1 killed, 14 wounded — including 16-year-old — in shootings in Chicago TuesdaySun-Times Wireon July 28, 2021 at 11:30 am

At least 15 people were shot, one fatally, in gun violence across Chicago Tuesday.

The fatal attack occurred in Lawndale on the West Side. Around 9:20 p.m., a man was standing in the 1400 block of South Lawndale Avenue when someone got out of a blue sedan and opened fire, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the lower back and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t yet been identified.

Other attacks:

Three people were wounded in two shootings minutes apart in Back of the Yards on the South Side. Two women, 18 and 34, were shot around 1:45 a.m. in the 5300 block of South Wallace, Chicago police said. They were standing outside when a red car approached and someone inside opened fire, police said. The 34-year-old woman was shot in the abdomen and the 18-year-old in her arm, police said. Around five minutes later, a man was shot less than a mile away in the 900 block of West 54th Street, according to police. The man, 34, was walking to a friend’s house when someone opened fire from a black SUV, police said. The man was shot in his arm, police said. All three victims were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where they were stabilized, police said.
A woman was shot in East Chatham on the Far South Side. The woman, 22, was outside around 2:40 a.m. in the 900 block of East 82nd Street when she was shot in the torso, police said. The victim went to the University of Chicago Medical Center and was listed in critical condition, police said.
Two people were hurt, including a 16-year-old boy, in a shooting in Austin on the West Side. Just after 7 p.m., the teen and a 42-year-old man were standing in the 1700 block of North Mango Street when someone shot them, police said. The teen suffered a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and was transported to Stroger Hospital where his condition was stabilized, police said. The man was struck in the right leg and taken to West Suburban Hospital in good condition, police said.

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

One person was killed and 14 others — including a 16-year-old — were wounded in shootings in Chicago Monday.

1 killed, 14 wounded — including 16-year-old — in shootings in Chicago TuesdaySun-Times Wireon July 28, 2021 at 11:30 am Read More »

Chicago Blackhawks: Tyler Johnson trade makes no sense at allVincent Pariseon July 28, 2021 at 11:00 am

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 03: Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning warms up during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at Amalie Arena on June 03, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) — TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 03: Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning warms up during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at Amalie Arena on June 03, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks made a very interesting trade on Tuesday night. In fact, you can claim it was a terrible trade on the part of Stan Bowman because it was. They acquired Tyler Johnson and a 2023 second-round pick in exchange for the rights to Brent Seabrook who is retired. It is a trade that makes absolutely no sense on the side of the Blackhawks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning gave up a 2023 second to free up Tyler Johnson’s cap hit of 5 million dollars. All they had to do was take on Brent Seabrook who they will just stash on long-term injured reserve. It won’t hit their cap at all. That is the Blackhawks bailing out the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.

The reason the trade makes no sense is that the Blackhawks could have just put Seabrook on the LTIR themselves without taking on Johnson’s cap hit for the next three seasons. Getting a second-round pick is not even close to being worth that. Johnson isn’t a bad player but he isn’t worth that hefty contract.

If you are expecting the same Tyler Johnson that played against the Blackhawks in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, you are going to be very disappointed. He had 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 55 games. At this point in his career, he is a bottom-six forward which is not worthy of five million dollars a season against the salary cap.

Two-time Stanley Cup champion forward Tyler Johnson is a Blackhawk!!

We also acquired a 2023 2nd round pick in the deal, in exchange for the rights to Brent Seabrook. pic.twitter.com/hOHML1ayRy

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 28, 2021

The Chicago Blackhawks are the latest team to bail out the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning will now be able to extend their star center Brayden Point sometime soon now if they make another move or two. They are going to be very good once again next season and the Blackhawks just helped make sure of that. There are probably going to be some teams in the Atlantic Division that are annoyed that the Blackhawks did this.

You also have to wonder if this means that more moves are coming. Dylan Strome is a potential trade candidate which makes even more sense now that they have Johnson. With Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach ahead of him on the depth chart, it isn’t a bad group of centers but it is way too expensive. They already made some interesting moves when it comes to their qualifying offers so we have to wait and see what is next.

This move solidifies the Hawks as one of the more active teams so far this offseason. With free agency looming later today, it is going to be fun to see if they make any more moves or if they remain quiet. The salary cap is no longer as free as it was before the start of the 2021 NHL Draft. Hopefully, it leads to bigger and better things but this move wasn’t the best.

