What’s New

Split Single front man Jason Narducy can mold a bit of guitar distortion and a sweet melody into a lifeline. On “Bitten by the Sound,” a standout on Split Single’s new third album, Amplificado (Inside Outside), Narducy’s sheer but ironclad guitar embodies the white-hot energy of rock, which has mystified him since childhood. As a fifth grader in the early 1980s, he cofounded Evanston hardcore band Verboten, which inspired future rock icon Dave Grohl to pick up drums and provided the source material for a contemporary musical, also called Verboten; Chicago playwright Brett Neveu enlisted Narducy to write the songs for the stage show, which debuted two months before the pandemic. Narducy has been making music professionally since the early 90s, when he and Alison Chesley (aka Helen Money, who contributes to Amplificado) began the collaboration that would evolve into the alt-rock band Verbow. These days he splits his time playing bass for Bob Mould and touring with Superchunk, and he’s front and center in his own alt-rock project Split Single.

Amplificado addresses the anger, anxiety, and full-body exhaustion of the late Trump years, though alt-rock can only do so much in the face of a narcissistic despot who openly despises anyone who doesn’t claim fealty. Narducy, now 50, uses his music as a salve–on “95 Percent,” he whips up succinct riffs and triumphant melodies with the energizing effect of a shot of espresso. Drummer Jon Wurster (also of Superchunk and Bob Mould’s band) and bassist Mike Mills (of the defunct R.E.M.) mirror Narducy’s energy and intensity while leaving him plenty of room to steer the album through its twists and turns. Narducy’s clean, honeyed singing has a hint of weary grit, which lets him stir up bittersweet feelings with just an inflection–a subtle touch that infuses the borderline ballad “Satellite” with the kind of vitality that can turn ordinary people into rock lifers. v

Read More

Chicago Cubs: 3 trade packages with the Chicago White Sox by Vincent Parise

When the Chicago Bears traded for Khalil Mack back in 2018 and saw him go on to become an All Pro, fans were enjoying a hysterical honeymoon period.

Sack after sack and forced fumble after forced fumble, Mack absolutely wrecked games by himself. The numbers were pretty astounding for that season on Chicago’s defense. All around, that unit was stellar.

However, after that season, the Bears’ defense appeared to have taken a step back under Chuck Pagano. Many of the same players, yet no where near the same production — some guys faded in the background just a little bit.

Khalil Mack was one of those players, at least according to some people.

Chicago Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack has never not been an elite talent in this league.

Although Mack’s numbers were down in 2019 and 2020, his impact was still felt. His value was still sky high. But, not everybody looks beyond just the raw numbers.

CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin published his list of top 10 NFL edge rushers a few days ago, and Mack was no where to be found. The list also included interior linemen, but the fact Mack didn’t even crack the top 10 was shocking.

However, Dubin might be one of the only “experts” who believe Mack to be outside the top 10. Though that article and graphic caught people’s attention on social media, let’s not forget Pro Football Focus ranked Mack as the number one most valuable edge defender of 2020 based on wins above replacement (WAR).

Now, recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled more than 50 league executives, coaches and personnel to form his own top 10. It seems as though Mack isn’t going anywhere soon — he came in at no. 4.

Although his sack numbers have been down, Mack is still as disruptive as ever. He has had hardly any help on the opposite side over the past two seasons. Whether it’s been Robert Quinn or Leonard Floyd, Mack hasn’t had production on the other side. It’s been all on his shoulders to create pressure. Hopefully that changes in 2021, but for the sake of this argument, Mack has been just as good as he’s always been.

Some fans need to hear these types of things. Not everyone understands the impact certain players have on the game unless it shows up on the stat sheet. But remember, box scores and stat sheets don’t always tell the entire story. Just ask Tristan Wirfs.

This coming season, hopefully we get to see more of the physical evidence on paper. The fans who want to see more sacks and big plays out of Mack aren’t alone, and the Bears’ new defensive coordinator Sean Desai should be able to help manifest just that.

Trending

Bears: Justin Fields looks ripped in latest photo

Read now >>

Desai was one of Vic Fangio’s closest colleagues and his right-hand man. He knows how to get the most out of his star players. In 2021, expect to see the aggressive, menacing Mack we all first saw back in 2018. He hasn’t gone anywhere.

Read More

Two people have been killed, and five others have been wounded in shootings in Chicago since 5 p.m. Monday, including, a man who was fatally shot in a drive-by in Washington Park on the South Side.

