dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-01--Heated races for 6th and 14th congressional seats drawing to a close

In a year of political campaigns filled with name-calling , smears , half-truths and outright falsehoods , the races for two suburban congressional seats have fit in nicely .
In the 6th District , Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten faces off against Republican Jeanne Ives .
In the 14th District , Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood 's showdown is with Republican Jim Oberweis .
Both incumbents are liberal , first-term lawmakers -- and both challengers are staunch conservatives with state legislative experience .
And both races have been marred by mudslinging in ads , debates , interviews and social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident and the former CEO of an energy recycling company , defeated six-term Republican incumbent Peter Roskam to win this seat in 2018 .
He was part of the blue wave that gave Democrats majority control of the House that year , as was Underwood .
Ives is a U.S. Military Academy graduate , an Army veteran and a former state legislator from Wheaton who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018 .
She represented the 42nd state House District from 2013 to 2019 .
The candidates disagree on nearly every issue -- abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's protests over racism and police violence , President Donald Trump 's policies and the COVID-19 crisis .
Gun control has been a particularly hot-button issue .
Casten is an outspoken supporter of gun control measures , and he proposed a national firearm buyback program during one endorsement interview .
His campaign received financial support from a gun-control advocacy group named after former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , who was wounded in a 2011 mass shooting .
`` We have more guns per capita than any other country in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall .
`` If we took 100 million guns out of circulation tomorrow , we 'd still have more guns per capita than any other country in the world . ''
Ives , who 's backed by the National Rifle Association , accused Casten of wanting to abolish the Second Amendment and its protections of gun ownership rights .
She did n't express a desire for any new gun legislation .
`` We 're not actually enforcing the gun laws that we currently have on the books , '' said Ives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state representative .
Casten and Ives also have argued vehemently about climate change .
Warning people about humanity 's impact on the global environment was a tent pole of Casten 's first campaign and it continues to be a priority .
Ives has questioned mankind 's role when it comes to climate change , even saying in one interview that factors `` in the solar system '' and in the oceans and volcanic activity have more significant impact .
Ives also called Casten a hypocrite for complaining about pollution while being invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates more air pollution than burning coal .
The pair have dueled in TV ads and on social media , too .
Ives criticized tweets and comments Casten has made about some Republican lawmakers and Republican voters , saying he 's `` fed the acrimony '' in the country .
One of Ives ' TV ads accused Casten of calling his $ 174,000 annual congressional salary `` peanuts , '' a line Casten 's campaign spokesman said misrepresented a comment Casten made in an interview .
A Casten ad tagged Ives for giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy during a Daily Herald interview this year .
But the ad truncated Ives ' comment during that interview to remove the reference to policy , and ignored how she criticized the way Trump has dealt with some critics .
The 6th District includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Lake and McHenry counties .
Libertarian Bill Redpath of West Dundee , a perennial candidate who moved to Illinois from Virginia last year , also is running and is a self-admitted longshot .
The 14th District contest between Underwood and Oberweis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a registered nurse from Naperville who worked in bureaucratic and teaching roles before joining Congress , defeated four-term Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren to win her seat in 2018 .
Oberweis is a state senator from Sugar Grove who owns the dairy bearing his name .
He has represented the 25th District since 2013 , and his tenure there will end in January regardless of the congressional race 's outcome .
Oberweis also has been a regular candidate for Congress , the U.S. Senate and the governor 's office over the last 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oberweis has tried to paint Underwood as a radical who votes in lockstep with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
`` Her values are not our values , '' Oberweis said in one debate .
Underwood has run a much more positive campaign , focusing on her accomplishments in office , her communication with constituents and her efforts to reach across the political aisle on legislation .
In one TV ad , Underwood touted three pieces of legislation she proposed that had bipartisan support and eventually were signed into law by Trump .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being enacted , something that was n't mentioned in the ad .
One of Oberweis ' commercials made a claim about Underwood that was disproved by the Daily Herald , the Chicago Sun-Times and the Better Government Association 's PolitiFact Illinois fact-checking enterprise .
The spot implied Underwood described recent looting and riots as `` beautiful protests . ''
In truth , Underwood had used that phrase during a Sun-Times endorsement interview to describe people standing up for justice and equality -- not the violence .
Oberweis -- a vociferous supporter of local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Underwood of not condemning that violence , when in fact she was critical of it in an interview in early September .
In one debate , Oberweis called on Underwood to denounce grass-roots movements urging government agencies to defund police departments and shift that cash to mental health care , housing and other social services .
Underwood did n't respond .
Underwood has thrown a little shade , too .
During an online debate , Underwood called comments Oberweis has made in opposition of abortion and in favor of limiting access to birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His views , frankly , are radical and out of touch with the people in our community , '' said Underwood , who supports unrestricted access to reproductive health services .
Underwood also publicly accused Oberweis of having bigoted views , calling some of his previous political commercials `` extremely offensive '' and racist .
Oberweis ' campaign objected to the accusations .
The two candidates have some common ground .
For example , both supported voting by mail and urged people to vote early .
Both called health care a right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mankind is responsible for climate change .
Their preferred solutions for rising health care costs and environmental problems differed .
And while Underwood wants to boost U.S .
Postal Service funding , Oberweis suggested the financially struggling agency should end Saturday deliveries or deliver mail every other day to save money .
The race has drawn the attention of the presidential candidates .
Trump recently endorsed Oberweis in a tweet and reportedly stumped for the House candidate during a telephone event last week .
Underwood was endorsed in September by Democratic presidential hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 6th District race .
The 14th District includes parts of DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry , Will , DeKalb and Kendall counties .

Heated races for 6th and 14th congressional seats drawing to a close
Jim Oberweis and Lauren Underwood are candidates in the 14th Congressional District.
Sean Casten and Jeanne Ives are candidates for the 6th Congressional District seat.
In a year of political campaigns filled with name-calling, smears, half-truths and outright falsehoods, the races for two suburban congressional seats have fit in nicely.
In the 6th District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten faces off against Republican Jeanne Ives. In the 14th District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood's showdown is with Republican Jim Oberweis. Both incumbents are liberal, first-term lawmakers -- and both challengers are staunch conservatives with state legislative experience.
And both races have been marred by mudslinging in ads, debates, interviews and social media posts.
6th District
Casten, a Downers Grove resident and the former CEO of an energy recycling company, defeated six-term Republican incumbent Peter Roskam to win this seat in 2018. He was part of the blue wave that gave Democrats majority control of the House that year, as was Underwood.
Ives is a U.S. Military Academy graduate, an Army veteran and a former state legislator from Wheaton who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018. She represented the 42nd state House District from 2013 to 2019.
The candidates disagree on nearly every issue -- abortion, the groups and factors behind this year's protests over racism and police violence, President Donald Trump's policies and the COVID-19 crisis.
Gun control has been a particularly hot-button issue.
Casten is an outspoken supporter of gun control measures, and he proposed a national firearm buyback program during one endorsement interview. His campaign received financial support from a gun-control advocacy group named after former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was wounded in a 2011 mass shooting.
"We have more guns per capita than any other country in the world," Casten said in an online forum this fall. "If we took 100 million guns out of circulation tomorrow, we'd still have more guns per capita than any other country in the world."
Ives, who's backed by the National Rifle Association, accused Casten of wanting to abolish the Second Amendment and its protections of gun ownership rights. She didn't express a desire for any new gun legislation.
"We're not actually enforcing the gun laws that we currently have on the books," said Ives, who voted against several gun-control measures while a state representative.
Casten and Ives also have argued vehemently about climate change. Warning people about humanity's impact on the global environment was a tent pole of Casten's first campaign and it continues to be a priority. Ives has questioned mankind's role when it comes to climate change, even saying in one interview that factors "in the solar system" and in the oceans and volcanic activity have more significant impact.
Ives also called Casten a hypocrite for complaining about pollution while being invested in a biological energy production business that creates more air pollution than burning coal.
The pair have dueled in TV ads and on social media, too.
Ives criticized tweets and comments Casten has made about some Republican lawmakers and Republican voters, saying he's "fed the acrimony" in the country.
One of Ives' TV ads accused Casten of calling his $174,000 annual congressional salary "peanuts," a line Casten's campaign spokesman said misrepresented a comment Casten made in an interview.
A Casten ad tagged Ives for giving Trump an 'A' grade on policy during a Daily Herald interview this year.
But the ad truncated Ives' comment during that interview to remove the reference to policy, and ignored how she criticized the way Trump has dealt with some critics.
The 6th District includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Libertarian Bill Redpath of West Dundee, a perennial candidate who moved to Illinois from Virginia last year, also is running and is a self-admitted longshot.
14th District
The 14th District contest between Underwood and Oberweis has been no less ugly.
Underwood, a registered nurse from Naperville who worked in bureaucratic and teaching roles before joining Congress, defeated four-term Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren to win her seat in 2018.
Oberweis is a state senator from Sugar Grove who owns the dairy bearing his name. He has represented the 25th District since 2013, and his tenure there will end in January regardless of the congressional race's outcome.
Oberweis also has been a regular candidate for Congress, the U.S. Senate and the governor's office over the last 20 years.
In interview after interview, Oberweis has tried to paint Underwood as a radical who votes in lockstep with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"Her values are not our values," Oberweis said in one debate.
Underwood has run a much more positive campaign, focusing on her accomplishments in office, her communication with constituents and her efforts to reach across the political aisle on legislation.
In one TV ad, Underwood touted three pieces of legislation she proposed that had bipartisan support and eventually were signed into law by Trump. All three were absorbed into broader bills before being enacted, something that wasn't mentioned in the ad.
One of Oberweis' commercials made a claim about Underwood that was disproved by the Daily Herald, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Better Government Association's PolitiFact Illinois fact-checking enterprise.
The spot implied Underwood described recent looting and riots as "beautiful protests." In truth, Underwood had used that phrase during a Sun-Times endorsement interview to describe people standing up for justice and equality -- not the violence.
Oberweis -- a vociferous supporter of local police during the campaign -- repeatedly accused Underwood of not condemning that violence, when in fact she was critical of it in an interview in early September.
In one debate, Oberweis called on Underwood to denounce grass-roots movements urging government agencies to defund police departments and shift that cash to mental health care, housing and other social services. Underwood didn't respond.
Underwood has thrown a little shade, too.
During an online debate, Underwood called comments Oberweis has made in opposition of abortion and in favor of limiting access to birth control "extremely disturbing."
"His views, frankly, are radical and out of touch with the people in our community," said Underwood, who supports unrestricted access to reproductive health services.
Underwood also publicly accused Oberweis of having bigoted views, calling some of his previous political commercials "extremely offensive" and racist. Oberweis' campaign objected to the accusations.
The two candidates have some common ground. For example, both supported voting by mail and urged people to vote early.
Both called health care a right and not a privilege, and both said mankind is responsible for climate change.
Their preferred solutions for rising health care costs and environmental problems differed.
And while Underwood wants to boost U.S. Postal Service funding, Oberweis suggested the financially struggling agency should end Saturday deliveries or deliver mail every other day to save money.
The race has drawn the attention of the presidential candidates. Trump recently endorsed Oberweis in a tweet and reportedly stumped for the House candidate during a telephone event last week.
Underwood was endorsed in September by Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden. Biden endorsed Casten in the 6th District race.
The 14th District includes parts of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, DeKalb and Kendall counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--A lot of eyes will be on these state and county races Tuesday

With millions of people around the country -- and around the world -- focused on who will win the presidency , it 's easy to forget there are other important seats up for election .
In the suburbs , some of the most interesting and potentially closest contests have been for seats in the General Assembly .
A lot of eyes are on the contest for Cook County state 's attorney , too .
And with early and mail-in voting setting participation records , many campaign watchers suspect some winners wo n't be known until all late-arriving and provisional ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some races to watch as results come in Tuesday -- and in the days that follow .
The campaign for Cook County state 's attorney has been a contentious one .
Republican challenger Patrick O'Brien of Chicago described incumbent Kim Foxx as a `` cheerleader for criminals . ''
He criticized what he called Foxx 's inexperience and lack of judgment , for `` failing to prosecute whole categories of crimes '' and for behaving more like a social worker than a prosecutor .
Foxx , of Flossmoor , accused O'Brien of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed violent crime convictions increased during her tenure .
O'Brien slammed Foxx 's handling of looters after Chicago protests against racial injustice this year .
O'Brien also criticized Foxx for dismissing more cases than her predecessors and for giving what he called special treatment to a celebrity defendant in a case that drew international attention .
In January 2019 , actor Jussie Smollett claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago .
Police disputed his claim and he was charged with filing a false report .
By that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no explanation .
Special prosecutor Dan Webb 's subsequent investigation resulted in new charges against Smollett .
Webb later found no evidence to support criminal charges against Foxx or her deputies .
However , his August report charged the office with abusing discretion , operational failures and making false or misleading statements in prosecuting Smollett 's original case .
Snippets from a recorded phone call in which Republican state Rep. Amy Grant can be heard referencing the race and sexual orientation of her Democratic challenger , Ken Mejia-Beal , shone a spotlight on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of DuPage County .
Grant , a Wheaton resident who is seeking a second term , apologized for what she said was `` a very clumsy and insensitive statement that does not reflect how I feel . ''
The disparaging comments , taken from a conversation with an unknown caller , were released in September by Democratic state lawmakers .
Mejia-Beal , a gay , Black man from Lisle , refused to accept her apology , saying the recordings were a `` grievous insult to every member of our community . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want the controversy to overshadow his platform of communicating openly with constituents and addressing issues related to climate change , social justice and health care .
Grant has advocated for term limits and ethics reform , as well as tackling the state 's ongoing financial woes .
The 48th District race is a rematch between Democratic incumbent Terra Costa Howard and Republican Peter Breen , whom Costa Howard ousted in 2018 .
Breen , of Lombard , has claimed his successor has not fulfilled her promises to DuPage County residents .
Costa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she spent her first term championing property tax fairness , advocating to end gerrymandering and working to pass legislation that directly impacts her constituents .
Accusations of lies , scare tactics and dirty politics have been prominent .
The controversies surrounding Speaker Michael Madigan have been an issue here , too .
After Costa Howard voted to retain Madigan as speaker , Breen accused her of sticking with the `` Madigan machine . ''
Costa Howard said she backed her party in her initial vote for Madigan as speaker , but has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bribery scandal .
Incumbent Democrat Mary Edly-Allen faces Republican Chris Bos for the 51st District seat , which serves much of central Lake County and a small portion of Cook County .
Edly-Allen defeated Republican incumbent Helene Miller Walsh two years ago to win the historically GOP-held post as part of the blue wave that swept through the suburbs and the nation .
Bos is a Lake Zurich resident , a minister and an Ela Township trustee .
Among other issues , their stances on the proposed graduated income tax amendment set Edly-Allen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan .
She said it should be coupled with a reduction in spending to protect middle class taxpayers from future tax hikes .
Bos said a graduated tax would harm local businesses and deter entrepreneurship .
He also said there 'd be no guarantees against future tax increases on middle- and lower-income residents .
To help solve the state 's pension problem , Bos said , the legislature should amend the state Constitution to allow comprehensive reform .
He also believes lawmakers should n't take pensions for their service .
Edly-Allen said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan manner with input from all stakeholders .
She favors keeping pension promises to retirees .
The hotly contested 54th District race is a rematch of the 2018 contest , in which Republican incumbent Tom Morrison defeated Democratic challenger Maggie Trevor by a mere 37 votes .
Morrison -- a fiscal and social conservative from Palatine -- again is trying to keep the seat he 's held since 2011 .
But this time , Trevor and the Democrats believe they have a good chance of notching a win .
Trevor , a market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented the toughest challenge yet for Morrison , who has had a Democratic opponent every two years except in 2016 .
The candidates disagree on major issues , including Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's handling of the COVID-19 crisis and the graduated income tax proposal .
The district occupies a large , square-ish chunk of the Northwest suburbs in Cook County .
Incumbent Democrat Melinda Bush of Grayslake faces a challenge from Republican Christopher Kasperski of Lindenhurst for the 31st District seat , which serves the northern half of Lake County .
Bush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first been elected to the chamber in 2012 .
She previously served on the Lake County Board .
Kasperski is a retired Army combat engineer who 's worked as a political consultant .
This is his first campaign for public office .
The candidates have strikingly different opinions about Pritzker 's response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Bush praised the work Pritzker has done , giving him `` a top grade . ''
Kasperski was critical of Pritzker 's response , giving him a `` D '' for his effort .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the early days of the crisis .
Bush and Kasperski disagree on whether systemic racism exists .
Bush acknowledged it , while Kasperski denied it .
`` Let me state unequivocally that Black lives matter , '' Bush said .
`` As a legislator who is also a white woman , I have a responsibility to be an ally to my colleagues who live with systemic racism every day -- and that allyship includes doing less talking and more listening to what they know must be done . ''
Kasperski said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist , calling that allegation a `` narrative . ''
`` I think that the real world can be a dangerous and scary place for everyone , especially with respect to the tension between police and the people subject to their jurisdiction , and tragic outcomes sometimes do occur , '' he said .
`` Policing is a very tough and dangerous job , and we need to support those who stand between order and chaos on that thin blue line . ''
The candidates have some common ground .
Both believe mankind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change , and both also oppose a new tax on retirement benefits .
• Daily Herald staff writers Elena Ferrarin , Christopher Placek , Lauren Rohr and Barbara Vitello contributed to this report .

A lot of eyes will be on these state and county races Tuesday
With millions of people around the country -- and around the world -- focused on who will win the presidency, it's easy to forget there are other important seats up for election.
In the suburbs, some of the most interesting and potentially closest contests have been for seats in the General Assembly. A lot of eyes are on the contest for Cook County state's attorney, too.
And with early and mail-in voting setting participation records, many campaign watchers suspect some winners won't be known until all late-arriving and provisional ballots are counted in two weeks.
Here are some races to watch as results come in Tuesday -- and in the days that follow.
Cook state's attorney
The campaign for Cook County state's attorney has been a contentious one.
Republican challenger Patrick O'Brien of Chicago described incumbent Kim Foxx as a "cheerleader for criminals." He criticized what he called Foxx's inexperience and lack of judgment, for "failing to prosecute whole categories of crimes" and for behaving more like a social worker than a prosecutor.
Foxx, of Flossmoor, accused O'Brien of "name-calling and fearmongering."
Foxx claimed violent crime convictions increased during her tenure. O'Brien slammed Foxx's handling of looters after Chicago protests against racial injustice this year.
O'Brien also criticized Foxx for dismissing more cases than her predecessors and for giving what he called special treatment to a celebrity defendant in a case that drew international attention.
In January 2019, actor Jussie Smollett claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. Police disputed his claim and he was charged with filing a false report. By that March, prosecutors dropped the charges with no explanation.
Special prosecutor Dan Webb's subsequent investigation resulted in new charges against Smollett.
Webb later found no evidence to support criminal charges against Foxx or her deputies. However, his August report charged the office with abusing discretion, operational failures and making false or misleading statements in prosecuting Smollett's original case.
42nd state House
Snippets from a recorded phone call in which Republican state Rep. Amy Grant can be heard referencing the race and sexual orientation of her Democratic challenger, Ken Mejia-Beal, shone a spotlight on the 42nd District race in the heart of DuPage County.
Grant, a Wheaton resident who is seeking a second term, apologized for what she said was "a very clumsy and insensitive statement that does not reflect how I feel." The disparaging comments, taken from a conversation with an unknown caller, were released in September by Democratic state lawmakers.
Mejia-Beal, a gay, Black man from Lisle, refused to accept her apology, saying the recordings were a "grievous insult to every member of our community." But he told the Daily Herald he does not want the controversy to overshadow his platform of communicating openly with constituents and addressing issues related to climate change, social justice and health care.
Grant has advocated for term limits and ethics reform, as well as tackling the state's ongoing financial woes.
48th state House
The 48th District race is a rematch between Democratic incumbent Terra Costa Howard and Republican Peter Breen, whom Costa Howard ousted in 2018.
Breen, of Lombard, has claimed his successor has not fulfilled her promises to DuPage County residents. Costa Howard, of Glen Ellyn, said she spent her first term championing property tax fairness, advocating to end gerrymandering and working to pass legislation that directly impacts her constituents.
Accusations of lies, scare tactics and dirty politics have been prominent.
The controversies surrounding Speaker Michael Madigan have been an issue here, too.
After Costa Howard voted to retain Madigan as speaker, Breen accused her of sticking with the "Madigan machine." Costa Howard said she backed her party in her initial vote for Madigan as speaker, but has since called for his resignation amid the ComEd bribery scandal.
51st state House
Incumbent Democrat Mary Edly-Allen faces Republican Chris Bos for the 51st District seat, which serves much of central Lake County and a small portion of Cook County.
Edly-Allen defeated Republican incumbent Helene Miller Walsh two years ago to win the historically GOP-held post as part of the blue wave that swept through the suburbs and the nation. Bos is a Lake Zurich resident, a minister and an Ela Township trustee.
Among other issues, their stances on the proposed graduated income tax amendment set Edly-Allen and Bos apart.
Edly-Allen supports the plan. She said it should be coupled with a reduction in spending to protect middle class taxpayers from future tax hikes.
Bos said a graduated tax would harm local businesses and deter entrepreneurship. He also said there'd be no guarantees against future tax increases on middle- and lower-income residents.
To help solve the state's pension problem, Bos said, the legislature should amend the state Constitution to allow comprehensive reform. He also believes lawmakers shouldn't take pensions for their service.
Edly-Allen said the pension problem must be tackled in a bipartisan manner with input from all stakeholders. She favors keeping pension promises to retirees.
54th state House
The hotly contested 54th District race is a rematch of the 2018 contest, in which Republican incumbent Tom Morrison defeated Democratic challenger Maggie Trevor by a mere 37 votes.
Morrison -- a fiscal and social conservative from Palatine -- again is trying to keep the seat he's held since 2011. But this time, Trevor and the Democrats believe they have a good chance of notching a win.
Trevor, a market research consultant from Rolling Meadows, has presented the toughest challenge yet for Morrison, who has had a Democratic opponent every two years except in 2016.
The candidates disagree on major issues, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker's handling of the COVID-19 crisis and the graduated income tax proposal.
The district occupies a large, square-ish chunk of the Northwest suburbs in Cook County.
31st state Senate
Incumbent Democrat Melinda Bush of Grayslake faces a challenge from Republican Christopher Kasperski of Lindenhurst for the 31st District seat, which serves the northern half of Lake County.
Bush is seeking a third term, having first been elected to the chamber in 2012. She previously served on the Lake County Board. Kasperski is a retired Army combat engineer who's worked as a political consultant. This is his first campaign for public office.
The candidates have strikingly different opinions about Pritzker's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bush praised the work Pritzker has done, giving him "a top grade." Kasperski was critical of Pritzker's response, giving him a "D" for his effort. He also blasted lawmakers for delegating authority to Pritzker during the early days of the crisis.
Bush and Kasperski disagree on whether systemic racism exists. Bush acknowledged it, while Kasperski denied it.
"Let me state unequivocally that Black lives matter," Bush said. "As a legislator who is also a white woman, I have a responsibility to be an ally to my colleagues who live with systemic racism every day -- and that allyship includes doing less talking and more listening to what they know must be done."
Kasperski said he doesn't believe the justice system is racist, calling that allegation a "narrative."
"I think that the real world can be a dangerous and scary place for everyone, especially with respect to the tension between police and the people subject to their jurisdiction, and tragic outcomes sometimes do occur," he said. "Policing is a very tough and dangerous job, and we need to support those who stand between order and chaos on that thin blue line."
The candidates have some common ground. Both believe mankind is at least a factor in global climate change, and both also oppose a new tax on retirement benefits.
• Daily Herald staff writers Elena Ferrarin, Christopher Placek, Lauren Rohr and Barbara Vitello contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--No charges after 75-year-old Hoffman Estates man killed in altercation

Hoffman Estates police say charges will not be filed in connection with the death of a 75-year-old man who suffered @ @ @ @ @ at his home Saturday .
Chung Kim died from blunt force injuries to his head @ @ @ @ @ , at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates , according to the Cook @ @ @ @ @ .
The coroner ruled the death a homicide .
However , police said an investigation @ @ @ @ @ footage from a Ring doorbell camera indicated that Kim was the aggressor in the fatal @ @ @ @ @ Glen Lake Road .
As a result , the Cook County state 's attorney 's @ @ @ @ @ malicious intent on the part of the other man involved and rejected criminal charges , @ @ @ @ @ , who police described as cooperative during the investigation , is no longer in custody @ @ @ @ @ what led to the altercation , but said Kim and the other man knew one @ @

No charges after 75-year-old Hoffman Estates man killed in altercation
Hoffman Estates police say charges will not be filed in connection with the death of a 75-year-old man who suffered fatal injuries during an altercation at his home Saturday.
Chung Kim died from blunt force injuries to his head shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. The coroner ruled the death a homicide.
However, police said an investigation that included witness statements and footage from a Ring doorbell camera indicated that Kim was the aggressor in the fatal altercation at a residence along Glen Lake Road.
As a result, the Cook County state's attorney's office determined there was no malicious intent on the part of the other man involved and rejected criminal charges, police said.
That man, who police described as cooperative during the investigation, is no longer in custody.
Police declined to say what led to the altercation, but said Kim and the other man knew one another.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Bail set at $2 million for Antioch teen charged in Wisconsin shootings

Bail was set at $ 2 million on Monday for a 17-year-old from Antioch accused of killing two men and wounding a third during an August protest in Kenosha , after the father of one of the victims told the court the defendant `` thinks he 's above the law '' and would be a flight risk if freed before trial .
Kyle Rittenhouse is charged with fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber during a protest over a police shooting in August .
He is also charged with wounding a third man , Gaige Grosskreutz .
Rittenhouse turned himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Aug. 25 shootings .
He was extradited to Wisconsin on Friday and made his initial court appearance in Kenosha County on Monday afternoon .
In addition to the homicide charges , Rittenhouse faces counts of attempted homicide , reckless endangerment and being a minor in possession of a firearm .
His attorney , Mark Richards , asked Court Commissioner Loren Keating to set bail at $ 750,000 and place Rittenhouse on electronic monitoring , arguing that the protesters had attacked the teen that night and that Rittenhouse had fired in self-defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn himself in seconds after the shootings but officers ignored him .
Video showed Rittenhouse walk past police vehicles with an assault-style weapon slung over his shoulder and his hands in the air .
No one stopped him even though protesters could be heard screaming that he had just shot people .
Police later explained that they did n't arrest him at the scene because it was chaotic .
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger asked for $ 2 million bond , noting that Rittenhouse faces life in prison if convicted of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight risk .
`` The defendant does n't want to be here and if released wo n't come back , '' Binger said .
Keating allowed Huber 's father , John Huber , to speak during the video hearing .
He asked the commissioner to set bail between $ 4 million and $ 10 million .
He said that Rittenhouse has become a rallying symbol for conservatives upset by the destruction of property during protests this year over police brutality .
People have been raising money for Rittenhouse and militia groups would gladly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Kyle Rittenhouse thinks he 's above the law , '' Huber said .
`` He 's been treated as much by law enforcement .
For him to run would n't surprise me . ''
Huber 's son hit Rittenhouse with a skateboard before Rittenhouse shot him , but was he only trying to stop Rittenhouse , the father said .
`` Self-defense , that 's impossible , '' he said , growing more agitated as he spoke .
`` He had already killed a guy and tried to run .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop him .
He was a hero .
Anyone who says otherwise is dead wrong , including the president .
How dare he . ''
President Donald Trump has said Rittenhouse 's actions might have been warranted , suggesting that the protesters might have killed him .
Richards tried to object to Huber 's remarks , but Keating cut him off .
Keating set bail at $ 2 million , saying Rittenhouse has no ties to Kenosha , he fled the state after the shootings and he faces life in prison if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any contact with the victims ' families or to possess any weapons if he 's released .
Rittenhouse attended the hearing via a video feed from jail and was wearing an orange mask and a dark blue jail jumpsuit .
He spoke only to say that he understood the conditions of his release .
The shootings happened two days after a white police officer trying to arrest Jacob Blake shot the 29-year-old Black man seven times in the back , paralyzing him from the waist down .
Video of the shooting sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city of about 100,000 on the Wisconsin-Illinois border .

Bail set at $2 million for Antioch teen charged in Wisconsin shootings
Kyle Rittenhouse appears Monday during his initial court appearance in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Court Commissioner Loren Keating has set cash bail for Rittenhosue, accused of killing two people in August during a protest in Wisconsin at $2 million. Associated Press
Bail was set at $2 million on Monday for a 17-year-old from Antioch accused of killing two men and wounding a third during an August protest in Kenosha, after the father of one of the victims told the court the defendant "thinks he's above the law" and would be a flight risk if freed before trial.
Kyle Rittenhouse is charged with fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber during a protest over a police shooting in August. He is also charged with wounding a third man, Gaige Grosskreutz.
Rittenhouse turned himself in to police in Antioch the morning after the Aug. 25 shootings. He was extradited to Wisconsin on Friday and made his initial court appearance in Kenosha County on Monday afternoon.
In addition to the homicide charges, Rittenhouse faces counts of attempted homicide, reckless endangerment and being a minor in possession of a firearm.
His attorney, Mark Richards, asked Court Commissioner Loren Keating to set bail at $750,000 and place Rittenhouse on electronic monitoring, arguing that the protesters had attacked the teen that night and that Rittenhouse had fired in self-defense.
Richards also argued that Rittenhouse tried to turn himself in seconds after the shootings but officers ignored him. Video showed Rittenhouse walk past police vehicles with an assault-style weapon slung over his shoulder and his hands in the air. No one stopped him even though protesters could be heard screaming that he had just shot people. Police later explained that they didn't arrest him at the scene because it was chaotic.
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger asked for $2 million bond, noting that Rittenhouse faces life in prison if convicted of the homicide charges, which makes him a flight risk.
"The defendant doesn't want to be here and if released won't come back," Binger said.
Keating allowed Huber's father, John Huber, to speak during the video hearing. He asked the commissioner to set bail between $4 million and $10 million. He said that Rittenhouse has become a rallying symbol for conservatives upset by the destruction of property during protests this year over police brutality. People have been raising money for Rittenhouse and militia groups would gladly hide him from police, Huber alleged.
"Kyle Rittenhouse thinks he's above the law," Huber said. "He's been treated as much by law enforcement. For him to run wouldn't surprise me."
Huber's son hit Rittenhouse with a skateboard before Rittenhouse shot him, but was he only trying to stop Rittenhouse, the father said.
"Self-defense, that's impossible," he said, growing more agitated as he spoke. "He had already killed a guy and tried to run. My son was a hero. He tried to stop him. He was a hero. Anyone who says otherwise is dead wrong, including the president. How dare he."
President Donald Trump has said Rittenhouse's actions might have been warranted, suggesting that the protesters might have killed him.
Richards tried to object to Huber's remarks, but Keating cut him off.
Grosskreutz's attorney, Kimberley Motley, asked for $4 million bail, calling Rittenhouse's behavior "inexcusable."
Keating set bail at $2 million, saying Rittenhouse has no ties to Kenosha, he fled the state after the shootings and he faces life in prison if convicted. He ordered Rittenhouse not to have any contact with the victims' families or to possess any weapons if he's released.
Rittenhouse attended the hearing via a video feed from jail and was wearing an orange mask and a dark blue jail jumpsuit. He spoke only to say that he understood the conditions of his release.
The shootings happened two days after a white police officer trying to arrest Jacob Blake shot the 29-year-old Black man seven times in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down. Video of the shooting sparked several nights of protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 on the Wisconsin-Illinois border.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Health department investigating COVID-19 spread from people gathering in Inverness for Halloween

The Cook County Department of Public Health is investigating a report that several people celebrating Halloween at Inverness Golf Club have tested positive for COVID-19 , with the venue denying any wrongdoing .
In an email sent Monday to parents in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 , Superintendent Laurie Heinz said an event took place Oct. 23 and drew more than 100 people , including some with children in the district .
Heinz urged those who attended to alert the district and keep their students home from school until Monday , Nov. 9 .
Jim Mitchell of Mitchell Marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement there were really two Halloween events , one Oct. 24 for adult members and one Oct. 25 for members and their children , and both had less than 45 people .
`` The largest attendance we had at any of the separate events that weekend was 41 , with others being under 35 , '' he said .
The children 's event was scheduled in 30-minute increments to manage the flow of people , he said .
The club held no events Oct. 23 , he said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 23-25 would have been against COVID-19 guidance in Illinois , which allowed gatherings of up to 50 people at the time .
That was further restricted Oct. 28 for suburban Cook County , where gatherings now are limited to 25 people or 25 % of overall capacity , whichever is less , both indoors and outdoors .
`` Inverness Golf Club has adhered to all COVID-prevention guidelines without exception or compromise .
In most cases we have implemented policies more stringent than required , '' Mitchell said .
`` As a standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 45 people rather than 50 out of a desire to be more cautious . ''
Kimberley Conrad Junius , spokeswoman for the Cook County Department of Public Health , said Monday the office is aware of the report of a gathering with more than 100 people and is `` in the process of investigating . ''
The golf club got a call Oct. 27 from a member who reported testing positive , and the club informed the mayor and the Illinois Department of Health , Mitchell said .
`` One member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at which time we shut down our food service facility .
All members of the staff were tested that had exposure and not allowed to return to work until receiving a negative test , '' he said .
`` Anything being shared by other organizations has been done without verifying information , '' Mitchell also said .
In her email to parents , Heinz wrote : `` We continue to work very hard to keep our schools open each day through the consistent implementation of numerous safety precautions such as distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinfecting regularly .
Despite our efforts , we know that some circumstances are out of our control , namely what families engage in outside of school . ''
`` For the safety of the school community , we are asking that if you were in attendance at this event , PLEASE let us know and take the necessary steps to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus by keeping your students home until Monday , November 9 , which is 14 days past the date of the gathering . ''

Health department investigating COVID-19 spread from Inverness Halloween gatherings
The Cook County Department of Public Health is investigating a report that several people celebrating Halloween at Inverness Golf Club have tested positive for COVID-19, with the venue denying any wrongdoing.
In an email sent Monday to parents in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15, Superintendent Laurie Heinz said an event took place Oct. 23 and drew more than 100 people, including some with children in the district. Heinz urged those who attended to alert the district and keep their students home from school until Monday, Nov. 9.
Jim Mitchell of Mitchell Marketing Management, representing the golf club, said in a statement there were really two Halloween events, one Oct. 24 for adult members and one Oct. 25 for members and their children, and both had less than 45 people.
"The largest attendance we had at any of the separate events that weekend was 41, with others being under 35," he said. The children's event was scheduled in 30-minute increments to manage the flow of people, he said. The club held no events Oct. 23, he said.
A gathering of more than 100 people on Oct. 23-25 would have been against COVID-19 guidance in Illinois, which allowed gatherings of up to 50 people at the time. That was further restricted Oct. 28 for suburban Cook County, where gatherings now are limited to 25 people or 25% of overall capacity, whichever is less, both indoors and outdoors.
"Inverness Golf Club has adhered to all COVID-prevention guidelines without exception or compromise. In most cases we have implemented policies more stringent than required," Mitchell said. "As a standard practice, we had limited all events to 45 people rather than 50 out of a desire to be more cautious."
Kimberley Conrad Junius, spokeswoman for the Cook County Department of Public Health, said Monday the office is aware of the report of a gathering with more than 100 people and is "in the process of investigating."
The golf club got a call Oct. 27 from a member who reported testing positive, and the club informed the mayor and the Illinois Department of Health, Mitchell said.
"One member of the staff had a positive test result, at which time we shut down our food service facility. All members of the staff were tested that had exposure and not allowed to return to work until receiving a negative test," he said.
"Anything being shared by other organizations has been done without verifying information," Mitchell also said.
In her email to parents, Heinz wrote: "We continue to work very hard to keep our schools open each day through the consistent implementation of numerous safety precautions such as distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and disinfecting regularly. Despite our efforts, we know that some circumstances are out of our control, namely what families engage in outside of school."
"For the safety of the school community, we are asking that if you were in attendance at this event, PLEASE let us know and take the necessary steps to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus by keeping your students home until Monday, November 9, which is 14 days past the date of the gathering."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Police searching for suspect in stabbing at Arlington Heights hotel

Arlington Heights police are searching for the suspect in a stabbing Saturday night that left a 54-year-old man hospitalized in critical condition .
Police said that while the suspect remains at large , he is not believed to be a threat to the public .
The stabbing was the result of an interaction between acquaintances , police said .
Officers found the stabbing victim at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday while responding to a 911 call from the lobby of a hotel on the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road , officials said .
The victim , who suffered multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifesaving aid from officers and then was taken to a hospital , where he underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries , police said .
He remains in critical , but stable condition , police said Monday .
Police said it is not yet clear what occurred between the two men before the knife attack .
Because of the victim 's injuries , he has been unable to provide any information .
The Arlington Heights Police Department 's Criminal Investigation Bureau is actively pursuing leads and will provide more information as it becomes available @ @ @ @

Police searching for suspect in stabbing at Arlington Heights hotel
Arlington Heights police are searching for the suspect in a stabbing Saturday night that left a 54-year-old man hospitalized in critical condition.
Police said that while the suspect remains at large, he is not believed to be a threat to the public.
The stabbing was the result of an interaction between acquaintances, police said.
Officers found the stabbing victim at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday while responding to a 911 call from the lobby of a hotel on the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road, officials said.
The victim, who suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest, received lifesaving aid from officers and then was taken to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries, police said. He remains in critical, but stable condition, police said Monday.
Police said it is not yet clear what occurred between the two men before the knife attack. Because of the victim's injuries, he has been unable to provide any information.
The Arlington Heights Police Department's Criminal Investigation Bureau is actively pursuing leads and will provide more information as it becomes available, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Aurora man charged with murder of Elgin man

An Aurora man faces first-degree murder charges alleging he fatally stabbed a man whose body was found Saturday at an Aurora Township house under renovation .
Carlos Fonseca-Gutierrez , 40 , of the 1700 block of Indian Avenue , was charged Monday with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery , according to the Kane County Sheriff 's Office .
The sheriff 's office identified the victim as 51-year-old Mario A. Ying of Elgin .
Authorities say deputies were called at 9:20 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 1500 block of Solifsburg Avenue and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene by a witness who reported being suspicious of a person who lived on Indian Avenue , less than a half-mile from the scene , sheriff 's police said .
Detectives went to the home and found Fonseca-Gutierrez , who agreed to speak with investigators at the sheriff 's office , officials said .
After reviewing all of the case facts , detectives conferred with the Kane County State Attorney 's Office , which approved the charges against Fonseca-Gutierrez , authorities said .
He is being held at the Kane County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance Tuesday .

Aurora man charged with murder of Elgin man
An Aurora man faces first-degree murder charges alleging he fatally stabbed a man whose body was found Saturday at an Aurora Township house under renovation.
Carlos Fonseca-Gutierrez, 40, of the 1700 block of Indian Avenue, was charged Monday with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery, according to the Kane County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office identified the victim as 51-year-old Mario A. Ying of Elgin.
Authorities say deputies were called at 9:20 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 1500 block of Solifsburg Avenue and found Ying dead inside.
Detectives were approached at the scene by a witness who reported being suspicious of a person who lived on Indian Avenue, less than a half-mile from the scene, sheriff's police said. Detectives went to the home and found Fonseca-Gutierrez, who agreed to speak with investigators at the sheriff's office, officials said.
After reviewing all of the case facts, detectives conferred with the Kane County State Attorney's Office, which approved the charges against Fonseca-Gutierrez, authorities said. He is being held at the Kane County jail without bail pending a scheduled court appearance Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Will 'game-changing' new runway quiet O'Hare jet noise conundrum?

It wo n't eclipse the election , but another mammoth news event occurs this week .
Mammoth as in the reveal of 11,245-foot-long , 200-foot-wide Runway 9-Center/27-Center .
The sixth and final parallel runway at O'Hare International Airport will be commissioned Thursday , signaling the almost end of one of the region 's most monumental construction projects .
With a trio of east/west runways operating on the south airfield , 9-Center/27-Center 's debut brings three on the north side .
Much is expected of the new structure , touted as essential to evenly distributing jet noise around the region and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For too long and to the detriment of Bensenville residents , O'Hare has relied on the southern airfield as the backbone of the airport , '' Bensenville Village Manager Evan Summers said .
`` The commissioning of 9C/27C is the city of Chicago fulfilling a promise it made 15 years ago to build out the northern airfield . ''
O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission Chairman and Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek thinks the runway `` will be game-changing , in the sense that it is the last of the new runways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program .
`` With some additional work on existing runways and taxiways we will finally be in a steady runway configuration by the end of 2021 .
This stability will allow for more predictable runway use , especially in the overnight hours , '' said Juracek .
The O'Hare Modernization Project was anathema to many suburbs when proposed in 2001 , particularly in Bensenville where 600 or so homes and businesses were targeted for demolition .
The village kept Chicago in court until late 2009 when leaders settled for $ 16 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes include four new runways and two runway extensions .
The final extension stretching Runway 9-Right/27-Left on the north airfield by 3,293 feet to a total length of 11,260 will wrap up in December 2021 .
The impetus for the parallel system was safety , plus increasing efficiency and capacity by eliminating the original crisscross runway design .
The first new runway on the far north end of O'Hare , 9-Left/27-Right , opened 12 years ago with little controversy .
But when Runway 10-Center/28-Center on the south airfield was switched on in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as flights shifted from a mix of diagonal and parallel operations to a mostly east/west pattern .
Towns such as Bensenville woke up to a redoubled cacophony while others felt relief .
Federal , state and local officials who supported the O'Hare Modernization Project promised a full build-out would provide a noise balance around O'Hare .
When it 's fully operational in 2021 , Runway 9C/27C 's main job will be to handle arrivals in all `` weather and wind conditions , '' officials said .
`` The Bensenville/Elk Grove Industrial Park will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 9C/27C , '' Summers said .
`` Thankfully this is a much more compatible land use than the homes impacted by the southern airfield . ''
To the east of O'Hare , the flight path is expected to be over some Rosemont , Park Ridge and Chicago neighborhoods .
Will the promised equalizing occur ?
It 's `` still a big unknown , '' said Dan Dwyer of Medinah , an advisory member on the ONCC 's Fly Quiet Committee .
`` When this airfield was designed 20 years ago , reliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a consideration in airport design .
`` Arrivals on the 2008 runway 9L/27R will need to cross this new runway .
So the new runway will need to be proven out in today 's safety culture after OMP completion before we 're sure if the promised balance is achieved . ''
Have a question or comment on the new runway ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
O'Hare 's new Runway 9-Center/27-Center stretches 11,245 feet long .
Other north airfield runways are Runway 9-Left/27-Right at 7,500 feet and Runway 9-Right/27-Left that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late 2021 .
On the south airfield , the lineup is Runway 10-Left/28-Right at 13,000 feet , Runway 10-Center/28-Center at 10,801 feet , and Runway 10-Right/28-Left at 7,500 feet .
Two diagonals comprise Runway 4-Left/22-Right at 7,500 feet and Runway 4-Right/22-left at 8,075 feet .
You should know Keeping track of all the driver 's license/registration date changes ?
Of course not , so here 's a reminder that COVID-19-related extensions on license plate sticker renewals ended Sunday .
Stickers can be renewed at cyberdriveillinois.com .
Driver 's license and ID card expirations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 .
Southbound Central Tri-State Tollway ( I-294 ) drivers can expect delays between Devon Avenue and Higgins Road with lane and shoulder closures so workers can build noise walls and retaining walls .
The work wraps up in spring 2021 .

Will 'game-changing' new runway quiet O'Hare jet noise conundrum?
Runway 9-Center/27-Center on the north airfield of O'Hare International Airport is ready for commissioning Thursday. It's the sixth and final parallel runway at the airport. Courtesy of Brian Fritz/Photography/F.H. Paschen
It won't eclipse the election, but another mammoth news event occurs this week. Mammoth as in the reveal of 11,245-foot-long, 200-foot-wide Runway 9-Center/27-Center.
The sixth and final parallel runway at O'Hare International Airport will be commissioned Thursday, signaling the almost end of one of the region's most monumental construction projects.
With a trio of east/west runways operating on the south airfield, 9-Center/27-Center's debut brings three on the north side. Much is expected of the new structure, touted as essential to evenly distributing jet noise around the region and giving O'Hare's sleep-deprived neighbors some shut-eye.
"For too long and to the detriment of Bensenville residents, O'Hare has relied on the southern airfield as the backbone of the airport," Bensenville Village Manager Evan Summers said. "The commissioning of 9C/27C is the city of Chicago fulfilling a promise it made 15 years ago to build out the northern airfield."
O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission Chairman and Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek thinks the runway "will be game-changing, in the sense that it is the last of the new runways to be constructed to complete the O'Hare Modernization Program.
"With some additional work on existing runways and taxiways we will finally be in a steady runway configuration by the end of 2021. This stability will allow for more predictable runway use, especially in the overnight hours," said Juracek.
The O'Hare Modernization Project was anathema to many suburbs when proposed in 2001, particularly in Bensenville where 600 or so homes and businesses were targeted for demolition. The village kept Chicago in court until late 2009 when leaders settled for $16 million, allowing the expansion to proceed.
Major changes include four new runways and two runway extensions. The final extension stretching Runway 9-Right/27-Left on the north airfield by 3,293 feet to a total length of 11,260 will wrap up in December 2021.
The impetus for the parallel system was safety, plus increasing efficiency and capacity by eliminating the original crisscross runway design.
The first new runway on the far north end of O'Hare, 9-Left/27-Right, opened 12 years ago with little controversy. But when Runway 10-Center/28-Center on the south airfield was switched on in October 2013, a hornet's nest erupted as flights shifted from a mix of diagonal and parallel operations to a mostly east/west pattern.
Towns such as Bensenville woke up to a redoubled cacophony while others felt relief. Federal, state and local officials who supported the O'Hare Modernization Project promised a full build-out would provide a noise balance around O'Hare.
When it's fully operational in 2021, Runway 9C/27C's main job will be to handle arrivals in all "weather and wind conditions," officials said.
"The Bensenville/Elk Grove Industrial Park will feel the brunt of the new traffic from 9C/27C," Summers said. "Thankfully this is a much more compatible land use than the homes impacted by the southern airfield."
To the east of O'Hare, the flight path is expected to be over some Rosemont, Park Ridge and Chicago neighborhoods.
Will the promised equalizing occur? It's "still a big unknown," said Dan Dwyer of Medinah, an advisory member on the ONCC's Fly Quiet Committee. "When this airfield was designed 20 years ago, reliance on active runway crossings was less of a consideration in airport design.
"Arrivals on the 2008 runway 9L/27R will need to cross this new runway. So the new runway will need to be proven out in today's safety culture after OMP completion before we're sure if the promised balance is achieved."
Have a question or comment on the new runway? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
Bouncing baby runway
O'Hare's new Runway 9-Center/27-Center stretches 11,245 feet long. Other north airfield runways are Runway 9-Left/27-Right at 7,500 feet and Runway 9-Right/27-Left that will be 11,260 feet when extended in late 2021. On the south airfield, the lineup is Runway 10-Left/28-Right at 13,000 feet, Runway 10-Center/28-Center at 10,801 feet, and Runway 10-Right/28-Left at 7,500 feet. Two diagonals comprise Runway 4-Left/22-Right at 7,500 feet and Runway 4-Right/22-left at 8,075 feet.
You should know
Keeping track of all the driver's license/registration date changes? Of course not, so here's a reminder that COVID-19-related extensions on license plate sticker renewals ended Sunday. Stickers can be renewed at cyberdriveillinois.com. Driver's license and ID card expirations have been lifted until Feb. 1, 2021.
Gridlock alert
Southbound Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) drivers can expect delays between Devon Avenue and Higgins Road with lane and shoulder closures so workers can build noise walls and retaining walls. The work wraps up in spring 2021.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--'You can't do what he did': Bears' Wims 'apologetic' for punching Saints player

Bears receiver Javon Wims was suspended two games by the NFL Monday following Sunday 's fight with the New Orleans Saints , according to multiple reports .
During the third quarter Sunday , Wims sucker-punched Saints safety C.J .
Gardner-Johnson twice .
A brawl ensued , which ended with Wims at the bottom of a pile of Saints players .
The referees ejected Wims from the game following the play .
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday he talked with Wims , but that conversation will remain between him and Wims .
`` Regardless of what went on , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- that no matter what , you ca n't do what he did , '' Nagy said .
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported Wims claimed Gardner-Johnson spit on him and ripped out Wims ' mouthguard .
Wims appeared to reach for Gardner-Johnson 's mouth or neck area in retaliation before punching him in the helmet .
Gardner-Johnson Monday denied spitting on Wims , according to an ESPN report .
Nagy said everything prior to Sunday had indicated Wims was a 'high-character guy . ''
A month ago , Saints receiver Michael Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also among Saints players who mocked Bears running back Tarik Cohen 's height last year at Soldier Field .
Gardner-Johnson responded Sunday night by posting an Instagram story in which he wrote that Wims punches `` like a female . ''
The Bears seemed as surprised as anyone by Wims ' reaction .
Receiver Darnell Mooney said Monday he believes Wims is a `` good guy . ''
Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn said there really is n't anything for the players to do .
`` We can talk to him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the head coach , '' Quinn said Monday .

Bears' Wims 'apologetic' for punching Saints player
The Bears' Javon Wims heads to the locker room after being ejected from Sunday's game at Soldier Field. Associated Press
Bears wide receiver Javon Wims talks with coach Matt Nagy after being ejected in the second half of Sunday's loss to New Orleans at Soldier Field. Wims twice sucker-punched the Saints' C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Associated Press
Bears receiver Javon Wims has been suspended two games without pay following Sunday's fight with the New Orleans Saints.
During the third quarter Sunday, Wims sucker-punched Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson twice. A brawl ensued, which ended with Wims at the bottom of a pile of Saints players.
The referees ejected Wims from the game following the play.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension for a violation of an NFL rule that prohibits "striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head, neck, or face of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s)." The league also cited another rule that prohibits any act which is contrary to the "generally understood principles of sportsmanship."
Wims is eligible to return to the Bears' active roster on Nov. 17 following the team's Nov. 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Wims can appeal his suspension within three business days. Any appeal will be heard and decided by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and the NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline, according to a statement from the league.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday morning that he talked with Wims, but that conversation will remain between him and Wims.
"Regardless of what went on, he knows and understands -- he was apologetic -- that no matter what, you can't do what he did," Nagy said.
The NFL Network' Tom Pelissero reported that Wims claimed Gardner-Johnson spit on him and ripped out Wims' mouthguard. The game broadcast caught a glimpse of Gardner-Johnson pulling at Wims' mouth guard earlier in the game. A possession later, Wims appeared to reach for Gardner-Johnson's mouth guard in retaliation before punching him in the helmet.
As a head coach, Nagy said he hasn't dealt with a situation quite like this. Nagy said everything prior to Sunday had indicated Javon Wims was a 'high-character guy."
"That's the part that I thought was surprising," Nagy said Monday.
A month ago, Saints receiver Michael Thomas reportedly punched Gardner-Johnson in practice. Gardner-Johnson was also among Saints players who mocked Bears running back Tarik Cohen's height last year at Soldier Field.
Gardner-Johnson responded Sunday night by posting an Instagram story in which he wrote that Wims punches "like a female."
The Bears seemed as surprised as anyone by Wims' reaction. Receiver Darnell Mooney said Monday that he believes Wims is a "good guy." Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn said there really isn't anything for the players to do.
"We can talk to him and try to understand, but we're not the head coach," Quinn said Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-01--As new data reveals inequities, few school districts take steps to give poor students more

Second of two parts .
Nationwide , few school districts have made changes to deal with the inequities laid bare by new data on per-school spending that a federal law required them to release this year .
But Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville , Maryland , is well on its way -- and it 's paying close attention to how spending is tied to student outcomes .
For many who advocated for this financial reporting requirement in the first place , making the connection between resources and results is the whole point of teasing out per-student spending by school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts across the United States that spent a statistically significant amount less state and local money on high-poverty schools than on lower-poverty schools .
Elgin Area School District U-46 and West Aurora School District 129 both fall into that category .
The analysis found another 263 districts where spending on each school had little to no connection to the number of students in poverty .
Hechinger examined state and local spending by school in nearly 700 districts ( those with 15 or more schools ) from 40 states that made the data available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this opportunity to leverage our dollars to get the greatest outcome for our students , '' said Marguerite Roza , the economist at Georgetown University .
Montgomery County Public Schools hired an educational consulting firm to do a financial audit in advance of the federal reporting deadline .
The firm found the district spends more on its higher-poverty schools , but it also identified inequities : Overall , Montgomery County 's high-poverty schools perform worse , and Black and Latino students from low-income homes perform particularly poorly .
In exploring what might contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among other things , that it concentrates its novice teachers and principals in higher-needs schools .
Diego Uriburu , executive director of Identity , a nonprofit in Montgomery County that serves Latino youths and families and that has teamed up with the NAACP of Montgomery County to lead the newly formed Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence , said the findings were not necessarily surprising , but that it was striking to see the data so clearly .
`` We as Black and Brown folks have always felt it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points because we could only speak about our experience and anecdotes , but then suddenly there was the data that was clearly saying what we have been experiencing , '' he said .
Jack Smith , the superintendent , came to the district with the explicit goal of improving educational equity .
He knew Montgomery County had a long history of high performance for most students , but not all of them .
The work he has overseen to root out inequities has caused some angst among families for whom the status quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a belief somehow , always , that if someone gets something , I must be losing something , '' Smith said .
He has worked to dispel that notion and win more support for the idea that improving performance for all students is in the best interests of the entire community .
Budgetary uncertainty thanks to the coronavirus pandemic will leave Montgomery County Public Schools with fewer resources to do things like create new incentives to get more experienced teachers into high-needs schools .
But Smith said there 's no reason to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We 're not in a position to do a major incentive program across all 135 elementary schools , but we can start , '' he said .
In some districts that have tried to shift their spending , keeping up the momentum can be difficult .
Rochester , New York , offers a lesson in how hard it can be not only to make major changes but to make them permanent .
Jean-Claude Brizard took over as superintendent of the Rochester City Schools in 2008 .
( He is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , one of the many funders of The Hechinger Report . )
Soon after he started , he hired a consulting firm to follow the dollars in his district and identify inequities , which , it turns out , were striking .
`` We saw schools of similar size , similar demographics , but one school got 50 percent more per pupil , '' Brizard said .
The budgeting system in Rochester until that point was one in which well-connected principals could advocate for more money for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
He started out by sharing the data internally and then held community meetings where he aimed to spur enough demand for change that the district would be able to justify going against the wishes of the small but vocal populations that had gotten more than their fair share of district spending .
Brizard orchestrated a three-year transition to a student-based funding formula that clearly laid out how much money schools would get for students with different needs .
But when Brizard left the district in 2011 , just after the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said a group of affluent , mostly white parents succeeded in lobbying the school board to dismantle the new system .
`` The board is often elected by a handful of people , and they will respond to that pressure , '' Brizard said .
His current work focuses on coalition-building across communities , which he says can help overcome pushback .
`` When you have a community that is galvanized around these equity issues , it brings the stakes beyond a single protagonist . ''
In some cases , funding decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of school districts .
A lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Southern California forced the Los Angeles Unified School District to revise its methods of allocating spending among schools .
California distributes $ 61 billion through its Local Control Funding Formula , a portion of which is set aside for foster youths , English learners and students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches .
The ACLU argued the money was n't being directed to the right students , and LAUSD settled , giving $ 151 million to a group of schools that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patterns moving forward .
While the equity battles in Montgomery County , Rochester and Los Angeles have all played out differently , they share one common thread : clear data .
In Montgomery County and Rochester , district leaders produced their own analyses and shared the data with the public .
In California , outside researchers tracked the state dollars to the school level and gave advocacy groups a smoking gun .
U-46 instituted a flurry of equity-minded initiatives last school year , but according to the latest state data , released Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local dollars on its higher-poverty schools .
`` With this second year of data in mind , we will work to be more deliberate about addressing school funding decisions as we develop our Fiscal Year 2022 budget , '' Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a written statement .
In West Aurora District 129 , the funding disparities have gone largely unremarked upon .
Angie Smith , assistant superintendent for operations , said there are no plans to redistribute funds because district leaders believe the spending differences are justified .
She pointed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive staffing in smaller schools and the costs of specialized programs as reasons for the district 's spending patterns .
But in Montgomery County , Uriburu believes this latest push for equity might truly result in long-term changes for the district and its students .
District administrators are committed , as is the school board , and even the county government has embarked on an equity mission for the broader community .
And , of course , there is the coalition .
Uriburu said this is the first time the Black and Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better schools , and they are very clear about their right to make demands .
`` By bringing the Black and Brown communities together , we make up 54 percent of the student body of Montgomery County Public Schools , '' Uriburu said .
`` It 's a different ballgame . ''
• This story about school funding disparities was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit , independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education .
Sign up for Hechinger 's newsletter at hechingerreport.org .

As new data reveals inequities, few school districts take steps to give poor students more
Second of two parts.
Nationwide, few school districts have made changes to deal with the inequities laid bare by new data on per-school spending that a federal law required them to release this year. But Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, Maryland, is well on its way -- and it's paying close attention to how spending is tied to student outcomes.
For many who advocated for this financial reporting requirement in the first place, making the connection between resources and results is the whole point of teasing out per-student spending by school.
A Hechinger Report analysis found 53 districts across the United States that spent a statistically significant amount less state and local money on high-poverty schools than on lower-poverty schools.
Elgin Area School District U-46 and West Aurora School District 129 both fall into that category.
The analysis found another 263 districts where spending on each school had little to no connection to the number of students in poverty. Hechinger examined state and local spending by school in nearly 700 districts (those with 15 or more schools) from 40 states that made the data available.
"The end goal is taking this opportunity to leverage our dollars to get the greatest outcome for our students," said Marguerite Roza, the economist at Georgetown University.
Montgomery County Public Schools hired an educational consulting firm to do a financial audit in advance of the federal reporting deadline. The firm found the district spends more on its higher-poverty schools, but it also identified inequities: Overall, Montgomery County's high-poverty schools perform worse, and Black and Latino students from low-income homes perform particularly poorly. In exploring what might contribute to these results, the district found, among other things, that it concentrates its novice teachers and principals in higher-needs schools.
Diego Uriburu, executive director of Identity, a nonprofit in Montgomery County that serves Latino youths and families and that has teamed up with the NAACP of Montgomery County to lead the newly formed Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence, said the findings were not necessarily surprising, but that it was striking to see the data so clearly.
"We as Black and Brown folks have always felt it was hard for us to prove our points because we could only speak about our experience and anecdotes, but then suddenly there was the data that was clearly saying what we have been experiencing," he said.
Jack Smith, the superintendent, came to the district with the explicit goal of improving educational equity. He knew Montgomery County had a long history of high performance for most students, but not all of them. The work he has overseen to root out inequities has caused some angst among families for whom the status quo was working well.
"There's a belief somehow, always, that if someone gets something, I must be losing something," Smith said.
He has worked to dispel that notion and win more support for the idea that improving performance for all students is in the best interests of the entire community.
Budgetary uncertainty thanks to the coronavirus pandemic will leave Montgomery County Public Schools with fewer resources to do things like create new incentives to get more experienced teachers into high-needs schools. But Smith said there's no reason to "sit on our hands and do nothing."
"We're not in a position to do a major incentive program across all 135 elementary schools, but we can start," he said.
In some districts that have tried to shift their spending, keeping up the momentum can be difficult. Rochester, New York, offers a lesson in how hard it can be not only to make major changes but to make them permanent. Jean-Claude Brizard took over as superintendent of the Rochester City Schools in 2008. (He is now a senior adviser and deputy director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the many funders of The Hechinger Report.) Soon after he started, he hired a consulting firm to follow the dollars in his district and identify inequities, which, it turns out, were striking.
"We saw schools of similar size, similar demographics, but one school got 50 percent more per pupil," Brizard said.
The budgeting system in Rochester until that point was one in which well-connected principals could advocate for more money for their schools. Brizard wanted to change that. He started out by sharing the data internally and then held community meetings where he aimed to spur enough demand for change that the district would be able to justify going against the wishes of the small but vocal populations that had gotten more than their fair share of district spending.
Brizard orchestrated a three-year transition to a student-based funding formula that clearly laid out how much money schools would get for students with different needs. But when Brizard left the district in 2011, just after the new funding formula was fully in place, he said a group of affluent, mostly white parents succeeded in lobbying the school board to dismantle the new system.
"The board is often elected by a handful of people, and they will respond to that pressure," Brizard said. His current work focuses on coalition-building across communities, which he says can help overcome pushback. "When you have a community that is galvanized around these equity issues, it brings the stakes beyond a single protagonist."
In some cases, funding decisions have been taken out of the hands of school districts.
A lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Southern California forced the Los Angeles Unified School District to revise its methods of allocating spending among schools. California distributes $61 billion through its Local Control Funding Formula, a portion of which is set aside for foster youths, English learners and students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. The ACLU argued the money wasn't being directed to the right students, and LAUSD settled, giving $151 million to a group of schools that had been shortchanged and revising its spending patterns moving forward.
While the equity battles in Montgomery County, Rochester and Los Angeles have all played out differently, they share one common thread: clear data. In Montgomery County and Rochester, district leaders produced their own analyses and shared the data with the public. In California, outside researchers tracked the state dollars to the school level and gave advocacy groups a smoking gun.
U-46 instituted a flurry of equity-minded initiatives last school year, but according to the latest state data, released Friday, the district still spends fewer state and local dollars on its higher-poverty schools.
"With this second year of data in mind, we will work to be more deliberate about addressing school funding decisions as we develop our Fiscal Year 2022 budget," Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a written statement.
In West Aurora District 129, the funding disparities have gone largely unremarked upon. Angie Smith, assistant superintendent for operations, said there are no plans to redistribute funds because district leaders believe the spending differences are justified. She pointed to some schools' transportation costs, more expensive staffing in smaller schools and the costs of specialized programs as reasons for the district's spending patterns.
But in Montgomery County, Uriburu believes this latest push for equity might truly result in long-term changes for the district and its students. District administrators are committed, as is the school board, and even the county government has embarked on an equity mission for the broader community. And, of course, there is the coalition. Uriburu said this is the first time the Black and Latino communities have teamed up to advocate for better schools, and they are very clear about their right to make demands.
"By bringing the Black and Brown communities together, we make up 54 percent of the student body of Montgomery County Public Schools," Uriburu said. "It's a different ballgame."
• This story about school funding disparities was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger's newsletter at hechingerreport.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--Texas records highest number of total COVID-19 cases in US

AUSTIN , Texas -- Texas has surpassed California in recording the highest number of positive coronavirus tests in the U.S. so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation , the data from Sunday - the most recent available - says that there have been 937,317 cases in Texas , the nation 's second-largest state .
California , the most populous state , has had 936,198 cases , followed by Florida with 807,412 .
The true number of cases is likely higher because many people have n't been tested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not feel sick .
A summer surge of cases overwhelmed hospitals in Houston and along the hard-hit border with Mexico .
But in the fall the case numbers dipped , and Gov .
Greg Abbott began relaxing some coronavirus restrictions , allowing restaurants and gyms to let more people inside .
He also let county leaders decide if they wanted to reopen bars at 50 % capacity .
But cases and hospitalizations are once again on the rise .
The Johns Hopkins data shows that Texas ' seven-day rolling average of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks from 7.12 % to 10.72 % , while the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases rose from about 4,470 new cases per day to about 6,070 .
Texas health officials have reported more than 18,000 deaths so far from COVID-19 .
In recent weeks new hot spots have emerged in places including the rural upper Midwest and along the U.S.-Mexico border El Paso , where Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott has sent additional medical personnel and equipment .
Last Thursday , El Paso County officials ordered a two-week shutdown of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources were overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases .
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego says they 're struggling to find space for the increasing number of people dying and are setting up a fourth mobile morgue unit at the medical examiner 's office .
Samaniego said Monday that the county had a backlog of more than 90 deaths that needed to be investigated .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .

Texas ranks highest in total number of COVID-19 cases in US
FILE - In this July 27, 2020, file photo, notes to medical personnel are hung in an area as they prepare to ender a COVID-19 unit at Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City, Texas. As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation and infections and hospitalizations rise, medical administrators are scrambling to find enough nursing help - especially in rural areas and at small hospitals. Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas has surpassed California in recording the highest number of positive coronavirus tests in the U.S. so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation, the data from Sunday - the most recent available - says that there have been 938,503 cases in Texas, the nation's second-most populous state.
California, the most populous state, has had 938,119 cases, followed by Florida with 812,063.
The true number of infections is likely higher because many people haven't been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
More than 29 million people live in Texas. The state's cases per 100,000 population is 3,269.84. By comparison, California - home to more than 39 million people - has a rate of 2,371.56 cases per 100,000.
A summer surge of cases overwhelmed hospitals in Houston and along the hard-hit border with Mexico. But in the fall case numbers dipped, and Gov. Greg Abbott began relaxing some coronavirus restrictions, allowing restaurants and gyms to let more people inside. He also let county leaders decide if they wanted to reopen bars at 50% capacity.
But cases and hospitalizations are once again on the rise.
The Johns Hopkins data shows that Texas' seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate has risen over the last two weeks from 7.12% to 10.72%. Nationwide, the positivity rate was 6.6%.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Texas rose from about 4,470 new cases per day to about 6,070.
Active cases were estimated at 105,658, the most since Aug. 26, and 63.5% more than when active cases bottomed out on Sept. 20. Almost 5,800 COVID-19 hospitalizations were reported in Texas Monday, 87.3% more than at the Sept. 20 low point.
Texas health officials have reported more than 18,000 deaths so far from COVID-19.
In recent weeks new hot spots have emerged in places including the rural upper Midwest and along the U.S.-Mexico border El Paso, where Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent additional medical personnel and equipment.
Last Thursday, El Paso County officials ordered a two-week shutdown of nonessential activities after the area's medical resources were overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego says they're struggling to find space for the increasing number of people dying and are setting up a fourth mobile morgue unit at the medical examiner's office.
Samaniego said Monday that the county had a backlog of more than 90 deaths that needed to be investigated.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-02--FAQ: What you need to know to vote today

The traditional Election Day is finally here , but there 's hardly anything traditional about it .
Nearly 3.6 million people in Illinois already have returned their mailed ballots or voted early in person in the general election .
At least 1.76 million people have taken advantage of an expanded mail-in voting system because of the pandemic .
Today 's the last chance to make your vote count .
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m .
Here 's what you need to know .
Can I still submit my mail ballot ?
You can return your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postmarked today , or you can bring it to secure drop box .
Suburban Cook voters planning to drop their mail ballots in a box on Election Day must do so at one of seven `` Super Site '' voting locations : the suburban courthouses in Rolling Meadows , Skokie , Maywood , Bridgeview and Markham ; the County Administration Building at 69 W. Washington St. in Chicago ; and Chicago 's Union Station .
The drop boxes at local polling places will be closed .
What if I 've changed my mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges .
If you forget or misplaced your mail-in ballot , you can fill out a provisional ballot , which would n't be counted until two weeks after the election .
If a voter tries to vote by mail and cast a ballot in person , the person could be charged with a felony .
Yes .
New voters can register on Election Day at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of valid identification , including a piece of mail that shows a current address , to register .
Voters without proper identification can also cast provisional ballots , but they have to produce the proper IDs to their election authority within seven days of the election .
More than 8.3 million people have registered to vote in Illinois -- a record high .
Unofficial statewide tallies indicate 43 % of registered voters already have cast their ballots , according to the State Board of Elections .
How many mail ballots have yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.76 million of the 2.35 million ballots sent to voters in Illinois have been returned to election authorities via a secure drop box or through the U.S .
Postal Service .
In the suburbs , election officials have reported 194,758 outstanding mail-in ballots in suburban Cook County , 56,065 in DuPage County , 14,387 in Kane County , 61,092 in Lake County , 19,314 in McHenry County , and 26,662 in Will County .
A mail-in ballot will count as long it 's postmarked no later than Election Day and received by election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have cautioned that a potential surge in mail-in voting arriving after Election Day could flip some races through Nov. 17 .
What can I bring into the polling booth ?
Newspapers and lists are allowed .
Election officials also encourage voters to bring their own black- or blue-ink pen to mark their ballot due to COVID-19 .
Be sure to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at the voting site .
Where can I find out who 's running ?
Visit the Daily Herald 's Election 2020 website at dailyherald.com/election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herald endorsements , editorial board interviews with candidates and candidate Q & A 's .
You can also build a sample ballot through a joint project by the Daily Herald , Shaw Media and BallotReady .
Where can I find election returns after polls close ?
How can I get to the polls ?
Ride-sharing services Lyft and Uber are offering free and discounted rides on Election Day .
Find your polling place and more in suburban Cook County at cookcountyclerk.com , in DuPage County at dupageco.org , in Kane County at kanecountyclerk.org @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in McHenry County at mchenrycountyil.gov and in Will County at thewillcountyclerk.org .
What if I see voter intimidation or something that 's concerning ?
The League of Women Voters says voters can reports problems by calling 866-OUR-VOTE ( 866-687-8683 ) , a hotline staffed by the Lawyers ' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law .
A Spanish/English line is available at 888-VE-Y-VOTA .

FAQ: What you need to know to vote today
The traditional Election Day is finally here, but there's hardly anything traditional about it.
Nearly 3.6 million people in Illinois already have returned their mailed ballots or voted early in person in the general election.
At least 1.76 million people have taken advantage of an expanded mail-in voting system because of the pandemic.
Today's the last chance to make your vote count. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here's what you need to know.
Can I still submit my mail ballot?
A mail-in ballot will count as long it's postmarked no later than Election Day and received by election authorities within 14 days.
At this stage, election authorities in DuPage County recommend that voters return completed ballots in a polling place drop box or in the collection box in the south parking lot of the administration building in Wheaton.
Suburban Cook voters planning to drop their mail ballots in a box today must do so at one of seven "Super Site" voting locations: the suburban courthouses in Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview and Markham; the County Administration Building at 69 W. Washington St. in Chicago; and Chicago's Union Station. The drop boxes at local polling places will be closed.
What if I've changed my mind and want to vote in person?
The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges. If you forget or misplaced your mail-in ballot, you can fill out a provisional ballot, which wouldn't be counted until two weeks after the election.
If a voter tries to vote by mail and cast a ballot in person, the person could be charged with a felony.
Can I still register?
Yes. New voters can register on Election Day at designated polling places. Bring two forms of valid identification, including a piece of mail that shows a current address, to register.
Voters without proper identification can also cast provisional ballots, but they have to produce the proper IDs to their election authority within seven days of the election.
More than 8.3 million people have registered to vote in Illinois -- a record high. Unofficial statewide tallies indicate 43% of registered voters already have cast their ballots, according to the State Board of Elections.
How many mail ballots have yet to be returned?
As of Monday, 1.76 million of the 2.35 million ballots sent to voters in Illinois have been returned to election authorities via a secure drop box or through the U.S. Postal Service.
In the suburbs, election officials have reported 194,758 outstanding mail-in ballots in suburban Cook County, 56,065 in DuPage County, 14,387 in Kane County, 61,092 in Lake County, 19,314 in McHenry County, and 26,662 in Will County.
Election officials have cautioned that a potential surge in mail-in voting arriving after Election Day could flip some races through Nov. 17.
What can I bring into the polling booth?
Newspapers and lists are allowed. Election officials also encourage voters to bring their own black- or blue-ink pen to mark their ballot due to COVID-19. Be sure to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at the voting site.
Where can I find out who's running?
Visit the Daily Herald's Election 2020 website at dailyherald.com/election. Voters will find a list of Daily Herald endorsements, editorial board interviews with candidates and candidate Q&A's. You can also build a sample ballot through a joint project by the Daily Herald, Shaw Media and BallotReady.
Where can I find election returns after polls close?
Daily Herald Election Central at dailyherald.com.
How can I get to the polls?
Ride-sharing services Lyft and Uber are offering free and discounted rides on Election Day.
Where's my polling place?
Find your polling place and more in suburban Cook County at cookcountyclerk.com, in DuPage County at dupageco.org, in Kane County at kanecountyclerk.org, in Lake County at lakecountyil.gov, in McHenry County at mchenrycountyil.gov and in Will County at thewillcountyclerk.org.
What if I see voter intimidation or something that's concerning?
The League of Women Voters says voters can reports problems by calling 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), a hotline staffed by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. A Spanish/English line is available at 888-VE-Y-VOTA.