chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--Man charged in sexual attack in empty car of Red Line train on North Side

A Woodlawn man attacked a woman earlier this month in an empty CTA Red Line train car on the North Side , repeatedly sexually abusing and punching her , prosecutors say .
Antoine Jackson , 27 , allegedly exposed himself to the 24-year-old woman seated on the train and told her to perform a sexual act , Cook County prosecutors said in a proffer read in court Thursday .
The attack happened about 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on a northbound Red Line train approaching the Morse station , police said .
The woman tried to get away by moving into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed her , prosecutors said .
No other passengers were in either car .
Jackson grabbed the woman ’ s phone and purse from her hands and threw her into a partition as she pressed an emergency call button , prosecutors said .
He can be seen in surveillance video grabbing the woman inappropriately as the pair struggled , prosecutors said .
At one point , the woman managed to stand up and move away , but Jackson grabbed her from behind by the neck and threw her down onto a seat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the head three times , she managed to kick him in the groin , prosecutors said .
A surveillance photo released by police appears to show the woman holding the man back by his neck .
Jackson then went to the other side of the train car and picked up the woman ’ s purse , which was dropped during the struggle , prosecutors said .
He returned back into the first train car , and left at the Morse stop .
Investigators were able to track Jackson ’ s movements on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen changing clothes on a CTA bus , and then boarding a southbound Red Line train at Loyola , prosecutors said .
Surveillance cameras near Van Buren and State streets captured Jackson walking into a tech shop and pawning the woman ’ s cellphone , prosecutors said .
The pawn shop did not keep a record of the transaction .
Jackson was arrested Wednesday morning in the 6700 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue in Woodlawn , police said .
He is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse , robbery , attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook County Judge David Navarro ordered him held without bail , according to court records .
He is due back in court Feb. 10 .
In 2016 , Jackson was sentenced to 3 years in prison for an aggravated assault conviction , prosecutors said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A Woodlawn man attacked a woman earlier this month in an empty CTA Red Line train car on the North Side, repeatedly sexually abusing and punching her, prosecutors say.
Antoine Jackson, 27, allegedly exposed himself to the 24-year-old woman seated on the train and told her to perform a sexual act, Cook County prosecutors said in a proffer read in court Thursday.
The attack happened about 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on a northbound Red Line train approaching the Morse station, police said.
Antoine Jackson Chicago police
The woman tried to get away by moving into the next train car, but Jackson followed her, prosecutors said. No other passengers were in either car.
Jackson grabbed the woman’s phone and purse from her hands and threw her into a partition as she pressed an emergency call button, prosecutors said.
He can be seen in surveillance video grabbing the woman inappropriately as the pair struggled, prosecutors said.
At one point, the woman managed to stand up and move away, but Jackson grabbed her from behind by the neck and threw her down onto a seat, prosecutors said.
As he punched her in the head three times, she managed to kick him in the groin, prosecutors said.
A surveillance photo released by police appears to show the woman holding the man back by his neck.
Jackson then went to the other side of the train car and picked up the woman’s purse, which was dropped during the struggle, prosecutors said. He returned back into the first train car, and left at the Morse stop.
Investigators were able to track Jackson’s movements on surveillance video after the attack. He is seen changing clothes on a CTA bus, and then boarding a southbound Red Line train at Loyola, prosecutors said.
Surveillance cameras near Van Buren and State streets captured Jackson walking into a tech shop and pawning the woman’s cellphone, prosecutors said. The pawn shop did not keep a record of the transaction.
Jackson was arrested Wednesday morning in the 6700 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue in Woodlawn, police said. He is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, robbery, attempted criminal sex abuse and aggravated battery.
Cook County Judge David Navarro ordered him held without bail, according to court records. He is due back in court Feb. 10.
In 2016, Jackson was sentenced to 3 years in prison for an aggravated assault conviction, prosecutors said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-23--10 defining moments of Patrick Kane’s career entering 9th All-Star Game

ST. LOUIS — Patrick Kane will make his ninth career NHL All-Star Game appearance this weekend , putting him at least two ahead of all other active players .
The lighthearted showcase will conclude Kane and the Blackhawks ’ highly eventful week , which began Sunday when Kane scored his 1,000th career point , and continued Tuesday when both Kane and the coach who oversaw most of his career — Joel Quenneville — were honored .
Although the 31-year-old wing still has many years of dominance left in him — he ’ s been open about his drive to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend seems like a good time to look back on 10 key moments in Kane ’ s on-ice career to date .
After an earth-shattering 145-point season with the OHL ’ s London Knights — which retired Kane ’ s jersey last week — Kane was drafted by the Hawks first overall .
Neither second pick James van Riemsdyk nor third pick Kyle Turris have scored even half as many points as Kane has in the years since .
Kane scored just 21 goals in his rookie season — which remains his lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 assists and won the Calder Trophy as the league ’ s top rookie , beating out Nicklas Backstrom and teammate Jonathan Toews .
After another strong ( if unspectacular ) 2008-09 season , Kane was chosen as the first Hawks player ever to headline an edition of EA Sports ’ popular NHL video game series .
Kane ’ s innocent sliding shot that slipped through Flyers goalie Michael Leighton — and , seconds later , was found hidden under the back of the net — will live in Hawks ’ lore forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status as a Chicago icon .
Kane ’ s Cup-winning goal in 2010 may top his list of his 431 career goals ( 381 regular season , 50 postseason ) in terms of historical significance , but his double-overtime , series-ending , hat trick-completing goal in Game 5 of the 2013 Western Conference Finals isn ’ t far behind .
Jonathan Quick never stood a chance .
Kane and Toews both signed eight-year extensions with the Hawks in July 2014 , and their $ 10.5 million cap hits made them the highest-paid players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have since earned every dollar , too .
From nearly the same spot on the United Center ice where he defeated the Kings two years prior , Kane buried a 2-on-1 feed from Brad Richards to essentially seal the Hawks ’ Cup-clinching Game 6 win over the Lightning .
Despite his dominant record in the playoffs , Kane — entering 2015-16 — had never produced in the regular season at the same rate as the likes of Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin .
That changed that season , when Kane recorded 46 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point plateau for the first time and win the NHL scoring title .
After another triple-digit season in 2018-19 — this time a new career high of 110 points — boosted his progress towards 1,000 , Kane finally hit the milestone Sunday , making him the 90th player and youngest American ever to do so .
Kane will be the most experienced All-Star in St. Louis this weekend , and has said he continues to enjoy the annual event despite his overwhelming familiarity with it .
Catching Gordie Howe and his record 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to say the least .

ST. LOUIS — Patrick Kane will make his ninth career NHL All-Star Game appearance this weekend, putting him at least two ahead of all other active players.
The lighthearted showcase will conclude Kane and the Blackhawks’ highly eventful week, which began Sunday when Kane scored his 1,000th career point, and continued Tuesday when both Kane and the coach who oversaw most of his career — Joel Quenneville — were honored.
Although the 31-year-old wing still has many years of dominance left in him — he’s been open about his drive to play until he’s 40 — this weekend seems like a good time to look back on 10 key moments in Kane’s on-ice career to date.
2007: Drafted 1st overall
After an earth-shattering 145-point season with the OHL’s London Knights — which retired Kane’s jersey last week — Kane was drafted by the Hawks first overall. Neither second pick James van Riemsdyk nor third pick Kyle Turris have scored even half as many points as Kane has in the years since.
2008: Won Calder Trophy
Kane scored just 21 goals in his rookie season — which remains his lowest in a season yet — but added 51 assists and won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie, beating out Nicklas Backstrom and teammate Jonathan Toews.
2009: Cover athlete of NHL 10
After another strong (if unspectacular) 2008-09 season, Kane was chosen as the first Hawks player ever to headline an edition of EA Sports’ popular NHL video game series.
2010: Scored Stanley Cup-winning goal
Kane’s innocent sliding shot that slipped through Flyers goalie Michael Leighton — and, seconds later, was found hidden under the back of the net — will live in Hawks’ lore forever. The goal cemented Kane’s status as a Chicago icon.
2013: Sent Hawks to Cup Finals
Kane’s Cup-winning goal in 2010 may top his list of his 431 career goals (381 regular season, 50 postseason) in terms of historical significance, but his double-overtime, series-ending, hat trick-completing goal in Game 5 of the 2013 Western Conference Finals isn’t far behind. Jonathan Quick never stood a chance.
2014: Signed eight-year contract
Kane and Toews both signed eight-year extensions with the Hawks in July 2014, and their $10.5 million cap hits made them the highest-paid players in hockey at the time. Both have since earned every dollar, too.
2015: Scored Cup-sealing goal
From nearly the same spot on the United Center ice where he defeated the Kings two years prior, Kane buried a 2-on-1 feed from Brad Richards to essentially seal the Hawks’ Cup-clinching Game 6 win over the Lightning.
2016: Won Hart Trophy
Despite his dominant record in the playoffs, Kane — entering 2015-16 — had never produced in the regular season at the same rate as the likes of Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin. That changed that season, when Kane recorded 46 goals and 60 assists to hit the triple-digit point plateau for the first time and win the NHL scoring title.
2020: Scored 1,000th point
After another triple-digit season in 2018-19 — this time a new career high of 110 points — boosted his progress towards 1,000, Kane finally hit the milestone Sunday, making him the 90th player and youngest American ever to do so.
2020: Appearing in ninth All-Star Game
Kane will be the most experienced All-Star in St. Louis this weekend, and has said he continues to enjoy the annual event despite his overwhelming familiarity with it. Catching Gordie Howe and his record 23 All-Star appearances will be difficult, though, to say the least.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Dear Abby: Do I have to put on a funeral for my cheating husband?

