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Pat Finn, a comedic actor who grew up in Wilmette and honed his sense of humor with close friend Chris Farley at Marquette University died Monday after a three-year battle with bladder cancer in Los Angeles. He was 60.
Pat Finn, Chicago comedic actor who was close pals with Chris Farley, dies at 60
chicago.suntimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Pat Finn, a comedic actor who grew up in Wilmette and honed his sense of humor with close friend Chris Farley at Marquette University died Monday after a three-year battle with bladder cancer in Los Angeles. He was 60.
What excited us were pockets of inventiveness. We saw the city’s Asian-leaning restaurants soar, via openings like the first sit-down Lao restaurant in Irving Park. We can even boast of our own Little Manila, thanks to a concentration of superb cooking around Ravenswood.
The best things we ate around Chicago in 2025
chicago.suntimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:46 AM
What excited us were pockets of inventiveness. We saw the city’s Asian-leaning restaurants soar, via openings like the first sit-down Lao restaurant in Irving Park. We can even boast of our own Little Manila, thanks to a concentration of superb cooking around Ravenswood.
The AIDS floor at Illinois Masonic Medical Center was featured in Rebecca Makkai's "The Great Believers," leading a reporter to tell the true story about Unit 371.
How my love of fiction led me to report on the real impact of Chicago's first AIDS unit
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The AIDS floor at Illinois Masonic Medical Center was featured in Rebecca Makkai's "The Great Believers," leading a reporter to tell the true story about Unit 371.
Season 5 of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” is underway, with the next batch of episodes slated to release on Christmas Day. So far, a new character with Chicago roots has become a fan favorite.
New ‘Stranger Things’ star Jake Connelly on going from Feldco window commercials to Netflix
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Season 5 of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” is underway, with the next batch of episodes slated to release on Christmas Day. So far, a new character with Chicago roots has become a fan favorite.
Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative said more than 75 Chicago area organizations have joined its network to collectively negotiate service contracts, which will help lower costs.
Obama Foundation partner expands vendor network for small businesses
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative said more than 75 Chicago area organizations have joined its network to collectively negotiate service contracts, which will help lower costs.
The interfaith group has repeatedly sought entry to the building but has been turned away each time. During their latest effort, they said they wanted to offer “pastoral care” to Christians detained there for the holiday.
Faith leaders denied access to pray with detainees at Broadview ICE facility on Christmas Eve
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The interfaith group has repeatedly sought entry to the building but has been turned away each time. During their latest effort, they said they wanted to offer “pastoral care” to Christians detained there for the holiday.
He made three field goals and converted an onside kick Saturday.
Bears' Cairo Santos named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
He made three field goals and converted an onside kick Saturday.
Two Sun-Times reporters wanted to know whether shocking, unprovoked attacks in which the accused have a history of years of severe, untreated mental illness could have been prevented. They're still following up.
Failure to treat, failure to protect: How we reported on mentally ill people accused in killings
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Two Sun-Times reporters wanted to know whether shocking, unprovoked attacks in which the accused have a history of years of severe, untreated mental illness could have been prevented. They're still following up.
Victoria Bousis’ VR movie, “Stay Alive My Son: A True Story About A Father's Relentless Search For His Son,” immerses viewers in the harrowing story of a survivor of the Cambodian genocide.
A filmmaker on the vanguard of virtual reality designs an up-close refugee experience
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Victoria Bousis’ VR movie, “Stay Alive My Son: A True Story About A Father's Relentless Search For His Son,” immerses viewers in the harrowing story of a survivor of the Cambodian genocide.
The Arlington Heights native, who likes video games and the Chicago Bears, said he pretty much “winged it” for his big debut as Derek, a bully-turned-hero.
New ‘Stranger Things’ star Jake Connelly on going from Feldco window commercials to Netflix
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
The Arlington Heights native, who likes video games and the Chicago Bears, said he pretty much “winged it” for his big debut as Derek, a bully-turned-hero.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 19 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its attempt at a near nationwide ban on gender-affirming care for patients under 19-years-old.
Illinois joins lawsuit against White House's attempted national ban on youth gender-affirming care
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 19 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its attempt at a near nationwide ban on gender-affirming care for patients under 19-years-old.
As the war in Ukraine drags on and U.S. policies shift, many Ukrainians “are stranded,” says a Chicago immigration attorney. “‘They’re saying, ‘We didn't violate the law, we came here to be protected, and now, we're treated as though we did something wrong.’”
After fleeing the war in Ukraine, they thought they were safe. Then came Trump’s deportation blitz.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
As the war in Ukraine drags on and U.S. policies shift, many Ukrainians “are stranded,” says a Chicago immigration attorney. “‘They’re saying, ‘We didn't violate the law, we came here to be protected, and now, we're treated as though we did something wrong.’”
The 10 and 6-year-old received the gifts just over a month after they and their mother, Corshawnda Hatter, were attacked by seven children while walking home from school in the South Deering neighborhood.
Family showered in Christmas gifts after South Deering attack: 'I'm so grateful for the community'
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:01 AM
The 10 and 6-year-old received the gifts just over a month after they and their mother, Corshawnda Hatter, were attacked by seven children while walking home from school in the South Deering neighborhood.
The state accused a suburban business of breaking environmental laws after even more asphalt was found in the Sanitary and Ship Canal more than 10 months after a spill of almost a half-million gallons of the hot liquid substance.
Suburban business cited for big, oily asphalt spill in Chicago canal
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:31 AM
The state accused a suburban business of breaking environmental laws after even more asphalt was found in the Sanitary and Ship Canal more than 10 months after a spill of almost a half-million gallons of the hot liquid substance.
Allstate customers next year will see their homeowners insurance rate increase by an average of 8.8%, continuing a trend of insurers increasing rates.
Allstate plans to hike Illinois homeowners insurance rates
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Allstate customers next year will see their homeowners insurance rate increase by an average of 8.8%, continuing a trend of insurers increasing rates.
“Dreary conditions” and possible rain are forecast for Christmas Eve, while cloudy skies and temperatures around 40 degrees are expected for Christmas Day in Chicago.
Forecasters say no white Christmas for Chicago this year
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
“Dreary conditions” and possible rain are forecast for Christmas Eve, while cloudy skies and temperatures around 40 degrees are expected for Christmas Day in Chicago.
A.J. Barks, 42, died a week after suffering injuries in a car crash that claimed the life of her husband. Barks was co-executive director of Chicago Women’s Health Center, a nonprofit that provides health care access to women and trans people.
A.J. Barks, who headed a nonprofit that provided health care to women and trans people, dies at 42
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:31 AM
A.J. Barks, 42, died a week after suffering injuries in a car crash that claimed the life of her husband. Barks was co-executive director of Chicago Women’s Health Center, a nonprofit that provides health care access to women and trans people.
Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was “very disappointed” that his home state of Illinois had approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide. Leo said he had spoken “explicitly” with Gov. JB Pritzker and urged him to not sign the bill into law.
Pope disappointed over approval of Illinois' assisted suicide legislation
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was “very disappointed” that his home state of Illinois had approved a law allowing for medically assisted suicide. Leo said he had spoken “explicitly” with Gov. JB Pritzker and urged him to not sign the bill into law.
Bears players were surprised that cornerback Nahshon Wright was left out of Pro Bowl voting Tuesday. The only NFL player with more interceptions than his five is teammate Kevin Byard, who was named to the all-star game.
Bears CB Nahshon Wright disappointed by Pro Bowl snub
chicago.suntimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Bears players were surprised that cornerback Nahshon Wright was left out of Pro Bowl voting Tuesday. The only NFL player with more interceptions than his five is teammate Kevin Byard, who was named to the all-star game.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently declared Ben Johnson the best coach in the world, but their relationship didn’t necessarily start out that way. Williams said Tuesday it took a while for him to figure Johnson out.
Bears’ Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson mesh after rocky start
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently declared Ben Johnson the best coach in the world, but their relationship didn’t necessarily start out that way. Williams said Tuesday it took a while for him to figure Johnson out.
Two cybersecurity professionals, including a former employee of a Chicago firm that helps resolve ransomware attacks, pleaded guilty last week to hacking a medical device company and extorting a ransom of nearly $1.3 million to unlock its servers.
Rogue employee of Chicago cybersecurity firm pleads guilty to $1.3 million ransomware hack
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Two cybersecurity professionals, including a former employee of a Chicago firm that helps resolve ransomware attacks, pleaded guilty last week to hacking a medical device company and extorting a ransom of nearly $1.3 million to unlock its servers.
A dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies, marking the first time in than 60 years that a dog tested positive for the disease in Cook County.
Chicago dog with rabies marks first positive test in Cook County in decades
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A dog in Chicago tested positive for rabies, marking the first time in than 60 years that a dog tested positive for the disease in Cook County.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled against President Donald Trump and refused to lift a block on National Guard deployment within the state of Illinois, finding that Trump invoked a law that required him to first be unable to execute federal law with help from the U.S. military.
U.S. Supreme Court sides against Trump, won't lift block on National Guard deployment in Illinois
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:49 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled against President Donald Trump and refused to lift a block on National Guard deployment within the state of Illinois, finding that Trump invoked a law that required him to first be unable to execute federal law with help from the U.S. military.
Reposted by Chicago Sun-Times
#BREAKING The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the State of Illinois on National Guard deployment.
Under the law invoked by President Trump, he must be unable "with the regular military" to "execute the laws of the United States," it finds.
Full ruling here: cst.brightspotcdn.com/80/88/05a75e...
Under the law invoked by President Trump, he must be unable "with the regular military" to "execute the laws of the United States," it finds.
Full ruling here: cst.brightspotcdn.com/80/88/05a75e...
![SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
_________________
No. 25A443 _________________
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ET AL. v. ILLINOIS, ET AL.
ON APPLICATION FOR STAY [December 23, 2025]
Federal immigration-enforcement efforts have encoun- tered significant resistance, as well as some violence, in Chicago. According to the Government, federal officers have been obstructed, threatened, and assaulted as they at- tempt to perform their duties. The Government also alleges that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Broadview, Illinois, has been the site of frequent and sometimes violent protests, damaging federal property and threatening the safety of federal officers. These at- tacks, the Government says, have greatly impeded its ef- forts to enforce the immigration laws.
On October 4, 2025, the President called 300 members of the Illinois National Guard into active federal service to protect federal personnel and property in Illinois, particu- larly in and around Chicago. The following day, members of the Texas National Guard were also federalized and sent to Chicago. In calling forth the Guard, the President relied on 10 U. S. C. §12406(3), which empowers him to federalize members of the Guard if he is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”
The United States District Court for the Northern Dis- trict of Illinois entered a temporary restraining order bar- ring the federalization and deployment of the Guard in Illi- nois. The Seventh Circuit denied in relevant part the Government’s motion for a stay, permitting the Guard to](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:elipdmmf5istuvtyituspske/bafkreigkgum5sfni47efippr7j6ykofa7anuo6cqpkfjztkzkfnvubdafe@jpeg)
![remain federalized within Illinois but maintaining the bar on deployment.
The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court’s order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties’ initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term “regular forces” in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Govern- ment argues that the term refers to civilian law enforce- ment officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service. Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili- tary.
We conclude that the term “regular forces” in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili- tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be “unable” with the regular military “to execute the laws of the United States.” Because the statute requires an assess- ment of the military’s ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from “execut[ing] the laws” “except in cases and under circumstances ex- pressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress.” 18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the reg- ular military and must be “unable” with those forces to per- form that function.
At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois. The President has not in- voked a statute that provides an exception to the Posse](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:elipdmmf5istuvtyituspske/bafkreico7h4hdwfyr6byznbn2d7y2wuhraae6jhvupnyew5s7kwjegnpva@jpeg)
![Comitatus Act. Instead, he relies on inherent constitu- tional authority that, according to the Government, allows him to use the military to protect federal personnel and property. But the Government also claims—consistent with the longstanding view of the Executive Branch—that performing such protective functions does not constitute “execut[ing] the laws” within the meaning of the Posse Comitatus Act. See Supp. Letter Reply Brief for Applicants 8; 1 Supp. Op. OLC 343, n. 1 (1971) (collecting sources). If that is correct, it is hard to see how performing those func- tions could constitute “execut[ing] the laws” under §12406(3). See Azar v. Allina Health Services, 587 U. S. 566, 574 (2019) (“This Court does not lightly assume that Congress silently attaches different meanings to the same term in the same or related statutes”). Thus, at least in this posture, the Government has not carried its burden to show that §12406(3) permits the President to federalize the Guard in the exercise of inherent authority to protect fed- eral personnel and property in Illinois. We need not and do not address the reviewability of findings made by the Pres- ident under §12406(3) or any other statute.
The application for stay is denied.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:elipdmmf5istuvtyituspske/bafkreigpypa435od2mqkxeftymwgbg2uepclp6razy2u5gc3efakb7v2kq@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
#BREAKING The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the State of Illinois on National Guard deployment.
Under the law invoked by President Trump, he must be unable "with the regular military" to "execute the laws of the United States," it finds.
Full ruling here: cst.brightspotcdn.com/80/88/05a75e...
Under the law invoked by President Trump, he must be unable "with the regular military" to "execute the laws of the United States," it finds.
Full ruling here: cst.brightspotcdn.com/80/88/05a75e...
Three Bears players were named to the league’s Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday: center Drew Dalman, guard Joe Thuney and safety Kevin Byard.
Bears Kevin Byard, Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman named to Pro Bowl Games
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Three Bears players were named to the league’s Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday: center Drew Dalman, guard Joe Thuney and safety Kevin Byard.