chicagosun-times--2020-09-03--‘Made by Maddie’ team says Nick Jr. show is its own story, denies plagiarizing ‘Hair Love’

History is peppered with examples of the entertainment industry ripping off Black culture by taking ideas and passing them off as their own while making lots of money in the process .
Whether it ’ s hip-hop music , the blues , or the similarities between Fox ’ s “ Living Single ” and NBC ’ s “ Friends , ” it ’ s a recurring issue , and the people behind a new Nick Jr. series are out to prove they aren ’ t the latest to rip off a Black creative .
The streets — mainly social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eerie similarities between “ Made by Maddie , ” an animated series scheduled to launch Sept. 13 , and “ Hair Love , ” the Academy Award-winning short film by filmmaker and Northwest Side native Matthew A. Cherry .
A series based on “ Hair Love ” is in the works .
Tweeters noted the identical family structure of the series and the short film — a mother , a father and a young daughter — the similar hairstyles of the parents , and the presence of a family cat .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his film ’ s similarities to “ Made by Maddie , ” he ’ s retweeted others who believe the resemblance , and in one tweet included monocle and pensive-face emojis suggesting skepticism .
Another Cherry tweet displayed a GIF of actress Gabrielle Union ’ s character from the competitive cheerleading film “ Bring It On , ” in which a high school cheerleading team made up of white girls steals the routine of the East Compton Clovers — a squad comprised of Black girls and Latinas .
The Nick Jr. series , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman , centers around a Black girl named Maddie , a “ quick-thinking little girl with a big personality and a huge heart , who has a passion for fashion , ” according to Silvergate Media , which produces the series .
While the show is scheduled to feature Black voices such as James Monroe Iglehart ( “ Hamilton ” ) and Patina Miller ( “ Hunger Games ” ) , the creative team is “ diverse , ” according to a Silvergate Media press release .
In July , HBO Max ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” an animated series that looks into the lives of the Young family introduced in Cherry ’ s short film .
Silvergate Media insists the two projects are unrelated , with CEO Waheed Ali saying in a statement that the company “ has been working on the series for the last five years , and throughout the production has taken steps to ensure a diverse production team and an appropriate voice cast lending their expertise and talent .
As creators ourselves , we have the utmost respect and admiration for Matthew A.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our hope is that when people watch our show , they will see it as its own story with its own adventures.
” As evidence , Silvergate provided the Sun-Times with drawings of the characters from 2015 and a “ Maddie ” script from 2017 .
Cherry launched his Kickstarter campaign for “ Hair Love ” in 2017 .
Cherry ’ s representatives told Entertainment Weekly , “ We had no knowledge of this show .
”

History is peppered with examples of the entertainment industry ripping off Black culture by taking ideas and passing them off as their own while making lots of money in the process.
Whether it’s hip-hop music, the blues, or the similarities between Fox’s “Living Single” and NBC’s “Friends,” it’s a recurring issue, and the people behind a new Nick Jr. series are out to prove they aren’t the latest to rip off a Black creative.
The streets — mainly social media — are in the midst of discussing the eerie similarities between “Made by Maddie,” an animated series scheduled to launch Sept. 13, and “Hair Love,” the Academy Award-winning short film by filmmaker and Northwest Side native Matthew A. Cherry. A series based on “Hair Love” is in the works.
Chicagoan Matthew Cherry’s “Hair Love” won an Academy Award for best short film. Sony Pictures Animation
Tweeters noted the identical family structure of the series and the short film — a mother, a father and a young daughter — the similar hairstyles of the parents, and the presence of a family cat.
While Cherry hasn’t spoken publicly about his film’s similarities to “Made by Maddie,” he’s retweeted others who believe the resemblance, and in one tweet included monocle and pensive-face emojis suggesting skepticism.
Another Cherry tweet displayed a GIF of actress Gabrielle Union’s character from the competitive cheerleading film “Bring It On,” in which a high school cheerleading team made up of white girls steals the routine of the East Compton Clovers — a squad comprised of Black girls and Latinas.
The Nick Jr. series, created by Paula Rosenthal, a white woman, centers around a Black girl named Maddie, a “quick-thinking little girl with a big personality and a huge heart, who has a passion for fashion,” according to Silvergate Media, which produces the series.
While the show is scheduled to feature Black voices such as James Monroe Iglehart (“Hamilton”) and Patina Miller (“Hunger Games”), the creative team is “diverse,” according to a Silvergate Media press release.
In July, HBO Max ordered a 12-episode season of “Young Love,” an animated series that looks into the lives of the Young family introduced in Cherry’s short film.
Silvergate Media insists the two projects are unrelated, with CEO Waheed Ali saying in a statement that the company “has been working on the series for the last five years, and throughout the production has taken steps to ensure a diverse production team and an appropriate voice cast lending their expertise and talent. As creators ourselves, we have the utmost respect and admiration for Matthew A. Cherry and ‘Hair Love,’ and our hope is that when people watch our show, they will see it as its own story with its own adventures.”
As evidence, Silvergate provided the Sun-Times with drawings of the characters from 2015 and a “Maddie” script from 2017. Cherry launched his Kickstarter campaign for “Hair Love” in 2017.
Cherry’s representatives told Entertainment Weekly, “We had no knowledge of this show.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--Car rolls over onto Lakefront Trail in Lake View

Police are investigating a rollover crash Friday near Lake Shore Drive in Lake View on the North Side .
The @ @ @ @ @ a.m. on Lake Shore near Belmont Avenue , according to preliminary information from Chicago police @ @ @ @ @ car flipped onto its roof on the Lakefront Trail bike path , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ whether anyone was injured .

Two women were injured in a rollover crash Friday near Lake Shore Drive in Lake View on the North Side.
About 5:05 a.m. a 21-year-old woman was driving on Lake Shore near Barry Avenue, when she lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road, according to Chicago police. The vehicle flipped over and landed on the Lakefront Trail.
The 21-year-old woman and another 22-year-old woman passenger were taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and treated for head injuries, police said. Two rear passengers, 26 and 27-year-old men, refused treatment.
The crash remains under investigation.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--Dear Abby: I’d like another woman in our bed, but husband resists

DEAR ABBY : I ’ ve been married for five years .
Before meeting my husband , I never thought I would find “ the one.
” Recently , I have been having feelings of wanting to experience sleeping with a woman .
I ’ ve always been sexually adventurous , and I have mentioned a threesome , but he isn ’ t interested .
I don ’ t want to die without experiencing sex with a woman , but I also love my husband dearly , and we have a great partnership that I don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WOMAN IN NEW YORK DEAR WOMAN : It ’ s time for another frank conversation with your husband .
Explain clearly that although you love him dearly and do not want to destroy your partnership , you are bi-curious and you would like to experience sex with a woman .
However , if his reaction is negative , you must then decide how important fulfilling this fantasy is to you in light of the fact that it could threaten your marriage .
DEAR ABBY : My wife of 10 years keeps all kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her adult daughter , “ Maude , ” move in .
Maude is 35 and has one daughter .
I recently found out that Maude is pregnant again .
I heard they had decided to “ surprise me ” with the news .
( The father is the same guy as before . )
I ’ m tired of being the third wheel , and I think it ’ s time for me to call it quits .
What do you think ?
— STAY OR GO IN CONNECTICUT DEAR STAY OR GO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What I think is that you are outnumbered .
Maude should be living on her own or with the father of her children .
If I am reading between the lines correctly , you have allowed yourself to be stuck with the financial burden that Maude and her irresponsible boyfriend should be carrying .
I also think it ’ s time you gave your wife an ultimatum : Either Maude and her daughter move out or you will .
Whichever option she chooses , your situation will improve .
DEAR ABBY : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My husband works Monday to Friday , 10 hours a day .
We have been married nearly four years .
My problem is we never have alone time .
I feel if it continues , we will just fall apart .
On weekends , we sit home , and it ’ s claustrophobic .
We have only one vehicle , which he needs to use , so during the week , I ’ m stuck at home .
Being home 24/7 is driving me nuts .
We never get out and have family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell him we need it , but he doesn ’ t seem to care .
Could you guide me on what to do ?
— IN NEED OF COUPLES ’ TIME DEAR IN NEED : Stop telling your husband “ we ” need a date night and say instead , “ I need this !
If you want our marriage to survive , you will take me out of here so we can spend time without the kid ( or kids ) because I feel like I ’ m going nuts.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month isn ’ t too much to ask for .
If he is worried about the expense , make sure he knows a hamburger , a sandwich , a drive ALONE WITH HIM is what you need .
But if he still doesn ’ t seem to care , then your problem is greater than cabin fever .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married for five years. Before meeting my husband, I never thought I would find “the one.” Recently, I have been having feelings of wanting to experience sleeping with a woman. I’ve always been sexually adventurous, and I have mentioned a threesome, but he isn’t interested.
I don’t want to die without experiencing sex with a woman, but I also love my husband dearly, and we have a great partnership that I don’t want to destroy. Help! — WOMAN SEEKS WOMAN IN NEW YORK
DEAR WOMAN: It’s time for another frank conversation with your husband. Explain clearly that although you love him dearly and do not want to destroy your partnership, you are bi-curious and you would like to experience sex with a woman. However, if his reaction is negative, you must then decide how important fulfilling this fantasy is to you in light of the fact that it could threaten your marriage.
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 10 years keeps all kinds of secrets from me. We let her adult daughter, “Maude,” move in. Maude is 35 and has one daughter. I recently found out that Maude is pregnant again. I heard they had decided to “surprise me” with the news. (The father is the same guy as before.) I’m tired of being the third wheel, and I think it’s time for me to call it quits. What do you think? — STAY OR GO IN CONNECTICUT
DEAR STAY OR GO: I’m glad you asked. What I think is that you are outnumbered. Maude should be living on her own or with the father of her children. If I am reading between the lines correctly, you have allowed yourself to be stuck with the financial burden that Maude and her irresponsible boyfriend should be carrying. I also think it’s time you gave your wife an ultimatum: Either Maude and her daughter move out or you will. Whichever option she chooses, your situation will improve.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a stay-at-home mother. My husband works Monday to Friday, 10 hours a day. We have been married nearly four years. My problem is we never have alone time. I feel if it continues, we will just fall apart.
On weekends, we sit home, and it’s claustrophobic. We have only one vehicle, which he needs to use, so during the week, I’m stuck at home. Being home 24/7 is driving me nuts. We never get out and have family time or a date night. I tell him we need it, but he doesn’t seem to care. Could you guide me on what to do? — IN NEED OF COUPLES’ TIME
DEAR IN NEED: Stop telling your husband “we” need a date night and say instead, “I need this! If you want our marriage to survive, you will take me out of here so we can spend time without the kid (or kids) because I feel like I’m going nuts.”
A date night every few weeks or once a month isn’t too much to ask for. If he is worried about the expense, make sure he knows a hamburger, a sandwich, a drive ALONE WITH HIM is what you need. But if he still doesn’t seem to care, then your problem is greater than cabin fever.
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.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--Like ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman, more under 50 are getting colon cancer

“ Black Panther ” star Chadwick Boseman ’ s death at 43 from colon cancer points to the need for people to be more vigilant , regardless of age , about seeing a doctor at the first sign of symptoms , says Dr. Sonia Kupfer , director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic at the University of Chicago .
Boseman , whose other star turns included the 2018 playing Jackie Robinson in “ 42 ” and James Brown in “ Get On Up , ” died Aug. 29 .
He was two years younger than the age — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health guidelines advise African Americans to get screened for one of the most preventable of all cancers .
Yet Boseman ’ s cancer already was at stage III when he was diagnosed in 2016 — meaning it had grown through his colon wall .
The cancer then spread beyond his colon to stage IV .
The incidence of colorectal cancer among adults under 50 has doubled in the past 24 years , with Blacks at higher risk than whites .
That ’ s despite improvements in screening and an overall decline of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colon cancer in that period .
Experts recommend a first colonoscopy by 50 for those not at higher risk , but the American Cancer Society goes further , urging that everyone 45 years old be screened , even though health insurance might not cover it .
Chicago has the fifth-highest death rate from colorectal cancer among the country ’ s 30 largest cities — 18.2 deaths per 100,000 people , compared with 14.8 deaths nationwide , according to a 2013-2017 study , the latest data available .
That study found the mortality rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than among whites .
In Chicago , the rate among Blacks ( 25.9 % ) was 69 % higher than whites ( 15.3 % ) .
That equates to 2,252 more African Americans nationwide dying of colorectal cancer each year and 96 more deaths in Chicago yearly than would be expected if the Black population had the same mortality rate as that for whites , according to the study , co-authored by Abigail Silva , an assistant professor in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colorectal cancer deaths from 2013-2017 were 9.7 per 100,000 for Asian Americans , 10.3 for Latinos , 13.9 for whites and 23.1 for Blacks , according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
There can be hurdles to being screened and diagnosed for people who lack quality health insurance and those whose jobs leave them little chance to schedule time off , face a long commute on public transportation or lack reliable childcare — situations worsened by the coronavirus pandemic , says Dr. Keith B. Naylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Medicine , Gastroenterology and Hepatology .
Another hurdle is the initial reaction some have to the preparations required for a colonoscopy — the key screening tool .
The idea of chugging an unappetizing liquid to clean out your colon and then staying close to a bathroom for hours is enough to make many people cringe .
During a colonoscopy , a doctor inserts a tube with a tiny video camera into the sedated patient ’ s rectum to view the inside of the colon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , rather than a gallon jug of cleansing prep , people getting ready for a colonoscopy can ask their doctors to instead take a two-part cleanse that ’ s equivalent to six shot glasses to make the process more tolerable .
Dr. Salina S. Lee , assistant professor of medicine in Rush ’ s Division of Gastroenterology , also advises those with no high-risk symptoms who are put off by the idea of a colonoscopy to at least get noninvasive screening .
Two at-home tests that require only a stool sample are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microscopic evidence of blood in the stool , and ColoGuard , a cancer-DNA detection test .
Doctors review the results , Lee says .
She also says doctors can work with patients with no insurance or who have religious or other concerns about colonoscopies .
Having a family history of the disease is a key risk factor for the disease .
Others include obesity , smoking , a lack of exercise and a diet high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables .
Signs of the disease can include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain or changes in bowel movements , either with increased constipation or diarrhea .
If caught early , doctors can remove colon polyps before they develop into cancer .
Getting diagnosed and treated early is crucial .
The advanced stages can require treatment with surgery , radiation , chemotherapy , targeted therapies or a combination of those .

“Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman’s death at 43 from colon cancer points to the need for people to be more vigilant, regardless of age, about seeing a doctor at the first sign of symptoms, says Dr. Sonia Kupfer, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic at the University of Chicago.
Boseman, whose other star turns included playing Jackie Robinson in “42” and James Brown in “Get On Up,” died Aug. 29. He was two years younger than the age — 45 — at which the latest government health guidelines advise African Americans to get screened for one of the most preventable of all cancers.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Yet Boseman’s cancer already was at stage 3 when he was diagnosed in 2016 — meaning it had grown through his colon wall. The cancer then spread beyond his colon to stage 4.
The incidence of colorectal cancer among adults under 50 has doubled in the past 24 years, with Blacks at higher risk than whites.
That’s despite improvements in screening and an overall decline of more than 30% in the incidence of colon cancer in that period.
Everyone needs to watch for signs of colorectal cancer regardless of your age, says Dr. Sonia Kupfer, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic at the University of Chicago. Tyler LaRiviere / Sun-Times
Experts recommend a first colonoscopy by 50 for those not at higher risk, but the American Cancer Society goes further, urging that everyone 45 years old be screened, even though health insurance might not cover it.
Chicago has the fifth-highest death rate from colorectal cancer among the country’s 30 largest cities — 18.2 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 14.8 deaths nationwide, according to a 2013-2017 study, the latest data available.
That study found the mortality rate among African Americans nationally was 43% higher than among whites.
In Chicago, the rate among Blacks (25.9) was 69% higher than whites (15.3).
That equates to 2,252 more African Americans nationwide dying of colorectal cancer each year and 96 more deaths in Chicago yearly than would be expected if the Black population had the same mortality rate as that for whites, according to the study, co-authored by Abigail Silva, an assistant professor in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago.
Abigail Silva: “Chicago is one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States, and factors like structural racism make it so Black Chicagoans often fare worse than their white counterparts across many measures of health.” Loyola University Chicago
Cook County’s rates for colorectal cancer deaths from 2013-2017 were 9.7 per 100,000 for Asian Americans, 10.3 for Latinos, 13.9 for whites and 23.1 for Blacks, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There can be hurdles to being screened and diagnosed for people who lack quality health insurance and those whose jobs leave them little chance to schedule time off, face a long commute on public transportation or lack reliable childcare — situations worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, says Dr. Keith B. Naylor, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Dr. Keith B. Naylor. University of Illinois at Chicago
Another hurdle is the initial reaction some have to the preparations required for a colonoscopy — the key screening tool. The idea of chugging an unappetizing liquid to clean out your colon and then staying close to a bathroom for hours is enough to make many people cringe.
During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a tube with a tiny video camera into the sedated patient’s rectum to view the inside of the colon.
A Rush University Medical Center doctor says that, rather than a gallon jug of cleansing prep, people getting ready for a colonoscopy can ask their doctors to instead take a two-part cleanse that’s equivalent to six shot glasses to make the process more tolerable.
Dr. Salina S. Lee, assistant professor of medicine in Rush’s Division of Gastroenterology, also advises those with no high-risk symptoms who are put off by the idea of a colonoscopy to at least get noninvasive screening.
Dr. Salina Lee. Rush University Medical Center
Two at-home tests that require only a stool sample are the fecal immunochemical test, which detects microscopic evidence of blood in the stool, and Cologuard, a cancer-DNA detection test. Doctors review the results, Lee says.
She also says doctors can work with patients with no insurance or who have religious or other concerns about colonoscopies.
Having a family history of the disease is a key risk factor for the disease. Others include obesity, smoking, a lack of exercise and a diet high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables.
Signs of the disease can include blood in the stool, unaccustomed abdominal pain or changes in bowel movements, either with increased constipation or diarrhea. If caught early, doctors can remove colon polyps before they develop into cancer.
Getting diagnosed and treated early is crucial. The advanced stages can require treatment with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies or a combination of those.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--These 11 sidewalk drawings by Chicago-area kids won the Sun-Times’ chalk art contest

