Chicago Sun-Times: All posts by John Silver

2024 NFL draft tracker: Bears control No. 1 and No. 5 picks

2023-12-11T22:50:46.295-06:00

In addition to its draft pick, the Chicago Bears have the rights to the Carolina Panthers first-round pick.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Draft day has the potential to be a good one for the Bears.

As a result of the trade with the Panthers, the Bears are in line for two early picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If the draft were today, here’s the way the draft would play out. As of Dec. 11, the Bears would have the No. 1 pick (from Carolina) and after their win against the Lions,

The Bears (5-8) benefited from both “Monday Night Football” games and held steady from last week with the No. 5 pick overall.

The Giants (5-8), who won against the Packers, moved down to the No. 8 spot. The Titans won (5-8) against the Dolphins and fell to the No. 9 position.

How did the Bears get the Panthers pick?

On March 10, the Bears sent the 2023 overall No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for receiver D.J. Moore and a cache of draft picks.

The Bears received the Panthers’ 2023 No. 9 overall pick (they traded to the Eagles and took Darnell Wright at No. 10), pick No. 61 (they traded that to the Jaguars and took CB Tyrique Stevenson at No. 56), a first-rounder in 2024. The Bears also received a second-round pick in the 2025 draft.

The chart will be updated every week throughout the season.

Halas Intrigue Bears Report

Expert analysis and reporting before and after every Bears game, from the journalists who cover the Monsters of the Midway best.

Chicago beaches quiz: Name that Chicago Beach

2023-08-07T13:23:34.464-05:00

Residents and visitors enjoy the beaches of Chicago.

Sun-Times Media

Are you ready for a beach-off, Chicago?

Like Ken, whose job in this summer’s “Barbie” movie is “actually … it’s just beach.”

Chicagoans, too, love to beach.

All summer long, beaches are a favorite spot to enjoy the sun in Chicago. Whether it’s beach volleyball, riding a bicycle on a lakefront trail, sitting on the rocks overlooking the lake or just relaxing with a drink in the sun, the shores of Lake Michigan offer a welcome respite from daily life.

Do you love North Avenue Beach? Are you Rainbow Beach die-hard? Or do you spend every weekend at Hollywood Beach? Chicagoans may debate which beach is their favorite. However, only true experts, can identify one beach from another.

Can you comb through the details to recognize these 10 Chicago beaches from a recent photo from the Chicago Sun-Times archives? Best of luck!

1.

Rick Majewski/For the Sun-Times.

2.

Sun-Times Media

3.

Rick Majewski/For the Sun-Times

4.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

5.

Sun-Times photo

6.

Sun-Times photo

7.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

8.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

9.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

10.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

NASCAR fans explore ‘free experience’ outside the Chicago Street Race course

2023-07-01T21:26:41.588-05:00

Attendees watch Saturday as NASCAR driver Kyle Weatherman takes the course during practice before The Loop 121 race at the Chicago Street Race.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

The roar of engines, the smell of hot rubber and the novelty of stock cars flying by at average speeds of 90 miles an hour through downtown Chicago streets drew throngs of fans Saturday for the inaugural Chicago Street Race.

If only the weather would have cooperated for a while longer.

Still, diehard fans and first-timers alike came to satisfy their curiosity and experience the thrill of a NASCAR race.

“We were walking up and heard the noise of the cars,” said Jessie Mitchel, 42, who came with her friend Casar Ybarra. “We got goosebumps, and we’re not even into it.”

Plenty of others felt similar thrills — until the potential threat from nearby lightning stopped the day’s second race short of the finish line.

Casar Ybarra and Jessie Mitchel.

David Struett/Sun-Times

Two hours after the threatening weather prompted a stop in the Xfinity Series The Loop 121 race, race officials made the call to shut things down for the day and pick it up again at 10 a.m. Sunday, an hour after gates will open to spectators.

Chicago’s first day in the NASCAR business was far from a smash hit. Will Sunday be better?

The 55-lap race was stopped on the 26^th lap, with Cole Custer, who drives the No. 00 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing, in the lead for all 25 laps before the red flag.

Kathy and Mark Robinson, of Romeoville, left the track to seek shelter at about 5 p.m., when spectators were warned of lightning and drivers were ushered onto Pit Road and out of their cars.

“It’s a bummer but not the first rain delay at a NASCAR race I’ve been to,” Robinson said.

NASCAR noise: Muffled Chicago Street Racers still pump out more than 100 decibels, Sun-Times test shows

The two said they’re impressed at how NASCAR has organized the weekend.

“It just sucks that, after 45 days of no weather in Chicago, and then this happens today of all days,” Kathy Robinson said.

Brett Martino, who traveled from Guam for the race, questioned the need for the postponement call, given the lack of any rain at the time, but said he was looking forward to Sunday, when he plans to root for his favorite driver, Kevin Harvick.

“I don’t think I’d call this severe weather,” Martino said, holding his dry hand out toward the sky. “I was in a typhoon in Taiwan last week. Now, that’s severe weather. But, hey, two races in one day is definitely better than one race.”

The Black Crowes make the most of muggy Chicago day with greatest hits — albeit abbreviated — set for NASCAR festival

A Ford roots for Toyota?

Joi Ford has been a serious Formula One fan most of her life. Her grandfather loved the sport, and she’s followed suit.

But F1 races are too expensive, she said, so she was excited when she heard NASCAR was trying a street race — the sort of race F1 has dominated.

Joi Ford and Olivia Pulphus.

