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Ask someone if they deserve to be loved and you’ll be astonished at the numbers who say, “Nah, not me.”on April 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Cheating Death

Ask someone if they deserve to be loved and you’ll be astonished at the numbers who say, “Nah, not me.”

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Ask someone if they deserve to be loved and you’ll be astonished at the numbers who say, “Nah, not me.”on April 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Real Estate Market Was On Fire In Marchon April 8, 2021 at 2:41 pm

Getting Real

Chicago Real Estate Market Was On Fire In March

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Chicago Real Estate Market Was On Fire In Marchon April 8, 2021 at 2:41 pm Read More »

SIU lands game with Top 20-ranked opponent in bid to keep playoff fires burningon April 8, 2021 at 1:12 pm

Prairie State Pigskin

SIU lands game with Top 20-ranked opponent in bid to keep playoff fires burning

©2021 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team

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SIU lands game with Top 20-ranked opponent in bid to keep playoff fires burningon April 8, 2021 at 1:12 pm Read More »

Keepin It 100 – The Bears Are On The Clock with Special Guests Matt Waldman and CB Tay GowanNick Bon April 8, 2021 at 2:43 pm

Join Draft Dr. Phil and Shayne “The Smartest Man” as they talk rookies and options for the Bears with the creator of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio, Matt Waldman! NFL Draft prospect UCF Football’s CB Tay Gowan stops by the show to talk about his path to the draft in a deep dive you won’t want to miss.

The post Keepin It 100 – The Bears Are On The Clock with Special Guests Matt Waldman and CB Tay Gowan first appeared on CHI CITY SPORTS l Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Fans – Rumors.Read More

Keepin It 100 – The Bears Are On The Clock with Special Guests Matt Waldman and CB Tay GowanNick Bon April 8, 2021 at 2:43 pm Read More »

This week in history: Martin Luther King Jr. assassinatedon April 8, 2021 at 2:00 pm

As published in the Chicago Daily News. sister publication of the Chicago Sun-Times:

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.”

The day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke those poignant words, an assassin fatally shot him on April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of his Memphis motel.

King’s death shocked the nation, and the Chicago Daily News snapped into action to honor him.

Illinois poet laureate Gwendolyn Brooks wrote a eulogy for King specially for the Daily News. Her words graced the front page of the paper on April 5.

“A man went forth with gifts./ He was a prose poem./ He was a tragic grace./ He was a warm music,” she wrote.

Another front-page short published that day described how residents in Chicago’s Black neighborhoods mourned together by turning on their car headlights on Friday night. The brief offered few details, but it was “apparently meant to symbolize a funeral procession for Dr. King.” The gesture spread to other neighborhoods across the city.

The Daily News also sent reporter Robert Gruenberg down to Memphis to cover the fallout. While he was there, Gruenberg took a tour of the nearby flophouse where the sniper took his shot at King.

“By standing in the bathtub of the second-floor bathroom, the assassin would have had a clear view of the motel balcony on which Dr. King was standing when he was shot,” Gruenberg wrote.

The reporter described the 16-room flophouse as “something out of a bad old movie. Inside the common bathroom, he observed just one exposed lightbulb and a dirty towel “draped around the pipe.” The linoleum floor looked worn-out.

Gruenberg even scored an interview with landlady Bessie Brewer, who told him the assassin “gave the name ‘John Willard’ and spoke with a Southern accent.”

Brewer said she originally showed the assassin to a $10-a-week room, but he told her “I just want a sleeping room.” Instead, she led him to a “ramshackled $8.50-a-week room in another wing that was near Dr. King’s motel.” He took it without looking inside, Brewer told Gruenberg.

The room, the reporter said, “contains dirty, broken furniture and has smoke-stained walls. The door is broken and a piece of wire is used for a door handle.”

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Oak Park police officer, driver wounded in shootout during traffic stopon April 8, 2021 at 1:59 pm

A driver opened fire during a traffic stop Thursday morning, wounding an Oak Park police officer before being shot in return.

They were both hospitalized with serious injuries but were expected to survive, according to Oak Park spokesman David Powers.

The shooting started after the Oak Park officer showed up to assist Forest Park police with a traffic stop about 7 a.m. on Harlem Avenue over Interstate 290, Powers said in an email.

Preliminary information showed the driver of the vehicle exited and began firing, Powers said. The Oak Park officer returned fire and shot the driver, he said.

The officer and driver were taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Powers said.

State police closed interstate ramps at that location as authorities investigated the shooting.

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Oak Park police officer, driver wounded in shootout during traffic stopon April 8, 2021 at 1:59 pm Read More »

WNBA unveils three uniform editions for upcoming season: Heroine, Explorer and Rebelon April 8, 2021 at 2:51 pm

The WNBA unveiled new uniforms for the upcoming 25th season, and fans on social media immediately began discussing how they would style the eye grabbing jerseys.

The WNBA’s three uniform editions, Heroine Edition, Explorer Edition and Rebel Edition, for each of the 12 teams in the league feature numbers on the front of the jersey, smaller ads and fresh new designs, of course.

The league released a video of Sky guard Diamond DeShields unveiling Chicago’s new threads.

“These are going to look crazy on the court,” DeShields said.

Each edition of the jersey has its own unique story behind the design and style. The Sky’s Rebel Edition, which plays into the team’s signature sky blue color, signifies women of Chicago breaking through glass ceilings and pushing beyond boundaries. It’s meant to send a message to Chicagoans, specifically women, that nothing can stop a team of women from this city.

Nike has partnered with the WNBA on uniforms since 2018, but there was a need for more to be done, the company said in a statement.

“The basketball uniform is an important representation of the brand of WNBA players and teams and a point of pride for fans,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “In partnership with Nike, unveiling new and exciting adaptations of the WNBA uniforms is a dynamic way to build on the foundation of the league’s first 25 years.”

Each game jersey is numbered 1/144 to honor the 144 athletes in the league. There were also changes made to the shorts, providing more room in the thighs and glutes. The game jerseys were also adjusted slightly to add more room across the chest and three necklines: a round-neck, a V-neck and the wishbone neckline exclusive to the WNBA.

Magellan and the University of Chicago Medicine are still the Sky’s jersey sponsors. Their logos can be seen on the jersey’s top right shoulder and beneath the player’s number.

On April 14, all fans can purchase all 12 teams’ Rebel Edition and Explorer Edition jerseys on Nike.com and at select team stores, Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

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WNBA unveils three uniform editions for upcoming season: Heroine, Explorer and Rebelon April 8, 2021 at 2:51 pm Read More »

Lee Elder again makes history at the Masterson April 8, 2021 at 2:23 pm

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The applause started when Lee Elder’s golf cart began moving toward the first tee. It only got louder when he arrived and slowly made his way to his seat.

And moments later, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said words 46 years in the making.

“Lee, it is my privilege to say, you have the honors,” Ridley said.

That prompted the first roar of the 2021 Masters Tournament.

Elder — the first Black man to play the Masters — rose from his chair, hoisted his driver skyward for a moment, then nodded, smiled and waved in appreciation of the hundreds of people who crowded around the first tee to see history happen. He joined Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as an honorary starter for the Masters on Thursday morning, the first time he had been part of the ceremony.

“For me and my family, I think it was one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever witnessed or been involved in,” Elder said.

Player and Nicklaus each took a swing, as is tradition, knocking drives onto the first fairway. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Player’s first Masters win, the first by an international player, and the 35th anniversary of Nicklaus’ sixth and final victory.

Elder did not tee off, though just as was the case in 1975, his presence simply was the much bigger story. He became the 10th past player to be part of the honorary starter ceremony, and fittingly, the first Black man to join that list.

“I think that having Lee there was the right thing to do, a nice thing to do,” Nicklaus said.

Augusta National — mindful of the ongoing national conversation about racial injustice — announced last year that it would honor Elder with two scholarships in his name at Paine College, a historically Black institution. The scholarships will go to one men’s player and one women’s player. Augusta National’s move led to the creation of a women’s golf team at the school, with the club footing the bill for those startup costs.

Player has long been familiar with Elder’s story and, at times, his struggles. He invited Elder to play in South Africa, Player’s homeland, in 1969.

“It’s quite sad to think that in those days, with the segregation policy that South Africa had, that I had to go to my President and get permission for Lee Elder to come and play in our PGA,” Player said. “Quite sad.”

They made it happen, and Elder’s story kept evolving from there. He became the first Black man to play for the U.S. in the Ryder Cup in 1979, and doors slowly — very slowly — kept opening within the game. Augusta National made Ron Townsend its first Black member in 1990, seven years before a skinny kid named Tiger Woods won the first of his five Masters titles.

Elder — who grew up in Dallas and got into the game as a caddie, not a player, since that essentially was the only avenue Black people had into the game at that time — blazed the trail. He was back at Augusta National for Woods’ first win in 1997. The first Black man to play the Masters was simply not going to miss seeing the first Black man winning the tournament.

“It always amazed me that presidents of the United States would be giving these different awards to athletes for their athletic prowess, and here was a man that changed the lives and changed and put a spoke in the wheel of segregation in South Africa and was never given the awards that he actually duly deserved,” Player said.

The Masters sought to fix one of those award omissions this year, bringing Elder back for the honorary start. Past Masters champions Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, both in their green jackets, made sure that they were there for the ceremony, standing on the back of the tee box. So was Cameron Champ, one of four players of Black heritage on the PGA Tour.

“It’s a great honor, and I cherish it very much, and I will always cherish it,” Elder said.

Added Nicklaus: “It was long overdue.”

Elder knew Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier. He was close with Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats throughout his career, particularly as he approached what was Babe Ruth’s home run record. Aaron broke that record April 8, 1974; 12 days later, Elder won what was then called the Monsanto Open to qualify for the following year’s Masters.

Elder sat in Aaron’s office with the Home Run King a few months ago, shortly before Aaron’s death, sharing memories.

“We talked about several things … our sports, our particular sport, and the involvement that we felt that we could help other young Blacks that was coming up behind us,” Elder said. “And I certainly hope that the things that I have done have inspired a lot of young Black players and they will continue on with it.”

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Showcase Your Talent at Grapes and Grains Open Mic Nights Beginning April 8thon April 8, 2021 at 1:58 pm

Located in the heart of West Loop, Grapes and Grains takes you back to old school Chicago with exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, chesterfield couches, and intimate lighting. This local gem was built by hand and features a custom-built wine wall cabinet and bar. It’s home to a vintage baby grand piano located in the center of the room and guests can expect live music on select evenings and themed events throughout the weekdays. And if you’re looking to showcase your singing talents, join Grapes and Grains TODAY for an Open Mic Night, or if you’re just looking for another great date night idea in Chicago

858 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

On Thursday, April 8th, Grapes and Grains is encouraging all local singers to showcase their talents with an open mic night. To continue the joy of performing live again, singers are encouraged to invite their friends and family. Diners can also indulge in bites such as Beef Carpaccio, Charcuterie and Cheese Boards, Saganaki, and more. Grapes and Grains also offers a variety of house crafted cocktails including the “PS I Love You” which includes brown butter cognac, pumpkin spice syrup, citrus, topped with egg white. 

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The Open Mic night will take place Thursday, April 8 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. IF YOU ARE A SINGER and if you share your music selections in advance, Grapes and Grains will provide a piano player. All inquiries will require a short audition video. After being approved, singers can book a 30-minute time-slot and have their time to shine. Additionally, Grapes and Grains is happy to offer reserved seating for up to 6 members of the performers’ friends and family.

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To apply, send an introduction email and short audition video to [email protected] for the team to review.  

Featured Image Credit: G&G Facebook

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Showcase Your Talent at Grapes and Grains Open Mic Nights Beginning April 8thon April 8, 2021 at 1:58 pm Read More »

Man faces gun charge in road rage shooting that critically wounded toddler on Lake Shore DriveJermaine Nolenon April 8, 2021 at 1:03 pm

Chicago police investigate in the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive at East Monroe Street, where a 2-year-old boy was shot in the head while he was traveling inside a car near Grant Park, Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Police investigate after a child was shot April 6, 2021, at Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive near Grant Park.  | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times

Jushawn Brown, of Englewood, is due in bond court Thursday.

A Englewood man faces a felony gun charge in connection with a road rage shooting on Lake Shore Drive Tuesday that left a toddler critically wounded, according to Chicago police.

Jushawn Brown, 43, was in the car with the 1-year-old and pulled out a gun, firing shots at another vehicle, police said. He was arrested in the 200 block of East Huron Street, where Northwestern Memorial Hospital is located.

Police have not announced an arrest of the person who shot the toddler.

The shooting apparently followed a dispute over one car not letting another car into a lane of traffic about 11 a.m. Tuesday on northbound Lake Shore Drive just south of Soldier Field, police have said.

Both cars continued north and shooting began on Lake Shore Drive just west of the Shedd Aquarium. Bullet casings were recovered over a two-block stretch as the cars proceeded north, police said.

Kayden Swann, a 21-month-old boy who was in Brown’s vehicle as shots were fired, was struck in the temple and suffered a severe brain injury, said Dr. Marcelo Malakooti, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Lurie Children’s Hospital. The boy was placed in a medically induced coma to protect his brain and is on a ventilator.

Brown is due in bond court Thursday on a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

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Man faces gun charge in road rage shooting that critically wounded toddler on Lake Shore DriveJermaine Nolenon April 8, 2021 at 1:03 pm Read More »