Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago news, politics, sports and more

@chicago.suntimes.com.web.brid.gy

Chicago news, politics, sports, entertainment and more from America’s hardest-working paper. 🌉 bridged from 🌐 https://chicago.suntimes.com/: https://fed.brid.gy/web/chicago.suntimes.com

'Not OK for us': Bears' offense urgently needs to get back on track as sloppy mistakes resurface

<p>The <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears" target="_blank" >Bears</a> have seen worse — way worse — from their offense than this, so it’s not cause for alarm. But it is mildly concerning that quarterback Caleb Williams and his group backslid after a strong start to training camp.</p><p>Ever since they started practicing in pads Monday, the offense hasn’t quite looked right, and while some of that is bound to happen throughout the marathon of camp, the pre-snap hiccups are something the Bears thought they’d buried last season.</p><p>The upside is that, as usual, coach Ben Johnson’s staff isn’t sugarcoating or spinning it. The first step toward fixing a problem is being honest about where it stands, and these coaches don’t have any hesitation to call it out.</p><p>“We've taken a step back, honestly, in our pre-snap communication,” offensive coordinator Press Taylor said before practice Wednesday morning. “A lot of times just not being on the same page, not seeing something the same way, not communicating... It can expose you if you're not ready.”</p><p>Taylor mentioned snags in calling the play in the huddle, breaking the huddle and being disciplined at the line of scrimmage, where Johnson uses many shifts and motions that can lead to false starts or delay-of-game penalties if the offense isn’t sharp.</p><p>All of that was hammered to offensive players in a meeting Tuesday and the evening walk-through. Wednesday wasn’t really the day to show they’d fixed those issues since the team held a very short and light practice without pads, but the Bears will be full-go Thursday morning, and that will reveal a lot about the offense’s ability to regroup.</p><p>None of it has been as bad as it was last August, when the Bears embarrassed themselves at the Family Fest practice at Soldier Field. That was their 10th practice of camp, and <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2025/08/03/bears-coach-ben-johnson-sends-qb-caleb-williams-offense-stern-message-about-sloppy-mistakes" >it was such a disaster offensively that Johnson fired a warning shot</a> to the team: “If it continues like that, we’re not going to win many games.”</p><p>It did, in fact, continue like that for quite a while. The Bears closed the preseason with an equally discouraging performance against the Chiefs, rife with errors and sloppiness, then sputtered to an 0-2 start in the regular season.</p><p>The Bears committed the fourth-most false starts (33) and illegal-formation penalties (five) last season, plus five delay-of-game penalties, according to <a class="Link" href="https://www.nflpenalties.com/" target="_blank" >NFLPenalties.com</a>. Those do more damage than just a handful of yards. They can be drive wreckers by putting the team in second- or third-and-long.</p><p>Throughout training camp last year, Johnson was constantly on Williams about being too slow to get out of the huddle and not keeping the group in sync at the line of scrimmage. They’re much more on the same page now, but there have still been some slipups this week. And this was one element that should’ve looked good from the jump.</p><p>“He has the ability to elevate his play,” Taylor said of Williams. “We need just the consistency down in, down out, the communication in the huddle, out of the huddle, at the line. That’s something that will always be a continued process for Caleb.”</p><p>Johnson said this week there have been “way too many mistakes” and “little things like that start to accumulate,” but was evenhanded in his overall assessment that an increase in missteps was “probably normal with the volume [of plays] continuing to increase, yet it's not OK for us and we're going to nip that in the bud.”</p><p>The Bears still have more than a month to work out these glitches before their season opener at the Panthers, but they aren’t going to get to the more advanced concepts of Johnson’s offense if they’re still stumbling. And while he’s been measured and patience in his reactions so far, he’ll have no reservations about getting a lot louder if necessary.</p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Conductor que iba en sentido contrario en expressway intentaba 'asustar' a mujer que suplicaba por su vida

<p>Un hombre de Aurora permanecía el martes bajo custodia, un día después de que los fiscales afirmaran que manejó en sentido contrario por la autopista Dan Ryan para "asustar" a una mujer que suplicaba por su vida momentos antes de morir a causa de un choque en el que estuvieron involucrados cinco vehículos.</p><p>Juan Ruiz Huerta, de 29 años de edad, fue acusado de asesinato en primer grado, secuestro, privación ilegal de la libertad y agresión agravada <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07/31/dan-ryan-crash" target="_blank" >relacionada con el choque del viernes por la noche</a> que mató a la residente de Chicago, Victory A. Swanigan, de 28 años, y dejó a otro conductor gravemente herido.</p><p>Un juez del Condado de Cook ordenó que Ruiz Huerta permaneciera bajo custodia durante una audiencia el lunes en la Corte Penal Leighton. Debe regresar a la corte el 19 de agosto.</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-1e0000" name="module-1e0000"></a> <div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>La Voz Chicago WhatsApp</h3>Encuentra más noticias en nuestro canal de WhatsApp. <a class="Link" href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb0XT1XCHDylm3rCs40P" target="_blank" ><b>Síguenos.</b></a></div> </div><p>Los fiscales dijeron durante la audiencia que Ruiz Huerta la había estado pretendiendo románticamente durante meses y que la recogió después de una cita en el salón de belleza que él pagó, cuando se enojó con ella por el "estado de su relación".</p><p>Poco después de las 5:30 p.m. del viernes, Ruiz Huerta ingresó a la Interestatal 94 y arrebasó a vehículos que se desplazaban lentamente y a luces policiales al norte de 31st Street, donde Swanigan gritó pidiendo ayuda, dijeron los fiscales.</p><p>Luego Ruiz Huerta dio una vuelta en U y empezó a conducir a alta velocidad hacia el sur por los carriles de sentido norte de la I-94, mientras la amiga de Swanigan pudo escucharse a sí misma suplicándole que redujera la velocidad, según los fiscales.</p><p>Swanigan le dijo a Ruiz Huerta que tenía "tres hijos a los que quería volver a ver" mientras él seguía acelerando, según dijeron los fiscales.</p><p>Un video de vigilancia de la Autoridad de Tránsito de Chicago (CTA) en 47th Street captó a Ruiz Huerta moviéndose a través de varios carriles a alta velocidad y zigzagueando entre numerosos autos y camiones que circulaban en la dirección correcta, antes de chocar frontalmente con otro automóvil que iba hacia el norte por los carriles exprés y provocar que el vehículo de Ruiz Huerta volcara sobre el separador de concreto y cayera a los carriles locales, según documentos de la corte.</p><p>Los fiscales señalaron que el otro conductor en el choque —que sufrió múltiples fracturas de costillas, una laceración en el hígado y otras lesiones— dijo a los investigadores que intentó cambiar de carril para evitar el choque cuando Ruiz Huerta también cambió de carril.</p><p>El informe de una orden de registro ejecutada en la caja negra del Mazda CX-5 2013 de Ruiz-Huerta mostró que viajaba a 86 millas por hora cinco segundos antes del choque y que al momento del impacto, iba a 78 millas por hora sin que hubiera presión en el freno y con el acelerador presionado al 25%, dijeron las autoridades.</p><p>Swanigan, quien residía en la cuadra 8800 al sur de Normal Avenue en el vecindario de Auburn Gresham, fue declarada muerta en la escena, según la Policía Estatal de Illinois y la Oficina del Médico Forense del Condado de Cook.</p><p>Ruiz Huerta supuestamente les dijo a los agentes que, una vez que supo que Swanigan estaba aterrorizada, él la "puso en peligro para obtener una respuesta de ella" sobre el estado de su relación.</p><p><i>Traducido con una herramienta de inteligencia artificial (IA) y editado por los seres humanos de </i><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz" target="_blank" ><i>La Voz Chicago</i></a><br></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

'Fail Mary' in mind, Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson still seeking consistency

<p><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears" target="_blank" >Bears</a> cornerback <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/08/05/bears-lb-t-j-edwards-returns-to-practice-after-missing-first-week-with-calf-injury" target="_blank" >Tyrique Stevenson</a> mentions the “Fail Mary” before you have a chance to.</p><p>One mistake, he said, can get you cast aside by the rest of the NFL. He’s lived it.</p><p>“One play could just … As far as injury, as far as mistakes, as far as anything, this league will forget about you in a heartbeat,” he told the Sun-Times earlier this week. “For me, it’s just constantly sitting on my brain every time I touch the field — ‘Just go out there and lay it on the line and stay focused.’</p><p>“I think for that, that’s how I look at it, just an internal motivation. Every play matters. <i>Every play matters</i>.”</p><p>That’s especially true for Stevenson, whether it’s a training camp snap or the last throw of a 2024 loss against the Commanders. That misplay — Stevenson had his back to the ball, jawing at fans, before misplaying Jayden Daniels’ 52-yard game-winning heave — will follow Stevenson for the rest of his career. His goal is to make it feel, eventually, like more of a footnote.</p><p>“From the Hail Mary, my mindset is, go out here every play and show who you can be, and dominate,” he said, “and everything will fall in line.”</p><p>He knows the stakes in Year 4. So do the Bears.</p><p>Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can put on tape from Stevenson last year that was astoundingly good — and then watch lapses that were maddening. Coaches spent the offseason urging Stevenson to become the steady presence the defense sorely needs.</p><p>“Tyrique needs to be more consistent,” Allen said.</p><p>That goes beyond the practice field, coach Ben Johnson said. He’s seen growth in Stevenson since the end of last season, when he took a backseat to the team’s two starting outside cornerbacks.</p><p>“It’s really the focus level from being in the building, paying attention in meetings and continuing to apply that on the field throughout a two-plus hour practice,” Johnson said. “So I think we’ve seen strides there. It’s certainly improving … He knows it. So we’re pretty happy with where he’s at.”</p><p>Stevenson has been working at it. Stability in his personal life — he got engaged July 4 — has allowed him to focus his attention on his tasks inside Halas Hall.</p><p>“You have everything on the outside complete,” he said, “so let’s turn around and go be an all-pro.”</p><p>Despite posting the best Pro Football Focus grades of any of his three seasons, Stevenson’s playing time dwindled last season. Counting the playoffs, Stevenson didn’t start five out of the 15 games in which he was healthy. In his first two seasons, he started all but two of 32 — and one was the oh-so-brief benching after the “Fail Mary.” Stevenson played just 18 defensive snaps in Week 17 and none in Week 18. He appeared in 14 snaps in the Bears’ playoff win against the Packers and 18 in their loss to the Rams.</p><p>For Stevenson, this season is the last chance for him to prove that he’s a reliable starter before he becomes a free agent in March. He’s run with the starters every day during training camp, with a banged-up Terell Smith and fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad II playing behind him.</p><p>During camp practices, Stevenson is being tested by receiver Luther Burden, who’s earned praise from almost everyone inside Halas Hall this offseason, and held his own. Tuesday, he intercepted Caleb Williams after a miscommunication between the quarterback and tight end Colston Loveland.</p><p>“He's been challenging us,” Burden said. “Making plays out there.”</p><p>He’ll be targeted when games begin, too — teams will avoid throwing toward two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who’s recovered from last year’s groin surgery.</p><p>Stevenson has the physical skills to be dominant — that’s been apparent since the team made him the 56<sup>th</sup> pick in 2023. When he makes mistakes, he said, they’re rooted in subtleties of his technique. That comes down to focus.</p><p>“It’s one of the things I do daily to keep my mind coming back to the main point — focus and lock in and make the play you know you can make,” he said. “The frustrating part is, ‘We’ve seen you make the plays and we’ve seen you make them multiple times. So why not this time?’”</p><p>What the future holds, he’s not sure. Stevenson tries not to think about free agency. He knows it won’t help his mindset.</p><p>“I don’t want to create an extra block of worry or anxiety that’s not needed,” he said.</p><p>The Bears need him more than ever. They let cornerback Nahshon Wright, the NFL’s takeaways leader last season, leave via free agency because they believed Stevenson was ready to retake his starting role. The pressure on the position has only ratcheted up during training camp because of the injuries to slot cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Coby Bryant. Gordon, who hurt his calf, has no timeline to return. Bryant, who hurt his knee earlier this week, will miss at least two months. Were the season to start today, Jaylon Jones, the Bears’ third-string slot cornerback, would be the starter.</p><p>Stevenson, then, needs to become the least of the Bears’ concerns.</p><p>“Tyrique is on a contract year,” Jaylon Johnson said. “He’s got to prove himself.”</p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Family mourns woman killed in Lynwood hit-and-run: 'She loved me so bad, and I loved her even harder'

<p>Mariyah Ford spent the final day of her life celebrating her 20th birthday surrounded by family Sunday. Days later, her family struggles with her sudden death as they plan her funeral. </p><p>"I feel dead inside," Christina Dennis, Ford's mom, told the Chicago Sun-Times Wednesday morning. "We never experienced nothing like this."</p><p>Ford and Tanisha Dennis, her aunt, were walking in the southbound lanes of Illinois 394 at Joe Orr Road shortly after midnight Monday because their car ran out of gas, authorities and family said. While they walked, a vehicle struck Ford and didn’t stop. </p><p>"It was just hard to see her go from smiling every day to having to watch her body fly through the air," said Tanisha Dennis. </p><p>Tanisha Dennis felt for a heartbeat and pulse on Ford and gave her CPR to keep her moving, she said. One of the last things she told Ford was how beautiful she was.</p><p>Ford, of Sauk Village, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was pronounced dead at 2:48 a.m. Monday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. A Tuesday autopsy determined she died of multiple blunt force injuries from the crash, which the medical examiner's office ruled an accident. </p><p>"One minute she was there, then I heard the boom, and then she's gone," Ford's aunt said. "It just cursed my heart because she was doing so good. She had so many different opportunities coming her way." </p><p>Ford's family is calling for the driver responsible for her death to turn themselves in. </p><p>"I think it'll help a little knowing [the driver] is locked up for what they did," said Levi Ford, her father. "You might do that to someone else's kid. You can’t stay out here for that." </p><p>After graduating from Thornridge High School in Dolton in 2025, Ford spent the last nine months working at Five Guys and aspired to be a phlebotomist — someone whose main job is to draw blood from patients. </p><p>"She wanted to help people out, and that's a good way to help everybody," Levi Ford said about how his daughter's career aspirations connected to her personality. "Everybody has to go to the doctor and everybody needs love and to be taken care of." </p><p>Ford was living with her aunt, and the two had a tight-knit relationship built on acts of kindness and an eagerness to be there for one another. </p><p>For Ford's prom, her aunt had a gown custom-made for her. When she began making her own money, Ford bought Tanisha Dennis a drill, sander and 10-by-20 tent to help support her art career. </p><p>"She'd buy me stuff just to show her appreciation," Tanisha Dennis said. "She loved me so bad, and I loved her even harder." </p><p>Ford didn’t only buy gifts for her aunt, but spent money on several friends and family members around her. </p><p>"My own daughter was taking me out, like buying me stuff, even though I was telling her no," Levi Ford said. "That's one thing she's always doing, [she was] looking out for other people too."</p><p>Ford was passionate about cooking and often ate the soul food her aunt made "down to the last bite." </p><p>The two frequently cooked together, and Ford especially loved making and eating burgers. She was also a devoted Gordon Ramsey fan and enjoyed watching the Food Network. </p><p>Her family says Ford's "shiny, chocolate-colored skin" covering her 6-foot-2 frame was something she frequently was complimented on, and her "little bright teeth" always shone whenever she'd smile. </p><p>"She never wanted you to feel like you were alone, and that's what I think people are gonna miss the most," Tanisha Dennis said.<br></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

First day of practice: Maine South holds on as one of the few public-school powers in high school football

