dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Barrington nonprofit's virtual animal therapy 'so much more than a cute horse'

Cream Puff dons a unicorn horn and steps like the rest of the miniature horses into teddy bear sneakers before Jodie Diegel , of SOUL Harbour Ranch , goes live on Zoom for clients of her animal therapy program .
Tiny horses and donkeys with names like Cupcake and Mystery join three therapy dogs as they all show their faces and nuzzle the smartphone camera for kisses .
Diegel 's full-size horses do tricks , bowing and raising their paws .
The `` whole herd '' joins in , including 19 animals trained and certified through Pet Partners , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a calming presence .
`` You talk about a virtual visit and it 's a cute horse on a screen , '' Diegel said .
`` But our animals are so much more than a cute horse . ''
The video calls last about 30 minutes , with time for a quick tour of the 5-acre ranch and close-up views of its furry inhabitants .
Diegel puts on a similar show at 5 p.m. each Friday on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/soulharbourranch/ for volunteers or other fans to join in .
The new world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about uniting people in need of comfort with horses or donkeys or dogs who can provide it , following the SOUL Harbour Ranch tagline of `` Sharing of Unconditional Love . ''
It 's about choosing to see the upside of the video visits -- they can reach more people -- rather than the downside .
And it 's about helping those the Barrington-based nonprofit organization already serves to persevere through the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We see this as a long-lasting way of connecting people that are unable to be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide more visits to more people , '' Diegel said .
`` At least everybody gets to see the animals in their home environment . ''
SOUL Harbour Ranch so far has provided five virtual animal therapy visits to existing clients since April 3 , and has dates on the books to offer five more , including one Thursday for students planned through the Barrington High School Wellness Team .
The team is working to promote social and emotional wellness , as well as digital citizenship and a sense of connection during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school 's prevention and wellness coordinator .
`` Any way that we can bring a smile to the students ' face and stay connected , we 're always grateful for , '' Winkelman said .
A Zoom session with SOUL Harbour Ranch will be the featured `` resource of the week '' Thursday to help foster student well-being .
`` Therapy animals bring about this sense of calm and love and joy and laughter , '' Diegel said .
`` We see clapping hands , we see big smiles , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of crisis .
So even though there is n't that in-person visit , there still is that soul-to-soul connection . ''
Eight adult participants in the Life Program of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association got to make a Zoom connection with Diegel and `` the herd '' after their monthly in-person visits from the animals were suspended .
Emily Todd , manager of cultural arts and adult day programming , said the participants enjoyed visiting -- even in a virtual sense -- a place they 've been before and getting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what it could be . ''
The specter of shoes on a miniature horse also provided some needed comic relief .
`` Everybody was giggling about that , '' Todd said , `` and in this time , a giggle is so valuable to do -- and also to hear . ''

Barrington nonprofit's virtual animal therapy 'so much more than a cute horse'
Cream Puff dons a unicorn horn and steps like the rest of the miniature horses into teddy bear sneakers before Jodie Diegel, of SOUL Harbour Ranch, goes live on Zoom for clients of her animal therapy program.
Tiny horses and donkeys with names like Cupcake and Mystery join three therapy dogs as they all show their faces and nuzzle the smartphone camera for kisses. Diegel's full-size horses do tricks, bowing and raising their hoofs.
The "whole herd" joins in, including 19 animals trained and certified through Pet Partners, a national program, to offer a calming presence.
"You talk about a virtual visit, and it's a cute horse on a screen," Diegel said. "But our animals are so much more than a cute horse."
The video calls last about 30 minutes, with time for a quick tour of the 5-acre ranch and close-up views of its furry inhabitants. Diegel puts on a similar show at 5 p.m. each Friday on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/soulharbourranch/ for volunteers or other fans to join in.
The new world of animal therapy, Diegel said, is about uniting people in need of comfort with horses or donkeys or dogs who can provide it, following the SOUL Harbour Ranch tagline of "Sharing of Unconditional Love."
It's about choosing to see the upside of the video visits -- they can reach more people -- rather than the downside. And it's about helping those the Barrington-based nonprofit organization already serves to persevere through the coronavirus pandemic.
"We see this as a long-lasting way of connecting people that are unable to be at an in-person visit, an additional opportunity to provide more visits to more people," Diegel said. "At least everybody gets to see the animals in their home environment."
SOUL Harbour Ranch so far has provided five virtual animal therapy visits to existing clients since April 3, and it has dates on the books to offer five more, including one Thursday for students planned through the Barrington High School Wellness Team.
The team is working to promote social and emotional wellness, as well as digital citizenship and a sense of connection during remote learning, said Amy Winkelman, the school's prevention and wellness coordinator.
"Any way that we can bring a smile to the students' face and stay connected, we're always grateful for," Winkelman said.
Eight adult participants in the Life Program of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association got to make a Zoom connection with Diegel and "the herd" after their monthly in-person visits from the animals were suspended.
Emily Todd, manager of cultural arts and adult day programming, said the participants enjoyed visiting -- even in a virtual sense -- a place they've been before and getting a video tour "encompassing the whole experience of what it could be." The spectacle of shoes on a miniature horse also provided some needed comic relief.
"Everybody was giggling about that," Todd said, "and in this time, a giggle is so valuable to do -- and also to hear."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--April 21 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below .
• As of Tuesday , suburban Cook County had 9,627 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 443 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 13,554 cases and 569 fatalities .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health on Tuesday listed 458 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines , 215 cases in Glenview , 142 in Mount Prospect , 123 in Wheeling , 116 in Palatine , 108 in Park Ridge , 102 each in Schaumburg and Streamwood , 100 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 63 in Elk Grove Village , 43 in Prospect Heights , 42 in Rolling Meadows , and 35 in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,302 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 85 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Tuesday .
• Cases in some Lake County towns as of Tuesday : 655 to 659 in Waukegan , 90 to 94 in Gurnee , 85 to 89 in Round Lake , 70 to 74 in Mundelein , 45 to 49 in Libertyville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 to 39 each in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , Grayslake , and Wauconda , and 30 to 34 each in Lake Zurich and Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 1,861 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 99 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday .
• Cases per suburb include 137 in Addison , 136 in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 129 in Carol Stream and Bensenville , 98 in Lombard , 97 in Elmhurst , 90 in Glendale Height , 80 in Willowbrook , 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grove , and 58 in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) .
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 725 cases of COVID-19 with 35 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town as of Tuesday include 276 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 152 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 52 in St. Charles , 29 in South Elgin , 25 in Geneva , 20 in Batavia , 19 in North Aurora , 12 in Gilberts , and nine in Sugar Grove .
• There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Tuesday .
• There have been 1,739 cases of COVID-19 and 107 deaths , according to the Will County Health Department 's website Tuesday .
• Cases per town include 124 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 13 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

April 21 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
• Not all the suburbs with cases are listed below.
Cook County
• As of Tuesday, suburban Cook County had 9,627 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 443 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 13,554 cases and 569 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health on Tuesday listed 458 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines, 215 cases in Glenview, 142 in Mount Prospect, 123 in Wheeling, 116 in Palatine, 108 in Park Ridge, 102 each in Schaumburg and Streamwood, 100 in Arlington Heights, 86 in Hoffman Estates, 63 in Elk Grove Village, 43 in Prospect Heights, 42 in Rolling Meadows, and 35 in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department lists 2,302 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 85 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Tuesday.
• Cases in some Lake County towns as of Tuesday: 655 to 659 in Waukegan, 90 to 94 in Gurnee, 85 to 89 in Round Lake, 70 to 74 in Mundelein, 45 to 49 in Libertyville, 40 to 44 in Vernon Hills, 35 to 39 each in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), Grayslake, and Wauconda, and 30 to 34 each in Lake Zurich and Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 1,861 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 99 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday.
• Cases per suburb include 137 in Addison, 136 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 129 in Carol Stream and Bensenville, 98 in Lombard, 97 in Elmhurst, 90 in Glendale Height, 80 in Willowbrook, 75 in West Chicago, 64 in Downers Grove, and 58 in Aurora (DuPage County portion).
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 725 cases of COVID-19 with 35 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town as of Tuesday include 276 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 152 in Elgin (Kane portion), 52 in St. Charles, 29 in South Elgin, 25 in Geneva, 20 in Batavia, 19 in North Aurora, 12 in Gilberts, and nine in Sugar Grove.
McHenry County
• There are 393 cases of COVID-19 and 23 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Tuesday.
Will County
• There have been 1,739 cases of COVID-19 and 107 deaths, according to the Will County Health Department's website Tuesday.
• Cases per town include 124 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 13 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Officials: Cause of Wheeling student's death could take a month to determine

Cook County medical examiner 's office officials said Tuesday it will be at least a month before they officially determine whether a 16-year-old Wheeling High School student died as a result of COVID-19 or something else .
Sophomore Zach Leviton died last week after he became ill and his condition rapidly deteriorated .
His mother said doctors told the family Zach tested negative for the coronavirus , though he might have been experiencing its early stages .
While never identifying the specific student or school , Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials over the weekend said one of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
`` The cause and manner of death is pending further testing , '' Natalia Derevyanny , a spokeswoman for the medical examiner 's office , said in a statement Tuesday .
`` Based on the type of testing that 's being conducted it may be a month or more . ''
Private funeral services for the teen were held last week , while friends continue to remember him on social media .
A Facebook fundraiser has garnered some $ 6,000 in donations to purchase two memorial benches -- one at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where his friends could gather , and one at his gravesite .
He is survived by family , including his mother and father , a brother and sister .