DEAR ABBY : I have been married for 37 years .
During that time , my husband has cheated on me and fathered several children .
As we have grown older , I have begun to think about final arrangements .
If he dies , would I be wrong for not giving him a funeral or memorial service or having one for his sisters and brothers ?
I feel it would be disrespectful to me if the children that resulted from his affairs , and possibly their mothers , were there .
Although my daughters love their father , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — ANGRY WIFE IN GEORGIA DEAR ANGRY WIFE : You are under no obligation to have a funeral or memorial for your cheating husband .
If his sisters , brothers , mistresses and their children would like to give him one , they can assume the responsibility .
If you still feel the way you do today after his demise , you , your daughters and some close friends of yours can go out for a nice lunch or dinner to acknowledge the occasion .
P.S .
Devil ’ s food cake for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : My parents divorced 10 years ago , when I was a freshman in college .
My mom didn ’ t want the divorce .
My dad initiated it , but they fought constantly when they were together .
Not long afterward , Dad started a relationship with a co-worker , his current wife , whom my mom believes was the reason he left her .
I am being married at the end of the year , and I know Mom won ’ t be able to keep her emotions in check if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents can keep it amicable if it ’ s just them , but I can ’ t see a way to exclude Dad ’ s wife without upsetting him .
What ’ s the less-painful option — my mom getting upset or my dad getting upset ?
— WANTS FAMILY HARMONY DEAR WANTS : Talk to your mother .
Explain that you want your wedding to be inclusive , and you don ’ t want this special day to be spoiled .
If she feels she won ’ t be able to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend .
To invite your father and not his wife will be regarded as an insult , and he would likely refuse to be a part of it .
DEAR ABBY : I married a man 24 years ago .
At the time , I had a daughter who was 6 .
My new husband welcomed her , and she considers him to be her father .
His parents , however , never considered her as their own .
They took several family trips with all their grandkids but excluded my daughter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another state .
These nieces and nephews all have kids , as does my daughter .
Every birthday and Christmas , I buy said nieces ’ and nephews ’ kids presents , but I assume because my daughter lives in a different state , no one buys her kids anything .
Is it wrong that this upsets me ?
Should I continue buying gifts for all those kids when my daughter ’ s kids are being left out ?
— LEFT OUT IN ILLINOIS DEAR LEFT OUT : You are not wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been more than generous .
Because your nieces and nephews are adults now , send them cards for the holidays .
The same is true for their children .
And if you are asked why , tell them the truth — that gift-giving is supposed to be an exchange , and your daughter was seriously shortchanged .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 37 years. During that time, my husband has cheated on me and fathered several children.
As we have grown older, I have begun to think about final arrangements. If he dies, would I be wrong for not giving him a funeral or memorial service or having one for his sisters and brothers? I feel it would be disrespectful to me if the children that resulted from his affairs, and possibly their mothers, were there.
Although my daughters love their father, I believe they would support my decisions. — ANGRY WIFE IN GEORGIA
DEAR ANGRY WIFE: You are under no obligation to have a funeral or memorial for your cheating husband. If his sisters, brothers, mistresses and their children would like to give him one, they can assume the responsibility. If you still feel the way you do today after his demise, you, your daughters and some close friends of yours can go out for a nice lunch or dinner to acknowledge the occasion.
P.S. Devil’s food cake for dessert would be appropriate.
DEAR ABBY: My parents divorced 10 years ago, when I was a freshman in college. My mom didn’t want the divorce. My dad initiated it, but they fought constantly when they were together. Not long afterward, Dad started a relationship with a co-worker, his current wife, whom my mom believes was the reason he left her.
I am being married at the end of the year, and I know Mom won’t be able to keep her emotions in check if Dad’s wife attends. My parents can keep it amicable if it’s just them, but I can’t see a way to exclude Dad’s wife without upsetting him. What’s the less-painful option — my mom getting upset or my dad getting upset? — WANTS FAMILY HARMONY
DEAR WANTS: Talk to your mother. Explain that you want your wedding to be inclusive, and you don’t want this special day to be spoiled. If she feels she won’t be able to control her anger, she shouldn’t attend. To invite your father and not his wife will be regarded as an insult, and he would likely refuse to be a part of it.
DEAR ABBY: I married a man 24 years ago. At the time, I had a daughter who was 6. My new husband welcomed her, and she considers him to be her father. His parents, however, never considered her as their own. They took several family trips with all their grandkids but excluded my daughter.
Fast-forward to today: My daughter lives in another state. These nieces and nephews all have kids, as does my daughter. Every birthday and Christmas, I buy said nieces’ and nephews’ kids presents, but I assume because my daughter lives in a different state, no one buys her kids anything.
Is it wrong that this upsets me? Should I continue buying gifts for all those kids when my daughter’s kids are being left out? — LEFT OUT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR LEFT OUT: You are not wrong. Considering the circumstances, you have been more than generous. Because your nieces and nephews are adults now, send them cards for the holidays. The same is true for their children. And if you are asked why, tell them the truth — that gift-giving is supposed to be an exchange, and your daughter was seriously shortchanged.
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--2020-01-24--Armed robbers shoot man in Rogers Park during North Side spree: police

A man was shot during an armed robbery Thursday in Rogers Park by a group wanted for a series of other hold-ups since last week , according to police .
The 33-year-old man was on the sidewalk about 8:25 p.m. in the 6700 block of North Bosworth Avenue when two males robbed him at gunpoint before one of them opened fire , Chicago police said .
He was hit in the chest and taken in serious condition to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston .
The same group committed another armed robbery about five minutes later in the 1300 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , according to a community alert from police .
They struck again at 8:35 p.m. in the 1000 block of West Buena Avenue in Buena Park .
They are also wanted in connection with other armed robberies in Edgewater and Pilsen on the following dates : • At 12:05 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 1100 block of West Cullerton Avenue ; • At 11:23 p.m. Jan. 21 in the 6100 block of North Glenwood Avenue ; • At 6:30 a.m. Jan. 18 in the 1800 block of South Morgan Street ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 900 block of West 18th Place .
In each case , the suspects reportedly approached pedestrians , took their belongings at gunpoint and fled in a car , police said .
They were described as two or three males between 16 and 30 years old , police said .
They were seen driving a dark-colored , four-door sedan with black rims .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A man was shot during an armed robbery Thursday in Rogers Park by a group wanted for a series of other hold-ups since last week, according to police.
The 33-year-old man was on the sidewalk about 8:25 p.m. in the 6700 block of North Bosworth Avenue when two males robbed him at gunpoint before one of them opened fire, Chicago police said. He was hit in the chest and taken in serious condition to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston.
The same group committed another armed robbery about five minutes later in the 1300 block of West Thorndale Avenue, also in Rogers Park, according to a community alert from police. They struck again at 8:35 p.m. in the 1000 block of West Buena Avenue in Buena Park.
They are also wanted in connection with other armed robberies in Edgewater and Pilsen on the following dates:
At 12:05 a.m. Jan. 22 in the 1100 block of West Cullerton Avenue;
At 11:23 p.m. Jan. 21 in the 6100 block of North Glenwood Avenue;
At 6:30 a.m. Jan. 18 in the 1800 block of South Morgan Street; and
At 2:14 p.m. Jan. 17 in the 900 block of West 18th Place.
In each case, the suspects reportedly approached pedestrians, took their belongings at gunpoint and fled in a car, police said.
They were described as two or three males between 16 and 30 years old, police said. They were seen driving a dark-colored, four-door sedan with black rims.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--He paid Virgin Galactic $175K in 2007 to be on spaceflight. Now 80, he’s tired of waiting.

Shefket Chapadjiev is ready .
He ’ s been ready for 12 years .
But the Elk Grove Village man has been wondering lately if he ’ ll get the chance to rocket into space before he dies .
“ My health is so-so , ” the 80-year-old native Bulgarian says .
“ At my age , I ’ m still fairly well .
I ’ ve got high blood pressure and diabetes.
” He still believes in Virgin owner British billionaire Richard Branson ’ s dream of commercial space flight .
That ’ s why he paid more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 ticket to be one of the first passengers .
“ I have done everything in my life I ’ ve wanted to do , ” he figured .
“ So what the hell.
” He says he has a contract with Virgin Galactic as thick as a Bible .
But he ’ s weary of the endless emails from the space company , promising it ’ s going to be “ soon , soon , soon ” — without being given a launch date .
A couple of months ago , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astronaut relations .
“ Listen , I ’ ve waited long enough .
I ’ m 80 years old , ” he told her in his thick accent .
“ I don ’ t think I ’ ll be able to fly .
What is my option to get the money back ?
” The young woman on the other end listened , then convinced him to be patient a little while longer .
“ She said : ‘ I just want to tell you , if you don ’ t need the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few more months because I think this time the rocket is ready , and you are one of the first ones , ’ ” he says .
Chapadjiev says he doesn ’ t need the money .
He made a fortune in printing .
But time is a-ticking .
“ In the Bulgarian press , they keep asking me , ‘ What happened ?
’ ” he says .
“ I don ’ t know what to tell them.
” Virgin has had setbacks with the program .
Most notably , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , killing one pilot and injuring another .
Virgin didn ’ t respond to efforts to reach the company for comment .
On its website , the company proclaims it expects to begin flights for paying passengers some time this year .
Late last year , a giddy Sir Richard appeared on CNBC in one of his company ’ s slick , blue spacesuits .
“ Virgin Galactic next year : We ’ re going to have an incredibly exciting year .
I ’ ll be going to space , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Branson said .
For now , Chapadjiev must content himself with the email updates , occasional gifts with the Virgin Galactic logo — including a space jacket and a key fob — as well as invitations to join Branson for swanky dinners in New York , at Virgin ’ s Spaceport America in the New Mexico desert and at Branson ’ s “ private island paradise ” in the the British Virgin Islands .
He took Branson up on the offer for dinner in New Mexico a few years back but hopes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be to board a spaceship .
“ They say it might happen this year , but , inside my heart , I ’ m not sure , ” he says .