Chicago Blackhawks: Tyler Johnson trade makes no sense at allVincent Pariseon July 28, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

Lines, depth hold keys to WIU moving up in Missouri Valley standingson July 28, 2021 at 11:35 am

Prairie State Pigskin

Lines, depth hold keys to WIU moving up in Missouri Valley standings

Lines, depth hold keys to WIU moving up in Missouri Valley standingson July 28, 2021 at 11:35 am Read More »

Man shot and wounded following altercation in AustinMohammad Samraon July 28, 2021 at 7:35 am

A man was shot and wounded early Wednesday morning on the Northwest Side.

The victim, 39, was shot multiple times in the upper body following a verbal altercation with another man around 1:05 a.m. in the 5400 block of West Lake Street, Chicago police said.

The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was listed in critical condition, according to police.

The suspect fled in a black SUV and was not in custody, police said. Area Four detectives are investigating.

Three days earlier, five men were gathered in the backyard of a home about 12:30 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Race Avenue when a male suspect entered and opened fire, police said.

The men, 23, 30, 36, 48 and 50, suffered gunshot wounds to the lower body, police said. They were transported to Stroger and Mt. Sinai hospitals, where they were stabilized.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

Man shot and wounded following altercation in AustinMohammad Samraon July 28, 2021 at 7:35 am Read More »

Horoscope for Wednesday, July 28, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 28, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

As of today, your popularity for the rest of the year will grow. Enjoy friendships and increased involvement in clubs, groups and organizations. Remember that your interactions with others will be mutually beneficial. A win-win!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Jupiter moves to the top of your chart to stay for the rest of the year. This will boost your professional reputation and your good name with your peers! For the next four months, you can expect increased recognition and admiration for your efforts.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Beginning today, your desire to travel and expand your horizons will increase for the rest of year. (Oh yeah, you want to get outta Dodge!) Others will use this same influence to get further studies, take a course or go back to school. It also favors publishing, the media, medicine and the law.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Lucky you! Beginning today a beneficial influence will affect one of your Money Houses for the rest of the year. This means it will be easier to get loans and mortgages. Likewise, you might inherit or receive gifts, goodies and favors from others. Ka-ching!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Jupiter moves opposite your sign to stay for the rest of the year. This influence occurs once every 12 years and blesses all partnerships. You can expect that all your relationships will be mutually beneficial, which means this is not the time to go it alone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Starting today and for the rest of the year, you will have increased chances to improve your job or get a better job. Likewise, you will be able to improve your health. Many of you will also experience increased joy with a pet. (Woof!)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Good news! Today Jupiter has entered Aquarius, your fellow Air Sign, to stay for the rest of year. This means life will be much easier for you! Furthermore, it will be playful and full of many opportunities to socialize and enjoy sports and fun activities with kids. Yay me!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Starting today, everything to do with home and your relations with family members will improve for the rest of year. Yay! Family members will be more generous to each other. Likewise, you will renovate, redecorate or relocate to improve your digs.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Optimism and physical activity are survival issues for you. This is why you’ll be glad to know that beginning today, and for the rest of the year, your optimism will increase! Oh yes, you will enjoy the power of positive thinking. Your plans for the future will be larger and more expansive!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Good news! Starting today, for the rest of the year, opportunities to boost your income and get richer will increase. This means you might earn more money or make more money on the side or acquire assets because something will make you feel richer.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Lucky Jupiter slips back into your sign where it will stay for the rest of year, increasing your chances for people and resources to be drawn to you. Your life will be more fortunate for the rest of this year! (Grab every opportunity to learn.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Today Jupiter leaves your sign and slips back into Aquarius, where it will stay for the rest of the year. This will open up spiritual and religious dimensions of your life and allow you to learn more about yourself more easily. A gift from the universe!

If Your Birthday Is Today

U.S. first lady, socialite Jacqueline Kennedy (1929-1994) shares your birthday. You are free-spirited, independent and dynamic. (Sometimes melodramatic.) You stand out in a crowd. You need to be your own boss. This year, you are building something important, either literally or figuratively by introducing more structure into your life. Physical exercise is important this year. It’s time for you to build solid foundations for yourself.

Horoscope for Wednesday, July 28, 2021Georgia Nicolson July 28, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »

Man killed in Lawndale shootingSun-Times Wireon July 28, 2021 at 4:46 am

A 40-year-old man was killed in a shooting Tuesday night in Lawndale on the West Side.

