What’s New

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

This afternoon will be partly sunny with a high near 90 degrees — heat index values could be as high as 97. Some showers and severe thunderstorms are possible tonight with a low around 74 degrees. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 86 degrees.

Top story

Exelon moves to close Byron, Dresden nuclear plants, citing Springfield failure on energy deal: ‘We have no choice’

Citing the lack of a deal on clean energy legislation, Exelon Generation plans to file decommissioning plans for its Byron and Dresden nuclear power plants.

The filings, which company officials said they plan to submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, are among the final steps in retiring the plants, which have been in operation for decades.

Byron would close September, followed by Dresden in November.

The company also plans to issue job reduction notices to employees — staffing at the energy plant hovered around 1,500 people when plans to retire the facilities were announced last August. That figure could drop as low as 30 to 40 employees over the next 10 years, according to a news release announcing the plans.

Without legislation, the company could also close its Braidwood and LaSalle nuclear facilities sometime in the “next few years,” according to the company statement.

Rachel Hinton has more on the closings here.

More news you need

1. A U.S. Marshal’s Task Force shot and killed a man wanted for a 2019 Chicago murder after he allegedly pulled a gun as officers tried to arrest him yesterday inside a Calumet City restaurant, state police said. Two CPD officers were part of the task force.
2. A former federal prosecutor was appointed today to investigate the Cook County state’s attorney’s office and a former employee who allegedly lied on the witness stand during the trial of a man eventually cleared of murdering two CPD officers. This marks the second time the state’s attorney’s office has been investigated under Kim Foxx’s leadership.
3. After a year of turmoil, Illinois is finally on the verge of dishing out precious new permits to operate recreational pot shops. The first of three lotteries for 185 total dispensary licenses is set for tomorrow, with the others scheduled next month.
4. Beginning next week, anyone who goes inside an Illinois DMV will have to wear a mask, officials announced today. This follows the new CDC mask guidelines released yesterday that urge covered faces in some suburbs.
5. Students with special needs who turn 22 while in school will be able to finish the academic year under legislation signed into law today by Gov. Pritzker. Before, students with disabilities were only eligible for services until the day before their 22nd birthday.
6. Mayor Lightfoot’s administration is counting on a massive refinancing to bankroll more than half the cost of a $600 million police contract. The contract gives rank-and-file officers a 20% pay raise over eight years, more than half of it retroactive.
7. Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park tomorrow for what will be the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the start of the pandemic. We’ll be on the ground covering the festival, but before the gates open, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s iteration.

A bright one

Jewel at 94th and Ashland reopens with new facility for South Shore Drill Team

Auburn Gresham residents have waited more than a year for their Jewel-Osco at 9400 S. Ashland Ave. to reopen.

The store was getting “a little gray,” as local Ald. Howard Brookins (21st) put it, even before it was looted during the citywide unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd last summer. It was high-time for, what Brookins called, “a third iteration.”

Today, the remodeled store reopened to the public, but with a partnership that will provide local residents with more than just a local place to buy their groceries and pharmaceuticals.

Screenshot

The store includes a 2,200 square foot “community room” for Chicago’s iconic South Shore Drill Team. With lockers, cushioned flooring, refrigerator, microwave, free Wi-Fi and a wireless video and audio projection system, the room will serve as a second rehearsal space.

It will allow a group that has grown from a “small troupe of four twirling rifles” to 250 members to serve even more young people on the South Side.

The newly remodeled store includes an upgraded check-out area, expanded deli, meat and seafood counters, “refreshed” produce and a Drive Up & Go area where customers who buy groceries online can pick up their orders.

Fran Spielman has more on the store’s reopening here.

From the press box

Your daily question ?

With August right around the corner, what’s something you want to do before summer ends?

Reply to this email (please include your first name and where you live) and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Say you’ve been tasked with writing a show set in Chicago — who’s the main character? What parts of the city will be featured? Here’s what some of you said…

“Archer to Sox Park, a Chinese American meets an Italian American in the 1960s and are separated by the highway destructions of three blocks in between where they live and their families. They manage to meet later at Chicago Fest, fall in love and open a business in the old neighborhood.” — Pat Mapes

“A show about a group of friends who take Metra into the city daily for various careers in banking, insurance, law, non-profit, etc. Basically set on the Metra, drinking coffee on the morning train, drinking beers on the evening train and having random conversations.” — Mackenzie Currans

“I would base it on a kid who was supposed to get a scholarship to play football in the SEC, but decided to carry the ball one more time in an all-star game and broke his leg, costing him his scholarship and he ended up going to law school. I’m guessing it would be in an unrealistically huge office, while he fights for the little guy pro bono because he’s secretly a wealthy superhero. A combination of Jeff Bezos, Batman, and My Cousin Vinny.” — Kyle Davies