Shefket Chapadjiev is ready. He’s been ready for 12 years.
But the Elk Grove Village man has been wondering lately if he’ll get the chance to rocket into space before he dies.
“My health is so-so,” the 80-year-old native Bulgarian says. “At my age, I’m still fairly well. I’ve got high blood pressure and diabetes.”
He still believes in Virgin owner British billionaire Richard Branson’s dream of commercial space flight. That’s why he paid more than $175,000 in 2007 toward a $200,000 ticket to be one of the first passengers.
“I have done everything in my life I’ve wanted to do,” he figured. “So what the hell.”
He says he has a contract with Virgin Galactic as thick as a Bible. But he’s weary of the endless emails from the space company, promising it’s going to be “soon, soon, soon” — without being given a launch date.
A couple of months ago, he called Virgin and got the director of astronaut relations.
“Listen, I’ve waited long enough. I’m 80 years old,” he told her in his thick accent. “I don’t think I’ll be able to fly. What is my option to get the money back?”
The young woman on the other end listened, then convinced him to be patient a while longer.
“She said: ‘I just want to tell you, if you don’t need the money, I would hold off for a few more months because I think this time the rocket is ready, and you are one of the first ones,’ ” he says.
Chapadjiev says he doesn’t need the money. He made a fortune in printing. But time is a-ticking.
Virgin Galactic has had setbacks with the program. Most notably, a spacecraft crashed during a test flight in 2014, killing one pilot and injuring another.
“We have to complete the test program before we can provide firm dates for the start of commercial operations,” Virgin Galactic’s Aleanna Crane says. “Our tickets are fully refundable, and we work closely with all of our customers to ensure they have the latest information on the program and to work with them on any questions they might have.”
Virgin has about 600 “future astronauts” signed up. For their $200,000 fees, they’re promised a flight, taking off from Virgin’s Spaceport America in the New Mexico desert, that will last an hour and a half.
The spaceship, carrying up to six passengers, will be attached to the belly of a mothership that’s to release it after reaching an altitude of about 45,000 feet. That’s when its rocket will fire, allowing the vehicle to reach the edge of space — where passengers can then spend several minutes enjoying the view.
The company says it expects to begin flights for paying passengers some time this year.
Late last year, Sir Richard appeared on CNBC in a blue spacesuit and proclaimed: “Virgin Galactic next year: We’re going to have an incredibly exciting year. I’ll be going to space, and other people will be going to space.”
For now, Chapadjiev must content himself with the email updates, occasional gifts with the Virgin Galactic logo — including a space jacket and a key fob — as well as invitations to join Branson for swanky dinners in New York, at Virgin’s Spaceport America and at Branson’s “private island paradise” in the British Virgin Islands.
He took Branson up on the offer for dinner in New Mexico a few years back but hopes the next time he heads there, it will be to board a spaceship.
“They say it might happen this year, but, inside my heart, I’m not sure,” he says.
Sabrina Chapadjiev, one of the would-be octogenarian astronaut’s three grown children, says her father has been an adventurer going back to when he fled Communist Bulgaria in the 1960s, traipsing to freedom through a minefield.
Given how long he’s been waiting, the daughter, a musician and music teacher who lives in New York, has doubts about him making it into space, though.
But, if he does, she says she’s less anxious about that than she was when he first told her he’d bought the ticket.
”If something went wrong,” she says, “what a way to go out.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Judge candidate Anne Shaw had real estate license reprimanded for deceptive practices

A candidate for Cook County judge was disciplined by state regulators after an investigation found the real estate business she ran with two relatives engaged in deceptive business practices .
Anne Shaw was issued a reprimand in 2016 for not properly supervising employees of Shaw Real Estate Group , a Chicago apartment-finding company , records show .
Shaw will face Assistant Cook County State ’ s Attorney Jamie Guerra Dickler on March 17 for a vacant Cook County judge seat from the sixth judicial subcircuit — the sort of race that many voters skip past when they cast their ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estate Group , which also operated as My Place Apartments , targeted people with bad credit , criminal records , past evictions or other barriers to renting an apartment and charged upfront fees topping $ 1,000 , promising to find them an apartment within 30 days .
The catch : As long as the Shaws found one , the fees were nonrefundable even if the client didn ’ t want it .
The business has been sued more than a dozen times by clients .
A Shaw Real Estate representative would contact them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demand the client agree to it within a day — without providing details about the lease , the landlord , sometimes even the location , according to the lawsuits .
After 24 hours , they ’ d be told they had lost the apartment and the fees they ’ d paid , the suits say .
Four cases were settled out of court or ended with judgments for the clients .
Seven were dismissed , usually after the person suing didn ’ t show up in court .
Two are still pending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Real Estate on Craigslist in April 2013 .
Williams , a paralegal who had faced bankruptcy , was drawn by the promise to find an apartment despite her bad credit .
She says that , when she asked a Shaw employee to find her an apartment on the North Side or in Hyde Park , he came back with an apartment — in Chatham .
Williams says she declined because she thought the neighborhood wasn ’ t safe for her and her two kids , but the Shaw representative wouldn ’ t refund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , when you ’ re advertising to people who are desperate , that ’ s always a red flag , ” says Williams , who filed a lawsuit on her own against the firm in 2013 and won her deposit back plus $ 179 in court costs .
Shaw held the company ’ s managing broker ’ s license .
So she was supposed to supervise the operation and ensure it complied with the law .
But it was run day-to-day by her father Jack Shaw .
“ I feel very proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the thousands of people he helped , ” Shaw says .
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation filed an administrative complaint in 2013 against Shaw Real Estate Group , Anne Shaw , her father and her brother-in-law Robert Sher , accusing them of deceptive business practices , failing to act in the best interest of clients and unprofessional conduct .
It cited Williams and 10 other former Shaw clients .
In March 2016 , Anne Shaw signed an agreement with the agency acknowledging she “ failed to adequately supervise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group and its employees.
” She got a reprimand — a step short of suspending her real estate managing broker ’ s license — and was ordered to take continuing education classes .
Shaw says the state investigation and lawsuits were a “ coordinated effort ” orchestrated by former Ald .
Proco “ Joe ” Moreno ( 1st ) .
Shaw unsuccessfully ran against Moreno for Democratic committeeman in 2012 and for alderman in 2015 .
She also lost a race last year for state representative .
Moreno , no longer in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of insurance fraud , false report and obstruction of justice .
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation fined Jack Shaw and Robert Sher and suspended their licenses .
Shaw Real Estate Group ’ s license was suspended , and it was fined $ 18,000 .
Sher contested his fine and suspension .
The Illinois Appellate Court ruled against him .
“ Taking substantial fees from members of the public least able to afford them and failing to provide the services promised violate the most fundamental tenets of human decency , not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any licensed professional , ” Appellate Judge Mary Ann Mason wrote in a unanimous decision .
In its legal dealings , Shaw Real Estate Group often has been represented by Shaw Legal Services , Ltd. , the law firm Anne Shaw founded in 2003 .
Former clients of Shaw Real Estate Group and attorneys representing them who have dealt with Anne Shaw as an attorney question how she could be a judge .
“ I could not imagine someone less fit , ” says attorney Robert Augenlicht , who represents a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s been pending nearly five years .
“ A judge should be avoiding even an appearance of impropriety.
” “ She shouldn ’ t even be an attorney , much less a judge , ” Williams says .
Jonah Newman is an editor at Injustice Watch , a nonpartisan , not-for-profit journalism organization that conducts in-depth research to expose institutional failures that obstruct justice and equality .

A candidate for Cook County judge was disciplined by state regulators after an investigation found the real estate business she ran with two relatives engaged in deceptive business practices.
Anne Shaw was issued a reprimand in 2016 for not properly supervising employees of Shaw Real Estate Group, a Chicago apartment-finding company, records show.
Shaw will face Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Jamie Guerra Dickler on March 17 for a vacant Cook County judge seat from the sixth judicial subcircuit — the sort of race that many voters skip past when they cast their ballots.
The state investigation found Shaw Real Estate Group, which also operated as My Place Apartments, targeted people with bad credit, criminal records, past evictions or other barriers to renting an apartment and charged upfront fees topping $1,000, promising to find them an apartment within 30 days.
The catch: As long as the Shaws found one, the fees were nonrefundable even if the client didn’t want it.
The business has been sued more than a dozen times by clients. A Shaw Real Estate representative would contact them at the last minute about an apartment and demand the client agree to it within a day — without providing details about the lease, the landlord, sometimes even the location, according to the lawsuits. After 24 hours, they’d be told they had lost the apartment and the fees they’d paid, the suits say.
Four cases were settled out of court or ended with judgments for the clients. Seven were dismissed, usually after the person suing didn’t show up in court. Two are still pending.
Candace Williams says she found Shaw Real Estate on Craigslist in April 2013. Williams, a paralegal who had faced bankruptcy, was drawn by the promise to find an apartment despite her bad credit.
She says that, when she asked a Shaw employee to find her an apartment on the North Side or in Hyde Park, he came back with an apartment — in Chatham. Williams says she declined because she thought the neighborhood wasn’t safe for her and her two kids, but the Shaw representative wouldn’t refund her $1,000 deposit.
“Looking back, when you’re advertising to people who are desperate, that’s always a red flag,” says Williams, who filed a lawsuit on her own against the firm in 2013 and won her deposit back plus $179 in court costs.
Shaw held the company’s managing broker’s license. So she was supposed to supervise the operation and ensure it complied with the law. But it was run day-to-day by her father Jack Shaw.
“I feel very proud of the work that my dad did and the thousands of people he helped,” Shaw says.
An image from the “Neighbors for Anne Shaw” Facebook page. Facebook
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation filed an administrative complaint in 2013 against Shaw Real Estate Group, Anne Shaw, her father and her brother-in-law Robert Sher, accusing them of deceptive business practices, failing to act in the best interest of clients and unprofessional conduct. It cited Williams and 10 other former Shaw clients.
In March 2016, Anne Shaw signed an agreement with the agency acknowledging she “failed to adequately supervise the Real Estate activities of Shaw Real Estate Group and its employees.”
She got a reprimand on her real estate managing broker’s license — a step short of suspending her managing broker’s license — and was ordered to take continuing education classes.
In March 2016, Anne Shaw signed this consent order with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, agreeing to accept a reprimand on her real estate managing broker’s license. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Shaw says the state investigation and lawsuits were a “coordinated effort” orchestrated by former Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno (1st). Shaw unsuccessfully ran against Moreno for Democratic committeeman in 2012 and for alderman in 2015. She also lost a race last year for state representative.
Moreno, no longer in office, was indicted last year on charges of insurance fraud, false report and obstruction of justice.
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation fined Jack Shaw and Robert Sher and suspended their licenses. Shaw Real Estate Group’s license was suspended, and it was fined $18,000.
Sher contested his fine and suspension. The Illinois Appellate Court ruled against him. “Taking substantial fees from members of the public least able to afford them and failing to provide the services promised violate the most fundamental tenets of human decency, not to mention the basic standards to be expected of any licensed professional,” Appellate Judge Mary Ann Mason wrote in a unanimous decision.
In its legal dealings, Shaw Real Estate Group often has been represented by Shaw Legal Services, Ltd., the law firm Anne Shaw founded in 2003.
Former clients of Shaw Real Estate Group and attorneys representing them who have dealt with Anne Shaw as an attorney question how she could be a judge.
“I could not imagine someone less fit,” says attorney Robert Augenlicht, who represents a former Shaw Real Estate client in a suit that’s been pending nearly five years. “A judge should be avoiding even an appearance of impropriety.”
Candace Williams has a harsher opinion.
“She shouldn’t even be an attorney, much less a judge,” Williams says.
Jonah Newman is an editor at Injustice Watch, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit journalism organization that conducts in-depth research to expose institutional failures that obstruct justice and equality.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Chicago-pedia: Art, television music & film