David Struett/Sun-Times

“So depending on how this race goes will determine if I become a true NASCAR fan,” said Ford, 35, of Rogers Park.

Chicago NASCAR Street Race 2023: Live updates and news

Despite her name, Ford said she’s rooting for Toyota.

She came to Saturday’s Xfinity Series race with Olivia Pulphus, a friend since childhood who was happy to give NASCAR a try since it was close to her Bronzeville home.

“To experience the same thing [elsewhere], I’d have to pay for hotel and transportation. For it to be so close, I didn’t want to miss it,” Pulphus said, though she griped about the cost of tickets.

The pair went for the cheapest tickets that guaranteed a seat. But that still set them each back more than $400.

“Seats are worth it,” Ford said.

Dude, where’s my seat?

Some fans were surprised to find their tickets didn’t guarantee them a seat.

Shon George and Urina Idohl spent nearly $400 each for “general admission plus” tickets that they thought would seat them near Columbus Avenue.

The Bronzeville couple said that, when they got to Grant Park Saturday, a track employee told them they’d have to find a space to stand along the track. They said others in line were surprised, too.

“A lot of people are disappointed about this,” Idohl said.

Shon George and Urina Idohl.

David Struett/Sun-Times

With a couple hours before the green starting flag, they still hadn’t decided where they were going to stand to watch the race. A spot they found in front of the Fountain Club seemed promising because a big screen broadcasting the race there had sound.

Despite not having seats, George, a NASCAR fan, said the ticket price was worth it. This was the second NASCAR race he’s seen in two years.

“I think they should come every year,” George said. “This is better than the Taste.”

Southwest Siders’ first NASCAR race

Salvador Duenas and his son Ricardo had never seen a NASCAR race — not even on TV. That didn’t keep them from getting tickets to the weekend races.

They took the CTA Orange Line from their home near Midway Airport.

“This is the first NASCAR race” in Chicago, said Ricardo, 18. “So I was, like, yeah, I want to watch it — for the experience.”

He bought two general admission tickets for himself and his dad — a present for Father’s Day.

His father said they avoided watching any NASCAR races on TV, wanting their race-day experience to be a surprise.

Salvador Duenas and his son, Ricardo, attended their first NASCAR race Saturday.

David Struett/Sun-Times

City pride on your ride

One tent set up for fans at the race featured Chicago artists spray-painting a Ford Mustang with emblems representing city pride.

The artists were part of Paint the City, a nonprofit that supports minority artists and businesses.

Blake Lenoir, who paints murals under the name B-Len, said six artists are painting the car, which NASCAR will then donate to the Museum of Science and Industry.

He said going to a NASCAR event brought him “full circle” because, growing up, he’d watch NASCAR with his grandfather.

“My grandfather was watching Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt duke it out,” Lenoir said. “And now getting reintroduced to the sport with Bubba Wallace, it’s been beautiful.”

Blake Lenoir wears a mask while painting at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Chicago.

Owen Ziliak/Sun-Times

From optimistic to crashing

In the lead-up to the inaugural Grant Park 220 race, NASCAR drivers expressed skepticism about the logistics of the infinity-sign-shaped track on city streets.

Saturday gave a preview for what could come on Sunday for the NASCAR Cup Series.

Saturday morning, racers Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick said they were cautiously optimistic about the race and complimented organizers on the construction of the track.

Harvick told reporters he considered the unorthodox race a necessary move to “grow the sport” and said he was keeping an open mind.

Shortly after, during the qualifying round for Sunday’s race, Elliott and Harvick both crashed into the walls of the track.

Which Elliott had said was the sort of thing drivers have to be prepared for.

“It may go great, and it may not,” Elliott said before his qualifying-round crash. “And that’s totally fine. I’m good with that either way.”

NASCAR Chicago qualifying: Denny Hamlin wins pole for Grant Park 220

2023-07-01T15:30:14.779-05:00

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 1, 2023 in Chicago,.

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Denny Hamlin won the pole Saturday for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Hamlin, in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, 89.557 mph was the fastest time and qualified him in the lead position in NASCAR Cup Series qualifying for the Grant Park 220 on Sunday.

Hamlin credits his team for setting him up for success in qualifying. Nobody has a veteran’s advantage on this brand-new 12-turn, 2.2 mile course.

“It was just a great day — probably just my best day in all my career,” Hamlin said.

Hamlin told reporters in a press conference after qualifying that he’d been skeptical about the course after practicing on a simulator, nervous about the bumpy surface and narrow course.

But he said the track was smoother than he expected, and he thinks there will be enough room for cars to pass each other in Sunday’s race.

“I think there is an opportunity, if you have a fast race car, to move forward,” Hamlin said.

Following Hamlin will be the second-fastest Tyler Reddick (89.513 mph), who will join him in the first row.

Rounding up the top 5 was Shane van Gisbergen’s (89.403 mph), Christopher Bel (88.765 mph) and Daniel Suárez (88.668 mph).