“A delivery driver, and highlighting his interactions with people in all areas of the city. All the neighborhoods deserve their day in the sun.” — Laura Canales

“Pick all families who’ve been devastated by losing a loved one who was killed with no ties to drugs, guns, domestic violence or involved in anything nefarious. This may help them understand their grief and shine the light on the unsatisfactory behavior of organizations whose purpose is to help them with trauma and resources.” — Rosie McCallister

“A die-hard Cubs fan and the story of her up and downs being a die-hard Cubs fan for over 30 years and how being tested by the Cubs and learning to be loyal in the face of adversity has shaped her personality. Wrigleyville of course!” — Helen Good Petit

“A stand-up comic featuring Hyde Park/Woodlawn, Old Town, South Shore, Lakeview and Edgewater.” — Bejay Outla

“The main character would be a small business owner in the Loop faced with all the challenges of the past year and a half from COVID to race relations to the struggle to stay open and to at least break even. Featured parts of the city would be downtown (where the business is), and South, West, and North sides (where the owner and her workers/customers live). It would have to be a drama, of course, but hopefully with occasional humor to provide hope for the main characters. I’d call it ‘Chicago Hope’ if that title hadn’t already been used.” — Paul Lockwood

“From Perishing to Clark, 39th Street to 125th. The story of a former teacher turned educational admin observing and fighting the corruption within the CPS. From test cheating, patronage and selective student appointments, to collecting votes and dollars for your bosses to the closure of 50 schools and the suffering along the way. ‘Nuff said.” — Katherine Konopase

“‘The Women’ — set in the late 19th century, this dramatic series centers on Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams, and Frances Willard and their cooperation and conflicts in their struggle for racial and gender equity. Can’t get more iconic Chicagoans than these women! And we need more historic Chicago dramas!” — Toni Gilpin

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As the NBA attempts to return to some sort of normalcy for the 2021-22 season, that means getting back to a preseason schedule in early October that will keep the travel miles down for the Bulls.

The team announced on Wednesday that it will play a four-game preseason schedule, which begins Oct. 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center, and ends Oct. 15, with the Bulls hosting Memphis.

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will be in town on Oct. 8, while the lone road game is on Oct. 10, as the Bulls will travel to Cleveland.

According to the team, season ticket plans are now available by calling 312-455-4000, while details on single-game tickets for preseason and regular season home games will be announced closer to the release of the full regular season schedule.

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Dusty Hill, bassist and vocalist for ZZ Top for more than 50 years, has died. He was 72.

According to reports, Hill passed away in his sleep at his Houston, Texas home.

Bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued as statement via social media on Wednesday:

“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that “Blues Shuffle in C.” You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy”

According to a report on deadline.com, Hill recently suffered a hip injury, preventing him from touring with the band.

Upcoming performances for the trio included a Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Resort scheduled to begin Oct. 8.

Hill was born Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill in 1949 in Dallas, Texas.

In addition to making music, movie/TV fans will remember Hill for his on-screen appearances in “Back to the Future Part III” and “Deadwood.”

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

More to come…

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MIAMI — The Oakland Athletics are in playoff contention, and Starling Marte is their midseason reward.

Oakland obtained the versatile but well-traveled outfielder Wednesday from the Miami Marlins for left-hander Jesus Luzardo.

“We felt like Starling was frankly the best position player that was out there on the market,” A’s general manager David Forst said before the team’s game in San Diego. “We’ve always said when the team performs and puts itself in a playoff position, it’s on us to do whatever we can to try and help them.”

The A’s, who began the day six games behind AL West leader Houston, also acquired left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin this week from the Cubs.

“We’ve added two really solid pieces to help this team over the next send two months,” Forst said.

Marte, 32, is batting .306 with an .859 OPS and 22 stolen bases in 25 attempts. The Marlins will cover nearly all of his remaining contract for 2021, and he becomes a free agent after this season.

It’s the third time in 18 months that Marte has been traded. He joins an outfield that also includes Ramon Laureano and Mark Canha.

The Marlins made the deal after they were unable to reach an agreement with Marte on a contract extension. They’re last in the NL East and expected to make more moves before the trade deadline Friday.

Luzardo is 2-4 with a 6.87 ERA in 13 games, including six starts. He was sidelined for four weeks in May after he broke the pinkie on his pitching hand when he thumped a table while playing a video game.

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The odds, as usual, are looking good for Ohio State to have another successful football season. Illinois and Northwestern? Well …

With college football just a few weeks away, oddsmakers at www.SportsBettingDime.com have released regular-season statistical over/unders for the top rushers, receivers and quarterbacks at all Power Five schools. The site has also posted over/under for wins; conference championship odds; the odds to reach their conference championship game; and current odds for any Heisman hopefuls.

