dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Rozner: Pressure now on Blackhawks' Rocky Wirtz to get it right

There was a time 15 or 20 years ago when I would mention in passing to my Daily Herald bosses Doug Ray and John Lampinen that if I should happen to vanish from the planet , they will want to point the cops to West Madison Street .
That 's where they ought to start , in the Blackhawks ' front office .
On the long list of those who have ever hated me , no one had more interest in seeing me disappear than Bill and Peter Wirtz .
So it was with some shock that I heard from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rocky Wirtz .
It was about two weeks after Bill Wirtz died and Rocky wanted to get together for drinks .
If I had any friends , I would have brought one along for backup .
But while everyone thought Peter Wirtz would be the new boss after years of working for his father , I knew the real story and had written when Bill died that Rocky would get the team .
Rocky had displayed great courage in staying away from a franchise that he loved so that when the time came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so without the Wirtz stink on him .
`` I was n't even in the press guide , '' Rocky told me in October 2018 .
`` I had been an alternate governor for 20 years , and they did n't even have me listed as an alternate governor .
`` It was hard to stay away , but we had so many other businesses and thank God we did because I could concentrate on those .
My job was to raise enough money in the other businesses to cover the losses from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would give my thoughts , and my dad and Peter would take their anger out on me because they did n't agree with me .
`` They 'd get up and walk out .
They 'd be in their offices or another room and they 'd wall me off , shut the door and keep me out .
Or they 'd walk away and go somewhere else .
It was obvious they did n't want me around and that 's fine .
I just had to grin and bear it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew massive changes had to be made , and when we had beverages in mid-October 2007 , he wanted to know everything I knew and everything I thought .
And I did not hold back .
It was so ugly after an hour or so that his PR guy said , `` Lighten up a little , would you ? ''
I asked Rocky if he had heard enough .
He said he had not .
So on we went for at least another hour .
It was brutal , but one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needed John McDonough , someone who could build an organization from scratch and someone who could market a sleeping giant .
The Hawks ' had no business operation .
Hockey ops consisted mostly of Bob Pulford pals who wore leisure suits and used pencils .
I seriously doubt he needed me to tell him about McDonough , but I was n't stunned when it happened a month later , the Hawks needing a big presence and someone to be the face of the tough decisions that would soon arrive .
Unlike his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be `` hands off '' once he put someone in charge and he stayed true to that for 13 years .
The result was McDonough made unpopular calls involving very popular personalities .
He built an organization out of nothing on the business and hockey sides , and what exists now -- three Stanley Cups later -- is one of the best franchises in all of sports .
Obviously , the last few years on the ice have been difficult , and it is no easy task trying to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has n't worked and that 's probably why McDonough was fired Monday .
As of Tuesday , he told friends he still did not know why he was let go , but to understand Rocky is to believe that he did not want to meddle , that he believed in being `` hands off '' and following the chain of command .
So rather than tell McDonough to fire Stan Bowman or perhaps argue about the future of the front office and the direction of the team even if Bowman stays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team president .
There is nothing else logical , especially since McDonough had a long-term deal and does n't currently have a clue why he was bounced .
There will be speculation that McDonough rubbed too many people the wrong way and that he was a nightmare to work for , something he readily and frequently admitted , but you ca n't argue with the success the Hawks had under him .
He rid the Hawks of the frauds , of the lazy and of the underachieving , and he refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the head when a kick in the ass was needed .
He was unafraid to tell someone the truth in a world where no one wants to hear it anymore .
And he turned the Hawks into a model franchise , one the NHL points to whenever it wants to hold a big event or do something right , and in that regard Gary Bettman would be wise to bring McDonough into the NHL offices .
He transformed the Hawks in only a few years and it remains one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My plan was to get really good people , and hiring John McDonough , I pat myself on the back for that one because it was the best sell job I ever did on anybody or anything , '' Rocky said in 2018 .
`` Think about it .
He was president of the Cubs , president of a major league baseball team , had done a spectacular job selling out the park and made Wrigleyville a destination .
`` Why would he want to come to the Hawks ?
I knew what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I told him , 'Before I hang up my logos , we 're going to win it all . '
And he believed me .
And that was it .
If you go fishing , you set the hook .
I was going to reel it in because I knew he wanted to win something . ''
That is something the Hawks did plenty of during the greatest decade in the history of the franchise .
In the process , McDonough took the bullets when things did not go well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wirtz and what he does next , the next round of changes and the men replacing those who have been and will be fired .
Rocky Wirtz is beloved , and rightly so .
What he was willing to do before he got the team and after he arrived is the stuff of legend , especially following in his father 's footsteps .
But you 're beloved only until you 're not .
And now the pressure is on Rocky to get it right .

Rozner: Pressure now on Blackhawks' Rocky Wirtz to get it right
Rocky Wirtz, at the 2015 Stanley Cup rally at Soldier Field, has an important decision to make. Daily Herald File Photo
There was a time 15 or 20 years ago when I would mention in passing to my Daily Herald bosses Doug Ray and John Lampinen that if I should happen to vanish from the planet, they will want to point the cops to West Madison Street.
That's where they ought to start, in the Blackhawks' front office.
On the long list of those who have ever hated me, no one had more interest in seeing me disappear than Bill and Peter Wirtz.
And I wasn't kidding.
So it was with some shock that I heard from the PR man who looks out for Rocky Wirtz. It was about two weeks after Bill Wirtz died and Rocky wanted to get together for drinks.
If I had any friends, I would have brought one along for backup.
But while everyone thought Peter Wirtz would be the new boss after years of working for his father, I knew the real story and had written when Bill died that Rocky would get the team.
Rocky had displayed great courage in staying away from a franchise that he loved so that when the time came to take over, he could do so without the Wirtz stink on him.
"I wasn't even in the press guide," Rocky told me in October 2018. "I had been an alternate governor for 20 years, and they didn't even have me listed as an alternate governor.
"It was hard to stay away, but we had so many other businesses and thank God we did because I could concentrate on those. My job was to raise enough money in the other businesses to cover the losses from the Hawks.
"Behind the scenes, I would give my thoughts, and my dad and Peter would take their anger out on me because they didn't agree with me.
"They'd get up and walk out. They'd be in their offices or another room and they'd wall me off, shut the door and keep me out. Or they'd walk away and go somewhere else. It was obvious they didn't want me around and that's fine. I just had to grin and bear it."
When his father died, Rocky knew massive changes had to be made, and when we had beverages in mid-October 2007, he wanted to know everything I knew and everything I thought.
And I did not hold back.
It was so ugly after an hour or so that his PR guy said, "Lighten up a little, would you?"
I asked Rocky if he had heard enough. He said he had not. So on we went for at least another hour.
It was brutal, but one of the suggestions I made that day was that he needed John McDonough, someone who could build an organization from scratch and someone who could market a sleeping giant.
The Hawks' had no business operation. Hockey ops consisted mostly of Bob Pulford pals who wore leisure suits and used pencils.
I seriously doubt he needed me to tell him about McDonough, but I wasn't stunned when it happened a month later, the Hawks needing a big presence and someone to be the face of the tough decisions that would soon arrive.
Unlike his father and brother, Rocky Wirtz said he would be "hands off" once he put someone in charge and he stayed true to that for 13 years.
The result was McDonough made unpopular calls involving very popular personalities. He built an organization out of nothing on the business and hockey sides, and what exists now -- three Stanley Cups later -- is one of the best franchises in all of sports.
Obviously, the last few years on the ice have been difficult, and it is no easy task trying to make the playoffs and rebuild at the same time.
It hasn't worked and that's probably why McDonough was fired Monday. As of Tuesday, he told friends he still did not know why he was let go, but to understand Rocky is to believe that he did not want to meddle, that he believed in being "hands off" and following the chain of command.
So rather than tell McDonough to fire Stan Bowman or perhaps argue about the future of the front office and the direction of the team even if Bowman stays, he chose a clean break from the team president.
There is nothing else logical, especially since McDonough had a long-term deal and doesn't currently have a clue why he was bounced.
There will be speculation that McDonough rubbed too many people the wrong way and that he was a nightmare to work for, something he readily and frequently admitted, but you can't argue with the success the Hawks had under him.
He rid the Hawks of the frauds, of the lazy and of the underachieving, and he refused to hold someone's hand and pat them on the head when a kick in the ass was needed.
He was unafraid to tell someone the truth in a world where no one wants to hear it anymore.
And he turned the Hawks into a model franchise, one the NHL points to whenever it wants to hold a big event or do something right, and in that regard Gary Bettman would be wise to bring McDonough into the NHL offices.
He transformed the Hawks in only a few years and it remains one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in sports history.
"My plan was to get really good people, and hiring John McDonough, I pat myself on the back for that one because it was the best sell job I ever did on anybody or anything," Rocky said in 2018. "Think about it. He was president of the Cubs, president of a major league baseball team, had done a spectacular job selling out the park and made Wrigleyville a destination.
"Why would he want to come to the Hawks? I knew what he wanted more than anything was winning.
"I told him, 'Before I hang up my logos, we're going to win it all.' And he believed me. And that was it. If you go fishing, you set the hook. I was going to reel it in because I knew he wanted to win something."
That is something the Hawks did plenty of during the greatest decade in the history of the franchise.
In the process, McDonough took the bullets when things did not go well, but now the focus will be on Wirtz and what he does next, the next round of changes and the men replacing those who have been and will be fired.
Rocky Wirtz is beloved, and rightly so. What he was willing to do before he got the team and after he arrived is the stuff of legend, especially following in his father's footsteps.
But you're beloved only until you're not. And now the pressure is on Rocky to get it right.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--DuPage County agrees to waive late fees for some property taxpayers

DuPage County residents , landlords and business owners unable to pay their property taxes because of the COVID-19 pandemic can seek a waiver of late fees .
The county board on Tuesday approved an ordinance establishing a grace period for some who ca n't afford their first property tax payment .
The taxes are due in two equal installments , the first on June 1 and the second by Sept. 1 .
Property tax bills will be mailed Friday .
Now property owners who can demonstrate a financial hardship because of the crisis can apply to have late fees for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 days .
`` I think this is the right thing to do , '' board member Tim Elliott said before Tuesday 's vote .
`` We are giving relief to people who badly need it . ''
Treasurer Gwen Henry raised the idea after her office fielded calls and emails from taxpayers asking if DuPage would delay the tax collection .
There are no plans to change the due dates , but Henry said state law allows the county board to waive late penalties .
`` The action was taken to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners have lost income due to the shutdown in effect because of the COVID-19 crisis , '' Henry said in a statement .
`` The fact exists that many families who have set aside money to pay their property taxes now need those funds to make mortgage or car payments as well as purchase groceries , medicine and other necessities . ''
To qualify for a waiver , a property owner must be : someone who was laid off or terminated from employment -- or has experienced an income reduction of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a landlord unable to collect at least 80 % of rent on the parcel since March 1 ; or the operator of a business on the property that was shut down because it was deemed nonessential .
Business owners who have received government loans through the Paycheck Protection Program do n't qualify for a late-fee waiver .
In addition , DuPage 's ordinance does n't apply to payments made through escrow accounts .
Officials say it 's unclear how many waiver applications the county will receive .
Henry says taxes for roughly 38 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time from escrow accounts .
She also said there 's a number of taxpayers who have n't taken a financial hit from COVID-19 .
While superintendents from dozens of DuPage school districts previously raised concerns about waiving late fees , they said they support the ordinance .
`` This measure is both timely and appropriate , '' they said in a statement .
For now , the Sept. 1 deadline for the property tax payment will remain unchanged and late penalties will still apply , officials said .
The application for the waiver @ @ @ @ @

DuPage County agrees to waive late fees for some property taxpayers
DuPage County residents, landlords and business owners unable to pay their property taxes because of the COVID-19 pandemic can seek a waiver of late fees.
The county board on Tuesday approved an ordinance establishing a grace period for some who can't afford their first property tax payment. The taxes are due in two equal installments, the first on June 1 and the second by Sept. 1.
Property tax bills will be mailed Friday. Now property owners who can demonstrate a financial hardship because of the crisis can apply to have late fees for their June payment waived for up to 90 days.
"I think this is the right thing to do," board member Tim Elliott said before Tuesday's vote. "We are giving relief to people who badly need it."
Treasurer Gwen Henry raised the idea after her office fielded calls and emails from taxpayers asking if DuPage would delay the tax collection. There are no plans to change the due dates, but Henry said state law allows the county board to waive late penalties.
"The action was taken to address the reality that many DuPage County property owners have lost income due to the shutdown in effect because of the COVID-19 crisis," Henry said in a statement. "The fact exists that many families who have set aside money to pay their property taxes now need those funds to make mortgage or car payments as well as purchase groceries, medicine and other necessities."
To qualify for a waiver, a property owner must be: someone who was laid off or terminated from employment -- or has experienced an income reduction of at least 20% -- after March 9; a landlord unable to collect at least 80% of rent on the parcel since March 1; or the operator of a business on the property that was shut down because it was deemed nonessential.
Business owners who have received government loans through the Paycheck Protection Program don't qualify for a late-fee waiver. In addition, DuPage's ordinance doesn't apply to payments made through escrow accounts.
Officials say it's unclear how many waiver applications the county will receive.
Henry says taxes for roughly 38% of properties will be paid on time from escrow accounts. She also said there's a number of taxpayers who haven't taken a financial hit from COVID-19.
While superintendents from dozens of DuPage school districts previously raised concerns about waiving late fees, they said they support the ordinance. "This measure is both timely and appropriate," they said in a statement.
For now, the Sept. 1 deadline for the property tax payment will remain unchanged and late penalties will still apply, officials said.
The application for the waiver is available at dupageco.org/treasurer.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Chicago and its museums partner for virtual tours

Chicago cultural institutions may be shuttered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic , but that does n't mean they 're unavailable .
Beginning this week , the Shedd Aquarium , Field Museum , National Museum of Mexican Art , DuSable Museum of African American History and other institutions will partner with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and WTTW to offer virtual field trips and corresponding activities as part of the new `` Stay Home .
Hit Play '' series .
Lightfoot joins museum representatives for virtual tours of the venues and select exhibitions .
The series premieres Wednesday , April 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Friday , May 1 , on WTTW ( 11.1 ) and at 12:30 p.m. Monday , May 4 , on WTTW Prime ( 11.2 ) .
Subsequent episodes air each Wednesday online and Fridays and Mondays on TV .
During Wednesday 's premiere , Lightfoot heads to the Shedd Aquarium to visit penguins and feed sharks .
`` Stay Home .
Hit Play . ''
`` allows our city 's cultural gems to come to life , ensuring our students are able to stay connected and engaged with our world-class museums and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Lightfoot in a prepared statement , adding `` I look forward to joining all of Chicago in re-experiencing these inspiring sites when this crisis ends . ''

Chicago and its museums partner for virtual tours
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, seen here with Heather Barnes, director of aquatic presentations and live programs, visits the Shedd Aquarium as part of the city's "Stay Home. Hit Play." virtual field trip web and TV series. Courtesy of WTTW
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, seen here with Shedd Aquarium president and CEO Bridget Coughlin and a feathered pal, visits the museum as part of the city's "Stay Home. Hit Play." virtual field trip web and TV series. Courtesy of WTTW
Chicago cultural institutions may be shuttered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn't mean they're unavailable.
Beginning this week, the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Museum of African American History and other institutions will partner with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and WTTW to offer virtual field trips and corresponding activities as part of the new "Stay Home. Hit Play" series.
Lightfoot joins museum representatives for virtual tours of the venues and select exhibitions. The series premieres Wednesday, April 29, at hitplaychicago.org and airs at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, on WTTW (11.1) and at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, on WTTW Prime (11.2). Subsequent episodes air each Wednesday online and Fridays and Mondays on TV.
During Wednesday's premiere, Lightfoot heads to the Shedd Aquarium to visit penguins and feed sharks.
"Stay Home. Hit Play." "allows our city's cultural gems to come to life, ensuring our students are able to stay connected and engaged with our world-class museums and institutions amid the unprecedented restrictions of COVID-19," said Lightfoot in a prepared statement, adding "I look forward to joining all of Chicago in re-experiencing these inspiring sites when this crisis ends."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Schaumburg couple surprised with drive-by baby shower

Arek and Angelika Fejklowicz were surprised with a drive-by baby shower at their Schaumburg home Sunday after their scheduled baby @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
Honking decorated cars , balloons and cheering family members greeted the @ @ @ @ @ first baby in a couple of weeks .
`` We were totally not expecting it @ @ @ @ @ mom , Angelika .
`` I was very emotional and excited to see everyone like @ @ @ @ @ aunts and uncles from a distance , '' who traveled in a 10-car parade .
@ @ @ @ @ my husband is not allowed to the doctor appointments anymore as patients are the only @ @ @ @ @ we had to FaceTime for our last ultrasound , so that is the new way @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're thankful to be healthy , but a bit sad to be missing @ @ @ @ @ to be a celebratory time with friends and family . ''
It 's a boy @ @ @ @ @

Schaumburg couple surprised with drive-by baby shower
Arek and Angelika Fejklowicz at their home in Schaumburg after their family threw them a drive-by baby shower to welcome their baby boy into the world. Courtesy of the Fejklowicz Family
Arek and Angelika Fejklowicz were surprised with a drive-by baby shower at their Schaumburg home Sunday after their scheduled baby shower was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Honking decorated cars, balloons and cheering family members greeted the couple who is expecting their first baby in a couple of weeks.
"We were totally not expecting it," said the soon-to-be mom, Angelika. "I was very emotional and excited to see everyone like my parents, cousins, aunts and uncles from a distance," who traveled in a 10-car parade.
"The unfortunate part is my husband is not allowed to the doctor appointments anymore as patients are the only one allowed inside, so we had to FaceTime for our last ultrasound, so that is the new way of doing things I guess. We're thankful to be healthy, but a bit sad to be missing out on what is supposed to be a celebratory time with friends and family."
It's a boy, by the way.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-26--Sound Check presents Ryan Argast livestreaming from home

Another month without the adrenaline rush of live shows , the satisfaction of dinner at a favorite restaurant or the joy of a movie with a popcorn tub as big as your head .
Here at Chicago Sound Check one of our favorite things to do is connecting Chicago-area musicians with fans .
So starting Friday , May 1 , we 're bringing some of them straight to you .
On Friday , we 'll be joined by Ryan Argast , frontman for the Plainfield pop-rock band Marina City , for an interview , some songs and some chats on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike 's Hard Lemonade/White Claw .
Argast , the Plainfield native behind Marina City 's spirited vocals , recently released his `` Quarantine 2020 '' EP , a collection of songs he felt connected him to the situation we 're all experiencing .
`` In the first two weeks they wanted us to quarantine , I was like , 'Oh , you know , I would really like to get like a snapshot of what life is like in my house right now , ' '' he said .
`` So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple songs off 'The Crush ' and a new song that I wrote for Lyndsey ( Argast 's fiancee ) called 'December 31 2020 , ' which is our wedding date . ''
`` Hopefully it 's still our wedding date , '' he added with a laugh .
Right before the quarantines were ordered , Marina City released the six-song `` The Crush '' EP , featuring power-packed pop songs such as `` Money '' and `` Addicted . ''
Argast will tap into some of those songs for the performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to be talking to our kids and then our grandkids about , '' Argast said .
`` This is literally history , right ?
It 's gon na be in history books .
And when we get out of it , I want to be like , 'Hey , I did this .
I was able to make this .
This is some cool stuff that I did during that time . '
'' A member of the Chicago chapter of the Grammy board , Argast will be playing to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relief Fund .
And to spread the word about the charity .
`` I do n't feel like enough artists truly know that even exists , but they 'll help an artist who 's having any kind of trouble , '' he said .
`` They get stranded on the side of the road because their van broke down or they had a big accident onstage or offstage that is not allowing them to perform , MusiCares will get money to pay for your medical bills for you , your mechanical stuff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the event at 7 p.m. Friday , May 1 , on Instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck .
And if you ca n't make the show , find the video later at chicagosoundcheck.com .

Sound Check presents Ryan Argast livestreaming from home at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1
Ryan Argast will play some acoustic versions of Marina City songs and originals from his recent "Quarantine 2020" EP and chat with us at Chicago Sound Check at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, on Instagram Live. Courtesy of Marina City
Marina City frontman Ryan Argast will play some music and chat with us at Chicago Sound Check at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, on Instagram Live. Courtesy of Marina City
Another month without the adrenaline rush of live shows, the satisfaction of dinner at a favorite restaurant or the joy of a movie with a popcorn tub as big as your head.
Yeah, we feel ya.
Here at Chicago Sound Check one of our favorite things to do is connecting Chicago-area musicians with fans. So starting Friday, May 1, we're bringing some of them straight to you.
On Friday, we'll be joined by Ryan Argast, frontman for the Plainfield pop-rock band Marina City, for an interview, some songs and some chats on Instagram Live at Instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck, sponsored by Mike's Hard Lemonade/White Claw.
Argast, the Plainfield native behind Marina City's spirited vocals, recently released his "Quarantine 2020" EP, a collection of songs he felt connected him to the situation we're all experiencing.
"In the first two weeks they wanted us to quarantine, I was like, 'Oh, you know, I would really like to get like a snapshot of what life is like in my house right now,'" he said. "So it's a live acoustic EP of me performing a couple songs off 'The Crush' and a new song that I wrote for Lyndsey (Argast's fiancee) called 'December 31 2020,' which is our wedding date."
"Hopefully it's still our wedding date," he added with a laugh.
Right before the quarantines were ordered, Marina City released the six-song "The Crush" EP, featuring power-packed pop songs such as "Money" and "Addicted." Argast will tap into some of those songs for the performance.
"This is something that we're going to be talking to our kids and then our grandkids about," Argast said. "This is literally history, right? It's gonna be in history books. And when we get out of it, I want to be like, 'Hey, I did this. I was able to make this. This is some cool stuff that I did during that time.'"
A member of the Chicago chapter of the Grammy board, Argast will be playing to raise donations for the Recording Academy MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. And to spread the word about the charity.
"I don't feel like enough artists truly know that even exists, but they'll help an artist who's having any kind of trouble," he said. "They get stranded on the side of the road because their van broke down or they had a big accident onstage or offstage that is not allowing them to perform, MusiCares will get money to pay for your medical bills for you, your mechanical stuff, whatever the case is."
Tap into the event at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, on Instagram.com/chicagosoundcheck. And if you can't make the show, find the video later at chicagosoundcheck.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Glen Ellyn voters will get their say on marijuana sales

Glen Ellyn will ask voters in November if the village should allow recreational marijuana sales within its boundaries .
Trustees voted unanimously Monday to place a nonbinding referendum question on the Nov. 3 general election ballot .
Its advisory natures means the board will not have to follow the will of the voters .
But the outcome will help the board gauge public sentiment on whether to overturn or uphold a moratorium on commercial pot shops nearly one year after recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois .
Glen Ellyn 's one-year ban is set to last until Oct. 26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust that date to bridge the gap between when the original ordinance expires and when they get back election results .
While she supports letting voters have their say , Trustee Kelli Christiansen reiterated that residents `` deserve an up-or-down vote '' resolving the issue .
Only a handful of other suburbs have enacted temporary bans .
`` Instead it feels to me like we keep kicking the can down the road , but here we are , and I back the referendum question as posed , '' Christiansen said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about reasons why , when and whether the board determines to hold referendums for various issues . ''
The last time voters weighed in on a nonbinding measure , a citizens group opposed to the lights at Memorial Field was behind the 2012 referendum push .
That debate led to marathon meetings with overflow crowds .
By contrast , the board will pose a cannabis question `` about which perhaps a few dozen '' have written to the board and spoken before trustees on a handful of occasions , Christiansen said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cannabis question on the ballot , I also would like us to consider the criteria by which we make such decisions in order to ensure that we are treating all voices and all issues equally , '' she said .
In advance of the virtual meeting , 15 residents submitted comments on the question , most of whom repeated an opt-out group 's message in support of the `` clear , neutral and unbiased '' wording .
It will ask : `` Shall the Village of Glen Ellyn permit the sale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the first three months of legalization , Illinois dispensaries have reaped a collective $ 110 million .
The state has allowed dispensaries to stay open as essential businesses .
Municipalities can place local sales taxes of up to 3 % on recreational sales .
Among surrounding towns , Carol Stream , Lombard , Oakbrook Terrace and Winfield have allowed sales , while Glendale Heights , Lisle and Wheaton have opted out .
In Naperville , 53.25 % of voters endorsed recreational sales in an advisory question last month .

Glen Ellyn voters will get their say on marijuana sales
Glen Ellyn will ask voters in November if the village should allow recreational marijuana sales within its boundaries.
Trustees voted unanimously Monday to place a nonbinding referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Its advisory nature means the board will not have to follow the will of the voters.
But the outcome will help the board gauge public sentiment on whether to overturn or uphold a moratorium on commercial pot shops nearly one year after recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois.
Glen Ellyn's one-year ban is set to last until Oct. 26, but officials said they would look to adjust that date to bridge the gap between then and when they get back election results.
In the referendum voters will be asked simply, "Shall the Village of Glen Ellyn permit the sale of recreational cannabis within village limits?"
While she supports letting voters have their say, Trustee Kelli Christiansen reiterated that residents "deserve an up-or-down vote" resolving the issue. Only a handful of other suburbs have enacted temporary bans.
"Instead it feels to me like we keep kicking the can down the road, but here we are, and I back the referendum question as posed," Christiansen said. "I would, though, like us to think about reasons why, when and whether the board determines to hold referendums for various issues."
Voters last weighed in on a nonbinding measure when a citizens group opposed to the lights at Memorial Field drove a referendum push in 2012. That debate led to marathon meetings with overflow crowds.
By contrast, the board will pose a cannabis question "about which perhaps a few dozen" have written to the board and spoken before trustees on a handful of occasions, Christiansen said.
"While I will vote to place the cannabis question on the ballot, I also would like us to consider the criteria by which we make such decisions in order to ensure that we are treating all voices and all issues equally," she said.
In advance of the virtual meeting Monday, 15 residents submitted comments on the question, most of whom repeated an opt-out group's message in support of the "clear, neutral and unbiased" wording.
In the first three months of legalization, Illinois dispensaries have reaped a collective $110 million. The state has allowed dispensaries to stay open as essential businesses.
Municipalities can place local sales taxes of up to 3% on recreational sales.
Among surrounding towns, Carol Stream, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace and Winfield have allowed sales, while Glendale Heights, Lisle and Wheaton have opted out. In Naperville, 53.25% of voters endorsed recreational sales in an advisory question last month.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Arlington Heights to roll out business relief package next month

On the heels of providing $ 20,000 to needy residents in the wake of the coronavirus , Arlington Heights officials said Monday they 're putting together a financial relief package to help businesses .
The village has already agreed to defer business payments of some taxes and fees , but officials are set to unveil a formal assistance program next month that considers input received from individual business owners and the chamber of commerce , according to Village Manager Randy Recklaus .
`` We wan na make sure that what we put together reflects the needs businesses have that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to date , '' Recklaus said during an online village board meeting Monday night .
Village officials are also looking at ways to be flexible with village business regulations , Recklaus added .
The business relief program is set for discussion at the next board meeting in May .
While the meeting scheduled for May 4 has been canceled , meetings could still be held May 11 or May 18 .
Recklaus also told trustees Monday night that requests to the village 's emergency assistance fund have shot up in light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides money to residents experiencing temporary economic hardship for basic needs like rent and utilities -- typically receives six to eight requests per month .
But in the last month alone , there were 62 inquiries , and 35 formal applications , Recklaus said .
So far , 18 have been approved , giving out a total of about $ 20,000 , he said .
To keep up with the workload , Arlington Heights officials are temporarily moving staff from other departments to the health and human services department , which administers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded by the nonprofit organization Arlington Cares , which has received $ 17,000 in donations since the onset of the coronavirus .
`` It shows the community is stepping up , '' Recklaus said .
Due to the impact of COVID-19 , Recklaus also said Monday the village has identified some $ 1 million in spending cuts to its current budget , with other belt-tightening measures still to come .