Here’s the full lineup:

NASCAR Grant Park 220 starting lineup – by row

Pos	Vehicle	Driver	Team	Time	Speed
1	11	Denny Hamlin	Yahoo! Toyota	88.435	89.557
2	45	Tyler Reddick	Monster Energy Toyota	88.479	89.513
3	91	Shane Van Gisbergen	Enhance Health Chevrolet	88.588	89.403
4	20	Christopher Bell	CRAFTSMAN Racing For A Miracle Toyota	89.224	88.765
5	99	Daniel Suarez	Worldwide Express Chevrolet	89.322	88.668
6	34	Michael McDowell	Chicago Pneumatic Compressors Ford	89.328	88.662
7	5	Kyle Larson	HendrickCars.com Chevrolet	89.512	88.48
8	15	Jenson Button	Mobil 1 Ford	89.571	88.421
9	22	Joey Logano	Shell Pennzoil Ford	90.219	87.786
10	16	AJ Allmendinger	Bath Plant by BCI Acrylics Chevrolet	90.283	87.724
11	19	Martin Truex Jr.	Bass Pro Shops Toyota	89.404	88.587
12	54	Ty Gibbs #	Interstate Batteries Toyota	89.613	88.38
13	48	Alex Bowman	Ally Chevrolet	89.617	88.376
14	23	Bubba Wallace	McDonald's Toyota	89.667	88.327
15	17	Chris Buescher	Fastenal Ford	89.687	88.307
16	14	Chase Briscoe	Mahindra Tractors Ford	89.687	88.307
17	12	Ryan Blaney	Menards/Dutch Boy Ford	89.756	88.239
18	8	Kyle Busch	3CHI Chevrolet	89.805	88.191
19	7	Corey LaJoie	Celsius Chevrolet	89.859	88.138
20	6	Brad Keselowski	Elk Grove Village Ford	89.878	88.119
21	43	Erik Jones	DRAIVER Chevrolet	90.046	87.955
22	24	William Byron	Valvoline Chevrolet	90.169	87.835
23	42	Noah Gragson #	Wendy's Chevrolet	90.225	87.781
24	10	Aric Almirola	Smithfield Ford	90.232	87.774
25	38	Todd Gilliland	gener8tor Skills Ford	90.235	87.771
26	9	Chase Elliott	Hooters Chevrolet	90.283	87.724
27	78	Josh Bilicki(i)	Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet	90.331	87.678
28	41	Ryan Preece	Operating Engineers Ford	90.408	87.603
29	3	Austin Dillon	Get Bioethanol Chevrolet	90.521	87.494
30	51	Andy Lally	Camping World Ford	90.575	87.441
31	2	Austin Cindric	Discount Tire Ford	90.718	87.304
32	21	Harrison Burton	Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford	90.759	87.264
33	77	Ty Dillon	Chicago White Sox Chevrolet	90.799	87.226
34	1	Ross Chastain	AdventHealth Chevrolet	90.856	87.171
35	4	Kevin Harvick	GEARWRENCH Ford	90.98	87.052
36	47	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	Mariano's/SunnyD Chevrolet	0	0
37	31	Justin Haley	Benesch Law Chevrolet	0	0

NASCAR qualifiying

Contributing: Ellery Jones

Chicago Mayoral challenge: Take our quiz to see how much you know

2023-05-15T08:30:00-05:00

Chicago mayors of the past include, clockwise from top left, Harold Washington, Richard M. Daley, Jane Byrne, Richard J. Daley, Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel.

How well do you know your Chicago mayors?

On Monday, May 15, Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as mayor of Chicago.

There’s much history in the office of the mayor with lots of random facts, figures and historical minutiae. There have been assassinations, resignations, and countless fights with city councils.

In the city’s 186-year history, counting interim and acting mayors, he will be the 57thmayor. However, he’s only the 48th person to serve as mayor.

The length of the mayor’s term has changed. For the first 30 years of existence, the mayor served for one year each term. Then it was a two-year position until setting into the current four-year term in 1907, with no term limits.

Because of that fact, seven men were elected in nonconsecutive terms, giving Chicago 57 mayoral administrations, but 48 people who have served as mayor.

Test your knowledge of Chicago history and see how good your mayoral knowledge is.

Presidents Day Chicago: 247 years of U.S. presidential connections with Chicago

2023-02-20T13:43:13.44-06:00

President-elect Barack Obama waves to supporters during the election night rally in 2008 in Grant Park.

Sun-Times file photo

Presidential connections with Chicago run deep.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, most presidents have traveled to or through Chicago while campaigning for themselves or others. With its central location as a railroad hub, Chicago often saw presidential “whistle-stop” campaign rallies or short visits to speak to conventions, union or trade groups. More recently, Chicago has been a hotspot for political fundraisers.

From the Republican convention in 1860, which nominated Abraham Lincoln, to the 1996 Democratic convention which nominated Bill Clinton, Chicago has played host to more nominating conventions (25) than any other city.

In honor of Presidents Day, here are some of the many Windy City connections with the nation’s 45 chief executives.

The Heald Square Monument by Lorado Taft. Figures in this bronze monument represent (left to right) Robert Morris, George Washington and Haym Salomon. Morris and Salomon were financiers of the U.S. army in the Revolutionary War. They were never repaid for their investments and Morris spent his last years in a debtor’s prison.

Sun-Times file photo

1. George Washington

The namesake of Washington Street, Washington Park, George Washington High School (3535 E 114th St). There are statues of him in Washington Park and Heald Square Monument (Wacker and Michigan), which shows him and the two principal financiers of the American Revolution, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon.

2. John Adams

There aren’t many connections beyond Adams Street for this founding father.

3. Thomas Jefferson

The Sage of Monticello is the namesake of Jefferson Street, the Thomas Jefferson pumping station (2230 W. Eastwood St.) and has a statue at the Jefferson Park transit center (4917 N. Milwaukee Ave.) There are two parks — Jefferson Park (1709 S. Des Plaines St.) and Thomas Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave.) named for him. There was a third park named for him at 1331 W. Adams St. until 1955 when it was renamed Skinner Park in honor of Mark Skinner, one of Chicago’s earliest school inspectors.