About 10 p.m., the 26-year-old was standing outside next to a car in the 200 block of East 59th Street, when someone inside a passing vehicle fired shots at him, Chicago police said. He was struck in the chest and got in the passenger seat of a friend’s car who then began to drive him to the hospital, but stopped in the 5700 block of South Calumet Avenue. He was taken by paramedics to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A man was shot to death during an argument in Gresham on the South Side.

The 48-year-old was arguing with a person in a home about 5:20 p.m. in the 8600 block of South Aberdeen Street, police said. The person pulled out a gun and shot the man in the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He hasn’t been identified. Officers recovered a weapon at the scene.

In non-fatal shootings, a 27-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in the Englewood neighborhood. The man was driving about 10:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South May Street when someone opened fire, police said. He was struck in the head and leg before crashing into a fence. Paramedics transported him to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.

A teenage boy was wounded in a shooting in Riverdale on the Far South Side. The 15-year-old was on the front porch of a home about 9 p.m. in the 700 block of East 132nd Street when someone opened fire, police said. He suffered a graze wound on the leg and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition.

Two teenagers were shot and wounded, one critically, in Uptown on the North Side. They were walking about 8:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of North Clarendon Avenue when someone fired shots, police said. Officers said they were possibly shot by someone inside a passing black car. A 17-year-old boy was struck in the back, hip and leg. He was taken in critical condition to Weiss Hospital and later transferred to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. A girl, 16, was grazed by a bullet on the ankle and transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.

A 15-year-old boy was critically hurt in a drive-by shooting in West Woodlawn on the South Side. The teen was on the sidewalk about 5:50 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle drove by and someone from inside pulled out a gun and fired shots in the 6600 block of South Langley Avenue, police said. He was struck on the back and was transported to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

Seventeen people were killed, and at least ninety-nine others were wounded, in shootings over the long Fourth of July weekend.

Read More

A man was fatally shot Monday night in a drive-by in Washington Park on the South Side.

About 10 p.m., the 26-year-old was standing outside next to a car in the 200 block of East 59th Street, when someone inside a passing vehicle fired shots at him, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the chest and got in the passenger seat of a friend’s car who then began to drive him to the hospital, but stopped in the 5700 block of South Calumet Avenue, police said. He was taken by paramedics to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet identified him.

Area One detectives are investigating.

Read More

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Gemini.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today is confusing. You might feel distant from others in a romantic relationship or a social occasion or something to do with sports. However, confusion might be a contributing factor. Wait a few days for some more clarity. Do nothing while you are unsure.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Postpone important financial decisions today along with important purchases, especially purchases that are luxurious or expensive. Your judgment is a bit off. A decision regarding real estate, family and or a home purchase might be influenced by the wrong reasons. Play it safe and do nothing.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Mercury is in your sign and it is at odds with fuzzy Neptune, which creates wishful thinking that is also confused. Added to this, there might be a strained element in all your relationships with others. This is a tricky combo. Best to just tread water. Do nothing and coast.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today you might hold back information in order to avoid a confrontation with someone. Actually, this is a confusing day for many kinds of communications, which is why you should be careful, and, in particular, postpone important financial decisions. Agree to nothing important.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Relations with those who are closest to you are a bit strained today. You might feel lonely or cut off. But this is just a temporary feeling and it will pass. However, a conversation with someone younger or someone in a group might leave you feeling confused.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Be careful about conversations with parents, bosses, teachers and the police today because there is a lot of room for confusion or false assumptions. Therefore, don’t make important decisions. Don’t volunteer for something. Don’t believe everything you hear.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion or racial issues today because they will simply be confused communications and circular arguments that solve nothing. Meanwhile, someone older might make you feel diminished. Steer clear of this. Relax. This is a confusing day for everyone.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

It might be challenging dealing with an older family member or a parent because you feel misunderstood or cut off. Furthermore, discussions about inheritances and shared property are hazy or confusing. Too many challenges today! Therefore, just sit this one out. Keep things simple.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today you might feel lonely or cut off from others, in part because of confusing assumptions. The fact is that things are confusing today. Many people are confused about many issues. Knowing this, agree to nothing important. Take a sober look at things — and wait a day or two.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your financial situation might disappoint you today. However, something related to your job or your health is actually confusing and this might be a contributing factor. Because you are discouraged or you might not have all the facts, do nothing. Things will settle in a few days.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Relations with romantic partners, social situations, something to do with sports or even your dealings with kids are confusing today. False assumptions and even deceit are possible. This is why your closest relationships are a bit standoffish. Fortunately, this is temporary.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Don’t agree to anything important regarding family discussions or plans for home repairs today because this is a confusing day. You might not have all the facts. Or someone might tell you something that is incorrect. Meanwhile, you might be avoiding an important discussion with a parent or a boss. It’s a tough day at work.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor, director Sylvester Stallone (1946) shares your birthday. You are passionate and moody. One day friendly and outgoing, the next day private and withdrawn. Many of you are great collectors. You are independent; nevertheless, you have strong family values. This year you are in the final year of a nine-year cycle, which means you are wrapping up things. Let go of what you no longer need. Lighten up!

