dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-20--June 19 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Interactive map Suburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 69,910 cases in the suburbs , 51 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health as of Saturday .
There have been 3,344 deaths in the suburbs , representing 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Saturday , suburban Cook County had 36,460 cases and 1,899 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 50,425 cases and 2,491 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Des Plaines , 806 cases and 51 deaths in Wheeling , 673 cases and 15 deaths in Palatine , 654 cases and 19 deaths in Streamwood , 640 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 567 cases and 16 deaths in Schaumburg , 520 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview , 506 cases and 31 deaths in Arlington Heights , 493 cases and 9 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 456 cases and 12 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 365 cases and 36 deaths in Elk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Rolling Meadows , 328 cases and 39 deaths in Northbrook , 262 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 120 cases and 17 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 8,648 cases and 443 deaths as of Saturday .
• Top counts : 807 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 758 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago , 650 cases and 9 deaths in Glendale Heights , 522 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 514 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion ) , 497 cases and 27 deaths in Carol Stream , 387 cases and 20 deaths in Lombard , 324 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage portion ) , 268 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst , 249 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage portion ) , 251 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton , 232 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park , 155 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
Lake County • The county listed 9,279 cases and 398 deaths on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday : 2,580 to 2,584 in Waukegan , 560 to 564 in Round Lake Beach , 360 to 364 in Mundelein , 290 to 294 in Gurnee , 165 to 169 in Vernon Hills , 140 to 144 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 135 to 139 in Wauconda , 125 to 129 in Lake Zurich , 115 to 119 in Libertyville , 85 to 89 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 7,342 cases with 245 deaths on its website Saturday .
• Top counts : 3,306 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , 1,819 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 720 in Carpentersville , 276 in St. Charles , 270 in South Elgin , 189 in North Aurora , 161 in Geneva , 111 in Batavia , and 50 in Algonquin ( Kane portion ) .
McHenry County • 1,899 cases and 90 deaths , according to the health department Saturday .
Will County • 6,317 cases and 310 deaths , according to the health department 's website Saturday .
• Cases per town include 370 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion ) .

June 19 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depicts the coronavirus as viewed through a microscope. Courtesy of the CDC
Interactive map Suburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 69,910 cases in the suburbs, 51% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health as of Saturday. There have been 3,344 deaths in the suburbs, representing 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Saturday, suburban Cook County had 36,460 cases and 1,899 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 50,425 cases and 2,491 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,663 cases and 93 deaths in Des Plaines, 806 cases and 51 deaths in Wheeling, 673 cases and 15 deaths in Palatine, 654 cases and 19 deaths in Streamwood, 640 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 567 cases and 16 deaths in Schaumburg, 520 cases and 48 deaths in Glenview, 506 cases and 31 deaths in Arlington Heights, 493 cases and 9 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 456 cases and 12 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 365 cases and 36 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 345 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 328 cases and 39 deaths in Northbrook, 262 cases and 7 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 120 cases and 17 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 8,648 cases and 443 deaths as of Saturday.
• Top counts: 807 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 758 cases and 14 deaths in West Chicago, 650 cases and 9 deaths in Glendale Heights, 522 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 514 cases and 33 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 497 cases and 27 deaths in Carol Stream, 387 cases and 20 deaths in Lombard, 324 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage portion), 268 cases and 32 deaths in Elmhurst, 249 cases and 2 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage portion), 251 cases and 20 deaths in Wheaton, 232 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park, 155 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County• The county listed 9,279 cases and 398 deaths on its website Friday.
• Top counts as of Saturday: 2,580 to 2,584 in Waukegan, 560 to 564 in Round Lake Beach, 360 to 364 in Mundelein, 290 to 294 in Gurnee, 165 to 169 in Vernon Hills, 140 to 144 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 135 to 139 in Wauconda, 125 to 129 in Lake Zurich, 115 to 119 in Libertyville, 85 to 89 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 7,342 cases with 245 deaths on its website Saturday.
• Top counts: 3,306 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 1,819 in Elgin (Kane portion), 720 in Carpentersville, 276 in St. Charles, 270 in South Elgin, 189 in North Aurora, 161 in Geneva, 111 in Batavia, and 50 in Algonquin (Kane portion).
McHenry County• 1,899 cases and 90 deaths, according to the health department Saturday.
Will County• 6,317 cases and 310 deaths, according to the health department's website Saturday.
• Cases per town include 370 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 65 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-20--Michael Camerer, Bartlett trustee and state House nominee, remembered for 'amazing' service

Bartlett village trustee and Republican nominee for an Illinois House of Representatives seat Michael E. Camerer is being remembered for his service to the community .
Camerer died unexpectedly Thursday at age 61 of natural causes .
He is survived by his wife of 34 years , Robin , sons Jonathan , Daniel and Matthew , his mother , Darielle , and brother Alan .
`` He was amazing for the Village of Bartlett , '' President Kevin Wallace said .
`` Literally touched thousands of lives . ''
`` His was a robust life of service and he certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bartlett Administrator Paula Schumacher in a village news release .
`` He dedicated his life to helping others , as a doctor , teacher , Rotarian , village trustee , friend , father and husband .
He led our community thoughtfully with care and passion and honor .
Bartlett is the better for his service and we feel his loss deeply . ''
He first ran for village council in 2013 and won reelection in 2017 .
In March he won the Republican nomination for the state house seat in District 45 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wanted to `` consolidate overlapping and redundant government agencies in order to better utilize taxpayer dollars and to enact new , powerful ethics legislation and tougher penalties for public corruption , '' according to the release .
`` His passion was to help Illinois become a better state , '' Wallace added .
`` It was just a real shock to everyone .
It 's tragic , '' he said .
A chiropractor , Camerer opened Camerer Chiropractic in downtown Bartlett in 1990 .
Camerer also was an adjunct professor at Judson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rotary Club and the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce .
He volunteered with the Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation , Village Church of Bartlett and Boy Scouts of America Troop 227 .
`` He was one of the best people I 've ever met in my life overall , '' Wallace said .
`` It 's really a tough thing for the whole village . ''
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Village Church of Bartlett , with a noon departure for graveside services at Bartlett Cemetery .

Michael Camerer, Bartlett trustee and state House nominee, remembered for 'amazing' service
Bartlett village trustee and Republican nominee for an Illinois House of Representatives seat Michael E. Camerer is being remembered for his service to the community. Courtesy of Camerer family
Bartlett village trustee and Republican nominee for an Illinois House of Representatives seat Michael E. Camerer is being remembered for his service to the community.
Camerer died unexpectedly Thursday at age 61 of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Robin, sons Jonathan, Daniel and Matthew, his mother, Darielle, and brother Alan.
"He was amazing for the Village of Bartlett," President Kevin Wallace said. "Literally touched thousands of lives."
"His was a robust life of service and he certainly had more to give," said Bartlett Administrator Paula Schumacher in a village news release. "He dedicated his life to helping others, as a doctor, teacher, Rotarian, village trustee, friend, father and husband. He led our community thoughtfully with care and passion and honor. Bartlett is the better for his service and we feel his loss deeply."
He first ran for village council in 2013 and won reelection in 2017. In March he won the Republican nomination for the state house seat in District 45. The general election is in November.
He wanted to "consolidate overlapping and redundant government agencies in order to better utilize taxpayer dollars and to enact new, powerful ethics legislation and tougher penalties for public corruption," according to the release.
"His passion was to help Illinois become a better state," Wallace added.
Wallace recalled spending time with Camerer after Tuesday's board meeting.
"It was just a real shock to everyone. It's tragic," he said.
A chiropractor, Camerer opened Camerer Chiropractic in downtown Bartlett in 1990. Camerer also was an adjunct professor at Judson College in Elgin.
Camerer served in the Rotary Club and the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered with the Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation, Village Church of Bartlett and Boy Scouts of America Troop 227.
"He was one of the best people I've ever met in my life overall," Wallace said. "It's really a tough thing for the whole village."
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Village Church of Bartlett, with a noon departure for graveside services at Bartlett Cemetery.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-20--Hit it! Three 'Blues Brothers' suburban film locales to visit for its 40th anniversary