The SBD oddsmakers have set the over/under win totals for Alabama and Clemson at 11.5 while Ohio State and Oklahoma are listed at 11.0. Those schools are also favored to win their respective conferences.

Illinois’ over/under for wins is 3.5. Northwestern’s is 7.0.

ILLINOIS

Over/Under Wins: 3.5

Odds to Win the Conference: +33200

Odds to play in the BIig Ten Championship game: +9500

Heisman odds for Brandon Peters: +50000

Chase Brown Over/Under Rushing Yards: 1091.5

Brian Hightower Over/Under Receiving Yards: 714.5

Brandon Peters Over/Under Passing Yards: 2,447.5

Brandon Peters Over/Under Passing TDs: 20.5

NORTHWESTERN

Over/Under Wins: 7.0

Odds to Win the Conference: +5700

Odds to play in the Big Ten Championship game: +1200

Heisman odds for Cam Porter: +80000

Cam Porter Over/Under Rushing Yards: 1,025.5

JJ Jefferson Over/Under Receiving Yards: 644.5

Ryan Hilinski Over/Under Passing Yards: 2,109.5

Ryan Hilinski Over/Under Passing TDs: 15.5

NOTRE DAME

Over/Under Wins: 8.5

Heisman odds for Kyren Williams: +12500

Kyren Williams Over/Under Rushing Yards: 1,245.5

Michael Mayer Over/Under Receiving Yards: 732.5

Jack Coan Over/Under Passing Yards: 2845.5

Jack Coan Over/Under Passing TDs: 19.5

OHIO STATE

Over/Under Wins: 11.0

Odds to Win the Conference: -135

Odds to play in the Big Ten Championship game: -260

Heisman odds for CJ Stroud: +2900

Master Teague Over/Under Rushing Yards: 1,215.5

Chris Olave Over/Under Receiving Yards: 1,179.5

CJ Stroud Over/Under Passing Yards: 3,032.5

CJ Stroud Over/Under Passing TDs: 31.5

WISCONSIN

Over/Under Wins: 8.5

Odds to Win the Conference: +700

Odds to play in the Big Ten Championship game: +120

Heisman odds for Graham Mertz: +14000

Bo Melton Over/Under Rushing Yards: 1,065.5

Jake Ferguson Over/Under Receiving Yards: 695.5

Graham Mertz Over/Under Passing Yards: 2754.5

Graham Mertz Over/Under Passing TDs: 25.5

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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The field at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium will be named for Duke Slater, the trailblazing Black football player who was an All-American tackle a century ago, played in the NFL, and became a pioneering Chicago judge.

The university’s Board of Regents approved the name Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium during its meeting in Cedar Falls on Wednesday.

Slater went to high school in Clinton and played for the Hawkeyes from 1918 to 1921. He helped the 1921 Hawkeyes finish 7-0, including a victory over Notre Dame and coach Knute Rockne.

Slater was the NFL’s first Black lineman, playing on offense and defense for 10 seasons with teams in Rock Island, Illinois, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

He earned a law degree from Iowa while playing in the NFL, later worked as a lawyer in Chicago, and became one of the city’s first Black judges.

Slater, who died in 1966 at age 67, will be inducted next month into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

The only football stadium in the Power Five conferences named for a Black player is Iowa State’s Jack Trice Stadium.

The idea of honoring Slater at Iowa’s stadium originated in the 1970s when university president Willard “Sandy” Boyd proposed naming the Hawkeyes’ stadium Kinnick-Slater, in part to honor 1939 Heisman Trophy trophy winner Nile Kinnick.

Boyd’s idea faced pushback from some fans and a committee opposed to having a joint name. As a compromise, the university named the stadium for Kinnick and a residence hall for Slater.

The university in 2019 added a bronze sculpture outside Kinnick Stadium to commemorate Slater and the 1921 team.

The push to put Slater’s name on the stadium was renewed following protests for racial justice across the nation and on campus in 2020. Supporters argued the compromise 50 years ago snubbed one of Iowa’s greatest Black athletes and scholars.

Last year’s protests also prompted several former Black players to call out the racial insensitivity they faced while playing under Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, who apologized and made several changes, including allowing kneeling during the national anthem.

A group of former Black players is suing the program and two top Ferentz assistants, including his son and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, for discrimination.

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The Blackhawks’ defensive makeover continued with the signing of defensive defenseman Jake McCabe as free agency opened Wednesday.

McCabe, 27, inked a four-year contract with sizable $4 million cap hit. The Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin product had spent his entire career until this summer with the Sabres, tallying 77 points in 353 games.

