It’s been a year. We say that most Decembers at the Sun-Times. But 2024 was particularly big.
Chicago hosted the Democratic National Convention, while Milwaukee welcomed the Republicans. We saw the rat hole go viral then disappear, as did natural phenomena — cicadas and a solar eclipse. We traveled to Canada and Colombia to report on migrants and protests back home. We got our ups with Lollapalooza, while the White Sox and Bears brought plenty of downs.
The Sun-Times photo staff captured it all. Here’s our best work of 2024.
Ethan Lopez, 6, rings a bell to celebrate his last chemotherapy session while his mother Gisela Gama holds him at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in the Streeterville neighborhood, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Kids read a poem and ring a bell whenever they finish their chemotherapy. Chicago Bears Pres. and CEO Kevin Warren and his wife Greta Warren announced a $1 million pledge to help families who are receiving treatment at Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The money will help fund transportation, accommodations and other needs for families, according to a press release.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
With temperatures in the mid-30s, Jesus Infante, 23, an asylum seeker from Venezuela, stands outside Chicago Transit Authority warming buses at Chicago’s designated landing zone for new migrant arrivals at 800 S. Desplaines St. in the West Loop, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Madeline Carroll practices her hockey skills on North Pond near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as temperatures were just above 0 degrees, Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Time
Food scientist technicians inspect chocolate bars that are coming out of a conveyor belt during a media tour of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub in Goose Island, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The 44,000 square-foot facility features a clean nut kitchen, a test kitchen, panning and printing rooms and a flexible pilot line which will allow scientists and products developers to experiment and innovate for chocolates like Snickers, Twix and more. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Mo Flanagan pours Malört as an offering for Chicago’s iconic rat hole in the 1900 block of West Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Yasmeen Elagha, who has been trying to help her relatives evacuate from Khan Younis in Gaza, stands in front of a photo of her, her cousins and other relatives in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Elagha’s two cousins, Borak and Hashem Elagha (pictured on the television), are U.S. citizens whose evacuation with their family have been approved by the U.S. but are being stalled because their names are not on an exit list, which Israel and Egypt finalize, she said. She hopes that the U.S. government will do more to advocate for their evacuation. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Comfort Agboola, a teacher at the Edgar Allan Poe Classical Elementary School in the Pullman neighborhood, cries as she is surprised with the news that she won the Milken Educator Award in the school, Feb. 2, 2024. The award, which comes with a $25,000 cash prize, recognizes excellent educators across the nation. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A student reacts at the Edgar Allan Poe Classical Elementary School in the Pullman neighborhood, where officials awarded Comfort Agboola the Milken Educator Award, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The award, which comes with a $25,000 cash prize, recognizes excellent educators across the nation. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Kaylee Huang (center), who is in the seventh grade at Robert Healy Elementary School, performs with Janet Mei (right), a sixth grader, during a Lunar New Year celebration at Robert Healy Elementary School in the Bridgeport neighborhood, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Meteorologist Tom Skilling looks up weather data in his home in Edgewater, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Meteorologist Tom Skilling is retiring after 45 years at WGN.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Sarah Curran, executive director of UChicago Presents, sits in the stands of Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Curran took over as executive director in June 2023 with a goal to make the classically based music series more innovative, inclusive and interdisciplinary, and more connected to other facets of the university and the city beyond.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Tom Skilling, WGN-TV’s meteorologist for more than 45 years, gives his final weather forecast at WGN’s Studios, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Jody Roberts, grandfather of 14-year-old Amere Deese, shares memories of the teen while standing outside his South Shore home, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Amere was one of three people killed in a shooting that Chicago police said also left one person wounded Sunday evening in a home in Chatham on the South Side.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Traccye Love, who used hair relaxers for years and believes that chemicals in those hair products are related to her uterine fibroids, stands in front of a mirror in her mother’s bathroom in Oak Park, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The fibroids caused her pain for years, she said. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) jumps into Lake Michigan for the 24th annual Chicago Polar Plunge, benefitting the Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities, at North Avenue Beach, Sunday, March 3, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A home smells of smoke and water after it was destroyed by a fire in the 8000 block of South South Shore Drive in South Chicago, early Monday, March 4, 2024. Chicago Transit Authority bus driver Anastasios Adamopoulos, 63, and a passenger hopped off his bus about 2 a.m. and awoke 14 residents sleeping inside the building and a neighboring house that also caught fire.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
DePaul College Prep basketball players celebrate winning the IHSA 3A State Championship game against Mount Carmel High School at State Farm Center, Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
An aerial view of Soldier Field looking north toward the city’s skyline, as the Chicago Bears shift their focus to the parking area south of their current home in their quest for a new domed stadium, Monday, March 11, 2024.
