dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Incumbent Jack Franks concedes McHenry County Board chairman race to Republican Mike Buehler

McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks , an incumbent Democrat , conceded his bid for reelection to his Republican opponent , Mike Buehler , at a meeting of the county board Thursday morning .
Franks , who trails Buehler by more than 9,000 votes , nearly 6 percentage points , said he thought it was time to acknowledge that McHenry County voters have spoken in choosing Buehler to lead the county board through the next four years .
`` I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to have served , '' Franks said in an interview Wednesday ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day for the opportunity . ''
Franks said he called to congratulate Buehler on Wednesday and to offer his full support in making for a smooth transition into the new role .
`` He called to wish me well in a new role as chairman and was very forthcoming in offering up his services , '' Buehler said .
`` I told him I would definitely be reaching out to him for his advice and thanked him for his service to the county . ''
During their race , the two exchanged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and character , but both said they will put election rhetoric behind them .
`` Election season does get pretty contentious at times but when it 's all said and done , I think we need to put that behind us and move forward with the county 's business no matter what the result is , '' Buehler said in an interview Wednesday .
`` The election 's over , '' Franks said in agreement .
`` Now it 's time for people to come together and to do what 's best for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged Buehler to use him as a resource in serving constituents , just as he did with his predecessors such as Ken Koehler .
`` I told him , 'Listen , whatever you need here for you .
If you want to , you know , ask your questions that you do n't want to ask anybody else , I 'll keep it private and use me as a resource , ' '' he said .
Buehler will be sworn in as the new McHenry County Board chairman in a special meeting Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
Newly-elected board members also will be sworn in during the meeting .
Franks will `` run through the tape '' at the end of his term as the county 's first elected board chairman , proud of what he and the board have accomplished in the last four years , he said .
During his term , the board lowered the county 's property tax levy three years running , reducing the levy by more than 14 % and saving taxpayers a total of $ 28 million , Franks said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole meeting .
Franks also led the county board in rebating $ 8.2 million in surplus funding from the county-run Valley Hi Nursing Home back to taxpayers , implementing term limits for the board and the chair through a referendum and reducing the size of the board by 25 % effective in 2022 , he said in his statement .
`` We 've accomplished so much together , '' he said in his remarks to board members .
`` I leave this office proud of what we 've done for our taxpayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we delivered on every one of my campaign promises . ''
Buehler said he hopes to look for ways to continue cutting costs without sacrificing essential services , a goal which has become more dire in light of the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on county government and the county as a whole .
He began the transition work weeks ago in the hope he might hit the ground running , he said .
He has spent his time building relationships with board members on both sides of the aisle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't really want to bring any kind of partisan politics to the board meetings , '' he said .
`` The vast majority of the issues that come before the board are really nonpartisan issues . ''
His lack of experience in politics will give him fresh perspective into the county 's issues , Buehler said , a point which Franks supported .
`` When I first got elected to state representative , one of my greatest strengths was being naive because I did n't know what I could n't do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to find new ways to make county government run more efficiently and will encourage more communication between departments , especially when it comes to applying for grant funding to support the broader community .
The first thing he and the board will focus on is the committee on committees , which is held after every election to choose which board members will serve on various committees , Buehler said .
While board members recently changed the county board 's rules to omit the board chairman as a voting member on the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still looking forward to suggesting appointments .
`` In my conversations with the board members I 've spoken to to date , they all have indicated that they would like me to have input on it , '' Buehler said .
`` The rules are what they are and I am more than happy to work within that framework . ''
The committee on committees will take place at the Dec. 7 organizational meeting after new officials are sworn in , according to the county board rules .
As for his feelings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail 's contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement , Buehler said he would like to see more comprehensive information on the finances of the contract presented before the full board .

Incumbent Jack Franks concedes McHenry County Board chairman race to Republican Mike Buehler
Incumbent McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks, right, has conceded his bid for reelection to his Republican opponent, Mike Buehler. Daily Herald file photo
McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks, an incumbent Democrat, conceded his bid for reelection to his Republican opponent, Mike Buehler, at a meeting of the county board Thursday morning.
Franks, who trails Buehler by more than 9,000 votes, nearly 6 percentage points, said he thought it was time to acknowledge that McHenry County voters have spoken in choosing Buehler to lead the county board through the next four years.
"I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to have served," Franks said in an interview Wednesday ahead of the announcement. "I was thankful every day for the opportunity."
Franks said he called to congratulate Buehler on Wednesday and to offer his full support in making for a smooth transition into the new role.
"He called to wish me well in a new role as chairman and was very forthcoming in offering up his services," Buehler said. "I told him I would definitely be reaching out to him for his advice and thanked him for his service to the county."
During their race, the two exchanged sharp criticism of one another's politics and character, but both said they will put election rhetoric behind them.
"Election season does get pretty contentious at times but when it's all said and done, I think we need to put that behind us and move forward with the county's business no matter what the result is," Buehler said in an interview Wednesday.
"The election's over," Franks said in agreement. "Now it's time for people to come together and to do what's best for the citizens."
Franks said he encouraged Buehler to use him as a resource in serving constituents, just as he did with his predecessors such as Ken Koehler.
"I told him, 'Listen, whatever you need here for you. If you want to, you know, ask your questions that you don't want to ask anybody else, I'll keep it private and use me as a resource,'" he said.
Buehler will be sworn in as the new McHenry County Board chairman in a special meeting Dec. 7, according to the county board rules. Newly-elected board members also will be sworn in during the meeting.
Franks will "run through the tape" at the end of his term as the county's first elected board chairman, proud of what he and the board have accomplished in the last four years, he said.
During his term, the board lowered the county's property tax levy three years running, reducing the levy by more than 14% and saving taxpayers a total of $28 million, Franks said in his remarks at Thursday's committee of the whole meeting.
Franks also led the county board in rebating $8.2 million in surplus funding from the county-run Valley Hi Nursing Home back to taxpayers, implementing term limits for the board and the chair through a referendum and reducing the size of the board by 25% effective in 2022, he said in his statement.
"We've accomplished so much together," he said in his remarks to board members. "I leave this office proud of what we've done for our taxpayers and proud that, with your help, we delivered on every one of my campaign promises."
Buehler said he hopes to look for ways to continue cutting costs without sacrificing essential services, a goal which has become more dire in light of the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on county government and the county as a whole.
He began the transition work weeks ago in the hope he might hit the ground running, he said. He has spent his time building relationships with board members on both sides of the aisle and planning for the future.
"I don't really want to bring any kind of partisan politics to the board meetings," he said. "The vast majority of the issues that come before the board are really nonpartisan issues."
His lack of experience in politics will give him fresh perspective into the county's issues, Buehler said, a point which Franks supported.
"When I first got elected to state representative, one of my greatest strengths was being naive because I didn't know what I couldn't do," Franks said.
Buehler said he wants to find new ways to make county government run more efficiently and will encourage more communication between departments, especially when it comes to applying for grant funding to support the broader community.
The first thing he and the board will focus on is the committee on committees, which is held after every election to choose which board members will serve on various committees, Buehler said.
While board members recently changed the county board's rules to omit the board chairman as a voting member on the committee on committees, Buehler said he is still looking forward to suggesting appointments.
"In my conversations with the board members I've spoken to to date, they all have indicated that they would like me to have input on it," Buehler said. "The rules are what they are and I am more than happy to work within that framework."
The committee on committees will take place at the Dec. 7 organizational meeting after new officials are sworn in, according to the county board rules.
As for his feelings on the proposal to end the McHenry County jail's contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Buehler said he would like to see more comprehensive information on the finances of the contract presented before the full board.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--What do 'probable' COVID-19 cases mean to Illinois numbers?

When the state began reporting probable cases of COVID-19 in June , those figures were always separated from cases that had been confirmed using standard molecular tests that take days to get results .
That changed Friday when the Illinois Department of Public Health spread nearly 8,000 `` probable cases '' of COVID-19 among all the state 's county case totals , sending county infection rates soaring and raising eyebrows about how health officials were reporting data .
The `` probable '' label was just a way of identifying what type of test determined a new case , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike explained at Friday 's media briefing .
But it was n't the first time the state had used the term `` probable case . ''
Unlike cases and deaths that were labeled `` probable '' in the early stages of the pandemic -- where symptomatic patients were treated or died without being tested -- these new `` probable '' cases also cover someone who tests positive using the newer `` rapid-result '' antigen test .
These tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently reported .
`` In August , the national case definition was changed so that an antigen test alone would be considered a 'probable case , ' '' Ezike noted during the Friday news briefing .
`` With the increased use of antigen tests , we will get more probable cases and we want to make sure we capture all of those tests . ''
This change confused many who follow the state 's daily COVID-19 figures because the state had previously separated out probable cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests since Oct. 15 , it turns out IDPH had merely been counting the number of antigen tests taken , not the results of those tests .
Adding to the confusion , IDPH dumped `` all the probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic '' into Friday 's case totals , Ezike said .
That move amounted to an additional 7,673 cases lumped together with more than 10,000 new cases announced from standard test results , artificially inflating infection rates in every county of the state that day .
That action baffled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's average infection rate to help guide virus mitigation decisions .
`` There just needs to be justification for doing it that way , '' said Courtney M. Hughes , a data scientist and associate professor of public health at Northern Illinois University .
`` It 's important to have consistency in how these numbers are derived . ''
Hughes and others agree that spreading all the probable cases over the dates they were actually diagnosed or discovered would keep the state 's data more accurate .
State officials cite other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounting practices to include both confirmed and probable cases , but many of those states also provide separate daily tallies of both types of cases .
Illinois does not .

