Daywatch: Can Chicago reverse a 2-year gun violence spike? | Park District wants to seal lawsuit from public | Would a Bears stadium get taxpayer help in Arlington Heights?

Good morning, Chicago.

In the first three months of 2022, both fatal and nonfatal shootings were down in Chicago. And while those are welcome statistics in the wake of a two-year surge in gun violence, the Tribune’s Annie Sweeney reports, experts cautioned it’s too early to say whether the city is finally coming off a period of high crime.

Asiaha Butler, a longtime organizer in Englewood, has seen crime fluctuate over the years: “It shouldn’t be a story that crime is down. That should hopefully be the norm.”

And in the latest from Ukraine, Russia is facing a fresh wave of condemnation after evidence emerged of what appeared to be deliberate killings of civilians.

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

Chicago Park District wants to seal from public lawsuit against Mayor Lori Lightfoot over obscene comments

The Chicago Park District has filed a motion attempting to seal a lawsuit involving allegations that Mayor Lori Lightfoot berated a lawyer and used obscene language in a Zoom call over a Christopher Columbus statue — an unusual move that would keep the public in the dark about the case.

The Park District argues that the case should sealed to protect its interests as it defends a separate lawsuit brought by an Italian Americans group over Lightfoot’s removal of a Columbus statue in Little Italy. It is rare for a whole case to be sealed from public view, experts said.

Crime and budget are top of mind for Illinois lawmakers as session wraps up Friday

With their condensed election-year session scheduled to wrap up Friday, Illinois lawmakers are eager to leave Springfield for the campaign trail, but they’ll first have to tackle issues expected to play a significant role in the upcoming election: combating crime and crafting a state spending plan with a rare projected surplus.

Elections often create unanticipated dynamics, and amid both national and local concerns over an inflationary economy, violent crime and corruption, and an unending pandemic, Democrats have been forced to play defense after years of enjoying supermajorities in the General Assembly and extending their power into the once-Republican rich suburbs.

Longtime Fenwick High School teacher on leave following complaint from former student

A longtime teacher and former coach at Fenwick High School in Oak Park was placed on administrative leave in the wake of a complaint from a former student alleging inappropriate behavior.

In a letter sent to Fenwick parents, the Rev. Richard Peddicord, the Catholic high school’s president, said “a Fenwick alumna posted a video detailing her experience as a student at Fenwick and our handling of a serious matter involving a faculty member.”

The Tribune is not naming the teacher because he has not been charged with a crime. The teacher issued a statement through an attorney denying the allegations.

A Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights could get public help, village’s mayor says, but resources are limited

After initially downplaying taxpayer subsidies for a proposed Chicago Bears stadium, the mayor of Arlington Heights is leaving the door open to limited public help for the project.

Such help might come in the form of a tax increment financing district or another local tax district that would use the site’s property taxes to pay for roads, sewers and other infrastructure. Any proposal would be subject to a public hearing. With the Bears hoping to do a deal by early 2023, Mayor Tom Hayes said a public hearing would likely be before the end of this year.

The Arlington Heights Bears? Here’s what to know about the team’s possible move from Chicago’s Soldier Field.
With thoroughbreds no longer running at Arlington ― which Bears may call home ― struggling racing industry pins hopes on Hawthorne

Column: Some of Chicagoland’s best veggie tacos are made at Taco Mucho in Oak Park

Step up to the register at Taco Mucho in Oak Park, and you’ll see a number of familiar taco fillings like carnitas and carne asada.

Order both, because they are excellent. But trust Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger: No order is complete without a roasted poblano con queso taco ($5), one of Chicago’s very best vegetarian tacos.

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on April 4, 2022