dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-02--Downtown Elmhurst quiet after peaceful demonstration

Downtown Elmhurst appeared quiet Tuesday night after roughly 100 demonstrators gathered in the city that afternoon and early evening .
The bulk of the crowd began dispersing around 7:40 p.m. after eight minutes of silence in memory of George Floyd , the man who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis .
And by 9 p.m. , only a few people were out for walks or bike rides .
The demonstrators spent most of their time on each of the four corners at York Street and North Avenue chanting slogans as passing cars honked their horns .
The protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no attempts to move or block traffic .
There was a heavy police presence and the city closed York Street from Church Street to North Avenue .
All parking spaces in that area also were closed .
Businesses in the city 's downtown area were asked to close Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure and many already had boarded up their windows .
Police said they had received numerous calls reporting suspicious activity and worked with surrounding communities and the DuPage County sheriff 's office .
DuPage law enforcement officials say they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week and advised residents to stay home .

Downtown Elmhurst quiet after peaceful demonstration
Downtown Elmhurst appeared quiet Tuesday night after roughly 100 demonstrators gathered in the city that afternoon and early evening.
The bulk of the crowd began dispersing around 7:40 p.m. after eight minutes of silence in memory of George Floyd, the man who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis. And by 9 p.m., only a few people were out for walks or bike rides.
The demonstrators spent most of their time on each of the four corners at York Street and North Avenue chanting slogans as passing cars honked their horns. The protesters largely stayed in one spot and made no attempts to move or block traffic.
There was a heavy police presence and the city closed York Street from Church Street to North Avenue. All parking spaces in that area also were closed.
Businesses in the city's downtown area were asked to close Tuesday evening as a precautionary measure and many already had boarded up their windows.
Police said they had received numerous calls reporting suspicious activity and worked with surrounding communities and the DuPage County sheriff's office.
DuPage law enforcement officials say they have seen a rise in crime after dark this week and advised residents to stay home.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--'Leaving the footprint of change': Batavia holds a peaceful rally in support of 'Black Lives Matter'

It was one of the best and most powerful scenes 18-year-old Isabella Irish had ever witnessed .
For two hours Wednesday afternoon , hundreds of people of different races , religions , ages and backgrounds packed the gathering space outside the Peg Bond Center in downtown Batavia .
They spilled into adjacent parking lots and lined up along the riverfront , holding signs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
They sang together and prayed together .
They condemned police brutality and demanded systemic change .
Organized in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the peaceful rally was to give a voice to people of color who have long faced racism and oppression .
But the fight does n't end there .
`` We all need to educate ourselves on social injustice and racial injustice .
We need to teach our children that everyone is equal , '' she said .
`` Black lives do matter .
And in Batavia , we will make them matter . ''
As an African-American woman and a recent graduate of Batavia High School , Irish says she has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white community for most of her life .
Other speakers pointed to the disproportionate percentage of black people who are incarcerated , as well as to those who have been unjustly killed or unfairly discriminated against .
Like the other recent protests across the country , Irish said , the sit-in was a call to action .
`` I do n't want to stand for that anymore , '' she said .
`` I want people to realize this is happening , and we ca n't keep pretending it 's not . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the crowd , 21-year-old Devin Couturier of Batavia said white allies need to step up and `` actively fight to dismantle the system that has been oppressing people of color for generations . ''
She urged community members to vote for politicians who would do the same .
`` The Black Lives Matter movement is n't about us , but it exists because of us , '' she said .
`` Change is past overdue .
It 's just waiting on us , and by the looks of it , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' State Rep. Karina Villa , Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and several other community members also addressed the crowd , sharing messages of unity and peace .
Organizers handed out educational resources and voter registration forms .
An assortment of signs seen throughout the crowd denounced police brutality : `` Justice for George Floyd , '' `` Police reform now , '' `` I ca n't breathe . ''
Others conveyed more general messages of equality , including , `` Teach love , not hate '' and `` This is a revolution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ until white America wants it to change , '' said Pat Sommerfeld , a lifelong Batavia resident in his early 60s .
`` You hope this is the turning point but I 've thought that a few times in my life .
You ca n't stay in your house , that 's for sure .
There 's still hope . ''
For Ashley Chaffin , who recently moved to Batavia , the event served as an opportunity to teach her 6-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter about the fight for equality .
Irish spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying Batavia police have been supportive of the movement and helped keep her rally safe .
But the deep-rooted issue of racial injustice stems far beyond the suburbs .
`` Nationwide , I really want police to realize that the more they push ... the more anger there is , '' she said .
`` I do n't want there to be a separation between them and us .
I want them to see us as people , too . ''
After hearing of the large crowds expected at the rally , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the city imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday to discourage riots and looting .
In the neighboring town of Geneva , shops and restaurants boarded up their storefronts , and the Geneva Commons shopping center was blockaded .
But the Batavia sit-in disbanded peacefully with a simple message from Irish : `` Let 's leave this place as we found it , only leaving the footprint of change . ''