The man was standing outside about 9:20 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Lawndale Avenue when a male exited a blue sedan and opened fire, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the lower backside and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

No one was in custody.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

Man killed in Lawndale shootingSun-Times Wireon July 28, 2021 at 4:46 am Read More »

4 Things To Look Out For At The 2021 Bears Training CampDrew Krieson July 28, 2021 at 3:56 am

Today marks the start of the 2021 Bears training camp for the upcoming season. From today, July 28 all the way to August 30, the Chicago Bears are set to see some football action! It’s certainly been a long and painful wait after the team traded up to select quarterback Justin Fields in this year’s draft.

But out of all the fandoms in the NFL, it’s safe to say that Bears fans are some of the most patient out there. Can anyone really blame us though? We haven’t had a long-standing, competent franchise quarterback in forever. And this past year as we’ve mostly stayed at home, the Bears drafted a play-caller with the potential to lead this franchise into the next decade. We’ve sat, we’ve waited, and now, we’re here to talk some Chicago football and what to keep your eye out for at the 2021 Bears Training Camp.

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David Montgomery’s Progress

Third-year running back David Montgomery is certain to be a focal point for the Bears offense in training camp as well as the season. That’s not speculation either, as Matt Nagy set the bar at 20 carriers a game in a recent interview. 20 touches per game would be extremely impactful if he can pull it off. Through his first two years as a pro, Montgomery has posted an average YPC of 4.0. He’s definitely elusive and talented enough to continue that trend. Given that he’s only 24 years young, he should have no problem keeping up with that many carries each week. The return of Tarik Cohen and addition of Damien Williams will only help him further. Two competent guys in the backfield that serve as the perfect compliment to Montgomery’s play style could make for a dangerous Chicago Bears offense. That is, if the offensive line can hold up.

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How The O-Line Looks

Offensive line struggles and quarterback woes go hand-in-hand for the Bears franchise. Fortunately, Nagy and Pace set the tone in the second round of the draft when they selected OL Tevin Jenkins from Oklahoma State. The kid is a 6-foot 6-inch, 320 pound tank of a football player that apparently can’t wait to put the pads on and start some contact drills. He won’t get that many opportunities at training camp, but he will in the regular season. Jenkins and the rest of the offensive line can and should be a focal point at the 2021 Bears training camp until we see some real improvements when it counts. Oh, and speaking of players looking to make improvements.

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The Development of 2nd Year Players

Second year starters Cole Kmet and Darnell Mooney are another pair to watch at training camp. Both players showed some promise at last year’s limited practice sessions, but it didn’t necessarily translate right away in games. Kmet was virtually non-existent until week 10. Mooney however made a big splash right away as a pass catcher for the Bears. If he and Kmet only reach their expected potential that comes with year two it could mean trouble. And it won’t even matter who’s slinging the ball down the field.

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Chicago’s Quarterback Situation

We’ve all heard the soundbites from Nagy on their plans for the development of rookie quarterback Justin Fields. They’ll string Fields along behind Andy Dalton while he gets his feet under him. Throughout the offseason, Matt Nagy made it crystal clear that Fields would not start in week 1. Until now that is. When asked the question again at a recent press conference, Nagy admitted that things can change between now and the first week of the regular season. It’s an interesting comment given how adamant he was that Fields wouldn’t be able to show him anything to change his mindset. But now his tone has changed, and as the 2021 Bears training camp rolls on, it’ll be an interesting situation to watch.

4 Things To Look Out For At The 2021 Bears Training CampDrew Krieson July 28, 2021 at 3:56 am Read More »

Blackhawks trade retired Brent Seabrook’s contract to Lightning for Tyler Johnson, pickBen Popeon July 28, 2021 at 3:15 am

The Blackhawks traded the retired Brent Seabrook’s contract to the Lightning late Tuesday in exchange for forward Tyler Johnson and a 2023 second-round draft pick.

It was their second trade of Tuesday alone in which they acquired a useful NHL player for essentially no trade cost, after doing the same with retirement-contemplating goalie Marc-Andre Fleury earlier in the day.

It also continued a hyperactive July for general manager Stan Bowman, who has also traded Duncan Keith and acquired Seth Jones in the past two weeks alone.

Johnson, a 30-year-old center, has seen his production decline in recent seasons, down from a career-high 72 points in 2014-15 and an impressive 47 points as recently as 2018-19 to 22 points (in 55 games) last season. But the Hawks will be able to offer him more playing time than the stacked Lightning could.

“Johnson adds a large amount of skill and depth to our offense,” Bowman said in a statement. “His versatility across the lineup, two-way play and championship experience throughout his career make our lineup stronger.”

The impact of the trade on the Hawks’ rapidly evolving salary cap situation is tougher to evaluate, though.