<p>Private schools have won the past four Class 8A football state championships and dominated most of the larger classes overall. The talent gap between public and private schools is even more stark this season. Catholic League teams will make up the majority of the preseason Super 25.</p><p>There are many factors for the rise of the Catholic powers. One is coaching. Private schools are attracting the best young coaches. The few public schools managing to maintain relevance are coached by a handful of elite veteran coaches.</p><p>Dave Inserra, now in his 26th season, is one of those. He’s won four state championships and guided his team to eight title games.</p><p>But most of the successful public-school coaches are nearing the end of their careers. Inserra reflected on the current situation Wednesday, the first day of football practice across the state.</p><p>“How many years do we have left?” Inserra said. “And then what happens?</p><p>“My biggest concern is the [IHSA’s rule allowing kids to attend private schools within a] 30-mile radius. Why does anyone have to travel 30 miles to go to school? A 15-mile radius I could understand.”</p><p>Inserra has built something special in Park Ridge. Strong feeder programs and a community rabid about high school football has kept the Hawks competitive.</p><p>This year’s team is led by a trio of major college recruits. Quarterback Jameson Purcell, an Indiana recruit, is a three-year starter and one of the state’s elite talents. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 41 TDs last season.</p><p>“For me this season is about putting all the pieces together and being a complete player,” Purcell said. "That starts with being the best leader I can, especially with a little bit of a younger team this year.”</p><p>Most of Maine South’s offensive line returns, led by Toledo recruit Vuk Strbac (6-5, 275 pounds) and Inserra has confidence in receivers Keaton Vitel and Nick McCarthy.</p><p>“We put a lot on [Purcell’s] shoulders, and he has accepted that,” Inserra said. “Be he doesn’t have to do everything.”</p><p>Senior linebacker Matthew Schlenhardt will also play running back this season. The Syracuse recruit is the only starter back on the defense.</p><p>“There is definitely some work to do,” Schlenhardt said. “A lot of guys have the skill it is just about knowing the playbook and doing everything right. If you do everything right, it is going to work. So that is the big thing right now.”</p><p>Maine South finished 10-2 last season and lost a close game to Hersey in the 8A quarterfinals.</p><p>“That was kind of an upset and it has given us a different mentality this year,” Strbac said. “We are bringing it.”</p><p>Vitel also plays cornerback and will team with safety Hugh Stewart and linemen Mark Orszula and Aidan Connolly to lead the Hawks’ inexperienced defense.</p><p>Football started a week earlier this season, and the IHSA has <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-football/2025/12/16/ihsa-expanded-football-playoffs-illinois" >expanded the playoffs by 128 teams</a>. It will likely take just three or four wins to make the playoffs now, instead of five wins.</p><p>“I’m not happy with the expansion,” Inserra said. “It was a pretty good format before. Not perfect. But the change favors private schools. A 3-6 private school is going to walk into the playoffs and be in the quarterfinals.”</p><p>Maine South has dominated the CSL South for Inserra’s entire tenure. Most years, many of the Hawks’ late-season opponents are already eliminated from the playoffs, with their season essentially pointless. The expansion changes that.</p><p>“That’s the one positive thing,” Inserra said. “You start the season1-3 and the kids start to think things are useless. This gives them some life. I get that. I haven’t faced that so I can’t say I understand it, but I get that part.”</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-170000" name="html-embed-module-170000"></a><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelsobriensports/video/7670562132374719775" data-video-id="7670562132374719775" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@michaelsobriensports" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelsobriensports?refer=embed">@michaelsobriensports</a> Football season begins! Maine South LB Matthew Schlenhardt, a Syracuse recruit, looks ahead to the Hawks’ season. <a title="ihsa" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ihsa?refer=embed">#ihsa</a> <a title="football" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/football?refer=embed">#football</a> <a title="mainesouth" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mainesouth?refer=embed">#mainesouth</a> <a title="syracuse" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/syracuse?refer=embed">#syracuse</a> <a title="parkridge" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/parkridge?refer=embed">#parkridge</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - michaelsobriensports" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7670562115765242654?refer=embed">♬ original sound - michaelsobriensports</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script> </div> </div><p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Intruso deja grafiti racista en casa de Brighton Park; la policía lo investiga como posible crimen de odio

<p>La policía investiga un delito de odio después de que una casa en Brighton Park fue vandalizada el lunes.</p><p>Los agentes fueron llamados alrededor de las 9 a.m. después de que el propietario llegara a la casa que está renovando en el lado suroeste. En el interior, había encontrado grafiti racista, según un informe policial obtenido por el Sun-Times. </p><p>Alguien había escrito "F- - - China" con pintura negra en una pared, según el informe.</p><p>El propietario es un hombre de origen asiático.</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-9d0000" name="module-9d0000"></a> <div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>La Voz Chicago WhatsApp</h3>Encuentra más noticias en nuestro canal de WhatsApp. <a class="Link" href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb0XT1XCHDylm3rCs40P" target="_blank" ><b>Síguenos.</b></a></div> </div><p>También había otros daños en el interior. El propietario dijo a la policía que los intrusos habían dañado tres paneles eléctricos y retirado tuberías de cobre. Dijo a los agentes que creía pudieron haber usado una escalera para entrar a la casa por una ventana del segundo piso y salir por la puerta principal.</p><p>No se han realizado arrestos.</p><p><i>Traducido con una herramienta de inteligencia artificial (IA) y editado por los seres humanos de </i><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz" target="_blank" ><i>La Voz Chicago</i></a><br></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Boutros acknowledges 'mistakes' in 'Broadview 6' case but says sanctions, special counsel aren't needed

<p>Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros argued late Tuesday that it’s unnecessary to appoint an outside lawyer to probe for misconduct or potentially impose sanctions in the tainted “Broadview Six” case that has created a lasting credibility crisis for his office.</p><p>In a 52-page court filing, Boutros pushed back on motions by four of the six Operation Midway Blitz protesters urging U.S. District Judge April Perry to hold a hearing, open criminal contempt proceedings or <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/06/17/broadview-6-want-special-counsel-to-probe-boutros-office-trumps-justice-department-for-criminal-contempt" target="_blank" >appoint a special counsel</a> to investigate the apparent prosecutorial misconduct that tanked the case.</p><p>Boutros said steps have already been taken to address longtime Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Mecklenburg’s handling of the grand jury that handed up indictments against the six Broadview defendants.</p><p>He noted that his office has dropped their charges and agreed to cover attorneys’ fees, implemented “robust root-cause changes” and started the process of reviewing over 1,000 grand jury minutes “to determine that similar errors do not exist in other cases.” </p><p>But Boutros also noted that his office had endured a stinging rebuke by Perry “that has garnered widespread attention.”</p><p>During the May hearing where Boutros announced <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/05/21/broadview-ice-protest-grand-jury-transcript-kat-abughazaleh-trump" target="_blank" >the permanent dismissal of charges</a> against the four remaining Broadview defendants, Perry said she had “never seen the types of prosecutorial behavior before a grand jury that I saw in those transcripts.”</p><p>In Tuesday’s filing, Boutros said the Broadview case was mishandled “during a time of immense pressure, upheaval, and emotion in the District because of Operation Midway Blitz,” the Trump administration’s pummeling deportation campaign in the Chicago area last fall.</p><p>The six defendants in the case, most of whom were involved in Democratic politics, were <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/29/kat-abughazaleh-conspiracy-indictment-broadview-protests-donald-trump-deportation-campaign" target="_blank" >accused of a conspiracy to impede a federal agent</a> outside of a holding facility for detained immigrants in suburban Broadview last September. Prosecutors alleged that a crowd pushed and damaged the federal agent’s SUV.</p><p>But Perry has said the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings that culminated in the indictments revealed three types of wrongdoing. Mecklenburg put her personal credibility on the line to support the charges, excused grand jurors who disagreed with the feds’ case and acknowledged she’d had conversations with grand jurors outside the grand jury room, records show.</p><p>“There can be no doubt that mistakes were made in the prosecution of this case,” Boutros acknowledged in his filing. “That is why the United States Attorney’s Office has dismissed all charges and is not contesting former Defendants’ entitlement to attorneys’ fees. It is also why the United States Attorney has implemented substantial root-cause reforms as part of a remediation plan.”</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center> <div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div> <ul class="RelatedList-items"> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/06/17/broadview-6-want-special-counsel-to-probe-boutros-office-trumps-justice-department-for-criminal-contempt" target="_blank" >‘Broadview 6' want special counsel to probe Boutros’ office, Trump’s Justice Department for criminal contempt</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/06/22/broadview-six-damage-spreads-boutros-drops-more-charges-details-ongoing-review" target="_blank" >‘Broadview Six’ damage spreads with review of 20 years of one prosecutor’s cases</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/05/21/broadview-ice-protest-grand-jury-transcript-kat-abughazaleh-trump" target="_blank" >‘Broadview Six’ charges dropped as Chicago’s top federal prosecutor admits case was tainted by misconduct</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Battle of the homebuyers

<h3>Good morning, Chicago. ✶</h3><h3></h3><p>🔎 <b>Below</b>: With few properties on sale, Chicago is seeing serious bidding wars, with homes selling for up to hundreds of thousands over the asking price.</p><p>🗞️ <b>Plus</b>: Parents salvage supplies dumped by Acero schools, courts decide pet-custody disputes for unmarried couples and more news you need to know. </p><p>📝 <b>Keeping score</b>: <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-y/" target="_blank" >The Cubs beat the Dodgers</a>, 5-1; <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-j/" target="_blank" >the White Sox fell to the Red Sox</a>, 14-2.</p><p>📧 <b>Subscribe</b>: <a class="Link" href="https://newsletter-hub.suntimes.com/" target="_blank" ><i>Get our morning newsletter delivered to your inbox weekday mornings.</i></a></p><p>⏱️: <i>A 7-minute read</i></p><hr><p></p><h4>CHICAGO JIGSAW PUZZLE 🧩</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-floatLeft> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-4b0000" name="image-4b0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/076ed16/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8dc5831/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/79a6253/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="st13002199_0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/79a6253/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/90e39ac/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/79a6253/2147483647/strip/true/crop/388x218+0+20/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5a%2Febcf224c45b9b23be1ca2144b55b%2Fst13002199-0006-990b6d0451028a3c.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </figure> </div> </div><p>Piece together history to reveal more about today’s photo from the Sun-Times archives. </p><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-i/" target="_blank" ><b>PLAY NOW</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>TODAY’S WEATHER 🌧️</h4><p>Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 79.</p><hr><p></p><h4>TODAY’S TOP STORY 🔎</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-7b0000" name="image-7b0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/306e744/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2669445/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8d06c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Prospective homebuyers and their agents walk into a Lake View condo building for an open house." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8d06c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7725a24/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8d06c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3367+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F54%2Ff6%2F24e1fd0f4058bb4208e623bfa740%2Fbidwar-260802-12.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Prospective homebuyers and their agents enter a Lake View condo building for an open house.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-k/" target="_blank" >With few properties on sale, Chicago homebuyers are having bidding wars</a></h3><p></p><h5>Reporting by <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-u/" target="_blank" >Abby Miller</a></h5><h5></h5><p><b>Realty check</b>: According to Chicago homebuyers and real estate agents, there are bidding wars for the few homes hitting the market, especially in neighborhoods like Lake View, Lincoln Park and Northalsted.</p><p><b>Who benefits?</b>: The battle among buyers has been great for home sellers as properties close for up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over their asking price. And some buyers — to help sweeten the deal — have been waiving certain contingencies like inspections.</p><p><b>Asking price</b>: Neighborhoods with strong retail corridors, like Andersonville, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, are seeing high demand, one real estate broker said. But across the city, homes have sold for $100,000 to $200,000 — sometimes even $300,000 — above their asking price, the broker said.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-o/" target="_blank" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>WATCH: HOME BIDDING WARS ▶️</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="ExternalContent-wrapper" data-embed> <iframe width="113" height="200" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/474z7DMeCKg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen title="Lack of homes leads to bidding wars on Chicago's North Side"></iframe> </div> </div></div><hr><p></p><h4>EDUCATION 🍎</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-c60000" name="image-c60000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/15d26d3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c6bae61/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d088744/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="A Dumpster filled with storybooks sits outside an elementary school." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d088744/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/97f3880/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d088744/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+267/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff9%2F63%2Fe2745af14f028a271b89b76d9afc%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-9.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>A dumpster in an alley next to Fuentes Elementary School in Avondale on Monday.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><ul class="rte2-style-ul" style="line-height: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;" id="rte-0847a573-90cb-11f1-8078-a739cd42f4f0"><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-p/" target="_blank" ><b>School supplies tossed</b></a>: Parents, teachers and community members have been diving into dumpsters outside of now-closed Acero charter schools in Avondale and Ukrainian Village, where books and school supplies have been trashed. CPS officials said the materials were supposed to be recycled.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-x/" target="_blank" ><b>Ex-CPS exec charged with fraud</b></a>: Crystal Cooper, a former top Chicago Public School official, was charged with defrauding pandemic relief programs, nearly three years after the school system found she had lied about her income in order to receive loans.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-m/" target="_blank" ><b>Mayor pushes for CPS funding</b></a>: If the Illinois General Assembly fails to approve a $150 million increase in funding built into the nearly $10 billion CPS budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is prepared to use city money to stave off classroom cuts.</li></ul><hr><p></p><h4>SPRINGFIELD 🐶</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-2b0000" name="image-2b0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/35a05b8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e4fccb5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6452aaa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Tameer Siddiqui, of Chicago, poses for a selfie with a puggle named Rosie, which was the subject of an unsuccessful custody fight with an ex-fiance after their relationship ended. Siddiqui helped devise a state law enacted last week by Gov. JB Pritzker that would give new legal rights to unmarried couples to pursue custody of pet dogs, cats and horses. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6452aaa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3cb1f38/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6452aaa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/900x505+0+47/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc2%2Fec%2F3755277c4287b2ba5266d4b30a33%2Fpetdispute-260803-2.png" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Tameer Siddiqui poses with her dog Rosie, the subject of a custody dispute.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Provided</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-q/" target="_blank" >Under new law, courts can decide pet custody disputes for unmarried couples</a></h3><p></p><h5>Reporting by <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-a/" target="_blank" >Isabela Nieto</a></h5><p><b>Rosie's law</b>: People who part ways with each other but share a pet will be able to go to court to fight for custody of their furry companion under a new Illinois law. Rosie's Law creates a legal framework for unmarried people, like separated couples or roommates, to fight to keep their dog, cat or horse when they no longer live with the person with whom they shared it.</p><p><b>How it works</b>: The new law, which takes effect in January, will let judges consider the physical and emotional well-being of the animal, who financially supports it and the environment the pet would live in.</p><p><b>Key context</b>: Rosie's Law takes its name from a puggle that was the subject of a custody battle last year. Tameer Siddiqui is a clinical psychologist from Chicago who pushed for the new law. She cared for Rosie, originally her ex-fiancee’s dog, during their relationship. She said she saw the animal's "under-met" needs.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-f/" target="_blank" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>MORE NEWS YOU NEED 🗞️</h4><ul class="rte2-style-ul" style="line-height: inherit; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;" id="rte-0847f390-90cb-11f1-8078-a739cd42f4f0"><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-v/" target="_blank" ><b>E-scooter rider fatally struck</b></a>: Alex Blacio, 16, was fatally struck by a truck in North Center while riding home from work Monday. He is the third teen to be killed in traffic on e-scooters this year.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-e/" target="_blank" ><b>Man charged after fatal crash</b></a>: Juan Ruiz-Huerta, of Aurora, was in custody Tuesday after prosecutors alleged he drove the wrong way on the Dan Ryan Expressway to "scare" a Chicago woman who was pleading for her life moments before she died as a result of a five-vehicle crash.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-s/" target="_blank" ><b>Cop accused of sex assault</b></a>: Douglas Lee, an Illinois State Police trooper, was charged this week with sexual assault. Prosecutors alleged he drugged and assaulted a bartender last year in Tinley Park.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-g/" target="_blank" ><b>Pritzker talks Springfield scandal</b></a>: Springfield's latest sexual harassment scandal has revealed "holes in the system," according to Gov. JB Pritzker — but not necessarily any missteps by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch in responding to allegations of misconduct by a now-disgraced ex-state representative.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-yd/" target="_blank" ><b>Lawmakers decry prison conditions</b></a>: Illinois lawmakers are calling for changes at the Joliet Treatment Center after a Marshall Project, Sun-Times and WBEZ investigation exposed an epidemic of fires that resulted in two deaths at the prison.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-yh/" target="_blank" ><b>10 arrested at Lollapalooza</b></a>: Some are facing charges for selling rain ponchos without a permit, illegally flying a drone and punching a backstage security guard with a pocketful of drugs.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-yk/" target="_blank" ><b>Hospital ownership could change</b></a>: Lawyers for one of the owners of West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital are pushing to sell the hospitals for $1 to Insight Health Systems and demote the other owner and CEO into a temporary consulting position.</li></ul><hr><p></p><h4>ON WBEZ 91.5 FM 📻 </h4><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jr/" target="_blank" ><b>In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons, 9 a.m.</b></a></p><ul class="rte2-style-ul" style="line-height: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;" id="rte-08481aa6-90cb-11f1-8078-a739cd42f4f0"><li><b>March on Marquette Park</b>: Sixty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a coalition of Chicago residents and community leaders marched through Marquette Park to demand an end to segregation and racist housing policies — and were met by a violent white mob. Modern organizers join the show to reflect on the history.<br></li><li><b>Grant Park Music Festival</b>: Giancarlo Guerrero, principal conductor and artistic director of the Grant Park Music Festival, stops by to discuss this summer's standout performances<br></li></ul><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jy/" target="_blank" ><b>Say More with Mary Dixon and Patrick Smith, 10 a.m.</b></a></p><ul class="rte2-style-ul" style="line-height: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;" id="rte-084841b0-90cb-11f1-8078-a739cd42f4f0"><li><b>Parks Superintendent</b>: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the Chicago Park District sits down to answer callers' questions.<br></li></ul><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jj/" target="_blank" ><b>LISTEN LIVE 🎧</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>FROM THE PRESS BOX ⚾🏈🏀</h4><ul class="rte2-style-ul" style="line-height: inherit; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 24px; padding: 0px; list-style-type: disc;" id="rte-084841b2-90cb-11f1-8078-a739cd42f4f0"><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jt/" target="_blank" ><b>Remembering Drew Williams</b></a>: A star athlete at Lane who was paralyzed after suffering a catastrophic brain injury during a game in 2013, Mr. Williams died July 22 at age 30.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-ji/" target="_blank" ><b>Sox’ good vibes</b></a>: New White Sox players Brenton Doyle and Joey Bart said they noticed the team having fun from afar. "It's hard to miss," Doyle said.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jd/" target="_blank" ><b>Taking on Tarik</b></a>: The Cubs got their first crack at the Dodgers' Tarik Skubal, the grand prize of baseball’s trade deadline, on Tuesday. Will they see him again in October?<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jh/" target="_blank" ><b>Bears outlook</b></a>: Coach Ben Johnson now has three premium talents at tight end — and his offense is about to get wild, writes Jason Lieser.<br></li><li><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-jk/" target="_blank" ><b>High school basketball review</b></a>: Here are the players who made their presence felt in some way or fashion and the storylines that followed this summer.</li></ul><hr><p></p><h4>CHICAGO MINI CROSSWORD 🌭</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-floatLeft> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-db0001" name="image-db0001"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9d7e745/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/321daab/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/685000c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Mini crossword" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/685000c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a48c31e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/685000c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/396x222+0+3/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2Fca%2F07ba5cb34d3da272b327aecdad9f%2Ffy2025-cst-marketing-games-website-images-490x2484-990514079e028a3c.png" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>Today's clue</b>: 6A: 2015 Cameron Crowe movie flop that was advertised on a Logan Square billboard for over a year.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-tr/" target="_blank" ><b>PLAY NOW</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>BRIGHT ONE 🔆</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item"> <bsp-carousel class="Carousel Enhancement" data-align-center> <a class="AnchorLink" id="gallery-050001" name="gallery-050001"></a> <div> <div class="Carousel-slides"> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a6887e8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/da7298d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3726015/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3726015/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e35bf80/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3726015/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5228x3454+0+15/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Parents, family and friends gather at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin for the Project Exploration summer programming student showcase on Thursday July 30, 2026. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">1</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/48d9ebf/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f54e7d6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/55876bc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/55876bc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f8f9704/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/55876bc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5476x3618+0+16/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">William Slaughter, 22, checks on a brood of chicks at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. Project Exploration students hatched the brood for one of their summer projects. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">2</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5012c1c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/030d03c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bb0123b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bb0123b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6f190b3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bb0123b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Natasha Smith-Walker, executive director at Project Exploration, stands at the Columbus Park Refectory during a student project showcase in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">3</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fb566db/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2339f1f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e79e925/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e79e925/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9c6066f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e79e925/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">A poster presenting a student project on wildlife behavior during a Project Exploration summer programming showcase at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">4</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8912d70/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7e55aea/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7498b67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7498b67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cc7d5b8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7498b67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Josiah Puckett, 10, stands at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. He is a Project Exploration student attending the summer programming showcase. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">5</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e5f5e62/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/50feb15/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/143ae17/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/143ae17/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2f2c046/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/143ae17/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">A model house from a student project displayed during a Project Exploration summer programming showcase at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">6</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="Carousel-slide"> <div class="CarouselSlide" > <div class="CarouselSlide-media"> <picture data-crop="large"> <source type="image/webp" width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c55239f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1de43d6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 2x"/> <source width="840" height="555" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcb5d08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcb5d08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ea7aa4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/1680x1110!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 2x" width="840" height="555" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcb5d08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3964+0+18/resize/840x555!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg"> </picture> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-info"> <div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Chicks stand under a wooden house at the Columbus Park Refectory in Austin on Thursday July 30, 2026. Project Exploration students hatched the chickens during the organization’s summer program. | Kieran Stover/Sun-Times</span> </div> <div class="CarouselSlide-pagination"> <span class="CarouselSlide-currentSlide">7</span> of <span class="CarouselSlide-slidesLength">7</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="FlickityCustomNavigation-wrapper"> <div class="FlickityCustomNavigation main"> <button class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-prev" type="button" aria-label="Previous"> <svg class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-icon"><use xlink:href="#icon-left"></use></svg> </button> <button class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-next" type="button" aria-label="Next"> <svg class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-icon"><use xlink:href="#icon-right"></use></svg> </button> </div> </div></div> <div class="Carousel-nav"> <div class="Carousel-nav-items"><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3c6cbb6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/75cd71f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ab0c21c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ab0c21c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/11e9df4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ab0c21c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3485x3485+872+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe0%2Ff3%2F99c51d8845279b41a320481f080a%2Fprojectexploration-260731-01.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/74e5f56/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fe9450a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c7f0f2a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c7f0f2a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a01fb51/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c7f0f2a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3651x3651+913+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd6%2F40%2Ff3414b3e4d959cd4df5520b3b2d0%2Fprojectexploration-260731-04.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/49c11b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a345842/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1505f7f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1505f7f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9f6c738/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1505f7f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ffb%2F51%2Fd14df096489ab3d4a09018de4355%2Fprojectexploration-260731-11.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c41065b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d26dbc2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25ca7de/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25ca7de/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bb9567a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25ca7de/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8a%2F24%2F430f3ace4e819513505d9b61bda3%2Fprojectexploration-260731-07.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9368fbd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ad00ad5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ae634/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ae634/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b6f8f68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ae634/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F99%2F6a%2F82a97b8849f48bc353936e66eb13%2Fprojectexploration-260731-08.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/eef0263/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4657a69/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8cff18c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8cff18c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3b33331/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8cff18c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fe6%2Fc0%2F61ee5c4846109ae6baf1c09dde97%2Fprojectexploration-260731-06.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div><div class="Carousel-nav-items-item"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem"> <div class="Carousel-mediaItem-media"> <span class="Link"><picture data-crop="medium-square"> <source type="image/webp" width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d71e738/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fe46548/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="300" height="300" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/012df1a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Project Exploration summer programming student showcase." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/012df1a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e19268/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg 2x" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/012df1a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fea%2Fa2%2F30f01fb44a7cb4836d26bd84d1ea%2Fprojectexploration-260731-03.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIzMDBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><div class="FlickityCustomNavigation-wrapper"> <div class="FlickityCustomNavigation below"> <button class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-prev" type="button" aria-label="Previous"> <svg class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-icon"><use xlink:href="#icon-left"></use></svg> </button> <button class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-next" type="button" aria-label="Next"> <svg class="FlickityCustomNavigation-button-icon"><use xlink:href="#icon-right"></use></svg> </button> </div> </div></div> </bsp-carousel> </div> </div><p></p><h3><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-tj/" target="_blank" >Program gives city’s youth chance to explore career interests</a></h3><p></p><h5>Reporting by <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-tt/" target="_blank" >Elijah James</a></h5><p>William Slaughter has spent more than four years mentoring other young people through Project Exploration, an educational nonprofit that, among other things, helps students explore career possibilities through its summer programs.</p><p>Positive community programs like that have a real impact, Slaughter believes, and last week at Columbus Park, that impact was on display.</p><p>During a showcase at the Columbus Park Refectory, students got to show off what they'd been doing this summer. Some got a taste of a range of career interests. Others worked on projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.</p><p>Among many other projects, students explored environmental science, gardening and the culinary arts. Some even took care of incubating eggs — and looked after the baby chicks, once the eggs hatched.</p><p>"If you give us other places to have fun that encourage positivity, structure, and discipline, we'll be good. We'll be powerful," said Slaughter, who just graduated from Illinois State University.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-ti/" target="_blank" ><b>READ MORE</b></a></p><hr><p></p><h4>YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️</h4><p><b>If you had 24 hours left in Chicago, what would you do?</b></p><p><a class="Link" href="mailto:newsletters@suntimes.com" target="_blank" ><i>Reply to this question via email</i></a><i> (please include your first and last name). We may run your answer in a future newsletter or story.</i></p><p>For some answer inspiration, check out <a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-th/" target="_blank" >Tuesday’s episode of Say More with Mary Dixon and Patrick Smith</a>.</p><hr><p>Thanks for reading the Sun-Times Morning Edition!<br>Got a story you think we missed? <a class="Link" href="mailto:newsletters@suntimes.com" target="_blank" >Email us here.</a></p><hr><p><b>Written and curated by</b>: Matt Moore<br><b>Edited by</b>: Michael Lansu and Esther Bergdahl</p><hr><p><i>The Chicago Sun-Times is a nonprofit supported by readers like you. Become a member to make stories like these free and available to everyone. Learn more at </i><a class="Link" href="https://newsletters.suntimes.com/t/t-l-wuuykjy-l-tu/" target="_blank" ><i>suntimes.com/member</i></a><i>.</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Dear Abby: To Share or Not To Share the Family Secrets?

