Good morning, Chicago.
Sometime on Sunday morning, in the lead up to kickoff of the Chicago Bears season opener, Caleb Williams will leave the locker room at Soldier Field, head toward the tunnel in the northwest corner of the stadium and dart toward the field. As part of his routine, he will emerge into the light, make a 360-degree spin to soak in the ambience and head out to really truly begin his NFL career.
“Once I do my spin and get down to the sideline,” the rookie quarterback said, “it’s go time.”
It’s go time indeed, Chicago. Go time for a new era in Bears football with Williams as the new headliner of a confident and improving football team that believes it is ready to embark on something special.
As the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, Williams will remain on center stage and under an intense spotlight all season, lauded as a quarterback with arguably more gifts than any Bear who has come before him. But the Bears have an abundance of talent and depth around their young quarterback as well. And they have a hungry coach in Matt Eberflus eager to help lead the franchise on a run of sustained success.
On Sunday, it’s go time as the Bears welcome the Tennessee Titans to town. And the Tribune will be right on top of the action to bring comprehensive coverage of what promises to be a compelling Bears season.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Hunter Biden enters surprise guilty plea to avoid tax trial months after his gun conviction
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges Thursday in a surprise move that allows President Joe Biden’s family to avoid having to endure another likely embarrassing and painful criminal trial of the president’s son.
His decision to guilty plea to misdemeanor and felony charges without the benefits of a deal with prosecutors came hours after jury selection was supposed to begin in the case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.
The US government is looking into airline frequent-flyer programs
The Biden administration says it is examining the four largest U.S. airline frequent-flyer programs and how they devalue points that consumers have earned and frequently change the number of points or miles needed to book flights.
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
People walk outside the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in downtown Chicago, Jan. 22, 2018. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Feds flag Chicago-area business magnate over alleged tax fraud involving NFL players
A Chicago-area business magnate with a lengthy history of alleged legal and professional transgressions is being flagged again, this time in the form of a federal criminal investigation into his companies that offered tax and consulting services to a roster of current and former NFL players, federal court records obtained by the Tribune show.
Cook County assessor says downtown ‘doom loop’ fears are overblown
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi took to the City Club of Chicago stage Thursday to quell worries about a “doom loop” and rising tax bills, telling the crowd concerns of a downtown downward spiral in property values are overblown.
“Higher-end office buildings are doing OK,” he said during his appearance at the lunchtime chat series. “Rents are holding up better, valuations are holding up better, occupancy is holding up better in trophy buildings.”
CPD deputy chief, another officer charged with criminal damage to property
A deputy chief of the Chicago Police Department and another officer were charged with criminal damage to property for, according to a source with knowledge of the charge, allegedly slashing the tires of a vehicle in Humboldt Park during the neighborhood’s annual Puerto Rican Fest.
PAWS Chicago rescues dogs, puppies and cats from closing downstate shelter
Three adult beagles — plus three puppies and 16 cats — traveled more than 300 miles to Chicago from the Humane Society of Southern Illinois in Murphysboro, near Carbondale. The Southern Illinois shelter is scheduled to close later this year.
“Chicagoland always helps out in times of need,” said Tom McFeeley, a PAWS Chicago employee.
The Chicago Sky couldn’t win without Chennedy Carter. Can they turn the corner — and make the playoffs — with her back?
Chennedy Carter is back. At least somewhat.
The Chicago Sky’s dynamic scorer returned to practice yesterday for the first time since a four-game illness absence. Carter practiced in full, but her availability remains uncertain for today’s home game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Frederic McLaughlin, the late Chicago Blackhawks founder, to be inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame
Late Chicago Blackhawks founder Frederic McLaughlin, Olympic champion Brianna Decker, former NHL players Kevin Stevens and Matt Cullen and the 2002 Paralympic gold-medal-winning sled hockey team are being inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune
Dick Brauer, founder of the Brauer Museum of Art at Valparaiso University, pauses while speaking at Pines Village Retirement Communities in Valparaiso, Indiana, Feb. 6, 2023. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)
Brauer Museum’s founder and namesake will remove name if Valparaiso University sells artwork
Richard Brauer, who turned 97 last month, has said since he found out that Valparaiso University officials wanted to sell three cornerstone paintings from the campus museum that bears his name that if the plan were to move forward, his name would come off the building.
Now, with a magistrate’s recent ruling that the university could amend a trust that provided the artwork to allow their sale, with proceeds going to fund dorm renovations for first-year students, Brauer is poised to act.
Museums for fall 2024: 10 can’t-miss exhibitions to check out this season
Seeing a new side of a historical figure you thought you knew. Events turning beloved cultural institutions into adult playgrounds. And, as ever, free outings — a blessing our wallets don’t take for granted these days. Our seasonal museum preview has a little something for every age and budget. And do mark your calendars: some of these attractions close soon.
Art for fall 2024: Top 10 exhibitions at AIC, DePaul and the Cultural Center
Wondering what to do this fall, in addition to sending the kids back to school, watching the leaves change, and voting in the national elections? See some art, including the exceptional exhibitions listed below, a few of which promise to change minds about sending those kids off to learn, how nature exists in the city, and what’s at stake in this democracy.
Taste of Chicago opens today with headliner CeeLo Green: Entry gates and the music
This summer’s Taste of Chicago opens today with a headlining music set by rapper CeeLo Green and continues through Sunday in Grant Park, with day-capping concerts by regional Mexican music trio Yahritza y Su Esencia and Australian alt-rockets Atlas Genius.