chicagosuntimes--2020-02-23--Dodgers shut down Cubs 4-2 in Cactus League play

GLENDALE , Ariz. — Mookie Betts drove in the go-ahead run with a one-out sacrifice fly to center in the fifth inning , and the Dodgers added two sloppy two-out runs in the seventh to beat the Cubs 4-2 in their home spring opener at Camelback Ranch .
The Cubs fell to 1-1 in Cactus League games .
Gone viral ?
Manager David Ross missed a second consecutive day of practice and games because of a flu bug the Cubs say is severe enough that it might keep him out into midweek .
Bench coach Andy Green , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catching heat : One day after catcher Willson Contreras launched the Cubs ’ spring with a monster home run at Sloan Park , catcher Victor Caratini slugged another one to right-center for a short-lived 1-0 lead Sunday .
Caratini doubled in his other at-bat .
K zone : Caratini ’ s first-pitch homer made him the only Cub to reach base in a 15-batter stretch against six Dodger pitchers from the end of the first through the first batter of the sixth .
Seven of those 14 retired struck out .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the sixth to become the second Cub to reach base since the first inning , Dodger pitching retired the next six Cubs – including two more Ks .
Fifth element : Fifth-starter favorite Tyler Chatwood faced four batters during a scoreless first inning , going to a 3-0 count on leadoff man Betts before retiring him on a fly ball , giving up an ensuing single to Corey Seager , inducing a grounder from Justin Turner that turned into an error/interference call at first and then getting an inning-ending double play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rea – last year ’ s Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year – added two scoreless innings after Chatwood , allowing one hit .
On deck : Cubs at Mariners , Peoria , Arizona , Monday , 2:10 p.m. , MSN , Adbert Alzolay vs. Marco Gonzales .

DODGERS 4, CUBS 2
He’s a good Betts
Dodgers leadoff man Mookie Betts drove in the go-ahead run with a one-out sacrifice fly to center in the fifth inning, and the Cubs allowed two sloppy two-out runs in the seventh in their loss Sunday in Glendale.
Gone viral?
Manager David Ross missed a second consecutive day of practice and games because of a flu bug the Cubs say is severe enough that it might keep him out into midweek. Bench coach Andy Green, the former Padres manager, is filling in.
Catching heat
One day after catcher Willson Contreras launched the Cubs’ spring with a monster home run at Sloan Park, catcher Victor Caratini slugged another one to right-center for a short-lived 1-0 lead. Caratini doubled in his other at-bat.
K zone
Caratini’s first-pitch homer made him the only Cub to reach base in a 15-batter stretch against six Dodgers pitchers from the end of the first through the first batter of the sixth. Seven of those 14 retired struck out. In fact, after Ian Happ singled with one out in the sixth to become the second Cub to reach base since the first inning, Dodgers pitching retired the next six Cubs – including two more K’s.
Fifth element
Fifth-starter favorite Tyler Chatwood faced four batters in a scoreless first inning. He went 3-0 on Betts before retiring him on a fly ball and gave up a single to Corey Seager. Then he induced a grounder from Justin Turner that turned into an error/interference call at first and got an inning-ending double play from AJ Pollock. Long-shot candidate Colin Rea — last year’s Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year — allowed one hit in two scoreless innings.
On deck
Cubs at Mariners, Peoria, 2:10 p.m. Monday, MSN, Adbert Alzolay vs. Marco Gonzales.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-23--Man charged with possession of armor-piercing bullets after West Garfield Park traffic stop

A 25-year-old man is facing felony charges after he was allegedly caught with armor-piercing bullets Sunday in West Garfield Park @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Cummings , of Chatham , faces a felony charge of possessing armor-piercing bullets , @ @ @ @ @ after midnight Sunday , officers pulled over Cummings ’ vehicle in the 400 block of @ @ @ @ @ a magazine with the rifle rounds , along with body armor that had a Chicago @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
He is due in bond court Monday .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

A 25-year-old man is facing felony charges after he was allegedly caught with armor-piercing bullets Sunday in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
Antonio Cummings, of Chatham, faces a felony charge of possessing armor-piercing bullets, Chicago police said.
Today, gang enforcement units and @ChicagoCAPS11 officers apprehended two people of interest in connection with a gun possession & police impersonation investigation. Among the items seized by officers from the arestees were armor-piercing bullets. Investigation continues pic.twitter.com/k0dHgG5yQr — Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 23, 2020
Just after midnight Sunday, officers pulled over Cummings’ vehicle in the 400 block of South Keeler Avenue and saw a magazine with the rifle rounds, along with body armor that had a Chicago Police Department star on it, police said.
He is due in bond court Monday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-23--White Sox’ Dylan Cease more than pleased with first outing of spring

GOODYEAR , Ariz. — As first outings go , right-hander Dylan Cease couldn ’ t have been more pleased .
The White Sox ’ highly regarded second-year starter who struggled for consistency while posting a 5.79 ERA in 14 starts as a rookie , Cease came to camp with a new emphasis on “ not getting too rotational on my front side ” to prevent his fastball from cutting too much .
The results have been good on the back fields at Camelback Ranch , and they were equally pleasing to Cease in the Sox ’ Cactus League opener against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 99 mph multiple times , struck out three and walked no one in his scoreless two-inning start .
He hit Jesse Winker with a pitch on the hand ( Winker left the game but is OK ) and allowed some solid contact , but considering Cease ’ s struggles — especially in the early innings — last season , there was nothing to not be happy about .
“ I had better feel today than I did at any point last season , ” Cease said .
“ As long as I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be happy.
” Cease liked the way he executed his curve , slider and changeup .
“ Lot of fastballs for strikes , for the most part off speed for strikes , good shape on pitches , good changeups , ” he said .
“ It was good.
” When it was suggested that he had already reached his top velocity , Cease replied , ‘ We don ’ t know that ’ s top velo.
” It ’ s early , but Cease oozing confidence must be viewed as a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm feels great , my body feels great , ” Cease said .
“ It was coming out good .
I really couldn ’ t be happier with that outing.
” Colome wants more in 2020 Right-hander Alex Colome was pretty good in his first season as Sox closer .
He wants to be better .
Colome collected 30 saves while posting a 2.80 ERA in 62 games covering 61 innings in 2019 he viewed as acceptable .
He wants 2020 to improve from start to finish .
“ It was good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They gave me a lot of opportunities and I tried to do my best .
But this year I can be better , the bullpen can be better , the team can be better.
’ ’ Colome was better in the first half ( 2.02 ERA , .482 OPS against ) than the second ( 3.91 ERA , .769 OPS against ) .
But overall , he was reliable in save situations , converting 30 of 33 for a 90.9 percentage ranking second in the American League and fifth in Sox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mind to do better last year – better command , try to get more outs [ in key situations ] , ” Colome said .
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez threw off flat ground , spinning come curveballs and letting go of some changeups , and threw long toss as he approaches his first scheduled bullpen session Thursday .
“ All in all , it ’ s big-time progress to where I started to where I am now , ” said Gonzalez , who has been “ non-stop working ” at getting his slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s nothing going to keep me from being ready for Opening Day , ” Gonzalez , 34 , said .
“ I just got to keep working hard .
”

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — As first outings go, White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease couldn’t have asked for much better.
The highly regarded Cease, who struggled for consistency while posting a 5.79 ERA in 14 starts as a rookie, came to camp with a new emphasis on ‘‘not getting too rotational on my front side’’ to prevent his fastball from cutting too much.
The results have been good on the back fields at Camelback Ranch, and they were equally pleasing to Cease in the Sox’ Cactus League opener Sunday against the Reds.
Cease touched 99 mph multiple times, struck out three and walked none in his scoreless two-inning start. He hit Jesse Winker with a pitch on the hand (Winker left the game but is OK) and allowed some solid contact, but considering his struggles — especially in the early innings — last season, there was nothing not to be happy about.
‘‘I had better feel today than I did at any point last season,’’ Cease said. ‘‘As long as I can keep carrying that on, I’ll be happy.’’
Cease said he liked the way he executed his curve, slider and changeup.
‘‘Lot of fastballs for strikes, for the most part off-speed [pitches] for strikes, good shape on pitches, good changeups,’’ he said. ‘‘It was good.’’
When it was suggested he already had reached his top velocity, Cease replied, ‘‘We don’t know that’s top velo.’’
It’s early, but Cease oozing confidence is a good thing for the Sox.
‘‘My arm feels great, my body feels great,’’ Cease said. ‘‘It was coming out good. I really couldn’t be happier with that outing.’’
Colome wants more in 2020
Right-hander Alex Colome was pretty good in his first season as the Sox’ closer. He wants to be better.
Colome had 30 saves and posted a 2.80 ERA in 62 games in 2019 but is aiming to improve in 2020.
‘‘It was good, not bad,’’ Colome said Saturday. ‘‘They gave me a lot of opportunities, and I tried to do my best. But this year I can be better, the bullpen can be better, the team can be better.’’
Colome was better in the first half (2.02 ERA, .482 OPS against) than in the second (3.91 ERA, .769 OPS against) last season. Overall, however, he was reliable in save situations, converting 30 of 33 for a .909 percentage that ranked second in the American League and fifth in Sox history.
‘‘I’m preparing my mind to do better,’’ Colome said. ‘‘Better command, try to get more outs [in key situations].’’
Gonzalez progressing
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez threw off flat ground, spinning come curveballs and letting go of some changeups, and threw long toss as he approaches his first scheduled bullpen session Thursday.
‘‘All in all, it’s big-time progress to where I started to where I am now,’’ said Gonzalez, 34, who has been working to get his slightly sore left shoulder ready for the season. ‘‘There’s nothing going to keep me from being ready for Opening Day. I’ve just got to keep working hard.’’


