dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher indicted in connection with illegal gambling ring

Casey Urlacher , the mayor of North suburban Mettawa and brother of Chicago Bears icon Brian Urlacher , is charged along with nine others in connection with an illegal offshore sports gambling ring , federal prosecutors announced Thursday .
In an indictment alleging one count of participating in the gambling conspiracy and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business , prosecutors say Casey Urlacher worked as an agent for the `` illegal gambling business '' and recruited gamblers and other sub-agents to the operation .
Prosecutors allege those involved placed bets through a Costa Rican-based gambling platform identified only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation began sometime in 2016 , according to prosecutors .
Prosecutors said Urlacher was in contact with the group 's ringleader , 54-year-old Vincent Delgiudice of Orland Park , also known as `` Uncle Mick , '' in December 2018 about setting up an account for a new gambler with a maximum bet of $ 500 and maximum weekly limit of $ 3,000 .
Court documents state Urlacher also paid another co-defendant `` debts owed '' to Delgiudice later that month .
That co-defendant gave an envelope to Delgiudice in Oak Brook that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Casey 's , '' according to court papers .
Urlacher denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times , and he said he did n't know any bookie named DelGiudice .
`` I do n't know nothing about it , '' Urlacher said .
`` I do n't know who you 're talking about . ''
Arraignments for the 10 men have not been scheduled , prosecutors said .
Delgiudice has been charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and six counts of money laundering .
A law enforcement search of Delgiudice 's residence led to the seizure of more than $ 1.06 million in cash , silver bars and jewelry valued at $ 347,895 , and gold coins valued at $ 92,623 , authorities said .
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of those items as well as Delgiudice 's home .
It also seeks a personal money judgment of $ 8 million against him .
Others charged like Urlacher with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business include Matthew Knight , 46 , also known as `` Sweaters '' and `` McDougal , '' of Mokena ; Justin Hines , 40 , of Algonquin ; Keith D. Benson , 49 , of Lemont ; Todd Blanken , 43 , of Cary ; Nicholas Stella , 42 , of Chicago ; Matthew Namoff , 23 , of Midlothian ; and Vasilios Prassas , 37 , of Chicago .
The 10th defendant , Eugene `` Gino '' Delgiudice , 84 , of Orland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collection or paying out of cash to gamblers recruited by Vincent Delgiudice .
He received the same two charges as the alleged agents of the operation .

Mettawa Mayor Casey Urlacher indicted in connection with illegal gambling ring
Casey Urlacher, the mayor of North suburban Mettawa and brother of Chicago Bears icon Brian Urlacher, is charged along with nine others in connection with an illegal offshore sports gambling ring, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
In an indictment alleging one count of participating in the gambling conspiracy and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business, prosecutors say Casey Urlacher worked as an agent for the "illegal gambling business" and recruited gamblers and other sub-agents to the operation.
Prosecutors allege those involved placed bets through a Costa Rican-based gambling platform identified only as "Company A." The operation began sometime in 2016, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said Urlacher was in contact with the group's ringleader, 54-year-old Vincent Delgiudice of Orland Park, also known as "Uncle Mick," in December 2018 about setting up an account for a new gambler with a maximum bet of $500 and maximum weekly limit of $3,000.
Court documents state Urlacher also paid another co-defendant "debts owed" to Delgiudice later that month. That co-defendant gave an envelope to Delgiudice in Oak Brook that same day, saying, "This is Casey's," according to court papers.
Urlacher denied any knowledge about the gambling investigation when contacted Thursday morning by the Chicago Sun-Times, and he said he didn't know any bookie named DelGiudice. "I don't know nothing about it," Urlacher said. "I don't know who you're talking about."
Arraignments for the 10 men have not been scheduled, prosecutors said.
Delgiudice has been charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business, one count of conducting an illegal gambling business, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and six counts of money laundering.
A law enforcement search of Delgiudice's residence led to the seizure of more than $1.06 million in cash, silver bars and jewelry valued at $347,895, and gold coins valued at $92,623, authorities said.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of those items as well as Delgiudice's home. It also seeks a personal money judgment of $8 million against him.
Others charged like Urlacher with one count of participating in the gambling conspiracy and one count of conducting an illegal gambling business include Matthew Knight, 46, also known as "Sweaters" and "McDougal," of Mokena; Justin Hines, 40, of Algonquin; Keith D. Benson, 49, of Lemont; Todd Blanken, 43, of Cary; Nicholas Stella, 42, of Chicago; Matthew Namoff, 23, of Midlothian; and Vasilios Prassas, 37, of Chicago.
The 10th defendant, Eugene "Gino" Delgiudice, 84, of Orland Park, is accused of assisting in the collection or paying out of cash to gamblers recruited by Vincent Delgiudice. He received the same two charges as the alleged agents of the operation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--How Republican opponents want to win back 6th Congressional District

Republicans held the 6th District Congressional seat from 1972 until Democrat Sean Casten took office in 2019 .
Now two candidates are seeking to become the GOP nominee who will try to take the seat back in November .
Jeanne Ives of Wheaton and Gordon `` Jay '' Kinzler of Glen Ellyn are competing in the March 17 Republican primary , and each offers a different strategy for how the party can reclaim the post .
Ives says the GOP needs to more clearly describe how its policies have made great places to live in DuPage County and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district .
`` DuPage Republicans failed to actually message what our core principles are and how our policy solutions are the best to provide economic prosperity and good communities , '' Ives said .
Kinzler says the party needs to work as a team ; stand up against discrimination because of race , religion or other identity-based factors ; and overcome `` stereotypical views of a conservative Republican . ''
`` That 's something I think we have to do a better job at , '' Kinzler said .
The candidates spoke with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with both saying their approach is best to represent the changing demographics of the Western suburbs .
The 6th District makes an arc in the shape of a C from Hinsdale and Naperville through Elgin to just beyond Long Grove and the Barrington area , and includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .
Ives said many residents who moved from Chicago or elsewhere in Cook County throughout the past decade have brought their Democratic leanings and `` natural voting patterns with them . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do as Republicans to message about how , 'You came here because we enforce the law , ' '' Ives said .
`` 'You came here because we run schools better . '
'' Ives is a three-term former state representative , a West Point graduate and an Army veteran .
She ran unsuccessfully in the 2018 Republican primary against then-Gov .
Bruce Rauner .
Kinzler hinted that some of Ives ' previous messaging -- a TV spot called `` Thank you , Bruce Rauner '' that both Republican and Democratic leaders criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- leaves her with baggage that will prevent some voters from supporting her .
`` I 'm not worried about that at all , '' Ives said .
But Kinzler said he 's heard from some constituents that they ca n't get past the sentiments in her ad .
Voters , Kinzler said , want more assurance that their representative in Congress `` will not tolerate any kind of discrimination against any group , whether it be race , religion , creed or any other discriminatory practice . ''
He said he 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on listening , healing and team building .
`` That 's where I think I have the best shot against Sean Casten in this upcoming election , '' Kinzler said , `` because I do n't have the baggage . ''
Kinzler is a former Glen Ellyn park board president and a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve .
He works as a kidney transplant surgeon at Elmhurst Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn .
Casten , meanwhile , is unopposed in the March 17 Democratic primary and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 general election .

How Republican opponents want to win back 6th Congressional District
Republicans held the 6th District Congressional seat from 1972 until Democrat Sean Casten took office in 2019.
Now two candidates are seeking to become the GOP nominee who will try to take the seat back in November.
Jeanne Ives of Wheaton and Gordon "Jay" Kinzler of Glen Ellyn are competing in the March 17 Republican primary, and each offers a different strategy for how the party can reclaim the post.
Ives says the GOP needs to more clearly describe how its policies have made great places to live in DuPage County and the rest of the suburban areas across the far-reaching district.
"DuPage Republicans failed to actually message what our core principles are and how our policy solutions are the best to provide economic prosperity and good communities," Ives said.
Kinzler says the party needs to work as a team; stand up against discrimination because of race, religion or other identity-based factors; and overcome "stereotypical views of a conservative Republican."
"That's something I think we have to do a better job at," Kinzler said.
The candidates spoke with the Daily Herald during an endorsement interview, with both saying their approach is best to represent the changing demographics of the Western suburbs. The 6th District makes an arc in the shape of a C from Hinsdale and Naperville through Elgin to just beyond Long Grove and the Barrington area, and includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Ives said many residents who moved from Chicago or elsewhere in Cook County throughout the past decade have brought their Democratic leanings and "natural voting patterns with them."
"So we've got our work to do as Republicans to message about how, 'You came here because we enforce the law,'" Ives said. "'You came here because we run schools better.'"
Ives is a three-term former state representative, a West Point graduate and an Army veteran. She ran unsuccessfully in the 2018 Republican primary against then-Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Kinzler hinted that some of Ives' previous messaging -- a TV spot called "Thank you, Bruce Rauner" that both Republican and Democratic leaders criticized as being racist, sexist and homophobic -- leaves her with baggage that will prevent some voters from supporting her.
"I'm not worried about that at all," Ives said.
But Kinzler said he's heard from some constituents that they can't get past the sentiments in her ad.
Voters, Kinzler said, want more assurance that their representative in Congress "will not tolerate any kind of discrimination against any group, whether it be race, religion, creed or any other discriminatory practice." He said he'll provide that, along with an approach based on listening, healing and team building.
"That's where I think I have the best shot against Sean Casten in this upcoming election," Kinzler said, "because I don't have the baggage."
Kinzler is a former Glen Ellyn park board president and a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He works as a kidney transplant surgeon at Elmhurst Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Casten, meanwhile, is unopposed in the March 17 Democratic primary and will face the Republican winner in the Nov. 3 general election.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Trump ally Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison

WASHINGTON -- Trump loyalist and ally Roger Stone was sentenced Thursday to 40 months in federal prison , following an extraordinary move by Attorney General William Barr to back off his Justice Department 's original sentencing recommendation .
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone 's crimes demanded a significant time behind bars , but she said the seven to nine years originally recommended by the Justice Department were excessive .
Stone 's lawyers had asked for a sentence of probation , citing his age of 67 years , his health and his lack of criminal history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven counts of an indictment that accused him of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election .
Trump took to Twitter to denounce as a `` miscarriage of justice '' the initial recommendation by Justice Department prosecutors that Stone receive at least seven years in prison .
Attorney General William Barr then backed off that recommendation , prompting four prosecutors to quit Stone 's case .
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media to stoke public sentiment against the prosecution and the court was intended to reach a wide audience , including using a photo of Jackson with crosshairs superimposed .
`` This is intolerable to the administration of justice , '' Jackson said .
`` Why are you the one who is standing here today ? ''
Jackson asked federal prosecutor John Crabb , who took over the case after the original trial team quit .
Crabb said there had been a `` miscommunication '' between Barr and Timothy Shea , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting U.S. Attorney in the nation 's capital .
Crabb asked the judge to impose `` a substantial period of incarceration . ''
After Stone 's attorney , Seth Ginsberg , repeated the defense team 's plea that Stone get no prison time , Stone declined to address the court .
Outside the courthouse , a small crowd gathered .
Two people held a large banner featuring a sketch of Stone and # PardonRogerStone emblazoned underneath .
Next to it was a large multimedia figure of a rat constructed to look like Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair .
Stone was convicted in November on a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress , tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election .
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation .
Any jail sentence seems likely to draw a public rebuke from Trump , who maintains that Stone 's entire case is just an aspect of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his allies by bitter Democrats and the `` deep state '' inside the FBI and the Justice Department .
Given Trump 's recent clemency spree that saw him commute the sentence of former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich , as well as nearly a dozen others , there has been speculation that Trump could eventually pardon Stone .
`` I have n't given it any thought ... but I think he 's been treated very unfairly , '' Trump said this week .
Overnight Thursday , Trump retweeted a conservative cable host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` should never happen again . ''
In Stone 's initial sentencing memorandum filed Feb. 10 , prosecutors said Stone deserved a prison term lasting seven to nine years , in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines .
Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses , the prosecutors said .
Stone , 67 , has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated .
He did not take the stand during his trial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his defense .
Stone 's defense team requested a new trial and had asked the judge to delay sentencing until she rules on that motion .
Earlier this week she refused .
Prosecutors had charged in the filing that Stone `` decided to double- and triple-down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful . ''
`` Stone 's actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment .
Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , '' prosecutors wrote in the court papers .
But Justice Department officials said they were caught off guard by the recommendation , even though Shea , the acting U.S. Attorney in Washington , D.C. , is a former top aide to Barr .
The attorney general ordered a new memorandum with a less harsh punishment , though it left provided no specifics and left the details to the judge .
Barr 's decision became public just hours after Trump , in an overnight tweet , called the situation `` horrible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Can not allow this miscarriage of justice ! ''
Barr later said in an ABC News interview that he had not been asked by Trump to look into the case .
In a stunning public rebuke , he said the president 's tweets were making it `` impossible '' for him to do his job .
Meanwhile , Barr 's actions on the sentencing for Stone prompted the entire trial team to quit .
The public debacle also prompted a rare statement from the Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public criticism or pressure is not a factor '' in judges ' sentencing decisions .
The evidence presented in the trial did n't directly address Mueller 's conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump 's favor .
But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Witnesses testified that Trump 's campaign viewed Stone as an `` access point '' to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton .
Prosecutors argued that Stone had lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico .
During the 2016 campaign , Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with founder Julian Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks ' plans .
Testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Intelligence Committee , named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him .
After Credico was contacted by Congress , he reached out to Stone , who told him he should `` stonewall it '' and `` plead the fifth , '' he testified .
Credico also testified during Stone 's trial that Stone repeatedly told him to `` do a 'Frank Pentangeli , ' '' a reference to a character in `` The Godfather : Part II '' who lies before Congress .
Prosecutors also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapy dog , Bianca , saying he was `` going to take that dog away from you . ''

Trump ally Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison
Roger Stone arrives Thursday for his sentencing at federal court in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Trump loyalist and ally Roger Stone was sentenced Thursday to 40 months in federal prison, following an extraordinary move by Attorney General William Barr to back off his Justice Department's original sentencing recommendation.
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone's crimes demanded a significant time behind bars, but she said the seven to nine years originally recommended by the Justice Department were excessive.
Stone's lawyers had asked for a sentence of probation, citing his age of 67 years, his health and his lack of criminal history.
Stone was convicted in November on all seven counts of an indictment that accused him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election.
Trump took to Twitter to denounce as a "miscarriage of justice" the initial recommendation by Justice Department prosecutors that Stone receive at least seven years in prison. Attorney General William Barr then backed off that recommendation, prompting four prosecutors to quit Stone's case.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said during the hearing that Stone's use of social media to stoke public sentiment against the prosecution and the court was intended to reach a wide audience, including using a photo of Jackson with crosshairs superimposed.
"This is intolerable to the administration of justice," Jackson said.
"Why are you the one who is standing here today?" Jackson asked federal prosecutor John Crabb, who took over the case after the original trial team quit.
Crabb said there had been a "miscommunication" between Barr and Timothy Shea, the former Barr aide who now serves as the acting U.S. Attorney in the nation's capital.
Crabb asked the judge to impose "a substantial period of incarceration."
After Stone's attorney, Seth Ginsberg, repeated the defense team's plea that Stone get no prison time, Stone declined to address the court.
Outside the courthouse, a small crowd gathered. Two people held a large banner featuring a sketch of Stone and #PardonRogerStone emblazoned underneath. Next to it was a large multimedia figure of a rat constructed to look like Trump, with his distinctive red tie and hair.
Stone was convicted in November on a seven-count indictment that accused him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to tip the 2016 election.
He was the sixth Trump aide or adviser to be convicted of charges brought as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
Any jail sentence seems likely to draw a public rebuke from Trump, who maintains that Stone's entire case is just an aspect of the ongoing "witch hunt" against him and his allies by bitter Democrats and the "deep state" inside the FBI and the Justice Department.
Given Trump's recent clemency spree that saw him commute the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, as well as nearly a dozen others, there has been speculation that Trump could eventually pardon Stone.
"I haven't given it any thought ... but I think he's been treated very unfairly," Trump said this week. Overnight Thursday, Trump retweeted a conservative cable host's comment that what happened to Stone "should never happen again."
In Stone's initial sentencing memorandum filed Feb. 10, prosecutors said Stone deserved a prison term lasting seven to nine years, in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines. Such a sentence would send a message to deter others who might consider lying or obstructing a congressional probe or tampering with witnesses, the prosecutors said.
Stone, 67, has denied wrongdoing and consistently criticized the case against him as politically motivated. He did not take the stand during his trial and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his defense.
Stone's defense team requested a new trial and had asked the judge to delay sentencing until she rules on that motion. Earlier this week she refused.
Prosecutors had charged in the filing that Stone "decided to double- and triple-down on his criminal conduct by tampering with a witness for months in order to make sure his obstruction would be successful."
"Stone's actions were not a one-off mistake in judgment. Nor were his false statements made in the heat of the moment. They were nowhere close to that," prosecutors wrote in the court papers.
But Justice Department officials said they were caught off guard by the recommendation, even though Shea, the acting U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., is a former top aide to Barr. The attorney general ordered a new memorandum with a less harsh punishment, though it left provided no specifics and left the details to the judge.
Barr's decision became public just hours after Trump, in an overnight tweet, called the situation "horrible and very unfair." He added: "Cannot allow this miscarriage of justice!"
Barr later said in an ABC News interview that he had not been asked by Trump to look into the case. In a stunning public rebuke, he said the president's tweets were making it "impossible" for him to do his job. Meanwhile, Barr's actions on the sentencing for Stone prompted the entire trial team to quit.
The public debacle also prompted a rare statement from the Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court, Beryl A. Howell, who said "public criticism or pressure is not a factor" in judges' sentencing decisions.
The evidence presented in the trial didn't directly address Mueller's conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election in Trump's favor. But it provided new insight into the scramble inside the Trump campaign when it was revealed in July 2016 that the anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks was in possession of more than 19,000 emails hacked from the servers of the Democratic National Committee.
Witnesses testified that Trump's campaign viewed Stone as an "access point" to WikiLeaks and tried to use him to get advance word about hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Prosecutors argued that Stone had lied to Congress about his conversations about WikiLeaks with New York radio host and comedian Randy Credico.
During the 2016 campaign, Stone had mentioned in interviews and public appearances that he was in contact with founder Julian Assange through a trusted intermediary and hinted at inside knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans.
Testimony revealed that Stone, while appearing before the House Intelligence Committee, named Credico as his intermediary to Assange and pressured Credico not to contradict him.
After Credico was contacted by Congress, he reached out to Stone, who told him he should "stonewall it" and "plead the fifth," he testified. Credico also testified during Stone's trial that Stone repeatedly told him to "do a 'Frank Pentangeli,'" a reference to a character in "The Godfather: Part II" who lies before Congress.
Prosecutors also charged that Stone had threatened Credico's therapy dog, Bianca, saying he was "going to take that dog away from you."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--New fallout for McHenry County Board Chair Franks over investigation

McHenry County Board members and members of the public took County Board Chairman Jack Franks to task Tuesday over a recently disclosed Illinois State Police investigation into alleged misconduct .
Several of Franks ' political adversaries called for reducing the role of the chairman in a new ethics ordinance and questioned whether he should face any restrictions in light of his being banned from entering the state Capitol building without a police escort .
`` I am sure you agree the egregious allegations placed upon you , Mr. Chairman , are most disturbing , '' said District 2 board member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a way to clear your name , Jack , and remove the dark cloud bestowed upon this board and the people of McHenry County . ''
After being in limbo for months , board members took action at its Tuesday meeting on a new ethics ordinance mandated by state statute .
These state-mandated rules include bans on engaging in prohibited political activity and accepting gifts from prohibited sources .
However , District 6 board member Jim Kearns sought to amend a portion of the ordinance stating that an ethics commission shall be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county board chairman with the advice and consent of board members .
Kearns suggested the authority to select candidates should not fall to the chairman , but instead to the law and government and liquor committee -- a proposal later amended to provide that authority to the administrative services committee .
Franks questioned the legality of the decision because it would take a power from an independent elected official , but the board approved the amended ethics ordinance by a 22-1 vote .
Details of the investigation emerged Jan. 31 , when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Freedom of Information Act request from the Chicago Sun-Times .
According to the warrant , a judge had found probable cause to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and stalking against Franks , who was a Democratic state representative from 1999 to 2017 .
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan 's office later said it received a complaint from a female employee in 2018 about alleged sexual harassment by a former state representative , investigated and found the complaint credible .
Madigan 's office said appropriate law enforcement agencies were informed in 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ January at the speaker 's office to expedite receipt of documents related to the allegations against Franks .
Franks has said he was notified in writing about the allegations in 2019 and issued a full denial .
He has not been charged with any wrongdoing and has maintained he did nothing wrong .
In response to the allegations , Madigan said he asked Illinois Secretary of State Police to ban Franks from entering the Capitol without an escort .
District 4 board member Chuck Wheeler said he thought the county board should discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county level .
That position was echoed by several people who spoke at Tuesday 's meeting .
Mike Buehler , a Republican candidate for board chairman , said he was not passing judgment about the allegations , but felt it was important for the board to ask three questions : why was n't the county board immediately notified by Madigan or the Sangamon County state 's attorney about the statehouse restrictions against Franks ; why did n't Franks notify the board of the restrictions immediately after he was made aware ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buehler said it would be a disservice to conduct business as usual without answers that residents have the right to know .
Several other residents said if the same allegations against Franks were brought up against teachers or law enforcement , they would be asked to step down or be placed on leave .
Therefore , it would n't be unreasonable to ask the same from Franks .
Franks did not address any public comments at the meeting .

New fallout for McHenry County Board Chair Franks over investigation
McHenry County Board chairman Jack Franks listens to public comment Feb. 13 during a county board committee of the whole meeting at the McHenry County Administration Building in Woodstock. Matthew Apgar/Shaw Media
McHenry County Board members and members of the public took County Board Chairman Jack Franks to task Tuesday over a recently disclosed Illinois State Police investigation into alleged misconduct.
Several of Franks' political adversaries called for reducing the role of the chairman in a new ethics ordinance and questioned whether he should face any restrictions in light of his being banned from entering the state Capitol building without a police escort.
"I am sure you agree the egregious allegations placed upon you, Mr. Chairman, are most disturbing," said District 2 board member John Reinert. "I hope you find a way to clear your name, Jack, and remove the dark cloud bestowed upon this board and the people of McHenry County."
After being in limbo for months, board members took action at its Tuesday meeting on a new ethics ordinance mandated by state statute. These state-mandated rules include bans on engaging in prohibited political activity and accepting gifts from prohibited sources.
However, District 6 board member Jim Kearns sought to amend a portion of the ordinance stating that an ethics commission shall be composed of five members appointed by the county board chairman with the advice and consent of board members.
Kearns suggested the authority to select candidates should not fall to the chairman, but instead to the law and government and liquor committee -- a proposal later amended to provide that authority to the administrative services committee.
Franks questioned the legality of the decision because it would take a power from an independent elected official, but the board approved the amended ethics ordinance by a 22-1 vote.
Details of the investigation emerged Jan. 31, when a search warrant was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Chicago Sun-Times. According to the warrant, a judge had found probable cause to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and stalking against Franks, who was a Democratic state representative from 1999 to 2017.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's office later said it received a complaint from a female employee in 2018 about alleged sexual harassment by a former state representative, investigated and found the complaint credible. Madigan's office said appropriate law enforcement agencies were informed in 2019. State police executed a search warrant in January at the speaker's office to expedite receipt of documents related to the allegations against Franks.
Franks has said he was notified in writing about the allegations in 2019 and issued a full denial. He has not been charged with any wrongdoing and has maintained he did nothing wrong.
In response to the allegations, Madigan said he asked Illinois Secretary of State Police to ban Franks from entering the Capitol without an escort.
District 4 board member Chuck Wheeler said he thought the county board should discuss imposing those same restrictions against Franks at the county level. That position was echoed by several people who spoke at Tuesday's meeting.
Mike Buehler, a Republican candidate for board chairman, said he was not passing judgment about the allegations, but felt it was important for the board to ask three questions: why wasn't the county board immediately notified by Madigan or the Sangamon County state's attorney about the statehouse restrictions against Franks; why didn't Franks notify the board of the restrictions immediately after he was made aware; and can Franks be effective as chairman?
Buehler said it would be a disservice to conduct business as usual without answers that residents have the right to know.
Several other residents said if the same allegations against Franks were brought up against teachers or law enforcement, they would be asked to step down or be placed on leave. Therefore, it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask the same from Franks.
Franks did not address any public comments at the meeting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Analysis: Rod Blagojevich is out of prison thanks to a kind of mercy he rarely showed as governor

As a newly minted member of the Illinois General Assembly in 2007 , Rep. LaShawn Ford of Chicago remembers his first bill : a proposal to eliminate from state job applications the question asking if someone had ever been convicted of a nonviolent crime .
Then-Gov .
Rod Blagojevich , D , vetoed it .
The veto was one of the many choices Blagojevich 's critics now cite as part of his dismal track record on criminal-justice reform while governor , an office from which he was later impeached and removed and ultimately convicted of leveraging for financial gain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his 14-year prison sentence .
Blagojevich 's history on criminal justice is especially striking now that he 's received the mercy he rarely showed others as the state 's top executive -- a commutation Tuesday from President Donald Trump .
`` He did not do a lot of his pardons as he should have , '' Ford told The Washington Post on Wednesday as he reflected on Blagojevich 's tenure and commutation .
`` Nevertheless , in this instance , two wrongs do n't make a right . ''
Ford 's reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blagojevich commutation .
Even when Trump grants clemency to polarizing figures like his ally , former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio , reactions are neatly split along a partisan line ; with Blagojevich , he 's alienated members of his own party but has been embraced by Trump supporters who see him as an extension of the president .
His commutation has angered anti-corruption advocates but drawn approval from those seeking a less-punitive justice system -- including criminal-justice advocates who rebuked his actions as governor .
`` I think that we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it gets dispensed more evenly , '' Steven Drizin , co-director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions in Chicago , told The Post .
Nonetheless , he noted that the harm Blagojevich caused during his time as governor , particularly his delays in taking clemency action , earned him the nickname `` Backlog Blagojevich . ''
According to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board , Blagojevich took action on less than 25 percent of clemency petitions filed while he was governor , NBC Chicago reported in 2016 -- 13 years after the backlog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felony records went as far as suing Blagojevich over his inaction on clemency requests .
Drizin represented several people who were affected by the backlog , which eventually took the two successive gubernatorial administrations to clear .
`` There were 'actual innocence ' petitions that some of our clients needed to get compensation for all the years they wrongfully spent in prison , and even those were stalled , '' Drizin said .
It got so bad that state lawmakers , still during Blagojevich 's tenure , created a workaround process for granting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor 's office was so ineffective .
`` It takes a certain amount of courage to grant commutations , especially in cases involving serious crimes .
And Governor Blagojevich did n't have that kind of courage , '' he said .
By the time Blagojevich was finally forced from office in 2009 , he was broadly disliked by both parties , and time has done little to soften the feelings of many Illinois lawmakers .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , D , criticized the commutation of his sentence as `` an inexplicable way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and condone corruption , '' while Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin said Blagojevich as governor was `` rogue on steroids '' and suggested Trump 's decision was evidence he did n't care about appealing to Illinois voters in November .
Ford said Blagojevich 's embrace of Trump is easy to understand considering he left office spurned by his own party .
`` He said he 's a 'Trumpocrat ' now , '' Ford said , quoting Blagojevich .
`` He feels like the Democrats put him in jail . ''
Ford was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of impeaching Blagojevich in 2009 , but he said there was no reason taxpayers should be paying for him to remain in prison after eight years .
`` I think he should be home with his family and with his daughters and his wife , '' Ford said .
Blagojevich and his wife , Patti , have long decried his 14-year sentence as excessive and unfair ; they also maintain Blagojevich did nothing wrong .
A jury convicted him in 2009 of crimes including his attempt to sell then-President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest bidder and his shakedown of a children 's hospital executive and a racetrack owner for campaign donations .
The sentence was long and yet not extraordinary for federal prison sentences .
Looking at the length alone `` ignores the deeper motivations of the chief executive , '' Northwestern University law professor Juliet Sorensen told The Post .
Sorensen , a former assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago who focused on fraud and public corruption , said Blagojevich 's commutation lacks the signatures of neutral clemency decisions -- situations in which a president acts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve a broader policy goal , like commuting low-level drug offenses .
`` What seems to be done is a sort of relationship-based personal choice , '' Sorensen said .
Trump and Blagojevich first met in 2010 on the set of `` Celebrity Apprentice '' when Blagojevich was a contestant .
Trump fired the ex-governor but praised his tenacity in fighting his critics .
Outside his home Wednesday , Blagojevich adopted a posture Trump has taken before , casting himself as an underdog fighting a corrupt criminal justice system and unfair federal prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of kindness '' and claimed the president and his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner have done more for criminal-justice reform than anyone else .
`` They both feel they were wronged by the criminal-justice system , '' Ford said of Trump and Blagojevich .
The president has railed against the Justice Department ever since his own misconduct was probed during last year 's Mueller investigation .
`` They can sing from the same hymn [ sheet ] that the criminal justice system was unfair . ''
Ford suggested that if Blagojevich truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act as a nonpartisan citizen who advocates for criminal-justice reform .
`` He should take a page from Gov .
[ George ] Ryan , '' Ford said , invoking Blagojevich 's predecessor .
Ryan served prison time and returned home -- and has largely avoided the limelight .

Analysis: Rod Blagojevich is out of prison thanks to a kind of mercy he rarely showed as governor
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, left, is joined by his wife, Patti, daughters Annie and Amy at a news conference outside his home Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, in Chicago. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump commuted Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence for political corruption. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
As a newly minted member of the Illinois General Assembly in 2007, Rep. LaShawn Ford of Chicago remembers his first bill: a proposal to eliminate from state job applications the question asking if someone had ever been convicted of a nonviolent crime. Then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, D, vetoed it.
The veto was one of the many choices Blagojevich's critics now cite as part of his dismal track record on criminal-justice reform while governor, an office from which he was later impeached and removed and ultimately convicted of leveraging for financial gain in a 2009 political corruption trial that led to his 14-year prison sentence. Blagojevich's history on criminal justice is especially striking now that he's received the mercy he rarely showed others as the state's top executive -- a commutation Tuesday from President Donald Trump.
"He did not do a lot of his pardons as he should have," Ford told The Washington Post on Wednesday as he reflected on Blagojevich's tenure and commutation. "Nevertheless, in this instance, two wrongs don't make a right."
Ford's reaction captures the complexity of the response to the Blagojevich commutation. Even when Trump grants clemency to polarizing figures like his ally, former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio, reactions are neatly split along a partisan line; with Blagojevich, he's alienated members of his own party but has been embraced by Trump supporters who see him as an extension of the president. His commutation has angered anti-corruption advocates but drawn approval from those seeking a less-punitive justice system -- including criminal-justice advocates who rebuked his actions as governor.
"I think that we need more mercy with the criminal-justice system and that it gets dispensed more evenly," Steven Drizin, co-director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions in Chicago, told The Post. Nonetheless, he noted that the harm Blagojevich caused during his time as governor, particularly his delays in taking clemency action, earned him the nickname "Backlog Blagojevich."
According to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, Blagojevich took action on less than 25 percent of clemency petitions filed while he was governor, NBC Chicago reported in 2016 -- 13 years after the backlog began. A group of Illinoisans with felony records went as far as suing Blagojevich over his inaction on clemency requests.
Drizin represented several people who were affected by the backlog, which eventually took the two successive gubernatorial administrations to clear.
"There were 'actual innocence' petitions that some of our clients needed to get compensation for all the years they wrongfully spent in prison, and even those were stalled," Drizin said. It got so bad that state lawmakers, still during Blagojevich's tenure, created a workaround process for granting the ultimate forms of expungement because the governor's office was so ineffective.
"It takes a certain amount of courage to grant commutations, especially in cases involving serious crimes. And Governor Blagojevich didn't have that kind of courage," he said.
By the time Blagojevich was finally forced from office in 2009, he was broadly disliked by both parties, and time has done little to soften the feelings of many Illinois lawmakers. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D, criticized the commutation of his sentence as "an inexplicable way to reward [Trump's] friends and condone corruption," while Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin said Blagojevich as governor was "rogue on steroids" and suggested Trump's decision was evidence he didn't care about appealing to Illinois voters in November.
Ford said Blagojevich's embrace of Trump is easy to understand considering he left office spurned by his own party.
"He said he's a 'Trumpocrat' now," Ford said, quoting Blagojevich. "He feels like the Democrats put him in jail."
Ford was among the 114 state representatives who voted in favor of impeaching Blagojevich in 2009, but he said there was no reason taxpayers should be paying for him to remain in prison after eight years.
"I think he should be home with his family and with his daughters and his wife," Ford said.
Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, have long decried his 14-year sentence as excessive and unfair; they also maintain Blagojevich did nothing wrong. A jury convicted him in 2009 of crimes including his attempt to sell then-President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder and his shakedown of a children's hospital executive and a racetrack owner for campaign donations.
The sentence was long and yet not extraordinary for federal prison sentences. Looking at the length alone "ignores the deeper motivations of the chief executive," Northwestern University law professor Juliet Sorensen told The Post. Sorensen, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago who focused on fraud and public corruption, said Blagojevich's commutation lacks the signatures of neutral clemency decisions -- situations in which a president acts to correct a dubious conviction or to serve a broader policy goal, like commuting low-level drug offenses.
"What seems to be done is a sort of relationship-based personal choice," Sorensen said.
Trump and Blagojevich first met in 2010 on the set of "Celebrity Apprentice" when Blagojevich was a contestant. Trump fired the ex-governor but praised his tenacity in fighting his critics. Outside his home Wednesday, Blagojevich adopted a posture Trump has taken before, casting himself as an underdog fighting a corrupt criminal justice system and unfair federal prosecutors.
Blagojevich praised Trump's "act of kindness" and claimed the president and his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner have done more for criminal-justice reform than anyone else.
"They both feel they were wronged by the criminal-justice system," Ford said of Trump and Blagojevich. The president has railed against the Justice Department ever since his own misconduct was probed during last year's Mueller investigation. "They can sing from the same hymn [sheet] that the criminal justice system was unfair."
Ford suggested that if Blagojevich truly wants to redeem himself, he should act as a nonpartisan citizen who advocates for criminal-justice reform.
"He should take a page from Gov. [George] Ryan," Ford said, invoking Blagojevich's predecessor. Ryan served prison time and returned home -- and has largely avoided the limelight.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Fired Chicago Police superintendent getting $190,000 pension

Chicago 's former police chief has been receiving a pension of more than $ 15,800 a month since the mayor fired him for allegedly lying about a night he was found asleep in his city-issued SUV , according to a newspaper report .
Eddie Johnson was awarded the pension by the Policemen 's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago , the Chicago Tribune reported , citing records it obtained under Illinois ' Freedom of Information Act .
The pension adds up to nearly $ 190,000 annually , or 75 % of his average salary of just over $ 253,000 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Police Department .
Johnson was named superintendent by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March 2016 and he was confirmed by the City Council the following month .
Current Mayor Lori Lightfoot fired him in December .
Johnson , 59 , blamed medication for making him drowsy before he was found asleep in his SUV , but subsequent media reports disclosed that the married superintendent had been drinking for hours and kissing a woman on his security detail , and that the responding officers took steps to keep it secret .
Pensions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by looking at their highest average salary over their peak four-year period with the department .
Those with CPD for more than 29 years are entitled to 75 % of that peak salary .
Johnson was a 31-year veteran of the department .
On Jan. 1 , 2021 , Johnson will be eligible to receive a post-retirement , cost-of-living increase of more than $ 5,600 for that year , according to the records reviewed by the newspaper .

Fired Chicago Police superintendent getting $190,000 pension
Former Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson is receiving a monthly pension of more than $15,800, a report Thursday said. Johnson, who was fired by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in December after she said he lied to her after a late weeknight in which he was found asleep in his city-issued SUV near his home, was awarded the pension by the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing records it obtained under Illinois' Freedom of Information Act. Associated PRess/Oct. 28, 2019
Chicago's former police chief has been receiving a pension of more than $15,800 a month since the mayor fired him for allegedly lying about a night he was found asleep in his city-issued SUV, according to a newspaper report.
Eddie Johnson was awarded the pension by the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing records it obtained under Illinois' Freedom of Information Act.
The pension adds up to nearly $190,000 annually, or 75% of his average salary of just over $253,000 per year during his final four years with the Chicago Police Department.
Johnson was named superintendent by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March 2016 and he was confirmed by the City Council the following month. Current Mayor Lori Lightfoot fired him in December.
Johnson, 59, blamed medication for making him drowsy before he was found asleep in his SUV, but subsequent media reports disclosed that the married superintendent had been drinking for hours and kissing a woman on his security detail, and that the responding officers took steps to keep it secret.
Pensions for Chicago police command staffers are generally calculated by looking at their highest average salary over their peak four-year period with the department. Those with CPD for more than 29 years are entitled to 75% of that peak salary. Johnson was a 31-year veteran of the department.
On Jan. 1, 2021, Johnson will be eligible to receive a post-retirement, cost-of-living increase of more than $5,600 for that year, according to the records reviewed by the newspaper.
Johnson did not return messages seeking comment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Best off-season move is Fire taking games to WGN-TV

Quick , name the best move the Chicago Fire has made this off-season .
No , not the signing of 19-year-old Argentine winger Ignacio Aliseda as a young designated player .
In fact this move matters more than any other player signing by the Fire this season .
Maybe if Chicharito had come to Chicago we could say otherwise .
Yes , putting the Fire 's local broadcasts on WGN is a big deal .
It will put 24 of the club 's 34 games this season on local TV , 18 in prime time .
The other 10 games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still wo n't come close to filling 61,500-seat Soldier Field , but it should help down the line put a few more bodies in the seats .
If only the Fire had been on WGN the past few years -- and , you know , won a playoff game occasionally -- maybe it would n't have felt a need to abandon SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview .
This puts the Fire in front of more Chicago-area eyeballs than streaming only on ESPN+ ever could .
Showing games only online was a mistake .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many fans or would-be fans the past two seasons .
New owner Joe Mansueto realized it immediately and did something about it , to his credit .
This is a club that needs to make peace with its supporters groups and find a way to attract new fans .
It does n't matter whether they are Europhiles who prefer La Liga or the Premier League , Chicago millennials who prefer to take public transportation to games or ( gasp ! )
suburbanites , even if they will find it more difficult and costly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games on free airwaves can only help .
It might even offset the off-season club rebrand , as popular with supporters as the flu .
Yes , this might mean more even than belatedly hiring sporting director Georg Heitz and coach Raphael Wicky in late December , especially if they do n't have more success than the last few Fire technical staffs .
Still to be announced are the names of the new TV voices of the club .
The club let go popular play-by-play man and all-around good guy Dan Kelly last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former coach and technical director Frank Klopas , returned to the sidelines as an assistant to Wicky .
This is not the icing on the cake for the Fire .
There is a lot of work yet to be done to make the club relevant again in Chicago and in Major League Soccer .
But it sure is good to point to a smart move and hope it becomes a trend .

Best off-season move is Fire taking games to WGN-TV
Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto has moved his team to Soldier Field and its televised games to WGN. Courtesy of Chicago Fire
Quick, name the best move the Chicago Fire has made this off-season.
Hint: The club announced it Wednesday.
No, not the signing of 19-year-old Argentine winger Ignacio Aliseda as a young designated player. In fact this move matters more than any other player signing by the Fire this season. Maybe if Chicharito had come to Chicago we could say otherwise.
Yes, putting the Fire's local broadcasts on WGN is a big deal. It will put 24 of the club's 34 games this season on local TV, 18 in prime time. The other 10 games will be televised nationally.
The Fire still won't come close to filling 61,500-seat Soldier Field, but it should help down the line put a few more bodies in the seats. If only the Fire had been on WGN the past few years -- and, you know, won a playoff game occasionally -- maybe it wouldn't have felt a need to abandon SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
This puts the Fire in front of more Chicago-area eyeballs than streaming only on ESPN+ ever could. Showing games only online was a mistake. It put the team out of view of many fans or would-be fans the past two seasons. New owner Joe Mansueto realized it immediately and did something about it, to his credit.
This is a club that needs to make peace with its supporters groups and find a way to attract new fans. It doesn't matter whether they are Europhiles who prefer La Liga or the Premier League, Chicago millennials who prefer to take public transportation to games or (gasp!) suburbanites, even if they will find it more difficult and costly to get to games downtown.
Putting games on free airwaves can only help.
It might even offset the off-season club rebrand, as popular with supporters as the flu.
Yes, this might mean more even than belatedly hiring sporting director Georg Heitz and coach Raphael Wicky in late December, especially if they don't have more success than the last few Fire technical staffs.
Still to be announced are the names of the new TV voices of the club. The club let go popular play-by-play man and all-around good guy Dan Kelly last fall after 10 seasons. His partner, former coach and technical director Frank Klopas, returned to the sidelines as an assistant to Wicky.
This is not the icing on the cake for the Fire. There is a lot of work yet to be done to make the club relevant again in Chicago and in Major League Soccer.
But it sure is good to point to a smart move and hope it becomes a trend.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Pritzker stumps for higher education budget at UIC

SPRINGFIELD -- One day after delivering his budget proposal to the General Assembly in Springfield , Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker was in Chicago on Thursday rounding up support for his proposed increases in higher education funding .
Speaking at the University of Illinois at Chicago , Pritzker highlighted his proposal of a 5 percent increase in general operating funds for the state 's colleges and universities along with a $ 27 million infusion into the financially-troubled College Illinois pre-paid tuition program ; a $ 50 million increase in funding for the Monetary Award Program grants for lower-income students ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advanced Placement testing fees for lower-income high school students .
`` It puts college students front and center , and it builds on the historic investments and improvements that we 've made to strengthen our higher education system , '' Pritzker said .
But his speech was n't just about rounding up support for his budget plan .
It was also a pitch for support of a constitutional amendment to overhaul the state 's income tax system , because without that , most of those funding increases are unlikely to happen .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reserve until we know the fate of the constitutional amendment that would change our tax structure to treat working families more fairly , '' Pritzker said .
The proposed state constitutional amendment , on which voters will decide in the November general election , would do away with the current `` flat '' tax rate of 4.95 percent and give lawmakers authority to adopt what 's called a graduated tax structure that levies higher tax rates on higher levels of income .
Lawmakers have already passed a bill , which Pritzker signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates would be starting Jan. 1 , 2021 , if the amendment is approved .
Most tax filers would pay the same or slightly lower rates while upper income filers -- individuals with incomes over $ 250,000 a year -- would pay higher rates .
State revenue officials estimate that the tax would generate about $ 3.6 billion a year in new revenue , including about $ 1.4 billion for the final six months of the next fiscal year , January through June 2021 .
Pritzker said the proposed increase in operating funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the increase in funding for MAP grants and the College Illinois program would help make college more affordable for working families .
Speaking at UIC on Thursday , Pritzker made a special pitch for College Illinois , a program launched in 1993 that allowed families to sign contracts and prepay tuition for their children and grandchildren .
It was predicated on the idea that their money would be invested and earnings on their investments would outpace future tuition increases .
`` Unfortunately , the program 's advocates did n't forecast that tuition increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades later we find ourselves in a place where the program and its promises will be insolvent in the next six years , '' Pritzker said .
College Illinois stopped signing new contracts in 2017 .
According to the most recent financial report , the program has an unfunded liability of $ 317 million .
Republican lawmakers , who oppose that graduated tax plan , also have been harshly critical of that strategy , arguing Pritzker should have submitted a budget based on current law , not on `` hypothetical '' revenues that @ @ @ @ @ @

Pritzker stumps for higher education budget at UIC
Courtesy of Illinois.govGov. J.B. Pritzker speaks about his proposed budget for higher education during an event Thursday at the University of Illinois at Chicago, accompanied by UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis.
SPRINGFIELD -- One day after delivering his budget proposal to the General Assembly in Springfield, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker was in Chicago on Thursday rounding up support for his proposed increases in higher education funding.
Speaking at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Pritzker highlighted his proposal of a 5 percent increase in general operating funds for the state's colleges and universities along with a $27 million infusion into the financially-troubled College Illinois pre-paid tuition program; a $50 million increase in funding for the Monetary Award Program grants for lower-income students; and $2.5 million to defray the Advanced Placement testing fees for lower-income high school students.
"It puts college students front and center, and it builds on the historic investments and improvements that we've made to strengthen our higher education system," Pritzker said.
But his speech wasn't just about rounding up support for his budget plan. It was also a pitch for support of a constitutional amendment to overhaul the state's income tax system, because without that, most of those funding increases are unlikely to happen.
"Some of this funding must be held in reserve until we know the fate of the constitutional amendment that would change our tax structure to treat working families more fairly," Pritzker said.
The proposed state constitutional amendment, on which voters will decide in the November general election, would do away with the current "flat" tax rate of 4.95 percent and give lawmakers authority to adopt what's called a graduated tax structure that levies higher tax rates on higher levels of income.
Lawmakers have already passed a bill, which Pritzker signed last year, setting out what those rates would be starting Jan. 1, 2021, if the amendment is approved. Most tax filers would pay the same or slightly lower rates while upper income filers -- individuals with incomes over $250,000 a year -- would pay higher rates.
State revenue officials estimate that the tax would generate about $3.6 billion a year in new revenue, including about $1.4 billion for the final six months of the next fiscal year, January through June 2021.
Pritzker said the proposed increase in operating funds would help hold down tuition rates while the increase in funding for MAP grants and the College Illinois program would help make college more affordable for working families.
Speaking at UIC on Thursday, Pritzker made a special pitch for College Illinois, a program launched in 1993 that allowed families to sign contracts and prepay tuition for their children and grandchildren. It was predicated on the idea that their money would be invested and earnings on their investments would outpace future tuition increases.
"Unfortunately, the program's advocates didn't forecast that tuition increases would outstrip market returns, and two decades later we find ourselves in a place where the program and its promises will be insolvent in the next six years," Pritzker said.
College Illinois stopped signing new contracts in 2017. According to the most recent financial report, the program has an unfunded liability of $317 million.
Republican lawmakers, who oppose that graduated tax plan, also have been harshly critical of that strategy, arguing Pritzker should have submitted a budget based on current law, not on "hypothetical" revenues that voters haven't yet approved.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--This Mundelein 6-year-old is done with leukemia. Classmates call him a superhero.

A sea of orange greeted a little boy and his family Thursday afternoon as students and staff members of Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein honored him as the leader of their Hero Squad .
The cheering assembly of 500 or more students was for Lucas Blanco , a 6-year-old first-grader at the Mundelein Elementary District 75 school who has spent half his life being treated for leukemia .
His last chemotherapy treatment was Feb. 14 , and his blood is cancer-free .
To celebrate the milestone that day , he rang a bell at Ann & Robert H. Lurie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is done with hospitals but not celebrations .
The assembly Thursday afternoon was perhaps the largest in the school 's history , Principal Jim Kallieris told the young students who fidgeted on the tile floor in the gym .
`` He does n't have to have any more treatments .
He 's all better , '' Kallieris explained in a talk often interrupted by applause from the young audience .
Many in the crowd were wearing orange , the color of leukemia awareness .
To Kallieris ' right in VIP folding chairs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monique , 9 , and his parents , Francisco Blanco and Sandy Melchor , who moved to the area last summer from Los Angeles .
`` You 're like a superhero , '' Kallieris told Lucas .
`` We 're so proud of you . ''
Besides well wishes for Lucas , the assembly was the culmination of a monthlong fundraising effort .
Students raised $ 12,577 for Pennies for Patients , an initiative of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to ensure that no child has to face cancer alone .
Funds are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support , and efforts to make treatments more accessible and affordable for families .
The idea is that the recipient has a Hero Squad cheering them on and providing support during their journey , hence the cape and hero theme .
The Blanco family received $ 4,577 -- the cash collected at Washington -- presented as an oversized novelty check .
Renee Albritton , who works with schools for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , was at Washington in January to start the effort and returned Thursday to wrap it up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` You all worked together to help Lucas and other kids like Lucas . ''
When Albritton initially contacted District 75 , she was put in touch with social worker Ashley Beres , who knows Lucas well .
`` He 's really strong .
He 's so friendly .
You would n't know ( he had leukemia ) unless you know , '' Beres said .
`` He does n't let it hold him back . ''
Indeed , a wide smile never left his face during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and letters of well wishes .
`` It 's amazing , '' Lucas said when all was said and done .
Melchor said high fevers and lower back pain initially alerted the family something might be wrong with Lucas .
The first year since his diagnosis involved frequent treatments and considerable hospital time .
Despite the situation , Lucas ' strength was contagious , his mother said .
`` He was always like a normal kid .
Never complained , '' she said .
And what of the assembly ?
`` Everything they @ @ @ @ @ @ @

This Mundelein 6-year-old is done with leukemia. Classmates call him a superhero.
A sea of orange greeted a little boy and his family Thursday afternoon as students and staff members of Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein honored him as the leader of their Hero Squad.
The cheering assembly of 500 or more students was for Lucas Blanco, a 6-year-old first-grader at the Mundelein Elementary District 75 school who has spent half his life being treated for leukemia.
His last chemotherapy treatment was Feb. 14, and his blood is cancer-free. To celebrate the milestone that day, he rang a bell at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Lucas is done with hospitals but not celebrations. The assembly Thursday afternoon was perhaps the largest in the school's history, Principal Jim Kallieris told the young students who fidgeted on the tile floor in the gym.
"He doesn't have to have any more treatments. He's all better," Kallieris explained in a talk often interrupted by applause from the young audience.
Many in the crowd were wearing orange, the color of leukemia awareness.
To Kallieris' right in VIP folding chairs were a cape-wearing Lucas, his sister, Monique, 9, and his parents, Francisco Blanco and Sandy Melchor, who moved to the area last summer from Los Angeles.
"You're like a superhero," Kallieris told Lucas. "We're so proud of you."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Lucas Blanco, 6, a first-grader at Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein, makes like a superhero during an assembly Thursday to celebrate his last chemotherapy treatment for leukemia.
Besides well wishes for Lucas, the assembly was the culmination of a monthlong fundraising effort. Students raised $12,577 for Pennies for Patients, an initiative of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to ensure that no child has to face cancer alone. Funds are invested in cancer research, patient education and support, and efforts to make treatments more accessible and affordable for families.
The idea is that the recipient has a Hero Squad cheering them on and providing support during their journey, hence the cape and hero theme.
The Blanco family received $4,577 -- the cash collected at Washington -- presented as an oversized novelty check.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Lucas Blanco, 6, celebrates during an assembly held in his honor Thursday at Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein. With him are his parents, Francisco Blanco and Sandy Melchor.
Renee Albritton, who works with schools for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, was at Washington in January to start the effort and returned Thursday to wrap it up.
"You kids made a huge difference," she said. "You all worked together to help Lucas and other kids like Lucas."
When Albritton initially contacted District 75, she was put in touch with social worker Ashley Beres, who knows Lucas well.
"He's really strong. He's so friendly. You wouldn't know (he had leukemia) unless you know," Beres said. "He doesn't let it hold him back."
Indeed, a wide smile never left his face during the festivities, which included some testimonial videos and letters of well wishes.
"It's amazing," Lucas said when all was said and done.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Lucas Blanco, 6, gets a kiss from his mother, Sandy Melchor, after being honored by his classmates Thursday during a school assembly to mark his last chemotherapy treatment for leukemia. The event was held at Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein.
Melchor said high fevers and lower back pain initially alerted the family something might be wrong with Lucas. The first year since his diagnosis involved frequent treatments and considerable hospital time.
Despite the situation, Lucas' strength was contagious, his mother said.
"He was always like a normal kid. Never complained," she said.
And what of the assembly?
"Everything they did -- it was amazing."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Police leaders say a new state law is leading to less training for officers

Call it the law of unintended consequences .
The law in this case -- House Bill 4594 , aka The Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act -- was billed as a much-needed check on escalating court fees that can trap lower-income defendants in the criminal justice system simply because they can not afford to pay , costing them opportunities for jobs , transportation and even housing .
Passed by the General Assembly in May 2018 and signed three months later by then-Gov .
Bruce Rauner , the law as of July 1 , 2019 , allows judges to waive or reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on their incomes .
Now , less than a year later , law enforcement leaders across the state say the measure is costing them millions of dollars needed to put new hires through the police academy , train officers in new skills and keep the rank-and-file updated on the latest changes in the law .
`` Classes are being canceled and our mobile training units have been asked to consider plans to shut down due to the funding shortage , '' said Jim Kaitschuk , executive director of the Illinois Sheriff 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less safe and puts officers at risk .
It should not come to this .
Illinois owes its first responders the training they need to answer the call . ''
Even after graduating from the police academy , police officers must undergo hundreds of hours of additional training to take on certain assignments , such as homicide investigation or crime-scene processing , or simply keep up with the latest technologies and laws .
Much of that training is provided through the state 's 15 `` Mobile Training Units '' or MTUs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their region to teach courses on everything from crisis intervention to juvenile law .
While the MTUs receive membership dues and tuition , a significant portion of their funding comes from fees imposed in criminal cases .
Now , that money is dwindling , even as the state imposes more mandatory training on police officers , law enforcement leaders say .
Tom Reasoner , director of the North East Multi-Regional Training program based in North Aurora , said his group `` could stand to lose about $ 770,000 , which would have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do . ''
NEMRT , one of the state 's MTUs , conducts about 760 classes a year for police departments in Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry and Kendall counties .
Since the fee law went into effect last summer , Reasoner said , funding for training statewide has fallen by nearly $ 2.4 million .
NEMRT relies on those fees for more than a third of its budget , he said .
Barring a change , the loss of funding will mean fewer classes and training opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not able to run these classes , the officers are not able to get their mandated training , '' Reasoner said .
And suburban police departments are losing funding to put recent hires through the police academy and for training opportunities .
`` We 've really relied on organizations like NEMRT to supply training at a reasonable cost , '' Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko told us Wednesday .
Filenko said he 's already met with his village 's mayor about adjusting the budget to account for the lost money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our ability to purchase new equipment , to replace squad cars , '' Filenko said .
`` It has a domino effect . ''
The Illinois Sheriffs ' Association and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police are asking the General Assembly and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to provide emergency funding to end what they say is a $ 5 million funding shortfall for police training .
`` We expect our officers to be ready to respond to the complexities of society , but we have to provide them with the training and professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed Wojcicki , executive director of the police chiefs association .
`` Preparedness requires resources , and we think everyone can agree that providing first responders with necessary training should be prioritized this session . ''
New second in command Congratulations to Edmond F. Moore , who was promoted Tuesday to DuPage County undersheriff .
Moore has worked for the county for 24 years , including stints as a corrections officer , a detective , a sergeant in the gangs and patrol units , and chief of the administrative bureau .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to further serving the Office in my new role , '' Moore said in an announcement of his promotion .
`` I 've had an amazing career serving the citizens of DuPage County , and I thank the Sheriff for trusting me with my new responsibilities . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Police leaders say a new state law is leading to less training for officers
Law enforcement leaders say training opportunities for officers, like this simulated hostage situation in Vernon Hills, could drastically decline as a result of a recently enacted state law. Daily Herald File Photo, 2016
Call it the law of unintended consequences.
The law in this case -- House Bill 4594, aka The Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act -- was billed as a much-needed check on escalating court fees that can trap lower-income defendants in the criminal justice system simply because they cannot afford to pay, costing them opportunities for jobs, transportation and even housing.
Passed by the General Assembly in May 2018 and signed three months later by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, the law as of July 1, 2019, allows judges to waive or reduce some court fees and fines for defendants based on their incomes.
Now, less than a year later, law enforcement leaders across the state say the measure is costing them millions of dollars needed to put new hires through the police academy, train officers in new skills and keep the rank-and-file updated on the latest changes in the law.
"Classes are being canceled and our mobile training units have been asked to consider plans to shut down due to the funding shortage," said Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Sheriff's Association. "This makes our communities less safe and puts officers at risk. It should not come to this. Illinois owes its first responders the training they need to answer the call."
'Domino effect'
Even after graduating from the police academy, police officers must undergo hundreds of hours of additional training to take on certain assignments, such as homicide investigation or crime-scene processing, or simply keep up with the latest technologies and laws.
Much of that training is provided through the state's 15 "Mobile Training Units" or MTUs. The units' instructors travel to departments within their region to teach courses on everything from crisis intervention to juvenile law.
While the MTUs receive membership dues and tuition, a significant portion of their funding comes from fees imposed in criminal cases. Now, that money is dwindling, even as the state imposes more mandatory training on police officers, law enforcement leaders say.
Tom Reasoner, director of the North East Multi-Regional Training program based in North Aurora, said his group "could stand to lose about $770,000, which would have a great effect on the kind of training we do." NEMRT, one of the state's MTUs, conducts about 760 classes a year for police departments in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Kendall counties.
Since the fee law went into effect last summer, Reasoner said, funding for training statewide has fallen by nearly $2.4 million. NEMRT relies on those fees for more than a third of its budget, he said.
Barring a change, the loss of funding will mean fewer classes and training opportunities for suburban cops.
"If we're not able to run these classes, the officers are not able to get their mandated training," Reasoner said.
And suburban police departments are losing funding to put recent hires through the police academy and for training opportunities.
"We've really relied on organizations like NEMRT to supply training at a reasonable cost," Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko told us Wednesday.
George Filenko -
Filenko said he's already met with his village's mayor about adjusting the budget to account for the lost money.
"It's going to affect our ability to purchase new equipment, to replace squad cars," Filenko said. "It has a domino effect."
What now?
The Illinois Sheriffs' Association and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police are asking the General Assembly and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to provide emergency funding to end what they say is a $5 million funding shortfall for police training.
"We expect our officers to be ready to respond to the complexities of society, but we have to provide them with the training and professional development to be prepared," said Ed Wojcicki, executive director of the police chiefs association. "Preparedness requires resources, and we think everyone can agree that providing first responders with necessary training should be prioritized this session."
New second in command
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, left, promotes Edmond F. Moore to undersheriff. - DuPage County Sheriff's Office
Congratulations to Edmond F. Moore, who was promoted Tuesday to DuPage County undersheriff. The post had been vacant since before Sheriff James Mendrick won election in November 2018.
Moore has worked for the county for 24 years, including stints as a corrections officer, a detective, a sergeant in the gangs and patrol units, and chief of the administrative bureau.
"I am humbled by my appointment and look forward to further serving the Office in my new role," Moore said in an announcement of his promotion. "I've had an amazing career serving the citizens of DuPage County, and I thank the Sheriff for trusting me with my new responsibilities."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--New restaurants, from chains to mom-and-pop, set to open in Rolling Meadows

A bevy of new restaurants , from chains to mom-and-pop and sit-down to fast casual , are coming to Rolling Meadows in 2020 , city officials say .
`` We have a number of restaurants coming online , which is very good , filling smaller vacancies throughout the city , '' said Martha Corner , the city 's business advocate who works as a liaison to local businesses .
`` It 's very exciting to see these doors opening soon . ''
• Already open , Sabroso Authentic Mexican restaurant replaces the old Pepe 's at 5153 New Wilke Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new menu and updated interior decor .
Its new sign was installed out front this week .
• Tacos Jerez is set to replace Gabutto Burger at 1410 W. Golf Road .
The fast food Mexican joint received its liquor license and a health inspection from the city last week , while work continues on the interior .
Gabutto , specializing in burgers with a Japanese twist , closed after three years but is relocating to Elgin this spring .
• Teriyaki Madness , featuring chicken , beef and tofu bowls with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed to open at 1319 W. Golf Road next to Jimmy John 's .
• Further along Algonquin Road , numerous restaurant operators have expressed interest in the shuttered Steak ' n Shake building , but the property owner is n't interested in further discussions until the lease expires later this year , city officials said .
A sign marketing the building will be installed soon .
• Egg'lectic Cafe , 2905 W. Algonquin Road , is still being repaired following a fire last April and plans to reopen with breakfast and lunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchasing the building and the neighboring former Russell 's Barbecue property , city officials said .
• On the west side of town within the Squire Court Shopping Center at Plum Grove Road and Euclid Avenue , interior renovations are underway for two restaurants .
K BBQ will offer Korean barbecue and Sally 's Place will have burgers and sandwiches .
Sally 's received approval from the city council in December to install video gambling machines .
• Across the street , Burrito Parilla Mexicana is proposed to replace the shuttered Nic 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road .
The new Mexican eatery is seeking city permits and other approvals .
• Lulu 's Cafe , 2633 Kirchoff Road , is working on interior upgrades after receiving its liquor license last month .
Owners also plan to apply for video gambling .

New restaurants, from chains to mom-and-pop, set to open in Rolling Meadows
A bevy of new restaurants, from chains to mom-and-pop and sit-down to fast casual, are coming to Rolling Meadows in 2020, city officials say.
"We have a number of restaurants coming online, which is very good, filling smaller vacancies throughout the city," said Martha Corner, the city's business advocate who works as a liaison to local businesses. "It's very exciting to see these doors opening soon."
• Already open, Sabroso Authentic Mexican restaurant replaces the old Pepe's at 5153 New Wilke Road. The restaurant has new owners, a new menu and updated interior decor. Its new sign was installed out front this week.
• Tacos Jerez is set to replace Gabutto Burger at 1410 W. Golf Road. The fast food Mexican joint received its liquor license and a health inspection from the city last week, while work continues on the interior. Gabutto, specializing in burgers with a Japanese twist, closed after three years but is relocating to Elgin this spring.
• Teriyaki Madness, featuring chicken, beef and tofu bowls with rice, noodles and vegetables, is proposed to open at 1319 W. Golf Road next to Jimmy John's.
• Further along Algonquin Road, numerous restaurant operators have expressed interest in the shuttered Steak 'n Shake building, but the property owner isn't interested in further discussions until the lease expires later this year, city officials said. A sign marketing the building will be installed soon.
• Egg'lectic Cafe, 2905 W. Algonquin Road, is still being repaired following a fire last April and plans to reopen with breakfast and lunch hours. Another party is interested in purchasing the building and the neighboring former Russell's Barbecue property, city officials said.
• On the west side of town within the Squire Court Shopping Center at Plum Grove Road and Euclid Avenue, interior renovations are underway for two restaurants. K BBQ will offer Korean barbecue and Sally's Place will have burgers and sandwiches. Sally's received approval from the city council in December to install video gambling machines.
• Across the street, Burrito Parilla Mexicana is proposed to replace the shuttered Nic's Organic Fast Food at 2101 Plum Grove Road. The new Mexican eatery is seeking city permits and other approvals.
• Lulu's Cafe, 2633 Kirchoff Road, is working on interior upgrades after receiving its liquor license last month. Owners also plan to apply for video gambling.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-21--White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is hoping some big changes will improve his defense

GLENDALE , Ariz. -- Last season , Tim Anderson showed everyone he has a world-class bat .
After ranking No .
53 among 68 qualified American League hitters with a .240 average in 2018 , the White Sox shortstop went to work over the winter and came out swinging last year .
The long hours paid off .
Not only did Anderson lead the majors with a .335 average , the 95-point jump was the largest in baseball -- and it set a franchise record .
Most batting title champions are patient at the plate and they wait for just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not Anderson .
According to STATS , he became the first player to lead the league in batting average while finishing last among qualified hitters in walks .
In 518 plate appearances last season , he drew 15 walks .
That total used to represent a good week for Frank Thomas , the last Sox hitter to win a batting title ( 1997 ) before Anderson .
The aggressive approach at the plate is going to continue this year .
`` It got me the batting title , so why not ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to change anything . ''
At the plate , it 's going to be status quo.s On defense , Anderson made some big changes before reporting to spring training .
Now living in Chicago on a full-time basis , the Tuscaloosa , Ala. , native put in the same kind of work with the glove that he did with his offensive game the year before .
From Monday-Friday , Anderson met up with Sox pregame instructor Mike Kashirsky and others at the Bo Jackson Dome in Lockport , taking endless groundballs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's time for my family , '' Anderson said .
`` Every other day , I was there at 10 in the morning .
It was the focus of my off-season , improving my defense . ''
Anderson has plenty of motivation to get better .
Many scouts thought he would eventually wind up as an outfielder coming out of the 2013 draft , and they were probably smirking last season when Anderson made 26 errors .
That was the most in the majors at any position .
Anderson said he spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounders .
`` The biggest thing for me is knowing what you 're doing , '' he said Thursday at Camelback Ranch .
`` I always knew how to hit and I always thought I knew how to catch a groundball .
But I did n't really know how , so I had to learn the correct way .
When you learn the correct way , it takes out all the frustration , all the anger . ''
To find a solution , Anderson took advice from White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I used those pieces and mixed them in with my own ingredients , '' Anderson said .
The 26-year-old shortstop has looked smooth on the back fields during the early days of spring training , and he has no doubt he 'll be an elite defensive shortstop when the season starts .
`` I feel like I 'm in a good spot , '' Anderson said .
`` I 'm focused and I understand when I 'm doing something wrong and what I need to do to fix it .
Just keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game and my body becomes used to do these things . ''
Anderson is a remarkable athlete and he has the range and arm to be an above average defender .
Now , he has the confidence .
`` You 've go to lock in on every ( groundball ) , '' Anderson said .
`` Take your time , stay focused .
Do it again , do it again , until I perfect it .
I 'm still working and I 'm getting better , My work is showing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sky is the limit so keep working and keep believing that I am the best and the rest of it will take care of itself . ''

White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson is hoping some big changes will improve his defense
Tim Anderson worked out during the offseason at the Bo Jackson Elite Sports Dome in Lockport. He concentrated on improving his defense. On Jan. 6 he worked out with local high school players. Courtesy of Alex Thompson
Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson poses for a photograph during spring training baseball photo day Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 in Phoenix. Associated Press
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Last season, Tim Anderson showed everyone he has a world-class bat.
After ranking No. 53 among 68 qualified American League hitters with a .240 average in 2018, the White Sox shortstop went to work over the winter and came out swinging last year.
The long hours paid off. Not only did Anderson lead the majors with a .335 average, the 95-point jump was the largest in baseball -- and it set a franchise record.
Most batting title champions are patient at the plate and they wait for just the right pitch before activating their swing.
Not Anderson. According to STATS, he became the first player to lead the league in batting average while finishing last among qualified hitters in walks.
In 518 plate appearances last season, he drew 15 walks. That total used to represent a good week for Frank Thomas, the last Sox hitter to win a batting title (1997) before Anderson.
The aggressive approach at the plate is going to continue this year.
"It got me the batting title, so why not?" Anderson said. "I'm not going to change anything."
At the plate, it's going to be status quo.s
On defense, Anderson made some big changes before reporting to spring training.
Now living in Chicago on a full-time basis, the Tuscaloosa, Ala., native put in the same kind of work with the glove that he did with his offensive game the year before.
From Monday-Friday, Anderson met up with Sox pregame instructor Mike Kashirsky and others at the Bo Jackson Dome in Lockport, taking endless groundballs.
"I took weekends off, that's time for my family," Anderson said. "Every other day, I was there at 10 in the morning. It was the focus of my off-season, improving my defense."
Anderson has plenty of motivation to get better.
Many scouts thought he would eventually wind up as an outfielder coming out of the 2013 draft, and they were probably smirking last season when Anderson made 26 errors. That was the most in the majors at any position.
Anderson said he spent the off-season working on his technique gloving grounders.
"The biggest thing for me is knowing what you're doing," he said Thursday at Camelback Ranch. "I always knew how to hit and I always thought I knew how to catch a groundball. But I didn't really know how, so I had to learn the correct way. When you learn the correct way, it takes out all the frustration, all the anger."
To find a solution, Anderson took advice from White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing, manager Rick Renteria and Kashirsky.
"I used those pieces and mixed them in with my own ingredients," Anderson said.
The 26-year-old shortstop has looked smooth on the back fields during the early days of spring training, and he has no doubt he'll be an elite defensive shortstop when the season starts.
"I feel like I'm in a good spot," Anderson said. "I'm focused and I understand when I'm doing something wrong and what I need to do to fix it. Just keep repeating everything so it becomes natural in the game and my body becomes used to do these things."
Anderson is a remarkable athlete and he has the range and arm to be an above average defender.
Now, he has the confidence.
"You've go to lock in on every (groundball)," Anderson said. "Take your time, stay focused. Do it again, do it again, until I perfect it. I'm still working and I'm getting better, My work is showing.
"I'm believing in my work. The sky is the limit so keep working and keep believing that I am the best and the rest of it will take care of itself."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Driver dead, Aurora man charged with attempted murder after police chase

The driver of a car in a police chase that ended in a crash Wednesday near Fox Valley Mall has died and one of his passengers has been charged with felonies including attempted murder , Aurora police said Thursday .
Police investigating a call of shots fired about 1:30 p.m. on the 600 block of South Broadway saw a gray Chevrolet Monte Carlo that they suspected was involved in both that shooting and one Tuesday evening on the 400 block of South State Street .
They pursued the Chevrolet , which authorities said sped into oncoming traffic on East New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached busy Route 59 .
The car crashed into multiple vehicles soon afterward .
Erik Esparza , 24 , of Aurora was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove , where he died Wednesday .
The DuPage County coroner performed an autopsy Thursday .
Police said passenger Adrien Betsinger , 23 , of the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue in Aurora , was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm , being a felon in possession of a firearm while on parole and six counts of aggravated discharge .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car .
Authorities previously said a third person in the car was injured and taken to a hospital and that someone in one of the other vehicles suffered minor injuries .

Driver dead, Aurora man charged with attempted murder after police chase
The driver of a car in a police chase that ended in a crash Wednesday near Fox Valley Mall has died and one of his passengers has been charged with felonies including attempted murder, Aurora police said Thursday.
Police investigating a call of shots fired about 1:30 p.m. on the 600 block of South Broadway saw a gray Chevrolet Monte Carlo that they suspected was involved in both that shooting and one Tuesday evening on the 400 block of South State Street. They pursued the Chevrolet, which authorities said sped into oncoming traffic on East New York Street, but stopped when it approached busy Route 59. The car crashed into multiple vehicles soon afterward.
Erik Esparza, 24, of Aurora was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where he died Wednesday. The DuPage County coroner performed an autopsy Thursday.
Police said passenger Adrien Betsinger, 23, of the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue in Aurora, was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm while on parole and six counts of aggravated discharge.
Police said they found two illegal guns in the car.
Authorities previously said a third person in the car was injured and taken to a hospital and that someone in one of the other vehicles suffered minor injuries.