dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--One-time Prospect Heights mayor remembered as 'thorn in the side,' taxpayer advocate

During his tenure on the Prospect Heights City Council , one-time Mayor and Alderman Gerald Anderson developed a reputation as a contrarian , questioning the expenditures and motivations of other city officials he regularly battled during lively meetings .
`` He did n't accept a simple answer .
He wanted the details , '' said current Mayor Nick Helmer , who regularly attended meetings as a resident before being elected in 2011 .
`` It was contentious at times . ''
But throughout Anderson 's public service -- as alderman for a dozen years and as mayor for a tumultuous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to make a positive impact on the city and its residents , Helmer said .
It 's how the current mayor and those who knew him well say they 'll remember Anderson , who died last month at the age of 76 .
`` He 'd beat the drum quite loudly to be heard .
At times , he was quite good , '' Helmer said .
`` He was contentious and he did have a hard line approach to many things , especially spending money . ''
`` He was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood . ''
Anderson died peacefully Dec. 19 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights after recent health problems , said Kurt Giehler , a friend and political confidant .
Giehler partnered with Anderson on many of his anti-tax campaigns , such as collecting signatures to defeat a controversial arena project at the ballot box .
Anderson also led the opposition to several attempts to institute home rule that would give the city greater taxing powers , and proposals to bring Lake Michigan water to town .
`` He made sure ( yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` And to date , we do n't have ( lake ) water , so he must have won some of those battles .
He was pretty tough on his beliefs , but he had good reasons .
He did n't want people to pay for the taxes . ''
It was when Anderson was going door to door campaigning for office in the mid-1990s that he met Giehler and asked if he could place a yard sign .
The two soon became political allies , battling the establishment together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 and 2011 , said Anderson played the role of being a `` thorn in the side . ''
`` It was certainly a sense of righteousness , '' Giehler said .
`` He wanted to do the right thing . ''
Anderson sometimes had allies on the council , like fellow former Fourth Ward Alderman Carole Dujmovic .
She said she 'll remember him for his `` down-home style of representation '' in which he rode down the street on his bike and stopped to talk to residents .
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve our city , '' Dujmovic said .
First elected to the council in 1997 , Anderson initially won the mayor 's race as a write-in candidate in 1999 .
But incumbent Edward Rotchford challenged the results , and a recount determined that dozens of votes were counted improperly in Anderson 's favor .
A Cook County judge upheld the new count , and Rotchford returned to office .
Anderson won back his aldermanic seat in 2001 and went on to serve for the next decade .
An electrical engineer , Anderson was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968 .
A military funeral service is scheduled for April 10 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood .

One-time Prospect Heights mayor remembered as 'thorn in the side,' taxpayer advocate
Gerald T. Anderson, a former Prospect Heights mayor and alderman, died in December at age 76. Courtesy of Kurt Giehler
During his tenure on the Prospect Heights City Council, one-time Mayor and Alderman Gerald Anderson developed a reputation as a contrarian, questioning the expenditures and motivations of other city officials he regularly battled during lively meetings.
"He didn't accept a simple answer. He wanted the details," said current Mayor Nick Helmer, who regularly attended meetings as a resident before being elected in 2011. "It was contentious at times."
But throughout Anderson's public service -- as alderman for a dozen years and as mayor for a tumultuous 52 days in 1999 -- he was trying to make a positive impact on the city and its residents, Helmer said.
It's how the current mayor and those who knew him well say they'll remember Anderson, who died last month at the age of 76.
"He'd beat the drum quite loudly to be heard. At times, he was quite good," Helmer said. "He was contentious and he did have a hard line approach to many things, especially spending money."
"He was not an enigma. You knew where he stood."
Anderson died peacefully Dec. 19 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights after recent health problems, said Kurt Giehler, a friend and political confidant.
Giehler partnered with Anderson on many of his anti-tax campaigns, such as collecting signatures to defeat a controversial arena project at the ballot box.
Anderson also led the opposition to several attempts to institute home rule that would give the city greater taxing powers, and proposals to bring Lake Michigan water to town.
"He made sure (yard) signs got up," Helmer said. "And to date, we don't have (lake) water, so he must have won some of those battles. He was pretty tough on his beliefs, but he had good reasons. He didn't want people to pay for the taxes."
It was when Anderson was going door to door campaigning for office in the mid-1990s that he met Giehler and asked if he could place a yard sign. The two soon became political allies, battling the establishment together.
Giehler, who ran for mayor in 2007 and 2011, said Anderson played the role of being a "thorn in the side."
"It was certainly a sense of righteousness," Giehler said. "He wanted to do the right thing."
Anderson sometimes had allies on the council, like fellow former Fourth Ward Alderman Carole Dujmovic. She said she'll remember him for his "down-home style of representation" in which he rode down the street on his bike and stopped to talk to residents.
"We need more people like Jerry who want to serve our city," Dujmovic said.
First elected to the council in 1997, Anderson initially won the mayor's race as a write-in candidate in 1999. But incumbent Edward Rotchford challenged the results, and a recount determined that dozens of votes were counted improperly in Anderson's favor. A Cook County judge upheld the new count, and Rotchford returned to office.
Anderson won back his aldermanic seat in 2001 and went on to serve for the next decade.
An electrical engineer, Anderson was also a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968.
A military funeral service is scheduled for April 10 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Naperville library launches sensory app to be more accessible to visitors

An app that brings the best practices of special education classrooms to public spaces now is available in a form that helps people with autism or sensory disabilities navigate the Naperville Public Library .
The Sensory NPL app includes detailed maps of each library branch with pictures , a schedule to help users plan their visit and know what to expect , a tap-to-communicate feature for those who are nonverbal or have speech difficulties , a voice-over feature for people who struggle with vision or reading , even games to play as a way to take a break from sensory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second to offer the app for iPhones and iPads by Chicago-based developer Infiniteach , which uses technology to help people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities access places where they otherwise might face barriers , Infiniteach co-founder Katie Hench said .
Chicago Public Library was the first .
Naperville Executive Director Dave Della Terza said he wanted to offer the app after seeing how popular it was with versions Infiniteach developed for the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium .
`` We said , 'That 'd be really interesting for us to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` especially since Naperville is a community that a lot of people move to for the resources for people with autism . ''
So Ellen Fitzgerald , children 's services supervisor at Nichols Library , led a team of library staff members who worked for six months with Infiniteach to develop the new app , which users can download for free at the App Store .
She said the app helps meet a goal in the library 's strategic plan to enhance services to people with disabilities , in part by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can see the library before they visit .
`` This is exactly what we were looking for and even better , '' Fitzgerald said about the app , which has been available since last week .
`` Not only does it have a map , but then it also identifies the areas where there might be sensory overloads -- it might be loud -- and then other areas of the library where people can go and they can take a break . ''
Design elements of the app help those with disabilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dyslexic font is available to make reading text within the interface easier for people with dyslexia , and the color scheme can be flipped so it has a black background instead of white to assist people with visual difficulties .
`` We 're taking a lot of strategies and supports traditionally found in special education classrooms and just translating those to more of these community spaces , '' Hench said .
Interest in the Infiniteach model -- in which the social enterprise company partners with institutions and charges them a licensing fee for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow among suburban libraries , Hench said .
Naperville is paying $ 10,000 this year for app development and support , with $ 5,000 coming from a grant , Della Terza said .
The licensing fee for future years will be $ 5,000 .
`` We love when places like Naperville Public Library think about access and inclusion more broadly , '' Hench said .
`` Similar to how they might consider wheelchair access , we also want all of these places to be thinking about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities @ @ @ @

Naperville library launches sensory app to be more accessible to visitors
An app that brings the best practices of special education classrooms to public spaces now is available in a form that helps people with autism or sensory disabilities navigate the Naperville Public Library.
The Sensory NPL app includes detailed maps of each library branch with pictures, a schedule to help users plan their visit and know what to expect, a tap-to-communicate feature for those who are nonverbal or have speech difficulties, a voice-over feature for people who struggle with vision or reading, even games to play as a way to take a break from sensory distractions.
The Naperville library is the second to offer the app for iPhones and iPads by Chicago-based developer Infiniteach, which uses technology to help people with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities access places where they otherwise might face barriers, Infiniteach co-founder Katie Hench said. Chicago Public Library was the first.
Naperville Executive Director Dave Della Terza said he wanted to offer the app after seeing how popular it was with versions Infiniteach developed for the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
"We said, 'That'd be really interesting for us to try as well,'" Della Terza said, "especially since Naperville is a community that a lot of people move to for the resources for people with autism."
So Ellen Fitzgerald, children's services supervisor at Nichols Library, led a team of library staff members who worked for six months with Infiniteach to develop the new app, which users can download for free at the App Store. She said the app helps meet a goal in the library's strategic plan to enhance services to people with disabilities, in part by creating some sort of map so they can see the library before they visit.
"This is exactly what we were looking for and even better," Fitzgerald said about the app, which has been available since last week. "Not only does it have a map, but then it also identifies the areas where there might be sensory overloads -- it might be loud -- and then other areas of the library where people can go and they can take a break."
Design elements of the app help those with disabilities, too, Fitzgerald said. An open dyslexic font is available to make reading text within the interface easier for people with dyslexia, and the color scheme can be flipped so it has a black background instead of white to assist people with visual difficulties.
"We're taking a lot of strategies and supports traditionally found in special education classrooms and just translating those to more of these community spaces," Hench said.
Interest in the Infiniteach model -- in which the social enterprise company partners with institutions and charges them a licensing fee for use of the app -- is beginning to grow among suburban libraries, Hench said.
Naperville is paying $10,000 this year for app development and support, with $5,000 coming from a grant, Della Terza said. The licensing fee for future years will be $5,000.
"We love when places like Naperville Public Library think about access and inclusion more broadly," Hench said. "Similar to how they might consider wheelchair access, we also want all of these places to be thinking about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Rose's late shot leads Pistons past Cavaliers 115-113

