chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--Dear Abby: She has a boyfriend, but co-worker keeps sending me flirty texts

DEAR ABBY : I have been communicating with this woman that I work with .
She is currently seeing a guy she ’ s been with for about four years .
We have a clear connection and primal attraction , and have both discussed our feelings with each other .
We communicate by texting .
There is no communication through phone calls , for obvious reasons .
Her man works for the same company but in a different building than we do .
It ’ s clear to me that he isn ’ t good enough for her and doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her level .
I let her know that if they were to break up , I would want to give it a try , and she said the same .
She contacts me when she wants and flirts , but it ’ s always at her convenience and not mine .
We have “ known ” each other for about a year and a half now , and she claims she cares for me .
My question to you is , how should I move this situation forward ?
— THREE ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CROWD : Try to control your libido and allow me to offer a flash of insight .
This woman likes things just the way they are .
You may not think her boyfriend is good enough for her and can ’ t “ elevate himself to her level , ” but the woman you have placed on this pedestal is someone who enjoys sneaking behind the back of someone she ’ s been involved with for four years and discusses an exit strategy with a co-worker .
Open your eyes .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She ’ s enjoying a flirtation on her own terms , period .
What makes you think you are the only one she does this with ?
DEAR ABBY : I have been overweight for half of my life .
After many diets , exercises , weight loss and eventually gaining it all back , I ’ m planning to have gastric sleeve surgery within the next two months , or when my surgeon can place me on his schedule .
I have gone through all of the required office visits with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a final decision because I ’ m so nervous about it .
I have not mentioned this to my adult children or my parents .
My parents are elderly and probably would hate it and worry , so I don ’ t want them to know .
As for my children , they probably won ’ t like it either .
The surgery will mean I ’ ll lose 60 to 70 pounds .
Should I say something or wait until it becomes obvious ?
I ’ m a private person , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any negative or snarky remarks from neighbors or my church family .
Am I being ridiculous , selfish or silly ?
If I don ’ t tell , how will I explain how I lost the weight without spilling my secret ?
I may tell everyone later on , but not right now .
— GOT A SECRET IN THE SOUTH DEAR GOT A SECRET : Wanting to be your best and healthiest self isn ’ t ridiculous , selfish or silly .
If you need surgical intervention to conquer your weight issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason to be defensive about it .
Attempting to hide a 70-pound weight loss would be like trying to smuggle dawn past a rooster .
As you pointed out , your weight loss will become obvious .
When you are asked about it , all you need to say is that now that your weight problem is in the past , you prefer not discussing it , so please don ’ t bring it up again .
You may encounter fewer raised eyebrows if , once your doctors allow it , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen by others adopting a healthier lifestyle .
If you do , people may assume it ’ s the reason you are thinner .
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 order “ How to Write Letters for All Occasions , ” send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I have been communicating with this woman that I work with. She is currently seeing a guy she’s been with for about four years. We have a clear connection and primal attraction, and have both discussed our feelings with each other.
We communicate by texting. There is no communication through phone calls, for obvious reasons. Her man works for the same company but in a different building than we do. It’s clear to me that he isn’t good enough for her and doesn’t know how to elevate himself to her level.
I let her know that if they were to break up, I would want to give it a try, and she said the same. She contacts me when she wants and flirts, but it’s always at her convenience and not mine.
We have “known” each other for about a year and a half now, and she claims she cares for me. My question to you is, how should I move this situation forward? — THREE’S A CROWD IN NEW YORK
DEAR CROWD: Try to control your libido and allow me to offer a flash of insight. This woman likes things just the way they are. You may not think her boyfriend is good enough for her and can’t “elevate himself to her level,” but the woman you have placed on this pedestal is someone who enjoys sneaking behind the back of someone she’s been involved with for four years and discusses an exit strategy with a co-worker. Open your eyes. She’s not seriously interested in you. She’s enjoying a flirtation on her own terms, period. What makes you think you are the only one she does this with?
DEAR ABBY: I have been overweight for half of my life. After many diets, exercises, weight loss and eventually gaining it all back, I’m planning to have gastric sleeve surgery within the next two months, or when my surgeon can place me on his schedule.
I have gone through all of the required office visits with my doctor, but haven’t yet made a final decision because I’m so nervous about it. I have not mentioned this to my adult children or my parents. My parents are elderly and probably would hate it and worry, so I don’t want them to know. As for my children, they probably won’t like it either.
The surgery will mean I’ll lose 60 to 70 pounds. Should I say something or wait until it becomes obvious? I’m a private person, and I absolutely don’t want any negative or snarky remarks from neighbors or my church family.
Am I being ridiculous, selfish or silly? If I don’t tell, how will I explain how I lost the weight without spilling my secret? I may tell everyone later on, but not right now. — GOT A SECRET IN THE SOUTH
DEAR GOT A SECRET: Wanting to be your best and healthiest self isn’t ridiculous, selfish or silly. If you need surgical intervention to conquer your weight issues and your doctors agree, there is no reason to be defensive about it. Attempting to hide a 70-pound weight loss would be like trying to smuggle dawn past a rooster.
As you pointed out, your weight loss will become obvious. When you are asked about it, all you need to say is that now that your weight problem is in the past, you prefer not discussing it, so please don’t bring it up again. You may encounter fewer raised eyebrows if, once your doctors allow it, you start doing some walking so you can be seen by others adopting a healthier lifestyle. If you do, people may assume it’s the reason you are thinner.
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 order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--Man fatally shot in Gary

Man fatally shot in Gary

About 10:50 p.m. Tyron Walton was in the 1900 block of Broadway when he was shot , according to the @ @ @ @ @ office .
He was pronounced dead about an hour later .
An autopsy conducted ruled @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
Gary police did not immediately comment on the details surrounding the shooting @ @ @ @ @ , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 31-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday in Gary.
About 10:50 p.m. Tyron Walton was in the 1900 block of Broadway when he was shot, according to the Lake County coroner’s office. He was pronounced dead about an hour later.
An autopsy conducted ruled his death a homicide, officials said.
Gary police did not immediately comment on the details surrounding the shooting.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--2 shot Tuesday in Chicago

2 shot Tuesday in Chicago

Two people were shot Tuesday in Chicago , including a 26-year-old man who was shot in Hyde Park on the @ @ @ @ @ p.m. he was walking in the 5500 block of South Shore Drive , when he @ @ @ @ @ on foot who fired shots in his direction , Chicago police said .
He was @ @ @ @ @ and taken to University of Chicago Medical Center , police said .
He is in @ @ @ @ @ man was shot after an argument in Garfield Park on the West Side .
About @ @ @ @ @ argued with approached him in the 2900 block of West Fulton Street and shot him @ @ @ @ @ face , police said .
The man took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital in good @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ’ s shootings come after a Monday where one person was killed and six @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two people were shot Tuesday in Chicago, including a 26-year-old man who was shot in Hyde Park on the South Side.
About 11:40 p.m. he was walking in the 5500 block of South Shore Drive, when he was approached by a male on foot who fired shots in his direction, Chicago police said.
He was struck in the left hand and taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. He is in good condition.
A 19-year-old man was shot after an argument in Garfield Park on the West Side.
About 8:35 p.m. a male he argued with approached him in the 2900 block of West Fulton Street and shot him in the side of his face, police said.
The man took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said.
Tuesday’s shootings come after a Monday where one person was killed and six others wounded in citywide shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--CPD officers injured in crash in the Loop

Two Chicago police officers were injured in a vehicle crash Wednesday in the Loop .
Just after midnight officers in @ @ @ @ @ headed to a call at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and State Street , when @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln Navigator in the 300 block of South State Street , Chicago police said .
@ @ @ @ @ refused treatment at the scene , police said .
Two male officers were taken to @ @ @ @ @ with non-life threatening injuries , police said .
No citations were issued , police said @

Two Chicago police officers were injured in a vehicle crash Wednesday in the Loop.
Just after midnight officers in a marked squad car were headed to a call at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and State Street, when they crashed into a 2015 Lincoln Navigator in the 300 block of South State Street, Chicago police said.
Three people in the Navigator refused treatment at the scene, police said.
Two male officers were taken to the hospital in good condition with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
No citations were issued, police said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--Thief targets CTA passengers in East Garfield Park, Greektown: police

Chicago police are warning residents of three robberies reported in February in East Garfield Park and Greektown on the Northwest @ @ @ @ @ In each incident , a male approaches victims on a CTA train and snatches their @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said in a community alert .
If the victim resists , the person @ @ @ @ @ force to take their property .
• About 8 p.m Feb. 12 and about 4:40 @ @ @ @ @ 500 block of South Pulaski Road ; and • About 4:20 p.m. Feb. 13 in @ @ @ @ @ Halsted Street .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263 @ @ @ @ @ 312-747-8380 .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of three robberies reported in February in East Garfield Park and Greektown on the Northwest and Near West Sides.
In each incident, a male approaches victims on a CTA train and snatches their cellphone or personal property, Chicago police said in a community alert. If the victim resists, the person will strike them or use force to take their property.
The robberies happened:
About 8 p.m Feb. 12 and about 4:40 p.m. Feb. 13 in the 500 block of South Pulaski Road; and
About 4:20 p.m. Feb. 13 in the 400 block of South Halsted Street.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263 or Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-19--President frees imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich — now a grateful ‘Trumpocrat’

The long legal journey of Rod Blagojevich began in 2008 with an early-morning visit from the FBI , and it ended Tuesday with a phone call from the president of the United States that led hours later to the former governor walking out of federal prison a free man .
President Donald Trump called former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich at about 10:30 a.m. to tell her he would commute the ex-governor ’ s 14-year prison sentence , a White House source said .
That decision immediately roiled Illinois ’ legal and political system , and it brought to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most bizarre legal dramas .
It will also now inject the flamboyant former governor , age 63 and sporting a mop of white hair , back into a state that has learned for eight years to get along without him .
“ He ’ s got a obviously a big fan in me , ” Blagojevich said to an NBC5 reporter who asked him about the president at the Denver airport .
“ If you ’ re asking what my party affiliation is , I ’ m a Trumpocrat.
” That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was freeing Blagojevich .
“ Yes , we have commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich , ” Trump said .
“ He served eight years in jail .
A long time.
” Trump cited Patti Blagojevich ’ s years-long campaign for clemency for her husband , as well as the Blagojevich children .
But he also referenced his political nemeses , including former FBI Director James Comey and former Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald , who is a friend of Comey .
Trump referred to Fitzgerald , who led Blagojevich ’ s prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a prosecution by the same people — Comey , Fitzpatrick — the same group , ” Trump said .
The former governor arrived back in Illinois at O ’ Hare International Airport just before midnight Tuesday and returned to his home in Chicago ’ s Ravenswood Manor amid a crush of news cameras .
Along the way , he shook hands with well-wishers and autographed a baseball .
Blagojevich family members found themselves huddled inside the ex-governor ’ s Ravenswood Manor home Tuesday while attorneys worked out the logistics of his release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Ald .
Deb Mell , Patti Blagojevich ’ s sister , told reporters the family was “ ecstatic.
” Patti Blagojevich did not comment , other than to write on her Facebook page : “ Thank you to all my Facebook friends that have stuck with me and encouraged me over the last 8 years .
At long last — Rod ’ s coming home !
!
!
!
” She has hundreds of positive messages on her page .
In an interview with a WGN reporter at the Denver airport Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he felt a “ profound and everlasting gratitude ” and promised more to come at a news conference outside the family home at 11 a.m. Wednesday .
“ There ’ s divine intervention in all of this , ” he said .
Fellow passengers tweeted photos of Blagojevich on the Chicago-bound plane Tuesday night .
Blagojevich had not been due out of prison until March 2024 .
The ex-governor ’ s brother , Robert Blagojevich also offered praise for Trump : “ I am very grateful to President Trump for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his family .
He is the ultimate disrupter , and that ’ s what Washington , D.C. , needs right now.
” But not everyone was on the Welcome Wagon for the former governor .
The team of former feds who prosecuted Blagojevich a decade ago released a joint statement .
Fitzgerald and former Assistant U.S .
Attorneys Reid Schar and Chris Niewoehner are now in private practice .
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Hamilton is a Cook County judge .
“ Although the president has exercised his lawful authority to commute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s prison sentence , Mr. Blagojevich remains a felon , convicted of multiple serious acts of corruption as governor , ” the statement read in part .
They added later , “ His prosecution serves as proof that elected officials who betray those they are elected to serve will be held to account.
” The man who has Blagojevich ’ s old job , J.B. Pritzker , was not happy about Trump ’ s decision .
“ Illinoisans have endured far too much corruption , and we must send a message to politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolerated , ” Gov .
Pritzker said in a statement issued by his office .
“ President Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption , and I deeply believe this pardon sends the wrong message at the wrong time , ” Pritzker added .
Pritzker faced criticism during his campaign for governor after the Chicago Tribune published excerpts of a phone call secretly recorded by the feds in which Pritzker and then-Gov .
Blagojevich talked about who would be acceptable to fill Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. “ a little more crass.
” Several other politicians weighed in Tuesday once news of Blagojevich ’ s commutation broke .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said , “ There ’ s a lot of people who oppose this action , given what Blagojevich did during his time in office.
” House Republican Leader Jim Durkin , who served as the ranking GOP member of the Illinois House impeachment committee when Blagojevich was removed from office , said he believes Trump commuted the former governor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rod Blagojevich.
” “ I was involved first-hand with the impeachment efforts , and I saw a governor who was rogue on steroids , ” Durkin said .
“ He was a person that didn ’ t care about the state of Illinois .
He cared about his own ambition and he abused the office.
” All of this brings to a fitting end the legal saga that reaches back more than a decade , to the December 2008 early-morning arrest of Blagojevich by the FBI at his home in Ravenswood Manor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was impeached and eventually convicted on public corruption charges .
But that ’ s not all .
His wife ate a tarantula on national television .
The former governor also took his turn on a TV game show that would put his incompetence with computers on display for the world to see .
He could barely turn one on .
The ridicule might have been worth it , though .
Few then would have expected the host of that game show , Donald Trump , would ascend to the White House and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blagojevich .
Now Trump has done so in the midst of the largest public corruption investigation to hit Chicago since the days of the Blagojevich scandal .
Several city and state politicians find themselves in the crosshairs of federal investigators .
The president seems to have been mostly moved to act by Patti Blagojevich , who has been campaigning for nearly two years for her husband ’ s release .
“ She ’ s one hell of a woman , ” Trump once said of Patti .
U.S. District Judge James Zagel handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
Blagojevich appealed .
It took years , but a three-judge panel finally tossed five of his 18 convictions in 2015 and ordered a new sentencing hearing .
Zagel then left Blagojevich ’ s daughters in tears when he handed the former governor the same 14-year sentence all over again in 2016 .
In 2011 , Zagel told Blagojevich , “ The fabric of Illinois is torn and disfigured and not easily or quickly repaired.
” He echoed those remarks in 2016 .
Blagojevich pressed on .
The U.S. Supreme Court shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2018 , leaving presidential clemency as Blagojevich ’ s only hope .
That ’ s when Patti Blagojevich began an obvious campaign to court the attention — and mercy — of Trump .
By then , the president was well into his own battle with Comey and then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller .
“ This same cast of characters that did this to my family are out there trying to do it to the president , ” Patti Blagojevich told the Sun-Times in a phone interview in April 2018 .
She linked Mueller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who went on to serve as Comey ’ s lawyer in private practice .
Blagojevich ’ s fortunes turned much brighter in May 2018 when , on Air Force One , Trump told reporters he might spring Blagojevich , who he said went to jail “ for being stupid.
” Blagojevich ’ s legal team then filed a new , formal request for a commutation — a move that would not absolve the former politician but would reduce his time in prison .
Despite the appellate court ’ s decision to toss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 that Blagojevich “ remains convicted of the same three charged shakedowns ” for which he originally went to prison .
Those include his attempt to sell then-President-elect Obama ’ s U.S. Senate seat , to extort the CEO of Children ’ s Memorial Hospital for $ 25,000 in campaign contributions and to hold up a bill to benefit the racetrack industry for $ 100,000 in campaign contributions .
Blagojevich was also caught on tape making the notorious comment — referring to the Senate seat — “ I ’ ve got this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -ing golden.
” Trump has earlier said that Blagojevich has “ been in jail for seven years over a phone call where nothing happens — over a phone call which he shouldn ’ t have said what he said , but it was braggadocio you would say .
I would think that there have been many politicians — I ’ m not one of them , by the way — that have said a lot worse over the telephone.
” Once Trump started to consider doing something for Blagojevich , he asked son-in-law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a commutation with the White House Counsel ’ s office , a senior administration official has told the Sun-Times .
Meanwhile , Blagojevich ’ s appeal and campaign for clemency revealed some details about the eight years he ’ s spent behind bars .
It turned out he helped form a prison band known as The Jailhouse Rockers .
They had a 21-song playlist that included “ Bad Moon Rising.
” His appearance by video at his re-sentencing in 2016 also confirmed , once and for all , that his black hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blagojevich spoke then about reconciliation , telling the judge that “ it was very important for me to free myself from the prison of resentment.
” He talked remorsefully about his legacy , and he said he winced every time his children visited him in prison .
He also said , “ I made many mistakes.
” “ I regret those mistakes and misjudgments , ” Blagojevich said at the time .
“ I ’ m sorry for them .
I wish I could find a way to turn the clock back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible.
” Support local journalism that matters to you .
Subscribe to the Sun-Times today .

