Paul Sullivan

Paul Sullivan is the Chicago Tribune's In the Wake of News columnist and baseball writer, covering the Cubs, White Sox and national news. A 44-year Tribune veteran, Sullivan was named Illinois Sportswriter of the Year in 2015, '16 and '19 and earned the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism in 2018.

Dozens of baseballs fill a bin before being used for infield grounders during White Sox spring training Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Column: Spring training renews optimism for the Cubs and White Sox — no matter where you’re watching

February 12, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Cubs and White Sox are off and running at spring training, renewing optimism back home.

Hunter Hess, of the United States, executes a trick in the halfpipe finals during the World Cup U.S. Grand Prix freestyle skiing event in Copper Mountain, Colo., on Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Hugh Carey, File)

Column: Olympic halfpipe skier Hunter Hess is easy to root for if you value freedom of speech in America

February 9, 2026 at 5:48 p.m.

Little-known Olympics freeski halfpipe skier Hunter Hess enters the culture wars with a statement on the state of the U.S., earning the wrath of President Trump.

Bulls guard Collin Sexton talks with coach Billy Donovan in the first half against the Nuggets on Feb. 7, 2026, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Despite the fire sale, Chicago Bulls players aren’t interested in the rebuild narrative

February 9, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Billy Donovan isn't coaching like someone who is interested in tanking, and the Chicago Bulls players aren’t accepting that notion either.

Column: 11 handy tips to make your Super Bowl LX party the talk of the water cooler on Monday morning

February 8, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Eleven handy tips for hosting a successful Super Bowl LX party, even if no one is all that interested in the actual game.

Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas answers questions at a news conference during media day Sept. 29, 2025, at the United Center. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Artūras Karnišovas finally gave the Chicago Bulls a complete makeover. But does he have a plan?

February 5, 2026 at 6:31 p.m.

How will executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas sell the Chicago Bulls' trade-deadline overhaul to frustrated fans?

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević at the United Center on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: A well-timed escape for Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vučević — and other thoughts while waiting for Bad Bunny

February 4, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Bulls finally give Nikola Vučević his escape, while Northwestern delays its new stadium and the White Sox introduce their new secret weapon — a bidet.

Former White Sox great Frank Thomas has a laugh during a ceremony to honor the 1993 American League West Division Championship White Sox team before a White Sox-Royals game at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on July 14, 2018. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Chicago White Sox drop the ball in latest snub of Frank Thomas — and the divorce might be permanent

February 2, 2026 at 9:52 a.m.

The Chicago White Sox committed an unforced error in snubbing franchise legend Frank Thomas in a social media post for Black History Month. This time the divorce might be unfixable.

White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery is introduced during SoxFest Live at the Ramova Theatre on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Bridgeport. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: A spark is kindled at SoxFest — and Chicago White Sox players agree it’s time to believe

February 1, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The annual Soxfest kicked off Friday night at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport, and Chicago White Sox players agree it's time to start believing.

Bill Belichick holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates the Patriots' victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Column: As outrage over Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub continues, the plot thickens

January 28, 2026 at 7:07 p.m.

The mystery over who snubbed Bill Belichick in the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting is playing out like a "Knives Out" movie. Will the true culprits ever be revealed?

A Patriots fan cheers next to a Broncos fan during the AFC championship game Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Column: An undesirable Super Bowl matchup comes at the end of a super NFL season

January 27, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks is a Super Bowl matchup that begs you to go clean out the garage or spend the evening bowling.

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