Chicago Sun Times

A boatload of people enjoying an outing with Chicago No Limits Fishing last year.Provided Dave Hanson rolled his wheelchair under an anchored wooden table at DuSable Harbor Wednesday. A few yards away a red-winged blackbird scolded, then a pair of Canada geese waddled behind him.”I have the most beautiful office in the city with the birds,” he said.The boat for Chicago No Limits Fishing was docked nearby last year at Dock H at DuSable. In another month, it should be back in the water for the second season. Dave Hanson with one of his birds (a Canada goose) at “his office” at DuSable Harbor, not far from where the Chicago No Limits Fishing boat was last year.Dale Bowman Hanson was inspired to do what became CNLF on a family trip to Florida when they met Capt. Mick Nealey.”He’s Old Polio [polio survivor],” Hanson said. “He would take people with disabilities out for free.”Nealey took people out on a pontoon.”I thought, `What a great opportunity and how do I take this back to the city?’ ” Hanson said. “Then Covid hit.”He had the time to put together a plan.The community of people with disabilities stepped up. Constantine “Gus” Zografopoulos, a double amputee, introduced his friend Ken Carwell and Hanson.Carwell found a 2006 22-foot pontoon in a field near Three Lakes in northern Wisconsin. Advantage Trailer in Carol Stream redid the doors so wheelchairs could fit and made a portable ramp for wheelchairs, anchors for chairs and put in the electronics for free. Brunswick contributed a 90-hp Mercury motor.CNLF’s self description is: “We are founded and operated by individuals with disabilities who have years of experience in boating and fishing and a passion for providing recreational fishing opportunities for all individuals regardless of age, race, gender or disability.”On April 1, 2014, Carwell had his right leg amputated to treat bone cancer in his pelvis. Hanson had a C6 cervical break 40 years ago diving into a pool. Hanson is president, Carwell, treasurer, and Julie Frakes, an able-bodied occupational therapist, secretary. Frakes brings organization and OT experience. Ken Carwell (left) and Dave Hanson at DuSable Harbor and a banner for Chicago No Limits Fishing program last year.Provided “Everyone has a story who comes on the boat,” Carwell said.Gun-shot victims. People with accidents. Medical conditions, such as Carwell.What CNLF does is straight forward: They take out individuals with disabilities, families and friends to experience boating and fishing around primarily Navy Pier, DuSable Harbor, Monroe Harbor and the Chicago River downtown.”We want to do it with no cost to the person, so no limits at all,” Carwell said.On a windy afternoon, the stories flew.Yes, even of a fish too big to net.”We have a bigger net now,” Hanson said. Kate Jobe works her fishing reel with her feet and toes on an outing with Chicago No Limits Fishing last year, where she caught bluegill and battled a big northern pike.Provided Kate Jobe tried to reel in a 36-inch northern pike near Buckingham Fountain using her feet and toes. The pike was big enough that a woman on the walk shouted, “They have a shark.” Jobe kept saying it was too big, too heavy for her toes. Jobe did catch bluegill.So far catches have included pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and freshwater drum.”No rock bass or perch, yet,” Hanson said. “We tried little plastics and worms and didn’t have any luck. Any help in that area is welcome.”Then Carwell dropped an old Spence Petros line, “We just ran out of time.” Neri Negrete holds a freshwater drum caught on an outing with Chicago No Limits Fishing last year.Provided They fit all participants with USCG approved personal flotation devices and have such adaptive fishing equipment as electric reels, rod holders attached to chairs and cuffs (fit over arms to help with casting).Trips, of three to four hours, run mid-May to the end of September. Most participants have been novices or first-timers. Hanson looks forward to longer trips with experienced anglers trolling for salmon and going into October.Partners, beside the Chicago Park District, include Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Vaughan Paralyzed Veterans of America of Illinois and Special Recreation Associations. So far participants have been people with physical disabilities.CNLF crosses two communities: fishing and people with disabilities. Capt. Ryan Whitacre of TightRope Fishing has contributed advice, product and connections. South Shore Bass Open has made CNLF one of the charities to receive a check after the Aug. 3-4 tournament.CNLF, a registered 501©(3) nonprofit, is a program of Chicago Adaptive Sports.Hanson said their goal is to get a larger boat (a 24-foot tritoon?) or two boats.Volunteers are needed to drive the boat, for general assistance and, especially, as knowledgeable anglers. By that, Hanson meant people who can tie a Palomar knot, know how to tie braided line to fluorocarbon, know how to net a fish, can unhook a fish and rig lines.To volunteer, email chicagonolimitsfishing@gmail.com.CNLF’s second annual Launch Party is Tuesday at Black Barrel Lounge in Old Town. An intense video on Jobe will be shown (the link is below). Information on that and other things is at chicagoadaptivesports.com/chicagonolimitsfishing.Jobe’s video is at https://vimeo.com/924179339.

Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks lost 5-4 in overtime against the Kings on Thursday.Harry How/Getty Images LOS ANGELES — It would be an easy storyline to purport, that the small yet poorly timed errors the Blackhawks committed in their season finale Thursday exemplified their season-long struggles.But that would be far too generous to their season overall. They weren’t inches away from success; they were miles away.On Thursday, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Kings tacked one more defeat — albeit a more-entertaining-than-usual defeat — onto their final record of 23-53-6. Those 53 regulation losses and 59 total losses are both the most in franchise history.”It’s a disappointing finish to a disappointing year,” Nick Foligno said. “I just wanted something to hang our hat on.”After that comment, Foligno launched into a more blunt, critical and memorable diatribe about the overarching state of the Hawks and the offseason ahead.”We are a team that needs to make some changes here,” he added. “This isn’t good enough. This can’t be good enough. This has to change drastically over the summer.”You battle all year long with the group and you care a lot about every individual. But the reality is, when you don’t win, changes are inevitable. And we understand the business side of it. We even talked about it: this might be the last time we play together — all of us, forever.”We can’t go through this again. And I certainly won’t allow it. Either the mindset changes from the group, or personnel changes. That’s just the way it is in the NHL. It’s a business and we need to treat it as such — as we’re moving forward, trying to become a winning team.”The Hawks appeared content to trudge to the finish line as of the second intermission, when they trailed 3-1 and had tallied only seven shots on goal. Lukas Reichel was the lone bright spot at that point; he made arguably his most impressive play of the season with an end-to-end rush for a breakaway goal. Lukas Reichel’s goal was one bright spot for the Blackhawks on Thursday.Ashley Landis/AP Photos Out of the blue, however, Tyler Johnson, Joey Anderson and Ryan Donato scored three goals in a five-minute span early in the third period to give the Hawks a 4-3 lead.The Hawks then appeared driven to enter the offseason on a high note — but that unraveled, too. Philipp Kurashev cleared the puck over the glass in the final two minutes, giving the Kings a six-on-four power play that Viktor Arvidsson converted to tie the game.Right off the overtime faceoff — six seconds in — Kings forward Adrian Kempe ripped a shot over embattled Hawks goalie Arvid Soderblom’s blocker to culminate the roller coaster. That result, combined with the Golden Knights’ loss to the Ducks, means the Kings will face the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs while the Knights draw the Stars. Hawks players, meanwhile, will disperse for the summer — many never to return to Chicago again — after exit interviews Saturday.”There are moments that cost us tonight’s game at the end, but [also] the perseverance in the third period,” coach Luke Richardson said. “We have to learn from both. We have to learn that we have the ability to come back in a game, and we have to learn how to hold onto leads and do all the little things to preserve that.”

