dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--'The right thing to do': Suburban weddings canceled because of coronavirus

Invitations were sent .
Vendors were secured .
A wedding dress was purchased in India .
A guest list of more than 450 was taking shape .
All the details were falling into place for Nate Miller and his fiancee , Harjot Sangha , who planned to get married April 25 at a gurdwara in Palatine .
The traditional Punjabi Sikh ceremony was expected to be followed by a reception at a Downers Grove banquet hall , culminating a daylong celebration that required months of preparation .
Then less than two weeks ago , as fears of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Australia asking if the wedding was still on .
At first , Miller and Sangha replied with a confident `` yes . ''
But by March 15 -- just a few days later -- they knew they would have to cancel .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker banned gatherings of more than 50 people the next day , prompting the cancellation of weddings and other momentous occasions statewide .
But Miller and Sangha were among the suburban couples who had been grappling with the decision not because of a mandate but out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends .
`` It 's a tough time for everyone , obviously .
The most important thing is keeping everyone healthy and doing our part , '' Miller said .
`` As hard as it is to have to cancel , we knew it was the right thing to do . ''
The situation is having a severe impact on banquet halls such as The Seville in Streamwood , which is operating with a skeleton crew for the next several weeks as large events are forced to shut down , owner Ganesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great uncertainty , he said , the venue 's top priority is ensuring all customers for the next couple of months are accommodated -- especially brides and grooms .
With wedding venues typically booked a year in advance , couples have been understandably emotional as they call to reschedule for later this year , or even into 2021 , Subramanian said .
Finding an available date on the venue 's calendar that works for everyone can be tricky , he said , but `` we are trying our best . ''
Those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also face frustrations as they try to predict how long the pandemic will last .
`` For the people who have planned their weddings now , I feel so sorry for each of them , '' Subramanian said .
`` The next ( few ) weeks are going to be so critical to have more clarity . ''
That sense of uncertainty remains for Miller and Sangha , soon-to-be Barrington residents who are still hoping to hold an intimate ceremony April 25 in front of a small group of loved ones .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic blows over .
But if a stay-at-home order extends into late next month , Miller said , their plans to officially tie the knot also might be postponed .
For Lake Zurich resident Nina Pece and her fiance , Justin Greenhalgh , the decision to put off their March 28 wedding until September was made before any official government mandate .
As the number of coronavirus cases increased nationwide this month , the couple reached out to their vendors and started considering the severity of the situation .
Already `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were most at risk , Pece said , they realized the most responsible move would be to postpone their special day until it was safe for all their loved ones to enjoy it .
Though it was necessary , Pece said , it was n't an easy call .
`` We had everything done .
Everything was ready to go , '' she said .
`` I 'm sad .
This is your childhood dream to get married , and I respect why we have to do it , but it still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new set of challenges , Pece said .
Though their venue , the Bartlett Hills Golf Club , has been extremely accommodating , some other vendors had scheduling conflicts with their September date , she said .
And extra time and money will have to go into sending new invitations and creating a new set of programs .
But Pece and Greenhalgh are trying to think of the positives : September will be a beautiful time of year for a wedding , their family and friends will still be there to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer be a global pandemic .
`` We need to do what 's best for us and our families , '' she said .
`` We need to help flatten the curve . ''

'The right thing to do': Suburban weddings canceled because of coronavirus
March 28 no longer has the same meaning for Nina Pece and Justin Greenhalgh, whose wedding next weekend has been postponed to September because of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of JPP Studios
Lake Zurich resident Nina Pece and her fiance, Justin Greenhalgh, had to postpone their March 28 wedding until September because of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of JPP Studios
Nate Miller and Harjot Sangha had to cancel their April 25 wedding reception because of the coronavirus pandemic. Courtesy of Nate Miller
Invitations were sent. Vendors were secured. A wedding dress was purchased in India. A guest list of more than 450 was taking shape.
All the details were falling into place for Nate Miller and his fiancee, Harjot Sangha, who planned to get married April 25 at a gurdwara in Palatine. The traditional Punjabi Sikh ceremony was expected to be followed by a reception at a Downers Grove banquet hall, culminating a daylong celebration that required months of preparation.
Then less than two weeks ago, as fears of the coronavirus pandemic escalated worldwide, Sangha's cousin called from Australia asking if the wedding was still on.
At first, Miller and Sangha replied with a confident "yes." But by March 15 -- just a few days later -- they knew they would have to cancel.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker banned gatherings of more than 50 people the next day, prompting the cancellation of weddings and other momentous occasions statewide. But Miller and Sangha were among the suburban couples who had been grappling with the decision not because of a mandate but out of concerns for the safety of their family and friends.
"It's a tough time for everyone, obviously. The most important thing is keeping everyone healthy and doing our part," Miller said. "As hard as it is to have to cancel, we knew it was the right thing to do."
The situation is having a severe impact on banquet halls such as The Seville in Streamwood, which is operating with a skeleton crew for the next several weeks as large events are forced to shut down, owner Ganesh Subramanian said.
In a time of great uncertainty, he said, the venue's top priority is ensuring all customers for the next couple of months are accommodated -- especially brides and grooms.
With wedding venues typically booked a year in advance, couples have been understandably emotional as they call to reschedule for later this year, or even into 2021, Subramanian said. Finding an available date on the venue's calendar that works for everyone can be tricky, he said, but "we are trying our best."
Those with weddings planned for later in the spring also face frustrations as they try to predict how long the pandemic will last.
"For the people who have planned their weddings now, I feel so sorry for each of them," Subramanian said. "The next (few) weeks are going to be so critical to have more clarity."
That sense of uncertainty remains for Miller and Sangha, soon-to-be Barrington residents who are still hoping to hold an intimate ceremony April 25 in front of a small group of loved ones.
The couple are putting off their reception until the coronavirus pandemic blows over. But if a stay-at-home order extends into late next month, Miller said, their plans to officially tie the knot also might be postponed.
For Lake Zurich resident Nina Pece and her fiance, Justin Greenhalgh, the decision to put off their March 28 wedding until September was made before any official government mandate.
As the number of coronavirus cases increased nationwide this month, the couple reached out to their vendors and started considering the severity of the situation. Already "sick with worry" for their guests who were most at risk, Pece said, they realized the most responsible move would be to postpone their special day until it was safe for all their loved ones to enjoy it.
Though it was necessary, Pece said, it wasn't an easy call.
"We had everything done. Everything was ready to go," she said. "I'm sad. This is your childhood dream to get married, and I respect why we have to do it, but it still hurts."
Rescheduling also comes with a new set of challenges, Pece said. Though their venue, the Bartlett Hills Golf Club, has been extremely accommodating, some other vendors had scheduling conflicts with their September date, she said. And extra time and money will have to go into sending new invitations and creating a new set of programs.
But Pece and Greenhalgh are trying to think of the positives: September will be a beautiful time of year for a wedding, their family and friends will still be there to celebrate, and hopefully, the coronavirus will no longer be a global pandemic.
"We need to do what's best for us and our families," she said. "We need to help flatten the curve."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Aurora Police Department employee tests positive for COVID-19

A member of the Aurora Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19 , but is feeling well and expected to @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
It is the department 's first confirmed case involving one of its @ @ @ @ @ about the case , officials said the person is a member of the department 's @ @ @ @ @ ill March 17 and went home to seek medical treatment .
As directed by health @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantined at home while awaiting results of a COVID-19 test .
City officials say they @ @ @ @ @ Health Department late Saturday that the result was positive .
The employee is not a @ @ @ @ @ to the city .
A thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the involved employee 's work @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
The police epartment will continue to monitor the health of its workforce @ @ @ @ @ and will act swiftly should anyone exhibit symptoms of the virus , city officials said @

Aurora Police Department employee tests positive for COVID-19
A member of the Aurora Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19, but is feeling well and expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
It is the department's first confirmed case involving one of its employees.
In a statement about the case, officials said the person is a member of the department's supervisory staff who began feeling ill March 17 and went home to seek medical treatment.
As directed by health officials, the staff member self-quarantined at home while awaiting results of a COVID-19 test. City officials say they learned from the Kendall County Health Department late Saturday that the result was positive.
The employee is not a resident of Aurora, according to the city.
A thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the involved employee's work area has been completed, officials said.
The police epartment will continue to monitor the health of its workforce and workspaces in all facilities and will act swiftly should anyone exhibit symptoms of the virus, city officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Rozner: It's a Bear market everywhere you look

