dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Illinois hospitals averaging more than 6,000 COVID-19 patients daily

COVID-19 hospitalizations have averaged 20 % more for the past week in Illinois than at the height of the first wave of the disease in the spring .
Hospitals statewide have averaged 6,058 patients being treated each day for COVID-19 between Nov. 16 and Sunday , according to Illinois Department of Public Health records released Monday .
There are now 6,171 patients being treated for the virus in Illinois hospitals .
At the height of the state 's original coronavirus surge last spring , the state never averaged more than 5,000 daily hospitalized patients for a week .
`` Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals , and we can do this by not spreading infections over the holiday , '' said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike .
`` Thanksgiving has n't happened yet .
People can still change their plans .
We do n't have to have superspreader events in our homes . ''
State health officials also announced 47 more deaths from the virus Monday , bringing the state 's death toll to 11,552 since the outbreak began .
Additionally Monday , 8,322 more new cases of the disease were diagnosed , which means 664,620 Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since testing began .
Health officials remain focused on hospitalization figures as beds become more scarce .
Hospital capacity was lessened last week when IDPH began requiring hospitals to report the number of empty beds that could be staffed within four hours of need , rather than just total number of beds in a hospital .
That cut about 2,000 beds from the state 's supply , including about 400 intensive care beds .
Of those hospitalized , 1,206 are in intensive care , which is more than 36 % of the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's also the most COVID-19 patients in ICU beds statewide since May 12 .
While hospitals continue to see a surge in patients , the state 's seven-day average infection rate continued its decline and now stands at 10.9 % , state officials also announced Monday .
`` The recent moderation in the number of cases and positivity rate is certainly good news , '' said Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
`` I think it is an effect of the previous mitigation efforts we put in place .
But I think counteracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow mitigations when they 're having Thanksgiving , then they 're potentially going to have more infections . ''
The four suburban health regions all experienced declines in average test positivity rates after weeks of growth .
However , they all remain well above the 8 % threshold at which restrictions on gathering size and on some businesses are tightened .
For instance , Region 7 , which contains Will and Kankakee counties , now has a seven-day average test positivity rate of 19.2 % .
That means for every 100 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 19 came back positive each day for the past week .
That 's well over the state 's warning limit .
The region is also reporting less than 15 % of standard hospital beds are open , and that 's below the state 's 20 % warning threshold .
DuPage and Kane counties ' Region 8 is also below the 20 % available bed warning level , IDPH figures showed .
Friday ushered in stricter rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Those include reducing capacity to 50 % at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores , suspending indoor group sports , closing casinos and gaming terminals , and banning events at banquet halls , party venues and clubs .
Other restrictions ordered by Pritzker temporarily shutter movie theaters and limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people , and funerals to 10 relatives .
State officials also gave an update on unemployment issues the state has faced since the beginning of the pandemic .
Illinois Department of Employment Security Acting Director Kristin Richards said technology and staffing upgrades to the state agency have allowed quicker response to those seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need was so great that the agency was flooded with calls that overwhelmed the system .
In the first three weeks of the pandemic and accompanying recession , IDES handled more claims than it had in all of 2019 .
However , state officials also noted the unemployment system had suffered a significant amount of fraud because of shortcomings created by the federal response to the health and financial crises .
`` Since July , my office has received nearly 850 written consumer complaints and approximately 4,000 calls about unemployment insurance fraud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raoul urged anyone who received notification from IDES about unemployment benefits they did n't apply for to visit the state 's unemployment fraud website at illinois.gov/ides .

Illinois hospitals averaging more than 6,000 COVID-19 patients daily
COVID-19 testing sites, like the one at Arlington International Racecourse, remain busy even as many in the suburbs prepare for Thanksgiving this week. Brian Hill | Staff Photographer, Oct. 16
COVID-19 hospitalizations have averaged 20% more for the past week in Illinois than at the height of the first wave of the disease in the spring.
Hospitals statewide have averaged 6,058 patients being treated each day for COVID-19 between Nov. 16 and Sunday, according to Illinois Department of Public Health records released Monday. There are now 6,171 patients being treated for the virus in Illinois hospitals.
At the height of the state's original coronavirus surge last spring, the state never averaged more than 5,000 daily hospitalized patients for a week.
"Let's lessen the burden on all our hospitals, and we can do this by not spreading infections over the holiday," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet. People can still change their plans. We don't have to have superspreader events in our homes."
State health officials also announced 47 more deaths from the virus Monday, bringing the state's death toll to 11,552 since the outbreak began.
Additionally Monday, 8,322 more new cases of the disease were diagnosed, which means 664,620 Illinois residents have been diagnosed with the virus since testing began.
Health officials remain focused on hospitalization figures as beds become more scarce. Hospital capacity was lessened last week when IDPH began requiring hospitals to report the number of empty beds that could be staffed within four hours of need, rather than just total number of beds in a hospital. That cut about 2,000 beds from the state's supply, including about 400 intensive care beds.
Of those hospitalized, 1,206 are in intensive care, which is more than 36% of the state's total number of ICU beds. That's also the most COVID-19 patients in ICU beds statewide since May 12.
While hospitals continue to see a surge in patients, the state's seven-day average infection rate continued its decline and now stands at 10.9%, state officials also announced Monday.
"The recent moderation in the number of cases and positivity rate is certainly good news," said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "I think it is an effect of the previous mitigation efforts we put in place. But I think counteracting that is if people are not going to follow mitigations when they're having Thanksgiving, then they're potentially going to have more infections."
The four suburban health regions all experienced declines in average test positivity rates after weeks of growth. However, they all remain well above the 8% threshold at which restrictions on gathering size and on some businesses are tightened.
For instance, Region 7, which contains Will and Kankakee counties, now has a seven-day average test positivity rate of 19.2%. That means for every 100 tests taken by residents in those counties, more than 19 came back positive each day for the past week. That's well over the state's warning limit.
The region is also reporting less than 15% of standard hospital beds are open, and that's below the state's 20% warning threshold. DuPage and Kane counties' Region 8 is also below the 20% available bed warning level, IDPH figures showed.
Friday ushered in stricter rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those include reducing capacity to 50% at grocery stores and 25% at other stores, suspending indoor group sports, closing casinos and gaming terminals, and banning events at banquet halls, party venues and clubs. Other restrictions ordered by Pritzker temporarily shutter movie theaters and limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people, and funerals to 10 relatives.
State officials also gave an update on unemployment issues the state has faced since the beginning of the pandemic. Illinois Department of Employment Security Acting Director Kristin Richards said technology and staffing upgrades to the state agency have allowed quicker response to those seeking to file claims.
She noted the need was so great that the agency was flooded with calls that overwhelmed the system. In the first three weeks of the pandemic and accompanying recession, IDES handled more claims than it had in all of 2019.
However, state officials also noted the unemployment system had suffered a significant amount of fraud because of shortcomings created by the federal response to the health and financial crises.
"Since July, my office has received nearly 850 written consumer complaints and approximately 4,000 calls about unemployment insurance fraud," said Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Raoul urged anyone who received notification from IDES about unemployment benefits they didn't apply for to visit the state's unemployment fraud website at illinois.gov/ides.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--50-year-old Oakton Junction caboose heads to new home near Illinois River

One person 's trash can be another 's treasure , even when it 's a deteriorating , graffiti-covered caboose that for years marked the location of a now demolished shopping center in Elk Grove Township .
The Oakton Junction caboose , which once stood outside a shopping center with the same name at the corner of Oakton Street and Badger Road , was removed Monday from its longtime location and loaded onto a truck for a ride to its new home in Seneca , southwest of Morris along the Illinois River .
For the Seneca Historical Guild , it marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a caboose to add to its collection .
`` We 've been chasing a caboose for at least eight years trying to find one in our price range , '' said guild member John Lamb .
`` The biggest thing is transportation .
Costs a lot of money to move them . ''
The Seneca Port Authority paid $ 5,000 for the 50-year-old caboose and got help with the move from Arlington Heights-based trucking firm Bil-Mac Express .
Lamb said people were willing to help once they learned the caboose is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caboose was lifted and placed on a Bil-Mac Express flatbed for the 72-mile trip to Seneca .
There it will be restored then placed on display at the guild 's railroad museum , along with a flatcar .
`` The depot 's been restored and we have tracks .
We have a place for this ( caboose ) , so this is our next project , '' said guild member Harion Enervold .
`` The Port Authority board has been around forever and we are real grateful for their financial help .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renew and financing this move . ''
Lamb said the caboose restoration project could take a couple of years .

