dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Saving college gymnastics a passion for Glen Ellyn boy

For an 11-year-old , Louie Diab has a pretty clear vision of his future .
And with a big part of that future in doubt , he is doing something about it .
Louie , a sixth-grader at Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn , comes from a family of gymnasts .
His father Mark was a Division I gymnast at Iowa State , his mother Jennifer at Wisconsin .
He also has older siblings who competed or are still competing in college gymnastics .
So it 's no surprise that Louie , who trains at Premier Gymnastics Academy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , wants to become a college athlete .
But with men 's gymnastics teams disappearing around the country , Louie is worried there wo n't be any colleges left to compete at when he gets there .
`` I am in there training a little over 15 hours a week and working my butt off to try to get better and be able to get to that point one day , '' Louie said .
`` It 's hard to see that could never happen . ''
Louie does n't have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the affects of gymnastics programs being cut .
Wisconsin dropped men 's and women 's gymnastics in the 1990s ; Iowa State cut its men 's team in the 90s .
`` It 's terrible , '' Jennifer Diab said .
`` It leaves a sore spot . ''
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college athletic departments has caused men 's gymnastics programs to take an even bigger hit .
In the last month , the University of Iowa , William and Mary and the University of Minnesota all dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools in the country that have a men 's program .
On Saturday , Louie will be at Village Links of Glen Ellyn , cleaning clubs and selling refurbished golf balls .
The money he raises will be donated to the College Gymnastics Association .
`` I think it 's a great thing he 's doing , '' Jennifer Diab said .
`` It 's a cause worth fighting for .
He knows that . ''
Louie 's dream is to be on the University of Illinois men 's team like his older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Illinois in May , was a two-time NCAA rings champion and a four-time Big Ten rings champion .
Max Diab is currently a senior on the Illini team .
As for Louie 's older sisters , Maddie Diab is a sophomore on Iowa State 's gymnastics team , and Anna Diab finished second in the all-around at state last year for Glenbard West .
Louie said he got the idea for Saturday 's fundraiser when his dad brought home extra golf balls his playing partner found during their rounds .
Louie cleaned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his dad 's friends .
`` I 'm thinking I could probably go to the links and sell these and make some good money , '' Louie said .
The CGA is raising money to save the three recently cut teams .
It also wants to help the remaining gymnastics programs so they fund themselves instead of relying on their universities to support them .
Louie can quickly cite statistics on this topic , like the raises Iowa gave its football coaches after cutting the gymnastics program or the 90 percent of U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collegiate program .
He 's trying to do his part so those programs will be there when he gets to college .
`` There is hope ( with the CGA ) and one of the initiatives they are doing is making the gymnastics teams make their footprints smaller , '' Jennifer Diab said .
`` Smaller teams , less coaches , less scholarships so they can raise money and fund themselves .
It 's not just gymnastics , this is happening to other Olympic sports .
They are doing a disservice to @ @ @ @

Saving college gymnastics a passion for Glen Ellyn boy
Louie Diab, an 11-year-old from Glen Ellyn, is raising money Saturday in support of collegiate men's gymnastics programs. Courtesy of Jennifer Diab
For an 11-year-old, Louie Diab has a pretty clear vision of his future. And with a big part of that future in doubt, he is doing something about it.
Louie, a sixth-grader at Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, comes from a family of gymnasts. His father Mark was a Division I gymnast at Iowa State, his mother Jennifer at Wisconsin. He also has older siblings who competed or are still competing in college gymnastics.
So it's no surprise that Louie, who trains at Premier Gymnastics Academy in Downers Grove (which his parents own), wants to become a college athlete.
But with men's gymnastics teams disappearing around the country, Louie is worried there won't be any colleges left to compete at when he gets there.
"I am in there training a little over 15 hours a week and working my butt off to try to get better and be able to get to that point one day," Louie said. "It's hard to see that could never happen."
Louie doesn't have to look further than his own parents to see the affects of gymnastics programs being cut. Wisconsin dropped men's and women's gymnastics in the 1990s; Iowa State cut its men's team in the 90s.
"It's terrible," Jennifer Diab said. "It leaves a sore spot."
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college athletic departments has caused men's gymnastics programs to take an even bigger hit. In the last month, the University of Iowa, William and Mary and the University of Minnesota all dropped their programs.
That leaves only 12 schools in the country that have a men's program.
On Saturday, Louie will be at Village Links of Glen Ellyn, cleaning clubs and selling refurbished golf balls. The money he raises will be donated to the College Gymnastics Association.
"I think it's a great thing he's doing," Jennifer Diab said. "It's a cause worth fighting for. He knows that."
Louie's dream is to be on the University of Illinois men's team like his older brothers. Alex Diab, who graduated from Illinois in May, was a two-time NCAA rings champion and a four-time Big Ten rings champion.
Max Diab is currently a senior on the Illini team.
As for Louie's older sisters, Maddie Diab is a sophomore on Iowa State's gymnastics team, and Anna Diab finished second in the all-around at state last year for Glenbard West.
Louie said he got the idea for Saturday's fundraiser when his dad brought home extra golf balls his playing partner found during their rounds. Louie cleaned the golf balls and sold them to his dad's friends.
"I'm thinking I could probably go to the links and sell these and make some good money," Louie said.
The CGA is raising money to save the three recently cut teams. It also wants to help the remaining gymnastics programs so they fund themselves instead of relying on their universities to support them.
Louie can quickly cite statistics on this topic, like the raises Iowa gave its football coaches after cutting the gymnastics program or the 90 percent of U.S. Olympic men's gymnasts who came through a collegiate program.
He's trying to do his part so those programs will be there when he gets to college.
"There is hope (with the CGA) and one of the initiatives they are doing is making the gymnastics teams make their footprints smaller," Jennifer Diab said. "Smaller teams, less coaches, less scholarships so they can raise money and fund themselves. It's not just gymnastics, this is happening to other Olympic sports. They are doing a disservice to the students."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Constable: 90-year-old ballplayer credits 'new parts,' old teammates

The gravity of the 9/11 date was n't what stopped Stanley Rauch of Schaumburg from playing 12-inch softball on his birthday .
Neither was that open-heart surgery he endured last year when doctors gave him `` three stents and a cow 's valve . ''
Neither did the fact that he was turning 90 years old .
Nope , his birthday game and celebration were canceled by the common enemy of all ballgames -- rain .
In an on-field ceremony four days later , Rauch got a giant birthday card signed by the players in the senior softball circuit who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a little pregame razzing for being the oldest of 150 players in the league .
`` Stan , what was Abner Doubleday really like ? ''
`` Has your glove got Babe Ruth 's signature on it ? ''
`` Did you play for a Civil War team ? ''
The quick-witted Rauch counters with a story about how , during a baseball camp at Wrigley Field in 1947 , `` I did play catch with Rogers Hornsby , '' the Chicago Cubs ' Hall of Fame second-baseman who won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1929 .
Rauch also notes that he once got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs ' spring training game in Arizona .
`` I 've done a lot of things , '' says Rauch , who can spin stories about being a vendor selling pop , peanuts and popcorn at Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series .
`` But the best thing is playing 41 years with all the guys I 've played with . ''
Having played on dozens of teams in Senior Softball USA leagues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngsters '' in this league for players 50 and older to keep playing until they reach 90 , or maybe 95 .
`` We 're still able to stand out here and play , '' Rauch says .
`` Not as good as we did , but we play .
I do n't get as many hits , and mostly singles . ''
A pitcher for many years , Rauch usually plays catcher these days .
`` I just ca n't seem to throw strikes after my surgery , '' says Rauch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surgeries he had in 2001 and 2004 to replace both knees .
`` There 's no doubt about it .
You need new parts every once in a while , '' says Rauch , who also uses a new carbon-fiber metal bat and wears a modern batting glove on his left hand .
But his fielder 's glove , a classic Wilson A2000 , is almost as old as some of his teammates .
`` That 's my son-in-law .
I taught him everything I know , '' Rauch says as 68-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rauch 's daughter , Kathy Marrison , and lives in Wauconda , lines a single into the outfield .
A baseball player as a boy growing up in Cleveland , Rauch moved to Chicago and played semipro baseball for the Chicago Union Printers .
He had a tryout with Philadelphia 's major league club one spring , but could n't make the roster as a 145-pound , 5-foot-7 catcher .
Instead Rauch and his wife of 70 years , Arlene , whom he met on a blind date as a teen , raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rauch owned and operated Ye Olde Village Printery shop in Des Plaines , where he made a friend of customer Don Kessinger , the Cubs ' All-Star shortstop in the 1960s and '70s .
While he once played in the highly competitive A division of the senior league , Rauch and his peers now play in the more relaxed C division .
`` We ca n't take the line drives that come off the bats of the younger guys , '' says teammate Fred Krzysik , 88 , of Palatine .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 50s and 60s . ''
Another teammate , Skip Kronberg of Hoffman Estates , will turn 90 next spring .
The rules of Senior Softball USA are meant to avoid collisions by eliminating tag plays and having batters run to a first base a few feet away from the one used by fielders .
No one is sure if the league will be able to move inside with the Schaumburg Park District this winter because of the coronavirus restrictions .
Player Don Schreiner , 86 , of Des Plaines , did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time in 57 years because of coronavirus .
But if there is a way to play , Rauch will find it .
`` Guys can play softball for a long time , '' Rauch says .
`` I guess softball can get in your blood . ''

