dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Peaches being recalled after salmonella outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration , along with the CDC and state and local partners , is investigating an ongoing multistate outbreak of salmonella enteritidis potentially linked to peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company , officials said .
Retailers that received the recalled products include , but are not limited to , ALDI , Target , Walmart , Wegmans and Kroger , including the following affiliated retailers : Jay-C , King Soopers , City Market , Fry 's , Ralphs , Food 4 Less , Foods Co. and Smiths .
According to a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bulk or loose peaches supplied by Prima Wawona may have the following stickers with the PLU numbers : 4037 , 4038 , 4044 , 94037 , 94038 , 94044 , 94401 .
Not all peaches with these numbers are supplied by Prima Wawona , so consumers should check with retailers to be sure , officials said .
Bagged peaches are also part of the recall and carry the following labels : Wawona Peaches , 033383322001 ; Wawona Organic Peaches , 849315000400 ; Prima® Peaches , 766342325903 ; Organic Marketside Peaches , 849315000400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wegmans Peaches , 077890490488 .
The CDC reported 68 cases of salmonella across nine states as of Aug. 19 , and the FDA 's investigation to identify a source of contamination is ongoing , officials said .
Consumers who can not remember when they purchased peaches supplied by Prima Wawona should throw them away .
Consumers who purchased loose peaches before Aug. 3 and do n't know if they are from Prima Wawona should also throw them away .

Peaches being recalled after salmonella outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the CDC and state and local partners, is investigating an ongoing multistate outbreak of salmonella enteritidis potentially linked to peaches packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company, officials said.
Retailers that received the recalled products include, but are not limited to, ALDI, Target, Walmart, Wegmans and Kroger, including the following affiliated retailers: Jay-C, King Soopers, City Market, Fry's, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co. and Smiths.
According to a news release from the Kane County Health Department, bulk or loose peaches supplied by Prima Wawona may have the following stickers with the PLU numbers: 4037, 4038, 4044, 94037, 94038, 94044, 94401. Not all peaches with these numbers are supplied by Prima Wawona, so consumers should check with retailers to be sure, officials said.
Bagged peaches are also part of the recall and carry the following labels: Wawona Peaches, 033383322001; Wawona Organic Peaches, 849315000400; Prima® Peaches, 766342325903; Organic Marketside Peaches, 849315000400; Kroger Peaches, 011110181749; and Wegmans Peaches, 077890490488.
The CDC reported 68 cases of salmonella across nine states as of Aug. 19, and the FDA's investigation to identify a source of contamination is ongoing, officials said.
Consumers who cannot remember when they purchased peaches supplied by Prima Wawona should throw them away. Consumers who purchased loose peaches before Aug. 3 and don't know if they are from Prima Wawona should also throw them away.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--District 204 middle school closed for cleaning after individual tests positive for COVID-19

Still Middle School in Aurora was shut down Monday after someone who had recently been inside the building tested positive @ @ @ @ @ facility at 787 Meadowridge Drive is undergoing extensive cleaning in response to the case information @ @ @ @ @ District 204 , according to a notice on the school 's website .
Health services @ @ @ @ @ use contact tracing to notify individuals who need to quarantine as a precaution .
`` @ @ @ @ @ mean that an employee or student is sick or will become sick , but is @ @ @ @ @ practice to best ensure the safety of those around them and decrease the transmission of @ @ @ @ @ says .
The Aurora and Naperville K-12 system is expected to begin classes Sept. 3 @ @ @ @ @ which district officials said will offer the highest level of protection against the spread of @ @ @ @ @ pickup scheduled for Monday at Still Middle School was canceled .
Information about when school @ @ @ @ @ shared as it becomes available , the statement says .

District 204 middle school closed for cleaning after individual tests positive for COVID-19
Still Middle School in Aurora was shut down Monday after someone who had recently been inside the building tested positive for the coronavirus.
The facility at 787 Meadowridge Drive is undergoing extensive cleaning in response to the case information received by Indian Prairie Unit District 204, according to a notice on the school's website. Health services staff members are expected to use contact tracing to notify individuals who need to quarantine as a precaution.
"A precautionary quarantine does not mean that an employee or student is sick or will become sick, but is a department of public health practice to best ensure the safety of those around them and decrease the transmission of COVID-19," the statement says.
The Aurora and Naperville K-12 system is expected to begin classes Sept. 3 with all remote learning, which district officials said will offer the highest level of protection against the spread of the virus.
A material pickup scheduled for Monday at Still Middle School was canceled. Information about when school activities can resume will be shared as it becomes available, the statement says.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Additional charges pending against Arroyo

SPRINGFIELD -- Federal prosecutors said Monday they still expect to file additional charges against former state Rep. Luis Arroyo , and a judge scheduled a hearing in 60 days so that Arroyo 's defense attorney has time to review `` voluminous '' information in the case .
During a brief status hearing that was conducted by telephone Monday , U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger scheduled the next hearing for 10:15 a.m. Tuesday , Oct. 27 .
Arroyo did not take part in Monday 's hearing .
He was represented by his defense attorney , Michael Gillespie .
`` We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney Christopher Stetler said during the hearing .
`` That 's ( been ) communicated with Mr. Gillespie on other issues as well .
My understanding is that he 's still working his way through some voluminous discovery .
The government has also agreed to provide some supplemental discovery to the defense . ''
Prosecutors first indicated in June that additional , related charges could be forthcoming .
Arroyo , a Chicago Democrat , was charged in October 2019 with one felony count of bribery for allegedly attempting to pay $ 2,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises of more to come , in exchange for the senator 's support of gambling legislation that would have benefitted one of Arroyo 's lobbying clients .
The senator was wearing a wire at the time for federal investigators .
Chicago-area media outlets , citing unnamed sources , have reported that the unnamed state senator was Terry Link , a Democrat from Indian Creek in Lake County , although Link has strongly denied any involvement .
Link was recently charged in an unrelated case with tax evasion for filing a false 2016 federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to his charges , but he resigned his office Nov. 1 , just ahead of a special House investigative hearing to determine whether he should be expelled from the General Assembly .
In addition to serving in the Illinois House , Arroyo operated a lobbying business that lobbied the city of Chicago on various matters .
According to court documents , Arroyo was pushing for legislation to authorize the use of `` sweepstakes machines '' -- video gaming devices that are similar to slot machines but which have not specifically been legalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arroyo flowed out of a sprawling federal investigation into alleged political corruption that has focused on Chicago-area Democrats .
That probe has also renewed calls in the General Assembly for sweeping ethics reform in the General Assembly , but lawmakers so far have not enacted any substantive legislation .
During their fall veto session last year , lawmakers passed a bill establishing a Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform , which was supposed to issue a report with recommendations for reform in March , but its work was interrupted by the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded meetings of that commission resume immediately .

Additional charges pending against Arroyo
Former state Rep. Luis Arroyo walks into the Dirksen Federal Courthouse for his arraignment on Feb. 4. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times
SPRINGFIELD -- Federal prosecutors said Monday they still expect to file additional charges against former state Rep. Luis Arroyo, and a judge scheduled a hearing in 60 days so that Arroyo's defense attorney has time to review "voluminous" information in the case.
During a brief status hearing that was conducted by telephone Monday, U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger scheduled the next hearing for 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Arroyo did not take part in Monday's hearing. He was represented by his defense attorney, Michael Gillespie.
"We do still have that expectation," Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Stetler said during the hearing. "That's (been) communicated with Mr. Gillespie on other issues as well. My understanding is that he's still working his way through some voluminous discovery. The government has also agreed to provide some supplemental discovery to the defense."
Prosecutors first indicated in June that additional, related charges could be forthcoming.
Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, was charged in October 2019 with one felony count of bribery for allegedly attempting to pay $2,500 to an unnamed state senator, with promises of more to come, in exchange for the senator's support of gambling legislation that would have benefitted one of Arroyo's lobbying clients. The senator was wearing a wire at the time for federal investigators.
Chicago-area media outlets, citing unnamed sources, have reported that the unnamed state senator was Terry Link, a Democrat from Indian Creek in Lake County, although Link has strongly denied any involvement. Link was recently charged in an unrelated case with tax evasion for filing a false 2016 federal tax return.
Arroyo has pleaded not guilty to his charges, but he resigned his office Nov. 1, just ahead of a special House investigative hearing to determine whether he should be expelled from the General Assembly.
In addition to serving in the Illinois House, Arroyo operated a lobbying business that lobbied the city of Chicago on various matters. According to court documents, Arroyo was pushing for legislation to authorize the use of "sweepstakes machines" -- video gaming devices that are similar to slot machines but which have not specifically been legalized in Illinois.
The criminal charge against Arroyo flowed out of a sprawling federal investigation into alleged political corruption that has focused on Chicago-area Democrats. That probe has also renewed calls in the General Assembly for sweeping ethics reform in the General Assembly, but lawmakers so far have not enacted any substantive legislation.
During their fall veto session last year, lawmakers passed a bill establishing a Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, which was supposed to issue a report with recommendations for reform in March, but its work was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, House Republicans demanded meetings of that commission resume immediately.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Wisconsin National Guard called out after police shoot Black man in Kenosha

