Lauren Westphal

Los Angeles

Deputy Editor and Associate Producer at Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper

Featured in: Favicon

mariashriversundaypaper.com Favicon

yahoo.com

Articles

Naperville man receives sentence for killing family dog, threatening children: prosecutors

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefNathan Gonzalez, 36, appeared in court Thursday afternoon in front of Judge Joseph Bugos who sentenced him to concurrent terms of five years and three years in prison following his guilty plea. Naperville Police received a call from a 14-year-old girl stating that her stepfather had killed their family dog and threatened the girl and her 11-year-old stepsister. A necropsy found blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of Rocco, the family dog's death.
6 people hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash in Grayslake, officials say

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefSix people were reportedly injured in a two-vehicle crash in the area of Peterson and Midlothian roads in Grayslake on Sunday. One victim was ejected from an SUV, while three others needed to be extricated from the vehicles, requiring multiple ambulances and fire departments from various neighboring cities. Five of the victims were transported in stable condition; one was reported in critical condition to Advocate Condell Hospital in Libertyville, Ill. GRAYSLAKE, Ill.
Black bear spotted multiple times in downstate Illinois, IDNR confirms

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefA black bear was seen in St. Clair County on Monday. A wildlife biologist confirmed the sighting on Tuesday. The bear was seen again on Wednesday and Thursday, still in St. Clair County. Experts recommend avoiding direct contact with bears and removing all potential food sources. ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. - A black bear was spotted several times roaming in southwestern Illinois earlier this week, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Convicted felon busted with gun, drugs during Ford Heights traffic stop: sheriff

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefMichael Donner, 49, was arrested by Cook County sheriff's officers following a traffic stop near the 1600 block of South Lincoln Highway in Ford Heights. Donner was found with a loaded handgun with seven live rounds of ammunition, approximately 32 grams of suspected cocaine, about 223 grams of suspected cannabis, and drug paraphernalia. Donner is a convicted felon from an attempted murder case in 2001. FORD HEIGHTS, Ill.
Chicago man found guilty of shooting pregnant woman in 2022: prosecutors

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefA jury found a Chicago man guilty of shooting a pregnant woman while she was traveling in early 2022. Lawrence Grant, 41 formerly of Chicago, faces a penalty of 31 years to life in prison. The jury found Grant guilty of one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm.
17-year-old shot and killed in Aurora, police say

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefAurora Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened on Monday at approximately 9:33 p.m. in the 500 block of Metropolitan Street. Officers found a 17-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, after reports of shots fired. The victim was taken to Rush Copley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. AURORA, Ill. - An investigation is underway after a 17-year-old boy was killed in a shooting in Aurora, authorities said.
Chicagoans invited to celebrate Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field in June

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefThe Archdiocese of Chicago will hold a gathering and Catholic mass to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV on June 14. The gathering will be at White Sox's Rate Field. CHICAGO - The Archdiocese of Chicago is holding a citywide gathering and mass to celebrate the election of Chicago-native Pope Leo XIV on June 14. What we knowThe program will feature a Catholic mass, music, prayer and in-person testimonials at the Chicago White Sox's Rate Field.
Wisconsin man charged with murder in Rogers Park shooting: police

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefA Wisconsin man has been charged with the murder of a 28-year-old man in the Rogers Park neighborhood. The Chicago Police Department arrested Antwon Jackson, 31, on Thursday. The suspect was involved in a fatal shooting of a man in February. CHICAGO - A Wisconsin man has been charged with the murder of a 28-year-old man in the Rogers Park neighborhood, authorities said.
Chicago's Smoque BBQ named the best barbeque in Illinois, new ranking finds

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Lauren Westphal

The BriefSmoque BBQ was named the best barbeque in Illinois by lovefood.com. Located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood, the restaurant is known for its Texas-style brisket. Owner Barry Sorkin also recommends their St. Louis ribs, mac and cheese, and fresh-cut fries. CHICAGO - Smoque BBQ was named the best barbeque in Illinois, by a food review site. The restaurant, located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood, was part of lovefood.com's roundup of top BBQ spots for each state.
I Interviewed My Husband's Ex-Wife Because I Believe in Her Critical New Book and Passion for Women's Rights

Oct 24, 2024 | mariashriversundaypaper.com | Lauren Westphal

It is my fiancé David’s book party, and his ex-wife, Clara Bingham, is there. I have met her once before. She is a brilliant journalist who is beautiful and charismatic. I like her vibe. I invite her to talk privately in the hallway for a minute. Straightaway, I tell her that I think we can have this ex-wife-new-wife relationship in a different and friendly way. ” We don’t have to scratch each other’s eyes out,” I say. “And I have no designs on your kids.