chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--New York STD laws are unconstitutional, so charges against R. Kelly should be dropped, lawyer says

R. Kelly ’ s lawyers are arguing that federal racketeering and human trafficking charges filed against him in New York should be dismissed because they rely on state laws concerning the transmission of sexual diseases , which are unconstitutional .
In a seven-page motion filed Monday in the Eastern District of New York , Steve Greenberg , Kelly ’ s lead defense attorney , said that two state laws — New York Public Health Law section 2307 and New York Penal Law section 120.20 — are unconstitutional because they are overly broad and , effectively , prohibit anyone with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have alleged 12 instances of Kelly violating the federal racketeering law , though the New York state laws are invoked in only two .
Prosecutors in New York have also charged Kelly with four counts of violating the Mann Act — a 110-year-old federal law meant to protect women and girls from being transported across state lines for illicit purposes .
Greenberg argues those four counts should be tossed out , too , because they rely on the same two state laws .
Since last summer , Kelly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooklyn , in addition to earlier local charges in Cook County and more recent charges in Minnesota .
The federal case in Chicago alleges child pornography and obstruction of justice , while the feds in Brooklyn have alleged racketeering and violations of the Mann Act .

R. Kelly’s lawyers are arguing that federal racketeering and human trafficking charges filed against him in New York should be dismissed because they rely on state laws concerning the transmission of sexual diseases, which are unconstitutional.
In a seven-page motion filed Monday in the Eastern District of New York, Steve Greenberg, Kelly’s lead defense attorney, said that two state laws — New York Public Health Law section 2307 and New York Penal Law section 120.20 — are unconstitutional because they are overly broad and, effectively, prohibit anyone with an STD from engaging in sexual intercourse.
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have alleged 12 instances of Kelly violating the federal racketeering law, though the New York state laws are invoked in only two.
Prosecutors in New York have also charged Kelly with four counts of violating the Mann Act — a 110-year-old federal law meant to protect women and girls from being transported across state lines for illicit purposes.
Greenberg argues those four counts should be tossed out, too, because they rely on the same two state laws.
Since last summer, Kelly has been facing federal indictments in Chicago and Brooklyn, in addition to earlier local charges in Cook County and more recent charges in Minnesota. The federal case in Chicago alleges child pornography and obstruction of justice, while the feds in Brooklyn have alleged racketeering and violations of the Mann Act.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Chris Matthews retiring following controversial comments about women

Veteran MSNBC host Chris Matthews said he ’ s retiring from his show “ Hardball , ” citing his inappropriate comments about women .
Matthews opened his program with the announcement he was ending his run on the political hour that he started in 1997 .
He said compliments on a woman ’ s appearance that some men , himself included , thought were OK “ were never OK. ” He remained proud of the work he ‘ s done on the show , he said .
In a first-person story for GQ published Feb. 28 , freelance journalist Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she was guest on his show .
“ In 2016 , right before I had to go on his show and talk about sexual-assault allegations against Donald Trump , Matthews looked over at me in the makeup chair next to him and said , ‘ Why haven ’ t I fallen in love with you yet ?
’ When I laughed nervously and said nothing , he followed up to the makeup artist .
‘ Keep putting makeup on her , I ’ ll fall in love with her , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stood between me and the mirror and complimented the red dress I was wearing for the segment .
‘ You going out tonight ?
’ he asked.
” Bassett said she written about the encounter in a 2017 essay but didn ’ t name Matthews because she was afraid of network retaliation , adding , “ I ’ m not anymore .
”

Veteran MSNBC host Chris Matthews said he’s retiring from his show “Hardball,” citing his inappropriate comments about women.
Matthews opened his program with the announcement he was ending his run on the political hour that he started in 1997.
He said compliments on a woman’s appearance that some men, himself included, thought were OK “were never OK.”
He remained proud of the work he ‘s done on the show, he said.
In a first-person story for GQ published Feb. 28, freelance journalist Laura Bassett said Matthews behaved inappropriately toward her when she was guest on his show.
“In 2016, right before I had to go on his show and talk about sexual-assault allegations against Donald Trump, Matthews looked over at me in the makeup chair next to him and said, ‘Why haven’t I fallen in love with you yet?’ When I laughed nervously and said nothing, he followed up to the makeup artist. ‘Keep putting makeup on her, I’ll fall in love with her,’” Bassett wrote. “Another time, he stood between me and the mirror and complimented the red dress I was wearing for the segment. ‘You going out tonight?’ he asked.”
Bassett said she written about the encounter in a 2017 essay but didn’t name Matthews because she was afraid of network retaliation, adding, “I’m not anymore.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Man tried to sexually assault woman in Logan Square home: police

Chicago police are looking for a man suspected of trying to sexually assault a woman Monday at her home in @ @ @ @ @ Side .
She was woken up about 1 a.m. by a man who was on @ @ @ @ @ police said .
He was touching her inappropriately and tried to remove her covers .
@ @ @ @ @ , and the man ran off through the back door , police said .
He @ @ @ @ @ and 40 years old , 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 and 150-180 pounds , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ and was wearing dark-colored clothing .
Anyone with information is asked to call Area North @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are looking for a man suspected of trying to sexually assault a woman Monday at her home in Logan Square on the Northwest Side.
She was woken up about 1 a.m. by a man who was on top of her, Chicago police said. He was touching her inappropriately and tried to remove her covers.
The woman screamed for help, and the man ran off through the back door, police said.
He was described as between 30 and 40 years old, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 and 150-180 pounds, police said. He had short black hair and was wearing dark-colored clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area North detectives at 312-744-8261.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Cold war between Lightfoot and FOP about to turn into a deep freeze

The cold war between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Fraternal Order of Police is in danger of turning into a deep freeze .
John Cantanzara , one of the CPD ’ s most frequently disciplined officers , and Martin Preib , who has crusaded against the “ wrongful convictions movement , ” are expected to be the top two finishers in an election for union president when results are announced Thursday .
Incumbent FOP President Kevin Graham is a long-shot to make the run-off .
The question appears to be whether Cantanzara or Preib will claim more than 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongest challengers will be forced into a run-off .
Three years ago , high turnout and low morale helped Graham soundly defeat then-incumbent FOP President Dean Angelo heading into contentious contract negotiations .
Graham vowed then to fight what he and Preib — currently the FOP ’ s Second Vice President — have called the “ anti-police movement ” and deliver a new contract that includes “ fair due process and discipline ” for his members .
Three years later , rank-and-file police officers are still waiting for a new contract .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put its demand for an 18 % pay raise over three years in the hands of an independent arbitrator .
If Cantanzara wins , Lightfoot will have her hands full .
“ If you want to talk , we ’ re willing to listen and sit down and talk .
If you want to fight , we ’ re gon na bring a fight like no FOP has ever brought to any mayor in this city — ever , ” Cantanzara said Monday .
“ The membership is dying for a voice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for the police .
Rahm [ Emanuel ] ignored us for almost two years .
And Kevin [ Graham ] let him get away with it .
What did the teachers do when they didn ’ t get their answers ?
” Reminded that state law prohibits police officers from striking , Cantanzara argued that , “ You don ’ t need to strike to get peoples ’ attention.
” “ We ’ re going to retain a law firm and fight the residency law in Springfield .
The Lodge has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time .
But we have wiggle room to attack that and we ’ re going to do it , ” Cantanzara said .
Graham and Preib could not be reached for comment .
Ray Casiano and Michael Seiser are also running for union president .
Three years ago , Cantanzara was reprimanded for posting a picture of himself on social media dressed in his police uniform holding an American flag and a homemade sign that read , “ I stand for the anthem .
I love the American flag .
I support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catanzara was also recommended for firing in 2012 , after Independent Police Review Authority investigators determined he had been working security at an Old Town restaurant while he was on medical leave from CPD with a back injury .
The board found him guilty but instead opted to suspend him for 20 days .
He remains stripped of his police powers and assigned to administrative duty for filing a police report against now-fired Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson after Johnson marched arm-in-arm with Father Michael Pleger on the Dan Ryan Expressway .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal department issues .
Not public–related .
Not use of force .
Not stealing money .
None of that stuff .
It ’ s all because I call bulls—t on bosses and this department doesn ’ t like it .
It goes right back to the code of silence that she [ Lightfoot ] wants to stop , ” Cantanzara said .
Police discipline records published by the Invisible Institute show that Catanzara has been accused of misconduct 50 times since he was hired by the CPD in 1995 .
Ten of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at length at a federal court hearing on the consent decree and has confronted Lightfoot at City Council meetings , along with the FOP ’ s First Vice President Pat Murray , whom the mayor called “ this FOP clown ” on an open-mic .
“ The Lodge did nothing when the mayor called him a clown — and basically all of us .
The membership was disgusted .
That ’ s why I marched out in front of her house four days later because the Lodge wouldn ’ t do anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
In 2017 , Preib lashed out at Chicago aldermen for authorizing a $ 31 million settlement to four Englewood men who spent more than a decade in prison for the rape and murder of a prostitute before their convictions were overturned after DNA evidence linked the crime to a career criminal .
Preib argued then that there was “ powerful evidence ” that the Englewood Four “ were indeed involved in this crime ” and urged aldermen not to bow to pressure from the “ wrongful conviction movement.
” “ Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry in the name of wrongful convictions .
They look to this chamber as their blank check .
Their playbook is simple : They claim police misconduct , get the prosecutors to exonerate , draft a willing media and then manipulate the citizens of Chicago out of their tax money , ” Preib said then .

The cold war between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Fraternal Order of Police is in danger of turning into a deep freeze.
John Catanzara, one of the CPD’s most frequently disciplined officers, and Martin Preib, who has crusaded against the “wrongful convictions movement,” are expected to be the top two finishers in an election for union president when results are announced Thursday.
Incumbent FOP President Kevin Graham is a long-shot to make the run-off. The question appears to be whether Catanzara or Preib will claim more than 50% of the votes or whether the two strongest challengers will be forced into a run-off.
Three years ago, high turnout and low morale helped Graham soundly defeat then-incumbent FOP President Dean Angelo heading into contentious contract negotiations.
Graham vowed then to fight what he and Preib — currently the FOP’s Second Vice President — have called the “anti-police movement” and deliver a new contract that includes “fair due process and discipline” for his members.
Three years later, rank-and-file police officers are still waiting for a new contract. In December, the FOP board voted to put its demand for an 18% pay raise over three years in the hands of an independent arbitrator.
If Catanzara wins, Lightfoot will have her hands full.
“If you want to talk, we’re willing to listen and sit down and talk. If you want to fight, we’re gonna bring a fight like no FOP has ever brought to any mayor in this city — ever,” Catanzara said Monday.
“The membership is dying for a voice. They’re tired of nobody standing up for the police. Rahm [Emanuel] ignored us for almost two years. And Kevin [Graham] let him get away with it. What did the teachers do when they didn’t get their answers?”
Reminded that state law prohibits police officers from striking, Catanzara argued that, “You don’t need to strike to get peoples’ attention.”
“We’re going to retain a law firm and fight the residency law in Springfield. The Lodge has been afraid to fight this fight for a long time. But we have wiggle room to attack that and we’re going to do it,” Catanzara said.
Graham and Preib could not be reached for comment.
Ray Casiano and Michael Seiser are also running for union president.
Three years ago, Catanzara was reprimanded for posting a picture of himself on social media dressed in his police uniform holding an American flag and a homemade sign that read, “I stand for the anthem. I love the American flag. I support my President and the Second Amendment.”
Catanzara was also recommended for firing in 2012, after Independent Police Review Authority investigators determined he had been working security at an Old Town restaurant while he was on medical leave from CPD with a back injury.
The board found him guilty but instead opted to suspend him for 20 days.
He remains stripped of his police powers and assigned to administrative duty for filing a police report against now-fired Police Supt. Eddie Johnson after Johnson marched arm-in-arm with Father Michael Pleger on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
“Most of my suspensions have been for internal department issues. Not public–related. Not use of force. Not stealing money. None of that stuff. It’s all because I call bulls—t on bosses and this department doesn’t like it. It goes right back to the code of silence that she [Lightfoot] wants to stop,” Catanzara said.
Police discipline records published by the Invisible Institute show that Catanzara has been accused of misconduct 50 times since he was hired by the CPD in 1995. Ten of those accusations have been sustained.
Catanzara testified at length at a federal court hearing on the consent decree and has confronted Lightfoot at City Council meetings, along with the FOP’s First Vice President Pat Murray, whom the mayor called “this FOP clown” on an open-mic.
“The Lodge did nothing when the mayor called him a clown — and basically all of us. The membership was disgusted. That’s why I marched out in front of her house four days later because the Lodge wouldn’t do anything. They have no backbone,” he said.
In 2017, Preib lashed out at Chicago aldermen for authorizing a $31 million settlement to four Englewood men who spent more than a decade in prison for the rape and murder of a prostitute before their convictions were overturned after DNA evidence linked the crime to a career criminal.
Preib argued then that there was “powerful evidence” that the Englewood Four “were indeed involved in this crime” and urged aldermen not to bow to pressure from the “wrongful conviction movement.”
“Civil rights lawyers have carved out a cottage industry in the name of wrongful convictions. They look to this chamber as their blank check. Their playbook is simple: They claim police misconduct, get the prosecutors to exonerate, draft a willing media and then manipulate the citizens of Chicago out of their tax money,” Preib said then.
Contributing: Sam Charles


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Cubs beat Angels 9-4 in former manager Joe Maddon’s homecoming at Sloan Park

MESA , Ariz. — Kyle Schwarber ’ s three-run double in the sixth gave the Cubs the lead , and they held on to beat the Angels 9-4 in the first game of a day-night , split-squad doubleheader for their second consecutive Cactus League victory .
They faced the Athletics in the late game Monday night .
Not your average Joe : Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon made his first appearance in front of Cubs fans since his firing after five winning seasons that included the historic championship and was greeted with a warm ovation from the crowd and countless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches .
“ It ’ s very comfortable , ” he said .
“ You talk about wonderful memories .
It was five years , but it was a very eventful five years .
Nothing to lament .
It was wonderful .
It was life-altering for me and my family to be part of this organization , the way I was treated.
” Center of attention : Ian Happ struck the latest blow in what ’ s turning into the best job battle in camp , making a diving catch for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first homer of the spring over the wall in left-center for the Cubs ’ first run in the third .
He and Albert Almora Jr. are trading haymakers almost daily in a fight for the centerfield job .
Manager David Ross said they have a chance to both earn a share of the job if this keeps up , whether it would be a true platoon or not .
Injury update : Pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez , a high-velocity right-hander , underwent an MRI on Monday for the biceps injury that forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with results expected Tuesday .
Kimbrel watch : Closer Craig Kimbrel threw a bullpen session Monday in his final prep work for his Cactus League debut , scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds in Goodyear .
On deck : Cubs at Rockies , Scottsdale , 2:10 p.m. , Tuesday , MSN , Jose Quintana vs. Ashton Goudeau .

CUBS (ss) 9, ANGELS 4 / A’S 5, CUBS (ss) 2
Not your average Joe
Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon made his first appearance in front of Cubs fans since his firing after five winning seasons that included the historic championship and was greeted with a warm ovation from the crowd and countless hugs and smiles from Cubs players and coaches. “It’s very comfortable,” he said. “You talk about wonderful memories. It was five years, but it was a very eventful five years. Nothing to lament. It was wonderful. It was life-altering for me and my family to be part of this organization, the way I was treated.”
Center of attention
Ian Happ struck the latest blow in what’s turning into the best job battle in camp, making a diving catch for the first out of the game and later driving his first homer of the spring over the wall in left-center for the Cubs’ first run in the third. He and Albert Almora Jr. are trading haymakers almost daily in a fight for the center-field job. Manager David Ross said they have a chance to earn a share of the job if this keeps up, whether it would be a true platoon or not.
Making a pitch
Alec Mills, a fifth-starter challenger who likely will make the roster as a long reliever if he doesn’t win a starting job, extended his scoreless start to the spring to three appearances and six innings with three hitless innings against the A’s in the nightcap. Mills, who is out of options, struck out three and walked one.
Injury update
Pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez, a high-velocity right-hander, underwent an MRI exam Monday for the biceps injury that forced him out of the game Sunday. Results are expected Tuesday.
Kimbrel watch
Closer Craig Kimbrel threw a bullpen session in his final prep work for his Cactus League debut, scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds in Goodyear.
On deck
Cubs at Rockies, Scottsdale, 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, MSN, Jose Quintana vs. Ashton Goudeau.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--White Sox bats silent, fall to Padres

White Sox bats silent, fall to Padres

For the first time with both Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada in the lineup , manager Rick Renteria led off with Moncada .
“ I ’ m toying with both of those [ combinations ] and see how they settle in , ” Renteria said .
“ Moncy likes to hit in the two slot and Timmy likes to hit in the two slot .
I ’ m trying to see if I can get them both to settle in to one or the other.
” Renteria wants speed at the top , and ruled out using Yasmani Grandal ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who led off 13 times for the Brewers last season .
Grandal will bat third , fourth or fifth , Renteria said .
“ No , he will not lead off for me , ” Renteria said .
With the exception of Nomar Mazara , Edwin Encarnacion ( back ) and Grandal ( calf ) , Renteria started his regular lineup against Chris Paddack ( three innings ) but the Sox did score until the ninth on an RBI single by Class AA outfielder Luis Gonzalez , who is 5-for-10 with three walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this spring ) had two hits , including a double to the right-center field warning track .
The Sox were blanked 2-0 in a B game against the Brewers in Maryvale .
Dallas Keuchel allowed one run in four innings in his first start .
Closer Alex Colome ( three hits ) and Jimmy Cordero each allowed a run in an inning of work .
Aaron Bummer , Kelvin Herrera and Steve Cishek each pitched a scoreless inning .
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez ( shoulder ) , who threw a 30-pitch bullpen Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slated for bullpens Wednesday and Friday .
His first start has yet to be scheduled , however .

