Two people were hurt in a shooting Sunday on Interstate 94 on the Far South Side.

The incident happened about 2:15 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-94 at 120th Street, according to Illinois State Police.

A female driver and her female passenger were hospitalized with injuries not considered life-threatening, state police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if both suffered gunshot wounds.

All northbound lanes were closed until 6:15 a.m. for an investigation.

Illinois State Police are investigating.

2 hurt after shots fired on I-94on April 18, 2021 at 1:35 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2021: 5 underrated first-round targetsRyan Heckmanon April 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm

As the Chicago Bears get set for the 2021 NFL Draft, fans have to remember that absolutely anything is possible. Going into the 2017 NFL Draft, general manager Ryan Pace tried to fool us all into thinking Mike Glennon was his starting quarterback before moving up to select Mitchell Trubisky at no. 2 overall. This […]

Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2021: 5 underrated first-round targets – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2021: 5 underrated first-round targetsRyan Heckmanon April 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Dominant Boston College line developed undrafted Mike Hardman into Blackhawks signingBen Popeon April 18, 2021 at 11:30 am

Mike Hardman scored 44 points in 58 games over two seasons at Boston College. | Courtesy of Alastair Ingram/Boston College Athletics

Hardman, a physical wing who signed with the Hawks on March 31, entered Boston College as an overlooked recruit. But his success on a line with first-rounders — and close friends — Alex Newhook and Matthew Boldy helped elevate his profile.

Most hockey coaches stir their lines as often as their team chefs stir the spaghetti dinners.

But in January 2020, when Boston College coach Jerry York saw the chemistry three of his freshman forwards — Matthew Boldy, Alex Newhook and Mike Hardman — had together, he made them a permanent line.

“They all complemented each other,” York said. “All three brought something different to the table.”

Hardman wasn’t as decorated as his teammates. Boldy and Newhook were highly touted recruits and first-round picks in the 2019 NHL Draft. Boldy went 12th to the Wild and Newhook 16th to the Avalanche.

Hardman, who signed with the Blackhawks last month, was never drafted, already two years out of high school and generally “not considered [to be] in that group,” York said. But the Boston-area native quickly proved he deserved to be.

“The biggest thing for us three is we were really close on and off the ice,” Hardman said. “ ‘Bolds’ and ‘Newy’ were two of my best friends. I talked to them on a day-to-day basis. When we got on a line together, I got a lot more confidence through my freshman year.”

In 2019-20, Newhook led BC with 42 points in 34 games, but Hardman nearly matched Boldy by unexpectedly breaking out for 25 points, sixth on the team.

With Newhook missing a large chunk of the 2020-21 season, Hardman rose to third on the team in scoring, tallying 19 points in 24 games.

“They knew I had a shoot-first mentality, and both of them are really good passers,” Hardman said. “Being able to play with them and learn from each other what to do [was great].”

After the Eagles’ season ended March 28, Newhook and Boldy signed with their rights-holding teams. Hardman, approached by numerous NHL suitors as an undrafted free agent, also decided to forego his final two years of college eligibility to sign with the Hawks.

The 6-2, 205-pound winger has been practicing with the Hawks since April 7 and is expected to make at least a few appearances during the final games of the regular season.

“Chicago was one of the first teams I talked to,” he said. “It was the perfect fit, looking at the [depth chart] picture and opportunity here.”

“Being an unrestricted free agent, he had some real power over which organization he’d go to,” York said. “The Blackhawks said, ‘Come right to our big-league club and stay with us.’ ”

For Hardman to make it to the NHL is an accomplishment in itself. A late bloomer, he wouldn’t have even been ranked as one of the top-50 players in Massachusetts as a high school senior, York said.

He didn’t go directly to college after graduating high school, either, spending one season with Des Moines of the USHL and another season with West Kelowna of the BCHL — a second-tier Canadian junior league — before returning to Boston.