4. James Madison

Madison is the namesake James Madison School (7433 S. Dorchester Ave) and Madison Street, which was the first southern boundary of Chicago.

5. James Monroe

On April 18, 1818, Monroe signed a bill creating the State of Illinois. He’s the namesake of Monroe Street and James Monroe Elementary School (3651 W Schubert Ave.).

6. John Quincy Adams

The lack of love to the Adams family continues with the sixth president. He’s the namesake of Quincy Street.

7. Andrew Jackson

He’s the namesake of Jackson Boulevard, Jackson Park and Andrew Jackson Language Academy, 1340 W Harrison St. (which in 2021 was renamed Chicago World Language Academy).

8. Martin Van Buren

Chicago was founded March 4, 1837, the same day when Van Buren was inaugurated. According to the Illinois State Archives, Van Buren was extremely popular with the Irish-dominated Democrats of the city. In the election of 1840, Van Buren received 807 votes in Chicago to William Henry Harrison’s 622. And he’s the namesake of Van Buren Street.

9. William Henry Harrison

He’s the namesake of Harrison Street, but the strongest connection is that his first cousin twice removed was Carter Henry Harrison Sr., who served as Chicago mayor from 1879–1887 and 1893, when he was assassinated.

10. John Tyler

There’s no current street named for him. Previously there was a Tyler Street but it was renamed by the Chicago City Council in 1872 as Congress Blvd. Accounts differ on the reason, but many explanations deal with Tyler’s post-presidential support of the Confederacy or because of his expulsion from the Whig Party.

11. James K. Polk

He’s the namesake of Polk Street. According to the Library of Congress, in the early 1900s, the Chicago Historical Society purchased some of papers of President Polk, including his presidential diary. They eventually were transferred to the Library of Congress.

12. Zachary Taylor

He’s the namesake of Taylor Street. Also, the namesake of Zachary Taylor Davis, the architect of Wrigley Field and old Comiskey Park. Davis was called the “Frank Lloyd Wright of Baseball.”

13. Millard Fillmore

Fillmore is the last consecutive president to have a street named for him — Fillmore Street. In 1850, he signed legislation that provided land grants from the federal government to Illinois, which in turn was to transfer the land to railroad companies. The Illinois Central Railroad stretched from Cairo to Chicago and helped fuel the city’s explosive economic growth in the 19^th century.

14. Franklin Pierce

First president not to have a street named for him. There is a Pierce Avenue, but it is named for brothers, Asahel and M.J. Pierce, who were landowners.

15. James Buchanan

Not a clear Chicago connection to the Pennsylvania-born Buchanan. His disastrous presidency led to a split in the Democratic party and led to the election of Abraham Lincoln, who is from Illinois — so that’s as close of a connection as it gets.

People sit near an Abraham Lincoln statue on the second day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park, Friday afternoon, July 30, 2021.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

16. Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln is everywhere in the city and state. He was moved to Illinois at age 21 in 1930. Nominated at a temporary wooden convention hall called “the Wigwam,” located at Lake Street near the Chicago River. He’s also the namesake of Lincoln Park, Lincoln Avenue and countless businesses and works of public art, including a statue in Grant Park.

17. Andrew Johnson

Johnson was the first sitting president to visit Chicago. He came here in 1866 on a “swing around the circle” tour of the country, trying to sell his vision of welcoming the South back into the Union without any repercussions for the Civil War.

The Ulysses S. Grant statue in Lincoln Park.

Sun-Times file photo

18. Ulysses S. Grant

Lived for about a year in Galena, Illinois before leading the Union Army in the Civil War. He was unanimously nominated for the presidency in 1868 at the Crosby Opera House (now the site of Block 37 at State and Washington). He has a statue in Lincoln Park and is the namesake of Grant Park and Grant Place.

19. Rutherford B. Hayes

He visited the city on a Midwest tour in 1879. And after his presidency, he came to town to address the Fifth quadrennial congress of Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in 1885.

20. James Garfield

Garfield was nominated in 1880 in Chicago at the Interstate Industrial Exposition Building (S. Michigan and E. Adams). Also, he’s the namesake of Garfield Boulevard.

21. Chester Arthur

Arthur was nominated in 1884 at Interstate Industrial Exposition Building.

22. and 24. Grover Cleveland

In 1892, Democrats met in a temporary “Wigwam” in Lake Park to nominate Cleveland for a third time. He attended and opened the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition on May 1, 1893 in Jackson Park. Also the namesake of Cleveland Elementary school (3121 West Byron St.).

23. Benjamin Harrison

Nominated in the partially finished Civic Auditorium — now the Auditorium Theater. On Dec. 9, 1889, President Harrison returned to dedicate the building.

25. William McKinley

He’s the namesake of McKinley Park and has a statue too, located at 2210 W. Pershing Rd.

President Theodore Roosevelt waves to crowd on visit to Chicago in 1912.

Sun-Times library

26. Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt was nominated for the presidency twice in Chicago. In 1904, he was nominated by the Republicans in the second Chicago Coliseum (1513 S. Wabash Ave.). And in 1912 was nominated by the Progressive Party at the Chicago Coliseum in a losing third-party campaign. Also he is the namesake of Roosevelt Road, Theodore Roosevelt High School (3436 W. Wilson Ave.), Roosevelt Park (62 W. Roosevelt Road).