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-23--Projecting White Sox 2020 lineup

Projecting White Sox 2020 lineup

GOODYEAR , Ariz – One of the more intriguing and potentially powerful White Sox lineups in recent memory begs the question : How will manager Rick Renteria sort it out and line them up ?
Cactus League batting orders should be regarded as thinly as the paper they ’ re written on , but Renteria leading off with Tim Anderson in the spring opener against the Reds Sunday , coupled with his stated intention of using Anderson or Yoan Moncada in the top two spots seems to suggest the leadoff spot is what he has in mind for the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite place is second , but he said he is on board with what the Sox brain trust deems best .
No matter what , Anderson likes what he sees from his perch at the top .
“ We got some power guys , some speed guys and some power and speed guys , ” Anderson said .
“ We have two catchers [ Yasmani Grandal and James McCann ] , and the pitching , and you look at our lineup and it could be fun .
We got a chance .
Motivate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep that positive energy rolling and we ’ ll be just fine.
” Against the Reds Sunday , Renteria batted Anderson , Moncada and Jose Abreu in the top three spots , a trio he seems to like for an upper third .
A hint of things to come ?
Here ’ s an educated guess on how Renteria will roll with his 2020 lineup : Leadoff is where it starts , of course , and for the Sox there ’ s no obvious choice .
Moncada ’ s speed , on-base , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nicely , but look for Renteria to respect his discomfort level at the very top .
Anderson walked 15 times , so he ’ s far from ideal , but he led the majors with a .335 average , is fast and has some pop .
The switch-hitting Moncada would nicely fill the first through fourth spots , but the team ’ s best all-around hitter is perfect here .
Speed and power at the top .
This is where Abreu , a .293/.330/.503 career hitter and 2019 AL RBI leader ( 123 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his career .
The next most is 124 in the cleanup spot , where his numbers have been slightly better .
This will work if Encarnacion , who ranks third among active home run leaders with 414 behind Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera , records his ninth consecutive season with 30 plus home runs .
It might not if he begins to show a decline at age 37 .
A switch-hitter who could bat anywhere in the first six slots , Grandal , like Encarnacion will make pitchers work .
Hit career high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brewers last season while slashing .246/380/.468 .
If Jimenez becomes the hitter many believe he will be , the No .
6 slot won ’ t hold him .
He led AL rookies with 31 homers , 79 RBI and was second in OPS at .828 and seems primed to take those numbers to another level in his second season .
Left-handed hitter has hit 20 , 20 , 20 and 19 homers – including a 504 footer against Reynaldo Lopez last season – in four seasons .
More experienced that most 24-year-olds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Better vs. righties ( .271/.337/.462 ) than lefties ( .231/.272/.361 ) in career .
If he ’ s as good as he projects , this spot won ’ t hold him for long , but look for Renteria to ease him onto the majors at the bottom of the lineup .
Fleet primary leadoff man in 2019 batted isn ’ t a high on-base guy ( 21 walks ) and is better suited for bottom of order .
Could be replaced eventually by Nick Madrigal and deepen Renteria ’ s bench .

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — One of the more intriguing and potentially powerful White Sox lineups in recent memory begs the question: How will manager Rick Renteria sort it out and line up his players?
Cactus League batting orders should be regarded as thinly as the paper they’re written on, but Renteria leading off with Tim Anderson in the spring opener Sunday against the Reds and his stated intention of using Anderson and Yoan Moncada in the top two spots seem to suggest the leadoff spot is what he has in mind for Anderson, the reigning American League batting champion.
Anderson’s favorite spot is second, but he said he is on board with what the Sox’ brain trust deems best. No matter what, Anderson likes what he sees from his perch at the top.
‘‘We got some power guys, some speed guys and some power and speed guys,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘We have two catchers [Yasmani Grandal and James McCann] and the pitching, and you look at our lineup and it could be fun. We’ve got a chance. Motivate one another, push one another and keep that positive energy rolling, and we’ll be just fine.’’
Against the Reds, Renteria batted Anderson, Moncada and Jose Abreu in the top three spots, a trio he seems to like for the upper third. A hint of things to come? Here’s an educated guess on how Renteria will roll with his 2020 lineup:
1. Anderson, SS
Leadoff is where it starts, of course, and there’s no obvious choice for the Sox. Moncada’s speed, on-base percentage, power and ability to take pitches would fit nicely, but look for Renteria to respect his discomfort level at the very top. Anderson walked only 15 times last season, so he’s far from ideal. But he led the majors with a .335 average, is fast and has some pop.
2. Moncada, 3B
The switch-hitting Moncada can hit anywhere from first through fourth, but the Sox’ best all-around hitter is perfect here. Speed and power at the top.
3. Abreu, 1B
This is where Abreu, a .293/.330/.503 career hitter and the 2019 AL RBI leader (123), has batted 726 times in his career. The next-most is 124 in the cleanup spot, where his numbers have been slightly better.
4. Edwin Encarnacion, DH
This will work if Encarnacion, who ranks third among active home-run leaders with 414 behind Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera, records his ninth consecutive season with 30-plus homers. It might not if he begins to show a decline at age 37.
5. Grandal, C
A switch hitter who could bat anywhere in the first six slots, Grandal will make pitchers work. He hit a career-high 28 homers and walked 109 times with Brewers last season. He slashed .246/.380/.468.
6. Eloy Jimenez, LF
If Jimenez becomes the hitter many think he will be, the No. 6 slot won’t hold him. He led AL rookies with 31 homers and 79 RBI and was second in OPS at .828 last season. He seems primed to take those numbers to another level in his second season.
7. Nomar Mazara, RF
Mazara, a left-handed hitter, has hit 20, 20, 20 and 19 homers in four seasons. He is more experienced than most 24-year-olds, and the Sox are hoping for a breakout season from him. He has been better against righties (.271/.337/.462) than lefties (.231/.272/.361) in his career.
8. Luis Robert, CF
If Robert is as good as he projects, this spot won’t hold him for long. But look for Renteria to ease him into the majors at the bottom of the lineup.
9. Leury Garcia, 2B
He was the Sox’ primary leadoff man in 2019, but he isn’t a high on-base guy (21 walks) and is better suited for the bottom of the order. He eventually might be replaced by Nick Madrigal and deepen the bench.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Fatoumata Diawara shares the sounds of Mali, where ‘music is everywhere’

Fatoumata Diawara is a striking presence on stage .
A year ago at the Grammy Awards , adorned in a bright yellow headwrap , a mass of brightly colored necklaces and bracelets and a red electric guitar , she became the first artist from the African nation of Mali to perform at the ceremony .
It was Diawara ’ s rendition of “ Negue Negue , ” from her Grammy-nominated album “ Fenfo , ” that instantly swept up the audience into her brand of Malian music , a soulful blend of Wassoulou folk music and spiritually infused Afropop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor to perform as an African woman , ” Diawara says , in a phone conversation from her home in Italy .
“ For me it was even more important than the nominations .
It was important for young people in Mali to see a female artist up there.
” In the past few decades , modern Malian music has exploded around the world thanks to artists such as Ali Farka Touré , Toumani Diabaté , Amadou & Mariam , Oumou Sangaré , Tinariwen , Habib Koite and Rokia Traore .
Diawara is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names .
“ In Mali music is everywhere , ” says Diawara .
“ We listen to music all the time and everybody can sing .
Music is crucial to our life.
” Since her debut album , 2011 ’ s “ Fatou , ” Diawara has been on a never-ending tour while also working on different projects and collaborations with the likes of Herbie Hancock , Bobby Womack , Damon Albarn ( Blur , Gorillaz ) and Flea ( Red Hot Chili Peppers ) .
During this time she also amassed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are found on “ Fenfo.
” Diawara represents modern African music in the best way .
With memorable melodies and lyrics , she sings mostly in Bambara , the national language of Mali , and touches on topics of migration , African identity , the struggle of African women , motherhood and how to build a better world for children .
In the songs on “ Fenfo , ” which translates into “ something to say , ” the lilting , electric guitar-laden melodies are a perfect match for her stunning vocals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kokoro ” and the simmering funk of “ Negue Negue ” to the Afro-pop of “ Ou Y ’ an Ye , ” the stand-up rock of “ Bonya , ” and the lovely lullaby “ Mama.
” For Diawara , the most important part of the songwriting process is creating a melody that makes the song universal .
“ The first thing for me is to have a simple melody which can connect to children , to older people , to any generation , ” Diawara says .
“ If the melody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the song no matter what language it is in.
” Also known as an accomplished guitarist , Diawara is one of the few women to master the unique desert blues sound of Malian music , a blend of traditional melodies and American blues .
Becoming proficient on guitar , especially the electric version , was a necessity , she says .
Early on , her many backup guitarists would often claim at the last minute that they couldn ’ t do a show ( “ they would find a show paying more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problematic situation as she tried to grow her career .
She now calls the electric guitar her “ soul mate.
” “ I realized if I really wanted to do this , I had to learn an instrument , ” she says .
“ I realized after the piano the guitar is very easy to compose with .
Now that I play the guitar , I am also more involved ; I am making solos , doing more arrangements , being more involved in the music.
” Born in Ivory Coast in 1982 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital Bamako , where as a teenager she made a name for herself as a film actor , something she continues to do including a role in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film “ Timbuktu.
” In between films , a young Diawara began writing songs inspired by her own personal reflections , and it ’ s music that continues to inspire her : “ I do like acting but music is more me .
It ’ s the way I communicate with the world.
” On “ Fenfo , ” Diawara plays with modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruments like the kora , kamale ngoni ( both string instruments ) and African drums with a modern sensibility that she feels allows her to connect with audiences in Africa as well as around the world .
Today , Diawara spends time in Italy , Mali and Paris — when she ’ s not on the road , that is , which is a good amount of time .
It ’ s time well spent , and she claims it ’ s been a learning experience .
“ Through touring I realized my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional but opening my mind to the rest of the world because my audience is American , it ’ s English , it ’ s African , it ’ s the world .
So it becomes just about the music .
You have to be better every day , every performance .
I love that challenge .
”

