dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Trump opposes postal money that would help vote-by-mail

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump declared Thursday that he opposes additional funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , acknowledging that his position would starve the agency of money Democrats say it needs to process an anticipated surge in mail-in ballots during the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump also claimed anew -- falsely -- that Democrats were pushing for universal mail-in voting and predicted without providing evidence that mail-in voting would lead to massive voter fraud in the November election .
Polls indicate Trump is in for a tough reelection fight against Democrat Joe Biden .
The Republican president said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticking points for a new congressional virus relief package were the Democrats ' demands for billions of dollars to assist states in protecting the election and to help postal workers process mail-in ballots .
Biden , responding during a meeting in Delaware on the coronavirus , told reporters the comments were , `` Pure Trump .
He does n't want an election . ''
Trump said on `` Mornings with Maria , '' `` They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added , `` If they do n't get those two items , that means you ca n't have universal mail-in voting because they 're not equipped to have it . ''
Trump has moved to sow public distrust in the Postal Service 's ability to deliver what is expected to be record numbers of mail-in ballots .
The agency 's new leader , Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , a major donor to Trump and other Republicans , has instituted operational changes that have led to delivery delays across the U.S. For Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights .
`` The President of the United States is sabotaging a basic service that hundreds of millions of people rely upon , cutting a critical lifeline for rural economies and for delivery of medicines , because he wants to deprive Americans of their fundamental right to vote safely during the most catastrophic public health crisis in over 100 years , '' Biden spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement .
Negotiations over a new virus relief package have all but ended , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far apart on the size , scope and approach for shoring up households , reopening schools and launching a national strategy to contain the coronavirus .
While there is some common ground over $ 100 billion for schools and new funds for virus testing , Democrats also want other emergency funds that Trump rejects .
`` They want $ 3.5 billion for something that will turn out to be fraudulent .
That 's election money , basically , '' Trump said during Thursday 's call-in interview .
Democrats have pushed for $ 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in talks with Republicans on a huge COVID-19 response bill .
That figure , which would include money to help with election mail , is down from a $ 25 billion plan in a House-passed coronavirus measure .
DeJoy , who was tapped to head the Postal Service by a Trump-appointed board of governors and started in June , has said that the agency is in a financially untenable position , but he maintains that it can handle this year 's election mail .
He is the first postmaster general in nearly two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee .
`` Although there will likely be an unprecedented increase in election mail volume due to the pandemic , the Postal Service has ample capacity to deliver all election mail securely and on-time in accordance with our delivery standards , and we will do so , '' he told the Postal Service 's governing board last week .
Memos obtained by The Associated Press show that Postal Service leadership has pushed to eliminate overtime and halt late delivery trips that are sometimes needed to ensure mail arrives on time , measures that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delaying service .
Additional records detail cuts to hours at post offices , including reductions on Saturdays and during lunch hours .
Democrats , and a handful of Republicans , have sent DeJoy several letters asking him to reverse his changes and criticizing what they say is a lack of openness by he agency .
Late Wednesday , Senate Democrats again wrote DeJoy , this time saying he is pushing state election officials to opt for pricier first-class postage for mail-in ballots to be prioritized .
`` Instead of taking steps to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people , you are implementing policy changes that make matters worse , and the Postal Service is reportedly considering changes that would increase costs for states at a time when millions of Americans are relying on voting by mail to exercise their right to vote , '' the Democrats wrote .
A spokesman for the Postal Service , David Partenheimer , said in a statement that `` certain deadlines concerning mail-in ballots , may be incompatible with the Postal Service 's delivery standards , '' especially if election officials do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To the extent that states choose to use the mail as part of their elections , they should do so in a manner that realistically reflects how the mail works , '' he said .
Judy Beard , legislative and political director for the American Postal Workers Union , said postal workers are up to the task of delivering mail-in ballots this year .
`` We definitely know that the president is absolutely wrong concerning vote-by-mail , '' she said .
Rep. Gerry Connolly , D-Va. , chair of the House subcommittee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he wants to hold up funding for the U.S .
Postal Service to hinder Americans from voting .
`` The president admits his motive for holding USPS funding hostage is that he does n't want Americans to vote by mail , '' Connolly said in a statement Thursday .
`` Why ?
It hurts his electoral chances .
He 's putting self-preservation ahead of public safety , for an election he deserves to lose . ''
Izaguirre reported from Charleston , West Virginia .
The Associated Press produced this coverage with support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Trump opposes postal money that would help vote-by-mail
President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. Trump said on Thursday that the United Arab Emirates and Israel have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties as part of a deal to halt the annexation of occupied land sought by the Palestinians for their future state. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump declared Thursday that he opposes additional funding for the U.S. Postal Service, acknowledging that his position would starve the agency of money Democrats say it needs to process an anticipated surge in mail-in ballots during the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump also claimed anew -- falsely -- that Democrats were pushing for universal mail-in voting and predicted without providing evidence that mail-in voting would lead to massive voter fraud in the November election. Polls indicate Trump is in for a tough reelection fight against Democrat Joe Biden.
The Republican president said on Fox Business Network that among the big sticking points for a new congressional virus relief package were the Democrats' demands for billions of dollars to assist states in protecting the election and to help postal workers process mail-in ballots.
Biden, responding during a meeting in Delaware on the coronavirus, told reporters the comments were, "Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election."
Trump said on "Mornings with Maria," "They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots." He added, "If they don't get those two items, that means you can't have universal mail-in voting because they're not equipped to have it."
Trump has moved to sow public distrust in the Postal Service's ability to deliver what is expected to be record numbers of mail-in ballots. The agency's new leader, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a major donor to Trump and other Republicans, has instituted operational changes that have led to delivery delays across the U.S.
For Democrats, Trump's new remarks were a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights.
"The President of the United States is sabotaging a basic service that hundreds of millions of people rely upon, cutting a critical lifeline for rural economies and for delivery of medicines, because he wants to deprive Americans of their fundamental right to vote safely during the most catastrophic public health crisis in over 100 years," Biden spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement.
Negotiations over a new virus relief package have all but ended, with the White House and congressional leaders far apart on the size, scope and approach for shoring up households, reopening schools and launching a national strategy to contain the coronavirus.
While there is some common ground over $100 billion for schools and new funds for virus testing, Democrats also want other emergency funds that Trump rejects.
"They want $3.5 billion for something that will turn out to be fraudulent. That's election money, basically," Trump said during Thursday's call-in interview.
Democrats have pushed for $10 billion in all for the Postal Service in talks with Republicans on a huge COVID-19 response bill. That figure, which would include money to help with election mail, is down from a $25 billion plan in a House-passed coronavirus measure.
DeJoy, who was tapped to head the Postal Service by a Trump-appointed board of governors and started in June, has said that the agency is in a financially untenable position, but he maintains that it can handle this year's election mail. He is the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who is not a career postal employee.
"Although there will likely be an unprecedented increase in election mail volume due to the pandemic, the Postal Service has ample capacity to deliver all election mail securely and on-time in accordance with our delivery standards, and we will do so," he told the Postal Service's governing board last week.
Memos obtained by The Associated Press show that Postal Service leadership has pushed to eliminate overtime and halt late delivery trips that are sometimes needed to ensure mail arrives on time, measures that postal workers and union officials say are delaying service. Additional records detail cuts to hours at post offices, including reductions on Saturdays and during lunch hours.
Democrats, and a handful of Republicans, have sent DeJoy several letters asking him to reverse his changes and criticizing what they say is a lack of openness by he agency. Late Wednesday, Senate Democrats again wrote DeJoy, this time saying he is pushing state election officials to opt for pricier first-class postage for mail-in ballots to be prioritized.
"Instead of taking steps to increase your agency's ability to deliver for the American people, you are implementing policy changes that make matters worse, and the Postal Service is reportedly considering changes that would increase costs for states at a time when millions of Americans are relying on voting by mail to exercise their right to vote," the Democrats wrote.
A spokesman for the Postal Service, David Partenheimer, said in a statement that "certain deadlines concerning mail-in ballots, may be incompatible with the Postal Service's delivery standards," especially if election officials don't pay more for first-class postage.
"To the extent that states choose to use the mail as part of their elections, they should do so in a manner that realistically reflects how the mail works," he said.
Judy Beard, legislative and political director for the American Postal Workers Union, said postal workers are up to the task of delivering mail-in ballots this year.
"We definitely know that the president is absolutely wrong concerning vote-by-mail," she said.
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., chair of the House subcommittee on government operations, said Trump is acknowledging that he wants to hold up funding for the U.S. Postal Service to hinder Americans from voting.
"The president admits his motive for holding USPS funding hostage is that he doesn't want Americans to vote by mail," Connolly said in a statement Thursday. "Why? It hurts his electoral chances. He's putting self-preservation ahead of public safety, for an election he deserves to lose."
Izaguirre reported from Charleston, West Virginia. The Associated Press produced this coverage with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Democrats outline ethics proposals

