dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Rock icon Eddie Van Halen dead at 65

Rock icon Eddie Van Halen dead at 65

NEW YORK -- Eddie Van Halen , the guitar virtuoso whose blinding speed , control and innovation propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock 's biggest groups and became elevated to the status of rock god , has died .
He was 65 .
A person close to Van Halen 's family confirmed the rocker died Tuesday due to cancer .
`` He was the best father I could ask for , '' Van Halen 's son Wolfgang wrote in a social media post .
`` Every moment I 've shared with him on and off stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinct solos , Eddie Van Halen fueled the ultimate California party band and helped knock disco off the charts starting in the late 1970s with his band 's self-titled debut album and then with the blockbuster record `` 1984 , '' which contains the classics `` Jump , '' `` Panama '' and `` Hot for Teacher . ''
Van Halen is among the top 20 best-selling artists of all time , and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 .
Rolling Stone magazine put Eddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its list of the 100 greatest guitarists .
Eddie Van Halen was something of a musical contradiction .
He was an autodidact who could play almost any instrument , but he could n't read music .
He was a classically trained pianist who also created some of the most distinctive guitar riffs in rock history .
He was a Dutch immigrant who was considered one of the greatest American guitarists of his generation .
`` You changed our world .
You were the Mozart of rock guitar .
Travel safe , rockstar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
Added Lenny Kravitz : `` Heaven will be electric tonight . ''
The band 's classic lineup -- the two Van Halen brothers , Eddie and Alex ; vocalist David Lee Roth ; and bassist Michael Anthony -- formed in 1974 in Pasadena , California .
They were members of rival high school bands and then attended Pasadena City College together .
They combined to form the band Mammoth , but then changed to Van Halen after discovering there was another band called Mammoth .
Their 1978 release `` Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Runnin ' With the Devil , '' and then Eddie Van Halen showed off his astonishing skills in the next song , `` Eruption , '' a furious guitar solo that swoops and soars like a deranged bird .
The album also contained `` Ai n't Talkin ' 'Bout Love '' and a cover of the Kinks ' `` You Really Got Me . ''
Van Halen released albums on a yearly timetable -- `` Van Halen II '' ( 1979 ) , `` Women and Children First '' ( 1980 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` Diver Down '' ( 1982 ) -- until the monumental `` 1984 , '' which hit No .
2 on the Billboard 200 album charts , behind only Michael Jackson 's `` Thriller . ''
Rolling Stone ranked `` 1984 '' No .
81 on its list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s .
Van Halen also played guitar on one of the biggest singles of the 1980s : Jackson 's `` Beat It . ''
His solo lasted all of 20 seconds and took only a half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a favor to producer Quincy Jones , while the rest of his Van Halen bandmates were out of town .
Van Halen received no compensation or credit for the work , even though he rearranged the section he played on .
`` It was 20 minutes of my life .
I did n't want anything for doing that , '' he told Billboard in 2015 .
`` I literally thought to myself , 'Who is possibly going to know if I play on this kid 's record ? '
'' Rolling Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 344 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time .
Jackson 's melding of hard rock and R & B preceded the meeting of Run-DMC and Aerosmith by four years .
But strains between Roth and the band erupted after their 1984 world tour , and Roth left .
The group then recruited Sammy Hagar as lead singer -- some critics called the new formulation `` Van Hagar '' -- and the band went on to score its first No .
1 album with `` 5150 , '' More studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge '' and `` Balance . ''
Hit singles included `` Why Ca n't This Be Love '' and `` Right Now . ''
Hagar was ousted in 1996 and former Extreme singer Gary Cherone stepped in for the album `` Van Halen III , '' a stumble that did n't lead to another album and the quick departure of Cherone .
Roth would eventually return in 2007 and team up with the Van Halen brothers and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass for a tour , the album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the 2015 album `` Tokyo Dome Live in Concert . ''
For much of his career , Eddie Van Halen wrote and experimented with sounds while drunk or high , or both .
He revealed that he would stay in his hotel room drinking vodka and snorting cocaine while playing into a tape recorder .
Hagar 's 2011 autobiography `` Red : My Uncensored Life in Rock '' portrays Eddie as a violent , booze-addled vampire , living inside a garbage-strewn house .
`` I did n't drink to party , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cocaine were private things to me .
I would use them for work .
The blow keeps you awake and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions .
I 'm sure there were musical things I would not have attempted were I not in that mental state . ''
Eddie Van Halen was born in Amsterdam and his family immigrated to California in 1962 when he was 7 .
His father was a big-band clarinetist who rarely found work after coming to the U.S. , and their mother was a maid who had dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Van Halens shared a house with three other families .
Eddie and Alex had only each other , a tight relationship that flowed through their music .
`` We showed up here with the equivalent of $ 50 and a piano , '' Eddie Van Halen told The Associated Press in 2015 .
`` We came halfway around the world without money , without a set job , no place to live and could n't even speak the language . ''
He said his earliest memories of music were banging pots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sousa marches .
At one point , Eddie got a drum set , which his older brother coveted .
`` I never wanted to play guitar , '' he confessed at a talk at the Smithsonian 's National Museum of American History in 2015 .
But his brother was good at the drums , so Eddie gave into his brother 's wishes .
He was a relentless experimenter who would solder different parts from different guitar-makers , including Gibson and Fender , into one instrument .
He created his own graphic design for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruments and then spray-painting them .
He said his influences were Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix .
Van Halen , sober since 2008 , lost one-third of his tongue to a cancer that eventually drifted into his esophagus .
In 1999 , he had a hip replacement .
He was married twice , to actress Valerie Bertinelli from 1981 to 2007 and then to stuntwoman-turned-publicist Janie Liszewski , whom he wed in 2009 .

Rock icon Eddie Van Halen dead at 65
David Lee Roth, left, and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform on Aug. 13, 2015, in Wantagh, N.Y. Van Halen, who had battled cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65. Associated Press
This July 14, 1984 file photo shows Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen, left, performing "Beat It" with Michael Jackson during Jackson's Victory Tour concert in Irving, Texas. Van Halen, who had battled mouth cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65. Associated Press
In this Aug. 5, 2004 file photo, Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen performs in Phoenix. Van Halen, who had battled mouth cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65. Associated Press
Eddie Van Halen plays the final chord of "Jump" during the Van Halen concert at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, June 22, 2004. John Munson/NJ Advance Media via AP
NEW YORK -- Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso whose blinding speed, control and innovation propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock's biggest groups and became elevated to the status of rock god, has died. He was 65.
A person close to Van Halen's family confirmed the rocker died Tuesday due to cancer.
"He was the best father I could ask for," Van Halen's son Wolfgang wrote in a social media post. "Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift."
With his distinct solos, Eddie Van Halen fueled the ultimate California party band and helped knock disco off the charts starting in the late 1970s with his band's self-titled debut album and then with the blockbuster record "1984," which contains the classics "Jump," "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher."
Van Halen is among the top 20 best-selling artists of all time, and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Rolling Stone magazine put Eddie Van Halen at No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
Eddie Van Halen was something of a musical contradiction. He was an autodidact who could play almost any instrument, but he couldn't read music. He was a classically trained pianist who also created some of the most distinctive guitar riffs in rock history. He was a Dutch immigrant who was considered one of the greatest American guitarists of his generation.
"You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe, rockstar," Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx said on Twitter. Added Lenny Kravitz: "Heaven will be electric tonight."
The band's classic lineup -- the two Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex; vocalist David Lee Roth; and bassist Michael Anthony -- formed in 1974 in Pasadena, California. They were members of rival high school bands and then attended Pasadena City College together. They combined to form the band Mammoth, but then changed to Van Halen after discovering there was another band called Mammoth.
Their 1978 release "Van Halen" opened with a blistering "Runnin' With the Devil," and then Eddie Van Halen showed off his astonishing skills in the next song, "Eruption," a furious guitar solo that swoops and soars like a deranged bird. The album also contained "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" and a cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me."
Van Halen released albums on a yearly timetable -- "Van Halen II" (1979), "Women and Children First" (1980), "Fair Warning" (1981) and "Diver Down" (1982) -- until the monumental "1984," which hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album charts, behind only Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Rolling Stone ranked "1984" No. 81 on its list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s.
Van Halen also played guitar on one of the biggest singles of the 1980s: Jackson's "Beat It." His solo lasted all of 20 seconds and took only a half an hour to record. He did it as a favor to producer Quincy Jones, while the rest of his Van Halen bandmates were out of town.
Van Halen received no compensation or credit for the work, even though he rearranged the section he played on. "It was 20 minutes of my life. I didn't want anything for doing that," he told Billboard in 2015. "I literally thought to myself, 'Who is possibly going to know if I play on this kid's record?'" Rolling Stone ranked "Beat It" No. 344 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Jackson's melding of hard rock and R&B preceded the meeting of Run-DMC and Aerosmith by four years.
But strains between Roth and the band erupted after their 1984 world tour, and Roth left. The group then recruited Sammy Hagar as lead singer -- some critics called the new formulation "Van Hagar" -- and the band went on to score its first No. 1 album with "5150," More studio albums followed, including "OU812," "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance." Hit singles included "Why Can't This Be Love" and "Right Now."
Hagar was ousted in 1996 and former Extreme singer Gary Cherone stepped in for the album "Van Halen III," a stumble that didn't lead to another album and the quick departure of Cherone. Roth would eventually return in 2007 and team up with the Van Halen brothers and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass for a tour, the album "A Different Kind of Truth" and the 2015 album "Tokyo Dome Live in Concert."
For much of his career, Eddie Van Halen wrote and experimented with sounds while drunk or high, or both. He revealed that he would stay in his hotel room drinking vodka and snorting cocaine while playing into a tape recorder. Hagar's 2011 autobiography "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock" portrays Eddie as a violent, booze-addled vampire, living inside a garbage-strewn house.
"I didn't drink to party," Van Halen told Billboard. "Alcohol and cocaine were private things to me. I would use them for work. The blow keeps you awake and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions. I'm sure there were musical things I would not have attempted were I not in that mental state."
Eddie Van Halen was born in Amsterdam and his family immigrated to California in 1962 when he was 7. His father was a big-band clarinetist who rarely found work after coming to the U.S., and their mother was a maid who had dreams of her sons being classical pianists. The Van Halens shared a house with three other families. Eddie and Alex had only each other, a tight relationship that flowed through their music.
"We showed up here with the equivalent of $50 and a piano," Eddie Van Halen told The Associated Press in 2015. "We came halfway around the world without money, without a set job, no place to live and couldn't even speak the language."
He said his earliest memories of music were banging pots and pans together, marching to John Philip Sousa marches. At one point, Eddie got a drum set, which his older brother coveted.
"I never wanted to play guitar," he confessed at a talk at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 2015. But his brother was good at the drums, so Eddie gave into his brother's wishes.
He was a relentless experimenter who would solder different parts from different guitar-makers, including Gibson and Fender, into one instrument. He created his own graphic design for his guitars by adding tape to the instruments and then spray-painting them. He said his influences were Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.
Van Halen, sober since 2008, lost one-third of his tongue to a cancer that eventually drifted into his esophagus. In 1999, he had a hip replacement. He was married twice, to actress Valerie Bertinelli from 1981 to 2007 and then to stuntwoman-turned-publicist Janie Liszewski, whom he wed in 2009.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Why it could take days or weeks to know election results

