dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Constable: A year of hitching rides and carnival jobs in search of astounding stories

In search of astounding stories for his book , `` American Oz , '' journalist Michael Sean Comerford of Barrington spent a year trekking 21,570 miles , mostly by hitchhiking across North America as a modern-day Odysseus .
Facing trials of hard labor and staving off the wrath of carnies , he worked for traveling carnivals and spectacular state fairs across 10 states .
`` I 'm a part of this story .
I 'm not imagining what they 're going through ; I 'm experiencing it , '' says Comerford , who learned the carny lingo and how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midway games , bunked with roommates and bedbugs packed into tight trailers , slept outside despite worries of being eaten by bears in Alaska and alligators in Florida , ate out of trash cans when hungry enough , talked to literally thousands of people , cried and laughed with those he got to know well , and developed a gift for avoiding fights .
To unearth the stories , Comerford traversed the continent in 2013 and 2014 by thumb , rail and bus , from Fairbanks , Alaska , to Veracruz , Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Atlantic Ocean .
The idea of harvesting tales from carnies came to Comerford at age 25 , when he spent some time working at a carnival that had set up camp in Cody , Wyoming , and wondered about the workers .
`` They seemed to me to be secrets living on the road , '' Comerford says .
Now 61 years old and the survivor of a glorious , dangerous , lonely , exhilarating , joyful and life-altering year , Comerford knows their secrets .
`` We are n't stabbing anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ugly , who told Comerford about the heroism of being a hobo hitching rides on freight trains .
`` But if they ( mess ) with us , we 'll stab them . ''
When a car of passing teens in Butte , Montana , threw a full can of soda past his head and yelled , `` Get a job ! ''
Ugly and his pit bull gave chase with no hope of catching them and no plan if he did .
`` That , '' Ugly said , after giving up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us into stabbing hobos . ''
During the years when he graduated from Marquette University , earned a master 's degree in journalism at Northwestern University , and studied and worked in Europe , Comerford rode his bicycle from Barrington to each coast and to New Orleans , hitchhiked behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany , and stowed away on freight trains .
`` It 's a relatively dangerous thing to do , '' Comerford says .
`` And a blast . ''
Comerford says people chose that life with low pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they love the freedom and the chance to bring joy to children .
Men who are trying to make a life after prison , single moms , a lady who never had children of her own -- all gushed about making the games and rides a glorious escape for children .
Many of them wept as they told Comerford how they joined the carny world as teenagers , running away from abusive childhoods .
`` Their real home is on the road .
There are no state fairs now , so they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday was scheduled to be the last day of the Illinois State Fair , if COVID-19 had n't shuttered the carnival business .
Comerford writes about the ugliness .
`` I ran out of words to describe drunk , '' says the writer , who did n't partake in the booze or drugs shared by his fellow carnies and spent many early morning hours writing at local diners .
He explores racism and the unfair treatment of Mexican migrant workers .
During a winter off-season surprise visit to Veracruz , Mexico , Comerford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now has a better understanding of how hellish work conditions with traveling carnivals `` was paradise for them . ''
Every one has a story .
`` None of us are just carnies , '' Comerford says .
He learned how to make kids squeal while riding the mechanical elephants on the Dumbo ride , how to `` hypnotize '' men and women into thinking they 'd win a big prize tossing softballs into a laundry basket , and when it is OK to give away rides to needy children .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist is meeting people who astound you , '' Comerford says .
He is comfortable with people , no matter the circumstances .
As a reporter , he 's garnered bylines for the Daily Herald , the Elgin Courier , the Barrington Courier , the Chicago Sun-Times , the Chicago Tribune , the New York Daily News , the Budapest Sun , Budapest Business Journal , the Prague Post and the Moscow Times .
He 's dined on caviar in Budapest , eaten at Maxim 's in Paris , was the one who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seanchaí '' -- Gaelic for storyteller , has visited nearly 100 countries , studied with Buddhist monks in the Himalayas , danced with Imelda Marcos in the Philippines , and won a heavyweight boxing championship as a student at University College Cork in Ireland .
A divorced dad with a 15-year-old daughter , Grace , who wrote her first book ( `` The Power of Purple '' ) at age 10 , Comerford breaks into a grin as he describes that time she visited him while he was working at the Minnesota State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for now , but he 's comfortable being on the move .
`` I was born on the road , '' Comerford says .
His parents , Gordon and Alice , were high school sweethearts from Wisconsin who got married before they drove to San Diego to begin Gordon 's Navy officer career .
`` I was born nine months and one hour later .
I could have been conceived on Route 66 , '' says Comerford , who has three younger sisters .
His family lived in 11 places , from California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father transitioned from the Navy to a finance job with IBM and a home in Barrington to a career as an executive for Motorola .
After graduating in 1977 from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights , where he was a 6-foot-5 starter on the basketball team , Comerford majored in political science at Marquette University .
Even though hitchhiking is illegal in most states , Comerford 's background put him at ease .
He talked about everything from Russian literature to lepidopterology ( the study of butterflies ) with the diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They include `` an Arctic Circle teacher , an Arkansas preacher , a Chinese cook , a balloon clown , a magician , a denturist , an environmentalist , an FBI bureau chief , two Navy intelligence officers , a nuclear engineer , a pizza delivery driver , authors , cops , drifters , hillbillies , hippies , mechanics , miners , refugees , religious zealots , rodeo riders , truckers and a former wolf who became a man , '' Comerford writes .
Comerford 's book title , `` American Oz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wizard of Oz , '' where a girl named Dorothy embarks on a magical journey to a fantastic world with amazing characters only to be stunned to discover she was at home all that time .
In his quest for astonishing stories , Comerford has wandered the world , mingled with misfits and millionaires , and vows to keep looking even if the most astonishing stories are his own .
`` My background did n't hold me back because identities shift in carnivals , '' says Comerford , who was known as Crocodile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , Mike Love , Slim and The Priest during his carnival odyssey .
`` I 'd be privileged to be called a carny . ''

