JAY COHEN Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Prediction markets love sports, but the feeling isn’t exactly mutual

February 13, 2026

Sports are a big part of prediction markets. So big that even sportsbooks have moved into the business. While some leagues are cashing in, others are taking a more cautious approach. The rapid growth of sports offerings on prediction markets — called event contracts — has captured the attention of the four major North American sports, along with the NCAA and other organizations. Kalshi and Polymarket are the two biggest platforms, but they have plenty of company. More are on the way, too. Almost eight years after a Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for legalized sports gambling across the country, the increased presence of prediction markets has received a mixed response in sports.

Cardi B’s cameo in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show leads to dispute on prediction markets

February 10, 2026

Cardi B was part of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. What she did exactly, well, that turned into a perplexing question for two major prediction markets. At least one Kalshi trader filed a complaint with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over how the prediction market handled Sunday’s appearance by the Grammy-winning rapper. The result of a similar event contract on Polymarket also drew the ire of some users on that platform. There was some ambiguity surrounding whether Cardi B’s halftime appearance constituted a performance, leading to the dispute.

Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews waves to the crowd during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Jonathan Toews gets standing ovation in return to Chicago with the Winnipeg Jets

January 19, 2026

Jonathan Toews has received a warm reception in his return to Chicago with the Winnipeg Jets. The 37-year-old center spent his first 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cup titles. It was his first game at the United Center since he signed with the Jets on July 1. The Blackhawks showed a Toews highlight video during a timeout in the first period, and the crowd of 19,894 responded with a long standing ovation. Toews acknowledged the cheers by waving and patting his heart.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet, not visible, as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Josaiah Stewart (10) and linebacker Jared Verse (8) apply pressure during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Caleb Williams’ ‘ridiculous’ TD pass draws raves from his coach and teammates after Bears’ loss

January 18, 2026

Caleb Williams almost led the Chicago Bears to another surprising win. He threw a breathtaking touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but his third interception led to a winning field goal for the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional playoffs. The 24-year-old Williams led Chicago to an NFL-record seven wins when trailing in the last two minutes of regulation. Despite the loss in the playoffs, Williams remains optimistic, calling it a learning experience. His coach and teammates praised his incredible skills and potential for the future.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur reacts during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Chicago Bears Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Matt LaFleur and the Packers face uncertain future after blowing big lead in wild-card loss

January 10, 2026

At the end of his seventh season as Green Bay’s coach, Matt LaFleur saw a team that lacked composure at big moments in a playoff game. Green Bay blew a 21-6 lead in the fourth quarter of a wild 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday night. The collapse included two big misses for Brandon McManus on an extra point and a 44-yard field goal, to go along with a delay-of-game penalty coming out of a timeout and a fumbled snap on the final play of the game. LaFleur says he felt his team “got a little bit disheveled in the second half.”

FILE - Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard handles the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken, Nov. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Blackhawks center Connor Bedard set to return from shoulder injury

January 9, 2026

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is back after missing 12 games with a right shoulder injury. Bedard has been cleared to play against Washington. The 20-year-old center participated in the team’s morning skate ahead of the matchup with the Capitals. Bedard got hurt on a draw with 0.8 seconds left in a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on Dec. 12. He ranked among the NHL leaders with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games at the time of the injury. The Blackhawks have flourished of late, winning a season-high four in a row going into the Washington game.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight adjusts his helmet during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Chicago, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Mikheyev scores twice as the Blackhawks beat the slumping Stars 4-3

January 1, 2026

Ilya Mikheyev had two goals and the Chicago Blackhawks handed the Dallas Stars their fourth consecutive loss with a 4-3 victory. Teuvo Teravainen and Artyom Levshunov also scored as Chicago improved to 5-13-3 in its last 21 games. Spencer Knight made 21 saves. The Blackhawks also beat the Stars 4-3 in a shootout at Dallas on Saturday night. The Stars had won seven of their last nine games at the United Center. Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene scored for Dallas, which was coming off a 4-1 loss at Buffalo on Wednesday night. Jake Oettinger stopped 17 shots.

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill reacts to a call during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill praises Connor Bedard after the center is left off Canada’s roster

January 1, 2026

Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill is praising Connor Bedard’s all-around game a day after the center was left off Canada’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics. The 20-year-old Bedard is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He ranked among the NHL leaders with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games before he got hurt. While acknowledging the difficulty of finalizing Canada’s roster for the 2026 Games, Blashill says he doesn’t think the rest of the league “knows how good of a two-way winning hockey player Connor has become.”

