dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-16--Reef construction provides a man-made assist for Lake Michigan fish and wildlife

A project to restore and connect 1.5 miles of coastal fish habitat is underway from a barge in Lake Michigan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve .
Just offshore , a crane methodically is placing slabs of native limestone , glacial boulders and cobbles , and large woody debris such as tree trunks and root wads on the lake bottom as a man-made assist for fish and wildlife .
The materials may be rough but the placement to create a submerged habitat is precise .
The contractor is following GPS coordinates and examining the progress with sonar to create domes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other spaces that mimic natural reefs found on the coastline .
`` There 's a deliberate design we 're following , '' said Nicole Toth , project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers .
`` Our engineers created the design in cooperation with our biologists . ''
The structures are being built in two clusters north and south of Cliff Road in about 10 to 13 feet of water .
When finished , the man-made reef will be about four to seven feet beneath the surface .
Buoys will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is meant as a welcoming place for the state-threatened mudpuppy salamander ; fish such as yellow perch , small mouth bass and walleye ; and migratory water birds .
Ecologists have found wildlife diversity in the lake has been limited by a decrease in habitat types , according to the Lake County Forest Preserve District , which is partnering with the Army Corps for this part of the project .
`` When you build the right habitat the species that are supposed to be there will increase in numbers , '' said Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of natural resources .
`` There are a lot of species near shore that need structure on the bottom rather than just sand or clay . ''
The reefs themselves will occupy about 1.4 acres of underwater space , but the benefits should extend farther because of the expected congregation of many animal species in the vicinity , Anderson said .
Five sandbar-like structures also are part of the project .
Habitat improvement is the main goal but together all the elements may have a secondary benefit , Anderson said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an impact on biodiversity and provide some shoreline stabilization , '' he added .
`` Everybody on Lake Michigan -- all the Great Lakes for that matter -- are looking at options like this . ''
The Army Corps ' Chicago district has 14 Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration projects totaling 1,105 acres built or under construction , mostly in urban areas .
Construction at Fort Sheridan , a former Army base which operated from 1887 to 1993 , began Aug. 10 and is expected to last 10 weeks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 14 million project to connect and restore 1.5 miles of coastal habitats to their natural state .
Phase 1 , which was on land , began five years ago and is nearly complete .
Work included restoring 75 acres within four main ravines ; 40 acres of bluff ; and 12 acres of dune along the coastline , as well as about 60 acres of associated woodland .
The intent is to benefit rare and endangered ravine and coastal plants and animals without disrupting existing high-quality patches of habitat , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army Corps and forest preserve district , Phase 1 participants included Openlands , the city of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Open Lands Association .
`` It 's been a process and we 've had a lot of partners involved , '' Anderson said .
The federal government is funding 65 % , about $ 9.1 million , of the cost .
The forest preserve district has contributed about $ 2.6 million .

Reef construction provides a man-made assist for Lake Michigan fish and wildlife
The second part of a large-scale ecosystem restoration involves construction of man-made reefs in Lake Michigan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve near Lake Forest. The project is a partnership of the Lake County Forest Preserve and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve
Construction of a man-made reef in Lake Michigan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is the second part of project to connect and restore the habitat along 1.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve
Construction of man-made reefs to improve fish habitat in Lake Michigan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is underway. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
A project to restore and connect 1.5 miles of coastal fish habitat is underway from a barge in Lake Michigan at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.
Just offshore, a crane methodically is placing slabs of native limestone, glacial boulders and cobbles, and large woody debris such as tree trunks and root wads on the lake bottom as a man-made assist for fish and wildlife.
The materials may be rough but the placement to create a submerged habitat is precise. The contractor is following GPS coordinates and examining the progress with sonar to create domes and linear structures containing nooks, crannies and other spaces that mimic natural reefs found on the coastline.
"There's a deliberate design we're following," said Nicole Toth, project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Our engineers created the design in cooperation with our biologists."
The structures are being built in two clusters north and south of Cliff Road in about 10 to 13 feet of water. When finished, the man-made reef will be about four to seven feet beneath the surface. Buoys will be installed to guide boaters.
The habitat is meant as a welcoming place for the state-threatened mudpuppy salamander; fish such as yellow perch, small mouth bass and walleye; and migratory water birds.
Ecologists have found wildlife diversity in the lake has been limited by a decrease in habitat types, according to the Lake County Forest Preserve District, which is partnering with the Army Corps for this part of the project.
"When you build the right habitat the species that are supposed to be there will increase in numbers," said Jim Anderson, the forest preserve district's director of natural resources.
"There are a lot of species near shore that need structure on the bottom rather than just sand or clay."
The reefs themselves will occupy about 1.4 acres of underwater space, but the benefits should extend farther because of the expected congregation of many animal species in the vicinity, Anderson said.
Five sandbar-like structures also are part of the project. Habitat improvement is the main goal but together all the elements may have a secondary benefit, Anderson said.
"Putting these structures in the water can have an impact on biodiversity and provide some shoreline stabilization," he added.
"Everybody on Lake Michigan -- all the Great Lakes for that matter -- are looking at options like this."
The Army Corps' Chicago district has 14 Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration projects totaling 1,105 acres built or under construction, mostly in urban areas.
Construction at Fort Sheridan, a former Army base which operated from 1887 to 1993, began Aug. 10 and is expected to last 10 weeks.
The man-made reefs are the second part of a $14 million project to connect and restore 1.5 miles of coastal habitats to their natural state.
Phase 1, which was on land, began five years ago and is nearly complete. Work included restoring 75 acres within four main ravines; 40 acres of bluff; and 12 acres of dune along the coastline, as well as about 60 acres of associated woodland.
The intent is to benefit rare and endangered ravine and coastal plants and animals without disrupting existing high-quality patches of habitat, according to the Army Corps.
Besides the Army Corps and forest preserve district, Phase 1 participants included Openlands, the city of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Open Lands Association.
"It's been a process and we've had a lot of partners involved," Anderson said.
The federal government is funding 65%, about $9.1 million, of the cost.
The forest preserve district has contributed about $2.6 million.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Feder: Cokie Roberts named posthumously to Radio Hall of Fame

Cokie Roberts , the trailblazing political reporter and analyst for National Public Radio and ABC News , will be inducted @ @ @ @ @ of Fame , reports Robert Feder .
Roberts , who died of breast cancer last @ @ @ @ @ winners announced today by the Chicago-based shrine to radio 's legends .

Feder: Cokie Roberts named posthumously to Radio Hall of Fame
Cokie Roberts, the trailblazing political reporter and analyst for National Public Radio and ABC News, will be inducted posthumously in the Radio Hall of Fame, reports Robert Feder.
Roberts, who died of breast cancer last year, was among the winners announced today by the Chicago-based shrine to radio's legends.
Read the full story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--State unveils travel warning map as 1,773 new COVID-19 infections are announced

State health officials reported 12 additional deaths related to COVID-19 Monday while another 1,773 Illinois residents have been infected by the disease .
That brings the state 's death toll to 7,756 , while 207,854 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Illinois since the outbreak began .
The new data puts the state 's seven-day average infection rate at 4.2 % .
Illinois Department of Public Health officials unveiled a new travel advisory map on the agency 's COVID-19 data website , dph.illinois.gov/covid19 .
The map shows which states have an infection rate of 15 cases per 100,000 residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures .
`` We know this virus does n't stop at the border of a county or a region , '' said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike .
`` If you 're looking for a vacation , this is simple guidance to help you pick one location over another . ''
The map shows 17 states that exceed the recommended level , mostly in the south .
Illinois is at 14 cases per 100,000 residents .
Border states Iowa and Missouri have rates that exceed the warning level .
Iowa 's rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri is at 23 cases per 100,000 residents .
Illinois ' infection rate has been fueled , in part , by an uptick in cases in the Metro East region adjacent to St. Louis .
State officials on Sunday ordered more restrictions , which go into effect Tuesday , after the region 's infection rate topped 8 % for four straight days and health officials recorded nine days over the past 10 days with increased rates of positive test results .
That means gatherings in the seven-county region will be limited to 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's capacity .
Bars , restaurants , casinos and other gambling facilities will close at 11 p.m. Party buses will no longer be allowed to operate .
Indoor dining will be limited to six people per table , reception halls will close and bar stools will be removed to prevent congregating .
IDPH officials said the region may return to less stringent mitigation efforts if the positivity rate drops to 6.5 % or below for two weeks .
Additional restrictions could be enforced if the positivity rate does n't decline , IDPH officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that neither arbitrary dates on a calendar nor political pressure will dictate Illinois ' efforts to protect our people , '' Pritzker said .
`` If the data shows we need to go backward in our reopening , I wo n't hesitate to tighten restrictions to protect our collective health . ''
In the suburbs , the region with Will and Kankakee counties is the closest to having restrictions imposed .
That region has seen six of 10 days with increased positivity rates and is currently averaging a 6.8 % daily positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @

State unveils travel warning map as 1,773 new COVID-19 infections are announced
State health officials reported 12 additional deaths related to COVID-19 Monday while 1,773 more Illinois residents have been infected by the disease.
That brings the state's death toll to 7,756, while 207,854 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Illinois since the outbreak began.
The new data puts the state's seven-day average infection rate at 4.2%.
Illinois Department of Public Health officials unveiled a new travel advisory map on the agency's COVID-19 data website, dph.illinois.gov/covid19.
The map shows which states have an infection rate of 15 cases per 100,000 residents or higher. It also shows global figures.
"We know this virus doesn't stop at the border of a county or a region," said state health department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.
"If you're looking for a vacation, this is simple guidance to help you pick one location over another."
The map shows 17 states that exceed the recommended level, mostly in the south. Illinois is at 14 cases per 100,000 residents.
Border states Iowa and Missouri have rates that exceed the warning level.
Iowa's rate is 16 cases per 100,000 residents, while Missouri is at 23 cases per 100,000 residents.
Illinois' infection rate has been fueled, in part, by an uptick in cases in the Metro East region adjacent to St. Louis.
State officials on Sunday ordered more restrictions, which go into effect today, after the region's infection rate topped 8% for four straight days and health officials recorded nine days over the past 10 with increased rates of positive test results.
That means gatherings in the seven-county region will be limited to 25 people or 25% of a facility's capacity. Bars, restaurants, casinos and other gambling facilities will close at 11 p.m.
Party buses will no longer be allowed to operate. Indoor dining will be limited to six people per table, reception halls will close and bar stools will be removed to prevent congregating.
State health officials said the region may return to less stringent mitigation efforts if the positivity rate drops to 6.5% or below for two weeks.
Additional restrictions could be enforced if the positivity rate doesn't decline, state health officials warned.
"I have made it clear that neither arbitrary dates on a calendar nor political pressure will dictate Illinois' efforts to protect our people," Pritzker said.
"If the data shows we need to go backward in our reopening, I won't hesitate to tighten restrictions to protect our collective health."
In the suburbs, the region with Will and Kankakee counties is the closest to having restrictions imposed. That region has seen six of 10 days with increased positivity rates and is currently averaging a 6.8% daily positivity rate, according to state health department figures.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Repairs to Long Grove's covered bridge could take a month, officials estimate

Long Grove officials estimated Monday that repairs to the village 's iconic covered bridge will take about a month after it was damaged Saturday by a rented school bus less than 23 hours after a public reopening ceremony .
The Compass Transportation bus snapped off planks of wood on both sides of the covered bridge on Robert Parker Coffin Road at about 12:20 p.m. Saturday .
The bridge is expected to stay open since an initial evaluation by village staff on Saturday noted there did not appear to be structural damage .
Village President Bill Jacob said Monday that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some point this week .
There are no cost estimates yet on Saturday 's damage .
On Saturday , a 44-year-old bus driver crossed the bridge though her GPS warned she should not proceed with the type of vehicle she was driving , according to Sgt .
Chris Covelli of the Lake County sheriff 's office .
He said the bus occupants , a group of golfers , persuaded the driver to proceed .
Covelli said charges are pending against the driver , who accepted full responsibility .
The accident came just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive repairs needed after a 2018 accident .
The bridge sustained serious damage in June 2018 when a box truck tried to cross it despite being too large .
At that time , the bridge was made entirely of wood , and the damage was devastating .
Village Manager David Lothspeich said village staff reached out Saturday to the same contractors who repaired the wood bridge cover over the past two years to let them know they 'd probably need to come back sooner than they 'd anticipated .
`` They probably had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lothspeich said when asked how the contractors took the news .
`` When I first saw the pictures from the crash my first thought was 'who 's the wise guy photoshopping this ? '
It 's unbelievable . ''
Jacob said the village board elected to add a protective steel structure supporting the wooden bridge cover during the rebuild , and it appears to have worked as intended .
`` That was a board decision so I know the village board is feeling good about adding that , '' Jacob said .
Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the speed of the insurance companies involved .
He said he would expect the insurance company representing the bus company to be responsible for paying at least part of the repair costs .
Covelli said no tickets have been issued to the driver yet , but that could happen this week .

Repairs to Long Grove's covered bridge could take a month, officials estimate
Trucks are directed to drive around and not through the iconic bridge on Robert Coffin Parker Road in Long Grove. The driver of a rented bus, however, drove through Saturday and damaged the recently reopened historic site. Courtesy of Lucy Lampinen
Long Grove officials estimated Monday that new repairs to the village's iconic covered bridge, which was damaged Saturday by a rented school bus less than 23 hours after a public reopening ceremony, will take about a month.
The Compass Transportation bus snapped off planks of wood on both sides of the covered bridge on Robert Parker Coffin Road about 12:20 p.m. Saturday. The bridge is expected to stay open because an initial evaluation by the village staff on Saturday noted there did not appear to be structural damage.
- Neil Holdway | Staff Photographer The covered bridge on Robert Coffin Parker Road still bears the damage from Saturday when the driver of a rented school bus tried to cross.
Village President Bill Jacob said Monday that a structural engineer will confirm that diagnosis at some point this week.
There are no cost estimates yet on Saturday's damage.
On Saturday, a 44-year-old bus driver crossed the bridge even though her GPS warned she should not proceed with the type of vehicle she was driving, according to Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Chris Covelli.
He said the bus occupants, a group of golfers, persuaded the driver to proceed.
Covelli said charges are pending against the driver, who accepted full responsibility.
The accident came just one day after the bridge was reopened following extensive repairs needed after a 2018 accident. The bridge sustained serious damage in June 2018 when a box truck tried to cross it despite being too large.
At that time, the bridge was made entirely of wood.
- Neil Holdway | Staff Photographer The covered bridge on Robert Coffin Parker Road still bears the damage from Saturday when the driver of a rented school bus tried to cross.
Village Manager David Lothspeich said the village staff reached out Saturday to the same contractors who repaired the wood bridge cover over the past two years to let them know they'd probably need to come back sooner than they'd anticipated.
"They probably had the same reaction everyone had," Lothspeich said when asked how the contractors took the news.
"When I first saw the pictures from the crash my first thought was, 'Who's the wise guy Photoshopping this?' It's unbelievable."
Jacob said the village board elected to add a protective steel structure supporting the wooden bridge cover during the rebuild, and it appears to have worked as intended.
"That was a board decision, so I know the village board is feeling good about adding that," Jacob said.
Jacob said the timeline for repairs could be affected by the speed of the insurance companies involved.
He said he would expect the insurance company representing the bus company to be responsible for paying at least part of the repair costs.
Compass Transportation officials did not return phone calls Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Just 9 of 105 suburban school districts returning students to classrooms full-time

Hundreds of thousands of suburban children are resuming schoolwork within the next few weeks , but this year fewer than 6,200 of them will go back to their classrooms full time .
Only 9 of 105 suburban districts are offering `` in-person '' learning , the Illinois State Board of Education reports .
That option , under the state board 's definition , includes schools that allow parents to choose whether to send their child to school five days a week or start the year with remote learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Another 30 of the suburban school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' model , where students are split into two groups and alternate between remote learning and in-class sessions .
The remaining 66 suburban school districts will have full-time remote learning , with kids having classes exclusively online .
Leaders of the suburban schools opening their doors say they are confident they can keep kids and staff safe .
`` As we looked at the health and safety protocols and guidelines , we made the determination that we could safely open schools and meet or exceed the recommendations that ISBE , the health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts , '' said Larry Hewitt , superintendent at Northbrook Elementary District 28 .
Others opening for in-person learning are Butler Elementary District 53 in Oak Brook , Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 , Grass Lake Elementary District 36 in Antioch , Itasca Elementary District 10 , Medinah Elementary District 11 , Rondout Elementary District 72 in Lake Forest , Roselle Elementary District 12 , Rosemont Elementary District 78 and West Northfield Elementary District 31 in Northbrook .
Elsewhere in the state , going back to the classroom is a much more common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 public school districts in Illinois will start the year with in-person learning , according to an ISBE survey of 671 school districts published at isbe.net/coronavirus .
However , those schools account for only about 154,000 of the 1.6 million students represented in the survey .
Across the state , the most common reopening plan is the `` blended '' option , according to the ISBE survey .
Parents have the ability to choose full remote learning for their children under this option , as well .
Statewide , 320 districts are starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more than 5,500 students at Geneva Unit District 304 .
`` We surveyed parents and 80 % chose in-person , '' said District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler .
`` The issues are the cleaning protocols , requiring everyone to wear a mask and spacing the kids out . ''
The plan is to have one group of students in class Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays , and the other group on Tuesdays and Thursdays one week .
The next week , the groups will swap days .
Space is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state is requiring students be seated at least 6 feet from one another .
That 's one reason the most popular reopening option in the suburbs -- 66 out of 105 school districts -- is full remote learning .
Statewide , only 150 school districts reported plans to start the year fully remote , the ISBE survey shows .
But those school districts account for the vast majority of students -- more than 920,000 of them .
Hewitt looked at every nook to bring students back to the Northbrook schools .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our buildings , '' Hewitt said .
`` We are prepared to use nontraditional classroom space , like the library .
And we have had to hire more staff to accommodate our decision . ''
In opting for full remote learning , Winfield Elementary District 34 focused on staffing and the importance of stability .
`` I have one middle school math teacher , '' said Superintendent Matt Rich .
`` If anyone gets any single symptom , they 're out for at least 10 days .
And where are you going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a room that just lost a teacher to COVID ? ''
Consistency of education was Rich 's greatest concern , and he said the school board believed the best method to deliver that is to start the year remotely .
Elmhurst District 205 cited insufficient staffing in switching to fully remote learning just within the last few days after hundreds of teachers requested remote assignments based on health conditions .
Some suburban districts that will start the year fully remote have set a target date for students to return to the classrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the start of school ; others have planned to do remote learning for the first quarter or trimester .
But Rich said his school board has n't set a target date .
`` It 's something we 'll revisit at every board meeting , '' he said .
`` Setting a date now wo n't change the situation we 're dealing with . ''