Officials: Cause of Wheeling student's death could take a month to determine
The cause of death of 16-year-old Wheeling High School student Zach Leviton could take at least another month to determine, the Cook County medical examiner's office said Tuesday. Courtesy of Jacqueline Batalis
Cook County medical examiner's office officials said Tuesday it will be at least a month before they officially determine whether a 16-year-old Wheeling High School student died as a result of COVID-19 or something else.
Sophomore Zach Leviton died last week after he became ill and his condition rapidly deteriorated. His mother said doctors told the family Zach tested negative for the coronavirus, though he might have been experiencing its early stages.
While never identifying the specific student or school, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials over the weekend said one of their students had died, likely from complications of COVID-19.
"The cause and manner of death is pending further testing," Natalia Derevyanny, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office, said in a statement Tuesday. "Based on the type of testing that's being conducted it may be a month or more."
Private funeral services for the teen were held last week, while friends continue to remember him on social media. A Facebook fundraiser has garnered some $6,000 in donations to purchase two memorial benches -- one at Zach's favorite basketball court or park, where his friends could gather, and one at his gravesite.
He is survived by family, including his mother and father, a brother and sister.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Radtke: IHSA sends message of hope, but it's ill-advised

Remember the game many of us played as kids called `` Kick the Can ? ''
What the Illinois High School Association did Tuesday was just that , and that can has a lot of worms crawling out of it .
The IHSA 's board of directors canceled the spring state tournament series Tuesday , as was expected .
What was n't expected was this statement from Executive Director Craig Anderson : '' The possibility of playing a spring sport game this summer is about closure .
If we are able to offer this opportunity , no student-athlete would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a nonschool team . ''
While noble in nature , leaving a glimmer of hope that any events , sports or otherwise , could take place at high schools in Illinois this spring or summer , is like the last guy above water on the Titanic thinking he 's going to be rescued .
`` With all due respect to the IHSA , if in-person instruction is canceled for the remainder of the school year ( with some district calendars extended into mid-June ) , then I do not understand holding out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School District U-46 superintendent Tony Sanders said .
`` To me , this is declaring that trying to salvage a season is more important than trying to return for classroom instruction . ''
Sanders ' point is well taken .
The IHSA continues to send a message of hope , even though the state 's death toll and number of new cases continues to rise , and reports continue to circulate that Gov .
J.B. Pritzker is considering extending the stay-at-home order scheduled to expire April 30 .
The IHSA , via Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any hope of events would be `` dependent upon state government and medical leaders giving the go ahead for such . ''
`` We were making a determination more about the state tournament series but leaving open the possibility that schools could have some kind of a spring sports season if their conference or school district decided that was a way to go , '' said Fremd principal Kurt Tenopir , who is a member of the IHSA board of directors .
Seniors around the state now await the possibility of senior night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers that can be in person with their teammates .
Some will embrace the idea , some wo n't .
And , hopefully , if given a choice , they will decide wisely and consult their parents before making that decision .
`` I think it 's a great idea and the whole idea is to have an open mind and accept whatever comes , '' said Burlington Central senior soccer player Zoey Kollhoff , who will take her talents to the University of Illinois whenever sports resume .
`` If we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd love it , but if the cards do n't fall that way and it 's not the safest option you have to learn to accept it .
It 's hard to accept but it is what it is . ''
And while some may feel it 's not fair , geography will play a role in the decision-making .
All you have to do is look at the numbers statewide to see the evidence -- our area is being hit harder by the pandemic than western , central and southern Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the IHSA 's decisions because the state has such a wide range , '' Tenopir said .
`` The challenges for schools in our area are greater .
But there might be parts of the state where there might be resumption of some spring sports . ''
As fluid as this whole situation is , Kollhoff 's assessment is spot on for all of us -- we have to learn to accept it .
What we need to accept is that what 's going on in our lives now is far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any game .
While we all agree it 's sad for the seniors , it would be so much worse if our desire to play a game or have a senior night became the source of more infection .
It 's too bad the IHSA is n't seeing it that way .

Radtke: IHSA sends message of hope, but it's ill-advised
Fremd's Peter Hiller delivers as Barrington's AJ Christoffer gets a lead off second base during a game last season. Daily Herald File Photo
Remember the game many of us played as kids called "Kick the Can?"
What the Illinois High School Association did Tuesday was just that, and that can has a lot of worms crawling out of it.
The IHSA's board of directors canceled the spring state tournament series Tuesday, as was expected.
What wasn't expected was this statement from Executive Director Craig Anderson:
"The possibility of playing a spring sport game this summer is about closure. If we are able to offer this opportunity, no student-athlete would be restricted by having already practiced or competed with a nonschool team."
While noble in nature, leaving a glimmer of hope that any events, sports or otherwise, could take place at high schools in Illinois this spring or summer, is like the last guy above water on the Titanic thinking he's going to be rescued.
"With all due respect to the IHSA, if in-person instruction is canceled for the remainder of the school year (with some district calendars extended into mid-June), then I do not understand holding out hope for athletics," Elgin Area School District U-46 superintendent Tony Sanders said.
"To me, this is declaring that trying to salvage a season is more important than trying to return for classroom instruction."
Sanders' point is well taken. The IHSA continues to send a message of hope, even though the state's death toll and number of new cases continues to rise, and reports continue to circulate that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is considering extending the stay-at-home order scheduled to expire April 30.
The IHSA, via Anderson's statement, did make clear that any hope of events would be "dependent upon state government and medical leaders giving the go ahead for such."
"We were making a determination more about the state tournament series but leaving open the possibility that schools could have some kind of a spring sports season if their conference or school district decided that was a way to go," said Fremd principal Kurt Tenopir, who is a member of the IHSA board of directors.
Seniors around the state now await the possibility of senior night events and closure to their high school careers that can be in person with their teammates. Some will embrace the idea, some won't. And, hopefully, if given a choice, they will decide wisely and consult their parents before making that decision.
"I think it's a great idea and the whole idea is to have an open mind and accept whatever comes," said Burlington Central senior soccer player Zoey Kollhoff, who will take her talents to the University of Illinois whenever sports resume. "If we had the opportunity to have a senior night I'd love it, but if the cards don't fall that way and it's not the safest option you have to learn to accept it. It's hard to accept but it is what it is."
And while some may feel it's not fair, geography will play a role in the decision-making. All you have to do is look at the numbers statewide to see the evidence -- our area is being hit harder by the pandemic than western, central and southern Illinois.
"Geography normally plays a huge role in the IHSA's decisions because the state has such a wide range," Tenopir said. "The challenges for schools in our area are greater. But there might be parts of the state where there might be resumption of some spring sports."
As fluid as this whole situation is, Kollhoff's assessment is spot on for all of us -- we have to learn to accept it.
What we need to accept is that what's going on in our lives now is far more important than any senior night or any game. While we all agree it's sad for the seniors, it would be so much worse if our desire to play a game or have a senior night became the source of more infection.
It's too bad the IHSA isn't seeing it that way.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Pregnant woman becomes first Lake County jail inmate to test positive for COVID-19

A pregnant inmate at the Lake County jail tested positive Tuesday for COVID-19 .
The woman , the first current inmate to test positive , remains in the medical unit and is not with the general jail population .
No other inmates or correctional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 , Lake County sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli said .
The woman , in her 30s , was taken to Lake County jail Thursday morning .
She had been arrested by North Chicago police on a failure to appear arrest warrant alleging felony retail theft and felony theft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was charged by North Chicago police with obstruction of justice and possession of drug paraphernalia .
Early Thursday afternoon she was taken to Vista East Medical Center because she appeared lethargic , Covelli said in a statement Tuesday .
Doctors diagnosed her with a non-COVID-19 medical issue and she was sent back to Lake County jail Thursday evening .
On Friday , the woman began going through withdrawal symptoms and was seen by the jail 's medical staff .
Her withdrawal symptoms appeared similar to COVID-19 symptoms , so the jail medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman .
The results came in positive Tuesday morning , according to Covelli .
Lake County jail officials reported Friday that a male inmate released the Monday before tested positive for COVID-19 two days later .
The inmate had complained of flu-like symptoms , but they had abated and his temperature was normal when he was released after a plea agreement .
More than 50 Lake County jail inmates have been released or shifted to the Illinois Department of Corrections since the COVID-19 outbreak started in an effort to reduce the risk .