Updated June 20 to correct the name of the prison .
The musical odyssey of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues first hit movie theaters 40 years ago Saturday , and the now-beloved comedy was n't exactly an immediate success .
`` The Blues Brothers '' -- starring Dan Aykroyd and Wheaton 's John Belushi -- made just under $ 5 million its opening weekend at the box office against a $ 30 million budget .
A significant portion of that budget , which was unheard of at the time for a comedy , went toward the cost of filming on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roger Ebert wrote in his three-star review of the John Landis film in the Chicago Sun-Times , `` There can rarely have been a movie that made so free with its locations as this one . ''
From the opening moments at the intimidating Joliet Correctional Center to the climatic scene of crashing Chicago police cars under the L tracks in the Loop , `` The Blues Brothers '' revels in its glimpses of Chicago and suburbs .
In fact , the Northwest suburbs can boast at least three still-standing `` Blues Brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the film approaches the band 's big performance at the fictional Palace Hotel Ballroom , Jake and Elwood drive the Bluesmobile around the Chicago area promoting the gig with a gigantic rooftop speaker .
The brothers slowly roll by a strip of sand on the western shore of Bangs Lake in Wauconda .
The filmmakers removed a fence between two privately owned beaches -- Sunny Hill Beach and Phil 's Beach -- to get the shots they wanted .
Sunny Hill Beach is long gone , replaced by the Honey Hill townhouses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil 's Beach closed it to the public in 1990 because of rising insurance costs .
But the Wauconda Park District bought it in 2016 and embarked on a $ 3 million project to rehab it as a public park .
The work is finally done , so those who want to enjoy Phil 's Beach once again might need only wait until Phase 4 of reopening Illinois , according to Tim Staton , the director of recreation for the Wauconda Park District .
Staton said the beach will be familiar to film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since `` The Blues Brothers '' filmed there in 1979 .
The district removed and replaced the existing buildings at Phil 's Beach , and the iconic slide that is seen in the movie launching a swimmer high into the air is no longer insurable .
Staton said the slide will be displayed on land so people can check it out and take photos .
After a spiritual experience in a church helmed by James Brown early in `` The Blues Brothers , '' Jake decides he and Elwood need to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that task begins to dawn on him in the next scene as the two drive through Park Ridge and Elwood tells him that band members have gone their separate ways .
As the two bicker , Elwood rolls through a red light at the intersection of South Cumberland Avenue and West Talcott Road .
Two Illinois state troopers parked at the Shell Gas Station across the street from Nelson Funeral Home pull them over .
Both the funeral home and the Shell are still standing at the intersection and are largely unchanged 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cameo in `` The Blues Brothers '' included English model and actress Twiggy , also known as Dame Lesley Lawson .
Near the end of the film , Elwood flirts with the international beauty at a gas station .
Before Twiggy drives off in her convertible , Elwood tells her if her date does n't work out for any reason to meet him at a hotel at around midnight .
After performing that night , the brothers begin a mad dash to the Richard J. Daley Center in the Loop -- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impatient Twiggy waiting outside the West Wind Motel in West Chicago .
The gas station has been torn down , but the motel still stands 40 years later .

Hit it! Three 'Blues Brothers' suburban film locales to visit for its 40th anniversary
The renovated Phil's Beach -- seen in "The Blues Brothers" -- could open in Phase 4. Courtesy of Wauconda Park District
The slide made famous by "The Blues Brothers" is no longer insurable and is not in the water at the new incarnation of Phil's Beach in Wauconda. Daily Herald File Photo, 2019
Mary Beth Jachec talks with actor John Belushi as "The Blues Brothers" movie was partly filmed in Wauconda in the summer of 1979. Both Phil's Beach and Honey Hill were the focus of the beach scenes. Courtesy of the Wauconda Historical Society/Provided by Neville Carr
The Bluesmobile makes its way down Phil's Beach in Wauconda during the filming of "The Blues Brothers" more than 40 years ago. Submitted Photo
Updated June 20 to correct the name of the prison.
The musical odyssey of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues first hit movie theaters 40 years ago Saturday, and the now-beloved comedy wasn't exactly an immediate success.
"The Blues Brothers" -- starring Dan Aykroyd and Wheaton's John Belushi -- made just under $5 million its opening weekend at the box office against a $30 million budget. A significant portion of that budget, which was unheard of at the time for a comedy, went toward the cost of filming on location in and around Chicago. As Roger Ebert wrote in his three-star review of the John Landis film in the Chicago Sun-Times, "There can rarely have been a movie that made so free with its locations as this one."
From the opening moments at the intimidating Joliet Correctional Center to the climatic scene of crashing Chicago police cars under the L tracks in the Loop, "The Blues Brothers" revels in its glimpses of Chicago and suburbs.
In fact, the Northwest suburbs can boast at least three still-standing "Blues Brothers" locales where cameras once rolled.
Phil's Beach in Wauconda
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer This intersection in Park Ridge was where Jake and Elwood ran a red light in "The Blues Brothers," which turns 40 this weekend.
As the film approaches the band's big performance at the fictional Palace Hotel Ballroom, Jake and Elwood drive the Bluesmobile around the Chicago area promoting the gig with a gigantic rooftop speaker. The brothers slowly roll by a strip of sand on the western shore of Bangs Lake in Wauconda. The filmmakers removed a fence between two privately owned beaches -- Sunny Hill Beach and Phil's Beach -- to get the shots they wanted.
Sunny Hill Beach is long gone, replaced by the Honey Hill townhouses. The family that owned and operated Phil's Beach closed it to the public in 1990 because of rising insurance costs. But the Wauconda Park District bought it in 2016 and embarked on a $3 million project to rehab it as a public park.
The work is finally done, so those who want to enjoy Phil's Beach once again might need only wait until Phase 4 of reopening Illinois, according to Tim Staton, the director of recreation for the Wauconda Park District.
Staton said the beach will be familiar to film buffs, but changes have been made since "The Blues Brothers" filmed there in 1979. The district removed and replaced the existing buildings at Phil's Beach, and the iconic slide that is seen in the movie launching a swimmer high into the air is no longer insurable. Staton said the slide will be displayed on land so people can check it out and take photos.
Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Nelson Funeral Home and the Shell station across the street in Park Ridge made appearances in "The Blues Brothers" in 1980.
After a spiritual experience in a church helmed by James Brown early in "The Blues Brothers," Jake decides he and Elwood need to get the band back together. The difficulty of that task begins to dawn on him in the next scene as the two drive through Park Ridge and Elwood tells him that band members have gone their separate ways.
As the two bicker, Elwood rolls through a red light at the intersection of South Cumberland Avenue and West Talcott Road. Two Illinois state troopers parked at the Shell Gas Station across the street from Nelson Funeral Home pull them over.
Both the funeral home and the Shell are still standing at the intersection and are largely unchanged 40 years later.
West Wind Motel in West Chicago
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer "The Blues Brothers" is turning 40. The West Wind Motel in West Chicago, where model and actress Twiggy is seen waiting for Elwood when he stands her up, is still there.
The cavalcade of celebrities to cameo in "The Blues Brothers" included English model and actress Twiggy, also known as Dame Lesley Lawson. Near the end of the film, Elwood flirts with the international beauty at a gas station.
Before Twiggy drives off in her convertible, Elwood tells her if her date doesn't work out for any reason to meet him at a hotel at around midnight.
After performing that night, the brothers begin a mad dash to the Richard J. Daley Center in the Loop -- and viewers get a quick shot of an impatient Twiggy waiting outside the West Wind Motel in West Chicago.
The gas station has been torn down, but the motel still stands 40 years later.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-20--U-46 to begin summer conditioning camps Monday

After months of working out by himself , Alec Palella is looking forward to training outdoors with teammates to get in shape for the fall football season .
`` I 'm just ready to get back out on the field .
It 's been too long , '' said the 17-year-old tight end , soon-to-be a senior at Bartlett High School .
Elgin Area School District U-46 will begin in-person summer conditioning camps for students starting Monday at its five high schools -- Bartlett , Elgin , Larkin , South Elgin , and Streamwood .
`` I 'm super excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to see everybody again , even though we 're not going to be close , it 's going to be super cool .
I 'll be with nine of my buddies . ''
Officials are taking safety precautions in line with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois High School Association .
Camp activities will be outdoors on athletic fields without equipment in groups of 10 -- nine students to one coach -- set apart by 30 feet .
Students will observe social distancing , wear masks when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sanitizing stations .
Temperature checks are n't required but students must pass a health and wellness checklist to ensure they do n't have COVID-19 symptoms .
`` It 's not normal , but it 's a taste of normal , '' said Ethan Karolczak , athletic director of Larkin High School in Elgin .
`` I think everybody can use that . ''
The eight-day conditioning camps are open to all high school students , not just athletes .
They will focus on fitness activities , including body weight strength training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioning exercises , especially after several months of students being without in-person training with coaches .
Each school will offer two two-hour sessions Monday through Thursday .
Larkin 's four practice fields can accommodate about 120 students per session and almost 250 students in total .
If more students register , officials could use tennis courts , and baseball and softball diamonds in the outfield .
As of Friday afternoon , 104 students had signed up , including students who have not been involved in sports , Karolczak said .
`` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , adding it 's an `` opportunity for social and emotional support for them to be around their friends , coaches , to be back in touch with campus . ''
At Bartlett High School , officials expect about 300 students to participate .
Up to 150 students could train on the field at a time .
`` We 're excited about it , '' Athletic Director Jeff Bral said .
`` We are staging a pickup area for every single group .
They do n't interact with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conscious a lot of eyes are on them to ensure things go smoothly .
Elgin High School has more than 100 student-athletes from freshman through seniors signed up .
The school can accommodate 200 participants each day .
`` Our focus is just the joy of bringing everybody back and the camaraderie we hope to build after several months of being away from campus , '' Athletic Director Paul Pennington said .

U-46 to begin summer conditioning camps Monday
After months of working out by himself, Alec Palella is looking forward to training outdoors with teammates to get in shape for the fall football season.
"I'm just ready to get back out on the field. It's been too long," said the 17-year-old tight end, soon-to-be a senior at Bartlett High School.
Elgin Area School District U-46 will begin in-person summer conditioning camps for students starting Monday at its five high schools -- Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin, and Streamwood.
"I'm super excited," Palella said. "Being able to see everybody again, even though we're not going to be close, it's going to be super cool. I'll be with nine of my buddies."
Officials are taking safety precautions in line with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois High School Association.
Camp activities will be outdoors on athletic fields without equipment in groups of 10 -- nine students to one coach -- set apart by 30 feet. Students will observe social distancing, wear masks when not standing 6-feet apart and wash hands at sanitizing stations. Temperature checks aren't required but students must pass a health and wellness checklist to ensure they don't have COVID-19 symptoms.
"It's not normal, but it's a taste of normal," said Ethan Karolczak, athletic director of Larkin High School in Elgin. "I think everybody can use that."
The eight-day conditioning camps are open to all high school students, not just athletes. They will focus on fitness activities, including body weight strength training, speed, agility, endurance and general conditioning exercises, especially after several months of students being without in-person training with coaches. Each school will offer two two-hour sessions Monday through Thursday.
Larkin's four practice fields can accommodate about 120 students per session and almost 250 students in total. If more students register, officials could use tennis courts, and baseball and softball diamonds in the outfield. As of Friday afternoon, 104 students had signed up, including students who have not been involved in sports, Karolczak said.
"I think they just want to be around people," he said, adding it's an "opportunity for social and emotional support for them to be around their friends, coaches, to be back in touch with campus."
At Bartlett High School, officials expect about 300 students to participate. Up to 150 students could train on the field at a time.
"We're excited about it," Athletic Director Jeff Bral said. "We are staging a pickup area for every single group. They don't interact with one another."
Bral said coaches are conscious a lot of eyes are on them to ensure things go smoothly.
Elgin High School has more than 100 student-athletes from freshman through seniors signed up. The school can accommodate 200 participants each day.
"Our focus is just the joy of bringing everybody back and the camaraderie we hope to build after several months of being away from campus," Athletic Director Paul Pennington said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-20--Facts Matter: Trump comment about staying past his term was in jest

Social media users this month have been sharing comments in which Donald Trump said he wo n't leave the presidential office , even if he is n't reelected .
These claims are mostly false , according to Snopes.com .
Although Trump actually made comments about not leaving the Oval Office , it was done in jest , `` as part of a jab against his critics and journalists , '' Snopes said .
The president recently said , if not reelected , he would `` go on to do other things . ''
The recent social media activity appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Israeli-American Council National Summit , Snopes said .
During the speech , Trump claimed members of the media are saying he wo n't leave office .
Trump said he thought that was `` not a bad idea . ''
`` When they all scream , 'Four more years , four more years , ' I always say , 'Make it 12 years and you 'll drive them crazy . '
Twelve more years , '' Trump said .
Conservative commentator Candace Owens recently said on Twitter , `` According to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOT a charity .
It is a full-fledged corporation that does NOT have any locations . ''
She was wrong .
The Black Lives Matter Global Network is a charity , incorporated in Delaware , with chapters throughout the U.S. , according to PolitiFact.com .
Since it 's a newer nonprofit , the group is fiscally sponsored by Thousand Currents , an established nonprofit .
The movement was started in 2013 by activists Patrisse Khan-Cullors , Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter Global Network incorporated , which is a common first step for nonprofits in order to receive tax advantages and legal protections , PolitiFact said .
These corporations are still considered nonprofits .
The group does n't describe itself as a corporation anywhere on its website , PolitiFact said .
A recent claim that National Public Radio wants people to burn books written by white people is false , according to The Associated Press .
`` NPR wants people to burn books written by white people , '' headlined a June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conservative website .
The Trending Right Wing article is referring to the NPR story , `` Your bookshelf may be part of the problem , '' which goes on to suggest people expand their reading to include diverse authors and viewpoints , the AP said .
There is no mention of book burning .
`` Reading broadly and with intention is how we counter dehumanization and demand visibility , effectively bridging the gap between what we read and how we might live in a more just and equitable society , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Christopher Dorsano told the AP that its article `` caricatures '' the NPR story .
`` The article makes it quite clear that the 'burning ' is not literal , '' he said .
In a response to protests against racism , NASCAR banned the display of the Confederate flag during its races , according to Snopes.com '' The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans , our competitors and our industry , '' NASCAR said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some to falsely claim other traditions also would be prohibited during NASCAR events .
One Facebook meme read , `` More NASCAR news : Prerace prayer , military flyover and national anthem all eliminated for being too controversial . ''
NASCAR has n't banned those practices , Snopes said .
Since the Confederate flag ban , the Dixie Vodka 400 , held June 14 in Florida , included the national anthem , a military flyover and a prerace prayer given by former NFL player and COVID-19 survivor Tony Boselli .
Snopes points out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team members to stand during `` The Star-Spangled Banner , '' which would be unnecessary if the group had banned the anthem .
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com .

Facts Matter: Trump comment about staying past his term was in jest
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Saturday, June 20, 2020, before boarding Marine One for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and then on to Tulsa, Okla., for a campaign rally. Comments the president has made about staying in office beyond the constitutional limit of two terms have been made in jest, Snopes.com reported. Associated Press
Social media users this month have been sharing comments in which Donald Trump said he won't leave the presidential office, even if he isn't reelected.
These claims are mostly false, according to Snopes.com.
Although Trump actually made comments about not leaving the Oval Office, it was done in jest, "as part of a jab against his critics and journalists," Snopes said. The president recently said, if not reelected, he would "go on to do other things."
The recent social media activity appears to stem from a December speech Trump gave during the Israeli-American Council National Summit, Snopes said.
During the speech, Trump claimed members of the media are saying he won't leave office.
Trump said he thought that was "not a bad idea."
"When they all scream, 'Four more years, four more years,' I always say, 'Make it 12 years and you'll drive them crazy.' Twelve more years," Trump said.
Commentator wrong about Black Lives Matter
Conservative commentator Candace Owens recently said on Twitter, "According to its website Black Lives Matter, Inc is NOT a charity. It is a full-fledged corporation that does NOT have any locations."
She was wrong. The Black Lives Matter Global Network is a charity, incorporated in Delaware, with chapters throughout the U.S., according to PolitiFact.com. Since it's a newer nonprofit, the group is fiscally sponsored by Thousand Currents, an established nonprofit.
The movement was started in 2013 by activists Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Florida.
In 2016, the Black Lives Matter Global Network incorporated, which is a common first step for nonprofits in order to receive tax advantages and legal protections, PolitiFact said. These corporations are still considered nonprofits.
The group doesn't describe itself as a corporation anywhere on its website, PolitiFact said.
NPR didn't recommend book burning
A recent claim that National Public Radio wants people to burn books written by white people is false, according to The Associated Press.
"NPR wants people to burn books written by white people," headlined a June 9 story by Trending Right Wing, a conservative website.
The Trending Right Wing article is referring to the NPR story, "Your bookshelf may be part of the problem," which goes on to suggest people expand their reading to include diverse authors and viewpoints, the AP said. There is no mention of book burning.
"Reading broadly and with intention is how we counter dehumanization and demand visibility, effectively bridging the gap between what we read and how we might live in a more just and equitable society," the NPR article reads.
Trending Right Wing spokesman Christopher Dorsano told the AP that its article "caricatures" the NPR story.
"The article makes it quite clear that the 'burning' is not literal," he said.
NASCAR didn't ban anthem, prayer
In a response to protests against racism, NASCAR banned the display of the Confederate flag during its races, according to Snopes.com
"The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," NASCAR said in a statement.
The announcement led some to falsely claim other traditions also would be prohibited during NASCAR events.
One Facebook meme read, "More NASCAR news: Prerace prayer, military flyover and national anthem all eliminated for being too controversial."
NASCAR hasn't banned those practices, Snopes said. Since the Confederate flag ban, the Dixie Vodka 400, held June 14 in Florida, included the national anthem, a military flyover and a prerace prayer given by former NFL player and COVID-19 survivor Tony Boselli.
Snopes points out that NASCAR recently eliminated its rule requiring team members to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner," which would be unnecessary if the group had banned the anthem.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--St. Charles North class president: 'What's more important is the journey'

During last fall 's Homecoming week , St. Charles North seniors sported a farewell concert tour-themed T-shirt listing all the important dates that would make up their final year of high school .
Many of those key events -- prom , a barbecue , a senior breakfast , graduation -- never came to fruition due to the COVID-19 crisis .
But Class President Rebekah Phaiboun , who was in charge of planning the festivities , says she still felt honored to celebrate virtually and lead her peers through the uncertain times .
`` We were still trying to make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We did it in our own unique way . ''
Phaiboun was involved in student council throughout high school and also was involved with vocal jazz and choir .
She is attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall and hopes to pursue a marketing degree .
Q : What did you miss most about the final few months of high school ?
A : Honestly , I know most people would say they really missed all the senior events -- prom and all the big things like graduation , for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really missed most was going to school .
I am one of those people who absolutely loved high school , and it was unfortunate that we had to not have the last two to three months .
I missed going there every day and seeing my friends , and even people I was n't really friends with .
It really stinks that I did n't get to say goodbye .
I really enjoyed being a senior .
Q : How was the Class of 2020 able to push through the unusual end to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like the biggest thing is that we all can relate to each other .
We know exactly how we feel .
Obviously people are going to look at this in different ways , but overall , the general consensus that I 've noticed is that we 're all struggling together even though we 're not physically together .
We 've gone through this emotionally , and I feel like this is something that has united us more and made us a little bit closer .
For years to come , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How do you think this experience will shape you moving forward ?
A : Resilience is a really big lesson I 've learned from this , and that can apply to all of us .
For me , my biggest thing is that things are n't always going to go my way .
In my mind , I had this picture-perfect ending .
Again , I 'm somebody who loved high school , and graduation is something I really looked forward to .
But what matters more , I guess , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved the past four years and the fact that I actually graduated .
Life is going to throw whatever it throws at you , and this is something nobody expected at all .
What 's more important is the journey .
Even though I did n't get rewarded with a graduation ceremony , I still did it .

Rebekah Phaiboun sorely missed the last few months of her high school experience at St. Charles North. But the South Elgin resident still felt honored to lead her peers through the challenging times. Courtesy of Rebekah Phaiboun
During last fall's Homecoming week, St. Charles North seniors sported a farewell concert tour-themed T-shirt listing all the important dates that would make up their final year of high school.
Many of those key events -- prom, a barbecue, a senior breakfast, graduation -- never came to fruition due to the COVID-19 crisis. But Class President Rebekah Phaiboun, who was in charge of planning the festivities, says she still felt honored to celebrate virtually and lead her peers through the uncertain times.
"We were still trying to make it special," she says. "We did it in our own unique way."
Phaiboun was involved in student council throughout high school and also was involved with vocal jazz and choir. She is attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall and hopes to pursue a marketing degree.
Q: What did you miss most about the final few months of high school?
A: Honestly, I know most people would say they really missed all the senior events -- prom and all the big things like graduation, for one -- but for me, what I really missed most was going to school. I am one of those people who absolutely loved high school, and it was unfortunate that we had to not have the last two to three months. I missed going there every day and seeing my friends, and even people I wasn't really friends with. It really stinks that I didn't get to say goodbye. I really enjoyed being a senior.
Q: How was the Class of 2020 able to push through the unusual end to your senior year?
A: I feel like the biggest thing is that we all can relate to each other. We know exactly how we feel.
Obviously people are going to look at this in different ways, but overall, the general consensus that I've noticed is that we're all struggling together even though we're not physically together. We've gone through this emotionally, and I feel like this is something that has united us more and made us a little bit closer. For years to come, this is something we'll always have.
Q: How do you think this experience will shape you moving forward?
A: Resilience is a really big lesson I've learned from this, and that can apply to all of us.
For me, my biggest thing is that things aren't always going to go my way. In my mind, I had this picture-perfect ending. Again, I'm somebody who loved high school, and graduation is something I really looked forward to.
But what matters more, I guess, are the accomplishments, the things I've achieved the past four years and the fact that I actually graduated. Life is going to throw whatever it throws at you, and this is something nobody expected at all. What's more important is the journey. Even though I didn't get rewarded with a graduation ceremony, I still did it.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Batavia graduate ready to get to work reforming the justice system

Not even a global pandemic could stop recent Batavia High School graduate Isabella Irish from fighting for racial justice .
Her high school experience was spent attending football games , hanging out with friends and being involved with orchestra , art and lacrosse ( she played two years for the boys team because Batavia did n't have a girls program ) .
When her senior year was cut short by the coronavirus , Irish missed being able to say goodbye to her teachers and peers .
But the 18-year-old activist is ready to take the next step and get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to reform the justice system . ''
She recently organized one of the suburbs ' largest Black Lives Matter rallies in Batavia and has participated in several others throughout the Chicago area .
She plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall to study criminal law and psychology , with hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist .
Q : How do you think this unusual end to your senior year will help shape your future ?
A : I think it 's going to make all of us stronger because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be drastically life-changing .
During this time , most of us have done things -- for the Black Lives Matter movement , especially -- that I feel like we would n't have had the time to do if we were still in high school .
Q : What has kept you focused and motivated during these unprecedented times ?
A : I feel like I 've been inspired because I see how the community is still able to come together even though everybody 's really scared .
It 's really nice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight for something that 's really important .
That 's pretty rare to see .
... Because of the injustice that happened and that keeps happening , people are willing to come outside quarantine and just fight for it .
Q : From where did your career aspirations stem , and how have the past few months influenced that ?
A : I 've been wanting to do ( forensic psychology ) for a while .
My mom 's a psychologist and graduated from Illinois State University , and I 've kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff for a long time .
I 've been really interested in crime since I was younger .
I 've learned there are a lot of racial injustices and equality injustices in prison , especially with people who are trans and African American , and there 's a higher incarceration rate of people who are African American per capita .
I 'm really interested to see why that is , and I want to try to change it from the inside .

Isabella Irish had her senior year at Batavia High School cut short by the coronavirus. But the 18-year-old activist says she's ready to take the next step toward her ultimate goal: reforming the justice system. Courtesy of Isabella Irish
Not even a global pandemic could stop recent Batavia High School graduate Isabella Irish from fighting for racial justice.
Her high school experience was spent attending football games, hanging out with friends and being involved with orchestra, art and lacrosse (she played two years for the boys team because Batavia didn't have a girls program). When her senior year was cut short by the coronavirus, Irish missed being able to say goodbye to her teachers and peers.
But the 18-year-old activist is ready to take the next step and get to work on her ultimate goal: "I want to reform the justice system."
She recently organized one of the suburbs' largest Black Lives Matter rallies in Batavia and has participated in several others throughout the Chicago area. She plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall to study criminal law and psychology, with hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist.
Q: How do you think this unusual end to your senior year will help shape your future?
A: I think it's going to make all of us stronger because we're able to withstand something that could be drastically life-changing. During this time, most of us have done things -- for the Black Lives Matter movement, especially -- that I feel like we wouldn't have had the time to do if we were still in high school.
Q: What has kept you focused and motivated during these unprecedented times?
A: I feel like I've been inspired because I see how the community is still able to come together even though everybody's really scared. It's really nice to see that people pushed the pandemic aside to fight for something that's really important. That's pretty rare to see. ... Because of the injustice that happened and that keeps happening, people are willing to come outside quarantine and just fight for it.
Q: From where did your career aspirations stem, and how have the past few months influenced that?
A: I've been wanting to do (forensic psychology) for a while. My mom's a psychologist and graduated from Illinois State University, and I've kind of looked up to her with that stuff for a long time.
I've been really interested in crime since I was younger. I've learned there are a lot of racial injustices and equality injustices in prison, especially with people who are trans and African American, and there's a higher incarceration rate of people who are African American per capita. I'm really interested to see why that is, and I want to try to change it from the inside.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre could become NOW Arena

After 14 years under its original name , the 11,000-seat Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates could have a new identity Sept. 1 .
On Monday night , the Hoffman Estates village board will consider a proposal that would allow Bloomingdale-based NOW Health Group , Inc. to take over the naming rights and re-christen the venue as the NOW Arena .
NOW Health Group is a family-owned company started in 1968 that has a portfolio of more than 1,500 health and natural-based products that include supplements , sports nutrition , foods , beauty , and essential oils .
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is debt-free and owns the 13 Fruitful Yield natural health food stores in the Chicago area , said Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Dan Richard , whose father started NOW .
`` We 're as local as can be , '' Richard said in explaining the company 's interest in the naming rights .
`` For our size , it 's a good fit .
It 's a good facility .
It 's a good place to go instead of the United Center . ''
He described the pursuit of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoffman Estates Village Manager Jim Norris said the current naming-rights holder , Transformco -- the former Sears Holding Corp. -- officially has two years left on its current agreement .
Under that contract , negotiations with other parties was prohibited .
But when Transformco officials were made aware of NOW 's interest , they granted permission for negotiations to take place .
`` It 's very , very cordial , '' Norris said of the proposed termination of Transformco 's agreement .
`` They 've been a great partner . ''
Transformco is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October 2018 , only a week after its most recent renewal of the arena naming rights .
The bankruptcy filing raised immediate questions about Sears ' ability to honor its renewed financial commitment to those naming rights , but it has kept its promise .
Apart from the potential renaming , the biggest changes under the proposed agreement are to its monetary value and longevity .
NOW 's proposal would replace the former $ 600,000-per-year deal with Transformco with an annual payment of $ 750,000 for at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renew for another five years for a total of $ 11.25 million , Norris said .
`` You 're looking at 15 years of certainty , '' he said .
The arena 's general manager , Ben Gibbs , also expressed enthusiasm for the new naming-rights agreement .
`` It 's certainly a very cool development and good news for us , '' he said .
Richard said he hopes the proposed partnership can bring increased vitality to the arena once it 's able to reopen from the pandemic shutdown .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there for more events , '' Richard said .
`` We hope our employees will help fill in the gaps . ''
Apart from a name change on the signs , how much difference a rebranding might make to the exterior appearance of the arena is currently under discussion .

Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre could become NOW Arena
After 14 years under its original name, the 11,000-seat Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates could have a new identity Sept. 1.
On Monday night, the Hoffman Estates village board will consider a proposal that would allow Bloomingdale-based NOW Health Group, Inc. to take over the naming rights and re-christen the venue as the NOW Arena.
NOW Health Group is a family-owned company started in 1968 that has a portfolio of more than 1,500 health and natural-based products that include supplements, sports nutrition, foods, beauty, and essential oils.
The company has more than 900 full-time employees, is debt-free and owns the 13 Fruitful Yield natural health food stores in the Chicago area, said Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Dan Richard, whose father started NOW.
"We're as local as can be," Richard said in explaining the company's interest in the naming rights. "For our size, it's a good fit. It's a good facility. It's a good place to go instead of the United Center."
He described the pursuit of the naming rights as a two-year-long quest.
Hoffman Estates Village Manager Jim Norris said the current naming-rights holder, Transformco -- the former Sears Holding Corp. -- officially has two years left on its current agreement. Under that contract, negotiations with other parties was prohibited.
But when Transformco officials were made aware of NOW's interest, they granted permission for negotiations to take place.
"It's very, very cordial," Norris said of the proposed termination of Transformco's agreement. "They've been a great partner."
Transformco is the company that emerged from Sears' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October 2018, only a week after its most recent renewal of the arena naming rights.
The bankruptcy filing raised immediate questions about Sears' ability to honor its renewed financial commitment to those naming rights, but it has kept its promise.
Apart from the potential renaming, the biggest changes under the proposed agreement are to its monetary value and longevity.
NOW's proposal would replace the former $600,000-per-year deal with Transformco with an annual payment of $750,000 for at least 10 years with a built-in option to renew for another five years for a total of $11.25 million, Norris said.
"You're looking at 15 years of certainty," he said.
The arena's general manager, Ben Gibbs, also expressed enthusiasm for the new naming-rights agreement.
"It's certainly a very cool development and good news for us," he said.
Richard said he hopes the proposed partnership can bring increased vitality to the arena once it's able to reopen from the pandemic shutdown.
"The biggest challenge is to get more people there for more events," Richard said. "We hope our employees will help fill in the gaps."
Apart from a name change on the signs, how much difference a rebranding might make to the exterior appearance of the arena is currently under discussion.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Constable: Dad, family bring joy with daily duo photos

Fathers are famous for telling corny `` dad jokes . ''
Ben Burke of Cary takes that humor to a new level , building a growing fan base for a running daily photo gag that started the moment his pandemic boredom began .
`` Oh , man , the lockdown started when my wife gave birth to our son , '' Ben says , noting he was able to join Melissa in the delivery room on March 16 to witness the arrival of Brayden .
`` If it was a week later , I would n't have been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after day in his job handling recruiting and wellness matters for a law firm , Ben needed a break in the routine .
`` A month into quarantine , it was later in the day , and I was super bored , '' he remembers .
A fan of DC 's Joker character , Ben put on makeup to look like the villain of comic book and movie fame .
His daughter , Kinsley , who turns 4 on Father 's Day , thought that was funny and wanted to play , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Harley Quinn character .
`` The day he started it with Harley Quinn and Joker , I took the picture , '' says Melissa , who helps children with autism in her job as a behavioral therapist for Northwest Behavioral Health Services in Arlington Heights .
`` It 's not unlike him to do that . ''
The Burkes posted that photo on Facebook just to amuse others .
`` It got a lot of attention , '' Ben says .
So the next day , Melissa and Kinsley dressed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's World , '' and people liked that , too .
In the weeks that followed , Ben and Brayden ( complete with eye black ) portrayed Chicago Cubs ' stars Kris Bryant and Javy Baez , Kinsley and Brayden sported KISS makeup , Melissa and Kinsley spoofed `` I Love Lucy , '' and so on , until the family 's Famous Duos with the Burkes Facebook page is set to feature No .
50 in the series today , with Kinsley and Brayden as Elsa and Olaf from `` Frozen '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A lot of people were saying it made their day , '' Ben says of their photo series .
That encouragement and more than 1,000 followers propelled Melissa and him to offer fans a daily image .
`` My wife did her own makeup for Morticia , '' Ben says of `` The Addams Family '' sendup she did with Kinsley , who portrayed the TV daughter , Wednesday Addams .
`` That took about 90 minutes . ''
The photo of Kinsley as Willy Wonka and Brayden as a green-haired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be digitally altered .
`` No , '' Ben says sheepishly .
`` I put makeup on him .
When I put makeup or paint on him , he giggles . ''
Kinsley also has gotten into the spirit of the project .
`` She never let me play with her hair , and now she lets me do her hair and makeup , '' Melissa says .
`` It 's really fun now because I get to do it with my kids .
And it is fun to connect with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family together . ''
Melissa played volleyball , basketball , softball and ran track while growing up in Deerfield , and Ben played baseball growing up in Cary , so the pair say they are used to the discipline required to make time in their daily schedules for the photo settings .
`` We 're just doing it for the joy , '' Ben says .
`` You go to Facebook and you see negative after negative after negative . ''
With so many photos posted and the world starting to see people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Burkes say they still want to keep going just to bring a little fun into the world .
The photos entertain Kinsley , too .
`` I think it 's important to teach her to have a sense of humor and be lighthearted because everything is so heavy nowadays , '' Ben says .
`` If she enjoys it , we 're going to continue doing it . ''

Constable: Dad, family bring joy with daily duo photos
Kinsley Burke, who turns 4 on Father's Day, and her baby brother, Brayden, get in the spirit as KISS. Courtesy of Burke family
Portraying famous duos, such as Morticia Addams and her daughter, Wednesday, has been a fun distraction during this pandemic, and has been an amusing escape for their growing number of fans, says Melissa Burke, posing here with daughter Kinsley. Courtesy of Burke family
To lighten the online mood, the Burke family of Cary has been posting a daily photo of themselves dressed as a famous duo. Kinsley, who turns 4 on Father's Day, is Willy Wonka, while her baby brother, Brayden, dons the orange makeup and green wig to serve as an Oompa-Loompa. Courtesy of Burke family
About a month into quarantine, dad Ben Burke of Cary broke the boredom by donning Joker makeup and outfitting his daughter, Kinsley, as the Harley Quinn character. Fifty days later, their Facebook page with funny photos is still going strong. Courtesy of Burke family
The Burke family's Facebook page featuring a daily photo of them portraying famous duos has been running for 50 days. Ben and son, Brayden, put on the Blues Brothers here. Courtesy of Burke family
Fathers are famous for telling corny "dad jokes." Ben Burke of Cary takes that humor to a new level, building a growing fan base for a running daily photo gag that started the moment his pandemic boredom began.
"Oh, man, the lockdown started when my wife gave birth to our son," Ben says, noting he was able to join Melissa in the delivery room on March 16 to witness the arrival of Brayden. "If it was a week later, I wouldn't have been able to be there."
Working from home day after day in his job handling recruiting and wellness matters for a law firm, Ben needed a break in the routine.
"A month into quarantine, it was later in the day, and I was super bored," he remembers. A fan of DC's Joker character, Ben put on makeup to look like the villain of comic book and movie fame. His daughter, Kinsley, who turns 4 on Father's Day, thought that was funny and wanted to play, too. So he painted her face as the Harley Quinn character.
"The day he started it with Harley Quinn and Joker, I took the picture," says Melissa, who helps children with autism in her job as a behavioral therapist for Northwest Behavioral Health Services in Arlington Heights. "It's not unlike him to do that."
The Burkes posted that photo on Facebook just to amuse others.
"It got a lot of attention," Ben says.
So the next day, Melissa and Kinsley dressed up as Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," and people liked that, too. In the weeks that followed, Ben and Brayden (complete with eye black) portrayed Chicago Cubs' stars Kris Bryant and Javy Baez, Kinsley and Brayden sported KISS makeup, Melissa and Kinsley spoofed "I Love Lucy," and so on, until the family's Famous Duos with the Burkes Facebook page is set to feature No. 50 in the series today, with Kinsley and Brayden as Elsa and Olaf from "Frozen" in honor of Kinsley's 4th birthday.
"A lot of people were saying it made their day," Ben says of their photo series. That encouragement and more than 1,000 followers propelled Melissa and him to offer fans a daily image.
"My wife did her own makeup for Morticia," Ben says of "The Addams Family" sendup she did with Kinsley, who portrayed the TV daughter, Wednesday Addams. "That took about 90 minutes."
The photo of Kinsley as Willy Wonka and Brayden as a green-haired, orange-face Oompa-Loompa, looks as if it could be digitally altered.
"No," Ben says sheepishly. "I put makeup on him. When I put makeup or paint on him, he giggles."
Kinsley also has gotten into the spirit of the project.
"She never let me play with her hair, and now she lets me do her hair and makeup," Melissa says. "It's really fun now because I get to do it with my kids. And it is fun to connect with everybody lately. It's brought our family together."
Melissa played volleyball, basketball, softball and ran track while growing up in Deerfield, and Ben played baseball growing up in Cary, so the pair say they are used to the discipline required to make time in their daily schedules for the photo settings.
"We're just doing it for the joy," Ben says. "You go to Facebook and you see negative after negative after negative."
With so many photos posted and the world starting to see people return to work and normal activity, the Burkes say they still want to keep going just to bring a little fun into the world. The photos entertain Kinsley, too.
"I think it's important to teach her to have a sense of humor and be lighthearted because everything is so heavy nowadays," Ben says. "If she enjoys it, we're going to continue doing it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Police release video footage of choking Round Lake man who later died

