chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Bernie Sanders’ media bashing undercuts U.S. journalism

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ new Democratic presidential frontrunner status is bringing him more scrutiny and to that end , the subject of this column is Sanders ’ unbecoming press bashing .
Sanders ’ attacks on the mainstream news media — his most frequent target is the Washington Post — undercuts American journalism .
The Vermont Independent is surging .
If he wins the South Carolina primary Saturday and does well in the 15 Super Tuesday states and territories March 3 , he will build a commanding delegate lead .
One Tuesday night , there ’ s another Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There will be seven rivals on stage .
It ’ s a good bet Pete Buttigieg , Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar , Joe Biden , Mike Bloomberg and/or Tom Steyer will be taking shots at Sanders .
Sanders ’ crusade against billionaires and corporations is jazzing up a lot of people and getting them engaged in politics .
Sanders is the Democrat attracting the biggest crowds .
At the same time , Sanders ’ views on media ownership are leading him , at times , toward unfounded conspiracy theories .
Sanders started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general years ago .
Sanders ’ anti-corporatism has morphed to particular criticism of stories and coverage about his campaign he does not like .
Last Friday , the Washington Post had a scoop headlined , “ Bernie Sanders briefed by U.S. officials that Russia is trying to help his presidential campaign.
” Later on Friday , Sanders confirmed to reporters he had the briefing — more than month ago .
He told reporters , “ Russia , stay out of American elections ... they are trying to cause chaos , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked by reporters why , if his briefing was a month ago , the news broke Friday , the day before the Nevada caucus .
“ I ’ ll let you guess … Why do you think it came out ?
The Washington Post ?
Good friends , ” Sanders said with sarcasm .
Sanders won Nevada last Saturday and that night , at a rally in San Antonio , he said the “ corporate elite and the one percent ” have “ literally unlimited amounts of money .
They have significant control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and over the political life of this country.
” Sanders has accused the Post of bias against his campaign because , he has said , he has been an outspoken critic of the labor and tax avoidance strategies of Amazon .
The post is owned by Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos .
At an event last August in Wolfeboro , New Hampshire , Sanders said he talks about Amazon ’ s practices “ all of the time .
And then I wonder why The Washington Post — which is owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t write particularly good articles about me .
I don ’ t know why .
But I guess maybe there ’ s a connection .
Maybe we helped raise the minimum wage at Amazon to 15 bucks an hour as well.
” Martin Baron , The Post ’ s executive editor , said in a statement at that time , “ Sen .
Sanders is a member of a large club of politicians — of every ideology — who complain about their coverage , ” Baron said .
“ Contrary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor , Jeff Bezos allows our newsroom to operate with full independence , as our reporters and editors can attest.
” On Sunday , a Sanders e-mail fundraising appeal said “ the establishments – Democratic , financial , media and Republican — are beyond nervous .
They are in full panic mode .
They ’ re realizing they no longer have the power — we do.
” I am not comparing or equating Sanders to President Donald Trump and his war on facts .
I get that Sanders uses the media as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stemming from reasonable beefs about his coverage .
But that ’ s no excuse for Sanders ’ drive to try to weaken the credibility of the U.S. press .

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders’ new Democratic presidential frontrunner status is bringing him more scrutiny and to that end, the subject of this column is Sanders’ unbecoming press bashing.
Sanders’ attacks on the mainstream news media — his most frequent target is the Washington Post — undercuts American journalism.
The Vermont Independent is surging. If he wins the South Carolina primary Saturday and does well in the 15 Super Tuesday states and territories March 3, he will build a commanding delegate lead.
On Tuesday night, there’s another Democratic debate, this time in Charleston. There will be seven rivals on stage. It’s a good bet Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg and/or Tom Steyer will be taking shots at Sanders.
Sanders’ crusade against billionaires and corporations is jazzing up a lot of people and getting them engaged in politics. Sanders is the Democrat attracting the biggest crowds.
At the same time, Sanders’ views on media ownership are leading him, at times, toward unfounded conspiracy theories.
Sanders started disapproving of the “corporate media” in general years ago. Sanders’ anti-corporatism has morphed to particular criticism of stories and coverage about his campaign he does not like.
Last Friday, the Washington Post had a scoop headlined, “Bernie Sanders briefed by U.S. officials that Russia is trying to help his presidential campaign.”
Later on Friday, Sanders confirmed to reporters he had the briefing — more than month ago. He told reporters, “Russia, stay out of American elections ... they are trying to cause chaos, they are trying to cause hatred in America.”
Asked by reporters why, if his briefing was a month ago, the news broke Friday, the day before the Nevada caucus.
“I’ll let you guess … Why do you think it came out? The Washington Post? Good friends,” Sanders said with sarcasm.
Sanders won Nevada last Saturday and that night, at a rally in San Antonio, he said the “corporate elite and the one percent” have “literally unlimited amounts of money. They have significant control over the media, over our economy and over the political life of this country.”
Sanders has accused the Post of bias against his campaign because, he has said, he has been an outspoken critic of the labor and tax avoidance strategies of Amazon. The post is owned by Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos.
At an event last August in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Sanders said he talks about Amazon’s practices “all of the time. And then I wonder why The Washington Post — which is owned by Jeff Bezos, who owns Amazon — doesn’t write particularly good articles about me. I don’t know why. But I guess maybe there’s a connection. Maybe we helped raise the minimum wage at Amazon to 15 bucks an hour as well.”
Martin Baron, The Post’s executive editor, said in a statement at that time, “Sen. Sanders is a member of a large club of politicians — of every ideology — who complain about their coverage,” Baron said. “Contrary to the conspiracy theory the senator seems to favor, Jeff Bezos allows our newsroom to operate with full independence, as our reporters and editors can attest.”
On Sunday, a Sanders e-mail fundraising appeal said “the establishments – Democratic, financial, media and Republican — are beyond nervous. They are in full panic mode. They’re realizing they no longer have the power — we do.”
I am not comparing or equating Sanders to President Donald Trump and his war on facts.
I am throwing a spotlight on a Sanders problem area.
I get that Sanders uses the media as a foil. I get he has grievances stemming from reasonable beefs about his coverage. But that’s no excuse for Sanders’ drive to try to weaken the credibility of the U.S. press.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--High school basketball scores: Joliet West hosts Plainfield Central, Class 1A and 2A state playoffs

First a model , Smith later was known for her TV show and her home decor , and then for @ @ @ @ @ .

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--2020-02-24--Yermin Mercedes’ monster home run highlights White Sox’ 2-2 tie vs. Dodgers

GLENDALE , Ariz. — Cody Thomas and Omar Estevez homered against White Sox right-hander Ian Hamilton in the sixth inning , and Thomas took a home run away from Blake Rutherford with a leaping catch in the Sox ’ Cactus League game Monday at Camelback Ranch that ended in a 2-2 tie .
There was no stopping a tape measure home run by Sox Class AAA catcher Yermin Mercedes in the seventh inning , however .
Mercedes ’ blast landed on the concourse well beyond the left field fence .
Matt Skole tied the game with an RBI double in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was out at home on the play ) , Nicky Delmonico was 3-for-3 with two doubles , No .
3 overall draft pick Andrew Vaughn doubled off the center field wall and shortstop Danny Mendick made an over the shoulder catch in short left field to save a run .
Starting right-hander Alex McRae and lefty Adalberto Mejia , both non-roster invitees to spring training , each pitched two scoreless innings for the Sox ( 1-0-1 ) .
McRae retired all six batters he faced and Mejia struck out two .
Mercedes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ordered off the “ hard , harder , hardest ” menu , connected against Parker Curry and singled in the ninth .
A minor league selection in the Rule 5 Draft in 2017 , Mercedes batted .310/.386/.647 with 17 homers in 53 games at Class AAA Charlotte .
While a long shot , Mercedes could build a case for the final roster spot with a strong spring .
It was there for all to see This was the first televised Sox spring game on NBCSCH and the last until March 13 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 .
Only six games were scheduled on the Sox ’ exclusive station ( there are 13 webcasts slated on whitesox.com ) , which has become a griping ground for fans wanting to see what should be an improved team .
By luck of the draw , Monday ’ s televised game featured one player — Edwin Encarnacion — who will likely be in the Opening Day lineup , although first-round draft picks Nick Madrigal , Andrew Vaughn and Zack Collins started .
“ Hopefully they give them a good show and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” manager Rick Renteria said .
Giants at Sox ( ss ) , Glendale , 2:05 p.m. , Tuesday , whitesox.com , Drew Anderson vs. Kevin Gausman .
Sox ( ss ) at Indians , Goodyear , 2:05 p.m. , Tuesday , Bernardo Flores vs. Shane Bieber .

SOX 2, DODGERS 2
All tied up
Cody Thomas and Omar Estevez homered against White Sox right-hander Ian Hamilton in the sixth inning and Thomas took a home run away from Blake Rutherford with a leaping catch, but there was no stopping a tape-measure homer by Class AAA Charlotte catcher Yermin Mercedes in the seventh. Mercedes’ blast landed on the concourse beyond the left-field fence.
Matt Skole tied the score with an RBI double in the ninth, Nicky Delmonico was 3-for-3 with two doubles, No. 3 overall draft pick Andrew Vaughn doubled off the center-field wall and shortstop Danny Mendick made an over-the-shoulder catch in short left field to save a run. The Sox are 1-0-1.
Mercedes goes way deep
Mercedes, whose swings are ordered off the ‘‘hard, harder, hardest’’ menu, homered against Parker Curry, then singled in the ninth. A minor-league selection in the Rule 5 draft in 2017, Mercedes batted .310/.386/.647 with 17 homers in 53 games last season at Charlotte. He could build a long-shot case for the final roster spot with a strong spring.
It was there for all to see
This was the Sox’ first televised spring game on NBC Sports Chicago and the last until March 13, when they play the Cubs. Only six games are scheduled on the team’s exclusive station, which has become a source of complaints for fans wanting to see more of what should be an improved team. By the luck of the draw, the game Monday featured one player — Edwin Encarnacion — who likely will be in the Opening Day lineup, although first-round draft picks Zack Collins, Nick Madrigal and Vaughn started.
On deck
Giants at Sox (split squad), Glendale, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, whitesox.com, Kevin Gausman vs. Drew Anderson; Sox (split squad) at Indians, Goodyear, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Bernardo Flores vs. Shane Bieber.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Battle brewing over smoke detector proposal in city’s oldest homes, residential buildings

A heated political battle is simmering behind-the-scenes over a proposal by Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ s City Council floor leader to require smoke detectors installed in Chicago ’ s oldest homes and residential buildings to either be hard-wired or have ten-year batteries in the detectors .
Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II and Public Safety Committee chairman Chris Taliaferro ( 29th ) are dead-set against the idea — and sounded the alarm about it during a closed-door meeting Monday with Lightfoot ’ s Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs .
“ We ’ re adding a brand new price point for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax increases and all of these other extra fees and costs .
Are we just adding that much more of a financial burden on them to a program that is already working ?
” Taliaferro said .
“ The fire commissioner is very concerned about the price point , as I am .
Why is there a specific need to require a ten-year battery that ’ s costing a lot of money when we have residents that won ’ t be able to afford it ?
” For years , the Chicago Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners about the need for working smoke detectors and distributing free smoke detectors .
The strategy has worked to reduce fire deaths “ to almost single-digits , ” Taliaferro said .
“ I don ’ t want to see low-income communities impacted because that ’ s where we ’ ve seen a tremendous amount of success in reducing fire fatalities .
I don ’ t want to see that trend turn around because now we ’ re requiring folks in low-income communities to have expensive smoke detectors , ” Taliaferro said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-flat in my ward .
Her husband passed away .
This would require her to buy a $ 57 smoke detector and put it every single room in that building .
That ’ s just one person .
We can ’ t assume that , just because you own a building , you make good money.
” Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford agreed that forcing all Chicago homes to have smoke detectors with ten-year batteries would “ result in a net loss of protected homes.
” “ The cheapest standard detector is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find is $ 15 .
While it ’ s true that , in the long run , it ’ s cheaper to operate , most people make the purchase based on what they can spend now , ” Langford wrote in a text message to the Chicago Sun-Times .
“ We give away thousands of units every year , but we have to pay for them .
This means we will pass out 66 % less .
If we ’ re giving out 66 % less and the cost to poor folk is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose on private homes….Single family homes will see a big drop in purchases.
” “ We ’ ve had fires in the past few years that have killed people .
What ’ s been the common cause ?
No smoke detectors working , ” Villegas said .
Villegas argued that the dramatic improvement in fire safety sailed through both houses of the Illinois General Assembly in 2017 , but Chicago was exempt from the requirement .
His ordinance would remedy that .
It states , “ On or after Jan. 1 , 2023 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings erected or converted to residential use prior to June 1 , 1984 ” must either include ten-year batteries or be “ permanently wired to the electrical service of each dwelling unit.
” The mayor ’ s floor leader accused Ford and Taliaferro of over-stating the increased cost .
“ This is an up-front cost with a savings over the period of owning a smoke detector , ” Villegas said .
“ The numbers prove themselves out .
The ten-year battery is a cheaper alternative and a safer alternative .
You don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently .
And if it ’ s hard-wired , for sure you won ’ t have any issue with the smoke detectors unless the power goes out .
”

A heated political battle is simmering behind-the-scenes over a proposal by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader to require smoke detectors installed in Chicago’s oldest homes and residential buildings to either be hard-wired or have ten-year batteries in the detectors.
Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II and Public Safety Committee chairman Chris Taliaferro (29th) are dead-set against the idea — and sounded the alarm about it during a closed-door meeting Monday with Lightfoot’s Office of Legislative and Governmental Affairs.
“We’re adding a brand new price point for people who are already getting hit with tax increases and all of these other extra fees and costs. Are we just adding that much more of a financial burden on them to a program that is already working?” Taliaferro said.
“The fire commissioner is very concerned about the price point, as I am. Why is there a specific need to require a ten-year battery that’s costing a lot of money when we have residents that won’t be able to afford it?”
For years, the Chicago Fire Department has been educating residents and building owners about the need for working smoke detectors and distributing free smoke detectors.
The strategy has worked to reduce fire deaths “to almost single-digits,” Taliaferro said.
“I don’t want to see low-income communities impacted because that’s where we’ve seen a tremendous amount of success in reducing fire fatalities. I don’t want to see that trend turn around because now we’re requiring folks in low-income communities to have expensive smoke detectors,” Taliaferro said.
“I have an 87-year-old woman who owns a three-flat in my ward. Her husband passed away. This would require her to buy a $57 smoke detector and put it every single room in that building. That’s just one person. We can’t assume that, just because you own a building, you make good money.”
Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford agreed that forcing all Chicago homes to have smoke detectors with ten-year batteries would “result in a net loss of protected homes.”
“The cheapest standard detector is $5. The cheapest ten-year we find is $15. While it’s true that, in the long run, it’s cheaper to operate, most people make the purchase based on what they can spend now,” Langford wrote in a text message to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“We give away thousands of units every year, but we have to pay for them. This means we will pass out 66% less. If we’re giving out 66% less and the cost to poor folk is tripled to $15-plus, we will lose on private homes….Single family homes will see a big drop in purchases.”
Villegas stood his ground.
“We’ve had fires in the past few years that have killed people. What’s been the common cause? No smoke detectors working,” Villegas said.
Villegas argued that the dramatic improvement in fire safety sailed through both houses of the Illinois General Assembly in 2017, but Chicago was exempt from the requirement.
His ordinance would remedy that. It states, “On or after Jan. 1 , 2023, all approved smoke alarms installed in buildings erected or converted to residential use prior to June 1, 1984” must either include ten-year batteries or be “permanently wired to the electrical service of each dwelling unit.”
The mayor’s floor leader accused Ford and Taliaferro of over-stating the increased cost.
“This is an up-front cost with a savings over the period of owning a smoke detector,” Villegas said.
“The numbers prove themselves out. The ten-year battery is a cheaper alternative and a safer alternative. You don’t have to replace the battery as frequently. And if it’s hard-wired, for sure you won’t have any issue with the smoke detectors unless the power goes out.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--An elephant’s ghost story shines light on harrowing slaughter, ivory trade in ‘Mlima’s Tale’

If you ’ re lucky enough to see elephants in the wild , the first thing you notice is how human they seem ( or how elephant-like humans can seem ) .
They travel in families — bulls and their mates snuffling , stomping and sometimes bellowing to keep their rambunctious , inquisitive youngsters close .
They have intricate social structures , raise alarms when danger lurks and go to extremes to protect their own .
But as Griffin Theatre ’ s evocative staging of Lynn Nottage ’ s “ Mlima ’ s Tale ” puts in stark relief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t have a chance when targeted by poachers eager to cash in on the lucrative black market ivory trade .
Conservationist reports calculate that 30 percent of Africa ’ s elephant population died between 2007 and 2014 , lost to poachers who can command hefty sums for ivory tusks .
In August , 2017 , one of the world ’ s most outspoken anti-poaching activists , Wayne Lotter , was assassinated .
Headlines flared for a day and mostly disappeared .
That ’ s the context for “ Mlima ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the bruised but undaunted spirit of a mighty bull elephant taken down by poachers and sold for parts .
Director Jerrell L. Henderson merges elements of a ghost story with an astute command of the real-life , nightmarish horrors the poaching industry has made an integral part of life ( and death ) for wild elephants — even those who , like Mlima , are supposedly safe in sanctuary reserves .
As Mlima , David Goodloe carries the production , making the grand creature come alive through Nottage ’ s perfectly sculpted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s expressive choreography .
At lights up , Goodloe shows Mlima at the height of his powers , striding with intent , carefully listening to all that surrounds him .
The scene is idyllic : Wild bird calls , rustling grasses and the magisterial bellows of Mlima himself evoke the vast grasslands where wild elephants live — and die .
Mlima is killed in the first scene , shot by bow and arrow .
Mlima ’ s body and spirit then embark through a “ La Ronde ” -like chain of poachers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At every link , Mlima ’ s traffickers find ways to legally and morally justify their actions .
If nothing else , their paper work is in order .
Mlima will be reduced to “ trinkets ” and art collectibles , all meticulously documented to “ prove ” that the elephant wasn ’ t poached .
Mlima ’ s spirit watches , with disbelief , rage and sorrow passing like waves through him .
As Mlima ’ s body moves up the chain , he ’ s unceremoniously hidden under tarps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see what they ’ ve taken from the world .
Maybe the ivory merchants won ’ t see what they ’ ve done , but Nottage ( aided by often shockingly graphic work by violence and intimacy designer Lewon Johns , who is also among the show ’ s cast ) makes certain the audience won ’ t be afforded the comfort of willful blindness .
Throughout , each time Mlima — or part of him — changes hands , the buyer is marked with smears of chalky white .
By the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in ghostly stripes .
Henderson ’ s supporting cast is uneven but adequate .
Michael Turrentine is outstanding as a young poacher who recognizes the importance and the dignity of his prey , and whose own economic survival is tragically , inextricably linked to the illicit trade of ivory .
Once Mlima becomes the property of a high-end master-sculptor , the ensemble ’ s delivery flattens out , but the drama holds together nonetheless , with Henderson ’ s design team accomplishing a good deal on a blackbox budget .
Joy Ahn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s light design capture the sweep of the savannah ; the rooms where once-wild creatures are sold for parts are small and ugly by comparison .
Nottage is the only woman on the planet to win two Pulitzers for drama : In 2009 for “ Ruined ” and in 2017 for “ Sweat.
” The former followed the lives of Congolese women working as sex workers in a landscape where rape is a constant threat ; the latter explored the relationship between a parole officer and two ex-convicts .
She uses similarly unflinching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without wild elephants seems almost incomprehensible .
Figures vary and elephant censuses are challenging , but there are reportedly somewhere between 350,000 and 500,000 in the wild .
Nottage shows the fate of one , and if poaching continues apace , countless others .

If you’re lucky enough to see elephants in the wild, the first thing you notice is how human they seem (or how elephant-like humans can seem). They travel in families — bulls and their mates snuffling, stomping and sometimes bellowing to keep their rambunctious, inquisitive youngsters close. They have intricate social structures, raise alarms when danger lurks and go to extremes to protect their own.
But as Griffin Theatre’s evocative staging of Lynn Nottage’s “Mlima’s Tale” puts in stark relief, the world’s largest land animal doesn’t have a chance when targeted by poachers eager to cash in on the lucrative black market ivory trade.
‘Mlima’s Tale’
Untitled When: Through March 21 Where: Griffin Theatre at Raven Theatre’s Schwartz Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets: $33-$38 Run-time: 90 minutes, with no intermission Info: www.griffintheatre.com
Conservationist reports calculate that 30 percent of Africa’s elephant population died between 2007 and 2014, lost to poachers who can command hefty sums for ivory tusks. In August, 2017, one of the world’s most outspoken anti-poaching activists, Wayne Lotter, was assassinated. Headlines flared for a day and mostly disappeared.
That’s the context for “Mlima’s Tale,” where the title character is the bruised but undaunted spirit of a mighty bull elephant taken down by poachers and sold for parts. Director Jerrell L. Henderson merges elements of a ghost story with an astute command of the real-life, nightmarish horrors the poaching industry has made an integral part of life (and death) for wild elephants — even those who, like Mlima, are supposedly safe in sanctuary reserves.
As Mlima, David Goodloe carries the production, making the grand creature come alive through Nottage’s perfectly sculpted words and movement director Jacinda Ratcliffe’s expressive choreography. At lights up, Goodloe shows Mlima at the height of his powers, striding with intent, carefully listening to all that surrounds him. The scene is idyllic: Wild bird calls, rustling grasses and the magisterial bellows of Mlima himself evoke the vast grasslands where wild elephants live — and die. Mlima is killed in the first scene, shot by bow and arrow.
Lewon Johns (from left), David Goodloe and Michael Turrentine star in Griffin Theatre Company’s Midwest premiere of “Mlima’s Tale.” Michael Brosilow
Mlima’s body and spirit then embark through a “La Ronde”-like chain of poachers, dealers, middlemen, artists and collectors. At every link, Mlima’s traffickers find ways to legally and morally justify their actions. If nothing else, their paper work is in order. Mlima will be reduced to “trinkets” and art collectibles, all meticulously documented to “prove” that the elephant wasn’t poached. Mlima’s spirit watches, with disbelief, rage and sorrow passing like waves through him.
As Mlima’s body moves up the chain, he’s unceremoniously hidden under tarps, as if no one involved can bear to see what they’ve taken from the world. Maybe the ivory merchants won’t see what they’ve done, but Nottage (aided by often shockingly graphic work by violence and intimacy designer Lewon Johns, who is also among the show’s cast) makes certain the audience won’t be afforded the comfort of willful blindness. Throughout, each time Mlima — or part of him — changes hands, the buyer is marked with smears of chalky white. By the close, everyone on stage is covered in ghostly stripes.
Henderson’s supporting cast is uneven but adequate. Michael Turrentine is outstanding as a young poacher who recognizes the importance and the dignity of his prey, and whose own economic survival is tragically, inextricably linked to the illicit trade of ivory. Once Mlima becomes the property of a high-end master-sculptor, the ensemble’s delivery flattens out, but the drama holds together nonetheless, with Henderson’s design team accomplishing a good deal on a blackbox budget. Joy Ahn’s minimalist set and Jared Gooding’s light design capture the sweep of the savannah; the rooms where once-wild creatures are sold for parts are small and ugly by comparison.
Nottage is the only woman on the planet to win two Pulitzers for drama: In 2009 for “Ruined” and in 2017 for “Sweat.” The former followed the lives of Congolese women working as sex workers in a landscape where rape is a constant threat; the latter explored the relationship between a parole officer and two ex-convicts. She uses similarly unflinching language with “Mlima.”
A world without wild elephants seems almost incomprehensible. Figures vary and elephant censuses are challenging, but there are reportedly somewhere between 350,000 and 500,000 in the wild. Nottage shows the fate of one, and if poaching continues apace, countless others.
Catey Sullivan is a local freelance writer.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Retirees’ biggest money regrets, and understanding financial planning decisions

In the past , I ’ ve detailed retirees ’ biggest lifestyle regrets , such as not traveling more before their health gave out and not communicating clearly with a partner about what they hoped retirement would be like .
Now we ’ ll cover the money moves retirees wish they hadn ’ t made .
The big ones , of course , are starting to save too late and not saving enough , but there are other common regrets , according to certified financial planners from the Financial Planning Association and the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners .
About 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for benefits at the earliest age , which is 62 .
It ’ s often a mistake .
Benefits grow by a guaranteed 5 % to 8 % each year that the applicant delays .
Starting early also can stunt the survivor benefit that one spouse will have to live on when the other dies .
Some people talk themselves into starting early with the promise that they ’ ll save or invest their benefits , says CFP Delia Fernandez of Los Alamitos , California .
“ But of course they can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will pay them if they only wait , ” Fernandez says .
“ They look back and say , ‘ I should have waited , I would have had so much more Social Security coming in right now.
’ ” ‘ I wish I ’ d put more money in a Roth IRA ’ Making deductible contributions to 401 ( k ) s , IRAs and other retirement plans can reduce your tax bill while you ’ re working , which is great .
But eventually that money has to come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution rules , and it ’ s taxed as income .
Diligent savers can find themselves pushed into higher tax brackets by these mandatory withdrawals , planners say .
The disbursements also can cause more of their Social Security benefits to be taxed and raise their Medicare premiums .
Financial planners recommend saving at least some money in Roth accounts , which don ’ t offer upfront deductions but provide tax-free withdrawals , to better manage tax bills in retirement .
‘ I wish I ’ d known about IRMAA ’ Speaking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much health care coverage costs in retirement , planners say .
Those with generous employer-provided coverage can find themselves paying significantly more out of pocket than when they were working .
Medicare has deductibles , co-pays and expenses that aren ’ t typically covered , such as eye care , dental care and hearing aids .
But Medicare itself also has premiums , and those can rise with income , thanks to the income-related monthly adjustment amount — known as IRMAA .
The standard premium for Medicare Part B , which covers doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month for 2020 .
If your modified adjusted gross income is above $ 87,000 for singles or $ 174,000 for married couples , though , IRMAA can add anywhere between $ 57.80 to $ 347 per person per month .
IRMAA affected 3.5 million Part B beneficiaries and 2.5 million Part D beneficiaries in 2017 , according to the Medicare trustees .
‘ I wish I had more money in the stock market ’ As scary as the stock market can be , some exposure to equities is essential for most retirees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only investment class that consistently outpaces inflation .
In some cases , a retiree may be able to take more risk with their investments than when they were younger , says CFP Marc B. Schindler of Bellaire , Texas .
For example , if all a retiree ’ s fixed expenses are covered by guaranteed income — from Social Security and pensions , for example — she may be in a good position to take more risk with her portfolio and potentially reap the rewards of higher returns .
CFP Matt Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counseled a couple who had a financial advisor , but no financial plan .
What the couple did have was a lot of anxiety about their investments and whether their money would last .
“ They did not have a spending plan , tax plan or investment strategy , ” Wilson says .
“ They had been pulling money from the investments in a haphazard way because they did not know what they did not know.
” Retirement is full of major , often irreversible financial decisions and hidden risks .
Working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who ’ s committed to putting the client ’ s interest first — can help people develop sustainable withdrawal rates and a sensible investment strategy .
“ The level of stress and anxiety was reduced significantly after our meetings because they now had a plan , ” Wilson says .
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press .
Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet .
She is a Certified Financial Planner and author of five money books , including “ Your Credit Score.
” @ @

In the past, I’ve detailed retirees’ biggest lifestyle regrets, such as not traveling more before their health gave out and not communicating clearly with a partner about what they hoped retirement would be like.
Now we’ll cover the money moves retirees wish they hadn’t made. The big ones, of course, are starting to save too late and not saving enough, but there are other common regrets, according to certified financial planners from the Financial Planning Association and the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners.
‘I wish I’d started Social Security later’
About 1 out of 3 Social Security recipients apply for benefits at the earliest age, which is 62. It’s often a mistake. Benefits grow by a guaranteed 5% to 8% each year that the applicant delays. Starting early also can stunt the survivor benefit that one spouse will have to live on when the other dies.
Some people talk themselves into starting early with the promise that they’ll save or invest their benefits, says CFP Delia Fernandez of Los Alamitos, California.
“But of course they can’t earn on it what Social Security will pay them if they only wait,” Fernandez says. “They look back and say, ‘I should have waited, I would have had so much more Social Security coming in right now.’”
‘I wish I’d put more money in a Roth IRA’
Making deductible contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement plans can reduce your tax bill while you’re working, which is great. But eventually that money has to come out of the accounts, thanks to required minimum distribution rules, and it’s taxed as income.
NerdWallet NerdWallet.com is a personal finance website and app.
Diligent savers can find themselves pushed into higher tax brackets by these mandatory withdrawals, planners say. The disbursements also can cause more of their Social Security benefits to be taxed and raise their Medicare premiums.
Financial planners recommend saving at least some money in Roth accounts, which don’t offer upfront deductions but provide tax-free withdrawals, to better manage tax bills in retirement.
‘I wish I’d known about IRMAA’
Speaking of Medicare, people are often surprised how much health care coverage costs in retirement, planners say. Those with generous employer-provided coverage can find themselves paying significantly more out of pocket than when they were working.
Medicare has deductibles, co-pays and expenses that aren’t typically covered, such as eye care, dental care and hearing aids. But Medicare itself also has premiums, and those can rise with income, thanks to the income-related monthly adjustment amount — known as IRMAA.
The standard premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor’s visits, is $144.60 per month for 2020. If your modified adjusted gross income is above $87,000 for singles or $174,000 for married couples, though, IRMAA can add anywhere between $57.80 to $347 per person per month.
IRMAA affected 3.5 million Part B beneficiaries and 2.5 million Part D beneficiaries in 2017, according to the Medicare trustees.
‘I wish I had more money in the stock market’
As scary as the stock market can be, some exposure to equities is essential for most retirees, financial planners say. Stocks are the only investment class that consistently outpaces inflation.
In some cases, a retiree may be able to take more risk with their investments than when they were younger, says CFP Marc B. Schindler of Bellaire, Texas. For example, if all a retiree’s fixed expenses are covered by guaranteed income — from Social Security and pensions, for example — she may be in a good position to take more risk with her portfolio and potentially reap the rewards of higher returns.
‘I wish I’d had a plan’
CFP Matt Wilson of Overland Park, Kansas, recently counseled a couple who had a financial advisor, but no financial plan. What the couple did have was a lot of anxiety about their investments and whether their money would last.
“They did not have a spending plan, tax plan or investment strategy,” Wilson says. “They had been pulling money from the investments in a haphazard way because they did not know what they did not know.”
Retirement is full of major, often irreversible financial decisions and hidden risks. Working with a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner — one who’s committed to putting the client’s interest first — can help people develop sustainable withdrawal rates and a sensible investment strategy.
“The level of stress and anxiety was reduced significantly after our meetings because they now had a plan,” Wilson says.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet. She is a Certified Financial Planner and author of five money books, including “Your Credit Score.” Read more