The Hawks also added depth forward Jujhar Khaira, a 26-year-old formerly of the Oilers, on a two-year contract with a $975,000 cap hit.

McCabe’s defensive results with the Sabres were generally excellent. He recorded 517 blocked shots and 522 hits during his time there, and his analytics were even more impressive.

From 2018 to 2021, he ranked fourth among regular Sabres in scoring chances allowed per minute (at even-strength), fourth in shot attempts allowed per minute and third in expected goals allowed per minute.

But McCabe’s health is a concern as he comes off major knee surgery in February, which ended his 2021 season prematurely and included a projected six-to-eight-month recovery time — meaning he could fully recover in August or could need until October.

The Hawks’ defense may look unrecognizable this coming season outside of stalwart Connor Murphy.

Nikita Zadorov (traded to the Flames earlier Wednesday), Duncan Keith (traded to the Oilers) and Adam Boqvist (traded to the Blue Jackets) are out, and the Hawks are also reportedly shopping Calvin de Haan. Coming in so far are McCabe, Seth Jones and Caleb Jones.

Khaira, meanwhile, accumulated 63 points in 258 games over the past six seasons in Edmonton, including 11 in 40 games last season. He’s a physical presence with a big body (6-4, 213 pounds) who struggles with speed but can grind on the fourth line.

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A man wanted for murder in Chicago was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon after allegedly pulling a gun on police trying to arrest him inside a restaurant in suburban Calumet City.

Losardo Lucas, 55, pointed a pistol several times at the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force before two officers opened fire, striking him multiple times, Illinois State Police said in a statement.

Lucas was shot around 3:15 p.m. in the 1600 block of Sibley Boulevard, police said. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Police taped off the Roc and Ro BBQ, where the shooting appeared to take place. Police said they recovered two guns from Lucas.

Two Chicago police officers were part of the task force, Chicago police said. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was conducting a use of force investigation.

Chicago Police Department

One officer on the task force was taken to a hospital as a precaution, state police said.

In 2019, Chicago police said Lucas was a person of interest in a fatal beating. The victim, 43-year-old James D. Gerage, was found dead in a burning car in September 2016 in Pilsen. Court records show Lucas was never charged with the murder.

Lucas was also wanted for attempted murder in Calumet City and home invasion by the Cook County sheriff’s office, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

In 1985, Lucas was convicted in a separate Chicago murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison, according to court records.

Lucas’ latest arrest was in December 2016, when he was charged in Chicago with home invasion, armed robbery and kidnapping, court records show. He was released on bond and and later issued an arrest warrant in May 2018 after skipping a court date, the records show.

The Illinois State Police and U.S. Marshals Service will also conduct their own investigations.

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

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Chicago Blackhawks: Nikita Zadorov trade is great work by Vincent Parise

The Chicago Blackhawks have been very active so far this offseason. By now, you know about Seth Jones, Marc-Andre Fleury, Tyler Johnson, and Caleb Jones. You have also heard about the subtractions, some big names like Duncan Keith and Nikita Zadorov are on the way out. Well, it seems like they are all in on making sure that their defense is better going forward. They are signing Jake McCabe to a four-year contract with a four million dollar cap hip hit.

McCabe played 16 games for the Buffalo Sabres in 2020-21 before he was hurt. He was actually pretty good for them as he had one goal and two assists for three points while playing a solid defensive game before the injury. His absence isn’t the only reason that the Buffalo Sabres fell off so hard but it was a part of it.

A four million dollar cap hit is a lot for a player like him but the Hawks are clearly committed to changing the way that they play. They were historically bad at giving up high danger scoring chances so this should help that issue out. Adding a defensive defenseman like this along with some of the other additions they have made should be great.

Is this it for the Blackhawks? It will be a while before we know for sure but they have been one of the busier teams so far this offseason. All of the trades that they have made have led to this signing might make them a much better team. They are a bubble team as of right now in a very good Central Division. About a week ago, we would have claimed that they are a bottom feeder but that is no longer the case.

The Chicago Blackhawks are having a really nice offseason so far on the ice.

Stan Bowman has been bad at his job since they won the Stanley Cup in 2015. The Tyler Johnson trade makes no sense but the work so far this offseason has been mostly good. Now, they are hoping that their big-money commitment to McCabe works out. It is an interesting decision, to say the least, but it could end up being a really good one.

The Jake McCabe deal isn’t the only one they made on Wednesday either. The Hawks also announced that they have signed winger Juhjar Khaira to a two-year deal. He is going to be a depth forward which is something they desperately need. His cap hit of 975K is going to look really nice if he has himself a nice couple of years. It has been a good first day of free agency for Chicago so far.

Related Story: The Jones brothers are going to make a major impact on Chicago

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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.

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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