Some call it “ Chicago-ese , ” or “ Chicago-speak.
” Whatever you call it , we ’ re capturing it here , in Chicago-pedia — highlighting our local terminology and linguistic quirks ( sometimes with humor and obvious exaggeration ) .
This story is part of a group of stories called 3 .
Once the most recognized piece of public art in Chicago , an honor now belonging to “ The Bean ” in Millennium Park .
ART : 1 .
The name of everyone ’ s uncle in Chicago .
2 .
What Chicago is known for — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Art Institute , sculptures in our plazas and parks , or pioneering architecture that makes our skyline dazzle .
FOOTWORK : A Chicago dance originating in the early 1990s that involves moving one ’ s feet in rapid motion while high tempo house music runs away .
“ Don ’ t watch me , watch my feet !
” THE BEAN : Not the birth name , but Chicago ’ s name for the huge stainless steel sculpture unveiled in 2004 in Millennium Park .
Mumbai-born sculptor Anish Kapoor — who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 23 million , 110-ton object — named it “ Cloud Gate ” because people can walk through its center and its top will reflect the sky .
But Chicago residents quickly named it “ The Bean ” because , well , it looks like a shiny bean .
“ It ’ s a sign of it entering the subculture at some level , and that ’ s good , I suppose , ” Kapoor later conceded .
“ The Bean it shall be.
” ‘ ROLL BOUNCE ’ : One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have seen , showcasing hip-hop artist Bow Wow , roller skating and the South Side .
COUNTRY : Musical genre involving songs about warm beer , ranching and relationships gone bad that has , inexplicably , become popular in Chicago .
BOZO : In most parts of the country this word is used to denote idiocy ( i.e.
, “ Stop being such a bozo ” ) .
In Chicago , it conjures images of the beloved children ’ s TV show that aired for decades on WGN-TV featuring Bozo the Clown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : A style of hip-hop born on the South Side that exploded in popularity in the early part of the decade , led by artists Chief Keef ( above ) , Lil Durk , Lil Reese , King Louie ( right ) and G Herbo .

Some call it “Chicago-ese,” or “Chicago-speak.” Whatever you call it, we’re capturing it here, in Chicago-pedia — highlighting our local terminology and linguistic quirks (sometimes with humor and obvious exaggeration).
PICASSO: 1. Iconic sculpture in Daley Plaza downtown.
2. World’s fanciest slide.
3. Once the most recognized piece of public art in Chicago, an honor now belonging to “The Bean” in Millennium Park.
ART: 1. The name of everyone’s uncle in Chicago.
2. What Chicago is known for — quality artwork — whether priceless paintings in the Art Institute, sculptures in our plazas and parks, or pioneering architecture that makes our skyline dazzle.
FOOTWORK: A Chicago dance originating in the early 1990s that involves moving one’s feet in rapid motion while high tempo house music runs away. “Don’t watch me, watch my feet!”
THE BEAN: Not the birth name, but Chicago’s name for the huge stainless steel sculpture unveiled in 2004 in Millennium Park. Mumbai-born sculptor Anish Kapoor — who was paid $1 million to cook up the $23 million, 110-ton object — named it “Cloud Gate” because people can walk through its center and its top will reflect the sky. But Chicago residents quickly named it “The Bean” because, well, it looks like a shiny bean. “It’s a sign of it entering the subculture at some level, and that’s good, I suppose,” Kapoor later conceded. “The Bean it shall be.”
‘Roll Bounce.’ Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times
‘ROLL BOUNCE’: One of the best Chicago-themed movies that not enough people have seen, showcasing hip-hop artist Bow Wow, roller skating and the South Side.
COUNTRY: Musical genre involving songs about warm beer, ranching and relationships gone bad that has, inexplicably, become popular in Chicago.
BOZO: In most parts of the country this word is used to denote idiocy (i.e., “Stop being such a bozo”). In Chicago, it conjures images of the beloved children’s TV show that aired for decades on WGN-TV featuring Bozo the Clown, with his sidekick Cookie.
DRILL: A style of hip-hop born on the South Side that exploded in popularity in the early part of the decade, led by artists Chief Keef (above), Lil Durk, Lil Reese, King Louie (right) and G Herbo.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Central District police station evacuated after ‘minor explosion’ in computer room

An explosion in a computer room prompted an evacuation Friday at the Central District Chicago police station in the South @ @ @ @ @ explosion ” occurred about 3:10 a.m. on the second floor of the station , 1718 @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago police .
An “ electrical issue ” triggered a halon gas fire suppression @ @ @ @ @ prompting a hazardous materials response , according to the Chicago Fire Department .
The building @ @ @ @ @ until the fire department ventilated the room , police said .
Staff returned to the @ @ @ @ @ .
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known , police said .
No @ @ @ @

An explosion in a computer room prompted an evacuation Friday at the Central District Chicago police station in the South Loop.
The “minor explosion” occurred about 3:10 a.m. on the second floor of the station, 1718 S. State St., according to Chicago police.
An “electrical issue” triggered a halon gas fire suppression system in the room, prompting a hazardous materials response, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
The building was evacuated of police personnel until the fire department ventilated the room, police said. Staff returned to the building a short time later.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, police said. No injuries were reported.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Driver, passenger arrested after 2 Chicago police officers hurt in Cragin crash

Two people were arrested after a crash with a squad car that injured two Chicago police officers Thursday in Cragin @ @ @ @ @ The marked squad car was northbound at 11:12 p.m. in the 3300 block of North @ @ @ @ @ hit by a 2004 Ford Explorer that ran a stop sign , according to Chicago @ @ @ @ @ hit a parked car before the male driver and a passenger got out and ran @ @ @ @ @ They were taken into custody in a nearby alley and charges are pending Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ and track the city ’ s homicides .

Two people were arrested after a crash with a squad car that injured two Chicago police officers Thursday in Cragin on the Northwest Side.
The marked squad car was northbound at 11:12 p.m. in the 3300 block of North Laramie Avenue when it was hit by a 2004 Ford Explorer that ran a stop sign, according to Chicago police.
The Explorer also hit a parked car before the male driver and a passenger got out and ran away, police said. They were taken into custody in a nearby alley and charges are pending Friday.
Two officers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, police said.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--A potentially deadly virus shows up in Chicago — let’s keep an eye on it

A new coronavirus strain is making headlines in China , and one case was confirmed in Chicago on Friday .
Should we panic , fellow Chicagoans , if even just a little ?
Yes , it is worrisome that no vaccine has been developed for the coronavirus , which has been blamed for more than 20 deaths worldwide so far .
But so little is really known .
There ’ s not even enough data yet to know whether the virus , which has shut down travel in Chinese cities , has a high or low mortality rate or is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans should be far more concerned about the flu , which is to blame for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world each year , including up to 61,000 in the United States .
Anybody who hasn ’ t gotten a flu shot this season should worry about that .
At a press conference on Friday , officials confirmed that a 60-year-old woman who had recently returned from a trip to China is the first Chicago area person known to have contracted the coronavirus , which scientists call 2019-nCoV .
But Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking common sense , stressed there is no need for people to change their behavior at this point .
We ’ ve seen this before .
In 2014 , when an Ebola victim stepped on U.S. soil for the first time , 40 percent of Americans were convinced that a “ large ” Ebola epidemic was headed our way .
There was a lot of talk about whether hospitals could contain the spread .
Remember that ?
An Ebola outbreak never happened in the United States .
This is not to dismiss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sure where the coronavirus outbreak is headed or how quickly a vaccine can be developed .
In the past , some coronaviruses have evolved into more severe illnesses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) or Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) .
Be on the alert for symptoms such as a shortness of breath , chills and body aches .
What we for sure is that the new coronavirus , which originated in animals , is a public health wake-up for the United States , which has let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks of disease .
Last year , the federal government began shutting down Predict , a program run by the United States Agency for International Development to look for dangerous animal viruses that might infect humans .
The Prevention and Public Health Fund , which supports state and local health agencies , has had its funding cut over and over again in recent years .
In 2018 , the Trump administration cut millions of dollars from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Also in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on pandemic preparedness and response .
Moreover , Congress did not include funding in its 2020 budget for a program that prepares hospitals to deal with pandemics caused by so-called special pathogens .
In China , hospitals are crowded , doctors are stressed and health care workers are running out of supplies .
China has locked down travel in 12 cities near the center of the outbreak , preventing the movement of 35 million people .
But health officials need more tools than quarantines to prevent pandemics caused by new viruses or antibiotic-resistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization has started tracking the coronavirus outbreak and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has said the risk of global spread is likely , the United States must gear up its defenses against new viruses and remain in a state of alert .
In Washington on Friday , some two dozen senators attended a special briefing with top health officials about the outbreak .
One , Sen. Rick Scott , R-Fla. , came away calling on President Trump to declare a public health emergency .
You wouldn ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s no scientist .
But our nation does need a planned and measured response to the new coronavirus .
And it needs to shore up its defenses against other disease outbreaks sure to come down the road .

