dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Blood stains and broken glass: Suburbanites react to Chicago's night of chaos

The crime spree was not a total shock for Aurelio Lee , but the trails of blood -- left by looters who smashed into high-end stores in Chicago 's Gold Coast neighborhood early Monday -- were .
Lee , a property management firm owner from Wadsworth , was alerted to the crisis by a call at 12:30 a.m. '' One of my labor guys said , 'Are you watching this ? '
'' said Lee , whose firm handles properties in several Chicago neighborhoods , including the Gold Coast and Bucktown .
It was the second time Lee has dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of looting in late May and early June caused many stores to replace standard window glass with a strong , reinforced version .
`` Folks still found a way to break through , '' making small holes until sections of the glass gave away , Lee said .
As people surged through the windows , some were cut .
`` There were blood trails all throughout the stores , '' Lee said .
`` Folks were just hurting themselves trying to get into the stores . ''
The earlier violence in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of disruptions caused by protests for racial justice .
Authorities said Monday 's rampage happened after Chicago police shot a man who opened fire on them Sunday .
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the damage and thefts were carried out by criminals .
After meeting with retailers Monday , `` I think people acclimatized rather quickly after what happened '' earlier this summer , Lee said .
Then , `` everyone was out of control and freaking out about , 'What are we going to do ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ again ? '
'' Now the attitude was , `` 'Well , it 's happened again and let 's just do what we have to do , ' '' Lee said .
He added store owners seemed confident that `` this is a one-off and wo n't happen again , '' and city leaders could maintain order .
Naperville resident Alexander Cordes , an intern at a construction management firm , learned about the looting at about 5:15 a.m. on his way into work in Chicago .
His company is working two jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Michigan Avenue .
But as he passed Sacramento Avenue eastbound on the Eisenhower Expressway , Cordes saw the first of multiple exits blocked off .
He had received a text earlier stating , `` we just got looted , '' from his boss , but figured , `` well , the other job is going on , '' and continued only to find access blocked off from all expressways .
`` Oh man -- did I miss something when I went to bed last night ? ''
Cordes wondered .
He tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas was running low .
`` I had just enough gas to get to the city and back .
It did n't seem safe to me , '' Cordes said .
`` The streets were blocked for a reason .
I drove all the way down here to turn back around . ''
Both projects were postponed Monday with uncertainty for Tuesday .
`` I 'm just going to stand by the phone , '' Cordes said .
Meanwhile , after a day spent checking on the damage , Lee said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the behavior of some individuals .
People who really needed to go to work today are n't working .
`` It was not a spontaneous reaction , like you 're so frustrated you need to throw a rock through a window , it was calculated . ''

Blood stains and broken glass: Suburbanites react to Chicago's night of chaos
Yogi Dalal hugs his daughter Jigisha Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, after she arrived at the family food and liquor store and as his other daughter Kajal, left, bows her head after the family business was vandalized in downtown Chicago. Chicago's police commissioner says more than 100 people were arrested following a night of looting and unrest that left several officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Associated Press
The crime spree was not a total shock for Aurelio Lee, but the trails of blood -- left by looters who smashed into high-end stores in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood early Monday -- were.
Lee, a property management firm owner from Wadsworth, was alerted to the crisis by a call at 12:30 a.m.
"One of my labor guys said, 'Are you watching this?'" said Lee, whose firm handles properties in several Chicago neighborhoods, including the Gold Coast and Bucktown.
It was the second time Lee has dealt with vandalism this summer, after a wave of looting in late May and early June caused many stores to replace standard window glass with a strong, reinforced version.
"Folks still found a way to break through," making small holes until sections of the glass gave away, Lee said. As people surged through the windows, some were cut.
"There were blood trails all throughout the stores," Lee said. "Folks were just hurting themselves trying to get into the stores."
The earlier violence in Chicago and the suburbs occurred after vandals took advantage of disruptions caused by protests for racial justice. Authorities said Monday's rampage happened after Chicago police shot a man who opened fire on them Sunday.
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the damage and thefts were carried out by criminals.
After meeting with retailers Monday, "I think people acclimatized rather quickly after what happened" earlier this summer, Lee said. Then, "everyone was out of control and freaking out about, 'What are we going to do?' and 'Is this going to happen again?'"
Now the attitude was, "'Well, it's happened again and let's just do what we have to do,'" Lee said. He added store owners seemed confident that "this is a one-off and won't happen again," and city leaders could maintain order.
Naperville resident Alexander Cordes, an intern at a construction management firm, learned about the looting at about 5:15 a.m. on his way into work in Chicago. His company is working two jobs at stores in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood on Michigan Avenue.
But as he passed Sacramento Avenue eastbound on the Eisenhower Expressway, Cordes saw the first of multiple exits blocked off.
He had received a text earlier stating, "we just got looted," from his boss, but figured, "well, the other job is going on," and continued only to find access blocked off from all expressways.
"Oh man -- did I miss something when I went to bed last night?" Cordes wondered.
He tried to find a side street but his gas was running low.
"I had just enough gas to get to the city and back. It didn't seem safe to me," Cordes said. "The streets were blocked for a reason. I drove all the way down here to turn back around."
Both projects were postponed Monday with uncertainty for Tuesday. "I'm just going to stand by the phone," Cordes said.
Meanwhile, after a day spent checking on the damage, Lee said he was "fed up and disappointed and disgusted by the behavior of some individuals. People who really needed to go to work today aren't working.
"It was not a spontaneous reaction, like you're so frustrated you need to throw a rock through a window, it was calculated."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--State's Attorney Foxx pushes back on criticism from opponent, top cop after Chicago looting

Cook County State 's Attorney Kim Foxx was at the center of controversy Monday over vandalism and looting in Chicago 's downtown business district , but rejected criticism from Chicago 's police superintendent and her Republican opponent as `` blame games . ''
Police Supt .
David Brown 's assertion that looters were emboldened by `` no consequences '' in the criminal justice system has no basis , Foxx said .
Pat O'Brien , Foxx 's Republican opponent , seized on the situation , and on a Chicago Tribune report saying Foxx 's office dismissed felony cases -- including murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than her predecessor Anita Alvarez .
Foxx disputed the report , saying during a news conference Monday that `` the bulk of the cases that have been dropped by this administration compared to the previous administration were drug cases '' and not violent crimes .
`` The numbers were statistically insignificant , '' said Foxx , who is running for a second term on Nov. 3 .
`` It turned out that there were eight more murders in this administration that had been dismissed than prior ... Statistically that eight was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insignificant amount . ''
For cases classified as serious -- homicide , sexual assault , armed robbery -- her office 's approval and `` conviction rates were similar if not better '' than her predecessor , Foxx said .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for a `` comprehensive , all-hands-on-deck strategy '' against looting .
She called for accountability and not people being `` cycled through the system . ''
Foxx said prosecutors drop cases for many reasons : for example when `` facts and the evidence do n't substantiate a charge '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness refuses to cooperate ; or when it becomes clear that the person charged with a crime has been misidentified , as was an individual charged with a quadruple homicide about a month ago .
O'Brien commented about what he calls his opponent 's failure to approve certain charges , which he attributes to her `` never having tried a felony case . ''
The Chicago Tribune report indicated Foxx 's overall 66 % conviction rate during her first three years in office falls short of Alvarez 's conviction rate , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office .
O'Brien has criticized Foxx on his campaign website , claiming she has `` completely ignored public safety . ''
Over her term , he says her office 's jury trial conviction rate is `` under 65 % .
As we know from our days in school that 's an F , '' O'Brien said .
• The Associated Press contributed to this report .

State's Attorney Foxx pushes back on criticism from opponent, top cop after Chicago looting
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx speaks to reporters at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago in this Feb. 23, 2019, photo. Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was at the center of controversy Monday over vandalism and looting in Chicago's downtown business district, but rejected criticism from Chicago's police superintendent and her Republican opponent as "blame games."
Police Supt. David Brown's assertion that looters were emboldened by "no consequences" in the criminal justice system has no basis, Foxx said.
Pat O'Brien, Foxx's Republican opponent, seized on the situation, and on a Chicago Tribune report saying Foxx's office dismissed felony cases -- including murder and sexual assault -- at a rate higher than her predecessor Anita Alvarez.
Foxx disputed the report, saying during a news conference Monday that "the bulk of the cases that have been dropped by this administration compared to the previous administration were drug cases" and not violent crimes.
"The numbers were statistically insignificant," said Foxx, who is running for a second term on Nov. 3. "It turned out that there were eight more murders in this administration that had been dismissed than prior ... Statistically that eight was a jump, but it was a statistically insignificant amount."
For cases classified as serious -- homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery -- her office's approval and "conviction rates were similar if not better" than her predecessor, Foxx said.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for a "comprehensive, all-hands-on-deck strategy" against looting. She called for accountability and not people being "cycled through the system."
Foxx said prosecutors drop cases for many reasons: for example when "facts and the evidence don't substantiate a charge"; when the victim or a key witness refuses to cooperate; or when it becomes clear that the person charged with a crime has been misidentified, as was an individual charged with a quadruple homicide about a month ago.
O'Brien commented about what he calls his opponent's failure to approve certain charges, which he attributes to her "never having tried a felony case."
The Chicago Tribune report indicated Foxx's overall 66% conviction rate during her first three years in office falls short of Alvarez's conviction rate, which was 75% during her last three years in office.
O'Brien has criticized Foxx on his campaign website, claiming she has "completely ignored public safety."
Over her term, he says her office's jury trial conviction rate is "under 65%. As we know from our days in school that's an F," O'Brien said.
• The Associated Press contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Looters descend on downtown Chicago; more than 100 arrested

