TORONTO, ON – MAY 20: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Montreal Canadiens in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 20, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 to take a 1-0 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks had the worst season of any team in the normal Central Division and their fans still weren’t put through the pain that Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans are in. They had one of the best seasons in franchise history as they dominated their way to the top of the North Division (all Canada) and it means absolutely nothing. They had a 3-1 series lead in round one against the Montreal Canadiens and blew it.
Game seven saw them play horribly and now they are out. Their two superstar players, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner combined for one measly goal after being top ten in league scoring for 2020-21. It was a disaster of an ending that is going to keep the conversation going for a very long time. There are going to be some changes to that organization in short order.
The ChicagoBlackhawks would be smart to help the Maple Leafs with this problem.
There are plenty of Toronto Maple Leafs’ free agents to consider but they also might just trade away one of their stars that make a lot of money. Everyone not named Auston Matthews should be on the table after the way the last few years have gone. Mitch Marner’s name comes to everyone’s mind as he was awful in this series after being straight-up dominant in the regular season.
The Blackhawks would certainly have a much brighter future if they added someone like Mitch Marner to the group. He was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft (one pick behind Dylan Strome) and now he is a star player. If the Hawks wanted to add someone like that, this is what a trade might look like:
Three people were killed, and thirteen people were wounded in shootings June 1, 2021, in Chicago. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
A woman and her 1-year-old son were shot through the window of their apartment in Austin.
Three people were killed and thirteen others wounded Tuesday in Chicago, including two men who were shot, one fatally, in the West Town neighborhood.
They were near the sidewalk about 7 p.m. in the 1800 block of West Maypole Avenue when they heard shots and felt pain, Chicago police said. A 32-year-old man was shot several times on the body and was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t identified him. Another man, 49, was grazed by a bullet in the head and was treated at the scene by paramedics before he was released.
Hours prior, a man was killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting in Bronzeville on the South Side. The pair were standing outside about 5:55 p.m. in the 4600 block of South Prairie Avenue when a vehicle pulled out of a nearby alley and someone from inside began firing shots, police said. One man, 32, suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His name hasn’t been released. The other, 49, was shot in the abdomen and was taken to the same hospital, where his condition was serious.
A man was killed in a shooting in Princeton Park on the South Side. He was on the sidewalk about 12:45 p.m. in the 9100 block of South Wentworth Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him multiple times, police said. The 25-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released.
In non-fatal shootings, a woman and her 1-year-old son were shot through the window of their apartment in Austin on the West Side. About 11:45 p.m., the 30-year-old woman and her son were at home in the 5200 block of West Congress Parkway, when a man fired shots at them through the window of a garden unit apartment, police said. The woman was grazed by a bullet on her body and hand, and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition. The boy was struck twice in the legs, and taken to the same hospital where he has been stabilized.
About an hour prior, a 21-year-old man was shot multiple times on the Near West Side. About 10:50 p.m., he was in the 100 block of South Campbell Avenue, when he was shot five times, police said. He was brought to Stroger Hospital by a friend, where he is in critical condition.
A 17-year-old boy was hurt in a shooting in Lincoln Park on the North Side. About 7:30 p.m., the teen boy was near a parking lot in the 2000 block of North Burling Street when he heard shots and felt pain, police said. He suffered a graze wound on the arm and self-transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.
Three people were wounded in a drive-by in Back of the Yards on the South Side. About 2:15 a.m., an 18-year-old man and two other people were standing in the 4700 block of South Ada Street when someone in a passing gray SUV fired at them, police said. The teen was struck in the foot and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition. The second person was grazed by a bullet in their right leg and refused treatment. The third person was dropped off at Mt. Sinai Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and hand, and was in critical condition.
In the day’s first reported shooting, a 26-year-old woman was shot in Avondale on the Northwest Side. About 12:20 a.m., she was outside with several people in the 2200 block of West Diversey Avenue, when she heard several shots from multiple directions and realized she was struck in the leg, police said. She took herself to Thorek Memorial Hospital where she is in good condition.
Three others were wounded in shootings citywide.