The long legal journey of Rod Blagojevich began in 2008 with an early-morning visit from the FBI, and it ended Tuesday with a phone call from the president of the United States that led hours later to the former governor walking out of federal prison a free man.
President Donald Trump called former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich at about 10:30 a.m. to tell her he would commute the ex-governor’s 14-year prison sentence, a White House source said. That decision immediately roiled Illinois’ legal and political system, and it brought to a stunning conclusion one of the state’s most bizarre legal dramas.
It will also now inject the flamboyant former governor, age 63 and sporting a mop of white hair, back into a state that has learned for eight years to get along without him.
“He’s got a obviously a big fan in me,” Blagojevich said to an NBC5 reporter who asked him about the president at the Denver airport. “If you’re asking what my party affiliation is, I’m a Trumpocrat.”
That was hours after the president told reporters he was freeing Blagojevich.
“Yes, we have commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich,” Trump said. “He served eight years in jail. A long time.”
Trump cited Patti Blagojevich’s years-long campaign for clemency for her husband, as well as the Blagojevich children. But he also referenced his political nemeses, including former FBI Director James Comey and former Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who is a friend of Comey. Trump referred to Fitzgerald, who led Blagojevich’s prosecution, as “Fitzpatrick.”
“It was a prosecution by the same people — Comey, Fitzpatrick — the same group,” Trump said.
The former governor arrived back in Illinois at O’Hare International Airport just before midnight Tuesday and returned to his home in Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor amid a crush of news cameras. Along the way, he shook hands with well-wishers and autographed a baseball.
Blagojevich family members found themselves huddled inside the ex-governor’s Ravenswood Manor home Tuesday while attorneys worked out the logistics of his release from a federal prison in Colorado. Former Ald. Deb Mell, Patti Blagojevich’s sister, told reporters the family was “ecstatic.”
Patti Blagojevich did not comment, other than to write on her Facebook page: “Thank you to all my Facebook friends that have stuck with me and encouraged me over the last 8 years. At long last — Rod’s coming home!!!!” She has hundreds of positive messages on her page.
In an interview with a WGN reporter at the Denver airport Tuesday night, Rod Blagojevich praised the president, said he felt a “profound and everlasting gratitude” and promised more to come at a news conference outside the family home at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
“There’s divine intervention in all of this,” he said.
Fellow passengers tweeted photos of Blagojevich on the Chicago-bound plane Tuesday night.
Blagojevich had not been due out of prison until March 2024.
The ex-governor’s brother, Robert Blagojevich also offered praise for Trump: “I am very grateful to President Trump for what he’s done for my brother and his family. He is the ultimate disrupter, and that’s what Washington, D.C., needs right now.”
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich greets supporters outside his family’s Ravenswood Manor home early Wednesday after being released from a Colorado prison Tuesday night, Feb. 18, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
But not everyone was on the Welcome Wagon for the former governor.
The team of former feds who prosecuted Blagojevich a decade ago released a joint statement. Fitzgerald and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reid Schar and Chris Niewoehner are now in private practice. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Hamilton is a Cook County judge.
“Although the president has exercised his lawful authority to commute the remaining portion of Mr. Blagojevich’s prison sentence, Mr. Blagojevich remains a felon, convicted of multiple serious acts of corruption as governor,” the statement read in part.
They added later, “His prosecution serves as proof that elected officials who betray those they are elected to serve will be held to account.”
The man who has Blagojevich’s old job, J.B. Pritzker, was not happy about Trump’s decision.
“Illinoisans have endured far too much corruption, and we must send a message to politicians that corrupt practices will no longer be tolerated,” Gov. Pritzker said in a statement issued by his office.
“President Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption, and I deeply believe this pardon sends the wrong message at the wrong time,” Pritzker added.
Pritzker faced criticism during his campaign for governor after the Chicago Tribune published excerpts of a phone call secretly recorded by the feds in which Pritzker and then-Gov. Blagojevich talked about who would be acceptable to fill Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Pritzker called former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. “a little more crass.”
Several other politicians weighed in Tuesday once news of Blagojevich’s commutation broke. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, “There’s a lot of people who oppose this action, given what Blagojevich did during his time in office.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who served as the ranking GOP member of the Illinois House impeachment committee when Blagojevich was removed from office, said he believes Trump commuted the former governor’s sentence “just because of the celebrity of Rod Blagojevich.”
“I was involved first-hand with the impeachment efforts, and I saw a governor who was rogue on steroids,” Durkin said. “He was a person that didn’t care about the state of Illinois. He cared about his own ambition and he abused the office.”
All of this brings to a fitting end the legal saga that reaches back more than a decade, to the December 2008 early-morning arrest of Blagojevich by the FBI at his home in Ravenswood Manor. Illinoisans then watched as their governor was impeached and eventually convicted on public corruption charges.
But that’s not all.
His wife ate a tarantula on national television. The former governor also took his turn on a TV game show that would put his incompetence with computers on display for the world to see. He could barely turn one on.
The ridicule might have been worth it, though. Few then would have expected the host of that game show, Donald Trump, would ascend to the White House and be in a position to one day free Blagojevich.
Now Trump has done so in the midst of the largest public corruption investigation to hit Chicago since the days of the Blagojevich scandal. Several city and state politicians find themselves in the crosshairs of federal investigators.
The president seems to have been mostly moved to act by Patti Blagojevich, who has been campaigning for nearly two years for her husband’s release.
“She’s one hell of a woman,” Trump once said of Patti.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel handed Blagojevich the stunning 14-year prison sentence in 2011. Blagojevich appealed. It took years, but a three-judge panel finally tossed five of his 18 convictions in 2015 and ordered a new sentencing hearing. Zagel then left Blagojevich’s daughters in tears when he handed the former governor the same 14-year sentence all over again in 2016.
In 2011, Zagel told Blagojevich, “The fabric of Illinois is torn and disfigured and not easily or quickly repaired.” He echoed those remarks in 2016.
Blagojevich pressed on. The U.S. Supreme Court shot him down for the last time in April 2018, leaving presidential clemency as Blagojevich’s only hope. That’s when Patti Blagojevich began an obvious campaign to court the attention — and mercy — of Trump.
By then, the president was well into his own battle with Comey and then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
“This same cast of characters that did this to my family are out there trying to do it to the president,” Patti Blagojevich told the Sun-Times in a phone interview in April 2018.
She linked Mueller and Comey to her husband through Fitzgerald, who went on to serve as Comey’s lawyer in private practice.
Blagojevich’s fortunes turned much brighter in May 2018 when, on Air Force One, Trump told reporters he might spring Blagojevich, who he said went to jail “for being stupid.”
Blagojevich’s legal team then filed a new, formal request for a commutation — a move that would not absolve the former politician but would reduce his time in prison.
Despite the appellate court’s decision to toss five of his convictions, prosecutors said in 2016 that Blagojevich “remains convicted of the same three charged shakedowns” for which he originally went to prison.
Those include his attempt to sell then-President-elect Obama’s U.S. Senate seat, to extort the CEO of Children’s Memorial Hospital for $25,000 in campaign contributions and to hold up a bill to benefit the racetrack industry for $100,000 in campaign contributions.
Blagojevich was also caught on tape making the notorious comment — referring to the Senate seat — “I’ve got this thing and it’s f---ing golden.”
Trump has earlier said that Blagojevich has “been in jail for seven years over a phone call where nothing happens — over a phone call which he shouldn’t have said what he said, but it was braggadocio you would say. I would think that there have been many politicians — I’m not one of them, by the way — that have said a lot worse over the telephone.”
Once Trump started to consider doing something for Blagojevich, he asked son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner to work on a commutation with the White House Counsel’s office, a senior administration official has told the Sun-Times.
Meanwhile, Blagojevich’s appeal and campaign for clemency revealed some details about the eight years he’s spent behind bars. It turned out he helped form a prison band known as The Jailhouse Rockers. They had a 21-song playlist that included “Bad Moon Rising.”
His appearance by video at his re-sentencing in 2016 also confirmed, once and for all, that his black hair had gone snow white in prison.
Blagojevich spoke then about reconciliation, telling the judge that “it was very important for me to free myself from the prison of resentment.” He talked remorsefully about his legacy, and he said he winced every time his children visited him in prison.
He also said, “I made many mistakes.”
“I regret those mistakes and misjudgments,” Blagojevich said at the time. “I’m sorry for them. I wish I could find a way to turn the clock back and make different choices. But that is not possible.”
Contributing: Stefano Esposito, Sam Charles, Mitchell Armentrout, Tina Sfondeles
Support local journalism that matters to you. Subscribe to the Sun-Times today.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Horoscope for Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020

Horoscope for Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020

We have the all clear to shop and do business .
The moon is in Capricorn .
You are high visibility , it ’ s a good thing .
Others admire you , including bosses , parents and VIPs .
Because of this attention that you attract , you might have an opportunity to travel somewhere in the future ?
Something will definitely expand your world .
This is the perfect day to make travel plans !
You are optimistic , ambitious and eager to expand your world .
This is also an excellent day to negotiate matters related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
You will also succeed in discussions about medicine and the law .
Keep your pockets open because gifts , goodies and favors from others will come your way .
This is an excellent day to ask for a gift or a loan or to borrow money .
Meanwhile , your affections for someone are warm and sexy !
This is a great day to schmooze with others and enjoy a warm conversation with a partner or close friend .
People feel generous to each other ; plus , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this makes your exchanges with others very upbeat .
Work-related travel will be a positive experience .
Not only will you enjoy traveling , it will benefit you in some way .
This is also a good day to deal with foreign interests and other countries .
Meetings and gatherings will be positive for you .
Grab every opportunity to socialize with others .
Enjoy sports events and playful activities with kids .
Take a long lunch .
This is a fun-loving , party day , which is why you should treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
You deserve it !
( Plus , life is short — and fat . )
This is a good day to explore real estate opportunities .
It ’ s also a wonderful day to entertain at home .
Stock the fridge and invite the gang over for pizza and beer or quiche and Chardonnay .
You can ’ t go wrong entertaining at home today because people are genial and convivial .
You ’ re full of big ideas today !
However , the reason your ideas are so ambitious is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe in your future !
You believe that your ideals will fly !
And indeed , they probably will because most of us are afraid to hope for the best .
This is a great day for business and commerce .
Look for ways to increase your income or boost your earnings and profits .
Work-related travel and dealing with foreign countries will also be money-making choices .
Today you feel happy to be in your shoes .
After all , lucky Jupiter is in your sign this year and that hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it won ’ t happen again until 2032 .
Yes , you have much to be grateful for .
Use this good fortune !
This is a feel-good day for you even if you choose to work alone or behind the scenes .
You feel contented and happy with your world .
Look around you to see the beauty of your everyday existence .
Likewise , appreciate the people who are in your world .
Lucky you !
This is a popular day for you , which means you will enjoy schmoozing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have good times with friends , your interactions with clubs , groups and organizations will also be successful .
This is an excellent day to share future plans and goals with someone to get their feedback .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Jeff Daniels ( 1955 ) shares your birthday .
You are a sensitive , romantic dreamer , who puts the welfare of loved ones before your own .
Because this is a year of teaching and learning , you will learn something that sets you in a new direction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
Why not explore meditation , yoga or any discipline that will help you to get a better understanding of who you are ?