The phones at the Lake County clerk 's office were ringing off the hook after the first presidential debate in which President Donald Trump repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud and issues related to mail-in ballots .
The dissemination of misinformation is confusing for voters , especially during a time of heightened emotion and concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic , Chief Deputy County Clerk Todd Govain said .
Suburban election authorities have been doing their best to debunk falsehoods and clarify Illinois voting laws as they prepare for an election unlike any other .
But one point raised during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclaimer from some local county clerk 's offices : Do not expect definitive results on election night .
A record number of vote-by-mail requests wo n't necessarily alter day-of procedures , officials say , but it does mean a possible influx of ballots on or after Election Day .
More than 2 million Illinois voters have applied for mailed ballots , and more than 107,000 people already have cast early votes statewide .
While it likely wo n't take months to record tallies , as suggested by Trump , it could be weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure whether they 've won .
`` This is going to be higher turnout , probably , than any election we 've seen historically .
Where we 're going to find that turnout -- whether at the polling place or at the mailbox -- is hard to predict , '' McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said .
`` The outcome of that is really what tells us how much information we 're going to have on election night . ''
Once polls close Nov. 3 in suburban Cook and the collar counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will the mail-in ballots that have already been received and processed by Election Day .
Those ballots will be reflected in the results posted online that night .
Election authorities urge voters to apply for and return their mailed ballots promptly if they want their votes included in the election night results .
`` Election night sort of has that magic to it .
Everyone wants their vote to count , '' said Edmund Michalowski , deputy clerk of elections in suburban Cook County .
`` We should be able to maintain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to have cleared most of the ballots that come in pre-Election Day so they will count and be tallied ( when polls close ) . ''
County clerks also are bracing for the number of outstanding ballots not yet received by Election Day .
Though it must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 , any valid vote-by-mail ballot that arrives within the next 14 days must be counted in final tallies .
`` That 's where people are going to be sweating , '' Tirio said .
To handle the surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk 's offices have hired additional personnel , installed new equipment and secured extra space to increase the speed and efficiency at which mail-in ballots can be processed while adhering to social distancing .
In DuPage County , 181,422 registered voters have requested to vote by mail .
Election officials are using an entire auditorium in the county government complex in Wheaton instead of just a portion of it for scanning mailed ballots .
They 're also using more space in a basement for vote-by-mail verification and sorting .
`` We will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said .
As more mail-in ballots roll in after Nov. 3 , Michalowski said , Cook County expects to update tallies at least daily before the 14-day limit , at which point the results must be certified .
But other agencies anticipate providing less frequent updates .
Lake County plans to wait until the 14th day to update the totals , in order to ensure voter privacy , Govain said , though a seven-day update might be considered if the influx of mail-in and provisional ballots recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those votes could very well change the outcome of a race , as has happened in previous elections , he said .
`` We value accuracy over speed , '' Kaczmarek said .
`` With the expansion of vote-by-mail nationwide , the public must realize that results in some close races could flip during the 14-day certification period following Election Day . ''
Mailed ballots that voters have started to return to election authorities take longer to process than in-person ballots .
Teams of election judges will verify signatures on outer envelopes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a mail sorter .
Images of signatures are shown on large monitors .
Any ballot envelopes with issues are set to one side for notification to voters to remedy .
Then , the approved ballots are opened and sorted on the second pass through the mail sorter , Kaczmarek said .
An election judge removes the ballot from the envelope in the presence of another judge , and the ballot is quickly inspected to make sure it can be read by the scanner .
Ballots are sealed and securely stored in batches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later time .
Representatives of both political parties are present during that process .
Illinois was one of many states to expand its vote-by-mail program because of the coronavirus pandemic .
County clerks have turned the mailing of ballots into photo ops to reassure voters worried about security issues and the U.S .
Postal Service 's ability to handle the surge .
`` To show my confidence , I 'm going to be voting by mail , '' Tirio said .
`` In Illinois , we have a pretty good process for making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claims of widespread voter fraud in mail-in voting have been unfounded , local officials said .
`` Misinformation is rampant , '' Michalowski said .
`` When you 're looking for advice on election matters , we 're really asking people to turn to their election authority as a trusted source . ''
Counties started sending out mail-in ballots Sept. 24 .
Voters should apply now and return their ballots right away , Kaczmarek said .
The post office has delivered the first 150,000-plus ballots in a `` timely way '' to DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means everything is working , '' she said .
`` Ballots returned through the mail in the first three weeks of October should be delivered to us in plenty of time . ''
Voters also can bring ballots to a secure drop box .
Or those who prefer to cast their ballots in person can avoid Election Day crowds by voting early , though some counties already have seen long lines .
Chuck Pelkie , chief of staff to Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry , said last week roughly 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far are those who changed their minds and opted to vote in person instead of by mail .
`` We will divert resources if necessary to enable voters to move quickly through the process , '' he said .
The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges .

Why it could take days or weeks to know election results
The phones at the Lake County clerk's office were ringing off the hook after the first presidential debate in which President Donald Trump repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud and issues related to mail-in ballots.
The dissemination of misinformation is confusing for voters, especially during a time of heightened emotion and concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Deputy County Clerk Todd Govain said. Suburban election authorities have been doing their best to debunk falsehoods and clarify Illinois voting laws as they prepare for an election unlike any other.
But one point raised during the debate rings true and has solicited a disclaimer from some local county clerk's offices: Do not expect definitive results on election night.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Election workers sanitize and clean areas Friday as early voters complete their ballots at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
A record number of vote-by-mail requests won't necessarily alter day-of procedures, officials say, but it does mean a possible influx of ballots on or after Election Day. More than 2 million Illinois voters have applied for mailed ballots, and more than 107,000 people already have cast early votes statewide.
While it likely won't take months to record tallies, as suggested by Trump, it could be weeks before candidates in tight races know for sure whether they've won.
"This is going to be higher turnout, probably, than any election we've seen historically. Where we're going to find that turnout -- whether at the polling place or at the mailbox -- is hard to predict," McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said. "The outcome of that is really what tells us how much information we're going to have on election night."
Election results
Once polls close Nov. 3 in suburban Cook and the collar counties, early votes will be tabulated, as will the mail-in ballots that have already been received and processed by Election Day. Those ballots will be reflected in the results posted online that night.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Early voting and vote-by-mail ballots that arrive by the morning of Nov. 3 will be reflected first in the results posted online election night.
Election authorities urge voters to apply for and return their mailed ballots promptly if they want their votes included in the election night results.
"Election night sort of has that magic to it. Everyone wants their vote to count," said Edmund Michalowski, deputy clerk of elections in suburban Cook County. "We should be able to maintain a heavy processing load, so we're hoping to have cleared most of the ballots that come in pre-Election Day so they will count and be tallied (when polls close)."
County clerks also are bracing for the number of outstanding ballots not yet received by Election Day. Though it must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3, any valid vote-by-mail ballot that arrives within the next 14 days must be counted in final tallies.
"That's where people are going to be sweating," Tirio said.
To handle the surge before and after the election, county clerk's offices have hired additional personnel, installed new equipment and secured extra space to increase the speed and efficiency at which mail-in ballots can be processed while adhering to social distancing.
- Jeff Knox | Staff Photographer Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham, right, on Tuesday talks about the automation he brought in to the clerk's office to process mail-in ballots. Supervisor of Elections Fabian Franco, left, demonstrates a sorting machine that checks signatures as mail-in ballots go through.
In DuPage County, 181,422 registered voters have requested to vote by mail. Election officials are using an entire auditorium in the county government complex in Wheaton instead of just a portion of it for scanning mailed ballots. They're also using more space in a basement for vote-by-mail verification and sorting.
"We will be re-evaluating our space as the election progresses," County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said.
As more mail-in ballots roll in after Nov. 3, Michalowski said, Cook County expects to update tallies at least daily before the 14-day limit, at which point the results must be certified. But other agencies anticipate providing less frequent updates.
Lake County plans to wait until the 14th day to update the totals, in order to ensure voter privacy, Govain said, though a seven-day update might be considered if the influx of mail-in and provisional ballots recorded after Election Day is large enough. Those votes could very well change the outcome of a race, as has happened in previous elections, he said.
"We value accuracy over speed," Kaczmarek said. "With the expansion of vote-by-mail nationwide, the public must realize that results in some close races could flip during the 14-day certification period following Election Day."
Mail-in vote process
Mailed ballots that voters have started to return to election authorities take longer to process than in-person ballots.
Teams of election judges will verify signatures on outer envelopes against those on record on the first pass through a mail sorter. Images of signatures are shown on large monitors. Any ballot envelopes with issues are set to one side for notification to voters to remedy.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Early voters cast their ballots Friday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
Then, the approved ballots are opened and sorted on the second pass through the mail sorter, Kaczmarek said. An election judge removes the ballot from the envelope in the presence of another judge, and the ballot is quickly inspected to make sure it can be read by the scanner.
Ballots are sealed and securely stored in batches and fed into a scanner at a later time. Representatives of both political parties are present during that process.
Confidence in mail
Illinois was one of many states to expand its vote-by-mail program because of the coronavirus pandemic. County clerks have turned the mailing of ballots into photo ops to reassure voters worried about security issues and the U.S. Postal Service's ability to handle the surge.
"To show my confidence, I'm going to be voting by mail," Tirio said. "In Illinois, we have a pretty good process for making sure it's done right."
Claims of widespread voter fraud in mail-in voting have been unfounded, local officials said.
"Misinformation is rampant," Michalowski said. "When you're looking for advice on election matters, we're really asking people to turn to their election authority as a trusted source."
Counties started sending out mail-in ballots Sept. 24. Voters should apply now and return their ballots right away, Kaczmarek said.
The post office has delivered the first 150,000-plus ballots in a "timely way" to DuPage voters, she said.
"So that means everything is working," she said. "Ballots returned through the mail in the first three weeks of October should be delivered to us in plenty of time."
Voters also can bring ballots to a secure drop box. Or those who prefer to cast their ballots in person can avoid Election Day crowds by voting early, though some counties already have seen long lines.
Chuck Pelkie, chief of staff to Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry, said last week roughly 20% to 25% of early voters so far are those who changed their minds and opted to vote in person instead of by mail.
"We will divert resources if necessary to enable voters to move quickly through the process," he said.
The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--State reports 2,630 new COVID-19 cases, 42 more deaths

New cases of COVID-19 came to 2,630 and additional deaths totaled 42 Wednesday , as Illinois surpassed 6 million tests and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned of some infection rates going in the wrong direction .
After the percentage of tests showing positive results declined in a number of regions last week , `` that progress has cooled off a bit across Illinois , '' Pritzker said at a briefing .
He noted that Lake and McHenry counties ( Region 9 ) plus far southern Illinois ( Region 5 ) were `` actually flipping from decreasing to increasing positivity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quo .
The positivity rates in Lake and McHenry counties hit 5.7 % based on a seven-day average as of Saturday compared to 5 % on Sept. 25 , state data showed Wednesday .
`` Our counties continue to work together and closely monitor our regional data and keep residents informed , '' Lake County Public Health Department spokeswoman Hannah Goering said .
`` We 've had a slight increase in testing positivity over the past week , but we have had relatively stable or improving testing positivity and hospitalizations in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to follow public health recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities . ''
Wednesday 's tally of new cases is the highest since Sept. 5 .
Daily cases averaged 2,052 in the last seven days , compared to 1,945 from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30. a 5.5 % increase .
Statewide , COVID-19 cases stand at 307,641 since the pandemic began and deaths from the disease total 8,878 , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
One region in northwestern Illinois , including Rockford and Galena , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under restrictions because of high positivity rates .
Labs reported 58,820 test results in the last 24 hours for a total of 6,033,289 since the pandemic started .
Pritzker advised Illinoisans on how to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 on Election Day , Nov. 3 .
`` Choose to vote early in person or to vote by mail to reduce the size of crowds at polling places on Election Day -- that will help everyone keep their distance . ''
He also encouraged younger and middle-aged people to work as election judges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sidelined because they are in a high-risk group for COVID-19 .
Pritkzer was asked if Illinois will need to borrow funds after President Donald Trump , who is recovering from COVID-19 , canceled talks with Democrats on a federal virus stimulus plan Tuesday .
`` Even though the president has apparently thrown the talks into disarray now that he 's ...
I do n't know ... on a cocktail of steroids coming out of the hospital , '' both Democratic and Republican states need financial aid , Pritzker said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the plate with a support package for state and local governments . ''
Illinois hospitals had 1,679 patients with the virus as of Tuesday night , higher than the seven-day average of 1,622 .
Pritzker , who is quarantining after a staff member contracted the virus Sept. 28 , said he is in good health and has tested negative twice for the virus .

State reports 2,630 new COVID-19 cases, 42 more deaths
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday warned of some infection rates going in the wrong direction. Daily Herald File Photo
New cases of COVID-19 came to 2,630 and additional deaths totaled 42 Wednesday, as Illinois surpassed 6 million tests and Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned of some infection rates going in the wrong direction.
After the percentage of tests showing positive results declined in a number of regions last week, "that progress has cooled off a bit across Illinois," Pritzker said at a briefing.
He noted that Lake and McHenry counties (Region 9) plus far southern Illinois (Region 5) were "actually flipping from decreasing to increasing positivity," while some other areas remained status quo.
The positivity rates in Lake and McHenry counties hit 5.7% based on a seven-day average as of Saturday compared to 5% on Sept. 25, state data showed Wednesday.
"Our counties continue to work together and closely monitor our regional data and keep residents informed," Lake County Public Health Department spokeswoman Hannah Goering said.
"We've had a slight increase in testing positivity over the past week, but we have had relatively stable or improving testing positivity and hospitalizations in the past month. We continue to encourage our residents to follow public health recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities."
Wednesday's tally of new cases is the highest since Sept. 5. Daily cases averaged 2,052 in the last seven days, compared to 1,945 from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30. a 5.5% increase.
Statewide, COVID-19 cases stand at 307,641 since the pandemic began and deaths from the disease total 8,878, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
One region in northwestern Illinois, including Rockford and Galena, and another near St. Louis continue to operate under restrictions because of high positivity rates.
Illinois' COVID-19 test positivity rate is 3.5% based on a seven-day average.
Labs reported 58,820 test results in the last 24 hours for a total of 6,033,289 since the pandemic started.
Pritzker advised Illinoisans on how to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 on Election Day, Nov. 3. "Choose to vote early in person or to vote by mail to reduce the size of crowds at polling places on Election Day -- that will help everyone keep their distance."
He also encouraged younger and middle-aged people to work as election judges given that numerous seniors who typically volunteer are sidelined because they are in a high-risk group for COVID-19.
Pritkzer was asked if Illinois will need to borrow funds after President Donald Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19, canceled talks with Democrats on a federal virus stimulus plan Tuesday.
"Even though the president has apparently thrown the talks into disarray now that he's ... I don't know ... on a cocktail of steroids coming out of the hospital," both Democratic and Republican states need financial aid, Pritzker said. "I still anticipate that Congress will step up to the plate with a support package for state and local governments."
Illinois hospitals had 1,679 patients with the virus as of Tuesday night, higher than the seven-day average of 1,622.
Pritzker, who is quarantining after a staff member contracted the virus Sept. 28, said he is in good health and has tested negative twice for the virus.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Early voting begins with glitches -- now resolved -- in Cook County