Pregnant woman becomes first Lake County jail inmate to test positive for COVID-19
A woman who was taken to the Lake County jail Thursday morning tested positive for the COVID-19 virus Tuesday. FILE/Lake County Sheriff's Office
A pregnant inmate at the Lake County jail tested positive Tuesday for COVID-19.
The woman, the first current inmate to test positive, remains in the medical unit and is not with the general jail population. No other inmates or correctional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
The woman, in her 30s, was taken to Lake County jail Thursday morning. She had been arrested by North Chicago police on a failure to appear arrest warrant alleging felony retail theft and felony theft. In addition to the warrants, she was charged by North Chicago police with obstruction of justice and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Early Thursday afternoon she was taken to Vista East Medical Center because she appeared lethargic, Covelli said in a statement Tuesday.
Doctors diagnosed her with a non-COVID-19 medical issue and she was sent back to Lake County jail Thursday evening.
On Friday, the woman began going through withdrawal symptoms and was seen by the jail's medical staff. Her withdrawal symptoms appeared similar to COVID-19 symptoms, so the jail medical personnel did a COVID-19 test on the woman. The results came in positive Tuesday morning, according to Covelli.
Lake County jail officials reported Friday that a male inmate released the Monday before tested positive for COVID-19 two days later. The inmate had complained of flu-like symptoms, but they had abated and his temperature was normal when he was released after a plea agreement.
More than 50 Lake County jail inmates have been released or shifted to the Illinois Department of Corrections since the COVID-19 outbreak started in an effort to reduce the risk.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--McHenry Outdoor Drive-In Theater plans to open May 1 with strict guidelines

The McHenry Outdoor Drive-In Theater will open immediately after the stay-at-home order is lifted May 1 and May 2 , according to its Facebook page .
For `` Prehistoric Weekend , '' the theater will be screening `` The Flintstones '' and `` Jurassic Park . ''
Owner Scott Dehn wrote on the theater 's Facebook page that he has `` been working very hard '' alongside `` proper government authorities in developing a comprehensive plan and procedure guidelines '' to open and operate in a safe and sanitary way .
The theater will enforce several precautionary measures , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule .
Those who want to sit in the back of their truck or van will be required to wear a mask .
Vehicles will be spaced out 10 to 15 feet for social distancing .
As opposed to the normal capacity of 750 vehicles , the theater will allow 350 vehicles because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Dehn also said they will `` heavily stocked '' on hand soap and sanitizer .
Masks and/or gloves also will be made available to the public if needed .
He wrote in the post that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal sanitation and sanitation of the facility .
Employees must wash their hands every 15 to 20 minutes and must wear masks and change gloves frequently .
Tickets will not be given out at the box office to restrict the possibility of cross-contamination .
Although radios will be available for rent at the box office for $ 5 , Dehn encourages patrons to bring their own radios or listen to the movies at 89.9 FM from inside the car .
Before reusing , radios will be sanitized and remain in plastic containers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them thoroughly .
The theater will not turn on the speakers on the poles .
Dehn installed four exterior speakers to help with hearing the movie .
Bathrooms will be open .
The theater will provide protective toilet seat covers in each stall to be disposed of in a trash can .
Markers will be placed at each restroom entrance for maintaining a 6 feet distance from others .
Every other stall also will be closed in an effort to adhere to the social distancing guidelines .
Stalls will open close frequently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Exterior hand washing stations will also be available .
The concession stand will be closed to the public .
However , freshly made cheeseburgers , hot dogs , popcorn , jumbo pretzels and nachos will be offered .
A variety of candy and bottled beverages from two beverage and snack carts in the exterior parking lot will be available .
In an April 3 Facebook post , Dehn said there is `` a lot more '' in place for the public 's protection .
`` I want everyone to feel confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to not just enjoy a movie during these difficult times , but to actually enjoy being outside on a beautiful Spring/Summer/Fall night .
With everything that we 've been going through ? ''
he wrote .
`` We deserve at least that .
I hope you have the faith in me to have yours and my employees ' health and best interests at heart .
It would mean a lot to all of us to have your support this season .
We need you . ''
Many commenting on the Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is staying open and do not see a problem with its opening .

McHenry Outdoor Drive-In Theater plans to open May 1 with strict guidelines
The McHenry Outdoor Drive-In Theater will open immediately after the stay-at-home order ends May 1 and May 2, according to its Facebook page. John Starks | Staff Photographer
The McHenry Outdoor Drive-In Theater will open immediately after the stay-at-home order is lifted May 1 and May 2, according to its Facebook page.
For "Prehistoric Weekend," the theater will be screening "The Flintstones" and "Jurassic Park."
Owner Scott Dehn wrote on the theater's Facebook page that he has "been working very hard" alongside "proper government authorities in developing a comprehensive plan and procedure guidelines" to open and operate in a safe and sanitary way.
The theater will enforce several precautionary measures, including a "strict" Stay In Car rule. Those who want to sit in the back of their truck or van will be required to wear a mask.
Vehicles will be spaced out 10 to 15 feet for social distancing.
As opposed to the normal capacity of 750 vehicles, the theater will allow 350 vehicles because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dehn also said they will "heavily stocked" on hand soap and sanitizer. Masks and/or gloves also will be made available to the public if needed.
He wrote in the post that all employees are educated and trained on personal sanitation and sanitation of the facility. Employees must wash their hands every 15 to 20 minutes and must wear masks and change gloves frequently.
Tickets will not be given out at the box office to restrict the possibility of cross-contamination.
Although radios will be available for rent at the box office for $5, Dehn encourages patrons to bring their own radios or listen to the movies at 89.9 FM from inside the car. Before reusing, radios will be sanitized and remain in plastic containers for one week in an effort to disinfect them thoroughly.
The theater will not turn on the speakers on the poles. Dehn installed four exterior speakers to help with hearing the movie.
Bathrooms will be open. The theater will provide protective toilet seat covers in each stall to be disposed of in a trash can. Markers will be placed at each restroom entrance for maintaining a 6 feet distance from others. Every other stall also will be closed in an effort to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. Stalls will open close frequently in order to keep each stall completely sanitized.
Exterior hand washing stations will also be available.
The concession stand will be closed to the public. However, freshly made cheeseburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, jumbo pretzels and nachos will be offered. A variety of candy and bottled beverages from two beverage and snack carts in the exterior parking lot will be available.
In an April 3 Facebook post, Dehn said there is "a lot more" in place for the public's protection.
"I want everyone to feel confident that this is the safest, most sanitary way to not just enjoy a movie during these difficult times, but to actually enjoy being outside on a beautiful Spring/Summer/Fall night. With everything that we've been going through?" he wrote. "We deserve at least that. I hope you have the faith in me to have yours and my employees' health and best interests at heart. It would mean a lot to all of us to have your support this season. We need you."
Many commenting on the Facebook page are saying they are glad the theater is staying open and do not see a problem with its opening.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--NFL Draft show with Arkush, Aguilar starts 1 p.m. Wednesday at dailyherald.com

The NFL draft , which draws tens of millions of fans every year to TV and computer screens , should @ @ @ @ @ of fans starting Thursday with the country still in the grip of COVID-19 .
For @ @ @ @ @ draft and how it might impact the Bears , Hub Arkush , executive editor of @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald 's Joe Aguilar ; and Arthur Arkush , managing editor of PFW will @ @ @ @ @ Video will be available at dailyherald.com beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday .
The trio will @ @ @ @ @ information with an eye on the Bears and the NFC North .
We encourage your @ @ @ @ @ question to shawmediaillinois.com/draft-show and we 'll incorporate as many as we can in the show @

Watch: NFL Draft preview show with Arkush, Aguilar
In this April 25, 2019, file photo, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks ahead of the first round at the NFL football draft in Nashville, Tenn. Associated Press
The NFL draft, which draws tens of millions of fans every year to TV and computer screens, should get an even bigger chunk of fans starting Thursday with the country still in the grip of COVID-19.
For a local focus on the draft and how it might impact the Bears, Hub Arkush, executive editor of Pro Football Weekly; The Daily Herald's Joe Aguilar; and Arthur Arkush, managing editor of PFW will host The Draft Show.
The trio will provide expert analysis and insider information with an eye on the Bears and the NFC North.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--U.S. OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home

WASHINGTON -- U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK 'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home , a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states .
The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor 's orders .
The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp , which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S .
Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people are initially screened with an online questionnaire .
If authorized by a physician , LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home .
The kit includes cotton swabs , a collection tube , an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp .
To take a sample , a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril .
The test results are posted online to a secure company website .
The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks .
Each kit will cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available in Maryland , New Jersey , New York and Rhode Island .
Those states have laws prohibiting testing with at-home kits .
Initially , the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks , gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients , usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat .
More recently , the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method .
LabCorp 's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision .
FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is `` as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor 's office , hospital or other testing site . ''
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