Read More

Two teenagers were shot and wounded, one critically, Monday night in Uptown on the North Side.

They were walking about 8:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of North Clarendon Avenue when someone fired shots, Chicago police said. Officers said they were possibly shot by someone inside a passing black car.

A 17-year-old boy was struck in the back, hip and leg, police said. He was taken in critical condition to Weiss Hospital and later transferred to Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

A girl, 16, was grazed by a bullet on the ankle and transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition, police said.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times, Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

No one is in custody as Area Three detectives investigate.

Read More

PHOENIX — Chris Paul walked up the stairs and took a seat in front of the NBA Finals logo, a climb that took him 16 years to complete.

The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks are used to enduring long waits.

They came into the NBA together in 1968 and between them have managed to win one championship. They’ve combined for only one trip to the Finals since the mid-1970s.

Now here they both are, a couple of unfamiliar contestants to finish off a most unusual season.

“Walking into here, seeing Mr. Larry on every poster,” Suns center Deandre Ayton said, referring to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, “it gave me goosebumps.”

Imagine the feeling if he’s on the first Suns team to win an NBA championship.

Game 1 is Tuesday night in Phoenix, which hasn’t hosted an NBA Finals game since Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls completed their first three-peat here in 1993. The Suns’ only other chance was in 1976, when they lost to Boston.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status remains unknown, with Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer saying he had no update on the injured superstar’s knee.

“Without him, we have to do it by committee,” Bucks guard Khris Middleton said.

It’s a whole new setting for the 36-year-old Paul, who acknowledged one of the differences. Home teams usually practice at their training facility, but the workout on the eve of the NBA Finals is in the arena.

“It’s still basketball,” the point guard said. “I think we’re all locked in to the goal at hand.”

Milwaukee won a championship in 1971, so long ago that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was still known as Lew Alcindor when he and Oscar Robertson were perhaps the top tandem in the league. The Bucks had drafted Alcindor with the No. 1 pick in 1969 after winning a coin flip against the Suns.

The Bucks got back in 1974 but haven’t been seen in the finals since.

They have been closing in over the last few years. Milwaukee had the best record in the NBA in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 and was two games away from the NBA Finals in that first season. They came back better after acquiring guard Jrue Holiday before this season.

“To get these four wins is going to be difficult but really excited for it,” Holiday said.

The Suns had been going nowhere, not even making the playoffs since 2010. They were 19-63 just two seasons ago, tying for the second-worst record in the league.

But an undefeated run in their eight restart games in the Walt Disney World bubble last summer sent them into this season with momentum, and they entered it with a new leader when they acquired Paul from Oklahoma City.

Besides Paul’s All-Star play, the Suns needed the right veteran to bring out the best in young stars Devin Booker and Ayton. Phoenix finished with the second-best record in the league, knocked out the defending champion Lakers in the first round, swept MVP Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets and then shook off the absence of Paul for two games to beat the Clippers in the Western Conference finals.

Paul was out for coronavirus health and safety protocols, which every team had to work around this season. Numerous stars also dealt with injuries and the Bucks are hoping Antetokounmpo can overcome his.

The two-time MVP missed Games 5 and 6 of the East finals after hyperextending his left knee when he leaped to defend a lob in Game 4, but Middleton and Holiday led the Bucks past Atlanta in both games.

“I think guys have done a great job of adjusting with him out, with him not out there in two of the most important games of our season,” Middleton said.

Some things to know about the series:

GIANNIS UPDATE

Budenholzer didn’t give many details on Antetokounmpo, beyond saying he was getting better.

“He did court work, so he’s making progress and we’re pleased he’s making progress,” Budenholzer said.

SEASON SERIES

The Suns won a pair of games that were as close as can be. Their 125-124 home victory on Feb. 10 came when Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 47 points but missed a jumper at the buzzer, and they pulled out a 128-127 victory in Milwaukee on April 19 when Booker knocked down a free throw with 0.3 seconds remaining in overtime.

