chicagosuntimes--2020-02-12--The Mix: Dances from the Heart and other things to do in Chicago Feb. 13-19

Looking to take in some live entertainment in the week ahead ?
We ’ ve got some suggestions to consider : For Valentine ’ s Day , Dance Chicago presents Dances from the Heart , a showcase of the most romantic works from performers featuring an amazing array of styles .
On the program are Visceral Dance Chicago ( contemporary ) , Tre Dumas ( tap ) , Trinity Irish Dancers , RawFunkyStreetFlav ( hip-hop ) , Sophia Sanchez ( flamenco ) , GUS Legacy Co. ( hip hop ) , GG Company ( jazz ) and Movement Revolution ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 , Athenaeum Theatre , 2936 N. Southport .
Tickets : $ 31 .
Visit athenaeumtheatre.org .
Dutch pianist Joep Beving celebrates the completion of an album trilogy — “ Solipsism ” ( 2015 ) , “ Prehension ” ( 2017 ) and “ Henosis ” ( 2019 ) — on which he explores new territory combining orchestral and electronic sounds alongside familiar piano .
Beving is dedicated to composing music with spirituality and interpersonal connection in mind .
“ If you see music as a living organism , ” says Beving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will always adapt to new circumstances in order to stay present.
” At 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 , Constellation , 3111 N. Western .
Visit constellation-chicago.com .
The highly interactive “ Wake Up , Brother Bear !
” is a fun theater treat for children and parents alike .
Written by Janet Stanford and Kathryn Chase Bryer , it ’ s a journey through the four seasons led by two lovable bears .
Full of music and physical activity , it offers children a new way of experiencing storytelling .
For ages 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Children ’ s Theatre , 100 S. Racine .
Tickets : $ 22- $ 32 .
Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org .
Lyric Opera is staging a new-to-Chicago work , Tchaikovsky ’ s “ The Queen of Spades , ” a romantic thriller that follows Gherman ( Brandon Jovanovich ) , an unhappy soldier and obsessed gambler desperate to know the secret of winning at cards .
In a work filled with passion and grandeur , the obsession spells doom for him and his long-suffering love Lisa ( Sandra Radvanovsky ) .
Ben Davis directs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opera Orchestra and Chorus .
From Feb. 15-March 1 at Lyric Opera of Chicago , 20 N. Wacker .
Tickets : $ 39- $ 299 .
Visit lyricopera.org .
Chicago Farmer ( aka Cody Diekhoff ) tours behind his new album “ Flyover Country , ” a continuation of what the Delavan , Illinois , native does best — clever and heartfelt songwriting that looks at the fabric of the Midwest .
Pokey LaFarge , another songwriter with Midwest roots , says : “ Chicago Farmer represents the best qualities of Midwestern U.S.A. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart are true.
” Chicago Farmer performs with his band The Fieldnotes : Jaik Willis , Cody Jensen , & Cosmic Charlie Harris .
Josh Huber opens the show at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15 , FitzGerald ’ s , 6615 W. Roosevelt , Berwyn .
Tickets : $ 15 , $ 18 .
Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com .
The Black Music Matters Tour features musician and social justice advocate Adrian Dunn , whose latest album , “ Redemption : Live , ” is a collection of spiritual and gospel songs that redefine and modernize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these rearranged versions of classics such as “ Wade in the Water ” and “ Precious Lord , ” Dunn says his goal “ is to connect with the community through meaningful music .
Each of these songs has a special meaning , not only to me as an African American , but because their powerful messages still resonate today.
” Dunn is joined by the Adrian Dunn Singers and the Rise Orchestra .
At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 , Logan Center for the Arts , 915 E. 60th .
Tickets : $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The improv haven iO Theater has a month ’ s worth of Valentine-themed shows beginning with “ My Valentine from Hell ” ( Feb. 14 , $ 16 ) featuring twisted stories of dates gone horribly wrong .
Las Tinas offers its improvised telenovela “ Happy Valen-tinas Day ” ( To Feb. 28 , $ 16 ) .
In “ Fudge in Love , ” the improv trio Fudge spends the month with guest artists they love including Erin Keif , TJ Jagodowski and Dina Facklis ( To Feb. 25 , $ 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valentines Edition ” is loaded with steamy confessions ( Feb. 14 , $ 16 ) .
And finally , “ 51 First Dates ” ( Feb. 16 , $ 12 ) shows you just how bad a first date can be .
At iO Theater , 1501 N. Kingsbury .
Visit ioimprov.com .
The large-scale , multidisciplinary exhibition “ In Flux : Chicago Artists and Immigration ” highlights the influence and impact of immigrant artists on Chicago .
With pieces by more than 20 contemporary artists , the exhibit illustrates a living and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Chicago immigrants in art and design .
From Feb. 15-May 10 , Chicago Cultural Center , 78 E. Washington .
Admission is free .
Visit chicagoculturalcenter.org .
Here ’ s the time to gorge on Chicago theater .
The League of Chicago Theatres and Choose Chicago once again have organized Chicago Theatre Week , the annual celebration of our town ’ s rich theater scene .
More than 100 theaters , both big and small , are participating .
Whether it ’ s musical , comedy or drama , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 , $ 15 or less .
For a complete list of participating theaters , visit chicagoplays.com .

Looking to take in some live entertainment in the week ahead?
We’ve got some suggestions to consider:
Romance & dance
For Valentine’s Day, Dance Chicago presents Dances from the Heart, a showcase of the most romantic works from performers featuring an amazing array of styles. On the program are Visceral Dance Chicago (contemporary), Tre Dumas (tap), Trinity Irish Dancers, RawFunkyStreetFlav (hip-hop), Sophia Sanchez (flamenco), GUS Legacy Co. (hip hop), GG Company (jazz) and Movement Revolution (hip-hop). At 8 p.m. Feb. 15, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Tickets: $31. Visit athenaeumtheatre.org.
Modern piano sounds
Pianist Joep Beving Rahi Rezvani
Dutch pianist Joep Beving celebrates the completion of an album trilogy — “Solipsism” (2015), “Prehension” (2017) and “Henosis” (2019) — on which he explores new territory combining orchestral and electronic sounds alongside familiar piano. Beving is dedicated to composing music with spirituality and interpersonal connection in mind. “If you see music as a living organism,” says Beving, “then it’s something that will always adapt to new circumstances in order to stay present.” At 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Constellation, 3111 N. Western. Visit constellation-chicago.com.
Tour the seasons
Jonah Winston plays the title role in “Wake Up, Brother Bear!” Charles Osgood
The highly interactive “Wake Up, Brother Bear!” is a fun theater treat for children and parents alike. Written by Janet Stanford and Kathryn Chase Bryer, it’s a journey through the four seasons led by two lovable bears. Full of music and physical activity, it offers children a new way of experiencing storytelling. For ages 6 and under. To March 1 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine. Tickets: $22-$32. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
Gambling with love
“The Queen of Spades” Michael Cooper/Canadian Opera Company
Lyric Opera is staging a new-to-Chicago work, Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” a romantic thriller that follows Gherman (Brandon Jovanovich), an unhappy soldier and obsessed gambler desperate to know the secret of winning at cards. In a work filled with passion and grandeur, the obsession spells doom for him and his long-suffering love Lisa (Sandra Radvanovsky). Ben Davis directs; Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus. From Feb. 15-March 1 at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker. Tickets: $39-$299. Visit lyricopera.org.
Midwest roots
Chicago Farmer Bradley J. Scott
Chicago Farmer (aka Cody Diekhoff) tours behind his new album “Flyover Country,” a continuation of what the Delavan, Illinois, native does best — clever and heartfelt songwriting that looks at the fabric of the Midwest. Pokey LaFarge, another songwriter with Midwest roots, says: “Chicago Farmer represents the best qualities of Midwestern U.S.A. His lyrics, his stories and his heart are true.” Chicago Farmer performs with his band The Fieldnotes: Jaik Willis, Cody Jensen, & Cosmic Charlie Harris. Josh Huber opens the show at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15, FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn. Tickets: $15, $18. Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Gospel classics reborn
Adrian Dunn Chela Cervantes
The Black Music Matters Tour features musician and social justice advocate Adrian Dunn, whose latest album, “Redemption: Live,” is a collection of spiritual and gospel songs that redefine and modernize the genre’s historical roots. With these rearranged versions of classics such as “Wade in the Water” and “Precious Lord,” Dunn says his goal “is to connect with the community through meaningful music. Each of these songs has a special meaning, not only to me as an African American, but because their powerful messages still resonate today.” Dunn is joined by the Adrian Dunn Singers and the Rise Orchestra. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th. Tickets: $20-$50. Visit adriandunn.com.
Amour at iO
Las Tinas Elias Rios
The improv haven iO Theater has a month’s worth of Valentine-themed shows beginning with “My Valentine from Hell” (Feb. 14, $16) featuring twisted stories of dates gone horribly wrong. Las Tinas offers its improvised telenovela “Happy Valen-tinas Day” (To Feb. 28, $16). In “Fudge in Love,” the improv trio Fudge spends the month with guest artists they love including Erin Keif, TJ Jagodowski and Dina Facklis (To Feb. 25, $12). “Hot Seat: Steamy Valentines Edition” is loaded with steamy confessions (Feb. 14, $16). And finally, “51 First Dates” (Feb. 16, $12) shows you just how bad a first date can be. At iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury. Visit ioimprov.com.
Immigrant artists
“Sunset on the American Dream,” by Eugenia Cheng, part of “In Flux.” Paul Crisanti/PhotoGetGo
The large-scale, multidisciplinary exhibition “In Flux: Chicago Artists and Immigration” highlights the influence and impact of immigrant artists on Chicago. With pieces by more than 20 contemporary artists, the exhibit illustrates a living and evolving legacy between past and present work by Chicago immigrants in art and design. From Feb. 15-May 10, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Admission is free. Visit chicagoculturalcenter.org.
Theater for all
Here’s the time to gorge on Chicago theater. The League of Chicago Theatres and Choose Chicago once again have organized Chicago Theatre Week, the annual celebration of our town’s rich theater scene. More than 100 theaters, both big and small, are participating. Whether it’s musical, comedy or drama, there’s something for everyone. Tickets are $30, $15 or less. For a complete list of participating theaters, visit chicagoplays.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-12--Officers called to pot smell coming from neighbor’s apartment find burning T-Rex costume instead: Pa

Officers called to pot smell coming from neighbor’s apartment find burning T-Rex costume instead: Park Forest police

Officers responding to a report of a burning pot smell early Wednesday in south suburban Park Forest instead found a @ @ @ @ @ fire .
Police were called shortly after midnight to the 100 block of Forest Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ apartment said they smelled cannabis smoke coming from the first floor , according to Park @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers entered the apartment and found a burning inflatable T. rex costume , Mannino @ @ @ @ @ put out without fire department assistance , he said .
“ It ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ , ” Mannino said .
A smoke alarm had been set off , but the @ @ @ @ @ he said .

Officers responding to a report of a burning pot smell early Wednesday in south suburban Park Forest instead found a dinosaur costume that had caught fire.
Police were called shortly after midnight to the 100 block of Forest Boulevard after someone in the second-floor apartment said they smelled cannabis smoke coming from the first floor, according to Park Forest Police Chief Christopher Mannino.
Last night we received a call of the smell of burning cannabis in a multi-family housing unit. Officers reported the smell was the result of a t-Rex costume that caught fire.
We couldn’t make this stuff up.
🔥 🦖 #ThatsPolicing #DinoCosplay #ThatsWhyTheyreExtinct — Park Forest Police (@ParkForestPD) February 12, 2020
Officers entered the apartment and found a burning inflatable T. rex costume, Mannino said. The fire was put out without fire department assistance, he said.
“It’s just one of those stranger calls,” Mannino said.
A smoke alarm had been set off, but the call was considered non-criminal, he said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Chicago outdoors: Bedford Sales’ 50th leads the week of shows, 10-day Indy show opens

This week in outdoors show around Chicago includes one of last 10-day shows in the country—the Indianapolis Boat , Sport and Travel Show—and Bedford Sales 50th Anniversary Open House , featuring Dan Hampton , Edwin Evers , Jason Przekurat and Jim Saric .
I am hoping to poke my head into Bedford ’ s 50th on Saturday after doing another story in the morning .
And , with luck , I will finally to the Indianapolis Show on a weekday next week .
The Chicago RV & Camping Show opens today , Feb. 13 , and runs through Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Rosemont .
The Indianapolis Boat , Sport and Travel Show opens Friday , Feb. 14 , and runs through Feb. 23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis .
The Midwest Musky Club ’ s annual swap meet is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday , Feb. 15 , at the Village Sportsmen ’ s Club in Alsip .
There will be free hot dogs around noon .
The Bedford Sales 50th Anniversary Open House is is in Morris on Saturday , Feb. 15 , and Sunday Feb. 16 .
Click here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the master list of shows , classes and swap meets around Chicago outdoors .

This week in outdoors show around Chicago includes one of last 10-day shows in the country—the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show—and Bedford Sales 50th Anniversary Open House, featuring Dan Hampton, Edwin Evers, Jason Przekurat and Jim Saric.
I am hoping to poke my head into Bedford’s 50th on Saturday after doing another story in the morning. And, with luck, I will finally go to the Indianapolis Show on a weekday next week.
THIS WEEK’S LISTING
The Chicago RV & Camping Show opens today, Feb. 13, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 16, at Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
The Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show opens Friday, Feb. 14, and runs through Feb. 23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
The Midwest Musky Club’s annual swap meet is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Village Sportsmen’s Club in Alsip. There will be free hot dogs around noon.
The Bedford Sales 50th Anniversary Open House is is in Morris on Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday Feb. 16. Click here for the flyer.
Click herefor the master list of shows, classes and swap meets around Chicago outdoors.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Dear Abby: Years after he was caught flirting, husband keeps texting co-worker

DEAR ABBY : A few years ago , I found some flirtatious and slightly risque messages between my husband and a female business associate .
My husband agreed that they were wrong and says he has discontinued those kinds of conversations .
He has stayed in contact with her , and their friendship remains .
After dealing with the hurt for more than two years , I finally told him a few months ago the only way I would be OK with their friendship is if he introduced me to her .
He promised he would , but he hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw on our phone bill that while on a recent business trip he was texting with her late into the night and early in the morning .
I confronted him , but he continues to say they are just friends , and he is doing nothing wrong .
I ’ m heartbroken .
I feel he has betrayed my trust .
What should I do ?
— DISRESPECTED IN TEXAS DEAR DISRESPECTED : Your husband is doing something wrong .
He ’ s hurting you and threatening the marriage .
What you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or your health insurance company to refer you to a marriage and family therapist , schedule some visits and insist that your husband join you .
If he is interested in saving the marriage , he will agree .
If not , you may need to reconsider your future and consult an attorney .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have an elderly ( 90-plus ) aunt who lives with her son in a town about four hours away .
She corresponds by letter with us regularly , and we always write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparent that she ’ s not receiving our letters because she doesn ’ t make any comments on any of the things we write to tell her about .
We suspect that her son is withholding her mail because we have written to him in the past to express our displeasure about how he treats his mother ’ s emotional and safety needs .
In the last letter we received from her , she told us she expected to spend Christmas in her basement apartment while her son and his wife ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke our hearts , but we realize that since we ’ re so far away , there ’ s little we can do .
We ’ ve tried sending letters without our return address on the envelope , etc .
to get past her son ’ s scrutiny , but we really don ’ t believe she ’ s getting her mail .
Should we contact the police or social services to do a wellness check on her , or do you have another suggestion ?
We know she occasionally goes to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write to her in care of the senior center ?
Your comments are appreciated .
— SUSPICIOUS IN GEORGIA DEAR SUSPICIOUS : Your relative may be having memory issues , or your fears may be genuine .
Is it possible to talk with her on the phone or visit her to make an assessment ?
If someone suspects that an older person is being physically , emotionally or financially abused , it should be reported so the matter can be investigated .
You can do that by contacting Adult Protective Services in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Domestic Violence hotline at thehotline.org or ( 800 ) 799-7233 .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, I found some flirtatious and slightly risque messages between my husband and a female business associate. My husband agreed that they were wrong and says he has discontinued those kinds of conversations. He has stayed in contact with her, and their friendship remains.
After dealing with the hurt for more than two years, I finally told him a few months ago the only way I would be OK with their friendship is if he introduced me to her. He promised he would, but he hasn’t followed through. This week I saw on our phone bill that while on a recent business trip he was texting with her late into the night and early in the morning. I confronted him, but he continues to say they are just friends, and he is doing nothing wrong.
I’m heartbroken. I feel he has betrayed my trust. What should I do? — DISRESPECTED IN TEXAS
DEAR DISRESPECTED: Your husband is doing something wrong. He’s hurting you and threatening the marriage. What you should do now is ask your doctor or your health insurance company to refer you to a marriage and family therapist, schedule some visits and insist that your husband join you. If he is interested in saving the marriage, he will agree. If not, you may need to reconsider your future and consult an attorney.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have an elderly (90-plus) aunt who lives with her son in a town about four hours away. She corresponds by letter with us regularly, and we always write back. However, it has become apparent that she’s not receiving our letters because she doesn’t make any comments on any of the things we write to tell her about. We suspect that her son is withholding her mail because we have written to him in the past to express our displeasure about how he treats his mother’s emotional and safety needs.
In the last letter we received from her, she told us she expected to spend Christmas in her basement apartment while her son and his wife’s family have Christmas festivities upstairs. It broke our hearts, but we realize that since we’re so far away, there’s little we can do. We’ve tried sending letters without our return address on the envelope, etc. to get past her son’s scrutiny, but we really don’t believe she’s getting her mail.
Should we contact the police or social services to do a wellness check on her, or do you have another suggestion? We know she occasionally goes to a senior center in town. Should we write to her in care of the senior center? Your comments are appreciated. — SUSPICIOUS IN GEORGIA
DEAR SUSPICIOUS: Your relative may be having memory issues, or your fears may be genuine. Is it possible to talk with her on the phone or visit her to make an assessment? If someone suspects that an older person is being physically, emotionally or financially abused, it should be reported so the matter can be investigated. You can do that by contacting Adult Protective Services in your aunt’s state or the National Domestic Violence hotline at thehotline.org or (800) 799-7233.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Burglar targets apartments in Chatham: police

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of apartment burglaries reported in February in Chatham on the South Side @ @ @ @ @ someone entered apartments through a window , front or rear door , Chicago police said @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 2 in the 800 block of East 84th Street ; • About 8:15 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ block of South Ingleside Avenue ; • About 2:10 a.m. Feb. 5 in the 8700 @ @ @ @ @ Avenue ; • About 3:35 a.m. Feb. 5 in the 900 block of East 83rd @ @ @ @ @ 2:50 a.m. Feb. 9 in the 900 block of East 84th Street .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ Area South detectives at 312-747-8273 .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Chicago police are warning residents of a string of apartment burglaries reported in February in Chatham on the South Side.
In each incident, someone entered apartments through a window, front or rear door, Chicago police said.
The burglaries happened:
About 8 p.m. Feb. 2 in the 800 block of East 84th Street;
About 8:15 p.m. Feb. 4 in the 8300 block of South Ingleside Avenue;
About 2:10 a.m. Feb. 5 in the 8700 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue;
About 3:35 a.m. Feb. 5 in the 900 block of East 83rd Street; and
About 2:50 a.m. Feb. 9 in the 900 block of East 84th Street.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--ENDORSEMENT: Krishna K. Bansal for Congress in 11th District Republican Primary

The story of this year ’ s Republican primary in the 11th Congressional District is spelled out in the contorted shape of the district itself .
Ten years ago , the Democratic powers-that-be in Illinois drew the district ’ s lines to rope in as many Democratic voters as possible while excluding Republicans .
The result has been four straight general election victories , by comfortable margins , for incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Foster .
It ’ s a wonder that a credible Republican bothers to run at all , yet in this year ’ s primary there are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forthright and substantive men .
Our endorsement goes to Krishna K. Bansal , owner of a computer tech and services business who has been active in Naperville and in his local Indian American community .
He has served on the Naperville Planning Commission and the board of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce .
Bansal espouses generally conservative Republican views on public finances , immigration policy , the proper role of government and the perceived failings of Obamacare .
And like his opponent in this primary race , Sgt .
Rick Laib of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is strongly opposed to abortion .
Both men are running passionate , engaging and positive campaigns .
But Bansal , who has a stronger grasp of the issues and more extensive record of public service , is the better bet to take on a Democrat in the fall .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , @ @ @ @ @ @

The story of this year’s Republican primary in the 11th Congressional District is spelled out in the contorted shape of the district itself.
Ten years ago, the Democratic powers-that-be in Illinois drew the district’s lines to rope in as many Democratic voters as possible while excluding Republicans. The result has been four straight general election victories, by comfortable margins, for incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Foster.
It’s a wonder that a credible Republican bothers to run at all, yet in this year’s primary there are two. Not exactly GOP A-listers, but forthright and substantive men.
Our endorsement goes to Krishna K. Bansal, owner of a computer tech and services business who has been active in Naperville and in his local Indian American community. He has served on the Naperville Planning Commission and the board of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
Bansal espouses generally conservative Republican views on public finances, immigration policy, the proper role of government and the perceived failings of Obamacare. And like his opponent in this primary race, Sgt. Rick Laib of the Will County sheriff’s office, he is strongly opposed to abortion.
Both men are running passionate, engaging and positive campaigns. But Bansal, who has a stronger grasp of the issues and more extensive record of public service, is the better bet to take on a Democrat in the fall.
11th Congressional District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--ENDORSEMENT: Bill Foster for Congress in 11th District Democratic primary

Bill Foster is “ The Science Guy , ” like on TV .
We urge Democratic voters to keep tuning him in .
The rather dry science- and technology-related issues that Foster tends to focus on don ’ t get much notice on the cable news shows , but they can matter greatly .
Foster is exactly right , for example , that automation is swiftly taking the jobs of workers in factories and warehouses across the country , and that our nation must fashion a humane response , such as by subsidizing better continuing education for displaced workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for medical-assisted treatment for opioid addicts and research into painkillers that do not involve opioids .
This Democratic primary , like so many others in this election cycle , pits a left-of-center incumbent who seeks incremental progress — that would be Foster — against a younger , more overtly progressive and impatient challenger — that would be Foster ’ s opponent , Rachel Ventura .
She is a member of the Will County Board .
In this race , we ’ ll take Foster ’ s incrementalism this time .
His legislative priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more legislative experience .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Bill Foster is “The Science Guy,” like on TV. We urge Democratic voters to keep tuning him in.
The rather dry science- and technology-related issues that Foster tends to focus on don’t get much notice on the cable news shows, but they can matter greatly. Foster is exactly right, for example, that automation is swiftly taking the jobs of workers in factories and warehouses across the country, and that our nation must fashion a humane response, such as by subsidizing better continuing education for displaced workers.
Foster has sponsored bills to increase funding for medical-assisted treatment for opioid addicts and research into painkillers that do not involve opioids.
This Democratic primary, like so many others in this election cycle, pits a left-of-center incumbent who seeks incremental progress — that would be Foster — against a younger, more overtly progressive and impatient challenger — that would be Foster’s opponent, Rachel Ventura. She is a member of the Will County Board.
In this race, we’ll take Foster’s incrementalism this time. His legislative priorities are sensible, and he has far more legislative experience.
We endorse Foster.
11th Congressional District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--ENDORSEMENT: Raja Krishnamoorthi for Congress in 8th District Democratic Primary

Raja Krishnamoorthi is among the most effective members of Congress from Illinois .
He gets good things done , pursues bipartisanship and has his priorities right .
He has focused on jobs and affordable health care , on skills-based training for young people who are not college-bound , and on making college more affordable for those who are .
Krishnamoorthi , first elected to Congress in 2016 , worked with a House Republican colleague to create a program — a cooperative venture of government and private businesses — to train some 13 million young people in the skills they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for lack of qualified applicants .
He has led a bipartisan effort to discourage young people from using e-cigarettes , which could pose a health crisis .
As a result of his work , Juul , a vaping industry leader , has halted U.S. advertising and sales of flavored products .
Krishnamoorthi also was a leader in Congress in convincing the Trump administration to reduce from 10 years to just five the period during which pharmaceutical companies can retain exclusive rights to a new drug .
This revision of President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — will make it possible for less expensive generic alternatives to be brought to market earlier .
At the top of his agenda for the next two years , Krishnamoorthi wants to improve Obamacare by creating an affordable “ public option ” alternative to private health insurance .
He wants to push Congress to end a ban on the federal government ’ s ability to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry for Medicare and Medicaid recipients .
And he wants to see the completion , finally , of a western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which could transform the economy of the suburbs to the west of the airport .
Also running is William Olson , an author from Schaumburg , and Dr. Inam Hussain , an anesthesiologist with a commendable record of public service .
Unfortunately , Dr. Hussain ’ s legal residence in Libertyville lies 30 miles outside the 8th Congressional District .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; for details , see our owner information page .

Raja Krishnamoorthi is among the most effective members of Congress from Illinois.
He gets good things done, pursues bipartisanship and has his priorities right. He has focused on jobs and affordable health care, on skills-based training for young people who are not college-bound, and on making college more affordable for those who are.
Krishnamoorthi, first elected to Congress in 2016, worked with a House Republican colleague to create a program — a cooperative venture of government and private businesses — to train some 13 million young people in the skills they need to do jobs that now go unfilled for lack of qualified applicants.
He has led a bipartisan effort to discourage young people from using e-cigarettes, which could pose a health crisis. As a result of his work, Juul, a vaping industry leader, has halted U.S. advertising and sales of flavored products.
Krishnamoorthi also was a leader in Congress in convincing the Trump administration to reduce from 10 years to just five the period during which pharmaceutical companies can retain exclusive rights to a new drug. This revision of President Trump’s new North American trade deal — the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement — will make it possible for less expensive generic alternatives to be brought to market earlier.
At the top of his agenda for the next two years, Krishnamoorthi wants to improve Obamacare by creating an affordable “public option” alternative to private health insurance. He wants to push Congress to end a ban on the federal government’s ability to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. And he wants to see the completion, finally, of a western access point to O’Hare Airport, which could transform the economy of the suburbs to the west of the airport.
Also running is William Olson, an author from Schaumburg, and Dr. Inam Hussain, an anesthesiologist with a commendable record of public service. Unfortunately, Dr. Hussain’s legal residence in Libertyville lies 30 miles outside the 8th Congressional District.
We endorse Krishnamoorthi.
8th Congressional District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--ENDORSEMENT: Jim Oberweis for Congress in 14th District Republican primary

State Sen. Jim Oberweis , who ’ s always in a rush , did not like being limited to driving 65 miles an hour on state highways .
So he set out to get the speed limit kicked up to 70 .
He introduced a couple of bills that failed , but finally produced one , based on an argument about accident statistics , that reeled in enough Republican and Democratic votes to get the job done .
As a politician , Oberweis has evolved a bit .
He remains a staunch conservative , but he seems slightly more inclined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a legislator , he said , “ you learn to listen.
” Oberweis is a highly successful businessperson , as well .
He would bring to Washington not just a point of view , but hard-earned success in the private sector .
There are six other candidates in this race : Army surplus store clerk Anthony Catella ; Jerry Evans , owner of a music school ; Ted Gradel , a futures trader ; Catalina Lauf , a former advisor at the U.S. Commerce Department ; Kendall County Republican Party Chairman James Marter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Sue Rezin .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

State Sen. Jim Oberweis, who’s always in a rush, did not like being limited to driving 65 miles an hour on state highways. So he set out to get the speed limit kicked up to 70.
He introduced a couple of bills that failed, but finally produced one, based on an argument about accident statistics, that reeled in enough Republican and Democratic votes to get the job done.
As a politician, Oberweis has evolved a bit. He remains a staunch conservative, but he seems slightly more inclined to work across party lines. As a legislator, he said, “you learn to listen.”
Oberweis is a highly successful businessperson, as well. He would bring to Washington not just a point of view, but hard-earned success in the private sector.
We endorse Jim Oberweis.
There are six other candidates in this race: Army surplus store clerk Anthony Catella; Jerry Evans, owner of a music school; Ted Gradel, a futures trader; Catalina Lauf, a former advisor at the U.S. Commerce Department; Kendall County Republican Party Chairman James Marter, a software consultant; and state Sen. Sue Rezin.
14th Congressional District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--1 killed, 6 wounded Wednesday in Chicago shootings

Seven people were shot Wednesday in Chicago , including one man who was killed and another who was wounded after an exchange of gunfire inside a vehicle in Gage Park on the Southwest Side .
A man , 27 , was in the front seat about 10:20 p.m. in the 5300 block of South Albany Avenue when someone in the back seatpulled out a gun and shot him in the torso , police said .
The 27-year-old also fired shots , possibly striking the back seat passenger .
Another man in the vehicle , 20 , was shot in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The 27-year-old was able to run before a friend drove him to Holy Cross Hospital , police said .
He was later transferred to Mt .
Sinai Hospital , where he was in good condition .
Police sources said the incident appears to be narcotics-related .
In non-fatal shootings , a man was critically wounded after being shot by a liquor store ’ s security guard in Garfield Park on the West Side .
The man , 28 , got into an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside Madison Food , Wine and Spirits , 3900 W. Madison St. , police said .
When the argument turned physical , the guard shot him in the leg and back .
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
The guard was taken in for questioning .
A 16-year-old boy was shot while riding a bicycle in Albany Park on the Northwest Side .
He was in the 3000 block of West Belle Plaine Avenue about 8:40 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored vehicle opened fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck in the leg and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
About half an hour earlier , a woman was shot in Chatham on the South Side .
The 25-year-old was in a parked vehicle about 8:10 p.m. in the 800 block of East 82nd Street when someone fired shots , striking her in the leg , police said .
The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition .
A man was shot Wednesday afternoon during an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Side .
He was on a sidewalk about 3:14 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Chicago Avenue when two masked suspects got out of a silver-colored vehicle , pulled out guns and tried to rob him , police said .
The suspects opened fire , striking the 27-year-old in the buttocks and abdomen , police said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized .
The suspected shooters fled without taking anything , police said .
Late Wednesday morning , a 20-year-old man was shot and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shooting happened about 11:55 a.m. in the 3000 block of West Madison Street , police said .
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and has been unable to speak with investigators , police said .
The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation .
Three people were shot Tuesday across Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Seven people were shot Wednesday in Chicago, including one man who was killed and another who was wounded after an exchange of gunfire inside a vehicle in Gage Park on the Southwest Side.
A man, 27, was in the front seat about 10:20 p.m. in the 5300 block of South Albany Avenue when someone in the back seatpulled out a gun and shot him in the torso, police said. The 27-year-old also fired shots, possibly striking the back seat passenger.
Another man in the vehicle, 20, was shot in the chest and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The 27-year-old was able to run before a friend drove him to Holy Cross Hospital, police said. He was later transferred to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was in good condition.
Police sources said the incident appears to be drug-related.
In non-fatal shootings, a man was critically wounded after being shot by a liquor store’s security guard in Garfield Park on the West Side.
The man, 28, got into an argument with the guard about 11:30 p.m. inside Madison Food, Wine and Spirits, 3900 W. Madison St., police said. When the argument turned physical, the guard shot him in the leg and back.
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said. The guard was taken in for questioning.
A 16-year-old boy was shot while riding a bicycle in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.
He was in the 3000 block of West Belle Plaine Avenue about 8:40 p.m. when someone in a dark-colored vehicle opened fire, police said.
The teen was struck in the leg and taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
About half an hour earlier, a woman was shot in Chatham on the South Side.
The 25-year-old was in a parked vehicle about 8:10 p.m. in the 800 block of East 82nd Street when someone fired shots, striking her in the leg, police said. The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.
A man was shot Wednesday afternoon during an attempted robbery in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
He was on a sidewalk about 3:14 p.m. in the 3800 block of West Chicago Avenue when two masked suspects got out of a silver-colored vehicle, pulled out guns and tried to rob him, police said.
The suspects opened fire, striking the 27-year-old in the buttocks and abdomen, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
The suspected shooters fled without taking anything, police said.
Late Wednesday morning, a 20-year-old man was shot and critically wounded in East Garfield Park.
The shooting happened about 11:55 a.m. in the 3000 block of West Madison Street, police said.
He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and has been unable to speak with investigators, police said. The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.
Three people were shot Tuesday across Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Man shot, critically wounded by security guard at Garfield Park liquor store

A man was critically wounded after being shot by a liquor store ’ s security guard Wednesday in Garfield Park @ @ @ @ @ The man , 28 , got into an argument with the guard about 11:30 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ and Spirits , 3900 W. Madison St. , Chicago police said .
When the argument @ @ @ @ @ shot him in the leg and back .
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital @ @ @ @ @ said .
The guard was taken in for questioning .
Read more on crime , @ @ @ @ @ s homicides .

A man was critically wounded after being shot by a liquor store’s security guard Wednesday in Garfield Park on the West Side.
The man, 28, got into an argument with the guard about 11:30 p.m. inside Madison Food, Wine and Spirits, 3900 W. Madison St., Chicago police said. When the argument turned physical, the guard shot him in the leg and back.
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said. The guard was taken in for questioning.
Area North detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--High school basketball scores

High school basketball scores

CPS teacher told student who refused to stand for national anthem to ‘ go back to your country , ’ @ @ @ @ @ High School staged a sit-in Wednesday to protest the incident and the CPS response .

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--2020-02-13--NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal takes on plight of foster children with new film, ‘Foster Boy’

“ Too many foster children have been unheard , unrepresented , uncared for .
It ’ s time to make our nation ’ s foster kids a priority ...
Speak up .
Foster .
Adopt .
Their lives hang in the balance , ” the familiar voice says in the animated short promoting the new movie , “ Foster Boy.
” It ’ s the voice of retired NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O ’ Neal , speaking about a new film for which he is both executive and presenting producer .
“ Foster Boy ” is based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who for 20 years has been fighting on behalf of children abused or killed while under the care of private foster care firms contracted by state child welfare agencies , beginning with Illinois .
Starring Matthew Modine , Louis Gossett Jr. and Amy Brenneman , “ Foster Boy ” has been racking up awards at film festivals nationwide — 10 to date , including Best of the Fest and Best Narrative Feature at the International Black Film Festival ; Best Feature Film at both the Durham Region International Film Festival and West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Narrative Feature as well as the Human Rights and Dignity Award at the Tryon Film Festival .
And the buzz is growing over the film O ’ Neal said he hopes to sell as a series to a streaming service like Netflix or Showtime .
“ It ’ s a powerful film , ” he told the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday afternoon before he would fly here for NBA All-Star Weekend — headlining a fundraiser Thursday night for the Rev .
Jesse Jackson ’ s civil rights organization , the Rainbow PUSH Coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , is about a foster boy who seeks justice after he is horrifically abused by an older boy with a history as a sexual predator .
When placed in the foster home , that history was not disclosed by the for-profit foster care agency managing the case .
The abused boy is represented by an attorney based on Deratany in the film that turns a spotlight on tragic statistics for the nation ’ s 430,000 youths in foster care : only half graduate high school ; 24 percent are homeless a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 percent are unemployed five years out ; and only 3 percent graduate college .
It was in 2000 that Deratany , a personal injury lawyer , was introduced to the crisis of children removed from biological parents for abuse or neglect — only to be abused or killed in foster home placements by Department of Children & Family Services contractors , or after returned to parents without proper case management .
Such cases were particularly rampant with for-profit contractors .
“ I was mostly doing medical malpractice , when one day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another lawyer who didn ’ t know what to do with the case .
It was a woman whose son had been raped and abused by a foster child she brought into the home , ” said Deratany .
“ After some investigating , I learned this young man had a history of severe mental illness .
He was a predator and had a record of being a predator in other homes , ” he said .
“ Afterward , I was so moved by how poorly children were being treated in foster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I started getting more of these cases and have devoted my work since then to children ’ s rights cases.
” In 2018 , Deratany , according to his law firm , won Illinois ’ largest jury award ever for social service agency negligence — $ 45 million — in Lavandis Hudson vs. Lutheran Social Services .
The 2-year-old Hudson was killed by his mentally ill mother in 2011 after the nonprofit DCFS contractor returned the child .
So why did the four-time NBA champion O ’ Neal — who since retiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producer , DJ and currently a sports analyst on TNT ’ s acclaimed “ Inside the NBA ” show — decide to back this film ?
“ Watching it was an emotional and eye-opening experience for me .
I wanted to know more at the end of the film , ” said the 47-year-old , who played for six teams over a 19-year NBA career .
O ’ Neal won three championships with the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers , one with Miami Heat .
“ I was shocked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neglect and poverty for these voiceless kids .
I ’ ve known foster families whose experiences were positive , and the outcomes for the kids were good — many have gone on to find success and happiness .
I had no idea these horrors existed , ” O ’ Neal said .
O ’ Neal next will present the film at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles on Monday .
He said he hopes that putting his support behind a national issue he cares about will spark conversation about much-needed reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids don ’ t vote , have no money , no lobbyists .
They ’ ll never march , and you ’ ve never read an op-ed from a current foster kid .
They need a voice , ” O ’ Neal said .
“ When we show the film to foster kids , they stand up and cheer .
They say the film has finally given them a voice .
That ’ s why I ’ m part of it .
I love these kids .
We all should .
”

“Too many foster children have been unheard, unrepresented, uncared for. It’s time to make our nation’s foster kids a priority ... Speak up. Foster. Adopt. Their lives hang in the balance,” the familiar voice says in the animated short promoting the new movie, “Foster Boy.”
It’s the voice of retired NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, speaking about a new film for which he is both executive and presenting producer.
“Foster Boy” is based on the work of Chicago attorney Jay Paul Deratany, who for 20 years has been fighting on behalf of children abused or killed while under the care of private foster care firms contracted by state child welfare agencies, beginning with Illinois.
Starring Matthew Modine, Louis Gossett Jr. and Amy Brenneman, “Foster Boy” has been racking up awards at film festivals nationwide — 10 to date, including Best of the Fest and Best Narrative Feature at the International Black Film Festival; Best Feature Film at both the Durham Region International Film Festival and West Texas Film Festival; and Best Full-Length Narrative Feature as well as the Human Rights and Dignity Award at the Tryon Film Festival.
And the buzz is growing over the film O’Neal said he hopes to sell as a series to a streaming service like Netflix or Showtime.
“It’s a powerful film,” he told the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday afternoon before he would fly here for NBA All-Star Weekend — headlining a fundraiser Thursday night for the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s civil rights organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
The film, based on true events, is about a foster boy who seeks justice after he is horrifically abused by an older boy with a history as a sexual predator. When placed in the foster home, that history was not disclosed by the for-profit foster care agency managing the case.
The abused boy is represented by an attorney based on Deratany in the film that turns a spotlight on tragic statistics for the nation’s 430,000 youths in foster care: only half graduate high school; 24 percent are homeless a year after aging out of the system; 60 percent are unemployed five years out; and only 3 percent graduate college.
It was in 2000 that Deratany, a personal injury lawyer, was introduced to the crisis of children removed from biological parents for abuse or neglect — only to be abused or killed in foster home placements by Department of Children & Family Services contractors, or after returned to parents without proper case management. Such cases were particularly rampant with for-profit contractors.
(L-R) Actors Matthew Modine, Krystian Alexander Lyttle and (far r) Shane Paul McGhie, with Chicago attorney Jay Deratany at a screening of “Foster Boy” at the Nashville Film Festival in October. Produced by the NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal, the film covers Deratany’s experience representing youth in Illinois’ for-profit foster care system. It stars Matthew Modine, Louis Gossett Jr. and Amy Brenneman, with Lyttle playing the title character as a youth, McGhie, the character when older. Provided photo
“I was mostly doing medical malpractice, when one day, a client came in, referred by another lawyer who didn’t know what to do with the case. It was a woman whose son had been raped and abused by a foster child she brought into the home,” said Deratany.
“After some investigating, I learned this young man had a history of severe mental illness. He was a predator and had a record of being a predator in other homes,” he said. “Afterward, I was so moved by how poorly children were being treated in foster care that I wrote a few articles. I started getting more of these cases and have devoted my work since then to children’s rights cases.”
In 2018, Deratany, according to his law firm, won Illinois’ largest jury award ever for social service agency negligence — $45 million — in Lavandis Hudson vs. Lutheran Social Services. The 2-year-old Hudson was killed by his mentally ill mother in 2011 after the nonprofit DCFS contractor returned the child.
So why did the four-time NBA champion O’Neal — who since retiring in 2011 has been alternately a music producer, DJ and currently a sports analyst on TNT’s acclaimed “Inside the NBA” show — decide to back this film?
“Watching it was an emotional and eye-opening experience for me. I wanted to know more at the end of the film,” said the 47-year-old, who played for six teams over a 19-year NBA career. O’Neal won three championships with the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, one with Miami Heat.
Chicago attorney Jay Deratany screened “Foster Boy,” the film he made with the backing of the NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal at Wilmette Theatre in November. Written by Deratany, the film covers his experience representing youth in Illinois’ for-profit foster care system, and stars Matthew Modine, Louis Gossett Jr. and Amy Brenneman. Provided photo
“I was shocked to learn about this cycle of abuse, neglect and poverty for these voiceless kids. I’ve known foster families whose experiences were positive, and the outcomes for the kids were good — many have gone on to find success and happiness. I had no idea these horrors existed,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal next will present the film at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles on Monday. He said he hopes that putting his support behind a national issue he cares about will spark conversation about much-needed reform in state foster care.
“Foster kids don’t vote, have no money, no lobbyists. They’ll never march, and you’ve never read an op-ed from a current foster kid. They need a voice,” O’Neal said. “When we show the film to foster kids, they stand up and cheer. They say the film has finally given them a voice. That’s why I’m part of it. I love these kids. We all should.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Drag queens celebrate Black Her-story Month in ‘Magic’ musical revue

Drag queens are teaching a Black “ Her-story ” Month lesson in Boystown next week in a show celebrating black women in history .
The Black History Month celebration starts at 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at “ Black Girl Magic , ” a monthly drag show starring a lineup of all black performers at Roscoe ’ s Tavern , 3356 N. Halsted St. Queens will pay tribute to important black women with a diverse showcase that captures the breadth of talents and creativity within black drag .
“ We ’ re celebrating black women who have made a difference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entertaining , ” said The Vixen , a “ RuPaul ’ s Drag Race ” alum , South Side native and one of the founders of “ Black Girl Magic.
” “ It ’ s a place to have fun while appreciating what black women and black culture have given the drag community , pop culture , entertainment and the world.
” The show features fellow “ Drag Race ” alum and Chicago native Dida Ritz , as well as upcoming “ Drag Race ” stars Milwaukee ’ s Jaida Essence Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina .
( The new season of “ Drag Race ” premieres Feb. 28 on VH1 . )
Chicago performers Lucy Stoole , Bambi Banks-Couleé , Miss Toto , Sapphire Feliciano , Olaysia , Cinna Marie and Sasha Love round out the Roscoe Tavern ’ s lineup .
Each performer will honor an important black woman in history with a six-minute drag performance that ’ s both fierce and educational .
Previous “ Black Girl Magic ” shows with similar themes have paid tribute to women ranging from Soujourner Truth and Harriet Tubman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s planning a number about Madam C.J .
Walker , who became America ’ s first female self-made millionaire by inventing a line of African American hair products .
“ She basically healed the scalps of thousands of black people in America because no one was making hair products for us , ” Banks-Couleé said .
“ It ’ s a fun challenge to make this informational but also entertaining.
” Stoole said she ’ ll pay tribute to Josephine Baker , the iconic American-born French entertainer and civil rights activist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II and then fought U.S. segregation in the ‘ 50s and ‘ 60s .
“ Growing up , I was so inspired when I watched ‘ The Josephine Baker Story ’ with Lynn Whitfield , ” Stoole said .
“ I was so obsessed with her story and how she transcended what was supposed to be possible for black women at the time.
” Stoole starred in the first “ Black Girl Magic ” in 2017 along with The Vixen , Ritz and Shea Couleé , a Chicago queen who also went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” At the time , it was a revolutionary , one-night-only show at Berlin Nightclub that was so successful it turned into a recurring party .
It was the only show in Boystown at the time that centered on black queer people .
“ There are amazing black queens who have worked in this city forever , but it was unheard of for a show to have more than three black girls , ” Stoole said .
“ The energy was electric .
It created a sisterhood.
” The Vixen said she conceived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a space where black LGBTQ people could feel welcome and express themselves freely in Boystown , a neighborhood with a long history of casual racism that neighbors are still grappling with today .
“ Growing up in Chicago , Boystown is like gay heaven , but I always heard black gay boys say they were intimidated or didn ’ t feel welcome in the neighborhood , ” The Vixen said .
“ But if you go somewhere and don ’ t feel represented , you should represent .
That ’ s what Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show has grown immensely , drawing large crowds monthly at Roscoe ’ s , one of the largest and most popular bars in the neighborhood .
Banks-Couleé said “ Black Girl Magic ” has paved the way for people to create more spaces for black queer people in Boystown , such as her show “ The Unfriendly Black Hotties ” at Splash Chicago .
Other recurring nights that center around black queer people include “ Molasses ” and “ Mom Jeans ” at Berlin Nightclub .
“ ‘ Black Girl Magic ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses we want to see in the world , ” Banks-Couleé said .
“ It ’ s opened doors for more black drag queens , producers , artists and business owners in the neighborhood.
” “ Black Girl Magic ” has become grassroots movement with chapters having popped up in cities across the world , such as downstate Champaign , Louisville , Dallas , New York , Los Angeles and even Paris .
This month alone , The Vixen is bringing Black Girl Magic to Atlanta , Minneapolis and Richmond , Virginia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s about empowering black queer people all over the world to take ‘ Black Girl Magic ’ and run with it in their own cities , ” The Vixen said .

Drag queens are teaching a Black “Her-story” Month lesson in Boystown next week in a show celebrating black women in history.
The Black History Month celebration starts at 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at “Black Girl Magic,” a monthly drag show starring a lineup of all black performers at Roscoe’s Tavern, 3356 N. Halsted St. Queens will pay tribute to important black women with a diverse showcase that captures the breadth of talents and creativity within black drag.
“We’re celebrating black women who have made a difference in a way that’s very fun and entertaining,” said The Vixen, a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum, South Side native and one of the founders of “Black Girl Magic.” “It’s a place to have fun while appreciating what black women and black culture have given the drag community, pop culture, entertainment and the world.”
Untitled Black Girl Magic! Black Her-story! When: 9 p.m. Feb. 19 Where: Roscoe’s Tavern, 3356 N. Halsted St. Cover: $10 Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/483055035965034/
The show features fellow “Drag Race” alum and Chicago native Dida Ritz, as well as upcoming “Drag Race” stars Milwaukee’s Jaida Essence Hall, and Heidi N Closet from North Carolina. (The new season of “Drag Race” premieres Feb. 28 on VH1.)
Chicago performers Lucy Stoole, Bambi Banks-Couleé, Miss Toto, Sapphire Feliciano, Olaysia, Cinna Marie and Sasha Love round out Roscoe’s Tavern’s lineup.
Each performer will honor an important black woman in history with a six-minute drag performance that’s both fierce and educational. Previous “Black Girl Magic” shows with similar themes have paid tribute to women ranging from Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to Janet Jackson.
The Vixen (right) performs at Black Girl Magic at Metro in June 2018. Provided by Erik. M. Kommer
Banks-Couleé said she’s planning a number about Madam C.J. Walker, who became America’s first female self-made millionaire by inventing a line of African American hair products.
“She basically healed the scalps of thousands of black people in America because no one was making hair products for us,” Banks-Couleé said. “It’s a fun challenge to make this informational but also entertaining.”
Stoole said she’ll pay tribute to Josephine Baker, the iconic American-born French entertainer and civil rights activist who worked for the French Resistance in World War II and then fought U.S. segregation in the ’50s and ’60s.
“Growing up, I was so inspired when I watched ‘The Josephine Baker Story’ with Lynn Whitfield,” Stoole said. “I was so obsessed with her story and how she transcended what was supposed to be possible for black women at the time.”
Stoole starred in the first “Black Girl Magic” in 2017 along with The Vixen, Ritz and Shea Couleé, a Chicago queen who also went on to star in “Drag Race.”
At the time, it was a revolutionary, one-night-only show at Berlin Nightclub that was so successful it turned into a recurring party. It was the only show in Boystown at the time that centered on black queer people.
“There are amazing black queens who have worked in this city forever, but it was unheard of for a show to have more than three black girls,” Stoole said. “The energy was electric. It created a sisterhood.”
Lucy Stoole performs at a 2018 “Black Girl Magic” show at Metro. Courtesy Erik. M. Kommer
The Vixen said she conceived “Black Girl Magic” to create a space where black LGBTQ people could feel welcome and express themselves freely in Boystown, a neighborhood with a long history of casual racism that neighbors are still grappling with today.
“Growing up in Chicago, Boystown is like gay heaven, but I always heard black gay boys say they were intimidated or didn’t feel welcome in the neighborhood,” The Vixen said. “But if you go somewhere and don’t feel represented, you should represent. That’s what Black Girl Magic is.”
Since then, the show has grown immensely, drawing large crowds monthly at Roscoe’s, one of the largest and most popular bars in the neighborhood.
Banks-Couleé said “Black Girl Magic” has paved the way for people to create more spaces for black queer people in Boystown, such as her show “The Unfriendly Black Hotties” at Splash Chicago. Other recurring nights that center around black queer people include “Molasses” and “Mom Jeans” at Berlin Nightclub.
“‘Black Girl Magic’ taught us that we can be the bosses we want to see in the world,” Banks-Couleé said. “It’s opened doors for more black drag queens, producers, artists and business owners in the neighborhood.”
“Black Girl Magic” has become a grassroots movement with chapters having popped up in cities across the world, such as downstate Champaign, Louisville, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles and even Paris.
This month alone, The Vixen is bringing Black Girl Magic to Atlanta, Minneapolis and Richmond, Virginia.
“This show is larger than me. It’s about empowering black queer people all over the world to take ‘Black Girl Magic’ and run with it in their own cities,” The Vixen said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--EXCLUSIVE: Why the Lincoln Park High School administrators were fired

Chicago Public Schools officials told representatives of Lincoln Park High School at a meeting earlier this week that school administrators minimized sexual misconduct allegations , didn ’ t protect whistleblowers or alleged victims from bullying and retaliation , withheld key evidence from investigators and lied to families about the status of investigations , sources with knowledge of the meeting told the Chicago Sun-Times .
The new , more extensive details for the first time shed light on the allegations that directly led to the firings of former Interim Principal John Thuet and former Assistant Principal Michelle Brumfield , the reassigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys basketball coach Pat Gordon and the suspension of the team ’ s season , likely for its remainder .
Until now , CPS had only shared a broad list of allegations without tying specific instances of misconduct to individual staff members , leading to uproar from students and parents who fiercely defended their beloved principal , assistant principal and dean , and held protests to decry a lack of communication from the district .
But at a closed-door meeting Tuesday evening with some members of Lincoln Park ’ s Local School Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of elected parents , teachers and community members — CPS officials went into much greater detail , explaining for the first time what led to the chaos at the school .
Responding to questions about the new details Thursday , CPS officials confirmed that several allegations were found to be “ fully substantiated ” through interviews with students , parents and staff , and that Thuet and Brumfield were interviewed before they were fired .
“ Administrators at Lincoln Park High School failed to promote the best interests of their students and endangered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” CPS spokesman Michael Passman said in a statement .
“ The personnel actions we have taken were necessary to ensure a school environment that prioritizes the safety of all students , and we are committed to supporting the Lincoln Park High School community through this challenging time.
” Thuet and Brumfield did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment .
Gordon , reached Thursday , again denied he had done anything wrong .
The LSC is holding its regularly scheduled monthly meeting Thursday evening at the school , where at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be shared .
Amy Zemnick , a community member of the LSC who was at the meeting earlier this week where the details were laid out , said Thursday that she doesn ’ t trust CPS ’ investigation .
” It ’ s my understanding that there may have been conflicting reports as to how exactly to handle this situation , ” Zemnick said .
“ I think they were an interim and an assistant principal that walked into a situation that was a mess , and they were trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the LSC still support Thuet and Brumfield , Zemnick said “ we ’ re fully behind finding out exactly what happened .
We still don ’ t feel we have that information .
CPS keeps saying trust us , but they haven ’ t done anything to earn our trust.
” The series of problems at Lincoln Park that resulted in five investigations started on a boys basketball team trip to Detroit at the end of December .
Gordon , the coach , was suspended in early January as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some type of sexual misconduct on the trip that involved social media .
It remains unclear what exactly happened in the incident , although sources said it involved students .
Gordon has not been accused of any sexual impropriety , and he has denied knowledge of any incidents on the trip .
Publicly , the initial reason given for Gordon ’ s suspension was that he hadn ’ t received the proper authorization to take the team on the Detroit trip , and that he didn ’ t inform Thuet or Brumfield about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a series of troubling decisions thereafter , starting with the finding that Gordon told Brumfield about the trip , and she lied about not knowing , the sources alleged .
Then , once Thuet found out about the alleged incident of misconduct , the CPS investigation found he minimized the allegations and instructed the dean to organize a meeting between the accused students and the whistleblowers who first reported it , the sources said .
That led to severe bullying and retaliation against the whistleblowers , whose parents allegedly showed Thuet hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bullied .
CPS officials told the LSC that the principal , for six days , didn ’ t share that evidence or evidence of the incident on the trip with the district ’ s Office of Student Protections and Title IX , the department investigating the claims , the sources said .
At the same time , he told the parents of the impacted students that officials from that department reviewed the evidence and didn ’ t find it to be serious , the investigation found .
The problems with the boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CPS officials told the LSC that Gordon , when he found out about the alleged sexual misconduct on the Detroit trip , tried to downplay the allegations , the sources said .
When the bullying and retaliation started against the alleged victim and the whistleblowers , CPS found Gordon either condoned it or didn ’ t intervene to stop it , according to the sources .
In an interview Thursday , Gordon denied he knew the details of the incident in Detroit .
“ Still to this day I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ If something happened to a student I ’ m not going to downplay it .
I understand my role in youth development and protecting kids is first and foremost.
” He also said he was no longer at the school at the time of the alleged retaliation by members of the team , and said he doesn ’ t condone that kind of bullying behavior .
The CPS investigation also found Thuet ’ s lack of oversight of the team led to Gordon bringing on assistant coaches who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district , the sources said .
Those assistant coaches , who have since been removed , were allowed to travel with the team .
Gordon , though , said the coaches were backgrounded last year and were actually being paid by CPS .
“ To my knowledge all of our coaches were approved and certified , ” he said .
CPS officials told the LSC that some of the students involved will likely never return to the school because of the trauma they faced from other students and staff .
Another incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park is the handling of a girls basketball coach ’ s alleged misconduct with a student .
Thuet announced the coach ’ s removal from the school after he “ engaged inappropriately with a student ” a week before Thuet and Brumfield were fired .
New CPS protocols put in place in recent years as the district has faced searing scrutiny for its mishandling of thousands of sexual abuse cases call for that type of allegation — which involved an adult with a student — to be investigated by CPS ’ Office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adult staff members from texting students .
In this case , school administrators reported the incident to the district properly .
But the CPS investigation found that , at the same time , Thuet told Brumfield , who was Lincoln Park ’ s Title IX representative , to look into the allegation on her own , outside of the inspector general ’ s investigation , according to the sources .
Thuet also didn ’ t create a safety plan for the student , as per protocol , until a week after the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sources said .
CPS officials told the LSC that Brumfield , despite her Title IX training , followed Thuet ’ s directions .
The district found that Brumfield wasn ’ t careful in reaching out to the student , tipping off the basketball coach that he was under investigation , and she interviewed the student alone in her office without offering her to have her parents or another adult with her , the sources said .
In the interview , CPS ’ investigation found that Brumfield allegedly suggested to the student that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advances by the staff member , according to the sources .
Despite what the district says are substantiated findings , the investigations at Lincoln Park will continue .
A lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of an anonymous student at the school alleged CPS didn ’ t protect her from a Jan. 13 sexual assault inside a Lincoln Park classroom after school .
That alleged perpetrator in that incident is an athlete at the school and was named in the lawsuit .
But the Sun-Times hasn ’ t identified him because he hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a defendant in the suit .
The incident is one of the ones under investigation by CPS .
Chicago police also confirmed last week that they are investigating the sexual assault report , but no charges have been filed .
CPS is also still looking into a video that allegedly showed retired principal Judith Gibbs , one of the administrators put in the school to replace Thuet and Brumfield , grabbing a student ’ s face in a school hallway .
Gibbs left the school just a day after she was @ @ @

Chicago Public Schools officials told representatives of Lincoln Park High School at a meeting earlier this week that school administrators minimized sexual misconduct allegations, didn’t protect whistleblowers or alleged victims from bullying and retaliation, withheld key evidence from investigators and lied to families about the status of investigations, sources with knowledge of the meeting told the Chicago Sun-Times.
The new, more extensive details for the first time shed light on the allegations that directly led to the firings of former interim Principal John Thuet and former Assistant Principal Michelle Brumfield, the reassigning of a dean, the removal of boys basketball coach Pat Gordon and the suspension of the team’s season, likely for its remainder.
Until now, CPS had only shared a broad list of allegations without tying specific instances of misconduct to individual staff members, leading to uproar from students and parents who fiercely defended their beloved principal, assistant principal and dean, and held protests to decry a lack of communication from the district.
But at a closed-door meeting Tuesday evening with some members of Lincoln Park’s Local School Council — the school’s representative group of elected parents, teachers and community members — CPS officials went into much greater detail, explaining for the first time what led to the chaos at the school.
Responding to questions about the new details Thursday, CPS officials confirmed that several allegations were found to be “fully substantiated” through interviews with students, parents and staff, and that Thuet and Brumfield were interviewed before they were fired.
“Administrators at Lincoln Park High School failed to promote the best interests of their students and endangered victims who were counting on their support,” CPS spokesman Michael Passman said in a statement. “The personnel actions we have taken were necessary to ensure a school environment that prioritizes the safety of all students, and we are committed to supporting the Lincoln Park High School community through this challenging time.”
Thuet and Brumfield did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment, and an attorney for Thuet, Barry Gomberg, did not comment. Gordon, reached Thursday, again denied he had done anything wrong.
Lack of trust
Amy Zemnick, a community member of the LSC who was at the meeting earlier this week where the details were laid out, said Thursday that she doesn’t trust CPS’ investigation.
”It’s my understanding that there may have been conflicting reports as to how exactly to handle this situation,” Zemnick said. “I think they were an interim and an assistant principal that walked into a situation that was a mess, and they were trying to clean it up.”
Asked if she and the rest of the LSC still support Thuet and Brumfield, Zemnick said “we’re fully behind finding out exactly what happened. We still don’t feel we have that information. CPS keeps saying trust us, but they haven’t done anything to earn our trust.”
Thursday night, other LSC members questioned whether CPS had conducted a fair and thorough investigation at its regularly scheduled meeting before voting to retain attorney Bill Quinlan to conduct a separate probe into the series of allegations. Quinlan is providing his services pro-bono.
Later in the meeting, attorney Matthew Ryan announced that he had been engaged to represent Thuet and Brumfield “in connection with their wrongful dismissal.”
“[Thuet and Brumfield] took each and every allegation of misconduct that came to their attention seriously and they each acted promptly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the students and the community,” Ryan said.
Former Lincoln Park High School interim Principal John Thuet and former Assistant Principal Michelle Brumfield LinkedIn; CPS
CPS’ Passman said a probe launched by the LSC “would obstruct ongoing investigations into student harm and greatly risk retraumatization of the multiple student victims who must be prioritized at this time.”
“Too many adults in the school community are needlessly creating an environment that is perpetuating the life-altering harm done to multiple students, and they are impeding the community’s ability to heal,” said Passman.
Passman added that the LSC doesn’t have the authority to hire its own investigators, who he said wouldn’t legally be allowed to access student records.
Fallout from Detroit trip
The series of problems at Lincoln Park that resulted in five investigations started on a boys basketball team trip to Detroit at the end of December.
Gordon, the coach, was suspended in early January as CPS investigated claims that he knew about some type of sexual misconduct on the trip that involved social media. It remains unclear what exactly happened in the incident, although sources said it involved students. Gordon has not been accused of any sexual impropriety, and he has denied knowledge of any incidents on the trip.
Publicly, the initial reason given for Gordon’s suspension was that he hadn’t received the proper authorization to take the team on the Detroit trip, and that he didn’t inform Thuet or Brumfield about the trip.
But CPS’ investigation found a series of troubling decisions thereafter, starting with the finding that Gordon told Brumfield about the trip, and she lied about not knowing, the sources alleged.
Then, once Thuet found out about the alleged incident of misconduct, the CPS investigation found he minimized the allegations and instructed the dean to organize a meeting between the accused students and the whistleblowers who first reported it, the sources said.
That led to severe bullying and retaliation against the whistleblowers, whose parents allegedly showed Thuet hard evidence that their child was being harassed and bullied.
CPS officials told the LSC that the principal, for six days, didn’t share that evidence or evidence of the incident on the trip with the district’s Office of Student Protections and Title IX, the department investigating the claims, the sources said. At the same time, he told the parents of the impacted students that officials from that department reviewed the evidence and didn’t find it to be serious, the investigation found.
CPS: Allegations downplayed
The problems with the boys basketball team didn’t end there.
CPS officials told the LSC that Gordon, when he found out about the alleged sexual misconduct on the Detroit trip, tried to downplay the allegations, the sources said.
When the bullying and retaliation started against the alleged victim and the whistleblowers, CPS found Gordon either condoned it or didn’t intervene to stop it, according to the sources.
Lincoln Park’s head basketball coach Pat Gordon has been suspended. Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times
In an interview Thursday, Gordon denied he knew the details of the incident in Detroit.
“Still to this day I don’t have full confirmation of what happened,” he said. “If something happened to a student I’m not going to downplay it. I understand my role in youth development and protecting kids is first and foremost.”
He also said he was no longer at the school at the time of the alleged retaliation by members of the team, and said he doesn’t condone that kind of bullying behavior.
The CPS investigation also found Thuet’s lack of oversight of the team led to Gordon bringing on assistant coaches who were not background checked nor registered with the district, the sources said. Those assistant coaches, who have since been removed, were allowed to travel with the team.
Gordon, though, said the coaches were backgrounded last year and were actually being paid by CPS.
“To my knowledge all of our coaches were approved and certified,” he said.
CPS officials told the LSC that some of the students involved will likely never return to the school because of the trauma they faced from other students and staff.
Girls basketball coach also faces allegations
Another incident that has been under investigation at Lincoln Park is the handling of a girls basketball coach’s alleged misconduct with a student.
Thuet announced the coach’s removal from the school after he “engaged inappropriately with a student” a week before Thuet and Brumfield were fired.
New CPS protocols put in place in recent years as the district has faced searing scrutiny for its mishandling of thousands of sexual abuse cases call for that type of allegation — which involved an adult with a student — to be investigated by CPS’ Office of Inspector General. New CPS policy forbids adult staff members from texting students.
In this case, school administrators reported the incident to the district properly. But the CPS investigation found that, at the same time, Thuet told Brumfield, who was Lincoln Park’s Title IX representative, to look into the allegation on her own, outside of the inspector general’s investigation, according to the sources.
Thuet also didn’t create a safety plan for the student, as per protocol, until a week after the Office of Student Protections told him to, the sources said.
CPS officials told the LSC that Brumfield, despite her Title IX training, followed Thuet’s directions. The district found that Brumfield wasn’t careful in reaching out to the student, tipping off the basketball coach that he was under investigation, and she interviewed the student alone in her office without offering her to have her parents or another adult with her, the sources said.
In the interview, CPS’ investigation found that Brumfield allegedly suggested to the student that she may have caused or invited the advances by the staff member, according to the sources.
Lincoln Park High School students stage a protest walkout and march around the building and neighborhood over the removal of school administrators and the suspension of the varsity boys basketball season, Thursday morning, Feb. 6, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Investigations ongoing
Despite what the district says are substantiated findings, the investigations at Lincoln Park will continue.
A lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of an anonymous student at the school alleged CPS didn’t protect her from a Jan. 13 sexual assault inside a Lincoln Park classroom after school.
That alleged perpetrator in that incident is an athlete at the school and was named in the lawsuit. But the Sun-Times hasn’t identified him because he hasn’t been charged with a crime and is not a defendant in the suit.
The incident is one of the ones under investigation by CPS. Chicago police also confirmed last week that they are investigating the sexual assault report, but no charges have been filed.
CPS is also still looking into a video that allegedly showed retired principal Judith Gibbs, one of the administrators put in the school to replace Thuet and Brumfield, grabbing a student’s face in a school hallway. Gibbs left the school just a day after she was assigned there.
Contributing: Tom Schuba, Lauren Fitzpatrick