Security Officer's are to boycott Metra during Summit : Metra Violates 2nd Amendment and Illinois State laws that allow Security Officer's to carry to and from work

Below is a list of what Metra says you can and can not do during the NATO Summit. This is not Marshall law you can not tell security officer's they can not carry a firearm aboard the train. Metra this in violation of 55ILCS 5/ 4 and a complete violation of the 2nd Amendment rights. Are you prepaired to pay all those officer's for time off because your the only way they can go back and forth to work. I see lots of Metra Cops being arrested by Security officer's because they enforced this rule it is not a law. I also see the NRA fileing suit against metra.
 NATO Summit

Most Metra riders will not see service changes as a result of the NATO Summit on May 19-21, even most riders of the Metra Electric Line, which passes under the summit facility at McCormick Place.
Overview
Metra plans to operate regular service on 10 of its 11 lines. For the Metra Electric Line, most trains will operate, although some stations and the Blue Island branch line will be closed for all or part of the summit. Those closings are detailed below.
Riders of all lines may be subject to screening and baggage checks, with more extensive screening on the Metra Electric Line. Passengers on all lines will be prohibited from carrying many items onboard trains and will face other security restrictions outlined below.
Metra’s NATO plans could change, and riders are urged to go to Metra’s website for the latest information as the summit date approaches. Metra also will send emailed alerts to all riders who have signed up to receive them. We encourage riders to request alerts by creating a “My Metra” account on the website.
Metra is also providing several passenger tools, available on the Metra website, to assist passengers in planning transportation throughout the NATO Summit.
Metra Service on the Electric Line
Because the Metra Electric Line passes under McCormick Place, passengers will be subject to more extensive screening and baggage checks. Riders are advised to arrive at their departing station about 15 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for the boarding process. Metra Electric passengers should also note that some station entrances may be closed.
Plans for service on the Metra Electric Line vary by the day as follows. On all three days, the South Water Street entrance to Millennium will be closed.
Saturday, May 19: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and both branches and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus.
Sunday, May 20: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and South Chicago branch and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus. (The Blue Island branch does not operate on Sundays)
Monday, May 21:
Inbound trains: Operate all trains (except Blue Island trains) scheduled to arrive downtown until noon, with the following stations closed:

• On the main line, trains will not stop at 111th Street (Pullman), 107th Street, 103rd Street (Rosemoor), 95th Street (Chicago State University), 91st Street (Chesterfield), 87th Street (Woodruff), 83rd Street (Avalon Park), 79th Street (Chatham), 75th Street (Grand Crossing), 63rd Street, 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and Museum Campus/11th Street.
• On the South Chicago branch, trains will not stop at 87th Street, Cheltenham (79th Street), Windsor Park and Bryn Mawr.
• Trains will not operate on the Blue Island branch.

Inbound main line trains scheduled to arrive at Millennium between 12:57 p.m. and 6:46 p.m. will not operate.
Outbound trains: Operate normal service all day, except at closed stations and on Blue Island branch.
The Metra Electric main line serves about 14,000 riders on weekdays, 2,500 riders on Saturdays and about 1,800 riders on Sundays. The South Chicago branch carries about 2,800 riders on weekdays, 1,100 riders on Saturdays and 450 riders on Sundays. The Blue Island branch carries about 1,300 riders on weekdays, 325 riders on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Metra has compiled a list of alternate transportation for riders of each closed station. That list accompanies this press release.
Safety measures affecting passengers during the summit
Metra has implemented a wide range of safety measures during the NATO Summit. Passengers may see an increased law enforcement presence and K-9 units.
In addition, the following safety measures apply to riders of all Metra lines during the three days (May 19, 20 and 21) of the summit:

1. Riders may be subject to search and/or screening before boarding or while en route.
2. Riders may carry only one bag not exceeding 15 inches square and 4 inches deep. Boxes, parcels, luggage, backpacks and bicycles will not be allowed on trains. Banned items cannot be stored at Metra stations. They must be removed or they will be disposed of.
3. Riders may not carry any food on the trains. Liquids and personal effects (such as makeup) must be less than three ounces in size. This includes coffee and other beverages. Breast milk can be carried but is subject to inspection and should be declared during any screening.
4. Riders may not carry any type of tools, pipes, stakes, wood or weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, on the trains.
5. Law enforcement personnel must identify themselves and present their credentials and any weapons. Security guards will not be allowed to carry any weapons onboard.

Failure to comply with these safety measures or instructions from law enforcement personnel, or attempted avoidance of screening, will result in ejection from the station or further police action.
Communicating with passengers
Metra has developed a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure passengers have the most complete and up-to-date information on Metra service prior to and during the NATO Summit.
Metra passengers are encouraged to sign-up for a “My Metra” account through the Metra website at www.metrarail.com to receive the most current information from Metra via email.
Other media and passenger communication includes:

1. This press release and associated press conference to inform the media about Metra’s plans during the NATO Summit.
2. An updated homepage on our website with one-click access from the main screen to all of the information and passenger tools developed by Metra for this event.
3. A link in the “Good to Know” sidebar on the Metra homepage also providing one-click access to information and passenger tools developed by Metra.
4. Two versions of maps showing stops along the Metra Electric Line that will be affected during the NATO Summit. These maps are available in the PDF format for easy viewing and printing.
5. A passenger checklist that can be printed and used as a take-along reminder of safety measures and restrictions during the NATO Summit. The checklist is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
6. A revised schedule for the Metra Electric Line for each day of the NATO Summit. These schedules are available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
7. A list of transportation alternatives or transportation resources for affected passengers. This list is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
8. An article in the upcoming issue of our On the Bi-Level newsletter outlining Metra plans and reminding passengers to visit our website for additional information.
9. Metra will be sending email communications to “My Metra” accounts and our email marketing list.
10. Metra will utilize our Twitter accounts to advise passengers about NATO Summit Travel information on our website.
11. Passengers will also see and hear onboard messaging directing passengers to NATO Summit information available via “My Metra” and online at Metra’s website prior to and throughout the NATO Summit.
12. Metra is also alerting its passengers with station signage, station announcements and visual information displays.

Metra understands that these changes are inconvenient for many and we apologize. We have made our best efforts to minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented event.

And now the headaches begin the weekend before Nato week long the protester's gear up to get arrested

Occupy Chicago will join with fellow demonstrators in the large formal marches planned for next weekend's NATO summit but also plan their own protests, including one aimed at Boeing Co., organizers say.

Occupy joined with other protest leaders to outline 10 days of "direct action," starting with free bus rides from other cities, participation in a series of rallies and protest, culminating in a march downtown by thousands of locals and visitors that Sunday, May 20.

The effort brings together a range of disparate groups: nurses, veterans, Occupy protesters, and mental health advocates. Their common message is that tax dollars for the military and weapons should instead be spent on social needs like schools, health and housing.

The May 20 march will feature Iraq Veterans Against the War who will give up their service medals to demand NATO's immediate withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan, organizer Aaron Hughes said Thursday.

City plans for the summit, on May 20 and 21, call for numerous restrictions on parking and closings of roads and downtown museums, to deal with both visiting dignitaries and protesters.

But Zoe Sigman, of Occupy Chicago, said the group would proceed without regard for city permits and aimed to "shut down" Boeing's main office May 21, a Monday.

"Boeing is a corporate war criminal that profits off violence on a massive scale," she said. "They're receiving huge tax cuts from the city of Chicago while they're making money off of death and war."

John Dern, a spokesman for Boeing, said the company was assessing the situation and completing its plans, and would protect its people and property. He said a nearly 10-foot fence put up around the property Saturday was coincidental, for work to replace the plaza that will last through November.

In response to the protesters' accusations, Dern said, "We're proud to do our part to support the men and women of our military who are protecting our country."

Protesters and police both said they would remain peaceful, as they did at May Day protests last week.

"We are committed to ensuring the public safety of our residents, visitors and those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights," police spokeswoman Melissa Stratton said.

Protest organizers also plan to hold workshops on activism this weekend at Occupy Chicago headquarters, 500 W. Cermak Road.

Two protests are also planned for Federal Plaza, on Tuesday and next Friday, May 19.

More proof the state is corrupt: Former IDOT exec improperly got NASCAR passes, investigators say

The former head of traffic safety for the Illinois Department of Transportation violated state ethics rules by using his position to obtain several free passes to NASCAR events then lied to cover it up, according to a report investigators released Thursday.

The Office of Executive Inspector General recommended that Michael Stout be fired for requesting the passes from a consulting firm that received grants from IDOT to promote safety.

Stout resigned in December while agency officials were reviewing the findings.

According to the report, the consulting firm organizes booths at the annual NASCAR events at the Chicagoland Speedway. IDOT employees distribute information about the importance of seat belt use and how to prevent impaired driving.

As part of this effort, Stout asked the firm to provide him with special passes to events in 2009 and 2010 that would provide access to the track, pit land and garage area.

He told the firm he was requesting the passes for IDOT employees in order to meet with NASCAR drivers and Speedway executives and to conduct public relations work on behalf of the state.

But investigators found that several people who received passes did not work for the state.

Stout acknowledged he acted “dishonestly” to get passes for acquaintances or former state employees.

But Stout said he asked attendees to wear IDOT T-shirts in order to create a “presence” for the agency, arguing that constituted official business.