I confess to being a CNBC addict , among my many other bad habits , like golf , watching 1980s-era hockey on YouTube , consuming any video of Walter Payton or Michael Jordan and binge-watching documentaries .
By the way , if you 've got 4 hours to spare , the Peter Bogdanovich epic on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is worth every minute .
You ca n't tell me you do n't have 4 hours to spare while locked in your living quarters .
Anyway , I 've been amazed by the market cheerleading on all the business channels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parabolic move up that made little sense given poor fundamentals , increasingly decoupled from absurd valuations .
While a few experts flashed warning signs , most just gave us , `` Buy , buy , buy . ''
Government debt is soaring and corporate debt has never been higher , but with the Federal Reserve lowering rates and raising its balance sheet with quantitative easing -- or however they disguised it -- huge corporations bought back stock .
Some of them now need bailouts .
The Fed went into the business of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing its job , and so every market temper tantrum when the Fed tightened or lowered its balance sheet was followed quickly with a Fed response to keep the markets happy .
Money was cheap .
And any time the S & P went down , mostly what you heard was , `` Buy the dip . ''
Buy the dip .
Buy the dip .
Buy the dip .
There could never be another recession .
The markets will never go down .
Rah , rah , rah .
And in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overbought market that was doomed to sink .
If it had n't been the coronavirus , a massive market correction was nevertheless inevitable and the likely result of an exogenous event .
When the S & P dropped to 3,300 , it was buy the dip .
When it was down 5 percent , it was the greatest buying opportunity ever .
And with every percent down , it was followed by , `` Buy the dip . ''
And now we 're down 32 percent from the S & P highs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhere in the next few days or weeks or months -- maybe it 's right now for all anyone knows -- there will hopefully be a tremendous opportunity to rebalance your 401 ( k ) , but for weeks they 've been telling you to catch a falling knife .
And now many of the same analysts are saying you better wait for it to drop another 10 or 15 percent .
They 're not all guilty to be sure , but plenty are forgetting everything they said about how history and technicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charts are always right .
Until they 're wrong .
Gamblers know the trend is your friend -- until it 's not .
Speaking of Bear markets , it 's reminiscent of all the pompoms for Ryan Pace and Mitch Trubisky , and so many of Pace 's awful draft picks .
The man could do no wrong .
And six years into the Ryan Pace Rebuild , the GM has been wrong about so much , and so have those who led the cheers .
After parabolic enthusiasm , on the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy the dip , buy the dip .
Now , most have turned against Pace , and think he 's on the way out unless the Bears reach the Super Bowl next season .
As in , wait for another 10 percent down .
Perhaps , this is good news for Pace and Trubisky .
So many have been so wrong for so long , and now most have abandoned the GM and QB .
History tells us it 's unlikely .
Then again , the technicals and charts are always right -- @ @ @ @ @

Rozner: It's a Bear market everywhere you look
The S&P has crashed like the market for the Bears' Ryan Pace (pictured) and Mitch Trubisky. The charts are always right -- until they're not. Daily Herald File Photo
I confess to being a CNBC addict, among my many other bad habits, like golf, watching 1980s-era hockey on YouTube, consuming any video of Walter Payton or Michael Jordan and binge-watching documentaries.
By the way, if you've got 4 hours to spare, the Peter Bogdanovich epic on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is worth every minute.
You can't tell me you don't have 4 hours to spare while locked in your living quarters.
Anyway, I've been amazed by the market cheerleading on all the business channels the last two years, even with a parabolic move up that made little sense given poor fundamentals, increasingly decoupled from absurd valuations.
While a few experts flashed warning signs, most just gave us, "Buy, buy, buy."
Government debt is soaring and corporate debt has never been higher, but with the Federal Reserve lowering rates and raising its balance sheet with quantitative easing -- or however they disguised it -- huge corporations bought back stock.
Some of them now need bailouts.
The Fed went into the business of trying to prevent a recession instead of doing its job, and so every market temper tantrum when the Fed tightened or lowered its balance sheet was followed quickly with a Fed response to keep the markets happy.
Money was cheap. And any time the S&P went down, mostly what you heard was, "Buy the dip."
Buy the dip. Buy the dip. Buy the dip.
There could never be another recession. The markets will never go down. Rah, rah, rah.
And in the process the Fed helped create this massively overbought market that was doomed to sink. If it hadn't been the coronavirus, a massive market correction was nevertheless inevitable and the likely result of an exogenous event.
When the S&P dropped to 3,300, it was buy the dip. When it was down 5 percent, it was the greatest buying opportunity ever. And with every percent down, it was followed by, "Buy the dip."
And now we're down 32 percent from the S&P highs.
Don't mistake my point, because somewhere in the next few days or weeks or months -- maybe it's right now for all anyone knows -- there will hopefully be a tremendous opportunity to rebalance your 401(k), but for weeks they've been telling you to catch a falling knife.
And now many of the same analysts are saying you better wait for it to drop another 10 or 15 percent.
They're not all guilty to be sure, but plenty are forgetting everything they said about how history and technicals tell us a story, and the charts are always right. Until they're wrong.
Gamblers know the trend is your friend -- until it's not.
Speaking of Bear markets, it's reminiscent of all the pompoms for Ryan Pace and Mitch Trubisky, and so many of Pace's awful draft picks.
The man could do no wrong. And six years into the Ryan Pace Rebuild, the GM has been wrong about so much, and so have those who led the cheers.
After parabolic enthusiasm, on the way down it was buy the dip, buy the dip, buy the dip.
Now, most have turned against Pace, and think he's on the way out unless the Bears reach the Super Bowl next season.
As in, wait for another 10 percent down.
Perhaps, this is good news for Pace and Trubisky. So many have been so wrong for so long, and now most have abandoned the GM and QB.
Is a bounce coming?
History tells us it's unlikely. Then again, the technicals and charts are always right -- until they're not.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Clubhouse Chatter: 3 favorite sports movies?

What our columnists and sports writers have to say as they wait for the games to resume .
What are @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` Hoosiers , '' `` The Pride of the Yankees , '' `` The @ @ @ @ @ , '' `` A League of Their Own , '' `` Slap Shot '' '' @ @ @ @ @ The Pride of the Yankees , '' `` Brian 's Song '' '' Hoosiers , @ @ @ @ @ , '' `` A League of Their Own '' '' The Natural , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ `` The Longest Yard ( 1974 ) ''

Clubhouse Chatter: 3 favorite sports movies?
What our columnists and sports writers have to say as they wait for the games to resume.
What are your three favorite sports movies?
"Hoosiers," "The Pride of the Yankees," "The Blind Side"
-- John Radtke
"Rocky," "A League of Their Own," "Slap Shot"
-- Joe Aguilar
"Raging Bull," "Bang the Drum Slowly," "Big Fan"
-- Kevin Schmit
"Secretariat," "Sea Biscuit," "The Champ"
-- John Leusch
"Breaking Away," "The Pride of the Yankees," "Brian's Song"
-- Dave Oberhelman
"Hoop Dreams," "Hoosiers," "Caddyshack"
-- John Lemon
"Hoosiers," "Love and Basketball," "A League of Their Own"
-- Patricia Babcock McGraw
"The Natural," "Field of Dreams," "The Longest Yard (1974)"
-- Jerry Fitzpatrick
"The Natural," "Bad News Bears" (Walter Matthau version), "Rocky"
-- Orrin Schwarz


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--AP source: Seahawks add to offensive line with Warmack

RENTON , Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks continue to stockpile offensive linemen in free agency , agreeing to terms with former first-rounder Chance Warmack on Sunday , according to a person with knowledge of the deal .
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced by the team .
Pro Football Talk first reported the deal .
Warmack has not played since 2018 when he appeared in nine games for Philadelphia .
He sat out last season to reportedly get healthy after a series of injuries .
Warmack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft class and was considered the best interior offensive lineman that year coming out of Alabama .
He was drafted 10th overall by Tennessee and started 46 of 48 possible games his first three seasons for the Titans .
But Warmack suffered a hand injury early in the 2016 season and played in just two games .
The Titans opted not to pick up his fifth-year option and Warmack eventually signed with the Eagles , spending two seasons with Philadelphia .
Warmack joins Seattle 's growing list of offensive linemen either already under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of free agency .
The Seahawks have 14 offensive linemen either under contract or having agreed to terms for the upcoming season .
That includes the additions of Warmack , B.J .
Finney , Cedric Ogbuehi and Brandon Shell this week .
Shell and Finney appear to be the most likely to potentially step into starting roles at right tackle and left guard , respectively , while Warmack and Ogbuehi appear to be depth additions .
While the offensive line has been the heavy focus for Seattle so far in free agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive end Jadeveon Clowney .
But addressing the depth needs on the offensive line should allow Seattle the freedom to look at areas like the secondary , pass rush and skill positions on offense when the draft comes around next month .

AP source: Seahawks add to offensive line with Warmack
RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks continue to stockpile offensive linemen in free agency, agreeing to terms with former first-rounder Chance Warmack on Sunday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced by the team. Pro Football Talk first reported the deal.
Warmack has not played since 2018 when he appeared in nine games for Philadelphia. He sat out last season to reportedly get healthy after a series of injuries.
Warmack, 28, was part of the 2013 draft class and was considered the best interior offensive lineman that year coming out of Alabama. He was drafted 10th overall by Tennessee and started 46 of 48 possible games his first three seasons for the Titans.
But Warmack suffered a hand injury early in the 2016 season and played in just two games. The Titans opted not to pick up his fifth-year option and Warmack eventually signed with the Eagles, spending two seasons with Philadelphia.
Warmack joins Seattle's growing list of offensive linemen either already under contract or acquired during the early days of free agency. The Seahawks have 14 offensive linemen either under contract or having agreed to terms for the upcoming season. That includes the additions of Warmack, B.J. Finney, Cedric Ogbuehi and Brandon Shell this week.
Shell and Finney appear to be the most likely to potentially step into starting roles at right tackle and left guard, respectively, while Warmack and Ogbuehi appear to be depth additions.
While the offensive line has been the heavy focus for Seattle so far in free agency, the top priority remains trying to retain defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. But addressing the depth needs on the offensive line should allow Seattle the freedom to look at areas like the secondary, pass rush and skill positions on offense when the draft comes around next month.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Q&A: What does 90-day tax delay mean for filers?

