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Things could get worse for Smollett if the feds get involved, attorneys say

Prosecutors told a judge the FBI is conducting a forensic analysis of a threatening letter Smollett received at the Cinespace Chicago studios Jan. 22.

By Jon Seidel

Trending in Chicago

City Hall

Pritzker says graduated state income tax must advance this spring

Gov. J.B. Pritzker met with the Sun-Times Editorial Board Thursday, February 21, 2019 to talk about his first budget. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

A graduated income tax is now the main focus of Pritzker's plan to fix the state’s financial problems.

By Mark Brown

Cook County board votes to permanently dismantle gang database

In other news

Featured Story

Chicago Fire Department firefighters remove propane tanks from the homeless encampment near Roosevelt Road and South Desplaines Street, overlooking the Dan Ryan Expressway, Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2019. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Could 'Tent City' be shut down? Advocates fear for homeless as city plans cleanup

“We have seen the city repeatedly displace homeless communities," one advocate said.

By Tom Schuba

In other news

Rochelle Washington, left, and attorney Gloria Allred, right, look on Latresa Scaff speaks during a news conference in New York, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. Scaff and Washington are accusing musician R. Kelly of sexual misconduct on the night they attended his concert when they were teenagers. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

2 women accuse R. Kelly of sexual misconduct in 1990s

By Associated Press

Latresa Scaff and Rochelle Washington joined lawyer Gloria Allred at a New York City news conference to tell their story publicly for the first time.

2 women accuse R. Kelly of sexual misconduct in 1990s

Latresa Scaff and Rochelle Washington joined lawyer Gloria Allred at a New York City news conference to tell their story publicly for the first time.

By Associated Press

Alderman Deb Mell of the 33rd Ward lines up for the first day of the filing period for Municipal Elections, Monday, November 19th, 2018. | James Foster/For the Sun-Times

Deb Mell calls talk of dad and dynasty ‘unfortunate’ in 33rd Ward race

By Rachel Hinton

But whether Deb Mell likes it or not, her family name is one of the issues in the hotly contested 33rd Ward aldermanic race.

“I’ve been in public service for 10 years now,” Mell said. “I’m my own person. I’ve been called daddy’s little girl, and I think that’s slightly misogynistic. I have my own record, and they can’t attack me on that so they attack me on this.”

Deb Mell calls talk of dad and dynasty ‘unfortunate’ in 33rd Ward race

By Rachel Hinton

Chicago Sports

The Tao of Cole: Is Hamels key to Cubs discovering the lost secret of 'urgency'?

By Gordon Wittenmyer

“The craziest part about when you win young is that I don’t think you understand what you just accomplished,” Hamels said.

The Tao of Cole: Is Hamels key to Cubs discovering the lost secret of 'urgency'?

By Gordon Wittenmyer

“The craziest part about when you win young is that I don’t think you understand what you just accomplished,” Hamels said.

During a flat ground throwing session, Michael Kopech holds a baseball inadvertently revealing the scar he had from Tommy John surgery. Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ. 02-13-2019. John Antonoff/For the Sun-Times

Candor about anxiety is therapeutic for White Sox' Kopech

By Daryl Van Schouwen

Michale Kopech is prepared to manage his emotions, stress and anxiety he might encounter through the rehabilitation process following elbow surgery.

Candor about anxiety is therapeutic for White Sox' Kopech

By Daryl Van Schouwen

Sports media: Mick Gillispie is Cubs' webcast voice of spring

By Jeff Agrest

Gillispie, who was Ballpark Digest’s minor-league broadcaster of the year in 2017, has a baseball acumen that's on the level of many scouts.

Sports media: Mick Gillispie is Cubs' webcast voice of spring

By Jeff Agrest

Feb 13, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls coach Jim Boylen is hoping time spent in the lab will help spark offense

By Joe Cowley

Boylen used the All-Star break to "tweak" his offense, and continue taking advantage of the skillset of Otto Porter. Friday will be its first look.

Bulls coach Jim Boylen is hoping time spent in the lab will help spark offense

By Joe Cowley

Please, please, Cubs, find room for supersized pitcher Mike Zagurski

By Rick Morrissey

We need this man. The Cubs need him. He could own Chicago, a city of guys just like him. Guys named Zagurski. Guys named Bronko Nagurski.

