dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Suburban crafters making masks to help in fight with coronavirus pandemic

They are n't on the front lines , but suburban crafters have found a sense of purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic by sewing masks for health care workers and others .
Stitching cotton material and attaching elastic bands , resourceful crafters are operating makeshift supply chains and delivery systems to produce thousands of masks at home .
The seamstresses understand they are n't producing approved equipment , and health officials are quick to note the homemade masks are not considered Personal Protective Equipment capable of blocking COVID-19 .
Even the masks ' ability to add a layer of protection is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials speaking via the Lake County Joint Information Center .
But for those furiously toiling to keep their nervous energy down and contribute in some way , they are filling a requested need for hospitals , emergency rooms , maternity wards , nursing homes , paramedics and even veterinary clinics , where supplies are short because of demands caused by the new coronavirus .
`` I think we 're over 1,000 ( masks made ) , but I do n't have time to sit down and figure it out , '' said Anna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home mom and avid sewer .
Fielder said she began getting requests for masks last Friday .
After launching a Facebook group for fellow sewers , she 's now coordinating a `` Mask Brigade '' of more than 20 others using donated materials .
She said her brother on Tuesday was headed to pick up 350 yards of donated elastic to help the cause .
`` Hospitals are saying , 'We 'll take as many as you can make , ' '' she said .
`` It 's just dire .
People are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fielder says she has heard stories of health care workers using T-shirts and other materials as makeshift protective barriers .
She said some of her masks are being worn over `` dirty '' approved devices as an added barrier to theoretically prolong the life of the devices .
According to the Lake County Joint Information Center , which is mobilized in emergencies , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that health care personnel treating suspected COVID-19 patients wear a certified N95 respirator , which filters at least 95 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 should wear a loosefitting face mask to provide barrier-only protection against droplets until they are isolated in a hospital or at home .
The mask is n't needed once the patient is isolated .
`` The problem is , they 're going to be out of ( masks ) soon , '' said Jill Blackman-Cannon , an Antioch resident who has been coordinating with Fielder and recruited the senior Caboose Park Sewing Board .
In Arlington Heights , Linda Zachman has operated Linda Z 's Sewing Center for 53 years and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to crafters .
She said she has been contacted by the University of Chicago and some nursing homes , and has sent out about 1,000 masks the past week .
The need is n't just in Illinois , she said .
`` We have hundreds of women in their homes making them .
The response has just been unbelievable , '' Zachman said .
The masks take about 10 minutes to assemble , and there are many patterns available .
`` It 's something , '' said Fielder .
`` The sewers feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Suburban crafters making masks to help in fight with coronavirus pandemic
Linda Zachman of Arlington Heights is among dozens of suburban crafters who've found purpose -- and plenty of work -- sewing masks for use at nursing homes, hospitals and elsewhere. "We have hundreds of women in their homes making them. The response has just been unbelievable," Zachman said. Courtesy of Linda Zachman
They aren't on the front lines, but suburban crafters have found a sense of purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic by sewing masks for health care workers and others.
Stitching cotton material and attaching elastic bands, resourceful crafters are operating makeshift supply chains and delivery systems to produce thousands of masks at home.
The seamstresses understand they aren't producing approved equipment, and health officials are quick to note the homemade masks are not considered Personal Protective Equipment capable of blocking COVID-19.
Even the masks' ability to add a layer of protection is untested and unknown, according to health officials speaking via the Lake County Joint Information Center.
But for those furiously toiling to keep their nervous energy down and contribute in some way, they are filling a requested need for hospitals, emergency rooms, maternity wards, nursing homes, paramedics and even veterinary clinics, where supplies are short because of demands caused by the new coronavirus.
"I think we're over 1,000 (masks made), but I don't have time to sit down and figure it out," said Anna Haley Fielder, an Antioch resident, stay-at-home mom and avid sewer.
Anna Haley Fielder of Antioch is doing what she can to help fight the coronavirus pandemic by sewing masks for health care works, patients and anyone else who needs one. "Hospitals are saying, 'We'll take as many as you can make,'" she said. - Courtesy of Anna Haley Fielder
Fielder said she began getting requests for masks last Friday. After launching a Facebook group for fellow sewers, she's now coordinating a "Mask Brigade" of more than 20 others using donated materials. She said her brother on Tuesday was headed to pick up 350 yards of donated elastic to help the cause.
"Hospitals are saying, 'We'll take as many as you can make,'" she said. "It's just dire. People are desperate for any type of protection."
Fielder says she has heard stories of health care workers using T-shirts and other materials as makeshift protective barriers. She said some of her masks are being worn over "dirty" approved devices as an added barrier to theoretically prolong the life of the devices.
According to the Lake County Joint Information Center, which is mobilized in emergencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that health care personnel treating suspected COVID-19 patients wear a certified N95 respirator, which filters at least 95% of very small particles.
Anna Haley Fielder of Antioch has created a Facebook group for fellow crafters who are sewing masks, and many are thankful.
Patients with suspected COVID-19 should wear a loosefitting face mask to provide barrier-only protection against droplets until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. The mask isn't needed once the patient is isolated.
"The problem is, they're going to be out of (masks) soon," said Jill Blackman-Cannon, an Antioch resident who has been coordinating with Fielder and recruited the senior Caboose Park Sewing Board.
In Arlington Heights, Linda Zachman has operated Linda Z's Sewing Center for 53 years and is well-connected in the industry and well-known online to crafters.
She said she has been contacted by the University of Chicago and some nursing homes, and has sent out about 1,000 masks the past week. The need isn't just in Illinois, she said.
Linda Zachman of Arlington Heights uses colorful fabrics to make masks that have become in high demand during the coronavirus pandemic. - Courtesy of Linda Zachman
"We have hundreds of women in their homes making them. The response has just been unbelievable," Zachman said.
The masks take about 10 minutes to assemble, and there are many patterns available.
"It's something," said Fielder. "The sewers feel good and the recipients are eternally grateful."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Wedding goes on -- by livestream -- for St. Viator sweethearts

St. Viator High School sweethearts Matt Ptack and Paige Bonk had all the trappings of a traditional wedding planned : rehearsal dinner , hotel reservations for the wedding party , a Mass and ceremony , a limo to the hall , and a reception with cocktails , dinner , dancing and a live band .
And while much of their originally planned celebration is being put on hold until late fall , Ptack and Bonk were still determined to tie the knot last weekend .
So with their priest up on the altar and maid of honor and co-best men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chicago couple exchanged vows Saturday at a nearly empty North Side church .
But they had an audience of some 200 family and friends watching at home on a Periscope livestream .
`` Paige and I have been together for over 10 years .
We wanted nothing more than to get married , '' said Matt , who grew up in Arlington Heights .
`` We love each other and wanted to start our lives together as a married couple . ''
Back at their Ravenswood neighborhood apartment after the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone calls and did video conferences with many of those who watched the ceremony , including a big virtual toast with Paige 's family .
Her uncle shared a few words about how the Daily Herald 's `` Song to Make You Smile '' that day on the Back Page , the 1970 Chicago hit `` Make Me Smile , '' was so appropriate for their special day .
`` Even in this time of uncertainty , the love we felt all day was truly special and brought us -- and our livestream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Paige , who grew up in Des Plaines .
The couple say most of the businesses they 've worked with -- from the venue to the band , and food service to florist -- have been accommodating and will allow them to reschedule their services later this year .
They were also able to get refunds on airfare and lodging for what would have been a honeymoon to Banff , Canada .
The whole time , they 've looked on the bright side .
`` In retrospect of how well everything did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were able to celebrate with our friends and family , '' Matt says .
`` The wedding was everything it possibly could have been . ''

Wedding goes on -- by livestream -- for St. Viator sweethearts
St. Viator High School sweethearts Matt Ptack and Paige Bonk were determined to keep their March 21 wedding date at St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago. The ceremony was broadcast live online. Courtesy of Joey Hamer
St. Viator High School sweethearts Matt Ptack and Paige Bonk had all the trappings of a traditional wedding planned: rehearsal dinner, hotel reservations for the wedding party, a Mass and ceremony, a limo to the hall, and a reception with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live band.
Then the coronavirus struck.
And while much of their originally planned celebration is being put on hold until late fall, Ptack and Bonk were still determined to tie the knot last weekend.
With only the maid of honor and two best men in the pews, St. Viator High School alumni Matt Ptack and Paige Bonk got married Saturday at St. Gregory the Great Church in Chicago. The ceremony was livestreamed to friends and family at home. - Courtesy of Joey Hamer
So with their priest up on the altar and maid of honor and co-best men keeping their distance back in the pews, the Chicago couple exchanged vows Saturday at a nearly empty North Side church. But they had an audience of some 200 family and friends watching at home on a Periscope livestream.
"Paige and I have been together for over 10 years. We wanted nothing more than to get married," said Matt, who grew up in Arlington Heights. "We love each other and wanted to start our lives together as a married couple."
Back at their Ravenswood neighborhood apartment after the ceremony, the 29-year-old newlyweds exchanged texts and phone calls and did video conferences with many of those who watched the ceremony, including a big virtual toast with Paige's family. Her uncle shared a few words about how the Daily Herald's "Song to Make You Smile" that day on the Back Page, the 1970 Chicago hit "Make Me Smile," was so appropriate for their special day.
Matt Ptack and Paige Bonk were married Saturday in front of rows of empty pews. - Courtesy of Joey Hamer
"Even in this time of uncertainty, the love we felt all day was truly special and brought us -- and our livestream audience -- so much joy," said Paige, who grew up in Des Plaines.
The couple say most of the businesses they've worked with -- from the venue to the band, and food service to florist -- have been accommodating and will allow them to reschedule their services later this year. They were also able to get refunds on airfare and lodging for what would have been a honeymoon to Banff, Canada.
The whole time, they've looked on the bright side.
"In retrospect of how well everything did work out, it felt like we were able to celebrate with our friends and family," Matt says. "The wedding was everything it possibly could have been."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Pregnancy during a pandemic: What women need to know