A new coronavirus strain is making headlines, and one case was confirmed in Chicago on Friday.
Should we panic, fellow Chicagoans, if even just a little?
Let’s not.
Yes, it is worrisome that no vaccine has been developed for the coronavirus, which has been blamed for 56 deaths in China so far. But so little is really known. There’s not even enough data yet to know whether the virus, which has shut down travel in Chinese cities, has a high or low mortality rate or is easily transmitted.
At this point, Americans should be far more concerned about the flu, which is to blame for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world each year, including up to 61,000 in the United States. Anybody who hasn’t gotten a flu shot this season should worry about that.
Editorials bug Editorials
One Chicago case
At a press conference on Friday, officials confirmed that a 60-year-old woman who had recently returned from a trip to China is the first Chicago area person known to have contracted the coronavirus, which scientists call 2019-nCoV. But Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, talking common sense, stressed there is no need for people to change their behavior at this point.
We’ve seen this before.
In 2014, when an Ebola victim stepped on U.S. soil for the first time, 40 percent of Americans were convinced that a “large” Ebola epidemic was headed our way. There was a lot of talk about whether hospitals could contain the spread. Remember that?
An Ebola outbreak never happened in the United States.
Coronavirus What is the disease? Scientists have identified it as a new kind of coronavirus. There are many known types of coronaviruses. Some cause the common cold. Others found in bats, camels and other animals have evolved into more severe illnesses such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) or MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). What are the symptoms? Common symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough and fever. Shortness of breath, chills and body aches are associated with more dangerous kinds of coronavirus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At what point should you go to the doctor? Unless you have recently traveled to China or been in contact with someone infected with the virus, you should treat any cough or cold symptoms as normal. There is generally no need to visit a doctor for a cough unless it is persistent or you are having other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or you feel very unwell. How are coronaviruses spread? Many coronaviruses can spread through coughing or sneezing, or by touching an infected person. Initially, authorities in China said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the present outbreak. But an expert panel has concluded there have been at least a few cases of people catching it from others, raising the possibility it could spread more widely. — Associated Press, The Guardian
A wake-up call
This is not to dismiss the gravity of the threat. No one is sure where the coronavirus outbreak is headed or how quickly a vaccine can be developed. In the past, some coronaviruses have evolved into more severe illnesses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Be on the alert for symptoms such as a shortness of breath, chills and body aches.
What we know for sure is that the new coronavirus, which originated in animals, is a public health wake-up for the United States, which has let cracks develop in its front-line defenses against outbreaks of disease.
Last year, the federal government began shutting down Predict, a program run by the United States Agency for International Development to look for dangerous animal viruses that might infect humans. The Prevention and Public Health Fund, which supports state and local health agencies, has had its funding cut over and over again in recent years.
In 2018, the Trump administration cut millions of dollars from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also in 2018, the administration abolished the permanent office on pandemic preparedness and response.
Moreover, Congress did not include funding in its 2020 budget for a program that prepares hospitals to deal with pandemics caused by so-called special pathogens.
In China, hospitals are crowded, doctors are stressed and health care workers are running out of supplies. China says the number of cases has increased to 1,975 with the death toll at 56. The nation has locked down travel in 12 cities near the center of the outbreak, preventing the movement of 35 million people. But health officials need more tools than quarantines to prevent pandemics caused by new viruses or antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Now that the World Health Organization has started tracking the coronavirus outbreak and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has said the risk of global spread is likely, the United States must gear up its defenses against new viruses and remain in a state of alert.
No ‘emergency’ yet
In Washington on Friday, some two dozen senators attended a special briefing with top health officials about the outbreak. One, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., came away calling on President Trump to declare a public health emergency.
You wouldn’t want to go with Sen. Scott on that. He’s no scientist.
But our nation does need a planned and measured response to the new coronavirus. And it needs to shore up its defenses against other disease outbreaks sure to come down the road.
A women walks down the street on January 24, 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Flights, trains, and public transport including buses, subway, and ferry services have been temporarily closed due to the recent outbreak of a new coronavirus. | Photo by Stringe/Getty Images 1 of 3 Tourists wear face masks as they visit Edinburgh Castle on January 24, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. It has been confirmed that 14 people in Scotland with symptoms have tested negative for the coronavirus, which has killed at least 26 people in China. A daily incident management team has been created by the Scottish government to monitor the developing situation. | Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images 2 of 3 Workers driving excavators at the construction site of a field hospital on January 24, 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The builders will complete the 1,000-bed hospital by February 3 to cope with the surge of 2019-nCoV patients in the city. | Photo by Getty Images 3 of 3
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chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Face of the franchise? Tim Anderson tops deep list of White Sox candidates

As the White Sox evolve into something more than just a young group of unproven talent and into , as they say they are , a postseason contending team , there are probably a half dozen candidates to be the 2020 “ face of the franchise.
” For Brooks Boyer , whose job it is to market this blossoming team , it ’ s something of a dream .
In recent lean years , broadcaster Ken Harrelson could lay claim to such a title .
Nothing against Hawk , who will enter baseball ’ s Hall of Fame this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move on .
“ Who ’ s the face of the franchise ?
It ’ s to be determined , ” Boyer , the Sox ’ long time vice president for marketing said .
“ There are so many candidates.
” That sure seems like a good problem to have .
Shortstop Tim Anderson , left fielder Eloy Jimenez and third baseman Yoan Moncada , right-hander Lucas Giolito are young stars or budding stars who are one bunch of swagger , intellect , smarts and style wrapped into one .
Jose Abreu is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best player over the last six seasons .
Luis Robert and first-round draft picks Nick Madrigal and Andrew Vaughn have arrows pointing up .
“ We ’ re trying to change the perception of the team , ” Boyer said of the “ Change the Game ” theme .
“ It ’ s not just TA .
Yoan Moncada plays louder , faster , bolder .
And Eloy .
… Go down the list of our players .
They ’ re trying to change the perception of the White Sox and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , set himself apart by winning a batting title , being active in the community , making a year-round home in the south suburbs with his wife and daughters , working hard at his craft and playing with an edge .
You ’ ve seen the bat flips , you ’ ve seen the edge .
It ’ s how he rolls .
Young fans like it , and as everyone knows , baseball needs young fans .
Anderson is doing a Bat Flipping 101 clinic at SoxFest Saturday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Anderson said of his edgy style at the first day of SoxFest Friday at McCormick Place .
“ I ’ ve been telling you that since last year .
Don ’ t think otherwise .
I go out and play hard and give it all nine .
I ’ m coming to the ballpark ready every day.
” When Anderson missed a month with a broken ankle last season , something intangible was noticeably missing .
Teammates said it was the presence Anderson took to the field .
New teammate Nomar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style from the other side of the field the last few years as a Texas Ranger .
“ Let me tell you something , a player like that you don ’ t try changing , ” Mazara said .
“ It was the same with [ ex-temmate ] Rougned Odor .
He ’ s my guy .
People think he ’ s like a bulldog but he ’ s a cool guy .
It ’ s the same with Tim .
Don ’ t change his game , don ’ t change his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him I say , why ?
Because he ’ s beating your [ butt ] ?
” Anderson enters 2020 with a batting title in his pocket , but more importantly , he said , knowledge .
“ Learned some more things , learned some things about myself , ” he said .
“ I learned how to hit baseballs .
Certain pitches , what swing I need to have on that pitch .
Being consistent and more so knowing myself .
And taking care of myself mentally as well because that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ of failure ] .
” The overriding mood at SoxFest among Anderson and teammates echoed what manager Rick Renteria has been saying : They believe they are playoff worthy .
“ I ’ ve got the same feeling , ” Anderson said .
“ I ’ m excited , you ’ re excited .
We ’ ve got the pieces .
The door is wide open for us .
All we have to do is go out and take it .
“ You see the lineup from top to bottom .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We not put that expectation on it .
Why not set the bar high ?
The whole goal is to win a championship.
” Lofty , indeed .
But there are no shortage of faces to try and make that happen .

