dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Chiefs use 4th quarter rally to beat Garoppolo, 49ers for Super Bowl title

The comeback Chiefs did it again and are Super Bowl champions .
Patrick Mahomes threw for a pair of touchdowns in the game 's final 6:13 , helping the Kansas City Chiefs erase a 10-point deficit and beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl 54 .
The go-ahead score : A 5-yard touchdown pass to Damien Williams with 2:44 left .
Williams is a former Miami Dolphins running back and returned to his former field -- Hard Rock Stadium -- to enjoy the most significant night of his career .
Williams finished off the title march with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38-yarder around the left end to seal the outcome .
It 's the first Super Bowl crown for Chiefs coach Andy Reid , who 'll no longer wear the distinction of being the winningest coach in NFL history without a championship .
The Chiefs had a comeback flair throughout the playoffs , getting down 24-0 to Houston in the divisional round and then rallying from deficits of 10-0 and 17-7 to beat Tennessee in the AFC championship game .
They did it one more time , on football 's biggest stage , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
The Chiefs lost the first Super Bowl , then won Super Bowl 4 -- some 50 years ago .
San Francisco was in the Super Bowl for the seventh time and fell just short of winning what would have been a record-tying sixth championship .
Only New England and Pittsburgh have six titles , and the 49ers were about six minutes away from joining their club .
And then they collapsed , giving up three touchdowns in a span of about five minutes .
Mahomes finished 26 of 42 passing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going incomplete on the final play -- a heave downfield to erase the final 5 seconds of Kansas City 's 50-year wait .

Chiefs use 4th quarter rally to beat Garoppolo, 49ers for Super Bowl title
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) reacts after throwing an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Associated Press
Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates his touchdown pass to Damien Williams in the the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Associated Press
The comeback Chiefs did it again and are Super Bowl champions.
Patrick Mahomes threw for a pair of touchdowns in the game's final 6:13, helping the Kansas City Chiefs erase a 10-point deficit and beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl 54.
The go-ahead score: A 5-yard touchdown pass to Damien Williams with 2:44 left. Williams is a former Miami Dolphins running back and returned to his former field -- Hard Rock Stadium -- to enjoy the most significant night of his career.
Williams finished off the title march with a touchdown run with 1:12 left, a 38-yarder around the left end to seal the outcome.
It's the first Super Bowl crown for Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who'll no longer wear the distinction of being the winningest coach in NFL history without a championship.
The Chiefs had a comeback flair throughout the playoffs, getting down 24-0 to Houston in the divisional round and then rallying from deficits of 10-0 and 17-7 to beat Tennessee in the AFC championship game.
They did it one more time, on football's biggest stage, and are Super Bowl champions for the second time. The Chiefs lost the first Super Bowl, then won Super Bowl 4 -- some 50 years ago.
San Francisco was in the Super Bowl for the seventh time and fell just short of winning what would have been a record-tying sixth championship. Only New England and Pittsburgh have six titles, and the 49ers were about six minutes away from joining their club.
And then they collapsed, giving up three touchdowns in a span of about five minutes. Mahomes finished 26 of 42 passing for 286 yards, his last pass intentionally going incomplete on the final play -- a heave downfield to erase the final 5 seconds of Kansas City's 50-year wait.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Watch Bill Murray's Jeep commercial, shot in Woodstock

Along with the big game , those in the Woodstock area also had something else exciting to watch on Sunday , as Jeep officially aired a commercial it shot in the historic Woodstock square during the Super Bowl .
Jeep posted the commercial on its Facebook and Twitter pages earlier in the day , filmed partly on the Woodstock Square and based on the movie `` Groundhog Day . ''
As of Sunday afternoon , the video had gotten about 290,000 likes on Facebook and been viewed 3.4 million times on Twitter .
The commercial begins with an alarm turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Babe , '' sung by Sonny and Cher , with two radio announcers saying `` OK , campers .
Rise and shine , it 's Groundhog Day , '' as Bill Murray , who played main character meteorologist Phil Connors in the movie , wakes up , saying `` Oh no . ''
Brian Doyle-Murray , who played the mayor in the movie , also was in the commercial .
Bill Murray rips a groundhog out of Brian Doyle-Murray 's hands as he stands by a red truck and drives off in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features Stephen Tobolowsky , reprising his role as Ned `` Needlenose '' Ryerson , calling out to Phil as Phil repeatedly drives off in the Jeep with the groundhog .
In the background of one of the scenes , a Woodstock Jewelers sign can be seen as snow falls on the square .
• See the rest of the Northwest Herald 's story at nwherald.com .

Watch Bill Murray's Jeep commercial, shot in Woodstock
Bill Murray appeared in the Woodstock Square Jan. 25 while filming a Jeep commercial. Courtesy of Jon Bergstrom via Northwest Herald
Bill Murray reprises his role as Phil Connors from the 1993 film "Groundhog Day," in a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. Jeep via AP
Along with the big game, those in the Woodstock area also had something else exciting to watch on Sunday, as Jeep officially aired a commercial it shot in the historic Woodstock square during the Super Bowl.
Jeep posted the commercial on its Facebook and Twitter pages earlier in the day, filmed partly on the Woodstock Square and based on the movie "Groundhog Day." As of Sunday afternoon, the video had gotten about 290,000 likes on Facebook and been viewed 3.4 million times on Twitter.
Today isn't just Game Day. It's Groundhog Day. Watch Bill Murray in the Jeep "Groundhog Day" commercial featuring the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. #JeepGroundhogDay pic.twitter.com/R3xn6PC7Ro — Jeep (@Jeep) February 2, 2020
The commercial begins with an alarm turning on, playing "I Got You Babe," sung by Sonny and Cher, with two radio announcers saying "OK, campers. Rise and shine, it's Groundhog Day," as Bill Murray, who played main character meteorologist Phil Connors in the movie, wakes up, saying "Oh no."
Brian Doyle-Murray, who played the mayor in the movie, also was in the commercial. Bill Murray rips a groundhog out of Brian Doyle-Murray's hands as he stands by a red truck and drives off in an orange-colored 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
It also features Stephen Tobolowsky, reprising his role as Ned "Needlenose" Ryerson, calling out to Phil as Phil repeatedly drives off in the Jeep with the groundhog.
In the background of one of the scenes, a Woodstock Jewelers sign can be seen as snow falls on the square.
• See the rest of the Northwest Herald's story at nwherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Landmeier closed in Elk Grove Village after semi crashes into building

Police have closed Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village between Busse Road and Lively Boulevard after a tractor-trailer crashed into @ @ @ @ @ .
Online traffic reports show the crash was reported just after 6:15 a.m .
There @ @ @ @ @ injuries or citations .

Driver escapes injury after semi crashes into Elk Grove Village building
Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village was closed for hours between Busse Road and Lively Boulevard after a semitrailer truck crashed into a building early Monday morning.
The truck left the roadway when the driver lost control and struck the corner of Aoki Laboratory America, 1240 Landmeier Road, just before 6 a.m., police said.
The driver was uninjured, and no one was inside the light manufacturing building at the time of the crash, according to Deputy Police Chief Mike Gaspari.
Crews were still working to remove the truck from the side of the building late Monday morning, necessitating a temporary shutdown of through traffic on Landmeier near the crash scene, Gaspari said.
But those who work at businesses along Landmeier were allowed to pass through, he added.
Fire Chief Richard Mikel said the truck crash damaged the gas main on the side of the building, which led to a gas leak. Nicor temporarily shut down gas service, while ComEd crews also arrived on site to turn off electricity.
The fire department also worked with building management to secure the roof structure before the cab and trailer could be removed, Mikel said.
Police investigators are still trying to determine how and why the crash occurred.
No citations have been issued.
• Staff writer Jake Griffin contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Suspect eludes Aurora police after neighborhood lockdown

Aurora police locked down part of a residential neighborhood and evacuated several homes after officers chased a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant into a home on the city 's southeast side late Sunday .
However , the man eluded police and is still on the lam , officials said .
Police officials said officers responding to reports of gunfire at about 9:30 p.m. on the 1600 block of Maple Park Lake spotted the man running from the scene with a gun into a nearby home 's back door .
The officers attempted to make contact with the suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department 's Special Response Team and Drone Team were activated and responded to the scene .
During the course of the negotiations , a woman exited the home where police believe the suspect entered .
Police began evacuating several neighboring homes and told residents in other nearby houses to stay inside .
Officers secured a search warrant for the house and eventually made entry , but the suspect was not located .
Neighbors were let back into their homes and the lockdown was eventually lifted later in the evening , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
Anyone with information is urged to call police at ( 630 ) 256-5500 .

