chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Funny, inspiring ‘Little America’ tells immigrant stories that are pleasing without preaching

Welcome to the first truly great series from Apple TV+ .
“ Little America ” ( already renewed for a second season ) is a collection of stand-alone episodes , each inspired by true stories from Epic Magazine about immigrants pursuing the Great American Dream in one form or another .
Although each finely crafted , beautifully filmed , well-photographed vignette naturally touches on hot-button social circumstances and issues , “ Little America ” is hardly some overwrought piece of propaganda advocating extreme takes on either side of the political spectrum .
It ’ s far too nuanced and complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s also funny as hell at times , and filled with memorable portraits of real , three-dimensional , flawed but in most cases relatable and eminently likable fellow human travelers on this planet .
Developed for TV by Lee Eisenberg and the wife-and-husband duo of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon ( “ The Big Sick ” ) , “ Little America ” kicks off with an episode titled “ The Manager.
” The year is 2003 .
A precocious , 12-year-old boy named Kabir ( Eshan Inamdar ) is living a happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , who run an economy motel in Green River , Utah , as they seek political asylum .
Every time Kabir asks his father the meaning of word he doesn ’ t understand , dad says to look it up in the dictionary .
Within a year , Kabir is a state spelling champion , on his way to Washington , D.C. , for the national finals .
But by that point , Kabir ’ s parents have been sent home to India , and their case has been buried in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perk for making nationals , the spelling bee finalists get a White House tour and a visit with First Lady Laura Bush ( Sherilyn Fenn , a long way from “ Twin Peaks ” ) — and Kabir intends to seize that moment to make a personal plea with the first lady to do something about his parents ’ plight , and I ’ ll say no more about what happens after that .
Another standout episode , “ The Jaguar , ” is highlighted by a powerful and lovely performance by Jearnest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-edged and troublesome teenage daughter of an undocumented Mexican housekeeper .
As Marisol rides the bus to school ( self-consciously tucking her duct-taped sneakers under her seat to avoid ridicule ) , she listens to “ Mandolin Rain ” by Bruce Hornsby on her iPod .
Wait , what ?
Her friend pops in one of the earpieces for a moment , makes a face and says , “ Ugh .
I don ’ t care if [ the iPod ] is from Goodwill .
You need to wipe this s -- - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Marisol finds herself kinda liking the Lite Rock playlist .
( Later in the episode , “ Ride Like the Wind ” by Christopher Cross makes an appearance on the soundtrack . )
The bus scene is a small , almost throwaway moment — but it ’ s also an unexpected and funny little pop culture touch , and one of the many , many times in which American pop music is featured to great effect in this series .
Marisol signs up for a squash league at a posh athletic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of athletic shoes — but she can ’ t take the shoes home , so she winds up coming back and taking up the game .
In a “ Karate Kid ” -esque plot development that would seem utterly contrived were it not for the fact it adheres closely to the real-life story , it turns out Marisol has an inherent talent for squash .
As is the case with every episode , “ The Jaguar ” has an epilogue with images of the true-life people who inspired the story , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Marisol ’ s journey is so uplifting and triumphant , there ’ s enough material to fit the classic sports-movie formula .
It ’ s the “ Rocky ” of squash !
One of the most emotionally wrenching chapters in the series is “ The Son , ” with Haaz Sleiman as Rafiq , a Syrian man whose father literally scars him ( via a horrific burn ) and disowns him when he learns Rafiq is gay .
Living in constant fear of being ostracized or beaten or worse in his homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hopes he can be his true self and live his best life in a far more accepting environment — leading to a scene that makes perfect use of Kelly Clarkson ’ s “ Breakaway , ” and I ’ m not crying , YOU ’ RE crying .
I also loved “ The Grand Prize Expo Winners , ” with Dusty Springfield ’ s “ Goin ’ Back ” serving as the musical narrative for a stunningly good montage setting up the story about a single Vietnamese mother ( Angela Lin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with each passing year and have long stopped caring about their mother ’ s annual dream of winning a drawing for a family getaway trip — and of course that ’ s when mom ’ s name is finally picked , and off they go on an Alaskan cruise .
In the dryly funny and largely dialogue-free “ The Silence , ” a decided departure from the overall tone of the series , the wonderful Melanie Laurent ( “ Inglorious Basterds ” ) is the restless and lost Sylviane , who departs France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the promised land of America , and winds up at a silent retreat led by Zachary Quinto ’ s ridiculous , Jesus-looking yogi .
When Sylviane finally does speak ( in French ) , she delivers a hilarious and touching and heartfelt monologue in which she recaps her trip and explains why she came to America .
“ The Silence ” is bookended by “ Lonely People ” and “ Ventura Highway , ” two pop hits by the group …

Welcome to the first truly great series from Apple TV+.
“Little America” (already renewed for a second season) is a collection of stand-alone episodes, each inspired by true stories from Epic Magazine about immigrants pursuing the Great American Dream in one form or another.
Although each finely crafted, beautifully filmed, well-photographed vignette naturally touches on hot-button social circumstances and issues, “Little America” is hardly some overwrought piece of propaganda advocating extreme takes on either side of the political spectrum. It’s far too nuanced and complex and sophisticated for that.
‘Little America’
Untitled Begins streaming Friday on Apple TV+
It’s also funny as hell at times, and filled with memorable portraits of real, three-dimensional, flawed but in most cases relatable and eminently likable fellow human travelers on this planet.
Developed for TV by Lee Eisenberg and the wife-and-husband duo of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon (“The Big Sick”), “Little America” kicks off with an episode titled “The Manager.”
The year is 2003. A precocious, 12-year-old boy named Kabir (Eshan Inamdar) is living a happy, uncomplicated life with his Indian immigrant parents, who run an economy motel in Green River, Utah, as they seek political asylum.
Every time Kabir asks his father the meaning of word he doesn’t understand, dad says to look it up in the dictionary. Within a year, Kabir is a state spelling champion, on his way to Washington, D.C., for the national finals.
But by that point, Kabir’s parents have been sent home to India, and their case has been buried in a mountain of red tape.
As a perk for making nationals, the spelling bee finalists get a White House tour and a visit with First Lady Laura Bush (Sherilyn Fenn, a long way from “Twin Peaks”) — and Kabir intends to seize that moment to make a personal plea with the first lady to do something about his parents’ plight, and I’ll say no more about what happens after that.
Another standout episode, “The Jaguar,” is highlighted by a powerful and lovely performance by Jearnest Corchado as Marisol, a whip-smart but hard-edged and troublesome teenage daughter of an undocumented Mexican housekeeper.
As Marisol rides the bus to school (self-consciously tucking her duct-taped sneakers under her seat to avoid ridicule), she listens to “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby on her iPod. Wait, what? Her friend pops in one of the earpieces for a moment, makes a face and says, “Ugh. I don’t care if [the iPod] is from Goodwill. You need to wipe this s--- and get some new music.”
Ah, but Marisol finds herself kinda liking the Lite Rock playlist. (Later in the episode, “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross makes an appearance on the soundtrack.)
The bus scene is a small, almost throwaway moment — but it’s also an unexpected and funny little pop culture touch, and one of the many, many times in which American pop music is featured to great effect in this series.
Marisol signs up for a squash league at a posh athletic facility in order to score a new pair of athletic shoes — but she can’t take the shoes home, so she winds up coming back and taking up the game. In a “Karate Kid”-esque plot development that would seem utterly contrived were it not for the fact it adheres closely to the real-life story, it turns out Marisol has an inherent talent for squash.
Squash!
As is the case with every episode, “The Jaguar” has an epilogue with images of the true-life people who inspired the story, and updates on their lives. The continuation of Marisol’s journey is so uplifting and triumphant, there’s enough material to fit the classic sports-movie formula. It’s the “Rocky” of squash!
One of the most emotionally wrenching chapters in the series is “The Son,” with Haaz Sleiman as Rafiq, a Syrian man whose father literally scars him (via a horrific burn) and disowns him when he learns Rafiq is gay. Living in constant fear of being ostracized or beaten or worse in his homeland, Rafiq makes his way to America in the hopes he can be his true self and live his best life in a far more accepting environment — leading to a scene that makes perfect use of Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway,” and I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying.
I also loved “The Grand Prize Expo Winners,” with Dusty Springfield’s “Goin’ Back” serving as the musical narrative for a stunningly good montage setting up the story about a single Vietnamese mother (Angela Lin) whose two children become increasingly Americanized with each passing year and have long stopped caring about their mother’s annual dream of winning a drawing for a family getaway trip — and of course that’s when mom’s name is finally picked, and off they go on an Alaskan cruise.
(Another Dusty Springfield mid-1960s tune, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” gets prominent play later in this episode.)
In the dryly funny and largely dialogue-free “The Silence,” a decided departure from the overall tone of the series, the wonderful Melanie Laurent (“Inglorious Basterds”) is the restless and lost Sylviane, who departs France for a soul-searching, solo journey to the promised land of America, and winds up at a silent retreat led by Zachary Quinto’s ridiculous, Jesus-looking yogi.
When Sylviane finally does speak (in French), she delivers a hilarious and touching and heartfelt monologue in which she recaps her trip and explains why she came to America.
“The Silence” is bookended by “Lonely People” and “Ventura Highway,” two pop hits by the group …
America.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Cook County’s 19th cold-related death this season reported in South Shore

The 19th cold-related death in Cook County this season happened Sunday in South Shore .
The woman , 66 , @ @ @ @ @ in the 7100 block of South Stony Island Avenue and taken to the University of @ @ @ @ @ died about 6:10 a.m. from hypothermia due to cold exposure , Chicago police and the @ @ @ @ @ s office said .
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease also played a role in her death .
@ @ @ @ @ was ruled an accident , the medical examiner ’ s office said .
She remains @ @ @ @ @ Cook County ’ s 18th cold-related fatality of the season , when a man was @ @ @ @ @ an alley in Logan Square .
The first confirmed cold-related death of the season happened @ @ @ @ @ Last season , 60 people in Cook County died of cold-related causes .