Hundreds of looters and vandals descended on downtown Chicago early Monday following a police shooting on the city 's South Side , smashing the windows of dozens of businesses and making off with merchandise , cash machines and anything else they could carry , police said .
Hours earlier , police shot a man after he opened fire on officers Sunday afternoon -- an incident that apparently prompted a social media post urging looters to converge on the business district , Police Superintendent David Brown told a news conference .
Some 400 additional officers were dispatched to the area after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several hours , police made more than 100 arrests and 13 officers were injured , including one who was struck in the head with a bottle , Brown said .
Brown dismissed any suggestion that the chaos was part of an organized protest of the shooting , instead calling it `` pure criminality '' that included occupants of a vehicle opening fire on police who were arresting a man they spotted carrying a cash register .
No officers were wounded by gunfire , but a security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five guns were recovered , he said .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed that the melee had nothing to do with a protest .
`` This was straight-up felony criminal conduct , '' she said .
`` This was an assault on our city . ''
The looting brightened the national spotlight that has been on Chicago for weeks after a surge in gun violence that resulted in more homicides in July than any month in decades .
President Donald Trump , who has repeatedly criticized the city 's handling of the violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take part in what Attorney General William Barr called `` classic crime fighting . ''
Further ratcheting up the tensions in the city was a video that circulated on Facebook hours before the looting that falsely claimed that Chicago police had shot and killed a 15-year-old boy .
Posted at 6:30 p.m. Sunday , the video shows upset residents confronting officers near the scene where officers shot and wounded an adult suspect who they said had fired at them that day .
By Monday morning , it had been watched nearly 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scene that bore a striking resemblance to the unrest that unfolded when protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis devolved into chaos .
Brown suggested that the lenient treatment of people arrested then played a role in what happened Monday .
`` Not many of those cases were prosecuted to the full extent , '' he said .
`` These looters , these thieves , these criminals being emboldened by ( the lack of ) consequences ... emboldened to do more . ''
At the same news conference , Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that police had collected a lot of surveillance video and other evidence that will be used to arrest and prosecute as many as possible .
`` We saw you , and we will come after you , '' she warned .
Videos of the vandalism showed huge crowds of people smashing their way into businesses and streaming out of the broken windows and doors with clothes and other merchandise .
They loaded up vehicles and drove off , some leaving behind boxes of rocks that they had apparently brought to shatter the windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were strewed about the streets , along with automatic teller machines that had been ripped from walls or pulled from inside businesses .
Stores miles from downtown were also ransacked , their parking lots littered with glass and boxes that once contained television sets and other electronics .
`` This was obviously very orchestrated , '' the Rev .
Michael Pfleger , a prominent Roman Catholic priest and activist on the city 's South Side , told Chicago television station WBBM .
Train and bus service into downtown was temporarily suspended .
Bridges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventing travel to and from the downtown area , and state police blocked some expressway ramps into downtown .
Access was to be restored later in the day .
Brown said the department would maintain a huge presence in the downtown area indefinitely , telling reporters that all days off had been canceled until further notice .
On the South Side , police responded about 2:30 p.m. Sunday to a call about a person with a gun in the Englewood neighborhood and tried to confront someone matching his description in an alley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot at officers , police said .
Officers returned fire , wounding the man , who was taken to a hospital for treatment .
He was expected to recover .
Three officers also were taken to a hospital for observation , the statement said .
Brown later said the 20-year-old man had a long criminal history , including arrests for domestic battery and child endangerment , He said a gun was recovered at the scene .
More than an hour after the shooting , police and witnesses said a crowd faced off with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police had shot and wounded a child .
That crowd eventually dispersed .
But police later came across the social media post about a caravan of cars `` being prompted to go to our downtown to loot , '' Brown said .
`` Within 15 minutes , we respond and almost immediately the caravan is in our downtown area . ''

Looters descend on downtown Chicago; more than 100 arrested
A door to the Block 37 retail building is shattered Monday after vandals struck overnight in Chicago's famed Loop. Chicago's police commissioner says more than 100 people were arrested following a night of looting and unrest that left several officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Associated Press
Yogi Dalal hugs his daughter, Jigisha, Monday after she arrived at the family food and liquor store and as his other daughter, Kajal, left, bows her head after the family business was vandalized in downtown Chicago. Chicago's police commissioner says more than 100 people were arrested following a night of looting and unrest that left several officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Associated Press
A store on E. Randolph street in Chicago was looted and damaged. More than 100 people were arrested Monday following a night of looting and unrest that left 13 officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Courtesy of Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
The Water Tower Macy's store was looted in Chicago. More than 100 people were arrested Monday following a night of looting and unrest that left 13 officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Courtesy of Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Windows were smashed at the McDonald's restaurant at Randolph and Dearborn in Chicago. More than 100 people were arrested Monday following a night of looting and unrest that left 13 officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Courtesy of Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
A window was smashed at the Michigan Avenue Macy's store at Water Tower Place in Chicago. More than 100 people were arrested Monday following a night of looting and unrest that left 13 officers injured and caused damage in the city's upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city. Courtesy of Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Hundreds of looters and vandals descended on downtown Chicago early Monday following a police shooting on the city's South Side, smashing the windows of dozens of businesses and making off with merchandise, cash machines and anything else they could carry, police said.
Hours earlier, police shot a man after he opened fire on officers Sunday afternoon -- an incident that apparently prompted a social media post urging looters to converge on the business district, Police Superintendent David Brown told a news conference.
Some 400 additional officers were dispatched to the area after the department spotted the post. Over several hours, police made more than 100 arrests and 13 officers were injured, including one who was struck in the head with a bottle, Brown said.
Brown dismissed any suggestion that the chaos was part of an organized protest of the shooting, instead calling it "pure criminality" that included occupants of a vehicle opening fire on police who were arresting a man they spotted carrying a cash register.
No officers were wounded by gunfire, but a security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in critical condition after being shot, and five guns were recovered, he said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot agreed that the melee had nothing to do with a protest. "This was straight-up felony criminal conduct," she said. "This was an assault on our city."
The looting brightened the national spotlight that has been on Chicago for weeks after a surge in gun violence that resulted in more homicides in July than any month in decades. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the city's handling of the violence, recently ordered more federal agents to Chicago to take part in what Attorney General William Barr called "classic crime fighting."
Further ratcheting up the tensions in the city was a video that circulated on Facebook hours before the looting that falsely claimed that Chicago police had shot and killed a 15-year-old boy. Posted at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, the video shows upset residents confronting officers near the scene where officers shot and wounded an adult suspect who they said had fired at them that day. By Monday morning, it had been watched nearly 100,000 times.
Witnesses to the looting described a scene that bore a striking resemblance to the unrest that unfolded when protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis devolved into chaos. Brown suggested that the lenient treatment of people arrested then played a role in what happened Monday.
"Not many of those cases were prosecuted to the full extent," he said. "These looters, these thieves, these criminals being emboldened by (the lack of) consequences ... emboldened to do more."
At the same news conference, Lightfoot addressed the looters directly, telling them that police had collected a lot of surveillance video and other evidence that will be used to arrest and prosecute as many as possible.
"We saw you, and we will come after you," she warned.
Videos of the vandalism showed huge crowds of people smashing their way into businesses and streaming out of the broken windows and doors with clothes and other merchandise. They loaded up vehicles and drove off, some leaving behind boxes of rocks that they had apparently brought to shatter the windows. Cash register drawers and clothes hangers were strewed about the streets, along with automatic teller machines that had been ripped from walls or pulled from inside businesses.
Stores miles from downtown were also ransacked, their parking lots littered with glass and boxes that once contained television sets and other electronics.
"This was obviously very orchestrated," the Rev. Michael Pfleger, a prominent Roman Catholic priest and activist on the city's South Side, told Chicago television station WBBM.
Train and bus service into downtown was temporarily suspended. Bridges over the Chicago River were lifted, preventing travel to and from the downtown area, and state police blocked some expressway ramps into downtown. Access was to be restored later in the day.
Brown said the department would maintain a huge presence in the downtown area indefinitely, telling reporters that all days off had been canceled until further notice.
On the South Side, police responded about 2:30 p.m. Sunday to a call about a person with a gun in the Englewood neighborhood and tried to confront someone matching his description in an alley. He fled from officers on foot and shot at officers, police said.
Officers returned fire, wounding the man, who was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was expected to recover. Three officers also were taken to a hospital for observation, the statement said.
Brown later said the 20-year-old man had a long criminal history, including arrests for domestic battery and child endangerment, He said a gun was recovered at the scene.
More than an hour after the shooting, police and witnesses said a crowd faced off with officers after someone reportedly told people that police had shot and wounded a child. That crowd eventually dispersed.
But police later came across the social media post about a caravan of cars "being prompted to go to our downtown to loot," Brown said. "Within 15 minutes, we respond and almost immediately the caravan is in our downtown area."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Illinois reports 1,319 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

New cases of COVID-19 increased by 1,319 Monday and one person died of the respiratory disease , the Illinois Department of Public Health said .
That brings the total cases statewide to 195,399 and fatalities to 7,637 .
The fatality was a woman in her 90s in Cumberland County , near Effingham .
Typically , COVID-19 cases and fatalities are lower on Mondays because not all sources , such as county coroners ' offices , report data over the weekend .
The last time the state health department listed a single death was July 26 .
The COVID-19 test positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seven-day average .
The state health department reported 32,353 tests performed in the last 24 hours , which leaves the daily positivity rate also at 4.1 % .
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 was 1,481 as of Sunday night .
That 's lower than the seven-day average of 1,508 , but hospitalizations have been climbing .
The average number of people hospitalized each day in July was 1,420 .
Meanwhile , with one-third of August over , the average daily COVID-19 case increase for the month was 1,656 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases a day in July , which was 1,150 .

Illinois reports 1,319 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death
New cases of COVID-19 increased by 1,319 Monday and one person died of the respiratory disease, the Illinois Department of Public Health said.
That brings the total cases statewide to 195,399 and fatalities to 7,637. The fatality was a woman in her 90s in Cumberland County, near Effingham.
Typically, COVID-19 cases and fatalities are lower on Mondays because not all sources, such as county coroners' offices, report data over the weekend. The last time the state health department listed a single death was July 26.
The COVID-19 test positivity rate stands at 4.1% based on a seven-day average. The state health department reported 32,353 tests performed in the last 24 hours, which leaves the daily positivity rate also at 4.1%.
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 was 1,481 as of Sunday night. That's lower than the seven-day average of 1,508, but hospitalizations have been climbing. The average number of people hospitalized each day in July was 1,420.
Meanwhile, with one-third of August over, the average daily COVID-19 case increase for the month was 1,656. It's higher than the average of new cases a day in July, which was 1,150.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Republicans say expanded mail voting in Illinois is partisan 'scheme'

Chicago-area Republicans filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging Illinois ' expanded vote-by-mail program is a `` partisan scheme '' to help Democrats get votes and could open the door to election fraud .
The lawsuit is the latest GOP effort to curb mail-in voting , which President Donald Trump has called flawed and the greatest threat to his reelection .
Though several states rely exclusively on mail-in ballots and fraud related to it is rare , it 's a complicated endeavor that more states are taking on during the coronavirus pandemic .
At issue are changes to Illinois ' vote-by-mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed in June to limit Election Day crowds at the polls .
Among other things , it sends vote-by-mail applications to millions of Illinois residents who voted in elections since 2018 , makes Nov. 3 a government and school holiday and allows local election authorities to establish secure drop-boxes for collecting ballots .
The lawsuit argues the law allows for so-called vote harvesting , or the practice of third parties rounding up absentee ballots .
The alleged scheme would let those with Election Day off , including Democratic-leaning union employees such as teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the votes of the Republican Party . ''
`` More than any other state in the nation , Illinois has a track record of both corruption and incompetence -- and its residents have no reason to believe that the government can conduct an honest and accurate vote-by-mail in the upcoming election , '' Sean Morrison , chairman of the Cook County Republican Party , said in a statement .
The lawsuit , filed in Chicago , also claims the expansion was hastily implemented and that Illinois is `` woefully unprepared '' to carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its new automatic voter registration program .
The lawsuit calls the expansion unnecessary as Illinois already allows anyone to vote absentee without an excuse .
It names Pritzker , Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough and members of the State Board of Elections and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners .
`` This lawsuit is a desperate political attempt to suppress the vote , '' Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in statement .
State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich declined to comment on pending litigation .
Messages left for the others were n't immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat-majority Illinois Legislature objected to the plan , which was approved during a special session in May .
In signing it , Pritzker said the law would allow more people to `` hold accountable a truly representative and transparent government '' from the `` safety of their own homes '' while reducing the spread of COVID-19 .
Lawyers for the Chicago-based Liberty Justice Center , which the conservative Illinois Policy Institute has described as its `` litigation arm , '' filed the lawsuit on behalf of Cook County Republicans .
The institute and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a Liberty Justice Center spokeswoman says they 're separate organizations .
The Liberty Justice Center previously challenged Election Day voter registration in Illinois .
An appeals court overturned a ruling in favor of the group just weeks before the November 2016 election .

Republicans say expanded mail voting in Illinois is partisan 'scheme'
Chicago-area Republicans filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging Illinois' expanded vote-by-mail program is a "partisan scheme" to help Democrats get votes and could open the door to election fraud.
The lawsuit is the latest GOP effort to curb mail-in voting, which President Donald Trump has called flawed and the greatest threat to his reelection. Though several states rely exclusively on mail-in ballots and fraud related to it is rare, it's a complicated endeavor that more states are taking on during the coronavirus pandemic.
At issue are changes to Illinois' vote-by-mail program that Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed in June to limit Election Day crowds at the polls. Among other things, it sends vote-by-mail applications to millions of Illinois residents who voted in elections since 2018, makes Nov. 3 a government and school holiday and allows local election authorities to establish secure drop-boxes for collecting ballots.
The lawsuit argues the law allows for so-called vote harvesting, or the practice of third parties rounding up absentee ballots. The alleged scheme would let those with Election Day off, including Democratic-leaning union employees such as teachers, to collect ballots and "dilute the votes of the Republican Party."
"More than any other state in the nation, Illinois has a track record of both corruption and incompetence -- and its residents have no reason to believe that the government can conduct an honest and accurate vote-by-mail in the upcoming election," Sean Morrison, chairman of the Cook County Republican Party, said in a statement.
The lawsuit, filed in Chicago, also claims the expansion was hastily implemented and that Illinois is "woefully unprepared" to carry out the changes, citing problems with its new automatic voter registration program. The lawsuit calls the expansion unnecessary as Illinois already allows anyone to vote absentee without an excuse.
It names Pritzker, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough and members of the State Board of Elections and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
"This lawsuit is a desperate political attempt to suppress the vote," Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in statement.
State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich declined to comment on pending litigation. Messages left for the others weren't immediately returned Monday.
Most Republicans in the Democrat-majority Illinois Legislature objected to the plan, which was approved during a special session in May.
In signing it, Pritzker said the law would allow more people to "hold accountable a truly representative and transparent government" from the "safety of their own homes" while reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Lawyers for the Chicago-based Liberty Justice Center, which the conservative Illinois Policy Institute has described as its "litigation arm," filed the lawsuit on behalf of Cook County Republicans. The institute and center often collaborate and share an address, but a Liberty Justice Center spokeswoman says they're separate organizations.
The Liberty Justice Center previously challenged Election Day voter registration in Illinois. An appeals court overturned a ruling in favor of the group just weeks before the November 2016 election.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Coach describes slain Glenbrook South wrestler as charismatic, quiet, hard-working

Glenbrook South student Elias Valdez , who was stabbed to death Aug. 5 , was remembered by Titans assistant wrestling coach Chris Albandia as unassuming yet charismatic .
`` He had almost like this magnetic personality where people wanted to talk to him ; people kind of wanted to sidle up to him , '' said Albandia , a teacher who saw Valdez not just on the wrestling mat but also in Glenbrook South 's structured study period .
`` He was actually a quiet , unassuming student .
I just noticed he was someone who could really attract people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glenview Police Department 's initial announcement on Thursday , there has been no further information on the death of Valdez , a 15-year-old incoming sophomore who lived in an unincorporated area near Glenview .
He was found stabbed in the chest about 7 p.m. Wednesday in a grassy area on the 1200 block of Greenwood Road .
Valdez died Wednesday night during surgery at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge .
The Cook County medical examiner 's office on Friday ruled Valdez 's death a homicide .
The North Regional Major Crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what police say was the village 's first murder since 2004 .
Anyone with information should call the Glenview Police Department 's tip line at ( 847 ) 961-6055 or email gpdtipline @ glenview.il.us .
Albandia said the 2019-20 wrestling season was Valdez 's first foray into extracurricular activities at Glenbrook South .
`` He really showed he had potential there -- he 's a hard worker .
He 's got some ability , '' Albandia said .
After training in the 126-pound division , Valdez went 0-2 in his first competition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` woe is me '' attitude from the freshman , he said , but Valdez surprised him .
`` He was all gung-ho .
He said this is what he wanted to do , '' Albandia said .
`` I think one of the things that really got to him was , after the freshmen competed , he got to see the varsity compete .
We had a really strong season , the varsity , and seeing the energy , the yelling and screaming , the jumping up and down , he thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of that , ' '' Albandia said .
Valdez easily mixed with boys from all classes , Albandia said .
On top of starting school under a pandemic , the murder has `` definitely thrown everybody for a loop , '' he said .
`` He really was a little boy , '' Albandia said .
`` That 's the big thing that kind of rang through with everyone ... he has n't had a chance yet . ''

Coach describes slain Glenbrook South wrestler as charismatic, quiet, hard-working
Glenview police investigate the stabbing of the 15-year-old boy Elias Valdez on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Courtesy of Northshore Updates
Glenbrook South student Elias Valdez, who was stabbed to death Aug. 5, was remembered by Titans assistant wrestling coach Chris Albandia as unassuming yet charismatic.
"He had almost like this magnetic personality where people wanted to talk to him; people kind of wanted to sidle up to him," said Albandia, a teacher who saw Valdez not just on the wrestling mat but also in Glenbrook South's structured study period.
"He was actually a quiet, unassuming student. I just noticed he was someone who could really attract people," Albandia said.
Since the Glenview Police Department's initial announcement on Thursday, there has been no further information on the death of Valdez, a 15-year-old incoming sophomore who lived in an unincorporated area near Glenview. He was found stabbed in the chest about 7 p.m. Wednesday in a grassy area on the 1200 block of Greenwood Road. Valdez died Wednesday night during surgery at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
The Cook County medical examiner's office on Friday ruled Valdez's death a homicide.
The North Regional Major Crimes Task Force was heading the investigation into what police say was the village's first murder since 2004.
Anyone with information should call the Glenview Police Department's tip line at (847) 961-6055 or email gpdtipline@glenview.il.us.
Albandia said the 2019-20 wrestling season was Valdez's first foray into extracurricular activities at Glenbrook South.
"He really showed he had potential there -- he's a hard worker. He's got some ability," Albandia said.
After training in the 126-pound division, Valdez went 0-2 in his first competition, Albandia recalled. The coach expected a "woe is me" attitude from the freshman, he said, but Valdez surprised him.
"He was all gung-ho. He said this is what he wanted to do," Albandia said.
"I think one of the things that really got to him was, after the freshmen competed, he got to see the varsity compete. We had a really strong season, the varsity, and seeing the energy, the yelling and screaming, the jumping up and down, he thought, 'I want to be a part of that,'" Albandia said.
Valdez easily mixed with boys from all classes, Albandia said.
On top of starting school under a pandemic, the murder has "definitely thrown everybody for a loop," he said.
"He really was a little boy," Albandia said. "That's the big thing that kind of rang through with everyone ... he hasn't had a chance yet."
Visitation for Valdez will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, with no more than 50 mourners at a time, at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy. in Palatine.
A funeral Mass will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home, and burial will take place at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Aug. 10 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Suburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 95,208 cases in the suburbs as of Monday .
That 's 49 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,848 deaths in the suburbs , representing 50 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Monday , suburban Cook County had 47,819 cases and 2,119 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 64,129 cases and 2,809 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Des Plaines , 962 cases and 65 deaths in Wheeling , 945 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 805 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 793 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 786 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg , 751 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview , 741 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 657 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 604 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 447 cases and 13 deaths in Rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northbrook , 435 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village , 310 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 158 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .DuPage County • The county reported 12,285 cases and 519 deaths as of Monday .
• Top counts : 966 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 920 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 803 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights , 776 cases and 38 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carol Stream , 614 cases and 14 deaths in Bensenville , 591 cases and 27 deaths in Lombard , 567 cases and 43 deaths in Elmhurst , 496 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 473 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 357 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 345 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 317 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county listed 12,753 cases and 430 deaths on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,250 to 3,254 in Waukegan , 765 to 769 in Round Lake Beach , 470 to 474 in Mundelein , 415 to 419 in Gurnee , 335 to 339 in Round Lake , 230 to 234 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 245 to 249 in Lake Zurich , 240 to 244 in Vernon Hills , 195 to 199 in Wauconda , 190 to 194 in Libertyville , 170 to 174 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 9,875 cases with 305 deaths on its website Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,245 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 942 in Carpentersville , 591 in St. Charles , 435 in South Elgin , 297 in Geneva , 269 in North Aurora , 237 in Batavia , and 81 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 3,133 cases and 113 deaths , according to the health department Monday .
Will County • 9,315 cases and 344 deaths as of Monday .
• Cases per town include 648 in Naperville ( Will County portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County portion ) .

Aug. 10 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depicts the coronavirus as viewed through a microscope. Courtesy of the CDC
Interactive map
Suburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 95,208 cases in the suburbs as of Monday. That's 49% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 3,848 deaths in the suburbs, representing 50% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Monday, suburban Cook County had 47,819 cases and 2,119 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 64,129 cases and 2,809 fatalities. • Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 2,009 cases and 104 deaths in Des Plaines, 962 cases and 65 deaths in Wheeling, 945 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 805 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 793 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 786 cases and 21 deaths in Schaumburg, 751 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview, 741 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 657 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 604 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 447 cases and 13 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 440 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 435 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 310 cases and 9 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 158 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 12,285 cases and 519 deaths as of Monday.
• Top counts: 966 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 920 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 803 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 776 cases and 38 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 675 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 614 cases and 14 deaths in Bensenville, 591 cases and 27 deaths in Lombard, 567 cases and 43 deaths in Elmhurst, 496 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 473 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 357 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 345 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 317 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 12,753 cases and 430 deaths on its website Monday.
• Top counts: 3,250 to 3,254 in Waukegan, 765 to 769 in Round Lake Beach, 470 to 474 in Mundelein, 415 to 419 in Gurnee, 335 to 339 in Round Lake, 230 to 234 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 245 to 249 in Lake Zurich, 240 to 244 in Vernon Hills, 195 to 199 in Wauconda, 190 to 194 in Libertyville, 170 to 174 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 9,875 cases with 305 deaths on its website Monday.
• Top counts: 3,932 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,245 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 942 in Carpentersville, 591 in St. Charles, 435 in South Elgin, 297 in Geneva, 269 in North Aurora, 237 in Batavia, and 81 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 3,133 cases and 113 deaths, according to the health department Monday.
Will County• 9,315 cases and 344 deaths as of Monday.
• Cases per town include 648 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 119 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Bike share program launches in Elgin, Aurora and Montgomery

After a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , the Fox Valley Bike Share System launched recently with bicycle rental locations in Elgin , Aurora and Montgomery , with another location in the works in Batavia .
The program is led by the Kane County Division of Transportation , which partnered with local entities -- city and village officials in Aurora , Montgomery and Batavia , and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin -- to offer the program featuring bright orange bikes for rent from the company Koloni .
The bike stations in Elgin , Aurora and Montgomery offer regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batavia will offer electric bikes , or e-bikes .
People can rent bikes and drop them off at any location .
Rentals are done using a QR code on the bikes and the Koloni app on smartphones .
Prices for regular bikes are $ 4 for the first hour and $ 5 for each additional hour .
E-bikes will be $ 9 for the first hour and $ 10 for each additional hour .
Monthly memberships are $ 10 and annual memberships are $ 50 , and both come with the first hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own contract with the bike company , and Kane County gave a $ 7,000 subsidy each to help the program get off the ground in the first year , said Troy Simpson , planning liaison for the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors .
The e-bikes in Batavia have n't launched yet because of a delay in shipment , he said .
The local entities will get a share of the proceeds from the rentals and Koloni will oversee the fleet , including maintenance and winter storage , Simpson said .
The bikes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is when Koloni will bring them in for maintenance and sanitation before putting them back on the streets .
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a surge of interest in bicycling , with shops mostly unable to keep up with demand , Simpson said .
Also , people 's visits to public parkland have increased by 200 % to 300 % in the last couple of months based on Google data , he said .
`` I do n't think we necessarily forethought how much sense it was going to make to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jennifer Fukala , executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin .
`` There is more demand than ever before . ''
• Elgin has three bike stations downtown : at Fountain Square ; along North Grove Avenue near Kimball Street ; and at Festival Park just south of the playground .
The association has a $ 12,000 yearly contract for eight bikes , and Koloni added two extra bikes at no cost , Fukala said .
The cost for the first year is being covered by grants coupled with the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure advertising , which will help cover future costs , she said .
`` We have definitely seen people ride them from the first day , '' she said .
• Aurora has a contract for 10 bikes at three stations : at city hall/Water Street pedestrian mall ; at RiverEdge Park/Aurora Transportation Center ; and by the Aurora Public Library at Benton and River streets .
Aurora previously had a bike share program through the company Zagster , which has ceased operations .
• Montgomery has a contract for four bikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 N. River St. • Batavia will have seven e-bikes with a station at South Plaza by city hall .

