dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--St. Charles committee approves First Street Plaza concept plan

The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee on Monday approved spending $ 160,000 for a concept plan and schematic design for expansion of the First Street Plaza , a unanimous vote that paves the way for the city council to approve the plan .
The committee , made up of the St. Charles City Council aldermen , debated the topic for more than an hour before deciding to push forward with the understanding that more discussion will take place concerning the development of the project .
And that the cost and work to fill the site 's massive hole will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengthy back and forth , the aldermen and City Administrator Mark Koenen talked about the need to have this concept plan in place to determine what will be on that site .
Once that 's decided , then the best way to fill the hole can be determined .
`` This is a really important element , '' Koenen said .
`` The concept gives us what we want this to look like , and we 're going to be back in front of you so many times you 're going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this topic .
But we 've got a good start talking about the hole . ''
Ward 4 Alderman Lora Vitek and the St. Charles Initiative presented Monday 's concept plan for a plaza on the former site of the Manor Restaurant -- on First Street just south of Route 64 on the western bank of the Fox River -- based on feedback from an August Planning and Development meeting .
Included in the plan is a sweeping terrace for community events , a ramping riverwalk connecting to the Main Street Bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a lighted tower to act as a centerpiece of the plaza .
Extensive fundraising will be needed in a public-private endeavor that 's estimated to cost about $ 4 million .
Vitek said the St. Charles Initiative committee has secured a $ 600,000 donation from Exelon as part of the $ 2.3 million already raised .
To raise the final $ 1.7 million for construction , though , Vitek said a concept plan is needed to display to potential donors .
`` We have to start somewhere , '' Vitek said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing . ''

St. Charles committee approves First Street Plaza concept plan
After Monday's approval by the St. Charles Planning and Development Committee, the city council will consider a concept plan for the First Street Plaza expansion. Courtesy of city of St. Charles
The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee on Monday approved a concept plan for the First Street Plaza expansion. Courtesy of city of St. Charles
The St. Charles Planning and Development Committee on Monday approved spending $160,000 for a concept plan and schematic design for expansion of the First Street Plaza, a unanimous vote that paves the way for the city council to approve the plan.
The committee, made up of the St. Charles City Council aldermen, debated the topic for more than an hour before deciding to push forward with the understanding that more discussion will take place concerning the development of the project. And that the cost and work to fill the site's massive hole will be taken into consideration.
In a lengthy back and forth, the aldermen and City Administrator Mark Koenen talked about the need to have this concept plan in place to determine what will be on that site. Once that's decided, then the best way to fill the hole can be determined.
"This is a really important element," Koenen said. "The concept gives us what we want this to look like, and we're going to be back in front of you so many times you're going to be tired of some folks in the future on this topic. But we've got a good start talking about the hole."
Ward 4 Alderman Lora Vitek and the St. Charles Initiative presented Monday's concept plan for a plaza on the former site of the Manor Restaurant -- on First Street just south of Route 64 on the western bank of the Fox River -- based on feedback from an August Planning and Development meeting. Included in the plan is a sweeping terrace for community events, a ramping riverwalk connecting to the Main Street Bridge, solar panel canopies and shade trees, and a lighted tower to act as a centerpiece of the plaza.
Extensive fundraising will be needed in a public-private endeavor that's estimated to cost about $4 million. Vitek said the St. Charles Initiative committee has secured a $600,000 donation from Exelon as part of the $2.3 million already raised.
To raise the final $1.7 million for construction, though, Vitek said a concept plan is needed to display to potential donors.
Pending city council approval, she'll have one.
"We have to start somewhere," Vitek said. "You can't fundraise around nothing."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Two shot in Aurora

Two shot in Aurora

Aurora police are investigating a Monday night shooting that sent two to the hospital , officials said in a social @ @ @ @ @ occurred on the 1100 block of Terrace View , according to police .
The two @ @ @ @ @ n't considered life-threatening .
Anyone with information about the case should call the Aurora Police @ @ @ @ @ 256-5500 .

Two shot in Aurora
Aurora police are investigating a Monday night shooting that sent two to the hospital, officials said in a social media post.
The shooting occurred on the 1100 block of Terrace View, according to police. The two victims suffered wounds that weren't considered life-threatening.
Anyone with information about the case should call the Aurora Police Department at (630) 256-5500.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-12--Defiant, proud Italian Americans celebrate Columbus Day

They sang Italian love songs , warmth oozing from the loud speakers like a just-baked pan of mostaccioli .
They @ @ @ @ @ And though their hero has been `` temporarily '' banished , they were defiant .
@ @ @ @ @ positive , but that does not mean we are giving in , '' said Ron @ @ @ @ @ the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans , standing in Arrigo Park Monday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ statue , but you will neither destroy our faith nor harm our spirit . ''
@ @ @ @ @ chants of `` Put it back ! ''
broke out among a gathering of several @ @ @ @ @ pedestal where a statue of Christopher Columbus once stood .
In the summer , Mayor @ @ @ @ @ removal of that statue , as well as two others , including one in Grant @ @ @ @ @ major clashes between protesters and police .
Protesters say , among other things , that @ @ @ @ @ white supremacy and that statues representing him should be removed .

Defiant, proud Italian Americans celebrate Columbus Day
Beth Ann Iosco-Tarallo, 59, of Melrose Park, waves an Italian flag during the Columbus Day celebration Monday at Arrigo Park in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
They sang Italian love songs, warmth oozing from the loud speakers like a just-baked pan of mostaccioli.
They wore red-white-and-green face masks. And though their hero has been "temporarily" banished, they were defiant.
"We are keeping it positive, but that does not mean we are giving in," said Ron Onesti, vice president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, standing in Arrigo Park Monday morning. "You may take our statue, but you will neither destroy our faith nor harm our spirit."
A short while later, chants of "Put it back!" broke out among a gathering of several hundred clustered around a bare pedestal where a statue of Christopher Columbus once stood.
In the summer, Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered the temporary removal of that statue, as well as two others, including one in Grant Park -- the site of major clashes between protesters and police. Protesters say, among other things, that Columbus is a symbol of white supremacy and that statues representing him should be removed.
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Greek man goes on trial for slaying of US scientist on Crete

ATHENS , Greece -- A 28-year-old man has gone on trial in Greece for the rape and murder last year @ @ @ @ @ , who was killed on the island of Crete while attending a conference .
Eaton @ @ @ @ @ July 2 , 2019 , near the port city of Chania .
Her body was @ @ @ @ @ an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II .
Relatives said Eaton had @ @ @ @ @ she was attacked .
The defendant , a Greek man from Crete , appeared in @ @ @ @ @ town of Rethymno , wearing a bulletproof police vest .
Eaton , from Armonk , @ @ @ @ @ in Dresden , Germany , where she worked at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular @ @ @ @ @ Eaton 's sister , Julie Broaddus Eaton , was present in court at the start @ @ @ @

Greek man convicted of murdering US scientist on Crete
Julie Broaddus Eaton, center, sister of the American scientist Suzanne Eaton, who was raped and killed in Crete last year, stands outside the court room on the first day of the trial in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Yiannis Paraskakis, 27, is accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. Associated Press
Julie Broaddus Eaton, center, sister of the American scientist Suzanne Eaton, who was raped and killed in Crete last year, stands outside the court room on the first day of the trial in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Yiannis Paraskakis, 27, is accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. Associated Press
Police check the court room before the trial of Yiannis Paraskakis who accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019, in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. Associated Press
Yiannis Paraskakis, bottom right, who accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019, wearing a bulletproof vest that reads "Greek Police", sits in the court room on the first day of the trial in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. Associated Press
Yiannis Paraskakis, bottom right, who accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019, wearing a bulletproof vest that reads "Greek Police", sits in the court room on the first day of the trial in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece -- A 28-year-old man was convicted in Greece on Tuesday of raping and murdering American scientist Suzanne Eaton, who was killed on the island of Crete while attending a conference last year.
A court in the Cretan town of Rethymno sentenced the man to life imprisonment.
Eaton, 59, disappeared on July 2, 2019, near the port city of Chania. Her body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II.
Relatives said Eaton had gone for a hike when she was attacked.
The defendant, a Greek man from Crete, appeared in court wearing a bulletproof police vest. Greek media identified the man as Ioanis Paraskakis.
Eaton, from Armonk, New York, was based in Dresden, Germany, where she worked at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics.
Eaton's sister, Julie Broaddus Eaton, was present in court.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Authorities: Antioch teen obtained rifle used in Kenosha shootings in Wisconsin

The rifle used by Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse in the killing of two men and wounding of another during protests in Kenosha was `` purchased , stored and used '' in Wisconsin , Lake County State 's Attorney Mike Nerheim announced Tuesday .
An Antioch police investigation found no evidence that Rittenhouse , 17 , possessed the AR-15 rifle in Illinois before the Aug. 25 shootings , according to a statement issued by Nerheim 's office .
Nerheim spokesman Lee Filas said no additional details about the police findings would be released because of an ongoing investigation by Wisconsin authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed the police investigation to determine if any crimes were committed in Lake County .
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said his officers took possession of the AR-15 rifle and another gun at about 4:30 or 5 a.m. Aug. 26 , hours after Rittenhouse turned himself in .
Guttschow said the guns were in a vehicle belonging to an adult acquaintance of Rittenhouse , which was parked near the 17-year-old 's home .
Guttschow said investigators determined the weapons were not unlawfully purchased in Illinois , based on information Kenosha police received from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firearms and Explosives and interviews conducted with people who knew where the weapons were purchased .
Guttschow declined to release more information about how investigators believe Rittenhouse acquired the weapons .
Rittenhouse faces first-degree intentional homicide , first-degree reckless homicide , attempted first-degree intentional homicide and other charges in the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz .
The shootings took place during protests that erupted after a Kenosha police officer shot a Black man , 29-year-old Jacob Blake , in the back during an Aug. 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious charges , Rittenhouse could spend the rest of his life in prison .
He is held without bail at the Minard E. Hulse Juvenile Detention Center near Vernon Hills while his attorneys fight his extradition to Wisconsin .

Authorities: Antioch teen obtained rifle used in Kenosha shootings in Wisconsin
The AR-15 rifle authorities say Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse used to kill two men and wound another during Aug. 25 protests in Kenosha was "purchased, stored and used" in Wisconsin, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim said Tuesday. Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP
The rifle used by Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse in the killing of two men and wounding of another during protests in Kenosha was "purchased, stored and used" in Wisconsin, Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim announced Tuesday.
An Antioch police investigation found no evidence that Rittenhouse, 17, possessed the AR-15 rifle in Illinois before the Aug. 25 shootings, according to a statement issued by Nerheim's office.
Nerheim spokesman Lee Filas said no additional details about the police findings would be released because of an ongoing investigation by Wisconsin authorities.
The state's attorney's office reviewed the police investigation to determine if any crimes were committed in Lake County.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said his officers took possession of the AR-15 rifle and another gun at about 4:30 or 5 a.m. Aug. 26, hours after Rittenhouse turned himself in. Guttschow said the guns were in a vehicle belonging to an adult acquaintance of Rittenhouse, which was parked near the 17-year-old's home.
Guttschow said investigators determined the weapons were not unlawfully purchased in Illinois, based on information Kenosha police received from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and interviews conducted with people who knew where the weapons were purchased. Guttschow declined to release more information about how investigators believe Rittenhouse acquired the weapons.
Rittenhouse faces first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and other charges in the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz.
The shootings took place during protests that erupted after a Kenosha police officer shot a Black man, 29-year-old Jacob Blake, in the back during an Aug. 23 confrontation.
If convicted of the most serious charges, Rittenhouse could spend the rest of his life in prison. He is held without bail at the Minard E. Hulse Juvenile Detention Center near Vernon Hills while his attorneys fight his extradition to Wisconsin.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Post office renamed in honor of fallen Marine, 'true Elginite' Alex Martinez

The downtown Elgin post office has a new name -- a name honoring `` a true Elginite . ''
A plaque commemorating the newly named Corporal Alex Martinez Memorial Post Office Building at 66 Grove Ct. was unveiled Tuesday after a ceremony led by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi , who wrote the bill to have the post office renamed .
`` Corporal Martinez was a brilliant star in the fabric of our lives , and his light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and in our minds for years to come , '' Krishnamoorthi said .
He called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honors that I could possibly be a part of as the congressman for this area . ''
Martinez was the first serviceman from Elgin to die in combat operations since the 9/11 terrorist attack .
Krishnamoorthi , a Democrat from Schaumburg , spoke at length about the lifelong Elgin resident 's accomplishments and dedication to service .
Fighting back tears , Krishnamoorthi concluded by addressing Martinez 's widow , Julianna .
`` We could never repay his sacrifice , but by naming this post office in his honor , we will always remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only this community and state , but to our country . ''
Martinez was 21 when he died April 5 , 2012 , during combat operations in the Helmand province in Afghanistan .
His funeral was attended by more than 400 people , including then-Gov .
Pat Quinn .
Martinez was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineering Battalion and was killed by a roadside bomb .
He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart medal and a Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal with combat `` V '' for valor .
After Tuesday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few family members and officials headed inside the post office to see the official plaque , mounted inside the entrance .
`` It means Alex 's name is never going to be forgotten , '' Julianna Martinez said .
`` He was a true Elginite . ''

The downtown Elgin post office has a new name -- a name honoring "a true Elginite."
A plaque commemorating the newly named Corporal Alex Martinez Memorial Post Office Building at 66 Grove Ct. was unveiled Tuesday after a ceremony led by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who wrote the bill to have the post office renamed.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Julianna Martinez and other family members in attendance watch as U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks during a ceremony Tuesday to rename the Elgin post office in honor of her late husband, Marine Cpl. Alex Martinez, who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2012.
"Corporal Martinez was a brilliant star in the fabric of our lives, and his light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and in our minds for years to come," Krishnamoorthi said.
He called the renaming "one of the highest honors that I could possibly be a part of as the congressman for this area."
Martinez was the first serviceman from Elgin to die in combat operations since the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg, spoke at length about the lifelong Elgin resident's accomplishments and dedication to service. Fighting back tears, Krishnamoorthi concluded by addressing Martinez's widow, Julianna.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Julianna Martinez receives a framed copy of the congressional act written by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi renaming the Elgin post office in honor of her late husband, Marine Cpl. Alex Martinez, after a ceremony in Elgin Tuesday.
"We could never repay his sacrifice, but by naming this post office in his honor, we will always remember him as a hero, to not only this community and state, but to our country."
Martinez was 21 when he died April 5, 2012, during combat operations in the Helmand province in Afghanistan. His funeral was attended by more than 400 people, including then-Gov. Pat Quinn.
Martinez was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineering Battalion and was killed by a roadside bomb. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart medal and a Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal with combat "V" for valor.
Alex Martinez
After Tuesday's ceremony in the parking lot, a few family members and officials headed inside the post office to see the official plaque, mounted inside the entrance.
"It means Alex's name is never going to be forgotten," Julianna Martinez said. "He was a true Elginite."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Suburban infection rates climb as death toll tops 9,000

The death toll from COVID-19 has topped 9,000 in Illinois as infection rates in suburban counties are climbing again .
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the state 's latest grim milestone as 29 more deaths from the virus were reported Tuesday , bringing the total number of fatalities from the respiratory disease to 9,026 since the outbreak began .
`` More than 9,000 Illinoisans -- our mothers and fathers , brothers and sisters , family , friends and neighbors -- have had their lives cut short by COVID-19 , leaving tens of thousands more to grieve loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J.B. Pritzker said in a news release .
`` As we pause today to mourn these individual and collective losses , may we find strength in the tools we have to protect our communities : wearing a mask , watching our distance , and respecting public health and each other . ''
Another 2,851 new cases of the disease were diagnosed Tuesday , with 1,343 of that total coming from suburban Cook County and the five collar counties , according to IDPH figures .
The suburbs accounted for more than 47 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties have seen infection rates climb rapidly during the past week .
Kane County 's infection rate is at 6.6 % , based on a seven-day rolling average -- the highest level in the suburbs .
A week ago , the average infection rate there was at 4.5 % .
`` I think what you 're seeing in Kane County is similar to what 's happening with the rest of the state right now , '' said Uche Onwuta , director of health protection at the Kane County Health Department .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time in classroom learning , we 're going to see more cases rising . ''
The infection rate is determined by the number of new cases confirmed from each round of test results released each day .
The state uses a seven-day rolling average to smooth out sometimes large daily fluctuations in the number of cases reported and test results returned .
The statewide seven-day average infection rate is 4.3 % .
The suburbs are also averaging 1,126 new COVID-19 cases a day over the past week , nearly double what they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will County with the second highest seven-day average infection rate in the suburbs at 6.3 % .
The county had business and gathering restrictions put in place for about a month this summer when the infection rate for Will and Kankakee counties climbed above 8 % .
A week ago , IDPH officials were reporting a seven-day average infection rate in McHenry County of 4.5 % , but by Tuesday that rate was at 5.9 % .
Both suburban Cook County and DuPage County have a seven-day average infection rate of 5.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 3.5 % in DuPage and 4.1 % in suburban Cook .
In Lake County , the seven-day average infection rate is at 4.8 % .
At the start of the week , it was at 4.1 % , according to IDPH figures .
Local and state health officials monitor infection , or positivity , rates to determine the level of risk of contracting the disease there and the potential for the cases to develop into hospitalizations .
Statewide , hospitalizations are also on the rise , IDPH figures show .
Hospitals across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated for COVID-19 on Monday .
Of those hospitalized , 406 were in intensive care .
The state is averaging 1,777 hospitalized COVID-19 patients each day over the past week .
That 's the highest seven-day average hospitalization level since late June .

Suburban infection rates climb as death toll tops 9,000
The death toll from COVID-19 has topped 9,000 in Illinois as infection rates in suburban counties are climbing again.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the state's latest grim milestone as 29 more deaths from the virus were reported Tuesday, bringing the total number of fatalities from the respiratory disease to 9,026 since the outbreak began.
"More than 9,000 Illinoisans -- our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, family, friends and neighbors -- have had their lives cut short by COVID-19, leaving tens of thousands more to grieve loved ones lost too soon," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a news release. "As we pause today to mourn these individual and collective losses, may we find strength in the tools we have to protect our communities: wearing a mask, watching our distance, and respecting public health and each other."
Another 2,851 new cases of the disease were diagnosed Tuesday, with 1,343 of that total coming from suburban Cook County and the five collar counties, according to IDPH figures. The suburbs accounted for more than 47% of Tuesday's new COVID-19 cases.
-
Suburban counties have seen infection rates climb rapidly during the past week. Kane County's infection rate is at 6.6%, based on a seven-day rolling average -- the highest level in the suburbs. A week ago, the average infection rate there was at 4.5%.
"I think what you're seeing in Kane County is similar to what's happening with the rest of the state right now," said Uche Onwuta, director of health protection at the Kane County Health Department. "And as more schools reopen to hybrid or full-time in classroom learning, we're going to see more cases rising."
The infection rate is determined by the number of new cases confirmed from each round of test results released each day. The state uses a seven-day rolling average to smooth out sometimes large daily fluctuations in the number of cases reported and test results returned. The statewide seven-day average infection rate is 4.3%.
The suburbs are also averaging 1,126 new COVID-19 cases a day over the past week, nearly double what they were averaging Aug. 1.
IDPH figures show Will County with the second highest seven-day average infection rate in the suburbs at 6.3%. The county had business and gathering restrictions put in place for about a month this summer when the infection rate for Will and Kankakee counties climbed above 8%.
A week ago, IDPH officials were reporting a seven-day average infection rate in McHenry County of 4.5%, but by Tuesday that rate was at 5.9%.
Both suburban Cook County and DuPage County have a seven-day average infection rate of 5.3%. A week ago, that rate was 3.5% in DuPage and 4.1% in suburban Cook.
In Lake County, the seven-day average infection rate is at 4.8%. At the start of the week, it was at 4.1%, according to IDPH figures.
Local and state health officials monitor infection, or positivity, rates to determine the level of risk of contracting the disease there and the potential for the cases to develop into hospitalizations.
Statewide, hospitalizations are also on the rise, IDPH figures show. Hospitals across the state reported 1,848 patients were being treated for COVID-19 on Monday. Of those hospitalized, 406 were in intensive care.
The state is averaging 1,777 hospitalized COVID-19 patients each day over the past week. That's the highest seven-day average hospitalization level since late June.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--How a Naperville family became part of Tuesday's Supreme Court confirmation hearing

The story of a Naperville family 's reliance on the Affordable Care Act was catapulted onto the national stage Tuesday during the second day of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett .
During the Senate Judiciary Committee 's first round of questioning , Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois highlighted the medical struggles experienced by Les and Cathy Williams and their four sons , who have depended for years on the affordable health insurance and specialized care offered to people with preexisting conditions under the 2010 health care law .
Les and his oldest son , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while 24-year-old Joey and 21-year-old Mikey were born with cystic fibrosis .
Mikey 's twin , Tommy , died in January 2019 from complications related to cystic fibrosis , Cathy Williams said in a video on Durbin 's social media pages , but she credited affordable care for giving her son `` a pretty normal , healthy , precious 19 years with us . ''
Members of the Williams family echoed their support in the video , saying the ACA has offered access to frequent doctor visits , lab work , procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden .
The boys can remain on their parents ' insurance plan until they turn 26 , and do n't have to worry about being dropped or denied coverage due to poor health , they said .
`` I worry that if the Affordable Care Act is eliminated and those protections are gone , my husband and I and our children might not have access to or be able to afford the insurance we need , '' Cathy Williams said .
`` We need those protections so we can look forward to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday said Barrett 's nomination threatens the future of the Affordable Care Act , potentially affecting insurance coverage for millions of Americans .
Though previously critical of a past ruling upholding the ACA , Barrett said she is `` not hostile '' toward the act and would use the law to guide her decisions .
Even with a `` decent-paying job , '' Joey Williams said in the video , he fears he would n't be able to make ends meet if he lost his Affordable Care Act benefits .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preexisting conditions who ca n't hold a steady job and would be forced to choose between food and medication , he said .
`` That 's not even living at that point .
That 's just scrounging for survival , '' Joey Williams said .
`` We have to keep the ACA .
I 'm not even being dramatic when I say it 's a matter of life and death for some people . ''

How a Naperville family became part of Tuesday's Supreme Court confirmation hearing
During Tuesday's Supreme Court nomination hearing, Sen. Dick Durbin highlighted the Williams family of Naperville in his argument to preserve the Affordable Care Act and the protections it provides to those with preexisting conditions. Courtesy of Sen. Dick Durbin
The story of a Naperville family's reliance on the Affordable Care Act was catapulted onto the national stage Tuesday during the second day of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
During the Senate Judiciary Committee's first round of questioning, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois highlighted the medical struggles experienced by Les and Cathy Williams and their four sons, who have depended for years on the affordable health insurance and specialized care offered to people with preexisting conditions under the 2010 health care law.
Les and his oldest son, 27-year-old Matt, have Type 1 diabetes, while 24-year-old Joey and 21-year-old Mikey were born with cystic fibrosis. Mikey's twin, Tommy, died in January 2019 from complications related to cystic fibrosis, Cathy Williams said in a video on Durbin's social media pages, but she credited affordable care for giving her son "a pretty normal, healthy, precious 19 years with us."
Members of the Williams family echoed their support in the video, saying the ACA has offered access to frequent doctor visits, lab work, procedures and daily medication without a substantial financial burden. The boys can remain on their parents' insurance plan until they turn 26, and don't have to worry about being dropped or denied coverage due to poor health, they said.
"I worry that if the Affordable Care Act is eliminated and those protections are gone, my husband and I and our children might not have access to or be able to afford the insurance we need," Cathy Williams said. "We need those protections so we can look forward to a long, healthy life."
Durbin on Tuesday said Barrett's nomination threatens the future of the Affordable Care Act, potentially affecting insurance coverage for millions of Americans. Though previously critical of a past ruling upholding the ACA, Barrett said she is "not hostile" toward the act and would use the law to guide her decisions.
Even with a "decent-paying job," Joey Williams said in the video, he fears he wouldn't be able to make ends meet if he lost his Affordable Care Act benefits. And he considers himself lucky compared to those with preexisting conditions who can't hold a steady job and would be forced to choose between food and medication, he said.
"That's not even living at that point. That's just scrounging for survival," Joey Williams said. "We have to keep the ACA. I'm not even being dramatic when I say it's a matter of life and death for some people."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--A World War II veteran is still serving the community as she nears 100. Here's her birthday wish.