50-year-old Oakton Junction caboose heads to new home near Illinois River
One person's trash can be another's treasure, even when it's a deteriorating, graffiti-covered caboose that for years marked the location of a now demolished shopping center in Elk Grove Township.
The Oakton Junction caboose, which once stood outside a shopping center with the same name at the corner of Oakton Street and Badger Road, was removed Monday from its longtime location and loaded onto a truck for a ride to its new home in Seneca, southwest of Morris along the Illinois River.
For the Seneca Historical Guild, it marks the end of a long search for a caboose to add to its collection.
"We've been chasing a caboose for at least eight years trying to find one in our price range," said guild member John Lamb. "The biggest thing is transportation. Costs a lot of money to move them."
The Seneca Port Authority paid $5,000 for the 50-year-old caboose and got help with the move from Arlington Heights-based trucking firm Bil-Mac Express.
Lamb said people were willing to help once they learned the caboose is going to be restored.
On Monday, the caboose was lifted and placed on a Bil-Mac Express flatbed for the 72-mile trip to Seneca. There it will be restored then placed on display at the guild's railroad museum, along with a flatcar.
"The depot's been restored and we have tracks. We have a place for this (caboose), so this is our next project," said guild member Harion Enervold. "The Port Authority board has been around forever and we are real grateful for their financial help. They're the ones that financed the depot renew and financing this move."
Lamb said the caboose restoration project could take a couple of years.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Set a place for Zoom: Many suburbanites will forgo traditional Thanksgiving trips this year

Traditionally , this is the week Curt Alliaume packs his family into the car and steers toward Washington , D.C. , for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings -- including a house packed with relatives .
`` We would have to self-quarantine for two weeks if we traveled there .
We 'll have a Zoom Thanksgiving instead , '' the Naperville resident said .
Typically , `` the Thanksgiving meal is hosted by our brother-in-law 's parents , and it 's amazing .
But this year , we 've all agreed to follow the rules , '' Alliaume said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would applaud that plan and warned last week that travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 -- as does a lengthy meal with others outside your immediate circle .
If he did drive east , Alliaume would pass from Illinois , where the seven-day average test positivity rate is 12 % , to Indiana -- 12.5 % , Ohio -- 12.7 % , and Pennsylvania , where it 's 24.6 % , according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center .
The state with the lowest test positivity rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest is South Dakota with 52.5 % , according to Johns Hopkins .
Illinois ' neighbors are all in double digits : Iowa is at 48.6 % ; Missouri is at 23.5 % ; Wisconsin is at 16 % ; Michigan is 11.7 % ; and Kentucky is 10.2 % .
A Daily Herald Facebook survey of readers showed many changed long-standing travel plans to feast at home but set a place for Zoom to link them with loved ones .
Those decisions reflect AAA 's projections of an almost 15 % drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2019 .
Diane Pedersen 's adult sons wo n't be driving from Nashville or flying from Los Angeles this year .
`` My in-laws normally host a small dinner ( under 10 ) with an open house after '' for other relatives , Pedersen said .
`` This year , it will be just my husband and me at our house .
Our dinner will still be good , as my husband likes cooking , but there will be too many leftovers . ''
It 's the tough but safe choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a salesman , so ca n't pre-isolate .
The Los Angeles son could pre-isolate , but could easily be infected during the long plane trip .
The in-laws live in a nearby retirement community ; they 're not fully isolated from other residents and staff .
If we get infected while grocery-shopping , we could infect them , '' she explained .
`` We ca n't figure out a way to guarantee to keep everyone safe , especially with the positivity skyrocketing , '' the Naperville resident said .
Suzanne Chalifoux-Grochecki of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting other family members in the region , but `` plans changed , '' she said .
`` Only our family of four , due to COVID-19 .
We are being very cautious , especially with the grandparents . ''
How do you feel about pandemic travel ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
You should know Metra officials threw the dice when approving their 2021 budget recently and blamed the pandemic for decreasing ridership by 90 % .
The fiscal plan estimates a $ 70 million shortfall that leaders hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Congress has yet to agree on another COVID-19 relief package .
The total operating budget is $ 700 million , reflecting the decline in fares , although sales tax revenues show signs of reviving , the financial staff said .
Metra is not increasing fares next year but may need to cut train service if no federal help materializes .
The agency 's $ 386.4 million capital projects budget is in better shape thanks to a gas tax increase in 2019 .
These days , it 's hard to be an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuter Jason Kart of Glenview wrote .
`` UP closed the front and back cars for the one conductor on the train , so there is less room for passengers , '' he said .
`` I 've ( sometimes ) witnessed people with no masks , bikes in the aisle , threatening other passengers , smoking weed , ( and ) playing music -- since the conductors wo n't walk the train .
Then , we all bunch up at Ogilvie Transportation Center because that 's where they check tickets .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years riding the train prior to the pandemic . ''
Good news on the Edens Expressway : The Illinois tollway is wrapping up a $ 109 million improvement project on the Edens Spur and last week opened all lanes to the 57,000 vehicles that use it daily .
Work included fixing bridges at Pfingsten and Waukegan roads , building a median , new lighting , and replacing asphalt .
IDOT is taking public comments on improvements to two high-crash interchanges on I-55 in southern Will County : Route 129 and Lorenzo Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the public can offer opinions through Dec. 14 .
The project cost is estimated at $ 148 million and would reconstruct both interchanges and add more connecting lanes on I-55 .
IDOT will also take questions at ( 847 ) 705-4569 .