<p><b>DEAR ABBY:</b> There are two significant secrets in my family, and as I'm a member of the oldest generation and likely in my last decade, I wonder if they should see the light of day.</p><p>The first involves my cousin. He's a year older than I am and doesn't know he was adopted. My older sister was 10 when his parents brought him home. She remembers it vividly, and my mother and I talked about it from time to time. My cousin has led a challenged life of addiction and estrangement. He blames his parents and "inherited characteristics" for many of his problems — his mother's addiction to anxiety meds, his father's poor eyesight, etc. Should I share with him what I know?</p><p>The second secret involves my first wife. We divorced 40 years ago, and although we don't talk, our two children are a prominent part of my life. My ex lives a life of isolation. She is angry and has difficult relations with everyone. What I know is that she had a baby while in high school and gave it up for adoption. I suspect that her guilt about it has caused her withdrawal and alienation from everyone in her family. Should I share with our children that they have an older half-sibling? — <i>KEEPER OF SECRETS</i></p><p><b>DEAR KEEPER:</b> I think the answers to your questions are yes and no. I do think it might help your cousin if you told him the truth about his adoption, in case he might like to contact any living birth relatives to get an accurate family history or medical history.</p><p>However, as far as revealing your first wife's secret, I don't think it would be wise, kind or helpful to out her to your children. She was a minor at the time, and her parents may have been responsible for what happened to her child. Rather than being consumed with guilt or shame, she may still be mourning the loss of that baby.</p><p><b>DEAR ABBY:</b> My parents had three kids. The oldest is married with five kids. The second is married with two kids. The third is single, has mild autism and has trouble meeting people. Our parents don't seem too concerned about the youngest being perpetually single, but he is unable to live on his own due to credit card debt that he can't pay back. He doesn't want to live with anyone unless he finds a romantic partner. What happens if he ends up being single for life? Is there anything that anybody can do to help him before our parents die? — <i>FACING THE FUTURE</i></p><p><b>DEAR FACING THE FUTURE:</b> Has this sibling considered declaring bankruptcy? Mild autism should not stop him from living on his own again once his financial situation improves. A financial adviser or credit counselor may be able to help him with that. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) is a good place to start.</p><p>Encourage your brother to join social groups that suit his hobbies and interests. If a club has in-person meetups in a quiet space, he may be able to attend comfortably without becoming overstimulated. He may not find romance, but he could make new friends, easing everyone's anxiety about his future.</p><p><i>Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

People have been fermenting food for millennia. Here's why more people are focused on gut health now

<p>More people are focusing on their gut health, as fibermaxxing goes mainstream, colorectal cancer rises among young adults and personalized gut microbiome treatments become increasingly popular.</p><p>Now, a generation- and culture-spanning way of preserving food is in the spotlight: fermentation. <b></b> The federal government's latest dietary guidelines specifically encourage Americans to eat more fermented food.</p><p>The foods have been further popularized by followers of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement. And while other diet fads championed by MAHA have been questioned by health experts — like unproven claims about raw milk and seed oils — there's some science behind the benefits of eating fermented foods. <b></b><b></b></p><p>Fermented foods go back thousands of years , to the days when we needed to keep food from spoiling but didn't have refrigerators. Many cultures have traditional fermented foods: yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, South Indian idli and dosa.</p><p>Dietitians and doctors say they're a great addition to almost anyone's diet, but they warn against new, mass-produced products.</p><p>Here's what to know.</p><h3>Not all fermented foods are made equal</h3><p>Fermentation is a process by which naturally occurring microbes including bacteria and yeast break down and preserve food.</p><p>The foods are a hot research topic, though many of their health benefits are already clear, experts say.</p><p>"We've been doing this for ages and we just found out more recently that it's actually helped our gut health," said Dr. Lisa Ganjhu, a gastroenterologist with New York University Langone Health.</p><p>Still, it doesn't automatically mean something is healthy if it's fermented.</p><p>"Beer and wine are fermented foods, but they're not necessarily probiotics," she said. "If anything, they influence our own microbiome in more of a negative way."</p><p>Barbara Olendzki, director the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School's Center for Applied Nutrition, said she recommends people focus on "whole fermented foods" like fermented beets or green beans in addition to foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and tempeh.</p><h3>Fermented foods feed the gut in two main ways</h3><p>The microbes in fermented foods help predigest it, breaking it down and changing the compounds available in it. The bacteria themselves also help keep the gut in balance, by competing with other bacteria — some of them less beneficial — already in your intestines.</p><p>Some fermented foods, like yogurt, give you the live probiotics while you're eating them. Others, like sourdough bread, give you few, if any, because they've been baked or otherwise processed in ways that kill the microbes. But there's evidence that some fermented foods are beneficial even without the live microbes, Dalia Perelman, a Stanford University research dietitian, said.</p><h3>Beware of marketing hype</h3><p>Experts warn against sodas, chocolate or other processed foods that market themselves as probiotic. Even probiotic supplements are essentially trying to replicate the combinations of beneficial bacteria that naturally grow in many fermented foods, Perelman said.</p><p>"Consumers are getting excited about it and trying to choose products that are fermented and with the idea that it's very 'gut healthy,' which is not a clinical definition," she said. "And then the marketing is running with this trend."</p><p>Avoid sugary items, too, Ganjhu said. Extra sugar feeds negative bacteria as opposed to the positive bacteria in fermented foods, she said.</p><p>And look for items that say "live cultures," not just that they're probiotic.</p><p>"The best yogurt you can have is just plain, fermented milk with culture," she said. "Let it do its business."</p><h3>Can fermented foods be risky?</h3><p><b></b> While the category of fermented foods is broad, experts say they're generally safe for most people. And not just for health reasons — they also add interesting and diverse flavors to your plate. <b></b></p><p>Perelman said people who have weakened immune systems and those with irritable bowl disease may want to talk to their doctors before incorporating the foods into their diet. Some people could experience different reactions depending on which type of fermented food they're eating.</p><p>Olendzki said some people might experience bloating, gas and other discomfort when introducing more fermented foods, especially as their gut adjusts.</p><p>"If you feel good, keep drinking it. You don't feel good? Stop," Ganjhu said. She noted that the same foods affect people differently.</p><h3>Eat a diverse mix of fermented foods consistently</h3><p><b>ck for print</b> So which fermented food is the best? You'll be hard-pressed to find a scientifically backed ranking that puts sauerkraut over kimchi, or tells you to eat a bowl of yogurt and call it a day. <b></b></p><p>The best way to eat fermented foods is to eat lots of different kinds, and to make them a regular part of your diet, experts say.</p><p>Ganjhu recommended thinking about the foods in categories, like milk-based yogurt and kefir, and fiber-based ones such as kimchi and sauerkraut.</p><p>Researchers are also still exploring if it matters how much fermented foods people eat. Just like so many things with diet, the answer is likely very different person to person, experts said.</p><p>"We can hedge our bets and just get a variety," Perelman said. She suggested aiming for two servings a day.</p><p>And the foods should be one part of a well-rounded diet, so the good bacteria you're introducing to your gut have things they like to eat, like fibrous prebiotics. They feed the probiotics, which are the live bacteria themselves.</p><p>"Just go slow and drink a lot of water. It also matters what the rest of the diet looks like," Olendzki said. "It's not just one thing."</p><p><i>The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Despite disinvestment, a longtime West Sider has stayed put with the help of block clubs

