Kyra Senese
@kyrasenese.bsky.social
Chicagoan. Freelance reporter. FOIA nerd. Sun-Times bylines. Previously: COVID-19 coverage, Investigative Fellow @columbiajournalism.bsky.social
Mikquale T. Cooper, AKA BloodHound Q50, was inside a car around 4 a.m. Sunday at a gas station in the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue when the killing happened.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Rapper BloodHound Q50 fatally ambushed by 6 gunmen in Fuller Park
Mikquale T. Cooper, AKA BloodHound Q50, was inside a car around 4 a.m. Sunday at a gas station the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue when the killing happened.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Mikquale T. Cooper, AKA BloodHound Q50, was inside a car around 4 a.m. Sunday at a gas station in the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue when the killing happened.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Mikquale Cooper, 22, was fatally shot early Sunday in Fuller Park when two cars pulled up alongside and several people in both vehicles fired shots. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
22-year-old man fatally shot in Fuller Park
Mikquale Cooper was inside a car at around 4 a.m. Sunday in the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue when two cars pulled up alongside and several people in both vehicles fired shots.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 14, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Mikquale Cooper, 22, was fatally shot early Sunday in Fuller Park when two cars pulled up alongside and several people in both vehicles fired shots. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Chicago police said a verbal argument with a group of people turned physical when someone fatally shot a 33-year-old man in the chest. chicago.suntimes.com/west-pullman...
33-year-old man fatally shot during altercation in West Pullman
Chicago police said a verbal argument with a group of people turned physical when someone shot the victim in the chest.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 13, 2026 at 3:37 AM
Chicago police said a verbal argument with a group of people turned physical when someone fatally shot a 33-year-old man in the chest. chicago.suntimes.com/west-pullman...
Chicago police said detectives are investigating three incidents of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred Friday night in Avondale. chicago.suntimes.com/avondale/202...
Police investigating reported sexual abuse after women were attacked in Avondale
Chicago police said detectives are investigating three incidents of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred Friday night in Avondale.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 13, 2026 at 3:36 AM
Chicago police said detectives are investigating three incidents of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred Friday night in Avondale. chicago.suntimes.com/avondale/202...
Illinois State Police said two people were hit by a car Saturday while standing outside of their own vehicles on eastbound I-90 in Elk Grove. chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
2 injured in I-90 multi-vehicle crash in Elk Grove
Illinois State Police responded to a crash Saturday afternoon near milepost 73, authorities said.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 13, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Illinois State Police said two people were hit by a car Saturday while standing outside of their own vehicles on eastbound I-90 in Elk Grove. chicago.suntimes.com/public-safet...
Of the 38 people shot from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, eight have died, according to Chicago police. At least five teenagers were wounded in separate shootings.
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
9 killed, 30 wounded in Labor Day weekend violence
Labor Day caps a historically peaceful summer in Chicago. The city had had 122 murders in June, July and August — the lowest summer total since 1965.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 8, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Of the 38 people shot from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, eight have died, according to Chicago police. At least five teenagers were wounded in separate shootings.
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
Skokie celebrated the dedication of what organizers say is the first kosher community fridge in the U.S. on Wednesday in honor of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old with Chicago ties who was taken hostage and killed by Hamas. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
Hersh’s Fridge dedicated in Skokie in memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Skokie organizers celebrated the dedication of what they said is the first kosher community fridge in the country in honor of Hersh Goldberg-Polin Wednesday.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 3, 2026 at 4:44 AM
Skokie celebrated the dedication of what organizers say is the first kosher community fridge in the U.S. on Wednesday in honor of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old with Chicago ties who was taken hostage and killed by Hamas. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/09...
Reposted by Kyra Senese
President Donald Trump wants to spend $1.5 trillion on defense next year.
Adjusted for inflation, that would be more than the U.S. spent annually on defense during the height of World War II.
Adjusted for inflation, that would be more than the U.S. spent annually on defense during the height of World War II.
The $1 Trillion Black Box
The U.S. military budget is vast and opaque. Projects touted as engineering marvels end up facing years of delays and ballooning costs. ProPublica has launched a series to report on the Pentagon’s spe...
www.propublica.org
August 23, 2026 at 2:00 AM
President Donald Trump wants to spend $1.5 trillion on defense next year.
Adjusted for inflation, that would be more than the U.S. spent annually on defense during the height of World War II.
Adjusted for inflation, that would be more than the U.S. spent annually on defense during the height of World War II.
Chicagoans looking to help Indiana residents recovering from the recent storms can donate money and supplies or volunteer with organizations providing relief.
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Want to help northwest Indiana storm victims? How to support recovery efforts from Chicago
Chicagoans looking to help from across the state line can donate money and supplies or volunteer with organizations providing relief to Indiana residents.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 23, 2026 at 4:14 AM
Chicagoans looking to help Indiana residents recovering from the recent storms can donate money and supplies or volunteer with organizations providing relief.
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Officers arrested a 45-year-old man this week who is charged in connection with the burglary of a Gold Coast home in July, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Man charged in connection with Gold Coast burglary
The investigation into the July burglary remains open as detectives search for additional suspects seen in obtained video footage, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 22, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Officers arrested a 45-year-old man this week who is charged in connection with the burglary of a Gold Coast home in July, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
A 50-year-old woman was in critical condition Friday morning after she and a 20-year-old man were shot in Austin, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
2 wounded in Austin drive-by shooting
The man and woman were outside along the 400 block of North Pine Avenue when someone inside a vehicle fired shots, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 15, 2026 at 11:41 PM
A 50-year-old woman was in critical condition Friday morning after she and a 20-year-old man were shot in Austin, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
A 23-year-old off-duty officer was taken to a hospital in good condition after the altercation, police said. Four people were taken into custody.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
4 taken into custody after fight involving 2 off-duty Chicago police officers
A 23-year-old off-duty officer was taken to a hospital in good condition after the altercation, police said. Four people were taken into custody.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 8, 2026 at 3:28 AM
A 23-year-old off-duty officer was taken to a hospital in good condition after the altercation, police said. Four people were taken into custody.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Reposted by Kyra Senese
Last year, state officials shut down a Chicago Heights crematory, also operated by Clark and Johanna Morgan, amid allegations they had misstored over 100 bodies at the facility.
Owners of Far South Side funeral home have history of mishandling human remains
chicago.suntimes.com
August 7, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Last year, state officials shut down a Chicago Heights crematory, also operated by Clark and Johanna Morgan, amid allegations they had misstored over 100 bodies at the facility.
On Friday evening, the Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed it was assessing the remains of 56 people.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Families, neighbors sickened by discovery of dozens of decomposing bodies at Far South Side funeral home
The bodies were found at South Chicago Chapel in South Deering Thursday — some stuffed into closets and a garage — after police arrived at the funeral home while acting on a tip.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 8, 2026 at 3:12 AM
On Friday evening, the Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed it was assessing the remains of 56 people.
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
The two victims were found with gunshot wounds inside a Harvey home Thursday, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/08...
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/08...
Harvey police identify 2 victims in fatal shooting
The two victims were found with gunshot wounds inside a Harvey home Thursday, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 2, 2026 at 2:46 AM
The two victims were found with gunshot wounds inside a Harvey home Thursday, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/08...
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/08...
Chicagoans might get a break from the rain Sunday after the latest round of soggy weather disrupted traffic, flooded more homes and upended the schedule at Day 3 of Lollapalooza.
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Heavy rain disrupts commutes, Lollapalooza as more flooding hits Chicago area
Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roadways and continue monitoring conditions as rain moves out of the area.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 2, 2026 at 12:51 AM
Chicagoans might get a break from the rain Sunday after the latest round of soggy weather disrupted traffic, flooded more homes and upended the schedule at Day 3 of Lollapalooza.
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Forecasters anticipate showers will move into the downtown area Friday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said.
chicago.suntimes.com/lollapalooza...
chicago.suntimes.com/lollapalooza...
Heavy rain expected at Lollapalooza. Here’s what to know.
Forecasters anticipate showers will move into the Downtown area Friday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 31, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Forecasters anticipate showers will move into the downtown area Friday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said.
chicago.suntimes.com/lollapalooza...
chicago.suntimes.com/lollapalooza...