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and forcing a fumble, which led to a touchdown, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Dry needling is common around the NFL, and players aren’t worried despite Watt’s collapsed lung

December 18, 2025

NFL players say they will continue with dry-needling sessions despite a recent incident involving the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung during the procedure and is out indefinitely. Dry needling is used by physical therapists to treat pain and movement issues by inserting needles into muscles. It’s part of a larger pain management plan and can increase blood flow and release endorphins. NFL players like Trey McBride, Drew Dalman and Bobby Okereke use it for relief from muscle tension. Despite some concerns, many players plan to continue using the treatment.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) passes the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Blackhawks place Connor Bedard on injured reserve with an upper-body injury

December 15, 2025

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed Connor Bedard on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Bedard got hurt in the final seconds of Friday night’s 3-2 loss at St. Louis. The 20-year-old center attempted to win a draw to give his team one last chance, but he was knocked down by Blues center Brayden Schenn. He grasped at his right shoulder and immediately headed to the locker room, accompanied by a trainer. Chicago also recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro and goaltender Laurent Brossoit from Rockford of the American Hockey League. Brossoit had been in the minors on a conditioning assignment.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates after scoring as Arkansas forward Malique Ewin (12) looks on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic tournament Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Boozer family celebrates Thanksgiving with Duke win at United Center

November 27, 2025

Cameron and Cayden Boozer spent their Thanksgiving in a very familiar place, with their father, Carlos, taking in every moment. The twin brothers played at one of their dad’s former homes when No. 4 Duke knocked off No. 22 Arkansas 80-71 at the United Center in Chicago. Carlos Boozer spent four of his 13 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Cameron Boozer had 35 points and nine rebounds, stepping up whenever the Blue Devils needed a big play. He went 13 of 18 from the field and 7 for 11 at the foul line.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer, right, drives to the basket as Arkansas forward Nick Pringle, left, defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic tournament Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Cameron Boozer scores 35 points as No. 4 Duke tops No. 22 Arkansas 80-71

November 27, 2025

Cameron Boozer had 35 points and nine rebounds to help No. 4 Duke hold off No. 22 Arkansas for a wild 80-71 win. Boozer went 13 for 18 from the field at the United Center — the same place his father, Carlos, called home while he played with the Chicago Bulls for four of his 13 NBA seasons. Cayden Boozer also is a Blue Devils freshman, and Carlos cheered on his twin sons from a courtside seat. Caleb Foster had 15 points and eight assists for 8-0 Duke, which is off to its best start since winning its first 11 games of the 2017-18 season. Darius Acuff Jr. had 21 points for 5-2 Arkansas.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Connor Bedard playing starring role in surprising start for the Chicago Blackhawks

November 19, 2025

Connor Bedard called his first goal “extremely lucky.” He highlighted Ryan Greene’s cross-ice pass on his second goal. He talked about committing a turnover right before his third goal for the Chicago Blackhawks. The 20-year-old center tried to his best to share the spotlight, but his teammates were having none of it. Chicago forward Ryan Donato says Bedard is “coming into his own right now.” Bedard has seven goals and six assists in his last six games after he recorded his second career hat trick in Chicago’s 5-2 victory over Calgary. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft has 13 goals and 16 assists in 19 games this season.

New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) celebrates with teammates after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Hall and Fields help the Jets edge the Bengals 39-38 for their 1st win of the season

October 26, 2025

Breece Hall rushed for two second-half touchdowns and threw a 4-yard TD pass to Mason Taylor with 1:54 left, helping the New York Jets edge the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38 for their first win under coach Aaron Glenn. Justin Fields was 21 for 32 for 244 yards and a touchdown in his first game since Jets owner Woody Johnson sharply criticized his team’s quarterback play during its winless start. Hall finished with 18 carries for 133 yards. The 1-7 Jets trailed 31-16 after three quarters. Joe Flacco passed for two touchdowns and rushed for a 1-yard score, but the 3-5 Bengals lost for the fifth time in six games.

FILE - Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Dec. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Frank Nazar insists he is the same guy after agreeing to extension with the Blackhawks

August 22, 2025

As far as Frank Nazar is concerned, everything is pretty much the same. He wants to get better, and he wants to win. Speaking a day after agreeing to a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nazar insisted he’s the same guy. Nazar says, “I’m still super motivated and still want to be the best player I can be.” Nazar’s $46.2 million, seven-year extension begins with the 2026-27 season, and it stamps the flashy forward as part of the core of a Chicago team trying to climb out of the NHL basement. The Blackhawks went 25-46-11 last season and finished last in the Central Division for the third straight year.