Suspect eludes Aurora police after neighborhood lockdown
Aurora police locked down part of a residential neighborhood and evacuated several homes after officers chased a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant into a home on the city's southeast side late Sunday.
However, the man eluded police and is still on the lam, officials said.
Police officials said officers responding to reports of gunfire at about 9:30 p.m. on the 1600 block of Maple Park Lake spotted the man running from the scene with a gun into a nearby home's back door.
The officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, but to no avail. The department's Special Response Team and Drone Team were activated and responded to the scene. During the course of the negotiations, a woman exited the home where police believe the suspect entered.
Police began evacuating several neighboring homes and told residents in other nearby houses to stay inside.
Officers secured a search warrant for the house and eventually made entry, but the suspect was not located.
Neighbors were let back into their homes and the lockdown was eventually lifted later in the evening, police said.
Detectives are still investigating the circumstances around the incident. Anyone with information is urged to call police at (630) 256-5500.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Appellate court hears Libertyville's legal fight with archdiocese

The legal fight between Libertyville and the Archdiocese of Chicago over a rejected 148-home subdivision made its way to a state appeals court last week , four years after a developer first submitted the plan to village officials .
The dispute centers on the archdiocese 's long-vacant 40 acres west of Butterfield Road near Lake Street .
Developer Roanoke Group LLC had a contract to buy the land for $ 15 million , but the deal stalled in 2017 when village officials rejected a request to rezone the property and approve plans for a subdivision there .
The archdiocese sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision was arbitrary .
Lake County Judge Michael J. Fusz agreed in February 2019 , describing decisions made by village officials as `` unreasonable '' and saying the subdivision is compatible with the zoning and nearby uses .
Village officials appealed Fusz 's ruling , bringing the two sides before a three-judge panel of the Second District Appellate Court in Elgin .
Attorney Victor Filippini , representing the village , told the court Roanoke 's proposal does not meet the standards of Libertyville 's development codes .
`` The plan that they presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
But archdiocese attorney Robert T. O'Donnell argued that village code allows for some negotiation between officials and developers .
`` Not only does it allow them to do it , that 's what 's contemplated and expected and what occurred here , '' he told the panel .
The judges took the case under advisement .
There is no date set on when a ruling could come down .
Roanoke 's proposal mobilized neighbors opposed to the project , hundreds of whom attended public hearings to object .
After 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the village board on March 21 , 2017 , voted 6-0 against several measures that would have allowed Roanoke to proceed .
Trustees said they were n't against development but thought the plan was too dense , presented traffic and safety concerns and underestimated the impact on local schools .
The property is not currently under contract , but the archdiocese plans to sell it with the expectation it will be developed once the litigation is complete , spokeswoman Paula Waters said .
Roanoke would be a candidate to complete the project @ @ @ @

Appellate court hears Libertyville's legal fight with archdiocese
Libertyville's legal fight against the Archdiocese of Chicago over the development of archdiocese land along Butterfield Road was heard by a state appeals court last week. Daily Herald file photo, 2019
The legal fight between Libertyville and the Archdiocese of Chicago over a rejected 148-home subdivision made its way to a state appeals court last week, four years after a developer first submitted the plan to village officials.
The dispute centers on the archdiocese's long-vacant 40 acres west of Butterfield Road near Lake Street. Developer Roanoke Group LLC had a contract to buy the land for $15 million, but the deal stalled in 2017 when village officials rejected a request to rezone the property and approve plans for a subdivision there.
The archdiocese sued Libertyville, arguing that the village's decision was arbitrary. Lake County Judge Michael J. Fusz agreed in February 2019, describing decisions made by village officials as "unreasonable" and saying the subdivision is compatible with the zoning and nearby uses.
Village officials appealed Fusz's ruling, bringing the two sides before a three-judge panel of the Second District Appellate Court in Elgin.
Attorney Victor Filippini, representing the village, told the court Roanoke's proposal does not meet the standards of Libertyville's development codes.
"The plan that they presented plainly violates the subdivision ordinance," he said.
But archdiocese attorney Robert T. O'Donnell argued that village code allows for some negotiation between officials and developers.
"Not only does it allow them to do it, that's what's contemplated and expected and what occurred here," he told the panel.
The judges took the case under advisement. There is no date set on when a ruling could come down.
Roanoke's proposal mobilized neighbors opposed to the project, hundreds of whom attended public hearings to object. After 18 months of reviews, revisions and discussions, the village board on March 21, 2017, voted 6-0 against several measures that would have allowed Roanoke to proceed.
Trustees said they weren't against development but thought the plan was too dense, presented traffic and safety concerns and underestimated the impact on local schools.
The property is not currently under contract, but the archdiocese plans to sell it with the expectation it will be developed once the litigation is complete, spokeswoman Paula Waters said. Roanoke would be a candidate to complete the project, she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Warrant issued after former Aurora District 131 teacher charged with abuse skips court

Kane County authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a former East Aurora District 131 bilingual teacher facing sex abuse charges after he was a no-show for a court date late last week .
Luis R. Mora , 58 , of the 1500 block of Golden Oaks Parkway in Aurora , was arrested and charged in June 2019 with sexually abusing two 8-year-old students from August 2018 through May 2019 , according to court records .
If convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse , he faces a top prison term of seven years and also must register for life as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a first-grade bilingual teacher at Dieterich Elementary , posted 10 % of his $ 75,000 bail and was released from jail while the case was pending .
At the time of Mora 's arrest , school officials said they received a report of abuse and contacted the Department of Children and Family Services , in accordance with state law .
While out on bail , he was to surrender his passport and not have contact with children .
An arrest warrant was issued Thursday after Mora missed a court hearing , records @ @

Warrant issued after former Aurora District 131 teacher charged with abuse skips court
Kane County authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a former East Aurora District 131 bilingual teacher facing sex abuse charges after he was a no-show for a court date late last week.
Luis R. Mora, 58, of the 1500 block of Golden Oaks Parkway in Aurora, was arrested and charged in June 2019 with sexually abusing two 8-year-old students from August 2018 through May 2019, according to court records.
If convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, he faces a top prison term of seven years and also must register for life as a sex offender.
Mora, who was a first-grade bilingual teacher at Dieterich Elementary, posted 10% of his $75,000 bail and was released from jail while the case was pending. At the time of Mora's arrest, school officials said they received a report of abuse and contacted the Department of Children and Family Services, in accordance with state law.
While out on bail, he was to surrender his passport and not have contact with children. An arrest warrant was issued Thursday after Mora missed a court hearing, records show.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Super Bowl ads dialed up 'fun' as an antidote to politics

NEW YORK -- In the real world , political primaries are looming , impeachment is ongoing and heavy news never seems to stop .
But during commercial breaks in the Super Bowl , advertisers did their best to serve up an antidote heavily spiked with fun .
True , political ads did invade the game , with President Trump and Michael Bloomberg , one of his Democratic challengers , both running spots .
But mostly advertisers struck back with millions spent on celebrities , humor and even some weirdness .
`` Just let us have fun , '' said Stacey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan who watched the game at a Super Bowl Party with around a dozen people .
`` We 're going to be so deluged with political ads over the next nine months . ''
For the most part , Super Bowl advertisers tried to oblige .
They stayed away from social-cause messages and focused on lighthearted ads , stuffing them with popular celebrities , hit songs , funny dances and other gambits to appeal to Americans .
`` This year it 's all about a return to Super Bowl basics , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultancy Brand Federation .
`` This is a year of pure escapism at a time when we all crave a little escape . ''
This undated image provided by Cheetos shows MC Hammer in a scene from the company 's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot .
`` U Ca n't Touch This '' is 30 years old this year but just as familiar as ever .
( Cheetos via AP ) Reliving the experience Since the Super Bowl falls on Groundhog 's Day this year , it was nearly inevitable that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1993 movie .
Jeep took the ball and ran with it , painstakingly recreating the town square and other locations from the film and casting original actors Bill Murray , Brian Doyle Murray and Stephen Tobolowsky .
The twist : instead of a Chevrolet truck , Murray uses a Jeep Gladiator truck for his daily exploits .
Cheetos capitalized on nostalgia by using the 30-year old MC Hammer classic `` U Ca n't Touch This . ''
The snack-food ad featured a man with bright orange Cheetos dust on his hands who ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take care of office tasks .
Hammer himself -- `` Hammer pants '' and all -- also kept popping up to utter his iconic catchphrase .
This undated image provided by Coca-Cola shows Martin Scorsese in a scene from the company 's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot .
( Coca-Cola via AP ) Packed with celebs If ads starred one celebrity , they often had more .
Coke launched Coke Energy with an ad showing actor Jonah Hill rallying to meet Martin Scorsese at a party by drinking Coke 's new energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't always work .
Hard Rock International enlisted Michael Bay for a frenetic commercial showing a frenzied heist caper involving Jennifer Lopez , Alex Rodriguez DJ Khaled , Pitbull , and Steven Van Zandt .
Charles Taylor , marketing professor at Villanova University , said many ads were `` busy '' with a lot going on .
`` They 're going by quickly and it is hard to pick everything up . ''
That was true for Mark Nelson , watching the game at home with friends in Chicago .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Super Bowl party he was at , but `` the story overwhelmed the brand .
As one of my friends said , `` I have no idea what that was for , ' '' he said .
This undated image provided by Audi shows a scene from the company 's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot .
Arya can sing as well as battle enemies , it turns out .
`` Game of Thrones '' actress Maisie Williams belts out the hit Disney song from `` Frozen , `` Let it Go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through steaming heat and traffic in a 60-second ad that promotes Audi 's e-tron family of electric vehicles .
The ad airs in the second quarter .
( Audi via AP ) Electric vehicles The Super Bowl is always attracts automakers launching a new vehicles , and this year nearly every carmaker touted an electric car .
Audi showed `` Game of Thrones '' actress Maisie Williams singing `` Let it Go '' to promote Audi 's suite of electric vehicles .
Hummer introduced HummerEV with a cinematic black-and-white ad touting how quiet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted its Taycan electric car with a frenetic car chase .
And Ford showed off its electric Mustang with the help of Idris Elba .
This undated file image provided by Pringles shows a scene from the company 's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot which partners with the show `` Rick and Morty . ''
Pringle 's enlisted Adult Swim 's animated `` Rick and Morty '' duo with a meta ad in which the characters realize they 're stuck inside a Pringles commercial .
( Pringles via AP , File ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into this years barrage of humor and celebrities .
Quicken Loans Rocket Mortgage had an unsettling ad that showed `` Aquaman '' star Jason Momoa , known for his buff physique , heading home to `` be himself '' -- as he strips off his muscles and hair to reveal he is skinny and bald .
TurboTax tried to tie doing taxes into a CGI-enhanced dance of wobbling knees to a bouncy song , `` All People Are Tax People . ''
Snickers imagined a world where people sing on a hilltop ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Coke ad ) about digging a giant hole and putting a giant Snickers in it because the `` world is out of sorts . ''
And Pringle 's enlisted Adult Swim 's animated `` Rick and Morty '' duo with a meta ad in which the characters realize they 're stuck inside a Pringles commercial .
This undated image provided by Google shows a scene from the company 's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot .
Google 's 90-second ad is one of the few ads this year that does n't use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tug at the heartstrings , featuring a man reminiscing about his wife , using the Google Assistant feature to pull up old photos of her and past vacations .
( Google via AP ) Quiet messages Advertisers worked hard to avoid the return of `` sadvertising '' from a few years back -- when Nationwide Insurance did an ad about a child who died , among other gloomy spots -- and generally steered clear of polarizing issues like income inequality or immigration as we saw in 2017 .
But there were still some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL ran a 60-second ad about the devastation police violence has on families .
Microsoft showcased Katie Sowers , the first female coach in a Super Bowl game .
And New York Life focused on the different types of love in its ad .
Verizon enlisted Harrison Ford to voice an ad that salutes first responders .
Google 's ad stood out .
It features a man reminiscing about his wife , using the Google Assistant feature to pull up old photos of her and past vacations .
Cortney Effinger , watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan , liked the ad .
`` It struck the heart chords , '' she said .
The ad worked because not many ads took the `` quiet '' approach this year , said Paul Argenti , a Dartmouth College professor of corporate communication .
`` That 's why it stands out , it 's a little bit slower and focused on a social theme , '' he said .