Democrats outline ethics proposals

SPRINGFIELD -- Several Democratic state lawmakers called a virtual news conference Thursday morning in support of ethics reforms , hours before news broke that another Democratic state senator was charged with a federal crime .
A number of the nine initiatives proposed by the Democrats echo reforms called for by Republicans in recent months .
Lawmakers should not lobby officials at any level of government or be allowed to jump into lobbying immediately after leaving office , both parties agree .
They are also in favor of establishing term limits for leadership positions .
The Senate has such a provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not .
These `` nine steps to restoring trust in Illinois government , '' Democratic legislators said , can be tackled in the November veto session when the chambers are scheduled to convene in Springfield .
Republicans , though , requested Gov .
J.B. Pritzker call a special session before then .
During the news conference , it was not yet reported that Sen. Terry Link , an Indian Creek Democrat , had been charged with tax fraud Thursday .
Almost all of the 10 participants said their list of lobbying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction to recent controversy surrounding Madigan .
The Chicago Democrat was implicated in a federal investigation charging utility giant ComEd with one count of bribery .
Madigan was also named in a potential class action lawsuit arguing the speaker and utility company should pay `` at least '' $ 450 million to almost 4 million Illinoisans affected by the alleged extortion scandal .
`` This is n't about one person in the state of Illinois .
This is about the General Assembly , '' Sen. Melinda Bush , a Democrat from Grayslake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethics changes that will really address what has been a systemic culture ... and the belief that we must stand up today and make it clear that we are here to address those issues and move forward . ''
Rep. Mary Edly-Allen , a freshman Democrat from Libertyville , added when reporters asked whether the coalition 's proposed initiatives are responding to the recent federal actions entangling Madigan , `` it just takes the air out of this balloon that we are trying to blow up . ''
`` If he were gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to happen in the environment in Springfield , '' she added .
`` I 'm sorry if I sound really frustrated and angry , because I am .
It 's much bigger than that . ''
Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Democrat from Chicago , said ethics legislation is a major issue , along with calls for police reform made by members of the Black and Latino Causes .
`` We 're facing a lot of crises on multiple fronts .
The General Assembly needs to prove to the citizens of Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time and make historic and significant ethics reform a reality , '' said Rep. Yoni Pizer , another Chicago Democrat .
`` These nine measures outlined in this proposal represent a major step forward in that direction . ''
Last year , Republicans in both chambers introduced bills addressing many of the same structural changes Democrats are now urging .
They asked to vote on several of those measures during the abridged session in May .
When asked why this is the right moment to call for such reforms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the years on these ideas to fix ethical problems experienced by all four caucuses .
If recent events are encouraging a bipartisan , bicameral group of lawmakers to focus on these measures , `` the better '' the outcome will be .
Rep. Bob Morgan , a freshman lawmaker from Deerfield , added Democrats `` are not recreating the wheel '' or `` being overly dramatic . ''
Instead , they are looking to make rule changes most other states already implemented .
`` I think everyone in this Zoom wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass climate change , and neither of those things can happen without a strong foundation in our Legislature , without a strong foundation in our government , '' he said .
`` Part of that foundation is having an ethical structure . ''
Many of the proposals announced Thursday were considered by the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform , the Democratic members of the panel said in an emailed statement .
That group is tasked with completing a report recommending legislation to make the same fixes the coalition of lawmakers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 deadline due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and it is unclear when the document will be presented to the General Assembly .
In its statement , the commission 's Democratic members added it can only `` come up with ideas and suggestions , '' not `` file legislation . ''
The ideas shared Thursday are not yet formal legislative proposals .

Democrats outline ethics proposals
SPRINGFIELD -- Several Democratic state lawmakers called a virtual news conference Thursday morning in support of ethics reforms, hours before news broke that another Democratic state senator was charged with a federal crime.
A number of the nine initiatives proposed by the Democrats echo reforms called for by Republicans in recent months. Lawmakers should not lobby officials at any level of government or be allowed to jump into lobbying immediately after leaving office, both parties agree.
They are also in favor of establishing term limits for leadership positions. The Senate has such a provision in its rules, but the House does not.
These "nine steps to restoring trust in Illinois government," Democratic legislators said, can be tackled in the November veto session when the chambers are scheduled to convene in Springfield. Republicans, though, requested Gov. J.B. Pritzker call a special session before then.
During the news conference, it was not yet reported that Sen. Terry Link, an Indian Creek Democrat, had been charged with tax fraud Thursday.
Many questions pertained to House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Almost all of the 10 participants said their list of lobbying, legislative and leadership proposals was not a reaction to recent controversy surrounding Madigan.
The Chicago Democrat was implicated in a federal investigation charging utility giant ComEd with one count of bribery. Madigan was also named in a potential class action lawsuit arguing the speaker and utility company should pay "at least" $450 million to almost 4 million Illinoisans affected by the alleged extortion scandal.
"This isn't about one person in the state of Illinois. This is about the General Assembly," Sen. Melinda Bush, a Democrat from Grayslake, said. "This is about adopting ethics changes that will really address what has been a systemic culture ... and the belief that we must stand up today and make it clear that we are here to address those issues and move forward."
Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, a freshman Democrat from Libertyville, added when reporters asked whether the coalition's proposed initiatives are responding to the recent federal actions entangling Madigan, "it just takes the air out of this balloon that we are trying to blow up."
"If he were gone, we still have systemic changes that need to happen in the environment in Springfield," she added. "I'm sorry if I sound really frustrated and angry, because I am. It's much bigger than that."
Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat from Chicago, said ethics legislation is a major issue, along with calls for police reform made by members of the Black and Latino Causes.
"We're facing a lot of crises on multiple fronts. The General Assembly needs to prove to the citizens of Illinois that we can walk and chew gum at the same time and make historic and significant ethics reform a reality," said Rep. Yoni Pizer, another Chicago Democrat. "These nine measures outlined in this proposal represent a major step forward in that direction."
Last year, Republicans in both chambers introduced bills addressing many of the same structural changes Democrats are now urging. They asked to vote on several of those measures during the abridged session in May.
When asked why this is the right moment to call for such reforms, Cassidy said she and her colleagues worked over the years on these ideas to fix ethical problems experienced by all four caucuses. If recent events are encouraging a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers to focus on these measures, "the better" the outcome will be.
Rep. Bob Morgan, a freshman lawmaker from Deerfield, added Democrats "are not recreating the wheel" or "being overly dramatic." Instead, they are looking to make rule changes most other states already implemented.
"I think everyone in this Zoom wants to pass police accountability reform, wants to pass climate change, and neither of those things can happen without a strong foundation in our Legislature, without a strong foundation in our government," he said. "Part of that foundation is having an ethical structure."
Many of the proposals announced Thursday were considered by the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, the Democratic members of the panel said in an emailed statement.
That group is tasked with completing a report recommending legislation to make the same fixes the coalition of lawmakers said they wanted. It missed the March 31 deadline due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and it is unclear when the document will be presented to the General Assembly.
In its statement, the commission's Democratic members added it can only "come up with ideas and suggestions," not "file legislation." The ideas shared Thursday are not yet formal legislative proposals.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Mount Prospect man accused of selling counterfeit Rolex watches

A Mount Prospect man who prosecutors say was selling counterfeit Rolex watches was ordered held on a $ 10,000 I-bond Thursday and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring .
Authorities say Yordan Iliev , 33 , had luxury watches worth more than $ 3 million in his home .
He is charged with violation of the counterfeit trademark act following an investigation by Mount Prospect police , the Department of Homeland Security , and Kirby & Associates , a private investigation firm hired by Rolex .
In July 2019 , Rolex employees learned that someone in Mount Prospect was selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Assistant Cook County State 's Attorney James Costello .
The Rolex company contacted Kirby & Associates to investigate .
During the investigation , an `` undercover operative '' purchased one of the watches , Costello said .
Earlier this month , Homeland Security contacted Mount Prospect police about the counterfeit sales , Costello said .
On Wednesday , with police providing surveillance , an undercover private investigator for Kirby & Associates arranged to purchase a replica Rolex containing `` genuine Rolex logos , labeling , synchronization and weight '' for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block of North Kenilworth Avenue , Costello said .
Iliev was arrested Wednesday after he exited the home and exchanged a `` silver Rolex '' for $ 200 , Costello said .
Police recovered from the home 80 watches , including `` a dozen broken watches which appeared to be in the process of being repaired , '' according to Costello , who estimated their retail value exceeded $ 3.4 million .
Of the recovered watches , 33 were Rolexes valued at more than $ 500,000 .
Other luxury brands recovered included Audemars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cartier and Patek Philippe , said Costello , adding a Homeland Security analysis of shipping records revealed dozens of international shipments were sent to Iliev 's home .
Cook County Judge Ellen Mandeltort ordered Iliev to surrender his passport and prohibited him from engaging in online commerce .
He next appears in court on Sept. 3 .

Mount Prospect man accused of selling counterfeit Rolex watches
A Mount Prospect man who prosecutors say was selling counterfeit Rolex watches was ordered held on a $10,000 I-bond Thursday and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring.
Authorities say Yordan Iliev, 33, had luxury watches worth more than $3 million in his home. He is charged with violation of the counterfeit trademark act following an investigation by Mount Prospect police, the Department of Homeland Security, and Kirby & Associates, a private investigation firm hired by Rolex.
In July 2019, Rolex employees learned that someone in Mount Prospect was selling counterfeit watches through a mobile classifieds application, said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney James Costello. The Rolex company contacted Kirby & Associates to investigate. During the investigation, an "undercover operative" purchased one of the watches, Costello said.
Earlier this month, Homeland Security contacted Mount Prospect police about the counterfeit sales, Costello said. On Wednesday, with police providing surveillance, an undercover private investigator for Kirby & Associates arranged to purchase a replica Rolex containing "genuine Rolex logos, labeling, synchronization and weight" for $200 from a home in the 200 block of North Kenilworth Avenue, Costello said.
Iliev was arrested Wednesday after he exited the home and exchanged a "silver Rolex" for $200, Costello said.
Police recovered from the home 80 watches, including "a dozen broken watches which appeared to be in the process of being repaired," according to Costello, who estimated their retail value exceeded $3.4 million. Of the recovered watches, 33 were Rolexes valued at more than $500,000. Other luxury brands recovered included Audemars Piguet, Panerai Luminor, Richard Mille, Cartier and Patek Philippe, said Costello, adding a Homeland Security analysis of shipping records revealed dozens of international shipments were sent to Iliev's home.
Cook County Judge Ellen Mandeltort ordered Iliev to surrender his passport and prohibited him from engaging in online commerce. He next appears in court on Sept. 3.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Kelsey Mitchell hits late 3-pointer, Fever top Liberty 82-77

BRADENTON , Fla. -- Tiffany Mitchell scored 19 points , Kelsey Mitchell made a long 3-pointer with 29.8 seconds left @ @ @ @ @ beat the New York Liberty 86-79 on Thursday night .
Kelsey Mitchell had 13 points @ @ @ @ @ did n't score again until her 3-pointer gave Indiana an 82-77 lead in the closing @ @ @ @ @ free throws on the team 's next possession and finished with 18 points .
Candice @ @ @ @ @ Indiana ( 4-5 ) , becoming the eighth player in WNBA history to reach the @ @ @ @ @ added 13 points , Dupree scored 11 points and Teaira McCowan grabbed 13 rebounds .
@ @ @ @ @ and Layshia Clarendon added 20 for New York ( 1-8 ) , which has lost @ @ @ @ @ Liberty stayed in it by making 21 of 26 free throws .

Kelsey Mitchell hits late 3-pointer, Fever top Liberty 82-77
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Tiffany Mitchell scored 19 points, Kelsey Mitchell made a long 3-pointer with 29.8 seconds left, and the Indiana Fever beat the New York Liberty 86-79 on Thursday night.
Kelsey Mitchell had 13 points in the first half and didn't score again until her 3-pointer gave Indiana an 82-77 lead in the closing seconds. She added two free throws on the team's next possession and finished with 18 points.
Candice Dupree grabbed six rebounds for Indiana (4-5), becoming the eighth player in WNBA history to reach the 3,000 mark. Julie Allemand added 13 points, Dupree scored 11 points and Teaira McCowan grabbed 13 rebounds.
Kia Nurse scored 21 points and Layshia Clarendon added 20 for New York (1-8), which has lost three straight games. The Liberty stayed in it by making 21 of 26 free throws.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-14--The suburban police that arrest the most drunken drivers, and how they do it

What makes a police officer good at spotting and arresting intoxicated drivers ?
Skill ?
Focus ?
Training ?
Support from department brass ?
Turns out , it 's all of the above .
The Schaumburg-based Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists this week released its annual report on which Illinois police departments , and which officers , are taking the most suspected drunken and drugged drivers off the roads .
And when it comes to most arrests per officer , nobody did better in 2019 than the Carol Stream Police Department .
According to the AAIM report , Carol Stream police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 5.3 per officer .
That 's nearly two more per officer than the next best suburban department , Lombard at 3.42 .
Other suburban departments in the top 10 include Elmhurst ( 2.92 ) , Elgin ( 2.14 ) , Naperville ( 1.75 ) and Aurora ( 1.72 ) .
In terms of sheer volume , Aurora 's 517 DUI arrests were the most in the state , and nearly 16 % more than in 2018 .
Other suburbs in the top 10 were Elgin ( 393 ) , Carol Stream ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lombard ( 229 ) .
We checked in with Carol Stream police leaders to ask what they 're doing to rack up the arrests .
The answer , they told us , involves the department 's culture , its robust training program and the support of village officials .
`` The department takes pride in performing traffic enforcement , especially DUI enforcement , because it prevents crashes and saves lives , '' said new Chief Bill Holmer , who joined the department in July after 25 years in neighboring Glen Ellyn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sgt .
Brian Cluever , who heads up the department 's traffic division .
Along with training about drunken drivers , Carol Stream has six officers with specialized training in detecting drivers under the influence of drugs -- more than any agency in the state other than Illinois State Police .
`` ( Our training ) gives officers an ability to look a little bit deeper into a traffic stop , '' he said .
And the efforts are paying off with safer roads .
A fatal crash in June that killed two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first deadly accident in town in four years , Cluever said .
In his 15 years on the force , their department has handled only three or four fatal crashes , he said .
`` If you look at the fatal crashes we 've had , they 're far below what most others in the area experience , '' Cluever said .
With their focus on patrolling heavily traveled interstates and state highways , it 's no surprise that the officers with the most DUI arrests in 2019 were a pair of Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eric Davis , both based out of Chicago .
Just one suburban officer landed in the top 10 .
Elgin officer Paul Dublinski tied for 10th , with 103 DUI arrests last year .
Do n't be surprised if the number of DUI arrests made across the state takes a dip next year , officials told us .
Between the stay-at-home orders of the spring , bars closed or operating with limited capacities , and officers being judicious about traffic stops , fewer arrests seem certain .
We know good policing leads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What about bad policing ?
Find out next week when the Chicago-based American Bar Foundation hosts a virtual fireside chat on policing and protests .
The event will feature a dialogue between foundation Executive Director Ajay K. Mehrotra and foundation Research Professor Traci Burch , and center on Burch 's research into the political and social impacts of problematic policing .
Her latest project examines how aggressive policing tactics and lethal force affect voter turnout and political protests .
The online event is set for 5 p.m. Thursday , Aug. 20 .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're often told `` If you see something , say something , '' but say something to whom ?
And how ?
The FBI 's Chicago office is offering a new option with the creation this week of a new Digital Media Tip Line ( DMTL ) to help law enforcement identify people involved in instigating and conducting violent crimes .
Though initially targeted at those involved in the looting of Chicago businesses earlier this week , FBI officials say the line is available to anyone willing to provide info about any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DMTL , tipsters can upload photographs and videos of violent crimes at www.fbi.gov/chicagotips for law enforcement analysis .
In their announcement of the tip line , FBI officials say they 're committed to respecting the rights of peaceful protesters and want to target those who exploit those protests to commit crimes .
`` Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous , not contradictory , '' the agency said .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

The suburban police that arrest the most drunken drivers, and how they do it
What makes a police officer good at spotting a potential drunken driver? Police in Carol Stream, who rank among the state's tops when it comes to DUI arrests, says it's a matter of training and focus. Daily Herald File Photo
What makes a police officer good at spotting and arresting intoxicated drivers? Skill? Focus? Training? Support from department brass?
Turns out, it's all of the above.
The Schaumburg-based Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists this week released its annual report on which Illinois police departments, and which officers, are taking the most suspected drunken and drugged drivers off the roads.
And when it comes to most arrests per officer, nobody did better in 2019 than the Carol Stream Police Department.
According to the AAIM report, Carol Stream police made 334 DUI arrests last year, about 5.3 per officer. That's nearly two more per officer than the next best suburban department, Lombard at 3.42.
Other suburban departments in the top 10 include Elmhurst (2.92), Elgin (2.14), Naperville (1.75) and Aurora (1.72).
In terms of sheer volume, Aurora's 517 DUI arrests were the most in the state, and nearly 16% more than in 2018. Other suburbs in the top 10 were Elgin (393), Carol Stream (334), Naperville (295) and Lombard (229).
We checked in with Carol Stream police leaders to ask what they're doing to rack up the arrests. The answer, they told us, involves the department's culture, its robust training program and the support of village officials.
Bill Holmer, Carol Stream police chief
"The department takes pride in performing traffic enforcement, especially DUI enforcement, because it prevents crashes and saves lives," said new Chief Bill Holmer, who joined the department in July after 25 years in neighboring Glen Ellyn.
The success starts with training, said Sgt. Brian Cluever, who heads up the department's traffic division. Along with training about drunken drivers, Carol Stream has six officers with specialized training in detecting drivers under the influence of drugs -- more than any agency in the state other than Illinois State Police.
"(Our training) gives officers an ability to look a little bit deeper into a traffic stop," he said.
Carol Stream police Sgt. Brian Cluever displays one of the kits the department uses to test whether someone is driving under the influence of drugs. - Daily Herald File Photo, 2017
And the efforts are paying off with safer roads. A fatal crash in June that killed two Wheaton North High School students was the first deadly accident in town in four years, Cluever said. In his 15 years on the force, their department has handled only three or four fatal crashes, he said.
"If you look at the fatal crashes we've had, they're far below what most others in the area experience," Cluever said.
Top cops
With their focus on patrolling heavily traveled interstates and state highways, it's no surprise that the officers with the most DUI arrests in 2019 were a pair of Illinois State Police troopers -- Lucas Sniady and Eric Davis, both based out of Chicago.
Just one suburban officer landed in the top 10. Elgin officer Paul Dublinski tied for 10th, with 103 DUI arrests last year.
Looking ahead
Don't be surprised if the number of DUI arrests made across the state takes a dip next year, officials told us. Between the stay-at-home orders of the spring, bars closed or operating with limited capacities, and officers being judicious about traffic stops, fewer arrests seem certain.
Impact of problematic policing
We know good policing leads to safe, stable and inviting communities. What about bad policing?
Find out next week when the Chicago-based American Bar Foundation hosts a virtual fireside chat on policing and protests.
Professor Traci Burch will take part in a virtual fireside chat next week examining issues of problematic policing and its social and political impacts. - Courtesy of the American Bar Foundation
The event will feature a dialogue between foundation Executive Director Ajay K. Mehrotra and foundation Research Professor Traci Burch, and center on Burch's research into the political and social impacts of problematic policing. Her latest project examines how aggressive policing tactics and lethal force affect voter turnout and political protests.
The online event is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. To register, visit https://abfn.thankyou4caring.org/abf-virtual-fireside-chat.
FBI's new tip line
We're often told "If you see something, say something," but say something to whom? And how?
The FBI's Chicago office is offering a new option with the creation this week of a new Digital Media Tip Line (DMTL) to help law enforcement identify people involved in instigating and conducting violent crimes.
Though initially targeted at those involved in the looting of Chicago businesses earlier this week, FBI officials say the line is available to anyone willing to provide info about any crime in the region.
Using the DMTL, tipsters can upload photographs and videos of violent crimes at www.fbi.gov/chicagotips for law enforcement analysis.
In their announcement of the tip line, FBI officials say they're committed to respecting the rights of peaceful protesters and want to target those who exploit those protests to commit crimes.
"Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous, not contradictory," the agency said.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Elgin city leaders: Time for real action on homelessness

The conversation about homelessness in downtown Elgin reached peak frustration Wednesday , with city council members saying it 's time to have a serious discussion about funding some type of new homeless shelter initiative .
The problem is behavior such as drinking alcohol and urinating and defecating in public , city officials and local business owners say .
A majority of council members approved an ordinance Wednesday prohibiting placing tents on public property , and the police department launched a 24/7 downtown patrol on Aug. 1 .
The city has taken other steps to try to tackle the issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- of which Elgin has many -- and adopting an ordinance that temporarily bans individuals from public parks and the downtown area after they are found guilty of three nuisances in one year .
Still , the situation has gotten worse , likely with the help of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic , council members agreed .
`` We come up with these Band-Aids to show we 've done something , '' Councilman Corey Dixon said .
`` But I 'm going to be honest with you folks .
We 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past have looked at Hesed House in Aurora as a possible model , citing its permanent supportive housing and `` low-threshold '' shelter letting in people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol .
City Manager Rick Kozal said city staff members have been working with the homeless shelter PADS of Elgin to find a new facility for a shelter that would incorporate permanent housing with support services .
The city also requested a proposal from New Life Covenant Church to provide a 24/7 low-threshold shelter .
PADS Executive Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lease at 1730 Berkley St. expires in December 2021 , wants to find a facility with enough space to provide permanent supportive housing with a `` housing first '' approach , which means clients first are given a place to live -- their most pressing need .
Once that need is met , clients are more likely to be receptive to and benefit from services like case management , mental health and substance abuse counseling , job assistance and more .
National data says this approach is effective at least 97 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also discussions with the Elgin Cooperative Ministry to potentially consolidate the city 's soup kitchens into a community kitchen at the new PADS location , Ponitz said .
One possible location is the empty , city-owned building at 600 S. State St. -- where the police department conducts trainings -- about a half-hour 's walk from downtown and near three bus stops and facilities for the Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Human Services , Ponitz said .
A rough estimate , without a thorough examination of the building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to $ 5 million , Ponitz said , adding the hope is the city would provide the building .
`` We have an architect and general contractor ready to go .
We are fully prepared to do a capital campaign to raise those funds as well as write grants for capital improvement , '' she said .
`` But to do that ... we need an address . ''
Pastor Abi Raices of New Life Covenant Church , 2250 W. Highland Avenue , said the church is willing to run a low-threshold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated $ 450,000 or so to operate , plus the cost of leasing or buying space , which the church ca n't afford , he said .
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , New Life Covenant Church stepped up to provide a daytime shelter for the homeless , with transportation to and from downtown , from late March to late May .
The city supported the initiative with $ 30,000 a month , but it ended that when the state entered Phase 3 of the `` Restore Illinois '' plan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in homeless people downtown over the last two months .
The city council Wednesday did not specifically discuss restarting the daytime shelter at the church but talked about the need for short-term and long-term approaches .
Raices said he would be willing to restart the shelter , pending approval from the city and church leadership .
City council members said Wednesday they are willing to take a look at cost proposals and funding options , including possibly using federal community block development grant money , for homeless shelter initiatives .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about homelessness and we end up with the same place , '' Mayor David Kaptain said .
`` But the reason is that this city and this city council never committed the money -- and that 's the discussion that we have to have . ''
Others agreed .
`` I 'm willing to put money behind it , '' Councilman Toby Shaw said , `` because it 's definitely the right thing to do . ''

Elgin city leaders: Time for real action on homelessness
The conversation about homelessness in downtown Elgin reached peak frustration Wednesday, with city council members saying it's time to have a serious discussion about funding some type of new homeless shelter initiative.
The problem is behavior such as drinking alcohol and urinating and defecating in public, city officials and local business owners say. A majority of council members approved an ordinance Wednesday prohibiting placing tents on public property, and the police department launched a 24/7 downtown patrol on Aug. 1.
The city has taken other steps to try to tackle the issue, including hosting meetings with social services providers -- of which Elgin has many -- and adopting an ordinance that temporarily bans individuals from public parks and the downtown area after they are found guilty of three nuisances in one year.
Still, the situation has gotten worse, likely with the help of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, council members agreed.
"We come up with these Band-Aids to show we've done something," Councilman Corey Dixon said. "But I'm going to be honest with you folks. We're not doing anything."
Possible solution
Elgin officials in the past have looked at Hesed House in Aurora as a possible model, citing its permanent supportive housing and "low-threshold" shelter letting in people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
City Manager Rick Kozal said city staff members have been working with the homeless shelter PADS of Elgin to find a new facility for a shelter that would incorporate permanent housing with support services. The city also requested a proposal from New Life Covenant Church to provide a 24/7 low-threshold shelter.
PADS Executive Director Sara Ponitz said the shelter, whose lease at 1730 Berkley St. expires in December 2021, wants to find a facility with enough space to provide permanent supportive housing with a "housing first" approach, which means clients first are given a place to live -- their most pressing need. Once that need is met, clients are more likely to be receptive to and benefit from services like case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, job assistance and more.
National data says this approach is effective at least 97% of the time, Ponitz said.
There are also discussions with the Elgin Cooperative Ministry to potentially consolidate the city's soup kitchens into a community kitchen at the new PADS location, Ponitz said.
One possible location is the empty, city-owned building at 600 S. State St. -- where the police department conducts trainings -- about a half-hour's walk from downtown and near three bus stops and facilities for the Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Human Services, Ponitz said.
A rough estimate, without a thorough examination of the building, shows rehab work would cost $3 million to $5 million, Ponitz said, adding the hope is the city would provide the building.
"We have an architect and general contractor ready to go. We are fully prepared to do a capital campaign to raise those funds as well as write grants for capital improvement," she said. "But to do that ... we need an address."
Pastor Abi Raices of New Life Covenant Church, 2250 W. Highland Avenue, said the church is willing to run a low-threshold shelter. But that would cost an estimated $450,000 or so to operate, plus the cost of leasing or buying space, which the church can't afford, he said.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Life Covenant Church stepped up to provide a daytime shelter for the homeless, with transportation to and from downtown, from late March to late May. The city supported the initiative with $30,000 a month, but it ended that when the state entered Phase 3 of the "Restore Illinois" plan.
Raices said that likely contributed to the increase in homeless people downtown over the last two months. The city council Wednesday did not specifically discuss restarting the daytime shelter at the church but talked about the need for short-term and long-term approaches.
Raices said he would be willing to restart the shelter, pending approval from the city and church leadership.
Next steps
City council members said Wednesday they are willing to take a look at cost proposals and funding options, including possibly using federal community block development grant money, for homeless shelter initiatives.
"This is probably the umpteenth conversation we have about homelessness and we end up with the same place," Mayor David Kaptain said. "But the reason is that this city and this city council never committed the money -- and that's the discussion that we have to have."
Others agreed. "I'm willing to put money behind it," Councilman Toby Shaw said, "because it's definitely the right thing to do."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--District 214 to start remotely, with uncertainty over when students might return

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 students will indeed begin the school year remotely on Monday , but it 's now unclear when a previously proposed gradual return to school buildings might begin , officials said Thursday .
School board members formally approved Superintendent David Schuler 's remote learning plan in a 6-1 vote Thursday , the night before a scheduled virtual freshman orientation .
But last week even board members begrudgingly supportive of the plan had pressed the superintendent to release a timeline that would include a possible date for the return of in-person learning .
An earlier draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction .
Schuler said he was preparing to provide that return date until Wednesday , when the Illinois Department of Public Health released new guidelines that he says in some cases contradicted previous guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education .
For instance , all cleaning crews and school nurses will be required to have fitted N95 masks , prompting District 214 to scramble to get its hands on that protective equipment , Schuler said .
`` The challenge is not knowing what we do n't know , and when that next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , '' he said .
To obtain clearer direction from local health experts , Schuler and other Northwest suburban school district superintendents plan to send a letter to the Cook County Department of Public Health about what metrics they should be following to determine when students could return to school .
Until receiving the latest state health guidelines , Schuler had planned a `` slow and steady '' reopening model that called for small pods of 10 to 15 students to return at a time , starting with homeless and special education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then those taking vocational and dual credit classes , and others who need extra support .
Now , that 's all on hold .
`` We 're trying to be driven by numbers and public health guidance , '' Schuler said .
`` I acknowledge this is not what a lot of families want .
We want to get back to our high-flex hybrid plan .
It makes most sense for kids and families and it 's safest for our staff .
But we have to do it in accordance with the guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schuler added , the school district 's lawyer has advised that the district would diminish its tort immunity by going against any guidance from a state agency .
Still , school board member Todd Younger cast the lone `` no '' vote on the remote learning plan , echoing concerns of about half a dozen parents who spoke at the meeting .
`` How can we assure parents that kids are gon na get as good of an education as they would have in an in-person environment ? ''
Younger asked Schuler .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to make sure that happens .
`` Day two will be better than day one , and day three will be better than day two , '' Schuler said .
`` I think we 're ready for a robust first day , but we have n't been through the first day yet . ''

District 214 to start remotely, with uncertainty over when students might return
Wheeling High School students and others in Northwest Suburban High School District 214 will start classes remotely on Monday. Virtual freshman orientation is scheduled for Friday. Daily Herald file photo
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 students will indeed begin the school year remotely on Monday, but it's now unclear when a previously proposed gradual return to school buildings might begin, officials said Thursday.
School board members formally approved Superintendent David Schuler's remote learning plan in a 6-1 vote Thursday, the night before a scheduled virtual freshman orientation. But last week even board members begrudgingly supportive of the plan had pressed the superintendent to release a timeline that would include a possible date for the return of in-person learning. An earlier draft hybrid plan included the option of classroom instruction.
Schuler said he was preparing to provide that return date until Wednesday, when the Illinois Department of Public Health released new guidelines that he says in some cases contradicted previous guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.
For instance, all cleaning crews and school nurses will be required to have fitted N95 masks, prompting District 214 to scramble to get its hands on that protective equipment, Schuler said.
"The challenge is not knowing what we don't know, and when that next piece of guidance is going to come out," he said.
To obtain clearer direction from local health experts, Schuler and other Northwest suburban school district superintendents plan to send a letter to the Cook County Department of Public Health about what metrics they should be following to determine when students could return to school.
Until receiving the latest state health guidelines, Schuler had planned a "slow and steady" reopening model that called for small pods of 10 to 15 students to return at a time, starting with homeless and special education students as early as Aug. 24, then those taking vocational and dual credit classes, and others who need extra support.
Now, that's all on hold.
"We're trying to be driven by numbers and public health guidance," Schuler said. "I acknowledge this is not what a lot of families want. We want to get back to our high-flex hybrid plan. It makes most sense for kids and families and it's safest for our staff. But we have to do it in accordance with the guidelines that are provided."
And, Schuler added, the school district's lawyer has advised that the district would diminish its tort immunity by going against any guidance from a state agency.
Still, school board member Todd Younger cast the lone "no" vote on the remote learning plan, echoing concerns of about half a dozen parents who spoke at the meeting.
"How can we assure parents that kids are gonna get as good of an education as they would have in an in-person environment?" Younger asked Schuler.
Schuler said teachers and staffers will work hard to make sure that happens.
"Day two will be better than day one, and day three will be better than day two," Schuler said. "I think we're ready for a robust first day, but we haven't been through the first day yet."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Rozner: Blackhawks' best effort not enough in Game 2

The Blackhawks played their best game of the playoffs Thursday .
Turns out , against one of the best teams in the league , it just was n't good enough .
Vegas scored 7:13 into overtime and the Hawks fell 4-3 in the Edmonton bubble , now facing a 2-0 series deficit that looks insurmountable .
On the ice versus a group expected to compete for the big prize , the Hawks would now have to win four of the next five .
That is a steep mountain to climb .
`` The key is how long can we stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' asked Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton .
`` We 're facing some adversity here , and do we have the character to overcome it ?
`` It 's an opportunity for our guys .
You play all year to be in these games so now we 're here and we 're facing adversity .
So what ?
Just keep playing and believe in what we 're doing and believe in the guys in the room and we 're gon na give them a run . ''
Colliton 's message is strong -- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got here .
But considering Vegas goalie Robin Lehner did not play well and the Knights were sloppy and lacking energy , you wonder now how many more games this series can go .
`` Obviously it would have been nice to see something go in there in overtime , '' said Patrick Kane , who had his most visible game since the restart and collected 3 assists .
`` That 's the way it goes , I guess . ''
On Reilly Smith 's winning tally , the Hawks ' defense got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch .
With the fourth period 's long change , Connor Murphy and Lucas Carlsson both wound up exhausted and on the puck in the corner , leaving Smith wide open for an easy game-winner .
`` We were n't able to get the puck in and get it deep and get our defense off , '' Colliton said .
`` So you end up with tired guys trying to defend and you get a breakdown . ''
The Hawks came out with an urgency appropriate for Game 2 and carried the play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumping into nearly every rush and several times involved in the play below the circles .
They tried mixing up the lines , they tried stretch passes and they used at least four men in on the offense most of the first period .
They also scratched 19-year-old defenseman Adam Boqvist in favor of 23-year-old rookie Carlsson , who played just 10:33 .
`` We 're trying to get better and use the group we have .
We have a lot of confidence in Carlsson , '' Colliton said .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rest can come back , potentially , with another level for us . ''
As it always does in a situation like this , the game found Carlsson quickly , midway through the first when Smith and Jonathan Marchessault played catch behind the net , drawing Murphy to one side , and leaving Carlsson to choose between staying in front or attacking the puck .
But his job there is to stay home .
Instead , Carlsson went to pressure behind the net , missed the pass , the forwards did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone in front to tap it past Corey Crawford for a 1-0 Vegas lead .
Five minutes later after Dylan Strome passed up a wide-open shot -- the third time in the first period the Hawks were guilty of such -- Vegas went down and made it 2-0 when Tomas Nosek on the off wing leaned on his stick and fired a wrist shot right through Crawford , another bad goal for the Hawks ' netminder .
The Hawks got on the board early in the second after an awful Vegas line change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rebound for his first career playoff goal , which cut the Knights ' lead to 2-1 .
After Vegas took a bad penalty , Dominik Kubalik shot through a screen , Lehner never saw it and with 7:53 left in the second the Hawks had a power-play goal and a 2-2 tie .
That lasted only a few minutes as Mark Stone collected a rebound and his 2-foot putt made it 3-2 late in the second , the Hawks again unable to handle the punishing Vegas cycle .
Back together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second period -- courtesy of Colliton 's line shuffling -- Kane , Strome and Alex DeBrincat worked some magic , as Strome got the blue line , dropped to DeBrincat , who saw Kane skating alone down the right side .
Kane 's sweet feed found Strome going hard to the net for a stress-free goal and the Hawks had tied it again with only 14 seconds left in the period .
But the Hawks were badly outplayed in the final 20 minutes against the NHL 's best third-period team , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Would have been nice to have a better third period , especially after we came back to tie it up , '' Kane said .
`` Had a lot of momentum .
Would have nice to keep that momentum going early in the third . ''
The Hawks ' problem is n't effort .
It has been there .
But Vegas is fast , big , deep and they support the puck so well that the Hawks simply ca n't sustain pressure 5-on-5 .
The Hawks have no choice but to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offense knowing that also creates chances the other way for Vegas .
It 's a dilemma because the Knights ' transition game is superb , their forwards always in a position to help the defense .
On the positive side , Crawford played very well after that bad goal , Strome and DeBrincat arrived for the first time in the postseason , Kane was creating all night and the line juggling definitely had an effect .
But even with all the good , the Hawks have a 2-0 deficit to show for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show our character , '' Colliton said .
`` ( Vegas ) is an excellent team .
They 're a No .
1 seed for a reason .
It 's a big challenge for our guys .
`` We 've responded .
Our guys have played hard .
Done a lot of good things .
Stayed right with them both games .
We just have to keep improving .
We have a lot of young guys .
You got ta think that we 're gon na get better as the series goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming up ( over the weekend ) .
Take the day to regroup and then come with our best effort of the series .
Find a way to win a hockey game . ''
On paper , this did n't look like much of a series before it began and the scoreboard says it has n't been as Vegas continues to play to form .
But the Hawks played well Thursday and Game 3 offers a chance to make it a series -- however unlikely that seems .

Rozner: Blackhawks' best effort not enough in Game 2
Vegas Golden Knights' Reilly Smith (19) scores on Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) as Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews (19) and Dominik Kubalik (8) react during overtime in an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Edmonton, Alberta. Associated Press
The Blackhawks played their best game of the playoffs Thursday.
Turns out, against one of the best teams in the league, it just wasn't good enough.
Vegas scored 7:13 into overtime and the Hawks fell 4-3 in the Edmonton bubble, now facing a 2-0 series deficit that looks insurmountable. On the ice versus a group expected to compete for the big prize, the Hawks would now have to win four of the next five.
That is a steep mountain to climb.
"The key is how long can we stick with it when you face adversity?" asked Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton. "We're facing some adversity here, and do we have the character to overcome it?
"It's an opportunity for our guys. You play all year to be in these games so now we're here and we're facing adversity. So what? Just keep playing and believe in what we're doing and believe in the guys in the room and we're gonna give them a run."
Colliton's message is strong -- and he has stayed with that since he got here.
But considering Vegas goalie Robin Lehner did not play well and the Knights were sloppy and lacking energy, you wonder now how many more games this series can go.
"Obviously it would have been nice to see something go in there in overtime," said Patrick Kane, who had his most visible game since the restart and collected 3 assists. "That's the way it goes, I guess."
On Reilly Smith's winning tally, the Hawks' defense got caught on the ice for an extended stretch. With the fourth period's long change, Connor Murphy and Lucas Carlsson both wound up exhausted and on the puck in the corner, leaving Smith wide open for an easy game-winner.
"We weren't able to get the puck in and get it deep and get our defense off," Colliton said. "So you end up with tired guys trying to defend and you get a breakdown."
The Hawks came out with an urgency appropriate for Game 2 and carried the play the first 10 minutes, their defense jumping into nearly every rush and several times involved in the play below the circles.
They tried mixing up the lines, they tried stretch passes and they used at least four men in on the offense most of the first period. They also scratched 19-year-old defenseman Adam Boqvist in favor of 23-year-old rookie Carlsson, who played just 10:33.
"We're trying to get better and use the group we have. We have a lot of confidence in Carlsson," Colliton said. "We're hoping (Boqvist) with a day of rest can come back, potentially, with another level for us."
As it always does in a situation like this, the game found Carlsson quickly, midway through the first when Smith and Jonathan Marchessault played catch behind the net, drawing Murphy to one side, and leaving Carlsson to choose between staying in front or attacking the puck.
But his job there is to stay home. Instead, Carlsson went to pressure behind the net, missed the pass, the forwards didn't collapse in time and Paul Stastny was alone in front to tap it past Corey Crawford for a 1-0 Vegas lead.
Five minutes later after Dylan Strome passed up a wide-open shot -- the third time in the first period the Hawks were guilty of such -- Vegas went down and made it 2-0 when Tomas Nosek on the off wing leaned on his stick and fired a wrist shot right through Crawford, another bad goal for the Hawks' netminder.
The Hawks got on the board early in the second after an awful Vegas line change and Kirby Dach took advantage, shoveling in a rebound for his first career playoff goal, which cut the Knights' lead to 2-1.
After Vegas took a bad penalty, Dominik Kubalik shot through a screen, Lehner never saw it and with 7:53 left in the second the Hawks had a power-play goal and a 2-2 tie.
That lasted only a few minutes as Mark Stone collected a rebound and his 2-foot putt made it 3-2 late in the second, the Hawks again unable to handle the punishing Vegas cycle.
Back together on a line for the final minute of the second period -- courtesy of Colliton's line shuffling -- Kane, Strome and Alex DeBrincat worked some magic, as Strome got the blue line, dropped to DeBrincat, who saw Kane skating alone down the right side. Kane's sweet feed found Strome going hard to the net for a stress-free goal and the Hawks had tied it again with only 14 seconds left in the period.
But the Hawks were badly outplayed in the final 20 minutes against the NHL's best third-period team, and were fortunate to get to overtime.
"Would have been nice to have a better third period, especially after we came back to tie it up," Kane said. "Had a lot of momentum. Would have nice to keep that momentum going early in the third."
The Hawks' problem isn't effort. It has been there. But Vegas is fast, big, deep and they support the puck so well that the Hawks simply can't sustain pressure 5-on-5.
The Hawks have no choice but to continue to use their defense as part of the offense knowing that also creates chances the other way for Vegas. It's a dilemma because the Knights' transition game is superb, their forwards always in a position to help the defense.
On the positive side, Crawford played very well after that bad goal, Strome and DeBrincat arrived for the first time in the postseason, Kane was creating all night and the line juggling definitely had an effect.
But even with all the good, the Hawks have a 2-0 deficit to show for it.
"It's a chance to show our character," Colliton said. "(Vegas) is an excellent team. They're a No. 1 seed for a reason. It's a big challenge for our guys.
"We've responded. Our guys have played hard. Done a lot of good things. Stayed right with them both games. We just have to keep improving. We have a lot of young guys. You gotta think that we're gonna get better as the series goes on.
"Back-to-back (games) coming up (over the weekend). Take the day to regroup and then come with our best effort of the series. Find a way to win a hockey game."
On paper, this didn't look like much of a series before it began and the scoreboard says it hasn't been as Vegas continues to play to form.
But the Hawks played well Thursday and Game 3 offers a chance to make it a series -- however unlikely that seems.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-14--Mount Prospect man accused of selling counterfeit Rolex watches


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-14--Feder: ABC 7 to hire 'passionate storyteller' to cover race and culture beat

In the latest sign of the times , Chicago 's top-rated broadcast news operation soon will hire a reporter to @ @ @ @ @ a full-time beat , Robert Feder writes .
WLS-Channel 7 is one of eight ABC-owned @ @ @ @ @ for the new position .
`` Each journalist must be a passionate storyteller , brilliant @ @ @ @ @ communicator and proven collaborator , '' according to the listing .
`` The journalists will @ @ @ @ @ decision-making process as it relates to story assignments , sourcing subjects featured in stories and @ @ @ @ @ the diversity of voices included in our storytelling . ''
The reporter also will be @ @ @ @ @ facilitate diversity and editorial discussions '' in the newsroom , the listing said .
ABC @ @ @ @ @ reviewing applications and expect to fill the position before the end of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: ABC 7 to hire 'passionate storyteller' to cover race and culture beat
In the latest sign of the times, Chicago's top-rated broadcast news operation soon will hire a reporter to cover race and culture as a full-time beat, Robert Feder writes.
WLS-Channel 7 is one of eight ABC-owned stations to post job openings for the new position.
"Each journalist must be a passionate storyteller, brilliant multiplatform content creator, effective communicator and proven collaborator," according to the listing. "The journalists will be part of the editorial decision-making process as it relates to story assignments, sourcing subjects featured in stories and developing community relationships to expand the diversity of voices included in our storytelling."
The reporter also will be required to "lead and facilitate diversity and editorial discussions" in the newsroom, the listing said.
ABC 7 officials said they are reviewing applications and expect to fill the position before the end of the year.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-13--Lake County museum planning 'DunnTV' to stay connected with audience

The museum dedicated to the history of Lake County and its people is looking to a more modern venue to increase its reach during what is expected to be a slow return to normal operations .
As it nears a limited reopening later this month , the Dunn Museum in Libertyville plans to add a dedicated YouTube channel to its mix of strategies to engage an audience it has been unable to serve in person because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The museum , operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District at its headquarters , has been closed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 29 , but we are restricted to having a maximum of 25 % capacity , '' said Nan Buckardt , the district 's director of education .
`` We are trying to figure out ways to stay connected . ''
All museum programs and field trips have shifted to virtual platforms through the end of the year and likely into 2021 , according to information provided to the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves , the district 's charitable arm .
Donations to the foundation are used for various purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Independence Grove and other forest preserve projects and programs that might otherwise go unfunded .
Though the museum at 1899 W. Winchester Road will be open , recovering to normal visitation will be a long and slow process , Buckardt explained to the foundation board Wednesday .
She asked -- and the board agreed -- that $ 6,750 in previously approved foundation grants for two museum exhibitions be reallocated for the YouTube channel .
One of the exhibitions was curtailed and the other canceled because of the COVID-19-related closure .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool for regular content delivery and it has the capacity to expand our audience significantly beyond our capacity for on-site visitation , '' according to a memo provided to the board .
The district will provide the balance of the estimated $ 10,000 cost of the `` DunnTV '' through its exhibitions budget .
The foundation will be credited on the home page of the channel as a sponsor , and its website will be linked .
The channel will feature videos about the museum 's collections and exhibits , programming and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being worked out with a potential launch at the end of the year .
Meanwhile , the museum staff continues with health-related adaptations , such as signage , visitor flow , sanitation stations and cleaning protocols .
Some of the museum 's highly interactive elements have been modified , and other elements like furs and books have been removed because they ca n't be easily cleaned , Buckardt said .

Lake County museum planning 'DunnTV' to stay connected with audience
The Lake County Forest Preserve Dunn Museum in Libertyville, which has been closed since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, is planning a YouTube channel. Daily Herald File Photo, 2018
The museum dedicated to the history of Lake County and its people is looking to a more modern venue to increase its reach during what is expected to be a slow return to normal operations.
As it nears a limited reopening later this month, the Dunn Museum in Libertyville plans to add a dedicated YouTube channel to its mix of strategies to engage an audience it has been unable to serve in person because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District at its headquarters, has been closed since March.
"We plan on opening Aug. 29, but we are restricted to having a maximum of 25% capacity," said Nan Buckardt, the district's director of education. "We are trying to figure out ways to stay connected."
All museum programs and field trips have shifted to virtual platforms through the end of the year and likely into 2021, according to information provided to the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, the district's charitable arm.
Donations to the foundation are used for various purposes, such as the summer concert series at Independence Grove and other forest preserve projects and programs that might otherwise go unfunded.
Though the museum at 1899 W. Winchester Road will be open, recovering to normal visitation will be a long and slow process, Buckardt explained to the foundation board Wednesday.
She asked -- and the board agreed -- that $6,750 in previously approved foundation grants for two museum exhibitions be reallocated for the YouTube channel. One of the exhibitions was curtailed and the other canceled because of the COVID-19-related closure.
"A dedicated YouTube channel will be an important tool for regular content delivery and it has the capacity to expand our audience significantly beyond our capacity for on-site visitation," according to a memo provided to the board.
The district will provide the balance of the estimated $10,000 cost of the "DunnTV" through its exhibitions budget. The foundation will be credited on the home page of the channel as a sponsor, and its website will be linked.
The channel will feature videos about the museum's collections and exhibits, programming and other information.
Buckardt said the final approvals are being worked out with a potential launch at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the museum staff continues with health-related adaptations, such as signage, visitor flow, sanitation stations and cleaning protocols. Some of the museum's highly interactive elements have been modified, and other elements like furs and books have been removed because they can't be easily cleaned, Buckardt said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-14--Betts ties MLB mark with 6th 3-HR game, Dodgers rout Padres

NEW YORK -- Tomas Nido had his first two-homer game as a professional , hitting a two-run shot in the fourth and a grand slam in the fifth to lead the New York Mets to an 8-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday and a split of the four-game series .
Nido is just the fifth catcher in Mets history to hit at least two homers and collect at least six RBIs in a game .
Dominic Smith homered in the second and Pete Alonso had an RBI single in the eighth for the Mets , whose second straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Left fielder Jeff McNeil was carted off after crashing into the wall while robbing Asdrubal Cabrera of a two-run extra-base hit to end the first inning .
Smith , Alonso and Luis Guillorme had two hits each .
McNeil 's catch cost the Nationals against rookie David Peterson ( 3-1 ) , who allowed an unearned run and did n't surrender his lone hit until Yan Gomes led off the fifth with a single .
Peterson walked two , struck out three and retired 11 of 12 batters before Gomes ' hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brad Brach combined to finish the five-hitter .
Juan Soto capped a sensational series by homering in the sixth .
He was 7-for-15 with four homers and eight RBIs in the four-game set .
Austin Voth ( 0-2 ) took the loss after allowing three runs over four innings .
Adam Frazier hit the first of three homers off Anthony DeSclafani , who has n't beaten Pittsburgh in his last seven tries , and Pittsburgh returned from a three-day layoff with a flourish against Cincinnati .
Pittsburgh 's three-game series in St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' COVID-19 outbreak .
The Pirates showed no rust against a pitcher they 've dominated .
Frazier connected on DeSclafani 's second pitch , and the rout was on .
DeSclafani has n't beaten the Pirates since June 17 , 2018 , at PNC Park .
Since then , he 's 0-5 in seven starts - all Pirates wins .
The Pirates sent 12 batters to the plate for seven runs in the second inning , their biggest of the season , in winning for only the second time in 12 games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drove in three runs , Mike Zunino hit a three-run shot over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park , and Tampa Bay completed a four-game series sweep over Boston .
The Rays have won six straight and have beaten the Red Sox 12 of the last 14 times the teams met .
Brandon Lowe added a solo homer during a five-run third inning that chased starter Kyle Hart ( 0-1 ) , who was making his major league debut .
Manuel Margot had his second four-hit game of the series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two RBIs , and Yoshi Tsutsugo had two hits and two RBIs for the Rays , who posted season-highs in runs and hits ( 19 ) .
Zunino drove in four runs .
Kevin Plawecki had a two-run double and three RBIs for Boston .
PHILADELPHIA -- Pedro Severino and Rio Ruiz hit homers to back Thomas Eshelman and Baltimore swept three games from Philadelphia .
The Orioles , who lost 108 games last season , are off to a 10-7 start .
Eshelman ( 1-0 ) allowed two runs and four hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career win .
Phillies starter Jake Arrieta ( 1-2 ) gave up four runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings .
J.T .
Realmuto hit a pair of two-run homers for the Phillies , who fell to 5-9 under first-year manager Joe Girardi .

Betts ties MLB mark with 6th 3-HR game, Dodgers rout Padres
New York Mets' Tomás Nido reacts as he approcahes home plate after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
New York Mets' Tomás Nido (3) celebrates his grand slam with Pete Alonso, left, Michael Conforto, second from right, and Andres Gimenez during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
The scoreboard shows the amount of strikeouts Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish had during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Darvish pitched seven innings with 11 strikeouts, giving up one hit. Associated Press
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish delivers during the third inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Chicago. Associated Press
Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts hits his third home run of a baseball game during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Los Angeles. Associated Press
Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts, right, keeps distance as he celebrates his second home run of a baseball game with third base coach Dino Ebel during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Los Angeles. Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- Mookie Betts hit three home runs in a game for the sixth time in his career, matching a major league record, and the Los Angeles Dodgers launched six long balls in all Thursday night during an 11-2 rout of the San Diego Padres.
Betts tied a mark shared by Sammy Sosa and Hall of Famer Johnny Mize. The 2018 AL MVP went 4 for 4 with five RBIs and was hit by a pitch in the leadoff spot, where manager Dave Roberts has been reluctant to lock him in.
Corey Seager, AJ Pollock and Austin Barnes also homered for the Dodgers. Seager returned after missing five games because of lower back discomfort. Barnes and Betts went back-to-back.
With a chance to tie the big league mark of four home runs in one game, Betts reached on an infield single in the seventh.
The National League's top two home run-hitting teams split the four-game series, with the Dodgers outscoring the Padres 17-2 over the last two.
Julio Urías (2-0) gave up consecutive homers to Tommy Pham and Eric Hosmer in the first but lasted 6 1/3 innings.
Chris Paddack (2-2) permitted six runs and six hits in three innings.
CUBS 4, BREWERS 2
LOS ANGELES -- Yu Darvish took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his third straight dominant start, and the major league-leading Cubs defeated Milwaukee.
Darvish (3-1) allowed just one hit - Justin Smoak's solo homer with one out in the seventh inning on his 98th pitch - before Casey Sadler relieved to start the eighth. The 33-year-old right-hander from Japan struck out 11 and threw 104 pitches.
Before Smoak's drive, Darvish allowed only three baserunners. He walked Ben Gamel in the second and Orlando Arcia in the fifth, and hit Christian Yelich with a low pitch in the first.
Kyle Schwarber homered early as Chicago improved to 13-3 for the first time since 1907. Javier Baez, Ian Happ and David Bote each had an RBI.
Rowan Wick allowed Smoak's run-scoring double with two outs in the ninth before finishing the four-hitter for his third save.
Cubs slugger Kris Bryant was held out of the starting lineup with a sore left wrist and ring finger.
Brett Anderson (0-2) allowed two runs in 4 1/3 innings.
METS 8, NATIONALS 2
NEW YORK -- Tomas Nido had his first two-homer game as a professional, hitting a two-run shot in the fourth inning and a grand slam in the fifth to lead New York over Washington for a split of the four-game series.
Nido is just the fifth catcher in Mets history to hit at least two homers and collect at least six RBIs in a game.
Dominic Smith homered in the second and Pete Alonso had an RBI single in the eighth for the Mets, whose second straight win may have been a costly one. Left fielder Jeff McNeil was carted off after crashing into the wall while robbing Asdrubal Cabrera of a two-run extra-base hit to end the first inning.
Smith, Alonso and Luis Guillorme had two hits each.
McNeil's catch cost the Nationals against rookie David Peterson (3-1), who allowed an unearned run and didn't surrender his lone hit until Yan Gomes led off the fifth with a single. Peterson walked two, struck out three and retired 11 of 12 batters before Gomes' hit.
Jared Hughes, Edwin Diaz and Brad Brach combined to finish the five-hitter.
Juan Soto capped a sensational series by homering in the sixth. He was 7-for-15 with four homers and eight RBIs in the four-game set.
Austin Voth (0-2) took the loss after allowing three runs over four innings.
PIRATES 9, REDS 6
CINCINNATI -- Adam Frazier hit the first of three homers off Anthony DeSclafani, who hasn't beaten Pittsburgh in his last seven tries, and Pittsburgh returned from a three-day layoff with a flourish against Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh's three-game series in St. Louis was called off because of the Cardinals' COVID-19 outbreak.
The Pirates showed no rust against a pitcher they've dominated. Frazier connected on DeSclafani's second pitch, and the rout was on. DeSclafani (1-1) hasn't beaten the Pirates since June 17, 2018, at PNC Park. Since then, he's 0-5 in seven starts - all Pirates wins.
The Pirates sent 12 batters to the plate for seven runs in the second inning, their biggest of the season, in winning for only the second time in 12 games.
Trevor Williams (1-3) allowed three runs in five innings.
RAYS 17, RED SOX 8
BOSTON -- Hunter Renfroe belted two homers and drove in three runs, Mike Zunino hit a three-run shot over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park, and Tampa Bay completed a four-game series sweep over Boston.
The Rays have won six straight and have beaten the Red Sox 12 of the last 14 times the teams met.
Brandon Lowe added a solo homer during a five-run third inning that chased starter Kyle Hart (0-1), who was making his major league debut.
Manuel Margot had his second four-hit game of the series, Willy Adames had three hits and two RBIs, and Yoshi Tsutsugo had two hits and two RBIs for the Rays, who posted season highs in runs and hits (19). Zunino drove in four runs.
Jalen Beeks (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings of relief and Anthony Banda worked three innings for his first career save.
Kevin Plawecki had three RBIs for Boston.
ORIOLES 11, PHILLIES 4
PHILADELPHIA -- Pedro Severino and Rio Ruiz homered to back Thomas Eshelman, and Baltimore swept three games from Philadelphia.
The Orioles, who lost 108 games last season, are off to a 10-7 start.
Eshelman (1-0) allowed two runs and four hits in five innings to earn his second career win.
Phillies starter Jake Arrieta (1-2) gave up four runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of two-run homers for the Phillies, who fell to 5-9 under first-year manager Joe Girardi.
___
More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-14--New COVID-19 cases push past 2,000 again; Kane, Will counties put in 'warning level'

New cases of COVID-19 surged by 2,264 Friday , a 73 % increase from a month ago , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
The development mirrors last week when new cases shot up Friday , Aug. 7 , surpassing 2,000 for the first time since late May .
Also Friday , the IDPH put Kane , Will and 12 other counties not in the metro area at a `` warning level , '' for spikes in two or more health metrics .
Kane County had 105 cases per 100,000 people of the virus between Aug. 2 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than 50 .
Kane reported seven COVID-19 deaths for the week ending Aug. 8 , compared with five deaths between July 26 and Aug. 1 , and four deaths between July 19 and 25 .
Will County hit 93 cases per 100,000 people last week and experienced a 5.8 % increase in emergency room visits from people with symptoms of the respiratory disease .
The goal is decreasing or stable numbers .
`` We are seeing too many people disregarding recommendations that is leading to COVID-19 related increased illness and subsequent death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Jeffers said in a statement , referring to wearing face masks , social distancing and washing hands .
The warnings are meant to raise local awareness and guide people 's decisions about travel and activities in those areas .
That leaves the state with 202,691 total cases and 7,721 deaths since the pandemic broke out .
There were 1,612 patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 as of Thursday night , which is higher than August 's average of 1,508 .
In the last seven days , new cases of the virus totaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between July 8 and 14 totaled 7,054 -- a 5,129 difference .
`` It 's not good , '' pediatrician and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Medical Director Michael Bauer said .
One bright spot is that hospitalization rates are still far from the numbers seen this spring , he noted , partly because many new cases are younger people who often do n't get as sick as older patients .
`` The worry is different from our hospitals getting overloaded again .
We 're nowhere near that , '' Bauer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be available in early 2021 .
`` The vaccine is going to be very helpful , '' Bauer said , `` but it 's not in all likelihood going to be like the polio vaccine '' that eradicated that disease in the U.S. `` It 's probably going to be more similar to the flu vaccines , '' with 60 % to 65 % successful results .
`` It 's not like we get the ( COVID-19 ) vaccine and in three months it 's gone . ''
As many parents agonize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their children back to school , Bauer said preliminary research shows `` young children under the age of 10 are much less likely to get sick with the disease and to transmit the disease to others . ''
He advised parents to arm themselves with information about virus case numbers and the positivity rate in their communities when making decisions .
`` Getting kids back to school really is a priority but it 's got to be done in a thoughtful manner with the ability to be flexible and adaptable and respects everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that includes wearing masks .
`` People crowded indoors without face coverings is a recipe for disaster , '' Bauer said .
Other counties put on warning status are : Bureau , Cass , Clinton , Franklin , Greene , Grundy , Hancock , Jefferson , LaSalle , Moultrie , Perry , Union , and Will .

New COVID-19 cases push past 2,000 again; Kane, Will counties put in 'warning level'
On Friday, the Illinois Department of Public Health put Kane, Will counties, plus 12 others outside the metro area at a "warning level" for spikes in two or more health metrics. Capitol News Illinois
New cases of COVID-19 surged by 2,264 Friday, a 73% increase from a month ago, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
The development mirrors last week when new cases shot up Friday, Aug. 7, surpassing 2,000 for the first time since late May.
Also Friday, the IDPH put Kane, Will and 12 other counties not in the metro area at a "warning level," for spikes in two or more health metrics.
Kane County had 105 cases per 100,000 people of the virus between Aug. 2 and 8; the state's target is less than 50. Kane reported seven COVID-19 deaths for the week ending Aug. 8, compared with five deaths between July 26 and Aug. 1, and four deaths between July 19 and 25.
Will County hit 93 cases per 100,000 people last week and experienced a 5.8% increase in emergency room visits from people with symptoms of the respiratory disease. The goal is decreasing or stable numbers.
"We are seeing too many people disregarding recommendations that is leading to COVID-19 related increased illness and subsequent death," Kane County Health Department Director Barbara Jeffers said in a statement, referring to wearing face masks, social distancing and washing hands.
The warnings are meant to raise local awareness and guide people's decisions about travel and activities in those areas.
IDPH officials reported 25 more deaths Friday.
That leaves the state with 202,691 total cases and 7,721 deaths since the pandemic broke out.
The seven-day average positivity rate stands at 4.1%.
There were 1,612 patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 as of Thursday night, which is higher than August's average of 1,508.
In the last seven days, new cases of the virus totaled 12,183.
For comparison, new cases between July 8 and 14 totaled 7,054 -- a 5,129 difference.
"It's not good," pediatrician and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Medical Director Michael Bauer said.
One bright spot is that hospitalization rates are still far from the numbers seen this spring, he noted, partly because many new cases are younger people who often don't get as sick as older patients.
"The worry is different from our hospitals getting overloaded again. We're nowhere near that," Bauer said.
Some U.S. experts predict a virus vaccine could be available in early 2021.
"The vaccine is going to be very helpful," Bauer said, "but it's not in all likelihood going to be like the polio vaccine" that eradicated that disease in the U.S. "It's probably going to be more similar to the flu vaccines," with 60% to 65% successful results. "It's not like we get the (COVID-19) vaccine and in three months it's gone."
As many parents agonize about whether it's safe to send their children back to school, Bauer said preliminary research shows "young children under the age of 10 are much less likely to get sick with the disease and to transmit the disease to others."
He advised parents to arm themselves with information about virus case numbers and the positivity rate in their communities when making decisions.
"Getting kids back to school really is a priority but it's got to be done in a thoughtful manner with the ability to be flexible and adaptable and respects everyone's concerns," Bauer said.
And that includes wearing masks. "People crowded indoors without face coverings is a recipe for disaster," Bauer said.
Other counties put on warning status are: Bureau, Cass, Clinton, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Jefferson, LaSalle, Moultrie, Perry, Union, and Will.