U.S. OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home
U.S. health regulators approved the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.
The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.
Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.
For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.
The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Those states have laws prohibiting testing with at-home kits.
Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.
More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is "as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site."
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Feder: CBS 2 opens 'terrific new chapter' with 24/7 streaming news service

With little fanfare , CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 today launched a 24/7 streaming news service featuring content recycled from the station @ @ @ @ @ Feder writes .
Branded as CBSN Chicago , it 's the ninth market since December @ @ @ @ @ Local franchise under CBS Television Stations and CBS Interactive .
It follows similar rollouts in @ @ @ @ @ , Boston , San Francisco Bay Area , Minneapolis-St. Paul , Philadelphia , Denver and @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of a terrific new chapter in CBS Chicago 's history , '' Derek @ @ @ @ @ manager of CBS 2 , said in a statement : `` We are excited to @ @ @ @ @ local news coverage by launching CBSN Chicago and making our content available to consumers whenever @ @ @ @ @ watch . ''
Earlier CBS 2 had announced plans to roll out CBSN Chicago by @ @ @ @ @ But the coronavirus shutdown delayed the launch until today .
Get the full report , @ @ @ @ @ , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: CBS 2 opens 'terrific new chapter' with 24/7 streaming news service
With little fanfare, CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 today launched a 24/7 streaming news service featuring content recycled from the station's local newscasts, Robert Feder writes.
Branded as CBSN Chicago, it's the ninth market since December 2018 to unveil a CBSN Local franchise under CBS Television Stations and CBS Interactive. It follows similar rollouts in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Denver and Pittsburgh.
Calling it "the beginning of a terrific new chapter in CBS Chicago's history," Derek Dalton, president and general manager of CBS 2, said in a statement: "We are excited to broaden the reach of our local news coverage by launching CBSN Chicago and making our content available to consumers whenever and wherever they want to watch."
Earlier CBS 2 had announced plans to roll out CBSN Chicago by the end of March. But the coronavirus shutdown delayed the launch until today.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

Coronavirus Entered My Father 's Nursing Home and Nobody Warned Me .
I Did Not Get the Chance to Save Him .
After New York Times reporter Jan Ransom 's father tested positive for the coronavirus , she called his nursing home to let them know .
It was then she found out he was not the first .
She tells her story to ProPublica .
We need smart solutions to mitigate the coronavirus 's impact .
Here are 23 .
The Washington Post is collecting ideas on how to deal with the problems created by the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donate your stimulus check to someone who needs it '' and `` Let foreign-trained physicians join the fight . ''
Read the other ideas -- and submit your own -- here .
Help !
My Mask Fogs My Glasses This is a daily challenge for health care workers , so The New York Times asked them for tips on how to keep glasses from fogging while wearing a mask .
Read the story .
Hospital delivers bodies to Philly medical examiner in the open back of a pickup truck These photos of bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of an open pickup truck tell the story of how far from normal life is during this pandemic .
The Philadelphia Inquirer has the story .
In this letter to The New York Times , emergency physician Dr. Richard Levitan suggests that pulse oximeters -- medical devices available at most pharmacies that measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate -- could be used detect Covid pneumonia sooner in patients , thus helping them avoid the need for a ventilator .

What others are writing about COVID-19
Coronavirus Entered My Father's Nursing Home and Nobody Warned Me. I Did Not Get the Chance to Save Him.
After New York Times reporter Jan Ransom's father tested positive for the coronavirus, she called his nursing home to let them know. It was then she found out he was not the first. She tells her story to ProPublica.
We need smart solutions to mitigate the coronavirus's impact. Here are 23.
The Washington Post is collecting ideas on how to deal with the problems created by the coronavirus pandemic. Among the first ideas proposed: "Donate your stimulus check to someone who needs it" and "Let foreign-trained physicians join the fight." Read the other ideas -- and submit your own -- here.
Help! My Mask Fogs My Glasses
This is a daily challenge for health care workers, so The New York Times asked them for tips on how to keep glasses from fogging while wearing a mask. Read the story.
Hospital delivers bodies to Philly medical examiner in the open back of a pickup truck
These photos of bodies being delivered to the medical examiner in the back of an open pickup truck tell the story of how far from normal life is during this pandemic. The Philadelphia Inquirer has the story.
The Infection That's Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients
In this letter to The New York Times, emergency physician Dr. Richard Levitan suggests that pulse oximeters -- medical devices available at most pharmacies that measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate -- could be used detect Covid pneumonia sooner in patients, thus helping them avoid the need for a ventilator.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--New chief for Mundelein Park & Recreation District

The Mundelein Park & Recreation District has named a new executive director to replace Margaret Resnick , who is retiring at the end of May .
Mundelein resident Ron Salski , who has led the Lake Bluff Park District for nearly 12 years , was recently selected by the park board .
Salski , who has 26 years in the park and recreation field was hired to a three-year contract after a national search conducted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts .
His starting salary will be $ 160,000 .
Jesse Ortega , the Mundelein park district board president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortunate , excited , and proud '' to have hired someone of Salski 's caliber to replace Resnick , who had an exceptional 13-year tenure .
`` The Mundelein community will continue to have the best park district managerial operations in the state with Ron as executive director , '' Ortega said in the announcement .
Before Lake Bluff , Salski served five years as chief at the Wheeling Park District and also had held management posts at the Hoffman Estates and Salt Creek ( Palatine ) districts .
Salski also was board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recreation Association .
He and his family have been Mundelein residents for 12 years and frequently participate in district programs and special events and use the facilities .
He described the new post as his `` dream job '' and it will provide a chance to lead and become more integrated in the community .
Salski will start May 1 and transition with Resnick until the end of May .
Resnick has earned a statewide reputation and received several professional recognitions .
The district has 33 park sites spanning 735 acres of open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lakes and trails .
It also offers more than 650 seasonal programs and hosts more than 20 annual events .

New chief for Mundelein Park & Recreation District
Margaret Resnick is retiring as executive director of the Mundelein Park & Recreation District after 13 years. Courtesy of Mundelein Park & Recreation District
Mundelein Park & Recreation District's future executive director, Ron Salski with his family, from left to right, Ashton, Addison, Julie, Ron, Annalie, and Mowgli. Salski will replace Margaret Resnick who is retiring at the end of May. Courtesy of Regi Mele
The Mundelein Park & Recreation District has named a new executive director to replace Margaret Resnick, who is retiring at the end of May.
Mundelein resident Ron Salski, who has led the Lake Bluff Park District for nearly 12 years, was recently selected by the park board.
Salski, who has 26 years in the park and recreation field was hired to a three-year contract after a national search conducted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. His starting salary will be $160,000.
Jesse Ortega, the Mundelein park district board president, said the district was "very fortunate, excited, and proud" to have hired someone of Salski's caliber to replace Resnick, who had an exceptional 13-year tenure.
"The Mundelein community will continue to have the best park district managerial operations in the state with Ron as executive director," Ortega said in the announcement.
Before Lake Bluff, Salski served five years as chief at the Wheeling Park District and also had held management posts at the Hoffman Estates and Salt Creek (Palatine) districts.
Salski also was board chairman for the statewide Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
He and his family have been Mundelein residents for 12 years and frequently participate in district programs and special events and use the facilities.
He described the new post as his "dream job" and it will provide a chance to lead and become more integrated in the community.
Salski will start May 1 and transition with Resnick until the end of May. Resnick has earned a statewide reputation and received several professional recognitions.
The district has 33 park sites spanning 735 acres of open space, playgrounds, ball fields, lakes and trails. It also offers more than 650 seasonal programs and hosts more than 20 annual events.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Work resumes to resurface Butterfield Road from Libertyville to Vernon Hills

Work has resumed on a project to resurface nearly four miles of Butterfield Road in Libertyville , Mundelein and Vernon Hills .
The $ 3.34 million project stretches about 3.68 miles , from Route 176 to Route 60 .
Crews this week began removing the concrete median and plans are to pour concrete to replace curbs and medians at railroad crossings north and south of Route 60 .
Also , brick paver removal along the median wall between Huntington Drive in Vernon Hills south to Route 176 continues .
Butterfield Road is under the jurisdiction of the Lake County Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurfacing in its five-year highway improvement program .
The Lake County Board in August awarded the contract to low bidder Peter Baker & Son Company of Lake Bluff .
The project had been estimated to cost $ 4.5 million .
Construction began in late September , when curbs and drainage inlets were repaired and sidewalk crossings improved .
Subsequent work included concrete curb/sidewalk removal and replacement in the southbound lane south from Golf Road in Libertyville .
More than 23,000 vehicles per day travel on that stretch of Butterfield .
Though it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butterfield Road in 2007 became the first county road that had been widened to five lanes from one end to the other .
A distinct feature is more than a mile of raised landscaped median faced with manufactured stone .
Respective villages are responsible for water and maintenance .
Daily lane closures are expected as work continues and drivers should watch for workers , flaggers and trucks arriving and leaving .
Project updates will be posted throughout the construction season at https : //www.lakecountyil.gov/4146 .

