chicagosun-times--2020-07-06--FBI: Girlfriend helped Calumet City man dismember, bury missing female soldier in Texas

The girlfriend of a soldier from Calumet City appeared before a judge Monday on charges she helped him dismember and bury a female soldier he killed with a hammer on an Army base in Texas .
The suspected killer — Army Spc .
Aaron David Robinson — shot himself to death July 1 as police were about to arrest him for killing Army Spc .
Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood in a case that ’ s captured national attention .
Guillen ’ s family believes Robinson killed her to keep her from filing a sexual harassment complaint against him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cecily Aguilar told a federal judge In Texas she understood the charge she faces : tampering with evidence .
“ Yeah , sure , ” she said , according to KCEN-TV .
Robinson , 20 , played varsity football for Thornton Fractional North High School before he joined the Army in 2017 .
He was a combat engineer at Fort Hood .
Guillen , 20 , was a Houston native stationed at the base .
Aguilar , 22 , is a civilian who was living in Killeen , Texas , near the base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lawyer for Guillen ’ s family said she was “ very creeped out ” after Robinson watched her in a locker room after she took a shower on the base .
“ We believe that Vanessa told him that she was reporting him , and that ’ s why he bludgeoned her , ” attorney Natalie Khawam said .
Guillen ’ s family is asking for federal legislation to improve how the military deals with sexual harassment .
Army officials said last week that they didn ’ t have any complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating .
After Guillen went missing April 22 , the hashtag # IamVanessaGuillen appeared on social media , putting a focus on soldiers ’ stories of sexual harassment .
On Friday , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said of her case : “ We owe it to those who put on the uniform , and to their families , to put an end to sexual harassment and assault in the military , and hold perpetrators accountable.
” According to the FBI , Robinson struck Guillen in the head with a hammer in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then moved her body from the base in a trunk with wheels .
The FBI said he picked up Aguilar at the gas station where she worked , and they drove to the Leon River about 20 miles east of the base .
Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson dismember the body with a machete and other tools .
They tried to burn the remains before burying them in three shallow graves and , days later , returned and put concrete in the graves , according to the FBI .
Investigators learned Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Leon River based on their cellphone data .
Guillen ’ s remains were found on the riverbank June 30 .
“ Baby they found pieces , they found pieces , ” Robinson warned Aguilar in a call after he learned news outlets were reporting remains were unearthed .
After first saying she didn ’ t know anything about Guillen ’ s disappearance , Aguilar confessed to helping bury the body , but Robinson fled , fatally shooting himself at about 1:30 a.m. July 1 when police approached him on a street @ @ @ @ @ @

The girlfriend of a soldier from Calumet City appeared before a judge Monday on charges she helped him dismember and bury a female soldier he killed with a hammer on an Army base in Texas.
Army Spc. Aaron David Robinson. Christopher J. Haug Sr. / Fort Hood Public Affairs
The suspected killer — Army Spc. Aaron David Robinson — shot himself to death July 1 as police were about to arrest him for killing Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood in a case that’s captured national attention.
Guillen’s family believes Robinson killed her to keep her from filing a sexual harassment complaint against him.
On Monday, Robinson’s girlfriend Cecily Aguilar told a federal judge in Texas she understood the charge she faces: tampering with evidence. “Yeah, sure,” she said, according to KCEN-TV.
Cecily Aguilar is accused of helping Army Spc. Aaron David Robinson dismember and bury Spc. Vanessa Guillen in Texas. Bell County, Texas, sheriff’s office
Robinson, 20, played varsity football for Thornton Fractional North High School before he joined the Army in 2017. He was a combat engineer at Fort Hood.
Guillen, 20, was a Houston native stationed at the base.
Aguilar, 22, is a civilian who was living in Killeen, Texas, near the base.
At a news conference last week, a lawyer for Guillen’s family said she was “very creeped out” after Robinson watched her in a locker room after she took a shower on the base.
“We believe that Vanessa told him that she was reporting him, and that’s why he bludgeoned her,” attorney Natalie Khawam said.
Guillen’s family is asking for federal legislation to improve how the military deals with sexual harassment.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Army officials said last week that they didn’t have any complaints that Guillen was sexually harassed but were investigating.
After Guillen went missing April 22, the hashtag #IamVanessaGuillen appeared on social media, putting a focus on soldiers’ stories of sexual harassment. On Friday, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said of her case: “We owe it to those who put on the uniform, and to their families, to put an end to sexual harassment and assault in the military, and hold perpetrators accountable.”
According to the FBI, Robinson struck Guillen in the head with a hammer in a weapons room where she was working, then moved her body from the base in a trunk with wheels. The FBI said he picked up Aguilar at the gas station where she worked, and they drove to the Leon River about 20 miles east of the base.
Spc. Vanessa Guillen. Provided
Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson dismember the body with a machete and other tools. They tried to burn the remains before burying them in three shallow graves and, days later, returned and put concrete in the graves, according to the FBI.
Investigators learned Robinson and Aguilar were together on the bank of the Leon River based on their cellphone data.
Guillen’s remains were found on the riverbank June 30.
“Baby they found pieces, they found pieces,” Robinson warned Aguilar in a call after he learned news outlets were reporting remains were unearthed.
After first saying she didn’t know anything about Guillen’s disappearance, Aguilar confessed to helping bury the body, but Robinson fled, fatally shooting himself at about 1:30 a.m. July 1 when police approached him on a street in Killeen, officials said.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-06--WNBA players to spotlight Breonna Taylor on jerseys

NEW YORK — WNBA players will wear uniforms for the opening weekend of the season featuring Breonna Taylor ’ s name when the league begins play later this month .
Players will also wear warmup shirts that read “ Black Lives Matter ” on the front and “ Say Her Name ” on the back throughout the season , the league and players ’ union announced Monday .
Also , the phrase “ Black Lives Matter ” will be featured prominently on the courts where the teams practice and play .
Taylor , a 26-year-old Black emergency medical technician , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers serving a narcotics search warrant at her apartment on March 13 .
No drugs were found .
Her family and protesters around the country have called for swift action against the officers who shot Taylor .
The league is considering ways to recognize other women who have died because of alleged police brutality or racial violence — including Vanessa Guillen and Sandra Bland .
“ We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the league ’ s dedicated fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said .
“ Working together with the WNBPA and the teams , the league aims to highlight players ’ social justice efforts throughout the 2020 season and beyond .
Systemic change can ’ t happen overnight , but it is our shared responsibility to do everything we can to raise awareness and promote the justice we hope to see in society.
” The jersey idea was first publicly put forth by Las Vegas Aces forward Angel McCoughtry .
Players have the option to just wear the uniforms opening weekend or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players association also announced the creation of a new platform — The Justice Movement — and the creation of the WNBA/WNBPA Social Justice Council .
The purpose of the council is to push for change on issues including race , voting rights , LGBTQ advocacy and gun control .
WNBA players Layshia Clarendon , Breanna Stewart , A ’ ja Wilson , Sydney Colson , Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Satou Sabally will led the council .
“ As many WNBA players — past and present — have said and , more importantly , consistently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us engaging and leading the charge when it comes to social advocacy is because it is in our DNA , ” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said .
“ With 140-plus voices all together for the first time ever , we can be a powerful force connecting to our sisters across the country and in other parts of the world .
And may we all recognize that the league ’ s stated commitment to us — in this season and beyond — offers a pivotal moment in sports history.
” A few players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already opted out of the upcoming season to spend their time working to advance social justice .
Teams started arriving Monday at IMG Academy in Florida to prepare for a season that ’ s been shortened and limited to a single location because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Games are expected to begin the weekend of July 24 .

NEW YORK — WNBA players will wear uniforms for the opening weekend of the season featuring Breonna Taylor’s name when the league begins play later this month.
Players will also wear warmup shirts that read “Black Lives Matter” on the front and “Say Her Name” on the back throughout the season, the league and players’ union announced Monday. Also, the phrase “Black Lives Matter” will be featured prominently on the courts where the teams practice and play.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black emergency medical technician, was shot eight times by plainclothes Louisville police officers serving a narcotics search warrant at her apartment on March 13. No drugs were found. Her family and protesters around the country have called for swift action against the officers who shot Taylor.
The league is considering ways to recognize other women who have died because of alleged police brutality or racial violence — including Vanessa Guillen and Sandra Bland.
“We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the league’s dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Working together with the WNBPA and the teams, the league aims to highlight players’ social justice efforts throughout the 2020 season and beyond. Systemic change can’t happen overnight, but it is our shared responsibility to do everything we can to raise awareness and promote the justice we hope to see in society.”
The jersey idea was first publicly put forth by Las Vegas Aces forward Angel McCoughtry. Players have the option to just wear the uniforms opening weekend or throughout the season.
The league and players association also announced the creation of a new platform — The Justice Movement — and the creation of the WNBA/WNBPA Social Justice Council. The purpose of the council is to push for change on issues including race, voting rights, LGBTQ advocacy and gun control.
WNBA players Layshia Clarendon, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Sydney Colson, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Satou Sabally will led the council.
“As many WNBA players — past and present — have said and, more importantly, consistently demonstrated, the reason why you see us engaging and leading the charge when it comes to social advocacy is because it is in our DNA,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said. “With 140-plus voices all together for the first time ever, we can be a powerful force connecting to our sisters across the country and in other parts of the world. And may we all recognize that the league’s stated commitment to us — in this season and beyond — offers a pivotal moment in sports history.”
A few players, including Renee Montgomery and Natasha Cloud, have already opted out of the upcoming season to spend their time working to advance social justice.
Teams started arriving Monday at IMG Academy in Florida to prepare for a season that’s been shortened and limited to a single location because of the coronavirus pandemic. Games are expected to begin the weekend of July 24.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-06--Man charged with murder in fatal Fourth of July shooting of 7-year-old girl in Austin

First-degree murder charges were filed against a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl in Austin on Fourth of July .
Reginald Lamar Merrill , 33 , was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in the death of Natalia Wallace , Chicago police Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said at a news conference Monday .
Natalia was struck by a stray bullet while she was playing outside at a family Fourth of July party about 7 p.m. in the 100 block of North Latrobe Avenue , Chicago police said .
Three men got out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 rounds in the direction of the people holding the party .
Detectives identified the vehicle through video , tracked it through the district , obtained a license plate and arrested Merrill , who was driving the car , hours later in the 1000 block of North Pine Avenue , police said .
Investigators believe the shooting may have been in retaliation for an earlier homicide .
Detectives are still looking for three other suspects in the incident , Deenihan said .
“ Take some ownership in the decisions you made , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , turn yourselves in and admit that you killed a 7-year-old child.
” Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

First-degree murder charges were filed against a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl in Austin on Fourth of July.
Reginald Lamar Merrill, 33, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in the death of Natalia Wallace, Chicago police Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said at a news conference Monday.
Natalia was struck by a stray bullet while she was playing outside at a family Fourth of July party about 7 p.m. in the 100 block of North Latrobe Avenue, Chicago police said. Three men got out of a white car and shot more than 20 rounds in the direction of the people holding the party.
“It’s just unbelievable that another child was killed,” Deenihan said. “Officers arrived on the scene, tried every life-saving technique they could to save this child and unfortunately she was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
The shooting also wounded a 32-year-old man, police said.
Detectives identified the vehicle through video, tracked it through the district, obtained a license plate and arrested Merrill, who was driving the car, around 9:15 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Pine Avenue, police said. Investigators believe the shooting may have been in retaliation for an earlier homicide.
Detectives are still looking for three other suspects in the incident, Deenihan said.
“Take some ownership in the decisions you made,” Deenihan said. “Come on in, turn yourselves in and admit that you killed a 7-year-old child.”
Merrill is scheduled to appear in bond court Tuesday.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Dear Abby: I’m worried about my overworked and overweight husband

DEAR ABBY : I have a wonderful husband of almost 20 years and two teenage children .
My husband is incredibly hardworking in his stressful career and has provided a very comfortable life for us .
The trouble is , he puts work ahead of any self-care .
He works most waking hours , doesn ’ t eat well , exercises rarely , is overweight — the list goes on .
When I ask/encourage/nag him to make positive lifestyle choices , he reminds me of the life insurance he has and turns it around on me and says I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my husband , and I worry that this will cut his life and our life together short .
Can you help ?
— BESIDE MYSELF WITH WORRY DEAR BESIDE YOURSELF : I wish I could wave a magic wand and make your husband receptive to what you are trying to do for him .
But until he ’ s ready to address these issues and do something about them , nothing will change .
If he enjoys his career and takes pride in the fact that you and your children are — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s living the life he has chosen for himself .
This does not mean you must give up entirely suggesting healthy lifestyle choices , but perhaps do it a little less often and in terms of activities he might enjoy .
DEAR ABBY : After a long and successful life , my uncle recently passed away .
His wife is my mother ’ s sister .
During one of our phone calls , she told me she and my cousins had written his obituary and that it would be published soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I located the obituary and discovered that my sister and I were not mentioned as his niece and nephew .
I am still terribly hurt .
Why would they do this ?
My sister and I grew up spending every major holiday and birthday with my uncle .
The obituary did include his other niece and nephew who live on the opposite side of the country and kept in touch only with an occasional phone call and holiday card .
I included my cousins in obituaries for my parents and sister , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years .
I feel that I must address this with them , but I don ’ t want to add to the pain they are going through while they mourn their loss .
I now dread attending the memorial because I ’ m worried friends of our family may bring it up , and I won ’ t know what to say .
— HURT NEPHEW IN ILLINOIS DEAR NEPHEW : Even when a death is expected , many people go into a state of shock , which interferes with their ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible that the obituary was written when your aunt and cousins weren ’ t thinking straight , which is why you were omitted .
If someone brings it up at the memorial — which I doubt will happen — rather than nurse hurt feelings , I hope you will point out that the family , including you , is grieving .
Period .
DEAR ABBY : How do you politely ask a neighbor to mow his lawn at reasonable times of the day ?
Mine seems to be doing it three days a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy our backyard .
— TRYING TO RELAX DEAR TRYING : If you are on speaking terms with this neighbor , explain that the noise from his lawnmower interferes with your ability to enjoy your backyard and ask POLITELY if he could schedule it at another hour of the day .
If he is a good neighbor , he should be willing to accommodate you .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “ The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.
” To order , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Anger Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I have a wonderful husband of almost 20 years and two teenage children. My husband is incredibly hardworking in his stressful career and has provided a very comfortable life for us. The trouble is, he puts work ahead of any self-care. He works most waking hours, doesn’t eat well, exercises rarely, is overweight — the list goes on. When I ask/encourage/nag him to make positive lifestyle choices, he reminds me of the life insurance he has and turns it around on me and says I am stressing him.
Abby, I love my husband, and I worry that this will cut his life and our life together short. Can you help? — BESIDE MYSELF WITH WORRY
DEAR BESIDE YOURSELF: I wish I could wave a magic wand and make your husband receptive to what you are trying to do for him. But until he’s ready to address these issues and do something about them, nothing will change.
If he enjoys his career and takes pride in the fact that you and your children are — and will be — provided for, then he’s living the life he has chosen for himself. This does not mean you must give up entirely suggesting healthy lifestyle choices, but perhaps do it a little less often and in terms of activities he might enjoy.
DEAR ABBY: After a long and successful life, my uncle recently passed away. His wife is my mother’s sister. During one of our phone calls, she told me she and my cousins had written his obituary and that it would be published soon. To my shock and dismay, I located the obituary and discovered that my sister and I were not mentioned as his niece and nephew. I am still terribly hurt. Why would they do this?
My sister and I grew up spending every major holiday and birthday with my uncle. The obituary did include his other niece and nephew who live on the opposite side of the country and kept in touch only with an occasional phone call and holiday card. I included my cousins in obituaries for my parents and sister, all of whom have passed in the last few years.
I feel that I must address this with them, but I don’t want to add to the pain they are going through while they mourn their loss. I now dread attending the memorial because I’m worried friends of our family may bring it up, and I won’t know what to say. — HURT NEPHEW IN ILLINOIS
DEAR NEPHEW: Even when a death is expected, many people go into a state of shock, which interferes with their ability to sequence facts. It is entirely possible that the obituary was written when your aunt and cousins weren’t thinking straight, which is why you were omitted. If someone brings it up at the memorial — which I doubt will happen — rather than nurse hurt feelings, I hope you will point out that the family, including you, is grieving. Period.
DEAR ABBY: How do you politely ask a neighbor to mow his lawn at reasonable times of the day? Mine seems to be doing it three days a week and always when we want to enjoy our backyard. — TRYING TO RELAX
DEAR TRYING: If you are on speaking terms with this neighbor, explain that the noise from his lawnmower interferes with your ability to enjoy your backyard and ask POLITELY if he could schedule it at another hour of the day. If he is a good neighbor, he should be willing to accommodate you.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Apartments burglarized in South Chicago

Apartments burglarized in South Chicago

Chicago police are warning residents of four recent apartment burglaries reported in South Chicago .
In each incident someone broke @ @ @ @ @ and other miscellaneous items , according to a community alert from Chicago police .
• @ @ @ @ @ 26 in the 8500 block of South Colfax Avenue ; • Between about 11 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ the 8500 block of South Muskegon Avenue ; • Between about 7 a.m. and 9 @ @ @ @ @ 8600 block of South Manistee Avenue ; and • Between about 10 a.m. and noon @ @ @ @ @ block of East 90th Street .
Anyone with information should call Area Two detectives at @ @

Chicago police are warning residents of four recent apartment burglaries reported in South Chicago.
In each incident someone broke into apartments and stole electronics and other miscellaneous items, according to a community alert from Chicago police.
The burglaries happened:
Between June 14 and June 26 in the 8500 block of South Colfax Avenue;
Between about 11 a.m. and midnight June 28 in the 8500 block of South Muskegon Avenue;
Between about 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. July 1 in the 8600 block of South Manistee Avenue; and
Between about 10 a.m. and noon July 3 in the 2800 block of East 90th Street.
Anyone with information should call Area Two detectives at 312-747-8273.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--‘Mucho Mucho Amor’ lifts spirits with inspiring story of Walter Mercado

Miami International Airport , the summer of 2019 .
The famously flamboyant astrologer Walter Mercado has just arrived from Puerto Rico , and we are with him as a golf cart whisks the ailing 87-year-old through the concourse .
Mercado had mysteriously vanished from the public eye nearly a decade ago — and it ’ s been 20 , maybe even 30 years since he was at the peak of his TV and radio fame .
It would hardly be a surprise if he sailed through the airport without being recognized .
No chance .
One by one , mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter ’ s hand , to pose for a selfie with him , to tell him they watched him all the time growing up .
It ’ s as if an icon from their childhood has suddenly appeared in front of them , and they are beaming with joy .
This scene takes place in the fascinating and uplifting Netflix documentary “ Mucho Mucho Amor : The Walter Mercado Story.
” By then , we have learned the improbable and amazing story of Mercado ’ s rise to fame , we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen his lasting impact on Hispanic culture and the LGBTQ community — and we have come to admire him and feel grateful the world was graced by the unique and singular Walter Mercado .
Filmmakers Cristina Constantini and Kareem Tabsch have fashioned an illuminating and insightful documentary/biography , told for the most part in chronological order , with chapters of Mercado ’ s life cleverly introduced via vibrant Tarot card animation with titles such as “ The Magician , ” “ The Star , ” “ The Cloaked Man ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively brief but comprehensive look at Mercado ’ s early years , starting with Mercado ’ s childhood in rural Puerto Rico in the 1930s .
According to Mercado ’ s telling of the tale , as a little boy he discovered a wounded bird and literally breathed life into it — and when a neighbor woman who witnessed this miracle spread the story , the townsfolk began lining up to have an audience with young Walter , in the hopes he could heal an ailment or answer a prayer .
Fast forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was already embracing his flair for dramatic hairstyles , makeup and colorful attire as he acted in telenovelas and gave astrological readings on the side .
One day , while still in costume from a soap opera , Walter was set to do live promos but instead did an ad-libbed , 15-minute horoscope — and it was such an immediate hit , he was soon given his own daily show .
By the 1970s and 1980s , Mercado was sporting lavish capes and jewelry that would be the envy of Elton John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on TV and radio , with his fame in the United States growing after appearances on Howard Stern ’ s radio show and Sally Jessy Raphael ’ s TV talk show .
( The title of the doc comes from Mercado ’ s famous signoff : “ Mucho Mucho Amor !
” ) The doc includes invaluable interviews with Mercado ’ s longtime assistant and constant companion , Willie Acosta ; a number of family members , including adult nieces who clearly adore their beloved uncle and are constantly hovering nearby , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bakula , who is given credit for catapulting Mercado ’ s career into the stratosphere but becomes the villain in this story when he engineers complete control over Mercado ’ s past and present work and even the rights to the name “ Walter Mercado.
” But of course , the real star is Mercado himself , who welcomed the filmmakers into his home for extensive conversation and observation .
In his mid-80s and moving about gingerly due to a variety of ailments , Mercado is nonetheless still as whimsical and playful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexuality and the longtime rumors he and his assistant Willie were more than just friends , he launches into a monologue about how his definition of sex is quite different from most .
Is he a virgin ?
“ The only one in town , ” he says with a coy smile .
“ Mucho Mucho Amor ” doesn ’ t shy away from Mercado ’ s legal battles , and the criticism he received for joining the notorious “ Psychic Friends Network , ” which shamelessly preyed on naïve and often financially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercado defends himself by saying he never promised lottery wins or a fairy-tale marriage to anyone , ever , and that he was all about embracing tenets of Christianity , Hinduism , Buddhism and , well , astrology , to send out positive vibes and urge his fans to wake up every morning determined to have a good day .
Clearly he was a positive influence on millions , as evidenced in a touching scene when Lin-Manuel Miranda has the opportunity to meet him and is starstruck to the point of tears .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ precursor to the Miami History Museum ’ s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mercado ’ s first major TV show .
On the big night , Mercado is clad in a spectacular and sparkling gold ensemble , and is carried on a golden throne into the adoring crowd .
Just a few months later , Walter Mercado would pass away — but this already looks like his vision of how he would enter heaven .

Miami International Airport, the summer of 2019. The famously flamboyant astrologer Walter Mercado has just arrived from Puerto Rico, and we are with him as a golf cart whisks the ailing 87-year-old through the concourse.
Mercado had mysteriously vanished from the public eye nearly a decade ago — and it’s been 20, maybe even 30 years since he was at the peak of his TV and radio fame. It would hardly be a surprise if he sailed through the airport without being recognized.
No chance. One by one, mostly much younger fans reach out to shake Walter’s hand, to pose for a selfie with him, to tell him they watched him all the time growing up. It’s as if an icon from their childhood has suddenly appeared in front of them, and they are beaming with joy.
‘Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado’
Untitled Netflix presents a documentary directed by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch. No MPAA rating. Running time: 96 minutes. Premieres Wednesday on Netflix.
This scene takes place in the fascinating and uplifting Netflix documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado.” By then, we have learned the improbable and amazing story of Mercado’s rise to fame, we have been dazzled by his groundbreaking theatricality, we have seen his lasting impact on Hispanic culture and the LGBTQ community — and we have come to admire him and feel grateful the world was graced by the unique and singular Walter Mercado.
Filmmakers Cristina Constantini and Kareem Tabsch have fashioned an illuminating and insightful documentary/biography, told for the most part in chronological order, with chapters of Mercado’s life cleverly introduced via vibrant Tarot card animation with titles such as “The Magician,” “The Star,” “The Cloaked Man” and “The Tower.” There’s a relatively brief but comprehensive look at Mercado’s early years, starting with Mercado’s childhood in rural Puerto Rico in the 1930s. According to Mercado’s telling of the tale, as a little boy he discovered a wounded bird and literally breathed life into it — and when a neighbor woman who witnessed this miracle spread the story, the townsfolk began lining up to have an audience with young Walter, in the hopes he could heal an ailment or answer a prayer.
Fast forward to Mercado as a handsome young actor who was already embracing his flair for dramatic hairstyles, makeup and colorful attire as he acted in telenovelas and gave astrological readings on the side. One day, while still in costume from a soap opera, Walter was set to do live promos but instead did an ad-libbed, 15-minute horoscope — and it was such an immediate hit, he was soon given his own daily show. By the 1970s and 1980s, Mercado was sporting lavish capes and jewelry that would be the envy of Elton John, and had become an international sensation on TV and radio, with his fame in the United States growing after appearances on Howard Stern’s radio show and Sally Jessy Raphael’s TV talk show. (The title of the doc comes from Mercado’s famous signoff: “Mucho Mucho Amor!”)
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The doc includes invaluable interviews with Mercado’s longtime assistant and constant companion, Willie Acosta; a number of family members, including adult nieces who clearly adore their beloved uncle and are constantly hovering nearby, and Mercado’s former manager, Bill Bakula, who is given credit for catapulting Mercado’s career into the stratosphere but becomes the villain in this story when he engineers complete control over Mercado’s past and present work and even the rights to the name “Walter Mercado.”
But of course, the real star is Mercado himself, who welcomed the filmmakers into his home for extensive conversation and observation. In his mid-80s and moving about gingerly due to a variety of ailments, Mercado is nonetheless still as whimsical and playful and upbeat as ever. Pressed about his sexuality and the longtime rumors he and his assistant Willie were more than just friends, he launches into a monologue about how his definition of sex is quite different from most. Is he a virgin? “The only one in town,” he says with a coy smile.
“Mucho Mucho Amor” includes a poignant moment when Walter Mercado (left) meets Lin-Manuel Miranda. Netflix
“Mucho Mucho Amor” doesn’t shy away from Mercado’s legal battles, and the criticism he received for joining the notorious “Psychic Friends Network,” which shamelessly preyed on naïve and often financially struggling audiences with a 900-number scam. Mercado defends himself by saying he never promised lottery wins or a fairy-tale marriage to anyone, ever, and that he was all about embracing tenets of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and, well, astrology, to send out positive vibes and urge his fans to wake up every morning determined to have a good day. Clearly he was a positive influence on millions, as evidenced in a touching scene when Lin-Manuel Miranda has the opportunity to meet him and is starstruck to the point of tears.
The arrival scene in Miami is a precursor to the Miami History Museum’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mercado’s first major TV show. On the big night, Mercado is clad in a spectacular and sparkling gold ensemble, and is carried on a golden throne into the adoring crowd. Just a few months later, Walter Mercado would pass away — but this already looks like his vision of how he would enter heaven.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Taxing messages: Opposing sides in graduated income tax battle move to captivate captive audience

Bankrolled by an astounding $ 51.5 million contribution from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , a committee pushing a graduated income tax ballot initiative launched a series of digital ads on Tuesday — just as an opposing group announced grassroots efforts to fight the tax change that would pound high-income earners in the state .
The high-stakes awareness campaigns come four months before voters will decide whether the state changes its income tax rates to more heavily tax those who make over $ 250,000 .
To Pritzker , a billionaire whose own income will be impacted by a change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax has been a focal point since even before he took office .
To the business community and to millionaires and Pritzker ’ s fellow billionaires in the state , a bump in the tax rate will take up a big chunk of their earnings .
And that personal financial hit is worth fighting against .
They also claim there ’ s no reason to trust Democrats with tax changes , arguing the proposal opens the door to further upticks to pay off the state ’ s massive debts .
The messaging isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think .
Voters are typically leery of tax changes and math questions on a ballot — even if 97 % of taxpayers will see either no change to their taxes or a slight dip , according to Pritzker and the pro- ” Fair Tax ” group .
With the COVID-19 pandemic grinding much of everyday life to a halt in 2020 , the groups have the benefit of reaching out to taxpayers via television and Internet ads in an unprecedented setting that has millions of people working from home and glued to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube and several news sites , Vote Yes for Fairness is launching seven digital ads on Tuesday .
Most are short and to the point , arguing that the tax change is “ fair ” and will help 97 % of taxpayers .
One 15-second ad specifically speaks to essential workers : “ It ’ s not fair to force our essential workers to pay the same tax rate as millionaires and billionaires , ” the ad reads .
Under the proposed change , incomes between $ 250,000 and $ 500,000 would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current tax rate of 4.95 % on incomes between $ 100,000 and $ 250,000 .
Income from $ 500,000 to $ 1 million would be taxed 7.85 % , while income over $ 1 million would be taxed 7.99 % .
For those earning incomes of $ 100,000 or less , the rate would dip down to 4.9 % .
Pritzker ’ s own net worth was estimated at $ 3.4 billion last year .
He and his wife reported $ 5.5 million in taxable income for 2018 .
Trusts benefiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes at a rate of 6.45 % and $ 29 million in federal taxes .
The pro-graduated income tax group did not specify how much it was spending on the ads but confirmed that the committee will be doling out money for TV ads ahead of the November election .
The digital ads will also be running full steam until the election .
Pritzker on June 26 contributed $ 51.5 million to the Vote Yes for Fairness committee , according to campaign finance records .
He previously kicked in $ 5 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 171.5 million to his own gubernatorial campaign .
Vote Yes for Fairness spokeswoman Lara Sisselman said the ads are not in response to critical TV ads paid for by the dark money group , Illinois Rising Action .
She said efforts by her group have been stalled by the pandemic .
“ We felt the most important thing we could do as an organization was get information out to Illinoisans on the resources out there and safety precautions they should be taking , ” Sisselman said .
“ If you take a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll see the overwhelming majority was COVID-focused over the last 4 months.
” The group also launched IllinoisVotes2020.com and IllinoisVota2020.com to encourage voters to vote-by-mail in November .
“ VBM [ vote-by-mail ] is a key part of our campaign , and this site was the start of our efforts , which will eventually include spending across digital platforms , ” Sisselman said .
On the other side of the issue , the Vote No on the Progressive Tax Coalition is planning to hold four news conferences across the state on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its message out .
Todd Maisch , head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce , and other business leaders are scheduled to speak in Chicago , Springfield , Peoria and Rockford .
The group is also using the pandemic as a messaging strategy .
“ Illinoisans are overtaxed .
Families , workers , seniors , and small business owners struggle under the weight of the highest overall tax burden in the entire country .
Now politicians in Springfield want to raise our taxes yet again with a progressive tax that will do nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost Illinois even more jobs and hurt workers , and will end up raising taxes on the middle class and the working poor , ” the group said in a statement ahead of Tuesday ’ s news conferences .
“ Illinoisans can ’ t afford another tax hike , especially as working families and small businesses struggle to recover from COVID-19.
” If voters approve the constitutional amendment , the new tax rates would go into effect Jan. 1 , 2021 .

Bankrolled by an astounding $51.5 million contribution from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a committee pushing a graduated income tax ballot initiative launched a series of digital ads on Tuesday — just as an opposing group announced grassroots efforts to fight the tax change that would pound high-income earners in the state.
The high-stakes awareness campaigns come four months before voters will decide whether the state changes its income tax rates to more heavily tax those who make over $250,000.
To Pritzker, a billionaire whose own income will be impacted by a change in the income tax structure, the progressive income tax has been a focal point since even before he took office.
To the business community and to millionaires and Pritzker’s fellow billionaires in the state, a bump in the tax rate will take up a big chunk of their earnings. And that personal financial hit is worth fighting against.
They also claim there’s no reason to trust Democrats with tax changes, arguing the proposal opens the door to further upticks to pay off the state’s massive debts.
The messaging isn’t as simple as one would think. Voters are typically leery of tax changes and math questions on a ballot — even if 97% of taxpayers will see either no change to their taxes or a slight dip, according to Pritzker and the pro-”Fair Tax” group.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveils his graduated income tax plan last year. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP file
With the COVID-19 pandemic grinding much of everyday life to a halt in 2020, the groups have the benefit of reaching out to taxpayers via television and Internet ads in an unprecedented setting that has millions of people working from home and glued to their screens.
Via Facebook, Hulu, YouTube and several news sites, Vote Yes for Fairness is launching seven digital ads on Tuesday. Most are short and to the point, arguing that the tax change is “fair” and will help 97% of taxpayers. One 15-second ad specifically speaks to essential workers: “It’s not fair to force our essential workers to pay the same tax rate as millionaires and billionaires,” the ad reads.
Under the proposed change, incomes between $250,000 and $500,000 would be taxed 7.75%. It would maintain the current tax rate of 4.95% on incomes between $100,000 and $250,000. Income from $500,000 to $1 million would be taxed 7.85%, while income over $1 million would be taxed 7.99%. For those earning incomes of $100,000 or less, the rate would dip down to 4.9%.
Pritzker’s own net worth was estimated at $3.4 billion last year. He and his wife reported $5.5 million in taxable income for 2018. Trusts benefiting the Prtitzkers paid $5.3 million in Illinois taxes at a rate of 6.45% and $29 million in federal taxes.
The pro-graduated income tax group did not specify how much it was spending on the ads but confirmed that the committee will be doling out money for TV ads ahead of the November election. The digital ads will also be running full steam until the election.
Pritzker on June 26 contributed $51.5 million to the Vote Yes for Fairness committee, according to campaign finance records. He previously kicked in $5 million in December. Pritzker donated a record-setting $171.5 million to his own gubernatorial campaign.
Vote Yes for Fairness spokeswoman Lara Sisselman said the ads are not in response to critical TV ads paid for by the dark money group, Illinois Rising Action. She said efforts by her group have been stalled by the pandemic.
“We felt the most important thing we could do as an organization was get information out to Illinoisans on the resources out there and safety precautions they should be taking,” Sisselman said. “If you take a look at our social media channels, you’ll see the overwhelming majority was COVID-focused over the last 4 months.”
The group also launched IllinoisVotes2020.com and IllinoisVota2020.com to encourage voters to vote-by-mail in November.
“VBM [vote-by-mail] is a key part of our campaign, and this site was the start of our efforts, which will eventually include spending across digital platforms,” Sisselman said.
Greg Baise, of the Coalition for Jobs, Growth & Prosperity, opposes the ballot measure. Rich Hein/Sun-Times file
On the other side of the issue, the Vote No on the Progressive Tax Coalition is planning to hold four news conferences across the state on Tuesday to announce its grassroots plans to get its message out. Todd Maisch, head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and other business leaders are scheduled to speak in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria and Rockford.
The group is also using the pandemic as a messaging strategy.
“Illinoisans are overtaxed. Families, workers, seniors, and small business owners struggle under the weight of the highest overall tax burden in the entire country. Now politicians in Springfield want to raise our taxes yet again with a progressive tax that will do nothing to address sky-high property taxes, will cost Illinois even more jobs and hurt workers, and will end up raising taxes on the middle class and the working poor,” the group said in a statement ahead of Tuesday’s news conferences. “Illinoisans can’t afford another tax hike, especially as working families and small businesses struggle to recover from COVID-19.”
If voters approve the constitutional amendment, the new tax rates would go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Menu planner: Grilled bacon-wrapped scallops will be on your list of favorites

In a large bowl , whisk together 3 tablespoons oil , vinegar and mustard .
Add celery , parsley and shallot and toss to combine ; set aside .
Place triple layer white paper towels on large microwavable plate and arrange 6 slices bacon in single layer on towels .
Top with 3 more paper towels , remaining 6 slices bacon and second plate .
Microwave 4 minutes until bacon is slightly shriveled but still pliable .
Toss scallops with remaining oil , salt and pepper .
Press 2 scallops together , side to side , and wrap sides of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto 12-inch metal skewer through bacon .
Repeat with remaining scallops and bacon , threading 3 bundles onto each of 4 skewers .
Place kebabs , bacon side down , on cooler side of grill .
Cook 4 minutes or until crisp .
Turn ; move to hotter side of grill .
Cook 4 more minutes or until firm and centers are opaque .
Serve with salad .
Place pork in resealable plastic bag .
Add 1 cup marinade ; turn to coat .
Seal bag ; refrigerate 2 to 4 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; discard marinade from bag .
On stainless steel skewers , thread pork , pineapple , bell peppers and onions .
Grill directly over fire , turning to brown evenly , 10 to 12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees , brushing kebabs with reserved 1/2 cup marinade .
Let stand 3 minutes before serving .
Heat oil in saucepan over medium .
Add onions and garlic ; cook 4 minutes or until softened .
Stir in rice ; cook 1 to 2 minutes to thoroughly coat grains .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 cup broth to rice ; cook until liquid is nearly absorbed , stirring constantly .
Add remaining broth , 1/2 cup at a time , stirring constantly until each portion of broth is nearly absorbed before adding the next ( about 20 minutes total ) .
Remove from heat ; stir in 1/4 cup feta , parsley and parmesan .
Spoon into serving bowl ; top with 1/4 cup remaining feta and pepper .
Garnish with parsley sprigs .
Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil on medium in a large nonstick skillet ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cook 5 minutes or until no longer pink .
Meanwhile , heat a large saucepan coated with cooking spray on medium and add 1 small finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots .
Cook 5 minutes or until softened .
Add cooked turkey , 3 cups red pasta sauce and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to vegetables ; simmer until heated through .
Spoon mixture onto toasted whole-grain hamburger buns ; garnish with fresh basil ribbons .
In a large nonstick skillet , cook 1 finely chopped medium onion and 1 pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes or until meat is no longer pink ; drain .
Meanwhile , cut a thin slice from the stem end of each of 4 jumbo ripe tomatoes ; reserve slices .
With a spoon , scoop out seeds and pulp from each tomato ; reserve .
Place tomatoes in a baking dish , cut-side down ; cover and microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 2 minutes or until heated ; drain .
Chop 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint , the reserved tomato slices and reserved pulp ; set mint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3/4 cup cooked rice , 1 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into meat mixture .
Cover and microwave 8 to 10 minutes on high .
Stir mint into meat mixture .
Fill tomato shells with meat mixture and serve .
Heat oven to 450 degrees .
Place 1 ( 10-ounce ) ready-to-bake whole-grain pizza crust on baking sheet .
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese onto crust .
Evenly distribute 2 ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey ( cut into 1/2-inch strips ) over cheese .
In small bowl , mix 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-ounce ) container garlic-and-herb cheese spread .
Evenly place dollops of cheese mixture over pizza .
Bake 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts .
Sprinkle with 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil .
Cut a pound cake into 10 slices ( 3/4 inch thick ) .
Cut each slice into 8 cubes .
Place cubes in a bowl ; set aside .
In a skillet , combine 1 cup sugar , 1/2 cup orange juice , 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until mixture is a syrupy consistency ; remove from heat and toss with 2 cups fresh berries ( any ) .
Fill 10 parfait glasses ( or stemmed dessert glasses ) with half the cake cubes .
Divide and layer half the fruit mixture , 1/4 cup sliced almonds ( 1/2 cup total ) , 1 cup ( thawed ) frozen whipped topping ( 2 cups total ) ; repeat layers of cake and fruit mixture , ending with remaining almonds and whipped topping .

Grilled bacon-wrapped scallops with celery salad
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: fewer than 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 celery ribs, sliced thinly on diagonal
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 shallot, thinly sliced
12 slices bacon (12 ounces)
24 large sea scallops (1 pound), tendons removed
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons oil, vinegar and mustard. Add celery, parsley and shallot and toss to combine; set aside. Place triple layer white paper towels on large microwavable plate and arrange 6 slices bacon in single layer on towels. Top with 3 more paper towels, remaining 6 slices bacon and second plate. Microwave 4 minutes until bacon is slightly shriveled but still pliable. Toss scallops with remaining oil, salt and pepper. Press 2 scallops together, side to side, and wrap sides of bundle with 1 slice bacon. Thread onto 12-inch metal skewer through bacon. Repeat with remaining scallops and bacon, threading 3 bundles onto each of 4 skewers. Place kebabs, bacon side down, on cooler side of grill. Cook 4 minutes or until crisp. Turn; move to hotter side of grill. Cook 4 more minutes or until firm and centers are opaque. Serve with salad.
Per serving: 406 calories, 25 grams protein, 30 grams fat (67% calories from fat), 6.4 grams saturated fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 58 milligrams cholesterol, 1,336 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb count: 0.5.
Asian pork and pineapple kebabs
Makes 8 kebabs
Preparation time: 20 minutes; refrigeration time: 2 to 4 hours
Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes; standing time: 3 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups teriyaki marinade, divided
4 cups pineapple chunks (about 1 inch in size)
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
8 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Place pork in resealable plastic bag. Add 1 cup marinade; turn to coat. Seal bag; refrigerate 2 to 4 hours. Heat grill to medium-high. Remove pork; discard marinade from bag. On stainless steel skewers, thread pork, pineapple, bell peppers and onions. Grill directly over fire, turning to brown evenly, 10 to 12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, brushing kebabs with reserved 1/2 cup marinade. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.
Per serving: 192 calories, 23 grams protein, 3 grams fat (15% calories from fat), 1 gram saturated fat, 17 grams carbohydrate, 60 milligrams cholesterol, 664 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Vidalia onion risotto
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 to 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups chopped Vidalia or other sweet onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2 (14-ounce) cans unsalted vegetable broth
1/2 cup reduced-fat crumbled Greek feta cheese, divided
1/2 cup chopped flatleaf parsley, plus sprigs for garnish
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Heat oil in saucepan over medium. Add onions and garlic; cook 4 minutes or until softened. Stir in rice; cook 1 to 2 minutes to thoroughly coat grains.
Meanwhile, bring broth to a simmer. Add 1/2 cup broth to rice; cook until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is nearly absorbed before adding the next (about 20 minutes total). Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup feta, parsley and parmesan. Spoon into serving bowl; top with 1/4 cup remaining feta and pepper. Garnish with parsley sprigs.
Per serving: 373 calories, 11 grams protein, 6 grams fat (14% calories from fat), 2.4 grams saturated fat, 68 grams carbohydrate, 11 milligrams cholesterol, 503 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 4.5.
Italian sloppy Joes
Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil on medium in a large nonstick skillet; add 1 pound ground turkey breast and cook 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan coated with cooking spray on medium and add 1 small finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots. Cook 5 minutes or until softened. Add cooked turkey, 3 cups red pasta sauce and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to vegetables; simmer until heated through. Spoon mixture onto toasted whole-grain hamburger buns; garnish with fresh basil ribbons.
Stuffed tomatoes
In a large nonstick skillet, cook 1 finely chopped medium onion and 1 pound lean ground beef on medium-high for 7 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Meanwhile, cut a thin slice from the stem end of each of 4 jumbo ripe tomatoes; reserve slices. With a spoon, scoop out seeds and pulp from each tomato; reserve. Place tomatoes in a baking dish, cut-side down; cover and microwave on high (100% power) 2 minutes or until heated; drain. Chop 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint, the reserved tomato slices and reserved pulp; set mint aside. Stir the pulp mixture, 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into meat mixture. Cover and microwave 8 to 10 minutes on high. Stir mint into meat mixture. Fill tomato shells with meat mixture and serve.
Pizza with smoked turkey
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place 1 (10-ounce) ready-to-bake whole-grain pizza crust on baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese onto crust. Evenly distribute 2 ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey (cut into 1/2-inch strips) over cheese. In small bowl, mix 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese with 1 (4-ounce) container garlic-and-herb cheese spread. Evenly place dollops of cheese mixture over pizza. Bake 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil.
Berry parfait
Cut a pound cake into 10 slices (3/4 inch thick). Cut each slice into 8 cubes. Place cubes in a bowl; set aside. In a skillet, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Heat on medium 4 minutes or until mixture is a syrupy consistency; remove from heat and toss with 2 cups fresh berries (any). Fill 10 parfait glasses (or stemmed dessert glasses) with half the cake cubes. Divide and layer half the fruit mixture, 1/4 cup sliced almonds (1/2 cup total), 1 cup (thawed) frozen whipped topping (2 cups total); repeat layers of cake and fruit mixture, ending with remaining almonds and whipped topping.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Homes burglarized on the Far South Side

Homes burglarized on the Far South Side

Three homes were burglarized in June in Far South Side neighborhoods .
In each incident someone kicked in the rear @ @ @ @ @ home and took property , Chicago police said .
• Between 3 a.m. and 2 @ @ @ @ @ 11000 block of South Green Street ; • About 9 a.m. June 26 in the @ @ @ @ @ Avenue ; and • About 9 a.m. June 26 in the 10800 block of South @ @ @ @ @ information should call Chicago police at 312-747-8273 .

Three homes were burglarized in June in Far South Side neighborhoods.
In each incident someone kicked in the rear or side door of a home and took property, Chicago police said.
The burglaries happened:
Between 3 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 19 in the 11000 block of South Green Street;
About 9 a.m. June 26 in the 10500 block of South Union Avenue; and
About 9 a.m. June 26 in the 10800 block of South Parnell Avenue.
Anyone with information should call Chicago police at 312-747-8273.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--19 shot, 3 fatally, Monday in Chicago

19 shot, 3 fatally, Monday in Chicago

Nineteen people were shot , three fatally , Monday in Chicago .
A man was killed and two other people were wound in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side .
About 11:10 p.m. officers found a 30-year-old man unresponsive in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard , with multiple gunshot wounds , Chicago police said .
He was rushed to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in critical condition , but died a short time later .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office has not released the details of his death .
Two other people , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked into Mt .
Sinai Hospital with gunshot wounds they also received in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard , police said .
The woman was struck in the head and is in serious condition .
The 24-year-old man was struck in the left shoulder and is in good condition , police said .
The circumstances of the shooting are unknown because the two survivors refuse to cooperate with police .
A 23-year-old man was shot and killed in West Garfield Park .
He was in an alley about 6 p.m. in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when someone in a vehicle unleashed gunfire , striking him in the chest , police said .
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead , police said .
The day ’ s first fatal shooting took the life of a 39-year-old man in Lawndale on the West Side .
He was found unresponsive about 2:27 a.m. in the 900 block of South Independence Boulevard , police said .
He had a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead on the scene .
The Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Sterling R. Pledge Jr. of Homan Square on the West Side .
In non-fatal shootings , three people were wounded in a drive-by in Gresham on the South Side .
About 11:15 p.m. they were standing on the street in the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street , when a vehicle approached and someone inside opened fire , police said .
A 34-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition , police said .
A 28-year-old woman was struck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Chicago Medical Center also in good condition .
A third person , a 42-year-old man , was struck in the right hand and taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park in good condition , police said .
About 30 minutes prior , six people were wounded when someone fired shots into a group of people in Gresham on the South Side .
About 10:40 p.m. a group of people were hanging out in the 1300 block of West 76th Street , when someone began shooting in their direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A 25-year-old man was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Two other men , 23 and 21 , were stuck in the left thigh and buttocks and taken to the same hospital in good condition .
A 19-year-old man was struck multiple times in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
A 20-year-old man was struck in the ankle and taken to the same hospital in good condition .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition .
Two men were shot in South Shore .
About 6:45 p.m. they were in a Chevy Malibu in the 7500 block of South Kingston Avenue when another vehicle drove up and someone inside opened fire , Chicago police said .
A 38-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
The other man , also 38 years old , was hit in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fair condition , police said .
A man was critically wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side .
The 24-year-old was sitting in a vehicle about 1:21 p.m. in the 400 block of West 110th Place when a white-colored Dodge drove up and someone inside unleashed gunfire , police said .
The man was struck in the head and back , police said .
He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition .
A man was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Expressway about 11:13 a.m. when he was involved in a road rage incident with a driver in a black SUV , police said .
The cars exited the expressway and drove to the 5500 block of South Wentworth Avenue , where the driver in the SUV opened fire .
The man was struck in the jaw area and was able to drive himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center , where he was listed in critical condition , police said .
The day ’ s first shooting wounded a 23-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was standing on a porch about 1:17 a.m. in the 6700 block of South Wabash Avenue when someone in a black SUV fired shots , police said .
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg , police said .
Monday ’ s shootings come after a Fourth of July weekend where 79 people were shot , 15 of them fatally .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Nineteen people were shot, three fatally, Monday in Chicago.
A man was killed and two other people were wound in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side.
About 11:10 p.m. officers found a 30-year-old man unresponsive in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard, with multiple gunshot wounds, Chicago police said. He was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, but died a short time later.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not released the details of his death.
Two other people, a 27-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, walked into Mt. Sinai Hospital with gunshot wounds they also received in the 3600 block of West Douglas Boulevard, police said. The woman was struck in the head and is in serious condition.
The 24-year-old man was struck in the left shoulder and is in good condition, police said.
The circumstances of the shooting are unknown because the two survivors refuse to cooperate with police.
A 23-year-old man was shot and killed in West Garfield Park.
He was in an alley about 6 p.m. in the 400 block of South Kilpatrick Avenue when someone in a vehicle unleashed gunfire, striking him in the chest, police said.
The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The day’s first fatal shooting took the life of a 39-year-old man in Lawndale on the West Side.
He was found unresponsive about 2:27 a.m. in the 900 block of South Independence Boulevard, police said. He had a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Sterling R. Pledge Jr. of Homan Square on the West Side.
In non-fatal shootings, three people were wounded in a drive-by in Gresham on the South Side.
About 11:15 p.m. they were standing on the street in the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street, when a vehicle approached and someone inside opened fire, police said.
A 34-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said. A 28-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center also in good condition.
A third person, a 42-year-old man, was struck in the right hand and taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park in good condition, police said.
About 30 minutes prior, six people were wounded when someone fired shots into a group of people in Gresham on the South Side.
About 10:40 p.m. a group of people were hanging out in the 1300 block of West 76th Street, when someone began shooting in their direction, striking six people, Chicago police said.
A 25-year-old man was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said. Two other men, 23 and 21, were stuck in the left thigh and buttocks and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
A 19-year-old man was struck multiple times in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said. A 20-year-old man was struck in the ankle and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
A 22-year-old woman was struck in both legs and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition.
Two men were shot in South Shore.
About 6:45 p.m. they were in a Chevy Malibu in the 7500 block of South Kingston Avenue when another vehicle drove up and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 38-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the body and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
The other man, also 38 years old, was hit in the thigh and taken to the same hospital in fair condition, police said.
A man was critically wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side.
The 24-year-old was sitting in a vehicle about 1:21 p.m. in the 400 block of West 110th Place when a white-colored Dodge drove up and someone inside unleashed gunfire, police said.
The man was struck in the head and back, police said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition.
A man was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
The 26-year-old was driving on the Dan Ryan Expressway about 11:13 a.m. when he was involved in a road rage incident with a driver in a black SUV, police said. The cars exited the expressway and drove to the 5500 block of South Wentworth Avenue, where the driver in the SUV opened fire.
The man was struck in the jaw area and was able to drive himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition, police said.
The day’s first shooting wounded a 23-year-old man in Park Manor on the South Side.
He was standing on a porch about 1:17 a.m. in the 6700 block of South Wabash Avenue when someone in a black SUV fired shots, police said.
The man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said.
Monday’s shootings come after a Fourth of July weekend where 79 people were shot, 15 of them fatally.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--TikTok to leave Hong Kong as security law raises worries

HONG KONG — TikTok said Tuesday it will stop operations in Hong Kong , joining other social media companies in warily eyeing ramifications of a sweeping national security law that took effect last week .
The short-form video app ’ s planned departure from Hong Kong comes as various social media platforms and messaging apps including Facebook , WhatsApp , Telegram , Google and Twitter balk at the possibility of providing user data to Hong Kong authorities .
The social media companies say they are assessing implications of the security law , which prohibits what Beijing views as secessionist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention in the city ’ s internal affairs .
In the communist-ruled mainland , the foreign social media platforms are blocked by China ’ s “ Great Firewall.
” Critics see the law as Beijing ’ s boldest step yet to erase the legal divide between the former British colony and the mainland ’ s authoritarian Communist Party system .
TikTok said in a statement that it had decided to halt operations “ in light of recent events.
” Facebook and its messaging app WhatsApp said in separate statements Monday that they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user data in Hong Kong , “ pending further assessment of the National Security Law , including formal human rights due diligence and consultations with international human rights experts.
” Hong Kong was convulsed with massive , sometimes violent anti-government protests for much of last year as the former British colony ’ s residents reacted to proposed extradition legislation , since withdrawn , that might have led to some suspects facing trial in mainland Chinese courts .
The new law criminalizes some pro-democracy slogans like the widely used “ Liberate Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hong Kong government says has separatist connotations .
The fear is that it erodes the special freedoms of the semi-autonomous city , which has operated under a “ one country , two systems ” framework since China took control in 1997 .
That arrangement has allowed Hong Kong ’ s people freedoms not permitted in mainland China , such as public dissent and unrestricted internet access .
Telegram ’ s platform has been used widely to spread pro-democracy messages and information about the protests .
It understands “ the importance of protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong users , ” said Mike Ravdonikas , a spokesperson for the company .
“ Telegram has never shared any data with the Hong Kong authorities in the past and does not intend to process any data requests related to its Hong Kong users until an international consensus is reached in relation to the ongoing political changes in the city , ” he said .
Twitter also paused all data and information requests from Hong Kong authorities after the security law went into effect last week , the company said , emphasizing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people using our service and their freedom of expression.
” “ Like many public interest organisations , civil society leaders and entities , and industry peers , we have grave concerns regarding both the developing process and the full intention of this law , ” the company said in a statement .
Google likewise said it had “ paused production on any new data requests from Hong Kong authorities.
” Though social platforms have yet to be blocked in Hong Kong , users have begun scrubbing their accounts and deleting pro-democracy posts out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has extended to the streets : Many shops and stores that publicly stood in solidarity with protesters have removed the pro-democracy sticky notes and artwork that had adorned their walls .
Under implementation rules of Article 43 of the national security law , which give the city ’ s police force sweeping powers in enforcing the legislation , platforms , publishers and internet service providers may be ordered to take down any electronic message published that is “ likely to constitute an offence endangering national security or is likely to cause the occurrence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service providers who do not comply with such requests could face fines of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ( $ 12,903 ) and receive jail terms of up to six months .
Individuals who post such messages may also be asked to remove the message , or face similar fines and a jail term of one year .
Hong Kong authorities moved quickly to implement the law after it took effect on June 30 , with police arresting about 370 people .
The rules allow Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance to “ prevent and detect offences endangering national security.
” Police can conduct searches for evidence without a warrant in “ exceptional circumstances ” and seek warrants requiring people suspected of violating the national security law to surrender their travel documents , preventing them from leaving Hong Kong .
Written notices or restraining orders also may be issued to freeze or confiscate property if there are “ reasonable grounds ” to suspect that the property is related to an offense endangering national security .
TikTok , operated by Chinese internet giant Bytedance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Chinese roots while striving for global appeal .
It recently hired former Walt Disney executive Kevin Mayer to be its CEO .
The company has said all its data is stored in servers in the U.S. and insisted it would not remove content even if asked to do so by the Chinese government .
Even so , TikTok has still been regarded as a national security risk , with U.S. secretary of state Michael Pompeo saying Monday that it was looking at banning certain social media apps , including TikTok .