Three people were killed, and at least thirty-four people were wounded in shootings across Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend.
Four people were critically injured in a crash June 2, 2021, on Lake Shore Drive in the Loop. | Adobe Stock Photo
About 2 a.m., fire officials responded to Lake Shore Drive at Monroe Street for calls of a serious crash.
Four people were critically hurt in a crash Wednesday morning on Lake Shore Drive in the Loop, according to preliminary information from Chicago Fire officials.
About 2 a.m., fire officials responded to Lake Shore Drive at Monroe Street for calls of a serious crash, Chicago fire officials said.
EMS Plan 1 @ SB Lake Shore Dr at Monroe, Total of Four (4) transports, Two (2) Red to Stroger, Two (2) Red to NWMH, All adults in critical condition. NFI 4-1-8.
Two adults from the crash were taken to Stroger Hospital, and two adults were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, fire officials said. They are all in critical condition.
The details of the crash remain unknown.
This is a developing story, check back for details.
A 1-year-old boy and his 30-year-old mother were shot through the window of an apartment June 1, 2021, in Austin. | Sun-Times file photo
About 11:45 p.m., the 30-year-old woman and her son were at home in the 5200 block of West Congress Parkway, when a man fired shots at them through the window of a garden unit apartment.
A woman and her 1-year-old son were shot through the window of their apartment Tuesday night in Austin on the West Side.
About 11:45 p.m., the 30-year-old woman and her son were at home in the 5200 block of West Congress Parkway, when a man fired shots at them through the window of a garden unit apartment, Chicago police said.
The woman was grazed by a bullet on her body and hand, and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said. The boy was struck twice in the legs, and taken to the same hospital where he has been stabilized.
Area Four detectives are investigating the shooting.
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Pisces.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today you feel restless in a pleasant way, but you might not know why. However, one reason you might feel restless could be that a secret is revealed. Possibly, this secret is about you? Whatever the case, if secrets are revealed, be discreet. Respect the feelings of others even if you’ve got the goods. Be kind.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You might meet a new and exciting friend. Or perhaps an old friend will pop back in your life and do something that surprises you. Whatever happens might even prompt you to rethink some goals. Actually, this is a good time to rethink goals or put a new spin on things.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Suddenly, you might briefly be thrust into the limelight, which means people will notice you, especially bosses, parents, VIPs and the police. Be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control. Meanwhile, you feel independent, even rebellious.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Travel plans will suddenly change. Ditto for college, university or technical school schedules. Someone might surprise you with their stance on a political, religious or racial issue. If this is the case, be careful about what you say. Take the time to process things carefully so that instead of a “knee-jerk reaction,” you thoughtfully respond.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Something unexpected might take place that affects your assets that are shared with others. This includes shared property, something that is jointly held, debt, inheritances or insurance issues. Stay on top of things so that you know what’s happening.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Someone close to you might be the source of a surprise today. They might provide you with an opportunity for advancement or getting away from your routine. They might even introduce you to someone who is different or unusual.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your work routine or something to do with your job will be interrupted today. You might also hear unexpected news that is health-related. Some of you might also have a surprise that is related to a pet? Today is full of small detours.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Social events and sports will be unpredictable today. For example, you might receive an unexpected invitation or social plans might be canceled. Likewise, parents should be aware that things are unpredictable with their kids, which could also include accidents. Therefore, be vigilant.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Something to do with your home routine will be the source of a surprise today. A small appliance might break down or a minor breakage could occur. Unexpected company might drop by. It could be anything. Possibly, a family member has surprising news.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is an accident-prone day for your sign. However, the good news is that you might have some clever, genius-like ideas because you can think outside of the box. Who knew? Travel and short trips will be uncertain.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Something to do with your assets, your wealth or your earnings is unreliable today. For example, you might find money; you might lose money. Keep your eyes open so that you can protect what you own from loss, theft or damage.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today you have a strong desire for excitement, which is why you might do something to shake up the people around you. Alternatively, you might attract someone to you who tries to shake you up! You might also meet a new and exciting friend today. (Not a boring day.)