Bike share program launches in Elgin, Aurora and Montgomery
After a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fox Valley Bike Share System launched recently with bicycle rental locations in Elgin, Aurora and Montgomery, with another location in the works in Batavia.
The program is led by the Kane County Division of Transportation, which partnered with local entities -- city and village officials in Aurora, Montgomery and Batavia, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin -- to offer the program featuring bright orange bikes for rent from the company Koloni.
The bike stations in Elgin, Aurora and Montgomery offer regular bikes, while the future station in Batavia will offer electric bikes, or e-bikes. People can rent bikes and drop them off at any location.
Rentals are done using a QR code on the bikes and the Koloni app on smartphones. Prices for regular bikes are $4 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour. E-bikes will be $9 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour. Monthly memberships are $10 and annual memberships are $50, and both come with the first hour free.
Each local entity negotiated its own contract with the bike company, and Kane County gave a $7,000 subsidy each to help the program get off the ground in the first year, said Troy Simpson, planning liaison for the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors.
The e-bikes in Batavia haven't launched yet because of a delay in shipment, he said.
The local entities will get a share of the proceeds from the rentals and Koloni will oversee the fleet, including maintenance and winter storage, Simpson said. The bikes will become "unrentable" after seven uses, which is when Koloni will bring them in for maintenance and sanitation before putting them back on the streets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a surge of interest in bicycling, with shops mostly unable to keep up with demand, Simpson said. Also, people's visits to public parkland have increased by 200% to 300% in the last couple of months based on Google data, he said.
"I don't think we necessarily forethought how much sense it was going to make to launch it right now," said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. "There is more demand than ever before."
• Elgin has three bike stations downtown: at Fountain Square; along North Grove Avenue near Kimball Street; and at Festival Park just south of the playground. The association has a $12,000 yearly contract for eight bikes, and Koloni added two extra bikes at no cost, Fukala said. The cost for the first year is being covered by grants coupled with the county's subsidy, and the hope is to secure advertising, which will help cover future costs, she said. "We have definitely seen people ride them from the first day," she said.
• Aurora has a contract for 10 bikes at three stations: at city hall/Water Street pedestrian mall; at RiverEdge Park/Aurora Transportation Center; and by the Aurora Public Library at Benton and River streets. Aurora previously had a bike share program through the company Zagster, which has ceased operations.
• Montgomery has a contract for four bikes with a station by city hall, 200 N. River St.
• Batavia will have seven e-bikes with a station at South Plaza by city hall.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--COVID-19 testing site moves from Rolling Meadows High School to Arlington Park

The Northwest suburban COVID-19 state drive-through testing site relocated Monday from Rolling Meadows High School to Arlington International Racecourse , officials said .
The new Arlington Heights site is expected to handle the capacity of the former Rolling Meadows site and then some , thanks to its expansive parking lot that is largely going unused with spectator-free horse racing taking place next door .
After it opened May 22 , the Rolling Meadows testing facility soon became the second-busiest in the state , with an average of 600 visitors per day .
There are 10 such community-based testing sites operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other mobile testing sites run by labs and hospitals throughout the state .
While the Sunday , Aug. 9 , closure was previously announced by Northwest Suburban High School District 214 , state officials did n't confirm whether the facility would be relocated until after it happened Monday .
Tests will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week while daily supplies last , state officials said .
The testing location is accessible off Arlington 's 2200 W. Euclid Ave. entrance on the southwest side of the track , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrance .
Tony Petrillo , president of the racetrack , said Arlington initially offered its parking lot to state leaders as a possible COVID-19 testing site in April .
State officials reached out to Arlington to relocate testing operations as District 214 's contract with the state was about to expire .
Original plans called for at least some students to return to Rolling Meadows High School and other District 214 buildings Aug. 12 , but those plans were changed in recent days , with the district now saying students will begin the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing will continue outside Arlington is unknown , but Petrillo said the track would take requests for extending usage of the lot on an as-needed basis .
And even if Arlington gets approval on its long-sought request to be able to welcome back some spectators , the maximum capacity being proposed to state officials is 800 , Petrillo said .
That 's a mere fraction of the 9,000-space parking lot .
Tests are free and available to all regardless of symptoms .
A parent or guardian must be present to provide consent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health officials say individuals should be tested if they have been in contact with those who have or may have been exposed to the coronavirus , even if no symptoms are present .

COVID-19 testing site moves from Rolling Meadows High School to Arlington Park
The Northwest suburban COVID-19 state drive-through testing site relocated Monday from Rolling Meadows High School to Arlington International Racecourse, officials said.
The new Arlington Heights site is expected to handle the capacity of the former Rolling Meadows site and then some, thanks to its expansive parking lot that is largely going unused with spectator-free horse racing taking place next door.
After it opened May 22, the Rolling Meadows testing facility soon became the second-busiest in the state, with an average of 600 visitors per day. There are 10 such community-based testing sites operated by a state contractor, with several other mobile testing sites run by labs and hospitals throughout the state.
While the Sunday, Aug. 9, closure was previously announced by Northwest Suburban High School District 214, state officials didn't confirm whether the facility would be relocated until after it happened Monday.
Tests will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week while daily supplies last, state officials said.
The testing location is accessible off Arlington's 2200 W. Euclid Ave. entrance on the southwest side of the track, as opposed to the northeast Wilke Road entrance.
Tony Petrillo, president of the racetrack, said Arlington initially offered its parking lot to state leaders as a possible COVID-19 testing site in April.
State officials reached out to Arlington to relocate testing operations as District 214's contract with the state was about to expire. Original plans called for at least some students to return to Rolling Meadows High School and other District 214 buildings Aug. 12, but those plans were changed in recent days, with the district now saying students will begin the year remotely Aug. 17.
How long testing will continue outside Arlington is unknown, but Petrillo said the track would take requests for extending usage of the lot on an as-needed basis.
And even if Arlington gets approval on its long-sought request to be able to welcome back some spectators, the maximum capacity being proposed to state officials is 800, Petrillo said. That's a mere fraction of the 9,000-space parking lot.
Tests are free and available to all regardless of symptoms. A parent or guardian must be present to provide consent for those under the age of 18.
Health officials say individuals should be tested if they have been in contact with those who have or may have been exposed to the coronavirus, even if no symptoms are present.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Rozner: Blackhawks' depth will be tested against Vegas

With the Blackhawks down a goal late in Game 3 and on the verge of trailing Edmonton in the play-in series , Jeremy Colliton had his best moment as head coach .
With about 6 minutes to play and the Hawks ' top players having squandered numerous scoring chances and power-play opportunities , Colliton sent out his fourth line .
Many watching their TVs probably shook their heads , wondering where the snipers were at such a crucial moment , but with the season on the brink Colliton trusted his players .
That was a turning point not only in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Slater Koekkoek shot to tie the game , but perhaps also in the coach 's faith in his role players .
And he will need that faith -- and those players -- if the Hawks are to have a chance against top-seeded Vegas .
`` It was the case last series that we needed everyone going to give ourselves a chance for success and we know it 's going to be more of the same ( against Vegas ) , '' Colliton said .
`` They have a lot of depth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , being ready for puck drop .
`` If we do that I feel like we have a chance to compete , but -- again -- we need everyone going . ''
The Hawks must have all four lines contributing against a Vegas team that is very deep up front and can play it any way you want , be it fast , tight or heavy .
Against Edmonton , the Hawks did n't get much from Alex DeBrincat , while Dylan Strome was invisible and Alex Nylander was , well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play with Kirby Dach and DeBrincat , the Hawks might get nothing again from their third line and have to hope Highmore , Ryan Carpenter and David Kampf can chip in .
The Hawks ' defense was exposed repeatedly against Edmonton , but the same can be said for Vegas , which is not great at defending its third of the ice and relies heavy on goaltenders Robin Lehner and Marc-Andre Fleury .
`` We have two world-class goalies , '' said Knights defenseman Shea Theodore .
`` Two very different styles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lehner ) back there .
He 's solid and makes a lot of big saves for us . ''
The Hawks must get pucks behind the Vegas defense , pressure them to retrieve and turn , and find ways to get into the blue paint , forcing Vegas to defend in tight .
The Hawks passed up too many shots against the Oilers , especially Dach , and they wo n't get away with that against Vegas .
The No .
8 seed , already deep into playoff hockey , has to hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet after the round robin , which saw some teams sleep through their games .
The Knights , however , won all three games and a tough one over Colorado to clinch the top seed Saturday .
`` My concern coming in was whether we would play intense games that would prepare us for the first round , '' said Vegas coach Pete DeBoer .
`` The format has made these games intense .
That was a playoff game out there ( against the Avalanche ) . ''
If Vegas is ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series , but if the Hawks can stay out of the box and stop allowing early goals , playing responsibly the way Colliton has repeatedly asked , they could make this an interesting and long series .
The Hawks could win a shootout with Edmonton because the Oilers ' lacked the depth and goaltending , but Vegas has both the goaltending -- assuming Lehner plays -- and the four-line depth that would make track meets a bad idea .
They will also have to keep the defense active and on the attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping the Oilers pinned for long stretches and helping the offense create chances .
The Hawks had some very good periods against Edmonton , but did n't come close to a 60-minute effort .
They 'll need that against Vegas .
On paper this is a mismatch , but if the Hawks play smart , if their big guns get hot and if Corey Crawford finds another level to his game , they do have a chance , albeit against a team that has owned them since entering the league with an 8-1-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs .
All it takes is Vegas failing to show up for Game 1 and the Hawks using their heads .
If that happens , you 've got yourself a series .

Rozner: Blackhawks' depth will be tested against Vegas
Kirby Dach (77), Olli Maatta, Slater Koekkoek and Matthew Highmore celebrate Highmore's goal late in last Wednesday's Game 3 that tied the game and propelled the Blackhawks to a win over Edmonton. Associated Press
With the Blackhawks down a goal late in Game 3 and on the verge of trailing Edmonton in the play-in series, Jeremy Colliton had his best moment as head coach.
With about 6 minutes to play and the Hawks' top players having squandered numerous scoring chances and power-play opportunities, Colliton sent out his fourth line.
Many watching their TVs probably shook their heads, wondering where the snipers were at such a crucial moment, but with the season on the brink Colliton trusted his players.
That was a turning point not only in the series, as Matthew Highmore tipped in a Slater Koekkoek shot to tie the game, but perhaps also in the coach's faith in his role players.
And he will need that faith -- and those players -- if the Hawks are to have a chance against top-seeded Vegas.
"It was the case last series that we needed everyone going to give ourselves a chance for success and we know it's going to be more of the same (against Vegas)," Colliton said. "They have a lot of depth and we need the full group every night, being ready for puck drop.
"If we do that I feel like we have a chance to compete, but -- again -- we need everyone going."
The Hawks must have all four lines contributing against a Vegas team that is very deep up front and can play it any way you want, be it fast, tight or heavy.
Against Edmonton, the Hawks didn't get much from Alex DeBrincat, while Dylan Strome was invisible and Alex Nylander was, well, Alex Nylander.
Assuming Patrick Kane continues to play with Kirby Dach and DeBrincat, the Hawks might get nothing again from their third line and have to hope Highmore, Ryan Carpenter and David Kampf can chip in.
The Hawks' defense was exposed repeatedly against Edmonton, but the same can be said for Vegas, which is not great at defending its third of the ice and relies heavy on goaltenders Robin Lehner and Marc-Andre Fleury.
"We have two world-class goalies," said Knights defenseman Shea Theodore. "Two very different styles, but we're confident with (Lehner) back there. He's solid and makes a lot of big saves for us."
The Hawks must get pucks behind the Vegas defense, pressure them to retrieve and turn, and find ways to get into the blue paint, forcing Vegas to defend in tight. The Hawks passed up too many shots against the Oilers, especially Dach, and they won't get away with that against Vegas.
The No. 8 seed, already deep into playoff hockey, has to hope Vegas isn't clicking on all cylinders yet after the round robin, which saw some teams sleep through their games. The Knights, however, won all three games and a tough one over Colorado to clinch the top seed Saturday.
"My concern coming in was whether we would play intense games that would prepare us for the first round," said Vegas coach Pete DeBoer. "The format has made these games intense. That was a playoff game out there (against the Avalanche)."
If Vegas is ready to go, this could be a short series, but if the Hawks can stay out of the box and stop allowing early goals, playing responsibly the way Colliton has repeatedly asked, they could make this an interesting and long series.
The Hawks could win a shootout with Edmonton because the Oilers' lacked the depth and goaltending, but Vegas has both the goaltending -- assuming Lehner plays -- and the four-line depth that would make track meets a bad idea.
They will also have to keep the defense active and on the attack, which was very effective against Edmonton, keeping the Oilers pinned for long stretches and helping the offense create chances.
The Hawks had some very good periods against Edmonton, but didn't come close to a 60-minute effort. They'll need that against Vegas.
On paper this is a mismatch, but if the Hawks play smart, if their big guns get hot and if Corey Crawford finds another level to his game, they do have a chance, albeit against a team that has owned them since entering the league with an 8-1-0 record.
Still, it's the playoffs. All it takes is Vegas failing to show up for Game 1 and the Hawks using their heads.
If that happens, you've got yourself a series.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Police: Man armed with knife robbed 7-Eleven in St. Charles

Authorities are searching for a man who robbed a St. Charles convenience store at knifepoint Sunday night .
An employee @ @ @ @ @ E. Main St. reported that the man entered the business about 9:20 p.m. and displayed @ @ @ @ @ the counter , according to St. Charles police .
He then left the store with @ @ @ @ @ proceeds , '' officials said .
Nobody was injured .
The man was described as @ @ @ @ @ 10 inches tall and wore a black hooded sweatshirt and a red face covering , @ @ @ @ @ appeared to have red dye on his hands .
Anyone with information about the armed @ @ @ @ @ police at ( 630 ) 377-4435 .
Information can be left anonymously at the Drug @ @ @ @ @ ( 866 ) 378-4267 , or at www.stcharlesil.gov/report-crimedrug-tip .

Police: Man armed with knife robbed 7-Eleven in St. Charles
St. Charles police say this man, shown in surveillance footage, was armed with a knife when he robbed a 7-Eleven store Sunday night. Courtesy of St. Charles police
Authorities are searching for a man who robbed a St. Charles convenience store at knifepoint Sunday night.
An employee of the 7-Eleven at 2400 E. Main St. reported that the man entered the business about 9:20 p.m. and displayed a knife as he approached the counter, according to St. Charles police.
He then left the store with an "undisclosed amount of proceeds," officials said. Nobody was injured.
The man was described as standing about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and wore a black hooded sweatshirt and a red face covering, police said. He also appeared to have red dye on his hands.
Anyone with information about the armed robbery should call St. Charles police at (630) 377-4435. Information can be left anonymously at the Drug & Crime Tip Line, (866) 378-4267, or at www.stcharlesil.gov/report-crimedrug-tip.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--SUV driver speeds through Wheeling funeral home parking lot, plows into neighboring house

A high-speed driver who authorities say showed signs of alcohol impairment crossed the opposite lanes of traffic on Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling Sunday , jumped the curb in front of Kolssak Funeral Home , and crashed into the deck of co-owner David Kolssak 's neighboring house .
Luckily , no one was home , and there were no wakes or funerals going on at the funeral home .
`` That 's the fortunate thing that nobody was there , '' Kolssak said .
`` Otherwise he would have gone right through the parking lot where somebody parks and assuredly someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think what could have happened . ''
The driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling southbound on Milwaukee Avenue about 4:15 p.m. Sunday when the SUV crossed over to the northbound lanes , clipped the corner of the funeral home 's landscaping bricks , then collided into the front porch of Kolssak 's house on the 200 block of South Milwaukee Avenue .
Firefighters removed the driver from the SUV , and he was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge , where he remained Monday undergoing treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger refused medical treatment and walked away unscathed .
Deputy Police Chief Joseph Licari said further investigation showed the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment .
A DUI investigation was conducted at the scene and continued at the hospital , and charges are expected , but the investigation has not concluded , Licari said .
The force of the impact left the SUV mangled , the attached raised porch destroyed , and its roof covering collapsed .
The porch was eight steps up from the sidewalk level .
Kolssak had damage to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from water exposure right away Sunday night .
The house is structurally sound , but he says more repair work is still to be done .

SUV driver speeds through Wheeling funeral home parking lot, plows into neighboring house
A high-speed driver who authorities say showed signs of alcohol impairment crossed the opposite lanes of traffic on Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling Sunday, jumped the curb in front of Kolssak Funeral Home, and crashed into the deck of co-owner David Kolssak's neighboring house.
Luckily, no one was home, and there were no wakes or funerals going on at the funeral home.
"That's the fortunate thing that nobody was there," Kolssak said. "Otherwise, he would have gone right through the parking lot where somebody parks and assuredly someone would've been outside. I shudder to think what could have happened."
The driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling southbound on Milwaukee Avenue about 4:15 p.m. Sunday when the SUV crossed over to the northbound lanes, clipped the corner of the funeral home's landscaping bricks, then struck the front porch of Kolssak's house on the 200 block of South Milwaukee Avenue.
Firefighters removed the driver from the SUV, and he was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he remained Monday with serious injuries, police said. The passenger walked away unscathed.
Deputy Police Chief Joseph Licari said further investigation showed the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment. A DUI investigation was conducted at the scene and continued at the hospital. Charges are expected, but the investigation has not concluded, Licari said.
The force of the impact left the SUV mangled, the attached raised porch destroyed, and its roof covering collapsed. The porch was eight steps up from the sidewalk level.
Kolssak had damage to the corner of his house repaired and sealed up from water exposure right away Sunday night. The house is structurally sound, but he says more repair work is still to be done.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Lawsuit seeks $450 million from ComEd, Madigan

