Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago news, sports, politics, entertainment

Yovani Lopez in June 2019 holds up a poster calling for life imprisonment of Desiree Figueroa, who was charged with murdering Lopez’ pregnant wife, Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, and his son.

Crime

Clarisa Figueroa pleads guilty to strangling Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, cutting baby from womb

Clarisa Figueroa strangled Ochoa-Lopez with a length of coaxial cable and then cut the baby from Ochoa-Lopez’s womb. The baby, Yovanny Jadiel Lopez, died several weeks later.

By Matthew Hendrickson

FBI agent James Rudisill takes down a flag at sunset at his home. The Army veteran and his Chicago lawyer are asking the Supreme Court to take his case, which could help other long-serving vets tap college educational benefits for themselves and their families that they earned under more than one version of the GI Bill.

GI Bill

GI Bill case sees Supreme Court rule against VA, giving decorated Army vet James Rudisill full benefits

The ruling Tuesday in favor of Rudisill, who’s now an FBI agent, also could help other long-serving vets tap college educational benefits for themselves and their families that they earned under more than one version of the GI Bill.

By Stephanie Zimmermann

The Catherine Cook School in the 49th ChicagoPride Parade. | Rick Majewski/For the Sun-Times.

LGBTQIA+

Chicago Pride Parade denies all previous year's school participants

A large group of family members and supporters hold balloons outside in front of homes, as more balloons are clustered in bunches and priests wearing black and white vestments are on hand to lead prayers.

News

Back of the Yards mass shooting victims Ariana Molina, others mourned at vigil

LSU forward Angel Reese, right, and South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso battle over the ball during an NCAA women's college basketball game.

Chicago Sky and WNBA

Sky get what they wanted, selecting Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese with No. 3 and No. 7 picks

Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg speaks at a City Club of Chicago luncheon at Maggiano’s Banquets last November.

City Hall

Chicago's watchdog moves to fire police supervisor who lied about sex assault probe of fellow cop

Commentary

The opinions in and around Chicago that inform, analyze, hold power accountable and entertain.

CST Editorial Board

Anthony Robinson spent 11 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Too often, justice misses the mark.

Rick Telander

Sports columnist

Chicago stadiums, arenas and real estate make for a playground for the wealthy

Lynn Sweet

Washington bureau chief

Democratic Party leaders meet in Chicago this week for pre-convention talks

Ismael Pérez

Columnist, audience specialist

Someone in Chicago is struggling with the ‘Sunday scaries’

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Religion

Antisemitic acts in Illinois and nation at worst levels ever, Anti-Defamation League says

In Illinois alone, the 211 antisemitic incidents in 2023 represented a 74% increase from the previous year, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League Midwest. “In the 45 years since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979, it has never been this bad,” said regional director David Goldenberg.

By David Struett

Suburban Chicago

Dolton official indicted for bankruptcy fraud

Money

World Business Chicago names new CEO

City Hall

Preckwinkle bends ears, twists arms to help Johnson deliver $70 million in migrant funding

Chicago corruption trials

Supreme Court puzzles over corruption definition in bribery law at center of Madigan trial: 'Is it a sin?'

Bears

Bears President Kevin Warren has seen team transform in Year 1, but biggest challenge remains

George McCaskey knew Warren would have a different management style that retiring Bears president/CEO Ted Phillips. Exactly a year into Warren’s tenure — the former Big Ten commissioner started at Halas Hall last April 17 — the chairman has adjusted to it. He considered it his duty to.

By Patrick Finley

White Sox

Offensive help on way? Tommy Pham could join White Sox by end of month

Sports Media

White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks near deal to make Stadium their new TV home

Chicago Sky and WNBA

Sky get what they wanted, selecting Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese with No. 3 and No. 7 picks

Bulls

'Money on the table' time as Bulls get set to host Hawks in play-in game

TAYLORMURAL-041724-5.jpeg. Painters work on a Taylor Swift QR code mural in Chicago on Tuesday.

Entertainment and Culture

Taylor Swift Chicago QR code mural drawing crowds in anticipation of 'Tortured Poets' release

When people scan the code with their phone cameras, it took them to a 13 second YouTube short attached to Swift’s page.

By Stefano Esposito

Movies and TV

'Under the Bridge': Heartbreaking Hulu series shows how bullies took the life of an unhappy teen

Entertainment and Culture

Sleight-of-hand magician Harry Milas will show you how to cheat at cards, but don't try this at a casino

Theater

To be or not to be Hamlet (and everybody else)? Eddie Izzard answers the question in solo show

Movies and TV

‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced to 18 months in prison for fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin on set

All latest stories

Bulls

One question about the Bulls and Hawks meeting in a play-in game: Do they have to?

The very concept that a Bulls team frozen in borderline irrelevance, let alone a Hawks squad that’s even worse, could eventually give the top-seeded Celtics any sort of difficulty in a best-of-seven series is farcical.

By Steve Greenberg

Dear Abby

Dear Abby: My mom accepts my generous gift then asks for more

When daughter offers her parents a dream vacation and free care for their child, her mother requests additional babysitting to extend the trip.

By Abigail Van Buren

The Oberweis Dairy at an Aurora location on Randall Rd, just north of I-88

Money

Oberweis Dairy plans to close plant, layoff 127 workers

The company, known for its ice cream stores and milk packaged in glass bottles, had recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

By Amy Yee

Crime

Chicago police, community partners open emergency assistance center following Back of Yards mass shooting

The center will be open Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Richard J. Daley Academy, 5024 S. Wolcott Ave.

By Sophie Sherry

Chicago

Brookfield Zoo to welcome two koalas for the first time

Brumby and Willum, two 2-year-old koalas, will make their debut at Brookfield Zoo, starting Memorial Day weekend. The zoo is one of 11 accredited zoological facilities in North America to host the marsupials for the public.