Fatoumata Diawara is a striking presence on stage. A year ago at the Grammy Awards, adorned in a bright yellow headwrap, a mass of brightly colored necklaces and bracelets and a red electric guitar, she became the first artist from the African nation of Mali to perform at the ceremony.
It was Diawara’s rendition of “Negue Negue,” from her Grammy-nominated album “Fenfo,” that instantly swept up the audience into her brand of Malian music, a soulful blend of Wassoulou folk music and spiritually infused Afropop.
“It was unbelievable and a great honor to perform as an African woman,” Diawara says, in a phone conversation from her home in Italy. “For me it was even more important than the nominations. It was important for young people in Mali to see a female artist up there.”
Untitled Fatoumata Diawara When: 8 p.m. Feb. 25 Where: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph Tickets: $22-$32 Info: citywinery.com/chicago
In the past few decades, modern Malian music has exploded around the world thanks to artists such as Ali Farka Touré, Toumani Diabaté, Amadou & Mariam, Oumou Sangaré, Tinariwen, Habib Koite and Rokia Traore. Diawara is proud to be now listed among these names.
“In Mali music is everywhere,” says Diawara. “We listen to music all the time and everybody can sing. Music is crucial to our life.”
Since her debut album, 2011’s “Fatou,” Diawara has been on a never-ending tour while also working on different projects and collaborations with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Bobby Womack, Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). During this time she also amassed a collection of new songs, 11 of which are found on “Fenfo.”
Diawara represents modern African music in the best way. With memorable melodies and lyrics, she sings mostly in Bambara, the national language of Mali, and touches on topics of migration, African identity, the struggle of African women, motherhood and how to build a better world for children.
Fatoumata Diawara sings of burning topics in Africa, including migration and women’s issues. Aida Muluneh
In the songs on “Fenfo,” which translates into “something to say,” the lilting, electric guitar-laden melodies are a perfect match for her stunning vocals, from the slow-burning blues of “Kokoro” and the simmering funk of “Negue Negue” to the Afro-pop of “Ou Y’an Ye,” the stand-up rock of “Bonya,” and the lovely lullaby “Mama.”
For Diawara, the most important part of the songwriting process is creating a melody that makes the song universal.
“The first thing for me is to have a simple melody which can connect to children, to older people, to any generation,” Diawara says. “If the melody is quite beautiful, I really appreciate the song no matter what language it is in.”
Also known as an accomplished guitarist, Diawara is one of the few women to master the unique desert blues sound of Malian music, a blend of traditional melodies and American blues. Becoming proficient on guitar, especially the electric version, was a necessity, she says.
Early on, her many backup guitarists would often claim at the last minute that they couldn’t do a show (“they would find a show paying more money”) which put Diawara in a problematic situation as she tried to grow her career. She now calls the electric guitar her “soul mate.”
“I realized if I really wanted to do this, I had to learn an instrument,” she says. “I realized after the piano the guitar is very easy to compose with. Now that I play the guitar, I am also more involved; I am making solos, doing more arrangements, being more involved in the music.”
Born in Ivory Coast in 1982, Diawara grew up in the Malian capital Bamako, where as a teenager she made a name for herself as a film actor, something she continues to do including a role in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film “Timbuktu.” In between films, a young Diawara began writing songs inspired by her own personal reflections, and it’s music that continues to inspire her: “I do like acting but music is more me. It’s the way I communicate with the world.”
On “Fenfo,” Diawara plays with modern instrumentation; her guitar melds with traditional instruments like the kora, kamale ngoni (both string instruments) and African drums with a modern sensibility that she feels allows her to connect with audiences in Africa as well as around the world.
Today, Diawara spends time in Italy, Mali and Paris — when she’s not on the road, that is, which is a good amount of time. It’s time well spent, and she claims it’s been a learning experience.
“Through touring I realized my music should be wide, keeping the traditional but opening my mind to the rest of the world because my audience is American, it’s English, it’s African, it’s the world. So it becomes just about the music. You have to be better every day, every performance. I love that challenge.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Dear Abby: Should I tell my engaged son that his marriage will fail?

DEAR ABBY : My son is engaged to a young woman I ’ ll call Carla .
They are currently living with my husband and me to save money and pay off bills .
They fight often .
Because of this , my husband and I were not excited when they flippantly announced their engagement and also flippantly announced their wedding date recently .
I just said , “ That ’ s nice ” or “ congratulations.
” I know this is not my relationship , and they are adults , but should I explain why we can not get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t dislike Carla , and I would be truly OK if they could make each other happy most of the time .
But because of their arguing and unresolved issues , I do not have confidence in their relationship .
I think they may ask us for money to help with wedding expenses , and unfortunately , I feel it would be throwing money away .
How awful is that ?
I don ’ t want to create hard feelings if they can make this work .
Advice ?
— UNENTHUSED MOM IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to chip in for the wedding expenses , consider making it conditional .
Tell your son and Carla that you are deeply concerned because of the amount of fighting you see they do , and if they will agree to premarital counseling , you will be glad to help them .
DEAR ABBY : My husband and I are in our 60s and have two grown sons .
We work full time and are financially secure .
The conundrum : We have one grandchild who will soon turn 1 .
I asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know she already has more than enough clothes and toys .
My daughter-in-law promptly responded that they will soon be needing a new car seat , and that she ’ d also like a nice running stroller .
They both have good jobs .
They can easily afford such items .
Now I feel that if we don ’ t produce one of these as a gift , she ’ ll think we ’ re cheap , but honestly , I don ’ t consider such things to be gifts for the baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for if they can afford them .
I really would like to get our grandbaby something unique that will withstand the test of time .
Now I wish I hadn ’ t asked !
— REGRETFUL INQUIRING GRANDMA DEAR REGRETFUL : You may wish you hadn ’ t asked , but you did .
While you ’ re not obligated to give the gifts your daughter-in-law asked for , in the interest of family harmony , it would be a good idea to give her one of the necessities she requested .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASK !
DEAR ABBY : In my work , the department I ’ m responsible for has employees working in various locations throughout the U.S .
I want to have an annual picnic at my home to show appreciation to my team .
The problem is , I do not have the budget to pay for travel for employees who work in remote offices .
Should I not invite these remote employees ?
Should I invite them but inform them that their travel won ’ t be reimbursed , or just not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ENOUGH IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR NOT ENOUGH : Rather than invite workers from all over the country to a celebration you know they won ’ t be able to attend , consider having a small gathering at your home for the locals .
Send gift cards for the favorite restaurants of the employees in distant locations .
It would be thoughtful and generous and would cost far less than subsidizing travel expenses .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: My son is engaged to a young woman I’ll call Carla. They are currently living with my husband and me to save money and pay off bills. They fight often. Because of this, my husband and I were not excited when they flippantly announced their engagement and also flippantly announced their wedding date recently. I just said, “That’s nice” or “congratulations.”
I know this is not my relationship, and they are adults, but should I explain why we cannot get excited about it? I don’t dislike Carla, and I would be truly OK if they could make each other happy most of the time. But because of their arguing and unresolved issues, I do not have confidence in their relationship.
I think they may ask us for money to help with wedding expenses, and unfortunately, I feel it would be throwing money away. How awful is that? I don’t want to create hard feelings if they can make this work. Advice? — UNENTHUSED MOM IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR MOM: If you are asked to chip in for the wedding expenses, consider making it conditional. Tell your son and Carla that you are deeply concerned because of the amount of fighting you see they do, and if they will agree to premarital counseling, you will be glad to help them.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are in our 60s and have two grown sons. We work full time and are financially secure.
The conundrum: We have one grandchild who will soon turn 1. I asked my daughter-in-law for gift ideas because I know she already has more than enough clothes and toys. My daughter-in-law promptly responded that they will soon be needing a new car seat, and that she’d also like a nice running stroller.
They both have good jobs. They can easily afford such items. Now I feel that if we don’t produce one of these as a gift, she’ll think we’re cheap, but honestly, I don’t consider such things to be gifts for the baby, simply items parents should be responsible for if they can afford them. I really would like to get our grandbaby something unique that will withstand the test of time. Now I wish I hadn’t asked! — REGRETFUL INQUIRING GRANDMA
DEAR REGRETFUL: You may wish you hadn’t asked, but you did. While you’re not obligated to give the gifts your daughter-in-law asked for, in the interest of family harmony, it would be a good idea to give her one of the necessities she requested. And in the future, DON’T ASK!
DEAR ABBY: In my work, the department I’m responsible for has employees working in various locations throughout the U.S. I want to have an annual picnic at my home to show appreciation to my team. The problem is, I do not have the budget to pay for travel for employees who work in remote offices. Should I not invite these remote employees? Should I invite them but inform them that their travel won’t be reimbursed, or just not have the picnic at all? — NOT ENOUGH IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR NOT ENOUGH: Rather than invite workers from all over the country to a celebration you know they won’t be able to attend, consider having a small gathering at your home for the locals. Send gift cards for the favorite restaurants of the employees in distant locations. It would be thoughtful and generous and would cost far less than subsidizing travel expenses.
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--2020-02-24--5 killed, 17 wounded in Chicago weekend shootings