The Trump administration has announced that individuals and businesses will be allowed to delay filing and paying their federal tax bills for 90 days as part of an emergency relief plan amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Some questions and answers about the delay and its potential impact on the U.S. economy .
DO I STILL NEED TO FILE ?
Initially , only the payment due date was delayed past the traditional April 15 deadline .
The Treasury later announced that it would also grant a 90-day extension for filing federal taxes as well .
That means both the delayed filings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taxpayers who are facing difficulty filing by the new deadline still have the option to request an extension .
Visit the IRS website for more details .
WHO GETS TO WAIT ?
The IRS said that the deferment applies to all taxpayers , including individuals , trusts and estates , corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax .
WILL I BE PENALIZED FOR WAITING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ?
No .
During this unprecedented delay , taxpayers will not be subject to interest or penalty payments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHAT IF I AM EXPECTING A REFUND ?
If you are expecting a refund , file as usual .
The IRS is still processing returns and issuing refunds ; most refunds are issued within 21 days .
DOES THIS APPLY TO MY STATE TAXES TOO ?
Not necessarily .
Check with your state tax authority to see about any changes to due dates .
Some are following the federal model , but some are not extending their deadline and others are setting up exceptions only for certain groups impacted by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin estimates that taxpayers will be able to keep $ 300 billion in the economy for now .
And some tax and economic experts say any extra cash in the hands of Americans is helpful because many will be struggling to get by .
However , some say the tax delay will not provide widespread financial relief .
Howard Gleckman , a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center , says he thinks it will have a limited impact .
That is in part because about three-quarters of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't benefit from a delayed tax bill .
The IRS expected about 150 million individual tax returns , as of the most recent count , about 76 million taxpayers have already filed .
Those who file early tend to be low- and middle-income individuals who are getting a refund .
Higher-income individuals , or those with complex taxes who owe money to the government , tend to file later , Gleckman said .
This move will provide some relief for them , but Gleckman warns that higher income individuals have extra cash , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend it .
That leaves lower income individuals , who need it most and are more likely to go out and spend it , without relief from this move .

Q&A: What does 90-day tax delay mean for filers?
FILE - This July 24, 2018, file photo shows a portion of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. The Trump administration is working on plans to delay the April 15 federal tax deadline for most individual taxpayers as well as small businesses. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Congress on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, that the administration is "looking at providing relief to certain taxpayers and small businesses who will be able to get extensions on their taxes." Associated Press
The Trump administration has announced that individuals and businesses will be allowed to delay filing and paying their federal tax bills for 90 days as part of an emergency relief plan amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Some questions and answers about the delay and its potential impact on the U.S. economy.
___
DO I STILL NEED TO FILE?
Yes.
Initially, only the payment due date was delayed past the traditional April 15 deadline. The Treasury later announced that it would also grant a 90-day extension for filing federal taxes as well. That means both the delayed filings and payments are due July 15.
Taxpayers who are facing difficulty filing by the new deadline still have the option to request an extension. Visit the IRS website for more details.
___
WHO GETS TO WAIT?
The IRS said that the deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
___
WILL I BE PENALIZED FOR WAITING TO MAKE PAYMENTS?
No. During this unprecedented delay, taxpayers will not be subject to interest or penalty payments, regardless of how much they owe.
___
WHAT IF I AM EXPECTING A REFUND?
If you are expecting a refund, file as usual. The IRS is still processing returns and issuing refunds; most refunds are issued within 21 days.
___
DOES THIS APPLY TO MY STATE TAXES TOO?
Not necessarily. Check with your state tax authority to see about any changes to due dates. Some are following the federal model, but some are not extending their deadline and others are setting up exceptions only for certain groups impacted by the virus.
___
HOW WILL THIS HELP THE ECONOMY?
It's unclear.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin estimates that taxpayers will be able to keep $300 billion in the economy for now. And some tax and economic experts say any extra cash in the hands of Americans is helpful because many will be struggling to get by.
However, some say the tax delay will not provide widespread financial relief.
Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, says he thinks it will have a limited impact. That is in part because about three-quarters of Americans get refunds in any year and won't benefit from a delayed tax bill.
The IRS expected about 150 million individual tax returns, as of the most recent count, about 76 million taxpayers have already filed.
Those who file early tend to be low- and middle-income individuals who are getting a refund. Higher-income individuals, or those with complex taxes who owe money to the government, tend to file later, Gleckman said. This move will provide some relief for them, but Gleckman warns that higher income individuals have extra cash, and they tend to save it not spend it. That leaves lower income individuals, who need it most and are more likely to go out and spend it, without relief from this move.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Suburban hospitals add rooms, beds for COVID-19 patients -- will they be enough?

As Illinois officials continue to increase measures intended to slow the coronavirus infection rate throughout the state , one of the chief concerns remains the potential effect on the state 's health care resources .
Experts worry that even a modest uptick in severe cases could overwhelm hospitals and health care workers .
Illinois Department of Public Health officials on Wednesday reported more than two-thirds of the 2,589 intensive care unit beds in Illinois ' hospitals are already in use , and one-third of the state 's 2,164 ventilators are also taken by current patients , the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The number of ICU beds is adequate , '' said Danny Chun , a spokesman for the Illinois Hospital and Health Association .
`` It becomes an issue when you have a sudden surge and it 's something you ca n't really plan for . ''
The current level of use is fairly average , health care officials said .
But with the looming threat of a massive growth of viral infection , it wo n't take much to overpower the limits of the state 's medical capabilities , medical experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported there have been nine deaths and 1,049 infections since the outbreak began .
`` The strategies we 've implemented will help keep the curve flat , but some of the models are disquieting and show that even with a moderate outbreak , the kind of negative impact that will have on our health care system , '' said Dr. Ronald Hershow , director of the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago 's School of Public Health .
`` We 're going to need ICU beds to handle any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already are preparing for that potential influx .
Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua , executive vice president/chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health , is leading his medical group 's coronavirus response efforts .
Khatua said 60 new beds in isolation rooms were added to Edward Hospital in Naperville , including 26 ICU rooms .
Additionally , 14 new isolation rooms are being added at Elmhurst Hospital to go with the 34 already in place .
`` Each health system in the state is looking how to expand and use different areas of their current hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to a 2018 Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board report , the state 's 211 hospitals were authorized to have almost 900 more ICU beds than currently exist .
Additionally , the hospitals are authorized for almost 5,000 more beds of all types than were in place at the time of that report , leaving some room for expansion .
But the ability to create more isolation space , with negative airflow to prevent spread of infections , might depend on the age of the hospital .
`` Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 years can do it because they planned ahead for pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks , '' Chun said .
However , staffing might be a significant problem and keeping them safe the biggest problem of all .
`` I do n't have a way of fully defending the sense that we 're not prepared for a response to this disease , '' Hershow said .
`` After each ( prior ) episode , we said we got lucky and we 've got to do better next time , and believe me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for disappointment . ''
The shortfall of personal protective equipment -- masks , gloves , gowns -- for health care workers has baffled experts .
The equipment was supposed to be part of a national stockpile overseen by the federal government , but some items were n't properly replenished as far back as the H1N1 outbreak in 2009 , according to warnings issued by the International Safety Equipment Association in the wake of that outbreak .
The association issued a plea for donations of safety equipment Thursday .
`` Hospitals all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of critically needed protective medical supplies , '' said Illinois Hospital and Health Association CEO A.J .
Wilhelmi .
`` With continuing uncertainties about global and U.S. supplies of face masks , we urgently need to find alternative supplies , no matter where they are , so our hospitals can continue to provide lifesaving care to current and future COVID-19 patients . ''
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has urged all medical personnel to sign up with the state 's emergency notification system in case their services are needed in an emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ every health system is looking into the makeup of hospital staff and qualifications , '' Khatua said .
`` We 're looking at the use of different skill sets and how to best redeploy them . ''
Chun said the state needs to go further , by asking retired nurses and physicians who are still licensed to volunteer .
He also suggested licensed medical professionals from outside the state be allowed to practice without having to go through the standard regulatory hurdles required by Illinois .
On Saturday , Pritzker asked former medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight , '' promising to cut bureaucracy .
State Sen. Laura Murphy , a Des Plaines Democrat and member of the senate 's public health committee , said she has no recollection of the committee having much to do with hospital pandemic preparedness in the past .
`` But I bet you we will when we meet up again when this is all over , '' she said .

