dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--New Life Covenant Church taking over emergency shelter in Elgin

New Life Covenant Church in Elgin is taking over the operations of a winter emergency shelter downtown , but it 's unclear if the shelter will continue being `` low-threshold , '' meaning whether it will accept people under the influence of drugs or alcohol .
The shelter in the basement of First United Methodist Church , 216 E. Highland Ave. , is open when it 's 15 degrees or colder .
Beyond lending the space , which has its own entrance , First United Methodist Church is not involved in the shelter 's operations .
New Life Covenant Pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in and help for the remainder of this winter out of a sense of duty after the nonprofit House of Restoration announced last month it would no longer operate the shelter .
`` It would be just irresponsible for us to look away , '' Raices said .
`` The plan is to open as soon as possible .
I still have to get my head around this .
As soon as we feel we have a good team and a good amount of volunteers , we will open . ''
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` We are working on all the details , '' Raices said .
The emergency shelter was started a few years ago by a group called The Matthew 25:40 Ministry .
The nonprofit House of Restoration , headed by wife-and-husband team Lucy and Pedro Gomez , took over in 2018 .
The Gomezes told the Daily Herald in early December they needed more volunteers .
During its first two nights in November , the shelter had 48 clients and 68 clients , respectively .
`` House of Restoration stepped down from overseeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and growing their church , '' Pedro Gomez , who is a pastor , said in a statement .
`` We want to thank First United Methodist Church , Elgin police and especially the volunteers . ''
Assistant City Manager Laura Valdez said the decision to have New Life Covenant Church take over the shelter came during a meeting Friday .
The meeting included five churches and faith-based groups and Elgin 's two homeless shelters , the nighttime shelter PADS of Elgin , on the west side of town , and the daytime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north of downtown , she said .
The city is not directly involved in the operations of the emergency shelter but is invested in making sure things run smoothly .
For example , police officers make regular visits when the shelter is open .
House of Restoration left supplies and equipment -- including cots , sheets and blankets -- for the shelter , said the Rev .
Richard Carlson , pastor of First United Methodist Church .
`` ( The Gomezes ) have been really good people and I 've enjoyed working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his church has an older congregation .
`` Just about the only thing we can provide in the way of homeless ministry , besides our soup kettle on Mondays , is that we can provide space .
But we do n't have the people who can staff ( the shelter ) . ''
New Life Covenant has a homeless ministry that includes serving meals on Sundays to people who live in `` Tent City , '' Elgin 's outdoor homeless encampment in the woods along the Fox River , Raices said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seats about 15 people , so homeless clients can be transported to PADS if the downtown emergency shelter gets too crowded .
First United Methodist Church , New Life Covenant Church , Elgin police and the city manager 's office will meet later this week to finalize details , Valdez said .
Anyone interested in volunteering at the emergency winter shelter can email elgin @ mynewlife.org .

New Life Covenant Church taking over emergency shelter in Elgin
New Life Covenant Church in Elgin is taking over the operations of a winter emergency shelter downtown, but it's unclear if the shelter will continue being "low-threshold," meaning whether it will accept people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The shelter in the basement of First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., is open when it's 15 degrees or colder. Beyond lending the space, which has its own entrance, First United Methodist Church is not involved in the shelter's operations.
New Life Covenant Pastor Abi Raices said his congregation decided to step in and help for the remainder of this winter out of a sense of duty after the nonprofit House of Restoration announced last month it would no longer operate the shelter.
"It would be just irresponsible for us to look away," Raices said. "The plan is to open as soon as possible. I still have to get my head around this. As soon as we feel we have a good team and a good amount of volunteers, we will open."
As for whether the shelter will be low-threshold, "We are working on all the details," Raices said.
The emergency shelter was started a few years ago by a group called The Matthew 25:40 Ministry. The nonprofit House of Restoration, headed by wife-and-husband team Lucy and Pedro Gomez, took over in 2018.
The Gomezes told the Daily Herald in early December they needed more volunteers. During its first two nights in November, the shelter had 48 clients and 68 clients, respectively.
"House of Restoration stepped down from overseeing the warming shelter to focus on family and growing their church," Pedro Gomez, who is a pastor, said in a statement. "We want to thank First United Methodist Church, Elgin police and especially the volunteers."
Assistant City Manager Laura Valdez said the decision to have New Life Covenant Church take over the shelter came during a meeting Friday. The meeting included five churches and faith-based groups and Elgin's two homeless shelters, the nighttime shelter PADS of Elgin, on the west side of town, and the daytime shelter Wayside Cross Ministries, located just north of downtown, she said.
The city is not directly involved in the operations of the emergency shelter but is invested in making sure things run smoothly. For example, police officers make regular visits when the shelter is open.
House of Restoration left supplies and equipment -- including cots, sheets and blankets -- for the shelter, said the Rev. Richard Carlson, pastor of First United Methodist Church. "(The Gomezes) have been really good people and I've enjoyed working with them," he said.
Carlson said his church has an older congregation. "Just about the only thing we can provide in the way of homeless ministry, besides our soup kettle on Mondays, is that we can provide space. But we don't have the people who can staff (the shelter)."
New Life Covenant has a homeless ministry that includes serving meals on Sundays to people who live in "Tent City," Elgin's outdoor homeless encampment in the woods along the Fox River, Raices said.
The church also owns a small bus that seats about 15 people, so homeless clients can be transported to PADS if the downtown emergency shelter gets too crowded.
First United Methodist Church, New Life Covenant Church, Elgin police and the city manager's office will meet later this week to finalize details, Valdez said.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the emergency winter shelter can email elgin@mynewlife.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--State panel tackles use of isolation rooms at schools

SPRINGFIELD -- Legislators and advocates began discussions Tuesday of what action the state can take to counteract the overuse of physical restraint and forced isolation of students in Illinois schools , particularly those serving students with special needs .
At a joint Illinois Senate and House committee hearing in Chicago , several of those who spoke credited revelations unearthed by a Chicago Tribune and ProPublica investigation published in November for the increased interest in the topic .
That investigation showed there were more than 20,000 documented incidents of isolation used in the state from the start of the 2017-18 school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students , most of them with disabilities , scratch the windows or tear at the padded walls .
They throw their bodies against locked doors .
They wet their pants .
Some children spend hours inside these rooms , missing class time .
Through it all , adults stay outside the door , writing down what happens , '' according to the report .
In Illinois , it is legal to isolate students if they pose a safety threat to themselves or others , the report found , but the practice is used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Children were sent to isolation after refusing to do classwork , for swearing , for spilling milk , for throwing Legos .
School employees use isolated timeout for convenience , out of frustration or as punishment , sometimes referring to it as 'serving time , ' '' according to the report .
The report also found that while schools must document isolation instances , that documentation often goes unread , and the Illinois State Board of Education had not collected any data on the practice at the time the article was published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency rules banning the use of isolated seclusion in `` any educational entity serving public school students in Illinois '' in November .
A news release at the time said the state board would begin collecting data to `` increase accountability and transparency for all instances of timeout and physical restraint . ''
The board proposed permanent rules in December .
At the committee hearing Tuesday , Amanda Elliott , co-director of legislative affairs for the state board , said the emergency rules allowed the agency to collect data on the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the state board is reviewing the data for violations which would prompt investigations and potential disciplinary action .
She said nine investigations are pending as a result .
She said sanctions resulting from violations could result in licensure suspension , professional development requirements or even criminal charges for individuals .
For schools , recognition status could be affected , which would impact funding , she said .
Rep. Fred Crespo , a Hoffman Estates Democrat , however , questioned how schools are self-reporting that data and suggested it would likely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater oversight from the state board , increased training requirements and opportunities for school staffs , and greater resources for providing an adequate number of staff , particularly social workers .
`` We hear these devastating stories and then we come here to take action and it 's the same three things that we need , though .
We need training , we need oversight and we need resources to help our teachers , '' said state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant , a Shorewood Democrat and chair of the Senate Education Committee .
Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unless there is a real sea change '' of how educators are trained , change will be difficult to implement .
He said a simple 8-hour course would be nowhere near sufficient , and he urged `` systemic , sustained '' training requirements .
Other stakeholders pointed out that the isolation room practices documented in the investigation were already illegal , but there were no enforcement mechanisms in place to punish school districts for using them .
Rep. Sue Scherer , a Democrat from Decatur , said the state would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these training programs '' in order to effect change .
Otherwise , without training , she said , the state is `` basically throwing teachers to the wolves . ''
Advocates also agreed policy changes were not aimed at `` support '' or `` de-escalation '' rooms where students with sensory issues can willfully go with social workers or support staff .
Rep. Jonathan Carroll , a Northbrook Democrat , is sponsoring a bill to ban the practice of `` seclusion , '' which is defined as `` a discipline management practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student is confined in an enclosed space that is designed solely to seclude a person , regardless of space or dimension , whether it is a box , a closet , a room , or any other specially designated locked or unlocked space . ''
He said the matter was personal to him , as he said he was physically restrained and placed in such a room as a child .
`` It was horrible that we treat children with special needs the same way we treat our most hardened criminals , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , and this is something that we have to stop both as a legislative body and as a state , '' he said .