CLEVELAND -- The Detroit Pistons , tired and dragging at the end of a long road trip , had every reason to look past the Cleveland Cavaliers .
Derrick Rose and Andre Drummond would n't let that happen .
Rose hit the go-ahead shot with 27 seconds left , and Drummond finished with 23 points and 20 rebounds as the Pistons rallied to beat the Cavaliers 115-113 Tuesday night .
Rose , who scored 24 points , scored on a runner in the lane to give Detroit a 114-113 lead and cap a comeback that began with the Pistons trailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it was a floater , a little floater , '' said Rose , who played a season-high 31 minutes .
`` All I know is it went in . ''
The win provided some good news for the Pistons , who were playing the finale of a six-game trip .
Star forward Blake Griffin had surgery on his left knee and will face an extended rehabilitation period .
The Pistons said they have no timetable for his return .
Detroit trailed by 15 points in the first half and seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punch several times , but the Pistons managed to persevere and finished 2-4 on its trip .
`` We did n't want to end a trip like that , '' Rose said .
`` We 're just happy to get the win , especially after the way we played in the first half . ''
Drummond 's big night marked his 38th career game of 20 points and 20 rebounds .
`` Use any superlative you have for him , '' Detroit coach Dwane Casey said .
`` He played great . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Rose 's basket , but Collin Sexton was called for stepping out of bounds with seven seconds left .
The ruling was overturned , but Sexton 's shot in the lane did n't hit the rim and Detroit was awarded possession on a shot-clock violation .
Drummond made one of two free throws with 1.6 seconds to play for a two-point lead .
Drummond tipped away Kevin Love 's long pass for Tristan Thompson and the clock ran out .
Love matched a season high with 30 points , but had only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love made Cleveland 's last basket , a 3-pointer with 2:57 to go , as the rebuilding Cavaliers continue to have problems closing out games .
`` We 've had moments where we 've been able to do that and moments like tonight where we have to learn and look at tape and look at even just like a two minute drill and finding out what we could have done better , '' Love said .
`` We were trying to get the ball away from Kevin Love , '' Casey said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up to other guys . ''
Love has been the center of attention for his recent behavior , which included an outburst on the bench in Toronto last week , and showing up his teammates and coaches during a loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday .
Love spoke about the incidents at Tuesday 's shoot-around , calling his actions `` childish . ''
He was 12 of 15 from the field and gave the Cavaliers an extra possession when he dove on the floor for a loose ball in the fourth quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was winless on its four-game homestand .
Detroit completed its first trip with games in all four time zones since Dec. 5-16 , 1979 .
The Pistons played both Los Angeles teams , Golden State , Utah and San Antonio .
The Cavaliers open a similar trip Thursday in Detroit that will also take them to play the Lakers , Clippers , Denver , Memphis and Chicago .
Pistons : Casey said that he has n't been given any indication if Griffin will play again this season .
... G Reggie Jackson ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his doctor in Los Angeles and is making good progress , according to a team spokesman .
Jackson played in the first two games of the season before being injured .
Cavaliers : A flu bug has been going around the team .
Thompson returned after missing Sunday 's game , but G Dante Exum was out .
... G Matthew Dellavedova , who had made 7 of 56 3-pointers going into the game , hit from behind the arc in the second quarter .
The Pistons and Cavaliers meet for the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caesars Arena .
It will be the first regular-season game for longtime University of Michigan coach John Beilein in Detroit .

Rose's late shot leads Pistons past Cavaliers 115-113
Detroit Pistons' Bruce Brown, right, drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Collin Sexton in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Cleveland. Detroit won 115-113. Associated Press
Detroit Pistons' Derrick Rose (25) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova (18) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Cleveland. Detroit won 115-113. Associated Press
Detroit Pistons' Derrick Rose (25) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Ante Zizic (41) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Cleveland. Detroit won 115-113. Associated Press
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love (0) passes against the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Cleveland. Detroit won 115-113. Associated Press
Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond, right, drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Cleveland. Detroit won 115-113. Associated Press
CLEVELAND -- The Detroit Pistons, tired and dragging at the end of a long road trip, had every reason to look past the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Derrick Rose and Andre Drummond wouldn't let that happen.
Rose hit the go-ahead shot with 27 seconds left, and Drummond finished with 23 points and 20 rebounds as the Pistons rallied to beat the Cavaliers 115-113 Tuesday night.
Rose, who scored 24 points, scored on a runner in the lane to give Detroit a 114-113 lead and cap a comeback that began with the Pistons trailing 100-91 early in the fourth quarter.
"I think it was a floater, a little floater," said Rose, who played a season-high 31 minutes. "All I know is it went in."
The win provided some good news for the Pistons, who were playing the finale of a six-game trip. Star forward Blake Griffin had surgery on his left knee and will face an extended rehabilitation period. The Pistons said they have no timetable for his return.
Detroit trailed by 15 points in the first half and seemed on the verge of getting a knockout punch several times, but the Pistons managed to persevere and finished 2-4 on its trip.
"We didn't want to end a trip like that," Rose said. "We're just happy to get the win, especially after the way we played in the first half."
Drummond's big night marked his 38th career game of 20 points and 20 rebounds.
"Use any superlative you have for him," Detroit coach Dwane Casey said. "He played great."
Cleveland set up for a go-ahead shot after Rose's basket, but Collin Sexton was called for stepping out of bounds with seven seconds left. The ruling was overturned, but Sexton's shot in the lane didn't hit the rim and Detroit was awarded possession on a shot-clock violation.
Drummond made one of two free throws with 1.6 seconds to play for a two-point lead. Drummond tipped away Kevin Love's long pass for Tristan Thompson and the clock ran out.
Love matched a season high with 30 points, but had only two shots in the fourth quarter. Love made Cleveland's last basket, a 3-pointer with 2:57 to go, as the rebuilding Cavaliers continue to have problems closing out games.
"We've had moments where we've been able to do that and moments like tonight where we have to learn and look at tape and look at even just like a two minute drill and finding out what we could have done better," Love said.
"We were trying to get the ball away from Kevin Love," Casey said. "We wanted to make him give it up to other guys."
Love has been the center of attention for his recent behavior, which included an outburst on the bench in Toronto last week, and showing up his teammates and coaches during a loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Love spoke about the incidents at Tuesday's shoot-around,calling his actions "childish." He was 12 of 15 from the field and gave the Cavaliers an extra possession when he dove on the floor for a loose ball in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland lost its fifth straight and was winless on its four-game homestand.
THAT'S A LOT OF PACKING
Detroit completed its first trip with games in all four time zones since Dec. 5-16, 1979. The Pistons played both Los Angeles teams, Golden State, Utah and San Antonio.
The Cavaliers open a similar trip Thursday in Detroit that will also take them to play the Lakers, Clippers, Denver, Memphis and Chicago.
TIP-INS
Pistons: Casey said that he hasn't been given any indication if Griffin will play again this season. ... G Reggie Jackson (spine stress reaction) was examined by his doctor in Los Angeles and is making good progress, according to a team spokesman. Jackson played in the first two games of the season before being injured.
Cavaliers: A flu bug has been going around the team. Thompson returned after missing Sunday's game, but G Dante Exum was out. ... G Matthew Dellavedova, who had made 7 of 56 3-pointers going into the game, hit from behind the arc in the second quarter.
UP NEXT
The Pistons and Cavaliers meet for the second time in three days Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. It will be the first regular-season game for longtime University of Michigan coach John Beilein in Detroit.
___
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dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Demolition firm agrees to tear down AJ Freund's Crystal Lake home at no charge

The Crystal Lake home where prosecutors say 5-year-old AJ Freund was killed by his parents in April could be demolished in 30 to 60 days .
An offer from Green Demolition Contractors Inc. , of Chicago to donate its work , along with a contract with another firm to remove asbestos , were accepted Tuesday by the Crystal Lake city council .
Asbestos must be removed from the bathroom and basement of the boarded up house at 94 Dole Ave. before it 's demolished .
The city does n't own the home or property , but has court-ordered authority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been vacant since April 24 , when AJ 's parents , Andrew Freund Sr. and Jo Ann Cunningham , were arrested in connection with their son 's beating death .
It subsequently was boarded up and deemed dangerous after 41 code violations were found .
In July , Crystal Lake sued Freund Sr. , Cunningham and others with ties to the property to have it demolished .
Cunningham , 36 , pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to a first-degree murder charge stemming from AJ 's death and now faces up to 60 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled .
Freund Sr. , 61 , also faces first-degree murder and other charges .
His next court date is Jan. 14 .
Both remain in the McHenry County jail on $ 5 million bail .
The city received six bids for demolition ranging from $ 18,700 to $ 45,826 .
Those were waived and Green 's offer , received several days after the bids were opened , was accepted .
Although Green will be donating the services , it will be paid $ 10 in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Shepley on Wednesday said the city was grateful and the donation `` confirms beyond doubt the existence of truly big-hearted people and companies who care about their fellow man . ''
That Green Demolition is not a local company is `` particularly remarkable , '' he added .
`` With everything going on in our world we are especially thankful for this gesture of pure kindness from beyond the city ( Crystal Lake ) limits , '' Shepley said .
A company representative was not immediately available Wednesday to comment .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay Environmental Cleansing Corporation $ 5,500 to remove asbestos so the demolition can begin .
The Markham company had submitted a proposal after a survey of potential asbestos was performed .
According to information provided by the city , the company has experience and ability to meet a tight demolition timeline outlined by the court .
Shepley said city staff projects the demolition could be complete in as little as 30 days , but 30 to 60 days is more realistic .
The owners will be notified before the demolition begins and given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he added .
The property is owned by real estate investor William Progar .
He had held the mortgage and was the sole bidder during a foreclosure sale .
Progar is owed $ 116,871 and set the opening bid at $ 49,900 .
Progar 's attorney , Jonathan Kaman has hinted at a possible `` alternative plan '' for the property , but did not elaborate .
`` As for the future of the property the only thing of which we are certain at this time is that the house will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added the city does not know what the owner would do after that .
Kaman on Wednesday said he would be filing motions in the foreclosure case soon and will have a statement regarding the next steps .

Demolition firm agrees to tear down AJ Freund's Crystal Lake home at no charge
The Crystal Lake home where prosecutors say 5-year-old AJ Freund was killed by his parents in April could be demolished in 30 to 60 days.
An offer from Green Demolition Contractors Inc., of Chicago, to donate its work, along with a contract with another firm to remove asbestos, were accepted Tuesday by the Crystal Lake city council.
Asbestos must be removed from the bathroom and basement of the boarded up house at 94 Dole Ave. before it's demolished. The city doesn't own the home or property but has court-ordered authority to tear it down.
The home has been vacant since April 24, when AJ's parents, Andrew Freund Sr. and Jo Ann Cunningham, were arrested in connection with their son's beating death. It subsequently was boarded up and deemed dangerous after 41 code violations were found.
In July, Crystal Lake sued Freund Sr., Cunningham and others with ties to the property to have it demolished.
Cunningham, 36, pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to a first-degree murder charge stemming from AJ's death and now faces up to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.
Freund Sr., 61, also faces first-degree murder and other charges. His next court date is Jan. 14.
Both remain in the McHenry County jail on $5 million bail.
The city received six bids for demolition ranging from $18,700 to $45,826. Those were waived and Green's offer, received several days after the bids were opened, was accepted. Although Green will be donating the services, it will be paid $10 in order to create a binding contract.
Mayor Aaron Shepley on Wednesday said the city was grateful and the donation "confirms beyond doubt the existence of truly big-hearted people and companies who care about their fellow man."
That Green Demolition is not a local company is "particularly remarkable," he added.
"With everything going on in our world we are especially thankful for this gesture of pure kindness from beyond the city (Crystal Lake) limits," Shepley said.
A company representative was not immediately available Wednesday to comment.
The city council on Tuesday also agreed to pay Environmental Cleansing Corp. $5,500 to remove asbestos so the demolition can begin.
The Markham company had submitted a proposal after a survey of potential asbestos was performed. According to information provided by the city, the company has experience and ability to meet a tight demolition timeline outlined by the court.
Shepley said the demolition could be complete in as little as 30 days, but 30 to 60 days is more realistic. The owners will be notified before the demolition begins and given an opportunity to remove any personal effects, he said.
The property is owned by real estate investor William Progar. He had held the mortgage and was the sole bidder during a foreclosure sale. Progar is owed $116,871 and set the opening bid at $49,900.
Progar's attorney, Jonathan Kaman has hinted at a possible "alternative plan" for the property, but he did not elaborate.
"As for the future of the property, the only thing of which we are certain at this time is that the house will be demolished," Shepley said.
Kaman on Wednesday said he would be filing motions in the foreclosure case soon and will have a statement regarding the next steps.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Lawmakers, activists demand investigation of 'rape in Champaign' email after WBEZ report

SPRINGFIELD -- Lawmakers from both parties are calling for an investigation of a 2012 email exchange between a government insider and then-Gov .
Pat Quinn 's staff regarding a possible cover-up of rape and other criminal activity .
The bombshell report was published Tuesday by Chicago National Public Radio affiliate WBEZ-FM detailing emails from former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist Michael McClain and Quinn 's staff .
WBEZ reported that McClain -- a close confidant of Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan -- `` sought leniency '' for a state worker facing disciplinary action , calling the employee `` a good compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mouth shut on Jones ' ghost workers , the rape in Champaign and other items .
He is loyal to the administration , '' McClain said of the employee , according to an email obtained by WBEZ via an open records request .
No further information about the alleged cover-ups was revealed in the email exchange , and the disciplinary hearing that prompted McClain to email the administration was apparently postponed .
McClain responded to the news at the time with an email noting `` nothing happens accidentally . ''
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was accused of or if he ever faced disciplinary action by the state , '' wrote Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney , the authors of the WBEZ report .
`` The agency he worked for at that time would not say .
And officials rejected a request from WBEZ for records of any reprimands he may have received , citing a law blocking the release of such records that are more than four years old . ''
Lawmakers and advocates responded to the report swiftly .
While Quinn , a Chicago Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any of the allegations before their report , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's office said the matter has been referred to investigators .
A spokesperson did not specify which `` investigatory authority '' would be taking a look at the matter , however .
`` The governor was appalled and disgusted by these allegations , and his expectation is that all state employees will meet the highest ethical standards for their conduct , and anyone who does not meet that standard will be disciplined to the full extent of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` The administration 's general counsel referred this email to the appropriate investigatory authority , who will make a determination about what next steps can be taken . ''
WBEZ reported the employee in question now has a $ 40-an-hour consulting contract with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and worked for Pritzker 's 2018 campaign as a political consultant .
The campaign told WBEZ it had no knowledge of the emails .
The Illinois Senate Women 's Caucus , among others , called for a criminal investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone has any information about this crime , please contact authorities , '' said Sen. Linda Holmes , an Aurora Democrat and co-chair of the caucus .
`` Sexual assault will not be tolerated .
We need to get to the bottom of this and hold people accountable . ''
Sen. Sue Rezin , a Morris Republican who also co-chairs the caucus , agreed .
`` I am stunned and disturbed that keeping quiet about a rape was so casually offered up as proof of loyalty .
This needs to be investigated thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up needs to face the consequences , '' she said .
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin , of Western Springs , called the report `` one of the most disturbing and shocking set of facts '' he 's ever seen and called for accountability .
`` What society allows that to happen ? ''
he said Wednesday at an unrelated Chicago news conference .
`` It 's extremely disturbing , but it casts a shadow upon Springfield that has been brought upon by the power brokers that have existed down there for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative process and the passage of bills . ''
WBEZ has also reported that a wide-ranging federal probe , one that has led to FBI raids of several Statehouse insiders , is investigating allegations that ComEd hired politically-connected consultants in exchange for favorable actions in Springfield .
McClain 's home in Quincy was raided by investigators in July .
Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Chicago Democrat , asserted on Twitter that McClain still holds sway over Madigan , who has been Illinois House speaker for all but two years since 1983 .
WBEZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McClain continued to collect a paycheck from ComEd years after his `` official '' retirement from registered lobbying .
`` And let 's stop pretending ( McClain is ) a `` former '' anything .
This is the guy who for decades has been seen as the most powerful lobbyist in the state and remains incredibly close to the Speaker , '' she posted to Twitter .
Cassidy , as well as Alaina Hampton and Sherri Garrett -- both of whom made allegations of sexual harassment against top Madigan lieutenants which led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint statement regarding the report Wednesday .
`` This is n't the first disgusting , dangerous and brazen display of misogyny we 've seen from Mr. McClain , but that does n't make it any less outrageous .
If the reports are even partially true , this represents a conspiracy to conceal a criminal sexual assault at the highest levels of state government , '' they said .
`` We call upon law enforcement leaders , including Champaign County State 's Attorney Julie Rietz and the U.S. attorney 's office , if appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these allegations , and , if necessary , to impanel a grand jury . ''
Hampton recently reached a settlement agreement with Madigan 's political campaign and three other Democratic Party organizations in the state regarding allegations of sexual harassment from one of Madigan 's top aides at the time .
Madigan and the campaign committees did not admit liability or wrongdoing in the settlement with Hampton .
Garrett 's harassment complaints against Tim Mapes , Madigan 's chief of staff at the time , eventually led to his ouster from the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House clerk and Democratic Party of Illinois ' executive director .
Madigan has remained largely silent on accusations pertaining to McClain , but he released a statement on the `` cover-up '' emails Wednesday .
`` These are extremely serious and troubling allegations .
I had no knowledge of the incident referenced in the story and only learned of this today .
I encourage those with any information to come forward , '' Madigan said in the statement .

Lawmakers, activists demand investigation of 'rape in Champaign' email after WBEZ report
This email, obtained by Chicago radio station WBEZ, from former ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain to members of then-Gov. Pat Quinn's staff references a possible cover-up of rape and other criminal activity. McClain -- a close confidant of Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan -- "sought leniency" for a state worker facing disciplinary action, calling the employee "a good compliance person," WBEZ reported Tuesday. Courtesy of WBEZ
SPRINGFIELD -- Lawmakers from both parties are calling for an investigation of a 2012 email exchange between a government insider and then-Gov. Pat Quinn's staff regarding a possible cover-up of rape and other criminal activity.
The bombshell report was published Tuesday by Chicago National Public Radio affiliate WBEZ-FM detailing emails from former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist Michael McClain and Quinn's staff. WBEZ reported that McClain -- a close confidant of Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan -- "sought leniency" for a state worker facing disciplinary action, calling the employee "a good compliance person."
"He has kept his mouth shut on Jones' ghost workers, the rape in Champaign and other items. He is loyal to the administration," McClain said of the employee, according to an email obtained by WBEZ via an open records request.
No further information about the alleged cover-ups was revealed in the email exchange, and the disciplinary hearing that prompted McClain to email the administration was apparently postponed. McClain responded to the news at the time with an email noting "nothing happens accidentally."
"It's not clear what (the employee) was accused of or if he ever faced disciplinary action by the state," wrote Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney, the authors of the WBEZ report. "The agency he worked for at that time would not say. And officials rejected a request from WBEZ for records of any reprimands he may have received, citing a law blocking the release of such records that are more than four years old."
Lawmakers and advocates responded to the report swiftly.
While Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, told WBEZ he had not heard of any of the allegations before their report, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office said the matter has been referred to investigators. A spokesperson did not specify which "investigatory authority" would be taking a look at the matter, however.
"The governor was appalled and disgusted by these allegations, and his expectation is that all state employees will meet the highest ethical standards for their conduct, and anyone who does not meet that standard will be disciplined to the full extent of the law," his office said in a statement. "The administration's general counsel referred this email to the appropriate investigatory authority, who will make a determination about what next steps can be taken."
WBEZ reported the employee in question now has a $40-an-hour consulting contract with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and worked for Pritzker's 2018 campaign as a political consultant. The campaign told WBEZ it had no knowledge of the emails.
The Illinois Senate Women's Caucus, among others, called for a criminal investigation.
"That email is horrifying. If anyone has any information about this crime, please contact authorities," said Sen. Linda Holmes, an Aurora Democrat and co-chair of the caucus. "Sexual assault will not be tolerated. We need to get to the bottom of this and hold people accountable."
Sen. Sue Rezin, a Morris Republican who also co-chairs the caucus, agreed.
"I am stunned and disturbed that keeping quiet about a rape was so casually offered up as proof of loyalty. This needs to be investigated thoroughly, and anyone who helped cover it up needs to face the consequences," she said.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, called the report "one of the most disturbing and shocking set of facts" he's ever seen and called for accountability.
"What society allows that to happen?" he said Wednesday at an unrelated Chicago news conference. "It's extremely disturbing, but it casts a shadow upon Springfield that has been brought upon by the power brokers that have existed down there for the past many decades who have controlled the legislative process and the passage of bills."
WBEZ has also reported that a wide-ranging federal probe, one that has led to FBI raids of several Statehouse insiders, is investigating allegations that ComEd hired politically-connected consultants in exchange for favorable actions in Springfield. McClain's home in Quincy was raided by investigators in July.
Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat, asserted on Twitter that McClain still holds sway over Madigan, who has been Illinois House speaker for all but two years since 1983. WBEZ and the Better Government Association reported that McClain continued to collect a paycheck from ComEd years after his "official" retirement from registered lobbying.
"And let's stop pretending (McClain is) a "former" anything. This is the guy who for decades has been seen as the most powerful lobbyist in the state and remains incredibly close to the Speaker," she posted to Twitter.
Cassidy, as well as Alaina Hampton and Sherri Garrett -- both of whom made allegations of sexual harassment against top Madigan lieutenants which led to the staffers' ouster -- issued a joint statement regarding the report Wednesday.
"This isn't the first disgusting, dangerous and brazen display of misogyny we've seen from Mr. McClain, but that doesn't make it any less outrageous. If the reports are even partially true, this represents a conspiracy to conceal a criminal sexual assault at the highest levels of state government," they said. "We call upon law enforcement leaders, including Champaign County State's Attorney Julie Rietz and the U.S. attorney's office, if appropriate, to immediately open an investigation into these allegations, and, if necessary, to impanel a grand jury."
Hampton recently reached a settlement agreement with Madigan's political campaign and three other Democratic Party organizations in the state regarding allegations of sexual harassment from one of Madigan's top aides at the time. Madigan and the campaign committees did not admit liability or wrongdoing in the settlement with Hampton.
Garrett's harassment complaints against Tim Mapes, Madigan's chief of staff at the time, eventually led to his ouster from the position as well as his role as Illinois House clerk and Democratic Party of Illinois' executive director.
Madigan has remained largely silent on accusations pertaining to McClain, but he released a statement on the "cover-up" emails Wednesday.
"These are extremely serious and troubling allegations. I had no knowledge of the incident referenced in the story and only learned of this today. I encourage those with any information to come forward," Madigan said in the statement.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Wahlburgers to open in St. Charles by April

A Wahlburgers sign at the corner of Randall Road and Route 38 hints that the long-awaited St. Charles burger joint could be opening soon -- and `` not Donnie soon , '' it says .
Spearheaded by celebrity Donnie Wahlberg , the new restaurant and bar at 825 S. Randall Road is expected to begin operating by early April , a Wahlburgers corporate representative confirmed Wednesday .
The Massachusetts-based chain was founded in 2011 by Wahlberg and his two brothers , actor Mark and executive chef Paul , who have since expanded the Wahlburgers brand nationwide .
It 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring his business venture to St. Charles , where he lives with his wife , actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy , and their sons .
The city council approved plans for the Wahlburgers restaurant in the summer of 2018 , and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held last spring .
Wahlberg and his team are in the midst of a 16-week build-out since gaining access to the building after Thanksgiving , a corporate representative said , noting the restaurant is being run as a franchise .
The establishment will have a full-service bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor patio .
Setting it apart from other locations across the country , the St. Charles Wahlburgers also is expected to display memorabilia belonging to Wahlberg and McCarthy .
`` Our goal is to make St. Charles the ultimate Wahlburgers experience for our customers and our fans , '' Wahlberg said in a statement Wednesday .
The burger restaurant is one of three new commercial buildings planned for the Meijer outlot .
A Starbucks coffee shop and drive-through is under construction , and a tenant for the third structure has not been announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second Wahlburgers to open in Illinois .

Wahlburgers to open in St. Charles by April
A Wahlburgers sign at the corner of Randall Road and Route 38 hints that the long-awaited St. Charles burger joint could be opening soon -- and "not Donnie soon," it reads.
Spearheaded by celebrity Donnie Wahlberg, the new restaurant and bar at 825 S. Randall Road is expected to begin operating by early April, a Wahlburgers corporate representative confirmed Wednesday.
The Massachusetts-based chain was founded in 2011 by Wahlberg and his two brothers, actor Mark and executive chef Paul, who have since expanded the Wahlburgers brand nationwide. It's been a longtime dream of Wahlberg's to bring his business venture to St. Charles, where he lives with his wife, actress and TV personality Jenny McCarthy, and their sons.
The city council approved plans for the Wahlburgers restaurant in the summer of 2018, and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held last spring.
Wahlberg and his team are in the midst of a 16-week build-out since gaining access to the building after Thanksgiving, a corporate representative said, noting the restaurant is being run as a franchise.
The establishment will have a full-service bar, a sit-down dining area and an outdoor patio.
Setting it apart from other locations across the country, the St. Charles Wahlburgers also is expected to display memorabilia belonging to Wahlberg and McCarthy.
"Our goal is to make St. Charles the ultimate Wahlburgers experience for our customers and our fans," Wahlberg said in a statement Wednesday.
The burger restaurant is one of three new commercial buildings planned for the Meijer outlot.
A Starbucks coffee shop and drive-through is under construction, and a tenant for the third structure has not been announced.
The St. Charles location will be the second Wahlburgers to open in Illinois.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--US, Iran step back from the brink; Trump opts for sanctions

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday , as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no one was harmed in Iran 's missile strikes on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops .
Speaking from the White House , Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis , which reached a new height after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's elite Quds Force .
Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the installations in Iraq .
Trump credited an early warning system `` that worked very well '' for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed .
He added that Americans should be `` extremely grateful and happy '' with the outcome .
Trump , facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency , said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be `` standing down '' and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions `` until Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world 's attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force .
The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House .
His comments came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted `` All is well ! ''
after the strikes .
Despite the conciliatory talk , the region remained on edge Wednesday .
Americans forces , including a quick reaction force dispatched over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The conflict could still play out in unpredictable ways in the weeks and months to come , with Tehran 's proxies in the region able to carry out attacks .
And there was no obvious route toward a rebooting of diplomatic engagement , as Trump pledged to ratchet up the `` maximum pressure '' campaign of economic sanctions that helped bring on the recent escalation .
Iran , for days , had promised to respond forcefully to Soleimani 's killing , but its limited strike on two bases -- one in the northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq -- appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had `` concluded proportionate measures in self-defense . ''
Trump , who is facing reelection in November , campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in `` endless war . ''
On Wednesday he said the United States is `` ready to embrace peace with all who seek it . ''
That marked a change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Iran does anything that they should n't be doing , they 're going to be suffering the consequences , and very strongly . ''
Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that `` Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon , '' even as that country announced in the wake of Soleimani 's killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear agreement 's limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device .
He seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for new negotiations to replace the deal from which he withdrew the U.S. , objecting that it did n't limit Iran 's ballistic missile programs or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani .
The president spoke directly to Iran , saying , `` We want you to have a future and a great future . ''
Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become `` much more involved in the Middle East process . ''
While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats .
Like U.S. troops in the region , NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their counter-Islamic State efforts , and re-positioned some forces due to the current instability .
Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , speaking on Wednesday , said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran 's response .
`` Last night they received a slap , '' Khamenei said .
`` These military actions are not sufficient ( for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end . ''
Soleimani 's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him .
Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander .
The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes , two U.S. officials said .
Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq 's western Anbar province and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq 's semi-autonomous Kurdish region .
Four failed , said the officials , who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation .
U.S. defense officials said American early warning systems detected an incoming ballistic missile well in advance , providing U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases .
Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack .
It 's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general .
Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saddam Hussein , and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group .
It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces .
Trump visited it in December 2018 , making his first presidential visit to troops in the region .
Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November .
Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran , but it was not immediately clear what those would be .
The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties -- the departments of Commerce , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those actions to prevent the targets from taking steps to evade them .
Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal , the administration has already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Iran 's economic , energy , shipping and military sectors .
The effort to deescalate the conflict comes after world leaders , including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin , appealed to both sides for restraint .
The fallout for Trump 's order to kill Soleimani had been swift .
Iraq 's Parliament voted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and would strengthen Iran 's influence in the Mideast .
The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani .
Top Senate Democrats , citing `` deep concern '' about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation , called on Defense Department officials to provide `` regular briefings and documents '' to Congress .
Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered their `` grave concern '' with Trump 's comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification .
Members of Congress were being briefed on the strike Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill .
Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani , who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq .
One lawmaker who has read the classified notification that Trump sent Congress after the U.S. air strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not describe any imminent planned attacks or contain any new information .
The lawmaker , who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified document , said the letter gave a historic account of attacks that have been reported publicly .
Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann , Robert Burns , Kevin Freking , Lolita Baldor , Darlene Superville , Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

US, Iran step back from the brink; Trump opts for sanctions
An armed guard stands over mourners and family members as they prepare to bury the body of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias who was killed in a US airstrike in Iraq on Friday, in Wadi al-Salam, or "Valley of Peace" cemetery, during his funeral procession in Najaf, Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)
This satellite image provided on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, by Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Planet Labs Inc. shows the damage caused from an Iranian missile strike at the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. Iran's actions were in response to the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani. (Planet Labs Inc./Middlebury Institute of International Studies via AP)
President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, and others. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military leaders, looks on. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war Wednesday, as President Donald Trump indicated he would not respond militarily after no one was harmed in Iran's missile strikes on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops.
Speaking from the White House, Trump seemed intent on deescalating the crisis, which reached a new height after he authorized the targeted killing last week of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Iran retaliated overnight with its most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, firing more than a dozen missiles from its territory at the installations in Iraq.
Trump credited an early warning system "that worked very well" for the fact that no Americans or Iraqis were killed. He added that Americans should be "extremely grateful and happy" with the outcome.
Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be "standing down" and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions "until Iran changes its behavior."
The strikes had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world's attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force. The Republican president delivered his remarks surrounded by his national security advisers in the foyer of the White House. His comments came after a late-night tweet in which he insisted "All is well!" after the strikes.
Despite the conciliatory talk, the region remained on edge Wednesday. Americans forces, including a quick reaction force dispatched over the weekend, remained on high alert. The conflict could still play out in unpredictable ways in the weeks and months to come, with Tehran's proxies in the region able to carry out attacks. And there was no obvious route toward a rebooting of diplomatic engagement, as Trump pledged to ratchet up the "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions that helped bring on the recent escalation.
Iran, for days, had promised to respond forcefully to Soleimani's killing, but its limited strike on two bases -- one in the northern Iraqi city in Irbil and the other at Ain al-Asad in western Iraq -- appeared to signal that it was also uninterested in a wider clash with the U.S. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the country had "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense."
Trump, who is facing reelection in November, campaigned for president on a promise to keep the United States from engaging in "endless war."
On Wednesday he said the United States is "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it." That marked a change in tone from his Tuesday warning, "If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly."
Trump opened his remarks by reiterating his promise that "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," even as that country announced in the wake of Soleimani's killing that it would no longer comply with any of the 2015 nuclear agreement's limits on enrichment that had been put in place to prevent it from building a nuclear device.
He seized on the moment of calm to call for new negotiations to replace the deal from which he withdrew the U.S., objecting that it didn't limit Iran's ballistic missile programs or constrain its regional proxy campaigns like those led by Soleimani.
The president spoke directly to Iran, saying, "We want you to have a future and a great future."
Trump also announced he would ask NATO to become "much more involved in the Middle East process." While he has frequently criticized NATO as obsolete and has encouraged participants to increase their military spending, Trump has sought to have the military alliance refocus its efforts on modern threats.
Like U.S. troops in the region, NATO forces have temporarily halted their training of Iraqi forces and their counter-Islamic State efforts, and re-positioned some forces due to the current instability.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking on Wednesday, said the overnight strike was not necessarily the totality of Iran's response.
"Last night they received a slap," Khamenei said. "These military actions are not sufficient (for revenge). What is important is that the corrupt presence of America in this region comes to an end."
Soleimani's death last week in an American drone strike in Baghdad prompted angry calls for vengeance and drew massive crowds of Iranians to the streets to mourn him. Khamenei himself wept at the funeral in a sign of his bond with the commander.
The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles in the latest strikes, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province and one targeted a base in Irbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation.
U.S. defense officials said American early warning systems detected an incoming ballistic missile well in advance, providing U.S. and coalition forces adequate time to take shelter at both bases. Officials also said that the U.S. was aware of preparations for the attack. It's unclear if any intelligence identified specific targets or was more general.
Ain al-Asad was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and it later was used by American troops in the fight against the Islamic State group. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. Trump visited it in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence visited both Ain al-Asad and Irbil in November.
Trump spoke of new sanctions on Iran, but it was not immediately clear what those would be. The primary agencies involved in implementing such penalties -- the departments of Commerce, State and Treasury -- do not preview those actions to prevent the targets from taking steps to evade them.
Since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the administration has already imposed harsh sanctions on nearly every significant portion of Iran's economic, energy, shipping and military sectors.
The effort to deescalate the conflict comes after world leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, appealed to both sides for restraint.
The fallout for Trump's order to kill Soleimani had been swift.
Iraq's Parliament voted to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, which would undermine efforts to fight Islamic State militants in the region and would strengthen Iran's influence in the Mideast.
The counterattack by Iran came as Trump and his top advisers were under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to the American strike that killed Soleimani.
Top Senate Democrats, citing "deep concern" about the lack of information coming from the Trump administration about the Iran operation, called on Defense Department officials to provide "regular briefings and documents" to Congress.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the senators also registered their "grave concern" with Trump's comments on targeting Iranian cultural sites and asked for clarification.
Members of Congress were being briefed on the strike Wednesday afternoon in closed-door sessions on Capitol Hill.
Trump and top national security officials have justified the airstrike with general statements about the threat posed by Soleimani, who commanded proxy forces outside Iran and was responsible for the deaths of American troops in Iraq.
One lawmaker who has read the classified notification that Trump sent Congress after the U.S. air strike that killed Soleimani said the two-page document did not describe any imminent planned attacks or contain any new information. The lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the classified document, said the letter gave a historic account of attacks that have been reported publicly.
Associated Press writers Deb Riechmann, Robert Burns, Kevin Freking, Lolita Baldor, Darlene Superville, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy gets 2 years in prison