The first day of early voting in suburban Cook County featured technical difficulties that were resolved by early afternoon , the Cook County clerk 's office reported .
The difficulties affected the e-poll laptops used at the early voting locations at all five suburban courthouses , including Rolling Meadows and Skokie , plus the Cook County administration building in Chicago , spokeswoman Sally Daly said .
New voters were able to register and vote , but judges were unable to access voter files for registered voters , she said .
`` As a result of the problem , voting may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , '' Daly said Wednesday .
`` We apologize for any inconvenience and remind voters that these sites will now be open seven days a week moving forward as they consider their voting plans . ''
The `` early voting wait time '' feature on the clerk 's website was taken down Wednesday `` because we did not want to misinform voters in light of this issue , '' Daly said .
The feature will be restored Thursday , she said .
The website also shows daily early voting totals .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes by 4 p.m. Wednesday , including 140 in Rolling Meadows , the highest count among the six sites .
The Cook County Clerk 's office will be expanding early voting Oct. 19 to include more than 50 locations across suburban Cook County .
People also can drop off their mail ballots at drop boxes located outside all the early voting sites .

Early voting begins with glitches -- now resolved -- in Cook County
The first day of early voting in suburban Cook County featured technical difficulties that were resolved by early afternoon, the Cook County clerk's office reported.
The difficulties affected the e-poll laptops used at the early voting locations at all five suburban courthouses, including Rolling Meadows and Skokie, plus the Cook County administration building in Chicago, spokeswoman Sally Daly said.
New voters were able to register and vote, but judges were unable to access voter files for registered voters, she said.
"As a result of the problem, voting may take a few minutes longer than usual today," Daly said Wednesday. "We apologize for any inconvenience and remind voters that these sites will now be open seven days a week moving forward as they consider their voting plans."
The "early voting wait time" feature on the clerk's website was taken down Wednesday "because we did not want to misinform voters in light of this issue," Daly said. The feature will be restored Thursday, she said.
The website also shows daily early voting totals. A total of 584 people had cast their votes by 4 p.m. Wednesday, including 140 in Rolling Meadows, the highest count among the six sites.
The Cook County Clerk's office will be expanding early voting Oct. 19 to include more than 50 locations across suburban Cook County. People also can drop off their mail ballots at drop boxes located outside all the early voting sites.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Work begins on new Ogden Avenue shopping center in Naperville with 'high-profile grocer'

Earlier this year , Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico indicated a new grocery concept could be tied to the redevelopment of a long-vacant East Ogden Avenue property .
That plan is moving forward in the form of a $ 19 million shopping center aimed at revitalizing the corridor and breathing life into the former Fair Oaks Ford dealership site , the development team announced last week .
Thompson Thrift Retail Group has acquired the 4.2-acre parcel and begun construction on a 46,000-square-foot development to replace the recently razed dealership at the North Naper Boulevard intersection , according to the Indianapolis-based company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , the site at 1351 E. Ogden Ave. is slated for an `` undisclosed nationally recognized business '' that Thompson Thrift describes on its website as a `` high-profile grocer . ''
An opening is targeted for late 2021 , developers said .
The 35,000-square-foot anchor store is expected to be accompanied by roughly 11,000 square feet of retail space , according to a project site plan .
`` Our team 's reputation for execution and excellence allowed us to acquire a vital property with a signed anchor tenant that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President of Development Ryan Menard said in a statement .
The redevelopment of the Fair Oaks site was among the East Ogden projects highlighted by Chirico during his State of the City address in May , in which he encouraged responsible development that generates jobs and boosts the city 's tax base .
Also helping to revive the corridor are plans to open Naperville 's second Costco warehouse at the nearby Ogden Mall property , previously home to a Kmart that closed in 2013 .
Other recent additions in the area include the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gomez restaurant , a new Culver 's and an early learning center , plus national chains such as Andy 's Custard and Starbucks .
Redeveloping the former Fair Oaks Ford is Thompson Thrift 's first project in Naperville , which has `` strong fundamentals '' in areas of employment , education , safety and quality of life , Menard said .
Situated between two heavily traveled roadways , the `` gateway parcel '' has been eyed by potential developers for years , Naperville Development Partnership President Christine Jeffries said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be moving forward with their plans and will add another link to our efforts to revive business growth along Ogden Avenue . ''

Work begins on new Ogden Avenue shopping center in Naperville with 'high-profile grocer'
Earlier this year, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico indicated a new grocery concept could be tied to the redevelopment of a long-vacant East Ogden Avenue property.
That plan is moving forward in the form of a $19 million shopping center aimed at revitalizing the corridor and breathing life into the former Fair Oaks Ford dealership site, the development team announced last week.
Thompson Thrift Retail Group has acquired the 4.2-acre parcel and begun construction on a 46,000-square-foot development to replace the recently razed dealership at the North Naper Boulevard intersection, according to the Indianapolis-based company.
After sitting dormant for about eight years, the site at 1351 E. Ogden Ave. is slated for an "undisclosed nationally recognized business" that Thompson Thrift describes on its website as a "high-profile grocer." An opening is targeted for late 2021, developers said.
The 35,000-square-foot anchor store is expected to be accompanied by roughly 11,000 square feet of retail space, according to a project site plan.
"Our team's reputation for execution and excellence allowed us to acquire a vital property with a signed anchor tenant that will be well-received by the community," Vice President of Development Ryan Menard said in a statement.
The redevelopment of the Fair Oaks site was among the East Ogden projects highlighted by Chirico during his State of the City address in May, in which he encouraged responsible development that generates jobs and boosts the city's tax base. Also helping to revive the corridor are plans to open Naperville's second Costco warehouse at the nearby Ogden Mall property, previously home to a Kmart that closed in 2013.
Other recent additions in the area include the first U.S. location of the Guzman y Gomez restaurant, a new Culver's and an early learning center, plus national chains such as Andy's Custard and Starbucks.
Redeveloping the former Fair Oaks Ford is Thompson Thrift's first project in Naperville, which has "strong fundamentals" in areas of employment, education, safety and quality of life, Menard said.
Situated between two heavily traveled roadways, the "gateway parcel" has been eyed by potential developers for years, Naperville Development Partnership President Christine Jeffries said in a statement.
"We are pleased that Thompson Thrift will be moving forward with their plans and will add another link to our efforts to revive business growth along Ogden Avenue."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Habitat for Humanity opens new ReStore in Arlington Heights

Characterized as a cross between a Home Depot and Goodwill , a new Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened Wednesday in Arlington Heights , where the public can donate and purchase new and gently used home improvement and building materials .
It 's the 10th such store in the Chicago area and second operated by the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley chapter , which opened a location in Elgin in 2006 .
Funds generated have helped that chapter construct 80 houses , pay for home repairs for seniors , and divert more than 11,000 tons of materials from landfills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heights for their second store because two donation trucks have been regularly making trips from Elgin to the Northwest suburbs .
There , the trucks have picked up a whole host of materials , like furniture , roofing , kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities , oftentimes from those who are doing home remodeling projects .
`` We really wanted to open up something in Arlington Heights , '' said Deanna Davies , the director for both ReStore locations in Arlington Heights and Elgin .
`` People who have been hearing about us have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community . ''
While homeowners can still schedule a pickup , they 're also able to drop off materials at the store , 955 E. Rand Road .
Indeed , since June , individuals -- along with retailers , manufacturers , distributors and contractors -- have been doing just that , which led to fully-stocked shelves and aisles when the doors opened Wednesday morning .
The grand opening , made official by a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Tom Hayes , followed months of extensive renovations to what was a shuttered furniture store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rand Road that already includes Goodwill and Salvation Army stores and donation centers .
A walk through ReStore 's spacious 26,000-square-foot sales floor resembles a trip to a big box home improvement center , but with prices at least half off .
From ceramic flooring to sinks , and dining room table sets to lawn and garden equipment , everything is categorized into a dozen departments by the staff and volunteers who work in the 9,000-square-foot warehouse and processing area .
After an item has been donated , it could take anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product is processed and ready for resale .
That includes a quarantine time due to COVID-19 , cleaning and pricing , Davies said .
Hours for both shopping and donating are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday .

Habitat for Humanity opens new ReStore in Arlington Heights
Characterized as a cross between a Home Depot and Goodwill, a new Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened Wednesday in Arlington Heights, where the public can donate and purchase new and gently used home improvement and building materials.
It's the 10th such store in the Chicago area and second operated by the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley chapter, which opened a location in Elgin in 2006. Funds generated have helped that chapter construct 80 houses, pay for home repairs for seniors, and divert more than 11,000 tons of materials from landfills, officials said.
The organization eyed Arlington Heights for its second store because two donation trucks have been regularly making trips from Elgin to the Northwest suburbs. There, the trucks have picked up a whole host of materials, like furniture, roofing, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, oftentimes from those who are doing home remodeling projects.
"We really wanted to open up something in Arlington Heights," said Deanna Davies, the director for both ReStore locations in Arlington Heights and Elgin. "People who have been hearing about us have really embraced us for being in the community."
While homeowners can still schedule a pickup, they're also able to drop off materials at the store, 955 E. Rand Road. Indeed, since June, individuals -- along with retailers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors -- have been doing just that, which led to fully stocked shelves and aisles when the doors opened Wednesday morning.
The grand opening, made official by a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Tom Hayes, followed months of extensive renovations to what was a shuttered furniture store. The new store joins a stretch of Rand Road that already includes Goodwill and Salvation Army stores and donation centers.
A walk through ReStore's spacious 26,000-square-foot sales floor resembles a trip to a big-box home improvement center, but with prices at least half off. From ceramic flooring to sinks and from dining room table sets to lawn and garden equipment, everything is categorized into a dozen departments by the staff and volunteers who work in the 9,000-square-foot warehouse and processing area.
After an item has been donated, it could take anywhere from one to three days until the product is processed and ready for resale. That includes a quarantine time due to COVID-19, cleaning and pricing, Davies said.
Hours for both shopping and donating are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Surprise parade helps Duchossois celebrate 99th birthday

Arlington Park Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois did n't have to go anywhere Wednesday to celebrate his 99th birthday -- the @ @ @ @ @ Dozens of police , fire and other municipal vehicles joined others outside Duchossois ' Barrington @ @ @ @ @ parade to mark the occasion .
Duchossois was seen watching the festivities from a window @ @ @ @ @ marched past the World War II veteran 's home , where an arrangement of balloons @ @ @ @ @ spelled out the occasion .

Surprise parade helps Duchossois celebrate 99th birthday
Arlington Park Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois looks on from his home Wednesday during a surprise parade in Barrington Hills to help celebrate his 99th birthday. Courtesy of Arlington Park
Dozens of police, fire and other municipal vehicles paraded by the Barrington Hills home of Arlington Park Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois on Wednesday to help him celebrate his 99th birthday. Courtesy of Arlington Park
A balloon arrangement reading "RLD 99" spells out the occasion Wednesday during a surprise parade to mark the 99th birthday of Arlington Park Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois outside his Barrington Hills home. Courtesy of Arlington Park
Arlington Park Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois didn't have to go anywhere Wednesday to celebrate his 99th birthday -- the celebration came to him.
Dozens of police, fire and other municipal vehicles joined others outside Duchossois' Barrington Hills home for a surprise parade to mark the occasion.
Duchossois was seen watching the festivities from a window, while an honor guard marched past the World War II veteran's home, where an arrangement of balloons reading "RLD 99" spelled out the occasion.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--7th heaven, Kashmir headline 'Rock the Lot' at Schaumburg Hyatt Oct. 10-11

A two-day `` Rock the Lot '' concert series headlined by local favorites 7th heaven and Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir is coming to the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg 's parking lot this weekend .
With two opening acts each day , the concerts will run from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday , Oct. 10 , and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday , Oct. 11 , on the north side of the hotel at 1800 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg .
The COVID-compliant shows will keep their audiences in individual parking spaces on the east side of the lot , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one parking space together .
Vehicles will be parked on the west side of the lot .
The tickets will be sold in three price tiers , with attendees paying cash at the entrance .
There will be no advance sales .
The green tier costs $ 10 per person with 37 parking spots available .
The blue tier costs $ 15 per person for its 76 available spots .
And the premium red tier costs $ 20 per person for 24 parking spots .
Sunday 's opening acts will be Brass from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An American Prayer-A Tribute to the Doors from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kashmir will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday .
Saturday 's opening acts , which had not yet been named Wednesday afternoon , will take the stage from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m .
They will be followed by 7th heaven performing from 7 to 9 p.m .
Doors will open at noon both days .
The event will practice social distancing , including requiring a mask to enter the hotel .
Sanitizer will be available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold from a traveling cart .
The shows are for all ages and people will be allowed to bring in chairs .
However , pets , coolers , and outside food and beverages wo n't be permitted .
There will be a discount to stay at the hotel for those attending the concerts , with details to be released on the event 's website .
Tom Lowe of Hyatt 's ownership said `` Rock the Lot '' might not be the last such weekend event this month if the weather cooperates .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID is live music , '' he said .
The event evolved from the success the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg has experienced in hosting a more low-key series of acoustic performances outside this year during the pandemic , Lowe said .
`` The Hyatt has other venues that have been affected since March , '' he said .
`` We never did close . ''
Questions about `` Rock the Lot '' should be emailed to info @ NTDEvents.com .

7th heaven, Kashmir headline 'Rock the Lot' at Schaumburg Hyatt Oct. 10-11
The Hyatt Regency Schaumburg will host a "Rock the Lot" concert series headlined by local bands 7th heaven and Kashmir in its parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11. Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
The Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir will perform at the "Rock the Lot" concert series at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg on Sunday, Oct. 11 Courtesy of Kashmir
Local band 7th heaven will perform at the "Rock the Lot" concert series at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg on Saturday, Oct. 10. Courtesy of 7th heaven
A two-day "Rock the Lot" concert series headlined by local favorites 7th heaven and Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir is coming to the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg's parking lot this weekend.
With two opening acts each day, the concerts will run from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, on the north side of the hotel at 1800 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg.
The COVID-compliant shows will keep their audiences in individual parking spaces on the east side of the lot, with up to six people able to occupy one parking space together. Vehicles will be parked on the west side of the lot.
The tickets will be sold in three price tiers, with attendees paying cash at the entrance. There will be no advance sales.
The green tier costs $10 per person with 37 parking spots available. The blue tier costs $15 per person for its 76 available spots. And the premium red tier costs $20 per person for 24 parking spots.
Sunday's opening acts will be Brass from the Past from 1 to 2:30 and An American Prayer-A Tribute to the Doors from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kashmir will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday's opening acts, which had not yet been named Wednesday afternoon, will take the stage from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. They will be followed by 7th heaven performing from 7 to 9 p.m.
Doors will open at noon both days. The event will practice social distancing, including requiring a mask to enter the hotel. Sanitizer will be available, and food and beverages will be sold from a traveling cart.
The shows are for all ages and people will be allowed to bring in chairs. However, pets, coolers, and outside food and beverages won't be permitted.
There will be a discount to stay at the hotel for those attending the concerts, with details to be released on the event's website.
Tom Lowe of Hyatt's ownership said "Rock the Lot" might not be the last such weekend event this month if the weather cooperates.
"The idea is one of the casualties of COVID is live music," he said.
The event evolved from the success the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg has experienced in hosting a more low-key series of acoustic performances outside this year during the pandemic, Lowe said.
"The Hyatt has other venues that have been affected since March," he said. "We never did close."
Questions about "Rock the Lot" should be emailed to info@NTDEvents.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--In 11th House District race, Foster and Laib differ greatly on climate change

The candidates for Illinois ' 11th Congressional District seat have disparate opinions about climate change .
Incumbent Democrat Bill Foster of Naperville believes mankind primarily is responsible for changes to the global climate , while Republican challenger Rick Laib of Joliet doubts humans are to blame .
The candidates talked about climate change and other issues with the Daily Herald ahead of the Nov. 3 election .
Scientists with NASA and other organizations have observed that Earth 's surface temperature is rising more quickly than expected .
As a result , scientists say , significant changes to the environment are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glaciers are shrinking , ice is melting at a faster rate than usual in Greenland and on the polar continents and increased drought and insect infestations have led to more wildfires .
Flooding and coastal erosion has worsened , too , including in the Chicago area .
Not everyone agrees that the climate is changing or that man 's burning of fossil fuels for energy -- thus increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- is responsible .
Foster , a former particle physicist seeking his sixth full term in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely man-made .
He called it `` one of the most serious challenges we face . ''
`` It is a real threat to our children 's future and our world 's natural beauty and resources , '' Foster said .
`` If we fail to act , we will lose many of the landmarks and natural beauty that make this world so wonderful . ''
To address the issue , Foster said the U.S. should spend more to research ways to lower the costs of reliable , sustainable and clean energy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of federally funded research at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont and elsewhere has resulted in batteries that cost less and perform better .
`` As a result , in the next few years , the total cost of ownership of electric cars will be lower than gasoline-powered cars , '' Foster said .
`` When this price crossover takes place , we will no longer need to be arguing about ( fuel economy ) standards since nobody will want to buy a fossil fuel powered car . ''
Foster predicts that technology will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon footprint .
Laib , a Will County sheriff 's deputy making his first run for Congress , said he is not convinced that climate change is caused by human activity .
The arguments , he said , `` are not conclusive . ''
`` There is an absence of consensus among industry experts as to the threat of climate change , '' Laib said .
Still Laib said he is `` open to the arguments . ''
Laib said private industries have developed technologies that can help care for the planet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage private companies to continue developing such technologies , he said .
The 11th District includes parts of Cook , DuPage , Kane , Kendall and Will counties .

In 11th House District race, Foster and Laib differ greatly on climate change
Bill Foster, left, and Rick Laib are candidates for the 11th Congressional District seat.
The candidates for Illinois' 11th Congressional District seat have disparate opinions about climate change.
Incumbent Democrat Bill Foster of Naperville believes mankind primarily is responsible for changes to the global climate, while Republican challenger Rick Laib of Joliet doubts humans are to blame.
The candidates talked about climate change and other issues with the Daily Herald ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Scientists with NASA and other organizations have observed that Earth's surface temperature is rising more quickly than expected.
As a result, scientists say, significant changes to the environment are occurring. Sea levels are rising, glaciers are shrinking, ice is melting at a faster rate than usual in Greenland and on the polar continents and increased drought and insect infestations have led to more wildfires. Flooding and coastal erosion has worsened, too, including in the Chicago area.
Not everyone agrees that the climate is changing or that man's burning of fossil fuels for energy -- thus increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- is responsible.
Foster, a former particle physicist seeking his sixth full term in Congress, insists climate change is real and largely man-made. He called it "one of the most serious challenges we face."
"It is a real threat to our children's future and our world's natural beauty and resources," Foster said. "If we fail to act, we will lose many of the landmarks and natural beauty that make this world so wonderful."
To address the issue, Foster said the U.S. should spend more to research ways to lower the costs of reliable, sustainable and clean energy.
As an example, he said decades of federally funded research at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont and elsewhere has resulted in batteries that cost less and perform better.
"As a result, in the next few years, the total cost of ownership of electric cars will be lower than gasoline-powered cars," Foster said. "When this price crossover takes place, we will no longer need to be arguing about (fuel economy) standards since nobody will want to buy a fossil fuel powered car."
Foster predicts that technology will adopted worldwide and dramatically lower humanity's carbon footprint.
Laib, a Will County sheriff's deputy making his first run for Congress, said he is not convinced that climate change is caused by human activity. The arguments, he said, "are not conclusive."
"There is an absence of consensus among industry experts as to the threat of climate change," Laib said.
Still Laib said he is "open to the arguments."
Laib said private industries have developed technologies that can help care for the planet. The U.S. government should reduce taxes to encourage private companies to continue developing such technologies, he said.
The 11th District includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--AARP, other senior groups stump for graduated tax

SPRINGFIELD -- Retirees organized through the senior advocacy group AARP held a virtual news conference Wednesday to express support for a graduated tax constitutional amendment and opposition to a tax on retirement income -- two things that they note are mutually exclusive .
Many of the speakers , which included a former state director of the Department on Aging , took direct aim at recent claims by opponents of the tax amendment .
Illinois is one of 12 states that do not tax retirement income .
Of those 12 , nine do not levy income taxes at all .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our retirement income , '' Chicagoan Carmen Betances , a member of the Jane Addams Seniors in Action , said at the news conference .
`` Illinois is one of the few states that does not tax retirement income .
The fair tax will not change that .
In order to protect retirement income in Illinois , we need more revenue to keep us afloat . ''
The `` fair tax '' is a name proponents , including Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , have given to the graduated tax constitutional amendment proposal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nov. 3 ballot , would amend the state 's constitution to remove the requirement that any income tax be levied at a flat rate equally across all levels of income .
If approved by voters , the amendment would allow lawmakers to impose different tax rates on varying levels of income .
Should the amendment pass , a rate structure that has already been approved by lawmakers would take effect in January .
It would scrap the current 4.95 percent flat tax , creating six tax brackets for varying levels of income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 7.99 percent above $ 750,000 for single filers .
Those earning more than $ 250,000 annually would see rates increased under the structure , while those earning less than that amount would pay slightly less or the same under the new tax system compared to the current flat tax structure .
In estimates released prior to the COVID-19 pandemic , Pritzker 's office said it expects the approved graduated tax rate structure to bring in about $ 3.4 billion in state revenue once it is in place for a full fiscal year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said state government has ongoing budget deficits in the billions of dollars , especially as revenues plummet amid the COVID-19 pandemic , and the graduated tax rates approved by lawmakers are one way to raise revenues without taxing middle income earners or retirement incomes .
Pritzker has estimated the budget shortfall for the current fiscal year at $ 6.2 billion dollars .
Without the graduated tax , which would only be in effect for half of the fiscal year , the shortfall could reach $ 7.4 billion , he said in April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to fix this budget crisis with steps in the right direction , such as passing the graduated income tax , that 's when state lawmakers may be forced to consider adding a retirement income tax or more drastic spending cuts , '' Charles Johnson , AARP Illinois volunteer and former Director of the Illinois Department on Aging , said at the news conference .
Opponents of the amendment have seized on a June comment by Treasurer Michael Frerichs , a Democrat , who said at a local chamber of commerce event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is make clear you can have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income .
... And , I think that 's something that 's worth discussion . ''
Frerichs called a news conference this week to address the statement , but abruptly canceled it , instead issuing a release saying he is against taxing retirement income .
While opponents have argued that allowing different tax rates on different levels of income would open the door for a future tax on high-dollar amount retirement incomes , the actual wording of the amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not make it any easier for the state to levy one .
Pritzker said in a separate news conference Wednesday he was opposed to taxing retirement income .
`` I want to preserve the ban on retirement taxes , and I stand with all democrats opposed to raising retirement taxes , '' he said .
`` But the people who are opposed to the fair tax want to put the burden on people who ca n't afford it .
I want to put the burden on the people who can most afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and billionaires in Illinois . ''
Opponents , however , have argued that even the $ 3.4 billion from the graduated tax would not fill the state 's budget holes , meaning further increases would be needed in the future and rates could be adjusted .
Opponents argue more structural spending and pension reforms are needed before taxpayers are tapped for more revenue .
The amendment does not change the simple majority vote threshold needed from lawmakers to raise taxes in Illinois , but opponents argue by allowing lawmakers to set tax rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any one time , it makes it a politically easier move for future General Assemblies .
On Sept. 24 , Lt. Gov .
Juliana Stratton said lawmakers `` will be forced to consider raising income taxes on all Illinois residents by at least 20 percent , regardless of their level of income '' if the graduated income tax fails .
That would push the current tax rate to about 6 % .
The Illinois Republican Party quickly issued a statement following those remarks , calling them a `` scare tactic '' that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce , the Illinois Farm Bureau and National Federation of Independent Business has been growing in opposition to the amendment since the beginning of the year , and on Wednesday they announced 40 new members opposing the tax , including 27 local chambers of commerce .
The approved rates also raise the corporate tax rate from 7 % to 7.99 % , and the Vote No on the Progressive Tax Constitutional Amendment coalition argues that , amid the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic restrictions , now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Like the rest of small businesses , our auto dealers are struggling to recover from major losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Director of Government Affairs Joe McMahon said in a news release .
`` Now is the worst possible time to increase taxes on our businesses that are fighting to keep their doors open and their teams employed . ''
Proponents , however , point out that small businesses earning less than $ 250,000 per year will see taxes lowered if they are pass-through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The graduated income tax will need support from 60 percent of those voting on the ballot question or a majority vote of the total votes casts in the election in order to pass .

AARP, other senior groups stump for graduated tax
SPRINGFIELD -- Retirees organized through the senior advocacy group AARP held a virtual news conference Wednesday to express support for a graduated tax constitutional amendment and opposition to a tax on retirement income -- two things that they note are mutually exclusive.
Many of the speakers, which included a former state director of the Department on Aging, took direct aim at recent claims by opponents of the tax amendment. Illinois is one of 12 states that do not tax retirement income. Of those 12, nine do not levy income taxes at all.
"The fair tax amendment would also protect our retirement income," Chicagoan Carmen Betances, a member of the Jane Addams Seniors in Action, said at the news conference. "Illinois is one of the few states that does not tax retirement income. The fair tax will not change that. In order to protect retirement income in Illinois, we need more revenue to keep us afloat."
The "fair tax" is a name proponents, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, have given to the graduated tax constitutional amendment proposal. That measure, which will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, would amend the state's constitution to remove the requirement that any income tax be levied at a flat rate equally across all levels of income. If approved by voters, the amendment would allow lawmakers to impose different tax rates on varying levels of income.
Should the amendment pass, a rate structure that has already been approved by lawmakers would take effect in January. It would scrap the current 4.95 percent flat tax, creating six tax brackets for varying levels of income ranging from 4.75 percent under $10,000 to 7.99 percent above $750,000 for single filers.
Those earning more than $250,000 annually would see rates increased under the structure, while those earning less than that amount would pay slightly less or the same under the new tax system compared to the current flat tax structure.
In estimates released prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritzker's office said it expects the approved graduated tax rate structure to bring in about $3.4 billion in state revenue once it is in place for a full fiscal year.
Speakers at the news conference Wednesday said state government has ongoing budget deficits in the billions of dollars, especially as revenues plummet amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the graduated tax rates approved by lawmakers are one way to raise revenues without taxing middle income earners or retirement incomes.
Pritzker has estimated the budget shortfall for the current fiscal year at $6.2 billion dollars. Without the graduated tax, which would only be in effect for half of the fiscal year, the shortfall could reach $7.4 billion, he said in April.
"If Illinois doesn't find a way to fix this budget crisis with steps in the right direction, such as passing the graduated income tax, that's when state lawmakers may be forced to consider adding a retirement income tax or more drastic spending cuts," Charles Johnson, AARP Illinois volunteer and former Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, said at the news conference.
Opponents of the amendment have seized on a June comment by Treasurer Michael Frerichs, a Democrat, who said at a local chamber of commerce event, "One thing a progressive tax would do is make clear you can have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income. ... And, I think that's something that's worth discussion."
Frerichs called a news conference this week to address the statement, but abruptly canceled it, instead issuing a release saying he is against taxing retirement income.
While opponents have argued that allowing different tax rates on different levels of income would open the door for a future tax on high-dollar amount retirement incomes, the actual wording of the amendment does not create a retirement tax and does not make it any easier for the state to levy one.
Pritzker said in a separate news conference Wednesday he was opposed to taxing retirement income.
"I want to preserve the ban on retirement taxes, and I stand with all democrats opposed to raising retirement taxes," he said. "But the people who are opposed to the fair tax want to put the burden on people who can't afford it. I want to put the burden on the people who can most afford it. And that's our millionaires and billionaires in Illinois."
Opponents, however, have argued that even the $3.4 billion from the graduated tax would not fill the state's budget holes, meaning further increases would be needed in the future and rates could be adjusted. Opponents argue more structural spending and pension reforms are needed before taxpayers are tapped for more revenue.
The amendment does not change the simple majority vote threshold needed from lawmakers to raise taxes in Illinois, but opponents argue by allowing lawmakers to set tax rates for smaller sectors of the population at any one time, it makes it a politically easier move for future General Assemblies.
On Sept. 24, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said lawmakers "will be forced to consider raising income taxes on all Illinois residents by at least 20 percent, regardless of their level of income" if the graduated income tax fails. That would push the current tax rate to about 6%.
The Illinois Republican Party quickly issued a statement following those remarks, calling them a "scare tactic" that will not sway Illinois voters.
A coalition led by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Farm Bureau and National Federation of Independent Business has been growing in opposition to the amendment since the beginning of the year, and on Wednesday they announced 40 new members opposing the tax, including 27 local chambers of commerce.
The approved rates also raise the corporate tax rate from 7% to 7.99%, and the Vote No on the Progressive Tax Constitutional Amendment coalition argues that, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic restrictions, now is not the time to raise corporate taxes.
"Like the rest of small businesses, our auto dealers are struggling to recover from major losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Director of Government Affairs Joe McMahon said in a news release. "Now is the worst possible time to increase taxes on our businesses that are fighting to keep their doors open and their teams employed."
Proponents, however, point out that small businesses earning less than $250,000 per year will see taxes lowered if they are pass-through entities such as S-corporations or sole proprietorships.
The graduated income tax will need support from 60 percent of those voting on the ballot question or a majority vote of the total votes casts in the election in order to pass.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--St. Charles' Scarecrow Stroll a pared-down version of annual festival

Due to the pandemic , the St. Charles Business Alliance will not be hold the traditional Scarecrow festival .
This year , a Scarecrow Stroll will take the place of the traditional event .
The Scarecrow Stroll will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday , Oct. 9 ; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday , Oct. 10 ; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday , Oct. 11 .
The major difference between this year 's event and the traditional festival is in how the scarecrows will be placed .
Instead of being displayed at Lincoln Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage social distancing and support local businesses .
The carnival and craft show will not be held this year .
• A Drive-In Concert from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday , Oct. 8 , in partnership with the St. Charles Park District , will kickoff the weekend .
The Four C Notes will play at James O. Breen Park .
Buy tickets for $ 5 at this link : www.stcparks.org/drivein-concerts/ • The Scarecrow Stroll will focus on a Scarecrow Contest , where local individuals , groups and businesses will place more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of or along St. Charles businesses .
A map will be provided on the Alliance 's website and at the Information booth , which will be located in front of the Municipal Building at 2 E. Main St. • Many businesses will create Fall Window Displays for visitors to view .
• A Fall Photo Opportunity Area will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue .
• A Scavenger Hunt throughout the downtown will feature specials from downtown businesses .
• A Craft Beer Box will feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preorder is available on the Alliance 's website : www.scarecrowfest.com/craftbeerbox .
In-person pickup will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday , Oct. 9 at D & G Brewing Co. , and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday , Oct. 10 at Pollyanna Brewing Co. • `` Scarecrow in a Box '' will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue .
Visitors can purchase a Scarecrow in a Box kit to take home for $ 5 from local Boy Scout Troop 60 .
Kits include : clothing , hay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pumpkin Carver will be at the St. Charles History Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday , Oct. 10 .
Be sure to stop in the museum , at 215 E. Main St. , for all sorts of St. Charles-themed gifts and view the newest exhibit .
The focus of the Scarecrow Stroll will be on safety and social distancing .
There will be signage about following the guidelines throughout the city as well as reminders to wear face masks .
For details , visit www.scarecrowfest.com

St. Charles' Scarecrow Stroll a pared-down version of annual festival
The "Time Out Chair" by Klaus Gerischer was featured in the individual category during last year's Scarecrow Festival. This year, St. Charles will hold a Scarecrow Stroll, a socially-distanced version of the festival, with scarecrows placed at downtown businesses instead of Lincoln Park. Courtesy of St. Charles Business Alliance
Due to the pandemic, the St. Charles Business Alliance will not be hold the traditional Scarecrow festival. This year, a Scarecrow Stroll will take the place of the traditional event. The Scarecrow Stroll will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
The major difference between this year's event and the traditional festival is in how the scarecrows will be placed. Instead of being displayed at Lincoln Park, the scarecrows will be spread throughout town to encourage social distancing and support local businesses. The carnival and craft show will not be held this year.
Highlights of the event include:
The Four C Notes, a Frankie Valli tribute band, will kick off St. Charles Scarecrow Stroll with a drive-in concert at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Tickets are $5. - Courtesy of Ryan Bennett Photography
• A Drive-In Concert from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, in partnership with the St. Charles Park District, will kickoff the weekend. The Four C Notes will play at James O. Breen Park. Buy tickets for $5 at this link: www.stcparks.org/drivein-concerts/
• The Scarecrow Stroll will focus on a Scarecrow Contest, where local individuals, groups and businesses will place more than 50 decorated and themed scarecrows in front of or along St. Charles businesses. A map will be provided on the Alliance's website and at the Information booth, which will be located in front of the Municipal Building at 2 E. Main St.
• Many businesses will create Fall Window Displays for visitors to view.
• A Fall Photo Opportunity Area will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue.
• A Scavenger Hunt throughout the downtown will feature specials from downtown businesses.
• A Craft Beer Box will feature seasonal beers from St. Charles breweries -- preorder is available on the Alliance's website: www.scarecrowfest.com/craftbeerbox. In-person pickup will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at D & G Brewing Co., and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at Pollyanna Brewing Co.
• "Scarecrow in a Box" will be located behind the old BMO Harris Bank building along Riverside Avenue. Visitors can purchase a Scarecrow in a Box kit to take home for $5 from local Boy Scout Troop 60. Kits include: clothing, hay, twine and stockings.
• A live Pumpkin Carver will be at the St. Charles History Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Be sure to stop in the museum, at 215 E. Main St., for all sorts of St. Charles-themed gifts and view the newest exhibit.
The focus of the Scarecrow Stroll will be on safety and social distancing. There will be signage about following the guidelines throughout the city as well as reminders to wear face masks. For details, visit www.scarecrowfest.com


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Black lawmakers seek to revamp social studies education in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Leaders of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus are urging a complete overhaul of the state 's social studies curriculum to ensure that contributions of Black Americans and other minorities are properly included in history education .
`` Something has to happen in this space , where we 're all learning about each other , all of us , '' Sen. Kimberly Lightford , a Maywood Democrat , said during a virtual committee hearing .
`` I 'm not saying that we have to teach a special chapter that just teaches Black history .
That is a myth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday 's joint meeting of the Senate Education and Higher Education committees focused on racial equity in education and workforce development , one of four `` pillars '' that make up the caucus 's legislative agenda for the upcoming fall veto session .
During that hearing , lawmakers heard from several education officials , including Maurice Swinney , chief equity officer for Chicago Public Schools .
CPS is currently in the process of implementing what it calls the Curriculum Equity Project , which is aimed at infusing diversity and cultural awareness across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Equity Project is anchored in this belief that all curriculum content designed for Chicago Public Schools , including the assessments we give , must be free from bias , fair across race , religion , ethnicity and gender , and culturally relevant with the mindful integration of diverse communities , cultures , histories and contributions , '' Swinney said .
One of the ways CPS has been adjusting its curriculum , Swinney said , is re-examining all of the material being used in classrooms to find out how various social groups are portrayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story that includes Black characters or Black people in the story , one of the questions we have to ask is , what is the role of Black people in the story ? ''
he said .
`` Is it always subservient to another particular group ?
How are they playing out in this story ?
What are the power centers and structures in the story ?
And so we want to make sure that we are supporting teachers in classrooms and schools when examining curriculum . ''
Lightford , who chairs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , said it was natural for Chicago Public Schools to make those efforts because it has the largest Black population in the state .
`` But it 's always like that , '' she added .
`` Once you leave Chicago , you leave Cook County , the rest of the state , Black people struggle even more .
Percentages are always lower for them .
They get the last and little bit of the information . ''
Gholnecsar Muhammad , an education professor at Georgia State University who earned her doctorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that to overhaul the way history and social studies are taught , the state needs to look at the entire education system , from the standards that are used to determine what is taught to the way new teachers are trained .
`` We desperately need a rewriting of learning standards for equity and excellence , '' she said .
`` We need then to redesign state assessments , to rewrite teacher evaluation so that teachers are not just evaluated on their ability to teach skills , but to teach identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to align this with teacher education programs .
And then we need to hold publishing companies more accountable for writing culturally responsive content . ''
During the hearing , several lawmakers spoke of their own experiences studying American history in school and learning about the role of Black , Hispanic and other ethnic and racial groups in the development of the country .
Lightford talked about being `` traumatized '' as a child when the 1977 miniseries `` Roots , '' based on the Alex Haley novel , first aired on TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African American family from the era of slavery through the Civil Rights movement .
`` And then when I went to school , I was still looking in these books , and then I began to say this stuff is n't true , this is n't right .
And social studies became my least favorite subject , '' she said .
Sen. Celina Villanueva , a Chicago Democrat , said she had the opposite experience growing up , first attending a bilingual elementary school and later Kenwood Academy High School on the south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused heavily on multicultural education .
But she said her experience changed when she went to college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign .
`` I , unfortunately , along with a lot of other students of color , when we got to the college campus ... really dealt with , particularly white students that had never ever interacted with somebody -- with a Black person , a Latino-Latinx person , a person of color coming from somewhere where they 've never been before , and have never understood us to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the examples and the characters that they see on TV . ''
Rep. LaShawn Ford , a Chicago Democrat , argued that the absence of a robust multicultural curriculum in Illinois damages the whole society , not just those groups that are marginalized , and that it can be seen in the racial tensions that have flared up in recent months .
`` One of the reasons why we are at war with the police in the Black community is because the very police that police our communities learn from the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ford said .
`` And that 's not what our schools are supposed to be doing . ''
Over the years , the General Assembly has enacted several laws requiring the teaching of Black history , including specific content that all schools are supposed to teach .
According to Lightford , however , those requirements have never been fully implemented by all Illinois schools .
Most recently , in 2018 , the state House passed a resolution calling on the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct an audit of every district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dixon , who chairs the state board of education 's Black History Curriculum Task Force , said the board does not have the manpower or resources needed to carry out such a statewide audit .
Instead , Dixon said , the task force is conducting a survey of school districts to learn as much as possible about their programs .
The results of that survey and the task force 's recommendations are scheduled to be discussed at the board 's November meeting .

Black lawmakers seek to revamp social studies education in Illinois
Maurice Swinney, left, of Chicago Public Schools, and Gholnecsar Muhammad, an education professor at Georgia State University, discuss the importance of racial and ethnic inclusion in social studies curricula during a joint meeting of the Illinois Senate Education and Higher Education committees. Blueroomstream.com
SPRINGFIELD -- Leaders of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus are urging a complete overhaul of the state's social studies curriculum to ensure that contributions of Black Americans and other minorities are properly included in history education.
"Something has to happen in this space, where we're all learning about each other, all of us," Sen. Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat, said during a virtual committee hearing. "I'm not saying that we have to teach a special chapter that just teaches Black history. That is a myth. It should be taught throughout."
Tuesday's joint meeting of the Senate Education and Higher Education committees focused on racial equity in education and workforce development, one of four "pillars" that make up the caucus's legislative agenda for the upcoming fall veto session.
During that hearing, lawmakers heard from several education officials, including Maurice Swinney, chief equity officer for Chicago Public Schools. CPS is currently in the process of implementing what it calls the Curriculum Equity Project, which is aimed at infusing diversity and cultural awareness across the entire K-12 curriculum.
"Our Curriculum Equity Project is anchored in this belief that all curriculum content designed for Chicago Public Schools, including the assessments we give, must be free from bias, fair across race, religion, ethnicity and gender, and culturally relevant with the mindful integration of diverse communities, cultures, histories and contributions," Swinney said.
One of the ways CPS has been adjusting its curriculum, Swinney said, is re-examining all of the material being used in classrooms to find out how various social groups are portrayed.
"If you are reading a story that includes Black characters or Black people in the story, one of the questions we have to ask is, what is the role of Black people in the story?" he said. "Is it always subservient to another particular group? How are they playing out in this story? What are the power centers and structures in the story? And so we want to make sure that we are supporting teachers in classrooms and schools when examining curriculum."
Lightford, who chairs the Black caucus and serves as Senate majority leader, said it was natural for Chicago Public Schools to make those efforts because it has the largest Black population in the state.
"But it's always like that," she added. "Once you leave Chicago, you leave Cook County, the rest of the state, Black people struggle even more. Percentages are always lower for them. They get the last and little bit of the information."
Gholnecsar Muhammad, an education professor at Georgia State University who earned her doctorate at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said that to overhaul the way history and social studies are taught, the state needs to look at the entire education system, from the standards that are used to determine what is taught to the way new teachers are trained.
"We desperately need a rewriting of learning standards for equity and excellence," she said. "We need then to redesign state assessments, to rewrite teacher evaluation so that teachers are not just evaluated on their ability to teach skills, but to teach identity development and liberation within classrooms. We need to align this with teacher education programs. And then we need to hold publishing companies more accountable for writing culturally responsive content."
During the hearing, several lawmakers spoke of their own experiences studying American history in school and learning about the role of Black, Hispanic and other ethnic and racial groups in the development of the country.
Lightford talked about being "traumatized" as a child when the 1977 miniseries "Roots," based on the Alex Haley novel, first aired on TV, chronicling the multigenerational saga of an African American family from the era of slavery through the Civil Rights movement.
"And then when I went to school, I was still looking in these books, and then I began to say this stuff isn't true, this isn't right. And social studies became my least favorite subject," she said.
Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Democrat, said she had the opposite experience growing up, first attending a bilingual elementary school and later Kenwood Academy High School on the south side of Chicago, both of which focused heavily on multicultural education. But she said her experience changed when she went to college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
"I, unfortunately, along with a lot of other students of color, when we got to the college campus ... really dealt with, particularly white students that had never ever interacted with somebody -- with a Black person, a Latino-Latinx person, a person of color coming from somewhere where they've never been before, and have never understood us to be multidimensional, complex people that aren't just the examples and the characters that they see on TV."
Rep. LaShawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, argued that the absence of a robust multicultural curriculum in Illinois damages the whole society, not just those groups that are marginalized, and that it can be seen in the racial tensions that have flared up in recent months.
"One of the reasons why we are at war with the police in the Black community is because the very police that police our communities learn from the history that's taught in our schools," Ford said. "And that's not what our schools are supposed to be doing."
Over the years, the General Assembly has enacted several laws requiring the teaching of Black history, including specific content that all schools are supposed to teach. According to Lightford, however, those requirements have never been fully implemented by all Illinois schools.
Most recently, in 2018, the state House passed a resolution calling on the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct an audit of every district's Black history curriculum. But Brenda Dixon, who chairs the state board of education's Black History Curriculum Task Force, said the board does not have the manpower or resources needed to carry out such a statewide audit.
Instead, Dixon said, the task force is conducting a survey of school districts to learn as much as possible about their programs. The results of that survey and the task force's recommendations are scheduled to be discussed at the board's November meeting.