dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--How online start will improve social supports in District 203

Naperville Unit District 203 plans to start with eLearning in a much more robust and rigorous way than was possible in the spring -- for the first six weeks of the new school year , and possibly more .
But Superintendent Dan Bridges said the district is doing so in order to best facilitate social and emotional success for students and to plan and prepare for a return to in-classroom learning as soon as safe and possible .
`` The plan we present this evening is staged to adapt to safety and health needs and focus on returning all students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The district during a school board meeting on Monday night outlined four stages of learning that will serve as the guide as students begin the new academic year Sept. 1 .
The first stage is fully online called eLearning ; the second is enhanced eLearning with students invited into buildings periodically for labs , special services and performance-based instruction ; the third stage is a hybrid with eLearning and in-person instruction ; and the fourth stage -- which Bridges said likely will not be possible until Illinois enters Phase 5 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , effective treatment or an end to transmission -- is a return to full in-person education .
School board members asked dozens of questions during a livestreamed meeting as they reviewed the updated Return to Learn Plan .
They asked about child care , college and career preparation , meeting the needs of students with individual education plans and how the district will decide when to move between the proposed stages of learning scenarios .
School board members also approved an updated school calendar that calls for a tentative end to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the first semester ending after winter break on Jan. 21 .
During the year , the administration intends -- in a plan that leaders emphasized is fluid and open to change -- to evaluate every six weeks whether it is possible to move into each less-restrictive stage .
Administrators plan to evaluate state data and public health requirements , among other factors such as personal protective equipment availability , staffing to cover absences , student social/emotional readiness , staff preparation and facility considerations before switching stages .
During the eLearning stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , students at all levels will be expected to log into online learning experiences -- some live and some independent -- during the same times they normally would be in school .
There will be at least 2½ hours each day of live , or synchronous , learning , and at least five hours each day of total online learning time .
Christine Igoe , assistant superintendent for student services , said during a time of intense uncertainty , the district wanted to provide stability .
This will help students form relationships with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that give structure to their day .
`` We wanted to provide a plan that could be implemented on the first day of school , regardless of circumstances , '' Igoe said .
School board member Donna Wandke likened the slow return to in-person instruction to wading into a zero-depth pool instead of diving into the deep end .
The plan represents a change from what the district announced July 13 , which included a hybrid in-person and eLearning model as well as an online academy for students whose families did not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision was not what any of us had hoped for and we will continue to move forward in providing the best possible education support for our students under these new circumstances , '' Bridges said .
Administrators announced the changes after hearing comments and complaints from parents on all ends of the spectrum , between those who want their students to attend in-person classes five days a week without masks and those who want online instruction only .
School board President Kristin Fitzgerald said the plan aims for a consistent new school year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academically and socially and represents everyone 's best educational work during a pandemic .
`` Not everything went perfectly , '' Fitzgerald said , referencing concerns about the initial plan .
`` And as we heard concerns from community members , they were able to be addressed . ''

District 203 outlines slow return to in-person learning, with social support for students
Naperville Unit District 203 plans to start with eLearning in a much more robust and rigorous way than was possible in the spring -- for the first six weeks of the new school year, and possibly more.
But Superintendent Dan Bridges said the district is doing so in order to best facilitate social and emotional success for students and to plan and prepare for a return to in-classroom learning as soon as safe and possible.
"The plan we present this evening is staged to adapt to safety and health needs and focus on returning all students to in-person instruction," Bridges said during a school board meeting on Monday night.
The district outlined four stages of learning that will serve as the guide as students begin the new academic year Sept. 1.
The first stage is fully online called eLearning; the second is enhanced eLearning with students invited into buildings periodically for labs, special services and performance-based instruction; the third stage is a hybrid with eLearning and in-person instruction; and the fourth stage -- which Bridges said likely will not be possible until Illinois enters Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, with a COVID-19 vaccine, effective treatment or an end to transmission -- is a return to full in-person education.
School board members asked dozens of questions during a livestreamed meeting as they reviewed the updated Return to Learn Plan. They asked about child care, college and career preparation, meeting the needs of students with individual education plans and how the district will decide when to move between the proposed stages of learning scenarios.
School board members also approved an updated school calendar that calls for a tentative end to the school year on June 10, 2021, with the first semester ending after winter break on Jan. 21.
During the year, the administration intends -- in a plan that leaders emphasized is fluid and open to change -- to evaluate every six weeks whether it is possible to move into each less restrictive stage. Administrators plan to evaluate state data and public health requirements, among other factors such as personal protective equipment availability, staffing to cover absences, student social/emotional readiness, staff preparation and facility considerations before switching stages.
During the eLearning stage proposed for the beginning of the year, students at all levels will be expected to log into online learning experiences -- some live and some independent -- during the same times they normally would be in school. There will be at least 2½ hours each day of live, or synchronous, learning, and at least five hours each day of total online learning time.
Christine Igoe, assistant superintendent for student services, said during a time of intense uncertainty, the district wanted to provide stability. This will help students form relationships with their peers and teachers and establish routines that give structure to their day.
"We wanted to provide a plan that could be implemented on the first day of school, regardless of circumstances," Igoe said.
School board member Donna Wandke likened the slow return to in-person instruction to wading into a zero-depth pool instead of diving into the deep end.
The plan represents a change from what the district announced July 13, which included a hybrid in-person and eLearning model as well as an online academy for students whose families did not want them to attend in-person.
"This decision was not what any of us had hoped for and we will continue to move forward in providing the best possible education support for our students under these new circumstances," Bridges said.
Administrators announced the changes after hearing comments and complaints from parents on all ends of the spectrum, between those who want their students to attend in-person classes five days a week without masks and those who want online instruction only.
School board President Kristin Fitzgerald said the plan aims for a consistent new school year that provides students with the best services academically and socially and represents everyone's best educational work during a pandemic.
"Not everything went perfectly," Fitzgerald said, referencing concerns about the initial plan. "And as we heard concerns from community members, they were able to be addressed."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Why Indian Prairie District 204 scrapped reopening plans

Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials are standing by their decision to keep schools closed and start the new year online , citing numerous factors that led the Aurora and Naperville K-12 system to scrap reopening plans .
Three weeks after unveiling efforts to bring students back into classrooms , administrators reversed course after growing increasingly concerned with rising coronavirus case counts .
Nearly half the district 's 27,000-plus students also signed up for an optional online academy made available to families reluctant to send their children to in-person classes , a higher-than-expected enrollment that further complicated already convoluted reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating two different schools at the high school level , '' Superintendent Adrian Talley said .
At the same time , the district was struggling to answer questions about health and safety , funding , staffing and other logistical constraints .
`` How do you still teach children , '' Deputy Superintendent Doug Eccarius asked , `` when teachers get isolated due to sickness and you do n't have enough qualified substitutes ? ''
District officials pointed to worrisome virus numbers in their decision to focus on remote learning , the `` highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
In the region including DuPage and Kane counties , the rates of positive COVID-19 tests have increased from 3.8 % in mid-July to 4.7 % as of the start of the month , according to the state health department .
Positivity rates in the region with Will County have risen to 6.4 % from 4.6 % over the same period .
`` These numbers and this trend in a short amount of time gave us cause to rethink our plan , '' Talley said .
The district polled thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of surveyed families expressing interest in remote learning from home .
But by the end of last week , more than 45 % of students wanted to enroll in the online academy .
`` It was not possible for us to create both an in-person high school and an online high school having the same academic options for our students , '' Talley said .
`` Though we were offering 65 classes in our online academy , more than some of the other districts , it was not enough to provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Normally , the district 's high schools offer more than 200 courses .
`` We heard very quickly and loudly from our families choosing the online academy that we did not have enough course offerings , '' Eccarius said .
`` We explored other opportunities .
They came with a cost . ''
As the district shifts to distance learning , the Parent Diversity Advisory Council in District 204 reiterated concerns about working families accessing child-care for their young children while schools stay closed .
`` We hear from parents of special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to balance the learning and care needs for their kids , '' said Karen Zatz , a council leader .
`` When school is the place where you receive occupational , physical and speech therapy as well as specialized educational resources , it is very hard to imagine how remote learning will duplicate the typical services provided in our district . ''
The district 's revised plans now call for a remote start to school on Sept. 3 .
Online classes will look different from the model used in the spring when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's final grade could not be lower than it was on the last day of in-person learning .
At that time , only students in second through 12th grades could access devices .
`` We know for parents , it was inconsistent , '' Eccarius said .
Students and parents will now submit attendance daily .
All students will have devices .
And the district will provide a daily average of at least 2.5 hours of live instruction in accordance with state recommendations .
With that so-called synchronous approach , teachers and students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small or large group settings .
Eccarius said the district is working with community groups to provide options for families who need child supervision during working hours .
At the next school board meeting on Aug. 10 , officials expect to have more specifics about those resources , as well as updates on schedules for grade levels , device and material pickup plans and food services .