CINCINNATI -- An Ohio man who claimed to be an Aurora child who disappeared at age 6 pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated identity theft and will serve two years in prison , minus time served .
Brian Michael Rini , 24 , of Medina , will be on one year of probation to be served at the end of his sentence , U.S. Judge Michael Barrett told him .
Rini will be credited for time served dating to his arrest April 4 , 2019 .
Rini , now with a neatly trimmed beard , answered Barrett with a soft `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether he understood the consequences of his plea .
Prosecutors dropped charges of lying to FBI agents .
Barrett ordered a presentencing investigation into Rini 's background , but both sides agreed that the federal identity theft statute requires a two-year sentence and that Rini will remain jailed without bond during the official sentencing .
Rini last year pleaded not guilty to identity theft and lying to FBI agents .
He would have faced as many as eight years in prison if convicted of all charges .
Judge Barrett ruled Oct. 31 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he underwent an evaluation in a federal facility in Chicago .
A court transcript of the that hearing showed that the defense and prosecution had discussed settling the case .
Police said Rini was wandering the streets of Newport , Kentucky , last April 3 .
Police said he told them he was Timmothy Pitzen , who disappeared in 2011 at age 6 .
Authorities said Rini claimed he had just escaped captors who sexually abused him .
Federal authorities said they were suspicious after he refused to be fingerprinted .
DNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rini had been released from a state prison last March after serving more than a year on burglary and vandalism charges .
Prison records show he was accused of making up stories during his time there .
Richard Monahan , a federal public defender , told Barrett that Rini still faces state probation violation charges , among other pending legal matters .
When confronted with the DNA results , Rini said he 'd watched a story about Timmothy on ABC 's `` 20/20 '' and wanted to get away from his own family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he twice earlier portrayed himself in Ohio as a juvenile victim of sex trafficking .
A federal magistrate had cited Rini 's lack of a permanent address , past mental health issues and `` a lengthy criminal history '' that goes back to age 13 .
In 2017 , Rini was treated at an Ohio center for people with mental health or substance abuse problems , according to court records .
The hoax had briefly raised hope last year among Timmothy 's relatives .
Timmothy vanished after his mother pulled him out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road trip to the zoo and a water park , and then killed herself at a hotel .
She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him , and added : `` You will never find him . ''

Man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy gets 2 years in prison
CINCINNATI -- An Ohio man who claimed to be an Aurora child who disappeared at age 6 pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated identity theft and will serve two years in prison, minus time served.
Brian Michael Rini, 24, of Medina, will be on one year of probation to be served at the end of his sentence, U.S. Judge Michael Barrett told him. Rini will be credited for time served dating to his arrest April 4, 2019.
Rini, now with a neatly trimmed beard, answered Barrett with a soft "Yes, sir," when asked whether he understood the consequences of his plea.
Prosecutors dropped charges of lying to FBI agents. Barrett ordered a presentencing investigation into Rini's background, but both sides agreed that the federal identity theft statute requires a two-year sentence and that Rini will remain jailed without bond during the official sentencing.
Rini last year pleaded not guilty to identity theft and lying to FBI agents. He would have faced as many as eight years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Judge Barrett ruled Oct. 31 that Rini was competent to stand trial, after he underwent an evaluation in a federal facility in Chicago. A court transcript of the that hearing showed that the defense and prosecution had discussed settling the case.
Police said Rini was wandering the streets of Newport, Kentucky, last April 3. Police said he told them he was Timmothy Pitzen, who disappeared in 2011 at age 6. Authorities said Rini claimed he had just escaped captors who sexually abused him.
Federal authorities said they were suspicious after he refused to be fingerprinted. DNA testing quickly revealed his true identity.
Rini had been released from a state prison last March after serving more than a year on burglary and vandalism charges. Prison records show he was accused of making up stories during his time there.
Richard Monahan, a federal public defender, told Barrett that Rini still faces state probation violation charges, among other pending legal matters.
When confronted with the DNA results, Rini said he'd watched a story about Timmothy on ABC's "20/20" and wanted to get away from his own family, the FBI said. Authorities said he twice earlier portrayed himself in Ohio as a juvenile victim of sex trafficking.
A federal magistrate had cited Rini's lack of a permanent address, past mental health issues and "a lengthy criminal history" that goes back to age 13. In 2017, Rini was treated at an Ohio center for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, according to court records.
The hoax had briefly raised hope last year among Timmothy's relatives.
Timmothy vanished after his mother pulled him out of kindergarten, took him on a two-day road trip to the zoo and a water park, and then killed herself at a hotel. She left a note saying that her son was safe with people who would love and care for him, and added: "You will never find him."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Suspect sought in attempted child abduction near Palatine

Cook County sheriff 's investigators are asking for the public 's help in identifying a man who may have attempted @ @ @ @ @ in Palatine Township .
According to the sheriff 's office , the man was behind @ @ @ @ @ truck at about 6 p.m. Tuesday when he approached the juveniles in the 2300 block @ @ @ @ @ Frontage Road , and attempted to lure them into his vehicle .
The man fled @ @ @ @ @ juveniles saw the truck and began to approach .
The man was described as Hispanic @ @ @ @ @ tall , with a dark mustache and beard .
He was driving a red pickup @ @ @ @ @ the roof and no front license plate .
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact @ @ @ @ @ Office at ( 847 ) 635-1188 .

Suspect sought in attempted child abduction in Palatine Twp.
Cook County sheriff's investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who may have attempted to abduct two children Tuesday in Palatine Township.
According to the sheriff's office, the man was behind the wheel of a pickup truck about 6 p.m. Tuesday when he approached the children on the 2300 block of Nichols Road near Frontage Road and attempted to lure them into his vehicle. The man fled after a relative of the children saw the truck and began to approach.
The man was described as Hispanic, approximately 5 feet tall, with a dark mustache and beard. He was driving a red pickup truck with yellow lights on the roof and no front license plate.
Anyone with information should call the Cook County sheriff's office at (847) 635-1188.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--With new name and location, Not Your Father's root beer creators ready for grand opening

The brewery that created the popular Not Your Father 's Root Beer will celebrate its new location in Cary with an all-day grand opening Friday .
Tim Kovac , head brewer of spirit Water -- formerly known as Small Town Brewery -- and the creator of the root beer when the company was in Wauconda , said he is excited for the event , which will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Kovac said the brewery drew a large crowd for its soft opening last weekend at 3300 Three Oaks Road .
`` Once we put it up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wauconda showed up , '' Kovac said .
`` It was a lot of fun seeing old faces and meeting new faces as well . ''
On Friday , Kovac will be on hand to talk about Spirit Water 's new offerings and even sign bottles and growlers for customers .
Like the previous location , the Cary facility does n't have a kitchen , and patrons are encouraged to bring or order food from nearby restaurants .
Kovac said the brewery will provide snacks all day for the grand opening .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of tap room space than the Wauconda facility and a larger bar , Kovac said .
The area of the building where the beer , wine and spirits are made is larger now , as well .
Kovac said the business is producing at about the rate it did in Wauconda , but will be scaling up soon to meet demand .
`` Now I 'm trying to fill up all 47 of the tap handles , '' Kovac said .
`` It 's been a bit of a race . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ original recipe for the 5.9 % alcohol content root beer that won the brewery so many fans .
The company sold that recipe , along with the `` Not Your Father 's '' name , to a larger brewery .
The terms of the deal are not public .
However , the company will sell a root beer product with a higher concentration of alcohol at the new taproom , something not available at the Wauconda location .
Jagdish Chevli , one of the company 's chief partners , said in August they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late September .
Kovac said Wednesday they had `` some hiccups '' along the way that delayed the opening .
`` We 're ready to go , '' he said .