Stout said transportation agency officials had approved of him conducting business at NASCAR races, though they told investigators that they did not give Stout permission to ask for special passes, saying it would be “improper.”

Investigators said Stout committed official misconduct by requesting the passes and providing them to people who were not IDOT employees and were not conducting businesses on behalf of the state.

Stout argued that he was allowed to give the passes to non-employees because they did not cost the state anything, an idea ethics officers rejected.

“Mr. Stout used the influence of his position to obtain the social benefits of gift-giving,” the report states. “Plainly said, Mr. Stout sought to look like a ‘big shot.’ ”

Ethics officers recommended that Stout should be fired because of the serious nature of his actions, his attempts to lie about what happened and previously disciplinary action.

They passed their suggestion along to IDOT officials on Nov. 7, 2011.

The agency asked for more time to review the report on Nov. 22. Stout submitted his resignation on Dec. 12.

Stout had worked for the department since 2003. Records show he made more than $114,000 a year.

In his response to investigators, Stout said he disagreed with their findings and had evidence that pleads his case.

But Stout said he would not release the information because it would “expose state employees and citizens un-necessarily.”

He attached his final performance evaluation, which was made just before he left state government.

Supervisors said Stout “exceeded expectations” and helped Illinois’ traffic safety program become a model for the rest of the nation.

“I can say with confidence that I left the Division of Traffic Safety in a far better condition than when I found it over seven years ago,” Stout wrote. “I will always cherish many of the friendships built over the past seven years. The time to move on has passed.”

Fucking drunk slams in Chicago Police Hope the Officer is Good

The driver of a Lexus was cited for DUI after colliding with a marked squad car in the South Loop Friday morning.

The police car was headed north on Clark Street and collided with the white 2005 Lexus at 18th Street about 1:30 a.m., police said. The intersection is about one block west of the Central District police station.

No one was injured.

Junior Hernandez, 37, of the 3200 block of West Washington Street, was cited for driving under the influence and failure to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn, police said.

Year later, police renew appeal to public in case of missing boy, 6

A year after a 6-year-old Aurora boy disappeared with his mother, police have released new surveillance video and renewed their appeal for people in a large swath of northwestern Illinois to be on the look-out for any missing items "that may help pinpoint what happened to the boy."

Amy Fry-Pitzen took her son Timmothy from his kindergarten class at an Aurora school. Three days later, Fry-Pitzen's body was found at a Rockford motel. She had committed suicide and Timmothy was missing. In a note, Fry-Pitzen said her boy was safe but she didn't elaborate.

Timmothy was seen last with his mother leaving a Wisconsin Dells water park on May 13. Later that night, Fry-Pitzen checked into a Rockford motel alone. Employees found her body the next day after she killed herself with a knife, authorities said.

The last time anyone heard from Timmothy was during the day on May 13 when he talked to a relative on his mother’s cell phone as the pair were traveling about five miles west of Sterling, police said. Officers used bloodhounds, all-terrain vehicles and planes to search the area around Sterling, about 100 miles west of Chicago, but found nothing.

Police say a year later, they have no idea what happened to the boy. And they believe any clues -- a missing backpack and toys among them -- may be lying undiscovered somewhere in a six-county area where the mother apparently stopped during her trip with the boy.

An analysis of plants and mud on Fry-Pitzen's SUV indicates it was stopped for a while on a wide gravel shoulder or road near an asphalt secondary road, and backed into a grassy meadow or field to a spot that was nearly treeless and may be close to a pond or stream.

Police said the meadow is most likely somewhere in Lee and Whiteside counties but "areas in Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties cannot be ruled out."

Authorities are asking residents in those areas, as well as hikers and bikers and boaters in various state parks, to look for items of the boy's that are still missing.

They include: Timmothy’s Spider Man backpack, several toys and a tube of toothpaste his mother bought for Timmothy before he disappeared, Fry-Pitzen's cell phone and am I-Pass device.

Pictures of several of the items are posted on Aurora's website at www.aurora-il.org under the “police department” tab on the left side of the homepage and then the “Timmothy Pitzen” tab from a pull-down menu. Aurora Police have also posted the photos on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/aurorapolice.

Police also marked the one-year anniversary of the disappearance by releasing five clips of Fry-Pitzen and Timmothy taken from surveillance cameras. They include four clips taken at the Key Lime Cove Resort in Gurnee on May 12 and one taken the next day at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

"While investigators continue to pursue any and all information that may come in, they still have no leads into Timmothy’s whereabouts, including whether they boy is still alive or if he met with foul play," police said in a statement.

Police noted that Timmothy would now be 7. When he went missing, he was about 4-foot-2 and weighed around 70 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police at (630) 256-5500.

Aurora Area Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information. The phone number is (630) 892-1000.