Brian Ernst/Sun-Times
John Paunovic, meat manager at Ed’s Way Food Mart, looks into remaining stock in the frozen foods aisle of the store at 946 Beloit Ave. in Forest Park, Thursday, March 21, 2024. After nearly 33 years in business, the beloved family-owned grocery store is shutting its doors to make way for a planned 10-unit townhome building.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Attendees dance while throwing powder in the air during a Holi celebration, which is a Hindu tradition, at Navy Pier, Saturday, March 23, 2024. “Global Connections: Holi” is a free event that features performances, live music and powder throwing. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Jesus, played by Tony Diaz, shouts in pain during the 47th annual “Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross,” a Lenten tradition that recounts the passion and death of Jesus Christ in the Pilsen neighborhood, Friday, March 29, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A man places a bag on top of a car outside the migrant shelter at Broadway Armory Park in Edgewater, Saturday, March 30, 2024. More than 730 asylum seekers are expected to be moved from five Chicago Park District locations: Brands Park, Gage Park, Leone Beach Boathouse, Broadway Armory Park and Piotrowski Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
People march with signs while some wear Israeli flags during a protest in Highland Park to call for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Lithuanian National Cemetery manager Leonas Putrius stands near green burial graves at the cemetery in Justice, Monday, April 8, 2024. About 60% of people are interested in exploring green funeral options, more than ever before.
Paul Beaty/For the Sun-Times
Crowds gather to watch the solar eclipse from Daley Plaza in the Loop, Monday, April 8, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
People look up at the eclipse at the Adler Planetarium Eclipse watch party at Adler Planetarium, Monday, April 8, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Dexter Reed’s sister, Porscha Banks, shouts at Chicago police officers as activists try to deescalate the situation during a protest outside the District 11 police station, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Reed, 26, was shot to death by Chicago police during a traffic stop on March 21. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Tuesday said video of the incident appeared to show Reed opened fire first, striking an officer in the hand before four other cops fired roughly 96 shots at Reed in 41 seconds.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Time
Kids play with a balloon during an Eid-Al-Fitr prayer event at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Melany Oreste (left) and Eider Torres (right) travel together on the Pamplona-Cucuta highway near the Los Acacios toll outside of Cucuta in Norte de Santander, Colombia, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Over the past two years, the city of Chicago has struggled to care for destitute migrants arriving from the southern border. The majority, around 30,000, are from Venezuela, a South American country whose economy has collapsed. Colombia initially rolled out the welcome mat and, by many measures, absorbed this population with little harm and many benefits. Nearly 1.9 million Venezuelans gained paths to formal employment as well as Colombia’s education and health care systems. More recently, however, Colombia’s migrant integration has begun to falter due to the indifference of a new president, waning interest among international donors and a wave of xenophobia rippling through the public. Colombia — a decade into a muddled but essentially humane response to a migrant crisis — holds many lessons for Chicago.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Desiré Borges holds her daughter in her arms outside their home in an unsanctioned neighborhood outside Los Patios, Cucuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia, Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A man carries a large bag of recycled material on the trochas, illegal pathways crossing the border between Venezuela and Colombia in Cucuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia, Saturday, April 13, 2024. Many use these trochas to transport goods back and forth between the countries illegally that are heavily controlled by armed groups.