27. William Howard Taft

Taft accepted Republican presidential nomination in 1904 at Chicago Coliseum. He attended a Cubs game on Sept. 16, 1909 at the West Side Grounds (912 S. Wood). He also dedicated the Naval Training Station Great Lakes on July 1, 1911. And the namesake of Taft High school (6530 W Bryn Mawr Ave.)

28. Woodrow Wilson

Wilson Avenue already existed — named for lawyer John P. Wilson — before the Wilson presidency, so the city council rename Western Avenue as “Woodrow Wilson Road.” After property owners complained and 10,000 signed a petition, it was changed back within 30 days. In 1935, Woodrow Wilson Junior College was founded in 1935, but was renamed in 1969 to honor the recently assassinated Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

29. Warren G. Harding

In 1920, the Republicans met again at the Coliseum, but was deadlocked on whom to nominate. In rooms 408-10 of the Blackstone Hotel, party bosses selected Sen. Warren G. Harding. An AP reporter called it the “smoke filled room,” this first usage of the phrase which has entered the political lexicon. The delegates finally ratified Harding on the tenth ballot.

30. Calvin Coolidge

Made various speeches and whistle stop campaigns. He spoke before the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in 1925. There’s nothing named for him, but there is for his vice president, Charles Gates Dawes, who has a park named for him at 8052 S. Damen Ave. Dawes, an Evanston resident, was instrumental in Chicago’s successful bid to hold the 1933 World’s Fair.

31. Herbert Hoover

Hoover was nominated in 1932 at the newly built Chicago Stadium. He attended the Cubs-Athletics World Series in 1929 and the 1933 World’s Fair. Also at age 86, spoke at the 1960 GOP convention also at Chicago Stadium.

32. Franklin Roosevelt

Roosevelt was nominated at Chicago Stadium in 1932, 1940 and 1944. He was the first person to ever accept the nomination in person. He’s also the namesake of Roosevelt University, which is named in 1945 for him and wife, Eleanor, and the FDR Memorial bridge — located on Lake Shore Drive when it crosses the Chicago River.

Former president Harry S. Truman quips about a front page photograph of his arrival in Chicago, May 2, 1960.

Sun-Times library

33. Harry Truman

“Dewey Defeats Truman” was the infamous, incorrect headline on the front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune on Nov. 3, 1948. It mistakenly gave the result of the razor-tight presidential election. He was the subject of 1975 song “Harry Truman” by band Chicago. Also, he is the namesake of Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.)

Republican Nominee Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s arm is raised by his running mate on the GOP ticket, Sen. Richard Nixon, of California, before the conclusion of the convention session in Chicago, July 11, 1952.

34. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower was nominated at the International Amphitheatre (formerly located at 4220 S. Halsted St.) in 1952, which was the first convention to be televised. Also, he’s the namesake of the Eisenhower Expressway and Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.

President John Kennedy urges support of Democratic party candidates at a party fundraising dinner in Chicago in 1962. At right is Rep. Sidney R. Yates (D-Ill.) candidate for the Senate, who Kennedy warmly endorsed.

Sun-Times library

35. John Kennedy

Chicago was the site of the first-ever presidential debate, between Kennedy and Richard Nixon at the now demolished WBBM-TV studio (at 630 N. McClurg Ct.). It was the only presidential debate held in Chicago. Also the namesake of the Kennedy Expressway, Kennedy High School (6325 W 56th St.), The Kennedy family owned the Merchandise Mart from 1945 until 1998 and developed Wolf Point.

President Lyndon Johnson is greeted by Mayor Richard J. Daley and Illinois Gov. Otto Kerner at McCormick Place, April 23, 1964. Kerner is mothioning for one of his friends to meet the President.

Sun-Times library

36. Lyndon Johnson

Johnson unveiled “Great Society” as the name for his domestic works on April 23, 1964, in Chicago, at a fund-raising dinner for his close ally Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.

Arms outstretched as he balances on the rear of an automobile, Vice President Richard Nixon smiles as he addresses a shopping district crowd assembled at 111th Street and South Michigan Avenue during a campaign swing through Chicago, Oct. 1, 1956.

37. Richard Nixon

Participated in the aforementioned Kennedy-Nixon Debate in 1960. He was nominated at the 1960 Republican National Convention at the International Amphitheatre. It was the last Republican convention to date in Chicago.

President Gerald Ford greets supporters at the Wheaton College Campus, March 12, 1976.

Sun-Times library

38. Gerald Ford

Ford lived in Oak Park for a short time as an infant before growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In August 1935 he played in a college football All-Star game at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. His wife Betty was born in Chicago.

Former President Jimmy Carter and Mayor Richard M. Daley attend a dinner sponsored by the Economic Club of Chicago at the Chicago Hilton Towers, Feb. 11, 1991.

Jack Lenahan/Sun-Times

39. Jimmy Carter

Carter has made multiple visits and delivered many speeches over the years. In 1976, Carter heavily wooed Mayor Richard J. Daley for his endorsement. Daley played coy, and on one trip introduced him as “Jim Carter,” according to the book “American Pharoah” by Adam Cohen and Elizabeth Taylor.

40. Ronald Reagan

Born in Tampico, Illinois and moved to 832 East 57th St. when he was four and lived there for about five years. The University of Chicago demolished the building to make a parking lot in 2013. Reagan worked as an announcer for WHO radio in Des Moines where he would call Chicago Cubs games in the 1930s. He visited the Cubs broadcast booth with Harry Caray in 1988.

President George H. W. Bush speaks at a fundraising rally for U.S. Rep. Lynn Martin, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Nov. 20, 1989.