By Jessica Ma

MLB

Carl Erskine, Dodgers pitcher and last member of 'Boys of Summer,' dies at 97

Among the last survivors from the celebrated Brooklyn teams of the 1950s, Erskine spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers from 1948-59, helping them win five National League pennants. He threw a no-hitter against the Cubs in 1952.

By Associated Press

College Sports

Michigan gets probation, fine for football recruiting violations

The NCAA said it had reached a negotiated resolution with the school involving five former and current coaches and staffers, but it did not include allegations that Harbaugh failed to cooperate with investigators. That is now a separate case.

By Associated Press

Outdoors

Chicago fishing: Spring spawns its usual variety and options

Truly spring-like weather over the weekend showed the variety of fishing options available around Chicago and leads this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

By Dale Bowman

MLB

Whitey Herzog, Cardinals' Hall of Fame manager who led team to World Series title, dies at 92

Herzog guided St. Louis to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as “Whiteyball.”

By Associated Press

Columnists

Joffrey production of "Midsummer Night's Dream" includes humble dried plant in a starring role

The play uses “hay” — actually raffia, derived from palm leaves — to cover the stage for each performance.

By Neil Steinberg

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) pictured at an October City Council meeting.

Chicago

Mayor hosts forum to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate, but some invitees skip meeting

About 20 elected officials and community organizers discussed ways the city can combat antisemitism, though attendees said it was just the start of the conversation. Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) said the gesture was ‘hollow.’

By Violet Miller

Suburban Chicago

2 dead, 1 hurt in wreck on inbound I-57 near Posen

A man and woman were both ejected from the car, and a third passenger was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

By Mary Norkol

Crime

Man's body pulled from Lake Michigan at North Avenue

The remains, of a man possibly in his 40s, were recovered about 6:40 a.m.

By Sun-Times Wire

Crime

Woman shot in Humboldt Park drive-thru

The woman, 18, was driving a car with three passengers at a restaurant when a man on a bike approached and began arguing with them before shooting, police said.

By Sun-Times Wire

Crime

Man fatally shot in Roseland

A 34-year-old man was found on the sidewalk in the 200 block of East 111th Street at about 10 p.m., police said. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

By Sun-Times Wire

Columnists

Making a strong commitment to clean energy is good for American business and the environment

On Earth Day 2024, companies have a chance to show genuine support for the transition to an economy based on green energy. Federal tax credits and other incentives for manufacturing are helping to fuel the transition — and create thousands of new jobs.

By Ben Jealous

Other Views

Many Chicago Public Schools students struggle with illiteracy. The consequences are devastating.

When a child is reeling from stress, trauma or hardship, the thinking part of their brain shuts down. Our money should be spent on high-dosage tutoring and other individualized approaches that are effective against illiteracy.

By Taal Hasak-Lowy

Recipes

Menu Planner: Mediterranean braised green beans make an excellent side dish

Thinking ahead to your next few meals? Here are some main dishes and sides to try.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Cubs

Cubs' Nico Hoerner finds creative ways to drive in, score runs in 3-2 win against Diamondbacks

The Cubs beat the Diamondbacks in 11 innings.

By Maddie Lee

Horoscopes

Horoscope for Tuesday, April 16, 2024

By Georgia Nicols

Blackhawks

Blackhawks' Seth Jones much better in second half of season, just like in '22-23

The veteran defenseman isn’t sure why, but his play and production improved significantly after Jan. 13 the last two seasons.

By Ben Pope

White Sox

White Sox righty Nick Nastrini's debut an 'out of body experience'

Nastrini pitched five innings of two-run ball in the loss to the Royals.

By Daryl Van Schouwen

Obituaries

Robert Grossman, Hyde Park lawyer and writer, dies at 89

Mr. Grossman was the principal writer of the 1967 Illinois Housing Development Act, which established the Illinois Housing Development Authority to finance affordable housing across Illinois. He also hosted an early coffee at his Hyde Park home for Barack Obama when he was running for state Senate.

By Emmanuel Camarillo

White Sox

White Sox’ worst start gets worse after suffering sixth shutout

The Sox’ bleak start to the season continues. They have a five-game losing streak, a 1-8 record at home after the latest loss and shutout — 2-0 to the Royals — and a 2-14 overall record.

By Daryl Van Schouwen

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen Federal Courthouse early this year.

Chicago corruption trials

What is corruption? U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments that could impact bribery cases in Illinois

The high court is reviewing a law that’s popular among federal prosecutors — including those pursuing former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

By Jon Seidel and Dave McKinney | WBEZ

Cubs

Cubs' defense back to meeting expectations after rocky start to season

The Cubs are coming off a series victory in Seattle that was made possible by staunch defense.

By Maddie Lee

Chicago Sky and WNBA

WNBA Draft gives Sky fans renewed optimism

The vision for the team’s future became clearer after Monday night when it selected South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3) and LSU forward Angel Reese (No. 7). This draft was the Sky’s chance to kick-start their next era.

By Kyle Williams

Chicago Sky and WNBA

Sky select Gonzaga guard Brynna Maxwell with 13th overall pick in WNBA Draft

In her fifth season, she averaged 14.2 points and 2.9 rebounds for the Zags. Maxwell’s addition sets up an even more competitive training camp in Chicago.

By Annie Costabile

Obituaries

Chris Crane, former Exelon CEO and nuclear energy proponent, dies at 65

In a news release, the company said Chris Crane will be remembered for his ‘transformational milestones’ on safety and equity, specifically related to his work in the nuclear energy field.

By Violet Miller