Good afternoon, Chicago.
A federal judge today took the rare step of declaring a mistrial for two west suburban men accused in a juice loan extortion scheme after an FBI agent testified he investigated “organized crime matters,” a term that the judge had explicitly barred to avoid prejudicing the jury.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman to halt the trial came after three tumultuous days of testimony, including one witness who accused a defense attorney in front of the jury of being a liar who is “paid to represent criminals” and others with lengthy rap sheets who had to be dragged into court under threat of incarceration.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy
Protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza arrested after they block traffic near Federal Plaza
The protestors had linked arms across the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Dearborn Street, according to a news release from the vigil organizers. They blocked traffic in every direction, the release said. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Illinois moves to limit toxic forever chemicals contaminating wells throughout the state
- Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson cites ‘performance concerns’ in firing police Chief Jerel Jones
Business owner sues Calumet City for reversal of gas station approval, alleges racism
A gas station entrepreneur is suing Calumet City for a vote he says reneged on an approved deal to allow him to build on a vacant lot, challenging the vote as “procedurally invalid” and illogical. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- United plane veers off runway in third Boeing incident this week
- Kennedy Expressway construction is about to restart, and the lane closures are coming early
From pro day to private dinner, what’s ahead for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears after their combine icebreaker
The icebreaker between the Chicago Bears and USC quarterback Caleb Williams came last week inside a suite at Lucas Oil Stadium during a time-limited interview at the NFL scouting combine. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago baseball report: Cubs have some key decisions to make — and the White Sox will take a look at 3 pitching additions
- 5 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls’ 3rd straight win, including veterans taking the lead and scoring from behind the arc
Mark Caro: Try our 2024 ‘Os-Caro’ quiz in honor of Sunday’s Academy Awards show
The Oscars aren’t math, and there’s room for plenty of surprises and oddities, which provide the fodder for some questions to test your Academy Awards savvy and torment your cinematic soul. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- What to do around Chicago: The Eagles, ‘ALICE’ and the ‘Pretty Woman’ musical
- Oscars producers promise cameos and surprises for Sunday’s (1 hour earlier) show
Trump attorneys post bond to support $83.3 million award to writer in defamation case
Attorney Alina Habba filed papers with the New York judge to show that Trump had secured a $91.6 million bond from the Federal Insurance Co. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