Sun-Times library

41. George H. W. Bush

During World War II, Bush trained at the Great Lakes Reserve on Lake Michigan at Navy Pier. He made numerous visits campaigning and while in office.

Former President Bill Clinton speaks at a Hillary for Illinois organizing event at the Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston, Tuesday, March 8, 2016.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

42. Bill Clinton

Clinton was nominated in 1996 at the United Center. His wife, Hillary, is from suburban Park Ridge. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel served as his White House political director and senior advisor. Clinton has made numerous visits to Chicago before, during and after his term.

43. George W. Bush

Made various visits during office and campaigning. In 2022, along with former President Clinton, he visited Saints Volodymyr & Olha Catholic Church (739 N. Oakley Blvd) to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the war against Russia.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama participate in the Obama Presidential Center ceremonial groundbreaking in Jackson Park on the South Side, Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2021.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

44. Barack Obama

The 44th president spent most of his adult years here working and raising a family and still has a house here (5046 Greenwood Ave.). The Obama Presidential Center is being built here in Jackson Park. It is estimated to open in 2025. His victory rally speech was given before an estimated crowd of 240,000 on Nov. 4, 2008 in Grant Park.

President Donald Trump speaks at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention at McCormick Place, Monday morning, Oct. 28, 2019.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

45. Donald Trump

His Trump International Hotel & Tower, located at the site of the former Chicago Sun-Times building at 401 N. Wabash) is a visible sign of his presence. He often had a combative relationship with the city. He made only one major appearance in Oct. 2019 to address a police chief convention and make an appearance at private fundraisers.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at Jones Elementary School in Joliet, where he spoke about lowering the price of prescription drugs and protecting Medicare and Social Security, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

46. Joe Biden

The incumbent president has made multiple visits, campaign stops, speeches and attended fundraisers during his term and previously as vice president under President Obama.

How to watch Super Bowl LVII: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

2023-02-10T16:30:11.286-06:00

A view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the helmets of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Peter Casey/Getty Images

The Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is rapidly approaching. Here are some things to know ahead of Sunday’s game:

How do I watch?

The game begins at 5:30 p.m. Chicago time on Sunday and can be viewed on Fox, Fox Deportes and the NFL+ app. It can also be streamed on multiple services, including YouTube TV. The national radio broadcast is on Westwood One, which will be on 670-AM in the Chicago area.

What number is this Super Bowl?

It’s the 57th annual Super Bowl. The roman numerals are LVII for number 57. The first Super Bowl was in Jan. 15, 1967.

Who are the teams and players?

The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl for the third time in four years after winning another AFC Championship. The Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 against the 49ers after the 2019 season but lost to the Buccaneers after 2020.

The Chiefs are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who claimed his second MVP award on Thursday night. They’ve also got several other stars, led by tight end Travis Kelce and defensive lineman Chris Jones.

The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC championship and are trying to win their second Super Bowl in six years. They’re led by quarterback and MVP finalist Jalen Hurts, receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and linebacker Haason Reddick.

Are there any Bears connections?

Former Bears coach Matt Nagy is the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach. Our Patrick Finley spoke with him about his Bears tenure, he said “I ‘failed in a lot of areas,’ but it will make me stronger.”

Defensive end Robert Quinn was traded from the Bears to the Eagles on Oct. 26. He never wanted to leave Chicago. It still bothers him that he was traded, but the result — a Super Bowl appearance in his 12th season after never winning as much as a playoff game until this season — was enough to coax a crooked smile out of him.

General manager Ryan Poles had been employed by the Chiefs for 12 years — starting as a scouting assistant and working his way up — when the Bears hired him last year. Poles quickly made his first hire: Ian Cunningham, who had spent the previous five years with the Eagles.

And the infamous almost-Bears quarterback: Every time the Chiefs get into the big game, the McCaskey family, which owns the Bears, can count on a boatload of stories about how their franchise decided not to draft quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Sunday will be Mahomes’ third Super Bowl in the last four seasons. He’ll face the Eagles this time.

Where is the game being played?

The Super Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which is home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. Glendale is a suburb of Phoenix.

It’s the third Super Bowl the stadium has hosted.

State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, will play host to Super Bowl LVII.

Matt York/AP

The Phoenix area is no stranger to big events: In fact, two of them are happening right now. The Super Bowl is obviously attracting a lot of attention but the yearly WM Phoenix Open is also this week, drawing thousands of golf fans — and a steady stream of private planes — to the city to watch players like top-ranked Rory McElroy.

Who is favored?

The Eagles are favored by 1 1/2 points to beat the Chiefs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, and the line has stayed fairly constant over the past two weeks. The over-under is 50.5 points.

However, four out of five Chicago Sun-Times experts are going with the AFC-champion Chiefs.

Picking the game’s winner is one of the basic ways to bet, but there are many, many prop bets gamblers can also choose.

Sportsbooks have taken advantage of the increasing popularity of prop bets, which could range from whether there will be a safety to whether the Chiefs or Eagles will score more points than NBA stars LeBron James or Steph Curry when their teams meet the day before the big game.

Professional sports bettors tend to make the more traditional wagers and look for value in the props if they believe they can find a betting number to exploit. For the most part, the props belong to the general public.

Who is on the broadcast?

Fox Sports’ Kevin Burkhardt and former Bears tight end Greg Olson are both calling their first Super Bowl. The duo was elevated to Fox’s top crew after a game of broadcaster musical chairs that saw Joe Buck and Troy Aikman leave for ESPN.

Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be the the broadcast’s sidelines reporter. And rules analyst Mike Pereira will be on-site for needed explanation for any questionable calls.

