The Weekend Desk Report

Natasha Julius is on a mission of national import. She either shows up in a hostage video or returns next week.

The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations
With Chicago police chief Garry McCarthy just one step away from knighthood for bravely staring down a bunch of unarmed, ragtag dead-enders with the help of a militarized brigade better equipped than any U.S. army unit in Afghanistan, even the perpetually aggrieved Archie Bunkers at the true-blue Second City Cop have had enough. "OK, Knock It Off Already," sayeth our finest.

But this week's best examples of the ridiculously low bar set for measuring the accomplishments of our local leaders - the mayor actually consulted with aldermen! - comes courtesy of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle's "The Week in Review" newsletter, featuring these highlights:

* County Releases Annual Financial Report on Time for First Time in 10 Years.

And . . .

* Toni, Elected Officials Announce Sending Tax Bills on Time.

Breaking news! Officials do their job!

What's sad is that governance is so bad in these parts that it actually is news; according to Preckwinkle's office, this is the first time in three decades that this round of tax bills have been sent out on time.

Pop Goes The Weasel
"This week Procter and Gamble and Walmart.com launched a joint, month-long initiative to increase the brands' footprint in big cities," Ad Age reports. "The effort features bus stop 'pop-up' stores in Chicago and 'food truck'-style mobile stores in Manhattan, replete with P&G products."

Great, pop-up Walmarts. Next: Pop-up Chinese prison labor camps. In your basement, for your convenience.

*

We prefer TacoCopter.

Leading Indicator
The private sector is doing fine.

Belmont and Boring
I'll Have Another won't. But the name of the new favorite is just as fitting given the race's new circumstances.

-

The Weekend Desk Tip Line: Crowning.

-

The Sound Opinions Weekend Listening Report: "This week, Jim and Greg break out the glow sticks. Tune in for a primer on electronic dance music (EDM) with Control Voltage writer Philip Sherburne. Plus, a review of the new album from nineties alt-rockers Garbage."

See also: "Electronic Dance Music Has Its Spring Awakening."

-

The CAN TV Weekend Viewing Report: CAN TV brings you local, relevant issues from Chicago's neighborhoods and communities. See what's happening around the city in education, the arts, government, cultural events, social services and community activities.

Technology Access Television

Judith Roussel of the U.S. Small Business Administration discusses programs and services offered by the SBA in Chicago.

Saturday, June 9 at 6 p.m. on CAN TV21
25 min

-

Perspectivas Latinas: Building Blocks of Peace

Abigail Wood-Lizalde of Universidad Popular discusses the organization's efforts to address violence in the Little Village area through town hall meetings and other means.

Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. on CAN TV21
30 min

-

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's 11th Annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District) hosts a luncheon highlighting the issues and accomplishments of women in politics.

Sunday, June 10 at 9 a.m. on CAN TV21
1 hr 30 min

-

America's Election & Its Democracy

Eric Kohn of the Chicago Tea Party joins speakers from across the political spectrum to discuss the state of elections and democracy in the United States.

Sunday, June 10 at 10:30 a.m. on CAN TV21
1 hr 30 min

-

Examining the Power of Place: Housing, Desegregation, & Opportunity

Experts discuss the impact of Chicago's Plan for Transformation and other programs on decreasing segregation, reducing concentrated poverty, and bettering lives.

Sunday, June 10 at 12 p.m. on CAN TV21
1 hr 30 min

-

Engaging Fissures & Envisioning Global Futures: A Conversation with Patricia McFadden

Feminist and scholar Dr. Patricia McFadden discusses sexuality, citizenship, and revolutionary struggles on the African continent.

Sunday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. on CAN TV21
1 hr 50 min

-

An Afternoon of Good Times: A Place Called Home

These awards hosted by the National Public Housing Museum recognize leaders for their commitments to housing, social justice and equality for inner city residents and communities.

Sunday, June 10 at 3:30 p.m. on CAN TV21
1 hr 20 min

© 2006 - 2021, The Beachwood Media Company