“For him to do what he’s done, achieve what he has, it’s remarkable,” York said. “He was a third-line, second-line player in high school, and he just got better and better. He almost willed himself to be a player.”

He has immensely improved his skating — long considered his biggest weakness — in recent years, devoting many hours to edgework and first-three-strides explosiveness.

Hardman safely projects as a bottom-six grinder who can provide physicality and a decent shot at the pro level, even if he’s unlikely to grow into more than that. The Hawks consider that type of player underrepresented among their current forward prospect corps.

And once the NHL divisions revert back to normal, Hardman, Newhook and Boldy will find -themselves all rivals in the Central Division.

“[I want to] just have fun with it all,” Hardman said. “The biggest thing for me is I get to go to the rink every day and try to get better at it. That’s my job.”

Dominant Boston College line developed undrafted Mike Hardman into Blackhawks signingBen Popeon April 18, 2021 at 11:30 am Read More »

Three Chicago Cubs who’ll be gone by All-Star breakon April 18, 2021 at 11:00 am

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(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs are a team that, for the most part, struggles to hit. They aren’t a team that looks locked and loaded to go on a deep run here in 2021. They look more like a team that will bottom out and starts selling pieces before the trade deadline. There are plenty of players that might be considered by other teams that the Cubs can try and move. There are three players that stick out as players that are “likely gone” by the All-Star break.

Kris Bryant

3B/OF, Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs should sell high on Kris Bryant before the All-Star break.

Kris Bryant has had a very good career up to this point. Outside of a few tough seasons, he has really been an all-star caliber player. Year after year, he is considered one of the best players on the Chicago Cubs roster. He can play both third base and outfield which makes him an incredibly useful player to a team looking to win the World Series.

Bryant would bring any team looking to take the next step a lot of different experiences. He has won the MVP, a World Series, and has had a lot of individual success statistically. Someone might pay a premium for a player like that via trade.

Bryant is one of Chicago’s big three that are on expiring contracts. Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez are all in danger of being gone after 2021 as well but Bryant feels the least likely to stay via extension. If they moved him before the all-star break (or at least before the trade deadline), they would probably get something good for him, especially if he continues to hit well.

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Three Chicago Cubs who’ll be gone by All-Star breakon April 18, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

2 children among 4 hurt in Lake Shore Drive crashSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 9:57 am

Four people were hurt in a crash April 17, 2021, on Lake Shore Drive. | Adobe Stock Photo

Four people were hospitalized, including a 1-year-old and 3-year-old child, following a crash in the 3300 block of South Lake Shore Drive.

Four people were hurt, including a 1-year-old and 3-year-old child, in a three-car accident that happened late Saturday on Lake Shore Drive near 33rd Street.

About 11:55 p.m., a Mazda SUV traveling south in the 3300 block of South Lake Shore Drive struck a Cadillac sedan which hit a Ford sedan, Chicago police said.

Two children, 1 and 3, who were traveling in the Ford were transported to Comers Children’s Hospital, Chicago fire officials said. One child was listed in fair to serious condition and the other in serious to critical condition, fire officials said.

After the initial collision, two adults were standing near the Cadillac exchanging information when they were struck by the Mazda, police said.

The two adults were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, one in fair to serious condition and the other in serious to critical condition, fire officials said.

The driver of the Ford was issued a citation for not having a driver’s license, police said. No other citations were issued.

2 children among 4 hurt in Lake Shore Drive crashSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 9:57 am Read More »

Teen girl hurt in Heart of Chicago shootingSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 8:53 am

A 17-year-old girl was shot April 18, 2021 in Heart of Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

The 17-year-old girl was riding in a vehicle in the 1700 block of West Cermak Road when two men exited a black vehicle and fired shots, Chicago police said.

A 17-year-old girl was wounded in a shooting early Sunday in Heart of Chicago on the Lower West Side.

The girl was riding in a vehicle about 12:50 a.m. in the 1700 block of West Cermak Road when two men exited a black vehicle and fired shots, Chicago police said.

