Joe Ward

Chicago

Reporter at Block Club Chicago

News Editor, @BlockclubCHI. Native South Sider.

Articles

Man Charged In Police Chase That Left Officer Krystal Rivera Killed By Friendly Fire

2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

CHATHAM — A rural Illinois man has been charged in the police confrontation that resulted in the friendly fire shooting death of Officer Krystal Rivera Thursday on the South Side, according to police. Adrian Rucker, 25 of Freeport, Illinois, is accused of confronting officers while holding a rifle in a Chatham apartment building, police said. That caused an officer to fire shots, which fatally struck Rivera, the police department confirmed Friday.
Man Shot By Police After Driving Away From Scene Of A Fight And Striking An Officer, Authorities Say

3 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

BELMONT CRAGIN — A 28-year-old man was shot and critically wounded by police Saturday after he drove a car at officers in an attempt to flee the scene of a fight where shots were fired, according to police. At 2:10 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a call of a large fight outside a business in the 3100 block of North Central Avenue. An employee of the business told officers that a man had just fired a gun during the fight, and the employee pointed out the alleged shooter, police said.
7 Teens Shot At Post-Prom Gathering In Auburn Gresham, Officials Say

3 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

AUBURN GRESHAM — Seven teenagers were wounded in a mass shooting during a post-prom gathering near Saint Sabina Church early Saturday, according to authorities. A large crowd of young people gathered around 2 a.m. Saturday in the 1200 block of West 78th Street, near the parking lot for Saint Sabina, according to police. Video posted to the Facebook page of Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor at Saint Sabina, shows hundreds of people in the parking lot and in nearby streets.
Here Are The Free Movies Playing In Millennium Park This Summer

4 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

DOWNTOWN — Millennium Park will once again host a series of free movie screenings, concerts, workout sessions and festivals this summer. The city on Thursday released the lineup for the annual Millennium Park movie and concert series, to take place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events also announced dates for a number of festivals taking place at the pavilion.
Piping Plover Egg Spotted At Montrose Beach

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

UPTOWN — Two of Chicago’s most famous seasonal residents have returned — and they are expecting. Imani and Sea Rocket, two Great Lakes piping plovers, have started a nest and laid an egg at Montrose Beach, the volunteer monitor group Chicago Piping Plovers announced Sunday. The first of what is expected to be a four-egg nest was spotted Sunday, the group said.
White Sox Hosting Mass, Celebration Of Pope Leo XIV At Rate Field

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

ARMOUR SQUARE — The White Sox will honor the team’s most prominent fan next month, with its ballpark set to host a Mass and celebration of Pope Leo XIV. The newly installed Pope Leo will be honored at the event on Saturday, June 14, at Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St., the Archdiocese of Chicago announced. The event will feature music, film and in-person testimonials about Pope Leo, who was born on the South Side and is a lifelong White Sox fan.
Woman Arrested After Boy, 7, Stabbed Inside Rogers Park Home, Police Say

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

ROGERS PARK — Charges are pending against a woman in the stabbing of a 7-year-old boy inside a Rogers Park home Saturday, according to police. At around 8 a.m. Saturday, the boy was inside a home in the 1700 block of West Touhy Avenue when a 26-year-old woman walked up to him and stabbed him, police said. The boy was stabbed in his abdomen and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition.
Pope Leo XIV Named First American Pope — And He's From Chicago

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

CHICAGO — There’s a new pope, and he’s a Chicago native. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was named the next pope, succeeding Pope Francis, who died last month. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Prevost attended the Catholic Theology Union in Hyde Park from 1978 to 1982, according to CBS Chicago. He also went to Villanova University and most recently served as dicastery for Bishops in the Roman Catholic Church. While at the Theology Union, Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine.
Man Charged In Rogers Park, West Ridge Sexual Assaults

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

WEST RIDGE — A Far North Side man has been charged in multiple sexual assaults that took place in Rogers Park and West Ridge, police said. The man is also facing home invasion and burglary charges for crimes that were committed alongside the sexual assaults. Tymarion Averyhart, 19, is facing two felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault as well as felony counts of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated unlawful restraint and burglary, police announced Sunday.
3 Students Shot Outside Near West Side High School, Police Say

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Joe Ward

NEAR WEST SIDE — Three students were shot outside their Near West Side high school shortly after school dismissal Friday, according to police and media reports. Around 2:45 p.m. Friday, the three students were standing near Chicago Bulls College Prep, 2040 W. Adams St., when someone opened fire on a group of students, police said. A 16-year-old boy was shot in his lower back and was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition, according to police.