Category: Chicago

Don’t Mess with a Chicago Firefighter

Posted on by TL

Two men are in custody in Chicago after allegedly beating a Chicago firefighter Wednesday.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

After 9/11, you don’t even want to think about messing with a firefighter.  And particularly not a Chicago firefighter.

Police caught the alleged offenders in the act.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Blood stained the sidewalk Wednesday near Dickens and Halsted, a posh Lincoln Park corner where you can get a fancy French meal, buy expensive shoes and practice yoga.

That’s the spot where Chicago firefighter Matt Jones was brutally beaten about 4 that morning by two attackers who are now in custody, police said.

Matt Jones won the “top physical achiever” award in his Chicago Fire Academy class. He graduated from the academy Feb. 1.

Jones, 24, was listed in critical but stable condition with a shattered trachea in Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s intensive care unit. He also suffered a broken nose, internal bleeding and a damaged lung, according to a law enforcement source.

When police patrolling the area arrived, one attacker was punching Jones while another man stomped on his head, police said.

As officers got out of their squad car, one of the attackers took two steps, kicked Jones in the face and tried to run away, a source who was briefed by police said.

The two had been drinking, police said.  Of course.

I know there’s a horrible propensity in our culture to blame the victim. However, according to all reports, Matt Jones sounds like a great guy.

I suspect these guys are going to live to regret this alleged beating in more ways than one.

Ricardo Marchan Shot Two Innocent People Because of Breakup, Police Said

Posted on by TL

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying there are people who deserve to get shot.

However, Chicago police say Ricardo Marchan shot “two innocent people,” because  his girlfriend broke up with him.

Police said.  You know.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

A man upset over a breakup with his girlfriend decided to vent his rage by randomly shooting two innocent people in the back of the head before police arrested him in the middle of a separate robbery, Chicago Police said Saturday.

The connection between the two murders and the armed robbery Aug. 2 in Humboldt Park was revealed Saturday when Ricardo Marchan, 24, of the 4000 block of West Grand, was charged with two counts of murder. He previously was charged with armed robbery.

Police said Marchan’s deadly rampage began at 4:10 a.m. Aug. 2, when he allegedly shot Michael Hernandez in the 1500 block of North Western Avenue.

Hernandez, 18, who was planning to attend college this fall, was shot in the back of the head. He was driving to his mother’s home after a night with friends.

Police said Marchan then drove about four blocks west and, three minutes later, fatally shot Patrick Cregan, 35, in the 1400 block of North California Avenue. Cregan, who was delivering a pizza, also was shot in the back of the head in his car, police said.

Hernandez was planning to attend college this fall.

Cregan was a pizza delivery man, shot in the back of the head.

My son delivers pizza.

For God’s sake, my son delivers pizza.  The Bush Economy has destroyed job prospects in the Chicagoland area, and the Obama Economy is still struggling to breathe.

Why do we work out our grievances in this country by shooting other people?  Am I the only one who thinks this is insane?

Why shoot innocent people?

Oy. Da Bears Lose.

Posted on by TL

Look, Bears fans, it’s only exhibition, and it’s not necessarily a sign of things to come.

Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their first exhibition game last year against the Philadelphia Eagles, and then won the Super Bowl, but that means nothing to superstitious sports fans, right?

The news from the Chicago Sun-Times:

Those expecting Jay Cutler to immediately transform the Chicago Bears into a pass-happy offense had better be patient.

Cutler came out throwing against Buffalo in his Bears’ preseason debut Saturday night, but missed as many attempts as he completed — not including the one he had intercepted in a 27-20 loss. So much for the much-anticipated buzz — including all the No. 6 Bears jerseys sold — that centered on the Pro Bowl quarterback Chicago acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade with Denver.

The Bills’ offense, even minus Terrell Owens, out nursing a sprained toe, was much more efficient in 80-plus-degree and muggy conditions. And Buffalo got plenty of help from its defense, which generated four turnovers, including two interceptions by rookie Ellis Lankster.

Bills starter Trent Edwards finished 10 of 10 for 79 yards, and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick went 13 of 16 for 143 yards. The Bills broke open the game early in the fourth quarter by scoring twice in 34 seconds, both scores set up following Lankster’s interceptions of third-string quarterback Brett Basanez.