HONG KONG — TikTok said Tuesday it will stop operations in Hong Kong, joining other social media companies in warily eyeing ramifications of a sweeping national security law that took effect last week.
The short-form video app’s planned departure from Hong Kong comes as various social media platforms and messaging apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Google and Twitter balk at the possibility of providing user data to Hong Kong authorities.
The social media companies say they are assessing implications of the security law, which prohibits what Beijing views as secessionist, subversive or terrorist activities or as foreign intervention in the city’s internal affairs. In the communist-ruled mainland, the foreign social media platforms are blocked by China’s “Great Firewall.”
Critics see the law as Beijing’s boldest step yet to erase the legal divide between the former British colony and the mainland’s authoritarian Communist Party system.
TikTok said in a statement that it had decided to halt operations “in light of recent events.”
Facebook and its messaging app WhatsApp said in separate statements Monday that they would freeze the review of government requests for user data in Hong Kong, “pending further assessment of the National Security Law, including formal human rights due diligence and consultations with international human rights experts.”
Hong Kong was convulsed with massive, sometimes violent anti-government protests for much of last year as the former British colony’s residents reacted to proposed extradition legislation, since withdrawn, that might have led to some suspects facing trial in mainland Chinese courts.
The new law criminalizes some pro-democracy slogans like the widely used “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time,” which the Hong Kong government says has separatist connotations.
The fear is that it erodes the special freedoms of the semi-autonomous city, which has operated under a “one country, two systems” framework since China took control in 1997. That arrangement has allowed Hong Kong’s people freedoms not permitted in mainland China, such as public dissent and unrestricted internet access.
Telegram’s platform has been used widely to spread pro-democracy messages and information about the protests. It understands “the importance of protecting the right to privacy of our Hong Kong users,” said Mike Ravdonikas, a spokesperson for the company.
“Telegram has never shared any data with the Hong Kong authorities in the past and does not intend to process any data requests related to its Hong Kong users until an international consensus is reached in relation to the ongoing political changes in the city,” he said.
Twitter also paused all data and information requests from Hong Kong authorities after the security law went into effect last week, the company said, emphasizing that it was “committed to protecting the people using our service and their freedom of expression.”
“Like many public interest organisations, civil society leaders and entities, and industry peers, we have grave concerns regarding both the developing process and the full intention of this law,” the company said in a statement.
Google likewise said it had “paused production on any new data requests from Hong Kong authorities.”
Though social platforms have yet to be blocked in Hong Kong, users have begun scrubbing their accounts and deleting pro-democracy posts out of fear of retribution. That retreat has extended to the streets: Many shops and stores that publicly stood in solidarity with protesters have removed the pro-democracy sticky notes and artwork that had adorned their walls.
Under implementation rules of Article 43 of the national security law, which give the city’s police force sweeping powers in enforcing the legislation, platforms, publishers and internet service providers may be ordered to take down any electronic message published that is “likely to constitute an offence endangering national security or is likely to cause the occurrence of an offence endangering national security.”
Service providers who do not comply with such requests could face fines of up to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,903) and receive jail terms of up to six months.
Individuals who post such messages may also be asked to remove the message, or face similar fines and a jail term of one year.
Hong Kong authorities moved quickly to implement the law after it took effect on June 30, with police arresting about 370 people.
The rules allow Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to authorize police to intercept communications and conduct surveillance to “prevent and detect offences endangering national security.”
Police can conduct searches for evidence without a warrant in “exceptional circumstances” and seek warrants requiring people suspected of violating the national security law to surrender their travel documents, preventing them from leaving Hong Kong.
Written notices or restraining orders also may be issued to freeze or confiscate property if there are “reasonable grounds” to suspect that the property is related to an offense endangering national security.
TikTok, operated by Chinese internet giant Bytedance, has sought to distance itself from its Chinese roots while striving for global appeal. It recently hired former Walt Disney executive Kevin Mayer to be its CEO.
The company has said all its data is stored in servers in the U.S. and insisted it would not remove content even if asked to do so by the Chinese government. Even so, TikTok has still been regarded as a national security risk, with U.S. secretary of state Michael Pompeo saying Monday that it was looking at banning certain social media apps, including TikTok.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--Shots fired into crowd, wounding 6 in Gresham

Six people were wounded when someone fired shots into a group of people Monday in Gresham on the South Side .
About 10:40 p.m. a group of people were hanging out in the 1300 block of West 76th Street , when someone began shooting in their direction , striking six people , Chicago police said .
A 25-year-old man was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition , police said .
Two other men , 23 and 21 , were stuck in the left thigh and buttocks and taken to the same hospital in good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple times in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition , police said .
A 20-year-old man was struck in the ankle and taken to the same hospital in good condition .
A 22-year-old woman was struck in both legs and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition .
Minutes later , three people were wounded in a drive-by in the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street .
Area Two detectives are investigating the shootings .
Read more on crime , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Six people were wounded when someone fired shots into a group of people Monday in Gresham on the South Side.
About 10:40 p.m. a group of people were hanging out in the 1300 block of West 76th Street, when someone began shooting in their direction, striking six people, Chicago police said.
A 25-year-old man was struck in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said. Two other men, 23 and 21, were stuck in the left thigh and buttocks and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
A 19-year-old man was struck multiple times in the back and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said. A 20-year-old man was struck in the ankle and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
A 22-year-old woman was struck in both legs and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition.
Minutes later, three people were wounded in a drive-by in the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street.
Area Two detectives are investigating the shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-07-07--3 wounded in drive-by in Gresham

3 wounded in drive-by in Gresham

Three people were wounded Monday in a drive-by in Gresham on the South Side .
About 11:15 p.m. they were @ @ @ @ @ the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street , when a vehicle approached and someone inside @ @ @ @ @ said .
A 34-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to Christ @ @ @ @ @ in good condition , police said .
A 28-year-old woman was struck in the right @ @ @ @ @ University of Chicago Medical Center also in good condition .
A third person , a @ @ @ @ @ in the right hand and taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park @ @ @ @ @ said .
Minutes prior , a 30-year-old man was killed and two other people were @ @ @ @ @ Lawndale on the West Side .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Three people were wounded Monday in a drive-by in Gresham on the South Side.
About 11:15 p.m. they were standing on the street in the 7500 block of South Carpenter Street, when a vehicle approached and someone inside opened fire, Chicago police said.
A 34-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said. A 28-year-old woman was struck in the right shoulder and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center also in good condition.
A third person, a 42-year-old man, was struck in the right hand and taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park in good condition, police said.
Minutes prior, a 30-year-old man was killed and two other people were wounded in a shooting in Lawndale on the West Side.
Area Two detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.