Super Bowl ads dialed up 'fun' as an antidote to politics
This undated image provided by Olay shows from left, retired astronaut Nicole Stott, Lilly Singh and Busy Philipps in a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. (Olay via AP)
This undated image provided by Pringles shows a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot which features characters from the "Rick and Morty" show. (Pringles via AP)
NEW YORK -- In the real world, political primaries are looming, impeachment is ongoing and heavy news never seems to stop. But during commercial breaks in the Super Bowl, advertisers did their best to serve up an antidote heavily spiked with fun.
True, political ads did invade the game, with President Trump and Michael Bloomberg, one of his Democratic challengers, both running spots. But mostly advertisers struck back with millions spent on celebrities, humor and even some weirdness.
"Just let us have fun," said Stacey Wykoski, an administrative assistant.in Grand Rapids, Michigan who watched the game at a Super Bowl Party with around a dozen people. "We're going to be so deluged with political ads over the next nine months."
For the most part, Super Bowl advertisers tried to oblige. They stayed away from social-cause messages and focused on lighthearted ads, stuffing them with popular celebrities, hit songs, funny dances and other gambits to appeal to Americans.
"This year it's all about a return to Super Bowl basics," said Kelly O'Keefe, managing partner of consultancy Brand Federation. "This is a year of pure escapism at a time when we all crave a little escape."
This undated image provided by Cheetos shows MC Hammer in a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. "U Can't Touch This" is 30 years old this year but just as familiar as ever. (Cheetos via AP) -
Since the Super Bowl falls on Groundhog's Day this year, it was nearly inevitable that there would be a nod to the classic 1993 movie. Jeep took the ball and ran with it, painstakingly recreating the town square and other locations from the film and casting original actors Bill Murray, Brian Doyle Murray and Stephen Tobolowsky. The twist: instead of a Chevrolet truck, Murray uses a Jeep Gladiator truck for his daily exploits.
Cheetos capitalized on nostalgia by using the 30-year old MC Hammer classic "U Can't Touch This." The snack-food ad featured a man with bright orange Cheetos dust on his hands who can't stop to help move furniture or take care of office tasks. Hammer himself -- "Hammer pants" and all -- also kept popping up to utter his iconic catchphrase.
This undated image provided by Coca-Cola shows Martin Scorsese in a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. (Coca-Cola via AP) -
If ads starred one celebrity, they often had more. Coke launched Coke Energy with an ad showing actor Jonah Hill rallying to meet Martin Scorsese at a party by drinking Coke's new energy drink.
But stuffing celebrities in ads didn't always work. Hard Rock International enlisted Michael Bay for a frenetic commercial showing a frenzied heist caper involving Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez DJ Khaled, Pitbull, and Steven Van Zandt.
Charles Taylor, marketing professor at Villanova University, said many ads were "busy" with a lot going on. "They're going by quickly and it is hard to pick everything up."
That was true for Mark Nelson, watching the game at home with friends in Chicago. He said the Hard Rock ad stopped conversation at the Super Bowl party he was at, but "the story overwhelmed the brand. As one of my friends said, "I have no idea what that was for,'" he said.
This undated image provided by Audi shows a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. Arya can sing as well as battle enemies, it turns out. "Game of Thrones" actress Maisie Williams belts out the hit Disney song from "Frozen, "Let it Go," as she drives an Audi through steaming heat and traffic in a 60-second ad that promotes Audi's e-tron family of electric vehicles. The ad airs in the second quarter. (Audi via AP) -
The Super Bowl is always attracts automakers launching a new vehicles, and this year nearly every carmaker touted an electric car.
Audi showed "Game of Thrones" actress Maisie Williams singing "Let it Go" to promote Audi's suite of electric vehicles. Hummer introduced HummerEV with a cinematic black-and-white ad touting how quiet yet powerful the car is.
Porsche promoted its Taycan electric car with a frenetic car chase. And Ford showed off its electric Mustang with the help of Idris Elba.
This undated file image provided by Pringles shows a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot which partners with the show "Rick and Morty." Pringle's enlisted Adult Swim's animated "Rick and Morty" duo with a meta ad in which the characters realize they're stuck inside a Pringles commercial. (Pringles via AP, File) -
A tinge of weirdness crept into this years barrage of humor and celebrities. Quicken Loans Rocket Mortgage had an unsettling ad that showed "Aquaman" star Jason Momoa, known for his buff physique, heading home to "be himself" -- as he strips off his muscles and hair to reveal he is skinny and bald. TurboTax tried to tie doing taxes into a CGI-enhanced dance of wobbling knees to a bouncy song, "All People Are Tax People."
Snickers imagined a world where people sing on a hilltop (an homage to a famous "Hilltop" Coke ad) about digging a giant hole and putting a giant Snickers in it because the "world is out of sorts."
And Pringle's enlisted Adult Swim's animated "Rick and Morty" duo with a meta ad in which the characters realize they're stuck inside a Pringles commercial.
This undated image provided by Google shows a scene from the company's 2020 Super Bowl NFL football spot. Google's 90-second ad is one of the few ads this year that doesn't use humor or celebrities. It attempts to tug at the heartstrings, featuring a man reminiscing about his wife, using the Google Assistant feature to pull up old photos of her and past vacations. (Google via AP) -
Advertisers worked hard to avoid the return of "sadvertising" from a few years back -- when Nationwide Insurance did an ad about a child who died, among other gloomy spots -- and generally steered clear of polarizing issues like income inequality or immigration as we saw in 2017.
But there were still some serious messages in the mix.
The NFL ran a 60-second ad about the devastation police violence has on families. Microsoft showcased Katie Sowers, the first female coach in a Super Bowl game. And New York Life focused on the different types of love in its ad. Verizon enlisted Harrison Ford to voice an ad that salutes first responders.
Google's ad stood out. It features a man reminiscing about his wife, using the Google Assistant feature to pull up old photos of her and past vacations.
Cortney Effinger, watching the game with her family outside of Detroit, Michigan, liked the ad.
"It struck the heart chords," she said. The ad worked because not many ads took the "quiet" approach this year, said Paul Argenti, a Dartmouth College professor of corporate communication.
"That's why it stands out, it's a little bit slower and focused on a social theme," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Images from the Super Bowl 54 halftime show

Firewoks explode over Hard Rock Stadium during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs Sunday , Feb. 2 , 2020 , in Miami Gardens , Fla .

Firewoks explode over Hard Rock Stadium during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Record high temp set at O'Hare

This time in 2019 , the Chicago area tied a cold record when a polar vortex gripped the area and getting above zero felt `` warm . ''
On Sunday , a record high of 52 degrees was set at O'Hare International Airport as suburbanites hit walking trails , jogged in shorts and soaked up some vitamin D. '' Everyone 's shoving their kids out the door today , '' Cathy Campana of St. Charles said Sunday afternoon as she set off on a walk around Peck Farm Park in Geneva .
`` The wind is strong , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great place for a walk .
The ( Geneva ) park district keeps it up . ''
Ricky Castro , a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Romeoville , said O'Hare set a record high for Feb. 2 , breaking the mark set in 1992 .
Unofficially , Midway Airport actually hit 54 degrees Sunday , but the melting snowcover kept some suburban areas in the upper 40s Sunday , Castro said .
`` It 's certainly been a bit milder this winter .
This particular warm-up will be short-lived , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the week will be seasonal in the low 40s and 30s .
In Pennsylvania , Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day , predicting an early spring .
But in McHenry County , Woodstock Willie did , in fact , see his shadow , signifying six more weeks of winter .
Andreas and Mary Alice Ernst of St. Charles took their dog , Bandit , for a walk in Geneva Sunday and recalled a year ago when it was well below zero on their son 's 21st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of winter , we 'll take it , '' Mary Alice Ernst said .

Record high temp set at O'Hare -- remember what it was like a year ago?
What a difference a year makes.
This time in 2019, the Chicago area tied a cold record when a polar vortex gripped the area and getting above zero felt "warm."
On Sunday, a record high of 52 degrees was set at O'Hare International Airport as suburbanites hit walking trails, jogged in shorts and soaked up some vitamin D.
"Everyone's shoving their kids out the door today," Cathy Campana of St. Charles said Sunday afternoon as she set off on a walk around Peck Farm Park in Geneva. "The wind is strong, but the sun feels good. This is a great place for a walk. The (Geneva) park district keeps it up."
Ricky Castro, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Romeoville, said O'Hare set a record high for Feb. 2, breaking the mark set in 1992.
Unofficially, Midway Airport actually hit 54 degrees Sunday, but the melting snowcover kept some suburban areas in the upper 40s Sunday, Castro said.
"It's certainly been a bit milder this winter. This particular warm-up will be short-lived," said Castro, noting high temperatures for the rest of the week will be seasonal in the low 40s and 30s.
In Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting an early spring. But in McHenry County, Woodstock Willie did, in fact, see his shadow, signifying six more weeks of winter.
Andreas and Mary Alice Ernst of St. Charles took their dog, Bandit, for a walk in Geneva Sunday and recalled a year ago when it was well below zero on their son's 21st birthday.
"It this is the rest of winter, we'll take it," Mary Alice Ernst said.


Some came from around the area , while others from other states , waking up in the early morning hours Sunday to see Woodstock Willie predict six more weeks of winter during Woodstock 's annual Groundhog Day Prognostication .
Speaking at the ceremony in the Woodstock Square , Rick Bellairs , chairman of the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee , said the crowd was by far the biggest the annual event has ever drawn .
A polka band played a variety of songs to mark the occasion and wake Woodstock Willie from his winter nap .
Still , the groundhog was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Sager called the critter `` feisty '' as he wiggled his legs and squirmed around while being pulled out of his tree trunk home to give his prediction .
Sager announced , in front of the crowd of hundreds , that Woodstock Willie did see his shadow .
Though some groaned when the prospect of more winter weather was announced , the overall atmosphere around the square was joyful , as people came to celebrate Groundhog Day in the same place where the famous movie of the same name was filmed years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Village has been coming to the Groundhog Day Prognostication for three years with her husband , Daniel .
`` It 's so awesome , '' Howard said .
`` The energy is huge .
I ca n't believe how many people show up . ''
Howard 's first time at the prognostication was when she was pregnant with her now 2-year-old son , also named Daniel .
`` We wanted to make it a family tradition , '' she said .
`` We 're both superfans of the movie . ''
While her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's still a little young to know exactly what 's happening , Sheila Howard said .
`` But you will , '' she said to her son , holding him while they waited to take a picture with the groundhog after the prognostication .
`` Future fan , right ? ''
Howard even watched the film two days ago in preparation for the holiday .
The only damper on the day was the groundhog 's prediction .
`` We thought for sure it would be ( an early ) spring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Lake in the Hills native who now lives in Minnesota , said he and his mother and brother were invited to be extras in `` Groundhog Day '' when it was filmed in 1992 .
`` Unfortunately for my brother and I , our scene got cut out , '' Scholl said , adding that his mom still made it into the movie .
Sunday was Scholl 's first time celebrating Groundhog Day in Woodstock , though he has been back to see the sights and places used in the movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scholl said .
`` It 's really great ( that ) the town continues to keep the festival going . ''
Scholl said he thinks it 's nice to see everyone come together , especially considering today 's political climate .
`` Here 's a thing we can celebrate together , put our differences aside and come together for a silly , fun , good time , '' Scholl said .
Erica Kaye , her husband , and 15-year-old daughter were up at 4:30 a.m. to come to Woodstock from the Racine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prognostication because they could n't find parking , Kaye said the family was excited to check out the town nonetheless .
`` We loved the movie , '' she said .
`` It 's just a really cute town . ''
Karen Bergendahl was up at 3 a.m. , driving in from Chicago to see the prognostication .
She made it just in time .
`` I wanted to do this for the last two years , '' she said .
`` Unfortunately , last year , I had broken my right leg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told myself this year I 'm going to do it . ''
Walking into the square Sunday morning it was `` just like falling smack dab in the middle of the movie , '' Bergendahl said .
Bergendahl said she had been planning the day online for about a week .
Among other things , she wanted to partake in the Groundhog Day Breakfast , the `` toast to world peace , '' see the movie again when it was played in the Woodstock Theatre , and take the walking tour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bergendahl said .
`` It 's a fun thing to do ...
I am going to enjoy this whole entire day ...
I 'm just thrilled beyond belief to be here . ''

Bundle up -- Woodstock Willie says six more weeks of winter
Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager passes along the bad news -- Woodstock Willie spotted his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter -- to a crowd of nearly 3,000 that packed the city's famous square Sunday. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
The Woodstock Square was packed with a crowd estimated at 3,000 Sunday morning for the annual Groundhog Day Prognostication. Bad news for anyone hoping for more days like Sunday -- Woodstock Willie says we have six more weeks of winter ahead. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
Woodstock Willie spotted his shadow when taken from his tree trunk home Sunday morning on the Woodstock Square, and that means six more weeks of winter lie ahead. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
Organizers of Woodstock's Groundhog Days celebration say they had their largest crowd ever come out to the town square Sunday for the annual Groundhog Day Prognostication. Despite Woodstock Willie's forecast -- six more weeks of winter -- spirits were high on the square. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
Woodstock Willie delivers his forecast -- six more weeks of winter, unfortunately -- on Sunday during Woodstock's annual Groundhog Day Prognostication. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
Woodstock Willie was a little grumpy when handler Mark Szafran pulled from his tree trunk home early Sunday morning to deliver his annual weather forecast to a crowd of about 3,000 that filled the Woodstock Square to learn whether he spotted his shadow. He did, and that means we've got six more weeks of winter to endure. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Media
Some came from around the area, while others from other states, waking up in the early morning hours Sunday to see Woodstock Willie predict six more weeks of winter during Woodstock's annual Groundhog Day Prognostication.
Speaking at the ceremony in the Woodstock Square, Rick Bellairs, chairman of the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee, said the crowd was by far the biggest the annual event has ever drawn.
A polka band played a variety of songs to mark the occasion and wake Woodstock Willie from his winter nap.
Still, the groundhog was somewhat cranky on Sunday. Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager called the critter "feisty" as he wiggled his legs and squirmed around while being pulled out of his tree trunk home to give his prediction.
Sager announced, in front of the crowd of hundreds, that Woodstock Willie did see his shadow.
Though some groaned when the prospect of more winter weather was announced, the overall atmosphere around the square was joyful, as people came to celebrate Groundhog Day in the same place where the famous movie of the same name was filmed years ago.
Sheila Howard of Elk Grove Village has been coming to the Groundhog Day Prognostication for three years with her husband, Daniel.
"It's so awesome," Howard said. "The energy is huge. I can't believe how many people show up."
Howard's first time at the prognostication was when she was pregnant with her now 2-year-old son, also named Daniel.
"We wanted to make it a family tradition," she said. "We're both superfans of the movie."
While her son has seen parts of the movie, he's still a little young to know exactly what's happening, Sheila Howard said.
"But you will," she said to her son, holding him while they waited to take a picture with the groundhog after the prognostication. "Future fan, right?"
Howard even watched the film two days ago in preparation for the holiday. The only damper on the day was the groundhog's prediction.
"We thought for sure it would be (an early) spring," Sheila Howard said.
Karl Scholl, a Lake in the Hills native who now lives in Minnesota, said he and his mother and brother were invited to be extras in "Groundhog Day" when it was filmed in 1992.
"Unfortunately for my brother and I, our scene got cut out," Scholl said, adding that his mom still made it into the movie.
Sunday was Scholl's first time celebrating Groundhog Day in Woodstock, though he has been back to see the sights and places used in the movie.
"It was wonderful," Scholl said. "It's really great (that) the town continues to keep the festival going."
Scholl said he thinks it's nice to see everyone come together, especially considering today's political climate.
"Here's a thing we can celebrate together, put our differences aside and come together for a silly, fun, good time," Scholl said.
Erica Kaye, her husband, and 15-year-old daughter were up at 4:30 a.m. to come to Woodstock from the Racine, Wisconsin area.
Though they missed the prognostication because they couldn't find parking, Kaye said the family was excited to check out the town nonetheless.
"We loved the movie," she said. "It's just a really cute town."
Karen Bergendahl was up at 3 a.m., driving in from Chicago to see the prognostication. She made it just in time.
"I wanted to do this for the last two years," she said. "Unfortunately, last year, I had broken my right leg and it was in a cast. I told myself this year I'm going to do it."
Walking into the square Sunday morning it was "just like falling smack dab in the middle of the movie," Bergendahl said.
Bergendahl said she had been planning the day online for about a week. Among other things, she wanted to partake in the Groundhog Day Breakfast, the "toast to world peace," see the movie again when it was played in the Woodstock Theatre, and take the walking tour.
"It's just fun," Bergendahl said. "It's a fun thing to do ... I am going to enjoy this whole entire day ... I'm just thrilled beyond belief to be here."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-02--Why some schools get state grants to cut property taxes