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actress Morena Baccarin (1979) shares your birthday. Your first impression is often one of being quiet and serious. Nevertheless, you are always charming and friendly. You are also observant, intuitive and caring. Your optimism and resourcefulness will promote your success. Now is the time to build something important for yourself by laying foundations that you can rely on down the road. Expect to see some tangible results very soon.
The Cubs hit two more home runs in their 4-3 victory against the Padres on Tuesday and now have 14 homers in their last seven games.
When the Cubs’ offense began to take off in May, helping them to a 19-8 record in the month, the lineup started to do some things it hadn’t done before.
The contact approach that had eluded the Cubs for years started to trickle through the lineup, and their run production skyrocketed.
But their ability to score runs with the long ball never left. And as the temperature has started to heat up, the Cubs have started hitting the ball out of the ballpark, as they’ve always shown they can do.
After launching five home runs Monday, the Cubs got two more in their 4-3 victory Tuesday against the Padres. It was their eighth victory in their last nine games.
‘‘I think there’s a lot of ways to win baseball games,’’ manager David Ross said last month. ‘‘I think we have a lot of slug in our group. These guys do hit homers. They have hit a lot of homers in their careers. I think that will be something that is a staple of this team.’’
The Cubs needed some thump after starter Kyle Hendricks surrendered two homers — to former teammate Victor Caratini and Tommy Pham — in the fifth inning, allowing the Padres to take a 3-2 lead. Catcher Willson Contreras had the same idea.
Contreras helped his batterymate out in the bottom of the fifth by crushing a 445-foot, two-run blast to give the Cubs a 4-3 lead. It was the Cubs’ 14th homer in their last seven games.
‘‘It seems like they’ve commanded the strike zone,’’ Ross said afterward. ‘‘They know what it looks like and where they want their pitches, and now they’re able to turn it loose in their zone and be really aggressive.’’
The Cubs’ other homer came off the bat of third baseman Patrick Wisdom, who’s beginning to make a name for himself.
As the Cubs begin to get some of their injured players back during the next few weeks, several of their bench pieces will return to Triple-A Iowa. But Wisdom is playing as though he doesn’t want to return to Des Moines anytime soon.
Wisdom, 29, hasn’t been in Chicago for long, but he is making his presence felt in a Cubs lineup that has been looking for some additional run production while depleted.
Wisdom added to an impressive start to his Cubs career with another two hits, including a two-run homer against Padres starter Ryan Weathers in the second. He’s now slashing .474/.500/1.158 since being recalled May 25.
‘‘I think it’s just being comfortable in the box,’’ Wisdom said Monday. ‘‘Sticking to a routine, making sure I’m prepared for that pitcher for that day and not getting outside the moment. Staying within myself. I think that has been helping me stay locked in.’’
Not only did the homer enable Wisdom to tie his career high of four round-trippers in only seven games, but it was also his third in the last two days after his first career multihomer game in the Cubs’ victory Monday.
‘‘This guy has always had some power in his bat,” Ross said. “That’s a nice guy to have, especially with as many guys as we have going down and the at-bats he’s had, especially against tougher lefties.’’
The triumph assured the Cubs of another series victory. They have won eight of their last nine series and are 21-9 in their last 30 games.
They now are in position to go for the sweep Wednesday and head to the West Coast brimming with confidence.
‘‘We’re developing into a really good team,’’ first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. ‘‘That’s a good feeling.’’
Former President Barack Obama surprised a youth football team in Jackson Park on Tuesday. | Theo Wargo/Getty Images for CARE file photo
The former president gathered in a huddle with a youth football team in the neighborhood where his future presidential center is set to break ground in the fall.
Former President Barack Obama surprised a youth football team in Jackson Park on Tuesday while visiting the neighborhood home to his future Obama Presidential Center.
Surprise! @BarackObama just dropped by the Chicago Southside Wolfpack practice in Jackson Park — the site of the future Obama Presidential Center — to congratulate the youth football team on a great season. pic.twitter.com/EH5i1rOEid
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) June 1, 2021
Obama got together with the Chicago Southside Wolfpack for a guest pep talk and huddled with the team of fifth- to eighth-graders.