KENOSHA , Wis. -- Wisconsin 's governor summoned the National Guard to head off another round of violent protests Monday after the police shooting of a Black man under murky circumstances turned Kenosha into the nation 's latest flashpoint city in a summer of racial unrest .
Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers said 125 members of the National Guard would be in Kenosha by night with responsibility for `` guarding infrastructure and making sure our firefighters and others involved are protected . ''
County authorities also announced an 8 p.m. curfew .
The move came after protesters set cars on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers in riot gear Sunday night over the wounding of 29-year-old Jacob Blake , who was hospitalized in serious condition .
He was shot , apparently in the back , as he leaned into his SUV while his three children sat in the vehicle .
Police in the former auto manufacturing center of 100,000 people midway between Milwaukee and Chicago said Blake was gunned down while they were responding to a call about a domestic dispute .
They did not immediately disclose the race of the three officers at the scene or say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened fire , and they released no details on the domestic dispute .
A young man who said he made a widely seen cellphone video of the shooting , 22-year-old Raysean White , said that he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell , `` Drop the knife !
Drop the knife ! ''
before the gunfire erupted .
He said he did n't see a knife in Barnes ' hands .
The governor said he has seen no information to suggest that Blake had a knife or other weapon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thorough investigation '' by the state Justice Department .
The officers were placed on administrative leave , standard practice in a shooting by police , in the meantime .
Evers was quick to condemn the shooting , saying that while not all details were known , `` what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country . ''
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transparent investigation '' and said the officers `` must be held accountable . ''
`` This morning , the nation wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force , '' he said , just over two months before Election Day in a country already roiled by the recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and Breonna Taylor in Louisville , Kentucky .
`` Those shots pierce the soul of our nation . ''
Republicans and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to judgment , reflecting the deep partisan divide in Wisconsin , a key presidential battleground state .
Wisconsin GOP members also decried the violent protests , echoing the law-and-order theme that President Donald Trump has been using in his reelection campaign .
`` As always , the video currently circulating does not capture all the intricacies of a highly dynamic incident , '' Pete Deates president of the Kenosha police union , said in a statement .
He called the governor 's statement `` wholly irresponsible . ''
The shooting happened around 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street on video that was posted online .
Kenosha police do not have body cameras but do have body microphones .
In the footage , Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of his SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns pointed and shout at him .
As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire while Blake has his back turned .
Seven shots can be heard , though it is n't clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers fired .
During the shooting , a Black woman can be seen screaming in the street and jumping up and down .
White , who claimed to have made the video , said that before the gunfire , he looked out his window and saw six or seven women shouting at each other on the sidewalk .
A few moments later Blake drove up in his SUV and told his son , who was standing nearby , to get in the vehicle , White said .
White said Blake did not say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he left the window to use the bathroom for a few minutes and when he came back , saw three officers wrestling with Blake .
One punched Blake in the ribs , and another used a stun gun on him , White said .
He said Blake got free and started walking away as officers yelled about a knife .
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump , representing Blake 's family , said Blake was `` simply trying to do the right thing by intervening in a domestic incident . ''
There was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what happened .
Online court records indicate Kenosha County prosecutors charged Blake on July 6 with sexual assault , trespassing and disorderly conduct in connection with domestic abuse .
An arrest warrant was issued the following day .
The records contain no further details and do not list an attorney for Blake .
It was unclear whether that case had anything to do with the shooting .
Laquisha Booker , who is Blake 's partner , told NBC 's Milwaukee affiliate , WTMJ-TV , that the couple 's three children were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police shot him .
`` That man just literally grabbed him by his shirt and looked the other way and was just shooting him .
With the kids in the back screaming .
Screaming , '' Booker said .
Crump , who has also represented the Floyd and Taylor families , called the police officers ' actions `` irresponsible , reckless and inhumane '' and added : `` It 's a miracle he 's still alive . ''
In the unrest that followed Sunday night , social media posts showed neighbors gathering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some chanted , `` No justice , no peace ! ''
Others appeared to throw objects at officers and damage police vehicles .
Officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowds .
In a scene that mirrored the widespread protests in recent months over police brutality and racial inequality , marchers headed to the Kenosha County Public Safety Building , which houses the police and sheriff 's departments .
Authorities mostly blocked off the building , which officials said was closed on Monday because of damage .
For more than 100 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it has now largely been transformed into a bedroom community for Milwaukee and Chicago .
The city is about 67 % white , 11.5 % Black and 17.6 % Hispanic , according to 2019 census data .
Both the mayor and police chief are white .
About 17 % of the population lives in poverty .
Like other cities across the U.S. , Kenosha has been grappling with unemployment in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak .
Its unemployment rate was 10.8 % in June , among the highest in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin .
Associated Press reporters Jeff Baenen in Minneapolis , Todd Richmond in Madison and Tammy Webber in Fenton , Michigan , contributed .

Kenosha protesters, police clash again after Black man shot
KENOSHA, Wis. -- Anger over the shooting of a Black man by police spilled into the streets of Kenosha for a second night Monday, with police again firing tear gas at hundreds of protesters who defied a curfew, threw bottles and shot fireworks at law enforcement guarding the courthouse.
The southeastern Wisconsin city became the nation's latest flashpoint in a summer of racial unrest after cellphone footage of police shooting Jacob Blake -- apparently in the back, as he leaned into his SUV while his three children sat in the vehicle -- circulated widely on social media Sunday. The 29-year-old was hospitalized in serious condition.
The shooting drew condemnation from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who also called out 125 members of the National Guard on Monday after protesters set cars on fire, smashed windows and clashed with officers in riot gear the previous night.
Police first fired tear gas Monday about 30 minutes after the 8 p.m. curfew took effect to disperse protesters who chanted, "No justice, no peace" as they confronted a line of officers who wore protective gear and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the courthouse entrance. But hundreds of people stuck around, screaming at police and lighting fires, including to a garbage truck near the courthouse.
Tensions had flared anew earlier Monday after a news conference with Kenosha Mayor John Antarmian, originally to be held in a park, was moved inside the city's public safety building. Hundreds of protesters rushed to the building and a door was snapped off its hinges before police in riot gear pepper-sprayed the crowd, which included a photographer from The Associated Press.
Police in the former auto manufacturing center of 100,000 people midway between Milwaukee and Chicago said they were responding to a call about a domestic dispute when they encountered Blake on Sunday. They did not say whether Blake was armed or why police opened fire, they released no details on the dispute, and they did not immediately disclose the race of the three officers at the scene.
The man who said he made the cellphone video, 22-year-old Raysean White, said he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell, "Drop the knife! Drop the knife!" before the gunfire erupted. He said he didn't see a knife in Blake's hands.
The governor said he has seen no information to suggest Blake had a knife or other weapon, but that the case is still being investigated by the state Justice Department.
The officers were placed on administrative leave, standard practice in a shooting by police. Authorities released no details about the officers and did not immediately respond to requests for their service records.
Evers was quick to condemn the bloodshed, saying that while not all details were known, "what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country."
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said the officers "must be held accountable."
"This morning, the nation wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force," he said, just over two months before Election Day in a country already roiled by the recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. "Those shots pierce the soul of our nation."
Republicans and the police union accused the politicians of rushing to judgment, reflecting the deep partisan divide in Wisconsin, a key presidential battleground state. Wisconsin GOP members also decried the violent protests, echoing the law-and-order theme that President Donald Trump has been using in his reelection campaign.
"As always, the video currently circulating does not capture all the intricacies of a highly dynamic incident," Pete Deates, president of the Kenosha police union, said in a statement. He called the governor's statement "wholly irresponsible."
The shooting happened around 5 p.m. Sunday and was captured from across the street on the video posted online. Kenosha police do not have body cameras but do have body microphones.
In the footage, Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of his SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns pointed and shout at him. As Blake opens the door and leans into the SUV, an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire while Blake has his back turned. Seven shots can be heard, though it isn't clear how many struck Blake or how many officers fired.
White, who said he made the video, said that before the gunfire, he looked out his window and saw six or seven women shouting at each other on the sidewalk. A few moments later, Blake drove up in his SUV and told his son, who was standing nearby, to get in the vehicle, according to White. White said Blake did not say anything to the women.
White said he left the window for a few minutes, and when he came back, saw three officers wrestling with Blake. One punched Blake in the ribs, and another used a stun gun on him, White said. He said Blake got free and started walking away as officers yelled about a knife.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Blake's family, said Blake was "simply trying to do the right thing by intervening in a domestic incident."
Police did not immediately confirm either man's account.
Blake's partner, Laquisha Booker, told NBC's Milwaukee affiliate, WTMJ-TV, that the couple's three children were in the back seat of the SUV when police shot him.
"That man just literally grabbed him by his shirt and looked the other way and was just shooting him. With the kids in the back screaming. Screaming," Booker said.
Blake's grandfather, Jacob Blake Sr., was a prominent minister and civil rights leader in the Chicago area who helped organize a march and spoke in support of a comprehensive housing law in Evanston, Illinois, days after the 1968 slaying of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rachel Noerdlinger, publicist for the National Action Network, told The Associated Press that the Rev. Al Sharpton spoke Monday to Blake's father, who called the civil rights leader for his support. Blake's father will speak at Sharpton's March on Washington commemoration on Friday, Noerdlinger said.
Karissa Lewis, national field director of Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 Black-led organizations that make up the broader Black Lives Matter movement, said the shooting was yet another example of why activists have called for defunding police departments.
"There's no amount of training or reform that can teach a police officer that it's wrong to shoot a Black man in the back seven times while his children watch," Lewis said in a statement first shared with the AP.
Online court records indicate Kenosha County prosecutors charged Blake on July 6 with sexual assault, trespassing and disorderly conduct in connection with domestic abuse. An arrest warrant was issued the following day. The records contain no further details and do not list an attorney for Blake.
It was unclear whether that case had anything to do with the shooting.
Crump, who has also represented the Floyd and Taylor families, said Blake's family has asked that demonstrations in response to his shooting remain peaceful.
"They don't believe violence to be the solution," he said.
For more than 100 years, Kenosha was an auto manufacturing center, but it has now largely been transformed into a bedroom community for Milwaukee and Chicago. The city is about 67% white, 11.5% Black and 17.6% Hispanic, according to 2019 census data. Both the mayor and police chief are white. About 17% of the population lives in poverty.
Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, Jeff Baenen in Minneapolis, Aaron Morrison in New York City and Mike Householder in Kenosha contributed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Feder: Meagan Fitzgerald joins NBC News Chicago bureau as correspondent