Perfecting the art of winning rides from strangers, Barrington author Michael Sean Comerford hitchhiked across North America during the year he spent working at traveling carnivals as research for his new book, "American Oz." Courtesy of Michael Sean Comerford
This sign near Fort Nelson in British Columbia, Canada, greeted Barrington author Michael Sean Comerford as he hitchhiked his way across North America. Courtesy of Michael Sean Comerford
Discovering his inner showman, Michael Sean Comerford of Barrington not only learned how to run the games at traveling carnivals, he became a top moneymaker. The Barrington author tells those stories in his new book, "American Oz." Courtesy of Michael Sean Comerford
A Barrington writer who has visited nearly 100 countries, Michael Sean Comerford found a unique perspective during his year as a "ride jockey," a "jointee" manning the game booths, and a true carny working carnivals across North America. Courtesy of Michael Sean Comerford
In search of astounding stories for his book, "American Oz," journalist Michael Sean Comerford of Barrington spent a year trekking 21,570 miles, mostly by hitchhiking across North America as a modern-day Odysseus. Facing trials of hard labor and staving off the wrath of carnies, he worked for traveling carnivals and spectacular state fairs across 10 states.
"I'm a part of this story. I'm not imagining what they're going through; I'm experiencing it," says Comerford, who learned the carny lingo and how to construct and tear down amusement rides and Midway games, bunked with roommates and bedbugs packed into tight trailers, slept outside despite worries of being eaten by bears in Alaska and alligators in Florida, ate out of trash cans when hungry enough, talked to literally thousands of people, cried and laughed with those he got to know well, and developed a gift for avoiding fights.
To unearth the stories, Comerford traversed the continent in 2013 and 2014 by thumb, rail and bus, from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Veracruz, Mexico, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.
The idea of harvesting tales from carnies came to Comerford at age 25, when he spent some time working at a carnival that had set up camp in Cody, Wyoming, and wondered about the workers.
"They seemed to me to be secrets living on the road," Comerford says.
Now 61 years old and the survivor of a glorious, dangerous, lonely, exhilarating, joyful and life-altering year, Comerford knows their secrets.
"We aren't stabbing anybody," assured a man known as Ugly, who told Comerford about the heroism of being a hobo hitching rides on freight trains. "But if they (mess) with us, we'll stab them."
When a car of passing teens in Butte, Montana, threw a full can of soda past his head and yelled, "Get a job!" Ugly and his pit bull gave chase with no hope of catching them and no plan if he did.
"That," Ugly said, after giving up the pursuit, "is what turns us into stabbing hobos."
During the years when he graduated from Marquette University, earned a master's degree in journalism at Northwestern University, and studied and worked in Europe, Comerford rode his bicycle from Barrington to each coast and to New Orleans, hitchhiked behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, and stowed away on freight trains.
"It's a relatively dangerous thing to do," Comerford says. "And a blast."
Comerford says people chose that life with low pay, unhealthy conditions and high stress because they love the freedom and the chance to bring joy to children. Men who are trying to make a life after prison, single moms, a lady who never had children of her own -- all gushed about making the games and rides a glorious escape for children. Many of them wept as they told Comerford how they joined the carny world as teenagers, running away from abusive childhoods.
"Their real home is on the road. There are no state fairs now, so they have no home," says Comerford. Sunday was scheduled to be the last day of the Illinois State Fair, if COVID-19 hadn't shuttered the carnival business.
Comerford writes about the ugliness. "I ran out of words to describe drunk," says the writer, who didn't partake in the booze or drugs shared by his fellow carnies and spent many early morning hours writing at local diners. He explores racism and the unfair treatment of Mexican migrant workers. During a winter off-season surprise visit to Veracruz, Mexico, Comerford found his old co-workers and says he now has a better understanding of how hellish work conditions with traveling carnivals "was paradise for them." Every one has a story.
"None of us are just carnies," Comerford says. He learned how to make kids squeal while riding the mechanical elephants on the Dumbo ride, how to "hypnotize" men and women into thinking they'd win a big prize tossing softballs into a laundry basket, and when it is OK to give away rides to needy children.
"One of the great privileges of being a journalist is meeting people who astound you," Comerford says. He is comfortable with people, no matter the circumstances.
As a reporter, he's garnered bylines for the Daily Herald, the Elgin Courier, the Barrington Courier, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Daily News, the Budapest Sun, Budapest Business Journal, the Prague Post and the Moscow Times. He's dined on caviar in Budapest, eaten at Maxim's in Paris, was the one who christened his father's 60-foot yacht "Seanchaí" -- Gaelic for storyteller, has visited nearly 100 countries, studied with Buddhist monks in the Himalayas, danced with Imelda Marcos in the Philippines, and won a heavyweight boxing championship as a student at University College Cork in Ireland.
A divorced dad with a 15-year-old daughter, Grace, who wrote her first book ("The Power of Purple") at age 10, Comerford breaks into a grin as he describes that time she visited him while he was working at the Minnesota State Fair. He's back in Barrington for now, but he's comfortable being on the move.
"I was born on the road," Comerford says. His parents, Gordon and Alice, were high school sweethearts from Wisconsin who got married before they drove to San Diego to begin Gordon's Navy officer career. "I was born nine months and one hour later. I could have been conceived on Route 66," says Comerford, who has three younger sisters.
His family lived in 11 places, from California to Washington, D.C., as his father transitioned from the Navy to a finance job with IBM and a home in Barrington to a career as an executive for Motorola. After graduating in 1977 from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, where he was a 6-foot-5 starter on the basketball team, Comerford majored in political science at Marquette University.
Even though hitchhiking is illegal in most states, Comerford's background put him at ease. He talked about everything from Russian literature to lepidopterology (the study of butterflies) with the diverse cast of characters who gave him rides. They include "an Arctic Circle teacher, an Arkansas preacher, a Chinese cook, a balloon clown, a magician, a denturist, an environmentalist, an FBI bureau chief, two Navy intelligence officers, a nuclear engineer, a pizza delivery driver, authors, cops, drifters, hillbillies, hippies, mechanics, miners, refugees, religious zealots, rodeo riders, truckers and a former wolf who became a man," Comerford writes.
Comerford's book title, "American Oz," brings to mind "The Wizard of Oz," where a girl named Dorothy embarks on a magical journey to a fantastic world with amazing characters only to be stunned to discover she was at home all that time. In his quest for astonishing stories, Comerford has wandered the world, mingled with misfits and millionaires, and vows to keep looking even if the most astonishing stories are his own.
"My background didn't hold me back because identities shift in carnivals," says Comerford, who was known as Crocodile, Cowboy, El Grande, High Street, Mike Love, Slim and The Priest during his carnival odyssey. "I'd be privileged to be called a carny."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--As of Friday, COVID-19 case counts per county, per ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 103,647 cases in the suburbs as of Friday .
That 's 48 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,912 deaths in the suburbs , representing 49.8 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Friday , suburban Cook County had 51,729 cases and 2,153 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 67,915 cases and 2,844 fatalities .
• Top suburb case counts as of Friday from Cook County 's health department and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 105 deaths in Des Plaines , 1,008 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 1,003 cases and 68 deaths in Wheeling , 854 cases and 25 deaths in Streamwood , 856 cases and 22 deaths in Schaumburg , 844 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 823 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 801 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview , 696 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 626 cases and 11 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 477 cases and 39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 14 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 459 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook , 328 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 172 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 13,499 cases and 529 deaths as of Friday .
• Top counts : 1,036 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 988 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 881 cases and 39 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , 850 cases and 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 29 deaths in Carol Stream , 657 cases and 28 deaths in Lombard , 639 cases and 15 deaths in Bensenville , 611 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst , 572 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 530 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 409 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 406 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 356 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county listed 13,657 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Most recent top counts : 3,435 to 3,439 in Waukegan , 865 to 869 in Round Lake Beach , 505 to 509 in Mundelein , 450 to 454 in Gurnee , 350 to 354 in Round Lake , 255 to 259 in Lake Zurich , 255 to 259 in Vernon Hills , 250 to 254 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 215 to 219 in Libertyville , 205 to 209 in Wauconda , 180 to 184 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 10,673 cases with 307 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Top counts : 4,141 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,412 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 1,010 in Carpentersville , 730 in St. Charles , 486 in South Elgin , 328 in Geneva , 287 in North Aurora , 271 in Batavia , 109 in Gilberts , 108 in Hampshire and 86 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 3,535 cases and 113 deaths , according to the health department Friday .
Will County • 10,501 cases and 354 deaths as of Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 132 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

As of Friday, COVID-19 case counts per county, per ZIP code
This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). CDC via AP
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion
Since the outbreak began, there have been 103,647 cases in the suburbs as of Friday. That's 48% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There have been 3,912 deaths in the suburbs, representing 49.8% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Friday, suburban Cook County had 51,729 cases and 2,153 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 67,915 cases and 2,844 fatalities. • Top suburb case counts as of Friday from Cook County's health department and the medical examiner's office: 2,088 cases and 105 deaths in Des Plaines, 1,008 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 1,003 cases and 68 deaths in Wheeling, 854 cases and 25 deaths in Streamwood, 856 cases and 22 deaths in Schaumburg, 844 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 823 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 801 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview, 696 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 626 cases and 11 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 477 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 473 cases and 14 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 459 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 328 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 172 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 13,499 cases and 529 deaths as of Friday.
• Top counts: 1,036 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 988 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 881 cases and 39 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 850 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 724 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 657 cases and 28 deaths in Lombard, 639 cases and 15 deaths in Bensenville, 611 cases and 44 deaths in Elmhurst, 572 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 530 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 409 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 406 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 356 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 13,657 cases and 436 deaths on its website Friday.
• Most recent top counts: 3,435 to 3,439 in Waukegan, 865 to 869 in Round Lake Beach, 505 to 509 in Mundelein, 450 to 454 in Gurnee, 350 to 354 in Round Lake, 255 to 259 in Lake Zurich, 255 to 259 in Vernon Hills, 250 to 254 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 215 to 219 in Libertyville, 205 to 209 in Wauconda, 180 to 184 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 10,673 cases with 307 deaths on its website Friday.
• Top counts: 4,141 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,412 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 1,010 in Carpentersville, 730 in St. Charles, 486 in South Elgin, 328 in Geneva, 287 in North Aurora, 271 in Batavia, 109 in Gilberts, 108 in Hampshire and 86 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 3,535 cases and 113 deaths, according to the health department Friday.
Will County• 10,501 cases and 354 deaths as of Friday.
• Cases per town include 768 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 132 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Potential recruits looking to be a part of Elgin police change

Yosi Mendoza and Annie Rohrdantz arrived at the Elgin Police Department open house Saturday morning looking for something more than a job .
At a time when public protests have loudly called for change in the way the police work , the two friends from Carpentersville went looking for a way to make a difference and help effect that change .
`` The department is very invested in the people and the people they are going to recruit to make a change and to be part of something positive , '' said Mendoza , a Harper College student , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And that 's what 's most motivating , I think , because it can be discouraging for people in this time and it can be difficult in how the public views everything .
`` But I think what 's more important is if this is the calling , for you to take it and to pursue it regardless of the circumstances .
Because it may be difficult , but it 's an opportunity for so many people who really want to be in this field . ''
Those present heard several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , talk about how they are working to do things differently following the 2018 officer-involved shooting of Decynthia Clements .
`` I 'm all for police reform , '' said Rohrdantz , an Elgin Community College student .
`` I think in a lot of places changes need to happen . ''
Rohrdantz and Mendoza are looking for jobs at the right time .
Elgin is expecting a number of retirements and is hiring .
`` A lot of people are leaving policing , '' Lalley said , adding her department is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open house attracted eight men and four women interested in jobs with a starting annual salary of about $ 71,000 .
There are 184 officers in Elgin 's police department .
Sean , an Elgin resident who did n't want his last name used because he did n't want his current employer to know he 's considering a new career , said he served 11 years in the Marine Corps .
`` Now I 'm back here with my family and I want to continue serving , '' he said .
Sean said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also likes the camaraderie of serving in a team atmosphere .
`` That 's why I joined the Marine Corps , to try to be on the front lines .
I always wanted to do something good , '' he said .

