Author: qap7qg9s

Outraged at a fatal ICE shooting in Houston but filled with “joy” over 6 people killed and 20 shot on July Fourth weekend in Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor)

I am outraged by the tragic killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by federal immigration officers in Houston. Mr. Salgado Araujo was a dedicated husband and father who built a life for his family through decades of hard work.

No family should have to identify a loved one only by the sound of their voice crying for help. We must abolish ICE and finally build an immigration system rooted in dignity, due process and humanity.

As a Welcoming City, Chicago will continue to stand with our immigrant neighbors, families and communities.

A central Illinois state representative schemed to direct state grant money to her daughter, took kickbacks on bogus campaign expenses and lied to the FBI about it all, according to federal prosecutors.

State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice, along with her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons. He faces an obstruction of justice charge for allegedly instructing a potential witness to “muddy the waters” for investigators tracing them.

Rep. Ammons’ indictment comes on the heels of another controversy roiling the Illinois House. State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, resigned last week in the wake of a legislative inspector general’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations.

A House communications staffer assigned to Rep. Ammons referred questions to her district office, which didn’t respond to requests for comment. Nor did Aaron Ammons, who was elected clerk in 2018.

The six-term Rep. Ammons “devised a scheme to defraud the State of Illinois, its taxpayers, and donors and contributors to her campaign” from 2017 through June 2025, the indictment reads.

During the 2020 state budget season, Rep. Ammons allegedly “caused a change in an appropriation for a state grant” from one nonprofit to another that her daughter worked for, collecting $3,326 until being informed by the organization and state officials that “it was an impermissible conflict of interest,” according to the indictment.

Rep. Ammons didn’t assist that nonprofit the next year “after she learned that it could not pay her daughter,” but she helped two other organizations line up grant funding after hiring her daughter, “knowing full well it was a conflict of interest,” the indictment reads. The legislator and her daughter allegedly netted more than $100,000.

Meanwhile, payments were made from the Friends of Carol Ammons campaign fund to herself and family members “that were not legitimate payments for services actually rendered.” Other individuals allegedly received inflated payments and were expected “to provide cash kickbacks to her, sometimes referred to as ‘gifts,’” according to the feds.

“I’m home now but can catch you before board at the county building at 6 to grab the gift,” Rep. Ammons allegedly wrote in a 2022 text message.

Rep. Ammons — who’s unopposed in the November election being overseen by her husband’s office — failed to report some $25,000 in other supposed campaign expenses that included kickbacks, prosecutors said. She allegedly paid her daughter about $600 per month, totaling almost $16,000.

The legislator faces a false statement charge for telling an FBI agent she wasn’t aware of the conflict of interest in grant spending.

Her husband allegedly told a potential witness that “they should speak in code words about the ongoing federal investigation” and directed another to “muddy the waters” for agents tracking payments to Rep. Ammons.

Her campaign fund contained more than $67,000 as of March 31, according to state election board records.

Last month, Ammons’ daughter Titianna Ammons was indicted on three counts of wire fraud for allegedly claiming federal COVID-19 unemployment insurance benefits while she was serving on the Champaign County Board.

It wasn’t clear if she’s the unnamed daughter mentioned in the indictment of Rep. Ammons, who has three children, according to a biography posted on her General Assembly webpage. The legislator’s campaign fund has reported 28 payments over the years to Tatianni Ammons, mostly categorized as “staff salaries,” records show.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, called the allegations “extremely serious” and said he was “temporarily” removing Ammons from caucus meetings and committee assignments “[i]n the interest of upholding the integrity of the House and ensuring we can continue our important work without distraction.” Welch also ordered a budget review “to determins whether any funds need to be paused or reconsidered.”

“Every person under our system of justice is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process,” Welch said in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney will lay out evidence in court, where Representative Ammons will have the chance to defend herself against the allegations.”

In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker said the indictment is “extremely concerning and needs to be taken very seriously to ensure elected officials are accountable to the people they represent.”

Pritzker’s office noted “the State of Illinois had identified and took steps to stop an impermissible conflict of interest with a state grant. The Governor’s Office will review all the other grants listed in the indictment to ensure we are taking all steps possible to protect taxpayer dollars.”

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said Ammons “should resign immediately.”

“Speaker Welch should join me in calling for her resignation,” McCombie said. “Leadership means holding your own members accountable, not waiting until political pressure becomes unavoidable. Elected officials are entrusted with serving the public, not enriching themselves, and the seriousness of these allegations demands accountability.”