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Cold-related deaths in Garfield Park, South Shore, Englewood bring season’s total to 36

Four more people in Cook County were confirmed to have died from cold-related causes in recent months , bringing the season ’ s total to 36 .
The most recent death happened this month in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
Officers arriving to a call of an overdose Feb. 1 found a 33-year-old man dead in a vacant house in the 500 block of North Pulaski Road , Chicago police said .
An autopsy found the man died of an opioid overdose with cold exposure as a contributing factor , and his death was ruled an accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office said .
On Jan. 19 , a woman died of cold-related causes in South Shore .
Acquaintances went to check up on the 59-year-old and found her unresponsive in a vehicle in the 2400 block of East 73rd Street , police said .
She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where she was pronounced dead .
The woman died of hypothermia due to cold exposure , with cardiovascular disease and alcohol intoxication contributing , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Her death was ruled an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man was found dead in East Garfield Park on the West Side .
A worker found the man , 49 , unresponsive Dec. 23 outside in the 3100 block of West Warren Boulevard , police said .
He was pronounced dead on the scene .
An autopsy determined he died of a fentanyl and heroin overdose with cold exposure playing a role , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
His death was ruled an accident .
A man died in Englewood of cold-related causes earlier in December .
On Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken from the 6500 block of South Peoria Avenue to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The man died of hypothermia due to cold exposure , as well as a fentanyl overdose , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
An autopsy ruled his death an accident .
At least 32 other people have died of cold-related causes since Nov. 1 , 2019 , according to the medical examiner ’ s office and Sun-Times records .
Last season , 60 cold-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 14 , 2018 , and May 23 , 2019 .

Five more people in Cook County were confirmed to have died from cold-related causes in recent months, bringing the season’s total to 37.
The most recent death happened Wednesday in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge.
An 85-year-old woman was found about 8:30 a.m. in the 10900 block of South Lyman Avenue, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. She was pronounced dead about 9 a.m.
An autopsy found she died of heart disease with cold exposure as a contributing factor, the medical examiner’s office said. Her death was ruled an accident.
Earlier this month, a man was found dead in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
Officers arriving to a call of an overdose Feb. 1 found a 33-year-old man dead in a vacant house in the 500 block of North Pulaski Road, Chicago police said.
An autopsy found the man died of an opioid overdose with cold exposure as a contributing factor, and his death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner’s office said.
On Jan. 19, a woman died of cold-related causes in South Shore.
Acquaintances went to check up on the 59-year-old and found her unresponsive in a vehicle in the 2400 block of East 73rd Street, police said. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The woman died of hypothermia due to cold exposure, with cardiovascular disease and alcohol intoxication contributing, the medical examiner’s office said. Her death was ruled an accident.
Nearly a month earlier, a man was found dead in East Garfield Park on the West Side.
A worker found the man, 49, unresponsive Dec. 23 outside in the 3100 block of West Warren Boulevard, police said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
An autopsy determined he died of a fentanyl and heroin overdose with cold exposure playing a role, the medical examiner’s office said. His death was ruled an accident.
A man died in Englewood of cold-related causes earlier in December.
On Dec. 7, the man, 36, was taken from the 6500 block of South Peoria Avenue to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The man died of hypothermia due to cold exposure, as well as a fentanyl overdose, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy ruled his death an accident.
At least 32 other people have died of cold-related causes since Nov. 1, 2019, according to the medical examiner’s office and Sun-Times records.
Last season, 60 cold-related deaths were reported in Cook County between Sept. 14, 2018, and May 23, 2019.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Vehicle hits, kills man refilling gas tank of relative’s car on I-57; another seriously hurt

A man was killed and another seriously injured Thursday while refilling the gas tank of a relative ’ s car @ @ @ @ @ suburbs , police say .
A 43-year-old woman ’ s black Pontiac ran out of @ @ @ @ @ ramp from northbound I-57 to westbound I-80 , Illinois State Police said .
She called @ @ @ @ @ her on the expressway shoulder about 7 a.m. , state police said .
While they @ @ @ @ @ 26-year-old woman driving a 2014 white Acura sedan veered to avoid another car and crashed @ @ @ @ @ two male relatives , state police said .
The woman was uninjured .
Both men @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals , where 52-year-old Gregory Campbell was pronounced dead , state police and the @ @ @ @ @ s office said .
All northbound lanes of I-57 were shut down at I-80 until @ @ @ @ @ to state police .
The driver who struck them stayed at the scene and has @ @ @ @ @ said .

A man was killed and another seriously injured Thursday while refilling the gas tank of a relative’s car on I-57 in the south suburbs, police say.
A 43-year-old woman’s black Pontiac ran out of gas Thursday morning on the ramp from northbound I-57 to westbound I-80, Illinois State Police said.
She called her relatives, who met her on the expressway shoulder about 7 a.m., state police said.
While they refilled the tank, a 26-year-old woman driving a 2014 white Acura sedan veered to avoid another car and crashed into the Pontiac and the two male relatives, state police said. The woman was uninjured.
Both men were taken in serious condition to hospitals, where 52-year-old Gregory Campbell was pronounced dead, state police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
An autopsy conducted ruled Campbell’s death an accident, the medical examiner’s office said.
All northbound lanes of I-57 were shut down at I-80 until about 10:10 a.m., according to state police.
The driver who struck them stayed at the scene and has been cooperative, state police said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Dear Abby: The biological mom I barely know keeps asking for money

DEAR ABBY : I was born into a poor family , and my father gave me up for adoption to his well-to-do sister .
My narcissistic adoptive mother severely abused me physically , mentally and emotionally as a child , and tormented me financially as an adult .
I no longer speak to her .
My biological mother has been attempting to have a relationship with me as her daughter .
But I don ’ t regard her as my mother .
I don ’ t feel anything toward her .
All those years of abuse have left me feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still poor , and she constantly asks me for money to help my nieces and nephews with their needs .
I understand that they are blood , but I work hard for my money and can not afford to support them financially .
They have had plenty of opportunities in the past to better their lives but decided to live off handouts .
How do I find validation that I am a person and not just a piggy bank ?
— JADED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR JADED : Considering the circumstances in which you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy .
A way to find some of that validation would be to start establishing some boundaries in your life .
If you can afford to see a licensed mental health professional , you would benefit greatly by scheduling some sessions .
Not only will it help you to get your priorities straight , it may also help you to feel less guilty about saying no to relatives with ulterior motives .
DEAR ABBY : I felt compelled to write after seeing your Dec. 15 response to “ Anywhere , USA , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the daughter of longtime friends who had recently visited .
The daughter had emailed asking for a report on her parents ’ habits and conduct during their trip .
As a caregiving daughter myself , knowing many other caregiving adult children and belonging to a few support groups for caregivers , I believe inquiring of family friends and other relatives about their loved ones is not wrong or invasive .
Our loved ones behave differently in different situations .
How they negotiate changes and social situations without the caregiver present may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental/cognitive status .
Caregivers try to give their loved ones as much freedom as safely possible .
Gaining information about the visit would possibly give clues regarding the ability to travel independently or not , and whether they can still negotiate social and public situations appropriately .
These are examples of things that a caregiver will never observe without the eyes of others .
Many caregivers out there read your column , and others who have aging , declining friends with caregiving kids .
People must not hesitate to say something when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LOYAL READER IN NEW JERSEY DEAR READER : I ’ m printing your letter because it is representative of the response I received about “ Anywhere , USA ’ s ” letter .
You raise an important issue about how it “ takes a village ” to band together and to share observations about changes in older people ’ s comportment beyond simple aging .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 . )

DEAR ABBY: I was born into a poor family, and my father gave me up for adoption to his well-to-do sister. My narcissistic adoptive mother severely abused me physically, mentally and emotionally as a child, and tormented me financially as an adult. I no longer speak to her.
My biological mother has been attempting to have a relationship with me as her daughter. But I don’t regard her as my mother. I don’t feel anything toward her. All those years of abuse have left me feeling ... jaded.
My biological mother is still poor, and she constantly asks me for money to help my nieces and nephews with their needs. I understand that they are blood, but I work hard for my money and cannot afford to support them financially. They have had plenty of opportunities in the past to better their lives but decided to live off handouts. How do I find validation that I am a person and not just a piggy bank? — JADED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR JADED: Considering the circumstances in which you were raised, it may not be easy. A way to find some of that validation would be to start establishing some boundaries in your life. If you can afford to see a licensed mental health professional, you would benefit greatly by scheduling some sessions. Not only will it help you to get your priorities straight, it may also help you to feel less guilty about saying no to relatives with ulterior motives.
DEAR ABBY: I felt compelled to write after seeing your Dec. 15 response to “Anywhere, USA,” the hosts seeking guidance about how to respond to the daughter of longtime friends who had recently visited. The daughter had emailed asking for a report on her parents’ habits and conduct during their trip.
As a caregiving daughter myself, knowing many other caregiving adult children and belonging to a few support groups for caregivers, I believe inquiring of family friends and other relatives about their loved ones is not wrong or invasive. Our loved ones behave differently in different situations. How they negotiate changes and social situations without the caregiver present may provide important clues and information regarding their mental/cognitive status.
Caregivers try to give their loved ones as much freedom as safely possible. Gaining information about the visit would possibly give clues regarding the ability to travel independently or not, and whether they can still negotiate social and public situations appropriately. These are examples of things that a caregiver will never observe without the eyes of others.
Many caregivers out there read your column, and others who have aging, declining friends with caregiving kids. People must not hesitate to say something when they notice a change in behavior. — LOYAL READER IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR READER: I’m printing your letter because it is representative of the response I received about “Anywhere, USA’s” letter. You raise an important issue about how it “takes a village” to band together and to share observations about changes in older people’s comportment beyond simple aging.
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.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--‘Simpsons’ actor Hank Azaria says ‘it didn’t feel right’ to keep voicing Apu

Hank Azaria is opening up about his decision to retire voicing Apu on “ The Simpsons.
” The Emmy-winning voice actor , 55 , announced last month that he would stop voicing the beloved yet divisive character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon , which has been criticized as a racist caricature that promotes negative stereotypes about Indians .
” Once I realized that that was the way this character was thought of , I just didn ’ t want to participate in it anymore , ” Azaria told The New York Times .
“ It just didn ’ t feel right.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fictional town of Springfield over the last three decades , including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum , but Azaria has become synonymous with Apu , an Indian immigrant who owns the Kwik-E-Mart convenience store and is best known for his catchphrase , “ Thank you , come again.
” Azaria told the Times that he based the character off the 1968 film “ The Party ” – in which Peter Sellers wore brownface to portray an Indian man — in addition to Pakistani and Indian clerks he heard growing up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real blind spot I had , ” Azaria said , explaining that he was unaware of the racial insensitivity of Sellers ’ performance at the time .
” There I am , joyfully basing a character on what was already considered quite upsetting.
” Although Azaria has stepped down from voicing Apu , the character ’ s future lies solely in the hands of ” The Simpsons ” executive producers , who have full creative control .
“ We respect Hank ’ s journey in regard to Apu .
We have granted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the show ’ s executive producers said in a statement .
“ Apu is beloved worldwide .
We love him , too .
Stay tuned.
” It ’ s not clear if the character will be written out or recast with an Indian actor .
Azaria , who has won four Emmys for his voice-over work on “ The Simpsons , ” said some good has come from the controversial character : It has sparked a much-needed dialogue about representation in television .
” What happened with this character is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ It ’ s a good way to start the conversation .
I can be accountable and try to make up for it as best I can .
”

Hank Azaria is opening up about his decision to retire voicing Apu on “The Simpsons.”
The Emmy-winning voice actor, 55, announced last month that he would stop voicing the beloved yet divisive character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, which has been criticized as a racist caricature that promotes negative stereotypes about Indians.
”Once I realized that that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn’t want to participate in it anymore,” Azaria told The New York Times. “It just didn’t feel right.”
Hank Azaria speaks at a press event on Jan. 16, 2020. Amy Sussman/Getty Images
The veteran cast member has voiced various characters in the fictional town of Springfield over the last three decades, including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum, but Azaria has become synonymous with Apu, an Indian immigrant who owns the Kwik-E-Mart convenience store and is best known for his catchphrase, “Thank you, come again.”
Azaria told the Times that he based the character off the 1968 film “The Party” – in which Peter Sellers wore brownface to portray an Indian man — in addition to Pakistani and Indian clerks he heard growing up in New York.
”That represents a real blind spot I had,” Azaria said, explaining that he was unaware of the racial insensitivity of Sellers’ performance at the time. ”There I am, joyfully basing a character on what was already considered quite upsetting.”
Although Azaria has stepped down from voicing Apu, the character’s future lies solely in the hands of ”The Simpsons” executive producers, who have full creative control.
“We respect Hank’s journey in regard to Apu. We have granted his wish to no longer voice the character,” the show’s executive producers said in a statement. “Apu is beloved worldwide. We love him, too. Stay tuned.”
It’s not clear if the character will be written out or recast with an Indian actor.
Azaria, who has won four Emmys for his voice-over work on “The Simpsons,” said some good has come from the controversial character: It has sparked a much-needed dialogue about representation in television.
”What happened with this character is a window into an important issue,” he said. “It’s a good way to start the conversation. I can be accountable and try to make up for it as best I can.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--3 charged with armed robbery at Ukrainian Village cellphone store

Three people have been charged with robbing a cellphone store at gunpoint this month in Ukrainian Village on the Near West Side .
Richard Manjarrez-Aragon and Angel Angel Vargas , both 20 , are charged with one felony count each of armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated kidnapping , according to Chicago police .
Verushuka Saez-Sanchez , also 20 , is charged with a felony count of theft .
The trio is accused of holding up the shop about 10 a.m. Feb. 2 in the 2300 block of West Chicago Avenue , police said .
They pulled out handguns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register and show them where the phones were kept .
They then forced the employee into a bathroom and kept them there while they took cash and a safe containing new phones , police said .
They left the store in a white sedan .
All three suspects were arrested Wednesday , police said .
Vargas , who lives in Kilbourn Park , was taken into custody at 2:21 p.m. in the 1200 block of South Ashland Avenue .
Saez-Sanchez , who lives in the Heart of Chicago , was arrested at 3:35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Island Avenue , police said .
Manjarrez-Aragon , who lives in Little Village , was arrested at 9:09 p.m. in the 2700 block of West Cermak Road .
They are all expected to appear in court for a bail hearing Friday .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people have been charged with robbing a cellphone store at gunpoint this month in Ukrainian Village on the Near West Side.
Richard Manjarrez-Aragon and Angel Vargas, both 20, are charged with one felony count each of armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated kidnapping, according to Chicago police. Verushuka Saez-Sanchez, also 20, is charged with a felony count of theft.
The trio is accused of holding up the shop about 10 a.m. Feb. 2 in the 2300 block of West Chicago Avenue, police said. They pulled out handguns and demanded that an employee open the register and show them where the phones were kept.
They then forced the employee into a bathroom and kept them there while they took cash and a safe containing new phones, police said. They left the store in a white sedan.
All three suspects were arrested Wednesday, police said. Vargas, who lives in Kilbourn Park, was taken into custody at 2:21 p.m. in the 1200 block of South Ashland Avenue.
Saez-Sanchez, who lives in the Heart of Chicago, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Blue Island Avenue, police said. Manjarrez-Aragon, who lives in Little Village, was arrested at 9:09 p.m. in the 2700 block of West Cermak Road.
Judge David R. Navarro set bail at $100,000 for Manjarrez-Aragon and Vargas during a hearing Friday, according to Cook County court records. Bail for Saez-Sanchez was set at $10,000. All three are due back in court March 4.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Wild Irish cooking: Next up is Murphy’s Venison Stew in “Braising the Wild”

Jack Hennessy continues his Irish theme in “ Braising the Wild ” with Murphy ’ s Venison Stew .
I am enjoying this series immensely and I come from German stock .
Here is the recipe : The marathon of Irish recipes ahead of St. Patrick ’ s Day continues with Murphy ’ s Venison Stew .
This one will work with any hind roast or an assortment of trim ( stew meat ) , though time simmering in the oven will varying depending on what cut is used ( as tougher cuts take longer to tenderize ) .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point you need a nap , as you ’ ll need to monitor this stew a bit—mainly while making the roux to make certain it doesn ’ t burn , and while checking the stew to make sure there is enough chicken stock in the pot so it doesn ’ t dry out .
Liquids may evaporate in the oven depending on what pot you use .
• Lightly oil large skillet , heat on medium-high .
Sear roast cubes then place in large pot .
• In same skillet , add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soft , deglaze with Jameson .
• Add roast to a large oven-safe stew pot or , preferably , a Dutch oven .
Add Murphy Stout and chicken stock .
• Add rosemary , oregano , and garlic .
Cover with lid and set to simmer .
• Cut baby red potatoes in half , lightly salt and pepper , lightly coat in oil and roast in oven at 425 degrees until soft and brown .
Set aside .
• Turn oven down to 350 .
Place pot with stew in oven and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check every hour to make certain meat is cover in stock .
If needed , add more chicken stock .
DO NOT add carrots or potatoes yet .
• While stew cooks in oven , make roux by combining 3/4 cup flour and a little over 1/3 canola oil in a pot and set to simmer , stirring often until brown ( stir very often and do not allow to burn ! )
.
• After 2.5 hours , add roux and stir until stew thickens .
Once meat is fork tender ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ —this could take anywhere from 2.5 hours to 5 , depending on cuts used—add carrots and potatoes cook for another half hour .
• Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes to cool before serving .

Jack Hennessy continues his Irish theme in “Braising the Wild” with Murphy’s Venison Stew. I am enjoying this series immensely and I come from German stock.
Here is the recipe:
MURPHY’S VENISON STEW
The marathon of Irish recipes ahead of St. Patrick’s Day continues with Murphy’s Venison Stew. This one will work with any hind roast or an assortment of trim (stew meat), though time simmering in the oven will varying depending on what cut is used (as tougher cuts take longer to tenderize).
Don’t enjoy too many stouts to the point you need a nap, as you’ll need to monitor this stew a bit—mainly while making the roux to make certain it doesn’t burn, and while checking the stew to make sure there is enough chicken stock in the pot so it doesn’t dry out. Liquids may evaporate in the oven depending on what pot you use.
Ingredients (four servings):
2.5- to 3-pound roast or trim
One large yellow onion, chopped
1 pound baby red potatoes, halved and roasted
8 to 10 ounces baby carrots
6 to 8 sprigs fresh oregano, finely minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary, finely minced
4 cloves freshly minced garlic
4 cups chicken stock, minimum
8 ounces Murphy’s Stout
2 ounces Jameson Whiskey
Salt and pepper to taste
Roux: 3/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup canola oil


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Cook County official fires aide he gave sweet deal on Oak Lawn home following Sun-Times questions

Share All sharing options for : Cook County official fires aide he gave sweet deal on Oak Lawn home following Sun-Times questions On a quiet street in Oak Lawn , a brick split-level home with a built-in pool sat empty for years , mold growing in the flood-prone basement .
Federal lenders seized the house after the couple who owned it split up .
They sold it to the Cook County Land Bank Authority , a government agency established for just such a circumstance : to find buyers for vacant houses , usually in struggling neighborhoods .
Two developers offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which an inspector had warned “ is not a rehab for the faint of heart or a tight budget.
” But the land bank turned down both developers .
Instead , it sold the home in 2018 — at a lower price than what the developers offered to pay — to Natasha Cornog , executive assistant to the land bank ’ s top boss , and her elderly mother on the condition that they live there .
And so the Cornogs paid $ 150,000 for the home the land bank had bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the insider deal didn ’ t violate any rules at the time , though the county has since barred its employees from buying property from the agency .
But Cornog had another problem , a Chicago Sun-Times investigation found .
She was taking homestead property tax exemptions on that house and also two more she owns , records show .
The law allows you to take only one homestead exemption — on the home where you live .
Sun-Times reporters asked the Cook County assessor ’ s office about Cornog taking two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That prompted her boss , Robert Rose , executive director of the land bank , to fire her Feb. 12 from her $ 79,148-a-year job as his assistant .
Those extra homestead exemptions cut Cornog ’ s property tax bills by more than $ 16,000 over the past 14 years .
That ’ s money that the rest of Cook County ’ s property owners had to make up .
At the Sun-Times ’ request , the assessor ’ s office determined that Cornog had been living prior to 2018 in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother and shouldn ’ t have received exemptions on her two other homes .
And there ’ s another property tax issue with the West Side house .
The fired county employee ’ s mother , Delores Cornog , 81 , has saved more than $ 23,000 in property taxes since 2006 as a result of taking a senior citizens assessment freeze .
But that ’ s a tax break you ’ re eligible for only if your household has a total income of less than $ 65,000 .
The daughter ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Citing privacy concerns , the assessor ’ s office won ’ t release the mother ’ s application for the tax break , which includes income information .
But that office says it is now investigating how the property tax freeze was obtained and also whether it will move to have any of those tax breaks repaid .
The assessor ’ s office says it also will ask Natasha Cornog to repay $ 5,911 as a result of four years of having taken improper exemptions on two homes she owns on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to do with the land bank ’ s decision to acquire the Oak Lawn home at 8712 Austin Ave .
He says the property had been vacant for five years and was advertised on the land bank ’ s website , so it was available to anyone .
Rose says he has no records to show that , though .
The Cook County Board changed county rules in November 2018 to ban county employee and their immediate relatives from acquiring property directly from the land bank .
That came after an October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider deal .
Natasha Cornog hung up on a reporter .
Her mother wouldn ’ t comment .
The Land Bank Authority is under investigation by Cook County ’ s inspector general ’ s office as the result of a Sun-Times report in November on another insider deal .
That one allowed Chester Wilson , Ald .
Carrie Austin ’ s chief of staff , to donate a decrepit building to the land bank , which wiped out more than $ 200,000 in unpaid taxes on the property , and then sold it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to call for an outside audit of the program .
A firm recently was hired to do that , according to a Preckwinkle spokesman .
When the land bank sold Natasha Cornog the 2,276-square-foot house in Oak Lawn in August 2018 , she already owned two other homes — at 78th Street and Sawyer Avenue and at 97th Street and Parnell Avenue — and a house in the 500 block of North Lawler Avenue that she and her mother listed as their residence for the Oak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registrations .
Like many of the properties the land bank acquires , the Oak Lawn home was structurally sound .
According to an inspector the agency hired , it could be fixed up , but that was a job for an “ experienced rehabber .
.
.
due to severe mold and water damage ” in the flood-prone basement and roof and heating problems throughout the original structure and a spacious addition .
Unlike most of the land bank ’ s deals , the Oak Lawn house didn ’ t have unpaid property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s among the agency ’ s powers — to make it more attractive to buyers .
Days before the contract was finalized , developers were emailing about the property .
Windy City Development sent an offer on Sept. 6 , 2017 , to pay $ 166,786 , providing the name of someone it had lined up to buy and live in the rehabbed home .
“ Mold remediation and renovation will be completed within 6 months , ” Windy City Development wrote .
On Sept. 8 , 2017 , though , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The property at 8712 Austin , Oak Lawn , is being purchased for the [ Cook County Land Bank Authority ’ s ] Homebuyer Direct program and was not intended to be sent out for an investor purchase , ” a land bank staffer wrote .
“ There was a miscommunication and I mistakenly sent out the property .
The CCLBA considers the terms sheet null and void.
” The same day , another developer expressed interest , saying he , too , had a buyer lined up .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please advise how to apply for this property ?
” wrote Mike Joudeh , a rehabber with TBI Contractors .
Rose immediately responded : “ We will be selling this house directly to an owner-occupant .
This property [ is ] for our Homebuyer Direct Program.
” Despite what the land bank ’ s inspector had said about the work requiring “ an experienced rehabber , ” Rose wrote : “ These houses require minimal work and allow homeowners the ability to customize their homes and build equity.
” The land bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program until Sept 25 , 2017 — more than two weeks later — though Rose says the program actually was started Aug. 1 , 2017 .
Records show Joudeh continued to ask about the property ’ s availability through December 2017 .
Joudeh says he offered $ 20,000 more than what the land bank had paid .
The first developer also asked the land bank to reconsider , saying it had a homeowner lined up .
In January 2018 , Natasha Cornog put down a $ 1,000 deposit on the Oak Lawn home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code within 12 months of closing on the property .
She used her county government email address to communicate about the deal , which her mother later joined .
The records the land bank released don ’ t show whether any repairs have been made or whether the house has been inspected since its sale , though Rose later provided photos he says show renovations and moved-in furniture as of November .
The files show his agency asked Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx to weigh in on the sale to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county employee since 2014 .
Foxx signed off on the deal on three conditions : • The terms and Cornog ’ s county employment had to be disclosed .
• The sale price had to be for fair-market value .
• “ And it must be her primary residence .
”

On a quiet street in Oak Lawn, a brick split-level home with a built-in pool sat empty for years, mold growing in the flood-prone basement.
Federal lenders seized the house after the couple who owned it split up. They sold it to the Cook County Land Bank Authority, a government agency established for just such a circumstance: to find buyers for vacant houses, usually in struggling neighborhoods.
Two developers offered to buy and fix up the home, which an inspector had warned “is not a rehab for the faint of heart or a tight budget.” But the land bank turned down both developers.
Instead, it sold the home in 2018 — at a lower price than what the developers offered to pay — to Natasha Cornog, executive assistant to the land bank’s top boss, and her elderly mother on the condition that they live there. And so the Cornogs paid $150,000 for the home the land bank had bought for $141,786.
Land bank officials say the insider deal didn’t violate any rules at the time, though the county has since barred its employees from buying property from the agency.
But Cornog had another problem, a Chicago Sun-Times investigation found. She was taking homestead property tax exemptions on that house and also two more she owns, records show. The law allows you to take only one homestead exemption — on the home where you live.
Sun-Times reporters asked the Cook County assessor’s office about Cornog taking two more homestead exemptions than the law allows. That prompted her boss, Robert Rose, executive director of the land bank, to fire her Feb. 12 from her $79,148-a-year job as his assistant.
Those extra homestead exemptions cut Cornog’s property tax bills by more than $16,000 over the past 14 years. That’s money that the rest of Cook County’s property owners had to make up.
At the Sun-Times’ request, the assessor’s office determined that Cornog had been living prior to 2018 in a West Side home she co-owns with her mother and shouldn’t have received exemptions on her two other homes.
And there’s another property tax issue with the West Side house. The fired county employee’s mother, Delores Cornog, 81, has saved more than $23,000 in property taxes since 2006 as a result of taking a senior citizens assessment freeze.
But that’s a tax break you’re eligible for only if your household has a total income of less than $65,000. The daughter’s salary as a county employee exceeded that.
Citing privacy concerns, the assessor’s office won’t release the mother’s application for the tax break, which includes income information.
But that office says it is now investigating how the property tax freeze was obtained and also whether it will move to have any of those tax breaks repaid.
The assessor’s office says it also will ask Natasha Cornog to repay $5,911 as a result of four years of having taken improper exemptions on two homes she owns on the South Side.
Rose says Cornog had nothing to do with the land bank’s decision to acquire the Oak Lawn home at 8712 Austin Ave. He says the property had been vacant for five years and was advertised on the land bank’s website, so it was available to anyone. Rose says he has no records to show that, though.
The Cook County Board changed county rules in November 2018 to ban county employees and their immediate relatives from acquiring property directly from the land bank. That came after an October 2018 WBBM-TV report on Cornog’s insider deal.
Natasha Cornog hung up on a reporter. Her mother wouldn’t comment.
The Land Bank Authority is under investigation by Cook County’s inspector general’s office as the result of a Sun-Times report in November on another insider deal. That one allowed Chester Wilson, Ald. Carrie Austin’s chief of staff, to donate a decrepit building to the land bank, which wiped out more than $200,000 in unpaid taxes on the property, and then sold it to Wilson’s business partner.
The house in Oak Lawn that Natasha Cornog and her mother bought from the Cook County Land Bank Authority, where she worked. Cook County Land Bank Authority
That prompted Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to call for an outside audit of the program. A firm recently was hired to do that, according to a Preckwinkle spokesman.
When the land bank sold Natasha Cornog the 2,276-square-foot house in Oak Lawn in August 2018, she already owned two other homes — at 78th Street and Sawyer Avenue and at 97th Street and Parnell Avenue — and a house in the 500 block of North Lawler Avenue that she and her mother listed as their residence for the Oak Lawn mortgage, state IDs and voter registrations.
Like many of the properties the land bank acquires, the Oak Lawn home was structurally sound. According to an inspector the agency hired, it could be fixed up, but that was a job for an “experienced rehabber . . . due to severe mold and water damage” in the flood-prone basement and roof and heating problems throughout the original structure and a spacious addition.
An excerpt from the land bank inspector’s report saying that the home required an “experienced rehabber.” Cook County Land Bank Authority
Unlike most of the land bank’s deals, the Oak Lawn house didn’t have unpaid property taxes that needed wiping out — that’s among the agency’s powers — to make it more attractive to buyers.
Days before the contract was finalized, developers were emailing about the property. Windy City Development sent an offer on Sept. 6, 2017, to pay $166,786, providing the name of someone it had lined up to buy and live in the rehabbed home.
“Mold remediation and renovation will be completed within 6 months,” Windy City Development wrote.
“That should be fine,” a land bank staffer responded.
On Sept. 8, 2017, though, the land bank backed out of the deal.
“The property at 8712 Austin, Oak Lawn, is being purchased for the [Cook County Land Bank Authority’s] Homebuyer Direct program and was not intended to be sent out for an investor purchase,” a land bank staffer wrote. “There was a miscommunication and I mistakenly sent out the property. The CCLBA considers the terms sheet null and void.”
The same day, another developer expressed interest, saying he, too, had a buyer lined up. “It is currently not listed on the website. Please advise how to apply for this property?” wrote Mike Joudeh, a rehabber with TBI Contractors.
Rose immediately responded: “We will be selling this house directly to an owner-occupant. This property [is] for our Homebuyer Direct Program.”
Despite what the land bank’s inspector had said about the work requiring “an experienced rehabber,” Rose wrote: “These houses require minimal work and allow homeowners the ability to customize their homes and build equity.”
The land bank didn’t announce the Homebuyer Direct Program until Sept 25, 2017 — more than two weeks later — though Rose says the program actually was started Aug. 1, 2017.
The basement before Natasha Cornog purchased the home. Cook County Land Bank Authority files
Records show Joudeh continued to ask about the property’s availability through December 2017.
Joudeh says he offered $20,000 more than what the land bank had paid.
The first developer also asked the land bank to reconsider, saying it had a homeowner lined up.
In January 2018, Natasha Cornog put down a $1,000 deposit on the Oak Lawn home and agreed to bring it up to code within 12 months of closing on the property. She used her county government email address to communicate about the deal, which her mother later joined.
The records the land bank released don’t show whether any repairs have been made or whether the house has been inspected since its sale, though Rose later provided photos he says show renovations and moved-in furniture as of November.
The files show his agency asked Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to weigh in on the sale to Cornog, who’d been a county employee since 2014.
Foxx signed off on the deal on three conditions:


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--J.B. Pritzker has gotten 130 gifts since taking office, including a $950 bottle of Japanese whisky

What do you give to a governor who has two mansions and can afford anything he wants ?
How about a $ 950 bottle of Japanese whisky .
Or $ 450 worth of tequila .
Or a bust of Abe Lincoln ?
Those were among the 130 gifts Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has logged getting since taking office a little over a year ago , records show .
The uber-wealthy Illinois politician also reported getting six hats , a smattering of scarves , 14 shirts and 54 books among a haul that his staff values at an estimated $ 25,230 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hibiki Blender ’ s Choice , an aged whisky from Japan ’ s Suntory Distillery that retails for $ 950 , given to Pritzker by “ the Japanese embassy.
” Though state records don ’ t give a date for that gift , Pritzker was slated to attend the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference in Tokyo last September before a stress fracture sidelined him for weeks .
The gifts came from ordinary citizens as well as dignitaries , companies and organizations he visited , according to his staff , which didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t keep any of it , according to spokeswoman Jordan Abuddayeh , who says the governor shared anything perishable with his staff and put the rest in secure storage locations at the Thompson Center and the Capitol until they are donated to charity .
“ We ’ re in the process of identifying the charities that could use the variety of gifts that have been given to the governor , ” Abuddayeh says .
Illinois has rules about gifts to public officials and state employees , spelling out what they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re given by anyone besides a limited list of relatives or friends .
They can ’ t , for instance , take a gift from a state vendor , would-be vendor or lobbyist .
Gifts or donations for political campaigns are tallied on separate filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections .
In the first weeks of his administration , Pritzker was given books on Illinois history and a self-published volume titled “ Finding America ’ s Greatest Champion , ” sent by its author .
Since then , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German consulate , salt from “ the ambassador of Switzerland ” and a $ 150 plate from India ’ s consul general .
Cinespace Movie Studio Chicago , a recipient of state grants before Pritzker took office , gave him a T-shirt and Post-Its .
The University of Chicago gave him granite coasters to mark the opening of a new campus building .
Someone Pritzker ’ s staff identified only as a “ citizen ” sent the state ’ s third Jewish governor a package in December containing a Christmas ornament , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” CD , presumably from the Whitney Houston movie .
Another unidentified person gave him a Bible .
And someone sent a book just after Pritzker ’ s inauguration : “ How to Have the Best Year of Your Life.
” The gifts and some details about who gave them were listed in documents Pritzker ’ s office released in response to a public records request for information about gifts that he ’ s gotten as well as those given to his two most recent predecessors .
The logs list Republican former Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 items in his first year in office , 2015 .
It showed Rauner received chocolates that December , eight books — including one titled “ Don ’ t Sell Yourself Short ” — and a painting .
It didn ’ t include prices or say what was done with the items .
Rauner representatives didn ’ t respond to messages seeking comment .
Former Gov .
Pat Quinn , unseated by Rauner in 2014 , logged 1,294 gifts during the six years he headed state government .
“ When people give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Quinn says .
“ A great many of the items I received I re-gifted.
” The knick-knacks and tchotchkes and plaques — “ very thoughtful things , some kind of remembrance of your time at a town in Illinois or at an organization , things like that , ” as Quinn describes them — sometimes were displayed at the governor ’ s office and eventually went to an archivist at Northwestern University , where Quinn went to law school .
“ You go to Canada , they give you a book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a book on China or Brazil , ” Quinn says .
Most of the books and food were given to charity .
Notes show that candy — there was some from the president of Turkey — frequently was “ distributed to staff.
” All of the T-shirts and Polos and jackets — unless they came emblazoned with his name on them — were passed along to Catholic Charities .
The most expensive gift that Quinn logged — a $ 500 Visconti fountain pen in 2012 from an Italian lawyer at law firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Governor ’ s Mansion Association .
As for fancy liquor or wine , including a $ 30 bottle Quinn received from then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel , “ We didn ’ t get too much of that , ” says the former governor , who ran campaign ads showing him mowing his own lawn .
“ I could tell you I never drank any of it .
”

What do you give to a governor who has two mansions and can afford anything he wants? How about a $950 bottle of Japanese whisky. Or $450 worth of tequila. Or a bust of Abe Lincoln?
Those were among the 130 gifts Gov. J.B. Pritzker has logged getting since taking office a little over a year ago, records show. The uber-wealthy Illinois politician also reported getting six hats, a smattering of scarves, 14 shirts and 54 books among a haul that his staff values at an estimated $25,230.
The priciest present? A bottle of Hibiki Blender’s Choice, an aged whisky from Japan’s Suntory Distillery that retails for $950, given to Pritzker by “the Japanese embassy.”
Though state records don’t give a date for that gift, Pritzker was slated to attend the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference in Tokyo last September before a stress fracture sidelined him for weeks.
The gifts came from ordinary citizens as well as dignitaries, companies and organizations he visited, according to his staff, which didn’t list who gave each item.
The priciest of the 130 gifts Gov. J.B. Pritzker has logged getting since taking office a little over a year ago? A bottle of Hibiki Blender’s Choice, an aged whisky from Japan’s Suntory Distillery that retails for $950. Suntory
Pritzker didn’t keep any of it, according to spokeswoman Jordan Abuddayeh, who says the governor shared anything perishable with his staff and put the rest in secure storage locations at the Thompson Center and the Capitol until they are donated to charity.
“We’re in the process of identifying the charities that could use the variety of gifts that have been given to the governor,” Abuddayeh says.
Illinois has rules about gifts to public officials and state employees, spelling out what they’re supposed to do with swag they’re given by anyone besides a limited list of relatives or friends. They can’t, for instance, take a gift from a state vendor, would-be vendor or lobbyist. Gifts or donations for political campaigns are tallied on separate filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
J.B. Pritzker’s priciest presents J.B. Pritzker’s priciest presents As logged by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office, with description, giver and value. • Suntory Hibiki Blender’s Choice, Japanese embassy, $950 • Tequila, undisclosed donor, $250 • Plate, India consul general Sudhaker Dalela, $150 • Pet waste bags, paper sandwich bags, trash bags, rezip bags, biodegradable forks, bamboo utensils, biodegradable diaper bags, biodegradable plastic cups, reusable straw, Tiffany Kuhl, $120 • Insulated wine cooler, scarf, hat, cup, tote, someone from Chicago’s Deneen Elementary School, $100 • Food Network Kitchen 3-month subscription, Discovery CEO David Zaslav, $100 • Korean confections, Republic of Korea consul general Young Suk Kim, $100 • Constituent Education Resource Card, Museums in the Park CEO Deborah Lahey, $100 • Throw blanket, undisclosed donor, $100 • Thaddeus Jones sweatshirt, travel mug, plaque, Jones Foundation, $100 • Para El Mundo tequila, undisclosed donor, $100 • El Nacimiento tequila, undisclosed donor, $100 • Framed “Champion of Change” award, Chicago Commons, $100 • Framed photo of retired Navy Seal Edward Byers Jr., Edward Byers, $90 • Framed photo of J.B. Pritzker, Plumbers Local 130 UA business manager James Coyne, $75
In the first weeks of his administration, Pritzker was given books on Illinois history and a self-published volume titled “Finding America’s Greatest Champion,” sent by its author.
Since then, he’s gotten a coffee mug from the German consulate, salt from “the ambassador of Switzerland” and a $150 plate from India’s consul general. Cinespace Movie Studio Chicago, a recipient of state grants before Pritzker took office, gave him a T-shirt and Post-Its. The University of Chicago gave him granite coasters to mark the opening of a new campus building.
Someone Pritzker’s staff identified only as a “citizen” sent the state’s third Jewish governor a package in December containing a Christmas ornament, a bookmark, chocolate and a “Bodyguard” CD, presumably from the Whitney Houston movie. Another unidentified person gave him a Bible. And someone sent a book just after Pritzker’s inauguration: “How to Have the Best Year of Your Life.”
The gifts and some details about who gave them were listed in documents Pritzker’s office released in response to a public records request for information about gifts that he’s gotten as well as those given to his two most recent predecessors.
Former Gov. Bruce Rauner logged receiving just 10 gifts in his first year in office, 2015. AP
The logs list Republican former Gov. Bruce Rauner as having gotten just 10 items in his first year in office, 2015. It showed Rauner received chocolates that December, eight books — including one titled “Don’t Sell Yourself Short” — and a painting. It didn’t include prices or say what was done with the items. Rauner representatives didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn, unseated by Rauner in 2014, logged 1,294 gifts during the six years he headed state government.
“When people give you things, you accept them with gratitude,” Quinn says. “A great many of the items I received I re-gifted.”
The knick-knacks and tchotchkes and plaques — “very thoughtful things, some kind of remembrance of your time at a town in Illinois or at an organization, things like that,” as Quinn describes them — sometimes were displayed at the governor’s office and eventually went to an archivist at Northwestern University, where Quinn went to law school.
“You go to Canada, they give you a book on Canada, a book on Japan, a book on China or Brazil,” Quinn says.
Most of the books and food were given to charity. Notes show that candy — there was some from the president of Turkey — frequently was “distributed to staff.”
All of the T-shirts and Polos and jackets — unless they came emblazoned with his name on them — were passed along to Catholic Charities.
The most expensive gift that Quinn logged — a $500 Visconti fountain pen in 2012 from an Italian lawyer at law firm Baker McKenzie — was donated to the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association.
As for fancy liquor or wine, including a $30 bottle Quinn received from then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, “We didn’t get too much of that,” says the former governor, who ran campaign ads showing him mowing his own lawn. “I could tell you I never drank any of it.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--Man charged with sexually assaulting Roosevelt University student

Bail was set at $ 10,000 Friday for a former Roosevelt University student charged with sexually assaulting a fellow student three years ago at an off-campus party .
Cook County prosecutors said Alvin Perez , then 20 , and his roommate hosted a party Aug. 27 , 2017 , at their Lake View home that was attended by a 19-year-old woman who had previously dated Perez ’ s roommate .
During the party , Perez ’ s roommate and the woman got into an argument and the roommate told the woman to leave the party .
The woman began crying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to console her and brought her to his room .
After shutting the door , prosecutors said Perez sat on the bed with the woman and began to kiss and grope her .
The woman told Perez to stop , but he continued to touch her and then allegedly sexually assaulted her with his mouth .
The woman was able to stop Perez and asked for her clothes , prosecutors said .
Perez groped her again as she was dressing , she told him to stop again and he apologized and left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told her mother and two other people about what happened the next morning , then filed a report with Chicago police and went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital , where a sexual assault kit was performed .
Via text messages , Perez apologized for his actions to the woman and to his roommate , prosecutors said .
The next month , Perez was expelled from Roosevelt University following a Title IX investigation , according to prosecutors .
He was taken into custody by Chicago police in connection with the alleged assault in November that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DNA test results came back from the sex assault kit in July 2019 and DNA was taken from Perez when he was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in west suburban Romeoville and charged with criminal sexual assault , according to court records .
Perez , 23 , maintains that his interactions with the woman were consensual , his attorney Frank Cece Jr. said in court .
He had no other criminal background and had not interacted with the woman since , Cece said .
Cece said relatives of Perez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His next court date was set for March 19 .

UPDATE: Alvin Perez pleaded guilty to a count of battery on Feb. 8, 2021 and all other charges were dropped, according to court records. Judge Carol Howard sentenced Perez to two years of probation with conditions, including drug and alcohol treatment, and 40 hours of community service.
Bail was set at $10,000 Friday for a former Roosevelt University student charged with sexually assaulting a fellow student three years ago at an off-campus party.
Cook County prosecutors said Alvin Perez, then 20, and his roommate hosted a party Aug. 27, 2017, at their Lake View home that was attended by a 19-year-old woman who had previously dated Perez’s roommate.
During the party, Perez’s roommate and the woman got into an argument and the roommate told the woman to leave the party. The woman began crying, prosecutors said, and Perez began to console her and brought her to his room.
After shutting the door, prosecutors said Perez sat on the bed with the woman and began to kiss and grope her. The woman told Perez to stop, but he continued to touch her and then allegedly sexually assaulted her with his mouth.
The woman was able to stop Perez and asked for her clothes, prosecutors said. Perez groped her again as she was dressing, she told him to stop again and he apologized and left the room, prosecutors said.
Alvin Perez Chicago police
The woman told her mother and two other people about what happened the next morning, then filed a report with Chicago police and went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where a sexual assault kit was performed.
Via text messages, Perez apologized for his actions to the woman and to his roommate, prosecutors said.
The next month, Perez was expelled from Roosevelt University following a Title IX investigation, according to prosecutors. He was taken into custody by Chicago police in connection with the alleged assault in November that year but was released without charges.
DNA test results came back from the sex assault kit in July 2019, and DNA was taken from Perez when he was taken into custody on Thursday at his home in west suburban Romeoville and charged with criminal sexual assault, according to court records.
Perez, 23, maintains his interactions with the woman were consensual, his attorney Frank Cece Jr. said in court. He had no other criminal background and had not interacted with the woman since, Cece said.
Cece said relatives of Perez who attended the hearing declined to comment.
His next court date was set for March 19.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--New ‘cannabis amnesty’ boxes — they’re now green, and more secure — installed at Chicago airports

Law-abiding travelers willing to ditch their weed before boarding a plane from Chicago now have a safer way to do it .
Earlier this week , the city rolled out new , permanent “ cannabis amnesty boxes ” at the end of security checkpoints at O ’ Hare and Midway airports , according to Chicago police spokeswoman Maggie Huynh .
The new weed boxes are painted green and have a more secure , mailbox-like loading compartment .
They are made of metal — and bolted to the floor .
Twelve are installed at O ’ Hare and one at Midway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Karen Pride .
They replace temporary blue boxes installed after weed was legalized statewide on Jan. 1 .
Those were wooden and had a slot on top .
By the end of the month , a traveler at Midway broke into a temporary box and stole weed from inside .
Chicago police wouldn ’ t say if there have been more thefts .
The amnesty boxes were promoted as a safe way for travelers to dispose their weed , since it ’ s still illegal at the federal level to carry across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police and the TSA have said they don ’ t bust travelers going through security while carrying it legally .
Police declined to say how often people discard marijuana in them .

Law-abiding travelers willing to ditch their weed before boarding a plane from Chicago now have a safer way to do it.
Earlier this week, the city rolled out new, permanent “cannabis amnesty boxes” at the end of security checkpoints at O’Hare and Midway airports, according to Chicago police spokeswoman Maggie Huynh.
The new weed boxes are painted green and have a more secure, mailbox-like loading compartment. They are made of metal — and bolted to the floor.
Twelve are installed at O’Hare and one at Midway, according to Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Karen Pride.
The new green boxes replace blue temporary ones installed by the new year. Twitter/@this_is_emma
They replace temporary blue boxes installed after weed was legalized statewide on Jan. 1. Those were wooden and had a slot on top.
By the end of the month, a traveler at Midway broke into a temporary box and stole weed from inside. Chicago police wouldn’t say if there have been more thefts.
The amnesty boxes were promoted as a safe way for travelers to dispose their weed, since it’s still illegal at the federal level to carry across state lines. Even so, Chicago police and the TSA have said they don’t bust travelers going through security while carrying it legally.
Police declined to say how often people discard marijuana in them.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--America Ferrera to depart ‘Superstore’

America Ferrera to depart ‘Superstore’

LOS ANGELES — “ Superstore ” is losing its manager — star America Ferrera says she ’ s departing the @ @ @ @ @ season .
Ferrera plays the manager of a big box store in the show , @ @ @ @ @ for a sixth season .
The actress also serves as an executive producer on the @ @ @ @ @ episodes .
“ The last five years on ‘ Superstore ’ have been some of @ @ @ @ @ and enjoyable years of my career , ” Ferrera said in a statement Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ Latina actress to win the top comedy actress Emmy Award for her the title role @ @ @ @ @ Betty ” in 2007 .
She announced on New Year ’ s Eve that she @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As I start the next chapter for my family and career , I @ @ @ @ @ and much continued success , to my beloved ‘ Superstore ’ family , ” Ferrera @ @ @ @ @ The season five finale will air ta 7 p.m. on April 18 .

LOS ANGELES — “Superstore” is losing its manager — star America Ferrera says she’s departing the NBC sitcom after its current season.
Ferrera plays the manager of a big box store in the show, which has already been renewed for a sixth season. The actress also serves as an executive producer on the series and has directed several episodes.
“The last five years on ‘Superstore’ have been some of the most rewarding, enriching and enjoyable years of my career,” Ferrera said in a statement Friday.
The actress became the first Latina actress to win the top comedy actress Emmy Award for her the title role in the series “Ugly Betty” in 2007.
She announced on New Year’s Eve that she is expecting her second child.
“As I start the next chapter for my family and career, I wish only the best, and much continued success, to my beloved ‘Superstore’ family,” Ferrera said in her statement.
The season five finale will air at 7 p.m. on April 18.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-28--High school basketball scores: Hillcrest at Oak Forest, Benet vs. St. Charles North, Class 1A, 2A pl

High school basketball scores: Hillcrest at Oak Forest, Benet vs. St. Charles North, Class 1A, 2A playoffs

Amtrak police officer found not guilty of murder in 2017 Union Station shooting `` The evidence is overwhelming that Tankson @ @ @ @ @ , '' Judge Dennis Porter said .
`` The thought that Officer Tankson was some @ @ @ @ @ put another notch on his gun is not borne out by the record in this @ @ @