Why Indian Prairie District 204 scrapped reopening plans
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials are standing by their decision to keep schools closed and start the new year online, citing numerous factors that led the Aurora and Naperville K-12 system to scrap reopening plans.
Three weeks after unveiling efforts to bring students back into classrooms, administrators reversed course after growing increasingly concerned with rising coronavirus case counts.
Nearly half the district's 27,000-plus students also signed up for an optional online academy made available to families reluctant to send their children to in-person classes, a higher-than-expected enrollment that further complicated already convoluted reopening plans.
"We found ourselves really creating two different schools at the high school level," Superintendent Adrian Talley said.
At the same time, the district was struggling to answer questions about health and safety, funding, staffing and other logistical constraints.
"How do you still teach children," Deputy Superintendent Doug Eccarius asked, "when teachers get isolated due to sickness and you don't have enough qualified substitutes?"
District officials pointed to worrisome virus numbers in their decision to focus on remote learning, the "highest level of protection" against the spread of COVID-19.
In the region including DuPage and Kane counties, the rates of positive COVID-19 tests have increased from 3.8% in mid-July to 4.7% as of the start of the month, according to the state health department. Positivity rates in the region with Will County have risen to 6.4% from 4.6% over the same period.
"These numbers and this trend in a short amount of time gave us cause to rethink our plan," Talley said.
The district polled thousands of parents about reopening plans, with 24% of surveyed families expressing interest in remote learning from home. But by the end of last week, more than 45% of students wanted to enroll in the online academy.
"It was not possible for us to create both an in-person high school and an online high school having the same academic options for our students," Talley said. "Though we were offering 65 classes in our online academy, more than some of the other districts, it was not enough to provide the rigor our students need and deserve."
Normally, the district's high schools offer more than 200 courses.
"We heard very quickly and loudly from our families choosing the online academy that we did not have enough course offerings," Eccarius said. "We explored other opportunities. They came with a cost."
As the district shifts to distance learning, the Parent Diversity Advisory Council in District 204 reiterated concerns about working families accessing child-care for their young children while schools stay closed.
"We hear from parents of special needs children who face enormous pressures in trying to balance the learning and care needs for their kids," said Karen Zatz, a council leader. "When school is the place where you receive occupational, physical and speech therapy as well as specialized educational resources, it is very hard to imagine how remote learning will duplicate the typical services provided in our district."
The district's revised plans now call for a remote start to school on Sept. 3.
Online classes will look different from the model used in the spring when schools quickly shut down and a student's final grade could not be lower than it was on the last day of in-person learning. At that time, only students in second through 12th grades could access devices.
"We know for parents, it was inconsistent," Eccarius said.
Students and parents will now submit attendance daily. All students will have devices. And the district will provide a daily average of at least 2.5 hours of live instruction in accordance with state recommendations.
With that so-called synchronous approach, teachers and students are online at the same time in small or large group settings.
Eccarius said the district is working with community groups to provide options for families who need child supervision during working hours.
At the next school board meeting on Aug. 10, officials expect to have more specifics about those resources, as well as updates on schedules for grade levels, device and material pickup plans and food services.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Naperville police looking for pair suspected of stealing puppy

The Naperville Crime Stoppers group is offering a reward of up to $ 1,000 for information leading to the arrest @ @ @ @ @ stealing a Boston terrier puppy from a Naperville pet store .
The theft occurred about @ @ @ @ @ Petland store on the 700 block of South Route 59 .
As one suspect distracted @ @ @ @ @ the 10-week-old , 4-pound black-and-white male puppy from a restricted area of the store .
@ @ @ @ @ a white Jeep Grand Cherokee .
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at ( @ @ @ @ @ tips at napervillecrimestoppers.com .

Naperville police looking for pair suspected of stealing puppy
Authorities say this woman was involved in the theft of a puppy at the Naperville Petland store. Courtesy of Naperville Police Department
Authorities believe this man was one of two people who stole a Boston terrier puppy from a Naperville Petland store. Courtesy of Naperville Police Department
A Boston terrier puppy was stolen from a Naperville Petland store. Courtesy of Naperville Police Department
The Naperville Crime Stoppers group is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of two people suspected of stealing a Boston terrier puppy from a Naperville pet store.
The theft occurred about 8:45 p.m. Friday at the Petland store on the 700 block of South Route 59. As one suspect distracted employees, the other removed the 10-week-old, 4-pound black-and-white male puppy from a restricted area of the store.
The suspects drove off in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006 or submit tips at napervillecrimestoppers.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Illinois' largest teachers union sets up its own panel to judge school reopening safety

The state 's largest teachers union is creating a medical review panel it says will judge whether individual school districts ' reopening plans are safe .
The 135,000-member Illinois Education Association initially supported Illinois ' plan encouraging schools to resume in-person instruction based on public-health guidelines .
But the IEA reversed course last week when it joined with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to push for remote learning and threaten lawsuits or strikes if unhappy with teachers ' working conditions .
IEA President Kathi Griffin said the change of heart came because there is no system to assess or enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening plans .
The union on Tuesday said it is partnering with the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to launch the panel of more than a dozen doctors who will review whether reopening plans meet public health guidelines .
A spokeswoman for Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said his office worked with the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health to create comprehensive public health guidelines for a return to in-person learning `` requiring masks and ensuring distance and hygiene are top priorities . ''
`` Members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee that worked with public health officials to create and approve the school district guidance , '' spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said .
`` As the Governor has repeatedly said , there are hundreds of school districts around the state and decisions need to be made at the local level to develop plans that work for them , whether that be in-person learning , remote learning or a hybrid model . ''
She added that the governor has sought local enforcement authority for public health-related orders and will continue to seek out enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure our students ' and educators ' health and safety is being protected , '' Griffin said .
`` And if the panel finds a district is operating in a way that puts lives at risk , we will do everything in our power to keep people safe . ''
If a district 's plan is deemed unsafe by the panel , local union leaders will seek changes , Griffin said .
`` As we promised last week when we announced in partnership with the Illinois Federation of Teachers , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- the courts , the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board -- nothing , including health and safety strikes , '' Griffin said .
`` The entire weight of the IEA and the IFT will be used in whatever way is necessary to protect the students of this state and those who educate them . ''

Illinois' largest teachers union sets up its own panel to judge school reopening safety
The state's largest teachers union is creating a medical review panel it says will judge whether individual school districts' reopening plans are safe.
The 135,000-member Illinois Education Association initially supported Illinois' plan encouraging schools to resume in-person instruction based on public-health guidelines. But the IEA reversed course last week when it joined with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to push for remote learning and threaten lawsuits or strikes if unhappy with teachers' working conditions.
IEA President Kathi Griffin said the change of heart came because there is no system to assess or enforce health and safety measures for districts' reopening plans.
The union on Tuesday said it is partnering with the Illinois chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to launch the panel of more than a dozen doctors who will review whether reopening plans meet public health guidelines.
A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his office worked with the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health to create comprehensive public health guidelines for a return to in-person learning "requiring masks and ensuring distance and hygiene are top priorities."
"Members of the IEA were a part of the committee that worked with public health officials to create and approve the school district guidance," spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said. "As the Governor has repeatedly said, there are hundreds of school districts around the state and decisions need to be made at the local level to develop plans that work for them, whether that be in-person learning, remote learning or a hybrid model."
She added that the governor has sought local enforcement authority for public health-related orders and will continue to seek out enforcement mechanisms.
"We will be watching to make sure our students' and educators' health and safety is being protected," Griffin said. "And if the panel finds a district is operating in a way that puts lives at risk, we will do everything in our power to keep people safe."
If a district's plan is deemed unsafe by the panel, local union leaders will seek changes, Griffin said.
"As we promised last week when we announced in partnership with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, no avenue or action is off the table -- the courts, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board -- nothing, including health and safety strikes," Griffin said. "The entire weight of the IEA and the IFT will be used in whatever way is necessary to protect the students of this state and those who educate them."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Official: Deadly Beirut blast caused by detonation of ammonium nitrate in storage

BEIRUT -- A massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday , flattening much of the city 's port , damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky .
More than 70 people were killed and 3,000 injured , with bodies buried in the rubble , officials said .
Lebanese Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi told a local TV station that it appeared the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a warehouse at the dock ever since it was confiscated from a cargo ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange cloud like that which appears when toxic nitrogen dioxide gas is released after an explosion involving nitrates .
What caused the detonation was not immediately clear .
Videos showed what appeared to be a fire erupting nearby just before , and local TV stations reported that a fireworks warehouse was involved .
The fire appeared to spread to a nearby building , triggering the more massive explosion , sending up a mushroom cloud and generating a shock wave .
The blast struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus more than 180 miles across the Mediterranean .
The sudden devastation overwhelmed a country already struggling with both the coronavirus pandemic and a severe economic and financial crisis .
For hours after the explosion , the most destructive in all of Lebanon 's troubled history , ambulances rushed in from around the country to carry away the wounded .
Hospitals quickly filled beyond capacity , pleading for blood supplies , and generators to keep their lights on .
For blocks around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bloodied residents staggered through streets lined with overturned cars and littered with rubble from shattered buildings .
Windows and doors were blown out miles away , including at the city 's only international airport .
Army helicopters helped battle fires raging at Beirut 's port .
Charbel Haj , who works at the port , said the blast started as small explosions like firecrackers .
Then , he said , he was thrown off his feet by the huge blast .
The explosion came amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many residents reported hearing planes overhead just before the blast , fueling rumors of an attack , though Israeli military overflights are common .
An Israeli government official said Israel `` had nothing to do '' with the blast .
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the news media .
Israeli officials usually do not comment on `` foreign reports . ''
The Israeli government offered emergency assistance through international intermediaries .
President Donald Trump said the U.S. `` stands ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Mike Pompeo extended his `` deepest condolences . ''
`` Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a city and a people that I hold dear , an additional challenge in a time of already deep crisis , '' Pompeo said in a written statement .
At the start of a White House news conference on the coronavirus , Trump said the explosion `` looks like a terrible attack . ''
When asked by a reporter if he was confident that it was an attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was . ''
But one of Israel 's top bomb experts , Boaz Hayoun , said fireworks could have been a factor setting off the bigger blast .
`` Before the big explosion ... in the center of the fire , you can see sparks , you can hear sounds like popcorn and you can hear whistles , '' said Hayoun , owner of the Tamar Group , which works closely with the Israeli government on safety and certification issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific behavior of fireworks . ''
The blast was stunning even for a city that has seen a 15-year civil war , suicide bombings , bombardment by Israel and political assassinations .
`` It was a real horror show .
I have n't seen anything like that since the days of the ( civil ) war , '' said Marwan Ramadan , who was about 500 yards from the port and was knocked off his feet by the force of the explosion .
Health Minister Hassan Hamad said the preliminary toll was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded .
He added that hospitals were barely coping and offers of aid were pouring in from Arab states and friends of Lebanon .
Beirut 's governor , Marwan Abboud , broke into tears as he toured the site , exclaiming , `` Beirut is a devastated city . ''
Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that `` those responsible will pay . ''
Some of those injured lay on the ground at the port , Associated Press staff at the scene said .
A civil defense official said there were still bodies inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outside one hospital , Omar Kinno sat on the pavement , holding back tears .
Kinno , a Syrian , said one of his sisters was killed when the blast rocked their apartment near the port , and another sister 's neck was broken .
His injured mother and father were taken to a hospital but he did n't know which , and he was making calls trying to track them down .
`` I have no idea what happened to my parents .
I am totally lost , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people cleared out of damaged homes or tried to locate family .
Motorcyclists picked their way through traffic , carrying the injured .
One woman covered in blood from the waist up walked down a trashed street while talking furiously on her phone .
On another street , a woman with a bloodied face looked distraught , staggering through traffic with two friends at her side .
`` This country is cursed , '' a young man passing by muttered .
The blast came at a time when Lebanon 's economy is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus restrictions .
Many have lost jobs , while the worth of their savings has evaporated as the currency has plunged in value against the dollar .
The result has thrown many into poverty .
The disaster only drives Lebanon deeper into misery , putting thousands out of their homes .
It also raises questions about how Lebanon , which imports nearly all vital goods , can do so with its main port devastated .
Several of Beirut 's hospitals were damaged in the blast .
Outside the St. George University Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various injuries arrived in ambulances , in cars and on foot .
The explosion had caused major damage inside the building and knocked out the electricity .
Dozens of injured were being treated on the spot on the street outside , on stretchers and wheelchairs .
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon , UNIFIL , said one of its ships in the port was damaged and a number of its peacekeepers were injured , some seriously .
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet that his country was sending aid .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iran , Hezbollah 's patron , also said it was ready to help .
`` Stay strong , Lebanon , '' its foreign minister , Javad Zarif , said in a tweet .

Official: Deadly Beirut blast caused by detonation of ammonium nitrate in storage
Army soldiers evacuate injured people after a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Witnesses saw many people injured by flying glass and debris. Associated Press
Aftermath of a massive explosion is seen in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Witnesses saw many people injured by flying glass and debris. Associated Press
Aftermath of a massive explosion is seen in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Witnesses saw many people injured by flying glass and debris. Associated Press
People evacuate wounded after of a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Witnesses saw many people injured by flying glass and debris. Associated Press
Lebanese security officers arrive at the scene of an explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. Associated Press
BEIRUT -- A massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the city's port, damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky. More than 70 people were killed and 3,000 injured, with bodies buried in the rubble, officials said.
Lebanese Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi told a local TV station that it appeared the blast was caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a warehouse at the dock ever since it was confiscated from a cargo ship in 2014. Witnesses reported seeing an orange cloud like that which appears when toxic nitrogen dioxide gas is released after an explosion involving nitrates.
What caused the detonation was not immediately clear. Videos showed what appeared to be a fire erupting nearby just before, and local TV stations reported that a fireworks warehouse was involved. The fire appeared to spread to a nearby building, triggering the more massive explosion, sending up a mushroom cloud and generating a shock wave.
The blast struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, according to Germany's geosciences center GFZ, and it was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus more than 180 miles across the Mediterranean.
The sudden devastation overwhelmed a country already struggling with both the coronavirus pandemic and a severe economic and financial crisis. For hours after the explosion, the most destructive in all of Lebanon's troubled history, ambulances rushed in from around the country to carry away the wounded. Hospitals quickly filled beyond capacity, pleading for blood supplies, and generators to keep their lights on.
For blocks around the port, where the explosion took place, bloodied residents staggered through streets lined with overturned cars and littered with rubble from shattered buildings. Windows and doors were blown out miles away, including at the city's only international airport. Army helicopters helped battle fires raging at Beirut's port.
Charbel Haj, who works at the port, said the blast started as small explosions like firecrackers. Then, he said, he was thrown off his feet by the huge blast.
The explosion came amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah military group on Lebanon's southern border. Many residents reported hearing planes overhead just before the blast, fueling rumors of an attack, though Israeli military overflights are common.
An Israeli government official said Israel "had nothing to do" with the blast. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the news media. Israeli officials usually do not comment on "foreign reports." The Israeli government offered emergency assistance through international intermediaries.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. "stands ready to assist Lebanon," and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo extended his "deepest condolences."
"Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a city and a people that I hold dear, an additional challenge in a time of already deep crisis," Pompeo said in a written statement.
At the start of a White House news conference on the coronavirus, Trump said the explosion "looks like a terrible attack." When asked by a reporter if he was confident that it was an attack, Trump said: "I met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was."
But one of Israel's top bomb experts, Boaz Hayoun, said fireworks could have been a factor setting off the bigger blast. "Before the big explosion ... in the center of the fire, you can see sparks, you can hear sounds like popcorn and you can hear whistles," said Hayoun, owner of the Tamar Group, which works closely with the Israeli government on safety and certification issues involving explosives. "This is very specific behavior of fireworks."
The blast was stunning even for a city that has seen a 15-year civil war, suicide bombings, bombardment by Israel and political assassinations.
"It was a real horror show. I haven't seen anything like that since the days of the (civil) war," said Marwan Ramadan, who was about 500 yards from the port and was knocked off his feet by the force of the explosion.
Health Minister Hassan Hamad said the preliminary toll was more than 70 dead and more than 3,000 wounded. He added that hospitals were barely coping and offers of aid were pouring in from Arab states and friends of Lebanon.
Beirut's governor, Marwan Abboud, broke into tears as he toured the site, exclaiming, "Beirut is a devastated city." Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that "those responsible will pay."
Some of those injured lay on the ground at the port, Associated Press staff at the scene said. A civil defense official said there were still bodies inside the port, many under debris.
Outside one hospital, Omar Kinno sat on the pavement, holding back tears. Kinno, a Syrian, said one of his sisters was killed when the blast rocked their apartment near the port, and another sister's neck was broken. His injured mother and father were taken to a hospital but he didn't know which, and he was making calls trying to track them down.
"I have no idea what happened to my parents. I am totally lost," he said.
Confusion reigned across the city, as people cleared out of damaged homes or tried to locate family. Motorcyclists picked their way through traffic, carrying the injured.
One woman covered in blood from the waist up walked down a trashed street while talking furiously on her phone. On another street, a woman with a bloodied face looked distraught, staggering through traffic with two friends at her side.
"This country is cursed," a young man passing by muttered.
The blast came at a time when Lebanon's economy is facing collapse from the financial crisis and the coronavirus restrictions. Many have lost jobs, while the worth of their savings has evaporated as the currency has plunged in value against the dollar. The result has thrown many into poverty.
The disaster only drives Lebanon deeper into misery, putting thousands out of their homes. It also raises questions about how Lebanon, which imports nearly all vital goods, can do so with its main port devastated.
Several of Beirut's hospitals were damaged in the blast. Outside the St. George University Hospital in Beirut's Achrafieh neighborhood, people with various injuries arrived in ambulances, in cars and on foot. The explosion had caused major damage inside the building and knocked out the electricity. Dozens of injured were being treated on the spot on the street outside, on stretchers and wheelchairs.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said one of its ships in the port was damaged and a number of its peacekeepers were injured, some seriously.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet that his country was sending aid. I its Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Iran, Hezbollah's patron, also said it was ready to help. "Stay strong, Lebanon," its foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said in a tweet.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Aug. 4 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Suburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 90,567 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday .
That 's 49 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,814 deaths in the suburbs , representing 50.5 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Tuesday , suburban Cook County had 45,599 cases and 2,109 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 62,145 cases and 2,793 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Des Plaines , 930 cases and 64 deaths in Wheeling , 905 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 771 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 765 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 749 cases and 20 deaths in Schaumburg , 726 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview , 707 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 569 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 612 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 431 cases and 13 deaths in Rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northbrook , 415 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village , 302 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 146 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 11,666 cases and 511 deaths as of Tuesday .
• Top counts : 939 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 887 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 772 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights , 725 cases and 37 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Carol Stream , 603 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 561 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard , 538 cases and 41 deaths in Elmhurst , 463 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 429 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 324 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 318 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 306 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county listed 12,213 cases and 427 deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Friday : 3,035 to 3,039 in Waukegan , 700 to 704 in Round Lake Beach , 450 to 454 in Mundelein , 380 to 384 in Gurnee , 310 to 314 in Round Lake , 225 to 229 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 240 to 244 in Lake Zurich , 215 to 219 in Vernon Hills , 185 to 189 in Wauconda , 180 to 184 in Libertyville , 155 to 159 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 9,401 cases with 299 deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 3,796 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,189 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 878 in Carpentersville , 514 in St. Charles , 405 in South Elgin , 271 in Geneva , 262 in North Aurora , 221 in Batavia , and 74 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 2,997 cases and 113 deaths , according to the health department Tuesday .
Will County • 8,729 cases and 340 deaths , as of Tuesday .
• Cases per town include 596 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 107 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

Aug. 4 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder walks past one of the images used by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to unveil a new mask awareness campaign called "It Only Works If You Wear It" on Monday. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
Interactive map
Suburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 90,567 cases in the suburbs as of Tuesday. That's 49% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There have been 3,814 deaths in the suburbs, representing 50.5% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Tuesday, suburban Cook County had 45,599 cases and 2,109 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 62,145 cases and 2,793 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,960 cases and 103 deaths in Des Plaines, 930 cases and 64 deaths in Wheeling, 905 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 771 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 765 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 749 cases and 20 deaths in Schaumburg, 726 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview, 707 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 569 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 612 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 431 cases and 13 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 422 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 415 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 302 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 146 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 11,666 cases and 511 deaths as of Tuesday.
• Top counts: 939 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 887 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 772 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 725 cases and 37 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 648 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 603 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 561 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard, 538 cases and 41 deaths in Elmhurst, 463 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 429 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 324 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 318 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 306 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 12,213 cases and 427 deaths on its website Tuesday.
• Top counts as of Friday: 3,035 to 3,039 in Waukegan, 700 to 704 in Round Lake Beach, 450 to 454 in Mundelein, 380 to 384 in Gurnee, 310 to 314 in Round Lake, 225 to 229 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 240 to 244 in Lake Zurich, 215 to 219 in Vernon Hills, 185 to 189 in Wauconda, 180 to 184 in Libertyville, 155 to 159 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 9,401 cases with 299 deaths on its website Tuesday.
• Top counts: 3,796 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,189 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 878 in Carpentersville, 514 in St. Charles, 405 in South Elgin, 271 in Geneva, 262 in North Aurora, 221 in Batavia, and 74 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 2,997 cases and 113 deaths, according to the health department Tuesday.
Will County• 8,729 cases and 340 deaths, as of Tuesday.
• Cases per town include 596 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 107 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--District 59 could stay remote through October

Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 students will begin the school year remotely Monday , Aug. 17 , and it likely will stay that way through the end of October , officials said .
The district 's back-to-school plan , presented to parents last week , suggested a four-week period of remote learning to start the school year .
But school board members reached consensus this week to maintain virtual learning until at least Oct. 30 -- that correlates with the end of the first quarter at junior high schools -- to provide greater certainty and planning time for families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was the entire first semester , based on the ( COVID-19 ) positivity rates increasing , '' Superintendent Art Fessler said during a board meeting Monday night .
But Fessler also said district officials will reevaluate a return to some type of in-person learning every three to four weeks .
And even when most kids are learning from home , schools might be able to welcome back small groups of students , such as those with special needs , those new to the district , and kindergartners .
`` We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible , but only when it 's safe , '' he said .
Parents have until Wednesday to choose whether they want their children to attend school in-person or participate in a remote learning academy , once school doors do reopen .
More than half of district families have already responded to the online survey , but staff will be contacting those who have n't , officials said .
District leaders are aiming for maximum class sizes of 15 to maintain social distancing , with the possibility of students attending five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , is a hybrid model , where students would come to school two days a week and take remote classes the other three days , Fessler said .
`` Depending on how many people register , that determines which model we will run , '' he said .
A final school board vote on the reopening plan is scheduled for next Monday -- the same day teachers are expected to return for professional training .
The first full-day for grades 1-8 is Aug. 17 , kindergarten on Aug. 18 , and @ @ @ @ @ @

District 59 could stay remote through October
Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 may be in remote learning until at least Oct. 30, the school board said this week. Courtesy of District 59
Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 students will begin the school year remotely Monday, Aug. 17, and it likely will stay that way through the end of October, officials said.
The district's back-to-school plan, presented to parents last week, suggested a four-week period of remote learning to start the school year. But school board members reached consensus this week to maintain virtual learning until at least Oct. 30 -- that correlates with the end of the first quarter at junior high schools -- to provide greater certainty and planning time for families.
"It wouldn't surprise me if it was the entire first semester, based on the (COVID-19) positivity rates increasing," Superintendent Art Fessler said during a board meeting Monday night.
But Fessler also said district officials will reevaluate a return to some type of in-person learning every three to four weeks. And even when most kids are learning from home, schools might be able to welcome back small groups of students, such as those with special needs, those new to the district, and kindergartners.
"We want our kids back in school as quickly as possible, but only when it's safe," he said.
Parents have until Wednesday to choose whether they want their children to attend school in-person or participate in a remote learning academy, once school doors do reopen. More than half of district families have already responded to the online survey, but staff will be contacting those who haven't, officials said.
District leaders are aiming for maximum class sizes of 15 to maintain social distancing, with the possibility of students attending five days a week. What's more likely, though, is a hybrid model, where students would come to school two days a week and take remote classes the other three days, Fessler said.
"Depending on how many people register, that determines which model we will run," he said.
A final school board vote on the reopening plan is scheduled for next Monday -- the same day teachers are expected to return for professional training. The first full-day for grades 1-8 is Aug. 17, kindergarten on Aug. 18, and early learning on Aug. 20.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--West Dundee's Heritage Fest canceled due to COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of West Dundee 's annual Heritage Fest , a tradition that has drawn thousands to the community for more than two decades .
The three-day celebration typically features live entertainment on multiple stages , a fireworks display , an arts and crafts fair , a car show , various recreation activities and offerings from local businesses , among other festivities .
While following the trajectory of the COVID-19 crisis , organizers explored options for scaling back this year 's event , scheduled for Sept. 18-20 , but found that canceling the festival would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the village 's announcement Tuesday .
`` We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for the benefit our partners and our community , '' Village President Chris Nelson said in a statement .
`` However , we know it 's the right decision based on the information we have today , and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the state of Illinois . ''
More than 10,000 people typically attend Heritage Fest in the village 's downtown each year , officials said .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been canceled since it began 23 years ago .
The 2021 festival is planned for Sept. 17-19 .
Without its signature event this year , West Dundee has partnered with the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce to create opportunities to support local businesses while maintaining social distancing , village officials said .
Scheduled for this weekend , Aug. 7-9 , the inaugural `` Shop Dundee '' event will feature specialty shops , some of which will offer discounts , along a walkable route through East and West Dundee , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the works to establish a Dundee Restaurant Week .

West Dundee's Heritage Fest canceled due to COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of West Dundee's annual Heritage Fest, a tradition that has drawn thousands to the community for more than two decades.
The three-day celebration typically features live entertainment on multiple stages, a fireworks display, an arts and crafts fair, a car show, various recreation activities and offerings from local businesses, among other festivities.
While following the trajectory of the COVID-19 crisis, organizers explored options for scaling back this year's event, scheduled for Sept. 18-20, but found that canceling the festival would be the safest and most responsible decision, according to the village's announcement Tuesday.
"We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for the benefit our partners and our community," Village President Chris Nelson said in a statement. "However, we know it's the right decision based on the information we have today, and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the state of Illinois."
More than 10,000 people typically attend Heritage Fest in the village's downtown each year, officials said. This is the first time the event has been canceled since it began 23 years ago.
The 2021 festival is planned for Sept. 17-19.
Without its signature event this year, West Dundee has partnered with the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce to create opportunities to support local businesses while maintaining social distancing, village officials said.
Scheduled for this weekend, Aug. 7-9, the inaugural "Shop Dundee" event will feature specialty shops, some of which will offer discounts, along a walkable route through East and West Dundee, according to a news release. Plans also are in the works to establish a Dundee Restaurant Week.
For more information, visit facebook.com/WestDundee.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--U-46 board considers renewing school resource officers amid concerns

Officials at Elgin-area schools are considering renewing contracts with local police departments for the school resource officer program .
Officers currently are assigned at Elgin Area School District U-46 's eight middle schools , five high schools and alternative programs .
Several school board members this week stressed the importance of better training those officers on cultural competency , dealing with LGBTQ issues and students with special needs , as well as reducing the disproportionality of in-school arrests of Black and Latino students .
`` I would like to see us emphasize that we are looking at SROs as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' school board member Melissa Owens said .
`` To me , the contract right away reads that they are an enforcement tool whether or not that 's our practice . ''
Owens said she is concerned about student arrests for behavioral events being heavily weighted toward students of color .
U-46 has had school resource officers in high schools since the 1980s and in middle schools since the 1990s .
Early on , those officers were involved in student discipline , but that role has shifted in the last six years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 3rd Millennium intervention program for offenses related to illicit drug , tobacco and alcohol use , domestic and sexual violence prevention and conflict resolution .
It uses a restorative approach involving online learning and self assessment , with an educational component for parents .
Student arrests for behavioral infractions have declined significantly since then -- down from 343 in the 2013-2014 school year to 36 in 2019-2020 .
The majority of arrests , throughout the period , involved Black and Hispanic students , said John Heiderscheidt , U-46 director of school safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of work we were doing to reduce exclusionary discipline , out-of-school suspensions and the school-to-prison pipeline by finding better ways to help kids after they make bad choices , '' he said .
`` We are disproportionate in the area still of African American students being represented in our arrests , much like other categories of discipline in U-46 . ''
Heiderscheidt said district administrators need the same level of training as officers when it comes to cultural competency .
While the officers currently are familiar with crisis prevention training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet new Illinois Training Standards Board requirements , Heiderscheidt said .
School board member Kate Thommes said the contracts also should specify how school resource officers are trained to interact with and handle special needs populations , such as autistic students .
`` Every kid with autism has a disruption in their language , '' she said .
`` My kid has a significant language disruption .
If a police officer tells him to stop and put his hands up , my son is not going to do that .
He literally does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
And he 's not alone .
Our schools have a number of kids in that category .
That needs to be a priority moving forward . ''
Thommes questioned why a police officer would be better qualified to de-escalate a situation involving a student having a mental health crisis versus a licensed clinical psychologist , school counselor or nurse .
As part of their role , school resource officers help manage street gang issues , are experts in security plans and event management , help with crisis response and drug incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , teach classes , are present when school administrators conduct random weapons or drug searches and serve as mediators for restorative practices and home visits .
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said her department 's policy emphasizes education , enforcement when appropriate , and engagement with students and staff .
The department has seven resource officers in U-46 schools who are trained on fair and impartial policing and specifically implicit bias , she added .
`` We really want to find a way for students to see us as people and not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .

U-46 board considers renewing school resource officers amid concerns
Officials at Elgin-area schools are considering renewing contracts with local police departments for the school resource officer program.
Officers currently are assigned at Elgin Area School District U-46's eight middle schools, five high schools and alternative programs.
Several school board members this week stressed the importance of better training those officers on cultural competency, dealing with LGBTQ issues and students with special needs, as well as reducing the disproportionality of in-school arrests of Black and Latino students.
"I would like to see us emphasize that we are looking at SROs as a resource and not as an enforcement tool," school board member Melissa Owens said. "To me, the contract right away reads that they are an enforcement tool whether or not that's our practice."
Owens said she is concerned about student arrests for behavioral events being heavily weighted toward students of color.
U-46 has had school resource officers in high schools since the 1980s and in middle schools since the 1990s. Early on, those officers were involved in student discipline, but that role has shifted in the last six years.
In 2013, the district introduced the 3rd Millennium intervention program for offenses related to illicit drug, tobacco and alcohol use, domestic and sexual violence prevention and conflict resolution. It uses a restorative approach involving online learning and self assessment, with an educational component for parents.
Student arrests for behavioral infractions have declined significantly since then -- down from 343 in the 2013-2014 school year to 36 in 2019-2020. The majority of arrests, throughout the period, involved Black and Hispanic students, said John Heiderscheidt, U-46 director of school safety and culture.
"That's considering a lot of work we were doing to reduce exclusionary discipline, out-of-school suspensions and the school-to-prison pipeline by finding better ways to help kids after they make bad choices," he said. "We are disproportionate in the area still of African American students being represented in our arrests, much like other categories of discipline in U-46."
Heiderscheidt said district administrators need the same level of training as officers when it comes to cultural competency.
While the officers currently are familiar with crisis prevention training, the proposed contracts will require them to meet new Illinois Training Standards Board requirements, Heiderscheidt said.
School board member Kate Thommes said the contracts also should specify how school resource officers are trained to interact with and handle special needs populations, such as autistic students.
"Every kid with autism has a disruption in their language," she said. "My kid has a significant language disruption. If a police officer tells him to stop and put his hands up, my son is not going to do that. He literally does not have the language ability to understand that. And he's not alone. Our schools have a number of kids in that category. That needs to be a priority moving forward."
Thommes questioned why a police officer would be better qualified to de-escalate a situation involving a student having a mental health crisis versus a licensed clinical psychologist, school counselor or nurse.
As part of their role, school resource officers help manage street gang issues, are experts in security plans and event management, help with crisis response and drug incidents, mentor and build relationships with students, teach classes, are present when school administrators conduct random weapons or drug searches and serve as mediators for restorative practices and home visits.
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said her department's policy emphasizes education, enforcement when appropriate, and engagement with students and staff. The department has seven resource officers in U-46 schools who are trained on fair and impartial policing and specifically implicit bias, she added.
"We really want to find a way for students to see us as people and not just for the uniforms we wear," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Geneva aldermen narrowly deny incentives for new restaurant