Groundbreaking for the presidential center in Jackson Park is set for early fall, the Sun-Times reported. The foundation estimated up to 5,000 construction jobs will be made during the project.
While visiting the city, the former president also stopped by South Shore Brew to chat with business owners about how the future center will benefit the community.
These South Side business owners were resilient throughout the pandemic. Now they are determined to grow their businesses and hire community residents. It was great to join @BarackObama in conversation with them about how the Obama Presidential Center will benefit the community. pic.twitter.com/ZQ6DqDcIUQ
This undated aerial photo provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a herd of caribou on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska. The Biden administration is suspending oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as it reviews the environmental impacts of drilling in the remote region. | AP
The Interior Department order follows a temporary moratorium on oil and gas lease activities imposed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office.
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday suspended oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a drilling program approved by the Trump administration and reviving a political fight over a remote region that is home to polar bears and other wildlife — and a rich reserve of oil.
The Interior Department order follows a temporary moratorium on oil and gas lease activities imposed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office. Biden’s Jan. 20 executive order suggested a new environmental review was needed to address possible legal flaws in a drilling program approved by the Trump administration under a 2017 law enacted by Congress.
After conducting a required review, Interior said it “identified defects in the underlying record of decision supporting the leases, including the lack of analysis of a reasonable range of alternatives’’ required under the National Environmental Policy Act, a bedrock environmental law.
The remote, 19.6 million-acre refuge is home to polar bears, caribou, snowy owls and other wildlife, including migrating birds from six continents. Republicans and the oil industry have long been trying to open up the oil-rich refuge, which is considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich’in, for drilling. Democrats, environmental groups and some Alaska Native tribes have been trying to block it.
Former President Bill Clinton vetoed a GOP plan to allow drilling in the refuge in 1995, and the two parties have been fighting over the region ever since.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, an Interior Department agency, held a lease sale for the refuge’s coastal plain on Jan. 6, two weeks before Biden took office. Eight days later the agency signed leases for nine tracts totaling nearly 685 square miles. However, the issuance of the leases was not announced publicly until Jan. 19, former President Donald Trump’s last full day in office.
Biden has opposed drilling in the region, and environmental groups have been pushing for permanent protections, which Biden called for during the presidential campaign.
The administration’s action to suspend the leases comes after officials disappointed environmental groups last week by defending a Trump administration decision to approve a major oil project on Alaska’s North Slope. Critics say the action flies in the face of Biden’s pledges to address climate change.
The Justice Department said in a court filing that opponents of the Willow project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska were seeking to stop development by “cherry-picking” the records of federal agencies to claim environmental review law violations. The filing defends the reviews underpinning last fall’s decision approving project plans.
Kristen Miller, acting executive director of the Alaska Wilderness League, hailed suspension of the Arctic leasing program, which she said was the result of a flawed legal process under Trump.
“Suspending these leases is a step in the right direction, and we commend the Biden administration for committing to a new program analysis that prioritizes sound science and adequate tribal consultation,’’ she said.
More action is needed, Miller said, calling for a permanent cancellation of the leases and repeal of the 2017 law mandating drilling in the refuge’s coastal plain.
The drilling mandate was included in a massive tax cut approved by congressional Republicans during Trump’s first year in office. Republicans said it could generate an estimated $1 billion over 10 years, a figure Democrats call preposterously overstated.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., a longtime opponent of drilling in the refuge, accused the Trump administration of trying to “shortcut environmental laws.’’ The effort “fell apart when exposed to the facts that federal scientists say Arctic Refuge drilling cannot be done safely and oil companies don’t want to drill there,” Cantwell said.
“Now it is up to Congress to permanently protect this irreplaceable, million-year-old ecosystem and facilitate new economic opportunities based on preserving America’s pristine public lands for outdoor recreation,” she said.
Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich’in Nation Steering Committee, said in a statement that tribal leaders are heartened by the Biden administration’s “commitment to protecting sacred lands and the Gwich’in way of life.”
She thanked Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland “for hearing our voices and standing up for our human rights and identity.’’
