chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Trump finally admits it: He’s weakening the postal service to sway elections

We ’ ve long said President Donald Trump is purposely sabotaging the U.S .
Postal Service in a desperate attempt to steal the November election .
Now there is proof .
And it comes straight from the president himself .
In a FOX Business interview Thursday , Trump admitted he is blocking the postal service from receiving $ 25 billion in coronavirus stimulus money because some of the funds would be used to expand mail-in voting during the pandemic .
He ’ s also standing in the way of an additional $ 3.6 billion in pandemic funding that states would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting .
Trump has called mail-in balloting a “ fraud ” that would benefit Democratic candidates .
“ They want $ 25 billion for the post office , ” Trump said of Democrats .
“ Now they need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots .
“ But if they don ’ t get those two items , that means you can ’ t have universal mail-in voting because they ’ re not equipped to have it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every American that a U.S. president — to tip the scales toward his own re-election — would openly work to destroy elements enshrined in the Constitution : the promise of honest elections , and the safe and unencumbered delivery of the nation ’ s mail .
But then again , bending the nation ’ s institutions to suit his selfish whims has been a hallmark of Trump ’ s presidency .
This is a page straight out of the playbook of fascists and dictators , and it must not stand .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican lawmakers — in their customary role as chief enablers of Trump ’ s bad behavior — won ’ t pass a stimulus bill that includes House Democrats ’ funding requests for the postal service .
They remain mum , even as their actions and Trump ’ s jeopardize the postal service and the legitimacy of the upcoming elections .
This is a page straight out of the playbook of fascists and dictators , and it must not stand .
Throughout his term , Trump has had it out for the postal service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the agency , he falsely claims the postal service ’ s financial problems are due to undercharging Amazon — owned by his foe Jeff Bezos — and other internet retailers for deliveries .
Then Trump installed businessman and GOP fundraiser Louis DeJoy as postmaster general in June .
Since taking the reins , DeJoy has acted more like a henchman than a postal leader as he degrades the agency to help his boss .
Across the country there are reports of mail delays as DeJoy cuts overtime and even yanks mail sorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Workers Union President Kimberly Karol told NPR this week “ mail is beginning to pile up in our offices , and we ’ re seeing equipment being removed.
” Earlier this month , DeJoy either sacked or reassigned 23 members of his leadership staff , many of whom had decades of postal experience .
The move put more power in DeJoy ’ s hands — which really means in Trump ’ s hands because the postmaster general has no postal experience .
It ’ s bad enough that such forced errors would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery of everything from medical test results to prescription medications are of critical importance .
But that it would also be done with an eye toward affecting the outcome of the November elections — an admission from Trump ’ s own mouth on live television — should be seen as an insult to every American .
As Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin said Thursday in a Sun-Times op-ed : “ It ’ s undeniable that these delays also threaten our ability to hold a free and fair election.
” We must call it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Trump to steal an American election to remain in power .
An honest president would make sure the postal service is equipped to handle the anticipated minimum of 5 million mail-in ballots come November .
He ’ d make sure the right to vote is protected .
Instead , Trump and his postmaster are purposely — and openly — throwing wrenches into the machinery .
They have even proposed raising the postage states pay to mail ballots from 20 cents to 55 cents per ballot .
But here ’ s hoping Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day : an eviction notice , sent special delivery from the American people .

We’ve long said President Donald Trump is purposely sabotaging the U.S. Postal Service in a desperate attempt to steal the November election.
Now there is proof. And it comes straight from the president himself.
In a FOX Business interview Thursday, Trump admitted he is blocking the postal service from receiving $25 billion in coronavirus stimulus money because some of the funds would be used to expand mail-in voting during the pandemic.
Editorials bug Editorials
He’s also standing in the way of an additional $3.6 billion in pandemic funding that states would get to bolster election security and mail-in voting.
Trump has called mail-in balloting a “fraud” that would benefit Democratic candidates.
“They want $25 billion for the post office,” Trump said of Democrats. “Now they need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots.
“But if they don’t get those two items, that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting because they’re not equipped to have it,” he said.
It should disgust every American that a U.S. president — to tip the scales toward his own re-election — would openly work to destroy elements enshrined in the Constitution: the promise of honest elections, and the safe and unencumbered delivery of the nation’s mail.
But then again, bending the nation’s institutions to suit his selfish whims has been a hallmark of Trump’s presidency.
This is a page straight out of the playbook of fascists and dictators, and it must not stand.
And the GOP-controlled Senate is complicit in this. Republican lawmakers — in their customary role as chief enablers of Trump’s bad behavior — won’t pass a stimulus bill that includes House Democrats’ funding requests for the postal service.
They remain mum, even as their actions and Trump’s jeopardize the postal service and the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
This is a page straight out of the playbook of fascists and dictators, and it must not stand.
Free and fair elections ‘threatened’
Throughout his term, Trump has had it out for the postal service. In addition to blocking stimulus funds to the agency, he falsely claims the postal service’s financial problems are due to undercharging Amazon — owned by his foe Jeff Bezos — and other internet retailers for deliveries.
Then Trump installed businessman and GOP fundraiser Louis DeJoy as postmaster general in June. Since taking the reins, DeJoy has acted more like a henchman than a postal leader as he degrades the agency to help his boss.
Across the country there are reports of mail delays as DeJoy cuts overtime and even yanks mail sorting equipment from postal facilities.
Iowa Postal Workers Union President Kimberly Karol told NPR this week “mail is beginning to pile up in our offices, and we’re seeing equipment being removed.”
Earlier this month, DeJoy either sacked or reassigned 23 members of his leadership staff, many of whom had decades of postal experience.
The move put more power in DeJoy’s hands — which really means in Trump’s hands because the postmaster general has no postal experience.
It’s bad enough that such forced errors would come during the COVID-19 crisis, when the delivery of everything from medical test results to prescription medications are of critical importance. But that it would also be done with an eye toward affecting the outcome of the November elections — an admission from Trump’s own mouth on live television — should be seen as an insult to every American.
As Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin said Thursday in a Sun-Times op-ed: “It’s undeniable that these delays also threaten our ability to hold a free and fair election.”
An assault on democracy
We must call it for what it is: a brazen attempt by Trump to steal an American election to remain in power.
An honest president would make sure the postal service is equipped to handle the anticipated minimum of 5 million mail-in ballots come November. He’d make sure the right to vote is protected.
Instead, Trump and his postmaster are purposely — and openly — throwing wrenches into the machinery. They have even proposed raising the postage states pay to mail ballots from 20 cents to 55 cents per ballot.
A broken machine benefits Trump on Election Day.
But here’s hoping Trump gets a surprise all his own on Election Day: an eviction notice, sent special delivery from the American people.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--42 felony cases tied to this week’s looting so far, Kim Foxx says

The Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s office announced Thursday that there have been 42 felony charges filed so far tied to this week ’ s looting downtown and in other neighborhoods .
“ I am committed to keeping our communities safe and continuing to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to demand accountability and seek justice for the people of Cook County , ” Kim Foxx said in a statement .
Chicago police said the theft and destruction that took place Sunday night into Monday morning stemmed from a wildfire of rumors that followed the police shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday afternoon .
Police said officers shot Allen after he fired at them several times .
Allen was charged with attempted murder .
The most serious charge tied to the looting was attempted murder , but the state ’ s attorney ’ s office didn ’ t respond to calls Thursday to say whether that case was Allen ’ s .
No other attempted murder cases have been brought by the office this week in relation to the recent unrest , and a police spokesman could not confirm any attempted murder charges that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Thursday connected to the looting .
The vast majority of the felonies tied to the looting — nearly 67 % — are for burglary/looting , the state ’ s attorney ’ s office said .
Other charges include gun possession , aggravated battery/resisting arrest , theft and criminal damage to property .
In one case where prosecutors declined to approve felony charges that were earlier sought by the CPD , detectives ended up agreeing with the office ’ s decision , Foxx said .
Foxx ’ s announcement comes days after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Supt .
David Brown , who said the state ’ s attorney ’ s office had not been aggressive enough in prosecuting looting cases in June following widespread civil unrest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police office .
Foxx accused Lightfoot and Brown on Monday of playing “ dishonest blame games ” and called for “ an honest conversation ” about the causes of the looting .
Foxx ’ s office Thursday did not have information about misdemeanors related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police , who can also seek violation of city ordinance charges , which are prosecuted by city attorneys .
In most of those cases , an arrestee is released on bond from the police stations with a court date .
Prosecutors are not made aware of the charge until days before the person appears in court .
Additional looting related cases are still under investigation by police and will be reviewed by the state ’ s attorney ’ s office if felony charges are deemed appropriate , Foxx said .

The Cook County state’s attorney’s office announced Thursday that there have been 42 felony charges filed so far tied to this week’s looting downtown and in other neighborhoods.
“I am committed to keeping our communities safe and continuing to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to demand accountability and seek justice for the people of Cook County,” Kim Foxx said in a statement.
Chicago police said the theft and destruction that took place Sunday night into Monday morning stemmed from a wildfire of rumors that followed the police shooting of a 20-year-old Latrell Allen in Englewood Sunday afternoon.
Police said officers shot Allen after he fired at them several times. Allen was charged with attempted murder.
The most serious charge tied to the looting was attempted murder, but the state’s attorney’s office didn’t respond to calls Thursday to say whether that case was Allen’s.
No other attempted murder cases have been brought by the office this week in relation to the recent unrest, and a police spokesman could not confirm any attempted murder charges that have been sought by the CPD as of Thursday connected to the looting.
The vast majority of the felonies tied to the looting — nearly 67% — are for burglary/looting, the state’s attorney’s office said. Other charges include gun possession, aggravated battery/resisting arrest, theft and criminal damage to property.
In one case where prosecutors declined to approve felony charges that were earlier sought by the CPD, detectives ended up agreeing with the office’s decision, Foxx said.
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx speaks during a press conference Monday morning in the lobby of her office’s building at 69 W. Washington after looting broke out overnight in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times file
Foxx’s announcement comes days after the top prosecutor defended herself against criticism from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Police Supt. David Brown, who said the state’s attorney’s office had not been aggressive enough in prosecuting looting cases in June following widespread civil unrest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police office.
Foxx accused Lightfoot and Brown on Monday of playing “dishonest blame games” and called for “an honest conversation” about the causes of the looting.
Foxx’s office Thursday did not have information about misdemeanors related to the looting. Misdemeanors can be filed directly by police, who can also seek violation of city ordinance charges, which are prosecuted by city attorneys. In most of those cases, an arrestee is released on bond from the police stations with a court date. Prosecutors are not made aware of the charge until days before the person appears in court.
Additional looting related cases are still under investigation by police and will be reviewed by the state’s attorney’s office if felony charges are deemed appropriate, Foxx said.
The Chicago Police Department plans on deploying “all tactics necessary” to prevent looting, Brown said in a news conference on Michigan Avenue on Thursday.
“If that means deploying stop strips to puncture your tire if you’re caravanning cars to loot, we will disable your car to prevent the caravan,” Brown said. “If that means deploying tow trucks to impound your car that are caravanning to loot CPD will do so. If it means blocking off streets and boxing in caravans of looters, CPD will work to do so.”
Brown said Chicago police would work with state and federal partners to investigate reports of looting. On Wednesday, police launched a web portal to help identify suspected looters.
Contributing: Carly Behm


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--WATCH LIVE: At the Virtual Table with Laura Washington and Lynn Sweet

Watch the Chicago Sun-Times ’ Lynn Sweet and Laura Washington ’ s conversation about the upcoming 2020 Democratic and Republican @ @ @ @ @ are Trump Campaign Advisor and former Trump 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski ; Illinois for @ @ @ @ @ LaHood ; member of the Illinois Democratic Party State Central Committee Rep. Robin Kelly and @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a visiting professor at Stanford University Freeman Spogli Institute @ @ @ @ @ .

Watch the Chicago Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet and Laura Washington’s conversation about the upcoming 2020 Democratic and Republican conventions.
Our newsmaker guests are Trump Campaign Advisor and former Trump 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski; Illinois for Trump campaign co-chair Rep. Darin LaHood; member of the Illinois Democratic Party State Central Committee Rep. Robin Kelly and Biden delegate and Distinguished Fellow Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a visiting professor at Stanford University Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Ertharin Cousin.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Ex-publicist for Kanye, R. Kelly, now a pot lobbyist, wins praise for tenacity, criticism for ‘abhor

Ex-publicist for Kanye, R. Kelly, now a pot lobbyist, wins praise for tenacity, criticism for ‘abhorrent’ comments

A former celebrity publicist for R. Kelly and confidante of Kanye West has jumped into Illinois politics , lobbying for a major Canadian cannabis firm that wants to start growing weed here .
But Trevian Kutti has already ruffled feathers in just a short time in the fray , lodging a series of incendiary and profanity-laden attacks against Toi Hutchinson , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s top adviser on cannabis issues .
While both women are Black , Kutti has vowed to “ keep my knee on Toi W. Hutchinson ’ s neck ” and has referred to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is furious over the state ’ s delays in awarding the next round of licenses prioritized for so-called social equity applicants , saying “ those in greatest need are being screwed with again.
” Although she ’ s supported Democrats like Hillary Clinton in the past , Kutti is now a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump ’ s policies and makes no apologies for her brash nature .
“ I ’ m sure that like most lobbyists , I have my share of allies and my share of disparagers , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who fall in the latter camp quiver hearing my unapologetic truths.
” However , state officials have called some of her public comments “ abhorrent.
” “ Invoking violence and hurling insults and profanities at a State of Illinois employee is the antithesis of everything this administration stands for , ” said Charity Greene , a spokeswoman for Pritzker .
Meanwhile , her clients praise her tenacity .
“ She ’ s a f -- -ing pit bull , ” said Brad Rogers , CEO of Red White and Bloom , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cultivate weed in Illinois .
Kutti is a Nebraska native who later moved to Chicago and ran high-end stores in Old Town and the Gold Coast known for their racy window displays .
In 2008 , a sign reading “ hot ass sale ” was displayed at her store Trevian , prompting an ordinance violation .
A friend of A-list celebrities , she ’ s been a stylist for Oscar-winning actress Regina King , worked as a publicist for embattled R & B star R. Kelly until 2018 and more recently served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her Instagram feed features a stream of pictures of her hobnobbing with celebrities like Spike Lee , Quincy Jones , Kerry Washington and Rosario Dawson .
In interviews , Kutti wouldn ’ t say whether she ’ s helping West on his longshot presidential bid that ’ s been mired in controversy .
She is , however , working on the campaign of Republican Angela Stanton-King , a former reality television star and convicted felon who is attempting to fill the seat of the late Rep. John Lewis ( D-Ga. ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbyist for Red White and Bloom , state records show .
Red White and Bloom currently operates a massive indoor farm in downstate Granville that produces smokeable hemp flower and CBD oil , a trendy derivative of the hemp plant that ’ s used in a range of consumer products .
But the firm ultimately hopes to secure a license to also grow pot at the 3.6 million square grow center , which is touted as “ the world ’ s largest indoor premium hemp facility.
” Kutti ’ s work for Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbying for legislation in the Senate that would open up a 22nd cannabis cultivation license , though the bill hasn ’ t been called for a vote .
“ I do feel there ’ s a problem within Springfield as far as cannabis legislators purposefully and unethically blocking legislation that will make the changes that will remedy a lot of problems that we ’ re having , ” said Kutti , pointing to supply shortages .
Kutti vowed to continue speaking up for minority firms applying licenses that have been delayed indefinitely by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been given short shrift since the drug was fully legalized , some of whom she claims to represent .
But Kutti ’ s instinct to act as a bomb-thrower has already rubbed some Springfield insiders the wrong way .
“ I ’ m going to keep my knee on Toi W. Hutchinson ’ s neck , ” Kutti wrote on July 1 , just over a month after the officer-involved asphyxiation of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
“ She pimped medical marijuana patients and left them to die with recreational buyers now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance minorities had to access equity and prosperity in cannabis , ” Kutti continued .
“ She is a bought and paid for piece of trash , a slave and a powerless echo of those who appointed her.
” Citing similar grievances , Kutti had previously taken to social media to call for Hutchinson ’ s arrest and assail her as a “ A RAGGEDY A -- B- - - - - - -.
” Hutchinson didn ’ t comment on the attacks , but Greene also said : “ As the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd and countless other black lives lost to police violence , comments regarding kneeling on someone ’ s neck are especially insensitive and abhorrent.
” Greene added that Pritzker “ remains committed to ensuring the cannabis industry in Illinois is equitable and will continue working towards that goal in spite of these misinformed , callous remarks.
” Red White and Bloom is attempting to position itself as a major player in the national pot game through acquisitions of existing companies in Michigan and Massachusetts and a brand partnership with the vaunted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unleash another large-scale cultivation license that his firm can snatch up , Rogers said Red White and Bloom is committed to offering reasonably priced products to social equity applicants who have applied for the next round of dispensary licenses .
Rogers , like other board members of the publicly traded company , hails from Canada and is white .
Red White and Bloom has also applied for multiple craft cultivation licenses , which are among the delayed permits .
Kutti ’ s lobbying work for Red White and Bloom isn ’ t her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In June , she attended President Trump ’ s sparsely attended campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , and was pictured holding a sign endorsing Black Voices for Trump , a group that was co-chaired by former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain .
Kutti even posed for a photo with Cain , who later died after contracting the coronavirus .
Trump ’ s administration “ has done more for Black people than I ’ ve seen in my adult life , and on issues that matter to me , ” said Kutti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invitation she received for a Black History Month event at the White House on Feb. 21 .
Three days before that event , Trump pardoned Stanton-King , the U.S. House candidate from Georgia that Kutti is now working with .
Stanton-King served two years in prison after being convicted in 2004 on federal conspiracy charges related to a car-theft ring .
Trump has also cultivated a chummy relationship with West , who has visited the president at the White House and frequently worn his signature Make America Great Again hat .
Now with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , reports have emerged that Trump ’ s allies and other Republicans are working to add West to the ballot in multiple states , potentially to siphon votes away from the Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Though Kutti has boosted West ’ s candidacy on social media , she was tight-lipped when asked about the current nature of their relationship .
After noting that she was taking a trip to Calabasas , California , where West has a home , Kutti declined to say whether she ’ d be meeting with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t talk about my clients , ” she said with a chuckle .

A former celebrity publicist for R. Kelly and confidante of Kanye West has jumped into Illinois politics, lobbying for a major Canadian cannabis firm that wants to start growing weed here.
But Trevian Kutti has already ruffled feathers in just a short time in the fray, lodging a series of incendiary and profanity-laden attacks against Toi Hutchinson, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s top adviser on cannabis issues. While both women are Black, Kutti has vowed to “keep my knee on Toi W. Hutchinson’s neck” and has referred to her as a “slave.”
Kutti says she is furious over the state’s delays in awarding the next round of licenses prioritized for so-called social equity applicants, saying “those in greatest need are being screwed with again.”
Although she’s supported Democrats like Hillary Clinton in the past, Kutti is now a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump’s policies and makes no apologies for her brash nature.
“I’m sure that like most lobbyists, I have my share of allies and my share of disparagers,” she said in an interview. “Those who fall in the latter camp quiver hearing my unapologetic truths.”
However, state officials have called some of her public comments “abhorrent.”
“Invoking violence and hurling insults and profanities at a State of Illinois employee is the antithesis of everything this administration stands for,” said Charity Greene, a spokeswoman for Pritzker.
Meanwhile, her clients praise her tenacity.
“She’s a f---ing pit bull,” said Brad Rogers, CEO of Red White and Bloom, the Canadian pot company lobbying for a license to cultivate weed in Illinois.
Lobbyist since January
Kutti is a Nebraska native who later moved to Chicago and ran high-end stores in Old Town and the Gold Coast known for their racy window displays. In 2008, a sign reading “hot ass sale” was displayed at her store Trevian, prompting an ordinance violation.
A friend of A-list celebrities, she’s been a stylist for Oscar-winning actress Regina King, worked as a publicist for embattled R&B star R. Kelly until 2018 and more recently served on West’s executive staff. Her Instagram feed features a stream of pictures of her hobnobbing with celebrities like Spike Lee, Quincy Jones, Kerry Washington and Rosario Dawson.
In interviews, Kutti wouldn’t say whether she’s helping West on his longshot presidential bid that’s been mired in controversy. She is, however, working on the campaign of Republican Angela Stanton-King, a former reality television star and convicted felon who is attempting to fill the seat of the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.).
In late January, Kutti registered as a lobbyist for Red White and Bloom, state records show.
Red White and Bloom currently operates a massive indoor farm in downstate Granville that produces smokeable hemp flower and CBD oil, a trendy derivative of the hemp plant that’s used in a range of consumer products. But the firm ultimately hopes to secure a license to also grow pot at the 3.6 million square grow center, which is touted as “the world’s largest indoor premium hemp facility.”
Kutti’s work for Red White and Bloom has largely revolved around lobbying for legislation in the Senate that would open up a 22nd cannabis cultivation license, though the bill hasn’t been called for a vote.
Red White and Bloom’s hemp greenhouse in Granville. GlobeNewswire
“I do feel there’s a problem within Springfield as far as cannabis legislators purposefully and unethically blocking legislation that will make the changes that will remedy a lot of problems that we’re having,” said Kutti, pointing to supply shortages.
Kutti vowed to continue speaking up for minority firms applying for licenses that have been delayed by the pandemic and medical patients she says have been given short shrift since the drug was fully legalized, some of whom she claims to represent.
But Kutti’s instinct to act as a bomb-thrower has already rubbed some Springfield insiders the wrong way.
“I’m going to keep my knee on Toi W. Hutchinson’s neck,” Kutti wrote on July 1, just over a month after the officer-involved asphyxiation of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Publicist and lobbyist Trevian Kutti lodges an online attack against Toi Hutchinson, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s senior adviser for cannabis control, on July 1, 2020. Facebook
“She pimped medical marijuana patients and left them to die with recreational buyers now receiving priority. She then stole every chance minorities had to access equity and prosperity in cannabis,” Kutti continued. “She is a bought and paid for piece of trash, a slave and a powerless echo of those who appointed her.”
Citing similar grievances, Kutti had previously taken to social media to call for Hutchinson’s arrest and assail her as a “A RAGGEDY A-- B- - - - - - -.”
Publicist and lobbyist Trevian Kutti attacks state cannabis official Toi Hutchinson on June 30, 2020. Facebook
Hutchinson didn’t comment on the attacks, but Greene also said: “As the nation continues to reckon with the tragic murder of George Floyd and countless other black lives lost to police violence, comments regarding kneeling on someone’s neck are especially insensitive and abhorrent.”
Toi Hutchinson
Greene added that Pritzker “remains committed to ensuring the cannabis industry in Illinois is equitable and will continue working towards that goal in spite of these misinformed, callous remarks.”
Rapidly expanding company eyes Illinois
Red White and Bloom is attempting to position itself as a major player in the national pot game through acquisitions of existing companies in Michigan and Massachusetts and a brand partnership with the vaunted stoner publication High Times.
Should lawmakers unleash another large-scale cultivation license that his firm can snatch up, Rogers said Red White and Bloom is committed to offering reasonably priced products to social equity applicants who have applied for the next round of dispensary licenses. Rogers, like other board members of the publicly traded company, hails from Canada and is white.
Red White and Bloom has also applied for multiple craft cultivation licenses, which are among the delayed permits.
Ties to Trump
Kutti’s lobbying work for Red White and Bloom isn’t her only recent foray into the political realm.
In June, she attended President Trump’s sparsely attended campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was pictured holding a sign endorsing Black Voices for Trump, a group that was co-chaired by former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain. Kutti even posed for a photo with Cain, who later died after contracting the coronavirus.
Trevian Kutti and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain pose for a photo during President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20, 2020. Instagram
Trump’s administration “has done more for Black people than I’ve seen in my adult life, and on issues that matter to me,” said Kutti, who previously posted to Facebook an invitation she received for a Black History Month event at the White House on Feb. 21.
Three days before that event, Trump pardoned Stanton-King, the U.S. House candidate from Georgia that Kutti is now working with. Stanton-King served two years in prison after being convicted in 2004 on federal conspiracy charges related to a car-theft ring.
Publicist and lobbyist Trevian Kutti posts an invitation to the White House on Feb. 12, 2020. Facebook
Trump has also cultivated a chummy relationship with West, who has visited the president at the White House and frequently worn his signature Make America Great Again hat. Now with West running for president as a third-party candidate, reports have emerged that Trump’s allies and other Republicans are working to add West to the ballot in multiple states, potentially to siphon votes away from the Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Though Kutti has boosted West’s candidacy on social media, she was tight-lipped when asked about the current nature of their relationship. After noting that she was taking a trip to Calabasas, California, where West has a home, Kutti declined to say whether she’d be meeting with the iconoclastic artist.
“I don’t talk about my clients,” she said with a chuckle.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Cubs playing each game of shortened season as if it’s their last together

First baseman Anthony Rizzo plays a vital role not only in the Cubs on-field production but also in the team ’ s overall presence and morale .
The Cubs ’ vocal leader understands that the way he sets the tone has a major effect on the team ’ s overall energy .
Whether it ’ s “ Tony Two Chains ” popping gold chains after hitting a homer or hyping guys up following a big play in a game his presence is the heartbeat in the Cubs clubhouse .
If you ask any Cubs player , they ’ d tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
But this year ’ s unique circumstances has made him more conscious of his role and reflective with the unknown of what lies ahead .
“ I ’ m not going to shy away from this , this could be our last year together , ” Rizzo said .
“ I think we all know that , especially with the state of the game and who knows what ’ s gon na happen .
This could be our last run with all our core guys .
This could be my last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m enjoying every second of it.
” The Cubs ’ team energy has been talked about ad nauseam and can be seen with a quick glance or listen into the team ’ s dugout and bullpen .
Having those experiences have undoubtedly played a role in the Cubs getting off to their historic start to the season .
It makes sense that players like Rizzo , Kris Bryant , Javy Báez and the rest of the Cubs core have taken it upon themselves to create their own energy .
Rizzo acknowledged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to people like their former teammate , now manager , David Ross and others who did similar to what they ’ re now trying to do .
Now that those players all have more time in the big leagues , they ’ re now the players that their younger teammates like Nico Hoerner and others can lean on .
“ I don ’ t know if anybody ’ s trying to do anything more .
I don ’ t think anybody ’ s trying to be someone they ’ re not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that we ’ re all collectively trying to just have more fun because this year is what it is .
It ’ s very different .
“ The circumstances we ’ re playing under everything is very different .
So , I think it ’ s important that we have a fun group that goes out there and just has fun on the bench .
… I think we ’ ve used that to our advantage and we have the perfect groups for that type of atmosphere.
” Ross said earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no interaction with people outside of the ballpark which has made his time with his players worthwhile .
With the Cubs creating an environment where not only winning can happen , but also where players feel comfortable expressing themselves and stay engaged comes in handy in a year like this .
There are no guarantees this season and as teams try to battle a global pandemic , things can take a turn at any time .
With that in mind , the Cubs are making sure to keep things in perspective as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of this season .
“ When times get tough , I ’ ve obviously been through a tough time before , you start appreciating all the little things again that maybe you take for granted , ” Rizzo said .
“ I ’ m a victim of it .
I ’ m sure , everyone , you guys are all victims of it , but it ’ s the joy of the game that we ’ re playing for right now .
“ I think it ’ s really showing that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer baseball right now .
That ’ s how we feel like we ’ re playing just going out and playing baseball and not worrying about if someone ’ s hitting .500 or if someone ’ s hitting under .200 .
It ’ s just , let ’ s win , pick each other up and figure it out .
”

First baseman Anthony Rizzo plays a vital role in the Cubs’ on-field production, but he’s also a huge factor when it comes to the team’s overall presence and morale.
The Cubs’ vocal leader understands that the way he sets the tone has a major effect on the team’s overall energy.
Whether it’s “Tony Two Chains” popping gold chains after hitting a homer or hyping guys up after a big play, his presence is the heartbeat in the clubhouse.
If you ask any Cub, they’ll tell you that Rizzo has always been this way. But this year’s unique circumstances have made him more conscious of his role and reflective because of all the unknowns still ahead.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
“I’m not going to shy away from this: This could be our last year together,” Rizzo said. “I think we all know that, especially with the state of the game and who knows what’s gonna happen. This could be our last run with all our core guys. This could be my last year, who knows? So I’m enjoying every second of it.”
The Cubs’ team energy has been discussed ad nauseam and can be noticed with a quick glance or listen inside the dugout or bullpen. Those shared experiences undoubtedly have played a role in the Cubs getting off to their historic start.
It makes sense that Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and the rest of the Cubs’ core have taken it upon themselves to create their own energy. Rizzo acknowledged that when they were younger, they looked up to players such as their manager, David Ross, and others whom they’re emulating.
Now younger teammates such as Nico Hoerner can lean on them.
“I don’t know if anybody’s trying to do anything more,’’ Bryant said. ‘‘I don’t think anybody’s trying to be someone they’re not. I do think that we’re all collectively trying to just have more fun because this year is what it is. It’s very different.
“With the circumstances we’re playing under, everything is very different. So I think it’s important that we have a fun group that goes out there and just has fun on the bench. . . . I think we’ve used that to our advantage, and we have the perfect group for that type of atmosphere.”
Ross said earlier in the season that players have little to no interaction with people outside of the ballpark, which has made his time with his players worthwhile. The Cubs have created a winning environment in which players feel comfortable expressing themselves, and staying engaged comes in handy in an atypical year like this.
Obviously, there are no guarantees this season, and as teams deal with a global pandemic, things can take a turn at any time. With that in mind, the Cubs are keeping things in perspective as they try to make the most of the rest of the season.
“When times get tough — I’ve obviously been through a tough time before — you start appreciating all the little things again that maybe you take for granted,” Rizzo said.
“I’m a victim of it. I’m sure everyone, you guys are all victims of it, but it’s the joy of the game that we’re playing for right now.
“I think it’s really showing that we’re just basically playing high school summer baseball right now. That’s how we feel like we’re playing. Just going out and playing baseball and not worrying about if someone’s hitting .500 or if someone’s hitting under .200. It’s just, let’s win, pick each other up and figure it out.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-13--Democratic lawmakers push ‘systemic’ ethics reform, saying issue is ‘way bigger than Speaker Madigan

Democratic lawmakers push ‘systemic’ ethics reform, saying issue is ‘way bigger than Speaker Madigan’

A group of state legislators — some of whom have called for beleaguered House Speaker Mike Madigan to resign — on Thursday urged their Democratic colleagues to pass ethics reforms that would include limiting how long lawmakers could serve in leadership positions .
Coming in the wake of federal charges against ComEd that implicated Madigan , the package of proposals also includes lobbying reforms and creating a mechanism to temporarily remove legislative leaders or chairs of committees during criminal investigations .
“ It ’ s just really apparent that it ’ s time that we stood up , stood together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as representatives and senators that we believe that these are the things that could be accomplished , ” state Sen. Melinda Bush , D-Grayslake , said in a Thursday Zoom news conference about the proposed measures .
“ Certainly … recent allegations have really brought us together again to say we have to come forward , we have to come forward publicly and we are not going to stop until we get real systemic change that the people of the state of Illinois , absolutely deserve , and that we have to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , ” said Bush , one of the first Democrats to call on Madigan to step down .
The list of proposed changes includes barring legislators from lobbying each other , creating a better definition of who is a lobbyist , establishing an official censure process in the Illinois House and Senate , imposing leadership term limits , and creating a process for the temporary removal of leaders or committee chairs who are charged or indicted .
The proposed reforms would also require legislators to disclose their outside income in greater detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector general and end the exemption of the General Assembly from the state ’ s Human Rights Act .
State Sen. Andy Manar , D-Bunker Hill , said the group believes they could get “ broad bipartisan support ” for the reform efforts .
The group has shared its proposal with the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform , which was slated to release a report in March .
The pandemic has delayed that report , said state Sen. Heather Steans , D-Chicago , who participated in Thursday ’ s news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign .
In a joint statement from the co-chairs of the joint commission , state Sen. Elgie Sims , D-Chicago , and state Rep. Greg Harris , D-Chicago , as well as commission members Sen. Cristina Castro , D-Elgin , and state Rep. Kelly Burke , D-Oak Lawn , said many of the ideas proposed by the group have already been discussed and “ they will be included in the list of items we ’ ve heard throughout the year and submitted as part of the commission ’ s report.
” Two Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission — Grant Wehrli of Naperville and Patrick Windhorst of downstate Metropolis – issued their own statement , saying that “ multiple ideas ” proposed by the legislators Thursday have already been “ introduced and sponsored by House Republican Caucus members.
” The proposed measures were released nearly a month after a federal court filing implicated Madigan in an alleged bribery scheme in which ComEd is accused of sending $ 1.3 million to Madigan ’ s associates for doing little or no work for the utility .
Madigan has not been charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said he has no plans to resign .
But a growing list of legislators – including some House Democrats – have called on the powerful Southwest Side Democrat to step immediately as speaker and chairman of the state Democratic Party .
When a reporter asked for all the legislators on the Zoom call to state their position on Madigan and whether he has stymied the passage of ethics reforms previously , state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen , D-Libertyville , said the question “ really takes away the focus ” from the ethics reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Speaker Madigan , ” Edly-Allen said .
“ I personally have had my own conversations , and I would say that , if I were in his position , I would resign .
But we can only control our own actions and our own behaviors .
...
When you say , ‘ what about Speaker Madigan ?
’ It just takes the air out of this balloon that we ’ re trying to blow up , and if he were gone , we still have systemic changes that need to happen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Bush did not immediately respond to questions about whether or not the group has enough support from their colleagues to get the measure to pass the Legislature .
In a statement , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker commended the lawmakers “ for taking the initiative to propose a strong set of ethics reforms , including many of [ the ] measures that I have prioritized since January.
” “ We need to restore faith in government , which is why I have worked hard to achieve important ethics reforms like stringent lobbyist transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the public , ” Pritzker said .
“ I look forward to the report of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform , as well as working with members of the General Assembly to ensure public servants live up to their obligation to represent the interests of the people of Illinois , and not their own interests .
I believe we should accomplish these important objectives during this fall ’ s veto session .
”