<p>Helen King sits in her dining room in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood. She’s been living in the home for more than 50 years and chuckles at the couch and lampshades covered in plastic.</p><p>“Can you imagine that color if I didn’t have plastic on? All the kids and stuff,” she said.</p><p>King raised her children here with her late husband Harry. She takes pride that her couches are still their original shade of yellow.</p><p>“Alexa, play Ray Charles,” she said as she walked over to the kitchen.</p><p>The music takes her back to summer parties organized by her block club. Neighbors gathered outside for some barbecue and good company.</p><p>“We all needed and wanted the same things,” King said of her block club. “We wanted success, and we wanted our kids to be safe.”</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-180000" name="image-180000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/77c6d99/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7210d19/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1340e6c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Block party on South Claremont Avenue" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1340e6c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0e91bfc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1340e6c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F95%2Fbd%2F097ddbd04dee87f901a461d12966%2Fst13003366-0016.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>People attending a block party organized by the 1300 Claremont Club in order to raise money for neighborhood improvements in 1968. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Chicago Sun-Times/ST-13003366-0016, Chicago History Museum</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Today, you’ll still see evidence of block clubs in South and West Side neighborhoods: colorful signs, often wooden and hand-painted. They might be decorated with flowers and trees, and most tell readers what is allowed or not allowed on the block.</p><p>Block clubs are coalitions of neighbors who volunteer to improve the physical and social conditions of their block. That can range from planting flowers on the parkway to buying abandoned homes in order to increase the neighborhood’s market value. These clubs differ from homeowners associations because they are not legally mandated for residents to participate in or pay fees toward.</p><p>The history of block clubs in Chicago go back to the Great Migration. According to Amanda Seligman, author of “Chicago’s Block Clubs: How Neighbors Shape the City,” block clubs likely originated in Atlanta. In 1908, Lugenia Burns Hope started the Atlanta Neighborhood Union, where she and a team of mothers worked to bring education and health programs to African American families. It’s often credited as the roadmap for the Civil Rights movements and block clubs.</p><p>“[Block clubs] really grew to their mature form in Chicago, especially thanks to the work of the Chicago Urban League,” said Seligman, who is a professor of history and urban studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.</p><p>During the early 20th century, over 6 million African Americans left the Jim Crow South for Northern cities like Chicago, Detroit and New York. The Chicago Urban League helped to provide financial and community support, including the formation of block clubs.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-ff0000" name="image-ff0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f6f2f9e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/98de51f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5adfa82/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Houses in Austin neighborhood" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5adfa82/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/46718a4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5adfa82/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa4%2Fe0%2Fc091837846d08d46835ec5242649%2Fst90003258-0015.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Sign welcomes guests to the 5000 Monroe Street Block Club in 1979.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>John H. White/ST-90003258-0015, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>“They wanted to … cultivate local leadership skills and to improve the physical environment that African Americans were living in,” Seligman said. “And also to demonstrate to white organizations and leaders in Chicago that Black people would make good neighbors.”</p><p>After years of disinvestment and discriminatory housing practices, longtime West Garfield Park residents like King say the physical environment of neighborhoods and blocks affects the work of block clubs. Curious City sat down with King to learn how her block has changed throughout the decades.</p><h3><b>Why Mrs. King stays </b></h3><p>Helen King is a member of the Westside Block Club Association. When the association leader, Talei Thompson, started the block club, he was told to speak with neighbors and elders like King. She moved to Chicago in the 1950s from Jackson, Mississippi, when she was 19 with her sister and two brothers.</p><p><i>This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. </i></p><p><b>After you moved to Chicago, what happened? </b></p><p> I did get a job, and I kept a job until I eventually retired. I got married, and my husband and I was able to purchase our own home, something that we picked out, and I’m so pleased with it.</p><p><b>What were block clubs like when you first bought your home?</b></p><p>[Neighbors] come and knock on your door. We’d meet at each other’s home, once a month. We’d have little refreshments, and if we had issues or if we were planning anything, we would just discuss stuff that was important.</p><p>I kept track of the funds we took up, and [information] of the [city] offices [as secretary].</p><p>It starts with a small group and then it grows. Back in the day, we’d take the kids on trips and we’d have cookouts for the kids. We didn’t do an awful lot because we paid very little, $5 or something, nothing much. But it was just the idea that everybody owned their own home, so they wanted something.</p><p>If one had a problem, then the next had a problem. We worked together. We all needed and wanted the same things. We wanted success and we wanted our kids to be safe.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-bb0000" name="image-bb0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8b2c45f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/26dd078/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/13b0a32/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Block club fixing pothole" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/13b0a32/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d8ddafd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/13b0a32/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1697+0+154/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F51%2Ffe%2Ffdf2958b44dab1da0ceb8d33ad88%2Fst15001691-0014.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Block club filling a pothole in West Garfield Park at West Van Buren and South Springfield Avenue in 1979.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Chicago Sun-Times/ST-15001691-0014, Chicago History Museum</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>How do you think the neighborhood has changed? </b></p><p> We don’t have enough activities in our neighborhood. Back in the day, we had about five movies [theaters] from, say, Western [Avenue] all the way down on the West Side. Now we don’t have one movie [theater].</p><p>We had recreational facilities for teenagers. I used to take my boys to youth classes for the kids to play and jump and do whatever they wanted to do. I think [now], there’s one skating rink over here in a business area.</p><p>The kids could walk to school. They were small, they walked to school, didn’t have a problem, and we had stores. We don’t even have a grocery store in the neighborhood [now].</p><p>Back in the day, we had really good city workers, like garbage pickup. It was pleasant, it was different.</p><p><b>What do you think is behind these challenges on the block today? </b></p><p> It’s a lot of absentee landlords over here now. I doubt if I know three landlords over here. I used to know a lot of them and [their] kids.</p><p> Other landlords are dead and gone on and, like next door to me now, it’s empty. I’m about the oldest one over here.</p><p><b>What concerns you about the future ?</b></p><p>Drugs and guns are detrimental to society. You see so many young men walking around here — they are not as old as I am, but they’re walking with canes and walking worse than I am. They are our future.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-dc0000" name="image-dc0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a1b1ef6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/117236c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1372845/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Englewood Block Club sign" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1372845/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a07f285/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1372845/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4968x2788+0+509/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F9f%2F23%2Fbf7cd86d4cc6ad7ab677da74f897%2Fimg-0832.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>A sign for the 6800 Paulina Block Club stands in the Englewood neighborhood.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Erin Allen/WBEZ</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>How are you staying active with block clubs today?</b></p><p>I’m working with Mr. [Talei] Thompson [president of Westside Block Club Association]. You have to be ready and strong enough to be a leader and to talk to people and communicate with people. I like to know what's going on in my neighborhood, if something comes up that I could help with or I could do.</p><p><b>Why do you stay on this block?</b></p><p>My husband was very active, and he worked hard. When he left his job, he would come home and do things in our home once we bought it. He did everything: dropping ceilings, putting carpet on the stairway in the basement. And my sons were right there with him learning to do these things.</p><p> I really appreciate it more now than I did, before he passed. When I come up the stairs holding on the rails because my legs are not as strong. I say, “Wow, Harry King, you did so many beautiful jobs.”</p><p>He painted the walls in the basement of an African group of passengers on a boat coming from Africa. You can see the sea, the water and the families. And I say, “Oh wow, what a guy he was.”</p><p><i>Jewél Jackson is an investigative, multimedia storyteller who independently reports on society, culture and youth.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-750000" name="html-embed-module-750000"></a><script async src="https://modules.wearehearken.com/wbez/embed/4190.js"></script> </div> </div><p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Horoscope for Wednesday, August 05, 2026

<h2>Moon Alert</h2> <p>There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The moon is in Taurus.</p><h2>Aries (March 21-April 19)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Resist the urge to get tangled up in financial disagreements with your kids, a friend, a group or a romantic partner — or anyone who wants to get in a fight with you. You don't need this. Focus on social outings today and keep things light.</p><h2>Taurus (April 20-May 20)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-290000" name="html-embed-module-290000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>A <b>so-so</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Today the moon is in your sign; however, it is at odds with two other planets, which can encourage power struggles and disputes, especially with authority figures like parents, bosses, teachers, VIPs and the police. Therefore, don't push the river. Keep your head down and your powder dry.</p><h2>Gemini (May 21-June 20)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> This is the classic day for an argument with relatives, siblings, neighbors or daily contacts. Or it might be road rage. Don't go there. Save your energy. The only thing anger does is make everyone miserable. It never helps. Patience is your best friend today.</p><h2>Cancer (June 21-July 22)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> You're never casual about money, which is why you might end up in a dispute with a friend, a group or a financial institution. You might even argue about an inheritance or your fair share of something. This tension will quickly blow over. Bide your time because timing is everything.</p><h2>Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-290000" name="html-embed-module-290000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>A <b>so-so</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> This is a tricky day because you are high viz, which means people notice you. Nevertheless, you might easily find yourself at odds with authority figures, spouses, partners or close friends. (Hissing in an elevator?) Cool your jets. Think of the impression you create on your audience.</p><h2>Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Steer clear of controversial subjects today because they will likely escalate into a nasty confrontation. You can never change someone else's point of view because there are none so deaf as those who are wearing headphones. It is what it is. Stay calm.</p><h2>Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Parents might find themselves at odds with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners might also be angered. Some of you might be disappointed in a friend or a group. It’s just what’s happening. It’s hump day. Cope as best you can with courtesy and patience.</p><h2>Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-290000" name="html-embed-module-290000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>A <b>so-so</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Steer clear of confrontations with partners, spouses, family members and bosses today because these clashes of egos could escalate quickly into something nasty. People never forget harsh words. You can say you're sorry, but they remember, just like you do.</p><h2>Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Interactions at work, politics, religion, racial issues, plus appointments and errands that you're juggling today, are all reasons you might be at odds with someone. But this doesn't have to happen. You have the power of choice. Remember — optimism is a survival issue for you. Stay happy.</p><h2>Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Avoid money squabbles if you can, especially with your kids, romantic partners and others, because this will only ruin your day. (You need this like a fish needs a bicycle.) Instead, buckle down, work hard and get stuff done because productivity always boosts your self-respect. (You know this.)</p><h2>Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-290000" name="html-embed-module-290000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>A <b>so-so</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Partners, spouses, close friends and family members might be at odds with you today. If you enter the fray, there's no winning. Instead, take a breath. Step back. Sit this one out. Tomorrow is a delightful, practical and productive day! Don't get your belly in a rash today for no reason.</p><h2>Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)</h2> <p></p> <div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-4d0000" name="html-embed-module-4d0000"></a><div class="HoroscopeStarbox HoroscopeStarbox_five"> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_container"> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> <svg class="HoroscopeStar"><use xlink:href="#icon-star"></use></svg> </div> <div class="HoroscopeStarbox_description"> <p>An <b>average</b> day</p> </div> </div> <style> .HoroscopeStarbox { background: #f8f8f8; display: flex; align-items: center; } .HoroscopeStarbox_container { display: grid; grid-gap: 5px; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; padding: 20px; width: 40%; min-width: 160px; max-width: 200px; } .HoroscopeStarbox_description { padding: 20px; font-family: var(--font-1); font-size: var(--body-2); } .HoroscopeStarbox_container svg { object-fit: cover; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; width: 100%; } </style> </div> </div><p> Although you will be tempted to respond in kind if you are attacked by others today, especially work colleagues or even an enemy, think of your peace of mind. You matter. Don't let what others say get under your skin. Ignore them.</p><h2>If today is your birthday</h2><p>Actor Mark Strong (1963) shares your birthday today. You are brave, determined and focused. You independently investigate instead of accepting conventional truths. This year, change will bring you increased personal freedom. Let go of whatever holds you back. Seek out new opportunities. Be ready to act fast. This is a year of travel and expanding your horizons. </p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Dodgers' three-peat? Cubs showcasing they can mount championship challenge: ‘That’s how this team is wired’

<p>It might seem as though the Death Star is fully operational after two-time Cy Young Award-winning left-hander <b>Tarik Skubal</b> was added to the most talent-rich team in baseball.</p><p>Is a Dodgers three-peat truly inevitable?</p><p>The <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" target="_blank" >Cubs</a>, trailing in their own division, aren’t expected to enter October as <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" target="_blank" >the sort of World Series favorites the Dodgers are</a>. But on back-to-back nights at an electrified Wrigley Field, they showed they have the ability to mount a challenge to the juggernaut.</p><p>After a 10-5 victory Monday, the Cubs were 5-1 winners Tuesday, besting the Dodgers and spoiling Skubal’s first outing for his new team.</p><p>‘‘That’s kind of just who we are,’’ shortstop <b>Dansby Swanson</b> said. ‘‘That’s how this team is built. That’s how this team is wired and really what we expect out of ourselves — to be able to play complete games, whether it’s on the bases, in the field, on the mound, in the batter’s box. There’s so many ways to be good at this game, and we take pride in being able to do all of it.</p><p>‘‘We’ve showcased that a lot of the year but especially over these last couple of days.’’</p><p>Swanson smashed a tying home run against Skubal in the third inning, the loudest of the two runs the Cubs scored against him. <b>Nico Hoerner’s</b> high chopper in the sixth broke a 1-all tie, and the Cubs scored a trio of insurance runs after Skubal’s exit.</p><p>More impressively, perhaps, the Cubs managed to outpitch Skubal and the Dodgers, with right-hander <b>Javier Assad</b> turning in his latest stellar effort and the bullpen pitching 3⅓ perfect innings.</p><p>Throw in a critical stolen base by <b>Pete Crow-Armstrong</b> and a second highlight-reel defensive play in as many nights by <b>Pedro Ramirez</b>, and it was another all-around performance, the type of game these Cubs were built to play and one that could make them a true championship challenger to the dynasty-seeking Dodgers.</p><p>‘‘They play the game the right way,’’ newly acquired reliever <b>Ryan Zeferjahn</b> said of his new team. ‘‘They do every little thing right.’’</p><p>It’s only early August, but there was a distinct ‘‘October preview’’ vibe on the North Side.</p><p>‘‘I don’t want to say, ‘This is why we play,’ but come on,’’ Swanson said. ‘‘It’s kind of what you dream about as a kid: two of the better teams in the league . . . being able to go compete against each other in this atmosphere and environment, nighttime at Wrigley with a ton of fans.</p><p>‘‘That’s like the thing you do in the backyard when you’re a kid.’’</p><h3>Happ sits again</h3><p>Left fielder <b>Ian Happ</b> was out of the Cubs’ starting lineup for a second consecutive night against a left-handed starter, with manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> acknowledging Happ’s struggles against southpaws.</p><p>He entered play Tuesday with a .530 OPS against lefties versus his .820 number against right-handers.</p><p>Newly acquired outfielder <b>Tyrone Taylor</b> started instead. He went 0-for-3 but brought a .301 batting average and a .900 OPS in his 77 previous plate appearances against lefties.</p><p>Counsell didn’t make it sound like a permanent banishment for Happ, one of the mainstays of the Cubs’ lineup.</p><p>‘‘Ian’s still going to play against some lefties,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘But Tyrone gives us somebody — he’s going to get at-bats against left-handed pitching, for sure.’’</p><h3>Tough on Tucker</h3><p>Fans let former Cubs outfielder <b>Kyle Tucker</b> know how they felt about his decision to sign a $240 million offseason deal with the Dodgers, booing him at every turn.</p><p>Whether they felt spurned or just booed him for joining the best team in baseball, they let Tucker have it.</p><p>Then Tucker let them have it with a homer in the second inning.</p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Davis Martin caught tipping pitches in Red Sox' pounding of White Sox

<p>BOSTON — White Sox starter Davis Martin thought something was up by the comfortable swings the Red Sox were taking during their six-run first inning Tuesday.</p><p>“Some of the adjustments we made there after, we started getting a lot more weak contact, a lot more swing and miss,” Martin said. “I definitely think there’s something to it. So something we have to go look at in between starts and see if we can clean it up.”</p><p>That something is tipping. If it seemed like the Red Sox knew what was coming early in their 14-2 pounding of the White Sox, it’s probably because they did. In that fateful first, the Red Sox hit two singles, a double and two home runs, including a grand slam by Caleb Durbin.</p><p>“We’re going to go back and see what the tip is and how long we’ve been doing it and if that’s going to answer some questions,” said Martin, who allowed nine earned runs in the game and has given up 23 in his last 25 ⅔ innings, covering five starts. “If it doesn’t, we still have to make some better pitches. But it would explain some things.”</p><p>Injured catcher Kyle Teel caught the tipping from the dugout and alerted Martin and new catcher Joey Bart.</p><p>“It just seemed like every wrinkle we threw at them they capitalized [on],” Bart said. “A lot of times you get away with a lot of stuff, and tonight we didn’t. The Red Sox have a history of being really good with that. You know that going into the series. They’ve always been on top of that. So credit to them; it’s part of the game.”</p><p>Erick Fedde, in his first outing since moving to the bullpen, followed Martin and didn’t fare much better, allowing four runs (three earned) in the Red Sox’ second six-run inning of the game in the sixth. The Red Sox, who have 24 victories in their last 27 games, showed no signs of slowing down and no mercy. The 14 runs tied for the most the White Sox have allowed this year.</p><p>The White Sox’ hitters weren’t much better than their pitchers, though they equaled their run total (two) from the series in which the Red Sox swept them last month at Rate Field. At least the White Sox won’t face two of the pitchers who stymied them in that series, lefties Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett. But on Wednesday they get Sonny Gray, who’s 13-2 with a 2.93 ERA.</p><h3>Questions with Quero</h3><p>White Sox manager Will Venable shared some behind-the-scenes insight into catcher Edgar Quero’s demotion to Triple-A Charlotte. Though Quero came on at the plate in the last week, he still wasn’t doing enough to keep his spot.</p><p>“The things that we’ve asked him to do in the weight room, the training room, some of the preparation stuff, he’s really done a nice job of that, and we saw positive results from that,” Venable said. “But we really believe strongly that there’s even more of a better version of him out there, and to send him back down to work on those things I think is really important.”</p><h3>Notes</h3><p>In addition to Quero, the Sox optioned left-hander Tyler Schweitzer to Charlotte. He had posted back-to-back outings of three scoreless innings in relief. The Sox also activated lefty Tyler Gilbert from the injured list and optioned him to Charlotte.</p><p>• Rehabbing outfielder Austin Hays (strained left calf) has seven hits in his last 23 at-bats for Charlotte, including three homers. But general manager Chris Getz said the Sox don’t have clarity on his status. “It’s been a long road for him,” Getz said. “We have decisions ahead of us.”</p><p>• Shortstop Roch Cholowsky, whom the Sox selected with the first pick in the MLB Draft, made his professional debut at High-A Winston-Salem. Batting second against Asheville, he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a walk.</p><div class="PageListL" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-show-loadmore="true" ><a class="AnchorLink" id="list-4a0005" name="list-4a0005"></a><div class="PageList-header" > <div class="PageList-header-title-wrap" > <div class="PageList-header-title"> <a class="" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox" target="{borderColor=#dfdfdf, pageNumber=1, inverseColors=false, pageCount=2532, footerBgColor=#000000, bodyFont=font-3, showListNumbers=false, imagePositionHorizontal=null, rteBodyFont=font-3, headerBottomBorderColor=#111010, subTitle=null, stickyHeader=true, listTitleColor=#000000, tableCellBorderColor=#ccd1d5, pagination=[{body=[Next Page], href=?p=2, _template=/link/Link.hbs, contentId=null, pianoSectionSlug=null, target=null}], relatedListFont=font-1, hideAuthors=true, tertiaryTextColor=#6c6c6c, buttonHoverTextColor=#ffffff, tableFont=font-1, carouselAutoPlay=false, promoTitleFont=font-2, ctaButtonText=[], primaryTextColor=#2a2a2a, buttonTextColor=#ffffff, linkTextColor=#1a1a1a, hideTitles=false, footerLinkColor=#ffffff, count=10128, carouselSpeed=null, buttonHoverBgColor=#a91d23, items=[{type=Image, media=[{alt=Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/82/e3/5bd93888471e9df32d99892f9c8c/2289114625.jpg, width=4281, height=3211}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/82/e3/5bd93888471e9df32d99892f9c8c/2289114625.jpg, width=4281, height=3211}}], description=[{items=[The Sox have caught the attention of players around the major leagues, and it’s not just because they’re vastly exceeding expectations.]}], _styledTemplate=null, anchorId=promo-980000, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, title=New White Sox Brenton Doyle, Joey Bart noticed team having fun from afar, timestamp=1785894718000, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, publishDate=August 04, 2026 08:51 PM, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], ampLink=null, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/04/chicago-white-sox-brenton-doyle-joey-bart-will-venable-edgar-quero-drew-romo, wordCount=626, audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}], name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}]}]}, {type=Image, wordCount=900, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-gm-chris-getz-mlb-trade-deadline-joey-bart-luis-castillo-huascar-brazoban-brenton-doyle-noah-schultz-edgar-quero-drew-romo-kyle-teel-grant-taylor-sean-newcomb-will-venable-tristan-peters, anchorId=promo-980001, _styledTemplate=null, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, description=[{items=[Getz was beaming when he met with the media after the trade deadline Monday. Still, he was a bit tired. “Feel like I’ve gone through a day-night doubleheader myself,” he said.]}], timestamp=1785805540000, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, media=[{ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=Detroit Tigers v Chicago White Sox, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/77/44/9c6692df498a9ccb25e0933d4eaa/2229620403-1.jpg, width=7653, height=5102}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/77/44/9c6692df498a9ccb25e0933d4eaa/2229620403-1.jpg, width=7653, height=5102}}], publishDate=August 03, 2026 08:05 PM, ampLink=null, authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}], media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}], name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}]}], audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, title=White Sox GM Chris Getz accomplishes his goals; will that help players accomplish theirs?}, {type=Image, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/guardians-trade-deadline-strengthen-rotation-offense-al-central, _styledTemplate=null, authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, bio=[{items=[The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Its teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting.]}], jobTitle=[], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, name=[{items=[AP]}], media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=ap-icon-512x512-0.png}]}], imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb, isFeatured=false, description=[{items=[Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Nationals for four players, strengthening one of baseball’s top rotations. The Guardians also got outfielder Jo Adell from the Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Reds.]}], timestamp=1785801256000, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, title=Guardians strengthen rotation, offense as they chase White Sox in AL Central, wordCount=624, ampLink=null, media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/97/a4/a23a7f37421985b4e7560743cda3/ap26207763989653.jpg, width=7137, height=4759}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/97/a4/a23a7f37421985b4e7560743cda3/ap26207763989653.jpg, width=7137, height=4759}, alt=The Los Angeles Angels' Jo Adell reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Giants in San Francisco on Sunday, July 26, 2026. }], anchorId=promo-990000, publishDate=August 03, 2026 06:54 PM, audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, category=[{items=[MLB]}]}, {timestamp=1785791523000, type=Image, media=[{image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/81/df/7408cb4c4fcc820f7082d0fdb9aa/joey-bart.jpg, width=7780, height=5148}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/81/df/7408cb4c4fcc820f7082d0fdb9aa/joey-bart.jpg, width=7780, height=5148}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=The Braves' Joey Bart celebrates hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. }], _styledTemplate=null, publishDate=August 03, 2026 04:12 PM, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, wordCount=302, description=[{items=[Bart hasn’t provided much offense, but it’s more than the Sox have gotten from their current catchers.]}], url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-acquire-braves-catcher-joey-bart-wholl-play-for-his-third-team-this-year, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, ampLink=null, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], anchorId=promo-990001, audio=[], authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}], bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}]}], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, title=White Sox acquire Braves catcher Joey Bart, who'll play for his third team this year}], rteHeadingFont=font-1, secondaryColor=#656565, hideCategories=true, _template=/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs, font3=Arial, font4=Source-serif-4, ctaUrl=null, hideImage=false, footerLinkHoverColor=#d3242c, hideAudioPlayback=false, secondaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, description=[], showSecondItemMedia=false, listColumns234=null, tertiaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, footerTextColor=#ffffff, titleUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, headerSecondaryBgColor=#000000, primaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, titleColor=null, ampLink=null, listHeaderPosition=null, hideDescriptions=false, showActionBar=true, linkHoverColor=#d3242c, buttonBgColor=#d3242c, ctaTarget=null, suppressPagination=false, promoButtonText=null, backgroundColor=null, headerSecondaryTextColor=#ffffff, listTitleFont=font-2, headlineFont=font-1, pullQuoteIcon=[{image=null, narrowImage=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=null}], promoDescriptionFont=font-3, _styledTemplate=/page/list/PageListL.hbs, primaryColor=#d3242c, anchorId=list-4a0005, slimFooter=false, hideHeadline=false, hideDates=true, headerBorderColor=#e9e9e9, ratingCardFont=font-1, titleTarget=null, tableCaptionColor=#626262, mobileCarousel=false, tableEvenRowsBgColor=#f9f8f3, containerTitleFont=font-2, listBorderColor=#dfdfdf, defaultArticleLeadStyle=standard, title=Latest on the White sox, _parentFiles=[/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs]}">Latest on the White sox</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items" data-with-borders> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/04/chicago-white-sox-brenton-doyle-joey-bart-will-venable-edgar-quero-drew-romo" >New White Sox Brenton Doyle, Joey Bart noticed team having fun from afar</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">The Sox have caught the attention of players around the major leagues, and it’s not just because they’re vastly exceeding expectations.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785894718000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="626"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-gm-chris-getz-mlb-trade-deadline-joey-bart-luis-castillo-huascar-brazoban-brenton-doyle-noah-schultz-edgar-quero-drew-romo-kyle-teel-grant-taylor-sean-newcomb-will-venable-tristan-peters" >White Sox GM Chris Getz accomplishes his goals; will that help players accomplish theirs?</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Getz was beaming when he met with the media after the trade deadline Monday. Still, he was a bit tired. “Feel like I’ve gone through a day-night doubleheader myself,” he said.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785805540000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="900"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/guardians-trade-deadline-strengthen-rotation-offense-al-central" >Guardians strengthen rotation, offense as they chase White Sox in AL Central</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Nationals for four players, strengthening one of baseball’s top rotations. The Guardians also got outfielder Jo Adell from the Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Reds.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785801256000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press" >AP </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="624"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-acquire-braves-catcher-joey-bart-wholl-play-for-his-third-team-this-year" >White Sox acquire Braves catcher Joey Bart, who'll play for his third team this year</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Bart hasn’t provided much offense, but it’s more than the Sox have gotten from their current catchers.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785791523000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="302"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

New White Sox Brenton Doyle, Joey Bart noticed team having fun from afar

<p>BOSTON — The White Sox have caught the attention of players around the major leagues, and it’s not just because they’re vastly exceeding expectations.</p><p>It’s because they’re having a ball doing it.</p><p>“It’s hard to miss,” new center fielder Brenton Doyle said Tuesday, “whether it’s the wizardry going on or just everyone always having a blast in the dugout — big smiles, a lot of energy. I think that goes a long way, especially in this sport. You got to keep good vibes throughout the whole year.”</p><p>Doyle was one of two players the White Sox acquired before the trade deadline Monday, along with catcher Joey Bart, who started in their first game with their new team Tuesday against the surging Red Sox. Doyle is excited to join the party.</p><p>“I admired it from afar and always thought they were having so much fun out there,” said Doyle, who came from the Rockies, with whom he won two Gold Gloves (2023-24). “The energy was off the charts.”</p><p>Bart, who came from the Braves after starting the season with the Pirates, also noticed the Sox’ vibe, but in a different way.</p><p>“Seeing Mike Vasil on ‘SportsCenter’ every night,” Bart said of the White Sox’ wizard in chief. “I got to know him in the offseason. He’s a great dude. Just seems like a lot of fun energy. Seems like guys are playing pretty loose. Usually that’s how you end being good.”</p><p>With the Red Sox starting left-hander Patrick Sandoval, manager Will Venable put both right-handed-hitting Bart and Doyle in the lineup. He said that’s how he’ll use Doyle, who will platoon with Tristan Peters in center. Bart and Drew Romo will split time behind the plate.</p><p>Edgar Quero was the odd man out at catcher, demoted to Triple-A Charlotte despite a recent run of success at the plate. He had five hits in his last 14 at-bats, including a walk-off single to beat the Yankees. But the Sox preferred keeping Romo and adding Bart.</p><p>“That was a tough decision,” Venable said. “He made it tougher than the last time we had to make the same decision. There’s two parts to the decision: One is Romo behind the plate, the X-factor qualities that he brings; also the objective things defensively that he brings we really like, we’ve been benefitting from.”</p><p>Bart has the challenge of learning his third pitching staff this season. He told Venable he was on his computer studying up on the White Sox’ staff soon after being traded.</p><p>“It takes some time to build relationships with everybody,” Bart said. “It’s something I’ve done before. I’ve done it a couple times now. Just using the resources, talking to everybody. Trying to figure out what makes them go. The sooner we can bridge that gap, the better. But it does always take a little bit of time.”</p><p>Doyle is healthy again after missing two months with an oblique injury that frustrated him because he went three consecutive seasons without going on the injury list.</p><p>“Really dynamic athlete, is as fast as anybody in the league,” Venable said. “Plus defender; a guy that had to cover a lot of ground in center field at Coors Field. And on days he’s not playing, to have those types of legs on the bench, a guy who can come in and steal a bag, do some things on the bases and defensively, as well, is going to be a nice thing to have for us.”</p><p>What’s nice for Doyle after enduring three consecutive 100-loss seasons with the Rockies is a shot at the playoffs — much like it is for Sox fans.</p><p>“It’s huge,” Doyle said. “I’ve never really come close to being part of playoff baseball. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, and I’m thankful for the White Sox to give it to me.”</p><div class="PageListL" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-show-loadmore="true" ><a class="AnchorLink" id="list-4a0005" name="list-4a0005"></a><div class="PageList-header" > <div class="PageList-header-title-wrap" > <div class="PageList-header-title"> <a class="" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox" target="{borderColor=#dfdfdf, pageNumber=1, inverseColors=false, pageCount=2532, footerBgColor=#000000, bodyFont=font-3, showListNumbers=false, imagePositionHorizontal=null, rteBodyFont=font-3, headerBottomBorderColor=#111010, subTitle=null, stickyHeader=true, listTitleColor=#000000, tableCellBorderColor=#ccd1d5, relatedListFont=font-1, hideAuthors=true, tertiaryTextColor=#6c6c6c, buttonHoverTextColor=#ffffff, pullQuoteIcon=[{image=null, narrowImage=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=null}], tableFont=font-1, carouselAutoPlay=false, promoTitleFont=font-2, ctaButtonText=[], primaryTextColor=#2a2a2a, buttonTextColor=#ffffff, linkTextColor=#1a1a1a, hideTitles=false, footerLinkColor=#ffffff, count=10128, carouselSpeed=null, buttonHoverBgColor=#a91d23, rteHeadingFont=font-1, secondaryColor=#656565, hideCategories=true, _template=/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs, font3=Arial, font4=Source-serif-4, ctaUrl=null, hideImage=false, footerLinkHoverColor=#d3242c, hideAudioPlayback=false, secondaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, description=[], showSecondItemMedia=false, listColumns234=null, tertiaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, footerTextColor=#ffffff, titleUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, headerSecondaryBgColor=#000000, pagination=[{body=[Next Page], href=?p=2, _template=/link/Link.hbs, contentId=null, pianoSectionSlug=null, target=null}], primaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, titleColor=null, ampLink=null, listHeaderPosition=null, hideDescriptions=false, showActionBar=true, linkHoverColor=#d3242c, buttonBgColor=#d3242c, ctaTarget=null, suppressPagination=false, promoButtonText=null, backgroundColor=null, headerSecondaryTextColor=#ffffff, items=[{type=Image, _styledTemplate=null, anchorId=promo-980000, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, title=New White Sox Brenton Doyle, Joey Bart noticed team having fun from afar, timestamp=1785894718000, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, publishDate=August 04, 2026 08:51 PM, ampLink=null, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/04/chicago-white-sox-brenton-doyle-joey-bart-will-venable-edgar-quero-drew-romo, wordCount=626, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, authors=[{bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}], name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}]}], media=[{alt=Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/82/e3/5bd93888471e9df32d99892f9c8c/2289114625.jpg, width=4281, height=3211}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/82/e3/5bd93888471e9df32d99892f9c8c/2289114625.jpg, width=4281, height=3211}}], description=[{items=[The Sox have caught the attention of players around the major leagues, and it’s not just because they’re vastly exceeding expectations.]}]}, {type=Image, wordCount=900, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-gm-chris-getz-mlb-trade-deadline-joey-bart-luis-castillo-huascar-brazoban-brenton-doyle-noah-schultz-edgar-quero-drew-romo-kyle-teel-grant-taylor-sean-newcomb-will-venable-tristan-peters, anchorId=promo-980001, _styledTemplate=null, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, description=[{items=[Getz was beaming when he met with the media after the trade deadline Monday. Still, he was a bit tired. “Feel like I’ve gone through a day-night doubleheader myself,” he said.]}], timestamp=1785805540000, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, publishDate=August 03, 2026 08:05 PM, ampLink=null, media=[{ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=Detroit Tigers v Chicago White Sox, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/77/44/9c6692df498a9ccb25e0933d4eaa/2229620403-1.jpg, width=7653, height=5102}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/77/44/9c6692df498a9ccb25e0933d4eaa/2229620403-1.jpg, width=7653, height=5102}}], audio=[], audioDuration=null, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, title=White Sox GM Chris Getz accomplishes his goals; will that help players accomplish theirs?, authors=[{bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}], media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}]}]}, {type=Image, authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press, bio=[{items=[The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Its teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting.]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, jobTitle=[], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=ap-icon-512x512-0.png}], name=[{items=[AP]}]}], url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/guardians-trade-deadline-strengthen-rotation-offense-al-central, _styledTemplate=null, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb, isFeatured=false, timestamp=1785801256000, category=[{items=[MLB]}], target=null, description=[{items=[Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Nationals for four players, strengthening one of baseball’s top rotations. The Guardians also got outfielder Jo Adell from the Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Reds.]}], primaryMediaType=null, title=Guardians strengthen rotation, offense as they chase White Sox in AL Central, wordCount=624, ampLink=null, anchorId=promo-990000, media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/97/a4/a23a7f37421985b4e7560743cda3/ap26207763989653.jpg, width=7137, height=4759}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/97/a4/a23a7f37421985b4e7560743cda3/ap26207763989653.jpg, width=7137, height=4759}, alt=The Los Angeles Angels' Jo Adell reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Giants in San Francisco on Sunday, July 26, 2026. }], publishDate=August 03, 2026 06:54 PM, audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs}, {timestamp=1785791523000, type=Image, category=[{items=[White Sox]}], media=[{image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/81/df/7408cb4c4fcc820f7082d0fdb9aa/joey-bart.jpg, width=7780, height=5148}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/81/df/7408cb4c4fcc820f7082d0fdb9aa/joey-bart.jpg, width=7780, height=5148}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=The Braves' Joey Bart celebrates hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 8, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. }], _styledTemplate=null, description=[{items=[Bart hasn’t provided much offense, but it’s more than the Sox have gotten from their current catchers.]}], publishDate=August 03, 2026 04:12 PM, authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest, jobTitle=[{items=[Deputy sports editor]}], name=[{items=[Jeff Agrest]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, bio=[{items=[Jeff Agrest is deputy sports editor at the Chicago Sun-Times.]}], media=[{alt=11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/aa/7e/6765027c315652b7137576f04898/11-20-stewart-agrest-2-0.jpg, width=512, height=512}}]}], imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox, isFeatured=false, wordCount=302, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-acquire-braves-catcher-joey-bart-wholl-play-for-his-third-team-this-year, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, ampLink=null, anchorId=promo-990001, audio=[], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, title=White Sox acquire Braves catcher Joey Bart, who'll play for his third team this year}], listTitleFont=font-2, headlineFont=font-1, promoDescriptionFont=font-3, _styledTemplate=/page/list/PageListL.hbs, primaryColor=#d3242c, anchorId=list-4a0005, slimFooter=false, hideHeadline=false, hideDates=true, headerBorderColor=#e9e9e9, ratingCardFont=font-1, titleTarget=null, tableCaptionColor=#626262, mobileCarousel=false, tableEvenRowsBgColor=#f9f8f3, containerTitleFont=font-2, listBorderColor=#dfdfdf, defaultArticleLeadStyle=standard, title=Latest on the White sox, _parentFiles=[/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs]}">Latest on the White sox</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items" data-with-borders> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/04/chicago-white-sox-brenton-doyle-joey-bart-will-venable-edgar-quero-drew-romo" >New White Sox Brenton Doyle, Joey Bart noticed team having fun from afar</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">The Sox have caught the attention of players around the major leagues, and it’s not just because they’re vastly exceeding expectations.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785894718000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="626"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-gm-chris-getz-mlb-trade-deadline-joey-bart-luis-castillo-huascar-brazoban-brenton-doyle-noah-schultz-edgar-quero-drew-romo-kyle-teel-grant-taylor-sean-newcomb-will-venable-tristan-peters" >White Sox GM Chris Getz accomplishes his goals; will that help players accomplish theirs?</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Getz was beaming when he met with the media after the trade deadline Monday. Still, he was a bit tired. “Feel like I’ve gone through a day-night doubleheader myself,” he said.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785805540000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="900"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/guardians-trade-deadline-strengthen-rotation-offense-al-central" >Guardians strengthen rotation, offense as they chase White Sox in AL Central</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Cleveland acquired All-Star pitcher Foster Griffin from the Nationals for four players, strengthening one of baseball’s top rotations. The Guardians also got outfielder Jo Adell from the Angels and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Reds.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785801256000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press" >AP </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="624"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListL-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/08/03/white-sox-acquire-braves-catcher-joey-bart-wholl-play-for-his-third-team-this-year" >White Sox acquire Braves catcher Joey Bart, who'll play for his third team this year</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">Bart hasn’t provided much offense, but it’s more than the Sox have gotten from their current catchers.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785791523000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/jeff-agrest" >Jeff Agrest </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="302"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Cubs get first crack at Dodgers' Tarik Skubal, but will there be another one in October?

<p>On one side of the Great Dodgers-<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" target="_blank" >Cubs</a> Gap now stands Tarik Skubal, the best left-handed pitcher on the planet, maybe the finest hurler of ’em all.</p><p>Skubal, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" target="_blank" >grand prize of baseball’s trade deadline</a>, was on the mound Tuesday at Wrigley Field for the two-time-defending world champions, a colossus of an organization that takes whatever it wants, destroys everything in its path, spends insatiably on its roster and seemingly exists for the sole purpose of winning the final game of each and every season.</p><p>“The entire focus of this organization is on winning championships,” Skubal told reporters after arriving at Wrigley for a three-game series against a Cubs team the Dodgers could see again in October.</p><p>The Cubs can only hope to get another crack at Skubal in a Game 1 at Dodger Stadium when that time comes, not that facing the 2024 and 2025 American League Cy Young winner is ever a picnic.</p><p>Cubs fans booed Skubal as he stretched in right field before the game, and again as he emerged from the bullpen and walked to the dugout. History will show his first batter faced in Dodger blue was one of baseball’s biggest stars, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who watched strike three — a 99-mph sinker — blow by. Not on record will be the perceptible added pep in the steps of Skubal’s new teammates, a pair of whom, outfielders Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker, made three diving catches between them in the early innings as Skubal navigated his way through the Cubs’ batting order.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="ExternalContent-wrapper" > <div class="TweetUrl"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">dansby left no doubt about that one. <a href="https://t.co/31VULxP4vH">pic.twitter.com/31VULxP4vH</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://x.com/Cubs/status/2084803204743647292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div> </div> </div></div><p>Is Skubal the missing piece the Dodgers needed to make it three titles in a row? No, they already had more than enough to pull it off without him. But now they might go into the postseason as one of the heaviest favorites ever.</p><p>And barring the unforeseeable, Skubal will be the Game 1 starter in a rotation that could be so strong come playoff time, it’s almost mind-boggling to contemplate. While other teams, including the Cubs, will hope to have three or four legitimately worthy arms to start the most important games of the season, the Dodgers — if healthy — will have to choose among Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki, not to mention current 11-game winner Justin Wroblewski.</p><p>“I’m not going to sit here and say I’m the big piece,” Skubal said. “They’ve been a pretty good team without me.”</p><p>The filthy rich get filthy richer, and so it goes.</p><p>In the wake of the trade deadline, there are many questions being asked in regard to the Dodgers’ unsurprising acquisition of Skubal, who is 29 and a pending free agent.</p><p>Why were they able to land him from the Tigers in exchange for a prospect package that doesn’t seem to have wowed anybody?</p><p>Why wasn’t this the occasion of all occasions for the soaring Brewers, with their elite farm system, to go for the jugular and better position themselves — imagine a 1-2 of Skubal and Jacob Misiorowski — to at last win a World Series?</p><p>Oh, and this one: Are the Dodgers ruining baseball? When the team that leads all others in annual revenue — $850 million in 2025, according to Forbes’ annual valuations — adds a Skubal-size piece to what already was a mountainous collection of talent and a monstrous payroll, it’s bound to add fuel to MLB owners’ arguments for addressing competitive imbalance with a salary cap. Some already are envisioning a line from the Skubal trade to a shutdown of the 2027 season.</p><p>But back to the Great Dodgers-Cubs Gap, which is as evident as ever.</p><p>Since the Cubs eliminated the Dodgers in the 2016 NLCS, the Dodgers have averaged over 100 wins per season and 17 more than the Cubs, a massive difference. The Dodgers are on pace to finish with a better record than the Cubs for the eighth straight season.</p><p>Yes, the Dodgers easily outspend the Cubs on players — a $700 million contract for Ohtani, $365 million for Mookie Betts, $325 million for Yamamoto, $240 million for Tucker, $162 million for Freddie Freeman, on and on, all of it staggering. But their outlay for payroll and luxury-tax penalties also equals a significantly higher percentage of their total revenue than the Cubs spend. Again, the Dodgers are all in it to win it in a way almost nobody else is.</p><p>It’s a heck of a gap, though the Cubs, after their own excellent trade deadline, do have hope of getting to the World Series themselves. After all, five 100-plus-win Dodgers teams in the last decade have failed to win it all.</p><p>“It’s our job and everyone else’s job to try to make [a Dodgers three-peat] not happen,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.</p><p>It’s going to require some kind of a heavy lift, that’s for sure.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center> <div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div> <ul class="RelatedList-items"> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-jed-hoyer-top-prospects-trades-kevin-gausman-clay-holmes-ryan-zeferjahn-braxton-garrett-tyrone-taylor" >Jed Hoyer gets aggressive at trade deadline, deals prospects with Cubs’ present in mind: ‘We’re here to win’</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" >Cubs want to rule baseball world, but after trade deadline, they still need to get past juggernaut Dodgers</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-trade-deadline-clay-holmes-mets" target="_blank" >Cubs continue to bolster rotation, net Clay Holmes in swap with Mets</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Lefty struggles keep Ian Happ out of Cubs’ lineup as opportunity goes to trade-deadline get Tyrone Taylor

<p><b>Craig Counsell</b> wasn’t exactly harboring a secret about <b>Ian Happ</b>.</p><p>“Ian’s struggled against left-handed pitching this year, there’s no question,” the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a>’ manager said before Tuesday’s game.</p><p>For a second straight night against a Dodgers southpaw starter, the Cubs’ left fielder did not start in left field, out of the lineup partially as a break during the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days – and partially as an acknowledgement that the team has better options at this moment in time.</p><p>Perhaps no lefty in the game is as formidable as the one the Dodgers threw Tuesday night, their <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" >earth-shattering trade-deadline acquisition</a> <b>Tarik Skubal</b>.</p><p>It hasn’t mattered, though, whether the left-hander Happ’s gone up against has been a two-time Cy Young winner or not. He hasn’t hit them, coming into Tuesday with a .530 OPS against lefties – only eight of baseball’s qualified hitters started the day with a lower mark – versus his .820 number against righties.</p><p>Counsell didn’t make this sound like a permanent banishment for the All Star and Gold Glover, one of the mainstays in the Cubs’ lineup. But with outfielder <b>Tyrone Taylor</b> in on a trade-deadline deal with the Mets, there’s somewhere else to turn, for the moment, at least.</p><p>Team president <b>Jed Hoyer</b> revealed Monday that Taylor fulfilled what was on Counsell’s deadline wishlist: a right-handed hitter he could bring off the bench, something the Cubs were lacking with utility man <b>Matt Shaw</b> sidelined for the last month and a half with a hand sprain that refuses to go away.</p><p>Taylor arrived Tuesday with a .301 batting average and a .900 OPS in 77 plate appearances against lefties this season.</p><p>“Ian’s still going to play against some lefties,” Counsell said. “But Tyrone gives us somebody, he’s going to get at-bats against left-handed pitching, for sure, and we’ll just take it from there.”</p><p>A night earlier, <b>Kevin Alcantara</b> started in left field. He hit his first big league homer in the Cubs’ win over the Dodgers, was subbed out for Happ once the lefty starter exited and was sent to the minors upon Taylor’s arrival.</p><p>Might that be the playbook, at least in the immediate future? We’ll see. Given Happ’s track record, it’s possible one breakout performance against lefties could win back however much playing time he’s set to lose.</p><p>But for now, Tyrone Taylor, come on down.</p><p><b>Tough on Tucker</b></p><p>Fans let former Cubs outfielder <b>Kyle Tucker</b> know how they felt about his decision to ink a big-money free-agent deal with the juggernaut Dodgers, booing the outfielder at every turn during the first two games of a three-game series this week at Wrigley Field.</p><p>The Cubs acquired Tucker in a trade two offseasons ago, and he made the NL All-Star team after a spectacular first half last season. He was injured and slumped during the second half before leaving for free agency and $240 million from the back-to-back champs.</p><p>Whether Cubs fans felt spurned or just booed someone who joined baseball’s best team – Skubal, for example, received a similar treatment – they let Tucker have it.</p><p>Then Tucker let them have it, homering off <b>Javier Assad</b> in the second inning Tuesday.</p><p><b>Comeback trail</b></p><p>A trio of injured Cubs pitchers – lefty reliever <b>Hoby Milner</b>, righty starter <b>Edward Cabrera</b> and righty closer <b>Daniel Palencia</b> – are making their way back with minor league rehab appearances set for Wednesday with Triple-A Iowa.</p><p><b>New bullpen arm</b></p><p>The Cubs added righty reliever <b>Ryan Zeferjahn</b> to the active roster Tuesday after acquiring him in a deadline deal Monday, designating righty <b>Jake Woodford</b> for assignment to make room.</p>

chicago.suntimes.com

16-year-old e-scooter rider fatally struck by driver in North Center

<p>A 16-year-old boy riding an e-scooter was fatally struck by a truck driver in North Center on Monday, the third teenager to be killed in traffic on e-scooters this year.</p><p>The teen was riding the scooter northbound in the 4100 block of North Western Avenue around 3:35 p.m. when he lost control and was hit by a semi-truck, Chicago police said in a statement. He was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.</p><p>Citations were pending, and an investigation was ongoing, police said.</p><p>The boy, Alex Blacio, had been riding home from work, according to a <a class="Link" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ayuda-para-funeral-de-alex" target="_blank" >GoFundMe</a> for the boy’s family.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV1_3RQCtqu/" target="_blank" ></a></p><p>Scooter-related <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2024/10/09/lime-divvy-chicago-e-scooter-riders-serious-injuries" target="_blank" ><u>crashes have increased</u></a> alongside rising ridership over the past few years, prompting a <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/05/04/chicago-launches-e-scooter-safety-campaign-in-wake-of-recent-scooter-deaths" target="_blank" ><u>safety</u></a> campaign from the city. The Chicago Fire Department responded to nearly 200 e-scooter-related incidents in 2022. That number had <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2026/06/05/scooter-escooters-lane-tech-safety-teenagers-crashes" target="_blank" ><u>more than tripled by 2025</u></a>.</p><p>E-scooters have grown increasingly <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2026/06/05/scooter-escooters-lane-tech-safety-teenagers-crashes" target="_blank" ><u>popular among students of Lane Tech College Prep</u></a>, less than a mile south from where the crash occurred.</p><p>So far this year, two other teens have been fatally struck by drivers while riding e-scooters: 17-year-old <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/05/01/loved-ones-launch-fundraiser-for-venezuelan-teenager-killed-in-south-side-scooter-crash" target="_blank" ><u>Astrid Alexandra Carrillo Noguera</u></a> and 15-year-old <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/03/22/girl-15-killed-while-riding-scooter-in-south-shore-hit-and-run" target="_blank" ><u>Violet Harris</u></a> were both killed in accidents on the South Side nearly a month apart this spring.</p><p>Six people on scooters or bikes were <a class="Link" href="https://api.chicago.gov/filenet5/servlets/getDocumentContent?applicationId=CompleteStreets&documentId=%7B601CB99F-0000-C917-A80A-59C827820B0F%7D" target="_blank" ><u>hit and killed by cars</u></a> between January and June of this year, compared to one in the same span last year. The number of traffic deaths — which the city had vowed to eliminate by this year — <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2025/08/25/vision-zero-traffic-crash-deaths-pedestrian-cyclist-car-roads-streets" target="_blank" ><u>remains largely where it was 10 years ago</u></a> after a brief pandemic increase.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center> <div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div> <ul class="RelatedList-items"> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/public-safety/2026/06/05/scooter-escooters-lane-tech-safety-teenagers-crashes" >For Chicago teens, e-scooters are fun, convenient but sometimes dangerous, even deadly</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/05/04/chicago-launches-e-scooter-safety-campaign-in-wake-of-recent-scooter-deaths" >Chicago launches e-scooter safety campaign after recent deaths</a> </li> <li class="RelatedList-items-item"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2025/08/25/vision-zero-traffic-crash-deaths-pedestrian-cyclist-car-roads-streets" >A decade ago, the city committed to eliminating traffic deaths by 2026. It’s not even close.</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Jed Hoyer added needed pitching at trade deadline; now Craig Counsell must put puzzle pieces together

