Tag Archives: Illinois

Mayor Johnson Appoints Mary Richardson-Lowry as Chicago’s Corporation Counsel

By Robert Lonnegan, The Chicago Times

June 2, 2023

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Thursday the appointment of Mary Richardson-Lowry as the City of Chicago’s Corporation Counsel. Richardson-Lowry will provide legal counsel and representation for the City’s Departments, Boards, and the Chicago City Council.   

“I’m proud to announce Mary Richardson-Lowry as the City of Chicago’s Corporation Counsel and am grateful for the expertise she brings to this role from her accomplished legal career,” said Mayor Johnson. “I look forward to working closely with Mary in order to advance our administration’s commitments to ethics, accountability, and transparency, and fostering a city government that efficiently delivers for residents and taxpayers.”   

“I’m honored to serve as the City of Chicago’s Corporation Counsel and look forward to working with the Johnson administration, as well as the City’s many departments, boards, and City Council, to pursue an ethical, equitable city government that is responsible in its use of taxpayer dollars and transparent to the public,” said Richardson-Lowry. “Having begun my career at the City of Chicago’s Law Department, I’m humbled for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”  

According to the City, Richardson-Lowry has an extensive legal background, including serving as a former partner at Mayer Brown LLC, former General Counsel at privately held Ililewa, former Chair of the Chicago Community Trust, former Buildings Commissioner, and various other legal, leadership, and management roles within Chicago.  In addition, Richardson-Lowry also worked as an attorney in the Law Department for the City of Chicago.

Richardson-Lowry holds a juris doctor degree from Texas Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in both International Relations and Speech Communications from San Francisco University.  

Mass Shooting: 1 Dead, 4 Wounded in Chicago

By James R. Scott, The Chicago Times

June 2, 2023

CHICAGO – A 14-year-old teen was killed and four others were wounded in a mass shooting in the Fuller Park Neighborhood on Thursday night.

Chicago police said, around 8:20 pm, a group of people started shooting at another group in the 4200 block of South Wells Street.  When officers arrived on scene they reported several people wounded on the street and a male suspect armed with a handgun, who then directed fire at the officers.  The officers then returned fire and were able to take the gunman into custody who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.  At this point it is unclear if the gunman was wounded by police or in the mass shooting.

Police said, a 14-year-old male teen was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.  Two male victims, 18 and 19, were also shot and transported to an area hospital where they are listed in critical condition.  The 18-year-old was wounded in the back, and the 19-year-old was wounded in the chest and leg.  A 16-year-old male teen was wounded in the leg, while a 21-year-old female was wounded in the hand.  Both were transported to an area hospital.  It was also reported that three police officers were taken to an area hospital where they are listed in good condition.

Oswego Man Charged with Leading Police on 110 MPH High-Speed Chase

By T.C. Mayfield, The Chicago Times

May 31, 2023

OAK BROOK, IL – An Oswego man has been charged with leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle.

According to prosecutors, on May 29, 2023, around 6:22 pm, Craig Singleton, 43, of the 400 block of Grape Vine Trail, was allegedly driving in a stolen 2019 Jaguar SUV when he was stopped by an Oak Brook police officer at the intersection of Illinois Route 83 and 22nd Street in Oak Brook.  Police said the Jaguar had been reported stolen two hours earlier.

Police said, as the officer approached the vehicle on foot and deployed a stop stick, Singleton allegedly fled westbound on 22nd Street leading the officer on a high speed chase on I-88.  It was reported that the Jaguar had lost a tire during the pursuit.  It is further alleged that Singleton reached speeds of approximately 110 mph on I-88 before coming to a stop at I-88 and Winfield Road where he was taken into custody.

“It is alleged that in an utter display of contempt for the rule of law and complete disregard for public safety, Mr. Singleton led police on a 110-mph high-speed chase in a stolen SUV.” said DuPage County States’ Attorney said in a statement.

Singleton has been charged with one felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, one felony count of driving while license suspended or revoked 4th -9th Violation and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses.

Chicago Police to Increase Presence to Counter Summer Violence

By James Malone, The Chicago Times

May 5, 2023

CHICAGO – Chicago police have announced plans to increase their street presence in an effort to counter summer violence and potential riots.

In response to years of unruly behavior during the summer months in Chicago and weeks after hundreds of teenagers terrorized citizens and tourists downtown, Chicago police hope their safety plan will deter further mob rule and violence in the streets.

The Chicago Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and the Chicago Fire Department announced a detailed plan on Friday in which additional resources will be in place at all times in downtown Chicago.  It was also reported that Police captains and executive members will be leading platoons to smooth out communications between leadership and front line officers.  In addition, CPD will have a visible presence near Millennium Park, which a marauding mob of teenagers attempted to occupy on a Saturday night several weeks ago, and will also be checking bags at beaches and the lakefront.

Glenbard West Student Charged in Bomb Threat to School

By Fred Sandstrom, The Chicago Times

May 5, 2023

GLEN ELLYN, IL – A Glenbard West High School student has been accused of phoning in a bomb threat to the high school.

