Tina Sfondeles
@tinasfon.bsky.social
national political reporter @suntimes; past: White House reporter @politico, politics correspondent @insider; proud Chicagoan and Greek/Polish American
He may be the leader of the Catholic church, but Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV is still a registered voter in Illinois and requested a mail ballot for the midterm elections. chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
Pope Leo will vote from the Vatican, by mail, in Illinois' midterm election
That mail ballot had to travel a long way — from Joliet to the Vatican City, where Pope Leo XIV has led the Catholic church since white smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel in May 2025.
chicago.suntimes.com
Gov. Pritzker is for the first time revealing publicly that he’s lost 80 lbs with the help of a GLP-1. “There are people who have it very easy their whole lives, and they’ve never struggled at all," Pritzker said of his weight. “And I’m just not that person.” chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-gov...
Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80 lb. weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’
More than two years into his new weight loss journey, JB Pritzker says he wants to talk about it openly, largely in part because he knows millions of Americans are suffering from obesity-related healt...
chicago.suntimes.com
Review: A fiery and unrestrained Tori Amos fills the Auditorium Theatre www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/15/r...
Review: A fiery and unrestrained Tori Amos fills the Auditorium Theatre
While no longer in the commercial spotlight, the singer and pianist played with a passion that proves she never really went away.
chicagotribune.com
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is shifting his fundraising powers to a PAC to benefit other Democrats ahead of his own exit from Congress — a move that also gives him flexibility should he decide to run for office again. chicago.suntimes.com/washington/2...
After Senate primary loss, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi shifts focus to new PAC — and his political future
A source familiar with Krishnamoorthi's PAC launch said the Schaumburg Democrat will announce contributions to a slew of state and Chicago candidates, with plans to contribute $100,000 to candidates t...
chicago.suntimes.com
Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez on Wednesday said she’s taking several weeks off — during the congressional recess — to recover from a “time-sensitive” surgical procedure. chicago.suntimes.com/us-house/202...
Rep. Delia Ramirez taking medical leave during August recess to recover from surgical procedure
The Chicago Democrat said she was disclosing the medical matter, "acknowledging the American people's growing distrust in our public officials." Ramirez's disclosure comes as U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell...
chicago.suntimes.com
Senators considering whether to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general asked him today about ex-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot — but not about the DOJ credibility crisis swirling around the city's federal courthouse. @tinasfon.bsky.social reports: chicago.suntimes.com/us-senate/20...
Ex-Mayor Lori Lightfoot bashed during Todd Blanche confirmation hearing that featured no Boutros questions
There were no references to apparent prosecutorial misconduct within the U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago, which has led to the dismissal of high-profile cases and to more than 100 former federal pro...
chicago.suntimes.com
Ex-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was bashed during a confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche in a lengthy proceeding that saw no references to the credibility crisis happening under Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros’ watch. chicago.suntimes.com/us-senate/20...
Ex-Mayor Lori Lightfoot bashed during Todd Blanche confirmation hearing that featured no Boutros questions
There were no references to apparent prosecutorial misconduct within the U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago, which has led to the dismissal of high-profile cases and to more than 100 former federal pro...
chicago.suntimes.com
JUST IN: U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros responds to U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin. Boutros says there's "no doubt" that disciplinary bodies will look at "Broadview Six." He calls it a process "we fully support" and said he expects there will be no finding of misconduct on his part "because there was none."
Jon Seidel@jonseidel.bsky.social · 5mo agoNEW: The House Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat is calling for an immediate investigation of Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros over revelations in the “Broadview Six” case. @chicago.suntimes.com story w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Chicago’s top federal prosecutor acknowledges contact with grand jurors ahead of ‘Broadview Six’ indictment UPDATED @chicago.suntimes.com story w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social on the latest twist: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Chicago’s top federal prosecutor acknowledges contact with grand jurors ahead of ‘Broadview Six’ indictment
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros released the unorthodox five-page report just hours after Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth called for his resignation over the handling of the tainted Broadview prose...
chicago.suntimes.com
#BREAKING U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth call on Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to resign, calling his tenure "riddled with chaos, deep internal dysfunction, and alleged misconduct." Reporting w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Durbin, Duckworth want Chicago's top federal prosecutor to resign over botched 'Broadview Six' case
The call from Illinois’ Democratic senators comes nearly two weeks after the case against a group of Operation Midway Blitz protesters collapsed amid claims of misconduct by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutr...
chicago.suntimes.com
NEW: Democratic Senate candidate Juliana Stratton joins calls for Chicago's top federal prosecutor to step down amid 'Broadview Six' fallout. Reporting w/ @tinasfon.bsky.social via @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Juliana Stratton joins calls for Chicago's top federal prosecutor to step down amid 'Broadview Six' fallout
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who worked as a federal prosecutor, stopped short of pushing for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros’ ouster, but she called his actions “shameful” and a “low point in the histor...
chicago.suntimes.com
‘Congratulations,’ judge says while dropping conspiracy charge against remaining Broadview 6 ICE protesters @sophiesherry.bsky.social reports: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
‘Congratulations,’ judge says while dropping conspiracy charge against remaining Broadview 6 ICE protesters
Defense attorneys continued to raise concerns about the grand jury proceedings that led to the indictment while demanding copies of the transcripts.
chicago.suntimes.com
Longtime aide to Rep. Danny Davis charged with COVID-19 unemployment fraud @tinasfon.bsky.social reports: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Longtime aide to Rep. Danny Davis charged with COVID-19 unemployment fraud
Gerard Moorer was employed by the federal government as an aide to Davis at the time of his application and certifications.
chicago.suntimes.com
“This case never should have been brought … They never would have been able to prove it at trial.” Defense reacts after feds drop controversial conspiracy charge against the remaining members of the Broadview Six. From @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Federal prosecutors to drop conspiracy charge against remaining 'Broadview Six' ICE protesters
Former congressional candidate Kat Abughezaleh is among the four who still face charges.
chicago.suntimes.com
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed an executive order barring state employees from using insider information to bet on prediction market apps, joining six other states that have moved to either restrict or regulate the burgeoning betting field. chicago.suntimes.com/politics/202...
Gov. Pritzker bans state workers from using insider information on prediction market apps like Kalshi
Users on apps like Kalshi and Polymarket are betting on everything from the results of elections to economic decisions and war outcomes — even what words President Donald Trump will say in speeches. T...
chicago.suntimes.com
Illinois hopes to take the lead over Indiana in the Chicago Bears stadium battle with a new proposal that would give the NFL team property tax certainty, while also providing a statewide property tax relief sweetener. chicago.suntimes.com/bears-stadiu...
Lawmakers sweeten pot to keep Bears in Illinois, with stadium bill linked to statewide property tax relief
The Bears continue to weigh whether to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights or Northwest Indiana. A new property tax relief element to a measure that would allow the Bears to renegotiate their pro...
chicago.suntimes.com
ICE says 81% arrested in Operation Midway Blitz had no convictions, falsely asserts no citizens arrested NEW from @tinasfon.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
ICE says 81% arrested in Operation Midway Blitz had no convictions, falsely asserts no citizens arrested
Todd Lyons, who on Thursday resigned from his position as acting director of ICE, also claimed in the letter to the Illinois congressional delegation that no U.S. citizens were arrested by federal imm...
chicago.suntimes.com
About 81% of those arrested in Chicago’s “Operation Midway Blitz” had no criminal convictions, despite the feds repeatedly claiming the aggressive operation was intended to target “the worst of the worst.” chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
ICE says 81% arrested in Operation Midway Blitz had no convictions, falsely asserts no citizens arrested
Todd Lyons, who on Thursday resigned from his position as acting director of ICE, also claimed in the letter to the Illinois congressional delegation that no U.S. citizens were arrested by federal imm...
chicago.suntimes.com
Marimar Martinez, the Chicago woman who was shot 5 times by a Border Patrol agent, will testify before the Homeland Security Committee — and Dems are also requesting White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan appear. chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Marimar Martinez, Chicago woman shot 5 times by federal agent, to testify at Washington hearing
The April 22 Homeland Security Committee hearing will mark the first official testimony for Martinez, who continues to ask for accountability for her shooting.
chicago.suntimes.com
Rahm Emanuel is proposing a betting and prediction markets tax - and dredging up some CTU history — as he mulls a presidential run. "I was trying to prevent the PTSD from kicking in,” Emanuel said when a moderator brought up the union. chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Rahm Emanuel proposes betting and prediction markets tax, defends CPS reforms as he mulls presidential bid
In TV appearances, podcasts and op-eds, the former mayor is spreading the message that Democrats need a big change and a new agenda to win back the White House.
chicago.suntimes.com
Catholic leaders, along with Gov. JB Pritzker and his GOP rival Darren Bailey, are defending Chicago-born Pope Leo: “I think Trump unconsciously is waking up a sleeping giant... I think he’s going to be a very strong voice, and he’s not going away." chicago.suntimes.com/pope-leo-xiv...
Pope Leo brushes off Trump attack as a Chicago Catholic leader says president is 'waking up a sleeping giant'
Rev. Michael Pfleger, Gov. JB Pritzker and GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey are among those speaking out about Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV.
chicago.suntimes.com
A DNC panel rejected a resolution to condemn the involvement of AIPAC in Democratic races, which specifically called out their nearly $14 million in spending in Illinois primary races. chicago.suntimes.com/2026/04/09/d...
DNC condemns dark money influence but avoids taking stance on AIPAC
Democrats punted on taking a position on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's influence on Democratic primaries — instead opting to support a blanket resolution condemning dark money. AIPAC spent nearly $14 million on Illinois primary races.
chicago.suntimes.com
Ceasefire brings little relief from 'psychological warfare' for Iranian Americans in Chicago, reports @vimiller.bsky.social + @tinasfon.bsky.social + Mary Norkol chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/04...
Ceasefire brings little relief from 'psychological warfare' for Iranian Americans in Chicago
The U.S. and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement about 90 minutes before President Donald Trump's self-imposed deadline in which he had threatened that a "whole civilization will die tonight."
chicago.suntimes.com
Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday joined a growing chorus of lawmakers and conservative pundits calling for President Donald Trump’s removal from office for doubling down on graphic threats to bomb Iran. chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-gov...
Pritzker wants 25th Amendment invoked to remove President Trump from office over Iran threats
Pritzker joins an unlikely alliance of conservatives calling for the president's removal, including former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former MAGA ally and conservative radio host Alex Jones, co...
chicago.suntimes.com
With the Chicago Bears in mind, a new Sen. Sanders bill would offer up sports teams to communities before "billionaire owners" try to move them. Texas U.S. Rep. Greg Casar called it a “keep-the-Bears-in-Chicago bill." chicago.suntimes.com/2026/03/26/w...
With Bears in mind, Sanders bill would offer up sports teams to city before 'billionaire owners' try to move
The Home Team Act would require an owner to announce that it wants to relocate a year prior, giving the community a chance to buy at "fair market value." Texas U.S. Rep. Greg Casar called it a "keep-t...
chicago.suntimes.com
Juliana Stratton won 44 of Chicago’s 50 wards — and was overwhelmingly supported by Black, Latino and white voters in the city. She also performed well in suburban Cook County and downstate Illinois, two areas that helped cement her victory. chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Juliana Stratton’s strong suburban and downstate numbers helped fuel her Senate primary victory
Stratton's results in downstate Illinois reflected a much broader coalition than people expected — and served as a testament of Gov. JB Pritzker’s popularity among Democrats in the state.
chicago.suntimes.com
Here’s a look at how the major super PAC players fared in their efforts to boost, or harm, their preferred candidates in the Illinois primary. chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Super PAC scorecard -- how outside spending groups fared in efforts to influence Illinois primary voters
An unprecedented influx of special interest money into primary races led to mixed results for big industries on election night.
chicago.suntimes.com
In his concession speech, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi thanked his family and supporters and called the country, “the greatest country on Earth for giving an immigrant kid and his family the chance to live the American dream.”
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has won the competitive Democratic primary race to replace U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on the heels of a late campaign surge and millions in support from longtime running mate Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. chicago.suntimes.com/elections/20...
Juliana Stratton wins Democratic primary for U.S. Senate: Live Updates
In other closely watched races, Daniel Biss won the Democratic primary for 9th Congressional District and longtime Cook County assessor Fritz Kaegi will soon be out after losing to Pat Hynes.
chicago.suntimes.com
Excited about the great group of Chicago and Illinois reporters we have posting to Bluesky for today's primaries, including @tinasfon.bsky.social and many from Chicago Public Media: @wbez.org and @chicago.suntimes.com! Pin today's special election feed to follow along: