chicagosuntimes--2020-02-17--R. Kelly manager demands speedy trial in federal case

The business manager indicted along with R & B singer R. Kelly is insisting on going to trial in Chicago ’ s federal courthouse in April , according to paperwork filed Monday .
The unusual speedy trial demand from Derrel McDavid , Kelly ’ s longtime manager , followed last week ’ s news that a grand jury had handed up a revised indictment against Kelly , McDavid and Kelly employee Milton Brown .
Though that indictment threatens to delay the April 27 trial set for all three men , McDavid attorneys Beau Brindley and Vadim Glozman wrote Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request to be tried on the April 27 , 2020 , ” and they objected to any further delay .
The next hearing in the case is set for March 5 .
Kelly is also set to go to trial July 7 in federal court in Brooklyn .
Kelly has faced federal indictments in Chicago and Brooklyn since last summer , in addition to earlier local charges in Cook County and more recent charges in Minnesota .
The federal case in Chicago alleges child pornography and obstruction of justice , while the feds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new indictment that landed last week in Chicago added an alleged victim to the set of allegations against Kelly .
It also removed an individual from the list of victims .
McDavid also faces child pornography and obstruction of justice charges in the new indictment .
It alleges McDavid played a key role in paying off victims and witnesses in the lead-up to Kelly ’ s 2008 Cook County child pornography trial , which ended in Kelly ’ s acquittal .

The business manager indicted along with R&B singer R. Kelly is insisting on going to trial in Chicago’s federal courthouse in April, according to paperwork filed Monday.
The unusual speedy trial demand from Derrel McDavid, Kelly’s longtime manager, followed last week’s news that a grand jury had handed up a revised indictment against Kelly, McDavid and Kelly employee Milton Brown.
Though that indictment threatens to delay the April 27 trial set for all three men, McDavid attorneys Beau Brindley and Vadim Glozman wrote Monday that “It is Mr. McDavid’s request to be tried on the April 27, 2020,” and they objected to any further delay.
The next hearing in the case is set for March 5. Kelly is also set to go to trial July 7 in federal court in Brooklyn.
Kelly has faced federal indictments in Chicago and Brooklyn since last summer, in addition to earlier local charges in Cook County and more recent charges in Minnesota. The federal case in Chicago alleges child pornography and obstruction of justice, while the feds in Brooklyn have alleged racketeering.
The new indictment that landed last week in Chicago added an alleged victim to the set of allegations against Kelly. It also removed an individual from the list of victims.
McDavid also faces child pornography and obstruction of justice charges in the new indictment. It alleges McDavid played a key role in paying off victims and witnesses in the lead-up to Kelly’s 2008 Cook County child pornography trial, which ended in Kelly’s acquittal.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Shamrock Shake returns to McDonald’s for first time in three years

For Shamrock Shake fans , Feb. 19 is your lucky day .
Not only will McDonald ’ s popular mint-flavored shake return to restaurants nationwide for the first time in three years , but it will be joined by the new Oreo Shamrock McFlurry , the chain said .
Both seasonal items will be available for a limited time starting nearly a month before St. Patrick ’ s Day .
McDonald ’ s has served the “ iconic , cult-favorite ” shake for 50 years , Linda VanGosen , the company ’ s vice president of menu innovation , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — created in 1967 by Hal Rosen , a Connecticut McDonald ’ s owner and operator , who made the shake for St. Patrick ’ s Day — debuted in select locations across the nation in 1970 .
It has racked up decades of popularity that shows no sign of waning .
One Twitter user wrote : “ Every day we draw nearer to shamrock shake season , and thus , to god ’ s light.
” Wrote another : “ Seasonal depression probably wouldn ’ t be as bad if the shamrock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Even Hulu confessed it was pining for one , with the streaming service tweeting , “ hello mcdonalds , i would like a big mac and a shamrock shake .
xoxo , hulu.
” McDonald ’ s replied : “ We ’ ll give you the shake if you ’ ll share your Hulu password with us.
” To which Hulu tweeted : “ you got it boss .
it ’ s just : ShamrockShake937 !
” The light green drink is made with vanilla soft-serve ice cream , artificially flavored Shamrock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s describes the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry as a “ twist ” on the Shamrock shake with Oreo cookie pieces blended throughout .

For Shamrock Shake fans, Feb. 19 is your lucky day.
Not only will McDonald’s popular mint-flavored shake return to restaurants nationwide for the first time in three years, but it will be joined by the new Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, the chain said.
Both seasonal items will be available for a limited time starting nearly a month before St. Patrick’s Day.
McDonald’s has served the “iconic, cult-favorite” shake for 50 years, Linda VanGosen, the company’s vice president of menu innovation, said in a statement.
The Shamrock Shake — created in 1967 by Hal Rosen, a Connecticut McDonald’s owner and operator, who made the shake for St. Patrick’s Day — debuted in select locations across the nation in 1970.
It has racked up decades of popularity that shows no sign of waning.
One Twitter user wrote: “Every day we draw nearer to shamrock shake season, and thus, to god’s light.”
Wrote another: “Seasonal depression probably wouldn’t be as bad if the shamrock shake was made available in Early February.”
Even Hulu confessed it was pining for one, with the streaming service tweeting, “hello mcdonalds, i would like a big mac and a shamrock shake. xoxo, hulu.”
McDonald’s replied: “We’ll give you the shake if you’ll share your Hulu password with us.” To which Hulu tweeted: “you got it boss. it’s just: ShamrockShake937!”
The light green drink is made with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, artificially flavored Shamrock Shake syrup and whipped topping.
McDonald’s describes the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry as a “twist” on the Shamrock shake with Oreo cookie pieces blended throughout.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Chicago kid Harrison Ford felt the call of ‘Call of the Wild’

My first conversation with Harrison Ford was an in-person chat in 1990 , timed to the release of “ Presumed Innocent.
” As I recall , he answered every question politely — but with extremely brief sound bites .
For decades , the Chicago native has been famously taciturn when dealing with the media — though I think in some cases , e.g.
, a legendarily uncomfortable , multi-segment appearance on “ Late Night With David Letterman ” in 1982 to promote “ Blade Runner , ” Ford ’ s deadpan humor was misinterpreted as disdain for the host and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , and on the phone I ask Ford why he was drawn to his new movie , “ The Call of the Wild.
” Three and a half minutes later , he ’ s still talking , and comfortable to the point of dropping a couple of f-bombs .
What a chatterbox !
I finally have to cut him off so we can move on .
Ford is the star and narrator of “ The Call of the Wild , ” which opens Thursday .
It ’ s the latest in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s legendary short novel about the adventures of a sled dog named Buck during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush , from a 1923 silent film by Hal Roach to a 1935 movie starring Clark Gable to a 1972 Charlton Heston film to various TV projects .
This time around , the oversized St. Bernard/Scotch Collie is a pure CGI creation , as are the breathtaking western Canada settings .
Ford ’ s John Thornton is a crusty and reclusive old-timer with a tragic back story .
At first John ’ s narration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s adventures — but as John and Buck keep crossing paths and their respective stories become deeply intertwined , we learn more about John .
“ I read the book when I was in high school , as all of us did , ” said Ford .
“ I found the book to be powerful and really interesting … as a city boy growing up in Chicago , it sort of stretched my ‘ ken.
’ And my Barbie too , but that ’ s another story.
” “ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve lately done .
I ’ ve always been interested in family films because they ’ re passed on from generation to generation , and I ’ m introduced to new generations .
“ The other character in the film that ’ s of great interest to me is nature .
The presence of nature is palpable , even though it ’ s expressed and created by computers.
” Of course , Ford ’ s experience with acting in films that feature post-production special effects dates back to the 1970s — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says it can be too much of a good thing : “ One of the dangers of CGI … is creating spectacle [ in which ] you lose human scale .
You want people to feel what they might feel in reality.
” Is that something that gets lost in certain mega-budget movies these days ?
“ I see it over and over again , man , ” says Ford .
“ There ’ s too many f -- -—- airplanes in the sky in the dogfight … too many bad guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just lose anything within your experience you can relate to , and you say , ‘ Oh , they did that with the computer.
’ That didn ’ t happen with this movie.
” Even with all the CGI in “ The Call of the Wild , ” you can ’ t fake everything .
The 77-year-old Ford is playing a character who throws and takes a punch or two , does a lot of hiking and running , and plunges into an icy river for a bath .
Was it physically challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece of cake , it was fun , ” says Ford .
“ There was nothing daunting or difficult about it .
… That ’ s the fun of this game for me , all that kinda stuff.
” And is it still fun , after all this time ?
“ S -- - man , I ’ m too old to be here if it ain ’ t fun .
… I ’ m in it for the fun of it .
I ’ m in it for the emotional exercise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Before we say goodbye , I tell Ford about a recent report from Robert Feder that Maine Township High School is celebrating its 60th year of broadcasting , dating back to Dec. 20 , 1959 — when the first student voice to be heard on the station was that of one Harry Ford , class of 1960 .
Ford laughs with delight and says : “ God Almighty .
That was long ago , in a world far , far away .
”