Potential recruits looking to be a part of Elgin police change
Yosi Mendoza and Annie Rohrdantz arrived at the Elgin Police Department open house Saturday morning looking for something more than a job.
At a time when public protests have loudly called for change in the way the police work, the two friends from Carpentersville went looking for a way to make a difference and help effect that change.
"The department is very invested in the people and the people they are going to recruit to make a change and to be part of something positive," said Mendoza, a Harper College student, after the two-hour open house for potential recruits. "And that's what's most motivating, I think, because it can be discouraging for people in this time and it can be difficult in how the public views everything.
"But I think what's more important is if this is the calling, for you to take it and to pursue it regardless of the circumstances. Because it may be difficult, but it's an opportunity for so many people who really want to be in this field."
Those present heard several Elgin officers, including Chief Ana Lalley, talk about how they are working to do things differently after the 2018 officer-involved shooting of Decynthia Clements.
"I'm all for police reform," said Rohrdantz, an Elgin Community College student. "I think in a lot of places changes need to happen."
Rohrdantz and Mendoza are looking for jobs at the right time. Elgin is expecting a number of retirements and is hiring.
"A lot of people are leaving policing," Lalley said, adding her department is not afraid of change or criticism.
The open house attracted eight men and four women interested in jobs with a starting annual salary of about $71,000. There are 184 officers in Elgin's police department.
Sean, an Elgin resident who didn't want his last name used because he didn't want his current employer to know he's considering a new career, said he served 11 years in the Marine Corps.
"Now I'm back here with my family and I want to continue serving," he said.
Sean said he is looking for a challenge and also likes the camaraderie of serving in a team atmosphere.
"That's why I joined the Marine Corps, to try to be on the front lines. I always wanted to do something good," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Waukegan celebrates Ray Bradbury centennial with preview of new museum

Colorful exhibits and artifacts related to the life of Ray Bradbury were on display during an event in downtown Waukegan Saturday celebrating the centennial of his birth .
Having a museum in the hometown of thh late science fiction author and screenwriter is important , said Sandra Petroshius , chair of the Ray Bradbury Experience Museum committee .
`` We 're very excited , '' Petroshius said .
`` People are glad to see something happening for Ray Bradbury . ''
The group behind the years-long effort to open a museum honoring Bradbury in the late author 's childhood hometown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago in hopes of opening the museum this month to mark the 100th anniversary of Bradbury 's birth .
It 's being developed in a city-owned building at 13 N. Genesee St. and Saturday 's free event offered a preview of what it will be like .
Exhibits include ones related to Bradbury 's books `` Martian Chronicles '' and `` Fahrenheit 451 , '' as well as related to his life in Waukegan and his love of books and libraries .
Also on display were examples of his short stories , pulp-fiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to California as a teen , Bradbury maintained an attachment to the city of his birth .
`` Ray 's love of the lakefront , downtown theaters , parks and , of course , the library are memorialized in his books , and his fans seek these areas out when they visit , '' Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said a year ago when the fundraising campaign was announed .

Waukegan celebrates Ray Bradbury centennial with preview of new museum
Colorful exhibits and artifacts related to the life of Ray Bradbury were on display during an event Saturday in downtown Waukegan celebrating the centennial of his birth.
Having a museum in the hometown of the late science fiction author and screenwriter is important, said Sandra Petroshius, chair of the Ray Bradbury Experience Museum committee.
"We're very excited," Petroshius said. "People are glad to see something happening for Ray Bradbury."
The group behind the yearslong effort to open a museum honoring Bradbury in the late author's childhood hometown had launched a fundraising campaign a year ago in hopes of opening the museum this month to mark the 100th anniversary of Bradbury's birth. It's being developed in a city-owned building at 13 N. Genesee St., and Saturday's free event offered a preview.
There are exhibits related to Bradbury's books "Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451," as well as some related to his life in Waukegan and his love of books and libraries. Also on display were examples of his short stories, pulp-fiction novels and comic books.
While he moved to California as a teen, Bradbury maintained an attachment to the city of his birth.
"Ray's love of the lakefront, downtown theaters, parks and, of course, the library are memorialized in his books, and his fans seek these areas out when they visit," Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said a year ago when the fundraising campaign was announed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Volunteers pick two tons of vegetables for local food pantries

About 30 volunteers , including State Rep. Anna Moeller of Elgin , spent a dusty and hot three hours picking vegetables at Scott 's Vegetable Stand , 42W472 Burlington Road west of Elgin , to donate to local food pantries Saturday .
It was the fourth year in a row the event was organized by Todd and Phet Lay Haverkos , Elgin volunteers , Chad Gope Ratsamy of Dee-jai Music and Dance Academy of Aurora and Pong Sayasane of the Bethlehem Preschool Center in St. Charles .
The first year they stuffed two tons of vegetables into a minivan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they rented a trailer .
`` We aim to always better that amount , '' said Haverkos as she lifted boxes into the trailer .
`` We have been getting a good turnout . ''
The group advertised on Facebook and asked for volunteers .
Moeller found out about the effort and jumped in .
`` What I love about this is it 's incredibly fresh .
It 's all natural .
They do n't use any fertilizer , '' she said about the farm stand .
`` I have to say I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I found the jalapeños . ''
Donations from local businesses and volunteers pay for the vegetables .
The food is given to Food for Greater Elgin and local churches and other food pantries .
Additional food harvests are scheduled for Sunday , Sept. 20 , and a yet-to-be-determined date in October .

Volunteers pick two tons of vegetables for local food pantries
About 30 volunteers, including State Rep. Anna Moeller of Elgin, spent a dusty and hot three hours picking vegetables at Scott's Vegetable Stand west of Elgin to donate to local food pantries Saturday.
It was the fourth year in a row the event was organized by Todd and Phet Lay Haverkos, Elgin volunteers, Chad Gope Ratsamy of Dee-jai Music and Dance Academy of Aurora, and Pong Sayasane of the Bethlehem Preschool Center in St. Charles.
The first year they stuffed two tons of vegetables into a minivan and other cars for delivery. This year they rented a trailer.
"We aim to always better that amount," said Haverkos as she lifted boxes into the trailer. "We have been getting a good turnout."
The group advertised on Facebook and asked for volunteers. Moeller found out about the effort and jumped in.
"What I love about this is it's incredibly fresh. It's all natural. They don't use any fertilizer," she said about the farm stand. "I have to say I sampled a few as I picked. I found the jalapeños."
Donations from local businesses and volunteers pay for the vegetables. The food is given to Food for Greater Elgin, local churches and other food pantries.
Additional food harvests are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20, and a yet-to-be-determined date in October.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Rozner: Blackhawks talking team game as they head home

You learn early on in hockey that the two things you can control are your effort and your defensive posture .
Scoring comes and goes , as do scorers , but those willing to try to win a game 1-0 or 2-1 will always be around because coaches need them .
As Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton wrapped up the season in a Zoom conference Friday , he singled out Matthew Highmore as the perfect example .
`` He does n't play 25 shifts in a game , but the shifts he gets he knows exactly what he 's supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He goes out there and does it 100 mph .
He does n't cheat .
He wins 50-50s .
He advances the puck .
He gets to the net .
`` And then he gets off ( the ice ) .
He does n't extend his shift .
He does n't hang around the offensive zone hoping to get a goal or a second assist or a plus .
`` If he starts in the defensive zone he gets it out , gets it in and 35 seconds in the alarm bells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's got to get off so Patrick Kane can step on in a good spot playing against tired guys in the offensive zone . ''
Against teams that are unselfish and seemingly always on the right side of the puck , the Hawks sometimes get caught heading the wrong direction instead of protecting their defensemen .
Since he took over , Colliton has stressed the need for players to change that mindset .
`` We need more of that up and down the lineup , and we 'll be a much better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colliton explained .
`` We 'll be defending fresh and have a better forecheck against tired guys and draw more penalties .
`` You build energy in your group because guys are making team decisions and having a team-first mentality -- and that 's how you win . ''
Colliton is n't suggesting the Hawks need 12 forwards like Highmore , just 12 forwards willing to think like Highmore .
`` Look at Vegas , '' Colliton said .
`` Since January they were No .
1 in chances for and chances against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend hard ( it does n't mean ) you ca n't create anything .
A lot of it is just commitment to do the right things every time you 're on the ice .
`` Where we get into trouble is when we do n't manage the puck .
When we have a structure and we 're fresh , we do a pretty good job .
We get into trouble when we start turning the puck over in our end or around the blue lines .
`` You put a lot of stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction to trying to get back on the right side .
The next part of it is you end up playing tired .
We have to do a better job of getting off the ice .
Advance the puck , get it in and change one at a time .
Even if you do n't create offense , you put yourself in a position to defend . ''
This is not complicated .
It 's also not as much fun as a track meet for players who have been able to get away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense , something that usually does n't work in the postseason .
Hanging out at center ice and hoping for a chance is n't wise against big , heavy teams that pound on your defense and keep possession of the puck in your end .
`` When we 've been good , we 've been able to build one shift at a time and start to play in the offensive zone and start to tilt the ice and then all of a sudden you 're fresh and you 're playing against tired guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmonton series we were out-changing them and we were defending when fresh and forcing them to defend when they 're not , and we look good defensively .
`` But as soon as you start turning pucks over , or you overstay on your shift , it becomes hard . ''
Hawks GM Stan Bowman understands the thinking of great offensive players , but he also knows there 's a formula you must have come playoff time .
`` We have a lot of players with offensive skills and they want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and their intentions are good , '' Bowman said .
`` It 's a bit of a double-edged sword .
You can create some really good opportunities , but the other side of that is you put yourself in a bad spot .
`` It 's learning as a group , to know when to take those chances and when not to .
More awareness of what you do in the moment can affect what happens 20 or 30 seconds later .
`` You put yourself and your team in a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our group .
The intention is right , but there 's a price to pay for that .
That is a large part of the challenge we 've faced .
`` Not just our young players .
A lot of times our veterans are guilty of this . ''
Overall , however , Colliton has seen his club buy in a little bit at a time .
`` We 're making progress , '' Colliton said .
`` We 're not where we want to be to be an elite team . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to play the right way within a team game .
You ca n't force a player to do that , but those who wo n't , well , they might have to look elsewhere for work .

