chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Sex offenders who lived at Wayside Cross Ministries drop lawsuit against Aurora

The city notified the men in the spring of 2019 that they were in violation of the state sex offender @ @ @ @ @ said a new mapping software showed they lived too close to McCarty Park .
Aurora @ @ @ @ @ the city had no choice but to report the violation to the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ determine how to proceed and whether the men should be prosecuted .

A group of 18 sex offenders who lived at Wayside Cross in Aurora have dropped a lawsuit against the city and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)
After a year-long legal battle, a lawsuit against the city of Aurora and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office brought by 18 sex offenders who wanted to keep living at Wayside Cross Ministries in downtown Aurora has been voluntarily dismissed.
The men this spring moved to new locations. They had been living at Wayside as part of a rehabilitation program. The litigation came after concerns arose about the men living too close to McCarty Park. The state’s residency law bars child sex offenders from living within 500 feet of a playground, school, daycare or other child-centric location.
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Kane County Judge Kevin Busch ruled in January that McCarty Park, and its signature splash pad, serves as a playground, and that the government has an interest in protecting children.
The lawsuit brought by the men was dismissed July 24 after their attorney Adele Nicholas said she had no legal path forward. She petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to intervene and issue a supervisory order to grant injunctive relief, but they declined to consider the issue, she said.
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Nicholas said she appreciated the cooperation of the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office earlier this year when they gave the men 90 days to make arrangements for alternative housing instead of arresting them.
None of the men were criminally charged, and all have now moved out of Wayside Cross and none are homeless, Wayside Cross Executive Director James Lukose said.
Most of the men found new housing and jobs in the west suburban area, while one man moved downstate. Most of the men had moved out of Wayside by mid-March, with one man staying until the final deadline to leave on May 15.
Citing the men’s privacy, Lukose declined to specify which towns the men moved to in Illinois.
The Friends of Wayside group and local companies agreed to hire several of the men just before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Lukose said.
He was relieved they found jobs before the pandemic created employment problems across the nation. Seven of the men went in a group for a job interview in March before the outbreak.
“The timing was excellent because they were in the mood to hire people,” Lukose said. “And it’s a blessing they remained employed even during COVID-19 because they (got jobs with) an essential business.”
Out of five men who both lived and were employed at Wayside, three of the men continue to work at the ministry. One runs the car detailing program, another is in charge of housekeeping and the third is involved with donations and scheduling.
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Former resident Michael Douglas said it was a struggle starting over again, but he is relieved to still live near Wayside and work in the Hope on Wheels car detailing business there.
“Wayside was really my home,” Douglas said. “But I’m dealing with acceptance and moving on with my life. There will be other obstacles and challenges, but you just have to have the determination to get past it.”
While Lukose said he was sad to see the men leave, he said it was in a sense a blessing in disguise.
“Our goal has always been for people to transition from here out into the world,” Lukose said. “From finding a job, getting the confidence and not being institutionalized, it’s a blessing. They take pride in being employed, productive members of society.”
The city notified the men in the spring of 2019 that they were in violation of the state sex offender residency law after city officials said a new mapping software showed they lived too close to McCarty Park. Aurora police spokesman Paris Lewbel said the city had no choice but to report the violation to the state’s attorney so the office could determine how to proceed and whether the men should be prosecuted.
“These were decisions that the state’s attorney, and only the state’s attorney, could make,” Lewbel said in a statement.
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City officials said they asked Wayside leaders in early 2019 not to accept any additional sex offenders until they could investigate the distance issue further. But, city officials said Wayside continued to accept child sex offenders into its residential program.
The men at Wayside were notified they lived too close to the park in June 2019. The men filed a federal lawsuit against Aurora in mid-July 2019, and action on those first notices to the men was halted pending the outcome of the litigation.
Attorneys for the men argued officials were misinterpreting and misapplying the law and creating a burden on the men’s exercise of religion at Wayside Cross, a violation of the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Nicholas said she does not direct her frustrations at the city of Aurora, but instead is disappointed in the General Assembly.
“Despite knowing how badly the residency law malfunctions, they continue to do nothing about it,” Nicholas said. “We have residential bans that really only function to create a crisis of housing and force people into homelessness or prison simply because they can’t find a place to live.”
mejones@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Berghoff closes temporarily, a month after reopening, blaming economic challenges due to COVID-19 pa

Berghoff closes temporarily, a month after reopening, blaming economic challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic

Colleen Silk , brand manager , blamed the lack of customers downtown .
In an email , she said that @ @ @ @ @ down 68 % , if not more , from last year and office buildings are @ @ @ @ @ the restaurants re-opened June 30 , they have seen an average of 15 to 20 @ @ @ @ @ is more than a 90 % decrease since last year .

The Berghoff Restaurant, a historic German restaurant downtown, and Adams Street Brewery, its adjoining brewery, have temporarily closed, starting Tuesday, July 28. The Berghoff Cafe at O’Hare will remain open.
This decision was strictly a business one, according to a recording on the Berghoff’s main telephone line. No employee has tested positive for COVID-19 nor have the restaurants been cited for violating any COVID-19 policies or procedures.
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Colleen Silk, brand manager, blamed the lack of customers downtown. In an email, she said that tourism in the Loop is down 68%, if not more, from last year and office buildings are still mostly closed. Since the restaurants re-opened June 30, they have seen an average of 15 to 20 customers a day, which is more than a 90% decrease since last year.
“So we may hopefully reopen in the near future, and to save what capital is left, the family decided it is best to close our doors for the time being,” she wrote. “It was not a decision they made lightly and (they) contemplated over this extensively beforehand.”


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Suspect in Park Ridge bank robbery may have targeted other banks: FBI

According to the FBI , the same suspect is believed to have committed robberies on Jan. 22 at Byline Bank @ @ @ @ @ River Forest ; on July 6 at Parkway Bank at 4858 N. Milwaukee Ave. in @ @ @ @ @ 8 at Wood Dale Bank and Trust at 171 E. Irving Park Road in Wood @ @

Police and the FBI are looking for this man, captured during the July 8 robbery of Wood Dale Bank and Trust in Wood Dale, who is believed to have also robbed a Parkway Bank branch in Park Ridge on July 27. - Original Credit: Chicago FBI Office (Chicago FBI Office / HANDOUT)
A man who robbed a Park Ridge bank Monday is suspected in the robberies of at least three other banks dating back to January, authorities said.
The latest robbery occurred shortly before 4 p.m., July 27 at Parkway Bank, 1001 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge police said in a news release.
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According to police, a man wearing a white face mask, green jacket, jean shorts and a baseball hat approached a teller and demanded money. The man did not show a weapon, but “implied” he had one, police said.
Police did not say how much money was stolen or if a vehicle was involved.
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According to the FBI, the same suspect is believed to have committed robberies on Jan. 22 at Byline Bank at 7751 Lake Street in River Forest; on July 6 at Parkway Bank at 4858 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago; and on July 8 at Wood Dale Bank and Trust at 171 E. Irving Park Road in Wood Dale.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI’s Chicago Field Office at 312-421-6700.
jjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Gary to close Marquette Park Beach starting Wednesday

Litter and parking woes also are evidence of the large crowds , but Labovitz said a meeting in June was @ @ @ @ @ and other law enforcement officials , as well as representatives from the parks , to @ @ @ @ @ for tackling the challenges brought by heavy crowds day in and day out .

