Qatar Hired UK PR Firm To Edit Wikipedia Page: Report

Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/16/2026 – 16:40

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/qatar-hired-uk-pr-firm-edit-wikipedia-page-report 

Wendell “Wendy” Miller, a Lake Bluff resident who helped found the Chicago Marathon and played a crucial role in its early development, has died. He was 92.

“He was a pioneer,” said current Chicago Marathon race director Carey Pinkowski. “When he started, marathon running was thought of as an extreme sport, but he was encouraging people to come out, get active, and run. He was one of the Chicago originals.”

Miller died Jan. 8 of natural causes at his Lake Bluff home, according to his daughter, Julie Hawley.

Thousands of runners head north on Columbus Avenue in Grant Park to start the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 8, 2023. Lake Bluff resident, Wendell “Wendy” Miller, who helped found the Chicago Marathon, has died. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Raised in Canby, Minnesota, Miller graduated from St. Olaf College, where he studied philosophy and played on both the football and basketball teams. After graduation, he met his soon-to-be wife, Marlene, and the two were married and initially worked as a traveling salesman in Minnesota and later in Atlanta before the couple settled in Lake Bluff in 1961.

“My mother just liked it here in Lake Bluff,” said his daughter Muffet Trout. “So they chose Lake Bluff.”

Miller later transitioned careers and, with a business partner, formed a financial planning firm in downtown Chicago. Recreation also played a central role in family life. Marlene served as the longtime girls’ golf coach at Lake Forest High School and was a Lake Bluff Park District commissioner.

About a decade after moving to Lake Bluff, Miller began pursuing a healthier lifestyle. His exercise routine started with basketball, as he organized a regular group at the Lake Forest College gym.

“He loved to play ball with people, and that just evolved into the running,” Hawley said.

Seeking to channel his growing interest into something more organized, Miller was involved with Midwest Masters, a running group for athletes over 40. He also established Club North Shore, a distance running club whose members raced throughout Lake Bluff and Lake Forest. Those efforts eventually led to the creation of the Lake Bluff Marathon.

As interest continued to grow, Miller sensed there would be enthusiasm for a larger race that would take runners through many Chicago neighborhoods. He approached Lee Flaherty, who became the initial sponsor of the first race in 1977. The event was originally called the Mayor Daley Marathon, in honor of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, who had died the previous December. The inaugural race drew between 3,000 and 5,000 runners.

As the marathon sought to gain a foothold in the Chicago sports scene, Miller took on numerous responsibilities as race director while working with the event’s initial corporate sponsors.

“He was always pushing and trying to convince them the marathon could be a real economic engine for the city of Chicago,” said Carl Ruzicka, who, along with his brother Tony, assisted Miller in promoting the event during its early years.

Through the Ruzicka brothers, Miller was later introduced to Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter, one of the sport’s most prominent figures at the time. Shorter became a key early participant in the Chicago Marathon and other local races, impressed by Miller’s vision and persistence.

“He was one of those very few people who truly loved putting one foot in front of the other and moving down the road,” Shorter said. “He wanted to share that love of running, and he did.”

Miller served as race director for several years before transitioning into an advisory role as the marathon expanded. By 2025, the Chicago Marathon had grown to include more than 54,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, generating more than $683 million annually for the Chicago economy, according to race officials.

Even after stepping back from day-to-day leadership, Miller remained involved as an advisor, often sharing historical anecdotes, Pinkowski recalled.

“He had a grounding effect on everybody,” he said. “As things got busy, he always brought a wonderful sense of humor.”

Outside of running, Miller enjoyed playing the guitar, writing poetry, caring for animals — particularly dogs — and golfing. His daughters whimsically recalled that he especially loved retrieving golf balls from water hazards, storing them in five-gallon pails at home and later giving them out as gifts.

Survivors include his daughters, Julie Hawley (Peter) and Muffet Trout (John); a son, Peter; daughter-in-law Susan Perko; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Marlene, his wife of 67 years, who died in 2022, and a son, Robin.

A memorial service is being planned for May 30 at Lake Bluff’s Grace Methodist Church.

 Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/lake-bluff-resident-wendell-wendy-miller-a-founder-of-the-chicago-marathon-dies-at-92/ 

Chicago Heights man charged with running over woman in parking lot

A Chicago Heights man is charged with running over his estranged wife.

Maurice Spencer, 39, is charged with causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated, criminal recklessness and three misdemeanors.

He is in custody, held on a $5,000 cash bond.

Schererville Police responded on Tuesday to the 800 block of W. Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30), in the Crossings of Schererville parking lot.

The woman’s son told police that Spencer arrived to fix his flat tire.

She and Spencer had gotten into an “intense” argument. On the way out, the woman was hanging halfway out of a white Dodge Durango when Spencer sped out of the parking lot.

In the process, she fell out of the SUV and Spencer ran her over, according to court documents.

Spencer told police he didn’t realize she was halfway in the vehicle when he sped off. He said he drank a “couple” of beers. A breathalyzer indicated he was above the legal limit.

The woman told police that she was with her two kids and called Spencer for a ride after he got a flat. She was reaching into the vehicle to get her purse and phone when he pulled off.

She didn’t think it was “intentional,” court records show.

She had a broken shoulder and fractured pelvis, court records state.

Charges added in Jimmijion Bailey slaying

Lake County prosecutors added more charges Friday in Jimmijion Bailey’s October 2024 death.

Ralph Stokes is charged with murder in 25-year-old Bailey’s shooting death on Oct. 5, 2024. The man’s decapitated body was found Oct. 11, 2024, on the 2300 block of Clay Street with his arms and knees bound with black tape.

Bailey’s relatives said he dated Stokes’ child’s mother for a few weeks and his death was driven by jealousy.

Stokes and two other women have been charged in connection with the case. All have pleaded not guilty.

Stokes is now charged with obstruction of justice, in addition to murder and a gun enhancement.

After the slaying, authorities said Stokes had help to dispose of the body.

Betty Tomlinson, the girlfriend’s mother, now is charged also with obstruction of justice, altering the scene of a death, and two misdemeanors.

She is still charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson and assisting a criminal.

Ralph Stokes’ mother Antoinette Stokes, 54, was charged in the case Wednesday.

She faces felony arson, obstruction of justice, altering the scene of a death charges, and two misdemeanors – failure to notify authorities of the discovery of a dead body and failure to report human remains.

Post-Tribune archives contributed.

mcolias@post-tribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/court-news-man-charged-with-running-over-woman-new-charges-in-jimmijion-bailey-case/ 

Their “Democracy” Is Nothing More Than A Gigantic Engine Of Grift

Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/16/2026 – 16:20

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/their-democracy-nothing-more-gigantic-engine-grift 

The last ink I gave to my kitchen cook and columnist contemporary Laura Kurella and her Whiting roots was in November 2024 after her original recipe accolades for using wild rice.

She’s back in the news because for an astonishing three years in a row, Kurella has won the People’s Choice award in the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council’s annual “Get Wild with Wild Rice” recipe contest, and she credits Michigan cherries for helping her rack up this third win.

“Her winning recipe, Argentine Wild (Michigan) Cherry Chicken, is a delicious, slightly savory, slightly sweet creation,” Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council spokesperson Chelsea Russell described to me.

“The fruity-fresh berry flavors of her sauce pairs perfectly with all the smoky flavors found in wild rice.”

A self-taught home cook with no professional training in the culinary arts, Kurella said she was stunned by the three-in-a-row win.

“I am absolutely overjoyed and thank God for blessing me with creative kitchen abilities that call me to ‘play’ in the kitchen,” Kurella said by phone with her signature giggle.

“Wild rice is so unique and health-filled, but also a challenge to develop recipes for. I am super-thrilled that Michigan cherries helped me rack up this three-peat win. Their eye-catching color and combination of tart, fruity-fresh flavors do well to complement the earthy-nutty-smoky flavors in wild rice. Working together to elevate this dish into a fun, festive and flavor-forward fork experience!”

Kurella’s Argentine Wild (Michigan) Cherry Chicken features a well-seasoned chicken with wild rice, all flavorfully serenaded by generous scoops of freshly-made chimichurri sauce.

“The sauce gives this dish an unmistakably fresh and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory, earthy flavors in wild rice,” Russell said.

“We also liked that this dish offers flexibility and can be served as an appetizer, a skewer, or as a plated main.”

Kurella’s Argentine Wild (Michigan) Cherry Chicken features seasoned chicken on a bed of wild rice that’s accented with freshly-made chimichurri sauce.

Laura Kurella’s award-winning recipe for “Argentine Wild (Michigan) Cherry Chicken” garnered the People’s Choice Award in the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council’s 15th Annual “Get Wild with Wild Rice” recipe contest in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council)

Savoring Kurella’s current 2024-2025 win, Russell recalled her 2023-24 win, which was a scrumptious Wild Rice Beer Bread with Maple Spread recipe.

“It (the bread recipe) had a magical flavor combination with a hint of sweetness and a distinctive, nutty-earth flavor that was so good, and her 2022-23 winning recipe was also unique,” Russell said.

“Her ‘Popped’ Espresso Mocha Pillow Crisps were delightfully soft and sweet marshmallow ‘pops’ coated in dark chocolate, then sprinkled with a touch of espresso powder, aromatic cinnamon, then wrapped in a crisp blanket of nutty-delicious ‘popped’ wild rice that made it a cute, sweet and chocolaty-delicious crunchy treat.”

She applauds Kurella’s flair “for thinking way outside the rice box,” crediting Kurella’s inventiveness for this unprecedented winning streak.

The Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council (MCWRC) was established in 1974 to support Minnesota’s cultivated wild rice growers, who are the top producers of wild rice in the United States. Their first annual “Get Wild with Wild Rice” recipe contest was held in 2010, and has helped make their website home to the world’s largest free online wild rice recipe library. To view it, visit mnwildrice.org.

To receive a printed copy of the 2024-2025 Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice finalist recipes, which contain the recipes from all the finalists, send a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council, Newest Recipes, 4630 Churchill St #1, St. Paul, MN 55126.

Originally from Whiting, and a favorite occasional guest host on my weekly WJOB 1230 AM radio show when she’s back visiting Northwest Indiana, Kurella and her husband now live up north in Wellston, Michigan.

“It’s been challenging during the holiday because my hubby had a heart attack, and I have been overwhelmed to say the least,” Kurella explained.

“I thank God for saving his life and the amazing care we received at both Manistee and Traverse City hospitals. They truly made the difference between life and death for him. I cannot be more thankful and grateful.”

Laura Kurella and her husband Richard Taylor helped me with information for an August 2021 published column about rutabagas, which are abundant each year in the couple’s upper Michigan garden along with the boundless acres of Michigan cherry orchards which fill the landscape.

“Not only do I promote Michigan cherries as a much-valued Midwest crop, but they are also loaded with health-promoting benefits, making them a true win-win-win on every level as an ingredient,” Kurella said.

Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is a weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com or mail your questions: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.

Argentine Wild (Michigan) Cherry Chicken with Chimichurri Drizzle

Makes 4 servings

Chimichurri Drizzle:

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 small shallot, peeled

2 tablespoons dry red wine (or red wine vinegar)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 cup pitted fresh (or re-hydrated) cherries (tart or dark)

8 sprigs fresh cilantro

4 sprigs fresh parsley

4 fresh mint leaves

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon unrefined (colored) sea salt

1/2 cup oil (favorite)

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (key for flavor), cubed

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons butter/fat/ oil

2 cups cooked wild rice

Fresh lime wedges, garnish

Cilantro, garnish

Directions:

Make chimichurri by combining all ingredients in a food processor and pulsing just until mixture is well-blended and between coarse and medium-chopped. Move contents to a covered glass container and chill for at least one hour before serving.

To prepare chicken, using a medium skillet, brown chicken in butter, fat or oil as desired.
Season meat with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in wild rice and heat through so ingredients are acquainted.

Right before serving, drizzle the chicken and rice with warmed (or, if preferred, still chilled) chimichurri.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/from-the-farm-whiting-kitchen-claim-to-fame-laura-kurellas-3-peat-win-is-michigan-cherry-recipe/ 

Homewood-Flossmoor High School went into a hard lockdown Friday afternoon after a firearm was reported on campus, District 233 Superintendent Jennifer Norrell said in a message sent to families and staff.

The firearm was taken into police possession and the individual who had it was taken into custody, Norrell said.

The school went into lockdown at about 1:30 p.m., the message said, and continued until 3 p.m. dismissal “out of an abundance of caution,” the message said.