A group of state legislators — some of whom have called for beleaguered House Speaker Mike Madigan to resign — on Thursday urged their Democratic colleagues to pass ethics reforms that would include limiting how long lawmakers could serve in leadership positions.
Coming in the wake of federal charges against ComEd that implicated Madigan, the package of proposals also includes lobbying reforms and creating a mechanism to temporarily remove legislative leaders or chairs of committees during criminal investigations.
“It’s just really apparent that it’s time that we stood up, stood together and supported each other and said publicly as representatives and senators that we believe that these are the things that could be accomplished,” state Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, said in a Thursday Zoom news conference about the proposed measures.
“Certainly … recent allegations have really brought us together again to say we have to come forward, we have to come forward publicly and we are not going to stop until we get real systemic change that the people of the state of Illinois, absolutely deserve, and that we have to have, if we are going to move forward,” said Bush, one of the first Democrats to call on Madigan to step down.
State Sen. Melinda Bush. Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times file
The list of proposed changes includes barring legislators from lobbying each other, creating a better definition of who is a lobbyist, establishing an official censure process in the Illinois House and Senate, imposing leadership term limits, and creating a process for the temporary removal of leaders or committee chairs who are charged or indicted.
The proposed reforms would also require legislators to disclose their outside income in greater detail, strengthen the office of the legislative inspector general and end the exemption of the General Assembly from the state’s Human Rights Act.
State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, said the group believes they could get “broad bipartisan support” for the reform efforts.
State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, listens as Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at a news conference last week in Springfield. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP file
The group has shared its proposal with the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, which was slated to release a report in March. The pandemic has delayed that report, said state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, who participated in Thursday’s news conference and has also called on Madigan to resign.
In a joint statement from the co-chairs of the joint commission, state Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, as well as commission members Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn, said many of the ideas proposed by the group have already been discussed and “they will be included in the list of items we’ve heard throughout the year and submitted as part of the commission’s report.”
Two Republican state representatives who serve on that bipartisan commission — Grant Wehrli of Naperville and Patrick Windhorst of downstate Metropolis – issued their own statement, saying that “multiple ideas” proposed by the legislators Thursday have already been “introduced and sponsored by House Republican Caucus members.”
The proposed measures were released nearly a month after a federal court filing implicated Madigan in an alleged bribery scheme in which ComEd is accused of sending $1.3 million to Madigan’s associates for doing little or no work for the utility.
Madigan has not been charged with any crime, has denied any wrongdoing and said he has no plans to resign.
But a growing list of legislators – including some House Democrats – have called on the powerful Southwest Side Democrat to step immediately as speaker and chairman of the state Democratic Party.
When a reporter asked for all the legislators on the Zoom call to state their position on Madigan and whether he has stymied the passage of ethics reforms previously, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, said the question “really takes away the focus” from the ethics reform proposal.
State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville. From Facebook.
“This is way bigger than Speaker Madigan,” Edly-Allen said. “I personally have had my own conversations, and I would say that, if I were in his position, I would resign. But we can only control our own actions and our own behaviors. ... When you say, ‘what about Speaker Madigan?’ It just takes the air out of this balloon that we’re trying to blow up, and if he were gone, we still have systemic changes that need to happen in the environment in Springfield.”
A spokesman for Bush did not immediately respond to questions about whether or not the group has enough support from their colleagues to get the measure to pass the Legislature.
In a statement, Gov. J.B. Pritzker commended the lawmakers “for taking the initiative to propose a strong set of ethics reforms, including many of [the] measures that I have prioritized since January.”
“We need to restore faith in government, which is why I have worked hard to achieve important ethics reforms like stringent lobbyist transparency to end the practice of hiding influence from the public,” Pritzker said.
“I look forward to the report of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, as well as working with members of the General Assembly to ensure public servants live up to their obligation to represent the interests of the people of Illinois, and not their own interests. I believe we should accomplish these important objectives during this fall’s veto session.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--Dear Abby: As elderly woman loses memory, her children are in denial

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m part of a large , close-knit family .
My mother and her sisters have condominiums in the same complex .
One dear aunt is having a great deal of trouble with her memory and word retrieval .
She recently stopped recognizing her daughter and no longer calls any of us by name .
The problem is , some of this aunt ’ s children are in denial .
They refuse to believe there ’ s anything wrong with their mom and insist that she is showing signs of normal aging .
They have stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are afraid to raise the issue of an assessment for fear of angering them further .
It is a very difficult family dynamic .
Normally , we wouldn ’ t comment on or intervene in such a private matter .
However , seeing my aunt deprived of a medical diagnosis and associated care that might alleviate her suffering , it is very hard to stay quiet .
It may or may not be possible to reduce her symptoms , but it seems like it is elder abuse to rob her of the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONCERNED FOR AUNTIE DEAR CONCERNED : Close family members are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems , but often they are hesitant to say something even when they know something is wrong .
A recent Alzheimer ’ s Association survey found that nearly 3 out of 4 Americans say talking to a close family member about memory loss , thinking problems or other signs of cognitive decline would be challenging .
Initiating these challenging conversations is important .
Discussion can enable early diagnosis , which has important benefits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for critical care planning and providing diagnosed individuals a voice in their future care .
It also provides an opportunity to address concerns before a crisis situation arises .
While our cognitive abilities decrease with age , your aunt ’ s inability to recognize her own daughter is NOT a sign of normal aging .
Helping relatives understand the seriousness of the situation as well as the important health benefits of receiving a proper diagnosis may convince them .
If your aunt ’ s children find it too difficult to have the conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps , or her doctor can take the lead .
To encourage families to have these conversations , the Alzheimer ’ s Association has partnered with the Ad Council in creating “ Our Stories ” ( alz.org/ourstories ) .
It features real stories of people who noticed changes in their loved ones and took the difficult step of having a conversation .
It also offers customizable conversation starters , a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer ’ s , benefits of early diagnosis and a downloadable discussion help guide .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s free 24/7 Helpline ( 800-272-3900 ) is available for families addressing these important conversations and other caregiving concerns .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’m part of a large, close-knit family. My mother and her sisters have condominiums in the same complex. One dear aunt is having a great deal of trouble with her memory and word retrieval. She recently stopped recognizing her daughter and no longer calls any of us by name.
The problem is, some of this aunt’s children are in denial. They refuse to believe there’s anything wrong with their mom and insist that she is showing signs of normal aging. They have stated this so strongly that the other siblings are afraid to raise the issue of an assessment for fear of angering them further. It is a very difficult family dynamic.
Normally, we wouldn’t comment on or intervene in such a private matter. However, seeing my aunt deprived of a medical diagnosis and associated care that might alleviate her suffering, it is very hard to stay quiet. It may or may not be possible to reduce her symptoms, but it seems like it is elder abuse to rob her of the chance to try. Please advise. — CONCERNED FOR AUNTIE
DEAR CONCERNED: Close family members are typically the first to notice memory issues or cognitive problems, but often they are hesitant to say something even when they know something is wrong. A recent Alzheimer’s Association survey found that nearly 3 out of 4 Americans say talking to a close family member about memory loss, thinking problems or other signs of cognitive decline would be challenging.
Initiating these challenging conversations is important. Discussion can enable early diagnosis, which has important benefits, including better disease management, more time for critical care planning and providing diagnosed individuals a voice in their future care. It also provides an opportunity to address concerns before a crisis situation arises.
While our cognitive abilities decrease with age, your aunt’s inability to recognize her own daughter is NOT a sign of normal aging. Helping relatives understand the seriousness of the situation as well as the important health benefits of receiving a proper diagnosis may convince them. If your aunt’s children find it too difficult to have the conversation, another close relative, a friend perhaps, or her doctor can take the lead.
To encourage families to have these conversations, the Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with the Ad Council in creating “Our Stories” (alz.org/ourstories). It features real stories of people who noticed changes in their loved ones and took the difficult step of having a conversation. It also offers customizable conversation starters, a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, benefits of early diagnosis and a downloadable discussion help guide. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) is available for families addressing these important conversations and other caregiving concerns.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--The boot man cometh: With pandemic, City Hall walks a tightrope on parking enforcement