The contractor who died in Downers Grove this week was identified as 33-year-old Ivan A. Perez, of Pasadena, Texas, the DuPage County coroner’s office said. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07...
Contractor who died in Downers Grove storm sewer identified
The body of 33-year-old Ivan A. Perez, of Pasadena, Texas, was recovered Tuesday, the DuPage County coroner's office said.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 31, 2026 at 1:05 PM
The contractor who died in Downers Grove this week was identified as 33-year-old Ivan A. Perez, of Pasadena, Texas, the DuPage County coroner’s office said. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07...
An SUV had been traveling at a high speed in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue when it struck and killed an adult man late Sunday, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07...
Pedestrian killed in Gage Park crash
An SUV had been traveling southbound in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue at a high rate of speed when it struck and killed an adult man late Sunday, police said.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 27, 2026 at 6:51 PM
An SUV had been traveling at a high speed in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue when it struck and killed an adult man late Sunday, police said. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/07...
Four people were killed after a car fleeing police drove off a bridge and into a train box car early Sunday in Bedford Park, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
4 killed after car fleeing authorities drives off bridge, crashes into train box car in Bedford Park
Chicago police officers and Illinois State Police troopers both attempted to pull the car over before it sped away and drove off a Cicero Avenue bridge early Sunday.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 27, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Four people were killed after a car fleeing police drove off a bridge and into a train box car early Sunday in Bedford Park, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Reposted by Kyra Senese
About 150,000 people have lost food assistance this year across the state because of expanded work rules. It’s less than expected, but there are signs of growing need as a central safety net program shrinks.
Illinois sees 16% drop in SNAP enrollment one year after food program overhaul
chicago.suntimes.com
July 27, 2026 at 1:32 PM
About 150,000 people have lost food assistance this year across the state because of expanded work rules. It’s less than expected, but there are signs of growing need as a central safety net program shrinks.
The National Weather Service urged Chicagoans to “stay weather aware” as it issued a storm warning Monday for northern Cook County, warning of possible damaging winds and hail. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Storms pass through Chicago as extreme heat persists
The National Weather Service urged Chicagoans to "stay weather aware" as it issued a storm warning shortly before 11 a.m. Monday for northern Cook County.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 27, 2026 at 5:17 PM
The National Weather Service urged Chicagoans to “stay weather aware” as it issued a storm warning Monday for northern Cook County, warning of possible damaging winds and hail. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Experts say rapidly changing air quality is something Chicago area residents will need to get used to every summer as intense fires in Canada are happening earlier and climate change is producing warmer temperatures and dryness up north. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Chicago's air quality has improved, but experts warn wildfires, wind can change conditions
Nearly 900 wildfires continue to burn throughout Canada, but experts say the fires and wind direction can still alter air quality.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 21, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Experts say rapidly changing air quality is something Chicago area residents will need to get used to every summer as intense fires in Canada are happening earlier and climate change is producing warmer temperatures and dryness up north. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
For the Chicago Sun-Times: A suspect was arrested Monday after police said he shot a Chicago police SWAT officer and another person during a hostage situation in Albany Park. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Chicago police officer among 2 shot during hostage situation in Albany Park
The veteran SWAT officer was shot through a door Monday morning as cops tried to breach a home where a teenage girl and another female were being held by the suspected gunman, according to acting CPD ...
chicago.suntimes.com
July 21, 2026 at 2:05 AM
For the Chicago Sun-Times: A suspect was arrested Monday after police said he shot a Chicago police SWAT officer and another person during a hostage situation in Albany Park. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...
Some health systems in the Chicago area have begun to see an increase in admissions connected to respiratory complaints due to the poor air quality. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...
Air quality alert for Chicago, Day 2, as wildfire smoke from Canada shuts down beaches, venues
Beaches in Chicago and Evanston were among closings Friday due to the poor air quality. Organizers for Ravinia Festival in Highland Park were "closely monitoring" conditions ahead of tonight's planned...
chicago.suntimes.com
July 17, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Some health systems in the Chicago area have begun to see an increase in admissions connected to respiratory complaints due to the poor air quality. chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026...