Reaching 100 years old is one thing , but leading a building campaign for your birthday takes the celebration to another level .
Waukegan resident and World War II veteran Lorraine Knuth regards her support of the Midwest Veterans Closet as an extension of her duty .
`` This is a must .
We have to have a bigger place , '' said the near centenarian , who will turn 100 on Halloween .
`` For my birthday , I would like a donation to help me build a new home for the Midwest Veterans Closet so we can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the still spry Knuth says in a short video .
The organization also is asking well-wishers to flood Knuth with birthday cards and hopes to reach 100 by her birthday .
Because she does n't have a computer or a cellphone , cards should be mailed the old-fashioned way to Midwest Veterans Closet at 2323 Green Bay Road , North Chicago , 60064 .
Midwest Veterans Closet relies on donations to provide food , clothing , household items and other basic needs as well as leads for employment and housing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has been operating in a cramped building on Green Bay Road just north of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago .
Property has been acquired to expand services , such as providing music and art therapy , and start fresh , but about $ 3 million is needed , according to Mary Carmody , executive director .
`` She wants her birthday to be the fundraiser , '' Carmody said of Knuth , whom she met and befriended three years ago .
`` Who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairwoman ? ''
Knuth grew up in Langlade County in Wisconsin and enlisted in the Women 's Army Corps .
`` She joined because she saw a poster that said , 'Join to free up a man to go to war , ' '' according to Carmody .
Those who enlisted rode by train to basic training in Daytona Beach , Florida .
At stops along the way , meals would be ready for them at restaurants called `` Harvey houses . ''
After basic training , Knuth was stationed at Camp Stoneman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of embarkation for soldiers .
More than a million soldiers , as well as German and Italian prisoners of war , were housed and fed there .
Knuth worked in the hospital as a special diet cook .
`` We were the first women to take over an Army mess hall , '' she said .
She served for two years and four months until the war ended .
`` I signed up for the duration .
If the war had been 10 years , I would have in 10 years , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terribly busy . ''
A number of local dignitaries and supporters are expected for the birthday drive-by/fundraiser at the new building site , 1720 Green Bay Road .
As of Tuesday afternoon , Knuth 's message on the Midwest Veterans Closet Facebook page had reached more than 60,000 and been shared 444 times .
Carmody said she recently delivered 60 cards that had been received so far and Knuth read every one .

A World War II veteran is still serving the community as she nears 100. Here's her birthday wish.
A combination drive-by 100th birthday celebration for Lorraine Knuth and fundraiser for Midwest Veteran Closet will be held Oct. 31. Courtesy of Midwest Veterans Closet
You can send Lorraine Knuth, a World War II veteran, a card to celebrate her 100th birthday. She asks that you consider making a donation to the Midwest Veterans Closet. Courtesy of Midwest Veterans Closet
Reaching 100 years old is one thing, but leading a building campaign for your birthday takes the celebration to another level.
Waukegan resident and World War II veteran Lorraine Knuth regards her support of the Midwest Veterans Closet as an extension of her duty.
"This is a must. We have to have a bigger place," said the near centenarian, who will turn 100 on Halloween.
"For my birthday, I would like a donation to help me build a new home for the Midwest Veterans Closet so we can help more men and women just like me," the still spry Knuth says in a short video.
The organization also is asking well-wishers to flood Knuth with birthday cards and hopes to reach 100 by her birthday. Because she doesn't have a computer or a cellphone, cards should be mailed the old-fashioned way to Midwest Veterans Closet at 2323 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, 60064.
Midwest Veterans Closet relies on donations to provide food, clothing, household items and other basic needs as well as leads for employment and housing at no charge to veterans of all ages.
It has been operating in a cramped building on Green Bay Road just north of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Property has been acquired to expand services, such as providing music and art therapy, and start fresh, but about $3 million is needed, according to Mary Carmody, executive director.
"She wants her birthday to be the fundraiser," Carmody said of Knuth, whom she met and befriended three years ago. "Who has a 100-year old as her capital campaign chairwoman?"
Knuth grew up in Langlade County in Wisconsin and enlisted in the Women's Army Corps.
"She joined because she saw a poster that said, 'Join to free up a man to go to war,'" according to Carmody.
Those who enlisted rode by train to basic training in Daytona Beach, Florida. At stops along the way, meals would be ready for them at restaurants called "Harvey houses."
After basic training, Knuth was stationed at Camp Stoneman near San Francisco, the largest port of embarkation for soldiers. More than a million soldiers, as well as German and Italian prisoners of war, were housed and fed there.
Knuth worked in the hospital as a special diet cook.
"We were the first women to take over an Army mess hall," she said. She served for two years and four months until the war ended.
"I signed up for the duration. If the war had been 10 years, I would have in 10 years," she said. "We were terribly, terribly busy."
She settled in Waukegan 60 years ago.
A number of local dignitaries and supporters are expected for the birthday drive-by/fundraiser at the new building site, 1720 Green Bay Road.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Knuth's message on the Midwest Veterans Closet Facebook page had reached more than 60,000 and been shared 444 times.
Carmody said she recently delivered 60 cards that had been received so far and Knuth read every one.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--After first success, Barrington looking at more drive-in concerts

Barrington 's first drive-in concert was so successful that another one will take place later this month , with more hoped for next year , village officials said .
The band Libido Funk Circus will play Oct. 30 in the downtown Metra parking lot , north of the railroad tracks .
That 's the same location as the first sold-out concert earlier this month featuring singer/songwriter Pat McKillen .
`` Concertgoers at the first drive-in were very respectful and set up their 'footprints ' with chairs , tables , blankets , food and drinks and respected their neighbors ' spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Potts , coordinator of communications and community engagement for the village .
There are two changes for the Oct. 30 concert : Tickets are $ 25 per vehicle , up from $ 20 , and 200 total tickets are available , up from 175 .
The cost for the performance and sound system is $ 3,000 , like for the first concert , Potts said .
`` We are thrilled to offer the community another fun , safe event , '' Village President Karen Darch said .
`` We hope for a nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to attend . ''
Libido Funk Circus gives a `` high energy , entertaining and diverse show '' with rock and dance favorites from the 1960s to today , band member Desiree Starr said .
She is one of three singers in the six-member band that also features guitar , bass and drums .
The band just celebrated its 24th anniversary .
`` We like to give it a little bit of a twist by incorporating some costume changes , some choreography , and making it more fun for your eyes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , adding her personal favorites are music from Motown and Bruno Mars .
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging , both professionally and personally , for the band that normally plays up to 20 concerts per month in summer , Starr said .
There were no concerts in June , and three to five concerts in the following months , she said .
The concert in Barrington will be the band 's first drive-in .
`` We are trying to be very selective in taking shows that we know are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to get together , '' she said .
`` I think it 's awesome to see these municipalities that come up with unique ways to present entertainment for people , because everybody is dying to have some entertainment . ''

After first success, Barrington looking at more drive-in concerts
The Chicago band Libido Funk Circus will play at a drive-in concert Oct. 30 in Barrington, the village's second such concert. Village officials said they hope to continue the performances in 2021. Pictured here are, in the top row from left, "Sugar Bear" Harris (guitar), "Chili" Milligan (drums/backing vox), "Magic Mike" Czarnik (bass); in the bottom row are, from left, vocalists Desiree Starr, Jaysun McBain and Tamara Mooshey. Courtesy of Libido Funk Circus
Barrington's first drive-in concert was so successful that another one will take place later this month, with more hoped for next year, village officials said.
The band Libido Funk Circus will play Oct. 30 in the downtown Metra parking lot, north of the railroad tracks. That's the same location as the first sold-out concert earlier this month featuring singer/songwriter Pat McKillen.
"Concertgoers at the first drive-in were very respectful and set up their 'footprints' with chairs, tables, blankets, food and drinks and respected their neighbors' spaces doing the same," said Clancy Potts, coordinator of communications and community engagement for the village.
There are two changes for the Oct. 30 concert: Tickets are $25 per vehicle, up from $20, and 200 total tickets are available, up from 175. The cost for the performance and sound system is $3,000, like for the first concert, Potts said.
"We are thrilled to offer the community another fun, safe event," Village President Karen Darch said. "We hope for a nice evening and look forward to people signing up to attend."
Libido Funk Circus gives a "high energy, entertaining and diverse show" with rock and dance favorites from the 1960s to today, band member Desiree Starr said. She is one of three singers in the six-member band that also features guitar, bass and drums.
The band just celebrated its 24th anniversary.
"We like to give it a little bit of a twist by incorporating some costume changes, some choreography, and making it more fun for your eyes, not just for your ears," she said, adding her personal favorites are music from Motown and Bruno Mars.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, both professionally and personally, for the band that normally plays up to 20 concerts per month in summer, Starr said. There were no concerts in June, and three to five concerts in the following months, she said. The concert in Barrington will be the band's first drive-in.
"We are trying to be very selective in taking shows that we know are being socially responsible and providing responsible ways for people to get together," she said. "I think it's awesome to see these municipalities that come up with unique ways to present entertainment for people, because everybody is dying to have some entertainment."
For tickets visit eventbrite.com/e/libido-funk-circus-at-the-barrington-metra-parking-lot-tickets-124598117323.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Watch live: Barrett says she would decide cases 'as they come'

WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett batted back Democrats ' skeptical questions on abortion , health care and a possible disputed election in a lively Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday , insisting she would bring no personal agenda to the court but would decide cases `` as they come . ''
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views with often colloquial language , but refused many specifics .
She declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving President Donald Trump , who nominated her to fill the seat of the late Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have her confirmed before the the Nov. 3 election .
`` Judges ca n't just wake up one day and say I have an agenda -- I like guns , I hate guns , I like abortion , I hate abortion -- and walk in like a royal queen and impose their will on the world , '' Barrett told the Senate Judiciary Committee during its second day of hearings .
`` It 's not the law of Amy , '' she said .
`` It 's the law of the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill mostly locked down with COVID-19 protocols , the mood quickly shifting to a more confrontational tone from opening day .
She was grilled in 30-minute segments by Democrats strongly opposed to Trump 's nominee yet unable to stop her .
Excited by the prospect of a conservative judge aligned with the late Antonin Scalia , Trump 's Republican allies are rushing ahead to install a 6-3 conservative court majority for years to come .
Trump has said he wants a justice seated for any disputes arising from his heated election with Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases .
Pressed by panel Democrats , she skipped over questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation , both set in federal law , and declined to commit to recusing herself from any post-election cases without first consulting the other justices .
`` I ca n't offer an opinion on recusal without short-circuiting that entire process , '' she said .
A frustrated Sen. Dianne Feinstein , the top Democrat on the panel , all but implored the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would handle landmark abortion cases , including Roe v. Wade and the follow-up Pennsylvania case Planned Parenthood v. Casey , which confirmed it in large part .
`` It 's distressing not to get a good answer , '' Feinstein told the judge .
Barrett was unmoved .
`` I do n't have an agenda to try to overrule Casey , '' she said .
`` I have an agenda to stick to the rule of law and decide cases as they come . ''
She later declined to characterize the Roe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` super-precedent '' that would not be overturned .
The committee chairman , Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , opened the day-long session under coronavirus protocols that kept it off limits to in-person attendance by members of the public .
Republicans have been focused on defending Barrett and her Catholic faith against possible criticism concerning issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage , and Graham asked if she would be able to shelve her personal beliefs to adhere to law .
`` I have done that , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said , `` I will do everything I can to make sure that you have a seat at the table .
And that table is the Supreme Court . ''
The Senate , led by Trump 's Republican allies , is pushing Barrett 's nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3 , and ahead of the latest challenge to the `` Obamacare '' Affordable Care Act , which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election .
`` I 'm not hostile to the ACA , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself from her past writings perceived as critical of the Obama-era health care law , saying those pieces were not addressing specific aspects of the law as she would if confirmed to the court .
`` I 'm not here on a mission to destroy the Affordable Care Act . ''
She appeared stumped when Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , tried to put her on the spot about several details of the health care law 's effects .
She could not recite specifics , including that 23 million people are covered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million young people are on their parents ' health insurance .
The Indiana judge , accompanied by her family , described herself as taking a conservative , originalist approach to the Constitution .
She told the senators that while she admires Scalia , her conservative mentor for whom she once clerked , she would bring her own approach .
`` You would not be getting Justice Scalia , you would be getting Justice Barrett , '' she declared .
Senators probed her views on gun ownership and racial equity , at one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seven , whose children include two adopted from Haiti , as she described watching the video of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police .
`` Racism persists , '' she said , adding that Floyd 's death had a `` very personal '' effect on her family and that she and her children wept over it .
But she told Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , that `` making broader diagnoses about the problem of racism is kind of beyond what I 'm capable of doing as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she held up a blank notebook , apparently showing she had been fielding questions without aid .
Overall , Barrett 's conservative views are at odds with the late Ginsburg , the liberal icon whose seat Trump nominated her to fill .
`` You would be the polar opposite of Justice Ginsburg , '' said Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. Barring a dramatic development , Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm Barrett to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court , and they spent their time portraying her as a thoughtful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Trump 's third justice .
Underscoring the Republicans ' confidence , Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday , the last day of hearings , which would allow final approval by the panel one week later and a vote for confirmation by the full Senate on Oct. 26 .
Protesters rallied outside the Senate building , unable to come inside the hearing room .
Other issues aside , Democrats are outraged that Republicans are moving so quickly , having refused to consider President Barack Obama 's nominee after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well before that year 's election .
Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman and Matthew Daly in Washington , and Elana Schor in New York contributed to this report .

Watch live: Barrett says she would decide cases 'as they come'
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett speaks Monday during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett batted back Democrats' skeptical questions on abortion, health care and a possible disputed election in a lively Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, insisting she would bring no personal agenda to the court but would decide cases "as they come."
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views with often colloquial language, but refused many specifics. She declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving President Donald Trump, who nominated her to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and is pressing to have her confirmed before the the Nov. 3 election.
"Judges can't just wake up one day and say I have an agenda -- I like guns, I hate guns, I like abortion, I hate abortion -- and walk in like a royal queen and impose their will on the world," Barrett told the Senate Judiciary Committee during its second day of hearings.
"It's not the law of Amy," she said. "It's the law of the American people."
Barrett returned to a Capitol Hill mostly locked down with COVID-19 protocols, the mood quickly shifting to a more confrontational tone from opening day. She was grilled in 30-minute segments by Democrats strongly opposed to Trump's nominee yet unable to stop her. Excited by the prospect of a conservative judge aligned with the late Antonin Scalia, Trump's Republican allies are rushing ahead to install a 6-3 conservative court majority for years to come.
Trump has said he wants a justice seated for any disputes arising from his heated election with Democrat Joe Biden, but Barret testified she has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases. Pressed by panel Democrats, she skipped over questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation, both set in federal law, and declined to commit to recusing herself from any post-election cases without first consulting the other justices.
"I can't offer an opinion on recusal without short-circuiting that entire process," she said.
A frustrated Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the panel, all but implored the nominee to be more specific about how she would handle landmark abortion cases, including Roe v. Wade and the follow-up Pennsylvania case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which confirmed it in large part.
"It's distressing not to get a good answer," Feinstein told the judge.
Barrett was unmoved. "I don't have an agenda to try to overrule Casey," she said. "I have an agenda to stick to the rule of law and decide cases as they come."
She later declined to characterize the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as a "super-precedent" that would not be overturned.
The committee chairman, Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, opened the day-long session under coronavirus protocols that kept it off limits to in-person attendance by members of the public.
Republicans have been focused on defending Barrett and her Catholic faith against possible criticism concerning issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage, and Graham asked if she would be able to shelve her personal beliefs to adhere to law.
"I have done that," she said. "I will do that still."
He said, "I will do everything I can to make sure that you have a seat at the table. And that table is the Supreme Court."
The Senate, led by Trump's Republican allies, is pushing Barrett's nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3, and ahead of the latest challenge to the "Obamacare" Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election.
"I'm not hostile to the ACA," Barrett told the senators. She distanced herself from her past writings perceived as critical of the Obama-era health care law, saying those pieces were not addressing specific aspects of the law as she would if confirmed to the court. "I'm not here on a mission to destroy the Affordable Care Act."
She appeared stumped when Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., tried to put her on the spot about several details of the health care law's effects. She could not recite specifics, including that 23 million people are covered by the law or that more than 2 million young people are on their parents' health insurance.
The Indiana judge, accompanied by her family, described herself as taking a conservative, originalist approach to the Constitution. She told the senators that while she admires Scalia, her conservative mentor for whom she once clerked, she would bring her own approach.
"You would not be getting Justice Scalia, you would be getting Justice Barrett," she declared.
Senators probed her views on gun ownership and racial equity, at one point drawing an emotional response from the mother of seven, whose children include two adopted from Haiti, as she described watching the video of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
"Racism persists," she said, adding that Floyd's death had a "very personal" effect on her family and that she and her children wept over it. But she told Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., that "making broader diagnoses about the problem of racism is kind of beyond what I'm capable of doing as a judge."
Republicans were thrilled when she held up a blank notebook, apparently showing she had been fielding questions without aid.
Overall, Barrett's conservative views are at odds with the late Ginsburg, the liberal icon whose seat Trump nominated her to fill.
"You would be the polar opposite of Justice Ginsburg," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm Barrett to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court, and they spent their time portraying her as a thoughtful judge with impeccable credentials. She would be Trump's third justice.
Underscoring the Republicans' confidence, Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday, the last day of hearings, which would allow final approval by the panel one week later and a vote for confirmation by the full Senate on Oct. 26.
Protesters rallied outside the Senate building, unable to come inside the hearing room.
Other issues aside, Democrats are outraged that Republicans are moving so quickly, having refused to consider President Barack Obama's nominee after Scalia's death in February 2016, well before that year's election.
Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman and Matthew Daly in Washington, and Elana Schor in New York contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Barrett nomination draws mixed reaction from Durbin and Curran, concern from Duckworth

Illinois ' two Democratic senators pushed back against the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court justice this week citing separate issues involving Obamacare and in vitro fertilization .
Sen. Dick Durbin of Springfield has warned that as the nominee of President Donald Trump , Barrett could cast a deciding vote that dismantles the Affordable Care Act and deprives myriad Americans of health care and preexisting condition protections .
The president `` has made it clear , he wants his Supreme Court and this nominee to join him in eliminating the Affordable Care Act , '' Durbin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He cited a tweet by Trump saying his `` judiciary appointments will do the right thing unlike Bush 's appointee ( Chief Justice ) John Roberts '' who upheld the law in 2012 .
`` Read the tweets , '' Durbin added at Tuesday 's hearing .
Earlier , he highlighted a Naperville family that includes three sons with cystic fibrosis and one with diabetes who depend on the ACA to protect their health insurance .
Barrett told lawmakers she had not been pressured or swayed to take certain positions on hot button @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have not made any comittment or deals or anything like that , '' Barrett said .
`` I 'm not here on a mission to destroy the Affordable Care Act .
I 'm just here to apply the law and adhere to the rule of law . ''
Durbin 's Republican opponent in the Senate race , Mark Curran of Libertyville , a former Lake County sheriff , said Democrats `` are trying to say ( Barrett ) would overturn the Affordable Care Act , and I disagree with that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe stomach and knee health issues , noted Barrett has a child with Down syndrome who `` will need a lifetime of commitment .
`` No fair person wants a system where preexisting conditions are n't covered .
For Senator Durbin to imply she would want that is outrageous . ''
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates wrote a letter to Republican senators Oct. 2 concerning Barrett 's 2006 support of a group that opposes abortion rights and in vitro fertilization .
Duckworth , a veteran who lost both her legs in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her two daughters .
`` I urge you to fully consider the message a vote in favor of a Supreme Court nominee who appears to believe that my daughters should n't even exist sends not only to me as a mother and as your colleague , but to parents-to-be around this country struggling with infertility and whose dreams may only be achieved through IVF or other technologies , '' Duckworth wrote .
Asked Tuesday about her views on IVF and abortion , Barrett answered that judges `` ca n't answer questions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of the judicial process .
An off-the-cuff reaction to that would circumvent the judicial process . ''
In a Sept. 26 White House ceremony welcoming Barrett , Trump said she `` will decide cases based on the text of the Constitution as written .
Judge Barrett was confirmed to the circuit court three years ago by a bipartisan vote .
Her qualifications are unsurpassed -- unsurpassed -- and her record is beyond reproach . ''

Barrett nomination draws mixed reaction from Durbin and Curran, concern from Duckworth
Illinois' two Democratic senators pushed back against the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court justice this week citing separate issues involving Obamacare and in vitro fertilization.
Sen. Dick Durbin of Springfield has warned that as the nominee of President Donald Trump, Barrett could cast a deciding vote that dismantles the Affordable Care Act and deprives myriad Americans of health care and preexisting condition protections.
The president "has made it clear, he wants his Supreme Court and this nominee to join him in eliminating the Affordable Care Act," Durbin said Monday during a Judiciary Committee hearing. He cited a tweet by Trump saying his "judiciary appointments will do the right thing unlike Bush's appointee (Chief Justice) John Roberts" who upheld the law in 2012.
"Read the tweets," Durbin added at Tuesday's hearing. Earlier, he highlighted a Naperville family that includes three sons with cystic fibrosis and one with diabetes who depend on the ACA to protect their health insurance.
Barrett told lawmakers she had not been pressured or swayed to take certain positions on hot button issues by the White House.
"I have not made any commitment or deals or anything like that," Barrett said. "I'm not here on a mission to destroy the Affordable Care Act. I'm just here to apply the law and adhere to the rule of law."
Durbin's Republican opponent in the Senate race, Mark Curran of Libertyville, a former Lake County sheriff, said Democrats "are trying to say (Barrett) would overturn the Affordable Care Act, and I disagree with that."
Curran, who has a son with severe stomach and knee health issues, noted Barrett has a child with Down syndrome who "will need a lifetime of commitment.
"No fair person wants a system where preexisting conditions aren't covered. For Senator Durbin to imply she would want that is outrageous."
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates wrote a letter to Republican senators Oct. 2 concerning Barrett's 2006 support of a group that opposes abortion rights and in vitro fertilization. Duckworth, a veteran who lost both her legs in the Iraq War, used IVF to conceive her two daughters.
"I urge you to fully consider the message a vote in favor of a Supreme Court nominee who appears to believe that my daughters shouldn't even exist sends not only to me as a mother and as your colleague, but to parents-to-be around this country struggling with infertility and whose dreams may only be achieved through IVF or other technologies," Duckworth wrote.
Asked Tuesday about her views on IVF and abortion, Barrett answered that judges "can't answer questions in the abstract that have to be decided in the course of the judicial process. An off-the-cuff reaction to that would circumvent the judicial process."
In a Sept. 26 White House ceremony welcoming Barrett, Trump said she "will decide cases based on the text of the Constitution as written. Judge Barrett was confirmed to the circuit court three years ago by a bipartisan vote. Her qualifications are unsurpassed -- unsurpassed -- and her record is beyond reproach."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Supreme Court says Trump administration can shut down census count now, despite fears of an undercou

WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration may shut down the census count now , after the Supreme Court on Tuesday put on hold a judicial order keeping the count going through the end of the month .
The court , as is common in emergency applications , did not provide a reason .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the only justice to record her dissent .
`` The harms caused by rushing this year 's census count are irreparable , '' Sotomayor wrote .
`` And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 9th Circuit ruled that the Commerce Department could not end the count in early October , as it had planned , and that it should continue until Oct. 31 .
But it also said the department could still try to meet a Dec. 31 deadline for delivering the count to the White House , and did not have to wait until April 30 to deliver it , as the district court said .
That timing is important .
The White House wants to send the population totals to Congress in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to remove unauthorized immigrants from the state counts .
Census data is used to determine a decade 's worth of federal funding , apportionment of House seats and state redistricting .
If Trump is not reelected , a delay much beyond Dec. 31 would mean that his opponent , Democrat Joe Biden , would make decisions about the count .
Plaintiffs , including the National Urban League , several jurisdictions and other groups , contend that a shortened timeline would result in an undercount of harder-to-count populations , including immigrants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of funding and representation .
After the 9th Circuit 's affirmation of part of U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh 's ruling that the count should continue , the Trump administration went to the Supreme Court .
Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall said Koh 's ruling `` exacerbates the serious risk '' that the Census Bureau will not be able to deliver the data by the Dec. 31 statutory deadline .
Wall said the court should not worry that the count is incomplete , saying , `` The district court disregarded the Bureau 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ census will reach levels of accuracy and completeness comparable to other recent censuses while still meeting the deadline . ''
Census experts and plaintiffs have said they are concerned that some households were counted inaccurately to reach the completion rate goals , citing enumerators and supervisors across the country who said they were told to cut corners and skip steps in the rush to bring all states to a 99 % completion rate .
`` As defendants ' own data shows , millions of Americans have now been counted only because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Urban League response to the government suit filed by lawyer Melissa Arbus Sherry .
`` And critical field work is ongoing , especially for those in hard-to-count populations .
Any stay would allow defendants to stop the 2020 Census count , shut down field operations , fire hundreds of thousands of employees , and start processing data the very next day .
There is no going back from that . ''
Congress could still approve a change to the statutory deadline .
A House coronavirus relief bill approved the change , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in support of it .

Supreme Court says Trump administration can shut down census count now, despite fears of an undercount
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration may shut down the census count now, after the Supreme Court on Tuesday put on hold a judicial order keeping the count going through the end of the month.
The court, as is common in emergency applications, did not provide a reason. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the only justice to record her dissent.
"The harms caused by rushing this year's census count are irreparable," Sotomayor wrote. "And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years."
A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that the Commerce Department could not end the count in early October, as it had planned, and that it should continue until Oct. 31. But it also said the department could still try to meet a Dec. 31 deadline for delivering the count to the White House, and did not have to wait until April 30 to deliver it, as the district court said.
That timing is important. The White House wants to send the population totals to Congress in January, and President Donald Trump has said he wants to remove unauthorized immigrants from the state counts.
Census data is used to determine a decade's worth of federal funding, apportionment of House seats and state redistricting. If Trump is not reelected, a delay much beyond Dec. 31 would mean that his opponent, Democrat Joe Biden, would make decisions about the count.
Plaintiffs, including the National Urban League, several jurisdictions and other groups, contend that a shortened timeline would result in an undercount of harder-to-count populations, including immigrants, minorities and lower-income groups, depriving them of funding and representation.
After the 9th Circuit's affirmation of part of U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh's ruling that the count should continue, the Trump administration went to the Supreme Court. Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall said Koh's ruling "exacerbates the serious risk" that the Census Bureau will not be able to deliver the data by the Dec. 31 statutory deadline.
Wall said the court should not worry that the count is incomplete, saying, "The district court disregarded the Bureau's successful efforts to ensure that the 2020 census will reach levels of accuracy and completeness comparable to other recent censuses while still meeting the deadline."
Census experts and plaintiffs have said they are concerned that some households were counted inaccurately to reach the completion rate goals, citing enumerators and supervisors across the country who said they were told to cut corners and skip steps in the rush to bring all states to a 99% completion rate.
"As defendants' own data shows, millions of Americans have now been counted only because of the district court's injunction," said the Urban League response to the government suit filed by lawyer Melissa Arbus Sherry.
"And critical field work is ongoing, especially for those in hard-to-count populations. Any stay would allow defendants to stop the 2020 Census count, shut down field operations, fire hundreds of thousands of employees, and start processing data the very next day. There is no going back from that."
Congress could still approve a change to the statutory deadline. A House coronavirus relief bill approved the change, and a bipartisan group of senators has come out in support of it.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Illinois surpasses 660K combined early, mail votes

SPRINGFIELD -- With just three weeks remaining before the Nov. 3 general election , more than 660,000 voters in Illinois already have cast ballots either through mail-in or early in-person voting , shattering previous records for advance voting , according to state election officials .
The Illinois State Board of Elections posted on its website Tuesday that 660,500 advance ballots already had been received by various local voting jurisdictions .
That included 482,848 mail ballots that either had been delivered to election authorities or had been deposited in a drop box .
That 's 22.4 % of the more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested so far .
In addition , 175,965 registered voters had cast ballots at in-person voting locations -- roughly double the number of early in-person votes cast at the same point in the 2016 election cycle -- and 1,687 `` grace period '' voters had registered to vote and voted in-person simultaneously .
`` Grace period '' voting in Illinois begins 27 days before an election , and it started Oct. 7 this year .
During that period , voters may no longer register to vote by mail but may register in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Online voter registration is available through Oct. 18 .
There were still 1.67 million other mail ballots as of Tuesday that had been sent out to voters but not yet returned , the state election board said .
Illinois is among a growing number of states that allow anyone to apply for a mail-in ballot .
Some other states require voters to prove that they are unable to vote in-person on Election Day , either because they will be out of town or have a disability , before they can receive a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting by mail has become more and more popular nationwide .
The previous record for Illinois was set just two years ago when approximately 430,000 votes , or about 9.3 % of all ballots , were cast by mail .
But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many states to expand mail balloting , including five states -- California , Nevada , Montana , New Jersey and Vermont -- that are conducting this year 's elections almost entirely by mail .
Meanwhile , Washington , Oregon , Utah and Colorado have been conducting elections almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other states , including Illinois , have greatly expanded access to mail-in ballots and in-person early voting in response to the pandemic , leading many observers to suggest that the 2020 election could be the first one in U.S. history in which more ballots are cast in advance than on Election Day .
As of Tuesday afternoon , according to the nonpartisan U.S .
Elections Project , more than 11.8 million voters nationwide already had cast their ballots .
In Illinois , the General Assembly passed a bill in May that required local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications to voters in the state that had participated in recent elections .
That bill also allowed counties to set up secure drop boxes where voters could deliver their ballots before Election Day .
Under Illinois law , all mail-in ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day are to be counted , as long as they arrive by Nov. 17 .
But state election board spokesman Matt Dietrich said it is still a good idea for voters to mark their ballots and return them to their local election officials as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be processed as soon as they are received , '' Dietrich said in an email to Capitol News Illinois .
`` That means the signature can be verified , the ballot deemed intact and run through a tabulator .
This is the same process that happens in early voting except that it 's an election judge , not the voter , who puts the ballot into the machine . ''
Applications for a mail ballot this year must be received by the election authority by Thursday , Oct. 29 .
Election officials strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail to apply for a ballot by Oct. 15 .
The only thing that ca n't be done until polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 , Dietrich said , is running totals for the votes marked on advance ballots .
For that reason , it is impossible to know which candidates are leading so far in Illinois .

Illinois surpasses 660K combined early, mail votes
The Illinois State Board of Elections reported on its website Tuesday that 660,500 advance ballots had already been received by various local voting jurisdictions.
SPRINGFIELD -- With just three weeks remaining before the Nov. 3 general election, more than 660,000 voters in Illinois already have cast ballots either through mail-in or early in-person voting, shattering previous records for advance voting, according to state election officials.
The Illinois State Board of Elections posted on its website Tuesday that 660,500 advance ballots already had been received by various local voting jurisdictions.
That included 482,848 mail ballots that either had been delivered to election authorities or had been deposited in a drop box. That's 22.4% of the more than 2.15 million mail ballots that have been requested so far.
In addition, 175,965 registered voters had cast ballots at in-person voting locations -- roughly double the number of early in-person votes cast at the same point in the 2016 election cycle -- and 1,687 "grace period" voters had registered to vote and voted in-person simultaneously.
"Grace period" voting in Illinois begins 27 days before an election, and it started Oct. 7 this year. During that period, voters may no longer register to vote by mail but may register in person and vote at an early voting location. Online voter registration is available through Oct. 18.
There were still 1.67 million other mail ballots as of Tuesday that had been sent out to voters but not yet returned, the state election board said.
Illinois is among a growing number of states that allow anyone to apply for a mail-in ballot. Some other states require voters to prove that they are unable to vote in-person on Election Day, either because they will be out of town or have a disability, before they can receive a mail ballot.
In recent years, voting by mail has become more and more popular nationwide. The previous record for Illinois was set just two years ago when approximately 430,000 votes, or about 9.3% of all ballots, were cast by mail.
But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many states to expand mail balloting, including five states -- California, Nevada, Montana, New Jersey and Vermont -- that are conducting this year's elections almost entirely by mail. Meanwhile, Washington, Oregon, Utah and Colorado have been conducting elections almost entirely by mail for several years.
Other states, including Illinois, have greatly expanded access to mail-in ballots and in-person early voting in response to the pandemic, leading many observers to suggest that the 2020 election could be the first one in U.S. history in which more ballots are cast in advance than on Election Day.
As of Tuesday afternoon, according to the nonpartisan U.S. Elections Project, more than 11.8 million voters nationwide already had cast their ballots.
In Illinois, the General Assembly passed a bill in May that required local election officials to automatically send advance ballot applications to voters in the state that had participated in recent elections. That bill also allowed counties to set up secure drop boxes where voters could deliver their ballots before Election Day.
Under Illinois law, all mail-in ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day are to be counted, as long as they arrive by Nov. 17. But state election board spokesman Matt Dietrich said it is still a good idea for voters to mark their ballots and return them to their local election officials as soon as possible.
"Mail ballots can be processed as soon as they are received," Dietrich said in an email to Capitol News Illinois. "That means the signature can be verified, the ballot deemed intact and run through a tabulator. This is the same process that happens in early voting except that it's an election judge, not the voter, who puts the ballot into the machine."
Applications for a mail ballot this year must be received by the election authority by Thursday, Oct. 29. Election officials strongly urge anyone who plans to vote by mail to apply for a ballot by Oct. 15.
The only thing that can't be done until polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, Dietrich said, is running totals for the votes marked on advance ballots. For that reason, it is impossible to know which candidates are leading so far in Illinois.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Retiree checks to rise 1.3% in 2021 amid coronavirus fallout

WASHINGTON -- Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3 % cost-of living-increase in 2021 , but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus and its consequences for older people .
The increase amounts to $ 20 a month for the average retired worker , according to estimates released Tuesday by the Social Security Administration .
That 's a little less than this year 's 1.6 % cost-of-living adjustment , or COLA .
The COLA affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans , including Social Security recipients , disabled veterans and federal retirees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The economic fallout from the virus has reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare , likely worsening their long-term financial condition .
But there 's been no real discussion of either program in the personally charged election contest between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden .
`` It 's very difficult to talk about anything policy-wise , '' said Mary Johnson , an analyst with the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League .
`` We are looking at a period where there are growing inadequacies in Social Security benefits , particularly for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just-announced COLA , the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $ 1,543 a month next year .
A typical couple 's benefits would increase $ 33 to $ 2,596 per month .
`` The guaranteed benefits provided by Social Security and the COLA increase are more crucial than ever as millions of Americans continue to face the one-two punch of the coronavirus 's health and economic consequences , '' said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins .
But Diana LaCroix , of Omaha , Nebraska , says her COLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most years .
And she has new responsibilities .
Her youngest daughter and two grandsons moved in with her this summer after the daughter 's landlord decided to sell the house they were renting .
LaCroix , retired from customer service jobs , is now buying diapers some days as she scrounges for good deals on hand sanitizer .
`` Something 's got to give , '' she said .
`` Something 's got to change . ''
People 65 and older went for Trump in 2016 , but this election some polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , or ahead .
Trump has kept his promise not to cut Social Security benefits , but this summer he sent confusing signals with a plan to temporarily suspend collection of certain taxes that fund the program .
While the White House staff said it was a limited measure that would have no lasting impact , Trump kept hinting to reporters that he had much bigger tax cuts in mind .
Early in the year , he told an interviewer he wanted to tackle `` entitlements , '' or benefit programs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Social Security plan that would revamp the COLA and peg it to an inflation index that more closely reflects changes in costs for older people , particularly health care .
That 's been a priority for advocates .
He would also increase minimum benefits for lower-income retirees , addressing financial hardship among the elderly .
The former vice president would raise Social Security taxes by applying the payroll tax to earnings above $ 400,000 a year .
The 12.4 % tax , equally distributed among employees and employers , currently only applies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person 's earnings .
The tax increase would pay for Biden 's proposed benefit expansions and also extend the life of program 's trust fund by five years , to 2040 , according to the nonpartisan Urban Institute .
Jane Whilden lives in a household that leans heavily on Social Security .
The southern New Jersey resident retired early from a local government job to serve as the main caregiver for her family , including her mother and her husband , a retired trucker .
The program should be at the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` Everybody 's getting older , and we need to know what 's going on , '' said Whilden .
`` I have n't heard what they 're going to do .
You just hear all sorts of negative things . ''
The COLA is only part of the annual financial calculation for seniors .
Medicare 's `` Part B '' premium for outpatient care usually gets announced in the fall as well .
That amount generally increases , so at least some of any additional Social Security raise goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premium for 2021 has not been released yet , but there 's been concern that some emergency actions the government took in response to the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a big jump .
That prompted Congress to pass recent election-year legislation that limits next year 's premium increase but gradually collects the full amount later on under a repayment mechanism .
`` There 's a lot of uncertainty with regard to the effect of the coronavirus on the cost of the premium for next year , '' said Casey Schwarz , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy group .
The Medicare monthly premium is now $ 144.60 .
This story has been corrected to reflect that Diana LaCroix 's youngest daughter -- not the eldest -- moved in with her .

Retiree checks to rise 1.3% in 2021 amid coronavirus fallout
The economic fallout from the virus has reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare, likely worsening their long-term financial condition. Associated Press/Feb. 11, 2005
WASHINGTON -- Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus and its consequences for older people.
The increase amounts to $20 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Tuesday by the Social Security Administration. That's a little less than this year's 1.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.
The COLA affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans, including Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees, some 70 million people in all.
The economic fallout from the virus has reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare, likely worsening their long-term financial condition. But there's been no real discussion of either program in the personally charged election contest between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
"It's very difficult to talk about anything policy-wise," said Mary Johnson, an analyst with the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League. "We are looking at a period where there are growing inadequacies in Social Security benefits, particularly for people with lower-to-middle benefits."
With the just-announced COLA, the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,543 a month next year. A typical couple's benefits would increase $33 to $2,596 per month.
"The guaranteed benefits provided by Social Security and the COLA increase are more crucial than ever as millions of Americans continue to face the one-two punch of the coronavirus's health and economic consequences," said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins.
But Diana LaCroix, of Omaha, Nebraska, says her COLA doesn't cushion rising health care costs most years. And she has new responsibilities. Her youngest daughter and two grandsons moved in with her this summer after the daughter's landlord decided to sell the house they were renting.
LaCroix, retired from customer service jobs, is now buying diapers some days as she scrounges for good deals on hand sanitizer. "Something's got to give," she said. "Something's got to change."
People 65 and older went for Trump in 2016, but this election some polls show Biden even with Trump among older voters, or ahead.
Trump has kept his promise not to cut Social Security benefits, but this summer he sent confusing signals with a plan to temporarily suspend collection of certain taxes that fund the program. While the White House staff said it was a limited measure that would have no lasting impact, Trump kept hinting to reporters that he had much bigger tax cuts in mind. Early in the year, he told an interviewer he wanted to tackle "entitlements," or benefit programs, in a second term.
Biden has a Social Security plan that would revamp the COLA and peg it to an inflation index that more closely reflects changes in costs for older people, particularly health care. That's been a priority for advocates. He would also increase minimum benefits for lower-income retirees, addressing financial hardship among the elderly.
The former vice president would raise Social Security taxes by applying the payroll tax to earnings above $400,000 a year. The 12.4% tax, equally distributed among employees and employers, currently only applies to the first $137,700 of a person's earnings. The tax increase would pay for Biden's proposed benefit expansions and also extend the life of program's trust fund by five years, to 2040, according to the nonpartisan Urban Institute.
Jane Whilden lives in a household that leans heavily on Social Security. The southern New Jersey resident retired early from a local government job to serve as the main caregiver for her family, including her mother and her husband, a retired trucker.
The program should be at the top of the list for the presidential candidates, she said.
"Everybody's getting older, and we need to know what's going on," said Whilden. "I haven't heard what they're going to do. You just hear all sorts of negative things."
The COLA is only part of the annual financial calculation for seniors. Medicare's "Part B" premium for outpatient care usually gets announced in the fall as well. That amount generally increases, so at least some of any additional Social Security raise goes to health care premiums.
The Medicare premium for 2021 has not been released yet, but there's been concern that some emergency actions the government took in response to the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a big jump. That prompted Congress to pass recent election-year legislation that limits next year's premium increase but gradually collects the full amount later on under a repayment mechanism.
"There's a lot of uncertainty with regard to the effect of the coronavirus on the cost of the premium for next year," said Casey Schwarz, a policy expert with the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. The Medicare monthly premium is now $144.60.
This story has been corrected to reflect that Diana LaCroix's youngest daughter -- not the eldest -- moved in with her.