As the White Sox evolve into something more than just a young group of unproven talent and into, as they say they are, a postseason-contending team, there are probably a half-dozen candidates to be the 2020 “face of the franchise.”
For Brooks Boyer, whose job it is to market this blossoming team, it’s something of a dream. In recent lean years, broadcaster Ken Harrelson could lay claim to such a title. Nothing against Hawk, who will enter baseball’s Hall of Fame this summer, but it’s time to move on.
“Who’s the face of the franchise? It’s to be determined,” said Boyer, the Sox’ longtime vice president for marketing. “There are so many candidates.”
That sure seems like a good problem to have. Shortstop Tim Anderson, left fielder Eloy Jimenez, third baseman Yoan Moncada and right-hander Lucas Giolito are young stars or budding stars who are one bunch of swagger, intellect, smarts and style wrapped into one. Jose Abreu is a proven veteran and the Sox’ best player over the last six seasons. Luis Robert and first-round draft picks Nick Madrigal and Andrew Vaughn have arrows pointing up.
“We’re trying to change the perception of the team,” Boyer said of the “Change the Game” theme. “It’s not just TA. Yoan Moncada plays louder, faster, bolder. And Eloy. . . . Go down the list of our players. They’re trying to change the perception of the White Sox, and we’re OK talking about it.”
Anderson, though, set himself apart by winning a batting title, being active in the community, making a year-round home in the south suburbs with his wife and daughters, working hard at his craft and playing with an edge.
You’ve seen the bat flips, you’ve seen the edge. It’s how he rolls. Young fans like it, and, as everyone knows, baseball needs young fans. Anderson is doing a Bat Flipping 101 clinic at SoxFest on Saturday.
“I showed that to you last year,” Anderson said of his edgy style at the first day of SoxFest on Friday at McCormick Place. “I’ve been telling you that since last year. Don’t think otherwise. I go out and play hard and give it all nine. I’m coming to the ballpark ready every day.”
When Anderson missed a month with a high ankle sprain last season, something intangible was noticeably missing. Teammates said it was the presence Anderson took to the field.
New teammate Nomar Mazara said he admired Anderson’s style from the other side of the field the last few years as a Ranger.
“Let me tell you something, a player like that, you don’t try changing,” Mazara said. “It was the same with [ex-teammate] Rougned Odor. He’s my guy. People think he’s like a bulldog, but he’s a cool guy. It’s the same with Tim. Don’t change his game, don’t change his personality. If people get mad at him, I say, Why, because he’s beating your [butt]?”
Anderson enters 2020 with a batting title in his pocket and, more important, with knowledge.
“Learned some more things, learned some things about myself,” he said. “I learned how to hit baseballs. Certain pitches, what swing I need to have on that pitch. Being consistent and more so knowing myself. And taking care of myself mentally, as well, because that’s going to eliminate all that frustration [of failure].”
The overriding mood at SoxFest among Anderson and teammates echoed what manager Rick Renteria has been saying: They believe they are playoff-worthy.
“I’ve got the same feeling,” Anderson said. “I’m excited; you’re excited. We’ve got the pieces. The door is wide open for us. All we have to do is go out and take it.
“You see the lineup from top to bottom. It’s a playoff lineup, right? Why not put that expectation on it? Why not set the bar high? The whole goal is to win a championship.”
Lofty, indeed. But there’s no shortage of faces to try to make that happen.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Former Rosemont man extradited from Mexico charged with producing child pornography

A former Rosemont man has been extradited from Mexico to face several child pornography charges .
Marcos German Mendez , @ @ @ @ @ two counts of using a minor to produce child pornography , one count of transporting @ @ @ @ @ of possession of child pornography on his cell phone , according to the U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ Northern District of Illinois .
He was initially indicted in 2016 and was arrested in @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , prosecutors said .
He was recently extradited to Chicago where he made his @ @ @ @ @ Mendez pleaded not guilty to the charges and will remain in custody pending a detention @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors said .

A former Rosemont man has been extradited from Mexico to face several child pornography charges.
Marcos German Mendez, 32, is charged with two counts of using a minor to produce child pornography, one count of transporting child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography on his cell phone, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
He was initially indicted in 2016 and was arrested in Leon, Guanajuato in July 2019, prosecutors said. He was recently extradited to Chicago where he made his initial court appearance Thursday.
Mendez pleaded not guilty to the charges and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing on Feb. 3., prosecutors said.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Chicago Cultural Center kicks off Lunar New Year celebration

Drums chased away bad energy and dancers gracefully moved across the stage , marking the start of the Chinese New Year at the Chicago Cultural Center Friday .
“ We want to bring awareness and appreciation to Chinese culture , ” Julie Tiao Ma , president of the Chinese Fine Arts Society , said .
“ We want to showcase local practitioners of Chinese art and how proud they are to keep their traditions alive in Chicago.
” Ma ’ s late mother , Barbara Tiao , founded the CFAS , which partnered with Choose Chicago and the Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lunar New Year , which officially starts Saturday .
Some of the standout performances Friday included a number by the Cultural Center Chinese Lion Dancers .
For a preview of their Sunday show at Chicago Symphony Hall , members of Zhejiang Shaoju Opera Theatre treated audiences with somersaults , dragon dancing and folk singing .
Angela Wan , who is trained in Chinese classical dance , said she feels the responsibility of sharing “ the treasure ” of the Chinese culture .
“ I treasure the opportunity to introduce Chinese classic culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American society , ” said Wan , a member of the Hao Dance studio in Buffalo Grove .

Drums chased away bad energy and dancers gracefully moved across the stage, marking the start of the Chinese New Year at the Chicago Cultural Center Friday.
“We want to bring awareness and appreciation to Chinese culture,” Julie Tiao Ma, president of the Chinese Fine Arts Society, said. “We want to showcase local practitioners of Chinese art and how proud they are to keep their traditions alive in Chicago.”
Julie Tiao Ma, president of the Chinese Fine Arts Society, speaks at the Lunar New Year celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center. Ahlaam Delange/ Sun-Times
Ma’s late mother, Barbara Tiao, founded the CFAS, which partnered with Choose Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which officially starts Saturday.
Some of the standout performances Friday included a number by the Cultural Center Chinese Lion Dancers.
For a preview of their Sunday show at Chicago Symphony Hall, members of Zhejiang Shaoju Opera Theatre treated audiences with somersaults, dragon dancing and folk singing.
Members of the Zhejiang Shaoju Opera Theatre perform at the Chinese New Year celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center. Ahlaam Delange/Sun-Times
Angela Wan, who is trained in Chinese classical dance, said she feels the responsibility of sharing “the treasure” of the Chinese culture.
“I treasure the opportunity to introduce Chinese classic culture and Chinese classic dance, to the American society,” said Wan, a member of the Hao Dance studio in Buffalo Grove.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--After six seasons of drought, White Sox’ Jose Abreu ready to guzzle victories

Jose Abreu is here to win baseball games .
He has always been here for that .
The money is very nice .
So are the individual accomplishments .
But none of it answers the need , the insistent need , to win .
If victories are sustenance , he ’ s been living in a food desert .
Six seasons as a big-league player , six seasons as a White Sox and six straight seasons without a winning record .
The man can tell you a thing or two about pain .
“ You know , we weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abreu said through an interpreter Friday at SoxFest .
“ But we know that losing is part of the game .
In this process , we were aware the cost that we had to pay to get to this point .
We learned a lot from all those losses , from all those years , and I think all those lessons are going to make us better for this year and for the future , too.
’ ’ That ’ s 543 hard lessons learned over six seasons , and if there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s Abreu .
The Sox were smart enough and ( hopefully ) good-hearted enough to sign the first baseman to a three-year , $ 50 million contract in November .
Smart enough because this is a guy who has been consistently excellent from the moment he arrived in Chicago in 2014 .
And good-hearted enough because , c ’ mon , it would have been cruel to cast off someone who had been through baseball hell just when baseball heaven seemed to be beckoning .
A team that went 72-89 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the playoffs this season .
Manager Rick Renteria already has said publicly that that ’ s the goal .
This offseason , the Sox have added 2015 Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel , 2019 All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal and power hitter Edwin Encarnacion .
Those players are joining a stream of talent that has broken through parched earth on the South Side .
That includes shortstop Tim Anderson , last season ’ s American League batting champion ; third baseman Yoan Moncada ( .315 average , 25 home runs ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Soon enough , that will mean hot-shot prospects Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal .
They ’ ll join Abreu , who , if you haven ’ t caught on yet , is ready to win after living through the Sox ’ rebuild .
Very , very ready to win .
He turns 33 on Wednesday , and although he ’ s coming off an excellent season ( 33 home runs , a league-leading 123 runs batted in and a .284 average ) , it ’ s not as if he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , winning ?
Yeah , now would be good .
“ All the transactions the team made during the offseason I think put us in a very good spot for the season , and we have to be conscious and work hard , ’ ’ he said .
“ Because it ’ s not just the names that we have .
We have to prove that we have the talent to be a good team .
I ’ m excited because I know most of the guys that are here now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust the work that we ’ ve been doing the last couple years .
This year , all the effort , all that work is going to pan out.
’ ’ Besides Abreu ’ s ability to hit a baseball hard , the Sox like the way he takes young players under his wing .
That played a role in their decision to re-sign him .
It came as no surprise Friday to learn that he already was counseling the 22-year-old Robert and the 24-year-old Moncada to concentrate on short-term goals , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at hand , whatever it be at any given moment , is the only task that matters .
“ That ’ s been my message for the guys in these few days and that ’ s going to be my message for spring training and for the season , ’ ’ he said .
“ For the people like me who aren ’ t as young as the other guys , I feel we have the experience to manage that and we have the strength to guide this team and the young guys.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is listening .
Things have come incredibly easy for the kid , who mastered three minor-league levels last season , hitting a combined .328 with 32 homers and 92 runs batted in .
It ’ d be easy for him to think that everything is going to be this easy .
If Robert thinks that , he will not be thinking it on Abreu ’ s watch .
And he knows it .
“ On and off the field , he ’ s a guy who can guide me , ’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me better just with his experience and just the way that he takes care of his business .
He ’ s going to be a very good influence on my life and with this team , too.
’ ’ Abreu is happy to be in the position to help .
He ’ s even happier to be in a position to win .
All that losing , and now this .
The new contract lets him stay in Chicago for any high times that might present themselves the next three seasons .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reward for all the work and all the commitment that I have with this team , ’ ’ he said .
“ It ’ s part of the loyalty , from myself to the team and from the team to me .
I ’ m very loyal to the White Sox and to ( chairman Jerry Reinsdorf ) , and I think our relationship is strong , and that ’ s why I ’ m here talking to you guys .
I think these years are going to be a good fit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of joy and happiness to this town .
’ ’