Some suburban homeowners could see their property tax bills temporarily cut by as much as several hundred dollars through a deal in which school boards agree to reduce tax collections in exchange for state grants .
But residents of only five suburban school districts will get the tax break , and officials at some schools left out say the grants are n't going where they 're needed the most .
In the suburbs , Marquardt Elementary District 15 in Glendale Heights , Queen Bee Elementary District 16 in Glendale Heights , Round Lake Area Unit District 116 , Grayslake High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elementary District 3 qualified for the grants .
They 'll have to forgo a collective $ 18 million in property taxes over the next two years in exchange for a combined $ 16.6 million from the state .
They are among 39 school districts across the state eligible to share $ 53.6 million in exchange for cutting $ 57.3 million in taxes this year and next , according to the Illinois State Board of Education .
The schools will abate the taxes , a temporary measure , rather than reduce the tax levy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cap if the school district wanted to raise it again .
While the districts lose a small amount of funding during those two years , the benefit to participating in the program is twofold .
One is tax relief to property owners , and the other is that the amount of taxes each district abates each year of the grant funding will be added to the district 's total state aid in year three and beyond , ISBE officials who administer the grants said .
There is no requirement that school districts continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , though some school officials said that would be the plan .
The school boards have until the end of March to file abatement requests with their county clerks in order to qualify for the grants .
`` We 're not blind to the reality that property taxes are high , '' said Queen Bee Elementary District 16 Superintendent Joseph Williams .
`` We can afford the small loss of revenue because we have come in under budget in recent years , so this would be hard to justify taking a pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgo $ 1,646,402 in property taxes this year and next to receive two installments of $ 1,498,324 in annual grants .
The move is expected to save the average homeowner $ 20 to $ 40 a year .
Elsewhere , tax bills could drop as much as several hundred dollars a year , officials said .
Commercial property owners would also see tax bill reductions .
Grants are awarded based on a formula using the school district 's tax rate and figures from the state 's Evidence-Based Funding program that ranks each district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been met with scorn from some who complain that wealthier districts are receiving the grants while needier districts are blocked .
Last year , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200 were among those that received grant funding , according to ISBE .
The state adjusted the eligibility formula this year and added a requirement that taxes be abated for two years , but some school districts in better financial shape than others still received grant funding .
John Haffner , executive director of business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33 , complained districts ranked higher by the state because of the ability to `` adequately '' fund operations are edging out districts identified by the state as neediest .
He argued the state 's use of a district 's property tax rate in the grant-funding formula is n't a good barometer of a district 's need for property tax relief .
`` We are at 62 % adequacy , '' Haffner said .
`` Fox River Grove and Skokie are districts with over 100 % ( funding ) adequacy .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on salaries , benefits , resources and facilities while District 33 fights to pay market-level salaries , fights high student-to-teacher ratios , ca n't offer the same resources that 100 % adequacy districts offer , and local taxpayers have a higher burden to properly educate their students . ''
It would take legislative action to change the grant eligibility requirements , state officials said .
In all , 21 elementary districts , 10 unit districts and eight high school districts were awarded the grants .
Those school boards are expected to vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact that we applied for this supports there is general interest in it from our board , '' said Donn Mendoza , superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit District 116 .
`` Part of the general consensus is that tax bills are high , and any time there 's an opportunity to provide relief while maintaining our academic programming , we seriously need to consider it . ''
District 116 would have to abate $ 3,351,380 this year and next in order to receive $ 3,310,310 in annual grant funds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the gap between the tax cut and grant is much wider .
• Marquardt Elementary District 15 must abate $ 2,400,663 each year to receive $ 2,081,009 in yearly grants .
• Fox River Grove Elementary District 3 must abate $ 309,313 each year to receive $ 209,450 in yearly grants .
• Grayslake High School District 127 must abate $ 1,332,485 each year to receive $ 1,252,307 in yearly grants .
This is the second time District 127 has received this type of grant since the program was instituted last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.7 million after abating $ 2.9 million in property taxes .
Last year , 28 districts split $ 50 million for an average grant award of $ 1.7 million .
This year , while there is more money , there are more districts receiving funds , so the average grant award dropped to $ 1.3 million .

Why some schools get state grants to cut property taxes
Grayslake High School District 127 is one of five suburban schools eligible for a state grant if it reduces property taxes. It is the second year the district has been awarded the grant. Daily Herald File Photo/2016
This story has been corrected to show estimates for property tax savings in Queen Bee Elementary District 16.
Some suburban homeowners could see their property tax bills temporarily cut by as much as several hundred dollars through a deal in which school boards agree to reduce tax collections in exchange for state grants.
But residents of only five suburban school districts will get the tax break, and officials at some schools left out say the grants aren't going where they're needed the most.
In the suburbs, Marquardt Elementary District 15 in Glendale Heights, Queen Bee Elementary District 16 in Glendale Heights, Round Lake Area Unit District 116, Grayslake High School District 127 and Fox River Grove Elementary District 3 qualified for the grants.
They'll have to forgo a collective $18 million in property taxes over the next two years in exchange for a combined $16.6 million from the state.
They are among 39 school districts across the state eligible to share $53.6 million in exchange for cutting $57.3 million in taxes this year and next, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
The schools will abate the taxes, a temporary measure, rather than reduce the tax levy, which would be subject to a cap if the school district wanted to raise it again.
While the districts lose a small amount of funding during those two years, the benefit to participating in the program is twofold. One is tax relief to property owners, and the other is that the amount of taxes each district abates each year of the grant funding will be added to the district's total state aid in year three and beyond, ISBE officials who administer the grants said.
There is no requirement that school districts continue to abate property taxes after the second year, though some school officials said that would be the plan. The school boards have until the end of March to file abatement requests with their county clerks in order to qualify for the grants.
"We're not blind to the reality that property taxes are high," said Queen Bee Elementary District 16 Superintendent Joseph Williams. "We can afford the small loss of revenue because we have come in under budget in recent years, so this would be hard to justify taking a pass on."
Williams' district must forgo $1,646,402 in property taxes this year and next to receive two installments of $1,498,324 in annual grants. The move is expected to save the average homeowner about $200 a year, district officials said.
Elsewhere, tax bills could drop as much as several hundred dollars a year, officials said. Commercial property owners would also see tax bill reductions.
Grants are awarded based on a formula using the school district's tax rate and figures from the state's Evidence-Based Funding program that ranks each district's financial health. The formula has been met with scorn from some who complain that wealthier districts are receiving the grants while needier districts are blocked.
Last year, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200 were among those that received grant funding, according to ISBE. The state adjusted the eligibility formula this year and added a requirement that taxes be abated for two years, but some school districts in better financial shape than others still received grant funding.
John Haffner, executive director of business and operations at West Chicago Elementary District 33, complained districts ranked higher by the state because of the ability to "adequately" fund operations are edging out districts identified by the state as neediest. He argued the state's use of a district's property tax rate in the grant-funding formula isn't a good barometer of a district's need for property tax relief.
"We are at 62% adequacy," Haffner said. "Fox River Grove and Skokie are districts with over 100% (funding) adequacy. They are being rewarded with relief for spending more on salaries, benefits, resources and facilities while District 33 fights to pay market-level salaries, fights high student-to-teacher ratios, can't offer the same resources that 100% adequacy districts offer, and local taxpayers have a higher burden to properly educate their students."
It would take legislative action to change the grant eligibility requirements, state officials said.
In all, 21 elementary districts, 10 unit districts and eight high school districts were awarded the grants. Those school boards are expected to vote on abating the taxes later this month.
"The fact that we applied for this supports there is general interest in it from our board," said Donn Mendoza, superintendent of Round Lake Area Unit District 116. "Part of the general consensus is that tax bills are high, and any time there's an opportunity to provide relief while maintaining our academic programming, we seriously need to consider it."
District 116 would have to abate $3,351,380 this year and next in order to receive $3,310,310 in annual grant funds, a near wash. In other districts, the gap between the tax cut and grant is much wider.
• Marquardt Elementary District 15 must abate $2,400,663 each year to receive $2,081,009 in yearly grants.
• Fox River Grove Elementary District 3 must abate $309,313 each year to receive $209,450 in yearly grants.
• Grayslake High School District 127 must abate $1,332,485 each year to receive $1,252,307 in yearly grants.
This is the second time District 127 has received this type of grant since the program was instituted last year. In 2019, the district received $2.7 million after abating $2.9 million in property taxes.
Last year, 28 districts split $50 million for an average grant award of $1.7 million. This year, while there is more money, there are more districts receiving funds, so the average grant award dropped to $1.3 million.
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Contact Jake at jgriffin@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4602.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-01--Friends, family, fellow officers pay respects to retired Illinois State Police trooper