'Leaving the footprint of change': Batavia holds a peaceful rally in support of 'Black Lives Matter'
It was one of the best and most powerful scenes 18-year-old Isabella Irish had ever witnessed.
For two hours Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of people of different races, religions, ages and backgrounds packed the gathering space outside the Peg Bond Center in downtown Batavia.
They spilled into adjacent parking lots and lined up along the riverfront, holding signs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. They sang together and prayed together. They condemned police brutality and demanded systemic change.
Organized in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Irish said, the goal of the peaceful rally was to give a voice to people of color who have long faced racism and oppression. But the fight doesn't end there.
"We all need to educate ourselves on social injustice and racial injustice. We need to teach our children that everyone is equal," she said. "Black lives do matter. And in Batavia, we will make them matter."
As a black woman and a recent graduate of Batavia High School, Irish says she has seen and experienced systemic racism throughout the predominantly white community for most of her life. Other speakers pointed to the disproportionate percentage of black people who are incarcerated, as well as to those who have been unjustly killed or unfairly discriminated against.
Like the other recent protests across the country, Irish said, the sit-in was a call to action.
"I don't want to stand for that anymore," she said. "I want people to realize this is happening, and we can't keep pretending it's not."
In an emotional speech that elicited cheers from the crowd, 21-year-old Devin Couturier of Batavia said white allies need to step up and "actively fight to dismantle the system that has been oppressing people of color for generations." She urged community members to vote for politicians who would do the same.
"The Black Lives Matter movement isn't about us, but it exists because of us," she said. "Change is past overdue. It's just waiting on us, and by the looks of it, it's not going to wait much longer."
State Rep. Karina Villa, Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and several other community members also addressed the crowd, sharing messages of unity and peace. Organizers handed out educational resources and voter registration forms.
An assortment of signs seen throughout the crowd denounced police brutality: "Justice for George Floyd," "Police reform now," "I can't breathe." Others conveyed more general messages of equality, including, "Teach love, not hate" and "This is a revolution."
"Nothing is going to change until white America wants it to change," said Pat Sommerfeld, a lifelong Batavia resident in his early 60s. "You hope this is the turning point, but I've thought that a few times in my life. You can't stay in your house, that's for sure. There's still hope."
For Ashley Chaffin, who recently moved to Batavia, the event served as an opportunity to teach her 6-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter about the fight for equality.
Irish spoke highly of police in the Tri-Cities, saying Batavia police have supported the movement and helped keep her rally safe. But the deep-rooted issue of racial injustice stems far beyond the suburbs.
"Nationwide, I really want police to realize that the more they push ... the more anger there is," she said. "I don't want there to be a separation between them and us. I want them to see us as people, too."
After hearing of the large crowds expected at the rally, several Batavia businesses shut down for the day, and the city imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday to discourage riots and looting. In the neighboring town of Geneva, shops and restaurants boarded up their storefronts, and the Geneva Commons shopping center was blockaded.
But the Batavia sit-in disbanded peacefully with a simple message from Irish: "Let's leave this place as we found it, only leaving the footprint of change."
• Daily Herald staff writer Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--4 Minneapolis cops now charged in George Floyd's death

MINNEAPOLIS -- Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd 's neck with second-degree murder on Wednesday , and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene , according to criminal complaints .
The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer 's actions were a `` substantial causal factor '' in Floyd 's death .
`` Officer Chauvin 's restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness , constituting substantial bodily harm , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the criminal complaint said .
The complaints against the other officers allege they aided and abetted in Chauvin 's actions .
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd 's May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination .
