dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--End of an era: Corey Crawford's time with Blackhawks is up

Stan Bowman made a bombshell announcement Thursday that the Blackhawks will not be re-signing goaltender Corey Crawford for next season .
Thus ends a remarkable career for the only netminder to win multiple Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks .
`` It was a bit of an emotional talk , '' Bowman said .
`` Corey and I go back a long time . ''
Despite sharing the net with Robin Lehner , Crawford had a standout second half of the 2019-20 campaign and played extremely well in the postseason against Edmonton and Vegas .
He finishes his Hawks career with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the playoffs .
`` He 's up there with the legends of the Blackhawks -- Tony Esposito , Glenn Hall , Corey Crawford , '' Bowman said .
`` Looking back at his career trajectory , he never got the proper recognition early on .
We had such star-studded teams . ''
Now the Hawks will likely turn the net over to Collin Delia , Kevin Lankinen or Malcolm Subban .
( Subban is now an unrestricted free agent , but Bowman is hopeful the Hawks can re-sign him ) .
All three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair to wonder how they 'll perform over an entire season .
`` With any young goalie , there 's always an opportunity where you have to give them a chance to see what they can do , '' Bowman said .
`` We saw that with ( Antti ) Niemi , we saw that with Crawford , we saw that with ( Antti ) Raanta .
`` We see that with a lot of young guys -- that they do need a chance to get into the league and see what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third winningest goalie in Hawks history , behind only Esposito ( 418 ) and Hall ( 276 ) .
His save percentage ( .918 ) and goals-against average ( 2.45 ) rank No .
1 among players with at least 100 starts .
Crawford was soft-spoken behind the scenes , but could also engage in long conversations with teammates and media alike .
Between the pipes , he was all business .
He learned early on to move on after an opponent scored .
Do n't let things snowball .
It was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it 's a big reason he had so much success .
Even when Crawford faced some serious adversity during that 2015 Cup run -- being replaced by Scott Darling in that opening-round series against Nashville -- he did n't rant publicly about his plight .
Instead , he supported and mentored Darling .
That decision alone may have helped the Hawks move on .
`` That just shows his character , '' Darling said in a phone interview Thursday evening .
`` Things that should have been awkward between us were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie pigeon , I was upset about upsetting my idol , Corey Crawford .
`` But all he did was champion me and help me be the best .
He pushed me in practice .
He was great about the whole thing .
...
I ca n't thank him enough . ''
After Darling allowed 3 first-period goals in Game 6 , Joel Quenneville sent Crawford back to the crease .
The United Center erupted , Crawford returned to form , and the Hawks went on to claim their third Cup in six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won it without Corey , '' Bowman said .
`` At that time people started to recognize really how important he was and how great a goaltender he was . ''
Crawford helped lead the Hawks to the playoffs the next two seasons , but they were bounced in the first round both times .
The 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns were both tough ones for Crawford as he battled concussions .
He was thrown a bit of a curveball last season when the Hawks signed Lehner , but he remained a true pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two also became fast friends .
I 'll never forget interviewing Crawford for a story and Lehner coming by to rub his back .
`` ( Hell ) yeah .
I love you too , '' Crawford told Lehner .
He then turned to me and said : `` He 's a great guy to sit next to .
I mean I feel like I can talk to him about anything . ''
Once Lehner was traded to Vegas , Crawford started showing Hawks fans he was n't quite done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts , allowing 2 goals six times and 3 goals once .
He then missed almost all of summer training camp after contracting the coronavirus , yet returned to lead the Hawks past the Oilers in the play-in phase of the Stanley Cup playoffs .
So is this it for Crawford ?
Will he retire ?
Or might he sign with another team ?
He was adamant late last season that he does n't want to be a backup .
If Crawford wants to win another Cup , maybe he signs with Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rise as well and could desperately use a veteran netminder .
Time will tell , but sadly for Hawks fans , Crawford 's time is now up in Chicago .
As for the top free agents , watch for teams to go hard after defenseman Alex Pietrangelo , winger Taylor Hall , defenseman Torey Krug and goalie Jacob Markstrom .
There are more than a half-dozen 30-something goaltenders available , including Thomas Greiss ( 34 ) , Henrik Lundqvist ( 38 ) , Mike Smith ( 38 ) , Cam Talbot ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Aaron Dell ( 31 ) .
Maybe one signs with the Hawks for cheap ?
Maybe -- but do n't count on it .
Bowman 's biggest moves may have come already as he signed European free agent Pius Suter ( $ 925,000 ) and traded for Brandon Pirri ( $ 775,000 ) .
He 's also expecting young defensemen like Ian Mitchell , Lucas Carlsson , Dennis Gilbert and Nicolas Beaudin to challenge for roster spots .
`` If I were guessing , there 'll be some slower activity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But we 'll see .
It may not play out that way .
I think there 's probably a handful of guys who are in such an elite tier that they may go quickly .
`` But with the quantity of players out there , there 's going to be a lot of discussions .
We 'll have to see where that goes . ''

End of an era: Corey Crawford's time with Blackhawks is up
Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford will not be resigned by the club, general manager Stan Bowman announced Thursday morning. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Stan Bowman made a bombshell announcement Thursday that the Blackhawks will not be re-signing goaltender Corey Crawford for next season.
Thus ends a remarkable career for the only netminder to win multiple Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks.
"It was a bit of an emotional talk," Bowman said. "Corey and I go back a long time."
Despite sharing the net with Robin Lehner, Crawford had a standout second half of the 2019-20 campaign and played extremely well in the postseason against Edmonton and Vegas. He finishes his Hawks career with 260 regular-season victories and 52 more in the playoffs.
"He's up there with the legends of the Blackhawks -- Tony Esposito, Glenn Hall, Corey Crawford," Bowman said. "Looking back at his career trajectory, he never got the proper recognition early on. We had such star-studded teams."
Now the Hawks will likely turn the net over to Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen or Malcolm Subban. (Subban is now an unrestricted free agent, but Bowman is hopeful the Hawks can re-sign him).
All three come extremely cheap, but it's fair to wonder how they'll perform over an entire season.
"With any young goalie, there's always an opportunity where you have to give them a chance to see what they can do," Bowman said. "We saw that with (Antti) Niemi, we saw that with Crawford, we saw that with (Antti) Raanta.
"We see that with a lot of young guys -- that they do need a chance to get into the league and see what they can do."
Crawford is the third winningest goalie in Hawks history, behind only Esposito (418) and Hall (276). His save percentage (.918) and goals-against average (2.45) rank No. 1 among players with at least 100 starts.
Crawford was soft-spoken behind the scenes, but could also engage in long conversations with teammates and media alike.
Between the pipes, he was all business. He learned early on to move on after an opponent scored.
Don't let things snowball. It was a philosophy he carried with him every day, and it's a big reason he had so much success.
Even when Crawford faced some serious adversity during that 2015 Cup run -- being replaced by Scott Darling in that opening-round series against Nashville -- he didn't rant publicly about his plight.
Instead, he supported and mentored Darling. That decision alone may have helped the Hawks move on.
"That just shows his character," Darling said in a phone interview Thursday evening. "Things that should have been awkward between us were not. And for me as a rookie pigeon, I was upset about upsetting my idol, Corey Crawford.
"But all he did was champion me and help me be the best. He pushed me in practice. He was great about the whole thing. ... I can't thank him enough."
After Darling allowed 3 first-period goals in Game 6, Joel Quenneville sent Crawford back to the crease.
The United Center erupted, Crawford returned to form, and the Hawks went on to claim their third Cup in six seasons.
"We never would have won it without Corey," Bowman said. "At that time people started to recognize really how important he was and how great a goaltender he was."
Crawford helped lead the Hawks to the playoffs the next two seasons, but they were bounced in the first round both times.
The 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns were both tough ones for Crawford as he battled concussions.
He was thrown a bit of a curveball last season when the Hawks signed Lehner, but he remained a true pro and never complained about sharing the net. The two also became fast friends.
I'll never forget interviewing Crawford for a story and Lehner coming by to rub his back.
"(Hell) yeah. I love you too," Crawford told Lehner. He then turned to me and said: "He's a great guy to sit next to. I mean I feel like I can talk to him about anything."
Once Lehner was traded to Vegas, Crawford started showing Hawks fans he wasn't quite done. He went 5-2-0 in his last seven starts, allowing 2 goals six times and 3 goals once.
He then missed almost all of summer training camp after contracting the coronavirus, yet returned to lead the Hawks past the Oilers in the play-in phase of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Now he's gone.
So is this it for Crawford? Will he retire? Or might he sign with another team?
He was adamant late last season that he doesn't want to be a backup.
If Crawford wants to win another Cup, maybe he signs with Colorado. The Rangers are a team on the rise as well and could desperately use a veteran netminder.
Time will tell, but sadly for Hawks fans, Crawford's time is now up in Chicago.
• • •
As for the top free agents, watch for teams to go hard after defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, winger Taylor Hall, defenseman Torey Krug and goalie Jacob Markstrom.
There are more than a half-dozen 30-something goaltenders available, including Thomas Greiss (34), Henrik Lundqvist (38), Mike Smith (38), Cam Talbot (33), Jimmy Howard (36) and Aaron Dell (31). Maybe one signs with the Hawks for cheap?
Maybe -- but don't count on it.
Bowman's biggest moves may have come already as he signed European free agent Pius Suter ($925,000) and traded for Brandon Pirri ($775,000). He's also expecting young defensemen like Ian Mitchell, Lucas Carlsson, Dennis Gilbert and Nicolas Beaudin to challenge for roster spots.
"If I were guessing, there'll be some slower activity," Bowman said of the free-agent market. "But we'll see. It may not play out that way. I think there's probably a handful of guys who are in such an elite tier that they may go quickly.
"But with the quantity of players out there, there's going to be a lot of discussions. We'll have to see where that goes."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Schaumburg Boomers Stadium to become Wintrust Field

Schaumburg Boomers Stadium is expected to become Wintrust Field next Thursday through a new six-year naming-rights deal reached by the baseball team and Wintrust Financial Corp. Because the village of Schaumburg owns the stadium , trustees ' vote on the agreement , scheduled for Tuesday , is one last formality that must occur first .
Boomers General Manager Michael Larson said the agreement is for $ 250,000 per year , with an option to extend for another four years at a higher cost .
In a written statement , Wintrust CEO and founder Edward J. Wehmer expressed enthusiasm for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to align ourselves with the organizations that make this area so unique , '' Wehmer said .
`` Especially those , like the Boomers , that bring so much fun to our community .
It 's been a pleasure to partner with the team and we 're excited to strengthen that partnership with Wintrust Field . ''
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the village supports the new name for its 21-year-old baseball stadium .
`` We 're just extremely happy and could n't be more pleased that it 's Wintrust , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely amazing that we have a business that put its faith in something when baseball was n't able to be played this year .
It shows you where the business community is at .
There will be baseball back in Schaumburg . ''
With the Chicago White Sox using the field for its taxi squad this year , the Frontier League 's becoming a partner of Major League Baseball and the many socially-distanced special events that have occurred at the stadium , the ballpark has been a source of much positive news in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Larson also was inclined to look at the bright side despite the pandemic 's impact on the Boomers ' main business .
`` We were having a really good offseason before we shut down , '' he said .
`` It 's been , all things considered , a pretty good year , but we 'd rather have been coming off of a baseball season now . ''
Much of the sign changes at the stadium , including the replacement of the main marquee , are expected to take place before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely wait until spring , but the stadium is expected to be fully rebranded before the start of the 2021 season .
The Boomers were granted an amendment to their lease earlier this year that would allow them to be released from it if their 2021 season is canceled because of COVID-19 .
But Larson emphasized at the time that the option is unlikely even in that worst-case scenario , and less likely now with the new naming-rights agreement in place , he said Thursday .

Schaumburg Boomers Stadium poised to become Wintrust Field
Schaumburg Boomers Stadium is expected to become Wintrust Field next week through a new naming-rights agreement between the baseball team and Wintrust Financial Corp. Courtesy of Schaumburg Boomers
Schaumburg Boomers Stadium is expected to become Wintrust Field next Thursday through a new six-year naming-rights deal reached by the baseball team and Wintrust Financial Corp.
Because the village of Schaumburg owns the stadium, trustees' vote on the agreement, scheduled for Tuesday, is one last formality that must occur first.
Boomers General Manager Michael Larson said the agreement is for $250,000 per year, with an option to extend for another four years at a higher cost.
In a written statement, Wintrust CEO and founder Edward J. Wehmer expressed enthusiasm for the agreement.
"At Wintrust, we like to align ourselves with the organizations that make this area so unique," Wehmer said. "Especially those, like the Boomers, that bring so much fun to our community. It's been a pleasure to partner with the team and we're excited to strengthen that partnership with Wintrust Field."
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said the village supports the new name for its 21-year-old baseball stadium.
"We're just extremely happy and couldn't be more pleased that it's Wintrust," Dailly said. "I find it absolutely amazing that we have a business that put its faith in something when baseball wasn't able to be played this year. It shows you where the business community is at. There will be baseball back in Schaumburg."
With the Chicago White Sox using the field for its taxi squad this year, the Frontier League's becoming a partner of Major League Baseball and the many socially distanced special events that have occurred at the stadium, the ballpark has been a source of much positive news in the village this year, Dailly added.
Larson also was inclined to look at the bright side despite the pandemic's impact on the Boomers' main business.
"We were having a really good offseason before we shut down," he said. "It's been, all things considered, a pretty good year, but we'd rather have been coming off of a baseball season now."
Much of the sign changes at the stadium, including the replacement of the main marquee, are expected to take place before the end of fall. Smaller changes will likely wait until spring, but the stadium is expected to be fully rebranded before the start of the 2021 season.
The Boomers were granted an amendment to their lease earlier this year that would allow them to be released from it if their 2021 season is canceled because of COVID-19.
But Larson emphasized at the time that the option is unlikely even in that worst-case scenario, and less likely now with the new naming-rights agreement in place, he said Thursday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--13 charged in plots against Michigan governor, police

DETROIT ( AP ) -- Agents foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , authorities said Thursday in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch Whitmer at her vacation home .
Six men were charged in federal court , while seven others accused of trying to target police and the state Capitol were charged in state court .
`` All of us in Michigan can disagree about politics , but those disagreements should never , ever amount to violence .
Violence has been prevented today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
The six men charged in federal court plotted for months , consulting and training with members of a group that federal authorities described as a militia , and undertaking rehearsals in August and September , according to an FBI affidavit .
Four planned to meet Wednesday to `` make a payment on explosives and exchange tactical gear , '' the FBI said in the court filing .
The FBI quoted one of the accused as saying Whitmer `` has no checks and balances at all .
She has uncontrolled power right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an end . ''
The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted .
They were due in court Thursday .
Andrew Birge , the U.S. attorney in western Michigan , called them `` violent extremists . ''
Whitmer has been praised but also deeply criticized for the state 's response to the coronavirus .
She put major restrictions on personal movement throughout the state and on the economy , although many of those limits have been lifted .
The Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law used as the foundation for many of the governor 's orders is unconstitutional .
The government said the plot against Whitmer was stopped with the work of undercover agents and informants .
Through electronic communications , two of the alleged conspirators `` agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution , '' the FBI said .
The criminal complaint identified the six as Adam Fox , Ty Garbin , Kaleb Franks , Daniel Harris , Brandon Caserta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Croft of Delaware .
Fox said he needed 200 men to storm the Capitol building in Lansing and take hostages , including the governor , according to the FBI .
He said he wanted to try Whitmer for `` treason '' and would execute the plan before the Nov. 3 election , the government said .
The group later shifted to targeting the governor 's vacation home , the FBI said .
The government said the scheme appeared to have roots in a June gathering in Dublin , Ohio , attended by more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Croft and Fox .
`` The group talked about creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be self-sufficient , '' the FBI affidavit said .
`` They discussed different ways of achieving this goal from peaceful endeavors to violent actions .
... Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants ' or 'taking ' a sitting governor . ''

13 charged in plots against Michigan governor, police
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday, Oct. 8, six people plotted to try to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at her vacation home. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)
DETROIT (AP) -- Agents foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch Whitmer at her vacation home.
Six men were charged in federal court, while seven others accused of trying to target police and the state Capitol were charged in state court.
"All of us in Michigan can disagree about politics, but those disagreements should never, ever amount to violence. Violence has been prevented today," Detroit U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider told reporters.
The six men charged in federal court plotted for months, consulting and training with members of a group that federal authorities described as a militia, and undertaking rehearsals in August and September, according to an FBI affidavit.
Four planned to meet Wednesday to "make a payment on explosives and exchange tactical gear," the FBI said in the court filing.
The FBI quoted one of the accused as saying Whitmer "has no checks and balances at all. She has uncontrolled power right now. All good things must come to an end."
The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. They were due in court Thursday. Andrew Birge, the U.S. attorney in western Michigan, called them "violent extremists."
Whitmer has been praised but also deeply criticized for the state's response to the coronavirus. She put major restrictions on personal movement throughout the state and on the economy, although many of those limits have been lifted. The Michigan Supreme Court last week said a 1945 law used as the foundation for many of the governor's orders is unconstitutional.
The government said the plot against Whitmer was stopped with the work of undercover agents and informants.
Through electronic communications, two of the alleged conspirators "agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution," the FBI said.
The criminal complaint identified the six as Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta, all of Michigan, and Barry Croft of Delaware.
Fox said he needed 200 men to storm the Capitol building in Lansing and take hostages, including the governor, according to the FBI. He said he wanted to try Whitmer for "treason" and would execute the plan before the Nov. 3 election, the government said. The group later shifted to targeting the governor's vacation home, the FBI said.
The government said the scheme appeared to have roots in a June gathering in Dublin, Ohio, attended by more than a dozen people from several states, including Croft and Fox.
"The group talked about creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be self-sufficient," the FBI affidavit said. "They discussed different ways of achieving this goal from peaceful endeavors to violent actions. ... Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Defense says extraditing Antioch teen would 'turn him over to mob'

Extraditing a 17-year-old accused of killing two protesters in Kenosha would `` turn him over to the mob '' in Wisconsin , defense attorneys argued in court records Thursday .
Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested at his home in Antioch , a day after he shot and killed two protesters and injured a third on the streets of Kenosha on Aug. 25 .
He has been held in Illinois since then .
Attorneys for Rittenhouse argued in the document filed in Lake County court late on Thursday that he was acting in self-defense and that handing him over to Wisconsin authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also argue that Wisconsin prosecutors and Illinois authorities did n't follow legal technicalities required for extradition .
Extradition is typically a straightforward process , and legal experts have expressed doubt that Rittenhouse 's attorneys could prevent it .
The document echoes attorneys ' previous portrayal of Rittenhouse as a courageous patriot who was exercising his right to bear arms during unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake , who is Black .
`` The premature and unsupported charges are contributing to unwarranted public condemnation , '' defense attorneys wrote .
`` Rittenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' a 'terrorist , ' a 'racist , ' and more . ''
Rittenhouse is due back in court today , but a Lake County judge is not expected to immediately make a decision on the extradition issue .

Defense says extraditing Antioch teen would 'turn him over to mob'
Antioch resident Kyle Rittenhouse carries a weapon as he walks along Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Wis., on Aug. 25, the night he shot and killed two protesters and injured a third. His attorneys have argued he was acting in self-defense. Adam Rogan/The Journal Times
Extraditing a 17-year-old accused of killing two protesters in Kenosha would "turn him over to the mob" in Wisconsin, defense attorneys argued in court records Thursday.
Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested at his home in Antioch, a day after he shot and killed two protesters and injured a third on the streets of Kenosha on Aug. 25. He has been held in Illinois since then.
Attorneys for Rittenhouse argued in the document filed in Lake County court late on Thursday that he was acting in self-defense and that handing him over to Wisconsin authorities would violate his constitutional rights. They also argue that Wisconsin prosecutors and Illinois authorities didn't follow legal technicalities required for extradition.
Extradition is typically a straightforward process, and legal experts have expressed doubt that Rittenhouse's attorneys could prevent it.
The document echoes attorneys' previous portrayal of Rittenhouse as a courageous patriot who was exercising his right to bear arms during unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, who is Black.
"The premature and unsupported charges are contributing to unwarranted public condemnation," defense attorneys wrote. "Rittenhouse has been publicly branded a 'mass murderer,' a 'terrorist,' a 'racist,' and more."
Rittenhouse is due back in court today, but a Lake County judge is not expected to immediately make a decision on the extradition issue.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson tests positive for COVID-19, has 'mild' symptoms

U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson , 72 , announced Thursday he tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` I am experiencing @ @ @ @ @ .
However , I am confident that we will beat COVID-19 , '' the Chicagoan @ @ @ @ @ `` While we have taken precautions by wearing face masks and social distancing , this @ @ @ @ @ '' Wilson said he was quarantining and suspending all in-person campaigning for the next 10 @ @ @ @ @ highly critical of incumbent Sen. Dick Durbin , a Springfield Democrat .
He is running @ @ @ @ @ Republican Mark Curran , former sheriff of Lake County .
Wilson , the owner of @ @ @ @ @ run twice for mayor of Chicago and has a doctor of divinity degree .
`` @ @ @ @ @ our ability to overcome COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` This is a disease @ @ @ @ @ I join the ranks of the more than 7 million people in America that have @ @ @ @

U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson tests positive for COVID-19, has 'mild' symptoms
U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson, 72, announced Thursday he tested positive for COVID-19.
"I am experiencing mild symptoms at this time. However, I am confident that we will beat COVID-19," the Chicagoan said in a statement. "While we have taken precautions by wearing face masks and social distancing, this disease is highly contagious."
Wilson said he was quarantining and suspending all in-person campaigning for the next 10 days.
Wilson has been highly critical of incumbent Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat. He is running an independent against Durbin and Republican Mark Curran, former sheriff of Lake County.
Wilson, the owner of Omar Medical Supplies, has run twice for mayor of Chicago and has a doctor of divinity degree.
"I believe in America and our ability to overcome COVID-19," he said. "This is a disease that does not discriminate. I join the ranks of the more than 7 million people in America that have tested positive."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--New overlook at state park celebrates ospreys

A new interpretive area was dedicated Thursday at Moraine Hills State Park , east of the Fox River near McHenry , with a surprise appearance by a special guest .
You needed binoculars to know for sure , but there indeed was an osprey soaring above Lake Defiance near the center of the expansive 2,200-acre park .
The elusive migratory bird usually has headed south by this time of year .
Was it passing through or a member of the lone nesting family here ?
No one can say as the fish-eating raptor generally has left the area by late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water and meals available , there are bound to be stragglers .
The occasion was the ceremonial opening of Osprey Meadows Interpretive Overlook , a brick and stone structure affording a panoramic view of the lake .
It features three informational panels describing the park 's glacial and human history , the osprey , and the volunteers , park staff and community groups that collaborated on the project .
About 20 of those involved enjoyed the picture-perfect day .
`` We did this without one penny of planning or engineers , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who now oversees 15 state parks in nine counties as regional land manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources .
`` It was back of a napkin , everybody working together , '' he added .
The $ 40,000-plus project was made possible with support from the Guenther family , the Community Foundation for McHenry County , McHenry County Audubon 's memorial fund , and Friends of Moraine Hills State Park .
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the site and contributed in-kind labor .
The brick and stone were recycled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ingleside and came at a discount , Kelly said .
The park 's involvement with the unique bird started about 10 years ago .
That 's when Brad Semel , an endangered species recovery specialist with Natural Resources , had a nesting platform installed on a telephone pole near the lake .
Like bald eagles , ospreys were making a comeback after the ban on the insecticide DDT , and their population was expected to expand from the south .
It took awhile , but in 2017 , a nesting pair took up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hills ' sole osprey couple .
Meanwhile , the state down-listed osprey from endangered to threatened , and there are numerous nesting pairs in Lake and McHenry counties , according to Semel .
With the help of ComEd , three more poles have been installed at other locations at Moraine Hills .
The resident pair this year had three offspring , and it is hoped more will find the clean water , good fishing and wide-open views of the other platforms to their liking .
`` The ( Stratton Lock and Dam ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kelly said .
`` We do n't mind either one . ''

New overlook at state park celebrates ospreys
A pair of nesting ospreys with their young earlier this year at Moraine Hills State Park Courtesy of Lisa Maier
A new interpretive area was dedicated Thursday at Moraine Hills State Park, east of the Fox River near McHenry, with a surprise appearance by a special guest.
You needed binoculars to know for sure, but there indeed was an osprey soaring above Lake Defiance near the center of the expansive 2,200-acre park.
The elusive migratory bird usually has headed south by this time of year. Was it passing through or a member of the lone nesting family here?
No one can say as the fish-eating raptor generally has left the area by late August or so. But with open water and meals available, there are bound to be stragglers.
The occasion was the ceremonial opening of Osprey Meadows Interpretive Overlook, a brick and stone structure affording a panoramic view of the lake.
It features three informational panels describing the park's glacial and human history, the osprey, and the volunteers, park staff and community groups that collaborated on the project.
About 20 of those involved enjoyed the picture-perfect day.
"We did this without one penny of planning or engineers," said Greg Kelly, the former site superintendent who now oversees 15 state parks in nine counties as regional land manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
"It was back of a napkin, everybody working together," he added.
The $40,000-plus project was made possible with support from the Guenther family, the Community Foundation for McHenry County, McHenry County Audubon's memorial fund, and Friends of Moraine Hills State Park.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages the site and contributed in-kind labor. The brick and stone were recycled from the demolished Big Hollow School in Ingleside and came at a discount, Kelly said.
The park's involvement with the unique bird started about 10 years ago. That's when Brad Semel, an endangered species recovery specialist with Natural Resources, had a nesting platform installed on a telephone pole near the lake.
Like bald eagles, ospreys were making a comeback after the ban on the insecticide DDT, and their population was expected to expand from the south.
It took awhile, but in 2017, a nesting pair took up residence on Lake Defiance and remain Moraine Hills' sole osprey couple.
Meanwhile, the state down-listed osprey from endangered to threatened, and there are numerous nesting pairs in Lake and McHenry counties, according to Semel.
With the help of ComEd, three more poles have been installed at other locations at Moraine Hills.
The resident pair this year had three offspring, and it is hoped more will find the clean water, good fishing and wide-open views of the other platforms to their liking.
"The (Stratton Lock and Dam) will attract a bald eagle or osprey," Kelly said. "We don't mind either one."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Recreational marijuana sales begin at Naperville dispensary

Operators of Naperville 's only medical marijuana dispensary did n't waste any time after being granted permission to sell recreational cannabis .
They got to work tearing down walls , expanding the sales floor , adding kiosks and remodeling the exterior of the existing shop at 1700 Quincy Ave. , said Derrick Levy , Illinois district manager for Green Thumb Industries .
Twenty new employees were hired , and a virtual waitlist was created to accommodate an anticipated influx in customers .
The Chicago-based company 's swift preparations paid off Thursday when Rise Naperville became the city 's first dispensary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community leaders , including Mayor Steve Chirico , kicked off the facility 's grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony .
Profits from the first day of recreational sales are going toward the Loaves & Fishes Community Services nonprofit .
Rise Naperville , formerly 3C Compassionate Care Center , has been serving patients with medical marijuana cards since 2016 .
A state variance permitting curbside medical cannabis sales amid the COVID-19 crisis allowed Rise to continue serving those clients during facility renovations , Levy said .
Expanding the business model to also sell recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its customer base , he said .
That includes those who suffer from anxiety or chronic pain , but may not have a medical cannabis card .
`` At the end of the day , we 're really just about improving quality of life , '' Levy said .
`` We believe cannabis does that . ''
Green Thumb Industries was one of three recreational pot companies for which Naperville reserved occupancy permits last month , filling the city 's cap weeks after the city council lifted a ban on adult-use sales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to three dispensaries by right in certain zoning areas , as long as they meet various parking regulations , distance requirements and other provisions .
The city council 's approval of recreational pot sales was the culmination of more than a year of heated debates , public input and an advisory referendum question in which 53.25 % of 28,968 voters supported the use in town .
The other two operations seeking occupancy in Naperville include Sunnyside Dispensary at 2740 W. 75th St. and Zen Leaf at 1516 N. Naper Blvd .

Recreational marijuana sales begin at Naperville dispensary
Operators of Naperville's only medical marijuana dispensary didn't waste any time after being granted permission to sell recreational cannabis.
They got to work tearing down walls, expanding the sales floor, adding kiosks and remodeling the exterior of the existing shop at 1700 Quincy Ave., said Derrick Levy, Illinois district manager for Green Thumb Industries. Twenty new employees were hired, and a virtual waitlist was created to accommodate an anticipated influx in customers.
The Chicago-based company's swift preparations paid off Thursday when Rise Naperville became the city's first dispensary to sell adult-use cannabis.
Company and community leaders, including Mayor Steve Chirico, kicked off the facility's grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Profits from the first day of recreational sales are going toward the Loaves & Fishes Community Services nonprofit.
Rise Naperville, formerly 3C Compassionate Care Center, has been serving patients with medical marijuana cards since 2016. A state variance permitting curbside medical cannabis sales amid the COVID-19 crisis allowed Rise to continue serving those clients during facility renovations, Levy said.
Expanding the business model to also sell recreational pot gives Rise an opportunity to broaden its customer base, he said. That includes those who suffer from anxiety or chronic pain, but may not have a medical cannabis card.
"At the end of the day, we're really just about improving quality of life," Levy said. "We believe cannabis does that."
Green Thumb Industries was one of three recreational pot companies for which Naperville reserved occupancy permits last month, filling the city's cap weeks after the city council lifted a ban on adult-use sales. The new ordinance approved in August permits up to three dispensaries by right in certain zoning areas, as long as they meet various parking regulations, distance requirements and other provisions.
The city council's approval of recreational pot sales was the culmination of more than a year of heated debates, public input and an advisory referendum question in which 53.25% of 28,968 voters supported the use in town.
The other two operations seeking occupancy in Naperville include Sunnyside Dispensary at 2740 W. 75th St. and Zen Leaf at 1516 N. Naper Blvd.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Durkin calls on Democrats to demand Madigan either speak up or step down

SPRINGFIELD -- The top Republican in the Illinois House on Thursday called for Democrats , including Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , to demand that Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan either answer questions before a Special Investigating Committee or resign immediately .
During a virtual news conference , Minority Leader Jim Durkin , of Western Springs , openly accused the investigating committee 's chairman , Hillside Democrat Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch , of deliberately stalling the investigation until after the Nov. 3 election , a move that Republicans warn could thwart the entire investigation .
`` There is one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Gov .
Pritzker , and he is the leader of the state Democratic Party , '' Durkin said .
`` Today I call on him to immediately demand those answers he has been requesting from Speaker Madigan or demand that he resign immediately . ''
Durkin is one of three House Republicans who filed a petition calling for the investigation after Madigan was implicated in a bribery scheme involving utility giant ComEd .
In a deferred prosecution agreement filed in federal court in July , ComEd officials admitted that , over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lobbying contracts to Madigan 's close associates in order to curry his favor for legislation that benefitted the company .
Republicans argue that Welch , by postponing any further hearings until after the election , has put the investigating committee under a severe time constraint .
That 's because under House rules , all committees are automatically dissolved when the General Assembly adjourns its biennial session , which is currently scheduled to happen on Dec. 3 , the last scheduled day of the fall veto session .
That means Republicans would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after lawmakers convene in January for the start of the 102nd General Assembly if they want the investigation to continue .
Welch has said he postponed further hearings because he did not want the investigation to be used as `` political theater '' leading up to the election .
As evidence of that , he pointed to the fact that two Republican committee members -- Reps. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst and Grant Wehrli of Naperville -- called out their Democratic challengers in a news conference this week , demanding they state publicly whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another term as speaker if they are elected .
But Durkin responded Thursday by insisting the investigation is not political .
`` This is n't politics .
This is one of the most serious scandals that we 've ever experienced in Illinois , and it 's just going to get larger , '' he said .
`` It has nothing to do with politics .
And it 's unfortunate that the Democrats look at this as politics . ''
Madigan himself has not been charged in the bribery scheme and he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he issued a letter saying he would not testify before the investigating committee , again asserting that all he did was recommend some people for jobs at the company .
Days later , Pritzker said during a virtual news conference that he thought Madigan should testify .
`` I strongly believe that the speaker should take any opportunity , and this is one , to present answers to the questions that I think all of us have , '' Pritzker said .
The governor 's office later issued a statement saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he strongly believes the Speaker should answer questions and that any opportunity to answer questions is one the Speaker should take .
That being said , there is a legislative process underway and as a co-equal branch of government , members of the General Assembly have used this process before and they are capable of managing it on their own . ''
In addition to delaying any further hearings until after the election , Republicans have also complained that Welch is stalling the process by requesting what they call a `` data dump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all communications between the company and state officials -- including former governors -- over the past 10 years .
Republicans say the request could take months to fulfill , and Durkin called it `` a fishing expedition '' that was irrelevant to the work of the special committee .
`` The committee 's charge is to investigate Speaker Madigan in his role with the deferred prosecution agreement , '' Durkin said .
`` Going back decades to look into communications between a utility and legislative leaders and governors serves no purpose when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not Speaker Madigan has maligned the integrity of the chamber and if he 's committed conduct that 's unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives . ''
Welch issued a statement late Thursday saying Durkin 's `` only goal is political theater '' and urging the leader to `` put the political performances aside and let our investigation take its course . ''
`` While Leader Durkin grandstands to prop up his politically vulnerable members , the committee is taking productive steps in the process he initiated , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic and Republican counsel for the committee is working with ComEd to secure the documents both sides have requested . ''

Durkin calls on Democrats to demand Madigan either speak up or step down
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, shown at left talking with Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, says Democrats need to pressure Madigan to either answer questions about the ComEd bribery scheme or resign. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register, May 23
SPRINGFIELD -- The top Republican in the Illinois House on Thursday called for Democrats, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, to demand that Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan either answer questions before a Special Investigating Committee or resign immediately.
During a virtual news conference, Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, openly accused the investigating committee's chairman, Hillside Democrat Emanuel "Chris" Welch, of deliberately stalling the investigation until after the Nov. 3 election, a move that Republicans warn could thwart the entire investigation.
"There is one person who is in charge, and that is Gov. Pritzker, and he is the leader of the state Democratic Party," Durkin said. "Today I call on him to immediately demand those answers he has been requesting from Speaker Madigan or demand that he resign immediately."
Durkin is one of three House Republicans who filed a petition calling for the investigation after Madigan was implicated in a bribery scheme involving utility giant ComEd. In a deferred prosecution agreement filed in federal court in July, ComEd officials admitted that, over a nine-year period, they awarded no-work jobs and lobbying contracts to Madigan's close associates in order to curry his favor for legislation that benefitted the company.
Republicans argue that Welch, by postponing any further hearings until after the election, has put the investigating committee under a severe time constraint. That's because under House rules, all committees are automatically dissolved when the General Assembly adjourns its biennial session, which is currently scheduled to happen on Dec. 3, the last scheduled day of the fall veto session.
That means Republicans would have to petition again for a new committee after lawmakers convene in January for the start of the 102nd General Assembly if they want the investigation to continue.
Welch has said he postponed further hearings because he did not want the investigation to be used as "political theater" leading up to the election. As evidence of that, he pointed to the fact that two Republican committee members -- Reps. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst and Grant Wehrli of Naperville -- called out their Democratic challengers in a news conference this week, demanding they state publicly whether or not they would vote for Madigan for another term as speaker if they are elected.
But Durkin responded Thursday by insisting the investigation is not political.
"This isn't politics. This is one of the most serious scandals that we've ever experienced in Illinois, and it's just going to get larger," he said. "It has nothing to do with politics. And it's unfortunate that the Democrats look at this as politics."
Madigan himself has not been charged in the bribery scheme and he has denied any wrongdoing. On Sept. 25, he issued a letter saying he would not testify before the investigating committee, again asserting that all he did was recommend some people for jobs at the company.
Days later, Pritzker said during a virtual news conference that he thought Madigan should testify.
"I strongly believe that the speaker should take any opportunity, and this is one, to present answers to the questions that I think all of us have," Pritzker said.
The governor's office later issued a statement saying, "As the Governor has said, he strongly believes the Speaker should answer questions and that any opportunity to answer questions is one the Speaker should take. That being said, there is a legislative process underway and as a co-equal branch of government, members of the General Assembly have used this process before and they are capable of managing it on their own."
In addition to delaying any further hearings until after the election, Republicans have also complained that Welch is stalling the process by requesting what they call a "data dump" from ComEd, including records of all communications between the company and state officials -- including former governors -- over the past 10 years.
Republicans say the request could take months to fulfill, and Durkin called it "a fishing expedition" that was irrelevant to the work of the special committee.
"The committee's charge is to investigate Speaker Madigan in his role with the deferred prosecution agreement," Durkin said. "Going back decades to look into communications between a utility and legislative leaders and governors serves no purpose when the purpose of the committee is to determine whether or not Speaker Madigan has maligned the integrity of the chamber and if he's committed conduct that's unbecoming of a member of the House of Representatives."
Welch issued a statement late Thursday saying Durkin's "only goal is political theater" and urging the leader to "put the political performances aside and let our investigation take its course."
"While Leader Durkin grandstands to prop up his politically vulnerable members, the committee is taking productive steps in the process he initiated," he said in the statement. "Democratic and Republican counsel for the committee is working with ComEd to secure the documents both sides have requested."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Trump, Biden teams debate next debate: Next week? Never?

WASHINGTON ( AP ) -- The fate of the final debates between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden was thrown into uncertainty Thursday as the campaigns offered dueling proposals for moving forward with a process that has been upended by the president 's coronavirus infection .
By Thursday afternoon , it was unclear when or how the next debates would proceed , or whether voters would even get to see the two men running for the White House on the same stage again before Election Day .
The whipsaw day began with an announcement from the nonpartisan Commission on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate on Oct. 15 would be held virtually .
The commission cited health concerns following Trump 's infection as the reason for changing the structure of the town hall-style debate .
Trump , who is eager to return to the campaign trail despite uncertainty about his health , said he would n't participate if the debate was n't in person .
Biden suggested the event be delayed a week until Oct. 22 , which is when the third and final debate is already scheduled .
Trump then countered again , agreeing to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if face to face -- and asking that a third contest be added on Oct. 29 , just before the election .
But Biden rejected holding a debate that late in the campaign .
The commission , which has the unenviable task of finding common ground between the competing campaigns , did not weigh in on any of the new proposals .
The organization has come under scrutiny already during this election after the first debate between Trump and Biden deteriorated , with the president frequently interrupting his opponent and the moderator unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is recovering from COVID-19 at the White House after spending three days in the hospital , the changes are an unwelcome disruption to his effort to shift focus away from a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans this year .
In an interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the commission 's announcement , Trump insisted he was in `` great shape '' and called the idea of a virtual debate a `` joke . ''
`` I 'm not going to do a virtual debate , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager , Bill Stepien , said Trump would stage a rally rather than debate next Thursday , though it 's not yet clear if he will be well enough to do that .
With less than four weeks until Election Day and with millions of voters casting early ballots , pressure is building on Trump to turn around a campaign that is trailing Biden nationally and in most battlegrounds , where the margin is narrower .
A debate before an audience of tens of millions of television viewers could provide that reset .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to political risks .
GOP strategists say the party 's support began eroding after his seething performance against Biden last week when he did n't clearly denounce a white supremacist group .
Trump 's apparent unwillingness to change his style to win back voters he needs -- particularly women -- was on display again Thursday during his Fox Business interview when he referred to Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a `` monster . ''
This would not be the first time Trump has skipped a debate .
During the 2016 Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Iowa 's first-in-the nation 's caucuses , holding a fundraiser for veterans instead -- a move he later speculated may have contributed to his loss in the state .
Boarding a flight to campaign in Arizona on Thursday , Biden said it would be `` irresponsible '' for him to comment on Trump 's debate decision .
`` We do n't know what the president 's going to do , '' Biden said .
`` He changes his mind every second . ''
It was unclear whether Biden would attend the debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fully scrapped .
His deputy campaign manager , Kate Bedingfield , simply said Biden `` looks forward to speaking directly to the American people . ''
Biden said earlier in the week that he was `` looking forward to being able to debate '' but added that he and Trump `` should n't have a debate '' as long as the president remains COVID positive .
Trump fell ill with the virus last Thursday , just 48 hours after debating Biden in person in Cleveland .
While the two candidates remained a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail .
Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday , but his doctors have not provided any detailed update on his status .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as -- and should isolate for at least -- 10 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus since the debate , including another test that was administered on Thursday .
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Wilmington , Delaware , and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report .

Trump's doctor suggests he could debate in person next week, but schedule remains uncertain
This combination of Sept. 29, 2020, file photos show President Donald Trump, left, and former Vice President Joe Biden during the first presidential debate at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Commission on Presidential Debates says the second Trump-Biden debate will be 'virtual' amid concerns about the president's COVID-19, but Trump says he won't participate. Associated press
WASHINGTON -- The campaign's final debates between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden were thrown into uncertainty Thursday as the rival camps offered dueling proposals for the remaining faceoffs that have been upended by the president's coronavirus infection.
The chair of the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates told The Associated Press that the final debate, scheduled for Oct. 22, was still slated to go on with both candidates present as planned. But next Thursday's debate seemed to be gone, after the Trump team objected to the commission's format change.
The whipsaw day began with an announcement from the commission that the town hall-style affair set for Oct. 15 in Miami would be held virtually. The commission cited health concerns following Trump's infection as the reason for the change.
Trump, who is eager to return to the campaign trail despite uncertainty about his health, said he wouldn't participate if the debate wasn't in person. Biden's campaign then suggested the event be delayed a week until Oct. 22, which is when the third and final debate was already scheduled.
Next, Trump countered again, agreeing to a debate on Oct. 22 -- but only if face to face -- and asking that a third contest be added on Oct. 29, just before the election. But Biden's advisers rejected squaring off that late in the campaign.
After the release late Thursday of a letter from Trump doctor Navy Cmdr. Sean Conley that the president had "completed his course of therapy" and could resume campaigning this weekend, the Trump campaign called on the commission to hold next week's debate in person as originally scheduled.
"There is therefore no medical reason why the Commission on Presidential Debates should shift the debate to a virtual setting, postpone it, or otherwise alter it in any way," said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien.
But commission chair Frank Fahrenkopf said late Thursday that the decision to hold the debate virtually, guided by its medical advisers at the Cleveland Clinic, was not going to be reversed.
The commission said it made the announcement in order to "protect the health and safety of all involved," including the everyday citizens invited to ask questions of the candidates.
The debate commission, which has the unenviable task of finding common ground between the competing campaigns, already came under scrutiny after the first debate between Trump and Biden deteriorated, with the president frequently interrupting his opponent and the moderator unable to take control.
The Oct. 22 debate in Nashville, Tennessee, is scheduled to feature a format similar to the first. Biden's campaign has suggested that it be modified to the "town meeting" format, though the Trump campaign has not weighed in.
Founded after the 1984 presidential election, the commission has organized every general election debate since 1988 -- and typically selects the dates, moderators, formats and locations without input from the candidates.
Biden moved quickly to make sure he would still appear in front of a television audience next week. Instead of debating Trump on Thursday, he will take part in a town hall sponsored by ABC News. As he campaigned in Arizona, Biden said he would indeed attend the Oct. 22 debate.
"We agreed to three debates back in the summer," Biden said. "I'm showing up. I'll be there. And if, in fact, he shows up, fine. If he doesn't, fine."
For Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19 at the White House after spending three days in the hospital, the health-induced changes are an unwelcome disruption to his effort to shift focus away from a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans this year.
In an interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the commission's announcement, Trump insisted he was in "great shape" and called the idea of a virtual debate a "joke."
"I'm not going to do a virtual debate," he declared.
Stepien said Trump would stage a rally rather than debate next Thursday, though it's not yet clear if he will be well enough to do that.
With less than four weeks until Election Day and with millions of voters casting early ballots, pressure is building on Trump to turn around a campaign that is trailing Biden in polls nationally and in most battlegrounds, where the margin is narrower. A debate before an audience of tens of millions of television viewers could provide that reset.
But another debate could also expose Trump to political risks. GOP strategists say the party's support began eroding after his seething performance against Biden last week when he didn't clearly denounce a white supremacist group.
Trump's apparent unwillingness to change his style to win back voters he needs -- particularly women -- was on display again Thursday during his Fox Business interview when he referred to Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a "monster."
Campaigning with Harris in Arizona, Biden called Trump's characterization of the first Black woman on a major party's presidential ticket "despicable" and added that it was "so beneath the office of the presidency."
This would not be the first time Trump has skipped a debate. During the 2016 Republican primary, he boycotted the last debate before Iowa's first-in-the nation caucuses, holding a fundraiser for veterans instead -- a move he later speculated may have contributed to his loss in the state.
Trump fell ill with the virus on Oct. 1, just 48 hours after sharing a stage with Biden in person during the first presidential debate in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart, Trump's infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail. His campaign announced Thursday that Biden had undergone his fifth such test and was found to be negative.
Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, but his doctor said Thursday he had "completed his course of therapy" and could resume campaigning this weekend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as -- and should isolate for at least -- 10 days.
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Phoenix and Alexandra Jaffe and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Constable: Downers Grove Girl Scout wins National Gold Award for creating sex assault database