Family , friends and fellow Illinois State Police troopers gathered at a Maywood church Saturday for the funeral of slain retired Senior Master Trooper Gregory Rieves , whom they described as loving , charismatic and prayerful .
Dozens upon dozens of squad cars and official vehicles lined Madison Street outside Rock of Ages Baptist Church .
It was standing room only inside the enormous church where mourners included Rieves ' son Gregory Rieves Jr. , Rieves ' parents and siblings , fellow troopers , classmates from Proviso East High School who dressed in school colors , and Phi Beta Sigma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indiana State University .
Rieves was murdered in a Lisle cigar lounge Jan. 24 , less than a year after he retired from a 25-year career with the Illinois State Police .
Surveillance video showed that a woman shot Rieves , 51 , in the back of the head `` without apparent provocation , '' according to Lisle police .
The assailant , Lisa V. McMullan of Chicago , also wounded off-duty state Trooper Kaiton Bullock , 48 , and retired Special Agent Lloyd Graham , 55 , before killing herself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminisced about his decadeslong friendship with Rieves .
`` We laughed until we cried , all the time , '' he said .
Another state trooper described Rieves as a `` protector '' who always had his fellow officers ' backs .
One of Rieves ' childhood friends presented his son with a framed photograph of the trooper along with framed baseball and basketball jerseys in Proviso East 's royal blue and white colors .
During his eulogy , Gregory Rieves Jr. said his father `` would want me to be the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uphold his legacy . ''

Friends, family, fellow officers pay respects to retired Illinois State Police trooper
Mourners record on their cellphones the exit of the casket carrying retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves from Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood on Saturday. The 25-year state police veteran was shot and killed Jan. 24 at a Lisle cigar lounge. Mark Black for the Daily Herald
The Maywood Fire Department proceeds by the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in honor of retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves before his funeral Saturday in Maywood. The 25-year state police veteran was shot and killed Jan. 24 at a Lisle cigar lounge. Mark Black for the Daily Herald
Mourners enter the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood for the funeral Saturday of retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves, who was killed at a Lisle cigar lounge on Jan. 24. Mark Black for the Daily Herald
The state of Illinois and State Police flags are lowered as the casket of retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves passes upon exiting the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood where the retired officer's funeral was held on Saturday. Mark Black for the Daily Herald
Family, friends and fellow Illinois State Police troopers gathered at a Maywood church Saturday for the funeral of slain retired Senior Master Trooper Gregory Rieves, whom they described as loving, charismatic and prayerful.
Dozens upon dozens of squad cars and official vehicles lined Madison Street outside Rock of Ages Baptist Church. It was standing room only inside the enormous church where mourners included Rieves' son Gregory Rieves Jr., Rieves' parents and siblings, fellow troopers, classmates from Proviso East High School who dressed in school colors, and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brothers from Rieves' alma mater, Indiana State University.
Rieves was murdered in a Lisle cigar lounge Jan. 24, less than a year after he retired from a 25-year career with the Illinois State Police. Surveillance video showed that a woman shot Rieves, 51, in the back of the head "without apparent provocation," according to Lisle police.
The assailant, Lisa V. McMullan of Chicago, also wounded off-duty state Trooper Kaiton Bullock, 48, and retired Special Agent Lloyd Graham, 55, before killing herself, authorities said.
A training officer, reminisced about his decadeslong friendship with Rieves. "We laughed until we cried, all the time," he said. Another state trooper described Rieves as a "protector" who always had his fellow officers' backs.
One of Rieves' childhood friends presented his son with a framed photograph of the trooper along with framed baseball and basketball jerseys in Proviso East's royal blue and white colors.
During his eulogy, Gregory Rieves Jr. said his father "would want me to be the man that he was. ... I will uphold his legacy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Costco plan would force out Ogden 6 theater in Naperville

A plan to bring a second Costco warehouse to Naperville is being hailed as an exciting replacement of a long-vacant storefront , but it also would force a popular movie theater to move or shut down .
Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theater rents space in the Ogden Mall shopping center , which Costco plans to buy so it can build a 159,000-square-foot store , said Christine Jeffries , president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership .
Costco 's plan would take up 16 acres on the west side of the 33-acre Ogden Mall site , allowing the H Mart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CVS , Panera Bread and a bank to stay , Jeffries said .
But Ogden 6 and several other businesses in small storefronts would have to go , she said .
Chris Johnson , CEO of Classic Cinemas and owner of Ogden 6 , said he has not received official notification from his landlord that his lease will be terminated .
Once he receives notification , he said , the lease gives him six months to vacate the theater at 1227 E. Ogden Ave. '' If Costco comes , 100 % , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're trying to figure out the different options . ''
Jeffries and Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said the city is working to help the theater find a nearby spot to make its new home .
`` It 's been a good institution in Naperville and it 's well-liked by many , including myself , '' Chirico said .
`` There are a couple locations that are really good in the immediate area .
We 're trying to encourage them .
We 're hopeful that will come together . ''
Ogden 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and under Johnson 's ownership since 1996 .
In fall 2018 , the theater reopened its six auditoriums after a renovation brought wall-to-wall screens and heated , reclining seats .
Johnson said he went ahead with the upgrades despite a lack of assurance from his landlord about the property 's future .
`` We were tired of not doing anything , so we invested all of the money into it and made it nice , '' he said .
`` And the public responded fabulously . ''
Johnson said he 'd love the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls through .
And while he has begun to investigate relocation options , he said , he has n't found one that fits .
`` You do n't just pick up the seats and go to another space , '' Johnson said .
`` It costs a lot of money to build a theater or relocate . ''
Demolishing the aging Ogden Mall buildings , including a Kmart that has stood vacant for seven years , is expected to be expensive for Costco , Chirico said .
So the city is negotiating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the costs of site work .
Details about a proposed incentive offer are expected to be up for discussion during the city council 's second meeting this month , set for 7 p.m. Tuesday , Feb. 18 , at the Naperville Municipal Center , 400 S. Eagle St. Chirico said he hopes the inclusion of a new Costco along a corridor the city hopes to revive will create a domino effect of filling business vacancies .
Jeffries said the warehouse retailer is known to have a strong `` halo effect . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can track an increase in sales for surrounding stores , '' she said .
`` They 're just a really positive business partner . ''

Costco plan would force out Ogden 6 theater in Naperville
A plan to bring a second Costco warehouse to Naperville is being hailed as an exciting replacement of a long-vacant storefront, but it also would force a popular movie theater to move or shut down.
Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theater rents space in the Ogden Mall shopping center, which Costco plans to buy so it can build a 159,000-square-foot store, said Christine Jeffries, president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership.
Costco's plan would take up 16 acres on the west side of the 33-acre Ogden Mall site, allowing the H Mart Asian grocery store and outlots including a CVS, Panera Bread and a bank to stay, Jeffries said. But Ogden 6 and several other businesses in small storefronts would have to go, she said.
Chris Johnson, CEO of Classic Cinemas and owner of Ogden 6, said he has not received official notification from his landlord that his lease will be terminated. Once he receives notification, he said, the lease gives him six months to vacate the theater at 1227 E. Ogden Ave.
"If Costco comes, 100%, we are gone," Johnson said. "We're trying to figure out the different options."
Jeffries and Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico said the city is working to help the theater find a nearby spot to make its new home.
"It's been a good institution in Naperville and it's well-liked by many, including myself," Chirico said. "There are a couple locations that are really good in the immediate area. We're trying to encourage them. We're hopeful that will come together."
Ogden 6 has been in operation since the mid-1970s and under Johnson's ownership since 1996.
In fall 2018, the theater reopened its six auditoriums after a renovation brought wall-to-wall screens and heated, reclining seats. Johnson said he went ahead with the upgrades despite a lack of assurance from his landlord about the property's future.
"We were tired of not doing anything, so we invested all of the money into it and made it nice," he said. "And the public responded fabulously."
Johnson said he'd love the theater to stay if the Costco deal falls through. And while he has begun to investigate relocation options, he said, he hasn't found one that fits.
"You don't just pick up the seats and go to another space," Johnson said. "It costs a lot of money to build a theater or relocate."
Demolishing the aging Ogden Mall buildings, including a Kmart that has stood vacant for seven years, is expected to be expensive for Costco, Chirico said. So the city is negotiating a potential sales-tax rebate to help offset some of the costs of site work.
Details about a proposed incentive offer are expected to be up for discussion during the city council's second meeting this month, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Chirico said he hopes the inclusion of a new Costco along a corridor the city hopes to revive will create a domino effect of filling business vacancies.
Jeffries said the warehouse retailer is known to have a strong "halo effect."
"Wherever a Costco goes, you can track an increase in sales for surrounding stores," she said. "They're just a really positive business partner."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--$40 million in first month of legal pot sales