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Danny Díaz changes the channel on his tv as his cats lie on his bed at his home in a migrant settlement outside of Ciudad Bolívar, a vast low-income area built atop steep hills in southern Bogotá, Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Relatives of 9-year-old Ariana Molina mourn in the 2000 block of West 52nd Street after a mass shooting during a gathering the night before on the Back of the Yards neighborhood block, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Molina was killed in the 9:30 p.m. Saturday shooting that left 10 other people wounded, including the girl’s mother and three boys, ages 1, 8 and 9.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Construction workers install granite exterior cladding to the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The 235-foot center’s construction is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
A couple sits on a bench overlooking a park and the Toronto skyline, Saturday, April 20, 2024. Canada is known for its friendlier approach to immigration, but it also faces hurdles as record numbers of people are displaced globally. The Sun-Times traveled to Toronto to explore how the country handles housing and job needs for its newest immigrants.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Refugees and their families live in makeshift shelters at the Christian worship center Miracle Arena For All Nations in Vaughan, just outside of Toronto, Sunday, April 21, 2024. As Chicago dealt with a shortage of shelter beds, Toronto was also managing a shelter crisis amid an increase in people seeking refuge in Canada.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Refugees and their families live in makeshift shelters at the Christian worship center Miracle Arena For All Nations in Vaughan, just outside of Toronto, Sunday, April 21, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
People sit outside Toronto’s intake center at 129 Peter St., where many refugee claimants and asylum seekers go to seek government housing services, Monday, April 22, 2024. While many praise Canada’s Express Entry system as speedier than the months-long wait to get a work permit in the United States, immigrants can face hurdles finding pay and job titles equivalent to the ones in their native countries.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A protester sits with a Palestinian flag at Northwestern University’s Deering Meadow in Evanston, where students and professors set up an encampment in support of Palestinians to demand Northwestern “protect student civil liberties and safety, end partnerships that legitimize genocide and occupation, and disclose and divest from war and apartheid,” according to organizers, Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca’s mother, Edith Huesca, carries the Chicago flag that draped her son’s casket as she is escorted to her vehicle after his funeral at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, Monday, April 29, 2024. Officer Huesca, who had been on the police force for six years and was just two days away from his 31st birthday, was wearing his uniform when he was shot to death April 21 while driving home from work on the Southwest Side.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
The “Monument with Standing Beast” sculpture, the 29-foot tall structure that has stood outside the Thompson Center since 1984, was removed, Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak-LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Lathan Goodrum, a student accepted to Juilliard this fall on a full scholarship, practices dance techniques at the Chicago Academy for the Arts at 1010 W. Chicago Ave. on the North Side, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A demonstrator is detained by Chicago police officers as they clear an encampment set up for several hours by students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Loop, Saturday, May 4, 2024. Nearly 70 people were arrested as protesters demanded the school and museum disclose its investments, give amnesty to demonstrators and divest from those supporting the “occupation of Palestine.”
