dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--McHenry County lawmakers, candidates call for resignation, investigation into allegations against Fr

Several lawmakers have called for McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks to resign after last week 's revelation that the Illinois State Police has been investigating Franks for sexual misconduct and stalking allegations .
The allegations date back to Franks ' time as a state legislator .
According to a search warrant posted by political columnist Rich Miller , police determined `` probable cause exists for the crimes of criminal sexual abuse , criminal sexual assault , official misconduct , stalking and aggravated battery . ''
Franks , who declined to comment Monday , has denied any wrongdoing .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete personnel , human resources or other files containing information related to allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct by Franks ; names and contact information of all prior legislative assistants assigned to Franks ; and reports or complaints relating to sexual misconduct , harassment , stalking or other misconduct by Franks and various other documentation .
`` I handle myself appropriately , '' Franks told the Northwest Herald last week .
`` I 've done nothing wrong .
I certainly hope people reserve their judgment . ''
In light of these allegations , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate resignation .
`` Considering the pattern of abusive behavior , corruption cases that have tainted his caucus for decades , and now these allegations , it is perfectly clear that Illinois and McHenry County need the immediate resignation of both Speaker Michael Madigan and McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks , '' state Rep. Allen Skillicorn , of East Dundee , said in a statement .
State Rep. Jim Oberweis , of Sugar Grove -- who is seeking the GOP nomination in a crowded 14th District primary race to challenge U.S. Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to the allegations as `` reprehensible '' and `` inexcusable '' and also called for Franks ' immediate resignation .
`` It appears as though Mr. Franks and House Speaker Michael Madigan were complicit in a coverup to protect their power , while further damaging the ability of women to come forward to bring to light the abuses suffered at the hands of those who were elected to represent and protect all of our families , '' Oberweis said in a statement .
State Rep. Steven Reick , of Woodstock -- who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat in 2016 -- said if Franks does not resign , everything he does in the role going forward will be tainted by the allegations of abuse .
Reick had his own run-in this year and received court supervision in connection with his May 1 drunken driving arrest .
`` I have to wonder why it is that predatory actions that allegedly occurred as far back as 2016 took until 2018 to be communicated to and investigated by the Speaker 's office , and why it then took until 'the following year ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , '' Reick said in the statement .
`` Where will this end ? ''
Other GOP lawmakers and candidates , including state Sen. Craig Wilcox , of McHenry , called for a thorough investigation .
`` Furthermore , ( the allegations ) betray the trust our residents put in their elected officials and I hope this type of behavior that is said to have occurred in our state 's Capitol has n't been carried back to our County , '' Wilcox said in a statement .
`` The residents deserve answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve justice . ''
State Rep. David McSweeney , of Barrington Hills , said he has full confidence in the Illinois State Police and looks forward to the results of the investigation , which he said should be made public .
Mike Buehler , who is running for County Board chairman as a Republican , said Monday it appears to him the Illinois State Police has things under control and he would assume they would ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that justice is served .
McHenry County Board member Carolyn Schofield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming primary , said the allegations were very serious and concerning , especially in the midst of statewide ethics issues that seem to be occurring on a daily basis .
Peter Janko of Marengo , who is running as a Democrat in Reick 's district , said one of the things he put on his platform as a state legislator is a pledge not to have any closed-door meetings with lobbyists .
`` Everything I do would be done with total transparency , '' Janko said .
Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , declined to comment Monday .
McHenry County Board member Suzanne Ness , who is running as a Democrat against Skillicorn , could not be reached for comment Monday .

McHenry County lawmakers, candidates call for resignation, investigation into allegations against Franks
Several lawmakers have called for McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks to resign after last week's revelation that the Illinois State Police has been investigating Franks for sexual misconduct and stalking allegations.
The allegations date back to Franks' time as a state legislator. According to a search warrant posted by political columnist Rich Miller, police determined "probable cause exists for the crimes of criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, official misconduct, stalking and aggravated battery." Franks, who declined to comment Monday, has denied any wrongdoing.
The search warrant said ISP was to seize complete personnel, human resources or other files containing information related to allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct by Franks; names and contact information of all prior legislative assistants assigned to Franks; and reports or complaints relating to sexual misconduct, harassment, stalking or other misconduct by Franks and various other documentation.
"I handle myself appropriately," Franks told the Northwest Herald last week. "I've done nothing wrong. I certainly hope people reserve their judgment."
In light of these allegations, several GOP lawmakers have called for Franks' immediate resignation.
"Considering the pattern of abusive behavior, corruption cases that have tainted his caucus for decades, and now these allegations, it is perfectly clear that Illinois and McHenry County need the immediate resignation of both Speaker Michael Madigan and McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks," state Rep. Allen Skillicorn, of East Dundee, said in a statement.
State Rep. Jim Oberweis, of Sugar Grove -- who is seeking the GOP nomination in a crowded 14th District primary race to challenge U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, a Naperville Democrat -- referred to the allegations as "reprehensible" and "inexcusable" and also called for Franks' immediate resignation.
"It appears as though Mr. Franks and House Speaker Michael Madigan were complicit in a coverup to protect their power, while further damaging the ability of women to come forward to bring to light the abuses suffered at the hands of those who were elected to represent and protect all of our families," Oberweis said in a statement.
State Rep. Steven Reick, of Woodstock -- who was elected to Franks' former House seat in 2016 -- said if Franks does not resign, everything he does in the role going forward will be tainted by the allegations of abuse.
Reick had his own run-in this year and received court supervision in connection with his May 1 drunken driving arrest.
"I have to wonder why it is that predatory actions that allegedly occurred as far back as 2016 took until 2018 to be communicated to and investigated by the Speaker's office, and why it then took until 'the following year' for law enforcement to be informed of them," Reick said in the statement. "Where will this end?"
Other GOP lawmakers and candidates, including state Sen. Craig Wilcox, of McHenry, called for a thorough investigation.
"Furthermore, (the allegations) betray the trust our residents put in their elected officials and I hope this type of behavior that is said to have occurred in our state's Capitol hasn't been carried back to our County," Wilcox said in a statement. "The residents deserve answers, and the victim(s) deserve justice."
State Rep. David McSweeney, of Barrington Hills, said he has full confidence in the Illinois State Police and looks forward to the results of the investigation, which he said should be made public.
Mike Buehler, who is running for County Board chairman as a Republican, said Monday it appears to him the Illinois State Police has things under control and he would assume they would ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that justice is served.
McHenry County Board member Carolyn Schofield, who is challenging Skillicorn in the upcoming primary, said the allegations were very serious and concerning, especially in the midst of statewide ethics issues that seem to be occurring on a daily basis.
Peter Janko of Marengo, who is running as a Democrat in Reick's district, said one of the things he put on his platform as a state legislator is a pledge not to have any closed-door meetings with lobbyists.
"Everything I do would be done with total transparency," Janko said.
Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager, who is running against Janko in the primary, declined to comment Monday.
McHenry County Board member Suzanne Ness, who is running as a Democrat against Skillicorn, could not be reached for comment Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Two Elk Grove Catholic churches to merge, but neither will close

Two Elk Grove Village Catholic churches will merge under a unified administrative structure , while both church buildings remain open for weekend Masses , under a plan that averts a possible closure of one of the parishes .
Archdiocese of Chicago officials and leaders at both churches -- Queen of the Rosary and St. Julian Eymard -- have spent the last eight months evaluating ways to pool resources amid a decline in Mass attendance and shortage of priests .
Among the options on the table was to close one of the churches and invite parishioners to the other , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to shutter Queen of the Rosary because it has an adjoining school .
The decision announced to parishioners during a meeting Wednesday night was to unite the churches under a new still-to-be-determined parish name , while preserving the names of the individual churches at what would be considered campus locations .
That means combining ministries and parish and finance councils .
The parish will have one pastor , one set of financial books , one website and one weekly bulletin .
It also means a likely reduction in the number of weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rosary School would keep its name .
It 's unclear if the religious education program housed at St. Julian would be combined with Queen of the Rosary 's program .
`` I think there was both sadness and joy , '' the Rev .
Brian Kean , pastor of St. Julian , said of the meeting when Cardinal Blase Cupich 's decision was announced .
`` That previous parishes in which ( parishioners ) spent their time would be going away for a new parish , but also joy in the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our resources to bring Christ into the world . ''
The archdiocese plans to monitor the operations of the combined parish over the next three years to determine if the new arrangement makes sense , or if a new structure needs to come about , Kean said .
The pastor said neither church is struggling -- both have weekly Mass attendance of more than 800 and are financially sound with no outstanding debts -- but officials are `` trying to look to the future . ''
`` It 's the priest shortage that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined from 10 to 20 years ago , '' Kean said .
`` We want to be ready to address the situation and turn around and call more people to faith than we currently have , especially millennials . ''
A committee will come up with a list of possible names for the new parish and send the ideas to Cupich , who will make the final decision .
The cardinal also will appoint the parish pastor , who could be one of the two current pastors or someone new .
The changes @ @ @ @ @ @

Two Elk Grove Catholic churches to merge, but neither will close
Two Elk Grove Village Catholic churches will merge under a unified administrative structure, while both church buildings remain open for weekend Masses, under a plan that averts a possible closure of one of the parishes.
Archdiocese of Chicago officials and leaders at both churches -- Queen of the Rosary and St. Julian Eymard -- have spent the last eight months evaluating ways to pool resources amid a decline in Mass attendance and shortage of priests.
Among the options on the table was to close one of the churches and invite parishioners to the other, though officials said the least-likely scenario would have been to shutter Queen of the Rosary because it has an adjoining school.
The decision announced to parishioners during a meeting Wednesday night was to unite the churches under a new still-to-be-determined parish name, while preserving the names of the individual churches at what would be considered campus locations.
That means combining ministries and parish and finance councils. The parish will have one pastor, one set of financial books, one website and one weekly bulletin.
It also means a likely reduction in the number of weekend Masses, officials say.
Queen of the Rosary School would keep its name. It's unclear if the religious education program housed at St. Julian would be combined with Queen of the Rosary's program.
"I think there was both sadness and joy," the Rev. Brian Kean, pastor of St. Julian, said of the meeting when Cardinal Blase Cupich's decision was announced. "That previous parishes in which (parishioners) spent their time would be going away for a new parish, but also joy in the possibility for renewing our parish and better utilizing our resources to bring Christ into the world."
The archdiocese plans to monitor the operations of the combined parish over the next three years to determine if the new arrangement makes sense, or if a new structure needs to come about, Kean said.
The pastor said neither church is struggling -- both have weekly Mass attendance of more than 800 and are financially sound with no outstanding debts -- but officials are "trying to look to the future."
"It's the priest shortage that's facing us, and attendance has declined from 10 to 20 years ago," Kean said.
"We want to be ready to address the situation and turn around and call more people to faith than we currently have, especially millennials."
A committee will come up with a list of possible names for the new parish and send the ideas to Cupich, who will make the final decision.
The cardinal also will appoint the parish pastor, who could be one of the two current pastors or someone new.
The changes officially take effect July 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Legislative watchdog bemoaned as too weak to matter in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Investigations into misconduct by Illinois lawmakers should be confidential and free of oversight , particularly from legislators themselves , the General Assembly 's watchdog said Thursday .
Carol Pope , the current legislative inpsector general , and two of her predecessors testified before a bipartisan commission studying ethics reform after a string of high-profile bribery and embezzlement charges against sitting legislators .
Pope said the integrity of the process was compromised because the Legislative Ethics Commission , which is composed of lawmakers , must approve opening a case .
Julie Porter also repeated allegations that the commission had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of publishing them .
Tom Homer was the first inspector appointed in 2004 .
Since he left in 2014 with an open letter calling the job a `` toothless tiger , '' critics have complained the inspector general , identified as `` independent '' in state law , is too weak to matter .
`` If I have to go to eight legislators over whom I have jurisdiction to investigate to ask for permission to open an investigation , how independent am I ? ''
Pope testified .
`` I am required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I 'm investigating are .
When I do that , eight people know ( the specifics of ) what I 'm investigating .
And that is not right . ''
Porter stepped into the job in 2017 when legislative leaders faced with sexual harassment complaints were confronted with a three-year vacancy in the inspector general 's office .
She initially made accusations in a Chicago Tribune op-ed when she left the job last spring that the commission refused to publish two reports of proven allegations of lawmaker misconduct .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing '' had disappeared without explanation .
Porter also issued a warning to the commission : Loosen the reins on the inspector 's investigatory powers or face great difficulty finding someone to fill the part-time position .
`` No one would take this job because there 's no point , '' Porter said .
`` I tried very hard to do meaningful investigations to get to the bottom of things .
It was a waste of time .
Many of the things that I did have not been debated and assessed and discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pope and her colleagues also argued for a law requiring legislators to declare conflicts of interest .
Lawmakers in November took action to require greater disclosure from lobbyists but demurred on further ethics changes , assigning the task to the commission .
The commission must make its recommendations by March 31 .

Legislative watchdog bemoaned as too weak to matter in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD -- Investigations into misconduct by Illinois lawmakers should be confidential and free of oversight, particularly from legislators themselves, the General Assembly's watchdog said Thursday.
Carol Pope, the current legislative inpsector general, and two of her predecessors testified before a bipartisan commission studying ethics reform after a string of high-profile bribery and embezzlement charges against sitting legislators.
Pope said the integrity of the process was compromised because the Legislative Ethics Commission, which is composed of lawmakers, must approve opening a case. Julie Porter also repeated allegations that the commission had buried reports that confirmed misdeeds against legislators instead of publishing them.
Tom Homer was the first inspector appointed in 2004. Since he left in 2014 with an open letter calling the job a "toothless tiger," critics have complained the inspector general, identified as "independent" in state law, is too weak to matter.
"If I have to go to eight legislators over whom I have jurisdiction to investigate to ask for permission to open an investigation, how independent am I?" Pope testified. "I am required ... to tell them what the allegations that I'm investigating are. When I do that, eight people know (the specifics of) what I'm investigating. And that is not right."
Porter stepped into the job in 2017 when legislative leaders faced with sexual harassment complaints were confronted with a three-year vacancy in the inspector general's office.
She initially made accusations in a Chicago Tribune op-ed when she left the job last spring that the commission refused to publish two reports of proven allegations of lawmaker misconduct.
On Thursday, Porter said another case of "serious wrongdoing" had disappeared without explanation.
Porter also issued a warning to the commission: Loosen the reins on the inspector's investigatory powers or face great difficulty finding someone to fill the part-time position.
"No one would take this job because there's no point," Porter said. "I tried very hard to do meaningful investigations to get to the bottom of things. It was a waste of time. Many of the things that I did have not been debated and assessed and discussed the way that they should be."
Pope and her colleagues also argued for a law requiring legislators to declare conflicts of interest.
Lawmakers in November took action to require greater disclosure from lobbyists but demurred on further ethics changes, assigning the task to the commission. The commission must make its recommendations by March 31.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Feder: Voting starts for Illinois Rock and Roll Museum Hall of Fame

With the opening of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet set for this summer , @ @ @ @ @ first Hall of Fame class , Robert Feder writes .
Charter members have until February @ @ @ @ @ in five categories -- including competition between Larry Lujack and Steve Dahl as disc jockeys @ @ @ @ @ as radio stations .
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be March 29 @ @ @ @ @ Joliet .
Billed as `` a vibrant and dynamic cultural center , spanning age , @ @ @ @ @ '' the museum is being completed at a three-story , 15,000 square-foot building at 9 @ @ @ @ @ `` the crossroads of Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway '' ) in downtown Joliet @ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Voting starts for Illinois Rock and Roll Museum Hall of Fame
With the opening of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet set for this summer, voting is underway on the first Hall of Fame class, Robert Feder writes.
Charter members have until February 14 to cast their ballots in five categories -- including competition between Larry Lujack and Steve Dahl as disc jockeys, and WLS and WXRT as radio stations.
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be March 29 at the Renaissance Center in Joliet.
Billed as "a vibrant and dynamic cultural center, spanning age, race and musical genres," the museum is being completed at a three-story, 15,000 square-foot building at 9 West Cass Avenue (at "the crossroads of Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway") in downtown Joliet.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Why Schaumburg might pay extra to bury power lines between major redevelopments

Along with the major redevelopments on both sides of Meacham Road between the I-90 tollway and Algonquin Road in Schaumburg , village officials now intend to bury power lines in the area .
A coincidentally timed road improvement at the intersection of Meacham and Algonquin is driving this expensive opportunity , rather than the ongoing work at the Veridian development on the former Motorola campus to the west or the village 's planned entertainment district to the east .
`` It makes sense from an aesthetic perspective , '' said Trustee Brian Bieschke , who chairs the village 's transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is slated to be a showcase . ''
The full village board next Tuesday will consider the transportation committee 's unanimous recommendation to make a $ 55,909 down payment to ComEd toward the design of burying the lines from Thoreau Drive near the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center north to Algonquin Road .
This is 10 % of the estimated total cost of burying the lines .
If officials ultimately decide to go ahead with burial , the village would be responsible for the entire cost , Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be the status quo , but modifications raising the pole height and probably requiring lines to hang above the roadway to avoid interfering with a cell tower on the southeast corner of Meacham and Algonquin .
The village expects to use funds from that area 's tax increment financing district to pay for whatever project emerges from ComEd 's study .
A more detailed and accurate cost estimate is also expected .
The village previously has invested in the burial of power lines along Schaumburg , Roselle and Wise roads when maintenance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Dailly said .
`` It just looked terrible , '' he said of Schaumburg Road before that change .
`` The whole thing was : Let 's make our community look better .
You 're not going to get a cheaper time to do this . ''
A further benefit , he said , is the service improvement from power lines no longer vulnerable to bad weather .
Nevertheless , he was on the losing side of a 4-2 vote in 2016 that rejected burying the power lines along Plum Grove Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3 per month to residents ' electricity bills for five years .
The TIF district expected to fund the Meacham Road improvement works by having frozen the amount of property taxes local governments receive from it at the level of its first year .
For 23 years after that , any increases in the district 's property taxes go into a municipally held fund for public improvements .

Why Schaumburg might pay extra to bury power lines between major redevelopments
Along with the major redevelopments on both sides of Meacham Road between the I-90 tollway and Algonquin Road in Schaumburg, village officials now intend to bury power lines in the area.
A coincidentally timed road improvement at the intersection of Meacham and Algonquin is driving this expensive opportunity, rather than the ongoing work at the Veridian development on the former Motorola campus to the west or the village's planned entertainment district to the east.
"It makes sense from an aesthetic perspective," said Trustee Brian Bieschke, who chairs the village's transportation committee. "This part of Schaumburg is slated to be a showcase."
The full village board next Tuesday will consider the transportation committee's unanimous recommendation to make a $55,909 down payment to ComEd toward the design of burying the lines from Thoreau Drive near the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center north to Algonquin Road. This is 10% of the estimated total cost of burying the lines.
If officials ultimately decide to go ahead with burial, the village would be responsible for the entire cost, Schaumburg Transportation Director Karyn Robles said.
The alternative to burial would not be the status quo, but modifications raising the pole height and probably requiring lines to hang above the roadway to avoid interfering with a cell tower on the southeast corner of Meacham and Algonquin.
The village expects to use funds from that area's tax increment financing district to pay for whatever project emerges from ComEd's study. A more detailed and accurate cost estimate is also expected.
The village previously has invested in the burial of power lines along Schaumburg, Roselle and Wise roads when maintenance projects made the timing right, Mayor Tom Dailly said.
"It just looked terrible," he said of Schaumburg Road before that change. "The whole thing was: Let's make our community look better. You're not going to get a cheaper time to do this."
A further benefit, he said, is the service improvement from power lines no longer vulnerable to bad weather.
Nevertheless, he was on the losing side of a 4-2 vote in 2016 that rejected burying the power lines along Plum Grove Road between Higgins and Wiley roads by adding $3 per month to residents' electricity bills for five years.
The TIF district expected to fund the Meacham Road improvement works by having frozen the amount of property taxes local governments receive from it at the level of its first year. For 23 years after that, any increases in the district's property taxes go into a municipally held fund for public improvements.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Elgin entrepreneur inspires kids with popcorn book

A fun , inspiring story told by an exuberant guy who brings popcorn treats -- what kid would n't want that for school storytime ?
Chris Sumner , owner of Mama Lee 's Gourmet Popcorn , has been hopping across elementary schools in Elgin Area School District U-46 to read from his recently self-published book , `` Popa Pop-a-Lot 's Poptastic Adventures : Follow Your Dreams . ''
The book is intended to be the first of a series , said the 32-year-old Sumner , who on Monday visited Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin .
`` How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
How can I give them some tools that will help them throughout their life journey ? ''
he said .
`` That 's kind of the purpose behind the book . ''
The book is about the importance of loving yourself and believing in yourself .
Kids need to be inspired to think about their passions and futures , because by the time they get to high school , many have no idea what they want to do in life , Sumner said .
The students at Fox Meadow Elementary responded enthusiastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told them about growing up making popcorn with his mother and wanting to write children 's books .
He shared trivia about popcorn , like Nebraska being the state that produces the most popcorn , and asked the students what they want to be when they grow up .
A veterinarian , a marine biologist , the president of the United States , they answered .
`` I want to be famous , '' one said .
No matter what you want to do , follow your dreams and do n't let others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 32-year-old , who is married with two children , regularly speaks to high schoolers about what it 's like to be an entrepreneur .
Mama Lee 's Gourmet Popcorn also has locations in Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee and Ford City Mall in Chicago ; a fourth one is coming to Lincolnwood Mall in Lincolnwood , he said .
Sumner 's book cover illustration was done by Matthew Chagoya , 16 , a junior at Elgin High School who met Sumner when he came to talk to his class last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they wanted to be when they grew up , Matthew responded he wanted to be an animator or cartoonist .
Sumner looked at his drawings and asked Matthew if he 'd want to illustrate the cover for his upcoming children 's book .
Matthew said at first he hesitated because the task seemed daunting .
`` But then I 'm like , if I skip this , I 'm never going to get another chance , '' he said .
`` So I went with it . ''
He worked `` diligently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which includes the Tower Building in downtown Elgin , and is happy and proud of the final product , he said .
`` I accomplished something this young , at this age , '' he said .
Sumner , who published his book in December , said he 's already done about 65 readings to elementary school classes in the Elgin area , plus a couple in Chicago .
His next goal is to create a `` Popa Pop-a-Lot '' cartoon animation series , he said .

Elgin entrepreneur inspires kids with popcorn book
A fun, inspiring story told by an exuberant guy who brings popcorn treats -- what kid wouldn't want that for school storytime?
Chris Sumner, owner of Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn, has been hopping across elementary schools in Elgin Area School District U-46 to read from his recently self-published book, "Popa Pop-a-Lot's Poptastic Adventures: Follow Your Dreams."
The book is intended to be the first of a series, said the 32-year-old Sumner, who on Monday visited Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin. "How can I inspire children at an early age? How can I give them some tools that will help them throughout their life journey?" he said. "That's kind of the purpose behind the book."
The book is about the importance of loving yourself and believing in yourself. Kids need to be inspired to think about their passions and futures, because by the time they get to high school, many have no idea what they want to do in life, Sumner said.
The students at Fox Meadow Elementary responded enthusiastically to Sumner's bubbly energy as he told them about growing up making popcorn with his mother and wanting to write children's books. He shared trivia about popcorn, like Nebraska being the state that produces the most popcorn, and asked the students what they want to be when they grow up.
A veterinarian, a marine biologist, the president of the United States, they answered. "I want to be famous," one said.
No matter what you want to do, follow your dreams and don't let others bring you down, Sumner told them.
The 32-year-old, who is married with two children, regularly speaks to high schoolers about what it's like to be an entrepreneur. Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn also has locations in Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee and Ford City Mall in Chicago; a fourth one is coming to Lincolnwood Mall in Lincolnwood, he said.
Sumner's book cover illustration was done by Matthew Chagoya, 16, a junior at Elgin High School who met Sumner when he came to talk to his class last year.
When Sumner asked the students what they wanted to be when they grew up, Matthew responded he wanted to be an animator or cartoonist.
Sumner looked at his drawings and asked Matthew if he'd want to illustrate the cover for his upcoming children's book.
Matthew said at first he hesitated because the task seemed daunting. "But then I'm like, if I skip this, I'm never going to get another chance," he said. "So I went with it."
He worked "diligently and patiently" on his illustration, which includes the Tower Building in downtown Elgin, and is happy and proud of the final product, he said. "I accomplished something this young, at this age," he said.
Sumner, who published his book in December, said he's already done about 65 readings to elementary school classes in the Elgin area, plus a couple in Chicago. His next goal is to create a "Popa Pop-a-Lot" cartoon animation series, he said.
• Staff photographer Rick West contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--14 men arrested in Lake County prostitution sting

Fourteen men were arrested last month in a prostitution sting intended to combat human trafficking , Lake County authorities announced Wednesday .
Prostitution customers , commonly known as `` Johns , '' were targeted by the operation , which used advertising on websites and was conducted with other police agencies across the nation , according to a news release from the sheriff 's office .
When the men arrived at a Gurnee-area hotel and offered money to undercover detectives for sexual acts , they were arrested , the sheriff 's office said .
• Timothy D. Christian , 37 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Waukegan .
• Gustavo A. Cornelio-Garcia , 25 , of the 1200 block of 34th Street in Zion .
• Roger C. Jimdar , 31 , of the 3300 block of 15th Street in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
• Gregory J. Mason , 53 , of 2200 block of Hunters Court in Spring Grove .
• Pedro Mendez-Gonzalez , 51 , of the 400 block of North Pioneer Road in Waukegan .
• Sean A. O'Reilly , 43 , of the 8900 block of Woodbridge Drive in Greendale , Wisconsin .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 12400 block of 336th Avenue in Twin Lakes , Wisconsin .
• John Powell , 38 , of the 700 block of Mill Court in Waukegan .
• Carlos Reyes-Velez , 36 , of the 12800 block of West 28th Street in Beach Park .
• Jay Sawyer , 58 , of the 4100 block of Chester Drive in Glenview .
• Salvador Vicario , 61 , of the 3000 block of 17th Street in North Chicago .
• Mark K. Volpe , 62 , of the 300 block of the Oak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with one misdemeanor count of solicitation of a sexual act .

14 men arrested in Lake County prostitution sting
Fourteen men were arrested last month in a prostitution sting intended to combat human trafficking, Lake County authorities announced Wednesday.
Prostitution customers, commonly known as "Johns," were targeted by the operation, which used advertising on websites and was conducted with other police agencies across the nation, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. When the men arrived at a Gurnee-area hotel and offered money to undercover detectives for sexual acts, they were arrested, the sheriff's office said.
The suspects are:
• Timothy D. Christian, 37, of the 2000 block of Miraflores Avenue in Waukegan.
• Gustavo A. Cornelio-Garcia, 25, of the 1200 block of 34th Street in Zion.
• Roger C. Jimdar, 31, of the 3300 block of 15th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
• Kyle E. Macgibbon, 59, 15500 block of West Timber Lane in Libertyville.
• Gregory J. Mason, 53, of 2200 block of Hunters Court in Spring Grove.
• Pedro Mendez-Gonzalez, 51, of the 400 block of North Pioneer Road in Waukegan.
• Sean A. O'Reilly, 43, of the 8900 block of Woodbridge Drive in Greendale, Wisconsin.
• Gregory D. Pahl, 53, of the 12400 block of 336th Avenue in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
• John Powell, 38, of the 700 block of Mill Court in Waukegan.
• Carlos Reyes-Velez, 36, of the 12800 block of West 28th Street in Beach Park.
• Jay Sawyer, 58, of the 4100 block of Chester Drive in Glenview.
• Salvador Vicario, 61, of the 3000 block of 17th Street in North Chicago.
• Mark K. Volpe, 62, of the 300 block of the Oak Terrace Avenue in Highwood.
• Steven P. Wilt, 62, 2200 block of Cardinal Court in Gurnee.
All were charged with one misdemeanor count of solicitation of a sexual act.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Schaumburg may stop requiring permits for garage sales

There 's one particular item you may no longer be able to find at any garage sale in Schaumburg -- a permit .
Village officials are considering doing away with the requirement on the basis that issuing and enforcing permits are more trouble than they 're worth .
The Planning , Building and Development Committee voted to recommend such action Thursday , and the full village board is expected to make a final decision Tuesday , Feb. 25 .
The coordinated Timbercrest-Woods garage sale that 's been held across the two adjacent subdivisions on the first weekend of June for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some village services , Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said .
But the approximately 100 participants there as well as the nearly 1,000 other garage sales that take place across the village each year wo n't require permits if trustees approve the change later this month .
From 2013 to 2018 , the village issued 6,464 garage sale permits .
While many were applied for online , about 20 % required the direct assistance of village staff members .
Roughly 107 hours of staff time were believed to be occupied by that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Furthermore , garage sales in the village have typically generated only about one neighbor complaint per year , they said .
In surveying the 42 members of the Northwest Municipal Conference in the region , Schaumburg officials found that only 16 of those local governments required permits for garage sales while the other 26 did not .
One downside of eliminating the permits that garage sale organizers and patrons may see is the village could no longer host a monthly garage sale map on its website , based on the permits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years , the map has received more than 10,000 unique visitors .
Officials said they would plan to recommend apps like VarageSale and Nextdoor to residents looking to promote or find garage sales if the village 's own map goes away .

Schaumburg may stop requiring permits for garage sales
The more than 1,000 garage sales that take place in Schaumburg each year -- including approximately 100 in the Timbercrest-Woods neighborhoods alone in early June -- may soon be free of the requirement to apply for a permit. Daily Herald file photo, 2011
The more than 1,000 garage sales that take place in Schaumburg each year -- including approximately 100 in the Timbercrest-Woods neighborhoods alone in early June -- may soon be free of the requirement to apply for a permit. Daily Herald file photo, 2017
There's one particular item you may no longer be able to find at any garage sale in Schaumburg -- a permit.
Village officials are considering doing away with the requirement on the basis that issuing and enforcing permits are more trouble than they're worth.
The Planning, Building and Development Committee voted to recommend such action Thursday, and the full village board is expected to make a final decision Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The coordinated Timbercrest-Woods garage sale that's been held across the two adjacent subdivisions on the first weekend of June for the past 50 years will still need some village services, Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said.
But the approximately 100 participants there as well as the nearly 1,000 other garage sales that take place across the village each year won't require permits if trustees approve the change later this month.
From 2013 to 2018, the village issued 6,464 garage sale permits. While many were applied for online, about 20% required the direct assistance of village staff members.
Roughly 107 hours of staff time were believed to be occupied by that task over those six years, officials said.
Furthermore, garage sales in the village have typically generated only about one neighbor complaint per year, they said.
In surveying the 42 members of the Northwest Municipal Conference in the region, Schaumburg officials found that only 16 of those local governments required permits for garage sales while the other 26 did not.
One downside of eliminating the permits that garage sale organizers and patrons may see is the village could no longer host a monthly garage sale map on its website, based on the permits it's issued. Over the past three years, the map has received more than 10,000 unique visitors.
Officials said they would plan to recommend apps like VarageSale and Nextdoor to residents looking to promote or find garage sales if the village's own map goes away.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Cool minivans and electric pony cars all fit under Chicago Auto Show's big tent

While Ford 's electric Mustang Mach-E and Toyota 's 2021 Highlander XSE SUV sucked up a lot of oxygen at the Chicago Auto Show 's media preview Thursday , a few unlikely stars shone .
Dear to the hearts of suburbanites but scorned as unhip , the humble minivan took center stage when Chrysler debuted its 2021 all-wheel drive Pacifica .
`` This new Pacifica is going to shake things up , '' said Tim Kuniskis , the Fiat Chrysler executive in charge of passenger cars in North America .
That reveal was followed by Hyundai executives touting a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Honda unveiling a `` radical , '' shocking blue Civic Type R hatchback .
`` As passenger preferences migrate from passenger cars to crossovers to SUVs , we have n't lost sight of the fact the vehicle many people want for daily driving and road trips is -- a sedan , '' Hyundai Marketing Director Angela Zepeda said .
This year , a `` lot of high-sales , bread-and-butter cars '' with mass appeal are being emphasized , said Don Hillebrand , an engineer and chief of the Energy Systems Division at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Auto Show , which runs from Saturday through Feb. 17 at McCormick Place , opened with a bit more swagger this year .
That 's largely thanks to Detroit , which moved its North American Auto Show from January to June , giving the Second City greater prominence .
`` Automakers keen to still introduce cars at this time of the year will absolutely place more focus on Chicago , '' said Andrew Krok , who grew up in Elk Grove Village and blogs about cars on consumer website CNET.com .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of foot traffic , so whether or not it needs more buzz is arguable , but I think that it will give Chicago a bit more prominence in the eyes of automakers . ''
`` This is also now the very first big show of the 2020 season , '' Toyota Group Vice President Edward Laukes said to applause .
Choices range from Porsche 's first electric car -- the Taycan priced at $ 103,800 to $ 185,000 with a range of up to 279 miles -- to Hyundai 's new Ioniq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 37,000 with a range of 124 miles .
One showstopper is Ford 's sleek Mustang Mach-E , but it had competition from the crowd-pleasing Chevrolet Corvette , with the engine in the middle of the sports car .
Consumers can also benefit by advances in autonomous and self-driving features , Hillebrand said .
`` Crash avoidance and features to keep you in your lane or keep you from rear-ending other cars -- all these safe , self-driving features have become mainstream now , '' he said .
Chicago Auto Show tickets are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 for children ages 7 to 12 and those age 62 and older .
For more information , go to chicagoautoshow.com .

The big star of the Chicago Auto Show is ... the minivan?
While Ford's electric Mustang Mach-E and Toyota's 2021 Highlander XSE SUV sucked up a lot of oxygen at the Chicago Auto Show's media preview Thursday, a few unlikely stars shone.
Dear to the hearts of suburbanites but scorned as unhip, the humble minivan took center stage when Chrysler debuted its 2021 all-wheel drive Pacifica.
"This new Pacifica is going to shake things up," said Tim Kuniskis, the Fiat Chrysler executive in charge of passenger cars in North America.
That reveal was followed by Hyundai executives touting a "sensuous" Sonata Hybrid with solar panels and Honda unveiling a "radical," shocking blue Civic Type R hatchback.
"As passenger preferences migrate from passenger cars to crossovers to SUVs, we haven't lost sight of the fact the vehicle many people want for daily driving and road trips is -- a sedan," Hyundai Marketing Director Angela Zepeda said.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Fiat Chrysler executive Timothy Kuniskis talks up the 2021 Pacifica all-wheel drive minivan Thursday during the media preview of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place in Chicago.
This year, a "lot of high-sales, bread-and-butter cars" with mass appeal are being emphasized, said Don Hillebrand, an engineer and chief of the Energy Systems Division at Argonne National Laboratory in Darien.
The Chicago Auto Show, which runs from Saturday through Feb. 17 at McCormick Place, opened with a bit more swagger this year.
That's largely thanks to Detroit, which moved its North American Auto Show from January to June, giving the Second City greater prominence.
"Automakers keen to still introduce cars at this time of the year will absolutely place more focus on Chicago," said Andrew Krok, who grew up in Elk Grove Village and blogs about cars on consumer website CNET.com. "It's already the busiest show in terms of foot traffic, so whether or not it needs more buzz is arguable, but I think that it will give Chicago a bit more prominence in the eyes of automakers."
Manufacturers took note.
"This is also now the very first big show of the 2020 season," Toyota Group Vice President Edward Laukes said to applause.
This year's show features a robust lineup of electric cars.
Choices range from Porsche's first electric car -- the Taycan priced at $103,800 to $185,000 with a range of up to 279 miles -- to Hyundai's new Ioniq electric sedan, from $22,000 to $37,000 with a range of 124 miles.
One showstopper is Ford's sleek Mustang Mach-E, but it had competition from the crowd-pleasing Chevrolet Corvette, with the engine in the middle of the sports car.
Consumers can also benefit by advances in autonomous and self-driving features, Hillebrand said.
"Crash avoidance and features to keep you in your lane or keep you from rear-ending other cars -- all these safe, self-driving features have become mainstream now," he said.
Chicago Auto Show tickets are $13 for adults, and $8 for children ages 7 to 12 and those age 62 and older. For more information, go to chicagoautoshow.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--License plate scanners are Vernon Hills' new weapon against crime

Knowing the village 's vast retail base is a target for organized professional criminals , Vernon Hills police recently prepared for a strike .
Officers were on alert and monitoring various locations when a 911 call came in with partial vehicle information .
An officer on patrol saw the car speed by and captured an image with an onboard camera .
It was too blurred to read .
`` We still do n't know what that plate is and we still do n't know who the offenders are , '' Deputy Chief Patrick Zimmerman explained to the village board recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all our tools -- together , and these people still got away , '' he said .
`` If we had an LPR system in place , we would have captured that license plate . ''
Zimmerman was referring to Automated License Plate Readers , and this and other instances were used this week in a successful pitch to the village to lease 10 such cameras to combat roving burglary crews and smash-and-grabbers , and help in the investigation of other crimes .
`` This sounds like a great idea .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koch Jr. said after the presentation by Zimmerman and Police Chief Patrick Kreis .
Officials say strategically placed fixed cameras will provide color photos of a vehicle 's license plate , color and type .
The system also will have features to recognize a vehicle manufacturer by logo , bodylines and light designs .
According to police , vehicles are used in most crimes committed in the village , and often even a partial vehicle description is the biggest lead .
But without more detail it 's hard to find the criminals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasize enough how important having license plate information is , because criminals tend to use what we call 'work cars , ' '' Kreis said .
Information gleaned from the cameras can provide strong leads immediately and help clear open cases , police say .
The system also would alert them to habitual retail theft offenders , burglary crews , registered sex offenders , missing persons , those sought in Amber or Silver alerts , and stolen vehicles .
Kreis said any jurisdiction in the country can submit information regarding wanted vehicles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generates a `` hot list . ''
The cameras will compare the images it takes with those on the hot list and alert police and dispatchers if there is a match .
Information captured by cameras would not be used to generate fines or issue tickets , Kreis emphasized .
Images would be stored for 30 days .
`` There are people who may be critical of such technology , that we are trying to track or keep track of everybody driving through town , '' Kreis said .
`` This technology does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it against a known list of stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with a wanted or missing person . ''
The board informally agreed to proceed with a two-year contract at $ 20,000 per year , with Georgia-based Flock Safety , that includes a 60-day trial period with no obligation .
The company will install and maintain the equipment and provide support .

License plate scanners are Vernon Hills' new weapon against crime
Knowing the village's vast retail base is a target for organized professional criminals, Vernon Hills police recently prepared for a strike.
Officers were on alert and monitoring various locations when a 911 call came in with partial vehicle information. An officer on patrol saw the car speed by and captured an image with an onboard camera.
It was too blurred to read.
"We still don't know what that plate is and we still don't know who the offenders are," Deputy Chief Patrick Zimmerman explained to the village board recently.
"That's putting everything -- all our tools -- together, and these people still got away," he said. "If we had an LPR system in place, we would have captured that license plate."
Zimmerman was referring to Automated License Plate Readers, and this and other instances were used this week in a successful pitch to the village to lease 10 such cameras to combat roving burglary crews and smash-and-grabbers, and help in the investigation of other crimes.
"This sounds like a great idea. I'm all for it," Trustee Thom Koch Jr. said after the presentation by Zimmerman and Police Chief Patrick Kreis.
Officials say strategically placed fixed cameras will provide color photos of a vehicle's license plate, color and type.
The system also will have features to recognize a vehicle manufacturer by logo, bodylines and light designs.
According to police, vehicles are used in most crimes committed in the village, and often even a partial vehicle description is the biggest lead. But without more detail it's hard to find the criminals, police say.
"I can't emphasize enough how important having license plate information is, because criminals tend to use what we call 'work cars,'" Kreis said.
Information gleaned from the cameras can provide strong leads immediately and help clear open cases, police say.
The system also would alert them to habitual retail theft offenders, burglary crews, registered sex offenders, missing persons, those sought in Amber or Silver alerts, and stolen vehicles.
Kreis said any jurisdiction in the country can submit information regarding wanted vehicles to the National Criminal Information Center, which generates a "hot list." The cameras will compare the images it takes with those on the hot list and alert police and dispatchers if there is a match.
Information captured by cameras would not be used to generate fines or issue tickets, Kreis emphasized. Images would be stored for 30 days.
"There are people who may be critical of such technology, that we are trying to track or keep track of everybody driving through town," Kreis said.
"This technology does not do that. It merely runs it against a known list of stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with a wanted or missing person."
The board informally agreed to proceed with a two-year contract at $20,000 per year, with Georgia-based Flock Safety, that includes a 60-day trial period with no obligation. The company will install and maintain the equipment and provide support.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-07--Could carrying lifesaving drug cost first responders their life insurance?

As the opioid crisis claimed hundreds of victims in the suburbs , and tens of thousands nationwide , cartridges of the overdose-reversing agent naloxone became nearly as essential a tool for law enforcement officers as a gun and a badge .
Dozens of lives have been saved across the suburbs over the past five years because police officers -- often the first to arrive at the scene of an overdose -- are equipped with the drug .
But now there are concerns that obtaining naloxone could cost police and their fellow first responders , along with nurses and other health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those concerns -- and a number of such cases in other states -- prompted South suburban state Rep. Margo McDermed to introduce a bill in Springfield protecting the insurance coverage of police , EMTs , health care professionals , and even the parents and loved ones of opioid users who carry naloxone .
The legislation , which now has Rosemont Republican state Rep. Brad Stephens among its sponsors , would amend the Illinois Insurance Code to prevent a life insurance company from denying or limiting coverage -- or charging higher rates -- for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McDermed , a Republican from Mokena , told us this week she drafted the bill after an EMT from her 37th House district told her she 'd been denied coverage because she had a prescription for naloxone .
`` Just because someone has this does n't mean they 're an addict and an insurance risk , '' McDermed said .
`` This bill would put the insurance companies in a position where they have to ask some questions first ( before denying coverage ) . ''
A similar measure is pending in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Massachusetts and New York , already have told insurance companies they ca n't deny coverage just because someone carries naloxone .
`` In the midst of a national opioid crisis , it is common sense for our nurses and first responders who work every day to keep New Yorkers safe to carry naloxone , '' New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said in September .
`` Denying ( first responders ) insurance coverage for doing their job to save lives is unacceptable , and today we correct this discriminatory practice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Steve Casstevens about it this week , he said he was `` dumbfounded '' by the possibility a first responder could lose life insurance coverage for carrying a lifesaving tool like naloxone .
`` I ca n't figure out any reason why , '' he said .
Casstevens , who 's also president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police , said he 's unaware of any instances of a local police officer losing coverage , but he intends to raise the issue next time he meets with fellow association leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office , which in 2014 became among the first suburban police agencies to equip deputies with naloxone , said they do not know of any staff members denied or dropped by life insurance carriers .
`` We do , however , support legislation which would allow our staff to continue carrying naloxone to assist in the lifesaving efforts of individuals suffering an opioid overdose -- without having any sort of negative impact on the insurance coverage of our staff , '' Sgt .
Chris Covelli told us in an email .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area first responders , as they are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic . ''
For now , McDermed 's bill is sitting in the state House 's Rules Committee .
She expects it to garner bipartisan support and move smoothly through the General Assembly .
We 'll update you on its progress through the Capitol .
A Waukegan woman who watched as police fatally shot her boyfriend after he struck an officer with his car last year is now suing the city and members of its police force , claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her after the traumatic event .
Paige McEwan is seeking undisclosed compensatory and punitive damages through the lawsuit filed last Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago .
The suit alleges stems from a Feb. 3 , 2019 , confrontation between McEwan 's boyfriend , Asuncion J. Gomez-Guerrero , and a pair of Waukegan police officers called to investigate a domestic disturbance on the city 's northwest side .
Authorities say that when police attempted to prevent Gomez-Guerrero and McEwan from leaving the scene , Gomez-Guerrero drove his car at an officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer fired three shots into the car , killing the 35-year-old driver .
After an investigation by Illinois State Police , Lake County State 's Attorney Michael Nerheim in August declared the shooting justified .
The suit , however , alleges police used excessive force , then refused to provide McEwan with medical treatment after the shooting .
`` Rather than call an ambulance for the plaintiff or transport her to the hospital , the defendant officers had plaintiff taken back to the Waukegan police station where she was interrogated despite her need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit states .
Efforts to reform Cook County 's criminal justice system received a helping hand this week when the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded the county a $ 2.5 million grant , adding to the $ 1.9 million already pledged to the work by the foundation .
County officials say the money will help fund a number of projects .
• Attorneys and court staffs will review cases of pretrial defendants with low bails to determine what the barriers are that prevent them from posting bail .
• Defendants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or mental health is an underlying factor could be provided peer mentors to help them follow through on treatment plans and attend court dates as required .
• Defendants in nonviolent drug cases could be offered services to help them seek employment and avoid actions that harm communities .
`` Today 's announcement brings more help to individuals to show them alternatives to their actions as we will enhance services for substance abuse , mental health and employment , '' Chief Judge Timothy Evans said .
• Have a question , tip or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dailyherald.com .

Could carrying lifesaving drug cost first responders their life insurance?
The anti-opiate drug naloxone has become a standard tool of the trade for police, EMTs and hospital workers, but some fear obtaining it could lead life insurance carriers to raise their rates or refuse to provide coverage. AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, 2019
Could obtaining the lifesaving overdose reversal drug naloxone cost police, EMTs and health care workers their life insurance? Citing such cases in other states, a South suburban lawmaker is proposing a bill that would prevent it from happening in Illinois. Daily Herald File Photo, 2018
As the opioid crisis claimed hundreds of victims in the suburbs, and tens of thousands nationwide, cartridges of the overdose-reversing agent naloxone became nearly as essential a tool for law enforcement officers as a gun and a badge.
Dozens of lives have been saved across the suburbs over the past five years because police officers -- often the first to arrive at the scene of an overdose -- are equipped with the drug.
But now there are concerns that obtaining naloxone could cost police and their fellow first responders, along with nurses and other health care professionals, their life insurance.
Those concerns -- and a number of such cases in other states -- prompted South suburban state Rep. Margo McDermed to introduce a bill in Springfield protecting the insurance coverage of police, EMTs, health care professionals, and even the parents and loved ones of opioid users who carry naloxone.
The legislation, which now has Rosemont Republican state Rep. Brad Stephens among its sponsors, would amend the Illinois Insurance Code to prevent a life insurance company from denying or limiting coverage -- or charging higher rates -- for people solely because they have obtained naloxone.
Margo McDermed
McDermed, a Republican from Mokena, told us this week she drafted the bill after an EMT from her 37th House district told her she'd been denied coverage because she had a prescription for naloxone.
"Just because someone has this doesn't mean they're an addict and an insurance risk," McDermed said. "This bill would put the insurance companies in a position where they have to ask some questions first (before denying coverage)."
A similar measure is pending in the U.S. House, and other states, including Massachusetts and New York, already have told insurance companies they can't deny coverage just because someone carries naloxone.
"In the midst of a national opioid crisis, it is common sense for our nurses and first responders who work every day to keep New Yorkers safe to carry naloxone," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in September. "Denying (first responders) insurance coverage for doing their job to save lives is unacceptable, and today we correct this discriminatory practice."
'Dumbfounded'
When we asked Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Casstevens about it this week, he said he was "dumbfounded" by the possibility a first responder could lose life insurance coverage for carrying a lifesaving tool like naloxone.
"I can't figure out any reason why," he said.
Casstevens, who's also president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said he's unaware of any instances of a local police officer losing coverage, but he intends to raise the issue next time he meets with fellow association leaders.
Officials at the Lake County sheriff's office, which in 2014 became among the first suburban police agencies to equip deputies with naloxone, said they do not know of any staff members denied or dropped by life insurance carriers.
"We do, however, support legislation which would allow our staff to continue carrying naloxone to assist in the lifesaving efforts of individuals suffering an opioid overdose -- without having any sort of negative impact on the insurance coverage of our staff," Sgt. Chris Covelli told us in an email. "Naloxone has become an essential tool for area first responders, as they are on the front lines of the opioid epidemic."
For now, McDermed's bill is sitting in the state House's Rules Committee. She expects it to garner bipartisan support and move smoothly through the General Assembly. We'll update you on its progress through the Capitol.
Shooting witness sues cops
A Waukegan woman who watched as police fatally shot her boyfriend after he struck an officer with his car last year is now suing the city and members of its police force, claiming they failed to provide needed care for her after the traumatic event.
Paige McEwan is seeking undisclosed compensatory and punitive damages through the lawsuit filed last Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The suit alleges stems from a Feb. 3, 2019, confrontation between McEwan's boyfriend, Asuncion J. Gomez-Guerrero, and a pair of Waukegan police officers called to investigate a domestic disturbance on the city's northwest side.
Authorities say that when police attempted to prevent Gomez-Guerrero and McEwan from leaving the scene, Gomez-Guerrero drove his car at an officer, striking him in the leg. The officer fired three shots into the car, killing the 35-year-old driver.
After an investigation by Illinois State Police, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim in August declared the shooting justified.
The suit, however, alleges police used excessive force, then refused to provide McEwan with medical treatment after the shooting.
"Rather than call an ambulance for the plaintiff or transport her to the hospital, the defendant officers had plaintiff taken back to the Waukegan police station where she was interrogated despite her need for obvious medical attention," the suit states.
Reform efforts get a boost
Efforts to reform Cook County's criminal justice system received a helping hand this week when the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded the county a $2.5 million grant, adding to the $1.9 million already pledged to the work by the foundation.
County officials say the money will help fund a number of projects.
• Attorneys and court staffs will review cases of pretrial defendants with low bails to determine what the barriers are that prevent them from posting bail.
• Defendants with repeat arrests in which substance abuse or mental health is an underlying factor could be provided peer mentors to help them follow through on treatment plans and attend court dates as required.
• Defendants in nonviolent drug cases could be offered services to help them seek employment and avoid actions that harm communities.
"Today's announcement brings more help to individuals to show them alternatives to their actions as we will enhance services for substance abuse, mental health and employment," Chief Judge Timothy Evans said.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--'Amanda's Army' climbing to the top of office tower in memory of young mom

As the years passed , she kept in touch with her grade school classmates and neighborhood pals .
She made time for her book club and church group , work friends and workout buddies .
She was warm , energetic and welcoming , the glue that held together a wide social circle .
`` She was so open that she was able to hold onto so many people , '' her Batavia High School classmate Heather Kastor said .
So when Gillette , a 39-year-old mom of a young daughter , got a brutal diagnosis -- Stage 3 lung cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her fear and her shock .
`` I know she just kept saying , ' I 'm going to fight this for my baby girl , ' '' Kastor said .
Family and friends decided to rally around the Hinckley woman with a secret plot .
They planned to form `` Amanda 's Army , '' order purple T-shirts ( the redhead 's favorite color ) and take pictures of themselves for a scrapbook to help her through her cancer treatment .
But Gillette never started treatment and she never found out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after her diagnosis , she suffered a massive stroke .
She died days later on Dec. 20 , 2018 .
Her friends , who might not have known each other without Gillette , stayed close .
To help with their grief , they revived Amanda 's Army , but this time as a team in the `` Fight for Air Climb , '' one of the largest fundraisers for the American Lung Association .
For the second year , Amanda 's Army will scale 31 floors , or 680 stairs , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung cancer research .
The small but mighty army has a new member who will climb with them : Gillette 's 4-year-old daughter , Madison .
In honoring her mom , the group is sharing lessons Gillette would have instilled in her daughter about the joy of friendship .
`` The mix of the people on the team is exactly what the team would look like if she were still around : handfuls of people from each group coming back together on account of Amanda , '' team captain Dawn Nelson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a gift that not everybody has . ''
As her obituary says , Gillette liked activities that brought people together .
In 2012 , Gillette and Nelson , who met in junior high and reconnected as adults , started a book club and committed to meeting on the last Monday of every month at the former Blackberry Inn in Elburn .
Gillette enjoyed Kristin Hannah books , the `` sad and sappy '' kind , Kastor said .
She shared her music recommendations and other musings in lengthy emails .
She would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music at a loud volume and type notes in all caps .
`` You can just hear her even though you 're reading her words on the page , '' Nelson said .
`` It 's like , ' I see her .
I can visualize her saying all of this right now . '
'' For Gillette , a social butterfly , it was n't weird to invite friends to family weddings , regardless of whether they were close to her family or not .
`` Just come if you can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Class of 1997 celebrated a well-attended 20th high school reunion thanks to Gillette .
`` She put her heart and soul into getting our whole class together for this reunion , and she did amazing , '' said Kastor , who lives in Geneva .
Gillette , who worked for an Aurora construction company , also gathered friends for causes dear to heart .
Each year , she would support domestic violence victims by attending the Mutual Ground Walk for Hope in memory of her Batavia classmate , Andrea Will , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We did a lot of events together in the past for other people , and so this is our turn to give back to her , '' Kastor said .
After her death , Gillette 's book club started back up and read a Kristin Hannah novel , `` The Great Alone . ''
`` It was really hard , '' Kastor said , but it 's what Gillette would have wanted .
A club member , Emily Page Hinton , learned about the American Lung Association fundraiser .
Nelson decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a few of us that decided to do it , just to keep a positive spin on all the negative thoughts and just get us through supporting and trying to keep Amanda 's spirit alive , '' Kastor said .
Last year , the nine-person Amanda 's Army raised $ 4,887 , the highest total of all the friends and family teams taking on the `` Fight for Air Climb . ''
The DJ on the first floor reminded all of them how Gillette would have been dancing and `` pumped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kastor said .
On Saturday , there will be a dozen team members in purple shirts starting their climb at 9:15 a.m .
They hope to keep climbing with Madison year after year , so as she grows up , she knows her mom was well-loved , stayed true to herself and cherished her friends .
`` There 's just so much to say about her mom , just how she was a loving spirit , '' Kastor said .
`` She 's my ray of sunshine . ''

'Amanda's Army' climbing to the top of office tower in memory of young mom
Heather Kastor, Dawn Nelson, Emily Hinton, Amanda Gillette and her daughter Madison at the girl's first birthday. Courtesy of Dawn Nelson
Oakbrook Terrace Tower is the site of the annual Fight for Air Climb to benefit the American Lung Association Saturday morning. Daily Herald file photo
"She would make friends no matter where she went," Heather Kastor said of Amanda Gillette, who died in 2018 just weeks after doctors told her she had Stage 3 lung cancer. Courtesy of Heather Kastor
Amanda Gillette and Heather Kastor supported domestic violence survivors at the Mutual Ground Walk for Hope. Courtesy of Heather Kastor
Amanda Gillette and Heather Kastor, classmates at Batavia High School, remained close friends over the years. Kastor is part of "Amanda's Army," a team raising money for the American Lung Association in honor of Gillette, who died at 39 in 2018. Courtesy of Heather Kastor
Amanda Gillette had many friends.
As the years passed, she kept in touch with her grade school classmates and neighborhood pals. She made time for her book club and church group, work friends and workout buddies.
She was warm, energetic and welcoming, the glue that held together a wide social circle.
"She was so open that she was able to hold onto so many people," her Batavia High School classmate Heather Kastor said.
So when Gillette, a 39-year-old mom of a young daughter, got a brutal diagnosis -- Stage 3 lung cancer -- she opened up to her friends about her fear and her shock.
"I know she just kept saying, 'I'm going to fight this for my baby girl,'" Kastor said.
Family and friends decided to rally around the Hinckley woman with a secret plot. They planned to form "Amanda's Army," order purple T-shirts (the redhead's favorite color) and take pictures of themselves for a scrapbook to help her through her cancer treatment.
But Gillette never started treatment and she never found out about Amanda's Army.
Just 2½ weeks after her diagnosis, she suffered a massive stroke. She died days later on Dec. 20, 2018.
Her friends, who might not have known each other without Gillette, stayed close.
To help with their grief, they revived Amanda's Army, but this time as a team in the "Fight for Air Climb," one of the largest fundraisers for the American Lung Association.
For the second year, Amanda's Army will scale 31 floors, or 680 stairs, up the Oakbrook Terrace Tower Saturday to support lung cancer research.
The small but mighty army has a new member who will climb with them: Gillette's 4-year-old daughter, Madison.
Friends of Amanda Gillette want her daughter, Madison, 4, to remember her mom's "love for life and her appreciation for spending time with people," Dawn Nelson said. - Courtesy of Heather Kastor
In honoring her mom, the group is sharing lessons Gillette would have instilled in her daughter about the joy of friendship.
"The mix of the people on the team is exactly what the team would look like if she were still around: handfuls of people from each group coming back together on account of Amanda," team captain Dawn Nelson said. "She's still bringing people together, a gift that not everybody has."
Lifelong friendships
As her obituary says, Gillette liked activities that brought people together.
In 2012, Gillette and Nelson, who met in junior high and reconnected as adults, started a book club and committed to meeting on the last Monday of every month at the former Blackberry Inn in Elburn.
Emily Hinton, Nicole Velazquez, Dawn Nelson, Heather Kastor and Amanda Gillette meet for their monthly book club. - Courtesy of Heather Kastor
Gillette enjoyed Kristin Hannah books, the "sad and sappy" kind, Kastor said.
She shared her music recommendations and other musings in lengthy emails. She would speak in a loud voice, play music at a loud volume and type notes in all caps.
"You can just hear her even though you're reading her words on the page," Nelson said. "It's like, 'I see her. I can visualize her saying all of this right now.'"
For Gillette, a social butterfly, it wasn't weird to invite friends to family weddings, regardless of whether they were close to her family or not. "Just come if you can," she would say.
Batavia's Class of 1997 celebrated a well-attended 20th high school reunion thanks to Gillette.
Amanda Gillette's 4-year-old daughter Madison, back row, will join "Amanda's Army" Saturday in the American Lung Association's "Fight for Air Climb" in Oakbrook Terrace. - Courtesy of Heather Kastor
"She put her heart and soul into getting our whole class together for this reunion, and she did amazing," said Kastor, who lives in Geneva.
Gillette, who worked for an Aurora construction company, also gathered friends for causes dear to heart. Each year, she would support domestic violence victims by attending the Mutual Ground Walk for Hope in memory of her Batavia classmate, Andrea Will, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1998.
"We did a lot of events together in the past for other people, and so this is our turn to give back to her," Kastor said.
'A ray of sunshine'
After her death, Gillette's book club started back up and read a Kristin Hannah novel, "The Great Alone."
"It was really hard," Kastor said, but it's what Gillette would have wanted.
A club member, Emily Page Hinton, learned about the American Lung Association fundraiser. Nelson decided to start a team.
For the second year, "Amanda's Army" is raising funds for the American Lung Association through the "Fight for Air Climb" in memory of Amanda Gillette, who died a few weeks after her lung cancer diagnosis. - Courtesy of Heather Kastor
"There was just a few of us that decided to do it, just to keep a positive spin on all the negative thoughts and just get us through supporting and trying to keep Amanda's spirit alive," Kastor said.
Last year, the nine-person Amanda's Army raised $4,887, the highest total of all the friends and family teams taking on the "Fight for Air Climb." The DJ on the first floor reminded all of them how Gillette would have been dancing and "pumped up for an event like this," Kastor said.
On Saturday, there will be a dozen team members in purple shirts starting their climb at 9:15 a.m.
They hope to keep climbing with Madison year after year, so as she grows up, she knows her mom was well-loved, stayed true to herself and cherished her friends.
"There's just so much to say about her mom, just how she was a loving spirit," Kastor said. "She's my ray of sunshine."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--Veterans attend special screening of WWII documentary in Arlington Heights

When the consul general of France comes for a visit , you roll out the red carpet .
That 's exactly what happened Thursday at the CMX Theater in Arlington Heights before a special screening of `` The Girl Who Wore Freedom , '' a new documentary about the liberation of Normandy from the Nazis in World War II .
`` We have a special connection with you , because you stormed the beaches of Normandy , '' Guillaume Lacroix told veterans and their families .
`` You restored our independence .
You restored our dignity . ''
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ostler Sr. , of Arlington Heights and Ceo Bauer of Michigan , both recipients of the French Legion of Honour .
Guests had the opportunity to mingle with them before the documentary was shown .
The event was not open to the public because rules prevent the documentary 's official release before it is entered in contests .
Three families received Gold Star Service Flags in honor of troops killed while in service to their country , while other families received Blue Star Service Flags to honor relatives who are currently in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor Productions LTD & Reserve Negative , which still needs $ 75,000 to complete several technical aspects of the film , including sound mixing and color correction .
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.normandystories.com .

Veterans attend special screening of WWII documentary in Arlington Heights
When the consul general of France comes for a visit, you roll out the red carpet.
That's exactly what happened Thursday at the CMX Theater in Arlington Heights before a special screening of "The Girl Who Wore Freedom," a new documentary about the liberation of Normandy from the Nazis in World War II.
"We have a special connection with you, because you stormed the beaches of Normandy," Guillaume Lacroix told veterans and their families. "You restored our independence. You restored our dignity."
Among the veterans at the screening were James P. Ostler Sr., of Arlington Heights and Ceo Bauer of Michigan, both recipients of the French Legion of Honour. Guests had the opportunity to mingle with them before the documentary was shown.
The event was not open to the public because rules prevent the documentary's official release before it is entered in contests.
Three families received Gold Star Service Flags in honor of troops killed while in service to their country, while other families received Blue Star Service Flags to honor relatives who are currently in the military.
The film was produced by Taylor Productions LTD & Reserve Negative, which still needs $75,000 to complete several technical aspects of the film, including sound mixing and color correction. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.normandystories.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-07--Democrats' urgency rises ahead of New Hampshire debate; watch here at 7 tonight

MANCHESTER , N.H. -- The Democratic Party 's seven strongest presidential contenders are preparing for what could be the fiercest debate stage clash of the 2020 primary season as candidates look to survive the gauntlet of contests that lie ahead .
The field has been shaken and reshaped by chaotic Iowa caucuses earlier this week , and tonight 's debate in New Hampshire -- coming four days before the state 's primary -- offers new opportunity and risk for the shrinking pool of White House hopefuls .
Two candidates , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Midwestern mayor Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets , having emerged from Iowa essentially tied for the lead .
Those trailing after the first contest -- including former Vice President Joe Biden , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar -- have an urgent need to demonstrate strength .
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer and New York entrepreneur Andrew Yang , meanwhile , are fighting to prove they belong in the conversation .
The rapidly evolving dynamic means that the candidates have a very real incentive to mix it up with their Democratic rivals in the 7 p.m. debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get another chance .
`` This is the time when voters are eager for candidates to show they can compare and contrast , but also show they 're in it to win it , '' said Democratic strategist Lily Adams , who worked on California Sen. Kamala Harris ' unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign .
`` Expect it to get more feisty . ''
Indeed , it was a debate at this same stage in New Hampshire four years ago on the Republican side that then-New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie devastated Florida Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-timed take-down .
Rubio never recovered , making it easier for Donald Trump to emerge as his party 's presidential nominee .
The stakes are particularly high this week for Biden , who has played front-runner in virtually every one of the previous seven debates , but left Iowa in distant fourth place .
While reporting irregularities have blunted the impact of the Iowa contest , Biden 's weakness rattled supporters who encouraged him to take an aggressive tack Friday night .
One of Biden 's more prominent New Hampshire backers , Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time to fight .
`` People want to see the fire , they want to see fight and they want to see the differences , '' he said .
Lest there be any doubt about his intentions , Biden adopted a decidedly more aggressive tone with his rivals in the days leading up to Friday 's debate , having largely avoided direct attacks against other Democrats for much of the last year .
But Wednesday in New Hampshire , the former vice president went after Sanders and Buttigieg by name and questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders , Biden seized on the Vermont senator 's status as a self-described democratic socialist .
And on Buttigieg , he knocked the 38-year-old former mayor 's inexperience .
Biden also conceded the obvious -- that his Iowa finish was underwhelming at best .
He called it a `` gut punch '' before embracing the underdog role : `` This is n't the first time in my life I 've been knocked down . ''
The seven-person field also highlights the evolution of the Democrats ' 2020 nomination fight , which began with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been effectively whittled down to a handful of top-tier contenders .
There are clear dividing lines based on ideology , age and gender .
But just one of the candidates on stage , Yang , is an ethnic minority .
Two African Americans and the only Latino candidate were forced from the race even before voting began .
The only black contender still in the running , former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick , did not meet the polling or fundraising thresholds to qualify for Friday 's event .
Beyond Biden 's struggles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The debate is the first since a progressive feud erupted on national television between Sanders and Warren .
The Massachusetts senator refused to shake her New England neighbor 's hand and accused him of calling her a liar moments after the Jan. 14 meeting in Iowa .
The pointed exchange threatened to cause a permanent fissure in the Democratic Party 's far-left flank .
Warren has embraced her gender as a political strength in the weeks since , highlighting the successes of female candidates in the Trump era and her own record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seat in the Senate .
That said , she stressed unity at campaign stops in recent days : `` We 've got to pull together as a party .
We can not repeat 2016 , '' she said .
She even points to her sprawling campaign organization to prove her dedication to party unity , noting that aides from rival candidates no longer in the race have chosen to work for her .
`` I have an open campaign , '' Warren said during a rally Wednesday at a community college in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a campaign that invites people in . ''
Yet Warren has been willing to attack before .
Aside from the post-debate skirmish with Sanders , she seized on Buttigieg 's fundraising practices in past meetings .
While Warren and Sanders as presidential candidates have sworn off wealthy donors , Buttigieg and the rest of the field have continued to hold private finance events with big donors , some with connections to Wall Street .
In fact , Buttigieg took the unusual step of leaving New Hampshire this week to hold three fundraisers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Buttigieg should expect to be under attack Friday night , said Joel Benenson , a debate adviser to Buttigieg last year and a prominent Democratic pollster .
`` He 's got to be prepared for incoming from the people behind him , who are going to be punching up and trying to take votes away , '' Benenson said .
`` He 's got to be prepared to counterpunch , as well , and push back strenuously , but drive his message even when he 's responding , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has to , as well . ''

FACT CHECK: What Democrats got wrong and right in New Hampshire debate
From left, Democratic presidential candidates entrepreneur Andrew Yang, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and businessman Tom Steyer stand on stage Friday before the start of a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by ABC News, Apple News, and WMUR-TV at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Democratic presidential contenders stretched beyond the facts on policy and sometimes on their own records Friday in their New Hampshire debate.
Amy Klobuchar called out Pete Buttigieg for an evolution on health care that he didn't acknowledge. Joe Biden told only part of the story when he boasted about a success as vice president in getting troops home from Iraq.
A look at how some of their claims from Manchester, New Hampshire, compare with the facts:
KLOBUCHAR, on Buttigieg's evolution on health care: "And Pete, while you have a different plan now, you sent out a tweet just a few years ago that said henceforth, forthwith, indubitably, affirmatively, you are for 'Medicare for All' for the ages."
BUTTIGIEG: "Just to be clear, the truth is that I have been consistent throughout in my position on delivering health care for every American."
THE FACTS: Klobuchar, a Minnesota senator, is right. Before he launched his presidential campaign, Buttigieg sounded supportive of "Medicare for All." The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, isn't now.
In February 2018, he was involved in a Twitter exchange as liberals were pressing Democratic politicians to back a government health plan.
"When/where have you ever heard me oppose 'Medicare for All?'" he asked in a Feb. 17, 2018, response to an activist's query.
A day later, he tweeted out a column he wrote as a Harvard University senior, saying he'd "been on record on this one since 2004."
On the same day, he sent out a separate tweet: "Gosh! Okay ... I, Pete Buttigieg, politician, do henceforth and forthwith declare, most affirmatively and indubitably, unto the ages, that I do favor 'Medicare for All,' as I do favor any measure that would help get all Americans covered. Now, if you'll excuse me, potholes await."
BIDEN, saying President Barack Obama asked him to get 156,000 troops out of Iraq: "I did that."
THE FACTS: True, but that's not the end of the story. Obama asked Biden to take the lead in efforts to withdraw troops and coordinate efforts to maintain stability in Baghdad. What Biden did not mention was that some of the troops had to go back.
Obama and Biden failed to win agreement from the Iraqi government to keep a limited number of U.S. troops there after December 2011. That was the deadline for a complete U.S. pullout under a deal negotiated by the Bush administration in late 2008. Biden was still vice president when Obama was compelled to return American troops to Iraq in 2014 after the rise of the Islamic State extremist group.
ANDREW YANG, tech entrepreneur: "We have record high corporate profits in this country right now."
THE FACTS: Corporate profits are high, but they're not at record levels.
Companies earned $1.84 trillion in profits in 2018, slightly below the $1.86 trillion earned in 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. But as a share of national income, corporate profits were 6.6% in 2018. That's down from 7.6% in 2012 and significantly below the peak of 8.9% in 1929.
Associated Press writers Hope Yen in Washington and Michelle Price in Las Vegas contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-06--McHenry County College investigating after Turning Point event flyers replaced with Antifa posters

A Reddit thread , an anti-fascist flyer and a conservative student organization are pieces of an ongoing McHenry County College and campus police investigation .
Officials are looking into allegations that a self-proclaimed `` Antifa '' activist removed flyers promoting a Turning Point USA event and instead hung posters that likened President Donald Trump supporters to Nazis .
`` Upon being notified about this situation , the college took immediate action , '' said Christina Haggerty , vice president of marketing , communications and development at MCC .
`` This is an ongoing issue under investigation , and both Student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the investigation process . ''
Alec Stone , president of Turning Point USA 's McHenry County College chapter , said his group visited the MCC police station twice Thursday and is on alert for any other vandalism or threats .
Stone added he found it disturbing that there are efforts to remove his organization from campus .
`` We 're not going to censor you but if you 're going to try to essentially shut us down , we 're going to use our voices because the truth is on our side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat 'em before ... we 'll beat 'em again ! ''
Those are the words printed in red block-lettering across a poster that Turning Point USA of McHenry County called a `` threatening '' and `` shameful '' act .
The poster depicts a silhouetted Trump supporter wearing a red `` Make America Great Again '' cap .
Behind him -- the shadow of a World War II Nazi soldier with a swastika on the side of his helmet .
Both are pictured with their hands up and what appears to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a TPUSA of McHenry County Facebook post , the poster replaced a flyer that advertised an upcoming TPUSA event .
`` Our posters promoted a speech by former Antifa member turned conservative commentator , Gabriel Nadales , and a speaking event/dinner by Turning Point USA 's Founder and President , Charlie Kirk , in Crystal Lake , Illinois hosted by the McHenry County Republican Party . ''
A commenter on an Anti-Fascist Reddit forum appears to have taken responsibility for the flyer swap and expressed plans to help others `` fight back against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` McHenry County is going to be TP-Free if I have anything to do about it , '' the commenter wrote in one post .
`` We wo n't tolerate having a hate group on our campus . ''
The Northwest Herald reached out to the commenter Thursday but did not receive a response .
Kirk , a former Wheeling resident who established the conservative nonprofit organization in 2012 , describes TPUSA as `` a national student movement dedicated to empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 chapters on campuses nationwide .
There are chapters at North Central College in Naperville and Libertyville High School , according to TPUSA 's website .
The organization has been lauded by prominent Republican figures like Donald Trump Jr. and criticized for alleged campaign finance violations and its perceived treatment of marginalized people .
A 2017 New Yorker investigation suggested `` the group may have skirted campaign-finance laws that bar charitable organizations from participating in political activity . ''
The article also referenced text messages in which the groups ' former national field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The `` Antifa '' -- short for anti-fascist -- protest movement also has received its share of criticism .
The movement made a public resurgence after the 2017 white nationalist `` Unite the Right '' rally in Charlottesville , Virginia .
The rally turned deadly when a man who was reportedly fascinated with Nazism drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters .
A 32-year-old woman was killed .
In 2018 , jurors convicted the driver of first-degree murder .

McHenry County College investigating after Turning Point event flyers replaced with Antifa posters
A photograph of the poster which replaced the Turning Point USA posters that were vandalized and removed from the McHenry County College boards. A commenter on an Anti-Fascist Reddit forum appears to have taken responsibility for the flyer swap. Provided photo/Shaw media
A Reddit thread, an anti-fascist flyer and a conservative student organization are pieces of an ongoing McHenry County College and campus police investigation.
Officials are looking into allegations that a self-proclaimed "Antifa" activist removed flyers promoting a Turning Point USA event and instead hung posters that likened President Donald Trump supporters to Nazis.
"Upon being notified about this situation, the college took immediate action," said Christina Haggerty, vice president of marketing, communications and development at MCC. "This is an ongoing issue under investigation, and both Student Conduct and Campus Police are actively involved in the investigation process."
Alec Stone, president of Turning Point USA's McHenry County College chapter, said his group visited the MCC police station twice Thursday and is on alert for any other vandalism or threats.
Stone added he found it disturbing that there are efforts to remove his organization from campus.
"We're not going to censor you but if you're going to try to essentially shut us down, we're going to use our voices because the truth is on our side," he said.
"We beat 'em before ... we'll beat 'em again!" Those are the words printed in red block-lettering across a poster that Turning Point USA of McHenry County called a "threatening" and "shameful" act.
The poster depicts a silhouetted Trump supporter wearing a red "Make America Great Again" cap. Behind him -- the shadow of a World War II Nazi soldier with a swastika on the side of his helmet. Both are pictured with their hands up and what appears to be a knife pointed at them.
According to a TPUSA of McHenry County Facebook post, the poster replaced a flyer that advertised an upcoming TPUSA event.
"Our posters promoted a speech by former Antifa member turned conservative commentator, Gabriel Nadales, and a speaking event/dinner by Turning Point USA's Founder and President, Charlie Kirk, in Crystal Lake, Illinois hosted by the McHenry County Republican Party."
A commenter on an Anti-Fascist Reddit forum appears to have taken responsibility for the flyer swap and expressed plans to help others "fight back against Turning Point" on their campuses.
"McHenry County is going to be TP-Free if I have anything to do about it," the commenter wrote in one post. "We won't tolerate having a hate group on our campus."
The Northwest Herald reached out to the commenter Thursday but did not receive a response.
Kirk, a former Wheeling resident who established the conservative nonprofit organization in 2012, describes TPUSA as "a national student movement dedicated to empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government."
It has garnered more than 300 chapters on campuses nationwide. There are chapters at North Central College in Naperville and Libertyville High School, according to TPUSA's website.
The organization has been lauded by prominent Republican figures like Donald Trump Jr. and criticized for alleged campaign finance violations and its perceived treatment of marginalized people. A 2017 New Yorker investigation suggested "the group may have skirted campaign-finance laws that bar charitable organizations from participating in political activity." The article also referenced text messages in which the groups' former national field director wrote "I hate black people."
The "Antifa" -- short for anti-fascist -- protest movement also has received its share of criticism. The movement made a public resurgence after the 2017 white nationalist "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The rally turned deadly when a man who was reportedly fascinated with Nazism drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters. A 32-year-old woman was killed. In 2018, jurors convicted the driver of first-degree murder.