Set a place for Zoom: Many suburbanites will forgo traditional Thanksgiving trips this year
O'Hare International Airport will see less traffic this Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAA predicts a nearly 10% drop in holiday travel nationwide. Daily Herald File Photo
Karen Trimble Alliaume of Naperville enjoys a reunion with her brother, Paul Trimble, at Thanksgiving 2016 in a Washington, D.C. suburb. The Alliaumes will forgo their traditional D.C. trip this year because of the pandemic. Courtesy of Curt Alliaume
The extended Pedersen family celebrates Thanksgiving 2017 in Addison with a traditional get-together. This year, Diane Pedersen and her husband will dine solo following the advice of experts to prevent infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Diane Pedersen
There won't be as many reunions at O'Hare International Airport this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAA predicts overall travel will be down by nearly 15% in Illinois. Daily Herald File Photo
Experts advise staying home this year for Thanksgiving. Travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. Getty Images
Traditionally, this is the week Curt Alliaume packs his family into the car and steers toward Washington, D.C., for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings -- including a house packed with relatives.
But in a COVID-19 world, he's staying home.
"We would have to self-quarantine for two weeks if we traveled there. We'll have a Zoom Thanksgiving instead," the Naperville resident said.
Typically, "the Thanksgiving meal is hosted by our brother-in-law's parents, and it's amazing. But this year, we've all agreed to follow the rules," Alliaume said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control would applaud that plan and warned last week that travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 -- as does a lengthy meal with others outside your immediate circle.
If he did drive east, Alliaume would pass from Illinois, where the seven-day average test positivity rate is 12%, to Indiana -- 12.5%, Ohio -- 12.7%, and Pennsylvania, where it's 24.6%, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
The state with the lowest test positivity rate is Maine with 2.1%, while the highest is South Dakota with 52.5%, according to Johns Hopkins. Illinois' neighbors are all in double digits: Iowa is at 48.6%; Missouri is at 23.5%; Wisconsin is at 16%; Michigan is 11.7%; and Kentucky is 10.2%.
A Daily Herald Facebook survey of readers showed many changed long-standing travel plans to feast at home but set a place for Zoom to link them with loved ones. Those decisions reflect AAA's projections of an almost 15% drop in 2020 Thanksgiving trips in Illinois compared to 2019.
Diane Pedersen's adult sons won't be driving from Nashville or flying from Los Angeles this year.
"My in-laws normally host a small dinner (under 10) with an open house after" for other relatives, Pedersen said. "This year, it will be just my husband and me at our house. Our dinner will still be good, as my husband likes cooking, but there will be too many leftovers."
It's the tough but safe choice, Pedersen explained. "The Nashville son is a salesman, so can't pre-isolate. The Los Angeles son could pre-isolate, but could easily be infected during the long plane trip. The in-laws live in a nearby retirement community; they're not fully isolated from other residents and staff. If we get infected while grocery-shopping, we could infect them," she explained.
"We can't figure out a way to guarantee to keep everyone safe, especially with the positivity skyrocketing," the Naperville resident said.
Suzanne Chalifoux-Grochecki of Fox River Grove usually spends the holiday visiting other family members in the region, but "plans changed," she said. "Only our family of four, due to COVID-19. We are being very cautious, especially with the grandparents."
How do you feel about pandemic travel? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
You should know
Metra officials threw the dice when approving their 2021 budget recently and blamed the pandemic for decreasing ridership by 90%.
The fiscal plan estimates a $70 million shortfall that leaders hope will be offset by federal aid, although Congress has yet to agree on another COVID-19 relief package.
The total operating budget is $700 million, reflecting the decline in fares, although sales tax revenues show signs of reviving, the financial staff said. Metra is not increasing fares next year but may need to cut train service if no federal help materializes.
The agency's $386.4 million capital projects budget is in better shape thanks to a gas tax increase in 2019.
Your voice
These days, it's hard to be an easy rider, Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line commuter Jason Kart of Glenview wrote. "UP closed the front and back cars for the one conductor on the train, so there is less room for passengers," he said. "I've (sometimes) witnessed people with no masks, bikes in the aisle, threatening other passengers, smoking weed, (and) playing music -- since the conductors won't walk the train. Then, we all bunch up at Ogilvie Transportation Center because that's where they check tickets. This is a stark contrast compared to my four years riding the train prior to the pandemic."
Gridlock alert
Good news on the Edens Expressway: The Illinois tollway is wrapping up a $109 million improvement project on the Edens Spur and last week opened all lanes to the 57,000 vehicles that use it daily. Work included fixing bridges at Pfingsten and Waukegan roads, building a median, new lighting, and replacing asphalt.
Reducing I-55 crashes
IDOT is taking public comments on improvements to two high-crash interchanges on I-55 in southern Will County: Route 129 and Lorenzo Road. Information is available online at i55lorenzoil129outreach.org, and the public can offer opinions through Dec. 14. The project cost is estimated at $148 million and would reconstruct both interchanges and add more connecting lanes on I-55. IDOT will also take questions at (847) 705-4569.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--First accumulating snow of the season could come Tuesday morning

Some suburbs could see the first accumulating snow of the season Tuesday morning , the National Weather Service forecasts .
@ @ @ @ @ north of I-80 could see 1-2 inches of snow before 10 a.m. Areas east of @ @ @ @ @ an inch of snow .
The snow is expected to change to rain after 10 @ @

First accumulating snow of the season is here
Some suburbs are seeing the first accumulating snow of the season this morning.
Areas west of I-355 and north of I-80 could see 1-2 inches of snow before 10 a.m. Areas east of I-355 should see less than an inch of snow.
The snow is expected to change to rain after 10 a.m.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Rozner: Tough decisions await Cubs' Jed Hoyer

One of the reasons Theo Epstein gave for walking away now was that he wanted Jed Hoyer to be in charge of all that comes next .
Rather than make the decisions this winter that will shape the next several years , Epstein made the choice to hand over the reins before those calls are made .
So , yeah , good luck with that .
`` We face a new challenge imposed by the reality of our players ' service time and the realities of our world in 2020 , '' Hoyer said Monday during his Zoom conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have faced here , we will study them , we will use our collective experience , and then we will move boldly to do what 's in the best interests of our franchise . ''
The Cubs have n't won a postseason game since 2017 , their last truly competitive postseason .
The 2018 season looked good for several months , but injuries and a lack of offense cost them the division in September , and they went out quickly after losing Game 163 and the wild card .
Then came 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their offense -- and Epstein wanted to begin making changes , but poor player performances and a strange marketplace made that difficult last winter .
`` On the offensive side , we want to look and feel and perform differently than we have the last few years , '' Hoyer said , when asked if significant changes are coming .
`` I ca n't define significant .
Do we need to look different as an offense ?
Absolutely . ''
The Cubs were essentially a .500 team in 2020 , but won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division title because of a quick start and an easy schedule .
They were exposed against the Marlins and now much is up in the air .
Considering the weakening economic climate , with so much MLB uncertainty and plummeting revenues , it might again be difficult for the Cubs to move some of their high-paid players and that might also limit the kinds of structural roster changes they want to make .
More significant is that many of those players do n't have the trade value they did two years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a budgeting standpoint , as it is for 30 teams and millions of businesses around America , '' Hoyer said .
`` We have questions about when the season 's gon na start , how many games we 're gon na play , and how many fans are gon na be in the stands .
We have so many different questions about what life is gon na look like in the summer of '21 .
`` We have a ( payroll ) range that we 've discussed , but we have n't nailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , after 2021 the Cubs will lose free agents Kris Bryant , Anthony Rizzo , Javy Baez , Kyle Schwarber and Craig Kimbrel ( team option ) .
Jon Lester , Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood are currently free agents .
If there 's a positive it 's that most MLB teams not named the Mets have the same payroll questions the Cubs have , and with revenue issues and a new CBA to be negotiated a year from now , some of these players are going to be in for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going to take many years for MLB to recover from this economic disaster and that 's again without knowing what will take place next season .
`` We 've had an excellent team for six years , but with that run and the inability to get extensions on our guys , there are some realities , '' Hoyer said .
`` Ultimately , the goal every year is to give ourselves a chance and that 's not gon na change .
`` You always have one eye on the present and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is given the service-time realities , we might be a little more focused on the future than usual , but that does n't take away from the goal , which is always to make the playoffs and go deep into October . ''
But the road to Helena is paved with the careers of GMs who have tried to rebuild and win at the same time .
Hoyer is well aware of the difficulties .
`` There 's always challenges in trying to do both and that 's why you have to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Hoyer , who discounted the possibility of a complete rebuild .
`` You always debate it , but any time you make the playoffs you have a chance to win the World Series . ''
Asked if he would support a complete rebuild , as the Cubs did when Epstein arrived , owner Tom Ricketts was very clear about the direction of the club .
`` I would always take Jed 's recommendation on what to do , but I do n't think anybody 's tearing anything down , '' Ricketts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good club and I think people are excited to see us back on the field next year . ''
It has been a heck of a run , but now comes the very tough work that Epstein knew was on the way several years ago .
Poor player performances -- and a strange economic landscape -- have added unpredictable elements and made it all the more difficult .
Welcome to the job , Jed Hoyer .