Constable: 90-year-old ballplayer credits 'new parts,' old teammates
The gravity of the 9/11 date wasn't what stopped Stanley Rauch of Schaumburg from playing 12-inch softball on his birthday. Neither was that open-heart surgery he endured last year when doctors gave him "three stents and a cow's valve." Neither did the fact that he was turning 90 years old. Nope, his birthday game and celebration were canceled by the common enemy of all ballgames -- rain.
In an on-field ceremony four days later, Rauch got a giant birthday card signed by the players in the senior softball circuit who play at Melas Park in Mount Prospect, and a little pregame razzing for being the oldest of 150 players in the league.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer A vendor during the 1945 World Series at Wrigley Field, Stanley Rauch has always been a ballplayer. The 90-year-old, taking batting practice before the game, is the oldest player in a Senior Softball USA league in Mount Prospect.
"Stan, what was Abner Doubleday really like?"
"Has your glove got Babe Ruth's signature on it?"
"Did you play for a Civil War team?"
The quick-witted Rauch counters with a story about how, during a baseball camp at Wrigley Field in 1947, "I did play catch with Rogers Hornsby," the Chicago Cubs' Hall of Fame second-baseman who won the National League's Most Valuable Player award in 1929. Rauch also notes that he once got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs' spring training game in Arizona.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Stanley Rauch loved playing ball since he was a Depression Era boy swinging a cracked wood bat held together with carpet tacks to smack a baseball wrapped in electrical tape. At age 90, the Schaumburg man still plays 12-inch softball in a senior league.
"I've done a lot of things," says Rauch, who can spin stories about being a vendor selling pop, peanuts and popcorn at Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series. "But the best thing is playing 41 years with all the guys I've played with."
Having played on dozens of teams in Senior Softball USA leagues and tournaments. Rauch tells all the "youngsters" in this league for players 50 and older to keep playing until they reach 90, or maybe 95.
"We're still able to stand out here and play," Rauch says. "Not as good as we did, but we play. I don't get as many hits, and mostly singles."
A pitcher for many years, Rauch usually plays catcher these days. "I just can't seem to throw strikes after my surgery," says Rauch, who means his heart surgery, not the surgeries he had in 2001 and 2004 to replace both knees.
"There's no doubt about it. You need new parts every once in a while," says Rauch, who also uses a new carbon-fiber metal bat and wears a modern batting glove on his left hand. But his fielder's glove, a classic Wilson A2000, is almost as old as some of his teammates.
"That's my son-in-law. I taught him everything I know," Rauch says as 68-year-old Bill Clark, who is married to Rauch's daughter, Kathy Marrison, and lives in Wauconda, lines a single into the outfield.
A baseball player as a boy growing up in Cleveland, Rauch moved to Chicago and played semipro baseball for the Chicago Union Printers. He had a tryout with Philadelphia's major league club one spring, but couldn't make the roster as a 145-pound, 5-foot-7 catcher.
Instead Rauch and his wife of 70 years, Arlene, whom he met on a blind date as a teen, raised their children, Randy and Kathy. Rauch owned and operated Ye Olde Village Printery shop in Des Plaines, where he made a friend of customer Don Kessinger, the Cubs' All-Star shortstop in the 1960s and '70s.
While he once played in the highly competitive A division of the senior league, Rauch and his peers now play in the more relaxed C division.
"We can't take the line drives that come off the bats of the younger guys," says teammate Fred Krzysik, 88, of Palatine. "And by younger guys, I mean guys in the 50s and 60s."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Bending over to field a grounder near second base, 90-year-old Stanley Rauch of Schaumburg is the oldest player in the senior league that plays at Melas Park in Mount Prospect. Rauch worked as a vendor during the 1945 World Series at Wrigley Field.
Another teammate, Skip Kronberg of Hoffman Estates, will turn 90 next spring. The rules of Senior Softball USA are meant to avoid collisions by eliminating tag plays and having batters run to a first base a few feet away from the one used by fielders.
No one is sure if the league will be able to move inside with the Schaumburg Park District this winter because of the coronavirus restrictions. Player Don Schreiner, 86, of Des Plaines, didn't referee high school football this fall for the first time in 57 years because of coronavirus. But if there is a way to play, Rauch will find it.
"Guys can play softball for a long time," Rauch says. "I guess softball can get in your blood."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Feder: Sports anchor Jim Rose signs three-year renewal with ABC 7

Jim Rose , who 's been a key player on WLS-Channel 7 's sports team since 1982 , signed on @ @ @ @ @ with the top-rated ABC-owned station , Robert Feder writes .
`` For almost 40 years @ @ @ @ @ fans and the Chicago community , '' said John Idler , president and general manager @ @ @ @ @ His passion for excellence and professionalism has created a legacy that we are thrilled to @ @ @ @ @ full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Sports anchor Jim Rose signs three-year renewal with ABC 7
Jim Rose, who's been a key player on WLS-Channel 7's sports team since 1982, signed on Wednesday for three more years with the top-rated ABC-owned station, Robert Feder writes.
"For almost 40 years JR has been serving sports fans and the Chicago community," said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7. "His passion for excellence and professionalism has created a legacy that we are thrilled to continue."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--With racing dates approved, Arlington Park intends to run in 2021

If a state panel 's approval Wednesday of 68 live racing dates for Arlington International Racecourse is any indication , equine athletes and maybe even spectators will be back at the storied Arlington Heights oval for the 2021 season .
But the formal approval by the Illinois Racing Board came only after commissioners , horse owners and trainers sought assurances from track management about their commitment to racing , following recent comments that cast doubt about the track opening next year .
During a quarterly earnings call with investors on July 30 , Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have `` a higher and better purpose for something else at some point . ''
And despite reaching a two-year agreement following contentious negotiations this year with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association , Carstanjen said the track could run a 2021 meet `` if we elect to do so . ''
Last year , he had committed to keeping Arlington 's gates open through 2021 .
On Wednesday , Racing Board Chairman Dan Beiser asked Churchill corporate brass for a commitment for next year in writing .
`` When comments are made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of uncertainty for all of the men and women that are the backbone in a lot of ways of the horse racing industry , not just in Illinois , but everywhere that has horse racing , to plan for their future , '' said Beiser , of downstate Alton .
`` Arlington is really held near and dear by many , many people .
What a beautiful facility that is and it would be a tragedy if we were n't able to keep that running like it is . ''
Arlington President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's intention to conduct the 2021 race meet .
And he said formal confirmation of that intent would come when he signs the race dates acceptance letters that will be sent out by the racing board .
Petrillo added that Carstanjen , when he made the comments July 30 , may not have been fully aware that Arlington already had a preliminary agreement with Hawthorne Race Course for splitting up the 2021 thoroughbred racing schedule .
The requested list of dates was posted on the racing board website July 31 .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the community , and we intend to fulfill that in 2021 and beyond that when the opportunity does exist , '' said Petrillo , adding that Churchill 's corporate leadership team is having daily conversations about the future of Arlington .
Petrillo reiterated other statements made by Carstanjen , namely that Churchill would work with state and other officials to possibly move the racing license elsewhere in Illinois .
The horsemen 's association , which represents nearly 2,500 owners and trainers at Arlington and Hawthorne , sought a condition as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would withhold Arlington 's recapture payment -- a fee that transfers money from horsemen 's purse accounts to racetracks -- if Arlington does n't run its promised 2021 schedule .
`` We are gravely concerned about that statement that there is a 2021 contract that they may elect to run or not run , '' said Mike Campbell , the association 's president .
`` In the world that I live in , words count . ''
But racing board attorney John Gay said a provision withholding recapture is against state statute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin April 30 and conclude Sept. 25 , with plans to bring back a number of events put on hiatus this year due to COVID-19 .
That includes the return of graded stakes races and renaming the Arlington Million the Mister D. Stakes in honor of chairman emeritus Richard Duchossois .
The shortened 2020 season continues Thursday through Saturday until Sept. 26 , with up to 300 spectators allowed each day , under state rules .