Expecting a child during a once-in-a-generation crisis can take a pregnant woman 's stress to another level .
So the Daily Herald asked Dr. Melissa Simon , an ob-gyn at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women 's Hospital , about what soon-to-be moms need to know about the coronavirus .
Q : Northwestern Medicine is allowing only one adult visitor during labor and delivery .
All patients and visitors will be asked if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu .
What are other ways your hospital is trying to limit exposure ?
A : We have two separate units .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any mom who has flu-like symptoms , including COVID .
So there 's a separate floor , separate space , separate health care team that does not go back and forth between the regular labor and delivery unit and postpartum and antepartum floors .
Q : At some hospitals in New York , women are giving birth without their partners present .
Could those restrictions happen in Illinois ?
A : We are really building this plane while we 're flying it , and we do n't know .
It could , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know giving birth to your child is one of the most wonderful things and privileges in life , but at this moment in time we have to protect everybody , including the mom or baby .
Please bring your cellphone and a charger and do FaceTime and take pictures and capture the moment the best you can .
But this is about optimizing safety for everyone .
Q : What are some coping mechanisms to deal with stress ?
A : I want to make sure new moms or pregnant moms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms of distress or anxiety or nervousness or depression .
There are many things you can do around mindfulness and mediation and yoga or just deep breathing .
But please know that you 're not alone .
You can reach out to your health care provider .
We can put you in touch with counselors .
There 's video counseling that 's happening through our telemedicine , telehealth services .
There are hotlines .
There 's all kind of resources to try to surround you with or help you through this time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moms worried about giving birth in the hospital ?
A : I want to emphasize it 's still safer to give birth in the hospital than it is at home because right now .
Our ambulances and other health care team workers are stretched so thin that if something were to go wrong at home , trying to get to the hospital is even more challenging than in normal times .
Q : An infant is among the newly diagnosed cases in Illinois .
Some studies have found no evidence that a pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fetus .
But is there a consensus yet ?
A : We ca n't say either way at the moment .
What we can say is from a couple , very small studies there was no coronavirus in either the amniotic fluid ( or ) the breast milk .
So that 's all we have right now .
Scientists across the country and in other countries are trying to gather information on pregnant women during COVID and really trying to get a better understanding of its impact on the fetus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breast milk or amniotic fluid .
Q : What precautions should new moms take ?
A : Wash your hands .
Good old-fashioned soap , 20 seconds at least , all surfaces , including thumbs , and sing happy birthday twice or the ABCs twice , or whatever .
Make sure you do n't touch your face .
Clean all surfaces .
A : If you have any flu-like symptoms and you are breast-feeding , call your health care provider .
It depends on what the provider says , but in general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could pump instead of breast-feeding and you just have to wash the pump components or parts very well just as you would any other time .
You may have to wear a mask if you 're breast-feeding and your health care provider suggests that you may have to cover your mouth because of the droplet transmission concern , but again that 's on a case-by-case basis .
In general , if a woman who is giving birth tests positive for COVID-19 , when the baby is born , some hospitals are restricting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mom until she recovers , but again , that 's on a hospital-by-hospital basis .
The mom could pump if she so chooses , and that 's totally safe at the moment because we do n't have data that show that COVID-19 is expressed in breast milk at this moment .
Q : Are pregnant women more at risk of infection ?
A : To our understanding , pregnant women are not at increased risk per se .
It is harder to manage , though , just like influenza , because your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space the baby takes up in your belly .
Q : What can women expect during labor ?
A : During labor , whether you have flu-like symptoms or COVID-19 or you 're totally asymptomatic , we are not allowing any moms to use nitrous oxide , which is an inhaled gas to reduce labor pain .
Instead , we are keeping the option of epidurals and spinals and IV and intramuscular pain medications .
Inhaled things are not being used for pain control because of the possible COVID transmission .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minute , so it 's really important that we are using the science and the data that we 're learning to inform our clinical care in real time .

Pregnancy during a pandemic: What women need to know
Expecting a child during a once-in-a-generation crisis can take a pregnant woman's stress to another level.
So the Daily Herald asked Dr. Melissa Simon, an ob-gyn at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital, about what soon-to-be moms need to know about the coronavirus.
Q: Northwestern Medicine is allowing only one adult visitor during labor and delivery. All patients and visitors will be asked if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu. What are other ways your hospital is trying to limit exposure?
A: We have two separate units. We have a unit that is specific to any mom who has flu-like symptoms, including COVID. So there's a separate floor, separate space, separate health care team that does not go back and forth between the regular labor and delivery unit and postpartum and antepartum floors as well.
Q: At some hospitals in New York, women are giving birth without their partners present. Could those restrictions happen in Illinois?
A: We are really building this plane while we're flying it, and we don't know. It could, and we need to be ready for that. I know giving birth to your child is one of the most wonderful things and privileges in life, but at this moment in time we have to protect everybody, including the mom or baby.
Please bring your cellphone and a charger and do FaceTime and take pictures and capture the moment the best you can. But this is about optimizing safety for everyone.
Q: What are some coping mechanisms to deal with stress?
A: I want to make sure new moms or pregnant moms reach out if they're having any symptoms of distress or anxiety or nervousness or depression. There are many things you can do around mindfulness and mediation and yoga or just deep breathing.
But please know that you're not alone. You can reach out to your health care provider. We can put you in touch with counselors. There's video counseling that's happening through our telemedicine, telehealth services. There are hotlines. There's all kind of resources to try to surround you with or help you through this time.
Q: How are you reassuring expectant moms worried about giving birth in the hospital?
A: I want to emphasize it's still safer to give birth in the hospital than it is at home because right now, our ambulances and other health care team workers are stretched so thin that if something were to go wrong at home, trying to get to the hospital is even more challenging than in normal times.
Q: An infant is among the newly diagnosed cases in Illinois. Some studies have found no evidence that a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to the fetus. But is there a consensus yet?
A: We can't say either way at the moment. What we can say is from a couple, very small studies there was no coronavirus in either the amniotic fluid (or) the breast milk. So that's all we have right now.
Scientists across the country and in other countries are trying to gather information on pregnant women during COVID and really trying to get a better understanding of its impact on the fetus and if there's any impact on transmission and breast milk or amniotic fluid.
Q: What precautions should new moms take?
A: Wash your hands. Good old-fashioned soap, 20 seconds at least, all surfaces, including thumbs, and sing happy birthday twice or the ABCs twice, or whatever. Make sure you don't touch your face. Clean all surfaces.
Q: What about breast-feeding?
A: If you have any flu-like symptoms and you are breast-feeding, call your health care provider. It depends on what the provider says, but in general, if you have flu-like symptoms, you could pump instead of breast-feeding and you just have to wash the pump components or parts very well just as you would any other time.
You may have to wear a mask if you're breast-feeding and your health care provider suggests that you may have to cover your mouth because of the droplet transmission concern, but again that's on a case-by-case basis.
In general, if a woman who is giving birth tests positive for COVID-19, when the baby is born, some hospitals are restricting the baby from being in contact with the mom until she recovers, but again, that's on a hospital-by-hospital basis.
The mom could pump if she so chooses, and that's totally safe at the moment because we don't have data that show that COVID-19 is expressed in breast milk at this moment.
Q: Are pregnant women more at risk of infection?
A: To our understanding, pregnant women are not at increased risk per se. It is harder to manage, though, just like influenza, because your lung capacity is decreased due to the space the baby takes up in your belly.
Q: What can women expect during labor?
A: During labor, whether you have flu-like symptoms or COVID-19 or you're totally asymptomatic, we are not allowing any moms to use nitrous oxide, which is an inhaled gas to reduce labor pain. Instead, we are keeping the option of epidurals and spinals and IV and intramuscular pain medications. Inhaled things are not being used for pain control because of the possible COVID transmission.
The other important point is things are changing minute to minute, so it's really important that we are using the science and the data that we're learning to inform our clinical care in real time.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Schaumburg urges tax break for new Blue Martini Lounge

