dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Bulls draft fast-rising forward Williams with fourth pick

A month ago , this pick would have seemed absurd .
But as the predraft process played out , there was plenty of buzz about Florida State forward Patrick Williams moving up the board .
The Bulls finished off his rapid rise by choosing Williams with the No .
4 pick of Wednesday 's NBA Draft .
`` Hard work works , '' Williams said in a Zoom interview after being selected .
`` You could talk about everything else , but it 's all about who 's going to get in that gym and who 's going to grind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this point , never giving up , always being in the gym . ''
The Bulls had been projected to take Israeli forward Deni Avdija since the draft lottery in August .
But with the chatter growing , it became clear by draft night the Bulls were headed in this direction .
Williams talked about his conversations with new Bulls boss Arturas Karnisovas and first-year coach Billy Donovan .
`` It was just basketball talk , schemes and the ways I play the game and what I see when I 'm out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then I talked to Billy Donovan on the phone a couple weeks ago .
That was just more basketball talk about what I expect from the league , what I see when I 'm watching games , that type of thing .
So a lot of basketball talk .
`` I can tell the front office is basketball smart .
They know what they 're talking about .
Not every front office is like that , so I 'm blessed to be in Chicago . ''
Williams said he was told the Bulls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five positions on the floor .
Williams has an ally already in town .
Fellow North Carolina native Coby White is a longtime acquaintance and Williams leaned on him to learn about the draft process .
`` We 've talked , I would say , every other day since the day I declared for the draft , '' Williams said of White .
`` He 's been a big help .
We just talked about the things he went through , the things he learned .
All ( through ) high school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him .
He played for CP3 , I played for Team United , which are both EYBL teams .
`` We played each other often , pretty much every summer .
Coming into this predraft process , I was already close with him , so I kind of leaned on him for questions or advice or anything I needed .
It 's actually kind of crazy that I got drafted by the Bulls . ''
Williams is an athletic , 6-8 forward with a 6-11 wingspan who has a chance to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice shooting touch , although his scoring skills are a work in progress .
He seems to fit the mold of Boston 's Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown .
Williams is one of the youngest players in this draft , having turned 19 on Aug. 26 .
The Charlotte , N.C. , native was No .
28 in the final ESPN recruit rankings for the Class of 2019 .
Both of his parents played basketball at Division II Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte .
During his freshman year at Florida State , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1.0 blocks , so obviously this is a pick based on potential .
He shot 32 percent from 3-point range , but an impressive 84 percent at the free-throw , which is often a good indicator of shooting touch .
`` Physical specimen , one of the youngest prospects in the draft class , '' head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said .
`` Defensive versatility is what we liked .
Long arms , big hands ; such an upside and potential .
`` This is what the NBA is today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ point guard in high school .
Humble kid that is mature beyond his years . ''
Williams never started a game at Florida State .
But the Bulls sorely lacked athleticism and toughness last season and Williams could provide a boost in those categories from Day 1 .
Typically , NBA rookies have summer league and several months to get acclimated .
Williams and his class will have roughly two weeks before training camp begins .
The 2020-21 regular season will start on Dec. 22 .
`` Chicago definitely has something special being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the guys they have coming back , '' Williams said .
`` There 's definitely something special being built there and I 'm just excited to learn from all of them -- Coby White , Zach LaVine , Denzel Valentine .
All the guys I 'm just excited to learn from . ''
The top three picks went as expected , with Minnesota taking Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards , Golden State taking Memphis center James Wiseman second and Charlotte going with 6-7 point guard LaMelo Ball .
Avdija ended up going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5-8 were Isaac Okoro to Cleveland , Onyeka Okongwu to Atlanta , Killian Hayes to Detroit and Obi Toppin to New York .
With their second-round pick , the Bulls chose 6-11 center Marko Simonovic at No .
44 overall .
He 's a 21-year-old native of Montenegro , who played for teams in Slovenia and Serbia last season , and is likely to stay in Europe for a few years , at least .

Bulls draft fast-rising forward Williams with fourth pick
In this Nov. 10, 2019, file photo, Florida State forward Patrick Williams (4) dribbles up court against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Fla. Associated Press
A month ago, this pick would have seemed absurd.
But as the predraft process played out, there was plenty of buzz about Florida State forward Patrick Williams moving up the board. The Bulls finished off his rapid rise by choosing Williams with the No. 4 pick of Wednesday's NBA Draft.
"Hard work works," Williams said in a Zoom interview after being selected. "You could talk about everything else, but it's all about who's going to get in that gym and who's going to grind. I think that's got me to this point, never giving up, always being in the gym."
The Bulls had been projected to take Israeli forward Deni Avdija since the draft lottery in August. But with the chatter growing, it became clear by draft night the Bulls were headed in this direction. Williams talked about his conversations with new Bulls boss Arturas Karnisovas and first-year coach Billy Donovan.
"It was just basketball talk, schemes and the ways I play the game and what I see when I'm out there," Williams said. "Then I talked to Billy Donovan on the phone a couple weeks ago. That was just more basketball talk about what I expect from the league, what I see when I'm watching games, that type of thing. So a lot of basketball talk.
"I can tell the front office is basketball smart. They know what they're talking about. Not every front office is like that, so I'm blessed to be in Chicago."
Williams said he was told the Bulls will let him try to guard all five positions on the floor.
Williams has an ally already in town. Fellow North Carolina native Coby White is a longtime acquaintance and Williams leaned on him to learn about the draft process.
"We've talked, I would say, every other day since the day I declared for the draft," Williams said of White. "He's been a big help. We just talked about the things he went through, the things he learned. All (through) high school, I've been playing against him or with him. He played for CP3, I played for Team United, which are both EYBL teams.
"We played each other often, pretty much every summer. Coming into this predraft process, I was already close with him, so I kind of leaned on him for questions or advice or anything I needed. It's actually kind of crazy that I got drafted by the Bulls."
Williams is an athletic, 6-8 forward with a 6-11 wingspan who has a chance to be an elite defender. He carries a nice shooting touch, although his scoring skills are a work in progress. He seems to fit the mold of Boston's Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.
Williams is one of the youngest players in this draft, having turned 19 on Aug. 26. The Charlotte, N.C., native was No. 28 in the final ESPN recruit rankings for the Class of 2019. Both of his parents played basketball at Division II Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.
During his freshman year at Florida State, Williams averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, so obviously this is a pick based on potential. He shot 32 percent from 3-point range, but an impressive 84 percent at the free-throw, which is often a good indicator of shooting touch.
"Physical specimen, one of the youngest prospects in the draft class," head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said. "Defensive versatility is what we liked. Long arms, big hands; such an upside and potential.
"This is what the NBA is today. He can play from 1-5; played point guard in high school. Humble kid that is mature beyond his years."
Williams never started a game at Florida State. But the Bulls sorely lacked athleticism and toughness last season and Williams could provide a boost in those categories from Day 1.
Typically, NBA rookies have summer league and several months to get acclimated. Williams and his class will have roughly two weeks before training camp begins. The 2020-21 regular season will start on Dec. 22.
"Chicago definitely has something special being built there with the new front office and the guys they have coming back," Williams said. "There's definitely something special being built there and I'm just excited to learn from all of them -- Coby White, Zach LaVine, Denzel Valentine. All the guys I'm just excited to learn from."
The top three picks went as expected, with Minnesota taking Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards, Golden State taking Memphis center James Wiseman second and Charlotte going with 6-7 point guard LaMelo Ball.
Avdija ended up going No. 9 to Washington. Picks 5-8 were Isaac Okoro to Cleveland, Onyeka Okongwu to Atlanta, Killian Hayes to Detroit and Obi Toppin to New York.
With their second-round pick, the Bulls chose 6-11 center Marko Simonovic at No. 44 overall. He's a 21-year-old native of Montenegro, who played for teams in Slovenia and Serbia last season, and is likely to stay in Europe for a few years, at least.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Gail Borden library buildings to close to public for three weeks

With COVID-19 cases surging in Kane County , the Gail Borden Public Library board of trustees voted unanimously to close all of their buildings to the public starting Friday .
The decision was made during a special board meeting held over Zoom Wednesday night .
`` Libraries are in a very tough situation , '' said Chief Executive Officer Carole Medal .
`` There 's concern for safety of staff and customers , and yet there 's concern that a public library needs to assist and support its community .
It 's really tough . ''
The three buildings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N. Grove Ave. , the Rakow Branch at 2751 W. Bowes Road and the South Elgin branch at 127 South McLean Blvd.
, will remain closed to the public until Dec. 13 .
The board has a scheduled meeting on Dec. 8 when they will decide what they 'll do going forward beyond that date .
Board members universally expressed concern for the community they serve , in particular , students who are nearing semester 's end and the homeless as the weather turns colder .
`` I want to help as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board president Jean Bednar .
`` In my heart , I want the library 's services to still be available .
But part of our job here is to make sure the staff is comfortable and safe . ''
A number of library services will remain available during the building closures .
The drive-up windows at the main and Rakow branches will be open , as well as curbside service at South Elgin and the Bookmobile contactless service .
The Mediabox at South Elgin will be available via curbside service .
and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content of the mediabanks at the main branch will be available through the drive-up service .
Reference services , home delivery for those who ca n't get to the library , virtual programming and printing services will all continue , in addition to other services .
Board members were open to the idea of making changes moving forward .
`` The problem to me has been trying to balance our responsibility as an essential service with our responsibility to care for patrons and staff , '' said Trustee Patricia Harkin .
She acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal , but said `` we 're making a decision for three weeks , not the rest of time .
`` I think three weeks is a reasonable time for us to make the best adjustment we can to this situation . ''