Meagan Fitzgerald , weekend morning news anchor at the NBC-owned station in Washington , D.C. , has been named Chicago-based @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC , Robert Feder writes .
`` A heartfelt and sincere honor , '' Fitzgerald @ @ @ @ @ hiring was announced by David Verdi , NBC News senior vice president of worldwide news @ @ @ @ @ very excited and grateful to join this team ! ''
A graduate of Howard University @ @ @ @ @ in Washington as a reporter and fill-in anchor in 2015 .
She was promoted to @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
She previously worked for KUSA , the NBC affiliate in Denver , and @ @ @ @ @ licensed to El Dorado , Arkansas , and serving West Monroe , Louisiana .
Get @ @ @ @ @ more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Meagan Fitzgerald joins NBC News Chicago bureau as correspondent
Meagan Fitzgerald, weekend morning news anchor at the NBC-owned station in Washington, D.C., has been named Chicago-based correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC, Robert Feder writes.
"A heartfelt and sincere honor," Fitzgerald tweeted today shortly after her hiring was announced by David Verdi, NBC News senior vice president of worldwide news gathering. "I'm very excited and grateful to join this team!"
A graduate of Howard University, Fitzgerald joined NBC-owned WRC in Washington as a reporter and fill-in anchor in 2015. She was promoted to weekend morning news anchor in 2019. She previously worked for KUSA, the NBC affiliate in Denver, and KTVE, the NBC affiliate licensed to El Dorado, Arkansas, and serving West Monroe, Louisiana.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Will special-needs students fall through the cracks as school resumes?

As schools begin to navigate a return to remote -- and in some cases hybrid or in-person -- learning , some parents of special-needs students fear their children might fall through the cracks as they struggle to adjust to a new normal .
Last spring 's remote learning experiment during the statewide COVID-19 lockdown was challenging at best for families of students with autism , learning disabilities , physical or developmental impairments and other diagnoses .
With most suburban districts starting the academic year with remote instruction , many schools do not yet have a plan for serving these children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in special-needs students earlier than the rest of their peers for occupational and speech therapy and other support .
Educators and parents agree the best strategy for teaching special-needs students is in person with one-to-one support services .
Among the concerns parents and educators share is how enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing will work with special-needs students , especially those with medical complications , such as breathing and sensory issues .
That problem is acute for parents of autistic children like Keller Hall , 10 , of Naperville , says his mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolerate a face covering , so I was required to get a doctor 's waiver , '' Hall said .
Keller will return to school full time and in person Sept. 1 .
He receives occupational therapy and other services at Helping Hand Center in Countryside , where staff members will be wearing masks and face shields .
`` My first , biggest concern is how he is going to adjust to that environment of seeing people like that , '' Hall said .
`` It 's going to be very distracting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do any kind of medical or dental intervention , he has to be sedated .
Is he going to see that and associate that look with a medical procedure ?
He obviously has anxiety about that . ''
Hall is concerned about how Keller 's therapists will communicate with masks on .
`` Facial cues , just seeing the mouth , in general , is so important for these developmentally delayed kids , '' she said .
`` I 'm happy that they have an in-person learning plan in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more turmoil in his life because of the restrictions in place in the current school environment . ''
In Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 , officials plan to spread small groups of special-needs students among larger classrooms to accommodate social distancing .
Classes begin today , mostly remotely for students in preschool through eighth grade .
A half-day , in-person option is available for students who need interventions , including about 260 students who have individualized education programs and are eligible for special services .
`` It certainly is a challenge , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our neediest students , '' said Sara Tyburski , District 57 's director of student services .
`` Obviously , they are required to wear masks unless they are medically contraindicated . ''
Tyburski said some students might need breaks from mask-wearing while younger learners do n't really understand social distancing .
Special-needs students also will have some remote instruction with their general education peers , but it will be more structured than in the spring when educators were forced to react swiftly to school shutdowns .
`` Our plan for this fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` It will more closely mirror a typical school day . ''
Some districts have n't yet released plans for dealing with special-needs students , leading many parents to voice their frustrations .
Among them is Rachel Heneghan of Wheaton , whose two sons , Aidyn , 9 , and Logan , 7 , have varying degrees of deafness and wo n't be able to read lips if their teachers are masked .
The boys receive speech and occupational therapy at Villa Park Elementary District 45 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still do n't know who my child 's mainstream teacher is and what is their plan , '' Heneghan said .
`` I have no idea how they are going to deliver .
All of us parents , we are just wondering why we are the last to know . ''
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 say they hope to bring some students in for specialized support services .
Yet that will depend on whether it can be done safely with social distancing and other safety measures , said Leatrice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the state 's second-largest school district , which begins remote learning today .
`` Some of our medically fragile students , it 's going to be a challenge to engage with them with the 6 feet of social distancing , '' said Satterwhite , adding some of those students need help going to the toilet or being fed .
For now , U-46 will be providing one-on-one and group therapy remotely for its more than 5,600 students who receive special services , Satterwhite said .
Despite the need for hands-on support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel comfortable returning to in-person classes during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Chaula Gupta , of Glenview , knows her 7-year-old son , Nirvan , who has autism , wo n't keep a mask on and gets agitated .
While Glenview Elementary District 34 is allowing parents the option of some in-person services starting today , sending Nirvan to school at the risk of everyone else is n't worth it , she said .
`` If he 's fine but he catches it and passes it on to someone else that gets impacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with me , '' Gupta said .
Gupta said a change in routine is hard for children with special needs , but she recognizes it 's also difficult for districts to cater to individualized needs when entire school systems are switching to remote learning .
`` It is frustrating , but if there was ever a moment to show grace to each other , it is right now , '' she said .
`` If I was a single parent who was working or I did n't have help , I would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can afford to and therefore I should keep him home because I can support him in other ways . ''

Will special-needs students fall through the cracks as school resumes?
As schools begin to navigate a return to remote -- and in some cases hybrid or in-person -- learning, some parents of special-needs students fear their children might fall through the cracks as they struggle to adjust to a new normal.
Last spring's remote learning experiment during the statewide COVID-19 lockdown was challenging at best for families of students with autism, learning disabilities, physical or developmental impairments and other diagnoses.
With most suburban districts starting the academic year with remote instruction, many schools do not yet have a plan for serving these children. A few are working to bring in special-needs students earlier than the rest of their peers for occupational and speech therapy and other support. Educators and parents agree the best strategy for teaching special-needs students is in person with one-to-one support services.
Among the concerns parents and educators share is how enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing will work with special-needs students, especially those with medical complications, such as breathing and sensory issues.
That problem is acute for parents of autistic children like Keller Hall, 10, of Naperville, says his mother, Dana Hall.
"Keller will not tolerate a face covering, so I was required to get a doctor's waiver," Hall said.
Keller will return to school full time and in person Sept. 1. He receives occupational therapy and other services at Helping Hand Center in Countryside, where staff members will be wearing masks and face shields.
"My first, biggest concern is how he is going to adjust to that environment of seeing people like that," Hall said. "It's going to be very distracting. He is so severe that anytime we have to do any kind of medical or dental intervention, he has to be sedated. Is he going to see that and associate that look with a medical procedure? He obviously has anxiety about that."
Hall is concerned about how Keller's therapists will communicate with masks on.
"Facial cues, just seeing the mouth, in general, is so important for these developmentally delayed kids," she said. "I'm happy that they have an in-person learning plan in place. I just hope it doesn't create more turmoil in his life because of the restrictions in place in the current school environment."
In Mount Prospect Elementary District 57, officials plan to spread small groups of special-needs students among larger classrooms to accommodate social distancing.
Classes begin today, mostly remotely for students in preschool through eighth grade. A half-day, in-person option is available for students who need interventions, including about 260 students who have individualized education programs and are eligible for special services.
"It certainly is a challenge, especially because we are bringing in some of our neediest students," said Sara Tyburski, District 57's director of student services. "Obviously, they are required to wear masks unless they are medically contraindicated."
Tyburski said some students might need breaks from mask-wearing while younger learners don't really understand social distancing. Special-needs students also will have some remote instruction with their general education peers, but it will be more structured than in the spring when educators were forced to react swiftly to school shutdowns.
"Our plan for this fall is much more thoughtful and less reactive," she said. "It will more closely mirror a typical school day."
Some districts haven't yet released plans for dealing with special-needs students, leading many parents to voice their frustrations.
Among them is Rachel Heneghan of Wheaton, whose two sons, Aidyn, 9, and Logan, 7, have varying degrees of deafness and won't be able to read lips if their teachers are masked. The boys receive speech and occupational therapy at Villa Park Elementary District 45, which plans to go fully remotely.
"I still don't know who my child's mainstream teacher is and what is their plan," Heneghan said. "I have no idea how they are going to deliver. All of us parents, we are just wondering why we are the last to know."
Officials at Elgin Area School District U-46 say they hope to bring some students in for specialized support services. Yet that will depend on whether it can be done safely with social distancing and other safety measures, said Leatrice Satterwhite, director of specialized student services for the state's second-largest school district, which begins remote learning today.
"Some of our medically fragile students, it's going to be a challenge to engage with them with the 6 feet of social distancing," said Satterwhite, adding some of those students need help going to the toilet or being fed.
For now, U-46 will be providing one-on-one and group therapy remotely for its more than 5,600 students who receive special services, Satterwhite said.
Despite the need for hands-on support, some parents of special-needs students don't feel comfortable returning to in-person classes during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Chaula Gupta, of Glenview, knows her 7-year-old son, Nirvan, who has autism, won't keep a mask on and gets agitated. While Glenview Elementary District 34 is allowing parents the option of some in-person services starting today, sending Nirvan to school at the risk of everyone else isn't worth it, she said.
"If he's fine but he catches it and passes it on to someone else that gets impacted by it, that won't sit easily with me," Gupta said.
Gupta said a change in routine is hard for children with special needs, but she recognizes it's also difficult for districts to cater to individualized needs when entire school systems are switching to remote learning.
"It is frustrating, but if there was ever a moment to show grace to each other, it is right now," she said. "If I was a single parent who was working or I didn't have help, I would have probably been in a different mindset. I can afford to and therefore I should keep him home because I can support him in other ways."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--'A botanical showplace': Cantigny Park completes second round of garden renovations