Jose Abreu is here to win baseball games. He has always been here for that. The money is very nice. So are the individual accomplishments. But none of it answers the need, the insistent need, to win.
If victories are sustenance, he’s been living in a food desert.
Six seasons as a big-league player, six seasons as a White Sox and six straight seasons without a winning record. The man can tell you a thing or two about pain.
And yet …
“You know, we weren’t born to lose,’’ Abreu said through an interpreter Friday at SoxFest. “But we know that losing is part of the game. In this process, we were aware the cost that we had to pay to get to this point. We learned a lot from all those losses, from all those years, and I think all those lessons are going to make us better for this year and for the future, too.’’
That’s 543 hard lessons learned over six seasons, and if there’s anybody who deserves to experience winning, it’s Abreu. The Sox were smart enough and (hopefully) good-hearted enough to sign the first baseman to a three-year, $50 million contract in November. Smart enough because this is a guy who has been consistently excellent from the moment he arrived in Chicago in 2014. And good-hearted enough because, c’mon, it would have been cruel to cast off someone who had been through baseball hell just when baseball heaven seemed to be beckoning.
A team that went 72-89 last season believes it has a chance for the playoffs this season. Manager Rick Renteria already has said publicly that that’s the goal. This offseason, the Sox have added 2015 Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, 2019 All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal and power hitter Edwin Encarnacion. Those players are joining a stream of talent that has broken through parched earth on the South Side. That includes shortstop Tim Anderson, last season’s American League batting champion; third baseman Yoan Moncada (.315 average, 25 home runs) and left fielder Eloy Jimenez (31 homers). Soon enough, that will mean hot-shot prospects Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal.
They’ll join Abreu, who, if you haven’t caught on yet, is ready to win after living through the Sox’ rebuild. Very, very ready to win. He turns 33 on Wednesday, and although he’s coming off an excellent season (33 home runs, a league-leading 123 runs batted in and a .284 average), it’s not as if he has all the time in the world. So, winning? Yeah, now would be good.
“All the transactions the team made during the offseason I think put us in a very good spot for the season, and we have to be conscious and work hard,’’ he said. “Because it’s not just the names that we have. We have to prove that we have the talent to be a good team. I’m excited because I know most of the guys that are here now. I’m very confident. I trust the work that we’ve been doing the last couple years. This year, all the effort, all that work is going to pan out.’’
Besides Abreu’s ability to hit a baseball hard, the Sox like the way he takes young players under his wing. That played a role in their decision to re-sign him. It came as no surprise Friday to learn that he already was counseling the 22-year-old Robert and the 24-year-old Moncada to concentrate on short-term goals, not the playoffs. He says the task at hand, whatever it be at any given moment, is the only task that matters.
“That’s been my message for the guys in these few days and that’s going to be my message for spring training and for the season,’’ he said. “For the people like me who aren’t as young as the other guys, I feel we have the experience to manage that and we have the strength to guide this team and the young guys.’’
Robert, a fellow Cuban, is listening. Things have come incredibly easy for the kid, who mastered three minor-league levels last season, hitting a combined .328 with 32 homers and 92 runs batted in. It’d be easy for him to think that everything is going to be this easy. If Robert thinks that, he will not be thinking it on Abreu’s watch. And he knows it.
“On and off the field, he’s a guy who can guide me,’’ Robert said. “He can make me better just with his experience and just the way that he takes care of his business. He’s going to be a very good influence on my life and with this team, too.’’
Abreu is happy to be in the position to help. He’s even happier to be in a position to win. All that losing, and now this. The new contract lets him stay in Chicago for any high times that might present themselves the next three seasons.
“I think that’s just a reward for all the work and all the commitment that I have with this team,’’ he said. “It’s part of the loyalty, from myself to the team and from the team to me. I’m very loyal to the White Sox and to (chairman Jerry Reinsdorf), and I think our relationship is strong, and that’s why I’m here talking to you guys. I think these years are going to be a good fit. We’re going to bring a lot of joy and happiness to this town.’’


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Jackson Park to receive $625K grant for reconstruction

Jackson Park , a 550-acre green space in Woodlawn , is due for a facelift .
So says State Sen. Robert Peters , D-Chicago , who Thursday announced that the Chicago Park District has been granted $ 625,000 for reconstruction projects at the park from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources .
“ Jackson Park is an essential part of our community , and it has needed maintenance for some time , ” Peters , whose district includes neighborhoods around the park , said in a statement .
“ I ’ m glad the Chicago Park District will receive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the renovations that the people in our neighborhood who use it deserve.
” The park , designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and the selected site of the Obama Presidential Center , will receive the grant money through the state ’ s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program , which plans to provide $ 30 million for parks projects this year , including more than $ 1.6 million for projects at four other city parks .
The park district will match the funds provided by the grant for each of the projects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the grant money will help restore the iconic “ Iowa Building , ” a depression-era limestone pavilion that was built by the Works Progress Administration ; fund a new dog park ; and upgrade baseball and softball diamonds .
Big Marsh Park , a 280-acre park on the Far South Side between the Calumet River and Lake Calumet , will receive $ 900,000 in program funds that will go to creating and maintaining multi-use trails , a wildlife observation platform and camping areas , the park district said .
Other parks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • La Follette Park , in Austin , will get $ 302,500 for new playground equipment , baseball and soccer field enhancements and new paving .
• Sherwood Park , in Englewood , will get $ 275,000 for a new water spray feature , track and field rehabilitation and fencing .
• Murray Park , in West Englewood , will get $ 197,500 for the rehabilitation of a water spray feature , baseball diamonds and basketball courts , as well as paving and landscaping enhancements , according to the park district .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects is expected to begin this year and will continue into 2021 .

Jackson Park, a 550-acre green space in Woodlawn, is due for a facelift.
So says State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, who Thursday announced that the Chicago Park District has been granted $625,000 for reconstruction projects at the park from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Jackson Park is an essential part of our community, and it has needed maintenance for some time,” Peters, whose district includes neighborhoods around the park, said in a statement. “I’m glad the Chicago Park District will receive the funds it needs to give Jackson Park the renovations that the people in our neighborhood who use it deserve.”
The park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and the selected site of the Obama Presidential Center, will receive the grant money through the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, which plans to provide $30 million for parks projects this year, including more than $1.6 million for projects at four other city parks.
The park district will match the funds provided by the grant for each of the projects, a spokeswoman said.
At Jackson Park, the grant money will help restore the iconic “Iowa Building,” a depression-era limestone pavilion that was built by the Works Progress Administration; fund a new dog park; and upgrade baseball and softball diamonds.
Big Marsh Park, a 280-acre park on the Far South Side between the Calumet River and Lake Calumet, will receive $900,000 in program funds that will go to creating and maintaining multi-use trails, a wildlife observation platform and camping areas, the park district said.
Other parks to get matching funding through the program are:
La Follette Park, in Austin, will get $302,500 for new playground equipment, baseball and soccer field enhancements and new paving.
Sherwood Park, in Englewood, will get $275,000 for a new water spray feature, track and field rehabilitation and fencing.
Murray Park, in West Englewood, will get $197,500 for the rehabilitation of a water spray feature, baseball diamonds and basketball courts, as well as paving and landscaping enhancements, according to the park district.
The park district said construction on the projects is expected to begin this year and will continue into 2021.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Savvy moves by Senate President Don Harmon herald a new era in Springfield

Give new Illinois Senate President Don Harmon ( D-Oak Park ) some credit .
He ’ s made a few very solid moves since Jan. 18 , when he was elected to his chamber ’ s top job .
Harmon won a majority vote of his caucus before the full Senate voted .
He had at least some support from just about every Democratic faction .
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford ( D-Maywood ) is an African-American , but Harmon received several votes from people of color .
Downstaters voted for both candidates , as did women .
A majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loose confederation of more conservative members , went with Harmon , but at least four voted for Lightford .
Suburbanites were split and so were Chicagoans .
With the factions all over the place , putting a deal together wasn ’ t easy .
But after several tense and sometimes contentious hours , Harmon emerged victorious .
Hard feelings remain .
Some senators apparently just up and lied to Lightford about whom they were supporting .
But Lightford will remain majority leader , and her supporters in Senate Democratic leadership were protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to work things out before he has to run again in less than a year .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has denied it , but people close to him were indeed working hard on Lightford ’ s behalf .
The two men have known each other for over two decades , but Harmon endorsed then-Sen. Daniel Biss in the 2018 gubernatorial primary over Pritzker , and things kinda soured after that .
The two are ideologically very close , however , so they should be able to work things out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s appointment confirmation process , among other things , might get just a wee bit tighter in the near term .
The night he was elected , Harmon sat down with his entire staff .
Employees had been fretting about their futures ever since John Cullerton unexpectedly announced in November that he would be resigning soon .
Staff members are people , too , after all .
Many have families to support , mortgages and tuition to pay , plus the all-important health insurance .
They ’ d been walking on eggshells ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what their future holds .
Harmon , according to spokesperson John Patterson , told the all-staff meeting “ he looks forward to working with everyone and was counting on staff to help him during this transition and heading into what we expect will be another successful and productive session.
” The highly unusual mid-term resignation of a sitting Senate president plopped Harmon into uncharted waters just a week before the General Assembly was scheduled to return from its long winter break .
Replacing key staff members in mid-stream would ’ ve been difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up to speed right away , and he couldn ’ t do that if he brought in new folks to run the day-to-day operation .
Harmon will eventually have to decide what he wants his staff to look like .
But it was a smart , grown-up move to stick with the status quo for a while .
The staff Harmon inherited is efficient and capable .
There was simply no pressing need to make any major immediate changes .
In some ways , Harmon is old school .
He runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ township organizations in Cook County , and he has indulged in the tradition of working at a powerful law firm while serving .
But he ’ s also the first ever member of “ Generation X ” to lead a legislative caucus and preside over a chamber here .
He loves playing guitar and he attracted the votes of the younger members in his caucus .
Harmon strongly signaled that we ’ ve entered a new era during an appearance later in the week on Chicago Public Television ’ s “ Chicago Tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a politically connected Chicago law firm for the past 15 years .
He has done bond work for municipalities , and his firm has represented several state agencies .
He has said he was as diligent as possible to avoid conflicts of interest , but now that Harmon has the chamber ’ s top job , it was a sure bet that questions would at least be raised .
So Harmon told Amanda Vinicky during the WTTW interview that he plans to step down from the firm .
He ’ ll avoid any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his new role .
This almost never happens in Illinois government .
Just the opposite , in fact .
When people move to the top of the legislative food chain , they generally ramp up their , um , marketability .
He ’ s making the right moves so far .
We ’ ll see how he does in the future .

