dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--What's behind Chicago's looting spree, and why this one is different

Law enforcement experts , activists and academics are calling looting in and near downtown Chicago early Monday morning criminal acts that have nothing to do with protests against police violence and racism .
`` They 're not protesters , they 're criminals and they 're taking advantage of this movement , '' said David Dial , chair of the criminal justice department at Aurora University and former Naperville police chief .
`` This is no help at all and detracts from the movement , and these people may not even believe in the movement . ''
More than 100 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were shot and more than a dozen police officers were injured as scores of stores were looted early Monday along Chicago 's Magnificent Mile and at a strip mall in the city 's Old Town neighborhood just north of downtown .
Some blamed the unrest on a police shooting in the city 's Englewood neighborhood Sunday evening , while others noted the spree was organized on social media sites .
`` This act of pillaging , robbing & looting in Chicago was humiliating , embarrassing & morally wrong , '' the Rev .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It must not be associated with our quest for social justice and equality . ''
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown cast blame on Cook County State 's Attorney Kim Foxx over her record of dropping felony cases during her first term in office and accused her office of not prosecuting looters from earlier civic upheaval this summer .
`` Criminals took to the streets with the confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions , '' Brown said .
Foxx defended her record later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming to court now , we are now in the August hearing and status dates , '' she said , making a point to add that none of the cases were dropped .
Fred Markowitz , a professor of sociology with an emphasis in criminology at Northern Illinois University , said it 's unlikely Monday 's looters were motivated by a lack of consequences by law enforcement .
`` I 'm reasonably confident that when it comes to committing crimes , in the minds of the person contemplating that , there is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the chances of getting arrested and having charges dropped are , '' he said .
`` I really do n't think they 're thinking that . ''
Markowitz said there is very little in common between Monday 's looting spree and property damage and looting associated with protests against police violence earlier this summer in Chicago and in cities around the nation .
`` What happened yesterday took a different turn and does n't seem directly related to the police violence protests that we 've seen over the summer , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are impulsive to begin with , and their inability to think things through is sort of what leads them down the road of crime instead of a law abiding path in the first place . ''
Dial said the organization of the looters and targeting more upscale businesses should concern suburban law enforcement , as well .
`` This is an important time for police to have great partners in their communities and get a handle on this before it really gets out of hand , '' he said .
Several suburban agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrols .
`` So far we have not seen any indication that there 's a plan for increased violence in the suburban areas , '' Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall said .
`` Obviously , we are prepared if that should change . ''
• Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson and ABC 7 Chicago contributed to this report .

What's behind Chicago's looting spree, and why this one is different
People board up a Louis Vuitton store on the Magnificent Mile after looting broke out overnight in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Courtesy of Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Law enforcement experts, activists and academics are calling looting in and near downtown Chicago early Monday morning criminal acts that have nothing to do with protests against police violence and racism.
"They're not protesters, they're criminals and they're taking advantage of this movement," said David Dial, chair of the criminal justice department at Aurora University and former Naperville police chief. "This is no help at all and detracts from the movement, and these people may not even believe in the movement."
More than 100 people were arrested, at least two people were shot and more than a dozen police officers were injured as scores of stores were looted early Monday along Chicago's Magnificent Mile and at a strip mall in the city's Old Town neighborhood just north of downtown.
Some blamed the unrest on a police shooting in the city's Englewood neighborhood Sunday evening, while others noted the spree was organized on social media sites.
"This act of pillaging, robbing & looting in Chicago was humiliating, embarrassing & morally wrong," the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. said on Twitter. "It must not be associated with our quest for social justice and equality."
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown cast blame on Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx over her record of dropping felony cases during her first term in office and accused her office of not prosecuting looters from earlier civic upheaval this summer.
"Criminals took to the streets with the confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions," Brown said.
Foxx defended her record later in the day.
"Those cases are coming to court now, we are now in the August hearing and status dates," she said, making a point to add that none of the cases were dropped.
Fred Markowitz, a professor of sociology with an emphasis in criminology at Northern Illinois University, said it's unlikely Monday's looters were motivated by a lack of consequences by law enforcement.
"I'm reasonably confident that when it comes to committing crimes, in the minds of the person contemplating that, there is very little, if any, thought to what the chances of getting arrested and having charges dropped are," he said. "I really don't think they're thinking that."
Markowitz said there is very little in common between Monday's looting spree and property damage and looting associated with protests against police violence earlier this summer in Chicago and in cities around the nation.
"What happened yesterday took a different turn and doesn't seem directly related to the police violence protests that we've seen over the summer," he added. "People who commit crimes are impulsive to begin with, and their inability to think things through is sort of what leads them down the road of crime instead of a law abiding path in the first place."
Dial said the organization of the looters and targeting more upscale businesses should concern suburban law enforcement, as well.
"This is an important time for police to have great partners in their communities and get a handle on this before it really gets out of hand," he said.
Several suburban agencies noted they have plans to beef up patrols.
"So far we have not seen any indication that there's a plan for increased violence in the suburban areas," Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall said. "Obviously, we are prepared if that should change."
• Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson and ABC 7 Chicago contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Kane County is ready for votes by mail

Kane County is ready for votes by mail

More than 60,000 Kane County voters have requested mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election , up dramatically from the roughly 10,000 such requests for the 2016 presidential election .
In DuPage County , such requests already have doubled from 32,000 in 2016 to roughly 64,000 for November , and voters may request a vote-by-mail ballot up to five days before the election .
Suburban county clerk offices are responding to the mail-in voting surge by purchasing new mail sorting equipment and printers and hiring temporary staff .
Kane County Clerk John `` Jack '' Cunningham 's office has spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to reduce the time it takes to count each ballot , while also taking steps to combat potential fraud and mailing ballots to those who request them .
`` It seems to be the trend nationally , '' Cunningham said of vote-by-mail , pointing to states such as Oregon and Colorado .
`` We 've been looking into this for two years .
We hopefully have covered a lot of areas where fraud can happen . ''
During a tour Monday , Cunningham showed how a $ 475,000 machine called the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per minute , compared to the 15 minutes it would take for a human to open , verify and tabulate each mail-in ballot .
As a sealed ballot whisks through the machine , it takes a photo of a voter 's signature on the outside envelop and compares it to the signature in the clerk 's office 's voter registration database .
After the signature is verified , the unopened ballot will go to a panel of three election judges , each featuring at least one Democrat and one Republican .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signature , the ballot is sent through the machine again where it is opened and then counted , preserving the anonymity of each ballot .
Cunningham 's office also spent $ 475,000 on a machine used to insert each ballot -- which also has its own unique bar code -- into an envelope to be sent out by mail .
He said his office spent $ 15,000 on a machine that folds the ballots into an envelope that only costs 50 cents to mail , compared to $ 1.50 per ballot if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will learn in October or November if they landed state and federal grants to pay for the equipment .
President Donald Trump has said the November election will be the most `` corrupt '' ever .
But Cunningham said he has faith in his office 's preparations and in the safeguards in place in Kane County .
`` We 're ahead of every other county in the state of Illinois , '' Cunningham said .
`` I 'm more worried about human error than voter fraud .
The system we have now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state . ''
DuPage Deputy Clerk Adam Johnson said his clerk 's office also has purchased new mail-sorting equipment and printers , hired additional temporary staff and mailed vote-by-mail application to every registered voter in the county .
`` The county board has expressed its support for spending up to $ 3.5 million of CARES Act funds on additional election-related expenses , '' Johnson wrote in an email .
`` Additional purchases and expenditures will continue to be made between now and November to ensure the successful administration of the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a system where voters can track their ballot status online , via email or text messages .
Cunningham said he does not have a completion date , but said it will be done by the election .

Kane County is ready for votes by mail
More than 60,000 Kane County voters have requested mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election, up dramatically from the roughly 10,000 such requests for the 2016 presidential election.
In DuPage County, such requests already have doubled from 32,000 in 2016 to roughly 64,000 for November, and voters may request a vote-by-mail ballot up to five days before the election.
Suburban county clerk offices are responding to the mail-in voting surge by purchasing new mail sorting equipment and printers and hiring temporary staff.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer A new ballot sorter is among the equipment recently acquired by the Kane County Clerk's office to quickly and accurately process mail-in ballots for Nov. 3 election.
Kane County Clerk John "Jack" Cunningham's office has spent nearly $1 million on new equipment designed to reduce the time it takes to count each ballot, while also taking steps to combat potential fraud and mailing ballots to those who request them.
"It seems to be the trend nationally," Cunningham said of vote-by-mail, pointing to states such as Oregon and Colorado. "We've been looking into this for two years. We hopefully have covered a lot of areas where fraud can happen."
During a tour Monday, Cunningham showed how a $475,000 machine called the "Vantage Sorter" can process 600 ballots per minute, compared to the 15 minutes it would take for a human to open, verify and tabulate each mail-in ballot.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Hundreds of ballots stream through a new sorter recently acquired by the Kane County Clerk's office to quickly and accurately process mail-in ballots for Nov. 3 election. The sorter is able to verify signatures on the envelopes with current voter roles and then sort the envelopes by precinct before then are opened and counted.
As a sealed ballot whisks through the machine, it takes a photo of a voter's signature on the outside envelop and compares it to the signature in the clerk's office's voter registration database. After the signature is verified, the unopened ballot will go to a panel of three election judges, each featuring at least one Democrat and one Republican.
After the panel gives a second-step verification of the signature, the ballot is sent through the machine again where it is opened and then counted, preserving the anonymity of each ballot.
Cunningham's office also spent $475,000 on a machine used to insert each ballot -- which also has its own unique bar code -- into an envelope to be sent out by mail.
He said his office spent $15,000 on a machine that folds the ballots into an envelope that only costs 50 cents to mail, compared to $1.50 per ballot if it was in a larger envelope.
Officials will learn in October or November if they landed state and federal grants to pay for the equipment.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham talks about some of the changes implemented to process mail-in ballots for Nov. 3 election. See more at dailyherald.com/video.
President Donald Trump has said the November election will be the most "corrupt" ever. But Cunningham said he has faith in his office's preparations and in the safeguards in place in Kane County.
"We're ahead of every other county in the state of Illinois," Cunningham said. "I'm more worried about human error than voter fraud. The system we have now is more foolproof than any other system in the state."
DuPage Deputy Clerk Adam Johnson said his clerk's office also has purchased new mail-sorting equipment and printers, hired additional temporary staff and mailed vote-by-mail application to every registered voter in the county.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Raymond Esquivel of the Kane County Clerk's office explains how a new sorter works with mail-in ballots.
"The county board has expressed its support for spending up to $3.5 million of CARES Act funds on additional election-related expenses," Johnson wrote in an email. "Additional purchases and expenditures will continue to be made between now and November to ensure the successful administration of the election."
Cunningham's office also is working on a system where voters can track their ballot status online, via email or text messages.
Cunningham said he does not have a completion date, but said it will be done by the election.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Eatery with Korean influence will replace Nikko's in Prospect Heights

An independently owned spinoff of Ttowa Korean Bistro in downtown Arlington Heights -- albeit with a more eclectic culinary identity -- is expected to open in the former Nikko 's restaurant in Prospect Heights near Hersey High School early next year .
Prospect Heights aldermen unanimously approved the plan for Park Local Kitchen & Cocktails to occupy the existing 3,800-square-foot building at 1421 N. Rand Road after an anticipated $ 400,000 investment in its renovation .
Though Mayor Nicholas Helmer did n't join the vote , he did add his endorsement to the approval .
`` It 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helmer said `` I 'm looking forward to it . ''
The new restaurant will be owned by Jay Brizzolara .
Though he does n't have an ownership stake in Ttowa Korean Bistro , Brizzolara said the two businesses will share a chef , Terry Park , who has worked at the Arlington Heights restaurant for nine years .
Though the new venture will have a Korean influence , its food is also intended to appeal to customers unfamiliar with that style of cuisine .
Brizzolara added that the restaurant hopes to attract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students from the nearby high school , with affordable lunch specials .
`` We just want it to be a good , local hangout , '' Brizzolara said .
`` We want it to have innovative food .
That 's our vision of it . ''
Among the extensive changes to the building will be the replacement of the current drive-up area with a covered area for seasonal outdoor dining .
Once building permits are obtained from the city , the renovation is expected to take four or five months , Brizzolara said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the southeast corner of Rand Road and Thomas Street for more than 30 years before it closed in mid-June after its third owner sold the building to the party behind Park Local .
Young Song , who ran Nikko 's for the past 15 years , cited the reasons for his moving on as both the economic impact he felt from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as -- at age 62 -- his desire to retire from the restaurant industry .

Eatery with Korean influence will replace Nikko's in Prospect Heights
An independently owned spinoff of Ttowa Korean Bistro in downtown Arlington Heights -- albeit with a more eclectic culinary identity -- is expected to open in the former Nikko's restaurant in Prospect Heights near Hersey High School early next year.
Prospect Heights aldermen unanimously approved the plan for Park Local Kitchen & Cocktails to occupy the existing 3,800-square-foot building at 1421 N. Rand Road after an anticipated $400,000 investment in its renovation.
Though Mayor Nicholas Helmer didn't join the vote, he did add his endorsement to the approval.
"It's going to be a very nice place," Helmer said "I'm looking forward to it."
The new restaurant will be owned by Jay Brizzolara. Though he doesn't have an ownership stake in Ttowa Korean Bistro, Brizzolara said the two businesses will share a chef, Terry Park, who has worked at the Arlington Heights restaurant for nine years.
Though the new venture will have a Korean influence, its food is also intended to appeal to customers unfamiliar with that style of cuisine. Brizzolara added that the restaurant hopes to attract a wide range of customers, including students from the nearby high school, with affordable lunch specials.
"We just want it to be a good, local hangout," Brizzolara said. "We want it to have innovative food. That's our vision of it."
Among the extensive changes to the building will be the replacement of the current drive-up area with a covered area for seasonal outdoor dining.
Once building permits are obtained from the city, the renovation is expected to take four or five months, Brizzolara said.
Nikko's was a staple of the southeast corner of Rand Road and Thomas Street for more than 30 years before it closed in mid-June after its third owner sold the building to the party behind Park Local.
Young Song, who ran Nikko's for the past 15 years, cited the reasons for his moving on as both the economic impact he felt from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as -- at age 62 -- his desire to retire from the restaurant industry.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Mundelein may create new taxing district to promote redevelopment on south side

@ Mundelein_IL may create new taxing district to promote redevelopment along Townline Road Mundelein officials are considering creating a special taxing district to help fund public improvements in the high-traffic commercial zone on the village 's south side .
But approval of a tax increment financing district for the area would be months away and would follow many public discussions and talks with the government agencies that would be financially affected by the plan .
Officials are focusing on commercial property along the south side of Townline Road -- also known as Route 60 -- between the merged Route 60/83 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some properties to the south .
The biggest single property in the zone is the 42-acre Oak Creek Plaza shopping center , which is on the south side of Route 60 and just east of Route 45 .
Redeveloping the shopping center long has been a primary goal at village hall .
Although some free-standing restaurants near the front of the plaza operate , the center 's contiguous storefronts have stood vacant for years .
Texas-based developer D.R .
Horton wants to build single-family houses and townhouses on the plaza site , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village officials think a TIF district could encourage activity there and to the west , where Elly 's Pancake House , Empire Buffet , Prestige Auto Spa and other businesses operate .
Officials discussed their options Monday night during a committee-of-the-whole meeting held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis .
Consultant Robert Rychlicki of the Kane , McKenna and Associates financial services firm also spoke about the plan .
In a TIF district , tax revenue generated by a property 's increasing value or new development is diverted to a fund that pays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other projects .
Annual tax payments to government agencies such as the village , schools , libraries and park districts are frozen at pre-TIF levels until the district expires .
TIF districts legally can last 23 years or longer .
To qualify for TIF status , properties must legally qualify as blighted .
Rychlicki said the sites being eyed qualify because they have inadequate utilities and excessive vacancies , they 're functionally obsolete and they 're physically deteriorating .
Mayor Steve Lentz spoke in favor of the concept .
`` There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , '' he said .
Trustees Kerston Russell , Kara Lambert and Ray Semple all quickly voiced support for the plan , too .
But Trustees Robin Meier , Erich Schwenk and Dawn Abernathy were hesitant , saying they first want a policy ensuring developers would pay for work and be reimbursed with TIF district funds rather than having the village front the money .
`` I wo n't support a TIF without some sort of policy about how reimbursements are going to be made , '' Meier said .
Occasionally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in TIF districts object to such plans because their tax revenue is affected .
Meetings with such agencies will be scheduled , officials said .
Mundelein already has two TIF districts , both in the downtown area .