DETROIT — Justin Verlander plans to call it a career later this year.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion and 2011 AL MVP will retire after this season with the Detroit Tigers.

Verlander made the announcement on Wednesday, shortly after he was added as a Legend Pick to the American League All-Star roster.

“While I’m fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I’ve decided this will be my last,” Verlander shared on social media. “It’s fitting that I get to finish where it all started — with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity.”

Oldest player in the majors

The 43-year-old Verlander is the oldest player in Major League Baseball. He signed a $13 million, one-year contract to rejoin the Tigers in February.

Verlander allowed five runs in 3⅔ innings during a 9-6 road loss at Arizona on March 30.

That was his only start this year.

“It’s time for the next chapter,” Verlander said. “But first, I’m excited to finish this season the only way I know how — with everything I’ve got.”

Verlander has dealt with injuries this season

He went on the injured list with hip inflammation early in the season and when the right-hander was nearing a return last month, he pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session.

“I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar,” Verlander said. “I wanted the game to tell me when it was time. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”

He was scheduled to pitch in June and make what would have been his first start with the Tigers at Comerica Park since Aug. 30, 2017 — the day before he was traded to the Astros.

Cy Young winner and World Series champion

He went 183-115 from 2005 to 2017 with the Tigers. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011. He helped Detroit reach the World Series in 2006 and 2012 along with four straight division titles from 2011 to 2014.

Verlander was the 2017 ALCS MVP in Houston and helped the Astros win the World Series that year and was a key player for them when they won another title in 2022. He won his second and third Cy Young Award in 2019 and 2022.

“I’ve been fortunate to play with and against incredible players, for outstanding organizations, and compete in front of fans who deeply appreciate the game,” Verlander said.

All-Star Game tribute

While he will not play in the All-Star Game, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Verlander will be at the game in Philadelphia on Tuesday and will be honored during the festivities.

“The opportunity to attend once again is something I’ll cherish and it will be an incredibly special moment for me and my family,” said Verlander, who is married to model Kate Upton and has two children.

Verlander has a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA in 556 starts across 21 major league seasons with the Tigers, Astros, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. He has 3,554 strikeouts while tossing 26 complete games, including nine shutouts.

He joins Bryce Harper of the host Philadelphia Phillies as a Legend Pick for the 2026 Midsummer Classic. Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Clayton Kershaw in 2025 have been recognized as baseball legends at previous All-Star games.

The Taste of Chicago kicked off on Wednesday morning with more than 80 vendors from all across the city, from booths by local restaurants to food trucks to featured pop-ups.

And while there are plenty of Chicago classics up for grabs, including Connie’s Pizza, Eli’s Cheesecake and Harold’s Chicken, this year’s festival shows off the city’s international flavors. Chicago is home to millions of immigrants, and this year’s Taste lineup offers proof, from Senegalese cuisine to Argentine-style empanadas.

Nearly 38% of the participating restaurants are setting up shop at the festival for the first time, according to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

If it’s been a while since you last attended the Taste of Chicago, you’ll find that the iconic strip ticket system is gone for good. The entire event, which is free to enter, is cashless. Now, instead of presenting tickets to food vendors, you’ll pay them directly using credit cards or mobile pay.

Also new to the festival this year is the Chef’s Stage: On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, celebrated chefs from all over the city will participate in live cooking demonstrations, chef conversations, Q&A sessions and exclusively prepared food for purchase. Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya Antojería will appear on Saturday, while Javauneeka Jacobs of Frontera Grill is slated for Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, guests can expect headliner performances from acclaimed artists such as Babyface, Julieta Venegas and Original Koffee, among many others. Hometown musicians include local band Beach Bunny (tonight) and rapper and actor Common (Friday).

Local acts featured at the Goose Island Stage include appearances from Chicago poet laureate Mayda Del Valle and performances by Ur Mom, Kristen Lowe, Ryan Alexander, Clairice and Mike DFG.

A drone and fireworks show will take place near Buckingham Fountain on Friday at 9:15 p.m.

Here are five standout plates at this year’s Taste of Chicago

Jerk Jollof Rice Platter from Badou Senegalese Cuisine

Badou Diakhate’s Rogers Park restaurant first opened in 2014, offering a plethora of West African and fusion Caribbean food. Now at the Taste of Chicago for a fourth year in a row, the restaurant is serving up a jerk jollof rice platter, which comes with flavorful grilled chicken, jollof rice, cabbage and carrot ($20).

“We want every customer coming over here to have a memorable bite of Senegalese and African food,” Diakhate said. Badou’s jollof rice — like many of the dishes on the restaurant’s menu — is vegan, Diakhate said, noting that his restaurant has a “very healthy approach” to the food.