Bills third-stringer Gibran Hamdan hit rookie Shawn Nelson for a 3-yard touchdown to put Buffalo ahead 20-13. Then Bruce Hall scored on a 4-yard plunge. Combined, Buffalo’s four quarterbacks went 29 of 34 for 265 yards.

Buffalo defeated Chicago for only the second time in 14 preseason meetings (2-11-1), and bounced back from a 21-18 loss to Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game last weekend.

Look.  It’s pre-season.  A win would’ve been great,  but Da Bears are a work in progress.

The Sun-Times called it an “uninspiring performance.”

This is Da Bears.  They won the Super Bowl once, and can do it again.

Screw the Sun-Times.

Heraclitus said, “You can’t step in the same river twice.”

Chicago, there is still hope.

15-year-old Chicago Girl Takes Bullet for Younger Relative

Posted on by TL

Yet another sensless shooting on Chicago’s Far South Side.  From the Chicago Sun-Times:

A 15-year-old Chicago girl who was shot in the head outside her Far South Side home Wednesday as she shielded a younger relative from gunfire has come through surgery, a relative said this morning.

Taccara Swain’s relatives said they are praying that the Julian High School student will recover from Wednesday night’s shooting.

“These are your friends, these are your neighbors, these are your classmates. Have some values,” Taccara Swain’s aunt, Vernetta Swain, said she’d tell whoever fired the shots.

The girl, who is entering her sophomore year at Julian, was in critical condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center after being shot around 8 p.m. in the 11000 block of South Normal Avenue.

Police said there was an argument between the occupants of two vehicles when shots were fired. The girl was not the intended target, according to the police.

Is anybody listening?  Are we listening?  This is not “their” problem on the South Side of Chicago.  This is our problem.  These are our children getting shot.

Revised Statement on Michael Scott Land Deal Because We Found Out?

Posted on by TL

The Chicago Sun-Times has the most recent from Chicago 2016:

Michael Scott’s role in helping West Side ministers develop city-owned land near a proposed Douglas Park Olympic venue raised the perception of a conflict of interest and should have been disclosed up-front, Chicago 2016 acknowledged Wednesday.

“In hindsight, given Mr. Scott’s role as agent for the group, it is understandable that a third party, without knowledge of the facts, might perceive a conflict of interest,” Chicago 2016 said in a prepared statement.

“It would have been preferable if Mr. Scott had disclosed this situation so the matter could have been vetted by the Chicago 2016 Audit Committee and any perception of conflict could have been avoided.”

The statement went on to say that Scott, who also serves as Chicago School Board president, “intends to submit a revised conflict of interest statement” outlining his role in the proposed development and “affirming that he has no financial gain from the project.” He also “intends to accelerate his separation as agent for the group,” officials said.

Scott could not be reached for comment.

We can only hope that there are enough members of the Press left in Chicago to keep an eye on all of this.  Chicago has been plagued with political patronage for so long it must almost seem natural by now.

I really hope the Olympics come to Chicago.  I hope even more the games can benefit all.

The pols must be kept under extreme scrutiny.

Neil Hayes Takes Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane to Task

Posted on by TL

It didn’t take long for the Sun-Times’ Neil Hayes to put Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane in his place.  At 20-years-old, Kane is facing a felony charge allegedly over a $0.20 dispute with a 62-year-old Buffalo cab driver.  According to police, the driver claims he was roughed up enough to have had his glasses broken.

I’ll let Hayes speak first:

Now one of the franchise’s poster boys, one of the ‘‘core’’ players the team is determined to build around, is arrested for roughing up a cabbie who couldn’t produce exact change after Kane gave him $15 for a $13.80 fare. That’s right, Hawks fans, your millionaire, high-scoring forward — who is due a lucrative contract after next season — is accused of becoming unhinged when a cab driver couldn’t find two dimes to rub together.

Let’s hope there are facts in this story that have yet to surface and will cast Kane in a less humiliating light. Otherwise, this could be the most worrisome offseason development of all for the Hawks. If true, how can anyone defend such idiotic behavior from someone so prominent in the organization?

Only two things can prevent Kane, Jonathan Toews, Kris Versteeg and other young players from becoming cornerstones: injuries or their inability to mature on and off the ice. That Kane would be accused of something so asinine does not mean that this will be the first of many such incidents. Kane has been a model citizen to this point, as far as anyone knows, and probably deserves the benefit of the doubt for that reason. The Hawks declined to comment publicly until more facts are known. Kane’s mother, when contacted by the Sun-Times, did the same, which is probably wise. But this is not a good sign.

No, it’s not a good sign.  The Blackhawks need to comment.  The ‘Hawks need to tell us that this type of alleged behavior is not fitting for a member of their organization.  The ‘Hawks need to send a message loud and clear to other young people — and adults — that this is not the way to handle a petty dispute.

“No comment” isn’t enough.

Hayes again:

The bottom line is, good as he is, Kane has to improve markedly for he and the Hawks to be the player and team they aspire to be. There are better ways to build strength, toughness and refine his all-around game than playing enforcer with cab drivers three times his age at 4 a.m. after a night on the town.

Kane reportedly has entered a plea of not guilty. If this case goes to trial, those who believe he is less star than product of NHL rule changes meant to encourage more speed and scoring might suggest he show the jury his career highlights to prove he is incapable of causing bodily harm. Then again, he could’ve avoided the whole ugly episode had he uttered three simple words that every millionaire athlete should use in such situations: Keep the change.

Absolutely.

Look, young people act stupidly sometimes.  So do adults.  But a millionaire allegedly roughing up a cab driver over $0.20 takes entitlement to a whole new level.

Step up, kid.  You’re not the man yet.

Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane Faces Felony Robbery Charge Allegedly Over $0.20

Posted on by TL

Chicago Blackhawks’ star winger Patrick Kane faces felony robbery and other charges over an alleged dispute with a cab driver over $0.20.

That is not a misprint.  The dispute was allegedly over $0.20 US currency.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Blackhawks star winger Patrick Kane was arrested early this morning in his hometown of Buffalo and faces robbery and other charges after allegedly assaulting a cab driver and failing to pay the fare, according to a report in the Buffalo News.

Kane, 20, and a relative, James M. Kane, 21, believed to be his cousin, are alleged to have punched the cab driver and taken back money they had given him after the driver told them he didn’t have 20 cents in coins to give them change, according to the report.

The police told the newspaper the fare was $13.80 and the two Kanes had paid the driver $15. The newspaper is reporting the cab driver told police he was punched in the face, grabbed by his throat and had his glasses broken in the altercation.

An attorney for both entered a plea of not guilty.

I wonder how much that cab ride will end up costing him now.

Anyone know his salary?

Chris Lake’s Photo Spread on Southside Chicago Gun Violence

Posted on by TL

Woman holding girl

Chris Lake is a photographer from Park Forest, IL. We had the chance to chat briefly recently and exchanged emails. He invited me to stop by his Web site and take a look at his work.

Very stirring.

What caught my eye most is the fact that hope for change is fading on the south side of Chicago.

From Unforseen Developments:

I was recently commissioned to shoot a story about gun violence on the south side of Chicago. Working with a reporter from UK’s The Guardian, I heard many tragic stories about how gun violence has been destroying lives in that part of the city in epidemic proportions. These people are understandably upset and angry and it shows in their eyes. The problem is getting worse and worse and no one seems able to figure out what to do about it. Hopes that President Obama, himself a southsider, would do something once he took office have faded and residents feel increasingly abandoned and desperate.

I’m looking forward to reading this story in the The Guardian.

Chris says he is looking to collaborate with designers to use some of the photography from the gun violence.  Contact him on is blog if you are interested.

Stop by and take a look at his blog. The photographs, well, speak volumes.

http://chrislake.wordpress.com

Brian Dugan Killed Jeanine Nicarico

Posted on by TL

Two men were once on Death Row for the murder of Jeanine Nicarico.  Brian Dugan has been trying to confess to this horrible crime for years.

Tuesday, he finally got his chance.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Some in the audience wiped away tears as State’s Atty. Joseph Birkett solemnly described the fingernail scratches 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico left on the wall that showed how she tried to fight off a would-be burglar.

How Brian Dugan promised to take the girl home but instead killed her.

The murder “went as perfectly as the others, but something was wrong,” Brian Dugan told an Illinois State Police psychologist, Birkett recounted. “I felt like I was going to get caught.”

And he did. Dugan, already serving life sentences for two other murders, formally admitted in court Tuesday that he and he alone kidnapped, raped and killed the girl on Feb. 25, 1983. 

His admission, first made in 1985, had long been rejected by DuPage officials. But on Tuesday Birkett said Dugan has been telling the truth.

Birkett’s 55-minute recitation of the facts was a dramatic turn in a case with 26 years’ worth of twists, including the false convictions and Death Row sentences of two other men and the acquittals of seven DuPage County law-enforcement officials on malfeasance charges. The drama will kick into high gear again in September, when Birkett pursues his long-stated goal of having Dugan sentenced to death.

The details:

Birkett’s description of Nicarico’s final hours were brutal and difficult to listen to, as were his descriptions of the autopsy results. Some in the audience wiped away tears as they heard how Dugan brutalized the girl on a sleeping bag in the woods, leaving her bloody and disoriented, then promised to wash her up and take her home, but instead crushed her skull with either a baseball bat or a tire iron.

Birkett also described in detail the 1985 rape and murder of 7-year-old Melissa Ackerman of Somonauk, one of two murders for which Dugan already is serving concurrent life sentences. Bakalis has previously approved allowing the details of the Ackerman case at a trial, ruling that the similarities with the Nicarico murder showed a legal pattern of behavior.

Dugan sat quietly during Birkett’s grim reading of a 14-page statement. Melissa’s father stonily stared off into space.

When it was over, the judge denied Dugan’s request to read aloud a letter that he carried with him, a letter his attorneys contended was an apology.

This was not the only child this monster murdered.  We should be grateful the judge did not permit him to read his letter, address the families.  They don’t need that.

Rolando Cruz and Alejandro Hernandez were wrongly convicted and sentenced to death for the same crime.  Birkett said Dugan’s confession completely exonerates them.

Two on Death Row for a crime they didn’t commit.  Some would argue that the system worked, eventually.  Except these two lost years of their lives because of Dugan’s crime.  The two were set free in 1995, twelve years after Jeanine’s death, when DNA tests and recanted testimony damaged the prosecution, the Tribune says.

The temptation is great for us to kill this man.  If anyone deserves to die…

Dolling out death takes us down a slippery slope, though.  We don’t do that well.  We make mistakes.  We can be incredibly stupid animals, Vonnegut said.  We suffer under the illusion that “The System” is somehow divine, that there is this separate entity apart from humanity called “The System,” and that “The System” will protect us in spite of ourselves.

Except it won’t.  The system is us.  We are the system. That system is us at our best and our absolute worst.

Put this monster away forever.  And mourn Jeanine Nicarico and Melissa Ackerman once more.

Mark Buehrle’s Magic Arm

Posted on by TL

Just the other day, Mark Buehrle pitched the 18th perfect game in the history of baseball.  The man faced 27 batters, and 27 batters went down.  No walks.  No batters hit.  No runners on the entire game.

He almost did it again.  Tonight, it wasn’t a perfect game, but Buehrle did set a major league record.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Chicago White Sox ace Mark Buehrle set a major league record by retiring 45 straight batters.

Coming off a perfect game in his last start against Tampa Bay, Buehrle retired the first 17 Minnesota Twins batters on Tuesday night to surpass the record of 41 straight set by and San Francisco’s Jim Barr in 1972 and tied by teammate Bobby Jenks, a reliever, in 2007.

Buehrle retired 27 in a row against the Rays in his last start, the 18th perfect game in baseball history, then breezed through the first five innings against the Twins to break the record.

His bid for a second consecutive perfect game — no pitcher in baseball history has ever achieved the feat — ended with a walk to Alexi Casilla on a close call with two outs in the sixth. The Metrodome crowd stood and cheered after the walk, trying to rattle Buehrle. Then Denard Span followed with a single to break up the no-hitter.

The Sox lost this one, but Buehrle’s in the books twice now.

Congratulations, Mark.