State panel tackles use of isolation rooms at schools
SPRINGFIELD -- Legislators and advocates began discussions Tuesday of what action the state can take to counteract the overuse of physical restraint and forced isolation of students in Illinois schools, particularly those serving students with special needs.
At a joint Illinois Senate and House committee hearing in Chicago, several of those who spoke credited revelations unearthed by a Chicago Tribune and ProPublica investigation published in November for the increased interest in the topic.
That investigation showed there were more than 20,000 documented incidents of isolation used in the state from the start of the 2017-18 school year through December 2018.
"The students, most of them with disabilities, scratch the windows or tear at the padded walls. They throw their bodies against locked doors. They wet their pants. Some children spend hours inside these rooms, missing class time. Through it all, adults stay outside the door, writing down what happens," according to the report.
In Illinois, it is legal to isolate students if they pose a safety threat to themselves or others, the report found, but the practice is used far more than in such situations.
"Children were sent to isolation after refusing to do classwork, for swearing, for spilling milk, for throwing Legos. School employees use isolated timeout for convenience, out of frustration or as punishment, sometimes referring to it as 'serving time,'" according to the report.
The report also found that while schools must document isolation instances, that documentation often goes unread, and the Illinois State Board of Education had not collected any data on the practice at the time the article was published.
The investigation prompted ISBE to initiate emergency rules banning the use of isolated seclusion in "any educational entity serving public school students in Illinois" in November. A news release at the time said the state board would begin collecting data to "increase accountability and transparency for all instances of timeout and physical restraint." The board proposed permanent rules in December.
At the committee hearing Tuesday, Amanda Elliott, co-director of legislative affairs for the state board, said the emergency rules allowed the agency to collect data on the use of seclusion and restraint in prior years. She said the state board is reviewing the data for violations which would prompt investigations and potential disciplinary action. She said nine investigations are pending as a result.
She said sanctions resulting from violations could result in licensure suspension, professional development requirements or even criminal charges for individuals. For schools, recognition status could be affected, which would impact funding, she said.
Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, however, questioned how schools are self-reporting that data and suggested it would likely be incomplete.
Advocates at the meeting urged greater oversight from the state board, increased training requirements and opportunities for school staffs, and greater resources for providing an adequate number of staff, particularly social workers.
"We hear these devastating stories and then we come here to take action and it's the same three things that we need, though. We need training, we need oversight and we need resources to help our teachers," said state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, a Shorewood Democrat and chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Daniel Montgomery said "unless there is a real sea change" of how educators are trained, change will be difficult to implement. He said a simple 8-hour course would be nowhere near sufficient, and he urged "systemic, sustained" training requirements.
Other stakeholders pointed out that the isolation room practices documented in the investigation were already illegal, but there were no enforcement mechanisms in place to punish school districts for using them.
Rep. Sue Scherer, a Democrat from Decatur, said the state would have to make a "firm commitment to funding of these training programs" in order to effect change. Otherwise, without training, she said, the state is "basically throwing teachers to the wolves."
Advocates also agreed policy changes were not aimed at "support" or "de-escalation" rooms where students with sensory issues can willfully go with social workers or support staff.
Rep. Jonathan Carroll, a Northbrook Democrat, is sponsoring a bill to ban the practice of "seclusion," which is defined as "a discipline management practice or behavior management technique in which a student is confined in an enclosed space that is designed solely to seclude a person, regardless of space or dimension, whether it is a box, a closet, a room, or any other specially designated locked or unlocked space."
He said the matter was personal to him, as he said he was physically restrained and placed in such a room as a child.
"It was horrible that we treat children with special needs the same way we treat our most hardened criminals, and this is something that needs to stop now, and this is something that we have to stop both as a legislative body and as a state," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--White Sox upgrade bullpen with reported signing of Cishek

Last Thursday , after formally announcing the signing of Luis Robert to a six-year , $ 50 million contract and discussing the top prospect 's potential impact in the future , White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said his busy off-season was not complete .
`` First , we need to formalize some of these things , obviously rumors have leaked out on some of the things we 've done and I 'm not at liberty to talk about them until everything becomes official in the coming days and weeks , '' Hahn said .
`` One thing we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not even been rumored to be close on -- is potential additions to the bullpen .
We made it clear going into this off-season that adding a couple of starters was important , improving right field , improving our DH situation and our balance , our left-handed , right-handed balance in the lineup , were our main priorities .
`` We feel good about the progress we 've made along all those fronts .
I believe a couple times I alluded to that , like all 29 other clubs , improving our bullpen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this off-season .
That 's probably the area that currently remains untouched so far .
That would likely be a focus going into the new year . ''
The Sox have reliable closer Alex Colome under contract for one more season , Aaron Bummer ( 2.13 ERA in 58 appearances ) took a big step up in 2019 and veteran Kelvin Herrera can be a weapon if he 's fully healthy .
Still needing help out of the bullpen , the White Sox have signed veteran right-hander Steve Cishek to a one-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Passan first reported the deal on Tuesday , which includes a $ 6 million club option for 2021 .
If the name sounds familiar , it should .
The 6-foot-6 , 215-pound righty spent the last two seasons with the Cubs , and he was an effective workhorse .
While making 150 appearances in 2018-19 , the third-highest total in the major leagues , Cishek was 8-9 with a 2.55 ERA and 135 strikeouts over 134⅓ innings .
Last year , Cishek was 4-6 with a 2.95 ERA in 70 games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August with left hip inflammation .
Over 10 seasons with the Marlins , Cardinals , Mariners , Rays and Cubs , the side-armer is 32-37 with a 2.69 ERA and 584 strikeouts in 556 innings .
Cishek 's career ERA is the fifth-lowest among active pitchers with at least 500 relief appearances , trailing only Craig Kimbrel ( 2.08 ) , Aroldis Chapman ( 2.23 ) , Kenley Jansen ( 2.35 ) and Darren O'Day ( 2.55 ) .
Cishek joins a growing list of off-season additions as the White Sox come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yasmani Grandal signed a four-year , $ 73 million contract on Nov. 21 .
The next day , all-star first baseman Jose Abreu agreed to return to the Sox on a three-year , $ 50 million deal .
In December , the White Sox acquired right fielder Nomar Mazara in a trade with the Rangers and they signed free-agent starter Dallas Keuchel to a three-year , $ 55.5 million contract .
The Sox also added two more free agents -- starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion -- but neither contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced last week .
Cishek is yet another example of the White Sox putting together a roster built to win after a run of seven straight losing seasons .
`` The perception is that we are a desirable destination , not only obviously because of the city we play in but because of the way we positioned this club for the foreseeable future , '' Hahn said .
`` Guys want to be part of that .
It 's a good spot for us to be in and it 's perhaps a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year ago when we had to lay things out a little more directly with potential free agents about how this thing could come together .
`` Now they 're seeing it with their own eyes and certainly seeing the transactions seemingly furthers that process along .
There 's not only enthusiasm apparently with the fan base but there 's enthusiasm among the player community as well about what this team is capable of doing over the next several years . ''

White Sox upgrade bullpen with reported signing of Cishek
The White Sox have reportedly signed relief pitcher Steve Cishek, who pitched for the Cubs the last two years. Associated Press
Last Thursday, after formally announcing the signing of Luis Robert to a six-year, $50 million contract and discussing the top prospect's potential impact in the future, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said his busy off-season was not complete.
"First, we need to formalize some of these things, obviously rumors have leaked out on some of the things we've done and I'm not at liberty to talk about them until everything becomes official in the coming days and weeks," Hahn said. "One thing we have not formally announced yet -- or have not even been rumored to be close on -- is potential additions to the bullpen. We made it clear going into this off-season that adding a couple of starters was important, improving right field, improving our DH situation and our balance, our left-handed, right-handed balance in the lineup, were our main priorities.
"We feel good about the progress we've made along all those fronts. I believe a couple times I alluded to that, like all 29 other clubs, improving our bullpen would certainly be of interest to us this off-season. That's probably the area that currently remains untouched so far. That would likely be a focus going into the new year."
The Sox have reliable closer Alex Colome under contract for one more season, Aaron Bummer (2.13 ERA in 58 appearances) took a big step up in 2019 and veteran Kelvin Herrera can be a weapon if he's fully healthy.
Still needing help out of the bullpen, the White Sox have signed veteran right-hander Steve Cishek to a one-year, $6 million contract. ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the deal on Tuesday, which includes a $6 million club option for 2021.
If the name sounds familiar, it should.
The 6-foot-6, 215-pound righty spent the last two seasons with the Cubs, and he was an effective workhorse.
While making 150 appearances in 2018-19, the third-highest total in the major leagues, Cishek was 8-9 with a 2.55 ERA and 135 strikeouts over 134⅓ innings.
Last year, Cishek was 4-6 with a 2.95 ERA in 70 games. He was on the 10-day injured list in August with left hip inflammation.
Over 10 seasons with the Marlins, Cardinals, Mariners, Rays and Cubs, the side-armer is 32-37 with a 2.69 ERA and 584 strikeouts in 556 innings.
Cishek's career ERA is the fifth-lowest among active pitchers with at least 500 relief appearances, trailing only Craig Kimbrel (2.08), Aroldis Chapman (2.23), Kenley Jansen (2.35) and Darren O'Day (2.55).
Cishek joins a growing list of off-season additions as the White Sox come out of a three-year rebuild.
Catcher Yasmani Grandal signed a four-year, $73 million contract on Nov. 21. The next day, all-star first baseman Jose Abreu agreed to return to the Sox on a three-year, $50 million deal.
In December, the White Sox acquired right fielder Nomar Mazara in a trade with the Rangers and they signed free-agent starter Dallas Keuchel to a three-year, $55.5 million contract.
The Sox also added two more free agents -- starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion -- but neither contract is yet official. The Robert deal was announced last week.
Cishek is yet another example of the White Sox putting together a roster built to win after a run of seven straight losing seasons.
"The perception is that we are a desirable destination, not only obviously because of the city we play in but because of the way we positioned this club for the foreseeable future," Hahn said. "Guys want to be part of that. It's a good spot for us to be in and it's perhaps a little different from where we were even a year ago when we had to lay things out a little more directly with potential free agents about how this thing could come together.
"Now they're seeing it with their own eyes and certainly seeing the transactions seemingly furthers that process along. There's not only enthusiasm apparently with the fan base but there's enthusiasm among the player community as well about what this team is capable of doing over the next several years."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Des Plaines church's Good News Garage gains traction after being featured on WGN

Frank Hauser of Mount Prospect experiences heartwarming stories of goodwill throughout the year , not just around the holidays .
A retired certified master mechanic , Hauser started his Good News Garage in 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Plaines .
Its mission is to repair donated vehicles in order to give them to people in need .
It 's something of a grass-roots effort , but over the last nine years Hauser has presented 26 cars to working people finding themselves on hard times , including seven this last year alone .
Interest is growing in his ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a news crew last month to interview Hauser and learn more about his program .
The segment aired late last month , and since then the ministry has fielded a dramatic increase in request for cars .
`` We did get two more cars donated as a result of it , '' Hauser says , `` but the demand for cars far outweighs the supply . ''
Nonetheless , he and his band of volunteers continue to work in a two-door , unheated garage on church property where they are advancing one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lutheran Church of America : `` God 's work ; our hands . ''
Currently , they are working to repair a 2006 Pontiac Torrent , which was donated by a family from St. Mark 's Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect .
Hauser and his crew have earmarked the car for a widow working two jobs to afford her son 's college tuition .
Without a car , she was leasing one but could no longer afford the payments .
Hauser is part of a four-member committee who reviews each application for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help .
`` It 's based on need and the emergency of the situation , '' Hauser says .
`` In the end , it 's God that leads us . ''
Of the seven recipients last year , many were widows or single mothers needing some sort of help with transportation .
One was a teenager from Brazil who came to this country four years ago to live with his sister .
`` He knew no English , but he graduated at the top of his ( high school ) class and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Hauser says .
`` He needed a car to get to a job that would help pay for his books and expenses .
`` It was really neat , '' Hauser adds , `` to put a set of keys in his hands . ''
He shares another story of a homeless man living in his car in a Walmart parking lot .
When eventually the car would n't work , he had no way to pursue a job .
`` He received his car on a Tuesday , had interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He had a job paying a living wage the next week . ''
These kinds of stories keep driving Hauser and his volunteers from church .
`` We see people being helped and able to start their lives again all year long , '' he says .
The Rev .
Linda Thurston , pastor , joined the congregation last fall after serving at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village .
While she is new to the Good News Garage ministry , she saw its benefits immediately .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , `` share with folks in need , whether they are church members or not .
It 's something we feel called to do . ''
Hauser and his ministry are looking for volunteers -- and donated cars .
No mechanical training is necessary , he says , and they will begin when the weather turns warmer .
To learn about volunteering for the Good News Garage or making a donation , email office @ trinitydesplaines.org and put it to the attention of Frank Hauser .

Des Plaines church's Good News Garage gains traction after being featured on WGN
Frank Hauser, right, works with mechanic Kevin Lang to give donated cars new lives at the Good News Garage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. Courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church
Frank Hauser of Mount Prospect experiences heartwarming stories of goodwill throughout the year, not just around the holidays.
A retired certified master mechanic, Hauser started his Good News Garage in 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. Its mission is to repair donated vehicles in order to give them to people in need.
It's something of a grass-roots effort, but over the last nine years Hauser has presented 26 cars to working people finding themselves on hard times, including seven this last year alone.
Interest is growing in his ministry, so much so that WGN-TV sent out a news crew last month to interview Hauser and learn more about his program. The segment aired late last month, and since then the ministry has fielded a dramatic increase in request for cars.
Duwayne, left, works as a rehab volunteer, but was unable to get there after his truck broke down. Here, he proudly stands next to his new car, courtesy of Good News Garage ministry and its founder, Frank Hauser. - Courtesy of Frank Hauser
"We did get two more cars donated as a result of it," Hauser says, "but the demand for cars far outweighs the supply."
Nonetheless, he and his band of volunteers continue to work in a two-door, unheated garage on church property where they are advancing one of the core principles of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America: "God's work; our hands."
Currently, they are working to repair a 2006 Pontiac Torrent, which was donated by a family from St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect. Hauser and his crew have earmarked the car for a widow working two jobs to afford her son's college tuition. Without a car, she was leasing one but could no longer afford the payments.
Hauser is part of a four-member committee who reviews each application for a car and ultimately decides whom they can help.
"It's based on need and the emergency of the situation," Hauser says. "In the end, it's God that leads us."
This young driver from Palatine now will be able to get to a job to earn money for college expenses, thanks to the efforts of Frank Hauser and the Good News Garage. - Courtesy of Frank Hauser
Of the seven recipients last year, many were widows or single mothers needing some sort of help with transportation. One was a teenager from Brazil who came to this country four years ago to live with his sister.
"He knew no English, but he graduated at the top of his (high school) class and earned a full ride to Harper College," Hauser says. "He needed a car to get to a job that would help pay for his books and expenses.
"It was really neat," Hauser adds, "to put a set of keys in his hands."
He shares another story of a homeless man living in his car in a Walmart parking lot. When eventually the car wouldn't work, he had no way to pursue a job.
"He received his car on a Tuesday, had interviews on Wednesday," Hauser says. "He had a job paying a living wage the next week."
These kinds of stories keep driving Hauser and his volunteers from church.
"We see people being helped and able to start their lives again all year long," he says.
The Rev. Linda Thurston, pastor, joined the congregation last fall after serving at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village. While she is new to the Good News Garage ministry, she saw its benefits immediately.
Frank Hauser of Mount Prospect works to restore donated cars in order to help people in need. He works in a garage on the property of Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. The ministry was recently featured on WGN-TV. - Courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church
"It's something we can do," Thurston says, "share with folks in need, whether they are church members or not. It's something we feel called to do."
Hauser and his ministry are looking for volunteers -- and donated cars. No mechanical training is necessary, he says, and they will begin when the weather turns warmer.
To learn about volunteering for the Good News Garage or making a donation, email office@trinitydesplaines.org and put it to the attention of Frank Hauser.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--'We have the votes': McConnell says Republicans will start impeachment trial, delay witnesses

WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he has secured the Republican votes needed to start President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial and postpone a decision on witnesses or documents that Democrats want .
McConnell is expected to launch the trial as soon as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sends the articles of impeachment to the Senate .
She is set to meet late Tuesday with her leadership team .
`` We have the votes , '' McConnell told reporters .
He said the question of new witnesses will be addressed later `` and not before the trial begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their closed-door lunch Tuesday has support for his plan , which is modeled after Bill Clinton 's impeachment trial 20 years ago .
It would start the trial first and postpone votes on witnesses until later in the process .
`` He has 51 , for sure , '' ' said Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , a top ally of the president , exiting the meeting .
Democrats are ramping up pressure on Republicans to insist on hearing from former national security adviser John Bolton and other witnesses , and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put off voting on new testimony until later .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calls it a `` trap . ''
`` The Republican leader seems more concerned with being able to claim he went through the constitutional motions than actually carrying out our constitutional duty , '' Schumer said Tuesday .
He called it an `` Alice in Wonderland logic . ''
Just four GOP senators would be needed to deny McConnell his majority , but he appears to have locked up the votes .
GOP leaders were conducting a whip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP senators have indicated they want to hear from Bolton and other witnesses , but they are nevertheless standing with McConnell 's plan for starting the trial .
Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , said Tuesday the Clinton process `` provided a pathway '' to start the trial and consider witnesses `` down the road . ''
He said he supports it .
`` I 'm comfortable with that process , '' Romney said .
`` And at this stage , I 'd like to hear from John Bolton and other witnesses with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will accommodate that . ''
Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , has also said she supports McConnell 's approach .
Others say they are not sure they even need to hear from Bolton or other witnesses .
`` It 's not that I do n't want to hear from him , '' said Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. `` I want to hear from him when the House is willing to do their work and have the same agreement with the ambassador on their side of the Hill . ''
Trump faces charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency by pressuring Ukraine 's new leader to investigate Democrats , using as leverage $ 400 million in military assistance that is critical for the ally as it counters Russia at its border .
The funding for Ukraine was eventually released but only after Congress intervened .
Associated Press writer Padmananda Rama in Washington contributed to this report .

'We have the votes': McConnell says Republicans will start impeachment trial, delay witnesses
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, arrives Tuesday at the Capitol in Washington as Democrats prepared largely symbolic resolutions under the War Powers Act to limit the president's military actions regarding Iran. Associated Press
Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, arrives Tuesday for a closed meeting with fellow Republicans about the looming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, arrives Tuesday for a closed meeting with fellow Republicans as he strategizes about the looming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he has secured the Republican votes needed to start President Donald Trump's impeachment trial and postpone a decision on witnesses or documents that Democrats want.
McConnell is expected to launch the trial as soon as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sends the articles of impeachment to the Senate. She is set to meet late Tuesday with her leadership team.
"We have the votes," McConnell told reporters. He said the question of new witnesses will be addressed later "and not before the trial begins."
The GOP leader told senators at their closed-door lunch Tuesday has support for his plan, which is modeled after Bill Clinton's impeachment trial 20 years ago. It would start the trial first and postpone votes on witnesses until later in the process.
"He has 51, for sure,"' said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a top ally of the president, exiting the meeting.
Democrats are ramping up pressure on Republicans to insist on hearing from former national security adviser John Bolton and other witnesses, and not to go along with McConnell's proposal to put off voting on new testimony until later. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calls it a "trap."
"The Republican leader seems more concerned with being able to claim he went through the constitutional motions than actually carrying out our constitutional duty," Schumer said Tuesday. He called it an "Alice in Wonderland logic."
Just four GOP senators would be needed to deny McConnell his majority, but he appears to have locked up the votes. GOP leaders were conducting a whip count Tuesday to gauge support. Several GOP senators have indicated they want to hear from Bolton and other witnesses, but they are nevertheless standing with McConnell's plan for starting the trial.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Tuesday the Clinton process "provided a pathway" to start the trial and consider witnesses "down the road." He said he supports it.
"I'm comfortable with that process," Romney said. "And at this stage, I'd like to hear from John Bolton and other witnesses with the right information, but that process will accommodate that."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has also said she supports McConnell's approach. Others say they are not sure they even need to hear from Bolton or other witnesses.
"It's not that I don't want to hear from him," said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. "I want to hear from him when the House is willing to do their work and have the same agreement with the ambassador on their side of the Hill."
Trump faces charges that he abused the power of the presidency by pressuring Ukraine's new leader to investigate Democrats, using as leverage $400 million in military assistance that is critical for the ally as it counters Russia at its border.
The funding for Ukraine was eventually released but only after Congress intervened.
Associated Press writer Padmananda Rama in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--United to take $90 million charge for Hong Kong disruptions

CHICAGO -- United Airlines said Tuesday it will take a $ 90 million charge against fourth-quarter earnings because of a @ @ @ @ @ routes to Hong Kong , the scene of anti-government protests in recent months .
United @ @ @ @ @ to Hong Kong reduced its revenue for each seat flown one mile , a measure @ @ @ @ @ .
The company said that led to its calculation of the non-cash impairment charge .
@ @ @ @ @ 737 Max has also hurt United , causing it to cancel thousands of flights .
@ @ @ @ @ plane from its schedule until early June , about two months longer than American and @ @ @ @ @ Holdings Inc. is scheduled to release fourth-quarter results after the market closes on Jan. 21 @ @ @ @ @ expect United to report net income of $ 653 million , adjusted earnings of $ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 10.88 billion in the quarter .
A year earlier , the airline earned @ @ @ @ @ earnings of $ 2.41 per share and revenue of $ 10.49 billion .

United to take $90 million charge for Hong Kong disruptions
CHICAGO -- United Airlines said Tuesday it will take a $90 million charge against fourth-quarter earnings because of a drop in value of its routes to Hong Kong, the scene of anti-government protests in recent months.
United said lower demand for travel to Hong Kong reduced its revenue for each seat flown one mile, a measure that airline investors watch closely. The company said that led to its calculation of the non-cash impairment charge.
The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max has also hurt United, causing it to cancel thousands of flights. The airline has pulled the plane from its schedule until early June, about two months longer than American and Southwest.
Chicago-based United Airlines Holdings Inc. is scheduled to release fourth-quarter results after the market closes on Jan. 21.
Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect United to report net income of $653 million, adjusted earnings of $2.64 per share and revenue of $10.88 billion in the quarter.
A year earlier, the airline earned $462 million, adjusted earnings of $2.41 per share and revenue of $10.49 billion.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Ex-Illinois National Guard leader from Arlington Heights: We're on edge of a precipice with Iran