A middle school friend 's `` sexual assault crisis '' and the lasting and traumatic effects it had on the girl inspired Therese Malinowski of Downers Grove to make a difference .
`` That 's what made me passionate about sexual assault , '' says Malinowski , 18 , who will receive the Girl Scouts ' highest national honor tonight in a private online ceremony for recipients and their families .
Malinowski 's groundbreaking project created an online database that tracks sexual assaults on college campuses .
`` The fact that people treat the problem as taboo was further fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Malinowski used that fuel to get her project off the ground during her junior year at Downers Grove South High School , and finished it in her senior year in January 2020 .
Being a Girl Scout is n't rocket science , but Malinowski says she needed the same organization , leadership , commitment and team-building skills she now needs as a freshman engineering student at Purdue University , where she plans to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering .
`` Girl Scouts in my older years taught me about leadership and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It really prepares you for real-world events . ''
Spending more than 100 hours researching campus assaults and creating the database , Malinowski worked with the domestic violence experts at Metropolitan Family Services DuPage , and also recruited 25 volunteers who attended three two-hour research events .
`` We ate food , listened to music and crunched numbers , '' she says .
The result is Project Dandelion , a comprehensive online database at projectdandelion.weebly.com that catalogs sexual assaults on 170 colleges in Illinois .
The website lists the number of rapes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 23 % of attacks are reported , and provides details on any action taken by authorities .
It also includes tips on how to prevent assaults , details on times and places such assaults are most likely to occur , lists groups on campus working to stop sexual assaults , and gives names and phone numbers of officials ( from police to Title IX coordinators ) who can help victims .
`` This is the first of its kind in the world , '' Malinowski says , noting some colleges are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's hard to find and even harder to interpret . ''
She initially sent emails to 100 colleges and got only one response , from the College of DuPage .
So she started her online searches .
`` It 's important now more than ever .
There 's so much more behind every number , '' Malinowski says .
She 's hoping to continue her project by teaming with a national group that could expand the database to colleges across the nation .
That effort made Malinowski one of 10 National Gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world of Girl Scouting , '' says Nancy Wright , CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana , which boasts 53,000 members and another 25,000 volunteers .
`` You think about the 11-year-old selling cookies , but we 're so much more than that , '' says Wright , who sees Malinowski as a role model for younger girls .
Malinowski is the first teen from the Chicago area to receive the National Gold Award in more than a decade .
She and the other Gold Award recipients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girl Scouts Change the World '' program in celebration of International Day of the Girl at 3 p.m. Saturday .
Instead of attending a lavish ceremony in New York City , Malinowski will participate online from her dorm room in West Lafayette , Indiana .
In addition to receiving a $ 20,000 scholarship as part of the Gold Award , Malinowski says she earned another $ 18,000 in scholarship money by writing essays about her project .
She got the phone call telling her she 'd receive the Gold Award this summer after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a counselor at the Summer Science Camp at Morton Arboretum in Lisle .
`` I do n't think a heart is supposed to beat that fast , '' Malinowski says .
The only people she could tell were her parents , Mary and Michael Malinowski , and her 17-year-old sister , Eleanore , who also is in Girl Scouts .
`` I 've been a Girl Scout since kindergarten , '' says Malinowski , who progressed from Daisies to Brownies to Juniors to Cadettes to Seniors to Ambassadors .
As a Gold Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girl Scouts .
`` I really enjoyed the opportunities the Girl Scouts gave to me , '' she says .
`` I really wanted to be a change-maker and take full advantage of what Girl Scouts had to offer me . ''

Constable: Downers Grove Girl Scout wins National Gold Award for creating sex assault database
As a kid, Therese Malinowski sold cookies with her Girl Scout peers. Now the Downers Grove 18-year-old is one of Girl Scouts' 10 National Gold Award-winners for her groundbreaking research and creation of a sexual abuse database for colleges. Courtesy of Therese Malinowski
A Girl Scout since kindergarten, 18-year-old Therese Malinowski of Downers Grove is one of 10 women across the nation receiving the National Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts. Malinowski developed an online database of sexual assaults on college campuses. Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
A middle school friend's "sexual assault crisis" and the lasting and traumatic effects it had on the girl inspired Therese Malinowski of Downers Grove to make a difference.
"That's what made me passionate about sexual assault," says Malinowski, 18, who will receive the Girl Scouts' highest national honor tonight in a private online ceremony for recipients and their families. Malinowski's groundbreaking project created an online database that tracks sexual assaults on college campuses.
"The fact that people treat the problem as taboo was further fuel to create this project," she says. Malinowski used that fuel to get her project off the ground during her junior year at Downers Grove South High School, and finished it in her senior year in January 2020.
Being a Girl Scout isn't rocket science, but Malinowski says she needed the same organization, leadership, commitment and team-building skills she now needs as a freshman engineering student at Purdue University, where she plans to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
"Girl Scouts in my older years taught me about leadership and positive growth," she says. "It really prepares you for real-world events."
Spending more than 100 hours researching campus assaults and creating the database, Malinowski worked with the domestic violence experts at Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, and also recruited 25 volunteers who attended three two-hour research events.
"We ate food, listened to music and crunched numbers," she says.
The result is Project Dandelion, a comprehensive online database at projectdandelion.weebly.com that catalogs sexual assaults on 170 colleges in Illinois. The website lists the number of rapes and assaults each year, explains that only 23% of attacks are reported, and provides details on any action taken by authorities. It also includes tips on how to prevent assaults, details on times and places such assaults are most likely to occur, lists groups on campus working to stop sexual assaults, and gives names and phone numbers of officials (from police to Title IX coordinators) who can help victims.
"This is the first of its kind in the world," Malinowski says, noting some colleges are not forthcoming about sexual assault numbers. "It's hard to find and even harder to interpret."
In creating the first database listing sexual assaults on college campuses, Therese Malinowski, right, of Downers Grove, worked with volunteers to gather the statistics for her project. - Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
She initially sent emails to 100 colleges and got only one response, from the College of DuPage. So she started her online searches.
"It's important now more than ever. There's so much more behind every number," Malinowski says. She's hoping to continue her project by teaming with a national group that could expand the database to colleges across the nation.
That effort made Malinowski one of 10 National Gold Award recipients. "The ultimate accomplishment in the world of Girl Scouting," says Nancy Wright, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, which boasts 53,000 members and another 25,000 volunteers.
"You think about the 11-year-old selling cookies, but we're so much more than that," says Wright, who sees Malinowski as a role model for younger girls. Malinowski is the first teen from the Chicago area to receive the National Gold Award in more than a decade. She and the other Gold Award recipients will be featured in an online "Girl Scouts Change the World" program in celebration of International Day of the Girl at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Instead of attending a lavish ceremony in New York City, Malinowski will participate online from her dorm room in West Lafayette, Indiana. In addition to receiving a $20,000 scholarship as part of the Gold Award, Malinowski says she earned another $18,000 in scholarship money by writing essays about her project.
She got the phone call telling her she'd receive the Gold Award this summer after coming home from a day working as a counselor at the Summer Science Camp at Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
"I don't think a heart is supposed to beat that fast," Malinowski says. The only people she could tell were her parents, Mary and Michael Malinowski, and her 17-year-old sister, Eleanore, who also is in Girl Scouts.
"I've been a Girl Scout since kindergarten," says Malinowski, who progressed from Daisies to Brownies to Juniors to Cadettes to Seniors to Ambassadors.
As a Gold Award recipient she receives a life membership in Girl Scouts.
"I really enjoyed the opportunities the Girl Scouts gave to me," she says. "I really wanted to be a change-maker and take full advantage of what Girl Scouts had to offer me."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Feder: Matt Moog named interim CEO of Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media announced today that it has postponed its search for a new chief executive officer until next year @ @ @ @ @ Moog interim CEO of the nonprofit parent company of NPR news/talk WBEZ 91.5-FM , reports @ @ @ @ @ who has run several companies and founded the innovative tech center 1871 , has been @ @ @ @ @ Public Media board for more than 10 years .

Feder: Matt Moog named interim CEO of Chicago Public Media
Chicago Public Media announced today that it has postponed its search for a new chief executive officer until next year and appointed tech entrepreneur Matt Moog interim CEO of the nonprofit parent company of NPR news/talk WBEZ 91.5-FM, reports Robert Feder.
Moog, who has run several companies and founded the innovative tech center 1871, has been a member of the Chicago Public Media board for more than 10 years.
Read the full story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--State lawmakers probe barriers to Black business development

SPRINGFIELD -- Black-owned businesses in Illinois face significant barriers to growth and opportunities that would enable them to compete with their white-owned counterparts , a problem that many Black leaders say is directly tied to Black unemployment rates and the deterioration of Black neighborhoods .
That was the message state lawmakers heard Thursday when three Senate committees held a virtual joint hearing that focused on entrepreneurship and financial development for Black business owners .
`` If you drive or walk through our communities , especially on the south and west sides and other areas of the state , our areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sen. Mattie Hunter , a Chicago Democrat and chair of the Senate Executive Committee .
`` And we keep saying well , how are our communities ?
Why are they looking so poorer and poorer and poorer every single day ?
It 's because of the disparity and funding .
That 's the problem , you guys . ''
Thursday 's hearing was part of a series of legislative meetings called by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to discuss that group 's agenda for the upcoming fall veto session .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda is economic access , equity and opportunity .
Jason Johnson , director of the Chicago Urban League 's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation , testified that Black Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population but only 9 percent of businesses , and those businesses account for less than 0.5 percent of all business revenues on an annual basis .
In addition , he said , only 4 percent of Black-owned businesses have paid employees , compared to 22 percent of White-owned firms , meaning the vast majority of Black-owned firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So as you can see , there 's definitely disparities where there 's not parity between the actual population and the number of African Americans engaging in entrepreneurship , and definitely not parity when it comes to the amount of revenue that 's being generated , '' Johnson said .
Johnson said Black-owned businesses face three principle barriers to success : lack of management knowledge ; lack of access to markets ; and lack of access to investment capital .
As a result , he said , Black-owned businesses `` are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't employed , people are unemployed , which leads to issues such as crime and things like that ; no tax base in the community , which leads to poorly funded education and the cycle continues . ''
Bruce Montgomery , founder and CEO of the Entrepreneur Success Program in Chicago , said there are a wide variety of services available to help start-up companies get off the ground .
But he also said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape for entrepreneurs , possibly forever , and he said the state needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority-owned businesses can gain a footing in the new economy .
`` Clearly COVID has demonstrated the tremendous need , like right now , what we 're doing right now , connecting through broadband , to have a conversation with our state support mechanisms , '' he said .
Even in Chicago , he said , many homes and businesses are not online because broadband technology is not available , which severely limits their ability to participate in an online economy .
`` For those that do n't know , going back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Montgomery said .
`` There is no good old days .
Those days are gone forever . ''
Much of the focus of Thursday 's hearing was on state government and its ability to spur business development through its own contracting and purchasing policies .
`` We must look at this economy moving forward and recognize that inside of a $ 40 billion state of Illinois budget , how is every department … spending that money with their constituents , Black constituents , so that they can be full participants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Illinois , '' Montgomery said .
Christyn Freeman , secretary of the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce on the South Side of Chicago and cofounder of a group called the Economic Justice League , said many Black-owned businesses have trouble tapping into markets like state contracting and vending , or even the federal Payroll Protection Program , because they operate in what she called the `` shadow economy . ''
`` These are the businesses that do n't officially have a business license , that are not on anybody 's tax roster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the mainstream , '' she said .
`` But that is , in some cases , what some of these underserved communities are primarily made up of .
And so when programs are created , like PPP , that address more of the institutionalized organizations , there 's still consistently is a huge gap for those organizations that operate within that shadow economy . ''
Legislative Black Caucus members did not discuss any specific legislation that they want to address in the upcoming veto session at the hearing , although some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress from the state in meeting goals for contracting with firms owned by minorities , women , veterans and disabled individuals .
The fall veto session is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3 .

State lawmakers probe barriers to Black business development
SPRINGFIELD -- Black-owned businesses in Illinois face significant barriers to growth and opportunities that would enable them to compete with their white-owned counterparts, a problem that many Black leaders say is directly tied to Black unemployment rates and the deterioration of Black neighborhoods.
That was the message state lawmakers heard Thursday when three Senate committees held a virtual joint hearing that focused on entrepreneurship and financial development for Black business owners.
"If you drive or walk through our communities, especially on the south and west sides and other areas of the state, our areas look like a war zone," said Sen. Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat and chair of the Senate Executive Committee. "And we keep saying well, how are our communities? Why are they looking so poorer and poorer and poorer every single day? It's because of the disparity and funding. That's the problem, you guys."
Thursday's hearing was part of a series of legislative meetings called by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to discuss that group's agenda for the upcoming fall veto session. One of the four "pillars" of that agenda is economic access, equity and opportunity.
Jason Johnson, director of the Chicago Urban League's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, testified that Black Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population but only 9 percent of businesses, and those businesses account for less than 0.5 percent of all business revenues on an annual basis.
In addition, he said, only 4 percent of Black-owned businesses have paid employees, compared to 22 percent of White-owned firms, meaning the vast majority of Black-owned firms are family businesses or sole proprietorships.
"So as you can see, there's definitely disparities where there's not parity between the actual population and the number of African Americans engaging in entrepreneurship, and definitely not parity when it comes to the amount of revenue that's being generated," Johnson said.
Johnson said Black-owned businesses face three principle barriers to success: lack of management knowledge; lack of access to markets; and lack of access to investment capital.
As a result, he said, Black-owned businesses "aren't able to create jobs, people aren't employed, people are unemployed, which leads to issues such as crime and things like that; no tax base in the community, which leads to poorly funded education and the cycle continues."
Bruce Montgomery, founder and CEO of the Entrepreneur Success Program in Chicago, said there are a wide variety of services available to help start-up companies get off the ground. But he also said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape for entrepreneurs, possibly forever, and he said the state needs to play a role in making sure minority-owned businesses can gain a footing in the new economy.
"Clearly COVID has demonstrated the tremendous need, like right now, what we're doing right now, connecting through broadband, to have a conversation with our state support mechanisms," he said.
Even in Chicago, he said, many homes and businesses are not online because broadband technology is not available, which severely limits their ability to participate in an online economy.
"For those that don't know, going back to what was is no longer an option," Montgomery said. "There is no good old days. Those days are gone forever."
Much of the focus of Thursday's hearing was on state government and its ability to spur business development through its own contracting and purchasing policies.
"We must look at this economy moving forward and recognize that inside of a $40 billion state of Illinois budget, how is every department … spending that money with their constituents, Black constituents, so that they can be full participants in providing goods and services to the state of Illinois," Montgomery said.
Christyn Freeman, secretary of the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce on the South Side of Chicago and cofounder of a group called the Economic Justice League, said many Black-owned businesses have trouble tapping into markets like state contracting and vending, or even the federal Payroll Protection Program, because they operate in what she called the "shadow economy."
"These are the businesses that don't officially have a business license, that are not on anybody's tax roster, and they are purposely avoiding participating in some of the mainstream," she said. "But that is, in some cases, what some of these underserved communities are primarily made up of. And so when programs are created, like PPP, that address more of the institutionalized organizations, there's still consistently is a huge gap for those organizations that operate within that shadow economy."
Legislative Black Caucus members did not discuss any specific legislation that they want to address in the upcoming veto session at the hearing, although some said they do want to see more progress from the state in meeting goals for contracting with firms owned by minorities, women, veterans and disabled individuals.
The fall veto session is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Darling 'disappointed and shocked' by Hawks' decision on Crawford

The news that Corey Crawford 's tenure as the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender hit Scott Darling like a ton of bricks .
`` I was like , 'Oh , my God .
Did that really happen ? '
`` Darling said in a phone interview Thursday night , six hours after GM Stan Bowman announced that the Hawks will not re-sign Crawford next season .
Darling , a Lemont native who grew up a huge Hawks fan , spent 2.5 seasons as Crawford 's backup from 2014-17 .
After two years playing for Carolina and its AHL affiliate , Darling went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced him to come back to Chicago .
Still a Hawks fan to his core , Darling admitted he was `` disappointed and shocked '' by the news .
`` I do n't know what their plan is , '' Darling said .
`` I 'm not a GM , I 'm not on the inside .
I do n't know what their talks are like .
`` But what from what I 've heard , Crow was willing to take the hometown discount to stay here .
Honestly I 'm just nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backbone , keeping them afloat for years now .
...
It 's gon na be very weird to see Corey playing in a different jersey next year . ''
Scott Powers of the Athletic had reported that the Hawks offered Crawford a one-year , $ 3.5 million deal .
Pierre LeBrun later reported that the two sides were n't seeing eye-to-eye on the contract .
Crawford is now free to sign with any team in the league .
He joins a long list of available netminders that includes Jacob Markstrom , Braden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Henrik Lundqvist , Mike Smith , Cam Talbot , Jimmy Howard and Aaron Dell .
`` I do n't know where everyone 's gon na land , but Crow still has it , '' Darling said .
`` He 's going to be a starter somewhere -- if that 's what he wants .
I ca n't speak to if he wants to continue to play , but if he wants to he will be a starting goalie on any team that 'll have him . ''
As of now , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collin Delia , Kevin Lankinen and possibly unrestricted free agent Malcolm Subban .
Bowman said that Delia and Lankinen are ready to take the next step , much like Crawford , Antti Niemi and Antti Raanta did years ago .
Remember that Crawford played just eight NHL games before starting 55 times in 2010-11 .
Darling is perplexed by this plan , however , noting that the 2010-11 Blackhawks were just coming off a Stanley Cup championship .
`` ( Crawford ) had a juggernaut team in front of him when he first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My worries as a Hawks fan is if you do n't have a top-five goalie with the team that 's in place right now , that 's gon na be a rough season .
`` Unless you sign a Holtby or a Lundqvist or one of these amazing free-agent goalies that are out there , I mean you might as well set up for a rebuild . ''
Some of Darling 's best friends in the world are his goalie partners -- and that 's especially true of Crawford .
Quiet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything but that with teammates and buddies .
`` I do n't think he likes the spotlight , '' Darling said .
`` But in the room with the guys , he 's hilarious .
He 's a Chatty Cathy .
`` We had a card game on the plane , and he and ( Brent ) Seabrook were the funniest guys .
...
I learned very quickly that he 's the nicest , sweetest , purest human in the world with a great sense of humor . ''
It 's something Darling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning his NHL career .
`` It was a big weight off my shoulders because I did n't know what I was walking into , '' Darling said .
`` I thought I would have some tyrant , superstar goalie in front of me .
`` But he was the greatest to me and to everyone .
Anyone who knows him on a personal level -- he 's the man . ''

Darling 'disappointed and shocked' by Hawks' decision on Crawford
Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, left, congratulates teammate Scott Darling on his 35-save victory over the Nashville Predators in April 2015. Darling was shocked to hear the Hawks are parting ways with Corey Crawford: "I was like, 'Oh, my God. Did that really happen?' " Darling said. John Starks | Staff Photographer, April 2015
The news that Corey Crawford's tenure as the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender had come to an end hit Scott Darling like a ton of bricks.
"I was like, 'Oh, my God. Did that really happen?'" Darling said in a phone interview Thursday night, six hours after GM Stan Bowman announced that the Hawks would not re-sign Crawford.
Darling spent three seasons as Crawford's backup from 2014-17. After two years playing for Carolina and its AHL affiliate, Darling went overseas last season until the coronavirus forced him to come back to Chicago.
Darling, a Lemont native who grew up a huge Hawks fan, admitted he was "disappointed and shocked" by the news.
"I don't know what their plan is," Darling said. "I'm not a GM, I'm not on the inside. I don't know what their talks are like.
"But what from what I've heard, Crow was willing to take the hometown discount to stay here. Honestly I'm just nervous for the team. Crow has been the backbone, keeping them afloat for years now. ... It's gonna be very weird to see Corey playing in a different jersey next year."
Turns out it will be a Devils jersey, as Crawford agreed to a two-year, $7.8 million contract with New Jersey on Friday night. Crawford told us Saturday that after the Hawks made a one-year, $3 million offer, both sides essentially never negotiated.
"We thought there would be more talk," Crawford said. "We didn't go back and forth at all. So it kind of just ended there. Not much more I can say about that.
"It was a tough phone call. They wanted to go that direction. For me it was pretty heartfelt, pretty emotional after that talking to some of the players. But it's time to move on and have a fresh start."
As for the Hawks, they plan to go with some combination of Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen and Malcolm Subban. Bowman believes Delia and Lankinen are ready to take the next step, much like Crawford, Antti Niemi and Antti Raanta did years ago.
Remember that Crawford played just eight NHL games before starting 55 times in 2010-11.
Darling is perplexed by this plan, however, noting that the 2010-11 Blackhawks were just coming off a Stanley Cup championship.
"(Crawford) had a juggernaut team in front of him when he first came in," Darling said. "My worries as a Hawks fan is if you don't have a top-five goalie with the team that's in place right now, that's gonna be a rough season.
"Unless you sign a Holtby or a Lundqvist or one of these amazing free-agent goalies that are out there, I mean you might as well set up for a rebuild."
Some of Darling's best friends in the world are his goalie partners -- and that's especially true of Crawford. Quiet and reserved with the media, Crawford is anything but that with teammates and buddies.
"I don't think he likes the spotlight," Darling said. "But in the room with the guys, he's hilarious. He's a Chatty Cathy.
"We had a card game on the plane, and he and (Brent) Seabrook were the funniest guys. ... I learned very quickly that he's the nicest, sweetest, purest human in the world with a great sense of humor."
Which is something Darling was so grateful for as he was beginning his NHL career.
"It was a big weight off my shoulders because I didn't know what I was walking into," Darling said. "I thought I would have some tyrant, superstar goalie in front of me.
"But he was the greatest to me and to everyone. Anyone who knows him on a personal level -- he's the man."
For those wondering about Darling, he has multiple offers overseas, but would prefer to stay in the United States.
He spent one month this summer visiting numerous national parks out west after renting an RV with his fiancee. They ended up eloping in Montana and currently reside in Chicago.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-08--Starting next week, each District 214 school can have up to 650 students at a time

Amid increasing calls from parents and students for a return to school five days a week , Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is set to launch its hybrid schedule that will have students in school buildings two out of every six days .
Starting next Thursday , one-third of the district 's 12,000 student enrollment will be able to come back if they so choose , while remote learning remains an option .
Students in a given cohort would attend in-person classes two days in a row -- taking four extended period classes a day as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next four days .
That means about 650 students would be in a building on any given day , when normally it 's close to 2,000 at each of the district 's six high schools , officials said .
By classroom , there 'll be as many as nine students at a time , with desks spaced out at least six feet apart .
Superintendent David Schuler said during a school board meeting Thursday night that students will find out which of the three groups they 're in today .
They 'll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student ID that will be scanned upon entry so district officials know who is in school at a given time .
Parents do n't have to decide in-person versus remote right now but have the option of sending their students to school day to day ( of the two they 've been assigned ) , or even class by class , Schuler said .
During the remote learning portion of their week , students will be able to watch live classroom instruction through Zoom video conferencing .
The transition to Stage 3 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made possible by improving COVID-19 health metrics that show 57.9 cases per 100,000 in the ZIP codes that cover District 214 , Schuler said .
Under the district 's plan , fewer than 69 cases per 100,000 are needed to bring some students back to school buildings .
All students would n't be able to return until there 's fewer than 7 cases per 100,000 .
That 's continued to be a bone of contention for those calling for a full reopening .
Fifteen parents and students spoke during an hourlong public comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times grew testy .
After the first five speakers , board President Dan Petro limited each person 's comments to two minutes instead of three , saying they were being repetitive .
`` You guys are moving way too slow for these kids to get them back in school , '' said Tony Rosselli , organizer of the Reopen D214 group and father of a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School .
Tim Bauer , a senior at Rolling Meadows High School , thanked the board and administration for allowing students back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I understand the challenges you faced in getting us to this stage .
However , do not look at this as a final step , '' Bauer said .
`` Please work to get us back fully five days a week . ''

Starting next week, each District 214 school can have up to 650 students at a time
Amid increasing calls from parents and students for a return to school five days a week, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is set to launch its hybrid schedule that will have students in school buildings two out of every six days.
Starting next Thursday, one-third of the district's 12,000 student enrollment will be able to come back if they so choose, while remote learning remains an option.
Students in a given cohort would attend in-person classes two days in a row -- taking four extended period classes a day as part of a block schedule -- then participate remotely the next four days.
That means about 650 students would be in a building on any given day, when normally it's close to 2,000 at each of the district's six high schools, officials said.
By classroom, there'll be as many as nine students at a time, with desks spaced out at least six feet apart.
Superintendent David Schuler said during a school board meeting Thursday night that students will find out which of the three groups they're in today. They'll get a corresponding sticker to put on their student ID that will be scanned upon entry so district officials know who is in school at a given time.
Parents don't have to decide in-person versus remote right now but have the option of sending their students to school day to day (of the two they've been assigned), or even class by class, Schuler said.
During the remote learning portion of their week, students will be able to watch live classroom instruction through Zoom video conferencing.
The transition to Stage 3 of the district's four-step reopening plan is made possible by improving COVID-19 health metrics that show 57.9 cases per 100,000 in the ZIP codes that cover District 214, Schuler said.
Under the district's plan, fewer than 69 cases per 100,000 are needed to bring some students back to school buildings. All students wouldn't be able to return until there's fewer than 7 cases per 100,000.
That's continued to be a bone of contention for those calling for a full reopening.
Fifteen parents and students spoke during an hourlong public comment portion of the board meeting that at times grew testy.
After the first five speakers, board President Dan Petro limited each person's comments to two minutes instead of three, saying they were being repetitive.
"You guys are moving way too slow for these kids to get them back in school," said Tony Rosselli, organizer of the Reopen D214 group and father of a freshman at Buffalo Grove High School.
Tim Bauer, a senior at Rolling Meadows High School, thanked the board and administration for allowing students back in school, even if it's limited.
"I understand the challenges you faced in getting us to this stage. However, do not look at this as a final step," Bauer said.
"Please work to get us back fully five days a week."