Moon AlertThere are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Virgo.Aries (March 21-April 19)You might work alone or behind the scenes today but one thing is certain: You will use your energy to boost your earnings or look for a better-paying job. Or you might use this same energy to make improvements to your possessions and the things you own.Taurus (April 20-May 20)Group activities will pay off, which is why you’re keen to interact with others. You might take charge and play a leadership role. You might be in competition with others either through physical sports or some kind of teamwork. You want results!Gemini (May 21-June 20)Your ambition is aroused; however, what will really put you over the top is your optimism and your positive expectations. A sudden opportunity might open up for you, which will encourage you to give everything you’ve got to a project. Believe in yourself!Cancer (June 21-July 22)Be prepared, because unexpected opportunities to travel might fall in your lap. Similarly, surprise opportunities related to publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law are also likely because good fortune will favor you today. Be ready to act quickly.Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)Keep your pockets open because gifts, goodies and favors from others might suddenly come your way. However, you should know that this window of opportunity is brief, so you will have to act fast. This is a favorable financial time for you. Go, go, go!Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)This is a powerful day for you because the moon is still in your sign. (Don’t hesitate to go after what you want.) Meanwhile, be ready to work with groups as well as partners and close friends to achieve your goals, especially related to foreign countries, legal matters, publishing and higher education.Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)You will make big improvements today to your job, or how you do your job, or getting a new job. Meanwhile, work-related travel is likely. You might also have an unexpected opportunity to do something that will improve your health. (A surprise with a pet might occur.)Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)This is a great day to socialize with others. It’s also a vibrant, lively day for activity in the arts, the entertainment world and show business. Your participation in sports events will thrive, especially competitively. Partnerships and consultation with experts might make a difference today.Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)You will accomplish a lot today if you try to make improvements at home or to your property in some fashion because you have energy, and at the same time, you’ll also have unexpected opportunities to help you do this. Meanwhile, this is a playful, social time for you. Busy you!Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)Today you’re keen to put out some energy to improve things or spruce things up. You might do this through conversations with others, or taking a short trip, or being active in some way to make your home more attractive. These improvements might involve children or sports and entertainment. You’re convincing!Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)Today you’re turned on by sudden opportunities to boost your earnings or make improvements at home. Possibly, these opportunities include finding a better-paying job? This is an excellent time to learn, teach and talk to others. Get helpful information.Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)You’re pumped with enthusiasm because you’re excited about the possibility that something is possible, and this makes you feel good. This is why others will jump on your bandwagon. After all, enthusiasm is so contagious. Meanwhile, continue to look for ways to boost your earnings, as well as buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones.If Your Birthday Is TodayActress Ali Wong (1982) shares your birthday. You’re competitive; you have faith in yourself; and you’re multitalented. You love a challenge. This year your focus will be on work, and building or constructing something. What you build might be external or it could be an internal structure. Physical exercise will be important for you.

Taylor Swift performs at Soldier Field last June. The artist realeased her album “The Tortured Poets Department” at midnight Thursday.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times Who knew what Taylor Swift’s latest era would bring? Or even what it would sound like? Would it build off the moodiness of “Midnights” or the folk of “evermore”? The country or the ’80s pop of her latest re-records? Or its two predecessors in black-and-white covers: the revenge-pop of “Reputation” and the literary Americana of “folklore”?“The Tortured Poets Department,” here Friday, is an amalgamation of all of the above, reflecting the artist who — at the peak of her powers — has spent the last few years re-recording her life’s work and touring its material, filtered through synth-pop anthems, breakup ballads, provocative and matured considerations.In moments, her 11th album feels like a bloodletting: A cathartic purge after a major heartbreak delivered through an ascendant vocal run, an elegiac verse, or mobile, synthesized productions that underscore the powers of Swift’s storytelling.And there are surprises. The lead single and opener “Fortnight” is “1989” grown up — and features Post Malone. It might seem like a funny pairing, but it’s a long time coming: Since at least 2018, Swift’s fans have known of her love for Malone’s “Better Now.” Related Taylor Swift Chicago QR code mural drawing crowds in anticipation of ‘Tortured Poets’ release Taylor Swift conquers Chicago in first of three sold-out Soldier Field shows Taylor Swift “But Daddy I Love Him” is the return of country Taylor, in some ways — fairytale songwriting, a full band chorus, a plucky acoustic guitar riff, and a cheeky lyrical reversal: “But Daddy I love him / I’m having his baby / No, I’m not / But you should see your faces.” (Babies appear on “Florida!!!” and the bonus track “The Manuscript” as well.)The fictitious “Fresh Out The Slammer” begins with a really pretty psych guitar tone that disappears beneath wind-blown production; the new wave-adjacent “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” brings back “Barbie”: “I felt more when we played pretend than with all the Kens / ‘Cause he took me out of my box.” This cover image released by Republic Records shows “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. AP Even before Florence Welch kicks off her verse in “Florida!!!,” the chorus’ explosive