With new name and location, Not Your Father's root beer creators ready for grand opening
The brewery that created the popular "Not Your Father's Root Beer" while headquartered in Wauconda will celebrate their new home -- and new name -- in Cary with a grand opening. Courtesy Tim Kovac, spirit Water
Patrons who visit Spirit Water, the brewery that created "Not Your Father's Root Beer," in Cary will notice how much bigger their tap room is compared to their original home in Wauconda. Courtesy Tim Kovac, Spirit Water
The brewery that created the popular Not Your Father's Root Beer will celebrate its new location in Cary with an all-day grand opening Friday.
Tim Kovac, head brewer of Spirit Water -- formerly known as Small Town Brewery -- and the creator of the root beer when the company was in Wauconda, said he is excited for the event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Kovac said the brewery drew a large crowd for its soft opening last weekend at 3300 Three Oaks Road.
"Once we put it up on Facebook, a lot of people from Wauconda showed up," Kovac said. "It was a lot of fun seeing old faces and meeting new faces as well."
On Friday, Kovac will be on hand to talk about Spirit Water's new offerings and even sign bottles and growlers for customers. Like the previous location, the Cary facility doesn't have a kitchen, and patrons are encouraged to bring or order food from nearby restaurants. Kovac said the brewery will provide snacks all day for the grand opening.
The Cary location has more than twice the amount of tap room space than the Wauconda facility and a larger bar, Kovac said. The area of the building where the beer, wine and spirits are made is larger now, as well.
Kovac said the business is producing at about the rate it did in Wauconda, but will be scaling up soon to meet demand.
"Now I'm trying to fill up all 47 of the tap handles," Kovac said. "It's been a bit of a race."
Not available on tap will be the original recipe for the 5.9% alcohol content root beer that won the brewery so many fans. The company sold that recipe, along with the "Not Your Father's" name, to a larger brewery. The terms of the deal are not public.
However, the company will sell a root beer product with a higher concentration of alcohol at the new taproom, something not available at the Wauconda location.
Jagdish Chevli, one of the company's chief partners, said in August they intended on opening the new location in late September. Kovac said Wednesday they had "some hiccups" along the way that delayed the opening.
"We're ready to go," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--AP FACT CHECK: Trump minimizes IS risk, distorts Iran payout

WASHINGTON ( AP ) -- President Donald Trump wrongly dismissed the continuing threat of the Islamic State group and spread a false tale of the U.S. paying out billions of dollars to Iran as part of the multinational deal freezing its nuclear program in an address Wednesday that fell short on facts .
A look at some of the president 's claims in his remarks on Iran 's missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops : TRUMP : `` Three months ago , after destroying 100 % of ISIS and its territorial caliphate ... '' THE FACTS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is misleading as the Islamic State still poses a threat .
IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017 , then lost the last of its land holdings in Syria in March , marking the end of the extremists ' self-declared caliphate .
Still , extremist sleeper cells have continued to launch attacks in Iraq and Syria and are believed to be responsible for targeted killings against local officials and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces .
As recently as this week , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the fight against ISIS in Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of northern and eastern Syria , where it declared a caliphate in 2014 , along with large parts of neighboring Iraq .
U.N. experts warned in August that IS leaders are aiming to consolidate and create conditions for an `` eventual resurgence in its Iraqi and Syrian heartlands . ''
TRUMP : `` Iran 's hostility substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013 .
And they were given $ 150 billion , not to mention $ 1.8 billion in cash . ''
THE FACTS : There was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treasury or other countries .
When Iran signed the multinational deal to restrain its nuclear development in return for being freed from sanctions , it regained access to its own assets , which had been frozen abroad .
Iran was allowed to get its money back .
The deal actually was signed in 2015 , after a 2013 preliminary agreement .
Trump has taken the U.S. out of it .
The $ 1.8 billion is a separate matter .
A payout of roughly that amount did come from the U.S. treasury .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the 1970s , Iran paid the U.S. $ 400 million for military equipment that was never delivered because the government was overthrown and diplomatic relations ruptured .
After the nuclear deal , the U.S. and Iran announced they had settled the matter , with the U.S. agreeing to pay the $ 400 million principal along with about $ 1.3 billion in interest .
The $ 400 million was paid in cash and flown to Tehran on a cargo plane , which gave rise to Trump 's previous dramatic accounts of money stuffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dead of night .
The arrangement provided for the interest to be paid later , not crammed into containers .
TRUMP : `` We are independent , and we do not need Middle East oil . ''
THE FACTS : Trump 's declaration of energy independence is premature .
The U.S. still needs plenty of oil from the Mideast .
The volume of U.S. oil imports from the Persian Gulf alone -- 23 million barrels in October -- would not be easy to make up elsewhere , at least not without major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Technological advances like fracking and horizontal drilling have allowed the U.S. to greatly increase production , but demand remains brisk and the country still imports millions of barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia , Canada , Iraq and other countries .
Moreover , much of what the U.S. produces is hard for domestic refiners to convert to practical use .
So the U.S. exports that production and imports oil that is more suitable for American refineries to handle .
On energy more broadly , the U.S. is indeed close to parity on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it consumes .
In some months , it produces more than it consumes .
But it has not achieved self-sufficiency .
In the first nine months of last year , it imported about as much energy as it exported .
TRUMP : `` The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration , at a cost of $ 2.5 trillion . ''
THE FACTS : That 's an exaggeration .
It 's true that his administration has accelerated a sharp buildup in defense spending , including a respite from what the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under budget sequestration .
But a number of new Pentagon weapons programs , such as the F-35 fighter jet , were started years before the Trump administration .
And it will take years for fresh orders of tanks , planes and other weapons to be built , delivered and put to use .
The Air Force 's Minuteman 3 missiles , a key part of the U.S. nuclear force , for instance , have been operating since the early 1970s and its modernization was begun under the Obama administration .
They are due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not until later this decade .
Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor , Matthew Daly , Robert Burns and Cal Woodward contributed to this report .

AP FACT CHECK: Trump minimizes IS risk, distorts Iran payout
President Donald Trump addresses the nation Wednesday from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops. Associated Press
President Donald Trump addresses the nation Wednesday from the White House on the ballistic missile strike that Iran launched against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. troops, as Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and Vice President Mike Pence, and others look on. Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump wrongly dismissed the continuing threat of the Islamic State group and spread a false tale of the U.S. paying out billions of dollars to Iran as part of the multinational deal freezing its nuclear program in an address Wednesday that fell short on facts.
A look at some of the president's claims in his remarks on Iran's missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops:
TRUMP: "Three months ago, after destroying 100% of ISIS and its territorial caliphate ..."
THE FACTS: His claim of a 100% defeat is misleading as the Islamic State still poses a threat.
IS was defeated in Iraq in 2017, then lost the last of its land holdings in Syria in March, marking the end of the extremists' self-declared caliphate.
Still, extremist sleeper cells have continued to launch attacks in Iraq and Syria and are believed to be responsible for targeted killings against local officials and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
As recently as this week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the fight against ISIS in Syria was continuing.
IS controlled large swaths of northern and eastern Syria, where it declared a caliphate in 2014, along with large parts of neighboring Iraq.
U.N. experts warned in August that IS leaders are aiming to consolidate and create conditions for an "eventual resurgence in its Iraqi and Syrian heartlands."
TRUMP: "Iran's hostility substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013. And they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash."
THE FACTS: There was no $150 billion payout from the U.S. treasury or other countries.
When Iran signed the multinational deal to restrain its nuclear development in return for being freed from sanctions, it regained access to its own assets, which had been frozen abroad. Iran was allowed to get its money back. The deal actually was signed in 2015, after a 2013 preliminary agreement. Trump has taken the U.S. out of it.
The $1.8 billion is a separate matter. A payout of roughly that amount did come from the U.S. treasury. It was to pay an old IOU.
In the 1970s, Iran paid the U.S. $400 million for military equipment that was never delivered because the government was overthrown and diplomatic relations ruptured. After the nuclear deal, the U.S. and Iran announced they had settled the matter, with the U.S. agreeing to pay the $400 million principal along with about $1.3 billion in interest.
The $400 million was paid in cash and flown to Tehran on a cargo plane, which gave rise to Trump's previous dramatic accounts of money stuffed in barrels or boxes and delivered in the dead of night. The arrangement provided for the interest to be paid later, not crammed into containers.
TRUMP: "We are independent, and we do not need Middle East oil."
THE FACTS: Trump's declaration of energy independence is premature. The U.S. still needs plenty of oil from the Mideast.
The volume of U.S. oil imports from the Persian Gulf alone -- 23 million barrels in October -- would not be easy to make up elsewhere, at least not without major changes in U.S. demand or production.
Technological advances like fracking and horizontal drilling have allowed the U.S. to greatly increase production, but demand remains brisk and the country still imports millions of barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iraq and other countries. Moreover, much of what the U.S. produces is hard for domestic refiners to convert to practical use. So the U.S. exports that production and imports oil that is more suitable for American refineries to handle.
On energy more broadly, the U.S. is indeed close to parity on how much energy it produces and how much it consumes. In some months, it produces more than it consumes. But it has not achieved self-sufficiency. In the first nine months of last year, it imported about as much energy as it exported.
TRUMP: "The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of $2.5 trillion."
THE FACTS: That's an exaggeration.
It's true that his administration has accelerated a sharp buildup in defense spending, including a respite from what the U.S. military considered to be crippling spending limits under budget sequestration.
But a number of new Pentagon weapons programs, such as the F-35 fighter jet, were started years before the Trump administration. And it will take years for fresh orders of tanks, planes and other weapons to be built, delivered and put to use.
The Air Force's Minuteman 3 missiles, a key part of the U.S. nuclear force, for instance, have been operating since the early 1970s and its modernization was begun under the Obama administration. They are due to be replaced with a new version, but not until later this decade.
Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Matthew Daly, Robert Burns and Cal Woodward contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--IDHS: Crystal Lake man who killed mother now can't be treated for mental illness

