chicagosun-times--2020-10-13--For fired White Sox manager Rick Renteria, there was no hiding from the inevitable

Wasn ’ t it Tom Hagen who told Sonny Corleone in “ The Godfather ” that even some deadly moves were just business , not personal ?
Or did Michael Corleone tell brother Sonny that ?
Or was it Salvatore Tessio to Hagen ?
It might ’ ve been all three .
And , by the way , is there any surer sign that a columnist is fishing around for something to write about than the summoning of half-century-old movie quotes ?
Here ’ s what I ’ m pretty sure I ’ m getting at : In sports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suckers .
Business always wins in the end .
Take the White Sox ’ firing of Rick Renteria .
A bunch of reports Monday portrayed the move as a real shocker , but that ’ s as believable as the organization ’ s statement that it had “ agreed to part ways ” with the manager .
“ This is not how we wanted it to end , ” general manager Rick Hahn explained in a video conference with reporters .
“ We wanted it to end with Ricky leading us to championships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start.
” From the start ?
Renteria ’ s original contract was set to expire after the 2019 season .
If anything , that the man made it four years was the surprise .
Renteria was well-liked by players and appreciated by all for how much he loved the Sox , but the Sox have fully entered win-big mode now ; they were always going to seek out a manager with championship experience to see this part of the process through .
You know , someone like Ozzie Guillen , just as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Guillen was fired in 2011 despite being the only skipper ever to take more than one Sox team to the playoffs .
His success was a far cry from Joel Quenneville ’ s , though .
Yet the Blackhawks fired three-time Stanley Cup winner Quenneville early in the 2018-19 season , with then-president and CEO John McDonough calling him “ the greatest coach in the history of our franchise ” in one breath and throwing his “ full support ” behind GM Stan Bowman in the next .
Confusing ?
Yes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
Don ’ t let the door hit your feelings on the way out .
Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton doesn ’ t seem like the sort of guy who worries about when his time is coming , but it ’ s coming .
Far down the road , hopefully .
Or — bam — sometime sooner .
It came for Renteria , for the Bulls ’ Jim Boylen , for the Cubs ’ Joe Maddon .
Boy , that Maddon — he ’ ll live forever as a hero in Cubdom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 108-year World Series drought wasn ’ t enough to save him .
In 2019 , his fifth and final season , he was unable to make “ October begin in March ” by Knute Rockne-ing his players into fired-up hitting machines .
So president Theo Epstein said , “ Arrivederci , ” and that was that .
Only business .
It happened to Tom Thibodeau , to Lovie Smith , to Phil Jackson , to Mike Ditka , too .
It ’ s not personal .
Well , maybe sometimes it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should never come as a shock .
• A week ago in this column , Lovie Smith ’ s desire to see all his Illinois football players register to vote was highlighted .
Fair is fair : Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald deserves credit on this front , too .
From a video of Fitzgerald addressing his team on Sept. 22 , which was National Voter Registration Day : “ Who ’ s registered to vote ?
Raise your hand .
That ’ s a lot of guys .
“ If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that you get that done .
… It ’ s our civic opportunity and our civic duty to do that , right ?
So if you didn ’ t raise your hand , let ’ s make sure we get on it.
” No , really .
That ’ s how this whole newspaper thing works .
• Here ’ s a very original thought : Maybe we should spend the rest of our time together in this life debating who ’ s better , LeBron James or Michael Jordan .
Doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I offer this semi-interested ramble : They are very different players , but , if they switched eras , each would still easily be the best player in the league at the time .
James is the more exceptional athlete , but Jordan ’ s ego was bigger .
James makes teammates better with his team-oriented approach , whereas Jordan made teammates better because they craved his acceptance and , even more , feared letting him down and incurring his wrath .
Give me Jordan , though , simply because he rolled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter — and nobody else ever did that close to as well .
But I ’ ll gladly take James instead if it means we can retire this subject once and for all .
• Big Ten football action doesn ’ t start until next week , but Saturday ’ s Georgia at Alabama game means the time has arrived for anyone who digs the college game to engage .
One of these teams is the best in the SEC .
Only Clemson belongs in the same conversation at this point .
Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why does it seem like the Rays just plain have more fun than everybody else ?
Manager Kevin Cash would look good on the South Side , but now we ’ re in dreamland .
Never mind .

Wasn’t it Tom Hagen who told Sonny Corleone in ‘‘The Godfather’’ that even some deadly moves were just business, not personal? Or did Michael Corleone tell brother Sonny that? Or was it Salvatore Tessio to Hagen?
It might’ve been all three. And, by the way, is there any surer sign a columnist is fishing around for something to write about than the summoning of half-century-old movie quotes?
Here’s what I’m pretty sure I’m getting at: In sports, personal is for fools, saps and suckers. Business always wins in the end.
Related Friction between Rick Renteria and White Sox front office had been growing
Take the White Sox’ firing of manager Rick Renteria. A bunch of reports Monday portrayed the move as a real shocker, but that’s as believable as the organization’s statement that it had “agreed to part ways” with Renteria.
‘‘This is not how we wanted it to end,’’ general manager Rick Hahn explained in a video conference with reporters. ‘‘We wanted it to end with Ricky leading us to championships. That was the intent from the start.’’
From the start? Renteria’s original contract was set to expire after the 2019 season. If anything, that the man made it four seasons was the surprise. Renteria was well-liked by players and appreciated by all for how much he loved the Sox, but the Sox have fully entered win-big mode now. They were always going to seek out a manager with championship experience to see this part of the process through. You know, someone such as Ozzie Guillen, just as long as it isn’t Ozzie Guillen.
Guillen was fired in 2011 despite being the only skipper to take more than one Sox team to the playoffs. His success was a far cry from Joel Quenneville’s, though. Yet the Blackhawks fired three-time Stanley Cup winner Quenneville early in the 2018-19 season, with then-president and CEO John McDonough calling him ‘‘the greatest coach in the history of our franchise’’ in one breath and throwing his ‘‘full support’’ behind GM Stan Bowman in the next.
Confusing? Yes. But, hey, it was only business. Don’t let the door hit your feelings on the way out.
Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton doesn’t seem like the sort of guy who worries about when his time is coming, but it’s coming. Far down the road, hopefully. Or — bam — sometime sooner. It came for Renteria, for the Bulls’ Jim Boylen, for the Cubs’ Joe Maddon.
Boy, that Maddon — he’ll live forever as a hero in Cubdom, won’t he? But ending a 108-year World Series drought wasn’t enough to save him. In 2019, his fifth and final season, he was unable to make ‘‘October begin in March’’ by Knute Rockne-ing his players into fired-up hitting machines. So president Theo Epstein said, ‘‘Arrivederci,’’ and that was that.
Only business. It happened to Tom Thibodeau, to Lovie Smith, to Phil Jackson, to Mike Ditka, too. It’s not personal. Well, maybe sometimes it’s a little bit personal. But it should never come as a shock.
Just sayin’
A week ago in this column, Lovie Smith’s desire to see all his Illinois football players register to vote was highlighted. Fair is fair: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald deserves credit on this front, too.
From a video of Fitzgerald addressing his team Sept. 22, which was National Voter Registration Day:
‘‘Who’s registered to vote? Raise your hand. That’s a lot of guys.
‘‘If you’re not, let’s make sure that you get that done. . . . It’s our civic opportunity and our civic duty to do that, right? So if you didn’t raise your hand, let’s make sure we get on it.’’
Good stuff.
• Bears 24, Panthers 20. And print it.
No, really. That’s how this whole newspaper thing works.
• Here’s a very original thought: Maybe we should spend the rest of our time together in this life debating who’s better, LeBron James or Michael Jordan. Doesn’t that sound like fun?
I offer this semi-interested ramble: They are very different players, but, if they switched eras, each still would be the best player in the league at the time. James is the more exceptional athlete, but Jordan’s ego was bigger. James makes teammates better with his team-oriented approach, whereas Jordan made teammates better because they craved his acceptance and, even more, feared letting him down and incurring his wrath. Give me Jordan, though, simply because he rolled out of bed ready to dominate the fourth quarter — and nobody else ever did that close to as well.
But I’ll gladly take James instead if it means we can retire this subject once and for all.
• Big Ten football action doesn’t start until next week, but the Georgia at Alabama game Saturday means the time has arrived for anyone who digs the college game to engage. One of these teams is the best in the Southeastern Conference. Only Clemson belongs in the same conversation at this point. Ohio State should join them eventually.
• Why does it seem like the Rays just plain have more fun than everybody else? Manager Kevin Cash would look good on the South Side, but now we’re in dreamland. Never mind.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-13--COPA concludes investigation into police shooting at Grand Red Line station