Moon Alert
We have the all clear to shop and do business. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You are high visibility, it’s a good thing. Others admire you, including bosses, parents and VIPs. Because of this attention that you attract, you might have an opportunity to travel somewhere in the future? Something will definitely expand your world.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This is the perfect day to make travel plans! You are optimistic, ambitious and eager to expand your world. This is also an excellent day to negotiate matters related to manuscripts, publishing and working in the media. You will also succeed in discussions about medicine and the law.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Keep your pockets open because gifts, goodies and favors from others will come your way. This is an excellent day to ask for a gift or a loan or to borrow money. Meanwhile, your affections for someone are warm and sexy!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This is a great day to schmooze with others and enjoy a warm conversation with a partner or close friend. People feel generous to each other; plus, there is a feeling of optimism that pervades everything, and this makes your exchanges with others very upbeat.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Work-related travel will be a positive experience. Not only will you enjoy traveling, it will benefit you in some way. This is also a good day to deal with foreign interests and other countries. Meetings and gatherings will be positive for you.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Grab every opportunity to socialize with others. Enjoy sports events and playful activities with kids. Take a long lunch. This is a fun-loving, party day, which is why you should treat yourself in some way to a good time. You deserve it! (Plus, life is short — and fat.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is a good day to explore real estate opportunities. It’s also a wonderful day to entertain at home. Stock the fridge and invite the gang over for pizza and beer or quiche and Chardonnay. You can’t go wrong entertaining at home today because people are genial and convivial.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You’re full of big ideas today! However, the reason your ideas are so ambitious is that you yourself are optimistic. You believe in your future! You believe that your ideals will fly! And indeed, they probably will because most of us are afraid to hope for the best.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This is a great day for business and commerce. Look for ways to increase your income or boost your earnings and profits. Work-related travel and dealing with foreign countries will also be money-making choices.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today you feel happy to be in your shoes. After all, lucky Jupiter is in your sign this year and that hasn’t happened for over a decade! And it won’t happen again until 2032. Yes, you have much to be grateful for. Use this good fortune!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This is a feel-good day for you even if you choose to work alone or behind the scenes. You feel contented and happy with your world. Look around you to see the beauty of your everyday existence. Likewise, appreciate the people who are in your world. Lucky you!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a popular day for you, which means you will enjoy schmoozing with others. Not only will you have good times with friends, your interactions with clubs, groups and organizations will also be successful. This is an excellent day to share future plans and goals with someone to get their feedback.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jeff Daniels (1955) shares your birthday. You are a sensitive, romantic dreamer, who puts the welfare of loved ones before your own. Because this is a year of teaching and learning, you will learn something that sets you in a new direction, which could be crucial for your success next year. Why not explore meditation, yoga or any discipline that will help you to get a better understanding of who you are?


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-18--Actress Zoe Caldwell, Tony Award winner for ‘Medea,’ dies at 86

NEW YORK — Zoe Caldwell , a four-time Tony Award winner who brought humanity to larger-than-life characters , whether it be the dotty schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie , an aging opera star Maria Callas or the betrayed , murderous Medea , has died .
She was 86 .
Her son Charlie Whitehead said Caldwell died peacefully Sunday at her home in Pound Ridge , New York .
Whitehead said her death was due to complications from Parkinson ’ s disease .
The Australian-born actress played in regional theaters around the English-speaking world before becoming the toast of Broadway in 1968 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for “ The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
” Among her other characters were Cleopatra , Saint Joan , Mother Courage and authors Colette and Lillian Hellman .
As she matured , she accepted only roles that offer a particular challenge .
If she thought , “ Oh , I can do that , ” she didn ’ t want to do them , she said in 1986 .
Three of her four Tonys came in collaborations with her husband , Robert Whitehead , who was one of Broadway ’ s most prolific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his influence in her decision to do “ Medea , ” the ancient Greek drama of a woman who is betrayed by her lover and kills their children in revenge .
It won her a third Tony in 1982 .
“ Medea wasn ’ t a character I believed in until my Robert started to talk to me about her in human terms , ” she told The New York Times a few days after the Tony ceremony .
“ I suddenly understood how a creative force of nature can become destructive if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depurified — like the atom.
” Times critic Frank Rich cited the flashes of sensuality — which she said derived from the study of Greek painting and sculpture — and wit that she brought to the character .
” When , at last , the crime is at hand , the actress fully dramatizes the struggle between her hunger for revenge and her love of her sons , ” Rich wrote .
“ Like the gods , we can understand , if not pardon , the primal impulse that drives her to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ Master Class , ” which debuted on Broadway in 1995 , was another joint effort with Whitehead .
It won Caldwell her fourth Tony and brought Whitehead , as producer , the Tony for best play .
She played Callas as the opera superstar critiques , cajoles and inspires a trio of budding singers taking part in the uniquely intense musical education session called a master class .
“ A performance is a struggle .
You have to win , ” she says as Callas .
Then-Associated Press drama critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said she gave “ the performance of her career.
” Already well-known to those who followed regional theater , she had made her Broadway debut in “ The Devils ” in late 1965 , temporarily replacing for Anne Bancroft , who injured her back .
Caldwell was quickly announced for a role as a society columnist in “ Slapstick Tragedy , ” Tennessee Williams ’ pair of one-act plays .
The production lasted less than a week on Broadway in February 1966 — but it brought Caldwell her first Tony , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years later for “ The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
” The story of an eccentric Scottish schoolteacher with pro-fascist tendencies originated as a novel by Muriel Spark .
The role had already been successful for Vanessa Redgrave in London and would eventually win an Oscar for Maggie Smith .
The Washington Post , noting others had played the role , said that “ so masterfully exact is Miss Caldwell that watching her you will probably feel that hers is the only way ( to play it ) .
...
Almost at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the actress has found a perfect mannerism.
” The New York Times said Caldwell “ flounces onto the stage like a sparrow with illusions of grandeur.
” She and producer Whitehead married later that year .
She told writer Rex Reed that far from pushing her into the Brodie role , Whitehead “ wasn ’ t keen on me for the part ” until the playwright , Jay Presson Allen , campaigned for her .
Caldwell added Broadway directing to her resume starting in 1977 with a comedy , “ An Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1991 , she directed Jason Robards and Judith Ivey in “ Park Your Car in Harvard Yard.
” She was last on Broadway in 2003 as the Mystery Guest Star in “ The Play What I Wrote.
” She also lent her voice to the “ Lilo & Stitch ” cartoons and appeared in the 2011 film “ Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.
” She spent much of her early career on the road .
After touring in a wide variety of plays in Australia , she came to England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles .
“ I was always afraid of growing comfortable , so I would jump from job to job , whatever I was offered , ” she told The Associated Press in 1986 .
“ I would go from Stratford-on-Avon to a small repertory company and back to London.
” She traveled to Canada for parts at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival .
In the United States , she did regional theater work at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and the Goodman Theater in Chicago .
At that time , she said she didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It was a heck of a long apprenticeship , but I would recommend it to any actress , ” she told The New York Times in 1968 .
Caldwell was born in 1933 in Melbourne , Australia , to a family struggling to make it through the Depression .
In her memoir , “ I Will Be Cleopatra , ” she wrote that she knew at an early age that her job would be “ keeping audiences awake and in their seats.
” “ I knew this because it was the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
Despite the family ’ s tight budget , the Caldwells were regular theater-goers , she wrote , and “ I saw every singer , dancer , actor , or vaudevillian who came to Melbourne.
” She made her stage debut at age 9 in a Melbourne production of “ Peter Pan.
” Her husband died in 2002 at age 86 , shortly after he had received a special Tony Award for his nearly 60-year career .
Among his other honors were a best play Tony for “ A Man for All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revival Tony for “ Death of a Salesman ” in 1984 .
She and Whitehead had two sons , Sam and Charlie .
In addition to her two sons , she is survived by two grandchildren .
“ I always knew I would be an actor .
I am an actor , ” she told the AP in 1986 .
“ But being a wife and a mother still seems to me to be some kind of extraordinary stuff .
”

NEW YORK — Zoe Caldwell, a four-time Tony Award winner who brought humanity to larger-than-life characters, whether it be the dotty schoolteacher Miss Jean Brodie, an aging opera star Maria Callas or the betrayed, murderous Medea, has died. She was 86.
Her son Charlie Whitehead said Caldwell died peacefully Sunday at her home in Pound Ridge, New York. Whitehead said her death was due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
The Australian-born actress played in regional theaters around the English-speaking world before becoming the toast of Broadway in 1968, and winning her second Tony, for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”
Among her other characters were Cleopatra, Saint Joan, Mother Courage and authors Colette and Lillian Hellman. As she matured, she accepted only roles that offer a particular challenge. If she thought, “Oh, I can do that,” she didn’t want to do them, she said in 1986.
Three of her four Tonys came in collaborations with her husband, Robert Whitehead, who was one of Broadway’s most prolific producers of serious drama.
She cited his influence in her decision to do “Medea,” the ancient Greek drama of a woman who is betrayed by her lover and kills their children in revenge. It won her a third Tony in 1982.
“Medea wasn’t a character I believed in until my Robert started to talk to me about her in human terms,” she told The New York Times a few days after the Tony ceremony. “I suddenly understood how a creative force of nature can become destructive if it is mucked up, polluted, depurified — like the atom.”
Times critic Frank Rich cited the flashes of sensuality — which she said derived from the study of Greek painting and sculpture — and wit that she brought to the character.
”When, at last, the crime is at hand, the actress fully dramatizes the struggle between her hunger for revenge and her love of her sons,” Rich wrote. “Like the gods, we can understand, if not pardon, the primal impulse that drives her to the ultimate act of annihilation.”
Terrence McNally’s “Master Class,” which debuted on Broadway in 1995, was another joint effort with Whitehead. It won Caldwell her fourth Tony and brought Whitehead, as producer, the Tony for best play.
She played Callas as the opera superstar critiques, cajoles and inspires a trio of budding singers taking part in the uniquely intense musical education session called a master class.
“A performance is a struggle. You have to win,” she says as Callas.
Then-Associated Press drama critic Michael Kuchwara called Caldwell “incandescent” and said she gave “the performance of her career.”
Already well-known to those who followed regional theater, she had made her Broadway debut in “The Devils” in late 1965, temporarily replacing for Anne Bancroft, who injured her back.
Caldwell was quickly announced for a role as a society columnist in “Slapstick Tragedy,” Tennessee Williams’ pair of one-act plays. The production lasted less than a week on Broadway in February 1966 — but it brought Caldwell her first Tony, for best featured actress.
Broadway stardom arrived two years later for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.” The story of an eccentric Scottish schoolteacher with pro-fascist tendencies originated as a novel by Muriel Spark. The role had already been successful for Vanessa Redgrave in London and would eventually win an Oscar for Maggie Smith.
The Washington Post, noting others had played the role, said that “so masterfully exact is Miss Caldwell that watching her you will probably feel that hers is the only way (to play it). ... Almost at the instant we first see Miss Brodie, the actress has found a perfect mannerism.”
The New York Times said Caldwell “flounces onto the stage like a sparrow with illusions of grandeur.”
She and producer Whitehead married later that year. She told writer Rex Reed that far from pushing her into the Brodie role, Whitehead “wasn’t keen on me for the part” until the playwright, Jay Presson Allen, campaigned for her.
Caldwell added Broadway directing to her resume starting in 1977 with a comedy, “An Almost Perfect Person,” starring Colleen Dewhurst. In 1991, she directed Jason Robards and Judith Ivey in “Park Your Car in Harvard Yard.” She was last on Broadway in 2003 as the Mystery Guest Star in “The Play What I Wrote.” She also lent her voice to the “Lilo & Stitch” cartoons and appeared in the 2011 film “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”
She spent much of her early career on the road.
After touring in a wide variety of plays in Australia, she came to England and got to tackle a succession of Shakespearean roles.
“I was always afraid of growing comfortable, so I would jump from job to job, whatever I was offered,” she told The Associated Press in 1986. “I would go from Stratford-on-Avon to a small repertory company and back to London.”
She traveled to Canada for parts at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. In the United States, she did regional theater work at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and the Goodman Theater in Chicago.
At that time, she said she didn’t turn down any job.
“It was a heck of a long apprenticeship, but I would recommend it to any actress,” she told The New York Times in 1968.
Caldwell was born in 1933 in Melbourne, Australia, to a family struggling to make it through the Depression. In her memoir, “I Will Be Cleopatra,” she wrote that she knew at an early age that her job would be “keeping audiences awake and in their seats.”
“I knew this because it was the only thing I could do,” she wrote. Despite the family’s tight budget, the Caldwells were regular theater-goers, she wrote, and “I saw every singer, dancer, actor, or vaudevillian who came to Melbourne.”
She made her stage debut at age 9 in a Melbourne production of “Peter Pan.”
Her husband died in 2002 at age 86, shortly after he had received a special Tony Award for his nearly 60-year career. Among his other honors were a best play Tony for “A Man for All Seasons” in 1962 and a best revival Tony for “Death of a Salesman” in 1984.
She and Whitehead had two sons, Sam and Charlie. In addition to her two sons, she is survived by two grandchildren.
“I always knew I would be an actor. I am an actor,” she told the AP in 1986. “But being a wife and a mother still seems to me to be some kind of extraordinary stuff.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Garrett Popcorn offers Leap Day deal, return of Buffalo Ranch recipe

Customers who stop by Garrett Popcorn on Leap Day – Feb. 29 – will receive a little something extra .
@ @ @ @ @ free upgrade from small to medium for any signature or limited time recipe , the @ @ @ @ @ That includes a returning , limited-edition recipe , Buffalo Ranch , which is available now @ @ @ @ @ to a news release .
The bar snack-inspired flavor returns just in time for college @ @ @ @ @ Buffalo Ranch is a mix of two recipes : Buffalo CheeseCorn , which is Garrett @ @ @ @ @ with added buffalo flavor , and Buttery Ranch , the signature Buttery recipe enhanced with @ @ @ @ @ combination has been offered seasonally in recent years and returns early this year to launch @ @ @ @ @ the popcorn company ’ s announcement .
Other recipes available for the Leap Day deal @ @ @ @ @ Garrett Mix , which combines the shop ’ s CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp .

Customers who stop by Garrett Popcorn on Leap Day – Feb. 29 – will receive a little something extra. Stores will be offering a free upgrade from small to medium for any signature or limited time recipe, the Chicago-based company announced Wednesday.
That includes a returning, limited-edition recipe, Buffalo Ranch, which is available now through April 21, according to a news release. The bar snack-inspired flavor returns just in time for college basketball playoffs next month.
Buffalo Ranch is a mix of two recipes: Buffalo CheeseCorn, which is Garrett Popcorn’s signature CheeseCorn with added buffalo flavor, and Buttery Ranch, the signature Buttery recipe enhanced with buttermilk ranch.
The flavor combination has been offered seasonally in recent years and returns early this year to launch onLeap Day, according to the popcorn company’s announcement.
Other recipes available for the Leap Day deal include the classic, Chicago-style Garrett Mix, which combines the shop’s CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia endorses  Bernie Sanders, will rally Latino voters in Nevada

WASHINGTON – Rep. Jesus “ Chuy ’ Garcia , D-Ill. , who was a leading national surrogate for Bernie Sanders in 2016 endorsed the Vermont senator on Thursday and will head to Nevada to campaign for him in a state where Latino voters are a key to victory .
Garcia will stump for Sanders in Nevada on Friday , in advance of the Feb. 22 caucus .
“ I stand with Bernie Sanders because we need a president who is consistent , who has the courage to pursue real change , and who will always choose the people over political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ For me and for a majority of communities across our country , defeating Donald Trump and reversing his inhumane immigration policies is not only urgent , it is personal .
Bernie Sanders is the only person who can unite a coalition capable of defeating Donald Trump and can ensure that our country never again rips children from the arms of their families , ” Garcia said .
The Sanders-Garcia relationship stretches to 2015 , when Sanders backed Garcia ’ s Chicago mayoral bid against Rahm Emanuel .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Illinois primary .
Sanders announced his 2020 bid in February 2019 , and Garcia , a progressive , held back an immediate endorsement .
As a freshman member of Congress in 2019 , Garcia was in no rush to commit since so many of the 2020 presidential rivals were in the House or Senate .
“ At a time when Donald Trump continues to use hateful rhetoric and the power of the federal government to divide up our country and terrorize immigrants at the border and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Chuy .
I am proud to have his support as we say no more to Donald Trump ’ s cruel and inhumane agenda and look forward to working with him to build a government that works for all , ” Sanders said in a statement .
Garcia ’ s announcement comes after Sanders ’ strong showing in Iowa and win in New Hampshire , the states with the first two 2020 votes .
Last Thursday , Sanders endorsed Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx in her Illinois March primary battle @

WASHINGTON – Rep. Jesus “Chuy’ Garcia, D-Ill., who was a leading national surrogate for Bernie Sanders in 2016 endorsed the Vermont senator on Thursday and will head to Nevada to campaign for him in a state where Latino voters are a key to victory.
Garcia will stump for Sanders in Nevada on Friday, in advance of the Feb. 22 caucus.
“I stand with Bernie Sanders because we need a president who is consistent, who has the courage to pursue real change, and who will always choose the people over political gain or expediency,” Garcia said in a statement.
“For me and for a majority of communities across our country, defeating Donald Trump and reversing his inhumane immigration policies is not only urgent, it is personal. Bernie Sanders is the only person who can unite a coalition capable of defeating Donald Trump and can ensure that our country never again rips children from the arms of their families,” Garcia said.
The Sanders-Garcia relationship stretches to 2015, when Sanders backed Garcia’s Chicago mayoral bid against Rahm Emanuel. With the help of Garcia, Sanders almost beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Illinois primary.
Sanders announced his 2020 bid in February 2019, and Garcia, a progressive, held back an immediate endorsement. As a freshman member of Congress in 2019, Garcia was in no rush to commit since so many of the 2020 presidential rivals were in the House or Senate.
“At a time when Donald Trump continues to use hateful rhetoric and the power of the federal government to divide up our country and terrorize immigrants at the border and in our communities, we need more leaders like Chuy. I am proud to have his support as we say no more to Donald Trump’s cruel and inhumane agenda and look forward to working with him to build a government that works for all,” Sanders said in a statement.
Garcia’s announcement comes after Sanders’ strong showing in Iowa and win in New Hampshire, the states with the first two 2020 votes.
Last Thursday, Sanders endorsed Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx in her Illinois March primary battle.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--How to buy legal weed like a pro

How to buy legal weed like a pro

Whether you ’ re an experienced smoker or you don ’ t know the difference between a bud and a @ @ @ @ @ recreational marijuana in Illinois — and the dispensaries that have opened across the state as @ @ @ @ @ to everyone .
It can be confusing to navigate all the options , from fruit @ @ @ @ @ and the flower itself .
Mike Malcolm can help : he ’ s a cannabis @ @ @ @ @ “ Weed Travel Food ” blog , and he ’ s in the running for @ @ @ @ @ licenses to sell pot in Illinois .
In this Sun-Times video , Malcolm answers all @ @ @ @ @ : • Can you use a topical cream if you need to take a drug @ @ @ @ @ do edibles hit , and how strong are they ?
• How do you use @ @ @ @ @ oils ?
Watch to find out the answers to these questions , and more .

Whether you’re an experienced smoker or you don’t know the difference between a bud and a blunt, the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois — and the dispensaries that have opened across the state as a result — are new to everyone. It can be confusing to navigate all the options, from fruit chews to balms to butters and the flower itself.
Mike Malcolm can help: he’s a cannabis consultant, creator of the “Weed Travel Food” blog, and he’s in the running for the next round of dispensary licenses to sell pot in Illinois.
In this Sun-Times video, Malcolm answers all your burning questions, like:
Can you use a topical cream if you need to take a drug test?
How fast do edibles hit, and how strong are they?
How do you use concentrates, like butters and oils?
Watch to find out the answers to these questions, and more.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Al Roker set to brave Lake Michigan again at Chicago Polar Plunge

One winter dip into frigid Lake Michigan wasn ’ t enough for “ Today ” show veteran Al Roker , who is planning a return visit to Chicago ’ s Polar Plunge , organizers said Thursday .
Special Children ’ s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago , beneficiary of the Plunge , said the weather forecaster and his “ Today ” colleague , news anchor Craig Melvin , will brave the icy waters at North Avenue Beach on March 1 .
It will be the second time around for Roker , who plunged in 2016 alongside Lady Gaga and “ Chicago Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiance .
Roker joked then that he was not permitted to wear a Speedo : “ It ’ s actually a federal mandate.
” Other celebs who have enjoyed a bracing beach experience in the past have included Jimmy Fallon , Vince Vaughn and Dax Shepard .
On Plunge day , Roker and Melvin , a newcomer to the event , will have some preliminary remarks at 9:45 a.m. , then follow the musicians of the Shannon Rovers into the chilly lake at 10 .
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to draw more than 4,500 plungers this year and raise more than $ 2 million to assist Special Olympic athletes .
Fellow plungers can register at www.chicagopolarplunge.org or at the beach Feb. 28-March 1 .

One winter dip into frigid Lake Michigan wasn’t enough for “Today” show veteran Al Roker, who is planning a return visit to Chicago’s Polar Plunge, organizers said Thursday.
Special Children’s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago, beneficiary of the Plunge, said the weather forecaster and his “Today” colleague, news anchor Craig Melvin, will brave the icy waters at North Avenue Beach on March 1.
“Today” show news anchor and co-host Craig Melvin NBC
It will be the second time around for Roker, who plunged in 2016 alongside Lady Gaga and “Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney, then her fiance.
Roker joked then that he was not permitted to wear a Speedo: “It’s actually a federal mandate.”
Other celebs who have enjoyed a bracing beach experience in the past have included Jimmy Fallon, Vince Vaughn and Dax Shepard.
On Plunge day, Roker and Melvin, a newcomer to the event, will have some preliminary remarks at 9:45 a.m., then follow the musicians of the Shannon Rovers into the chilly lake at 10.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Polar Plunge, which is expected to draw more than 4,500 plungers this year and raise more than $2 million to assist Special Olympic athletes.
Fellow plungers can register at www.chicagopolarplunge.org or at the beach Feb. 28-March 1.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Blackhawks and Rangers, laden with connections, hoping for different realities come season’s final d

Blackhawks and Rangers, laden with connections, hoping for different realities come season’s final day

Because of historic rivalries , the Blackhawks always will be linked with the Red Wings and Blues , and the team ’ s current core maintains plenty of shared animosity with the Canucks and Predators .
But right now , the Hawks might be most closely connected — largely in a friendly way — with the Rangers , even though the teams played for the first time all season on Wednesday and won ’ t meet again until the last day of the regular season .
Sure , there ’ s only one former Hawk on the Rangers , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artemi Panarin , since signing a contract with New York last summer that made him the highest-paid player in the NHL , has emerged as a fringe MVP candidate with 78 points — 26 more than any of his teammates — entering Wednesday .
He and Patrick Kane squared off in a ceremonial pregame puck-drop honoring the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice .
Although the superstars hail from the opposing nations of the Cold War and are now three seasons removed from playing on the same line , they maintain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ] an amazing player , a player that you ’ d pay to watch play the game , ” Kane said .
“ Still try to stay pretty close with him and stay in contact and just kind of catch up here and there throughout the season.
” Meanwhile in the stands , Trish Strome was surrounded by Rangers fans — she was on the Rangers ’ moms trip , after all — but conflicted at heart , watching sons Dylan , 22 , and Ryan , 26 , play against each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his brother “ don ’ t really communicate at all ” during the game , but the same can not be said for before and after .
Dylan , being the host , picked up the check at dinner Tuesday night — even though his $ 832,500 base salary pales in comparison to Ryan ’ s $ 3.2 million .
Ryan then doubled Dylan ’ s misery by scoring in the game .
“ If you just look at how special it is in Chicago and the history , and the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty lucky to be in great organizations and get to play in front of very passionate fans , ” Ryan Strome said .
“ Away from the rink , we try to help each other as much as possible.
” Even the Hawks ’ star rookie , Kirby Dach , sports an interesting Rangers connection in Kaapo Kakko , who was picked one spot ahead of him in last June ’ s draft .
Earlier in the season , Dach admitted that he , Kakko and Jack Hughes ( the Devils ’ first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season .
Entering Wednesday , the race was incredibly tight : Hughes led with 20 points , and Dach and Kakko were tied with 19 .
Given all those connections , perhaps it ’ s only fitting the Hawks and Rangers entered the game in the same situation with regard to the playoffs : eight points behind their respective conference ’ s current cut-off line and with identical 16.2 percent playoff probabilities ( according to MoneyPuck ) .
In both locker rooms , similar rhetoric floated around .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have games in hand , but it doesn ’ t matter if we don ’ t .
.
.
perform , ” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said Tuesday .
“ We ’ ve got to go on a little bit of a run here to make the playoffs , and we know that , and that ’ s a great challenge for us , ” Ryan Strome said from the Rangers ’ side .
Fittingly , if one or both teams successfully make runs , their fates could be decided during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kane , Panarin , Dach , Kakko and the Strome brothers would presumably be happiest if it turns out to be both .