It 's easy to clear the mind in this garden of rugged beauty .
Bonsai trees and limestone slabs are the sculpture pieces .
Stone nooks and crannies hold all kinds of surprises .
And just when you thought it could n't get more serene , a gold finch will rest on a wispy plant stem growing in gravel .
Of all the manicured landscapes and endless allure of Cantigny Park in Wheaton , a new rock garden may just be a cut above the rest .
Stone quarried from the Niagara Escarpment -- stretching from Wisconsin to Niagara Falls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horizontal and vertical crevices , creating microclimates for plant species that thrive in faraway , mountainous regions .
`` The rock garden is just a botanical showplace , '' Cantigny Executive Director Matt LaFond says .
It 's one of the highlights of the second stage of `` Project New Leaf , '' a re-imagining of Cantigny 's gardens , military museum and the former residence of the park 's benefactor .
The first two rounds of campus renovations are expected to cost a combined $ 30 million .
Later this fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase .
Here 's a look at the progress and what 's ahead : Opening last week , the display provides pure escape in a reinterpreted space just east of the visitors center and south of the new fountain garden .
`` It 's really a unique space , '' LaFond said .
`` We 're very anxious to be able to show that off to visitors . ''
Landscape architects drew inspiration from the alpine rock garden at Kew Gardens near London .
They also visited the Allen Centennial Garden at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardens in Madison .
Cantigny 's version contains Japanese maples , cactus , ferns , dwarf hosta -- about 250 plant varieties in total .
`` It has huge limestone blocks and slabs that were hand-selected from a Wisconsin quarry , '' LaFond said .
`` They formed these raised beds and steps that really invite close views of all the diverse plantings . ''
The stone frames isolate each garden bed to manage soil and planting conditions so both nonnative alpine and succulent plants can grow with Illinois native plants , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sasaki Associates , the firm leading the redesign .
`` We think the finished product is respectful to the original design intent of the garden but re-imagined to provide a more contextually appropriate and immersive experience -- a unique drawing card that can engage a broader audience for Cantigny , '' Langan said .
Cantigny 's benefactor , Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick , left the bulk of his fortune to establish his namesake foundation with instructions to make his estate a public park .
The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redesign ending in 2021 .
In the 1930s , McCormick put in an allée , or walkway , lined with American elm trees from his mansion south toward what is now Cantigny 's golf course .
Dutch elm disease devastated that allée , and the elms were replaced in the 1970s by silver maples .
`` One of the goals of Project New Leaf was to restore the McCormick allée to its original integrity and visual purpose , '' LaFond said .
Two rows of 31 London planetrees form the new allée , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Related to the American sycamore , the trees are hardy and develop a striking branching pattern .
The trees can grow 3 to 4 feet vertically each year , eventually reaching about 100 feet tall in about 25 years .
The parallel rows are planted so precisely , the trees align with the columns of the McCormick House .
`` You actually see the London planetree is a favorite of large European estates who have similar allées to Cantigny 's , '' LaFond said .
And why the odd number ?
The allée @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elm that McCormick had planted at his estate .
`` That historic tree is part of the colonel 's living legacy , '' LaFond said .
The third and final phase of Project New Leaf will focus on the interior of the 35-room McCormick House -- built in 1896 -- and its landscape .
The building remains closed while Cantigny finalizes plans for renovations that will bring electrical , plumbing , accessibility and fire safety improvements .
Cantigny will still retain much of the historic elements of the mansion , but with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye toward a more visitor-friendly experience .
`` It 's going to be a historic home , '' LaFond said .
`` It will be a museum that 's open and available for tours , but it will also be available for small rental opportunities and programming and community events . ''
One footnote in its history : The mansion was briefly featured in a Tom Hanks scene in the classic sports film `` A League of Their Own . ''
At the east end of the park , the project has restored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of landscape architect Jens Jensen , who left his mark on the Chicago parks system .
To let the new plantings take root , some pathways are off-limits to visitors .
In the quirky Idea Garden , crews are installing a larger pond with a new bridge .
Horticulturists just planted the geometric Octagon Garden with mums .
Around the second week of September , the rest of the gardens will be planted with fall crops .
As a result of the pandemic , many events have moved to a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host events with 50 people or fewer on a case-by-case basis .
Despite the COVID-19 crisis , the second stage of Project New Leaf , encompassing about 18 acres east of the Visitors Center , stayed on schedule .
`` We 're just very happy to have phase two open and ready for visitors to explore and enjoy , '' LaFond said .
`` I do think during these stressful times , Cantigny can offer a bit of beauty and tranquility that only nature can provide . ''

