Cubs Trying to Make Things Interesting with Sports Book Projecton August 10, 2021 at 1:19 pm

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Cubs Trying to Make Things Interesting with Sports Book Project

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This city wants to convert all street lights to LED lights by 2022on August 10, 2021 at 1:29 pm

The Patriotic Dissenter

This city wants to convert all street lights to LED lights by 2022

This city wants to convert all street lights to LED lights by 2022on August 10, 2021 at 1:29 pm Read More »

Lollapalooza 2021 Artist Spotlight: The Backseat LoversKeegan Goudieon August 6, 2021 at 10:32 pm

It’s as if the world of artists were all faced with the same conundrum at the start of the pandemic. Keanu Reeves’ character in the original Matrix faced a similar one. During COVID—creatives could really go one of two ways. The “red and blue pill” is symbolic of the choice between accepting or rejecting a life-changing truth. The blue represents staying in denial, and the red means accepting the truth. If you can think of a better metaphor, email me. The Backseat Lovers are an example of musicians that definitely took the red pill.

They used extended solitude for inspiration. Instead of focusing on what others are doing wrong, they spent the time focusing on what they could do better. Again, just a metaphor.

“In terms of new music, it was a very inspiring time.” Josh, the long-haired lead vocalist, and guitarist told me. “We were working on music several times a week…dialed in on a second album that we’ve been writing.”

From Heber City and Sandy, UT—the band started when Josh introduced himself to drummer Juice Welch. Josh later met Jonas in line at an open mic night at the Velour, a music venue in Provo, a place that SPIN Magazine fittingly calls one of the “best-kept secrets in Utah.”

The band began recording together and added bass guitarists KJ Ward along the way. They also began taking writing retreats during COVID, but they said the shift really took place two years ago when the four of them began living together.

“I think when we started,” Josh reflected. “It was really natural, and it still is most of the time—but after we were living together and working on songs to the degree that we do, everyone’s more emotionally involved.” Josh isn’t kidding either. He explained the band’s writing chemistry is just that, writing together.

“Basically every single song we write is a co-write to some degree,” he explained. “I think that has definitely changed the entire sound in a lot of ways.”

During their loud, powerful afternoon set on Saturday—the four youngsters rocked the T-Mobile Stage—introducing hordes of new fans to undeniable tracks like “Just a Boy,” “Kirby Girl,” and “Maple Syrup.” Give them a listen below. It was the type of afternoon show where you could see the high schoolers walking by and whispering, “oh my gosh who’s that?!”

Whether or not they’ll be back to Lollapalooza isn’t clear. But if you want to see them live in a city near you—you better act fast.

The band currently has 21 sold-out stops on their tour (and counting).

Photo courtesy of Instagram

For UrbanMatter Chicago’s continued Lolla 2021 coverage, check out our other artist spotlight now.

Lollapalooza 2021 Artist Spotlight: The Backseat LoversKeegan Goudieon August 6, 2021 at 10:32 pm Read More »

Chicago White Sox: 2 key pillars are officially back in the lineupVincent Pariseon August 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 25: Luis Robert #88 of the Chicago White Sox is greeted by Eloy Jimenez #74 after scoring against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 25, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 25: Luis Robert #88 of the Chicago White Sox is greeted by Eloy Jimenez #74 after scoring against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 25, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

The Chicago White Sox had some serious momentum going into Minnesota after sweeping away the Chicago Cubs over the weekend. Things went well for them in that series and they wanted to see that continue against the Minnesota Twins this week. Of course, things will always be easier when you have a fully healthy lineup and the White Sox are just about there.

For most of this season, the White Sox have been without Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert. Others have been on the injured list from time to time but none have been as severe or impactful as these two issues.

Eloy Jimenez has already been back for about a week’s worth of games and has now started to get really hot. In this win over the Minnesota Twins, he had two home runs to help them to an 11-1 victory. He is clearly one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball and they are in good hands now that he is back.

Well, in this game against the Twins, Luis Robert made his return to the club as well. He didn’t really miss a beat either as he went 2-5 with an RBI. Before his injury, he was really starting to get hot and now his batting average is up to .320. He has the potential to be just as impactful of a hitter as Jimenez. It is a major boost to this offense to have him back as well.