U.S. Army Golden Knights soar over Marquette Park on Saturday, July 9, during the first day of the 2016 Gary Air Show. (Kyle Telechan, Post-Tribune)
Gary will close Marquette Park Beach starting Wednesday, Mayor Jerome Prince said.
Concerned about COVID-19′s spread, Prince said the beach will be closed for at least two weeks. The park’s shelters and parking lots will also be closed, he said.
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Gary cops will be patrolling the beach and kicking off anyone there, Prince said. Marquette Park will still be open for recreation as long as people are keeping apart, he said.
“We continue to see almost daily double-digit increases in our new COVID-19 positive cases in Gary,” Prince said. “We also must ease the logistical strains on our public safety teams and our beach neighborhoods.”
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Gary has seen 63 virus deaths and 1,047 positive cases, spokesman Mike Gonzalez said.
Gary Health Department Commissioner Roland Walker recommended closing the beaches for crowd control, Prince said. Last week, it tried an “experimental plan” to promote social distancing, while keeping it open.
“We will assess the situation over the next two weeks and explore ways we can reopen our beaches and still protect the public,” Prince said.
The Aeroshell team loops over the crowd during the 2016 Gary Air Show. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)
The move follows similar Indiana beach closures in Whiting and Michigan City.
On Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order calling for residents to wear face masks went into effect as the state’s COVID-19 positive cases continued to grow.
The reaction to the mask order has been mixed, as many national businesses announced their own mask mandates last week.
At the same time, the state’s school districts are attempting to decide how the new school year will start with some districts, including Gary and Portage, opting to begin with elearning.
Holcomb said his order will also require masks in schools for grades 3 and above by students, teachers and other employees, but that he would leave decisions on reopening schools to local officials.
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Across the county line, beaches in Porter County remain open. In June, officials at the Indiana Dunes State Park and the Dunes National Park, noticed an influx of Illinois residents as the summer season got started.
“We sort of joke it’s an Illinois invasion. The good news is, with the beaches closed in Chicago, they’re discovering Northwest Indiana,” said Paul Labovitz, superintendent of the national park.
Litter and parking woes also are evidence of the large crowds, but Labovitz said a meeting in June was scheduled with state, county and other law enforcement officials, as well as representatives from the parks, to come up with a plan for tackling the challenges brought by heavy crowds day in and day out.
“We can’t chase away families because of a few bad apples,” he said.
The Associated Press and correspondent Amy Lavalley contributed.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Kanye West, Willie Wilson facing petition challenge to make Nov. 3 ballot

Wilson , who twice failed in bids to become Chicago ’ s mayor and who also failed in a long-shot @ @ @ @ @ presidential nomination , filed petitions to appear on the ballot as a U.S. Senate candidate @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month .

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West smile as they watch the first quarter of the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on Feb. 16, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Kanye West’s bid to make the Nov. 3 Illinois ballot as an independent presidential contender and Willie Wilson’s effort to run as a third-party U.S. Senate candidate are facing candidacy petition challenges, State Board of Elections records show.
West, who filed papers this week to appear on ballots in New Jersey and Missouri, faces three challenges to his petitions, including one filed by Alvin Boutte of Chicago.
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A copy of Boutte’s challenge contends West’s petitions lacked the minimum 2,500 valid signatures of registered Illinois voters, was improperly notarized and that his failure to name a vice presidential running mate invalidated his effort to make the fall ballot.
Wilson, who twice failed in bids to become Chicago’s mayor and who also failed in a long-shot bid for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, filed petitions to appear on the ballot as a U.S. Senate candidate under the Willie Wilson Party earlier this month.
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He would be up against Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who is seeking a fifth term.
Wilson’s petitions were challenged by Doris Turner, a Democrat and a Springfield alderwoman. Turner’s petition is related to a pending appeal of lower petition signature requirements granted by a federal court due to the pandemic.
Her petition contends if the courts overturn the lower signature threshold, Wilson lacks the number needed to make the ballot.
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chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Pastors, murder victims’ families ask Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx for robust witness prote

Pastors, murder victims’ families ask Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx for robust witness protection program

“ There are people who know who killed my son , and they will not come forward because they don @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ We need these witnesses to be protected .
Someone knows @ @ @ @ @ ” she said as a tear ran down her cheek underneath her sunglasses .

Sharita Galloway, the mother of Elijah Sims, who was slain in 2016, speaks on July 28, 2020, during a news conference outside State's Attorney Kim Foxx's office to demand that Foxx set up a witness protection program and funding to help stem gun violence in Chicago. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Sharita Galloway stood at the microphones holding a cutout photo of her son Elijah Sims, who was shot and killed on the West Side of Chicago four years ago, two days shy of his 17th birthday.
“There are people who know who killed my son, and they will not come forward because they don’t feel protected,” she said. “We need these witnesses to be protected. Someone knows who killed my baby,” she said as a tear ran down her cheek underneath her sunglasses.
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Galloway joined a group of parents whose children were also victims of gun violence and Chicago ministers at a news conference Tuesday morning in front of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s downtown office, asking her to establish a “robust” witness protection program, which they said would be a critical step in reducing the city’s gun violence.
“We need it,” said the Rev. Cy Fields of New Landmark Baptist Church. “It is doable. And if we’re serious about justice, let’s get serious about a witness protection program. And the time is now.”
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Followed by people who have lost family members to violence, the rev. Cy Fields carries a letter to be delivered to State's Attorney Kim Foxx during a news conference outside Foxx's office. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Speakers pushed back against the notion that murders often go unsolved on the South and West sides because neighbors and residents don’t want to talk to police.
“The community wants to talk, they just don’t feel safe,” said Pam Bosley, whose 18-year-old son was gunned down on the South Side church parking lot in 2006, and the case remains unsolved.
“It’s not about breaking a code of silence,” the Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church said. “Our challenge today is to break a culture of fear.”
Several speakers Tuesday said criminals feel emboldened because most of the time, homicides go unsolved.
Alan Scott holds up a photo of his daughter, Kaylyn Pryor, who was murdered in 2015, as he speaks during the news conference outside State's Attorney Kim Foxx's office. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Rochelle Sykes holds up a sign with a photo of her nephew, Demetrius Griffin Jr., who was slain in 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago police made arrests in 103 out of 486 homicides last year, a rate of 21% for 2019, according to city crime data through Dec. 23.
“One of the biggest deterrents of somebody shooting, is knowing you’re going to get caught,” said the Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church.
The state’s attorney’s office does have a victim and witness assistance program that received national recognition from the Department of Justice in 1999. Still, Acree said the program does little to curtail the city’s gun violence.
A witness protection program will give people the confidence that if they come forward with information, the government will keep them safe, he said.
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“People need to know when they turn in a murderer, they will have protection and resources witnesses need, and financial resources if relocation is necessary.”
Last year, an 18-year-old pregnant woman was shot dead a few months after testifying in court against a man accused of killing her cousin. A $5,000 bounty was placed on her head after her testimony helped secure a guilty verdict, and she was slain months later, according to prosecutors.
“It’s a new day where people shoot mothers, grandmothers and babies,” Pfleger said. They don’t care about anybody, so people are afraid.
The Rev. Michael Pfleger at a news conference outside State's Attorney Kim Foxx's office on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
After the news conference, Fields went inside the building at 69 W. Washington St. hoping to deliver a letter detailing the necessity for a witness protection program to Foxx. The letter was written by Acree and endorsed by dozens of religious leaders citywide. Foxx was not in her office, and the letter was delivered to a representative from her office.
“Every day, our dedicated victim witness unit is on the front lines, working directly with those most affected by violence as they navigate the court system on their path to seeking justice,” Foxx said in a statement in response to Tuesday’s news conference.
“Collaboration with advocates, community-based organizations, government, and other law enforcement agencies is critical to provide the most comprehensive system of services to victims and witnesses.
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“The safety of those who have been involuntarily engaged in the criminal justice system is paramount to the work of our office.”
jaanderson@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Two 14-year-old boys injured after car they sneaked out in early Tuesday explodes in Plainfield. Veh

Two 14-year-old boys injured after car they sneaked out in early Tuesday explodes in Plainfield. Vehicle was carrying acetylene.

Stratton and the boys moved away from the explosion while they waited for the ambulances to come , he said @ @ @ @ @ firefighters began spraying the explosion with water from a distance , not yet knowing what @ @ @ @ @ Stratton said .

Two 14-year-old boys who sneaked away from their homes in a car carrying a dangerous chemical compound in its trunk were injured when the vehicle exploded early Tuesday in Plainfield, authorities said.
The boys left their homes and took without permission a 2015 Ford Focus owned by one boy’s father, according to a news release from the Plainfield Police Department. They were unaware that a tank of acetylene was in the trunk, officials said.
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While they drove around, they heard a hissing noise coming from the vehicle and pulled into a parking lot at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, to investigate, the release said.
As they got out of the car, something inside the vehicle exploded about 2 a.m., police said.
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One of the boys sustained a minor face injury and was taken to a hospital in Joliet.
The other boy suffered a more severe head injury and was eventually taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, according to the release. His condition was not immediately available.
The owner of the car told police he was transporting acetylene in a tank that was in the trunk of the car for work, the release said.
Plainfield Fire Chief Jon Stratton heard the explosion from his home about two blocks away. When he arrived on the scene, the car was fully engulfed in flames, with the doors blown off and a debris field about 300 feet around the car, he said.
“It was unbelievably loud,” Stratton said of the explosion.
Stratton and the boys moved away from the explosion while they waited for the ambulances to come, he said. An engine arrived and firefighters began spraying the explosion with water from a distance, not yet knowing what had caused the explosion, Stratton said.
Later they were notified by the parent about the acetylene in the car.
“You should never transport acetylene tanks in your car like that,” Stratton said.
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“We believe that’s what caused the explosion but the fire department is still investigating,” Plainfield police Detective Sgt. Kevin McQuaid said of the acetylene.
Plainfield police also are investigating.
mabuckley@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Aldermen, advocacy groups call on City Council to pass ordinance to move medically vulnerable people

Aldermen, advocacy groups call on City Council to pass ordinance to move medically vulnerable people out of shelters and jails

“ Certainly we ’ ve seen with this pandemic that there are just people in the population who have been @ @ @ @ @ ” said Susan Cheng , a member of the Illinois Public Health Association ’ s @ @ @ @ @ them in a lot of different ways .
This is a really good wake-up call @ @ @ @ @ action .
”

A coalition of groups voiced their support Tuesday for an ordinance sitting in the Chicago City Council’s housing committee that would prioritize finding housing for medically vulnerable populations living in group living facilities such as shelters and jails during a pandemic like COVID-19.
The ordinance would amend existing housing regulations and is sponsored by Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th, and Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., 27th. It follows earlier reports about widespread COVID-19 cases in group settings such as homeless shelters, which health officials have called some of the most challenging outbreaks to stop.
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“It’s unfathomable that we sit on unoccupied, ready-to-move-in homes while some are living on the street, and while some are even living in congregate shelters during a pandemic,” Taliaferro said during a Tuesday news briefing.
Group housing settings have “accounted for 19% of cases and 36% of deaths in Chicago,” according to Julie Dworkin, director of policy for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
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The ordinance would require any business or nonprofit seeking funding from the city for housing development over the next two years to meet a number of requirements, including maintaining a 97% occupancy rate, having an average turnaround rate of 60 days when a unit becomes vacant and filling at least 20% of vacancies with people coming from group housing.
The bill would prioritize housing for people who are medically vulnerable, those living in homeless shelters or certain nursing homes and inmates who would otherwise be released from jail or prison except for lack of housing, Dworkin added.
“Certainly we’ve seen with this pandemic that there are just people in the population who have been let through the cracks,” said Susan Cheng, a member of the Illinois Public Health Association’s executive council.. “We failed them in a lot of different ways. This is a really good wake-up call and a good call to action.”
The ordinance’s supporters hope to partner with the Chicago Housing Authority to identify vacant units to house vulnerable populations.
Existing permanent housing resources are being underused and could help provide the tools necessary for the ordinance, Dworkin said. A Freedom of Information Act request from earlier this year showed the CHA had 1,250 vacant units that could be “occupied immediately or could be turned around for occupancy,” she added.
The CHA previously told the Tribune in a statement that its existing vacant units “are not a viable option” since “nearly all vacant units across the portfolio are either reserved for meeting the high demand for our CHA applicants or are being prepped for new tenants or undergoing capital improvements.”
Dworkin said she understands the CHA’s concern with waitlists, but “with the public health crisis, it’s in everyone’s best interest to prioritize moving people out of congregate settings.”
The proposal is about creating a baseline for the next pandemic so the medically vulnerable aren’t collecting in group settings before the next crisis hits, said Don Washington, executive director of the Chicago Housing Initiative.
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“What the pandemic is demonstrating to us is that we have either poor, bad or no public policy that directly impacts populations that most need it,” Washington said. “So we should take this moment to create the preferences and to create the baselines.”
kelsmith@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Michigan cop who shot protester with tear gas canister at close range is suspended for 2 days: ‘Mist

Michigan cop who shot protester with tear gas canister at close range is suspended for 2 days: ‘Mistakes were made’

Protests erupted in cities across the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd , @ @ @ @ @ , died after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck @ @ @ @ @ as Floyd begged for air and eventually stopped moving .

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A police officer in western Michigan has been suspended two days without pay after a man protesting police brutality was struck with a tear gas canister.
An internal review determined Phillip Reinink used unreasonable force on May 30, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne told reporters Tuesday.
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The victim was shot with a long-range tear gas canister at close range during a confrontation with officers. Payne said Reinink had meant to use a different canister.
The incident was captured on cellphone video and went viral, part of a deluge of similar videos at the time.
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Reinink already has served his suspension. He did not face criminal charges.
Did he deserve that? Posted by Dakota Spoelman on Sunday, May 31, 2020
“Officer Reinink recognized immediately he had made a mistake, a mistake we all regret,” Payne said. “We never want these types of incidents to happen. Mistakes were made.”
Protests erupted in cities across the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd, who was Black and handcuffed, died after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly 8 minutes even as Floyd begged for air and eventually stopped moving.
In Grand Rapids, a number of stores and shops were damaged. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss declared a civil emergency and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the National Guard to be deployed to assist with curfew enforcement and property protection.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Police investigating two Monday night shooting deaths in Gary

In an apartment building several blocks away , someone shot into an apartment building in the 700 block of Madison @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
A 22-year-old Gary man , Kevon Pippins , was hit .
@ @ @ @ @ the hospital , where he died , the Lake County Coroner said in a release @

Two men were shot and killed in Gary within two hours of each other Monday night.
At around 10:12 p.m. July 27, police said in a release that officers responded to a gunshot victim in the 800 block of Ohio Street. Witnesses said the shots were fired at the house from outside, police said.
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The victim, 23-year-old Tomi Curry, of Steger, Illinois, was taken to an area hospital, where he died, the Lake County Coroner's office said in a release.
In an apartment building several blocks away, someone shot into an apartment building in the 700 block of Madison Street shortly before 11:58 p.m., police said. A 22-year-old Gary man, Kevon Pippins, was hit. He was also taken to the hospital, where he died, the Lake County Coroner said in a release.
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A second apartment was hit by gunfire, but no one in that apartment was hurt, police said. It's not immediately clear if the shootings are related.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Michael Barnes at the Metro Homicide Unit 219-755-3855.
-- Michelle L. Quinn
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Watch live: Chicago Police officials discuss apparent suicide of fellow officer

Chicago Police Department officials are expected to provide an update in a briefing scheduled for 2 p.m. Read more here @

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chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Illinois’ new COVID-19 plan: How the state will manage any outbreaks, in 3 charts

The plan also includes mitigation steps unique to different categories , like restaurants and bars , offices or salons , @ @ @ @ @ specifically respond to a type of outbreak in a specific part of the state .
@ @ @ @ @ s plan here .

Jemal R. Brinson, Nausheen Husain, Jonathon Berlin

Amid an uptick of COVID-19 cases over the past month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker laid out a new approach to managing any resurgence across the state.
The new approach is more surgical, dividing the state into 11 regions — Illinois’ existing Emergency Medical Services regions — and tightening the metrics officials will watch to determine if any action is warranted.
The plan also includes mitigation steps unique to different categories, like restaurants and bars, offices or salons, that could be used to specifically respond to a type of outbreak in a specific part of the state. Read more on Pritzker’s plan here.
Check our tracker for daily metrics for each region.
Here is a breakdown of the plan.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--COVID-19 cases in Illinois by ZIP code: Search for your neighborhood

Search below by street address , ZIP code or city , then click on the map to see the number @ @ @ @ @ state is not providing data for any ZIP code with five cases or fewer .

Note: With Chicago and Illinois moving into phase 5, the Tribune is no longer updating this data. If the state moves back into bridge phase, the Tribune we reassess. Daily metrics on COVID-19, like cases, deaths and hospitalizations, can be found here. And Daily metrics on the vaccination effort can be found here. More on where the coronavirus stands nationally and around the world can be found here.
Illinois releases the number of positive COVID-19 cases by ZIP code daily. The map below shows the cumulative cases for each area as well as other analysis of the data.
• Check out the Tribune’s coronavirus coverage.
• Tracking daily Illinois coronavirus deaths, cases and tests.
Search below by street address, ZIP code or city, then click on the map to see the number of confirmed and probable cases. The state is not providing data for any ZIP code with five cases or fewer.
Data as of June 10.
The map search tool above works best in Chrome or Firefox and may not perform consistently in Internet Explorer.
Note: Because of a coding error this map was displaying the incorrect rates for new cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 people — the issue should now be resolved.. The Tribune adjusted the data shown on the map below to focus on new cases, those the state tracked in the last 7 seven days. The totals for the entire pandemic are still available, but in the pop-up after tapping or clicking on a ZIP.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Illinois coronavirus graphs: 7,446 deaths, 173,731 confirmed cases and 2.57 million tests

Illinois announced a 1,075 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Tuesday , the sixth straight day with more than 1,000 new @ @ @ @ @ announced 30 new deaths and the results of 28,331 tests .

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine tracked coronavirus cases, deaths and test totals from Jan. 22, 2020 through March 10, 2023, but is no longer providing this data. These charts will no longer be updated.
Check the Illinois Department of Public Health for the most up-to-date data for Illinois.
[ Remembering the lives of those in Illinois who died from coronavirus ]
Can’t see these charts? Go here.


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Chicago police sergeant sues after he says he was misidentified on social media as cop who gave prot

Chicago police sergeant sues after he says he was misidentified on social media as cop who gave protesters the finger

The YouTube video is captioned with the caveat , “ I do not have first hand knowledge that Officer Ignatius @ @ @ @ @ mentioned in the first half of the video ( 00:00 - 04:10 ) .
That @ @ @ @ @ ” It is unclear whether that caption was added before or after the suit was @ @

A Chicago police sergeant is suing a Colorado YouTuber for allegedly misidentifying him as the cop who gave protesters the middle finger in a widely publicized incident last month.
The suit, filed in Cook County court on Monday, accuses Dale Hiller of smearing Sgt. Ignatius Goetz’s reputation by posting a video that identifies Goetz as the officer who making the vulgar gesture to protesters.
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The video goes on to detail Goetz’s history of civilian complaints. It has gotten more than 56,000 views since it was uploaded in early June.
But Goetz is not the officer who flipped off protesters, according to the suit, and he was “greatly concerned and humiliated by the false accusations.” He is seeking unspecified monetary damages.
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Hiller could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
The YouTube video is captioned with the caveat, “I do not have first hand knowledge that Officer Ignatius Goetz is the Officer Goetz mentioned in the first half of the video (00:00 - 04:10). That is for you to decide.” It is unclear whether that caption was added before or after the suit was filed.
A photo of the middle finger incident clearly shows that the officer’s last name is Goetz. But there are four Chicago cops with that last name, according to public records. In addition, the officer in the photo wears a blue shirt — not the white uniform worn by sergeants.
mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Man dies after 2-car crash at Ogden Avenue and Naperville-Wheaton Road, police say

The collision occurred about 5:50 p.m. when a 68-year-old Lisle man driving a 2018 Nissan Sentra west on Ogden made @ @ @ @ @ Naperville-Wheaton Road and he struck the victim ’ s 2015 Suzuki GSXR 600 SUV , @ @ @ @ @ Ogden , an initial police investigation showed .
The Suzuki had the right-of-way on a @ @ @ @ @ .

A 23-year-old Addison man died Monday night after his motorcycle was struck by a car at Ogden Avenue and Naperville-Wheaton Road in Naperville, police said.
The collision occurred about 5:50 p.m. when a 68-year-old Lisle man driving a 2018 Nissan Sentra west on Ogden made a left-hand turn onto southbound Naperville-Wheaton Road and he struck the victim’s 2015 Suzuki GSXR 600 motorcycle, which was headed east on Ogden, an initial police investigation showed. The Suzuki had the right-of-way on a green light, police said.
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The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, a police news release said.
The driver of the Nissan was ticketed for failure to yield while turning left, police said.
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Intersection traffic was rerouted until 11:45 p.m. so traffic unit police officers could reconstruct the crash scene, the release said.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the traffic unit at 630-305-5477.
subaker@tribpub.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Man dies in West Side crash after driver goes through red light, causes 4-way collision, police say

The 77-year-old driver hit the three cars , which were headed east on Ogden Avenue , about 8 a.m. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ red light as he drove south on Homan Avenue .
He was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ not immediately have information on his condition .

One man was killed and at least three other people injured when a man ran a red light and his car collided with three other vehicles Tuesday morning in the Lawndale neighborhood, police said.
The 77-year-old driver hit the three cars, which were headed east on Ogden Avenue, about 8 a.m. Tuesday when he went through a red light as he drove south on Homan Avenue. He was taken to a hospital, but police did not immediately have information on his condition.
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A 57-year-old man was critically injured and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He was the only person in his vehicle.
A woman and her 12-year-old daughter, the occupants of another car, were taken to a hospital with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening, according to police.
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The sole occupant of the last car involved in the crash declined treatment at the scene, police said.
chao@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Running list: Chicago-area restaurants closed permanently due to coronavirus pandemic economic woes

Bottled Blonde , the River North bar better known for its legal drama than pizza , closed permanently Monday , @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus , but not COVID-19 violations .
The business “ surrendered their @ @ @ @ @ the River North bar after a series of serious nuisance conditions dating back to 2017 @ @ @ @ @ statement from Chicago ’ s department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection .
The bar @ @ @ @ @ related citations , wrote the department spokesperson .
The district manager of Bottled Blonde said @ @ @ @ @ an uphill battle since we came into this neighborhood .
We had fights with the @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood .
With the COVID thing , you need revenue to keep up those fights @ @ @ @ @ stay open and operate at limited capacities.
” See the full story here .
— @ @


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Arraignment set for ComEd in bribery case encircling House Speaker Michael Madigan

But while the charges against ComEd will likely sink into the background after the arraignment , the case is far @ @ @ @ @ the case on July 17 , U.S. Attorney John Lausch said the investigation is “ @ @ @ @ @ continue .
”

ComEd made its first court appearance Tuesday since being hit with bombshell federal bribery charges involving House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political operation — and if all goes as planned, it may be one of the company’s last.
In a brief telephone hearing at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, prosecutors and lawyers for ComEd agreed that after a formal arraignment next week, the company would not have to return to court until 2023, when a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the government is set to expire.
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ComEd has agreed to pay a record $200 million fine and cooperate in the ongoing probe of its lobbying practices in Springfield in exchange for the charges being dropped at the end of the agreement period.
In announcing the charges earlier this month, prosecutors accused ComEd of orchestrating a “yearslong bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments to Madigan allies. Prosecutors said the utility attempted to “influence and reward” Madigan by providing financial benefits to some close to him, often through downstate lobbyist Michael McClain, a key confidant and adviser at the center of the probe.
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Madigan, the nation’s longest-serving speaker and Illinois Democratic Party chairman, has not been charged with any wrongdoing and is identified in court papers as “Public Official A.”
In court Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Kness said this was his first new criminal case since his appointment to the bench shortly before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told the judge that due to the deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd does not have to enter a plea at its Aug. 5 arraignment. Reid Schar, lead attorney for ComEd, said if the company did enter a plea, it would be not guilty.
“There may be no need to come back short of the government ultimately dismissing the (charges) at the end of the three years,” said Schar, who as an assistant U.S. attorney a decade ago led the prosecution of Illinois’ previous “Public Official A,” former-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
[ Class-action lawsuit demands ComEd issue refunds for customers after bribery scheme ]
But while the charges against ComEd will likely sink into the background after the arraignment, the case is far from over. In announcing the case on July 17, U.S. Attorney John Lausch said the investigation is “vibrant, and it will continue.”
The investigation appears to go well beyond ComEd. In a subpoena sent to Madigan’s office on the day the ComEd charges were announced, authorities sought records related to AT&T, Walgreens and Rush University Medical Center. The subpoena also sought records related to Madigan’s political organization and law firm, as well as former state lawmakers and current or former Chicago aldermen.
Last week, the Chicago Tribune reported that AT&T had also been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors in relation to its Springfield lobbying, which involved many of the same Madigan-connected power brokers employed by ComEd.
[ Madigan, ComEd and corruption: Timeline of how the investigation unfolded ]
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--After heavy COVID-19 toll on Illinois nursing homes, top regulators depart state agency

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and top leaders have repeatedly said their swift actions limited the virus ’ spread and saved @ @ @ @ @ ’ s efforts have at times been broadly criticized as too timid and uncoordinated .
@ @ @ @ @ getting more staff and protective gear as infections swept through hundreds of facilities .

With thousands of COVID-19 deaths linked to Illinois nursing homes, two top regulators are now gone from a state agency criticized at times for its oversight of the facilities during the pandemic.
The Pritzker administration confirmed Tuesday that two top staffers at the Illinois Department of Public Health — Debra Bryars and Aimee Isham — departed last week.
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Agency spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Bryars “left” July 20 while Isham began a leave that same day. She did not elaborate on reasons for the departures, saying she was “not able to discuss personnel information.” The departures were first reported by WBEZ.
A Tribune investigation early in the pandemic found a high percentage of Illinois nursing homes had been cited for poor infection control practices, prompting advocates to warn that the state needed to aggressively monitor and fight the virus.
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Gov. J.B. Pritzker and top leaders have repeatedly said their swift actions limited the virus’ spread and saved lives. Yet the agency’s efforts have at times been broadly criticized as too timid and uncoordinated. Facilities complained they needed help getting more staff and protective gear as infections swept through hundreds of facilities.
The virus has been blamed for killing more than 4,000 Illinois long-term care residents and workers, at last count. Federal data shows that the state’s death rate for nursing home residents, at nearly 44 deaths per 1,000 people, puts Illinois among the worst third of states.
Public criticism of the state’s oversight efforts has waned as deaths tied to long-term care facilities began dropping significantly in recent months, from nearly 500 a week in May to now fewer than 100 a week. Homes are now beginning to accept visitors again.
The state health department, designated by law as the state’s top regulator of nursing homes, is also the state’s lead agency fighting the pandemic.
Nursing homes were overseen by Bryars, an agency deputy director paid roughly $120,000 a year who ran the Office of Health Care Regulation, and Isham, who oversaw the Bureau of Long Term Care at roughly $110,000 a year. Neither could be immediately reached for comment.
Arnold said Bryars’ job has been filled on an acting basis by a longtime agency employee, Dan Levad. She did not say who is now doing Isham’s old job.
jmahr@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Bottled Blonde, controversial River North bar, closed permanently by coronavirus, but not violations

“ Yesterday , Bottled Blonde surrendered their business licenses , permanently closing the River North bar after a series of @ @ @ @ @ to 2017 , ” read a statement from the city ’ s department of Business @ @ @ @ @ “ The establishment has a history of egregious license violations , including over-occupancy , noise @ @ @ @ @ vomiting and other problematic conditions that have had a serious impact on neighbors and the @ @ @ @ @ is pleased that yesterday ’ s action will end three years of legal proceedings with @ @ @ @ @ problem business .
”

Bottled Blonde, the bar and restaurant in the River North neighborhood of Chicago better known for its legal drama than its pizza, closed permanently on Monday due to the coronavirus, but not COVID-19 violations.
“Yesterday, Bottled Blonde surrendered their business licenses, permanently closing the River North bar after a series of serious nuisance conditions dating back to 2017,” read a statement from the city’s department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. “The establishment has a history of egregious license violations, including over-occupancy, noise violations, public urination, vomiting and other problematic conditions that have had a serious impact on neighbors and the surrounding community. The City is pleased that yesterday’s action will end three years of legal proceedings with the permanent closure of this problem business.”
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The bar had not received any COVID-19 related citations, wrote the department spokesperson. The city had conducted an investigation earlier this month, but did not find any COVID-19 violations at that time.
Bottled Blonde, which opened in November 2015, was accused of a racist dress code and allegations of operating in violation of its liquor license, as well as rowdy patrons. In 2017, its business license was revoked, but the revocation was stayed. That revocation had closed the business, but for just one day; then a court order allowed re-opening.
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“It’s been an uphill battle since we came into this neighborhood,” said Jeff O’Neil, district manager of Bottled Blonde, about the closure. The company is based in Arizona. “We had fights with the city, fights with the neighborhood. With the COVID thing, you need revenue to keep up those fights. We can’t stay open and operate at limited capacities.”
While the business was widely known as a bar, it was in fact a restaurant. The city currently allows restaurants to serve at 25% capacity indoors. Bottled Blonde had no outdoor seating.
“I know we have a special tag on us, but it’s just like everybody else,” said O’Neil. “Normally we had 60 to 80 employees, but you can’t run with full crews.”
The business had closed a couple times since the initial statewide indoor dining shutdown in March, he said.
“A lot of our employees have been with us for four years,” said O’Neil. “A lot of good people have lost their jobs. We really had some of the best people in hospitality.”


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Madigan, ComEd and corruption: Timeline of how the investigation unfolded

The announcement of a $ 200 million fine against ComEd for corruption and details of federal subpoenas to AT & @ @ @ @ @ Mike Madigan ’ s office pushed the widening criminal probe encircling Madigan ’ s political @ @ @ @ @

Then-Speaker Michael Madigan works the floor as the Illinois House convenes at the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 8, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will stand trial starting April 1, 2024.
Madigan was indicted on federal racketeering charges, then pleaded not guilty one week later through an attorney.
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[ The toppling of Michael Madigan: How his reign as speaker ended and Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch’s emerged ]
He resigned from the Illinois house and also resigned as chairman of the state Democratic Party in February 2021, after spending 36 years as House speaker and a half-century in the Illinois House. The embattled 79-year-old lawmaker released a lengthy statement on Feb. 18, 2021.
[ Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan pleads not guilty to federal racketeering charges in corruption case ]
What’s publicly known about federal efforts related to the now former speaker’s political operation stretches back to at least May 2019. Subpoenas or raids have touched lobbyists, legislators, private companies and members of Madigan’s political operation.
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[ Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted on federal racketeering charges alleging array of bribery schemes ]
Gov. James Thompson, from left, poses with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Mayor Harold Wahington on Oct. 19, 1983, before their meeting on the Regional Transportation Authority. (Chicago Tribune)
Michael Madigan: The basics
Born: April 19, 1942, in Chicago
Early life: Attended St. Adrian’s Elementary School
1960: St. Ignatius College Prep
1964: Notre Dame, B.A., Economics
1967: Loyola University Law School
After law school: Held patronage jobs as a hearing officer for the Illinois Commerce Commission and as a public utilities consultant for the city, according to a 1988 Tribune story.
1969: Elected as a delegate to the Illinois constitutional convention. Also elected a Democratic committeeman.
1970: Elected to the Illinois House for his district on the city’s Southwest Side.
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1977: Entered House Democratic leadership.
1983: Elected speaker of the House, holding the post continuously through January except for two years in the mid-1990s when Republicans gained control of the chamber. He was ousted from the position in January 2021.
1998: Elected chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. He stepped down in February 2021.
Family: Married to Shirley Madigan, has three daughters, one son and four grandchildren. His daughter Lisa Madigan was Illinois attorney general from 2003 to 2019.
Work: An attorney, Madigan is a partner at Madigan & Getzendanner, a firm that works in Chicago’s lucrative field of commercial property tax appeals.
Sources: Illinois General Assembly, Northern Illinois University Libraries, Notre Dame, Loyola University, Chicago Tribune archives
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Timeline of the federal investigation
Here is how the saga unfolded.
Mid-May 2019: Raid of home of 13th Ward political operative Kevin Quinn
This undated photo provided by the Evergreen Park Police Department In Evergreen Park, Illinois, shows Kevin Quinn. (Evergreen Park Police Department)
The feds raid the Far South Side home of former 13th Ward political operative Kevin Quinn — the brother of Ald. Marty Quinn — who was ousted by Madigan amid a sexual harassment scandal in 2018. Quinn received checks from current and former ComEd lobbyists.
[ Commentary: My sexual harassment case against Madigan’s camp shows truth can prevail ]
Mid-May 2019: Raid of lobbyist Mike McClain’s home
Lobbyist Mike McClain in the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 6, 2010. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
The FBI raids the downstate home of Mike McClain, a longtime ComEd lobbyist who is widely known as one of Madigan’s closest confidants. The Tribune exclusively reported in November that the FBI had tapped McClain’s cellphone.
Mid-May 2019: Raid of former Ald. Michael Zalewski’s home
Then-Ald. Michael Zalewski, 23rd, appears at Chicago City Hall in 2012. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
The FBI raids the Southwest Side residence of former Ald. Michael Zalewski, who at the time was working with Madigan to get lobbying work from ComEd.
Mid-May 2019: Raid of City Club offices
City Club of Chicago President Jay Doherty listens during a 2017 meeting at Maggiano's Little Italy. The City Club confirmed it was served with a federal grand jury subpoena in what sources said is part of an ongoing probe into ComEd's lobbying practices. Doherty is a ComEd lobbyist. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
Feds raid the City Club of Chicago offices in the Wrigley building seeking records pertaining to club President Jay Doherty, a longtime ComEd lobbyist.
July 12, 2019: ComEd subpoenaed
ComEd reveals in a regulatory filing that it was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury investigating the utility’s lobbying practices.
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Late July 2019: Feds investigating $10,000 in checks from ComEd lobbyists to Kevin Quinn
Records obtained by the Tribune reveal that checks went to Kevin Quinn after he was dismissed from Madigan’s political operation in early 2018.
Sept. 24, 2019: Raid of state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s home and offices
Federal workers carry evidence from the home of state Sen. Martin Sandoval on Sept. 24, 2019, in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
Federal agents raid the Springfield and Cicero offices and the Southwest Side home of the longtime Democratic state senator as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
Oct. 4, 2019: ComEd subpoenaed again
ComEd reveals in another regulatory filing it received a second federal grand jury subpoena related to its lobbying practices, this time specifically requesting any communications with Sandoval and other unnamed individuals and entities.
Oct. 15, 2019: Exelon CEO resigns
Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of Commonwealth Edison, during a visit to S&C Electric in Chicago on Jan. 16, 2013. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Anne Pramaggiore, CEO of ComEd parent company Exelon Utilities, abruptly steps down after it was revealed the utility’s lobbying practices were under criminal investigation.
Oct. 29, 2019: Madigan comments
“I’m not a target of anything,” Madigan tells reporters at the Illinois Capitol. In a statement, he called for a review and strengthening of ethics and lobbying laws.
November 2019: Feds taped Madigan confidant’s calls
Federal authorities recorded Madigan confidant McClain’s phone calls as part of the investigation into ComEd’s lobbying practices, sources tell the Chicago Tribune. One of the sources said the recordings were made as a result of an FBI wiretap on McClain’s cellphone.
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[ ‘Keep all of this confidential’: How a powerful ComEd lobbyist lined up contracts for a disgraced ex-aide to Speaker Michael Madigan and why federal authorities are interested ]
December 2019: Questions about Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan speaks after a House Democratic caucus meeting at the Capitol in Springfield on Nov. 12, 2019. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Federal authorities have asked questions about Madigan and his political operation as part of an ongoing investigation about connections between Commonwealth Edison lobbyists and Madigan, lobbyists giving contracts to people tied to the speaker, and city, state and suburban government jobs held by his associates, four people who have been interviewed tell the Tribune.
February 2020: Subpoenas in Merrionette Park and Bridgeview
A pair of federal grand jury subpoenas seeking records from southwest suburban Merrionette Park and Bridgeview name Madigan, his former chief of staff Timothy Mapes, McClain, Marty Quinn and Kevin Quinn. The documents also called for copies of state and federal tax records related to Raymond Nice, a longtime precinct captain in Madigan’s vaunted 13th Ward operation.
April 2020: Records show Madigan’s legal spending
Madigan’s main campaign fund paid nearly $462,000 in legal fees in the first three months of 2020 to a law firm that employs former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, campaign finance records show. In the final quarter of 2019, Madigan’s campaign fund paid more than $445,000 for legal fees to different firms, which a Madigan spokeswoman at the time said was to cover the cost of a $275,000 settlement with a former campaign worker, as well as ongoing civil cases and routine staff training.
July 17, 2020: U.S. attorney announces ComEd fine
U.S. Attorney John Lausch, right, announces a major fine against ComEd for bribery involving Illinois politicians during a news conference in the courtyard of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse July 17, 2020. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
ComEd is paying a $200 million criminal fine as part of a federal investigation into a “yearslong bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments to Madigan allies, the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago announces. Additionally, prosecutors asked Madigan’s office for “any and all documents and communications” concerning AT&T, including contracts and correspondence related to the hiring of anyone to provide consulting or lobbying services to the public utility, according to a subpoena the Tribune obtained through an open records request.
July 23, 2020: AT&T subpoenaed
The Tribune reports that AT&T was subpoenaed earlier that year by federal prosecutors in the operation encircling Madigan’s political operation.
July 2020: Madigan subpoenaed
A federal subpoena to Madigan’s office shows investigators were interested in a wide range of information, including dealings with Walgreens and Rush University Medical Center, records related to Madigan’s political organization and private property tax appeals law firm, as well as former state lawmakers and current or former Chicago aldermen.
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Nov. 18, 2020: Four indicted
McClain is charged with bribery conspiracy and bribery in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury. Also charged are former ComEd CEO Pramaggiore; lobbyist and former ComEd executive John Hooker, of Chicago; and Doherty, a consultant and former head of the City Club of Chicago.
Nov. 19, 2020: Madigan responds
The embattled Illinois House Speaker releases a statement saying that if anyone at ComEd had tried to bribe him, “it was never made known to me.”
Dec. 2, 2020: Madigan confidant, three others plead not guilty
McClain, Pramaggiore, Hooker and Doherty plead not guilty to charges they orchestrated an elaborate bribery scheme with Commonwealth Edison to funnel money and do-nothing jobs to Madigan loyalists in exchange for the speaker’s help with state legislation.
Jan. 13, 2021: Madigan ousted as speaker of the House
State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, waves as he gets a standing ovation after being elected the speaker of the Illinois House for the 102nd General Assembly at the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 13, 2021, in Springfield. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register)
Emanuel “Chris” Welch is elected the state’s first Black speaker of the House after Democrats reject Madigan’s bid to maintain the single-handed power he wielded over the state for nearly four decades.
Feb. 18, 2021: Madigan resigns from Illinois House
Michael Madigan makes House resignation, originally scheduled for month’s end, immediate. — Rick Pearson (@rap30) February 18, 2021
Madigan announces his resignation from the Illinois House after representing a Southwest Side district for a half-century, the majority of that time as the powerful speaker, but remains chairman of the state Democratic Party.
Feb. 21, 2021: Madigan picks his successor
Edward Guerra Kodatt, 26, a bilingual outreach and budget assistant in the constituent services office run by Madigan and 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, is installed in the Illinois House seat that was vacated by Madigan.
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Feb. 22, 2021: Madigan steps down as state Democratic Party chair
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, previously party vice chair, takes over on an interim basis.
Feb. 24, 2021: Madigan’s successor resigns just three days after being installed
Despite the ill-fated Kodatt pick, Madigan gets another shot at appointing a replacement. The former speaker remains the 13th Ward Democratic committeeman and holds 56% of the weighted vote cast in the 22nd House District.
Feb. 25, 2021: Madigan picks another House successor
Angie Guerrero-Cuellar is sworn in after being chosen as the new state representative replacing Michael Madigan on Feb. 25, 2021, at the Balzekas Museum in West Lawn. Democratic committeemen in the 22nd House District met again to choose a replacement for Madigan in the Illinois House after the original appointee, Edward Guerra Kodatt, resigned three days into the job. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar becomes the second replacement in four days for the Illinois House seat formerly held by Madigan.
March 5, 2021: Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo pleads not guilty to tax charges stemming from ComEd probe
Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, watches votes come in on a bill on the House floor on Jan. 8, 2013, at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)
The charges allege Acevedo attempted to evade paying taxes he owed, including by depositing cash payments into his bank account to conceal the source of income. He was also charged with four misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return from 2015 to 2018. Acevedo faces up to five years in prison on the most serious counts.
May 26, 2021: Mapes charged with lying
Tim Mapes at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield on June 30, 2015. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
The former longtime chief of staff to Madigan is indicted on charges of lying to a federal grand jury investigating allegations that Commonwealth Edison paid bribes in exchange for Madigan’s assistance pushing though legislation in Springfield.
He pleads not guilty two days later.
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May 27, 2021: Former state Sen. Annazette Collins pleads not guilty to a new charge
Rep. Annazette Collins, D-10th District, at her district office in Chicago on March 13, 2012. (Heather Charles / Chicago Tribune)
An outgrowth of a case that arose from the ComEd bribes-for-favors scandal, Collins is charged with falsely claiming $31,830 in travel expenses on her tax returns.
Collins, who previously lobbied for ComEd, was hit with the new charge of filing a false tax return for the calendar year 2018 in a superseding indictment filed May 26, 2021 that added the allegations to a broader tax case.
She pleads not guilty.
June 2021: Former Ald. Solis made audio, video recordings of conversations with Madigan
Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th, listens as fellow aldermen speak during a Chicago City Council meeting on June 27, 2012. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
The Tribune learns among their discussions was a plan to turn a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown into a commercial development. Though the land deal never was consummated, it’s been a source of continued interest for federal investigators, who last year subpoenaed Madigan’s office for records and communications he’d had with key players. At least one of them recently appeared before the grand jury investigating Madigan’s political operation, sources tell the Tribune.
September 2021: Dougherty texts Mayor Lori Lightfoot: ‘ComEd duped me’
Text messages, obtained by the Tribune through an open records request, show Dougherty repeatedly tried to downplay his role in the ComEd probe to the mayor in 2020 even after federal agents raided the City Club’s offices in the Wrigley Building in the spring of 2019.
Dec. 14, 2021: Acevedo pleads guilty
Acevedo, enters his plea to one count of tax evasion during a hearing via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly.
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The plea scuttles a jury trial that had been set for Jan. 10, 2022.
January 2022: What’s next for the ComEd bribery probe?
The most remarkable thing about the Commonwealth Edison bribery probe in 2021 might be what didn’t happen.
March 2, 2022: Madigan indicted on federal racketeering charges
The indictment is returned by a federal grand jury after a more than two-year investigation, according to federal prosecutors. Among the alleged schemes outlined in the indictment was a plan by utility giant Commonwealth Edison to pay thousands of dollars to lobbyists favored by Madigan in order to win his influence over legislation the company wanted passed in Springfield.
March 9, 2022: Madigan pleads not guilty
A week after he was charged in a bombshell corruption indictment, Madigan, is arraigned in a telephone hearing in U.S. District Court on allegations he ran his elected office and political operation as a criminal enterprise that provided personal financial rewards for him and his associates.
March 23, 2022: Acevedo sentenced to 6 months in prison for tax case stemming from ComEd probe
Acevedo’s attorneys had asked for a term of probation, but U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly says his background as a former elected official and a Chicago police officer meant that people were paying attention, and a sentence of probation would seem like “this person got a pass.”
[ Michael Madigan’s indictment: How he pushed for allies to get ComEd jobs and his own daughter’s legislation was killed. ]
May 2022: Madigan knew about secret payments to Kevin Quinn, unsealed court filing alleges
The revelation undermines the storyline Madigan put out when the Tribune first revealed his longtime confidant McClain had lined up friendly utility lobbyists to pay Kevin Quinn thousands of dollars despite his abrupt departure.
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Oct. 13, 2022: Mapes makes first in-person court appearance
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 20 Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to House Speaker Michael Madigan, arrives at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Aug. 9, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Mapes, the former chief of staff to Madigan, walks into the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for a status hearing on charges he lied to a federal grand jury investigating the alleged ComEd scheme. He was the first of six people who have been charged as part of the ComEd bribery scandal to set foot in a federal courtroom.
Oct. 14, 2022: AT&T charged with trying to illegally influence Madigan, who now faces additional conspiracy charges
AT&T agrees to pay a $23 million fine as part of a federal criminal investigation into the company’s illegal efforts to influence Madigan.
Federal prosecutors also unseal a superseding indictment against Madigan and his longtime confidant McClain, adding allegations about the AT&T Illinois scheme.
Late October 2022: Tom Cullen, longtime brain in Madigan political operation, provided testimony for feds
The Tribune learns that Cullen, a lobbyist who played political point man for years on Madigan’s government staff, has testified before the ongoing federal grand jury looking into broad aspects of Madigan’s political world, which prosecutors allege included a criminal enterprise aimed at providing personal financial rewards for Madigan and his associates.
Jan. 9, 2023: Trial date is set
JUST IN: A trial date for Michael Madigan and Michael McClain has been set for April 1, 2024. The trial is expected to last for six or seven weeks, according to prosecutors. Initial Pretrial motions due by the end of next month. — Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) January 9, 2023
Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
The date for the six- to seven-week trial is set during a 10-minute telephone status hearing between U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey and attorneys in the case. Neither Madigan nor his co-defendant McClain were required to be on the call.
March 14, 2023: Jury selection begins in ‘ComEd Four’ trial
After about seven hours of questioning potential jurors in the hot-button case, U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber wrapped for the day about 5 p.m., with a pool of just over 60 members of the panel told to come back to court for another round.
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March 15, 2023: Trial begins
Madigan’s photo became a focal point as the high-profile “ComEd Four” trial started in earnest at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where federal prosecutors said in opening statements that the long-serving Democratic boss benefited personally and politically from a scheme by the utility giant to funnel payments and jobs to Madigan’s associates.
In return, prosecutors, say, the powerful speaker used his position to push or block legislation worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the utility.
May 2, 2023: All four defendants convicted of conspiracy in ‘ComEd Four’ trial
The four defendants charged in the ComEd bribery scheme are, from left, consultant Jay Doherty, lobbyist and former ComEd executive John Hooker, retired lobbyist Michael McClain and former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore (Chicago Tribune photos)
Found guilty of bribery conspiracy are: Former ComEd contract lobbyist Michael McClain, a longtime Madigan confidant; former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore; ex-ComEd executive John Hooker, and Jay Doherty, who worked as a lobbyist for ComEd for 30 years and served as president of the City Club of Chicago civic forum.
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Sources: Court documents, news reports and Chicago Tribune reporting


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--3 killed, 18 others wounded in Chicago shootings in less than 12 hours

In a related attack that police said they are investigating in connection with the Van Buren shooting , a 37-year-old @ @ @ @ @ male attacker fired shots at him as he stood outside in the 4500 block of @ @ @ @ @ his legs , abdomen and lower back .
Initial police information didn ’ t indicate @ @ @ @ @ foot or in a vehicle .
The 37-year-old man ran to the 4500 block of @ @ @ @ @ taken by an acquaintance to Stroger Hospital , in fair condition , police said..

At least 21 people were wounded, three fatally, in 16 shootings across Chicago from 6 p.m. Monday into Tuesday morning, police said.
Half of the shootings occurred on the South Side, others on the West and Northwest sides, according to police.
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Police found an unresponsive 33-year-old man outside with gunshot wounds to the ear, chest and arm about 4 a.m. Tuesday in West Garfield Park while responding to a ShotSpotter alert in the 4500 block of West Van Buren Street. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Stroger Hospital, police said.
In a related attack that police said they are investigating in connection with the Van Buren shooting, a 37-year-old man initially told police a male attacker fired shots at him as he stood outside in the 4500 block of West Congress Parkway, striking his legs, abdomen and lower back. Initial police information didn’t indicate whether the attacker was on foot or in a vehicle. The 37-year-old man ran to the 4500 block of West Van Buren and was taken by an acquaintance to Stroger Hospital, in fair condition, police said..
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In another killing, a 31-year-old man was found about 3:40 a.m. in a car in the 4700 block of West Arthington Street, shot multiple times, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No one was in custody, and Area Four detectives are investigating both killings, according to police.
In another deadly attack, one person was killed and four wounded in a shooting in the Burnside neighborhood about 6:20 p.m. Monday night.
Others wounded in shootings ranged in age from 18 to 65, in attacks stretching from Belmont Cragin to Roseland.
chao@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-07-28--Pedestrian killed, truck driver ticketed in Humboldt Park collision

Chicago police were called to the 3400 block of West North Avenue in Humboldt Park about 7:30 p.m. , according @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities said the driver , a 39-year-old man , was at a stoplight in @ @ @ @ @ North Avenue at the same time that a male pedestrian whose age and identity hadn @ @ @ @ @ “ walking between vehicles in the street on North Avenue .
”

A pedestrian hit by a Peterbilt semitruck Monday night died from his injuries, with the truck driven given a traffic ticket, officials said.
Chicago police were called to the 3400 block of West North Avenue in Humboldt Park about 7:30 p.m., according to police spokeswoman Kellie Bartoli. Authorities said the driver, a 39-year-old man, was at a stoplight in the truck facing east on North Avenue at the same time that a male pedestrian whose age and identity hadn’t yet been confirmed “walking between vehicles in the street on North Avenue.”
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As the truck went through the intersection, its driver was “waved down by multiple on-scene witnesses who related that the pedestrian was struck by the rear passenger side tires of the semi-truck,” police said.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
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The driver was taken to Amita Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in good condition for observation.
The driver was issued a citation alleging failure to yield to a pedestrian with the right of way, Bartoli said. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the driver was working at the time, she said.
The police major accidents unit was investigating.
kdouglas@chicagotribune.com
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