<p>Things suddenly are mighty crowded on the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" target="_blank" >Cubs</a>’ pitching staff.</p><p>Earlier in the summer, injuries stretched the team’s pitching depth to its limits. But after president <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-jed-hoyer-top-prospects-trades-kevin-gausman-clay-holmes-ryan-zeferjahn-braxton-garrett-tyrone-taylor" target="_blank" >Jed Hoyer’s aggressive trade deadline</a>, there are new questions on the North Side, chiefly:</p><p>How are the Cubs going to fit all their new pitching pieces together?</p><p>Questions, maybe. But not problematic ones, according to manager Craig Counsell.</p><p>‘‘You might look at it and say, ‘Oh, we’ve got too many starters. What are we going to do?’ We’ll figure it out,’’ Counsell said Monday. ‘‘And if that’s a problem? I don’t consider it a problem. We’re going to have to find some different ways and be creative, but we’ll do that.’’</p><p>Indeed, having too many pitchers to choose from strikes one as the proverbial good problem to have.</p><p>But the Cubs do have a puzzle to put together during the last two months of the regular season to get themselves into position for the deep October run they’re dreaming of.</p><p>The headline additions at the trade deadline, right-handers <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/02/dodgers-getting-tarik-skubal-only-makes-cubs-road-tougher" target="_blank" >Kevin Gausman</a> and <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-trade-deadline-clay-holmes-mets" target="_blank" >Clay Holmes</a> — who will make their Cubs debuts this weekend against the Royals — are easy to slot into the rotation alongside left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, who have turned in <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/07/30/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-pitching-starting-rotation-matthew-boyd-shota-imanaga-colin-rea-david-peterson-javier-assad-tarik-skubal" target="_blank" >one ace-like performance after another of late</a>.</p><p>Holmes, who has made three recent rehab starts in his journey back from a fractured fibula, has experience as an All-Star closer from his time with the Yankees, during which he pitched in the World Series. He’s a starter now, but might the entirely different world of postseason pitching strategy see him return to a relief role?</p><p>‘‘You want to do whatever you can to win a ballgame at that point,’’ Holmes said. ‘‘That’s what makes the playoffs so fun. It’s really not about one person; it’s not about a role. It’s about, ‘What do you have to give?’ And, ‘What can you do for the team to win?’</p><p>‘‘Whatever it is down the stretch, whether they need a starter, the bullpen, I just love being out there when big outs are needed. Whenever that is, I’m all for it.’’</p><p>Beyond the aforementioned quartet, there’s left-hander David Peterson, <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/07/28/cubs-david-peterson-mlb-trade-deadline-mets-jed-hoyer-pitching-staff-rotation-craig-counsell-ground-ball-rate" target="_blank" >who has been quite effective</a> since coming over in a trade earlier this summer. Things figure to get interesting when right-hander Edward Cabrera comes back from the injured list in the coming weeks.</p><p>Is a six-man rotation brewing on the North Side?</p><p>‘‘I think we will go with six at certain times, yes,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Every time through? No, we can’t do that. It puts too much on the bullpen.’’</p><p>Right-hander Colin Rea, who in fill-in duty has made more starts (19) than anyone on the team besides Imanaga, will join the relief corps — at least in the short term.</p><p>‘‘He’s going to skip a turn here; he’s going to be in the bullpen for the next turn [through the rotation],’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Past that, I don’t know what’s going to happen, and we’ll go from there. . . . My guess is that Colin will make more starts for this team this year because we’re going to need it.’’</p><p>Right-hander Javier Assad started Tuesday opposite the Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal and has performed well as an injury fill-in. Along with Rea, he figures to become the starting depth the Cubs struggled with during last postseason. So does left-hander Braxton Garrett, who is at Triple-A Iowa after arriving in a deadline deal.</p><p>Though Hoyer made splashy additions with Gausman and Holmes, pitching depth was truly at the top of his wish list. Mission accomplished on that front, as the Cubs have learned you can’t have too much pitching.</p><p>‘‘We’re more talented than we were 48 hours ago,’’ Hoyer said Monday. ‘‘Providing more talent and more depth was something that was critical. . . . We’ve spent the entire season making outside additions, small [ones], trying to get through the season.</p><p>‘‘Given how the season’s gone, given how we’ve had to consistently make those sort of moves over and over, really reinforcing our pitching staff for these last 50 games made a lot of sense.’’</p><bsp-listcarousel class="PageListE" data-module data-column-count=3 data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-hide-descriptions="true" data-show-loadmore="true" ><a class="AnchorLink" id="list-c90005" name="list-c90005"></a><div class="PageList-header" > <div class="PageList-header-title-wrap" > <div class="PageList-header-title"> <a class="" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" target="{borderColor=#dfdfdf, pageNumber=1, titleUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs, inverseColors=false, pageCount=4715, footerBgColor=#000000, title=Latest on the Cubs, bodyFont=font-3, showListNumbers=false, imagePositionHorizontal=null, rteBodyFont=font-3, headerBottomBorderColor=#111010, subTitle=null, count=14143, stickyHeader=true, items=[{type=Image, title=Cubs want to rule baseball world, but after trade deadline, they still need to get past juggernaut Dodgers, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs, publishDate=August 03, 2026 09:13 PM, authors=[{bio=[{items=[Vinnie Duber has been covering the White Sox and Cubs, his hometown teams, for more than a decade.]}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, jobTitle=[], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/f5/52/aebf5e8c4976b90f37a1e80e2778/vinnie-duber-mug.jpeg, width=1338, height=1029}, alt=vinnie duber mug.jpeg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/f5/52/aebf5e8c4976b90f37a1e80e2778/vinnie-duber-mug.jpeg, width=1338, height=1029}}], name=[{items=[Vinnie Duber]}], authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/vinnie-duber}], _styledTemplate=null, category=[{items=[Cubs]}], imageAlignment=null, anchorId=promo-b40000, isFeatured=false, timestamp=1785809580000, media=[{ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/b1/23/baab74094d12943b1cc9f125c790/2288946464.jpg, width=6321, height=4214}, alt=Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/b1/23/baab74094d12943b1cc9f125c790/2288946464.jpg, width=6321, height=4214}}], target=null, primaryMediaType=null, description=[{items=[The Cubs fortified their pitching staff with win-now moves at the trade deadline. But if anyone wants to rule the baseball world, they’ll need to get past a Dodgers team that made the splash of the summer landing Tarik Skubal.]}], ampLink=null, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury, audio=[], wordCount=607, audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs}, {media=[{ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May reacts after an out against the Cincinnati Reds' JJ Bleday during the fifth inning of a game on Friday, July 24, 2026, in St. Louis. , narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/eb/42/3c07976e4a8480fd678e79014701/ap26206116139985.jpg, width=3371, height=2248}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/eb/42/3c07976e4a8480fd678e79014701/ap26206116139985.jpg, width=3371, height=2248}}], type=Image, timestamp=1785809188000, wordCount=769, _styledTemplate=null, imageAlignment=null, categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb, isFeatured=false, publishDate=August 03, 2026 09:06 PM, anchorId=promo-b40001, target=null, primaryMediaType=null, title=Brewers get starter Dustin May and 2 relievers in trade-deadline deals, ampLink=null, description=[{items=[General manager Matt Arnold said the Brewers “were in on a lot of things” as the deadline approached.]}], audio=[], authors=[{authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, jobTitle=[], media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/d1/88/7112e7cfa94944d87224e36ff8ff/ap-icon-512x512-0.png, width=512, height=512}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=ap-icon-512x512-0.png}], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, name=[{items=[AP]}], bio=[{items=[The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Its teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting.]}]}], audioDuration=null, _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, category=[{items=[MLB]}], url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/brewers-trade-deadline-dustin-may-cubs-nl-central}, {type=Image, description=[{items=[A year after opting not to part with young talent to acquire pitching at the deadline, Hoyer &amp; Co. made big bets on this Cubs team, showing a belief it can win, win big and win right now.]}], categoryUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs, _styledTemplate=null, imageAlignment=null, isFeatured=false, anchorId=promo-b40002, publishDate=August 03, 2026 07:40 PM, url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-jed-hoyer-top-prospects-trades-kevin-gausman-clay-holmes-ryan-zeferjahn-braxton-garrett-tyrone-taylor, category=[{items=[Cubs]}], authors=[{bio=[{items=[Vinnie Duber has been covering the White Sox and Cubs, his hometown teams, for more than a decade.]}], media=[{narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/f5/52/aebf5e8c4976b90f37a1e80e2778/vinnie-duber-mug.jpeg, width=1338, height=1029}, alt=vinnie duber mug.jpeg, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/f5/52/aebf5e8c4976b90f37a1e80e2778/vinnie-duber-mug.jpeg, width=1338, height=1029}}], ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, jobTitle=[], _template=/author/byline/AuthorByline.hbs, name=[{items=[Vinnie Duber]}], authorPageUrl=https://chicago.suntimes.com/vinnie-duber}], target=null, wordCount=683, primaryMediaType=null, title=Jed Hoyer gets aggressive at trade deadline, deals prospects with Cubs’ present in mind: ‘We’re here to win’, ampLink=null, audio=[], audioDuration=null, media=[{image={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/ca/37/820a9f28434f9605c3144a2bb8ea/nlds-cubs-baseball.jpg, width=3944, height=2630}, ampLink=null, _styledTemplate=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, narrowImage={src=https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/ca/37/820a9f28434f9605c3144a2bb8ea/nlds-cubs-baseball.jpg, width=3944, height=2630}, alt=Cubs president Jed Hoyer}], _template=/page/promo/PagePromo.hbs, timestamp=1785804009000}], listTitleColor=#000000, tableCellBorderColor=#ccd1d5, relatedListFont=font-1, hideAuthors=true, tertiaryTextColor=#6c6c6c, buttonHoverTextColor=#ffffff, pullQuoteIcon=[{image=null, narrowImage=null, _template=/image/Image.hbs, alt=null}], tableFont=font-1, carouselAutoPlay=false, promoTitleFont=font-2, ctaButtonText=[], primaryTextColor=#2a2a2a, buttonTextColor=#ffffff, linkTextColor=#1a1a1a, hideTitles=false, footerLinkColor=#ffffff, carouselSpeed=null, buttonHoverBgColor=#a91d23, rteHeadingFont=font-1, secondaryColor=#656565, hideCategories=true, _template=/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs, font3=Arial, font4=Source-serif-4, ctaUrl=null, hideImage=false, footerLinkHoverColor=#d3242c, _styledTemplate=/page/list/PageListE.hbs, hideAudioPlayback=false, secondaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, description=[], listColumns234=null, showSecondItemMedia=false, tertiaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, footerTextColor=#ffffff, hideDescriptions=true, headerSecondaryBgColor=#000000, primaryTextColorInverse=#ffffff, pagination=[{body=[Next Page], href=?p=2, _template=/link/Link.hbs, contentId=null, pianoSectionSlug=null, target=null}], titleColor=null, ampLink=null, listHeaderPosition=null, showActionBar=true, linkHoverColor=#d3242c, buttonBgColor=#d3242c, ctaTarget=null, suppressPagination=false, promoButtonText=null, backgroundColor=null, headerSecondaryTextColor=#ffffff, anchorId=list-c90005, listTitleFont=font-2, headlineFont=font-1, promoDescriptionFont=font-3, primaryColor=#d3242c, slimFooter=false, hideHeadline=false, hideDates=true, headerBorderColor=#e9e9e9, ratingCardFont=font-1, titleTarget=null, tableCaptionColor=#626262, mobileCarousel=false, tableEvenRowsBgColor=#f9f8f3, containerTitleFont=font-2, listBorderColor=#dfdfdf, defaultArticleLeadStyle=standard, _parentFiles=[/page/list/includes/PageList-header.hbs]}">Latest on the Cubs</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListE-items"> <div class="PageListE-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"data-align-top> <div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="Cubs want to rule baseball world, but after trade deadline, they still need to get past juggernaut Dodgers" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" ><picture data-crop="medium-4x3"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/41231e4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6295x4214+0+0/resize/490x328!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb1%2F23%2Fbaab74094d12943b1cc9f125c790%2F2288946464.jpg"/> <source width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25cc452/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6295x4214+0+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb1%2F23%2Fbaab74094d12943b1cc9f125c790%2F2288946464.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal" width="490" height="328" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25cc452/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6295x4214+0+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb1%2F23%2Fbaab74094d12943b1cc9f125c790%2F2288946464.jpg"> </picture> </a></div> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-category"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-dodgers-tarik-skubal-tigers-jed-hoyer-trades-brewers-nl-playoffs-kevin-gausman-matt-shaw-injury" >Cubs want to rule baseball world, but after trade deadline, they still need to get past juggernaut Dodgers</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">The Cubs fortified their pitching staff with win-now moves at the trade deadline. But if anyone wants to rule the baseball world, they’ll need to get past a Dodgers team that made the splash of the summer landing Tarik Skubal.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785809580000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/vinnie-duber" >Vinnie Duber </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="607"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListE-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"data-align-top> <div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="Brewers get starter Dustin May and 2 relievers in trade-deadline deals" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/brewers-trade-deadline-dustin-may-cubs-nl-central" ><picture data-crop="medium-4x3"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2aeed5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3358x2248+0+0/resize/490x328!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Feb%2F42%2F3c07976e4a8480fd678e79014701%2Fap26206116139985.jpg"/> <source width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/76017ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3358x2248+0+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Feb%2F42%2F3c07976e4a8480fd678e79014701%2Fap26206116139985.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May reacts after an out against the Cincinnati Reds' JJ Bleday during the fifth inning of a game on Friday, July 24, 2026, in St. Louis. " width="490" height="328" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/76017ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3358x2248+0+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Feb%2F42%2F3c07976e4a8480fd678e79014701%2Fap26206116139985.jpg"> </picture> </a></div> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-category"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb" >MLB</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/mlb/2026/08/03/brewers-trade-deadline-dustin-may-cubs-nl-central" >Brewers get starter Dustin May and 2 relievers in trade-deadline deals</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">General manager Matt Arnold said the Brewers “were in on a lot of things” as the deadline approached.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785809188000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/associated-press" >AP </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="769"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="PageListE-items-item"> <div class="PagePromoB"data-align-top> <div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="Jed Hoyer gets aggressive at trade deadline, deals prospects with Cubs’ present in mind: ‘We’re here to win’" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-jed-hoyer-top-prospects-trades-kevin-gausman-clay-holmes-ryan-zeferjahn-braxton-garrett-tyrone-taylor" ><picture data-crop="medium-4x3"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5e8671d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3929x2630+8+0/resize/490x328!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fca%2F37%2F820a9f28434f9605c3144a2bb8ea%2Fnlds-cubs-baseball.jpg"/> <source width="490" height="328" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d5953e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3929x2630+8+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fca%2F37%2F820a9f28434f9605c3144a2bb8ea%2Fnlds-cubs-baseball.jpg"/> <img class="Image" alt="Cubs president Jed Hoyer" width="490" height="328" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d5953e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3929x2630+8+0/resize/490x328!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fca%2F37%2F820a9f28434f9605c3144a2bb8ea%2Fnlds-cubs-baseball.jpg"> </picture> </a></div> <div class="PagePromoB-content"> <div class="PagePromo-category"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/03/cubs-mlb-trade-deadline-jed-hoyer-top-prospects-trades-kevin-gausman-clay-holmes-ryan-zeferjahn-braxton-garrett-tyrone-taylor" >Jed Hoyer gets aggressive at trade deadline, deals prospects with Cubs’ present in mind: ‘We’re here to win’</a> </div> <div class="PagePromo-description">A year after opting not to part with young talent to acquire pitching at the deadline, Hoyer & Co. made big bets on this Cubs team, showing a belief it can win, win big and win right now.</div> <div class="PagePromo-byline"><div class="PagePromo-date"> <bsp-timestamp data-timestamp=1785804009000 data-promo="true"> <template data-date-tpl>[month] [day], [year], [hour]:[minute][ampm] [timezone]</template> <span data-date> </span> </bsp-timestamp><span class="dot"></span></div> <div class="PagePromo-author"> <span>By </span><strong><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/vinnie-duber" >Vinnie Duber </a></strong> </div> <div class="PagePromo-readingTime"> <span class="dot-divider"></span> <svg class="PagePromo-readingTime-icon"> <use xlink:href="#icon-clock-reading"></use> </svg> <span class="PagePromo-readingTime-text"> <bsp-time-to-read data-article-word-count="683"></bsp-time-to-read> read </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </bsp-listcarousel><p></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Dumpsters full of books showed up outside former Acero schools. Parents and teachers worked to salvage them

<p>Sarah Parchem gasped when she came across a Facebook post on Sunday showing a dumpster full of books and school supplies outside of Fuentes Elementary School in Avondale.</p><p>As the mother of a rising kindergartner who values reading, Parchem said the photo almost made her cry. But she also saw an opportunity. Parchem hopped in her car and spent two hours dumpster diving that morning looking for anything she could salvage.</p><p>She wasn't alone. For days, parents, teachers and community members searched through the dumpster outside of Fuentes for anything of use. A similarly stocked dumpster was seen outside of Santiago Elementary School in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-a30000" name="image-a30000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2a81d50/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2728585/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c4de8ad/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="The exterior of Fuentes Elementary School." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c4de8ad/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/610da42/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c4de8ad/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+248/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2Ff4%2F43e885a54166aeb6805e9275b481%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-10.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Fuentes Elementary School is one of five former Acero charter schools that, as of July, are managed by Chicago Public Schools. CPS officials say they disposed of Acero materials that didn’t meet the district’s learning standards, but they were supposed to be donated or recycled.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Parchem doesn't know why the books ended up in those bins but she didn’t want them to go to waste.</p><p>“If I can find something to donate to my kid's school that would be great, or donate to any of the teacher giveaways that are happening in preparation for the new school year,” Parchem said.</p><p>The <a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CBaDyQpcG/" target="_blank" ><u>online posts about the</u></a> dumpsters drew the ire of parents who accused Chicago Public Schools of wasting school supplies at a time when inflation has pushed up costs for families and the district is asking the state for more money to stave off classroom cuts.</p><p>CPS officials say the materials were supposed to be recycled or donated and were not meant for the trash.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-3a0000" name="image-3a0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d5b7e8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/66f5738/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/39fcd8d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="A dumpster filled with school supplies sits in an alleyway next to Fuentes Elementary School." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/39fcd8d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c537419/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/39fcd8d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F66%2Ff2%2F8aeba99a4cae9980e95fa946ca72%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-14.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>After a photo of the dumpster outside Fuentes Elementary was posted to social media, some parents and teachers came to see what books or other supplies could be salvaged.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>CPS took over management of Fuentes, Santiago and three other former Acero charter schools in July. Acero announced it would close seven of its campuses in 2024 due to declining enrollment and financial troubles. It's unclear if all the former Acero schools discarded materials in the same way.</p><p>In a statement, a CPS spokesperson said staff “have had to quickly remove materials left behind” by Acero “to ensure a smooth transition,” adding that “textbooks that do not meet approved learning standards for CPS classrooms were placed in disposal bins meant for recycling or donations.”</p><p>The dumpsters did contain some math and science and technology textbooks. But there were also many Spanish and English children's storybooks, along with watercolors, science beakers and toys. Some of the titles visible in the dumpsters viewed by the Sun-Times include “A Movie in My Pillow,” "Salta, Ranita, Salta,” “Under the Mambo Moon,” and “Dan Gets a Cat.”</p><p>In a statement, a spokesperson for Acero said the operator is “unable to speak to activities” since the transition.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-a30000" name="image-a30000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fcbe372/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/03b139d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6a32901/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="A truck picks up a dumpster filled with books outside Fuentes Elementary School." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6a32901/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6b52aa6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6a32901/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+64/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F51%2F7ea53e374181ba18f63cced7b27e%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-12.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>On Monday, an LRS Waste and Disposal truck hauled away a dumpster left outside Fuentes Elementary that was filled with children’s storybooks and other texts. CPS said the supplies were supposed to be recycled or donated.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>It's unclear when the dumpsters first appeared, but neighbors noticed visitors searching through them over the weekend. On Monday, a LRS Waste and Disposal truck was seen hauling the bin with supplies away from Fuentes. The district said it will be transferred to a recycling center.</p><p>By Tuesday morning, just one dumpster that appeared to be full of cardboard boxes was in the school's parking lot.</p><p>At Santiago, the dumpster with the discarded school materials had been covered with a blue tarp. CPS said the bins are covered to protect items from the weather.</p><p>“The District is reviewing a number of community partners, families, or local organizations that might be able to accept any usable materials,” the CPS spokesperson added.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-3b0001" name="image-3b0001"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/59e0684/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d0ba1ef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8542d5f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="A dumpster filled with school books sits outside Santiago Elementary School in Ukrainian Village." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8542d5f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/48fe2f4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8542d5f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F86%2F52%2F7a14d2464217bed7a42d84a6d789%2Fschoolsupplies-2608xx-21.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Another dumpster filled with school books sat outside Santiago Elementary in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood on Monday. Like Fuentes, Santiago is one of five former Acero charter schools now managed by CPS.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Schools in transition, whether due to closures or new management, have long had to deal with leftover supplies. <a class="Link" href="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2013/12/12/what-happened-to-all-the-stuff-in-chicagos-closed-schools" target="_blank" ><u>After mass school closings in 2013</u></a>, CPS spent millions packing, moving, sorting and cataloging items from dozens of buildings, some of which ended in the dump.</p><p>Parchem said she salvaged more than 200 Spanish-language and bilingual books from the bin outside of Fuentes. Many more were damaged by weekend rains, she said. She and about nine others who were at the dumpster with her set aside other supplies that were in good condition for people to take.</p><p>“This could have been done in a much more collaborative and sustainable way,” Parchem said.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-040000" name="image-040000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/01b78ab/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a9bbcb7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b84e7aa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Books salvaged from Fuentes Elementary in the back of a car." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b84e7aa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cb0ad27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b84e7aa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4804x2696+64+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fde%2Fb4%2F0e94005a4a6f9ff0282a41cfcf76%2Fimg-2162.jpeg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Sarah Parchem salvaged 200 Spanish-language and bilingual books from the dumpster outside Fuentes Elementary. She plans to donate them.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Provided by Sarah Parchem</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Still, she said the incident showcased how community members and mutual aid groups can fill needs on a hyper-local level, noting that many teachers showed up and left with supplies thanks to social media posts.</p><p>She hopes to donate the books she saved to local schools, libraries or to a teacher resource fair by The Parlor, <a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theparlorchicago/?hl=en" target="_blank" ><u>a group that distributes items</u></a> for reuse.</p><p>“The sharing economy is really strong in Chicago and with social media, we have the technology to make the best of a situation like this,” Parchem said.</p><p><i>Contributing: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

One of tabbouleh-inspired salad’s greatest strengths is its make-ahead convenience

<p>Bring this vibrant salad to your next picnic, potluck or backyard barbecue. Inspired by the bright, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this hearty variation replaces bulgur with fluffy couscous and adds roasted eggplant and crumbled feta for extra substance and depth. The result is a colorful, satisfying dish that can stand alone as a vegetarian meal or shine alongside grilled foods.</p><p>Tender, lightly charred eggplant lends a silky texture and subtle smokiness that complements the couscous, while lemon juice, olive oil and a generous handful of fresh herbs infuse every bite with brightness. Crumbled feta adds a salty tang, and a touch of chile brings pops of heat that balance the salad's citrusy notes.</p><p>One of this salad's greatest strengths is its make-ahead convenience. In fact, it benefits from a little resting time, allowing the flavors to meld and the herbs to perfume the couscous. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. While preparation involves a bit of chopping, the effort is well rewarded. Be especially generous with the parsley, mint and other fresh herbs; the couscous readily absorbs their flavors, ensuring that every forkful is fragrant, lively and refreshing.</p><p>Colorful and packed with contrasting textures, this couscous salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the spirit of tabbouleh to any warm-weather gathering.</p><h3>Charred Eggplant Couscous Salad</h3><p><b>Active time:</b> 45 minutes<br><b>Total time:</b> 45 minutes, plus cooling time<br><b>Yield:</b> Serves 6</p><p><b>Ingredients</b></p><p><b>Eggplant</b><br>3 to 4 small or Italian eggplants, about 1 pound<br>Olive oil<br>Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper</p><p><b>Couscous</b><br>1 1/2 cups water<br>1 1/2 cups couscous<br>2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed<br>1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more as needed<br>1 large garlic clove, grated<br>2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice<br>1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish<br>1 teaspoon ground cumin<br>1 teaspoon ground coriander<br>1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika<br>1/4 teaspoon cayenne<br>1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced<br>1 small red chile, such as Fresno, seeded and finely diced<br>1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves<br>1 cup chopped cilantro leaves<br>1/2 cup mint leaves, plus additional leaves for garnish<br>1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese</p><p><b>Directions</b></p><p>Trim the ends of the eggplants, then slice lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick. Generously brush the slices with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.</p><p>If grilling, cook the eggplants over direct medium heat until soft and charred on both sides, turning once or twice, 6 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, heat the oven to 425 degrees. Arrange the eggplant slices in one layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast until soft and charred in spots, 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once.</p><p>Once cooked, cool the eggplants to room temperature. Tear or cut the slices into 1-inch strips. Set aside while you prepare the couscous.</p><p>Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Turn off the heat and stir in the couscous, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover the saucepan and let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.</p><p>Add the garlic, lemon juice and zest, the cumin, coriander, paprika and cayenne to the couscous and stir to combine. Stir in the peppers, parsley, cilantro and mint. If the couscous is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more olive oil to moisten. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if desired.</p><p>Fold half of the eggplant into the couscous. Spread in a serving bowl or on a platter. Layer the remaining eggplant on top.</p><p>Scatter the feta and mint over the couscous. Garnish with additional lemon zest. Serve at room temperature.</p><p><i>Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author and recipe developer, and authors the blog TasteFood.</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Shake up your routine with this broccoli salad

<p>Feeling a little broccoli fatigue? This roasted broccoli salad is a delicious way to shake things up. Roasting brings out the broccoli's natural sweetness, toasted almonds add satisfying crunch and sweet raisins provide little bursts of flavor in every bite. A tangy balsamic dressing ties it all together, adding richness with just the right amount of zing.</p><p>This salad keeps well, making it perfect for preparing ahead or packing for a picnic. Whether you're serving it as an easy weeknight side, meal-prepping lunches or adding it to a party spread, this hearty salad is simple to make, satisfying and full of wholesome flavor.</p><h3>Roasted Broccoli Salad With Almonds and Raisins</h3><p><b>Active time:</b> 30 minutes<br><b>Total time:</b> 30 minutes, plus chilling time<br><b>Yield:</b> Serves 4</p><p><b>Ingredients</b></p><p><b>Dressing</b></p><p>2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar<br>2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br>1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br>1 small garlic clove, grated<br>1 teaspoon runny honey<br>1 teaspoon Dijon mustard<br>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt<br>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</p><p>2 medium broccoli heads, about 2 pounds<br>2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil<br>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt<br>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br>1/4 cup almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped<br>1/4 cup dark or golden raisins<br>1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest</p><p><b>Directions</b></p><p>Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.</p><p>Trim the broccoli stalks, leaving about 1 inch of the stalk intact. Save the cut stalks for another use.</p><p>Cut the florets into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the oil, salt and black pepper and toss to coat.</p><p>Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.</p><p>Spread the broccoli on the baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and roast until crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 8 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice. Remove and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.</p><p>Transfer the broccoli to a bowl. Add the almonds, raisins and lemon zest. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Taste for seasoning.</p><p>Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled or at room temperature.</p><p><i>Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author and recipe developer, and authors the blog TasteFood.</i></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Johnson turns up the heat on Springfield to deliver $150M in funding built into Chicago Public School budget

<p>Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed Tuesday to do “anything and everything necessary” to keep the Chicago Public Schools afloat, but claimed it’s past time for the Illinois General Assembly to deliver on its commitment to fully fund public schools.</p><p>By declaring a record $1 billion tax-increment-financing surplus to bail out CPS and bankroll a new teachers contract, Johnson said he already has demonstrated his willingness to do what’s necessary to stave off devastating classroom cuts.</p><p>If the General Assembly fails to approve the $150 million increase in education funding built into the nearly $10 billion CPS budget, the mayor made it clear he is prepared to do more of the same.</p><p>But Johnson said his own willingness to put city money where his mouth is should not let Gov. JB Pritzker and state lawmakers off the hook.</p><p>“I’m gonna do anything and everything that’s necessary. But, at some point ... you cannot expect me to solve everybody’s problems and the fact of the matter is I can’t. It’s gonna take partnership,” the mayor said at a City Hall news conference Tuesday.</p><p>“The state of Illinois cannot be okay with the bare minimum when people are starving across this city," he added. "We need our state partners to continue to rise to the occasion. That’s what working people demand. ... They made a commitment to fully fund our schools. That just has to happen.”</p><p>Johnson was asked whether he believes it was legal for the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-school-board/2026/07/30/chicago-school-board-approves-budget-that-reverses-layoffs-but-counts-on-shaky-state-funds" >Chicago Board of Education to approve a budget</a> based on $435 million in “uncommitted funds.”</p><p>He conspicuously avoided answering the question, saying only that the part-elected, part-appointed Board of Education has “gone through their full process to ensure that we’re protecting the classroom.”</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-1b0000" name="image-1b0000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/62e9995/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/86a3a54/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3d9281f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="School board member Che "Rhymefest" Smith speaks against a change to the school district's proposed budget." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3d9281f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/aa59a86/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3d9281f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5118x2872+0+271/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2d%2F5b%2Fdad991954e9c8b1252842ab9d712%2Fcpsbudgetvote-260731-053.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>School board member Che “Rhymefest” Smith opposed approving a budget that counted on the state to provide Chicago Public Schools with more money.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times file photo</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Then he shifted the focus back to Springfield and the fall veto session, when super-majorities in both Democratic-controlled houses will be required to increase school funding.</p><p>“My record speaks. Whatever is available and I can do it — it’s clear that I’m not reticent to do it. I’m just having a tough time with this idea that it’s harder to do something in Springfield than it is to do in City Council,” Johnson said.</p><p>“Why aren’t we asking if the city is not able to do it, will the state do it? It’s like it’s only coming in one direction," Johnson added. "The last I checked, getting 26 votes [in City Council] is not a walk in the park, either.”</p><p>Johnson said Chicago isn't “looking for a hand-out” — it just wants state lawmakers to “fulfill the promise they made when they signed the law in 2017” promising to fully-fund public schools.</p><p>“This notion where Mayor Johnson has to fix everything that someone else has failed to do ... Is that a reasonable expectation for people?” Johnson said.</p><p>“They expect me to come up with solutions that they have. How does that make sense?"</p><p>Illinois, Johnson noted, "funds our school districts at 25%. The state of California funds Los Angeles at 75%, if not higher. Don’t talk to me about the problems when you have solutions to fix `em.”</p><p>On July 29, the Chicago Teachers Union posted a video on its social media accounts of embattled Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch holding a CTU flyer outlining threatened employee layoffs and budget cuts at Chicago Public Schools.</p><p>“This should not be happening,” Welch said in the video.</p><p>“I do think that the state of Illinois can do better, should do better. I’m going to fight for you so that we can get more revenue to get to CPS schools. … I’m going to lead that effort in the veto session.”</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center> <div class="Enhancement-item" data-crop=""> <figure class="Figure"><a class="AnchorLink" id="image-a40000" name="image-a40000"></a> <picture data-crop="medium"> <source type="image/webp" width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/426a953/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c77f87d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg 2x" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <source width="490" height="275" data-srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea84e05/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" srcset="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" /> <img class="Image" alt="Mayor Brandon Johnson holds a press briefing at City Hall in the Loop, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea84e05/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/df0e9ba/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275" data-src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea84e05/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5916x3320+0+313/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fc3%2F18%2F4e74857a479997c21a6dad80ba7d%2Fjohnson-260805-015.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZlcnNpb249IjEuMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNzVweCIgd2lkdGg9IjQ5MHB4Ij48L3N2Zz4=" > </picture> <div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Mayor Brandon Johnson holds a press briefing at City Hall on Tuesday. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Whether the speaker delivers on that promise depends, in part, on Welch’s ability to survive allegations that he mishandled the sexual harassment allegations against State Rep. Harry Benton.</p><p>Johnson said he has known and admired Welch for years and considers his rise a “remarkable testament to what’s possible in this country.”</p><p>Asked whether he expects the speaker to survive the Benton scandal, Johnson said he trusts Welch to “do what’s right for his constituents and the state of Illinois.”</p><p>As for his own political future, Johnson said he will "make a decision really soon" on whether to seek a second term.</p><p>He's been putting it off for months in "my own little way of resistance" to the non-stop political coverage that will take the spotlight off the legitimate progress he believes the city is making.</p><p>"Once all of the politics starts, there's less incentive to cover those things," he said.</p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Chicago high school students can learn about AI at free, 3-day bootcamp this fall

<p>A free three-day AI bootcamp for high school students held in cities around the country since 2019 is expanding to Chicago this fall.</p><p>The Mark Cuban Foundation and the nonprofit group Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. announced Tuesday that <a class="Link" href="https://portal.markcubanai.org/apply" target="_blank" >online registration for the Chicago bootcamp is now open</a>.</p><p></p><p>The camps provide students with an intensive, hands-on introduction to artificial intelligence, one of the fastest-growing technology advancements of the modern era. </p><p>The camps are being held in 31 locations in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Chicago is the only location in Illinois. All locations will be hold their camps on the same consecutive Saturdays — Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14. The program is for high school students of all ages, and is designed to be fully accessible.</p><p>The foundation and the youth nonprofit will provide meals, transportation assistance, and all necessary technology at no cost to participants. Funding comes from the nonprofit, the foundation and other organizations partnering to put on the camps.</p><p>Participants will learn how to use generative AI and machine learning. They also will look at the real-world use of AI in fields including health care, business, sports, science, and the arts. The curriculum will also tackle the ethical implications of AI, teaching students to navigate issues of bias, transparency, and privacy.</p><p>By the end, students will complete a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to use AI to solve real-world problems.</p><p>“As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, founder of the Mark Cuban Foundation, in a statement. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future.”</p><p>Gary Ivory, president and CEO of Youth Advocate Programs, said the bootcamp helps empower the youth his organization serves.</p><p>“Youth-justice-involved young people and those facing other complex challenges thrive when given opportunities to see and nurture their strengths,” Ivory said in a statement, adding that the camps "will open life-changing educational and economic doors.”</p><p>Applications are accepted only online — at markcubanai.org/students — and must be filled out by the student. More information <a class="Link" href="https://markcubanai.org/students/" target="_blank" >is available here</a>.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://markcubanai.org/students/" target="_blank" ></a></p>

chicago.suntimes.com

Chicago foundation doubles down on Black-led organizations amid DEI rollbacks

<p>While the Trump administration has ignited diversity, equity and inclusion policy rollbacks across corporations, philanthropic foundations and higher education institutions, one Chicago-based foundation has strengthened its commitment to racial justice.</p><p>Grand Victoria Foundation launched a rebrand Tuesday — changing its name to A Movement Around Racial Advancement, or AMARA — that centers investment in Black-led organizations and those with missions that promote racial justice. Despite the new name, AMARA President Sharon Bush said the work is the same.</p><p>“We've been funding this work probably since 2021,” she said.</p><p>One year after the racial reckoning catalyzed by George Floyd’s murder, AMARA commenced a study to identify 81 municipalities across Illinois that had a population of at least 30% Black residents. Bush said the 2021 study allowed the foundation to “learn where people are, so we can figure out how to best focus our efforts.”</p><p>“The board provided us the opening when it said to us in 2020, ‘We want to really be in this for the long-term. We don't want to do temporary measures,’” she said.</p><p>In those early years when philanthropic institutions and corporations committed to racial justice, AMARA’s board, too, leaned in.</p><p>The board learned about what equity and justice work meant and looked like, and how long would it take.</p><p>“We've had conversations that have been about, what does it mean to focus on Black communities? What does it mean to focus on building the power and agency within those communities, to focus on the things that they think are good and right for their communities?” Bush said.</p><p>The foundation listened to what organizations said they needed and how they could support them. Two key values — abundance and repair — were common themes AMARA heard during their listening sessions. Both values seek to address narratives that Bush said shapes how the Black community is supported and viewed.</p><p>“Repair begins with recognizing that current inequities were shaped by long-standing systems, policies and institutional decisions, not by individual failure,” Bush said. “We think about Black abundance as a way of moving beyond narratives of scarcity and crisis to center more opportunity, wealth, safety, creativity, political power and self-determination in this age.”</p><p>AMARA has a $200 million endowment, with an annual payout rate of 6%-7%, roughly $10 million a year. Some of its funding partners include Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a national funder, that helped AMARA establish a lot of their work, particularly the 2021 study. They have also partnered with the MacArthur Foundation to build out their narrative change work that will change the stories being told about Black communities. This priority is still being researched.</p><p>Bush said “both funders have been really critical to what our transition has been over the past several years.”</p><p>Thirty-five percent of AMARA’s 2025 grant awards were made to organizations in the Chicago area, according to a foundation spokesperson, Landon Williams. KOCO Chicago, Southside Together, Black Roots Alliance, and OCAD- Organized Communities Against Deportation are among its Chicago-area grantees. Bush said investing in immigration may “seem to be a non-Black issue, [but] underneath, it is,” pointing out that there are Black immigrants. She said, “These other organizations … might have different kind of leadership, but they hold centering Black power within the ways that in which they work.”</p><p>AMARA’s rebrand will be celebrated on Thursday at the Obama Presidential Center, when Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy celebrates Black Philanthropy Month.</p>

chicago.suntimes.com