Michael Sneed

Although Sneed is told Cardinal Cupich has yet to officially tender his mandatory resignation, do not place a bet on the pope accepting it. Cupich is one the pope’s key leadership people.

It began in 1970 with the death of Illinois Secretary of State Paul Powell, a colorful old school downstate pol known for cutting deals that benefited southern Illinois — and himself. And the long tawdry saga could soon see its final chapter with the expected sale of a country home in Vienna, Ill.

The Book Stall in Winnetka said it canceled Highland Park native Brett Gelman’s March 20 book signing because they didn’t think they “could guarantee the comfort and security” of attendees. The actor and comedian believes his appearance could have drawn protests due to his support for Israel. “It was heartbreaking. Infuriating,” he told Sneed.

Grant DePorter, a huge Murray fan and CEO of Harry Caray’s restaurant group, fretted for months over the invite he had dispatched to Murray to attend a special event on Feb. 2 at their Navy Pier eatery.

The legendary peace priest plans to lead a protest Feb. 15 demanding the Democratic National Committee set aside funds to house Chicago’s homeless residents. “Our message is simple: ‘No money put aside for the homeless: No convention,’ ” said Pfleger.

Chicago Rabbi Barry Axler, 77, and his wife, Morene Dunn, 80, joined volunteers at an Air Force Base near Gaza last month, helping feed frontline soldiers serving in the Israel-Hamas War.

“This place has too much history to close,” says owner Alex Dana, who recently announced a switch from restaurant to a “speakeasy” for larger groups.

The legendary mainstay of Little Italy, once the “red sauce” destination for everyone from Frank Sinatra to Oprah Winfrey to Robert De Niro, will be open for regular dining through New Year’s Eve, and then only to bookings for bigger parties.

‘We are so lucky to still have her,’ Gigi Pritzker says of her colorful mother