Schaumburg trustees Tuesday recommended a Cook County tax incentive be granted for a proposed Blue Martini Lounge to rehab and occupy the village 's largest vacant free-standing restaurant building -- the former site of Ram Restaurant & Brewery .
`` Their end goal is to be open before Thanksgiving this year , '' Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said .
He said there 's still enough flexibility in the expected time frame to meet that goal , even if the project encounters slight delays in getting the tax incentive approved by the Cook County Board or during construction due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would effectively cut its property taxes in half over a 12-year period .
Blue Martini Lounge is a restaurant and nightclub concept started in Florida 20 years ago .
It now has nine locations including Atlanta , Las Vegas and Phoenix .
As part of the Class 7A tax incentive application , trustees Tuesday also designated the 11,906-square-foot building blighted , as per a study by consultant Gruen Gruen & Associates .
The large building has been vacant since Ram closed in the fall of 2018 after nearly 19 years of operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major roads and the smaller , adjacent restaurant building formerly occupied by Sweet Tomatoes garnered interest only from the U.S .
Postal Service , the study states .
A Class 7A tax incentive can be granted only by the county board if recommended by the municipality .
The level of assessment is reduced from 25 % to 10 % for the first 10 years , then rises to 15 % in year 11 and 20 % in year 12 before returning to normal .
Given the difficulties in getting the building reoccupied , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trusz has been welcomed by the village staff , Frank said .
`` This is a big win for us , '' he said .
`` We 're excited . ''
A $ 1.2 million upgrade is expected after the pending $ 1.6 million purchase .
The business plans to employ 40 full-time and 20 part-time workers .

Martini lounge planned for former Ram restaurant site in Schaumburg
Schaumburg trustees Tuesday recommended a Cook County tax incentive be granted for a proposed Blue Martini Lounge to rehab and occupy the village's largest vacant free-standing restaurant building -- the former site of Ram Restaurant & Brewery.
"Their end goal is to be open before Thanksgiving this year," Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said.
He said there's still enough flexibility in the expected time frame to meet that goal, even if the project encounters slight delays in getting the tax incentive approved by the Cook County Board or during construction due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
The incentive would effectively cut its property taxes in half over a 12-year period.
Blue Martini Lounge is a restaurant and nightclub concept started in Florida 20 years ago. It now has nine locations including Atlanta, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
As part of the Class 7A tax incentive application, trustees Tuesday also designated the 11,906-square-foot building blighted, as per a study by consultant Gruen Gruen & Associates.
The large building has been vacant since Ram closed in the fall of 2018 after nearly 19 years of operation. The site is not highly visible from major roads and the smaller, adjacent restaurant building formerly occupied by Sweet Tomatoes garnered interest only from the U.S. Postal Service, the study states.
A Class 7A tax incentive can be granted only by the county board if recommended by the municipality. The level of assessment is reduced from 25% to 10% for the first 10 years, then rises to 15% in year 11 and 20% in year 12 before returning to normal.
Given the difficulties in getting the building reoccupied, the proposal by Michael Manzo and Robert Trusz has been welcomed by the village staff, Frank said.
"This is a big win for us," he said. "We're excited."
A $1.2 million upgrade is expected after the pending $1.6 million purchase. The business plans to employ 40 full-time and 20 part-time workers.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--White House, Congress reach deal on $2 trillion aid package

WASHINGTON -- The White House and Senate leaders of both parties struck an agreement late Tuesday on a sweeping $ 2 trillion measure to aid workers , businesses and a health care system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak .
The agreement came after days of often intense haggling and mounting pressure and still needed to be finalized in detailed legislative language .
Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight .
`` Ladies and gentlemen , we are done .
We have a deal , '' Ueland said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments to most Americans , expand unemployment benefits and provide a $ 367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
The final details had proved nettlesome .
One of the last issues to close concerned $ 500 billion for guaranteed , subsidized loans to larger industries , including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines .
Hospitals would get significant help as well .
The package was aimed to combat what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had called `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in over a century and quite likely the greatest risk to America 's jobs and prosperity that we 've seen since the Great Depression . ''
Yet even as the public-health crisis deepened , President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to nudge many people back to work in coming weeks and held out a prospect , based more on hope than science , that the country could be returning to normal in less than a month .
`` We have to go back to work , much sooner than people thought , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he 'd like to have the country `` opened up and just raring to go '' by Easter , April 12 .
But in a White House briefing later , Trump said `` our decision will be based on hard facts and data . ''
Medical professionals say social distancing needs to be stepped up , not relaxed , to slow the spread of infections .
At the White House briefing , the public-health authorities said it was particularly important for people in the hard-hit New York City metropolitan area to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who have recently left the city to do the same .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government 's top infectious disease expert , said pointedly at the briefing , `` No one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and congressional leaders engaged in final negotiations Tuesday after a tumultuous but productive day Monday .
While the two sides had resolved many issues in the sweeping package , some sticking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finalize all the documents , going through a lot of complicated issues , and we 're making a lot of progress , '' Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday .
Ravaged in recent days , stocks rocketed as negotiators signaled a resolution was in sight .
At issue in the Capitol was an unprecedented economic rescue package .
A one-time payment of $ 1,200 per adult and $ 500 per child would go directly to the public .
A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Democratic leader , while Republicans pressed for tens of billions of dollars for additional relief to be delivered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency , the lead federal disaster agency .
Democrats said the package would help replace the salary of furloughed workers for four months , rather than the three months first proposed .
Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment , plus a $ 600 per week add-on , with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time .
Companies would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % Social Security payroll tax .
Opening the Senate on Tuesday , McConnell combined optimism about the chances for a deal with frustration at the delays -- and a sober view of the crisis at hand .
`` The urgency and the gravity of this moment can not be lost on anyone , '' he said .
On the negotiations , he said , `` It 's taken a lot of noise and a lot of rhetoric to get us here . ''
Still , `` we are very close .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bold Republican framework , integrates further ideas from both parties , and delivers huge progress . ''
Earlier Tuesday , Trump urged swift action .
`` Congress must approve the deal , without all of the nonsense , today , '' he tweeted .
`` The longer it takes , the harder it will be to start up our economy . ''
Democrats pointed to gains for hospitals , additional oversight of the huge industry stabilization fund , and money for cash-strapped states .
A companion appropriations package ballooned as well , growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal to more than $ 300 billion , which dwarfs earlier disasters -- including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined .
To provide transparency , the package is expected to create a new inspector general and oversight board for the corporate dollars , much as was done during the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program bank rescue , officials said .
The sense of optimism extended to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , who told CNBC , `` I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi introduced a massive Democratic measure with liberal priorities , drawing scorn from Republicans .
Trump in recent days has sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus ' march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy .
Even though Trump 's administration recommended Americans curtail activities for 15 days , starting just over a week ago , the president saids he may soon allow parts of the economy , in regions so far less badly hit by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that theme Tuesday as he weighed a relaxation of social distancing guidelines after the 15-day period is up .
His suggestion that the pandemic could ease and allow a return to normalcy in a mere few weeks is not supported by public health officials or many others in government .
On Tuesday , top defense and military leaders warned department personnel that the virus problems could extend for eight to 10 weeks , or longer .
Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , said during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis could even extend into July .
The emerging rescue package is larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined .
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defense Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators , even as he encourages them to spur production .
`` We are a country not based on nationalizing our business , '' said Trump , who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats .
For most people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .

Trump, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky speaks to reporters Monday outside the Senate chamber after Democrats blocked a coronavirus aid package on Capitol Hill in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The White House and Senate leaders of both parties announced agreement early Wednesday on unprecedented emergency legislation to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The urgently needed pandemic response measure is the largest economic rescue measure in history and is intended as a weeks- or months-long patch for an economy spiraling into recession and a nation facing a potentially ghastly toll.
Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight, capping days of often intense haggling and mounting pressure. It still needs to be finalized in detailed legislative language.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are done. We have a deal," Ueland said.
The unprecedented economic rescue package would give direct payments to most Americans, expand unemployment benefits and provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home.
One of the last issues to close concerned $500 billion for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines. Hospitals would get significant help as well.
"After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic," said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a key negotiator. "It will rush new resources onto the front lines of our nation's health care fight. And it will inject trillions of dollars of cash into the economy as fast as possible to help Americans workers, families, small businesses and industries make it through this disruption and emerge on the other side ready to soar."
At the White House on Tuesday, even as the public-health crisis deepened, President Donald Trump expressed eagerness to nudge many people back to work in coming weeks and held out a prospect, based more on hope than science, that the country could be returning to normal in less than a month.
"We have to go back to work, much sooner than people thought," Trump told a Fox News town hall. He said he'd like to have the country "opened up and just raring to go" by Easter, April 12. But in a White House briefing later, Trump said that "our decision will be based on hard facts and data."
Medical professionals say social distancing needs to be stepped up, not relaxed, to slow the spread of infections. At the White House briefing, the public-health authorities said it was particularly important for people in the hard-hit New York City metropolitan area to quarantine themselves for 14 days, and for those who have recently left the city to do the same.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious disease expert, said pointedly at the briefing, "No one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City."
On Capitol Hill, five days of arduous talks produced the bill, creating tensions among Congress' top leaders, who each took care to tend to party politics as they maneuvered and battled over crafting the legislation. But failure was never an option, which permitted both sides to mark big wins.
Even before the deal was reached, news of the likely but elusive agreement had sent the stock market rocketing on Tuesday. The emerging rescue package would be larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.
The unprecedented economic rescue package would give direct a one-time payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child directly to the public.
A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks at the insistence of Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, while Republicans pressed for tens of billions of dollars for additional relief to be delivered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal disaster agency.
Democrats said the package would help replace the salary of furloughed workers for four months, rather than the three months first proposed. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600 per week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time.
"It ensures that all workers are protected whether they work for businesses small, medium or large, along with self-employed and workers in the gig economy," Schumer said.
Republicans won inclusion of an "employee retention" tax credit that's estimated to provide $50 billion to companies who retain employees on payroll and cover 50% of workers' paychecks. Companies would also be able to defer payment of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax.
Democrats pointed to gains for hospitals, additional oversight of the huge industry stabilization fund, and money for cash-strapped states. A companion appropriations package ballooned as well, growing from a $46 billion White House proposal to more than $300 billion, which dwarfs earlier disasters -- including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined.
To provide transparency, the package is expected to create a new inspector general and oversight board for the corporate dollars, much as was done during the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program bank rescue, officials said.
Trump in recent days has sounded a note of frustration about the unprecedented modern-day effort to halt the virus' march by essentially shutting down public activities in ways that now threaten the U.S. economy.
Even though Trump's administration recommended Americans curtail activities for 15 days, starting just over a week ago, the president saids he may soon allow parts of the economy, in regions so far less badly hit by the virus, to begin reopening.
He continued on that theme Tuesday as he weighed a relaxation of social distancing guidelines after the 15-day period is up. His suggestion that the pandemic could ease and allow a return to normalcy in a mere few weeks is not supported by public health officials or many others in government.
On Tuesday, top defense and military leaders warned department personnel that the virus problems could extend for eight to 10 weeks, or longer. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Defense Department town hall meeting that the crisis could even extend into July.
Trump has balked at using his authority under the recently invoked Defense Protection Act to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators, even as he encourages them to spur production. "We are a country not based on nationalizing our business," said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Zeke Miller, Mary Clare Jalonick, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--A song to make you smile: "I Can See Clearly Now" by Jimmy Cliff

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Cliff 's cover of `` I Can See Clearly Now , '' released in 1993 @

A song to make you smile: "I Can See Clearly Now" by Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff performs at the 27th Open Air festival in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in 2003. Associated Press
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's selection is Jimmy Cliff's cover of "I Can See Clearly Now," released in 1993.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-24--Kane officials OK public health emergency after county's first virus death

The Kane County Board on Tuesday voted to have a standing declaration of a public health emergency in place after the county 's first COVID-19 death .
Coroner Rob Russell informed fellow county officials that a 97-year-old man from Aurora died just two days after being diagnosed .
The man 's death , which also was the first death in Aurora , brings the total number of confirmed cases of the virus to four in Illinois ' second-largest city .
Kane County was one of the first areas outside of Chicago and Cook County with residents testing positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed cases in Kane County stood at 24 .
Statewide , that number surpassed 1,500 , including 16 deaths .
Chris Lauzen , the county board chairman , along with county public health officials , put a state of local public health emergency in place on March 18 , shortly after the first local confirmed cases .
But without a resolution supported by the full county board , that declaration was set to expire Wednesday by state law .
Late Tuesday afternoon , nine county board members joined Lauzen in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health emergency in place for as long as the crisis exists .
The board members seated themselves at microphones placed at least six feet apart by county staff members before the meeting .
An additional 13 board members joined the meeting by phone to cast votes in support of the resolution .
Having the resolution in place allows county health officials and emergency workers more access to state and federal funds .
It also waives some of the time-consuming legal procedures normally required to enter into contracts , employ temporary workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County departments have also stepped up their isolation procedures .
The Kane County Clerk 's office in Aurora is closed until further notice .
The clerk 's main office in Batavia will only operate by appointment .
Ordering copies of vital records can be done online or by mail .
However , state law requires people wishing to get married or have a civil union to complete an application in person .
Lauzen told his fellow county officials to prepare for at least two more months of focus on battling the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the situation should pay attention to what 's happening in Italy , where nearly 7,000 people have died -- including 743 on Tuesday .
`` These are truly medieval levels of loss and suffering , '' Lauzen said .
But , even with all that loss , Lauzen said the functions of government will continue to serve the public .
He cited ongoing garbage collection , clean running water and even snow plowing as evidence that people are persevering .
`` We 've been tested before and prevailed , '' Lauzen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were permanently afflicted for a lifetime with the crippling virus of polio .
Preliminary reports indicate the vast majority of people who test positive for ( COVID-19 ) recover and experience relatively mild symptoms closer to the flu and colds rather than the dreaded poliovirus . ''
Lauzen encouraged residents to wash their hands rather than wring their hands .

Kane officials OK public health emergency after county's first virus death
Kane County Sheriff's officers stood by the entrance to county offices in Batavia Tuesday, ready to question visitors about entering the building and their recent travels. James Fuller/Daily Herald
The Kane County Clerk's office in Batavia is helping the public by appointment only, in line with suggested social distancing measures. James Fuller/Daily Herald
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct that the clerk's main office is in Geneva.
The Kane County Board on Tuesday voted to have a standing declaration of a public health emergency in place after the county's first COVID-19 death.
Coroner Rob Russell informed fellow county officials that a 97-year-old man from Aurora died just two days after being diagnosed. The man's death, which also was the first death in Aurora, brings the total number of confirmed cases of the virus to four in Illinois' second-largest city.
Kane County was one of the first areas outside of Chicago and Cook County with residents testing positive for COVID-19. As of Tuesday, the official number of confirmed cases in Kane County stood at 24. Statewide, that number surpassed 1,500, including 16 deaths.
Chris Lauzen, the county board chairman, along with county public health officials, put a state of local public health emergency in place on March 18, shortly after the first local confirmed cases. But without a resolution supported by the full county board, that declaration was set to expire Wednesday by state law.
Late Tuesday afternoon, nine county board members joined Lauzen in person to put a declaration of a local public health emergency in place for as long as the crisis exists. The board members seated themselves at microphones placed at least six feet apart by county staff members before the meeting. An additional 13 board members joined the meeting by phone to cast votes in support of the resolution.
Having the resolution in place allows county health officials and emergency workers more access to state and federal funds. It also waives some of the time-consuming legal procedures normally required to enter into contracts, employ temporary workers and otherwise spend tax dollars.
Other Kane County departments have also stepped up their isolation procedures. The Kane County Clerk's office in Aurora is closed until further notice. The clerk's main office in Geneva will only operate by appointment. Ordering copies of vital records can be done online or by mail. However, state law requires people wishing to get married or have a civil union to complete an application in person.
Lauzen told his fellow county officials to prepare for at least two more months of focus on battling the virus. He said anyone who doubts the severity of the situation should pay attention to what's happening in Italy, where nearly 7,000 people have died -- including 743 on Tuesday.
"These are truly medieval levels of loss and suffering," Lauzen said.
But, even with all that loss, Lauzen said the functions of government will continue to serve the public. He cited ongoing garbage collection, clean running water and even snow plowing as evidence that people are persevering.
"We've been tested before and prevailed," Lauzen said. "One hundred years ago, people were permanently afflicted for a lifetime with the crippling virus of polio. Preliminary reports indicate the vast majority of people who test positive for (COVID-19) recover and experience relatively mild symptoms closer to the flu and colds rather than the dreaded poliovirus."
Lauzen encouraged residents to wash their hands rather than wring their hands.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Pritzker: 3 deaths, 330 more COVID-19 cases in Illinois; tax filing deadline extended

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced 330 more cases of COVID-19 in Illinois and three deaths at a Wednesday briefing where he also extended the state 's April 15 tax filing date by three months .
The state now has logged 1,865 cases in 35 counties , the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed , and 19 deaths .
The fatalities include a Kane County man in his 90s , a Cook County man in his 60s and a Will County woman in her 50s .
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service extended the federal tax deadline to July 15 on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give millions of taxpayers three additional months to file their individual tax returns . ''
For small businesses struggling to stay afloat , the state is offering low-interest loans , officials said Wednesday .
A $ 60 million fund will provide up to $ 50,000 to businesses with fewer than 50 workers that received less than $ 3 million in revenue in 2019 .
Qualifying businesses get a six-month , zero-interest window on a five-year loan and will pay back the remainder at 3 % interest .
Applications will go live Friday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's website .
More financial aid in the form of $ 14 million in grants is available for qualifying restaurants , bars and hotels .
Bars and restaurants could receive grants of up to $ 25,000 and hotels up to $ 450,000 .
Applications can be made starting Wednesday at the same website .
The hotel occupancy rate in the area had been projected to be in the 70 % range , but now it 's `` in the teens or single digits , '' Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offset potential anticipated layoffs of more than 120,000 , he said .
`` Our employees are hurting and just hoping they can keep their jobs . ''
Overall by county , there are 1,418 COVID-19 cases in Cook County including Chicago , 139 in Lake , 131 in DuPage , 40 in Will , 38 in Kane and 19 in McHenry .
The outbreak of the coronavirus in Illinois prompted Pritzker to issue a stay-at-home order Friday to reduce spread .
He had previously closed restaurants and bars except for takeout .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for essential errands like buying groceries , getting gas , or picking up a prescription .
`` I know there are people all across the state that are making real sacrifices by adhering to our stay-at-home order , which is in its fourth day , '' Pritzker said .
`` I know for those of you who are able to remain at home , it feels like it 's been forever .
I want to express my sincere gratitude .
...
The sacrifices you are making are saving lives ... truly . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stateville Correctional Center have tested positive for the disease .
The center is on lockdown for 14 days and those exposed to the coronavirus are quarantined .

Pritzker: 3 deaths, 330 more COVID-19 cases in Illinois; tax filing deadline extended
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gives his daily COVID-19 update on Wednesday. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced 330 more cases of COVID-19 in Illinois and three deaths at a Wednesday briefing where he also extended the state's April 15 tax filing date by three months.
The state now has logged 1,865 cases in 35 counties, the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed, and 19 deaths.
The fatalities include a Kane County man in his 90s, a Cook County man in his 60s and a Will County woman in her 50s.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service extended the federal tax deadline to July 15 on Saturday. Pritzker said the action "will give millions of taxpayers three additional months to file their individual tax returns."
For small businesses struggling to stay afloat, the state is offering low-interest loans, officials said Wednesday.
A $60 million fund will provide up to $50,000 to businesses with fewer than 50 workers that received less than $3 million in revenue in 2019. Qualifying businesses get a six-month, zero-interest window on a five-year loan and will pay back the remainder at 3% interest.
Applications will go live Friday on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website.
More financial aid in the form of $14 million in grants is available for qualifying restaurants, bars and hotels. Bars and restaurants could receive grants of up to $25,000 and hotels up to $450,000. Applications can be made starting Wednesday at the same website.
The hotel occupancy rate in the area had been projected to be in the 70% range, but now it's "in the teens or single digits," Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson said.
The loans are meant to offset potential anticipated layoffs of more than 120,000, he said. "Our employees are hurting and just hoping they can keep their jobs."
Overall by county, there are 1,418 COVID-19 cases in Cook County including Chicago, 139 in Lake, 131 in DuPage, 40 in Will, 38 in Kane and 19 in McHenry.
The outbreak of the coronavirus in Illinois prompted Pritzker to issue a stay-at-home order Friday to reduce spread. He had previously closed restaurants and bars except for takeout.
The order allows people to leave their homes for essential errands like buying groceries, getting gas, or picking up a prescription.
"I know there are people all across the state that are making real sacrifices by adhering to our stay-at-home order, which is in its fourth day," Pritzker said.
"I know for those of you who are able to remain at home, it feels like it's been forever. I want to express my sincere gratitude. ... The sacrifices you are making are saving lives ... truly."
Two correctional officers and an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center have tested positive for the disease. The center is on lockdown for 14 days and those exposed to the coronavirus are quarantined.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Illinois moves toward canceling spring standardized tests for all students

All standardized tests for Illinois students are likely to be canceled this spring as state education officials work toward securing a waiver from the federal government and seek an exemption from state law requirements .
The Illinois State Board of Education earlier this week submitted a statewide waiver application to the U.S. Department of Education to waive all federally required assessments , summative designations and reporting on accountability metrics on the Illinois Report Card for the 2019-20 school year .
All public and private schools statewide are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak through April 7 , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The federal government has accepted the waiver , so state education officials now are seeking that same flexibility in state law to officially cancel all assessments for this school year , ISBE spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said Wednesday .
That includes the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in English language arts and mathematics administered to all students in third through eighth grades , and the SAT college entrance exam taken by 11th-graders in April .
Cancellation of state assessments require approval by either an executive order from the governor or through legislative action .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak , '' said Matthews , adding state approval could come within the next few days .
Matthews said the state board is working with the College Board to make the SAT exam available to current 11th-graders for free in the fall .
It will not serve as an accountability measure for schools , she added .
There will be no reporting of assessment results on the Illinois Report Card released in October .

Illinois moves toward canceling spring standardized tests for all students
All standardized tests for Illinois students are likely to be canceled this spring as state education officials work toward securing a waiver from the federal government and seek an exemption from state law requirements.
The Illinois State Board of Education earlier this week submitted a statewide waiver application to the U.S. Department of Education to waive all federally required assessments, summative designations and reporting on accountability metrics on the Illinois Report Card for the 2019-20 school year.
All public and private schools statewide are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak through April 7, but it is feared the shutdown could be extended.
The federal government has accepted the waiver, so state education officials now are seeking that same flexibility in state law to officially cancel all assessments for this school year, state board spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said Wednesday.
That includes the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in English language arts and mathematics administered to all students in third through eighth grades, as well as the SAT college entrance exam taken by 11th-graders in April.
Cancellation of state assessments require approval by either an executive order from the governor or through legislative action.
"We are working on it as we speak," said Matthews, adding state approval could come within the next few days.
Matthews said the state board is working with the College Board to make the SAT available to current 11th-graders for free in the fall. It will not serve as an accountability measure for schools, she added.
There will be no assessment results on the Illinois Report Card released in October.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Lifting voices means lifting spirits at Arlington Heights singalong

George Richter was first to declare `` I love my country '' as he and fellow residents of the Moorings @ @ @ @ @ outside the retirement community for a special event .
Looking to raise spirits during the @ @ @ @ @ , 84 , and about 100 of his neighbors blended their voices -- keeping social @ @ @ @ @ for a singalong highlighted by a passionate rendition of `` God Bless America . ''
@ @ @ @ @ led residents through a round of favorite tunes , including `` Take Me Out to @ @ @ @ @ she marched with a microphone in one hand and American flag in the other .
@ @ @ @ @ of marketing and public relations for the community , said the idea came from Italy @ @ @ @ @ in locked-down cities singing from their windows and balconies .
Some Moorings residents followed suit @ @ @ @ @ their balconies and windows while singing along with their neighbors down below .

Lifting voices means lifting spirits at Arlington Heights singalong
George Richter was first to declare "I love my country" as he and fellow residents of the Moorings of Arlington Heights gathered Wednesday outside the retirement community for a special event.
Looking to raise spirits during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Richter, 84, and about 100 of his neighbors blended their voices -- keeping social distancing guidelines in mind -- for a singalong highlighted by a passionate rendition of "God Bless America."
Moorings activities coordinator Marti Huitsing led residents through a round of favorite tunes, including "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," as she marched with a microphone in one hand and American flag in the other.
Robert Werdan, vice president of marketing and public relations for the community, said the idea came from Italy's phenomena of people living in locked-down cities singing from their windows and balconies.
Some Moorings residents followed suit Wednesday, waving flags from their balconies and windows while singing along with their neighbors down below.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Pregnancy during a pandemic: What women need to know

Expecting a child during a once-in-a-generation crisis can take a pregnant woman 's stress to another level .
So the Daily Herald asked Dr. Melissa Simon , an ob-gyn at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women 's Hospital , about what soon-to-be moms need to know about the coronavirus .
Q : Northwestern Medicine is allowing only one adult visitor during labor and delivery .
All patients and visitors will be asked if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu .
What are other ways your hospital is trying to limit exposure ?
A : We have two separate units .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any mom who has flu-like symptoms , including COVID .
So there 's a separate floor , separate space , separate health care team that does not go back and forth between the regular labor and delivery unit and postpartum and antepartum floors as well .
Q : At some hospitals in New York , women are giving birth without their partners present .
Could those restrictions happen in Illinois ?
A : We are really building this plane while we 're flying it , and we do n't know .
It could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that .
I know giving birth to your child is one of the most wonderful things and privileges in life , but at this moment in time we have to protect everybody , including the mom or baby .
Please bring your cellphone and a charger and do FaceTime and take pictures and capture the moment the best you can .
But this is about optimizing safety for everyone .
Q : What are some coping mechanisms to deal with stress ?
A : I want to make sure new moms or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having any symptoms of distress or anxiety or nervousness or depression .
There are many things you can do around mindfulness and mediation and yoga or just deep breathing .
But please know that you 're not alone .
You can reach out to your health care provider .
We can put you in touch with counselors .
There 's video counseling that 's happening through our telemedicine , telehealth services .
There are hotlines .
There 's all kind of resources to try to surround you with or help you through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassuring expectant moms worried about giving birth in the hospital ?
A : I want to emphasize it 's still safer to give birth in the hospital than it is at home because right now , our ambulances and other health care team workers are stretched so thin that if something were to go wrong at home , trying to get to the hospital is even more challenging than in normal times .
Q : An infant is among the newly diagnosed cases in Illinois .
Some studies have found no evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to the fetus .
But is there a consensus yet ?
A : We ca n't say either way at the moment .
What we can say is from a couple , very small studies there was no coronavirus in either the amniotic fluid ( or ) the breast milk .
So that 's all we have right now .
Scientists across the country and in other countries are trying to gather information on pregnant women during COVID and really trying to get a better understanding of its impact on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on transmission and breast milk or amniotic fluid .
Q : What precautions should new moms take ?
A : Wash your hands .
Good old-fashioned soap , 20 seconds at least , all surfaces , including thumbs , and sing happy birthday twice or the ABCs twice , or whatever .
Make sure you do n't touch your face .
Clean all surfaces .
A : If you have any flu-like symptoms and you are breast-feeding , call your health care provider .
It depends on what the provider says , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , you could pump instead of breast-feeding and you just have to wash the pump components or parts very well just as you would any other time .
You may have to wear a mask if you 're breast-feeding and your health care provider suggests that you may have to cover your mouth because of the droplet transmission concern , but again that 's on a case-by-case basis .
In general , if a woman who is giving birth tests positive for COVID-19 , when the baby is born , some hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with the mom until she recovers , but again , that 's on a hospital-by-hospital basis .
The mom could pump if she so chooses , and that 's totally safe at the moment because we do n't have data that show that COVID-19 is expressed in breast milk at this moment .
Q : Are pregnant women more at risk of infection ?
A : To our understanding , pregnant women are not at increased risk per se .
It is harder to manage , though , just like influenza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the space the baby takes up in your belly .
Q : What can women expect during labor ?
A : During labor , whether you have flu-like symptoms or COVID-19 or you 're totally asymptomatic , we are not allowing any moms to use nitrous oxide , which is an inhaled gas to reduce labor pain .
Instead , we are keeping the option of epidurals and spinals and IV and intramuscular pain medications .
Inhaled things are not being used for pain control because of the possible COVID transmission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing minute to minute , so it 's really important that we are using the science and the data that we 're learning to inform our clinical care in real time .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Wedding goes on -- by livestream -- for St. Viator sweethearts


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Could the NHL be playing in July and August? It's being considered.

It 's apparently something the NHL is considering after holding a conference call with general managers Tuesday .
There is talk about completing the regular season , having a postseason and then beginning the 2020-21 campaign in November .
Let 's go over some of the main issues facing the league as it mulls over these decisions in the wake of coronavirus : • Ice quality .
Hot and humid conditions make for awful ice conditions .
Imagine what the surfaces will be like in Tampa Bay , Florida , Las Vegas , Dallas and Nashville .
Heck , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chicago , St. Louis and Minnesota too .
The Athletic 's Pierre LeBrun believes arenas can pull it off , however , pointing out that the Stanley Cup Final is played every June .
• Off-season issues .
The official start to every season begins July 1 , meaning a legal hurdle must be cleared so that contracts of unrestricted free agents do not expire .
Free agency could open a week after the Stanley Cup Final , and the league figures to hold the draft shortly thereafter .
• It really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Perhaps extend the playoff field a bit by creating some play-in games .
Then shorten the first two rounds to best-of-5s .
If you do this and you schedule series so that teams play every other day , the postseason should end no later than Aug. 22 .
• Let 's assume for a second that all of this happens .
Beginning the 2020-21 season in November is n't exactly ideal .
Most teams play 10 to 12 games in October , which means -- assuming everyone is slated to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to squeeze things into a much tighter window .
The NHL can solve this by doing three things : Remove each team 's off week ; cancel the All-Star Game ; and extend the season 7 to10 days .

Could the NHL be playing in July and August? It's being considered.
The NHL is considering resuming the season and playing games into July and August. Nothing has been announced officially. Associated Press
Hockey in July? And August?
It's apparently something the NHL is considering after holding a conference call with general managers Tuesday.
There is talk about completing the regular season, having a postseason and then beginning the 2020-21 campaign in November.
Let's go over some of the main issues facing the league as it mulls over these decisions in the wake of coronavirus:
• Ice quality. Hot and humid conditions make for awful ice conditions. Imagine what the surfaces will be like in Tampa Bay, Florida, Las Vegas, Dallas and Nashville. Heck, we all know how brutal summers can be in Chicago, St. Louis and Minnesota too.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun believes arenas can pull it off, however, pointing out that the Stanley Cup Final is played every June.
• Off-season issues. The official start to every season begins July 1, meaning a legal hurdle must be cleared so that contracts of unrestricted free agents do not expire.
Free agency could open a week after the Stanley Cup Final, and the league figures to hold the draft shortly thereafter.
• It really makes no sense to restart the regular season. Perhaps extend the playoff field a bit by creating some play-in games. Then shorten the first two rounds to best-of-5s. If you do this and you schedule series so that teams play every other day, the postseason should end no later than Aug. 22.
• Let's assume for a second that all of this happens. Beginning the 2020-21 season in November isn't exactly ideal.
Most teams play 10 to 12 games in October, which means -- assuming everyone is slated to play 82 games -- you're going to have to squeeze things into a much tighter window. The NHL can solve this by doing three things: Remove each team's off week; cancel the All-Star Game; and extend the season 7 to10 days.
• Twitter @johndietzdh


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--'Contentious' Facebook post sparks policy debate in Palatine Township

Palatine Township officials are calling for a township social media policy after what some say was a questionable reference to the coronavirus posted by Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson on the government 's official Facebook page .
Township officials addressed social media guidelines in a teleconference meeting this week , the first gathering since Langlotz-Johnson 's Facebook message .
`` Palatine Township will not today , or any day , close our doors over the hysteria of the Coronavirus , '' Langlotz-Johnson wrote about two weeks ago .
`` We know people will need even more assistance because of businesses closing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to eat , etc .
`` We only ask people to use common sense at all times .
Wash your hands , cover your mouth and nose to sneeze or cough , and if you do not feel well , do not come to Palatine Township .
The 'KISS ' method works best .
Keep it simple s -- -- - . ''
Highway Commissioner Aaron Del Mar and Clerk Lisa Moran criticized Langlotz-Johnson 's phrasing in calling for a policy .
Moran said the message was `` contentious '' and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the COVID-19 pandemic to be hysteria .
The post should not have contained the `` KISS '' principle , she added .
But Langlotz-Johnson said her duties as supervisor include communicating with the public , including over the township Facebook page and website .
She said there was nothing wrong with the coronavirus message , which she deleted because of the trolling and `` very inappropriate '' comments it attracted .
`` There are a lot of policies that come forth from trustees on a regular basis , '' Langlotz-Johnson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do not .
Mostly , I do not agree with the ones that tie my hands to do my job . ''
Trustee Bill Pohlman declined to comment on the post in question but said it 's time for the township to have formal guidelines for its social media channels .
The township 's posts should have a unified message , not individual opinion , he said .
`` We 've got policies for how to put stuff up on the website , '' Pohlman said .
`` We have policies on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or writing into the township .
There 's step-by-step policies on how to handle that .
But there 's really nothing on social media .
That 's something we 're going to have to address , is really what it comes down to . ''
Del Mar said Langlotz-Johnson 's coronavirus post on township social media gave the appearance that all officials agreed with it .
`` When the supervisor or anybody ... unilaterally decides to start posting comments , those comments either should say , 'This only reflects the view of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' or it should be viewed and approved by all the elected officials because it represents all of us , '' Del Mar said .
Langlotz-Johnson , a former police officer and township trustee who was elected supervisor in April 2013 , said she believes in calling it as she sees it .
`` I 'm not someone who minces words and you know where I stand , '' she said .
`` That is the one thing that people have respect for me for , is people know exactly where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't fabricate .
I do n't make things up .
I do n't exaggerate .
This is the way it is and this is who I am and this is how I feel and people know it . ''

'Contentious' Facebook post sparks policy debate in Palatine Township
Palatine Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson stands by a post on the coronavirus she made about two weeks ago on the government's official Facebook page.
Palatine Township trustees and other officials are calling for a township social media policy in the wake of this post Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson on the government's official Facebook page. Some township officials are criticizing Langlotz-Johnson for the post. Screen grab
Palatine Township officials are calling for a township social media policy after what some say was a questionable reference to the coronavirus posted by Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson on the government's official Facebook page.
Township officials addressed social media guidelines in a teleconference meeting this week, the first gathering since Langlotz-Johnson's Facebook message.
"Palatine Township will not today, or any day, close our doors over the hysteria of the Coronavirus," Langlotz-Johnson wrote about two weeks ago. "We know people will need even more assistance because of businesses closing, people staying home from shopping, going out to eat, etc.
"We only ask people to use common sense at all times. Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose to sneeze or cough, and if you do not feel well, do not come to Palatine Township. The 'KISS' method works best. Keep it simple s-----."
Highway Commissioner Aaron Del Mar and Clerk Lisa Moran criticized Langlotz-Johnson's phrasing in calling for a policy.
Moran said the message was "contentious" and she hasn't found the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be hysteria. The post should not have contained the "KISS" principle, she added.
But Langlotz-Johnson said her duties as supervisor include communicating with the public, including over the township Facebook page and website. She said there was nothing wrong with the coronavirus message, which she deleted because of the trolling and "very inappropriate" comments it attracted.
"There are a lot of policies that come forth from trustees on a regular basis," Langlotz-Johnson said. "Some I agree with, some I do not. Mostly, I do not agree with the ones that tie my hands to do my job."
Trustee Bill Pohlman declined to comment on the post in question but said it's time for the township to have formal guidelines for its social media channels. The township's posts should have a unified message, not individual opinion, he said.
"We've got policies for how to put stuff up on the website," Pohlman said. "We have policies on how to handle disgruntled people calling into or writing into the township. There's step-by-step policies on how to handle that. But there's really nothing on social media. That's something we're going to have to address, is really what it comes down to."
Del Mar said Langlotz-Johnson's coronavirus post on township social media gave the appearance that all officials agreed with it.
"When the supervisor or anybody ... unilaterally decides to start posting comments, those comments either should say, 'This only reflects the view of this elected official and not all of us,' or it should be viewed and approved by all the elected officials because it represents all of us," Del Mar said.
Langlotz-Johnson, a former police officer and township trustee who was elected supervisor in April 2013, said she believes in calling it as she sees it.
"I'm not someone who minces words and you know where I stand," she said. "That is the one thing that people have respect for me for, is people know exactly where I stand. I don't lie. I don't fabricate. I don't make things up. I don't exaggerate. This is the way it is and this is who I am and this is how I feel and people know it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Suburban crafters making masks to help in fight with coronavirus pandemic


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Martini lounge planned for former Ram restaurant site in Schaumburg


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--George Lemperis keeps things lively at Palace Grill

It normally begins with a 10:30 a.m. skate and it is n't over until driving home after midnight .
Those who cover Blackhawks games are lucky , though , because the middle of the day is often filled with good food , amazing coffee , plenty of laughter and a chance to see our good friends at the Palace Grill .
It 's a tradition that goes back to when Tim Sassone was covering the Hawks for The Daily Herald until his untimely death in March 2014 .
When I got on the beat in 2015 and asked where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was no question : The Palace .
The restaurant , located just a few blocks east of the United Center , is owned by perhaps the biggest Hawks fan on the planet in George Lemperis .
The 61-year-old Lane Tech graduate has been in charge since 1979 .
You 've never met anybody like George .
He 's loud , boisterous , engaging , thoughtful , extremely generous and one of the best damn joke tellers in the world .
In fact , George is so good that he 's hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace .
George tells the jokes while his patrons howl -- and sometimes cringe -- at the adult-only humor .
There is n't a whole lot of laughter at the Palace of late , however , with the coronavirus crushing small business owners all over the country .
George is doing his best to keep the Palace afloat by offering takeout service and delivering within a 3-mile radius .
`` My biggest concern are my employees , '' George said recently .
`` You 've got all these people that work in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
... '' If I do n't flip eggs and I do n't sell cheeseburgers , my employees do n't make any money .
I do n't care about me .
I will be OK .
The whole thing is my employees .
The reality is I need my employees to be safe .
I want them to be safe . ''
The Palace is like a shrine to the Hawks , with beautiful framed jerseys of Jonathan Toews , Patrick Kane , Stan Mikita , Denis Savard and Jeremy Roenick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of which include George with the Stanley Cup from when the Hawks brought it by during their championship seasons .
With laughter in short supply these days , it 's time to tell some of the classic stories from a restaurant that 's been open since 1938 .
So , sit back and enjoy as we let George talk about how the Palace became a Hawks haven , how Chris Chelios once basically wrecked the place and how it 's an honor and a privilege to find a knife in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Knife rental , $ 25 . ''
George has always been a huge Blackhawks fan .
But it was n't until he befriended John `` Spider '' Webb in 1980 that players began regularly showing up at the Palace .
Webb was in charge of the crew that transitioned the Stadium from hockey to basketball , and vice versa .
One day Webb brought Keith Magnuson in for a meal .
Then Denis Savard showed up .
Then another player .
And another and another .
Before long , George was golfing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Roenick , and he found himself attending more and more games .
`` From that point on it became like a love affair , '' George says .
Despite that fact , however , the Palace 's inside walls remained heavily decorated with Bulls memorabilia from the 1990s title teams .
`` Nobody was a Blackhawk fan , '' George said of the early 2000s .
Things began to change in 2008 as the Hawks started to improve and a new era of stars arrived .
`` At one point there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George said .
`` Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were rookies .
Kane would come in at age 18 and order a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake .
That 's before I became friends with his father .
They 'd come in and nobody knew who they were . ''
During the 2009-10 season , the Hawks produced a five-minute video of Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd going to practice at Johnny 's IceHouse East and then making the 151-foot drive to the Palace to have lunch .
They sat down at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their food and started chatting up the customers .
Versteeg looks past Ladd to a young fan wearing a Toews jersey and says : `` Did you hear Tazer hates dogs , children and old people ? ''
`` Not a very good role model , '' Ladd says before taking a large bite out of his `` heartstopper '' burger .
It 's a perfect snapshot of the Palace -- a place to joke around and laugh , and never take yourself too seriously .
Moments later , Versteeg and Ladd jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each and delivered them to customers .
They then announced that the Hawks were picking up the tab for everyone 's meal .
`` That 's when things really , really took off , '' George said .
After the Blackhawks were beaten 2-1 in overtime in Game 5 of the 1995 conference finals by the Detroit Red Wings , most of the team went straight from the airport to Chelios ' bar .
Hours later , someone had a thought : Hey , let 's go to the Palace and have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did .
George arrived at about 4:30 a.m. to begin his day and noticed cars and trucks parked everywhere , even on the sidewalk .
`` I said , 'What the ( heck ) is this ? ''
George recalled .
`` Then I go into the restaurant and just about the whole Chicago Blackhawk hockey team was there .
Chris Chelios was behind the counter and he was cooking breakfast for everybody ... Jeremy Roenick , Eddie Belfour , Steve Smith .
Unbelievable .
Unbelievable morning . ''
Now , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did they get in ?
As it happened , one of George 's employees could n't sleep that night and was there when the players arrived .
They knocked , he opened and the rest is history .
`` I walked into an absolute ( freaking ) mess , '' George says .
`` That was a really great moment and a really great time . ''
If you 've been tied up at the Palace , consider yourself part of the family .
Because George needs to know you can take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better part of two decades , Ricardo Contreras -- one of George 's longtime employees -- wraps twine through an unsuspecting customer 's chair .
Then around their belt .
Back through the chair .
And he ties it into multiple knots .
All while you 're eating and talking , most likely to George !
Hall of Fame announcer Mike `` Doc '' Emrick 's has been victimized .
As has Kane 's father .
And Toews ' father .
As for yours truly ?
Yep , it 's happened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a knife near them with a sign that reads : `` Knife rental , $ 25 . ''
`` And on the weekend it 's 50 bucks , '' George points out .
There are dozens of good stories , including one where six writers were tied up at once .
Emrick was spared that day , though , because he had sweatpants on .
With great gusto , George then tells about the time Ricky got Toews ' dad .
`` Bryan Toews had never been tied before , '' George said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'You 've got to tie Bryan up . '
So we tied Bryan up and I go , 'We got him ! '
`` But Pat did n't realize that he was tied up at the same time .
... Bryan Toews was laughing like you 've never laughed in your life before .
He was pounding the table .
`` But he had no idea that he was tied up too .
So a little while later , when he went to get up , he was tied to the table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just so funny . ''
On March 11 , Emrick , who beat prostate cancer in 1991 , treated six writers to his annual Cancer Survivors Lunch .
It 's a particularly special day for George as well as he beat cancer in 2006. Business was already down 25 percent at that point and the next day the NHL announced the suspension of its season .
Then Gov .
J.B. Pritzker limited restaurants to carryout service only .
Now , it 's eerily quiet inside the Palace .
`` At this point I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shutdown of the NHL , '' George said .
The Palace has been in operation for 82 years and George hopes a federal relief package will help it continue into the decades to come .
`` I will try to get everything that I can get , '' said George , who is posting weekly specials on his Facebook page .
`` Business started falling off the first of March and it got significantly less as time went on .
`` I do n't know .
I 'm hoping to survive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will tell you it 's a huge hit . ''

George Lemperis keeps things lively at Palace Grill
Palace Grill owner George Lemperis, center, with his media pals, from left, Mark Lazerus, Mike "Doc" Emrick, Chris Kuc and former Daily Herald Blackhawks beat writer Tim Sassone in 2013. Courtesy George Lemperis
Patrick Kane Sr. (with his back to the camera) and Bryan Toews are tied to their chairs at the Palace Grill. courtesy George Lemperis
Brandon Cain, Tracey Myers, Chris Kuc, Palace owner George Lemperis, John Dietz, Mike "Doc" Emrick and Scott King dig in March 11 at the Palace Grill near the United Center. Emrick, a prostate cancer survivor, treated the group during his annual Cancer Survivors lunch. The next day the NHL would suspend its season due to coronavirus. Courtesy of Scott King
Covering a hockey game means a 14-hour day for some reporters.
It normally begins with a 10:30 a.m. skate and it isn't over until driving home after midnight.
Those who cover Blackhawks games are lucky, though, because the middle of the day is often filled with good food, amazing coffee, plenty of laughter and a chance to see our good friends at the Palace Grill.
It's a tradition that goes back to when Tim Sassone was covering the Hawks for The Daily Herald until his untimely death in March 2014. When I got on the beat in 2015 and asked where the best place to go for lunch was, there was no question: The Palace.
The restaurant, located just a few blocks east of the United Center, is owned by perhaps the biggest Hawks fan on the planet in George Lemperis. The 61-year-old Lane Tech graduate has been in charge since 1979.
You've never met anybody like George. He's loud, boisterous, engaging, thoughtful, extremely generous and one of the best damn joke tellers in the world. In fact, George is so good that he's hosted a couple stand-up comedy nights at the Palace. George tells the jokes while his patrons howl -- and sometimes cringe -- at the adult-only humor.
There isn't a whole lot of laughter at the Palace of late, however, with the coronavirus crushing small business owners all over the country. George is doing his best to keep the Palace afloat by offering takeout service and delivering within a 3-mile radius.
"My biggest concern are my employees," George said recently. "You've got all these people that work in these offices who are able to work from home. ...
"If I don't flip eggs and I don't sell cheeseburgers, my employees don't make any money. I don't care about me. I will be OK. The whole thing is my employees. The reality is I need my employees to be safe. I want them to be safe."
The Palace is like a shrine to the Hawks, with beautiful framed jerseys of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Stan Mikita, Denis Savard and Jeremy Roenick. There are also dozens of photos, some of which include George with the Stanley Cup from when the Hawks brought it by during their championship seasons.
With laughter in short supply these days, it's time to tell some of the classic stories from a restaurant that's been open since 1938. So, sit back and enjoy as we let George talk about how the Palace became a Hawks haven, how Chris Chelios once basically wrecked the place and how it's an honor and a privilege to find a knife in front of you with a sign that reads: "Knife rental, $25."
Hawks hangout
George has always been a huge Blackhawks fan. But it wasn't until he befriended John "Spider" Webb in 1980 that players began regularly showing up at the Palace.
Webb was in charge of the crew that transitioned the Stadium from hockey to basketball, and vice versa. One day Webb brought Keith Magnuson in for a meal. Then Denis Savard showed up. Then another player. And another and another.
Before long, George was golfing and going out to bars with Chelios and Roenick, and he found himself attending more and more games.
"From that point on it became like a love affair," George says.
Despite that fact, however, the Palace's inside walls remained heavily decorated with Bulls memorabilia from the 1990s title teams.
"Nobody was a Blackhawk fan," George said of the early 2000s.
Things began to change in 2008 as the Hawks started to improve and a new era of stars arrived.
"At one point there were 15 of them sitting there," George said. "Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were rookies. Kane would come in at age 18 and order a cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. That's before I became friends with his father. They'd come in and nobody knew who they were."
During the 2009-10 season, the Hawks produced a five-minute video of Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd going to practice at Johnny's IceHouse East and then making the 151-foot drive to the Palace to have lunch.
They sat down at the counter -- in full uniform -- ordered their food and started chatting up the customers. Versteeg looks past Ladd to a young fan wearing a Toews jersey and says: "Did you hear Tazer hates dogs, children and old people?"
"Not a very good role model," Ladd says before taking a large bite out of his "heartstopper" burger.
It's a perfect snapshot of the Palace -- a place to joke around and laugh, and never take yourself too seriously.
Moments later, Versteeg and Ladd jumped over the counter, grabbed two plates each and delivered them to customers. They then announced that the Hawks were picking up the tab for everyone's meal.
"That's when things really, really took off," George said.
Morning, George!
After the Blackhawks were beaten 2-1 in overtime in Game 5 of the 1995 conference finals by the Detroit Red Wings, most of the team went straight from the airport to Chelios' bar. Hours later, someone had a thought: Hey, let's go to the Palace and have some breakfast.
So that's exactly what they did. George arrived at about 4:30 a.m. to begin his day and noticed cars and trucks parked everywhere, even on the sidewalk.
"I said, 'What the (heck) is this?" George recalled. "Then I go into the restaurant and just about the whole Chicago Blackhawk hockey team was there. Chris Chelios was behind the counter and he was cooking breakfast for everybody ... Jeremy Roenick, Eddie Belfour, Steve Smith. Unbelievable. Unbelievable morning."
Now, you might be wondering: How the heck did they get in?
As it happened, one of George's employees couldn't sleep that night and was there when the players arrived. They knocked, he opened and the rest is history.
"I walked into an absolute (freaking) mess," George says. "That was a really great moment and a really great time."
$25 for a knife?
If you've been tied up at the Palace, consider yourself part of the family. Because George needs to know you can take a joke.
Let's explain: For the better part of two decades, Ricardo Contreras -- one of George's longtime employees -- wraps twine through an unsuspecting customer's chair. Then around their belt. Back through the chair. And he ties it into multiple knots.
All while you're eating and talking, most likely to George!
Hall of Fame announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick's has been victimized. As has Kane's father. And Toews' father.
As for yours truly? Yep, it's happened to me too.
The victim then finds a knife near them with a sign that reads: "Knife rental, $25."
"And on the weekend it's 50 bucks," George points out.
There are dozens of good stories, including one where six writers were tied up at once. Emrick was spared that day, though, because he had sweatpants on.
With great gusto, George then tells about the time Ricky got Toews' dad.
"Bryan Toews had never been tied before," George said. "One day Mr. Kane said, 'You've got to tie Bryan up.' So we tied Bryan up and I go, 'We got him!'
"But Pat didn't realize that he was tied up at the same time. ... Bryan Toews was laughing like you've never laughed in your life before. He was pounding the table.
"But he had no idea that he was tied up too. So a little while later, when he went to get up, he was tied to the table. It was epic. It was just so funny."
What now?
On March 11, Emrick, who beat prostate cancer in 1991, treated six writers to his annual Cancer Survivors Lunch. It's a particularly special day for George as well as he beat cancer in 2006.
Business was already down 25 percent at that point and the next day the NHL announced the suspension of its season. Then Gov. J.B. Pritzker limited restaurants to carryout service only.
Now, it's eerily quiet inside the Palace.
"At this point I would give anything if it was just the shutdown of the NHL," George said.
The Palace has been in operation for 82 years and George hopes a federal relief package will help it continue into the decades to come.
"I will try to get everything that I can get," said George, who is posting weekly specials on his Facebook page. "Business started falling off the first of March and it got significantly less as time went on.
"I don't know. I'm hoping to survive. I'm expecting to survive. But I will tell you it's a huge hit."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-25--Body of 50-year-old woman found in a Fox Lake channel

The body of a 50-year-old woman found Tuesday in a channel on Fox Lake has been identified as a local resident , according to Police Chief Jimmy Lee .
Cheryl Skinner lived with her family in the village of Fox Lake .
Her body was found in water near her house by a few fishermen , Lee said .
Police received a call about the body at 12:14 p.m. and responded immediately , Lee said .
`` She was last seen by her family the evening before , '' Lee said .
`` Her husband got up early in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Skinner 's death is under investigation as detectives wait for the results of an autopsy scheduled for today , he said .
The cause of death remains unknown , but Lee said the water in the channel was deep enough that she could have drowned .
`` When the divers went in to get her out , they were n't standing on the bottom ... so it was deep , '' he said .
`` Nobody 's in custody , nobody 's a suspect until we know what happened , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been an accidental death . ''
Initial indications did not show any signs of trauma prior to death , he said .
After speaking with the family , Lee said police learned Skinner frequently took walks near the channel in the morning .
Police will provide more information after the autopsy , Lee said .

Body of 50-year-old woman found in a Fox Lake channel
The body of a 50-year-old woman found Tuesday in a channel on Fox Lake has been identified as a local resident, according to Police Chief Jimmy Lee.
Cheryl Skinner lived with her family in the village of Fox Lake. Her body was found in water near her house by a few fishermen, Lee said.
Police received a call about the body at 12:14 p.m. and responded immediately, Lee said.
"She was last seen by her family the evening before," Lee said. "Her husband got up early in the morning and left to go to work."
The Lake County Coroner's Office found water in Skinner's lungs, which Lee said indicates she drowned.
"They hadn't seen any obvious signs of any trauma like if she got hit in the head or hit her head falling or tripping or anything," Lee said. "So that's interesting."
Skinner's death is under investigation as detectives wait for results of toxicology tests conducted by the coroner's office, he said.
The official cause of death cannot yet be confirmed, but Lee said water in the channel was deep enough that her drowning could have been a tragic accident.
"It sounds like a tragedy that happened and we'll try our best to figure out why it happened," he added.
Detectives will be in the neighborhood conducting routine interviews with Skinner's family and neighbors in coming days, Lee said.
"The family was, of course, very upset and shocked," Lee said. "There was a son there but he was asleep at the time."
After speaking with the family, Lee said police learned Skinner frequently took walks near the channel in the morning.
Police will provide further information once an official cause of death is determined.