Just 9 of 105 suburban school districts returning students to classrooms full-time
Hundreds of thousands of suburban children are resuming schoolwork within the next few weeks, but this year fewer than 6,200 of them will go back to their classrooms full time.
Only 9 of 105 suburban districts are offering "in-person" learning, the Illinois State Board of Education reports.
That option, under the state board's definition, includes schools that allow parents to choose whether to send their child to school five days a week or start the year with remote learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another 30 of the suburban school districts will open with a "blended" model, where students are split into two groups and alternate between remote learning and in-class sessions.
The remaining 66 suburban school districts will have full-time remote learning, with kids having classes exclusively online.
-
Leaders of the suburban schools opening their doors say they are confident they can keep kids and staff safe.
"As we looked at the health and safety protocols and guidelines, we made the determination that we could safely open schools and meet or exceed the recommendations that ISBE, the health department and other state agencies were providing school districts," said Larry Hewitt, superintendent at Northbrook Elementary District 28.
Others opening for in-person learning are Butler Elementary District 53 in Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89, Grass Lake Elementary District 36 in Antioch, Itasca Elementary District 10, Medinah Elementary District 11, Rondout Elementary District 72 in Lake Forest, Roselle Elementary District 12, Rosemont Elementary District 78 and West Northfield Elementary District 31 in Northbrook.
Elsewhere in the state, going back to the classroom is a much more common choice for school leaders. More than 200 public school districts in Illinois will start the year with in-person learning, according to an ISBE survey of 671 school districts published at isbe.net/coronavirus. However, those schools account for only about 154,000 of the 1.6 million students represented in the survey.
Across the state, the most common reopening plan is the "blended" option, according to the ISBE survey. Parents have the ability to choose full remote learning for their children under this option, as well.
Statewide, 320 districts are starting the school year this way, including the more than 5,500 students at Geneva Unit District 304.
"We surveyed parents and 80% chose in-person," said District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler. "The issues are the cleaning protocols, requiring everyone to wear a mask and spacing the kids out."
The plan is to have one group of students in class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and the other group on Tuesdays and Thursdays one week. The next week, the groups will swap days.
Space is one of the biggest hurdles for many suburban schools. The state is requiring students be seated at least 6 feet from one another. That's one reason the most popular reopening option in the suburbs -- 66 out of 105 school districts -- is full remote learning.
Statewide, only 150 school districts reported plans to start the year fully remote, the ISBE survey shows. But those school districts account for the vast majority of students -- more than 920,000 of them.
Hewitt looked at every nook to bring students back to the Northbrook schools.
"We evaluated every possible learning space in our buildings," Hewitt said. "We are prepared to use nontraditional classroom space, like the library. And we have had to hire more staff to accommodate our decision."
In opting for full remote learning, Winfield Elementary District 34 focused on staffing and the importance of stability.
"I have one middle school math teacher," said Superintendent Matt Rich. "If anyone gets any single symptom, they're out for at least 10 days. And where are you going to get a substitute who wants to come into a room that just lost a teacher to COVID?"
Consistency of education was Rich's greatest concern, and he said the school board believed the best method to deliver that is to start the year remotely.
Elmhurst District 205 cited insufficient staffing in switching to fully remote learning just within the last few days after hundreds of teachers requested remote assignments based on health conditions.
Some suburban districts that will start the year fully remote have set a target date for students to return to the classrooms. For some it's six weeks after the start of school; others have planned to do remote learning for the first quarter or trimester. But Rich said his school board hasn't set a target date.
"It's something we'll revisit at every board meeting," he said. "Setting a date now won't change the situation we're dealing with."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes announces reelection bid

Positioning himself as a voice of continuity and experience in trying times , Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes on Monday announced his intention to seek a third term despite originally planning to serve only two .
`` It was really just recently , '' Hayes said of making the decision to run for reelection , `` although the door swung a little further open every day as we went through the last five months .
`` If things had planned out as I expected , then I probably would not have run .
But with COVID-19 and the George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have raised a lot of uncertainty not just in Arlington Heights but the Chicagoland area and country , I do n't feel the time is right for me to leave . ''
Even though much of the political attention of the day is on the November presidential election , candidates can begin passing petitions next month for the April 6 , 2021 , local elections in Illinois .
Hayes said he wanted to announce his decision early enough as others on the village board and in the community contemplate running for local office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all village trustees , none of whom have so far signaled a mayoral challenge .
Last election , Hayes ran unopposed , but he bested two other candidates to become mayor in 2013 after Arlene Mulder 's retirement .
A West Point graduate and attorney , Hayes first was elected as a village trustee in 1991 .
In announcing his intention to seek another four years , Hayes on Monday pointed to the village 's fiscal stability -- despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic -- with no village tax levy increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Hayes also touted the creation of a business-friendly environment , citing as an example the Arlington Alfresco downtown outdoor dining program launched in response to the economic effects of the coronavirus .
He says he 's also proud of the village 's reputation as a `` family-oriented community . ''
It 's a phrase he 's used notably during contentious debates over recreational marijuana sales .
He cast the tiebreaking vote to impose a ban on sales late last year , and last month he was the only member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ban .
`` I 'm really bolstered by many , many people who 've supported me in that particular vote and respect the approach I 've taken in trying to maintain our reputation as a family-oriented community . ''
Among things on the to-do list , Hayes said , is dealing with lost revenue , assisting struggling businesses , and formulating diversity , equity and inclusion policies .

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes announces reelection bid
Positioning himself as a voice of continuity and experience in trying times, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes on Monday announced his intention to seek a third term despite originally planning to serve only two.
"It was really just recently," Hayes said of making the decision to run for reelection, "although the door swung a little further open every day as we went through the last five months.
"If things had planned out as I expected, then I probably would not have run. But with COVID-19 and the George Floyd situation and a lot of issues that have raised a lot of uncertainty not just in Arlington Heights but the Chicagoland area and country, I don't feel the time is right for me to leave."
Even though much of the political attention of the day is on the November presidential election, candidates can begin passing petitions next month for the April 6, 2021, local elections in Illinois.
Hayes said he wanted to announce his decision early enough as others on the village board and in the community contemplate running for local office. He said he's spoken with all village trustees, none of whom have so far signaled a mayoral challenge.
Last election, Hayes ran unopposed, but he bested two other candidates to become mayor in 2013 after Arlene Mulder's retirement. A West Point graduate and attorney, Hayes first was elected as a village trustee in 1991.
In announcing his intention to seek another four years, Hayes on Monday pointed to the village's fiscal stability -- despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic -- with no village tax levy increase last year or plans for a hike this year.
Hayes also touted the creation of a business-friendly environment, citing as an example the Arlington Alfresco downtown outdoor dining program launched in response to the economic effects of the coronavirus.
He says he's also proud of the village's reputation as a "family-oriented community." It's a phrase he's used notably during contentious debates over recreational marijuana sales. He cast the tiebreaking vote to impose a ban on sales late last year, and last month he was the only member of the village board to vote against overturning the ban.
"I'm really bolstered by many, many people who've supported me in that particular vote and respect the approach I've taken in trying to maintain our reputation as a family-oriented community."
Among things on the to-do list, Hayes said, is dealing with lost revenue, assisting struggling businesses, and formulating diversity, equity and inclusion policies.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--There in spirit: Suburban Democratic delegates have mixed feelings on virtual convention

