dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--COVID-19 testing lines could get longer as Thanksgiving nears

Lines at COVID-19 testing sites across the suburbs are likely to get longer heading into the Thanksgiving holiday amid increasing community spread , surging hospitalizations and rising death counts statewide , health officials warn .
Already , large state-run drive-up testing sites at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights and on Farnsworth Avenue across from the Chicago Premium Outlets mall in Aurora are averaging more than 1,000 visitors daily , as people camp out starting in the early morning and wait hours for testing at these and other community sites .
And , demand is expected to grow amid heightened COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move into Tier 3 mitigations starting Friday to curb the virus 's spread and avoid a blanket stay-at-home order .
`` Our immediate care centers are overwhelmed with volume , '' said Dr. Jon Olsen , chairman of the emergency department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge .
`` It 's all across the Chicagoland area . ''
Advocate Health is seeing higher testing volumes across its 10 hospital sites and dozens of immediate care centers .
Most people getting tested now are exhibiting symptoms or have a known or suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic people seek testing so they can feel more comfortable about gathering with family members for Thanksgiving , Olsen said .
`` We would discourage that , '' he said .
`` It 's not a great use of our testing resources .
We want to reserve it for patients with symptoms that are sicker . ''
Olsen warns getting tested while being asymptomatic might give some people a false sense of security that it 's OK to be around others -- because a negative test is n't a guarantee someone does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results tests are n't as sensitive and can result in false negatives 15 % of the time .
`` The only safe way to be around friends or family is if everyone self-quarantines for 14 days before getting together , which is not realistic for most people , '' Olsen said .
`` I would advocate ( for ) virtual celebrations and only celebrating with your household family members .
You are putting yourself at significant risk if you are around other family members and friends even if they are not symptomatic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ few , if any , symptoms , but they are still contagious and spreading it to older family members or those with underlying health conditions . ''
County and state health departments also are bracing for an increase in demand at drive-up testing sites and increasing mobile testing options .
The DuPage County Health Department , which offers 600 tests daily at a drive-up testing site at the DuPage County Fairgrounds , is working with the state to expand mobile testing in partnership with local municipalities .
`` We are finalizing plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continually update our website for residents to be aware of local options , '' said Stephanie Calvillo , the department spokeswoman .
`` In recognition of the fact that this pandemic requires not only public but also private investment of testing resources , many of our retail pharmacies and local health care providers are making testing available as well . ''
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting sometimes hourslong wait times at its suburban testing sites .
An average of 1,105 people are tested daily at its Aurora site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arlington Heights site .
So far , neither venue has run out of tests over the past several days , IDPH spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said .
`` Approximately 3,300 tests are allocated each day for both of these sites , '' Arnold said .
`` Additional staff have been added to both the Arlington Heights and Aurora sites to reduce wait times . ''
State sites represent a small percentage of the tests being conducted at various clinics , hospitals , local health departments and other locations on any given day , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other testing sites , visit dph.illinois.gov/testing .
`` About 100,000 tests get administered every day and we have been encouraging people to use that , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday during his daily COVID-19 news briefing .
`` We also have new kinds of testing that are coming online . ''
State health officials are working on rolling out a saliva test with the help of the University of Illinois and other universities and labs statewide .

COVID-19 testing lines could get longer as Thanksgiving nears
Lines at COVID-19 testing sites across the suburbs are likely to get longer heading into the Thanksgiving holiday amid increasing community spread, surging hospitalizations and rising death counts statewide, health officials warn.
Already, large state-run drive-up testing sites at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights and on Farnsworth Avenue across from the Chicago Premium Outlets mall in Aurora are averaging more than 1,000 visitors daily, as people camp out starting in the early morning and wait hours for testing at these and other community sites.
And, demand is expected to grow amid heightened COVID-19 restrictions announced Tuesday -- the state will move into Tier 3 mitigations starting Friday to curb the virus's spread and avoid a blanket stay-at-home order.
"Our immediate care centers are overwhelmed with volume," said Dr. Jon Olsen, chairman of the emergency department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. "It's all across the Chicagoland area."
Advocate Health is seeing higher testing volumes across its 10 hospital sites and dozens of immediate care centers.
Most people getting tested now are exhibiting symptoms or have a known or suspected exposure. But that could change if asymptomatic people seek testing so they can feel more comfortable about gathering with family members for Thanksgiving, Olsen said.
"We would discourage that," he said. "It's not a great use of our testing resources. We want to reserve it for patients with symptoms that are sicker."
Olsen warns getting tested while being asymptomatic might give some people a false sense of security that it's OK to be around others -- because a negative test isn't a guarantee someone doesn't have the virus, as some rapid results tests aren't as sensitive and can result in false negatives 15% of the time.
"The only safe way to be around friends or family is if everyone self-quarantines for 14 days before getting together, which is not realistic for most people," Olsen said. "I would advocate (for) virtual celebrations and only celebrating with your household family members. You are putting yourself at significant risk if you are around other family members and friends even if they are not symptomatic.
"Especially younger people tend to have few, if any, symptoms, but they are still contagious and spreading it to older family members or those with underlying health conditions."
County and state health departments also are bracing for an increase in demand at drive-up testing sites and increasing mobile testing options.
The DuPage County Health Department, which offers 600 tests daily at a drive-up testing site at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, is working with the state to expand mobile testing in partnership with local municipalities.
"We are finalizing plans for additional community-based testing throughout the county and will continually update our website for residents to be aware of local options," said Stephanie Calvillo, the department spokeswoman. "In recognition of the fact that this pandemic requires not only public but also private investment of testing resources, many of our retail pharmacies and local health care providers are making testing available as well."
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting sometimes hourslong wait times at its suburban testing sites. An average of 1,105 people are tested daily at its Aurora site and 1,530 people are tested daily at the Arlington Heights site. So far, neither venue has run out of tests over the past several days, IDPH spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said.
"Approximately 3,300 tests are allocated each day for both of these sites," Arnold said. "Additional staff have been added to both the Arlington Heights and Aurora sites to reduce wait times."
State sites represent a small percentage of the tests being conducted at various clinics, hospitals, local health departments and other locations on any given day, officials said. For information about IDPH and other testing sites, visit dph.illinois.gov/testing.
"About 100,000 tests get administered every day and we have been encouraging people to use that," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday during his daily COVID-19 news briefing. "We also have new kinds of testing that are coming online."
State health officials are working on rolling out a saliva test with the help of the University of Illinois and other universities and labs statewide.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Elk Grove Village calls off tree lighting, rally, fireworks

A little more than a month after announcing plans for a combined tree lighting , rally and fireworks show paying tribute to first responders and essential workers , Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday called off the spectacle , amid rising COVID-19 case numbers .
`` We always wanted to err on the side of safety and caution , '' Johnson said during a village board meeting Tuesday night .
While other towns were already canceling their tree lightings or scheduling virtual ceremonies , Johnson on Oct. 8 held a news conference to unveil his plans to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The event was to have been within a fenced perimeter on the Village Green next to village hall , and all attendees would have been required to wear masks .
`` We set up an elaborate setup to make it as safe as possible , with masks .
But we also said from the first day we started talking about this : we 're firm but flexible , '' Johnson said .
Since Johnson 's initial announcement , the daily COVID-19 caseload in the region has skyrocketed , the Cook County Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker earlier Tuesday ordered tighter statewide restrictions to curb the spread of the virus .
Johnson said he was still hopeful , as recently as a week ago , that the day-after-Thanksgiving event could still go forward .
But following conversations over the weekend with the police and fire chiefs , and concern over the safety of the 50 village employees who were to have worked the event , the mayor decided it was best to cancel .
While the ceremony , fireworks show and Santa 's visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 250,000 lights has been installed throughout the municipal complex , and will automatically turn on the evening of Friday , Nov. 27 , officials said .
The main tree is decorated with white lights , in tribute to health care workers , while rows of smaller trees on each side of the splash pad are in blue , for police , and red , for firefighters .
Green lights throughout the courtyard represent all essential workers and the community , officials said .

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Elk Grove Village calls off tree lighting, rally, fireworks
Thousands normally attend Elk Grove Village's annual tree lighting ceremony, but village officials Tuesday announced the event would be canceled -- despite extra precautions they had planned this year. Courtesy of Elk Grove Village
A little more than a month after announcing plans for a combined tree lighting, rally and fireworks show paying tribute to first responders and essential workers, Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday called off the spectacle, amid rising COVID-19 case numbers.
"We always wanted to err on the side of safety and caution," Johnson said during a village board meeting Tuesday night.
While other towns were already canceling their tree lightings or scheduling virtual ceremonies, Johnson on Oct. 8 held a news conference to unveil his plans to keep Elk Grove's annual holiday tradition going. The event was to have been within a fenced perimeter on the Village Green next to village hall, and all attendees would have been required to wear masks.
"We set up an elaborate setup to make it as safe as possible, with masks. But we also said from the first day we started talking about this: we're firm but flexible," Johnson said.
Since Johnson's initial announcement, the daily COVID-19 caseload in the region has skyrocketed, the Cook County Department of Public Health issued a stay-at-home advisory, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker earlier Tuesday ordered tighter statewide restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
Johnson said he was still hopeful, as recently as a week ago, that the day-after-Thanksgiving event could still go forward. But following conversations over the weekend with the police and fire chiefs, and concern over the safety of the 50 village employees who were to have worked the event, the mayor decided it was best to cancel.
While the ceremony, fireworks show and Santa's visit has been called off, the display of 250,000 lights has been installed throughout the municipal complex, and will automatically turn on the evening of Friday, Nov. 27, officials said.
The main tree is decorated with white lights, in tribute to health care workers, while rows of smaller trees on each side of the splash pad are in blue, for police, and red, for firefighters. Green lights throughout the courtyard represent all essential workers and the community, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--DuPage plans gas tax increase to offset pandemic-induced losses