Twenty-two people were shot , five of them fatally , across Chicago this weekend .
The most recent fatal shooting killed one man and wounded two other people Sunday in East Garfield Park .
Delmontae Williams , 25 , was in a vehicle with a man and woman when two people walked up and opened fire about 2:55 p.m. in the 600 block of North Troy Street , Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
He was struck several times in the body and pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital .
The other man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and both legs and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital , where his condition was stabilized , authorities said .
The 31-year-old woman was struck in the arm and taken to the same hospital in good condition .
Saturday , a man who exchanged gunfire with someone near a convenience store was killed in Chatham on the South Side .
Terrence M. Maggette was inside the store at 10:41 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when he shot through the door at someone who was approaching the store , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear whether that person was hit , but he returned fire when Maggette exited the store , hitting him multiple times on the sidewalk .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Less than an hour before that , a teenager was killed in Grand Crossing on the South Side .
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter call about 9:50 p.m. in the 1300 block of East 78th Street , and found the boy , 17 , on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was pronounced dead .
Vashon Simmons , of south suburban Matteson , was sitting in the vehicle just before 8 p.m. when someone walked up to him in the first block of East 57th Street and fired shots , police and the medical examiner ’ s office said .
Simmons was hit in the torso and forearm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center .
He was pronounced dead early the next day .
Latonia Williams was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked up in the 7300 block of South Bennett Avenue and shot her in the head , authorities said .
She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where she was pronounced dead .
In nonfatal shootings , a teen was wounded Sunday afternoon in Austin .
The 17-year-old was walking about 12:55 p.m. near 59th Street and Adams Boulevard when someone in a ski mask approached and fired shots , police said .
He was struck multiple times in the side and taken to Rush University Medical Center before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition was stabilized .
About 12 hours earlier , a woman was wounded while riding in a vehicle in McKinley Park on the Southwest Side .
The 23-year-old was in the back seat about 12:55 a.m. when someone fired shots from the sidewalk in the 3200 block of South Hamilton Avenue , according to police .
She was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the side of her face .
Two people were shot on the Dan Ryan Expressway less than an hour before that in Chatham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened about 12:12 a.m. on I-94 near 79th Street , according to a statement from Illinois State Police Trooper Mindy Carroll .
Someone heard gunshots before seeing a vehicle swerve in the northbound lanes and crash on the ramp to 79th Street .
The caller saw three people get out of the vehicle and run , Carroll said .
State police were later notified that a male and a female were shot .
Their injuries are expected to not be life-threatening .
On Saturday night , another teenage boy was injured in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 16-year-old was standing on a corner about 8 p.m. when someone approached and shot him in the buttocks , police said .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition .
Earlier in the day , two women were wounded in separate shootings .
A 58-year-old woman was shot about noon while talking with someone in Grand Crossing on the West Side .
She was on a porch in the 1400 block of East 69th Place when two males ran through an alley and started shooting , striking her in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her condition was stabilized at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
A 34-year-old woman was shot during an argument earlier that morning in Chatham .
She was arguing with her boyfriend , 48 , when he shot her in the leg about 4:25 a.m. inside an apartment in the 7800 block of South Eberhart Avenue , according to police .
The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition .
Eight other people were injured by gunfire in Chicago from 1:30 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death outside Richard ’ s Bar in West Town .
Last weekend saw 26 people shot across the city , including 11 children .
Three adults were killed .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Twenty-two people were shot, five of them fatally, across Chicago this weekend.
The most recent fatal shooting killed one man and wounded two other people Sunday in East Garfield Park.
Delmontae Williams, 25, was in a vehicle with a man and woman when two people walked up and opened fire about 2:55 p.m. in the 600 block of North Troy Street, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He was struck several times in the body and pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.
The other man, 33, was shot in an arm and both legs and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, authorities said. The 31-year-old woman was struck in the arm and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
Saturday, a man who exchanged gunfire with someone near a convenience store was killed in Chatham on the South Side.
Terrence M. Maggette was inside the store at 10:41 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue when he shot through the door at someone who was approaching the store, authorities said. It’s not clear whether that person was hit, but he returned fire when Maggette exited the store, hitting him multiple times on the sidewalk. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Less than an hour before that, a teenager was killed in Grand Crossing on the South Side.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter call about 9:50 p.m. in the 1300 block of East 78th Street, and found the boy, 17, on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds to his body, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Chicago police respond to a shooting that killed a 17-year-old boy Feb. 22, 2020, in Grand Crossing. Carly Behm/Sun-Times
In Washington Park, a 44-year-old man was fatally shot inside a parked vehicle.
Vashon Simmons, of south suburban Matteson, was sitting in the vehicle just before 8 p.m. when someone walked up to him in the first block of East 57th Street and fired shots, police and the medical examiner’s office said. Simmons was hit in the torso and forearm and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center. He was pronounced dead early the next day.
Saturday afternoon, a 50-year-old woman was killed in South Shore.
Latonia Williams was in a vehicle about 2:55 p.m. when someone walked up in the 7300 block of South Bennett Avenue and shot her in the head, authorities said. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
In nonfatal shootings, a teen was wounded Sunday afternoon in Austin.
The 17-year-old was walking about 12:55 p.m. near 59th Street and Adams Boulevard when someone in a ski mask approached and fired shots, police said. He was struck multiple times in the side and taken to Rush University Medical Center before being transferred to Stroger Hospital. His condition was stabilized.
About 12 hours earlier, a woman was wounded while riding in a vehicle in McKinley Park on the Southwest Side.
The 23-year-old was in the back seat about 12:55 a.m. when someone fired shots from the sidewalk in the 3200 block of South Hamilton Avenue, according to police. She was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the side of her face.
Two people were shot on the Dan Ryan Expressway less than an hour before that in Chatham on the South Side.
The shooting happened about 12:12 a.m. on I-94 near 79th Street, according to a statement from Illinois State Police Trooper Mindy Carroll. Someone heard gunshots before seeing a vehicle swerve in the northbound lanes and crash on the ramp to 79th Street.
The caller saw three people get out of the vehicle and run, Carroll said. State police were later notified that a male and a female were shot. Their injuries are expected to not be life-threatening.
On Saturday night, another teenage boy was injured in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
The 16-year-old was standing on a corner about 8 p.m. when someone approached and shot him in the buttocks, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
Earlier in the day, two women were wounded in separate shootings.
A 58-year-old woman was shot about noon while talking with someone in Grand Crossing on the West Side.
She was on a porch in the 1400 block of East 69th Place when two males ran through an alley and started shooting, striking her in the lower back, police said. Her condition was stabilized at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
A 34-year-old woman was shot during an argument earlier that morning in Chatham.
She was arguing with her boyfriend, 48, when he shot her in the leg about 4:25 a.m. inside an apartment in the 7800 block of South Eberhart Avenue, according to police. The woman was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in fair condition.
Eight other people were injured by gunfire in Chicago from 1:30 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday.
No shootings were reported on Friday, but a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death outside Richard’s Bar in West Town.
Last weekend saw 26 people shot across the city, including 11 children. Three adults were killed.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--ENDORSEMENT: Lakesia Collins for Illinois House in 9th District Democratic Primary

Union organizer Lakesia Collins has the potential to be an effective voice in Springfield for the issues she cares about , which include affordable housing , protecting collective bargaining rights , reducing gun violence and fighting for better access to health care .
These are , to be sure , boilerplate issues among Democratic office-seekers in Illinois , but Collins has demonstrated an ability to get things done .
Most notably , as a Service Employees International Union Healthcare organizer , she helped line up support in the Illinois Legislature for the successful passage of the state ’ s 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed over six other Democratic candidates vying for this open seat .
The union for which she works is among several labor organizations which have ownership in the Chicago Sun-Times .
Incumbent Art Turner II — who has held the office since taking it over from his father , Art Turner Jr. , in 2011 — is not seeking reelection .
Also running are Trina Mangrum , chief of staff to Ald , Jason Ervin ( 28th ) ; political consultant Ty Cratic ; businesswoman Sandra Schneller ; Nicole Harvey , a director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office ; Cook County government employee Maurice Evans ; and Aaron Turner , the incumbent ’ s brother .
Harvey , Evans and Turner did not submit candidate questionnaires .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Union organizer Lakesia Collins has the potential to be an effective voice in Springfield for the issues she cares about, which include affordable housing, protecting collective bargaining rights, reducing gun violence and fighting for better access to health care.
These are, to be sure, boilerplate issues among Democratic office-seekers in Illinois, but Collins has demonstrated an ability to get things done. Most notably, as a Service Employees International Union Healthcare organizer, she helped line up support in the Illinois Legislature for the successful passage of the state’s 2010 nursing home reform bill.
Collins is endorsed over six other Democratic candidates vying for this open seat. The union for which she works is among several labor organizations which have ownership in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Incumbent Art Turner II — who has held the office since taking it over from his father, Art Turner Jr., in 2011 — is not seeking reelection.
Also running are Trina Mangrum, chief of staff to Ald, Jason Ervin (28th); political consultant Ty Cratic; businesswoman Sandra Schneller; Nicole Harvey, a director in U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis’ office; Cook County government employee Maurice Evans; and Aaron Turner, the incumbent’s brother.
Harvey, Evans and Turner did not submit candidate questionnaires.
Illinois House 9th District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--ENDORSEMENT: Theresa Mah for Illinois House in 2nd District Democratic primary

