Illinois

When Bulls guard Derrick Rose was named a backup All-Star Thursday, it marked Chicago's first All-Star rep since Michael Jordan in 1998. It also gives the Bulls their first bragging right since the same year when their string of six World Championships came to an end.

Photos of Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane, John Madden and Kris Versteeg in various states of undress with three young women in the back of a limo were posted Tuesday by a Canadian blog. They have spread rapidly on the Internet, and Wednesday Kane issued a heartfelt apology.

When news out of Canada broke that John Madden was involved in a shirtless photo scandal, many around the country braced for nausea. They were relieved to learn the John Madden in question was the Chicago Blackhawks forward rather than the morbidly obese retired football announcer and coach.

'Next time the girls will be way hotter' says young star

Photos of Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane, John Madden and Kris Versteeg in various states of undress with three young women in the back of a limo were posted Tuesday by a Canadian blog. They have spread rapidly on the Internet, and Wednesday Kane issued a heartfelt apology.

The Cubs this week signed much-traveled two-time Tommy John surgery patient outfielder Xavier Nady to an incentive-laden one-year contract. While this signing would normally indicate just another moment when the Cubs aim low and strike dirt, it also marks the first signing of a sixth in team history.

The Sun-Times once again proved itself to be Chicago's No. 1 news Web site Wednesday morning by breaking a story no one else had heard of when it boldly announced that Andrew Dawson--presumably Andre's younger brother--will enter the Hall of Fame as an Expo. Naturally, the Sun-Times was thrilled at its news-reporting prowess.

Williams was joined by Chicago slow-pitch softball legend Jimmy "Tall Boy" Palonoski and Tommy Lasorda, who won the 1988 World Series with a starting outfield of Mike Marshall, John Shelby and Mickey Hatcher.