Good morning, Chicago.
A grassroots organization is encouraging U.S. residents not to spend any money today as an act of “economic resistance” to protest what the group’s founder sees as the malign influence of billionaires, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans.
The People’s Union USA calls the 24 hours of spending abstinence an “economic blackout,” a term that has since been shared and debated on social media. The activist movement said it also plans to promote weeklong consumer boycotts of particular companies, including Walmart and Amazon.
Other activists, faith-based leaders and consumers already are organizing boycotts to protest companies that have scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trump’s moves to abolish all federal DEI programs and policies.
“The time for silence is over,” the Rev. Ira Acree with the Greater St. John Bible Church said. “We refuse to stand by while corporate greed devours our communities, while diversity and inclusion efforts are dismantled and justice is trampled under our foot.”
Here are some details about the various events and experts’ thoughts on whether having consumers keep their wallets closed is an effective tool for influencing the positions corporations take.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Judge finds mass firings of federal probationary workers to likely be unlawful
A federal judge in San Francisco yesterday found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to a coalition of labor unions and organizations that has sued to stop the Trump administration’s massive dismantling of the federal workforce.
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick seeking GOP bid for Illinois governor in 2026
James Mendrick, who has been DuPage County sheriff since late 2018, announced yesterday he intends to run for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in 2026 and not seek a third term as sheriff of the state’s second-largest county.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses. Here’s what to know and how to avoid it.
Measles is rarely seen in the United States, but Americans are growing more concerned about the preventable virus as cases continue to rise in rural West Texas.
Special prosecutor won’t charge Jasper Co. deputy who killed Jan. 6 defendant in traffic stop, who feared violating parole, video shows
An Indiana special prosecutor said yesterday he will not charge a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy who killed a former Jan. 6 defendant during a traffic stop last month.
A 10-minute released bodycam video appeared to show Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, feared getting arrested and violating his parole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As distraught parents plead, school board votes to keep Acero charter schools open, despite financial warning
The Chicago Board of Education approved an amended resolution at a board meeting yesterday requiring Chicago Public Schools to keep open several charter schools slated for closure.
The last-minute change in the resolution to make it mandatory to absorb all schools and costs reflects the dynamics of a divided board — with several newly elected and appointed members — that is facing serious financial challenges.
Police: Landlord called Palestinian-American boy and his mother ‘infested rats’ after being arrested for kindergartener’s murder
After being arrested in connection with 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi’s fatal stabbing, Joseph Czuba said he had been afraid of the boy and his mother and likened them to “infested rats,” according to a video shown at the Plainfield man’s murder trial yesterday.
Bears to submit traffic and financial studies for Arlington Heights stadium site, official says
While downplaying online rumors that the Chicago Bears have reached a deal to move to Arlington Heights, a village official said the team will soon submit important traffic and financial studies of the proposal.
Why NIU sees joining the Horizon League — and splitting up its sports — as ‘the right fit and the right time’
In front of a backdrop sporting the Northern Illinois and Horizon League logos yesterday at the NIU Convocation Center, Huskies athletic director Sean Frazier declared a second victory in two months for his department.
“We just got better again today,” Frazier said. “This is really a massive, massive deal for us.”
Column: The Oscars are Sunday. Who will win, who should win, and is ‘Anora’ the movie to beat?
It’s true most years, out of the last 96. The Academy Awards, judging from the films and artists nominated and by the eventual winners, divides itself into two groups, writes Tribune film critic Michael Phillips. One reminds us of a familiar moviegoing past. And one looks forward to whatever future the industry can make for itself.
Take the 10 nominees for best picture this year. The front runner, with very real chances of not winning, is writer, director and editor Sean Baker’s “Anora.” Now, take “Conclave,” which might very well end up the winner, because it’s likely to end up as the second or third favorite choice on ballots. As might “The Brutalist” or “Emilia Pérez” or even “A Complete Unknown.”
In appreciation: In Gene Hackman, from Danville, the exquisite loneliness of the long-distance actor
As recalled by Dustin Hoffman, his fellow struggling student at Pasadena Playhouse in California, Gene Hackman had a way of sidling, reluctantly, into a room, betraying his ingrained insecurities while attracting most of the eyeballs present. People leaned in, even as they kept their wary distance.
That combination made for some singularly rich performances. As film historian David Thomson wrote, “His energy is most interesting when suppressed.”
What to do in Chicago: Chicago Fire, a Mónica Naranjo concert and a Carnivale celebration on Navy Pier
Also around the area this weekend, comedian Tom Segura is at the United Center and Polar Plunge raises money for the Special Olympics.