FLYING INTO THE FINALS

The Bucks haven’t been behind since Game 4 of the East finals, never trailing in either of the last two games. Nine of the 12 wins in the postseason for the NBA’s highest-scoring team have come by double digits.

CROWDER’S CHANCE

With both franchises being absent so long, the Suns’ Jae Crowder is the only player on either side with NBA Finals experience. He played for the Miami Heat when they lost last year to the Lakers.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity, but I’m looking for a different outcome than I had last time honestly,” the forward said. “That’s all fine that I’ve been here before, but I haven’t won anything.”

FOES TO FRIENDS

Booker will often be matched up against Holiday or Middleton, and after the series ends they will all get on a plane together. All three are set to play in the Olympics for the U.S. team, which will start practicing without them this week before heading to Tokyo.

Read More

A 27-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting Monday night in the Englewood neighborhood.

The man was driving about 10:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of South May Street when someone opened fire, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the head and leg before crashing into a fence, police said.

Paramedics transported him to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.

No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate.

Read More

MINNEAPOLIS — The White Sox lost to the last-place Twins, and maybe much worse, lost catcher Yasmani Grandal with a strained left calf Monday.

Grandal, who had missed the last two and a half games with tightness in his left calf but returned Monday, spun out of the batter’s box after checking his swing in the sixth inning. He hobbled away and went down, lying face down on the grass for several moments before getting up and being helped off the field. Grandal did not put any weight on his left foot and was on crutches after the game.

“You saw his reaction,” manager Toy La Russa said. “Everyone is really concerned about him. He was playing outstanding All-Star type baseball. It’s really uncertain what the diagnosis is going to be.”

Catcher Seby Zavala was en route to Minneapolis from Triple-A Charlotte. Going to the IL seemed probably with five games left before the All-Star break. Zavala is a better option than Yermin Mercedes, La Russa said, because Mercedes needs more game-calling experience.

Grandal left the game against the Tigers Friday after his calf tightened up when he ran down a foul ball near the screen. Monday’s game, an 8-5 loss, was his first game back. La Russa wasn’t sure yet how the two incidents were related.

Dylan Cease (7-4, 4.14 ERA) struck out eight but gave up six hits — including a two-run homer to Max Kepler — over 5 ¹/₃ innings and left trailing 6-1 in the sixth. Jose Abreu hit his team-high 15th homer against lefty Caleb Thielbar in the sixth, and Leury Garcia (single) and Yoan Moncada (triple) each drove in two runs in a four-run seventh cutting the lead to 6-5.

Moncada, with no outs, went on contact and was thrown out trying to score on a ground ball to third baseman Luis Arraez. The contact play was not on, he said.

“I just didn’t read the ground ball,” he said through translator Billy Russo.

Kepler hit his second homer in the eighth against Ryan Burr — the first run against the right-hander in 12 games — Miguel Sano doubled and Andrelton Simmons’ squeeze bunted Sano home to give the Twins their eighth run.

The first-place Sox are 1-3 on a nine-game road trip. And minus one of their best players, the latest in a rash of injuries this season.

“We all know what he can do,” Cease said. “We’re not going to dwell on what we don’t have. Just focus on what we do have and hope he gets back as soon as possible.

Rodon’s road to All-Star Game

Carlos Rodon called the honor of being named an All-Star for the first time “special.”

“I’ve been through a lot,” said the former No. 3 overall draft choice who has bounced back from multiple surgeries to have his best season, by far. “Quite a few people who have helped along the way. I could not have done it without my family’s support, my wife, my teammates.”

This and that

La Russa said outfielder Adam Engel will come off the injured list Tuesday or Wednesday. Third baseman Jake Burger, who popped out as a pinch hitter, seems a likely candidate to be returned to Triple-A Charlotte where he would play every day.

*Moncada returned to the lineup after missing the Tigers series with a bruised right hand.

Read More

A teenage boy was wounded in a shooting Monday night in Riverdale on the Far South Side.

The 15-year-old was on the front porch of a home about 9 p.m. in the 700 block of East 132nd Street when someone opened fire, Chicago police said.

He suffered a graze wound on the leg and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition, police said.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

Hours earlier, another 15-year-old boy was critically hurt in a drive-by shooting in Woodlawn, police said. He was on the sidewalk about 5:50 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle drove by and someone from inside pulled out a gun and fired shots in the 6600 block of South Langley Avenue.

Read More