News - Chicago Sun-Times

Crime

Four Corner Hustler chief's conviction threatened by revelation from feds

The judge presiding over the case of Labar “Bro Man” Spann said prosecutors made an “extraordinary” disclosure about a sentencing promise made by one of their former colleagues.

By Jon Seidel

A rendering of a proposed domed stadium on the lakefront unveiled at Wednesday's news conference.

Bears

Bears reveal plans for $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development: 'This is not an easy project'

The plans, according to the team, will include additional green and open space with access to the lakefront and the Museum Campus, which Bears President Kevin Warren called “the most attractive footprint in the world.”

By Fran Spielman, Tina Sfondeles, and 1 more

Roscoe Village

Chicago rat hole in Roscoe Village removed by city

The Chicago rat hole in Roscoe Village became a viral phenomenon in January. Officials say the concrete slab was preserved and its destination is being decided.

By Jessica Ma

Small Business

Dom's Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot facing class action over sudden layoffs at specialty grocers

The complaint, field Wednesday, said the companies violated the state and federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act by failing to properly notify employees that they’d be laid off.

By Abby Miller

Highland Park parade shooting

Suspected Highland Park parade shooter granted permission to call family from jail

Robert Crimo III’s phone, tablet and internet privileges were revoked in December by a Lake County judge.

By Sophie Sherry

Dexter Reed Shooting

Family of Dexter Reed files federal civil rights lawsuit over his killing by Chicago police

The lawsuit accuses Chicago police of promoting “brutally violent, militarized policing tactics,” and argues that the five officers who stopped Reed “created an environment that directly resulted in his death.”

By Mary Norkol and Andy Grimm

A TikTok content creator, sits outside the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington as Senators prepare to consider legislation that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers.

Technology

What a TikTok ban in the US could mean for you

It would be at least a year before a ban goes into effect — but with likely court challenges, this could stretch even longer, perhaps years.

By Associated Press

President Joe Biden speaks before signing a $95 billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington.

Nation/World

Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure that forces TikTok to be sold or banned in the U.S.

The Democratic president Wednesday reached the end of a long, painful battle with Republicans to secure urgently needed replenishment of aid for Ukraine.

By Aamer Madhani | AP and Seung Min Kim | AP

Crime

Orland Park man charged in connection with fatal Oak Forest shooting

Omar Zegar, 37, was arrested after the shooting Sunday and was charged with a felony count of aggravated unlawful use of weapon with a revoked firearm owner’s ID card, Oak Forest police said.

By Mohammad Samra

April Perry, nominated by President Joe Biden to be Chicago's U.S. attorney. | Provided

Politics

April Perry's bid to be city's first female top federal prosecutor to end, Biden will tap her to be federal judge

The White House on Wednesday will officially announce Biden’s intention to nominate April Perry to be a U.S. District Court judge. For months, the effort to confirm Perry as Chicago’s new U.S. Attorney was stalled by Sen. J.D. Vance, a Republican from Ohio.

By Lynn Sweet and Jon Seidel

Environment

Cicadas' mass arrival is just a few weeks away in northern Illinois, experts say

People have spotted nymphs of the 17-year cicadas on the ground. That’s a sign the periodical cicadas are preparing to emerge. They should appear once the soil reaches 64 degrees, which is expected by late May.

By Kade Heather

Stephen Mitchell wears a dark blue zip-up sweater and red ballcap as he stands in a meeting room with several white tables.

Education

CPS’ selective, magnet schools appear to take hit under new equity funding formula

Local school councils at several specialty elementary schools in Chicago say they’re facing budget cuts — a claim backed by a WBEZ/Sun-Times analysis.

By Sarah Karp | WBEZ and Nader Issa

Crime

Man shot, killed in South Shore

The 59-year-old was found about 7 p.m. in the 6700 block of South Chappel Avenue with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, police said.

By Sun-Times Wire

Crime

Man shot dead at Schiller Park bar

Jonathan Vallejo, 38, of River Grove, suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the Friday shooting and was pronounced dead at Lutheran General Hospital, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

By Sun-Times Wire

Money

Oberweis Dairy has two potential buyers following Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Brian Boomsma of Dutch Farms in Pullman made an offer to buy Oberweis Dairy while Hoffmann Family of Cos. in Winnetka also expressed an interest to purchase the company.

By Amy Yee

Crime

Services set for Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca as off-duty killing ruled line-of-duty death

Funeral services for Huesca will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church at 7740 S. Western Ave. in Chicago, according to the Fraternal Order of Police.

By Tom Schuba

Back in 2020, the Castaways Bar and Grill located on North Avenue Beach was one of the few restaurants to reopen amid the COVID-19 shutdown.

Food and Restaurants

Castaways Beach Club, formerly Castaways Bar & Grill, closed for renovations last summer. A refresh features an updated menu and renovations costing more than $3 million.

By Jessica Ma

Crime

39-year-old slain in Oak Forest shooting remembered as 'loving father' who'd 'help anyone in need'

Three others, including a 12-year-old girl, were wounded in the shooting, Oak Forest police said.

By Mohammad Samra

Education

$5 million fund to aid Chicago students with disabilities

The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund, launched through a partnership with the city and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, will provide up to 8,000 families with one-time grants of $500.

By Sophie Sherry

Loop

Loop's weekend foot traffic exceeds level before pandemic, but retail vacancies still at record high

The Chicago Loop Alliance released its latest report on the Loop, finding that it offered some signs of a revival.

By Amy Yee

Crime

14-year-old boy charged with murder in South Loop shooting

Jeremy Smith, 17, was killed and another boy was wounded in the shooting in March, according to police.

By Mary Norkol

Crime

2 attempted sexual assaults reported in Lake View

Chicago police said they believe the same man attacked both women Monday night.

By Sun-Times Wire