With racing dates approved, Arlington Park intends to run in 2021
Despite earlier comments by Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen, center, that put the 2021 racing season in doubt, Arlington International Racecourse on Wednesday was awarded 68 live racing dates by the Illinois Racing Board. Carstanjen is pictured in 2010 with bugler Jean Laurenz and chairman emeritus Richard Duchossois. Daily Herald File Photo, 2010
If a state panel's approval Wednesday of 68 live racing dates for Arlington International Racecourse is any indication, equine athletes and maybe even spectators will be back at the storied Arlington Heights oval for the 2021 season.
But the formal approval by the Illinois Racing Board came only after commissioners, horse owners and trainers sought assurances from track management about their commitment to racing, following recent comments that cast doubt about the track opening next year.
During a quarterly earnings call with investors on July 30, Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen said the land on which Arlington sits would have "a higher and better purpose for something else at some point."
And despite reaching a two-year agreement following contentious negotiations this year with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Carstanjen said the track could run a 2021 meet "if we elect to do so." Last year, he had committed to keeping Arlington's gates open through 2021.
On Wednesday, Racing Board Chairman Dan Beiser asked Churchill corporate brass for a commitment for next year in writing.
"When comments are made like that, it does create a level of uncertainty for all of the men and women that are the backbone in a lot of ways of the horse racing industry, not just in Illinois, but everywhere that has horse racing, to plan for their future," said Beiser, of downstate Alton. "Arlington is really held near and dear by many, many people. What a beautiful facility that is and it would be a tragedy if we weren't able to keep that running like it is."
Arlington President Tony Petrillo said it is the track's intention to conduct the 2021 race meet. And he said formal confirmation of that intent would come when he signs the race dates acceptance letters that will be sent out by the racing board.
Petrillo added that Carstanjen, when he made the comments July 30, may not have been fully aware that Arlington already had a preliminary agreement with Hawthorne Race Course for splitting up the 2021 thoroughbred racing schedule.
The requested list of dates was posted on the racing board website July 31.
"We do feel our responsibility to the industry as well as the community, and we intend to fulfill that in 2021 and beyond that when the opportunity does exist," said Petrillo, adding that Churchill's corporate leadership team is having daily conversations about the future of Arlington.
Petrillo reiterated other statements made by Carstanjen, namely that Churchill would work with state and other officials to possibly move the racing license elsewhere in Illinois.
The horsemen's association, which represents nearly 2,500 owners and trainers at Arlington and Hawthorne, sought a condition as part of the board's approval that would withhold Arlington's recapture payment -- a fee that transfers money from horsemen's purse accounts to racetracks -- if Arlington doesn't run its promised 2021 schedule.
"We are gravely concerned about that statement that there is a 2021 contract that they may elect to run or not run," said Mike Campbell, the association's president. "In the world that I live in, words count."
But racing board attorney John Gay said a provision withholding recapture is against state statute.
Arlington's 2021 season is set to begin April 30 and conclude Sept. 25, with plans to bring back a number of events put on hiatus this year due to COVID-19. That includes the return of graded stakes races and renaming the Arlington Million the Mister D. Stakes in honor of chairman emeritus Richard Duchossois.
The shortened 2020 season continues Thursday through Saturday until Sept. 26, with up to 300 spectators allowed each day, under state rules.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Trump's businesses charged Secret Service more than $1.1 million, including for rooms in club shutte

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump 's luxury properties have charged the U.S. government more than $ 1.1 million in private transactions since Trump took office -- including for room rentals at his Bedminster , N.J. , club this spring while it was closed for the coronavirus pandemic , new documents show .
The documents , including receipts and invoices from Trump 's businesses , were released by the Secret Service after The Washington Post filed a public-records lawsuit .
They added $ 188,000 in previously unknown charges to The Post 's running total of payments to Trump 's properties related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Bedminster this spring , the records show , Trump 's club charged the Secret Service more than $ 21,800 to rent a cottage and other rooms while the club was closed and otherwise off-limits to guests .
The documents do n't give a reason for these rentals .
Trump did n't visit the club while it was closed , but his eldest daughter , Ivanka Trump , and her family reportedly visited at least once .
The family visited the club in April to celebrate Passover , a period that overlaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
At the time , both the District of Columbia -- where Ivanka Trump lives -- and New Jersey had imposed `` stay-at-home '' orders , telling residents to avoid travel except under limited circumstances .
A spokeswoman for Ivanka Trump declined to comment .
The Passover visit was first reported by The New York Times .
The Secret Service does not appear to have violated any New Jersey virus restrictions by renting the rooms or visiting Bedminster .
Restrictions by New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy , D , explicitly exempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shed new light on the unprecedented relationship Trump has with his own government -- where Trump 's presidential travel brings a stream of public money to the private businesses that the president still owns .
When Trump and his family members visit Trump properties , aides and Secret Service agents follow .
When those federal employees rent rooms , Trump 's businesses get the revenue .
Taxpayers foot the bill .
The bills are usually paid in private , with no public disclosure .
The government has not disclosed how much it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , The Post has tried to create an accounting of these payments , one receipt at a time , using public-records requests and lawsuits .
`` The waste inherent in this is appalling , '' Lisa Gilbert , executive vice president at the watchdog group Public Citizen , said of the Trump Organization 's charges .
Gilbert said the costs were especially galling during a pandemic that has brought economic ruin and stretched federal budgets .
`` They 're nickel-and-diming the American people .
At a moment when every penny counts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service both declined to comment for this story .
The Trump Organization did not respond to emailed questions .
Before he took office , Trump said he would be `` completely isolating '' himself from his business interests .
He did n't .
Instead , Trump has visited his properties 274 times , according to a Post tally , in addition to promoting those properties on Twitter , encouraging his vice president visit them and briefly choosing one of them to host a summit of world leaders .
Last year , Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the Trump Organization day-to-day -- sought to tamp down concerns about these payments by saying that his company was charging the government only nominal fees .
When federal officials accompanied his father , Eric Trump told Yahoo Finance , the company charged them only `` like 50 bucks '' per room .
The Post has found no evidence to support that claim .
Instead , government documents show that the Trump Organization has charged as much as $ 650 per night , and sometimes tacked on additional charges beyond the room rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were charged $ 29-per-night `` resort fees '' at Trump 's hotel in Las Vegas .
In Scotland , Trump 's Turnberry resort once charged the Secret Service $ 1,300 to move furniture , according to a receipt from July 2018 that was released by the government this year .
The new batch of documents consists of invoices and receipts from a single Trump property , the Bedminster club .
The records show that Trump Bedminster charged the Secret Service $ 17,000 a month -- or $ 567 per night -- to rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's own villa .
That rate charged is unusually high for a rental home in the area , according to an analysis of local real estate listings .
The Post had obtained records of Secret Service rentals at Bedminster previously .
But the new documents show that the rentals lasted much longer than previously known .
Instead of lasting only for the summer months , when Trump usually visited , the rentals stretched from May to the end of October , the new documents show .
One former Trump administration official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six months at a stretch because Trump himself did not announce his travel schedule far in advance .
If he suddenly decided to go to Bedminster in May , the service wanted to be ready .
There are few hotels near the club , the former official said , so it was vital to have a space available for agents and equipment .
`` We always had space reserved at Bedminster weeks before the president arrived , just in case , '' said this official , speaking on the condition of anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak publicly .
`` If he came in the Oval on , let 's say , on a Wednesday and said , ' I want to go this weekend , ' you have to be ready . ''
But , often , he did n't .
The result was that the Secret Service paid rent in Bedminster for more than 200 days when Trump was not there .
The Post has documented a similar dynamic at Trump 's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida : Trump 's unpredictable travel choices led agents to rent rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president decided to visit .
The result was a double benefit for Trump 's businesses : They got paid when he visited -- and , often , when he did n't .
But this spring marked the first known instance of a Trump club billing the government while it was closed .
The Bedminster club temporarily closed down operations on March 17 , after Murphy imposed new restrictions on businesses and social gatherings because of the pandemic .
`` Our goal is to minimize exposure and the amount of people on property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Schutzenhofer , wrote to club members in an email that day .
Staff offices would remain open , Schutzenhofer said , but employees were encouraged to work from home .
On that same day , Schutzenhofer signed a contract allowing the Secret Service to rent the club 's Sarazen Cottage -- named for golf legend Gene Sarazen -- for the next 13 nights .
When that contract expired , the Secret Service signed another for 16 more nights , until April 15 , according to copies of the contracts released by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged the same rate as always : $ 567 per night , receipts show .
Through April , the club remained shuttered .
But the charges continued .
In fact , on some nights the Secret Service appears to have been charged for even more rooms than usual -- not just the Sarazen Cottage , but one or two additional rooms as well .
The rates for the extra suites ranged from $ 142 to $ 283 per night , according to the documents .
The documents do not say why the Secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many nights -- or why , on some nights , it needed more than usual .
Schutzenhofer , the club 's general manager , did not respond to questions about the charges .

Trump's businesses charged Secret Service more than $1.1 million, including for rooms in club shuttered for pandemic
President Donald Trump walks along the South Lawn from the Marine One to the White House on July 26 after a weekend at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Washington post/July 26
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's luxury properties have charged the U.S. government more than $1.1 million in private transactions since Trump took office -- including for room rentals at his Bedminster, N.J., club this spring while it was closed for the coronavirus pandemic, new documents show.
The documents, including receipts and invoices from Trump's businesses, were released by the Secret Service after The Washington Post filed a public-records lawsuit. They added $188,000 in previously unknown charges to The Post's running total of payments to Trump's properties related to the presence of Secret Service agents.
In Bedminster this spring, the records show, Trump's club charged the Secret Service more than $21,800 to rent a cottage and other rooms while the club was closed and otherwise off-limits to guests. The documents don't give a reason for these rentals. Trump didn't visit the club while it was closed, but his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her family reportedly visited at least once.
The family visited the club in April to celebrate Passover, a period that overlaps with several of the largest Secret Service charges. At the time, both the District of Columbia -- where Ivanka Trump lives -- and New Jersey had imposed "stay-at-home" orders, telling residents to avoid travel except under limited circumstances.
A spokeswoman for Ivanka Trump declined to comment. The Passover visit was first reported by The New York Times.
The Secret Service does not appear to have violated any New Jersey virus restrictions by renting the rooms or visiting Bedminster. Restrictions by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, D, explicitly exempted federal employees.
The receipts and invoices shed new light on the unprecedented relationship Trump has with his own government -- where Trump's presidential travel brings a stream of public money to the private businesses that the president still owns.
When Trump and his family members visit Trump properties, aides and Secret Service agents follow. When those federal employees rent rooms, Trump's businesses get the revenue. Taxpayers foot the bill.
The bills are usually paid in private, with no public disclosure. The government has not disclosed how much it has paid the Trump Organization in total. Instead, The Post has tried to create an accounting of these payments, one receipt at a time, using public-records requests and lawsuits.
"The waste inherent in this is appalling," Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president at the watchdog group Public Citizen, said of the Trump Organization's charges. Gilbert said the costs were especially galling during a pandemic that has brought economic ruin and stretched federal budgets. "They're nickel-and-diming the American people. At a moment when every penny counts."
The White House and the Secret Service both declined to comment for this story. The Trump Organization did not respond to emailed questions.
Before he took office, Trump said he would be "completely isolating" himself from his business interests. He didn't. Instead, Trump has visited his properties 274 times, according to a Post tally, in addition to promoting those properties on Twitter, encouraging his vice president visit them and briefly choosing one of them to host a summit of world leaders.
Last year, Trump's son Eric -- who is said to run the Trump Organization day-to-day -- sought to tamp down concerns about these payments by saying that his company was charging the government only nominal fees.
When federal officials accompanied his father, Eric Trump told Yahoo Finance, the company charged them only "like 50 bucks" per room.
The Post has found no evidence to support that claim.
Instead, government documents show that the Trump Organization has charged as much as $650 per night, and sometimes tacked on additional charges beyond the room rate. Agents guarding Vice President Mike Pence were charged $29-per-night "resort fees" at Trump's hotel in Las Vegas. In Scotland, Trump's Turnberry resort once charged the Secret Service $1,300 to move furniture, according to a receipt from July 2018 that was released by the government this year.
The new batch of documents consists of invoices and receipts from a single Trump property, the Bedminster club.
The records show that Trump Bedminster charged the Secret Service $17,000 a month -- or $567 per night -- to rent the three-bedroom "Sarazen Cottage" near Trump's own villa. That rate charged is unusually high for a rental home in the area, according to an analysis of local real estate listings.
The Post had obtained records of Secret Service rentals at Bedminster previously. But the new documents show that the rentals lasted much longer than previously known. Instead of lasting only for the summer months, when Trump usually visited, the rentals stretched from May to the end of October, the new documents show.
One former Trump administration official said the Secret Service had chosen to rent for six months at a stretch because Trump himself did not announce his travel schedule far in advance. If he suddenly decided to go to Bedminster in May, the service wanted to be ready. There are few hotels near the club, the former official said, so it was vital to have a space available for agents and equipment.
"We always had space reserved at Bedminster weeks before the president arrived, just in case," said this official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly. "If he came in the Oval on, let's say, on a Wednesday and said, 'I want to go this weekend,' you have to be ready."
But, often, he didn't. The result was that the Secret Service paid rent in Bedminster for more than 200 days when Trump was not there. The Post has documented a similar dynamic at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida: Trump's unpredictable travel choices led agents to rent rooms for weeks in advance, in case the president decided to visit.
The result was a double benefit for Trump's businesses: They got paid when he visited -- and, often, when he didn't.
But this spring marked the first known instance of a Trump club billing the government while it was closed.
The Bedminster club temporarily closed down operations on March 17, after Murphy imposed new restrictions on businesses and social gatherings because of the pandemic.
"Our goal is to minimize exposure and the amount of people on property," Bedminster's general manager, David Schutzenhofer, wrote to club members in an email that day. Staff offices would remain open, Schutzenhofer said, but employees were encouraged to work from home.
On that same day, Schutzenhofer signed a contract allowing the Secret Service to rent the club's Sarazen Cottage -- named for golf legend Gene Sarazen -- for the next 13 nights. When that contract expired, the Secret Service signed another for 16 more nights, until April 15, according to copies of the contracts released by the Secret Service.
The Secret Service was charged the same rate as always: $567 per night, receipts show.
Through April, the club remained shuttered. But the charges continued. In fact, on some nights the Secret Service appears to have been charged for even more rooms than usual -- not just the Sarazen Cottage, but one or two additional rooms as well. The rates for the extra suites ranged from $142 to $283 per night, according to the documents.
The documents do not say why the Secret Service needed rooms in Bedminster for so many nights -- or why, on some nights, it needed more than usual.
Schutzenhofer, the club's general manager, did not respond to questions about the charges.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-16--Barrington District 220 says Oct. 26 is reopening target date

Barrington Area Unit District 220 has devised a plan for the next phase of reopening schools -- still allowing virtual learning for those who want it -- with an Oct. 26 target date based on current metrics .
Superintendent Brian Harris gave a presentation Tuesday to the school board on the five metrics that will be used to determine when large groups of students can return to in-person learning .
The four-phase plan is based on recommendations from a district committee that consulted with medical and public health professionals .
The five metrics : the average number of weekly cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 60110 , 60192 and 60021 ; the average seven-day rolling positivity rate in the same ZIP codes ; the supply of personal protective and sanitation equipment ; the rate at which licensed staff members -- teachers , counselors , social workers , psychologists and school nurses -- can return to school buildings ; and the same rate of return for nonlicensed staff members .
The district currently is in Phase 2 of the process , meaning most students are learning virtually , with small groups allowed in school buildings for in-person learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 to 174 weekly cases per 100,000 people ; a positivity rate between 7 % and 7.999 % ; PPE and sanitation supply for two weeks ; and 80 % to 89 % of licensed and nonlicensed staff able to return to school .
To move to the next phase , all metrics must be met for a minimum of 10 days , Harris said .
Current data shows the district exceeds all Phase 2 metrics -- for example , it has a positivity rate under 4.999 % and PPE and sanitation supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of return for licensed staff members , which stands at 80 to 89 % .
District spokeswoman Samantha Ptashkin said that could based on various factors , including medical issues , and will be examined by the district 's human resources department .
The metrics for Phase 3 , which consist of a hybrid learning model , are 7 to 69 weekly cases per 100,000 people ; a positivity rate of 5 % to 6.999 % ; PPE and sanitation supply for one month ; and 90 % of licensed and nonlicensed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Based on current data , the district would be able to move to Phase 3 on Oct. 26 , although that could happen sooner , Ptashkin said .
The district will be working during the next two weeks on determining what Phase 3 will look like for students who want to return to school , including how much of their school days might , or might not , include virtual learning , she said .
A full return to all in-person learning would require less than 7 cases per 100,000 people , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , PPE and sanitation supplies for multiple months , and 95 % of licenses and nonlicensed staff members able to return to school .
The district 's weekly status for metrics can be viewed at barrington220.org/Page/20457 and will be updated on Monday afternoons , Ptashkin said .
A metrics update will be given at the Oct. 6 board meeting , and a family survey will be conducted Oct. 7 to Oct. 20 .
More than 200 parents and students took part in a rally Monday evening asking the district to allow in-person schooling @ @ @

Barrington District 220 says Oct. 26 is reopening target date
Barrington Area Unit District 220 has a four-phase plan based on five metrics for reopening schools. The district is currently in Phase 2. Courtesy Barrington Area Unit District 220
Barrington Area Unit District 220 has devised a plan for the next phase of reopening schools -- still allowing virtual learning for those who want it -- with an Oct. 26 target date based on current metrics.
Superintendent Brian Harris gave a presentation Tuesday to the school board on the five metrics that will be used to determine when large groups of students can return to in-person learning. The four-phase plan is based on recommendations from a district committee that consulted with medical and public health professionals.
The five metrics: the average number of weekly cases per 100,000 people in ZIP codes 60010, 60110, 60192 and 60021; the average seven-day rolling positivity rate in the same ZIP codes; the supply of personal protective and sanitation equipment; the rate at which licensed staff members -- teachers, counselors, social workers, psychologists and school nurses -- can return to school buildings; and the same rate of return for nonlicensed staff members.
The district currently is in Phase 2 of the process, meaning most students are learning virtually, with small groups allowed in school buildings for in-person learning.
The metrics for Phase 2 are 70 to 174 weekly cases per 100,000 people; a positivity rate between 7% and 7.999%; PPE and sanitation supply for two weeks; and 80% to 89% of licensed and nonlicensed staff able to return to school.
To move to the next phase, all metrics must be met for a minimum of 10 days, Harris said.
Current data shows the district exceeds all Phase 2 metrics -- for example, it has a positivity rate under 4.999% and PPE and sanitation supplies for multiple months -- except for the rate of return for licensed staff members, which stands at 80 to 89%.
District spokeswoman Samantha Ptashkin said that could based on various factors, including medical issues, and will be examined by the district's human resources department.
The metrics for Phase 3, which consist of a hybrid learning model, are 7 to 69 weekly cases per 100,000 people; a positivity rate of 5% to 6.999%; PPE and sanitation supply for one month; and 90% of licensed and nonlicensed staff able to return to school.
Based on current data, the district would be able to move to Phase 3 on Oct. 26, although that could happen sooner, Ptashkin said.
The district will be working during the next two weeks on determining what Phase 3 will look like for students who want to return to school, including how much of their school days might, or might not, include virtual learning, she said.
A full return to all in-person learning would require less than 7 cases per 100,000 people, a positivity rate of 4.999% or less, PPE and sanitation supplies for multiple months, and 95% of licenses and nonlicensed staff members able to return to school.
The district's weekly status for metrics can be viewed at barrington220.org/Page/20457 and will be updated on Monday afternoons, Ptashkin said.
A metrics update will be given at the Oct. 6 board meeting, and a family survey will be conducted Oct. 7 to Oct. 20.
More than 200 parents and students took part in a rally Monday evening asking the district to allow in-person schooling and sports.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--'It was a great landing': Small plane winds up on road in Palatine