repetition of the song title hits hard with nostalgic 2010s indie rock, perhaps an alt-universe Swiftian take on Sufjan Stevens’ “Illinois.”As another title states, “So Long, London,” indeed.It would be a disservice to read Swift’s songs as purely diaristic, but that track — the fifth on this album, which her fans typically peg as the most devastating slot on each album — evokes striking parallels to her relationship with a certain English actor she split with in 2023. Place it next to a sleepy love ode like “The Alchemy,” with its references to “touchdown” and cutting someone “from the team” and well … art imitates life. This cover image released by Republic Records shows “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. AP Revenge is still a pervasive theme. But where the reprisal anthems on “Midnights” were vindictive, on “The Tortured Poets Department,” there are new complexities: “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” combines the musical ambitiousness of “evermore” and “folklore” — and adds a resounding bass on the bridge — with sensibilities ripped from the weapons-drawn, obstinate “Reputation.” But here, Swift mostly trades victimhood for self-assurance, warts and all.“Who’s afraid of little old me?” she sings. “You should be,” she responds.And yet, “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” may be her most biting song to date: “You didn’t measure up in any measure of a man,” she sings atop propulsive piano. “I’ll forget you, but I won’t ever forgive,” she describes her target, likely the same “tattooed golden retriever,” a jejune description, mentioned in the title track.Missteps are few, found in other mawkish lyrics and songs like “Down Bad” and “Guilty as Sin?” that falter when placed next to the album’s more meditative pop moments.Elsewhere, Swift holds up a mirror to her melodrama and melancholy — she’s crying at the gym, don’t tell her about “sad,” is she allowed to cry? She died inside, she thinks you might want her dead; she thinks she might just die. She listens to the voices that tell her “Lights, camera, bitch, smile / Even when you want to die,” as she sings on “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart,” a song about her own performances — onstage and as a public figure.“I’m miserable and nobody even knows!” she laughs at the end of the song before sighing, “Try and come for my job.” This cover image released by Republic Records show “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. AP “Clara Bow” enters the pantheon of great final tracks on a Swift album. The title refers to the 1920s silent film star who burned fast and bright — an early “It girl” and Hollywood sex symbol subject to vitriolic gossip, a victim of easy, everyday misogyny amplified by celebrity. Once Bow’s harsh Brooklyn accent was heard in the talkies, it was rumored, her career was over.In life, Bow later attempted suicide and was sent to an asylum — the same institution that appears on “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” “Clara Bow” works as an allegory and a cautionary tale for Swift, the same way Stevie Nicks’ “Mabel Normand” — another tragic silent film star — functioned for the Fleetwood Mac star.Nicks appears in “Clara Bow,” too: “You look like Stevie Nicks in ’75 / The hair and lips / Crowd goes wild.”Later, Swift turns the camera inward, and the song ends with her singing, “You look like Taylor Swift in this light / We’re loving it / You’ve got edge / She never did.” The album ends there, on what could be read as self-deprecation but stings more like frustrating self-awareness.Swift sings about a tortured poet, but she is one, too. And isn’t it great that she’s allowed herself the creative license? This cover image released by Republic Records shows one of four versions for “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. AP

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, at UN headquarters Thursday. Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran would make Israel “regret” any attack on his country in response to the Islamic republic’s weekend barrage of missiles and drones. ANGELA WEISS/Getty DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran fired air defense batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.It remained unclear if the country was under attack, as no Iranian official directly acknowledged the possibility and Israel’s military did not respond to a request for comment. However, tensions have remained high in the days since the Saturday assault on Israel amid its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and its own strikes targeting Iran in Syria.One Iranian government official and later Iran’s state-run television broadcaster suggested sites may have been targeted by drones.IRNA said the defenses fired across several provinces. It did not elaborate on what caused the batteries to fire, though people across the area reported hearing the sounds.In particular, IRNA said air defenses fired at a major air base in Isfahan, which long has been home to Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats — purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.The semiofficial Fars and Tasnim news agencies also reported the sound of blasts, without giving a cause. State television acknowledged “loud noise” in the area.Isfahan also is home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program, including its underground Natanz enrichment site, which has been repeatedly targeted by suspected Israeli sabotage attacks. However, state television described all sites in the area as “fully safe.”Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai began diverting around western Iran about 4:30 a.m. local time. They offered no explanation, though local warnings to aviators suggested the airspace may have been closed.Iran later announced it grounded commercial flights in Tehran and across areas of its western and central regions. Loudspeakers informed customers of the incident at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, online videos purported to show.Iranian state television began a scrolling, on-screen alert acknowledging a “loud noise” near Isfahan, without immediately elaborating.Hossein Dalirian, a spokesman for Iran’s civilian space program, said on X that several small “quadcopter” drones had been shot down. A state television reporter in Isfahan said the same in a live report, saying “several small drones were flying in the sky over Isfahan, which were fired at.”Meanwhile in Iraq, where a number of Iranian-backed militias are based, residents of Baghdad reported hearing sounds of explosions, but the source of the noise was not immediately clear.