chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--What does Lori Lightfoot value more in new top cop — community connection, or continuity?

In choosing a permanent replacement for fired Chicago Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson , Mayor Lori Lightfoot must decide what she values most : community relations or not missing a beat on fighting crime .
Her choice is likely to come down to former Dallas Police Chief David Brown or Sean Malinowski , former chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department .
Brown is black , Malinowski white .
If Lightfoot is most concerned about rebuilding public trust shattered by the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald , she ’ s likely to choose Brown .
A source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown ’ s strength is his “ amazing personal story ” and willingness to “ use that story to connect ” with citizens .
His brother was murdered by drug dealers , his son was killed in a police shootout and his partner died in the line of duty .
Brown is a seasoned leader who ran a big-city department that also dealt with gun violence problems but wasn ’ t under a civil-rights consent decree like Chicago .
His weakness is that he doesn ’ t know Chicago and could be devoured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s unique brand of politics .
If Lightfoot values continuity and consent-decree compliance over community connection , she ’ s more likely to choose Malinowski , who knows CPD intimately .
In Los Angeles , Malinowski served as chief of staff to now-retired LAPD Chief Charlie Beck , who ’ s now interim CPD superintendent .
Malinowski knows what it takes to comply with a consent decree .
One was put in place after the Rodney King beating and the Rampart police scandal in L.A. in the 1990s .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s organization , which Beck has brought to Chicago .
As a consultant to CPD in the furor after the court-ordered release of the McDonald shooting video , Malinowski helped create Strategic Decision Support Centers in districts across the city .
They allow police and civilian analysts to monitor shootings and crime trends in real time .
The centers have been credited with helping drive down shootings in some of the most historically violent parts of the city .
After retiring as LAPD ’ s chief of detectives last year , Malinowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chicago Crime Lab .
Of the 25 candidates applying to become superintendent , 11 are with CPD or have spent a significant amount of time there .
Twenty-one are men and four are women .
Thirteen are white , 11 are African American and one is Hispanic .
All candidates were required to submit videos with their written applications .
Malinowski ’ s “ blew people away , ” a source says .
He talked about conducting a blitzkrieg tour of Chicago neighborhoods to build public support .
“ It had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal story and his police story .
He talked about the progress in Chicago , his role in it and his understanding of it , ” says a source .
After watching the Malinowski video , it was clear “ everybody else would play catch up , but Sean wouldn ’ t miss a beat.
” Malinowski has some weaknesses .
He appears to City Hall insiders to be campaigning for the job .
And compared with Brown , he looks more like a police technocrat than a community champion .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Classen .
“ Sean is a very straightforward person .
Sean would give Classen advice and it wasn ’ t well-received , ” says a source familiar with their relationship .
Beck acknowledges taking Malinowski ’ s advice while designing the LAPD-style reorganization of the Chicago Police Department , but denies he ’ s setting the table for Malinowski .
Still , during a recent appearance before the City Club of Chicago , Beck put in a plug for Malinowski when asked if the next superintendent should be an insider .
He nodded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Illinois at Chicago and his family ties here .
“ Sean , who ’ s seated right here at the table , came out to Chicago , is from Chicago , has lived in Chicago .
... To come in cold here , I think is a hugely heavy lift , ” Beck said that day .
A mayoral ally , who asked not to be named , warned Lightfoot could have a “ problem with the Black Caucus ” if she chooses a white superintendent over an African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28th ) says he ’ ll take a wait-and-see approach .
“ This is one of the most important decisions of her tenure .
I ’ m going to give her the deference to pick someone , then we will go through the process to either confirm or not , ” Ervin says .
Ervin said he would love to see another African American superintendent .
But what ’ s more important is for the next top cop to “ command respect of the officers , have respect from the community and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it relates to the consent decree.
” “ It ’ s a tall order to get all of that out of one person .
I hope that the community aspect doesn ’ t lose out in trying to balance all of those concerns , ” Ervin said .
Ald .
Walter Burnett ( 27th ) said Lightfoot can get away with choosing a white superintendent because she is African American .
“ I would prefer it to be a black , but I would prefer it even more to be someone who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ African Americans are the ones who suffer the most from crime .
All they care about is who ’ s gon na get the job done and keep them safe.
” Over the years , the Police Board process has been a sham .
Nationwide searches were conducted while the mayor conducted his or her own back-channel search .
The mayor ’ s pick , communicated to the board , would magically appear on the list of three finalists .
The only time in recent Chicago history that familiar script wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel rejected the three finalists chosen by a Police Board led by Lightfoot and picked Johnson out of obscurity even though he hadn ’ t applied .
Lightfoot has promised this time will be different .
On the November day when she chose Beck as interim superintendent , she laughed when asked if she ’ d conduct such a search .
“ I ’ m not gon na steer the search .
The search has to be independent , ” she said then .
“ The process only has legitimacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m gon na make my decision based upon the options that are presented to me by the Police Board .
I ’ m open to any possibility.
” Pressed to describe her ideal superintendent , Lightfoot said it was someone with experience running a “ big and complicated ” police organization who can “ motivate the troops ” and understands the value of “ constitutional policing.
” She also described the need for a “ bridge builder ” who understands the need to build “ strong and deep ties to the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change created by a federal consent decree .
The mayor was asked if the new superintendent must be African American .
“ You know that I hate the racial and tribal politics of the city .
It is a reality .
But I ’ m gon na pick the best person , whoever that person is , ” she said .
Lightfoot said no matter whom she chooses , there will be critics .
It comes with the territory .
“ I ’ m 57 years old .
I have a pretty good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Star is .
I ’ m thoughtful in my approach .
I ’ ll be thoughtful in my approach here.
” Deputy Chief Ernest Cato , recently promoted by Beck , was among those summoned by the Police Board for in-person interviews .
But sources said Cato has had a “ rapid rise ” and would likely benefit from more seasoning , though he is “ very polished ” in his personal presentation .
Johnson ’ s rapid rise and his unhappy demise — being fired for “ lying ” to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-October — underscores the need for Cato to gain more experience and wait until the next superintendent ’ s search , sources said .
Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman is also on the short list .
But she runs a police department no bigger than a Chicago police district .
Ziman got some national attention when she was recently invited to President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address for her handling of a mass shooting in Aurora last year .
Many stories about Brown in his hometown newspaper , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glowing portrait of him .
Brown was chief from 2010 to 2016 .
When he retired , the newspaper ran a story under the headline : “ Going out on top , ” which can ’ t be said for Chicago ’ s past two police superintendents , both ousted because of scandals .
He was praised for trying to improve relations with the city ’ s minority community , putting cops on foot patrols , organizing sporting events for kids and requiring “ de-escalation ” training for officers and racial-bias training for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves was to promote a Latino man as his No .
2 in what was seen as a bridge to that city ’ s large Hispanic population .
The minority community , accustomed to tragedy , related to Brown ’ s personal story , too .
His younger brother was murdered in 1991 and his son was killed by police officers after he shot and killed a suburban cop .
His son suffered from mental illness , according to news reports .
His handling of the killing of five officers in an ambush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised eyebrows with others .
He used a robot to deliver an explosive device that killed the barricaded shooter .
A grand jury cleared the department of wrongdoing .
Brown , 59 , ran a far smaller police department — about 3,600 officers , compared to nearly 13,000 in Chicago .
He wasn ’ t beloved by all officers : in 2015 , national , state and local police associations called for his firing , claiming he promoted friends and punished critics .
Brown has called himself a “ loner , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said those police associations didn ’ t like him because he held cops accountable ; as chief , he fired at least 65 officers .
Late in his tenure in Dallas , violent crime began to creep up after several years of large declines .
Murders climbed sharply in Dallas in 2015 and 2016 , along with overall crime , records show .
Since retiring , Brown has worked as a consultant for ABC News .
One opinion piece for ABC was about the arrest in 2018 of two black men who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starbucks in Philadelphia .
“ Is it me , or does the Starbucks thing sound like the lunch counter protest of the 1960s minus the dogs and water hoses ?
” wrote Brown , who has 65,000 followers on Twitter because of his national profile .
Malinowski , 55 , is wonkier than Brown .
If Brown developed a national reputation by focusing on community relations , Malinowski is known across the country for using technology to fight crime .
Malinowski , who holds a Ph.D. in public administration from the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chicago Sun-Times profiled him in 2018 when he held a $ 250-an-hour consulting job with the Chicago police to create the new high-tech Strategic Decision Support Centers .
In the Sun-Times profile , Malinowski stressed technology was not enough to tamp down crime .
He said district commanders were being encouraged to boost community outreach programs to get citizens involved after decades of mistrust .
Malinowski had also advised Baltimore ’ s mayor on hiring a police commissioner there .
In 2018 , he and Eddie Johnson , who Malinowski knew from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officials who helped interview candidates for that Baltimore job , according to the Baltimore Sun .