Gail Borden library buildings to close to public for three weeks
With COVID-19 cases surging in Kane County, the Gail Borden Public Library board of trustees voted unanimously to close all of their buildings to the public starting Friday.
The decision was made during a special board meeting held over Zoom Wednesday night.
"Libraries are in a very tough situation," said Chief Executive Officer Carole Medal. "There's concern for safety of staff and customers, and yet there's concern that a public library needs to assist and support its community. It's really tough."
The three buildings, which include the main library at 270 N. Grove Ave., the Rakow Branch at 2751 W. Bowes Road and the South Elgin branch at 127 South McLean Blvd., will remain closed to the public until Dec. 13. The board has a scheduled meeting on Dec. 8 when they will decide what they'll do going forward beyond that date.
Board members universally expressed concern for the community they serve, in particular, students who are nearing semester's end and the homeless as the weather turns colder.
"I want to help as many people as we can," said board president Jean Bednar. "In my heart, I want the library's services to still be available. But part of our job here is to make sure the staff is comfortable and safe."
A number of library services will remain available during the building closures.
The drive-up windows at the main and Rakow branches will be open, as well as curbside service at South Elgin and the Bookmobile contactless service.
The Mediabox at South Elgin will be available via curbside service. and the Rakow Mediabank will remain open. The content of the mediabanks at the main branch will be available through the drive-up service.
Reference services, home delivery for those who can't get to the library, virtual programming and printing services will all continue, in addition to other services.
Board members were open to the idea of making changes moving forward.
"The problem to me has been trying to balance our responsibility as an essential service with our responsibility to care for patrons and staff," said Trustee Patricia Harkin.
She acknowledged that closing to the public wasn't ideal, but said "we're making a decision for three weeks, not the rest of time.
"I think three weeks is a reasonable time for us to make the best adjustment we can to this situation."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Constable: Drone view of city and suburbs comes to WTTW

Any of us who have flown into Chicago have gazed out the airplane window and tried to spot landmarks , expressways or maybe even our house .
`` It 's hard to get your bearings .
You spot it and five seconds later , it 's gone , '' says Geoffrey Baer , a WTTW television staple known for feature-length programs about the architecture and history of Chicago and weekly appearances on `` Chicago Tonight '' shows .
`` You 're craning your neck and you want to see . ''
If only there was a way to slow down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A graduate of Deerfield High School who knows the city and the suburbs , the multiple Emmy Award-winning Baer teams with fellow Emmy Award-winning producer Eddie Griffin to give viewers that experience with a new WTTW special , `` Chicago from the Air , '' premiering at 7:30 tonight .
Narrated and written by Baer , this is the first WTTW special shot entirely with a drone .
The footage by Colin Hinkle and his Soaring Badger crew was captured in 20 days across 70 locations , Griffin says .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We knew we had to add something .
It had to have a heart .
We had to have stories , '' Griffin says .
Baer , 64 , blends history , geography and even `` racial reckoning '' into the show .
The view of bucolic Major Taylor Trail , a bike path on Chicago 's South Side near where Griffin grew up , comes with a story about how Major Taylor was n't a military hero .
It 's named in honor of African American cyclist Marshall `` Major '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racer who could n't even race in his own country because he was Black , '' Baer says .
Another racial conversation is sparked by the statue of Stephen A. Douglas , a politician whose wife owned slaves , `` towering over Bronzeville , '' Baer says .
Of course , the show also gives us great views of the Statue of the Republic , a smaller version of the piece Daniel Chester French designed for the World 's Columbian Exposition in 1893 , and Skylanding , designed by Yoko Ono .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story ? '
'' Baer says .
The show features maps of Native American trails from 1804 , and shows how those turned into diagonal streets in a system otherwise made on a grid .
It also gives the ugly story behind the name of Indian Boundary Golf Course along the Des Plaines River near O'Hare .
But every tale is scenic .
`` It 's about daredevil flying .
You can soar between the branches of a tree and dive off a cliff , '' Baer says .
One of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone `` diving off the cliff at Thornton Quarry . ''
That quarry , partly visible from cars taking I-294 through the South suburbs , becomes much more majestic through the lens of a drone .
`` I really loved the industrial sites , '' says Baer , who includes the history behind the canals , skyscrapers , stockyards and expressways .
He even speaks eloquently of the wastewater treatment plant in South suburban Stickney .
`` You get this mosaic of circular pools reflecting the blue skies and clouds .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more traditional beauty , the show gives us unusual views of `` houses of worship that take your breath away , regardless of your beliefs , '' Baer says .
Those include the iconic Bahai Temple in Wilmette , Glencoe 's arching North Shore Congregation Israel temple , and the exquisite Hindu temple in Bartlett .
`` The stunning Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple was shipped from India to Bartlett in 40,000 pieces , '' Baer says .
`` Some 3,000 artisans chiseled intricate patterns of traditional Indian architecture into the stones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puzzle . ''
Griffin got permission from the Bartlett temple to open the gates for close-up shots .
`` We 're WTTW .
We did n't want to sneak up on anyone , '' he says .
Baer , who notes that `` Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon on my 13th birthday , '' takes a cosmic approach to `` Chicago from the Air . ''
`` Astronauts call it the overview effect , seeing the tiny , finite world we all share in its beauty and fragility and truly understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Baer says .
`` Of course , we ca n't fly nearly as high , but maybe even this bird's-eye view of our city inspires us to work at healing our differences and cherishing the place we all call home . ''

Constable: Drone view of city and suburbs comes to WTTW
Under the direction of producer Eddie Griffin, the WTTW special "Chicago from the Air" gives viewers a new take on the city and suburbs shot entirely by drone. Courtesy of WTTW
Drone footage gives "Chicago from the Air" a unique view of Jackson Park in Chicago, where the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition took place. Courtesy of WTTW
It's difficult to take in the beauty of the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett from the ground. A new WTTW special provides a view of this Hindu temple from a drone. Courtesy of WTTW
Any of us who have flown into Chicago have gazed out the airplane window and tried to spot landmarks, expressways or maybe even our house.
"It's hard to get your bearings. You spot it and five seconds later, it's gone," says Geoffrey Baer, a WTTW television staple known for feature-length programs about the architecture and history of Chicago and weekly appearances on "Chicago Tonight" shows. "You're craning your neck and you want to see."
If only there was a way to slow down, even stop, and get closer.
A graduate of Deerfield High School who knows the city and the suburbs, the multiple Emmy Award-winning Baer teams with fellow Emmy Award-winning producer Eddie Griffin to give viewers that experience with a new WTTW special, "Chicago from the Air," premiering at 7:30 tonight.
Narrated and written by Baer, this is the first WTTW special shot entirely with a drone. The footage by Colin Hinkle and his Soaring Badger crew was captured in 20 days across 70 locations, Griffin says.
But it's not some pretty tourism piece.
"We knew we had to add something. It had to have a heart. We had to have stories," Griffin says.
As Emmy-winning host of many WTTW specials about architecture and history, Geoffrey Baer combines those loves and more in "Chicago from the Air," a new special shot entirely by drone. - Courtesy of WTTW
Baer, 64, blends history, geography and even "racial reckoning" into the show. The view of bucolic Major Taylor Trail, a bike path on Chicago's South Side near where Griffin grew up, comes with a story about how Major Taylor wasn't a military hero. It's named in honor of African American cyclist Marshall "Major" Taylor, a 19th-century "world champion racer who couldn't even race in his own country because he was Black," Baer says.
Another racial conversation is sparked by the statue of Stephen A. Douglas, a politician whose wife owned slaves, "towering over Bronzeville," Baer says. Of course, the show also gives us great views of the Statue of the Republic, a smaller version of the piece Daniel Chester French designed for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and Skylanding, designed by Yoko Ono.
"I'm always thinking, 'What's the story?'" Baer says.
The show features maps of Native American trails from 1804, and shows how those turned into diagonal streets in a system otherwise made on a grid. It also gives the ugly story behind the name of Indian Boundary Golf Course along the Des Plaines River near O'Hare. But every tale is scenic.
"It's about daredevil flying. You can soar between the branches of a tree and dive off a cliff," Baer says.
One of his favorite scenes is the view from a drone "diving off the cliff at Thornton Quarry." That quarry, partly visible from cars taking I-294 through the South suburbs, becomes much more majestic through the lens of a drone.
"I really loved the industrial sites," says Baer, who includes the history behind the canals, skyscrapers, stockyards and expressways. He even speaks eloquently of the wastewater treatment plant in South suburban Stickney.
"You get this mosaic of circular pools reflecting the blue skies and clouds. It's beautiful," Baer says.
For more traditional beauty, the show gives us unusual views of "houses of worship that take your breath away, regardless of your beliefs," Baer says. Those include the iconic Bahai Temple in Wilmette, Glencoe's arching North Shore Congregation Israel temple, and the exquisite Hindu temple in Bartlett.
"The stunning Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple was shipped from India to Bartlett in 40,000 pieces," Baer says. "Some 3,000 artisans chiseled intricate patterns of traditional Indian architecture into the stones to be assembled like a 3-D jigsaw puzzle."
Griffin got permission from the Bartlett temple to open the gates for close-up shots. "We're WTTW. We didn't want to sneak up on anyone," he says.
Baer, who notes that "Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon on my 13th birthday," takes a cosmic approach to "Chicago from the Air."
"Astronauts call it the overview effect, seeing the tiny, finite world we all share in its beauty and fragility and truly understanding it's the only place we have," Baer says. "Of course, we can't fly nearly as high, but maybe even this bird's-eye view of our city inspires us to work at healing our differences and cherishing the place we all call home."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Vacant Sears at Fox Valley Mall could become apartment buildings

The vacant Sears store at the Fox Valley Mall could be razed early next year to make way for a three-building apartment development and kick off a new phase of life for the 45-year-old mall .
Aurora aldermen will vote next week on a request to rezone roughly 11 acres along the Route 59 side of the property to allow the buildings .
The buildings , each three stories tall , would have a total of 304 studio , one- and two-bedroom apartments .
At a committee meeting on Tuesday , none of the 10 aldermen raised any objection to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken during the Nov. 24 city council meeting .
`` We 're thrilled to have this , '' Alderman Judd Lofchie said .
Alderman Sherman Jenkins asked whether the agreement required the developer to eventually convert the apartments from rental units to owner-occupied units .
This is the first phase of proposed redevelopment around the mall building , and Jenkins said he hopes it wo n't be all rental .
`` In 20 years , we are going to have a problem .
Owner-occupied is a very key component to making sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , productive development that will be something proud like the Fox Valley Mall has been since 1975 for Aurora , '' Jenkins said .
Jon Meshel , senior vice president of development for mall owner Centennial Real Estate , said there will be owner-occupied units on other areas of the mall site .
The former Sears store would be torn down early in 2021 , and construction of the first apartment building could start in April , he said .
Like many other malls , Fox Valley is trying to reinvent itself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy goods .
Sears closed its Fox Valley location in September 2018 .
It owned the land and building for the store , but sold them to Centennial in January 2018 , according to DuPage County Recorder of Deeds records .
In 2018 , a study of the Route 59 corridor called an area that includes Fox Valley `` tired . ''
It suggested changing zoning on the mall site to allow multifamily housing , small stores and entertainment venues .
A report done this year for the city said that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott department stores , 40 % of the mall 's store space was vacant .
The city earlier this month created a tax increment financing district for the whole mall .
In a TIF district , property tax payments to local governments are frozen at the current level for a period of time -- in this case , 15 years .
Any extra property tax money collected within the area after it is established goes into a special fund controlled by the city .
The money in the fund then can be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to a report on the TIF , the mall site had an equalized assessed value of about $ 51.2 million in 2019 , and could increase with redevelopment to $ 150 million to $ 200 million by the end of the 15 years .
So far , there are no agreements for TIF or city aid for the redevelopment , according to Clayton Muhammad , the city 's communications director .
However , the city and Indian Prairie School District 204 signed an agreement in February exempting any increased taxes generated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for redevelopment .

Vacant Sears at Fox Valley Mall could become apartment buildings
The vacant Sears store at the Fox Valley Mall could be razed early next year to make way for a three-building apartment development and kick off a new phase of life for the 45-year-old mall.
Aurora aldermen will vote next week on a request to rezone roughly 11 acres along the Route 59 side of the property to allow the buildings.
The buildings, each three stories tall, would have a total of 304 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
At a committee meeting on Tuesday, none of the 10 aldermen raised any objection to the plan. An official vote will be taken during the Nov. 24 city council meeting.
"We're thrilled to have this," Alderman Judd Lofchie said.
Alderman Sherman Jenkins asked whether the agreement required the developer to eventually convert the apartments from rental units to owner-occupied units.
This is the first phase of proposed redevelopment around the mall building, and Jenkins said he hopes it won't be all rental.
"In 20 years, we are going to have a problem. Owner-occupied is a very key component to making sure this remains a viable, most usable, productive development that will be something proud like the Fox Valley Mall has been since 1975 for Aurora," Jenkins said.
Jon Meshel, senior vice president of development for mall owner Centennial Real Estate, said there will be owner-occupied units on other areas of the mall site.
The former Sears store would be torn down early in 2021, and construction of the first apartment building could start in April, he said.
Like many other malls, Fox Valley is trying to reinvent itself as anchor stores close and shoppers turn online to buy goods.
Sears closed its Fox Valley location in September 2018. It owned the land and building for the store, but sold them to Centennial in January 2018, according to DuPage County Recorder of Deeds records.
In 2018, a study of the Route 59 corridor called an area that includes Fox Valley "tired." It suggested changing zoning on the mall site to allow multifamily housing, small stores and entertainment venues.
A report done this year for the city said that, including the closed Sears and Carson Pirie Scott department stores, 40% of the mall's store space was vacant.
The city earlier this month created a tax increment financing district for the whole mall. In a TIF district, property tax payments to local governments are frozen at the current level for a period of time -- in this case, 15 years. Any extra property tax money collected within the area after it is established goes into a special fund controlled by the city. The money in the fund then can be used to help pay for certain improvements.
According to a report on the TIF, the mall site had an equalized assessed value of about $51.2 million in 2019, and could increase with redevelopment to $150 million to $200 million by the end of the 15 years.
So far, there are no agreements for TIF or city aid for the redevelopment, according to Clayton Muhammad, the city's communications director.
However, the city and Indian Prairie School District 204 signed an agreement in February exempting any increased taxes generated by residential properties from being used to pay for redevelopment.


US-Pres-Sum,100

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

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 73,701,667 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,669,923 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Suburban long-term care facilities brace for another 'COVID storm'

They were among the first -- and certainly hardest -- hit during the first wave of COVID-19 last spring , and long-term care facilities are once again battling the deadly virus as another surge grips the nation and Illinois .
Statewide , Illinois Department of Public Health records show 728 long-term care facilities have `` open '' outbreaks , or new cases reported within the past 28 days .
That 's up from 523 at such facilities in mid-August .
But while more locations are dealing with outbreaks now than in the summer , the number of cases in those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Friday , 18,517 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in residents or workers of long-term care facilities within the previous 28 days , IDPH records show .
That 's down by more than 300 from what the state was reporting in the summer , when the virus was n't nearly as widespread as it is today .
`` It is very hard to keep any establishment COVID-free in the midst of a COVID storm , '' IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday .
`` But I think we 're doing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When we look specifically at deaths of the elderly ... for people over 60 , one-third of those deaths are coming from long-term care , which means two-thirds are coming from the community . ''
In the suburbs , residents of long-term care facilities make up between 5 % and 10 % less of a county 's death toll today than it did three months ago .
In Cook County , 2,481 of the 5,935 people who have died from the virus were long-term care facility residents , or roughly 42 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is reporting 485 of those who died were in long-term care facilities , more than 72 % of the county 's 674 COVID-19 total deaths .
In August , more than 80 % were residents of those kinds of facilities .
IDPH is reporting 343 of Lake County 's 556 COVID-19 deaths were long-term care facility residents .
That 's 62 % of all deaths .
In Kane County , 208 of the 394 COVID-19 deaths , or 53 % , were people living in long-term care facilities .
McHenry County officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 73 % , were people living in congregate settings .
Will County officials are reporting just 46 % of the county 's COVID-19 deaths -- 225 of 491 -- were in long-term care facilities .
Testing is important because it helps keep asymptomatic carriers of the virus from infecting others , health experts have said .
`` We 're doing a lot more testing of everybody , but staff in particular , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
`` Back in the spring , we only had a limited number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person on a regular basis .
Now we do . ''
`` We have seen early on in the pandemic how very bad it can be and the importance of testing in helping keep it from overtaking any facilities , '' said David Olsen , director of state affairs for the Alzheimer 's Association Illinois Chapter .
`` I think we are doing better as a state and controlling the disease , and a lot of that is due to the amount of testing being done . ''
Olsen said state health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day come from long-term care facilities around the state .
Olsen 's group was one of the first to praise Pritzker 's decision Tuesday to issue a virus resurgence mitigation plan that significantly reduces business operations and limits social gathering throughout the state .
The move , Olsen said , will help protect those living in congregate settings and their caregivers .
Among facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks , the number of cases can range from one or two to dozens .
In Cook County , IDPH is reporting 2,002 facilities have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of three cases per location .
In DuPage County , 66 facilities are handling 1,874 cases , which averages out to 28 cases per location .
In Kane County , 32 facilities have reported 548 cases for an average of 17 cases per location .
In Lake County , 37 facilities have combined for 757 , an average of 20 cases per location .
In McHenry County , eight facilities recorded 126 cases over the past 28 days , which gives each location an average of 16 cases each .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 875 cases , which is an average of 32 cases per location .
Nationally , leaders in the nursing home industry are urging Congress to approve an aid package to help long-term care facilities maintain staffing and outfit workers with proper safety equipment .
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living have released reports showing the virus is growing once again in congregate living centers throughout the country .
`` Without adequate funding and resources , the U.S. is repeating the same mistakes made during the initial outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer , '' said Mark Parkinson , president and CEO of the two organizations .
`` We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in long-term care facilities , by passing another COVID relief package during the lame duck session on Congress . ''

Suburban long-term care facilities brace for another 'COVID storm'
They were among the first -- and certainly hardest -- hit during the first wave of COVID-19 last spring, and long-term care facilities are once again battling the deadly virus as another surge grips the nation and Illinois.
Statewide, Illinois Department of Public Health records show 728 long-term care facilities have "open" outbreaks, or new cases reported within the past 28 days. That's up from 523 at such facilities in mid-August.
But while more locations are dealing with outbreaks now than in the summer, the number of cases in those facilities is lower than in the summer.
As of Friday, 18,517 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in residents or workers of long-term care facilities within the previous 28 days, IDPH records show. That's down by more than 300 from what the state was reporting in the summer, when the virus wasn't nearly as widespread as it is today.
"It is very hard to keep any establishment COVID-free in the midst of a COVID storm," IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday. "But I think we're doing a good job of keeping the numbers down. When we look specifically at deaths of the elderly ... for people over 60, one-third of those deaths are coming from long-term care, which means two-thirds are coming from the community."
In the suburbs, residents of long-term care facilities make up between 5% and 10% less of a county's death toll today than it did three months ago.
In Cook County, 2,481 of the 5,935 people who have died from the virus were long-term care facility residents, or roughly 42%, according to IDPH. DuPage County is reporting 485 of those who died were in long-term care facilities, more than 72% of the county's 674 COVID-19 total deaths. In August, more than 80% were residents of those kinds of facilities.
IDPH is reporting 343 of Lake County's 556 COVID-19 deaths were long-term care facility residents. That's 62% of all deaths.
In Kane County, 208 of the 394 COVID-19 deaths, or 53%, were people living in long-term care facilities. McHenry County officials are reporting 93 of the 127 COVID-19 deaths, 73%, were people living in congregate settings.
Will County officials are reporting just 46% of the county's COVID-19 deaths -- 225 of 491 -- were in long-term care facilities.
Testing is important because it helps keep asymptomatic carriers of the virus from infecting others, health experts have said.
"We're doing a lot more testing of everybody, but staff in particular," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. "Back in the spring, we only had a limited number of tests and couldn't test every staff person on a regular basis. Now we do."
"We have seen early on in the pandemic how very bad it can be and the importance of testing in helping keep it from overtaking any facilities," said David Olsen, director of state affairs for the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. "I think we are doing better as a state and controlling the disease, and a lot of that is due to the amount of testing being done."
Olsen said state health officials reported that on average 12,000 COVID-19 tests a day come from long-term care facilities around the state.
Olsen's group was one of the first to praise Pritzker's decision Tuesday to issue a virus resurgence mitigation plan that significantly reduces business operations and limits social gathering throughout the state. The move, Olsen said, will help protect those living in congregate settings and their caregivers.
Among facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks, the number of cases can range from one or two to dozens.
In Cook County, IDPH is reporting 2,002 facilities have a combined 6,005 cases, which translates to an average of three cases per location.
In DuPage County, 66 facilities are handling 1,874 cases, which averages out to 28 cases per location.
In Kane County, 32 facilities have reported 548 cases for an average of 17 cases per location.
In Lake County, 37 facilities have combined for 757, an average of 20 cases per location.
In McHenry County, eight facilities recorded 126 cases over the past 28 days, which gives each location an average of 16 cases each.
In Will County, 27 facilities are dealing with 875 cases, which is an average of 32 cases per location.
Nationally, leaders in the nursing home industry are urging Congress to approve an aid package to help long-term care facilities maintain staffing and outfit workers with proper safety equipment. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living have released reports showing the virus is growing once again in congregate living centers throughout the country.
"Without adequate funding and resources, the U.S. is repeating the same mistakes made during the initial outbreak last spring and the major spike over the summer," said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the two organizations. "We need Congress to prioritize our vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in long-term care facilities, by passing another COVID relief package during the lame duck session on Congress."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--'I feel I had to protect myself': Rittenhouse offers no regrets in first public comments

Kyle Rittenhouse , the Antioch teen accused of killing two men and wounding another during violent demonstrations this summer in Kenosha , Wisconsin , told The Washington Post he has no regrets about arming himself with an assault-style rifle and wading into the chaotic protests .
`` I feel I had to protect myself , '' Rittenhouse said in a jailhouse interview with the Post , his first public comments since the Aug. 25 killings .
`` I would 've died that night if I did n't . ''
Rittenhouse 's interview was published Thursday as part of a Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17-year-old into a deadly confrontation with Joseph Rosenbaum , a Kenosha man with a long history of mental illness and criminal convictions .
Authorities say Rittenhouse killed Rosenbaum , 36 , and then shot two more protesters who chased him , one fatally .
He now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide , first-degree reckless homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide .
As a condition of the phone interview from the juvenile detention center where Rittenhouse was being held , the Post agreed not to ask him about the shootings or the events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post he traveled to Kenosha the day before the shooting to visit a friend , just as initially peaceful protests over the police shooting of an unarmed Black man were turning violent .
The next day , he said , he went into downtown Kenosha to help clean up businesses that had been burned and damaged and clean graffiti from a vandalized school .
`` It made me feel like I was making a positive impact on the community , '' he said .
Rittenhouse describes himself as patriotic and said he grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or firefighter/paramedic .
His sister told the Post he supported peaceful protests , but called rioters `` monsters . ''
Rittenhouse returned to downtown Kenosha later that night armed with an AR-15 rifle and carrying a medical kit .
He told the Post he intended to protect a used car business that had been damaged the night before and provide medical assistance to anyone who needed it .
Although there were many other armed civilians doing the same , some as part of organized efforts , Rittenhouse said he was not part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a place where people had guns and God forbid somebody brought a gun to me and decided to shoot me , like I , like I wanted to be protected , which I ended up having to protect myself , '' he said .
Rittenhouse told the Post he had an friend , Dominick Black , buy the AR-15 for him in the spring , with money Rittenhouse received from a government stimulus check .
`` I got my $ 1,200 from the coronavirus Illinois unemployment , because I was on furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And I got my first unemployment check , so I was like , 'Oh , I 'll use this to buy it . '
'' Because he could not own a rifle or carry it in public , Rittenhouse said he kept the AR-15 at the home of Black 's stepfather in Wisconsin .
Black , 19 , faces two counts of intentionally giving a dangerous weapon to a person under age 18 , causing death .
Rittenhouse , meanwhile , was extradited to Wisconsin late last month and is awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prison for life .
He did n't address the charges in his interview , but his mother told the Post her son should be at home , not behind bars .
`` When I saw pieces of video ( of the shooting ) , that 's self-defense and he needs to come home to his family , '' Wendy Rittenhouse said .

'I feel I had to protect myself': Rittenhouse offers no regrets in first public comments
Kyle Rittenhouse sits while listening during an extradition hearing in Lake County court last month. Rittenhouse, 17, of Antioch, was extradited to Wisconsin, where he awaits trial on charges stemming from the killings of two men during Aug. 25 protests in Kenosha. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool
Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, of Antioch, said he has no regrets about arming himself and wading into violent protests this summer after the police shooting of an unarmed Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rittenhouse made the remarks, his first public comments since his arrest, during a jailhouse interview with The Washington Post. Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP, File
Kyle Rittenhouse, the Antioch teen accused of killing two men and wounding another during violent demonstrations this summer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, told The Washington Post he has no regrets about arming himself with an assault-style rifle and wading into the chaotic protests.
"I feel I had to protect myself," Rittenhouse said in a jailhouse interview with the Post, his first public comments since the Aug. 25 killings. "I would've died that night if I didn't."
Rittenhouse's interview was published Thursday as part of a Post investigation into the events that led the 17-year-old into a deadly confrontation with Joseph Rosenbaum, a Kenosha man with a long history of mental illness and criminal convictions.
Authorities say Rittenhouse killed Rosenbaum, 36, and then shot two more protesters who chased him, one fatally. He now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide.
As a condition of the phone interview from the juvenile detention center where Rittenhouse was being held, the Post agreed not to ask him about the shootings or the events immediately preceding them.
Rittenhouse told the Post he traveled to Kenosha the day before the shooting to visit a friend, just as initially peaceful protests over the police shooting of an unarmed Black man were turning violent. The next day, he said, he went into downtown Kenosha to help clean up businesses that had been burned and damaged and clean graffiti from a vandalized school.
"It made me feel like I was making a positive impact on the community," he said.
Rittenhouse describes himself as patriotic and said he grew up wanting to be a police officer or firefighter/paramedic. His sister told the Post he supported peaceful protests, but called rioters "monsters."
Rittenhouse returned to downtown Kenosha later that night armed with an AR-15 rifle and carrying a medical kit. He told the Post he intended to protect a used car business that had been damaged the night before and provide medical assistance to anyone who needed it.
Although there were many other armed civilians doing the same, some as part of organized efforts, Rittenhouse said he was not part of any group.
"I was going into a place where people had guns and God forbid somebody brought a gun to me and decided to shoot me, like I, like I wanted to be protected, which I ended up having to protect myself," he said.
Rittenhouse told the Post he had an friend, Dominick Black, buy the AR-15 for him in the spring, with money Rittenhouse received from a government stimulus check.
"I got my $1,200 from the coronavirus Illinois unemployment, because I was on furlough from the YMCA," he said. "And I got my first unemployment check, so I was like, 'Oh, I'll use this to buy it.'"
Because he could not own a rifle or carry it in public, Rittenhouse said he kept the AR-15 at the home of Black's stepfather in Wisconsin. Black, 19, faces two counts of intentionally giving a dangerous weapon to a person under age 18, causing death.
Rittenhouse, meanwhile, was extradited to Wisconsin late last month and is awaiting trial on charges that could put him in prison for life. He didn't address the charges in his interview, but his mother told the Post her son should be at home, not behind bars.
"When I saw pieces of video (of the shooting), that's self-defense and he needs to come home to his family," Wendy Rittenhouse said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Pandemic cancels Palatine pub crawl, but its mission to collect toys for kids continues

Nineteen years ago , pals Mike Zyer and Paul Munagian were hopping from bar to bar in downtown Palatine , taking pictures alongside Christmas decorations , when they had an idea : Why not turn it into a yearly event ?
The `` Mike and Paul Pub Crawl '' at first was a way to have fun with family and friends , support local businesses and spread some holiday cheer , said Mike 's wife , Beth Zyer .
Attendance grew over the years through word-of-mouth and social media .
Eventually the pub crawl grew to incorporate a Toys for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post 690 in Palatine .
Toys for Tots is a nationwide program of the Marine Corps Reserve , which distributes the toys as Christmas gifts for needy children .
Last year , more than 100 people participated in the pub crawl that included raffles and yielded more than 200 toys , some dropped off and others purchased with cash donations , Beth Zyer said .
`` It really warms your heart to see that , '' she said .
`` No matter what 's going on in the world , people love Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People are super generous . ''
Beth Zyer now organizes the event with Brenda Munagian , Paul Munagian 's wife , and friend Sue Hallsten , all of Palatine .
Family and friends also buy toys online via an Amazon wish list and ship them to the organizers .
This year 's pub crawl was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic , so as an alternative , the community is invited to bring toys to a drive-through donation Saturday in the parking lot of the American Legion post .
Toys need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age up to teenagers .
`` Sometimes people forget about the older kids because they 're like , 'Oh , look at these cute toys , '' Beth Zyer said .
`` When we personally go shopping with the cash , we try to really cover all the bases . ''
The Toys for Tots collection in Palatine is organized by the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association and features 50 to 70 boxes of toys , said firefighter Daniel Vrbancic , who coordinates the effort .
The American Legion 's donation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the largest locally , Vrbancic said .
`` We are constantly bringing full boxes from there .
They consistently fill out 10 to 15 boxes , if not more , every year . ''
This year there are 11 collection sites in the Palatine area , fewer than normal due to the pandemic .
Toys will be collected Dec. 7 by the association and picked up Dec. 8 by the Marine Corps Reserve .
`` Hopefully we can bring some children a better Christmas , '' Vrbancic said .
Those involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crawl '' are happy to see how much good it has done over the years , Beth Zyer said .
`` It really started because they were out one night having cocktails for the holidays ... and it really took on its own life . ''

Pandemic cancels Palatine pub crawl, but its mission to collect toys for kids continues
Palatine residents Brenda Munagian, from left, Beth Zyer, Sue Turley and Sue Hallsten shop for items to donate to Toys for Tots. The effort started 19 years ago with the "Mike & Paul Pub Crawl." Courtesy of Beth Zyer
Mike Zyer, left, and Paul Munagian started a yearly holiday pub crawl 19 years ago in Palatine that now incorporates a Toys for Tots drive. Courtesy of Beth Zyer
Nineteen years ago, pals Mike Zyer and Paul Munagian were hopping from bar to bar in downtown Palatine, taking pictures alongside Christmas decorations, when they had an idea: Why not turn it into a yearly event?
The "Mike and Paul Pub Crawl" at first was a way to have fun with family and friends, support local businesses and spread some holiday cheer, said Mike's wife, Beth Zyer.
Attendance grew over the years through word-of-mouth and social media. Eventually the pub crawl grew to incorporate a Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with American Legion Post 690 in Palatine. Toys for Tots is a nationwide program of the Marine Corps Reserve, which distributes the toys as Christmas gifts for needy children.
Last year, more than 100 people participated in the pub crawl that included raffles and yielded more than 200 toys, some dropped off and others purchased with cash donations, Beth Zyer said.
"It really warms your heart to see that," she said. "No matter what's going on in the world, people love Christmas and they want it to be good. People are super generous."
Beth Zyer now organizes the event with Brenda Munagian, Paul Munagian's wife, and friend Sue Hallsten, all of Palatine. Family and friends also buy toys online via an Amazon wish list and ship them to the organizers.
This year's pub crawl was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so as an alternative, the community is invited to bring toys to a drive-through donation Saturday in the parking lot of the American Legion post.
Toys need to be unwrapped and can be for any age up to teenagers.
"Sometimes people forget about the older kids because they're like, 'Oh, look at these cute toys," Beth Zyer said. "When we personally go shopping with the cash, we try to really cover all the bases."
The Toys for Tots collection in Palatine is organized by the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association and features 50 to 70 boxes of toys, said firefighter Daniel Vrbancic, who coordinates the effort. The American Legion's donation, including proceeds from the pub crawl, is the largest locally, Vrbancic said.
"We are constantly bringing full boxes from there. They consistently fill out 10 to 15 boxes, if not more, every year."
This year there are 11 collection sites in the Palatine area, fewer than normal due to the pandemic. Toys will be collected Dec. 7 by the association and picked up Dec. 8 by the Marine Corps Reserve.
"Hopefully we can bring some children a better Christmas," Vrbancic said.
Those involved in the original "Mike and Paul Pub Crawl" are happy to see how much good it has done over the years, Beth Zyer said. "It really started because they were out one night having cocktails for the holidays ... and it really took on its own life."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Illinois reports 14,612 new COVID-19 cases, 168 more deaths

The number of new COVID-19 cases surged to 14,612 Thursday , with a record 6,037 hospital patients and 168 more deaths from the respiratory disease as tighter restrictions go into effect to combat the outbreak .
Tougher restrictions beginning Friday include reducing capacity to 50 % at grocery stores and 25 % at other stores , suspending indoor group sports , closing casinos and gaming terminals , and banning events at banquet halls , party venues and clubs .
`` Outside of things you have to leave home for like school , work and groceries , we 're asking every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you can , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at a briefing .
`` This is a temporary thing we can do to reduce spread of virus in our communities . ''
Hospitalizations are up by 165 % compared to October , a nearly 3,000-patient increase daily .
The numbered of hospitalized COVID-19 patients averaged 4,801 in November contrasted with 1,810 patients Oct. 1-18 .
Hospitalization numbers are based on the previous day 's data .
Fatalities also followed a grim trend , measuring the highest since May 13 , when 192 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day average of 12,120 .
The state 's rate of positive results on COVID-19 tests was 12 % based on a seven-day average , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
Pritzker said that statistic offers a glimmer of hope .
`` In the most recent two or three days we have seen a hint of leveling in new cases and positivity rates in most of our regions .
It 's too early to tell if the stabilizing of the average is a meaningful trend or anomaly , but we 're glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
This week , infections wildly diverged from 8,922 Wednesday to 14,612 Thursday but stayed in the 10,600-12,600 range Sunday through Tuesday .
The seven-day virus positivity rate average fluctuated from a high of 12.8 % Sunday to a low of 11.9 % Wednesday .
Illinois labs processed 113,447 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours , the second-highest number since the pandemic began .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike , director of the state 's health department , warned people who think a negative COVID-19 test before Thanksgiving means `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family , including elderly relatives . ''
`` That only works if you have n't exposed yourself to anyone in the 14 days from when you got tested to when you meet up with your friends and family , '' she said .
`` A negative test does not get you a free pass to celebrate Thanksgiving in person . ''
Ezike noted that sacrifices like celebrating Thanksgiving with just your immediate family and not the entire clan , as the state and medical experts recommend , `` is not forever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus now , then when a safe and effective vaccine comes out -- and it looks like it might come soon -- the quicker we can get back to normal . ''
Other restrictions starting Friday involve temporarily closing movie theaters , limiting outdoor gatherings to 10 people , and limiting funerals to 10 relatives .
Before an online community forum Thursday evening , Edward Hospital Chief Physician Executive Sanjeeb Khatua said the Naperville institution is in the thick of the second virus surge and `` our employees are tired .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by seeing people ignoring mask rules not only in their communities but also occasionally in the hospital itself , Khatua noted .
`` We 've had issues with visitors not wearing their masks , which makes it really difficult .
Think about our staff ; it 's demoralizing and frustrating . ''
When Khatua asks patients how they contracted COVID-19 , he 's found `` it 's really about letting your guard down , being out of your bubble at gatherings and indoor spaces without a mask . ''
Pritzker also asked Illinoisans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies typically run low over the holidays and the pandemic amplifies the need .