Updated June 21 to correct that police that had body cameras at the scene were Round Lake and Round Lake Heights .
Round Lake Beach police have released 13 videos with more than six hours of body camera and squad car footage of their encounter with a Round Lake man who later died after police say he ingested a bag of cocaine .
While police said they released all the videos the department has , none of them shows police first approaching Abel Rosiles Jr. , 21 , about 11 p.m. June 10 at the Thornton 's gas station on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police do n't have body cameras , and so that footage came from officers from Round Lake and Round Lake Heights who arrived later to assist at the scene , Deputy Chief Wayne Wilde said Saturday night .
There is footage of the initial encounter from Thornton 's gas station cameras , but that is held by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force , which is investigating the death and it was n't available for release , he said .
A gas station employee had called 911 because he said a customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rosiles was taken into custody for disorderly conduct , but broke away and ran about 30 feet before officers grabbed him , according to police .
While he was in custody , officers noticed he was having trouble breathing and asked him if he was choking .
Rosiles nodded .
The body camera footage shows an officer performing the Heimlich maneuver on Rosiles .
`` He 's breathing .
I 've got his stomach moving up and down , '' an officer says in the video .
`` He 's breathing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get there . ''
Rosiles began to lose consciousness so police removed the handcuffs and continued first aid until paramedics arrived , police said .
The paramedics used a tool to extract a large plastic bag from Rosiles ' throat , police said .
The powder in the bag field-tested positive for cocaine , police said .
Wilde said police do n't know when Rosiles swallowed the bag of cocaine .
He was put on the ground twice , once for an initial search , and later after he had trouble breathing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene , but two of them were drawn away for a time by a friend of Rosiles ' who tried to intervene , Wilde said .
Rosiles was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville .
Eight days later , at 3:53 a.m. June 18 , the Lake County coroner 's office was notified that he had died .
An autopsy on Rosiles was performed at 1:05 p.m. Thursday .
The results of the autopsy and toxicology tests are pending , according to the coroner 's office .
The day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the Round Lake Beach Police Department in a protest and vigil .
The Rev .
Julie Contreras of Our Lady of Suyapa Sanctuary Methodist Church in Wauconda , who helped organize the event , and Frank Avila , an attorney hired by Rosiles ' family , questioned how police handled the arrest .
Avila declined to comment on the videos Saturday , but said he expected to have more to say today .
`` Any loss of life is difficult , and this is a traumatic situation for everyone involved , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the department 's Facebook page , also linking to the videos on YouTube .
`` The investigation is not complete , and there are still many unanswered questions , '' the statement said .
`` Even while the independent , external investigation is underway , everyone must have access to the video of what took place .
Transparency and accountability remain core values of the Round Lake Beach Police Department . ''

Abel Rosiles Jr. -- pictured with his sisters Fabiola, right, and Galalia -- has died after, police say, he ingested a bag of cocaine during an arrest at a Round Lake Beach gas station June 10. Photo courtesy Julie Contreras
Updated June 21 to correct that police that had body cameras at the scene were Round Lake and Round Lake Heights.
Round Lake Beach police have released 13 videos with more than six hours of body camera and squad car footage of their encounter with a Round Lake man who later died after police say he ingested a bag of cocaine.
While police said they released all the videos the department has, none of them shows police first approaching Abel Rosiles Jr., 21, about 11 p.m. June 10 at the Thornton's gas station on East Rollins Road.
Round Lake Beach police don't have body cameras, and so that footage came from officers from Round Lake and Round Lake Heights who arrived later to assist at the scene, Deputy Chief Wayne Wilde said Saturday night. There is footage of the initial encounter from Thornton's gas station cameras, but that is held by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, which is investigating the death and it wasn't available for release, he said.
A gas station employee had called 911 because he said a customer was yelling at him, police said.
Rosiles was taken into custody for disorderly conduct, but broke away and ran about 30 feet before officers grabbed him, according to police.
While he was in custody, officers noticed he was having trouble breathing and asked him if he was choking. Rosiles nodded. The body camera footage shows an officer performing the Heimlich maneuver on Rosiles.
"He's breathing. I've got his stomach moving up and down," an officer says in the video. "He's breathing, just keep his airway open till they get there."
Rosiles began to lose consciousness so police removed the handcuffs and continued first aid until paramedics arrived, police said.
The paramedics used a tool to extract a large plastic bag from Rosiles' throat, police said. The powder in the bag field-tested positive for cocaine, police said.
Wilde said police don't know when Rosiles swallowed the bag of cocaine. He was put on the ground twice, once for an initial search, and later after he had trouble breathing, he said. Four officers were on the scene, but two of them were drawn away for a time by a friend of Rosiles' who tried to intervene, Wilde said.
Rosiles was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Eight days later, at 3:53 a.m. June 18, the Lake County coroner's office was notified that he had died. An autopsy on Rosiles was performed at 1:05 p.m. Thursday. The results of the autopsy and toxicology tests are pending, according to the coroner's office.
The day before Rosiles died, about 100 people gathered outside the Round Lake Beach Police Department in a protest and vigil. The Rev. Julie Contreras of Our Lady of Suyapa Sanctuary Methodist Church in Wauconda, who helped organize the event, and Frank Avila, an attorney hired by Rosiles' family, questioned how police handled the arrest.
Avila declined to comment on the videos Saturday, but said he expected to have more to say today.
"Any loss of life is difficult, and this is a traumatic situation for everyone involved," police said in a statement posted Friday to the department's Facebook page, also linking to the videos on YouTube.
"The investigation is not complete, and there are still many unanswered questions," the statement said. "Even while the independent, external investigation is underway, everyone must have access to the video of what took place. Transparency and accountability remain core values of the Round Lake Beach Police Department."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--State announces 658 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, 23 deaths

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Sunday that 658 additional COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the state and @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus .
Statewide , 136,762 people in 101 counties have now tested positive @ @ @ @ @ have died .
The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than @ @ @ @ @ come as the state on Sunday reported 23,816 tests in the previous 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ .
The state 's seven-day rolling positivity rate is 2 % , according to the @ @ @ @ @ of the deaths reported Sunday occurred in the Chicago area , with 15 in Cook @ @ @ @ @ County and three in Lake County .

State announces 658 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, 23 deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Sunday that 658 additional COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the state and 23 more people have died from the coronavirus.
Statewide, 136,762 people in 101 counties have now tested positive for the virus and 6,647 have died. The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100.
The latest figures come as the state on Sunday reported 23,816 tests in the previous 24 hours, for a total of 1,360,784. The state's seven-day rolling positivity rate is 2%, according to the IDPH.
The large majority of the deaths reported Sunday occurred in the Chicago area, with 15 in Cook County, two in Kane County and three in Lake County.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Police: Gurnee man shot in back by acquaintance

A man was wounded early Sunday morning when he was shot in the back by an acquaintance at an apartment complex in Gurnee , police said .
Police are searching for the shooter , who fled before they arrived .
The victim 's injuries do not appear to be life-threatening .
Police said they responded to the complex in the 4300 block of McClure Avenue at 12:30 a.m .
The initial 911 callers said they heard gunshots and someone yelling for help .
Officers found the victim , a 23-year-old Gurnee man , lying on the grass with a gunshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administered aid until paramedics arrived .
The victim was rushed to Condell Hospital , where he remained Sunday morning .
The initial investigation shows the victim met with the acquaintance in the parking lot of the complex , near the victim 's apartment .
Shell casings were recovered near the victim .
Police said the shooting appears to be isolated and there is no threat to the public .
Gurnee police ask anyone with information to contact the police department at ( 847 ) 599-7000 .
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 847 ) 662-2222 .

Police: Gurnee man shot in back by acquaintance
A man was wounded early Sunday morning when he was shot in the back by an acquaintance at an apartment complex in Gurnee, police said.
Police are searching for the shooter, who fled before they arrived. The victim's injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
Police said they responded to the complex in the 4300 block of McClure Avenue at 12:30 a.m.
The initial 911 callers said they heard gunshots and someone yelling for help.
Officers found the victim, a 23-year-old Gurnee man, lying on the grass with a gunshot wound to the back. Officers immediately administered aid until paramedics arrived.
The victim was taken to Condell Hospital, where he remained Sunday morning.
The initial investigation shows the victim met with the acquaintance in the parking lot of the complex, near the victim's apartment.
Shell casings were recovered near the victim.
Police said the shooting appears to be isolated and there is no threat to the public.
Gurnee police ask anyone with information to contact the police department at (847) 599-7000.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Lake County Crime Stoppers at lakecountycrimestoppers.com or (847) 662-2222.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Mount Prospect police calling 911 their new home

When Mount Prospect residents visit the new police headquarters , they will literally be calling on 911 .
The police are fully settled in their new headquarters at 911 E. Kensington Road , which went live on Wednesday evening .
`` The address gods took care of us , '' he said .
Koziol said the village took good care of the officers , as well , with the new location .
`` This place has got nice wide hallways .
It is so much better for social distancing , '' he said .
The renovated warehouse is more roomy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space of the cramped former headquarters location downtown .
The building itself was a little bit late in delivery .
The factories were closed in Michigan , which meant there was a delay in delivering workstation furniture .
But it seems it was worth the wait .
`` We were conducting roll calls remotely or in the parking garage , keeping social distancing , '' Koziol said .
Now , `` We have spread out the chairs and we can actually have roll call in a roll call room .
It seems like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garage that they were standing in at the beginning of their shift just was n't good . ''
The new building is confined to one floor , which makes a big difference , especially with parking at grade .
`` We had a lot of problems with our old parking facility , '' Koziol said .
`` It was actually collapsing and it would leak this acidic liquid from the concrete and it was eating through the paint of our squad cars .
There were some places you could actually look through and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confining operations to one floor also improves morale .
`` The beauty of this is we 're all on one floor now .
I ca n't tell you how many police officers I run into in this building that I never ran into in the old one . ''
It is convenient for operations , too .
`` Now we have interview rooms right off the lobby .
When people come in , they do n't have to be brought well into the building , '' he said .
And the officers actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates a much more family atmosphere .
I see a lot more smiles here now . ''
The village voted in 2018 to spend $ 5.1 million on the 103,126-square-foot industrial building at what was then 799 Biermann Court in the Kensington Business Center for the new police headquarters .
The total project cost amounted to nearly $ 30 million .
Koziol gave credit to the village 's Deputy Director of Building and Inspection Services Mark Rysavy , the architect , FGM Architects , and the construction manager , Camosy Construction .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed and we needed parking out front for the public , so they actually tore down the front of the building to make up room for the parking and that 's how we got down to the 90,000 ( square feet ) , which is what we needed anyhow .
`` For a warehouse this was very well kept , '' he said .

Mount Prospect police calling 911 their new home
When Mount Prospect residents visit the new police headquarters, they will literally be calling on 911.
The police are fully settled in their new headquarters at 911 E. Kensington Road, which went live on Wednesday evening.
The significance wasn't lost on Chief John Koziol.
"The address gods took care of us," he said.
Koziol said the village took good care of the officers, as well, with the new location.
"This place has got nice wide hallways. It is so much better for social distancing," he said.
The renovated warehouse is more roomy at 90,000 square feet, triple the space of the cramped former headquarters location downtown.
The building itself was a little bit late in delivery.
The factories were closed in Michigan, which meant there was a delay in delivering workstation furniture.
But it seems it was worth the wait.
"We were conducting roll calls remotely or in the parking garage, keeping social distancing," Koziol said. Now, "We have spread out the chairs and we can actually have roll call in a roll call room. It seems like a small thing, but that dingy garage that they were standing in at the beginning of their shift just wasn't good."
The new building is confined to one floor, which makes a big difference, especially with parking at grade.
"We had a lot of problems with our old parking facility," Koziol said. "It was actually collapsing and it would leak this acidic liquid from the concrete and it was eating through the paint of our squad cars. There were some places you could actually look through and see the concrete was failing."
Confining operations to one floor also improves morale.
"The beauty of this is we're all on one floor now. I can't tell you how many police officers I run into in this building that I never ran into in the old one."
It is convenient for operations, too.
"Now we have interview rooms right off the lobby. When people come in, they don't have to be brought well into the building," he said.
And the officers actually have a lunchroom.
"It just creates a much more family atmosphere. I see a lot more smiles here now."
The village voted in 2018 to spend $5.1 million on the 103,126-square-foot industrial building at what was then 799 Biermann Court in the Kensington Business Center for the new police headquarters.
The total project cost amounted to nearly $30 million.
Koziol gave credit to the village's Deputy Director of Building and Inspection Services Mark Rysavy, the architect, FGM Architects, and the construction manager, Camosy Construction.
"The building was actually bigger than we needed and we needed parking out front for the public, so they actually tore down the front of the building to make up room for the parking and that's how we got down to the 90,000 (square feet), which is what we needed anyhow.
"For a warehouse this was very well kept," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Celebrating the Class of 2020!

Celebrating the Class of 2020!

To the Class of 2020 , congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for success and happiness in the years ahead .
We hope our tribute section to the Class of 2020 can be a special keepsake to help mark and remember this important passage in your life .
When it became apparent that because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year 's graduates were not going to get to enjoy the traditional commencement ceremony that had been a benchmark in our lives , we asked ourselves what the newspaper could do to try to help replace some of that loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas that grew out of that and pulling it together has been a labor of love for all of us and especially for the editors who directed it , Deputy City Editor Charles Keeshan and Paul Valade , deputy director of visual journalism .
We have n't been alone in making special attempts to make this year 's graduations special .
That much is obvious with a drive around town to see all of the congratulatory signs that have popped up .
There are more than 90 suburban high schools in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gone out of its way to add a flourish to their virtual commencement events .
Certainly , this section would n't have been possible without the efforts of scores of principals and staff at our high schools .
We have been amazed at their efforts to support the project .
We 've also made an effort to provide a strong tribute online at dailyherald.com/graduations .
Among the features on that tribute is a commencement address by renowned comedian Sebastian Maniscalco , a graduate of Rolling Meadows High School before moving to Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank him greatly for that contribution .

Congratulations, Class of 2020!
To the Class of 2020, congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for success and happiness in the years ahead.
We hope our tribute section to the Class of 2020 can be a special keepsake to help mark and remember this important passage in your life.
When it became apparent that because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year's graduates were not going to get to enjoy the traditional commencement ceremony that had been a benchmark in our lives, we asked ourselves what the newspaper could do to try to help replace some of that loss.
This section is one of the ideas that grew out of that and pulling it together has been a labor of love for all of us and especially for the editors who directed it, Deputy City Editor Charles Keeshan and Paul Valade, deputy director of visual journalism.
• Northwest suburbs section
• DuPage County section
• Fox Valley section
We haven't been alone in making special attempts to make this year's graduations special.
That much is obvious with a drive around town to see all of the congratulatory signs that have popped up.
There are more than 90 suburban high schools in the area and almost without exception each of them has gone out of its way to add a flourish to their virtual commencement events.
Certainly, this section wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of scores of principals and staff at our high schools. We have been amazed at their efforts to support the project.
We've also made an effort to provide a strong tribute online at dailyherald.com/graduations.
Among the features on that tribute is a commencement address by renowned comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, a graduate of Rolling Meadows High School before moving to Los Angeles and becoming a star. We thank him greatly for that contribution.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-21--Hughes Creek definitely worth a peek

Hughes Creek definitely worth a peek

Most golf courses that cost around $ 35 during the week do n't normally wow us with their opening and closing holes .
But that 's certainly not the case with Hughes Creek Golf Club in Elburn , a track that opens with a breathtaking par 4 and finishes with a stunning , uphill par 5 .
In between are 16 attractive , well-laid out holes that vary quite a bit in difficulty .
`` Six easy holes , six middle , six a little harder , '' said Sam Bradberry , who has been Hughes Creek 's PGA Professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
It 's quiet .
A little bit of rolling hills is a little different .
`` The houses are far enough way that it just gives you that spacious feel .
And the conditions are always good . ''
The 351-yard , downhill first hole has to be one of the most impressive openers in the Chicagoland area .
Take a moment to enjoy the view while standing at the top of the property , then choose carefully before teeing off because you can hit anything from a mid-iron to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 470-yard par-5 second hole ( no need to pound the second shot ) , then go get a par on the third hole , a benign 124-yard par 3 .
After a ( hopefully ) hot start , it 's now time to figure out how to attack No .
4 , a tricky 302-yard par 4 .
Trouble is everywhere , and unless your name is Tiger Woods , you ca n't go more than 190-200 yards off the tee or your ball will be wet .
Good players can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 8 iron upon approach , leaving a legit chance at birdie .
Of course , I made double here by putting myself in jail down the right side and hitting my second shot into the water .
No .
6 is a scary 395-yard par 4 that forces you to hit a narrow fairway .
Then you 're hit with a 201-yard par 3 that -- fortunately -- has a massive green complex .
At this point , feel free to catch your breath and start rattling off some pars on holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big number early , '' Bradberry said when asked what advice he had for first-timers .
`` First 4 holes are pretty tight .
Five is the toughest on the front .
`` You can get in some trouble out there .
If you get through the first five without any big numbers , you can score . ''
The back nine features back-to-back monster par 4s in the 432-yard 12th hole and the 410-yard 13th .
( And they 're 456/439 from the blue tees ) .
Down the stretch , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beginning with the slight dogleg right 14th hole that plays just 326 from the whites .
`` The big hitters can bite off ( yardage by going ) around or over the lake , '' Bradberry said .
`` You can make a birdie and kind of get your round going again coming out of the long holes . ''
No .
18 is a real treat , and honestly one of the best I 've played in Illinois .
It 's a 501-yard straightaway par 5 that 's all uphill for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is critical upon approach .
One neat aspect of Hughes Creek is the fact that the par 5s are all reasonable in length , playing 470 , 486 , 477 and 501 from the whites .
`` You can be a zero or a 20 ( handicap ) and have a pretty good shot , '' Bradberry said of the par 5s .
`` You get out there , make a couple pars , and you 're a 14 handicap and you could have the round of your life . ''
• The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but other than that I would n't make one change to the course .
This was my first time out here and I have to admit : I was impressed .
And not just by the course .
You can tell the staff is extremely friendly and really has a first-class attitude toward their guests .
Hughes Creek gets 5 stars ( out of 5 ) for value ; 4 for course conditions ; 3 for accessibility ; 2 for walkability ( some long walks between holes ) .

Hughes Creek definitely worth a peek
Most golf courses that cost around $35 during the week don't normally wow us with their opening and closing holes.
But that's certainly not the case with Hughes Creek Golf Club in Elburn, a track that opens with a breathtaking par 4 and finishes with a stunning, uphill par 5.
In between are 16 attractive, well-laid out holes that vary quite a bit in difficulty.
"Six easy holes, six middle, six a little harder," said Sam Bradberry, who has been Hughes Creek's PGA Professional since 2000. "People enjoy the property. It's quiet. A little bit of rolling hills is a little different.
"The houses are far enough way that it just gives you that spacious feel. And the conditions are always good."
Course tour:
The 351-yard, downhill first hole has to be one of the most impressive openers in the Chicagoland area. Take a moment to enjoy the view while standing at the top of the property, then choose carefully before teeing off because you can hit anything from a mid-iron to a driver.
Use your course management skills on the 470-yard par-5 second hole (no need to pound the second shot), then go get a par on the third hole, a benign 124-yard par 3.
After a (hopefully) hot start, it's now time to figure out how to attack No. 4, a tricky 302-yard par 4. Trouble is everywhere, and unless your name is Tiger Woods, you can't go more than 190-200 yards off the tee or your ball will be wet. Good players can probably go 7 iron on the tee and 8 iron upon approach, leaving a legit chance at birdie.
Of course, I made double here by putting myself in jail down the right side and hitting my second shot into the water.
No. 6 is a scary 395-yard par 4 that forces you to hit a narrow fairway. Then you're hit with a 201-yard par 3 that -- fortunately -- has a massive green complex.
At this point, feel free to catch your breath and start rattling off some pars on holes 7-11.
"Stay away from the big number early," Bradberry said when asked what advice he had for first-timers. "First 4 holes are pretty tight. Five is the toughest on the front.
"You can get in some trouble out there. If you get through the first five without any big numbers, you can score."
The back nine features back-to-back monster par 4s in the 432-yard 12th hole and the 410-yard 13th. (And they're 456/439 from the blue tees).
Down the stretch, there are ample opportunities for pars and birdies, beginning with the slight dogleg right 14th hole that plays just 326 from the whites.
"The big hitters can bite off (yardage by going) around or over the lake," Bradberry said. "You can make a birdie and kind of get your round going again coming out of the long holes."
No. 18 is a real treat, and honestly one of the best I've played in Illinois. It's a 501-yard straightaway par 5 that's all uphill for the final 180 yards. Club choice is critical upon approach.
One neat aspect of Hughes Creek is the fact that the par 5s are all reasonable in length, playing 470, 486, 477 and 501 from the whites.
"You can be a zero or a 20 (handicap) and have a pretty good shot," Bradberry said of the par 5s. "You get out there, make a couple pars, and you're a 14 handicap and you could have the round of your life."
Suggestions:
• The cart paths could use some work, but other than that I wouldn't make one change to the course.
Bottom line:
This was my first time out here and I have to admit: I was impressed. And not just by the course. You can tell the staff is extremely friendly and really has a first-class attitude toward their guests. Hughes Creek gets 5 stars (out of 5) for value; 4 for course conditions; 3 for accessibility; 2 for walkability (some long walks between holes).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-22--What riders with disabilities fear and want from public transit in COVID-19 era

Transit agencies with sinking ridership and dwindling revenues thanks to COVID-19 have one aim -- to get passengers back in the seats .
But first , riders need to feel confident that trains and buses are sanitary and safe .
That will be a tough sell for longtime UP West Metra rider Ray Campbell and other passengers with disabilities .
`` Basically as a blind person , I have huge concerns about going back to the office .
Not the least of which are -- my hands are my eyes .
I touch everything , '' Campbell said .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headquarters in the Willis Tower was March 13 ; now Campbell , a senior accessibility analyst for the carrier , works from home in Glen Ellyn .
Illinois is expected to enter the fourth of five phases to reopen the economy Friday , allowing all employees to return to work under state guidelines .
That should signal a reboot for transit , but many riders with disabilities `` are afraid to ride the trains and buses because they are unsure if it is really safe or not , '' Lake County Center For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our daily disinfecting efforts are concentrated on all the high-touch areas , such as handrails , handholds , vestibule posts , door handles , seats , armrests , etc.
, '' spokesman Michael Gillis noted .
This spring , with scaled-back transit service due to Illinois ' stay-at-home order imposed March 21 , Campbell has relied on ride providers such as Lyft and Uber for his infrequent trips .
Typically on Metra , he uses a white cane to navigate and his hands are invaluable tools -- touching seats , hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide him .
`` The thing that really scares me is getting on those Metra trains , '' Campbell said , recalling riders `` coughing up a lung '' pre-COVID-19 .
`` It was like , 'What am I going to catch today ? '
'' To combat germs , Campbell intends to wear disposable gloves , although that complicates pulling up the Ventra app on his iPhone , he noted .
Unlike some airlines such as United that recently announced penalties for those who flout mask rules that include suspending flying privileges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Gillis said .
Instead , `` we are asking for all passengers to cooperate and take responsibility for their own actions -- we are all in this together . ''
Meanwhile , reductions in Metra schedules and Pace routes related to the stay-at-home order are another hit for riders with disabilities .
Evelyn Graves of Arlington Heights , who is visually impaired , said the suspension of Pace 's Route 696 bus is a tough loss .
`` I ca n't take the 696 to my primary doctor in Mount Prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her 60s .
`` I feel like I 'm in a different era , my parents ' generation , when there was n't enough transportation . ''
It 's not known when service will resume on Route 696 , spokeswoman Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said .
`` There are a number of factors that need to be considered to determine how and when to restore service to all the routes that have had temporary reductions or suspensions , '' she said .
While passengers were on hiatus this spring , Metra coach cleaners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency 's rail cars at an Elgin yard .
Despite much elbow grease , initially , `` we just were n't pleased with the results , '' coach cleaner Mark Llanuza said -- until he and co-workers deployed their personal power washers .
`` The difference was night and day , '' Llanuza said in a Metra video .
So far the team has soaped , hosed , scrubbed and power-washed 920 out of 1,040 railcars .
`` When the passengers come back after the virus is over , we want to welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are already sanitized , '' Llanuza said .
`` We want to let them know we care . ''
You should know Pace drivers will resume collecting fares on regular buses today and require passengers to board at the front doors .
Riders were asked to board using the back doors as a precaution against COVID-19 in April , and fares were suspended .
Central Tri-State Tollway drivers should prepare for delays in the Schiller Park area as workers repair the bridge over the Canadian National Railway tracks .
Lanes will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-July .
Although air travel nationwide is down by 73 % , according to TSA checkpoint data , one smaller airline is preparing for a boost .
Spirit Airlines saw its daily average flights at O'Hare tank to 3.4 in May but anticipates that number to rise to 23 in July .
This week , flights will resume to Austin , Cancun , New York and San Diego .
In July , flights resume to New Orleans and Oakland .

What riders with disabilities fear and want from public transit in COVID-19 era
Metra is sanitizing its rail cars and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Metra
Metra is sanitizing its rail cars and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Metra
Pace bus drivers are wearing masks and screens are mounted on buses to prevent spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Pace
Transit agencies with sinking ridership and dwindling revenues thanks to COVID-19 have one aim -- to get passengers back in the seats.
But first, riders need to feel confident that trains and buses are sanitary and safe.
That will be a tough sell for longtime UP West Metra rider Ray Campbell and other passengers with disabilities.
"Basically as a blind person, I have huge concerns about going back to the office. Not the least of which are -- my hands are my eyes. I touch everything," Campbell said.
His last day commuting to United Airlines' headquarters in the Willis Tower was March 13; now Campbell, a senior accessibility analyst for the carrier, works from home in Glen Ellyn.
Illinois is expected to enter the fourth of five phases to reopen the economy Friday, allowing all employees to return to work under state guidelines.
That should signal a reboot for transit, but many riders with disabilities "are afraid to ride the trains and buses because they are unsure if it is really safe or not," Lake County Center For Independent Living Executive Director Kelli Brooks said.
Metra is promising pristine conditions. Workers deep-clean cars, sanitize daily and request riders wear masks.
"Our daily disinfecting efforts are concentrated on all the high-touch areas, such as handrails, handholds, vestibule posts, door handles, seats, armrests, etc.," spokesman Michael Gillis noted.
This spring, with scaled-back transit service due to Illinois' stay-at-home order imposed March 21, Campbell has relied on ride providers such as Lyft and Uber for his infrequent trips.
Typically on Metra, he uses a white cane to navigate and his hands are invaluable tools -- touching seats, hand rails and even garbage cans -- to guide him.
"The thing that really scares me is getting on those Metra trains," Campbell said, recalling riders "coughing up a lung" pre-COVID-19. "It was like, 'What am I going to catch today?'"
To combat germs, Campbell intends to wear disposable gloves, although that complicates pulling up the Ventra app on his iPhone, he noted.
Unlike some airlines such as United that recently announced penalties for those who flout mask rules that include suspending flying privileges, "we can't ban people," Gillis said.
Instead, "we are asking for all passengers to cooperate and take responsibility for their own actions -- we are all in this together."
Meanwhile, reductions in Metra schedules and Pace routes related to the stay-at-home order are another hit for riders with disabilities.
Evelyn Graves of Arlington Heights, who is visually impaired, said the suspension of Pace's Route 696 bus is a tough loss.
"I can't take the 696 to my primary doctor in Mount Prospect," said Graves, who is in her 60s. "I feel like I'm in a different era, my parents' generation, when there wasn't enough transportation."
It's not known when service will resume on Route 696, spokeswoman Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said. "There are a number of factors that need to be considered to determine how and when to restore service to all the routes that have had temporary reductions or suspensions," she said.
One more thing
While passengers were on hiatus this spring, Metra coach cleaners began the herculean task of scouring the agency's rail cars at an Elgin yard.
Despite much elbow grease, initially, "we just weren't pleased with the results," coach cleaner Mark Llanuza said -- until he and co-workers deployed their personal power washers. "The difference was night and day," Llanuza said in a Metra video. So far the team has soaped, hosed, scrubbed and power-washed 920 out of 1,040 railcars.
"When the passengers come back after the virus is over, we want to welcome them back with clean and disinfected trains that are already sanitized," Llanuza said. "We want to let them know we care."
You should know
Pace drivers will resume collecting fares on regular buses today and require passengers to board at the front doors. Riders were asked to board using the back doors as a precaution against COVID-19 in April, and fares were suspended.
Gridlock alert
Central Tri-State Tollway drivers should prepare for delays in the Schiller Park area as workers repair the bridge over the Canadian National Railway tracks. Lanes will be reduced and traffic will be shifted until mid-July.
Showing Spirit
Although air travel nationwide is down by 73%, according to TSA checkpoint data, one smaller airline is preparing for a boost. Spirit Airlines saw its daily average flights at O'Hare tank to 3.4 in May but anticipates that number to rise to 23 in July. This week, flights will resume to Austin, Cancun, New York and San Diego. In July, flights resume to New Orleans and Oakland.