This is a particularly bad time for someone to wind up having a car booted for illegal parking .
A lot of people are still laid off from their jobs .
Rent and mortgage payments are still eating up unemployment checks .
Bills are still piling up .
So I was taken aback the other day to see so many cars with boots on them on the streets between 67th Street and South Shore Drive and Clyde Avenue .
It looked like the city ’ s finance department was playing catchup .
In March , in response to the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt collections including booting and impounding cars .
“ This is a common-sense way that we can help mitigate the burdens and pressures many are feeling , ” Lightfoot said then .
“ We know that these practices disproportionately impact the residents that are most in need during this crisis , .
” This past week , you could see that “ disproportionate ” impact up and down 67th Street and the surrounding blocks .
The collection and enforcement activities , including booting , resumed July 1 , with drivers given a grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking permits and city stickers and to renew license plates before enforcement ramped up July 16 .
But the coronavirus storm ’ s not over yet .
Perhaps it is a good time for Lightfoot ’ s administration to consider creating a fairer parking enforcement policy , period .
Under the current policy , “ Vehicles are eligible for a boot if a registered owner accrues three or more unpaid parking , red-light and/or automated speed enforcement tickets that reach final determination status or accrues two unpaid parking , red-light and/or automated speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year.
” The mayor ’ s office says people were given fair warning : “ In early July , the city ’ s boot team canvassed the city and placed warning notices on vehicles that were boot-eligible , encouraging motorists to get on a payment plan.
” Still , because of COVID-19 , a lot more people are likely to get caught up in a cash bind and end up with the boot .
Meanwhile , not too far from 67th Street , where the yellow boots are plentiful , several vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen without Illinois plates or city stickers that have been parked there illegally for weeks .
The city Department of Streets and Sanitation resumed normal towing operations on July 13 .
So I did my part .
I called my alderman .
An employee at Seventh Ward Ald .
Gregory Mitchell ’ s ( no relation ) office reported the suspicious cars to Streets and San , and a traffic aid came out and plastered multiple tickets on the cars ’ windshields .
That seemed a futile effort since some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat tires and missing bumpers .
It ’ s pretty clear no one ’ s coming back for these beaters .
The alderman ’ s office told me it takes at least seven days after abandoned cars are ticketed before they can be towed .
Besides taking up legal parking spots in an area where parking is a problem , the presence of so many dilapidated cars in one block tells people with bad intentions : This is a place where they could get away with whatever .
Obviously , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge blessing .
But it also meant that the city ’ s budget took a big hit , and that revenue has to come from somewhere .
Because of the ongoing civil unrest over policing issues , including calls for de-funding the police department , how the city spends its resources is under a microscope .
Right now , it is looking like booting cars are taking precedence over towing junk cars that get dumped in neighborhoods like mine .
That perception could end up overshadowing the good that the mayor intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people want to see right about now is the boot man .

This is a particularly bad time for someone to wind up having a car booted for illegal parking.
A lot of people are still laid off from their jobs. Rent and mortgage payments are still eating up unemployment checks. Bills are still piling up.
So I was taken aback the other day to see so many cars with boots on them on the streets between 67th Street and South Shore Drive and Clyde Avenue. It looked like the city’s finance department was playing catchup.
In March, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot temporarily suspended debt collections including booting and impounding cars.
“This is a common-sense way that we can help mitigate the burdens and pressures many are feeling,” Lightfoot said then. “We know that these practices disproportionately impact the residents that are most in need during this crisis,.”
This past week, you could see that “disproportionate” impact up and down 67th Street and the surrounding blocks.
The collection and enforcement activities, including booting, resumed July 1, with drivers given a grace period through July 15 to purchase residential parking permits and city stickers and to renew license plates before enforcement ramped up July 16.
But the coronavirus storm’s not over yet.
Perhaps it is a good time for Lightfoot’s administration to consider creating a fairer parking enforcement policy, period.
Under the current policy, “Vehicles are eligible for a boot if a registered owner accrues three or more unpaid parking, red-light and/or automated speed enforcement tickets that reach final determination status or accrues two unpaid parking, red-light and/or automated speed enforcement tickets in final-determination status older than one year.”
That’s a pretty tough policy.
The mayor’s office says people were given fair warning: “In early July, the city’s boot team canvassed the city and placed warning notices on vehicles that were boot-eligible, encouraging motorists to get on a payment plan.”
Still, because of COVID-19, a lot more people are likely to get caught up in a cash bind and end up with the boot.
Meanwhile, not too far from 67th Street, where the yellow boots are plentiful, several vehicles at 75th Street and the lakefront could be seen without Illinois plates or city stickers that have been parked there illegally for weeks.
The city Department of Streets and Sanitation resumed normal towing operations on July 13.
So I did my part. I called my alderman.
An employee at Seventh Ward Ald. Gregory Mitchell’s (no relation) office reported the suspicious cars to Streets and San, and a traffic aid came out and plastered multiple tickets on the cars’ windshields.
That seemed a futile effort since some of the tag-less cars also had cracked windows, flat tires and missing bumpers. It’s pretty clear no one’s coming back for these beaters.
The alderman’s office told me it takes at least seven days after abandoned cars are ticketed before they can be towed.
Besides taking up legal parking spots in an area where parking is a problem, the presence of so many dilapidated cars in one block tells people with bad intentions: This is a place where they could get away with whatever.
Obviously, the city’s compassionate approach to debt collection was a huge blessing.
But it also meant that the city’s budget took a big hit, and that revenue has to come from somewhere.
Because of the ongoing civil unrest over policing issues, including calls for de-funding the police department, how the city spends its resources is under a microscope.
Right now, it is looking like booting cars are taking precedence over towing junk cars that get dumped in neighborhoods like mine.
That perception could end up overshadowing the good that the mayor intended.
After all, the last thing people want to see right about now is the boot man.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--We asked Chicagoans if they’ll get the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available. Here’s what they said.

With several coronavirus vaccine studies underway and the news that Russia has approved the first immunization against COVID-19 despite limited testing , we asked Chicagoans : Once a vaccine is available , will you get it ?
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ Once it is well-tested as safe and effective , people who don ’ t get vaccinated will be regarded as negligent — like homeowners without working smoke detectors.
” — Kenneth Mayka “ Absolutely not !
I don ’ t get the flu or pneumonia shot , and I definitely won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have rushed this shot , and I do not trust that it ’ s safe.
” — Melissa Haney “ I will shoot it into my eyeball if it gets things back to normal.
” — Jonathan Eftink “ Of course , I will get it !
I will do anything preventative .
Always get flu shots , pneumonia shots , shingles shot.
” — Beverly Hendrix Crocker “ Nope .
Something that they whipped up in a lab that hasn ’ t been around long enough to observe side-effects or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it !
” — BeBe Jones “ It depends on the circumstances related to the vaccine .
If it ’ s rushed , without any reliable data , without widespread acceptance from medical groups with high respectability , then likely not .
Otherwise , after a few months , once the most at-risk groups have been inoculated , then I ’ ll talk to my doctor about it.
” — Ronald Raadsen “ I haven ’ t been able to get the flu or pneumonia vaccine because I have an anaphylaxis response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I can not get this vaccine.
” — Lin Liston “ I am not an anti-vaxxer in any way , but I will pass on this for the time being .
I am also a ‘ high risk ’ person , and years of real testing needs to be done.
” — Kevin Fitz “ Yes , I will .
I have no problem getting vaccinated.
” — Erika Hoffman “ Absolutely !
As an RN of 45 years , I believe in the importance of vaccinations and the establishment of herd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , I will take the vaccine .
Vaccines have prevented many people from sickness and/or dying from common diseases .
In some cases , the diseases has been wiped out due to vaccines.
” — Gail Chapman “ I will treat the situation like the new iPhone releases .
The first batch needs to be tested first , then I ’ ll follow suit once all the kinks are out.
” — Ava Nicole “ Yes .
Vaccines , clean water and sanitation are the greatest contributors to civilization .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases that my children did not have because of the benefit of vaccines.
” — Kathy Martinez “ Yes , absolutely .
I have four high-risk people in my home.
” — Tricia Fitzgerald “ Nope , I know what a sketchy scam the FDA approval process is.
” — Ken Jackson “ Sign me up .
The one year I missed my flu shot , I had the worst flu ever .
Not to mention the benefits of vaccines for smallpox , measles , mumps and rubella.
” — Gloria Warshaw