Illinois reports 14,612 new COVID-19 cases, 168 more deaths
The number of new COVID-19 cases surged to 14,612 Thursday, with a record 6,037 hospital patients and 168 more deaths from the respiratory disease as tighter restrictions go into effect to combat the outbreak.
Tougher restrictions beginning Friday include reducing capacity to 50% at grocery stores and 25% at other stores, suspending indoor group sports, closing casinos and gaming terminals, and banning events at banquet halls, party venues and clubs.
"Outside of things you have to leave home for like school, work and groceries, we're asking every one to stay at home as much as you can," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a briefing. "This is a temporary thing we can do to reduce spread of virus in our communities."
Hospitalizations are up by 165% compared to October, a nearly 3,000-patient increase daily. The numbered of hospitalized COVID-19 patients averaged 4,801 in November contrasted with 1,810 patients Oct. 1-18. Hospitalization numbers are based on the previous day's data.
Fatalities also followed a grim trend, measuring the highest since May 13, when 192 people died.
And caseloads surpassed the seven-day average of 12,120.
The state's rate of positive results on COVID-19 tests was 12% based on a seven-day average, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported. Pritzker said that statistic offers a glimmer of hope.
"In the most recent two or three days we have seen a hint of leveling in new cases and positivity rates in most of our regions. It's too early to tell if the stabilizing of the average is a meaningful trend or anomaly, but we're glad to have a pause in upward movement," he said.
This week, infections wildly diverged from 8,922 Wednesday to 14,612 Thursday but stayed in the 10,600-12,600 range Sunday through Tuesday. The seven-day virus positivity rate average fluctuated from a high of 12.8% Sunday to a low of 11.9% Wednesday.
Illinois labs processed 113,447 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours, the second-highest number since the pandemic began.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state's health department, warned people who think a negative COVID-19 test before Thanksgiving means "it's OK to gather with friends and family, including elderly relatives."
"That only works if you haven't exposed yourself to anyone in the 14 days from when you got tested to when you meet up with your friends and family," she said. "A negative test does not get you a free pass to celebrate Thanksgiving in person."
Ezike noted that sacrifices like celebrating Thanksgiving with just your immediate family and not the entire clan, as the state and medical experts recommend, "is not forever. The more we can reduce the spread of the virus now, then when a safe and effective vaccine comes out -- and it looks like it might come soon -- the quicker we can get back to normal."
Total infections statewide stand at 621,383 with 11,178 fatalities.
Other restrictions starting Friday involve temporarily closing movie theaters, limiting outdoor gatherings to 10 people, and limiting funerals to 10 relatives.
Before an online community forum Thursday evening, Edward Hospital Chief Physician Executive Sanjeeb Khatua said the Naperville institution is in the thick of the second virus surge and "our employees are tired."
Edward medical staff members are upset by seeing people ignoring mask rules not only in their communities but also occasionally in the hospital itself, Khatua noted.
"We've had issues with visitors not wearing their masks, which makes it really difficult. Think about our staff; it's demoralizing and frustrating."
When Khatua asks patients how they contracted COVID-19, he's found "it's really about letting your guard down, being out of your bubble at gatherings and indoor spaces without a mask."
Pritzker also asked Illinoisans to consider donating blood this month as supplies typically run low over the holidays and the pandemic amplifies the need.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Madigan's leadership in jeopardy as more House Democrats say he doesn't have their votes

Michael Madigan 's 35-year tenure as speaker of the Illinois House could be in jeopardy as some Democratic lawmakers predicted Thursday he wo n't have the votes needed to keep the leadership role in the face of a widening federal corruption investigation .
The Chicagoan , one of the most powerful lawmakers in the state , faces growing defections from House Democrats who say they wo n't vote for Madigan for speaker when the legislature reconvenes in January .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker also sharpened his criticism of the fellow Democrat .
`` If Speaker Madigan wants to continue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such an enormous ethical cloud hanging over his head , then he has to -- at the very least -- be willing to stand in front of the press and the people and answer every last question , '' Pritkzer said unprompted at a COVID-19 briefing Thursday .
`` Written statements and dodged investigatory hearings are not going to cut it .
`` If the speaker can not commit to that level of transparency , then the time has come for him to resign as speaker .
The pay to play , quid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... are unspeakably wrong . ''
Madigan said he has done nothing wrong .
`` Some individuals have spent millions of dollars and worked diligently to establish a false narrative that I am corrupt and unethical , '' he said in a statement .
`` The truth is that I have never engaged in any inappropriate or criminal conduct . ''
A total of 16 House Democrats have publicly said they do n't support Madigan , and some lawmakers say more will join , making reelection impossible .
There will be 73 House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
Madigan `` does not have 60 votes .
I will not be voting for him , certainly , '' said Democratic state Rep. Terra Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn , who sought Madigan 's ouster in July .
Those ranks are growing , with Democratic Reps. Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach and Jonathan Carroll of Northbrook saying Thursday they wo n't be supporting Madigan as speaker .
`` We want to see our caucus go in a new direction with different leadership , '' they said in a joint statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spiraling bribery investigation casting a shadow over Illinois politics , prosecutors on Wednesday indicted former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore of Barrington , 62 ; Chicagoan John Hooker , 71 , a former ComEd executive vice president and lobbyist ; Chicagoan Jay Doherty , 67 , a ComEd lobbyist and former City Club of Chicago head ; and Democratic lobbyist and former lawmaker Michael McClain , 73 , of Quincy , a one-time colleague of Madigan in the House .
The four were charged with bribery , bribery conspiracy and falsifying ComEd records in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to corruptly influence and reward a high-level elected official for the state of Illinois , '' authorities said .
Madigan responded that `` the U.S. attorney 's office has charged , but of course has not proven , that certain ComEd employees , consultants , and lobbyists allegedly conspired with one another in the hope of somehow influencing me in my official capacity .
Let me be clear : if that attempt ever happened , it was never made known to me . ''
He also pulled Republicans who have called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The energy legislation cited by the U.S. attorney 's office had the broad support of Democratic and Republican members , '' Madigan said .
He added that 2016 legislation favorable to ComEd `` would not have moved but for the intense involvement of Rep. Durkin and former Gov .
Rauner . ''
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said in a statement that the `` news makes it abundantly clear that the Democratic Party of Illinois , chaired and controlled by Speaker Madigan , also known as Public Official A , is a corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a July 17 agreement with the U.S. attorney 's office for the Northern District of Illinois , ComEd admitted to bribery and colluding with `` State Official A , '' identified as the speaker , to get laws enabling rate hikes passed in exchange for Madigan cronies getting jobs and contracts .
The new indictment states `` the defendants undertook other efforts to influence and reward Public Official A , including causing ComEd to retain a particular outside law firm favored by Public Official A and to accept into ComEd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who resided in the Chicago ward associated with Public Official A .
`` Pramaggiore and McClain also allegedly took steps to have an individual appointed to ComEd 's board of directors at the request of Public Official A and McClain , '' prosecutors said .
Attorneys for Cotter , Pramaggiore and McClain denied any wrongdoing .

Madigan's leadership in jeopardy as more House Democrats say he doesn't have their votes
Speaker Michael Madigan defied those calling for his ouster Thursday as a federal corruption probe widens with new indictments this week. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the speaker must face the public and answer questions. Associated Press
Michael Madigan's 35-year tenure as speaker of the Illinois House could be in jeopardy as some Democratic lawmakers predicted Thursday he won't have the votes needed to keep the leadership role in the face of a widening federal corruption investigation.
The Chicagoan, one of the most powerful lawmakers in the state, faces growing defections from House Democrats who say they won't vote for Madigan for speaker when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker also sharpened his criticism of the fellow Democrat.
"If Speaker Madigan wants to continue in a position of enormous public trust with such an enormous ethical cloud hanging over his head, then he has to -- at the very least -- be willing to stand in front of the press and the people and answer every last question," Pritkzer said unprompted at a COVID-19 briefing Thursday. "Written statements and dodged investigatory hearings are not going to cut it.
"If the speaker cannot commit to that level of transparency, then the time has come for him to resign as speaker. The pay to play, quid pro quo situations outlined in these indictments ... are unspeakably wrong."
Madigan said he has done nothing wrong.
"Some individuals have spent millions of dollars and worked diligently to establish a false narrative that I am corrupt and unethical," he said in a statement. "The truth is that I have never engaged in any inappropriate or criminal conduct."
A total of 16 House Democrats have publicly said they don't support Madigan, and some lawmakers say more will join, making reelection impossible. There will be 73 House Democrats in the legislature that convenes in January.
Madigan "does not have 60 votes. I will not be voting for him, certainly," said Democratic state Rep. Terra Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn, who sought Madigan's ouster in July.
Those ranks are growing, with Democratic Reps. Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach and Jonathan Carroll of Northbrook saying Thursday they won't be supporting Madigan as speaker.
"We want to see our caucus go in a new direction with different leadership," they said in a joint statement.
In the latest prong of a spiraling bribery investigation casting a shadow over Illinois politics, prosecutors on Wednesday indicted former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore of Barrington, 62; Chicagoan John Hooker, 71, a former ComEd executive vice president and lobbyist; Chicagoan Jay Doherty, 67, a ComEd lobbyist and former City Club of Chicago head; and Democratic lobbyist and former lawmaker Michael McClain, 73, of Quincy, a one-time colleague of Madigan in the House.
The four were charged with bribery, bribery conspiracy and falsifying ComEd records in a scheme that first emerged in July "to corruptly influence and reward a high-level elected official for the state of Illinois," authorities said.
Madigan responded that "the U.S. attorney's office has charged, but of course has not proven, that certain ComEd employees, consultants, and lobbyists allegedly conspired with one another in the hope of somehow influencing me in my official capacity. Let me be clear: if that attempt ever happened, it was never made known to me."
He also pulled Republicans who have called for his ouster into the mix.
"The energy legislation cited by the U.S. attorney's office had the broad support of Democratic and Republican members," Madigan said. He added that 2016 legislation favorable to ComEd "would not have moved but for the intense involvement of Rep. Durkin and former Gov. Rauner."
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said in a statement that the "news makes it abundantly clear that the Democratic Party of Illinois, chaired and controlled by Speaker Madigan, also known as Public Official A, is a corrupt organization that has run its course."
In a July 17 agreement with the U.S. attorney's office for the Northern District of Illinois, ComEd admitted to bribery and colluding with "State Official A," identified as the speaker, to get laws enabling rate hikes passed in exchange for Madigan cronies getting jobs and contracts.
The new indictment states "the defendants undertook other efforts to influence and reward Public Official A, including causing ComEd to retain a particular outside law firm favored by Public Official A and to accept into ComEd's internship program a certain amount of students who resided in the Chicago ward associated with Public Official A.
"Pramaggiore and McClain also allegedly took steps to have an individual appointed to ComEd's board of directors at the request of Public Official A and McClain," prosecutors said.
Attorneys for Cotter, Pramaggiore and McClain denied any wrongdoing.
• Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Naperville panel requests timeline, additional details for CityGate West plans

Members of a Naperville panel believe , as a concept , a proposed $ 200 million art-inspired campus has the potential to flourish as a premier mixed-use destination on the city 's northwest side .
But a lack of detail on phasing , timing and community cooperation prompted the planning and zoning commission to hit the pause button on plans to bring the developer 's vision to life .
Touted by the Inter-Continental Real Estate and Development as a `` synergistic , self-sustaining live , work , play project , '' CityGate West aims to blend entertainment , retail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hospitality components on a 100-acre quadrant at the interchange of Interstate 88 and Route 59 , attorney Michael Roth said during a public hearing Wednesday .
Feeding off the energy from the existing Topgolf and WhirlyBall game centers , he said , the development would serve as a social hub , an economic engine and a north gateway to Naperville .
The project 's design will be largely driven by public artwork through a partnership with the Naperville Century Walk organization , officials said .
Despite `` some phenomenally exciting '' components @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the proposal are too hypothetical and lack assurances , echoing concerns expressed by city staff members .
The panel agreed to continue the public hearing on Dec. 16 , where project leaders have been asked to bring back a detailed timeline and phasing plan for the entire development and address several other questions .
`` This is an unbelievably beautiful project , and if everyone could just wave a wand and you could have this thing developed tomorrow and it were economically viable right out of the gate ...
I would think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most showcased developments not just here but everywhere , '' Hanson said .
`` But there are some constraints that I think we have to acknowledge and try to work around here . ''
CityGate West plans call for constructing several restaurant and retail sites , a medical office building , 19 acres of open space , two hotels with 208 total rooms , and two mixed-use apartment buildings with 410 total units , covered parking and ground-level commercial space .
The dormant Odyssey Fun World building would be repurposed into a music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a bridge over Route 59 and connectivity to the Illinois Prairie Path would aim to improve pedestrian access to the campus .
Inter-Continental has requested rezoning the site from industrial to an office , commercial and institutional district , where full-service hotels are allowed as a conditional use .
But developers and city officials have different interpretations of how the Naperville code defines `` full service . ''
Staff members say the proposed CityGate West hotels do not meet the city 's requirements pertaining to size , an on-site restaurant or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said guests will have access to the dining establishments and entertainment opportunities within the walkable campus , satisfying the parameters of the city code .
City officials requested additional information about the former Odyssey Fun World and how it could correlate with a connecting hotel .
Commissioners also asked developers to consider reducing the density of the residential buildings -- a concern brought to light by staff members -- and lower the requested height from 77 to 66 feet .
And they encouraged project leaders to seek a resolution with Indian Prairie Unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project due to student capacity concerns .
With the apartments ranging from studio to two-bedroom units , Roth said CityGate West is primarily geared toward empty nesters and young professionals .
Developers anticipate about 31 school-age children living on site , but district officials and residents of a nearby subdivision have said they believe the number of students could be much higher , potentially straining school resources .
In its development application , Inter-Continental also is requesting amending the city code to allow dining establishments as a conditional use in the office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitting restaurants and retail sites as conditional uses on the property ; and several other deviations to facilitate construction .

Naperville panel requests timeline, additional details for CityGate West plans
A $200 million mixed-use development proposed in northwest Naperville aims to serve as a walkable campus connecting residential, retail, dining, hospitality and entertainment components. Planning and zoning commissioners continued a public hearing on the project until Dec. 16. Courtesy of CityGate West
Members of a Naperville panel believe, as a concept, a proposed $200 million art-inspired campus has the potential to flourish as a premier mixed-use destination on the city's northwest side.
But a lack of detail on phasing, timing and community cooperation prompted the planning and zoning commission to hit the pause button on plans to bring the developer's vision to life.
Touted by the Inter-Continental Real Estate and Development as a "synergistic, self-sustaining live, work, play project," CityGate West aims to blend entertainment, retail, residential, dining, recreation, office and hospitality components on a 100-acre quadrant at the interchange of Interstate 88 and Route 59, attorney Michael Roth said during a public hearing Wednesday.
Feeding off the energy from the existing Topgolf and WhirlyBall game centers, he said, the development would serve as a social hub, an economic engine and a north gateway to Naperville. The project's design will be largely driven by public artwork through a partnership with the Naperville Century Walk organization, officials said.
Despite "some phenomenally exciting" components, commission Chairman Bruce Hanson said pieces of the proposal are too hypothetical and lack assurances, echoing concerns expressed by city staff members.
The panel agreed to continue the public hearing on Dec. 16, where project leaders have been asked to bring back a detailed timeline and phasing plan for the entire development and address several other questions.
"This is an unbelievably beautiful project, and if everyone could just wave a wand and you could have this thing developed tomorrow and it were economically viable right out of the gate ... I would think this would be probably one of the most showcased developments not just here but everywhere," Hanson said.
"But there are some constraints that I think we have to acknowledge and try to work around here."
CityGate West plans call for constructing several restaurant and retail sites, a medical office building, 19 acres of open space, two hotels with 208 total rooms, and two mixed-use apartment buildings with 410 total units, covered parking and ground-level commercial space.
The dormant Odyssey Fun World building would be repurposed into a music venue and event center, plans show, and a bridge over Route 59 and connectivity to the Illinois Prairie Path would aim to improve pedestrian access to the campus.
Inter-Continental has requested rezoning the site from industrial to an office, commercial and institutional district, where full-service hotels are allowed as a conditional use. But developers and city officials have different interpretations of how the Naperville code defines "full service."
Staff members say the proposed CityGate West hotels do not meet the city's requirements pertaining to size, an on-site restaurant or banquet and meeting space. But Roth said guests will have access to the dining establishments and entertainment opportunities within the walkable campus, satisfying the parameters of the city code.
City officials requested additional information about the former Odyssey Fun World and how it could correlate with a connecting hotel.
Commissioners also asked developers to consider reducing the density of the residential buildings -- a concern brought to light by staff members -- and lower the requested height from 77 to 66 feet. And they encouraged project leaders to seek a resolution with Indian Prairie Unit District 204, which voiced opposition to the project due to student capacity concerns.
With the apartments ranging from studio to two-bedroom units, Roth said CityGate West is primarily geared toward empty nesters and young professionals. Developers anticipate about 31 school-age children living on site, but district officials and residents of a nearby subdivision have said they believe the number of students could be much higher, potentially straining school resources.
In its development application, Inter-Continental also is requesting amending the city code to allow dining establishments as a conditional use in the office, commercial and institutional zoning district; permitting restaurants and retail sites as conditional uses on the property; and several other deviations to facilitate construction.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-20--Stevenson theater students mount pandemic production of 'Newsies' streaming Friday

After weeks of virtual auditions , socially distanced rehearsals and filming outdoors , Stevenson High School 's theater department will be streaming online its fall musical production of `` Newsies '' Friday through Sunday .
More than 120 students who make up the cast , crew and pit orchestra members pulled off the pandemic production in three months while mostly wearing masks , gloves and performing 6 feet apart on an outdoor stage built specially for the show on a renovated pool patio .
The Lincolnshire school 's brick facade serves as the production 's backdrop .
`` That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Abra Chusid , theater teacher and production director .
`` It was important that we maintain a connection as a theater community within Stevenson .
We just had to think creatively about how to make that happen in a safe way . ''
None of the cast , crew and orchestra pit members or the 15 school employees helping with the production came down with COVID-19 or any other serious illnesses during this time , she added .
Students auditioned by submitting videos of themselves singing , dancing and acting , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as in person in the school 's performing arts center and on the outdoor set .
Plexiglass shields separated the pit orchestra members and tailor-made masks were worn by the wind and brass instrumentalists to minimize exposure .
`` We wore masks when we were in person throughout the entire process up until the very last moments when we would film the scenes , '' said Monique Furman , 18 , of Vernon Hills , a senior who plays the role of Race .
`` I feel like the most difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... create those connections between characters when your characters ca n't physically touch . ''
Furman , who has been participating in theater since second grade , also serves as the show 's assistant director .
`` Theater brings about joy and connection , and that is something we all need , especially during these times , '' Furman said .
`` It definitely made my senior year in a global pandemic a little more special . ''
School officials modeled safety protocols for the show on the Illinois High School Association 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time students spent without a mask on .
Students were masked throughout rehearsals except when filming for the final performance .
They lip-synced to their own prerecorded vocals so they would n't be `` spitting on each other causing any extra flow of germs in the air , '' Furman added .
Sound mixing alone took more than two weeks to complete .
The school hired a professional sound mixer to balance students voices , the instruments , and sound effects , and stitch the tracks together .
The hardest part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic situation itself , which is why multiple contingency plans were put in place to mitigate interruptions , said sophomore Shrenik Balaji , 15 , of Hawthorn Woods , who plays the role of Splasher .
`` In this entire process , there was just so much of unknown , '' he said .
`` It was overall just a really good process in terms of the main message of 'Newsies , ' which is 'seize the day . '
And I think that we did seize the day ... we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what to do at all . ''
Performances stream 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday .
Tickets are free and must be reserved in advance at showtix4u.com/event-details/41685 .

Stevenson theater students mount pandemic production of 'Newsies' streaming Friday
Stevenson High School's fall musical "Newsies" features more than 120 students who pulled off the pandemic production in three months while mostly wearing masks, gloves and performing 6 feet apart on an outdoor stage built specially for the show. Performances stream 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Courtesy of Stevenson High School
Stevenson High School's theater department will be streaming online its fall musical production of "Newsies." Performances stream 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Courtesy of Stevenson High School
Stevenson High School theater students pulled off a pandemic production of the musical "Newsies" without any one of the 120-member cast, crew and orchestra pit falling ill. Throughout the three-month rehearsal and filming process, students mostly wore masks, gloves and performed 6 feet apart on an outdoor stage. Courtesy of Stevenson High School
After weeks of virtual auditions, socially distanced rehearsals and filming outdoors, Stevenson High School's theater department will be streaming online its fall musical production of "Newsies" Friday through Sunday.
More than 120 students who make up the cast, crew and pit orchestra members pulled off the pandemic production in three months while mostly wearing masks, gloves and performing 6 feet apart on an outdoor stage built specially for the show on a renovated pool patio. The Lincolnshire school's brick facade serves as the production's backdrop.
"That was a certainly a new experience," said Abra Chusid, theater teacher and production director. "It was important that we maintain a connection as a theater community within Stevenson. We just had to think creatively about how to make that happen in a safe way."
None of the cast, crew and orchestra pit members or the 15 school employees helping with the production came down with COVID-19 or any other serious illnesses during this time, she added.
Students auditioned by submitting videos of themselves singing, dancing and acting, then participated in rehearsals over Zoom video conferencing as well as in person in the school's performing arts center and on the outdoor set. Plexiglass shields separated the pit orchestra members and tailor-made masks were worn by the wind and brass instrumentalists to minimize exposure.
"We wore masks when we were in person throughout the entire process up until the very last moments when we would film the scenes," said Monique Furman, 18, of Vernon Hills, a senior who plays the role of Race. "I feel like the most difficult part was like figuring out how to ... create those connections between characters when your characters can't physically touch."
Furman, who has been participating in theater since second grade, also serves as the show's assistant director.
"Theater brings about joy and connection, and that is something we all need, especially during these times," Furman said. "It definitely made my senior year in a global pandemic a little more special."
School officials modeled safety protocols for the show on the Illinois High School Association's pandemic guidelines for conducting sports to minimize the time students spent without a mask on. Students were masked throughout rehearsals except when filming for the final performance. They lip-synced to their own prerecorded vocals so they wouldn't be "spitting on each other causing any extra flow of germs in the air," Furman added.
Sound mixing alone took more than two weeks to complete. The school hired a professional sound mixer to balance students voices, the instruments, and sound effects, and stitch the tracks together.
The hardest part of pulling together the production was the uncertainty of the pandemic situation itself, which is why multiple contingency plans were put in place to mitigate interruptions, said sophomore Shrenik Balaji, 15, of Hawthorn Woods, who plays the role of Splasher.
"In this entire process, there was just so much of unknown," he said. "It was overall just a really good process in terms of the main message of 'Newsies,' which is 'seize the day.' And I think that we did seize the day ... we made a show when we didn't know what to do at all."
Performances stream 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are free and must be reserved in advance at showtix4u.com/event-details/41685.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-20--Feder: New deal for Lou Manfredini expands WGN Radio show

Lou Manfredini , the handyman extraordinaire known as `` Mr .
Fix It , '' will add a fourth hour to his Saturday morning home improvement show on WGN 720-AM under a four-year contract extension announced today with the Nexstar news/talk station , Robert Feder writes .
Starting Jan. 2 , `` HouseSmarts Radio with Lou Manfredini '' will air from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturdays .
The additional hour coincides with the retirement of agribusiness icon Orion Samuelson , who now hosts a one-hour Saturday morning show with Max Armstrong .
`` Outside the Loop Radio with Mike Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are excited to continue the legacy that Lou has built at WGN Radio the past 25 years , '' Mary Sandberg Boyle , vice president and general manager of WGN , said in a statement .
`` While his media empire looks a lot different now than when he first started here , one thing remains the same : Lou is here to serve the audience .
He is patient and kind with every listener , while keeping his genuine sense of humor .
He truly is the definition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: New deal for Lou Manfredini expands WGN Radio show
Lou Manfredini, the handyman extraordinaire known as "Mr. Fix It," will add a fourth hour to his Saturday morning home improvement show on WGN 720-AM under a four-year contract extension announced today with the Nexstar news/talk station, Robert Feder writes.
Starting Jan. 2, "HouseSmarts Radio with Lou Manfredini" will air from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturdays.
The additional hour coincides with the retirement of agribusiness icon Orion Samuelson, who now hosts a one-hour Saturday morning show with Max Armstrong. "Outside the Loop Radio with Mike Stephen" will move to 5 a.m. Saturdays.
"We are excited to continue the legacy that Lou has built at WGN Radio the past 25 years," Mary Sandberg Boyle, vice president and general manager of WGN, said in a statement. "While his media empire looks a lot different now than when he first started here, one thing remains the same: Lou is here to serve the audience. He is patient and kind with every listener, while keeping his genuine sense of humor. He truly is the definition of the 'helpful hardware man.'"
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-19--Des Plaines-area girl, 13, reported missing

Authorities are looking for a missing 13-year-old girl from unincorporated Elk Grove Township .
Valeria Abarca was last seen Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ 7500 block of Elmhurst Road near Des Plaines , according to a news release from @ @ @ @ @ office .
Valeria is believed to have left the home sometime between 10 p.m. Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ Authorities described her as 5 feet tall , 130 pounds with a medium complexion , @ @ @ @ @ eyes and pierced ears .
She has a scar from a burn on the back @ @ @ @ @ She was last seen wearing green , brown , tan and black camouflage pants , @ @ @ @ @ Vans shoes .
Anyone with information on Valeria 's whereabouts should call the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ 708 ) 865-4896 or ( 847 ) 635-1188 or dial 911 .

Missing Des Plaines-area girl found, safe
A missing 13-year-old girl from unincorporated Elk Grove Township has been located and is safe, authorities said Friday morning.
The girl had last been seen Wednesday at her home, and a search was launched on Thursday by the Cook County sheriff's office.