After former Gov .
Bruce Rauner vetoed her bill two years ago to protect immigrants from bully landlords who threaten to call federal authorities over their immigration status , state Rep. Theresa Mah stuck with it .
She pushed the bill again last year , and it was signed into law by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
It was a significant protection for the Pilsen and Chinatown immigrant neighborhoods that Mah represents .
Mah is endorsed for a third term because she works diligently on behalf of underserved communities .
She teamed with state Sen. Ram Villivalam last year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explicitly prohibit discrimination of LGBTQ folks in assisted or shared living facilities .
Older LGBTQ folks and older adults with HIV also were designated as populations of “ greatest social need ” for programs for aging adults .
Our one hope is that Mah will work on her delivery as a public speaker .
Also running are retired research technician Kenneth M. Kozlar and lawyer Bobby Martinez Olson .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

After former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed her bill two years ago to protect immigrants from bully landlords who threaten to call federal authorities over their immigration status, state Rep. Theresa Mah stuck with it. She pushed the bill again last year, and it was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
It was a significant protection for the Pilsen and Chinatown immigrant neighborhoods that Mah represents.
Mah is endorsed for a third term because she works diligently on behalf of underserved communities. She teamed with state Sen. Ram Villivalam last year to amend the Illinois Act on Aging to explicitly prohibit discrimination of LGBTQ folks in assisted or shared living facilities. Older LGBTQ folks and older adults with HIV also were designated as populations of “greatest social need” for programs for aging adults.
Our one hope is that Mah will work on her delivery as a public speaker.
Also running are retired research technician Kenneth M. Kozlar and lawyer Bobby Martinez Olson.
Illinois House 2nd District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Housing, retail developments riding to Six Corners’ rescue

What shaped up last fall as a pitched battle for the soul of Six Corners in Portage Park hasn ’ t quite turned out that way .
Progress has gotten an aldermanic green light , so developments on two large pieces of the commercial nexus are moving forward .
In a ward with deep political divisions , not everybody is happy , and plenty will try to frame the situation to their advantage .
But the projects to come certainly are improvements over what Six Corners has now — an empty Sears store and across it on Irving Park Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2016 .
They are open sores for what used to tout itself as the busiest Chicago retail district outside of downtown .
Ald .
James Gardiner ( 45th ) last week voiced his support for what would fill the hole — a senior housing development with retail space anchored by an Aldi .
That followed by a few weeks his backing of a redo for the old Sears , turning it into apartments and retail space and , importantly , demolishing the old Sears Auto Center on Cicero and replacing it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last October , Gardiner explained to me his rationale for blocking the senior project .
It was too tall and didn ’ t have enough parking , he said .
So what changed his mind ?
The 10-story height and the 220 parking spaces are the same .
His opponents on social media are using that to say the first-term alderman was no match for crafty real estate types .
Gardiner said the criticism is just politics and that he won significant concessions from the developers , Ryan Cos. U.S. and Clark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of independent living units to 114 from 101 and cut the allotment of higher-profit assisted living units to 98 from 114 .
They also bumped up the number of units deemed “ affordable ” under city rules to 11 from 10 , although Gardiner said the project had zero affordable units when he was elected a year ago .
“ I ’ ve had to deal with this from day one .
I have no idea why my predecessor took so long and never got this going , ” Gardiner said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in part because of an affordable housing project Arena backed in Jefferson Park .
Dan Walsh , senior vice president at Ryan , said the changes Gardiner sought were costly .
“ We had to go back to our investors .
We had to stretch , ” he said .
For the first year of the project , veterans who enroll in the senior housing will get a $ 4,000 initiation fee waived , Gardiner said .
The developers also are providing $ 100,000 in scholarships for Schurz High School students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention from Mayor Lori Lightfoot , who showed her annoyance with Gardiner last year , saying he “ overstates his ability ” to block the project .
Was there City Hall pressure to cave to the developers ?
Not at all , Gardiner said .
“ We took [ the mayor ] out here a few weeks ago .
She is supportive .
When she found out everything that I was fighting for , she agreed , ” he said .
There was no comment from the mayor ’ s office .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it created a backlash apparent in a public protest at Six Corners and a letter-writing campaign to City Hall .
The anti-Gardiner crowd asserts the pressure worked .
“ It ’ s a 10-story building that Gardiner vetoed and a 10-story building that Gardiner approved , ” said Ellen Hill , an organizer of the protest .
She is running against Gardiner for Democratic ward committeeperson in the March 17 election .
It ’ s her right to do so , but it also emphasizes the political overtones in the development fight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ ll get to take credit at multiple ribbon cuttings , assuming the zoning approvals go through .
The Aldi could be open in November 2021 and the senior housing in late 2022 .
Figure on the Sears work going to 2023 , in time for the next aldermanic election .
It adds up to $ 330 million worth of private investment that will enrich the tax base , create jobs and provide new business for retailers and property owners who held out through the bad times at Six Corners .
Portage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever their politics .
Many Chicago neighborhoods wait much longer to get much less .

What shaped up last fall as a pitched battle for the soul of Six Corners in Portage Park hasn’t quite turned out that way. Progress has gotten an aldermanic green light, so developments on two large pieces of the commercial nexus are moving forward.
In a ward with deep political divisions, not everybody is happy, and plenty will try to frame the situation to their advantage. But the projects to come certainly are improvements over what Six Corners has now — an empty Sears store and across it on Irving Park Road a hole in the ground that dates from 2016. They are open sores for what used to tout itself as the busiest Chicago retail district outside of downtown.
Chicago Enterprise bug Chicago Enterprise
Ald. James Gardiner (45th) last week voiced his support for what would fill the hole — a senior housing development with retail space anchored by an Aldi. That followed by a few weeks his backing of a redo for the old Sears, turning it into apartments and retail space and, importantly, demolishing the old Sears Auto Center on Cicero and replacing it with 288 new housing units plus some townhomes.
Last October, Gardiner explained to me his rationale for blocking the senior project. It was too tall and didn’t have enough parking, he said.
So what changed his mind? The 10-story height and the 220 parking spaces are the same. His opponents on social media are using that to say the first-term alderman was no match for crafty real estate types.
Gardiner said the criticism is just politics and that he won significant concessions from the developers, Ryan Cos. U.S. and Clark Street Real Estate. They increased the number of independent living units to 114 from 101 and cut the allotment of higher-profit assisted living units to 98 from 114. They also bumped up the number of units deemed “affordable” under city rules to 11 from 10, although Gardiner said the project had zero affordable units when he was elected a year ago.
“I’ve had to deal with this from day one. I have no idea why my predecessor took so long and never got this going,” Gardiner said, referring to John Arena. Gardiner beat him in part because of an affordable housing project Arena backed in Jefferson Park.
Dan Walsh, senior vice president of real estate development, Ryan Cos. U.S. Ryan Cos. U.S.
Dan Walsh, senior vice president at Ryan, said the changes Gardiner sought were costly. “We had to go back to our investors. We had to stretch,” he said. For the first year of the project, veterans who enroll in the senior housing will get a $4,000 initiation fee waived, Gardiner said. The developers also are providing $100,000 in scholarships for Schurz High School students.
The hole at Six Corners also drew attention from Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who showed her annoyance with Gardiner last year, saying he “overstates his ability” to block the project. Was there City Hall pressure to cave to the developers?
Not at all, Gardiner said. “We took [the mayor] out here a few weeks ago. She is supportive. When she found out everything that I was fighting for, she agreed,” he said. There was no comment from the mayor’s office.
When he blocked the development last year, it created a backlash apparent in a public protest at Six Corners and a letter-writing campaign to City Hall. The anti-Gardiner crowd asserts the pressure worked.
“It’s a 10-story building that Gardiner vetoed and a 10-story building that Gardiner approved,” said Ellen Hill, an organizer of the protest.
She is running against Gardiner for Democratic ward committeeperson in the March 17 election. It’s her right to do so, but it also emphasizes the political overtones in the development fight.
A rendering of the redevelopment of the old Sears site at the northeast corner of Irving Park Road and Cicero Avenue, part of Six Corners. Tucker Development/Seritage Growth Properties
Gardiner could get the last laugh. He’ll get to take credit at multiple ribbon cuttings, assuming the zoning approvals go through. The Aldi could be open in November 2021 and the senior housing in late 2022. Figure on the Sears work going to 2023, in time for the next aldermanic election.
It adds up to $330 million worth of private investment that will enrich the tax base, create jobs and provide new business for retailers and property owners who held out through the bad times at Six Corners.
Portage Park residents can count their blessings, whatever their politics. Many Chicago neighborhoods wait much longer to get much less.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--ENDORSEMENT: Aarón Ortíz for Illinois House in 1st District Democratic primary

Six years ago , Illinois lawmakers made a mistake by disqualifying immigrants who are not American citizens from holding the student trustee position at University of Illinois campuses .
State Rep. Aarón Ortíz helped fix it .
The rookie lawmaker was chief sponsor of a bill signed into law by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker last year to once again allow these students to run for the position .
The district has a large immigrant population and their needs are top of mind for Ortíz .
Ortíz is a former local school council member and college and career coach at Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his background in education , it ’ s not surprising he managed to direct $ 900,000 from last year ’ s capital bill to Curie High School in Archer Heights to pay for building improvements .
Other schools in his district also benefited from the bill .
Long-term , Ortíz has the makings of an effective legislator .
He is endorsed .
We question the judgment of his challenger , Alicia Elena Martinez , who came up in the ward organization of longtime Ald .
Ed Burke ( 14th ) .
Burke is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t stop Martinez from campaigning for Burke in his aldermanic race last year .
Ortíz defeated Burke ’ s brother , Dan , two years ago in the Democratic primary for this state representative seat .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