The 19th cold-related death in Cook County this season happened Sunday in South Shore.
The woman, 66, was found about 2:40 a.m. in the 7100 block of South Stony Island Avenue and taken to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she died about 6:10 a.m. from hypothermia due to cold exposure, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease also played a role in her death.
The woman’s death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner’s office said. She remains unidentified.
Her death follows Cook County’s 18th cold-related fatality of the season, when a man was found unresponsive Dec. 26 in an alley in Logan Square.
The first confirmed cold-related death of the season happened Nov. 1 in Avondale.
Last season, 60 people in Cook County died of cold-related causes.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Man charged in Brighton Park hit-and-run

A 30-year-old man has been charged in connection with a Dec. 28 hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in Brighton Park on @ @ @ @ @ Salgado Jr. , of Gage Park , was charged Sunday with one count of failure @ @ @ @ @ resulting in injury and a count of leaving the scene of an accident , both @ @ @ @ @ .
About 5:30 p.m. Dec. 28 , police allege that Salgado Jr. was driving a @ @ @ @ @ he struck a 73-year-old man at a crosswalk in the 4400 block of South California @ @ @ @ @ He then fled the scene of the crash .
He turned himself in to CPD @ @ @ @ @ Unit Jan. 12 , and was identified as the driver of a red Jeep that @ @ @ @ @ 73-year-old man , police said .
Salgado Jr. remains in custody and is due in @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 30-year-old man has been charged in connection with a Dec. 28 hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in Brighton Park on the Southwest Side.
Guillermo Salgado Jr., of Gage Park, was charged Sunday with one count of failure to report a car accident resulting in injury and a count of leaving the scene of an accident, both felonies, Chicago police said.
Guillermo Salgado Jr. Chicago police
About 5:30 p.m. Dec. 28, police allege that Salgado Jr. was driving a red 2011 Jeep Patriot when he struck a 73-year-old man at a crosswalk in the 4400 block of South California Avenue, police said. He then fled the scene of the crash.
He turned himself in to CPD’s Major Accident Investigation Unit Jan. 12, and was identified as the driver of a red Jeep that struck and critically injured the 73-year-old man, police said.
Salgado Jr. remains in custody and is due in Central Bond Court Wednesday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Mayor Lightfoot: Help law-abiding immigrants become citizens — don’t arrest them

This past Friday , the deputy director of U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement came to Chicago to announce a major problem : Chicago-area ICE arrests fell dramatically in 2019 .
Since becoming mayor , one of the things I ’ m most proud of is our unequivocal support of Chicago ’ s immigrant and refugee communities .
It ’ s a position directly drawn from our belief that our nation ’ s strength lies in our diversity , and that the values which have made us a beacon of hope are sacred and need to be protected .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s City Council meeting we passed the Accountability on Communication and Transparency Ordinance , which is designed to bolster our Welcoming City Ordinance — a policy first established by Mayor Harold Washington in 1985 and enhanced by my predecessors ever since .
In it , we are enshrining in the municipal code mandates from my previous executive actions .
Namely , we will prohibit ICE from accessing Chicago Police Department data bases .
Additionally , we will make clear that ICE can not turn to CPD for assistance with immigration enforcement operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any purposes , a CPD supervisor must first confirm that ICE is being truthful and the request will not support immigration enforcement .
We also will establish reporting requirements to both my office and the Inspector General regarding the police department ’ s compliance with the Welcoming City Ordinance , and provide legal guidance to public facilities on how to protect immigrant patrons in the event they are targeted for ICE raids .
The ordinance will in no way inhibit our law enforcement agencies ’ ability to go after individuals suspected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does it conflict with our agreement with federal authorities that — in special and rare occasions — allows appointed officers to assist in investigating criminal enterprises , such as counter-terrorism , human trafficking and money laundering , with full knowledge that their assistance will be terminated if any action undertaken is inconsistent with city policies .
In other words , it can not encompass immigration enforcement .
If this sounds familiar , it ’ s because it is .
This past summer , when President Donald Trump was doing everything he could to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we undertook these measures in the form of executive actions .
The difference now is that we ’ re codifying them into law , making for one of the largest expansions of immigrant protections in Chicago since the Welcoming City Ordinance first was adopted over 30 years ago .
All of which brings us to Friday ’ s ICE press conference .
As the ICE deputy director noted , it ’ s because of our lack of cooperation that ICE was unable to reach its arrest goal .
Credit for that is shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as with countless local advocates — whether through the TRUST Act passed in Springfield , the vital services provided by Chicago ’ s immigration attorneys , or the hundreds of Community Navigators supported by our Legal Protection Fund who have been doing the Lord ’ s work of going into communities to educate and empower our undocumented immigrant families about their rights .
Yet , as proud as we are , it shouldn ’ t have to be this way .
Cities like Chicago shouldn ’ t have to butt heads with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communities whole .
The reason we ’ ve had to work so diligently to educate residents about their rights is because the current administration has politized ICE into a cynical campaign against immigrants and refugees .
Our protection actions also ensure we have the vital community trust needed for the effectiveness of our local police .
Make no mistake , immigration policy is complicated .
There are no easy answers .
But the national debate — if you can call it that — hasn ’ t been about immigration policy so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the policy complexities , what isn ’ t complicated is the principle that no one should be demonized for who they are .
Chicago ’ s immigrants come from every corner of the globe — always have .
As they have since our earliest days , they help build our city , drive our economy , and create the talent pool that gives us our competitive edge .
We as a nation should be crafting immigration policy based on welcoming our newest residents with clear pathways to citizenship , not fear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here in Chicago are afraid of coming home from school and finding their parents missing is an indictment of where we are as a country today .
As we move forward , we will continue to protect our communities , strengthen our status as a Welcoming City , and fight for the best of who we are .
For unity and inclusion , equity and opportunity .
For standing up for our neighbors and calling out division and demonization for what they are .
It ’ s those values that have endowed our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foundation for our incredible success , and will ensure Chicago remains the best city in the world to call home .