Work resumes to resurface Butterfield Road from Libertyville to Vernon Hills
Work has resumed on a project to resurface nearly four miles of Butterfield Road in Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills.
The $3.34 million project stretches about 3.68 miles, from Route 176 to Route 60. Crews this week began removing the concrete median and plans are to pour concrete to replace curbs and medians at railroad crossings north and south of Route 60.
Also, brick paver removal along the median wall between Huntington Drive in Vernon Hills south to Route 176 continues.
Butterfield Road is under the jurisdiction of the Lake County Division of Transportation, which has included the resurfacing in its five-year highway improvement program. The Lake County Board in August awarded the contract to low bidder Peter Baker & Son Company of Lake Bluff. The project had been estimated to cost $4.5 million.
Construction began in late September, when curbs and drainage inlets were repaired and sidewalk crossings improved. Subsequent work included concrete curb/sidewalk removal and replacement in the southbound lane south from Golf Road in Libertyville.
More than 23,000 vehicles per day travel on that stretch of Butterfield.
Though it was completed in segments over several years, Butterfield Road in 2007 became the first county road that had been widened to five lanes from one end to the other.
A distinct feature is more than a mile of raised landscaped median faced with manufactured stone. Respective villages are responsible for water and maintenance.
Daily lane closures are expected as work continues and drivers should watch for workers, flaggers and trucks arriving and leaving.
Project updates will be posted throughout the construction season at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4146.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--How a Campton Hills man's Costanza haircut raised $15K for a Batavia food pantry

A 33-year-old financial adviser has raised more than $ 15,000 to support the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry during the coronavirus pandemic -- and he has the hairstyle of `` Seinfeld '' character George Costanza to show for it .
Having sported the same professional do for the past decade , Nick Ninedorf noticed his full head of hair was getting a little shaggy during the stay-at-home order .
Rather than ask his wife , Karly , to give him a trim -- she had never done it before and was starting to get nervous -- the Campton Hills resident saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make people smile .
On April 10 , Ninedorf launched a Facebook fundraiser seeking donations for the food pantry , an organization founded by local churches to help families in need .
In turn , he pledged to let his wife cut his hair live on Facebook .
Here 's the catch : The amount of money raised would determine how Ninedorf 's hair would be styled .
Anything less than $ 1,000 and he 'd keep his `` normal , boring '' financial adviser haircut , his Facebook post said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the haircut worn by rapper Macklemore , a flat top , a bowl cut , a mohawk , and finally , if he exceeded $ 10,000 , `` The Costanza . ''
Ninedorf and his friends bounced around ideas for pairing cuts to price ranges before deciding the top-tier hairstyle should resemble that of the famously bald `` Seinfeld '' character .
Ninedorf never expected to make it that far ; the halfway point , he thought , might be achievable .
But by Sunday , hundreds of people had given about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more donations were rolling in .
Karly got to work that afternoon shaving the top of her husband 's head and cutting his remaining hair , all of which was broadcast on Facebook Live .
With her funny facial expressions and nervous laughter , Ninedorf said , his wife was the real star of the roughly 40-minute video .
A subsequent video posted to the fundraiser page showed his 2-year-old daughter , Emi , wearing a bewildered expression before telling her dad she liked his new cut .
As of Tuesday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the food pantry , and Ninedorf was keeping his promise to wear the Costanza style proudly for an entire week .
That means no hats allowed .
`` It 's such a double-edged sword , '' he said , chuckling .
`` It 's such a great cause , but I look like an idiot . ''
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry is crucial in helping community members who are struggling , whether it be with food insecurity , unemployment , financial problems or other issues , said Ninedorf , who grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business there .
The global health crisis has led to a greater demand for those services .
`` It 's something I think everyone can get behind , '' he said .
`` Nobody would want their neighbor or someone they care about to be hungry , but unfortunately that 's the reality for a lot of people right now . ''
The purpose of the `` Quarantine Haircut for Charity '' extends beyond its philanthropic mission , Ninedorf said .
He hopes it serves as an example that something as simple as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most challenging of times .
`` It 's a good reminder that our better nature will carry us through this and we will come out stronger on the other side , '' his Facebook post says .
`` This moment in our history has been a stark reminder of how our actions deeply impact those around us .
Right now , we get to decide if those are positive or negative effects .
Be good to one another . ''

How a Campton Hills man's Costanza haircut raised $15K for a Batavia food pantry
Two-year-old Emi Ninedorf checks out her dad's new haircut, which was styled live on Facebook to raise money for charity. Courtesy of Nick Ninedorf
To raise money for charity, Nick Ninedorf, a 33-year-old financial adviser who lives in Campton Hills, had his hair styled to look like "Seinfeld" character George Costanza. His wife, Karly, cut his hair live on Facebook. Here, they pose with their 2-year-old daughter, Emi. Courtesy of Nick Ninedorf
A 33-year-old financial adviser has raised more than $15,000 to support the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry during the coronavirus pandemic -- and he has the hairstyle of "Seinfeld" character George Costanza to show for it.
Having sported the same professional do for the past decade, Nick Ninedorf noticed his full head of hair was getting a little shaggy during the stay-at-home order.
Rather than ask his wife, Karly, to give him a trim -- she had never done it before and was starting to get nervous -- the Campton Hills resident saw an opportunity to simultaneously do something charitable and make people smile.
On April 10, Ninedorf launched a Facebook fundraiser seeking donations for the food pantry, an organization founded by local churches to help families in need. In turn, he pledged to let his wife cut his hair live on Facebook.
Here's the catch: The amount of money raised would determine how Ninedorf's hair would be styled.
Nick Ninedorf, a 33-year-old financial adviser, had a full head of hair before his wife, Karly, cut it live on Facebook to raise money for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. - Courtesy of Nick Ninedorf
Anything less than $1,000 and he'd keep his "normal, boring" financial adviser haircut, his Facebook post said. The styles became increasingly ridiculous from there: the haircut worn by rapper Macklemore, a flat top, a bowl cut, a mohawk, and finally, if he exceeded $10,000, "The Costanza."
Ninedorf and his friends bounced around ideas for pairing cuts to price ranges before deciding the top-tier hairstyle should resemble that of the famously bald "Seinfeld" character.
Ninedorf never expected to make it that far; the halfway point, he thought, might be achievable. But by Sunday, hundreds of people had given about $11,000 to the cause, and more donations were rolling in.
Karly got to work that afternoon shaving the top of her husband's head and cutting his remaining hair, all of which was broadcast on Facebook Live. With her funny facial expressions and nervous laughter, Ninedorf said, his wife was the real star of the roughly 40-minute video.
Nick Ninedorf, 33, bends down to show off his new Costanza-style haircut to his 2-year-old daughter, Emi. - Courtesy of Nick Ninedorf
A subsequent video posted to the fundraiser page showed his 2-year-old daughter, Emi, wearing a bewildered expression before telling her dad she liked his new cut.
As of Tuesday evening, more than $15,600 had been collected for the food pantry, and Ninedorf was keeping his promise to wear the Costanza style proudly for an entire week. That means no hats allowed.
"It's such a double-edged sword," he said, chuckling. "It's such a great cause, but I look like an idiot."
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry is crucial in helping community members who are struggling, whether it be with food insecurity, unemployment, financial problems or other issues, said Ninedorf, who grew up in Batavia and now runs his business there. The global health crisis has led to a greater demand for those services.
"It's something I think everyone can get behind," he said. "Nobody would want their neighbor or someone they care about to be hungry, but unfortunately that's the reality for a lot of people right now."
The purpose of the "Quarantine Haircut for Charity" extends beyond its philanthropic mission, Ninedorf said. He hopes it serves as an example that something as simple as a haircut can make a difference in the most challenging of times.
"It's a good reminder that our better nature will carry us through this and we will come out stronger on the other side," his Facebook post says. "This moment in our history has been a stark reminder of how our actions deeply impact those around us. Right now, we get to decide if those are positive or negative effects. Be good to one another."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--Mundelein to impose mask policy; Gurnee, Buffalo Grove considering similar plans

Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz issued an executive order Tuesday requiring people in the village to wear face coverings in public starting Thursday , and officials in Gurnee and Buffalo Grove are considering the change as well .
People do not need to cover their faces in their cars and homes or when outdoors , Mundelein officials said in a statement announcing the order on Tuesday , and cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under the age of 5 .
Lentz said Tuesday he began discussing the policy with trustees and staff members last week and he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similar rules have been adopted in Glenview , Cicero , Skokie and Highland Park in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Other towns have begun implementing it and the governor is seriously considering it , as I understand , and so it seems like the right thing to do so everyone is on the same page , '' Lentz said .
Lentz said that when the order goes into effect , business operators may refuse admission or service to individuals not covering their faces .
He said he did n't think village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets to people not wearing masks .
`` I suspect everyone 's going to be a good neighbor and comply , '' Lentz said .
`` I would n't want to speculate on enforcement at this point .
It is an ordinance enforceable by law .
I think the community needs a nudge to make sure everyone is on the same page . ''
Lentz , who had and recovered from COVID-19 , said a robocall will go out to residents informing them of the new order .
Gurnee village leaders are considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At a board meeting Monday night , Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik asked village trustees to share their thoughts with her .
Kovarik said Tuesday she has heard mixed reactions from trustees so far .
`` While waiting for feedback from the trustees , staff is doing research and we are networking with our peers in the few communities who have done this to see how it 's working in the early stage , '' Kovarik said Tuesday .
Buffalo Grove officials are working on an ordinance that would require face coverings in essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Monday 's village board meeting by Trustee Andrew Stein and received support from several trustees as well as Village President Beverly Sussman .
Last month Lentz was the first Northwest suburban mayor to reveal he 'd been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
His wife , Michelle , also tested positive , but both have since recovered .
He said Tuesday his experience with COVID-19 likely informed his interest in implementing the mask plan .
`` Wearing a mask protects others from you if you have the virus , '' Lentz said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and have no idea and no clue you are contagious . ''

Mundelein to impose mask policy; Gurnee, Buffalo Grove considering similar plans
A man wears a mask as he carries shopping bags in Skokie Tuesday. A growing number of suburbs, including Mundelein, are implementing mask orders. Associated Press
Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz issued an executive order Tuesday requiring people in the village to wear face coverings in public starting Thursday, and officials in Gurnee and Buffalo Grove are considering the change as well.
People do not need to cover their faces in their cars and homes or when outdoors, Mundelein officials said in a statement announcing the order on Tuesday, and cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under the age of 5.
Lentz said Tuesday he began discussing the policy with trustees and staff members last week and he has the support of the village board.
Similar rules have been adopted in Glenview, Cicero, Skokie and Highland Park in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Other towns have begun implementing it and the governor is seriously considering it, as I understand, and so it seems like the right thing to do so everyone is on the same page," Lentz said.
Lentz said that when the order goes into effect, business operators may refuse admission or service to individuals not covering their faces. He said he didn't think village police officers would necessarily be out writing tickets to people not wearing masks.
"I suspect everyone's going to be a good neighbor and comply," Lentz said. "I wouldn't want to speculate on enforcement at this point. It is an ordinance enforceable by law. I think the community needs a nudge to make sure everyone is on the same page."
Lentz, who had and recovered from COVID-19, said a robocall will go out to residents informing them of the new order.
Gurnee village leaders are considering implementing a face-covering policy as well. At a board meeting Monday night, Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik asked village trustees to share their thoughts with her. Kovarik said Tuesday she has heard mixed reactions from trustees so far.
"While waiting for feedback from the trustees, staff is doing research and we are networking with our peers in the few communities who have done this to see how it's working in the early stage," Kovarik said Tuesday.
Buffalo Grove officials are working on an ordinance that would require face coverings in essential businesses. The idea was brought up at Monday's village board meeting by Trustee Andrew Stein and received support from several trustees as well as Village President Beverly Sussman.
Last month Lentz was the first Northwest suburban mayor to reveal he'd been diagnosed with COVID-19. His wife, Michelle, also tested positive, but both have since recovered. He said Tuesday his experience with COVID-19 likely informed his interest in implementing the mask plan.
"Wearing a mask protects others from you if you have the virus," Lentz said. "I know it's possible to have the virus and have no idea and no clue you are contagious."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Forest preserve parking lots closed in DuPage to discourage crowds

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County now is trying to limit parking at six preserves to discourage large crowds during the state 's stay-at-home order .
The move came Monday , when the district announced closure of some lots at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook , Herrick Lake near Wheaton , McDowell Grove near Naperville , Spring Creek Reservoir near Bloomingdale , Waterfall Glen near Darien and Wood Dale Grove near Wood Dale .
`` We 're doing everything we can to make sure that our preserves do n't get too busy , '' spokesman Tony Martinez said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down all the forest preserves , and we do n't want to do that . ''
Suburban forest preserve districts responded differently after Gov .
J.B. Pritzker issued the stay-home-order on March 20 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
The order runs though April 30 .
Will County closed parking lots at all its preserves .
Cook County has closed lots at some sites , including Busse Forest Elk Pasture near Elk Grove Village .
Forest preserves in Kane and Lake counties have remained open .
Ty Kovach , executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the district has asked visitors to help keep preserves open by social distancing .
`` Our observation is that people are really going out of their way up here in Lake County to practice good social distancing in the parking lot and once they get out into the preserve , '' Kovach said .
Martinez says DuPage officials want to keep preserves open because of the health benefits related to being outside .
Like other districts , DuPage called on visitors to adhere to social distancing and public health guidelines .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waterfall Glen on April 3 to stop visitors from congregating and said it would monitor congestion in parking lots .
Despite encouraging people to visit less crowded preserves , popular locations remained busy .
So officials prohibited non-county residents from parking at Waterfall Glen , Fullersburg Woods , Blackwell near Warrenville , Herrick Lake , and Hidden Lake near Downers Grove .
In addition to posting signs , forest preserve police patrolled the preserves to ensure compliance and even ran license plates and issued citations to violators .
Still , the district had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked if closing preserves is a possibility , Martinez said it would be `` the last resort . ''
`` Hopefully , we 've been through the roughest part of it , but who knows , '' he said .
`` The weather is getting nicer out there . ''

Forest preserve parking lots closed in DuPage to discourage crowds
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County now is trying to limit parking at six preserves to discourage large crowds during the state's stay-at-home order.
The move came Monday, when the district announced closure of some lots at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake near Wheaton, McDowell Grove near Naperville, Spring Creek Reservoir near Bloomingdale, Waterfall Glen near Darien and Wood Dale Grove near Wood Dale.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure that our preserves don't get too busy," spokesman Tony Martinez said Tuesday. "The other alternative is shutting down all the forest preserves, and we don't want to do that."
Suburban forest preserve districts responded differently after Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued the stay-home-order on March 20 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The order runs though April 30.
Will County closed parking lots at all its preserves. Cook County has closed lots at some sites, including Busse Forest Elk Pasture near Elk Grove Village. Forest preserves in Kane and Lake counties have remained open.
Ty Kovach, executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserves, said the district has asked visitors to help keep preserves open by social distancing.
"Our observation is that people are really going out of their way up here in Lake County to practice good social distancing in the parking lot and once they get out into the preserve," Kovach said.
Martinez says DuPage officials want to keep preserves open because of the health benefits related to being outside. Like other districts, DuPage called on visitors to adhere to social distancing and public health guidelines.
But the district closed Rocky Glen Waterfall at Waterfall Glen on April 3 to stop visitors from congregating and said it would monitor congestion in parking lots.
Despite encouraging people to visit less crowded preserves, popular locations remained busy. So officials prohibited non-county residents from parking at Waterfall Glen, Fullersburg Woods, Blackwell near Warrenville, Herrick Lake, and Hidden Lake near Downers Grove.
In addition to posting signs, forest preserve police patrolled the preserves to ensure compliance and even ran license plates and issued citations to violators.
Still, the district had to go further and close some lots.
When asked if closing preserves is a possibility, Martinez said it would be "the last resort."
"Hopefully, we've been through the roughest part of it, but who knows," he said. "The weather is getting nicer out there."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--10-year-old Arlington Heights 'Ninja' ready for prime time

Spider Walls and Flying Squirrels might sound like something out of a childhood nightmare , but it 's just another day on the course for Owen Pham .
The 10-year-old from Arlington Heights not only challenges those obstacles , but he also takes on a Crazy Cliffhanger and Little Dipper as part of his `` ninja '' training .
You can see Owen put his skills on display when he appears on the 6 p.m. May 1 episode of `` American Ninja Warrior Junior '' on the Universal Kids network .
While many of the obstacles on the competition course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new for someone who 's been practicing for this moment for two years .
`` I thought I 'd try it out and I was pretty good at it , '' said Owen , who attends Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School .
`` My mom signed me up for a competition in Wisconsin and I finished first .
That 's how I got into Ninja . ''
If Owen advances in the tournament on the May 1 episode , he 'll move on to the following week 's episode and into the event semifinals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Kids on June 13 , almost a year after the filming took place in July .
While he and his family know how it all turns out , it 's been tough not telling others .
`` I think it 's hard for kids , but it 's hard for a mom and a dad , too , '' said Colleen Pham , Owen 's mother .
The family hoped to host a viewing party next week , but the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic changed plans .
They 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they 've got ideas for a `` virtual '' gathering .
`` We 're experimenting , '' Colleen Pham said .
`` We 're thinking about putting poster boards on our porch next weekend , and if people want to come by and decorate a sign and put them in the yard , they could do that .
We 're trying to piece it together . ''
Owen and his younger brother Ryan both participate in Ninja competitions with the blessing of Colleen and her husband , Chinh .
Through gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Ninjas in Elmhurst , they 've honed their skills under the guidance of trainers .
Owen also plays football and soccer , but through Ninja competitions he found something a little more exhilarating .
`` It 's always a lot of nerves going in , just wondering how I 'm going to do , '' Owen said .
`` Am I going to do good or am I going to do bad ?
Nerves are sometimes good to help you on the course , but it can also be scary because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do . ''
The threat of injury makes it even scarier , something Owen knows all too well .
He actually qualified for the first season of American Ninja Warrior Junior , but he broke his left elbow while training and missed the competition .
The injury -- occurring just after he recovered from a broken wrist -- took seven months to heal , but he was ready to go in July .
It 's all part of the risk of being a Ninja .
`` I 'm very reckless , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's lots of strategy for how you 're going to do it .
How can I catch up and how can I make sure I 'm not going to fall ?
It 's just a lot of fun . ''

10-year-old Arlington Heights 'Ninja' ready for prime time
Owen Pham, a 10-year-old from Arlington Heights, will compete on the May 1 episode of "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Owen Pham, a 10-year-old from Arlington Heights, will have a "virtual viewing party" for when he's seen competing on the May 1 episode of "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Owen Pham, a 10-year-old from Arlington Heights, qualified for last season's "American Ninja Warrior Junior" tournament, but a broken elbow kept him from competing. Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Owen Pham, a 10-year-old from Arlington Heights, will compete on the May 1 episode of "American Ninja Warrior Junior." Courtesy of Eddy Chen/Universal Kids
Spider Walls and Flying Squirrels might sound like something out of a childhood nightmare, but it's just another day on the course for Owen Pham.
The 10-year-old from Arlington Heights not only challenges those obstacles, but he also takes on a Crazy Cliffhanger and Little Dipper as part of his "ninja" training.
You can see Owen put his skills on display when he appears on the 5 p.m. May 1 episode of "American Ninja Warrior Junior" on the Universal Kids network.
While many of the obstacles on the competition course feature odd-sounding names, it's nothing new for someone who's been practicing for this moment for two years.
"I thought I'd try it out and I was pretty good at it," said Owen, who attends Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School. "My mom signed me up for a competition in Wisconsin and I finished first. That's how I got into Ninja."
If Owen advances in the tournament on the May 1 episode, he'll move on to the following week's episode and into the event semifinals. The finals will be broadcast on Universal Kids on June 12, almost a year after the filming took place in July.
While he and his family know how it all turns out, it's been tough not telling others.
"I think it's hard for kids, but it's hard for a mom and a dad, too," said Colleen Pham, Owen's mother.
The family hoped to host a viewing party next week, but the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic changed plans. They're not sure exactly what they'll do, but they've got ideas for a "virtual" gathering.
"We're experimenting," Colleen Pham said. "We're thinking about putting poster boards on our porch next weekend, and if people want to come by and decorate a sign and put them in the yard, they could do that. We're trying to piece it together."
Owen and his younger brother Ryan both participate in Ninja competitions with the blessing of Colleen and her husband, Chinh. Through gyms like Ultimate Ninjas in Libertyville and Windy City Ninjas in Elmhurst, they've honed their skills under the guidance of trainers.
Owen also plays football and soccer, but through Ninja competitions he found something a little more exhilarating.
"It's always a lot of nerves going in, just wondering how I'm going to do," Owen said. "Am I going to do good or am I going to do bad? Nerves are sometimes good to help you on the course, but it can also be scary because you don't know how you're going to do."
The threat of injury makes it even scarier, something Owen knows all too well.
He actually qualified for the first season of American Ninja Warrior Junior, but he broke his left elbow while training and missed the competition. The injury -- occurring just after he recovered from a broken wrist -- took seven months to heal, but he was ready to go in July.
It's all part of the risk of being a Ninja.
"I'm very reckless," Owen said with a laugh. "There's lots of strategy for how you're going to do it. How can I catch up and how can I make sure I'm not going to fall? It's just a lot of fun."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--A song to make you smile: 'Beautiful Day' by U2

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Beautiful Day '' by U2 , released in 2000 .

A song to make you smile: 'Beautiful Day' by U2
Bono and Adam Clayton perform during a U2 concert at the Apollo Theater in New York in 2018. Associated Press
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is "Beautiful Day" by U2, released in 2000.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--Feder: ESPN 1000's Marc Silverman reveals cancer diagnosis

Marc Silverman , widely admired afternoon co-host on Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM , disclosed on his show @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma , a cancer of the lymphatic system , Robert @ @ @ @ @ he would be starting chemotherapy treatment next week .
An outpouring of well-wishes followed .
@ @ @ @ @ ESPN Chicago and Good Karma Brands know that Silvy is a fighter and he 's @ @ @ @ @ Thomas , market manager for ESPN Chicago .
`` We 're here for him 100 @ @ @ @ @ this time . ''
Silverman , 48 , grew up in Skokie and graduated from @ @ @ @ @ Southern Illinois University .
He worked as a sports intern and reporter at news/talk WGN @ @ @ @ @ on its launch 1998 .
Since 2007 he 's been teamed with Tom Waddle from @ @ @ @ @ through Friday .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at @ @

Feder: ESPN 1000's Marc Silverman reveals cancer diagnosis
Marc Silverman, widely admired afternoon co-host on Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM, disclosed on his show Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, Robert Feder writes.
He said he would be starting chemotherapy treatment next week.
An outpouring of well-wishes followed.
"All of us at ESPN Chicago and Good Karma Brands know that Silvy is a fighter and he's strong," said Mike Thomas, market manager for ESPN Chicago. "We're here for him 100 percent whatever he needs during this time."
Silverman, 48, grew up in Skokie and graduated from Niles North High School and Southern Illinois University.
He worked as a sports intern and reporter at news/talk WGN 720-AM before joining ESPN 1000 on its launch 1998.
Since 2007 he's been teamed with Tom Waddle from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--District 220 looking to strike agreements with architect, construction manager for building projects

Barrington Area Unit District 220 is proceeding with an effort to hire an architect and construction manager for $ 147 million in building projects approved by voters last month .
Plans call for safety and security upgrades at all District 220 schools .
In addition , the work will include a new physical education and wellness center at Barrington High School , additional classrooms at the district 's two middle schools , and new classroom space at all elementary buildings for science , technology , engineering and mathematics classes , as well as students with special needs .
District 220 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to administrators to continue working toward finalizing agreements with Chicago-based architecture firm DLR Group and Pepper Construction in Barrington .
Superintendent Brian Harris said he and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Bein have met with Dennis Bane , national business development leader for K-12 education at DLR , and Lance Tritsch , a Pepper vice president whose specialties include school projects , '' They did a wonderful job meeting with Dave and I , working through some of the tough questions and details , '' Harris said .
Board members also agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building projects .
District 220 will obtain $ 147 million in loans through bond sales to investors , likely over three years , Bein said .
Robert Lewis , senior vice president and managing director of PMA Financial Network , said interest rates were at all-time lows before shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic started last month .
He said rates have risen in a turbulent market , but there is potential for stabilization in June and July when investors typically receive six-month interest payouts from municipal bonds and then look to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market conditions will be assessed over the next couple months .
He said the district can delay seeking the financing to September if interest rates do n't appear favorable .
With District 220 expecting to pay off some debt in 2021 , the owner of a home valued at $ 500,000 will receive a decrease of about $ 75 a year , compared with the 2019 property tax bill .

District 220 looking to strike agreements with architect, construction manager for building projects
Barrington Area Unit District 220 is proceeding with an effort to hire an architect and construction manager for $147 million in building projects approved by voters last month. Daily Herald file photo
Barrington Area Unit District 220 is proceeding with an effort to hire an architect and construction manager for $147 million in building projects approved by voters last month.
Plans call for safety and security upgrades at all District 220 schools. In addition, the work will include a new physical education and wellness center at Barrington High School, additional classrooms at the district's two middle schools, and new classroom space at all elementary buildings for science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes, as well as students with special needs.
District 220 board members Tuesday night gave a thumbs-up to administrators to continue working toward finalizing agreements with Chicago-based architecture firm DLR Group and Pepper Construction in Barrington.
Superintendent Brian Harris said he and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Bein have met with Dennis Bane, national business development leader for K-12 education at DLR, and Lance Tritsch, a Pepper vice president whose specialties include school projects,
"They did a wonderful job meeting with Dave and I, working through some of the tough questions and details," Harris said.
Board members also agreed Bein can continue to pursue financing for the building projects. District 220 will obtain $147 million in loans through bond sales to investors, likely over three years, Bein said.
Robert Lewis, senior vice president and managing director of PMA Financial Network, said interest rates were at all-time lows before shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic started last month. He said rates have risen in a turbulent market, but there is potential for stabilization in June and July when investors typically receive six-month interest payouts from municipal bonds and then look to reinvest in something similar.
Bein said market conditions will be assessed over the next couple months. He said the district can delay seeking the financing to September if interest rates don't appear favorable.
With District 220 expecting to pay off some debt in 2021, the owner of a home valued at $500,000 will receive a decrease of about $75 a year, compared with the 2019 property tax bill.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-21--AP source: A-Rod, J-Lo retain JP Morgan in bid for Mets

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez , once again , wants to be like Derek Jeter .
A-Rod and Jennifer Lopez , who are engaged , have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for a possible bid for the New York Mets .
The move was first reported by Variety and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was not announced .
A three-time AL MVP , Rodriguez retired in August 2016 with 698 home runs , a .295 average and 2,086 RBIs in 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 season for violations of Major League Baseball 's drug agreement and labor contract .
A-Rod , now 44 years old , earned about $ 448 million as a player .
The 14-time All-Star started his career with Seattle , signed a record contract with Texas in December 2000 , and then moved from shortstop to third base when he was traded from the Rangers to the New York Yankees ahead of the 2004 season .
Jeter , the Yankees captain and shortstop , retired after the 2014 season and was elected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He became CEO of the Miami Marlins as part of the team 's sale from Jeffrey Loria to a group headed by Bruce Sherman in October 2017 .
The Mets ' ownership is headed by Fred Wilpon , brother-in-law Saul Katz and Jeff Wilpon 's son Jeff , the team 's chief operating officer .
The team said Dec. 4 it was negotiating an agreement with Steve Cohen .
The hedge fund manager bought an 8 % limited partnership stake in 2012 for $ 40 million .
The deal under discussion would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlling share in a transaction that values the team at $ 2.6 billion , and the Wilpons would have remained in place for five years .
The sides announced the deal 's collapse on Feb. 6 , and the Mets owners said they intended to find a new buyer .
Allen & Co. represents the Mets owners .
Given the drop in equities prices caused by the new coronavirus pandemic , the next few months figure to be a difficult time to raise money for a bid .

AP source: A-Rod, J-Lo retain JP Morgan in bid for Mets
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2019, file photo, Jennifer Lopez, left, and Alex Rodriguez sit courtside during an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami. Rodriguez and Lopez have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for a possible bid for the New York Mets. The move was first reported by Variety and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was not announced. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez, once again, wants to be like Derek Jeter.
A-Rod and Jennifer Lopez, who are engaged, have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for a possible bid for the New York Mets. The move was first reported by Variety and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was not announced.
A three-time AL MVP, Rodriguez retired in August 2016 with 698 home runs, a .295 average and 2,086 RBIs in 22 years. He was suspended for the 2014 season for violations of Major League Baseball's drug agreement and labor contract.
A-Rod, now 44 years old, earned about $448 million as a player. The 14-time All-Star started his career with Seattle, signed a record contract with Texas in December 2000, and then moved from shortstop to third base when he was traded from the Rangers to the New York Yankees ahead of the 2004 season.
Jeter, the Yankees captain and shortstop, retired after the 2014 season and was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in January. He became CEO of the Miami Marlins as part of the team's sale from Jeffrey Loria to a group headed by Bruce Sherman in October 2017.
The Mets' ownership is headed by Fred Wilpon, brother-in-law Saul Katz and Jeff Wilpon's son Jeff, the team's chief operating officer. The team said Dec. 4 it was negotiating an agreement with Steve Cohen. The hedge fund manager bought an 8% limited partnership stake in 2012 for $40 million. The deal under discussion would have seen him acquire an 80% controlling share in a transaction that values the team at $2.6 billion, and the Wilpons would have remained in place for five years.
The sides announced the deal's collapse on Feb. 6, and the Mets owners said they intended to find a new buyer. Allen & Co. represents the Mets owners.
Given the drop in equities prices caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, the next few months figure to be a difficult time to raise money for a bid.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-22--COVID-19 cases pass 35,100; Aurora mall to offer drive-up testing

The number of Illinoisans dying from COVID-19 grew by 98 as of Wednesday , with 2,049 more cases , a new high that 's attributable to more testing , state officials explained .
During his daily briefing , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker also announced a fourth state-run drive-through testing facility opened Wednesday in Aurora at the Chicago Premium Outlets mall , just north of I-88 at Farnsworth Avenue .
The Aurora site , expected to accept 600 specimens a day , is available to anyone with COVID-19-like symptoms , such as coughing and shortness of breath , and a doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Department of Public Health , however , advised residents the facility may be crowded initially and waits could be long .
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily , or while supplies last .
`` Testing is a vital feature of a long-term path to building a new normal , '' Pritzker said .
Compared to Illinois ' population of 12.7 million , only a small fraction of tests have occurred -- 164,346 .
But that number includes 41,757 tests administered since April 16 .
Statewide , 1,565 people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35,108 cases as of Wednesday .
Pritzker confirmed he 's consulting with medical experts and looking at an extension of the stay-at-home rule , currently existing through April 30 .
Asked about whether summer camps can go ahead , Pritzker said , `` I 'm not making decisions about summer camps .
The summer camps and parents will make those decisions .
`` I feel terrible about not having a perfect answer , '' he said .
But `` COVID-19 is still out there .
It 's still going to infect people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing even if we do n't have a stay-at-home rule .
You 'll still need people wearing masks , you 'll still need a lot of things that might make it difficult for a summer camp to operate , but it does n't mean a summer camp ca n't figure it out . ''
Some states including Georgia are allowing certain businesses , such as bowling alleys and nail salons , to reopen .
Pritzker said more COVID-19 testing , tracing ability and treatment options are needed before fully reopening Illinois ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway .
That 's their choice ...
I think many people will get sick as a result . ''
A fifth drive-through testing site in Rockford at the University of Illinois College of Medicine opens Friday .
Other locations are in Harwood Heights , Bloomington and Markham .
People seeking a test will need a functioning car window and must bring photo identification .
Walk-ups are not allowed .
The governor also addressed whether state parks could be reopened , saying although it seems easy to adhere to social distancing in large areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for employees .
`` One of the biggest reasons we closed state parks was because we have state workers that have to work in close proximity -- often in buildings and in trucks , '' Pritzker said .
As of Tuesday , 4,665 Illinoisans were hospitalized with COVID-19 .
Of those , 1,220 were in the ICU with 747 on ventilators , IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said .

COVID-19 cases pass 35,100; Aurora mall to offer drive-up testing
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday an increase in tests brought the highest single-day number of new COVID-19 cases in the state -- 2,049. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
The number of Illinoisans dying from COVID-19 grew by 98 as of Wednesday, with 2,049 more cases, a new high that's attributable to more testing, state officials explained.
During his daily briefing, Gov. J.B. Pritzker also announced a fourth state-run drive-through testing facility opened Wednesday in Aurora at the Chicago Premium Outlets mall, just north of I-88 at Farnsworth Avenue.
The Aurora site, expected to accept 600 specimens a day, is available to anyone with COVID-19-like symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, and a doctor's permission is not required.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, however, advised residents the facility may be crowded initially and waits could be long. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, or while supplies last.
"Testing is a vital feature of a long-term path to building a new normal," Pritzker said.
Compared to Illinois' population of 12.7 million, only a small fraction of tests have occurred -- 164,346. But that number includes 41,757 tests administered since April 16.
Statewide, 1,565 people have died from the respiratory disease and there are 35,108 cases as of Wednesday.
Pritzker confirmed he's consulting with medical experts and looking at an extension of the stay-at-home rule, currently existing through April 30.
Asked about whether summer camps can go ahead, Pritzker said, "I'm not making decisions about summer camps. The summer camps and parents will make those decisions.
"I feel terrible about not having a perfect answer," he said. But "COVID-19 is still out there. It's still going to infect people.
"We're still going to need social distancing even if we don't have a stay-at-home rule. You'll still need people wearing masks, you'll still need a lot of things that might make it difficult for a summer camp to operate, but it doesn't mean a summer camp can't figure it out."
Some states including Georgia are allowing certain businesses, such as bowling alleys and nail salons, to reopen.
Pritzker said more COVID-19 testing, tracing ability and treatment options are needed before fully reopening Illinois' economy. "Some states are reopening anyway. That's their choice ... I think many people will get sick as a result."
A fifth drive-through testing site in Rockford at the University of Illinois College of Medicine opens Friday. Other locations are in Harwood Heights, Bloomington and Markham.
People seeking a test will need a functioning car window and must bring photo identification. Walk-ups are not allowed.
The governor also addressed whether state parks could be reopened, saying although it seems easy to adhere to social distancing in large areas of open space, it's problematic for employees.
"One of the biggest reasons we closed state parks was because we have state workers that have to work in close proximity -- often in buildings and in trucks," Pritzker said.
As of Tuesday, 4,665 Illinoisans were hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 1,220 were in the ICU with 747 on ventilators, IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said.