The state 's recreational marijuana retailers generated nearly $ 40 million worth of sales and taxes during the first month of operations , nearly a quarter of which came from non-Illinois residents .
That 's according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation , which announced sales figures for January reached $ 39,247,840.83 .
Of that , $ 30.6 million was sold to Illinois residents .
The other $ 8.6 million was generated by out-of-state buyers .
The 972,045 sales transactions in January amounted to an average of $ 40 per purchase .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which averages to nearly $ 900,000 in sales per store .
Tax money from recreational sales will go toward an array of state services , including community development in areas `` harmed most by the failed war on drugs , '' officials said .
By the end of February , the Illinois Department of Revenue is expected to determine how much of the first month 's sales figure was tax money .
Taxes on recreational marijuana vary depending on the potency of the drug .
Under the law , 35 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's general fund ; 25 % will go to the `` restore , reinvest and renew , '' or R3 , program , an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana ; 20 % will go to address substance abuse and mental health ; 10 % will go to pay the state 's bills ; 8 % will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement ; and 2 % to fund a public education campaign and data analysis about the effects of legalization .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be applied to marijuana sales .
`` The successful launch of the Illinois ' legal cannabis industry represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs and the very communities that have historically been harmed by the failed war on drugs , '' said Toi Hutchinson , senior advisor for cannabis control to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
`` The administration is dedicated to providing multiple points of entry into this new industry , from dispensary owners to transporters , to ensure legalization is equitable and accessible for all Illinoisans . ''
New retail licenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide for sales in more commercially viable locations throughout the state .
Currently , retailers already set up to sell medical marijuana are allowed to sell it for recreational use .
In the suburbs , the locations now offering recreational sales are in Addison , Mundelein and North Aurora .
Most of those operations are in industrial areas , rather than commercial districts .
Legal sales of marijuana began Jan. 1 and was met with enthusiasm as stores reported hundreds of people waiting in line on the first day .
Stores generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that first day , state officials reported .
Sales were so brisk initially , that some stores closed for a day in the first few day as supplies dwindled and concern grew that medical marijuana users would be turned away as well .
Also , some stores just wanted to give workers a break , operators said at the time .

$40 million in first month of legal pot sales
The state's recreational marijuana retailers generated nearly $40 million worth of sales and taxes during the first month of operations, nearly a quarter of which came from non-Illinois residents.
That's according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which announced sales figures for January reached $39,247,840.83.
Of that, $30.6 million was sold to Illinois residents. The other $8.6 million was generated by out-of-state buyers.
The 972,045 sales transactions in January amounted to an average of $40 per purchase. The state has 45 stores offering recreational sales, which averages to nearly $900,000 in sales per store.
Tax money from recreational sales will go toward an array of state services, including community development in areas "harmed most by the failed war on drugs," officials said. By the end of February, the Illinois Department of Revenue is expected to determine how much of the first month's sales figure was tax money.
Taxes on recreational marijuana vary depending on the potency of the drug. Under the law, 35% of marijuana tax revenues will go to the state's general fund; 25% will go to the "restore, reinvest and renew," or R3, program, an effort to reinvest in communities most affected by the criminalization of marijuana; 20% will go to address substance abuse and mental health; 10% will go to pay the state's bills; 8% will be distributed among local governments to support law enforcement; and 2% to fund a public education campaign and data analysis about the effects of legalization.
Later this year, municipal and county taxes will also be applied to marijuana sales.
"The successful launch of the Illinois' legal cannabis industry represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs and the very communities that have historically been harmed by the failed war on drugs," said Toi Hutchinson, senior advisor for cannabis control to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "The administration is dedicated to providing multiple points of entry into this new industry, from dispensary owners to transporters, to ensure legalization is equitable and accessible for all Illinoisans."
New retail licenses will be issued in the coming months to provide for sales in more commercially viable locations throughout the state. Currently, retailers already set up to sell medical marijuana are allowed to sell it for recreational use. In the suburbs, the locations now offering recreational sales are in Addison, Mundelein and North Aurora. Most of those operations are in industrial areas, rather than commercial districts.
Legal sales of marijuana began Jan. 1 and was met with enthusiasm as stores reported hundreds of people waiting in line on the first day. Stores generated $3.2 million in sales and taxes that first day, state officials reported. Sales were so brisk initially, that some stores closed for a day in the first few day as supplies dwindled and concern grew that medical marijuana users would be turned away as well. Also, some stores just wanted to give workers a break, operators said at the time.
Daily Herald Staff Writer Elena Ferrarin contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Libertyville High School makes a cameo in NFL's Super Bowl commercial

Libertyville High School 's football field made a quick -- and for many , surprise -- appearance in the NFL 100 commercial that aired moments before the kickoff of Super Bowl 54 Sunday evening .
`` That was such a cool thing , '' said Mary Todoric , director of communications for Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 .
`` You do n't see your school on the lead-in to the Super Bowl every day . ''
It was the school 's short distance from another local tie-in -- Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey of Des Plaines filming her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lake Forest -- that led to Libertyville High 's cameo about a minute into the nearly three-minute commercial .
`` It needed to be somewhere in close proximity to Halas Hall , and they looked to us because we are , '' Todoric said .
The school 's appearance comes when the star of the commercial , 12-year-old football prodigy Maxwell `` Bunchie '' Young , intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman , then holds the ball for a field-goal attempt by U.S. women 's soccer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soars through Libertyville High 's uprights , Young streaks across the field -- and past the school 's `` Home of the Wildcats '' scoreboard -- to catch it before dashing off to the next scene .
The crew that filmed the segment Jan. 16 acknowledged they were working for the NFL but not necessarily on a Super Bowl commercial , Todoric said .
They spent about 6½ hours at the school before heading to Halas Hall .
`` That was very cool for our girls soccer team , who got called out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carli , '' Todoric said .
Also filming at the school that day was New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley , who through the use of green screen appeared to be in an entirely different location .
Edelman was not at Libertyville High , even though the ad implies he 's on the same field as Lloyd .
The district 's administration offered the use of either Libertyville or Vernon Hills high schools , and after examining the angles and anticipated lighting at both , the producers chose Libertyville .
Administrators learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl Sunday , but most members of the school community did n't know until it aired just before kickoff .
The appearance was tweeted numerous times even before school resumed Monday morning , Todoric said .
As exciting as the Super Bowl appearance was for the school , it was hardly the district 's first brush with film cameras or the NFL .
Before its demolition in late 2014 , the district 's Brainerd Building in Libertyville served as a high school set for several films and television series .
Films shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enemies , '' `` The Unborn '' and `` New Port South . ''
And in 2018 , Vernon Hills High School hosted the Bears for a preseason practice .

Libertyville High School makes a cameo in NFL's Super Bowl commercial
Members of the Libertyville High School girls soccer team, as well as a few other students, met with U.S. women's soccer star Carli Lloyd, back row center with white headband, during the filming of her appearance in the NFL's Super Bowl commercial at the school Jan. 16. Courtesy of Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128
Libertyville High School made a cameo appearance in the NFL commercial that aired Sunday just before kickoff to Super Bowl LIV. YouTube screen shot
Libertyville High School's football field made a quick -- and for many, surprise -- appearance in the NFL 100 commercial that aired moments before the kickoff of Super Bowl 54 Sunday evening.
"That was such a cool thing," said Mary Todoric, director of communications for Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128. "You don't see your school on the lead-in to the Super Bowl every day."
It was the school's short distance from another local tie-in -- Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey of Des Plaines filming her appearance in the ad at Halas Hall in Lake Forest -- that led to Libertyville High's cameo about a minute into the nearly three-minute commercial.
"It needed to be somewhere in close proximity to Halas Hall, and they looked to us because we are," Todoric said.
The school's appearance comes when the star of the commercial, 12-year-old football prodigy Maxwell "Bunchie" Young, intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, then holds the ball for a field-goal attempt by U.S. women's soccer star Carli Lloyd. As the ball soars through Libertyville High's uprights, Young streaks across the field -- and past the school's "Home of the Wildcats" scoreboard -- to catch it before dashing off to the next scene.
The crew that filmed the segment Jan. 16 acknowledged they were working for the NFL but not necessarily on a Super Bowl commercial, Todoric said. They spent about 6½ hours at the school before heading to Halas Hall.
"That was very cool for our girls soccer team, who got called out to the field and got to meet Carli," Todoric said.
Also filming at the school that day was New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who through the use of green screen appeared to be in an entirely different location. Edelman was not at Libertyville High, even though the ad implies he's on the same field as Lloyd.
The district's administration offered the use of either Libertyville or Vernon Hills high schools, and after examining the angles and anticipated lighting at both, the producers chose Libertyville.
Administrators learned only recently the ad would run on Super Bowl Sunday, but most members of the school community didn't know until it aired just before kickoff. The appearance was tweeted numerous times even before school resumed Monday morning, Todoric said.
As exciting as the Super Bowl appearance was for the school, it was hardly the district's first brush with film cameras or the NFL.
Before its demolition in late 2014, the district's Brainerd Building in Libertyville served as a high school set for several films and television series. Films shot at District 128 facilities include "Public Enemies," "The Unborn" and "New Port South."
And in 2018, Vernon Hills High School hosted the Bears for a preseason practice.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Antioch man dies after driving snowmobile into lake

A 40-year-old Antioch man died after driving a snowmobile into West Loon Lake late Sunday in Antioch , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ Cooper said his office scheduled an autopsy on the man Monday afternoon .
The office @ @ @ @ @ 's name Tuesday morning , to allow his family to notify loved ones .
While @ @ @ @ @ in to help , the man was located in five feet of water by first @ @ @ @ @ Antioch Fire Chief Jon Cokefair said .
Resuscitation efforts were made and EMS workers took @ @ @ @ @ Medical Center in Libertyville with a pulse , Cokefair said .
Investigators believe the man @ @ @ @ @ an ice-covered part of the lake , but a thaw had opened a portion of @ @ @ @ @ plunged into the water , Cokefair said .
They do n't believe the vehicle crashed @ @ @ @ @ said the investigation team will be back out to the scene this morning to look @ @ @ @

Antioch man dies after driving snowmobile into lake
A 40-year-old Antioch man died after driving a snowmobile into West Loon Lake late Sunday in Antioch, authorities said.
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper said his office scheduled an autopsy on the man Monday afternoon. The office would likely release the man's name Tuesday morning, to allow his family to notify loved ones.
While specially trained divers were called in to help, the man was located in five feet of water by first responders on the surface, Antioch Fire Chief Jon Cokefair said.
Resuscitation efforts were made and EMS workers took the man to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with a pulse, Cokefair said.
Investigators believe the man was driving the snowmobile on an ice-covered part of the lake, but a thaw had opened a portion of the ice and the snowmobile plunged into the water, Cokefair said. They don't believe the vehicle crashed through the ice.
Cokefair said the investigation team will be back out to the scene this morning to look for more evidence.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Driver escapes injury after semi crashes into Elk Grove Village building

Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village was closed for hours between Busse Road and Lively Boulevard after a semitrailer truck crashed into a building early Monday morning .
The truck left the roadway when the driver lost control and struck the corner of Aoki Laboratory America , 1240 Landmeier Road , just before 6 a.m. , police said .
The driver was uninjured , and no one was inside the light manufacturing building at the time of the crash , according to Deputy Police Chief Mike Gaspari .
Crews were still working to remove the truck from the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temporary shutdown of through traffic on Landmeier near the crash scene , Gaspari said .
But those who work at businesses along Landmeier were allowed to pass through , he added .
Fire Chief Richard Mikel said the truck crash damaged the gas main on the side of the building , which led to a gas leak .
Nicor temporarily shut down gas service , while ComEd crews also arrived on site to turn off electricity .
The fire department also worked with building management to secure the roof structure before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikel said .
Police investigators are still trying to determine how and why the crash occurred .
No citations have been issued .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-03--Racketeering lawsuit targets Sandoval, SafeSpeed

SPRINGFIELD -- Former state Sen. Martin Sandoval and SafeSpeed LLC , the red-light camera company at the center of federal corruption charges against him , are now the targets of a racketeering lawsuit that seeks to void tens of thousands of traffic citations issued through the company 's devices .
Lawrence Gress , a Downers Grove resident and lead plaintiff in the case , filed the suit Monday under the federal Racketeering , Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act , a law most often used to prosecute organized crime syndicates .
But RICO also allows for private civil suits for actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lawsuit alleges SafeSpeed , its officers and employees paid bribes to Sandoval and other government officials to gain approval for placing its red-light cameras at various intersections in area suburbs .
Sandoval and the other government officials , the lawsuit alleges , were paid as `` undisclosed sales agents '' or `` consultants '' based on a percentage of the camera revenue .
Sandoval served in the state Senate from 2003 until Jan. 1 , when he resigned amid the corruption scandal .
Last week , Sandoval pleaded guilty to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud as part of a deal with prosecutors in which he agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations .
The RICO lawsuit is separate from the criminal case , but it is based largely on the same set of facts to which Sandoval has pleaded guilty .
It alleges SafeSpeed operated a corrupt enterprise , known as an `` association-in-fact , '' by conspiring with the other defendants to pay bribes or kickbacks to public officials who would steer contracts toward the company for operating red-light cameras .
Sandoval is accused of using his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company 's `` protector '' by ensuring legislation unfavorable to the company , including bills to ban the use of red-light cameras , would never pass and to help override objections from the Illinois Department of Transportation about the placement of certain cameras .
In exchange , the lawsuit alleges , SafeSpeed and its employees arranged to pay $ 20,000 a year in donations to Sandoval 's campaigns .
The lawsuit was filed as a proposed class action on behalf of an estimated 100,000 or more individuals who were fined $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a red-light camera that was `` corruptly and improperly installed , over repeated objections from IDOT , as a direct and proximate result of bribes paid . ''
Other defendants named in the suit are SafeSpeed co-founders and employees Nikki Zollar , Chris Lai , Khalid `` Cliff '' Maani and his son Omar Maani ; former Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci ; the city of Oakbrook Terrace ; Cook County Commissioner and McCook Village President Jeff Tobolski ; Tobolski 's chief of staff , Patrick Doherty ; former Chicago Deputy Aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Police Chief Robert Gedville ; Worth Township Supervisor and Democratic committeeman John O'Sullivan ; Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez ; Alsip Mayor John Ryan ; former state Rep. Michael Carberry of Oak Lawn ; Summit Police Chief John Kosmowski ; and Summit Public Works Chief Bill Mundy .

Racketeering lawsuit targets Sandoval, SafeSpeed
SPRINGFIELD -- Former state Sen. Martin Sandoval and SafeSpeed LLC, the red-light camera company at the center of federal corruption charges against him, are now the targets of a racketeering lawsuit that seeks to void tens of thousands of traffic citations issued through the company's devices.
Lawrence Gress, a Downers Grove resident and lead plaintiff in the case, filed the suit Monday under the federal Racketeering, Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a law most often used to prosecute organized crime syndicates. But RICO also allows for private civil suits for actions that are part of a criminal enterprise.
The lawsuit alleges SafeSpeed, its officers and employees paid bribes to Sandoval and other government officials to gain approval for placing its red-light cameras at various intersections in area suburbs.
Sandoval and the other government officials, the lawsuit alleges, were paid as "undisclosed sales agents" or "consultants" based on a percentage of the camera revenue.
Sandoval served in the state Senate from 2003 until Jan. 1, when he resigned amid the corruption scandal.
Last week, Sandoval pleaded guilty to one count each of federal bribery and tax fraud as part of a deal with prosecutors in which he agreed to cooperate with ongoing investigations. The RICO lawsuit is separate from the criminal case, but it is based largely on the same set of facts to which Sandoval has pleaded guilty.
It alleges SafeSpeed operated a corrupt enterprise, known as an "association-in-fact," by conspiring with the other defendants to pay bribes or kickbacks to public officials who would steer contracts toward the company for operating red-light cameras.
Sandoval is accused of using his position in the Senate to serve as the company's "protector" by ensuring legislation unfavorable to the company, including bills to ban the use of red-light cameras, would never pass and to help override objections from the Illinois Department of Transportation about the placement of certain cameras.
In exchange, the lawsuit alleges, SafeSpeed and its employees arranged to pay $20,000 a year in donations to Sandoval's campaigns.
The lawsuit was filed as a proposed class action on behalf of an estimated 100,000 or more individuals who were fined $100 to $200 for each ticket issued by a red-light camera that was "corruptly and improperly installed, over repeated objections from IDOT, as a direct and proximate result of bribes paid."
Other defendants named in the suit are SafeSpeed co-founders and employees Nikki Zollar, Chris Lai, Khalid "Cliff" Maani and his son Omar Maani; former Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci; the city of Oakbrook Terrace; Cook County Commissioner and McCook Village President Jeff Tobolski; Tobolski's chief of staff, Patrick Doherty; former Chicago Deputy Aviation Commissioner Bill Helm; former Village of Justice Police Chief Robert Gedville; Worth Township Supervisor and Democratic committeeman John O'Sullivan; Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez; Alsip Mayor John Ryan; former state Rep. Michael Carberry of Oak Lawn; Summit Police Chief John Kosmowski; and Summit Public Works Chief Bill Mundy.