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The Rape of America by Trumpon January 6, 2021 at 10:02 pm

Bon Bini Ya’ll

The Rape of America by Trump

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The Rape of America by Trumpon January 6, 2021 at 10:02 pm Read More »

Chicago cop was drunk when he attacked, fired gun at man during off-duty shooting: prosecutorson January 6, 2021 at 9:05 pm

An off-duty Chicago police officer was drunk when he fired his service weapon at a man he physically attacked during a confrontation he started on the Southwest Side, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Officer Joseph Cabrera then allegedly “falsely” reported that the 22-year-old man had attacked him first.

The victim was not hit when Cabrera fired toward his legs in the Oct. 13 incident.

But “as a result of [Cabrera’s] false statements,” he was “treated as an offender” and placed into custody, although he was later released without being charged, Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Corda said.

Cabrera turned himself in Wednesday and was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and disorderly conduct in connection with the shooting, according to police.

“The officer has been relieved of his police powers and could face additional disciplinary actions pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations,” Chicago police said.

Judge Susana Ortiz released Cabrera on his own recognizance Wednesday, but told the 38-year-old officer he could not possess a weapon while he awaits trial.

Shortly after 10 p.m. that fall night, Cabrera pulled up in his personal vehicle behind the man and his girlfriend as the couple sat in a car in the 5200 block of South Monitor Street, prosecutors said.

Cabrera, who had no prior relationship with the man and 21-year-old woman, then approached and asked if the pair needed him to call an ambulance.

That confused the couple, but they replied that they were fine, prosecutors said.

Cabrera continued to sit in his vehicle behind the couple’s car, making them feel “uncomfortable,” so they drove to the 5800 block of West 52nd Street, Corda said.

When they returned to Monitor Street again, Cabrera was gone. But once the man and woman parked their car, he returned, Corda said.

Cabrera got out of his vehicle again, allegedly started yelling at the couple and told them to leave, prompting the man to leave his car to confront Cabrera.

Cabrera went on to grab the man by the neck and punched him in the head before pulling his Glock 17 pistol and firing it once in the man’s direction, Corda said.

The couple then fled to the woman’s nearby home.

Cabrera called 911 to report that he had fired his weapon and “falsely claimed he had been attacked and knocked to the ground” before the shooting, Corda said. That account was refuted by a witness who was walking by, Corda said.

Cabrera complained of having chest pains and was taken to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, where he was allegedly found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.104 — more than the legal 0.08 limit. Body camera footage also showed that Cabrera “appeared to be intoxicated,” Corda said.

Because Cabrera is facing felony charges, prosecutors did not charge him with a misdemeanor DUI, Corda explained to the judge.

Defense attorney Will Fahy said Cabrera “acted reasonably,” arguing that he acted in self-defense.

“All of his actions were consistent with someone who believed he was acting reasonably in self defense,” Fahy said. “He remained on the scene, he called police immediately after the incident, he cooperated with the investigation.”

Three days after the shooting, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability — which investigates allegations of police wrongdoing — told state’s attorney’s office that a criminal review of the shooting was needed.

COPA planned to publicly release video evidence of the shooting on Dec. 10 — one day inside the city’s 60-day window in which it is required to do so. But prosecutors requested an extension to keep the video private until Friday.

“Absent receipt of a court order, COPA shall facilitate the release of video and other materials in accordance with the city’s video release policy,” COPA said in a statement.

Fahy asked Ortiz to keep COPA from releasing that footage as Cabrera’s case continues, saying it would be “highly prejudicial” and would potentially “taint a jury pool.”

Ortiz denied the request.

COPA is also investigating the actions of responding officers in the aftermath of the shooting.

John Catanzara, head of the Chicago lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, said he hadn’t heard of the charges and needed time to form a response.

Cabrera was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the Chicago Police Department, Fahy said.

A city database shows Cabrera has a police salary of $84,054.

A police spokeswoman said a mugshot of Cabrera was not immediately available.

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Chicago cop was drunk when he attacked, fired gun at man during off-duty shooting: prosecutorson January 6, 2021 at 9:05 pm Read More »

The attempted coup by Trump supporterson January 6, 2021 at 7:43 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

The attempted coup by Trump supporters

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The attempted coup by Trump supporterson January 6, 2021 at 7:43 pm Read More »

Cellar Dweller: 2018 “Solemn Oath Bourbon Barrel-Aged Hobson Oak Milk Stout”on January 6, 2021 at 7:48 pm

Cut Out Kid

Cellar Dweller: 2018 “Solemn Oath Bourbon Barrel-Aged Hobson Oak Milk Stout”

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Cellar Dweller: 2018 “Solemn Oath Bourbon Barrel-Aged Hobson Oak Milk Stout”on January 6, 2021 at 7:48 pm Read More »

What the Jon Ossof Senate Victory Means for Georgia, D.C.on January 6, 2021 at 8:30 pm

The Patriotic Dissenter

What the Jon Ossof Senate Victory Means for Georgia, D.C.

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What the Jon Ossof Senate Victory Means for Georgia, D.C.on January 6, 2021 at 8:30 pm Read More »

Feds hint at expansive evidence as man with mob ties pleads guilty in sports betting caseon January 6, 2021 at 7:14 pm

A federal prosecutor hinted at expansive evidence including “a large number” of recordings as a man with purported mob ties pleaded guilty Wednesday to running an illegal sports gambling operation.

Gregory Paloian of Elmwood Park also admitted he filed a false 2016 tax return. He entered his plea during a video conference before U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow, and he now faces a likely prison sentence of between two and three years.

The feds charged Paloian in October in a document known as an information, typically a sign a defendant plans to plead guilty. It contained few details.

However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Kinney laid out the extent of the evidence against Paloian during Wednesday’s hearing. Though Paloian was charged individually, Kinney said testimony at trial would have included “the testimony of co-defendants.”

He also told the judge there would have been recordings as a result of “a large number of Title III wire intercepts.”

Kinney said Paloian’s operation involved “five or more people.” He said Paloian had agents who recruited gamblers. And he said they used a website in a foreign country to place bets.

The prosecutor also said Paloian filed a 2016 tax return reflecting a negative income of $77,229, when he actually made at least $95,220 that year.

Kinney is also involved in the prosecution of a separate sports gambling case charged last year against several defendants, including Vincent “Uncle Mick” DelGiudice and Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher, brother of Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher.

North Shore butcher Domenic Poeta was also sentenced to a year in prison in November after pleading guilty in a third sports gambling case charged in 2020.

In 2002, a federal judge sentenced Paloian to 41 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to bookmaking charges. A prosecutor said then that “this was a bookmaking organization run by the mob, for the benefit of the mob.”

Paloian’s new sentencing date is April 7.

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Feds hint at expansive evidence as man with mob ties pleads guilty in sports betting caseon January 6, 2021 at 7:14 pm Read More »

The Hot List for January 2021on January 6, 2021 at 6:13 pm

January 2021 hotlist
Photograph: Garrett Sweet

1. Sugargoat

WHAT Stephanie Izard’s latest project: a bakery that takes inspiration from childhood eats
WHY Cheez-It cake? Chocolate shake french fry pie? This menu is pure uncut Izard.
WHERE 820 W. Randolph St., West Loop
Website

Hot List January 2021
Photograph: Kristen Mendiola

2. Giant

WHAT A food truck with bites from Giant and sister spot Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar
WHY Save yourself the drive to two restaurants and load up on butter crust pizza, crab Rangoon, and Negronis when the truck rolls through your neighborhood.
WHERE giantrestaurant.com for locations

Photograph: Anthony Barlich

3.Brite

WHAT Two former Publican chefs serving doughnuts and other treats at Metric Coffee
WHY Whether your tastes run to vegan Earl Grey sticky buns or olive-fennel gougères, Brite has you covered.
WHERE 2021 W. Fulton St., West Town
Website

Photograph courtesy of Lost Lake

4. Lost Lake

WHAT Monthly cocktail and rum subscriptions from the tropical bar
WHY The rum pours come with plenty of tasting notes, so if you spend the winter schooling yourself on the spirit, you can show off your knowledge when the bar reopens.
WHERE 3154 W. Diversey Ave., Logan Square
Website

Photograph: Cornelious Bouknight

5. Pizza Finestra

WHAT A Sunday pop-up at Superkhana with überthin Roman pizzas
WHY Get the crispy crust topped with olive oil and tomato (or have it made into a mortadella sandwich).
WHERE 3059 W. Diversey Ave., Logan Square
Website

Photograph: Starr Nordgren

6. Gretel

WHAT Little Bad Wolf brings its something-for-everyone philosophy to Logan Square.
WHY Where else can you pick up pork belly nachos, frozen Irish coffee, and oyster-shucking kits in a single visit?
WHERE 2833 W. Armitage Ave.
Website

Photograph: Timmy Risden Photography

7. Kinzie Cucina Italiana

WHAT An Italian-focused virtual kitchen out of Kinzie Chophouse
WHY You can’t eat steak every night, so branch out with spicy tuna arancini and pork saltimbocca.
WHERE 400 N. Wells St., River North
Website

Photograph: Jason Little

8. How Bao Dat

WHAT Chuck Graham’s virtual eatery is all about the Chinese buns.
WHY His bao cross borders with fillings like jerk chicken with kimchi and beef with gochujang barbecue sauce.
WHERE 2537 S. Wabash Ave., Bronzeville
Website

Photograph: Rjay Ricalde

9. Side Project Coffee

WHAT :A coffee shop that highlights side projects, from food to art
WHY Sip ube chai and snack on doughnuts from Downstate Donuts as you start your own side hustle.
WHERE 5139 N. Damen Ave., Ravenswood
Website

Photograph: Benjamin Stern Photography

10. Cluck It

WHAT A virtual hot chicken restaurant from two fine-dining vet
WHY Burn your tongue on nuggets, wings, or thighs — or try their invention: Nashville hot chicken–fried lobster.
WHERE 2537 S. Wabash Ave., Bronzeville
Website

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The Hot List for January 2021on January 6, 2021 at 6:13 pm Read More »

A deep exploration of the science and data of the coronaviruson January 6, 2021 at 5:56 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

A deep exploration of the science and data of the coronavirus

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A deep exploration of the science and data of the coronaviruson January 6, 2021 at 5:56 pm Read More »

2 detectives involved in Breonna Taylor raid are firedon January 6, 2021 at 4:59 pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville police have fired two detectives, one who shot Breonna Taylor and another who sought the warrant that led to the deadly raid.

Det. Myles Cosgrove and Det. Joshua Jaynes were fired Tuesday after receiving notification last week from the department’s interim chief that they would be dismissed. A letter informing them of their dismissal was released Wednesday.

Taylor, a Black woman, was killed March 13 by police executing a narcotics search warrant. None of the three white officers who fired into Taylor’s home were charged by a grand jury in her death. Cosgrove and two other officers who fired into Taylor’s apartment were not charged in her death by a grand jury in September.

Investigators said Cosgrove fired 16 rounds into the apartment after the front door was breached and Taylor’s boyfriend fired a shot at them. Federal ballistics experts said they believe the shot that killed Taylor came from Cosgrove.

Gentry wrote that Cosgrove failed to “properly identify a target” when he fired, according to media reports of the letter, which has not been released.

Jaynes was not at the scene the night of the shooting but sought the warrant that sent police to Taylor’s home. Gentry said Jaynes lied about how he obtained some information about Taylor in the warrant.

An internal investigation by Louisville police found Jaynes violated department procedures for preparation of a search warrant and truthfulness. Jaynes acknowledged in a May interview with Louisville police investigators that he didn’t personally verify that a drug trafficking suspect, Jamarcus Glover, was receiving mail at Taylor’s apartment, even though he had said in an earlier affidavit that he had. Jaynes said he relied instead on information from a fellow officer.

Jaynes and Cosgrove have been on administrative reassignment, along with another officer who was at the raid, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly. Mattingly was shot in the leg by Taylor’s boyfriend, who said he thought an intruder was breaking into the home.

Another officer, Brett Hankison, was fired in June by then-interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder, who said Hankison “wantonly and blindly” shot 10 rounds of gunfire into Taylor’s apartment. His termination letter said Hankison violated the rule against using deadly force.

Mattingly said in October that he intended to retire from the department.

In September, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who took on the role of special prosecutor in the case, announced that a grand jury had indicted Hankison on wanton endangerment charges, saying he fired gunshots into a neighboring home during the raid. No one in the home was hit. Hankison has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Cosgrove and Mattingly were not charged with Taylor’s killing because they acted to protect themselves, Cameron said. The decision disappointed and angered those who have been calling for justice for Taylor for six months, and protesters vowed to stay in the streets until all the officers involved were fired or someone was charged with her killing.

Three grand jurors, speaking anonymously, have since come forward to say that Cameron did not allow the grand jury to consider homicide related charges against the officers for Taylor’s death. The three grand jurors said they believe they would have brought criminal charges against the officers if given the chance.

For months, Taylor’s name has been a rallying cry for activists protesting the extrajudicial killing of Black men and women. Famed musicians, actors, athletes and politicians had called for the officers’ arrests.

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2 detectives involved in Breonna Taylor raid are firedon January 6, 2021 at 4:59 pm Read More »

Songs for an unprecedented win in Georgiaon January 6, 2021 at 4:57 pm

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

Songs for an unprecedented win in Georgia

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Songs for an unprecedented win in Georgiaon January 6, 2021 at 4:57 pm Read More »