A small plane landed on a road in Palatine Thursday night , officials said .
Palatine police and fire responded to North Quentin Road and West Colfax Street where the single-engine plane landed , according to a news release from the Village of Palatine .
The pilot was en route from Chicago Executive Airport to Lake in the Hills Airport , sources said at the scene .
Lupe Schoffstall said she was on the ground and witnessed the landing .
She was one of the first people to approach the pilot , who said `` I 'm OK , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters .
Schoffstall said the plane landed at the top of a hill on North Quentin Road and slid all the way down .
The wing of the plane then hit a telephone pole , causing the plane to spin .
`` It was a great landing , '' Schoffstall said .
Rhic Tolentino , a student driver from Palatine , and George Demos , a driver 's ed teacher from Des Plaines , were driving and were almost hit by the plane .
Tolentino said he thought the plane was a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He quickly swerved , avoiding a collision , he said .
No injuries were reported at the scene and the FAA was notified .
Quentin Road was closed between West Colfax Street and Northwest Highway .

'It was a great landing': Small plane winds up on road in Palatine
A small plane landed on a road in Palatine Thursday night, officials said.
Palatine police and fire responded to North Quentin Road and West Colfax Street where the single-engine plane landed, according to a news release from the Village of Palatine.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The pilot of a single-engine aircraft had engine problems Thursday night and wound up landing on Quentin Road in Palatine. The wing hit a pole, which flipped the plane around. The pilot was heading to Lake in the Hills, coming from Chicago Executive Airport.
The pilot was en route from Chicago Executive Airport to Lake in the Hills Airport, sources said at the scene.
Lupe Schoffstall said she was on the ground and witnessed the landing. She was one of the first people to approach the pilot, who said "I'm OK, I'm OK," to her and firefighters.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The pilot of a single-engine aircraft had engine problems Thursday night and wound up landing on Quentin Road in Palatine. The wing hit a pole, which flipped the plane around. The pilot was heading to Lake in the Hills, coming from Chicago Executive Airport.
Schoffstall said the plane landed at the top of a hill on North Quentin Road and slid all the way down. The wing of the plane then hit a telephone pole, causing the plane to spin.
"It was a great landing," Schoffstall said.
Rhic Tolentino, a student driver from Palatine, and George Demos, a driver's ed teacher from Des Plaines, were driving and were almost hit by the plane.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The pilot of a single-engine aircraft had engine problems Thursday night and wound up landing on Quentin Road in Palatine. The wing hit a pole, which flipped the plane around. The pilot was heading to Lake in the Hills, coming from Chicago Executive Airport.
Tolentino said he thought the plane was a car but looked over and saw the wing. He quickly swerved, avoiding a collision, he said.
No injuries were reported at the scene and the FAA was notified.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The pilot of a single-engine aircraft had engine problems Thursday night and wound up landing on Quentin Road in Palatine. The wing hit a pole, which flipped the plane around. The pilot was heading to Lake in the Hills, coming from Chicago Executive Airport.
Quentin Road was closed between West Colfax Street and Northwest Highway.
• Daily Herald Staff Photographer Mark Welsh contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--District 25's proposed return to school could be among earliest in Northwest suburbs

Amid increasing calls by parents for a return to in-person learning , Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 is poised to become one of the first public school districts in the Northwest suburbs to reopen its doors , officials said Thursday .
Three internal district committees are finalizing plans on a proposed hybrid schedule that could begin as soon as Oct. 12 , when as much as half the student population could be on site at a time .
Under one such plan being considered , students could come to school for a daily morning or afternoon session , and spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote learning .
Another plan calls for half to come to school for two days a week , the other half to come for two days , and everyone to be remote on the fifth day .
The working groups , which include a mix of administrators , teachers and parents , are set to review details this weekend before finalizing their hybrid system by next Tuesday .
That information would then be sent out to parents with a survey asking if they favor sending their children back to school buildings or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school board meeting Thursday night , about 50 parents and students rallied outside the district 's administration building , calling for a return to in-person learning as soon as possible .
Some of them later came inside to express their views during public comment at the meeting .
A transition model of reopening proposed in late July called for a possible return to a hybrid system as soon as Sept. 21 .
But the committees wanted more time to go over the details , while at the same time agreeing to bring back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , according to Superintendent Lori Bein .
Kindergarten and grades 1 and 6 are expected to return to school first , followed shortly thereafter by the other grades .
`` We moved the start back , but we 're bringing more students in a quicker succession than under original plans , '' Bein told school board members Thursday night .
District officials say the gradual return to school will be possible based on a set of metrics they 're using , including a suburban Cook County COVID-19 test positivity rate of less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases rates in Arlington Heights of less than 175 per 100,000 .
But the plan also assumes the district is able to navigate possible operational barriers , such as transportation and staffing .
Or that there is n't a major breakout of the coronavirus in District 25 schools .
But right now , the numbers bode well for the district , officials said .
Bein said District 25 's return is one of the earliest among other elementary districts in the Northwest suburbs , with others also planning a transition to hybrid models @ @ @ @ @

District 25's proposed return to school could be among earliest in Northwest suburbs
Amid increasing calls by parents for a return to in-person learning, Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 is poised to become one of the first public school districts in the Northwest suburbs to reopen its doors, officials said Thursday.
Three internal district committees are finalizing plans on a proposed hybrid schedule that could begin as soon as Oct. 12, when as much as half the student population could be on site at a time.
Under one such plan being considered, students could come to school for a daily morning or afternoon session, and spend the other half of the day doing remote learning.
Another plan calls for half to come to school for two days a week, the other half to come for two days, and everyone to be remote on the fifth day.
The working groups, which include a mix of administrators, teachers and parents, are set to review details this weekend before finalizing their hybrid system by next Tuesday. That information would then be sent out to parents with a survey asking if they favor sending their children back to school buildings or if they prefer remote learning.
Before a school board meeting Thursday night, about 50 parents and students rallied outside the district's administration building, calling for a return to in-person learning as soon as possible. Some of them later came inside to express their views during public comment at the meeting.
A transition model of reopening proposed in late July called for a possible return to a hybrid system as soon as Sept. 21. But the committees wanted more time to go over the details, while at the same time agreeing to bring back a larger number of students at a time, according to Superintendent Lori Bein.
Kindergarten and grades 1 and 6 are expected to return to school first, followed shortly thereafter by the other grades.
"We moved the start back, but we're bringing more students in a quicker succession than under original plans," Bein told school board members Thursday night.
District officials say the gradual return to school will be possible based on a set of metrics they're using, including a suburban Cook County COVID-19 test positivity rate of less than 8%; and new weekly cases rates in Arlington Heights of less than 175 per 100,000. But the plan also assumes the district is able to navigate possible operational barriers, such as transportation and staffing. Or that there isn't a major breakout of the coronavirus in District 25 schools.
But right now, the numbers bode well for the district, officials said.
Bein said District 25's return is one of the earliest among other elementary districts in the Northwest suburbs, with others also planning a transition to hybrid models in October and November.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Phony championship rings, fake N95 masks: What Customs agents are seizing at O'Hare

Between the phony Super Bowl rings headed to Aurora , knockoff Apple watches on their way to Peru and a half-million fake N95 masks going to the East Coast , it 's been a busy month at O'Hare International Airport for federal customs agents .
Those three seizures -- amounting to nearly $ 775,000 in counterfeit goods -- are some of the estimated $ 1.5 billion in bogus items U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seize in a given year , authorities say .
And with about 20 % of all international mail coming into the United States passing through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those seizures are taking place close to home .
`` We 're working day in , day out on these , '' Steve Bansbach , public information officer for CBP 's Chicago field office , told us this week .
A big seizure announced late last month likely saved suburban sports memorabilia collectors some major disappointment , not to mention thousands of dollars .
Customs officers seized a shipment from Shanghai , China , and opened it to discover 62 sports championship rings that an expert later determined to be counterfeit .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two Bulls NBA Championship rings and 37 Super Bowl rings from three teams .
Agents also found rings purportedly belonging to NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan .
According to Customs , the rings -- if real -- would have been worth $ 93,600 .
They were destined for an undisclosed store in Aurora .
Bansbach told us there have been no charges brought in connection with the bogus rings , but the matter remains under investigation .
`` Shipments like these prey on the many sports fans across the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices for garbage , '' Shane Campbell , director for CBP in Chicago , said in an announcement of the seizure .
Federal customs officers in Chicago seized 500,000 counterfeit N95 masks this month .
The masks arrived from China and were being shipped to New Jersey .
- Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Masks and more While that seizure saved some sports collectors from a bad investment , another case announced this week could have led to far more serious consequences .
A shipment from Schenzhen , China , seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respirator masks , crucial to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Customs agents sent 30 to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing facility in West Virginia , where the CDC concluded at least some of the masks did n't qualify for the N95 designation .
The masks -- valued at as much as $ 3 million because of the high demand for PPE -- were turned over to Homeland Security for further investigation .
`` These masks did not meet the safety standards outlined by the CDC , which puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and well-being of everyone , '' Campbell said .
A day after the mask seizure , CBP officers inspected seven boxes being shipped from Hong Kong and found 423 Apple watches and 200 Apple AirPod earphones later determined to be bogus .
Had they passed through and been sold retail , they would have been worth more than $ 200,000 , officials said .
We 're only halfway through September , but we 've already seen more homicides in Cook County this year than in all of 2019 , according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office Tuesday .
The ME 's office has confirmed 677 homicides this year , surpassing last year 's 675 with more than three months left in the year .
At this point last year , the county had seen 487 homicides .
Now it 's on pace to exceed 900 homicides , the most since 2016 .
According to the medical examiner , Chicago accounts for most of this year 's homicides , with 565 inside city limits .
People of color made up 95 % of the victims , and about 86 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun-related .
The surge does not appear to have made its way to the Northwest suburbs , however .
According to medical examiner 's data , there have been nine homicides in Northwest suburban Cook County this year , the same as at this time in 2019 .
There were eight in mid-September 2018 and seven at this time in 2017 , according to county statistics .
Although the spike in killings is occurring in Chicago , Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said he stays mindful of what 's happening there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ How would my department handle it ?
, ' '' he said .
`` That 's how you stay ahead . ''
A pair of Lake County Sheriff 's correctional officers are being hailed as heroes for actions they took Sunday to rescue an inmate intent on taking his own life .
According to the sheriff 's office , Officers Elvis Fejzic and Mathew Outinen were conducting rounds about 3 p.m. when they discovered a 20-year-old inmate who had tied a torn shirt around his neck .
The officers quickly opened the inmate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his neck and administered first-aid .
The inmate later was transported to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan , where he has since recovered , officials said .
`` Our correctional officers are trained to never hesitate in providing first-aid and calling for an ambulance for any inmate who is in physical distress , '' Sheriff John Idleburg said .
If your commute to work or drive to the grocery store passes over railroad tracks , do n't be surprised if you come across law enforcement officers at those crossings next week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take part in `` Operation Clear Track , '' the largest annual rail-safety initiative in North America .
Held in conjunction with Rail Safety Week , the program will put police officers near rail crossings , where they 'll hand out educational materials to drivers and pedestrians .
Officials say more 2,100 people in the U.S. and Canada are killed or injured in rail accidents every year .
For more info about Rail Safety Week and Operation Clear Track , visit www.oli.org .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

Phony championship rings, fake N95 masks: What Customs agents are seizing at O'Hare
Federal customs officers in Chicago seized 500,000 counterfeit N95 masks this month. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
A half-million fake N95 respirator masks were seized at O'Hare International Airport last month. Federal authorities say the masks could have sold for as much as $3 million, given their high demand. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
A batch of 62 fake sports championship rings seized by customs agents last month at O'Hare International Airport included a pair purportedly to be Chicago Bulls NBA Championship rings and 37 Super Bowl rings from three teams. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
These are some of the 62 counterfeit sports championship rings federal officers seized last month at O'Hare International Airport. The rings, which included four bogus Cubs World Series rings, were destined for an undisclosed store in Aurora, authorities said. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Between the phony Super Bowl rings headed to Aurora, knockoff Apple watches on their way to Peru and a half-million fake N95 masks going to the East Coast, it's been a busy month at O'Hare International Airport for federal customs agents.
Those three seizures -- amounting to nearly $775,000 in counterfeit goods -- are some of the estimated $1.5 billion in bogus items U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seize in a given year, authorities say.
And with about 20% of all international mail coming into the United States passing through O'Hare's processing facility, many of those seizures are taking place close to home.
"We're working day in, day out on these," Steve Bansbach, public information officer for CBP's Chicago field office, told us this week.
A big seizure announced late last month likely saved suburban sports memorabilia collectors some major disappointment, not to mention thousands of dollars.
Customs officers seized a shipment from Shanghai, China, and opened it to discover 62 sports championship rings that an expert later determined to be counterfeit. The collection included four Cubs World Series rings, two Bulls NBA Championship rings and 37 Super Bowl rings from three teams. Agents also found rings purportedly belonging to NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.
According to Customs, the rings -- if real -- would have been worth $93,600. They were destined for an undisclosed store in Aurora.
Bansbach told us there have been no charges brought in connection with the bogus rings, but the matter remains under investigation.
"Shipments like these prey on the many sports fans across the nation who may be duped into paying high prices for garbage," Shane Campbell, director for CBP in Chicago, said in an announcement of the seizure.
Federal customs officers in Chicago seized 500,000 counterfeit N95 masks this month. The masks arrived from China and were being shipped to New Jersey. - Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
While that seizure saved some sports collectors from a bad investment, another case announced this week could have led to far more serious consequences.
A shipment from Schenzhen, China, seized Sept. 10 contained a purported 500,000 N95 respirator masks, crucial to helping stop the spread of COVID-19. Customs agents sent 30 to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing facility in West Virginia, where the CDC concluded at least some of the masks didn't qualify for the N95 designation.
The masks -- valued at as much as $3 million because of the high demand for PPE -- were turned over to Homeland Security for further investigation.
"These masks did not meet the safety standards outlined by the CDC, which puts the public at risk, jeopardizing the health and well-being of everyone," Campbell said.
A day after the mask seizure, CBP officers inspected seven boxes being shipped from Hong Kong and found 423 Apple watches and 200 Apple AirPod earphones later determined to be bogus. Had they passed through and been sold retail, they would have been worth more than $200,000, officials said.
Homicide on the rise
We're only halfway through September, but we've already seen more homicides in Cook County this year than in all of 2019, according to a report issued by the medical examiner's office Tuesday.
The ME's office has confirmed 677 homicides this year, surpassing last year's 675 with more than three months left in the year. At this point last year, the county had seen 487 homicides. Now it's on pace to exceed 900 homicides, the most since 2016.
According to the medical examiner, Chicago accounts for most of this year's homicides, with 565 inside city limits. People of color made up 95% of the victims, and about 86% of this year's homicides were gun-related.
The surge does not appear to have made its way to the Northwest suburbs, however. According to medical examiner's data, there have been nine homicides in Northwest suburban Cook County this year, the same as at this time in 2019. There were eight in mid-September 2018 and seven at this time in 2017, according to county statistics.
Although the spike in killings is occurring in Chicago, Arlington Heights Police Chief Nicholas Pecora said he stays mindful of what's happening there.
"You always ask 'What if? How would my department handle it?,'" he said. "That's how you stay ahead."
Lake County lifesavers
A pair of Lake County Sheriff's correctional officers are being hailed as heroes for actions they took Sunday to rescue an inmate intent on taking his own life.
According to the sheriff's office, Officers Elvis Fejzic and Mathew Outinen were conducting rounds about 3 p.m. when they discovered a 20-year-old inmate who had tied a torn shirt around his neck. The officers quickly opened the inmate's door, cut the shirt off his neck and administered first-aid.
The inmate later was transported to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, where he has since recovered, officials said.
"Our correctional officers are trained to never hesitate in providing first-aid and calling for an ambulance for any inmate who is in physical distress," Sheriff John Idleburg said.
Safe crossings
If your commute to work or drive to the grocery store passes over railroad tracks, don't be surprised if you come across law enforcement officers at those crossings next week.
Beginning Monday, police across the suburbs will take part in "Operation Clear Track," the largest annual rail-safety initiative in North America.
Held in conjunction with Rail Safety Week, the program will put police officers near rail crossings, where they'll hand out educational materials to drivers and pedestrians.
Officials say more 2,100 people in the U.S. and Canada are killed or injured in rail accidents every year. For more info about Rail Safety Week and Operation Clear Track, visit www.oli.org.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@ dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-18--Chicago White Sox storm past Twins, clinch spot in playoffs

After driving in the deciding run with a two-out double in the seventh inning of the White Sox 's 4-3 win over the Twins on Thursday afternoon , Eloy Jimenez let loose with a celebratory scream .
`` I just felt really emotional after striking out three times , '' the 23-year-old left fielder said .
`` That was a really special moment and I just let it go . ''
In his second year with the Sox , Jimenez was filled with understandable joy .
And why not ?
With the gritty victory over Minnesota , the White Sox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinch a playoff spot .
`` It definitely means a lot , '' star shortstop Tim Anderson said .
`` It had been a minute .
Just bringing some more excitement back to the South Side , giving the fans a reason to be excited . ''
In truth , it 's been an extended minute since the Sox and their fans celebrated a postseason berth .
Jimenez was just getting started as an 11-year-old baseball player in the Dominican Republic when the White Sox last clinched -- in 2008 .
Anderson was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more polished as a basketball player .
After a 12-year wait that featured a full-blown rebuild , a 100-loss season in 2018 and 99 losses in '13 , a player revolt involving Chris Sale , Adam Eaton and Adam LaRoche and plenty of all-around bad baseball , the White Sox have finally flipped the script .
Trailing Minnesota 3-2 with two outs in the seventh inning , Jose Abreu tied the game with an RBI single and Jimenez followed with the big double .
Holding the best record ( 33-17 ) in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time before the Sox made their trip to the playoffs official .
`` It 's really , really fun , '' Jimenez said .
`` At the beginning of the year , at SoxFest , I said we 'll be disappointed if we do n't make the playoffs .
So now we made it and now we just need to continue to play hard and win our division . ''
Playing a season shortened to 60 games by COVID-19 has been a big adjustment for every major-league team .
After they got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still sputtering at 10-11 , the White Sox 's offense started pounding the baseball and everything else fell into place .
The one thing that 's really been missing is fans at Guaranteed Rate Field .
Staying patient during a long run of failure has been no easy task , and they would have really enjoyed watching this Sox team live and in person .
`` They are the reason why any team exists , '' manager Rick Renteria said .
`` The fan base is the most important part of an organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think everybody knows it .
All through the pros and the cons , through the love and through the hate and all that good stuff , it 's just a part of it because you want your club to do well .
`` This is for them , too .
I hope they 're enjoying it .
I hope they 're enjoying it more than us because we know they 've been going through a tough time , not only now but over the last few years . ''

Chicago White Sox storm past Twins, clinch spot in playoffs
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez winds up to throw during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Eloy Jimenez reacts on second after hitting an RBI double off Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Sergio Romo during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. Yolmer Sanchez scored on the play. Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu (79) and Eloy Jimenez celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. The White Sox clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008.
After driving in the deciding run with a two-out double in the seventh inning of the White Sox's 4-3 win over the Twins on Thursday afternoon, Eloy Jimenez let loose with a celebratory scream.
"I just felt really emotional after striking out three times," the 23-year-old left fielder said. "That was a really special moment and I just let it go."
In his second year with the Sox, Jimenez was filled with understandable joy. And why not?
With the gritty victory over Minnesota, the White Sox became the first American League team to clinch a playoff spot.
"It definitely means a lot," star shortstop Tim Anderson said. "It had been a minute. Just bringing some more excitement back to the South Side, giving the fans a reason to be excited."
In truth, it's been an extended minute since the Sox and their fans celebrated a postseason berth.
Jimenez was just getting started as an 11-year-old baseball player in the Dominican Republic when the White Sox last clinched -- in 2008.
Anderson was 14 at the time, and much more polished as a basketball player.
After a 12-year wait that featured a full-blown rebuild, a 100-loss season in 2018 and 99 losses in '13, a player revolt involving Chris Sale, Adam Eaton and Adam LaRoche and plenty of all-around bad baseball, the White Sox have finally flipped the script.
Trailing Minnesota 3-2 with two outs in the seventh inning, Jose Abreu tied the game with an RBI single and Jimenez followed with the big double.
Holding the best record (33-17) in the AL, it was just a matter of time before the Sox made their trip to the playoffs official.
"It's really, really fun," Jimenez said. "At the beginning of the year, at SoxFest, I said we'll be disappointed if we don't make the playoffs. So now we made it and now we just need to continue to play hard and win our division."
Playing a season shortened to 60 games by COVID-19 has been a big adjustment for every major-league team.
After they got off to a 1-4 start and were still sputtering at 10-11, the White Sox's offense started pounding the baseball and everything else fell into place.
The one thing that's really been missing is fans at Guaranteed Rate Field. Staying patient during a long run of failure has been no easy task, and they would have really enjoyed watching this Sox team live and in person.
"They are the reason why any team exists," manager Rick Renteria said. "The fan base is the most important part of an organization's existence. Everybody understands that, I think everybody knows it. All through the pros and the cons, through the love and through the hate and all that good stuff, it's just a part of it because you want your club to do well.
"This is for them, too. I hope they're enjoying it. I hope they're enjoying it more than us because we know they've been going through a tough time, not only now but over the last few years."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Jewish congregations rally for unity during a decidedly different Rosh Hashanah

How does one celebrate the Days of Awe when so much these days has been awful ?
That is a question facing Jewish congregations and their rabbis as they approach Rosh Hashanah , the Jewish New Year , which begins today at sundown , and Yom Kippur , the Day of Atonement , which begins the evening of Sept. 27 .
`` We are entering year 5781 on the Hebrew calendar .
Though I 've only been around for 51 of those , I ca n't help but think that few have been as challenging as 5780 , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding new ways to address those challenges , in many cases by gathering people remotely or socially distanced in outdoor settings .
`` It 's definitely been interesting and different , '' said Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook , which is in the minority this Rosh Hashanah by holding smaller , socially distanced services outdoors under an open-walled tent .
`` We 've been busier than ever , '' Moscowitz said .
`` I feel that people very much want the connection , especially those that are home , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others . ''
For those who are uncomfortable in a live setting , Moscowitz said a prayer book , `` do-it-yourself guide '' and children 's package also will be available for people to use at home .
A highlight of Rosh Hashanah , he said , is the sounding of the Shofar , or blowing into a ram 's horn , a tradition dating back millennia .
`` The message of the Shofar is like a cry from the heart , like a child calling out for a parent , '' Moscowitz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosh Hashanah is , that we connect from the essence , that we connect from the soul to God . ''
Throughout Sunday afternoon , Moscowitz and a team of rabbis and volunteers will be making stops at locations throughout Northbrook to sound the Shofar .
People may simply gather , socially distanced , to hear it .
A list of locations is at NorthbrookShofar.com .
While several congregations also will host services under open tents and some may offer outdoor ceremonies , in most cases Rosh Hashanah services will be held remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual , the focus is on how wonderful it is that people all over the globe can be with us through the Zoom platform and celebrate the holidays with us , '' she said .
Being an inclusive Reform congregation , she said , she feels glad to offer guidance to what she believes is a wider audience in the wake of COVID-19 .
`` Our Shabbat services through Zoom have been doing very well , '' Landsman said .
Known as `` the Singing Rabbi '' after serving as a cantor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elohim under the late Rabbi Mark Shapiro , she noted the importance `` to think out of the box '' in creating meaningful and captivating messages remotely .
Shorter , too , to avoid screen fatigue .
She 's done educational and social programs , held online game nights , even had an event called `` Comedy and Cocktails '' in which congregants told jokes to each other .
`` I feel like now we all need to laugh , we need to find joy , '' Landsman said .
For the High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to say in my message for Rosh Hashanah , I think it 's important to acknowledge the fact without dwelling on it that we are in a pandemic . ''
She 'll likely touch on the divisiveness , the financial and emotional instability .
In the spirit of the holiday , though , it may well be a light touch .
`` As a rabbi , it 's my place to uplift people , '' Landsman said .
`` I think we need to make the best of the situation that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still ways to be connected to a rabbi , to a congregation , through Zoom . ''

Jewish congregations rally for unity during a decidedly different Rosh Hashanah
How does one celebrate the Days of Awe when so much these days has been awful?
That is a question facing Jewish congregations and their rabbis as they approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins today at sundown, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which begins the evening of Sept. 27.
"We are entering year 5781 on the Hebrew calendar. Though I've only been around for 51 of those, I can't help but think that few have been as challenging as 5780," said Glenview resident Jonathan Schoenberg.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Rabbi Meir Moscowitz stands beneath the tent at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be observed outside this year.
Congregations are finding new ways to address those challenges, in many cases by gathering people remotely or socially distanced in outdoor settings.
"It's definitely been interesting and different," said Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, which is in the minority this Rosh Hashanah by holding smaller, socially distanced services outdoors under an open-walled tent.
"We've been busier than ever," Moscowitz said. "I feel that people very much want the connection, especially those that are home, and especially with the limitations on interacting with others."
For those who are uncomfortable in a live setting, Moscowitz said a prayer book, "do-it-yourself guide" and children's package also will be available for people to use at home.
A highlight of Rosh Hashanah, he said, is the sounding of the Shofar, or blowing into a ram's horn, a tradition dating back millennia.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Rabbi Meir Moscowitz sounds the Shofar at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be observed outside under a tent, where the Ark has been placed.
"The message of the Shofar is like a cry from the heart, like a child calling out for a parent," Moscowitz said.
"That's really what Rosh Hashanah is, that we connect from the essence, that we connect from the soul to God."
Throughout Sunday afternoon, Moscowitz and a team of rabbis and volunteers will be making stops at locations throughout Northbrook to sound the Shofar.
People may simply gather, socially distanced, to hear it.
A list of locations is at NorthbrookShofar.com.
While several congregations also will host services under open tents and some may offer outdoor ceremonies, in most cases Rosh Hashanah services will be held remotely.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Rabbi Meir Moscowitz sounds the Shofar at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be observed outside under a tent, where the Ark has been placed.
Rabbi Nancy Landsman of Congregation Ahavat Olam in Glenview finds a silver lining.
"Especially being that we're virtual, the focus is on how wonderful it is that people all over the globe can be with us through the Zoom platform and celebrate the holidays with us," she said.
Being an inclusive Reform congregation, she said, she feels glad to offer guidance to what she believes is a wider audience in the wake of COVID-19.
"Our Shabbat services through Zoom have been doing very well," Landsman said.
Known as "the Singing Rabbi" after serving as a cantor for 30 years starting at B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim under the late Rabbi Mark Shapiro, she noted the importance "to think out of the box" in creating meaningful and captivating messages remotely. Shorter, too, to avoid screen fatigue.
She's done educational and social programs, held online game nights, even had an event called "Comedy and Cocktails" in which congregants told jokes to each other.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be observed outside under a tent, where the Ark has been placed.
"I feel like now we all need to laugh, we need to find joy," Landsman said.
For the High Holy Days, "as I'm going to say in my message for Rosh Hashanah, I think it's important to acknowledge the fact without dwelling on it that we are in a pandemic."
She'll likely touch on the divisiveness, the financial and emotional instability.
In the spirit of the holiday, though, it may well be a light touch.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Rabbi Meir Moscowitz of Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be observed outside under a tent, where the Ark has been placed.
"As a rabbi, it's my place to uplift people," Landsman said.
"I think we need to make the best of the situation that we're all in, and there are still ways to be connected to a rabbi, to a congregation, through Zoom."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--14th Congressional race: How Underwood, Oberweis differ on health care

One of the candidates for Illinois ' 14th Congressional District seat , incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood of Naperville , believes health care is a human right that should be afforded to everyone .
The Republican candidate , state Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove , said Americans have a right to basic and lifesaving health care , but would n't clarify whether he sees it as a human right or one mandated by the U.S. Constitution .
Underwood and Oberweis spoke about health care and other issues last week during a joint , online meeting with editors and reporters from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as in other interviews .
Underwood , a registered nurse who 's seeking a second term in the House , declared health care is a human right while answering a question about the Affordable Care Act .
She helped implement that legislation while working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
Underwood said she 's worked in Congress to ensure people with preexisting medical conditions remain insured and to lower the costs of prescription drugs , including insulin .
`` Right now , too many of our neighbors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half , or forgoing treatment because of cost , '' Underwood said .
`` That 's unacceptable . ''
Underwood said she also supports increasing access to affordable , high-quality health care , including maternal , mental health and reproductive care .
`` Reproductive health care is health care , '' said Underwood , who has worked as an administrator with a Medicaid-managed care plan in Chicago and as a nursing school instructor .
Underwood criticized President Donald Trump for suing to dismantle the Affordable Care Act during the COVID-19 pandemic .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a human right , Oberweis said he believes `` in the right to life . ''
The Daily Herald asked Oberweis in a subsequent email if he thought health care was a human right , a legal right or a service .
He responded : `` Every American has a right to basic and life saving health care regardless of ability to pay . ''
Neither he nor a campaign spokesman would elaborate .
As for the Affordable Care Act , Oberweis has said he 'd support repealing and replacing it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 Senate bid , Oberweis called it a `` disaster . ''
In public comments during this campaign , Oberweis said the law needs to be fixed but some elements should be kept , such as coverage for preexisting conditions .
When asked for clarification , a campaign spokesman said Oberweis would support repealing the law and replacing it with a different one if that would fix its flaws .
But he also said Oberweis would support efforts to amend the law if that would improve it .
Oberweis said he favors more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so consumers can shop around .
`` People want to know what these services cost , '' Oberweis said .
`` And secondly , we need to have more competition to help bring down prices . ''
Oberweis also supports allowing pharmacies to re-import American-made prescription drugs from Canada , where the government limits retail prices .
`` Those prices are going to equalize very quickly , '' he said .
`` Otherwise , Americans would just buy their prescriptions from the CVS in Montreal or Toronto . ''
Underwood said a single-payer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care coverage , and she said that 's `` a great goal . ''
The 14th District includes parts of DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry , Will , DeKalb and Kendall counties .

14th Congressional race: How Underwood, Oberweis differ on health care
One of the candidates for Illinois' 14th Congressional District seat, incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood of Naperville, believes health care is a human right that should be afforded to everyone.
The Republican candidate, state Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, said Americans have a right to basic and lifesaving health care, but wouldn't clarify whether he sees it as a human right or one mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
Underwood and Oberweis spoke about health care and other issues last week during a joint, online meeting with editors and reporters from the Daily Herald and Shaw Media, as well as in other interviews.
Underwood, a registered nurse who's seeking a second term in the House, declared health care is a human right while answering a question about the Affordable Care Act. She helped implement that legislation while working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Underwood said she's worked in Congress to ensure people with preexisting medical conditions remain insured and to lower the costs of prescription drugs, including insulin.
"Right now, too many of our neighbors are avoiding checkups, cutting pills in half, or forgoing treatment because of cost," Underwood said. "That's unacceptable."
Underwood said she also supports increasing access to affordable, high-quality health care, including maternal, mental health and reproductive care.
"Reproductive health care is health care," said Underwood, who has worked as an administrator with a Medicaid-managed care plan in Chicago and as a nursing school instructor.
Underwood criticized President Donald Trump for suing to dismantle the Affordable Care Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Underwood made her comment about health care being a human right, Oberweis said he believes "in the right to life."
The Daily Herald asked Oberweis in a subsequent email if he thought health care was a human right, a legal right or a service. He responded: "Every American has a right to basic and life saving health care regardless of ability to pay."
Neither he nor a campaign spokesman would elaborate.
As for the Affordable Care Act, Oberweis has said he'd support repealing and replacing it. In a public debate during his unsuccessful 2014 Senate bid, Oberweis called it a "disaster." In public comments during this campaign, Oberweis said the law needs to be fixed but some elements should be kept, such as coverage for preexisting conditions.
When asked for clarification, a campaign spokesman said Oberweis would support repealing the law and replacing it with a different one if that would fix its flaws. But he also said Oberweis would support efforts to amend the law if that would improve it.
Oberweis said he favors more transparency about how much medical services cost so consumers can shop around.
"People want to know what these services cost," Oberweis said. "And secondly, we need to have more competition to help bring down prices."
Oberweis also supports allowing pharmacies to re-import American-made prescription drugs from Canada, where the government limits retail prices.
"Those prices are going to equalize very quickly," he said. "Otherwise, Americans would just buy their prescriptions from the CVS in Montreal or Toronto."
Oberweis opposes the concept of a single-payer, government-run health care system.
Underwood said a single-payer system is one way to achieve universal health care coverage, and she said that's "a great goal."
The 14th District includes parts of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, DeKalb and Kendall counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-17--Longtime Round Lake Beach Mayor Richard Hill announces retirement plans

Longtime Round Lake Beach Mayor Richard Hill announced his retirement and resignation , effective Sept. 30 , in a signed letter Thursday .
Hill , who began his 25-year political tenure as a trustee in 1995 , was elected mayor in 2001 .
He wrote he intends to `` pursue many of life 's opportunities that I have put off to the side over the last 25 years .
`` I have been honored to represent the residents of Round Lake Beach , '' Hill wrote .
`` Over the years I have met so many wonderful people and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements in Round Lake Beach over the years .
But as with anything , there is more to do .
I 'm sure the elected officials will continue where I leave off . ''
When he first ran for election , Hill uncovered budget errors that shorted the village $ 1.25 million of a $ 6 million budget .
He helped balance the budget , according to the letter .
Hill mentioned some of his other notable accomplishments , including dredging the channels that give life to the village and improving and expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among a number of other things .

Longtime Round Lake Beach Mayor Richard Hill announces retirement plans
Longtime Round Lake Beach Mayor Richard Hill announced his retirement and resignation, effective Sept. 30, in a signed letter Thursday.
Hill, who began his 25-year political tenure as a trustee in 1995, was elected mayor in 2001.
He wrote he intends to "pursue many of life's opportunities that I have put off to the side over the last 25 years.
"I have been honored to represent the residents of Round Lake Beach," Hill wrote. "Over the years I have met so many wonderful people and I am sure they appreciate all the great improvements in Round Lake Beach over the years. But as with anything, there is more to do. I'm sure the elected officials will continue where I leave off."
When he first ran for election, Hill uncovered budget errors that shorted the village $1.25 million of a $6 million budget. He helped balance the budget, according to the letter.
Hill mentioned some of his other notable accomplishments, including dredging the channels that give life to the village and improving and expanding the lakefront park with handicap access, among a number of other things.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-18--21-year-old man dies after two-vehicle crash in Wauconda

One person is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Wauconda early Friday morning .
Wauconda Fire Protection District officials said @ @ @ @ @ on Route 12 just south of the Route 176 intersection collided with a passenger vehicle @ @ @ @ @ .
Wauconda police officials reported the passenger vehicle , a white Mitsubishi Eclipse , was @ @ @ @ @ near Route 59 and crossed into the northbound lanes for an unknown reason and collided @ @ @ @ @ .
The force of the collision ejected the unidentified 21-year-old male driver of the passenger @ @ @ @ @ .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
The 62-year-old driver of the box @ @ @ @ @ scene .
Northbound Route 12 and Route 176 were closed for several hours but were @ @ @ @ @ investigation into the crash is ongoing .

21-year-old man dies after two-vehicle crash in Wauconda
A 21-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash early Friday morning on Route 12 in Wauconda. courtesy of wauconda police department
One person is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Wauconda early Friday morning.
Wauconda Fire Protection District officials said a box truck traveling north on Route 12 just south of the Route 176 intersection collided with a passenger vehicle just before 3 a.m. Friday.
Wauconda police officials reported the passenger vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Eclipse, was headed southbound on Route 12 near Route 59 and crossed into the northbound lanes for an unknown reason and collided with the green box truck.
The force of the collision ejected the unidentified 21-year-old male driver of the passenger vehicle, fire officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 62-year-old driver of the box truck was treated at the scene.
Northbound Route 12 and Route 176 were closed for several hours but were reopened before noon. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.