As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate , there 's no play book for what 's ahead , former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General David Harris said .
`` We 're on the edge of a precipice .
We could keep ratcheting it up or hopefully step back and defuse the situation , '' said Harris , who served with the U.S. State Department as deputy director and chief of staff of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office in 2005 and 2006 .
The former state representative from Arlington Heights noted that when Iran dispatched missiles to two Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very remote target . ''
`` They had a whole bunch of other targets they could have hit which would have cost significant loss of life ( to American troops ) , and they did not choose those targets , '' Harris said .
Iran 's leaders had warned of retaliation after a Friday U.S. military drone strike that killed a top Iranian general .
Harris said he was n't surprised by Tuesday 's attack .
`` I do n't want to minimize the loss of Iraqi lives and casualties , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were no Americans killed or injured , it affords the diplomats the opportunity to step in and say , 'Let 's de-escalate . '
'' President Donald Trump authorized the drone strike targeting Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq near the Baghdad airport .
The president said the assault was necessary to prevent an imminent attack on American diplomats and military officials by Soleimani , a key intelligence and security leader in Iran .
The action resulted in angry protests in Iran .
Meanwhile , while acknowledging Soleimani 's aggression toward America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of keeping them in the dark .
Harris said he had some worries as well .
`` It was a very bold strike , '' the Republican said .
`` My initial reaction was one of concern based on what the Iranians might do . ''
`` Do I feel safe in the United States ?
Yes , I feel safe in the U.S. , '' Harris said .
But `` my feeling is that any U.S. asset especially in the Middle East is at risk .
We have over 13,000 service members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 in Qatar , 5,000 in the United Arab Emirates .
There are various bases spread out all over the Middle East . ''
Harris did n't meet Soleimani in person when he served in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 but characterized the general as belonging to the military 's `` bad guy list . ''
Some might draw a comparison between the slaying of Soleimani and Osama bin Laden in 2011 , given both oversaw terrorist activities .
But `` bin Laden was the sole actor ; he was a nonstate actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the second- or third-highest ranking official in the Iranian government .
While perhaps they engaged in the same types of activities , there is a big difference between the two . ''
Harris was `` not at all surprised '' at Iraq parliament seeking to expel American troops and characterizing the strike as an attack on its sovereignty .
The U.S. has a Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq regarding deployment of troops .
Under the agreement , `` Iraq can say , 'Hey , it 's time for you to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Harris said .
A driving force in the region is the age-old tension between Sunni and Shiite Muslims , Harris said , noting mainly Shiite Iran is a significant political influencer in Iraq .
Sunnis are a minority in Iraq but held sway under dictator Saddam Hussein ; now the country is shifting to a Shiite parliament as reflected by May elections .
`` Over the years .
the Iranian influence has increased in Iraq , '' Harris said .
So what happens next ?
`` It 's a time of real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran may take an action we did n't anticipate they were going to take .
Any action we take -- I hope we bring our allies along with us . ''

Ex-Illinois National Guard leader from Arlington Heights: We're on edge of a precipice with Iran
David Harris, the former adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard, stands in Mosul at the U.S. Regional Embassy Office at an event dedicating funds to help repair the Mosul Dam, a significant source of hydroelectric power throughout Iraq. Harris, of Arlington Heights, served in Iraq in 2005 and 2006. Courtesy of David Harris
David Harris, former adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard, speaks to Illinois Army National Guard members in 2002. Daily Herald File Photo
As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, there's no play book for what's ahead, former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General David Harris said.
"We're on the edge of a precipice. We could keep ratcheting it up or hopefully step back and defuse the situation," said Harris, who served with the U.S. State Department as deputy director and chief of staff of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office in 2005 and 2006.
The former state representative from Arlington Heights noted that when Iran dispatched missiles to two Iraqi military bases Tuesday, "they chose a very remote target."
"They had a whole bunch of other targets they could have hit which would have cost significant loss of life (to American troops), and they did not choose those targets," Harris said.
Iran's leaders had warned of retaliation after a Friday U.S. military drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. Harris said he wasn't surprised by Tuesday's attack.
"I don't want to minimize the loss of Iraqi lives and casualties," he said. "But if there were no Americans killed or injured, it affords the diplomats the opportunity to step in and say, 'Let's de-escalate.'"
President Donald Trump authorized the drone strike targeting Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq near the Baghdad airport. The president said the assault was necessary to prevent an imminent attack on American diplomats and military officials by Soleimani, a key intelligence and security leader in Iran.
The action resulted in angry protests in Iran.
Meanwhile, while acknowledging Soleimani's aggression toward America, Democrats in Congress accuse the White House of keeping them in the dark.
Harris said he had some worries as well.
"It was a very bold strike," the Republican said. "My initial reaction was one of concern based on what the Iranians might do."
"Do I feel safe in the United States? Yes, I feel safe in the U.S.," Harris said.
But "my feeling is that any U.S. asset especially in the Middle East is at risk. We have over 13,000 service members in Kuwait, 7,000 in Bahrain, 10,000 in Qatar, 5,000 in the United Arab Emirates. There are various bases spread out all over the Middle East."
Harris didn't meet Soleimani in person when he served in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 but characterized the general as belonging to the military's "bad guy list."
Some might draw a comparison between the slaying of Soleimani and Osama bin Laden in 2011, given both oversaw terrorist activities.
But "bin Laden was the sole actor; he was a nonstate actor," Harris said. "Soleimani is the second- or third-highest ranking official in the Iranian government. While perhaps they engaged in the same types of activities, there is a big difference between the two."
Harris was "not at all surprised" at Iraq parliament seeking to expel American troops and characterizing the strike as an attack on its sovereignty.
The U.S. has a Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq regarding deployment of troops. Under the agreement, "Iraq can say, 'Hey, it's time for you to leave ... we want you out,'" Harris said.
A driving force in the region is the age-old tension between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Harris said, noting mainly Shiite Iran is a significant political influencer in Iraq. Sunnis are a minority in Iraq but held sway under dictator Saddam Hussein; now the country is shifting to a Shiite parliament as reflected by May elections.
"Over the years. the Iranian influence has increased in Iraq," Harris said.
So what happens next? "It's a time of real uncertainty," Harris said. "Iran may take an action we didn't anticipate they were going to take. Any action we take -- I hope we bring our allies along with us."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Holzhauer in close second after 'Jeopardy! GOAT' first episode

In a race to win three `` Jeopardy ! ''
matches and be deemed the show 's `` Greatest of All Time , '' Naperville native James Holzhauer is in a close second place .
Holzhauer sits just behind contestant Ken Jennings after the first episode of `` Jeopardy !
The Greatest of All Time '' aired in prime-time Tuesday .
The show included two `` Jeopardy ! ''
games and scores were added to determine the standings after the first installment .
Holzhauer , a Naperville North High School graduate with a fan following across the suburbs , finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Jennings ' $ 63,400 .
Contestant Brad Rutter came in third with $ 10,400 .
As the first show in the competition aired , Holzhauer 's supporters -- including his relatives who live in town and refer to themselves as `` the Naperville Holzhauers '' -- cheered him on from Two Brothers Barrel House in the city 's downtown .
Those gathered at the first of two watch parties planned for this week supported the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research in honor of `` Jeopardy ! ''
host Alex Trebek 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the nonprofit Tuesday added to Holzhauer 's previous support of the cause , which came when he donated $ 1,109.14 to a Lustgarten walk last summer in Naperville to match the digits of his daughter 's birthday .
Holzhauer made it to the `` Greatest of All Time '' show by racking up the show 's third-highest earnings total of $ 2.7 million , following only Rutter in the lead with $ 4.6 million and Jennings in second with $ 3.3 million .
Holzhauer also has won the most in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 131,127 , and he won the show 's `` Tournament of Champions '' in November .
The second Naperville watch party is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Quigley 's Irish Pub , 43 E. Jefferson Ave .
Donations will be accepted to benefit DuPage PADS .

Holzhauer in close second after 'Jeopardy! GOAT' first episode
In a race to win three "Jeopardy!" matches and be deemed the show's "Greatest of All Time," Naperville native James Holzhauer is in a close second place.
Holzhauer sits just behind contestant Ken Jennings after the first episode of "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" aired in prime-time Tuesday.
The show included two "Jeopardy!" games and scores were added to determine the standings after the first installment. Holzhauer, a Naperville North High School graduate with a fan following across the suburbs, finished with $63,200 -- just $200 behind Jennings' $63,400. Contestant Brad Rutter came in third with $10,400.
As the first show in the competition aired, Holzhauer's supporters -- including his relatives who live in town and refer to themselves as "the Naperville Holzhauers" -- cheered him on from Two Brothers Barrel House in the city's downtown.
Those gathered at the first of two watch parties planned for this week supported the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research in honor of "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek's battle against the disease. Funds received by the nonprofit Tuesday added to Holzhauer's previous support of the cause, which came when he donated $1,109.14 to a Lustgarten walk last summer in Naperville to match the digits of his daughter's birthday.
Holzhauer made it to the "Greatest of All Time" show by racking up the show's third-highest earnings total of $2.7 million, following only Rutter in the lead with $4.6 million and Jennings in second with $3.3 million. Holzhauer also has won the most in a single "Jeopardy!" game, at $131,127, and he won the show's "Tournament of Champions" in November.
The second Naperville watch party is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Donations will be accepted to benefit DuPage PADS.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Task force's draft report suggests ways to reduce property taxes

SPRINGFIELD -- A task force formed to study ways to reduce property tax burden on Illinois residents is calling for consolidation of school districts and other local units of government , plus a boost in the state 's share of funding for K-12 education .
Those and other recommendations are part of a draft report circulated among the 88-member Property Tax Relief Task Force that state lawmakers formed during the 2019 session .
A final report is expected to be released before the 2020 legislative session begins Jan. 28 .
The bill creating the task force was part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax .
And while the draft report does not mention the proposed amendment , which will appear on the November general election ballot , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has said that he wants at least some of the new income tax revenue to be used for property tax relief if voters approve the amendment .
Rising property taxes have been a political flash point in Illinois for many years .
The current system dates back to a 1901 Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until that time , according to the draft report .
The report notes , however , that property ownership today is no longer the indicator of wealth and ability to pay that it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries .
It also states the current system is full of special exemptions for select groups of property owners -- including tax increment financing districts , or TIFs , that have the effect of shifting the tax burden onto other property owners as money goes to development rather than local governments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois -- school districts in particular -- rely more heavily on property tax revenue than in other states .
Local property taxes account for two-thirds of all funding for public schools in Illinois , while state funding accounts for only about 26 % .
`` Today 's reliance on property taxes underscores how broken the system of funding local government services has become , '' the report states .
`` Too many units of government rely too heavily on property taxes , which are predicated on the value of something that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to pay . ''
The report argues the property tax system should be reformed on several levels , including how property values are determined , consolidating townships and other local units of government , and reducing or eliminating some property tax exemptions .
But addressing the issue of education funding would likely have the biggest impact because school taxes make up the bulk of most people 's property tax bills .
Rep. Sam Yingling , a Grayslake Democrat and one of eight co-chairs of the task force , said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's share of school funding would be to expand the state 's sales tax base to cover certain services not currently taxed .
That would also allow the state to reduce its sales tax rate , he said .
The report also notes that one task force member , Chicago Democratic Rep. Mary Flowers , who co-chaired the subcommittee on social and economic disparities , `` recommends the removal of school districts from the property tax system so that the State of Illinois has sole funding responsibility for K-12 schools . ''
Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public schools , with 850 individual districts .
Of those , more than 300 serve only grades K-8 and nearly 100 serve only high school students .
The remainder are known as `` unit '' districts that serve all grades from K-12 .
`` Each of these has administrative staff and combining them into unified school districts will result in efficiencies of scale , '' the draft report states .
`` The degree and scope of savings will vary from district to district and from school to school , but in parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial sense , and without raising concerns about geographic dislocation for students . ''
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit , an Oswego Democrat who served as co-chair of the task force 's school funding subcommittee , said in an interview that she agrees with the need for school district consolidation .
`` When you talk about school funding and single purpose districts such as K-8 or high school districts , the residents have to know that they are essentially being almost double-taxed versus a unit district , '' she said .
By way of example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a constituent 's property tax bill .
The bill was for a home in South suburban Park Forest .
The home was valued at just over $ 128,000 and the tax bill was for more than $ 13,000 .
That included more than $ 7,000 levied by two school districts .
The task force was originally supposed to deliver its final report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 31 , but Yingling said members felt it was important to get feedback on the draft from all four legislative caucuses -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate .
He said he expects a final report to be complete before the 2020 session begins Jan. 28 .
Once the final report is released , its recommendations will be drafted into legislation for the General Assembly to consider this year .
`` It 's going to take longer than one session in one year to fix , but I think this is a great first step in the right direction , '' Kifowit said .
`` And I think that we can have a common-sense solution for to really work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But not everyone on the task force was pleased with the draft report .
`` As a current draft , the final report is nothing more than a collection of thoughts with no real recommendations , put together by only a handful of people , '' Rep. Joe Sosnowski , a Rockford Republican , said in a statement .
`` There was no actual discussion or debate at the committee level on this report .
This grossly oversized task force was created in a deal with the Governor to convince reluctant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being placed on the ballot , apparently to provide them with political cover .
Instead of bringing us closer to achieving meaningful and lasting property tax relief for Illinois families , this draft report is a complete disaster that fails to live up to its intended purpose . ''

Property tax reduction? Task force's draft report suggests ways to make it happen
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, posted on Facebook this photo of a constituent's property tax bill. It shows that $13,460 in property taxes are owed on a home in Park Forest valued at $128,320. (Photo provided by Rep. Stephanie Kifowit)
SPRINGFIELD -- A task force formed to study ways to reduce property tax burden on Illinois residents is calling for consolidation of school districts and other local units of government, plus a boost in the state's share of funding for K-12 education.
Those and other recommendations are part of a draft report circulated among the 88-member Property Tax Relief Task Force that state lawmakers formed during the 2019 session. A final report is expected to be released before the 2020 legislative session begins Jan. 28.
The bill creating the task force was part of a package of legislation also including a proposed constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax. And while the draft report does not mention the proposed amendment, which will appear on the November general election ballot, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said that he wants at least some of the new income tax revenue to be used for property tax relief if voters approve the amendment.
Rising property taxes have been a political flash point in Illinois for many years. The current system dates back to a 1901 Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned the tax levying method that was used until that time, according to the draft report.
The report notes, however, that property ownership today is no longer the indicator of wealth and ability to pay that it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It also states the current system is full of special exemptions for select groups of property owners -- including tax increment financing districts, or TIFs, that have the effect of shifting the tax burden onto other property owners as money goes to development rather than local governments.
The document also notes that local governments in Illinois -- school districts in particular -- rely more heavily on property tax revenue than in other states. Local property taxes account for two-thirds of all funding for public schools in Illinois, while state funding accounts for only about 26%.
"Today's reliance on property taxes underscores how broken the system of funding local government services has become," the report states. "Too many units of government rely too heavily on property taxes, which are predicated on the value of something that is most often unrelated to the owners' ability to pay."
The report argues the property tax system should be reformed on several levels, including how property values are determined, consolidating townships and other local units of government, and reducing or eliminating some property tax exemptions.
But addressing the issue of education funding would likely have the biggest impact because school taxes make up the bulk of most people's property tax bills.
Rep. Sam Yingling, a Grayslake Democrat and one of eight co-chairs of the task force, said in an interview that one way to increase the state's share of school funding would be to expand the state's sales tax base to cover certain services not currently taxed. That would also allow the state to reduce its sales tax rate, he said.
The report also notes that one task force member, Chicago Democratic Rep. Mary Flowers, who co-chaired the subcommittee on social and economic disparities, "recommends the removal of school districts from the property tax system so that the State of Illinois has sole funding responsibility for K-12 schools."
Illinois also has an unusual system of organizing public schools, with 850 individual districts. Of those, more than 300 serve only grades K-8 and nearly 100 serve only high school students. The remainder are known as "unit" districts that serve all grades from K-12.
"Each of these has administrative staff and combining them into unified school districts will result in efficiencies of scale," the draft report states. "The degree and scope of savings will vary from district to district and from school to school, but in parts of the state, merger will make great financial sense, and without raising concerns about geographic dislocation for students."
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat who served as co-chair of the task force's school funding subcommittee, said in an interview that she agrees with the need for school district consolidation.
"When you talk about school funding and single purpose districts such as K-8 or high school districts, the residents have to know that they are essentially being almost double-taxed versus a unit district," she said.
By way of example, Kifowit shared a photograph she took of a constituent's property tax bill. The bill was for a home in South suburban Park Forest. The home was valued at just over $128,000 and the tax bill was for more than $13,000. That included more than $7,000 levied by two school districts.
The task force was originally supposed to deliver its final report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 31, but Yingling said members felt it was important to get feedback on the draft from all four legislative caucuses -- Republicans and Democrats in the state House and Senate. He said he expects a final report to be complete before the 2020 session begins Jan. 28.
Once the final report is released, its recommendations will be drafted into legislation for the General Assembly to consider this year.
"It's going to take longer than one session in one year to fix, but I think this is a great first step in the right direction," Kifowit said. "And I think that we can have a common-sense solution for to really work to lower property taxes for our residents."
But not everyone on the task force was pleased with the draft report.
"As a current draft, the final report is nothing more than a collection of thoughts with no real recommendations, put together by only a handful of people," Rep. Joe Sosnowski, a Rockford Republican, said in a statement. "There was no actual discussion or debate at the committee level on this report. This grossly oversized task force was created in a deal with the Governor to convince reluctant legislators to support an income tax increase being placed on the ballot, apparently to provide them with political cover. Instead of bringing us closer to achieving meaningful and lasting property tax relief for Illinois families, this draft report is a complete disaster that fails to live up to its intended purpose."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--'They were arguing about when and where to kill me': Aurora man recounts shooting in Mexico

An Aurora man who was kidnapped , shot and left for dead on a Mexican road a couple of days before Christmas recounted the experience Tuesday to ABC 7 Chicago .
Jose Luis Gutierrez was shot as he and his family were targeted by thieves in a roadside ambush in northern Mexico .
He survived and was discharged from a hospital in San Antonio on Monday , ABC 7 reported .
`` He took out a gun , and put it behind my ear , '' Luis Gutierrez told ABC 7 about a kidnapper .
Gutierrez , 52 , recounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter and elderly father went through in the Mexican state of Zacatecas last month .
Gutierrez was discovered by state police , by the side of the road , covered in blood .
His daughter and her grandfather were left behind by their attackers , as Luis Gutierrez was kidnapped and forced into another vehicle .
`` They were arguing about when and where to kill me , '' Luis Gutierrez said .
`` The driver did n't want to clean up the blood from his car . ''
Watch the video interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

'They were arguing about when and where to kill me': Aurora man recounts shooting in Mexico
Jose Luis Gutierrez of Aurora is out of the hospital after he was found shot on the side of the road over the holidays in in Zacatecas, Mexico. Courtesy OF Zacatecas office of public safety
Jose Luis Gutierrez of Aurora was driving to see family in Mexico over the holidays when he was shot three times in an ambush. courtesy of Alejandra Gomez
An Aurora man who was kidnapped, shot and left for dead on a Mexican road a couple of days before Christmas recounted the experience Tuesday to ABC 7 Chicago.
Jose Luis Gutierrez was shot as he and his family were targeted by thieves in a roadside ambush in northern Mexico. He survived and was discharged from a hospital in San Antonio on Monday, ABC 7 reported.
"He took out a gun, and put it behind my ear," Luis Gutierrez told ABC 7 about a kidnapper.
Gutierrez, 52, recounted the harrowing experience, he, his daughter and elderly father went through in the Mexican state of Zacatecas last month. Gutierrez was discovered by state police, by the side of the road, covered in blood.
His daughter and her grandfather were left behind by their attackers, as Luis Gutierrez was kidnapped and forced into another vehicle.
"They were arguing about when and where to kill me," Luis Gutierrez said. "The driver didn't want to clean up the blood from his car."
Watch the video interview with Gutierrez and his daughter at abc7chicago.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--From parking lot to restaurants? What may be next for 'Hawthorn Mall 2.0'

A $ 6.2 million overhaul of the two-level interior center court at Hawthorn Mall gave holiday shoppers a taste of big plans in store for the Vernon Hills shopping center .
The next stage in the process is moving outside .
Representatives of mall owner Centennial Real Estate are seeking village approval to convert a parking lot fronting busy Milwaukee Avenue south of Ring Road into three buildable lots for restaurants or retail uses .
Centennial is asking that the special use permit governing the entire mall be revised to create a three-lot subdivision .
The curved portion of Ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rebuilt to make it more linear , according to the village .
Variations for setbacks also will be sought when Centennial representatives make the pitch to the village 's planning and zoning commission at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at village hall , 290 Evergreen Drive .
The mall intends to market each of the lots for use by a single tenant , most likely restaurants , and developers believe the requested approvals will support the effort to lure tenants .
Additional approvals will be required for each parcel once tenants are signed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ village , restaurants would complement existing uses at the mall and encourage cross-shopping .
Such `` outlot redevelopment '' is a major part of a $ 200 million plan to transform the 1970s-era mall inside and out .
Luxury apartments have been mentioned as a future possibility , but nothing specific has been forthcoming and homes are not being considered for these lots , said Mike Atkinson , the village 's community development director .
Grand plans for the spaces formerly occupied by Sears and Carson 's stores , also owned by Centennial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though the company has not offered specific proposals .
It will be a while before the ball really gets rolling on what is being marketed as `` Hawthorn Mall 2.0 . ''
`` This is just the beginning of many more steps to come , '' Atkinson said .
Financial incentives may be key to how plans proceed .
A package for village board consideration is n't expected for a few months .
Local school officials will be part of this process , Atkinson said .
`` We want to make sure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part is considered , '' he said .
`` We want to make sure everybody is comfortable . ''
Once the financial package is set , much of the rest of 2020 will be spent reviewing specific plans due to the amount of detail required in the drawings , Atkinson said .
Back inside at Center Court , two treelike sculptures will be installed to connect the upper and lower levels , and lounges will be added on the second floor in coming months as final touches .
Center Court opened to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop/wine bar , lawn games and other features .

From parking lot to restaurants? What may be next for 'Hawthorn Mall 2.0'
A $6.2 million overhaul of the two-level interior center court at Hawthorn Mall gave holiday shoppers a taste of big plans in store for the Vernon Hills shopping center.
The next stage in the process is moving outside.
Representatives of mall owner Centennial Real Estate are seeking village approval to convert a parking lot fronting busy Milwaukee Avenue south of Ring Road into three buildable lots for restaurants or retail uses.
Centennial is asking that the special use permit governing the entire mall be revised to create a three-lot subdivision. The curved portion of Ring Road adjacent to the new lots would be rebuilt to make it more linear, according to the village.
Variations for setbacks also will be sought when Centennial representatives make the pitch to the village's planning and zoning commission at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive.
The mall intends to market each of the lots for use by a single tenant, most likely restaurants, and developers believe the requested approvals will support the effort to lure tenants. Additional approvals will be required for each parcel once tenants are signed.
According to Centennial's application to the village, restaurants would complement existing uses at the mall and encourage cross-shopping.
Such "outlot redevelopment" is a major part of a $200 million plan to transform the 1970s-era mall inside and out. Luxury apartments have been mentioned as a future possibility, but nothing specific has been forthcoming and homes are not being considered for these lots, said Mike Atkinson, the village's community development director.
Grand plans for the spaces formerly occupied by Sears and Carson's stores, also owned by Centennial, also are in the works, though the company has not offered specific proposals.
It will be a while before the ball really gets rolling on what is being marketed as "Hawthorn Mall 2.0."
"This is just the beginning of many more steps to come," Atkinson said.
Financial incentives may be key to how plans proceed. A package for village board consideration isn't expected for a few months. Local school officials will be part of this process, Atkinson said.
"We want to make sure the financials are worked out before the development part is considered," he said. "We want to make sure everybody is comfortable."
Once the financial package is set, much of the rest of 2020 will be spent reviewing specific plans due to the amount of detail required in the drawings, Atkinson said.
Back inside at Center Court, two treelike sculptures will be installed to connect the upper and lower levels, and lounges will be added on the second floor in coming months as final touches.
Center Court opened to the public on Thanksgiving, featuring a coffee shop/wine bar, lawn games and other features.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Iran strikes at US with missile attack in Iraq. 'All is well!' Trump tweets

TEHRAN , Iran -- Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing a top Revolutionary Guards commander , firing a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a major escalation between the two longtime foes .
It was Iran 's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran , and Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties , though buildings were still being searched .
The strikes , which came as Iran buried Soleimani , raised fears that the two longtime foes were closer to war .
But there were some indications that there would not be further retaliation on either side , at least in the short term .
'All is well ! '
President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks , adding , 'So far , so good ' regarding casualties .
Moments earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken `` & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense , '' adding that Tehran did `` not seek escalation '' but would defend itself against further aggression .
The killing of Soleimani -- a national hero to many in Iran -- and strikes by Tehran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Mideast after Trump 's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran 's nuclear deal with world powers .
They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies , who have been at odds since Iran 's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis .
Adding to the chaos and overall jitters , a Ukrainian airplane carrying at least 170 people crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday morning , state TV reported .
There was no immediate word on casualties .
The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport and mechanical issues were suspected to be the cause , the report said .
Iran initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. officials confirmed both .
U.S. defense officials were at the White House , likely to discuss options with Trump , who launched the attack on Soleimani while facing an upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate , Iran 's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq 's western Anbar province .
The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran 's state-run IRNA news agency .
`` We are warning all American allies , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted , '' the Guard said .
It also threatened Israel .
After the strikes , a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic 's flag on Twitter , appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday .
Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein , and later saw American troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria .
It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces .
The U.S. also acknowledged another missile attack targeting a base in Irbil in Iraq 's semiautonomous Kurdish region .
The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles , two U.S. officials said .
Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one the base in Irbil .
Four failed , said the officials , who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation .
Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Asad base , igniting a fire .
There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks , according to the officials , who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to brief journalists .
About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported , Brynjar Stordal , a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The Associated Press .
Trump visited the sprawling Ain al-Asad air base , about 100 miles or 60 kilometers west of Baghdad , in December 2018 , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base .
`` As we evaluate the situation and our response , we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel , partners and allies in the region , '' said Jonathan Hoffman , an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary .
Wednesday 's revenge attack happened a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani at his funeral .
It also came the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region 's waterways , crucial routes for global energy supplies .
U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans .
The FAA also warned of a `` potential for miscalculation or mis-identification '' for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf amid in an emergency flight restriction .
A stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani 's funeral , and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession , Iranian news reports said .
Shortly after Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site .
Tuesday 's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani 's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran , said Pirhossein Koulivand , head of Iran 's emergency medical services .
There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets , and online videos showed only its aftermath : people lying apparently lifeless , their faces covered by clothing , emergency crews performing CPR on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to God .
Hossein Salami , Soleimani 's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard , earlier addressed a crowd of supporters in Kernan and vowed to avenge Soleimani .
`` We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about , '' Salami said .
Soleimani was laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi , two former Guard comrades killed in Iran 's 1980s war with Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in which Soleimani also took part .
It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million .
The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani , seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard 's expeditionary Quds Force .
The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bashar Assad in that country 's civil war .
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran .
Soleimani 's slaying has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge .
In Iraq , pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani 's killing .
Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi , Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace .
The region is a major East-West travel hub and home to Emirates airline and Dubai International Airport , the world 's busiest for international travel .
It earlier issued warnings after Iran shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone last year that saw airlines plan new routes to avoid the Strait of Hormuz , the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf .
The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast , citing the rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran .
Tehran denied responsibility , although it did seize oil tankers around the Strait of Hormuz , through which 20 % of the world 's crude oil travels .
The U.S. Navy 's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat .
Gambrell reported from Dubai , United Arab Emirates .
Associated Press writers Matthew Lee , Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington , Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad and Zeina Karam in @ @ @

Iran strikes at US with missile attack in Iraq. 'All is well!' Trump tweets
In this image made from a video, mourners gather Tuesday to pay their respects to the slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani who was killed in a U.S. airstrike, in Kerman, Iran. Iran Press via AP
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday for killing a top Revolutionary Guards commander, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a major escalation between the two longtime foes.
It was Iran's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, and Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the U.S. killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying. A U.S. and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties, though buildings were still being searched.
The strikes, which came as Iran buried Soleimani, raised fears that the two longtime foes were closer to war. But there were some indications that there would not be further retaliation on either side, at least in the short term.
'All is well!' President Donald Trump tweeted shortly after the missile attacks, adding, 'So far, so good' regarding casualties. Moments earlier, Iran's foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken "& concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," adding that Tehran did "not seek escalation" but would defend itself against further aggression.
The killing of Soleimani -- a national hero to many in Iran -- and strikes by Tehran came as tensions have been rising steadily across the Mideast after Trump's decision to unilaterally withdraw America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. They also marked the first time in recent years that Washington and Tehran have attacked each other directly rather than through proxies in the region. It raised the chances of open conflict erupting between the two enemies, who have been at odds since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis.
Adding to the chaos and overall jitters, a Ukrainian airplane carrying at least 170 people crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, state TV reported. There was no immediate word on casualties. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport and mechanical issues were suspected to be the cause, the report said.
Iran initially announced only one missile strike, but U.S. officials confirmed both. U.S. defense officials were at the White House, likely to discuss options with Trump, who launched the attack on Soleimani while facing an upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate,
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack against the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's western Anbar province. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency.
"We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," the Guard said. It also threatened Israel.
After the strikes, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator posted a picture of the Islamic Republic's flag on Twitter, appearing to mimic Trump who posted an American flag following the killing of Soleimani and others Friday.
Ain al-Asad air base was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, and later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. It houses about 1,500 U.S. and coalition forces. The U.S. also acknowledged another missile attack targeting a base in Irbil in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region.
The Iranians fired a total of 15 missiles, two U.S. officials said. Ten hit Ain al-Asad and one the base in Irbil. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation.
Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base, igniting a fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they had no permission to brief journalists.
About 70 Norwegian troops also were on the air base but no injuries were reported, Brynjar Stordal, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces told The Associated Press.
Trump visited the sprawling Ain al-Asad air base, about 100 miles or 60 kilometers west of Baghdad, in December 2018, making his first presidential visit to troops in the region. Vice President Mike Pence also has visited the base.
"As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the region," said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the U.S. defense secretary.
Wednesday's revenge attack happened a mere few hours after crowds in Iran mourned Soleimani at his funeral. It also came the U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region's waterways, crucial routes for global energy supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates from Asia to Africa and Europe issued security alerts for Americans. The FAA also warned of a "potential for miscalculation or mis-identification" for civilian aircraft in the Persian Gulf amid in an emergency flight restriction.
A stampede broke out Tuesday at Soleimani's funeral, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said. Shortly after Iran's revenge missile attack early Wednesday, Soleimani's shroud-wrapped remains were lowered into the ground as mourners wailed at the grave site.
Tuesday's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran, said Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran's emergency medical services.
There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets, and online videos showed only its aftermath: people lying apparently lifeless, their faces covered by clothing, emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen, and onlookers wailing and crying out to God.
Hossein Salami, Soleimani's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard, earlier addressed a crowd of supporters in Kernan and vowed to avenge Soleimani.
"We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about," Salami said.
Soleimani was laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi, two former Guard comrades killed in Iran's 1980s war with Iraq. They died in Operation Dawn 8, in which Soleimani also took part. It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million.
The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani, seen by Iranians as a national hero for his work leading the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force.
The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed. Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country's civil war. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Soleimani's slaying has led Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge.
In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani's killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries.
The FAA warning issued barred U.S. pilots and carriers from flying over areas of Iraqi, Iranian and some Persian Gulf airspace. The region is a major East-West travel hub and home to Emirates airline and Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel. It earlier issued warnings after Iran shot down a U.S. military surveillance drone last year that saw airlines plan new routes to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied responsibility, although it did seize oil tankers around the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil travels.
The U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat.
Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor and Zeke Miller in Washington, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad and Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-08--Feder: Ron Magers to receive DePaul's Distinguished Journalist Award

Ron Magers , who retired in 2016 after a distinguished career as one of Chicago 's all-time greatest news anchors @ @ @ @ @ the spotlight to take a bow this spring , Robert Feder writes .
Magers has @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Distinguished Journalist Award from DePaul University 's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence .
@ @ @ @ @ a luncheon April 30 along with Chicago Tribune police reporter Jeremy Gorner , who will @ @ @ @ @ .
Magers , 75 , stepped down after 18 years at top-rated ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 @ @ @ @ @ that at NBC 5 ) .
All told his career in TV news spanned more @ @ @ @ @ and his wife divide their time between homes here and in Florida .
Previous recipients @ @ @ @ @ include `` NBC Nightly News '' anchor Lester Holt , `` CBS Sunday Morning '' @ @ @ @ @ New York Times editor Dean Baquet .
Get the full report , and more Chicago @ @ @ @ @ .

Feder: Ron Magers to receive DePaul's Distinguished Journalist Award
Ron Magers has been named recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Journalist Award from DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence.
Ron Magers, who retired in 2016 after a distinguished career as one of Chicago's all-time greatest news anchors, will be back in the spotlight to take a bow this spring, Robert Feder writes.
Magers has been named recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Journalist Award from DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence.
He will be honored at a luncheon April 30 along with Chicago Tribune police reporter Jeremy Gorner, who will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Magers, 75, stepped down after 18 years at top-rated ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 (and 16 years before that at NBC 5). All told his career in TV news spanned more than 50 years. He and his wife divide their time between homes here and in Florida.
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Journalist Award include "NBC Nightly News" anchor Lester Holt, "CBS Sunday Morning" host Jane Pauley, and New York Times editor Dean Baquet.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.