Give new Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) some credit. He’s made a few very solid moves since Jan. 18, when he was elected to his chamber’s top job.
Harmon won a majority vote of his caucus before the full Senate voted. He had at least some support from just about every Democratic faction. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) is an African-American, but Harmon received several votes from people of color. Downstaters voted for both candidates, as did women. A majority of the “X Caucus,” a loose confederation of more conservative members, went with Harmon, but at least four voted for Lightford. Suburbanites were split and so were Chicagoans.
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With the factions all over the place, putting a deal together wasn’t easy. But after several tense and sometimes contentious hours, Harmon emerged victorious.
Hard feelings remain. Some senators apparently just up and lied to Lightford about whom they were supporting. But Lightford will remain majority leader, and her supporters in Senate Democratic leadership were protected. Harmon made peace and he has time to work things out before he has to run again in less than a year.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has denied it, but people close to him were indeed working hard on Lightford’s behalf. The two men have known each other for over two decades, but Harmon endorsed then-Sen. Daniel Biss in the 2018 gubernatorial primary over Pritzker, and things kinda soured after that. The two are ideologically very close, however, so they should be able to work things out, but I’d bet the Senate’s appointment confirmation process, among other things, might get just a wee bit tighter in the near term.
The night he was elected, Harmon sat down with his entire staff. Employees had been fretting about their futures ever since John Cullerton unexpectedly announced in November that he would be resigning soon.
Staff members are people, too, after all. Many have families to support, mortgages and tuition to pay, plus the all-important health insurance. They’d been walking on eggshells ever since Cullerton’s announcement, wondering what their future holds.
Harmon, according to spokesperson John Patterson, told the all-staff meeting “he looks forward to working with everyone and was counting on staff to help him during this transition and heading into what we expect will be another successful and productive session.”
The highly unusual mid-term resignation of a sitting Senate president plopped Harmon into uncharted waters just a week before the General Assembly was scheduled to return from its long winter break. Replacing key staff members in mid-stream would’ve been difficult and perhaps even risky. He needs to get up to speed right away, and he couldn’t do that if he brought in new folks to run the day-to-day operation.
Harmon will eventually have to decide what he wants his staff to look like. But it was a smart, grown-up move to stick with the status quo for a while. The staff Harmon inherited is efficient and capable. There was simply no pressing need to make any major immediate changes.
In some ways, Harmon is old school. He runs one of the few truly active Democratic township organizations in Cook County, and he has indulged in the tradition of working at a powerful law firm while serving. But he’s also the first ever member of “Generation X” to lead a legislative caucus and preside over a chamber here. He loves playing guitar and he attracted the votes of the younger members in his caucus.
Harmon strongly signaled that we’ve entered a new era during an appearance later in the week on Chicago Public Television’s “Chicago Tonight” program.
Harmon has worked at a politically connected Chicago law firm for the past 15 years. He has done bond work for municipalities, and his firm has represented several state agencies. He has said he was as diligent as possible to avoid conflicts of interest, but now that Harmon has the chamber’s top job, it was a sure bet that questions would at least be raised.
So Harmon told Amanda Vinicky during the WTTW interview that he plans to step down from the firm. He’ll avoid any conflicts and he can devote himself full-time to his new role.
This almost never happens in Illinois government. Just the opposite, in fact. When people move to the top of the legislative food chain, they generally ramp up their, um, marketability.
He’s making the right moves so far. We’ll see how he does in the future.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Beale wins ballot battle — by just three signatures

Three signatures appear to have saved Ald .
Anthony Beale from losing the 9th Ward Democratic committeeperson post he has held since wresting it from a powerful Far South Side politician two decades ago .
That ’ s how many signatures Beale had over the minimum required to remain on the March primary ballot , the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ruled Friday .
“ I was not worried — it ’ s just — it was an inconvenience to go through this process , but I felt extremely confident , ” Beale said afterward .
Nine contested signatures potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from appearing on the March 17 ballot in the ward committeeperson race .
A hearing examiner determined last week that Beale was six signatures short of the required minimum of 891 .
Two people filed a challenge to Beale ’ s nominating petitions , arguing some of the signatures he collected were not genuine .
But an independent handwriting expert reviewed the nine contested signatures and determined they were genuine , giving Beale just three more than the minimum required .
“ The amount of resources that has to go towards this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After reviewing the handwriting expert ’ s conclusion , Board Chair Marisel A. Hernandez and the other two commissioners rejected the hearing examiner ’ s recommendation to boot Beale from the ballot .
Hernandez said the burden of proof was on the challengers to prove the signatures were not authentic .
The ward committeeperson post , formerly called “ committeeman , ” is an unpaid party job that gives Beale a spot on the Cook County Democratic Party , allowing him a vote in candidate endorsements and other party matters .
Beale is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a frequent critic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot , particularly her attempts to scale back aldermanic prerogative .
A former Lightfoot supporter , Beale ran afoul of the mayor— and was stripped of his committee chairmanship — when he tried to marshal opposition to her choice of Finance Committee Chairman Scott Waguespack ( 32nd ) .
Beale first came into power by taking on the South Side Shaw dynasty .
When longtime 9th Ward Ald .
Robert Shaw was elected to the Cook County Board of Review in 1999 , he resigned as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shaw , to be his successor in the City Council .
But Beale , a computer data analyst backed by the Rev .
Jesse Jackson and the Rev .
James Meeks , defeated Herbert Shaw in an upset and became the 9th Ward ’ s alderman .
The following year , Beale defeated Robert Shaw in the race for ward committeeman .
Friday ’ s decision virtually assures Beale will hold the ward committeeperson seat .
He is now the only candidate whose name will appear on the March 17 ballot .
Rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary ballot after her petitions were challenged .
She has filed to run as a write-in candidate , an uphill effort in the low-profile race .

Just a few signatures appear to have saved Ald. Anthony Beale from losing the 9th Ward Democratic committeeperson post he has held since wresting it from a powerful Far South Side politician two decades ago.
Beale was a slim three signatures over the minimum required to remain on the March primary ballot, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ruled Friday.
“I was not worried — it’s just — it was an inconvenience to go through this process, but I felt extremely confident,” Beale said afterward.
Nine contested signatures potentially could have kept Beale’s name from appearing on the March 17 ballot in the ward committeeperson race.
A hearing examiner determined last week that Beale was six signatures short of the required minimum of 891. Two people filed a challenge to Beale’s nominating petitions, arguing some of the signatures he collected were not genuine.
But an independent handwriting expert reviewed the nine contested signatures and determined they were genuine, giving Beale just three more than the minimum required.
“The amount of resources that has to go towards this is totally unjust,” Beale said.
After reviewing the handwriting expert’s conclusion, Board Chair Marisel A. Hernandez and the other two commissioners rejected the hearing examiner’s recommendation to boot Beale from the ballot. Hernandez said the burden of proof was on the challengers to prove the signatures were not authentic.
The ward committeeperson post, formerly called “committeeman,” is an unpaid party job that gives Beale a spot on the Cook County Democratic Party, allowing him a vote in candidate endorsements and other party matters.
Beale is no stranger to political battles.
Anthony Beale declares victory in the aldermanic race against Herbert Shaw in 1999. File Photo Brian Jackson/Sun-Times
He is a frequent critic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, particularly her attempts to scale back aldermanic prerogative. A former Lightfoot supporter, Beale ran afoul of the mayor— and was stripped of his committee chairmanship — when he tried to marshal opposition to her choice of Finance Committee Chairman Scott Waguespack (32nd).
Ald. Robert Shaw (9th) in 1990. File Photo. Rich Chapman/Sun-Times
Beale first came into power by taking on the South Side Shaw dynasty.
When longtime 9th Ward Ald. Robert Shaw was elected to the Cook County Board of Review in 1999, he resigned as alderman and backed his son, Herbert Shaw, to be his successor in the City Council.
But Beale, a computer data analyst backed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. James Meeks, defeated Herbert Shaw in an upset and became the 9th Ward’s alderman. The following year, Beale defeated Robert Shaw in the race for ward committeeman.
Friday’s decision virtually assures Beale will hold the ward committeeperson seat. He is now the only candidate whose name will appear on the March 17 ballot.
Rival candidate Cleopatra Watson was kicked off the primary ballot after her petitions were challenged. She has filed to run as a write-in candidate, an uphill effort in the low-profile race.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-24--Von Steuben employee removed after an allegation of inappropriate contact with students

An employee at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center school in North Park was removed after alleged inappropriate contact with students @ @ @ @ @ the high school , 5039 N. Kimball Ave. , “ engaged inappropriately with students , @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to families Friday .
“ This employee has been removed from the @ @ @ @ @ has been initiated by the Office of the Inspector General , ” Sutton said .
@ @ @ @ @ impacted students were notified , but did not get into specifics in the letter .
@ @ @ @ @ , Sutton said she couldn ’ t provide much details but “ individuals are invited @ @ @ @ @ regarding the process and your concerns.
” The Office of Student Protections and Title IX @ @ @ @ @ resources , Sutton said .

An employee at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center school in North Park was removed after alleged inappropriate contact with students.
A staff member at the high school, 5039 N. Kimball Ave., “engaged inappropriately with students,” Principal Jennifer Sutton said in a letter to families Friday.
“This employee has been removed from the school, and an investigation has been initiated by the Office of the Inspector General,” Sutton said.
Sutton said parents of the impacted students were notified, but did not get into specifics in the letter.
In a message to staff, Sutton said she couldn’t provide much details but “individuals are invited to speak to me personally regarding the process and your concerns.”
The Office of Student Protections and Title IX is connecting the students to resources, Sutton said.