The Chicago White Sox has a lot invested in Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert.

These two players are going to be key pillars for a long time. If they ever do reach that goal of winning the World Series, they are going to be a big part of it. Pitching has carried this team for the entire season but getting these two back should balance things out a lot. They have needed their offense to get better all season long and now they will.

The White Sox are now 67-46. That is good enough for a 10.5 game lead in the American League Central division. They have done that with a minimal amount of home runs so getting two big home run hitters back is huge.

In their first game of 2021 playing in the same lineup, they showed just how impactful they can be. These two also haven’t even scratched the surface of their potential which should be scary for opposing pitchers around the league.

Of course, Yasmani Grandal is still a few days away. When he returns, the White Sox will officially be back to full strength as they go down the stretch. As long as they can stay healthy and continue to get good pitching, they should be considered really World Series contenders. Getting back Eloy and Luis is great and this is just the beginning.

Chicago White Sox: 2 key pillars are officially back in the lineupVincent Pariseon August 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears: 3 players to trade for cornerback C.J. HendersonRyan Heckmanon August 10, 2021 at 12:30 pm

Chicago Bears (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)

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Chicago Bears (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

This year, the Chicago Bears took a big gamble in their cornerback room when they released former All Pro Kyle Fuller. Bears fans were not happy to see him go, especially because he was immediately signed by former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his Denver Broncos.

The Bears then brought in veteran Desmond Trufant, who should assume the starting role next to Jaylon Johnson. However, Kindle Vildor is making a nice push to try and snag the job from Trufant.

Still, the Bears’ cornerback room is not set. It’s not necessarily a strength of the team right now, and they should still monitor players who may be available via trade or cut later this month.

One particular player the Bears could target in the coming days is last year’s first-round pick C.J. Henderson of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If C.J. Henderson is indeed available via trade, the Chicago Bears should take a swing.

For some reason, a recent report has the Jaguars potentially moving on from Henderson in a trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted that things are good between Henderson and Jacksonville, but that they also love their cornerback room and would be willing to part with him.

A surprise: Multiple team execs believe #Jaguars corner C.J. Henderson — the ninth overall pick in 2020 — is available via trade. Jacksonville has given impression in some league circles that it’s shopping Henderson, a high-pedigree player one year into rookie deal.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 8, 2021

Henderson was decent as a rookie, but his play was fairly inconsistent as evidenced by his 57.9 Pro Football Focus grade over the 2020 season.

Only playing in eight games as a rookie due to a groin injury, Henderson came up with 36 tackles, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble.

Coming out of Florida last year, Henderson was known as a solid man cornerback who possessed pro traits and looked ready for the NFL. If the Bears made a move for Henderson, he very well would come in as the starter.

The Bears could absolutely deal the Jaguars a package worthy of Henderson. The following three players might make sense along with a pick in order to land the former first-round pick.

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Chicago Bears: 3 players to trade for cornerback C.J. HendersonRyan Heckmanon August 10, 2021 at 12:30 pm Read More »

Chicago Bulls: Dotson, Dosunmu could complicate guard rotationAnish Puligillaon August 10, 2021 at 11:00 am

An emerging storyline from the Chicago Bulls summer league opener has to do with the play of Devon Dotson who put up 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.

With Coby White sidelined for another four months (at least) as he recovers from shoulder surgery, there is an opportunity for the Chicago Bulls’ young guards to find a significant role on the bench behind Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine. If his play in the summer league keeps up, Devon Dotson could push Coby White and rookie Ayo Dosunmu for minutes in the Chicago Bulls guard rotation.

Devon Dotson was a consensus second-team All American in 2020 who went undrafted in last year’s draft and spent all of last season quietly developing on the bench and on the Bull’s G-league affiliate.

In the summer league opener, Dotson’s experience showed. He had a clear command of the offense and genuinely surprised me. Between the offseason acquisitions and the drafting of Ayo, I figured Dotson might get lost in the fold but his play in the summer league could change things, especially if he can prove he’s a more reliable rotation piece than Dosunmu or White.

Regarding Ayo, I thought he had a good debut despite the box score showing the contrary. I liked how he moved around the court, his rebounding, and his general aggressiveness when he had the ball.

However, he is not guaranteed a significant role in the rotation because this Bulls team is extremely deep at the guard spot – especially if Dotson continues to consistently play at this level. With continued improvement and consistent play, Ayo Dosunmu and Devon Dotson could eliminate Coby White’s spot on the team during his absence early on this season.

The Chicago Bulls have three young, promising guards in Dosunmu, White, and Dotson.

It’s no secret that Arturas Karnisovas is on a mission to eliminate everything remotely resembling the GarPax regime not named Zach LaVine. Coby White’s name was rumored to be linked in trades going back to last season’s trade deadline. My guess is the lack of reliable scoring options and weaker guard depth on the Bulls stopped Karnisovas from making a deal involving White.

This is where Ayo and Dotson could potentially spell trouble for White if they both continue developing throughout this summer and the first third of the season while Coby rehabs from surgery.

Coby White’s biggest issue so far into his young career is defense and taking care of the basketball. If Dosunmu and Dotson show Karnisovas that they are defensive competitors who won’t turn the basketball over, it could lead him to strike a deal for White midseason. Furthermore, Coby White has shown he can score points in bunches and given his age, definitely has trade value.

If Dotson and Dosunmu play well, it would not surprise me if the Bulls do in fact trade White this upcoming season – perhaps even for a heavily protected first-round pick. Though, I must reiterate that the operative word here is “if.” Devon Dotson and Ayo Dosunmu have to continue to play well this summer and into the season for this scenario to become a reality because otherwise, there is really no reason to trade White.

Regardless of how the futures of the Chicago Bulls’ three young guards pans out, Devon Dotson’s development in year two has potentially created yet another storyline to keep track of throughout the remainder of the Bulls’ summer league play.

Chicago Bulls: Dotson, Dosunmu could complicate guard rotationAnish Puligillaon August 10, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

A night of oldies really are the goodieson August 10, 2021 at 11:00 am

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A night of oldies really are the goodies

A night of oldies really are the goodieson August 10, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

1 killed, 14 shot, Monday across ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 10, 2021 at 9:58 am

One person was killed, and fourteen others were wounded, in shootings throughout Chicago, including a man who was shot to death and another was wounded in a laundromat Monday in West Garfield Park.

One man, 35 to 40 years old, was found with a gunshot wound to the head about 3:30 p.m. in the 4200 block of West Madison Street, Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He hasn’t been identified. The other, 69, was struck in the arm and self-transported to Stroger Hospital in good condition.

In non-fatal shootings, a 15-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in Armour Square on the South Side. The teen boy was on the sidewalk about 3:50 p.m. in the 200 block of West Pershing Road when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone from inside fired shots, police said. He was struck in the both legs and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was stabilized.

Three teenage boys and a man were hurt in a shooting in the Near North Side. They were on the street about 3:30 p.m. when four people got out of a vehicle with guns and opened fire in the 1300 block of North Hudson Avenue, police said. The suspects then got back inside the vehicle and fled the scene. Two boys, 16, were shot in the leg and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition. A 14-year-old struck in the foot and transported in good condition to Laurie Children’s Hospital. The man, 63, suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was stabilized. At the scene, over 20 shell casings were scattered across the street and sidewalk. Crime tape blocked off a portion of Hudson Avenue, with officers concentrated around an entrance to the Marshall Fields Garden apartments.

A man was shot and seriously wounded in a home in Fernwood on the Far South Side. The man, 24, was shot several times around 4:30 a.m. in the 10100 block of South Yale Avenue, police said. He was hit in the face, back, neck and arms and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was listed in serious condition.

Seven others were wounded in shootings citywide.

In just 10 hours, from Saturday night through early Sunday morning, 41 people were shot and five were killed in Chicago.

1 killed, 14 shot, Monday across ChicagoSun-Times Wireon August 10, 2021 at 9:58 am Read More »

‘Coda’: The conflict is unique, but the dynamic is universal in smart teen dramaRichard Roeperon August 10, 2021 at 10:30 am

The Apple TV+ original film “Coda” — the story of a Child of Deaf Adults, a.k.a. Coda — has made news on a number of fronts prior to its release on the streaming service as well as in theaters around the world.

When Apple acquired “Coda” at Sundance this year, the company paid an all-time festival record of $25 million for the rights.

Apple presents a film written and directed by Sian Heder. Rated PG-13 (for strong sexual content and language, and drug use). Running time: 111 minutes. Opens Friday at local theaters and on AppleTV+.

Whether you’re watching from home or in the theater, the movie will feature “open subtitles,” i.e., they’re burned into the picture, eliminating the need for special glasses. This is reported to be a first for a major American, English-language theatrical release.
The British actress Emilia Jones plays 17-year-old Ruby, the only hearing person in a deaf family that includes her mother Jackie, played by Marlee Matlin; her father Frank (Troy Kotsur), and her older brother Leo (Daniel Durant). All three of Ruby’s family members are played by amazing actors who are deaf.

That’s a lot of (deserved) buzz for what turns out to be a sweet and smart if thoroughly predictable teen movie/family drama. You can see every plot point coming from around the corner, but you can’t help but get swept up in the unique and complicated but deeply loving family dynamic — and how can you go wrong with a movie which prominently features beautiful performances of the romantic and timeless “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “Both Sides Now”?

Jones’ Ruby is the classic heroine straight out of the Teen Movie Playbook — a smart, funny, shy, endearing, instantly likable high school senior who lives in a small Massachusetts fishing town with her family, a rowdy and hardworking and close-knit clan. Every morning, long before the sun rises, Ruby joins her father Frank (Kotsur) and her brother Leo (Durant) to haul in the day’s catch of fresh fish — and then she’s off to school, where the Mean Girls make fun of her for smelling like cod and aren’t they the worst!

Ruby’s family depends on her to act as the translator, the go-between, to the world beyond their ramshackle home, which is filled with love and squabbling and scatological humor and a running joke about how mom and dad have a VERY active sex life, with only Ruby being able to hear the sounds they make when in the throes of passion. Ruby’s parents and her brother are stunned when she tells them she has joined the choir and her music teacher, Mr. Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez as a modern-day Mr. Holland), believes she’s good enough to earn a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Ruby’s music teacher (Eugenio Derbez) urges her to keep developing her voice.

Frank and Leo feel betrayed, but it’s Ruby’s overprotective mother who is most wounded, and at first the least understanding about Ruby’s love of singing. (“If I was blind, would you want to paint?” she says.) Will Ruby have to put her dreams on hold in order to help a family that truly needs her? Is there a way for everything to somehow work out in the end? Will tears be shed and hugs given? What do you think, friend?

“Coda” features a nice little romance between Ruby and a handsome and well-liked boy named Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), but this is primarily a story about a family. A family that just happens to communicate via ASL but will remind you of families you know, or maybe even the family you know best.

‘Coda’: The conflict is unique, but the dynamic is universal in smart teen dramaRichard Roeperon August 10, 2021 at 10:30 am Read More »

1 killed, 1 seriously wounded, in drive-by in University VillageSun-Times Wireon August 10, 2021 at 6:25 am

A man was killed, and another man was seriously wounded, in a drive-by Monday night in University Village on the Near West Side.

About 11:10 p.m., the men, 24 and 56, were outside with a large group of people in the 1300 block of West 13th Street, when two males inside a passing black Hyundai Elantra fired shots at them, Chicago police said.

The 56-year-old man was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. He has not yet been identified.

The younger man was struck in the stomach and arm, and taken to UIC Hospital, where he is in serious condition, police said.

The 24-year-old, who is a concealed-carry license holder, returned fire, but it is unknown if either shooter was struck, police said. The vehicle carrying the shooters crashed into a parked car, and the pair fled the scene on foot.

No one is in custody as Area Three detectives investigate.

1 killed, 1 seriously wounded, in drive-by in University VillageSun-Times Wireon August 10, 2021 at 6:25 am Read More »

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If C.J. Henderson is indeed available via trade, the Chicago Bears should take a swing.

The Chicago Bulls have three young, promising guards in Dosunmu, White, and Dotson.

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