Suburban hospitals add rooms, beds for COVID-19 patients -- will they be enough?
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital is adding 14 new isolation rooms to the 34 already in place to deal with potential COVID-19 cases, said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, executive vice president/chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health. Daily Herald File Photo
At Edward Hospital in Naperville, 60 new beds in isolation rooms were added, including 26 ICU rooms, to deal with potential COVID-19 cases, said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, executive vice president/chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health. Daily Herald File photo
As Illinois officials continue to increase measures intended to slow the coronavirus infection rate throughout the state, one of the chief concerns remains the potential effect on the state's health care resources.
Experts worry that even a modest uptick in severe cases could overwhelm hospitals and health care workers.
Illinois Department of Public Health officials on Wednesday reported more than two-thirds of the 2,589 intensive care unit beds in Illinois' hospitals are already in use, and one-third of the state's 2,164 ventilators are also taken by current patients, the vast majority of whom are not suffering from coronavirus infections.
"The number of ICU beds is adequate," said Danny Chun, a spokesman for the Illinois Hospital and Health Association. "It becomes an issue when you have a sudden surge and it's something you can't really plan for."
The current level of use is fairly average, health care officials said.
But with the looming threat of a massive growth of viral infection, it won't take much to overpower the limits of the state's medical capabilities, medical experts said. On Sunday, the state reported there have been nine deaths and 1,049 infections since the outbreak began.
"The strategies we've implemented will help keep the curve flat, but some of the models are disquieting and show that even with a moderate outbreak, the kind of negative impact that will have on our health care system," said Dr. Ronald Hershow, director of the division of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois-Chicago's School of Public Health. "We're going to need ICU beds to handle any influx of patients."
Many hospitals already are preparing for that potential influx.
Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, executive vice president/chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health, is leading his medical group's coronavirus response efforts. Khatua said 60 new beds in isolation rooms were added to Edward Hospital in Naperville, including 26 ICU rooms.
Additionally, 14 new isolation rooms are being added at Elmhurst Hospital to go with the 34 already in place.
"Each health system in the state is looking how to expand and use different areas of their current hospital in different ways," Khatua said.
According to a 2018 Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board report, the state's 211 hospitals were authorized to have almost 900 more ICU beds than currently exist. Additionally, the hospitals are authorized for almost 5,000 more beds of all types than were in place at the time of that report, leaving some room for expansion. But the ability to create more isolation space, with negative airflow to prevent spread of infections, might depend on the age of the hospital.
"Some of the modern ones built within the past 10 years can do it because they planned ahead for pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks," Chun said.
However, staffing might be a significant problem and keeping them safe the biggest problem of all.
"I don't have a way of fully defending the sense that we're not prepared for a response to this disease," Hershow said. "After each (prior) episode, we said we got lucky and we've got to do better next time, and believe me, there are plans. There is reason for disappointment."
The shortfall of personal protective equipment -- masks, gloves, gowns -- for health care workers has baffled experts.
The equipment was supposed to be part of a national stockpile overseen by the federal government, but some items weren't properly replenished as far back as the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, according to warnings issued by the International Safety Equipment Association in the wake of that outbreak.
The association issued a plea for donations of safety equipment Thursday.
"Hospitals all over the state are in jeopardy of potentially running out of critically needed protective medical supplies," said Illinois Hospital and Health Association CEO A.J. Wilhelmi. "With continuing uncertainties about global and U.S. supplies of face masks, we urgently need to find alternative supplies, no matter where they are, so our hospitals can continue to provide lifesaving care to current and future COVID-19 patients."
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has urged all medical personnel to sign up with the state's emergency notification system in case their services are needed in an emergency.
"Labor pool is extremely important and every health system is looking into the makeup of hospital staff and qualifications," Khatua said. "We're looking at the use of different skill sets and how to best redeploy them."
Chun said the state needs to go further, by asking retired nurses and physicians who are still licensed to volunteer. He also suggested licensed medical professionals from outside the state be allowed to practice without having to go through the standard regulatory hurdles required by Illinois.
On Saturday, Pritzker asked former medical professionals to come back to "join the fight," promising to cut bureaucracy.
State Sen. Laura Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat and member of the senate's public health committee, said she has no recollection of the committee having much to do with hospital pandemic preparedness in the past.
"But I bet you we will when we meet up again when this is all over," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Funerals during COVID-19: No crowds, no hugs, no handshakes

The long line to express condolences , followed by a pause at the casket to pay respects to someone who has died .
Hugging a bereaved friend .
Looking at a poster board of photos of the deceased and sharing stories about their lives .
These funeral traditions have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic .
You can see it in what 's missing now from many newspaper obituaries : A time , date and place for wakes and funeral services .
Instead , families are holding private services , or are postponing them until after the crisis .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Bryan Moss , owner of the Moss Family Funeral Home in Batavia and St. Charles .
He is following advice from state and national funeral directors ' associations that call for fewer people attending wakes and services .
Clients are issuing invitations to funerals , rather than publicizing a date and time .
Moss had expected this week to have a large visitation and service for a man in his 30s , a married father who was heavily involved in the community .
Instead , the family postponed the memorial service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can accommodate two funerals at a time , he is limiting it to one .
He also has closed the refreshment room , where families typically take a break .
Roman Catholics believe burying the dead is one of seven `` corporal acts of mercy , '' ways to show love to people by taking care of their physical needs .
A funeral shows respect for life , and is a way to support people .
But now , the Archdiocese of Chicago advises that no more than 10 people at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Touching people , such as shaking hands , is discouraged .
Bryan Moss , owner of Moss Family Funeral Home in Batavia , said families are scaling back funeral services due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` You can never be too safe , '' he said .
Bryan Moss , owner of Moss Family Funeral Home in Batavia , said families are scaling back funeral services due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` You can never be too safe , '' he said .
Cemeteries Committal rites at the 45 Catholic Cemeteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the graveside , not in the chapels , under guidelines issued by the archdiocese last week .
As with funerals , no more than 10 people should attend .
Secular cemeteries are advising the same 10-person attendance limit .
At Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien , mourners are asked to stay in their cars until the casket has been moved to the gravesite , and are to return to their cars before the casket is lowered .
This is the first time the Rev .
Eric Kennaugh of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , in his 19 years of being a pastor .
Two families postponed memorial services last week , he said .
Another funeral -- for a 74-year-old woman who had been active in the church and community -- probably would have drawn a crowd of 100 or more people in normal times , Kennaugh said .
Instead , there were about 25 people , mostly relatives .
`` We tried to make it as normal as we could , to try to give them some closure , '' he said .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He attended a wake last week where an empty row of chairs was put between the immediate family and the mourners , to maintain physical distance .
`` We are encouraging people if they can , if the person is cremated , to wait '' to have a memorial service , Kennaugh said .
For those whose relatives are being buried , `` We would do graveside ( service ) for the family , so we can give them that closure , '' he said .
Kennaugh noted that in the Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the living , not the dead .
`` It 's about what God has done for them ( the deceased ) not about what they did , '' he added .
Because Christians believe they will one day be resurrected , the service reassures them they will be reunited in Heaven .
Having a pastor say that , in person , makes it more concrete , Kennaugh said .
And while his church , like many , is conducting worship services online during the crisis , he does n't foresee video funerals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment where people really need it , '' Kennaugh said .

Funerals during COVID-19: No crowds, no hugs, no handshakes
The long line to express condolences, followed by a pause at the casket to pay respects to someone who has died. Hugging a bereaved friend. Looking at a poster board of photos of the deceased and sharing stories about their lives.
These funeral traditions have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can see it in what's missing now from many newspaper obituaries: A time, date and place for wakes and funeral services. Instead, families are holding private services, or are postponing them until after the crisis.
"You can never be too safe," said Bryan Moss, owner of the Moss Family Funeral Home in Batavia and St. Charles.
He is following advice from state and national funeral directors' associations that call for fewer people attending wakes and services. Clients are issuing invitations to funerals, rather than publicizing a date and time.
Moss had expected this week to have a large visitation and service for a man in his 30s, a married father who was heavily involved in the community. Instead, the family postponed the memorial service until May.
Even though his buildings can accommodate two funerals at a time, he is limiting it to one. He also has closed the refreshment room, where families typically take a break.
Roman Catholics believe burying the dead is one of seven "corporal acts of mercy," ways to show love to people by taking care of their physical needs. A funeral shows respect for life, and is a way to support people.
But now, the Archdiocese of Chicago advises that no more than 10 people at a time attend a visitation or funeral Mass. Touching people, such as shaking hands, is discouraged.
- John Starks | Staff Photographer Bryan Moss, owner of Moss Family Funeral Home in Batavia, said families are scaling back funeral services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "You can never be too safe," he said.
Committal rites at the 45 Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago are to be done at the graveside, not in the chapels, under guidelines issued by the archdiocese last week. As with funerals, no more than 10 people should attend.
Secular cemeteries are advising the same 10-person attendance limit. At Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, mourners are asked to stay in their cars until the casket has been moved to the gravesite, and are to return to their cars before the casket is lowered.
Spiritual health
This is the first time the Rev. Eric Kennaugh of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia has had to deal with such a crisis, in his 19 years of being a pastor.
Two families postponed memorial services last week, he said.
Another funeral -- for a 74-year-old woman who had been active in the church and community -- probably would have drawn a crowd of 100 or more people in normal times, Kennaugh said. Instead, there were about 25 people, mostly relatives.
"We tried to make it as normal as we could, to try to give them some closure," he said. That included having the church organist play music.
He attended a wake last week where an empty row of chairs was put between the immediate family and the mourners, to maintain physical distance.
"We are encouraging people if they can, if the person is cremated, to wait" to have a memorial service, Kennaugh said.
For those whose relatives are being buried, "We would do graveside (service) for the family, so we can give them that closure," he said.
Kennaugh noted that in the Christian tradition, a funeral service focuses on the living, not the dead.
"It's about what God has done for them (the deceased) not about what they did," he added.
Because Christians believe they will one day be resurrected, the service reassures them they will be reunited in Heaven. Having a pastor say that, in person, makes it more concrete, Kennaugh said.
And while his church, like many, is conducting worship services online during the crisis, he doesn't foresee video funerals.
"It loses that personal touch in a moment where people really need it," Kennaugh said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Jesse White, governors urge later REAL ID deadline

As Illinoisans sweat over rationing toilet paper , suspect coughs and how to eyeball a 6-foot safe distance , do we really need to hustle to obtain REAL ID ?
Federal law mandates that as of Oct. 1 , people who want to fly domestically must have a REAL ID-compliant driver 's license , which involves a tighter screening process .
But given that all driver's-license facilities are closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , it appears thousands of people wo n't be able to make that deadline .
( Although you can travel with a U.S. passport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
The nation 's governors are on it , seeking an extension of the deadline by a year or more as the infectious respiratory disease disrupts daily life across the U.S. '' We believe an extension will allow all of us to focus our efforts on combating the spread and severity of COVID-19 , '' the National Association of Governors wrote Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf .
`` Given the recent challenges associated with travel restrictions , several airports have been overwhelmed by new screening requirements .
Additionally , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several states have closed our Departments of Motor Vehicles and other state facilities . ''
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White closed driver's-license offices through March 31 and supports the request .
`` It is the proper and necessary thing to do during this perilous time of uncertainty and crisis , '' spokesman Henry Haupt said .
The federal law passed after 9/11 will require passengers on domestic flights to have a driver 's license or state-issued ID card with a gold star , signifying REAL ID compliance .
To obtain a REAL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of documents you need to bring to your local driver 's license facility .
If you 've got a little time on your hands , read up on the details at realid.ilsos.gov .
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden , an Oregon Democrat , announced Wednesday he is sponsoring a bill , which has Republican support , directing DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf to delay enforcement of Real ID until Oct. 1 , 2021 .
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider , a Deerfield Democrat who pushed to extend the tax filing deadline , said postponing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think there will be a lot of deadlines that need to be evaluated and REAL ID is one of them , '' Schneider said .
You should know Today brings a reduced schedule on all Metra routes excepting the Heritage Corridor .
Rush-hour trains are still running but there will be fewer , so check Metra 's website for changes .
The move comes as Metra ridership dives with school canceled and thousands working from home .
As a result , Metra 's sister agency , Pace , will tweak times for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers to and from train stations .
Pace is running regular service but is closing many of its public buildings .
Passengers can still buy tickets and passes in the lobby of Pace headquarters , 550 Algonquin Road , Arlington Heights .
Meanwhile , paratransit riders are advised to postpone all nonessential trips .
The Illinois tollway switched to all-electronic services March 14 , meaning no cash payments and deactivation of automatic toll payment machines to prevent coronavirus spread .
But Mount Prospect 's James Maryanski wonders , `` what are the chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus threat is over ? ''
All-electronic tolling is temporary , agency spokesman Dan Rozek pledged .
The tollway closed machines and cash buckets because the Centers for Disease Control cautions `` current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials .
ATPMs and cash baskets , while automated , require drivers to be in physical contact with keypads and cash , and also require tollway employees to handle coins and currency . ''
The Active Transportation Alliance worries COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington ignore transit .
`` Transit agencies in the Chicago area and cities across the country need emergency assistance now to keep their systems running and clean , '' ATA officials said .
To learn more and sign a letter to your local congressional representative , go to activetrans.org .

Jesse White, governors urge later REAL ID deadline
As Illinoisans sweat over rationing toilet paper, suspect coughs and how to eyeball a 6-foot safe distance, do we really need to hustle to obtain REAL ID?
Federal law mandates that as of Oct. 1, people who want to fly domestically must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which involves a tighter screening process.
But given that all driver's-license facilities are closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it appears thousands of people won't be able to make that deadline. (Although you can travel with a U.S. passport or military identification even without REAL ID.)
The nation's governors are on it, seeking an extension of the deadline by a year or more as the infectious respiratory disease disrupts daily life across the U.S.
"We believe an extension will allow all of us to focus our efforts on combating the spread and severity of COVID-19," the National Association of Governors wrote Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.
"Given the recent challenges associated with travel restrictions, several airports have been overwhelmed by new screening requirements. Additionally, in order to slow the impact of COVID-19, several states have closed our Departments of Motor Vehicles and other state facilities."
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White closed driver's-license offices through March 31 and supports the request.
"It is the proper and necessary thing to do during this perilous time of uncertainty and crisis," spokesman Henry Haupt said.
The federal law passed after 9/11 will require passengers on domestic flights to have a driver's license or state-issued ID card with a gold star, signifying REAL ID compliance. To obtain a REAL ID, there's a very specific list of documents you need to bring to your local driver's license facility. If you've got a little time on your hands, read up on the details at realid.ilsos.gov.
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, announced Wednesday he is sponsoring a bill, which has Republican support, directing DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf to delay enforcement of Real ID until Oct. 1, 2021.
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, a Deerfield Democrat who pushed to extend the tax filing deadline, said postponing REAL ID is a no-brainer.
"I think there will be a lot of deadlines that need to be evaluated and REAL ID is one of them," Schneider said.
You should know
Today brings a reduced schedule on all Metra routes excepting the Heritage Corridor. Rush-hour trains are still running but there will be fewer, so check Metra's website for changes. The move comes as Metra ridership dives with school canceled and thousands working from home.
As a result, Metra's sister agency, Pace, will tweak times for Shuttle Bug and other buses that transport passengers to and from train stations.
Pace is running regular service but is closing many of its public buildings. Passengers can still buy tickets and passes in the lobby of Pace headquarters, 550 Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights. Meanwhile, paratransit riders are advised to postpone all nonessential trips.
Your voice
The Illinois tollway switched to all-electronic services March 14, meaning no cash payments and deactivation of automatic toll payment machines to prevent coronavirus spread.
But Mount Prospect's James Maryanski wonders, "what are the chances that these changes will become permanent after the virus threat is over?"
All-electronic tolling is temporary, agency spokesman Dan Rozek pledged. The tollway closed machines and cash buckets because the Centers for Disease Control cautions "current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. ATPMs and cash baskets, while automated, require drivers to be in physical contact with keypads and cash, and also require tollway employees to handle coins and currency."
What about transit?
The Active Transportation Alliance worries COVID-19 economic stimulus plans lawmakers are negotiating in Washington ignore transit. "Transit agencies in the Chicago area and cities across the country need emergency assistance now to keep their systems running and clean," ATA officials said.
To learn more and sign a letter to your local congressional representative, go to activetrans.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--'Be Kind': Geneva family writes messages of hope on neighborhood sidewalk

`` Be Kind . ''
It 's our family message , say David and Kali Holstein of Geneva .
With that message in mind , and to get a little fresh air , David and his son , Jackson , 3 , took chalk and started to draw on the sidewalk in front of their home Sunday morning .
When Jackson got too cold and went inside , David started to write messages of hope .
One after another .
He did n't quit until he reached his driveway .
Eleven messages in all .
The messages of hope and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
That 's when the Holsteins ' infant son , Cohen , passed away .
To return the kindness they received , every year on Cohen 's birthday , they take the day off and perform random acts of kindness throughout the community .
`` We help load groceries into someone 's car .
We pay for the coffee for the car behind us .
Just random acts , '' David said .
This year the Holsteins purchased a gift card at Nothing Bundt Cakes in Geneva and had the cashier swipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People needed messages of hope at this time , '' David Holstein said .
`` We 've seen more people walking around the neighborhood than ever before and I just hope this helps those who are struggling . ''

'Be Kind': Geneva family writes messages of hope on neighborhood sidewalk
"Be Kind." It's our family message, say David and Kali Holstein of Geneva.
With that message in mind, and to get a little fresh air, David and his son, Jackson, 3, took chalk and started to draw on the sidewalk in front of their home Sunday morning. When Jackson got too cold and went inside, David started to write messages of hope.
One after another.
He didn't quit until he reached his driveway. Eleven messages in all.
The messages of hope and kindness spring from tragedy just two years ago. That's when the Holsteins' infant son, Cohen, passed away.
To return the kindness they received, every year on Cohen's birthday, they take the day off and perform random acts of kindness throughout the community.
"We help load groceries into someone's car. We pay for the coffee for the car behind us. Just random acts," David said.
This year the Holsteins purchased a gift card at Nothing Bundt Cakes in Geneva and had the cashier swipe the card for customers purchasing cakes.
"People needed messages of hope at this time," David Holstein said. "We've seen more people walking around the neighborhood than ever before and I just hope this helps those who are struggling."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Piece of Kenosha history sent home from Lake County

A weathered and worn old wagon that has been in storage in Lake County for more than 50 years is back home in Kenosha , Wisconsin , and its host is delighted to have the rare piece of history .
`` We absolutely are over the moon about it , '' said Chris Allen , executive director of the Kenosha County Historical Society .
`` There are not many , and not many in the condition this was in , '' he said of the gift from the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County , operated by the Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkably good shape given its hard use as the pickup truck of its day , the faded Bain wagon is a relic from an important time in Wisconsin and Kenosha history .
How it came to be on display at the Kenosha History Center is an example of how and why historical museums help each other .
`` We had two '' Bain company wagons , explained Diana Dretske , Dunn museum curator .
More about that later .
Museums periodically review their holdings to determine if a piece fits its mission -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the history of the people and events of Lake County .
Items that do n't are removed from the holdings in a process called de-accession .
`` If we can determine if an object has a relation to other museums , we reach out to them and see if it 's something they would want , '' Dretske said .
`` We prefer if there 's another museum that can tell that story , it 's the best scenario for that piece . ''
Bain wagons were manufactured in Kenosha from 1852 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agricultural to industrial use , were available depending on the type of load to be hauled .
By 1900 , Bain Wagon Works became the state leader in wagons and carriages and was one of the largest wagon manufacturers in the U.S. , according to information provided by Allen .
`` It 's important because this is one of the first really large industries in Kenosha , '' he said .
`` Bain company was the industry that put Kenosha on the world map .
By 1879 , they were making 16,000 wagons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number . ''
Marketed as `` the best on earth , '' Bain wagons were desirable and popular because of their quality , Allen said .
Given that , one would think there still would be some around .
But the wagons were workhorses used until they could n't be used anymore , which is why few remain intact , he added .
The wagon transferred last week to Kenosha was in the collection of Robert Vogel , who founded the Lake County Museum of History in 1957 , Dretske said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his holdings in the 1960s .
It has been in storage since and never displayed .
It origins are unknown , Dretske said , and no connection to local history could be found .
`` It 's part of the responsible care for collections -- you do n't want to get rid of something and find there was a ( local ) story to it , '' she said .
So , Kenosha 's Allen got a call .
`` I got a response like lightning , '' Dretske said .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want . ''
The wagon transferred to Kenosha was used for bigger and heavier loads .
The one still in the Dunn collection -- first owned by Fremont Township farmer Simon Roppelt -- was for agricultural use and has links to Lake County .
Roppelt bought his wagon from the closest Bain dealer , Schanck Hardware Co. ( now Rolland 's Jewelers ) on Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville .
He used the wagon from 1910 to 1928 to haul cans of milk to the Soo Line Railroad station at Harris Road in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His grandson donated the wagon to the forest preserve district in 2011 .
It was never repainted and retains its original color and advertising , Dretske said .
Roppelt 's Bain wagon remains in storage but is expected to be displayed at some point , she added .

Piece of Kenosha history sent home from Lake County
An advertisement for a Bain wagon, which were manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, from 1852 to 1926. Courtesy of Kenosha County Historical Society
The Bain wagon transferred from the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County is on display at the Kenosha History Center. "Bain company was the industry that put Kenosha on the world map," said Chris Allen, executive director of the Kenosha County Historical Society. Courtesy of Kenosha County Historical Society
A Bain wagon removed from the collection at the Dunn Museum of Lake County is readied for transfer to the Kenosha History Center. Courtesy Lake County Forest Preserve
Randy Donley of Donley Auctions readies a Bain wagon that was de-accessed from the collection of the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County to be moved to the Kenosha History Center. Courtesy Lake County Forest Preserve
A weathered and worn old wagon that has been in storage in Lake County for more than 50 years is back home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and its host is delighted to have the rare piece of history.
"We absolutely are over the moon about it," said Chris Allen, executive director of the Kenosha County Historical Society.
"There are not many, and not many in the condition this was in," he said of the gift from the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Still in remarkably good shape given its hard use as the pickup truck of its day, the faded Bain wagon is a relic from an important time in Wisconsin and Kenosha history.
How it came to be on display at the Kenosha History Center is an example of how and why historical museums help each other.
"We had two" Bain company wagons, explained Diana Dretske, Dunn museum curator. More about that later.
Museums periodically review their holdings to determine if a piece fits its mission -- in the case of the Dunn museum, the history of the people and events of Lake County.
Items that don't are removed from the holdings in a process called de-accession.
"If we can determine if an object has a relation to other museums, we reach out to them and see if it's something they would want," Dretske said.
"We prefer if there's another museum that can tell that story, it's the best scenario for that piece."
Bain wagons were manufactured in Kenosha from 1852 to 1926. Various types, from agricultural to industrial use, were available depending on the type of load to be hauled.
By 1900, Bain Wagon Works became the state leader in wagons and carriages and was one of the largest wagon manufacturers in the U.S., according to information provided by Allen.
"It's important because this is one of the first really large industries in Kenosha," he said.
"Bain company was the industry that put Kenosha on the world map. By 1879, they were making 16,000 wagons a year, which is an incredible number."
Marketed as "the best on earth," Bain wagons were desirable and popular because of their quality, Allen said.
Given that, one would think there still would be some around. But the wagons were workhorses used until they couldn't be used anymore, which is why few remain intact, he added.
The wagon transferred last week to Kenosha was in the collection of Robert Vogel, who founded the Lake County Museum of History in 1957, Dretske said.
The forest district acquired it when Vogel liquidated his holdings in the 1960s. It has been in storage since and never displayed. It origins are unknown, Dretske said, and no connection to local history could be found.
"It's part of the responsible care for collections -- you don't want to get rid of something and find there was a (local) story to it," she said. So, Kenosha's Allen got a call.
"I got a response like lightning," Dretske said. "That's exciting and that's what you want."
The wagon transferred to Kenosha was used for bigger and heavier loads. The one still in the Dunn collection -- first owned by Fremont Township farmer Simon Roppelt -- was for agricultural use and has links to Lake County.
Roppelt bought his wagon from the closest Bain dealer, Schanck Hardware Co. (now Rolland's Jewelers) on Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville.
He used the wagon from 1910 to 1928 to haul cans of milk to the Soo Line Railroad station at Harris Road in Grayslake to be shipped to Chicago.
His grandson donated the wagon to the forest preserve district in 2011. It was never repainted and retains its original color and advertising, Dretske said.
Roppelt's Bain wagon remains in storage but is expected to be displayed at some point, she added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Arlington Heights' Kevin Farris excited to move on with Team Nick on 'The Voice'

With that , the Northwest suburban musician introduced himself to celebrity judges Kelly Clarkson , Nick Jonas , John Legend and Blake Shelton as he burst through the blind audition stage of NBC 's `` The Voice '' in an episode that aired last week .
`` It was equal parts terrifying at first , but then just one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life , '' said the 33-year-old singer-songwriter , who now lives in Mount Prospect with his wife .
`` When you play a normal show , you have the normal performance nerves .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show goes on .
This is like that , but on steroids .
You 're just in this vacuum of intensity . ''
Fans of the musical competition show saw Farris ' powerful performance of Johnnyswim 's `` Home '' win over the judges and draw the attention of Jonas and Legend , who fought to add the singer to their teams .
`` That was a really cool , very humbling experience , '' Farris said .
`` Any time you have your contemporaries or people in the same field , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
When you have somebody say , 'Hey , you did a great job .
We could feel your truth coming through , ' that was just amazing . ''
After some warmhearted banter and an impromptu singalong with Jonas , Farris chose Team Nick .
`` Nick is just such a showman and an amazing performer and entertainer , '' Farris said .
`` So when he got on stage to kind of sway my decision and say , 'Hey , let 's jam and let 's just be two kindred musicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
From there Farris spent time coaching with Jonas and prepping for the battle rounds , which air at 7 p.m. the next three Mondays on NBC .
No word yet on which episode Farris will appear .
`` And then you start to hang out with them , '' he said with a laugh .
`` So it 's like , 'OK , I 'm friends with Nick Jonas now . '
'' When he 's not rubbing elbows with musical celebrities , Farris runs his own music enrichment program for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suburbs .
Meshing influences from his musical father and his mother , a librarian who worked in youth outreach , Farris built on his knack for working with children , which he discovered as a teaching assistant at Westgate Elementary in Arlington Heights .
He created a program for North Shore and Lincolnshire preschoolers that is part music appreciation , part fundamentals of musical theory and part gym class .
`` How can I get these kids having fun but also subtly learning things about music theory ? ''
he mused .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dancing along to music by `` Mr. Kevin , '' playing a dodgeball-type game and using giant keyboard mats to teach pitch recognition .
`` My hope is that if they do want to pursue music , there might be something that 's getting planted in their subconscious right now , '' he said .
By night , Farris can be found ( in COVID-19-free times ) playing both solo and full-band gigs in listening rooms such as Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights and Uncommon Ground in Chicago .
He 's also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the House of Blues .
`` My No .
1 goal is to be a full-time touring musician , '' Farris said .
`` So obviously 'The Voice ' opportunity was a really cool way to think about expanding on that part of my dream .
The exposure from that is something that you ca n't really compete with .
... 14 million people tune in and they see your goofy mug singing on the screen . ''
`` That 's like my bread and butter .
I love it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to wake up in the morning and have to run around and scream with some preschoolers is pretty cool . ''