DuPage County is planning to double a 4-cents-per-gallon gas tax to make up for revenue losses driven by the coronavirus pandemic .
Transportation planners have proposed increasing the countywide tax to 8 cents a gallon to raise $ 16 million more a year for an aging system of roads and bridges .
The county 's transportation budget took a pandemic-induced hit as demand for gasoline fell while commuters worked from home and people avoided traveling .
With sales down at the pump , the county 's gas tax proceeds have fallen nearly 25 % since April , outpacing a projected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trend to continue and telework to become the new normal .
`` The COVID impact is going to be felt long-term in addition to increased fuel efficiencies and electrification and all the other things that continue to erode our motor fuel taxes , '' said Christopher Snyder , director of transportation .
A county board committee on Tuesday unanimously recommended approval of the gas tax increase to help offset the losses and provide additional funding for capital improvements .
The full county board is expected to make a final decision next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 20 years : $ 350 million more in capital investment , '' Snyder said .
If approved , the 8-cents-a-gallon tax would not take effect until July 1 .
The county has n't raised the tax since a 1989 state law was enacted to allow DuPage and two other counties in Illinois to impose a local motor fuel tax .
State lawmakers last year gave DuPage the ability to double its gas tax , but officials did n't pursue it until the pandemic disruptions .
As the county began preparing a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases and for the first time set aside state motor fuel tax money to pay for some eligible commodities , specifically road salt , Snyder said .
Normally , the county buys four snow plows every year .
`` Annually , we spend $ 1 million to $ 2 million on equipment in general , '' Snyder recently told the board 's finance committee .
`` This year , we reduced that to just two snow plows . ''
Additional gas tax revenue , Snyder said , would provide reliable funding for core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on state and federal grants for some projects .
`` I know it 's a tough time to do it , but this is basically the future of our transportation program right here on our roads for the next five years at least , '' county board member Jim Zay said .
Most of the county 's 50 bridges are 21 to 30 years old .
Many roadways also are almost exceeding their useful life , Snyder said .
The county , he said , has targeted increased investment in maintaining infrastructure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we still have n't kept pace , '' he said .

DuPage plans gas tax increase to offset pandemic-induced losses
DuPage County is proposing a gas tax increase that wouldn't take effect until next summer. AP File Photo
DuPage County is planning to double a 4-cents-per-gallon gas tax to make up for revenue losses driven by the coronavirus pandemic.
Transportation planners have proposed increasing the countywide tax to 8 cents a gallon to raise $16 million more a year for an aging system of roads and bridges.
The county's transportation budget took a pandemic-induced hit as demand for gasoline fell while commuters worked from home and people avoided traveling. With sales down at the pump, the county's gas tax proceeds have fallen nearly 25% since April, outpacing a projected 20% reduction.
County officials expect the trend to continue and telework to become the new normal.
"The COVID impact is going to be felt long-term in addition to increased fuel efficiencies and electrification and all the other things that continue to erode our motor fuel taxes," said Christopher Snyder, director of transportation.
A county board committee on Tuesday unanimously recommended approval of the gas tax increase to help offset the losses and provide additional funding for capital improvements.
The full county board is expected to make a final decision next week.
"What it means in terms of 20 years: $350 million more in capital investment," Snyder said.
If approved, the 8-cents-a-gallon tax would not take effect until July 1.
The county hasn't raised the tax since a 1989 state law was enacted to allow DuPage and two other counties in Illinois to impose a local motor fuel tax.
State lawmakers last year gave DuPage the ability to double its gas tax, but officials didn't pursue it until the pandemic disruptions.
As the county began preparing a new budget, the department deferred major equipment purchases and for the first time set aside state motor fuel tax money to pay for some eligible commodities, specifically road salt, Snyder said. Normally, the county buys four snow plows every year.
"Annually, we spend $1 million to $2 million on equipment in general," Snyder recently told the board's finance committee. "This year, we reduced that to just two snow plows."
Additional gas tax revenue, Snyder said, would provide reliable funding for core maintenance and reduce the county's reliance on state and federal grants for some projects.
"I know it's a tough time to do it, but this is basically the future of our transportation program right here on our roads for the next five years at least," county board member Jim Zay said.
Most of the county's 50 bridges are 21 to 30 years old. Many roadways also are almost exceeding their useful life, Snyder said.
The county, he said, has targeted increased investment in maintaining infrastructure. "But at the same time, we still haven't kept pace," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Feder: The show must go on for ABC 7's Magnificent Mile Lights Fest

There wo n't be the traditional procession down Michigan Avenue this year , but that 's not stopping ABC-owned WLS-Channel @ @ @ @ @ Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to kick off the holiday season , Robert Feder writes .
@ @ @ @ @ Alan Krashesky will host the nationally syndicated special to air on ABC 7 at 6 @ @ @ @ @ 4 p.m. November 29 .
Janet Davies will contribute to the one-hour extravaganza , taped @ @ @ @ @ set in Pioneer Court .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news @ @ @ @

Feder: The show must go on for ABC 7's Magnificent Mile Lights Fest
There won't be the traditional procession down Michigan Avenue this year, but that's not stopping ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 from producing its annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to kick off the holiday season, Robert Feder writes.
News anchors Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky will host the nationally syndicated special to air on ABC 7 at 6 p.m. Sunday and repeat at 4 p.m. November 29.
Janet Davies will contribute to the one-hour extravaganza, taped on a fantasy winter wonderland set in Pioneer Court.
Musical performers will include Jennifer Hudson and Heather Headley.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-17--Democrats see huge gains in Lake County government now that all the votes are counted

Two weeks after the counting began in Lake County , it is finally over and the Lake County Democrats have won nearly every race , according to unofficial totals .
Democrats won all four races for countywide elected offices and in seven of the eight Lake County Board district races on the Nov. 3 ballot .
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor uploaded the final tranche of votes Tuesday evening , around 2,600 provisional and late-arriving mail ballots .
Republican incumbent Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper was handily defeated by Democratic challenger Jennifer Banek .
Banek now has 171,586 votes to Cooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks that he would n't concede one way or the other until the last of the votes were uploaded by the clerk 's office .
He said Tuesday evening he looks forward to a smooth transition .
`` I 'm extremely proud of what we 've done in the office the last four years and it 's certainly a shame we could n't continue , '' Cooper said .
`` I know that I 'm leaving behind some incredible folks who I truly enjoyed working with . ''
Banek , a nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very excited to get going and said being coroner would be her full-time job .
She said she will hit the ground running because there are active talks with deputies in the office about their union contract .
The other incumbent Republican in a countywide-elected office to be defeated by a Democrat was Mike Nerheim , who congratulated Eric Rinehart on his victory last week .
Nerheim , who took office in December 2012 , initially led Rinehart 41,757 votes to 25,335 votes on election night when the results were mostly made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Since then , O'Connor 's office has processed tens of thousands of vote-by-mail ballots .
With all the counting done , Nerheim lost with 155,710 votes to Rinehart 's 169,218 votes .
The story is the same for nearly every other Republican running in Lake County races .
Most were ahead initially before watching their leads vanish as vote-by-mail ballots were processed .
Incumbent Democrats Circuit Court Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein and Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer won their races by 42,948 votes and 65,496 votes , respectively .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pedersen of District 1 was the only member of her party to win .
She earned 10,975 votes to challenger Chase Andrew Thomas ' 6,057 votes .
The three other Republican incumbents on the ballot , Steve Carlson of District 7 , Mike Rummel of District 12 and Brent Paxton of District 4 all lost .
Democrats now will hold a 15-6 majority on the county board .
Carlson , of Grantwood Park , conceded the race last week to Carissa Casbon , a Democrat from Warren Township , who was got 9,355 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had held the seat since 2002 .
Rummel , of Lake Forest , lost to Democrat Paras Parekh 9,585 votes to 10,719 and Paxton , of Zion , lost to Democrat Gina Roberts 6.794 votes to 8,008 .
Incumbent Democrat and county board Chair Sandy Hart of Lake Bluff won 7,457 votes to Republican Lauren Fleming 's 5,111 in District 13 .
District 16 incumbent Democrat Terry Wilke of Round Lake Beach tallied 5,919 votes to 4,186 for challenger John C. Frazier .
Democratic incumbent Diane Hewitt of Waukegan had 8,933 votes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District 2 .
Incumbent Democrat Marah Altenberg of Buffalo Grove , appointed in March to fill a vacancy , was leading with 10,081 votes to challenger Soojae Lee 's 6,656 in a race to fill an unexpired 2-year term in District 20 .
O'Connor said the totals would be canvassed and made official on Thursday .