Police from the surrounding areas were onsite to ensure safety, the message said, and would remain by the building during a staggered dismissal.

elewis@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/homewood-flossmoor-high-school-lockdown-gun/ 

Significantly higher levels of lead were found in 70 of the 101 Elgin homes and buildings checked during the city’s regular semiannual drinking water test, city officials said.

Levels measured 56.7 parts per billion, far exceeding the 15 parts per billion amount that triggers a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action plan and requires the public to be notified, according to a city news release.

EPA officials mandate that action be taken when more than 10% of homes tested have lead in water levels above 15 parts per billion. Testing is done every six months in communities that have homes with lead water service lines per EPA rules.

The most recent testing was done late last year.

Individual water lines made of lead going into homes are typically the source of it being found in the water; homes with with lines made from copper or other substances are not affected. Elgin’s water supply taken from the Fox River contains no lead, officials said.

Assistant City Manager Karina Nava said the city has reached out to property owners whose water tested over the limit.

“The city has those addresses on record and contacts the homeowners to provide information and answer any questions,” Nava said.

Homes and buildings constructed before 1988 are more likely to have lead service lines.

“This monitoring period’s results are much higher than previous monitoring periods for the city,” the news release said. “This is due to changes in the regulation and how a sample is required to be collected and tested.”

Previously, samples were collected in a one-liter bottle after the water was not in use for at least six hours,” the release said. “The test results were representative of the home’s premise plumbing.”

It’s now required that five one-liter bottles be collected, with the fifth bottle being tested for lead.

“This is representative of water that was sitting in the home’s lead service line,” the release said. “In most cases, the results are a higher lead concentration than was previously seen in testing results.”

Elgin has the second-largest number of lead service lines outside of Chicago, Mayor Dave Kaptain said at his 2026 State of the City address presented this week at Elgin Community College.

The city has been systematically been replacing the lead service lines over several years at no cost to residents, Kaptain said.

About $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act given to the city was earmarked for the work, and Elgin has sold bonds and tapped other financial sources to fund the replacement effort.

Consultants initially estimated it would cost $120 million over 10 years to complete, he said.

“The latest estimate is $150 million,” Kaptain said. “We have replaced a couple of thousand lines … but the cost has gone up.”

To date, 2,790 lines have been replaced of the 10,000 or so that need to be removed. Another 1,000 are budgeted for this year.

The EPA is requiring Elgin to replace the lines over the next seven years, Kaptain said. There also have been changes in the way drinking water is monitored and treated, he said. Elgin has adapted, but the challenges will continue, he said.

When consumed, lead presents health dangers, especially to pregnant women and children. It can cause brain and kidney damage as well as behavioral problems and slowed growth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/elgin-lead-water-tests-lines-replacement/ 

The village of River Forest selected a developer for the long-vacant parcels on and behind the 7600 block of Madison Street, on the village’s border with Forest Park.

After looking at multiple potential developers, the village tentatively settled on Five Thirty One Partners, officials announced Jan. 14. The Chicago-based developer proposed to build a five-story building that would have 72 apartments and turn the two rear lots into a parking lot. Because of the complex nature of the project, it would need to go through the Planned Unit Development process to get the design approved.

But, before that happens, officials are seeking public feedback. River Forest will hold two open houses – one from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 at Roosevelt Middle School, 7660 Oak Ave., and one from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at River Forest Civic Center, 8020 Madison St. Residents can also submit comments online and review project information on the project page at vfp.us/Madison.

The property is made up of three lots. One at 7612-7620 Madison used to be home to Lutheran Child and Family Services. The two lots behind it, at 10 Lathrop Ave. and 11 Ashland Ave., were private homes. By the time River Forest bought the properties in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, the buildings had been sitting empty for years.

The village demolished them in 2023. Two years later, it hired Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. to market the properties.  According to the village announcement, the staff looked at seven potential developments, then narrowed them down to two finalists. Five Thirty-One Partners won out because their proposal could appeal to both young professionals who might be interested in moving to River Forest, and empty nesters who are looking to downsize but don’t want to leave the village, officials said. The fact that the developer continues to own and manage its properties after construction is done also worked in its favor, they said.

Five Thirty One Partners has developed several sites in the area. They redeveloped the former U.S. Bank site at 6700 W. North Ave. in the Galewood section of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, gutting and expanding the old bank building. In fact, the renderings of their proposal for the Madison Street site share many design elements and color choices as that project.

The U.S. Bank project also showed some willingness by developers to adapt to community feedback by reducing building heights, shifting balconies to address concerns about residents looking at their neighbors’ yards, and even building a first-floor space for a new Galewood branch library – a major priority for the neighborhood. The library deal ultimately broke down after the developer and the city couldn’t agree on the price and other contract details. One Thirty-Five Partners went as far as designing the space specifically to fit Chicago Public Library system standards.

According to the renderings, the Madison Street building would include 3,380 sq. ft. of retail space on the first floor, in the southwest corner of the building. The entrance and the lobby would be located on the southeast side, and would include a bike storage room.  The first floor would also have an indoor parking garage. Between that and the outdoor parking, the development would have 87 parking spaces.

When soliciting developments, River Forest cited the site’s proximity to Forest Park Blue Line station, which is only a few blocks south. Pace bus route 318 stops even closer, at the intersection of Madison Street and Des Plaines Avenue.

The rendering also shows a rooftop patio. Each floor would have a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and even four-bedroom units.

A developer has proposed erecting an apartment building with retail space on the first floor for the long-vacant parcels on and behind the 7600 block of Madison Street in River Forest. (Igor Studenkov/Pioneer Press)

The village expects the Planned Unit Development proposal to take around five months.

In a message to the residents, the village emphasized that the One Thirty-Five’s proposal is not final, and there is always a possibility that River Forest will look for another developer if the proposal doesn’t work out.  In addition to taking public input into account, the River Forest Development Review Board, village staff and legal counsel will evaluate the developer’s finances and review the proposal for “feasibility, and its potential for long-term success.”

“Our shared goal is to confirm that the project aligns with River Forest’s standards and represents a sound, sustainable investment that is consistent with our community’s quality of life,” village officials stated in the update.

Igor Studenkov is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/river-forest-madison-street-site/ 

A Lake County prosecutor questioned a witness’ account of a fatal shooting during a New Year’s Day custody handoff, saying it did not match what was captured on video.

Erik Olaguez, 20, is charged with the Jan. 1, 2025 murder of Edward Ruiz Jr., 42, his mother’s ex. He has pleaded not guilty — arguing it was self-defense and he was protecting others from Ruiz.

Tensions were high when the mother showed up to get two kids, aged 11 and 7, from Ruiz, according to the video played during the hearing.

The male witness testified that he believed Ruiz started the argument with the woman.

In the video, the woman’s voice appeared to be louder first.

“I want my kids,” she appears to yell.

The man later clarified he was still in the car and didn’t know how the spat started.

The witness also denied having a gun on him. When Bruno froze the video showing his outstretched arm appearing to point an object toward Ruiz’s head, he said it was a phone.

“What’s the need to point a phone at someone’s head,” Bruno asked.

“I wasn’t really pointing at his head,” the man responded. “I was just telling him not to be a (expletive).”

The prosecutor noted at one point, the video appeared to show Ruiz swatting the witness’ hand away. A melee grew quickly, before about a half-dozen gunshots were heard.

Police accused Olaguez of shooting Ruiz three to four times, including twice in the head.

Bruno said the witness’ account was “intentionally evasive.”

Defense lawyer Susan Severtson countered he was “answering to the best of his ability.”

New Chicago Police responded around 11 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2025 to the first block of Arthur Avenue.

Ruiz’s ex told their children she was headed to the New Chicago address in Indiana to pick them up.

Ruiz’s female relative told him to let the kids just walk to the mother’s car. Ruiz walked out, helping the older child with their bags. The mother started yelling at Ruiz.

Ruiz’s relative told her to “not start any problems,” the affidavit states. The mother punched the female relative in the face. Ruiz tried to split up the fight. Police alleged an “unknown” male — the witness — from the mother’s car attacked Ruiz.

Then, Erik Olaguez flashed a gun and shot Ruiz, charges allege.

A younger child appeared to run off before Ruiz later led her back to their car before they left.

Another hearing is set for March before Judge Samuel Cappas.

mcolias@post-trib.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/16/witness-account-questioned-in-bail-hearing-for-fatal-shooting-suspect/