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
The crowd throws around a giant beach ball during the opening ceremonies to kick-off the Special Olympics Chicago Spring Games competition at Soldier Field, Friday, May 3, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
A punch is thrown as pro-Palestinian protesters clash with counter-protesters at the encampment in the quad at the University of Chicago on the South Side, Friday, May 3, 2024. Encampment organizers demand that the university disclose its investments in weapons manufacturers, divest from those connected to Israel and repair the damage those investments have inflicted on the South Side and abroad.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Kids try on sunglasses at the boutique Pretty Spirit Palace in Mount Greenwood, Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
(From left) Seth Knights, Graydon Schulze-Kalt, Logan Hanssler, and Juan Prieto demonstrate how they are alignment testing for part of the nanosatellite’s optical setup in a lab space at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at 5640 S Ellis Ave., Wednesday, May 13, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
An Israeli flag is raised as Chicago’s Jewish community and supporters celebrate Israel Independence Day in Daley Plaza, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948. The celebration was muted in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war and out of consideration for the hostages still being held by the terror group.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Protest signs block an entrance to the DePaul University campus in Lincoln Park, where hundreds of students and faculty members honored Nakba Day and walked out in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The campus encampment went up April 30.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
A Chicago police officer walks through the quad as crews disassemble the pro-Palestinian encampment at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus after school officials said they had reached an impasse with the protesters, Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A player from Northwest Suburban Chicago Senior Softball hits a ball on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Several times a week from May until October, the group meets in Melas Park in Mount Prospect to play softball.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Lane Tech College Prep High School’s Sebastian Wilson #31 celebrates as Ethan Borggren #24 crosses home plate during the CPL City Championship game against Kenwood Academy High School at Wrigley Field, Monday, May 20, 2024.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
A periodical cicada flies away from Stephanie Adams, plant healthcare leader at the Morton Arboretum, Friday, May 17, 2024. The periodical cicadas have emerged in the Chicago area for the first time in 17 years.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Cicadas perch on plants in Aurora, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The periodical cicadas, which emerge from underground in the spring every 17 years, are expected to die off by the end of June, according to Morton Arboretum scientists. When they die off, millions of the dead insects will cover the ground in suburban Chicago and much of northern Illinois.
Brian Ernst/Sun-Times
A large cicada brood emerges around a tree in Western Springs, Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
Gabito Ballesteros performs at the Suenos Music Festival in Grant Park in Chicago, Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Alex Wroblewski/For the Sun-Times
Blues artist Toronzo Cannon, who is celebrating the release of his new album, “Shut Up & Play,” stands in the office at Alligator Records in Edgewater on the North Side, Monday, June 3, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Francisca “Paquita” Morales celebrates her 107th birthday with friends, family, and delegates at the Plaza Taino Apartments in Humboldt Park, Friday, June 7, 2024.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
Josefina Morales smiles for the camera while watching the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade, which took place on West Division Street from North Campbell Avenue to North Sacramento Avenue on the West Side, Saturday, June 8, 2024. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Ken Carson performs at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash music festival at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Sunday June 16, 2024.
Quinn Harris/For the Sun-Times
Chief Keef brings his daughter on stage while performing at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash music festival at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Sunday, June 16, 2024. For the first time in the Chicago area in nearly 12 years, old and new fans saw the king of drill music — real name Keith Cozart — deliver a firefly medley ranging from his classic street anthems from 2011-2013 to songs from his new album “Almighty So 2.”
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago Fire Department firefighters battle a massive blaze at Commercial Pallet at 2029 W. Hubbard St. in West Town, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The fire started in a warehouse where wooden pallets are stored. Two firefighters were treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A family stands with one of their two new air conditioning units outside their Humboldt Park home, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Restaurant owner Robert Magiet delivered free AC units to residents in Logan Square, Humboldt Park and other areas as Chicago hit four days in a row with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Lucas Glinschert tastes wine during a sensory deprivation class at the Salon & Bar Buzzed by ZEA in Lakeview, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Participants are blindfolded as they taste wine, listen to music, and eat snacks.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Construction begins inside the United Center for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Monday, June 24, 2024.