PADRES 3, SOX 1
Moncada leads off
With Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada in the lineup together for the first time this spring, manager Rick Renteria led off with Moncada.
‘‘I’m toying with both of those [combinations] and see how they settle in,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘[Moncada] likes to hit in the 2-slot, and Timmy likes to hit in the 2-slot. I’m trying to see if I can get them both to settle into one or the other.’’
Renteria wants speed at the top and ruled out using Yasmani Grandal (.380 on-base percentage in 2019), who led off 13 times for the Brewers last season. Grandal will bat third, fourth or fifth, Renteria said.
First team blanked
With the exception of Nomar Mazara, Edwin Encarnacion (back) and Grandal (calf), Renteria started his regular lineup against Chris Paddack (three innings), but the Sox didn’t score until the ninth on an RBI single by Class AA outfielder Luis Gonzalez, who is 5-for-10 with three walks this spring. Eloy Jimenez had two hits, including a double to the warning track in right-center. The Sox were blanked 2-0 in a ‘‘B’’ game against the Brewers.
Keuchel on target
Left-hander Dallas Keuchel allowed one run in four innings in his first spring start. Closer Alex Colome (three hits) and Jimmy Cordero each allowed a run in an inning. Aaron Bummer, Kelvin Herrera and Steve Cishek each pitched a scoreless inning.
Gonzalez update
Left-hander Gio Gonzalez (shoulder), who threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Sunday, will throw long toss Tuesday and is slated for bullpen sessions Wednesday and Friday. His first spring start has yet to be scheduled.
On deck
Athletics at Sox, Glendale, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, whitesox.com, A.J. Puk vs. Reynaldo Lopez.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--How to keep bad actors from trashing the rental market on Chicago’s South Side

The tall midcentury residential tower at 7250 S. South Shore Drive should be an affordable housing success story .
Instead , the building is a near wreck .
An Ohio-based not-for-profit , the Better Housing Foundation , bought the apartment building and 80 others across the South Side between 2016 and 2018 , leaving nearly all of them in poor condition and clogging up Housing Court .
With real estate investors flocking to the South Side these days , now is a good time for the city to send a loud and clear message : The days of the slumlord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying up real estate in Chicago , do it right or face the consequences .
BHF is among a wave of out-of-town real estate entities rolling across the South Side , buying and packaging up scores of relatively low-cost apartment buildings in hopes of making big profits through rents , Crain ’ s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune have reported .
“ The South Side is looking very attractive from an investment standpoint , ” one expert told us .
“ It ’ s one thing to buy buildings , but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you can sit back in California someplace and let the cash flow in is a tricky proposition.
” Another out-of-town company , Florida-based EquityBuild , raised $ 135 million from 900 investors to buy 1,674 rental units , mainly on the South Side .
But in 2018 , the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ruled that EquityBuild ’ s owners , Jerome Cohen and his son Shaun , weren ’ t rewarding investors from financial returns from the buildings , but instead were running a Ponzi scheme , using the money from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The SEC began liquidating the portfolio in 2018 .
Thirty-six EquityBuilding buildings soon could hit the market , many with deferred maintenance issues and Housing Court cases against them .
What can the city do ?
To begin with , Mayor Lori Lightfoot could staff up the Building Department to track and focus more attention on packages of multi-family buildings owned by real estate investment groups .
These are buildings , given their arms-length ownership , that merit more regular and rigorous inspection .
Construction permits for this class of buildings should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure work is being done as prescribed .
Fines and court costs , as warranted , could do wonders to bring many of these entities into line .
Federal law enforcement , we are told by affordable housing experts , also should take a closer look at multiple building purchases that target South Side properties , especially those involving investment companies such as EquityBuild that appear to overpay while promising investors big profits .
Better Housing Foundation ’ s efforts were a spectacular fail .
The organization bought more than six dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in tax-exempt municipal bonds sold to investors through the Illinois Finance Authority .
But instead of fixing up the structures , the now-bankrupt BHF burned through the cash as the buildings deteriorated .
The organization also defaulted on the bond payments .
“ I am angry and I am disappointed with this borrower , ” Illinois Finance Authority Executive Director Christopher Meister told us .
IFA has a good record of issuing tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit hospitals , local governments and institutions of higher education , but we wonder if it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonds on behalf BHF .
On these kinds of deals in the future , we think the IFA should work more closely with another state agency , the Illinois Housing Development Authority , which specializes in affordable housing bond issues .
Meanwhile , Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is investigating BHF .
We called Raoul ’ s office to ask about that , but they failed to get back to us .
In an apparent separate investigation , the SEC subpoenaed BHF last October seeking the organization ’ s records about the purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Chicago can be a tough town in which to find an affordable place to rent .
And bad and incompetent larger-scale investors only make matters worse by littering the city , especially on the South Side , with scores of dilapidated and inhabitable buildings .
Chicago has long had its fair share of homegrown bad actors in the South Side real estate game .
The last thing the city needs is under-regulated outsiders jumping in for a quick and unmerited buck .

The tall midcentury residential tower at 7250 S. South Shore Drive should be an affordable housing success story. Instead, the building is a near wreck.
An Ohio-based not-for-profit, the Better Housing Foundation, bought the apartment building and 80 others across the South Side between 2016 and 2018, leaving nearly all of them in poor condition and clogging up Housing Court.
Editorials bug Editorials
With real estate investors flocking to the South Side these days, now is a good time for the city to send a loud and clear message: The days of the slumlord are over. If you’re buying up real estate in Chicago, do it right or face the consequences.
BHF is among a wave of out-of-town real estate entities rolling across the South Side, buying and packaging up scores of relatively low-cost apartment buildings in hopes of making big profits through rents, Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune have reported.
“The South Side is looking very attractive from an investment standpoint,” one expert told us. “It’s one thing to buy buildings, but you have to manage them. The idea that you can sit back in California someplace and let the cash flow in is a tricky proposition.”
Another out-of-town company, Florida-based EquityBuild, raised $135 million from 900 investors to buy 1,674 rental units, mainly on the South Side. But in 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ruled that EquityBuild’s owners, Jerome Cohen and his son Shaun, weren’t rewarding investors from financial returns from the buildings, but instead were running a Ponzi scheme, using the money from new investors to pay off older ones. The SEC began liquidating the portfolio in 2018.
Thirty-six EquityBuild buildings soon could hit the market, many with deferred maintenance issues and Housing Court cases against them.
What can the city do? To begin with, Mayor Lori Lightfoot could staff up the Building Department to track and focus more attention on packages of multi-family buildings owned by real estate investment groups. These are buildings, given their arms-length ownership, that merit more regular and rigorous inspection. Construction permits for this class of buildings should be monitored more closely as well to make sure work is being done as prescribed. Fines and court costs, as warranted, could do wonders to bring many of these entities into line.
Federal law enforcement, we are told by affordable housing experts, also should take a closer look at multiple building purchases that target South Side properties, especially those involving investment companies such as EquityBuild that appear to overpay while promising investors big profits.
Better Housing Foundation’s efforts were a spectacular fail. The organization bought more than six dozen Chicago area multi-unit buildings using $170 million in tax-exempt municipal bonds sold to investors through the Illinois Finance Authority. But instead of fixing up the structures, the now-bankrupt BHF burned through the cash as the buildings deteriorated. The organization also defaulted on the bond payments.
“I am angry and I am disappointed with this borrower,” Illinois Finance Authority Executive Director Christopher Meister told us.
IFA has a good record of issuing tax-exempt bonds for not-for-profit hospitals, local governments and institutions of higher education, but we wonder if it was out of its element in issuing such bonds on behalf of BHF. On these kinds of deals in the future, we think the IFA should work more closely with another state agency, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which specializes in affordable housing bond issues.
Meanwhile, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is investigating BHF. We called Raoul’s office to ask about that, but they failed to get back to us. In an apparent separate investigation, the SEC subpoenaed BHF last October seeking the organization’s records about the purchases, the publication The Bond Trader reported this week.
Chicago can be a tough town in which to find an affordable place to rent. And bad and incompetent larger-scale investors only make matters worse by littering the city, especially on the South Side, with scores of dilapidated and inhabitable buildings.
Chicago has long had its fair share of homegrown bad actors in the South Side real estate game. The last thing the city needs is under-regulated outsiders jumping in for a quick and unmerited buck.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-02--Embrace the target: Hugs, ovations greet Angels’ Joe Maddon in Cubs spring homecoming

MESA , Ariz. – From the moment fans at Sloan Park recognized the figure in the red jersey and cap walk into the stadium from left field – a five-man ESPN crew milking every second of a slow-walk , casual “ conversation ” – the warm embrace from the crowd began Monday .
Over the next 45 minutes of hugs from former players and coaches and extended media interviews on the field , the love for former Cubs manager Joe Maddon grew more vocal as the stands began to fill on Maddon ’ s first Cubs homecoming since his firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Thank you , Joe !
” yelled one fan .
“ We love you , Joe !
” yelled another as Maddon reminisced about five consecutive winning seasons , four that included the playoffs , one that involved the end of the longest championship drought in American team sports history .
“ Obviously , well deserved , ” said Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber .
“ The guy ’ s a Hall of Famer.
” Maddon ’ s personal touch left a lasting impact on Cubs players who in many cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 – in some cases left impacts on their families , too .
Anthony Rizzo ’ s parents spent Saturday in Tempe to reconnect with Maddon even though Rizzo and the Cubs were playing their own game against somebody else in another part of the Phoenix area .
“ They loved it , ” Rizzo said .
“ They were all emotional and hugging and loving each other.
” Maddon : “ That ’ s the kind of stuff , if that happens , you know you might have done something right.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be those moments , the postseason successes and definitely the personal connections , that soften the edges of some of the job friction that led to Maddon ’ s parting with the Cubs .
But it ’ s still been just five months since the Maddon-Cubs divorce was finalized , and however amicable the parties try to keep things , it might be a while before history fully settles on what went wrong and why it had to end .
Cubs president Theo Epstein has repeatedly said Maddon was the right man at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great five-year relationship had run its course ; that David Ross is the right man at the right time now .
Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer alluded to player complacency the last two years and breakdowns in focus attributable to managerial style .
Maddon told a publication as spring training opened that the front office exerted more control toward the end of his tenure in Chicago , suggesting “ philosophical differences.
” On Monday , Maddon said he was just being honest but that it doesn ’ t mean there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s just methodology , ” he said .
“ What I mean by that is there was more information , there was more ‘ want ’ from upstairs to downstairs .
I ’ m not saying that that ’ s wrong .
It ’ s not my baby – it is in the dugout .
But overall I ’ ve always learned to play well in the sandbox with the people I ’ m working with .
“ But you ask me the question .
That ’ s the answer .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not saying it ’ s wrong.
” On this day even the irreconcilable differences came with smiles , hugs and a feel-good vibe .
“ As somebody who ’ s been married , and not married , stuff happens along the way where you maybe have internal discussions and then eventually decide it might be best to do something else , ” Maddon said .
“ But you can still be friends with your former partner.
” Regardless of the final differences with the front office , the bonds between Maddon and Cub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hard to deny .
“ How he handled things with the fact we hadn ’ t won [ a title ] in 108 years and how he had a bunch of 23- and 24-year-olds in here , I think anybody in that situation given their age there ’ d be pressure and folding and an absolute collapse , ” 2016 MVP Kris Bryant said .
“ But he really made it like , ‘ Hey , this is just another game , go out there and play .
… ’ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that time .
And if he wasn ’ t here I don ’ t think we would have been able to [ win it ] .
” Said Rizzo : “ We ’ re connected with Joe forever , with what he did , what he ’ s accomplished and we accomplished .
The connections will last forever .
”

MESA, Ariz. — The Joe Maddon lovefest began Monday the moment fans at Sloan Park recognized the figure in the red jersey and cap walk into the stadium from left field. A five-man ESPN crew was milking every second of a slow-walk, casual “conversation.”
During the next 45 minutes of hugs from former players and coaches and extended media interviews on the field, the love for the former Cubs manager grew more vocal as the stands began to fill on Maddon’s first Cubs homecoming since his firing last fall after a five-year run.
“Thank you, Joe!” yelled one fan. “We love you, Joe!” yelled another as Maddon reminisced about five consecutive winning seasons, four that included the playoffs and one that involved the end of the longest championship drought in American team sports history.
He did not reach the Angels’ dugout until less than 10 minutes remained before game time.
“Obviously, well-deserved,” Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber said. “The guy’s a Hall of Famer.”
Maddon’s personal touch left a lasting impact on Cubs players — who in many cases were first- and second-year players when he arrived in 2015 — and in some cases on their families, too.
Anthony Rizzo’s parents spent a Saturday in Tempe to reconnect with Maddon even though Rizzo and the Cubs were playing their own game against somebody else in another part of the Phoenix area.
“They loved it,” Rizzo said. “They were all emotional and hugging and loving each other.”
Maddon: “That’s the kind of stuff, if that happens, you know you might have done something right.”
As time passes, it will be those moments, the postseason successes and definitely the personal connections, that soften the edges of some of the job friction that led to Maddon’s parting with the Cubs.
But it still has been only five months since the Maddon-Cubs divorce was finalized, and however amicable the parties try to keep things, it might be awhile before history fully settles on what went wrong and why it had to end.
Cubs president Theo Epstein said Maddon was the right man at the right time in 2015 and that a great five-year relationship ran its course; that David Ross is the right man at this time. Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer alluded to player complacency the last two years and breakdowns in focus attributable to managerial style.
Maddon told a publication as spring training opened that the front office exerted more control toward the end of his tenure in Chicago, suggesting “philosophical differences.”
On Monday, Maddon said he was just being honest but that it doesn’t mean there are any hard feelings.
“That’s just methodology,” he said. “What I mean by that is there was more information, there was more ‘want’ from upstairs to downstairs. I’m not saying that that’s wrong. It’s not my baby — it is in the dugout. But overall I’ve always learned to play well in the sandbox with the people I’m working with.
“But you ask me the question. That’s the answer. It’s true. But I’m not saying it’s wrong.”
On this day, even the irreconcilable differences came with smiles, hugs and a feel-good vibe.
“As somebody who’s been married, and not married, stuff happens along the way where you maybe have internal discussions, and then eventually decide it might be best to do something else,” Maddon said. “But you can still be friends with your former partner.”
Regardless of the final differences with the front office, the bonds between Maddon and Cubs fans, players and new manager Ross were undeniable Monday.
“He was absolutely the perfect guy for that job at that time,” said 2016 MVP Kris Bryant, marveling at how Maddon made “a bunch of 23- and 24-year-olds” believe a 108-year drought wasn’t anything to sweat. “I think anybody in that situation given their age, there’d be pressure and folding and an absolute collapse.
“If he wasn’t here, I don’t think we would have been able to [win it].”
Said Rizzo: “We’re connected with Joe forever, with what he did, what he’s accomplished and we accomplished. The connections will last forever.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-03--Dear Abby: I wish daughter would stop calling me ‘Mom’ in public

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m a beautiful 77-year-old woman in excellent health who has fun traveling internationally .
I will soon be taking my oldest daughter to Europe at my expense because I want a companion .
I ’ m 19 years older than she is .
She also is in great health and has a fun-loving personality .
We look like sisters and have fun together wherever we go .
However , I don ’ t want her to call me “ Mom ” while we are out in public places .
Can I ask her not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and always has been , but I love her and want her around while I ’ m traveling , rather than friends .
She ’ s single , but I ’ m not .
My husband can ’ t go because of health issues .
I need my daughter to go with me .
Can you give me some ideas on how to approach her to not call me “ Mom ” in public ?
What if she refuses to go with me ?
— ONE STIPULATION IN THE SOUTH DEAR STIPULATION : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why not being called “ Mom ” is so important to you .
I have read your letter several times , and I ’ m struck by the fact that it ’ s all about YOU and what YOU want .
Your daughter is long past 21 , and I ’ m sure she can make her own decisions .
You can ask her not to call you “ Mom , ” but whether she will agree and won ’ t forget to not address you that way is anyone ’ s guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABBY : Fifty years ago , at the age of 17 , I was raped by a high school classmate .
At the time , I was living in an apartment with a friend , “ Becky.
” She and three male classmates witnessed the attack , stood by and did nothing .
( They were drunk . )
I never reported the assault because I was scared , embarrassed and ashamed .
No one ever spoke about it , and Becky and I went our separate ways .
I eventually married , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put the incident behind me .
Fifteen years ago , I moved back and married a local man .
I see all those people frequently around town , which reminds me of that terrible night .
I don ’ t think it ’ s fair that I have had to live with this for 50 years while the others appear to have forgotten and gone on their merry way .
None of them ever apologized or acknowledged their part in the attack .
I remember it as vividly as if it were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confront those involved .
A friend suggested I privately confront my attacker .
I believe calling out these people will give me peace of mind .
My husband and I are planning to move out of the area , so I will never have to see any of them again .
Should I confront all of them or just my attacker ?
Or should I let sleeping dogs lie ?
— ASSAULTED IN IDAHO DEAR ASSAULTED : Before deciding whether to confront these people after 50 years or let sleeping dogs lie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss what happened with a licensed therapist , specifically one who works with patients who have PTSD .
Whereas a half-century ago there was a tendency to blame the victims of sexual assault , we have come a long way since then , and help is available for you if you ’ re willing to get it .
A way to find help in making this important decision would be to contact RAINN ( rainn.org ) .
The toll-free phone number is ( 800 ) 656-4673 .
RAINN is the free , confidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s available 24/7 .
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 .
To order “ How to Write Letters for All Occasions , ” send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Letter Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I’m a beautiful 77-year-old woman in excellent health who has fun traveling internationally. I will soon be taking my oldest daughter to Europe at my expense because I want a companion.
I’m 19 years older than she is. She also is in great health and has a fun-loving personality. We look like sisters and have fun together wherever we go. However, I don’t want her to call me “Mom” while we are out in public places. Can I ask her not to call me that?
She is stubborn and always has been, but I love her and want her around while I’m traveling, rather than friends. She’s single, but I’m not. My husband can’t go because of health issues.
I need my daughter to go with me. Can you give me some ideas on how to approach her to not call me “Mom” in public? What if she refuses to go with me? — ONE STIPULATION IN THE SOUTH
DEAR STIPULATION: I can’t help but wonder why not being called “Mom” is so important to you. I have read your letter several times, and I’m struck by the fact that it’s all about YOU and what YOU want. Your daughter is long past 21, and I’m sure she can make her own decisions. You can ask her not to call you “Mom,” but whether she will agree and won’t forget to not address you that way is anyone’s guess. Old habits die hard.
DEAR ABBY: Fifty years ago, at the age of 17, I was raped by a high school classmate. At the time, I was living in an apartment with a friend, “Becky.” She and three male classmates witnessed the attack, stood by and did nothing. (They were drunk.)
I never reported the assault because I was scared, embarrassed and ashamed. No one ever spoke about it, and Becky and I went our separate ways. I eventually married, moved away from my hometown and tried to put the incident behind me.
Fifteen years ago, I moved back and married a local man. I see all those people frequently around town, which reminds me of that terrible night. I don’t think it’s fair that I have had to live with this for 50 years while the others appear to have forgotten and gone on their merry way. None of them ever apologized or acknowledged their part in the attack. I remember it as vividly as if it were last week.
I would like to confront those involved. A friend suggested I privately confront my attacker. I believe calling out these people will give me peace of mind. My husband and I are planning to move out of the area, so I will never have to see any of them again. Should I confront all of them or just my attacker? Or should I let sleeping dogs lie? — ASSAULTED IN IDAHO
DEAR ASSAULTED: Before deciding whether to confront these people after 50 years or let sleeping dogs lie, what I think you should do is discuss what happened with a licensed therapist, specifically one who works with patients who have PTSD. Whereas a half-century ago there was a tendency to blame the victims of sexual assault, we have come a long way since then, and help is available for you if you’re willing to get it.
A way to find help in making this important decision would be to contact RAINN (rainn.org). The toll-free phone number is (800) 656-4673. RAINN is the free, confidential national sexual assault hotline, and it’s available 24/7.
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.
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-03--The mind-bending puzzles of ‘Devs’ pay off in the end

Deep into the wondrously weird and mind-bending limited series “ Devs , ” Character A tells Character B that in just a few minutes , Character B is going to do something insane and potentially life-ending .
Character B scoffs at this madness .
Why would he do THAT ?
A moment later , Character B is doing exactly what Character A predicted — and it makes perfect sense .
Sorry to be so cryptic , but I don ’ t even want to even hint at spoiling any of the richly satisfying if sometimes bat-bleep crazy twists and turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind of writer-director Alex Garland of “ Annihilation ” and “ Ex Machina ” fame .
“ Devs ” is an “ FX on Hulu ” series , which means it ’ s an FX series but you can see it only if you have Hulu .
The first two episodes will debut Thursday on Hulu , with one episode a week coming after that .
This is the kind of series that will either hook you from the get-go , or have you clicking on that “ X ” icon and bailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eclectic mix of sci-fi and mind games and love stories and murder mystery , with visual references to everything from Jesus Christ on the cross to Marilyn Monroe having sex with Arthur Miller , dialogue about the Fibonacci Sequence and whether or not the universe is deterministic and soundtrack selections ranging from “ Guinevere ” by Crosby , Stills & Nash to “ Come Out , ” a 1966 performance piece by Steve Reich .
It ’ s a deep dive into the twilight zone and at times I had to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot machinations — but Garland has a keen sense of timing when it comes to providing the answers to nagging questions just as we ’ re getting close to the point of frustration .
By the time the finale wraps up , no major mysteries remain .
We might not love every explanation , every resolution , but it ’ s a whole lot better than remaining in the dark .
“ Devs ” stars Sonoya Mizuno ( who did that mesmerizingly bizarre dance number with Oscar Isaac in “ Ex Machina ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Lilly Chan , a young software engineer with Amaya , a powerful and influential tech company in the San Francisco area .
( The cinematography throughout is spectacular , with breathtaking shots of one of the most photogenic cities in movie and TV history . )
Amaya is located on the outskirts of the city , in a lush and majestic redwood forest .
But even if you ’ re miles away , you can see the enormous and creepy statue of a little girl rising above the treetops .
( It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those Bob ’ s Big Boy statues , only about 100 times bigger . )
That unnerving statue is the first sign there ’ s something unusual and foreboding about Amaya .
Lilly is in love with her co-worker Sergei ( Karl Glusman ) , a Russian tech whiz who gets promoted to a coveted job in the mysterious Devs division of Amaya , where the best of the best work day and night on … something .
Something big , something life-changing , something involving the ability to literally see the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unchangeable future .
“ I wouldn ’ t say even the Devs team knows what the Devs team does , ” says Amaya ’ s founder .
Sergei goes missing after his first day at Devs .
Amaya ’ s chief of security , Kenton ( Zach Grenier ) , shows Lily video evidence of what happened to Sergei — but she isn ’ t buying it .
Something ’ s not right .
( Grenier ’ s fine work as the quietly menacing Kenton is reminiscent of Jonathan Banks as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bad ” and “ Better Call Saul.
” ) This sets off a spider ’ s web of plot developments , as Lily enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend Jamie ( Jin Ha ) , a computer security expert who ’ s still in love with her , to find out what really happened to Sergei and to uncover the true mission of Devs .
Nick Offerman breaks free of his familiar Ron Swanson deadpan comic actor persona with a strong dramatic performance as Forest , the mercurial genius who founded Amaya and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless person with his unkempt long hair , scruffy beard and wrinkled flannels .
Alison Pill is equally effective as his lieutenant and love interest , Katie , who is almost always the smartest person in the room even when the room is filled with geniuses and has an almost sociopathic disregard for empathy .
Time and again in “ Devs , ” free will clashes with fate .
Even if you were shown exactly what will happen in the next minute , the next hour , the next day , is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline ?
Or maybe there ’ s another option .
Time will tell , literally .

Deep into the wondrously weird and mind-bending limited series “Devs,” Character A tells Character B that in just a few minutes, Character B is going to do something insane and potentially life-ending.
Character B scoffs at this madness. Why would he do THAT?
A moment later, Character B is doing exactly what Character A predicted — and it makes perfect sense.
‘Devs’
Untitled Begins streaming Thursday on Hulu
Sorry to be so cryptic, but I don’t even want to even hint at spoiling any of the richly satisfying if sometimes bat-bleep crazy twists and turns in this eight-part series from the fertile mind of writer-director Alex Garland of “Annihilation” and “Ex Machina” fame.
“Devs” is an “FX on Hulu” series, which means it’s an FX series but you can see it only if you have Hulu. The first two episodes will debut Thursday on Hulu, with one episode a week coming after that.
This is the kind of series that will either hook you from the get-go, or have you clicking on that “X” icon and bailing out early on. It’s an eclectic mix of sci-fi and mind games and love stories and murder mystery, with visual references to everything from Jesus Christ on the cross to Marilyn Monroe having sex with Arthur Miller, dialogue about the Fibonacci Sequence and whether or not the universe is deterministic and soundtrack selections ranging from “Guinevere” by Crosby, Stills & Nash to “Come Out,” a 1966 performance piece by Steve Reich.
It’s a deep dive into the twilight zone and at times I had to work hard to keep a grip on certain plot machinations — but Garland has a keen sense of timing when it comes to providing the answers to nagging questions just as we’re getting close to the point of frustration.
By the time the finale wraps up, no major mysteries remain. We might not love every explanation, every resolution, but it’s a whole lot better than remaining in the dark.
“Devs” stars Sonoya Mizuno (who did that mesmerizingly bizarre dance number with Oscar Isaac in “Ex Machina”) in a subtle and beautiful performance as Lilly Chan, a young software engineer with Amaya, a powerful and influential tech company in the San Francisco area. (The cinematography throughout is spectacular, with breathtaking shots of one of the most photogenic cities in movie and TV history.)
Amaya is located on the outskirts of the city, in a lush and majestic redwood forest. But even if you’re miles away, you can see the enormous and creepy statue of a little girl rising above the treetops. (It’s kind of like one of those Bob’s Big Boy statues, only about 100 times bigger.) That unnerving statue is the first sign there’s something unusual and foreboding about Amaya.
Lilly is in love with her co-worker Sergei (Karl Glusman), a Russian tech whiz who gets promoted to a coveted job in the mysterious Devs division of Amaya, where the best of the best work day and night on … something. Something big, something life-changing, something involving the ability to literally see the past and maybe even catch a glimpse of the unchangeable future.
“I wouldn’t say even the Devs team knows what the Devs team does,” says Amaya’s founder.
Sergei goes missing after his first day at Devs. Amaya’s chief of security, Kenton (Zach Grenier), shows Lily video evidence of what happened to Sergei — but she isn’t buying it. Something’s not right. (Grenier’s fine work as the quietly menacing Kenton is reminiscent of Jonathan Banks as the cop turned hitman Mike in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.”)
This sets off a spider’s web of plot developments, as Lily enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend Jamie (Jin Ha), a computer security expert who’s still in love with her, to find out what really happened to Sergei and to uncover the true mission of Devs.
Forest (Nick Offerman) founded the powerful tech company Amaya, where a secret division is working on a life-changing product. FX on Hulu
Nick Offerman breaks free of his familiar Ron Swanson deadpan comic actor persona with a strong dramatic performance as Forest, the mercurial genius who founded Amaya and skulks about the premises looking like a homeless person with his unkempt long hair, scruffy beard and wrinkled flannels. Alison Pill is equally effective as his lieutenant and love interest, Katie, who is almost always the smartest person in the room even when the room is filled with geniuses and has an almost sociopathic disregard for empathy.
Flashback sequences unlock the mystery of that statue and explain how Forest was transformed into an obsessed and perhaps unhinged megalomaniac. At times we see a character making a simple, almost unconscious decision to walk in one direction or stop on a staircase or continue a phone conversation — and we see multiple images of the same character making slightly different decisions. Sometimes the choice to zig instead of zag wouldn’t have mattered in the least. Sometimes a seemingly inconsequential deviation could have had a profound impact on events.
Time and again in “Devs,” free will clashes with fate. Even if you were shown exactly what will happen in the next minute, the next hour, the next day, is there anything you could do to alter that timeline?
Or maybe there’s another option. Time will tell, literally.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-03--Fish of the Week: Andrew LaVeau caught a nearly 12-inch bluegill ice fishing in Lake County

Andrew LaVeau is the latest with an outstanding catch on the ice in Lake County with this bluegill of nearly @ @ @ @ @ it in Lake County on a chartreuse jig tipped with a plastic .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ thought I had a giant crappie , ” he messaged .
I wondered if it @ @ @ @ @ biologist Vic Santucci leaned toward bluegill because of the “ all black operculum flap and @ @ @ @ @ ” FOTW , the celebration of big fish and their stories ( the stories matter @ @ @ @ @ runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times .
Submit nominations by message on Facebook ( Dale Bowman @ @ @ @ @ @ BowmanOutside ) and Instagram ( @ BowmanOutside ) or email ( BowmanOutside @ gmail.com @ @

Andrew LaVeau is the latest with an outstanding catch on the ice in Lake County with this bluegill of nearly 12 inches. He caught it in Lake County on a chartreuse jig tipped with a plastic.
“She fought so hard, I thought I had a giant crappie,” he messaged.
I wondered if it was a hybrid. But biologist Vic Santucci leaned toward bluegill because of the “all black operculum flap and long, pointy pectoral fins.”
A bluegill that size deserves a full-length view.
Full-length view of Andrew LaVeau with his nearly 12-inch bluegill from Lake County. Provided
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-03--‘Secret hearings’ have allowed CPD to keep suspects in custody for more than 48-hour limit

Chicago police have a “ 48-hour rule ” when it comes to criminal suspects : 48 hours after an arrest , if they aren ’ t charged with a crime , the cops have to let them go .
Former Police Supt .
Eddie Johnson even mentioned the policy last year when he announced charges against Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a hate crime .
Detectives had nabbed Smollett ’ s assailants , Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo , at O ’ Hare Airport and questioned them for 47 hours — when the brothers finally cracked and told detectives the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fake the attack .
But for more than a decade , the department also has had a policy that provides a workaround to the 48-hour deadline : ad hoc , largely off-the-books “ after-hours ” court hearings held at courthouses adjacent to police stations — and often inside the stations themselves — that were until recently coordinated by the city Law Department , a Chicago Sun-Times investigation has found .
“ These are secret hearings .
There is no other word for it , ” said Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January , after the Circuit Court took over responsibility for the proceedings — but still kept them out of the public eye .
“ These [ hearings ] are happening at night at police stations , but we know they are also happening in the middle of the day , when they could take someone into a courtroom .
There is no public schedule .
There is no record in the case file.
” The hearings had long been the jurisdiction of former Cook County Judge Robert Bastone , since he retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately went to work as a civilian employee for Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans .
Bastone — who began collecting his judicial pension that now tops $ 196,000 annually — was also being paid nearly $ 148,000 a year to coordinate the after-hours hearings , until he left the chief judge ’ s office on March 22 , 2014 .
He then got hired by Steve Patton , the city ’ s corporation counsel under Mayor Rahm Emanuel , charging $ 100 an hour to arrange the hearings until the city decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a salary Patton ’ s successor Ed Siskel increased to $ 8,000 .
Bastone ’ s contract ended Nov. 30 , 2019 .
By that time , the city says it had paid Bastone $ 415,900 .
Bastone , in a request to increase the budget for his fees in 2014 , said he personally handled every request from the Law Department to set up a probable cause hearing , records show .
“ And not one detainee has gone past 48 hours without having a detention hearing , ” he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department or the city of Chicago has incurred any civil liability.
” In one email , he attached a photograph of a sheet of graphing paper on which handwritten notes indicated he had sent scores of texts , emails and made phone calls to arrange hearings .
In a 2016 email , he said he ’ d arranged more than 608 such hearings in the previous 13 months and expected that he ’ d have to set up more than 800 in the coming year .
But in response to queries from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locate no record documenting the number of hearings Bastone had set up during his six years as a contractor .
“ I don ’ t know why this arrangement was made .
When I became aware of it , I ended it because I viewed it as a waste of money , ” says Mark Flessner , City Hall ’ s top lawyer under Mayor Lori Lightfoot .
Bastone , who lives in Glenview , couldn ’ t be reached for comment .
Evans refused to comment .
His spokesman , Pat Milhizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary because “ it was mutually convenient for the judges and law enforcement agencies to have an intermediary coordinate the scheduling.
” Evans ’ office was not immediately able to provide information about the number of hearings Bastone coordinated or about where or how the hearings were conducted .
In a email last year to the Law Department seeking to have his contract renewed , Bastone explained he coordinated judges and CPD officers ’ meetings dating back to approximately 2004 , and other emails indicate that thousands of suspects were subject to hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense attorneys learned they were taking place only in recent weeks , as transcripts emerged of meetings held in empty courtrooms , with no lawyers present , no slot on a court calendar and little documentation they ever took place — sometimes only with a handwritten note on the bottom of a charging document .
In a series of emails exchanged with Law Department staffers this fall , Bastone , hoping the Lightfoot administration would give him another contract , could provide little documentation of what he did .
The Sun-Times has obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December , and many show defendants spouting off , mostly expressing confusion during perfunctory hearings that in some cases last only seconds .
Most hearings take no longer than a minute or two .
Judges typically do not explain the charges alleged — suspects have not yet been charged at the time of the hearing — or inform suspects when they might have a chance to post bond .
In every hearing reviewed by the Sun-Times , the judge ruled that police had probable cause to hold the suspect for longer than 48 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no record the suspect was eventually charged .
After the hearings , the suspects were returned to police custody .
In one hearing held on a Sunday night in December at the police station at Belmont and Western , Maurice Humphries complained to Judge Clarence Burch .
“ Excuse me , what is going on ?
” he asked , according to a transcript .
“ I ’ m going to tell you in one moment .
Just hold on sir .
Just relax , ” Burch said .
“ No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m supposed to have legal representation at any hearing I ’ m at .
.
.
I feel I am being railroaded , ” Humphries responded .
The transcript ends with Humphries asking what he ’ s being charged for .
“ The detective will explain that to you , sir , ” Burch said .
An order signed by Burch that night was included in the court file , stating Humphries was to be taken to the next session of bond court , though it does not list any counts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There also is no number in the space for the case file .
Humphries ’ hearing took place roughly 32 hours after he was arrested , and he landed in bond court where he was held without bail the following morning , after 47 hours in custody , for allegedly stabbing a 63-year-old woman during a home invasion and robbery .
He remains in Cook County Jail , awaiting trial .
Other transcripts show suspects are also held in non-violent cases , and some “ after-hours ” hearings took place during the business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Todd S. Pugh , a veteran defense lawyer and member of the board of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers , said he ’ s never heard of similar hearings taking place in any other jurisdiction .
Pugh noted that the 1991 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that established the 48-hour time limit really only mandates that a judge rule on whether a suspect can be held , and while the CPD system appears to clear that low bar , the hearings show only token concern for the detainees ’ rights .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interrogation room , and then they ’ re in front of a judge , and then they go back with the same officers who have been questioning them for some indefinite period of time , and then what happens ?
” Pugh said .
“ They haven ’ t had a chance to talk to a lawyer .
No one has explained anything to them .
Do they think they ’ ve been charged ?
How does that change their response to questioning by police ?
I would almost rather have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the station.
” If the hearings appear to only conform to the letter , if not the spirit , of due process , that is likely because they were created around the time the city paid out $ 16.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of hundreds of people who had been held for days under a previous CPD policy that allowed supervisors to approve keeping suspects in custody , said Mike Kanovitz , one of the lawyers who filed the suit .
Kanovitz , a civil rights attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticed the prolonged stays in barely furnished police lockups and interrogation rooms were common in cases where suspects made confessions that eventually proved false .
“ Our concern was to end the practice of police keeping people chained in a holding cell at a police station for days , basically just to sweat them , ” Kanovitz said , noting the lawsuit won concessions from the department that included providing bedding for defendants held overnight .
When the CPD agreed to end the practice of holding defendants past 48 hours without bringing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was no discussion of creating a new system .
The hearings seem like a waste of time at best to Campanelli and at worst , sow distrust of the legal system by being so perfunctory .
Campanelli ’ s office has on-call lawyers who will head to police stations at any time to represent suspects who request representation , and they easily could be summoned to stand up for clients when police make their call for an on-call judge .
Evans ’ spokesman said state and federal law makes clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before they ’ re formally charged , but Campanelli disagreed .
“ These hearings look like you ’ re in court .
The judge is there .
The cops are there .
The court reporter is there .
They may be happening in a courtroom , maybe not , ” she said .
“ We have courthouses all over the city .
There is court going on 365 days a year .
You can have these hearings in a courtroom , in front of the public and with a lawyer .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Chicago police have a “48-hour rule” when it comes to criminal suspects: 48 hours after an arrest, if they aren’t charged with a crime, the cops have to let them go.
Former Police Supt. Eddie Johnson even mentioned the policy last year when he announced charges against Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging a hate crime. Detectives had nabbed Smollett’s assailants, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, at O’Hare Airport and questioned them for 47 hours — when the brothers finally cracked and told detectives the “Empire” actor had paid them to fake the attack.
But for more than a decade, the department also has had a policy that provides a workaround to the 48-hour deadline: ad hoc, largely off-the-books “after-hours” court hearings held at courthouses adjacent to police stations — and often inside the stations themselves — that were until recently coordinated by the city Law Department, a Chicago Sun-Times investigation has found.
“These are secret hearings. There is no other word for it,” said Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli, whose staff only learned about the hearings in January, after the Circuit Court took over responsibility for the proceedings — but still kept them out of the public eye.
“These [hearings] are happening at night at police stations, but we know they are also happening in the middle of the day, when they could take someone into a courtroom. There is no public schedule. There is no record in the case file.”
Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli said her staff only learned about the “secret hearings” in January, after the Circuit Court took over responsibility for the proceedings — but still kept them out of the public eye. Rich Hein/Sun-Times
The hearings had long been the jurisdiction of former Cook County Judge Robert Bastone, since he retired from the bench in August 2005 and immediately went to work as a civilian employee for Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans.
Bastone — who began collecting his judicial pension that now tops $196,000 annually — was also being paid nearly $148,000 a year to coordinate the after-hours hearings, until he left the chief judge’s office on March 22, 2014.
He then got hired by Steve Patton, the city’s corporation counsel under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, charging $100 an hour to arrange the hearings until the city decided to pay him $7,000 a month, a salary Patton’s successor Ed Siskel increased to $8,000. Bastone’s contract ended Nov. 30, 2019. By that time, the city says it had paid Bastone $415,900.
Bastone, in a request to increase the budget for his fees in 2014, said he personally handled every request from the Law Department to set up a probable cause hearing, records show.
“And not one detainee has gone past 48 hours without having a detention hearing,” he wrote. “No officer or the Chicago Police Department or the city of Chicago has incurred any civil liability.”
In one email, he attached a photograph of a sheet of graphing paper on which handwritten notes indicated he had sent scores of texts, emails and made phone calls to arrange hearings. In a 2016 email, he said he’d arranged more than 608 such hearings in the previous 13 months and expected that he’d have to set up more than 800 in the coming year.
But in response to queries from the Sun-Times, Law Department staff could locate no record documenting the number of hearings Bastone had set up during his six years as a contractor.
“I don’t know why this arrangement was made. When I became aware of it, I ended it because I viewed it as a waste of money,” says Mark Flessner, City Hall’s top lawyer under Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Chief Cook County Judge Timothy Evans refused to respond to the Sun-Times’ inquiries about the “secret hearings.” Rich Hein/Sun-Times file photo
Bastone, who lives in Glenview, couldn’t be reached for comment. Evans refused to comment. His spokesman, Pat Milhizer, said Bastone’s role was necessary because “it was mutually convenient for the judges and law enforcement agencies to have an intermediary coordinate the scheduling.” Evans’ office was not immediately able to provide information about the number of hearings Bastone coordinated or about where or how the hearings were conducted.
In a email last year to the Law Department seeking to have his contract renewed, Bastone explained he coordinated judges and CPD officers’ meetings dating back to approximately 2004, and other emails indicate that thousands of suspects were subject to hearings in the ensuing years.
But local defense attorneys learned they were taking place only in recent weeks, as transcripts emerged of meetings held in empty courtrooms, with no lawyers present, no slot on a court calendar and little documentation they ever took place — sometimes only with a handwritten note on the bottom of a charging document.
In a series of emails exchanged with Law Department staffers this fall, Bastone, hoping the Lightfoot administration would give him another contract, could provide little documentation of what he did.
The Sun-Times has obtained transcripts from nearly 50 hearings held since December, and many show defendants spouting off, mostly expressing confusion during perfunctory hearings that in some cases last only seconds. Most hearings take no longer than a minute or two. Judges typically do not explain the charges alleged — suspects have not yet been charged at the time of the hearing — or inform suspects when they might have a chance to post bond.
In every hearing reviewed by the Sun-Times, the judge ruled that police had probable cause to hold the suspect for longer than 48 hours, even in cases where there is no record the suspect was eventually charged. After the hearings, the suspects were returned to police custody.
In one hearing held on a Sunday night in December at the police station at Belmont and Western, Maurice Humphries complained to Judge Clarence Burch.
“Excuse me, what is going on?” he asked, according to a transcript.
“I’m going to tell you in one moment. Just hold on sir. Just relax,” Burch said.
“No, I can’t relax. I’m supposed to have legal representation at any hearing I’m at . . . I feel I am being railroaded,” Humphries responded.
The transcript ends with Humphries asking what he’s being charged for.
“The detective will explain that to you, sir,” Burch said.
An order signed by Burch that night was included in the court file, stating Humphries was to be taken to the next session of bond court, though it does not list any counts in the space provided for his charge. There also is no number in the space for the case file. Humphries’ hearing took place roughly 32 hours after he was arrested, and he landed in bond court where he was held without bail the following morning, after 47 hours in custody, for allegedly stabbing a 63-year-old woman during a home invasion and robbery. He remains in Cook County Jail, awaiting trial.
Other transcripts show suspects are also held in non-violent cases, and some “after-hours” hearings took place during the business hours of the various court branches.
Todd S. Pugh, a veteran defense lawyer and member of the board of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said he’s never heard of similar hearings taking place in any other jurisdiction. Pugh noted that the 1991 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that established the 48-hour time limit really only mandates that a judge rule on whether a suspect can be held, and while the CPD system appears to clear that low bar, the hearings show only token concern for the detainees’ rights.
“These are people that are sitting in an interrogation room, and then they’re in front of a judge, and then they go back with the same officers who have been questioning them for some indefinite period of time, and then what happens?” Pugh said. “They haven’t had a chance to talk to a lawyer. No one has explained anything to them. Do they think they’ve been charged? How does that change their response to questioning by police? I would almost rather have a client just remain in the holding cell at the station.”
Veteran defense attorney Todd Pugh said he’s never heard of similar “secret” hearings in other jurisdictions. Chicago Tribune/Pool photo
If the hearings appear to only conform to the letter, if not the spirit, of due process, that is likely because they were created around the time the city paid out $16.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of hundreds of people who had been held for days under a previous CPD policy that allowed supervisors to approve keeping suspects in custody, said Mike Kanovitz, one of the lawyers who filed the suit.
Kanovitz, a civil rights attorney specializing in wrongful conviction cases, had noticed the prolonged stays in barely furnished police lockups and interrogation rooms were common in cases where suspects made confessions that eventually proved false.
“Our concern was to end the practice of police keeping people chained in a holding cell at a police station for days, basically just to sweat them,” Kanovitz said, noting the lawsuit won concessions from the department that included providing bedding for defendants held overnight.
When the CPD agreed to end the practice of holding defendants past 48 hours without bringing them in front of a judge, Kanovitz said there was no discussion of creating a new system.
The hearings seem like a waste of time at best to Campanelli and at worst, sow distrust of the legal system by being so perfunctory. Campanelli’s office has on-call lawyers who will head to police stations at any time to represent suspects who request representation, and they easily could be summoned to stand up for clients when police make their call for an on-call judge. Evans’ spokesman said state and federal law makes clear that detainees aren’t entitled to lawyers before they’re formally charged, but Campanelli disagreed.
“These hearings look like you’re in court. The judge is there. The cops are there. The court reporter is there. They may be happening in a courtroom, maybe not,” she said.
“We have courthouses all over the city. There is court going on 365 days a year. You can have these hearings in a courtroom, in front of the public and with a lawyer. There is no reason to do it this way.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-03--Enjoy flavorful lemony linguine bowl for a no-meat dinner

Cooking time : less than 5 minutes , plus linguine and eggs ( if desired ) Toss panko with 2 teaspoons oil in bowl until evenly coated .
Microwave 1 to 3 minutes , stirring frequently , until light golden brown ; set aside to cool .
In a small bowl , whisk remaining oil , parmesan , zest , juice , garlic , salt and pepper together ; set aside .
Cook linguine according to directions ; reserving 1/4 cup cooking water , drain and return to pot .
Stir in parmesan mixture and spinach , tossing 1 minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pasta is coated ; adjust consistency with reserved cooking water as needed and season with salt and pepper to taste .
Divide among individual bowls , then sprinkle with bread crumbs and basil .
Top with fried eggs if desired .
Pass extra parmesan as you serve .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray .
Spread half of the enchilada sauce over bottom of dish ; set aside .
In a large nonstick skillet , cook turkey , onion and garlic 4 to 5 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and onion is softened ; drain .
Add beans , soup , sour cream , cumin and oregano .
Place 4 tortillas in baking dish on top of enchilada sauce , tearing to cover .
Top with half the meat mixture and 1/3 cup cheese .
Repeat once with 4 more tortillas , remaining meat and 1/3 cup cheese .
Top with remaining 4 tortillas and remaining enchilada sauce .
Cover tightly with foil that has been coated with cooking spray ( to prevent it from sticking to top of casserole ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake , uncovered , 15 minutes or until cheese is melted .
Serve immediately ; garnish with sour cream and salsa .
Heat oven to 400 degrees .
Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper .
In a 2-quart saucepan , heat water , butter and salt on medium-high until boiling .
With wooden spoon , stir in flour .
Reduce heat to low ; beat vigorously about 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball .
Remove from heat .
Add 1 egg at a time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is smooth and glossy .
Drop dough in 1/4 cup portions 3 inches apart on cookie sheet , forming 12 mounds .
Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden .
Remove from pan to cooling rack ; prick side of each puff with tip of sharp knife to release steam .
Cool completely , about 20 minutes .
Meanwhile , in medium bowl , beat cream cheese and preserves with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth .
Fold in whipped topping until combined ; refrigerate .
Just before serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spoon about 1/3 cup cream cheese mixture into bottom half of each puff ; place tops over filling .
Sprinkle with sugar and serve immediately .
Refrigerate remaining puffs .
Per serving : 265 calories , 5 grams protein , 17 grams fat ( 58 percent calories from fat ) , 11.2 grams saturated fat , 22 grams carbohydrate , 96 milligrams cholesterol , 213 milligrams sodium , no fiber .
Heat oven to 350 degrees .
In a small bowl , blend 1 teaspoon olive oil , 1 teaspoon pepper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rub onto 1 ( 2-pound ) boneless pork loin roast ( trimmed of visible fat ) .
Place in shallow pan ; roast 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperature is 145 degrees .
Remove from oven ; let stand 5 minutes before slicing .
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high .
Add 2 cups cooked ( leftover ) pork cut into strips and stir-fry 1 minute .
Stir in 1 ( 16-ounce ) package frozen stir-fry vegetables and 1 tablespoon water .
Cover ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot .
Serve over brown rice .
Add crusty bread .
Microwave 4 slices of bacon 3 to 4 minutes on high ( 100 percent power ) ; let stand until crisp .
Spread 4 ( 8-inch ) tortillas with reduced-fat cream cheese ; top each tortilla with 2 tablespoons mild salsa and shredded lettuce ; spread evenly .
Place 1 bacon slice , some sliced tomato and 2 tablespoons of guacamole on each tortilla and roll tightly Cook 8 ounces rigatoni or another tube pasta according to directions ; drain .
Cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2-inch slices and season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet .
Add chicken and cook 1 1/2 minutes per side or until edges are lightly browned .
Stir in 3 1/2 to 4 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook 2 to 4 minutes or until softened .
Add 1 cup fat-free half-and-half and cook 3 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half .
Stir in 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese and 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheese melts .
Toss hot pasta with sauce and divide among six plates .
Garnish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired .

Lemony linguine bowl
Makes 2 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: less than 5 minutes, plus linguine and eggs (if desired)
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces linguine
3 ounces (3 cups) fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 fried eggs (optional)
Toss panko with 2 teaspoons oil in bowl until evenly coated. Microwave 1 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until light golden brown; set aside to cool. In a small bowl, whisk remaining oil, parmesan, zest, juice, garlic, salt and pepper together; set aside. Cook linguine according to directions; reserving 1/4 cup cooking water, drain and return to pot. Stir in parmesan mixture and spinach, tossing 1 minute or until spinach is slightly wilted and pasta is coated; adjust consistency with reserved cooking water as needed and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among individual bowls, then sprinkle with bread crumbs and basil. Top with fried eggs if desired. Pass extra parmesan as you serve.
NOTE: Double recipe for 4 servings.
Per serving: 548 calories, 17 grams protein, 23 grams fat (37 percent calories from fat), 4.4 grams saturated fat, 70 grams carbohydrate, 9 milligrams cholesterol, 319 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Carb count: 4.5.
Enchilada casserole
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: about 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce, divided
12 ounces ground turkey breast
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Chipotle (smoked jalapeno) salsa for garnish
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the enchilada sauce over bottom of dish; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, cook turkey, onion and garlic 4 to 5 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink and onion is softened; drain. Add beans, soup, sour cream, cumin and oregano. Place 4 tortillas in baking dish on top of enchilada sauce, tearing to cover. Top with half the meat mixture and 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat once with 4 more tortillas, remaining meat and 1/3 cup cheese. Top with remaining 4 tortillas and remaining enchilada sauce. Cover tightly with foil that has been coated with cooking spray (to prevent it from sticking to top of casserole). Bake 45 minutes. Remove cover. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake, uncovered, 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately; garnish with sour cream and salsa.
Per serving: 389 calories, 26 grams protein, 12 grams fat (29 percent calories from fat), 5.8 grams saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, 55 milligrams cholesterol, 687 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.
Carb count: 3.
Strawberry cream cheese puffs
Makes 12 servings
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 to 40 minutes; cooling time: about 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup flour
4 eggs
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat water, butter and salt on medium-high until boiling. With wooden spoon, stir in flour. Reduce heat to low; beat vigorously about 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Add 1 egg at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until mixture is smooth and glossy. Drop dough in 1/4 cup portions 3 inches apart on cookie sheet, forming 12 mounds. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove from pan to cooling rack; prick side of each puff with tip of sharp knife to release steam. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese and preserves with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until combined; refrigerate. Just before serving, cut each puff in half horizontally. Spoon about 1/3 cup cream cheese mixture into bottom half of each puff; place tops over filling. Sprinkle with sugar and serve immediately. Refrigerate remaining puffs.
Per serving: 265 calories, 5 grams protein, 17 grams fat (58 percent calories from fat), 11.2 grams saturated fat, 22 grams carbohydrate, 96 milligrams cholesterol, 213 milligrams sodium, no fiber.
Carb count: 1.5.
Caribbean roast pork loin
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, blend 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Rub onto 1 (2-pound) boneless pork loin roast (trimmed of visible fat). Place in shallow pan; roast 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperature is 145 degrees. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
Savory pork stir-fry
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 2 cups cooked (leftover) pork cut into strips and stir-fry 1 minute. Stir in 1 (16-ounce) package frozen stir-fry vegetables and 1 tablespoon water. Cover; cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are hot. Serve over brown rice. Add crusty bread.
Bacon, lettuce, tomato and guacamole wraps
Microwave 4 slices of bacon 3 to 4 minutes on high (100 percent power); let stand until crisp. Spread 4 (8-inch) tortillas with reduced-fat cream cheese; top each tortilla with 2 tablespoons mild salsa and shredded lettuce; spread evenly. Place 1 bacon slice, some sliced tomato and 2 tablespoons of guacamole on each tortilla and roll tightly
Rigatoni and chicken
Cook 8 ounces rigatoni or another tube pasta according to directions; drain. Cut 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast into 1/2-inch slices and season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add chicken and cook 1 1/2 minutes per side or until edges are lightly browned. Stir in 3 1/2 to 4 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook 2 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add 1 cup fat-free half-and-half and cook 3 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half. Stir in 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese and 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Simmer and stir 1 minute or until cheese melts. Toss hot pasta with sauce and divide among six plates. Garnish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.