The Illinois Department of Human Services is unable to provide mental health care to a Crystal Lake man who stabbed his mother to death in 2010 and whose health rapidly deteriorated in the past year , his attorney said .
James E. Trzcinski has been under the watch of the IDHS since he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with the 2010 stabbing death of his mother , Dorothy Trzcinski .
However , James Trzcinski has been a patient at a Cook County hospital since July , because a brain injury and other medical conditions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State 's Attorney Kim Messer wrote in a Dec. 31 motion .
The mental health services Trzcinski receives are the result of a judge 's Nov. 1 , 2011 , verdict .
After a fitness hearing , former McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon determined Trzcinski was not guilty but was legally insane when he killed his mother on March 5 , 2010 inside the house they shared on Crystal Lake Avenue near Cary .
Police found 80-year-old Dorothy Trzcinski with more than 40 stab wounds .
A 911 call used as evidence at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trzcinski 's final moments , wailing as her son allegedly stabbed her .
James Trzcinski , who has a history of schizophrenia , was off his medication at the time of his mother 's death , police have said .
His mental health treatment continued under IDHS watch until he suffered a fall on March 26 , 2019 , Messer wrote .
The fall fractured his hip , and surgery only led to further medical complications , according to his attorney .
Trzcinski ultimately was diagnosed with -- `` a rare , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Messer wrote , adding Trzcinski 's psychotropic medication was subsequently discontinued .
At that time , Trzcinski was capable of making eye contact , could `` move his upper extremities to a small degree , '' and was being fed through a tube , Messer said .
Trzcinski 's conditions has since worsened .
During his hospital stay , he was diagnosed with pneumonia , received a tracheostomy , and was placed on a ventilator .
He also suffered a brain injury caused by multiple cardiac arrests , Messer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County on July 25 and his condition remains unchanged , his attorney said .
Still , IDHS is required to have a staff member sit with Trzcinski around the clock .
`` Given defendant 's medical condition , this is unnecessary , '' Messer wrote in her Dec. 31 motion .
`` Defendant is no risk to the community under the circumstances , and is unlikely to recover in any appreciable fashion in the future . ''
The McHenry County State 's Attorney 's Office could not immediately be reached to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for Jan. 28 .

IDHS: Crystal Lake man who killed mother now can't be treated for mental illness
The Illinois Department of Human Services is unable to provide mental health care to a Crystal Lake man who stabbed his mother to death in 2010 and whose health rapidly deteriorated in the past year, his attorney said.
James E. Trzcinski has been under the watch of the IDHS since he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with the 2010 stabbing death of his mother, Dorothy Trzcinski. However, James Trzcinski has been a patient at a Cook County hospital since July, because a brain injury and other medical conditions have rendered him unresponsive, McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Kim Messer wrote in a Dec. 31 motion.
The mental health services Trzcinski receives are the result of a judge's Nov. 1, 2011, verdict.
After a fitness hearing, former McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon determined Trzcinski was not guilty but was legally insane when he killed his mother on March 5, 2010 inside the house they shared on Crystal Lake Avenue near Cary. Police found 80-year-old Dorothy Trzcinski with more than 40 stab wounds. A 911 call used as evidence at the time, captured some of Dorothy Trzcinski's final moments, wailing as her son allegedly stabbed her.
James Trzcinski, who has a history of schizophrenia, was off his medication at the time of his mother's death, police have said.
His mental health treatment continued under IDHS watch until he suffered a fall on March 26, 2019, Messer wrote. The fall fractured his hip, and surgery only led to further medical complications, according to his attorney.
Trzcinski ultimately was diagnosed with -- "a rare, but serious, reaction to certain psychotropic medications," Messer wrote, adding Trzcinski's psychotropic medication was subsequently discontinued.
At that time, Trzcinski was capable of making eye contact, could "move his upper extremities to a small degree," and was being fed through a tube, Messer said.
Trzcinski's conditions has since worsened. During his hospital stay, he was diagnosed with pneumonia, received a tracheostomy, and was placed on a ventilator. He also suffered a brain injury caused by multiple cardiac arrests, Messer said.
Trzcinski was transferred to Provident Hospital of Cook County on July 25 and his condition remains unchanged, his attorney said. Still, IDHS is required to have a staff member sit with Trzcinski around the clock.
"Given defendant's medical condition, this is unnecessary," Messer wrote in her Dec. 31 motion. "Defendant is no risk to the community under the circumstances, and is unlikely to recover in any appreciable fashion in the future."
The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office could not immediately be reached to comment.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 28.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Schneider challenger could be knocked off ballot in 10th House District race

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider 's challenger in March 's Democratic primary for the 10th House District seat could be knocked off the ballot Thursday .
Buffalo Grove resident Adam Broad said his nominating petition does n't have enough legitimate signatures of registered 10th District voters remaining after a state review flagged more than 300 of them .
The state elections board will rule on the matter Thursday , said Matt Dietrich , a spokesman for the agency .
The hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago .
If the state board rules against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'll run a write-in campaign for the post .
Broad said he 's already filed the necessary paperwork in Lake County and will file write-in papers in Cook County within 10 days .
Northbrook resident Julie Rosner challenged the validity of the signatures on Broad 's petition , state records indicate .
In some cases , Rosner alleged signers are n't registered to vote at the addresses on the forms .
Rosner also alleged some signatures are forgeries and that others belong to people living outside the 10th District , documents show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signatures on the petition .
A hearing officer has reviewed the matter , too , and will recommend the election board sustain or overrule the objection , Dietrich said .
The hearing officer 's recommendation wo n't become public until Thursday 's meeting , Dietrich said .
Broad 's removal from the ballot would leave Schneider as the lone Democratic candidate on the ballot .
A Schneider spokesman declined to comment .
Schneider , of Deerfield , first won the post in 2012 but lost in 2014 .
He took back the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Broad , who identifies as a Democratic Socialist , has been a Vernon Township trustee since 2017 .
He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for Lake County clerk in 2018 .

Schneider challenger could be knocked off ballot in 10th House District race
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider's challenger in March's Democratic primary for the 10th House District seat could be knocked off the ballot Thursday.
Buffalo Grove resident Adam Broad said his nominating petition likely doesn't have enough legitimate signatures of registered 10th District voters remaining after a state review flagged more than 300 of them.
The state elections board will rule on the matter Thursday, said Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for the agency. The hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.
If the state board rules against Broad as he expects, he said he'll run a write-in campaign for the post.
Broad said he's already filed the necessary paperwork in Lake County and will file write-in papers in Cook County within 10 days.
Northbrook resident Julie Rosner challenged the validity of the signatures on Broad's petition, state records indicate.
In some cases, Rosner alleged signers weren't registered to vote at the addresses on the forms. Rosner also alleged some signatures were forgeries and that others belonged to people living outside the 10th District, documents show.
The election board staff already has inspected the signatures on the petition. A hearing officer has reviewed the matter, too, and will recommend the election board sustain or overrule the objection, Dietrich said.
The hearing officer's recommendation won't become public until Thursday's meeting, Dietrich said.
Broad said he was given the opportunity to produce affidavits proving signatures belong to 10th District voters, but he would've had to do it during the week of Christmas.
"We opted not to spend any more time or money on the ballot challenge," Broad said.
Broad's removal would leave Schneider as the lone Democratic candidate on the ballot.
A Schneider spokesman declined to comment.
Winnetka resident Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee is the lone Republican candidate.
Schneider, of Deerfield, first won the post in 2012 but lost in 2014. He took back the seat in 2016 and secured reelection in 2018.
Broad, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, has been a Vernon Township trustee since 2017. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for Lake County clerk in 2018.