Rozner: Tough decisions await Cubs' Jed Hoyer
Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' new president of baseball operations, knows there are many challenges ahead. Daily Herald File Photo
One of the reasons Theo Epstein gave for walking away now was that he wanted Jed Hoyer to be in charge of all that comes next.
Rather than make the decisions this winter that will shape the next several years, Epstein made the choice to hand over the reins before those calls are made.
So, yeah, good luck with that.
"We face a new challenge imposed by the reality of our players' service time and the realities of our world in 2020," Hoyer said Monday during his Zoom conference. "As with all of the challenges we have faced here, we will study them, we will use our collective experience, and then we will move boldly to do what's in the best interests of our franchise."
The Cubs haven't won a postseason game since 2017, their last truly competitive postseason.
The 2018 season looked good for several months, but injuries and a lack of offense cost them the division in September, and they went out quickly after losing Game 163 and the wild card.
Then came 2019 and another ugly finish -- hampered again by their offense -- and Epstein wanted to begin making changes, but poor player performances and a strange marketplace made that difficult last winter.
"On the offensive side, we want to look and feel and perform differently than we have the last few years," Hoyer said, when asked if significant changes are coming. "I can't define significant. Do we need to look different as an offense? Absolutely."
The Cubs were essentially a .500 team in 2020, but won more than they lost and captured a division title because of a quick start and an easy schedule.
They were exposed against the Marlins and now much is up in the air.
Considering the weakening economic climate, with so much MLB uncertainty and plummeting revenues, it might again be difficult for the Cubs to move some of their high-paid players and that might also limit the kinds of structural roster changes they want to make.
More significant is that many of those players don't have the trade value they did two years ago.
"This is a challenging year from a budgeting standpoint, as it is for 30 teams and millions of businesses around America," Hoyer said. "We have questions about when the season's gonna start, how many games we're gonna play, and how many fans are gonna be in the stands. We have so many different questions about what life is gonna look like in the summer of '21.
"We have a (payroll) range that we've discussed, but we haven't nailed anything down."
As we sit here, after 2021 the Cubs will lose free agents Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber and Craig Kimbrel (team option). Jon Lester, Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood are currently free agents.
If there's a positive it's that most MLB teams not named the Mets have the same payroll questions the Cubs have, and with revenue issues and a new CBA to be negotiated a year from now, some of these players are going to be in for a surprise after the 2021 season.
It's going to take many years for MLB to recover from this economic disaster and that's again without knowing what will take place next season.
"We've had an excellent team for six years, but with that run and the inability to get extensions on our guys, there are some realities," Hoyer said. "Ultimately, the goal every year is to give ourselves a chance and that's not gonna change.
"You always have one eye on the present and one eye on the future. The truth is given the service-time realities, we might be a little more focused on the future than usual, but that doesn't take away from the goal, which is always to make the playoffs and go deep into October."
But the road to Helena is paved with the careers of GMs who have tried to rebuild and win at the same time. Hoyer is well aware of the difficulties.
"There's always challenges in trying to do both and that's why you have to have your eye on both things," said Hoyer, who discounted the possibility of a complete rebuild. "You always debate it, but any time you make the playoffs you have a chance to win the World Series."
Asked if he would support a complete rebuild, as the Cubs did when Epstein arrived, owner Tom Ricketts was very clear about the direction of the club.
"I would always take Jed's recommendation on what to do, but I don't think anybody's tearing anything down," Ricketts said. "I think we have a good club and I think people are excited to see us back on the field next year."
It has been a heck of a run, but now comes the very tough work that Epstein knew was on the way several years ago. Poor player performances -- and a strange economic landscape -- have added unpredictable elements and made it all the more difficult.
Welcome to the job, Jed Hoyer.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--F.I.S.H. pantry marks 50th by donating bench in Carpentersville

F.I.S.H .
Food Pantry in Carpentersville is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an all-volunteer organization this year by donating a bench to Carpenter Park .
`` It 's ( bench 's location ) a shaded area in the springtime , you 're right by a babbling brook so you can sit there and read your book and you can view the whole park , '' said Don Cwynar , the group 's treasurer .
The park is at 275 Maple Ave. F.I.S.H .
is funded by cash and food donations from various organizations , such as churches , schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's organizations and individuals .
It also receives food from local grocery stores .
F.I.S.H.
, which stands for `` Friend , I Shall Help , '' provided food for more than 34,500 individuals from more than 6,700 families in Carpentersville , East Dundee , West Dundee , Sleepy Hollow , Gilberts and Pingree Grove .
Mary Graziano , the group 's president , said the shiny black steel bench with a plaque commemorating the anniversary is humbling and rewarding '' There have been a lot of people that work to make what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We wanted to have a party to celebrate our anniversary in April and that did n't work ( because of COVID-19 ) and tried again in November and that again did n't work , so we came up with this idea . ''

F.I.S.H. pantry marks 50th by donating bench in Carpentersville
F.I.S.H. Food Pantry in Carpentersville is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an all-volunteer organization this year by donating a bench to Carpenter Park.
"It's (bench's location) a shaded area in the springtime, you're right by a babbling brook so you can sit there and read your book and you can view the whole park," said Don Cwynar, the group's treasurer. The park is at 275 Maple Ave.
F.I.S.H. is funded by cash and food donations from various organizations, such as churches, schools, businesses, Scouts, women and men's organizations and individuals. It also receives food from local grocery stores.
F.I.S.H., which stands for "Friend, I Shall Help," provided food for more than 34,500 individuals from more than 6,700 families in Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts and Pingree Grove.
Mary Graziano, the group's president, said the shiny black steel bench with a plaque commemorating the anniversary is humbling and rewarding
"There have been a lot of people that work to make what we do possible," Graziano said. "We wanted to have a party to celebrate our anniversary in April and that didn't work (because of COVID-19) and tried again in November and that again didn't work, so we came up with this idea."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--U.S. agency allows Biden transition to begin; Trump directs team to cooperate