Six years ago, Illinois lawmakers made a mistake by disqualifying immigrants who are not American citizens from holding the student trustee position at University of Illinois campuses.
State Rep. Aarón Ortíz helped fix it. The rookie lawmaker was chief sponsor of a bill signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year to once again allow these students to run for the position. The district has a large immigrant population and their needs are top of mind for Ortíz.
Ortíz is a former local school council member and college and career coach at Back of the Yards College Prep. Given his background in education, it’s not surprising he managed to direct $900,000 from last year’s capital bill to Curie High School in Archer Heights to pay for building improvements. Other schools in his district also benefited from the bill.
Long-term, Ortíz has the makings of an effective legislator. He is endorsed.
We question the judgment of his challenger, Alicia Elena Martinez, who came up in the ward organization of longtime Ald. Ed Burke (14th). Burke is facing federal corruption charges, but that didn’t stop Martinez from campaigning for Burke in his aldermanic race last year. Ortíz defeated Burke’s brother, Dan, two years ago in the Democratic primary for this state representative seat.
Illinois House 1st District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Four questions for Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace as Bears head to Combine

Bears coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace will face the media Tuesday for the first time since Dec. 31 , two days after the end of a disappointing 8-8 season .
Here are four questions they ’ ll have to answer at the start of the NFL Scouting Combine : When Pace insisted at the end of the season that the struggling Trubisky “ is our starter ” in 2020 , it prompted the question that remains unanswered today : is he committed to the quarterback or bluffing until he can find a better option ?
Or , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After almost two months of examination , Pace will be asked again if Trubisky is his guy .
His answer will be telling .
Even If Pace is serious about Trubisky returning as the starter — and remember , his actions will speak louder than words once the league year starts March 18 — he needs to bring in a veteran with starting experience as insurance .
The Bears doubled their cap space , roughly , when they saved $ 13.5 million by cutting cornerback Prince Amukamara and receiver Taylor Gabriel on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill with that money , too .
Pace and Nagy also will be asked to give a medical update on their quarterback , who underwent left shoulder surgery in January .
Does the proposed CBA change your approach ?
Pace demurred on Dec. 31 when asked if he ’ d pick up Trubisky ’ s fifth-year option for 2021 , a decision due by May 30 .
He doesn ’ t figure to make a declaration Tuesday , either .
But it will be interesting to hear how the proposed Collective Bargaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round picks can be kept for a fifth season if organizations exercise their team options before the player ’ s fourth year .
Currently , Trubisky ’ s 2021 option is expensive — those deals are slotted , and he was the No .
2 overall pick — but somewhat flexible .
Because it ’ s only guaranteed for injury , the Bears could still cut Trubisky after 2020 with no penalty — as long as he can pass a physical .
The new CBA would make a fifth-year option fully guaranteed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not draft position .
The Bears would be forced to make a two-year , iron-clad commitment to Trubisky by the end of May , then , but at a lower rate .
The NFLPA will meet Tuesday to discuss the proposed CBA , which has already been approved by the owners .
If they approve it this week , most of the CBA would take effect immediately .
It ’ s unclear whether the new fifth-year option rules would apply right away .
Why did you fire your assistants ?
At their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagy ducked the question of whether they planned to fire any assistant coaches .
Less than three hours later , they announced they ’ d canned four : offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich , tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride , offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and special teams assistant Brock Olivo .
The moves had been in the works for a while : the next day , word leaked that the Bears had picked Juan Castillo as their next offensive line coach .
Because they wouldn ’ t explain it then , Nagy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s doing what on offense ?
By the time the Bears ’ assistant coach hiring spree was over , five offensive coaches had new titles .
Bill Lazor was named coordinator , with John DeFilippo taking over the quarterbacks coach job from Dave Ragone , who was named pass-game coordinator .
Castillo is the new offensive line coach , Clancy Barone the new tight ends coach .
If the team has a pass-game coordinator , who ’ s in charge of designing runs : Lazor ?
Castillo ?
Who will be in Trubisky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ragone ?
With so many cooks in the kitchen , it ’ s critical that Nagy — who will continue to call the plays — be clear about who ’ s in charge of what .

INDIANAPOLIS — Bears coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace will face the media Tuesday for the first time since Dec. 31, two days after the end of a disappointing 8-8 season.
Here are four questions they’ll have to answer at the start of the NFL Scouting Combine:
What’s up with Mitch Trubisky?
When Pace insisted at the end of the season that the struggling Trubisky “is our starter” in 2020, it prompted the question that remains unanswered today: is he committed to the quarterback or bluffing until he can find a better option? Or, in a weird way, both?
After almost two months of examination, Pace will be asked again if Trubisky is his guy. His answer will be telling.
Related Here are 20 quarterback options for the Bears
Even If Pace is serious about Trubisky returning as the starter — and remember, his actions will speak louder than words once the league year starts March 18 — he needs to bring in a veteran with starting experience as insurance. The Bears doubled their cap space, roughly, when they saved $13.5 million by cutting cornerback Prince Amukamara and receiver Taylor Gabriel on Friday. They have needs other than quarterback to fill with that money, too.
Pace and Nagy also will be asked to give a medical update on their quarterback, who underwent left shoulder surgery in January.
Does the proposed CBA change things?
Pace demurred on Dec. 31 when asked if he’d pick up Trubisky’s fifth-year option for 2021, a decision due by May 30.
He doesn’t figure to make a declaration Tuesday, either. But it will be interesting to hear how the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement might affect his thinking.
All first-round picks can be kept for a fifth season if organizations exercise their team options before the player’s fourth year. Currently, Trubisky’s 2021 option is expensive — those deals are slotted, and he was the No. 2 overall pick — but somewhat flexible. Because it’s only guaranteed for injury, the Bears could still cut Trubisky after 2020 with no penalty — as long as he can pass a physical.
The new CBA would make a fifth-year option fully guaranteed. The price would be based on achievement, not draft position. The Bears would be forced to make a two-year, iron-clad commitment to Trubisky by the end of May, then, but at a lower rate.
The NFLPA will meet Tuesday to discuss the proposed CBA, which has already been approved by the owners. If they approve it this week, most of the CBA would take effect immediately. It’s unclear whether the new fifth-year option rules would apply right away.
Why did you fire your assistants?
At their season-ending press conference, Both Pace and Nagy ducked the question of whether they planned to fire any assistant coaches.
Less than three hours later, they announced they’d canned four: offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and special teams assistant Brock Olivo.
The moves had been in the works for a while: the next day, word leaked that the Bears had picked Juan Castillo as their next offensive line coach.
Because they wouldn’t explain it then, Nagy and Pace need to now.
Who’s doing what on offense?
By the time the Bears’ assistant coach hiring spree was over, five offensive coaches had new titles. Bill Lazor was named coordinator, with John DeFilippo taking over the quarterbacks coach job from Dave Ragone, who was named pass-game coordinator. Castillo is the new offensive line coach, Clancy Barone the new tight ends coach.
If the team has a pass-game coordinator, who’s in charge of designing runs: Lazor? Castillo? Who will be in Trubisky’s ear more: DeFilippo or Ragone?
With so many cooks in the kitchen, it’s critical that Nagy — who will continue to call the plays — be clear about who’s in charge of what.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--ENDORSEMENT: Gerard C. Moorer for Illinois House in 10th District Democratic primary

Our endorsement goes to Gerard C. Moorer , who has built a credible record of public service as an aide for 15 years to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis , D-Ill. We also like that he ’ s nobody ’ s favored stepson .
Moorer says his priorities in this wildly gerrymandered district , which includes both affluent and impoverished areas on the West and Northwest sides , would be mental health awareness , early childhood education and crime prevention .
Moorer says that this last priority — working to bring down crime rates — has been a passion for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Moorer , was 11 .
As for Moorer ’ s biggest opponent , we ’ re reluctant to endorse a candidate who was appointed to this seat last May in the Chicago way by the powers that be .
State Rep. Jawaharial “ Omar ” Williams , who was handed the seat when Melissa Conyears-Ervin resigned to become city treasurer , is the stepson of Ald .
Walter Burnett ( 27th ) , whose ward overlaps part of the district .
Also running is Gina Zuccaro , an ally of Ald .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the husband of Conyears-Ervin .
( We know .
The family and organizational ties in this race are all over the place . )
In the past , Zuccaro has worked elections for Conyears-Ervin and Ervin , filing petition challenges against their opponents .
This time around , she ’ s operating a virtually invisible campaign .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and , in some cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , see our owner information page .