Arlington Heights to roll out business relief package next month
Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus announces during a virtual village board meeting Monday night that the village will unveil a business coronavirus relief package in May. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
On the heels of providing $20,000 to needy residents in the wake of the coronavirus, Arlington Heights officials said Monday they're putting together a financial relief package to help businesses.
The village has already agreed to defer business payments of some taxes and fees, but officials are set to unveil a formal assistance program next month that considers input received from individual business owners and the chamber of commerce, according to Village Manager Randy Recklaus.
"We wanna make sure that what we put together reflects the needs businesses have that have gone unmet by state and federal packages to date," Recklaus said during an online village board meeting Monday night.
Village officials are also looking at ways to be flexible with village business regulations, Recklaus added.
The business relief program is set for discussion at the next board meeting in May. While the meeting scheduled for May 4 has been canceled, meetings could still be held May 11 or May 18.
Recklaus also told trustees Monday night that requests to the village's emergency assistance fund have shot up in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program -- which provides money to residents experiencing temporary economic hardship for basic needs like rent and utilities -- typically receives six to eight requests per month.
But in the last month alone, there were 62 inquiries, and 35 formal applications, Recklaus said.
So far, 18 have been approved, giving out a total of about $20,000, he said.
To keep up with the workload, Arlington Heights officials are temporarily moving staff from other departments to the health and human services department, which administers the fund.
Most of the program is funded by the nonprofit organization Arlington Cares, which has received $17,000 in donations since the onset of the coronavirus.
"It shows the community is stepping up," Recklaus said.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, Recklaus also said Monday the village has identified some $1 million in spending cuts to its current budget, with other belt-tightening measures still to come.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--How educators are preparing for fall if schools don't reopen

Uncertain over whether students will return to classrooms this fall or continue virtual learning from home , some suburban school leaders say they are working on contingency plans for next year .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker during a weekend COVID-19 briefing said educators should plan for both when the 2020-21 school year begins .
Many schools , even some with technological challenges , nimbly adapted to remote learning after Pritzker 's stay-at-home order took effect on March 21 .
`` All our plans are being developed ( and adjusted ) so that we are prepared in the event distance learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tony Sanders , superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46 .
U-46 was not equipped to provide e-learning for its nearly 38,400 students when Pritzker issued the original order .
The state 's second-largest school district cobbled together a distance learning plan in collaboration with teachers , utilizing roughly 26,000 Chromebook devices issued to students in fifth through 12th grades and deploying 5,800 communal devices .
Sanders said the district will continue training teachers through the summer on the new learning platform software that allows remote instruction and will acquire additional technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall .
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 spokesman Dave Beery said officials there still are working on altering previously set spring and summer plans .
`` Our immediate focus remains primarily on finalizing those changes and ensuring the best possible outcomes and experiences in a challenging situation for all of our students and families , '' he said .
While Naperville Unit District 203 officials say they are preparing for all eventualities , they have not outlined a plan for next school year .
`` Right now , we are focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning and what our summer learning may look like for those students interested , '' spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said .
If schools do reopen in the fall , they might look very different from before , as officials consider imposing safeguards , such as requiring face masks , taking students ' temperature daily before they enter school and possibly limiting attendance .
Stevenson High School District 125 officials are considering split schedules or alternating-day schedules to accommodate the 4,400 students expected to enroll this fall .
`` It 's all going to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education guidance , '' spokesman Jim Conrey said .
`` We are trying to do the best we can to map out potential scenarios that might develop in the fall .
We 're going to be ready for anything .
We just hope the guidance can come sooner rather than later so we can do the preparation on our end . ''
Stevenson students are well equipped for e-learning with district-issued iPads .
But the bigger challenge for it and most school districts will be securing enough face masks for all students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far have been focused on maintaining what students already know as opposed to teaching new curriculum .
It 's working as well as can be expected but is no substitute for in-person instruction , said Donn Mendoza , superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit 116 .
The district 's nearly 7,200 students transitioned to e-learning seamlessly with sixth- through 12th-graders already issued personal devices and an additional 3,000 devices deployed for elementary students .
`` If ( e-learning ) goes well into the fall , obviously what is normal is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is kind of the reality that we are in right now , '' Mendoza said .
`` Every school district is going to have to think how to improve ( students ) .
We 're planning for every contingency .
We need to be prepared to pivot in whatever direction we end up . ''

How educators are preparing for fall if schools don't reopen
Nine-year-old Evelyn, left, and Charlotte Jackle, who are in Mrs. Siegwarth's third-grade dual language classroom at Otter Creek Elementary School in Elgin, take advantage of "flexible seating" during distance learning. Courtesy of Erin Jackle
Uncertain over whether students will return to classrooms this fall or continue virtual learning from home, some suburban school leaders say they are working on contingency plans for next year.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker during a weekend COVID-19 briefing said educators should plan for both when the 2020-21 school year begins.
Many schools, even some with technological challenges, nimbly adapted to remote learning after Pritzker's stay-at-home order took effect on March 21.
"All our plans are being developed (and adjusted) so that we are prepared in the event distance learning is required again next year," said Tony Sanders, superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46.
U-46 was not equipped to provide e-learning for its nearly 38,400 students when Pritzker issued the original order. The state's second-largest school district cobbled together a distance learning plan in collaboration with teachers, utilizing roughly 26,000 Chromebook devices issued to students in fifth through 12th grades and deploying 5,800 communal devices.
Sanders said the district will continue training teachers through the summer on the new learning platform software that allows remote instruction and will acquire additional technology so every student has a device in the fall.
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 spokesman Dave Beery said officials there still are working on altering previously set spring and summer plans.
"Our immediate focus remains primarily on finalizing those changes and ensuring the best possible outcomes and experiences in a challenging situation for all of our students and families," he said.
While Naperville Unit District 203 officials say they are preparing for all eventualities, they have not outlined a plan for next school year.
"Right now, we are focusing on finishing the year strong with remote learning and what our summer learning may look like for those students interested," spokeswoman Sinikka Mondini said.
If schools do reopen in the fall, they might look very different from before, as officials consider imposing safeguards, such as requiring face masks, taking students' temperature daily before they enter school and possibly limiting attendance.
Stevenson High School District 125 officials are considering split schedules or alternating-day schedules to accommodate the 4,400 students expected to enroll this fall.
"It's all going to come down to the Illinois State Board of Education guidance," spokesman Jim Conrey said. "We are trying to do the best we can to map out potential scenarios that might develop in the fall. We're going to be ready for anything. We just hope the guidance can come sooner rather than later so we can do the preparation on our end."
Stevenson students are well equipped for e-learning with district-issued iPads. But the bigger challenge for it and most school districts will be securing enough face masks for all students, Conrey said.
With e-learning, educators so far have been focused on maintaining what students already know as opposed to teaching new curriculum.
It's working as well as can be expected but is no substitute for in-person instruction, said Donn Mendoza, superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit 116.
The district's nearly 7,200 students transitioned to e-learning seamlessly with sixth- through 12th-graders already issued personal devices and an additional 3,000 devices deployed for elementary students.
"If (e-learning) goes well into the fall, obviously what is normal is going to continue to shift and change and this is kind of the reality that we are in right now," Mendoza said. "Every school district is going to have to think how to improve (students). We're planning for every contingency. We need to be prepared to pivot in whatever direction we end up."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

The death of Dr. Lorna M. Breen , the medical director of the emergency department at a Manhattan hospital hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak , shines a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by health care workers on the front lines .
The New York Times tells her story .
'What happens if you and daddy die ? '
Interviews , letters and journals from children of health care workers reveal the toll the coronavirus is taking on families of those on the front lines .
This deep dive from The Washington Post includes some sweet and heart-wrenching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... Why some kids are happier right now , and other unexpected effects of quarantine Do your kids seem more relaxed and independent without the rush of school , sports and activities ?
CNN explores this phenomenon , and what it might mean for life after the pandemic .
Five Ways to Follow the Coronavirus Outbreak for Any Metro Area in the U.S .
If you are glued to the coronavirus numbers , this interactive graphic from The New York Times is for you .
You can sort by metro area , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit next , which areas have been hardest hit , and who might be getting good news next .
Can dogs get coronavirus ?
Possible first canine case is detected in NC family 's pet Duke Health in North Carolina is reporting it has detected the virus that causes COVID-19 in a family dog .
The News & Observer reports .