But their best-sellers are the chicken pastels, which are similar to Latin American empanadas. Orders come with two for $5. Customers can also order plantains, another West African staple, for $5. If you’re not feeling the platter, you can get jerk chicken or plain jollof rice for $15.

Mangonada from Esperanza Kitchen Delights

At Martha Stolfe’s restaurant Esperanza Kitchen Delights, Mexican mangonadas are on the menu, offering a cool indulgence on a hot and humid day. For $6, you can get a small taste of the mango ice dessert covered in chamoy (apricot syrup), mango chunks and Tajín seasoning. The larger size costs $12.

Stolfe has been operating a food tent at the Taste of Chicago since 2018. “Chicago does a really good job in supporting small businesses, so I felt like that was a good way to start,” she said.

Now, her restaurant has two locations at Soldier Field and has the distinction, she says, of being the only Mexican food spot there.The restaurant is named after her grandmother, Esperanza, who was born and raised in Guerrero, Mexico.

“I was very close with her,” Stolfe said. “She loved cooking. I grew up being in the kitchen with her.”

Georgia Peach Pudding from The Sole Ingredient Catering

If you’re looking for dessert, look no further than the Georgia peach pudding from The Sole Ingredient Catering tent.

Topped with a decadent caramel bourbon sauce, the slice of bread pudding tastes just as good as it sounds. A single portion costs $6.

Employee Tammy Benney diligently took customer orders on Wednesday as she explained that the catering company is based out of owner Lorene DeVaroe’s home, and they provide food for weddings, birthday parties and corporate events.

Other menu offerings include collard greens with smoked turkey and a Gouda cheese spring roll, for $6; lamb chops with rasta pasta at $16; and Cajun crab balls for $14.

Empanadas from Thimi’s Empanadas

At Thimi’s Empanadas, you’ll find Argentine-style empanadas. Traditionally baked, these empanadas are priced at $6 to $8 each or $20 for a mix of three.

Each is stamped with a label, allowing you to identify which is which. Choose from beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach or traditional humitas, a hearty mix of corn and cheese.

Co-owner Jorge Ferreyra said that while the Argentinian empanadas are typically baked, they’re being fried for the hustle and bustle of the Taste of Chicago.

“Thimi’s is a family project that started about three years ago,” he said in Spanish. “My wife and I had a little baby, and were trying to make ends meet. We started out selling empanadas on the street.”

They worked on perfecting their “Chicago” recipe and eventually became so popular that they’ve opened two locations at the French Market and Sterling Food Hall, where empanadas are baked fresh daily. This year is their second year at the Taste of Chicago.

Brisket Mac & Cheese from Lexington Betty Smokehouse

Manager Erica Taylor said the Pullman restaurant has been serving up slabs of ribs, smoked meats and more at the Taste of Chicago for several years.

The smokehouse was opened in 2016 by chef Dominique Leach and her wife, Tanisha Griffin Leach. Over the last decade, the South Side restaurant has become a neighborhood and citywide staple for smoked meats and delicious sides such as candied yams and baked beans.

The star of their Taste of Chicago menu is the brisket mac and cheese, sold for $18. The generous helping of creamy macaroni and cheese is topped with tender brisket and bread crumbs.

If you order the brisket mac, make sure to ask for some extra BBQ sauce.

But Taylor says everything on the menu is worth trying. “We have a great menu here.”

Dr. Garth Walker, an executive at Rush Health and an emergency department physician who grew up on the South Side, has been appointed Chicago’s next public health commissioner.

“I see this opportunity as a culmination of my life’s work,” Walker, 40, said in an interview Wednesday. “I wanted to become a doctor that focused on the social and economic issues that make it hard for people to get good health … where they live, breathe, eat.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to increase vaccination rates in marginalized communities as deputy director at the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Then he focused on youth mental health, reducing gun violence and physician burnout as a White House Fellow with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the administration of President Joe Biden.

Now he’s the chief medical officer at Rush Health on the Near West Side, which is part of one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the region and has a goal to reduce the nearly 20-year life expectancy gap in Chicago.

At one point, the so-called death gap between neighborhoods in Chicago was the largest of any big city in America. Despite progress, residents on the South and West Sides can expect to die the earliest.

“How do we build an infrastructure and continue to build an infrastructure that protects those communities intentionally,” Walker said. “There’s also an opportunity to lift up our public health leaders, those that are on the ground, those that may not feel as valued with some of the shifts in funding at the federal level.”

The Chicago public health department oversees everything from inspecting restaurants to managing disease outbreaks. It’s a big job with dwindling resources, and it’s political.

Walker said he would continue to build out the CARE program, where mental health workers instead of police respond to people in a mental health crisis. He said he would work to find money and new partners to jumpstart health equity zones the city created during the pandemic that ultimately poured resources into neighborhoods across Chicago. His goal is to create a national model.

Researchers who evaluated health equity zones found that they helped build Chicago’s “health equity muscle,” according to a copy of their report. More than 600 partnerships were built or strengthened between leaders at the city and community organizations.

As for how to handle being grilled by City Council members, Walker said his background as an ER physician and athlete would help. (He’s a runner).

“You have to know yourself very well in terms of how you manage stress,” Walker said. “I think for me it’s having the stability of my family, the stability of my faith, but also the why. And I think the mission is going to be what carries me through any type of politics that come my way.”

In an interview, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Walker was the only person he interviewed for public health commissioner.

“His connection to Chicago and his understanding of communities that have lived through disparity, and his clarity around what those communities deserve and need from a public health standpoint, was quite motivational,” Johnson said.

Johnson appointed Walker, but the City Council must approve his new role.

“A Black male physician as credentialed as he is, I expect people to see his value … the skills and expertise that he brings to government,” Johnson said.

Walker would replace Dr. Olusimbo Ige, who resigned in May after about two and half years on the job. A source told the Chicago Sun-Times Johnson asked for her resignation.

Walker grew up in Hyde Park, attended Chicago public schools and is on the boards of the Polk Bros. Foundation, Thresholds, which provides mental health and substance use services, and the Chicago Urban League.

Kristen Schorsch is a senior reporter covering public health for WBEZ.

Sen. Dick Durbin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday at the 2026 NATO Summit in Turkey on a trip centered on rebuilding America’s longstanding relationship with allies amid President Trump’s back-and-forth comments about European nations.

Durbin traveled to Turkey this week with a bipartisan congressional delegation — and the group is reiterating to NATO allies that they have congressional support.

“For about 45 minutes, he [Zelenskyy] spelled out his plan to move forward and to stop the aggression of [Russian President] Vladimir Putin. It is a comprehensive, incredible plan. He needs the help of the United States and the NATO allies to make it work,” Durbin told the Chicago Sun-Times from the summit in Ankara, Turkey. “I think the president’s statement with him afterwards is an indication he’s on board.”

Trump met with Zelenskyy on Wednesday, telling reporters at the bilateral meeting that he would explore giving Ukraine the capability to make its own Patriot missile defense systems.

“So, I think one of the things we’re going to be talking about is, as you know, the companies — we have great power over the companies — those companies that make the Patriot and make all of the great stuff, the Tomahawks, all of the great stuff,” Trump said.

Durbin categorized the summit as being productive when it comes to rebuilding the U.S.’s relationship with allies. Trump on Wednesday said there was “tremendous unity” among NATO leaders during a closed-door session, a day after he critiqued many European nations for not supporting the U.S. in its war with Iran.

“Well, I think the best news is the 32 nations of NATO came together,” Durbin said. “It’s clear that this alliance is important for the future peace of the world, and certainly important to stop Vladimir Putin from his aggression in Ukraine.”

Durbin credited part of that unity from having better communication with top Trump officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are also at the NATO Summit.

“There’s more communication here in Turkey leading up to our meeting with the NATO allies than we’ve seen in the Trump administration in the last year and a half,” Durbin said. “ I think a better mode of communication is not only important to move forward, but also to assure the American people that we’re operating as a team.”

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD., who is also part of the congressional delegation in Turkey, this week spoke positively of Trump’s push for NATO countries to come up with more defense spending. Durbin echoed that compliment.

“I have disagreed with many of the things he [Trump] said, but I would give him credit for pushing the financial responsibility to be shared more wisely,” Durbin said.

Trump on Tuesday also said he would consider allowing Turkey to buy American F-35 fighter jets. Turkey wants to join the U.S. F-35 program but is prohibited by federal law because it possesses Russian-made air defense. Durbin said he could be open to the plan but wants more details.

“We want to make sure that the technology that we pay purely to create is not compromised, and I think we have to have a lot of questions answered for that,” Durbin said.

Durbin left Turkey on Wednesday morning to head to Budapest, Hungary, where he’s also discussing bilateral opportunities and mutual defense challenges in the region. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, Lindsey Graham, R-SC, Chris Coons, D-DE, and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-OH, round out the list of the congressional delegation in Turkey.