This past Friday, the deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement came to Chicago to announce a major problem: Chicago-area ICE arrests fell dramatically in 2019.
The reason? Local officials refused to play ball.
Since becoming mayor, one of the things I’m most proud of is our unequivocal support of Chicago’s immigrant and refugee communities. It’s a position directly drawn from our belief that our nation’s strength lies in our diversity, and that the values which have made us a beacon of hope are sacred and need to be protected.
Opinion bug Opinion
It’s for that reason that at Wednesday’s City Council meeting we passed the Accountability on Communication and Transparency Ordinance, which is designed to bolster our Welcoming City Ordinance — a policy first established by Mayor Harold Washington in 1985 and enhanced by my predecessors ever since.
In it, we are enshrining in the municipal code mandates from my previous executive actions. Namely, we will prohibit ICE from accessing Chicago Police Department databases. Additionally, we will make clear that ICE cannot turn to CPD for assistance with immigration enforcement operations. And if ICE does request assistance for any purposes, a CPD supervisor must first confirm that ICE is being truthful and the request will not support immigration enforcement.
We also will establish reporting requirements to both my office and the Inspector General regarding the police department’s compliance with the Welcoming City Ordinance, and provide legal guidance to public facilities on how to protect immigrant patrons in the event they are targeted for ICE raids.
The ordinance will in no way inhibit our law enforcement agencies’ ability to go after individuals suspected of committing serious or violent crimes. Nor does it conflict with our agreement with federal authorities that — in special and rare occasions — allows appointed officers to assist in investigating criminal enterprises, such as counter-terrorism, human trafficking and money laundering, with full knowledge that their assistance will be terminated if any action undertaken is inconsistent with city policies.
In other words, it cannot encompass immigration enforcement.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. This past summer, when President Donald Trump was doing everything he could to scare undocumented families into the shadows, we undertook these measures in the form of executive actions. The difference now is that we’re codifying them into law, making for one of the largest expansions of immigrant protections in Chicago since the Welcoming City Ordinance first was adopted over 30 years ago.
All of which brings us to Friday’s ICE press conference. As the ICE deputy director noted, it’s because of our lack of cooperation that ICE was unable to reach its arrest goal.
He’s right. And that’s a good thing.
Credit for that is shared among city and state leaders, as well as with countless local advocates — whether through the TRUST Act passed in Springfield, the vital services provided by Chicago’s immigration attorneys, or the hundreds of Community Navigators supported by our Legal Protection Fund who have been doing the Lord’s work of going into communities to educate and empower our undocumented immigrant families about their rights.
Yet, as proud as we are, it shouldn’t have to be this way. Cities like Chicago shouldn’t have to butt heads with federal agencies to keep their families safe and communities whole.
The reason we’ve had to work so diligently to educate residents about their rights is because the current administration has politized ICE into a cynical campaign against immigrants and refugees. Our protection actions also ensure we have the vital community trust needed for the effectiveness of our local police.
Make no mistake, immigration policy is complicated. There are no easy answers. But the national debate — if you can call it that — hasn’t been about immigration policy so much as about immigrants themselves. And for all the policy complexities, what isn’t complicated is the principle that no one should be demonized for who they are.
Chicago’s immigrants come from every corner of the globe — always have. As they have since our earliest days, they help build our city, drive our economy, and create the talent pool that gives us our competitive edge.
We as a nation should be crafting immigration policy based on welcoming our newest residents with clear pathways to citizenship, not fear of arrests. The fact that children right here in Chicago are afraid of coming home from school and finding their parents missing is an indictment of where we are as a country today.
As we move forward, we will continue to protect our communities, strengthen our status as a Welcoming City, and fight for the best of who we are. For unity and inclusion, equity and opportunity. For standing up for our neighbors and calling out division and demonization for what they are.
It’s those values that have endowed our heritage for generations, served as the foundation for our incredible success, and will ensure Chicago remains the best city in the world to call home.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Man accused of murdering CPD Cmdr. Paul Bauer to stand trial in March

Opening statements in trial of a four-time felon charged with the 2018 murder of Chicago Police Cmdr .
Paul Bauer @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
The trial date set Wednesday by Cook County Judge Erica Reddick marks a @ @ @ @ @ a month after accused gunman ’ s Shomari Legghette ’ s attorney requested more time @ @ @ @ @ .
Assistant State ’ s Attorney John Maher said he expected it would take a @ @ @ @ @ the case against Legghette .
Legghette allegedly shot Bauer during a struggle in a stairwell @ @ @ @ @ Bauer had confronted Legghette as he fled from officers who spotted him urinating on a @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors said .
Legghette had the gun used to shoot Bauer in his pocket @ @ @ @ @ custody by officers after he was spotted coming out of the stairwell where Bauer ’ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors said .
Legghette was also allegedly wearing body armor under his coat .

Opening statements in the trial of a four-time felon charged with the 2018 murder of Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer are scheduled to begin March 3.
The trial date set Wednesday by Cook County Judge Erica Reddick marks a delay of a little over a month after accused gunman Shomari Legghette’s attorney requested more time to review evidence last week.
Jury selection is set to begin Feb. 27.
Assistant State’s Attorney John Maher said he expected it would take a week for prosecutors to present the case against Legghette.
Legghette allegedly shot Bauer during a struggle in a stairwell near the Thompson Center. Bauer had confronted Legghette as he fled from officers who spotted him urinating on a column on Lower Wacker Drive, prosecutors said.
Legghette allegedly had the gun used to shoot Bauer in his pocket when he was taken into custody by officers after he was spotted coming out of the stairwell where Bauer’s body was discovered, prosecutors said. Legghette was also allegedly wearing body armor under his coat.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--‘Windy City Rehab’ host says she’ll buy back home from unhappy couple that sued her, move in herself

“ Windy City Rehab ” host Alison Victoria is interested in buying back and moving into a Lincoln Square home that was featured on the HGTV show but has since become the subject of a lawsuit that claims the home is plagued by leaks and shoddy work .
Anna and James Morrissey bought the brick two-flat at 2308 W. Giddings in March for $ 1.36 million .
The day after the Morrissey family closed on the 4,000-square-foot luxury residence , an upper-floor shower leaked gallons of water into the kitchen ceiling below , according to a lawsuit filed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her co-host Donovan Eckhardt .
A leaky roof , poorly installed windows and other issues were all cited in the suit , which seeks to force the show hosts to take back the home and repay the purchase price , plus $ 80,000 to cover money spent on fixes .
The couple said they had been trying for months to get repairs made to the house .
Victoria — whose full name is Alison Victoria Gramenos — is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed because the purchase contract for the home called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mediation process before filing a lawsuit , said her attorney , Dan Lynch .
That mediation process hasn ’ t happened , he said .
But Lynch also says she ’ d be willing to take the home off the couple ’ s hands and “ She is interested in buying the house back and she would be glad to join the neighborhood , ” he said in an email .
“ ... Ms. [ Victoria ] believes that notwithstanding whatever issues have been raised by the Morrisseys ( which she was working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great house in a great neighborhood that she would be happy to live in herself.
” It ’ s been a tough few months for the co-hosts .
Problems have included angry neighbors who ’ ve complained about messy worksites , a crackdown by the city ’ s Buildings Department and an apparent rift that ’ s opened up between Victoria and Eckhardt .
Season two for the hit show is in the works , but no air date has been announced .

“Windy City Rehab” host Alison Victoria is interested in buying back and moving into a Lincoln Square home that was featured on the HGTV show but has since become the subject of a lawsuit that claims the home is plagued by leaks and shoddy work.
Anna and James Morrissey bought the brick two-flat at 2308 W. Giddings in March for $1.36 million.
The day after the Morrissey family closed on the 4,000-square-foot luxury residence, an upper-floor shower leaked gallons of water into the kitchen ceiling below, according to a lawsuit filed by the couple in December against Victoria and her co-host Donovan Eckhardt.
A leaky roof, poorly installed windows and other issues were all cited in the suit, which seeks to force the show hosts to take back the home and repay the purchase price, plus $80,000 to cover money spent on fixes. The couple said they had been trying for months to get repairs made to the house.
Victoria — whose full name is Alison Victoria Gramenos — is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed because the purchase contract for the home called for the buyers to go through a third-party mediation process before filing a lawsuit, said her attorney, Dan Lynch. That mediation process hasn’t happened, he said.
But Lynch also says she’d be willing to take the home off the couple’s hands.
“She is interested in buying the house back and she would be glad to join the neighborhood,” he said in an email. “ ... Ms. [Victoria] believes that notwithstanding whatever issues have been raised by the Morrisseys (which she was working to resolve) the property is a great house in a great neighborhood that she would be happy to live in herself.”
It’s been a tough few months for the co-hosts.
Problems have included angry neighbors who’ve complained about messy worksites, a crackdown by the city’s Buildings Department and an apparent rift that’s opened up between Victoria and Eckhardt.
Season two for the hit show is in the works, but no air date has been announced.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--You shouldn’t have to wait years to learn that a product you bought might endanger your child’s life

When an unsafe product puts children ’ s lives at risk , the public ought to know about it , without delay .
Americans should be able to trust that the consumer and household products they buy don ’ t pose a danger in their homes , especially to children .
When Mom and Dad buy a dresser for their toddler , they shouldn ’ t have to worry that it could topple over and severely injure —perhaps even kill — their child .
Crystal Ellis , a mother of two from Washington State , didn ’ t give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ikea dresser for her toddler son .
But just before he was about to turn 2 , the boy was injured , and later died , when his head became wedged between two drawers and the dresser tipped over onto him .
To date , at least nine children have died in accidents involving defective Ikea dressers and chests , as the Sun-Times ’ Stephanie Zimmermann reported recently .
The company has had to pay millions to settle lawsuits brought by the children ’ s families , including a recent $ 46 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ son died in 2014 .
Two years later , following the deaths of more children , Ikea finally recalled millions of the dressers .
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has since conducted safety tests on similar clothing storage units .
Dozens failed that testing , according to the Consumer Federation of America .
Yet CPSC can not release the brand names to the public because of a brick wall : an obscure provision in its regulations called “ Section 6 ( b ) .
” “ The best way to describe this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Cowles , executive director of Kids in Danger , a national safety organization based in Chicago , told the Sun-Times .
“ You don ’ t know what you don ’ t know.
” Congress can make sure the public find out , in a timely manner , by passing a law proposed last week by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush , D-Illinois .
The Safety Hazard and Recall Efficiency ( SHARE ) Information Act would ban companies from going to court to keep the agency from disclosing critical details , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product unsafe or defective .
The bill also would toughen the penalties on companies that fail to comply with various reporting requirements , such as the requirement to report deaths related to their products .
For their part , companies have argued that Section 6 ( b ) is needed to protect their legitimate , consumer-conscious business interests .
They have a point .
One inaccurate press release or unwarranted product recall could doom a fledgling company ’ s chances in the market , or send an established company ’ s stock prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly have pointed out , companies should not be able to keep safety information under wraps for months or years as litigation plays out .
Businesses , in fact , have typically lost those legal battles , as the consumer group Public Citizen found in a 2019 report .
“ Yet while those cases made their way through the court system , important safety information was delayed from being released , ” the report states .
In the meantime , lives are endangered .
As Elliot F. Kaye , the former head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ People die because of Section 6 ( b ) .
” The public saw compelling , and heartbreaking , evidence of that with last year ’ s recall of inclined sleepers blamed for the deaths of 73 babies .
It was only by chance that the public first learned about the real dangers of those sleepers , thanks to the magazine Consumer Reports accidentally getting unredacted information about them .
Their hands tied by 6 ( b ) , the CPSC could issue only vague warnings , without including brand names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents avoid purchasing the most dangerous products .
The SHARE Information Act would require the commission to give manufacturers 15 days notice that safety information is going to be made public , which strikes us as an entirely sensible compromise .
This reform would rightly shift the balance of power toward the public — not a company with deep pockets fighting the commission to protect their interests but not necessarily yours .

When an unsafe product puts children’s lives at risk, the public ought to know about it, without delay.
Americans should be able to trust that the consumer and household products they buy don’t pose a danger in their homes, especially to children. When Mom and Dad buy a dresser for their toddler, they shouldn’t have to worry that it could topple over and severely injure —perhaps even kill — their child.
Crystal Ellis, a mother of two from Washington State, didn’t give it a second thought when she bought an Ikea dresser for her toddler son. But just before he was about to turn 2, the boy was injured, and later died, when his head became wedged between two drawers and the dresser tipped over onto him.
To date, at least nine children have died in accidents involving defective Ikea dressers and chests, as the Sun-Times’ Stephanie Zimmermann reported recently. The company has had to pay millions to settle lawsuits brought by the children’s families, including a recent $46 million settlement to a California family.
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Ellis’ son died in 2014. Two years later, following the deaths of more children, Ikea finally recalled millions of the dressers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has since conducted safety tests on similar clothing storage units. Dozens failed that testing, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Yet CPSC cannot release the brand names to the public because of a brick wall: an obscure provision in its regulations called “Section 6(b).”
“The best way to describe this is a gag order,” as Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger, a national safety organization based in Chicago, told the Sun-Times. “You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Congress can make sure the public find out, in a timely manner, by passing a law proposed last week by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois.
The Safety Hazard and Recall Efficiency (SHARE) Information Act would ban companies from going to court to keep the agency from disclosing critical details, such as brand names, when it deems a product unsafe or defective. The bill also would toughen the penalties on companies that fail to comply with various reporting requirements, such as the requirement to report deaths related to their products.
For their part, companies have argued that Section 6(b) is needed to protect their legitimate, consumer-conscious business interests.
They have a point. One inaccurate press release or unwarranted product recall could doom a fledgling company’s chances in the market, or send an established company’s stock prices tumbling.
But as consumer watchdog groups repeatedly have pointed out, companies should not be able to keep safety information under wraps for months or years as litigation plays out.
Businesses, in fact, have typically lost those legal battles, as the consumer group Public Citizen found in a 2019 report. “Yet while those cases made their way through the court system, important safety information was delayed from being released,” the report states.
In the meantime, lives are endangered. As Elliot F. Kaye, the former head of the CPSC, told Congress last spring, “People die because of Section 6(b).”
The public saw compelling, and heartbreaking, evidence of that with last year’s recall of inclined sleepers blamed for the deaths of 73 babies. It was only by chance that the public first learned about the real dangers of those sleepers, thanks to the magazine Consumer Reports accidentally getting unredacted information about them.
Their hands tied by 6(b), the CPSC could issue only vague warnings, without including brand names or other details that would have helped parents avoid purchasing the most dangerous products.
The SHARE Information Act would require the commission to give manufacturers 15 days notice that safety information is going to be made public, which strikes us as an entirely sensible compromise.
This reform would rightly shift the balance of power toward the public — not a company with deep pockets fighting the commission to protect their interests but not necessarily yours.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--War worries transcend Trump

War worries transcend Trump

Matt Gaetz ’ s campaign website features press quotes describing the Florida Republican as “ Trump ’ s best buddy , ” “ Trump ’ s ultimate defender ” and “ the Trumpiest congressman in Trump ’ s Washington.
” Gaetz clearly was not driven by hatred of the president when he voted for last week ’ s House resolution against an unauthorized war with Iran .
It may be hard to believe in these hyperpartisan times , but Gaetz , a self-described “ constitutional conservative , ” was defending a principle he thinks is more important than loyalty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was standing up for the legislative branch ’ s long-neglected but crucial role in deciding when the country should go to war .
The nonbinding House resolution , a response to the Trump-ordered drone attack that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani as he was leaving the Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 3 , “ simply seeks to reclaim some of the Article 1 authority that we ’ ve ceded to the executive over the past 20 years , ” Gaetz ’ s office explained .
“ It states that only Congress has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Congress has not authorized military force against Iran.
” As Rep. Justin Amash , I-Mich. , a former Republican who also supported the resolution , pointed out , “ Matt Gaetz hasn ’ t changed his position on war powers .
He had the same position when President Obama was in office .
It ’ s the constitutionally conservative position.
” Gaetz ’ s consistency did not win him any points in the White House .
A senior White House official told The Washington Post the Trump administration would punish Gaetz ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting off all contact with him .
Gaetz praised the president ’ s “ mindful restraint ” after Iran responded to Soleimani ’ s death with a nonlethal barrage of missiles aimed at Iraqi military bases where U.S. troops are stationed .
But the strike against Soleimani , coupled with the administration ’ s shifting rationales for it , understandably raised concerns that the United States was about to become embroiled in yet another foreign conflict with no clear goal or end .
National security adviser Robert O ’ Brien initially said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq .
Since Soleimani had helped Iran-backed militias kill U.S. troops in Iraq , that suggestion was superficially plausible .
But the 2002 AUMF , which authorized the president to “ defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq ” and “ enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq , ” was aimed at a regime that no longer exists .
And now the Trump administration was using that seemingly obsolete authorization to kill a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States surely would view as an act of war if the positions were reversed .
“ They have justified the killing of an Iranian general as being something that Congress gave them permission to do in 2002 , ” observed Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , another Trump ally who shares Gaetz ’ s concern about the erosion of congressional war powers .
“ That is absurd.
” The Trump administration also said killing Soleimani was necessary to prevent an “ imminent ” attack against the United States that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would fit within the president ’ s war powers .
But the administration provided no evidence , even in private briefings of legislators , that such an attack was in the offing , let alone that killing Soleimani prevented it .
And Trump reportedly approved the assassination last June , making the claim of an imminent threat hard to swallow .
Last Friday , Trump suggested there was specific intelligence indicating that Soleimani planned to attack four U.S. embassies , a claim contradicted by Defense Secretary Mark Esper .
But nevermind .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump tweeted on Monday , “ because of his horrible past !
” Despite lingering questions about the legality and wisdom of killing Soleimani , Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , warns that legislators who raise those issues are “ empowering the enemy.
” Yet members of Congress have a constitutional duty to ask those questions , and failing to do so empowers one person to launch wars that affect all of us .

Matt Gaetz’s campaign website features press quotes describing the Florida Republican as “Trump’s best buddy,” “Trump’s ultimate defender” and “the Trumpiest congressman in Trump’s Washington.”
Gaetz clearly was not driven by hatred of the president when he voted for last week’s House resolution against an unauthorized war with Iran.
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It may be hard to believe in these hyperpartisan times, but Gaetz, a self-described “constitutional conservative,” was defending a principle he thinks is more important than loyalty to one man or one party. He was standing up for the legislative branch’s long-neglected but crucial role in deciding when the country should go to war.
The nonbinding House resolution, a response to the Trump-ordered drone attack that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani as he was leaving the Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 3, “simply seeks to reclaim some of the Article 1 authority that we’ve ceded to the executive over the past 20 years,” Gaetz’s office explained. “It states that only Congress has the authority to declare war, and that Congress has not authorized military force against Iran.”
As Rep. Justin Amash, I-Mich., a former Republican who also supported the resolution, pointed out, “Matt Gaetz hasn’t changed his position on war powers. He had the same position when President Obama was in office. It’s the constitutionally conservative position.”
Gaetz’s consistency did not win him any points in the White House. A senior White House official told The Washington Post the Trump administration would punish Gaetz’s “super uncool” position by cutting off all contact with him.
Gaetz praised the president’s “mindful restraint” after Iran responded to Soleimani’s death with a nonlethal barrage of missiles aimed at Iraqi military bases where U.S. troops are stationed. But the strike against Soleimani, coupled with the administration’s shifting rationales for it, understandably raised concerns that the United States was about to become embroiled in yet another foreign conflict with no clear goal or end.
National security adviser Robert O’Brien initially said the operation was covered by the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq. Since Soleimani had helped Iran-backed militias kill U.S. troops in Iraq, that suggestion was superficially plausible.
But the 2002 AUMF, which authorized the president to “defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq” and “enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq,” was aimed at a regime that no longer exists. And now the Trump administration was using that seemingly obsolete authorization to kill a senior official of a different country, which the United States surely would view as an act of war if the positions were reversed.
“They have justified the killing of an Iranian general as being something that Congress gave them permission to do in 2002,” observed Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., another Trump ally who shares Gaetz’s concern about the erosion of congressional war powers. “That is absurd.”
The Trump administration also said killing Soleimani was necessary to prevent an “imminent” attack against the United States that he was planning, which pretty much everyone agrees would fit within the president’s war powers. But the administration provided no evidence, even in private briefings of legislators, that such an attack was in the offing, let alone that killing Soleimani prevented it.
And Trump reportedly approved the assassination last June, making the claim of an imminent threat hard to swallow.
Last Friday, Trump suggested there was specific intelligence indicating that Soleimani planned to attack four U.S. embassies, a claim contradicted by Defense Secretary Mark Esper. But nevermind. “It doesn’t really matter,” Trump tweeted on Monday, “because of his horrible past!”
Despite lingering questions about the legality and wisdom of killing Soleimani, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., warns that legislators who raise those issues are “empowering the enemy.” Yet members of Congress have a constitutional duty to ask those questions, and failing to do so empowers one person to launch wars that affect all of us.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Downtown office market busy with leasing, construction in 2019, report finds

Led by success of the Old Post Office , Chicago ’ s downtown office market registered decade highs in leasing and new construction during 2019 , said a report from the real-estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield .
Cushman said the downtown market saw leasing deals covering 10.4 million square feet and construction deliveries of 2.6 million square feet during the year .
Both statistics were their highest for the decade .
The activity pushed average asking rents over the $ 40-per-square-foot mark , to $ 40.70 , 3.4 % more than a year ago , the report said .
Downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a percentage point to 14.1 % in 2019 , compared with 2018 , but only because the massive Old Post Office development opened for business , Cushman said .
Its analysts said downtown vacancy rates should dip in 2020 and 2021 as new tenants such as Uber and PepsiCo occupy the refurbished space .
Demand was weaker in the suburbs , but experts noted that the most modern buildings in “ inner-ring ” towns commanded sharply higher rents .
Overall , the suburban vacancy rate stands at 23 % , vs. 23.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average asking rent was $ 24.16 per square foot , up 4.2 % from a year ago , Cushman reported .
Commenting on the downtown market , Cushman Executive Director Scott Shelbourne said , “ Recruitment and retention of employees continues to be one of the main drivers for the move to new and redeveloped buildings , such as 110 N. Wacker and the Old Post Office .
The requirements of many tenants today can not be accommodated by a portion of existing assets , so those tenants have been moving to buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenant demands , such as efficient floor plates , access to natural light and hospitality-quality amenities.
” Overall leasing activity in the suburbs fell 8.5 % from 2018 .
But Jordan Rovito , senior director at Cushman , observed an increase in office leasing and investment in DuPage County ’ s East-West Corridor , plus a demand for modern space , known as Class A buildings in the industry ’ s lingo .
“ With plenty of square footage available , we ’ re seeing a recommitment from employers , including those that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in the suburbs due the affordability and proximity to their existing workforce .
This bodes well for the market going into 2020 , ” Rovito said .

Led by success of the Old Post Office, Chicago’s downtown office market registered decade highs in leasing and new construction during 2019, said a report from the real-estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield.
Cushman said the downtown market saw leasing deals covering 10.4 million square feet and construction deliveries of 2.6 million square feet during the year. Both statistics were their highest for the decade. The activity pushed average asking rents over the $40-per-square-foot mark, to $40.70, 3.4% more than a year ago, the report said.
Downtown office vacancy rates rose by a tenth of a percentage point to 14.1% in 2019, compared with 2018, but only because the massive Old Post Office development opened for business, Cushman said. Its analysts said downtown vacancy rates should dip in 2020 and 2021 as new tenants such as Uber and PepsiCo occupy the refurbished space.
Demand was weaker in the suburbs, but experts noted that the most modern buildings in “inner-ring” towns commanded sharply higher rents. Overall, the suburban vacancy rate stands at 23%, vs. 23.5% at yearend 2018, and the average asking rent was $24.16 per square foot, up 4.2% from a year ago, Cushman reported.
Commenting on the downtown market, Cushman Executive Director Scott Shelbourne said, “Recruitment and retention of employees continues to be one of the main drivers for the move to new and redeveloped buildings, such as 110 N. Wacker and the Old Post Office. The requirements of many tenants today cannot be accommodated by a portion of existing assets, so those tenants have been moving to buildings that are keeping up with the new tenant demands, such as efficient floor plates, access to natural light and hospitality-quality amenities.”
Overall leasing activity in the suburbs fell 8.5% from 2018. But Jordan Rovito, senior director at Cushman, observed an increase in office leasing and investment in DuPage County’s East-West Corridor, plus a demand for modern space, known as Class A buildings in the industry’s lingo.
“With plenty of square footage available, we’re seeing a recommitment from employers, including those that considered a move downtown but opted to remain in the suburbs due the affordability and proximity to their existing workforce. This bodes well for the market going into 2020,” Rovito said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-15--Dixmoor police commander accused of battering 66-year-old woman at police station

The son of Dixmoor Police Chief Ronald Burge dragged a 66-year-old woman into the south suburban police station and slammed her into the walls in a back hallway after she protested the arrest of her son and grandson , Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday .
The 6-foot-3 , 231-pound Ronald Burge Jr. attacked the 5-foot-3 , 127-pound woman on Oct. 5 , after she and other relatives came to the police station and argued with officers about the woman ’ s grandson ’ s arrest , snapping pictures during the confrontation , Assistant State ’ s Attorney Heather Weber said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burge , a Dixmoor police commander , tried to take the cellphone of the woman ’ s son , who is also the father of boy who had been arrested , Weber said .
When the man refused to hand over his mobile , Burge Jr. took him to the lockup in the back of the station .
The woman followed along and snapped more more pictures , also refusing to turn over her cellphone when Burge Jr. demanded it , Weber said .
Instead , she allegedly ran out to a parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chased the senior citizen , grabbing her with an arm across her chest and neck , while holding his pistol in his other hand , Weber said .
“ [ Burge Jr. ] then carried and dragged the victim back to the police station , with her feet at times dangling off the ground , ” Weber said .
Once back inside the police station , Burge Jr. handed his gun to a fellow officer , then “ slammed the victim ’ s face in the back hallway wall on three separate occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adjacent counter , ” even as the woman showed no resistance , Weber said .
Surveillance cameras inside the station and surrounding buildings captured the attack , Weber said .
After 11 hours in a holding cell , the woman was charged with resisting an officer — a misdemeanor .
She was not allowed to post bond at the station and was kept in lockup over night , Weber said .
The next day , the woman was released on her own recognizance and prosecutors eventually dismissed the charges .
Burge Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators with the state ’ s attorney ’ s office Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest .
Burge Jr. was ordered held in lieu of $ 20,000 bail for aggravated battery and official misconduct Wednesday .
Dixmoor Police officials did not immediately respond to calls for comment from the Chicago Sun-Times .
Burge Jr. was hired as a part-time officer in June 2017 , and was hired full-time that November , Weber said .
A month later , he was promoted to his current rank of commander .

The son of Dixmoor Police Chief Ronald Burge dragged a 66-year-old woman into the south suburban police station and slammed her into the walls in a back hallway after she protested the arrest of her son and grandson, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 231-pound Ronald Burge Jr. attacked the 5-foot-3, 127-pound woman on Oct. 5, after she and other relatives came to the police station and argued with officers about the woman’s grandson’s arrest, snapping pictures during the confrontation, Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Weber said.
That’s when the younger Burge, a Dixmoor police commander, tried to take the cellphone of the woman’s son, who is also the father of boy who had been arrested, Weber said. When the man refused to hand over his mobile, Burge Jr. took him to the lockup in the back of the station.
The woman followed along and snapped more pictures, also refusing to turn over her cellphone when Burge Jr. demanded it, Weber said. Instead, she allegedly ran out to a parking lot across the street. Burge Jr. chased the senior citizen, grabbing her with an arm across her chest and neck, while holding his pistol in his other hand, Weber said.
“[Burge Jr.] then carried and dragged the victim back to the police station, with her feet at times dangling off the ground,” Weber said.
Once back inside the police station, Burge Jr. handed his gun to a fellow officer, then “slammed the victim’s face in the back hallway wall on three separate occasions” and “violently shoved her into an adjacent counter,” even as the woman showed no resistance, Weber said.
Surveillance cameras inside the station and surrounding buildings captured the attack, Weber said.
After 11 hours in a holding cell, the woman was charged with resisting an officer — a misdemeanor. She was not allowed to post bond at the station and was kept in lockup overnight, Weber said. The next day, the woman was released on her own recognizance and prosecutors eventually dismissed the charges.
Burge Jr., 31, turned himself in to investigators with the state’s attorney’s office Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Burge Jr. was ordered held in lieu of $20,000 bail for aggravated battery and official misconduct Wednesday.
The Dixmoor police chief — the elder Burge — told the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday night that the prosecutor’s version of the events isn’t true.
He said the woman tried to enter the police station in a restricted area when Burge Jr. grabbed the door to get inside.
“He turns around and says, “What are you doing? You can’t be in here, you’re under arrest,’ ” according to the police chief.
The woman allegedly ran across the street, and Burge Jr. pursued her, the chief said.
Then, “She grabs him by the private parts,” the chief alleged. He picked her up because “as long as she’s on the ground, she’s grabbing” him, the elder Burge alleged.
Burge Jr. brought her into the station while the two are still struggling and “her head hits the wall; he doesn’t slam her into the wall,” the police chief said.
“To be clear, I stand by my son 100%,” the elder Burge said. “I’m very proud of my son and I think it is unfair for someone to attack someone’s character and their career over something that is not true.”
Burge Jr. was hired as a part-time officer in June 2017, and was hired full-time that November, Weber said. A month later, he was promoted to his current rank of commander.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--4 charged in connection with police chase on Lake Shore Drive and crash near McCormick Place

Four men have been charged in connection with a police chase Tuesday that ended with a crash near McCormick Place .
Carey Hinton , 27 , and Deonte Hill , 23 , each face two counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon , a count of being in possession of a stolen vehicle , possession of more than 500 grams but less than 2,000 grams of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance , all felonies , Chicago police said .
Dezerhea McGee , 21 , and Isiah Space , 20 , each face one count of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , possession of more than 500 grams but less than 2,000 grams of marijuana , both felonies , as well as a misdemeanor count of criminal trespassing in a vehicle , police said .
Officers spotted a stolen vehicle speeding about 8:10 p.m. Tuesday and followed it on Lake Shore Drive , police said .
The vehicle then lost control and crashed into a barrier near McCormick Place .
Isiah Space tried to run from the crash , but was taken into custody , police said .
The other three men were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were they were listed as being in serious-to-critical condition , Chicago fire officials said .
They have since been stabilized .
A search of the vehicle found weapons and drugs , police said .
The four men are due in Central Bond Court Jan. 16 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Four men have been charged in connection with a police chase Tuesday that ended with a crash near McCormick Place.
Carey Hinton, 27, and Deonte Hill, 23, each face two counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, a count of being in possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of more than 500 grams but less than 2,000 grams of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, all felonies, Chicago police said.
Dezerhea McGee, 21, and Isiah Space, 20, each face one count of being in possession of a controlled substance, possession of more than 500 grams but less than 2,000 grams of marijuana, both felonies, as well as a misdemeanor count of criminal trespassing in a vehicle, police said.
Isiah Space Chicago police
Officers spotted a stolen vehicle speeding about 8:10 p.m. Tuesday and followed it on Lake Shore Drive, police said. The vehicle then lost control and crashed into a barrier near McCormick Place.
Isiah Space tried to run from the crash, but was taken into custody, police said. The other three men were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center were they were listed as being in serious-to-critical condition, Chicago fire officials said. They have since been stabilized.
A search of the vehicle found weapons and drugs, police said.
All four men appeared in court for bail hearings Thursday and are due back in court again Jan. 21, according to Cook County court records. Space and Hill were released on recognizance bonds, while McGee was released after posting bail.
Hinton remains in custody on $15,000 bail, according to the Cook County sheriff’s office.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--Dear Abby: My parents’ mistake decades ago has cost me dearly

DEAR ABBY : When I was a junior in high school , I sustained a neck injury ( at school ) that damaged my spinal cord .
I recovered mostly from that , but I have residual weakness in my right side and severe neck pain .
I was able to work until , at 57 , I had to go on disability .
Because of that , my financial situation is difficult , increasingly so now that my wife will be retiring .
At the time of my injury , my parents didn ’ t sue the school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was too young and certainly in no shape to address the situation .
A lawyer approached my parents at the time , and my physician stated my injuries would limit my long-term work abilities and drastically affect my life .
My parents were aware that I would have limited work years , thus affecting my financial situation .
I feel anger toward them because of their inaction regarding my injury and not suing the school .
I see them once or twice a week , and I ’ m wondering if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re in their mid-80s but are quite lively and take care of themselves .
It consumes my thoughts each time I visit them , but I ’ ve said nothing .
Do you think I should bring this up to them ?
— INJURED IN TENNESSEE DEAR INJURED : Yes , I do .
You deserve to know why they were so apathetic in taking care of your welfare — and they should be made aware of the impact it has had on your life .
It may be too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to you , but at least you will have some answers .
DEAR ABBY : I am suffering from postpartum depression while trying to reconcile with my husband , “ Derek.
” He had several emotional affairs during my recent pregnancy , as well as after I gave birth .
His parents attacked me about the postpartum .
I was hospitalized for a week because of it , but they said it was an act .
Recently , his mom texted him saying he should use my mental illness as grounds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking her to stop attacking me that way .
She responded , calling me a devil , saying she ’ s always hated me .
Now she ’ s turning his entire family against me , spreading vicious lies .
She even accused me of trying to sleep with my father-in-law , which Derek knows is ridiculous .
I have asked Derek to address the situation , but what else can I do ?
I ’ m no longer comfortable around his parents or sending my children to be around them .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an awkward position , but it ’ s not fair for me to be attacked with malicious lies because of her jealousy — especially 12 years in .
Please help .
— DISRESPECTED IN ILLINOIS DEAR DISRESPECTED : You may be suffering from postpartum , but your mother-in-law appears to have more problems than you do .
I don ’ t envy you for being her target , or your husband for having to buffer you .
It might be helpful if the two of you consult a licensed mental health provider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , if that ’ s possible .
And Derek should waste no time letting the rest of the family know that none of what his mother is saying is true .
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 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: When I was a junior in high school, I sustained a neck injury (at school) that damaged my spinal cord. I recovered mostly from that, but I have residual weakness in my right side and severe neck pain. I was able to work until, at 57, I had to go on disability. Because of that, my financial situation is difficult, increasingly so now that my wife will be retiring.
At the time of my injury, my parents didn’t sue the school, although clearly the school was responsible. I was too young and certainly in no shape to address the situation.
A lawyer approached my parents at the time, and my physician stated my injuries would limit my long-term work abilities and drastically affect my life. My parents were aware that I would have limited work years, thus affecting my financial situation. I feel anger toward them because of their inaction regarding my injury and not suing the school.
I see them once or twice a week, and I’m wondering if I should bring this up to them now. They’re in their mid-80s but are quite lively and take care of themselves. It consumes my thoughts each time I visit them, but I’ve said nothing. Do you think I should bring this up to them? — INJURED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR INJURED: Yes, I do. You deserve to know why they were so apathetic in taking care of your welfare — and they should be made aware of the impact it has had on your life. It may be too late to sue the school for what happened to you, but at least you will have some answers.
DEAR ABBY: I am suffering from postpartum depression while trying to reconcile with my husband, “Derek.” He had several emotional affairs during my recent pregnancy, as well as after I gave birth.
His parents attacked me about the postpartum. I was hospitalized for a week because of it, but they said it was an act. Recently, his mom texted him saying he should use my mental illness as grounds to divorce me. I texted her, asking her to stop attacking me that way. She responded, calling me a devil, saying she’s always hated me. Now she’s turning his entire family against me, spreading vicious lies. She even accused me of trying to sleep with my father-in-law, which Derek knows is ridiculous.
I have asked Derek to address the situation, but what else can I do? I’m no longer comfortable around his parents or sending my children to be around them. I don’t want Derek to be in an awkward position, but it’s not fair for me to be attacked with malicious lies because of her jealousy — especially 12 years in. Please help. — DISRESPECTED IN ILLINOIS
DEAR DISRESPECTED: You may be suffering from postpartum, but your mother-in-law appears to have more problems than you do. I don’t envy you for being her target, or your husband for having to buffer you.
It might be helpful if the two of you consult a licensed mental health provider to figure out how to deal with her, if that’s possible. And Derek should waste no time letting the rest of the family know that none of what his mother is saying is true.
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.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--Chicago outdoors: Northern Illinois Sports Show leads Week 2 of show season

As week 2 begins around Chicago outdoors , I plan to hit the Northern Illinois Sports Show on opening day @ @ @ @ @ a strong local lineup of seminars .
Not sure if I will get there in @ @ @ @ @ seminar or not .
Capt .
Richard Holms presents on “ The Search for Lake @ @ @ @ @ .
I had planned to hit opening day for the Muskie Expo Chicago on Friday @ @ @ @ @ eye on the weather forecast .
We ’ ll see .
The Expo is usually @ @ @ @ @ of the year , at its best there is a delightful extremeness swirled with weirdness @ @ @ @ @ Show runs through Sunday at the County Fairground & Event Center in Grayslake .
The @ @ @ @ @ Sunday at Pheasant Run in St. Charles .
The Greater Chicago RV Show is at @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .

As week 2 begins around Chicago outdoors, I plan to hit the Northern Illinois Sports Show on opening day this afternoon. There is a strong local lineup of seminars. Not sure if I will get there in time to see the opening seminar or not. Capt. Richard Holms presents on “The Search for Lake Perch” at 12:30 p.m.
I had planned to hit opening day for the Muskie Expo Chicago on Friday, but am keeping an eye on the weather forecast. We’ll see. The Expo is usually one of my favorite shows of the year, at its best there is a delightful extremeness swirled with weirdness.
The Northern Illinois Sports Show runs through Sunday at the County Fairground & Event Center in Grayslake.
The Muskie Expo Chicago runs through Sunday at Pheasant Run in St. Charles.
The Greater Chicago RV Show is at the Schaumburg Convention Center through Sunday.
For the master list of shows, classes and swap meets, click here.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--2 robberies reported on same Woodlawn block: police

Two people were robbed on the same block in Woodlawn after agreeing to meet someone through an online marketplace .
@ @ @ @ @ p.m. Jan. 3 and 9:40 a.m. Jan 13 in the 6600 block of South Greenwood @ @ @ @ @ .
In both incidents , the victim was robbed after agreeing to meet someone to @ @ @ @ @ marketplace , police said .
When they arrived , the robber implied he had a @ @ @ @ @ .
Police described the suspect as a man in his 20s between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot @ @ @ @ @ and 150 pounds .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at @ @

Two people were robbed on the same block in Woodlawn after agreeing to meet someone through an online marketplace.
The robberies happened about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 3 and 9:40 a.m. Jan 13 in the 6600 block of South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago police said.
In both incidents, the victim was robbed after agreeing to meet someone to buy property through an online marketplace, police said. When they arrived, the robber implied he had a gun and demanded their property.
Police described the suspect as a man in his 20s between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot 3 and weighing between 140 and 150 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--3 killed, 3 wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago

Three people were killed and three others were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago , including a 23-year-old man who was killed hours after a peace march near St. Sabina Church in Gresham on the South Side .
About 11:35 p.m. , the man was outside in the 1200 block of West 78th Place when someone shot him in the chest , Chicago police said .
The man was able to flag down a vehicle which drove him to Racine Street , where he was picked up by emergency personnel , police said .
He was rushed to the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succumbed to his injuries .
The shooting came shortly after an annual peace march hosted by St. Sabina Church , held every year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s birthday to remember those who have lost their lives to gun violence in Chicago .
Another man , 27 , was fatally shot while riding a bicycle in Fernwood on the South Side .
He was on his bike about 9:20 p.m. in the 700 block of West 99th Street when someone fired shots from a dark-colored Buick Riviera , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
Early Wednesday morning , a 20-year-old woman was shot dead in Gresham trying to drive away from a possible drug deal gone bad , police say .
She was in the driver ’ s seat of a Chevrolet Malibu about 12:35 a.m. when her male passenger began arguing with someone standing outside of the car , police said .
The male outside fired a gun once , and the woman tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West 83rd Street , police said .
The gunman continued firing , striking her in her head and side of her torso .
She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead , police said .
In non-fatal shootings , a man was shot in an alley in West Lawn on the Southwest Side .
The man , 28 , was in the alley about 7:20 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Keating Avenue when a gold-colored sedan pulled up and two males hopped out , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striking the man in the leg before getting back in the vehicle and driving west on 64th Street .
The man was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition , police said .
About 20 minutes earlier , a man was wounded in a shooting in West Pullman on the Far South Side .
The 19-year-old was on the sidewalk about 7 p.m. in the 400 block of West 118th Street when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
He was struck in the thigh and taken to Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was listed in good condition , police said .
A 26-year-old man was shot in the foot Wednesday morning by a masked gunman near Ford City Mall on the Southwest Side .
He told investigators he was in the 4300 block of West Ford City Drive about 4:30 a.m. when a man wearing a mask opened fire , Chicago police said .
He was struck in the foot and took himself to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment , police said .
He was in good condition .
Six people were wounded Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Three people were killed and three others were wounded Wednesday in shootings across Chicago, including a 23-year-old man who was killed hours after a peace march near St. Sabina Church in Gresham on the South Side.
About 11:35 p.m., the man was outside in the 1200 block of West 78th Place when someone shot him in the chest, Chicago police said.
The man was able to flag down a vehicle which drove him to Racine Street, where he was picked up by emergency personnel, police said. He was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting came shortly after an annual peace march hosted by St. Sabina Church, held every year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to remember those who have lost their lives to gun violence in Chicago.
Another man, 27, was fatally shot while riding a bicycle in Fernwood on the South Side.
Desmond Manning was on his bike about 9:20 p.m. in the 700 block of West 99th Street when someone fired shots from a dark-colored Buick Riviera, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
Manning was hit multiple times, police said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
Early Wednesday morning, a 20-year-old woman was shot dead in Gresham trying to drive away from a possible drug deal gone bad, police say.
She was in the driver’s seat of a Chevrolet Malibu about 12:35 a.m. when her male passenger began arguing with someone standing outside of the car, police said.
A bicycle and grocery bags lay at the scene where a man was shot Jan. 15, 2020, in Fernwood. Sam Kelly/Sun-Times
The male outside fired a gun once, and the woman tried to drive away from the 1400 block of West 83rd Street, police said. The gunman continued firing, striking her in her head and side of her torso.
She was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and pronounced dead, police said.
In non-fatal shootings, a man was shot in an alley in West Lawn on the Southwest Side.
The man, 28, was in the alley about 7:20 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Keating Avenue when a gold-colored sedan pulled up and two males hopped out, police said. One of them opened fire, striking the man in the leg before getting back in the vehicle and driving west on 64th Street.
The man was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in good condition, police said.
About 20 minutes earlier, a man was wounded in a shooting in West Pullman on the Far South Side.
The 19-year-old was on the sidewalk about 7 p.m. in the 400 block of West 118th Street when he heard shots and felt pain, police said.
He was struck in the thigh and taken to Christ Medial Center in Oak Lawn, where he was listed in good condition, police said.
A 26-year-old man was shot in the foot Wednesday morning by a masked gunman near Ford City Mall on the Southwest Side.
He told investigators he was in the 4300 block of West Ford City Drive about 4:30 a.m. when a man wearing a mask opened fire, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the foot and took himself to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment, police said. He was in good condition.
Six people were wounded Tuesday in citywide shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--Father files lawsuit after son stabbed in eye with pencil during Catholic school art class

A man is suing the Archdiocese of Chicago , the Catholic Bishop of Chicago and the Pope John Paul II Catholic School after his son was allegedly stabbed in the eye with a pencil by a teacher ’ s child during an art class at the Brighton Park elementary school .
The man said that his son was drawing in art class Jan. 17 , 2019 , when another student grabbed his pencil and stabbed him in the eye , according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Circuit Court of Cook County .
The lawsuit claims that the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher ’ s child .
According to the lawsuit , the school didn ’ t call 911 or provide the boy with medical care , and did not immediately notify the boy ’ s parents or send him home either .
Because he didn ’ t receive immediate medical attention , the boy ’ s condition worsened , resulting in a “ significant amount of medical care ” to repair the damage , the lawsuit states .
The plaintiffs are asking for at least $ 50,000 in damages .
Officials with the Archdiocese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul II Catholic School , did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning .

A man is suing the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Catholic Bishop of Chicago and the Pope John Paul II Catholic School after his son was allegedly stabbed in the eye with a pencil by a teacher’s child during an art class at the Brighton Park elementary school.
The man said that his son was drawing in art class Jan. 17, 2019, when another student grabbed his pencil and stabbed him in the eye, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The lawsuit claims that the student who stabbed the boy was the art teacher’s child.
According to the lawsuit, the school didn’t call 911 or provide the boy with medical care, and did not immediately notify the boy’s parents or send him home either.
Because he didn’t receive immediate medical attention, the boy’s condition worsened, resulting in a “significant amount of medical care” to repair the damage, the lawsuit states.
The plaintiffs are asking for at least $50,000 in damages.
Officials with the Archdiocese of Chicago, which oversees Pope John Paul II Catholic School, declined to comment.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--7 injured after possible drunk driver crashes into CTA bus in Tri-Taylor

Seven people were hospitalized Wednesday after a possible drunk driver slammed into a CTA bus in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on @ @ @ @ @ About 11:30 p.m. , a black BMW X3 was southbound at a high rate of @ @ @ @ @ it crashed into the back of a northbound CTA bus that was turning left onto @ @ @ @ @ said .
The BMW then jumped the median and drove into the northbound lane before @ @ @ @ @ said .
Of the 13 people on the bus , five men and two women @ @ @ @ @ old were taken to Stroger Hospital , police said .
None of their injuries were @ @ @ @ @ The driver of the BMW , a 26-year-old man , was uninjured , police said @ @ @ @ @ custody following the crash .
Area Central detectives are investigating the case as a possible @ @ @ @ @ Charges were pending Thursday .

Seven people were hospitalized Wednesday after a possible drunk driver slammed into a CTA bus in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on the Near West Side.
About 11:30 p.m., a black BMW X3 was southbound at a high rate of speed on Damen Avenue when it crashed into the back of a northbound CTA bus that was turning left onto Taylor Street, Chicago police said.
The BMW then jumped the median and drove into the northbound lane before hitting a pole, police said.
Of the 13 people on the bus, five men and two women between 27 and 53 years old were taken to Stroger Hospital, police said. None of their injuries were believed to be serious.
The driver of the BMW, a 26-year-old man, was uninjured, police said. He was taken into custody following the crash.
Area Central detectives are investigating the case as a possible DUI, police said. Charges were pending Thursday.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-16--Woman, 24, missing from Buena Park located

A 24-year-old woman reported missing from Buena Park on the North Side has been located .
Sheonte Jones was last @ @ @ @ @ block of North Broadway Street and was considered to be “ high risk , ” @ @ @ @ @ alert from Chicago police .
Police cancelled the alert about 6:40 p.m. , saying she @ @ @ @

A 24-year-old woman reported missing from Buena Park on the North Side has been located.
Sheonte Jones was last seen Saturday in the 4200 block of North Broadway Street and was considered to be “high risk,” according to a missing person alert from Chicago police.
Police cancelled the alert about 6:40 p.m., saying she had been located.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-17--It’s winter in Chicago — and we keep moving

Psst .
I have a secret .
Let ’ s try to keep it between us as I ’ d hate to rock the region with this devastating news .
Brace yourself : It ’ s winter in Chicago .
One would think this is obvious — dips in temperature , snow blanketing the prairie , barren trees , and bodies bundled like burritos — but alas the season comes as a surprise to many every year .
The result is incessant winter whining .
“ Why do we live here ?
” “ It ’ s so cold outside.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” I ’ m sick of the annual performative winter whining .
Last year when a winter storm hit the New York area , a local news channel did the also performative person-on-the-street interview about the weather .
A woman named Diane , with a New York accent as thick as a pastrami deli sandwich , answered the news reporter in an incredulous tone .
She didn ’ t understand why people were mad at snow .
In winter , no less .
“ We are a bunch of weird people , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer and it was snowing — yes .
It is winter !
Hello !
It ’ s winter .
I ’ m not surprised .
I love it.
” Diane ’ s common sense warmed me on what was probably a cold winter day here .
I already despise weather small talk .
When it ’ s winter , it bugs me more .
I love living in a climate with all four seasons .
Constant complaining about winter won ’ t replace the season with summer Lake Michigan beach days .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes a little bit longer to do .
Car batteries die .
Flights are subject to delays .
Bad drivers .
Gray skies make us blue .
January is especially tough as the post-holiday hangover set in .
We forget that winter doesn ’ t stop the city from moving .
We ’ re better than that .
Life still goes on and we refuse to let snow paralyze us .
I remember the January 1999 blizzard .
My friends and I went to a club on Elston Avenue ; it was packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings .
( Getting home was a three-day ordeal but we were in our early 20s and made it fun ! )
During the polar vortex of 2014 , a Chicago friend living in New York decided to make the most of a canceled flight .
She celebrated her birthday here at a speakeasy .
I and her other friends packed the basement on a Tuesday night .
You would never know an arctic blast whirled about outside .
My dad is not above barbequing on Christmas .
This is the Chicago I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I compiled a few tips to prevent you from falling into the winter whining trap .
• Spend quality time with friends in your home .
Winter can be cozy with fireplaces , bourbon and conversation .
• Try new recipes that require hours .
In the winter , I make an eight-hour marinara sauce or an eight-hour lamb on the weekends .
• Enjoy winter activities .
When I lived in Minnesota , residents got mad if it was a mild winter because it interrupted ice fishing and snowmobiling .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , take your family sledding or have a snowball fight .
We live in a winter wonderland .
• Look at pictures of humid summer days and remember how you complained about how hot it was .
• Warm up with hot chocolate and a visit to conservatory .
• Make a point to enjoy myriad cultural offerings in the city — from museums to storefront theater .
• While I don ’ t do New Year resolutions , I do use the time to reset in January .
Currently , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous years , I ’ ve done a 21-day financial fast .
• If you ’ re really going stir crazy , do something that reminds you of warm weather .
Is there a scent you wear , drink you order , food you eat in the summer ?
Wrap yourself in that memory by indulging .
I leave you with this : Years ago a Miami friend moved to Chicago .
People asked her why on earth she would do that .
She said she ’ d take a blizzard over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad about our winter , remember that in Denmark it gets dark at 3:30 p.m. this time of year .
Mostly importantly , soak in Diane ’ s sage words : It ’ s winter ; let ’ s work with it .

Psst. I have a secret. Let’s try to keep it between us as I’d hate to rock the region with this devastating news. Brace yourself: It’s winter in Chicago.
One would think this is obvious — dips in temperature, snow blanketing the prairie, barren trees, and bodies bundled like burritos — but alas the season comes as a surprise to many every year. The result is incessant winter whining. “Why do we live here?” “It’s so cold outside.” “Why is there snow?”
People feigning disbelief at nature.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
I’m sick of the annual performative winter whining. Last year when a winter storm hit the New York area, a local news channel did the also performative person-on-the-street interview about the weather. A woman named Diane, with a New York accent as thick as a pastrami deli sandwich, answered the news reporter in an incredulous tone. She didn’t understand why people were mad at snow. In winter, no less.
“We are a bunch of weird people,” Diane exclaimed. “If it were summer and it was snowing — yes. It is winter! Hello! It’s winter. I’m not surprised. I love it.”
Diane’s common sense warmed me on what was probably a cold winter day here. I already despise weather small talk. When it’s winter, it bugs me more. I love living in a climate with all four seasons. Constant complaining about winter won’t replace the season with summer Lake Michigan beach days. I get the inconvenience of winter. Everything takes a little bit longer to do. Car batteries die. Flights are subject to delays. Bad drivers. Gray skies make us blue. January is especially tough as the post-holiday hangover set in.
We forget that winter doesn’t stop the city from moving. We’re better than that. Life still goes on and we refuse to let snow paralyze us.
I remember the January 1999 blizzard. My friends and I went to a club on Elston Avenue; it was packed and no one heeded the meteorologists’ warnings. (Getting home was a three-day ordeal but we were in our early 20s and made it fun!)
During the polar vortex of 2014, a Chicago friend living in New York decided to make the most of a canceled flight. She celebrated her birthday here at a speakeasy. I and her other friends packed the basement on a Tuesday night. You would never know an arctic blast whirled about outside.
My dad is not above barbequing on Christmas.
This is the Chicago I appreciate. We are meaty and resilient.
I compiled a few tips to prevent you from falling into the winter whining trap.
Spend quality time with friends in your home. Winter can be cozy with fireplaces, bourbon and conversation.
Try new recipes that require hours. In the winter, I make an eight-hour marinara sauce or an eight-hour lamb on the weekends.
Enjoy winter activities. When I lived in Minnesota, residents got mad if it was a mild winter because it interrupted ice fishing and snowmobiling. That’s the attitude! Ice skate, take your family sledding or have a snowball fight. We live in a winter wonderland.
Look at pictures of humid summer days and remember how you complained about how hot it was.
Warm up with hot chocolate and a visit to conservatory.
Make a point to enjoy myriad cultural offerings in the city — from museums to storefront theater.
While I don’t do New Year resolutions, I do use the time to reset in January. Currently, I’m doing the Daniel Fast. In previous years, I’ve done a 21-day financial fast.
If you’re really going stir crazy, do something that reminds you of warm weather. Is there a scent you wear, drink you order, food you eat in the summer? Wrap yourself in that memory by indulging.
I leave you with this: Years ago a Miami friend moved to Chicago. People asked her why on earth she would do that. She said she’d take a blizzard over a hurricane. The next time you feel bad about our winter, remember that in Denmark it gets dark at 3:30 p.m. this time of year.
Mostly importantly, soak in Diane’s sage words: It’s winter; let’s work with it.
Natalie Moore is a reporter for WBEZ.org
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.