SPRINGFIELD -- A group of ComEd customers asked a federal judge Monday to force the utility company , House Speaker Michael Madigan and others to pay `` at least '' $ 450 million to be split among all those affected by an extortion scandal .
The number of affected ratepayers could rise to more than 3.8 million , according to a lawsuit filed by attorneys representing six people who all lived in the Chicago area at some point in the last decade .
In an agreement with the U.S. government to avoid prosecution , ComEd officials in July acknowledged they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends of Madigan .
Those `` bribes '' -- which total more than $ 1.3 million according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday -- were made from 2011 through 2019 in an attempt to influence the longtime House gatekeeper to pass legislation favorable to the utility and kill other bills that would negatively affect the company .
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing .
That `` racketeering scheme '' generated more than $ 150 million in profits for ComEd , according to the lawsuit -- all of which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hikes and fees implemented by laws for which ComEd and its parent company , Exelon Corp. , lobbied in support .
ComEd distributes electricity to 70 % of Illinoisans , making the company the largest utility in the state .
Exelon , ComEd , Madigan and various other officials participated in an operation designed to enrich themselves while defrauding consumers , the lawsuit alleges .
That would be a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act , used by the federal government to prosecute and dismantle organized crime groups .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois ' Northern District agrees , ComEd ratepayers could be compensated the $ 150 million the utility earned in profit `` threefold '' as well as attorneys ' fees .
The Illinoisans who filed the case also requested a judge bar Madigan from being involved in any way with legislation affecting electricity in the state .
They also want a judge to force him to resign as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois `` in order to prevent him from continuing to run the state party in a corrupt manner . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` ComEd understood that as speaker of the House of Representatives , Madigan was able to exercise control over what measures were called for a vote in the House of Representatives and had substantial influence and control over fellow lawmakers concerning legislation , including legislation that affected ComEd , '' according to the lawsuit .
A representative of Madigan did not respond to a request for comment .
One of the laws named in the court document was the Energy Infrastructure and Modernization Act , passed in 2011 .
It changed how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ComEd would have to present proposed electricity delivery fees to the Illinois Commerce Commission , which would then conduct `` hearings comparable to judicial proceedings in which ComEd had to prove both the reasonableness and justness of its proposed rates , '' according to a court document .
This system was used for almost a century .
Once the act became law , utility companies could `` avoid '' that process and use a formula dictated by statute `` that spits out automatic rates annually , '' according to the filing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2022 unless the General Assembly renews it before then .
Due to the change , electricity rates ComEd charges customers jumped by 35 percent over the past nine years , the group argued in their lawsuit .
Those costs increased 4 % more with the implementation of zero emission credit fees .
ComEd and Exelon lobbied for the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 , which included the charge , because it provided `` massive subsidies '' to the two nuclear power plants it owns in the Quad Cities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange for his help passing those legislative measures , Madigan wanted `` ghost-payroll jobs '' for his allies .
At least 15 such associates were paid by ComEd through other contractors for jobs for which they did little to no work .
These payments `` were also intended to influence and reward Madigan in connection with the advancement and passage of legislation favorable to ComEd in the Illinois General Assembly , '' according to a court document , and were funneled through other companies `` in part to assist ComEd in denying responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Lawsuit seeks $450 million from ComEd, Madigan
SPRINGFIELD -- A group of ComEd customers asked a federal judge Monday to force the utility company, House Speaker Michael Madigan and others to pay "at least" $450 million to be split among all those affected by an extortion scandal.
The number of affected ratepayers could rise to more than 3.8 million, according to a lawsuit filed by attorneys representing six people who all lived in the Chicago area at some point in the last decade.
In an agreement with the U.S. government to avoid prosecution, ComEd officials in July acknowledged they funneled money through contractors to colleagues and friends of Madigan.
Those "bribes" -- which total more than $1.3 million according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday -- were made from 2011 through 2019 in an attempt to influence the longtime House gatekeeper to pass legislation favorable to the utility and kill other bills that would negatively affect the company.
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
That "racketeering scheme" generated more than $150 million in profits for ComEd, according to the lawsuit -- all of which is money paid by customers in service charge hikes and fees implemented by laws for which ComEd and its parent company, Exelon Corp., lobbied in support.
ComEd distributes electricity to 70% of Illinoisans, making the company the largest utility in the state.
Exelon, ComEd, Madigan and various other officials participated in an operation designed to enrich themselves while defrauding consumers, the lawsuit alleges. That would be a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, used by the federal government to prosecute and dismantle organized crime groups.
If a judge in the Eastern Division of Illinois' Northern District agrees, ComEd ratepayers could be compensated the $150 million the utility earned in profit "threefold" as well as attorneys' fees.
The Illinoisans who filed the case also requested a judge bar Madigan from being involved in any way with legislation affecting electricity in the state. They also want a judge to force him to resign as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois "in order to prevent him from continuing to run the state party in a corrupt manner." He has held that position since 1998.
"ComEd understood that as speaker of the House of Representatives, Madigan was able to exercise control over what measures were called for a vote in the House of Representatives and had substantial influence and control over fellow lawmakers concerning legislation, including legislation that affected ComEd," according to the lawsuit.
A representative of Madigan did not respond to a request for comment.
One of the laws named in the court document was the Energy Infrastructure and Modernization Act, passed in 2011. It changed how utility companies could raise rates.
Previously, ComEd would have to present proposed electricity delivery fees to the Illinois Commerce Commission, which would then conduct "hearings comparable to judicial proceedings in which ComEd had to prove both the reasonableness and justness of its proposed rates," according to a court document. This system was used for almost a century.
Once the act became law, utility companies could "avoid" that process and use a formula dictated by statute "that spits out automatic rates annually," according to the filing. This authority expires at the end of 2022 unless the General Assembly renews it before then.
Due to the change, electricity rates ComEd charges customers jumped by 35 percent over the past nine years, the group argued in their lawsuit.
Those costs increased 4% more with the implementation of zero emission credit fees. ComEd and Exelon lobbied for the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, which included the charge, because it provided "massive subsidies" to the two nuclear power plants it owns in the Quad Cities and Clinton.
The lawsuit alleges that in exchange for his help passing those legislative measures, Madigan wanted "ghost-payroll jobs" for his allies. At least 15 such associates were paid by ComEd through other contractors for jobs for which they did little to no work.
These payments "were also intended to influence and reward Madigan in connection with the advancement and passage of legislation favorable to ComEd in the Illinois General Assembly," according to a court document, and were funneled through other companies "in part to assist ComEd in denying responsibility for employment oversight of Madigan's associates."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Geneva's Festival of the Vine canceled; new monthlong event to feature restaurant samples

Geneva 's long-standing Festival of the Vine has been canceled due to coronavirus restrictions , prompting organizers to develop a new and socially distanced way for local restaurants to offer food and beverage samples .
For about 40 years , the popular festival has drawn large crowds to downtown Geneva for live entertainment , a craft show , family friendly activities and the Flavor Fare and Wine Tent featuring delicacies from participating establishments .
With the health and safety of patrons top of mind amid the COVID-19 crisis , Geneva Chamber of Commerce leaders and board members announced Monday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceling this year 's event , originally planned for Sept. 11-13 .
Though the decision was difficult , chamber President Paula Schmidt said , the size of the festival would not adhere to Phase 4 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
Instead , the chamber is now organizing `` Sip & Sample Through September , '' a monthlong event allowing visitors to sample popular or new menu items at various area restaurants .
`` It is our hope that patrons will then stay for breakfast , lunch or dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geneva chamber as well , '' she said .
Tickets and details about the Sip & Sample festivities will be available by Aug. 24 .
For more information , visit genevachamber.com .

Geneva's Festival of the Vine canceled; new monthlong event to feature restaurant samples
Geneva's long-standing Festival of the Vine has been canceled due to coronavirus restrictions, prompting organizers to develop a new and socially distanced way for local restaurants to offer food and beverage samples.
For about 40 years, the popular festival has drawn large crowds to downtown Geneva for live entertainment, a craft show, family friendly activities and the Flavor Fare and Wine Tent featuring delicacies from participating establishments.
With the health and safety of patrons top of mind amid the COVID-19 crisis, Geneva Chamber of Commerce leaders and board members announced Monday in a news release that they would be canceling this year's event, originally planned for Sept. 11-13.
Though the decision was difficult, chamber President Paula Schmidt said, the size of the festival would not adhere to Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.
Instead, the chamber is now organizing "Sip & Sample Through September," a monthlong event allowing visitors to sample popular or new menu items at various area restaurants.
"It is our hope that patrons will then stay for breakfast, lunch or dinner in that eatery and help support the Geneva chamber as well," she said.
Tickets and details about the Sip & Sample festivities will be available by Aug. 24. For more information, visit genevachamber.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--People's Resource Center providing school supplies to families in need