'A botanical showplace': Cantigny Park completes second round of garden renovations
It's easy to clear the mind in this garden of rugged beauty.
Bonsai trees and limestone slabs are the sculpture pieces. Stone nooks and crannies hold all kinds of surprises. And just when you thought it couldn't get more serene, a gold finch will rest on a wispy plant stem growing in gravel.
Of all the manicured landscapes and endless allure of Cantigny Park in Wheaton, a new rock garden may just be a cut above the rest.
Stone quarried from the Niagara Escarpment -- stretching from Wisconsin to Niagara Falls -- form raised beds, ledges, horizontal and vertical crevices, creating microclimates for plant species that thrive in faraway, mountainous regions.
"The rock garden is just a botanical showplace," Cantigny Executive Director Matt LaFond says.
It's one of the highlights of the second stage of "Project New Leaf," a re-imagining of Cantigny's gardens, military museum and the former residence of the park's benefactor.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer A new fountain more closely resembles the original in a design by Franz Lipp, the landscape architect at Cantigny Park in the 1960s and '70s. Water displays change every 15 minutes. "It provides a lively visual anchor at the center of the gardens behind the Visitors Center," Cantigny Executive Director Matt LaFond said.
The first two rounds of campus renovations are expected to cost a combined $30 million. Later this fall, Cantigny will launch the third and final phase. Here's a look at the progress and what's ahead:
Rock garden
Opening last week, the display provides pure escape in a reinterpreted space just east of the visitors center and south of the new fountain garden.
"It's really a unique space," LaFond said. "We're very anxious to be able to show that off to visitors."
Landscape architects drew inspiration from the alpine rock garden at Kew Gardens near London. They also visited the Allen Centennial Garden at the University of Wisconsin and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.
Cantigny's version contains Japanese maples, cactus, ferns, dwarf hosta -- about 250 plant varieties in total.
"It has huge limestone blocks and slabs that were hand-selected from a Wisconsin quarry," LaFond said. "They formed these raised beds and steps that really invite close views of all the diverse plantings."
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer "It's unlike any other in the Midwest," Cantigny Park Executive Director Matt LaFond said of a new rock garden.
The stone frames isolate each garden bed to manage soil and planting conditions so both nonnative alpine and succulent plants can grow with Illinois native plants, said Matt Langan, a senior associate at Sasaki Associates, the firm leading the redesign.
"We think the finished product is respectful to the original design intent of the garden but re-imagined to provide a more contextually appropriate and immersive experience -- a unique drawing card that can engage a broader audience for Cantigny," Langan said.
'Living legacy'
Cantigny's benefactor, Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick, left the bulk of his fortune to establish his namesake foundation with instructions to make his estate a public park. The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is now funding Project New Leaf, a five-year redesign ending in 2021.
In the 1930s, McCormick put in an allée, or walkway, lined with American elm trees from his mansion south toward what is now Cantigny's golf course.
Dutch elm disease devastated that allée, and the elms were replaced in the 1970s by silver maples.
"One of the goals of Project New Leaf was to restore the McCormick allée to its original integrity and visual purpose," LaFond said.
Two rows of 31 London planetrees form the new allée, raising two questions.
Why planetrees? Related to the American sycamore, the trees are hardy and develop a striking branching pattern. The trees can grow 3 to 4 feet vertically each year, eventually reaching about 100 feet tall in about 25 years.
The parallel rows are planted so precisely, the trees align with the columns of the McCormick House.
"You actually see the London planetree is a favorite of large European estates who have similar allées to Cantigny's," LaFond said.
And why the odd number? The allée's 32nd member is the last original elm that McCormick had planted at his estate.
"That historic tree is part of the colonel's living legacy," LaFond said.
McCormick House
The third and final phase of Project New Leaf will focus on the interior of the 35-room McCormick House -- built in 1896 -- and its landscape.
The building remains closed while Cantigny finalizes plans for renovations that will bring electrical, plumbing, accessibility and fire safety improvements.
Cantigny will still retain much of the historic elements of the mansion, but with some new exhibit and programming space and an eye toward a more visitor-friendly experience.
"It's going to be a historic home," LaFond said. "It will be a museum that's open and available for tours, but it will also be available for small rental opportunities and programming and community events."
One footnote in its history: The mansion was briefly featured in a Tom Hanks scene in the classic sports film "A League of Their Own."
Elsewhere
At the east end of the park, the project has restored a tall-grass prairie to one inspired by the work of landscape architect Jens Jensen, who left his mark on the Chicago parks system. To let the new plantings take root, some pathways are off-limits to visitors.
In the quirky Idea Garden, crews are installing a larger pond with a new bridge.
Horticulturists just planted the geometric Octagon Garden with mums. Around the second week of September, the rest of the gardens will be planted with fall crops.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer "I do think during these stressful times Cantigny can offer a bit of beauty and tranquility that only nature can provide," park Executive Director Matt LaFond said.
As a result of the pandemic, many events have moved to a virtual format. Cantigny is evaluating whether to host events with 50 people or fewer on a case-by-case basis.
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the second stage of Project New Leaf, encompassing about 18 acres east of the Visitors Center, stayed on schedule.
"We're just very happy to have phase two open and ready for visitors to explore and enjoy," LaFond said. "I do think during these stressful times, Cantigny can offer a bit of beauty and tranquility that only nature can provide."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Four GOP legislators demand ethics, lobbying reform commission hold meetings

SPRINGFIELD -- Four Republican lawmakers implored the co-leaders of a panel designed to present ethics and lobbying reform proposals to restart meetings that have stalled since the coronavirus outbreak .
The call , made during an online news conference Monday by the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform 's GOP members , is another push by state Republicans `` to root out corruption and enact serious reforms , '' said Rep. Patrick Windhorst , from Metropolis .
Party members resumed calls for changes to rules and statutes governing lawmaker conduct after a recent federal investigation charged utility giant ComEd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Michael Madigan in a scheme that would benefit the company legislatively .
The Chicago Democrat has maintained he did nothing illegal or improper .
When the commission was created during the 2019 fall veto session , demands for reform came in the wake of three Democratic legislators ' being charged by federal agents for bribery , tax fraud and ghost payrolling .
Former Sen. Martin Sandoval , a Democrat from Chicago , resigned effective Jan. 1 after pleading guilty to bribery and tax fraud .
Former Rep. Luis Arroyo , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being charged with bribery .
And Sen. Tom Cullerton , from Villa Park , maintains his innocence in a federal investigation resulting in charges of 40 counts of embezzlement .
His case is ongoing .
No Senate Republicans voted for the measure creating the reform commission when it passed , and House Republicans supported the idea after first expressing dissatisfaction that `` it did n't go far enough , '' said Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville .
`` This commission was created out of chaos in the Democratic Party .
They did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
Now , Windhorst , Wehrli , Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods and Sen. John Curran of Downers Grove -- all members of that panel -- want formal meetings to begin again so a report with tangible legislative proposals can be voted upon by the General Assembly .
`` We need to continue that work , and if the people in the majority party need to be dragged along , kicking and screaming , then so be it , '' Wehrli said .
`` This is about making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 12.8 million residents of Illinois and the small business owners in Illinois . ''
He added it has been over 170 days since the group last held a meeting .
In a statement , the four Democratic lawmakers who are members of the commission said it `` will meet to submit the final report to the General Assembly in the coming weeks . ''
Those legislators include Chicagoans Elgie Sims , a senator , and House Leader Greg Harris -- both co-chairs of the panel .
Sen. Cristina Castro , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Evergreen Park , also signed on to the news release .
`` It 's unfortunate that our Republican colleagues have chosen to politicize this issue .
While our state is still hurting from the effects of the pandemic and cases continue to rise , we 're all trying to help our constituents the best we can , now is not the time to work against each other , '' they said in the written statement .
`` We remain dedicated to finding meaningful ethics reform that restores the people 's trust in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion in the coming weeks . ''
Other Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate , on Aug. 13 , held a virtual news conference to announce nine initiatives they said should be included in the commission 's report .
Those include establishing term limits for leadership positions and preventing legislators from lobbying officials at any level of government .
Windhorst on Monday said he is `` happy that the Democrats have finally come around to addressing ethics reform , '' but pointed out several of their ideas were previously proposed in bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have some problems with the details of the bills , but I thought that the structure of the topics was good , '' he said .
Regardless , Windhorst said he thinks their announcement `` shows us we need to act and act now . ''
Wehrli listed 15 state committees , boards and commissions that have met during the COVID-19 pandemic either virtually or in person .
Those include the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules , the Census Commission and the Senate Transportation Committee .
Sims and Harris `` would rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` simply try to play out the clock , get past the November elections and not address this crisis in confidence , '' Wehrli said , than hold a meeting of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform .
The commission also includes non-legislative branch members .
Those include Secretary of State Inspector General James Burns ; Richard Cenar , chief of the Public Integrity Bureau in the attorney general 's office ; Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris ; Nathan Maddox , executive inspector general of the secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's executive inspector general , Diane Saltoun ; Ann Spillane , the governor 's general counsel ; and Lt. Gov .
Juliana Stratton .

Four GOP legislators demand ethics, lobbying reform commission hold meetings
SPRINGFIELD -- Four Republican lawmakers implored the co-leaders of a panel designed to present ethics and lobbying reform proposals to restart meetings that have stalled since the coronavirus outbreak.
The call, made during an online news conference Monday by the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform's GOP members, is another push by state Republicans "to root out corruption and enact serious reforms," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst, from Metropolis.
Party members resumed calls for changes to rules and statutes governing lawmaker conduct after a recent federal investigation charged utility giant ComEd with one count of bribery and implicated House Speaker Michael Madigan in a scheme that would benefit the company legislatively.
The Chicago Democrat has maintained he did nothing illegal or improper.
When the commission was created during the 2019 fall veto session, demands for reform came in the wake of three Democratic legislators' being charged by federal agents for bribery, tax fraud and ghost payrolling.
Former Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Democrat from Chicago, resigned effective Jan. 1 after pleading guilty to bribery and tax fraud. Former Rep. Luis Arroyo, also a Chicago Democrat, resigned in November after being charged with bribery.
And Sen. Tom Cullerton, from Villa Park, maintains his innocence in a federal investigation resulting in charges of 40 counts of embezzlement. His case is ongoing.
No Senate Republicans voted for the measure creating the reform commission when it passed, and House Republicans supported the idea after first expressing dissatisfaction that "it didn't go far enough," said Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville.
"This commission was created out of chaos in the Democratic Party. They did not want to even go this far," he added.
Now, Windhorst, Wehrli, Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods and Sen. John Curran of Downers Grove -- all members of that panel -- want formal meetings to begin again so a report with tangible legislative proposals can be voted upon by the General Assembly.
"We need to continue that work, and if the people in the majority party need to be dragged along, kicking and screaming, then so be it," Wehrli said. "This is about making sure that government is ethical and works for the 12.8 million residents of Illinois and the small business owners in Illinois."
He added it has been over 170 days since the group last held a meeting.
In a statement, the four Democratic lawmakers who are members of the commission said it "will meet to submit the final report to the General Assembly in the coming weeks."
Those legislators include Chicagoans Elgie Sims, a senator, and House Leader Greg Harris -- both co-chairs of the panel. Sen. Cristina Castro, from Elgin, and Rep. Kelly Burke, from Evergreen Park, also signed on to the news release.
"It's unfortunate that our Republican colleagues have chosen to politicize this issue. While our state is still hurting from the effects of the pandemic and cases continue to rise, we're all trying to help our constituents the best we can, now is not the time to work against each other," they said in the written statement. "We remain dedicated to finding meaningful ethics reform that restores the people's trust in government and look forward to continuing the discussion in the coming weeks."
Other Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate, on Aug. 13, held a virtual news conference to announce nine initiatives they said should be included in the commission's report. Those include establishing term limits for leadership positions and preventing legislators from lobbying officials at any level of government.
Windhorst on Monday said he is "happy that the Democrats have finally come around to addressing ethics reform," but pointed out several of their ideas were previously proposed in bills put forth by Republicans.
"I may have some problems with the details of the bills, but I thought that the structure of the topics was good," he said.
Regardless, Windhorst said he thinks their announcement "shows us we need to act and act now."
Wehrli listed 15 state committees, boards and commissions that have met during the COVID-19 pandemic either virtually or in person. Those include the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Census Commission and the Senate Transportation Committee.
Sims and Harris "would rather kick the can down the road" and "simply try to play out the clock, get past the November elections and not address this crisis in confidence," Wehrli said, than hold a meeting of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.
The commission also includes non-legislative branch members. Those include Secretary of State Inspector General James Burns; Richard Cenar, chief of the Public Integrity Bureau in the attorney general's office; Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris; Nathan Maddox, executive inspector general of the secretary of state's office; the attorney general office's executive inspector general, Diane Saltoun; Ann Spillane, the governor's general counsel; and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Kmet owned a Jimmy Graham jersey, now he's learning from him