Democrats see huge gains in Lake County government now that all the votes are counted
Two weeks after the counting began in Lake County, it is finally over and the Lake County Democrats have won nearly every race, according to unofficial totals.
Democrats won all four races for countywide elected offices and in seven of the eight Lake County Board district races on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor uploaded the final tranche of votes Tuesday evening, around 2,600 provisional and late-arriving mail ballots.
Republican incumbent Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper was handily defeated by Democratic challenger Jennifer Banek. Banek now has 171,586 votes to Cooper's 152,069.
Cooper said throughout the last two weeks that he wouldn't concede one way or the other until the last of the votes were uploaded by the clerk's office. He said Tuesday evening he looks forward to a smooth transition.
"I'm extremely proud of what we've done in the office the last four years and it's certainly a shame we couldn't continue," Cooper said. "I know that I'm leaving behind some incredible folks who I truly enjoyed working with."
Banek, a nurse anesthesiologist from Green Oaks, said she was very excited to get going and said being coroner would be her full-time job. She said she will hit the ground running because there are active talks with deputies in the office about their union contract.
The other incumbent Republican in a countywide-elected office to be defeated by a Democrat was Mike Nerheim, who congratulated Eric Rinehart on his victory last week.
Nerheim, who took office in December 2012, initially led Rinehart 41,757 votes to 25,335 votes on election night when the results were mostly made up of ballots cast in person that day. Since then, O'Connor's office has processed tens of thousands of vote-by-mail ballots. With all the counting done, Nerheim lost with 155,710 votes to Rinehart's 169,218 votes.
The story is the same for nearly every other Republican running in Lake County races. Most were ahead initially before watching their leads vanish as vote-by-mail ballots were processed.
Incumbent Democrats Circuit Court Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein and Recorder of Deeds Mary Ellen Vanderventer won their races by 42,948 votes and 65,496 votes, respectively.
For the county board, incumbent Republican Linda Pedersen of District 1 was the only member of her party to win. She earned 10,975 votes to challenger Chase Andrew Thomas' 6,057 votes.
The three other Republican incumbents on the ballot, Steve Carlson of District 7, Mike Rummel of District 12 and Brent Paxton of District 4 all lost. Democrats now will hold a 15-6 majority on the county board.
Carlson, of Grantwood Park, conceded the race last week to Carissa Casbon, a Democrat from Warren Township, who was got 9,355 votes to Carlson's 8,301. Carlson had held the seat since 2002.
Rummel, of Lake Forest, lost to Democrat Paras Parekh 9,585 votes to 10,719 and Paxton, of Zion, lost to Democrat Gina Roberts 6.794 votes to 8,008.
Incumbent Democrat and county board Chair Sandy Hart of Lake Bluff won 7,457 votes to Republican Lauren Fleming's 5,111 in District 13.
District 16 incumbent Democrat Terry Wilke of Round Lake Beach tallied 5,919 votes to 4,186 for challenger John C. Frazier.
Democratic incumbent Diane Hewitt of Waukegan had 8,933 votes to challenger Paul Christensen's 3,542 votes in District 2.
Incumbent Democrat Marah Altenberg of Buffalo Grove, appointed in March to fill a vacancy, was leading with 10,081 votes to challenger Soojae Lee's 6,656 in a race to fill an unexpired 2-year term in District 20.
O'Connor said the totals would be canvassed and made official on Thursday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-17--Round Lake Beach approves $6.2 million sales tax incentive

The aging Rollins Commons shopping center in Round Lake Beach will be revamped with a familiar grocery chain as anchor .
Plans by Tony 's Finer Foods Enterprise Inc. , to refresh the center on the busy southeast corner of Route 83 and Rollins Road are supported by a $ 6.2 million sales tax incentive .
The company operates Tony 's Fresh Market , a family-owned and operated grocery chain founded in 1979 in Chicago , that has expanded to 16 locations in the city and suburbs .
This would be the first Lake County location .
Village officials on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total $ 6.2 million over a maximum of 25 years .
`` The hope is they go great guns and it does n't go the full 25 years , '' said village Administrator Dave Kilbane .
`` In this economy , it 's exciting to actually get reinvestment in the community , '' he added .
The village will rebate 50 % of the sales tax annually until the total is met .
The agreement applies to the entire center but the grocery store rebate increases to 90 % for gross sales above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incentive package applies only to new businesses coming to the community , not existing ones , Kilbane said .
The strip center has been around since about the mid-1970s and once featured a Zayre discount store .
It was last updated about 15 years ago , according to Kilbane .
A 69,000-square-foot main space had been anchored by a Garden Fresh grocery , which closed a few years ago .
A JOANN fabric and craft store left about a year ago .
`` They 're buying the entire shopping center with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Fresh food markets , '' Kilbane said .
Frank Ingraffia , vice-president of corporate operations , said a contract has been signed and the sale is in the due diligence stage .
Should all go smoothly , plans and permits would be secured in winter , with construction in the spring and a second quarter opening anticipated , he said .
The store would be similar to the last two or three new Tony 's stores , such as in south suburban Burbank , he said .
The chain 's concept focuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat department and international offerings .
`` We like the demographics in the area , '' he said .
`` We feel there 's an international customer base that 's been underserved . ''
`` We feel our concept is unique , '' Ingraffia said .
Round Lake Beach offered a similar incentive to Meijer , which opened more than four years ago , in the Mallard Creek shopping center just north and west .
In that instance , the village bought the former Walmart property and gave it to Meijer in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a continuing effort to broaden the village 's tax base .
`` You have to be careful when reinvesting money like this that it 's benefiting the community , '' Kilbane said .

Round Lake Beach approves $6.2 million sales tax incentive
The aging Rollins Commons shopping center in Round Lake Beach will be revamped with a familiar grocery chain as anchor.
Plans by Tony's Finer Foods Enterprise Inc., to refresh the center on the busy southeast corner of Route 83 and Rollins Road are supported by a $6.2 million sales tax incentive.
The company operates Tony's Fresh Market, a family-owned and operated grocery chain founded in 1979 in Chicago, that has expanded to 16 locations in the city and suburbs. This would be the first Lake County location.
Village officials on Monday approved the incentive, which will total $6.2 million over a maximum of 25 years.
"The hope is they go great guns and it doesn't go the full 25 years," said village Administrator Dave Kilbane.
"In this economy, it's exciting to actually get reinvestment in the community," he added.
The village will rebate 50% of the sales tax annually until the total is met. The agreement applies to the entire center but the grocery store rebate increases to 90% for gross sales above $25 million.
As structured, the incentive package applies only to new businesses coming to the community, not existing ones, Kilbane said.
The strip center has been around since about the mid-1970s and once featured a Zayre discount store. It was last updated about 15 years ago, according to Kilbane.
A 69,000-square-foot main space had been anchored by a Garden Fresh grocery, which closed a few years ago. A JOANN fabric and craft store left about a year ago.
"They're buying the entire shopping center with the intent of opening one of their Tony's Fresh food markets," Kilbane said.
Frank Ingraffia, vice-president of corporate operations, said a contract has been signed and the sale is in the due diligence stage.
Should all go smoothly, plans and permits would be secured in winter, with construction in the spring and a second quarter opening anticipated, he said.
The store would be similar to the last two or three new Tony's stores, such as in south suburban Burbank, he said. The chain's concept focuses on produce, "big service" meat department and international offerings.
"We like the demographics in the area," he said. "We feel there's an international customer base that's been underserved."
Meijer, Aldi, Walmart and Jewel are located nearby.
"We feel our concept is unique," Ingraffia said.
Round Lake Beach offered a similar incentive to Meijer, which opened more than four years ago, in the Mallard Creek shopping center just north and west.
In that instance, the village bought the former Walmart property and gave it to Meijer in addition to a sales tax agreement as part of a continuing effort to broaden the village's tax base.
"You have to be careful when reinvesting money like this that it's benefiting the community," Kilbane said.


US-Pres-Sum,100

Needed to win : 270 of the 538 electoral votes ( ev ) from the 50 states and the District @ @ @

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 73,601,647 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,664,995 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--'It means we're in bad shape': Illinois surpasses 11,000 COVID-19 deaths, 600,000 infections

COVID-19 deaths in Illinois surpassed 11,000 Wednesday as the number of residents infected by the respiratory disease also exceeded the 600,000 threshold .
State health officials reported 140 more people died from COVID-19 and another 8,922 were infected with the disease .
That brings the state 's death toll to 11,014 since the outbreak began .
More than 1,000 of those deaths occurred during the past two weeks , according to Illinois Department of Public Health records .
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike months ago predicted the state would surpass 11,000 deaths by the end of the year .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier than expected , she was blunt .
`` It means we 're in bad shape , '' she said .
`` We 've exceeded projections by six weeks .
If we exceed all of our projections , the numbers would just be untenable . ''
Additionally , 606,771 residents have also been diagnosed with the virus since the outset of the pandemic , state officials reported Wednesday .
The spike in its caseload has been aided recently by health officials adding `` rapid result '' antigen test figures to the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made to comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on Nov. 6 .
The state 's seven-day average infection rate dropped to 11.9 % , almost a full percentage point from Tuesday 's rate .
The dip comes a day after Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide rollback of business operations and social gatherings that will again close casinos and theaters , significantly limit capacity at gyms and retail businesses , halt indoor youth and adult group sports , and curtail events from weddings to funerals starting Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be optimistic , Pritzker demurred .
`` Yes , there 's a glimmer of optimism , I guess , is the right way to see it , but I have been fooled before by the numbers , '' he said .
Locally , the seven-day average infection rates for Chicago and the collar counties decreased everywhere except DuPage County -- the rate remained the same -- and in Will County , which saw a small increase to 19 % .
In McHenry County , where the average infection rate was 23 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average infection rate at 15 % now .
IDPH officials also reported another increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations Tuesday , with 5,953 more patients being treated statewide , up 66 patients from the previous day .
Meanwhile , the number of COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care units dropped slightly to 1,146 .
Patients with the virus are utilizing more than 30 % of ICU beds statewide .
Pritzker said he 's received concerning reports from hospital administrators about the treatment of nurses and doctors who have been `` verbally assaulted '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at work by those seeking treatment , who still believe the `` disease is a hoax or some sort of hospital profit scheme . ''
`` It 's beyond tragic for all involved , '' he said .
`` Health care workers risk their lives each day , walking into the face of danger .
They still deserve to be hailed as heroes . ''

'It means we're in bad shape': Illinois surpasses 11,000 COVID-19 deaths, 600,000 infections
COVID-19 deaths in Illinois surpassed 11,000 Wednesday as the number of residents infected by the respiratory disease also exceeded the 600,000 threshold.
State health officials reported 140 more people died from COVID-19 and another 8,922 were infected with the disease.
That brings the state's death toll to 11,014 since the outbreak began. More than 1,000 of those deaths occurred during the past two weeks, according to Illinois Department of Public Health records.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike months ago predicted the state would surpass 11,000 deaths by the end of the year. Asked Wednesday about surpassing that milestone six weeks earlier than expected, she was blunt.
"It means we're in bad shape," she said. "We've exceeded projections by six weeks. If we exceed all of our projections, the numbers would just be untenable."
Additionally, 606,771 residents have also been diagnosed with the virus since the outset of the pandemic, state officials reported Wednesday. The spike in its caseload has been aided recently by health officials adding "rapid result" antigen test figures to the state's daily totals, a decision that was made to comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on Nov. 6.
The state's seven-day average infection rate dropped to 11.9%, almost a full percentage point from Tuesday's rate.
The dip comes a day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide rollback of business operations and social gatherings that will again close casinos and theaters, significantly limit capacity at gyms and retail businesses, halt indoor youth and adult group sports, and curtail events from weddings to funerals starting Friday.
Asked if the decline was a reason to be optimistic, Pritzker demurred.
"Yes, there's a glimmer of optimism, I guess, is the right way to see it, but I have been fooled before by the numbers," he said.
Locally, the seven-day average infection rates for Chicago and the collar counties decreased everywhere except DuPage County -- the rate remained the same -- and in Will County, which saw a small increase to 19%.
In McHenry County, where the average infection rate was 23% just last Friday, test results show the average infection rate at 15% now.
IDPH officials also reported another increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations Tuesday, with 5,953 more patients being treated statewide, up 66 patients from the previous day.
Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care units dropped slightly to 1,146. Patients with the virus are utilizing more than 30% of ICU beds statewide.
Pritzker said he's received concerning reports from hospital administrators about the treatment of nurses and doctors who have been "verbally assaulted" in public by conspiracy theorists and even at work by those seeking treatment, who still believe the "disease is a hoax or some sort of hospital profit scheme."
"It's beyond tragic for all involved," he said. "Health care workers risk their lives each day, walking into the face of danger. They still deserve to be hailed as heroes."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Vacant Sears at Fox Valley Mall could become apartment buildings

The vacant Sears store at the Fox Valley Mall could be razed early next year to make way for a three-building apartment development and kick off a new phase of life for the 45-year-old mall .
Aurora aldermen will vote next week on a request to rezone roughly 11 acres of the property along Route 59 side of the property to allow the buildings .
The buildings , each three stories tall , would have a total of 304 studio , one- and two-bedroom apartments .
At a committee meeting on Tuesday , none of the 10 aldermen raised any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote will be taken during the Nov. 24 city council meeting .
`` We 're thrilled to have this , '' Alderman Judd Lofchie said .
Alderman Sherman Jenkins asked whether the agreement required the developer to eventually convert the apartments from rental units to owner-occupied units .
This is the first phase of proposed redevelopment around the mall building , and Jenkins said he hopes it wo n't be all rental .
`` In 20 years , we are going to have a problem .
Owner-occupied is a very key component to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most usable , productive development that will be something proud like the Fox Valley Mall has been since 1975 for Aurora , '' Jenkins said .
Jon Meshel , senior vice president of development for mall owner Centennial Real Estate , said there will be owner-occupied units on other areas of the mall site .
The former Sears store would be torn down early in 2021 , and construction of the first apartment building could start in April , he said .
Like many other malls , Fox Valley is trying to reinvent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn online to buy goods .
Sears closed its Fox Valley location in September 2018 .
It owned the land and building for the store , but sold them to Centennial in January 2018 , according to DuPage County Recorder of Deeds records .
In 2018 , a study of the Route 59 corridor called an area that includes Fox Valley `` tired . ''
It suggested changing zoning on the mall site to allow multifamily housing , small stores and entertainment venues .
A report done this year for the city said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson Pirie Scott department stores , 40 % of the mall 's store space was vacant .
The city earlier this month created a tax increment financing district for the whole mall .
In a TIF district , property tax payments to local governments are frozen at the current level for a period of time -- in this case , 15 years .
Any extra property tax money collected within the area after it is established goes into a special fund controlled by the city .
The money in the fund then can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements .
According to a report on the TIF , the mall site had an equalized assessed value of about $ 51.2 million in 2019 , and could increase with redevelopment to $ 150 million to $ 200 million by the end of the 15 years .
So far , there are no agreements for TIF or city aid for the redevelopment , according to Clayton Muhammad , the city 's communications director .
However , the city and Indian Prairie School District 204 signed an agreement in February exempting any increased taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay for redevelopment .

Vacant Sears at Fox Valley Mall could become apartment buildings
The vacant Sears store at the Fox Valley Mall could be razed early next year to make way for a three-building apartment development and kick off a new phase of life for the 45-year-old mall.
Aurora aldermen will vote next week on a request to rezone roughly 11 acres along the Route 59 side of the property to allow the buildings.
The buildings, each three stories tall, would have a total of 304 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
At a committee meeting on Tuesday, none of the 10 aldermen raised any objection to the plan. An official vote will be taken during the Nov. 24 city council meeting.
"We're thrilled to have this," Alderman Judd Lofchie said.
Alderman Sherman Jenkins asked whether the agreement required the developer to eventually convert the apartments from rental units to owner-occupied units.
This is the first phase of proposed redevelopment around the mall building, and Jenkins said he hopes it won't be all rental.
"In 20 years, we are going to have a problem. Owner-occupied is a very key component to making sure this remains a viable, most usable, productive development that will be something proud like the Fox Valley Mall has been since 1975 for Aurora," Jenkins said.
Jon Meshel, senior vice president of development for mall owner Centennial Real Estate, said there will be owner-occupied units on other areas of the mall site.
The former Sears store would be torn down early in 2021, and construction of the first apartment building could start in April, he said.
Like many other malls, Fox Valley is trying to reinvent itself as anchor stores close and shoppers turn online to buy goods.
Sears closed its Fox Valley location in September 2018. It owned the land and building for the store, but sold them to Centennial in January 2018, according to DuPage County Recorder of Deeds records.
In 2018, a study of the Route 59 corridor called an area that includes Fox Valley "tired." It suggested changing zoning on the mall site to allow multifamily housing, small stores and entertainment venues.
A report done this year for the city said that, including the closed Sears and Carson Pirie Scott department stores, 40% of the mall's store space was vacant.
The city earlier this month created a tax increment financing district for the whole mall. In a TIF district, property tax payments to local governments are frozen at the current level for a period of time -- in this case, 15 years. Any extra property tax money collected within the area after it is established goes into a special fund controlled by the city. The money in the fund then can be used to help pay for certain improvements.
According to a report on the TIF, the mall site had an equalized assessed value of about $51.2 million in 2019, and could increase with redevelopment to $150 million to $200 million by the end of the 15 years.
So far, there are no agreements for TIF or city aid for the redevelopment, according to Clayton Muhammad, the city's communications director.
However, the city and Indian Prairie School District 204 signed an agreement in February exempting any increased taxes generated by residential properties from being used to pay for redevelopment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Madigan confidant and ex-ComEd CEO among those charged with bribery

A former Springfield lobbyist and confidant of House Speaker Michael Madigan has been charged with bribery in a criminal case @ @ @ @ @ the former ComEd CEO , a top ComEd lobbyist and the ex-head of the City @ @ @ @ @ indictment are Madigan friend , Michael McClain , former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore , top @ @ @ @ @ Jay Doherty , the former president of the City Club .
Federal prosecutors charged ComEd @ @ @ @ @ a bombshell case that has continued to reverberate politically in the four months that have @ @ @ @ @ legislative probe of Madigan 's dealings with ComEd , and it has led to questions @ @ @ @ @ able to hold onto power .
Madigan has any denied wrongdoing .
He 's denied @ @ @ @ @ scheme and said he never expected someone to be hired for a job in exchange @ @ @ @ @ .

Madigan confidant and ex-ComEd CEO among those charged with bribery
Associated Press file photoHouse Speaker Michael Madigan has not been charged in the ComEd bribery scandal and has denied any wrongdoing.
In another blow to embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan, his Springfield confidant, Michael McClain, was charged with bribery Wednesday, along with former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, in a lobbying scheme to curry favor with Madigan.
Also named in the federal indictment are former top ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and Jay Doherty, the former president of the City Club, who was accused of using his consulting company to bill the utility for fake jobs and passing along that money to several Madigan associates.
The 50-page indictment alleges several tactics ComEd employed to curry favor with Madigan, who held tremendous power over the fate of state legislation critical to ComEd.
At the urging of McClain, then a top Springfield lobbyist, and top ComEd official Hooker, according to the indictment, the utility in 2011 hired a law firm -- not named in the indictment -- to keep Madigan happy and guaranteed it a certain number of billable hours a year even though there wasn't enough work to justify it at times.
Pramaggiore also is accused of appointing former McPier CEO Juan Ochoa to the ComEd board at Madigan's and McClain's request.
• For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Mount Prospect offering grants to struggling restaurants, but there's a catch

Grants of up to $ 10,000 soon will go out to restaurants hit hard by state-ordered shutdowns and other economic fallouts from the coronavirus pandemic , Mount Prospect officials said Tuesday .
The online application form for the new COVID-19 Restaurant Assistance Grant Program went live Wednesday morning on the village website .
`` We hope to get checks cut to qualifying restaurants within a week , '' Community Development Director Bill Cooney said at Tuesday 's village board meeting .
But the village 's assistance comes with strings attached .
Restaurants receiving a grant must comply with state restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or refund the money .
`` I think we finally have some teeth in order to ensure restaurants are making the right choice and not encouraging inside dining , '' Mayor Arlene Juracek said .
The program officially was approved by the village board Tuesday with even more money than when originally proposed last week .
Officials initially said the program would offer a total of $ 250,000 in assistance , but Cooney said that 's since risen to $ 600,000 .
That additional $ 350,000 comes from federal CARES Act funding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The amount awarded will be determined on a case-by-case basis .
Cooney said village staff has delivered the program guidelines to roughly 60 qualifying restaurants .
`` It provides the support that our businesses need at a very dire time , particularly those that have employees , because the holidays are coming , and I certainly do n't want to see anybody losing their source of income or revenue at this stage , '' Trustee Michael Zadel said .
However , Trustee William Grossi advised restaurants to carefully read the fine print @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance .
`` If you do n't feel you can do it , do n't put yourself in a position to have to give back the money , '' he said .
`` This program is intended to help you , not hurt you , and we do n't want it to turn around and bite you later on , '' Trustee Richard Rogers added .

Mount Prospect offering grants to struggling restaurants, but there's a catch
Grants of up to $10,000 soon will go out to restaurants hit hard by state-ordered shutdowns and other economic fallouts from the coronavirus pandemic, Mount Prospect officials said Tuesday.
The online application form for the new COVID-19 Restaurant Assistance Grant Program went live Wednesday morning on the village website.
"We hope to get checks cut to qualifying restaurants within a week," Community Development Director Bill Cooney said at Tuesday's village board meeting.
But the village's assistance comes with strings attached. Restaurants receiving a grant must comply with state restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 or refund the money.
"I think we finally have some teeth in order to ensure restaurants are making the right choice and not encouraging inside dining," Mayor Arlene Juracek said.
The program officially was approved by the village board Tuesday with even more money than when originally proposed last week. Officials initially said the program would offer a total of $250,000 in assistance, but Cooney said that's since risen to $600,000.
That additional $350,000 comes from federal CARES Act funding the village received last month through Cook County.
The amount awarded will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Cooney said village staff has delivered the program guidelines to roughly 60 qualifying restaurants.
Village trustees praised the program Tuesday.
"It provides the support that our businesses need at a very dire time, particularly those that have employees, because the holidays are coming, and I certainly don't want to see anybody losing their source of income or revenue at this stage," Trustee Michael Zadel said.
However, Trustee William Grossi advised restaurants to carefully read the fine print about the resurgence mitigations before accepting village assistance.
"If you don't feel you can do it, don't put yourself in a position to have to give back the money," he said.
"This program is intended to help you, not hurt you, and we don't want it to turn around and bite you later on," Trustee Richard Rogers added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--'Statistical dead heat': With 75-vote difference, DuPage auditor race could go to recount

Just 75 votes out of nearly half a million ballots cast separate the DuPage County auditor candidates , leaving the photo-finish race up in the air two weeks after Election Day .
The down-ballot contest remains one of the closest in the suburbs now that election authorities have finished their counts .
A narrow victory for White would extend historic gains for Democrats in DuPage .
But the county 's top financial watchdog said Wednesday he 's exploring his options for a recount .
`` Anything with big numbers , whether it 's processing checks here at the county or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's perfect , '' Grogan said .
`` There 's always going to be an error rate , and so we 're just going to go and check out and see if there were errors that constitute more than one one-hundredth of a percent , which is what I lost by . ''
Grogan could request a so-called discovery recount of ballots in up to 25 % of the precincts countywide .
The partial recount is conducted to help candidates determine if there are enough discrepancies to seek a court order for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney from Downers Grove , said he would fully respect Grogan 's decision if his opponent ultimately chooses to pursue a recount .
`` We need transparency , and he has every right to do so , especially when it 's so close , '' White said .
`` That said , my understanding is that at least in DuPage County , discovery recounts do n't often , fairly rarely , change anything , so I have absolutely no quarrel with his exercising all of his rights . ''
On election night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gained ground as the county clerk 's office continued tabulating mail-in ballots .
Both candidates said they expected a tight finish .
White ended up with 233,121 votes to Grogan 's 233,046 .
`` I read numbers and understand trends , and it was by the end of election night ... a statistical dead heat , '' Grogan said .
Grogan , a licensed CPA and the president of the Illinois Association of County Auditors , said he 's heard from election lawyers and elected officials from around the state offering to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm both gratified for the people that did support me , and I am gratified for having at least the 12 years to serve , '' he said .
`` And if certain stars align in other ways , if I get to continue to serve , that will be another blessing on top of that . ''
In other countywide races , Democratic challenger Candice Adams ousted four-term GOP incumbent Chris Kachiroubas .
Democrat Kathleen Carrier won the recorder race .
White credited the inroads to the local party 's on-the-ground organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Democratic Party of DuPage County , they worked incredibly hard for all of the candidates , '' White said .
`` So if there 's any one factor I 'm most grateful for is the hard work and discipline coming from the Democrats to get out of the vote for all of us . ''
For the first time since 1934 , Democrats will take control of the county board , a show of strength that spilled over to forest preserve races .
`` The county is much more at least purple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White said .
`` The Democratic wave is real .
And yet , we 're a purple county because a lot of the races , in very few of the county-level races , did any candidate get more than 51 % of the vote . ''
During the campaign , Grogan touted his office 's record of innovation .
Grogan was the first Illinois auditor to launch an online county checkbook , allowing the public to search and view expenditures .
`` I had a lot of crossover votes , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than my party 's top of the ticket , so , I mean I think that appeal was real . ''
Grogan would have until Nov. 30 to request a discovery recount .
Newly elected countywide officials are scheduled to take their seats Dec. 1 .

'Statistical dead heat': With 75-vote difference, DuPage auditor race could go to recount
Just 75 votes out of nearly half a million ballots cast separate the DuPage County auditor candidates, leaving the photo-finish race up in the air two weeks after Election Day.
The down-ballot contest remains one of the closest in the suburbs now that election authorities have finished their counts.
Unofficial results give Democratic challenger William "Bill" White the razor-thin lead over three-term Republican incumbent Bob Grogan.
A narrow victory for White would extend historic gains for Democrats in DuPage. But the county's top financial watchdog said Wednesday he's exploring his options for a recount.
"Anything with big numbers, whether it's processing checks here at the county or counting votes, there is no system that's perfect," Grogan said. "There's always going to be an error rate, and so we're just going to go and check out and see if there were errors that constitute more than one one-hundredth of a percent, which is what I lost by."
Grogan could request a so-called discovery recount of ballots in up to 25% of the precincts countywide. The partial recount is conducted to help candidates determine if there are enough discrepancies to seek a court order for a complete recount.
White, an attorney from Downers Grove, said he would fully respect Grogan's decision if his opponent ultimately chooses to pursue a recount.
"We need transparency, and he has every right to do so, especially when it's so close," White said. "That said, my understanding is that at least in DuPage County, discovery recounts don't often, fairly rarely, change anything, so I have absolutely no quarrel with his exercising all of his rights."
On election night, Grogan held the advantage. But White gained ground as the county clerk's office continued tabulating mail-in ballots. Both candidates said they expected a tight finish. White ended up with 233,121 votes to Grogan's 233,046.
"I read numbers and understand trends, and it was by the end of election night ... a statistical dead heat," Grogan said.
Grogan, a licensed CPA and the president of the Illinois Association of County Auditors, said he's heard from election lawyers and elected officials from around the state offering to help with a recount process.
"I'm both gratified for the people that did support me, and I am gratified for having at least the 12 years to serve," he said. "And if certain stars align in other ways, if I get to continue to serve, that will be another blessing on top of that."
In other countywide races, Democratic challenger Candice Adams ousted four-term GOP incumbent Chris Kachiroubas. Democrat Kathleen Carrier won the recorder race.
White credited the inroads to the local party's on-the-ground organization and changing demographics in DuPage.
"The Democratic Party of DuPage County, they worked incredibly hard for all of the candidates," White said. "So if there's any one factor I'm most grateful for is the hard work and discipline coming from the Democrats to get out of the vote for all of us."
For the first time since 1934, Democrats will take control of the county board, a show of strength that spilled over to forest preserve races.
"The county is much more at least purple, if not partially blue," White said. "The Democratic wave is real. And yet, we're a purple county because a lot of the races, in very few of the county-level races, did any candidate get more than 51% of the vote."
During the campaign, Grogan touted his office's record of innovation. Grogan was the first Illinois auditor to launch an online county checkbook, allowing the public to search and view expenditures.
"I had a lot of crossover votes," he said. "I got substantially more votes than my party's top of the ticket, so, I mean I think that appeal was real."
Grogan would have until Nov. 30 to request a discovery recount. Newly elected countywide officials are scheduled to take their seats Dec. 1.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Naperville to explore local mask mandate amid rising COVID-19 cases

As COVID-19 infections soar throughout the suburbs , the Naperville City Council is considering enacting a citywide ordinance that would require face coverings to be worn in public .
The measure would aim to localize the state 's mask mandate in terms of awareness and enforcement , said Mayor Steve Chirico , who brought forward the topic for discussion Tuesday .
Though the concept will likely be controversial among some community members , he said , it could promote compliance and help curb a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations .
`` I think we have a couple months coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very difficult for this country and for the world until this vaccine starts to get distribution , '' Chirico said .
`` If a local mandatory mask ordinance ... were to help prevent the transmission of this virus , then I think it 'd be worth it , even though there 'd be a lot of criticism for it . ''
The proposal gained support from several council members , who directed city employees to explore potential regulations related to enforcement , punishment and other logistics .
The issue is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 .
`` The devil is in the details , '' Councilman Patrick Kelly said .
`` What I 'd want to know is , what , if anything , beyond what the state requires would we require at the local level ? ''
Similar rules have been adopted in suburban towns such as Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove .
So as not to reinvent the wheel , Chirico said , Naperville could research best practices and seek guidance from communities that have found success enacting mask mandates .
City officials previously declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to enforcement concerns , opting instead to create a series of videos as part of a public service campaign to promote the wearing of face coverings .
Councilman Kevin Coyne on Tuesday stressed the importance of continuing to push that message but said he remains skeptical of the effectiveness of a mask mandate .
In addition to being difficult to enforce , he said , he envisions such an ordinance `` completely inflaming '' those who reject the need for COVID-19 regulations .
`` I do n't think it 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think it may make it counterproductive . ''
But many council members said they believe the concept is worth exploring if it has the potential to mitigate the surge of new infections and ease the strain on local health care workers .
As of Wednesday morning , Edward Hospital in Naperville was treating 90 inpatients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Roughly 23 % of the medical center 's beds were in use by virus patients earlier in the week , city metrics show .
`` It 's not about you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , '' Councilman Benny White said .
`` It 's a health crisis that needs to be addressed that affects everyone else around you . ''

Naperville to explore local mask mandate amid rising COVID-19 cases
Naperville Councilman Benny White and other elected officials are featured in a series of videos promoting the wearing of face masks in public. Mayor Steve Chirico is now proposing taking a step further and enacting a citywide mask mandate to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. YouTube Video Screenshot
As COVID-19 infections soar throughout the suburbs, the Naperville City Council is considering enacting a citywide ordinance that would require face coverings to be worn in public.
The measure would aim to localize the state's mask mandate in terms of awareness and enforcement, said Mayor Steve Chirico, who brought forward the topic for discussion Tuesday.
Though the concept will likely be controversial among some community members, he said, it could promote compliance and help curb a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations.
"I think we have a couple months coming up that are going to be very, very difficult for this country and for the world until this vaccine starts to get distribution," Chirico said. "If a local mandatory mask ordinance ... were to help prevent the transmission of this virus, then I think it'd be worth it, even though there'd be a lot of criticism for it."
The proposal gained support from several council members, who directed city employees to explore potential regulations related to enforcement, punishment and other logistics. The issue is expected to be brought back before the council Dec. 1.
"The devil is in the details," Councilman Patrick Kelly said. "What I'd want to know is, what, if anything, beyond what the state requires would we require at the local level?"
Similar rules have been adopted in suburban towns such as Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove. So as not to reinvent the wheel, Chirico said, Naperville could research best practices and seek guidance from communities that have found success enacting mask mandates.
City officials previously declined putting a mask ordinance on the books due to enforcement concerns, opting instead to create a series of videos as part of a public service campaign to promote the wearing of face coverings.
Councilman Kevin Coyne on Tuesday stressed the importance of continuing to push that message but said he remains skeptical of the effectiveness of a mask mandate.
In addition to being difficult to enforce, he said, he envisions such an ordinance "completely inflaming" those who reject the need for COVID-19 regulations.
"I don't think it's going to be helpful," Coyne said. "I think it may make it counterproductive."
But many council members said they believe the concept is worth exploring if it has the potential to mitigate the surge of new infections and ease the strain on local health care workers.
As of Wednesday morning, Edward Hospital in Naperville was treating 90 inpatients with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Roughly 23% of the medical center's beds were in use by virus patients earlier in the week, city metrics show.
"It's not about you, it's about other people around you," Councilman Benny White said. "It's a health crisis that needs to be addressed that affects everyone else around you."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Feder: Sasha-Ann Simons named host of midday talk show 'Reset' on WBEZ

Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ 91.5-FM has gone out of Chicago to fill the vacancy for a new host on @ @ @ @ @ show , Robert Feder writes .
Sasha-Ann Simons , host and national correspondent at American @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. , will start December 14 as host of `` Reset , '' the @ @ @ @ @ airing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on WBEZ .
Chicago radio veteran Justin @ @ @ @ @ since Jenn White left in June to host `` 1A , '' the NPR talk @ @ @ @ @ distributed to more than 375 stations nationwide .
Simons was a regular contributor to `` @ @ @ @ @ a great honor to host 'Reset ' and a huge responsibility I do n't take @ @ @ @ @ to make Chicago my new home and to explore the region with curiosity and affection @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at @ @

Feder: Sasha-Ann Simons named host of midday talk show 'Reset' on WBEZ
Sasha-Ann Simons, host and national correspondent at American University's WAMU in Washington, D.C., will start December 14 as host of "Reset," the flagship news and talk program airing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on WBEZ.
Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ 91.5-FM has gone out of Chicago to fill the vacancy for a new host on its locally produced midday talk show, Robert Feder writes.
Sasha-Ann Simons, host and national correspondent at American University's WAMU in Washington, D.C., will start December 14 as host of "Reset," the flagship news and talk program airing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on WBEZ.
Chicago radio veteran Justin Kaufmann has been filling in since Jenn White left in June to host "1A," the NPR talk show produced by WAMU and distributed to more than 375 stations nationwide. Simons was a regular contributor to "1A.
"It is a great honor to host 'Reset' and a huge responsibility I don't take lightly. I'm excited to make Chicago my new home and to explore the region with curiosity and affection," Simons said in a statement.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Court consolidates lawsuits challenging COVID-19 dining ban

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Supreme Court agreed to combine 10 lawsuits challenging indoor dining bans across the state with existing cases in Sangamon County that raise the same legal questions .
The Supreme Court 's order brings a total of 19 cases involving legal challenges to Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's COVID-19 related restrictions that are now consolidated in Sangamon County before Judge Raylene Grischow .
The 10 cases added to Grischow 's group of pending cases were all brought by businesses operating as restaurants with indoor dining service , and all the cases are against Pritzker , Illinois Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the state health department .
The order filed on Tuesday is in response to a request from lawyers with the Illinois attorney general 's office , which represents the governor and state agencies .
The state 's lawyers note that all of the cases raise the same question about the governor 's authority to issue multiple , successive disaster proclamations under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act .
Grischow has already ruled in favor of Pritzker 's authority to issue multiple 30-day disaster proclamations in two cases that challenged the governor 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in K-12 schools .
On Tuesday , in a separate matter , Grischow granted a temporary restraining order against four Sangamon County restaurants that continued to offer indoor dining after the county health department suspended their food service licenses .
The temporary restraining order remains in effect , pending a hearing before Grischow on Dec. 3 .
In their request , the state 's lawyers asked the Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month to consolidate 10 lawsuits -- from Cook , Marion , Clinton , DuPage , Kane , McHenry and DeKalb counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already pending together before Grischow in Sangamon County .
`` There is no need for multiple circuit courts to review filings , hold hearings , and issue decisions on the very same legal question , '' the court filing states .
The state 's lawyers also point out that the Illinois Supreme Court previously consolidated those nine cases to Grischow 's group of cases `` in August and September when presented with a series of cases similarly challenging the governor 's authority to address the pandemic . ''
The cases consolidated before Grischow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County on Dec. 21 .
The state also asked the Illinois Supreme Court to consolidate all future cases filed that involve this legal question to the group of cases in Sangamon County , but the Supreme Court did not grant that part of the request

Court consolidates lawsuits challenging COVID-19 dining ban
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Supreme Court agreed to combine 10 lawsuits challenging indoor dining bans across the state with existing cases in Sangamon County that raise the same legal questions.
The Supreme Court's order brings a total of 19 cases involving legal challenges to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's COVID-19 related restrictions that are now consolidated in Sangamon County before Judge Raylene Grischow.
The 10 cases added to Grischow's group of pending cases were all brought by businesses operating as restaurants with indoor dining service, and all the cases are against Pritzker, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike and the state health department.
The order filed on Tuesday is in response to a request from lawyers with the Illinois attorney general's office, which represents the governor and state agencies.
The state's lawyers note that all of the cases raise the same question about the governor's authority to issue multiple, successive disaster proclamations under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
Grischow has already ruled in favor of Pritzker's authority to issue multiple 30-day disaster proclamations in two cases that challenged the governor's executive orders mandating certain public health measures in K-12 schools.
On Tuesday, in a separate matter, Grischow granted a temporary restraining order against four Sangamon County restaurants that continued to offer indoor dining after the county health department suspended their food service licenses.
The temporary restraining order remains in effect, pending a hearing before Grischow on Dec. 3.
In their request, the state's lawyers asked the Illinois Supreme Court earlier this month to consolidate 10 lawsuits -- from Cook, Marion, Clinton, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and DeKalb counties -- into the group of nine cases already pending together before Grischow in Sangamon County.
"There is no need for multiple circuit courts to review filings, hold hearings, and issue decisions on the very same legal question," the court filing states.
The state's lawyers also point out that the Illinois Supreme Court previously consolidated those nine cases to Grischow's group of cases "in August and September when presented with a series of cases similarly challenging the governor's authority to address the pandemic."
The cases consolidated before Grischow are scheduled for oral arguments in Sangamon County on Dec. 21.
The state also asked the Illinois Supreme Court to consolidate all future cases filed that involve this legal question to the group of cases in Sangamon County, but the Supreme Court did not grant that part of the request


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--Trump pursues recount of 2 liberal Wisconsin counties

MADISON , Wis. -- President Donald Trump filed Wednesday for a recount of Wisconsin 's two largest Democratic counties , paying the required $ 3 million cost and alleging that they were the sites of the `` worst irregularities '' although no evidence of illegal activity has been presented .
The recounts in Milwaukee and Dane counties could begin as soon as Thursday and must be done by Dec. 1 .
Democrat Joe Biden received 577,455 votes in those two counties compared with 213,157 for Trump .
Biden won statewide by 20,608 votes , based on canvassed results submitted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results reaffirmed Joe Biden 's clear and resounding win in Wisconsin after Wisconsin voters turned out to cast their ballots in record numbers , '' said Biden campaign spokesman Nate Evans .
`` A cherry-picked and selective recounting of Milwaukee and Dane County will not change these results . ''
Milwaukee County is the state 's largest , home to the city of Milwaukee , and Black people make up about 27 % of the population , more than any other county .
Dane County is home to the liberal capital city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus .
`` The people of Wisconsin deserve to know whether their election processes worked in a legal and transparent way , '' said Wisconsin attorney Jim Troupis , who is working with the Trump campaign .
`` Regrettably , the integrity of the election results can not be trusted without a recount in these two counties and uniform enforcement of Wisconsin absentee ballot requirements .
We will not know the true results of the election until only the legal ballots cast are counted . ''
Dean Knudson , a Republican member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised `` significant legal questions that have never been adjudicated in Wisconsin . ''
But a fellow commission member , Democrat Mark Thomsen , said Trump was trying to change the rules of the election after he lost , but only in two counties .
`` That 's like losing the Super Bowl and then saying ' I want a review of a certain play using different rules than what applied to the rest of the game , ' '' Thomsen said .
`` That is the essence of hypocrisy and cheating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat , called the recount `` an attack on cities , on minorities , on places that have historically voted Democratic .
Do n't let anyone fool you that this is about irregularities . ''
Trump 's campaign made a variety of claims Wednesday , including that clerks wrongly added missing information on returned absentee ballots .
But guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission , in place since 2016 , says that clerks can fix missing witness address components on the envelopes that contain absentee ballots if they have reliable information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bipartisan elections commission , has been in place for 11 statewide elections without objection .
The elections commission said that there were no corrections to actual absentee ballots contained inside the envelopes , as some have claimed .
The witness signature and address information is all contained on the envelope in which the ballot is sent .
The Trump campaign is also alleging that thousands of voters improperly got around Wisconsin 's photo ID requirement by claiming they were indefinitely confined and therefore did n't have to present a photo ID in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin law requires all voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote both in person and by mail .
It does provide exceptions for citizens who are indefinitely confined because of age , physical illness or infirmity or are disabled for an indefinite period .
The Wisconsin Republican Party sued Democratic Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell in March , before the state 's spring primary , over advice he had posted on his Facebook page that voters could declare themselves indefinitely confined due to the pandemic .
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different from official language approved by the Wisconsin Elections Commission .
The Trump campaign alleged that `` the damage was already done '' before McDonell was ordered to remove the language .
The Trump campaign also alleges that local election clerks issued absentee ballots to voters without requiring an application , in violation of state law .
Trump 's complaint alleges that 60,000 votes were cast by people who did n't submit a written application , but offered no evidence .
Elections commission members Knudson and Thomsen both said they did not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion of the complaint .
`` This was news to me that that 's been happening , '' said Knudson , a Republican .
Thomsen , a Democratic member , said the claim was `` not true . ''
`` Everyone knows you ca n't get an absentee ballot unless you request it , '' Thomsen said .
Trump also claimed that observers in Milwaukee were kept too far away to observe the counting of ballots .
`` Once observational access is provided during a recount , mistakes , violations of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations already known ) and fraud will be discovered , '' the complaint said .
Dane County hopes to start its recount on Friday at a Madison convention center and livestream it , McDonell said .
The recount will be done 16 hours a day and will likely take the entire 13 days allotted to complete .
Milwaukee County officials planned an update on their plans for later Wednesday .
`` We know the result will be the same as it was , '' McDonell said .
`` It 's what we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election , from my perspective , ran very smoothly . ''
Recounts in Wisconsin and across the country have historically resulted in very few vote changes .
A 2016 presidential recount in Wisconsin netted Trump an additional 131 votes .
Trump won Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes that year , and opposed the recount brought by Green Party candidate Jill Stein .
`` The people have spoken and the election is over , '' Trump said at the time .
`` We must accept this result and then look to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done and his victory was confirmed , Trump again took to Twitter .
`` The final Wisconsin vote is in and guess what -- we just picked up an additional 131 votes , '' Trump tweeted at the time after the recount was done .
`` The Dems and Green Party can now rest .
Scam ! ''

Trump pursues recount of 2 liberal Wisconsin counties
A supporter of President Donald Trump is seen during a rally in Milwaukee after it was announced that the president was defeated by Democrat Joe Biden. Associated Press/Nov. 7, 2020
MADISON, Wis. -- President Donald Trump filed Wednesday for a recount of Wisconsin's two largest Democratic counties, paying the required $3 million cost and alleging that they were the sites of the "worst irregularities" although no evidence of illegal activity has been presented.
The recounts in Milwaukee and Dane counties could begin as soon as Thursday and must be done by Dec. 1. Democrat Joe Biden received 577,455 votes in those two counties compared with 213,157 for Trump. Biden won statewide by 20,608 votes, based on canvassed results submitted by the counties.
"The official canvass results reaffirmed Joe Biden's clear and resounding win in Wisconsin after Wisconsin voters turned out to cast their ballots in record numbers," said Biden campaign spokesman Nate Evans. "A cherry-picked and selective recounting of Milwaukee and Dane County will not change these results."
Milwaukee County is the state's largest, home to the city of Milwaukee, and Black people make up about 27% of the population, more than any other county. Dane County is home to the liberal capital city of Madison and the flagship University of Wisconsin campus.
"The people of Wisconsin deserve to know whether their election processes worked in a legal and transparent way," said Wisconsin attorney Jim Troupis, who is working with the Trump campaign. "Regrettably, the integrity of the election results cannot be trusted without a recount in these two counties and uniform enforcement of Wisconsin absentee ballot requirements. We will not know the true results of the election until only the legal ballots cast are counted."
Dean Knudson, a Republican member of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, said Trump raised "significant legal questions that have never been adjudicated in Wisconsin."
But a fellow commission member, Democrat Mark Thomsen, said Trump was trying to change the rules of the election after he lost, but only in two counties.
"That's like losing the Super Bowl and then saying 'I want a review of a certain play using different rules than what applied to the rest of the game,'" Thomsen said. "That is the essence of hypocrisy and cheating and dishonesty."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat, called the recount "an attack on cities, on minorities, on places that have historically voted Democratic. Don't let anyone fool you that this is about irregularities."
Trump's campaign made a variety of claims Wednesday, including that clerks wrongly added missing information on returned absentee ballots.
But guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, in place since 2016, says that clerks can fix missing witness address components on the envelopes that contain absentee ballots if they have reliable information. That guidance, passed unanimously by the bipartisan elections commission, has been in place for 11 statewide elections without objection.
The elections commission said that there were no corrections to actual absentee ballots contained inside the envelopes, as some have claimed. The witness signature and address information is all contained on the envelope in which the ballot is sent.
The Trump campaign is also alleging that thousands of voters improperly got around Wisconsin's photo ID requirement by claiming they were indefinitely confined and therefore didn't have to present a photo ID in order to return their absentee ballot.
Wisconsin law requires all voters to show an acceptable photo ID to vote both in person and by mail. It does provide exceptions for citizens who are indefinitely confined because of age, physical illness or infirmity or are disabled for an indefinite period.
The Wisconsin Republican Party sued Democratic Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell in March, before the state's spring primary, over advice he had posted on his Facebook page that voters could declare themselves indefinitely confined due to the pandemic. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered McDonell to stop issuing guidance that is different from official language approved by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Trump campaign alleged that "the damage was already done" before McDonell was ordered to remove the language.
The Trump campaign also alleges that local election clerks issued absentee ballots to voters without requiring an application, in violation of state law. Trump's complaint alleges that 60,000 votes were cast by people who didn't submit a written application, but offered no evidence.
Elections commission members Knudson and Thomsen both said they did not know what Trump was referring to in that portion of the complaint.
"This was news to me that that's been happening," said Knudson, a Republican.
Thomsen, a Democratic member, said the claim was "not true."
"Everyone knows you can't get an absentee ballot unless you request it," Thomsen said.
Trump also claimed that observers in Milwaukee were kept too far away to observe the counting of ballots.
"Once observational access is provided during a recount, mistakes, violations of the law (in addition to the open access violations already known) and fraud will be discovered," the complaint said.
Dane County hopes to start its recount on Friday at a Madison convention center and livestream it, McDonell said. The recount will be done 16 hours a day and will likely take the entire 13 days allotted to complete. Milwaukee County officials planned an update on their plans for later Wednesday.
"We know the result will be the same as it was," McDonell said. "It's what we saw across the state four years ago and this election, from my perspective, ran very smoothly."
Recounts in Wisconsin and across the country have historically resulted in very few vote changes. A 2016 presidential recount in Wisconsin netted Trump an additional 131 votes.
Trump won Wisconsin by fewer than 23,000 votes that year, and opposed the recount brought by Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
"The people have spoken and the election is over," Trump said at the time. "We must accept this result and then look to the future."
After the recount was done and his victory was confirmed, Trump again took to Twitter.
"The final Wisconsin vote is in and guess what -- we just picked up an additional 131 votes," Trump tweeted at the time after the recount was done. "The Dems and Green Party can now rest. Scam!"
Associated Press writer Doug Glass in Minneapolis contributed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--AP Source: Pistons acquiring Ariza, 16th pick from Rockets

The New York Knicks moved up a few spots with their second pick of the NBA draft 's first round @ @ @ @ @ the Utah Jazz on Wednesday .
The Knicks acquired the No .
23 selection from @ @ @ @ @ .
27 and 38 picks to the Jazz .
New York also received the draft @ @ @ @ @ Tomic , who was taken by the Jazz in the second round in 2008 but @ @ @ @ @ in Europe .
The Knicks ' first pick is the No .
8 selection .

AP Sources: Ariza to Pistons, Horford to OKC, Rubio to Minn.
FILE - Phoenix Suns guard Ricky Rubio, left, drives to the basket past Chicago Bulls guard Coby White during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, in this Feb. 22, 2020, file photo. A person with knowledge of the situation says All-Star guard Chris Paul is being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns, where he'll play alongside one of the league's most dynamic young scorers in fellow All-Star Devin Booker. The Thunder are acquiring Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Jalen Lecque, Ty Jerome and a first-round pick that will be conveyed sometime between 2022 and 2025, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized by the league. Associated Press
The Houston Rockets agreed to trade Trevor Ariza and the 16th pick in Wednesday night's NBA draft to the Detroit Pistons for a future first-round pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. Detroit already had the seventh pick in this year's draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers sent Al Horford and a protected future first-round pick to Oklahoma City, and the Minnesota Timberwolves reacquired point guard Ricky Rubio in a separate trade with the Thunder.
A person with direct knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Wednesday the Sixers will receive Danny Green and Terrance Ferguson from the Thunder. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet announced.
The Sixers also sent a 2025 first-round pick protected from 1-6 overall and the 34th selection in Wednesday's draft to the Thunder, along with the rights to European point guard Vasilije Micic.
Minnesota reached an agreement with Oklahoma City, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations, to send the 17th pick to the Thunder for the 25th and 28th overall selections and Rubio. The person confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced. Deals involving players can't be finalized until free agency officially begins on Sunday for salary cap purposes.
The Timberwolves obtained the 17th pick, which originally belonged to Brooklyn, from Atlanta in a four-team, 12-player, three-pick trade in February. The Thunder added the 28th pick and Danny Green in a yet-to-be-finalized agreement that will send Dennis Schröder to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 30-year-old Rubio spent his first six NBA seasons with Minnesota.
The New York Knicks moved up a few spots with their second pick of the first round by completing a trade with the Utah Jazz.
The Knicks acquired the No. 23 selection from Utah, sending the Nos. 27 and 38 picks to the Jazz.
New York also received the draft rights to Croatian center Ante Tomic, who was taken by the Jazz in the second round in 2008 but has spent his entire career in Europe.
___
AP Sports Writers Noah Trister and Dave Campbell contributed to this report.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-18--First step in $250 million Hawthorn Mall makeover: Razing old Sears store

The long-advertised $ 250 million repurposing of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills is set to get off the drawing board .
The first visible signs of sweeping changes to recreate the 1970s-era mall will begin in early January with the demolition of the former Sears anchor store .
`` This has been the culmination of a lot of work of a lot of people even through the COVID pandemic , '' said Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer .
`` This is the single biggest redevelopment this community has ever been involved with , '' he added .
`` This is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall ) dramatically for the better . ''
Removing Sears will make way for a `` Main Street '' flanked by a mix of apartments , restaurants , shops and assorted amenities designed as an attraction and gathering place , as well as a gateway to the mall proper .
Plans called Hawthorn Mall 2.0 have been posted for some time on the village 's website .
But as described Tuesday by a team led by mall owner Centennial Real Estate , those abstract ideas have come into focus as a real project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents a major milestone in the history of Hawthorn Mall , '' said John Meshel , senior vice president of development for the Dallas-based company .
`` We have assembled a best-in-class partnership and an extremely talented design ( team ) , '' he added .
Joining Meshel on a virtual run-through for the village board were representatives from Chicago-based Focus Development and Atlantic Residential of Atlanta .
The companies teamed to create the high-end residential portion of the Mellody Farm mixed use center across Milwaukee Avenue east of Hawthorn Mall .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in two phases .
`` This is the opportunity to bring new lie into what otherwise would be a conventional mall , '' said Vicki Lee , vice president of development for Focus .
Centennial is seeking various approvals and zoning code variations to proceed .
Final approval by the board is considered a formality , Fleischhauer said , and is scheduled for Dec. 8 .
Getting to this point spanned about two years of planning , discussion , negotiation and public meetings .
`` We 're extremely excited to get underway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site is expected to be turned over to Focus in April .
The first residences will be available in the summer 2022 followed by retail openings that fall .
`` It 's a very aggressive schedule , '' Fleischhauer said .
`` Santa is coming to Vernon Hills early this year . ''
The village designated most of the mall as a tax increment financing district , which freezes property value for taxing purposes for up to 23 years .
The higher value resulting from development is taxed , but the added amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help fund the project .
That can be an issue for cash-strapped school districts .
In this case , the village and Hawthorn Elementary District 73 reached a tentative agreement to provide the maximum increment allowed from the residential portion of the project , rather than an amount based solely on the number of school-age students generated .
That 's projected to be about $ 650,000 per year , or about $ 17 million over the 23-year life of the TIF district .
`` I know this was very difficult but our board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community as a whole should be happy about this agreement , '' village Trustee David Oppenheim said .

Sears demolition will be first step in $250 million Hawthorn Mall makeover
The main element of a planned $250 million makeover of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills calls for the former Sears anchor store to be demolished and replaced with 562 luxury apartments, a new main entrance and restaurants and stores. Courtesy of Vernon Hills
The Sears anchor store at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills will be torn down beginning early next year and eventually replaced with a "Main Street" concept. Courtesy of Vernon Hills
The long-advertised $250 million repurposing of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills is set to get off the drawing board.
The first visible signs of sweeping changes to recreate the 1970s-era mall will begin in early January with the demolition of the former Sears anchor store.
"This has been the culmination of a lot of work of a lot of people even through the COVID pandemic," said Village Manager Mark Fleischhauer.
"This is the single biggest redevelopment this community has ever been involved with," he added. "This is going to change the appearance (of the mall) dramatically for the better."
Removing Sears will make way for a "Main Street" flanked by a mix of apartments, restaurants, shops and assorted amenities designed as an attraction and gathering place, as well as a gateway to the mall proper.
Plans called Hawthorn Mall 2.0 have been posted for some time on the village's website. But as described Tuesday by a team led by mall owner Centennial Real Estate, those abstract ideas have come into focus as a real project within grasp.
"Tonight's meeting represents a major milestone in the history of Hawthorn Mall," said John Meshel, senior vice president of development for the Dallas-based company.
"We have assembled a best-in-class partnership and an extremely talented design (team)," he added.
Joining Meshel on a virtual run-through for the village board were representatives from Chicago-based Focus and Atlantic Residential of Atlanta.
The companies teamed to create the high-end residential portion of the Mellody Farm mixed use center across Milwaukee Avenue east of Hawthorn Mall.
The redevelopment's 562 apartments will be built in two phases.
"This is the opportunity to bring new life into what otherwise would be a conventional mall," said Vicki Lee, vice president of development for Focus.
Centennial is seeking various approvals and zoning code variations to proceed. Final approval by the board is considered a formality, Fleischhauer said, and is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Getting to this point spanned about two years of planning, discussion, negotiation and public meetings.
"We're extremely excited to get underway," Meshel said.
The cleared Sears site is expected to be turned over to Focus in April. The first residences will be available in the summer 2022 followed by retail openings that fall.
"It's a very aggressive schedule," Fleischhauer said. "Santa is coming to Vernon Hills early this year."
The village designated most of the mall as a tax increment financing district, which freezes property value for taxing purposes for up to 23 years.
The higher value resulting from development is taxed, but the added amount is put in a special fund to help fund the project.
That can be an issue for cash-strapped school districts.
In this case, the village and Hawthorn Elementary District 73 reached a tentative agreement to provide the maximum increment allowed from the residential portion of the project, rather than an amount based solely on the number of school-age students generated.
That's projected to be about $650,000 per year, or about $17 million over the 23-year life of the TIF district.
"I know this was very difficult but our board, the school board, and the community as a whole should be happy about this agreement," village Trustee David Oppenheim said.