When state Rep. Jonathan Carroll of Northbrook was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention earlier this year , he had no idea the event would be held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis .
Instead of gathering in Milwaukee this week for speeches by Democratic dignitaries -- including presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden -- and other activities , he 's observing the goings-on via computer in his basement office .
`` It 's the 2020 convention from my man cave , '' Carroll said Monday .
For first-time delegate Georgina Poole of Aurora , it 's a convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Zoom sessions via her smartphone and can watch convention meetings and seminars on her smart TV .
`` It 's really cool , '' Poole said .
`` It would be more cool if I could be there in person , but if I can not be there in person , I still get to talk to them and chat via Zoom . ''
Poole , a Biden delegate , said the experience is all the more exciting because the presumptive vice-presidential nominee is Kamala Harris , the first woman of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I got to be part of history twice , '' said Poole , who is Black and also is president of Council 5218 of the League of United Latin American Citizens .
She works as a commercial driver 's license driving examiner for the Illinois Secretary of State .
`` I got to go to the ( presidential ) inauguration in 2009 and now I get to be a delegate when we have a nominee that is African-American and Asian on the ticket .
You thought that 's something you 're never going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Buffalo Grove resident Victor Shi is a Biden delegate this week , too -- and at 18 , reportedly the youngest .
The recent Stevenson High School graduate has been interested in politics since the 2016 Democratic National Convention ; he has fond memories of watching the red , white and blue balloon-drop that closed out the event on TV .
He was eager to be on the convention floor in Milwaukee as part of the celebration this year .
But it 's not to be .
`` ( It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Shi , who plans to attend UCLA this fall and double major in political science and American literature and culture .
Normally during a presidential convention , party members converge on the host city and participate in caucus discussions , attend parties , gather for speeches and rub shoulders with former presidents and other party leaders .
And of course , they formally choose the party 's presidential nominee .
It 's a pep rally for the political party .
But because of the pandemic , delegates voted for their nominee by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penesis of South Elgin , said this year 's convention is vastly different from those she attended when President Barack Obama was nominated in 2008 and 2012 .
She misses seeing friends in person , but it 's not all bad , she said .
`` With this , you 're probably more deliberate and focused on what you want to hear .
You 're not just wandering around , '' said Penesis , who works for a water utility company .
`` I think they 've done so far a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning it into something that more Americans can share . ''
Shi , who described himself as young and idealistic , is happy to be part of the nomination process , but said doing it remotely is `` not the same . ''
Carroll , who represents the 57th House District in Cook and Lake counties , is similarly disappointed the convention is n't being held in person , but he understands why plans changed .
The coronavirus seems to spread most easily in large , indoor events -- just like the planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just disappointed by where the world is , '' he said .
`` It 's not a fun world we 're in right now . ''
This is the first time Carroll has been a presidential delegate -- but it 's actually his second Democratic National Convention as an attendee .
Shortly after graduating from DePaul University with a communications degree in 1996 , he was an intern for CBS News at that summer 's convention in Chicago .
When not undertaking various assignments , he got to observe some of the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was an exceptionally cool experience , '' Carroll recalled .
Carroll called being chosen a Biden delegate during the March primary election `` a tremendous honor . ''
This year 's virtual convention still will be memorable , Carroll said .
`` But for all the wrong reasons , '' he added .
The Republican National Convention is planned for Aug. 24-27 .
Originally planned for Charlotte , North Carolina , it also will be held remotely .

There in spirit: Suburban Democratic delegates have mixed feelings on virtual convention
Beth Penesis of South Elgin attended the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and 2012, where she is pictured here with her husband Ted Penesis, and is a first-time delegate this year. Photo courtesy of Beth Penesis
Georgina Poole of Aurora said being a delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention is all the more exciting because the presumptive vice-presidential nominee is Kamala Harris, the first woman of color on a major party ticket. Photo courtesy of Georgina Poole
With the Democratic National Convention taking place remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll is describing his experience as a delegate as "the 2020 convention from my man cave." Courtesy of state Rep. Jonathan Carroll
When state Rep. Jonathan Carroll of Northbrook was elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention earlier this year, he had no idea the event would be held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Instead of gathering in Milwaukee this week for speeches by Democratic dignitaries -- including presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden -- and other activities, he's observing the goings-on via computer in his basement office.
"It's the 2020 convention from my man cave," Carroll said Monday.
For first-time delegate Georgina Poole of Aurora, it's a convention from her bedroom, where she connects to Zoom sessions via her smartphone and can watch convention meetings and seminars on her smart TV. "It's really cool," Poole said. "It would be more cool if I could be there in person, but if I cannot be there in person, I still get to talk to them and chat via Zoom."
Poole, a Biden delegate, said the experience is all the more exciting because the presumptive vice-presidential nominee is Kamala Harris, the first woman of color on a major party ticket.
"I got to be part of history twice," said Poole, who is Black and also is president of Council 5218 of the League of United Latin American Citizens. She works as a commercial driver's license driving examiner for the Illinois Secretary of State.
"I got to go to the (presidential) inauguration in 2009 and now I get to be a delegate when we have a nominee that is African-American and Asian on the ticket. You thought that's something you're never going to see -- and here it is."
Buffalo Grove resident Victor Shi is a Biden delegate, too -- and at 18, reportedly the youngest.
The recent Stevenson High School graduate has been interested in politics since the 2016 Democratic National Convention; he has fond memories of watching the red, white and blue balloon-drop that closed out the event on TV.
He was eager to be on the convention floor in Milwaukee as part of the celebration this year.
But it's not to be.
"(It's) for sure a bummer," Shi said.
Normally during a presidential convention, party members converge on the host city and participate in caucus discussions, attend parties, gather for speeches and rub shoulders with former presidents and other party leaders. And of course, they formally choose the party's presidential nominee.
It's a pep rally for the political party.
But because of the pandemic, delegates voted for their nominee by mail.
Another first-time delegate, Beth Penesis of South Elgin, said this year's convention is vastly different from those she attended when President Barack Obama was nominated in 2008 and 2012. She misses seeing friends in person, but it's not all bad, she said.
"With this, you're probably more deliberate and focused on what you want to hear. You're not just wandering around," said Penesis, who works for a water utility company. "I think they've done so far a really good job at taking a bad situation and turning it into something that more Americans can share."
Carroll, who represents the 57th House District in Cook and Lake counties, is disappointed the convention isn't being held in person, but he understands why plans changed. The coronavirus seems to spread most easily in large, indoor events -- just like the planned in-person convention.
"We're all just disappointed by where the world is," he said.
This is the first time Carroll has been a presidential delegate -- but it's actually his second Democratic National Convention as an attendee.
Shortly after graduating from DePaul University in 1996, he was an intern for CBS News at that summer's convention in Chicago. When not undertaking various assignments, he got to observe some of the event from the media's perspective.
"It was an exceptionally cool experience," Carroll recalled.
This year's virtual convention will be memorable, too -- "but for all the wrong reasons," Carroll said.
The Democrats' convention runs through Thursday.
The Republican National Convention is planned for Aug. 24-27. Originally planned for Charlotte, North Carolina, it also will be held remotely.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Video of fleeing car on social media leads to Des Plaines man's arrest

A video of a fleeing car posted on social media has led to the arrest of a Des Plaines man nearly a month after the footage was recorded .
John A. Gago , 32 , was taken into custody without incident on Aug. 3 for multiple traffic violations , including fleeing/eluding a peace officer and reckless driving , Illinois State Police announced Monday .
In the early hours of July 11 , a state trooper on northbound Interstate 90 at Irving Park Road , saw the driver of a 2007 White BMW E85-WS speeding and make multiple moving violations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activated the emergency lights on his squad car and tried to make a stop , but the driver sped away , the news release said .
State police then learned a video of the fleeing and eluding a peace officer was posted on social media platform , and on July 27 they identified Gago as the driver of the BMW , according to the news release .
Gago was charged with reckless driving , fleeing/attempting to elude a peace officer , aggravated speeding , improper lane usage , following too closely , failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passing a vehicle while on the shoulder , loud excessive noise caused by muffler , improper crossing of designated median and improper passing on left .
He was released on a recognizance bond .

Video of fleeing car on social media leads to Des Plaines man's arrest
A video of a fleeing car posted on social media has led to the arrest of a Des Plaines man nearly a month after the footage was recorded.
John A. Gago, 32, was taken into custody without incident on Aug. 3 for multiple traffic violations, including fleeing/eluding a peace officer and reckless driving, Illinois State Police announced Monday.
In the early hours of July 11, a state trooper on northbound Interstate 90 at Irving Park Road, saw the driver of a 2007 White BMW E85-WS speeding and make multiple moving violations, the news release said. The trooper activated the emergency lights on his squad car and tried to make a stop, but the driver sped away, the news release said.
State police then learned a video of the fleeing and eluding a peace officer was posted on social media platform, and on July 27 they identified Gago as the driver of the BMW, according to the news release.
Gago was charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated speeding, improper lane usage, following too closely, failure to signal, driving while license suspended/revoked, passing a vehicle while on the shoulder, loud excessive noise caused by muffler, improper crossing of designated median and improper passing on left.
He was released on a recognizance bond.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Aurora man gets 15 years for armed violence, assault to police officer

An Aurora man last week pleaded guilty to armed violence and aggravated assault to a peace officer in connection with a 2018 drug-sale robbery .
The Kane County state 's attorney 's office announced Monday that Giovanni A. Padilla , 28 , of the 300 block of Brown Court , pleaded guilty on Aug. 12 in exchange for a sentence of 15 years in prison .
On Oct. 22 , 2018 , Padilla and two co-defendants arranged to buy marijuana from another person .
But they went to the person 's residence , on the 1100 block of North Farnsworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rob him , the news release said .
After Padilla left the seller 's apartment , a police officer told him to stop .
Padilla ran , then turned around and pointed a loaded semi-automatic handgun at the officer .
The police officer shot Padilla in an arm .
Kane County State 's Attorney Joe McMahon ruled the shooting justified .
Police said they found 168 grams of marijuana in one of Padilla 's coat pockets and a handgun next to him .
Padilla will receive credit for 657 days he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
In 2019 , the other defendants , 20-year-old Tyrone T. Smith of Chicago and 20-year-old Michael C. Paige of Montgomery , pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm without firearm owners identification .
They were sentenced to four years in prison .

Aurora man gets 15 years for armed violence, assault to police officer
An Aurora man last week pleaded guilty to armed violence and aggravated assault to a peace officer in connection with a 2018 drug-sale robbery.
The Kane County state's attorney's office announced Monday that Giovanni A. Padilla, 28, of the 300 block of Brown Court, pleaded guilty on Aug. 12 in exchange for a sentence of 15 years in prison.
On Oct. 22, 2018, Padilla and two co-defendants arranged to buy marijuana from another person. But they went to the person's residence, on the 1100 block of North Farnsworth Avenue, armed with handguns, intending to rob him, the news release said.
After Padilla left the seller's apartment, a police officer told him to stop. Padilla ran, then turned around and pointed a loaded semi-automatic handgun at the officer. The police officer shot Padilla in an arm. Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon ruled the shooting justified.
Police said they found 168 grams of marijuana in one of Padilla's coat pockets and a handgun next to him.
Padilla will receive credit for 657 days he has spent in the Kane County jail awaiting trial.
In 2019, the other defendants, 20-year-old Tyrone T. Smith of Chicago and 20-year-old Michael C. Paige of Montgomery, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm without firearm owners identification. They were sentenced to four years in prison.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Rozner: Blackhawks' youngsters could learn from Knights

Close does n't get you a trophy in the Stanley Cup playoffs .
And though the Blackhawks were close in the first three games to making this a very tough and long series for Vegas -- and perhaps they still might -- the Golden Knights are among the NHL 's best clubs for a reason .
The details are essential .
Size , speed , sacrifice and goaltending are obviously crucial , but Vegas is excellent with the details and you can sum up this series -- the difference between up 3-1 or down 3-1 -- in a single battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left in the second period of Game 3 -- the Hawks down 1-0 in the game and 2-0 in the series -- Brandon Saad goes in hard on Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb in the corner of the Knights ' zone .
Saad gets enough of the puck to allow Jonathan Toews to swoop in and collect .
All looks well for the Hawks at this moment , but all is not well if you zoom out .
As Toews turns back south and up the wall , 6-foot-4 , 220-pound winger Alex Tuch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the puck .
Tuch does not have to look up the boards to see his options because he knows support will be there .
He slides it up the wall and William Carrier -- who had been at the top of the circle but close enough to the boards to get there -- is indeed right where Tuch assumes he will be and Carrier possesses the puck briefly .
Carrier also knows he has help and makes a one-handed pass -- while being mugged by Dominik Kubalik -- to an open spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Patrick Brown -- who had been between the circles in his own end making sure he was available and also protecting defensively -- picks up the pass .
By now , Tuch has shaken off Toews and is busting up the ice as Brown pokes it past a stationary Adam Boqvist , whose timing is off by a hair on the play .
The result makes the decision look worse than it really is as Boqvist initially begins retreating when the rush develops , but reverses and tries to close the gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's too late and Boqvist is caught in between .
Brown gets the puck to Tuch who is at full sprint and now it 's a 2-on-1 .
Tuch and defenseman Nate Schmidt -- who had been far behind the play , but jumped in as soon as Carrier beat Kubalik -- play catch on a give-and-go and Tuch gets off a good shot on Corey Crawford , who makes a big save but also gives up a big rebound .
Brown , meanwhile , never stops skating and Boqvist ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rebound into a wide open net .
More than the Hawks ' problems on the play -- Toews losing a board battle , Kubalik late to his check , the aggressive Boqvist decision the wrong one by a split second and Duncan Keith getting beat on a 2-on-1 -- was how impressive the Vegas support was through the rush .
From the play in the corner , the plays up the wall and all the passes to open skaters , Vegas players were all doing two things at once .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a defensive play if needed , and they provided ice to pass the puck without giving up possession .
It 's easy to say you need clean breakouts , but if forwards are not open for defensemen , it leaves the defense with no good option .
In every game in the series , there have been 20 such instances where Vegas players were prepared to protect their own net and also open for a pass .
That puck support and being available for an outlet is the most imposing part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They rarely consider flipping a puck out of their zone or dumping one in the offensive zone , and the Hawks have n't done enough to force them into giving up the puck , though they were better at times in Game 4 .
The Knights are consistently possessing the puck because they are constantly open and offering puck support in their own end .
A difficult game is a lot easier when you 're not chasing .
The Knights own the puck for long stretches because they provide options and passing lanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're supposed to be , while also being responsible defensively .
It 's impressive .
It 's really impressive .
It 's the kind of thing Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton has hammered home with his players for more than a year , but not all of them are as interested as they ought to be in the team aspect of the game .
Regardless of what occurs from here , this has been an invaluable experience for the Hawks , who entered the tournament with the youngest roster and will depart with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physicality and intensity of postseason hockey .
If the Hawks can recognize it , and accept the responsibility , focusing on the details will be the most important lesson the Hawks take away from this series .
It really is in the details .

Rozner: Blackhawks' youngsters could learn from Knights
Vegas Golden Knights' Alex Tuch is stopped by Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, but Patrick Brown (not pictured) poked home the rebound to give the Knights a 2-0 lead in the second period of Game 3 Saturday in Edmonton. Associated Press
Close doesn't get you a trophy in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Not even a ribbon.
And though the Blackhawks were close in the first three games to making this a very tough and long series for Vegas -- and perhaps they still might -- the Golden Knights are among the NHL's best clubs for a reason.
Actually, many reasons.
The details are essential. Size, speed, sacrifice and goaltending are obviously crucial, but Vegas is excellent with the details and you can sum up this series -- the difference between up 3-1 or down 3-1 -- in a single battle that lasted 13 seconds.
With 4:50 left in the second period of Game 3 -- the Hawks down 1-0 in the game and 2-0 in the series -- Brandon Saad goes in hard on Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb in the corner of the Knights' zone. Saad gets enough of the puck to allow Jonathan Toews to swoop in and collect.
All looks well for the Hawks at this moment, but all is not well if you zoom out.
As Toews turns back south and up the wall, 6-foot-4, 220-pound winger Alex Tuch is immediately on Toews and takes him off the puck. Tuch does not have to look up the boards to see his options because he knows support will be there.
He slides it up the wall and William Carrier -- who had been at the top of the circle but close enough to the boards to get there -- is indeed right where Tuch assumes he will be and Carrier possesses the puck briefly.
Carrier also knows he has help and makes a one-handed pass -- while being mugged by Dominik Kubalik -- to an open spot at the blueline, inside the dot. Patrick Brown -- who had been between the circles in his own end making sure he was available and also protecting defensively -- picks up the pass.
By now, Tuch has shaken off Toews and is busting up the ice as Brown pokes it past a stationary Adam Boqvist, whose timing is off by a hair on the play.
The result makes the decision look worse than it really is as Boqvist initially begins retreating when the rush develops, but reverses and tries to close the gap on Brown as the puck appears loose. It's too late and Boqvist is caught in between.
Brown gets the puck to Tuch who is at full sprint and now it's a 2-on-1. Tuch and defenseman Nate Schmidt -- who had been far behind the play, but jumped in as soon as Carrier beat Kubalik -- play catch on a give-and-go and Tuch gets off a good shot on Corey Crawford, who makes a big save but also gives up a big rebound.
Brown, meanwhile, never stops skating and Boqvist can't tie him up as Brown hammers the rebound into a wide open net.
More than the Hawks' problems on the play -- Toews losing a board battle, Kubalik late to his check, the aggressive Boqvist decision the wrong one by a split second and Duncan Keith getting beat on a 2-on-1 -- was how impressive the Vegas support was through the rush.
From the play in the corner, the plays up the wall and all the passes to open skaters, Vegas players were all doing two things at once. They were certain they were in a position to make a defensive play if needed, and they provided ice to pass the puck without giving up possession.
It's easy to say you need clean breakouts, but if forwards are not open for defensemen, it leaves the defense with no good option.
In every game in the series, there have been 20 such instances where Vegas players were prepared to protect their own net and also open for a pass. That puck support and being available for an outlet is the most imposing part of what is a very imposing team.
They rarely consider flipping a puck out of their zone or dumping one in the offensive zone, and the Hawks haven't done enough to force them into giving up the puck, though they were better at times in Game 4.
The Knights are consistently possessing the puck because they are constantly open and offering puck support in their own end. A difficult game is a lot easier when you're not chasing.
The Knights own the puck for long stretches because they provide options and passing lanes. It means being open and where you're supposed to be, while also being responsible defensively.
It's impressive. It's really impressive. It's the kind of thing Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton has hammered home with his players for more than a year, but not all of them are as interested as they ought to be in the team aspect of the game.
Regardless of what occurs from here, this has been an invaluable experience for the Hawks, who entered the tournament with the youngest roster and will depart with players who now understand the speed, physicality and intensity of postseason hockey.
If the Hawks can recognize it, and accept the responsibility, focusing on the details will be the most important lesson the Hawks take away from this series.
It really is in the details.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Glencoe financial adviser facing federal fraud charges

A Glencoe financial adviser is accused of swindling clients who sought her help in purchasing homes after their previous homes @ @ @ @ @ Martinez , 53 , who also worked under the alias Mary Flores , is facing @ @ @ @ @ fraud , according to prosecutors .
Martinez is accused of offering real estate , mortgage @ @ @ @ @ seeking new homes who had lost their homes through foreclosure .
Instead , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ received to pay her own personal and business expenses dating back to 2011 .
Martinez @ @ @ @ @ from her clients , prosecutors said .
She faces up to 20 years in prison @ @ @

Glencoe financial adviser facing federal fraud charges
A Glencoe financial adviser is accused of swindling clients who sought her help in purchasing homes after their previous homes had been foreclosed.
Mary Martinez, 53, who also worked under the alias Mary Flores, is facing 10 counts of federal wire fraud, according to prosecutors.
Martinez is accused of offering real estate, mortgage and investment opportunities to individuals seeking new homes who had lost their homes through foreclosure. Instead, prosecutors said Martinez used the funds she received to pay her own personal and business expenses dating back to 2011.
Martinez misappropriated more than $450,000 from her clients, prosecutors said.
She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Special prosecutor: Foxx abused discretion in Smollett case but didn't break law

CHICAGO -- A special prosecutor in Chicago said Monday that Cook County State 's Attorney Kim Foxx and her office repeatedly abused their discretion and made false public statements in the case against actor Jussie Smollett last year , but he concluded they did nothing criminal .
In his findings released Monday after a monthslong investigation , special prosecutor Dan Webb sharply criticized Foxx and her staff for how they decided in March last year to toss charges that accused the former `` Empire '' actor of staging a racist , homophobic attack against himself .
Webb also took them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain the controversial decision as public outrage grew .
Webb 's statement said his investigation `` did not develop evidence that would support any criminal charges against State 's Attorney Foxx or any individual working at ( her office ) . ''
But it added , it `` did develop evidence that establishes substantial abuses of discretion and operational failures '' in how it handled the Smollett matter .
A brief statement released by Foxx 's office later Monday said it welcomed aspects of Webb 's findings , including that no one on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no undue outside influences affected the prosecutors ' decisions regarding Smollett .
But it took issue with the broader depiction of an office that did n't follow proper procedures and that was quick to mislead , saying it `` categorically rejects ... characterizations of its exercises of prosecutorial discretion and private or public statements as 'abuses of discretion ' or false statements to the public . ''
Webb restored charges against Smollett in February this year after a first stage of his investigation focused on the evidence against the actor .
In recharging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that dropping the charges was unjustified , including because the evidence against Smollett was overwhelming .
The black , openly gay actor has continued to stand by his claim that two men attacked him early on Jan. 29 , 2019 , in downtown Chicago , shouting slurs and looping a rope around his neck .
He says the attack was real and was n't a publicity stunt .
Among the focuses of Webb 's inquiry over the last several months was whether Foxx acted improperly by speaking to a Smollett relative and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , Tina Tchen , before the charges were dropped , and in how she recused herself early in the investigation after news broke about those communications .
Webb portrayed a state 's attorney 's office often in disarray and unduly worried about perceptions of the office as the Smollett case quickly became headline news nationwide .
He offered Foxx 's recusal as a prime example .
Once Foxx understood that she may have conflict of interest or a perception of one , Webb said Foxx she and her entire staff should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outside special prosecutor to take over .
Instead , she simply named a top assistant in her office to take over .
Her office quickly realized the serious procedural error , Webb said , but `` Foxx made the decision to ignore this major legal defect seemingly because they did not want to admit that they had made such a major mistake of judgment . ''
Webb on Monday also disclosed for the first time the identity of the relative Foxx spoke with multiple times : Jurnee Smollett , Jussie Smollett 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her before suspicions begin to be raised that Jussie Smollett may have staged the attack on himself .
But Webb found that Foxx continued the communications with the sister even as it became clear that Smollett could be charged criminally for allegedly filing a false police report .
`` State 's Attorney Foxx then made false statements to the media claiming she ceased all communications with Ms. Smollett , '' Webb concluded .
The alleged false statements started to pile up .
Webb said Foxx and a top assistant prosecutor made at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dismissal of the case in possible violation of rules for professional conduct .
He said a summary of his findings would be forwarded to the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission , saying only it can decide it the alleged false statements amounted to serious ethical violations .
Despite alleging that Foxx misled the public about the communications , Webb said his investigation found no evidence Foxx 's conversations with Jurnee Smollett or others outside the prosecutor 's office influenced the decision to drop the charges .
Webb also criticized Foxx 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop the charges from public for as long as possible .
And he said the office did n't even give the Chicago Police Department a heads up about the decision until minutes before a court hearing formalizing the dismissal .
Foxx , the first black woman to hold Chicago 's top law enforcement job , defeated her Democratic primary opponents earlier this year even as they made her handling of the Smollett case central to their campaigns .
In overwhelmingly Democratic Chicago , the primary invariably determines who wins the general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foxx pushed through -- often over the angry objections of Chicago 's police union and chiefs of police across Cook County -- including treating certain nonviolent crimes , like shoplifting , as lower priorities .

Special prosecutor: Foxx abused discretion in Smollett case but didn't break law
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx speaks at a news conference Feb. 22, 2019, in Chicago. A special prosecutor in Chicago says Foxx and her office abused their discretion in the case against actor Jussie Smollett but did nothing criminal. AP File Photo
Actor Jussie Smollett smiles and waves to supporters before leaving Cook County Court after his charges were dropped March 26, 2019, in Chicago. A special prosecutor in Chicago says Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx and her office abused their discretion in the case against actor Jussie Smollett but did nothing criminal. AP File Photo
CHICAGO -- A special prosecutor in Chicago said Monday that Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx and her office repeatedly abused their discretion and made false public statements in the case against actor Jussie Smollett last year, but he concluded they did nothing criminal.
In his findings released Monday after a monthslong investigation, special prosecutor Dan Webb sharply criticized Foxx and her staff for how they decided in March last year to toss charges that accused the former "Empire" actor of staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself. Webb also took them to task for how they sought to explain the controversial decision as public outrage grew.
Webb's statement said his investigation "did not develop evidence that would support any criminal charges against State's Attorney Foxx or any individual working at (her office)." But it added, it "did develop evidence that establishes substantial abuses of discretion and operational failures" in how it handled the Smollett matter.
A brief statement released by Foxx's office later Monday said it welcomed aspects of Webb's findings, including that no one on the staff committed a crime and that no undue outside influences affected the prosecutors' decisions regarding Smollett.
But it took issue with the broader depiction of an office that didn't follow proper procedures and that was quick to mislead, saying it "categorically rejects ... characterizations of its exercises of prosecutorial discretion and private or public statements as 'abuses of discretion' or false statements to the public."
Webb restored charges against Smollett in February this year after a first stage of his investigation focused on the evidence against the actor. In recharging Smollett, Webb said at the time that dropping the charges was unjustified, including because the evidence against Smollett was overwhelming.
The black, openly gay actor has continued to stand by his claim that two men attacked him early on Jan. 29, 2019, in downtown Chicago, shouting slurs and looping a rope around his neck. He says the attack was real and wasn't a publicity stunt.
Among the focuses of Webb's inquiry over the last several months was whether Foxx acted improperly by speaking to a Smollett relative and a onetime aide of former first lady Michelle Obama, Tina Tchen, before the charges were dropped, and in how she recused herself early in the investigation after news broke about those communications.
Webb portrayed a state's attorney's office often in disarray and unduly worried about perceptions of the office as the Smollett case quickly became headline news nationwide. He offered Foxx's recusal as a prime example.
Once Foxx understood that she may have conflict of interest or a perception of one, Webb said Foxx she and her entire staff should have been pulled off the investigation and sought an outside special prosecutor to take over. Instead, she simply named a top assistant in her office to take over.
Her office quickly realized the serious procedural error, Webb said, but "Foxx made the decision to ignore this major legal defect seemingly because they did not want to admit that they had made such a major mistake of judgment."
Webb on Monday also disclosed for the first time the identity of the relative Foxx spoke with multiple times: Jurnee Smollett, Jussie Smollett's sister. Webb said Foxx began speaking to her before suspicions begin to be raised that Jussie Smollett may have staged the attack on himself. But Webb found that Foxx continued the communications with the sister even as it became clear that Smollett could be charged criminally for allegedly filing a false police report.
"State's Attorney Foxx then made false statements to the media claiming she ceased all communications with Ms. Smollett," Webb concluded.
The alleged false statements started to pile up.
Webb said Foxx and a top assistant prosecutor made at least six false or misleading statements regarding the dismissal of the case in possible violation of rules for professional conduct. He said a summary of his findings would be forwarded to the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, saying only it can decide it the alleged false statements amounted to serious ethical violations.
Despite alleging that Foxx misled the public about the communications, Webb said his investigation found no evidence Foxx's conversations with Jurnee Smollett or others outside the prosecutor's office influenced the decision to drop the charges.
Webb also criticized Foxx's office for trying to keep the decision to drop the charges from public for as long as possible. And he said the office didn't even give the Chicago Police Department a heads up about the decision until minutes before a court hearing formalizing the dismissal.
Foxx, the first black woman to hold Chicago's top law enforcement job, defeated her Democratic primary opponents earlier this year even as they made her handling of the Smollett case central to their campaigns. In overwhelmingly Democratic Chicago, the primary invariably determines who wins the general election.
Reform advocates have hailed reforms that Foxx pushed through -- often over the angry objections of Chicago's police union and chiefs of police across Cook County -- including treating certain nonviolent crimes, like shoplifting, as lower priorities.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Bears' LB Quinn didn't practice in team drills

Bears free agent signing Robert Quinn did not participate in team drills during Monday 's first padded practice of training camp at Halas Hall .
Head coach Matt Nagy said Quinn is still ramping up after dealing with a `` personal issue . ''
The veteran outside linebacker was brought on to replace Leonard Floyd , who the Bears released in March .
A 10th-year veteran , and a two-time Pro Bowler , Quinn signed a five-year , $ 70 million contract with the Bears over the offseason .
`` He dealt with [ a personal issue ] and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just making sure we 're smart in regards to how we handle him as a vet , '' Nagy said .
`` He 's been playing this game a long time and we want to make sure that we do it the right way .
That 's just kind of the plan that we 're on right now , but it 's nothing concerning .
We just want to take our time with it . ''
The Bears envision Quinn playing opposite Khalil Mack , with Roquan Smith playing the inside linebacker spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can stay on the field , has the making of a formidable linebacker group .
`` What matters most is that they 're ready to go for Detroit ( on Sept. 13 ) , '' Nagy said .
Veteran cornerback and special teams player Sherrick McManis is currently out with a shoulder injury .
Nagy said the injury is `` nothing to be worried about '' Monday after practice .

Bears' LB Quinn didn't practice in team drills
Bears free agent signing Robert Quinn did not participate in team drills during Monday's first padded practice of training camp at Halas Hall. Head coach Matt Nagy said Quinn is still ramping up after dealing with a "personal issue."
The veteran outside linebacker was brought on to replace Leonard Floyd, who the Bears released in March. A 10th-year veteran, and a two-time Pro Bowler, Quinn signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Bears over the offseason.
"He dealt with [a personal issue] and now we're back to kind of physically just making sure we're smart in regards to how we handle him as a vet," Nagy said. "He's been playing this game a long time and we want to make sure that we do it the right way. That's just kind of the plan that we're on right now, but it's nothing concerning. We just want to take our time with it."
The Bears envision Quinn playing opposite Khalil Mack, with Roquan Smith playing the inside linebacker spot. The three of them together, if they can stay on the field, has the making of a formidable linebacker group.
"What matters most is that they're ready to go for Detroit (on Sept. 13)," Nagy said.
Injury update:
Veteran cornerback and special teams player Sherrick McManis is currently out with a shoulder injury. Nagy said the injury is "nothing to be worried about" Monday after practice.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Bears' Patterson practices with running backs

In the Bears ' first padded practice of 2020 , do-it-all utility man Cordarrelle Patterson spent time working with the running backs .
Patterson , an eighth-year NFL veteran , is still listed as a wide receiver on the Bears ' roster .
The team has not yet released a depth chart .
Patterson has elite speed , and Bears head coach Matt Nagy acknowledged that the team needs to do everything it can to put the ball in his hands .
He might have been underutilized in his first season with the Bears in 2019 .
`` When you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find ways to get him the ball , '' Nagy said Monday .
Patterson totaled 17 carries last season .
That small sample size yielded 6.1 yards per carry .
He also caught 11 passes for 83 yards .
His 46-yard run in Week 2 at Denver last season wound up being the second-fastest run of the season in the NFL .
Patterson touched 22.23 miles per hour on that run , according to NFL Next Gen Stats .
He showcased that explosiveness last year as a kick returner , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orleans on Oct. 20 was one of the Bears ' most exciting plays all season .
He has seven career kick return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown .
`` He 's obviously played some running back before , '' Nagy said .
`` So for him to be able to go back there and take some snaps , get used to it , it is different just because there 's different techniques that he 's going to learn . ''
David Montgomery remains the top option at running back , and Tarik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Bears like what they 've seen from Ryan Nall , and they signed undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce .
But Patterson could be an intriguing weapon .
`` We want to be able to get the most out of him , '' Nagy said .
`` He 's a very talented guy . ''

Bears' Patterson practices with running backs
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, right, works with running back David Montgomery during Monday's practice at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill. Associated Press
In the Bears' first padded practice of 2020, do-it-all utility man Cordarrelle Patterson spent time working with the running backs.
Patterson, an eighth-year NFL veteran, is still listed as a wide receiver on the Bears' roster. The team has not yet released a depth chart.
Patterson has elite speed, and Bears head coach Matt Nagy acknowledged that the team needs to do everything it can to put the ball in his hands. He might have been underutilized in his first season with the Bears in 2019.
"When you have weapons like that, you want to find ways to get him the ball," Nagy said Monday.
Patterson totaled 17 carries last season. That small sample size yielded 6.1 yards per carry. He also caught 11 passes for 83 yards. His 46-yard run in Week 2 at Denver last season wound up being the second-fastest run of the season in the NFL. Patterson touched 22.23 miles per hour on that run, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
He showcased that explosiveness last year as a kick returner, too. His 102-yard kick return touchdown against New Orleans on Oct. 20 was one of the Bears' most exciting plays all season. He has seven career kick return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown.
"He's obviously played some running back before," Nagy said. "So for him to be able to go back there and take some snaps, get used to it, it is different just because there's different techniques that he's going to learn."
David Montgomery remains the top option at running back, and Tarik Cohen will continue to be involved. The Bears like what they've seen from Ryan Nall, and they signed undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce.
But Patterson could be an intriguing weapon.
"We want to be able to get the most out of him," Nagy said. "He's a very talented guy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Bears complete first padded practice of season at Halas Hall

Matt Nagy has grown so accustomed to wearing his mask at Halas Hall that he often finds himself sitting alone in his office -- the one time he 's allowed to take it off -- and still his face is covered .
`` The other night , I went home , and my four boys were at home , and I had the same mask on , '' the Bears head coach said .
`` They looked at me like , 'What 's going on ? '
I 'm just used to having it on . ''
Finally , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bears held a real , padded practice on Monday .
Nagy wore his mask through the entire outdoor practice .
Even with masks , it was a return to normalcy -- somewhat -- for the Bears .
Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols said it was n't strange suiting up and being in close quarters with his teammates .
`` I miss my teammates , '' Nichols said .
`` The last five months , we 've all been isolated from each other .
I missed the guys over that period of time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we could .
We got a chance to enjoy time with our families , but at the end of the day , you miss your guys . ''
The Bears held their first padded practice less than a month before the start of the season .
They will open the 2020 campaign at Detroit on Sept. 13 .
The team practiced for about 90 minutes on Monday , largely doing individual work and position drills .
`` Before you know it , there 's not a whole lot of reps for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` You want to try to get as many plays as you can in those periods so that you can evaluate . ''
There will certainly be more of that as camp continues .
Much of the work it took to reach this point -- a real practice -- happened beforehand .
Masks are becoming second-nature now .
The team is becoming accustomed to the spread out facility and meeting rooms .
Now , finally , it 's about football .
`` We been used to it , '' safety Eddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing a good job , just the ramp up stages , the ramp up phases we 're going through .
They told us a lot of things were going to be different .
Right now , we 're used to it .
This is the third week of it .
Everything 's just going well .
It 's becoming more normal now . ''
Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks said being at Halas Hall the past few weeks has brought back a sense of normalcy , despite the coronavirus precautions that are in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Hick said .
`` You get fully immersed .
...
Being around the guys and being around the football facility makes it that much easier . ''
Nagy reiterated that the team will take as long as it can to determine who will start at quarterback on Sept. 13 .
Monday was the first step in determining that and other position battles .
There 's only so much the team can do in meetings over Zoom .
Now comes the real eye tests .
`` Now you 're on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there 's a defense with moving parts , and there 's an offense with moving parts . ''

Bears complete first padded practice of season at Halas Hall
Chicago Bears tight end Jimmy Graham, center, warms up with teammates during on Monday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill. Associated Press
Matt Nagy has grown so accustomed to wearing his mask at Halas Hall that he often finds himself sitting alone in his office -- the one time he's allowed to take it off -- and still his face is covered.
"The other night, I went home, and my four boys were at home, and I had the same mask on," the Bears head coach said. "They looked at me like, 'What's going on?' I'm just used to having it on."
Finally, after weeks of Zoom meetings and walk-throughs, the Bears held a real, padded practice on Monday. Nagy wore his mask through the entire outdoor practice.
Even with masks, it was a return to normalcy -- somewhat -- for the Bears.
Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols said it wasn't strange suiting up and being in close quarters with his teammates.
"I miss my teammates," Nichols said. "The last five months, we've all been isolated from each other. I missed the guys over that period of time. We spoke on the phone as much as we could. We got a chance to enjoy time with our families, but at the end of the day, you miss your guys."
The Bears held their first padded practice less than a month before the start of the season. They will open the 2020 campaign at Detroit on Sept. 13. The team practiced for about 90 minutes on Monday, largely doing individual work and position drills.
"Before you know it, there's not a whole lot of reps for some of the team periods," Nagy said. "You want to try to get as many plays as you can in those periods so that you can evaluate."
There will certainly be more of that as camp continues.
Much of the work it took to reach this point -- a real practice -- happened beforehand. Masks are becoming second-nature now. The team is becoming accustomed to the spread out facility and meeting rooms.
Now, finally, it's about football.
"We been used to it," safety Eddie Jackson said. "They've been doing a good job, just the ramp up stages, the ramp up phases we're going through. They told us a lot of things were going to be different. Right now, we're used to it. This is the third week of it. Everything's just going well. It's becoming more normal now."
Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks said being at Halas Hall the past few weeks has brought back a sense of normalcy, despite the coronavirus precautions that are in place.
"You just get back into it," Hick said. "You get fully immersed. ... Being around the guys and being around the football facility makes it that much easier."
Nagy reiterated that the team will take as long as it can to determine who will start at quarterback on Sept. 13. Monday was the first step in determining that and other position battles.
There's only so much the team can do in meetings over Zoom. Now comes the real eye tests.
"Now you're on the grass," Nagy said. "And there's a defense with moving parts, and there's an offense with moving parts."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-17--Hub Arkush: Right or wrong, the NFL season is going to start on time

While this was not originally the topic of my thoughts Friday , starting anywhere else would be burying what has to be the lead and clearly impacts everything we report about the National Football League during our current public health crisis .
Why talk actual football if there is n't going to be a season ?
However , after doing as much homework as can be done and speaking to multiple key sources , contrary to what I 've suspected over recent weeks and months I am now convinced the 2020 NFL season will kick off on Thursday , Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when we all enjoyed true freedom of speech , we were interested in each other 's opinions and attempted to learn from them , and civil discourse was not only possible but also productive .
Sadly these days if your opinion is n't shared by the person/people reading or hearing it all you accomplish is to be ostracized and often crucified in the miasma of the Twitter-verse , Facebook , Instagram , etc.
, and those who do agree will just use it as another tool to attack those who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'm not pointing any fingers ; there is more than enough blame to go around .
That 's just the way it is these days .
However for the longest time I 've believed based on research and reporting , the powers that be in the NFL would make decisions about the season based strictly on what is safest for the greatest number of people .
Whether that is in fact what they think they 're doing I ca n't really say .
I ca n't get inside the heads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What does appear obvious though according to multiple sources involved in the decisions being made is that while the league is clearly concerned about the health and safety of all involved , it has accepted some people will get sick and some may become seriously ill , but that mirrors society in general and is the current cost of doing business .
Whether or not games are still being played week two , week six , week 13 , etc .
remains to be seen .
What no one is willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a line in the sand where play will have to stop because too many people are suffering , nor do we know yet if it will even come to that ?
Teams have n't run practice drills yet let alone played the game and we have no idea how effective the planning to date to keep everyone safe will be or conversely , how bad things might get .
But with only 69 rostered players , just 2.7 % opting out , and a less than 1 % league wide positive coronavirus test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to giving this a go .
With my own opinions on right or wrong buried on the bench , how can I report the NFL is going to be a go while much of the college football season has canceled and the rest is somewhere between flailing around for survival and life support ?
In any given season there are well in excess of 10,000 student athletes on FBS school football rosters alone .
No more than 500 will sign NFL contracts .
Our universities are not going to make their decisions based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter how much money is involved , and while the churn or gross revenue for many is significant , actual profits for most are nowhere near what you probably assume .
Risking the well-being of uncompensated amateur athletes has been deemed a non-starter for the majority of the academics making these decisions .
But the prevailing belief for pros appears to be that NFL players with hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions at stake are in a much different position when evaluating how much risk they are willing to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone wants to play for now , and with all of the precautions being taken , and how unlikely it is all of the risks will be fully known until they actually start playing the games , it seems almost certain we are full speed ahead at the very least through opening days .
What happens after that is the next frontier the league is preparing to explore .

Hub Arkush: Right or wrong, the NFL season is going to start on time
After doing as much homework as can be done and speaking to multiple key sources, contrary to what's been suspected over recent weeks and months Hub Arkush is convinced the 2020 NFL season will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 10 in Kansas City. AP File Photo
While this was not originally the topic of my thoughts Friday, starting anywhere else would be burying what has to be the lead and clearly impacts everything we report about the National Football League during our current public health crisis.
Why talk actual football if there isn't going to be a season?
However, after doing as much homework as can be done and speaking to multiple key sources, contrary to what I've suspected over recent weeks and months I am now convinced the 2020 NFL season will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 10 in Kansas City.
Should it happen?
That's not a productive conversation today.
There was a time when we all enjoyed true freedom of speech, we were interested in each other's opinions and attempted to learn from them, and civil discourse was not only possible but also productive.
Sadly these days if your opinion isn't shared by the person/people reading or hearing it all you accomplish is to be ostracized and often crucified in the miasma of the Twitter-verse, Facebook, Instagram, etc., and those who do agree will just use it as another tool to attack those who don't.
I'm not blaming anyone and I'm not pointing any fingers; there is more than enough blame to go around. That's just the way it is these days.
However for the longest time I've believed based on research and reporting, the powers that be in the NFL would make decisions about the season based strictly on what is safest for the greatest number of people.
Whether that is in fact what they think they're doing I can't really say. I can't get inside the heads of all 32 team owners and Roger Goodell.
What does appear obvious though according to multiple sources involved in the decisions being made is that while the league is clearly concerned about the health and safety of all involved, it has accepted some people will get sick and some may become seriously ill, but that mirrors society in general and is the current cost of doing business.
Whether or not games are still being played week two, week six, week 13, etc. remains to be seen.
What no one is willing to say or project is whether there is a line in the sand where play will have to stop because too many people are suffering, nor do we know yet if it will even come to that?
Teams haven't run practice drills yet let alone played the game and we have no idea how effective the planning to date to keep everyone safe will be or conversely, how bad things might get.
But with only 69 rostered players, just 2.7% opting out, and a less than 1% league wide positive coronavirus test rate so far, everyone appears committed to giving this a go.
With my own opinions on right or wrong buried on the bench, how can I report the NFL is going to be a go while much of the college football season has canceled and the rest is somewhere between flailing around for survival and life support?
In any given season there are well in excess of 10,000 student athletes on FBS school football rosters alone. No more than 500 will sign NFL contracts.
Our universities are not going to make their decisions based on 5% of a student population no matter how much money is involved, and while the churn or gross revenue for many is significant, actual profits for most are nowhere near what you probably assume.
Risking the well-being of uncompensated amateur athletes has been deemed a non-starter for the majority of the academics making these decisions.
But the prevailing belief for pros appears to be that NFL players with hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions at stake are in a much different position when evaluating how much risk they are willing to accept.
Things can always change but almost everyone wants to play for now, and with all of the precautions being taken, and how unlikely it is all of the risks will be fully known until they actually start playing the games, it seems almost certain we are full speed ahead at the very least through opening days.
What happens after that is the next frontier the league is preparing to explore.
• Twitter: @Hub_Arkush