WASHINGTON -- The General Services Administration ascertained Monday that President-elect Joe Biden is the `` apparent winner '' of the Nov. 3 election , clearing the way for the start of the transition from President Donald Trump 's administration and allowing Biden to coordinate with federal agencies on plans for taking over on Jan. 20 .
Trump , who had refused to concede the election , said in a tweet that he is directing his team to cooperate on the transition but is vowing to keep up the fight .
Administrator Emily Murphy made the determination after Trump efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing , `` recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results . ''
Michigan certified Biden 's victory Monday , and a federal judge in Pennsylvania tossed a Trump campaign lawsuit on Saturday seeking to prevent certification in that state .
Yohannes Abraham , the executive director of the Biden transition , said in a statement that the decision `` is a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation , including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response , have a full accounting of our national security interests , and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration 's efforts to hollow out government agencies . ''
Murphy , a Trump appointee , had faced bipartisan criticism for failing to begin the transition process sooner , preventing Biden 's team from working with career agency officials on plans for his administration , including in critical national security and public health areas .
`` Please know that I came to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and available facts .
I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official -- including those who work at the White House or GSA -- with regard to the substance or timing of my decision , '' Murphy wrote in a letter to Biden .
Trump tweeted shortly after her letter was made public : `` We will keep up the good fight and I believe we will prevail !
Nevertheless , in the best interest of our Country , I am recommending that Emily and her team do what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''
Pressure had been mounting on Murphy as an increasing number of Republicans , national security experts and business leaders said it was time for that process to move forward .
Retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander , who has repeatedly called for the transition to begin , released a new statement Monday saying that Trump should `` put the country first '' and help Biden 's administration succeed .
`` When you are in public life , people remember the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Republican Sen .
Rob Portman of Ohio on Monday called for Murphy to release money and staffing needed for the transition .
Portman , a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , also said Biden should receive high-level briefings on national security and the coronavirus vaccine distribution plan .
Alexander and Portman , who have both aligned themselves with Trump , joined a growing number of Republican officials who in recent days have urged Trump to begin the transition immediately .
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying in a statement Monday that `` at some point , the 2020 election must end . ''
Meanwhile , more than 160 business leaders asked Murphy to immediately acknowledge Biden as president-elect and begin the transition to a new administration .
`` Withholding resources and vital information from an incoming administration puts the public and economic health and security of America at risk , ″ the business letters said in an open letter to Murphy .
Separately , more than 100 Republican former national security officials -- including former Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Hayden and former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte -- said in a statement that Trump 's refusal to concede and allow for an orderly transition `` constitutes a serious threat '' to America 's democratic process .
The officials signing the letter worked under four Republican presidents , including Trump .
The statement called on `` Republican leaders -- especially those in Congress -- to publicly demand that President Trump cease his anti-democratic assault on the integrity of the presidential election . ''
Trump had publicly refused to accept defeat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and seeking to overturn the election results .
Murphy missed a deadline on Monday set by House Democrats to brief lawmakers about the delay in beginning the transition , which is usually a routine step between the election and the inauguration .
A spokeswoman for the GSA said that a deputy administrator would instead hold two separate briefings for House and Senate committees on Nov. 30 .
In response , the Democratic chairs of four committees and subcommittees said they could reschedule the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We can not wait yet another week to obtain basic information about your refusal to make the ascertainment determination , '' the Democrats said in a letter to Murphy .
`` Every additional day that is wasted is a day that the safety , health , and well-being of the American people is imperiled as the incoming Biden-Harris administration is blocked from fully preparing for the coronavirus pandemic , our nation 's dire economic crisis , and our national security . ''
Portman said it was `` only prudent '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Donald Trump is our president until Jan. 20 , 2021 , but in the likely event that Joe Biden becomes our next president , it is in the national interest that the transition is seamless and that America is ready on Day One of a new administration for the challenges we face , ″ Portman wrote in an op-ed calling for the transition to begin .
Murphy 's ascertainment will free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden 's team to begin placing transition personnel at federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would not give Biden the classified presidential daily briefing on intelligence matters until the GSA makes the ascertainment official .
`` Now that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy has fulfilled her duty and ascertained the election results , the formal presidential transition can begin in full force , '' said Max Stier , president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service .
`` Unfortunately , every day lost to the delayed ascertainment was a missed opportunity for the outgoing administration to help President-elect Joe Biden prepare to meet our country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president-elect and his team are the most prepared and best equipped of any incoming administration in recent memory . ''
Among those signing the letter from business leaders were Jon Gray , president of the Blackstone private equity firm ; Robert Bakish , president and CEO of ViacomCBS Inc. ; Henry Kravis , the co-chief executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. , another private equity giant ; David Solomon , CEO at Goldman Sachs ; and George H. Walker , CEO of the investment firm Neuberger Berman and a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. agency allows Biden transition to begin; Trump directs team to cooperate
FILE - In this June 21, 2019 file photo, General Services Administration Administrator Emily Murphy speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Department of Homeland Security's St. Elizabeths Campus Center Building in Washington. Associated Press
President-elect Joe Biden walks to his motorcade as he leaves The Queen theater Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, in Wilmington, Del., after meeting virtually with the United States Conference of Mayors. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The General Services Administration ascertained Monday that President-elect Joe Biden is the "apparent winner" of the Nov. 3 election, clearing the way for the start of the transition from President Donald Trump's administration and allowing Biden to coordinate with federal agencies on plans for taking over on Jan. 20.
Trump, who had refused to concede the election, said in a tweet that he is directing his team to cooperate on the transition but is vowing to keep up the fight.
Administrator Emily Murphy made the determination after Trump efforts to subvert the vote failed across battleground states, citing, "recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results." Michigan certified Biden's victory Monday, and a federal judge in Pennsylvania tossed a Trump campaign lawsuit on Saturday seeking to prevent certification in that state.
Yohannes Abraham, the executive director of the Biden transition, said in a statement that the decision "is a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation, including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track."
He added: "In the days ahead, transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response, have a full accounting of our national security interests, and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration's efforts to hollow out government agencies."
Murphy, a Trump appointee, had faced bipartisan criticism for failing to begin the transition process sooner, preventing Biden's team from working with career agency officials on plans for his administration, including in critical national security and public health areas.
"Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official -- including those who work at the White House or GSA -- with regard to the substance or timing of my decision," Murphy wrote in a letter to Biden.
Trump tweeted shortly after her letter was made public: "We will keep up the good fight and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."
Pressure had been mounting on Murphy as an increasing number of Republicans, national security experts and business leaders said it was time for that process to move forward.
Retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, who has repeatedly called for the transition to begin, released a new statement Monday saying that Trump should "put the country first" and help Biden's administration succeed.
"When you are in public life, people remember the last thing you do," Alexander said.
Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio on Monday called for Murphy to release money and staffing needed for the transition. Portman, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, also said Biden should receive high-level briefings on national security and the coronavirus vaccine distribution plan.
Alexander and Portman, who have both aligned themselves with Trump, joined a growing number of Republican officials who in recent days have urged Trump to begin the transition immediately. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., also urged a smooth transition, saying in a statement Monday that "at some point, the 2020 election must end."
Meanwhile, more than 160 business leaders asked Murphy to immediately acknowledge Biden as president-elect and begin the transition to a new administration. "Withholding resources and vital information from an incoming administration puts the public and economic health and security of America at risk,″ the business letters said in an open letter to Murphy.
Separately, more than 100 Republican former national security officials -- including former Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, former CIA Director Michael Hayden and former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte -- said in a statement that Trump's refusal to concede and allow for an orderly transition "constitutes a serious threat" to America's democratic process. The officials signing the letter worked under four Republican presidents, including Trump.
The statement called on "Republican leaders -- especially those in Congress -- to publicly demand that President Trump cease his anti-democratic assault on the integrity of the presidential election."
Trump had publicly refused to accept defeat and launched a series of losing court battles across the country making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and seeking to overturn the election results.
Murphy missed a deadline on Monday set by House Democrats to brief lawmakers about the delay in beginning the transition, which is usually a routine step between the election and the inauguration. A spokeswoman for the GSA said that a deputy administrator would instead hold two separate briefings for House and Senate committees on Nov. 30.
In response, the Democratic chairs of four committees and subcommittees said they could reschedule the meeting for Tuesday, but no later.
"We cannot wait yet another week to obtain basic information about your refusal to make the ascertainment determination," the Democrats said in a letter to Murphy. "Every additional day that is wasted is a day that the safety, health, and well-being of the American people is imperiled as the incoming Biden-Harris administration is blocked from fully preparing for the coronavirus pandemic, our nation's dire economic crisis, and our national security."
Portman said it was "only prudent" for GSA to begin the transition process immediately.
"Donald Trump is our president until Jan. 20, 2021, but in the likely event that Joe Biden becomes our next president, it is in the national interest that the transition is seamless and that America is ready on Day One of a new administration for the challenges we face,″ Portman wrote in an op-ed calling for the transition to begin.
Murphy's ascertainment will free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden's team to begin placing transition personnel at federal agencies. Trump administration officials had said they would not give Biden the classified presidential daily briefing on intelligence matters until the GSA makes the ascertainment official.
"Now that GSA Administrator Emily Murphy has fulfilled her duty and ascertained the election results, the formal presidential transition can begin in full force," said Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. "Unfortunately, every day lost to the delayed ascertainment was a missed opportunity for the outgoing administration to help President-elect Joe Biden prepare to meet our country's greatest challenges. The good news is that the president-elect and his team are the most prepared and best equipped of any incoming administration in recent memory."
Among those signing the letter from business leaders were Jon Gray, president of the Blackstone private equity firm; Robert Bakish, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Inc.; Henry Kravis, the co-chief executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., another private equity giant; David Solomon, CEO at Goldman Sachs; and George H. Walker, CEO of the investment firm Neuberger Berman and a second cousin to former President George W. Bush.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Aurora man accused of shooting another man in the head

An Aurora man is being held at the Kane County jail on charges that he tried to murder a man @ @ @ @ @ .
Detrick Walton , 43 , is charged with attempted first-degree murder , armed violence @ @ @ @ @ firearm , aggravated unlawful use of a weapon , unlawful use of a weapon by @ @ @ @ @ of a controlled substance .
Aurora police were called at 1 p.m. Saturday to the @ @ @ @ @ Street .
They found a 55-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his head .
@ @ @ @ @ is in stable condition and expected to survive , according to a news release .
@ @ @ @ @ who was inside a vehicle at the time , had argued , according to the @ @ @ @ @ arrested Saturday night .
Bail was set Sunday at $ 600,000 .
Walton is on @ @ @ @ @ conduct cases .
He was charged in August with misdemeanor domestic battery .

Aurora man accused of shooting another man in the head
An Aurora man is being held at the Kane County jail on charges that he tried to murder a man with whom he had argued.
Detrick Walton, 43, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
Aurora police were called at 1 p.m. Saturday to the 1000 block of East Benton Street. They found a 55-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his head. As of Monday, he is in stable condition and expected to survive, according to a news release.
The victim and Walton, who was inside a vehicle at the time, had argued, according to the news release.
Walton was arrested Saturday night. Bail was set Sunday at $600,000.
Walton is on probation on two felony disorderly conduct cases. He was charged in August with misdemeanor domestic battery.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings

About 1 million Americans a day packed airports and planes over the weekend even as coronavirus deaths surged across the U.S. and public health experts begged people to stay home and avoid big Thanksgiving gatherings .
And the crowds are only expected to grow .
Next Sunday is likely to be the busiest day of the holiday period .
To be sure , the number of people flying for Thanksgiving is down by more than half from last year because of the rapidly worsening outbreak .
However , the 3 million who went through U.S. airport checkpoints from Friday through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the COVID-19 crisis took hold in the United States .
Many travelers are unwilling to miss out on seeing family and are convinced they can do it safely .
Also , many colleges have ended their in-person classes , propelling students to return home .
Laurie Pearcy , director of administration for a Minneapolis law firm , is flying to New Orleans to attend her daughter 's bridal shower and have a small Thanksgiving dinner with her son .
`` I do n't want to unknowingly make anyone sick .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this special event for my only daughter , '' she said .
Stephen Browning , a retired executive from Tucson , Arizona , will be flying to Seattle for Thanksgiving with his sister .
The celebration usually has up to 30 people ; this year only 10 are coming , and everyone was asked to get a coronavirus test .
He does n't plan on removing his mask to eat or drink on the flight .
`` This is my first flight since December 2019 , so yes , I have concerns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think most airlines are acting responsibly now and enforcing masks on all flights . ''
Last week , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans not to travel or spend the holiday with people outside their household .
New cases of the virus in the U.S. have rocketed to all-time highs , averaging more than 170,000 per day , and deaths have soared to over 1,500 a day , the highest level since the spring .
The virus is blamed for more than a quarter-million deaths in the U.S. and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so much community transmission all over the United States that the chances of you encountering somebody that has COVID-19 is actually very , very high , whether it 's on an airplane , at the airport or at a rest area , '' said Dr. Syra Madad , an infectious-disease epidemiologist for New York City hospitals .
The nation 's top infectious-diseases expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , told CBS ' `` Face the Nation '' that people at airports `` are going to get us into even more trouble than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message may be sinking in for some .
Bookings in 2020 are down about 60 % from where they were this time last year .
Thanksgiving reservations were ticking upward in early October but fell back again as case numbers surged .
Since airlines have made it easier to cancel tickets , there could be a rash of cancellations closer to the holiday , said John Elder , an adviser to airlines from Boston Consulting Group .
In 2019 , a record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport screening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the industry trade group Airlines for America is n't even providing a forecast because things are so uncertain .
Because of tighter restrictions by many governments , air travel in other parts of the world has , in contrast , come to a near standstill .
In Europe , traffic between countries was down by 83 % in September from a year earlier , and that has only worsened since then because many countries imposed new limits .
Alejandro Zuniga and his fiancee , Megan Muhs , who live in Costa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin for Thanksgiving to see Muhs ' family but decided against it .
They also nixed a trip to the U.S. in December .
`` No part of a major international trip seems safe at this point , '' Zuniga said .
The pair plans to make video calls to family and stream the Detroit Lions football game on Thanksgiving Day .
Josh Holman and his family were planning to fly to Lake Tahoe and spend Thanksgiving with his brother , who lives in San Francisco , and his parents , who live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those plans .
`` I see it as my civic duty not to spread this virus further , '' said Holman , an assistant county prosecutor who lives outside Detroit .
More people tend to drive than fly over Thanksgiving , but even car travel is expected to see a drop-off , according to AAA .
Based on surveys in mid-October , the association was expecting 47.8 million people to drive to Thanksgiving gatherings , down 4 % from last year .
But AAA said the drop could prove to be even bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carr and his wife , retirees who live in Griffin , Georgia , debated whether to drive 35 miles north to his son 's house for Thanksgiving and eat at a separate table on the porch .
But after the CDC 's announcement , they decided to stay home .
Carr 's son will deliver their meal `` a la Uber Eats , '' Carr said .
Those who do gather should eat outdoors , wear masks , stay 6 feet apart and have one person serve the food , the CDC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter 's family .
Walter , a student at the University of Tampa , plans to get a coronavirus test and then drive home to Maryland .
Her parents have rented tents and outdoor heaters and will host up to 30 masked family members for Thanksgiving dinner .
The holidays close out a bleak year for U.S. travel .
Travel spending is expected to drop 45 % from 2019 levels , to $ 617 billion , according to the U.S. Travel Association , a trade group .
Canceling Thanksgiving trips is painful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Seattle to her hometown of Tucson , Arizona , to spend the holiday with her parents .
They have a picnic to celebrate the life of her sister , who died on Thanksgiving in 2015 .
This year , Kleber is sending her parents a portrait of her sister and plans a video call on Thanksgiving .
`` It 's going to be hard being away from family this year , '' she said .

Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings
Travelers leave the AirTrain at JKF International Airport Friday in New York. Rising U.S. coronavirus cases, a new round of state lockdowns and public health guidance discouraging trips are dampening enthusiasm for what is usually the biggest travel period of the year. Associated Press
About 1 million Americans a day packed airports and planes over the weekend even as coronavirus deaths surged across the U.S. and public health experts begged people to stay home and avoid big Thanksgiving gatherings.
And the crowds are only expected to grow. Next Sunday is likely to be the busiest day of the holiday period.
To be sure, the number of people flying for Thanksgiving is down by more than half from last year because of the rapidly worsening outbreak. However, the 3 million who went through U.S. airport checkpoints from Friday through Sunday marked the biggest crowds since mid-March, when the COVID-19 crisis took hold in the United States.
Many travelers are unwilling to miss out on seeing family and are convinced they can do it safely. Also, many colleges have ended their in-person classes, propelling students to return home.
Laurie Pearcy, director of administration for a Minneapolis law firm, is flying to New Orleans to attend her daughter's bridal shower and have a small Thanksgiving dinner with her son.
"I don't want to unknowingly make anyone sick. But I also don't want to miss this special event for my only daughter," she said.
Stephen Browning, a retired executive from Tucson, Arizona, will be flying to Seattle for Thanksgiving with his sister. The celebration usually has up to 30 people; this year only 10 are coming, and everyone was asked to get a coronavirus test. He doesn't plan on removing his mask to eat or drink on the flight.
"This is my first flight since December 2019, so yes, I have concerns," he said. "But I think most airlines are acting responsibly now and enforcing masks on all flights."
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans not to travel or spend the holiday with people outside their household.
New cases of the virus in the U.S. have rocketed to all-time highs, averaging more than 170,000 per day, and deaths have soared to over 1,500 a day, the highest level since the spring. The virus is blamed for more than a quarter-million deaths in the U.S. and over 12 million confirmed infections.
"There is so much community transmission all over the United States that the chances of you encountering somebody that has COVID-19 is actually very, very high, whether it's on an airplane, at the airport or at a rest area," said Dr. Syra Madad, an infectious-disease epidemiologist for New York City hospitals.
The nation's top infectious-diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told CBS' "Face the Nation" that people at airports "are going to get us into even more trouble than we're in right now."
The message may be sinking in for some.
Bookings in 2020 are down about 60% from where they were this time last year. Thanksgiving reservations were ticking upward in early October but fell back again as case numbers surged. Since airlines have made it easier to cancel tickets, there could be a rash of cancellations closer to the holiday, said John Elder, an adviser to airlines from Boston Consulting Group.
In 2019, a record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving. This year, the industry trade group Airlines for America isn't even providing a forecast because things are so uncertain.
Because of tighter restrictions by many governments, air travel in other parts of the world has, in contrast, come to a near standstill. In Europe, traffic between countries was down by 83% in September from a year earlier, and that has only worsened since then because many countries imposed new limits.
Alejandro Zuniga and his fiancee, Megan Muhs, who live in Costa Rica, thought briefly about flying to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving to see Muhs' family but decided against it. They also nixed a trip to the U.S. in December.
"No part of a major international trip seems safe at this point," Zuniga said. The pair plans to make video calls to family and stream the Detroit Lions football game on Thanksgiving Day.
Josh Holman and his family were planning to fly to Lake Tahoe and spend Thanksgiving with his brother, who lives in San Francisco, and his parents, who live in North Dakota. But they scrapped those plans.
"I see it as my civic duty not to spread this virus further," said Holman, an assistant county prosecutor who lives outside Detroit.
More people tend to drive than fly over Thanksgiving, but even car travel is expected to see a drop-off, according to AAA. Based on surveys in mid-October, the association was expecting 47.8 million people to drive to Thanksgiving gatherings, down 4% from last year. But AAA said the drop could prove to be even bigger, given the worsening crisis.
Brad Carr and his wife, retirees who live in Griffin, Georgia, debated whether to drive 35 miles north to his son's house for Thanksgiving and eat at a separate table on the porch. But after the CDC's announcement, they decided to stay home. Carr's son will deliver their meal "a la Uber Eats," Carr said.
Those who do gather should eat outdoors, wear masks, stay 6 feet apart and have one person serve the food, the CDC said.
That's the plan for Juliana Walter's family. Walter, a student at the University of Tampa, plans to get a coronavirus test and then drive home to Maryland. Her parents have rented tents and outdoor heaters and will host up to 30 masked family members for Thanksgiving dinner.
The holidays close out a bleak year for U.S. travel. Travel spending is expected to drop 45% from 2019 levels, to $617 billion, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group.
Canceling Thanksgiving trips is painful for many families.
Kelly Kleber usually flies from Seattle to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, to spend the holiday with her parents. They have a picnic to celebrate the life of her sister, who died on Thanksgiving in 2015. This year, Kleber is sending her parents a portrait of her sister and plans a video call on Thanksgiving.
"It's going to be hard being away from family this year," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Palatine police seek hit-and-run driver who seriously injured bicyclist

Palatine police are seeking the public 's help in locating a white SUV that struck and seriously injured a bicyclist @ @ @ @ @ scene .
According to police , a 70-year-old man was riding his bike in the @ @ @ @ @ Road at about 3 p.m. Sunday when an eastbound SUV drove onto the shoulder and @ @ @ @ @ and the Palatine Fire Department provided aid to the bicyclist , who suffered serious head @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to a hospital , where he is being treated .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ front passenger-side damage , and was last seen driving east on Palatine Road from Hickory @ @ @ @ @ SUV could have been from the year 2000 or later .
There is no description @ @ @ @ @ of the incident at this time , police said .
Anyone with information is asked @ @ @ @ @ 847 ) 359-9000 .

Palatine police seek hit-and-run driver who seriously injured bicyclist
Palatine police are seeking the public's help in locating a white SUV that struck and seriously injured a bicyclist Sunday afternoon then left the scene.
According to police, a 70-year-old man was riding his bike in the 400 block of West Palatine Road at about 3 p.m. Sunday when an eastbound SUV drove onto the shoulder and hit him.
Responding officers and the Palatine Fire Department provided aid to the bicyclist, who suffered serious head injuries, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he is being treated.
Police said the suspect vehicle might have front passenger-side damage, and was last seen driving east on Palatine Road from Hickory Street. Witnesses said the SUV could have been from the year 2000 or later.
There is no description of the driver or video of the incident at this time, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (847) 359-9000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Three injured in two-vehicle crash Sunday in Schaumburg

Schaumburg police said a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening sent three people to the hospital , one with serious injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ at 5:09 p.m. at Rodenburg and Irving Park roads .
According to police , one @ @ @ @ @ westbound Irving Park Road from northbound Rodenburg Road when it was struck by another vehicle @ @ @ @ @ The intersection was closed until 9:30 p.m. as investigators tried to determine what caused the @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The investigation is ongoing .
No citations have been issued .

Three injured in two-vehicle crash Sunday in Schaumburg
Schaumburg police said a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening sent three people to the hospital, one with serious injuries.
Police said the crash occurred at 5:09 p.m. at Rodenburg and Irving Park roads.
According to police, one vehicle was turning left onto westbound Irving Park Road from northbound Rodenburg Road when it was struck by another vehicle traveling south on Rodenburg.
The intersection was closed until 9:30 p.m. as investigators tried to determine what caused the crash and clear debris, police said. The investigation is ongoing. No citations have been issued.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Michigan certifies Biden presidential victory

LANSING , Mich. -- Michigan election officials on Monday certified Democrat Joe Biden 's 154,000-vote victory in the state amid President Donald Trump 's attempts to subvert the results of the election .
The Board of State Canvassers , which has two Republicans and two Democrats , confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention .
Allies of Trump and losing GOP Senate candidate John James had urged the panel to delay voting for two weeks to audit votes in heavily Democratic Wayne County , home to Detroit .
The move is another setback in Trump 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of the Nov. 3 election and comes even after he made direct overtures to Republican officials in the state by inviting them to the White House last week .
Under Michigan law , Biden claims all 16 electoral votes .
Biden won by 2.8 percentage points -- a larger margin than in other states where Trump is contesting the results like Georgia , Arizona , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania .
Some Trump allies had expressed hope that state lawmakers could intervene in selecting Republican electors in states that do not certify .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
Trump 's efforts to stave off formal recognition of his defeat faced increasingly stiff resistance from the courts and fellow Republicans with just three weeks to go until the Electoral College meets to certify Biden 's victory .
Time and again , Trump 's challenges and baseless allegations of widespread conspiracy and fraud have been met with rejection as states move forward with confirming their results .
Michigan 's Board of State Canvassers , which has two Republicans and two Democrats , certified the results despite calls by Trump and allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote to allow for an audit of ballots in heavily Democratic Wayne County , home to Detroit , where Trump has claimed without evidence that he was the victim of fraud .
`` The board 's duty today is very clear , '' said Aaron Van Langevelde , the Republican vice chair .
`` We have a duty to certify this election based on these returns .
That is very clear .
We are limited to these returns .
I 'm not going to argue that we 're not . ''
Mary Ellen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party , told the canvassers that attacks on the election results `` are part of a racist campaign , directed by soon-to-be former President Trump , to disparage the cities in this country with large Black populations , including Detroit , Philadelphia and Milwaukee . ''
`` It sometimes feels like officials are attempting to tear up my ballot right in front of me by stalling and recounting until they find a way to change the results , '' said Wendy Gronbeck , a resident of Douglas .
`` I 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 've never had to think about whether canvassers will certify an election . ''
Biden crushed the president by more than 330,000 votes in Wayne County , where two local GOP canvassers who certified the results unsuccessfully tried to reverse course last week after being called by Trump .
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , a Democrat , has said an audit must wait until after statewide certification because only then would officials have legal access to documentation needed to conduct such a review .
Norm Eisen , a constitutional law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Judiciary Committee , said there was no legal basis to do anything other than certify the election .
`` That is the clear mandate of state law , '' he said .
Eisen dismissed various claims for why a delay might be necessary , including the need for an audit or time to investigate so-called `` out of balance '' precincts .
`` The reasons that they have advanced for doing anything other than ( certify ) is totally spurious .
They carry no legal or factual weight whatsoever under the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to defy the results of the election through the courts , but having found no luck there , moved on to personally trying to influence local lawmakers to convince them to ignore the popular vote and appoint Republican electors , a strategy that would send Americans into the streets in protest , election law experts have said .
Some Trump allies have expressed hope that state lawmakers could intervene in selecting Republican electors in states that do not certify , as the president and his attorneys have pushed baseless allegations of fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
Trump met with top Michigan GOP legislators at the White House on Friday and tweeted over the weekend : `` We will show massive and unprecedented fraud ! ''
Had the board delayed a vote or opposed certification , a lawsuit was expected .
Legal experts have said the canvassers ' role is limited and courts would order them to confirm the results .
Under state law , it has the narrow responsibilities of reviewing vote numbers from Michigan 's 83 counties and certifying them .
It does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate complaints of irregularities .
In Pennsylvania , a conservative Republican judge shot down the Trump campaign 's biggest legal effort in Pennsylvania with a scathing ruling that questioned why he was supposed to disenfranchise 7 million voters with no evidence to back their claims and an inept legal argument at best .
But the lawyers still hope to block the state 's certification , quickly appealing to the 3rd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia , which ordered lawyers to file a brief Monday but did not agree to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its filings , asked for urgent consideration so they could challenge the state election results before they are certified next month .
If not , they will seek to decertify them , the filings said .
And they insisted that they did not want to invalidate all of the 6.8 million ballots cast in the state -- as Brann concluded based on their arguments in court last week .
Instead , they said , they are taking aim only at seven Democratic-leaning counties where they take issue with how mail-in ballots were handled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defective mail ballots which overwhelming favored Biden , which may turn the result of the election , '' they said in a filing Monday said .
Biden won Pennsylvania by more than 80,000 votes .
The other litigation has failed to change a single vote .
Pennsylvania county election boards were voting on Monday , the state deadline , about whether to certify election results to the Department of State .
The boards in two populous counties split along party lines , with majority Democrats in both places voting to certify .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar , she must then tabulate , compute and canvass votes for all races .
The law requires her to perform that task quickly but does not set a specific deadline .
In Wisconsin , a recount in the state 's two largest liberal counties moved into its fourth day at a slow pace , with election officials in Milwaukee County complaining that Trump observers were hanging up the process with frequent challenges .
Trump 's hope of reversing Biden 's victory there depends on disqualifying thousands of absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast by one of Trump 's own campaign attorneys in Dane County .

Michigan certifies Biden presidential victory
Protesters stand outside the Richard H. Austin state office building during a rally in Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Michigan's elections board is meeting to certify the state's presidential election results. Associated Press
Joscha Weese, left, stands outside the Capitol building during a rally in Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Michigan's elections board is scheduled to meet to certify the state's presidential election results Monday. Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan election officials on Monday certified Democrat Joe Biden's 154,000-vote victory in the state amid President Donald Trump's attempts to subvert the results of the election.
The Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention. Allies of Trump and losing GOP Senate candidate John James had urged the panel to delay voting for two weeks to audit votes in heavily Democratic Wayne County, home to Detroit.
The move is another setback in Trump's efforts to use unconventional means to undermine the results of the Nov. 3 election and comes even after he made direct overtures to Republican officials in the state by inviting them to the White House last week.
Under Michigan law, Biden claims all 16 electoral votes. Biden won by 2.8 percentage points -- a larger margin than in other states where Trump is contesting the results like Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Some Trump allies had expressed hope that state lawmakers could intervene in selecting Republican electors in states that do not certify. That longshot bid is no longer possible in Michigan.
Trump's efforts to stave off formal recognition of his defeat faced increasingly stiff resistance from the courts and fellow Republicans with just three weeks to go until the Electoral College meets to certify Biden's victory. Time and again, Trump's challenges and baseless allegations of widespread conspiracy and fraud have been met with rejection as states move forward with confirming their results.
Michigan's Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, certified the results despite calls by Trump and allies to the GOP members to block the vote to allow for an audit of ballots in heavily Democratic Wayne County, home to Detroit, where Trump has claimed without evidence that he was the victim of fraud.
"The board's duty today is very clear," said Aaron Van Langevelde, the Republican vice chair. "We have a duty to certify this election based on these returns. That is very clear. We are limited to these returns. I'm not going to argue that we're not."
Mary Ellen Gurewitz, an attorney for the state Democratic Party, told the canvassers that attacks on the election results "are part of a racist campaign, directed by soon-to-be former President Trump, to disparage the cities in this country with large Black populations, including Detroit, Philadelphia and Milwaukee."
"It sometimes feels like officials are attempting to tear up my ballot right in front of me by stalling and recounting until they find a way to change the results," said Wendy Gronbeck, a resident of Douglas. "I've been a voter for over 50 years, and I've never had to think about whether canvassers will certify an election."
Biden crushed the president by more than 330,000 votes in Wayne County, where two local GOP canvassers who certified the results unsuccessfully tried to reverse course last week after being called by Trump. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, has said an audit must wait until after statewide certification because only then would officials have legal access to documentation needed to conduct such a review.
Norm Eisen, a constitutional law expert and former counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, said there was no legal basis to do anything other than certify the election.
"That is the clear mandate of state law," he said. Eisen dismissed various claims for why a delay might be necessary, including the need for an audit or time to investigate so-called "out of balance" precincts.
"The reasons that they have advanced for doing anything other than (certify) is totally spurious. They carry no legal or factual weight whatsoever under the law," Eisen added.
Trump has tried to defy the results of the election through the courts, but having found no luck there, moved on to personally trying to influence local lawmakers to convince them to ignore the popular vote and appoint Republican electors, a strategy that would send Americans into the streets in protest, election law experts have said.
Some Trump allies have expressed hope that state lawmakers could intervene in selecting Republican electors in states that do not certify, as the president and his attorneys have pushed baseless allegations of fraud that have been repeatedly rejected in courtrooms across the country. Trump met with top Michigan GOP legislators at the White House on Friday and tweeted over the weekend: "We will show massive and unprecedented fraud!"
Had the board delayed a vote or opposed certification, a lawsuit was expected. Legal experts have said the canvassers' role is limited and courts would order them to confirm the results. Under state law, it has the narrow responsibilities of reviewing vote numbers from Michigan's 83 counties and certifying them. It does not have the power to audit returns or investigate complaints of irregularities.
In Pennsylvania, a conservative Republican judge shot down the Trump campaign's biggest legal effort in Pennsylvania with a scathing ruling that questioned why he was supposed to disenfranchise 7 million voters with no evidence to back their claims and an inept legal argument at best.
But the lawyers still hope to block the state's certification, quickly appealing to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, which ordered lawyers to file a brief Monday but did not agree to hear oral arguments.
The campaign, in its filings, asked for urgent consideration so they could challenge the state election results before they are certified next month. If not, they will seek to decertify them, the filings said.
And they insisted that they did not want to invalidate all of the 6.8 million ballots cast in the state -- as Brann concluded based on their arguments in court last week. Instead, they said, they are taking aim only at seven Democratic-leaning counties where they take issue with how mail-in ballots were handled.
"Appellants seek to exclude the defective mail ballots which overwhelming favored Biden, which may turn the result of the election," they said in a filing Monday said.
Biden won Pennsylvania by more than 80,000 votes. The other litigation has failed to change a single vote.
Pennsylvania county election boards were voting on Monday, the state deadline, about whether to certify election results to the Department of State. The boards in two populous counties split along party lines, with majority Democrats in both places voting to certify. After all counties have sent certified results to Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, she must then tabulate, compute and canvass votes for all races. The law requires her to perform that task quickly but does not set a specific deadline.
In Wisconsin, a recount in the state's two largest liberal counties moved into its fourth day at a slow pace, with election officials in Milwaukee County complaining that Trump observers were hanging up the process with frequent challenges. Trump's hope of reversing Biden's victory there depends on disqualifying thousands of absentee ballots -- including the in-person absentee ballot cast by one of Trump's own campaign attorneys in Dane County.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Elgin woman accused of posting nude photos of husband's mistress

An Elgin woman became `` so angry '' after finding nude pictures of her husband 's mistress on their home @ @ @ @ @ tell `` the whole world about it '' by publicly posting the explicit images on @ @ @ @ @ said Monday .
Ramona Martinez-Ayala discovered the images when she was scrolling through her husband @ @ @ @ @ did n't log out of his account on the couple 's computer on Aug. 20 @ @ @ @ @ James Murphy said .
Martinez-Ayala , who was arrested Sunday , was charged with one @ @ @ @ @ of sexual images and was released on her own recognizance Monday .

Elgin woman accused of posting nude photos of husband's mistress
An Elgin woman became "so angry" after finding nude pictures of her husband's mistress on their home computer, she decided to tell "the whole world about it" by publicly posting the explicit images on Facebook, Cook County prosecutors said Monday.
Ramona Martinez-Ayala discovered the images when she was scrolling through her husband's Facebook messages after he didn't log out of his account on the couple's computer on Aug. 20, Assistant State's Attorney James Murphy said.
Martinez-Ayala, who was arrested Sunday, was charged with one felony count of nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images and was released on her own recognizance Monday.
For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.