Tonya Latson was n't sure what to expect .
For the past 10 years , she 's helped a Wheaton nonprofit group provide school supplies for hundreds of children from families in need across DuPage County .
But the upheavals caused by the coronavirus pandemic posed new challenges for organizers from the People 's Resource Center .
`` A lot of families are in a much more precarious situation than they were five months ago , '' said Latson , the nonprofit 's social services director .
The effort relies solely on donations , but Latson wondered if organizers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help a rising number of families left struggling to afford school supply lists just as the $ 600-a-week enhanced unemployment benefit expired at the end of July .
Latson now finds herself almost at a loss for words as she prepares to pull off a retooled distribution event Wednesday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton .
`` The response from the community has been absolutely tremendous , '' Latson said .
With support from churches , businesses , libraries and other hosts of donation drives , the People 's Resource Center will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 1,000 students preparing for an uncertain school year during the COVID-19 crisis .
Volunteers usually serve families over the course of several days , setting up a store-like operation at the fairgrounds so parents and kids could pick out what they need and want .
`` Some of the little ones in particular just have a special place in my heart , '' Latson said .
Last year , People 's Resource Center delivered backpacks to roughly 800 students , including children whose families receive groceries through the center 's food pantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing age , organizers created online registries at Amazon , Walmart and Target so people could donate with a click of the keyboard rather than shop in stores .
`` We 've been getting deliveries just every single day besides individuals coming to bring stuff or the organizations or businesses making arrangements to drop-off the things that have been collected through drives , '' Latson said .
Anyone still interested in supporting the back-to-school program can contact the People 's Resource Center at ( 630 ) 682-5402 .
Classrooms at the nonprofit 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as organizers have sorted and packed supplies , tailoring age-appropriate backpacks for students in kindergarten through fifth grades while checking off a separate list of supplies for sixth- through 12th graders .
Volunteers on Wednesday will only have a span of 10½ hours to run a contactless , drive-through version of the back-to-school program from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road .
Families had to register online in advance .
Some of the materials students will receive include pencils , an assortment of pens , highlighters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scissors , spiral notebooks , loose-leaf paper , folders , calculators , markers , colored pencils and pencil sharpeners .

People's Resource Center providing school supplies to families in need
Tonya Latson wasn't sure what to expect.
For the past 10 years, she's helped a Wheaton nonprofit group provide school supplies for hundreds of children from families in need across DuPage County.
But the upheavals caused by the coronavirus pandemic posed new challenges for organizers from the People's Resource Center.
"A lot of families are in a much more precarious situation than they were five months ago," said Latson, the nonprofit's social services director.
The effort relies solely on donations, but Latson wondered if organizers would be able to collect enough items to help a rising number of families left struggling to afford school supply lists just as the $600-a-week enhanced unemployment benefit expired at the end of July.
Latson now finds herself almost at a loss for words as she prepares to pull off a retooled distribution event Wednesday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
"The response from the community has been absolutely tremendous," Latson said.
With support from churches, businesses, libraries and other hosts of donation drives, the People's Resource Center will provide backpacks filled with supplies for at least 1,000 students preparing for an uncertain school year during the COVID-19 crisis.
Volunteers usually serve families over the course of several days, setting up a store-like operation at the fairgrounds so parents and kids could pick out what they need and want.
"Some of the little ones in particular just have a special place in my heart," Latson said.
Last year, People's Resource Center delivered backpacks to roughly 800 students, including children whose families receive groceries through the center's food pantry.
Forced to adapt to the social distancing age, organizers created online registries at Amazon, Walmart and Target so people could donate with a click of the keyboard rather than shop in stores.
"We've been getting deliveries just every single day besides individuals coming to bring stuff or the organizations or businesses making arrangements to drop-off the things that have been collected through drives," Latson said.
Anyone still interested in supporting the back-to-school program can contact the People's Resource Center at (630) 682-5402.
Classrooms at the nonprofit's Wheaton location have doubled as storage rooms as organizers have sorted and packed supplies, tailoring age-appropriate backpacks for students in kindergarten through fifth grades while checking off a separate list of supplies for sixth- through 12th graders.
Volunteers on Wednesday will only have a span of 10½ hours to run a contactless, drive-through version of the back-to-school program from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road. Families had to register online in advance.
Some of the materials students will receive include pencils, an assortment of pens, highlighters, erasers, glue sticks, Crayons, scissors, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, folders, calculators, markers, colored pencils and pencil sharpeners.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-10--Cubs GM Hoyer wonders if a baseball bubble could aid playoffs

As the Cubs prepared to end their four-day break and head to Cleveland on Tuesday morning , there remains concern about whether Major League Baseball will be able to finish the season .
General manager Jed Hoyer discussed the possibility of a baseball bubble for the postseason when he met reporters on a Zoom call Monday .
`` When I was speaking to the league , it does make some sense , '' Hoyer said .
`` There 's a lot of travel in the postseason .
I think what we 've learned so far is travel is a difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Cardinals outbreaks happened on the road .
`` With buses and planes and hotel rooms and smaller clubhouses and things like that , I think that 's been a challenge .
A challenge the league is trying to address , but a challenge nonetheless .
I think a bubble situation for the playoffs could be in the best interest to make sure those games are played and that the right players are on the field deciding it . ''
Bringing several playoff teams to the same city would n't end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting clubhouses , but it would keep players in one place for a longer period of time .
MLB plans to increase the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16 teams .
Of the two teams that experienced COVID-19 outbreaks , the Miami Marlins have returned to the field , while the St. Louis Cardinals are looking at 13 consecutive games postponed .
The big question is whether MLB will be able to avoid more of these outbreaks .
`` The Marlins and Cardinals are two things that people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I also think so many things about this season have gone exceptionally well , '' Hoyer said .
`` I think the competition on the field , the product on the field is frankly even better than I thought we could produce without fans .
Players are really competing and I think ratings are up , people are watching .
`` I think it 's really important for our sport that we do this , but obviously we ca n't do it if it 's not safe .
I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just say there 's so much for us to play for and so many things are going well that I think we can avoid it . ''
Another dose of real world problems were evident in Chicago with the violence and looting downtown early Monday morning , which some Cubs players witnessed .
`` I woke up and came straight to the field and guys were telling me about how bad it was downtown , '' manager David Ross said .
`` Some of them were woken up by different events last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Every day there 's something new and I just hope that our world can get back to being better in so many ways . ''
Added Hoyer : `` With so much tension on everyone 's live right now , it 's a sad end result of what 's happening .
One thing I think sports can provide is some levity and some distraction .
Right now , we need it . ''

Cubs GM Hoyer wonders if a baseball bubble could aid playoffs
As the Cubs prepared to end their four-day break and head to Cleveland on Tuesday morning, there remains concern about whether Major League Baseball will be able to finish the season.
General manager Jed Hoyer discussed the possibility of a baseball bubble for the postseason when he met reporters on a Zoom call Monday.
"When I was speaking to the league, it does make some sense," Hoyer said. "There's a lot of travel in the postseason. I think what we've learned so far is travel is a difficult part of this. Both the Marlins and the Cardinals outbreaks happened on the road.
"With buses and planes and hotel rooms and smaller clubhouses and things like that, I think that's been a challenge. A challenge the league is trying to address, but a challenge nonetheless. I think a bubble situation for the playoffs could be in the best interest to make sure those games are played and that the right players are on the field deciding it."
Bringing several playoff teams to the same city wouldn't end the problem of hotels, buses and smaller visiting clubhouses, but it would keep players in one place for a longer period of time. MLB plans to increase the number of teams in the playoffs from 10 to 16 teams.
Of the two teams that experienced COVID-19 outbreaks, the Miami Marlins have returned to the field, while the St. Louis Cardinals are looking at 13 consecutive games postponed. The big question is whether MLB will be able to avoid more of these outbreaks.
"The Marlins and Cardinals are two things that people are talking about a lot and rightfully so, but I also think so many things about this season have gone exceptionally well," Hoyer said. "I think the competition on the field, the product on the field is frankly even better than I thought we could produce without fans. Players are really competing and I think ratings are up, people are watching.
"I think it's really important for our sport that we do this, but obviously we can't do it if it's not safe. I can't speculate about another outbreak, I can just say there's so much for us to play for and so many things are going well that I think we can avoid it."
Another dose of real world problems were evident in Chicago with the violence and looting downtown early Monday morning, which some Cubs players witnessed.
"I woke up and came straight to the field and guys were telling me about how bad it was downtown," manager David Ross said. "Some of them were woken up by different events last night. I just listened to their stories. Every day there's something new and I just hope that our world can get back to being better in so many ways."
Added Hoyer: "With so much tension on everyone's live right now, it's a sad end result of what's happening. One thing I think sports can provide is some levity and some distraction. Right now, we need it."
Cleveland pitcher quarantined:
The Indians announced pitcher Mike Clevinger will miss his scheduled start against the Cubs on Tuesday and be replaced by Adam Plutko. Clevinger will go into quarantine after it was discovered he accompanied teammate Zach Plesac on a night out in Chicago last weekend. Plesac was sent home early due to the violation, but Clevinger flew with the team back to Cleveland.
Clevinger is 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA this season, while Plutko is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls