dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-06--St. Charles to acquire former Manor Restaurant site, expand First Street plaza

St. Charles plans to purchase a visually prominent property at the entrance of the First Street corridor , allowing for the expansion of the city 's new public plaza along the Fox River .
The city council on Monday unanimously approved an agreement to acquire the long-vacant land at 1 W. Main St. for $ 1 million .
City leaders have been engaged in discussions with property owners for years over opportunities to redevelop the southeast corner of First and Main streets , City Administrator Mark Koenen said .
The nearly 0.1-acre parcel is the former site of the Manor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was later razed .
Directly south of the empty lot , the city has been working to create a brick-paved `` east plaza '' and a two-level riverwalk as part of its ongoing First Street redevelopment project .
Construction on those public improvements is `` generally in final form , '' Koenen said .
Officials have been eyeing 1 W. Main St. in hopes of pursuing a second phase of the plaza project , which would extend the community space north toward Main Street .
`` This is the last piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fox River , '' Koenen said .
`` I believe this will create a true gateway to our First Street project . ''
The city 's interest in the site dates back nearly two decades , when downtown redevelopment plans were still in early discussion stages , Koenen said .
After the Manor moved out of town , he said , the property was sold to a potential developer whose proposal to construct a new multistory building never came to fruition , largely because of the economic downturn .
As the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed a desire to see more open space along the Fox River , Koenen said .
Purchasing the former restaurant site gives the city an opportunity to fulfill their wishes .
`` It was a long time coming , and I 'm pleased that we finally were able to come to a conclusion , '' Alderman Maureen Lewis said .
`` This green space sitting on this prime corner of the City of St. Charles will be appreciated by residents for years to come . ''
Chicago-based Exelon Corp. has contributed $ 600,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the St. Charles Initiative , a fund managed by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley , Koenen said .
Established by the city last year , the alternative financing mechanism seeks donations and endowments from the community to support city programs and projects , including the First Street Plaza .
`` I 'd like to publicly give ( Exelon ) thanks for their partnership , '' Alderman Lora Vitek said .
`` This is a huge move for us , and it really will enhance what we call the center ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an existing plaza on the west side of First Street , the new `` east plaza '' contains landscaping , a staging area for performances , space for events and various public art opportunities .
Curved stairs with seat walls lead from the plaza to an extended riverwalk , a portion of which was constructed in 2018 .
The plaza expansion is expected to have similar characteristics to `` blend in with what is there today , '' Koenen said .
Once the city closes on the property , he says , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans right away and begin construction by this fall .

St. Charles to acquire former Manor Restaurant site, expand First Street plaza
St. Charles aldermen unanimously approved an agreement to purchase a vacant property at 1 W. Main St. for $1 million. The acquisition allows the city to expand its new "east plaza" along the Fox River north to Main Street. Courtesy of City of St. Charles
With a public plaza almost complete on the east side of First Street, St. Charles is now planning to acquire an adjacent lot to expand the space north to Main Street, as this rendering shows. Courtesy of the City of St. Charles
St. Charles plans to purchase a visually prominent property at the entrance of the First Street corridor, allowing for the expansion of the city's new public plaza along the Fox River.
The city council on Monday unanimously approved an agreement to acquire the long-vacant land at 1 W. Main St. for $1 million.
City leaders have been engaged in discussions with property owners for years over opportunities to redevelop the southeast corner of First and Main streets, City Administrator Mark Koenen said. The nearly 0.1-acre parcel is the former site of the Manor Restaurant, which closed in the mid-2000s and was later razed.
Directly south of the empty lot, the city has been working to create a brick-paved "east plaza" and a two-level riverwalk as part of its ongoing First Street redevelopment project.
Construction on those public improvements is "generally in final form," Koenen said.
Officials have been eyeing 1 W. Main St. in hopes of pursuing a second phase of the plaza project, which would extend the community space north toward Main Street.
"This is the last piece of First Street property to be developed along the Fox River," Koenen said. "I believe this will create a true gateway to our First Street project."
The city's interest in the site dates back nearly two decades, when downtown redevelopment plans were still in early discussion stages, Koenen said.
After the Manor moved out of town, he said, the property was sold to a potential developer whose proposal to construct a new multistory building never came to fruition, largely because of the economic downturn.
As the First Street project moved forward, residents routinely expressed a desire to see more open space along the Fox River, Koenen said. Purchasing the former restaurant site gives the city an opportunity to fulfill their wishes.
"It was a long time coming, and I'm pleased that we finally were able to come to a conclusion," Alderman Maureen Lewis said. "This green space sitting on this prime corner of the City of St. Charles will be appreciated by residents for years to come."
Chicago-based Exelon Corp. has contributed $600,000 to help cover plaza expansion costs through the St. Charles Initiative, a fund managed by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, Koenen said.
Established by the city last year, the alternative financing mechanism seeks donations and endowments from the community to support city programs and projects, including the First Street Plaza.
"I'd like to publicly give (Exelon) thanks for their partnership," Alderman Lora Vitek said.
"This is a huge move for us, and it really will enhance what we call the center ... of our downtown."
Parallel to an existing plaza on the west side of First Street, the new "east plaza" contains landscaping, a staging area for performances, space for events and various public art opportunities.
Curved stairs with seat walls lead from the plaza to an extended riverwalk, a portion of which was constructed in 2018.
The plaza expansion is expected to have similar characteristics to "blend in with what is there today," Koenen said.
Once the city closes on the property, he says, the city would ideally move forward with design plans right away and begin construction by this fall.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Feder: WBBM Newsradio promotes Jennifer Keiper, Andy Dahn

We 'll soon be hearing more of Jennifer Keiper and Andy Dahn on WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM , the Entercom all-news @ @ @ @ @ .
Keiper , who began her latest stint there last year , moves up to @ @ @ @ @ Monday through Thursday , co-anchoring from noon to 3 p.m. ( including the `` Noon @ @ @ @ @ Cotto ) , then reporting until early evening .
She 'll also anchor on Sundays @ @ @ @ @ been a part-time reporter/anchor since 2016 , will anchor Sunday through Thursday evenings , and @ @ @ @ @ media presence in late nights and overnight .
Get the full report , and more @ @ @ @ @ robertfeder.com .

Feder: WBBM Newsradio promotes Jennifer Keiper, Andy Dahn
We'll soon be hearing more of Jennifer Keiper and Andy Dahn on WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM, the Entercom all-news combo.
We'll soon be hearing more of Jennifer Keiper and Andy Dahn on WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM, the Entercom all-news combo, Robert Feder writes.
Keiper, who began her latest stint there last year, moves up to full-time reporter and news anchor Monday through Thursday, co-anchoring from noon to 3 p.m. (including the "Noon Business Hour" with Cisco Cotto), then reporting until early evening. She'll also anchor on Sundays.
Dahn, who's been a part-time reporter/anchor since 2016, will anchor Sunday through Thursday evenings, and boost the station's social media presence in late nights and overnight.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-06--Indian Prairie D204 finds future superintendent with 'impressive' big-district experience

A veteran educator who most recently has worked in the suburbs of Washington , D.C. , is in line to become the next superintendent of Indian Prairie Unit District 204 .
Adrian Talley has been selected to replace Karen Sullivan , who is retiring in June .
The school board is expected to approve his three-year contract , with a starting annual salary of $ 255,000 , at its Jan. 13 meeting .
Talley has more than three decades of experience in education , including five years as an administrator in Prince George 's County Public Schools , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 208 schools and centers and more than 130,000 students and 19,000 employees .
He oversees the management of 64 community schools and previously was the executive director of student services for the district .
School board President Mike Raczak said Talley 's experience -- not only in Prince George 's County but also with large districts in Maryland and Virginia and with the Department of Defense Education Agency -- put district leaders at ease .
When asked during a group interview how he would lead a district with students from parts of Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Talley was not fazed by District 204 's 32 schools , 28,000 students and 3,100 employees , Raczak said .
`` His response was , 'This is not so large , ' '' Raczak said .
`` He clearly has experience working with large districts .
That made us comfortable . ''
Search firm Ray and Associates helped the district identify candidates from a nationwide pool .
While Sullivan rose to the position of superintendent after a career in human resources and other positions in District 204 , Talley 's background comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bachelor 's degree from the University of Virginia , a master 's degree from Boston College and a doctoral degree from George Washington University .
He worked as a teacher in Virginia and a principal of two schools in two districts , then began his career as a district office administrator .
From 2005 to 2012 , Talley held three positions in the central office for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland , managing 40 schools with more than 29,000 students .
He then worked as principal deputy director and associate director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency in Alexandria , Virginia , overseeing instructional programs in 181 schools serving 84,000 students of military parents worldwide .
`` We 're really pleased with his qualifications , '' Raczak said .
`` He 's a very impressive man . ''
Community members can meet Talley during a reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday , Jan. 14 , at the Crouse Education Center , 780 Shoreline Drive , Aurora .
Even before meeting the community , Talley is set to begin his transition process , meeting with Sullivan and other top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district and work with people here in order to move us forward , '' Raczak said .
The district plans to schedule visits `` periodically , '' Raczak said , for Talley to work on a `` consulting '' basis during the transition for $ 980.77 a day .
Talley 's $ 255,000 salary comes in roughly $ 30,000 less than the $ 284,377 Sullivan is receiving this year in her sixth year as superintendent .
According to his contract , which is `` performance-based , '' Talley will work to `` help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academically . ''
Specific goals for his first year include improving math and reading test performance , implementing programs to help with social and emotional competencies , and hitting the following bench marks : a 1180 districtwide average SAT score , a 92 % participation rate in postsecondary experiences such as AP classes or dual credit programs among seniors , and a less than 1 % rate of students receiving out-of-school suspensions .

Indian Prairie D204 finds future superintendent with 'impressive' big-district experience
Karen Sullivan started as superintendent of Indian Prairie Unit District 204 in 2014 and is set to retire this June. The school board expects to approve a contract with her successor, Adrian Talley, during its meeting Jan. 13. Daily Herald file photo/August 2014
A veteran educator who most recently has worked in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., is in line to become the next superintendent of Indian Prairie Unit District 204.
Adrian Talley has been selected to replace Karen Sullivan, who is retiring in June. The school board is expected to approve his three-year contract, with a starting annual salary of $255,000, at its Jan. 13 meeting.
Talley has more than three decades of experience in education, including five years as an administrator in Prince George's County Public Schools, one of the nation's 25 largest districts with 208 schools and centers and more than 130,000 students and 19,000 employees. He oversees the management of 64 community schools and previously was the executive director of student services for the district.
School board President Mike Raczak said Talley's experience -- not only in Prince George's County but also with large districts in Maryland and Virginia and with the Department of Defense Education Agency -- put district leaders at ease.
When asked during a group interview how he would lead a district with students from parts of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield, Talley was not fazed by District 204's 32 schools, 28,000 students and 3,100 employees, Raczak said.
"His response was, 'This is not so large,'" Raczak said. "He clearly has experience working with large districts. That made us comfortable."
Search firm Ray and Associates helped the district identify candidates from a nationwide pool. While Sullivan rose to the position of superintendent after a career in human resources and other positions in District 204, Talley's background comes from the East Coast.
He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, a master's degree from Boston College and a doctoral degree from George Washington University.
He worked as a teacher in Virginia and a principal of two schools in two districts, then began his career as a district office administrator. From 2005 to 2012, Talley held three positions in the central office for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, managing 40 schools with more than 29,000 students.
He then worked as principal deputy director and associate director of education for the Department of Defense Education Agency in Alexandria, Virginia, overseeing instructional programs in 181 schools serving 84,000 students of military parents worldwide.
"We're really pleased with his qualifications," Raczak said. "He's a very impressive man."
Community members can meet Talley during a reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora.
Even before meeting the community, Talley is set to begin his transition process, meeting with Sullivan and other top administrators to "continue to assess the district and work with people here in order to move us forward," Raczak said.
The district plans to schedule visits "periodically," Raczak said, for Talley to work on a "consulting" basis during the transition for $980.77 a day.
Talley's $255,000 salary comes in roughly $30,000 less than the $284,377 Sullivan is receiving this year in her sixth year as superintendent.
According to his contract, which is "performance-based," Talley will work to "help all students grow socially, emotionally and academically."
Specific goals for his first year include improving math and reading test performance, implementing programs to help with social and emotional competencies, and hitting the following bench marks: a 1180 districtwide average SAT score, a 92% participation rate in postsecondary experiences such as AP classes or dual credit programs among seniors, and a less than 1% rate of students receiving out-of-school suspensions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-06--Former Uber driver sentenced to five years in prison for attack on passenger

An Elgin man and former Uber driver has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing and trying to sexually assault a female passenger in 2017 .
Ahmed R. Tawfeeq , 29 , was found guilty of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault , aggravated criminal sexual abuse , aggravated battery , unlawful restraint and promotion of prostitution , by McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt after a two-day trial in November .
Wilbrandt handed down the five-year sentence on Friday .
Tawfeeq had faced a maximum term of 15 years in prison .
Authorities said Tawfeeq was working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , when he picked up a woman in Prairie Grove .
Instead of driving her to her job as requested , Tawfeeq pulled over in a parking lot near the woman 's residence and attacked her , McHenry County prosecutors alleged .
Tawfeeq is scheduled to go on trial again this week on a charge of solicitation of harassment of a witness , authorities said .
If he 's convicted , he faces an additional term of up to seven years in prison .
He remains in custody without bond at the @ @ @ @

Former Uber driver sentenced to five years in prison for attack on passenger
An Elgin man and former Uber driver has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing and trying to sexually assault a female passenger in 2017.
Ahmed R. Tawfeeq, 29, was found guilty of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery, unlawful restraint and promotion of prostitution, by McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt after a two-day trial in November.
Wilbrandt handed down the five-year sentence on Friday. Tawfeeq had faced a maximum term of 15 years in prison.
Authorities said Tawfeeq was working as an Uber driver on June 16, 2017, when he picked up a woman in Prairie Grove. Instead of driving her to her job as requested, Tawfeeq pulled over in a parking lot near the woman's residence and attacked her, McHenry County prosecutors alleged.
Tawfeeq is scheduled to go on trial again this week on a charge of solicitation of harassment of a witness, authorities said. If he's convicted, he faces an additional term of up to seven years in prison.
He remains in custody without bond at the McHenry County jail.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-06--Man found dead with bullet wound after crash near Aurora

A 19-year-old man died Sunday after he was shot then crashed a vehicle into fence near Aurora , Kane County @ @ @ @ @ the Kane County Sheriff 's Office , deputies and Aurora police officers were called to @ @ @ @ @ crash at about 7:55 p.m. Sunday near Dearborn Avenue and Beckwith Street in Aurora Township @ @ @ @ @ deputies learned the vehicle 's 19-year-old driver had been shot , authorities said .
He @ @ @ @ @ the scene by Aurora Township paramedics .
A 20-year-old male passenger was taken to an @ @ @ @ @ minor injuries suffered in the crash , sheriff 's police said .
Sheriff 's Detectives @ @ @ @ @ County Major Crimes Task Force continue to investigate .
No suspect information was available Monday @ @ @ @ @ been established , the sheriff 's office said .
Anyone with information is asked to @ @ @ @ @ at ( 630 ) 444-1103 .

Man found dead with bullet wound after crash near Aurora
A 19-year-old man died Sunday after he was shot then crashed a vehicle into fence near Aurora, Kane County authorities said.
According to the Kane County Sheriff's Office, deputies and Aurora police officers were called to the scene of the single-vehicle crash at about 7:55 p.m. Sunday near Dearborn Avenue and Beckwith Street in Aurora Township.
As they arrived, deputies learned the vehicle's 19-year-old driver had been shot, authorities said. He later was pronounced dead at the scene by Aurora Township paramedics.
A 20-year-old male passenger was taken to an Aurora-area hospital and treated for minor injuries suffered in the crash, sheriff's police said.
Sheriff's Detectives and members of the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force continue to investigate. No suspect information was available Monday morning and no motive has been established, the sheriff's office said.
Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's office detectives at (630) 444-1103.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Iran says it's launched 'tens" of missiles at U.S. troops in Iraq

TEHRAN , Iran -- Iran says it has launched `` tens '' of surface-to-surface missiles at Iraq 's Ain Assad air base housing U.S. troops over America 's killing of a top Iranian general .
State TV described it early Wednesday as Tehran 's revenge operation over the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Iran 's Revolutionary Guard then warned the U.S. and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack in Iraq .
The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran 's state-run IRNA news agency .
`` We are warning all American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its terrorist army , that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted , '' The Guard said .
It also threatened Israel .
U.S. forces could not be immediately reached for comment .
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the White House is aware of the reports .
`` The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team , '' she said .
Ain Assad air base is in Iraq 's western Anbar province .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein .
It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria .
State TV said the operation 's name was `` Martyr Soleimani . ''
It said the Guard 's aerospace division that controls Iran 's missile program launched the attack .
Iran said it would release more information later .
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE .
AP 's earlier story follows below .
A stampede broke out Tuesday at the funeral for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. airstrike , and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession , Iranian news reports said .
As the crowds mourned Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani , more angry calls rose from Iran to avenge his death , drastically raising tensions in the Middle East .
The U.S. continued to reinforce its own positions in the region and warned of an unspecified threat to shipping from Iran in the region 's waterways , crucial routes for global energy supplies .
U.S. embassies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued security alerts for Americans .
The U.S. Air Force launched a drill with 52 fighter jets in Utah , just days after President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 sites in Iran .
Tuesday 's deadly stampede took place in Soleimani 's hometown of Kerman as his coffin was being borne through the city in southeastern Iran , said Pirhossein Koulivand , head of Iran 's emergency medical services .
There was no information about what set off the crush in the packed streets , and online videos showed only its aftermath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces covered by clothing , emergency crews performing CPR on the fallen , and onlookers wailing and crying out to God .
`` Unfortunately as a result of the stampede , some of our compatriots have been injured and some have been killed during the funeral processions , '' Koulivand said , and state TV quoted him as saying that 56 had died and 213 had been injured .
Soleimani 's burial was delayed , with no new time given , because of concerns about the huge crowd at the cemetery , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procession in Tehran on Monday drew over 1 million people in the Iranian capital , crowding both main avenues and side streets in Tehran .
Such mass crowds can prove dangerous .
A smaller stampede at the 1989 funeral for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini killed at least eight people and injured hundreds .
Hossein Salami , Soleimani 's successor as leader of the Revolutionary Guard , addressed a crowd of supporters gathered at the coffin in a central square in Kernan .
He vowed to avenge Soleimani , who was killed in a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We tell our enemies that we will retaliate but if they take another action we will set ablaze the places that they like and are passionate about , '' Salami said .
`` Death to Israel ! ''
the crowd shouted in response , referring to one of Iran 's longtime regional foes .
Salami praised Soleimani 's work , describing him as essential to backing Palestinian groups , Yemen 's Houthi rebels and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria .
As a martyr , Soleimani represented an even greater threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Soleimani will ultimately be laid to rest between the graves of Enayatollah Talebizadeh and Mohammad Hossein Yousef Elahi , two former Guard comrades killed in Iran 's 1980s war with Iraq .
They died in Operation Dawn 8 , in which Soleimani also took part .
It was a 1986 amphibious assault that cut Iraq off from the Persian Gulf and led to the end of the war that killed 1 million .
The funeral processions in major cities over three days have been an unprecedented honor for Soleimani , seen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work leading the Guard 's expeditionary Quds Force .
The U.S. blames him for killing U.S. troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before he was killed .
Soleimani also led forces supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in that country 's civil war , and he also served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq , Lebanon and Yemen .
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad in Syria on Tuesday amid the tensions between Washington and Tehran .
Soleimani 's slaying already has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge .
In Iraq , pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani 's killing .
Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries .
According to a report on Tuesday by the semi-official Tasnim news agency , Iran has worked up 13 sets of plans to avenge Soleimani 's death .
The report quoted Ali Shamkhani , the secretary of Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that even the weakest among them would be a `` historic nightmare '' for the U.S .
He declined to elaborate , '' If the U.S. troops do not leave our region voluntarily and upright , we will do something to carry their bodies horizontally out , '' Shamkhani said .
The state-run IRNA news agency later published a statement from the Supreme National Security Council denying Shamkhani made the comment .
The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast , citing the rising threats .
`` The Iranian response to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there remains the possibility of Iranian action against U.S. maritime interests in the region , '' it said .
Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the U.S. blamed on Iran .
Tehran denied responsibility , although it did seize oil tankers around the crucial Strait of Hormuz , the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20 % of the world 's crude oil travels .
The U.S. Navy 's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will continue to provide advice to merchant shipping as appropriate regarding recommended security precautions in light of the heightened tensions and threats in the region , '' 5th Fleet spokesman Cmdr .
Joshua Frey told The Associated Press .
Meanwhile , Iranian Gen. Alireza Tabgsiri , the chief of the Guard 's navy , issued his own warning .
`` Our message to the enemies is to leave the region , '' Tabgsiri said , according to ISNA .
The Guard routinely has tense encounters with the U.S. Navy in the Persian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British ambassador over comments by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the British defense minister about Soleimani 's killing , the semi-official Mehr news agency reported .
Iran 's parliament , meanwhile , has passed an urgent bill declaring the U.S. military 's command at the Pentagon and those acting on its behalf in Soleimani 's killing as `` terrorists , '' subject to Iranian sanctions .
The measure appears to be in response to a decision by Trump in April to declare the Revolutionary Guard a `` terrorist organization . ''
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the strike that killed Soleimani .
The action by Iran 's parliament was done by a special procedure to speed it into law and also saw the lawmakers approve funding for the Quds Force with an additional 200 million euros , or about $ 224 million .
Also Tuesday , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the U.S. had declined to issue him a visa to travel to New York for meetings at the United Nations .
As the host of the U.N. headquarters , the U.S. is supposed to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is because they fear someone will go there and tell the truth to the American people , '' Zarif said .
`` But they are mistaken .
The world is not limited to New York .
You can speak with American people from Tehran too and we will do that . ''
Asked about Zarif , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told journalists America would comply with its obligations under U.N. rules to grant visas .
He then referred to the Iranian diplomat as `` a propagandist of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't authorized to speak on the record said the application could n't be processed in time for Zarif 's travel although it was n't clear if his request had been formally denied .
A formal rejection would trigger legal technicalities that could affect future visa applications and could violate the host country agreement the U.S. has with the U.N. Gambrell reported from Dubai , United Arab Emirates .
Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed .

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Macy's to close at Spring Hill Mall

Macy's to close at Spring Hill Mall

The Macy 's store in West Dundee is the latest anchor to announce its impending departure from Spring Hill Mall , village officials said .
Representatives of the retail company notified the village Tuesday morning that they would close the West Dundee location by mid-February , Village President Chris Nelson said .
The news is disappointing , he said , but not surprising given the challenges facing mid-size regional malls across the country .
Macy 's has been shrinking its retail footprint nationwide after announcing plans in 2016 to close about 100 department stores .
Company officials recently indicated they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` class B '' shopping centers -- not a good sign for the Dundee-area mall , Nelson said , especially considering its proximity to the `` class A '' Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg .
`` I think we 've been fortunate , and I think it says a lot about our retail market that we 've survived ( several ) cuts , '' he said .
`` We expected this , to some extent . ''
Macy 's representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday .
Macy 's is the second department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spring Hill Mall .
Sears officials announced in November that its West Dundee store would be among 96 Sears and Kmart locations shuttered by the struggling retailer .
Once Macy 's and Sears leave , Kohl 's will be the only anchor store left at Spring Hill Mall , which is located in both West Dundee and Carpentersville .
Carson 's closed its doors in 2018 .
The vacant J.C. Penney wing was razed in 2015 and replaced with a Cinemark movie theater , a key component of a roughly $ 50 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , an exterior plaza and outward-facing retail .
In anticipation of a changing retail landscape , West Dundee has been working the past five years to diversify its economy and `` wean ourselves off the sales tax diet , '' Nelson said .
`` The financial impact of the closures of Sears and Macy 's , while regrettable , is not overly damaging to our bottom line . ''
Village leaders also are in the early stages of developing a vision for how the mall property could evolve in the next decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centered around retail , Nelson said .
West Dundee hired Atlanta-based Sizemore Group in 2018 to create a framework for the area 's potential redevelopment .
While the mall 's retail footprint is expected to continue shrinking , the firm 's conceptual designs depict a bustling campus with pedestrian pathways , residential developments , more entertainment options and office buildings , among other uses .
`` The era of a four-anchor mall concept with in-line stores is fading , '' Nelson said .
`` So what I see for the future is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to work with Carpentersville leaders and mall owner Brookfield Properties to take the next step in bringing those plans to fruition .

Macy's to close at Spring Hill Mall
The Macy's store in West Dundee is the latest anchor to announce its impending departure from Spring Hill Mall, village officials said.
Representatives of the retail company notified the village Tuesday morning that they would close the West Dundee location by mid-February, Village President Chris Nelson said.
The news is disappointing, he said, but not surprising given the challenges facing mid-size regional malls across the country.
Macy's has been shrinking its retail footprint nationwide after announcing plans in 2016 to close about 100 department stores. Company officials recently indicated they would focus on curtailing their presence in "class B" shopping centers -- not a good sign for the Dundee-area mall, Nelson said, especially considering its proximity to the "class A" Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
"I think we've been fortunate, and I think it says a lot about our retail market that we've survived (several) cuts," he said. "We expected this, to some extent."
Macy's representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Macy's is the second department store slated to close next month at Spring Hill Mall. Sears officials announced in November that its West Dundee store would be among 96 Sears and Kmart locations shuttered by the struggling retailer.
Once Macy's and Sears leave, Kohl's will be the only anchor store left at Spring Hill Mall, located in both West Dundee and Carpentersville. Carson's closed its doors in 2018.
The vacant J.C. Penney wing was razed in 2015 and replaced with a Cinemark movie theater, a key component of a roughly $50 million redevelopment project that also included new restaurant space, an exterior plaza and outward-facing retail.
In anticipation of a changing retail landscape, West Dundee has been working the past five years to diversify its economy and "wean ourselves off the sales tax diet," Nelson said. "The financial impact of the closures of Sears and Macy's, while regrettable, is not overly damaging to our bottom line."
Village leaders also are in the early stages of developing a vision for how the mall property could evolve in the next decade or two -- and it isn't centered around retail, Nelson said.
West Dundee hired Atlanta-based Sizemore Group in 2018 to create a framework for the area's potential redevelopment. While the mall's retail footprint is expected to continue shrinking, the firm's conceptual designs depict a bustling campus with pedestrian pathways, residential developments, more entertainment options and office buildings, among other uses.
"The era of a four-anchor mall concept with in-line stores is fading," Nelson said. "So what I see for the future is a mixed-use concept."
West Dundee officials plan to work with Carpentersville leaders and mall owner Brookfield Properties to take the next step in bringing those plans to fruition.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--How you can make your name a part of Phil's Beach history in Wauconda

As a $ 3 million renovation of Phil 's Beach nears completion in Wauconda , a charity benefiting the project is selling commemorative bricks that will be installed at the historic site .
The bricks will form a border along the walkway into Phil 's Beach , which is on the east side of Main Street just north of downtown Wauconda .
Each 4-inch by 8-inch commemorative brick will have up to three lines of text .
Sponsoring a brick will cost $ 150 .
Funds will go to the Wauconda Parks Foundation for the beach project , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The foundation has raised more than $ 30,000 for the Phil 's Beach renovation so far , officials said .
Four hundred commemorative bricks were made available .
So far , about 100 have been bought , parks Director Nancy Burton said .
To order a brick , download the form at waucondaparks.com/wp-content/uploads/customer-Buy-a-Brick-form.pdf and return it to the park district headquarters at 600 N. Main St. You can also buy a brick by calling ( 847 ) 526-3610 or by visiting the park district headquarters .
A Memorial Day opening is planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will be the first summer the site has been open to the public since 1989 .
Phil 's Beach drew families to Bangs Lake starting in the 1920s .
Both the beach and its giant , J-shaped slide were featured in the classic 1980 film `` The Blues Brothers . ''
But the family that owned and operated the beach closed it in 1990 because of rising insurance costs .
The park district bought the property and about one acre on the west side of Main Street in 2016 , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a public parks facility .
Visitors will be able to enjoy a splash pad , a picnic pavilion , a long boardwalk , a concessions building and other amenities .
The land across the street will be used for parking .
Burton estimates the project is about 85 % complete .
The splash pad , boardwalk , a bath house and the concession building are finished , and signs for the main entry and the buildings have been installed , she said .
`` The district is very proud of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the public , '' Burton said .
`` We feel we have been able to recreate the feel and essence of what Phil 's Beach was years ago . ''

How you can make your name a part of Phil's Beach history in Wauconda
As a $3 million renovation of Phil's Beach nears completion in Wauconda, a charity benefiting the project is selling commemorative bricks that will be installed at the historic site.
The bricks will form a border along the walkway into Phil's Beach, which is on the east side of Main Street just north of downtown Wauconda.
Each 4-inch by 8-inch commemorative brick will have up to three lines of text. Sponsoring a brick will cost $150.
Funds will go to the Wauconda Parks Foundation for the beach project, which is being headed by the Wauconda Park District. The foundation has raised more than $30,000 for the Phil's Beach renovation so far, officials said.
Four hundred commemorative bricks were made available. So far, about 100 have been bought, parks Director Nancy Burton said.
To order a brick, download the form at waucondaparks.com/wp-content/uploads/customer-Buy-a-Brick-form.pdf and return it to the park district headquarters at 600 N. Main St. You can also buy a brick by calling (847) 526-3610 or by visiting the park district headquarters.
A Memorial Day opening is planned for the renovated Phil's Beach. This will be the first summer the site has been open to the public since 1989.
Phil's Beach drew families to Bangs Lake starting in the 1920s. Both the beach and its giant, J-shaped slide were featured in the classic 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."
But the family that owned and operated the beach closed it in 1990 because of rising insurance costs. The park district bought the property and about one acre on the west side of Main Street in 2016, with the intent to renovate the site and reopen it as a public parks facility.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a splash pad, a picnic pavilion, a long boardwalk, a concessions building and other amenities. The land across the street will be used for parking.
Burton estimates the project is about 85% complete. The splash pad, boardwalk, a bath house and the concession building are finished, and signs for the main entry and the buildings have been installed, she said.
"The district is very proud of the project and excited to open the facility up to the public," Burton said. "We feel we have been able to recreate the feel and essence of what Phil's Beach was years ago."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--'We are strong': Carol Stream church rallies after Nativity fire that put itself out

Mary Lou Gabl likes to say her church is `` small but mighty . ''
That parish bond at St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream has helped worshippers come together early this year after a fire left smoke damage throughout the sanctuary .
The blaze started about a week ago in an area to the right of the altar depicting the church 's Nativity scene .
Only one figure from the Christmas season display survived nearly intact : a baby Jesus , now charred .
`` The walls look terrible , the floor -- it 's a mess , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary .
But Gabl finds reassurance in what she believes is a `` Christmas miracle . ''
The church does n't have sprinklers , but the fire went out on its own , preventing a loss that could have been much worse .
`` Someone was on our side with this one , '' said Debbie Templin , another office secretary and a parishioner for 40 years .
It 's not clear exactly when the fire started in the church along Cochise Court , but it likely broke out sometime between the evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Templin came to St. Luke to take out the recycling about 5:15 p.m. that Sunday and did n't see any evidence of fire .
`` Everything was as it should be as far as I was concerned , '' she said .
On Dec. 30 , St. Luke held an afternoon class in one of its classrooms around 4 p.m .
Someone who wanted to light a candle went into the church , smelled smoke and called the fire department , Gabl and Templin said .
But at that point , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not appear suspicious and actually burned out in an area of the church that butts up against a concrete block wall , which kept the fire from spreading , said firefighter-paramedic Greg Schwarze , a public education coordinator for the Carol Stream Fire District .
`` I believe that it really ran out of fuel , '' he said .
`` The whole Christmas display , Jesus in the manger , all of that burned up . ''
The church typically keeps the doors to the sanctuary closed , which also likely kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , Schwarze said .
`` There was a lot of heat , '' he said .
`` There was soot , black soot and smoke damage throughout the entire sanctuary , and so it did get hot , but really the church ceiling was high enough and the heat was able to dissipate enough . ''
The official cause of the fire is undetermined , Schwarze said .
An unattended candle probably was the culprit , but fire investigators do n't have a witness to confirm that .
`` We ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The sanctuary also did sustain some heat damage as shown by the blistered paint on a section of the ceiling .
`` A lot of soot and ash everywhere , '' Templin said .
`` It got in everything . ''
Damage estimates are unavailable .
By the end of the week , the parish hopes to find out how long repairs will take and what costs will exceed the church 's insurance coverage , Gabl said .
`` We are strong , and we will come through this because we care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
St. Luke serves about 450 families .
Parishioners have been celebrating Mass with a temporary altar and chairs set up in classroom space .
`` People are still coming and supporting the church , and it 's working out well , '' Templin said .
`` We 're a very strong parish .
I like to say we 're small but mighty . ''

'We are strong': Carol Stream church rallies after Nativity fire that put itself out
Parishioners will continue to hold Mass in classroom space during repairs of the fire-damaged St. Luke Catholic Church. Courtesy of St. Luke Catholic Church
A fire destroyed the Nativity scene in the sanctuary of St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream, but it burned out on its own. Courtesy of St. Luke Catholic Church
Mary Lou Gabl likes to say her church is "small but mighty."
That parish bond at St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream has helped worshippers come together early this year after a fire left smoke damage throughout the sanctuary.
The blaze started about a week ago in an area to the right of the altar depicting the church's Nativity scene. Only one figure from the Christmas season display survived nearly intact: a baby Jesus, now charred.
"The walls look terrible, the floor -- it's a mess," said Gabl, the parish office secretary.
But Gabl finds reassurance in what she believes is a "Christmas miracle." The church doesn't have sprinklers, but the fire went out on its own, preventing a loss that could have been much worse.
"Someone was on our side with this one," said Debbie Templin, another office secretary and a parishioner for 40 years.
It's not clear exactly when the fire started in the church along Cochise Court, but it likely broke out sometime between the evening of Dec. 29 and the next day.
The baby Jesus was the only figure pulled from the rubble of what was the Nativity scene inside St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream. "He actually did not disintegrate like the rest of them," parishioner Mary Lou Gabl said. - Courtesy of St. Luke Catholic Church
Templin came to St. Luke to take out the recycling about 5:15 p.m. that Sunday and didn't see any evidence of fire.
"Everything was as it should be as far as I was concerned," she said.
On Dec. 30, St. Luke held an afternoon class in one of its classrooms around 4 p.m. Someone who wanted to light a candle went into the church, smelled smoke and called the fire department, Gabl and Templin said. But at that point, there was no fire.
The blaze does not appear suspicious and actually burned out in an area of the church that butts up against a concrete block wall, which kept the fire from spreading, said firefighter-paramedic Greg Schwarze, a public education coordinator for the Carol Stream Fire District.
"I believe that it really ran out of fuel," he said. "The whole Christmas display, Jesus in the manger, all of that burned up."
The church typically keeps the doors to the sanctuary closed, which also likely kept the heat from the fire in one area, Schwarze said.
Most of the damage from a fire inside Carol Stream's St. Luke Catholic Church was contained to an area depicting a Nativity scene. "Everything had put itself out, and there is a lot of wood in our building, so I think we had a little help," parishioner Debbie Templin said. - Courtesy of St. Luke Catholic Church
"There was a lot of heat," he said. "There was soot, black soot and smoke damage throughout the entire sanctuary, and so it did get hot, but really the church ceiling was high enough and the heat was able to dissipate enough."
The official cause of the fire is undetermined, Schwarze said. An unattended candle probably was the culprit, but fire investigators don't have a witness to confirm that.
"We can't rule anything specific," he said.
The sanctuary also did sustain some heat damage as shown by the blistered paint on a section of the ceiling.
"A lot of soot and ash everywhere," Templin said. "It got in everything."
Firefighters are not sure what sparked a fire that ruined a Nativity scene inside St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream. - Courtesy of St. Luke Catholic Church
Damage estimates are unavailable. By the end of the week, the parish hopes to find out how long repairs will take and what costs will exceed the church's insurance coverage, Gabl said.
"We are strong, and we will come through this because we care about our church," Templin said.
St. Luke serves about 450 families. Parishioners have been celebrating Mass with a temporary altar and chairs set up in classroom space.
"People are still coming and supporting the church, and it's working out well," Templin said. "We're a very strong parish. I like to say we're small but mighty."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Defense: Epileptic seizure to blame for 107 mph crash that killed 16-year-old Hersey student