As a 12-year-old growing up in Lake Barrington , Bears rookie tight end Cole Kmet owned Jimmy Graham 's New Orleans Saints jersey .
Now , Kmet is learning the ropes in the NFL alongside the five-time Pro Bowl tight end Graham .
`` I was telling him that the other day , '' Kmet said .
`` We were laughing about it . ''
Kmet , 21 , has made quite an impression on the 11th-year veteran .
Graham said Kmet `` reminds me of a young me . ''
Kmet is listed at 6-feet-6 , 258 pounds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as big in person as he is on paper .
`` His football intelligence and his ability to soak in these plays and understand his assignment , understand football and defenses , is extremely impressive for a young kid who does n't have a game under his belt , '' Graham said .
Graham has brought a fire into training camp .
The team began padded practices last week as it prepares to open the season Sept. 13 in Detroit .
Graham was lively on the field , talking trash during one-on-one sessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards in celebration after a touchdown .
Coach Matt Nagy said he liked to see that fire .
An experienced tight end to mentor the team 's second-round draft pick is something to like as well .
`` Jimmy 's been great in terms of showing me all the extra things you have to do in order to be a great professional , '' Kmet said .
`` He 's just been really helpful throughout this whole process . ''
A rare interview : Khalil Mack answered questions from the media Saturday for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tuned in to the Zoom call while working up a sweat on his Peloton stationary bike at his house well after practice .
Mack was critical of his play last season : `` I was n't good enough ... was n't good enough at all . ''
The linebacker said he does n't see a `` ceiling '' for the Bears ' defense in 2020 .
Even with the long layoff due to the pandemic , Mack said `` there does n't seem like there 's been any drop-off '' for the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightened the mood at the end of a recent practice by sending defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi back to receive punts from the Jugs machine .
On a video posted by the team , the two do n't look like they 're going to be playing center field for the Cubs anytime soon .
Hicks did catch at least one punt and celebrated by booting the ball with a punt of his own .

Kmet owned a Jimmy Graham jersey, now he's learning from him
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) stretches during NFL football training camp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio/ Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
As a 12-year-old growing up in Lake Barrington, Bears rookie tight end Cole Kmet owned Jimmy Graham's New Orleans Saints jersey.
Now, Kmet is learning the ropes in the NFL alongside the five-time Pro Bowl tight end Graham.
"I was telling him that the other day," Kmet said. "We were laughing about it."
Kmet, 21, has made quite an impression on the 11th-year veteran. Graham said Kmet "reminds me of a young me." Kmet is listed at 6-feet-6, 258 pounds, and Graham said Kmet is every bit as big in person as he is on paper.
"His football intelligence and his ability to soak in these plays and understand his assignment, understand football and defenses, is extremely impressive for a young kid who doesn't have a game under his belt," Graham said.
Graham has brought a fire into training camp. The team began padded practices last week as it prepares to open the season Sept. 13 in Detroit.
Graham was lively on the field, talking trash during one-on-one sessions. He tossed a ball some 40 yards in celebration after a touchdown.
Coach Matt Nagy said he liked to see that fire. An experienced tight end to mentor the team's second-round draft pick is something to like as well.
"Jimmy's been great in terms of showing me all the extra things you have to do in order to be a great professional," Kmet said. "He's just been really helpful throughout this whole process."
A rare interview: Khalil Mack answered questions from the media Saturday for the first time since December. He tuned in to the Zoom call while working up a sweat on his Peloton stationary bike at his house well after practice.
Mack was critical of his play last season: "I wasn't good enough ... wasn't good enough at all."
The linebacker said he doesn't see a "ceiling" for the Bears' defense in 2020. Even with the long layoff due to the pandemic, Mack said "there doesn't seem like there's been any drop-off" for the defense.
Very special teams: The Bears lightened the mood at the end of a recent practice by sending defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi back to receive punts from the Jugs machine.
On a video posted by the team, the two don't look like they're going to be playing center field for the Cubs anytime soon. Hicks did catch at least one punt and celebrated by booting the ball with a punt of his own.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Texas Tech adds former A&M DE Wilson, who will seek waiver

LUBBOCK , Texas -- Texas Tech has added transfer Tyree Wilson to its roster , and the former Texas A @ @ @ @ @ applying for an NCAA waiver in hopes of being eligible to play this season .
@ @ @ @ @ announced the addition of Wilson on Monday , the start of the fall semester at @ @ @ @ @ Wilson began practicing with Texas Tech on Friday .
The 6-foot-6 , 280-pound Wilson played @ @ @ @ @ freshman for Texas A & M last season , when he had 12 tackles .
@ @ @ @ @ last spring .
If the NCAA grants a waiver for immediate eligibility after transferring , @ @ @ @ @ remaining with the Red Raiders .
Texas Tech is scheduled to open its season at @ @ @ @ @ Baptist .

Texas Tech adds former A&M DE Wilson, who will seek waiver
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech has added transfer Tyree Wilson to its roster, and the former Texas A&M defensive end is applying for an NCAA waiver in hopes of being eligible to play this season.
Red Raiders coach Matt Wells announced the addition of Wilson on Monday, the start of the fall semester at the Big 12 school. Wilson began practicing with Texas Tech on Friday.
The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Wilson played 12 games as a redshirt freshman for Texas A&M last season, when he had 12 tackles. He entered the transfer portal last spring.
If the NCAA grants a waiver for immediate eligibility after transferring, Wilson would have three seasons remaining with the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech is scheduled to open its season at home Sept. 12 against Houston Baptist.
__
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dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--'Pandemic pods' give kids space to learn, play

Monday marked the first day of school for thousands of students across the suburbs who are starting the new year the way they ended the last one : virtually .
But rather than stay at home , a small number of them packed a lunch and brought their laptops and headphones to some of the new , unconventional learning spaces beginning to pop up inside gyms , fitness and dance studios , park district facilities and community centers .
Called `` pandemic pods '' by some , the locations are coworking spaces of sorts for elementary and middle school students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide each student with a desk , chair and Wi-Fi while pupils follow their school 's e-learning schedule .
And during breaks in the day or once class is dismissed , there are opportunities for physical activity , arts and crafts , and social interaction with peers -- so long as it 's at a 6-foot distance .
The benefits of the pods may be just as much about the parents who 've found it difficult to balance demanding jobs and schedules with at-home virtual learning .
`` It 's a huge issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't feel like the school districts offered any options for these parents , '' said Marianne O'Hara , co-owner of Focus Martial Arts & Fitness in Lake in the Hills , which opened its `` Learning Center Plus '' Monday morning .
The 5,000-square-foot martial arts studio at Route 31 and Virginia Road -- normally the host of martial arts and self-defense classes -- has been transformed into a makeshift classroom , with space for up to two dozen desk pods .
Each pod is a 10-by-10-foot square of tic-tac-toe floor mats where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while three staff members are nearby to help with assignments when needed .
During breaks in the day , students are able to try out some of the studio 's martial arts equipment , do a ninja obstacle course or go outside , like recess .
`` We 're going to offer them fun activities .
A lot them are just going to be dying to get up and around because it 's a long day sitting at the computer , '' said O'Hara , who has a master 's degree in special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffer in Crystal Lake High School District 155 and teacher in Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 .
Hours follow a typical school day schedule , and parents can drop off their kids for any combination of days or hours that works for them , whether it 's one or two days a week or full-time .
The cost ranges from $ 5 to $ 7 an hour .
`` We will be running this as long as the schools are going virtual , '' O'Hara said .
`` It could be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mount Prospect , Bill Shimuk 's storefront Threshold Martial Arts studio is about half the size of Focus ' , so he compares his e-learning pod setup to something reminiscent of an old country schoolhouse .
When the dozen or so students from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights are n't signed into their online classes , they 'll be on fitness breaks , including martial arts or walks to the library or local parks , he says .
And there are plans to do some of the school year traditions they might miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , carving pumpkins for Halloween , and wearing school spirit gear .
`` The goal is to get kids out of the idea of sitting alone at a table for seven hours a day into something that is as closely as possible replicating a school , '' said Shimuk , whose son is in the program .
Some of the larger virtual learning centers that have opened in recent weeks are hosted by the YMCA at nine suburban locations -- mainly at fitness centers but also at some schools in Naperville and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have yoga and exercise studios large enough to accommodate 15 students per pod .
Activities like music and arts and crafts are offered as bookends to the online learning day , according to Jill Doerner , the senior vice president of operations and strategic initiatives at the YMCA of Metro Chicago .
More and more park districts are also starting to roll out pods in the coming weeks , some having forged partnerships with area school districts .
The Northbrook Park District 's Northbrook Sports Center will host a Community TIES program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take online classes and participate in indoor and outdoor games , sports , and arts and crafts .
First priority is given to residents and teachers in five area school districts , though the program is also open to nonresident families , officials said .
The Naperville Park District 's Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center will have room for up to 50 students in grades K-5 , and the 95th Street Center about 40 students .
The first site follows the Naperville Unit District 203 schedule , the latter Indian Prairie Unit District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all .
`` It 's an extension of the day camp type of experience , '' said Brad Wilson , the district 's director of recreation and facilities .
`` But it has that e-learning component . ''

'Pandemic pods' give kids space to learn, play
Monday marked the first day of school for thousands of students across the suburbs who are starting the new year the way they ended the last one: virtually.
But rather than stay at home, a small number of them packed a lunch and brought their laptops and headphones to some of the new, unconventional learning spaces beginning to pop up inside gyms, fitness and dance studios, park district facilities and community centers.
Called "pandemic pods" by some, the locations are coworking spaces of sorts for elementary and middle school students in the COVID-19 era.
The venues provide each student with a desk, chair and Wi-Fi while pupils follow their school's e-learning schedule. And during breaks in the day or once class is dismissed, there are opportunities for physical activity, arts and crafts, and social interaction with peers -- so long as it's at a 6-foot distance.
The benefits of the pods may be just as much about the parents who've found it difficult to balance demanding jobs and schedules with at-home virtual learning.
"It's a huge issue for parents who work. I didn't feel like the school districts offered any options for these parents," said Marianne O'Hara, co-owner of Focus Martial Arts & Fitness in Lake in the Hills, which opened its "Learning Center Plus" Monday morning.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Host to martial arts and self-defense classes by night and now a learning center by day, Focus Martial Arts & Fitness in Lake in the Hills has room for up to two dozen desk pods for students taking virtual classes.
The 5,000-square-foot martial arts studio at Route 31 and Virginia Road -- normally the host of martial arts and self-defense classes -- has been transformed into a makeshift classroom, with space for up to two dozen desk pods. Each pod is a 10-by-10-foot square of tic-tac-toe floor mats where students tune into their online class sessions while three staff members are nearby to help with assignments when needed.
During breaks in the day, students are able to try out some of the studio's martial arts equipment, do a ninja obstacle course or go outside, like recess.
"We're going to offer them fun activities. A lot them are just going to be dying to get up and around because it's a long day sitting at the computer," said O'Hara, who has a master's degree in special education and has worked as a support staffer in Crystal Lake High School District 155 and teacher in Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59.
Hours follow a typical school day schedule, and parents can drop off their kids for any combination of days or hours that works for them, whether it's one or two days a week or full-time. The cost ranges from $5 to $7 an hour.
"We will be running this as long as the schools are going virtual," O'Hara said. "It could be the whole school year."
In downtown Mount Prospect, Bill Shimuk's storefront Threshold Martial Arts studio is about half the size of Focus', so he compares his e-learning pod setup to something reminiscent of an old country schoolhouse.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Bill Shimuk has set up e-learning pods within his Threshold Martial Arts studio in downtown Mount Prospect. He and other parents got the idea when area school districts announced plans to start their academic years remotely.
When the dozen or so students from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights aren't signed into their online classes, they'll be on fitness breaks, including martial arts or walks to the library or local parks, he says. And there are plans to do some of the school year traditions they might miss out on, such as picture day, carving pumpkins for Halloween, and wearing school spirit gear.
"The goal is to get kids out of the idea of sitting alone at a table for seven hours a day into something that is as closely as possible replicating a school," said Shimuk, whose son is in the program.
Some of the larger virtual learning centers that have opened in recent weeks are hosted by the YMCA at nine suburban locations -- mainly at fitness centers but also at some schools in Naperville and a church in Antioch.
Some community centers have yoga and exercise studios large enough to accommodate 15 students per pod. Activities like music and arts and crafts are offered as bookends to the online learning day, according to Jill Doerner, the senior vice president of operations and strategic initiatives at the YMCA of Metro Chicago.
More and more park districts are also starting to roll out pods in the coming weeks, some having forged partnerships with area school districts.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Bill Shimuk's Threshold Martial Arts studio in Mount Prospect is hosting a dozen students for remote learning within pods. The schedule will include fitness breaks and other school traditions, like picture day and Halloween celebrations.
The Northbrook Park District's Northbrook Sports Center will host a Community TIES program, where K-8 students will be able to take online classes and participate in indoor and outdoor games, sports, and arts and crafts. First priority is given to residents and teachers in five area school districts, though the program is also open to nonresident families, officials said.
The Naperville Park District's Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center will have room for up to 50 students in grades K-5, and the 95th Street Center about 40 students. The first site follows the Naperville Unit District 203 schedule, the latter Indian Prairie Unit District 204, though the program is open to all.
"It's an extension of the day camp type of experience," said Brad Wilson, the district's director of recreation and facilities. "But it has that e-learning component."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--'It's my son. I miss him': Slain Glenview teen's family upset suspect is out on house arrest

The mother of slain 15-year-old Glenview resident Elias Valdez said she is distressed that the teen charged in her son 's killing is on house arrest , and she and others will protest the boy 's release Sunday .
The 16-year-old boy surrendered to Glenview police Aug. 17 to face a second-degree murder charge in connection with the Aug. 5 stabbing death of Elias , a rising sophomore at Glenbrook South High School .
The boy initially was taken to the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center in Chicago .
He appeared Aug. 18 in juvenile court in Skokie , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on electronic monitoring and continued the case to Sept. 9 .
`` If this person took away the life of my son , I am afraid ( he 'll ) hurt someone else , '' Elias ' mother , Marcela Fierros , said Monday .
`` They should have given him a different punishment .
He should be in prison .
`` The judge said it was his right .
So what 's my right as a victim ? ''
she said , adding she believes the 16-year-old should have been charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have justice . ''
Elias was found Aug. 5 lying in a grassy area on the 1200 block of Greenwood Road in Glenview , police said .
He had been stabbed in the chest and was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge , where he died in surgery .
Prosecutors asked for the teen suspect to remain in custody , Cook County state 's attorney spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said .
`` The court solely determines custodial status and denied our request , '' Simonton said .
`` Over our objection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on electronic monitoring . ''
Cook County circuit court spokeswoman Mary Wisniewski said a charge of second-degree murder is punishable by 4 to 20 years in prison , though probation also is an option .
The Sept. 9 hearing likely will be held at the Juvenile Justice Division in Chicago , she said .
Fierros and her daughter Elizabeth , 15 , said they do n't know the 16-year-old accused in the killing .
Both said they are struggling emotionally .
Elizabeth said she and her brother were in the same grade -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always close .
`` He was protective over me and to the people I hang out with , '' she said .
`` He always looked out for me . ''
Marcela Fierros said she 's been a single mom for a few years and relished the fact that her kids , including a 13-year-old daughter , got along well .
`` ( Elias ) was always interested in his sisters .
He tried to take care of them .
He was very protective of them , '' she said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always , but they did . ''
Marcela Fierros said she last saw Elias at about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5 , after she came home from her job as a stylist at a beauty salon in Wheeling .
`` I went to him , and I hugged and I told him I loved him very much , '' she said .
`` He ate and then he told me he wanted to go out with his bike for a while .
I told him that 's fine but be careful and come back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car to the mechanic 's and came home at about 9 p.m. , she said .
`` When I came back and I did n't find him , I got very scared , '' she said .
Shortly after , she got a call , and then a visit , from law enforcement telling her he 'd died , she said .
The mother and sister said it 's especially difficult to walk into his room .
`` When I go in and I see all his things , I feel like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcela Fierros said .
`` It 's my son .
I miss him . ''
`` I have been feeling upset about everything , knowing he 's not here with us anymore , '' Elizabeth said .
`` Sometimes I would just look at his room and be like , 'Oh , why is he not here anymore ? '
'' The protest is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday , outside the Glenview police station .
Glenbrook South 2020 graduate Oscar Ocampo , a friend and former neighbor of Elias Valdez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoting the protest on social media , including a Facebook group , `` Justice for Elias Valdez . ''
Ocampo , of Glenview , was a wrestling teammate of Elias Valdez .
Police have said it was Glenview 's first murder since 2004 .

'It's my son. I miss him': Slain Glenview teen's family upset suspect is out on house arrest
The family of 15-year-old Elias Valdez protested Sunday in front of the Glenview police station over the home confinement of the teen accused of killing the Glenbrook South High School student. Friends and family members plan another protest this weekend. ABC 7 Chicago video image
The mother of slain 15-year-old Glenview resident Elias Valdez said she is distressed that the teen charged in her son's killing is on house arrest, and she and others will protest the boy's release Sunday.
The 16-year-old boy surrendered to Glenview police Aug. 17 to face a second-degree murder charge in connection with the Aug. 5 stabbing death of Elias, a rising sophomore at Glenbrook South High School.
The boy initially was taken to the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center in Chicago. He appeared Aug. 18 in juvenile court in Skokie, where Cook County Judge Steven Bernstein placed him on electronic monitoring and continued the case to Sept. 9.
The family of 15-year-old Elias Valdez protested Sunday in front of the Glenview police station over the home confinement of the teen accused of killing the Glenbrook South High School student. Friends and family members plan another protest this weekend. - ABC 7 Chicago video image
"If this person took away the life of my son, I am afraid (he'll) hurt someone else," Elias' mother, Marcela Fierros, said Monday. "They should have given him a different punishment. He should be in prison.
"The judge said it was his right. So what's my right as a victim?" she said, adding she believes the 16-year-old should have been charged with first-degree murder. "I want to have justice."
Elias was found Aug. 5 lying in a grassy area on the 1200 block of Greenwood Road in Glenview, police said. He had been stabbed in the chest and was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he died in surgery.
Prosecutors asked for the teen suspect to remain in custody, Cook County state's attorney spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.
"The court solely determines custodial status and denied our request," Simonton said. "Over our objection, the court ordered the minor released on electronic monitoring."
Cook County circuit court spokeswoman Mary Wisniewski said a charge of second-degree murder is punishable by 4 to 20 years in prison, though probation also is an option. The Sept. 9 hearing likely will be held at the Juvenile Justice Division in Chicago, she said.
Fierros and her daughter Elizabeth, 15, said they don't know the 16-year-old accused in the killing.
Both said they are struggling emotionally.
Elizabeth said she and her brother were in the same grade -- they are 10 months apart -- and always close.
Elias Valdez
"He was protective over me and to the people I hang out with," she said. "He always looked out for me."
Marcela Fierros said she's been a single mom for a few years and relished the fact that her kids, including a 13-year-old daughter, got along well.
"(Elias) was always interested in his sisters. He tried to take care of them. He was very protective of them," she said. "They liked to do things together. Not always, but they did."
Marcela Fierros said she last saw Elias at about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5, after she came home from her job as a stylist at a beauty salon in Wheeling.
"I went to him, and I hugged and I told him I loved him very much," she said. "He ate and then he told me he wanted to go out with his bike for a while. I told him that's fine but be careful and come back soon."
She then took her car to the mechanic's and came home at about 9 p.m., she said.
"When I came back and I didn't find him, I got very scared," she said.
Shortly after, she got a call, and then a visit, from law enforcement telling her he'd died, she said.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer A memorial has been set up at the crime scene in memory of murder victim Elias Valdez, a Glenbrook South High School student found dead in a grassy area on the 1200 block of Greenwood Road in Glenview last week.
The mother and sister said it's especially difficult to walk into his room.
"When I go in and I see all his things, I feel like a part of me is missing," Marcela Fierros said. "It's my son. I miss him."
"I have been feeling upset about everything, knowing he's not here with us anymore," Elizabeth said. "Sometimes I would just look at his room and be like, 'Oh, why is he not here anymore?'"
The protest is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, outside the Glenview police station.
Glenbrook South 2020 graduate Oscar Ocampo, a friend and former neighbor of Elias Valdez and his family, said he is promoting the protest on social media, including a Facebook group, "Justice for Elias Valdez." Ocampo, of Glenview, was a wrestling teammate of Elias Valdez.
Police have said it was Glenview's first murder since 2004.
• Daily Herald staff writer Barbara Vitello contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-25--Kenosha protesters, police clash again after Black man shot

KENOSHA , Wis. -- Anger over the shooting of a Black man by police spilled into the streets of Kenosha for a second night Monday , with police again firing tear gas at hundreds of protesters who defied a curfew , threw bottles and shot fireworks at law enforcement guarding the courthouse .
The southeastern Wisconsin city became the nation 's latest flashpoint in a summer of racial unrest after cellphone footage of police shooting Jacob Blake -- apparently in the back , as he leaned into his SUV while his three children sat in the vehicle -- circulated widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hospitalized in serious condition .
The shooting drew condemnation from Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers , who also called out 125 members of the National Guard on Monday after protesters set cars on fire , smashed windows and clashed with officers in riot gear the previous night .
Police first fired tear gas Monday about 30 minutes after the 8 p.m. curfew took effect to disperse protesters who chanted , `` No justice , no peace '' as they confronted a line of officers who wore protective gear and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of people stuck around , screaming at police and lighting fires , including to a garbage truck near the courthouse .
Tensions had flared anew earlier Monday after a news conference with Kenosha Mayor John Antarmian , originally to be held in a park , was moved inside the city 's public safety building .
Hundreds of protesters rushed to the building and a door was snapped off its hinges before police in riot gear pepper-sprayed the crowd , which included a photographer from The Associated Press .
Police in the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Milwaukee and Chicago said they were responding to a call about a domestic dispute when they encountered Blake on Sunday .
They did not say whether Blake was armed or why police opened fire , they released no details on the dispute , and they did not immediately disclose the race of the three officers at the scene .
The man who said he made the cellphone video , 22-year-old Raysean White , said he saw Blake scuffling with three officers and heard them yell , `` Drop the knife !
Drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erupted .
He said he did n't see a knife in Blake 's hands .
The governor said he has seen no information to suggest Blake had a knife or other weapon , but that the case is still being investigated by the state Justice Department .
The officers were placed on administrative leave , standard practice in a shooting by police .
Authorities released no details about the officers and did not immediately respond to requests for their service records .
Evers was quick to condemn the bloodshed , saying that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country . ''
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said the officers `` must be held accountable . ''
`` This morning , the nation wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force , '' he said , just over two months before Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and Breonna Taylor in Louisville , Kentucky .
`` Those shots pierce the soul of our nation . ''
Republicans and the police union accused the politicians of rushing to judgment , reflecting the deep partisan divide in Wisconsin , a key presidential battleground state .
Wisconsin GOP members also decried the violent protests , echoing the law-and-order theme that President Donald Trump has been using in his reelection campaign .
`` As always , the video currently circulating does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic incident , '' Pete Deates , president of the Kenosha police union , said in a statement .
He called the governor 's statement `` wholly irresponsible . ''
The shooting happened around 5 p.m. Sunday and was captured from across the street on the video posted online .
Kenosha police do not have body cameras but do have body microphones .
In the footage , Blake walks from the sidewalk around the front of his SUV to his driver-side door as officers follow him with their guns pointed and shout at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and leans into the SUV , an officer grabs his shirt from behind and opens fire while Blake has his back turned .
Seven shots can be heard , though it is n't clear how many struck Blake or how many officers fired .
White , who said he made the video , said that before the gunfire , he looked out his window and saw six or seven women shouting at each other on the sidewalk .
A few moments later , Blake drove up in his SUV and told his son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in the vehicle , according to White .
White said Blake did not say anything to the women .
White said he left the window for a few minutes , and when he came back , saw three officers wrestling with Blake .
One punched Blake in the ribs , and another used a stun gun on him , White said .
He said Blake got free and started walking away as officers yelled about a knife .
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump , representing Blake 's family , said Blake was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing by intervening in a domestic incident . ''
Police did not immediately confirm either man 's account .
Blake 's partner , Laquisha Booker , told NBC 's Milwaukee affiliate , WTMJ-TV , that the couple 's three children were in the back seat of the SUV when police shot him .
`` That man just literally grabbed him by his shirt and looked the other way and was just shooting him .
With the kids in the back screaming .
Screaming , '' Booker said .
Blake 's grandfather , Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and civil rights leader in the Chicago area who helped organize a march and spoke in support of a comprehensive housing law in Evanston , Illinois , days after the 1968 slaying of the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. Rachel Noerdlinger , publicist for the National Action Network , told The Associated Press that the Rev .
Al Sharpton spoke Monday to Blake 's father , who called the civil rights leader for his support .
Blake 's father will speak at Sharpton 's March on Washington commemoration on Friday , Noerdlinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of Movement for Black Lives , a coalition of more than 150 Black-led organizations that make up the broader Black Lives Matter movement , said the shooting was yet another example of why activists have called for defunding police departments .
`` There 's no amount of training or reform that can teach a police officer that it 's wrong to shoot a Black man in the back seven times while his children watch , '' Lewis said in a statement first shared with the AP .
Online court records indicate Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sexual assault , trespassing and disorderly conduct in connection with domestic abuse .
An arrest warrant was issued the following day .
The records contain no further details and do not list an attorney for Blake .
It was unclear whether that case had anything to do with the shooting .
Crump , who has also represented the Floyd and Taylor families , said Blake 's family has asked that demonstrations in response to his shooting remain peaceful .
`` They do n't believe violence to be the solution , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kenosha was an auto manufacturing center , but it has now largely been transformed into a bedroom community for Milwaukee and Chicago .
The city is about 67 % white , 11.5 % Black and 17.6 % Hispanic , according to 2019 census data .
Both the mayor and police chief are white .
About 17 % of the population lives in poverty .
Webber reported from Fenton , Michigan .
Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison , Wisconsin , Jeff Baenen in Minneapolis , Aaron Morrison in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenosha contributed .