Brian Ernst/Sun-Times
Kylie Lefever, who performs in drag as Kylee Hunter, does her makeup and prepares for a performance at Roscoe’s Tavern in Northalsted, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Over the decades, Chicago has become a premier place to practice the art of drag. Recently, the city has also become a safe haven for drag queens.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A parade member holds up balloons as they lead a balloon float during the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade in the Northhalsted neighborhood, Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Chef Will Carter, the culinary director for events and catering at One Off Hospitality, prepares a dish at the Garden Chef Challenge using produce from the Cook County sheriff’s urban farming initiative. The event took place at the Cook County Sheriff’s Urban Farm located at 3206 S. California Ave in Little Village, Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Deshawn Willingham, owner and operator of Chicago Urban Farm Solutions, drives a tractor while a farmer, who requested to keep his name private, works on a plant bed at Chicago Urban Farm Solutions in Lynwood, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Willingham graduated from Windy City Harvest’s Corps program before starting his own farm, which supplies vegetables and fruits to various neighborhood organizations.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Former Ald. Ed Burke (14th), the longest-serving City Council member in Chicago history, walks with family, supporters and attorneys out of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after being sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine for racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion, Monday, June 24, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Tom and Mina Popp, who attended Highland Park’s Independence Day Parade for the first time in 2022, dance during the Independence Day Parade along Central Avenue in Highland Park, Thursday, July 4, 2024. Two years after the Highland Park shooting, Tom Popp said there was some “apprehension” in going back this year, but he hopes it will become a family tradition.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Fireworks explode over West 19th Street near South Laflin Street during a Fourth of July block party in the Pilsen neighborhood, Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Edith Renfrow Smith, who will celebrate her 110th birthday on July 14, takes a break while baking a sour cherry pie at her North Side home, Friday, July 5, 2024. Smith, Grinnell College class of ’37, is a rare “supercentenarian” and in the fall her alma mater is naming a new dorm after her.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Spectators watch as NASCAR drivers race on South Columbus Drive in The Loop 110 NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Grant Park, Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Timothy Hiatt/For the Sun-Times
Malcolm Van Buren, a member of the Christopher Bell (20) race team, at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
A man flips on his motorcycle during a stunt competition at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Alex Bowman (48) is sprayed by his teammates as he celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 Chicago street race in Grant Park, Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A piping plover chick nestles with an adult piping plover in the area sectioned off for the endangered species on Montrose Beach on the North Side, Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Ezra Solomon helps clear the road of debris near the intersection of West Huron and North Leavitt streets in West Town, after a record number of tornadoes passed through the Chicago area overnight, Tuesday, July 16, 2024,
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
An unhoused person walks with a suitcase in the encampment between the Dan Ryan Expressway and the 1100 block of South Desplaines Street in the West Loop as workers get ready to clear the encampment ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
A bandage covers President Donald Trump’s ear on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, July 15, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Protesters march around the security perimeter outside Fiserv Forum on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, July 15, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Two would-be protesters rest at a bus stop during a rally in Red Arrow Park on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, July 15, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to delegates on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, July 15, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Delegates hold up signs on the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, July 15, 2024. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Laray Sharpe (left), a relative of a man fatally shot near King Park by an out-of-state police officer, grieves on the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, Tuesday in Milwaukee. The shooting happened about four blocks away from the downtown security perimeter where Republican delegates are gathering in support of presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A protester walks by a sign for former President Donald Trump just outside the security perimeter on the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Former President Donald Trump walks onstage for his speech on day four of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Former President Donald Trump kisses the helmet and firefighter’s jacket that belonged to Corey Comperatore as he speaks on the fourth and final night of the 2024 Republican National Convention, accepting the party’s nomination for president, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Thursday, July 18, 2024. Comperatore, 50, was fatally shot at a Pennsylvania rally where Trump survived an assassination attempt.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Holding hands with his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, and flanked by his children and grandchildren, former President Donald Trump celebrates after accepting the Republican party’s nomination for president on the fourth and final day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Nala Sinephro performs on the third day of Pitchfork in Union Park, Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Former President Donald Trump responds to Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent for ABC News, as he participates in a conversation with journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists Annual Convention and Career Fair at the Hilton Chicago, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The shortened session was full of incendiary comments from the ex-president, including claims of undocumented immigrants taking “Black jobs” and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee of “only promoting Indian heritage.”
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chappell Roan performs on day one of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Actress and musician Mckenna Grace, who surprised fans and dropped a new single on the eve of her Lollapalooza debut, is photographed before her performance at the music festival in Grant Park, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.
Barry Brecheisen/For the Sun-Times
The Deftones perform on the third day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Bara Hadi Abu Alroos, 7, is taken to an SUV waiting to depart O’Hare International Airport after being welcomed by a large group of supporters, Sunday, July 7, 2024. Alroos was severely injured during an airstrike in Gaza that claimed the lives of his father and grandmother. He will receive treatment at Shriners Children’s Chicago hospital on the West Side, where he will be fitted with a prosthetic limb and undergo surgeries for his injuries.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
Members of the Empiire Dance Company perform during the 95th annual Bud Billiken Parade along South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Bronzeville, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Mourners gather for a vigil for 13-year-old Ashawn Davis in the 1200 block of North Halsted Street on the North Side, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Davis was shot to death early Monday inside an apartment in Edgewater.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on day one of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Pro-Palestinian supporters gather for the “March on the DNC 2024″ protest in Union Park, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Chicago Police get ready to clear Park #578 of protesters and reporters after numerous protesters broke through the security perimeter of the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Flanked by family and members of the Illinois delegation, Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during the ceremonial roll call vote on the second day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A delegate listens to former President Barack Obama speak on the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago police push protesters and reporters from the sidewalk near North Clinton and West Madison streets near the security perimeter outside the United Center on the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A protester waves a flag atop a baseball diamond fence during a rally by Chicago Coalition for Justice at Union Park on day three of the Democratic National Convention, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks and accepts the party’s nomination for president on the fourth and final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the United Center, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sits with delegates and listens to speakers on the fourth and final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the United Center, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Uncommitted delegates who support Palestinians gather inside the United Center after a sit-in on the fourth day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Delegates and their supporters spoke and prayed for several minutes.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Delegates and attendees wave American flags and celebrate on the fourth and final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the United Center, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
(From left) Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz celebrate on the fourth and final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in the United Center, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Dancers and spectators attend the Chicago Tribe 30th Anniversary Jam dance battle at Avondale Music Hall, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024.
Timothy Hiatt/For the Sun-Times
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez walk out to greet students on the first day of school at Thomas Chalmers Specialty Elementary School at 2745 W. Roosevelt Rd. in North Lawndale, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Olivia del Cuadio, 4, plays in the water feature at River Park on the Northwest Side as Chicago hit a record with a 99-degree temperature recorded at O’Hare International Airport, breaking a previous record that stood for more than half a century, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Lightning explodes over Chicago as a severe storm passes through the area, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Music Box Theatre employee Matt Carr poses in the “cave,” where he occasionally has to retrieve customer cellphones and other objects that accidentally get dropped through the vents, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
A 10-foot-high metal fence surrounds a former homeless encampment at 1100 S. Desplaines St., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration spent $814,000 on the giant fence as part of an effort to shut down one of the city’s largest and most visible homeless encampments ahead of the Democratic National Convention, City Hall records show.
Peyton Reich/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams #18 — whose finger nails are painted orange and read “#18DABEARS” — runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans in the season opener at Soldier Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Tenessee Titans quarterback Will Levis #8 fumbles the ball when he is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive lineman Darrell Taylor #52 during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. The Bears wrested momentum from the Titans late and escaped with a 24-17 victory to open the season.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
(From left) Victor Andrew High School’s Ryan White and Destiny Sanchez prepare for the team’s inaugural flag football game against Stagg High School in Tinley Park, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times
Hundreds gather for a car caravan on Michigan Avenue near Millennium Park to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Large crowds gather to celebrate the 53rd Annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day parade, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Music of the Baroque Chorus & Orchestra, conducted by Dame Jane Glover, perform Handel’s “Water Music” along the Chicago River from their “stage” atop a moving Shoreline tour boat, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
(From left) Candidate Alejandro Rodriguez, Blue Man Scott Bishop, and candidate Brian Byrne practice the drum portion during a Blue Man Group training session, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Three candidates are working through the extensive audition process where candidates will learn the different skills required to perform and hopefully join the roster of Blue Man.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Kenneth Polin, the first cousin of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, wears an Israeli military dog tag with the number 352 taped over it, signifying the amount of days the hostages have been held in Gaza, while attending a memorial for Goldberg-Polin at Skokie Valley Synagogue, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Goldberg-Polin was a 23 year old Israeli-American who was murdered while in captivity in Gaza.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
Mourners gather for a memorial service in Highland Park that marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that claimed the lives of over 1,200 people, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.
Jim Vondruska/For the Sun-Times
A woman holds an Israeli flag during a memorial organized by the Jewish United Fund in Chicago’s northern suburbs to honor victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. It was one of many such events held to mark one year since the attack.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Marking one year since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, dozens gather in the AIDS Garden Chicago for a candlelight vigil to honor Israeli and Palestinian lives lost in the ongoing conflict, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. The vigil was organized by If Not Now, a group of Jewish Americans opposed to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Talia Sprague/For the Sun-Times
Santita Jackson helps her dad, Rev. Jesse Jackson, blow out the candles on his cake during his 83rd birthday celebration at City Hall, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Lauded by his son, his mayor and others who have known him over his decades of advocacy, Jackson was given the key to the city.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Families and educators react after the Acero Schools Board of Directors voted during a meeting at Acero Roberto Clemente School on the West Side to close seven of their 15 schools next year, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. The closures are planned to begin June 2025 and will impact about 2,000 students.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Volunteers and staff at PAWS Chicago process dogs rescued from hurricane-ravaged Appalachian Highlands Humane Society in Johnson City, Tennessee, at PAWS Chicago Nan & Wayne Kocourek Medical Center located at 3516 W. 26th St. in the Little Village neighborhood, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
James Rios looks over his new tent in preparation to move in from his old tent at an encampment in Humboldt Park, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Chicagoans attempt a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis overhead at Montrose Point, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Thousands run on Columbus Drive in Grant Park during the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Tommy Kendall holds a picture of his brother, Jess Kendall, next to Jess’ 1975 Chevy C10 in Elgin, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Jesse Kendall, 18, and four friends were making their way to the United Center on Oct. 20 when they were confronted by four assailants who robbed them at gunpoint before fatally shooting Kendall.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Zadyn Garrett runs down the sidewalk to the next house while trick-or-treating in Bedford Park, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Zayden and his 27-year-old uncle were both critically wounded in a shooting in his home just after 9 p.m. Oct. 7 in the 11600 block of South Yale Avenue, relatives and Chicago police said.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A woman helps children walk under police tape as Chicago police work the scene where two people were shot, including a 9-year-old girl who suffered a graze wound to the calf, in the 5100 block of North Winthrop Avenue outside Goudy Technical Academy in Uptown, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Porfirio Elliott, 49 stands for a photo in Humboldt Park, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Officials are planning to clear away what remains of the park’s encampment, Chicago’s biggest tent city. They say they’re providing apartments to most of the residents and offering shelter beds to the rest.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Voters line up to cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election at DANK Haus German American Cultural in Lincoln Square on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Eileen O’Neill Burke hugs her husband as she watches Election Day results trickle in during her watch party at Moe’s Cantina in River North, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Burke, a former prosecutor, law division judge and appellate court justice, was declared the winner in a landslide victory over Republican Bob Fioretti.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Supporters eat and mingle as they watch results trickle in on Election Night at the Democratic Party of Illinois watch party for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Joy District in River North, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Firefighters and police officers salute the ambulance carrying Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez’s body during the procession to the Cook County medical examiner’s office, early Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Martinez, 26, who was on the force for nearly three years, was fatally shot about 8 p.m. Monday during a traffic stop in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue in Chatham.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
St. Laurence High School’s Harley Rizzs #22 dives for the end zone to score a touchdown against Wheaton Academy in Burbank, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times
An aerial view of the Elgin Mental Health Center Medical and Surgical building — a modernist cylindrical tower designed by the late architectural pioneer Bertrand Goldberg — being eyeballed for demolition, in Elgin, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
Mark Black/For the Sun-Times
Patrick Egan from Lombard, Ill., reads a book inside the cafe car on Amtrak’s Train 41, the Floridian, bound for Miami, Fl., Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Egan said he’s been a “rain fan” his whole life.
The sun sets behind palm trees, seen from Amtrak’s Train 41, bound for Miami, Fla., Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Hendrix Skylan, a singer and songwriter known as Hendi Sky, wears a clown nose and a hat she made herself on Amtrak’s Train 41, the Floridian, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Skylan hopped on the train in Chicago, Ill. and is going to Orland, Fla. for a music festival. “It’s nice to be down here where it kind of is like, it shifts your perspective as like to how big the world is… It’s almost like a blip in time…You like, open your eyes and you’re in a different state and you step out for a second and you’re there and then you get back on the train and then you’re somewhere else,” Skylan said.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A person travels on a boat as the sun sets in Florida, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Gov. J.B. Pritzker looks at the U.S. flag as people sing the National Anthem during a Veterans Day commemoration ceremony at Soldier Field, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Members of the Illinois Patriot Guard talk as they leave the visitation for slain Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Supporters gather for a Mass dedicated to Officer Enrique Martinez at St. Christina Parish at 3342 W. 111th St. on the Far South Side, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Naperville Central High School’s DeShaun Williams #1 gets his hand on a pass and juggles it for a touchdown reception against Lyons Township High School in Western Springs, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times
Adrian Martinez Jr. hugs his mother, Rosa Mayen, after speaking about his brother, Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, during his funeral at St. Rita Cascia Shrine Temple, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, who was on the force for nearly three years, was fatally shot Nov. 4 during a traffic stop in Chatham.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
An aerial view of Lake Michigan meeting the 1000 block of Sheridan Road in Winnetka, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. The owner of a brick-and-stone mansion with six bedrooms, six bathrooms and a swimming pool on Sheridan Road in Winnetka has gotten massive property tax breaks under Illinois’ low-income senior citizens assessment freeze, a program that allows people 65 and older with a household income of no more than $65,000 to get tax relief on their primary residence.
Brian Ernst/Sun-Times
Winner Ben Shabad is hoisted in the air by other participants during a Jeremy Allen White look-alike contest in Humboldt Park, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Over 50 participants came out to take home the crown of the most Jeremy Allen White look-alike, most dressing as his character Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto from the series “The Bear.”
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
In anticipation of the organization’s 65th anniversary, trainees for the Jesse White Tumblers practice at the Jesse White Community Center on the North Side, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Firefighters work to stabilize a fire on the 1900 block of W. School St. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan walks out of the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in the Loop after his trial, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Fireworks go off above the Chicago Cultural Center as the switch was flipped to turn on the Christmas tree lights during the 111th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams #18 hands off to running back D’Andre Swift #4 during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. The Bears lost 30-27 to the Vikings in overtime after trailing by 11 with 1:56 to play in the fourth quarter.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
St. Ignatius College Prep’s Hayes Mueller #7 reacts after a defensive play against Whitney Young Magnet High School during the 2024 Prep Bowl at Fornelli Field, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
Melissa takes a moment to herself after packing up her belongings before spending the night elsewhere at Humboldt Park, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Chicago officials on Friday carried out a months-old plan to clear away the city’s biggest homeless encampment after moving some residents into apartments and offering most of the others shelter beds.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
City workers clean up tent sites as part of clearing of encampments at Humboldt Park, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Chicago officials on Friday carried out a months-old plan to clear away the city’s biggest homeless encampment after moving some residents into apartments and offering most of the others shelter beds.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson prays during a vigil for Detective Allan Reddins at Oak Park Village Hall, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Detective Reddins, 40, was shot and killed Nov. 29 when an armed gunman opened fire near the library during a brief standoff with police.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Hundreds celebrate as members of Chicago’s Syrian-American community host a solidarity rally at Congress Plaza Garden in the Loop after the rebel overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) and other members of the “Common Sense Caucus” address reporters after the Chicago City Council meeting was recessed at City Hall, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Alderpersons are scheduled to return at 1 p.m. Monday, by which time Mayor Brandon Johnson hopes to revise his budget enough to win Council approval.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times