My first conversation with Harrison Ford was an in-person chat in 1990, timed to the release of “Presumed Innocent.” As I recall, he answered every question politely — but with extremely brief sound bites.
For decades, the Chicago native has been famously taciturn when dealing with the media — though I think in some cases, e.g., a legendarily uncomfortable, multi-segment appearance on “Late Night With David Letterman” in 1982 to promote “Blade Runner,” Ford’s deadpan humor was misinterpreted as disdain for the host and the whole PR process.
Cut to 2020, and on the phone I ask Ford why he was drawn to his new movie, “The Call of the Wild.” Three and a half minutes later, he’s still talking, and comfortable to the point of dropping a couple of f-bombs.
What a chatterbox! I finally have to cut him off so we can move on.
Ford is the star and narrator of “The Call of the Wild,” which opens Thursday. It’s the latest in a long line of adaptations of Jack London’s legendary short novel about the adventures of a sled dog named Buck during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, from a 1923 silent film by Hal Roach to a 1935 movie starring Clark Gable to a 1972 Charlton Heston film to various TV projects.
This time around, the oversized St. Bernard/Scotch Collie is a pure CGI creation, as are the breathtaking western Canada settings.
Ford’s John Thornton is a crusty and reclusive old-timer with a tragic back story. At first John’s narration seems like a matter-of-fact telling of Buck’s adventures — but as John and Buck keep crossing paths and their respective stories become deeply intertwined, we learn more about John.
“I read the book when I was in high school, as all of us did,” said Ford. “I found the book to be powerful and really interesting … as a city boy growing up in Chicago, it sort of stretched my ‘ken.’ And my Barbie too, but that’s another story.”
Ba dum bum.
“When I read the script, there was powerful potential in it. I knew it was going to be CGI. … The one thing I wanted to explore and develop further was the history of John Thornton. In the book … we don’t know where he comes from. His only utility is to attend to the Buck story. But I thought it would be more emotionally powerful to develop a context in which each character led the other to their destiny. I thought that would be interesting for me.
“I’m always looking for something different from what I’ve lately done. I’ve always been interested in family films because they’re passed on from generation to generation, and I’m introduced to new generations.
“The other character in the film that’s of great interest to me is nature. The presence of nature is palpable, even though it’s expressed and created by computers.”
So, if there were no actual dogs on the set, was Ford acting with a tennis ball on a stick or some other prop standing in for Buck?
“No, it was worse than that,” jokes Ford. “It was actually a guy named Terry Notary. I was blessed to have Terry to work with. He’s an actor, he’s a former Cirque du Soleil gymnast. He moved like a dog. He was able to give reference to the animation. He was spectacular. When I was relating to him, he was playing Buck for me.”
Of course, Ford’s experience with acting in films that feature post-production special effects dates back to the 1970s — and though he appreciates the technology, he says it can be too much of a good thing:
“One of the dangers of CGI … is creating spectacle [in which] you lose human scale. You want people to feel what they might feel in reality.”
Is that something that gets lost in certain mega-budget movies these days?
“I see it over and over again, man,” says Ford. “There’s too many f---—- airplanes in the sky in the dogfight … too many bad guys coming over the ridge. And you just lose anything within your experience you can relate to, and you say, ‘Oh, they did that with the computer.’ That didn’t happen with this movie.”
Even with all the CGI in “The Call of the Wild,” you can’t fake everything. The 77-year-old Ford is playing a character who throws and takes a punch or two, does a lot of hiking and running, and plunges into an icy river for a bath. Was it physically challenging?
“Nah, it was a piece of cake, it was fun,” says Ford. “There was nothing daunting or difficult about it. … That’s the fun of this game for me, all that kinda stuff.”
And is it still fun, after all this time?
“S--- man, I’m too old to be here if it ain’t fun. … I’m in it for the fun of it. I’m in it for the emotional exercise and the fun of being around creative people.”
Before we say goodbye, I tell Ford about a recent report from Robert Feder that Maine Township High School is celebrating its 60th year of broadcasting, dating back to Dec. 20, 1959 — when the first student voice to be heard on the station was that of one Harry Ford, class of 1960.
Ford laughs with delight and says:
“God Almighty. That was long ago, in a world far, far away.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Dear Abby: Should I tell my friend her husband made a pass at me?

DEAR ABBY : I have been friends with “ Caroline ” for more than 20 years .
Her husband is present when they visit us because they live out of state , and when I visit her , he is there .
I have been married for 28 years , and my husband doesn ’ t join me when I visit Caroline .
Caroline travels worldwide for work .
Her husband has family near me .
One time , when he was in town and she was traveling , I invited him to meet me for dinner .
He got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a date behind his wife ’ s back .
She knew we were having dinner , but I never revealed to her that he made a pass at me that evening .
I corrected him , explained I wasn ’ t trying to start a romance and emphasized I would never do that to my friend .
When I got home that night , my husband asked how dinner went , and I shared what happened .
He took it personally .
He felt disrespected and told me to tell Caroline .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t say anything .
This happened a year or two ago .
My husband and I are now invited to the wedding of Caroline ’ s stepdaughter .
My husband refuses to go because of what happened .
He insists I should tell Caroline and explain why he isn ’ t coming .
I have no feelings whatsoever for her husband and would never engage in anything with him .
Their marriage is already rocky .
Both have had extramarital affairs , and he said he planned to divorce her last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tell Caroline what happened ?
— COVERING UP DEAR COVERING : I see nothing positive to be gained by telling Caroline at this late date .
It ’ s ancient history .
Caroline already knows that her husband has cheated in the past .
I do not think it would be helpful to rock the boat .
DEAR ABBY : This is a delicate subject for me , one I ’ ve never been faced with before .
I have been speaking to a really nice guy I met online , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to meet up .
It wasn ’ t anyplace special or expensive ; it was a lunch spot .
I wore jeans and new shoes , and did my hair to look nice for him .
We had a pleasant lunch , which he insisted on paying for .
Abby , in his pictures , he is very handsome .
In most of them he was well-dressed and -kept .
He showed up in a knit ski hat that covered nearly his whole head , and the rest of his attire was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I expected for our first date that we had been talking about for a long time .
I ’ m thinking I may be disappointed because I may have built up expectations in my head .
We are talking about a second date , and I ’ d like to give him another chance to crisp himself up , but I would like to handle it delicately so as not to hurt his feelings .
I never thought of myself as judgmental .
Am I being unreasonable for wishing my new boyfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do for him ?
How do I handle this ?
— SECOND THOUGHTS DEAR SECOND THOUGHTS : Here ’ s how .
Recognize that he is not your “ new boyfriend ” ; he is only a candidate for the “ job.
” Go out with him a few more times and get to know him well enough that you can have an honest conversation with him .
If he doesn ’ t shape up , at that point , tell him what you told me .
Leave out the part about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are honest , and you are entitled to them , and frankly , you might be doing him a favor to speak up .
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 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I have been friends with “Caroline” for more than 20 years. Her husband is present when they visit us because they live out of state, and when I visit her, he is there. I have been married for 28 years, and my husband doesn’t join me when I visit Caroline.
Caroline travels worldwide for work. Her husband has family near me. One time, when he was in town and she was traveling, I invited him to meet me for dinner. He got the wrong idea and thought it was a date behind his wife’s back. She knew we were having dinner, but I never revealed to her that he made a pass at me that evening. I corrected him, explained I wasn’t trying to start a romance and emphasized I would never do that to my friend.
When I got home that night, my husband asked how dinner went, and I shared what happened. He took it personally. He felt disrespected and told me to tell Caroline. Others I have spoken to about this said don’t say anything. This happened a year or two ago.
My husband and I are now invited to the wedding of Caroline’s stepdaughter. My husband refuses to go because of what happened. He insists I should tell Caroline and explain why he isn’t coming.
I have no feelings whatsoever for her husband and would never engage in anything with him. Their marriage is already rocky. Both have had extramarital affairs, and he said he planned to divorce her last year but hasn’t. Should I tell Caroline what happened? — COVERING UP
DEAR COVERING: I see nothing positive to be gained by telling Caroline at this late date. It’s ancient history. Caroline already knows that her husband has cheated in the past. I do not think it would be helpful to rock the boat.
DEAR ABBY: This is a delicate subject for me, one I’ve never been faced with before. I have been speaking to a really nice guy I met online, and after many weeks of talking, we decided to meet up. It wasn’t anyplace special or expensive; it was a lunch spot. I wore jeans and new shoes, and did my hair to look nice for him. We had a pleasant lunch, which he insisted on paying for.
Abby, in his pictures, he is very handsome. In most of them he was well-dressed and -kept. He showed up in a knit ski hat that covered nearly his whole head, and the rest of his attire was wrinkled and sloppy. It was not what I expected for our first date that we had been talking about for a long time.
I’m thinking I may be disappointed because I may have built up expectations in my head. We are talking about a second date, and I’d like to give him another chance to crisp himself up, but I would like to handle it delicately so as not to hurt his feelings. I never thought of myself as judgmental. Am I being unreasonable for wishing my new boyfriend wants to look good for me as I do for him? How do I handle this? — SECOND THOUGHTS
DEAR SECOND THOUGHTS: Here’s how. Recognize that he is not your “new boyfriend”; he is only a candidate for the “job.” Go out with him a few more times and get to know him well enough that you can have an honest conversation with him. If he doesn’t shape up, at that point, tell him what you told me. Leave out the part about blaming yourself for your feelings. They are honest, and you are entitled to them, and frankly, you might be doing him a favor to speak up.
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.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
Support local journalism that matters to you. Subscribe to the Sun-Times today.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Thief targets parked vehicles in Little Village, Pilsen

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of vehicle thefts reported in February in Pilsen and Little Village on @ @ @ @ @ Sides .
In each incident someone stole vehicles that were parked on the street , @ @ @ @ @ from Chicago police .
• About 9 p.m. Feb. 1 in the 2600 block of @ @ @ @ @ Between 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 6 a.m. Feb. 2 in the 2600 block of @ @ @ @ @ Between 5 p.m. Feb. 2 and 5:30 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 3500 block of @ @ @ @ @ Between 9 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 a.m. Feb. 12 in the 2800 block of @ @ @ @ @ Between 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and 10 a.m. Feb. 15 in the 2800 block of @ @ @ @ @ • About 3 a.m. Feb. 16 in the 2200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue .
@ @ @ @ @ are involved .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of vehicle thefts reported in February in Pilsen and Little Village on the Southwest and Near West Sides.
In each incident someone stole vehicles that were parked on the street, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The thefts happened:
About 9 p.m. Feb. 1 in the 2600 block of West 22nd Place;
Between 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 6 a.m. Feb. 2 in the 2600 block of West 25th Street;
Between 5 p.m. Feb. 2 and 5:30 a.m. Feb. 3 in the 3500 block of West 24th Street;
Between 9 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 a.m. Feb. 12 in the 2800 block of West 23rd Street;
Between 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and 10 a.m. Feb. 15 in the 2800 block of West 22nd Place; and
About 3 a.m. Feb. 16 in the 2200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue.
Police believe that two males are involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Person steals coins from apartment washing and drying machines in Hyde Park

Chicago police are warning residents of a pair of recent burglaries reported in Hyde Park on the South Side .
@ @ @ @ @ breaks into the basement of an apartment building and steals coins from inside the washing @ @ @ @ @ police said in a community alert .
• Between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Jan. @ @ @ @ @ block of South Ridgewood Court ; and • Between 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 @ @ @ @ @ the 5400 block of South Cornell Ave .
Anyone with information is asked to contact @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of a pair of recent burglaries reported in Hyde Park on the South Side.
In each incident, someone breaks into the basement of an apartment building and steals coins from inside the washing and drying machines, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The burglaries happened:
Between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Jan. 26, in the 5400 block of South Ridgewood Court; and
Between 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 a.m. Feb. 12, in the 5400 block of South Cornell Ave.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--7 shot, 1 fatally Monday in Chicago

7 shot, 1 fatally Monday in Chicago

Seven people were shot , one of them fatally , Monday in Chicago including a man was shot dead and two others — including a woman — injured at a subway station in the Loop .
Chicago police said the shooting , stemming from a “ prior dispute , ” happened just after 2 a.m. in the tunnel connecting the Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations in the 200 block of South Dearborn Street .
A man in his 20s was shot in the abdomen and chest and pronounced dead at the scene , police and Chicago Fire Dept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 21 , was hit in the head and arm and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition .
A 19-year-old woman was also shot in the lower backside and taken to Northwestern in good condition , police and fire officials said .
Investigators think she was with the men but was not an intended target .
Police said the male suspect and the two men apparently know each other and “ had a prior dispute making this incident personal in nature.
” The suspect ran and no arrests have been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was shot in West Rogers Park on the North Side .
He was walking about 5:47 p.m. in the 2300 block of West Jarvis Avenue when someone approached him and opened fire , police said .
The teen was hit in the arm , chest and abdomen .
He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston where he was listed in critical condition , police said .
A man was wounded while driving on the Chicago Skyway on the South Side .
He was riding in a vehicle about 11:35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street when a gray van pulled alongside and someone opened fire , police said .
The 32-year-old was struck in the leg and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , police said .
His condition was stabilized .
About an hour prior , a 26-year-old man was shot in his hand in Morgan Park on the Far South Side .
The shooting happened about 10:20 a.m. in the 1400 block of West 114th Place , police said .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
A 17-year-old girl was hurt in a shooting after refusing to buy drugs from someone in Logan Square .
She was walking with her friend , a 19-year-old man , at 12:14 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Harding Avenue when three males approached in a tan SUV and asked if they wanted to buy drugs , according to Chicago police .
When they refused , someone in the SUV fired shots , hitting the girl in the foot , police said .
She was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were shot , three of the fatally , this past weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Seven people were shot, one of them fatally, Monday in Chicago including a man was shot dead and two others — including a woman — injured at a subway station in the Loop.
Chicago police said the shooting, stemming from a “prior dispute,” happened just after 2 a.m. in the tunnel connecting the Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations in the 200 block of South Dearborn Street.
A man in his 20s was shot in the abdomen and chest and pronounced dead at the scene, police and Chicago Fire Dept. officials said. The other man, 21, was hit in the head and arm and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
A 19-year-old woman was also shot in the lower backside and taken to Northwestern in good condition, police and fire officials said. Investigators think she was with the men but was not an intended target.
Police said the male suspect and the two men apparently know each other and “had a prior dispute making this incident personal in nature.” The suspect ran and no arrests have been made.
A 17-year-old boy was critically wounded when he was shot in West Rogers Park on the North Side.
He was walking about 5:47 p.m. in the 2300 block of West Jarvis Avenue when someone approached him and opened fire, police said. The teen was hit in the arm, chest and abdomen.
He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston where he was listed in critical condition, police said.
A man was wounded while driving on the Chicago Skyway on the South Side.
He was riding in a vehicle about 11:35 a.m. in the outbound lanes near 78th Street when a gray van pulled alongside and someone opened fire, police said.
The 32-year-old was struck in the leg and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. His condition was stabilized.
About an hour prior, a 26-year-old man was shot in his hand in Morgan Park on the Far South Side.
The shooting happened about 10:20 a.m. in the 1400 block of West 114th Place, police said.
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said. Additional details were not immediately released.
A 17-year-old girl was hurt in a shooting after refusing to buy drugs from someone in Logan Square.
She was walking with her friend, a 19-year-old man, at 12:14 a.m. in the 2900 block of North Harding Avenue when three males approached in a tan SUV and asked if they wanted to buy drugs, according to Chicago police.
When they refused, someone in the SUV fired shots, hitting the girl in the foot, police said. She was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition.
26 people were shot, three of the fatally, this past weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Man missing from Round Lake Beach

Man missing from Round Lake Beach

Round Lake Beach police are asking for help locating a 79-year-old man who has been reported missing from north suburban @ @ @ @ @ Luna-Santos was last seen about noon Monday leaving his home in the 200 block of @ @ @ @ @ 1999 Ford Ranger with an Illinois license plate of 91108X , according to a missing @ @ @ @ @ Beach police .
Luna-Santos , who has a condition that puts him in danger , @ @ @ @ @ , with brown eyes and black hair , police said .
He was last seen @ @ @ @ @ a gray jacket , police said .
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked @ @ @ @ @ police at 847-546-2127 .

A 79-year-old man reported missing from Round Lake Beach has been located.
Gonzalo Luna-Santos was last seen Monday leaving his home in the 200 block of Pennsbury Court, according to a missing persons alert from Round Lake Beach police.
Police said Tuesday that he was located by Buffalo Grove police. Additional details were not released.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy due to sex-abuse lawsuits

Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits , the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed , 110-year-old organization to carry on .
The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington , Delaware , sets in motion what could be one of the biggest , most complex bankruptcies ever seen .
Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their states ’ statute-of-limitations laws .
By going to bankruptcy court , the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now .
But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings , including campgrounds and hiking trails , to raise money for a compensation trust fund that could surpass a billion dollars .
The bankruptcy petition listed the Boy Scouts ’ assets as between $ 1 billion and $ 10 billion , and its liabilities at $ 500 million to $ 1 billion .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for many years to come , ” the Boy Scouts said in a statement .
“ Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organizations.
” The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse .
Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years .
The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a training ground for future leaders .
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians , business leaders , astronauts and others put on their resumes and in their official biographies .
The Boy Scouts ’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements .
The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million , down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s .
The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy Scout units — cut ties and withdrew more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own .
The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York , Arizona , New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims .
Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1960s , ‘ 70s and ‘ 80s ; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018 .
The Boy Scouts credit the change to an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s , including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers , and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities .
“ We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children , ” said Roger Mosby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO .
“ While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered , we believe the Chapter 11 process , with the proposed trust structure , will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA ’ s important mission.
” In many ways , the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S .
Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse .
whether by priests or scout leaders , but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups , mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressed in bankruptcy court : the fate of the Boy Scouts ’ assets ; the extent to which the organization ’ s insurance will help cover compensation ; and whether the victims ’ lawyers will seek to add to the fund the assets of the Scouts ’ more than 260 local councils .
9 “ There are a lot of very angry , resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are , ” said lawyer Paul Mones , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They want no stone unturned.
” Amid the crush of lawsuits , the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership , including the headquarters in Irving , Texas , and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico , to help secure a line of credit .
Founded in 1910 , the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse , for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth .
According to a court deposition , the files @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 12,254 victims .
Until last spring , the organization had insisted it never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths .
But in May , The Associated Press reported that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts .
The next day , Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee , acknowledging the group ’ s previous claim was untrue .
James Kretschmer of Houston , among the many men suing for alleged abuse , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over several months in the mid-1970s in the Spokane , Washington , area .
Regarding the bankruptcy , he said , “ It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be , the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.
” “ But you know , anything can be corrupted , ” he added .
“ And if they ’ re not going to protect the people that they ’ ve entrusted with the children , then shut it down and move on.
” Ahead of the Chapter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the organization ’ s 50-state presence , as well as its ties to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops , a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity .
It would be national in scope , unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases , which have unfolded diocese by diocese .
“ A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we ’ ve ever seen , ” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau , whose firm is representing scores of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boy Scouts .
Illustrating the depth of its problems , the organization in 2018 sued six of its insurers for refusing to cover its sex abuse liabilities .
The insurers said their obligation was void because the Scouts refused to take effective preventive measures such as warning parents that boys might be abused .

Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed, 110-year-old organization to carry on.
The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, sets in motion what could be one of the biggest, most complex bankruptcies ever seen. Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now eligible to sue because of recent changes in their states’ statute-of-limitations laws.
By going to bankruptcy court, the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a compensation trust fund that could surpass a billion dollars.
The bankruptcy petition listed the Boy Scouts’ assets as between $1 billion and $10 billion, and its liabilities at $500 million to $1 billion.
“Scouting programs will continue throughout this process and for many years to come,” the Boy Scouts said in a statement. “Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organizations.”
The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse. Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.
The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar of American civic life for generations and a training ground for future leaders. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians, business leaders, astronauts and others put on their resumes and in their official biographies.
The Boy Scouts’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements.
The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s. The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting girls, but its membership rolls took a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy Scout units — cut ties and withdrew more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own.
The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York, Arizona, New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims. Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts.
Most of the newly surfacing cases date to the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018. The Boy Scouts credit the change to an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s, including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers, and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities.
“We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children,” said Roger Mosby, the BSA’s president and CEO. “While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered, we believe the Chapter 11 process, with the proposed trust structure, will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA’s important mission.”
In many ways, the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S. Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse. whether by priests or scout leaders, but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups, mostly decades ago.
Among the matters to be addressed in bankruptcy court: the fate of the Boy Scouts’ assets; the extent to which the organization’s insurance will help cover compensation; and whether the victims’ lawyers will seek to add to the fund the assets of the Scouts’ more than 260 local councils. 9
“There are a lot of very angry, resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are,” said lawyer Paul Mones, who represents numerous clients suing the BSA. “They want no stone unturned.”
Amid the crush of lawsuits, the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership, including the headquarters in Irving, Texas, and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, to help secure a line of credit.
Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse, for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth. According to a court deposition, the files as of January listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.
Until last spring, the organization had insisted it never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths. But in May, The Associated Press reported that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts. The next day, Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee, acknowledging the group’s previous claim was untrue.
James Kretschmer of Houston, among the many men suing for alleged abuse, says he was molested by a Scout leader over several months in the mid-1970s in the Spokane, Washington, area. Regarding the bankruptcy, he said, “It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be, the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.”
“But you know, anything can be corrupted,” he added. “And if they’re not going to protect the people that they’ve entrusted with the children, then shut it down and move on.”
Ahead of the Chapter 11 filing, lawyers said that because of the organization’s 50-state presence, as well as its ties to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops, a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity. It would be national in scope, unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases, which have unfolded diocese by diocese.
“A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we’ve ever seen,” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau, whose firm is representing scores of men nationwide alleging they were abused as Boy Scouts.
Illustrating the depth of its problems, the organization in 2018 sued six of its insurers for refusing to cover its sex abuse liabilities. The insurers said their obligation was void because the Scouts refused to take effective preventive measures such as warning parents that boys might be abused.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Waukegan Township crash leaves man in critical condition

A 52-year-old man was critically injured in a crash Monday in north suburban Waukegan Township .
Officers were called to @ @ @ @ @ p.m. at Green Bay Road and Keith Avenue , the Lake County sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a 2006 Ford Econoline was northbound on Green Bay when the driver crossed into southbound @ @ @ @ @ , a tree and utility pole , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The @ @ @ @ @ roll over on its side .
The man was found laying partially outside the Ford @ @ @ @ @ t clear if he was ejected or tried crawling out , the sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in critical condition , the sheriff ’ @ @ @ @

A 52-year-old man was critically injured in a crash Monday in north suburban Waukegan Township.
Officers were called to a single-vehicle crash about 12:50 p.m. at Green Bay Road and Keith Avenue, the Lake County sheriff’s office said.
Investigators determined a 2006 Ford Econoline was northbound on Green Bay when the driver crossed into southbound traffic, struck a curb, a tree and utility pole, the sheriff’s office said. The impact caused the Ford to roll over on its side.
The man was found laying partially outside the Ford, but it isn’t clear if he was ejected or tried crawling out, the sheriff’s office said.
He was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in critical condition, the sheriff’s office said.
The crash remains under investigation.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-17--Horoscope for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3 a.m. 5 a.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn .
For the next four weeks , you will play things more low-key than usual .
Even though your ambition is aroused , seek ways to work alone or behind the scenes because this will best suit your needs .
Meanwhile , take time to catch up with old friends from your past .
You will be popular in the next four weeks , which is why you will enjoy interacting with friends and being busy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might take over a leadership role with a group of people .
Old friends from your past are back in your world .
Lucky you !
In the next four weeks , the sun will be at the top of your chart shining down on you , casting you in a flattering light .
Without doing anything special , others will admire you , especially bosses , parents , teachers and VIPs .
Obviously , you can use this four-week window to advance your agenda !
Do whatever you can to travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next four weeks because this is what you really want to do .
You need to escape !
You also need some diversions and a sense of adventure to juice up your life .
More than usual , you will be focused on shared property , taxes , debt and the wealth and property of others in the next four weeks .
Travel for pleasure still appeals ; plus , you ’ re busting your buns working hard to get stuff done .
You will need more sleep in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your sign .
Symbolically speaking , it is as far away from you as it gets all year and the sun is your source of energy .
Meanwhile , ex-partners are back in your world because of the influence of Mercury retrograde .
You are affected by your surroundings .
In the next four weeks , you will work to pull your act together and get better organized .
You want a home for everything so that your surroundings are more pleasant and peaceful , which will promote your own happier state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look forward to in the next four weeks because you ’ re entering a lovely window of time that will be playful , prankish and full of social opportunities .
You might also be involved with children more than usual along with sports events , and old flames !
( Gulp . )
Home , family and your private world will be your focus for the next four weeks .
Many of you will be more involved than usual with a parent .
Fortunately , Venus offers opportunities to socialize and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the next four weeks are busy !
Suddenly , you have things to do , people to see and places to go !
Fortunately , Mars in your sign will give you the energy you need , especially to cope with transportation delays and mixed-up communications .
Money , possessions and your wealth will be your focus in the next four weeks .
You will also feel the effects of Mercury retrograde , which will create delays in financial matters .
For example , checks in the mail will be late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year .
This is because the sun will be in your sign boosting your energy !
You will also attract people and favorable situations to you .
If Your Birthday Is Today Author Toni Morrison ( 1931-2019 ) shares your birthday .
You are passionate and intense .
You choose to obey your heart and do what you want .
Service to others is your theme this year , especially with family .
This means you must take care of yourself so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others .
Invest in the relationships that you value .
Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies .

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3 a.m. 5 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
For the next four weeks, you will play things more low-key than usual. Even though your ambition is aroused, seek ways to work alone or behind the scenes because this will best suit your needs. Meanwhile, take time to catch up with old friends from your past.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You will be popular in the next four weeks, which is why you will enjoy interacting with friends and being busy with groups, clubs and organizations. You might take over a leadership role with a group of people. Old friends from your past are back in your world.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Lucky you! In the next four weeks, the sun will be at the top of your chart shining down on you, casting you in a flattering light. Without doing anything special, others will admire you, especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. Obviously, you can use this four-week window to advance your agenda!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Do whatever you can to travel and “get away from all this” in the next four weeks because this is what you really want to do. You need to escape! You also need some diversions and a sense of adventure to juice up your life.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
More than usual, you will be focused on shared property, taxes, debt and the wealth and property of others in the next four weeks. Travel for pleasure still appeals; plus, you’re busting your buns working hard to get stuff done.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You will need more sleep in the next four weeks because the sun is opposite your sign. Symbolically speaking, it is as far away from you as it gets all year and the sun is your source of energy. Meanwhile, ex-partners are back in your world because of the influence of Mercury retrograde.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
You are affected by your surroundings. In the next four weeks, you will work to pull your act together and get better organized. You want a home for everything so that your surroundings are more pleasant and peaceful, which will promote your own happier state of mind. Definitely!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You have much to look forward to in the next four weeks because you’re entering a lovely window of time that will be playful, prankish and full of social opportunities. You might also be involved with children more than usual along with sports events, and old flames! (Gulp.)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Home, family and your private world will be your focus for the next four weeks. Many of you will be more involved than usual with a parent. Fortunately, Venus offers opportunities to socialize and have fun!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Fasten your seat belt, because the next four weeks are busy! Suddenly, you have things to do, people to see and places to go! Fortunately, Mars in your sign will give you the energy you need, especially to cope with transportation delays and mixed-up communications.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Money, possessions and your wealth will be your focus in the next four weeks. You will also feel the effects of Mercury retrograde, which will create delays in financial matters. For example, checks in the mail will be late.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
The next four weeks will bring you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. This is because the sun will be in your sign boosting your energy! You will also attract people and favorable situations to you.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Author Toni Morrison (1931-2019) shares your birthday. You are passionate and intense. You choose to obey your heart and do what you want. Service to others is your theme this year, especially with family. This means you must take care of yourself so that you are a strong resource for yourself and others. Invest in the relationships that you value. Tap into your personal creativity and hobbies.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Pilsen post office discrimination claims should be ‘swiftly’ investigated, Durbin says

Sen. Dick Durbin ( D-IL ) urged the U.S .
Postal Service Tuesday to hasten its investigation into allegations of discrimination against non-English speakers at the post office in Pilsen .
In a letter addressed to a government liaison for the independent agency , Durbin said he was “ concerned ” about reports that “ point to the existence of a larger issue ... regarding the treatment of and accommodations for non-English speaking customers ” at the post office named after late Mexican-American labor leader , Cesar Chavez .
Durbin called on the USPS to “ move swiftly to investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations for corrective action as soon as possible.
” The letter comes nearly two weeks after Evelyn Gonzalez , an eyelash technician who lives in Pilsen , accused a retail clerk at the post office of berating non-English speakers in a Facebook post that almost immediately went viral .
Gonzalez also accused the clerk of calling the police after she asked the clerk not to be rude to customers .
Dozens of neighborhood residents shared Gonzalez ’ s post , adding their own stories of alleged disrespect and mistreatment of non-English speakers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers should have confidence that they will be treated with the utmost respect , ” Durbin wrote .
“ Furthermore , [ the post office ] is located in a predominantly non-English speaking neighborhood , so it is hard to understand why a plan was not in place for assisting non-English speaking customers.
” Gonzalez joined Ald .
Byron Sigcho-Lopez ( 25th ) and state Rep. Theresa Mah at a news conference in front of the post office last week .
Also in attendance was a USPS spokesman who said the agency was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at the post office .
The spokesman tried to show reporters a “ translation friendly ” sign at the post office that allows patrons to translate retail signage into their preferred language “ using their favorite translator app ” on their smartphones .
The sign was nowhere to be found .
“ Pilsen is a diverse , multi-cultural community and in order to effectively serve the people there , it is of the utmost important that the Cesar Chavez post office reflect that , ” Durbin wrote .
USPS said the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the post office ’ s lobby but did not directly respond to Durbin ’ s letter .
Carlos Ballesteros is a corp member of Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago ’ s South Side and West Side .

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., urged the U.S. Postal Service Tuesday to hasten its investigation into allegations of discrimination against non-English speakers at the post office in Pilsen.
In a letter addressed to a government liaison for the independent agency, Durbin said he was “concerned” about reports that “point to the existence of a larger issue ... regarding the treatment of and accommodations for non-English speaking customers” at the post office named after late Mexican-American labor leader, Cesar Chavez.
Durbin called on the USPS to “move swiftly to investigate the recent reports and issue findings and recommendations for corrective action as soon as possible.”
The letter comes nearly two weeks after Evelyn Gonzalez, an eyelash technician who lives in Pilsen, accused a retail clerk at the post office of berating non-English speakers in a Facebook post that almost immediately went viral. Gonzalez also accused the clerk of calling the police after she asked the clerk not to be rude to customers.
Dozens of neighborhood residents shared Gonzalez’s post, adding their own stories of alleged disrespect and mistreatment of non-English speakers at the post office.
“All USPS customers should have confidence that they will be treated with the utmost respect,” Durbin wrote. “Furthermore, [the post office] is located in a predominantly non-English speaking neighborhood, so it is hard to understand why a plan was not in place for assisting non-English speaking customers.”
Gonzalez joined Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) and state Rep. Theresa Mah at a news conference in front of the post office last week.
Also in attendance was a USPS spokesman who said the agency was “actively recruiting” Spanish speakers to work at the post office.
The spokesman tried to show reporters a “translation friendly” sign at the post office that allows patrons to translate retail signage into their preferred language “using their favorite translator app” on their smartphones. The sign was nowhere to be found.
“Pilsen is a diverse, multi-cultural community and in order to effectively serve the people there, it is of the utmost important that the Cesar Chavez post office reflect that,” Durbin wrote.
USPS said the “translation friendly” sign is now installed in the post office’s lobby but did not directly respond to Durbin’s letter.
Carlos Ballesteros is a corp member of Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago’s South Side and West Side.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Free Blago movement got unlikely boost from Chicago police union

Sneed has learned Chicago Fraternal Order of Police union president Kevin Graham wrote a letter to President Donald Trump weeks ago requesting the commutation of former Democratic Gov .
Rod Blagojevich ’ s prison sentence .
“ I believe everybody should be treated fairly in the city and prosecutors can go into overdrive with excessive sentencing , and I felt Blagojevich ’ s 14-year sentence was excessive , “ Graham told Sneed .
While he wouldn ’ t reveal his past voting record , he insisted he had never met Blagojevich .
“ I don ’ t know him but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stating his truth on excessive punishment , ” he said .
The five-paragraph letter was written on Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge # 7 letterhead and co-authored by Martin Preib , the FOP ’ s second in command who is running against Graham in the next union election .
“ We just believed a 14-year sentence was over the top ... compared to what goes on in Cook County where people don ’ t get 14 years for murder !
” Graham said .
The letter was sent Jan. 24 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to commute Rod ’ s sentence Tuesday .
Asked why they penned the request just a few weeks ago , Graham said : “ I just felt this was the right time to send the letter.
” The letter states : “ While Mr. Blagojevich ’ s conviction for corruption is a serious crime , his punishment has been , in our opinion , excessive .
“ Corruption in the governor ’ s office is nothing new , but overwhelming evidence against other governors for similar wrongdoing has not met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to Mr. Blagojevich.
” The letter cited former Republican Gov .
George Ryan ’ s felony convictions ( for which he was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison ) ... as well as “ evidence of misconduct ” by Ryan and former Gov .
Pat Quinn “ in the release of convicted killers on the claim of wrongful conviction.
” • Backshot : Graham was the ONLY city official greeting President Trump on his first official POTUS visit to the city in October to attend a private fundraiser and an international law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he got a personal shout out from Trump .
• Upshot : Graham was subsequently invited to the White House a few weeks later for a private confab with Trump and eight other police union presidents .
“ That ’ s when I thanked the president for supporting the police nationwide and citing Chicago in particular , ” said Graham .
“ And we also discussed prosecutors and unfair sentences !
” • The letter praised Trump for the sign “ of your courage to do what is right in supporting law and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ spirit of gratitude ” thanking the president and his Justice Department for “ opposing the ( police ) consent decree foisted on our members by local officials.
” The consent decree process required a number of police reforms the union opposed .
• Sure shot ?
Does it go without saying who Graham plans to vote for in November ?
“ I am inclined to support President Trump in the next election ... although it ’ s important to note our national association makes our official endorsement for president , ” @ @ @

Who knew!
Sneed has learned Chicago Fraternal Order of Police union president Kevin Graham wrote a letter to President Donald Trump weeks ago requesting the commutation of former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s prison sentence.
“I believe everybody should be treated fairly in the city and prosecutors can go into overdrive with excessive sentencing, and I felt Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence was excessive,“ Graham told Sneed.
While he wouldn’t reveal his past voting record, he insisted he had never met Blagojevich.
“I don’t know him but that shouldn’t stop anyone from stating his truth on excessive punishment,” he said.
The five-paragraph letter was written on Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7 letterhead and co-authored by Martin Preib, the FOP’s second in command who is running against Graham in the next union election.
“We just believed a 14-year sentence was over the top ... compared to what goes on in Cook County where people don’t get 14 years for murder!” Graham said.
The letter was sent Jan. 24, which now appears to be prescient considering Trump’s decision to commute Rod’s sentence Tuesday. Asked why they penned the request just a few weeks ago, Graham said: “I just felt this was the right time to send the letter.”
The letter states: “While Mr. Blagojevich’s conviction for corruption is a serious crime, his punishment has been, in our opinion, excessive.
“Corruption in the governor’s office is nothing new, but overwhelming evidence against other governors for similar wrongdoing has not met with anything close to the punishment meted out to Mr. Blagojevich.”
The letter cited former Republican Gov. George Ryan’s felony convictions (for which he was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison) ... as well as “evidence of misconduct” by Ryan and former Gov. Pat Quinn “in the release of convicted killers on the claim of wrongful conviction.”
• Backshot: Graham greeted President Trump on his first official POTUS visit to the city in October to attend a private fundraiser and an international law enforcement conclave at McCormick Place, where he got a personal shout out from Trump.
• Upshot: Graham was subsequently invited to the White House a few weeks later for a private confab with Trump and eight other police union presidents.
“That’s when I thanked the president for supporting the police nationwide and citing Chicago in particular,” said Graham. “And we also discussed prosecutors and unfair sentences!”
• The letter praised Trump for the sign “of your courage to do what is right in supporting law and order.” It was also sent with a “spirit of gratitude” thanking the president and his Justice Department for “opposing the (police) consent decree foisted on our members by local officials.” The consent decree process required a number of police reforms the union opposed.
• Sure shot? Does it go without saying who Graham plans to vote for in November? “I am inclined to support President Trump in the next election ... although it’s important to note our national association makes our official endorsement for president,” Graham added.
Any bets?


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--‘Good Times’ actress Ja’Net DuBois has died

LOS ANGELES — Ja ’ Net Dubois , who played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on “ Good Times ” and composed and sang the theme song for “ The Jeffersons ” has died .
Dubois ’ song “ Movin ’ on Up ” provided a joyous intro to “ The Jeffersons ” during the show ’ s 10-season run .
BernNadette Stanis , who played Thelma Evans Anderson on “ Good Times , ” said she learned of Dubois ’ death Tuesday from the actress ’ daughter .
Police in Glendale , California , said they received a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She appeared to have died of natural causes and no investigation is ongoing , police Sgt .
Dan Stubbs said .
No additional details , including her age , were immediately available .
Stanis said Dubois appeared to be in good health and they had appeared two weeks ago at a signing event .
She noted that Dubois kept to herself and no one knew exactly how old she was .
Dubois had a prolific career beyond the 1970s hit “ Good Times , ” winning two Emmy Awards for her voice work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Dubois ’ Willona was the single , sexy neighbor and best friend to star Esther Rolle ’ s Florida Evans .
Though the comedy had plenty of one-liners , DuBois ’ appearances gave an extra dose of comedic relief .
Dubois showed off more of her dramatic skills when a young Janet Jackson joined the show as the abused child Penny ; DuBois ’ character would go on to adopt Penny , and the storyline also forged a long , close relationship with Jackson , who would go on to become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother in her 1986 “ Control ” video .
Dubois ’ career started in theater , where she appeared in Broadway productions of “ Golden Boy ” and “ A Raisin in the Sun , ” according to a biography on her website .
A performance in “ The Hot l Baltimore ” in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear , who developed “ Good Times ” and “ The Jeffersons.
” Her film credits included 1970 ’ s “ Diary of a Mad Housewife , ” “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Charlie ’ s Angels : Full Throttle.
” She was credited in numerous other films as varied as “ Basic Instinct , ” “ Next Friday ” and “ Tropic Thunder , ” which included “ Movin ’ on Up .
”

LOS ANGELES — Ja’Net DuBois, who played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on “Good Times” and composed and sang the theme song for “The Jeffersons,” has died.
DuBois’ song “Movin’ on Up” provided a joyous intro to “The Jeffersons” during the show’s 10-season run.
BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans Anderson on “Good Times” and remained close to DuBois, said she learned of her death Tuesday from the actress’ daughter.
“She used to keep us laughing all the time,” Stanis said, warmly recalling her friend. “She was very, very talented. If she wasn’t singing ... she was creating a character to make us laugh.”
Police in Glendale, California, said they received a report about DuBois’ death late Monday. She appeared to have died of natural causes and no investigation is ongoing, police Sgt. Dan Stubbs said. No additional details, including her age, were immediately available.
Stanis said DuBois appeared to be in good health when they appeared two weeks ago at a signing event. Her birth date was something she kept to herself, Stanis said.
“Nobody really knows,” said Stanis, who recalled telling DuBois, “’Oh, you’re so lucky. Nobody knows your age, girl!’”
DuBois had a prolific career beyond the 1970s hit “Good Times,” winning two Emmy Awards for her voice work on the WB series “The PJs.”
DuBois’ Willona was the single, sexy neighbor and best friend to star Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans. Though the comedy had plenty of one-liners, DuBois’ appearances gave an extra dose of comedic relief. DuBois showed off more of her dramatic skills when a young Janet Jackson joined the show as the abused child Penny; DuBois’ character would go on to adopt Penny, and the story line also forged a long, close relationship between DuBois and Jackson, who would go on to become a multiplatinum superstar; she cast DuBois as her mother in her 1986 “Control” video.
Jackson paid tribute to DuBois in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
“I am so very saddened to hear my longtime friend Ja’Net DuBois has passed away. I saw first hand how she broke stereotypes and changed the landscape for Black women in entertainment,” she wrote. “I’m grateful in recent years I had a chance to see her and create more lasting memories. I pray for comfort for all her family and friends.”
Oscar-winner Viola Davis, who played the role of Florida in the live version of “Good Times” that aired on ABC in December, posted a picture of herself, DuBois, Stanis, Tiffany Haddish (who played Willona) and Corinne Foxx on the set of the broadcast.
“Oh man!!! Just saw you! What a pleasure it was to meet you,” she wrote. “You shaped so much of the best memories of my childhood! God bless you, Ja’net DuBois!”
DuBois’ career started in theater, where she appeared in Broadway productions of “Golden Boy” and “A Raisin in the Sun,” according to a biography on her website. A performance in “The Hot l Baltimore” in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear, who developed “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.”
DuBois’ Willona was a “true diva back then, fancy dressing, the wigs, doing the thing. ... the real woman woman,” said Stanis. “She brought it, didn’t she?”
Her film credits included 1970’s “Diary of a Mad Housewife,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
She was credited in numerous other films as varied as “Basic Instinct,” “Next Friday” and “Tropic Thunder,” which included “Movin’ on Up.”
DuBois was a co-founder of the Pan African Film Festival, which since 1992 has showcased films meant to promote a greater cultural understanding of people of African descent.
The festival, which is being held in Los Angeles and runs through Sunday, on Tuesday released an image mourning DuBois, calling her “Our Founder, Now Our Angel.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Before Trump spared Blago, Clinton went to bat for Rosty and Reynolds

President Donald Trump is not the first president to take mercy on a disgraced Illinois pol .
In his final weeks in office , President Bill Clinton gave executive clemency to two former Democratic congressmen , Dan Rostenkowski and Mel Reynolds .
Days before Christmas in 2000 , Clinton gave a long awaited gift to Rostenkowski , issuing a full and unconditional pardon to the once powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee .
Rostenkowski had already served his 17 months at the Oxford Correctional Facility in Wisconsin after pleading guilty in 1996 to two counts of mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed the proud Northwest Side Democrat — who represented the same 5th Congressional District Blagojevich would later serve — a chance to reclaim his reputation .
“ I think it ’ s marvelous that the president thought enough of me , ” Rostenkowski told reporters outside his home hours after the pardon .
And weeks later , in January of 2001 , Clinton commuted former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds ’ federal sentence for campaign and bank fraud charges , allowing the former South Side and south suburban congressman to serve out the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his sentence in a halfway house .
Reynolds was convicted on the federal charges in 1997 , two years after he was convicted in state court for having sex with 16-year-old campaign worker .
Holding a news conference at Midway Airport shortly after his release from prison , Reynolds thanked supporters who pushed for his release , singling out the Rev .
Jesse Jackson , the Rev .
James Meeks and Ald .
Ed Burke ( 14th ) .
Reynolds vowed to spend a few days “ reflecting , refueling and job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , become the breadwinner for my family.
” Rostenkowski died in 2010 at the age of 82 .
Reynolds made a few unsuccessful attempts at a political comeback , but he wound up in trouble years later .
He was convicted of failing to file income taxes in 2018 and sentenced to six months in federal custody .
And rather than get another presidential pardon , Reynolds blamed the Trump administration for what he considered unacceptable treatment at the Metropolitan Correction Center in downtown Chicago .
“ It is becoming clear to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ federal Bureau of Prisons ] have put politics into this now , ” Reynolds told a federal judge in a six-page handwritten letter weeks after beginning his sentence .
“ Your Honor , nothing that I have done justifies me being treated like a dangerous worthless animal for political reasons , while the BOP says that they are trying to protect me .
”

President Donald Trump is not the first president to take mercy on a disgraced Illinois pol.
In his final weeks in office, President Bill Clinton gave executive clemency to two former Democratic congressmen, Dan Rostenkowski and Mel Reynolds.
Days before Christmas in 2000, Clinton gave a long awaited gift to Rostenkowski, issuing a full and unconditional pardon to the once powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
President Bill Clinton and U.S. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski share lunch in 1993. File Photo. AP
Rostenkowski had already served his 17 months at the Oxford Correctional Facility in Wisconsin after pleading guilty in 1996 to two counts of mail fraud. But the White House pardon allowed the proud Northwest Side Democrat — who represented the same 5th Congressional District Blagojevich would later serve — a chance to reclaim his reputation.
“I think it’s marvelous that the president thought enough of me,” Rostenkowski told reporters outside his home hours after the pardon.
Former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski leaves the old Sun-Times building after taping a segment for FOX News in their studio hours after President Bill Clinton pardoned him in December of 2000. File Photo. Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times
And weeks later, in January of 2001, Clinton commuted former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds’ federal sentence for campaign and bank fraud charges, allowing the former South Side and south suburban congressman to serve out the more than two years he still had left of his sentence in a halfway house.
Reynolds was convicted on the federal charges in 1997, two years after he was convicted in state court for having sex with 16-year-old campaign worker.
Holding a news conference at Midway Airport shortly after his release from prison, Reynolds thanked supporters who pushed for his release, singling out the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. James Meeks and Ald. Ed Burke (14th).
Former Rep. Mel Reynolds reacts after arriving at Chicago’s Midway Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. File Photo. Ted S. Warren/AP
Reynolds vowed to spend a few days “reflecting, refueling and job hunting because I must, once again, become the breadwinner for my family.”
Rostenkowski died in 2010 at the age of 82.
Reynolds made a few unsuccessful attempts at a political comeback, but he wound up in trouble years later. He was convicted of failing to file income taxes in 2018 and sentenced to six months in federal custody.
Former Rep. Rostenkowski talks on a cellular telephone after taping a segment for FOX News in their studios at the Chicago Sun-Times building in 2000. File Photo. Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times
And rather than get another presidential pardon, Reynolds blamed the Trump administration for what he considered unacceptable treatment at the Metropolitan Correction Center in downtown Chicago.
“It is becoming clear to me that the new Trump people at the [federal Bureau of Prisons] have put politics into this now,” Reynolds told a federal judge in a six-page handwritten letter weeks after beginning his sentence.
“Your Honor, nothing that I have done justifies me being treated like a dangerous worthless animal for political reasons, while the BOP says that they are trying to protect me.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--A decade after company created Blago shampoo, conditioner, they’re still on tap

If former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich is looking for a post-prison job , he might want to call the makers of Blago shampoo and conditioner .
“ Maybe this could be some income for him , if he wants to endorse it and be a spokesman , ” said Dennis Fath , founder of Delta Laboratories Inc. , an Elk Grove Village manufacturer of fragrance , skin and hair care products .
Recognizing a marketing gimmick and Blagojevich ’ s helmet of hair , Fath created the volumizing shampoo and conditioner in 2009 , around the time Blagojevich was indicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold-and-black bottles with “ It ’ s Bleep ’ n Golden !
” That slogan ’ s from the infamous wiretap of Blagojevich describing Barack Obama ’ s “ [ Bleepin ’ golden ] ” vacant U.S. Senate seat .
Federal prosecutors said he wanted to trade on it for financial or other benefits .
According to a company website , Blago shampoo and conditioner are made with “ truly bleep ’ n golden ” ingredients that “ actually make the hair feel fuller and thicker , or ‘ really big !
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , Delta Laboratories sometimes sold hundreds of bottles a day .
It still gets a few orders a year .
The company shipped cartons to Korea and posted client endorsements from as far away as Japan .
“ Only two uses , ” wrote one Pennsylvania customer , “ and I ’ m already feeling scandalous !
”

If former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is looking for a post-prison job, he might want to call the makers of Blago shampoo and conditioner.
“Maybe this could be some income for him, if he wants to endorse it and be a spokesman,” said Dennis Fath, founder of Delta Laboratories Inc., an Elk Grove Village manufacturer of fragrance, skin and hair care products.
Recognizing a marketing gimmick and Blagojevich’s helmet of hair, Fath created the volumizing shampoo and conditioner in 2009, around the time Blagojevich was indicted on corruption charges. He stamped the gold-and-black bottles with “It’s Bleep’n Golden!”
That slogan’s from the infamous wiretap of Blagojevich describing Barack Obama’s “[Bleepin’ golden]” vacant U.S. Senate seat. Federal prosecutors said he wanted to trade on it for financial or other benefits.
According to a company website, Blago shampoo and conditioner are made with “truly bleep’n golden” ingredients that “actually make the hair feel fuller and thicker, or ‘really big!’ ”
When Fath rolled the Blago products out, Delta Laboratories sometimes sold hundreds of bottles a day. It still gets a few orders a year. The company shipped cartons to Korea and posted client endorsements from as far away as Japan.
“Only two uses,” wrote one Pennsylvania customer, “and I’m already feeling scandalous!”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--High school basketball scores

High school basketball scores

Construction company owner lied about being minority-owned to get over $ 2 million in CHA contracts : feds The indictment @ @ @ @ @ of Englewood-based Coleman Development Corp. , was paying wages below the required federal prevailing wage @

Chicagoans are brutal critics when our city is on the screen. One wrong intersection or misplaced neighborhood, and we turn up our noses. ‘The Fugitive,’ now celebrating its 30th anniversary, gets it right.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Lopez accuses Animal Care and Control of ‘covering up’ for own failures by clearing owner of dead ho

Lopez accuses Animal Care and Control of ‘covering up’ for own failures by clearing owner of dead horse

Chicago ’ s chronically-troubled Commission on Animal Care and Control was accused Tuesday of “ covering up ” for its own failures by declaring that the owner of a horse found dead at a home in Englewood was not guilty of animal abuse .
One day after , essentially being called a liar , Ald .
Ray Lopez ( 15th ) was not about to let it drop .
The City Council ’ s leading animal rights activist , Lopez plans to introduce a resolution at Wednesday ’ s meeting demanding “ hearings and an investigation ” to determine what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in response to a litany of prior complaints against the horse ’ s owner , Leo Beltran .
The alderman questioned how Beltran could possibly have been cleared by the city when Animal Care “ allowed the dead horse to leave the premises without inspection ” and allowed Beltran to “ get the live horse out of there before ” the surviving horse could be examined .
Lopez noted that Beltran was cited for violations six times in the last year .
“ Six times tells me something ’ s going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
” Whether or not they ’ re trying to cover up their lack of action or deflect from the lack of responsibility they ’ re taking — something is going on at that place.
” Lopez said Beltran claimed his horse died from worms , but worms “ take a long time to make its way through an animal ’ s body .
It ’ s not something you just die overnight from .
So , there obviously has been something going on ” that Animal Care should have pursued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s really questionable to me what they set as their standards for ensuring neglect is not taking place when they have not done anything to ensure that these animals were healthy from the very start , ” Lopez said .
Jennifer Schlueter , assistant to the acting director of Animal Care and Control , said her department “ emphatically denies and takes exception ” to Lopez cover-up charge .
Whenever there is an animal welfare complaint , the department “ conducts a thorough and timely investigation , ” Schlueter wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the last year , the owner received six citations related to licensing and vaccination maintenance — not animal cruelty nor neglect .
“ Although no obvious signs of neglect or mistreatment were identified by CACC , CPD continues its investigation.
” The bizarre incident started on Saturday afternoon when Chicago police and Animal Care and Control went to the 1000 block of 61st Street for a “ well-being check ” on two horses .
A caller stated the horses were “ not looking good ” and “ possibly deceased , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horse dead and the owner on the scene .
Lopez then took to Twitter to decry the “ gruesome scene ” he saw : one horse injured , another one dead — and a Rottweiler eating the carcass .
Lopez said the horses were kept with no food , water or shelter .
They were “ covered in feces ” and “ left for dead.
” Beltran denied that narrative and accused Lopez of a cruel publicity stunt that only exacerbates a family tragedy .
Animal Care and Control Monday issued a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present any sign of mistreatment , they were not emaciated , nor were there any signs of poor health.
” The owner said “ the deceased horse had been to the veterinarian recently and provided records for that visit.
” Beltran was cited for failure to provide updated vaccine records for the surviving horse ; he said he would email the department those records .

Chicago’s chronically-troubled Commission on Animal Care and Control was accused Tuesday of “covering up” for its own failures by declaring that the owner of a horse found dead at a home in Englewood was not guilty of animal abuse.
One day after, essentially being called a liar, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) was not about to let it drop.
The City Council’s leading animal rights activist, Lopez plans to introduce a resolution at Wednesday’s meeting demanding “hearings and an investigation” to determine what Animal Care did or didn’t do in response to a litany of prior complaints against the horse’s owner, Leo Beltran.
The alderman questioned how Beltran could possibly have been cleared by the city when Animal Care “allowed the dead horse to leave the premises without inspection” and allowed Beltran to “get the live horse out of there before” the surviving horse could be examined.
Lopez noted that Beltran was cited for violations six times in the last year.
“Six times tells me something’s going on and they know about it,” he said.
”Whether or not they’re trying to cover up their lack of action or deflect from the lack of responsibility they’re taking — something is going on at that place.”
Lopez said Beltran claimed his horse died from worms, but worms “take a long time to make its way through an animal’s body. It’s not something you just die overnight from. So, there obviously has been something going on” that Animal Care should have pursued, but didn’t.
“It’s really questionable to me what they set as their standards for ensuring neglect is not taking place when they have not done anything to ensure that these animals were healthy from the very start,” Lopez said.
Two horses, including a dead one, were found in a yard in the 1000 block of West 61st Street in Englewood. Ald. Raymond Lopez via Facebook
Jennifer Schlueter, assistant to the acting director of Animal Care and Control, said her department “emphatically denies and takes exception” to Lopez cover-up charge.
Whenever there is an animal welfare complaint, the department “conducts a thorough and timely investigation,” Schlueter wrote in an email to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“In the last year, the owner received six citations related to licensing and vaccination maintenance — not animal cruelty nor neglect.
“Although no obvious signs of neglect or mistreatment were identified by CACC, CPD continues its investigation.”
The bizarre incident started on Saturday afternoon when Chicago police and Animal Care and Control went to the 1000 block of 61st Street for a “well-being check” on two horses. A caller stated the horses were “not looking good” and “possibly deceased,” according to police.
They found one horse dead and the owner on the scene.
Lopez then took to Twitter to decry the “gruesome scene” he saw: one horse injured, another one dead — and a Rottweiler eating the carcass.
Lopez said the horses were kept with no food, water or shelter. They were “covered in feces” and “left for dead.”
Beltran denied that narrative and accused Lopez of a cruel publicity stunt that only exacerbates a family tragedy.
Animal Care and Control Monday issued a statement saying the surviving animals “did not present any sign of mistreatment, they were not emaciated, nor were there any signs of poor health.” The owner said “the deceased horse had been to the veterinarian recently and provided records for that visit.”
Beltran was cited for failure to provide updated vaccine records for the surviving horse; he said he would email the department those records.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--After meeting with Theo Epstein, Kris Bryant expects to remain a Cub all season

MESA , Arizona — Whether he actually will be kept “ in the loop ” on trade talks anymore than he ever was in the past , Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant sounded confident after meeting with team president Theo Epstein that he ’ ll remain with the club at least through the season .
“ Everything went great , ” Bryant said Tuesday .
“ It was the best meeting I had with a superior .
He just gave me insight as to what kind of happened in the offseason.
” Bryant said the Sunday sit-down included no assurances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any further trade talks that might arise .
But when asked if he believed after the conversation that he ’ ll be with the club on Opening Day , he said : “ Yes , I do.
” Bryant , who in January lost a grievance against the team over service-time manipulation , has been available since Epstein closed the season last year by suggesting big changes over the winter and saying the club would be open to trading any player on the roster .
Payroll budget concerns made Bryant — who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension — the likeliest of the core to be moved , given his value as a three-time All-Star and 2016 MVP , his value as a player with two more years of club control and his salary level ( $ 18.6 million this year with one more year of arbitration eligibility left ) .
Epstein offered no guarantees that a big trade — involving anybody — wouldn ’ t yet happen , but also said : “ we ’ re kind of turning the page with our focus ” to preparing for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sure would be nice , ” Bryant said of getting stronger assurances that he ’ ll remain all year with the team .
“ But they by no means have to do that for any of us players .
“ It was just a really great meeting .
I felt great coming out of it , ” he said .
“ And it wasn ’ t like we were just talking about stuff that happened in the offseason .
He was giving me advice on being a dad [ baby due in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was just cool to sit down and just get that off our chest and our checklist and move on .
And I ’ m ready to play ball and win a ton of games .
I really am .
”

MESA, Ariz. — Whether he’ll actually be kept in the loop on trade talks any more than he was in the past, Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant sounded confident that he’ll remain with the team at least through the season after meeting with team president Theo Epstein on Sunday.
“Everything went great,” Bryant reported Tuesday. “It was the best meeting I had with a superior. He just gave me insight as to what kind of happened in the offseason.”
Bryant said the meeting included no assurances of being kept apprised of any further trade talks that might arise. But when asked if he believed after the conversation that he’ll be with the Cubs on Opening Day, he said, “Yes, I do.”
And past the July 31 trade deadline?
“Yep. I’m a Chicago Cub.”
Bryant, who in January lost his grievance against the team alleging service-time manipulation, has been available since Epstein closed the 2019 season by suggesting big changes were coming over the winter — and that the Cubs would be open to trading any player on the roster.
But at this point, a strong 2020 start all but assures the Cubs will let their roster and payroll ride the wave through the trade deadline.
General manager Jed Hoyer, who lauded Bryant’s attitude coming into camp after a winter of uncertainty, suggested Bryant is right to believe he won’t be traded this season.
“That’s certainly the expectation,” Hoyer said.
Payroll budget concerns made Bryant — who turned down overtures for a contract extension early in his career — the likeliest of the Cubs’ core to be moved, given his value as a three-time All-Star and 2016 MVP, his two more years of club control and his salary level ($18.6 million this year, with one more year of arbitration eligibility left).
Epstein offered no guarantees that a big trade — involving anybody — is off the table now. But, he said, “we’re kind of turning the page with our focus” to preparing for the season.
Bryant appreciated getting stronger assurances that he’ll remain with the team all year.
“Like I said, it sure would be nice,” he said. “But they by no means have to do that for any of us players.
“It was just a really great meeting. I felt great coming out of it. And it wasn’t like we were just talking about stuff that happened in the offseason. [Epstein] was giving me advice on being a dad [baby due in April] and stuff like that. It was just cool to sit down and just get that off our chest and our checklist and move on. And I’m ready to play ball and win a ton of games. I really am.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Woman charged with child endangerment after 7-year-old girl accidentally shoots brother in Lawndale

A woman is facing child endangerment charges after a 7-year-old girl accidentally shot her brother last week in Lawndale on @ @ @ @ @ Curtis , 39 , was charged with two misdemeanor counts of causing a child to @ @ @ @ @ said .
The girl gained access to a gun about 7:49 p.m. Feb. 14 in @ @ @ @ @ off and struck her brother , 11 , in the neck , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ Hospital in serious condition .
Curtis was arrested about 10 p.m. the next day , @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to appear in court March 20 .
The 11-year-old was one of 11 kids @ @ @ @ @ over that weekend .

A woman is facing child endangerment charges after a 7-year-old girl accidentally shot her brother last week in Lawndale on the West Side.
Lucreshia Curtis, 39, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of causing a child to be endangered, Chicago police said.
The girl gained access to a gun about 7:49 p.m. Feb. 14 in the home when it went off and struck her brother, 11, in the neck, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.
Curtis was arrested about 10 p.m. the next day, police said. She is scheduled to appear in court March 20.
The 11-year-old was one of 11 kids wounded in shooting across Chicago over that weekend.