What’s the Fox pre-game schedule?

11 a.m. — “Road to the Super Bowl” Watch how the Chiefs and Eagles made it to the Super Bowl through the lens of NFL Films.

Noon — “Fox Super Bowl LVII Pregame” The casts of “Fox NFL Sunday” and “Fox NFL Kickoff” combine for 5½ hours of programming.

5:30 p.m. — Super Bowl LVII begins.

Who is singing the national anthem?

Before the game, eight-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton will be performing the national anthem. One of the most popular prop bets for the Super Bowl is betting on the anthem length. This year, the over-under is around 122 seconds (2:02), depending on which sportsbook.

What’s the halftime show?

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Rihanna is the headline act of this year’s halftime show.

She’s had 14 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “We Found Love,” “Work,” “Umbrella” and “Disturbia.” She and rapper A$AP Rocky recently welcomed her first child.

“The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was the hardest, hardest part. Deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also celebrate — that’s what this show is going to be. It’s going to be a celebration of my catalog in the best way that we could have put it together,” Rihanna said.

What to expect with the commercials

The Super Bowl is advertising’s biggest stage, with advertisers jockeying to get their products in front of the more than 100 million people who watch each year. Mark Evans, executive vice president of ad sales for Fox Sports, said a few ads went for more than $7 million for a 30-second spot. Most sold between $6 million and $7 million.

Anheuser-Busch remains the biggest advertiser with three minutes of national airtime. The beverage giant gave up its deal to be the exclusive alcohol advertiser this year, so Heineken, Diageo, Remy Martin and Molson Coors are also in the game. Other big categories advertising include packaged food like Doritos and M&Ms, movie studios and streaming services, automakers and tech companies, Evans said. Out this year: crypto companies.

What’s on TV right after the Super Bowl?

With the Super Bowl broadcast being the highest-rated television show of the year, networks are strategic in deciding which show should follow the Super Bowl and get the benefit of millions of eyeballs for a ratings bump.

This year for the “lead-out show,” Fox is airing the second-season debut of “Next Level Chef,” a culinary reality show hosted by Gordon Ramsey.

Contributing: AP, Staff Reports

Field of Dreams uniforms: MLB reveals throwback jerseys for Cubs-Reds game

2022-08-08T09:53:55.854-05:00

The Chicago White Sox played the New York Yankees, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, in the inaugural “Field of Dreams” game in Dyersville, Iowa.

Charlie Neibergall/AP

If they design it, you will buy.

Major League Baseball has unveiled the throwback uniforms for this season’s ‘‘Field of Dreams’’ game.

The game between the Cubs and Reds will start at 7 p.m. Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa, at the site of the filming of the 1989 classic baseball movie. It will be aired on Fox-32 and 670-AM.

Last year’s inaugural edition was a sepia-toned, nostalgia-inducing success, with the White Sox beating the Yankees 9-8 on Aug. 12, 2021.

For this year’s game, MLB again unveiled jerseys that have a look that evokes early-20th-century gear.

The Cubs, who will be designated the visiting team, will be combining looks from the late 1920s with hats from the 1910s.

Can't wait to see the @Cubs rocking these unis for #MLBatFieldofDreams! 🌽 pic.twitter.com/w5gGMDxVsd
— MLB (@MLB) August 8, 2022

Their jerseys will be cream-colored, with a small cub holding a bat surrounded by a red wishbone-style ‘‘C’’ and navy piping down the front.

The team wore similar jerseys as its home uniforms from 1927 to 1929. The major difference was color: The home jerseys were white rather than cream.

The navy hat, made by New Era, displays the white cub-with-a-bat logo, which appeared in road uniforms in 1914.

‘‘I thought they were cool,’’ manager David Ross said. ‘‘‘I think there’s one up in the [baseball operations] offices across the street that are the same jerseys. So I could relate. I thought they were really cool. I like the navy hats, the throwback bears — one of my favorite logos that we have.’’

These 1929 uniforms are similar to what the 2022 Cubs will wear in the “Field of Dreams” game The photo shows Cubs coaching staff in 1929 (from left) Joe Burk, manager Joe McCarthy and Grover Land.

The Reds will be in white jerseys with pinstripes and the word ‘‘REDS’’ surrounded by a wishbone ‘‘C’’ over the left breast. They wore that look starting in 1914 and continued on and off through the ’20s.

The hats will be white with pinstripes with a red stylized ‘‘C’’ and a thick red band surrounding the base.

Authentic and replica jerseys and hats are available for purchase at MLBshop.com.

Cubs claim Reyes

The Cubs claimed designated hitter/outfielder Franmil Reyes off waivers from the Guardians before their 6-3 victory against the Nationals. Reyes has struggled this season, slashing .213/.254/.356 in 70 games. But he hit 37 and 30 home runs in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

‘‘He’s had some pretty good numbers in the past, like some other guys,’’ Ross said. ‘‘We were in a position to take some chances and get some offense from some guys that might be struggling and have a history of some success.’’

General manager Carter Hawkins is familiar with Reyes. He was an assistant GM with Cleveland when the club traded for Reyes in 2019.

Reyes had yet to join the Cubs, but the team optioned Frank Schwindel to Triple-A Iowa after the game, clearing an active roster spot.

MRI exam for Hendricks

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks had a follow-up MRI exam on his strained right shoulder, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.

Hoyer added that he would need to talk with the medical staff before determining next steps.

‘‘I’d love it if he pitches again this year,’’ Hoyer said, ‘‘but I wouldn’t want to push anything to do so.’’