Mundelein may create new taxing district to promote redevelopment on south side
Mundelein officials are considering creating a special taxing district to help fund public improvements in the high-traffic commercial zone on the village's south side.
But approval of a tax increment financing district for the area would be months away and would follow many public discussions and talks with the government agencies that would be financially affected by the plan.
Officials are focusing on commercial property along the south side of Townline Road -- also known as Route 60 -- between the merged Route 60/83 and Butterfield Road, as well as some properties to the south.
The biggest single property in the zone is the 42-acre Oak Creek Plaza shopping center, which is on the south side of Route 60 and just east of Route 45.
Redeveloping the shopping center long has been a primary goal at village hall. Although some free-standing restaurants near the front of the plaza operate, the center's contiguous storefronts have stood vacant for years.
Texas-based developer D.R. Horton wants to build single-family houses and townhouses on the plaza site, but that proposal hasn't been finalized.
Village officials think a TIF district could encourage activity there and to the west, where Elly's Pancake House, Empire Buffet, Prestige Auto Spa and other businesses operate.
Officials discussed their options Monday night during a committee-of-the-whole meeting held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis. Consultant Robert Rychlicki of the Kane, McKenna and Associates financial services firm also spoke about the plan.
In a TIF district, tax revenue generated by a property's increasing value or new development is diverted to a fund that pays for land purchases, infrastructure improvements and other projects. Annual tax payments to government agencies such as the village, schools, libraries and park districts are frozen at pre-TIF levels until the district expires.
TIF districts legally can last 23 years or longer.
To qualify for TIF status, properties must legally qualify as blighted. Rychlicki said the sites being eyed qualify because they have inadequate utilities and excessive vacancies, they're functionally obsolete and they're physically deteriorating.
Mayor Steve Lentz spoke in favor of the concept.
"There's a need for great investments in public improvements there," he said.
Trustees Kerston Russell, Kara Lambert and Ray Semple all quickly voiced support for the plan, too. But Trustees Robin Meier, Erich Schwenk and Dawn Abernathy were hesitant, saying they first want a policy ensuring developers would pay for work and be reimbursed with TIF district funds rather than having the village front the money.
"I won't support a TIF without some sort of policy about how reimbursements are going to be made," Meier said.
Occasionally, officials with government agencies that are included in TIF districts object to such plans because their tax revenue is affected. Meetings with such agencies will be scheduled, officials said.
Mundelein already has two TIF districts, both in the downtown area.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Biden selects California Sen. Kamala Harris as running mate

WILMINGTON , Del .
-- Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday , making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party 's presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role Black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump .
In choosing Harris , Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the unique rigor of a national campaign .
Harris , a 55-year-old first-term senator , is also one of the party 's most prominent figures and quickly became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 spot after her own White House campaign ended .
Harris joins Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of unprecedented national crisis .
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in the U.S. , far more than the toll experienced in other countries .
Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused an economic collapse .
Unrest , meanwhile , has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality .
Trump 's uneven handling of the crises has given Biden an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign in strong position against the president .
In adding Harris to the ticket , he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as health care and her background in law enforcement in the nation 's largest state .
Harris ' record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinized during the Democratic primary and turned off some liberals and younger Black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of systemic racism in the legal system and police brutality .
She tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , declaring herself a `` progressive prosecutor '' who backs law enforcement reforms .
Biden , who spent eight years as President Barack Obama 's vice president , has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House .
He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president , easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would center on two white men in their 70s .
Biden 's search was expansive , including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a leading progressive , Florida Rep. Val @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won plaudits , California Rep. Karen Bass , who leads the Congressional Black Caucus , former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , whose passionate response to unrest in her city garnered national attention .
Another name often mentioned was that of Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth .
`` I look forward to working as hard as I can to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , '' the Hoffman Estates Democrat said Tuesday .
`` Our nation needs a president -- and our troops deserve a commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective and has the empathy needed to lead this great , diverse country through these difficult times . ''
A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States .
Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets : Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008 .
Their party lost in the general election .
The vice presidential pick carries increased significance this year .
If elected , Biden would be 78 when he 's inaugurated in January , the oldest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's spoken of himself as a transitional figure and has n't fully committed to seeking a second term in 2024 .
If he declines to do so , his running mate would likely become a front-runner for the nomination that year .
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother , Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco 's district attorney .
In the role , she created a reentry program for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy .
She was elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first woman and Black person to hold the job , and focused on issues including the foreclosure crisis .
She declined to defend the state 's Proposition 8 , which banned same-sex marriage and was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court .
As her national profile grew , Harris built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor .
After being elected to the Senate in 2016 , she quickly gained attention for her assertive questioning of Trump administration officials during congressional hearings .
In one memorable moment last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she repeatedly pressed him on whether Trump or other White House officials pressured him to investigate certain people .
Harris launched her presidential campaign in early 2019 with the slogan `` Kamala Harris For the People , '' a reference to her courtroom work .
She was one of the highest-profile contenders in a crowded Democratic primary and attracted 20,000 people to her first campaign rally in Oakland .
But the early promise of her campaign eventually faded .
Her law enforcement background prompted skepticism from some progressives , and she struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resonated with voters .
Facing fundraising problems , Harris abruptly withdrew from the race in December 2019 , two months before the first votes of the primary were cast .
One of Harris ' standout moments of her presidential campaign came at the expense of Biden .
During a debate , Harris said Biden made `` very hurtful '' comments about his past work with segregationist senators and slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate in the 1970s .
`` There was a little girl in California who was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her public schools , and she was bused to school every day , '' she said .
`` And that little girl was me . ''
Shaken by the attack , Biden called her comments `` a mischaracterization of my position . ''
The exchange resurfaced recently one of Biden 's closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee , former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd , still harbors concerns about the debate and that Harris had n't expressed regret .
The comments attributed to Dodd and first reported by Politico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women who said Harris was being held to a standard that would n't apply to a man running for president .
Some Biden confidants said Harris ' campaign attack did irritate the former vice president , who had a friendly relationship with her .
Harris was also close with Biden 's late son , Beau , who served as Delaware attorney general while she held the same post in California .
But Biden and Harris have since returned to a warm relationship .
`` Joe has empathy , he has a proven track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before we need a president of the United States who understands who the people are , sees them where they are , and has a genuine desire to help and knows how to fight to get us where we need to be , '' Harris said at an event for Biden earlier this summer .
At the same event , she bluntly attacked Trump , labeling him a `` drug pusher '' for his promotion of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the coronavirus , which has not been proved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more harmful .
After Trump tweeted `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts '' in response to protests about the death of George Floyd , a Black man , in police custody , Harris said his remarks `` yet again show what racism looks like . ''
Harris has taken a tougher stand on policing since Floyd 's killing .
She co-sponsored legislation in June that would ban police from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants , set a national use-of-force standard and create a national police misconduct registry , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the qualified immunity system that shields officers from liability .
The list included practices Harris did not vocally fight to reform while leading California 's Department of Justice .
Although she required DOJ officers to wear body cameras , she did not support legislation mandating it statewide .
And while she now wants independent investigations of police shootings , she did n't support a 2015 California bill that would have required her office to take on such cases .
`` We made progress , but clearly we are not at the place yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be and California is no exception , '' she told The Associated Press recently .
But the national focus on racial injustice now shows `` there 's no reason that we have to continue to wait . ''

Biden selects California Sen. Kamala Harris as running mate
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., participate in the second of two Democratic presidential primary debates hosted by CNN Wednesday, July 31, 2019, in the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Associated Press
In this June 16, 2020, photo, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., asks a question during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on police use of force and community relations on on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden has chosen Harris as his running mate. Associated Press
WILMINGTON, Del. -- Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party's presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role Black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump.
In choosing Harris, Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the unique rigor of a national campaign. Harris, a 55-year-old first-term senator, is also one of the party's most prominent figures and quickly became a top contender for the No. 2 spot after her own White House campaign ended.
Harris joins Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of unprecedented national crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in the U.S., far more than the toll experienced in other countries. Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused an economic collapse. Unrest, meanwhile, has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality.
Trump's uneven handling of the crises has given Biden an opening, and he enters the fall campaign in strong position against the president. In adding Harris to the ticket, he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as health care and her background in law enforcement in the nation's largest state.
Harris' record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinized during the Democratic primary and turned off some liberals and younger Black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of systemic racism in the legal system and police brutality. She tried to strike a balance on these issues, declaring herself a "progressive prosecutor" who backs law enforcement reforms.
Biden, who spent eight years as President Barack Obama's vice president, has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House. He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president, easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would center on two white men in their 70s.
Biden's search was expansive, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading progressive, Florida Rep. Val Demings, whose impeachment prosecution of Trump won plaudits, California Rep. Karen Bass, who leads the Congressional Black Caucus, former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, whose passionate response to unrest in her city garnered national attention.
Another name often mentioned was that of Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth. "I look forward to working as hard as I can to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris," the Hoffman Estates Democrat said Tuesday. "Our nation needs a president -- and our troops deserve a commander in chief -- who is competent, effective and has the empathy needed to lead this great, diverse country through these difficult times."
A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States. Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets: Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008. Their party lost in the general election.
The vice presidential pick carries increased significance this year. If elected, Biden would be 78 when he's inaugurated in January, the oldest man to ever assume the presidency. He's spoken of himself as a transitional figure and hasn't fully committed to seeking a second term in 2024. If he declines to do so, his running mate would likely become a front-runner for the nomination that year.
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco's district attorney. In the role, she created a reentry program for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy.
She was elected California's attorney general in 2010, the first woman and Black person to hold the job, and focused on issues including the foreclosure crisis. She declined to defend the state's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage and was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
As her national profile grew, Harris built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor. After being elected to the Senate in 2016, she quickly gained attention for her assertive questioning of Trump administration officials during congressional hearings. In one memorable moment last year, Harris tripped up Attorney General William Barr when she repeatedly pressed him on whether Trump or other White House officials pressured him to investigate certain people.
Harris launched her presidential campaign in early 2019 with the slogan "Kamala Harris For the People," a reference to her courtroom work. She was one of the highest-profile contenders in a crowded Democratic primary and attracted 20,000 people to her first campaign rally in Oakland.
But the early promise of her campaign eventually faded. Her law enforcement background prompted skepticism from some progressives, and she struggled to land on a consistent message that resonated with voters. Facing fundraising problems, Harris abruptly withdrew from the race in December 2019, two months before the first votes of the primary were cast.
One of Harris' standout moments of her presidential campaign came at the expense of Biden. During a debate, Harris said Biden made "very hurtful" comments about his past work with segregationist senators and slammed his opposition to busing as schools began to integrate in the 1970s.
"There was a little girl in California who was a part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day," she said. "And that little girl was me."
Shaken by the attack, Biden called her comments "a mischaracterization of my position."
The exchange resurfaced recently one of Biden's closest friends and a co-chair of his vice presidential vetting committee, former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, still harbors concerns about the debate and that Harris hadn't expressed regret. The comments attributed to Dodd and first reported by Politico drew condemnation, especially from influential Democratic women who said Harris was being held to a standard that wouldn't apply to a man running for president.
Some Biden confidants said Harris' campaign attack did irritate the former vice president, who had a friendly relationship with her. Harris was also close with Biden's late son, Beau, who served as Delaware attorney general while she held the same post in California.
But Biden and Harris have since returned to a warm relationship.
"Joe has empathy, he has a proven track record of leadership and more than ever before we need a president of the United States who understands who the people are, sees them where they are, and has a genuine desire to help and knows how to fight to get us where we need to be," Harris said at an event for Biden earlier this summer.
At the same event, she bluntly attacked Trump, labeling him a "drug pusher" for his promotion of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the coronavirus, which has not been proved to be an effective treatment and may even be more harmful. After Trump tweeted "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" in response to protests about the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in police custody, Harris said his remarks "yet again show what racism looks like."
Harris has taken a tougher stand on policing since Floyd's killing. She co-sponsored legislation in June that would ban police from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants, set a national use-of-force standard and create a national police misconduct registry, among other things. It would also reform the qualified immunity system that shields officers from liability.
The list included practices Harris did not vocally fight to reform while leading California's Department of Justice. Although she required DOJ officers to wear body cameras, she did not support legislation mandating it statewide. And while she now wants independent investigations of police shootings, she didn't support a 2015 California bill that would have required her office to take on such cases.
"We made progress, but clearly we are not at the place yet as a country where we need to be and California is no exception," she told The Associated Press recently. But the national focus on racial injustice now shows "there's no reason that we have to continue to wait."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Big Ten pulls plug on football, fall sports

The coaches and players spoke up , and the league did n't listen .
The Big Ten officially canceled all fall sports Tuesday afternoon , announcing it will try to play in the spring .
The move was widely speculated in recent days , but there was a big push from players , parents and coaches to at least wait before pulling the plug .
The Big Ten becomes the first Power Five conference to cancel football season .
It remains to be seen if the SEC , ACC , Big 12 and PAC 12 will follow suit .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a revised , conference-only football schedule , which was supposed to begin on Sept. 3 with Ohio State at Illinois .
Here is the complete statement from the Big Ten : The Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports season , including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments , due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
In making its decision , which was based on multiple factors , the Big Ten Conference relied on the medical advice and counsel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee .
`` Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students , faculty and staff , '' said Morton Schapiro , Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University president .
`` The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward , '' said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren .
`` As time progressed and after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee , it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall .
`` We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the future of the talented young women and men who compete in the Big Ten Conference .
Although that knowledge made this a painstaking decision , it did not make it difficult .
While I know our decision today will be disappointing in many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families , I am heartened and inspired by their resilience , their insightful and discerning thoughts , and their participation through our conversations to this point .
Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so . ''
The fall sports included in this announcement are men 's and women 's cross country , field hockey , football , men 's and women 's soccer , and women 's volleyball .
The Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of options regarding these sports , including the possibility of competition in the spring .
Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated .
The Big Ten Conference is proud of its 14 world-class research institutions and has leveraged their resources and expertise to address this pandemic over the past five months .
The Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee have engaged in extensive research and sharing of materials and conversations with federal , state and local government agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to track and better understand the daily updates surrounding this pandemic .
Their advice and counsel have been invaluable as they have worked tirelessly over the past several months in their efforts to create and maintain a safe environment for athletics .
The Big Ten Conference will continue to work with medical experts and governmental authorities to gather additional information , evaluate emerging data and technologies , and monitor developments regarding the pandemic to make the best decisions possible for the health , safety and wellness of our student-athletes .

Big Ten pulls plug on football, fall sports
Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren on the decision to cancel fall sports: "The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward." Associated Press
Big Ten players and coaches spoke, and the administrators didn't listen.
The conference officially canceled football and all fall sports on Tuesday afternoon, a move that was quickly matched by the Pac-12.
The news was somewhat expected, but still hit like an illegal peel back block. The Big Ten just released a revised football schedule six days ago. Many schools, including Illinois, practiced Tuesday morning. Michigan practiced after the news was released. Many players, parents and coaches made last-minute pleas on Twitter in the last 24 hours to play the season.
The league is hoping to play fall sports in the spring, if there's a better climate with COVID-19. Some people were complaining about Michgan-Ohio State being scheduled for October. How is it going to play in April?
"We just believe collectively there's too much uncertainty in this point in time in our country to encourage our student athletes to participate in fall sports," Commissioner Kevin Warren said on the Big Ten Network.
During his television appearance, Warren talked around most questions from studio host Dave Revsine. But it seems clear the Big Ten is very concerned about the coronavirus causing myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that can be fatal.
"I said from Day One that it was important that we would follow and listen and understand and appreciate and embrace the advice from our medical experts and that's what we're doing here," Warren said. "There's too much uncertainty."
The news to cancel fall sports was pretty straightforward, but there are still plenty of questions and not many answers.
• If it's not safe to play fall sports, is it safe for students to return to campus, as most Big Ten schools are planning in a few weeks?
It's one thing for football players to commit to wearing masks, practicing good hygiene and staying socially distant. They were also getting tested for COVID-19 at least twice per week. Illinois tested players every day. The general student population seems less likely to follow the same protocols.
• The SEC, ACC and Big 12 continue to move forward with plans to play football this season, along with the Sun Belt, American Athletic, and Conference USA. If those leagues play a complete football season, will the Big Ten have made a mistake?
It would be strange if Notre Dame, as a guest member of the ACC, plays this fall while the Big Ten schools sit out. But this one could go either direction. If the other leagues play, the Big Ten becomes an afterthought temporarily. If the other leagues can't pull it off, then the Big Ten could say it made the right call.
• Will football be any safer in the spring?
This one is anyone's guess. It's been five months since the NBA suspended its season and progress in this country has been, let's say, deliberate. If a spring season does happen, teams will be practicing mostly indoors. August practices were all outdoors with no students on campus. Which version is safer in a pandemic?
• Is it safe for athletes to play two football seasons in 2021 -- one in the spring and another in the fall, presumably.
Nervous laughter is the only response to this question at the moment.
• Will some Big Ten teams go rogue and play a fall schedule anyway?
This is one of the questions Warren dodged on BTN. Nebraska's Scott Frost and Ohio State's Ryan Day both said Monday other options would be considered, but such a path seems unlikely. Maybe we'll get a chance to see how airtight those conference contracts were written.
• What was the vote tally when school presidents arrived at this decision?
That was another dodge by Warren. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith went on BTN after Warren and said, 'We would have preferred to play.' Based on everything that's come out of Nebraska it seems likely the Cornhuskers also voted against the plan. Beyond that, it's unclear.
• Why didn't the Big Ten hold off on a final decision and maybe delay playing games?
This answer is also unclear, but the league clearly put its faith in the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee -- as it should.
With so many unknowns about COVID-19, following the science is a pretty good option.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Suburbs averaging 769 new COVID-19 cases a day, up from 403 a month ago

As the state announced 1,549 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday , Illinois Department of Public Health records show the suburbs are now averaging 769 new cases a day over the past week .
That 's up from a daily average of 403 new cases for the week ending July 11 , a 366-case difference and a near 91 % increase in the daily average of new cases diagnosed in suburban Cook County , DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry and Will counties .
That translates to 13 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents in the suburbs as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per 100,000 a month ago .
IDPH officials also reported 20 more COVID-19 deaths statewide Tuesday .
Five were from Cook County including Chicago , five from elsewhere in the suburbs , and 10 were downstate .
That brings the state 's death toll to 7,657 since the outbreak began , with 196,948 individual infections .
The respiratory disease recently has expanded more rapidly downstate than in the metro area .
Chicago is averaging 38 % more new cases this week compared to the week ending July 11 .
Meanwhile , the 96 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases each day this week than they were a month ago , according to IDPH figures .
The downstate counties are averaging 663 new cases a day this week .
A month ago , they were averaging 276 new cases a day .
Statewide , Illinois is averaging 841 more new cases a day compared to a month ago .
Currently , the state is averaging 1,748 new cases a day .
The suburbs account for 44 % of those , IDPH reported .
Over the past seven days , 4.1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
The daily positivity rate was slightly less Tuesday at 3.7 % , according to IDPH figures .
The results come from a batch of 41,362 test results .
State health officials wo n't provide the dates the tests were taken despite concerns that some might have been taken a week ago or longer .
IDPH officials also reported 1,459 COVID-19 patients are admitted to hospitals statewide and 336 of those are in intensive care beds .
Hospitalization figures have been fairly stable for the past couple of weeks despite steady inclines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Health experts say hospitalizations and deaths are lagging indicators of the disease 's strength .
That means it could be weeks before the increase in new cases shows up as hospital admissions and deaths , they said .

Suburbs averaging 769 new COVID-19 cases a day, up from 403 a month ago
As the state announced 1,549 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, Illinois Department of Public Health records show the suburbs are now averaging 769 new cases a day over the past week.
That's up from a daily average of 403 new cases for the week ending July 11, a 366-case difference and a near 91% increase in the daily average of new cases diagnosed in suburban Cook County, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.
That translates to 13 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents in the suburbs as opposed to 7 new cases a day per 100,000 a month ago.
IDPH officials also reported 20 more COVID-19 deaths statewide Tuesday. Five were from Cook County including Chicago, five from elsewhere in the suburbs, and 10 were downstate.
That brings the state's death toll to 7,657 since the outbreak began, with 196,948 individual infections.
The respiratory disease recently has expanded more rapidly downstate than in the metro area. Chicago is averaging 38% more new cases this week compared to the week ending July 11. Meanwhile, the 96 downstate counties are averaging 140% more new cases each day this week than they were a month ago, according to IDPH figures.
The downstate counties are averaging 663 new cases a day this week. A month ago, they were averaging 276 new cases a day.
Statewide, Illinois is averaging 841 more new cases a day compared to a month ago. Currently, the state is averaging 1,748 new cases a day. The suburbs account for 44% of those, IDPH reported.
Over the past seven days, 4.1% of tests have had positive results for COVID-19. The daily positivity rate was slightly less Tuesday at 3.7%, according to IDPH figures.
The results come from a batch of 41,362 test results. State health officials won't provide the dates the tests were taken despite concerns that some might have been taken a week ago or longer.
IDPH officials also reported 1,459 COVID-19 patients are admitted to hospitals statewide and 336 of those are in intensive care beds.
Hospitalization figures have been fairly stable for the past couple of weeks despite steady inclines in the number of new cases diagnosed. Health experts say hospitalizations and deaths are lagging indicators of the disease's strength.
That means it could be weeks before the increase in new cases shows up as hospital admissions and deaths, they said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--St. Charles District 303 to reopen schools in phases

St. Charles Unit District 303 is rolling out a modified reopening plan that will send elementary and middle school students back to school in phases , while high schoolers will begin the academic year remotely .
The adjustments are the result of frequently changing state guidelines , evolving coronavirus circumstances and a lack of resources at the high school level to accommodate both hybrid and remote instructional models , administrators said during a meeting Monday .
Instead of welcoming all in-person learners back to school at once , district officials are taking a staggered approach to ensure the new health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superintendent Jason Pearson said .
School board members unanimously supported the reopening plan , which they said offers flexibility in a difficult and ever-changing situation .
Administrators have watched closely the past couple of weeks as schools across the country began reopening , only to close again days later due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus , Pearson said .
`` As a district , we do not want to make the same mistake , '' he said .
`` We want to make sure , because our staff and student safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to provide the training and support that students need to be in our buildings safely . ''
All students will still begin classes Aug. 19 , according to an updated 2020-21 calendar approved by the school board .
But the timing for when they are expected to report to school depends on their grade level .
Kindergartners through second-graders will kick off in-person learning with a shortened schedule the first three days , followed by a regular schedule beginning Aug. 24 , according to a letter sent to parents this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first because they are `` the least equipped to interact in a remote learning environment , '' Pearson said .
For third through fifth grades , students will primarily be learning online for the first week , but will be invited in small groups to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers , officials said .
A regular elementary schedule will begin Aug. 26 with all kids in the building .
Middle schoolers will participate in remote instruction the first six days of school , though each student will be assigned one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name -- to visit their buildings , walk their schedules and understand the new regulations , Pearson said .
For example , on Aug. 19 , sixth-graders in Group A will attend school in person .
The next day , schools will be open for sixth-graders in Group B .
That same opportunity will be given to seventh-graders , then eighth-graders , before a regular hybrid schedule involving all three grade levels begins Aug. 27 , according to the letter .
All elementary and middle school families who chose the district 's online-only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 .
At the high schools , developing a blend of hybrid and remote schedules was more challenging than expected , largely because of the diversity of courses and the credentials required for those teachers , Chief Academic Officer Denise Herrmann said .
Roughly 13 % of secondary-level students opted for online-only classes -- not enough to meet the enrollment threshold for most electives , she said .
Rather than limit the course catalog for either group , Herrmann said , officials decided to pool all students and teachers together and start the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We took a step back and said , 'What can we do that really is going to be the most accommodating so we do n't feel like any of them are having to sacrifice quality instruction or any of their classes ? '
'' she said .
After Labor Day , students will likely have some opportunities to return to the classroom in small groups , particularly for programs that warrant hands-on learning , Herrmann said .
Administrators eventually plan to take another assessment and could recreate the schedule , depending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
The reopening plan received support from St. Charles Education Association President Joe Blomquist , who said the district is offering the highest-quality education possible , while also `` problem-solving in every facet '' and providing adequate resources to ensure the safety of students and employees .
`` As an association , we are not pushing to go fully remote right now , and the reason why is because the action the administration has taken have been at the core of what our biggest concerns are , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do it . ''

St. Charles District 303 to reopen schools in phases
St. Charles Unit District 303 is rolling out a modified reopening plan that will send elementary and middle school students back to school in phases, while high schoolers will begin the academic year remotely.
The adjustments are the result of frequently changing state guidelines, evolving coronavirus circumstances and a lack of resources at the high school level to accommodate both hybrid and remote instructional models, administrators said during a meeting Monday.
Instead of welcoming all in-person learners back to school at once, district officials are taking a staggered approach to ensure the new health and safety protocols are implemented successfully, Superintendent Jason Pearson said. School board members unanimously supported the reopening plan, which they said offers flexibility in a difficult and ever-changing situation.
Administrators have watched closely the past couple of weeks as schools across the country began reopening, only to close again days later due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Pearson said.
"As a district, we do not want to make the same mistake," he said. "We want to make sure, because our staff and student safety is so important, that we are able to provide the training and support that students need to be in our buildings safely."
All students will still begin classes Aug. 19, according to an updated 2020-21 calendar approved by the school board. But the timing for when they are expected to report to school depends on their grade level.
Kindergartners through second-graders will kick off in-person learning with a shortened schedule the first three days, followed by a regular schedule beginning Aug. 24, according to a letter sent to parents this week. The youngest students will be entering schools first because they are "the least equipped to interact in a remote learning environment," Pearson said.
For third through fifth grades, students will primarily be learning online for the first week, but will be invited in small groups to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers, officials said. A regular elementary schedule will begin Aug. 26 with all kids in the building.
Middle schoolers will participate in remote instruction the first six days of school, though each student will be assigned one day -- based on grade level and last name -- to visit their buildings, walk their schedules and understand the new regulations, Pearson said.
For example, on Aug. 19, sixth-graders in Group A will attend school in person. The next day, schools will be open for sixth-graders in Group B. That same opportunity will be given to seventh-graders, then eighth-graders, before a regular hybrid schedule involving all three grade levels begins Aug. 27, according to the letter.
All elementary and middle school families who chose the district's online-only option will also begin remote learning Aug. 19.
At the high schools, developing a blend of hybrid and remote schedules was more challenging than expected, largely because of the diversity of courses and the credentials required for those teachers, Chief Academic Officer Denise Herrmann said. Roughly 13% of secondary-level students opted for online-only classes -- not enough to meet the enrollment threshold for most electives, she said.
Rather than limit the course catalog for either group, Herrmann said, officials decided to pool all students and teachers together and start the year with a fully remote schedule.
"We took a step back and said, 'What can we do that really is going to be the most accommodating so we don't feel like any of them are having to sacrifice quality instruction or any of their classes?'" she said.
After Labor Day, students will likely have some opportunities to return to the classroom in small groups, particularly for programs that warrant hands-on learning, Herrmann said. Administrators eventually plan to take another assessment and could recreate the schedule, depending on the instructional preferences of families at that point.
The reopening plan received support from St. Charles Education Association President Joe Blomquist, who said the district is offering the highest-quality education possible, while also "problem-solving in every facet" and providing adequate resources to ensure the safety of students and employees.
"As an association, we are not pushing to go fully remote right now, and the reason why is because the action the administration has taken have been at the core of what our biggest concerns are," he said. "If any district can do it, we can do it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Some Lake County employees face pay cuts through unpaid holidays

Three days that previously had been paid time off for Lake County government employees will be unpaid days this fall for about half the workforce under a controversial plan approved Tuesday .
The county board voted not to pay employees who do n't work on Labor Day , Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving rather than giving them paid time off work as in past years .
The change was proposed to help offset millions of dollars in revenue losses resulting from the COVID-19 crisis .
It could save the county up to $ 1.8 million , officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,100 of the county 's more than 2,300 workers , Human Resources Director John Light said after the vote .
The order wo n't hit more of the workforce because it does n't automatically apply to unionized workers , whose pay and holidays are guaranteed by collective labor contracts .
And not all unions have agreed to the pay cut .
That inequality drew criticism from many board members during Tuesday 's meeting , which was held remotely because of the pandemic .
`` If this was across the board , I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Antioch Republican Linda Pedersen said .
`` This is only going to hurt some people , '' Gurnee-area Republican Steve Carlson said .
`` This thing is not fair . ''
Vernon Hills Democrat Julie Simpson also acknowledged the plan was n't fair but voted for it anyway , saying board members are `` doing the best we can with what 's in our authority . ''
The three days were chosen because they 're the last three paid holidays of the county 's 2020 fiscal year , which ends Nov. 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days this fiscal year .
Employees who have to work on any of those three days despite the order will be paid at their regular rates rather than bonus holiday rates , County Administrator Gary Gibson said .
Departments unable to implement the new policy must make other spending cuts .
To counter lost revenue from taxes and fees resulting from the pandemic , county officials have trimmed about $ 18.5 million in operational spending this year , said board member Paul Frank , who leads the panel 's financial and administrative committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy not recovering , more cuts are needed , Frank said .
Taking the money out of reserves is n't a prudent option because it could hurt the county 's bond rating and result in higher interest rates if the board needs to borrow money , Frank said .
The financial savings from the unpaid days could save 20 or 30 jobs , he said .
After two hours of debate , the proposal passed in an 11-10 vote that mostly fell along party lines .
Only Waukegan Democrat Diane Hewitt broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine Republicans against the plan .
Libertyville Democrat Jennifer Clark said she backed the proposal because the county 's financial picture is bleak .
`` Unless there 's a miracle ... there 's just not going to be enough money to pay our bills this year , '' Clark said .
`` And next year could be worse than this year . ''
Waukegan Democrat Mary Ross Cunningham said cutting expenses through unpaid days off is better for workers than layoffs .
`` I 'd rather ( lose ) pay and keep my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-led attempts to amend the proposal in ways that could have eased the burden on workers failed .
Because elected officials ' salaries are not affected by the pay cut , Frank said he 'll show solidarity by donating a percentage of his salary to a local charity .
Lake Zurich Republican Craig Taylor suggested all board members make similar donations so they `` get some skin in the game . ''

Some Lake County employees face pay cuts through unpaid holidays
Three days that previously had been paid time off for Lake County government employees will be unpaid days this fall for about half the workforce under a controversial plan approved Tuesday.
The county board voted not to pay employees who don't work on Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving rather than giving them paid time off work as in past years.
The change was proposed to help offset millions of dollars in revenue losses resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. It could save the county up to $1.8 million, officials said.
The order likely will affect nearly 1,100 of the county's more than 2,300 workers, Human Resources Director John Light said after the vote. The order won't hit more of the workforce because it doesn't automatically apply to unionized workers, whose pay and holidays are guaranteed by collective labor contracts.
And not all unions have agreed to the pay cut.
That inequality drew criticism from many board members during Tuesday's meeting, which was held remotely because of the pandemic.
"If this was across the board, I wouldn't have a problem with it," Antioch Republican Linda Pedersen said.
"This is only going to hurt some people," Gurnee-area Republican Steve Carlson said. "This thing is not fair."
Vernon Hills Democrat Julie Simpson also acknowledged the plan wasn't fair but voted for it anyway, saying board members are "doing the best we can with what's in our authority."
The three days were chosen because they're the last three paid holidays of the county's 2020 fiscal year, which ends Nov. 30. The plan applies to only those days this fiscal year.
Employees who have to work on any of those three days despite the order will be paid at their regular rates rather than bonus holiday rates, County Administrator Gary Gibson said.
Departments unable to implement the new policy must make other spending cuts.
To counter lost revenue from taxes and fees resulting from the pandemic, county officials have trimmed about $18.5 million in operational spending this year, said board member Paul Frank, who leads the panel's financial and administrative committee.
With the virus still raging and the economy not recovering, more cuts are needed, Frank said.
Taking the money out of reserves isn't a prudent option because it could hurt the county's bond rating and result in higher interest rates if the board needs to borrow money, Frank said.
The financial savings from the unpaid days could save 20 or 30 jobs, he said.
After two hours of debate, the proposal passed in an 11-10 vote that mostly fell along party lines. Only Waukegan Democrat Diane Hewitt broke ranks, voting with the board's nine Republicans against the plan.
Libertyville Democrat Jennifer Clark said she backed the proposal because the county's financial picture is bleak.
"Unless there's a miracle ... there's just not going to be enough money to pay our bills this year," Clark said. "And next year could be worse than this year."
Waukegan Democrat Mary Ross Cunningham said cutting expenses through unpaid days off is better for workers than layoffs.
"I'd rather (lose) pay and keep my job," she said.
Three Republican-led attempts to amend the proposal in ways that could have eased the burden on workers failed.
Because elected officials' salaries are not affected by the pay cut, Frank said he'll show solidarity by donating a percentage of his salary to a local charity. Lake Zurich Republican Craig Taylor suggested all board members make similar donations so they "get some skin in the game."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Glenview woman killed by vehicle in Maine Township

An 81-year-old Glenview woman was killed Sunday when she was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Central Road @ @ @ @ @ said Soon Hee Park died of multiple injuries suffered in the crash , which occurred @ @ @ @ @ feet west of East River Road .
According to the Cook County sheriff 's office @ @ @ @ @ crosswalk when she was hit by a 2016 Honda traveling east on Central Road .
@ @ @ @ @ the scene about 10 minutes later , the Cook County medical examiner 's office reported @ @ @ @ @ investigation by the sheriff 's office .

Glenview woman killed by vehicle in Maine Township
An 81-year-old Glenview woman was killed Sunday when she was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Central Road in Maine Township.
Authorities said Soon Hee Park died of multiple injuries suffered in the crash, which occurred about 10:55 a.m. about 500 feet west of East River Road.
According to the Cook County sheriff's office, Park was in a crosswalk when she was hit by a 2016 Honda traveling east on Central Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene about 10 minutes later, the Cook County medical examiner's office reported.
The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff's office.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Aug. 11 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Suburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 95,948 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday .
That 's 48.7 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,855 deaths in the suburbs , representing 50.3 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Tuesday , suburban Cook County had 48,128 cases and 2,121 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 64,356 cases and 2,812 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts as of Tuesday from Cook County 's health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,018 cases and 104 deaths in Des Plaines , 968 cases and 65 deaths in Wheeling , 952 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 810 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 799 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 793 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg , 754 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview , 747 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 596 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 661 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 451 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook , 436 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village , 310 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 156 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 12,413 cases and 520 deaths as of Tuesday .
• Top counts : 966 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 925 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 804 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights , 784 cases and 38 deaths in Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 615 cases and 14 deaths in Bensenville , 595 cases and 27 deaths in Lombard , 573 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst , 501 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 479 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 363 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 348 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 330 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county listed 12,845 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Most recent top counts : 3,254 to 3,259 in Waukegan , 765 to 769 in Round Lake Beach , 470 to 474 in Mundelein , 415 to 419 in Gurnee , 335 to 339 in Round Lake , 245 to 249 in Lake Zurich , 240 to 244 in Vernon Hills , 230 to 234 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 195 to 199 in Wauconda , 190 to 194 in Libertyville , 170 to 174 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 9,875 cases with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Top counts : 3,932 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,245 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 942 in Carpentersville , 591 in St. Charles , 435 in South Elgin , 297 in Geneva , 269 in North Aurora , 237 in Batavia , 101 in Gilberts , 88 in Hampshire and 81 in Algonquin .
McHenry County • 3,258 cases and 113 deaths , according to the health department Tuesday .
Will County • 9,375 cases and 346 deaths as of Tuesday .
• Cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County portion ) and 119 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

Aug. 11 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Interactive map
Suburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 95,948 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday. That's 48.7% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There have been 3,855 deaths in the suburbs, representing 50.3% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Tuesday, suburban Cook County had 48,128 cases and 2,121 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 64,356 cases and 2,812 fatalities. • Top suburb counts as of Tuesday from Cook County's health department and medical examiner's office: 2,018 cases and 104 deaths in Des Plaines, 968 cases and 65 deaths in Wheeling, 952 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 810 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 799 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 793 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg, 754 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview, 747 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 596 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 661 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 451 cases and 14 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 441 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 436 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 310 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 156 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 12,413 cases and 520 deaths as of Tuesday.
• Top counts: 966 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 925 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 804 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 784 cases and 38 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 676 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 615 cases and 14 deaths in Bensenville, 595 cases and 27 deaths in Lombard, 573 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst, 501 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 479 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 363 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 348 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 330 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 12,845 cases and 432 deaths on its website Tuesday.
• Most recent top counts: 3,254 to 3,259 in Waukegan, 765 to 769 in Round Lake Beach, 470 to 474 in Mundelein, 415 to 419 in Gurnee, 335 to 339 in Round Lake, 245 to 249 in Lake Zurich, 240 to 244 in Vernon Hills, 230 to 234 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 195 to 199 in Wauconda, 190 to 194 in Libertyville, 170 to 174 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 9,875 cases with 305 deaths on its website Tuesday.
• Top counts: 3,932 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,245 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 942 in Carpentersville, 591 in St. Charles, 435 in South Elgin, 297 in Geneva, 269 in North Aurora, 237 in Batavia, 101 in Gilberts, 88 in Hampshire and 81 in Algonquin.
McHenry County• 3,258 cases and 113 deaths, according to the health department Tuesday.
Will County• 9,375 cases and 346 deaths as of Tuesday.
• Cases per town include 648 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 119 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Eatery with Korean influence will replace Nikko's in Prospect Heights


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Pritzker's mask rule survives legislative panel vote

SPRINGFIELD -- A legislative panel that oversees the state 's administrative rule-making process voted along partisan lines to allow Gov .
JB Pritzker 's emergency rule to enforce mask-wearing and other public health orders to move forward .
That decision came from the General Assembly 's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules , a 12-member , bipartisan , bicameral group that exercises oversight of the state 's regulatory process .
Pritzker announced the new enforcement measure on Friday , Aug. 7 , as 13 counties were put on warning that they may have to reimpose some social and economic restrictions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The order requires businesses , schools and day care facilities to make `` reasonable efforts '' to ensure that patrons and employees wear face coverings when they can not maintain a six-foot distance from others .
Reasonable efforts can include such things as posting signage that state face coverings are required , giving verbal warnings to customers to wear face coverings , offering a mask to patrons and asking customers to leave if they refuse .
Under the new rules , businesses found to be out of compliance will first be given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can result in having some or all of their patrons leave the premises as needed to comply with health guidelines .
If businesses refuse to comply after that , they can receive a misdemeanor notice and be subject to a fine ranging from $ 75 to $ 2,500 .
`` I have always put the health and safety of Illinoisans first , and I 'm gratified that local governments now have an additional way to keep their communities safe , '' Pritzker said in a statement after the JCAR vote Tuesday .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a foregone conclusion .
The Illinois Department of Public Health issued similar emergency rules in May , but withdrew them after lawmakers returned for their special session .
Pritzker said at the time he expected lawmakers to address the enforcement issue legislatively , although it also appeared evident that there were not enough votes on the committee to sustain the rules and it never came up for a vote before the full General Assembly .
On Tuesday , several members of the panel , particularly Republicans , said they continued to hear concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why they were being held liable for enforcing the public health rules , but their customers who refuse to wear masks or keep a 6-foot distance from others were not .
Among those was Rep. Keith Wheeler , R-Oswego , who said callers to his office were concerned about actions of individuals leading to fines and potential misdemeanor charges for businesses .
But Sen. Bill Cunningham , a Chicago Democrat and a co-chair of the rules committee , said the graduated nature of the enforcement rules means businesses that are genuinely trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And I think it 's really important to understand what that points to is this rule is going to be enforced against rogue operators , '' Cunningham said .
`` This is not something that is going to be easily applied even by the most zealous law enforcement agency or public health department against someone -- a business that slips up once or twice .
There 's just not an ability to do that based on the framework of this rule . ''
Speaking to reporters after the meeting , Rob Karr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retail Merchants Association , said the rule is unlikely to have much impact on the rising spread of COVID-19 in Illinois .
`` I would also remind everyone that most of the governor 's comments , most of ( IDPH Director ) Dr. ( Ngozi ) Ezike 's comments , most of the comments of other local officials have not been about rogue bars and restaurants that are tied to outbreaks , '' Karr said .
`` They 've been public gatherings where individuals are not wearing masks . ''
Under the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority , or eight votes on the 12-member panel , to block an emergency rule from taking effect .
The panel is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and between House and Senate members .
Rep. Steven Reick , a Woodstock Republican , offered a motion to block the rule , but it received only six votes -- all from Republicans .

Pritzker's mask rule survives legislative panel vote
Gov. J.B. Pritzker's mask order requires businesses, schools and day care facilities to make "reasonable efforts" to ensure that patrons and employees wear face coverings when they cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from others. Scott P. Yates/Rockford Register Star, July 16
SPRINGFIELD -- A legislative panel that oversees the state's administrative rule-making process voted along partisan lines to allow Gov. JB Pritzker's emergency rule to enforce mask-wearing and other public health orders to move forward.
That decision came from the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a 12-member, bipartisan, bicameral group that exercises oversight of the state's regulatory process.
Pritzker announced the new enforcement measure on Friday, Aug. 7, as 13 counties were put on warning that they may have to reimpose some social and economic restrictions to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The order requires businesses, schools and day care facilities to make "reasonable efforts" to ensure that patrons and employees wear face coverings when they cannot maintain a six-foot distance from others. Reasonable efforts can include such things as posting signage that state face coverings are required, giving verbal warnings to customers to wear face coverings, offering a mask to patrons and asking customers to leave if they refuse.
Under the new rules, businesses found to be out of compliance will first be given a written warning. A second offense can result in having some or all of their patrons leave the premises as needed to comply with health guidelines. If businesses refuse to comply after that, they can receive a misdemeanor notice and be subject to a fine ranging from $75 to $2,500.
"I have always put the health and safety of Illinoisans first, and I'm gratified that local governments now have an additional way to keep their communities safe," Pritzker said in a statement after the JCAR vote Tuesday.
But the outcome of that vote was not a foregone conclusion. The Illinois Department of Public Health issued similar emergency rules in May, but withdrew them after lawmakers returned for their special session. Pritzker said at the time he expected lawmakers to address the enforcement issue legislatively, although it also appeared evident that there were not enough votes on the committee to sustain the rules and it never came up for a vote before the full General Assembly.
On Tuesday, several members of the panel, particularly Republicans, said they continued to hear concerns from local businesses in their districts about why they were being held liable for enforcing the public health rules, but their customers who refuse to wear masks or keep a 6-foot distance from others were not.
Among those was Rep. Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego, who said callers to his office were concerned about actions of individuals leading to fines and potential misdemeanor charges for businesses.
But Sen. Bill Cunningham, a Chicago Democrat and a co-chair of the rules committee, said the graduated nature of the enforcement rules means businesses that are genuinely trying to comply should have nothing to fear.
"And I think it's really important to understand what that points to is this rule is going to be enforced against rogue operators," Cunningham said. "This is not something that is going to be easily applied even by the most zealous law enforcement agency or public health department against someone -- a business that slips up once or twice. There's just not an ability to do that based on the framework of this rule."
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said the rule is unlikely to have much impact on the rising spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.
"I would also remind everyone that most of the governor's comments, most of (IDPH Director) Dr. (Ngozi) Ezike's comments, most of the comments of other local officials have not been about rogue bars and restaurants that are tied to outbreaks," Karr said. "They've been public gatherings where individuals are not wearing masks."
Under the committee's rules, it takes a two-thirds majority, or eight votes on the 12-member panel, to block an emergency rule from taking effect. The panel is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and between House and Senate members.
Rep. Steven Reick, a Woodstock Republican, offered a motion to block the rule, but it received only six votes -- all from Republicans.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Open burning ban relaxed in unincorporated Lake County

In an easing of restrictions enacted because of the coronavirus pandemic , open burning of landscape waste and woody materials will resume in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset three days a week .
Residents will be allowed to burn shrubbery , cuttings , grass clippings , leaves and other materials during those hours on Tuesdays , Thursdays and Saturdays .
The relaxed rule approved Tuesday by the Lake County Board is a compromise permitting residents to clear their properties of debris .
`` We 're trying to give residents the opportunity to get rid of what they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member Linda Pedersen of Antioch .
Pedersen represents District 1 , which includes Antioch , Old Mill Creek and portions of Fox Lake and Lake Villa .
The district includes largest amount of unincorporated area in Lake County .
The county board on May 12 enacted a temporary ban on open burning due to increased health risks for those infected with COVID-19 .
The restrictions were extended twice but were set to expire today .
The revised measure expires Oct. 14 and , like the previous ban , allows for recreational fires no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not contain garbage , junk and debris , tree trunks or landscape waste .
The revised rule approved Tuesday was discussed at length in committee meetings before the vote .
Pedersen and others said the issue of open burning will be considered in more depth going forward .
`` There 's going to have to be a lot more discussion and research on this , '' she said .
News of the change will be made known through the county 's website and other channels .
Information will include details of what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotline number to report violations .
In previous discussions , some board members questioned whether burning rules should be governed by environmental factors , such as wind speed , but were ultimately found to be unwieldy .
`` The restrictions that we proposed were designed to be very black and white in terms of our ability to determine a violation and simple from the standpoint of the resident , '' Eric Waggoner , the county 's director of planning , building and development , said last week .
He noted that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while others have some or no restrictions .
`` My concern is there will be two sets of standards -- one with the county and one with the fire districts , '' said board member Judy Martini of Fox Lake .
Waggoner said trying to mirror the rule in individual fire districts would be a `` very significant challenge from the standpoint of uniformity for the county and also of predictability for residents . ''
Residents still will have to comply with local fire safety requirements for open burning , he added @

Open burning ban relaxed in unincorporated Lake County
A temporary ban on open burning in place since May 12 for unincorporated Lake County has been modified to allow burning of landscape waste on certain days and times. Daily Herald File Photo
In an easing of restrictions enacted because of the coronavirus pandemic, open burning of landscape waste and woody materials will resume in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset three days a week.
Residents will be allowed to burn shrubbery, cuttings, grass clippings, leaves and other materials during those hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The relaxed rule approved Tuesday by the Lake County Board is a compromise permitting residents to clear their properties of debris.
"We're trying to give residents the opportunity to get rid of what they've accumulated since March," said board member Linda Pedersen of Antioch.
Pedersen represents District 1, which includes Antioch, Old Mill Creek and portions of Fox Lake and Lake Villa. The district includes largest amount of unincorporated area in Lake County.
The county board on May 12 enacted a temporary ban on open burning due to increased health risks for those infected with COVID-19. The restrictions were extended twice but were set to expire today.
The revised measure expires Oct. 14 and, like the previous ban, allows for recreational fires no larger than 3 cubic feet that do not contain garbage, junk and debris, tree trunks or landscape waste.
The revised rule approved Tuesday was discussed at length in committee meetings before the vote. Pedersen and others said the issue of open burning will be considered in more depth going forward.
"There's going to have to be a lot more discussion and research on this," she said.
News of the change will be made known through the county's website and other channels. Information will include details of what is allowed, how enforcement will work and a hotline number to report violations.
In previous discussions, some board members questioned whether burning rules should be governed by environmental factors, such as wind speed, but were ultimately found to be unwieldy.
"The restrictions that we proposed were designed to be very black and white in terms of our ability to determine a violation and simple from the standpoint of the resident," Eric Waggoner, the county's director of planning, building and development, said last week.
He noted that some fire protection districts ban open burning entirely, while others have some or no restrictions.
"My concern is there will be two sets of standards -- one with the county and one with the fire districts," said board member Judy Martini of Fox Lake.
Waggoner said trying to mirror the rule in individual fire districts would be a "very significant challenge from the standpoint of uniformity for the county and also of predictability for residents."
Residents still will have to comply with local fire safety requirements for open burning, he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Aurora meat plant sued after butcher's wife dies of COVID-19

A lawsuit is seeking damages for wrongful death after a longtime butcher at an Aurora meatpacking plant caught COVID-19 and passed it to his wife , who died May 2 .
In a suit filed in Kane County , the estate of Esperanza Ugalde argues the Aurora Packing Company was aware of the COVID-19 danger and `` actively created '' increased risks by not enacting any type of prevention plan or giving employees personal protective equipment , or PPE .
The lawsuit states that Ricardo Ugalde , a butcher for 35 years , `` stood shoulder-to-shoulder '' with co-workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Aurora plant and that he contracted the virus `` during the scope of his employment on April 28 , 2020 .
`` At that time and prior to that date , Aurora Packing was made aware that other employees within the meatpacking facility had become infected with COVID-19 but took no measures to mitigate the spread of the virus within the facility despite the known health effects of the virus , '' the lawsuit argues .
Esperanza , a mother of four , got sick `` shortly after '' her husband did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lawsuit , which contends the company `` actively created '' additional risks by not enacting a plan , disinfecting the plant , following Centers for Disease Control guidelines such as social distancing or giving their employees personal protective equipment .
A message left at the company was not returned ; Bridget Duignan , an attorney for Esperanza Ugalde 's estate , could not immediately be reached for comment .
A message atop the company 's website , aurorabeef.com , says the company `` takes pride in the various safety programs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
In response to the COVID-10 pandemic , we have taken a proactive approach to minimize the risk of spreading the virus .
Aurora Packing Company is committed to provide a safe workplace for everyone .
We will continue to monitor the situation and update our COVID-19 response , as necessary . ''
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $ 50,000 and both sides are due in Kane County court on Oct. 20 .

Aurora meat plant sued after butcher's wife dies of COVID-19
A lawsuit is seeking damages for wrongful death after a longtime butcher at an Aurora meatpacking plant caught COVID-19 and passed it to his wife, who died May 2.
In a suit filed in Kane County, the estate of Esperanza Ugalde argues the Aurora Packing Company was aware of the COVID-19 danger and "actively created" increased risks by not enacting any type of prevention plan or giving employees personal protective equipment, or PPE.
The lawsuit states that Ricardo Ugalde, a butcher for 35 years, "stood shoulder-to-shoulder" with co-workers in a processing line and during breaks at the Aurora plant and that he contracted the virus "during the scope of his employment on April 28, 2020.
"At that time and prior to that date, Aurora Packing was made aware that other employees within the meatpacking facility had become infected with COVID-19 but took no measures to mitigate the spread of the virus within the facility despite the known health effects of the virus," the lawsuit argues.
Esperanza, a mother of four, got sick "shortly after" her husband did and died on May 2, according to the lawsuit, which contends the company "actively created" additional risks by not enacting a plan, disinfecting the plant, following Centers for Disease Control guidelines such as social distancing or giving their employees personal protective equipment.
A message left at the company was not returned; Bridget Duignan, an attorney for Esperanza Ugalde's estate, could not immediately be reached for comment.
A message atop the company's website, aurorabeef.com, says the company "takes pride in the various safety programs in place that are designed to protect our employees. In response to the COVID-10 pandemic, we have taken a proactive approach to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Aurora Packing Company is committed to provide a safe workplace for everyone. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our COVID-19 response, as necessary."
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in excess of $50,000 and both sides are due in Kane County court on Oct. 20.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-11--Feder: David Kaplan and Jonathan Hood to co-host mornings on ESPN 1000

David Kaplan and Jonathan Hood , two longtime Chicago sports/talk personalities , are teaming up to co-host a new local @ @ @ @ @ , the ESPN Radio station managed by Good Karma Brands .
Starting Monday , Kaplan @ @ @ @ @ together from 7 to 10 a.m. as part of a new Monday-through-Friday programming lineup announced @ @ @ @ @ report at robertfeder.com .

Feder: David Kaplan and Jonathan Hood to co-host mornings on ESPN 1000
David Kaplan and Jonathan Hood, two longtime Chicago sports/talk personalities, are teaming up to co-host a new local morning show on WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN Radio station managed by Good Karma Brands.
Starting Monday, Kaplan and Hood will be heard together from 7 to 10 a.m. as part of a new Monday-through-Friday programming lineup announced today. Read the full report at robertfeder.com.