According to Glen Ellyn police, on May 3, 2023, around 11:12 am, a seventeen-year-old male allegedly left a voicemail for administrators at Glenbard West High School stating “West you have ten minutes to get out or a bomb will go off on the first, second and third floor.”

School officials did not hear the voicemail until after 11:30 am and the school received another call at 11:43 am stating the same threat, but the caller stated that the bomb would go off in fifteen minutes.  In response, the school was evacuated and classes were canceled for the day.

After a thorough investigation into the threats by the Glen Ellyn Police Department led to the arrest of a juvenile suspect. The juvenile was taken into custody later that afternoon following a traffic stop in Glendale Heights.

The juvenile suspect has been ordered to be detained until his next court date which is scheduled for May 12, 2023.  The juvenile has been charged with two felony counts of disorderly conduct.

Cruisin’ Nights Kickoff June 1

Westmont, Illinois – Date Issued: May 4, 2023

“Westmont Special Events is excited to announce this year’s Westmont Cruisin Nights & Street Fair schedule, which includes classic car theme nights, live entertainment, art shows hosted by the Creative Arts Network, and many fun activities for the whole family,” said Westmont Special Events Executive Director Kristina Kaniauskaite. “Last year we broke all of our previous attendance records and we’re planning for another successful car show season.”  Kaniauskaite added, “This event is a great way for businesses to promote their products and services to the public. If you are interested in being a vendor or a sponsor, please contact the Westmont Special Events office at wsec@westmontevents.com or 630-829-9378 for more information.

The complete schedule for Westmont Cruisin’ Nights has been published on the Westmont Special Events website at westmontevents.com.

2023 WESTMONT CRUISIN’ NIGHTS

Named the best weekly summer car show in the Chicagoland area by WGN-Radio

Every Thursday June 1 thru August 31

5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Westmont on Cass Avenue

Over 250 classic cars and 2500 event guests come out to Westmont Cruisin’ Nights each and every week.  While all makes and models are welcome each and every week, each week will feature and highlight various car themes.

Westmont Cruisin’ Nights & Street Fair provides fun for all ages.  Each week, there will be two live bands, one in the downtown area north of Burlington Avenue, and another live music act at NEAT Kitchen + Bar.  Cruisin’ Nights also features food and business specials, kids activities, event vendors, and of course, three blocks of Cool Cars On Cass.

Returning this summer, the Westmont Special Events and the Creative Arts Network will continue to host Art Shows.  Arts Shows will be June 1, June 15, June 29, July 6, July 20,  August 3, Aug. 17 and Aug. 31.   If you would like to sign up to participate in an art show, please visit the Westmont Special Events website.

2023 CRUISIN’ NIGHTS WEEKLY SCHEDULE

JUNE 1  

WELCOME BACK!! Westmont Cruisin’ Nights Kickoff!

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by the Mike Wheeler Blues Band

Michael C. Hayes @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

JUNE 8

Police Squad Car Night

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by the Flat Cats

April & Kevin @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Westmont Library Activity Table

Lights & Sirens Parade @ 9pm

JUNE 15

GM Night

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Matt Shukin & The Ramblers

The Arthurs @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

JUNE 22

Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Rat Rods & Dragsters

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Left Of Center

Michael C. Hayes @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

JUNE 29

The Good Old Days –  Cars from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Double Trouble

The Danhattans @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

Car Club Guests – Midwest 356 Porsche Club & Porsche Club of America

JULY 6

Sports Car Night – Vettes, T-Birds, Porsches, Jags & More

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by BLUES BABY

Scott Allen @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

Car Club Guests – Porsche Club of America

JULY 13

Bank of America Night

Taste of Westmont Weekend – Classic car parking limited to Bank of America parking lot

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

JULY 20

Trucks, Jeeps & More

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by The Turntables

Music by Michael C. Hayes @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar 

Creative Arts Network Art Show

JULY 27

Imports, Orphans & Movie Cars

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music featuring The Kings Fabulous Band

Chicago Rock Exchange @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Car Club Guests – BMW Club Of America

AUGUST 3

Fire Truck Night

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Claremont Drive Band

Brad Dennison @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

Westmont Library Activity Table

Lights & Sirens Parade @ 9pm

AUGUST 10

May the Fords be with You

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Jonny Lions & The Pride

Michael C. Hayes @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

AUGUST 17

Mopar, Motorcycles Military & More

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by The Other Guys

April & Kevin @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

Car Club Guests – Chicagoland MG Club

AUGUST 24

Come One Come All – All Cars Welcome

All car makes & models are welcome every week!

Music by Bossy Dog

Scott Allen @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Car Club Guests – Windy City Miata Car Club

AUGUST 31

End of Season Wrap-Up Party – Everyone’s Invited!

Music by The Wonders

Michael C. Hayes @ NEAT Kitchen + Bar

Creative Arts Network Art Show

If you are interested in being a sponsor or volunteering at Westmont Cruisin’ Nights, visit the Westmont Special Events website at westmontevents.com or call 630-829-8378.  Also, be sure to like “Stanley Jamburger” on Facebook, which is the Westmont Special Events mascot, to get more event news, photos, videos, and more.