Rozner: Blackhawks talking team game as they head home
Vegas Golden Knights and Chicago Blackhawks shake hands after the Blackhawks lost to the Golden Knights in Game 5. Associated Press
You learn early on in hockey that the two things you can control are your effort and your defensive posture.
Scoring comes and goes, as do scorers, but those willing to try to win a game 1-0 or 2-1 will always be around because coaches need them.
As Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton wrapped up the season in a Zoom conference Friday, he singled out Matthew Highmore as the perfect example.
"He doesn't play 25 shifts in a game, but the shifts he gets he knows exactly what he's supposed to do," Colliton said. "He goes out there and does it 100 mph. He doesn't cheat. He wins 50-50s. He advances the puck. He gets to the net.
"And then he gets off (the ice). He doesn't extend his shift. He doesn't hang around the offensive zone hoping to get a goal or a second assist or a plus.
"If he starts in the defensive zone he gets it out, gets it in and 35 seconds in the alarm bells are going off in his head that he's got to get off so Patrick Kane can step on in a good spot playing against tired guys in the offensive zone."
Against teams that are unselfish and seemingly always on the right side of the puck, the Hawks sometimes get caught heading the wrong direction instead of protecting their defensemen.
Since he took over, Colliton has stressed the need for players to change that mindset.
"We need more of that up and down the lineup, and we'll be a much better team defensively because of that," Colliton explained. "We'll be defending fresh and have a better forecheck against tired guys and draw more penalties.
"You build energy in your group because guys are making team decisions and having a team-first mentality -- and that's how you win."
Colliton isn't suggesting the Hawks need 12 forwards like Highmore, just 12 forwards willing to think like Highmore.
"Look at Vegas," Colliton said. "Since January they were No. 1 in chances for and chances against, so just because you want to defend hard (it doesn't mean) you can't create anything. A lot of it is just commitment to do the right things every time you're on the ice.
"Where we get into trouble is when we don't manage the puck. When we have a structure and we're fresh, we do a pretty good job. We get into trouble when we start turning the puck over in our end or around the blue lines.
"You put a lot of stress on the team as far as the reaction to trying to get back on the right side. The next part of it is you end up playing tired. We have to do a better job of getting off the ice. Advance the puck, get it in and change one at a time. Even if you don't create offense, you put yourself in a position to defend."
This is not complicated. It's also not as much fun as a track meet for players who have been able to get away with playing that way in a highflying offense, something that usually doesn't work in the postseason.
Hanging out at center ice and hoping for a chance isn't wise against big, heavy teams that pound on your defense and keep possession of the puck in your end.
"When we've been good, we've been able to build one shift at a time and start to play in the offensive zone and start to tilt the ice and then all of a sudden you're fresh and you're playing against tired guys," Colliton said. "The Edmonton series we were out-changing them and we were defending when fresh and forcing them to defend when they're not, and we look good defensively.
"But as soon as you start turning pucks over, or you overstay on your shift, it becomes hard."
Hawks GM Stan Bowman understands the thinking of great offensive players, but he also knows there's a formula you must have come playoff time.
"We have a lot of players with offensive skills and they want to make things happen to help the team win, and their intentions are good," Bowman said. "It's a bit of a double-edged sword. You can create some really good opportunities, but the other side of that is you put yourself in a bad spot.
"It's learning as a group, to know when to take those chances and when not to. More awareness of what you do in the moment can affect what happens 20 or 30 seconds later.
"You put yourself and your team in a bad spot. That happens too often for our group. The intention is right, but there's a price to pay for that. That is a large part of the challenge we've faced.
"Not just our young players. A lot of times our veterans are guilty of this."
Overall, however, Colliton has seen his club buy in a little bit at a time.
"We're making progress," Colliton said. "We're not where we want to be to be an elite team."
Team defense comes from an individual's desire to play the right way within a team game. You can't force a player to do that, but those who won't, well, they might have to look elsewhere for work.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Facts Matter: Trump touts manufacturing boom, but factory jobs down 740,000

President Donald Trump , during a news conference earlier this month , claimed parts of the economy are doing very well .
`` The manufacturing sector is booming and the production index is at the highest reading since October of '18 , which was an extraordinary period of time , '' the president said .
But U.S. factories have been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and the recovery has not yet begun , according to The Associated Press .
`` There is no boom , '' the AP said .
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 740,000 fewer manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , despite some job growth over recent months .
In June , 357,000 jobs were added in the manufacturing sector followed by an increase of 26,000 in July .
There were 257,000 more factory jobs on the day Trump took office than there are now , the AP said .
The president was citing an Institute for Supply Management report on factory production showing growth in July at the greatest increase since 2018 , the AP said .
But output is more than 11 % below pre-pandemic levels , and the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harris was sworn in with hand on Bible Sen. Kamala Harris on Wednesday accepted the nomination for vice president , joining presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket .
A recent post claiming , `` Harris refused to be sworn in using the Bible '' was shared on Facebook nearly 10,000 times .
Although the original post did n't specify which swearing-in ceremony it referred to , Harris , who identifies as a Baptist , rested her left hand on a Bible as she took the oath before joining the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to USA Today .
As then-Vice President Biden officiated at the swearing in , Harris handed a family Bible , which she described as `` well-worn , '' to her husband , Doug Emhoff , to hold .
Harris grew up in a multifaith family , splitting time between a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple .
She currently attends services at the Third Baptist Church in San Francisco .
Vice President Mike Pence , running for reelection alongside Trump , is set to debate his challenger , Kamala Harris , Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But a meme circulating on social media , shared more than 800 times , falsely claims he plans to skip the debate , < URL destination= '' https : //www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/aug/19/facebook-posts/no-mike-pence-hasnt-refused-debate-kamala-harris/ '' > according to PolitiFact .
< /URL > The vice president has recently stated that he is looking forward to meeting with Harris on the debate stage .
During a rally in Arizona , Pence offered congratulations to Harris following her nomination , and then said , `` I 'll see you in Salt Lake City . ''
Days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview on Fox News .
`` I think she is a skilled debater , '' he said , `` But I ca n't wait to get to Salt Lake and be on the stage with her . ''
Former first lady Michelle Obama , in a speech kicking off the Democratic National Convention , chided Trump for policies that separate immigrant families and put children in `` cages . ''
`` ( Americans ) watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages , '' Obama said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ misleading and a matter that Democrats have persistently distorted , '' according to The Associated Press .
The chain-link fence enclosures she referred to as `` cages '' were built and used during her husband 's administration to temporarily house migrants , separated by gender and age .
Photos of children held in the enclosures , tweeted and later deleted by activists against Trump 's policies , were actually taken by AP photographers in 2014 .
Group was trespassing on bridge , official says Earlier this month , bridges over the Chicago River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent looting downtown .
A video posted on social media , showing six people sitting on the raised Franklin-Orleans Bridge was met with concern .
`` Chicago officials raised the bridge not knowing a group was still crossing , '' read the caption accompanying the video posted on Twitter , which racked up 3.6 million views .
But city officials said the group was not trapped , it was trespassing , < URL destination= '' https : //blockclubchicago.org/2020/08/18/did-the-city-raise-a-downtown-bridge-with-people-on-it-no-officials-say-after-viral-video-surfaces/ ?
fbclid=IwAR0qzwAZv6PaqqD_p-1nsjaS4mTvm4KkLvOmrFahoMNUhv2YTj_YSgQTyvc '' > according to Block Club Chicago .
< /URL > '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video depicting individuals on raised bridges in the downtown area , '' a Chicago Department of Transportation spokesman said .
The agency will `` hold all individuals participating in this extremely reckless and potentially deadly behavior accountable for trespassing . ''
The person who posted the video had previously posted videos of himself climbing up a raised bridge by holding on to the hand rails , Block Club said .
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News .
Contact him at boboswald33 @ gmail.com @

Facts Matter: Trump touts manufacturing boom, but factory jobs down 740,000
Manufacturing activity has not returned to pre-pandemic levels yet. Rob Golden, Fairbanks Energy Services, 2020
President Donald Trump, during a news conference earlier this month, claimed parts of the economy are doing very well.
"The manufacturing sector is booming and the production index is at the highest reading since October of '18, which was an extraordinary period of time," the president said.
But U.S. factories have been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic and the recovery has not yet begun, according to The Associated Press.
"There is no boom," the AP said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 740,000 fewer manufacturing jobs than before the start of the pandemic, despite some job growth over recent months. In June, 357,000 jobs were added in the manufacturing sector followed by an increase of 26,000 in July.
There were 257,000 more factory jobs on the day Trump took office than there are now, the AP said.
The president was citing an Institute for Supply Management report on factory production showing growth in July at the greatest increase since 2018, the AP said. But output is more than 11% below pre-pandemic levels, and the same report said those businesses are cutting jobs.
Harris was sworn in with hand on Bible
Sen. Kamala Harris on Wednesday accepted the nomination for vice president, joining presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.
A recent post claiming, "Harris refused to be sworn in using the Bible" was shared on Facebook nearly 10,000 times.
Although the original post didn't specify which swearing-in ceremony it referred to, Harris, who identifies as a Baptist, rested her left hand on a Bible as she took the oath before joining the Senate on Jan. 3, 2017, according to USA Today.
As then-Vice President Biden officiated at the swearing in, Harris handed a family Bible, which she described as "well-worn," to her husband, Doug Emhoff, to hold.
Harris grew up in a multifaith family, splitting time between a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple. She currently attends services at the Third Baptist Church in San Francisco.
Pence 'can't wait' for VP debate
Vice President Mike Pence, running for reelection alongside Trump, is set to debate his challenger, Kamala Harris, Oct. 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
But a meme circulating on social media, shared more than 800 times, falsely claims he plans to skip the debate, according to PolitiFact.
The vice president has recently stated that he is looking forward to meeting with Harris on the debate stage.
During a rally in Arizona, Pence offered congratulations to Harris following her nomination, and then said, "I'll see you in Salt Lake City."
Days later, he again addressed the issue during an interview on Fox News.
"I think she is a skilled debater," he said, "But I can't wait to get to Salt Lake and be on the stage with her."
'Cages' built during Obama administration
Former first lady Michelle Obama, in a speech kicking off the Democratic National Convention, chided Trump for policies that separate immigrant families and put children in "cages."
"(Americans) watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages," Obama said.
However, the cages remark is "misleading and a matter that Democrats have persistently distorted," according to The Associated Press.
The chain-link fence enclosures she referred to as "cages" were built and used during her husband's administration to temporarily house migrants, separated by gender and age.
Photos of children held in the enclosures, tweeted and later deleted by activists against Trump's policies, were actually taken by AP photographers in 2014.
Group was trespassing on bridge, official says
Earlier this month, bridges over the Chicago River were raised at night in an effort to prevent looting downtown.
A video posted on social media, showing six people sitting on the raised Franklin-Orleans Bridge was met with concern.
"Chicago officials raised the bridge not knowing a group was still crossing," read the caption accompanying the video posted on Twitter, which racked up 3.6 million views.
But city officials said the group was not trapped, it was trespassing, according to Block Club Chicago.
"We are aware of the widely circulated video depicting individuals on raised bridges in the downtown area," a Chicago Department of Transportation spokesman said. The agency will "hold all individuals participating in this extremely reckless and potentially deadly behavior accountable for trespassing."
The person who posted the video had previously posted videos of himself climbing up a raised bridge by holding on to the hand rails, Block Club said.
Chicago police are investigating.
• Bob Oswald is a veteran Chicago-area journalist and former news editor of the Elgin Courier-News. Contact him at boboswald33@gmail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Want to learn more about race in America? This book list will help

For 17 years , John Brennan has been working to spur community conversations about race , racial and social injustice , and addressing systemic racism .
It 's what prompted Brennan to start the Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year program .
Each year , participants from member schools and libraries choose age-appropriate books for the coming year from preschool through adult titles .
Selected books have included stories about the problems Black Americans face , childhood illness , disabilities , foster care , gender identity , `` fitting in '' and bullying of children , climate change , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problems faced by immigrants and refugees , discrimination against people of Islamic faith , and those of Asian and Hispanic heritage , poverty , homelessness and hate crimes , '' said Brennan , of Mount Prospect , a retired Catholic priest .
This year 's titles were chosen by the group of volunteers before the pivotal May 25 murder of an unarmed Black man , George Floyd , by a Minneapolis police officer , sparking nationwide Black Lives Matter protests , rallies and riots .
`` An awakening of white Americans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country could be a turning point in our history of race relations , '' Brennan said .
`` We actually have kind of preempted this big discussion that is going on throughout the nation in many schools , churches and many communities . ''
This year 's Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year reading list includes these titles : Preschool-first grade , `` The Remember Balloons '' by Jessie Oliveros ; second-third grades , `` Turning Pages : My Life Story '' by Sonia Sotomayor ; fourth-fifth grades , `` The Boy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Onjali Q. Rauf ; middle school , `` It Was n't Me '' by Dana Alison Levy ; high school , `` Internment '' by Samira Ahmed ; and adult , `` So You Want to Talk About Race '' by Ijeoma Oluo .
Cook County residents can apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance program through 4 p.m. Monday .
The $ 20 million program 's deadline was extended due to recent storms that left residents in some parts of the county without power , internet and other vital services .
Applicants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rental assistance .
Payments will be made directly to landlords on behalf of tenants .
Funding is available by lottery to renter households with incomes under 80 % of the area median income who have unpaid rent balances charged during the pandemic .
Per the county 's equitable distribution model , 25 % of the funding is targeted to help residents in the hardest-hit communities .
To review eligibility and apply for rental assistance visit cookcountyil.gov/recovery .
Applications are available in several languages , including Spanish , Polish , Russian , Korean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridgeview-based Zakat Foundation of America is launching the Zakat Foundation Institute , an independent nonprofit graduate school offering masters degrees in humanitarian and development studies to candidates from the Islamic philanthropic sector .
The institute will begin the program this fall -- in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy -- by offering 10 Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Studies Fellowship awards to prospective students with a proven commitment of service to Muslim charities .
`` Muslim charitable work has grown exponentially in the last two decades , as has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to making that happen , '' said Halil Demir , founding executive director of Zakat Foundation .
This fall , fellows will begin a one-year certificate program requiring them to complete 18 graduate credits in philanthropic studies from Indiana University .
They simultaneously will earn a graduate certificate in Muslim philanthropy and humanitarian studies from Zakat Foundation Institute .
Zakat Foundation will fully fund the fellowship and cover all tuition costs for required courses .
All coursework will be online with limited in-person seminars .
A survey last spring showed Elgin Area School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations '' about systemic racism , racial inequities and injustices , such as the killing of George Floyd .
`` And you can provide them this opportunity within your classrooms , '' U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a back-to-school message to teachers .
`` In the midst of a pandemic that has truly shifted all we do , we have also been compelled to action to address systemic racism that continues to plague our nation , our state and our communities .
We must also recognize that COVID-19 has also unearthed many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within our school system . ''
As part of the district 's equity plan , U-46 is providing free internet access through Comcast to qualifying low-income families , implicit racial bias training and will lead other discussions this school year .
District officials also will focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce , Sanders said .
American Muslim Community Organization in Lake in the Hills was awarded $ 5,000 this month to support its community service project , `` Sowing Seeds of Friendship and Peace , '' as part of the Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social Justice Challenge .
The group planted a raised-bed community vegetable garden in partnership with Resurrection Catholic Church of Woodstock and the Richland Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church .
Produce grown there will be distributed to families in need through the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and the Rohingya Center .
CIOGC 's Social Justice Challenge awarded 31 mosques $ 1,000 each to develop service projects addressing social injustices , including economic disparity , food insecurity , racial and religious discrimination , education and climate change .
• Share stories , news and happenings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Want to learn more about race in America? This book list will help
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks about her children's book, "Turning Pages: My Life Story," at last year's Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson, Miss. "Turning Pages" is one of the selections on this year's Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year reading list. Associated Press
For 17 years, John Brennan has been working to spur community conversations about race, racial and social injustice, and addressing systemic racism.
It's what prompted Brennan to start the Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year program. Each year, participants from member schools and libraries choose age-appropriate books for the coming year from preschool through adult titles. Selected books have included stories about the problems Black Americans face, childhood illness, disabilities, foster care, gender identity, "fitting in" and bullying of children, climate change, and sex-trafficking.
"We have put forward the problems faced by immigrants and refugees, discrimination against people of Islamic faith, and those of Asian and Hispanic heritage, poverty, homelessness and hate crimes," said Brennan, of Mount Prospect, a retired Catholic priest.
This year's titles were chosen by the group of volunteers before the pivotal May 25 murder of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer, sparking nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, rallies and riots.
"An awakening of white Americans and their subsequent actions regarding racism in our country could be a turning point in our history of race relations," Brennan said. "We actually have kind of preempted this big discussion that is going on throughout the nation in many schools, churches and many communities."
Books on race
This year's Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year reading list includes these titles: Preschool-first grade, "The Remember Balloons" by Jessie Oliveros; second-third grades, "Turning Pages: My Life Story" by Sonia Sotomayor; fourth-fifth grades, "The Boy at the Back of the Class" by Onjali Q. Rauf; middle school, "It Wasn't Me" by Dana Alison Levy; high school, "Internment" by Samira Ahmed; and adult, "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo.
For information, visit suburbanmosaicbooks.org.
COVID-19 rental aid
Cook County residents can apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance program through 4 p.m. Monday.
The $20 million program's deadline was extended due to recent storms that left residents in some parts of the county without power, internet and other vital services.
Applicants could receive up to three months of rental assistance. Payments will be made directly to landlords on behalf of tenants. Funding is available by lottery to renter households with incomes under 80% of the area median income who have unpaid rent balances charged during the pandemic. Per the county's equitable distribution model, 25% of the funding is targeted to help residents in the hardest-hit communities.
To review eligibility and apply for rental assistance visit cookcountyil.gov/recovery. Applications are available in several languages, including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and Hindi.
Islamic philanthropy
Bridgeview-based Zakat Foundation of America is launching the Zakat Foundation Institute, an independent nonprofit graduate school offering masters degrees in humanitarian and development studies to candidates from the Islamic philanthropic sector.
The institute will begin the program this fall -- in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy -- by offering 10 Muslim Philanthropy and Humanitarian Studies Fellowship awards to prospective students with a proven commitment of service to Muslim charities.
"Muslim charitable work has grown exponentially in the last two decades, as has the legion of people who have dedicated themselves to making that happen," said Halil Demir, founding executive director of Zakat Foundation.
This fall, fellows will begin a one-year certificate program requiring them to complete 18 graduate credits in philanthropic studies from Indiana University. They simultaneously will earn a graduate certificate in Muslim philanthropy and humanitarian studies from Zakat Foundation Institute.
Zakat Foundation will fully fund the fellowship and cover all tuition costs for required courses. All coursework will be online with limited in-person seminars.
For information, visit philanthropy.iupui.edu.
What students need
A survey last spring showed Elgin Area School District U-46 students "are aching for conversations" about systemic racism, racial inequities and injustices, such as the killing of George Floyd.
"And you can provide them this opportunity within your classrooms," U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a back-to-school message to teachers. "In the midst of a pandemic that has truly shifted all we do, we have also been compelled to action to address systemic racism that continues to plague our nation, our state and our communities. We must also recognize that COVID-19 has also unearthed many inequity issues within our own community and within our school system."
As part of the district's equity plan, U-46 is providing free internet access through Comcast to qualifying low-income families, implicit racial bias training and will lead other discussions this school year. District officials also will focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, Sanders said.
Community garden
American Muslim Community Organization in Lake in the Hills was awarded $5,000 this month to support its community service project, "Sowing Seeds of Friendship and Peace," as part of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago's Social Justice Challenge.
The group planted a raised-bed community vegetable garden in partnership with Resurrection Catholic Church of Woodstock and the Richland Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church. Produce grown there will be distributed to families in need through the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and the Rohingya Center.
CIOGC's Social Justice Challenge awarded 31 mosques $1,000 each to develop service projects addressing social injustices, including economic disparity, food insecurity, racial and religious discrimination, education and climate change.
• Share stories, news and happenings from the suburban mosaic at mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-21--Chicago White Sox flip the switch in romp over Cubs

It was only one game , but you could almost sense the balance of city power shifting from the North Side to the South Side Friday night at Wrigley Field .
Actually , you could hear it .
With no fans in the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic , the canned crowd noise only goes so far .
In the White Sox 's 10-1 win over the Cubs , their bats were booming loud .
Again .
Coming into the game ranked second in the American League with 43 home runs , the Sox cleared the fences six times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Luis Robert flipped the early switch on the latest power show , giving the White Sox the lead with a 2-run homer off Cubs starter Jon Lester in the second inning .
The crack of the rookie 's bat on the laser to left field could probably be heard at the Sox 's training facility in Schaumburg .
As soon as Robert hit the home run I said , 'This is going to be a good night , ' `` Eloy Jimenez said .
The White Sox were just getting warmed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final outcome with a 3-run homer in the third inning , Danny Mendick and Yasmani Grandal went deep in the fourth , Jimenez hit a solo shot in the seventh and Abreu hit another home run in the eighth inning .
The Sox have hit 24 home runs over their last seven games , a franchise record .
`` We just go out , enjoy , grind every at-bat and try to win the ballgame , '' Jimenez said .
`` It 's fun .
It 's fun to watch , fun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun after playing on losing White Sox teams the past six years .
The American League 's defending RBI champion is now just one home run shy of tying Magglio Ordonez for fifth place in franchise history with 187 .
`` He 's a 30 ( HR ) /100 ( RBI ) guy every year and he just goes under the radar , '' Dallas Keuchel said .
`` He 's the backbone of this team and he will be for the foreseeable future . ''
Keuchel was outstanding in his start against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving up 1 run on 6 hits .
`` I felt great , '' Keuchel said after improving to 4-2 and lowering his ERA to 2.65 .
`` I was just thankful to make some pitches .
Today was the first time I harnessed in all my pitches this season . ''
The Sox were able to knock out Cubs starter Jon Lester , no small feat in Keuchel 's eyes .
`` For us to do what we did against a legend himself was unbelievable , '' the White Sox 's left-hander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step forward , but we have a lot of games left . ''

Chicago White Sox flip the switch in romp over Cubs
CORRECTS TO TWO-RUN HOME RUN NOT A SOLO HOME RUN - Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert hits a two-run home run off of Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester during the second inning of a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Chicago.
It was only one game, but you could almost sense the balance of city power shifting from the North Side to the South Side Friday night at Wrigley Field.
Actually, you could hear it.
With no fans in the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic, the canned crowd noise only goes so far.
In the White Sox's 10-1 win over the Cubs, their bats were booming loud. Again.
Coming into the game ranked second in the American League with 43 home runs, the Sox cleared the fences six times while extending their winning streak to six.
Luis Robert flipped the early switch on the latest power show, giving the White Sox the lead with a 2-run homer off Cubs starter Jon Lester in the second inning.
The crack of the rookie's bat on the laser to left field could probably be heard at the Sox's training facility in Schaumburg.
As soon as Robert hit the home run I said, 'This is going to be a good night,' " Eloy Jimenez said.
The White Sox were just getting warmed up.
Jose Abreu all but decided the final outcome with a 3-run homer in the third inning, Danny Mendick and Yasmani Grandal went deep in the fourth, Jimenez hit a solo shot in the seventh and Abreu hit another home run in the eighth inning.
The Sox have hit 24 home runs over their last seven games, a franchise record.
"We just go out, enjoy, grind every at-bat and try to win the ballgame," Jimenez said. "It's fun. It's fun to watch, fun to enjoy."
Abreu is finally having fun after playing on losing White Sox teams the past six years.
The American League's defending RBI champion is now just one home run shy of tying Magglio Ordonez for fifth place in franchise history with 187.
"He's a 30 (HR)/100 (RBI) guy every year and he just goes under the radar," Dallas Keuchel said. "He's the backbone of this team and he will be for the foreseeable future."
Keuchel was outstanding in his start against the Cubs, pitching 8 innings and giving up 1 run on 6 hits.
"I felt great," Keuchel said after improving to 4-2 and lowering his ERA to 2.65. "I was just thankful to make some pitches. Today was the first time I harnessed in all my pitches this season."
The Sox were able to knock out Cubs starter Jon Lester, no small feat in Keuchel's eyes.
"For us to do what we did against a legend himself was unbelievable," the White Sox's left-hander said. "It was a big step forward, but we have a lot of games left."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Grammar Moses: If you read this column, I feel your pain

When was the last time you went to your local drugstore to buy an empathy card ?
I bet you never thought about the distinction between `` empathy '' and `` sympathy '' that way before , but for those of you who have trouble differentiating them , it 's a good reminder .
Many people , it would seem , do not understand the difference .
`` Sympathy '' is compassion for someone or something -- for instance , a bird that 's fallen from a tree .
I might not like birds ( I really have no objection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but I can still feel bad for the poor thing .
It was a hot topic during the Democratic National Convention .
Everyone seemed to be talking about the importance of it and suggesting it does not exist these days at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave .
I suspect it will not be a talking point during the RNC this week .
Do n't take that as a shot against President Trump , but I do n't think it 's Joe Biden 's empathy that 's in Trump 's crosshairs .
`` Empathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another person 's shoes .
No , not literally , but to understand what it is like to be that person , to experience what that person feels .
Empathy is not one of those things you are necessarily born with .
You ca n't pick it up when you get your first vanload full of school supplies .
A study published in the journal `` Brain and Behavior '' suggests only 1 in 5 of us is genetically predisposed to being empathetic .
It also suggests that those who derive more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to be more empathetic .
You might surmise , then , after slogging through my constant references to my love of music , that I feel your pain .
We 've also heard a lot of talk lately about `` systemic racism . ''
I do n't put that term in quotation marks to suggest it does n't exist .
It does .
I just put quotation marks around terms that I 'm about to discuss .
So , is there a difference between `` systemic '' and `` systematic '' ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used incorrectly .
`` Systematic '' is defined as done or acting according to a fixed plan or system .
Think `` methodical '' as a synonym .
`` Systemic '' is defined as relating to a system as a whole .
In our example , racism exists everywhere .
As linguist Bryan A. Garner notes , `` Typically , 'systemic ' should be replaced by 'systematic ' unless the reference is to systems of the body or metaphors based on bodily systems . ''
I 'll be taking this week off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses or the FBI if you do n't see my column next week .
I have assurances that I will have a job upon my return .
Stay well and , as always , write carefully !
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald .
Write him at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com .
Put Grammar Moses in the subject line .
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim .

Grammar Moses: If you read this column, I feel your pain
When was the last time you went to your local drugstore to buy an empathy card?
I bet you never thought about the distinction between "empathy" and "sympathy" that way before, but for those of you who have trouble differentiating them, it's a good reminder.
Many people, it would seem, do not understand the difference.
"Sympathy" is compassion for someone or something -- for instance, a bird that's fallen from a tree. I might not like birds (I really have no objection to them, if I'm honest), but I can still feel bad for the poor thing.
"Empathy" is a different animal.
It was a hot topic during the Democratic National Convention. Everyone seemed to be talking about the importance of it and suggesting it does not exist these days at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
I suspect it will not be a talking point during the RNC this week. Don't take that as a shot against President Trump, but I don't think it's Joe Biden's empathy that's in Trump's crosshairs.
"Empathy" is one's ability to walk in another person's shoes. No, not literally, but to understand what it is like to be that person, to experience what that person feels.
Empathy is not one of those things you are necessarily born with. You can't pick it up when you get your first vanload full of school supplies.
A study published in the journal "Brain and Behavior" suggests only 1 in 5 of us is genetically predisposed to being empathetic.
It also suggests that those who derive more pleasure from music than your average person tend to be more empathetic.
You might surmise, then, after slogging through my constant references to my love of music, that I feel your pain.
Systemic
We've also heard a lot of talk lately about "systemic racism."
I don't put that term in quotation marks to suggest it doesn't exist. It does. I just put quotation marks around terms that I'm about to discuss.
So, is there a difference between "systemic" and "systematic"?
You betcha!
These two words have similarities but often are used incorrectly.
"Systematic" is defined as done or acting according to a fixed plan or system. Think "methodical" as a synonym.
Scientists use a systematic approach to solving problems.
"Systemic" is defined as relating to a system as a whole. In our example, racism exists everywhere.
As linguist Bryan A. Garner notes, "Typically, 'systemic' should be replaced by 'systematic' unless the reference is to systems of the body or metaphors based on bodily systems."
Systemic drugs work throughout the body.
Miss me?
I'll be taking this week off, so please don't call my bosses or the FBI if you don't see my column next week. I have assurances that I will have a job upon my return.
Stay well and, as always, write carefully!
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line.
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--2,356 new virus cases in Illinois, most since May 24; St. Charles Dist. 303 reports 3 cases

The Illinois Department of Public Health Saturday announced 2,356 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois , including 17 additional confirmed deaths .
It 's the highest number of new cases since May 24 , when there were 2,508 .
The latest numbers come as a school district in St. Charles is reporting a few COVID-19 cases , ABC 7 Chicago said .
Three positive cases were reported within St. Charles Unit District 303 , one at Thompson Middle School and two at Fox Ridge Early Childhood Center .
District officials will not say if the patients are staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the state Saturday , 11 were in Cook County , one was in Kane County and the rest were downstate .
IDPH is reporting a total of 218,285 cases , including 7,874 deaths , in 102 counties .
The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years .
Within the past 24 hours , laboratories have reported 56,766 tests for a total of 3,649,685 .
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate from Aug. 15 to 21 is 4.3 % .
As of Friday night , 1,488 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hospital with COVID-19 .
Of those , 322 patients were in the ICU and 127 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators .

2,356 new virus cases in Illinois, most since May 24; St. Charles Dist. 303 reports 3 cases
The Illinois Department of Public Health Saturday announced 2,356 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois, including 17 additional confirmed deaths.
It's the highest number of new cases since May 24, when there were 2,508.
The latest numbers come as a school district in St. Charles is reporting a few COVID-19 cases, ABC 7 Chicago said.
Three positive cases were reported within St. Charles Unit District 303, one at Thompson Middle School and two at Fox Ridge Early Childhood Center. District officials will not say if the patients are staff members or students.
Of the deaths reported by the state Saturday, 11 were in Cook County, one was in Kane County and the rest were downstate.
IDPH is reporting a total of 218,285 cases, including 7,874 deaths, in 102 counties. The age of cases ranges from younger than 1 to older than 100 years.
Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 56,766 tests for a total of 3,649,685. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate from Aug. 15 to 21 is 4.3%.
As of Friday night, 1,488 people in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 322 patients were in the ICU and 127 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Abreu's 3 HR carry White Sox to seventh straight win

Every game matters , and any major-league player or manager very likely gives you that plain reply at any stage of the season .
Early , middle , late , every team tries winning every game and always fails in miserable fashion .
There is obviously much more urgency to win as many as possible in this COVID-19 shortened season , and the White Sox have been doing a great job on that end for the past week .
When it comes to playing the Cubs the Sox always try taking it up a notch .
That was even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were bogged down in a rebuild .
Now that they 're finally up and running , the White Sox headed into the weekend series at Wrigley Field to show the Cubs -- and the city -- they are legit .
`` I think for us , we take a lot of pride in these games , '' veteran first baseman Jose Abreu said .
`` We know the importance that this game has for the city , for our fans .
We always try to beat them no matter what .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is even more important just because the things we 've been through .
`` We need these kind of games for the city , for the fans , for baseball .
For us as players , it 's a pride moment .
We take a lot of pride in these games because we know the importance of these games . ''
Abreu has certainly done his share of the heavy lifting in the first two games of the crosstown series .
After twice clearing the fences in Friday 's blowout , Abreu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs in Saturday night 's 7-4 win over the Cubs .
`` Incredible , '' White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez said .
`` I 'm just happy for him to have this kind of run he 's on now . ''
The American League 's 2019 RBI leader , Abreu hit a solo homer off starter Kyle Hendricks in the sixth inning to pull the Sox out of a 2-2 tie .
In the eighth , the 33-year-old veteran hit a 2-run shot off reliever Rowan Wick .
In the ninth inning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White Sox ( 17-11 ) rolled to their seventh straight win .
`` I 've hit 3 home runs in a day before , but not in the same game , '' Abreu said .
`` Right now , I 'm just blessed to be with this team .
I 'm just feeling good and enjoying the moment .
I 'm at peace with myself and my teammates . ''
Making his first start since July 26 , when a sore shoulder forced him out of the game with two outs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as good as the Sox hoped he 'd be .
Command issues cost Lopez in the second inning , when the Cubs tied the game on a walk , hit batter and Victor Caratini 's 2-run double .
Lopez pulled himself back together and held the Cubs scoreless until Gio Gonzalez relieved him with one out in the fourth .
`` I felt good , '' Lopez said .
`` What 's most important is I did n't feel any pain .
I feel very happy to come back and do my job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bullpen with 3⅔ scoreless innings while earning his first win for the White Sox , the team that drafted him in 2004 .
The Sox have hit 11 home runs in their first two games against the Cubs .
`` These guys know how to swing the bats , '' Gonzalez said .
`` They must have been born next to a nuclear power plant or something .
They 're demolishing baseballs . ''
Finally surrounded by some offensive talent in the lineup , Abreu is on a tear following a sluggish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-star is now riding a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .533 ( 16-for-30 ) with 8 home runs and 18 RBI over that stretch .
`` He just goes out and works hard every single day , '' White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez said .
`` No matter what is the result , he just tries to come out and do his best .
And you see the results now .
When you 're working hard , something 's going to happen . ''

Abreu's 3 HR carry White Sox to seventh straight win
Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu (79) celebrates with teammate Eloy Jimenez (74) after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. Associated Press
Every game matters, and any major-league player or manager very likely gives you that plain reply at any stage of the season.
Early, middle, late, every team tries winning every game and always fails in miserable fashion.
There is obviously much more urgency to win as many as possible in this COVID-19 shortened season, and the White Sox have been doing a great job on that end for the past week.
When it comes to playing the Cubs the Sox always try taking it up a notch. That was even the case the past three seasons when they were bogged down in a rebuild.
Now that they're finally up and running, the White Sox headed into the weekend series at Wrigley Field to show the Cubs -- and the city -- they are legit.
"I think for us, we take a lot of pride in these games," veteran first baseman Jose Abreu said. "We know the importance that this game has for the city, for our fans. We always try to beat them no matter what. I think right now, for the city, this is even more important just because the things we've been through.
"We need these kind of games for the city, for the fans, for baseball. For us as players, it's a pride moment. We take a lot of pride in these games because we know the importance of these games."
Abreu has certainly done his share of the heavy lifting in the first two games of the crosstown series.
After twice clearing the fences in Friday's blowout, Abreu established a career high with 3 home runs in Saturday night's 7-4 win over the Cubs.
"Incredible," White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez said. "I'm just happy for him to have this kind of run he's on now."
The American League's 2019 RBI leader, Abreu hit a solo homer off starter Kyle Hendricks in the sixth inning to pull the Sox out of a 2-2 tie.
In the eighth, the 33-year-old veteran hit a 2-run shot off reliever Rowan Wick. In the ninth inning, Abreu got the hat trick as the White Sox (17-11) rolled to their seventh straight win.
"I've hit 3 home runs in a day before, but not in the same game," Abreu said. "Right now, I'm just blessed to be with this team. I'm just feeling good and enjoying the moment. I'm at peace with myself and my teammates."
Making his first start since July 26, when a sore shoulder forced him out of the game with two outs in the first inning, Lopez was about as good as the Sox hoped he'd be.
Command issues cost Lopez in the second inning, when the Cubs tied the game on a walk, hit batter and Victor Caratini's 2-run double. Lopez pulled himself back together and held the Cubs scoreless until Gio Gonzalez relieved him with one out in the fourth.
"I felt good," Lopez said. "What's most important is I didn't feel any pain. I feel very happy to come back and do my job."
Gonzalez was sharp out of the bullpen with 3⅔ scoreless innings while earning his first win for the White Sox, the team that drafted him in 2004.
The Sox have hit 11 home runs in their first two games against the Cubs.
"These guys know how to swing the bats," Gonzalez said. "They must have been born next to a nuclear power plant or something. They're demolishing baseballs."
Finally surrounded by some offensive talent in the lineup, Abreu is on a tear following a sluggish start to the season.
The three-time all-star is now riding a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .533 (16-for-30) with 8 home runs and 18 RBI over that stretch.
"He just goes out and works hard every single day," White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez said. "No matter what is the result, he just tries to come out and do his best. And you see the results now. When you're working hard, something's going to happen."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--One man dies after 2 shot in vehicle in Elgin

One man died after a shooting early Saturday in Elgin and another is being treated for injuries that are not @ @ @ @ @ Elgin police said in a Facebook post .
About 12:39 a.m. , Elgin police responded @ @ @ @ @ Street and State Street for a reported shooting in which two men were struck by @ @ @ @ @ , according to the statement .
Both men were taken to the hospital , where @ @ @ @ @ .
Detectives from the Major Investigations Division are investigating the shooting , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ the case is encouraged to call ( 847 ) 289-2600 or text 847411 and include @ @ @ @ @ the text , along with the message and/or tip information .

One man dies after 2 shot in vehicle in Elgin
One man died after a shooting early Saturday in Elgin and another is being treated for injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening, Elgin police said in a Facebook post.
About 12:39 a.m., Elgin police responded to the area of Kimball Street and State Street for a reported shooting in which two men were struck by gunfire while in a vehicle, according to the statement.
Both men were taken to the hospital, where one died, police said.
Detectives from the Major Investigations Division are investigating the shooting, police said.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to call (847) 289-2600 or text 847411 and include ELGINPD at the beginning of the text, along with the message and/or tip information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-22--Good News Sunday: Miniature golf event raises funds for Des Plaines food pantry

This is Good News Sunday , a compilation of some of the more upbeat and inspiring stories published by the Daily Herald during the previous week : Water rushing down the side of a mountain at a mine-themed miniature golf course provided the setting for the eighth annual summer fundraiser for a Des Plaines food pantry .
Held at the Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines , Putt for the Pantry benefitted the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines and gave families and friends the opportunity to have fun while helping a charitable cause .
`` Our food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Self-Help Closet and Pantry Executive Director Debra Walusiak .
`` We serve Des Plaines residents by providing food and clothing , '' She said more than 500 households are registered with the organization , an increase of 100 households since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Social distancing was being practiced at the four-hour event .
For the full story , click here .
Two Vernon Hills companies helped take a financial burden off families at North Elementary School in Waukegan by providing about 550 students in grades K-5 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The initial drive-through distribution began last week , but parents still can pick up the supplies this month .
Virtual learning began Aug. 17 for students in Waukegan Unit District 60 schools .
Learning Resources and hand2mind announced in July they would provide the school with 600 backpacks containing school supplies , educational toys and resources .
The two companies partnered with sister company Educational Insights and the Kids in Need Foundation to provide approximately $ 350,000 in product-based donations to the teachers and families this year .
North Elementary fifth-grade teacher Samantha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said parents are very grateful with the generous offering .
`` This donation is so important now more than ever .
Waukegan is one of the most affected communities in Lake County regarding COVID-19 .
Our families are doing the best they can to provide for their families but we are all living during a hard time , '' Horwitz said .
`` Being able to tell families they do n't have to purchase school supplies this year was amazing .
It took a weight off of our families ' shoulders . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A team of seven volunteers organized by a 2018 Stevenson High School graduate helped clean up the yards of some Lake County homeowners in high-risk households .
The volunteers were led by Avery Nelson , 20 , of Lake Zurich , who came up with the idea of a social distancing yard cleanup event .
`` We were able to do eight houses over the weekend of July 25-26 , '' Nelson said .
Nelson said he had been looking for a way to `` spread some positivity '' during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a volunteering club I was a part of in high school , '' said Nelson , who attends the University of Tampa .
`` In the club we had asked different households who we knew were going through a tough time if they would like a yard makeover .
We were able to do many different households throughout my four years of high school . ''
The work was spread over two days at homes in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich .
`` I have had the privilege of knowing Avery since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have watched as he has developed into the gentleman that he is today , '' said homeowner Carla Sheppard .
`` His work transformed my backyard into an area that I can now enjoy and be proud to host others in . ''
For the full story , click here .
About 130 fishermen honored the memory of a former Lake in the Hills resident at the Connor Kincaid Fishing Tournament in Lake in the Hills .
Connor Kincaid was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman when he died in a car crash in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connor grew up on this lake , '' said his mother , Dawn , as she stood in the Connor Kincaid Memorial Garden , a place for reflection on the southern shore of Woods Creek Lake at Indian Trail Park .
Connor 's young cousins waded in the lake watching their bobbers nearby .
Two weeks after his funeral , his friends and family decided `` let 's go out and do what he would like to do , '' Dawn Kincaid said at Saturday 's event .
So they all fished Woods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after his death , his family turned the personal remembrance into a community event by hosting a fishing tournament to help fund the cost of restocking the fishing areas of the village .
The catch-and-release tournament has drawn as many as 150 people whose $ 12 dollar entry fee puts their name in a hat for a raffle at the end of the day .
For the full story , click here .
• Good News Sunday will run each weekend .
Visit dailyherald.com/newsletters to sign up for our Good News Sunday @ @

Good News Sunday: Miniature golf event raises funds for Des Plaines food pantry
Volunteer Diana Marie of Buffalo Grove participated in a recent yard clean-up effort led by Avery Nelson. Courtesy of Avery Nelson
This is Good News Sunday, a compilation of some of the more upbeat and inspiring stories published by the Daily Herald during the previous week:
Water rushing down the side of a mountain at a mine-themed miniature golf course provided the setting for the eighth annual summer fundraiser for a Des Plaines food pantry.
Held at the Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines, Putt for the Pantry benefitted the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines and gave families and friends the opportunity to have fun while helping a charitable cause.
"Our food pantry has been around since 1971," said Self-Help Closet and Pantry Executive Director Debra Walusiak. "We serve Des Plaines residents by providing food and clothing,"
She said more than 500 households are registered with the organization, an increase of 100 households since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social distancing was being practiced at the four-hour event.
For the full story, click here.
Vernon Hills companies donate supplies
Two Vernon Hills companies helped take a financial burden off families at North Elementary School in Waukegan by providing about 550 students in grades K-5 with free backpacks full of grade-appropriate supplies.
The initial drive-through distribution began last week, but parents still can pick up the supplies this month. Virtual learning began Aug. 17 for students in Waukegan Unit District 60 schools.
Learning Resources and hand2mind announced in July they would provide the school with 600 backpacks containing school supplies, educational toys and resources. The two companies partnered with sister company Educational Insights and the Kids in Need Foundation to provide approximately $350,000 in product-based donations to the teachers and families this year.
North Elementary fifth-grade teacher Samantha Horwitz worked to promote the handout and said parents are very grateful with the generous offering.
"This donation is so important now more than ever. Waukegan is one of the most affected communities in Lake County regarding COVID-19. Our families are doing the best they can to provide for their families but we are all living during a hard time," Horwitz said. "Being able to tell families they don't have to purchase school supplies this year was amazing. It took a weight off of our families' shoulders."
For the full story, click here.
Stevenson grad, volunteers spruce up yards
A team of seven volunteers organized by a 2018 Stevenson High School graduate helped clean up the yards of some Lake County homeowners in high-risk households.
The volunteers were led by Avery Nelson, 20, of Lake Zurich, who came up with the idea of a social distancing yard cleanup event.
"We were able to do eight houses over the weekend of July 25-26," Nelson said.
Nelson said he had been looking for a way to "spread some positivity" during the pandemic.
"I remembered doing something similar with a volunteering club I was a part of in high school," said Nelson, who attends the University of Tampa.
"In the club we had asked different households who we knew were going through a tough time if they would like a yard makeover. We were able to do many different households throughout my four years of high school."
The work was spread over two days at homes in Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich.
"I have had the privilege of knowing Avery since he was walking around in diapers and have watched as he has developed into the gentleman that he is today," said homeowner Carla Sheppard.
"His work transformed my backyard into an area that I can now enjoy and be proud to host others in."
For the full story, click here.
Fishing tourney honors late outdoorsman
About 130 fishermen honored the memory of a former Lake in the Hills resident at the Connor Kincaid Fishing Tournament in Lake in the Hills.
Connor Kincaid was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman when he died in a car crash in 2016 at 22 years old.
"Connor grew up on this lake," said his mother, Dawn, as she stood in the Connor Kincaid Memorial Garden, a place for reflection on the southern shore of Woods Creek Lake at Indian Trail Park. Connor's young cousins waded in the lake watching their bobbers nearby.
Two weeks after his funeral, his friends and family decided "let's go out and do what he would like to do," Dawn Kincaid said at Saturday's event. So they all fished Woods Creek Lake as a memorial. A year after his death, his family turned the personal remembrance into a community event by hosting a fishing tournament to help fund the cost of restocking the fishing areas of the village. The catch-and-release tournament has drawn as many as 150 people whose $12 dollar entry fee puts their name in a hat for a raffle at the end of the day.
For the full story, click here.
• Good News Sunday will run each weekend. Visit dailyherald.com/newsletters to sign up for our Good News Sunday newsletter.