Johnson’s $5 million cap hit for the next three years is technically cheaper than Seabrook’s $6.875 million cap hit for the next two, but Seabrook will spend those two years on long-term injured reserve whereas Johnson is an active player.

Seabrook medically retired in March due to a variety of health issues, and Bowman thanked him again Tuesday for his “cooperation in this process.”

If Fleury actually does report to Chicago next season, the Hawks have now added $12.7 million in active 2021-22 cap hits to their books in the past two weeks (factoring in the Jones brothers’ additions and Keith’s subtraction).

They can still create more flexibility by moving Andrew Shaw’s $3.9 million hit to LTIR, but the financial situation looks a lot tighter now than it did at season’s end — a reality potentially reflected in the Hawks’ peculiar decision not to qualify young Pius Suter on Monday.

Blackhawks trade retired Brent Seabrook’s contract to Lightning for Tyler Johnson, pickBen Popeon July 28, 2021 at 3:15 am Read More »

Eloy Jimenez powers White Sox to victory with first homer of seasonDaryl Van Schouwenon July 28, 2021 at 2:50 am

KANSAS CITY, Mo . — The Royals walked Jose Abreu intentionally to pitch to Eloy Jimenez.

It wasn’t a good choice.

With Adam Engel on third base as the tying run and Abreu on first, Jimenez launched a hanging 0-1 slider from right-hander Kyle Zimmer in the eighth inning Tuesday for his first home run, giving the White Sox a 5-3 victory against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

It was an interesting, choose-your-poison strategy and Jimemez seemed to acknowledge Royals manager Mike Matheny’s decision as he watched his 459-feet to left-center. It was Jimenez’s second hit of the night following his 0-for-4 season debut Monday.

“I was ready for that moment because I know Jose is a RBI machine,” Jimenez said, “so they don’t want to pitch to him. Because they think I was off time [playing only my second game after coming back from a pectoral muscle tear]. But I was ready for that.”

Reynaldo Lopez pitched a scoreless seventh for his first win, Michael Kopech struck out the first three batters in the Royals lineup in a perfect eighth and Liam Hendriks pitched a perfect ninth to even the Sox’ four-game series with their division foes.

Jimenez, who said he was too excited his first game back Monday when he went 0-for-4 as a designated hitter, was more under control. He also made a shoestring catch in left field and threw a runner out at home. He’ll DH again Wednesday as manager Tony La Russa looks to protect his legs.

“First of all Eloy was the defensive star of the game. He played Gold Glove stuff out there, with a Gold Glove throw,” La Russa said. “And that was a legitimate home run.”

Citing Abreu’s 75 RBI and acknowledging Jimenez’s rust, La Russa said he would have done the same thing as Matheny did — walk Abreu.

Jimenez provided a needed jolt to a Sox lineup that had scored only eight runs over their previous five games. The Sox had lost four of those.

It was the latest in a list of moments the Sox have packaged together in an eventful season.

“You look at this team, guys are winning and having so much fun,” Engel said. “It’s a characteristic of this team and I think it’s because we’ve been on the bottom and we know what it’s like to stink. Now that we are playing good baseball, it’s a lot of fun. I wouldn’t want to go back through the [rebuilding] years and re-live that. But now that we’re on this side of it, it’s like man, this is so much better than being the worst team in the league.”

Dylan Cease pitched six solid innings, allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits while walking one and striking out six. The walk, to Jorge Soler leading off the second, was converted into a run on Hunter Dozier’s sacrifice fly, which preceded right fielder Andrew Vaughn’s drop of Michael Taylor’s slicing liner in the Royals’ two-run second. Andrew Benintendi doubled and scored on Ryan O’Hearn’s single in the fourth.

Royals right-hander Brad Keller, who entered with a 5.84 ERA, held the Sox to four hits over seven innings, one of them Gavin Sheets’ sixth homer for the visitors’ only run against him.

Cease strung three scoreless innings before being pulled after six innings and 89 pitches, perhaps as manager Tony La Russa monitors his workload. Cease, whose career high is 141 ¹/₃ innings between the Sox and the minor leagues in 2019, is at 108 ²/₃ innings.

“I’ve never had a full year in the show yet so it’s hard for me to say [what my limit would be],” Cease said. “I want to throw as many innings as I can.”

Jimenez will hit as many homers as he can, but this one was special for more reasons than one.

On a postgame Zoom call, Jimenez gave a message to 12-year-old Brady Nelson, who is fighting pediatric brain cancer.

“That was for you,” Jimenez said.

Eloy Jimenez powers White Sox to victory with first homer of seasonDaryl Van Schouwenon July 28, 2021 at 2:50 am Read More »