In choosing a permanent replacement for fired Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, Mayor Lori Lightfoot must decide what she values most: community relations or not missing a beat on fighting crime.
Her choice is likely to come down to former Dallas Police Chief David Brown or Sean Malinowski, former chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department. Brown is black, Malinowski white.
If Lightfoot is most concerned about rebuilding public trust shattered by the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald, she’s likely to choose Brown.
Analysis bug Analysis
A source close to the Police Board search said Brown’s strength is his “amazing personal story” and willingness to “use that story to connect” with citizens. His brother was murdered by drug dealers, his son was killed in a police shootout and his partner died in the line of duty.
Brown is a seasoned leader who ran a big-city department that also dealt with gun violence problems but wasn’t under a civil-rights consent decree like Chicago. His weakness is that he doesn’t know Chicago and could be devoured, as other outsiders have, by the city’s unique brand of politics.
If Lightfoot values continuity and consent-decree compliance over community connection, she’s more likely to choose Malinowski, who knows CPD intimately.
In Los Angeles, Malinowski served as chief of staff to now-retired LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, who’s now interim CPD superintendent.
Malinowski knows what it takes to comply with a consent decree. One was put in place after the Rodney King beating and the Rampart police scandal in L.A. in the 1990s.
And he’s worked under the LAPD’s organization, which Beck has brought to Chicago.
As a consultant to CPD in the furor after the court-ordered release of the McDonald shooting video, Malinowski helped create Strategic Decision Support Centers in districts across the city.
They allow police and civilian analysts to monitor shootings and crime trends in real time. The centers have been credited with helping drive down shootings in some of the most historically violent parts of the city.
After retiring as LAPD’s chief of detectives last year, Malinowski took a full-time job with the University of Chicago Crime Lab.
Of the 25 candidates applying to become superintendent, 11 are with CPD or have spent a significant amount of time there. Twenty-one are men and four are women. Thirteen are white, 11 are African American and one is Hispanic.
All candidates were required to submit videos with their written applications.
Malinowski’s “blew people away,” a source says. He talked about conducting a blitzkrieg tour of Chicago neighborhoods to build public support.
“It had an arc to it. He told his personal story and his police story. He talked about the progress in Chicago, his role in it and his understanding of it,” says a source. After watching the Malinowski video, it was clear “everybody else would play catch up, but Sean wouldn’t miss a beat.”
Malinowski has some weaknesses. He appears to City Hall insiders to be campaigning for the job. And compared with Brown, he looks more like a police technocrat than a community champion. He also clashed with Lightfoot chief of staff Maurice Classen.
“Sean is a very straightforward person. Sean would give Classen advice and it wasn’t well-received,” says a source familiar with their relationship.
Beck acknowledges taking Malinowski’s advice while designing the LAPD-style reorganization of the Chicago Police Department, but denies he’s setting the table for Malinowski.
Still, during a recent appearance before the City Club of Chicago, Beck put in a plug for Malinowski when asked if the next superintendent should be an insider. He nodded to Malinowski’s time studying at the University of Illinois at Chicago and his family ties here.
“Sean, who’s seated right here at the table, came out to Chicago, is from Chicago, has lived in Chicago. ... To come in cold here, I think is a hugely heavy lift,” Beck said that day.
A mayoral ally, who asked not to be named, warned Lightfoot could have a “problem with the Black Caucus” if she chooses a white superintendent over an African American. Black Caucus Chairman Jason Ervin (28th) says he’ll take a wait-and-see approach.
“This is one of the most important decisions of her tenure. I’m going to give her the deference to pick someone, then we will go through the process to either confirm or not,” Ervin says.
Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown is on a short list of candidates for superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Associated Press
Ervin said he would love to see another African American superintendent. But what’s more important is for the next top cop to “command respect of the officers, have respect from the community and also move forward in turning the ship as it relates to the consent decree.”
“It’s a tall order to get all of that out of one person. I hope that the community aspect doesn’t lose out in trying to balance all of those concerns,” Ervin said.
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) said Lightfoot can get away with choosing a white superintendent because she is African American.
“I would prefer it to be a black, but I would prefer it even more to be someone who’s good,” Burnett said Thursday. “African Americans are the ones who suffer the most from crime. All they care about is who’s gonna get the job done and keep them safe.”
Over the years, the Police Board process has been a sham. Nationwide searches were conducted while the mayor conducted his or her own back-channel search. The mayor’s pick, communicated to the board, would magically appear on the list of three finalists.
The only time in recent Chicago history that familiar script wasn’t followed was four years ago when then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel rejected the three finalists chosen by a Police Board led by Lightfoot and picked Johnson out of obscurity even though he hadn’t applied.
Lightfoot has promised this time will be different. On the November day when she chose Beck as interim superintendent, she laughed when asked if she’d conduct such a search.
“I’m not gonna steer the search. The search has to be independent,” she said then.
“The process only has legitimacy if you follow it. ... I’m gonna make my decision based upon the options that are presented to me by the Police Board. I’m open to any possibility.”
Pressed to describe her ideal superintendent, Lightfoot said it was someone with experience running a “big and complicated” police organization who can “motivate the troops” and understands the value of “constitutional policing.”
She also described the need for a “bridge builder” who understands the need to build “strong and deep ties to the community” and the “opportunities” for change created by a federal consent decree.
The mayor was asked if the new superintendent must be African American.
“You know that I hate the racial and tribal politics of the city. It is a reality. But I’m gonna pick the best person, whoever that person is,” she said.
Lightfoot said no matter whom she chooses, there will be critics. It comes with the territory.
“I’m 57 years old. I have a pretty good sense of my values, what my North Star is. I’m thoughtful in my approach. I’ll be thoughtful in my approach here.”
Deputy Chief Ernest Cato, recently promoted by Beck, was among those summoned by the Police Board for in-person interviews. But sources said Cato has had a “rapid rise” and would likely benefit from more seasoning, though he is “very polished” in his personal presentation.
Johnson’s rapid rise and his unhappy demise — being fired for “lying” to the mayor about an embarrassing drinking-and-driving incident in mid-October — underscores the need for Cato to gain more experience and wait until the next superintendent’s search, sources said.
Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman is also on the short list. But she runs a police department no bigger than a Chicago police district. Ziman got some national attention when she was recently invited to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address for her handling of a mass shooting in Aurora last year.
Many stories about Brown in his hometown newspaper, the Dallas Morning News, have painted a glowing portrait of him. Brown was chief from 2010 to 2016.
When he retired, the newspaper ran a story under the headline: “Going out on top,” which can’t be said for Chicago’s past two police superintendents, both ousted because of scandals.
He was praised for trying to improve relations with the city’s minority community, putting cops on foot patrols, organizing sporting events for kids and requiring “de-escalation” training for officers and racial-bias training for his managers.
One of his first moves was to promote a Latino man as his No. 2 in what was seen as a bridge to that city’s large Hispanic population.
The minority community, accustomed to tragedy, related to Brown’s personal story, too. His younger brother was murdered in 1991 and his son was killed by police officers after he shot and killed a suburban cop. His son suffered from mental illness, according to news reports.
His handling of the killing of five officers in an ambush in 2016 drew praise from some and raised eyebrows with others. He used a robot to deliver an explosive device that killed the barricaded shooter. A grand jury cleared the department of wrongdoing.
Brown, 59, ran a far smaller police department — about 3,600 officers, compared to nearly 13,000 in Chicago. He wasn’t beloved by all officers: in 2015, national, state and local police associations called for his firing, claiming he promoted friends and punished critics.
Brown has called himself a “loner,” a private man in a public job. He said those police associations didn’t like him because he held cops accountable; as chief, he fired at least 65 officers.
Late in his tenure in Dallas, violent crime began to creep up after several years of large declines. Murders climbed sharply in Dallas in 2015 and 2016, along with overall crime, records show.
Since retiring, Brown has worked as a consultant for ABC News. One opinion piece for ABC was about the arrest in 2018 of two black men who’d been told to leave a Starbucks in Philadelphia.
“Is it me, or does the Starbucks thing sound like the lunch counter protest of the 1960s minus the dogs and water hoses?” wrote Brown, who has 65,000 followers on Twitter because of his national profile.
Sean W. Malinowski in 2016, during an interview in Los Angeles. At the time, he held the rank of commander. He has since left the LAPD and served as a consultant to the Chicago Police Department. Washington Post
Malinowski, 55, is wonkier than Brown. If Brown developed a national reputation by focusing on community relations, Malinowski is known across the country for using technology to fight crime.
Malinowski, who holds a Ph.D. in public administration from the University of Illinois, is a Fulbright Scholar. The Chicago Sun-Times profiled him in 2018 when he held a $250-an-hour consulting job with the Chicago police to create the new high-tech Strategic Decision Support Centers.
In the Sun-Times profile, Malinowski stressed technology was not enough to tamp down crime. He said district commanders were being encouraged to boost community outreach programs to get citizens involved after decades of mistrust.
Malinowski had also advised Baltimore’s mayor on hiring a police commissioner there. In 2018, he and Eddie Johnson, who Malinowski knew from his work in Chicago, were among the officials who helped interview candidates for that Baltimore job, according to the Baltimore Sun.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--2 wounded in Humboldt Park shooting

2 wounded in Humboldt Park shooting

Two people were wounded in a shooting Thursday in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
They were sitting in @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 2900 block of West Augusta Boulevard when someone drove up alongside and @ @ @ @ @ said .
A 49-year-old woman was struck in the forearm while a man , 42 @ @ @ @ @ leg , police said .
They were both taken to Stroger Hospital , where they @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s @ @

Two people were wounded in a shooting Thursday in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
They were sitting in a parked vehicle about 4 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Augusta Boulevard when someone drove up alongside and opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 49-year-old woman was struck in the forearm while a man, 42, was shot in the leg, police said.
They were both taken to Stroger Hospital, where they were listed in good condition, police said.
Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--Welcome to our NBA home, All-Stars! Sorry for how the place looks, but have you met the Bulls?