With several coronavirus vaccine studies underway and the news that Russia has approved the first immunization against COVID-19 despite limited testing, we asked Chicagoans: Once a vaccine is available, will you get it? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“Once it is well-tested as safe and effective, people who don’t get vaccinated will be regarded as negligent — like homeowners without working smoke detectors.” — Kenneth Mayka
“Absolutely not! I don’t get the flu or pneumonia shot, and I definitely won’t be getting this one either. They have rushed this shot, and I do not trust that it’s safe.” — Melissa Haney
“I will shoot it into my eyeball if it gets things back to normal.” — Jonathan Eftink
“Of course, I will get it! I will do anything preventative. Always get flu shots, pneumonia shots, shingles shot.” — Beverly Hendrix Crocker
“Nope. Something that they whipped up in a lab that hasn’t been around long enough to observe side-effects or long-term effects. I can’t do it!” — BeBe Jones
“It depends on the circumstances related to the vaccine. If it’s rushed, without any reliable data, without widespread acceptance from medical groups with high respectability, then likely not. Otherwise, after a few months, once the most at-risk groups have been inoculated, then I’ll talk to my doctor about it.” — Ronald Raadsen
“I haven’t been able to get the flu or pneumonia vaccine because I have an anaphylaxis response. If the inert ingredients are comparable, I cannot get this vaccine.” — Lin Liston
“I am not an anti-vaxxer in any way, but I will pass on this for the time being. I am also a ‘high risk’ person, and years of real testing needs to be done.” — Kevin Fitz
“Yes, I will. I have no problem getting vaccinated.” — Erika Hoffman
“Absolutely! As an RN of 45 years, I believe in the importance of vaccinations and the establishment of herd immunity.” — Pat Doran Adamski
“Yes, I will take the vaccine. Vaccines have prevented many people from sickness and/or dying from common diseases. In some cases, the diseases has been wiped out due to vaccines.” — Gail Chapman
“I will treat the situation like the new iPhone releases. The first batch needs to be tested first, then I’ll follow suit once all the kinks are out.” — Ava Nicole
“Yes. Vaccines, clean water and sanitation are the greatest contributors to civilization. As a child, I had many so-called childhood diseases that my children did not have because of the benefit of vaccines.” — Kathy Martinez
“Yes, absolutely. I have four high-risk people in my home.” — Tricia Fitzgerald
“Nope, I know what a sketchy scam the FDA approval process is.” — Ken Jackson
“Sign me up. The one year I missed my flu shot, I had the worst flu ever. Not to mention the benefits of vaccines for smallpox, measles, mumps and rubella.” — Gloria Warshaw


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--Nate Simpson, who co-founded The Rink, a South Side skating haven, dead at 75

The Big Wheel .
The Godfather .
The Low Shuffle .
For decades , people have been doing those steps in a blend of dancing and roller-skating at The Rink on 87th Street , co-founded by Nate Simpson .
The smooth Chicago specialty has become known around the world as JB skating for its rubber-legged resemblance to the fancy footwork of the singer known as Soul Brother No .
1 , James Brown .
“ The Rink was a real mainstay , ” said longtime patron Natha Mitchell , 70 , who ’ s been skating for 63 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the black community .
It was a place for people to go in the community with their families.
” “ You had a place of safe haven you could go .
You could bring your children , ” said Carmen Simpson Clark , Mr. Simpson ’ s business partner and ex-wife .
“ People became friends .
They met there and married and had children.
” She said that by the time she and Mr. Simpson sold The Rink last year , “ Some of the original skaters , their children and grandchildren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday at the University of Chicago Medical Center of an illness he ’ d been diagnosed with a year ago , his family said .
The Flossmoor resident was 75 .
Mr. Simpson was a Cook County sheriff ’ s deputy working at the Markham courthouse .
But to the many patrons of The Rink , he was much more , not only providing them a place to go and have fun but also giving many their first jobs .
“ He was the father , the uncle , ” said Darnell Cheers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the name DMC .
“ Kids grew up there , and he knew all the parents of the kids my age .
He watched everybody come up.
” Chance the Rapper — who sings , “ We used to roll at the rink , we used to roll at the rink ” in his song “ Juke Jam ” — was among the patrons , Clark said .
The Rink “ was your home away from home , ” said writer Marcie Hill , who lectures on Chicago skating history .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 45 years later , and we ’ re so grateful we still have a place we can come and skate and have a skate family , ” said Curtis Pouncy , who with his wife Ramona bought The Rink last year .
“ So many people have shared with me this skating rink saved their life because they were headed in the wrong direction.
” One of them is a skater who asked to be identified only by his first name , Jeremy , who said when he started coming to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d been shot multiple times , I ’ d been to jail.
” At The Rink , he said , “ There was no gang-banging .
They respected Nate , The Rink and the culture and what it provides — I don ’ t think I would be alive or free if I didn ’ t have skating and The Rink.
” He credits Mr. Simpson with helping him become an event planner and clothing designer .
“ I ’ m proud of the person I ’ ve become , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a success story.
” Young Nate grew up on the South Side .
His mother Parmeta Jones Simpson was a teacher who graduated from the University of Chicago in the 1940s .
His father Nathaniel was a real estate broker .
He attended Harlan High School and DePaul University , was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and served in the National Guard .
In their younger days , Clark said , they ’ d often go out to skate , sometimes in the suburbs .
“ He said , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or three times a week , and there is nothing in Chicago ?
’ ” They opened their first rink in 1975 at 8920 S. Ashland Ave .
In 1985 , they moved to the current location at 1122 E. 87th St. “ We were the first black-owned roller skating rink ” in Chicago , Clark said .
They had two pool tables , a dance floor , table tennis and cornhole toss games .
Over the years , the skating evolved to “ skate dancing , ” performed to floor-filling songs spun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of roller skating , which originated in Chicago , consisted of grooves and bounces , fancy footwork and standing dance routines borrowed from the Godfather of Soul himself and dating back to the 1970s , ” according to Tom Russo ’ s 2017 book “ Chicago Rink Rats : the Roller Capital in its Heyday.
” “ The skating culture among Chicago ’ s Black community is a specialized phenomenon , ” communications consultant Don Rashid said .
“ Its people have incredible skating skills.
” Cheers said that , when he DJs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funky slow burn of music like The Temptations ’ “ Take a Stroll Through Your Mind ” and “ Who Wants to be like the Joneses , ’ ’ Eddie Kendricks ’ “ Intimate Friends ” and anything by The Whispers .
Others , he said , lean toward James Brown , Loggins & Messina ’ s “ Pathway to Glory , ’ ’ Led Zeppelin ’ s “ Kashmir ’ ’ and “ We Will Rock You ” by Queen .
And Gen Z kids like producer remixes of original James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular in Atlanta and Detroit , according to Clark .
“ They come [ to The Rink ] with two or three buses from Detroit every year .
They would come because they like the style , ” she said .
For people who didn ’ t want to skate to secular music , The Rink scheduled gospel nights , Clark said .
When Mr. Simpson bought the building , which formerly housed an electrical supply company , it had interior support columns that were removed so people could skate .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineer to take him seriously enough to work with him , ” said Lee Bey , a Sun-Times editorial writer who ’ s a relative through marriage .
“ But he happened to find a steel fabricator nearby that had an engineer on staff .
And together they worked out an exposed overhead-truss system on the roof of the building — not unlike what Mies and engineers did to create an open unobstructed space inside Crown Hall .
Once they got the system built , they had to then go inside and remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I held my breath every time they took a column away , ” Bey said Mr. Simpson told him .
“ But the roof held .
The system worked.
” Mr. Simpson ’ s survivors include his daughters Valencia Simpson Owens and Lindsey Simpson , sons Brandon Blue and Nathaniel H. Simpson III , five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren .

The Big Wheel. The Godfather. The Low Shuffle.
For decades, people have been doing those steps in a blend of dancing and roller-skating at The Rink on 87th Street, co-founded by Nate Simpson.
The smooth Chicago specialty has become known around the world as JB skating for its rubber-legged resemblance to the fancy footwork of the singer known as Soul Brother No. 1, James Brown.
“The Rink was a real mainstay,” said longtime patron Natha Mitchell. “It was a Black-owned business in the Black community. It was a place for people to go in the community with their families.”
“You had a place of safe haven you could go. You could bring your children,” said Carmen Simpson Clark, Mr. Simpson’s business partner and ex-wife. “People became friends. They met there and married and had children.”
She said that by the time she and Mr. Simpson sold The Rink last year, “Some of the original skaters, their children and grandchildren are skating there.”
Mr. Simpson died Saturday at the University of Chicago Medical Center of an illness he’d been diagnosed with a year ago, his family said. The Flossmoor resident was 75.
Mr. Simpson was a Cook County sheriff’s deputy working at the Markham courthouse. But to the many patrons of The Rink, he was much more, not only providing them a place to go and have fun but also giving many their first jobs.
“He was the father, the uncle,” said Darnell Cheers, 50, a DJ who goes by the name DMC. “Kids grew up there, and he knew all the parents of the kids my age. He watched everybody come up.”
Chance the Rapper — who sings, “We used to roll at the rink, we used to roll at the rink” in his song “Juke Jam” — was among the patrons, Clark said.
Nate Simpson (in Sox cap) with (from left) his son Nate Simpson III and Chance the Rapper. Darnell Cheers
The Rink “was your home away from home,” said writer Marcie Hill, who lectures on Chicago skating history.
Despite digital distractions, “Here we are, 45 years later, and we’re so grateful we still have a place we can come and skate and have a skate family,” said Curtis Pouncy, who with his wife Ramona bought The Rink last year. “So many people have shared with me this skating rink saved their life because they were headed in the wrong direction.”
One of them is a skater who asked to be identified only by his first name, Jeremy, who said when he started coming to The Rink 15 years ago, “I’d been shot multiple times, I’d been to jail.” At The Rink, he said, “There was no gang-banging. They respected Nate, The Rink and the culture and what it provides — I don’t think I would be alive or free if I didn’t have skating and The Rink.”
He credits Mr. Simpson with helping him become an event planner and clothing designer.
“I’m proud of the person I’ve become,” he said. “The Rink has made me a success story.”
Nate Simpson at The Rink with (from left) his grandson William, business partner and ex-wife Carmen Simpson Clark and daughter Valencia. Darnell Cheers
Young Nate grew up on the South Side. His mother Parmeta Jones Simpson was a teacher who graduated from the University of Chicago in the 1940s. His father Nathaniel was a real estate broker. He attended Harlan High School and DePaul University, was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and served in the National Guard.
In their younger days, Clark said, they’d often go out to skate, sometimes in the suburbs. “He said, ‘Why are we driving to Markham two or three times a week, and there is nothing in Chicago?’ ”
They opened their first rink in 1975 at 8920 S. Ashland Ave. In 1985, they moved to the current location at 1122 E. 87th St.
“We were the first Black-owned roller skating rink” in Chicago, Clark said.
They had two pool tables, a dance floor, table tennis and cornhole toss games. Over the years, the skating evolved to “skate dancing,” performed to floor-filling songs spun by DJs.
“The JB style of roller skating, which originated in Chicago, consisted of grooves and bounces, fancy footwork and standing dance routines borrowed from the Godfather of Soul himself and dating back to the 1970s,” according to Tom Russo’s 2017 book “Chicago Rink Rats: the Roller Capital in its Heyday.”
“The skating culture among Chicago’s Black community is a specialized phenomenon,” communications consultant Don Rashid said. “Its people have incredible skating skills.”
Cheers said that, when he DJs, older skaters like to skate to the funky slow burn of music like The Temptations’ “Take a Stroll Through Your Mind” and “Who Wants to be like the Joneses,’’ Eddie Kendricks’ “Intimate Friends” and anything by The Whispers. Others, he said, lean toward James Brown, Loggins & Messina’s “Pathway to Glory,’’ Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir’’ and “We Will Rock You” by Queen. And Gen Z kids like producer remixes of original James Brown songs.
JB Skating is also popular in Atlanta and Detroit, according to Clark. “They come [to The Rink] with two or three buses from Detroit every year. They would come because they like the style,” she said.
For people who didn’t want to skate to secular music, The Rink scheduled gospel nights, Clark said.
When Mr. Simpson bought the building, which formerly housed an electrical supply company, it had interior support columns that were removed so people could skate.
“He couldn’t get an architect or engineer to take him seriously enough to work with him,” said Lee Bey, a Sun-Times editorial writer who’s a relative through marriage. “But he happened to find a steel fabricator nearby that had an engineer on staff. And together they worked out an exposed overhead-truss system on the roof of the building — not unlike what Mies and engineers did to create an open unobstructed space inside Crown Hall. Once they got the system built, they had to then go inside and remove all the original structural columns.”
“I held my breath every time they took a column away,” Bey said Mr. Simpson told him. “But the roof held. The system worked.”
Nate Simpson (from left) with his son Brandon Blue, granddaughter Brittany, daughter Lindsey Simpson and son Nathaniel Simpson III. Provided
Mr. Simpson’s survivors include his daughters Valencia Simpson Owens and Lindsey Simpson, sons Brandon Blue and Nathaniel H. Simpson III, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-14--‘Murder in the Woods’: You’ll never guess what happens to the teens in the cabin

With some movies — e.g.
, “ Burnt Orange Heresy ” or “ The Big Ugly ” or “ Yes , God , Yes ” — we have to spend a little time explaining the meaning of the title and how it relates to the story at hand .
Not so with “ Murder in the Woods.
” The deal here is there ’ s … Yep , this is your basic horror movie about a bunch of idiots — I mean , teenagers — who arrive at a remote cabin getaway for a weekend of partying , but quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in splatter-movie fashion .
And though we ’ ve seen this story dozens of times before , director Luis Iga Garza and screenwriter Yelyna De Leon deliver a darkly funny , self-aware and deliberately ( I would think ) cliché-riddled screamer .
It ’ s not quite a parody a la the “ Scream ” movies , but at no time are we expected to take this nonsense seriously .
The first indication “ Murder in the Woods ” is going to have a goofy side comes when we meet the shy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who lives with his Nana ( Soledad St. Hilaire ) because his parents were killed in a murder-suicide years ago .
And how do we know this ?
Because Nana has a living room shrine that includes a framed newspaper headline commemorating the occasion .
That ’ s a little crazy , Nana !
Against his superstitious Nana ’ s warnings , Jesse heads out for the weekend with his friends Gabe ( Jordan Diambrini ) and Gabe ’ s vivacious girlfriend Chelsea ( Chelsea Rendon ) , who is celebrating her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisecracking pothead character of Jule ( Kade Wise ) , the selfie-obsessed and promiscuous Celeste ( Catherine Toribio ) , and the sweet and lovely Fernanda ( Jeanette Samano ) , who is visiting for the first time in years after her family moved to Chicago .
( One way in which “ Murder in the Woods ” differs from most teen horror films : the mostly Latino , multicultural cast . )
Even before the group makes it to the cabin , the trip seems cursed , from the car hitting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserted gas station to the sudden appearance of the intimidating Sheriff Lorenzo ( the one and only Danny Trejo ) , who sounds like he ’ s issuing a threat even when he ’ s telling the kids to be careful out there .
And once they arrive at the cabin , well , you know the drill .
The kids get wasted and they get into spats and they split up when they should stay together , and every once in a while , there ’ s a shock-moment when someone gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car by an unseen killer .
In the immortal words of Men at Work , who can it be now ?
Meanwhile , we keep seeing an image of a little boy in a window , making us wonder if he ’ s a ghost , or if the house is haunted ; something like that .
( It ’ s not all that hard to figure it out . )
The young and attractive cast does a fine job of selling the ridiculous plot developments ; it ’ s probably great fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with gallons of fake blood and one character after another biting the dust in creative fashion .

With some movies — e.g., “Burnt Orange Heresy” or “The Big Ugly” or “Yes, God, Yes” — we have to spend a little time explaining the meaning of the title and how it relates to the story at hand.
Not so with “Murder in the Woods.” The deal here is there’s …
Murder. In the Woods.
‘Murder in the Woods’
Untitled Rezinate Pictures presents a film directed by Luis Iga Garza and written by Yelyna De Leon. Rated R (for horror violence, language, drug and alcohol use, and some sexuality). Running time: 90 minutes. Now showing at Emagine Frankfort.
Yep, this is your basic horror movie about a bunch of idiots — I mean, teenagers — who arrive at a remote cabin getaway for a weekend of partying, but quickly find themselves getting picked off one by one in splatter-movie fashion. And though we’ve seen this story dozens of times before, director Luis Iga Garza and screenwriter Yelyna De Leon deliver a darkly funny, self-aware and deliberately (I would think) cliché-riddled screamer. It’s not quite a parody a la the “Scream” movies, but at no time are we expected to take this nonsense seriously.
The first indication “Murder in the Woods” is going to have a goofy side comes when we meet the shy nice guy Jesse (Jose Julian), who lives with his Nana (Soledad St. Hilaire) because his parents were killed in a murder-suicide years ago. And how do we know this? Because Nana has a living room shrine that includes a framed newspaper headline commemorating the occasion. That’s a little crazy, Nana!
Against his superstitious Nana’s warnings, Jesse heads out for the weekend with his friends Gabe (Jordan Diambrini) and Gabe’s vivacious girlfriend Chelsea (Chelsea Rendon), who is celebrating her birthday. With them are the obligatory wisecracking pothead character of Jule (Kade Wise), the selfie-obsessed and promiscuous Celeste (Catherine Toribio), and the sweet and lovely Fernanda (Jeanette Samano), who is visiting for the first time in years after her family moved to Chicago. (One way in which “Murder in the Woods” differs from most teen horror films: the mostly Latino, multicultural cast.)
Even before the group makes it to the cabin, the trip seems cursed, from the car hitting a deer to a stop at a seemingly deserted gas station to the sudden appearance of the intimidating Sheriff Lorenzo (the one and only Danny Trejo), who sounds like he’s issuing a threat even when he’s telling the kids to be careful out there. And once they arrive at the cabin, well, you know the drill. The kids get wasted and they get into spats and they split up when they should stay together, and every once in a while, there’s a shock-moment when someone gets stabbed or shot or crushed by a car by an unseen killer. In the immortal words of Men at Work, who can it be now?
Meanwhile, we keep seeing an image of a little boy in a window, making us wonder if he’s a ghost, or if the house is haunted; something like that. (It’s not all that hard to figure it out.) The young and attractive cast does a fine job of selling the ridiculous plot developments; it’s probably great fun to make a drive-in horror film complete with gallons of fake blood and one character after another biting the dust in creative fashion.
Plus, Danny Trejo!