Drivers race in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 165 , Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race next year, but it could return in 2027

July 18, 2025

NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race, answering at least one major question about its schedule for next season. NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event in question. Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson, race president Julie Giese says the plan is to explore the potential of a new event weekend with his office and other community leaders. NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego.

John Hunter Nemechek competes in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 165, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

NASCAR’s first in-season tournament adds some drama to the Cup Series finish in Chicago

July 7, 2025

NASCAR’s first in-season tournament hasn’t made much of an impression on its drivers so far. Ty Gibbs said Sunday he didn’t know who his second-round opponent was until after the Cup Series race. That might be about to change. Gibbs is one of eight drivers still in the mix for the $1 million prize that goes to the winner of the five-race, bracket-style competition. While Shane van Gisbergen was closing out his Cup victory in Chicago this weekend, some of the most compelling action on the downtown street course was connected to the inaugural In-Season Challenge.

Van Gisbergen wins in Chicago once again, completing a NASCAR weekend sweep

July 6, 2025

Shane van Gisbergen has completed a sweep on the Chicago Street Course, winning the NASCAR Cup Series race on the tricky downtown circuit. It was van Gisbergen’s second victory of the season and his third career Cup win. The Trackhouse Racing driver also won in Chicago in 2023, becoming the first driver to take his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963. Ty Gibbs was second, and Tyler Reddick finished third. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. It was a dominant weekend for van Gisbergen, a three-time champion in Australia’s Supercars. The 36-year-old New Zealand native won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race from the pole.

FILE - Alex Bowman interacts with spectators while walking down a runway during driver introductions before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Aug. 24, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Alex Bowman is looking for a 2nd straight Cup Series win in Chicago

July 5, 2025

Alex Bowman thinks he is moving in the right direction. With the NASCAR Cup Series back in Chicago on Sunday, it’s good timing for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Bowman raced to a sorely needed victory in downtown Chicago a year ago, stopping an 80-race drought and securing a spot in the playoffs. He is still looking for his first win this season, but he finished third last weekend at Atlanta. The 32-year-old Bowman is the only driver to win at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile drive from downtown, and the Chicago Street Course. He got his first Cup victory at Chicagoland in 2019.

Karli Casamento, watches of her 15-year-old son, Jax's youth baseball game with her son seven-year-old Colt in Aston, Pa., Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Families and businesses are concerned about the effect of tariffs on youth sports

June 26, 2025

Youth sports are a big part of Karli Casamento’s life. Her 15-year-old son, Jax, golfs and plays on three baseball teams. Her 7-year-old son, Colt, plays baseball and basketball. The costs add up in a hurry. That’s why Casamento and her husband, Michael, are watching closely for the ramifications of tariffs on their rising youth sports budget. Karli Casamento, a second-grade teacher in suburban Philadelphia, says it’s a concern. For families like the Casamentos and businesses in the marketplace, there is continued uncertainty surrounding the possible effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on youth sports.

Sports play through another dangerously hot day in parts of the US

June 22, 2025

Several major league teams played through a second straight day of muggy conditions as dangerously hot temperatures dominated parts of the United States during a June heat wave. The PGA Tour was in a sweltering Connecticut for the Travelers Championship, and the LPGA played the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in the heat of Texas. The gametime temperature was 92 degrees for the series finale between the Mariners and Cubs in Chicago. Kids played in the fountains outside Wrigley before going into the ballpark, and the Cubs encouraged fans to take precautions in a message on the videoboard in left field.

FILE - Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill watches during the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Chicago Blackhawks hire Jeff Blashill as head coach, hoping for a turnaround

May 22, 2025

The Chicago Blackhawks are giving Jeff Blashill a second chance to prove himself as a head coach in the NHL. The 51-year-old Michigan native coached the Detroit Red Wings for seven seasons. He was let go after the team went 32-40-10 during the 2021-22 season. While Blashill had an underwhelming stay with Detroit, he has a player development background that likely was appealing for the rebuilding Blackhawks. He has coached in the AHL and USHL, along with the college ranks. Blashill spent the last three seasons as an assistant to Jon Cooper with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

JAY COHEN Sports Writer.