Because of historic rivalries, the Blackhawks always will be linked with the Red Wings and Blues, and the team’s current core maintains plenty of shared animosity with the Canucks and Predators.
But right now, the Hawks might be most closely connected — largely in a friendly way — with the Rangers, even though the teams played for the first time all season on Wednesday and won’t meet again until the last day of the regular season.
Sure, there’s only one former Hawk on the Rangers, but he’s a notable one. Artemi Panarin, since signing a contract with New York last summer that made him the highest-paid player in the NHL, has emerged as a fringe MVP candidate with 78 points — 26 more than any of his teammates — entering Wednesday.
He and Patrick Kane squared off in a ceremonial pregame puck-drop honoring the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. Although the superstars hail from the opposing nations of the Cold War and are now three seasons removed from playing on the same line, they maintain a close friendship.
“[He’s] an amazing player, a player that you’d pay to watch play the game,” Kane said. “Still try to stay pretty close with him and stay in contact and just kind of catch up here and there throughout the season.”
Meanwhile in the stands, Trish Strome was surrounded by Rangers fans — she was on the Rangers’ moms trip, after all — but conflicted at heart, watching sons Dylan, 22, and Ryan, 26, play against each other.
Ryan Strome said that he and his brother “don’t really communicate at all” during the game, but the same cannot be said for before and after.
Dylan, being the host, picked up the check at dinner Tuesday night — even though his $832,500 base salary pales in comparison to Ryan’s $3.2 million. Ryan then doubled Dylan’s misery by scoring in the game.
“If you just look at how special it is in Chicago and the history, and the same with the Rangers, we’re pretty lucky to be in great organizations and get to play in front of very passionate fans,” Ryan Strome said. “Away from the rink, we try to help each other as much as possible.”
Even the Hawks’ star rookie, Kirby Dach, sports an interesting Rangers connection in Kaapo Kakko, who was picked one spot ahead of him in last June’s draft.
Earlier in the season, Dach admitted that he, Kakko and Jack Hughes (the Devils’ first overall selection) have a competition going this season. Entering Wednesday, the race was incredibly tight: Hughes led with 20 points, and Dach and Kakko were tied with 19.
Given all those connections, perhaps it’s only fitting the Hawks and Rangers entered the game in the same situation with regard to the playoffs: eight points behind their respective conference’s current cut-off line and with identical 16.2 percent playoff probabilities (according to MoneyPuck).
In both locker rooms, similar rhetoric floated around.
“There’s a lot of games left, and we have games in hand, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t . . . perform,” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said Tuesday.
“We’ve got to go on a little bit of a run here to make the playoffs, and we know that, and that’s a great challenge for us,” Ryan Strome said from the Rangers’ side.
Fittingly, if one or both teams successfully make runs, their fates could be decided during a season-ending April 4 matinee in Manhattan.
Kane, Panarin, Dach, Kakko and the Strome brothers would presumably be happiest if it turns out to be both.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Man shot to death at Amber Inn Motel parking lot

A 39-year-old man was killed in a shooting Wednesday at the Amber Inn Motel in Bronzeville on the South Side , police said .
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert about 3 p.m. in the 3900 block of South Michigan Avenue and found Deangelo Gray , of Houston , unconscious on the ground in the parking lot of the motel , Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office said .
Gray suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and hand , police said .
He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident shows him approach a Jeep Patriot in the parking lot when someone inside the car opens fire , striking Gray once , police said .
He runs but is shot “ several more times , ” police said .
Investigators recovered eight 9mm shell casings in the parking lot .
Police said the Jeep was missing a front license plate and may have had cardboard on one of its windows .
The SUV was last seen southbound on Prairie Avenue .
The shooting appears to be robbery-related , and a gun was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
No arrests have been reported .
Area Central detectives are investigating .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 39-year-old man was killed in a shooting Wednesday at the Amber Inn Motel in Bronzeville on the South Side, police said.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert about 3 p.m. in the 3900 block of South Michigan Avenue and found Deangelo Gray, of Houston, unconscious on the ground in the parking lot of the motel, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
Gray suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and hand, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy confirmed he died of multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said.
Surveillance video of the incident shows him approach a Jeep Patriot in the parking lot when someone inside the car opens fire, striking Gray once, police said.
He runs but is shot “several more times,” police said. Investigators recovered eight 9mm shell casings in the parking lot.
Police said the Jeep was missing a front license plate and may have had cardboard on one of its windows. The SUV was last seen southbound on Prairie Avenue.
The shooting appears to be robbery-related, and a gun was found on Gray at the hospital, police said.
No arrests have been reported. Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Strong arm robberies reported in Chatham

Three strong arm robberies were reported in February in Chatham on the South Side .
In two of the incidents @ @ @ @ @ the head , according to a community alert from Chicago police .
In the third @ @ @ @ @ to the ground .
• About 4:45 a.m. Feb. 1 in the 800 block of @ @ @ @ @ About 10 p.m. Feb. 5 in the 8200 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue ; @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 10 in the 8100 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ South detectives at 312-747-8273 .

Three strong arm robberies were reported in February in Chatham on the South Side.
In two of the incidents, victims were punched in the head, according to a community alert from Chicago police. In the third, the victim was pushed to the ground.
The robberies happened:
About 4:45 a.m. Feb. 1 in the 800 block of East 81st Street;
About 10 p.m. Feb. 5 in the 8200 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue; and
About 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 in the 8100 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--CTA passengers pickpocketed near 79th Street Red Line

Chicago police are warning residents of three pickpocket thefts reported in January and February near the 79th Street Red Line @ @ @ @ @ .
In each incident victims were on a CTA bus or train when they realized @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago police said in a community alert .
In one , the victim was @ @ @ @ @ the victim ’ s clothes were cut to remove their belongings .
The thefts happened @ @ @ @ @ West 79th Street : About 5 a.m. Feb. 8 ; and Anyone with information is @ @ @ @ @ detectives at 312-747-8273 .

Chicago police are warning residents of three pickpocket thefts reported in January and February near the 79th Street Red Line station on the South Side.
In each incident victims were on a CTA bus or train when they realized someone had stolen their belongings, Chicago police said in a community alert. In one, the victim was bumped into and in another the victim’s clothes were cut to remove their belongings.
The thefts happened in the first block of West 79th Street:
About 8:20 a.m. Jan. 29;
About 5 a.m. Feb. 8; and
About 11:45 a.m. Feb. 10
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Dear Abby: A friend is living upstairs, and it’s time he moved on

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I have a friend , “ George , ” who rents our upstairs .
Our home is large , and the second floor has all the amenities of a 2,500-square-foot house .
He has his separate entrance and never has to come through our living space .
In the beginning , I agreed to the arrangement because he was going through a divorce and needed a place to live .
Now , for the past several months , his ex has been spending nights upstairs .
We just celebrated the holidays , and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m feeling very confused and uncomfortable having them both up there .
Now that George seems to have worked through his marital problems , I feel it ’ s time he moves out .
My husband doesn ’ t understand why I feel this way and can ’ t understand why I want my house back !
Am I overreacting ?
Please tell me I ’ m not being selfish .
— BEING USED IN THE SOUTH DEAR BEING USED : You are not selfish , and you ’ re not overreacting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the arrangement began .
It was a safe refuge for a friend going through a traumatic life change .
Those circumstances no longer apply , and if you are not comfortable with George entertaining his ex under your roof , it is understandable .
Communal living is not for everyone .
DEAR ABBY : Recently , my husband booked me and our infant son on a trip to visit some of his family in California .
I didn ’ t want to go in the first place because I was , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anxiety and stress in our relationship .
I had one request : Do not put me and our infant son in the head-of-the-household ’ s car .
My husband ’ s father drives recklessly and shows no regard for human life .
Well , of course my husband didn ’ t speak up about it , and we ended up in Mr. Reckless ’ car .
Now I look like “ the difficult wife ” because I ’ d rather catch a rideshare or fly back home .
Am I being dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAFE OR SORRY IN THE MIDWEST DEAR SAFE OR SORRY : Overly concerned ?
It ’ s your job to be concerned with safety .
Because your husband failed to speak up didn ’ t mean that YOU shouldn ’ t have .
As a mother , you are responsible for your baby ’ s safety .
You should have expressed that if you and your little one — in a child seat , I presume — couldn ’ t travel in someone else ’ s vehicle , you would be taking other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting your in-laws , this is what you should do .
DEAR ABBY : Today was warm , so my friend and I went for a walk with my dog at a neighborhood park .
We decided to rest on a park bench that was shaded by trees .
A man was sitting there , and I asked if he would mind if we shared the bench with him .
The man said he was waiting for a personal call .
I told him we wouldn ’ t listen and sat down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we should have respected the fact he was there first and stalked off !
Were we wrong to sit down ?
— BAFFLED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR BAFFLED : No , you were not wrong .
It ’ s a public park .
If the man was uncomfortable talking in front of you , he should have taken his phone and talked elsewhere — which he did .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a friend, “George,” who rents our upstairs. Our home is large, and the second floor has all the amenities of a 2,500-square-foot house. He has his separate entrance and never has to come through our living space.
In the beginning, I agreed to the arrangement because he was going through a divorce and needed a place to live. Now, for the past several months, his ex has been spending nights upstairs. We just celebrated the holidays, and his family was here together.
I’m feeling very confused and uncomfortable having them both up there. Now that George seems to have worked through his marital problems, I feel it’s time he moves out. My husband doesn’t understand why I feel this way and can’t understand why I want my house back!
Am I overreacting? Please tell me I’m not being selfish. — BEING USED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR BEING USED: You are not selfish, and you’re not overreacting. Refresh your husband’s memory about how the arrangement began. It was a safe refuge for a friend going through a traumatic life change. Those circumstances no longer apply, and if you are not comfortable with George entertaining his ex under your roof, it is understandable. Communal living is not for everyone.
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my husband booked me and our infant son on a trip to visit some of his family in California. I didn’t want to go in the first place because I was, and still am, struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety and stress in our relationship.
I had one request: Do not put me and our infant son in the head-of-the-household’s car. My husband’s father drives recklessly and shows no regard for human life. Well, of course my husband didn’t speak up about it, and we ended up in Mr. Reckless’ car. Now I look like “the difficult wife” because I’d rather catch a rideshare or fly back home. Am I being dramatic or overly concerned with safety? — SAFE OR SORRY IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR SAFE OR SORRY: Overly concerned? It’s your job to be concerned with safety. Because your husband failed to speak up didn’t mean that YOU shouldn’t have.
As a mother, you are responsible for your baby’s safety. You should have expressed that if you and your little one — in a child seat, I presume — couldn’t travel in someone else’s vehicle, you would be taking other transportation. In the future, when visiting your in-laws, this is what you should do.
DEAR ABBY: Today was warm, so my friend and I went for a walk with my dog at a neighborhood park. We decided to rest on a park bench that was shaded by trees. A man was sitting there, and I asked if he would mind if we shared the bench with him. The man said he was waiting for a personal call. I told him we wouldn’t listen and sat down. The man stood up and said angrily that we should have respected the fact he was there first and stalked off! Were we wrong to sit down? — BAFFLED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR BAFFLED: No, you were not wrong. It’s a public park. If the man was uncomfortable talking in front of you, he should have taken his phone and talked elsewhere — which he did.
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.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--CTA bus crashes into fence, 5 parked CPD vehicles in Lawndale

A CTA bus lost control and crashed early Thursday in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 4:40 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ a 46-year-old woman was turning onto Harrison Street from Kedzie Avenue , when she lost @ @ @ @ @ of West Harrison Street and struck the fence of a parking lot and five parked @ @ @ @ @ police said .
She was taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in fair condition , @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported .

A CTA bus lost control and crashed early Thursday in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 4:40 a.m., a CTA bus driven by a 46-year-old woman was turning onto Harrison Street from Kedzie Avenue, when she lost control in the 3100 block of West Harrison Street and struck the fence of a parking lot and five parked Chicago police vehicles, Chicago police said.
She was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said. No other injuries were reported.
No citations were issued.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Contigo water bottle recall: Replacement lids on 5.7 million kids water bottles

Nearly six months after Contigo recalled 5.7 million kids ’ water bottles because the spouts posed a “ potential choking hazard , ” the company is recalling the replacement lids for the same reason .
On Wednesday , the company issued a voluntary recall on its Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles and replacement lids sent to consumers as part of the August 2019 recall , according to the recall notice posted on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website .
“ Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and the replacement lids provided in the previous recall , take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contigo for a free water bottle , ” the recall notice states .
“ Consumers who received replacement lids in the previous recall should contact Contigo for the new water bottle.
” According to the notice , the company has received “ 427 reports of the spout detaching including 27 spouts found in children ’ s mouths.
” The base and cover of the clear silicone spout on all the affected water bottles and replacement lids are black , the notice states .
The word Contigo is printed on the rim and along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottle .
The affected bottles come in three sizes : 13-ounce , 14-ounce and 20-ounce .
They come in four colors — solid color , graphics , stainless steel and stainless steel solid colors — and were sold individually and in two-packs and three-packs .
How to get a replacement Contigo bottle The Contigo recall website at https : //recall.gocontigo.com outlines how to tell if you have one of the affected bottles and shows replacement bottle options .
You can sign up for the recall and the return kit at the website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ services team at 888-262-0622 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m .
ET .

Nearly six months after Contigo recalled 5.7 million kids’ water bottles because the spouts posed a “potential choking hazard,” the company is recalling the replacement lids for the same reason.
On Wednesday, the company issued a voluntary recall on its Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles and replacement lids sent to consumers as part of the August 2019 recall, according to the recall notice posted on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and the replacement lids provided in the previous recall, take them away from children, and contact Contigo for a free water bottle,” the recall notice states. “Consumers who received replacement lids in the previous recall should contact Contigo for the new water bottle.”
According to the notice, the company has received “427 reports of the spout detaching including 27 spouts found in children’s mouths.”
Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles
The base and cover of the clear silicone spout on all the affected water bottles and replacement lids are black, the notice states. The word Contigo is printed on the rim and along the front near the bottom of the bottle.
The affected bottles come in three sizes: 13-ounce, 14-ounce and 20-ounce. They come in four colors — solid color, graphics, stainless steel and stainless steel solid colors — and were sold individually and in two-packs and three-packs.
Recalled Contigo bottles were sold at Costco, Walmart, Target and other stores nationwide and online April 2018 through Feb. 7 for between $9 and $24. Consumer Product Safety Commission
How to get a replacement Contigo bottle
The Contigo recall website at https://recall.gocontigo.com outlines how to tell if you have one of the affected bottles and shows replacement bottle options. You can sign up for the recall and the return kit at the website.
For questions, call the Contigo consumer services team at 888-262-0622 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-20--Budget bully? Republicans accuse Pritzker of holding ‘funding to our schools hostage’ to income tax

Budget bully? Republicans accuse Pritzker of holding ‘funding to our schools hostage’ to income tax plan

SPRINGFIELD — When J.B. Pritzker ran for office in 2018 , his campaign criticized then Republican Gov .
Bruce Rauner for “ delaying funding for schools ” — but on Thursday Republicans got their turn .
House GOP leaders accused the Democratic governor of withholding school funding dollars for political reasons .
“ This bullying tactic to hold funding to our schools hostage — and our students — in order to get his way is not only irresponsible but presents a false choice , ” said Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne .
On Wednesday , Pritzker released his budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school funding formula , which is designed to put more money for education into the state ’ s poorest and neediest districts .
But Pritzker ’ s budget plan sets aside $ 150 million of the school funding in reserve , only to be released if the graduated income tax amendment referendum passes this November .
Without the amendment passing , Pritzker ’ s budget would provide $ 200 million in education funding .
Bourne , of Downstate Morrisonville , said putting the $ 150 million in reserves was just a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Speaking at a statehouse news conference , she said the governor should have introduced a budget without adding spending that will only be unlocked if voters approve an amendment to the state ’ s constitution .
Pritzker said in his budget he planned for both scenarios , one in which voters pass the graduated income tax amendment in November , and one in which they reject it .
Pritzker said his budget would be balanced either way — with or without the extra revenue from the amendment to the state constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to pass it would unlock $ 1.4 billion in reserves , which includes the extra education money .
“ What happens without revenue is we still have to make the full payment in our pensions , we still have other significant obligations and here , yes it ’ s true that we won ’ t be able to get to $ 350 million , but $ 200 million increase in education funding , K-12 , is as much as we could do , ” Pritzker said .
In 2017 , Rauner approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for funding disparities for schools from local property taxes .
Pritzker said the $ 150 million in reserve that will be unlocked if the graduated income tax amendment were to pass could serve as a relief for local property tax districts , which are a major contributor to local school budgets .
“ Now again , we are increasing funding so that should help keep at bay increases in local property taxes , ” Pritzker said .
In his budget address on Wednesday , Pritzker blamed the previous administration for “ years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his budget as a fix to some of the state ’ s money problems .
Back when he was running for governor , Pritzker ’ s campaign released an ad attacking Rauner for “ delaying funding for schools.
” Republican lawmakers say he is now being hypocritical .
“ He spent a large part of his budget address attacking the previous general assemblies and the previous governor for the exact same tactics that he is now using , ” Bourne said .

SPRINGFIELD — When J.B. Pritzker ran for office in 2018, his campaign criticized then Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner for “delaying funding for schools” — but on Thursday Republicans got their turn.
House GOP leaders accused the Democratic governor of withholding school funding dollars for political reasons.
“This bullying tactic to hold funding to our schools hostage — and our students — in order to get his way is not only irresponsible but presents a false choice,” said Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne.
On Wednesday, Pritzker released his budget calling for $350 million for the school funding formula, which is designed to put more money for education into the state’s poorest and neediest districts.
But Pritzker’s budget plan sets aside $150 million of the school funding in reserve, only to be released if the graduated income tax amendment referendum passes this November. Without the amendment passing, Pritzker’s budget would provide $200 million in education funding.
Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne speaks at a Springfield news conference on Thursday. Neal Earley/Chicago Sun-Times
Bourne, of Downstate Morrisonville, said putting the $150 million in reserves was just a way to “push Pritzker’s political agenda.” Speaking at a statehouse news conference, she said the governor should have introduced a budget without adding spending that will only be unlocked if voters approve an amendment to the state’s constitution.
Pritzker said in his budget he planned for both scenarios, one in which voters pass the graduated income tax amendment in November, and one in which they reject it. Pritzker said his budget would be balanced either way — with or without the extra revenue from the amendment to the state constitution.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker meets with the Sun-Times Editorial Board Thursday. Rich Hein/Sun-Times
But the governor said if the amendment were to pass it would unlock $1.4 billion in reserves, which includes the extra education money.
“What happens without revenue is we still have to make the full payment in our pensions, we still have other significant obligations and here, yes it’s true that we won’t be able to get to $350 million, but $200 million increase in education funding, K-12, is as much as we could do,” Pritzker said.
In 2017, Rauner approved a new funding formula to help make up for funding disparities for schools from local property taxes.
Pritzker said the $150 million in reserve that will be unlocked if the graduated income tax amendment were to pass could serve as a relief for local property tax districts, which are a major contributor to local school budgets.
“Now again, we are increasing funding so that should help keep at bay increases in local property taxes,” Pritzker said.
In his budget address on Wednesday, Pritzker blamed the previous administration for “years of poor fiscal management,” citing his budget as a fix to some of the state’s money problems.
Back when he was running for governor, Pritzker’s campaign released an ad attacking Rauner for “delaying funding for schools.”
Republican lawmakers say he is now being hypocritical.
“He spent a large part of his budget address attacking the previous general assemblies and the previous governor for the exact same tactics that he is now using,” Bourne said.