Arlington Heights' Kevin Farris excited to move on with Team Nick on 'The Voice'
Suburban singer-songwriter Kevin Farris made the cut in the blind audition round of NBC's "The Voice." He continues on to the battle rounds as a member of Team Nick. Courtesy of NBC
Singer-songwriter Kevin Farris, of Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect, won over the crowd -- and the judges -- during his blind audition on NBC's "The Voice." Courtesy of NBC
"I'm Kevin Farris, and I'm from Arlington Heights, Illinois."
With that, the Northwest suburban musician introduced himself to celebrity judges Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, John Legend and Blake Shelton as he burst through the blind audition stage of NBC's "The Voice" in an episode that aired last week.
"It was equal parts terrifying at first, but then just one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life," said the 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who now lives in Mount Prospect with his wife. "When you play a normal show, you have the normal performance nerves. And then they kind of go away as the show goes on. This is like that, but on steroids. You're just in this vacuum of intensity."
Fans of the musical competition show saw Farris' powerful performance of Johnnyswim's "Home" win over the judges and draw the attention of Jonas and Legend, who fought to add the singer to their teams.
"That was a really cool, very humbling experience," Farris said. "Any time you have your contemporaries or people in the same field, but definitely on a much higher level ... When you have somebody say, 'Hey, you did a great job. We could feel your truth coming through,' that was just amazing."
After some warmhearted banter and an impromptu singalong with Jonas, Farris chose Team Nick.
"Nick is just such a showman and an amazing performer and entertainer," Farris said. "So when he got on stage to kind of sway my decision and say, 'Hey, let's jam and let's just be two kindred musicians,' that definitely won me over."
From there Farris spent time coaching with Jonas and prepping for the battle rounds, which air at 7 p.m. the next three Mondays on NBC. No word yet on which episode Farris will appear.
"And then you start to hang out with them," he said with a laugh. "So it's like, 'OK, I'm friends with Nick Jonas now.'"
When he's not rubbing elbows with musical celebrities, Farris runs his own music enrichment program for children and plays shows around Chicago and the suburbs.
Meshing influences from his musical father and his mother, a librarian who worked in youth outreach, Farris built on his knack for working with children, which he discovered as a teaching assistant at Westgate Elementary in Arlington Heights. He created a program for North Shore and Lincolnshire preschoolers that is part music appreciation, part fundamentals of musical theory and part gym class.
"How can I get these kids having fun but also subtly learning things about music theory?" he mused. His curriculum for participating schools includes clapping and dancing along to music by "Mr. Kevin," playing a dodgeball-type game and using giant keyboard mats to teach pitch recognition.
"My hope is that if they do want to pursue music, there might be something that's getting planted in their subconscious right now," he said.
By night, Farris can be found (in COVID-19-free times) playing both solo and full-band gigs in listening rooms such as Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights and Uncommon Ground in Chicago. He's also frequented stages at the Arlington Ale House and the House of Blues.
"My No. 1 goal is to be a full-time touring musician," Farris said. "So obviously 'The Voice' opportunity was a really cool way to think about expanding on that part of my dream. The exposure from that is something that you can't really compete with. ... 14 million people tune in and they see your goofy mug singing on the screen."
"That's like my bread and butter. I love it," he said. "But to be able to wake up in the morning and have to run around and scream with some preschoolers is pretty cool."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-22--Suburban firm shifts focus to meet demand for masks, gowns

For more than 18 years , Glenview-based Dimension Design has produced printed fabric structures for trade shows and special events , such as backdrops and hanging signs , as well as structures with graphics on them .
Now the company is shifting its efforts to the production of masks and gowns needed during the COVID-19 outbreak , '' There are very few things that our team is working on right now that is n't related to this , '' Marketing Manager Chris Higgerson said Sunday .
`` Our sales team and basically our entire company has been repurposed , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to start production Monday and may use a facility in Las Vegas to supplement its efforts in the suburbs .
The company has branches in Las Vegas and Jacksonville , Florida .
Dimension has the staff and necessary automated processes available in the shop to `` pump these out relatively quickly , '' he said , emphasizing that the materials are not medically certified .
`` But they are washable materials , so they can be thrown in the washing machine at night and they can take them to work with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as opposed to the disposable ones , '' he added .
The company already has heard from home care providers , nursing homes , medical facilities and police and fire departments , Higgerson said .
For those who can not afford the items , the company has set up a GoFundMe page , gofundme.com/f/covid19-masks-and-gowns , where people can make online donations .
As of Sunday , more than $ 6,500 had been donated .
The firm is ordering special antimicrobial materials for facilities that need those fabrics .
The prototypes for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one with a pocket where a filter could fit .
The company can start production of about 500 masks on Monday , Higgerson said .
As for the gowns , a prototype is under way .
The firm also is manufacturing tents for indoor and outdoor use .
`` We have already been in contact with at least 15 to 20 ( clients ) that are already in need and are requesting them as soon as we can possibly get them in their hands , '' Higgerson said .
He said the Elgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Lake County jail and Cook County Veterans Affairs have placed orders .
Higgerson said , Sales staff members , he said , `` have been cold-calling , literally walking into these facilities , utilizing their existing networks to connect with people that work in the health care fields for the last at least five , six days now , '' he said .
The activity makes up to some extent for the drop in the number events for which the company normally would be targeting its manufacturing efforts .

Suburban firm shifts focus to meet demand for masks, gowns
Glenview-based Dimension Designs plans to begin producing masks like these Monday. The company normally makes printed fabric structures for trade shows and exhibitions, among other products. Courtesy of Dimension Designs
Glenview-based Dimension Designs, which normally makes printed fabric structures for trade shows and exhibitions, is shifting its focus this week to produce masks and gowns needed in the fight against COVID-19. Courtesy of Dimension Designs
For more than 18 years, Glenview-based Dimension Design has produced printed fabric structures for trade shows and special events, such as backdrops and hanging signs, as well as structures with graphics on them.
Now the company is shifting its efforts to the production of masks and gowns needed during the COVID-19 outbreak,
"There are very few things that our team is working on right now that isn't related to this," Marketing Manager Chris Higgerson said Sunday.
"Our sales team and basically our entire company has been repurposed," he added.
Higgerson said the company hopes to start production Monday and may use a facility in Las Vegas to supplement its efforts in the suburbs. The company has branches in Las Vegas and Jacksonville, Florida.
Dimension has the staff and necessary automated processes available in the shop to "pump these out relatively quickly," he said, emphasizing that the materials are not medically certified.
"But they are washable materials, so they can be thrown in the washing machine at night and they can take them to work with them the next day and reuse them continuously, as opposed to the disposable ones," he added.
The company already has heard from home care providers, nursing homes, medical facilities and police and fire departments, Higgerson said.
For those who cannot afford the items, the company has set up a GoFundMe page, gofundme.com/f/covid19-masks-and-gowns, where people can make online donations. As of Sunday, more than $6,500 had been donated.
The firm is ordering special antimicrobial materials for facilities that need those fabrics.
The prototypes for the masks are complete, including a pleated one with a pocket where a filter could fit. The company can start production of about 500 masks on Monday, Higgerson said.
As for the gowns, a prototype is under way. The firm also is manufacturing tents for indoor and outdoor use.
"We have already been in contact with at least 15 to 20 (clients) that are already in need and are requesting them as soon as we can possibly get them in their hands," Higgerson said.
He said the Elgin fire department, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, the Lake County jail and Cook County Veterans Affairs have placed orders.
Higgerson said, Sales staff members, he said, "have been cold-calling, literally walking into these facilities, utilizing their existing networks to connect with people that work in the health care fields for the last at least five, six days now," he said.
The activity makes up to some extent for the drop in the number events for which the company normally would be targeting its manufacturing efforts.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-20--A song to make you smile: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

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 .
@ @ @ @ @ Do n't Stop Believin ' '' by Journey , released in 1981 .

A song to make you smile: "Don't Stop Believin' " by Journey
Members of the band Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2005. 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 "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, released in 1981.
Send your ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-23--Illinois cases rise by 236 amid effort to make more masks, other equipment

Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Monday announced a private sector collaboration to increase production of personal protective equipment like masks to protect medical workers during the COVID-19 epidemic and a detente in his feud with President Donald Trump over supplies .
Officials also announced 236 more cases of the disease in Illinois , bringing the total number of cases to 1,285 in 31 counties .
The death toll in Illinois is now 12 , with the three most recent fatalities being two men in their 80s and one man in his 90s , all from Cook County .
After sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker said he had a positive conversation with President Donald Trump around noon Monday about the need for ventilators and masks .
`` The president was very responsive , '' Pritzker said during his daily briefing .
He added Trump 's reaction was `` 'What do you need ?
Let me see if I can get that for you . '
'' Pritzker detailed a partnership with Illinois ' bio-tech companies and the Illinois Manufacturers Association to start making equipment like N95 masks , gloves , gowns and sanitizer .
`` I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in our fight against COVID-19 , '' Pritzker said .
Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization CEO John Conrad said the high-tech companies `` are ramping up efforts to study the virus and develop solutions to prevent , diagnose and treat this deadly infectious disease . ''
The governor emphasized that the federal government has lagged in response to state requests for aid .
For example , the state asked for 4,000 respirators and received zero so far , and sought 2.3 million N95 masks and has been given 246,860 , or 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gloves was met with 325,082 , or 4.4 % -- although the feds delivered 111,978 of 120,000 face shields asked for , 93 % .
Medical workers are `` begging for supplies to keep them safe , '' Pritzker said .
One disconnect is that states like Illinois are competing with the federal government and other countries for supplies , which Pritzker said he asked Trump to resolve by utilizing the Defense Production Act .
Illinoisans infected with COVID-19 range from an infant to a 99-year-old .
Across all six metro counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cook including Chicago ; 96 in Lake ; 95 in DuPage ; 24 in Will ; 18 in Kane ; and 12 in McHenry , according to state data .
A stay-at-home order was enacted at 5 p.m. Saturday across Illinois by Pritzker with the intent of reducing spread of COVID-19 , a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness and pneumonia .
The order does not prevent people from essential errands including trips to grocery stores , gas stations and pharmacies , for example .
`` There 's no attempt to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We just need to do this for a period of time so we can slow this virus down .
We need to make sure we do n't have hospitals overrun during this time period . ''
Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Richard R. Neely rejected rumors about guard members enforcing the order .
`` We are not doing any policing action , '' Neely said .
`` We 're not bringing weapons , we 're bringing our professional skills .
What we are doing is supporting testing . ''
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assisting with logistics so medical workers could test first-responders for COVID-19 at a site near Rosemont Monday , Neely said .
Massive numbers of Illinoisans filing for unemployment insurance this weekend ran into delays online .
Pritzker said the state had switched to a more robust software system and was reorganizing staff to handle more phone calls .
Meanwhile , the state has executed contracts to buy 2.5 million N95 masks , along with gloves , surgical masks , and personal protection kits to supplement existing supplies .
Asked if the state had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` right now we 're in decent shape across the state . ''
He added the government is considering reopening four closed hospitals .
Once more COVID-19 tests are completed , the state should have sufficient data to determine if the stay-at-home order is working effectively , Pritzker noted .
`` We want to make sure we 're bending this curve , '' he said .
Pritzker asked businesses ranging from corporations to tattoo parlors to donate unused personal protective equipment supplies , listing ppe.donations @ illinois.gov as a contact email .

Illinois cases rise by 236 amid effort to make more masks, other equipment
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, shown earlier, announces an increase in COVID-19 cases at a Monday briefing. Associated Press
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday announced a private sector collaboration to increase production of personal protective equipment like masks to protect medical workers during the COVID-19 epidemic and a detente in his feud with President Donald Trump over supplies.
Officials also announced 236 more cases of the disease in Illinois, bringing the total number of cases to 1,285 in 31 counties.
The death toll in Illinois is now 12, with the three most recent fatalities being two men in their 80s and one man in his 90s, all from Cook County.
After sharp exchanges on Twitter over the weekend, Pritzker said he had a positive conversation with President Donald Trump around noon Monday about the need for ventilators and masks.
"The president was very responsive," Pritzker said during his daily briefing. He added Trump's reaction was "'What do you need? Let me see if I can get that for you.'"
Pritzker detailed a partnership with Illinois' bio-tech companies and the Illinois Manufacturers Association to start making equipment like N95 masks, gloves, gowns and sanitizer.
"I can't overstate how crucial this manufacturing capability will be in our fight against COVID-19," Pritzker said.
Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization CEO John Conrad said the high-tech companies "are ramping up efforts to study the virus and develop solutions to prevent, diagnose and treat this deadly infectious disease."
The governor emphasized that the federal government has lagged in response to state requests for aid.
For example, the state asked for 4,000 respirators and received zero so far, and sought 2.3 million N95 masks and has been given 246,860, or 10%. A request for 7.4 million gloves was met with 325,082, or 4.4% -- although the feds delivered 111,978 of 120,000 face shields asked for, 93%.
Medical workers are "begging for supplies to keep them safe," Pritzker said.
One disconnect is that states like Illinois are competing with the federal government and other countries for supplies, which Pritzker said he asked Trump to resolve by utilizing the Defense Production Act.
Illinoisans infected with COVID-19 range from an infant to a 99-year-old. Across all six metro counties, there are: 922 confirmed cases in Cook including Chicago; 96 in Lake; 95 in DuPage; 24 in Will; 18 in Kane; and 12 in McHenry, according to state data.
A stay-at-home order was enacted at 5 p.m. Saturday across Illinois by Pritzker with the intent of reducing spread of COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness and pneumonia.
The order does not prevent people from essential errands including trips to grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies, for example.
"There's no attempt to prevent people's civil liberties," Pritzker said. "We just need to do this for a period of time so we can slow this virus down. We need to make sure we don't have hospitals overrun during this time period."
Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Richard R. Neely rejected rumors about guard members enforcing the order. "We are not doing any policing action," Neely said. "We're not bringing weapons, we're bringing our professional skills. What we are doing is supporting testing."
For example, Illinois National Guard troops were assisting with logistics so medical workers could test first-responders for COVID-19 at a site near Rosemont Monday, Neely said.
Massive numbers of Illinoisans filing for unemployment insurance this weekend ran into delays online. Pritzker said the state had switched to a more robust software system and was reorganizing staff to handle more phone calls.
Meanwhile, the state has executed contracts to buy 2.5 million N95 masks, along with gloves, surgical masks, and personal protection kits to supplement existing supplies.
Asked if the state had enough hospital beds, Pritzker said, "right now we're in decent shape across the state." He added the government is considering reopening four closed hospitals.
Once more COVID-19 tests are completed, the state should have sufficient data to determine if the stay-at-home order is working effectively, Pritzker noted.
"We want to make sure we're bending this curve," he said.
Pritzker asked businesses ranging from corporations to tattoo parlors to donate unused personal protective equipment supplies, listing ppe.donations@illinois.gov as a contact email.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-23--'Honk and Wave Parade' brings socially distanced suburban families together

Horns honked , families cheered and held up signs .
A little girl excitedly waved an American flag .
It was a scene like any other parade , except all the parade participants stayed in their cars and waved from windows while the families enjoying it stayed in their driveways , a safe and respectful distance from each another .
Just another day in the evolving new normal of COVID-19 .
Trying to make that new normal more like the old normal , a group of families from North Barrington Elementary School organized a `` Honk and Wave Parade '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every day at 1 p.m. , a parade of cars will drive through neighborhoods served by the school to try and bring cheer and a sense of community to the socially distanced .
`` It 's a way to connect during this disconnected time , '' said Carley Ohlrich , who , with her husband and daughter , waved from an open window above the family 's driveway .
Organizers said they saw the idea on Facebook .
`` They did it in another town and we got excited about it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Kruse said .
`` What was really surprising was to see some of the kids ' teachers , they got into their cars and came . ''
`` It was fun and we 're excited now that tomorrow we get to go do this for other communities , '' she said .
The schedule for the rest of the week includes : neighborhoods Biltmore and Oaksbury on Tuesday ; Timberlake , including Indian Trail Road , Country Club Estates and Wagonwheel on Wednesday ; Farm Trails on Thursday ; and Twin Pond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun , '' said mom Carolyne Osterhues .
`` It gives the kids something to look forward to . ''

'Honk and Wave Parade' brings socially distanced suburban families together
A North Barrington Elementary School teacher joins in the fun Monday by driving in a "Honk and Wave Parade" through several nearby neighborhoods. Rick West | Staff PhotographerC
North Barrington Elementary School families organized a "Honk and Wave Parade" through several nearby neighborhoods that will continue this week. Rick West | Staff Photographer
Carolyne Osterhuse, her daughter, Emily, 14, and son, Lamar, 10, wave as folks in cars wave back Monday during a "Honk and Wave Parade" organized by North Barrington Elementary School families. Rick West | Staff Photographer
Andy Ohlrich, his daughter, Cora, 3, and wife, Carley Ohlrich, wave to cars as they drive by during Monday's "Honk and Wave Parade" organized by North Barrington Elementary School families. The parade will visit other neighborhoods in coming days. Rick West | Staff Photographer
Aliza Kruse, left, with her sister, Anna, and mom, Elizabeth, wave Monday during a "Honk and Wave Parade" organized by North Barrington Elementary School families. Aliza is a third-grader and Anna a fourth-grader at the school. Rick West | Staff Photographer
Horns honked, families cheered and held up signs. A little girl excitedly waved an American flag.
It was a scene like any other parade, except all the parade participants stayed in their cars and waved from windows while the families enjoying it stayed in their driveways, a safe and respectful distance from each another.
Just another day in the evolving new normal of COVID-19.
Trying to make that new normal more like the old normal, a group of families from North Barrington Elementary School organized a "Honk and Wave Parade" through several nearby neighborhoods. This week, every day at 1 p.m., a parade of cars will drive through neighborhoods served by the school to try and bring cheer and a sense of community to the socially distanced.
"It's a way to connect during this disconnected time," said Carley Ohlrich, who, with her husband and daughter, waved from an open window above the family's driveway.
Organizers said they saw the idea on Facebook.
"They did it in another town and we got excited about it and decided to do it here," Elizabeth Kruse said. "What was really surprising was to see some of the kids' teachers, they got into their cars and came."
"It was fun and we're excited now that tomorrow we get to go do this for other communities," she said.
The schedule for the rest of the week includes: neighborhoods Biltmore and Oaksbury on Tuesday; Timberlake, including Indian Trail Road, Country Club Estates and Wagonwheel on Wednesday; Farm Trails on Thursday; and Twin Pond Farms on Friday.
"It was fun," said mom Carolyne Osterhues. "It gives the kids something to look forward to."