To all the players , media and fans from around the world who have come to our humble burg for NBA All-Star Weekend : a most hearty welcome !
We Chicagoans may not have an NBA team , but we love the game and , besides , have everything you could ever want in a host city .
Hot food ?
Yes !
Temperatures in the teens and snow everywhere ?
Well , yes .
The delightful No .
20 Madison bus to convey you from downtown to the United Center ?
Indeed and you ’ re welcome .
OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have an NBA team , but only in the loosest interpretation of the phrase .
We have our Bulls , a 19-36 mash-up of overmatched players , an in-over-his head coach and a catastrophically inept front office .
( Other than that , they ’ re in great shape . )
The 69th All-Star Game will go on without a single Bulls player in quite the same manner that the 67th and 68th All-Star Games did .
Sad , but true : We ’ ve gotten pretty used to NBA irrelevance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of us pine for 2016 .
What was up that year ?
Well , the Bulls ’ Pao Gasol replaced injured teammate Jimmy Butler on the All-Star roster , but that ’ s just an insignificant detail .
More to the point : It was a massively strange season for the team , which was already beginning to fracture under new coach Fred Hoiberg and would gag away a playoff seed with a stretch-run collapse that left everyone involved feeling anywhere from bewildered to bitter .
See ?
That was so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ star , ” Zach LaVine , who can drop 40 on any given night but apparently isn ’ t good enough to make the All-Star team even when the game is on his own home court .
They have three straight No .
7 overall draft picks — Lauri Markkanen , Wendell Carter Jr. and Coby White — who ’ d be a whole lot better if they could find , respectively , a bigger heart , a healthier ankle and a more natural position .
They have a front office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman — that ’ s in desperate need of a long-overdue restructuring .
They have a coach , Jim Boylen , who calls individual work “ batting practice ” and talks about “ winning ” quarters as if anybody is handing out “ Ws ” for that .
Then again , aren ’ t they doing just that for the first , second and third quarters of Sunday ’ s oddly rejiggered All-Star Game ?
But we digress .
Boylen loves to talk about “ spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing being , by any sign , in abundant supply with his team .
So , here we are .
The long weekend of Bulls invisibility surely was to be evident beginning Thursday night with TNT ’ s “ Inside the NBA ” telecast from House of Blues .
Which makes us wonder : Could Charles Barkley , Shaquille O ’ Neal and Kenny Smith beat any current Bulls trio in a game of three-on-three ?
Half-court and make-it , take-it , of course .
Maybe LaVine will win Saturday night ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bet on him ?
We ’ ll pass , too .
But , again , welcome !
Stay warm and have a ball .
We ’ ll be on the outside looking in if you need us .
Interesting comments Wednesday from Jonathan Toews after the Blackhawks ’ fell 3-0 at Vancouver for their fifth loss in a row .
Interesting , as in , where have we heard that 8,000 times before ?
“ You can sit around and sulk about it for 20 minutes , and then you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to react and get ready for the next one , ” he said .
“ So that ’ s all we can do right now.
” At least the loss to the Canucks was different in that the Hawks put a season-high 49 shots on goal and Jacob Markstrom set a Canucks franchise record with 49 saves .
No one could call it a poor effort by Toews and company .
Still , there are two games to go on this brutal Canadian trip , including a second one against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Winnipeg is never enough .
Ah , well .
Who needs playoff hockey , anyway ?
• Alex DeBrincat ’ s four even-strength goals this season vs. Dylan Strome ’ s one point since New Year ’ s Eve : “ While I am flattered to be considered for the HC job at [ Michigan State ] , I am committed to [ Colorado ] for # TheBuild of our program , its great athletes , coaches & supporters .
# UnfinishedBusiness ” A couple of days after issuing that tweet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was introduced at Michigan State as Mark Dantonio ’ s successor .
A funny , sordid , twisted business , major college athletics .
I don ’ t blame Tucker one bit for doubling his pay — hello , $ 5 mil per — but he handled the thing like a real schmo .
• Get well soon , Ayo Dosunmu .
What a relief to learn there was no structural damage to the Illinois guard ’ s left knee after he slipped and fell awkwardly on the final play of a 70-69 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough one for the Illini to take even without the injury to their best player .
The plot has thickened with a three-game losing streak for a team that had seemed to be a shoo-in to end a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought .
The next two games , at Rutgers and at Penn State , would ’ ve been severe tests even with a healthy roster .
Brad Underwood ’ s team has gone from “ can we get a top-four seed ?
” to “ any seed will do.
” Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the field .
Probably .

To all the players, media and fans from around the world who have come to our humble burg for NBA All-Star Weekend, a most hearty welcome!
We Chicagoans might not have an NBA team, but we love the game and, besides, have everything you could want in a host city.
Hot food? Yes! Temperatures in the teens and snow everywhere? Well, yes. The delightful No. 20 Madison bus to convey you from downtown to the United Center? Indeed (and you’re welcome).
OK, fine, enough with the shenanigans. We have an NBA team, but only in the loosest interpretation of the phrase. We have our Bulls, a 19-36 mash-up of overmatched players, an in-over-his-head coach and a catastrophically inept front office. (Other than that, they’re in great shape.)
The 69th All-Star Game will go on without a single Bulls player in quite the same manner that the 67th and 68th All-Star Games did. Sad but true: We’ve gotten pretty used to NBA irrelevance around here.
Put another way: Many of us pine for 2016. What was up that year? Well, the Bulls’ Pau Gasol replaced injured teammate Jimmy Butler on the All-Star roster, but that’s just an insignificant detail. More to the point: It was a massively strange season for the team, which already was beginning to fracture under coach Fred Hoiberg and would gag away a playoff seed with a stretch-run collapse that left everyone involved feeling anywhere from bewildered to bitter.
See? That was so much better than this.
These Bulls have a ‘‘star’’ in Zach LaVine, who can drop 40 on any given night but apparently isn’t good enough to make the All-Star team even when the game is on his home court.
They have three consecutive No. 7 overall draft picks — Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Coby White — who’d be a whole lot better if they could find, respectively, a bigger heart, a healthier ankle and a more natural position.
They have a front office — namely, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman — that’s in desperate need of a long-overdue restructuring.
They have a coach in Jim Boylen who calls individual work ‘‘batting practice’’ and talks about ‘‘winning’’ quarters, as though anybody is handing out ‘‘W’s’’ for that. Then again, aren’t they doing just that for the first, second and third quarters of the oddly rejiggered All-Star Game on Sunday? But we digress.
Boylen loves to talk about ‘‘spirit’’ and ‘‘togetherness’’ despite neither thing being, by any sign, in abundant supply with his team.
So here we are. The long weekend of Bulls invisibility surely was to be evident beginning with TNT’s ‘‘Inside the NBA’’ telecast Thursday from House of Blues. Which makes us wonder: Could Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith beat any current Bulls trio in a game of three-on-three? Half-court and make-it, take-it, of course.
Maybe LaVine will win the three-point contest Saturday at the UC. Care to bet on him? We’ll pass, too.
But, again, welcome! Stay warm and have a ball.
We’ll be on the outside looking in if you need us.
Just sayin’
Interesting comments Wednesday from captain Jonathan Toews after the Blackhawks fell 3-0 to the Canucks in Vancouver for their fifth loss in a row.
Interesting, as in, where have we heard that 8,000 times before?
‘‘You can sit around and sulk about it for 20 minutes, and then you’ve got to make a decision on how you want to react and get ready for the next one,’’ he said. ‘‘So that’s all we can do right now.’’
At least the loss to the Canucks was different in that the Hawks put a season-high 49 shots on goal and Jacob Markstrom set a Canucks franchise record with 49 saves. No one could call it a poor effort by Toews and Co.
Still, there are two games to go on this brutal Canadian trip, including a second one against the Jets. Because everyone knows one night in Winnipeg is never enough.
Ah, well. Who needs playoff hockey, anyway?
• Alex DeBrincat’s four even-strength goals this season vs. Dylan Strome’s one point since New Year’s Eve.
Discuss.
• Colorado football coach Mel Tucker last weekend on Twitter:
‘‘While I am flattered to be considered for the HC job at [Michigan State], I am committed to [Colorado] for #TheBuild of our program, its great athletes, coaches & supporters. #UnfinishedBusiness’’
Translation: ‘‘Meet you in East Lansing!’’
A couple of days after issuing that tweet, Tucker — a former Bears defensive coordinator — was introduced at Michigan State as Mark Dantonio’s replacement.
A funny, sordid, twisted business, major-college athletics. I don’t blame Tucker one bit for doubling his pay, but he handled the thing like a real schmo.
• Get well soon, Ayo Dosunmu.
What a relief to learn there was no structural damage to the Illinois guard’s left knee after he slipped and fell awkwardly on the final play of a 70-69 loss to Michigan State that would have been a tough one for the Illini to take even without the injury to their best player.
The plot has thickened with a three-game losing streak for a team that had seemed to be a shoo-in to end a seven-year NCAA Tournament drought. The next two games, at Rutgers and at Penn State, would have been severe tests even with a healthy roster.
Coach Brad Underwood’s team has gone from ‘‘Can we get a top-four seed?’’ to ‘‘Any seed will do.’’ Don’t worry, the Illini still will make the field. Probably.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-13--No more alligators or coyotes: Chicago’s Animal Care and Control director resigns

Kelley Gandurski wrestled with capturing alligators and coyotes in just the last few months of her two-year tenure as executive director of Chicago ’ s chronically-troubled Animal Care and Control shelter .
Compared to those adventures , her new job should be a piece of cake .
Gandurski resigned Thursday to return to her lawyer roots , accepting a job as corporation counsel for the city of Evanston .
Although the choice was hers alone , it means yet another change at the top for a troubled city agency that has seen far too much of it .
Mayor Lori @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a big loss .
The mayor had privately touted Gandurski as a rising star at City Hall .
In a statement , Lightfoot said Gandurski made the switch from the Law Department to Animal Care and Control “ at a critical time ” and that her “ values and vision transformed ” the agency “ for our residents and the animals they care for.
” “ During her tenure , Kelley restored trust with advocates and residents , reformed critical services , and fostered partnerships and programs with the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which led to a record high level of pet adoptions , ” Lightfoot was quoted as saying .
“ Of course , many Chicagoans will remember Kelley for her leadership during last year ’ s Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator incident , but the true measure of Kelley ’ s service is the eight years she dedicated to the residents of Chicago through her work at the City ’ s Law Department and [ Animal Care and Control ] .
” The city will conduct a nationwide search for a new executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid $ 135,624 .
In the meantime , Deputy Director Mamadou Diakhate will serve as interim chief .
Gandurski , who had seemed to embrace and relish the Animal Care job , could not be reached for comment .
Dog-loving Ald .
Ray Lopez ( 15th ) said Gandurski will be difficult to replace .
He can only hope Lightfoot conducts a “ true nationwide search for someone as compassionate and committed to a no-kill Chicago ” as Gandurski was .
“ We were making great strides at Animal Care and Control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new policies ” Lopez said Thursday .
Those changes “ produced positive live outcomes for the animals despite having record increases in animals surrendered or captured , ” he added .
“ Kelley was a hands-on leader who embraced a multi-level strategy for volunteers as well as matching them with animals they could control based on their abilities .
She was willing to work with new partners , such as Sheriff Tom Dart , implementing programs connecting inmates with dogs that otherwise would have been euthanized.
” Two years ago , Gandurski was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel after being accused of “ warehousing ” dogs in conditions that , the mayor ’ s office claimed , made dangerous dogs even more dangerous .
Russell categorically denied the charge .
Her supporters rallied behind her and denounced the surprise firing .
Gandurski had served as deputy and general counsel under Russell and was named acting executive director after Russell was fired .
Prior to that , she served as supervising senior counsel in the city ’ s Law Department .
The quality of care and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constant source of controversy over the years .
In 2013 , Inspector General Joe Ferguson concluded that Chicago ’ s lost , stray and impounded dogs and cats are not always cleaned and fed properly — or getting veterinary exams within 24 hours — because the staff that did the feeding and cleaning had a 30 % vacancy rate .

Kelley Gandurski wrestled with capturing alligators and coyotes in just the last few months of her two-year tenure as executive director of Chicago’s chronically-troubled Animal Care and Control shelter.
Compared to those adventures, her new job should be a piece of cake.
Gandurski resigned Thursday to return to her lawyer roots, accepting a job as corporation counsel for the city of Evanston. Although the choice was hers alone, it means yet another change at the top for a troubled city agency that has seen far too much of it.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot made no bones about it. It’s a big loss. The mayor had privately touted Gandurski as a rising star at City Hall.
In a statement, Lightfoot said Gandurski made the switch from the Law Department to Animal Care and Control “at a critical time” and that her “values and vision transformed” the agency “for our residents and the animals they care for.”
“During her tenure, Kelley restored trust with advocates and residents, reformed critical services, and fostered partnerships and programs with the community and fellow animal care organizations, all of which led to a record high level of pet adoptions,” Lightfoot was quoted as saying.
“Of course, many Chicagoans will remember Kelley for her leadership during last year’s Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator incident, but the true measure of Kelley’s service is the eight years she dedicated to the residents of Chicago through her work at the City’s Law Department and [Animal Care and Control].”
The city will conduct a nationwide search for a new executive director, a position for which Gandurski was paid $135,624. In the meantime, Deputy Director Mamadou Diakhate will serve as interim chief.
Gandurski, who had seemed to embrace and relish the Animal Care job, could not be reached for comment.
Dog-loving Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) said Gandurski will be difficult to replace. He can only hope Lightfoot conducts a “true nationwide search for someone as compassionate and committed to a no-kill Chicago” as Gandurski was.
“We were making great strides at Animal Care and Control. We were making transformative changes and implementing new policies” Lopez said Thursday.
Those changes “produced positive live outcomes for the animals despite having record increases in animals surrendered or captured,” he added. “Kelley was a hands-on leader who embraced a multi-level strategy for volunteers as well as matching them with animals they could control based on their abilities. She was willing to work with new partners, such as Sheriff Tom Dart, implementing programs connecting inmates with dogs that otherwise would have been euthanized.”
Two years ago, Gandurski was chosen to replace Susan Russell, who was fired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel after being accused of “warehousing” dogs in conditions that, the mayor’s office claimed, made dangerous dogs even more dangerous.
Russell categorically denied the charge. Her supporters rallied behind her and denounced the surprise firing.
Gandurski had served as deputy and general counsel under Russell and was named acting executive director after Russell was fired. Prior to that, she served as supervising senior counsel in the city’s Law Department.
The quality of care and hiring at the city pound has been a constant source of controversy over the years.
In 2013, Inspector General Joe Ferguson concluded that Chicago’s lost, stray and impounded dogs and cats are not always cleaned and fed properly — or getting veterinary exams within 24 hours — because the staff that did the feeding and cleaning had a 30% vacancy rate.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Venison: When to fry loins in “Braising the Wild”

Jack Hennessy points out there are times when it is best to fry venison loins .
But those are specific occasions .
Here is this week ’ s “ Braising the Wild ” : WHEN TO FRY INNER LOINS Recently a friend of the family generously offered us a fallow deer from their farm .
Knowing I ’ d want to process it myself , our friend dispatched the deer the night before we picked it up , dressed it and let it hang overnight .
We skinned it and when it came time to remove the inner loins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat , creating a slightly brittle texture .
Any deer hunter knows : The inner loins ( sometimes called tenderloins or even the “ fish ” cuts ) are the premier slabs of meat .
They should be handled with care and cooked to perfection .
In this scenario , as carefully as I tried , I could not remove the inner loins whole .
There were some splits in the meat and some parts were drier than others , so I came to the inevitable conclusion : It was time to plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when possible , it ’ s always a great idea to let your deer hang so the meat has time to rest and denature ( which leads to better flavor and more tender meat ) .
I ’ ll cover more on this in a later article , but a good practice is always to remove the inner loins as soon as possible to avoid having them dry out .
Nevertheless , a good buttermilk bath aptly tenderized these particular loins ( and also made sure the flour stuck to the fat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a very tasty venison fry .
My wife even went out of her way to compliment it—that ’ s when you know it ’ s good .
1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt , ground black pepper , and garlic powder Cover in buttermilk and allow to soak for 2-4 hours in the fridge .
Heat couple inches of olive oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep skillet .
Remove venison chunks and toss through flour mix , shaking off any excess , before placing in olive oil .
Fry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Place on napkin-covered plate to absorb grease and cool before serving .

WHEN TO FRY INNER LOINS Recently a friend of the family generously offered us a fallow deer from their farm. Knowing I’d want to process it myself, our friend dispatched the deer the night before we picked it up, dressed it and let it hang overnight. We skinned it and when it came time to remove the inner loins, the cool night air had dried the meat, creating a slightly brittle texture. Any deer hunter knows: The inner loins (sometimes called tenderloins or even the fish cuts) are the premier slabs of meat. They should be handled with care and cooked to perfection. In this scenario, as carefully as I tried, I could not remove the inner loins whole. There were some splits in the meat and some parts were drier than others, so I came to the inevitable conclusion: It was time to plan for a venison fry. Typically speaking, when possible, it’s always a great idea to let your deer hang so the meat has time to rest and denature (which leads to better flavor and more tender meat). I’ll cover more on this in a later article, but a good practice is always to remove the inner loins as soon as possible to avoid having them dry out. Nevertheless, a good buttermilk bath aptly tenderized these particular loins (and also made sure the flour stuck to the fat in the milk) so they made for a very tasty venison fry. My wife even went out of her way to compliment it—that’s when you know it’s good. Ingredients (two-four servings): Two inner loins Half gallon of buttermilk 1/2 ounce-mix of finely minced fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder 1/2 cup flour Olive oil Dice inner loins to approximate 1-inch-by-1-inch pieces. Cover in buttermilk and allow to soak for 2-4 hours in the fridge. Heat couple inches of olive oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep skillet. Mix flour and spices thoroughly. Remove venison chunks and toss through flour mix, shaking off any excess, before placing in olive oil. Fry and turn until all sides are golden brown. Place on napkin-covered plate to absorb grease and cool before serving.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Dear Abby: A lucky blind date leads to 55 years of wedded bliss

DEAR ABBY : I met my lady on a blind date many years ago .
When I knocked on the door , it opened and this beautiful girl was standing there .
Thinking I could never be so lucky , I asked , “ Is your sister home ?
” No .
She was my date .
We dated for a few months , fell in love and got married .
We have had a wonderful 55-year marriage , and it gets sweeter every day .
We handle different opinions with courtesy and respect .
I ’ m 81 now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my heart with warmth and happiness .
The greatest joy in my life is to love and be loved .
I wish everyone the same .
— ECSTATIC IN NEW JERSEY DEAR ECSTATIC : Congratulations on 55 years of happiness .
Thank you for sharing your love story with my readers and me .
Today , I wish them — and you and your lovely wife — a very Happy Valentine ’ s Day .
DEAR ABBY : My sister recently self-published a book that purportedly honors my mother ’ s service in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely inaccurate .
It is filled with romantic fantasy and historical errors , and cheapens my mother ’ s real service with untruths .
My sister is now busy selling and promoting the book with interviews and book signings .
My mother , if she were still alive , would be embarrassed and appalled .
I don ’ t want to cause a family feud , but I feel if I remain silent , I ’ m helping to perpetuate something that is wrong on multiple levels .
What , if anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LOT INTO IT DEAR READING : I am sure your late mother was an amazing woman whose story didn ’ t need embroidering .
It may be a blessing she isn ’ t around to see what your sister has done to it .
Because the book is now in print , it ’ s too late to “ stop the presses.
” If you try to discredit what was written , it will very likely cause a rift , and I don ’ t recommend it .
Wish your sister luck and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t become a bestseller .
DEAR ABBY : My brother lives in another state .
He was never a good brother .
He has always been self-centered , controlling and condescending .
He is no longer in good health .
Some time ago , he named me as his power of attorney for financial and health issues .
I am elderly and have my own issues , so , should the need arise , it would be difficult for me to travel to where he is .
He has never been open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his health care providers are , who his banker or investment people are , etc.
, so , even if I were to go , I ’ d have no idea where to start to act on his behalf and according to his wishes .
I don ’ t even know what his wishes are , for that matter .
Because of his caustic personality , he has few friends and no family of his own .
How do I resign as his power of attorney so there is no assumption by anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him ?
— UNABLE IN THE WEST DEAR UNABLE : Discuss this with your attorney to be sure you have all your i ’ s dotted and your t ’ s crossed .
Then write your brother a letter .
Explain that because you have no information about his doctors , his wishes about end-of-life planning , his banker or investment adviser — plus the fact that your own health isn ’ t the greatest — you hereby resign as his power of attorney .
Send the letter via registered mail so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there will be proof that your brother received it .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person , order “ How to Be Popular.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Popularity Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I met my lady on a blind date many years ago. When I knocked on the door, it opened and this beautiful girl was standing there. Thinking I could never be so lucky, I asked, “Is your sister home?” No. She was my date.
We dated for a few months, fell in love and got married. We have had a wonderful 55-year marriage, and it gets sweeter every day. We handle different opinions with courtesy and respect.
I’m 81 now, and hugging and kissing her fills my heart with warmth and happiness. The greatest joy in my life is to love and be loved. I wish everyone the same. — ECSTATIC IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR ECSTATIC: Congratulations on 55 years of happiness. Thank you for sharing your love story with my readers and me. Today, I wish them — and you and your lovely wife — a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
DEAR ABBY: My sister recently self-published a book that purportedly honors my mother’s service in World War II. Her book is completely inaccurate. It is filled with romantic fantasy and historical errors, and cheapens my mother’s real service with untruths.
My sister is now busy selling and promoting the book with interviews and book signings. My mother, if she were still alive, would be embarrassed and appalled. I don’t want to cause a family feud, but I feel if I remain silent, I’m helping to perpetuate something that is wrong on multiple levels. What, if anything, should I do? — READING A LOT INTO IT
DEAR READING: I am sure your late mother was an amazing woman whose story didn’t need embroidering. It may be a blessing she isn’t around to see what your sister has done to it. Because the book is now in print, it’s too late to “stop the presses.” If you try to discredit what was written, it will very likely cause a rift, and I don’t recommend it. Wish your sister luck and cross your fingers that it won’t become a bestseller.
DEAR ABBY: My brother lives in another state. He was never a good brother. He has always been self-centered, controlling and condescending. He is no longer in good health.
Some time ago, he named me as his power of attorney for financial and health issues. I am elderly and have my own issues, so, should the need arise, it would be difficult for me to travel to where he is.
He has never been open, so I don’t know who his health care providers are, who his banker or investment people are, etc., so, even if I were to go, I’d have no idea where to start to act on his behalf and according to his wishes. I don’t even know what his wishes are, for that matter.
Because of his caustic personality, he has few friends and no family of his own. How do I resign as his power of attorney so there is no assumption by anyone that I would be a responsible party for him? — UNABLE IN THE WEST
DEAR UNABLE: Discuss this with your attorney to be sure you have all your i’s dotted and your t’s crossed. Then write your brother a letter. Explain that because you have no information about his doctors, his wishes about end-of-life planning, his banker or investment adviser — plus the fact that your own health isn’t the greatest — you hereby resign as his power of attorney. Send the letter via registered mail so he will have to sign for it, and there will be proof that your brother received it.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


Chicago-pedia: Miscellaneous

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 ) .
ALLIGATOR : 1 .
Name of iconic Chicago record label that features numerous blues musicians , including the incomparable Shemekia Copeland .
2 .
Creature unbelievably discovered in 2019 in Humboldt Park lagoon .
Its nickname : Chance the Snapper .
ORD : Mysterious abbreviation placed on luggage passing through O ’ Hare Airport .
The non-intuitive airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s roots , when it was known as Orchard Place Airport/ Douglas Field in the 1940s .
The airfield was built in an unincorporated area named Orchard Place and used initially by Douglas Aircraft , which built World War II cargo planes there .
The land was later deeded to the city , which renamed it in 1949 for Navy Lt. Cmdr .
Edward “ Butch ” O ’ Hare , a pilot who shot down five Japanese planes to save the USS Lexington in 1942 .
CHICAGO TIME : The time zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good chunk of the South .
Also known as “ Central Time.
” OLG : Nickname for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in the South Chicago neighborhood .
Founded in 1923 as the city ’ s first Mexican parish , it features the internationally known National Shrine of St. Jude , the patron saint of difficult cases .
Not to be confused with OLV or OLPH , other local Catholic church abbreviations .
THE MIDDLE CLASS : The middle-income people who once populated Chicago ’ s neighborhoods , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rich people .
CURRENCY EXCHANGE : A stand-alone business that cashes checks , wires money , sells money orders , sends faxes and offers other services — usually from behind a glass partition .
There are numerous currency exchanges in Illinois .
But if you ask for a “ currency exchange ” elsewhere in the United States , odds are that you ’ ll get a blank stare ... or directions to a business that converts foreign currency to dollars .
In some parts of the country , currency exchanges are called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s grandparents have over their couches the entire year , except for Easter , Christmas and select other holidays .

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).
ALLIGATOR: 1. Name of iconic Chicago record label that features numerous blues musicians, including the incomparable Shemekia Copeland.
2. Creature unbelievably discovered in 2019 in Humboldt Park lagoon. Its nickname: Chance the Snapper.
ORD: Mysterious abbreviation placed on luggage passing through O’Hare Airport. The non-intuitive airport code refers to O’Hare’s roots, when it was known as Orchard Place Airport/ Douglas Field in the 1940s. The airfield was built in an unincorporated area named Orchard Place and used initially by Douglas Aircraft, which built World War II cargo planes there. The land was later deeded to the city, which renamed it in 1949 for Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a pilot who shot down five Japanese planes to save the USS Lexington in 1942.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edward “Butch” O’Hare. Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times
CHICAGO TIME: The time zone that includes much of the Midwest and a good chunk of the South. Also known as “Central Time.”
OLG: Nickname for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in the South Chicago neighborhood. Founded in 1923 as the city’s first Mexican parish, it features the internationally known National Shrine of St. Jude, the patron saint of difficult cases. Not to be confused with OLV or OLPH, other local Catholic church abbreviations.
THE MIDDLE CLASS: The middle-income people who once populated Chicago’s neighborhoods, now largely filled with either poor people or rich people.
The Middle Class. Susan Smith/For the Sun-Times
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: A stand-alone business that cashes checks, wires money, sells money orders, sends faxes and offers other services — usually from behind a glass partition. There are numerous currency exchanges in Illinois. But if you ask for a “currency exchange” elsewhere in the United States, odds are that you’ll get a blank stare ... or directions to a business that converts foreign currency to dollars. In some parts of the country, currency exchanges are called “check cashers.”
PLASTIC: What everyone’s grandparents have over their couches the entire year, except for Easter, Christmas and select other holidays.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Judy Baar Topinka fed the FBI tips for years on possible corruption in the west suburbs, records sho

Judy Baar Topinka fed the FBI tips for years on possible corruption in the west suburbs, records show

Judy Baar Topinka , long a popular Illinois state officeholder , secretly provided federal authorities information about possible corruption in the 1970s and 1980s , records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show .
The longtime Republican state legislator , comptroller and treasurer died in 2014 , which is why the FBI released its Topinka files , which are now part of the Sun-Times ’ “ The FBI Files ” database .
Once someone has died , the FBI typically will release records it has on them on request , though usually with redactions .
Some of the material the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it ’ s still clear that the colorful , tell-it-like-it-is politician acted as an informant beginning in the 1970s , when she was a reporter for a newspaper in the west suburbs .
Topinka spoke with the FBI enough that a former aide has told the Sun-Times the conversations amounted to an “ open dialogue.
” Topinka ’ s son Joseph Baar Topinka said he wasn ’ t aware his mother had helped the FBI but that he wasn ’ t surprised because she was often frustrated at how politics sometimes worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact between Topinka and the FBI , according to the files that were released , was in 1975 , soon after her newspaper ran a “ short article stating that it had been learned from sources in Berwyn .
.
.
that the FBI was inquiring into official corruption in Berwyn.
” Topinka told agents she was “ extremely familiar ” with Berwyn and “ willing to provide information to the Bureau , ” according to the records .
She tipped off agents to a rumor about a bank she ’ d heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change and about an “ alleged shakedown ” at a market , the FBI records show .
Topinka also told agents that a former alderman — whose name is blacked out — was involved in “ extortion schemes , ” according to the records .
In 1987 , while Topinka was a state senator , she told the authorities of an allegation a Cicero official had demanded $ 7,000 from a business owner to open a liquor store , the documents show .
It ’ s unclear whether Topinka ’ s information had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI ’ s Chicago office wouldn ’ t comment .
Topinka herself was the subject of an FBI background check , the files show , when she was being considered in 1991 for an unspecified presidential appointment while President George H.W .
Bush was in office .
Topinka ’ s son said his mother was involved in a White House commission , but it ’ s unclear whether the background check was regarding that or another potential appointment .
The Justice Department also mentioned her name in a memo in 2005 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI records don ’ t specify what was about .

Judy Baar Topinka, long a popular Illinois state officeholder, secretly provided federal authorities information about possible corruption in the 1970s and 1980s, records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show.
The longtime Republican state legislator, comptroller and treasurer died in 2014, which is why the FBI released its Topinka files, which are now part of the Sun-Times’ “The FBI Files” database.
Once someone has died, the FBI typically will release records it has on them on request, though usually with redactions.
Some of the material the agency released on Topinka is blacked out. But it’s still clear that the colorful, tell-it-like-it-is politician acted as an informant beginning in the 1970s, when she was a reporter for a newspaper in the west suburbs.
Topinka spoke with the FBI enough that a former aide has told the Sun-Times the conversations amounted to an “open dialogue.”
Topinka’s son Joseph Baar Topinka said he wasn’t aware his mother had helped the FBI but that he wasn’t surprised because she was often frustrated at how politics sometimes worked in the west suburbs.
Judy Baar Topinka had been interviewed by the FBI several times in the 1970s and 1980s, according to her FBI file.
The earliest contact between Topinka and the FBI, according to the files that were released, was in 1975, soon after her newspaper ran a “short article stating that it had been learned from sources in Berwyn . . . that the FBI was inquiring into official corruption in Berwyn.”
Topinka told agents she was “extremely familiar” with Berwyn and “willing to provide information to the Bureau,” according to the records.
A portion of Judy Baar Topinka’s FBI file that says she told agents she was “willing to provide information to the Bureau.” FBI
She tipped off agents to a rumor about a bank she’d heard made a payoff to get a zoning change and about an “alleged shakedown” at a market, the FBI records show.
Topinka also told agents that a former alderman — whose name is blacked out — was involved in “extortion schemes,” according to the records.
In 1987, while Topinka was a state senator, she told the authorities of an allegation a Cicero official had demanded $7,000 from a business owner to open a liquor store, the documents show.
It’s unclear whether Topinka’s information had a part in any prosecutions. The FBI’s Chicago office wouldn’t comment.
Topinka herself was the subject of an FBI background check, the files show, when she was being considered in 1991 for an unspecified presidential appointment while President George H.W. Bush was in office.
Topinka’s son said his mother was involved in a White House commission, but it’s unclear whether the background check was regarding that or another potential appointment.
The Justice Department also mentioned her name in a memo in 2005, when George W. Bush was president, though the FBI records don’t specify what was about.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Walter ‘Poppee’ Matan, whose ice fishing lures helped him achieve American dream, dead at 87

Walter “ Poppee ” Matan made popular ice-fishing lures with names like amusement rides .
He crafted perhaps a million of them over the years , hand-pouring the lead , hand-soldering the hooks .
Mr. Matan and his son Walt sold them through their company , Custom Jigs & Spins .
The jigs — weighted hooks — are sold online and at retailers including Bass Pro Shops , Dick ’ s , Scheels and Walmart .
Mr. Matan , a longtime Wilmette resident , died Feb. 4 at the Knox County nursing home in Knoxville , Illinois .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his son .
Mr. Matan liked nothing better than to go ice fishing .
He ’ d kiss every fish he caught and sip a little slivovitz — plum brandy — to stay warm .
“ He was the grandpa of the fishing world , ” said Chauncey Niziol , host of the ESPN Chicago radio show “ Chauncey ’ s Great Outdoors.
” After a grandchild started calling him “ Poppee , ” everybody else did , too .
The company even had a “ Poppee ” jig .
“ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Bob Gillispie , who bought the company from the Matans .
“ He really was one of a kind.
” The elfin Mr. Matan starred in low-budget commercials for the company , which ran on MidWest Outdoors TV .
In one , he played a patient asking a doctor about his ailments .
The doctor prescribed a “ Gill Pill ” — one of the company ’ s jigs .
“ If he was fishing with a kid , and the kid caught the fish , ” Niziol said , “ he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He came a long way from an impoverished youth in rural , post-war Croatia , where he grew up in a small village near the town of Karlovac and was known as Vlado .
“ He had nine brothers and two sisters all in a one-room house with a dirt floor , ” his son said .
“ There was one cow and two chickens and one pot over the fireplace.
” Around 1953 , he and his brother Josef were conscripted into military service .
“ They had to guard the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any weapons , so they gave them a wooden gun , ” his son said .
“ After two or three days when they didn ’ t get any food , they just put the guns down and walked .
They decided to walk to Germany .
“ You ’ d either go to jail , or get shipped back to Croatia , or work in coal mines in Germany.
” Eventually , they were immigrated to the United States , where they had relatives in Whiting , Indiana .
They landed jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He spotted Helen Bukvich , his future wife , at a bowling alley in Whiting .
“ She was going to be a nun , ” their son said — just three weeks from entering a religious order .
They were married at St. Mary ’ s Byzantine Catholic Church in Whiting in 1959 and , over the years , helped 22 of Mr. Matan ’ s relatives move to America .
Mr. Matan worked as a janitor and property manager at apartments and condo complexes in Skokie and Wilmette , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the late 1980s , the family bought Custom Jigs & Spins , which was founded in Pekin by William Klingbell , a laid–off Caterpillar worker .
They operated it for more than a decade , making their lures in the basement of a Glenview hair salon .
“ We would hire kids from high school .
.
.
and we ’ d make jigs for three , four hours , and we ’ d package them till 10 , 11 o ’ clock at night , ” his son said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife was in charge of painting the jigs .
“ They ’ re beautiful colors , ” Niziol said .
“ Chartreuse , red , blacks .
Some of them glow in the dark.
” In a nod to Mr. Matan ’ s heritage , the company features some lures with Croatian names , like the Majmun ( monkey ) , Jaje ( egg ) and Glazba ( music ) .
Eventually , “ it was just getting too big for us to handle , ” his son said .
“ And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit our other jobs.
” They sold the business , now based in Iowa .
Walt Matan still designs and markets lures for the company .
Mr. Matan ’ s wife died in 2018 .
Besides his son , he is survived by three grandchildren , his sister Dragica and brothers Charles , Steven and Michael .
Mr. Matan was cremated .
His son plans to scatter the ashes at his father ’ s favorite fishing holes .
In a tribute for MidWest Outdoors magazine , Dennis Leppell , senior producer for MidWestOutdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me probably the No .
1 piece of advice I ’ ve ever learned : ‘ Start the day off with the lure that ’ s already tied onto your rod .
There ’ s a reason why it ’ s still tied on there.
’ Sometimes , we over-complicate this sport that we love .
“ Poppee was just like many of the lures he designed .
Not too flashy , not too complicated , and they got the job done .
”

The Demon.
The Rocker.
The Ratfinkee.
The Slip Dropper.
Walter “Poppee” Matan made popular ice-fishing lures with names like amusement rides. He crafted perhaps a million of them over the years, hand-pouring the lead, hand-soldering the hooks.
Mr. Matan and his son Walt sold them through their company, Custom Jigs & Spins. The jigs — weighted hooks — are sold online and at retailers including Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s, Scheels and Walmart.
Mr. Matan, a longtime Wilmette resident, died Feb. 4 at the Knox County nursing home in Knoxville, Illinois. He was 87 and had dementia, according to his son.
Mr. Matan liked nothing better than to go ice fishing. He’d kiss every fish he caught and sip a little slivovitz — plum brandy — to stay warm.
Poppee Matan always had a freezer full of panfish from his ice-fishing expeditions. Provided photo
“He was the grandpa of the fishing world,” said Chauncey Niziol, host of the ESPN Chicago radio show “Chauncey’s Great Outdoors.”
After a grandchild started calling him “Poppee,” everybody else did, too. The company even had a “Poppee” jig.
“He was the face of Custom Jigs,” said Bob Gillispie, who bought the company from the Matans. “He really was one of a kind.”
The elfin Mr. Matan starred in low-budget commercials for the company, which ran on MidWest Outdoors TV. In one, he played a patient asking a doctor about his ailments. The doctor prescribed a “Gill Pill” — one of the company’s jigs.
“If he was fishing with a kid, and the kid caught the fish,” Niziol said, “he was more excited than the kid.”
Poppee Matan was a genial face for the family business, Custom Jigs & Spins. Provided photo
He came a long way from an impoverished youth in rural, post-war Croatia, where he grew up in a small village near the town of Karlovac and was known as Vlado.
“He had nine brothers and two sisters all in a one-room house with a dirt floor,” his son said. “There was one cow and two chickens and one pot over the fireplace.”
Around 1953, he and his brother Josef were conscripted into military service.
“They had to guard the border, and they didn’t have any weapons, so they gave them a wooden gun,” his son said. “After two or three days when they didn’t get any food, they just put the guns down and walked. They decided to walk to Germany.
“You’d either go to jail, or get shipped back to Croatia, or work in coal mines in Germany.”
They chose the coal mines.
Eventually, they immigrated to the United States, where they had relatives in Whiting, Indiana. They landed jobs at Inland Steel and became crane operators.
He spotted Helen Bukvich, his future wife, at a bowling alley in Whiting.
“She was going to be a nun,” their son said — just three weeks from entering a religious order.
They were married at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Whiting in 1959 and, over the years, helped 22 of Mr. Matan’s relatives move to America.
Mr. Matan worked as a janitor and property manager at apartments and condo complexes in Skokie and Wilmette, where the family moved in the 1970s.
In the late 1980s, the family bought Custom Jigs & Spins, which was founded in Pekin by William Klingbell, a laid–off Caterpillar worker.
The Ratso — a $1.50 ice-fishing jig that was one of the ones that Poppee Matan hand-poured and his wife Helen and son Walt finished by affixing the plastic tails. Custom Jigs & Spins
They operated it for more than a decade, making their lures in the basement of a Glenview hair salon.
“We would hire kids from high school. . . and we’d make jigs for three, four hours, and we’d package them till 10, 11 o’clock at night,” his son said in a video history.
Mr. Matan’s wife was in charge of painting the jigs.
“They’re beautiful colors,” Niziol said. “Chartreuse, red, blacks. Some of them glow in the dark.”
In a nod to Mr. Matan’s heritage, the company features some lures with Croatian names, like the Majmun (monkey), Jaje (egg) and Glazba (music).
Eventually, “it was just getting too big for us to handle,” his son said. “And we also, we just couldn’t quit our other jobs.”
They sold the business, now based in Iowa. Walt Matan still designs and markets lures for the company.
Poppee Matan (right) and his son Walt appeared in fishing commercials for Custom Jigs & Spins. Provided photo
Mr. Matan’s wife died in 2018. Besides his son, he is survived by three grandchildren, his sister Dragica and brothers Charles, Steven and Michael.
Mr. Matan was cremated. His son plans to scatter the ashes at his father’s favorite fishing holes.
In a tribute for MidWest Outdoors magazine, Dennis Leppell, senior producer for MidWestOutdoors TV, wrote: “Poppee gave me probably the No. 1 piece of advice I’ve ever learned: ‘Start the day off with the lure that’s already tied onto your rod. There’s a reason why it’s still tied on there.’ Sometimes, we over-complicate this sport that we love.
“Poppee was just like many of the lures he designed. Not too flashy, not too complicated, and they got the job done.”
Contributing: Dale Bowman


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--EDITORIAL: Chicago lost Amazon’s HQ2, but not its top-tier high tech future

It stung when Amazon took a pass on Chicago two years ago for its mammoth second headquarters .
Amazon HQ2 could have been the catalyst to redevelop expansive but long-dormant properties such as the former Michael Reese Hospital campus near 29th Street or the 62 empty acres along the South Branch of the Chicago River between Roosevelt Road and Chinatown .
Most importantly , HQ2 would have brought 25,000 jobs to Chicago — and would have helped cement the city ’ s reputation as a player in the tech industry .
Chicago failed to bag Amazon , but the pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a top-tier high tech business sector is a natural for Chicago .
The city already possesses much of what ’ s necessary to make it happen — a centralized national transportation network , a concentration of quality universities , access to the whole world via O ’ Hare Airport , and a vibrant cultural life .
But , as Amazon let us know , the East Coast has a bigger pool of high tech workers .
This week , Chicago and Illinois took a major step toward addressing that weakness , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the University of Illinois ’ Discovery Partners Institute has reached a deal to build a tech research center near 14th and Clark streets .
The construction will be part of the first phase of The 78 , a redevelopment project planned for the same 62 acres along the river ’ s South Branch that Amazon passed over in 2018 .
DPI specializes in tech industry workforce development and tech research , training people in tech skills with a focus being on post-high-school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement , Pritzker said the nearly one-million-square-foot building would “ attract talent to our state from around the world , strengthening Illinois ’ long-term economic vitality for generations to come.
” DPI ’ s construction is to be funded by a portion of $ 500 million set aside by the Illinois General Assembly for tech centers around the state .
Private investors are expected to kick in at least another $ 230 million .
Now listen , this is Chicago .
So we realize that putting the tech center on the site of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded gift to Related Midwest , a developer that could collect up to $ 1.1 billion in tax increment finance funds and other subsidies for the project .
That funding was nailed down before Lightfoot took office .
But from an urban planning standpoint , putting the center in a brand new neighborhood — a South Side neighborhood , we should add — where infrastructure , transit , stores , schools and homes will grow up around it makes good sense .
So much sense that even fierce political rivals Rahm Emanuel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bruce Rauner , whom Pritzker defeated to become governor , came together to unveil plans for the institute — and tout the benefits of it — back in 2017 .
As Lightfoot said at the recent announcement sealing the deal : “ We are literally standing on a field of possibilities.
” Lightfoot has vowed that The 78 , which could be under development for decades , won ’ t receive a dollar in TIF funds until Related Midwest has documented the costs for the public improvements that are to be covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this newspaper will be watching that .
But substantial public infrastructure investment is part-and-parcel of the growth and continued vitality of every big city , including Chicago from its first days .
Amazon took a pass on Chicago , but Chicago can ’ t afford to take a pass now .

It stung when Amazon took a pass on Chicago two years ago for its mammoth second headquarters.
Amazon HQ2 could have been the catalyst to redevelop expansive but long-dormant properties such as the former Michael Reese Hospital campus near 29th Street or the 62 empty acres along the South Branch of the Chicago River between Roosevelt Road and Chinatown.
Most importantly, HQ2 would have brought 25,000 jobs to Chicago — and would have helped cement the city’s reputation as a player in the tech industry.
Editorials bug Editorials
Chicago failed to bag Amazon, but the pursuit left City Hall and civic leaders convinced that a top-tier high tech business sector is a natural for Chicago. The city already possesses much of what’s necessary to make it happen — a centralized national transportation network, a concentration of quality universities, access to the whole world via O’Hare Airport, and a vibrant cultural life.
But, as Amazon let us know, the East Coast has a bigger pool of high tech workers.
This week, Chicago and Illinois took a major step toward addressing that weakness, and we welcome it. It feels overdue.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute has reached a deal to build a tech research center near 14th and Clark streets. The construction will be part of the first phase of The 78, a redevelopment project planned for the same 62 acres along the river’s South Branch that Amazon passed over in 2018.
Talent from “around the world”
DPI specializes in tech industry workforce development and tech research, training people in tech skills with a focus being on post-high-school to first-year-after-college employment.
In making the announcement, Pritzker said the nearly one-million-square-foot building would “attract talent to our state from around the world, strengthening Illinois’ long-term economic vitality for generations to come.”
DPI’s construction is to be funded by a portion of $500 million set aside by the Illinois General Assembly for tech centers around the state. Private investors are expected to kick in at least another $230 million.
Now listen, this is Chicago. So we realize that putting the tech center on the site of The 78 might look like another publicly funded gift to Related Midwest, a developer that could collect up to $1.1 billion in tax increment finance funds and other subsidies for the project. That funding was nailed down before Lightfoot took office.
But from an urban planning standpoint, putting the center in a brand new neighborhood — a South Side neighborhood, we should add — where infrastructure, transit, stores, schools and homes will grow up around it makes good sense. So much sense that even fierce political rivals Rahm Emanuel, Lightfoot’s predecessor as mayor, and Bruce Rauner, whom Pritzker defeated to become governor, came together to unveil plans for the institute — and tout the benefits of it — back in 2017.
As Lightfoot said at the recent announcement sealing the deal: “We are literally standing on a field of possibilities.”
Lightfoot has vowed that The 78, which could be under development for decades, won’t receive a dollar in TIF funds until Related Midwest has documented the costs for the public improvements that are to be covered by the subsidy. Civic watchdogs and this newspaper will be watching that.
But substantial public infrastructure investment is part-and-parcel of the growth and continued vitality of every big city, including Chicago from its first days.
Amazon took a pass on Chicago, but Chicago can’t afford to take a pass now.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--Friday marks coldest day of winter, brings subzero wind chill

Chicago has already seen the coldest weather of this winter Friday morning , and a persistent wind chill will make @ @ @ @ @ .
Temperatures fell to one degree at O ’ Hare International Airport about 3:15 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ two degree low of Jan. 19 , according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Friedlein @ @ @ @ @ climb to a high of about 17 degrees , the wind chill has the potential @ @ @ @ @ like minus 15 , the weather service said .
A wind chill advisory is in @ @ @ @ @ The bitter cold follows a Wednesday night snowstorm that dumped 4 inches of snow at @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Hare international airports , according to the weather service .
Temperatures will rebound @ @ @ @ @ 30s , with a chance of snow to accompany them .
The Chicago winter has @ @ @ @ @ January and December both measuring about 6 degrees above average , according to the weather @ @ @ @ @ Chicago has published an online list of warming centers .

Chicago has already seen the coldest weather of this winter Friday morning, and a persistent wind chill will make the air feel even icier.
Temperatures dipped below zero degrees for the first time this winter early Friday morning at at O’Hare International Airport, the National Weather Service said.
Good subzero morning Chicago!
The official climate site at O'Hare International Airport has dropped below zero for the first time this winter.
Sure, the Windy City can get colder, but this is cold enough to cause frostbite concerns. Bundle up this morning! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/N8okLQSGfq — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 14, 2020
Though temperatures will eventually climb to a high of about 17 degrees, the wind chill has the potential to make it feel more like minus 15, the weather service said. A wind chill advisory is in effect until 10 a.m.
Bitterly cold temps expected tonight into Friday morning. The lowest temps since winter 2019 are likely, including a late first sub-zero reading of the season for many areas. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect for our Illinois counties from 8pm tonight-10am Friday. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/dkuFRPApD8 — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 13, 2020
The bitter cold follows a Wednesday night snowstorm that dumped 4 inches of snow at Midway and 3.5 inches at O’Hare international airports, according to the weather service.
Temperatures will rebound quickly by Saturday into the 30s, with a chance of snow to accompany them.
The Chicago winter has been fairly mild, with January and December both measuring about 6 degrees above average, according to the weather service.
The City of Chicago has published an online list of warming centers.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--1 killed, 2 wounded in Thursday shootings

A man was killed and two other people were wounded Thursday in shootings across Chicago .
The man , 24 , was found shot to death inside a vehicle in Roseland on the South Side .
He was found by a neighbor who noticed his vehicle parked in an alley for hours in the 9900 block of South State Street , Chicago police said .
When officers were called about 12:15 p.m. , they found the man with a gunshot wound to the back of his head .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
Later in the afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
They were sitting in a parked vehicle about 4 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Augusta Boulevard when someone drove up alongside and opened fire , Chicago police said .
A 49-year-old woman was struck in the forearm while a man , 42 , was shot in the leg .
They were both taken to Stroger Hospital , where they were listed in good condition , police said .
Wednesday ’ s shootings killed one person and hurt six others in Chicago .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

A man was killed and two others wounded Thursday in shootings across Chicago.
The man, 24, was found shot to death inside a vehicle in Roseland on the South Side.
He was found by a neighbor who noticed his vehicle parked in an alley for hours in the 9900 block of South State Street, Chicago police said. When officers were called about 12:15 p.m., they found the man with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Later in the afternoon, a man and woman were wounded in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
They were sitting in a parked vehicle about 4 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Augusta Boulevard when someone drove up alongside and opened fire, Chicago police said. A 49-year-old woman was struck in the forearm while a man, 42, was shot in the leg.
They were both taken to Stroger Hospital, where they were listed in good condition, police said.
Wednesday’s shootings killed one person and hurt six others in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--SWAT-like immigration enforcement teams coming to Chicago, other sanctuary cities

The Trump administration is deploying special tactical units akin to SWAT teams to Chicago and other sanctuary cities to assist in everyday immigration arrests .
News of the deployment , first reported by The New York Times on Friday , has triggered an immediate response from city officials and immigrant groups who decried the move as a intimidation tactic .
A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection confirmed the planned deployment to the Chicago Sun-Times .
The agency will send 100 officers to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement , which oversees arrests and deportations in the interior of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of CBP ’ s elite tactical unit known as BORTAC .
The unit is made up of specially trained agents that focus on high-priority targets like cartel members and human traffickers .
BORTAC agents have also conducted missions in several countries and served alongside U.S. military personnel in Iraq .
But in Chicago and other sanctuary cities , BORTAC agents “ will be asked to support interior officers in run-of-the-mill immigration arrests , ” according to the Times , which cited two officials familiar with the operation .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached for comment on the Trump administration ’ s plans .
Ald .
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa ( 35th ) said although it ’ s not the first time Trump has used federal agents to “ target ” Chicago , it ’ s chilling nonetheless .
“ It ’ s extremely important , even if he is crying wolf , that we take this seriously , ” he said .
Naureen Shah , senior policy and advocacy counsel on immigrant rights for the American Civil Liberties Union , said the deployment of tactical forces “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to do the administration ’ s bidding.
” He said it “ will put lives at risk by further militarizing our streets.
” Per city law , the Chicago Police Department and all other city agencies are barred from cooperating with ICE except in cases where a targeted undocumented immigrant has an outstanding criminal warrant ; has been charged or convicted of a felony ; or has been identified by police as a gang member .
It remains unclear what impact the deployment will have on day-to-day police operations .
CPD spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no prior communications or knowledge ” of the deployment .
Asked if the deployment could have a chilling effect on police-community relations , he said it was important that external law enforcement agents properly identify themselves and don ’ t just wear uniforms that say “ police ” on them .
“ It is certainly a legitimate concern and creates a false perception for the Chicago Police Department , ” he said .
“ Community trust and relationships are vitally important to us and we work very hard to safeguard those partnerships so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods.
” Ramirez-Rosa also fears news of the operation could drop economic activity in immigrant neighborhoods and “ depress ” local participation in the 2020 U.S. Census .
He said the city is mobilizing to “ protect immigrant families.
” “ We ’ re gon na be out knocking on doors , informing residents of their rights , but also making sure that , should immigration officials be present attempting to deport our families , that we ’ re gon na be prepared to take action to defend one another , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ You have a right to remain silent .
Don ’ t tell them anything.
’ It can be recording the interaction so we have video to use in the future ... or , it can actually take the form of people using their bodies to engage in non-violent civil disobedience , ” he said .
In his record $ 4.8 trillion budget for fiscal year 2021 , President Trump requested $ 3.1 billion in anticipation of a daily average census of 60,000 in ICE detention centers , an increase from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a corps members of Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago ’ s South Side and West Side .

The Trump administration is deploying special tactical units akin to SWAT teams to Chicago and other sanctuary cities to assist in everyday immigration arrests.
News of the deployment, first reported by The New York Times on Friday, has triggered an immediate response from city officials and immigrant groups who decried the move as an intimidation tactic.
A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection confirmed the planned deployment to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The agency will send 100 officers to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which oversees arrests and deportations in the interior of the country.
Among those being deployed are members of CBP’s elite tactical unit known as BORTAC.
The unit is made up of specially trained agents that focus on high-priority targets like cartel members and human traffickers. BORTAC agents have also conducted missions in several countries and served alongside U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
But in Chicago and other sanctuary cities, BORTAC agents “will be asked to support interior officers in run-of-the-mill immigration arrests,” according to the Times, which cited two officials familiar with the operation.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a video response released by her office Friday evening that the Trump administration is “yet again targeting our immigrant and refugee communities through its usual fear mongering and xenophobia.”
“If anyone thinks that they can come here to our city and terrorize our residents into the shadows, let me say this: they’ve got another thing coming,” she said.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) said although it’s not the first time Trump has used federal agents to “target” Chicago, it’s chilling nonetheless.
“It’s extremely important, even if he is crying wolf, that we take this seriously,” he said.
Naureen Shah, senior policy and advocacy counsel on immigrant rights for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the deployment of tactical forces “is transparent retaliation against local governments for refusing to do the administration’s bidding.” She said it “will put lives at risk by further militarizing our streets.”
Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. said “the reported deployment of excessively armed border agents to immigrant-welcoming communities only further illustrates how deranged and divorced from reality this administration’s immigration priorities are.”
Per city law, the Chicago Police Department and all other city agencies are barred from cooperating with ICE except in cases where a targeted undocumented immigrant has an outstanding criminal warrant; has been charged or convicted of a felony; or has been identified by police as a gang member.
Asked if the deployment could have a chilling effect on police-community relations, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said it was important that external law enforcement agents properly identify themselves and don’t just wear uniforms that say “police” on them.
“It is certainly a legitimate concern and creates a false perception for the Chicago Police Department,” he said. “Community trust and relationships are vitally important to us and we work very hard to safeguard those partnerships so we can be most effective in protecting neighborhoods.”
Efforts to protect immigrants
Ramirez-Rosa also fears news of the operation could drop economic activity in immigrant neighborhoods and “depress” local participation in the 2020 U.S. Census.
He said the city is mobilizing to “protect immigrant families.”
“We’re gonna be out knocking on doors, informing residents of their rights, but also making sure that, should immigration officials be present attempting to deport our families, that we’re gonna be prepared to take action to defend one another,” he said.
“That can be yelling, ‘You have a right to remain silent. Don’t tell them anything.’ It can be recording the interaction so we have video to use in the future ... or, it can actually take the form of people using their bodies to engage in non-violent civil disobedience,” he said.
In his record $4.8 trillion budget for fiscal year 2021, President Trump requested $3.1 billion in anticipation of a daily average census of 60,000 in ICE detention centers, an increase from the 54,000 requested last year.
Contributing: Sam Charles, Fran Spielman, Nader Issa
Carlos Ballesteros is a corps member of Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of Chicago’s South Side and West Side.


chicagosuntimes--2020-02-14--ENDORSEMENT: Michael Cabonargi for Cook County Circuit Court clerk in Democratic primary

The next Cook County Circuit Court clerk will inherit a mess .
This office is responsible for retaining every court record and making these records accessible to judges , lawyers and the general public .
It has been so poorly run that people have sat in jail for months because of misplaced files .
Lawyers have complained that files are incomplete ; information goes missing .
Other county court systems have fully digital operations .
Cook County still pushes a lot of paper .
But now the good news : This is an open seat in the 2020 elections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is stepping down .
That means Cook County voters have their best chance in two decades to put somebody in the job who will bring the office into the 21st century .
It ’ s a massive undertaking , one that we believe lawyer Michael Cabonargi of Wilmette is best qualified to handle .
He is endorsed in the March 17 Democratic primary .
Since 2011 , Cabonargi has been a commissioner at the Cook County Board of Review , the office that reviews property assessment appeals in Cook County .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s operations .
When he does community outreach , Cabonargi provides appeal forms in Spanish , Polish , Korean and Mandarin .
He has Spanish , Polish and Mandarin speakers on his staff .
At the time Cabonargi joined the board of review , it was a paper-based system .
The process became far more efficient when it moved online .
The great majority of appeals at the board of review now are filed electronically .
The circuit court clerk ’ s office sorely needs a similar overhaul .
Under Brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a center of scandals .
In December , for instance , one of Brown ’ s top aides was sentenced to two years in prison for lying to a federal grand jury that had been investigating Brown .
Brown was not charged .
Cabonargi has excellent credentials .
In addition to his experience on the board of review , he is a former federal prosecutor who investigated corruption while working at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission .
Our one reservation with respect to Cabonargi is that he has strong ties to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois .
We ’ re pretty sure the party bosses are counting on him to protect some 1,400 jobs .
We ’ re counting on him to make the circuit court clerk ’ s office work .
Also running are former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin , state Sen. Iris Martinez , and lawyer and civil rights advocate Jacob Meister .
For more information about this race and others , including candidate questionnaires , go to our Illinois primary voting guide .
Our newspaper is owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases , politically active investors ; for details , see our owner information page .

The next Cook County Circuit Court clerk will inherit a mess.
This office is responsible for retaining every court record and making these records accessible to judges, lawyers and the general public. It has been so poorly run that people have sat in jail for months because of misplaced files. Lawyers have complained that files are incomplete; information goes missing.
Other county court systems have fully digital operations. Cook County still pushes a lot of paper.
But now the good news: This is an open seat in the 2020 elections. The incumbent clerk, Dorothy Brown, is stepping down. That means Cook County voters have their best chance in two decades to put somebody in the job who will bring the office into the 21st century.
It’s a massive undertaking, one that we believe lawyer Michael Cabonargi of Wilmette is best qualified to handle. He is endorsed in the March 17 Democratic primary.
Since 2011, Cabonargi has been a commissioner at the Cook County Board of Review, the office that reviews property assessment appeals in Cook County. He had a big role in modernizing that agency’s operations.
When he does community outreach, Cabonargi provides appeal forms in Spanish, Polish, Korean and Mandarin. He has Spanish, Polish and Mandarin speakers on his staff.
At the time Cabonargi joined the board of review, it was a paper-based system. The process became far more efficient when it moved online.
The great majority of appeals at the board of review now are filed electronically. The circuit court clerk’s office sorely needs a similar overhaul.
Under Brown, the clerk’s office has been a center of scandals. In December, for instance, one of Brown’s top aides was sentenced to two years in prison for lying to a federal grand jury that had been investigating Brown. Brown was not charged.
Cabonargi has excellent credentials. In addition to his experience on the board of review, he is a former federal prosecutor who investigated corruption while working at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our one reservation with respect to Cabonargi is that he has strong ties to the old-school Democratic organization. He is vice chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. We’re pretty sure the party bosses are counting on him to protect some 1,400 jobs.
We’re counting on him to make the circuit court clerk’s office work.
Also running are former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, state Sen. Iris Martinez, and lawyer and civil rights advocate Jacob Meister.
For more information about this race and others, including candidate questionnaires, go to our Illinois primary voting guide. Our newspaper is owned by a group of civic-minded and, in some cases, politically active investors; for details, see our owner information page.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.