53 shot, 7 fatally, since Friday night in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm

Fifty-three people have been shot — seven fatally, including a 17-year-old boy — in Chicago since Friday night.

In the weekend’s first reported fatal attack, a person was fatally shot Friday in South Shore.

About 7:30 p.m., a male was near the sidewalk in the 7000 block of South Merrill Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him multiple times, Chicago police said.

The male, whose age was not immediately known, was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. His name hasn’t been released.

On Saturday, a man was shot to death in a drive-by in Austin on the Northwest Side.

The 37-year-old was standing on the sidewalk with a group of people about 1:15 a.m. in the 1700 block of North Moody Avenue when someone inside a blue-colored vehicle fired shots, police said.

He was shot in the head and was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t identified him.

At the same time, a teenage boy was killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting in Englewood on the South Side.

The teens, 15 and 17, were in the backyard of a home about 1:15 a.m. in the 6800 block of South Peoria Street when someone opened fire, police said.

The 17-year-old was shot in the chest and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.

The other, 15, was struck in the stomach and taken to the same hospital in serious condition, police said.

In nonfatal shootings, two people were shot, including a 17-year-old boy, Saturday in the Englewood neighborhood.

The pair were standing in the street about 12:45 a.m. in the 7100 block of South Ada Street when someone inside a black-colored vehicle fired shots, police said.

The teen boy, 17, was struck in the leg and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition, police said. A man, 21, was also shot in the leg and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.

Five men were wounded in a shooting early Sunday in Austin on the Northwest Side.

They were gathered in the backyard of a home about 12:30 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Race Avenue when a male suspect entered and opened fire, police said.

The men, 23, 30, 36, 48 and 50, suffered gunshot wounds to the lower body, police said. They were transported to Stroger and Mt. Sinai hospitals, where they were stabilized.

At least fourty-tree others were wounded in citywide gun violence since 5 p.m. Friday.

Sixty people were shot, 10 fatally, last weekend in Chicago.

53 shot, 7 fatally, since Friday night in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm Read More »

Chicago Bears fans, let’s all laugh at the Green Bay PackersRyan Heckmanon July 25, 2021 at 11:00 am

Chicago Bears (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

This week, NFL training camps open around the league. A select number of Chicago Bears fans will be allowed to see their team in action this year, unlike in 2020.

The biggest draw, this year, is rookie quarterback Justin Fields. He’s had the fan based hyped since the moment he was drafted — and it’s about time there’s an electricity within this fan base.

Another NFC North fan base, however, is feeling a bit differently at the moment. The state of the Green Bay Packers is, let’s just say, unusually different.

For years, Packers fans have always had hope for the future. They’ve enjoyed Hall of Fame quarterbacks at the helm for the past 25 years. But this year, things are different. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has stood his ground and he wants out.

It’s only a matter of time before the Chicago Bears take their place above the Packers.

Nobody knows if Rodgers will report to camp this week. Yet, it doesn’t matter. If he reports, then this could be his “last dance” with Green Bay — as emphasized by a photo he and teammate Davante Adams posted to their Instagram over the weekend. Even if Rodgers plays in 2021, he likely won’t be back after this year, no matter what the Packers say or do.

Over the weekend, though, multiple betting outlets removed all NFC North odds. Why? They are bracing for an Aaron Rodgers retirement.

Multiple sportsbooks believe Aaron Rodgers will retire next week, per @ProFootballTalk pic.twitter.com/iCvOwN6vTU

— PFF (@PFF) July 24, 2021

Yes, Rodgers could indeed retire before the start of training camp in efforts to force his way out of Green Bay, similar to the way Carson Palmer once did with the Cincinnati Bengals. And, oh by the way, Rodgers is being represented by the exact same individual Palmer was when he pulled the same stunt — David Dunn.

Not only do we have the never-ending situation with Rodgers, but Packers fans also saw their team break off contract talks with Adams. Just a few days ago, it looked like Green Bay and Adams were working on a mega deal that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the league and keep him around for years to come.

Now, things have taken a turn for the worse.

So what are we, as Bears fans, looking at going forward?

Here is the most likely outcome for Green Bay following the 2021 season: Rodgers and Adams are gone. Done. Out the door. See ya later. Goodbye, folks.

Of course, the Packers could opt to franchise tag Adams, but the way things look right now, Adams may end up demanding a trade. With no Rodgers, the Packers may not have a Davante Adams.

A Packers team without Rodgers is one thing, but seeing arguably the number one receiver in football exit Green Bay as well? That’s hilarious.

No, seriously. It’s flat-out hysterical.

Think about how many years we’ve had to deal with both Rodgers and Brett Favre, and without a quarterback of our own. The tables have turned, now. With Fields under center, the Bears have legitimate hope for a true franchise quarterback — maybe the most physically gifted quarterback they’ve ever had.

How many times, as Bears fans, have we been ridiculed for how bad our team is by Packer fans? We can only hear “The Bears Still Suck” so many times before wanting to throw things.

No, this year, things are different. Times are changing. The division is about to flip, and it’s going to get real, real ugly in Green Bay.

Must Read

Bears: Justin Fields thinks he’s perfect for Chicago

Read now >>

It is time for us as Bears fans to laugh. It is now our turn to poke fun at a franchise that’s headed for disaster without their precious quarterback — and his prized wide receiver. Get ready Green Bay, because the only thing you’ll have going for you is Giannis Antetokounmpo and those Milwaukee Bucks.

Who still sucks?

Chicago Bears fans, let’s all laugh at the Green Bay PackersRyan Heckmanon July 25, 2021 at 11:00 am Read More »

5 men hurt in Austin shootingSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 6:53 am

Five men were wounded in a shooting early Sunday in Austin on the Northwest Side.

They were gathered in the backyard of a home about 12:30 a.m. in the 4800 block of West Race Avenue when a male suspect entered and opened fire, Chicago police said.

The men, 23, 30, 36, 48 and 50, suffered gunshot wounds to the lower body, police said. They were transported to Stroger and Mt. Sinai hospitals, where they were stabilized.

No other details were immediately available.

Area Four detectives are investigating.

5 men hurt in Austin shootingSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 6:53 am Read More »

Welcome Home, Apollo! Chicago Tribune Coverage of the Apollo 11 Missionon July 25, 2021 at 4:09 am

Cosmic Chicago

Welcome Home, Apollo! Chicago Tribune Coverage of the Apollo 11 Mission

Welcome Home, Apollo! Chicago Tribune Coverage of the Apollo 11 Missionon July 25, 2021 at 4:09 am Read More »

White Sox miss the mark in second consecutive loss to BrewersDaryl Van Schouwenon July 25, 2021 at 2:53 am

MILWAUKEE — Third baseman Yoan Moncada missed home plate, left-hander Carlos Rodon misfired with two home-run pitches and catcher Zack Collins missed the mark on two throws, one of them costing the Sox two runs in a 6-1 loss Saturday to the Brewers.

The Sox had six hits and too many misses, falling to the Brewers in a matchup of division leaders for the second consecutive night before the first sellout of the season at American Family Field. That crowd was boosted considerably by many thousands of Sox fans, who were heard but had little to cheer about.

The Sox’ chance to dent a 4-0 deficit in the fifth inning was hurt when Moncada was called out, after a review, for missing home plate by several inches while going in standing up on second baseman Leury Garcia’s tapper to Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes with the bases loaded and no outs.

It killed what would have been a bases-loaded, no-out situation, and the Sox had to settle for one run on a bases-loaded walk to Collins.

On the wacky play involving Moncada, Burnes’ flip home caromed off Moncada’s foot and then umpire Dan Iassogna, but Moncada didn’t bother to go back and touch the plate.

”I missed home plate,” Moncada said through a translator. ”I thought I touched it but realized it after seeing the replay. It was my fault.”

Brewers manager Craig Counsell challenged with the next batter, Collins, standing in the box. After the ruling and a dispute from Sox manager Tony La Russa, the umpires went to the headset to verify that an appeal could be made following a mound visit. In the case of a mound visit, a manager must exercise his challenge before the start of the next play, unless the visit results in a pitching change.

”When you have that much time, which includes a trip to the mound by the pitching coach, it’s very unusual,” La Russa said.

Rodon gave up a homer to Kolten Wong on a 90 mph fastball on his first pitch and another to Tyrone Taylor on a 93 mph fastball leading off the second. Rowdy Tellez homered against relievers Jose Ruiz and Reynaldo Lopez.

Collins committed two throwing errors, the first on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Urias with no outs in the fourth that paved the way for two runs.

Rodon was lifted for pinch hitter Jake Burger in the fifth after throwing 79 pitches, striking out five and walking two. Two of the four runs he allowed were earned.

”Wasn’t one of my best days, for sure,” Rodon said. ”The fastball showed up kind of late, just too late. I haven’t had a day like this in a while. Bound to come, I guess. I’ll be OK.”

Burger, batting after the walk bases-loaded walk to Collins, struck out, and shortstop Tim Anderson flied out to end the threat.

Anderson: Umps should be accountable

Anderson talked about getting thrown out of the Sox’ 7-1 loss Friday. He and La Russa were ejected — Anderson from the dugout — on a night in which the Sox questioned umpire John Libka’s strike zone.

”It was a frustrating night,” Anderson said. ”I feel like he made some bad calls on certain pitches. I had to let him know. I had the best seat in the house. I was at short all night.”

White Sox miss the mark in second consecutive loss to BrewersDaryl Van Schouwenon July 25, 2021 at 2:53 am Read More »

Man fatally shot in ChathamSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 2:08 am

A 31-year-old man was fatally shot Saturday evening in Chatham on the South Side.

About 8:15 p.m., he was near the sidewalk in the 500 block of East 79th Street, when he was approached by a person who pulled out a gun and fired shots, Chicago police said.

He was struck in the chest and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Police continue to investigate.

Man fatally shot in ChathamSun-Times Wireon July 25, 2021 at 2:08 am Read More »

Jackie Mason, comic who perfected amused outrage, dies at 93Mark Kennedy | Associated Presson July 25, 2021 at 2:32 am

NEW YORK (AP) — Jackie Mason, a rabbi-turned-comedian whose feisty brand of standup comedy led him to Catskills nightclubs, West Coast talk shows and Broadway stages, has died. He was 93.

Mason died Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan after being hospitalized for over two weeks, the celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told The Associated Press.

The irascible Mason was known for his sharp wit and piercing social commentary, often about being Jewish, men and women and his own inadequacies. His typical style was amused outrage.

“Eighty percent of married men cheat in America. The rest cheat in Europe,” he once joked. Another Mason line was: “Politics doesn’t make strange bedfellows, marriage does.” About himself, he once said: “I was so self-conscious, every time football players went into a huddle; I thought they were talking about me.”

In this Feb. 4, 1991, file photo, Liza Minnelli chats with comic Jackie Mason during a visit backstage at the Neil Simon Theater in New York.

His death was mourned far and wide, from fellow comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who called him “one of the best,” to Fox News Channel personality Sean Hannity, who hailed Mason as “irreverent, iconoclastic, funny, smart and a great American patriot.”

Mason was born Jacob Maza, the son of a rabbi. His three brothers became rabbis. So did Mason, who at one time had congregations in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Comedy eventually proved to be a more persistent calling than God.

“A person has to feel emotionally barren or empty or frustrated in order to become a comedian,” he told The Associated Press in 1987. “I don’t think people who feel comfortable or happy are motivated to become comedians. You’re searching for something and you’re willing to pay a high price to get that attention.”

Mason started in show business as a social director at a resort in the Catskills. He was the guy who got everybody up to play Simon Says, quiz games or shuffleboard. He told jokes, too. After one season, he was playing clubs throughout the Catskills for better money.

“Nobody else knew me, but in the mountains, I was a hit,” Mason recalled.

In 1961, the pint-sized comic got a big break, an appearance on Steve Allen’s weekly television variety show. His success brought him to “The Ed Sullivan Show” and other programs.

He was banned for two years from the “Sullivan” show when he allegedly gave the host the finger when Sullivan signaled to him to wrap up his act during an appearance on Oct. 18, 1964.

Mason’s act even carried him to Broadway, where he put on several one-man shows, including “Freshly Squeezed” in 2005, “Love Thy Neighbor” in 1996 and “The World According to Me” in 1988, for which he received a special Tony Award.

“I feel like Ronald Reagan tonight,” Mason joked on Tony night. “He was an actor all his life, knew nothing about politics and became president of the United States. I’m an ex-rabbi who knew nothing about acting and I’m getting a Tony Award.”

Mason called himself an observer who watched people and learned. From those observations he said he got his jokes and then tried them out on friends. “I’d rather make a fool of myself in front of two people for nothing than a thousand people who paid for a ticket,” he told the AP.

In this Aug 28, 2002, file photo, comic Jackie Mason addresses the media at Zanie's comedy club in Chicago about the club's decision to cancel comic Ray Hanania's appearance. — In this Aug 28, 2002, file photo, comic Jackie Mason addresses the media at Zanie’s comedy club in Chicago about the club’s decision to cancel comic Ray Hanania’s appearance.

His humor could leap from computers and designer coffee to then-Sen. John Kerry, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Donald Trump. He was able to articulate the average Joe’s anger, making the indignities of life seem funny and maybe just a little bit more bearable.

“I very rarely write anything down. I just think about life a lot and try to put it into phrases that will get a joke,” he said. “I never do a joke that has a point that I don’t believe in. To me, the message and the joke is the same.”

On TV, Mason was a reliable presence, usually with a cameo on such shows as “30 Rock” or “The Simpsons” or as a reliable guest on late night chat shows. He performed in front of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and his show “Fearless” played London’s West End in 2012.

He portrayed a Jewish ex-pajama salesman in love with an Irish-Catholic widow portrayed by Lynn Redgrave in a series called “Chicken Soup” in 1989 but it didn’t last. During the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the British Broadcasting Corp.’s Scottish service hired Mason as a weekly commentator.

Mason’s humor sometimes went too far, as when he touched off a controversy in New York while campaigning for GOP mayoral candidate Rudolph Giuliani against Democrat David Dinkins, who was Black. Mason had to apologize after saying, among other things, that Jews would vote for Dinkins out of guilt.

Felder, his longtime friend, told the AP that Mason had a Talmudic outlook on life: “That whatever you would say to him, he would start an argument with you.”

He is survived by his wife, producer Jyll Rosenfeld, and a daughter, Sheba.

Jackie Mason, comic who perfected amused outrage, dies at 93Mark Kennedy | Associated Presson July 25, 2021 at 2:32 am Read More »

New Blackhawks centerpiece Seth Jones willing to earn Chicago’s favor patientlyBen Popeon July 25, 2021 at 12:56 am

The early-afternoon sun baked defenseman Seth Jones as he sat atop a tour boat Saturday, cruising east on the Chicago River.

His casual black T-shirt and athletic shorts belied the fact he had agreed less than 24 hours earlier to an eight-year, $76 million contract, one that presumably will make him a staple of the Blackhawks for almost a decade to come. Passersby on other boats waved because of drunkenness, not because they appeared to recognized Chicago’s newest big-name athlete.

”I didn’t realize it gets this hot in Chicago in the summer, to be honest,” he said.

Indeed, despite his household-name status in the NHL world, Jones never has been a stereotypically flamboyant superstar.

For one thing, he never has had the opportunity. One of three hockey-playing sons of former NBA player and current 76ers assistant ”Popeye” Jones, he was raised in Dallas and spent his entire NHL career — until this weekend — in Nashville and Columbus. He ”kind of grew up” during his six-year run with the Blue Jackets, a team well-shielded from the big-market heat.

But it’s also because of his relatively introverted personality. He watches and listens first, then talks later.

He has social media but admitted he doesn’t use it — ”My mom checks it a lot more,” he joked — and doesn’t exhibit showmanship like Patrick Kane, leadership like Jonathan Toews or intimidation like Duncan Keith. Younger brother Caleb, whom the Hawks acquired from the Oilers earlier this summer, expects him to ”mostly lead by example.”

”If something needs to be said, he’ll probably say it, but he’s going to be more of a quiet guy,” Caleb said.

Brothers Caleb (left, No. 82) and Seth Jones (right, No. 4) will both be important members of the Blackhawks’ defense in 2021-22.

Jones’ calmness, however, shouldn’t be confused with a lack of assertiveness. He might join the Hawks unaccustomed to Chicago’s sports environment (and weather), but he’s confident he can be the No. 1 defenseman they desperately need.

”[I bring] just a little bit of experience,” he said. ”Hopefully guys can learn from me. And I’m still learning. I’m 26 going on 27, so by no means have I hit my peak.”

The idea that, even entering his ninth NHL season, Jones hasn’t yet peaked was fundamental to the Hawks’ decision to acquire him.

”Seth is just entering his prime years,” general manager Stan Bowman said Friday. ”He hasn’t even really hit his top stride quite yet.”

”Offensively, I can get a little bit better,” Jones said Saturday. ”I’ve been really focusing on that the past few summers. When I get chances to put the puck in the net, [I want to] capitalize on those opportunities.”

His massive contract — which will make him the NHL’s third-highest-paid defenseman in 2022-23 — is similarly structured to the one Brent Seabrook signed in 2016, with so much of its value loaded into annual signing bonuses that a buyout never will be viable.

For the Hawks’ sake, Jones’ next eight years need to mirror Seabrook’s 2007-to-2015 dominance, not his 2016-to-2021 decline.

He must provide elite results for the Hawks’ financial commitment and trade expense (Adam Boqvist and two first-round picks, among other assets) to prove worthwhile. Bowman, at least, unequivocally thinks he can — and will.

”He’s got all the attributes that you look for in the modern defenseman with his skating, his size, his defensive ability,” Bowman said Friday. ”He’s one of these players who’s not locked in as just an offensive guy. He can defend. He can also transport the puck. He’s got the size to be able to match up against really strong forwards, but he has skating to defend quick players, as well. He’s really someone that can do everything.”

Jones’ unquestionably — albeit also uncharacteristically — poor results during the 2021 season make Bowman’s description of him seem optimistic at best and outright wrong at worst.

And Jones is willing to ”roll with” that skepticism for now. He’s not programmed to take Chicago by storm but rather hopes he patiently can win the city over.

”Some of [the criticisms] are wrong,” he said. ”Some of them aren’t, and I’ll be the first one to say that.

”I just want to prove every single night that I’m going to work hard for this team, no matter if I make a mistake or not. But more times than not, I’m hoping to be successful in the plays I make and the consistency, the leadership I bring every night.”

New Blackhawks centerpiece Seth Jones willing to earn Chicago’s favor patientlyBen Popeon July 25, 2021 at 12:56 am Read More »

Chicago Bears: Anthony Miller traded, wide receiver picture looks clearerRyan Heckmanon July 25, 2021 at 1:22 am

Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Good riddance, Anthony Miller is finally gone. The Chicago Bears traded the former second-round pick on Saturday night, and he has found a new home with the Houston Texans.

In a move that couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, the Bears sent Miller packing just a few days before they begin training camp. Miller has long been known to be available via trade, but the Bears hadn’t been able to find a suitor.

Back before the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bears tried to deal Miller. But, there were no takers. The Bears couldn’t fetch anything for the former Memphis standout.

It seemed as though Chicago would be keeping Miller one more year before letting him walk next offseason. But, the Texans came through and the Bears now have a clearer picture at wide receiver.

After adding a bunch of talent at wide receiver this offseason, the Chicago Bears had no room for Anthony Miller.

The #Texans made a late-round pick swap with the #Bears and Anthony Miller has an new home. https://t.co/Q0HlC4TeTF

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2021

Over the course of the past few months, the Bears have added talent at the position through both free agency and the draft. Now that Miller is gone, the depth chart looks much clearer.

The Miller trade likely paves the way for Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd to make this roster. Rookie Dazz Newsome should be a lock to make the team, even though he broke his collarbone almost immediately after being drafted. Newsome should be ready to go by Week 1, so the injury shouldn’t be an issue.

The real question now becomes what the Bears will do with both Javon Wims and Riley Ridley. Will they keep seven wide receivers? More than likely, they won’t. So, either Wims or Ridley will be cut.

Goodwin and Byrd should stick around purely based off the fact that they have established themselves in the NFL and bring a lot of speed — something head coach Matt Nagy has wanted more of.

Miller heads to Houston where their top receiver is Brandin Cooks, who enjoyed a quiet, strong season for the Texans in 2020. Cooks topped 80 receptions and over 1,100 yards a season ago.

Houston also has veterans Randall Cobb, Andre Roberts, Keke Coutee and Chris Conley to go along with rookie Nico Collins. Miller will likely face the most competition from the likes of Cobb as the starting slot receiver.

In three seasons with Chicago, Miller caught 134 passes for 1,564 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although he showed a lot of flash and even some promise, especially after the catch, Miller never quite fit in with the Bears. Attitude has been an issue, as has his effort.

Next: Bears: Davante Adams now an option in 2022

Now, he joins a Texans team who may be without Deshaun Watson this year, as the team turns to veteran Tyrod Taylor under center. We’ll see if Miller can make good on his new fresh start, while the Bears try and make something of their late-round pick swap.

Chicago Bears: Anthony Miller traded, wide receiver picture looks clearerRyan Heckmanon July 25, 2021 at 1:22 am Read More »