Sidewalks are the places to be in the summer for kids — riding bikes , playing hopscotch , skateboarding , running through a sprinkler , especially during this summer of the coronavirus pandemic , when they needed to get outside but not too far from home .
So we asked Chicago-area kids to take to their sidewalks — or driveways or patios — and create their best chalk drawings , then send them in to the latest Chicago Sun-Times art contest , part of what we call The Imagination Project .
We ’ re showcasing the winning images here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henderson , David Anthony Geary and Sandra Antongiorgi .
Sonja Henderson : “ The insects under a magnifying glass is a delightful drawing filled with whimsy and charm .
The little critters are seemingly going about their business , until closer inspection shows a bug in a face mask and sunglasses .
I love the lighthearted concept and vibrant color choices for the bugs .
The composition is skillfully executed , with effective positioning of highlights on the magnifying glass lens and handle.
” David Anthony Geary : “ I love the visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secret life of bugs.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ Such a fun and creative piece !
The use of shadow does it for me .
The light reflection on the magnifying glass is great .
Overall , a cool 3-D piece.
” Sonja Henderson : “ The feeding hummingbird is beautifully crafted with delicate lines and pretty pastel hues .
Using the budding tree limbs is a wonderful way to frame this vignette .
The vibrant orange interior of the flower petals is a great choice that gives the overall composition a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead the viewer to what looks like an abstract bird in flight at the tip of the hummingbird ’ s beak.
” David Anthony Geary : “ There is a sense of peace and beauty in capturing such a fleeting moment as a hummingbird.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ When I look at this work , I can ’ t help but think of the artist .
It ’ s both confident and gentle .
The use of color and blending in the flower is excellent .
The bright , illuminating orange invites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicely executed.
” Sonja Henderson : “ The whale jumping out of the water is a fresh and vibrant work of art .
I love the heavy layering and blending of warm pinks , oranges and yellows to contrast the cool ocean blue and mighty Orca .
It seems the whale is having as much fun as the artist , or vice versa.
” David Anthony Geary : “ The lighthearted sense of motion here paired with the rainbow sky and horizon are uplifting.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ My favorite thing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist drew the water splashing around the whale .
It shows us the FORCE of the whale jolting out of the water.
” Sonja Henderson : “ I just adore this work of art and its use of space , line and texture .
On a narrow passageway framed by grass , the viewer gets a glimpse into the private bathing rituals of flamingos .
Parts of the drawing are loose and incomplete , and other parts thoroughly worked , which makes my eye want to stay with the artwork to fill in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is such a beautiful feeling of rhythm and motion from the awkward angles of the flamingos legs to the water ’ s ripple effect around their feet.
” David Anthony Geary : “ This is a fun play with forced perspective in a playful environment.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ This artist did a wonderful job balancing the images .
There ’ s this kind of rhythm to the piece that I ’ m enjoying .
I love the layering of warm colors on the flamingo against the cool greens and blues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This outstanding lion is king of the jungle and the sidewalks .
So much pride and effort went into the rendering of the lion ’ s face and mane .
The floral filigree and lacy vines are a nice contrast to the bold black work .
The artist may consider expanding the ornamental vines and leaves to create a concrete jungle.
” David Anthony Geary : “ I like the feeling that this is an extension of something existing.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ The bold , dark lines of this drawing capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really like the patterns around it .
It reminds me of a logo or stamp .
It would make a great stencil.
” Sonja Henderson : “ I hope everyone on the block is partaking in this sidewalk chalk Monopoly game .
This seems like so much fun and hearkens back to simpler times of hopscotch and jumping rope .
As a work of art , I love the implied movement around the game board but also hope the neighborhood is actually playing Monopoly with gigantic game pieces like the thimble , ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antongiorgi : “ I would love to see this one taken even further , with full color !
It takes hopscotch to a whole new level .
The toilet paper for $ 700 is a great touch of humor and is a snapshot of 2020 .
Recording time is one of the roles of an artist.
” Sonja Henderson : “ This darling duck captured my heart with its innocence and expressive quality .
I love the bold color choices for the eyes , feet and rainbow-colored body .
The young artist also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lines coloring on a highly textured surface.
” David Anthony Geary : “ Super-cute and free .
The way children see things fascinates me.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ This chalk piece makes me smile !
I like how the duck looks so friendly with all of its beautiful colors .
The head alone has four colors .
which is exactly what we see when the sun shines on their feathers !
” Sonja Henderson : “ This dreamy hilly landscape is the beginning of a larger adventure for anyone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountainous terrain , the scene is set for the traveler and artist to keep wandering and discovering .
It seems like this young artist mixed water with the chalk to create a more painterly feel to the medium , I love the richness and creaminess of the sky , hills and trees.
” David Anthony Geary : “ There ’ s a fun variety of shapes and colors in this imaginary landscape.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ Such a serene setting .
The more I look at this landscape , the calmer I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so soft , plump and inviting !
Very nice panoramic feel.
” Sonja Henderson : “ What a magnificent abstract work of art .
I love the clean-lined negative space and the crisp coloring of the geometric shapes .
This sidewalk chalk artwork is a tribute to minimalism .
The artwork allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty of the shapes , colors and textures without it being tied to an ‘ idea ’ or something representational.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : “ The scale of this chalk art took me by surprise !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s divided into three larger parts .
The commitment and discipline to thoroughly coloring each and every shape is amazing to me !
The colors and shapes demand our attention.
” Sonja Henderson : “ This is so sweet .
I love the loose narrative of the sun rising or setting over water and what looks like a starfish off to the side .
The young artist used great combinations when creating their flag and beach-like scene.
” David Anthony Geary : “ Something about this brings up imaginings of space.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be imaginative .
It could be a spaceship , stairs onto the beach , a house , whatever we want it to be .
I ’ m sure it was something specific for the artist , but , for me , it ’ s a lovely abstract with great repetitive shapes .
Beautiful !
” Sonja Henderson : “ The bright colors and energetic marks lead the viewer to what looks like lovely flowers and a bird bringing a worm to its nest .
A charming little scene.
” Sandra Antongiorgi : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better tomorrow !
They are also fun and innocent .
These are the things I see in this awesome chalk art .
Art gives us life !
”

Sidewalks are the places to be in the summer for kids — riding bikes, playing hopscotch, skateboarding, running through a sprinkler, especially during this summer of the coronavirus pandemic, when they needed to get outside but not too far from home.
So we asked Chicago-area kids to take to their sidewalks — or driveways or patios — and create their best chalk drawings, then send them in to the latest Chicago Sun-Times art contest, part of what we call The Imagination Project.
HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS
Caeley D., 15
Sophomore, Lincoln-Way West High School, New Lenox
Chalk art by Caeley D., a 15-year-old sophomore at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “The insects under a magnifying glass is a delightful drawing filled with whimsy and charm. The little critters are seemingly going about their business, until closer inspection shows a bug in a face mask and sunglasses. I love the lighthearted concept and vibrant color choices for the bugs. The composition is skillfully executed, with effective positioning of highlights on the magnifying glass lens and handle.”
David Anthony Geary: “I love the visual effect here. Makes me think of the secret life of bugs.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “Such a fun and creative piece! The use of shadow does it for me. The light reflection on the magnifying glass is great. Overall, a cool 3-D piece.”
Gianna G., 17
12th-grader at East Aurora High School in Aurora
Chalk art by Gianna G., 17, a 12th-grader at East Aurora High School in Aurora. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “The feeding hummingbird is beautifully crafted with delicate lines and pretty pastel hues. Using the budding tree limbs is a wonderful way to frame this vignette. The vibrant orange interior of the flower petals is a great choice that gives the overall composition a pop. The orange shadows also unexpectedly lead the viewer to what looks like an abstract bird in flight at the tip of the hummingbird’s beak.”
David Anthony Geary: “There is a sense of peace and beauty in capturing such a fleeting moment as a hummingbird.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “When I look at this work, I can’t help but think of the artist. It’s both confident and gentle. The use of color and blending in the flower is excellent. The bright, illuminating orange invites the hummingbird to drink its nectar! Nicely executed.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNERS
Riley P., 11
Sixth-grader, Henry Puffer Elementary School, Downers Grove
Chalk art by Riley P., 11, a sixth-grader at Henry Puffer Elementary School in Downers Grove. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “The whale jumping out of the water is a fresh and vibrant work of art. I love the heavy layering and blending of warm pinks, oranges and yellows to contrast the cool ocean blue and mighty Orca. It seems the whale is having as much fun as the artist, or vice versa.”
David Anthony Geary: “The lighthearted sense of motion here paired with the rainbow sky and horizon are uplifting.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “My favorite thing about this chalk piece is the way the artist drew the water splashing around the whale. It shows us the FORCE of the whale jolting out of the water.”
Yasmyn S., 13
Eighth-grader, National Teachers Academy, Chicago
Chalk art by Yasmyn S., 13, an eighth-grader at National Teachers Academy in Chicago. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “I just adore this work of art and its use of space, line and texture. On a narrow passageway framed by grass, the viewer gets a glimpse into the private bathing rituals of flamingos. Parts of the drawing are loose and incomplete, and other parts thoroughly worked, which makes my eye want to stay with the artwork to fill in the gaps with my imagination. There is such a beautiful feeling of rhythm and motion from the awkward angles of the flamingos legs to the water’s ripple effect around their feet.”
David Anthony Geary: “This is a fun play with forced perspective in a playful environment.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “This artist did a wonderful job balancing the images. There’s this kind of rhythm to the piece that I’m enjoying. I love the layering of warm colors on the flamingo against the cool greens and blues of the landscape.”
Annaliah S., 11
Sixth-grader, Harvard Junior High School, Harvard
Chalk art by Annaliah S., 11, a sixth-grader at Harvard Junior High School in Harvard. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “This outstanding lion is king of the jungle and the sidewalks. So much pride and effort went into the rendering of the lion’s face and mane. The floral filigree and lacy vines are a nice contrast to the bold black work. The artist may consider expanding the ornamental vines and leaves to create a concrete jungle.”
David Anthony Geary: “I like the feeling that this is an extension of something existing.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “The bold, dark lines of this drawing capture the strength of the lion. I really like the patterns around it. It reminds me of a logo or stamp. It would make a great stencil.”
Tegan T., 12
Seventh-grader, Clark Middle School, St. John, Indiana
Chalk art by Tegan T., 12, a seventh-grader at Clark Middle School in St. John, Indiana. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “I hope everyone on the block is partaking in this sidewalk chalk Monopoly game. This seems like so much fun and hearkens back to simpler times of hopscotch and jumping rope. As a work of art, I love the implied movement around the game board but also hope the neighborhood is actually playing Monopoly with gigantic game pieces like the thimble, ship, Schnauzer and top hat.”
David Anthony Geary: “Functional art at its best!”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “I would love to see this one taken even further, with full color! It takes hopscotch to a whole new level. The toilet paper for $700 is a great touch of humor and is a snapshot of 2020. Recording time is one of the roles of an artist.”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kian D., 8
Third-grader, Chappell Elementary School, Chicago
Chalk art by Kian D., 8, a third-grader at Chappell Elementary School in Chicago. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “This darling duck captured my heart with its innocence and expressive quality. I love the bold color choices for the eyes, feet and rainbow-colored body. The young artist also used a lot of energy staying within the lines coloring on a highly textured surface.”
David Anthony Geary: “Super-cute and free. The way children see things fascinates me.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “This chalk piece makes me smile! I like how the duck looks so friendly with all of its beautiful colors. The head alone has four colors. which is exactly what we see when the sun shines on their feathers!”
Ava S., 10
Fifth-grader, Prairieview Elementary School, Downers Grove
Chalk art by Ava S., 10, a fifth-grader at Prairieview Elementary School in Downers Grove. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “This dreamy hilly landscape is the beginning of a larger adventure for anyone’s imagination. With trees, birds and mountainous terrain, the scene is set for the traveler and artist to keep wandering and discovering. It seems like this young artist mixed water with the chalk to create a more painterly feel to the medium, I love the richness and creaminess of the sky, hills and trees.”
David Anthony Geary: “There’s a fun variety of shapes and colors in this imaginary landscape.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “Such a serene setting. The more I look at this landscape, the calmer I feel. The pastel green hills look so soft, plump and inviting! Very nice panoramic feel.”
Brothers Jonathan, 6, and Nathan L., 8
First- and third-graders, Dirksen Elementary School, Schaumburg
Chalk art by brothers Jonathan, 6, and Nathan L., 8, first- and third-graders at Dirksen Elementary School in Schaumburg. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “What a magnificent abstract work of art. I love the clean-lined negative space and the crisp coloring of the geometric shapes. This sidewalk chalk artwork is a tribute to minimalism. The artwork allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty of the shapes, colors and textures without it being tied to an ‘idea’ or something representational.”
David Anthony Geary: “The geometric abstraction is so eye-catching.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “The scale of this chalk art took me by surprise! Love the geometric shapes and how it’s divided into three larger parts. The commitment and discipline to thoroughly coloring each and every shape is amazing to me! The colors and shapes demand our attention.”
Anaiz M., 5
Pre-kindergartner, McAuliffe Elementary School, Chicago
Chalk art by Anaiz M., 5, a pre-kindergartner at McAuliffe Elementary School in Chicago. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “This is so sweet. I love the loose narrative of the sun rising or setting over water and what looks like a starfish off to the side. The young artist used great combinations when creating their flag and beach-like scene.”
David Anthony Geary: “Something about this brings up imaginings of space.”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “This invites us to be imaginative. It could be a spaceship, stairs onto the beach, a house, whatever we want it to be. I’m sure it was something specific for the artist, but, for me, it’s a lovely abstract with great repetitive shapes. Beautiful!”
Nayely M., 8
Third-grader, McAuliffe Elementary School, Chicago
Chalk art by Nayely M., 8, a third-grader at McAuliffe Elementary School in Chicago. Provided
Sonja Henderson: “The bright colors and energetic marks lead the viewer to what looks like lovely flowers and a bird bringing a worm to its nest. A charming little scene.”
David Anthony Geary: “Rainbows make everything a little brighter!”
Sandra Antongiorgi: “Rainbows mean joy and hope for a better tomorrow! They are also fun and innocent. These are the things I see in this awesome chalk art. Art gives us life!”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--2 Cook County judges in ‘judge jail,’ under investigation, want 6 more years on the bench

Two Cook County circuit judges who are on administrative duty , barred from performing nearly all judicial functions because they ’ re facing disciplinary proceedings , would like something from voters come November .
Another six years on the bench .
Judges Mauricio Araujo and Jackie Portman-Brown have been removed from their courtrooms and placed for now in what those on the bench refer to among themselves as “ judge jail.
” Araujo was placed on leave in 2018 , after an assistant Cook County state ’ s attorney accused him of sexual harassment .
Two other women have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
Portman-Brown has been on administrative duty since February , after a video showed her having a child locked up in the holding cell behind her courtroom .
Both continue to receive their full $ 204,000 salaries , plus benefits .
And both , facing the end of their six-year terms , have filed for retention in the Nov. 3 election .
That means that , as sitting judges , they need the approval of at least 60 percent of those who cast ballots in Cook County to remain on the bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognition and it ’ s difficult for voters to rate their performance , judicial seats often are the first offices that people skip over in voting .
As a result , it ’ s rare for a Cook County judge to lose a bid for retention .
“ With that six-year history comes whatever he or she did to be placed on administrative duties , ” says Nyshana Sumner , president of the Cook County Bar Association .
“ I think it is something that voters should consider.
” Araujo and Portman-Brown are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative duty , according to a spokeswoman for Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans .
In June 2019 , the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board , which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct , filed a complaint against Araujo that says he has “ engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and harassing behavior toward women ” over several years .
Araujo now awaits a hearing before the Illinois Courts Commission to decide whether the allegations have merit and , if so , to impose sanctions as severe as removing him from the bench .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Araujo asked a female court reporter “ how much money ” she wanted to have sex with him while the two were alone in an elevator at the Domestic Violence Courthouse .
She tried to defuse the situation , and he responded he was “ not joking ” and repeated the question , according to the complaint .
The woman filed for a transfer to another courthouse and , years later , after seeing news coverage of other harassment accusations against Araujo , filed a complaint .
In August 2016 , Araujo tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she came to his judicial chambers to get him to sign a search warrant , according to the complaint , which says , that , as they were leaving his office , he asked her to “ touch my butt.
” What started the Judicial Inquiry Board investigation and prompted Araujo ’ s reassignment to administrative duty was an incident Sept. 11 , 2018 .
According to the complaint , the judge , speaking with a male prosecutor , called a female assistant state ’ s attorney a “ b -- -- ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s because I didn ’ t have sex with her ... or maybe it ’ s because I did have sex with her.
” Araujo also was called to testify in the federal corruption trial of two Chicago police officers who were convicted last year of stealing cash from drug dealers during illegal searches .
Araujo approved nearly half the warrants for their gang crimes unit over a three-year period , the Chicago Sun-Times has reported .
Araujo wasn ’ t accused of misconduct in connection with the convicted officers .
Araujo did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portman-Brown ’ s administrative leave stemmed from a Feb. 19 video that showed her having a child locked up in an adult holding cell behind her courtroom .
Portman-Brown had the child — a relative , according to the chief judge ’ s office — kept there for about 10 minutes .
Evans announced in early March that the incident had been referred to the Judicial Inquiry Board and said Portman-Brown was being given mentoring .
Portman-Brown also faced criticism over her leadership of a now-shuttered intensive probation program called the HOPE court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervision and second chances to defendants rather than prison sentences .
Lawyers , probation officers and participants involved in the program said Portman-Brown was “ bullying ” and “ unpredictable , ” according to a 2018 investigation by Injustice Watch and City Bureau published by the Sun-Times .
The program lost its state funding in 2018 after two outside reviews found it failed to meet its goals and said Portman-Brown treated her staff and defendants abusively .
Also , while on the bench , she once called a defendant a “ f -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language to express his frustration with a ruling , the Sun-Times reported .
“ Them fightin ’ words .
And if I was in my neighborhood over in Englewood , the robe would be off , and we ’ d be fightin , ’ ” she said .
In a 2016 profile in the Chicago Reader , she embraced her tough-on-crime reputation , saying : “ When you mess up , I ’ m like the Incredible Hulk .
You do not wan na see me angry .
When I get angry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m known as the lock- ’ em-up judge.
” Hanah Jubeh , a consultant acting as a spokeswoman for the judge , noted that Portman-Brown was rated “ qualified ” by bar associations during her successful 2014 campaign for judge and has gotten a “ qualified ” rating from the Chicago Bar Association this election .
“ In reference to the reported incident , this was a personal family matter that became public , ” Jubeh says .
“ Unfortunately , the media ’ s perception of the incident with the grandniece was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question.
” Even as Araujo and Portman-Brown are running to hold onto their judicial seats , they are barred from hearing cases .
Judges placed on administrative duty do legal research , conduct marriage ceremonies and review petitions for reduced filing fees for parties to cases who say they are indigent .
Evans can assign a judge to administrative duties only in rare circumstances : if they have been charged with a crime , face a formal disciplinary complaint or if there are allegations of improper behavior or mental or physical incompetence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a banishment , ” says former Cook County Judge Richard Cooke , who was placed on administrative duty in 2017 , shortly after winning election to the bench , for publicly refusing his initial assignment to traffic court .
“ In my opinion , for lazy judges , it ’ s the place to be : There ’ s just nothing to do , no real responsibility , ” says Cooke , who spent three months in judge jail before resigning .
“ I thought that it was stealing Cook County taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim of placing someone on administrative duty is to remove that judge from the courtroom until whatever issues are involved are resolved , says retired Lake County Circuit Judge Ray McKoski , now an adjunct professor teaching judicial ethics at UIC John Marshall Law School .
“ The assignment is designed to protect confidence in the judiciary , ” McKoski says .
Frank Calabrese , a judicial political consultant , says judges on administrative duty are “ performing functions that any law clerk or paralegal could perform ” — while “ taking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can last for years , especially if it ’ s because of a pending disciplinary investigation .
Judicial Inquiry Board investigations are slow and rarely end in public discipline , a 2015 Injustice Watch investigation found .
And the harshest disciplinary action rarely is meted out .
According to an Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board report last year , the Illinois Courts Commission has removed seven judges and suspended 19 in 50 years .

Two Cook County circuit judges who are on administrative duty, barred from performing nearly all judicial functions because they’re facing disciplinary proceedings, would like something from voters come November.
Another six years on the bench.
Judges Mauricio Araujo and Jackie Portman-Brown have been removed from their courtrooms and placed for now in what those on the bench refer to among themselves as “judge jail.”
Araujo was placed on leave in 2018, after an assistant Cook County state’s attorney accused him of sexual harassment. Two other women have since come forward saying he harassed them, too.
Portman-Brown has been on administrative duty since February, after a video showed her having a child locked up in the holding cell behind her courtroom.
Both continue to receive their full $204,000 salaries, plus benefits.
And both, facing the end of their six-year terms, have filed for retention in the Nov. 3 election.
That means that, as sitting judges, they need the approval of at least 60 percent of those who cast ballots in Cook County to remain on the bench.
Because judges seldom have much name recognition and it’s difficult for voters to rate their performance, judicial seats often are the first offices that people skip over in voting. As a result, it’s rare for a Cook County judge to lose a bid for retention.
“With that six-year history comes whatever he or she did to be placed on administrative duties,” says Nyshana Sumner, president of the Cook County Bar Association. “I think it is something that voters should consider.”
Araujo and Portman-Brown are the only two circuit judges currently on administrative duty, according to a spokeswoman for Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans.
In June 2019, the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board, which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct, filed a complaint against Araujo that says he has “engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and harassing behavior toward women” over several years.
The Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board’s June 2019 complaint against Cook County Circuit Judge Mauricio Araujo accuses him of having “engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and harassing behavior toward women.”
Araujo now awaits a hearing before the Illinois Courts Commission to decide whether the allegations have merit and, if so, to impose sanctions as severe as removing him from the bench.
According to the complaint, twice in 2012 Araujo asked a female court reporter “how much money” she wanted to have sex with him while the two were alone in an elevator at the Domestic Violence Courthouse. She tried to defuse the situation, and he responded he was “not joking” and repeated the question, according to the complaint.
The woman filed for a transfer to another courthouse and, years later, after seeing news coverage of other harassment accusations against Araujo, filed a complaint.
In August 2016, Araujo tried to kiss a female Chicago cop when she came to his judicial chambers to get him to sign a search warrant, according to the complaint, which says, that, as they were leaving his office, he asked her to “touch my butt.”
What started the Judicial Inquiry Board investigation and prompted Araujo’s reassignment to administrative duty was an incident Sept. 11, 2018. According to the complaint, the judge, speaking with a male prosecutor, called a female assistant state’s attorney a “b----” and suggested, “Maybe it’s because I didn’t have sex with her... or maybe it’s because I did have sex with her.”
Araujo also was called to testify in the federal corruption trial of two Chicago police officers who were convicted last year of stealing cash from drug dealers during illegal searches. Araujo approved nearly half the warrants for their gang crimes unit over a three-year period, the Chicago Sun-Times has reported. Araujo wasn’t accused of misconduct in connection with the convicted officers.
Araujo did not respond to requests for comment.
Portman-Brown’s administrative leave stemmed from a Feb. 19 video that showed her having a child locked up in an adult holding cell behind her courtroom.
Portman-Brown had the child — a relative, according to the chief judge’s office — kept there for about 10 minutes.
Evans announced in early March that the incident had been referred to the Judicial Inquiry Board and said Portman-Brown was being given mentoring.
Portman-Brown also faced criticism over her leadership of a now-shuttered intensive probation program called the HOPE court, which was supposed to provide close supervision and second chances to defendants rather than prison sentences. Lawyers, probation officers and participants involved in the program said Portman-Brown was “bullying” and “unpredictable,” according to a 2018 investigation by Injustice Watch and City Bureau published by the Sun-Times.
The program lost its state funding in 2018 after two outside reviews found it failed to meet its goals and said Portman-Brown treated her staff and defendants abusively.
Also, while on the bench, she once called a defendant a “f----r” after he used similar language to express his frustration with a ruling, the Sun-Times reported. “Them fightin’ words. And if I was in my neighborhood over in Englewood, the robe would be off, and we’d be fightin,’ ” she said.
In a 2016 profile in the Chicago Reader, she embraced her tough-on-crime reputation, saying: “When you mess up, I’m like the Incredible Hulk. You do not wanna see me angry. When I get angry, I lock people up. I’m known as the lock-’em-up judge.”
Hanah Jubeh, a consultant acting as a spokeswoman for the judge, noted that Portman-Brown was rated “qualified” by bar associations during her successful 2014 campaign for judge and has gotten a “qualified” rating from the Chicago Bar Association this election.
“In reference to the reported incident, this was a personal family matter that became public,” Jubeh says. “Unfortunately, the media’s perception of the incident with the grandniece was not a true representation of the matter in question.”
Even as Araujo and Portman-Brown are running to hold onto their judicial seats, they are barred from hearing cases.
Judges placed on administrative duty do legal research, conduct marriage ceremonies and review petitions for reduced filing fees for parties to cases who say they are indigent.
Evans can assign a judge to administrative duties only in rare circumstances: if they have been charged with a crime, face a formal disciplinary complaint or if there are allegations of improper behavior or mental or physical incompetence.
Administrative duty is “a punishment, a banishment,” says former Cook County Judge Richard Cooke, who was placed on administrative duty in 2017, shortly after winning election to the bench, for publicly refusing his initial assignment to traffic court.
Former Cook County Judge Richard Cooke holds his old judge nameplate. Max Herman / Sun-Times file
“In my opinion, for lazy judges, it’s the place to be: There’s just nothing to do, no real responsibility,” says Cooke, who spent three months in judge jail before resigning. “I thought that it was stealing Cook County taxpayer money, and I quit.”
The aim of placing someone on administrative duty is to remove that judge from the courtroom until whatever issues are involved are resolved, says retired Lake County Circuit Judge Ray McKoski, now an adjunct professor teaching judicial ethics at UIC John Marshall Law School.
“The assignment is designed to protect confidence in the judiciary,” McKoski says.
Frank Calabrese, a judicial political consultant, says judges on administrative duty are “performing functions that any law clerk or paralegal could perform” — while “taking in a quarter-million with benefits.”
Administrative duty can last for years, especially if it’s because of a pending disciplinary investigation. Judicial Inquiry Board investigations are slow and rarely end in public discipline, a 2015 Injustice Watch investigation found.
And the harshest disciplinary action rarely is meted out. According to an Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board report last year, the Illinois Courts Commission has removed seven judges and suspended 19 in 50 years.
John Seasly reports for Injustice Watch, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit journalism organization.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--Mike Kirkpatrick, who transformed popular Chicago band The Drovers, has died at 65

When 10-year-old Mike Kirkpatrick heard the growly feedback on the first five seconds of the Beatles ’ “ I Feel Fine , ” it changed his life .
He became a musician who pushed boundaries and experimented with sounds .
He loved it all : traditional Irish airs , the jazz of Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington , Snoop Dogg , AC/DC , Bach , music of the African bush .
He synthesized what he heard and created something new .
Mr. Kirkpatrick taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music and Columbia College Chicago and was a Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steppenwolf Theatre ’ s 1999 production of “ The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
” A multi-instrumentalist , composer , arranger and producer , his music contributed to the success of the Trinity Irish Dancers .
He was also a member of the Drovers , an Irish folk-rock band that was in the center of the Venn diagram of all that was North Side hip in the 1980s and 1990s .
They played Chicago bars and the American college circuit , performed in Europe and at ethnic festivals throughout the United States and Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Guinness Fleadh and opened for Common , Steve Earle , the Jerry Garcia Band and Ani DiFranco .
Famed Chicago recording engineer Steve Albini worked on their album “ Little High Sky Show.
” Mr. Kirkpatrick ’ s music also was heard in two movies in which the Drovers appeared : “ Backdraft ” and “ Blink.
” He shaped and energized the band ’ s sound , infusing it with influences from around the world .
Even Mr. Kirkpatrick ’ s song titles could be evocative .
“ She ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was inspired by the band ’ s stay with a Rolling Stones fan when a snowstorm stranded them in New York .
Mr. Kirkpatrick , 65 , died of colon cancer Aug. 27 at his Rogers Park home .
His longtime companion Rachel Kahsen , grateful he was able to avoid being in a hospital , said , “ He was home with a beautiful view of the lake and the beach .
He got to be home with me and the cats.
” She said one of the last things he listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molloy of The Chieftains .
He was surrounded by his books on music , history , archaeology and poetry , which line the couple ’ s dining room floor-to-ceiling .
A posthumous release is planned of recordings he made at Rax Trax studios with a diverse collection of musicians he dubbed the Drovers Unlimited Orchestra .
They include fiddler Liz Carroll , the first American composer to receive Ireland ’ s top cultural award for traditional music , and jazz greats like saxophonist Dave Liebman .
Renowned jazz guitarist Bob Palmieri said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Am I the only person at this recording session who didn ’ t work with Miles Davis ?
” He was .
Trinity founder Mark Howard said Mr. Kirkpatrick ’ s music inspired his choreography , helping his students become–in the late 1980s–the first Americans to win the world team championship at Ireland ’ s top stepdance competition .
That led to appearances on “ The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.
” And Mr. Kirkpatrick composed the music to a dance Howard created , “ Johnny , ” in honor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped lead to a professional touring company , the Trinity Irish Dance Company , which has performed around the globe .
In 1990 , when Mr. Kirkpatrick started playing guitar for the Drovers , “ He wrote all the initial songs , melodies , lyrics , fiddle breaks , ” fiddler Séan Cleland , founder of the group and of the Irish Music School of Chicago , wrote on Facebook .
“ He changed the course and sound of the Drovers , and he made it a real band.
” “ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a fierce performer , ” Drovers fiddler Kathleen Keane said .
“ I also had the most magical musical experience of my entire career while recording one of Mike ’ s original compositions .
It featured Dave Liebman on saxophone and myself on low whistle .
The first take was just supposed to be a trial run , but , under Mike ’ s direction , it was the only take — a magical first-time wonder take.
” Drovers bassist Dave Callahan said that , at shows , Mr. Kirkpatrick might jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flute to drums .
He ’ d even play a pump organ like those found in old Scandinavian churches , said Callahan , who now lives in Uppsala , Sweden .
Carroll said Mr. Kirkpatrick ’ s compositions forced her to push past her boundaries .
“ Often , his pieces were tricky , and I think he took great pleasure in my befuddlement over some of the melodies , ” she said .
“ Always , when the arrangements came into place , of course , everything made sense.
” Mr. Kirkpatrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirkpatrick .
A celebration of life might be held after the pandemic .
Kahsen said he loved Mionetto Prosecco : “ Maybe , after all of this , we ’ ll all have a toast in his honor .
”

When 10-year-old Mike Kirkpatrick heard the growly feedback on the first five seconds of the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine,” it changed his life.
He became a musician who pushed boundaries and experimented with sounds. He loved it all: traditional Irish airs, the jazz of Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington, Snoop Dogg, AC/DC, Bach, music of the African bush.
He synthesized what he heard and created something new.
Mr. Kirkpatrick taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music and Columbia College Chicago and was a Joseph Jefferson Awards nominee for his work on Steppenwolf Theatre’s 1999 production of “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.”
A multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and producer, his music contributed to the success of the Trinity Irish Dancers.
He was also a member of the Drovers, an Irish folk-rock band that was in the center of the Venn diagram of all that was North Side hip in the 1980s and 1990s. They played Chicago bars and the American college circuit, performed in Europe and at ethnic festivals throughout the United States and Canada, appeared at the Golden Globes and the Guinness Fleadh and opened for Common, Steve Earle, the Jerry Garcia Band and Ani DiFranco. Famed Chicago recording engineer Steve Albini worked on their album “Little High Sky Show.”
Mr. Kirkpatrick’s music also was heard in two movies in which the Drovers appeared: “Backdraft” and “Blink.”
He shaped and energized the band’s sound, infusing it with influences from around the world.
Even Mr. Kirkpatrick’s song titles could be evocative. “She’s As Pretty as Brian Jones Was” was inspired by the band’s stay with a Rolling Stones fan when a snowstorm stranded them in New York.
Mr. Kirkpatrick, 65, died of colon cancer Aug. 27 at his Rogers Park home.
His longtime companion Rachel Kahsen, grateful he was able to avoid being in a hospital, said, “He was home with a beautiful view of the lake and the beach. He got to be home with me and the cats.”
Mike Kirkpatrick. Philamonjaro Photography
She said one of the last things he listened to was the paradisiacal flute-playing of Matt Molloy of The Chieftains. He was surrounded by his books on music, history, archaeology and poetry, which line the couple’s dining room floor-to-ceiling.
A posthumous release is planned of recordings he made at Rax Trax studios with a diverse collection of musicians he dubbed the Drovers Unlimited Orchestra. They include fiddler Liz Carroll, the first American composer to receive Ireland’s top cultural award for traditional music, and jazz greats like saxophonist Dave Liebman.
Renowned jazz guitarist Bob Palmieri said he looked around at one point and asked: “Am I the only person at this recording session who didn’t work with Miles Davis?” He was.
Trinity founder Mark Howard said Mr. Kirkpatrick’s music inspired his choreography, helping his students become — in the late 1980s — the first Americans to win the world team championship at Ireland’s top stepdance competition. That led to appearances on “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.” And Mr. Kirkpatrick composed the music to a dance Howard created, “Johnny,” in honor of the talk-show host.
Those successes helped lead to a professional touring company, the Trinity Irish Dance Company, which has performed around the globe.
In 1990, when Mr. Kirkpatrick started playing guitar for the Drovers, “He wrote all the initial songs, melodies, lyrics, fiddle breaks,” fiddler Séan Cleland, founder of the group and of the Irish Music School of Chicago, wrote on Facebook. “He changed the course and sound of the Drovers, and he made it a real band.”
“He was a great songwriter, an incredible composer and a fierce performer,” Drovers fiddler Kathleen Keane said. “I also had the most magical musical experience of my entire career while recording one of Mike’s original compositions. It featured Dave Liebman on saxophone and myself on low whistle. The first take was just supposed to be a trial run, but, under Mike’s direction, it was the only take — a magical first-time wonder take.”
Drovers bassist Dave Callahan said that, at shows, Mr. Kirkpatrick might jump from guitar to grand piano or from flute to drums. He’d even play a pump organ like those found in old Scandinavian churches, said Callahan, who now lives in Uppsala, Sweden.
Carroll said Mr. Kirkpatrick’s compositions forced her to push past her boundaries.
“Often, his pieces were tricky, and I think he took great pleasure in my befuddlement over some of the melodies,” she said. “Always, when the arrangements came into place, of course, everything made sense.”
Mr. Kirkpatrick also is survived by his brother Rick Kirkpatrick.
A celebration of life might be held after the pandemic. Kahsen said he loved Mionetto Prosecco: “Maybe, after all of this, we’ll all have a toast in his honor.”


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--The bug that blew up summer: a pop-culture recap of a season like no other

We ’ ve never seen anything like this in our lifetime .
How many times have you said this to a loved one or a friend or a colleague , over the last six months ?
Ten times ?
Fifty ?
A hundred ?
We all keep saying it because it ’ s true .
Virtually every aspect of our lives has been impacted by the pandemic — and while matters of pop culture of course pale in comparison to the greater concerns about hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions who have contracted symptoms , it still holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sports and concerts , etc.
, we ’ ve never seen anything like this .
At the outset of this year , our entertainment expectations for the Summer of 2020 included : • The White Sox and Cubs contending in their respective divisions , with tens of thousands of fans in attendance for every game • Popcorn movies such as “ Wonder Woman 1984 , ” “ Candyman ” and “ Top Gun : Maverick ” • The White Sox playing the Yankees at the “ Field of Dreams ” What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near total shutdown of theaters showing first-run movies , as release dates were pushed back , movies intended for theatrical showings went straight to video , and drive-ins lured folks out of the house to see old faves such as “ Jurassic Park ” and “ Jaws.
” Major League Baseball resumed — but in lieu of fans , we got big-head cardboard cutout standees and piped-in crowd noise as games transpired in nearly empty stadiums .
And the only concerts featured musicians who would set up on their balconies or a street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their music for those within hearing range in the neighborhood .
One silver lining in this cloudiest of summers for those diversions we love so much : 21st century technology .
If COVID-19 had struck in 1970 and you were holed up at home night after night from March through September and beyond , you could have listened to the radio or played a record , read a book or played a board game , or watched television on one of the three major networks .
( “ Honey !
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it ’ s not a rerun !
” ) Or , um , had conversations with other people in the house .
In 2020 , it feels like there are as many home entertainment options as there are stars in the sky , from streaming services to apps , from on-demand movies to hundreds upon hundreds of cable channels , not to mention millions of audio- and e-books and songs — and let ’ s not forget how much fun it ’ s been to Zoom with friends and family !
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mostly fun ? )
So , there ’ s no shortage of material for my 2020 Summer Report Card .
It was an incredibly rich summer for documentaries .
My favorites : • “ Desert One ” – Definitive look at the failed military attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran in 1980 .
• “ Expecting Amy ” – Cameras follow comedian/actress Amy Schumer just about everywhere as she endures a difficult pregnancy .
• “ Mucho Mucho Amor ” – A lovely biography of the legendary Puerto Rican astrologer and TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penguins ” – The wild and crazy and dangerous ride of the Russian hockey team after the fall of the Soviet Union .
• “ The Weight of Gold ” – Michael Phelps and many other elite athletes talk about the mental health issues faced by Olympians .
Honor roll : “ And She Could Be Next , ” “ Boys State , ” “ Class Action Park , ” “ Fear City : New York vs .
The Mafia , ” “ The Go-Go ’ s , ” “ I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A Most Beautiful Thing , ” “ Robin ’ s Wish , ” “ Showbiz Kids , ” “ Spelling the Dream , ” “ # Unfit : The Psychology of Donald Trump , ” “ You Can not Kill David Arquette ” How does a Broadway sensation , filmed for the big screen , shown on the small screen , burst onto the Golden Globes scene ?
The filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda ’ s generationally impactful “ Hamilton ” was originally scheduled for theatrical release on Oct. 15 , 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home premiere on July 3 .
Even though the Motion Picture Academy has adjusted its rules to make certain streaming projects eligible for the Oscars , “ Hamilton ” was deemed ineligible because it was a filmed stage production .
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has yet to issue a ruling , but my guess is “ Hamilton ” will be allowed to compete in a number of categories and will sweep those awards .
Regardless of trophy consideration , the movie of “ Hamilton ” was a spectacularly impressive production , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it often felt as if we were onstage with that marvelous cast .
Some of these were new releases ; others have been around for a while but suddenly seemed timely .
• “ Caste : The Origins of Our Discontents ” – Isabel Wilkerson • “ The Cloudbuster Nine : The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team that Helped Win World War II ” – Anne R. Keene • “ The Great Influenza : The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History ” – John M. Barry • “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth ” – Brian Stelter • “ Modern Family : The Untold Oral History of One of Television ’ s Groundbreaking Sitcoms ” — Marc Freeman Does this movie come with a playbook ?
After more false starts than a rookie offensive lineman facing Aaron Donald , “ Tenet ” finally arrived in theaters at the end of Movie Summer , simultaneously dazzling and confounding some moviegoers ( including this one ) who loved Christopher Nolan ’ s signature mind-blowing , time-bending story , even if we didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Junior Mints was happening all the time .
The worst movies of the summer The best movies of the summer • “ Hamilton ” ( I STILL say it was a movie ) Gone but never forgotten … This summer we said goodbye to Regis Philbin ( 88 ) , Olivia de Havilland ( 104 ) , Wilford Brimley ( 85 ) , Ian Holm ( 88 ) and Carl Reiner ( 98 ) , Naya Rivera ( 33 ) , Nick Cordero ( 41 ) , Kelly Preston ( 57 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among others .
The first group was blessed to live long , long lives ; the latter group was taken far too soon .
All will be missed .

We’ve never seen anything like this in our lifetime.
How many times have you said this to a loved one or a friend or a colleague, over the last six months? Ten times? Fifty? A hundred?
We all keep saying it because it’s true. Virtually every aspect of our lives has been impacted by the pandemic — and while matters of pop culture of course pale in comparison to the greater concerns about hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions who have contracted symptoms, it still holds true: When it comes to movies and sports and concerts, etc., we’ve never seen anything like this.
At the outset of this year, our entertainment expectations for the Summer of 2020 included:
The Tokyo Olympics
The White Sox and Cubs contending in their respective divisions, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance for every game
Popcorn movies such as “Wonder Woman 1984,” “Candyman” and “Top Gun: Maverick”
Lollapalooza, and Wrigley Field concerts featuring Lady Gaga, Zac Brown Band and Guns N’ Roses
The White Sox playing the Yankees at the “Field of Dreams”
What we got instead:
No Olympics. A near total shutdown of theaters showing first-run movies, as release dates were pushed back, movies intended for theatrical showings went straight to video, and drive-ins lured folks out of the house to see old faves such as “Jurassic Park” and “Jaws.” Major League Baseball resumed — but in lieu of fans, we got big-head cardboard cutout standees and piped-in crowd noise as games transpired in nearly empty stadiums. And the only concerts featured musicians who would set up on their balconies or a street corner or a front lawn and play their music for those within hearing range in the neighborhood.
One silver lining in this cloudiest of summers for those diversions we love so much: 21st century technology. If COVID-19 had struck in 1970 and you were holed up at home night after night from March through September and beyond, you could have listened to the radio or played a record, read a book or played a board game, or watched television on one of the three major networks. (“Honey! It’s almost time for ‘Bewitched’! And it’s not a rerun!”) Or, um, had conversations with other people in the house.
In 2020, it feels like there are as many home entertainment options as there are stars in the sky, from streaming services to apps, from on-demand movies to hundreds upon hundreds of cable channels, not to mention millions of audio- and e-books and songs — and let’s not forget how much fun it’s been to Zoom with friends and family! (It HAS been fun, right? Mostly fun?)
So, there’s no shortage of material for my 2020 Summer Report Card.
The life of revered astrologer Walter Mercado is recapped in “Mucho Mucho Amor.” Netflix
What’s up? Docs
It was an incredibly rich summer for documentaries. My favorites:
“Desert One” – Definitive look at the failed military attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran in 1980.
“Expecting Amy” – Cameras follow comedian/actress Amy Schumer just about everywhere as she endures a difficult pregnancy.
“Mucho Mucho Amor” – A lovely biography of the legendary Puerto Rican astrologer and TV personality Walter Mercado.
“Red Penguins” – The wild and crazy and dangerous ride of the Russian hockey team after the fall of the Soviet Union.
“The Weight of Gold” – Michael Phelps and many other elite athletes talk about the mental health issues faced by Olympians.
Honor roll: “And She Could Be Next,” “Boys State,” “Class Action Park,” “Fear City: New York vs. The Mafia,” “The Go-Go’s,” “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark,”“A Most Beautiful Thing,” “Robin’s Wish,” “Showbiz Kids,” “Spelling the Dream,” “#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump,” “You Cannot Kill David Arquette”
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Phillipa Soo star in “Hamilton,” the expertly filmed movie of the Broadway triumph. Disney+
How does a Broadway sensation, filmed for the big screen, shown on the small screen, burst onto the Golden Globes scene?
The filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s generationally impactful “Hamilton” was originally scheduled for theatrical release on Oct. 15, 2021 but was moved up for a Disney+ home premiere on July 3. Even though the Motion Picture Academy has adjusted its rules to make certain streaming projects eligible for the Oscars, “Hamilton” was deemed ineligible because it was a filmed stage production. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has yet to issue a ruling, but my guess is “Hamilton” will be allowed to compete in a number of categories and will sweep those awards.
Regardless of trophy consideration, the movie of “Hamilton” was a spectacularly impressive production, with so many cameras and extra microphones, it often felt as if we were onstage with that marvelous cast.
“The Shawshank Redemption Revealed” covers the making and the public embrace of the prison movie starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Columbia Pictures
RR’s Recommended Reading
Some of these were new releases; others have been around for a while but suddenly seemed timely.
“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” – Isabel Wilkerson
“The Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team that Helped Win World War II” – Anne R. Keene
“The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History” – John M. Barry
“Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth” – Brian Stelter
“Memories and Misinformation” – Jim Carrey and Dana Vachon
“Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms” — Marc Freeman
“The Shawshank Redemption Revealed” – Mark Dawidziak
“Squeeze Me” – Carl Hiassen
“Surrender, White People!” – D.L. Hughley and Doug Moe
“A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir” – Colin Jost
Does this movie come with a playbook?
After more false starts than a rookie offensive lineman facing Aaron Donald, “Tenet” finally arrived in theaters at the end of Movie Summer, simultaneously dazzling and confounding some moviegoers (including this one) who loved Christopher Nolan’s signature mind-blowing, time-bending story, even if we didn’t know what in the name of Junior Mints was happening all the time.
Lucy Hale plays a woman giving herself a crash course in kinky in “A Nice Girl Like You.” Vertical Entertainment
The worst movies of the summer
“The Binge”
“Fatal Affair”
“A Nice Girl Like You”
“My Spy”
“The Tax Collector”
Alison Brie plays one of the travelers on an ill-fated vacation in “The Rental.” IFC Films
The best movies of the summer
“Da 5 Bloods”
“Hamilton” (I STILL say it was a movie)
“She Dies Tomorrow”
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
“The Big Ugly”
“The Outpost”
“The King of Staten Island”
“Palm Springs”
“The Personal History of David Copperfield”
“The Rental”
“Tom of Your Life”
Gone but never forgotten …
This summer we said goodbye to Regis Philbin (88), Olivia de Havilland (104), Wilford Brimley (85), Ian Holm (88) and Carl Reiner (98), Naya Rivera (33), Nick Cordero (41), Kelly Preston (57) and Chadwick Boseman (43), among others. The first group was blessed to live long, long lives; the latter group was taken far too soon.
All will be missed.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-04--Inspector general implicates indicted ex-O’Hare official in a second bribery scheme

A former top city of Chicago airport official who has been indicted for bribery in connection with a northwest suburban road project was involved in a separate bribery scheme involving a plumbing company seeking business at O ’ Hare Airport , City Hall ’ s inspector general has found .
Sloan Valve Company — a Franklin Park business whose plumbing fixtures are a mainstay in commercial bathrooms across the country — was hired to install its combination sink , faucet , soap dispenser and hand dryer throughout O ’ Hare ’ s terminals after plying former Deputy Aviation Commissioner William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 20,000 in meals , beverages , golf outings , sports tickets and free trips to see the Cubs at spring training in Arizona , according to a report City Hall received from Inspector General Joseph Ferguson in late December .
Ferguson recommended that Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s Department of Procurement ban Sloan Valve from ever getting any more city business — a proposed sanction the company is fighting .
“ Sloan found a hole in the fabric of the city ’ s procurement processes and ripped it open to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hare International Airport that its competitors did not share , ” the inspector general ’ s report says , naming Sloan co-owner Charles “ Kirk ” Allen Jr. and his friend and former employee Daniel Sturch .
Sloan and company officials haven ’ t been charged with any crime .
Asked about the report , Sloan responded with a written statement disputing the inspector general ’ s findings , declining to address specifics .
“ For over 114 years , Sloan has been proud to call Chicago home and has conducted business with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusted American manufacturer ; we vigorously dispute any suggestion to the contrary , ” the company said in a written statement .
“ We care deeply about our employees , our customers and valued partners , the city of Chicago and our good name .
We will , of course , cooperate with any official inquiries , but this is not the appropriate time or forum to address these matters.
” Sloan doesn ’ t have a contract with the city .
Instead , it supplies fixtures to plumbing companies hired by City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fabric of the city ’ s procurement processes and ripped it open to gain access and preferential treatment in O ’ Hare International Airport that its competitors did not share ’ — City Hall Inspector General Joseph Ferguson report City officials won ’ t discuss the inspector general ’ s two-year investigation , which was prompted by allegations that Helm took money from airport truck drivers seeking overtime while pressuring them to do political work for former Ald .
Patrick O ’ Connor ( 40th ) .
Under Illinois law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t available to the public , but a source provided a copy and other documents to the Chicago Sun-Times .
On March 5 , a federal grand jury indicted Helm , a longtime Chicago Democratic political operative , accusing him of bribing former state Sen. Martin Sandoval , D-Chicago , in 2018 regarding a state road project in East Dundee .
Helm — who has pleaded not guilty — retired as deputy city aviation commissioner on Aug. 16 , 2019 .
That was five days before he was set to be interviewed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sloan and the allegations involving the truck drivers .
He hasn ’ t been charged with any crime in connection with the plumbing work or the truck drivers .
“ I will tell you that Mr .
Helm was never provided free trips to Arizona or anywhere else , ” Helm ’ s attorney Timothy Grace says .
“ Mr .
Helm has never been charged with any issues involving O ’ Hare Airport .
Mr .
Helm faithfully worked for the citizens of Chicago and the greater Chicago area , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are trying to deflect some of their own problems and questionable behavior.
” Helm didn ’ t disclose any of the gifts the inspector general ’ s report cites on his ethics disclosures to City Hall .
The city ’ s ethics code bars employees from receiving gifts worth more than $ 250 .
The aviation department bars its employees from taking any gifts .
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel ’ s administration hired Helm , a former state employee , in 2014 as a deputy aviation commissioner overseeing airport truck drivers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ account manager when the inspector general said the scheme began and later was president of one of its largest distributors — “ cultivated a relationship with Helm , ” who had no direct authority over city purchasing contracts at O ’ Hare , the inspector general found .
Sturch told the inspector general that Helm , a longtime family friend , introduced him to other airport officials , including then-chief operating officer Jonathan Leach and Joseph Alesia .
“ It is no coincidence that while Sloan ’ s [ sinks with soap dispensers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
.
Sturch was providing Helm and Leach free trips to Cubs spring trainings in Arizona , ” the inspector general ’ s report says .
“ In concise terms , Sloan through Sturch bribed both Helm and Leach.
” Sturch told the inspector general ’ s staff that Helm and Leach attended spring training in 2016 while they were working for the city .
Leach , who left the aviation department in July 2017 , went to spring training with Helm in 2018 on Sloan ’ s tab , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leach says he never took any gifts from Sloan while he was a city employee .
Leach is now an attorney with Chico & Nunes , the clout-heavy Chicago law firm of senior partner Gery Chico , a onetime chief of staff to then-Mayor Richard M. Daley who also was president of the Chicago Board of Education and has run unsuccessfully for mayor and the U.S. Senate .
“ During my employment with the city of Chicago , I was never offered , nor accepted , any trips to Cubs spring trainings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or meals , from Sloan Valve , any of its employees , or Sturch , ” Leach says .
“ Any claim to the contrary , regardless who makes it , is completely false .
I have not been contacted by any authorities regarding Sloan Valve and am only aware of this inspector general report by virtue of your inquiry.
” According to the inspector general ’ s report , Sturch arranged a golf outing at Medinah Country Club on Aug. 13 , 2016 , for Helm and others , including then-Ald .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was chairman of the Chicago City Council Aviation Committee , and Patrick Doherty , then-chief of staff to Jeffrey Tobolski , the now-indicted former Cook County commissioner and mayor of McCook .
Doherty was indicted on bribery charges in February in connection with his work as a paid consultant for the red-light-camera company SafeSpeed LLC .
On Tuesday , Tobolski pleaded guilty to filing a false income-tax return and taking more than $ 250,000 in bribes that included shaking down a restaurant owner in McCook .
Ferguson ’ s investigators also found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that paid for the naming rights for the team ’ s Sloan Park spring-training home in Mesa , Arizona — let Helm choose who would throw out the first pitch when the Cubs played the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sept. 25 , 2015 .
“ Dan , the first pitch will be thrown out by Cicero Town President Larry Dominick .
So the passes will be for Larry Dominick and his chief of staff .
Jeff Tobolski and his chief of staff ( Doherty ) and your and I. Total-6 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturch , who said he needed to know so Dominick ’ s name could be displayed on the scoreboard .
As a result of Ferguson ’ s investigation , City Hall has placed Helm on a list of former city employees who can ’ t be rehired .
And City Hall fired Nicholas Thome , a truck driver foreman at the airport , for “ making false , inaccurate or deliberately incomplete statements.
” According to the inspector general ’ s report : “ Thome coerced subordinates to engage in political activity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for overtime opportunities and preferential treatment .
Helm and Thome also solicited and received money from subordinates .
.
.
purportedly for Helm ’ s personal trips and gifts.
” Thome calls the allegations “ ridiculous ” and is fighting to regain his job .
“ I didn ’ t do anything wrong , ” Thome says .
“ We did do politics but never on the clock .
Nothing was ever done on airport property or time .
He would have meetings at my house.
” Ferguson also recommended the city fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations , and Kevin Martin , an airport manager in vehicle services .
Alesia , whose attorney says he no longer works for the city , is now suing City Hall for harassment and retailiation .
Martin remains on the city payroll .
Alesia , who also received tickets to sporting events from Sloan , has spoken to the FBI regarding Helm but refused to discuss that with the inspector general ’ s investigators , according to the report .
The report also says Alesia , Helm and Martin attempted to retaliate against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had cooperated with the inspector general ’ s investigation .
Termini is now suing the city , saying he was wrongly written up for work-rule infractions three times in three weeks after being interviewed by the inspector general .

A former top city of Chicago airport official who has been indicted for bribery in connection with a northwest suburban road project was involved in a separate bribery scheme involving a plumbing company seeking business at O’Hare Airport, City Hall’s inspector general has found.
Sloan Valve Company — a Franklin Park business whose plumbing fixtures are a mainstay in commercial bathrooms across the country — was hired to install its combination sink, faucet, soap dispenser and hand dryer throughout O’Hare’s terminals after plying former Deputy Aviation Commissioner William A. Helm and others with more than $20,000 in meals, beverages, golf outings, sports tickets and free trips to see the Cubs at spring training in Arizona, according to a report City Hall received from Inspector General Joseph Ferguson in late December.
Ferguson recommended that Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Department of Procurement ban Sloan Valve from ever getting any more city business — a proposed sanction the company is fighting.
“Sloan found a hole in the fabric of the city’s procurement processes and ripped it open to gain access and preferential treatment in O’Hare International Airport that its competitors did not share,” the inspector general’s report says, naming Sloan co-owner Charles “Kirk” Allen Jr. and his friend and former employee Daniel Sturch.
Sloan and company officials haven’t been charged with any crime.
Asked about the report, Sloan responded with a written statement disputing the inspector general’s findings, declining to address specifics.
“For over 114 years, Sloan has been proud to call Chicago home and has conducted business with the highest integrity as an honest and trusted American manufacturer; we vigorously dispute any suggestion to the contrary,” the company said in a written statement. “We care deeply about our employees, our customers and valued partners, the city of Chicago and our good name. We will, of course, cooperate with any official inquiries, but this is not the appropriate time or forum to address these matters.”
Sloan doesn’t have a contract with the city. Instead, it supplies fixtures to plumbing companies hired by City Hall. It’s unclear how many sinks the company has supplied or how much it’s been paid.
‘Sloan found a hole in the fabric of the city’s procurement processes and ripped it open to gain access and preferential treatment in O’Hare International Airport that its competitors did not share’ — City Hall Inspector General Joseph Ferguson report
City officials won’t discuss the inspector general’s two-year investigation, which was prompted by allegations that Helm took money from airport truck drivers seeking overtime while pressuring them to do political work for former Ald. Patrick O’Connor (40th).
Under Illinois law, Ferguson’s 87-page report isn’t available to the public, but a source provided a copy and other documents to the Chicago Sun-Times.
On March 5, a federal grand jury indicted Helm, a longtime Chicago Democratic political operative, accusing him of bribing former state Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, in 2018 regarding a state road project in East Dundee.
Former Deputy Chicago Aviation Commissioner William A. Helm. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times file
Helm — who has pleaded not guilty — retired as deputy city aviation commissioner on Aug. 16, 2019. That was five days before he was set to be interviewed by the inspector general’s office about Sloan and the allegations involving the truck drivers.
He hasn’t been charged with any crime in connection with the plumbing work or the truck drivers.
“I will tell you that Mr. Helm was never provided free trips to Arizona or anywhere else,” Helm’s attorney Timothy Grace says. “Mr. Helm has never been charged with any issues involving O’Hare Airport. Mr. Helm faithfully worked for the citizens of Chicago and the greater Chicago area, and we have no control over what people say who are trying to deflect some of their own problems and questionable behavior.”
Helm didn’t disclose any of the gifts the inspector general’s report cites on his ethics disclosures to City Hall. The city’s ethics code bars employees from receiving gifts worth more than $250. The aviation department bars its employees from taking any gifts.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration hired Helm, a former state employee, in 2014 as a deputy aviation commissioner overseeing airport truck drivers.
Sturch — who was Sloan’s account manager when the inspector general said the scheme began and later was president of one of its largest distributors — “cultivated a relationship with Helm,” who had no direct authority over city purchasing contracts at O’Hare, the inspector general found. Sturch told the inspector general that Helm, a longtime family friend, introduced him to other airport officials, including then-chief operating officer Jonathan Leach and Joseph Alesia.
“It is no coincidence that while Sloan’s [sinks with soap dispensers and hand dryers] were being installed . . . Sturch was providing Helm and Leach free trips to Cubs spring trainings in Arizona,” the inspector general’s report says. “In concise terms, Sloan through Sturch bribed both Helm and Leach.”
Sloan Valve Company was hired to install its combination sink, faucet, soap dispenser and hand dryer throughout O’Hare Airport’s terminals.
Sturch told the inspector general’s staff that Helm and Leach attended spring training in 2016 while they were working for the city. Leach, who left the aviation department in July 2017, went to spring training with Helm in 2018 on Sloan’s tab, according to the inspector general’s report.
Leach says he never took any gifts from Sloan while he was a city employee.
Leach is now an attorney with Chico & Nunes, the clout-heavy Chicago law firm of senior partner Gery Chico, a onetime chief of staff to then-Mayor Richard M. Daley who also was president of the Chicago Board of Education and has run unsuccessfully for mayor and the U.S. Senate.
“During my employment with the city of Chicago, I was never offered, nor accepted, any trips to Cubs spring trainings in Arizona, or any other trips, or meals, from Sloan Valve, any of its employees, or Sturch,” Leach says. “Any claim to the contrary, regardless who makes it, is completely false. I have not been contacted by any authorities regarding Sloan Valve and am only aware of this inspector general report by virtue of your inquiry.”
According to the inspector general’s report, Sturch arranged a golf outing at Medinah Country Club on Aug. 13, 2016, for Helm and others, including then-Ald. Michael Zalewski (23rd), who was chairman of the Chicago City Council Aviation Committee, and Patrick Doherty, then-chief of staff to Jeffrey Tobolski, the now-indicted former Cook County commissioner and mayor of McCook.
Doherty was indicted on bribery charges in February in connection with his work as a paid consultant for the red-light-camera company SafeSpeed LLC.
On Tuesday, Tobolski pleaded guilty to filing a false income-tax return and taking more than $250,000 in bribes that included shaking down a restaurant owner in McCook.
Ferguson’s investigators also found that Sloan — a sponsor of the Cubs that paid for the naming rights for the team’s Sloan Park spring-training home in Mesa, Arizona — let Helm choose who would throw out the first pitch when the Cubs played the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sept. 25, 2015.
“Dan, the first pitch will be thrown out by Cicero Town President Larry Dominick. So the passes will be for Larry Dominick and his chief of staff. Jeff Tobolski and his chief of staff (Doherty) and you and I. Total-6,” Helm wrote in an email to Sturch, who said he needed to know so Dominick’s name could be displayed on the scoreboard.
As a result of Ferguson’s investigation, City Hall has placed Helm on a list of former city employees who can’t be rehired.
At the urging of Inspector General Joseph Ferguson, City Hall banned William A. Helm from being rehired for any city job and urged that Sloan Valve Company be barred from getting any city business. Max Herman / Sun-Times file
And City Hall fired Nicholas Thome, a truck driver foreman at the airport, for “making false, inaccurate or deliberately incomplete statements.” According to the inspector general’s report: “Thome coerced subordinates to engage in political activity for Helm’s desired candidate in exchange for overtime opportunities and preferential treatment. Helm and Thome also solicited and received money from subordinates . . . purportedly for Helm’s personal trips and gifts.”
Thome calls the allegations “ridiculous” and is fighting to regain his job.
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Thome says. “We did do politics but never on the clock. Nothing was ever done on airport property or time. He would have meetings at my house.”
Ferguson also recommended the city fire Alesia, an airport manager in terminal operations, and Kevin Martin, an airport manager in vehicle services. Alesia, whose attorney says he no longer works for the city, is now suing City Hall for harassment and retailiation. Martin remains on the city payroll.
Alesia, who also received tickets to sporting events from Sloan, has spoken to the FBI regarding Helm but refused to discuss that with the inspector general’s investigators, according to the report.
The report also says Alesia, Helm and Martin attempted to retaliate against a truck driver, Charles Termini, who had cooperated with the inspector general’s investigation.
Termini is now suing the city, saying he was wrongly written up for work-rule infractions three times in three weeks after being interviewed by the inspector general.