`` Sometimes lives can change in an instant . ''
Cook County prosecutor Michael Clarke was referring to Alyssa Lendino , a Mount Prospect teen who lost her life in a car crash , when he uttered those words during opening statements in the trial of Adam Grunin , 32 , who authorities say caused the July 21 , 2018 , high-speed collision at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Hintz Road in Wheeling .
But Clarke 's words might also apply to Grunin , of Wheeling , who was driving south on Milwaukee Avenue when his attorneys say he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose control of his vehicle .
Authorities say Grunin struck a different car before speeding into the Lendino family 's stopped car at more than 107 mph in a 40 mph zone .
`` This was a tragedy , '' defense attorney Steven Weinberg said during his opening statement as he told jurors his client was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005 , was under a doctor 's care and was taking prescribed anti-seizure medication at the time of the crash .
No alcohol or drugs were found in his system except those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to his attorney , Grunin underwent an electroencephalogram test on July 5 , 2018 , that showed a `` spike '' on his right and left frontal lobes .
Those `` abnormalities '' prompted Grunin 's doctor to order a follow-up procedure , but Grunin did not have any driving restrictions , Weinberg said .
The collision occurred before the follow-up procedure took place , said Weinberg , who disagreed with Clarke 's statement that Grunin was fleeing the previous collision when he struck the Lendino vehicle , killing the 16-year-old who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights .
`` Just like that , '' Clarke said with a snap of his fingers , `` ( a family 's ) whole world is turned upside-down ... all because of the actions of this man . ''
According to Clarke , Grunin first struck the rear driver 's side of a southbound car driven by Angelica Breto , whose two young children were in the back seat .
`` I felt an impact , '' Breto said .
`` I lost control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was afraid . ''
Moments later , Grunin 's car slammed into the Lendinos , whose car was stopped at a red light , Clarke said .
Prosecutors played for jurors video of the crash taken from the windshield camera in an Abt Electronics delivery truck driven by Joseph Kaspar , who was stopped at the same red light in a northbound lane .
`` You may hear the defendant had an epileptic seizure so he should n't be responsible for Alyssa 's death , '' said Clarke in his opening statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to determine `` whether that is reasonable or a fabricated excuse to avoid responsibility . ''
Testimony continues at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Rolling Meadows .

Defense: Epileptic seizure to blame for 107 mph crash that killed 16-year-old Hersey student
"Sometimes lives can change in an instant."
Cook County prosecutor Michael Clarke was referring to Alyssa Lendino, a Mount Prospect teen who lost her life in a car crash, when he uttered those words during opening statements in the trial of Adam Grunin, 32, who authorities say caused the July 21, 2018, high-speed collision at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Hintz Road in Wheeling.
But Clarke's words might also apply to Grunin, of Wheeling, who was driving south on Milwaukee Avenue when his attorneys say he suffered an epileptic seizure that caused him to lose control of his vehicle.
Authorities say Grunin struck a different car before speeding into the Lendino family's stopped car at more than 107 mph in a 40 mph zone.
"This was a tragedy," defense attorney Steven Weinberg said during his opening statement as he told jurors his client was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005, was under a doctor's care and was taking prescribed anti-seizure medication at the time of the crash. No alcohol or drugs were found in his system except those prescribed for him, Weinberg said.
According to his attorney, Grunin underwent an electroencephalogram test on July 5, 2018, that showed a "spike" on his right and left frontal lobes. Those "abnormalities" prompted Grunin's doctor to order a follow-up procedure, but Grunin did not have any driving restrictions, Weinberg said.
The collision occurred before the follow-up procedure took place, said Weinberg, who disagreed with Clarke's statement that Grunin was fleeing the previous collision when he struck the Lendino vehicle, killing the 16-year-old who was about to begin her junior year at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
"Just like that," Clarke said with a snap of his fingers, "(a family's) whole world is turned upside-down ... all because of the actions of this man."
According to Clarke, Grunin first struck the rear driver's side of a southbound car driven by Angelica Breto, whose two young children were in the back seat.
"I felt an impact," Breto said. "I lost control of the car. The kids were crying and I was afraid."
Moments later, Grunin's car slammed into the Lendinos, whose car was stopped at a red light, Clarke said.
Prosecutors played for jurors video of the crash taken from the windshield camera in an Abt Electronics delivery truck driven by Joseph Kaspar, who was stopped at the same red light in a northbound lane.
"You may hear the defendant had an epileptic seizure so he shouldn't be responsible for Alyssa's death," said Clarke in his opening statement, telling jurors it is up to them to determine "whether that is reasonable or a fabricated excuse to avoid responsibility."
Testimony continues at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Rolling Meadows.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Debate over Des Plaines officials' benefits returns

Des Plaines aldermen on Monday resumed their long-running debate over city-funded health , dental and life insurance for elected officials but postponed a vote on whether to eliminate those benefits for future officeholders .
The elimination of benefits is being championed by Mayor Matthew Bogusz and 3rd Ward Alderman Denise Rodd .
The proposed change would not apply to the Bogusz or current aldermen and city clerk , who would continue to receive benefits during their terms and any terms immediately following it .
`` I think you 'll find that ( this change ) is consistent with almost all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` People have said that they 've only run for office because a perk like this was available .
I wo n't say when and I wo n't say who , but I 've heard it with my own ears . ''
Surveys conducted by the Northwest Municipal Conference in 2013 , 2014 and 2017 showed that Des Plaines is in the minority of towns that offer such benefits .
Of the 22 towns that responded to the surveys , only Des Plaines , Evanston , Palatine , Schaumburg and Streamwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It seems to be a holdover from a time when elected officials were full-time , '' said Rodd , adding that she does not take advantage of the benefits .
`` Certainly I 've been able to manage my work as alderman in a part-time capacity . ''
With insurance costs rising , the benefits as they 're currently structured are not sustainable , Rodd said .
Those benefits are just one part of officials ' compensation .
The mayor receives an annual salary of $ 9,600 , with an expense account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive an annual salary of $ 3,000 , with expense accounts of $ 150 a month .
They also receive cellphones and tablets on request , and the mayor has access to a city-owned car .
Some towns , like Barrington and Glencoe , pay officials no salary at all .
At the opposite end of the spectrum , Schaumburg pays its mayor $ 25,283 a year and trustees $ 15,553 , while Evanston pays its mayor $ 25,317 and aldermen $ 15,990 .
It is not the first time council members have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2016 , aldermen voted to formally include their benefits in the city code , after Bogusz moved to eliminate them .
Bogusz then vetoed the measure , but aldermen overrode the veto .
Later that year , a group of residents filed petitions to put the issue up for an advisory referendum in the November 2016 election .
They later withdrew the measure after objections were filed to their petitions .
On Monday , 6th Ward Alderman Malcolm Chester suggested increasing officials ' pay if the city council gets rid of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation has n't been reviewed since 1996 .
`` This is not an easy issue for any of us to discuss , '' he said .
`` The question that we 're asking tonight is how much should the compensation be for the city council and the mayor . ''
Bogusz insisted that the question was narrower : simply whether or not future officials should receive benefits .
`` Public servants should not need incentives to do the job , '' he said .
At Chester 's suggestion , aldermen tabled the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finance and Administration Committee for further review .
The council heard comments from three members of the public , including Wayne Woodworth , one of the residents behind the 2016 referendum effort .
`` I think it would be nice to ( have benefits ) taken away , removed , '' he said .
`` Nothing against the officials .
It 's just not practical . ''
Rodd asked all of her colleagues to talk to their constituents about the change .
`` This is an awkward discussion , but a necessary one @ @ @ @ @

Debate over Des Plaines officials' benefits returns
This story has been updated to provide additional information about the village of Schaumburg's policy for elected officials' benefits.
Des Plaines aldermen on Monday resumed their long-running debate over city-funded health, dental and life insurance for elected officials but postponed a vote on whether to eliminate those benefits for future officeholders.
The elimination of benefits is being championed by Mayor Matthew Bogusz and 3rd Ward Alderman Denise Rodd. The proposal would not apply to the Bogusz or current aldermen and city clerk, who would continue to receive benefits during their terms and any terms immediately following it.
"I think you'll find that (this change) is consistent with almost all of our neighboring communities," Bogusz said.
"People have said that they've only run for office because a perk like this was available. I won't say when and I won't say who, but I've heard it with my own ears."
Surveys conducted by the Northwest Municipal Conference in 2013, 2014 and 2017 showed that Des Plaines is in the minority of towns that offer such benefits.
Of the 22 towns that responded to the surveys, only Des Plaines, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg and Streamwood provided health benefits to elected officials. In Schaumburg, officials must pay the full premium for coverage, and there currently are no elected officials obtaining health insurance coverage from the village.
"It seems to be a holdover from a time when elected officials were full-time," said Rodd, adding that she does not take advantage of the benefits.
"Certainly I've been able to manage my work as alderman in a part-time capacity."
With insurance costs rising, the benefits as they're currently structured are not sustainable, Rodd said.
Those benefits are just part of officials' compensation. The mayor receives an annual salary of $9,600, with an expense account of $200 a month. Aldermen receive an annual salary of $3,000, with expense accounts of $150 a month. They also receive cellphones and tablets on request, and the mayor has access to a city-owned car.
Some towns, like Barrington and Glencoe, pay officials no salary at all.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Schaumburg pays its mayor $26,041 a year plus $75 for every meeting attended and trustees $5,892 plus $75 for every meeting attended, while Evanston pays its mayor $25,317 and aldermen $15,990.
In 2016, Des Plaines aldermen voted to formally include their benefits in the city code, after Bogusz moved to eliminate them. Bogusz then vetoed the measure, but aldermen overrode him.
Later that year, a group of residents filed petitions to put the issue up for an advisory referendum in the November 2016 election. They withdrew the measure after objections were filed to their petitions.
On Monday, 6th Ward Alderman Malcolm Chester suggested increasing officials' pay if the city council gets rid of the benefits. He pointed out that their compensation hasn't been reviewed since 1996.
"This is not an easy issue for any of us to discuss," he said. "The question that we're asking tonight is how much should the compensation be for the city council and the mayor."
Bogusz insisted that the question was narrower: simply whether future officials should receive benefits.
"Public servants should not need incentives to do the job," he said.
At Chester's suggestion, aldermen tabled the matter and referred it to the council's Finance and Administration Committee for further review.
The council heard comments from three members of the public, including Wayne Woodworth, one of the residents behind the 2016 referendum effort.
"I think it would be nice to (have benefits) taken away, removed," he said. "Nothing against the officials. It's just not practical."
Rodd asked all her colleagues to talk to their constituents about the change.
"This is an awkward discussion, but a necessary one," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Plea agreement reached for man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy

A federal court filing in Ohio shows that a plea agreement has been reached in the case of a 24-year-old Ohio man who claimed to be a missing Aurora child .
No details were made public immediately on the terms .
U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett has a Wednesday status conference set in the case of Brian Michael Rini , of Medina , Ohio .
Barrett postponed a June trial after questions were raised about Rini 's mental state , but on Oct. 31 he found him competent to stand trial .
A court transcript of the Oct. 31 hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed settling the case before trial .
Richard Monahan , a federal public defender , told the judge the talks were likely to be fruitful .
He did n't respond immediately to a message Tuesday seeking comment .
Rini earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft and lying to FBI agents .
He would face up to eight years in prison if convicted on those charges .
He 's been held without bond since last April and was evaluated last summer at a federal facility in Chicago .
Police say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kentucky , last April 3 .
Police said he told them he was Timmothy Pitzen , an Aurora boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6 .
Authorities said Rini told them he had just escaped captors who sexually abused him .
Federal authorities said they were suspicious after he refused to be fingerprinted .
DNA testing quickly revealed his true identity .
A federal magistrate had cited Rini 's lack of a permanent address , past mental health issues and `` a lengthy criminal history '' that goes back to age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated at an Ohio center for people with mental health or substance abuse problems , according to court papers .

Plea agreement reached for man who claimed to be missing Aurora boy
A federal court filing in Ohio shows that a plea agreement has been reached in the case of a 24-year-old Ohio man who claimed to be a missing Aurora child.
No details were made public immediately on the terms. U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett has a Wednesday status conference set in the case of Brian Michael Rini, of Medina, Ohio. Barrett postponed a June trial after questions were raised about Rini's mental state, but on Oct. 31 he found him competent to stand trial.
A court transcript of the Oct. 31 hearing showed that the defense and prosecution had discussed settling the case before trial. Richard Monahan, a federal public defender, told the judge the talks were likely to be fruitful. He didn't respond immediately to a message Tuesday seeking comment.
Rini earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft and lying to FBI agents. He would face up to eight years in prison if convicted on those charges. He's been held without bond since last April and was evaluated last summer at a federal facility in Chicago.
Police say Rini was wandering the streets of Newport, Kentucky, last April 3. Police said he told them he was Timmothy Pitzen, an Aurora boy who disappeared in 2011 at age 6. Authorities said Rini told them he had just escaped captors who sexually abused him.
Federal authorities said they were suspicious after he refused to be fingerprinted. DNA testing quickly revealed his true identity.
A federal magistrate had cited Rini's lack of a permanent address, past mental health issues and "a lengthy criminal history" that goes back to age 13. In 2017, Rini was treated at an Ohio center for people with mental health or substance abuse problems, according to court papers.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Texas Roadhouse opening in Mount Prospect Jan. 20

The new Texas Roadhouse in Mount Prospect is set to open to the public Monday , Jan. 20 , but first the restaurant will host special events in the coming days to honor and benefit local organizations .
Next week , as the restaurant at 841 E. Rand Road trains new cooks , meat cutters and other kitchen members , first responders from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights will be first to try its offerings .
The restaurant also will host invitation-only events before opening and raise money for Lemons of Love , a Mount Prospect-based charity that offers programming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors , and caregivers , and provides care packages for those undergoing chemotherapy .
`` Being a strong community partner is part of our mission , '' Managing Partner Matt Slezak said in an announcement of the opening .
`` Lemons of Love is a staple in this community , a partner to those in need and exemplifies community and partnership .
We 're so excited to partner with Lemons of Love and ca n't imagine a more meaningful way to celebrate our opening . ''
To celebrate the public opening , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hold an official ribbon-cutting at 3:30 p.m. Monday , Jan. 20 .
The restaurant , which officials say will bring 187 new jobs to the community , is part of a redevelopment of the former Mitchell Buick site , called Mount Prospect Pointe .
Other tenants of the development include a Buona Beef restaurant that opened in December and The Tile Shop .

Texas Roadhouse opening in Mount Prospect Jan. 20
A new Texas Roadhouse will open in Mount Prospect on Jan. 20. It's part of a redevelopment of a former auto dealership that also includes a Buona Beef restaurant and The Tile Shop. Courtesy of Texas Roadhouse
The new Texas Roadhouse in Mount Prospect is set to open to the public Monday, Jan. 20, but first the restaurant will host special events in the coming days to honor and benefit local organizations.
Next week, as the restaurant at 841 E. Rand Road trains new cooks, meat cutters and other kitchen members, first responders from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights will be first to try its offerings.
The restaurant also will host invitation-only events before opening and raise money for Lemons of Love, a Mount Prospect-based charity that offers programming and support services to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and provides care packages for those undergoing chemotherapy.
"Being a strong community partner is part of our mission," Managing Partner Matt Slezak said in an announcement of the opening. "Lemons of Love is a staple in this community, a partner to those in need and exemplifies community and partnership. We're so excited to partner with Lemons of Love and can't imagine a more meaningful way to celebrate our opening."
To celebrate the public opening, the restaurant and Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce will hold an official ribbon-cutting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20.
The restaurant, which officials say will bring 187 new jobs to the community, is part of a redevelopment of the former Mitchell Buick site, called Mount Prospect Pointe. Other tenants of the development include a Buona Beef restaurant that opened in December and The Tile Shop.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Task force's draft report suggests ways to reduce property taxes

SPRINGFIELD -- A task force formed to study ways to reduce property tax burden on Illinois residents is calling for consolidation of school districts and other local units of government and a boost in the state 's share of funding for K-12 education .
Those and other recommendations are part of a draft report circulated among the 88-member Property Tax Relief Task Force that state lawmakers formed during the 2019 session .
A final report is expected to be released before the 2020 legislative session begins Jan. 28 .
The bill creating the task force was part of a package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment to allow for a graduated income tax .
And while the draft report does not mention the proposed amendment , which will appear on the November general election ballot , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has said that he wants at least some of the new income tax revenue to be used for property tax relief if voters approve the amendment .
Rising property taxes have been a political flash point in Illinois for many years .
The current system dates back to a 1901 Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time , according to the draft report .
The report notes , however , that property ownership today is no longer the indicator of wealth and ability to pay that it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries .
It also states the current system is full of special exemptions for select groups of property owners -- including Tax Increment Financing districts , or TIFs , that have the effect of shifting the tax burden on to other property owners .
The document also notes that local governments in Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more heavily on property tax revenue than in other states .
Local property taxes account for two-thirds of all funding for public schools in Illinois , while state funding accounts for only about 26 percent .
`` Today 's reliance on property taxes underscores how broken the system of funding local government services has become , '' the report states .
`` Too many units of government rely too heavily on property taxes , which are predicated on the value of something that is most often unrelated to the owners ' ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property tax system should be reformed on several levels , including how property values are determined , consolidating townships and other local units of government , and reducing or eliminating some property tax exemptions .
But addressing the issue of education funding would likely have the biggest impact because school taxes make up the bulk of most people 's property tax bills .
Rep. Sam Yingling , a Grayslake Democrat and one of eight co-chairs of the task force , said in an interview that one way to increase the state 's share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's sales tax base to cover certain services not currently taxed .
He added that also allow the state to reduce its sales tax rate .
The report also notes that one task force member , Chicago Democratic Rep. Mary Flowers , who co-chaired the subcommittee on social and economic disparities , `` recommends the removal of school districts from the property tax system so that the State of Illinois has sole funding responsibility for K-12 schools . ''
Illinois also has an unusual system of organizing public schools , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 300 serve only grades K-8 and nearly 100 serve only high school students .
The remainder are known as `` unit '' districts that serve all grades from K-12 .
`` Each of these has administrative staff and combining them into unified school districts will result in efficiencies of scale , '' the draft report states .
`` The degree and scope of savings will vary from district to district and from school to school , but in parts of the state , merger will make great financial sense , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students . ''
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit , an Oswego Democrat who served as co-chair of the task force 's school funding subcommittee , said in an interview that she agrees with the need for school district consolidation .
`` When you talk about school funding and single purpose districts such as K-8 or high school districts , the residents have to know that they are essentially being almost double-taxed versus a unit district , '' she said .
By way of example , Kifowit shared a photograph she took of a constituent 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a home in South suburban Park Forest .
The home was valued at just over $ 128,000 and the tax bill was for more than $ 13,000 .
That included more than $ 7,000 levied by two school districts .
The task force was originally supposed to deliver its final report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 31 , but Yingling said members felt it was important to get feedback on the draft from all four legislative caucuses -- Republicans and Democrats in the state House and Senate .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be complete before the 2020 session begins Jan. 28 .
Once the final report is released , its recommendations will be drafted into legislation for the General Assembly to consider this year .
`` It 's gon na take longer than one session in one year to fix but I think this is a great first step in the right direction , '' Kifowit said .
`` And I think that we can have a commonsense solution for to really work to lower property taxes for our residents . ''
But not everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft report .
`` As a current draft , the final report is nothing more than a collection of thoughts with no real recommendations , put together by only a handful of people , '' Rep. Joe Sosnowski , a Rockford Republican , said in a statement .
`` There was no actual discussion or debate at the committee level on this report .
This grossly oversized task force was created in a deal with the Governor to convince reluctant legislators to support an income tax increase being placed on the ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover .
Instead of bringing us closer to achieving meaningful and lasting property tax relief for Illinois families , this draft report is a complete disaster that fails to live up to its intended purpose . ''

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


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-07--Police: Charges pending in fatal high-speed Des Plaines crash

Des Plaines police say charges are pending in connection with a high-speed crash Sunday night that claimed the life of a 46-year-old man and seriously injured his teenage son .
Alejandro Arzeta of Des Plaines died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash , which occurred about 7:06 p.m. Sunday in the area of Elmhurst and Golf roads , police said .
According to police , Arzeta was driving a 2008 Nissan Altima that was making a right turn on to northbound Elmhurst Road from a private drive when it was struck by a 2019 Chevrolet Impala traveling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northbound Elmhurst .
Arzeta later was pronounced dead at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge , police said .
His 13-year-old son , a passenger in his vehicle , also was taken to Lutheran General , where he was treated for serious injuries and now is in stable condition , authorities said .
The driver of the Impala , Eldor Akilov , a 33-year-old resident of Florida , was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights in serious condition , police said .
An investigation into the crash is ongoing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plaines police said .

Police: Charges pending in fatal high-speed Des Plaines crash
Des Plaines police say charges are pending in connection with a high-speed crash Sunday night that claimed the life of a 46-year-old man and seriously injured his teenage son.
Alejandro Arzeta of Des Plaines died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, which occurred about 7:06 p.m. Sunday in the area of Elmhurst and Golf roads, police said.
According to police, Arzeta was driving a 2008 Nissan Altima that was making a right turn on to northbound Elmhurst Road from a private drive when it was struck by a 2019 Chevrolet Impala traveling at a high rate of speed on northbound Elmhurst.
Arzeta later was pronounced dead at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, police said. His 13-year-old son, a passenger in his vehicle, also was taken to Lutheran General, where he was treated for serious injuries and now is in stable condition, authorities said.
The driver of the Impala, Eldor Akilov, a 33-year-old resident of Florida, was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights in serious condition, police said.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing and charges are pending its completion, Des Plaines police said.