Please, please, Cubs, find room for supersized pitcher Mike Zagurski

By Rick Morrissey

Crime

Jussie Smollett leaves the Leighton Criminal Courthouse amongst a gaggle of reporters and photographers after the actor posted bond on charges of disorderly conduct and filing a false police report, Thursday afternoon, Feb. 21, 2019. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett released from Cook County Jail

By Sam Charles and Andy Grimm

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett surrendered to police Thursday morning after Cook County prosecutors approved a disorderly conduct charge against him.

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett released from Cook County Jail

By Sam Charles and Andy Grimm

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett surrendered to police Thursday morning after Cook County prosecutors approved a disorderly conduct charge against him.

Man charged with following 15-year-old girl in Arlington Heights

By Sun-Times Wire

A man has been charged with following a 15-year-old girl and trying to lure her into an SUV last month in Arlington Heights.

Man charged with following 15-year-old girl in Arlington Heights

By Sun-Times Wire

Man, 34, charged with stabbing person who woke him up on CTA bus

By Sun-Times Wire

A 48-year-old tried to push away a man who fell asleep on him and was stabbed above the eye.

Man, 34, charged with stabbing person who woke him up on CTA bus

By Sun-Times Wire

CPS student tased by cops files suit, attorney rips 'systemic failure'

By Matthew Hendrickson

The girl's "case can be a catalyst for change. ... There needs to be a better vetting system for police officers who work in schools," attorney says.

CPS student tased by cops files suit, attorney rips 'systemic failure'

By Matthew Hendrickson

2 men charged with drive-by shooting in East Garfield Park

By Sun-Times Wire

They are accused of driving up to and firing at a 27-year-old man while he sat in his vehicle, CPD said.

2 men charged with drive-by shooting in East Garfield Park

By Sun-Times Wire

Politics

Community Development Commission OKs $900 million TIF for Lincoln Yards

By Fran Spielman

“There are still serious questions that plague what is likely to be the largest TIF in the history of our city," said Ald. Michele Smith (43rd).

“There are still serious questions that plague what is likely to be the largest TIF in the history of our city," said Ald. Michele Smith (43rd), whose ward borders the 55-acre site along the Chicago River in Lincoln Park and Bucktown.

Community Development Commission OKs $900 million TIF for Lincoln Yards

By Fran Spielman

Pritzker vows Aurora shooting will lead to tighter gun law enforcement

By Peter Hancock — Capitol News Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that last week’s mass shooting in Aurora will lead to efforts to tighten enforcement of state gun laws.

“We need to make sure that we’re addressing that,” Pritzker said at a news conference. “My entire team is focused on it and has been all weekend and through today, and we’re going to make sure to make proposals that will tighten the rules around revocation of FOID cards.”

Pritzker vows Aurora shooting will lead to tighter gun law enforcement

By Peter Hancock — Capitol News Illinois

City Hall at 121 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago on July 18, 2018. | Colin Boyle/Sun-Times

Chico proposes more generous parental leave policy for city workers

By Fran Spielman

Mayor Rahm Emanuel increased parental leave after he was elected, but Gery Chico on Tuesday proposed expanding it even further.

Chico proposes more generous parental leave policy for city workers

By Fran Spielman

Lawsuit over Obama center moves forward, but judge eyes speedy end to case

By Jon Seidel

U.S. District Judge John Blakey said he plans to resolve the case — with or without trial — in short order.

Lawsuit over Obama center moves forward, but judge eyes speedy end to case

By Jon Seidel

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2013 file photo, from left, Al Bilek, executive vice president of the Chicago Crime Commission, Jack Riley, Special Agent In Charge for the DEA, Chicago Field office, and Peter Bensinger former administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announce that Joaquin ``El Chapo'' Guzman, a drug kingpin in Mexico, is Chicago's Public Enemy No. 1, during a news conference in Chicago. Now that Guzman has escaped a prison in Mexico, hes regaining his infamous title. The Chicago Crime Commission says it will gather Tuesday, July 14, 2015, to formally restore Guzmans title as Chicagos Public Enemy No. 1. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) ORG XMIT: CX101

Ex-Chicago DEA boss who helped nail El Chapo seethed at slow action on drug war

By Jack Riley | Former DEA Agent

Former Chicago DEA boss Jack Riley writes about making 'El Chapo' Chicago's 'Public Enemy No. 1' in new memoir 'Drug Warrior,' excerpted here.

Former Chicago DEA boss Jack Riley writes about making 'El Chapo' Chicago's 'Public Enemy No. 1' and fighting to make the drug war a bigger government priority in his new memoir 'Drug Warrior,' excerpted here. The book will be out Tuesday.