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability announced Tuesday it had concluded its investigation into the “ extremely disturbing ” shooting of an unarmed man by a Chicago Police officer at River North CTA train station last February .
COPA , the agency that investigates use of force by CPD officers , said it had forwarded its findings and recommendations to CPD Supt .
David Brown .
If COPA believes one or both officers should be disciplined , Brown would have 30 days to decide whether to bring administrative charges against them .
COPA didn ’ t say what its findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s likely the agency called for severe punishments for the two officers .
Just days after the shooting occurred , COPA suggested the department strip both officers of their police powers — a move carried out by then-Interim CPD Supt .
Charlie Beck .
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Feb. 28 , officers Melvina Bogard and Bernard Butler — who ’ ve both been with the CPD for less than three years and were assigned to the department ’ s Mass Transit Unit — tried to arrest Ariel Roman after he was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line train .
Roman exited the train at the Grand Station and followed by the two officers .
Bogard and Butler tried to arrest him at the foot of the stairs that led up to the station ’ s main concourse , but Roman struggled with Butler and was eventually able to stand up .
Video footage showed two deployed stun guns laying on the station ’ s floor .
As Roman regained his footing , Butler repeatedly told Bogard to shoot .
She fired one round at Roman while he stood just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base of the stairs .
After the first shot , Roman ran up the escalator , and Bogard fired again .
In another video clip — captured by a CTA security camera — dozens of transit riders can be seen running for the station ’ s exits at the sound of gunfire .
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic , the Grand station was one of the busiest in the CTA ’ s rail system , and the shooting occurred shortly before the start of Friday evening rush hour .
Roman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once in the buttocks , according to his attorneys .
He was taken into custody after the shooting and briefly faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges .
At Beck ’ s behest , the Cook County state ’ s attorney ’ s office dropped those charges and opened a review of the shooting with the FBI .
It remains unclear if either officer will face criminal charges , and a spokeswoman for the state ’ s attorney ’ s office said Tuesday “ the matter is under review.
” A passerby captured much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The footage was posted to Twitter and quickly spread on social media before the CPD issued its first statement on the shooting .
In April , COPA released several more video clips of the shooting .
Hours after the shooting , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a tweet that “ with the strong caveat that one perspective does not depict the entirety of the incident , the video is extremely disturbing and the actions by these officers are deeply concerning.
” The shooting came amid several high-profile criminal incidents on the CTA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lightfoot and Beck joined CTA president Dorval Carter to announce a new security plan for the mass transit system .
Roman has since filed a lawsuit against both officers and the city , which is pending .
One of his attorneys , Andrew M. Stroth , said the shooting left Roman with permanent injuries .
“ Mr .
Roman was unarmed and did not present a threat and he was almost killed , ” Stroth said .

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability announced Tuesday it had concluded its investigation into the “extremely disturbing” shooting of an unarmed man by a Chicago Police officer at River North CTA train station last February.
COPA, the agency that investigates use of force by CPD officers, said it had forwarded its findings and recommendations to CPD Supt. David Brown. If COPA believes one or both officers should be disciplined, Brown would have 30 days to decide whether to bring administrative charges against them.
COPA didn’t say what its findings and recommendations were, though it’s likely the agency called for severe punishments for the two officers. Just days after the shooting occurred, COPA suggested the department strip both officers of their police powers — a move carried out by then-Interim CPD Supt. Charlie Beck.
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Feb. 28, officers Melvina Bogard and Bernard Butler — who’ve both been with the CPD for less than three years and were assigned to the department’s Mass Transit Unit — tried to arrest Ariel Roman after he was seen walking between cars on a northbound Red Line train.
Roman exited the train at the Grand Station and followed by the two officers. Bogard and Butler tried to arrest him at the foot of the stairs that led up to the station’s main concourse, but Roman struggled with Butler and was eventually able to stand up. Video footage showed two deployed stun guns laying on the station’s floor.
As Roman regained his footing, Butler repeatedly told Bogard to shoot. She fired one round at Roman while he stood just a few feet away from her at the base of the stairs. After the first shot, Roman ran up the escalator, and Bogard fired again.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
In another video clip — captured by a CTA security camera — dozens of transit riders can be seen running for the station’s exits at the sound of gunfire. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grand station was one of the busiest in the CTA’s rail system, and the shooting occurred shortly before the start of Friday evening rush hour.
Roman was shot once in the hip and once in the buttocks, according to his attorneys. He was taken into custody after the shooting and briefly faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges.
At Beck’s behest, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office dropped those charges and opened a review of the shooting with the FBI. It remains unclear if either officer will face criminal charges, and a spokeswoman for the state’s attorney’s office said Tuesday “the matter is under review.”
A passerby captured much of the shooting on cellphone video. The footage was posted to Twitter and quickly spread on social media before the CPD issued its first statement on the shooting. In April, COPA released several more video clips of the shooting.
Hours after the shooting, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a tweet that “with the strong caveat that one perspective does not depict the entirety of the incident, the video is extremely disturbing and the actions by these officers are deeply concerning.”
The shooting came amid several high-profile criminal incidents on the CTA. Just hours before Bogard opened fire, Lightfoot and Beck joined CTA president Dorval Carter to announce a new security plan for the mass transit system.
Roman has since filed a lawsuit against both officers and the city, which is pending. One of his attorneys, Andrew M. Stroth, said the shooting left Roman with permanent injuries.
“Mr. Roman was unarmed and did not present a threat and he was almost killed,” Stroth said.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-13--3 denied bond in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan governor

GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. ( AP ) — GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. ( AP ) — Members of anti-government paramilitary groups implicated in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan ’ s governor over measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus during a fraught election year also discussed abducting Virginia ’ s governor during a June meeting , an FBI agent testified Tuesday .
During a hearing in a Grand Rapids federal court to review the evidence against the five Michigan defendants , Magistrate Judge Sally Berens ordered Kaleb Franks , Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta to be held without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would rule at a later date on the bond status of the other two Michigan men , Adam Fox and Ty Garbin .
A sixth defendant from Delaware , Barry Croft , was ordered Tuesday to be transferred to Michigan to face the charges .
Berens ’ ruling came after a day-long hearing in which FBI agent Richard Trask revealed new details about investigators ’ use of confidential informants , undercover agents and encrypted communication in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan ’ s Democratic governor , Gretchen Whitmer , before Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking a sitting governor , specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders , ” Trask said , noting that the roughly 15 people at the June 6 meeting in Dublin , Ohio , were unhappy with the governors ’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic .
Trask said Fox , who authorities say was one of the ringleaders and who was the only defendant without a mask at the hearing , said during a post-arrest interview that he considered taking Whitmer from her vacation home out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a disabled boat .
The FBI learned of the June meeting while investigating various anti-government groups , leading to the months-long case in Michigan that relied on confidential sources , undercover agents and clandestine recordings to foil the alleged kidnapping conspiracy , according to the criminal complaint and Trask ’ s testimony .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if the talk of targeting Virginia ’ s Democratic governor , Ralph Northam , went beyond the June meeting , and nothing from the criminal complaint or Trask ’ s testimony indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northam .
Trask said members of anti-government groups from “ four or five ” states attended that meeting , and the complaint noted that Croft and Fox were among those who were there .
During a news conference Tuesday , Northam said he wasn ’ t going to discuss the alleged plot and stressed that he and his family feel safe with the security the state police provide .
“ I ’ m continuing my work for the commonwealth as I would any other day.
” Earlier Tuesday , Northam ’ s spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which she said the FBI alerted key members of Northam ’ s security team throughout the course of its investigation , but neither the governor nor members of his staff were informed , as per security protocols for highly-classified information .
She said the governor and his family were never believed to be in imminent danger , and that there have been enhanced security measures in place for them for quite a while .
“ Here ’ s the reality : President Trump called upon his supporters to “ LIBERATE VIRGINIA ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , the President regularly encourages violence against those who disagree with him .
The rhetoric coming out of this White House has serious and potentially deadly consequences .
It must stop , ” Yarmosky said .
Whitmer and others have similarly accused President Donald Trump of emboldening extremists .
Trump urged supporters to “ LIBERATE ” Michigan , Virginia and Minnesota in a series of tweets in April , encouraging protesters who turned up at state Capitols to oppose restrictions aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus .
Following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the president has condemned hate , and Trump tweeted : “ I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence.
” In the Michigan case , authorities said the men were trying to retaliate against Whitmer due to what they viewed as her “ uncontrolled power ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some defendants conducted coordinated surveillance of the Democratic governor ’ s vacation home in northern Michigan in August and September , according to a criminal complaint .
Authorities said four of the men had planned to meet last week to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys for several of the men used their opportunity to question Trask about the investigation to suggest that their clients were “ big talkers ” who didn ’ t intend to follow through with action .
During investigations of paramilitary-type groups , “ you find a lot of people who talk about things , but they ’ re never a threat to do anything .
It ’ s fairly common in these groups ?
” Scott Graham , attorney for Franks , asked Trask .
“ Big talk between crackpots — you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
People who talk a lot , brashly , boldly , but are never going to do anything about that talk.
” Graham described Franks as a “ follower , not a leader ” and argued that he shouldn ’ t be detained before trial .
He said Franks was a drug addict but had turned his life around and said there is “ no evidence whatsoever ” he would be a flight risk .
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler countered that it was a “ serious plot ” and argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s a serious public safety risk , ” he said , not disputing that Franks was more of a follower than the men who allegedly led the plot .
The judge acknowledged that some of the men did not have a leadership role in the alleged plot , but she said their participation in repeated discussions about kidnapping Whitmer and surveillance of the governor ’ s vacation home convinced her they would be a danger if released before trial .
“ It is the plot along the way that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is a very , very serious crime.
” During a break , Gary Springstead , an attorney for Garbin , told reporters outside the courthouse that the allegations were “ serious.
” The defendants face up to life in prison if convicted .
“ Anyone who is facing a charge like this would be very concerned , ” Springstead said .
“ Literally your life and liberty are on the line.
” During the brief hearing in Wilmington , Delaware , Croft waived his right to a detention hearing there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
Whitmer , who was considered as Joe Biden ’ s running mate and is nearly halfway through a four-year term , has been widely praised for her response to the virus outbreak but also sharply criticized by Republican lawmakers and people in conservative areas of the state .
The Capitol has been the site of many rallies , including ones with gun-toting protesters calling for her ouster .
Michigan , and particularly the Detroit area , were particularly hard hit by the virus early on during the pandemic , leading Whitmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the economy , although many of those limits have been lifted since spring .
Seven others linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state court for allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and providing material support for terrorist acts by seeking a “ civil war.
” Foody reported from Chicago .
Associated Press writer John Flesher in Traverse City and Alan Suderman in Richmond , Virginia , also contributed to this report .

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Members of anti-government paramilitary groups implicated in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor over measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus during a fraught election year also discussed abducting Virginia’s governor during a June meeting, an FBI agent testified Tuesday.
During a hearing in a Grand Rapids federal court to review the evidence against the five Michigan defendants, Magistrate Judge Sally Berens ordered Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta to be held without bond until the trial. She said she would rule at a later date on the bond status of the other two Michigan men, Adam Fox and Ty Garbin. A sixth defendant from Delaware, Barry Croft, was ordered Tuesday to be transferred to Michigan to face the charges.
Berens’ ruling came after a day-long hearing in which FBI agent Richard Trask revealed new details about investigators’ use of confidential informants, undercover agents and encrypted communication in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, before Election Day.
“They discussed possible targets, taking a sitting governor, specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders,” Trask said, noting that the roughly 15 people at the June 6 meeting in Dublin, Ohio, were unhappy with the governors’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trask said Fox, who authorities say was one of the ringleaders and who was the only defendant without a mask at the hearing, said during a post-arrest interview that he considered taking Whitmer from her vacation home out onto Lake Michigan and stranding her there on a disabled boat.
The FBI learned of the June meeting while investigating various anti-government groups, leading to the months-long case in Michigan that relied on confidential sources, undercover agents and clandestine recordings to foil the alleged kidnapping conspiracy, according to the criminal complaint and Trask’s testimony.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the talk of targeting Virginia’s Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, went beyond the June meeting, and nothing from the criminal complaint or Trask’s testimony indicated that anyone had been charged with plotting against Northam. Trask said members of anti-government groups from “four or five” states attended that meeting, and the complaint noted that Croft and Fox were among those who were there.
During a news conference Tuesday, Northam said he wasn’t going to discuss the alleged plot and stressed that he and his family feel safe with the security the state police provide.
“I’m continuing my work for the commonwealth as I would any other day.”
Earlier Tuesday, Northam’s spokeswoman, Alena Yarmosky, issued a statement in which she said the FBI alerted key members of Northam’s security team throughout the course of its investigation, but neither the governor nor members of his staff were informed, as per security protocols for highly-classified information. She said the governor and his family were never believed to be in imminent danger, and that there have been enhanced security measures in place for them for quite a while.
“Here’s the reality: President Trump called upon his supporters to “LIBERATE VIRGINIA” in April — just like Michigan. In fact, the President regularly encourages violence against those who disagree with him. The rhetoric coming out of this White House has serious and potentially deadly consequences. It must stop,” Yarmosky said.
Whitmer and others have similarly accused President Donald Trump of emboldening extremists.
Trump urged supporters to “LIBERATE” Michigan, Virginia and Minnesota in a series of tweets in April, encouraging protesters who turned up at state Capitols to oppose restrictions aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus.
Following the arrests last week, the White House said the president has condemned hate, and Trump tweeted: “I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence.”
In the Michigan case, authorities said the men were trying to retaliate against Whitmer due to what they viewed as her “uncontrolled power” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some defendants conducted coordinated surveillance of the Democratic governor’s vacation home in northern Michigan in August and September, according to a criminal complaint. Authorities said four of the men had planned to meet last week to pay for explosives and exchange tactical gear.
Defense attorneys for several of the men used their opportunity to question Trask about the investigation to suggest that their clients were “big talkers” who didn’t intend to follow through with action.
During investigations of paramilitary-type groups, “you find a lot of people who talk about things, but they’re never a threat to do anything. It’s fairly common in these groups?” Scott Graham, attorney for Franks, asked Trask. “Big talk between crackpots — you’ve seen that, haven’t you? People who talk a lot, brashly, boldly, but are never going to do anything about that talk.”
Graham described Franks as a “follower, not a leader” and argued that he shouldn’t be detained before trial. He said Franks was a drug addict but had turned his life around and said there is “no evidence whatsoever” he would be a flight risk.
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler countered that it was a “serious plot” and argued that Franks should not be released. “There’s a serious public safety risk,” he said, not disputing that Franks was more of a follower than the men who allegedly led the plot.
The judge acknowledged that some of the men did not have a leadership role in the alleged plot, but she said their participation in repeated discussions about kidnapping Whitmer and surveillance of the governor’s vacation home convinced her they would be a danger if released before trial.
“It is the plot along the way that is clearly very dangerous,” Berens said. “This is a very, very serious crime.”
During a break, Gary Springstead, an attorney for Garbin, told reporters outside the courthouse that the allegations were “serious.” The defendants face up to life in prison if convicted.
“Anyone who is facing a charge like this would be very concerned,” Springstead said. “Literally your life and liberty are on the line.”
During the brief hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, Croft waived his right to a detention hearing there but reserved his right to one in Michigan.
Whitmer, who was considered as Joe Biden’s running mate and is nearly halfway through a four-year term, has been widely praised for her response to the virus outbreak but also sharply criticized by Republican lawmakers and people in conservative areas of the state. The Capitol has been the site of many rallies, including ones with gun-toting protesters calling for her ouster.
Michigan, and particularly the Detroit area, were particularly hard hit by the virus early on during the pandemic, leading Whitmer to put major restrictions on personal movement and the economy, although many of those limits have been lifted since spring.
Seven others linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state court for allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and providing material support for terrorist acts by seeking a “civil war.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Foody reported from Chicago. Associated Press writer John Flesher in Traverse City and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, also contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-14--Days after trade, Nikita Zadorov already on track to be Blackhawks fan favorite

Nikita Zadorov was undeterred by his awkward selfie phone camera Zoom angle , his recent trade and his inexplicable addition to a rebuilding Blackhawks defense .
Instead , he immediately dropped bombs in his first interview as a member of the Hawks on Monday .
Asked about playing in Chicago ’ s storied United Center next season , he now-famously quipped : “ You ’ re pretty much playing in the United Center in Denver , too .
75 % of the [ fans are ] Blackhawks fans when we have a home game against them.
” Objectively , Zadorov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not overly inaccurate .
Hawks fans do show up in droves in Colorado — just as they do in Arizona , Florida , Carolina and other popular snowbird states — although the ratio has probably shifted under 50 % during the Avs ’ recent surge .
But that quote still ignited Hawks and Avalanche fans ’ social media circles in flames simultaneously .
Among Avs fans on Twitter , roughly half appreciated the good-natured humor and maligned the departure of the charismatic Russian they had affectionately nicknamed “ Big Z , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a traitor and Hawks fans at the Pepsi Center as rude invaders .
Among Hawks fans on Twitter , though , all those who didn ’ t waste time fighting back against upset Avs fans seemed thoroughly amused by Zadorov ’ s zinger .
Zadorov , fortunately for those fans , has plenty more golden quotes within his giant 6-foot-6 , 235-pound body .
The past few weeks of heated offseason activity have led to many introductory player press conferences , but none have been as interesting and engaging as Zadorov ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Saturday ’ s trade coming ?
Most players give the vaguest responses to this question , so as to avoid disclosing the process ’ s specifics .
Zadorov did the opposite .
“ Sometimes you have feeling inside , especially [ when ] you see all the rumors around Sportsnet and TSN and all that , ” he said bluntly .
“ My name was on the air every time .
Colorado had too many ‘ D ; ’ they had young kids coming in ; they had to get rid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t really expect to go to the team you want , right ?
But I was expecting to get traded a little bit.
” Apparently , for the record , the Hawks were exactly the team he hoped for .
His first trip to North America as a kid was to Chicago , the first NHL game he attended was in Chicago and his favorite place to play with the Avs was in Chicago .
Or , for another example , what can he bring to the team ?
Normally , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and/or “ two-way ” will be among the adjectives used .
Zadorov went in a different direction .
“ I got a text from Patrick Kane right after I got traded : he said he ’ s really excited doesn ’ t have to play against me anymore , ” Zadorov said , grinning .
“ So I feel like it ’ s a really good thing to hear from one of the best players in the world .
“ [ Here ’ s ] what I want to bring to this team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big situations and try to shut down the best players on the opposite team.
” Honest , fascinating quotes were exactly what made Robin Lehner a Hawks fan favorite last season , and Zadorov even brings another always-beloved skill that Lehner could not : enormous hits .
Over the past four seasons combined , he ranks 11th in the NHL in hits , with a whopping 834 in 267 games .
YouTube is filled with highlights of the most ruinous yet legal ones .
The trade to acquire Zadorov remains a perplexing one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s return on a defenseman who , at age 25 , isn ’ t going to boost the youth movement .
But while Zadorov ’ s presence probably won ’ t much benefit the Hawks ’ long-term outlook , he will certainly entertain fans on and off the ice this coming year .

Nikita Zadorov was undeterred by his awkward selfie phone camera Zoom angle, his recent trade and his inexplicable addition to a rebuilding Blackhawks defense.
Instead, he had some memorable lines in his first interview as a member of the Hawks on Monday.
Asked about playing in the storied United Center next season, he now-famously quipped: “You’re pretty much playing in the United Center in Denver, too. Seventy-five percent of the [fans are] Blackhawks fans when we have a home game against them.”
Objectively, Zadorov’s estimate was a slight exaggeration but not overly inaccurate. Hawks fans do show up in droves in Colorado — just as they do in Arizona, Florida, Carolina and other popular snowbird states — although the ratio has probably shifted under 50% during the Avs’ recent surge.
But that quote still ignited Hawks and Avalanche fans’ social-media circles in flames simultaneously.
Among Avs fans on Twitter, roughly half appreciated the good-natured humor and maligned the departure of the charismatic Russian they had affectionately nicknamed “Big Z,” while the other half derided Zadorov as a traitor and Hawks fans at the Pepsi Center as rude invaders.
He’s not that far off. And it needs to change. I’ve been beating this drum for years. Be proud of your damn community and the teams representing that community.
Drives me nuts when Hawks, Wings, Cubs, Lakers fans invade our home games. https://t.co/kbv48YQAA4 — Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 12, 2020
You know what, This guy comes here, insults our fans, acts like Avs fans are on the same tier as Atlanta Hawks fans, I DONT THINK I WANT THIS GUY ON MY TEAM!! #GoAvsGo — Hybrid (@DD88Hybrid) October 12, 2020
Hope he enjoys 75% more losses — The B#1G MacK (@sn0b40) October 12, 2020
Z is such a troll. Love this. Will miss him. https://t.co/d3jX6oVcOD — never losing again (@ColeDH21) October 12, 2020
Among Hawks fans on Twitter, though, all those who didn’t waste time fighting back against upset Avs fans seemed thoroughly amused by Zadorov’s zinger.
Zadorov, fortunately for those fans, has plenty more golden quotes within his giant 6-6, 235-pound body.
The last few weeks of heated offseason activity have led to many introductory player news conferences, but none have been as interesting and engaging as Zadorov’s.
For example, did he foresee last Saturday’s trade coming? Most players give the vaguest responses to this question, so as to avoid disclosing the process’s specifics. Zadorov did the opposite.
“Sometimes you have feeling inside, especially [when] you see all the rumors around Sportsnet and TSN and all that,” he said bluntly. “My name was on the air every time. Colorado had too many ‘D,’ they had young kids coming in, they had to get rid of somebody. So for sure you don’t really expect to go to the team you want, right? But I was expecting to get traded a little bit.”
Apparently, for the record, the Hawks were exactly the team he hoped for. The first NHL game he attended was in Chicago and his favorite place to play with the Avs was in Chicago.
Or, for another example, what can he bring to the team? Normally, one can wager liberally that “200-foot” and/or “two-way” will be among the adjectives used. Zadorov went in a different direction.
“I got a text from Patrick Kane right after I got traded. He said he’s really excited [he] doesn’t have to play against me anymore,” Zadorov said, grinning. “So I feel like it’s a really good thing to hear from one of the best players in the world.
“[Here’s] what I want to bring to this team: play big minutes, play in big situations and try to shut down the best players on the opposite team.”
Honest, fascinating quotes were exactly what made Robin Lehner a fan favorite last season, and Zadorov even brings another always-beloved skill that Lehner could not: enormous hits.
Over the last four seasons combined, he ranks 11th in the NHL in hits, with a whopping 834 in 267 games. YouTube is filled with highlights of the most ruinous, yet legal ones.
The trade to acquire Zadorov remains a perplexing one, given how it wasted Brandon Saad’s return on a defenseman who, at age 25, isn’t going to boost the youth movement.
But while Zadorov’s presence probably won’t much benefit the Hawks’ long-term outlook, he will certainly entertain fans on and off the ice this coming year.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-14--Dear Abby: My mom doesn’t seem to notice that her house is filthy

DEAR ABBY : I have an issue that I can ’ t be the only one with , especially as our parents age .
My mother has never been the cleanest or most sanitary of housekeepers .
Everything “ looks ” neat and straight , but look closer and you ’ ll realize her place is unsanitary and filthy .
When I visit , I am near tears the entire time .
My husband tells me to stay in a hotel , but I don ’ t know how to tell my mother I don ’ t feel comfortable staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own towels and washcloths .
I take us out for meals so we don ’ t have to use her dishes .
I ’ m not a clean freak , and this is not my imagination .
A friend of hers contacted me to tell me she was concerned about Mom because she doesn ’ t seem to notice how dirty her house is or that her food is spoiled .
I ’ m embarrassed for her .
I ’ ve tried to talk to my mother about this many times in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get it .
I have had her carpets shampooed and brought in professionals to do deep cleaning .
How can I tell her I can ’ t stay with her any longer ?
— GROSSED-OUT DAUGHTER IN MARYLAND DEAR DAUGHTER : Tell your mother that you love her , and you have been concerned for years about her living conditions , which is why you hired professional cleaners periodically to help her .
Delivering the message that you will be staying in a hotel when you visit is the least of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help than you can give her .
I , too , am concerned about the fact she doesn ’ t know the food in her refrigerator has spoiled , and for that reason , I ’ m suggesting you discuss this with a social worker in the town where your mother resides .
She may need someone to check on her regularly , ensure that her kitchen and fridge are kept clean and grocery shop for her .
Believe me , you and your mother both have my sympathy .
DEAR ABBY : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three years , engaged for two .
I have a lot of insecurities about it .
We met right after my husband ’ s death .
Dylan was the perfect guy in the beginning .
Looking back , I realize there were a lot of red flags .
He spends most of his time on Facebook or talking about his high school years .
He is also secretive .
He acts like the world ’ s nicest guy around others , but when we ’ re alone , he calls me stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a narcissist was before , but I believe he is one .
I built a business , which has done very well .
I ’ m liked by everyone but him .
People have told me to run .
Why do I torture myself ?
Last week he broke my windshield because I asked him about his phone , which he is always using to text someone .
I want to be happy , and I feel like a loser right now .
My kids don ’ t like him at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ IN THE MIDWEST DEAR UNHAPPY : I am concerned about you .
Because you now feel that your verbally abusive fiance could become violent ( Exhibit A : your broken windshield ) , place a call to the National Domestic Violence Hotline ( 800-799-7233 ) and ask someone to help you craft an escape plan .
Your next call should be to the police to file a report about that broken windshield .
Your third should be to your family to find out if you and your kids can stay with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get safely out of there , so do NOT disclose to this man any of the preparations you are making .
It goes without saying that this engagement should be broken .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 have an issue that I can’t be the only one with, especially as our parents age. My mother has never been the cleanest or most sanitary of housekeepers. Everything “looks” neat and straight, but look closer and you’ll realize her place is unsanitary and filthy.
When I visit, I am near tears the entire time. My husband tells me to stay in a hotel, but I don’t know how to tell my mother I don’t feel comfortable staying with her. I bring along my own towels and washcloths. I take us out for meals so we don’t have to use her dishes.
I’m not a clean freak, and this is not my imagination. A friend of hers contacted me to tell me she was concerned about Mom because she doesn’t seem to notice how dirty her house is or that her food is spoiled. I’m embarrassed for her.
I’ve tried to talk to my mother about this many times in the past, but she just doesn’t get it. I have had her carpets shampooed and brought in professionals to do deep cleaning. How can I tell her I can’t stay with her any longer? — GROSSED-OUT DAUGHTER IN MARYLAND
DEAR DAUGHTER: Tell your mother that you love her, and you have been concerned for years about her living conditions, which is why you hired professional cleaners periodically to help her. Delivering the message that you will be staying in a hotel when you visit is the least of your problems. Clearly, she needs more help than you can give her.
I, too, am concerned about the fact she doesn’t know the food in her refrigerator has spoiled, and for that reason, I’m suggesting you discuss this with a social worker in the town where your mother resides. She may need someone to check on her regularly, ensure that her kitchen and fridge are kept clean and grocery shop for her. Believe me, you and your mother both have my sympathy.
DEAR ABBY: I have been with “Dylan” for three years, engaged for two. I have a lot of insecurities about it.
We met right after my husband’s death. Dylan was the perfect guy in the beginning. Looking back, I realize there were a lot of red flags.
He spends most of his time on Facebook or talking about his high school years. He is also secretive. He acts like the world’s nicest guy around others, but when we’re alone, he calls me stupid and insecure. I never knew what a narcissist was before, but I believe he is one.
I built a business, which has done very well. I’m liked by everyone but him. People have told me to run. Why do I torture myself? Last week he broke my windshield because I asked him about his phone, which he is always using to text someone. I want to be happy, and I feel like a loser right now. My kids don’t like him at all. Help me, please. — UNHAPPY IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR UNHAPPY: I am concerned about you. Because you now feel that your verbally abusive fiance could become violent (Exhibit A: your broken windshield), place a call to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and ask someone to help you craft an escape plan. Your next call should be to the police to file a report about that broken windshield. Your third should be to your family to find out if you and your kids can stay with one of your relatives.
It is important you get safely out of there, so do NOT disclose to this man any of the preparations you are making. It goes without saying that this engagement should be broken.
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--2020-10-14--‘Belushi’ documentary gets to the soul of the man

John Belushi has been gone for more years than he was with us , but some 38 years after the 33-year-old actor and generational comedic life force died of a drug overdose , it ’ s nearly impossible to overstate the magnitude of Belushi ’ s stardom in the late 1970s and early 1980s , and the lasting impact he has had on the comedy world .
And even though the Chicago-born and Wheaton-raised Belushi ’ s life story and legacy has been examined time and again , the documentary simply titled “ Belushi ” is a work of great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens the Chicago International Film Festival on Wednesday , director R.J. Cutler has fashioned arguably the definitive biography of Belushi , featuring a greatest hits collection of Belushi ’ s most memorable work ; graphic novel-style animation of key moments from John ’ s childhood through his early stardom through the dark times , and a treasure trove of audio tapes from Judy Belushi ’ s collection , which had been sitting in the basement of her house on Martha ’ s Vineyard for years .
We even get a glimpse of Belushi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handwritten letters he sent to Judy , who had been with him ever since they were sweethearts at Wheaton Community High School in the mid-1960s .
Bill Hader does a brilliant job of voicing the letters ; it ’ s not quite an imitation , but it really feels as if we ’ re hearing Belushi in his own words , whether he was sharing his hopes and dreams with Judy , compiling a list of things he needed to do in order to become a better man or , near the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid I ’ m too far gone.
” Most of the interviews showcased in “ Belushi ” are from a collaboration between Judy and author Tanner Colby for an oral history about John , conducted within the first couple of years of Belushi ’ s death .
This gives the soundbites a certain unfiltered level of immediacy , as the likes of Dan Aykroyd , Jane Curtin , Lorne Michaels and Chevy Chase talk about their undying admiration for Belushi ’ s talents , their love for a man with a huge heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Sadly , many of the interview subjects , including Harold Ramis , Carrie Fisher and Penny Marshall , have since passed as well . )
“ Belushi ” kicks off with footage of Belushi ’ s screen test for “ Saturday Night Live.
” Just a few years later , the Blues Brothers were performing before an adoring throng in Los Angeles in 1978 .
The recording of that performance would become the No .
1 album in the country , in the same year Belushi was starring on the white-hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stolen every scene in the mega-hit film “ National Lampoon ’ s Animal House.
” He was a triple-threat superstar who had conquered the showbiz world — and he was spiraling into a drug-fueled free fall .
“ John always had appetites that were completely out of control , for everything , ” says Harold Ramis , once his Second City castmate .
“ But I didn ’ t start to worry about him until he was at the Universal Amphitheatre , playing for 7,000 people .
I looked at John on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s on the most popular comedy show of our generation , he was in the most successful comedy film ever , and now he ’ s onstage fronting an amazing band.
’ My first thought was , ‘ How great for him.
’ My second thought was , ‘ Knowing his appetites , I don ’ t think he ’ ll survive this.
’ ” We flash back to John ’ s childhood and high school years , illustrated in stunning fashion by animator Robert Valley .
“ Belushi ” chronicles the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Second City show and told her afterward , “ This is what I want to do.
” In rapid fashion , John went from performing with his improv group , called The West Compass Players , to joining Second City to becoming a star with the National Lampoon ’ s Woodstock-parody stage show “ Lemmings ” and the National Lampoon Radio Hour — which led to “ SNL.
” Along the way , he would bond with Dan Aykroyd ( who recalls , “ We fell in love the moment we met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other right away for a great and enduring friendship ” ) , establish a host of memorable characters on “ Saturday Night Live ” including Jake Blues , the Samurai and Pete Dionasopoulos of the Olympia Café , and enter into a dark embrace with booze , pot , cocaine and heroin .
On and off camera , “ John was just this big event , ” says Carrie Fisher .
Director Cutler consistently finds just the right clips from Belushi ’ s films to mirror the chaos in his personal life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police cars crashing in the “ Blues Brothers ” or his character in “ Neighbors ” literally covered in mud and losing control .
In March of 1982 , Belushi was holed up at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles , lost in a fog of depression and addiction .
Aykroyd remembers their last phone conversation : “ He was sad and defeated .
… I told him I was writing something great for us .
… I was writing ‘ Ghostbusters.
’ … I thought I ’ ll finish this page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I didn ’ t get there in time and I carry that with me forever.
” A short while later , Belushi was gone .
In the span of less than a decade , he left a lifetime ’ s worth of memorable work — but just think of what he could have delivered in the years and decades to come .
The world premiere of “ Belushi , ” presented by the Chicago International Film Festival , begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the ChiTown Movies drive-in , 2343 S. Throop @ @ @ @

John Belushi has been gone for more years than he was with us, but some 38 years after the 33-year-old actor and generational comedic life force died of a drug overdose, it’s nearly impossible to overstate the magnitude of Belushi’s stardom in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the lasting impact he has had on the comedy world. And even though the Chicago-born and Wheaton-raised Belushi’s life story and legacy has been examined time and again, the documentary simply titled “Belushi” is a work of great value.
‘Belushi’
Untitled Showtime presents a documentary directed by R.J. Cutler. No MPAA rating. Running time: 108 minutes. Streaming at chicagofilmfestival.com from 7 p.m. Wednesday to Oct. 25. Available on Showtime beginning Nov. 22.
With this film, which opens the Chicago International Film Festival on Wednesday, director R.J. Cutler has fashioned arguably the definitive biography of Belushi, featuring a greatest hits collection of Belushi’s most memorable work; graphic novel-style animation of key moments from John’s childhood through his early stardom through the dark times, and a treasure trove of audio tapes from Judy Belushi’s collection, which had been sitting in the basement of her house on Martha’s Vineyard for years. We even get a glimpse of Belushi’s most personal moments, via handwritten letters he sent to Judy, who had been with him ever since they were sweethearts at Wheaton Community High School in the mid-1960s. Bill Hader does a brilliant job of voicing the letters; it’s not quite an imitation, but it really feels as if we’re hearing Belushi in his own words, whether he was sharing his hopes and dreams with Judy, compiling a list of things he needed to do in order to become a better man or, near the end, confessing, “I’m afraid I’m too far gone.”
Most of the interviews showcased in “Belushi” are from a collaboration between Judy and author Tanner Colby for an oral history about John, conducted within the first couple of years of Belushi’s death. This gives the soundbites a certain unfiltered level of immediacy, as the likes of Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Lorne Michaels and Chevy Chase talk about their undying admiration for Belushi’s talents, their love for a man with a huge heart — and the struggles and the setbacks. (Sadly, many of the interview subjects, including Harold Ramis, Carrie Fisher and Penny Marshall, have since passed as well.)
“Belushi” kicks off with footage of Belushi’s screen test for “Saturday Night Live.” Just a few years later, the Blues Brothers were performing before an adoring throng in Los Angeles in 1978. The recording of that performance would become the No. 1 album in the country, in the same year Belushi was starring on the white-hot “Saturday Night Live” and had stolen every scene in the mega-hit film “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” He was a triple-threat superstar who had conquered the showbiz world — and he was spiraling into a drug-fueled free fall.
John Belushi (left) and Dan Aykroyd work in Chicago on “The Blues Brothers,” the movie drawn from their popular musical duo. Universal Studios
“John always had appetites that were completely out of control, for everything,” says Harold Ramis, once his Second City castmate. “But I didn’t start to worry about him until he was at the Universal Amphitheatre, playing for 7,000 people. I looked at John on the stage and I thought, ‘He’s on the most popular comedy show of our generation, he was in the most successful comedy film ever, and now he’s onstage fronting an amazing band.’ My first thought was, ‘How great for him.’ My second thought was, ‘Knowing his appetites, I don’t think he’ll survive this.’ ”
We flash back to John’s childhood and high school years, illustrated in stunning fashion by animator Robert Valley. “Belushi” chronicles the moment when John took Judy to see a Second City show and told her afterward, “This is what I want to do.” In rapid fashion, John went from performing with his improv group, called The West Compass Players, to joining Second City to becoming a star with the National Lampoon’s Woodstock-parody stage show “Lemmings” and the National Lampoon Radio Hour — which led to “SNL.” Along the way, he would bond with Dan Aykroyd (who recalls, “We fell in love the moment we met … we saw the worth in each other right away for a great and enduring friendship”), establish a host of memorable characters on “Saturday Night Live” including Jake Blues, the Samurai and Pete Dionasopoulos of the Olympia Café, and enter into a dark embrace with booze, pot, cocaine and heroin. On and off camera, “John was just this big event,” says Carrie Fisher.
John Belushi’s immortal characters on “Saturday Night Live” included the Samurai (with Buck Henry). NBC
Director Cutler consistently finds just the right clips from Belushi’s films to mirror the chaos in his personal life, whether it’s a dozen Chicago Police cars crashing in the “Blues Brothers” or his character in “Neighbors” literally covered in mud and losing control. In March of 1982, Belushi was holed up at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, lost in a fog of depression and addiction. Aykroyd remembers their last phone conversation: “He was sad and defeated. … I told him I was writing something great for us. … I was writing ‘Ghostbusters.’ … I thought I’ll finish this page, this paragraph and get out there … but I didn’t get there in time and I carry that with me forever.”
A short while later, Belushi was gone. In the span of less than a decade, he left a lifetime’s worth of memorable work — but just think of what he could have delivered in the years and decades to come.
The world premiere of “Belushi,” presented by the Chicago International Film Festival, begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the ChiTown Movies drive-in, 2343 S. Throop St. Tickets: chicagofilmfestival.com


chicagosun-times--2020-10-14--How Aaron Sorkin preserved the disorder of Chicago’s 1969 courtroom ‘circus’

The chant echoed through Grant Park and the downtown canyons of Chicago and eventually reverberated around the planet via television and radio newscasts : “ The whole world is watching , the whole world is watching , the whole world is watching … ” The whole world was watching when Chicago police clashed with antiwar protesters during the 1968 Democratic National Convention — and the whole world was watching in 1969 when the U.S. government brought charges of inciting a riot , among other felonies , against protest leaders .
That case is the subject of writer-director Aaron Sorkin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , ” which has been playing in limited theatrical release the last three weeks and will be debuting on Netflix this Friday .
I recently sat down for a video chat interview with Sorkin , who has written one of the best courtroom dramas of all time in “ A Few Good Men ” and has had great success adapting and fictionalizing true-life stories , from “ The Social Network ” ( for which he won an Oscar ) , “ Moneyball , ” “ Charlie Wilson ’ s War ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me the origins of the movie date back nearly 15 years .
“ This all started in 2006 , when I was asked to come to Steven Spielberg ’ s house on a Saturday morning .
To be clear , that is not common , I don ’ t hang out with Steven Spielberg .
He told me that he wanted to direct , and he wanted me to write , about the riots in 1968 and the conspiracy trial that followed .
I said , ‘ Count me in.
’ “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father and said , ‘ What happened in Chicago in 1968 , do you know anything about a conspiracy trial ?
’ I had only a vague sense of what Steven was talking about.
” For the usual reasons of budget and casting and scheduling and timing , the project was delayed time and again — until it all came together just a few years ago .
“ Three things happened at once , ” said Sorkin .
“ Donald Trump was elected president , I directed my first film , ‘ Molly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sufficiently impressed with he thought I should [ not only write but ] direct the film — and the City of Chicago said , ‘ You can shoot the movie here and we ’ ll make it easier for you.
’ Tax abatement-wise , that kind of thing .
So , we were able to shoot Grant Park scenes in Grant Park , and Michigan Avenue scenes on Michigan Avenue.
” Parts of “ The Trial of the Chicago 7 ” were filmed on the campuses of Saint Elizabeth University and Fairleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but Sorkin said the movie wouldn ’ t have been made had he not received permission to film certain scenes in Chicago .
“ Chicago was so welcoming , ” he said .
“ Most of the [ Chicago police officers ] are being played by off-duty Chicago police officers , many of whom are the children of Chicago police officers who were there in 1968 .
It was a fantastic experience .
When we had crowds marching down the street , chanting ‘ The whole world is watching , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that area .
People who lived in Chicago their whole lives had to be thinking , ‘ This can ’ t possibly be happening again !
’ ” Like virtually every fictional movie ever based on real-life events , “ The Trial of the Chicago 7 ” takes some poetic license with the timeline , creates a few scenes out of whole cloth and compresses events .
In the case of the actual trial , however , Sorkin chose to omit some of the more over-the-top true-life theatrics , including Judy Collins breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gone ?
” from the witness stand and Beat generation poet Allen Ginsberg repeatedly chanting “ Om ” and testifying in Sanskrit .
“ In a courtroom drama , you ’ re going to make it crackle a little more than a real trial , ” said Sorkin .
“ But when it came to moments like Bobby Seale ’ s objections or the judge ’ s response , and the moment when he had [ Seale ] bound and gagged , I wasn ’ t going to touch any of that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ transcript .
“ There was more circus in that courtroom than I show in the movie .
The scene where Sacha Baron Cohen [ as Abbie Hoffman ] and Jeremy Strong [ as Jerry Rubin ] enter the court wearing judges ’ robes and then take them off with police shirts underneath — that really happened , but I decided to take it out of the movie , and it took Sacha and Jeremy lobbying me to put that back in .
They persuaded me , and they were right.
” Sacha Baron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agitator Abbie Hoffman when Spielberg and Sorkin were just getting started on the project .
When it was finally greenlit , Cohen called Sorkin and said he was still on board : “ Sacha made it very clear to me : ‘ I don ’ t care that 13 years have gone by , no one will be playing this role but me.
’ I think there were threats of violence in there — or more like threats of pranks that he was clearly capable of pulling off.
” For a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1369 , but there are so many obvious parallels between the social unrest of the 1960s with the America of 2020 .
Sorkin said the challenge was making those points without sacrificing good storytelling .
“ Before a film can be anything else , before it can be relevant , before it can be persuasive , before it can start a discussion , it has to be a good film .
Just by the rules of drama , it has to be a good story well-told .
It has to be something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popcorn during .
You ’ re right , for most people , 1969 might as well be 1369 — but people are going to see things in this movie that sound a lot like 2020 .
I never wanted the film to be about 1968 , 1969 , 1970 ; I wanted it to be about today .
“ We thought the film was plenty relevant when we were making it last winter .
We didn ’ t need it to get more relevant , but it has , in shocking and chilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clashes between protesters and police , whether it ’ s in Minneapolis or Madison or Kenosha or Louisville or Washington , the footage looks exactly like the footage from 1968 .
We are once again in an extremely polarized country , where dissent has been demonized as un-American .
We went through this traumatic transition getting from the 1950s to the 1970s … somehow we ’ re back to where we were before .
”

The chant echoed through Grant Park and the downtown canyons of Chicago and eventually reverberated around the planet via television and radio newscasts: “The whole world is watching, the whole world is watching, the whole world is watching …”
The whole world was watching when Chicago police clashed with antiwar protesters during the 1968 Democratic National Convention — and the whole world was watching in 1969 when the U.S. government brought charges of inciting a riot, among other felonies, against protest leaders. That case is the subject of writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” which has been playing in limited theatrical release the last three weeks and will be debuting on Netflix this Friday.
I recently sat down for a video chat interview with Sorkin, who has written one of the best courtroom dramas of all time in “A Few Good Men” and has had great success adapting and fictionalizing true-life stories, from “The Social Network” (for which he won an Oscar), “Moneyball,” “Charlie Wilson’s War” and “Molly’s Game.”
Chicago 7 History Stream Read the true story behind ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ The Chicago Sun-Times was on the front lines reporting as history unfolded in Chicago during the trial of the “Chicago 7,” the seven people accused of inciting a riot during the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in the city. The Sun-Times’ ‘Chicago 7’ Archives Read our original stories from the Sun-Times archives from the initial charges through every twist and turn of the trial, including the story by Thomas Fitzpatrick that won the 1970 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting.
Sorkin told me the origins of the movie date back nearly 15 years.
“This all started in 2006, when I was asked to come to Steven Spielberg’s house on a Saturday morning. To be clear, that is not common, I don’t hang out with Steven Spielberg. He told me that he wanted to direct, and he wanted me to write, about the riots in 1968 and the conspiracy trial that followed. I said, ‘Count me in.’
“I left his house, called my father and said, ‘What happened in Chicago in 1968, do you know anything about a conspiracy trial?’ I had only a vague sense of what Steven was talking about.”
For the usual reasons of budget and casting and scheduling and timing, the project was delayed time and again — until it all came together just a few years ago.
Aaron Sorkin directs a courtroom scene on the set of “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Netflix
“Three things happened at once,” said Sorkin. “Donald Trump was elected president, I directed my first film, ‘Molly’s Game,’ which Steven was sufficiently impressed with he thought I should [not only write but] direct the film — and the City of Chicago said, ‘You can shoot the movie here and we’ll make it easier for you.’ Tax abatement-wise, that kind of thing. So, we were able to shoot Grant Park scenes in Grant Park, and Michigan Avenue scenes on Michigan Avenue.”
Parts of “The Trial of the Chicago 7” were filmed on the campuses of Saint Elizabeth University and Fairleigh Dickinson University (both in New Jersey), but Sorkin said the movie wouldn’t have been made had he not received permission to film certain scenes in Chicago.
Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) and David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch) approach a line of Chicago police in “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Netflix
“Chicago was so welcoming,” he said. “Most of the [Chicago police officers] are being played by off-duty Chicago police officers, many of whom are the children of Chicago police officers who were there in 1968. It was a fantastic experience. When we had crowds marching down the street, chanting ‘The whole world is watching,’ there are residential apartment buildings right around that area. People who lived in Chicago their whole lives had to be thinking, ‘This can’t possibly be happening again!’ ”
Like virtually every fictional movie ever based on real-life events, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” takes some poetic license with the timeline, creates a few scenes out of whole cloth and compresses events. In the case of the actual trial, however, Sorkin chose to omit some of the more over-the-top true-life theatrics, including Judy Collins breaking into “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” from the witness stand and Beat generation poet Allen Ginsberg repeatedly chanting “Om” and testifying in Sanskrit.
“In a courtroom drama, you’re going to make it crackle a little more than a real trial,” said Sorkin. “But when it came to moments like Bobby Seale’s objections or the judge’s response, and the moment when he had [Seale] bound and gagged, I wasn’t going to touch any of that. That was right out of the trial transcript.
“There was more circus in that courtroom than I show in the movie. The scene where Sacha Baron Cohen [as Abbie Hoffman] and Jeremy Strong [as Jerry Rubin] enter the court wearing judges’ robes and then take them off with police shirts underneath — that really happened, but I decided to take it out of the movie, and it took Sacha and Jeremy lobbying me to put that back in. They persuaded me, and they were right.”
Jeremy Strong (left), who plays Jerry Rubin in “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” and Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays Abbie Hoffman, talked writer-director Aaron Sorkin (right) into a script adjustment. Netflix
Sacha Baron Cohen had been cast as clown prince agitator Abbie Hoffman when Spielberg and Sorkin were just getting started on the project. When it was finally greenlit, Cohen called Sorkin and said he was still on board: “Sacha made it very clear to me: ‘I don’t care that 13 years have gone by, no one will be playing this role but me.’ I think there were threats of violence in there — or more like threats of pranks that he was clearly capable of pulling off.”
For a lot of viewers, 1969 might as well be 1369, but there are so many obvious parallels between the social unrest of the 1960s with the America of 2020. Sorkin said the challenge was making those points without sacrificing good storytelling.
“Before a film can be anything else, before it can be relevant, before it can be persuasive, before it can start a discussion, it has to be a good film. Just by the rules of drama, it has to be a good story well-told. It has to be something that is successful as something you would eat popcorn during. You’re right, for most people, 1969 might as well be 1369 — but people are going to see things in this movie that sound a lot like 2020. I never wanted the film to be about 1968, 1969, 1970; I wanted it to be about today.
“We thought the film was plenty relevant when we were making it last winter. We didn’t need it to get more relevant, but it has, in shocking and chilling ways. If you watch any of the clashes between protesters and police, whether it’s in Minneapolis or Madison or Kenosha or Louisville or Washington, the footage looks exactly like the footage from 1968. We are once again in an extremely polarized country, where dissent has been demonized as un-American. We went through this traumatic transition getting from the 1950s to the 1970s … somehow we’re back to where we were before.”


chicagosun-times--2020-10-14--Menu planner: Treat yourself to Cajun beef pepper steak with rice

1 ( 5.5- to 8-ounce ) package Cajun or Creole rice mix with seasonings Press 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning blend evenly into steaks .
Toss peppers with oil and remaining seasoning blend .
Place steak in center of grid over medium , ash-covered coals ; arrange peppers around steak .
Grill , covered , 7 to 11 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness ( on preheated gas grill : medium heat , 8 to 13 minutes ) and until peppers are tender , turning occasionally .
Meanwhile , prepare rice blend according to directions , omitting oil or margarine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ peppers and rice .
Cook pasta according to directions ; rinse and drain .
In a large bowl , combine steak , cooked pasta , artichokes , bell pepper , olives and basil .
Add vinaigrette ; toss .
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours before serving .
In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker , combine beans , onion , bell pepper , garlic , bay leaves , tomatoes , broth or water , olive oil , cumin , jalapeno pepper and salt .
Cover and cook on high 6 to 8 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the liquid is absorbed .
Remove bay leaves .
Garnish as desired and serve .
Per serving : 268 calories , 12 grams protein , 4 grams fat ( 13 % calories from fat ) , 0.5 gram saturated fat , 45 grams carbohydrate , no cholesterol , 374 milligrams sodium , 6 grams fiber .
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Place a large ready-to-heat pizza crust on a cookie sheet .
Sprinkle with 1 cup ( of 2 cups total ) shredded 50 % light cheddar cheese .
Top with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooked shredded beef with barbecue sauce and 4 red onion rings .
Sprinkle with remaining cheese .
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until hot .
Cook 12 ounces fettuccine ; drain .
In a large bowl , combine 2 ( 6-ounce ) cans drained , flaked , water-packed albacore tuna , 1 ( 15-ounce ) can rinsed reduced-sodium cannellini beans and 2 cups marinara sauce .
Toss with the fettuccine .
Spread warmed corn tortillas with heated canned fat-free refried beans .
Top with salsa , shredded lettuce and shredded 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexican-styled corn on the side , along with sliced avocados .
Cut a 1- to 1 1/4-pound pork tenderloin into 8 pieces .
Place each piece on flat surface ; cover pork pieces with waxed paper and flatten gently with heel of hand to about 1/4-inch thickness .
Cook in a nonstick skillet on medium heat in two batches , about 2 to 3 minutes per side .
Remove to warm platter ; season with garlic salt and black pepper on both sides ; cover to keep warm .
Meanwhile , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yogurt , 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard , 2 teaspoons fresh dill leaves and 2 teaspoons sugar ; mix well .
Serve sauce with pork .

Cajun beef pepper steak with rice
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 7 to 13 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning blend, divided
2 (1-pound) boneless sirloin steaks, 3/4 inch thick
2 medium green or red bell peppers, cut into quarters
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 (5.5- to 8-ounce) package Cajun or Creole rice mix with seasonings
Press 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning blend evenly into steaks. Toss peppers with oil and remaining seasoning blend. Place steak in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill, covered, 7 to 11 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness (on preheated gas grill: medium heat, 8 to 13 minutes) and until peppers are tender, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, prepare rice blend according to directions, omitting oil or margarine. Carve steak into slices. Serve with peppers and rice.
Per serving: 294 calories, 26 grams protein, 6 grams fat (20% calories from fat), 1.7 grams saturated fat, 33 grams carbohydrate, 56 milligrams cholesterol, 504 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb count: 2.
Beef, rotini and artichoke salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes; refrigeration time: 2 hours
Cooking time: for the pasta (follow package cooking time instructions)
INGREDIENTS
4 cups (about 12 ounces) tri-colored rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 pound boneless cooked sirloin steak, cut into thin 2-inch strips
1 (14-ounce) can quartered water-packed artichokes, drained
1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup pitted black olives
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Cook pasta according to directions; rinse and drain. In a large bowl, combine steak, cooked pasta, artichokes, bell pepper, olives and basil. Add vinaigrette; toss. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.
Per serving: 356 calories, 22 grams protein, 12 grams fat (31% calories from fat), 3.2 grams saturated fat, 38 grams carbohydrate, 33 milligrams cholesterol, 410 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb count: 2.5.
Seasoned black beans
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6 to 8 hours on high
INGREDIENTS
1 pound dried black beans, sorted and rinsed
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with liquid
5 cups unsalted vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon seeded and finely chopped fresh jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Chopped red onion, chopped hard-cooked eggs, chopped cilantro and reduced-fat sour cream for garnish
In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, combine beans, onion, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaves, tomatoes, broth or water, olive oil, cumin, jalapeno pepper and salt. Cover and cook on high 6 to 8 hours or until beans are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove bay leaves. Garnish as desired and serve.
Per serving: 268 calories, 12 grams protein, 4 grams fat (13% calories from fat), 0.5 gram saturated fat, 45 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 374 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 3.
Barbecue pizza
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place a large ready-to-heat pizza crust on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with 1 cup (of 2 cups total) shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Top with 1 (15-ounce) container refrigerated fully cooked shredded beef with barbecue sauce and 4 red onion rings. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.
Fettuccine with tuna and white beans
Cook 12 ounces fettuccine; drain. In a large bowl, combine 2 (6-ounce) cans drained, flaked, water-packed albacore tuna, 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium cannellini beans and 2 cups marinara sauce. Toss with the fettuccine.
Soft bean tacos
Spread warmed corn tortillas with heated canned fat-free refried beans. Top with salsa, shredded lettuce and shredded 50% light cheddar cheese. Serve with canned Mexican-styled corn on the side, along with sliced avocados.
Pork medallions with Dijon-dill sauce
Cut a 1- to 1 1/4-pound pork tenderloin into 8 pieces. Place each piece on flat surface; cover pork pieces with waxed paper and flatten gently with heel of hand to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cook in a nonstick skillet on medium heat in two batches, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove to warm platter; season with garlic salt and black pepper on both sides; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons fresh dill leaves and 2 teaspoons sugar; mix well. Serve sauce with pork.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-14--15 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

15 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Fifteen people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago .
The most recent reported fatal shooting left a man dead and a 13-year-old girl wounded in Humboldt Park on the West Side , police said .
They were standing on a porch about 4:45 p.m. in the 900 block of North Lawndale Avenue when a red-colored vehicle drove by and someone inside fired shots , Chicago police said .
The teen was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
The man , 23 , was shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He was taken to the same hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
Doctors delivered the baby of a pregnant woman who was fatally shot early Tuesday in Jeffery Manor on the South Side .
Officers responded shortly after midnight to gunfire in the 2100 block of East 95th Place and found the woman lying unresponsive on a porch with two gunshot wounds to her back , Chicago police said .
Stacey Jones , 35 , was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition but later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical examiner ’ s office said .
The woman was eight months pregnant and doctors were able to deliver her baby , who remains in critical condition at Comer Children ’ s Hospital , police said .
In non-fatal shootings , a man was shot at a gas station in Bronzeville on the South Side .
Just before 8 p.m. , someone walked up to the 47-year-old at a gas station in the 4700 block of South Michigan Avenue and opened fire , police said .
The man was struck in the leg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
Less than an hour prior a 25-year-old man was shot in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
Officers responding to a call of a person shot about 7:20 p.m. found the man with a gunshot wound to his right arm in the 800 block of North Avers Avenue , police said .
The man was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition , police said .
Two people were wounded in separate shootings at the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other in West Town .
About 6:45 p.m. , a 24-year-old man he was in a vehicle in the 1500 block of South Lake Shore Drive when he was shot in the leg by someone in another vehicle , police said .
He was taken to Mercy Hospital in good condition , police said .
At the same time a 41-year-old man was walking to his vehicle about in the 2100 block of West Randolph Street when someone in a dark-colored vehicle drove by and fired shots , police said .
The man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stroger Hospital in good condition , police said .
About 6:15 p.m. , he was in the 7000 block of South South Shore Drive when someone opened fire , police said .
The 25-year-old was struck in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
A man was wounded in a shooting in Woodlawn on the South Side .
About 4:40 p.m. , the 26-year-old was in the 6200 block of South Eberhart Avenue when he was shot in the leg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital in good condition , police said .
Minutes prior two men were shot in West Englewood on the South Side .
They were on the sidewalk about 4:26 p.m. in the 7100 block of South Seeley Avenue when shots rang out , police said .
A 30-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to his arms and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , police said .
The other man , 18 , was shot in the abdomen , arm and was taken to the same hospital .
Both were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene , police said .
Three employees were wounded , one of them critically , in a shooting at a Chicago Housing Authority maintenance building on the Near West Side .
They were working in the rear of the premises in the 1300 block of South Loomis Avenue , when someone pulled up at 8 a.m. in a BMW and opened fire , police said .
One man was shot four times and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
The 56-year-old had gunshot wounds to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another man , 46 , was taken to the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to his buttocks , police said .
The third man , 31 , went to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition with gunshots to his legs .
The day ’ s first reported shooting wounded a 32-year-old man was shot in Hegewish on the Far South Side .
About 6:05 a.m. he was driving in the 13200 block of South Torrence Avenue , when someone fired shots at him from a passing vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the torso and right hand and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment , police said .
His condition is unknown .
Eleven people were shot , one fatally , Monday in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Fifteen people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago.
The most recent reported fatal shooting left a man dead and a 13-year-old girl wounded in Humboldt Park on the West Side, police said.
They were standing on a porch about 4:45 p.m. in the 900 block of North Lawndale Avenue when a red-colored vehicle drove by and someone inside fired shots, Chicago police said.
The teen was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
The man, 23, was shot in the armpit and chin area, police said. He was taken to the same hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Doctors delivered the baby of a pregnant woman who was fatally shot early Tuesday in Jeffery Manor on the South Side.
Officers responded shortly after midnight to gunfire in the 2100 block of East 95th Place and found the woman lying unresponsive on a porch with two gunshot wounds to her back, Chicago police said.
Stacey Jones, 35, was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition but later died, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
The woman was eight months pregnant and doctors were able to deliver her baby, who remains in critical condition at Comer Children’s Hospital, police said.
In non-fatal shootings, a man was shot at a gas station in Bronzeville on the South Side.
Just before 8 p.m., someone walked up to the 47-year-old at a gas station in the 4700 block of South Michigan Avenue and opened fire, police said.
The man was struck in the leg and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
Less than an hour prior a 25-year-old man was shot in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
Officers responding to a call of a person shot about 7:20 p.m. found the man with a gunshot wound to his right arm in the 800 block of North Avers Avenue, police said.
The man was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
Two people were wounded in separate shootings at the same time, one near the Museum Campus and the other in West Town.
About 6:45 p.m., a 24-year-old man he was in a vehicle in the 1500 block of South Lake Shore Drive when he was shot in the leg by someone in another vehicle, police said.
He was taken to Mercy Hospital in good condition, police said.
At the same time a 41-year-old man was walking to his vehicle about in the 2100 block of West Randolph Street when someone in a dark-colored vehicle drove by and fired shots, police said.
The man was shot in the leg and taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said.
Thirty minutes prior a man was shot in South Shore.
About 6:15 p.m., he was in the 7000 block of South South Shore Drive when someone opened fire, police said.
The 25-year-old was struck in the abdomen and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
A man was wounded in a shooting in Woodlawn on the South Side.
About 4:40 p.m., the 26-year-old was in the 6200 block of South Eberhart Avenue when he was shot in the leg, police said.
He was taken to a hospital in good condition, police said.
Minutes prior two men were shot in West Englewood on the South Side.
They were on the sidewalk about 4:26 p.m. in the 7100 block of South Seeley Avenue when shots rang out, police said.
A 30-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to his arms and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said. The other man, 18, was shot in the abdomen, arm and was taken to the same hospital. Both were in serious condition.
Officers recovered a gun at the scene, police said.
Three employees were wounded, one of them critically, in a shooting at a Chicago Housing Authority maintenance building on the Near West Side.
They were working in the rear of the premises in the 1300 block of South Loomis Avenue, when someone pulled up at 8 a.m. in a BMW and opened fire, police said.
One man was shot four times and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said. The 56-year-old had gunshot wounds to his shoulder, back, abdomen and buttocks.
Another man, 46, was taken to the same hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to his buttocks, police said. The third man, 31, went to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition with gunshots to his legs.
The day’s first reported shooting wounded a 32-year-old man was shot in Hegewish on the Far South Side.
About 6:05 a.m. he was driving in the 13200 block of South Torrence Avenue, when someone fired shots at him from a passing vehicle, police said.
He was struck in the torso and right hand and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment, police said. His condition is unknown.
Eleven people were shot, one fatally, Monday in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-10-13--Horoscope for Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 5:30 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Virgo into Libra .
What a difference a day makes !
Today you are more optimistic about your health , your work and whatever you ’ re doing .
Yesterday ’ s storm might have subsided — or not ; nevertheless , today you ’ re ready to make positive , practical plans .
( Somebody ’ s got ta do it . )
This is a good day to plan for vacations or hobbies or anything to do with practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Mostly fun stuff . )
Likewise , it ’ s a solid day for important discussions with romantic partners .
Today feels different from yesterday .
You ’ re encouraged about things at home or with family .
You might want to entertain .
You will definitely enjoy making long-range plans that make you feel more secure in your personal life .
Today is a relief .
It starts off with an optimistic note .
Relations with others are better .
As the day wears on , you might do some mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail .
Whatever the case , you ’ re happy doing it .
You want to plant good seeds .
Early today , you might feel extravagant financially speaking .
“ Share the wealth !
” However , as the day wears on , and you check your bank account , you will feel more sensible about how you spend your money and use your possessions .
Today the moon is in your sign as well as fair Venus .
Lovely combo !
This is actually a good day to shop for wardrobe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a good day to make vacation plans or about socializing ; and also , solid ideas about educating and taking care of your kids .
This is a solid day .
The sun is in your sign , giving you strength and confidence .
It ’ s a perfect day to sit down somewhere and make a To Do list about what you want to achieve , especially related to home , family and your private life .
( Make a cup of tea or coffee . )
Discussions with others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to share your goals with someone .
Later in the day , advice from someone older or more experienced will help you , so by all means , stay tuned and be grateful for whatever nuggets that come your way .
You make a wonderful impression on bosses , parents , teachers and the police today .
Initially they see you as someone with vision and optimism .
( Sexy optics . )
But as the day wears on , you show them that you have solid , practical input .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
You have an urge to do something different today .
You want a change of scenery , which is not easy to do during these times .
Therefore , you have to be creative .
What you really seek is something different from your daily routine .
It might be food ; it might be an activity ; or contacting someone new ?
Although you might rehash past issues with a boss or parent at this time , today you have good ideas about how to use the resources of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re optimistic .
Later in the day , you will see practical ideas that can be put to use .
Because the moon today is opposite your sign today , you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others .
In other words , be cooperative and accommodating .
Actually , this will be easy for you to do .
In fact , you will impress others with your practical ideas .
If Your Birthday Is Today Singer Usher ( 1978 ) shares your birthday .
You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings because you are in your element schmoozing with others .
Exciting news !
You ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means it ’ s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions after 5:30 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Virgo into Libra.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
What a difference a day makes! Today you are more optimistic about your health, your work and whatever you’re doing. Yesterday’s storm might have subsided — or not; nevertheless, today you’re ready to make positive, practical plans. (Somebody’s gotta do it.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is a good day to plan for vacations or hobbies or anything to do with practical applications for dealing with your kids. (Mostly fun stuff.) Likewise, it’s a solid day for important discussions with romantic partners.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Today feels different from yesterday. You’re encouraged about things at home or with family. You might want to entertain. You will definitely enjoy making long-range plans that make you feel more secure in your personal life.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today is a relief. It starts off with an optimistic note. Relations with others are better. As the day wears on, you might do some mental work or work that requires attention to detail. Whatever the case, you’re happy doing it. You want to plant good seeds.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Early today, you might feel extravagant financially speaking. “Share the wealth!” However, as the day wears on, and you check your bank account, you will feel more sensible about how you spend your money and use your possessions.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today the moon is in your sign as well as fair Venus. Lovely combo! This is actually a good day to shop for wardrobe items for yourself. It’s also a good day to make vacation plans or about socializing; and also, solid ideas about educating and taking care of your kids.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a solid day. The sun is in your sign, giving you strength and confidence. It’s a perfect day to sit down somewhere and make a To Do list about what you want to achieve, especially related to home, family and your private life. (Make a cup of tea or coffee.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Discussions with others are optimistic this morning. You’re happy to share your goals with someone. Later in the day, advice from someone older or more experienced will help you, so by all means, stay tuned and be grateful for whatever nuggets that come your way.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You make a wonderful impression on bosses, parents, teachers and the police today. Initially they see you as someone with vision and optimism. (Sexy optics.) But as the day wears on, you show them that you have solid, practical input. (Perhaps with the help of someone older.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You have an urge to do something different today. You want a change of scenery, which is not easy to do during these times. Therefore, you have to be creative. What you really seek is something different from your daily routine. It might be food; it might be an activity; or contacting someone new?
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Although you might rehash past issues with a boss or parent at this time, today you have good ideas about how to use the resources of your partner or a third party. Initially, you’re optimistic. Later in the day, you will see practical ideas that can be put to use.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Because the moon today is opposite your sign today, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. In other words, be cooperative and accommodating. Actually, this will be easy for you to do. In fact, you will impress others with your practical ideas.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Singer Usher (1978) shares your birthday. You are friendly and loyal. You enjoy social settings because you are in your element schmoozing with others. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-10-13--Person in custody after entering Streeterville restaurant with rifle, claiming to be law enforcement

Charges are pending against a person who walked in to a restaurant in Streeterville with a rifle Tuesday and claimed @ @ @ @ @ About 12:15 p.m. , the male walked into the restaurant in the 400 block of @ @ @ @ @ rifle and lots of ammunition , Chicago police said .
He ordered food and said @ @ @ @ @ investigator for a law enforcement agency , ” according to police .
The SWAT team @ @ @ @ @ and the male was taken into custody without any trouble , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ license and firearm owner ’ s identification card , police said .
Charges were pending @ @ @ @ @ on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 60-year-old man was issued a citation after allegedly walking into a restaurant in Streeterville with a rifle Tuesday and claiming to be law enforcement.
The man, whose name was not released, was issued a city citation for possessing an assault rifle, a Chicago police spokesperson said Thursday.
About 12:15 p.m., the male walked into the restaurant in the 400 block of North McClurg Court with a rifle and lots of ammunition, police said. He ordered food and said he was “a special investigator for a law enforcement agency,” according to police.
The SWAT team was called to the restaurant and the male was taken into custody without any trouble, police said.
He had a valid concealed-carry license and firearm owner’s identification card, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.