Chicago Sun-Times columnists

Bears

Caleb Williams: Right guy, right place, right time

The Bears have been here before in their search for a quarterback — Jay Cutler, Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields — and have found only disappointment. But Williams not only is a cut above as a prospect, the Bears are set up for him to succeed where others failed.

By Mark Potash

Columnists

Bears, White Sox want stadium deals, so how about a cut of the action?

In exchange for billions of dollars in public money, the public deserves an ownership stake in the franchises.

By David Roeder

Jay Baruchel (from left), Emily Hampshire and Alanna Bale play siblings forced to decide which family member will be euthanized in "Humane."

Movies and TV

Which sibling will die? It's up to them in clever psychological thriller 'Humane'

In a future when the government pushes human sacrifice, family members face a cruel but captivating dilemma.

By Richard Roeper

Renderings of the proposed new Bears stadium

Columnists

Bears have designs on the lakefront, as Mayor Johnson plays the wrong position of cheerleader-in-chief

The city is willing to put private interests ahead of public benefit and cheer on a wrongheaded effort to build a massive domed stadium — that would be perfect for Arlington Heights — on Chicago’s lakefront.

By Lee Bey

Vera Drew, "The People's Joker" director, wears clown makeup and a comic book-like costume as she stars in the movie.

Movies and TV

Why so serious? 'The People's Joker' warps Batman tropes into wildly inventive punk parody

Like no superhero movie before it, the subversive coming-of-age story reinvents the villain’s origins with a mélange of visual styles and a barrage of gags.

By Richard Roeper

Columnists

Columbine could have been a turning point in tackling America's gun violence. It wasn't.

Twenty-five years later, the gun industry’s greed and elected leaders’ cowardice continue to prevail, the head of the National Urban League writes.

By Marc H. Morial

Bears

A chance to wipe out 75 years of Bears quarterback futility with one simple announcement

If presumed No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is as good as advertised, Chicago won’t know what to do with itself.

By Rick Morrissey

Bill Skarsgård plays a mute man whose inner voice is provided by H. Jon Benjamin in "Boy Kills World."

Movies and TV

Ultraviolent 'Boy Kills World' hits you over the head with gimmicks

Bill Skarsgård plays a fighter seeking vengeance as film builds to some ridiculous late bombshells.

By Richard Roeper

Columnists

Trump's immunity claim has alarming implications

The Supreme Court will hear arguments involving the federal case charging Donald Trump with illegally trying to remain in office after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

By Jacob Sullum

Columnists

Why Republicans are actually relieved Trump is on trial

Most Americans say Republican efforts to limit abortion access go too far, so it’s easier for GOP leaders to blast the Trump trials as political “witch hunts” than to defend their unpopular policies.

By S. E. Cupp

Pursued by both Art (Mike Faist, left) and Patrick (Josh O'Connor), Tashi (Zendaya) lures both into a makeout session in "Challengers."

Movies and TV

'Challengers' as sexy as a tennis movie can be

In beautiful and brutal sports drama, Zendaya portrays a coach playing sophisticated games with her two charismatic suitors.

By Richard Roeper

Cubs

Former Cub Don Kessinger watching with pride as grandson Grae arrives with Astros at Wrigley Field

“We’re kind of living through Grae right now,” Kessinger told the Sun-Times. “I’m more excited and nervous watching him play than I was when I broke in.”

By Steve Greenberg

Columnists

An empty chair at Passover Seder, affixed with a picture of a hostage

The continuing bloody war in Gaza — the 33,000 Palestinians killed and the unknown fate of Israeli hostages — casts a pall over Passover celebrations.

By Neil Steinberg

Bears

Caleb Williams sure looks to be Bears’ guy – a true talent available at just the right time

It would be beyond shocking to this city if the Bears’ future had any other path than following Williams as a trailblazer.

By Rick Telander

Naomi (Vanessa Hudgens, left) invites newcomer Julia (Lily Rabe) out to the bar in "Downtown Owl."

Movies and TV

'Downtown Owl': '80s period piece doesn't know what it wants to be

Co-director Lily Rabe stars as small-town newcomer in disjointed adaptation of Chuck Klosterman novel.

By Richard Roeper

Cubs

Cubs' Adbert Alzolay out of closer role for now but vows to get it back; 'I was built for it,' he says

Asked before Sunday’s series finale against the Marlins if Alzolay is his closer, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, “I don’t think today he would be.”

By Steve Greenberg

Columnists

Congress backs billions in aid for Ukraine, Israel. How did Illinois members vote?

Chicago Reps. Delia Ramirez, Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia and Jonathan Jackson, all Democrats and the most pro-Palestinian members of the Illinois delegation, voted no on aid to Israel. GOP Rep. Darin LaHood split from his party to support aid to Ukraine.

By Lynn Sweet

Columnists

Playing in the high school marching band makes you 'part of something bigger'

Morgan Park High School trumpeters riff on the most popular brass instrument.

By Neil Steinberg

A child with dirty hands hands lemonade to a buyer.

Someone in Chicago

Someone in Chicago wants to support lemonade stands but shuns germs

Young entrepreneurs and supportive patrons can meet each other halfway on this. Here are some thoughts on how to do that.

By Ismael Pérez

Bulls

Bulls prove they're not worthy of your belief

The season ended the exact same way it did last season. The glaring difference this time: This season was over before the first half ended. Last year, at least they fought until the two-minute mark of the fourth quarter.

By Scoop Jackson

Columnists

Watch and learn: Chicago Palestine Film Festival aims to entertain, educate

Not all participating filmmakers are of Palestinian descent, but their art reclaims and champions narratives that have been defiled by those who have a Pavlovian tendency to think terrorists — not innocent civilians — when they visualize Palestinian men, women and children.

By Rummana Hussain

Sports Saturday

Solid FX doc 'Broken Horses' offers answers on why the animals keep dying young

Evidence points to doping by unscrupulous trainers and owners.

By Richard Roeper