A proposal to assist with the revitalization of a vacant downtown building was narrowly shot down by Geneva aldermen , some of whom expressed concerns over offering economic incentives to a new business amid the coronavirus crisis .
The city council voted 5-4 Monday to deny the agreement with Cody and Chanel Renkosik , operating as Industry House LLC , who had planned to buy and transform the property at 124 W. State St. into a second location of their Ottawa restaurant , Burger and Sushi House .
Mayor Kevin Burns now plans to bring the proposal back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to have a more `` robust discussion '' and correct some misunderstandings regarding the potential sales tax rebate .
`` I think we could take some time to reconsider some of the comments made by folks who , I believe , may have done a disservice to the overall economic well-being of the downtown , '' Burns said .
The Renkosiks intend to invest more than $ 3 million into the site , which has been empty or underused for the past few years , Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the high costs associated with acquiring and improving the property , she said , but a new sales contract was later negotiated , contingent upon a public gap financing option .
Under the proposed economic incentive agreement , the city would rebate 75 % of the 1 % municipal sales tax generated at the site over the next decade , capped at $ 365,200 .
The deal also includes the deferral of a parking fee of up to $ 150,000 , reimbursed by sales taxes after the property owners are rebated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole last month backed the proposed incentives in a 6-2 vote .
The decision was difficult for Fourth Ward Alderman Gabriel Kaven , who initially supported the measure but changed his vote Monday .
Though he 'd love to see a State Street vacancy filled , he said , he struggled with the size and scope of the incentive deal .
First Ward Alderman Tara Burghart , who opposed the proposal at both meetings , said she would welcome B.A.S.H to the community with its `` great concept '' and impassioned owners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right time for the city to offer financial assistance for such a project .
`` It 's hard for me to support these kinds of incentives for a new restaurant when we have so many restaurants struggling in the current pandemic , '' she said .
As a non-home rule community , Geneva is limited in the economic tools it can use to incentivize redevelopment , First Ward Alderman Mike Bruno said .
He and Fifth Ward Alderman Craig Maladra said they believe assisting an interested investor would n't threaten other businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive foot traffic along a crucial downtown corridor .
B.A.S.H.
, which opened in Ottawa seven years ago , pairs sushi with burgers and other gourmet American food , the Renkosiks said .
They planned to renovate the Geneva restaurant space -- formerly occupied by Bicycle Heaven and H4 Training -- to accommodate 242 people inside , with a patio and a private event space on the top level Burns said a majority of the downtown restaurant community seemed to favor the plans and understand the proposed incentives .
`` The city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` In fact , it 's a matter of , if the restaurant does well , then Geneva does well . ''

New restaurant planned for vacant Geneva building won't get economic incentives
A proposal to assist with the revitalization of a vacant downtown building was narrowly shot down by Geneva aldermen, some of whom expressed concerns over offering economic incentives to a new business amid the coronavirus crisis.
The city council voted 5-4 Monday to deny the agreement with Cody and Chanel Renkosik, operating as Industry House LLC, who had planned to buy and transform the property at 124 W. State St. into a second location of their Ottawa restaurant, Burger and Sushi House.
Mayor Kevin Burns now plans to bring the proposal back to the city council Aug. 17, saying he wants to have a more "robust discussion" and correct some misunderstandings regarding the potential sales tax rebate.
"I think we could take some time to reconsider some of the comments made by folks who, I believe, may have done a disservice to the overall economic well-being of the downtown," Burns said.
The Renkosiks intend to invest more than $3 million into the site, which has been empty or underused for the past few years, Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko said. The couple initially had backed away because of the high costs associated with acquiring and improving the property, she said, but a new sales contract was later negotiated, contingent upon a public gap financing option.
Under the proposed economic incentive agreement, the city would rebate 75% of the 1% municipal sales tax generated at the site over the next decade, capped at $365,200. The deal also includes the deferral of a parking fee of up to $150,000, reimbursed by sales taxes after the property owners are rebated.
Aldermen acting as a committee of the whole last month backed the proposed incentives in a 6-2 vote.
The decision was difficult for Fourth Ward Alderman Gabriel Kaven, who initially supported the measure but changed his vote Monday. Though he'd love to see a State Street vacancy filled, he said, he struggled with the size and scope of the incentive deal.
First Ward Alderman Tara Burghart, who opposed the proposal at both meetings, said she would welcome the restaurant to the community with its "great concept" and impassioned owners. But she doesn't believe it's the right time for the city to offer financial assistance for such a project.
"It's hard for me to support these kinds of incentives for a new restaurant when we have so many restaurants struggling in the current pandemic," she said.
Aldermen Robert Swanson, Dean Kilburg and Becky Hruby also cast dissenting votes.
As a non-home rule community, Geneva is limited in how it can give incentives for redevelopment, First Ward Alderman Mike Bruno said. He and Fifth Ward Alderman Craig Maladra said they believe assisting an interested investor wouldn't threaten other businesses but would rather enable change and drive foot traffic along a crucial downtown corridor.
B.A.S.H., which opened in Ottawa seven years ago, pairs sushi with burgers and other gourmet American food, the Renkosiks said. They planned to renovate the Geneva restaurant space -- formerly occupied by Bicycle Heaven and H4 Training -- to accommodate 242 people inside, with a patio and a private event space on the top level
Burns said a majority of the downtown restaurant community seemed to favor the plans and understand the proposed incentives.
"The city of Geneva is not investing a dime," he said. "In fact, it's a matter of, if the restaurant does well, then Geneva does well."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Chicago Public Schools to go fully remote to start fall

Chicago Public Schools students will start the new school year at home next month as officials plan to announce as @ @ @ @ @ 'll back off a proposal that would have put children in classrooms two days a @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Sun-Times .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS administrators will `` follow the science '' @ @ @ @ @ district , the third-largest in the nation with 355,000 students , will remain in full-time @ @ @ @ @ , but children and teachers are n't likely to go back to school `` at @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Chicago Public Schools to go fully remote to start fall
Chicago Public Schools students will start the new school year at home next month as officials plan to announce as soon as Wednesday that they'll back off a proposal that would have put children in classrooms two days a week, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS administrators will "follow the science" to determine how long the district, the third-largest in the nation with 355,000 students, will remain in full-time remote learning, sources said, but children and teachers aren't likely to go back to school "at least for the first quarter."
• For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Appellate court upholds conviction of Naperville mom who killed 2 kids

A woman who stabbed two children to death in Naperville has lost her appeal of her conviction .
The state 's 2nd District Appellate Court Monday affirmed the conviction of Elzbieta Plackowska , 48 , in the deaths of her 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old girl she was babysitting in October 2012 .
DuPage County Judge Robert Miller found her guilty in December 2017 of murdering Justin Plackowska and Olivia Dworakowski .
Plackowska had told the children to get ready for bed , but the two began jumping on a bed in a master bedroom , according to testimony given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen knife and stabbed the children -- Justin 94 times and Olivia 173 .
She then drove to a family friend 's house .
Plackowska did n't dispute that she killed the children , but she argued that she was insane at the time .
Her older son testified that after the death of her own father , Plackowska started drinking more , said that she saw `` the devil '' in Justin while he slept , and started making Justin watch religious movies .
The older son was at a friend 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his mother came there , covered in blood , saying she was attacked by a man who looked like the devil .
The appellate court rejected her argument that Miller was wrong when he ruled she had the mental capacity to appreciate the criminality of her conduct at the time of the murders .
Miller sentenced Plackowska to natural life in prison in December 2017 .
The court said she made substantial efforts to avoid detection , including putting a knife in a garbage disposal , getting rid of her cellphone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intruder .
Thus , it said , there was sufficient evidence to support the conviction .
`` We can not say that the opposite conclusion -- that the defendant was insane at the time of the offenses -- was clearly evident , '' the court ruled .

Appellate court upholds conviction of Naperville mom who killed 2 kids
A woman who stabbed two children to death in Naperville has lost her appeal of her conviction.
The state's 2nd District Appellate Court Monday affirmed the conviction of Elzbieta Plackowska, 48, in the deaths of her 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old girl she was babysitting in October 2012.
DuPage County Judge Robert Miller found her guilty in December 2017 of murdering Justin Plackowska and Olivia Dworakowski.
Plackowska had told the children to get ready for bed, but the two began jumping on a bed in a master bedroom, according to testimony given at her trial. Plackowska took a kitchen knife and stabbed the children -- Justin 94 times and Olivia 173. She then drove to a family friend's house.
Plackowska didn't dispute that she killed the children, but she argued that she was insane at the time. Her older son testified that after the death of her own father, Plackowska started drinking more, said that she saw "the devil" in Justin while he slept, and started making Justin watch religious movies.
The older son was at a friend's house the night of the killing and said his mother came there, covered in blood, saying she was attacked by a man who looked like the devil.
The appellate court rejected her argument that Miller was wrong when he ruled she had the mental capacity to appreciate the criminality of her conduct at the time of the murders.
Miller sentenced Plackowska to natural life in prison in December 2017.
The court said she made substantial efforts to avoid detection, including putting a knife in a garbage disposal, getting rid of her cellphone, and making up a story about an intruder. Thus, it said, there was sufficient evidence to support the conviction.
"We cannot say that the opposite conclusion -- that the defendant was insane at the time of the offenses -- was clearly evident," the court ruled.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Darch running for re-election as Barrington village president

Barrington Village President Karen Darch announced Tuesday she 's running for reelection in 2021 , citing a desire to continue leading the town through financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Darch has been Barrington 's top elected official since 2005 .
In a statement , Darch said she decided to run again for village president in April after careful thought and discussions with many in the community .
Reversing her announcement in 2017 that she would be in her final 4-year term , Darch said she wants to continue providing `` strong , steady and proven leadership during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our nation . ''
She began her Barrington political career as a village board trustee .
`` I am proud of the work we have accomplished to ensure that Barrington is thriving , '' Darch said .
`` What we could not have anticipated is the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences it has wrought .
This unprecedented event has created a public health crisis , greatly impacted the finances and livelihoods of our local business owners , and put the personal finances of many of our community 's families at risk .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village 's immediate and long-term financial outlook . ''
Darch defeated Mike Kozel in the 2017 election for village president .
Kozel and Darch were at odds on issues that included Barrington 's spending .
Trustee Kate Duncan is among the Barrington elected officials supporting Darch 's reelection effort .
`` This is not the time to make major changes or create disruption in the operations of our village government , which have been running very smoothly under President Darch 's leadership , '' Duncan said .
`` She has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community we have today , and we need her firm and steady hand to see us through these challenging times . ''

Darch running for re-election as Barrington village president
Barrington Village President Karen Darch had said in 2017 that she would not run again, but now she has changed her mind. Daily Herald file photo
Barrington Village President Karen Darch announced Tuesday she's running for reelection in 2021, citing a desire to continue leading the town through financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Darch has been Barrington's top elected official since 2005. In a statement, Darch said she decided to run again for village president in April after careful thought and discussions with many in the community.
Reversing her announcement in 2017 that she would be in her final 4-year term, Darch said she wants to continue providing "strong, steady and proven leadership during this challenging moment for our community and our nation." She began her Barrington political career as a village board trustee.
"I am proud of the work we have accomplished to ensure that Barrington is thriving," Darch said. "What we could not have anticipated is the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences it has wrought. This unprecedented event has created a public health crisis, greatly impacted the finances and livelihoods of our local business owners, and put the personal finances of many of our community's families at risk. It will also have a major impact on the village's immediate and long-term financial outlook."
Darch defeated Mike Kozel in the 2017 election for village president. Kozel and Darch were at odds on issues that included Barrington's spending.
Trustee Kate Duncan is among the Barrington elected officials supporting Darch's reelection effort.
"This is not the time to make major changes or create disruption in the operations of our village government, which have been running very smoothly under President Darch's leadership," Duncan said. "She has been the driving force behind rebuilding Barrington into the community we have today, and we need her firm and steady hand to see us through these challenging times."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Feder: Layoffs hit NBC stations to meet 'changing economic environment'

On a day that Comcast-owned NBCUniversal reportedly cut up to 10 percent of its workforce nationwide , layoffs hit all @ @ @ @ @ Chicago , reports Robert Feder .
The company would not confirm the number of employees @ @ @ @ @ seven employees were cut today at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and Telemundo WSNS-Channel 44 , mostly @ @ @ @ @ than a dozen were believed to have been fired from numerous departments at NBC Sports @ @ @ @ @ a separate division of the company .

Feder: Layoffs hit NBC stations to meet 'changing economic environment'
On a day that Comcast-owned NBCUniversal reportedly cut up to 10 percent of its workforce nationwide, layoffs hit all three NBC broadcast properties in Chicago, reports Robert Feder.
The company would not confirm the number of employees affected, but sources said seven employees were cut today at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and Telemundo WSNS-Channel 44, mostly in technical areas. More than a dozen were believed to have been fired from numerous departments at NBC Sports Chicago, which is in a separate division of the company.
Read the full story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Mendoza says state must have financial relief from federal government

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is adding her voice to those warning that the state will face dire consequences if the federal government does not approve an economic aid package for state and local governments .
`` Without question , Illinois -- and every other state , frankly -- will need financial support from the federal government to bring much-needed stability back to state and local government , '' Mendoza wrote in the latest edition of her Fiscal Focus magazine , which she distributed in a news release Monday .
`` Taxpayers , bond houses , businesses , human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and universities need to know that together we will pull through this unprecedented time . ''
Mendoza , a Democrat who has served as comptroller since December 2016 , noted that the state began the fiscal year on July 1 with a backlog of past-due bills totaling nearly $ 5.4 billion .
But that was only because the state borrowed $ 1.2 billion from the Federal Reserve 's Municipal Liquidity Facility -- money that has to be paid back in its entirety , with 3.52 % interest , during the current fiscal year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She also noted that the state has borrowed another $ 400 million from the state treasurer 's office and the state 's general revenue fund still owes about $ 763 million that it borrowed from other funds in previous years , which has to be repaid in installments through 2024 .
She said the total amount due in the current fiscal year between borrowing from the Fed , the treasurer 's office and interfund borrowing is $ 1.63 billion .
But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Illinois and the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coffers are expected to fall significantly .
The state 's unemployment rate in June stood at 14.6 % , and depending on how long the pandemic lasts , that could cut deeply into individual income tax and retail sales tax collections .
The budget that state lawmakers passed in May called for $ 42.8 billion in general revenue fund spending .
It also authorized spending the $ 5.5 billion that the state expects to receive in federal CARES Act money -- funds Congress approved in March to help pay for COVID-19 response and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace lost revenues .
Mendoza noted , however , that the budget was predicated on the idea that the state could borrow $ 5 billion to $ 6.5 billion through various sources , including the Municipal Liquidity Facility , `` depending on whether the federal government provides direct relief to states for revenue failures as a result of the pandemic . ''
Without the borrowing , Mendoza noted , lawmakers would have been faced with the prospect of making 35 % cuts across the board .
`` This would have been catastrophic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the medical , social , and human service programs upon which the state 's most vulnerable citizens rely , '' she said .
But Mendoza also warned about the consequences of further short-term borrowing without a dedicated source of revenue to repay it .
`` As Illinois considers the possibility of engaging in additional borrowing , it must be cautioned this is not 'free money . '
It must be repaid , '' she said .
`` Adding some $ 6.5 billion in potential borrowing , especially with interest rates of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.66 billion in short-term borrowing already owed would have consequences on Illinois ' financial outlook for years to come . ''
Among those consequences , she said , would be another sharp spike in the state 's backlog of bills outside of the core payments for debt service , pensions , K-12 education , employee payroll , and social and human services .
As of Monday , however , Republicans and Democrats in Congress were still far apart in their negotiations on the next economic recovery package .
The Democratic-controlled House recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in aid for state governments .
But the Republican-controlled Senate was pushing for a package that includes no new aid for states and instead allowing more flexibility in how they are allowed to spend the CARES Act funding they have already received .
`` The federal government must realize states can not simply tax or cut their way out of systemic fiscal problems resulting from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic , '' Mendoza said .

Mendoza says state must have financial relief from federal government
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is adding her voice to those warning that the state will face dire consequences if the federal government does not approve an economic aid package for state and local governments.
"Without question, Illinois -- and every other state, frankly -- will need financial support from the federal government to bring much-needed stability back to state and local government," Mendoza wrote in the latest edition of her Fiscal Focus magazine, which she distributed in a news release Monday. "Taxpayers, bond houses, businesses, human service providers, schools, and colleges and universities need to know that together we will pull through this unprecedented time."
Mendoza, a Democrat who has served as comptroller since December 2016, noted that the state began the fiscal year on July 1 with a backlog of past-due bills totaling nearly $5.4 billion. But that was only because the state borrowed $1.2 billion from the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility -- money that has to be paid back in its entirety, with 3.52% interest, during the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2021.
She also noted that the state has borrowed another $400 million from the state treasurer's office and the state's general revenue fund still owes about $763 million that it borrowed from other funds in previous years, which has to be repaid in installments through 2024.
She said the total amount due in the current fiscal year between borrowing from the Fed, the treasurer's office and interfund borrowing is $1.63 billion.
But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Illinois and the rest of the country, revenues flowing into state coffers are expected to fall significantly. The state's unemployment rate in June stood at 14.6%, and depending on how long the pandemic lasts, that could cut deeply into individual income tax and retail sales tax collections.
The budget that state lawmakers passed in May called for $42.8 billion in general revenue fund spending. It also authorized spending the $5.5 billion that the state expects to receive in federal CARES Act money -- funds Congress approved in March to help pay for COVID-19 response and relief efforts which cannot be used to replace lost revenues.
Mendoza noted, however, that the budget was predicated on the idea that the state could borrow $5 billion to $6.5 billion through various sources, including the Municipal Liquidity Facility, "depending on whether the federal government provides direct relief to states for revenue failures as a result of the pandemic."
Without the borrowing, Mendoza noted, lawmakers would have been faced with the prospect of making 35% cuts across the board.
"This would have been catastrophic to schools; public safety; and the medical, social, and human service programs upon which the state's most vulnerable citizens rely," she said.
But Mendoza also warned about the consequences of further short-term borrowing without a dedicated source of revenue to repay it.
"As Illinois considers the possibility of engaging in additional borrowing, it must be cautioned this is not 'free money.' It must be repaid," she said. "Adding some $6.5 billion in potential borrowing, especially with interest rates of more than 4 (percent), to the $2.66 billion in short-term borrowing already owed would have consequences on Illinois' financial outlook for years to come."
Among those consequences, she said, would be another sharp spike in the state's backlog of bills outside of the core payments for debt service, pensions, K-12 education, employee payroll, and social and human services.
As of Monday, however, Republicans and Democrats in Congress were still far apart in their negotiations on the next economic recovery package. The Democratic-controlled House recently approved a package that included $500 billion in aid for state governments. But the Republican-controlled Senate was pushing for a package that includes no new aid for states and instead allowing more flexibility in how they are allowed to spend the CARES Act funding they have already received.
"The federal government must realize states cannot simply tax or cut their way out of systemic fiscal problems resulting from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic," Mendoza said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Vandersloot, Stevens help Sky beat Wings 82-79

BRADENTON , Fla. -- Azura Stevens had 15 points and 10 rebounds , Courtney Vandersloot added 14 points and 10 @ @ @ @ @ Sky beat the Dallas Wings 82-79 on Tuesday night .
Allie Quigley and Cheyenne Parker @ @ @ @ @ Kahleah Copper 11 for Chicago ( 4-1 ) .
Arike Ogunbowale had 26 points and @ @ @ @ @ 2-3 ) .
Kayla Thornton scored 13 points and Allisha Gray added 12 .
Ogunbawale @ @ @ @ @ to trim Dallas ' deficit to 80-79 with 13.5 seconds left .
After the Sky @ @ @ @ @ was moved to midcourt where , immediately after the inbound pass , the Wings trapped @ @ @ @ @ ball .
Dallas gained possession but , after a timeout , Parker had the last @ @ @ @ @ poking the ball away from Dallas rookie Satou Sabally .

Vandersloot, Stevens help Sky beat Wings 82-79
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Azura Stevens had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Courtney Vandersloot added 14 points and 10 assists, and the Chicago Sky beat the Dallas Wings 82-79 on Tuesday night.
Allie Quigley and Cheyenne Parker scored 15 points apiece and Kahleah Copper 11 for Chicago (4-1).
Arike Ogunbowale had 26 points and five assists for Dallas (2-3). Kayla Thornton scored 13 points and Allisha Gray added 12.
Ogunbawale made a wide open layup to trim Dallas' deficit to 80-79 with 13.5 seconds left. After the Sky called timeout and the ball was moved to midcourt where, immediately after the inbound pass, the Wings trapped Vandersloot and forced a jumper ball. Dallas gained possession but, after a timeout, Parker had the last of her foul steals, poking the ball away from Dallas rookie Satou Sabally.
Vandersloot made two free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-04--Virgin Atlantic airline files for US bankruptcy protection

NEW YORK -- Virgin Atlantic , the airline founded by British businessman Richard Branson , filed Tuesday for relief from creditors as the virus pandemic hammers the airline industry .
The airline made the filing in U.S. federal bankruptcy court in New York after a proceeding in the United Kingdom .
A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic cast the Chapter 15 bankruptcy filing as part of a court process to carry out a restructuring plan that the airline announced last month .
The process is supported by a majority of the airline 's creditors , and the company hopes to emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Virgin Atlantic 's move follows bankruptcy filings in the U.S. by Latin America 's two biggest airlines , Latam and Avianca , and by Mexico 's Aeromexico since the start of the pandemic .
Virgin 's sister airline Virgin Australia filed for protection from creditors in its home country in April .
Airlines have been slammed by the coronavirus outbreak that has led to travel restrictions and left many people afraid to fly .
The International Air Transport Association , a trade group for global airlines , estimates the industry will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue will drop by half from 2019 levels .
Branson had appealed to the British government for financial help .
Virgin Atlantic said last month that it raised 1.2 billion pounds ( $ 1.8 billion ) from private sources including Branson to shore up its battered finances .
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines , which owns 49 % of the airline , agreed to defer payments it was owed , and hedge fund Davidson Kempner agreed to lend Virgin Atlantic 170 million pounds .

Virgin Atlantic airline files for US bankruptcy protection
FILE - In this June 16. 2011, file photo, Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic Airways, attends a news conference in Miami Beach, Fla. Branson announced that Virgin was starting flights between London and Cancun, Mexico. Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by British businessman Branson, filed Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, for relief from creditors as the virus pandemic hammers the airline industry. The airline made the filing in U.S. federal bankruptcy court in New York after a proceeding in the United Kingdom. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Virgin Atlantic, the airline founded by British businessman Richard Branson, filed Tuesday for protection in U.S. bankruptcy court as it tries to survive the virus pandemic that is hammering the airline industry.
The airline made the Chapter 15 filing in U.S. federal bankruptcy court in New York after a proceeding in the United Kingdom.
A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic said the bankruptcy filing is part of a court process in the United Kingdom to carry out a restructuring plan that the airline announced last month. The process is supported by a majority of the airline's creditors, and the company hopes to emerge from the process in September, she said.
A Virgin Atlantic lawyer said in a court filing that the company needs an order from a U.S. court to make terms of the restructuring apply in the U.S.
The airline is primarily a long-haul operator, including flights between the U.K. and the U.S. It stopped flying in April due to the pandemic and only resumed flights in July. It closed a base at London's Gatwick Airport and cut about 3,500 jobs.
Branson appealed to the British government for financial help earlier this year - even saying that he would pledge his Caribbean island resort as collateral for a loan - but was rebuffed.
Last month, Virgin Atlantic announced that it had put together a deal to raise 1.2 billion pounds (nearly $1.6 billion at current exchange rates) from private sources, including 200 million pounds from Branson's Virgin Group.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, which owns 49% of the airline, agreed to defer payments it was owed, and hedge fund Davidson Kempner agreed to lend Virgin Atlantic 170 million pounds. Virgin Atlantic also delayed deliveries of Airbus jets.
Virgin Atlantic's court moves follow bankruptcy filings in the U.S. by Latin America's two biggest airlines, Latam and Avianca, and by Mexico's Aeromexico since the start of the pandemic. Virgin's sister airline Virgin Australia filed for protection from creditors in its home country in April.
Airlines have been slammed by the coronavirus outbreak that has led to travel restrictions and left many people afraid to fly. The International Air Transport Association, a trade group for global airlines, estimates the industry will lose $84 billion this year and revenue will drop by half from 2019 levels.
Branson founded and still holds a 10% stake in Virgin Australia, which has announced plans to shed a third of its workforce as it scales back operations as part of its restructuring.
The airline, Australia's second-largest carrier, sought bankruptcy protection and its administrator Deloitte's has entered into a binding agreement to sell the airline to Boston-based investment firm Bain Capital. The deal will go within weeks for final approval to a meeting of Virgin creditors who are owed 7 billion Australian dollars ($5 billion).