurrection they are now investigating.

Is it welcome that they finally found a line they couldn’t cross? A thousand times, yes. But how might this story have unfolded differently if they, and thousands of other Republicans, had found their uncrossable lines sooner? You can say, “The base is calling the shots, and the elected are just following what the voters demand.” That’s nonsense. The base doesn’t get its ideas from nowhere. It gets them from Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham and the rest of the conservative media world. And it gets them from elected officials. To paraphrase what Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn told the Jan. 6 committee: When elected officials give permission, there is no limit to the violence that may ensue.

Opinion This Week

A weekly overview of opinions, analysis and commentary on issues affecting Chicago, Illinois and our nation by outside contributors, Sun-Times readers and the CST Editorial Board.

Trump was the arsonist. But if every time he dropped a match on the dry tinder of American polarization, Republican elected officials and others had leaped to extinguish the small flames, we would not be here.

And where is here? We have seen the end of 160 years of the peaceful transfer of power. We’ve seen the majestic United States Capitol turned into a scene from a dystopian fantasy; an armed mob attempting to subvert an election. They smashed and tortured and caused deaths. They erected a gallows and hunted for the speaker of the House and for the vice president. And Republicans, almost to a man and woman, are excusing, downplaying or whitewashing what happened. An entire political party has abandoned commitment to the rule of law.

To speak up now, well, it’s better than nothing. But it’s a little like saying you’ll take away a drunken driver’s license after he crashed into and killed an 8-year-old. What about all of those times when you saw him get behind the wheel after five drinks and did nothing?

Trump attacked the basics of American democracy. The consequences were foreseeable. There were countless warnings. The great tragedy of this moment is not that Trump attempted what he did, but that so few Republicans tried to stop him when it would have made a difference.

Send letters to [email protected].

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Cheney, Kinzinger should have stood up for the truth soonerMona Charenon July 30, 2021 at 1:00 am Read More »

Everything you need to know about Lollapalooza 2021Satchel Priceon July 30, 2021 at 12:53 am

Lollapalooza officially returns to Grant Park this week for four days of music and good times despite concerns about how bringing together over 100,000 people each day will affect the ongoing pandemic.

The festival, which opens Thursday with vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test required for entry, represents the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the emergence of the coronavirus last March. Despite worries over the virus’ Delta variant and rising caseloads nationally, the show will go on this weekend.

Huge acts will be in town luring giant crowds to the park, including Miley Cyrus, Foo Fighters, Post Malone and Tyler, The Creator. Many surrounding streets will be closed through Sunday night.

The Sun-Times will be there all four days covering the big shows and big crowds. Keep this page bookmarked for updates throughout the festival.

Photo highlights

DAY 1: Sights and sounds from Thursday

Aly & AJ preform Thursday at the T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza.
Aly & AJ preform at the T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza, Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Check out more sights and sounds captured by our photographers on the first day of Lolla here.

DAY 1: Musical act reviews

Lollapalooza is bringing live music is back to Chicago in a big way. The Grant Park festival is one of the country’s first large-scale events post-pandemic, and it was ushering in the tunes — and the good feels — from the start on Thursday afternoon.

Here’s how the lineup — from Orville Peck to Miley Cyrus — stacked up.

Read the full reviews here.

Lightfoot takes the stage: ‘Thank you for masking up and vaxing up’

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been outspoken about her decision to keep Lollapalooza as scheduled despite the uptick in cases of COVID-19 and numerous variants spreading around the country, made a not-so-surprise appearance on the festival’s opening day.

Wearing a Black Pumas T-shirt, she introduced the group’s midday set at the T-Mobile Stage and hailed the Pumas as one of the greatest rock bands of today.

“The rate of vaccination in this crowd is off the charts,” she said.

Read the full story here.

First Lolla fans optimistic as 2021 festival kicks off amid COVID-19 precautions

Thousands of fans streamed into Grant Park Thursday marking the return of Lollapalooza after COVID-19 halted last year’s iteration of the 30-year-old music festival. While some fans said they were slightly worried about COVID-19, many expressed confidence in Lollapalooza’s new protocols.

But not everyone knew about the vaccine mandate in order to attend the music festival.

Read the full story here.

Lolla signs warn attendees they assume risk for COVID-19

The thousands of people entering Lollapalooza on Thursday are being greeted by signs explaining something that’s not included on their public health and safety website: By attending the festival, “you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19,” which they mention “can lead to severe illness and death.”

Read the full story here.

Must-see acts to check out

Some of the names on the Lolla lineup are a lot bigger than others. Selena Fragassi parses through the dozens of bands and artists to break down 10 must-see acts that attendees won’t want to miss this weekend. Here’s what Fragassi says about one of the festival’s earliest performers, Orville Peck:

No one exactly knows who this incognito Canadian country singer is (his trademark look is a long, fringed mask and cowboy hat) but the boudoir-looking John Wayne has heaped tons of due praise in his few years on the scene. Both for crafting a highly contagious psychedelic outlaw sound that refreshes the genre and for being an LGBTQ iconoclast whose work with Trixie Mattel and Gaga will soon put him in a new league.

Check out all of our recommended shows here.

How to watch performances live online

Unlike past years, Hulu is the exclusive live streaming partner for Lollapalooza 2021. All Hulu subscribers will be able to watch live performances for free as part of their subscriptions. Complete streaming schedules for all four days are already up on Hulu’s website, although they warn that set times are subject to change.

How will COVID-19 affect the festival?

With coronavirus case figures rising across the country amid lagging vaccination rates and the emergence of the Delta variant, Lollapalooza put in place security measures to help make the festival safer.

For those attending the festival, a vaccination card or proof of negative COVID-19 test will be required for entry. Get more information on how that’ll work here.

Chicago’s top health official, Dr. Alison Arwady, said Tuesday that the city’s virus situation is in “good control” ahead of the festival. However, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said recently that she would not hesitate to impose measures in Chicago such as face covering requirements if the city’s daily caseload keeps rising — and Arwady said she expects “some cases” of COVID-19 to result from the festival being held.

Lineup and schedule

Complete daily schedules for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday can be found here.

The after-show lineup includes Modest Mouse, Journey, Jimmy Eat World and Freddie Gibbs. Check out the complete list of official Lolla after-shows here.

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Everything you need to know about Lollapalooza 2021Satchel Priceon July 30, 2021 at 12:53 am Read More »