What do 'probable' COVID-19 cases mean to Illinois numbers?
When the state began reporting probable cases of COVID-19 in June, those figures were always separated from cases that had been confirmed using standard molecular tests that take days to get results.
That changed Friday when the Illinois Department of Public Health spread nearly 8,000 "probable cases" of COVID-19 among all the state's county case totals, sending county infection rates soaring and raising eyebrows about how health officials were reporting data.
The "probable" label was just a way of identifying what type of test determined a new case, and the state added those probable cases under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike explained at Friday's media briefing.
But it wasn't the first time the state had used the term "probable case."
Unlike cases and deaths that were labeled "probable" in the early stages of the pandemic -- where symptomatic patients were treated or died without being tested -- these new "probable" cases also cover someone who tests positive using the newer "rapid-result" antigen test. These tests are more susceptible to false positives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently reported.
"In August, the national case definition was changed so that an antigen test alone would be considered a 'probable case,'" Ezike noted during the Friday news briefing. "With the increased use of antigen tests, we will get more probable cases and we want to make sure we capture all of those tests."
This change confused many who follow the state's daily COVID-19 figures because the state had previously separated out probable cases.
And while IDPH had been counting antigen tests since Oct. 15, it turns out IDPH had merely been counting the number of antigen tests taken, not the results of those tests.
Adding to the confusion, IDPH dumped "all the probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic" into Friday's case totals, Ezike said. That move amounted to an additional 7,673 cases lumped together with more than 10,000 new cases announced from standard test results, artificially inflating infection rates in every county of the state that day.
That action baffled many observers since state health officials use the state's average infection rate to help guide virus mitigation decisions.
"There just needs to be justification for doing it that way," said Courtney M. Hughes, a data scientist and associate professor of public health at Northern Illinois University. "It's important to have consistency in how these numbers are derived."
Hughes and others agree that spreading all the probable cases over the dates they were actually diagnosed or discovered would keep the state's data more accurate.
State officials cite other state health departments that have also shifted accounting practices to include both confirmed and probable cases, but many of those states also provide separate daily tallies of both types of cases. Illinois does not.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Feder: White Sox radio broadcasts return to ESPN 1000

It 's official : Chicago White Sox baseball will air on sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM under a multiyear agreement announced today @ @ @ @ @ return for the White Sox to the ESPN sports/talk station , which had been the @ @ @ @ @ 1999 to 2005 -- the year they won their last World Series Championship .
Terms @ @ @ @ @ the agreement includes all regular season and postseason games , starting with the spring training @ @ @ @ @ February 27 , 2021 .

Feder: White Sox radio broadcasts return to ESPN 1000
Chicago White Sox baseball will air on sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM under a multiyear agreement announced today. Courtesy of ESPN Chicago
It's official: Chicago White Sox baseball will air on sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM under a multiyear agreement announced today.
The deal marks a return for the White Sox to the ESPN sports/talk station, which had been the team's radio home from 1999 to 2005 -- the year they won their last World Series Championship.
Terms were not disclosed, but the agreement includes all regular season and postseason games, starting with the spring training Cactus League opener against Milwaukee February 27, 2021.
Read the full story at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--License to patrol? State lawmakers consider plan to make cops get a license

The person who cuts your hair needs a state license to clip shaggy bangs and trim overgrown sideburns .
Same with the plumber who fixes your leaky faucet .
Your doctor , your lawyer , your kids ' teachers , even your exterminator ... they all need a license from the state of Illinois to do their jobs .
Who does n't ?
The person with a gun , a badge and the authority to put you in handcuffs .
But that may soon change , as state lawmakers are in talks with one another and law enforcement reps about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rising out of calls for reform after a police officer killed George Floyd in Minneapolis , the proposal was discussed again this week during a special Illinois Senate committee hearing .
Among those testifying were Attorney General Kwame Raoul , DuPage County State 's Attorney Robert Berlin and Crystal Lake Police Chief James Black , who 's president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police .
Proponents , such as Raoul , see licensing as a better way to root out bad cops , boost professionalism in the ranks , increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what misconduct should end an officer 's career .
They 're not looking to go after cops for minor infractions typically handled in-house , or `` fishing to decertify officers , '' Raoul insisted .
`` What we 're targeting is conduct that would lead to a decision to discharge a police officer , '' he said .
Berlin said that while the vast majority of police officers are conscientious and dedicated , there 's room for improvement when it comes to identifying and keeping track of bad cops .
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with serious misconduct , and that 's what we believe this process will accomplish , '' he said .
`` If the public does n't have confidence in the criminal justice system , then the ability to obtain justice is impossible , '' added Stewart Umholtz , state 's attorney of Tazewell County near Peoria .
`` As attorneys , we work under a licensing system .
I think police officers can , too . ''
Police in Illinois are n't licensed ; they 're certified .
Requirements for certification include completing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing a 200-question exam .
Once hired , police must complete annual training on subjects including legal changes and use of force , and tri-annual training on matters that include mental health awareness , officer wellness and cultural competency .
It typically takes a conviction for a felony or one of a handful of misdemeanors to lose certification .
That means officers whose misconduct does n't result in a criminal conviction -- like dishonesty or intentionally turning off a body camera -- can continue to serve , Raoul noted .
It 's still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be different , as details of the proposal continue to be worked out .
Early indications are it would involve a state panel to oversee licensing procedures and requirements , track misconduct and make judgments on when an officer should lose his or her license .
While police leaders say they 're as eager as anyone to eliminate bad cops from their ranks , the idea of needing a license roils many .
They 'd prefer to stick with the certification process and believe they can address needed reforms without licensing .
Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embraced the `` 10 Shared Principles '' created by the chiefs ' association and Illinois NAACP , banned chokeholds and taken other steps to improve .
`` While we 're not perfect , Illinois law enforcement does lead the way , '' he said .
Police also have raised concerns over how a licensing program would affect their collective bargaining rights , and over who gets to decide whether a cop loses the license .
A representative of the Police Benevolent & Protective Association noted that while it 's a legal panel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a physician panel that does the same for doctors , it 's not clear whether police discipline would be decided by other officers .
Do n't expect legislation on the governor 's desk anytime soon .
The state legislature 's fall veto session that had been scheduled to begin next week was abruptly canceled Tuesday .
Now , the General Assembly wo n't meet again until January .
In the meantime , Raoul pledged to continue working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to find common ground .
`` I want to applaud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table at this critical time to address these reforms we need in our state , '' he said .
`` It 's not easy to be a law enforcement officer at this moment . ''
Sad news from Buffalo Grove , where officials this week announced the passing of retired Deputy Chief Pete Lippert on Sunday .
According to the village , Lippert , 73 , started his law enforcement career in 1972 and worked his way up the ranks , serving as a field training officer , accident investigator , criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief .
He retired from that post in 2003 but came back to serve the department as a crime prevention specialist from 2007 to 2012 .
Services for Lippert , who is survived by his wife and three daughters , took place this week .
The Lake Villa Police Department and Lake County sheriff 's office also are grieving one of their own this week , with the passing Nov. 6 of longtime police dog Conan .
Conan served with the sheriff 's office from 2009 to 2014 , then joined the Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
`` Thank you Conan for your service , you will be forever in our hearts , '' Lake Villa police wrote on Facebook .
• Got a question , comment or a tip ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

License to patrol? State lawmakers consider plan to make cops get a license
Crystal Lake Police Chief Jim Black, who's also president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said law enforcement leaders are embracing reform efforts but are hesitant when it comes to licensing.
The person who cuts your hair needs a state license to clip shaggy bangs and trim overgrown sideburns. Same with the plumber who fixes your leaky faucet. Your doctor, your lawyer, your kids' teachers, even your exterminator ... they all need a license from the state of Illinois to do their jobs.
Who doesn't? The person with a gun, a badge and the authority to put you in handcuffs.
But that may soon change, as state lawmakers are in talks with one another and law enforcement reps about creating a licensing system for police officers.
Rising out of calls for reform after a police officer killed George Floyd in Minneapolis, the proposal was discussed again this week during a special Illinois Senate committee hearing. Among those testifying were Attorney General Kwame Raoul, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Crystal Lake Police Chief James Black, who's president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is among the state leaders who support a licensing program for police officers. -
Proponents, such as Raoul, see licensing as a better way to root out bad cops, boost professionalism in the ranks, increase public transparency and create statewide standards for what misconduct should end an officer's career.
They're not looking to go after cops for minor infractions typically handled in-house, or "fishing to decertify officers," Raoul insisted.
"What we're targeting is conduct that would lead to a decision to discharge a police officer," he said.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer, 2019 DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said Illinois needs a better way to deal with serious police misconduct.
Berlin said that while the vast majority of police officers are conscientious and dedicated, there's room for improvement when it comes to identifying and keeping track of bad cops.
"We need a better, uniform way to deal with serious misconduct, and that's what we believe this process will accomplish," he said.
"If the public doesn't have confidence in the criminal justice system, then the ability to obtain justice is impossible," added Stewart Umholtz, state's attorney of Tazewell County near Peoria. "As attorneys, we work under a licensing system. I think police officers can, too."
Certified, not licensed
Police in Illinois aren't licensed; they're certified. Requirements for certification include completing a 14-week, 480-hour basic training program and passing a 200-question exam.
Once hired, police must complete annual training on subjects including legal changes and use of force, and tri-annual training on matters that include mental health awareness, officer wellness and cultural competency.
It typically takes a conviction for a felony or one of a handful of misdemeanors to lose certification. That means officers whose misconduct doesn't result in a criminal conviction -- like dishonesty or intentionally turning off a body camera -- can continue to serve, Raoul noted.
It's still uncertain how exactly a licensing program would be different, as details of the proposal continue to be worked out. Early indications are it would involve a state panel to oversee licensing procedures and requirements, track misconduct and make judgments on when an officer should lose his or her license.
Police lukewarm to idea
While police leaders say they're as eager as anyone to eliminate bad cops from their ranks, the idea of needing a license roils many. They'd prefer to stick with the certification process and believe they can address needed reforms without licensing.
Black noted police departments across the state have embraced the "10 Shared Principles" created by the chiefs' association and Illinois NAACP, banned chokeholds and taken other steps to improve.
"While we're not perfect, Illinois law enforcement does lead the way," he said.
Police also have raised concerns over how a licensing program would affect their collective bargaining rights, and over who gets to decide whether a cop loses the license.
A representative of the Police Benevolent & Protective Association noted that while it's a legal panel that reviews disciplinary actions against lawyers, and a physician panel that does the same for doctors, it's not clear whether police discipline would be decided by other officers.
What's next
Don't expect legislation on the governor's desk anytime soon. The state legislature's fall veto session that had been scheduled to begin next week was abruptly canceled Tuesday. Now, the General Assembly won't meet again until January.
In the meantime, Raoul pledged to continue working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to find common ground.
"I want to applaud my law enforcement partners for coming to the table at this critical time to address these reforms we need in our state," he said. "It's not easy to be a law enforcement officer at this moment."
In memoriam
Former Buffalo Grove Deputy Police Chief Pete Lippert died this week at 73
Sad news from Buffalo Grove, where officials this week announced the passing of retired Deputy Chief Pete Lippert on Sunday.
According to the village, Lippert, 73, started his law enforcement career in 1972 and worked his way up the ranks, serving as a field training officer, accident investigator, criminal investigator, patrol commander and eventually deputy chief. He retired from that post in 2003 but came back to serve the department as a crime prevention specialist from 2007 to 2012.
Services for Lippert, who is survived by his wife and three daughters, took place this week.
Another farewell
Conan, who served as a police dog for the Lake County sheriff's office and Lake Villa Police Department, died Nov. 6. -
The Lake Villa Police Department and Lake County sheriff's office also are grieving one of their own this week, with the passing Nov. 6 of longtime police dog Conan.
Conan served with the sheriff's office from 2009 to 2014, then joined the Lake Villa police force until his retirement in 2017.
"Thank you Conan for your service, you will be forever in our hearts," Lake Villa police wrote on Facebook.
• Got a question, comment or a tip? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Constable: Barrington native works with icon Sophia Loren in 'The Life Ahead'

Eleven years ago , Barrington native Sara Furio graduated from DePaul University , ended her gig as the video editor at Willow Creek Community Church and started her career in film .
These days , the 33-year-old Furio is living in London , working as manager of international original film for Netflix and enjoying her friendship with film icon Sophia Loren -- the star of Furio 's latest Netflix film , `` The Life Ahead , '' which premieres today .
`` We 've talked throughout the entire process , '' Furio says Thursday from London , adding she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian .
`` We just spoke on the phone sharing our excitement about the launch . ''
Furio has been working on acquiring and developing this film since 2016 , giving her time to get to know the Italian film legend , who won an Oscar for her performance in the 1961 film `` Two Women , '' received an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 1991 and might get another Oscar for her stunning performance in `` The Life Ahead . ''
`` I 've met a lot of talent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personality and humility , '' Furio says of the 86-year-old Loren .
`` She is so modest , and her witty personality is quite unexpected .
She 's great . ''
Starting her film career as an impoverished teenager in Italy , Loren has starred in Hollywood films opposite Cary Grant , Paul Newman , Marlon Brando , Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra .
In `` The Life Ahead , '' Loren plays a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who leans on a Muslim man and a transgender woman as she builds an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , played by first-time actor Ibrahima Gueye .
The emotional and uplifting film , directed by Loren 's son Edoardo Ponti , `` speaks for itself , '' Furio says .
`` Sophia said it best in a recent interview : 'This film is a message of tolerance , forgiveness and love . '
I just ca n't wait for people to see it . ''
Inspired by the book `` The Life Before Us '' by French author Romain Gary , director Ponti pitched the idea to Furio four years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophia Loren .
The package had quite the appeal , '' Furio says , adding that the Italian production company Palomar shared that vision .
Furio says she also has a built-in support system .
`` You do n't get to where you are in life without the support of others , '' Furio says .
`` My father ( Lorenzo ) taught me to dream big , regardless of the obstacles you face .
And my mother ( Louise ) told me to NEVER give up on this project . ''
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freelance video editor led to a job with Warner Bros. in Los Angeles .
Since Netflix hired her in 2014 , Furio has lived in Los Angeles , Amsterdam and London , where she resides now with her husband , Jake Knapik , a psychologist who works in the entertainment industry by focusing on the mental wellness of actors , producers , directors and crews .
Knapik is her `` biggest cheerleader , '' says Furio , adding her sister and brother , Catherine and Francesco , `` are always beacons of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says she feels most at home in Rome , where she finds the sunshine of L.A. , a charm similar to Amsterdam and London , and `` the kindness of the Midwest . ''
`` One of the Italian producers of the film , Nicola Serra , is a huge Packers fan , so we often find ourselves not only talking about the film , but the Bears-Packers rivalry , '' Furio says .
Turning a dream into a movie was complicated by the coronavirus across the globe .
`` The film was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different countries , all affected in different ways by COVID , '' Furio says .
`` It was a challenge and , in the end , made us more appreciative of the beautiful story we are trying to share with the world . ''

Constable: Barrington native works with icon Sophia Loren in 'The Life Ahead'
As manager of international original film for Netflix, Barrington native Sara Furio developed the Italian film "The Life Ahead" and a friendship with the star, legendary actress Sophia Loren. Courtesy of Netflix
Eleven years ago, Barrington native Sara Furio graduated from DePaul University, ended her gig as the video editor at Willow Creek Community Church and started her career in film.
These days, the 33-year-old Furio is living in London, working as manager of international original film for Netflix and enjoying her friendship with film icon Sophia Loren -- the star of Furio's latest Netflix film, "The Life Ahead," which premieres today.
"We've talked throughout the entire process," Furio says Thursday from London, adding she and Loren are comfortable chatting in English or Italian. "We just spoke on the phone sharing our excitement about the launch."
Movie icon Sophia Loren stars in the new Netflix film "The Life Ahead," directed by her son Edoardo Ponti. As Netflix's manager of international original film, Barrington native Sara Furio worked on developing the film for four years. - Courtesy of Netflix
Furio has been working on acquiring and developing this film since 2016, giving her time to get to know the Italian film legend, who won an Oscar for her performance in the 1961 film "Two Women," received an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 1991 and might get another Oscar for her stunning performance in "The Life Ahead."
"I've met a lot of talent, and I'm blown away by her personality and humility," Furio says of the 86-year-old Loren. "She is so modest, and her witty personality is quite unexpected. She's great."
Starting her film career as an impoverished teenager in Italy, Loren has starred in Hollywood films opposite Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra.
In the film "The Life Ahead," premiering today on Netflix, legendary actress Sophia Loren plays a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who builds an unlikely bond with a troubled orphan boy from Senegal, played by Ibrahima Gueye. - Courtesy of Netflix
In "The Life Ahead," Loren plays a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who leans on a Muslim man and a transgender woman as she builds an unusual bond with a troubled Senegalese orphan, played by first-time actor Ibrahima Gueye.
The emotional and uplifting film, directed by Loren's son Edoardo Ponti, "speaks for itself," Furio says. "Sophia said it best in a recent interview: 'This film is a message of tolerance, forgiveness and love.' I just can't wait for people to see it."
Inspired by the book "The Life Before Us" by French author Romain Gary, director Ponti pitched the idea to Furio four years ago.
"The story. The message. Sophia Loren. The package had quite the appeal," Furio says, adding that the Italian production company Palomar shared that vision.
Furio says she also has a built-in support system.
"You don't get to where you are in life without the support of others," Furio says. "My father (Lorenzo) taught me to dream big, regardless of the obstacles you face. And my mother (Louise) told me to NEVER give up on this project."
After college, Furio's work as a freelance video editor led to a job with Warner Bros. in Los Angeles. Since Netflix hired her in 2014, Furio has lived in Los Angeles, Amsterdam and London, where she resides now with her husband, Jake Knapik, a psychologist who works in the entertainment industry by focusing on the mental wellness of actors, producers, directors and crews. Knapik is her "biggest cheerleader," says Furio, adding her sister and brother, Catherine and Francesco, "are always beacons of support when things get stressful."
She says she feels most at home in Rome, where she finds the sunshine of L.A., a charm similar to Amsterdam and London, and "the kindness of the Midwest."
"One of the Italian producers of the film, Nicola Serra, is a huge Packers fan, so we often find ourselves not only talking about the film, but the Bears-Packers rivalry," Furio says.
Turning a dream into a movie was complicated by the coronavirus across the globe.
"The film was completed during the pandemic, in several different countries, all affected in different ways by COVID," Furio says. "It was a challenge and, in the end, made us more appreciative of the beautiful story we are trying to share with the world."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--'A very special moment for me:' Sox's Abreu wins American League MVP

While the White Sox moved into the playoffs with a lineup built around young talent , 33-year-old Jose Abreu stood above everyone and was named American League MVP on Thursday .
Abreu beat out Cleveland 's Jose Ramirez and Yankees infielder D.J .
LeMahieu .
Abreu received 21 first-place votes and Ramirez had eight .
Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber finished fourth and Angels slugger Mike Trout was fifth .
Former MVP Josh Donaldson made the announcement on MLB Network .
Atlanta 's Freddie Freeman was NL MVP .
Abreu is the fourth White Sox player to win MVP , joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dick Allen ( '72 ) and Nellie Fox ( '59 ) .
He 's the third Cuban-born player to win MVP , joining Oakland 's Jose Canseco ( 1988 ) and Minnesota 's Zoilo Versalles ( 1965 ) .
When Abreu heard his name via Zoom call , he put his head on the table while several friends and family celebrated in the background .
`` I was super excited to share that moment with my family , with the people that I love , '' Abreu said later on a conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of translator Billy Russo .
`` And I 'm grateful to be honored with this award .
I think you have to enjoy what life gives you and that was a very special moment for me .
To be able to share that moment with my family was very , very special and emotional for me . ''
When the MLB Network hosts asked who was in the room with him , Abreu turned and pointed to a picture of his grandmother .
`` She was my life , '' he said through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sox and all the Cuban players who came before him and paved the way .
Abreu defected from Cuba in 2013 , riding in a crowded boat on a 12-hour journey to Haiti .
A few weeks later , he took part in a showcase for major league teams in the Dominican Republic .
The White Sox won the bidding with a six-year , $ 68-million offer .
`` My mom always taught me to have respect for everybody and keep things simple , '' Abreu said .
`` For me , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the things I could control and do the things I know that I can do . ''
Abreu hit .317 this season with 19 home runs and 60 RBI .
He led the American League in RBI , hits ( 76 ) , total bases ( 148 ) and slugging percentage ( .
617 ) .
His season highlight was hitting 6 home runs during a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Aug. 21-23 .
He also had a 7 RBI game against Detroit on Sept. 12 .
Abreu was asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ricky Renteria in favor of longtime MLB manager Tony LaRussa .
`` I can not question if Tony is the right person for this team or not .
That is not my call , '' Abreu said .
`` I ca n't say one thing or another just because people want me to say something .
What I can say is Ricky was a great manager , he was a great person , he helped me a lot .
I was honored to be part of a team he managed .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited to have the chance to play for a manager like Tony LaRussa .
I think we have to wait and see how this goes .
I ca n't really say much about it , but I 'm excited to have a manager with a history like Tony has . ''

'A very special moment for me:' Sox's Abreu wins American League MVP
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was named American League MVP on Thursday. He's the fourth White Sox player to win the award. Associated Press
While the White Sox moved into the playoffs with a lineup built around young talent, 33-year-old Jose Abreu stood above everyone and was named American League MVP on Thursday.
Abreu beat out Cleveland's Jose Ramirez and Yankees infielder D.J. LeMahieu. Abreu received 21 first-place votes and Ramirez had eight. Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber finished fourth and Angels slugger Mike Trout was fifth. Former MVP Josh Donaldson made the announcement on MLB Network. Atlanta's Freddie Freeman was NL MVP.
White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson finished seventh, while pitcher Dallas Keuchel received one 10th-place vote.
Abreu is the fourth White Sox player to win MVP, joining Frank Thomas (1993 and '94), Dick Allen ('72) and Nellie Fox ('59).
He's the third Cuban-born player to win MVP, joining Oakland's Jose Canseco (1988) and Minnesota's Zoilo Versalles (1965).
When Abreu heard his name via Zoom call, he put his head on the table while several friends and family celebrated in the background.
"I was super excited to share that moment with my family, with the people that I love," Abreu said later on a conference call with reporters, with the help of translator Billy Russo. "And I'm grateful to be honored with this award. I think you have to enjoy what life gives you and that was a very special moment for me. To be able to share that moment with my family was very, very special and emotional for me."
When the MLB Network hosts asked who was in the room with him, Abreu turned and pointed to a picture of his grandmother. "She was my life," he said through tears.
Abreu also thanked the White Sox and all the Cuban players who came before him and paved the way.
Abreu defected from Cuba in 2013, riding in a crowded boat on a 12-hour journey to Haiti. A few weeks later, he took part in a showcase for major league teams in the Dominican Republic. The White Sox won the bidding with a six-year, $68-million offer.
"My mom always taught me to have respect for everybody and keep things simple," Abreu said. "For me, this year was about that -- take control of the things I could control and do the things I know that I can do."
Abreu hit .317 this season with 19 home runs and 60 RBI. He led the American League in RBI, hits (76), total bases (148) and slugging percentage (. 617).
His season highlight was hitting 6 home runs during a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Aug. 21-23. He also had a 7 RBI game against Detroit on Sept. 12.
Abreu was asked about the White Sox decision to fire manager Ricky Renteria in favor of longtime MLB manager Tony LaRussa.
"I cannot question if Tony is the right person for this team or not. That is not my call," Abreu said. "I can't say one thing or another just because people want me to say something. What I can say is Ricky was a great manager, he was a great person, he helped me a lot. I was honored to be part of a team he managed.
"At the same time, I'm really excited to have the chance to play for a manager like Tony LaRussa. I think we have to wait and see how this goes. I can't really say much about it, but I'm excited to have a manager with a history like Tony has."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Libertyville leases sports complex for winter youth soccer

Soccer is planned as the first organized indoor activity at the cavernous Libertyville Sports Complex since it closed to the public March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Village officials this week approved a lease with the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association to use a portion of the building privately for winter youth soccer activities .
Five pages of `` Return to Play '' COVID-related safety protocols and responsibilities are part of the lease .
The term is $ 65,000 per month from Jan. 1 to March 31 for a total of $ 195,000 .
Competitive team training and recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be held .
Access will be restricted to staff members and players participating in workouts and training sessions , although one parent or guardian per player will be allowed inside to watch should games be played .
Capacity will be limited to 20 % of the facility maximum , or 480 people , on the first floor .
The 169,000-square-foot indoor sports facility has two full-sized indoor soccer fields , multiple indoor courts , a climbing wall , a fitness area and other features .
Reopening the complex to the public remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ varying COVID-19 safety standards , according to the village .
The soccer group normally rents the complex for winter indoor training but approached the village about a lease in early July , when it thought there was a possibility the facility could be closed over the winter , according to Michael Zovistoski , executive director .
The group is required to regularly sanitize the premises per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health department guidelines .
It also must follow various protocols including verified temperature checks , social distancing and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been `` extremely responsive , '' Zovistoski said .
`` The club has done a very good job mitigating the transmission of the virus , and we are thankful that we are able to provide soccer programming to the community , '' he said .
Players and others will use a QR code on their phones to log attendance and must answer seven questions to access the building .
Attendance will be taken by soccer officials for contact tracing purposes should a COVID-case occur .
According to the lease , the soccer association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village for `` any injury , illness , death or monetary loss related in any way to COVID-19 , '' according to the safety rider .
Either party can terminate the lease if a public health order preventing use of the facility is issued .
Allowed hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday .
No access is permitted on Fridays and Sundays .
The indoor sports facility is the main component of the Libertyville Sports Complex at Route 45 and Peterson Road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only portion of the sports complex that 's operational .
A golf learning center/driving range closed in late 2018 , and the lease for Aloha Falls mini-golf course ended in September .
Those operations ended in advance of a pending $ 5.4 million sale for development of a business park and commercial area .

Libertyville leases sports complex for winter youth soccer
The Libertyville Sports Complex has been closed since March 14. Daily Herald file
Soccer is planned as the first organized indoor activity at the cavernous Libertyville Sports Complex since it closed to the public March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Village officials this week approved a lease with the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association to use a portion of the building privately for winter youth soccer activities.
Five pages of "Return to Play" COVID-related safety protocols and responsibilities are part of the lease. The term is $65,000 per month from Jan. 1 to March 31 for a total of $195,000.
Competitive team training and recreational programming will occur, but no tournaments will be held. Access will be restricted to staff members and players participating in workouts and training sessions, although one parent or guardian per player will be allowed inside to watch should games be played.
Capacity will be limited to 20% of the facility maximum, or 480 people, on the first floor.
The 169,000-square-foot indoor sports facility has two full-sized indoor soccer fields, multiple indoor courts, a climbing wall, a fitness area and other features.
Reopening the complex to the public remains challenging because of its multipurpose nature and varying COVID-19 safety standards, according to the village.
The soccer group normally rents the complex for winter indoor training but approached the village about a lease in early July, when it thought there was a possibility the facility could be closed over the winter, according to Michael Zovistoski, executive director.
The group is required to regularly sanitize the premises per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health department guidelines. It also must follow various protocols including verified temperature checks, social distancing and other measures.
Everyone at the village has been "extremely responsive," Zovistoski said.
"The club has done a very good job mitigating the transmission of the virus, and we are thankful that we are able to provide soccer programming to the community," he said.
Players and others will use a QR code on their phones to log attendance and must answer seven questions to access the building. Attendance will be taken by soccer officials for contact tracing purposes should a COVID-case occur.
According to the lease, the soccer association assumes all risks and waives claims against the village for "any injury, illness, death or monetary loss related in any way to COVID-19," according to the safety rider.
Either party can terminate the lease if a public health order preventing use of the facility is issued.
Allowed hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. No access is permitted on Fridays and Sundays.
The indoor sports facility is the main component of the Libertyville Sports Complex at Route 45 and Peterson Road. Once soccer starts, it will the only portion of the sports complex that's operational.
A golf learning center/driving range closed in late 2018, and the lease for Aloha Falls mini-golf course ended in September.
Those operations ended in advance of a pending $5.4 million sale for development of a business park and commercial area.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Elgin officials consider proposal for mental health professionals to handle more 911 calls

More 911 calls may be handled by mental health professionals in Elgin if city council members approve a budget that calls for expansion of the police department 's Collaborative Crisis Services Unit .
The proposal comes as the city 's law enforcement continues to respond to residents and council members who believe some calls handled by police might be better resolved by professionals with specific training in substance abuse and the needs of people without permanent housing .
Police Chief Ana Lalley presented the plan to the council this week .
It seeks more money to hire a full-time mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triage person for incoming 911 calls that only involve a mental health issue .
Lalley also wants to hire part-time mental health professional who would join three existing police officers and mental health workers in the unit .
The unit functions by having the officers and mental health professionals follow up on all mental health-related calls to the police department to get people access to services that may prevent future emergency calls .
For instance , Lalley highlighted the unit 's work with a local man without permanent housing involving incidents that generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six drug overdoses .
The man was placed in mental health facilities and weekly counseling with the police department 's social services unit for a total of 70 hours of police interaction .
Since July 2018 , the unit has fielded more than 1,000 suicidal subject calls and more than 2,000 mental health-related calls .
Lalley said the police officer sometimes performs 90 % of the work involved on those calls , but there are many others where the mental health professional does most of the interaction .
`` These are community concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social service agencies , law enforcement and members of our community together , '' she said .
`` Law enforcement tends to be on the leading edge of social problems because of our 24/7 response .
We need to recognize each person 's experience is different .
It 's not just the person who may be experiencing mental health-related issues , substance abuse issues or those experiencing homelessness , but also those in the community who may be affected by these concerns . ''
The council provided positive feedback about the plan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mission may be better housed in a city health and human services department .
Such a department , which does n't exist in Elgin , would help remove the criminal stigma of people struggling with mental health and addiction problems .
Other members feared such a department would n't be equipped to handle instances where there is an element of crime wrapped into underlying mental health problems .
The council agreed to continue discussing the proper place for the program .
It must also take a final vote on the budget next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion of the Collaborative Crisis Services Unit .

Elgin officials consider proposal for mental health professionals to handle more 911 calls
More 911 calls may be handled by mental health professionals in Elgin if city council members approve a budget that calls for expansion of the police department's Collaborative Crisis Services Unit.
The proposal comes as the city's law enforcement continues to respond to residents and council members who believe some calls handled by police might be better resolved by professionals with specific training in substance abuse and the needs of people without permanent housing.
Police Chief Ana Lalley presented the plan to the council this week. It seeks more money to hire a full-time mental health professional who would act as a triage person for incoming 911 calls that only involve a mental health issue. Lalley also wants to hire part-time mental health professional who would join three existing police officers and mental health workers in the unit.
The unit functions by having the officers and mental health professionals follow up on all mental health-related calls to the police department to get people access to services that may prevent future emergency calls.
For instance, Lalley highlighted the unit's work with a local man without permanent housing involving incidents that generated at least 22 police reports, including six drug overdoses. The man was placed in mental health facilities and weekly counseling with the police department's social services unit for a total of 70 hours of police interaction.
Since July 2018, the unit has fielded more than 1,000 suicidal subject calls and more than 2,000 mental health-related calls. Lalley said the police officer sometimes performs 90% of the work involved on those calls, but there are many others where the mental health professional does most of the interaction.
"These are community concerns that require a multilayered approach that brings social service agencies, law enforcement and members of our community together," she said. "Law enforcement tends to be on the leading edge of social problems because of our 24/7 response. We need to recognize each person's experience is different. It's not just the person who may be experiencing mental health-related issues, substance abuse issues or those experiencing homelessness, but also those in the community who may be affected by these concerns."
The council provided positive feedback about the plan. However, some members suggested the unit's mission may be better housed in a city health and human services department. Such a department, which doesn't exist in Elgin, would help remove the criminal stigma of people struggling with mental health and addiction problems.
Other members feared such a department wouldn't be equipped to handle instances where there is an element of crime wrapped into underlying mental health problems.
The council agreed to continue discussing the proper place for the program. It must also take a final vote on the budget next month before Lalley could proceed with any expansion of the Collaborative Crisis Services Unit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Feder: Columnists Constable, Glanton and Washington vie for Dorothy Storck Award

Three prominent Chicago area columnists are in the running for this year 's Dorothy Storck Award from the Chicago Journalists @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Herald , Dahleen Glanton of the Chicago Tribune , and Laura Washington of @ @ @ @ @ 7 were named finalists Thursday .
The prestigious honor , which carries a $ 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ at the group 's virtual awards ceremony Nov. 20 .
It 's named for the @ @ @ @ @ Prize winner who died in 2015 .
( To receive a free Zoom link to @ @ @ @ @ : chicagocja @ gmail.com . )
As reported earlier , David Jackson of the Better @ @ @ @ @ year 's Lifetime Achievement Award , and Chris Fusco , former executive editor of the @ @ @ @ @ editor of Lookout Santa Cruz ) , will serve as keynote speaker .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Columnists Constable, Glanton and Washington vie for Dorothy Storck Award
Three prominent Chicago area columnists are in the running for this year's Dorothy Storck Award from the Chicago Journalists Association. Burt Constable of the Daily Herald, Dahleen Glanton of the Chicago Tribune, and Laura Washington of the Sun-Times and ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 were named finalists Thursday. The prestigious honor, which carries a $1,000 prize, will be presented at the group's virtual awards ceremony Nov. 20. It's named for the late syndicated columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner who died in 2015. (To receive a free Zoom link to the event, respond to: chicagocja@gmail.com.) As reported earlier, David Jackson of the Better Government Association will receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, and Chris Fusco, former executive editor of the Sun-Times (and now executive editor of Lookout Santa Cruz), will serve as keynote speaker.
Read more news from the media beat at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--District 25 sets Jan. 19 as return-to-school date, if metrics improve

Despite surging COVID-19 cases in the region , Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 school board members on Thursday set Tuesday , Jan. 19 , 2021 as the date to return to full in-person learning -- as long as health metrics improve .
That means the positivity rate in suburban Cook County must drop below 8 % , or there are fewer than 70 new weekly cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in the Arlington Heights area .
But perhaps more significantly , board members agreed late Thursday to change how they define the 6-foot social distancing standard that would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis .
Under the current hybrid program that has students attending full-day , in-person classes two times a week , 6 feet is defined as the distance from the edge of one student to the edge of the next .
That means about a dozen students can fit into an average-sized classroom at a time .
But the board agreed to change that measurement to `` point to point , '' or head to head , which would allow as many as 20 students in some classrooms .
Students would still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as wearing masks and washing hands , and families still would be able to choose to remain in remote learning .
Of 32 elementary school districts in North suburban Cook County , 14 offer some level of in-person learning .
A dozen of those define 6 feet in classrooms as `` edge to edge , '' while only two use the `` point to point '' distance , District 25 officials said .
Seventeen districts are fully remote or , like District 25 , are in a hybrid model with a mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's changing every day as local coronavirus cases increase and districts transition to a so-called adaptive pause .
The District 25 board has been debating a full reopening for months , amid calls to do so from many parents but pushback from the local teachers union .
Board President Brian Cerniglia acknowledged that the intent was to vote on a reopening date before the holidays .
But as COVID-19 numbers started going up again in recent days , he said , other districts have also been targeting Jan. 19 as their return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night also came with the caveat that a full reopening would depend on the ability to staff schools , as Superintendent Lori Bein said it 's becoming more difficult to cover classrooms .

District 25 sets Jan. 19 as return-to-school date, if metrics improve
The Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 school board on Thursday night set Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 as the reopening date for students who choose to return. Families who want to remain in remote learning would be able to. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Elementary District 25
Despite surging COVID-19 cases in the region, Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 school board members on Thursday set Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 as the date to return to full in-person learning -- as long as health metrics improve.
That means the positivity rate in suburban Cook County must drop below 8%, or there are fewer than 70 new weekly cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in the Arlington Heights area.
But perhaps more significantly, board members agreed late Thursday to change how they define the 6-foot social distancing standard that would allow more students to come into classrooms on a daily basis.
Under the current hybrid program that has students attending full-day, in-person classes two times a week, 6 feet is defined as the distance from the edge of one student to the edge of the next. That means about a dozen students can fit into an average-sized classroom at a time.
But the board agreed to change that measurement to "point to point," or head to head, which would allow as many as 20 students in some classrooms.
Students would still have to follow other mitigation measures, such as wearing masks and washing hands, and families still would be able to choose to remain in remote learning.
Of 32 elementary school districts in North suburban Cook County, 14 offer some level of in-person learning. A dozen of those define 6 feet in classrooms as "edge to edge," while only two use the "point to point" distance, District 25 officials said.
Seventeen districts are fully remote or, like District 25, are in a hybrid model with a mix of remote and in-person classes. But that's changing every day as local coronavirus cases increase and districts transition to a so-called adaptive pause.
The District 25 board has been debating a full reopening for months, amid calls to do so from many parents but pushback from the local teachers union.
Board President Brian Cerniglia acknowledged that the intent was to vote on a reopening date before the holidays. But as COVID-19 numbers started going up again in recent days, he said, other districts have also been targeting Jan. 19 as their return date.
The board's motion Thursday night also came with the caveat that a full reopening would depend on the ability to staff schools, as Superintendent Lori Bein said it's becoming more difficult to cover classrooms.


US-Pres-Sum,100

Needed to win : 270 of the 538 electoral votes ( ev ) from the 50 states and the District @ @ @

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 72,741,954 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,614,114 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Cook County issues 30-day stay-at-home advisory as new COVID-19 cases top 15,000

New COVID-19 cases spiked to a record 15,415 Friday as Cook County leaders advised suburban residents to stay at home when possible to reduce virus spread and as three suburban regions fell below desired levels for available hospital beds .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 27 additional deaths from the respiratory disease .
Statewide , `` we ask Illinoisans to stay at home as much as possible because the situation we face now is increasingly dangerous for health care workers and hospital systems , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritkzer said at a Friday briefing .
`` More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than we saw at our highest average in spring .
And increasingly , regions are at risk for potential ICU bed shortages and staffing shortages as our case rates continue to rise . ''
The Cook County Department of Public Health 's stay-at-home advisory is effective Monday and set to last 30 days .
The county asked employers to ensure as many employees as possible can work from home and recommended residents avoid going out as much as possible with exceptions for work , school , buying groceries or getting a COVID-19 test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on guard against complacency , '' IDPH Executive Director Ngozi Ezike said .
`` This virus spreads quickly and it 's gaining on us .
These are all-time highs . ''
Friday 's new caseload is a 121 % leap from the Nov. 1 tally of 6,980 statewide , but it also reflects a new IDPH policy that began Nov. 6 of consolidating confirmed and probable cases .
Probable cases include positive antigen tests that use proteins to rapidly diagnose COVID-19 .
As the virus surges , there 's been confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are probable cases ; IDPH officials said those constituted 4.3 % of Friday 's new cases , or 667 .
`` The 15,000 is not being driven by the antigen test ; we just have a lot of disease , '' Ezike said .
Patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 totaled 5,362 as of Thursday night , surpassing peak hospitalizations when COVID-19 first spiraled in spring , though cases are more dispersed around the state .
Average daily patient counts grew to an average of 4,767 hospitalizations in the last seven days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 5 , an increase of 32 % or 1,162 people .
`` We are seeing capacity decrease everywhere , '' Ezike said .
`` Everyone 's trying to make plans on how to brace for that and be able to have care for not just the COVID-19 patients but if someone has a heart attack tomorrow -- that person 's also going to want a bed in a hospital . ''
Despite the metro region living under state restrictions like no indoor dining at restaurants , several counties hit alarm bells regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have at least 20 % regular and ICU bed capacity available .
In Cook , the county has 19 % of medical/surgical and 25 % of ICU beds available , according to IDPH data Friday .
Will and Kankakee counties ( Region 7 ) are under 20 % in both , with 16 % of ICU and 12 % of medical/surgical beds open .
In DuPage and Kane counties ( Region 8 ) , 33 % of ICU and 19 % of regular beds are available .
`` This is a rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn this around , '' Will County Public Health Department spokesman Steve Brandy said .
He noted Will on its own has 28 % ICU capacity , `` which is still dangerously low . ''
The state 's virus test positivity rate measured 13.2 % based on a seven-day average , compared to 9.6 % a week ago .
Cook County health department officials also told households to limit gatherings to their immediate families and not invite relatives or friends for Thanksgiving events .
`` We know limiting gatherings with friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also know that virtual celebrations will save lives , '' health department Senior Medical Officer Rachel Rubin said .
The move follows a similar advisory issued Thursday by Chicago officials .
Also on Friday , Pritzker extended an eviction ban for 30 days but said renters will be required to submit a declaration form available at ihda.org to their landlord certifying that they are unable to pay because of the pandemic .
And Secretary of State Jesse White 's office said Friday that driver 's license facilities statewide will be closed starting Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois stands at 551,957 with 10,504 deaths .
State labs processed 106,540 tests in the last 24 hours .

Cook County issues 30-day stay-at-home advisory as new COVID-19 cases top 15,000
Gov. J.B. Pritzker gives a COVID-19 pandemic update Friday and a report on hospitalizations. Courtesy of state of Illinois
New COVID-19 cases spiked to a record 15,415 Friday as Cook County leaders advised suburban residents to stay at home when possible to reduce virus spread and as three suburban regions fell below desired levels for available hospital beds.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 27 additional deaths from the respiratory disease.
Statewide, "we ask Illinoisans to stay at home as much as possible because the situation we face now is increasingly dangerous for health care workers and hospital systems," Gov. J.B. Pritkzer said at a Friday briefing. "More Illinoisans are in the hospital battling COVID-19 than we saw at our highest average in spring. And increasingly, regions are at risk for potential ICU bed shortages and staffing shortages as our case rates continue to rise."
The Cook County Department of Public Health's stay-at-home advisory is effective Monday and set to last 30 days. The county asked employers to ensure as many employees as possible can work from home and recommended residents avoid going out as much as possible with exceptions for work, school, buying groceries or getting a COVID-19 test or flu shot.
"We have to be on guard against complacency," IDPH Executive Director Ngozi Ezike said. "This virus spreads quickly and it's gaining on us. These are all-time highs."
Friday's new caseload is a 121% leap from the Nov. 1 tally of 6,980 statewide, but it also reflects a new IDPH policy that began Nov. 6 of consolidating confirmed and probable cases. Probable cases include positive antigen tests that use proteins to rapidly diagnose COVID-19.
As the virus surges, there's been confusion about how many of the recent infections are probable cases; IDPH officials said those constituted 4.3% of Friday's new cases, or 667.
"The 15,000 is not being driven by the antigen test; we just have a lot of disease," Ezike said.
Patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 totaled 5,362 as of Thursday night, surpassing peak hospitalizations when COVID-19 first spiraled in spring, though cases are more dispersed around the state.
Average daily patient counts grew to an average of 4,767 hospitalizations in the last seven days, compared to 3,604 from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, an increase of 32% or 1,162 people.
"We are seeing capacity decrease everywhere," Ezike said. "Everyone's trying to make plans on how to brace for that and be able to have care for not just the COVID-19 patients but if someone has a heart attack tomorrow -- that person's also going to want a bed in a hospital."
Despite the metro region living under state restrictions like no indoor dining at restaurants, several counties hit alarm bells regarding hospital capacity.
The state wants hospitals to have at least 20% regular and ICU bed capacity available. In Cook, the county has 19% of medical/surgical and 25% of ICU beds available, according to IDPH data Friday.
Will and Kankakee counties (Region 7) are under 20% in both, with 16% of ICU and 12% of medical/surgical beds open. In DuPage and Kane counties (Region 8), 33% of ICU and 19% of regular beds are available.
"This is a rough time and every effort must be made to turn this around," Will County Public Health Department spokesman Steve Brandy said. He noted Will on its own has 28% ICU capacity, "which is still dangerously low."
The state's virus test positivity rate measured 13.2% based on a seven-day average, compared to 9.6% a week ago.
Cook County health department officials also told households to limit gatherings to their immediate families and not invite relatives or friends for Thanksgiving events.
"We know limiting gatherings with friends and family can be hard, but we also know that virtual celebrations will save lives," health department Senior Medical Officer Rachel Rubin said.
The move follows a similar advisory issued Thursday by Chicago officials.
Also on Friday, Pritzker extended an eviction ban for 30 days but said renters will be required to submit a declaration form available at ihda.org to their landlord certifying that they are unable to pay because of the pandemic.
And Secretary of State Jesse White's office said Friday that driver's license facilities statewide will be closed starting Tuesday through Dec. 6 due to the risks of the pandemic.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois stands at 551,957 with 10,504 deaths.
State labs processed 106,540 tests in the last 24 hours.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Lawsuit: Harvest Bible's finance-and-governance report defamed ex-pastor

The fired senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel megachurch is contending , in a new lawsuit , that an attorney and accountants hired by the church took part in a `` smear campaign '' to defame and discredit him .
They did so to affect what Pastor James MacDonald would receive in arbitration over financial disputes , and to help destroy his reputation so no other church would hire him , the lawsuit claims .
The suit was filed Nov. 4 against Wagenmaker and Oberly LLC , a Chicago law firm ; attorney Sally Wagenmaker ; and Schecher Dokken Kanter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleges defamation , invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy .
It contends Wagenmaker , her firm and the accountants knowingly published false statements in their summaries of an investigation of the church in 2019 .
`` Wagenmaker , Todd , and HBC agreed that they would seek to delay responding to MacDonald 's arbitration demand until after they published the defamatory information against him , and that they would aggressively pursue counterclaims against him in the arbitration once they had publicly destroyed his reputation , '' the lawsuit states .
The suit also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared MacDonald was `` biblically disqualified '' from conducting ministry , and helped it write a defamatory statement announcing the disqualification , in an effort to better the church 's position in the arbitration .
The church and MacDonald were disputing money he believed was owed to him in deferred compensation , and ownership of the `` Walk In the Word '' broadcast and digital ministry .
No one from the law firm or the accounting firm have responded to requests for comment .
Neither has anyone from Harvest Bible Chapel .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his website , jamesmacdonaldministries.org , refuting much of what the church and others have said about him in the last two years .
The website indicates it is the first of five statements he intends to publish .
He also posted a video of him speaking with a former longtime Harvest leader who backs MacDonald .
The church , headquartered in Rolling Meadows and Elgin , fired MacDonald in February 2019 , after 31 years of ministry .
The church said it did so after `` highly inappropriate recorded comments made by Pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported . ''
WLS-AM radio show host Mancow Muller , a former Harvest member , broadcast some of those comments , in which MacDonald made statements about a critic , Christianity Today journalists and mainline Protestant Christian churches .
MacDonald has sued Muller and the radio station for defamation and Muller has countersued .
The church hired Wagenmaker and Oberly to review its governance and finances .
Wagenmaker and Oberly hired the accountants .
Wagenmaker submitted the report to church elders in May 2019 and was asked to prepare a summary for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lawsuit says the church asked several former church leaders who had served with MacDonald to review what she submitted , and that they disagreed with much of it .
The church then asked Wagenmaker to prepare a public summary , which was presented to the congregation and posted on the church 's website in November 2019 .
`` MacDonald seems to have acted in his own personal interests -- reaping significant personal financial benefit , avoiding accountability to any governing board , and with heavy-fisted exclusionary leadership , '' the report stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactics '' and a `` strong and strident voice to inordinately influence others . ''
It questioned some of the expense reimbursements he received and spending for gifts he bestowed .
It spoke repeatedly of a lack of documentation to determine whether some spending by or on MacDonald 's behalf was proper .
The lawsuit says Wagenmaker , her firm and the accountants did not contact MacDonald , former church leaders or MacDonald 's executive assistant to find out if they could provide answers , and ignored documentation provided by the assistant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' documents and individuals `` who had information which was at odds with the defamatory picture of MacDonald which she manufactured . ''
The lawyers and accounting firm unlawfully intruded on MacDonald 's private affairs when they investigated a limited-liability corporation MacDonald had created , the lawsuit claims .
The lawsuit says the church 's former in-house counsel created Vanilla Bean LLC for MacDonald 's personal finances , and that he and a church treasurer told investigators Vanilla Bean had nothing to do with Harvest .
The lawsuit also claims that beginning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvest 's campuses began working with a `` disgruntled '' former Harvest worker , filmmaker Dallas Jenkins , to solicit letters from people critical of MacDonald 's leadership and personal conduct , to force MacDonald out of the church .
Jenkins was executive director of Harvest 's media team , which produced videos and films , from 2010 to 2017 .
Jenkins could not be reached for comment .
MacDonald and the church reached an arbitration settlement in August .
MacDonald received $ 1.45 million , the assets of the `` Walk In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.68-acre piece of land in Crystal Lake .
At the time , MacDonald wrote on his jamesmacdonaldministries.org website that there had been a `` false narrative in financial matters -- HBC 's most grievous sin against us . ''
He wrote the church had pursued a `` vicious but unsuccessful strategy '' against him , including a `` hostile takeover . ''

Lawsuit: Harvest Bible's finance-and-governance report defamed ex-pastor
The fired senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel megachurch is contending, in a new lawsuit, that an attorney and accountants hired by the church took part in a "smear campaign" to defame and discredit him.
They did so to affect what Pastor James MacDonald would receive in arbitration over financial disputes, and to help destroy his reputation so no other church would hire him, the lawsuit claims.
The suit was filed Nov. 4 against Wagenmaker and Oberly LLC, a Chicago law firm; attorney Sally Wagenmaker; and Schecher Dokken Kanter, a Minnesota accounting firm. It alleges defamation, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy.
It contends Wagenmaker, her firm and the accountants knowingly published false statements in their summaries of an investigation of the church in 2019.
"Wagenmaker, Todd, and HBC agreed that they would seek to delay responding to MacDonald's arbitration demand until after they published the defamatory information against him, and that they would aggressively pursue counterclaims against him in the arbitration once they had publicly destroyed his reputation," the lawsuit states.
The suit also says Wagenmaker advised a church panel that declared MacDonald was "biblically disqualified" from conducting ministry, and helped it write a defamatory statement announcing the disqualification, in an effort to better the church's position in the arbitration. The church and MacDonald were disputing money he believed was owed to him in deferred compensation, and ownership of the "Walk In the Word" broadcast and digital ministry.
No one from the law firm or the accounting firm have responded to requests for comment. Neither has anyone from Harvest Bible Chapel.
On Friday, MacDonald posted a statement on his website, jamesmacdonaldministries.org, refuting much of what the church and others have said about him in the last two years. The website indicates it is the first of five statements he intends to publish. He also posted a video of him speaking with a former longtime Harvest leader who backs MacDonald.
The timeline
The church, headquartered in Rolling Meadows and Elgin, fired MacDonald in February 2019, after 31 years of ministry. The church said it did so after "highly inappropriate recorded comments made by Pastor MacDonald were given to the media and reported."
WLS-AM radio show host Mancow Muller, a former Harvest member, broadcast some of those comments, in which MacDonald made statements about a critic, Christianity Today journalists and mainline Protestant Christian churches.
MacDonald has sued Muller and the radio station for defamation and Muller has countersued.
The church hired Wagenmaker and Oberly to review its governance and finances. Wagenmaker and Oberly hired the accountants.
Wagenmaker submitted the report to church elders in May 2019 and was asked to prepare a summary for public view, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit says the church asked several former church leaders who had served with MacDonald to review what she submitted, and that they disagreed with much of it.
The church then asked Wagenmaker to prepare a public summary, which was presented to the congregation and posted on the church's website in November 2019.
"MacDonald seems to have acted in his own personal interests -- reaping significant personal financial benefit, avoiding accountability to any governing board, and with heavy-fisted exclusionary leadership," the report stated. It said MacDonald used "aggressive tactics" and a "strong and strident voice to inordinately influence others."
It questioned some of the expense reimbursements he received and spending for gifts he bestowed. It spoke repeatedly of a lack of documentation to determine whether some spending by or on MacDonald's behalf was proper.
The lawsuit says Wagenmaker, her firm and the accountants did not contact MacDonald, former church leaders or MacDonald's executive assistant to find out if they could provide answers, and ignored documentation provided by the assistant.
The lawsuit says Wagenmaker "intentionally ignored" documents and individuals "who had information which was at odds with the defamatory picture of MacDonald which she manufactured."
Privacy issue
The lawyers and accounting firm unlawfully intruded on MacDonald's private affairs when they investigated a limited-liability corporation MacDonald had created, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit says the church's former in-house counsel created Vanilla Bean LLC for MacDonald's personal finances, and that he and a church treasurer told investigators Vanilla Bean had nothing to do with Harvest.
Conspiracy
The lawsuit also claims that beginning in 2018, a pastor at one of Harvest's campuses began working with a "disgruntled" former Harvest worker, filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, to solicit letters from people critical of MacDonald's leadership and personal conduct, to force MacDonald out of the church.
Jenkins was executive director of Harvest's media team, which produced videos and films, from 2010 to 2017.
Jenkins could not be reached for comment.
Settlement
MacDonald and the church reached an arbitration settlement in August. MacDonald received $1.45 million, the assets of the "Walk In the Word" ministry, and a 6.68-acre piece of land in Crystal Lake.
At the time, MacDonald wrote on his jamesmacdonaldministries.org website that there had been a "false narrative in financial matters -- HBC's most grievous sin against us." He wrote the church had pursued a "vicious but unsuccessful strategy" against him, including a "hostile takeover."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Geneva company shocks employees with bonus: $2,500 for every year of service

Joe Slawek talks often about the difference between gratitude and being indebted .
He demonstrated that difference in a shocking way on Thursday .
The CEO and founder of family-owned FONA International in Geneva , along with his wife , Mary , announced to employees that they 'll each receive a gift of $ 2,500 for every year they 've been with the company .
For many longtime employees , that means a bonus of more than $ 50,000 .
After making the announcement to their 220 employees over a video feed , Joe and Mary Slawek met individually and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper distance .
Through tears and laughter as the news sank in , the Slaweks reveled in a stream of appreciation .
It 's the Slaweks , though , who are appreciative after closing one of their best years with a surplus of $ 7.1 million .
`` I 'm actually grateful and indebted , and indebted means we ca n't even begin to pay back the people who helped FONA reach all the records we achieved , '' Joe Slawek said .
`` When that idea popped into my head , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started with 1,000 and that was n't enough .
Then 2,000 was n't enough .
We kept going until we got close enough to the 7.1 million . ''
Executives from the company that creates and produces flavor solutions for the confection , grain , beverage and nutrition markets could have done any number of things with the money , but Slawek said he wanted to give it to the employees .
`` I 'm still digesting it , '' said Rigo Magana , a manager of industrial performance who 's been with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got pretty emotional .
It was such shocking news .
People were hugging and screaming . ''
Slawek , 70 , and a small team divided the surplus based on the combined 1,900 years of experience current employees boast with the company he founded more than 30 years ago .
Every employee received at least $ 2,500 .
The toughest part was keeping the secret for more than a month as a handful of people worked out the logistics .
`` We wanted to recognize the people who have been so loyal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just wanted to say thank you in person now and not end up wishing I had done something like this . ''
Through the decades the Slaweks have shown appreciation for the growth of the company through performance bonuses and an annual Thanksgiving bonus , but employees had no idea what to expect from Thursday 's meeting .
Needless to say , it was a pleasant surprise .
`` Joe and Mary have always been incredibly generous , but this is above and beyond , '' said Becky Sells , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 21 years .
`` It 's going to take a little time to absorb , but it 's a game-changer . ''

Geneva company shocks employees with bonus: $2,500 for every year of service
Longtime FONA International employee Jacqueline Finner reacts to the announcement that everyone at the company will receive a special bonus. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
FONA International owners Joe and Mary Slawek announce that each employee will receive a bonus of $2,500 for every year they've been with the company. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
Longtime FONA International employee Menzie Clarke tells owners Joe and Mary Slawek how much their gift of a cash bonus means to her. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
Members of the order fulfillment team at FONA International -- Lou Leon, left, Joselito Del Cid, Zoran Markovic and Edwin Chavarria -- celebrate the announcement of a companywide bonus. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
FONA International employee Ethel Favela watches as owners Joe and Mary Slawek announce a bonus for all employees. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
Marysa Colarusso, left, Molly Zimmerman, Nancy Belteton, Jessica Lopez and Robin Prazak celebrate a bonus they received from FONA International. Each employee will receive $2,500 for every year they've been with the company. Courtesy of Greenroom Creative
Joe Slawek talks often about the difference between gratitude and being indebted.
He demonstrated that difference in a shocking way on Thursday.
The CEO and founder of family-owned FONA International in Geneva, along with his wife, Mary, announced to employees that they'll each receive a gift of $2,500 for every year they've been with the company.
For many longtime employees, that means a bonus of more than $50,000.
After making the announcement to their 220 employees over a video feed, Joe and Mary Slawek met individually and with small groups of employees to maintain proper distance. Through tears and laughter as the news sank in, the Slaweks reveled in a stream of appreciation.
It's the Slaweks, though, who are appreciative after closing one of their best years with a surplus of $7.1 million.
"I'm actually grateful and indebted, and indebted means we can't even begin to pay back the people who helped FONA reach all the records we achieved," Joe Slawek said. "When that idea popped into my head, we started to run the numbers. We started with 1,000 and that wasn't enough. Then 2,000 wasn't enough. We kept going until we got close enough to the 7.1 million."
Executives from the company that creates and produces flavor solutions for the confection, grain, beverage and nutrition markets could have done any number of things with the money, but Slawek said he wanted to give it to the employees.
"I'm still digesting it," said Rigo Magana, a manager of industrial performance who's been with the company since 1998. "I got pretty emotional. It was such shocking news. People were hugging and screaming."
Slawek, 70, and a small team divided the surplus based on the combined 1,900 years of experience current employees boast with the company he founded more than 30 years ago. Every employee received at least $2,500.
The toughest part was keeping the secret for more than a month as a handful of people worked out the logistics.
"We wanted to recognize the people who have been so loyal to us," Slawek said. "I just wanted to say thank you in person now and not end up wishing I had done something like this."
Through the decades the Slaweks have shown appreciation for the growth of the company through performance bonuses and an annual Thanksgiving bonus, but employees had no idea what to expect from Thursday's meeting.
Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise.
"Joe and Mary have always been incredibly generous, but this is above and beyond," said Becky Sells, a senior scientist who's been at FONA International for 21 years. "It's going to take a little time to absorb, but it's a game-changer."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--District 211 plans 3-week pause from in-person learning

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will take a three-week pause from its hybrid attendance model and return to all-remote learning from Monday , Nov. 16 , through Friday , Dec. 4 , due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the region .
In a letter to students and parents Friday , Superintendent Lisa Small outlined the reasons for and effects of the change , and wrote that the current intention is to resume the hybrid model on Monday , Dec. 7 , if conditions then allow .
`` Our student services departments and support teams will work diligently to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next three weeks and welcome them into the school as needed for additional support , '' Small wrote .
`` Even though each school has implemented rigorous safety protocols , our communities continue to experience a rise in COVID-19 positivity rates . ''
Competitive winter sports programs plan to remain active for in-person participation following guidelines established by the Illinois and Cook County departments of public health , the Illinois State Board of Education and the governor , Small said .
Transportation will remain available to take students to and from school for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Please continue to be vigilant about avoiding unnecessary travel and activities , wearing a face mask , observing social-distancing rules , refraining from gathering in large groups , and practicing frequent hand washing , '' Small wrote .
`` I am confident that together , we will get through these unique times while we concentrate on providing educational opportunities for our students . ''

District 211 plans 3-week pause from in-person learning
Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will take a three-week pause from its hybrid attendance model and return to all-remote learning from Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Dec. 4, due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the region.
In a letter to students and parents Friday, Superintendent Lisa Small outlined the reasons for and effects of the change, and wrote that the current intention is to resume the hybrid model on Monday, Dec. 7, if conditions then allow.
"Our student services departments and support teams will work diligently to stay connected with our students throughout the next three weeks and welcome them into the school as needed for additional support," Small wrote. "Even though each school has implemented rigorous safety protocols, our communities continue to experience a rise in COVID-19 positivity rates."
Competitive winter sports programs plan to remain active for in-person participation following guidelines established by the Illinois and Cook County departments of public health, the Illinois State Board of Education and the governor, Small said.
Transportation will remain available to take students to and from school for afternoon academic support sessions and extracurricular activities.
"Please continue to be vigilant about avoiding unnecessary travel and activities, wearing a face mask, observing social-distancing rules, refraining from gathering in large groups, and practicing frequent hand washing," Small wrote. "I am confident that together, we will get through these unique times while we concentrate on providing educational opportunities for our students."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-13--Though returns show Oberweis losing to Underwood, he appears in Washington for orientation

A Facebook post by Republican 14th Congressional District challenger Jim Oberweis shows he was at the U.S. Capitol for `` new member orientation '' Friday .
That 's even though unofficial election results from the race show Oberweis lost by more than 4,000 votes to incumbent Democratic congresswoman Lauren Underwood of Naperville , with some late-arriving votes yet to be counted .
`` This has been on the schedule for weeks and he was encouraged to attend because they only do this the one time , '' said Oberweis campaign spokesman Travis Akin .
`` There were other candidates there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In the photo , Oberweis is with newly elected 15th District Republican congresswoman Mary Miller of downstate Oakland .
Freshman orientation for incoming representatives began Thursday , though they wo n't be sworn in until January .
Oberweis has not conceded the race to Underwood , who appears headed to her second term .
Her campaign offered no comment on Oberweis ' appearance at the event .
Oberweis was leading in the race on election night .
However , over the next few days , more mail-in ballots were counted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Underwood overtook the state senator from Sugar Grove .
Akin said the Oberweis camp plans to seek a recount once the results are certified later this month .
`` We are going to pursue all our legal options , '' he said .

Though returns show Oberweis losing to Underwood, he appears in Washington for orientation
Republican 14th Congressional District challenger Jim Oberweis appears at the Capitol in Washington with newly elected 15th District Republican congresswoman Mary Miller of downstate Oakland, in this photo posted on his Facebook page. Courtesy of the Oberweis campaign
A Facebook post by Republican 14th Congressional District challenger Jim Oberweis shows he was at the U.S. Capitol for "new member orientation" Friday.
That's even though unofficial election results from the race show Oberweis lost by more than 4,000 votes to incumbent Democratic congresswoman Lauren Underwood of Naperville, with some late-arriving votes yet to be counted.
"This has been on the schedule for weeks and he was encouraged to attend because they only do this the one time," said Oberweis campaign spokesman Travis Akin. "There were other candidates there in similar situations of closely contested races."
In the photo, Oberweis is with newly elected 15th District Republican congresswoman Mary Miller of downstate Oakland.
Freshman orientation for incoming representatives began Thursday, though they won't be sworn in until January.
Oberweis has not conceded the race to Underwood, who appears headed to her second term. Her campaign offered no comment on Oberweis' appearance at the event.
Oberweis was leading in the race on election night. However, over the next few days, more mail-in ballots were counted by election officials in multiple counties, and Underwood overtook the state senator from Sugar Grove.
Akin said the Oberweis camp plans to seek a recount once the results are certified later this month.
"We are going to pursue all our legal options," he said.