Our endorsement goes to Gerard C. Moorer, who has built a credible record of public service as an aide for 15 years to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill.
We also like that he’s nobody’s favored stepson.
Moorer says his priorities in this wildly gerrymandered district, which includes both affluent and impoverished areas on the West and Northwest sides, would be mental health awareness, early childhood education and crime prevention. Moorer says that this last priority — working to bring down crime rates — has been a passion for him since his father was murdered when he, Moorer, was 11.
As for Moorer’s biggest opponent, we’re reluctant to endorse a candidate who was appointed to this seat last May in the Chicago way by the powers that be. State Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, who was handed the seat when Melissa Conyears-Ervin resigned to become city treasurer, is the stepson of Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), whose ward overlaps part of the district.
Also running is Gina Zuccaro, an ally of Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), who is the husband of Conyears-Ervin. (We know. The family and organizational ties in this race are all over the place.) In the past, Zuccaro has worked elections for Conyears-Ervin and Ervin, filing petition challenges against their opponents. This time around, she’s operating a virtually invisible campaign.
Illinois House 10th District map. Illustration by Caroline Hurley
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Blackhawks unload Robin Lehner, Erik Gustafsson as part of 3 deadline-day trades

ST. LOUIS — The Blackhawks took a while to get going , but eventually made three trades in the waning hours before Monday ’ s NHL trade deadline .
The two most likely players to be moved — defenseman Erik Gustafsson and goaltender Robin Lehner — both indeed exited the Hawks ’ roster as general manager Stan Bowman sought to recoup what he could for the two pending free agents .
“ It ’ s about asset management , ” Bowman said .
“ And when you have an expiring asset whose rights you don ’ t retain anymore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial decision as it is trying to recoup some value and draft picks.
” Gustafsson was dealt to the Flames for a third-round draft pick , ending weeks of waiting — and two games of precautionary healthy scratches — by the Swedish blue-liner to find out his destination .
The offensive defenseman could ’ ve fetched far more if traded last summer , when he was coming off a splendid 60-point season , but Bowman said Monday he didn ’ t think it was worth “ guessing ” Gustafsson ’ s value in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while , it seemed as though the far-from-surprising Gustafsson trade would be the Hawks ’ only for the day .
But then Lehner was moved , infuriating Chicagoans who had fallen in love with the outspoken ( and sometimes controversial ) netminder .
The Golden Knights acquired Lehner in exchange for a package of a second-round draft pick , prospect defenseman Slava Demin — a current teammate of top Hawks prospect Ian Mitchell at the University of Denver — and struggling NHL backup goalie Malcolm Subban .
The trade was complicated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitator ; the Hawks and Leafs both end up on the hook for some of Lehner ’ s cap hit .
In Las Vegas , Lehner will form an intimidating tandem with Marc-Andre Fleury for the duration of the season .
Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon told reporters that he believed he was able to acquire Lehner for less than it would ’ ve taken to acquire an equally elite forward , given Monday ’ s sky-high prices .
But Bowman said he found the goalie market was surprisingly slim .
“ You look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance this year , and a lot of them have comfort with goaltending position , ” he said .
“ If you have three , four , five defensemen you like , you can always use another one .
But if you have a goalie you like , you ’ re not always interested in another one.
” Meanwhile , Subban will compete with current AHL goalies Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen for the now-vacant backup role behind Corey Crawford — at least until this summer , when Crawford is an unrestricted free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free agents , and even Lehner could potentially be re-signed .
“ Leading into the summer , we do have some decisions to make , ” Bowman said .
“ It ’ s early to handicap what ’ s going to happen with the goaltending position.
” Subban , 26 , has started about 20 games each of the past three seasons for the Knights but struggled to the tune of an .890 save percentage this year .
Demin adds another item to the Hawks ’ long and deep pipeline of defensive prospects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his draft pedigree wasn ’ t that high , but he boasts an impressive combination of size , physicality and puck-moving ability “ When people get to know him , they ’ ll know why we ’ re excited to add him , ” Bowman said .
“ Talented young defenseman [ with ] big upside.
” The Hawks also executed one additional small swap , trading 22-year-old ECHL forward Nathan Noel to the Flyers for 30-year-old AHL defenseman T.J. Brennan , and made paper transactions to make Matthew Highmore and Lucas Carlsson @ @ @ @ @ @

ST. LOUIS — It took the Blackhawks a while to get going, but they eventually made three deals in the hours before the NHL trade deadline Monday.
The two players most likely to be moved — defenseman Erik Gustafsson and goalie Robin Lehner — were dealt as general manager Stan Bowman sought to get what he could for the two pending free agents.
‘‘Going into a period like this at the trade deadline, you have to try to manage your assets going forward,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘[It] certainly was a busy stretch, talking throughout the league with other teams and understanding what they wanted to get in return.’’
Gustafsson was dealt to the Flames for a third-round draft pick, ending weeks of waiting — and two games of precautionary healthy scratches — to learn his destination.
The offensive defenseman could have fetched far more if he had been traded last summer, when he was coming off a 60-point season, but Bowman said he didn’t think it was worth guessing Gustafsson’s value in a ‘‘hypothetical situation.’’
For a while, it seemed as though the Gustafsson trade would be the Hawks’ only one of the day. But then Lehner was dealt, infuriating Chicagoans who had fallen in love with the outspoken (and sometimes controversial) goalie.
The Golden Knights acquired Lehner for a second-round draft pick, prospect defenseman Slava Demin — a teammate of top Hawks prospect Ian Mitchell at the University of Denver — and struggling backup goalie Malcolm Subban.
The trade was complicated by the presence of the Maple Leafs as a facilitator. The Hawks and Leafs both ended up on the hook for some of Lehner’s cap hit.
In Las Vegas, Lehner will form an intimidating tandem with Marc-Andre Fleury for the rest of the season. Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon told reporters he thought he was able to acquire Lehner for less than it would have taken to acquire an equally elite forward.
Bowman said he found the goalie market to be surprisingly thin.
‘‘You look at other teams thinking they have a chance this year, and a lot of them have comfort with the goaltending position,’’ he said. ‘‘If you have three, four, five defensemen you like, you can always use another one. But if you have a goalie you like, you’re not always interested in another one.’’
Subban will compete with Rockford goalies Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen for the backup role behind Corey Crawford — at least until this summer. At that point, Crawford will be an unrestricted free agent, Subban and Lankinen will be restricted free agents and Lehner could be re-signed.
‘‘Leading into the summer, we do have some decisions to make,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘It’s early to handicap what’s going to happen with the goaltending position.’’
Subban, 26, has started about 20 games in each of the last three seasons for the Knights but has struggled to an .890 save percentage this season.
Demin adds another player to the Hawks’ long and deep pipeline of defensive prospects. As a fourth-round pick in 2018, his draft pedigree wasn’t that high, but he boasts an impressive combination of size, physicality and puck-moving ability.
‘‘When people get to know him, they’ll know why we’re excited to add him,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘Talented young defenseman [with] big upside.’’
The Hawks made one additional small swap, trading 22-year-old minor-league forward Nathan Noel to the Flyers for 30-year-old minor-league defenseman T.J. Brennan.
They also made paper transactions that will enable wing Matthew Highmore and defenseman Lucas Carlsson to be eligible for the American Hockey League playoffs with Rockford.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Construction firms owe $1.1 million in back pay

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters said Monday the developer and subcontractors that built a senior living center in Northbrook have been ordered to pay $ 1.1 million to employees for violating state law on prevailing wages and benefits .
The Illinois Department of Labor , responding to charges the council filed , ordered the back pay for employees who constructed the Lodge of Northbrook , a 164-unit facility at 2150 Founders Drive , Northbrook .
The project benefited from bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority , making it subject to the state ’ s Prevailing Wage Act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act .
The documents indicated the decision became final in December .
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Gary Perinar of the carpenters council said the back pay award is the largest in its history .
He said many workers will receive thousands of dollars paid out over a year .
“ We have a new department dedicated to combating wage theft and are putting unscrupulous contractors on notice that cheating workers and taxpayers will not be tolerated , ” he said .
The council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Department of Labor order primarily hit two subcontractors , Horizon Carpentry of Marengo and Russ ’ s Drywall of Elgin .
Horizon was ordered to pay $ 692,000 and Russ ’ s is required to pay $ 249,000 .
The developer , Essex Communities of Omaha , Nebraska , was ordered to pay $ 188,000 .
The subcontractors did not immediately reply to requests for comment and a general counsel at Essex declined to discuss the matter .
Perinar said the council filed its charges in 2018 , during the term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No action was taken until Gov .
J.B. Pritzker assumed office , he said .
“ Wage theft and the loss of tax revenue affects everyone , ” Perinar said .
“ It takes advantage of workers , many of whom are unaware of their right to receive fair wages and benefits for themselves and their families .
It puts signatory union contractors at a disadvantage for competitively bid projects .
And it cheats communities out of tax dollars to increase future growth , new projects and public services .
Thanks to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Department of Labor for enforcing the law.
” For construction projects that are public works or receive public financing , the Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers , workers and mechanics the rate of wages and benefits that applies in the county where they are working .
Perinar said the council ’ s complaint also named the general contractor , McShane Construction , but no penalty was levied against the firm .
His group represents more than 30,000 people from 19 local unions across Illinois and Eastern @ @

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters said Monday the developer and subcontractors that built a senior living center in Northbrook have been ordered to pay $1.1 million to employees for violating state law on prevailing wages and benefits.
The Illinois Department of Labor, responding to charges the council filed, ordered the back pay for employees who constructed the Lodge of Northbrook, a 164-unit facility at 2150 Founders Drive, Northbrook. The project benefited from bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority, making it subject to the state’s Prevailing Wage Act.
The department late Monday confirmed details of the order in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents indicated the decision became final in December.
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Gary Perinar of the carpenters council said the back pay award is the largest in its history. He said many workers will receive thousands of dollars paid out over a year.
“We have a new department dedicated to combating wage theft and are putting unscrupulous contractors on notice that cheating workers and taxpayers will not be tolerated,” he said. The council is a part owner of Sun-Times Media.
Gary Perinar Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
The Department of Labor order primarily hit two subcontractors, Horizon Carpentry of Marengo and Russ’s Drywall of Elgin. Horizon was ordered to pay $692,000 and Russ’s is required to pay $249,000. The developer, Essex Communities of Omaha, Nebraska, was ordered to pay $188,000. The subcontractors did not immediately reply to requests for comment and a general counsel at Essex declined to discuss the matter.
Perinar said the council filed its charges in 2018, during the term of former Gov. Bruce Rauner. No action was taken until Gov. J.B. Pritzker assumed office, he said.
“Wage theft and the loss of tax revenue affects everyone,” Perinar said. “It takes advantage of workers, many of whom are unaware of their right to receive fair wages and benefits for themselves and their families. It puts signatory union contractors at a disadvantage for competitively bid projects. And it cheats communities out of tax dollars to increase future growth, new projects and public services. Thanks to our research team for discovering this injustice and to the Department of Labor for enforcing the law.”
For construction projects that are public works or receive public financing, the Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics the rate of wages and benefits that applies in the county where they are working.
Perinar said the council’s complaint also named the general contractor, McShane Construction, but no penalty was levied against the firm.
His group represents more than 30,000 people from 19 local unions across Illinois and Eastern Iowa.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Paramount halts ‘Mission: Impossible’ filming in Italy over coronavirus concerns

NEW YORK — Paramount Pictures on Monday halted production on the seventh “ Mission : Impossible ” film due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy , as Hollywood began to more drastically adapt to the growing global outbreak .
“ Mission : Impossible 7 ” had been scheduled to shoot for three weeks in Venice .
More than 200 people have tested positive for the virus in Italy , the largest number outside Asia .
While most of those cases are in the neighboring Lombardy region , authorities said three people in Venice have tested positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venetian government ’ s halting of public gatherings , and said it was canceling the shoot “ out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our cast and crew.
” Paramount also on Monday postponed the Chinese release of “ Sonic the Hedgehog , ” which had been set for Friday .
Cinemas in China have been shuttered due to the outbreak , closing down the world ’ s second largest box-office market .
At stake is potentially hundreds of millions in ticket sales in China and elsewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday on Wall Street as fears increased of the virus ’ effect on the global economy .
Last week , the James Bond film “ No Time to Die ” canceled its planned Beijing premiere and promotional tour .
The film is to open in Britain on April 2 and in North America on April 10 .
The Walt Disney Co. ’ s anticipated live-action “ Mulan ” remake is also soon to open worldwide , with a particular focus on China .
It ’ s due to open there on March 27 @

NEW YORK — Paramount Pictures on Monday halted production on the seventh “Mission: Impossible” film due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy, as Hollywood began to more drastically adapt to the growing global outbreak.
“Mission: Impossible 7” had been scheduled to shoot for three weeks in Venice. More than 200 people have tested positive for the virus in Italy, the largest number outside Asia. While most of those cases are in the neighboring Lombardy region, authorities said three people in Venice have tested positive for the virus.
In a statement, Paramount cited the Venetian government’s halting of public gatherings, and said it was canceling the shoot “out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our cast and crew.”
Paramount also on Monday postponed the Chinese release of “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which had been set for Friday. Cinemas in China have been shuttered due to the outbreak, closing down the world’s second largest box-office market.
At stake is potentially hundreds of millions in ticket sales in China and elsewhere. Media stocks were among those that tumbled Monday on Wall Street as fears increased of the virus’ effect on the global economy.
Last week, the James Bond film “No Time to Die” canceled its planned Beijing premiere and promotional tour. The film is to open in Britain on April 2 and in North America on April 10.
The Walt Disney Co.’s anticipated live-action “Mulan” remake is also soon to open worldwide, with a particular focus on China. It’s due to open there on March 27.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-24--Veteran judge who once kept Oprah on a jury assigned Jussie Smollett case

In a case that gained national attention , in part , over allegations that a celebrity was granted special treatment , those critical of the handling of the Jussie Smollett criminal matter can take heart that the “ Empire ” actor ’ s latest case landed before Cook County Judge James Linn Monday .
Even when celebrities aren ’ t the defendants , Linn has asserted the rich and famous have no more rights than anyone else — just ask Oprah Winfrey , who tried to beg off jury duty in a murder trial in Linn ’ s courtroom some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her popularity , then-Chicago resident Winfrey told a throng of reporters that she doubted she ’ d be picked from the jury pool for the 2004 trial of Dion Coleman .
Prosecutors and Coleman ’ s lawyers said they thought the talk show host would be a distraction .
But neither side opted to toss the world ’ s most popular talk show host off the jury , and Linn wasn ’ t interested in letting Winfrey out of her civic duty .
“ I ’ m not going to say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a member of a jury , ” Linn told the lawyers then .
“ I have no concern at all that the stars of this trial are going to be the trial lawyers and the overriding personalities are going to be the lawyers and , to some extent , even the court.
” Winfrey wound up voting with the other jurors to convict Coleman , whom Linn later sentenced to 45 years in prison .
Linn got Smollett ’ s latest case on the third draw Monday in the random judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge LeRoy Martin Jr..
The first judge selected was Judge William Gamboney , but he was out sick .
The next random pick was Judge Diane Cannon , who was also ill. Martin , who handles the daily case assignment call , wanted Smollett ’ s disorderly conduct case — and the horde of reporters who descended on 26th Street for his arraignment — to go to a courtroom where the judge was available Monday .
Linn first was appointed to the bench in 1989 after working as a prosecutor .
His father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appellate Court justice .
In his 30 years on the bench , Linn presided over his share of high-profile cases , though Smollett ’ s tale of an alleged hoax hate crime attack makes the case a “ heater ” the likes of which the city has never seen .
Chicago native Linn is regarded as a fair judge among his peers .
Monday Linn showed a little impatience with Smollett ’ s Los Angeles-based lawyer , Tina Glandian — as Smollett ’ s legal team pursued an appeal to the state Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a demand for speedy trial that would bind Smollett to a trial date before his lawyers received any of the evidence .
Smollett had claimed that he was attacked in 2019 by two men near his Streeterville home , who shouted that the black , openly gay actor had wandered into “ MAGA country ” — a reference to President Donald Trump ’ s “ Make America Great Again ” campaign slogan .
Linn may have some insight into Trump ’ s supporters .
His wife , luxury real estate broker Pamela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s various campaign organizations since 2016 , including a maximum $ 2,800 personal donation to the Trump Victory Fund in October , according to Federal Election Commission records .
Judge Linn appears to have made no donations to Trump or any candidates for federal office , and his political contributions locally have gone to fellow candidates for judge and , in 2010 , to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Pat Quinn .
A relative Linn occasionally refers to as “ Uncle Larry ” also is a major Trump backer : Oracle founder Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Linn ’ s late mother , Doris .
The billionaire tech mogul , who is just five years younger than Linn , last week held a fundraiser for the president at his California home , with a required $ 250,000 donation for attendees .
Lawyers who practice at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse regularly credit Linn for agreeing to fair plea agreements and for occasionally handing out stiff sentences , though neither scenario seemed likely to be a factor in Smollett ’ s case based on Monday ’ s hearing .
Smollett ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , and , even if found guilty , the disorderly conduct charges facing Smollett carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison .

In a case that gained national attention, in part, over allegations that a celebrity was granted special treatment, those critical of the handling of the Jussie Smollett criminal matter can take heart that the “Empire” actor’s latest case landed before Cook County Judge James Linn Monday.
Even when celebrities aren’t the defendants, Linn has asserted the rich and famous have no more rights than anyone else — just ask Oprah Winfrey, who tried to beg off jury duty in a murder trial in Linn’s courtroom some 15 years ago.
Near the peak of her popularity, then-Chicago resident Winfrey told a throng of reporters that she doubted she’d be picked from the jury pool for the 2004 trial of Dion Coleman. Prosecutors and Coleman’s lawyers said they thought the talk show host would be a distraction. But neither side opted to toss the world’s most popular talk show host off the jury, and Linn wasn’t interested in letting Winfrey out of her civic duty.
“I’m not going to say that somebody is too important in our society to be a member of a jury,” Linn told the lawyers then. “I have no concern at all that the stars of this trial are going to be the trial lawyers and the overriding personalities are going to be the lawyers and, to some extent, even the court.”
Winfrey wound up voting with the other jurors to convict Coleman, whom Linn later sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Linn got Smollett’s latest case on the third draw Monday in the random judge selection process overseen by Chief Criminal Courts Judge LeRoy Martin Jr. The first judge selected was Judge William Gamboney, but he was out sick. The next random pick was Judge Diane Cannon, who was also ill.
Martin, who handles the daily case assignment call, wanted Smollett’s disorderly conduct case — and the horde of reporters who descended on 26th Street for his arraignment — to go to a courtroom where the judge was available Monday.
Linn first was appointed to the bench in 1989 after working as a prosecutor. His father, David Linn, was a state Appellate Court justice.
In his 30 years on the bench, Linn presided over his share of high-profile cases, though Smollett’s tale of an alleged hoax hate crime attack makes the case a “heater” the likes of which the city has never seen.
Chicago native Linn is regarded as a fair judge among his peers.
Monday Linn showed a little impatience with Smollett’s Los Angeles-based lawyer, Tina Glandian — as Smollett’s legal team pursued an appeal to the state Supreme Court — by cautioning her not to make a demand for speedy trial that would bind Smollett to a trial date before his lawyers received any of the evidence.
Smollett had claimed that he was attacked in 2019 by two men near his Streeterville home, who shouted that the black, openly gay actor had wandered into “MAGA country”— a reference to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.
Linn may have some insight into Trump’s supporters. His wife, luxury real estate broker Pamela Linn, has made multiple donations to Trump’s various campaign organizations since 2016, including a maximum $2,800 personal donation to the Trump Victory Fund in October, according to Federal Election Commission records. Judge Linn appears to have made no donations to Trump or any candidates for federal office, and his political contributions locally have gone to fellow candidates for judge and, in 2010, to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Pat Quinn.
A relative Linn occasionally refers to as “Uncle Larry” also is a major Trump backer: Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is the adopted brother of Linn’s late mother, Doris. The billionaire tech mogul, who is just five years younger than Linn, last week held a fundraiser for the president at his California home, with a required $250,000 donation for attendees.
Lawyers who practice at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse regularly credit Linn for agreeing to fair plea agreements and for occasionally handing out stiff sentences, though neither scenario seemed likely to be a factor in Smollett’s case based on Monday’s hearing. Smollett’s lawyers pledged not to make a plea deal, and, even if found guilty, the disorderly conduct charges facing Smollett carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison.