We finally have had a couple of days to sit back and slowly evaluate what went on between the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Most people probably went into the weekend expecting a big Raiders win but the Bears actually pulled off a nice upset by a final score of 20-9. It […] Chicago Bears: 1 player was dominant in win over Vegas Raiders – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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Twelve people were wounded in shootings Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

A 14-year-old girl and a security guard were shot and seriously wounded when a gunman standing outside a Bronzeville high school started shooting as the guard was opening a door to let students out.

Twelve people were shot Tuesday in Chicago, including a 15-year-old boy who was wounded in a drive-by in Gage Park on the Southwest Side.

About 11:10 p.m., he was riding a bicycle in the 5300 block of South Albany Avenue, when someone inside a dark-colored sedan fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the chest and left arm, and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he is in critical condition.

Hours prior, a man was shot and critically wounded in a drive-by in Marquette Park on the South Side. The 50-year-old was entering his vehicle about 8:40 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Troy Street when he was shot in the chest and torso, police said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was in critical condition.

A 17-year-old was shot and critically wounded in South Shore on the Far South Side. The teen was walking down the street about 7:35 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Phillips Avenue when he was shot in the chest, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was in critical condition.

A 14-year-old girl and a security guard were seriously wounded when a gunman standing outside a Bronzeville high school started shooting as the guard was opening a door to let students out. The girl and the 45-year-old man were shot around 3:20 p.m. outside Wendell Phillips Academy High School in the 3800 block of South Giles, according to a statement from police. The girl was shot three times in the abdomen and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition. The man, shot at least six times, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.

A man was shot and critically wounded Tuesday morning in West Rogers Park on the North Side. The 38-year-old was outside about 8:40 a.m. in the 6500 block of North Washtenaw Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the head, police said. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was in critical condition. The alleged attacker was taken into custody.

In the day’s first reported shooting, a person was found shot in East Garfield Park on the West Side. The person was discovered in the 300 block of North Hamlin Avenue, with gunshot wounds to his chest and leg, about 2:40 a.m., police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

Five others were wounded in shootings across Chicago.

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Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Capricorn into Aquarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is an excellent day to study. It’s also a fine day to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine, the law and higher education. However, be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Get your data, then wait until the alert is over to act.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a good money day for you, especially for getting money back from the government or a bank. However, do not sign important papers or do transactions during the moon alert. Discussions about shared expenses will go well.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is a solid day for an important discussion with partners and close friends because all parties will be practical and fair-minded. Nevertheless, don’t agree to anything important or volunteer for anything during the moon alert.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a good day to discuss how to do things at work. You might mend broken fences with coworkers or mediate between people with problems because you see a balance between structure and practicality. However, check with the moon alert and make your important decisions afterwards.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is an excellent day for creative projects and artists who draw, sculpt, paint, do music — whatever. This is also an excellent day to teach children. However, postpone important decisions until after the moon alert is over. Romantic partners will benefit from practical discussions.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Because you are concerned about appearances and beauty, and at the same time, you have a practical outlook on things, this is an excellent day to make choices about redecorating projects at home. However, don’t shop or make an important decision until the moon alert is over.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a strong day for writers and anyone who communicates for a living because you will be charming and diplomatic, and at the same time, you will see practical applications for your ideas. Nevertheless, agree to nothing important until the moon alert is over today.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Do not shop during the moon alert today. Later, if shopping, you will be successful in buying practical, long-lasting items. Discussions about the earnings, salary and investigating possible jobs will be worthwhile today. (But wait until moon alert is over!)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today you are enjoying a lovely balance between beauty and the enjoyment of your surroundings and a practical appreciation of how things work in your world. If you talk to authority figures, these discussions will be successful. However, agree to nothing important until after the moon alert.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you today because you are happy to escape the busyness of your world, especially because you are so high visibility now. People notice you and they admire you! Nevertheless, keep a low profile today.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You might talk to someone artistic and creative today about practical things. Hopefully, they might have good advice for you. They might tell you how to make something look or function better. Or possibly, you are the one offering them advice? Either way discussions will benefit you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

People admire you today, especially bosses, parents and people in authority. They see you as attractive, cooperative and at the same time, they also see you as reliable, honest and capable. Bonus! Maybe you can take this to the bank? Nevertheless, check moon alert!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen (1971) shares your birthday. You have a strong, optimistic energy that is coupled with an original, impulsive streak. You think outside the box. You have fresh, new ideas that are modern and, often, unconventional. This year is the beginning of a new cycle for you, which is why it will be full of adventure and wonderful possibilities. Be courageous and open any door!

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A 15-year-old boy was shot Oct. 12, 2021, in Gage Park. | Adobe Stock Photo

About 11:10 p.m., he was riding a bicycle in the 5300 block of South Albany Avenue, when someone inside a dark-colored sedan fired shots.

A 15-year-old boy was wounded in a drive-by Tuesday night in Gage Park on the Southwest Side.

About 11:10 p.m., he was riding a bicycle in the 5300 block of South Albany Avenue, when someone inside a dark-colored sedan fired shots, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the chest and left arm, and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he is in critical condition, police said.

Area One detectives are investigating.

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White Sox fan Sharon Bresnahan said her late sister, Sheryl, who died of a brain aneurysm in 2006, will be at the game in spirit. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

As the season ended after a brutal loss Tuesday, fans said it felt good to have something to root for during a difficult year.

Sharon Bresnahan took a minute Tuesday afternoon before Game 4 of the American League Division Series to admire the stone outside Guaranteed Rate Field she and her twin sister bought after the 2005 World Series.

Before every game she attends she taps the stone that reads, in part, “Thx 05 White Sox Sharon & Sheryl.”

Bresnahan said her late sister, Sheryl, who died of a brain aneurysm in 2006, would be at the game in spirit.

“We’ve been lifelong White Sox fans, I brought her with me,” said Bresnahan, who pulled a photo of her twin out of her red purse.

Bresnahan was hoping for a win, but the Astros beat the Sox 10-1.

Bresnahan and other White Sox fans experienced a mix of emotions after their beloved team was eliminated from the postseason.

They were heartbroken, of course. But they also were happy to experience October baseball on the South Side — something that hasn’t happened in more than a decade. And they’re hopeful for what’s to come.

“Our future is really bright so I’m really excited,” Bresnahan said.

It wasn’t quite the ideal “taking in a ballgame” conditions as Tuesday afternoon — with overcast skies and chillier temperatures — but that didn’t deter White Sox fans from flocking by the thousands to Armour Square for the early afternoon game to cheer on their team.

Many took off work or skipped school to be at or near Guaranteed Rate Field, including Christian Pera, 28. He and a colleague had to take a conference call from the tailgate.

“They said, ‘Maybe you guys should get off and we’ll talk later,'” said Pera, who works in real estate.

Many hoped Guaranteed Rate Field would be as electric as it was Sunday night when the Sox came back and beat the Astros 12-6. The parking lots, where people were tailgating before the game, were certainly setting the tone for another exhilarating crowd. Inside the crowd was deafening at times, particularly after Gavin Sheets gave the Sox a 1-0 lead on a home run to dead center field.

But when the Sox fell far behind, some fans started trickling out of the ballpark by the sixth inning.

“Very disappointing,” one fan muttered to another.

Some puffed cigars and cigarettes to take the edge off the disappointing outcome as a chorus of groans from those inside the park roared.

One fan, David S., who didn’t want to give his full name, had planned to attend Game 4 Monday, but the postponement due to weather ruined that plan as he couldn’t get off work in time to get to the 1 p.m. start Tuesday.

Still, he biked to Guaranteed Rate Field since he wanted to experience the atmosphere of being surrounded by so many fellow fans.

By the time he arrived, though, things were grim. “It’s looking like a funeral now,” said David, of Gage Park.

He preferred to look at the bright side of things, however.

The Sox, he said, “brought a lot of great joy to me from what happened last year to now this and that, it brings me pride to my city and where I’m from, the part of town I’m from. I’ve loved it.

“With all the stuff we’re going through, the crime and the pandemic … it feels good to have something to root for. I’m a proud South Sider, born and raised here.”

Other fans shared that pride.

Sydney Warner, 23, said the “Sox bring everybody together, so it was good to get everybody together [to experience] that energy again.” Warner, who was born in Chicago but now lives in Michigan, said she was “shaking with excitement” throughout the game.

Jeremy Roberson, 25, was excited to be at his first Sox’ playoff game — but he had hoped for a better outcome.

“I enjoyed it for as much as I can but in the end you want to see your team win,” said Roberson, who wants the Sox to make some improvements this offseason.

“It could’ve been worse, but it could’ve been better. I’m somewhere in the middle right now, I’m frustrated.”

As for what’s next?

“I’m going downtown and I’m going to find something to drink,” Roberson said.

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Cecily Strong is in her 10th season on “Saturday Night Live.” | NBC

The former Chicago improviser takes on the multiple roles of Tomlin’s comedy ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.’

Cecily Strong, who was a child actress and then an improviser in Chicago before finding fame on “Saturday Night Live,” is set to make her New York stage debut this winter.

The off-Broadway theater The Shed announced Tuesday that Strong will star in a new production of Jane Wagner’s “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.” The show’s multiple comic roles first were played by Wagner’s longtime partner, Lily Tomlin, when it debuted in 1977.

A film version came out in 1991.

Strong is no stranger to quick character changes, having inhabited an array of people real and imagined during her long run — nine seasons and counting — on “SNL.” The two-time Emmy nominee has made several appearances as Cathy Anne, Michael Che’s opinionated neighbor, and Gemma, the British arm-candy of various dirtbag boyfriends.

Her roster of impersonations includes Judge Jeanine Pirro, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and Melania Trump.

“The Search” is scheduled to run Dec. 21-Feb. 6. “SNL” typically is on hiatus during most but not all of that period.

Before being hired on “SNL,” Strong was a regular at Chicago’s iO Theatre and an understudy at Second City. She grew up in Oak Park.

Two projects close to her heart were released last summer: her book “This Will All Be Over Soon” and the Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon!,” on which she was a lead actor as well as a producer.

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Police investigate after a teen was shot Tuesday night on the Far South Side. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

The teen was walking down the street about 7:35 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Phillips Avenue when he was shot in the chest, police said.

A 17-year-old was shot and critically wounded Tuesday night in South Shore on the Far South Side.

The teen was walking down the street about 7:35 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Phillips Avenue when he was shot in the chest, Chicago police said.

He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was in critical condition, a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson said.

No one was in custody.

A basketball hoop could be seen in the middle of the alley where the scene was.

Hours earlier, a 14-year-old student and security guard were shot outside Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Bronzeville.

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Liam Hendriks of the White Sox hides his face in a towel as the Houston Astros defeat the Sox 10-1 to win Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 12, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Astros won the American League Division Series 3-1 and will advance to the American League Championship Series. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty

The Astros outscored the Sox by 19 runs in their three ALDS victories.

Ten runs ruled.

For the White Sox, a team that talked about the World Series in spring training, entertained fans with a talented roster during the regular season and cruised to its first division title in 13 years, getting trounced 10-1 by the Astros on Tuesday in Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Guaranteed Rate Field was a stunning way to bow out of the postseason.

Jose Altuve scored four runs, stole a base and hit a three-run home run against closer Liam Hendriks to rub the Sox’ noses in it in the ninth inning. Carlos Correa knocked starter Carlos Rodon out of the game with a two-run double on an 0-2 fastball with two outs in the third after Rodon had juiced up the crowd by touching 99 mph and pitching out of trouble in the first.

Fans who left a lasting memory Sunday by creating an electric atmosphere in a memorable 12-6 victory in Game 3 — the Sox’ only triumph of the series — had nothing to get noisy about after rookie designated hitter Gavin Sheets’ homer in the second produced the only run for the home team.

The Sox, who were bounced from the playoffs early for the second consecutive season, were outscored by five, five and nine runs in their three losses in the series.

”We accomplished the first goal, but we are disappointed to get one win and not two more, so bittersweet,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said after his first season since coming out of retirement came to an angry end.

La Russa was more bitter than anything, railing against the Astros for reliever Kendall Graveman ”intentionally” throwing at Sox slugger Jose Abreu in the eighth. It was an accusation Astros manager Dusty Baker denied.

It ”left a bitter taste in my mouth, my gut,” La Russa said.

Perhaps it was a way of masking the bitter taste of seeing his team get outplayed in all phases — pitching, hitting and defense — in the series.

”More than anything else, two-out hits [were the difference in the series],” La Russa lamented.

More than anything, the Sox’ starting pitching — their backbone all season — made a big difference by failing. They didn’t get a single good start from Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease and Rodon. Sox starters led the AL in ERA during the regular season but gave up 14 runs in 12 1/3 innings to the Astros for a 10.22 ERA.

”These guys can pitch, but we can hit,” Altuve said.

The Astros, a slight favorite going into the series, advanced to the AL Championship Series for the fifth consecutive season.

”We don’t get tired of these moments,” Correa said. ”They’re special, and we perform our best when October comes.”

The Sox had one good moment: Game 3. Besides that, it was three stinkers.

After digging themselves a 5-1 hole, they caught a break when Astros ace Lance McCullers left the game after four innings with soreness in his right forearm. But they did nothing with the Astros’ bullpen. Five relievers held the Sox to two hits.

”It’s a learning experience for all of us, but we got a big taste of what it’s like to play at home in the playoffs, and I don’t think anybody is going to forget today and Sunday night,” Sheets said. ”Just what it was like — the crowd, the black-out, the support. That burns a fire, and that makes you want to do it again and with a different outcome.

”Last year, we got to the wild card. This year, we won the division. We’re going to keep growing, and going into the offseason we’re all going to be talking about that atmosphere and wanting to play in front of that again. That’s going to be the goal from Day 1 when we step into spring training.”

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