What others are writing about COVID-19
A medical worker wearing protective equipment adjusts her gloves before administering a COVID-19 test, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at a testing site in a parking lot of a hospital, in Somerville, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Top E.R. Doctor Who Treated Virus Patients Dies by Suicide
The death of Dr. Lorna M. Breen, the medical director of the emergency department at a Manhattan hospital hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, shines a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by health care workers on the front lines. The New York Times tells her story.
'What happens if you and daddy die?'
Interviews, letters and journals from children of health care workers reveal the toll the coronavirus is taking on families of those on the front lines. This deep dive from The Washington Post includes some sweet and heart-wrenching audio files. On the flip side ...
Why some kids are happier right now, and other unexpected effects of quarantine
Do your kids seem more relaxed and independent without the rush of school, sports and activities? CNN explores this phenomenon, and what it might mean for life after the pandemic.
Five Ways to Follow the Coronavirus Outbreak for Any Metro Area in the U.S.
If you are glued to the coronavirus numbers, this interactive graphic from The New York Times is for you. You can sort by metro area, as well as see where the virus might hit next, which areas have been hardest hit, and who might be getting good news next.
Can dogs get coronavirus? Possible first canine case is detected in NC family's pet
Duke Health in North Carolina is reporting it has detected the virus that causes COVID-19 in a family dog. The News & Observer reports.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Elgin museum seeks 'living history' submissions about COVID-19 pandemic

How will the COVID-19 pandemic be remembered in 100 years ?
Will people focus on the heartbreaking death toll or the uplifting stories of survivors ?
The memories of sharing quiet family moments or the frustrations of children 's e-learning ?
The gratitude for essential workers or the protests about government overreach ?
To ensure the memory of the extraordinary circumstances we are living through is preserved , the Elgin History Museum launched its `` You Are Living History '' initiative to document perspectives and photographs about the pandemic .
People can answer four questions -- about socializing , voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life -- and adults and children are encouraged to respond .
People can decline to submit their names , but so far only one of the 50 or so respondents has done so , museum curator Beth Nawara said .
`` This is something that we want to have documented , so that when 2121 comes along , people are going to know what happened , '' Nawara said .
`` It just seemed like a good reaction to try to get it done now , instead of 10 years from now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moira Savel of Elgin shared her experience of grocery shopping , which she 's always disliked and now leaves her emotionally and physically drained .
`` We are living in unprecedented times right now , '' Savel said .
`` I admire that they recognize that this needs to be documented and captured , because we learn from our histories . ''
Jackie Marcus of Carpentersville shared appreciation for the safety measures taken by her local grocery store .
She and her husband grew up hearing stories from their parents about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equally important to share today 's reality with younger generations , she said .
`` It will preserve those memories for people in the next generations who are maybe little kids now and do n't understand why they are not going to school , or do n't understand the full benefit of why we are doing what we are doing , '' Marcus said .
Nawara said the idea surfaced last month as the museum worked on the 100th anniversary of Elgin 's worst natural disaster , a tornado that killed seven people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equated the two ( the pandemic and the tornado ) to be two extremely significant events in Elgin history , and I wanted to have information for people 100 years from now ... so they are going to have a well-organized , well-documented file to be going through . ''
The museum will take submissions until the end of the year at elginhistory.org/research/you-are-living-history .
The goal is to hear primarily from Elgin residents , but anyone else is welcome to contribute .
The museum will decide later whether to do an exhibit in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
What can be learned so far from the submissions ?
Nawara said the initial accounts of how families have been dealing with the anxiety of sudden confinement have slowly morphed into stories of how much they are enjoying their time together .
`` The slowing down , the not rushing , have been good experiences for families , '' she said .
`` Maybe as things have settled down , they 've gotten more used to it .
...
They are really starting to notice what 's good or bad about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share that . ''

Elgin museum seeks 'living history' submissions about COVID-19 pandemic
A photo submitted by a participant in Elgin History Museum's latest initiative, "You Are Living History," about experiences of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Elgin History Museum
The Elgin History Museum's latest initiative is the "You Are Living History," collection of experiences and photos submitted by people of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a photo submitted by a participant. Courtesy of Elgin History Museum
How will the COVID-19 pandemic be remembered in 100 years?
Will people focus on the heartbreaking death toll or the uplifting stories of survivors? The memories of sharing quiet family moments or the frustrations of children's e-learning? The gratitude for essential workers or the protests about government overreach?
To ensure the memory of the extraordinary circumstances we are living through is preserved, the Elgin History Museum launched its "You Are Living History" initiative to document perspectives and photographs about the pandemic.
People can answer four questions -- about socializing, voting, shopping, and home and family life -- and adults and children are encouraged to respond. People can decline to submit their names, but so far only one of the 50 or so respondents has done so, museum curator Beth Nawara said.
"This is something that we want to have documented, so that when 2121 comes along, people are going to know what happened," Nawara said. "It just seemed like a good reaction to try to get it done now, instead of 10 years from now."
Participants said they love the idea.
Moira Savel of Elgin shared her experience of grocery shopping, which she's always disliked and now leaves her emotionally and physically drained.
"We are living in unprecedented times right now," Savel said. "I admire that they recognize that this needs to be documented and captured, because we learn from our histories."
Jackie Marcus of Carpentersville shared appreciation for the safety measures taken by her local grocery store. She and her husband grew up hearing stories from their parents about the Great Depression, and it will be equally important to share today's reality with younger generations, she said.
"It will preserve those memories for people in the next generations who are maybe little kids now and don't understand why they are not going to school, or don't understand the full benefit of why we are doing what we are doing," Marcus said.
Nawara said the idea surfaced last month as the museum worked on the 100th anniversary of Elgin's worst natural disaster, a tornado that killed seven people March 28, 1920.
"I equated the two (the pandemic and the tornado) to be two extremely significant events in Elgin history, and I wanted to have information for people 100 years from now ... so they are going to have a well-organized, well-documented file to be going through."
The museum will take submissions until the end of the year at elginhistory.org/research/you-are-living-history. The goal is to hear primarily from Elgin residents, but anyone else is welcome to contribute. The museum will decide later whether to do an exhibit in-person or online, or both, Nawara said.
What can be learned so far from the submissions? Nawara said the initial accounts of how families have been dealing with the anxiety of sudden confinement have slowly morphed into stories of how much they are enjoying their time together.
"The slowing down, the not rushing, have been good experiences for families," she said. "Maybe as things have settled down, they've gotten more used to it. ... They are really starting to notice what's good or bad about being at home -- and being willing to share that."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--COVID-19 deaths pass 2,000 statewide as Pritzker assures 'the stay-at-home order remains in place'

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker expressed confidence `` the courts will overturn '' a judge 's ruling that threatens the extension of his stay-at-home order through May 30 , as officials on Tuesday announced the COVID-19 death toll in Illinois surpassed 2,000 .
Pritzker was responding to the temporary restraining order Clay County Judge Michael McHaney issued Monday in the lawsuit filed by Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey questioning the governor 's authority .
McHaney 's order essentially allows the Xenia lawmaker , and only him , to ignore the mandate .
`` The stay-at-home order remains in place , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago .
An earlier order ends at midnight Thursday , but `` I do not believe the courts will allow this ruling to stand . ''
Pritkzer noted that by agreeing with Bailey , the `` court sets a dangerous precedent . ''
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is appealing the judge 's decision to the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court .
However , Republican state Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park said Tuesday he intends to file a similar lawsuit in Winnebago County .
The legal battle comes at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 grew by 144 , the largest single-day toll so far , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Tuesday .
Officials also reported an additional 2,219 positive cases .
That brings the total fatalities from the respiratory disease statewide to 2,125 .
The number of infections rose to 48,102 as the state increases testing .
Of those who perished , 80 % were from northern Illinois , 14 % from southern Illinois and 6 % from central Illinois , IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said .
Of people who tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks , 61 % reported feeling symptom-free after two to four weeks , and 74 % of people reported they no longer felt symptoms after four weeks .
`` I hope that 's seen as encouraging news , '' Ezike said .
In his ruling , McHaney said Bailey `` has a clearly ascertainable right in need of immediate protection , namely his liberty interest to be free from Pritzker 's executive order of quarantine in his own home . ''
Bailey said in a statement his case is the `` mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to govern ourselves as our constitution demands . ''
While calling Bailey 's action `` a political stunt '' and stressing the judge 's ruling was only about `` one person , '' Pritzker was concerned about repeats .
`` We will not stop this virus if because of this ruling , any resident can petition to be exempted from any aspect of this order .
We rely on collective action to keep us all safe , '' Pritzker said .
Cabello said he hopes to file a lawsuit on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He thinks Pritkzer has overstepped his authority and by extending the order is causing people `` to lose their livelihoods . ''
`` We should be able to find out if it 's constitutional for him to do that or not , '' he said .
One legal expert thinks the state has a strong case .
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act authorizes a governor to determine whether a disaster exists and to declare it , Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said .
That proclamation also allows a governor emergency powers for 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended by finding that a disaster still exists , Collins said .
Given more Illinoisans died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours than at any other time , `` nobody in their right mind should argue that a disaster does n't exist , '' Collins said .
As of Tuesday , 4,738 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to 4,672 Monday , Ezike said ; 25 % of those were in the ICU and 778 were on ventilators .
Asked about allowing swimming pools to open , Ezike noted pools involve `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 can spread , and the state would need improved numbers before that could be considered .

COVID-19 deaths pass 2,000 statewide as Pritzker assures 'the stay-at-home order remains in place'
Gov. J.B. Pritzker expressed confidence "the courts will overturn" a judge's ruling that threatens the extension of his stay-at-home order through May 30, as officials on Tuesday announced the COVID-19 death toll in Illinois surpassed 2,000.
Pritzker was responding to the temporary restraining order Clay County Judge Michael McHaney issued Monday in the lawsuit filed by Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey questioning the governor's authority. McHaney's order essentially allows the Xenia lawmaker, and only him, to ignore the mandate.
"The stay-at-home order remains in place," Pritzker said at Tuesday's briefing in Chicago. An earlier order ends at midnight Thursday, but "I do not believe the courts will allow this ruling to stand."
Pritkzer noted that by agreeing with Bailey, the "court sets a dangerous precedent."
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is appealing the judge's decision to the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court.
However, Republican state Rep. John Cabello of Machesney Park said Tuesday he intends to file a similar lawsuit in Winnebago County.
The legal battle comes at a time when the number of Illinoisans who've died from COVID-19 grew by 144, the largest single-day toll so far, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Tuesday. Officials also reported an additional 2,219 positive cases.
That brings the total fatalities from the respiratory disease statewide to 2,125. The number of infections rose to 48,102 as the state increases testing.
Of those who perished, 80% were from northern Illinois, 14% from southern Illinois and 6% from central Illinois, IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said.
Of people who tested positive for COVID-19, 49% reported feeling recovered after two weeks, 61% reported feeling symptom-free after two to four weeks, and 74% of people reported they no longer felt symptoms after four weeks.
"I hope that's seen as encouraging news," Ezike said.
In his ruling, McHaney said Bailey "has a clearly ascertainable right in need of immediate protection, namely his liberty interest to be free from Pritzker's executive order of quarantine in his own home."
Bailey said in a statement his case is the "mechanism by which 'we the people' will be allowed to govern ourselves as our constitution demands."
While calling Bailey's action "a political stunt" and stressing the judge's ruling was only about "one person," Pritzker was concerned about repeats.
"We will not stop this virus if because of this ruling, any resident can petition to be exempted from any aspect of this order. We rely on collective action to keep us all safe," Pritzker said.
Cabello said he hopes to file a lawsuit on behalf of himself and all Illinois residents. He thinks Pritkzer has overstepped his authority and by extending the order is causing people "to lose their livelihoods."
"We should be able to find out if it's constitutional for him to do that or not," he said.
One legal expert thinks the state has a strong case. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act authorizes a governor to determine whether a disaster exists and to declare it, Naperville attorney Shawn Collins said. That proclamation also allows a governor emergency powers for 30 days, and that authority can be extended by finding that a disaster still exists, Collins said.
Given more Illinoisans died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours than at any other time, "nobody in their right mind should argue that a disaster doesn't exist," Collins said.
As of Tuesday, 4,738 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to 4,672 Monday, Ezike said; 25% of those were in the ICU and 778 were on ventilators.
Asked about allowing swimming pools to open, Ezike noted pools involve "mass gatherings by definition," where COVID-19 can spread, and the state would need improved numbers before that could be considered.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--Lake County's 211 system now connecting volunteers with organizations

In September , United Way Lake County launched the 211 service to connect people in need to health and human services .
This month , officials added a new feature to help match residents with organizations and charities seeking volunteers during the pandemic .
Michelle Mittler Krombie , the vice president of community impact for United Way Lake County , said residents can help out in a number of ways , including making cloth masks , dropping off food for homebound people and calling to check in on seniors .
Krombie said those interested in volunteering just need to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website and someone from United Way 211 will call them .
`` So many of the organizations are so busy they have n't even had the time necessary to call potential volunteers back , '' Krombie said .
One organization that volunteers could be paired with is Catholic Charities , which is in desperate need of people to deliver food to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program .
`` They have figured out a way to pick up and drop off the meals without getting in contact with people , '' Krombie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can do mostly from the comfort of their cars . ''
Krombie said there is also an urgent need for people to produce cloth masks and deliver them to drop-off locations at Lincolnshire 's village hall at 1 Olde Half Day Road and the Lake County Housing Authority at 33928 N. Route 45 in Grayslake .
`` On the website we have a link to the health department-approved ways to make a mask , '' Krombie said .
And even residents lacking needle and thread can help if they have phones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization that provides free services for homebound seniors , needs help checking up on clients .
`` Instead of having a friendly visit , they need people to make a friendly phone call , '' Krombie said .
To apply for these and other volunteer opportunities , go to 211lakecounty.org and click on COVID-19 volunteer opportunities on the main page .

Lake County's 211 system now connecting volunteers with organizations
Members of United Way of Lake County's 211 contact center in Gurnee will now help connect volunteers with organizations during the pandemic. courtesy of United Way of Lake County
Editor's note: This version corrects the spelling of Michelle Mittler Crombie's name.
In September, United Way Lake County launched the 211 service to connect people in need to health and human services. This month, officials added a new feature to help match residents with organizations and charities seeking volunteers during the pandemic.
Michelle Mittler Crombie, the vice president of community impact for United Way Lake County, said residents can help out in a number of ways, including making cloth masks, dropping off food for homebound people and calling to check in on seniors.
Crombie said those interested in volunteering just need to fill out a brief form on the 211lakecounty.org website and someone from United Way 211 will call them.
"So many of the organizations are so busy they haven't even had the time necessary to call potential volunteers back," Crombie said.
One organization that volunteers could be paired with is Catholic Charities, which is in desperate need of people to deliver food to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program.
"They have figured out a way to pick up and drop off the meals without getting in contact with people," Crombie said.
"So it is something people can do mostly from the comfort of their cars."
Crombie said there is also an urgent need for people to produce cloth masks and deliver them to drop-off locations at Lincolnshire's village hall at 1 Olde Half Day Road and the Lake County Housing Authority at 33928 N. Route 45 in Grayslake.
"On the website we have a link to the health department-approved ways to make a mask," Crombie said.
And even residents lacking needle and thread can help if they have phones. Crombie said ElderCARE Lake County, the organization that provides free services for homebound seniors, needs help checking up on clients.
"Instead of having a friendly visit, they need people to make a friendly phone call," Crombie said.
To apply for these and other volunteer opportunities, go to 211lakecounty.org and click on COVID-19 volunteer opportunities on the main page.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--April 28 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 13,855 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 654 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 19,594 cases and 803 fatalities .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 666 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines , 257 cases in Glenview , 221 in Mount Prospect , 199 in Wheeling , 166 in Streamwood , 163 in Palatine , 152 in Schaumburg , 149 in Park Ridge , 135 in Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 86 in Elk Grove Village , 84 in Rolling Meadows , 66 in Prospect Heights , and 51 in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department lists 3,228 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 119 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Tuesday .
• Cases in some Lake County towns : 955 to 959 in Waukegan and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Waukegan ; 105 to 109 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee ; 65 to 69 in Round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas near Round Lake ; 105 to 109 in Mundelein and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein ; 35 to 39 in Libertyville and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville ; 60 to 64 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills ; 25 to 29 in Grayslake and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Grayslake ; 40 to 44 in Wauconda and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda ; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County portion ) ; and 35 to 39 in Lake Zurich and five to nine in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich ; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 20 to 24 in unincorporated near Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 2,739 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 138 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday .
• Cases per suburb include 241 in Addison , 181 in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 200 in Bensenville , 181 in Glendale Heights , 174 in Carol Stream , 124 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in West Chicago , 88 in Willowbrook , 83 in Wheaton , 89 in Downers Grove , 93 in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , and 55 in Glen Ellyn .
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 1,347 cases of COVID-19 with 42 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 599 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 250 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 69 in St. Charles , 68 in Geneva , 41 in South Elgin , 34 in Batavia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilberts , and 12 in Sugar Grove .
• There are 553 cases of COVID-19 and 32 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's website Tuesday .
• There have been 2,267 cases of COVID-19 and 145 deaths , according to the Will County Health Department 's website Tuesday .
• Cases per town include 158 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 20 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

April 28 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 13,855 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 654 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 19,594 cases and 803 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health listed 666 cases of COVID-19 in Des Plaines, 257 cases in Glenview, 221 in Mount Prospect, 199 in Wheeling, 166 in Streamwood, 163 in Palatine, 152 in Schaumburg, 149 in Park Ridge, 135 in Arlington Heights, 132 in Hoffman Estates, 86 in Elk Grove Village, 84 in Rolling Meadows, 66 in Prospect Heights, and 51 in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department lists 3,228 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 119 deaths on its coronavirus website as of Tuesday.
• Cases in some Lake County towns: 955 to 959 in Waukegan and 25 to 29 in unincorporated areas near Waukegan; 105 to 109 in Gurnee and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Gurnee; 65 to 69 in Round Lake and 40 to 44 in unincorporated areas near Round Lake; 105 to 109 in Mundelein and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Mundelein; 35 to 39 in Libertyville and 10 to 14 in unincorporated areas near Libertyville; 60 to 64 in Vernon Hills and less than five in unincorporated areas near Vernon Hills; 25 to 29 in Grayslake and 15 to 19 in unincorporated areas near Grayslake; 40 to 44 in Wauconda and five to nine in unincorporated areas near Wauconda; 35 to 39 in Buffalo Grove and less than five in unincorporated areas near Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); and 35 to 39 in Lake Zurich and five to nine in unincorporated area near Lake Zurich; and 15 to 19 in Lake Villa and 20 to 24 in unincorporated near Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reports 2,739 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 138 deaths on its coronavirus website Tuesday.
• Cases per suburb include 241 in Addison, 181 in Naperville (DuPage portion), 200 in Bensenville, 181 in Glendale Heights, 174 in Carol Stream, 124 in Lombard, 119 in Elmhurst, 150 in West Chicago, 88 in Willowbrook, 83 in Wheaton, 89 in Downers Grove, 93 in Aurora (DuPage County portion), and 55 in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirms 1,347 cases of COVID-19 with 42 deaths on its website Tuesday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 599 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 250 in Elgin (Kane portion), 69 in St. Charles, 68 in Geneva, 41 in South Elgin, 34 in Batavia, 30 in North Aurora, 18 in Gilberts, and 12 in Sugar Grove.
McHenry County
• There are 553 cases of COVID-19 and 32 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Tuesday.
Will County
• There have been 2,267 cases of COVID-19 and 145 deaths, according to the Will County Health Department's website Tuesday.
• Cases per town include 158 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 20 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--District 220 school's AV upgrade could cost much less than expected

Barrington Area Unit District 220 officials say a new audiovisual system could be installed at Roslyn Road Elementary School at a lower cost than originally proposed .
Board members next week are expected to consider the new proposal for the Barrington school , which serves about 430 students in kindergarten through eighth grade .
`` This particular project is one that is really needed over at Roslyn Road , '' Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Bein said .
Initial estimates for the audiovisual upgrades in the school 's gymnasium and multipurpose room were `` quite high '' at about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new proposal would cut the potential cost in half .
Director of Facilities Nichole Satera said the latest estimate totals $ 51,260 for the audiovisual and related electrical work by two companies .
She said she received the new bids after using research and history on the proposed project compiled by LeeAnn Taylor , the district 's director of fiscal services and asset management .
`` We did a lot more work on the equipment and the solutions and got it down significantly lower , '' Satera said .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be putting in place in the gym and multipurpose room there is something that we 'll get a lot of longevity out of .
So , it 's technology that 's current and will last a long time .
So , I think it 's a good investment in the project and in the school . ''
Pentegra Systems of Addison would install laser-based widescreen video projectors in the multipurpose space and gymnasium .
Existing projection screens would be used .
Apple TV could be added to the system , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gym and multipurpose room each would have a touch-panel control custom programmed for the projector , automatic screen deployment and volume .
Taylor said the district is trying to keep technology consistent for all its schools .
She said the need for the audiovisual improvements for Roslyn Road Elementary was identified about five years ago when she served as District 220 's media services director .
If approved by the school board , work could start immediately due to the state-ordered shutdown of schools for the rest of the academic year , Superintendent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 47,775 , with $ 3,485 paid to Lohbauer Electric Inc. of South Elgin .

District 220 school's AV upgrade could cost much less than expected
Barrington Area Unit District 220 Director of Facilities Nichole Satera says there is a current proposal totaling $51,260 -- down from initial estimates of about $100,000 -- for an upgraded audiovisual system and related electrical work at Roslyn Road Elementary School in Barrington. Courtesy of Barrington Area Unit District 220
Barrington Area Unit District 220 officials say a new audiovisual system could be installed at Roslyn Road Elementary School at a lower cost than originally proposed.
Board members next week are expected to consider the new proposal for the Barrington school, which serves about 430 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
"This particular project is one that is really needed over at Roslyn Road," Assistant Superintendent of Business Services David Bein said.
Initial estimates for the audiovisual upgrades in the school's gymnasium and multipurpose room were "quite high" at about $100,000, Bein said. However, a new proposal would cut the potential cost in half.
Director of Facilities Nichole Satera said the latest estimate totals $51,260 for the audiovisual and related electrical work by two companies. She said she received the new bids after using research and history on the proposed project compiled by LeeAnn Taylor, the district's director of fiscal services and asset management.
"We did a lot more work on the equipment and the solutions and got it down significantly lower," Satera said. "And also, the technology that we're going to be putting in place in the gym and multipurpose room there is something that we'll get a lot of longevity out of. So, it's technology that's current and will last a long time. So, I think it's a good investment in the project and in the school."
Pentegra Systems of Addison would install laser-based widescreen video projectors in the multipurpose space and gymnasium. Existing projection screens would be used.
Apple TV could be added to the system, according to Pentegra. Roslyn Road Elementary's gym and multipurpose room each would have a touch-panel control custom programmed for the projector, automatic screen deployment and volume.
Taylor said the district is trying to keep technology consistent for all its schools. She said the need for the audiovisual improvements for Roslyn Road Elementary was identified about five years ago when she served as District 220's media services director.
If approved by the school board, work could start immediately due to the state-ordered shutdown of schools for the rest of the academic year, Superintendent Brian Harris said.
Pentegra would receive $47,775, with $3,485 paid to Lohbauer Electric Inc. of South Elgin.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-29--Feder: 'Unpaid vacation' gives no break to iHeartMedia staffers

For the second time this month iHeartMedia is citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for cutting the pay of its employees , Robert Feder writes .
On Tuesday the radio giant announced those who earn more than $ 50,000 a year will be required to take two weeks of `` unpaid vacation '' before the end of 2020 .
While iHeartMedia is far from alone in making cutbacks , the company 's use of language is especially insidious .
In January -- before the coronavirus shutdown -- iHeartMedia referred to the layoff of as many as 1,000 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael `` DJ MoonDawg '' Muniz and Trace Hamilton ) as `` transformation and modernization initiatives . ''
The latest move comes weeks after the company ordered 90-day furloughs for hundreds of full-time and part-time employees , including more than 30 at iHeartMedia Chicago .
The iHeartMedia cluster here includes urban contemporary WGCI 107.5-FM , urban adult-contemporary WVAZ 102.7-FM , Top 40 WKSC 103.5-FM , adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM , country WEBG 95.5-FM , and gospel WGRB 1390-AM .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: 'Unpaid vacation' gives no break to iHeartMedia staffers
On Tuesday, iHeartMedia announced those who earn more than $50,000 a year will be required to take two weeks of "unpaid vacation" before the end of 2020.
For the second time this month iHeartMedia is citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for cutting the pay of its employees, Robert Feder writes.
On Tuesday the radio giant announced those who earn more than $50,000 a year will be required to take two weeks of "unpaid vacation" before the end of 2020.
While iHeartMedia is far from alone in making cutbacks, the company's use of language is especially insidious. In January -- before the coronavirus shutdown -- iHeartMedia referred to the layoff of as many as 1,000 employees (including Chicago personalities Chris Michaels, Michael "DJ MoonDawg" Muniz and Trace Hamilton) as "transformation and modernization initiatives."
The latest move comes weeks after the company ordered 90-day furloughs for hundreds of full-time and part-time employees, including more than 30 at iHeartMedia Chicago.
The iHeartMedia cluster here includes urban contemporary WGCI 107.5-FM, urban adult-contemporary WVAZ 102.7-FM, Top 40 WKSC 103.5-FM, adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM, country WEBG 95.5-FM, and gospel WGRB 1390-AM.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-28--A song to make  you smile: 'Saturday in the Park' by Chicago

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 .
@ @ @ @ @ Saturday in the Park '' by Chicago , released in 1972 .

A song to make you smile: 'Saturday in the Park' by Chicago
James Pankow, from left, Walter Parazaider and Lee Loughnane from Chicago perform at the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York. All three played on the album "Chicago V," which included the song "Saturday in the Park." 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 "Saturday in the Park" by Chicago, released in 1972.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-29--German SWAT team member killed in drug raid shooting

BERLIN -- German authorities say a police SWAT team member was shot and killed during a drug raid in the @ @ @ @ @ Police there said the 28-year-old officer was entering an apartment Wednesday morning to search for @ @ @ @ @ two shots at his team .
One hit the officer , who died about an @ @ @ @ @ , the dpa news agency reported .
The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and the investigation @ @ @

German SWAT team member killed in drug raid shooting
BERLIN -- German authorities say a police SWAT team member was shot and killed during a drug raid in the western city of Gelsenkirchen.
Police there said the 28-year-old officer was entering an apartment Wednesday morning to search for drugs when the suspect fired two shots at his team. One hit the officer, who died about an hour later in the hospital, the dpa news agency reported.
The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
Further details weren't immediately available.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-29--COVID-19 hospitalizations see largest single-day spike in Illinois

Almost 300 patients suffering from COVID-19 symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the state Tuesday , marking the largest single-day spike since the state began releasing figures .
There are now 5,036 people hospitalized in Illinois because of a coronavirus infection , including 1,290 in intensive care , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The number of coronavirus patients in ICU beds grew by 45 , as well .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker focused on hospitalizations during his daily briefing Wednesday , as the state also announced 2,253 newly diagnosed cases and 92 deaths the previous day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important measure here because you do n't want your hospitals overrun , '' he said .
Pritzker , in the face of mounting calls to `` reopen '' the state , did n't answer what the hospitalization rates need to look like before that could begin .
`` They ca n't keep going up .
Right now , they 're going up , '' Pritzker said , pointing toward the federal government 's guidelines .
`` You have to peak and move down the other side for 14 consistent days . ''
COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all of the state 's hospital beds and 36 % of all the state 's ICU beds .
Only 26 % of the state 's ICU beds are available following a surge of patients with diagnoses other than COVID-19 being admitted within the past week .
On April 23 , there were 991 non-COVID patients in ICU beds , and by Tuesday there were 1,354 , a 36 % increase .
Dr. Ngozi Ezike , head of the Illinois Department of Public Health , suggested some of those patients might have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm seeing how this virus actually affects blood vessels and how it promotes clots , '' Ezike said .
`` There may be additional heart attacks , strokes and other clotting events that may in fact be related to COVID . ''
However , she noted she has n't studied the medical records of those people .
The state 's death toll since the outbreak began is 2,215 and the number of infections statewide is 50,355 .
Pritzker said the state has acquired a decontamination system for health care workers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in short supply since the outbreak began .
He said the decontamination unit can sterilize equipment which was meant to be used once up to 20 times without degrading its performance .
`` I ca n't overstate how important this resource is in our ability to help our hospitals , health care workers , law enforcement and front-line workers , '' he added .
He urged front-line workers , especially those in nursing homes , to report employers to local health departments if the workers are n't receiving supplies of protective equipment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their bosses if they report problems .
`` If a facility is firing somebody for asking for these things , especially given the moment we 're all in , our department of labor and the attorney general 's office should hear from those workers , '' Pritzker said .

COVID-19 hospitalizations see largest single-day spike in Illinois
Almost 300 patients suffering from COVID-19 symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the state Tuesday, marking the largest single-day spike since the state began releasing figures.
There are now 5,036 people hospitalized in Illinois because of a coronavirus infection, including 1,290 in intensive care, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The number of coronavirus patients in ICU beds grew by 45, as well.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker focused on hospitalizations during his daily briefing Wednesday, as the state also announced 2,253 newly diagnosed cases and 92 deaths the previous day.
"Hospitalizations are perhaps the most important measure here because you don't want your hospitals overrun," he said.
Pritzker, in the face of mounting calls to "reopen" the state, didn't answer what the hospitalization rates need to look like before that could begin.
"They can't keep going up. Right now, they're going up," Pritzker said, pointing toward the federal government's guidelines. "You have to peak and move down the other side for 14 consistent days."
COVID-19 patients are taking up nearly 16% of all of the state's hospital beds and 36% of all the state's ICU beds.
Only 26% of the state's ICU beds are available following a surge of patients with diagnoses other than COVID-19 being admitted within the past week. On April 23, there were 991 non-COVID patients in ICU beds, and by Tuesday there were 1,354, a 36% increase.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health, suggested some of those patients might have been admitted after recovering from the coronavirus.
"I'm seeing how this virus actually affects blood vessels and how it promotes clots," Ezike said. "There may be additional heart attacks, strokes and other clotting events that may in fact be related to COVID."
However, she noted she hasn't studied the medical records of those people.
The state's death toll since the outbreak began is 2,215 and the number of infections statewide is 50,355.
Pritzker said the state has acquired a decontamination system for health care workers' personal protective equipment, which has been in short supply since the outbreak began. He said the decontamination unit can sterilize equipment which was meant to be used once up to 20 times without degrading its performance.
"I can't overstate how important this resource is in our ability to help our hospitals, health care workers, law enforcement and front-line workers," he added.
He urged front-line workers, especially those in nursing homes, to report employers to local health departments if the workers aren't receiving supplies of protective equipment. Some workers have said they fear reprisal from their bosses if they report problems.
"If a facility is firing somebody for asking for these things, especially given the moment we're all in, our department of labor and the attorney general's office should hear from those workers," Pritzker said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-04-29--Circle of life continues for Mooseheart bald eagles

The future of the bald eagle nest in the Mooseheart football parking lot near Batavia was uncertain a year ago when one of the adult raptors was struck and killed by a car , raising doubts if two eaglets would survive .
But the circle of life has continued : The eaglets grew and left the nest , and `` Mama '' eagle has a new partner .
The new couple welcomed an eaglet that hatched this month .
`` People were really sad last year .
It 's something else to think about , especially this spring , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident and nature photographer who has watched the Mooseheart nest at the northwest corner of Route 31 and Mooseheart Road for eight years .
`` It 's God 's creation , and he works things out . ''
Soderstrom recalled the heartbreaking sight in May 2019 of the remaining adult eagle looking in vain for her partner as she flew over the Fox River .
`` The first day was really tough .
It was just a sad day , '' he said .
`` We were concerned whether or not the adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eaglets ) or abandon them . ''
The remaining eagle did stay to look after the eaglets , who grew strong enough to leave the nest last summer .
Wildlife officials never tested the gender of the eagle that was killed .
Early reports were it was the female , but the picture became clearer weeks later when a suitor showed up in June .
Soderstrom and Gordon Garcia , a Bartlett resident who has watched eagles since 2009 , both noted that adult female eagles are about 25 % to 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eagle that showed up a month after the fatal accident was smaller than the remaining eagle .
`` She raised the two eaglets by herself .
It was an undertaking for her , '' Garcia recalled .
`` She was leery of the new male at first . ''
As summer 2019 progressed , the mother eagle warmed .
By mid-July , Soderstrom said , the two were flying together .
`` We were all excited to see that .
Everyone was very encouraged , '' he said .
And this February and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the nest , with the male finding mulch to fortify the home .
Last week , Soderstrom caught a shot of the adults feeding a new eaglet .
Cathy Pollack is a biologist at the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service since 2000 whose duties include tracking bald eagle populations and more than 30 nests in the six-county area around Chicago .
She said it 's hard to gauge whether the mother eagle 's caring for the eaglets was rare , as most eagle nests are n't constantly monitored and she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent dies .
Pollack is thankful the mother found a new mate and stayed put ; when an eagle finds a new mate , they often build a new nest elsewhere .
`` Mooseheart is the one ( nest ) the public pays the most attention to , '' she said .
`` We do n't have people at all of the active nests ( in the collar counties ) .
But that nest , people sit there ( to watch ) because it 's so easily viewable from the road . ''

Circle of life continues for Mooseheart bald eagles
The two Mooseheart bald eagles, the male facing left and female facing right, have produced at least one eaglet (not shown) this month. Here they are on April 13. courtesy of Dave Soderstrom
The Mooseheart "mama" bald eagle, left, on April 13 eats part of a fish brought to her by her new mate. He arrived about a month after the female's previous mate was struck and killed by a car in late May 2019. courtesy of Dave Soderstrom
A male bald eagle, right, delivers a fish to his mate at her nest in the Mooseheart parking lot this month. The male showed up as a suitor last summer after the female's previous mate was killed by a car in May 2019. courtesy of Dave Soderstrom
An adult male bald eagle, right, delivers a fish to the "mama" eagle at her nest in the Mooseheart parking lot on April 13. They produced at least one eaglet this month. courtesy of Dave Soderstrom
The future of the bald eagle nest in the Mooseheart football parking lot near Batavia was uncertain a year ago when one of the adult raptors was struck and killed by a car, raising doubts if two eaglets would survive.
But the circle of life has continued: The eaglets grew and left the nest, and "Mama" eagle has a new partner. The new couple welcomed an eaglet that hatched this month.
"People were really sad last year. It's something else to think about, especially this spring," said Dave Soderstrom, a St. Charles resident and nature photographer who has watched the Mooseheart nest at the northwest corner of Route 31 and Mooseheart Road for eight years. "It's God's creation, and he works things out."
Soderstrom recalled the heartbreaking sight in May 2019 of the remaining adult eagle looking in vain for her partner as she flew over the Fox River.
"The first day was really tough. It was just a sad day," he said. "We were concerned whether or not the adult would take care of (the two eaglets) or abandon them."
The remaining eagle did stay to look after the eaglets, who grew strong enough to leave the nest last summer.
Wildlife officials never tested the gender of the eagle that was killed. Early reports were it was the female, but the picture became clearer weeks later when a suitor showed up in June.
Soderstrom and Gordon Garcia, a Bartlett resident who has watched eagles since 2009, both noted that adult female eagles are about 25% to 30% larger than male counterparts.
The new eagle that showed up a month after the fatal accident was smaller than the remaining eagle.
"She raised the two eaglets by herself. It was an undertaking for her," Garcia recalled. "She was leery of the new male at first."
As summer 2019 progressed, the mother eagle warmed. By mid-July, Soderstrom said, the two were flying together.
"We were all excited to see that. Everyone was very encouraged," he said.
And this February and March, the pair were seen together in the nest, with the male finding mulch to fortify the home.
Last week, Soderstrom caught a shot of the adults feeding a new eaglet.
Cathy Pollack is a biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 2000 whose duties include tracking bald eagle populations and more than 30 nests in the six-county area around Chicago. She said it's hard to gauge whether the mother eagle's caring for the eaglets was rare, as most eagle nests aren't constantly monitored and she hasn't witnessed a situation where an eagle parent dies.
Pollack is thankful the mother found a new mate and stayed put; when an eagle finds a new mate, they often build a new nest elsewhere.
"Mooseheart is the one (nest) the public pays the most attention to," she said. "We don't have people at all of the active nests (in the collar counties). But that nest, people sit there (to watch) because it's so easily viewable from the road."