Derrick Rose engaged: Knicks guard proposes on court at Madison Square Garden

2021-10-12T23:19:26.47-05:00

Derrick Rose proposed to his girlfriend, Alaina Anderson, on Tuesday in New York.

AP Photos

Finally, we have a ring ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

But it was Derrick Rose and not the Knicks who provided the bling Tuesday.

At the same arena where he was drafted first overall by the Bulls in 2008 and has seen his career rejuvenated since he was traded to the Knicks in February, Rose proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Alaina Anderson.

He announced his engagement in an Instagram post with a photo of a romantic dinner setup — with red wine and a massive diamond ring.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DZY (@drose)

Along with the photo he wrote:

I didn’t know things were going to go this way. Even from the jump I didn’t know I was texting Big Jay. I didn’t know how you were going to perceive me. But this entire time I was hoping that you would believe me. Believe the words that I will have your back and love u forever. When I FIRST saw you I told Ryan that we were gon be together. It took both of us a while to let down our guards. That’s only becuz both of our hearts were scarred. We are two peas in a pod becuz we are truly MISUNDERSTOOD. We got our heart and swag from this place called ENGLEWOOD. I will always love you becuz you go above and beyond We built a beautiful family and a unbreakable bond. Thank you Queen.

Anderson, a Chicago native and De La Salle high school graduate, is an entrepreneur and Instagram influencer. She and Rose have two children together. A girl, Layla Malibu, was born in 2018. One year later, they had a boy, London Marley. Rose has another son, Derrick Jr., from a previous relationship.

She posted a video on Instagram that showed off the ring: “MRS. ROSE… MY FACE HURTS … Just got engaged in MSG nothing major!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alaina A. Anderson Rose (@alainataughtyou)

2021 Chicago Marathon: Route, course map, road closings, more for Sunday’s race

2021-10-09T14:37:48.623-05:00

Runners race down LaSalle Street near Wacker Drive during a past Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Ashlee Rezin / Sun-Times file

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the Chicago Marathon last year, the city’s biggest test for long-distance runners returns Sunday.

More than 35,000 people from 50 states and 100 countries are expected to compete in the 26.2-mile race.

The course winds through 29 neighborhoods. So, even if you’re not running, chances are the race might affect Chicagoans’ travel plans Sunday.

Here’s a rundown of all you need to know:

When is the race?

The race begins with the men’s wheelchair grouping at 7:20 a.m. Sunday in Grant Park. The starting line is at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street. Here are the scheduled start times:

7:20 a.m.: Men’s wheelchair.
7:21: Women’s wheelchair.
7:23: Handcycle.
7:30: Wave 1 (red).
8: Wave 2 (blue).
8:35: Wave 3 Start (orange).

The course

The race begins in Grant Park and generally winds its way north to Sheridan Road in Uptown, then back south and west by the United Center through the West Loop, south to 35th Street in Bronzeville, finishing back in Grant Park.

Can I watch from the starting line?

No. Only registered runners can watch at the start or finish line. Spectators can access Grant Park beginning at 9:30 a.m.

How can I watch or listen from home?

NBC-5, Telemundo Chicago and TeleXitos will have live TV coverage and live streaming from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WSCR (670-AM) will broadcast the race from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

How can I track a particular runner?

The Chicago Marathon app will provide live race-day runner tracking, along with elite athlete profiles, live broadcast streaming, weather, and an interactive course map. Download it here from the Apple App Store, or here via Google Play.

Where and when does the race end?

The finish line is at the south end of Grant Park. The elite runners are expected to cross first at about 9:30 a.m. All runners must finish within six and a half hours, which is about a 15-minute mile pace.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions?

All participants must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative coronavirus test result from within the previous 72 hours.

What’s the weather forecast Sunday?

Partly sunny and warm, about 78 degrees Sunday morning. There is a 25% chance of rain as of Saturday, according to Accuweather.

How can I find a runner after the race?

Alphabetical signs can be found in the “Runner Reunite” area on Columbus Drive next to Butler Field. The post-race festival — with live music, food and drinks — will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What’s the best way for spectators to avoid the course?

Public transit is the easiest way to get around and avoid road closings. Various L trains and buses can get you near Grant Park and around the course. The CTA will be providing extra race-day L and bus service.

Metra plans to add inbound trains during the early morning and outbound trains during the early afternoon Sunday on the BNSF, Metra Electric, Milwaukee District North and Union Pacific Northwest and West lines.

What are the best spectator strategies to watch?

If you’re following a specific runner, the best way to keep up is to track him or her via the Chicago Marathon app.

There are numerous viewing locations. For example, in the fourth mile, you can see the field headed north on LaSalle Street at Division Street. Then, you could two blocks west and see runners going south on Wells Street around mile marker 12. And there’s a Red Line stop at Clark and Division, so you can head south and see other locations.

When do I have to move my parked car from the course?

Any cars parked along the course will be towed starting at 1 a.m. Sunday.

When will streets along the course close?

Streets along the course will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Sunday.

When will streets reopen?

As runners pass through the mile markers, the streets will reopen in a staggered manner from 10 a.m. (near mile markers 1 and 2) to 6 p.m. For a complete guide of reopenings, click here.

What are the best shortcuts — by car and walking — to avoid the race?

If you’re driving, the best way to avoid runners while heading north or south is by taking Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
To head east or west, Lower Wacker Drive is extremely useful at getting to Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, Streeterville or Lake Shore Drive.
On foot, the Riverwalk is an easy way to get past closed Loop streets.