Daywatch: Alderman speaking in front of burnt American flag sparks criticism

Good morning, Chicago.

The charred white stars and blackened, red stripes were all that remained of a burnt American flag on the sidewalk as Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, spoke Friday evening during a protest outside City Hall.

The fact Sigcho-Lopez — a progressive ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson who has called for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to be canceled and criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the war between Israel and Hamas — attended the rally wasn’t much of a surprise.

But his appearance with the scorched flag that protesters said was once flown during a military tour in Afghanistan by a veteran who burned it Friday to protest Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza has since incensed several of the alderman’s council colleagues. When pictures of Sigcho-Lopez speaking in front of the charred flag were spotted online, several aldermen harshly criticized him on social media over the weekend and have since said they may even consider a council censure vote.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Today’s eNewspaper edition

Attorneys Parker Stinar, left, and Symone Shinton talk about a lawsuit against former gynecologist Fabio Ortega on March 26, 2024, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

New lawsuit alleges abuse by former Endeavor Health gynecologist Fabio Ortega

A Cook County woman filed suit Monday against Endeavor Health and former gynecologist Fabio Ortega, contending the doctor sexually abused her and the health system failed to intervene after other patients complained of sexual misconduct.

Dozens of Chicago Park District employees and supporters, including Venus Valino, center, rally outside City Hall for better pay on March 26, 2024. The employees are represented by the Service Employees International Union. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Dozens of Chicago Park District employees and supporters, including Venus Valino, center, rally outside City Hall for better pay on March 26, 2024. The employees are represented by the Service Employees International Union. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

On brink of a strike, Chicago Park District union workers call for Mayor Brandon Johnson to intervene in contract talks

At least 50 Chicago Park District union workers marched into City Hall on Tuesday to demand Mayor Brandon Johnson intervene in contract negotiations that have reached the brink of a strike.

Adam Stafford King, 39, of Elburn, is facing child pornography charges alleging he chatted online about a plan to sexually assault his newborn son. (U.S. District Court records)
Adam Stafford King, 39, of Elburn, is facing child pornography charges alleging he chatted online about a plan to sexually assault his newborn son. (U.S. District Court records)

Feds say Chicago-area dog show judge deleted child porn evidence in shower during FBI raid

FBI agents arrested the Chicago-area veterinarian late last week on charges alleging he chatted online about a plan to sexually assault his newborn son, posting ultrasound images and photos of baby outfits as proof of the child’s pending arrival.

In asking for him to be held without bond, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Stone revealed some of those messages in court Tuesday, including one in which he allegedly told a person in New York he thought was a fellow pedophile, “Maybe you’ll get to meet my boy,” followed by a crying laughing emoji.

Baltimore County police officers on Bethlehem Boulevard look at the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by a container ship on Tuesday.(Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore County police officers on Bethlehem Boulevard look at the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by a container ship on Tuesday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

Recovery efforts resume Wednesday for 6 missing Key Bridge construction workers in Baltimore

Gov. Wes Moore and representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland State Police said Tuesday evening that they would transition to a recovery operation to find the six men, who have not been officially identified, and are presumed to be dead after they fell into the river following the bridge’s collapse at 1:27 a.m. Tuesday.

TransUnion CEO Chris Cartwright arrives for a Senate Banking Committee hearing on oversight of credit reporting agencies, on Capitol Hill, April 27, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty)
TransUnion CEO Chris Cartwright arrives for a Senate Banking Committee hearing on oversight of credit reporting agencies, on Capitol Hill, April 27, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty)

TransUnion nearly doubles previously announced layoffs to 640 employees in Illinois

Chicago-based credit reporting giant TransUnion is nearly doubling its statewide layoffs to 640 employees as part of a broader cost savings initiative announced last year.

The company previously reported that 339 employees would be laid off beginning in February, but an additional 301 are also receiving pink slips in Illinois, according to a required filing with the state Friday.

Naperville has a new welcome sign to the tune of $100,000

Naperville "Welcome to Naperville" sign on Washington Street, near Royce Road, at the city's border with Bolingbrook incorparates elements of the city's logo into its design.

Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

Naperville “Welcome to Naperville” sign on Washington Street, near Royce Road, at the city’s border with Bolingbrook incorporates elements of the city’s logo into its design. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

For first time, Naperville ranks No. 1 on Niche’s annual best cities in America list

Naperville is the best city in which to live in the country. At least, that’s what Niche says.

FILE - Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave The London Clinic in central London, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. King Charles III was in hospital to receive treatment for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace officials say King Charles III and Queen Camilla will attend an Easter service at the chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday, March 30, 2024. The appearance will be the first major event for Charles, 75, since he was diagnosed with cancer in February. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave The London Clinic in central London, Jan. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

King Charles III will attend Easter Sunday service in his first major appearance since diagnosis

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will attend an Easter service at the chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday, Buckingham Palace officials said, in the first major appearance for the 75-year-old king since he was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey, left, walks to an interview with the Bears Vice President of Communications Brandon Faber at the NFL owners meetings, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey, left, walks to an interview with the Bears Vice President of Communications Brandon Faber at the NFL owners meetings, March 26, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

10 things we heard about the Chicago Bears at the NFL owners meetings, including Shane Waldron teaching Caleb Williams

Over media sessions with Chairman George McCaskey, President Kevin Warren, general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus, here are 10 other things we heard about one of the busiest Bears offseasons in recent memory.

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan signs items for fans before the game against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center on Sunday, April 9, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan signs items for fans before the game against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center on Sunday, April 9, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Some Chicago Bulls frustrated by the reality of sports gambling in the NBA: ‘It takes away the purity of the game’

For Chicago Bulls players, the proliferation of sports gambling has shifted the dynamic of being a professional athlete — both on the internet and on the court.

A selection of wines are on display for sale at Easy Does It, 2354 N. Milwaukee Ave., March 22, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
A selection of wines are on display for sale at Easy Does It, 2354 N. Milwaukee Ave., March 22, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago’s best wine destinations, according to the experts, from wine bars to fine dining

On his nights off, you might expect to find Derrick Westbrook, the Chicago wine director and sommelier, formerly of the Michelin-starred Elizabeth in Lincoln Square, unwinding in similarly gilded hot spots.

After years of working restaurant floors, Westbrook admits he enjoys fine dining from the unique lens of a guest. But when Westbrook is off the clock, he’s not known to frequent spots boasting deep collections of classified Bordeaux or upscale steakhouses specializing in cult Napa cabs.

Antique carousel lions, March 10, 2024, at Architectural Artifacts in River North. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Antique carousel lions, March 10, 2024, at Architectural Artifacts in River North. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Longtime Architectural Artifacts is closing. If you want a chunk of Frank Lloyd Wright or some French carousel lions, it’s your last chance.

As Stuart Grannen calls his wares: “Completely useless stuff.”

An old cheese case from Parma, Italy. A rusted CTA fare box. A dozen fruit-picking ladders.

And yet, in the right room … it can be the right useless stuff. Once-practical objects, with a little time and dust behind them, have a habit of resembling art.

Related posts