She was struck in the head and driven to Mt. Sinai Hospital where she was listed in fair condition, police said.

The girl was sitting in the back seat of the vehicle and it was unknown if she was the intended target, police said.

Area Four detectives are investigating the shooting.

Teen girl hurt in Heart of Chicago shootingSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 8:53 am Read More »

Man charged with murder in West Pullman shootingSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 7:39 am

Semaj Dixon was charged April 17, 2021 with fatally shooting a man in West Pullman. | Adobe Stock Photo

Semaj Dixon, 28, was identified as one of the men who allegedly shot and killed Eugene Broach in the 12000 block of South Lowe Avenue.

A man faces murder charges in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this month in West Pullman on the Far South Side.

Semaj Dixon, 28, was identified as one of the men who allegedly shot and killed Eugene Broach on April 5, Chicago police said.

Broach was running south in the 12000 block of South Lowe Avenue as two men fired shots, striking him multiple times in the body, police said.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office said Broach died at the hospital less than an hour after he was shot.

Dixon was scheduled to appear in bond court Saturday.

Man charged with murder in West Pullman shootingSun-Times Wireon April 18, 2021 at 7:39 am Read More »

Horoscope for Sunday, April 18, 2021on April 18, 2021 at 5:01 am

Moon Alert

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You might be tired of the way things are at home. You want to find ways to change your circumstances to create a bit of excitement. Who knows? This might result in a home improvement? (At least, it will be entertaining.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You might meet a new and exciting friend. You might spontaneously take a short trip. You certainly will learn something new that you didn’t know before. Basically, you want a change of scenery and some stimulation!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Because you want an entertaining diversion, you might go shopping. If you can’t shop in person, then you can shop online? Or you might think of new ways of earning money or making money on the side? This is your restless mind at work.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today the moon is in your sign dancing with unpredictable Uranus. This makes you want to stir things up a bit. Or possibly, if you’re not conscious of this desire in yourself, you might attract someone else who shakes you up. (Oops!) You’re getting tired of the same old, same old.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Today you feel caught between boredom and a desire for some excitement. You’re not quite sure what to do. You can either stay in bed or run away and join the circus. Very likely, you will shake up people around you so that things are more entertaining. (Be nice.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a new and exciting person. This is exactly what you want. You want to be entertained by someone unusual. However, you might be just as entertained if you encounter an old friend who appears out of nowhere in an unusual way. (Who knew?)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Tread carefully because a parent, boss or someone in authority might say or do something that catches you off guard. It will surprise you. Although less likely, this could happen in reverse. You might do something that surprises an authority figure in your life. (Be even more careful.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You want to see something new and different. You need to travel if possible because you want to get outta Dodge. If you can’t travel, at least you want to meet interesting people and learn something fascinating. Actually, these things are possible.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Keep an eye on your banking details and anything to do with shared property, inheritances, mortgages and insurance issues because something unexpected might affect your wealth. When it comes to money, it pays to pay attention.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You might attract someone to you who actually startles you or shakes you up in some way. They will create an exciting diversion in your life, which is what you need. Let’s face it, you do have a desire for new experiences. (Be careful what you wish for.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Something to do with your health or with a pet might surprise you. You did not expect this. Or perhaps, you will seek entertaining diversions through your pet or even something to do with your job because you want to shake things up. No bores allowed.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Parents should know that this is a mildly accident-prone day for their kids, which means they must be vigilant. Meanwhile, you don’t want to be bored today. You want to do something fun and exciting! Perhaps attend a sports event or something to do with the arts — or fun times with friends? One can only hope.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress America Ferrera (1984) shares your birthday. You are smart, keen and likable. Even though you are assertive, you are also sensitive and helpful to others if they need you. You are super creative; but above all, you like to relax and enjoy life. Work to downsize and streamline your life this year. Let go of what you no longer need. Do yourself this favor and lighten your load.

Horoscope for Sunday, April 18, 2021on April 18, 2021 at 5:01 am Read More »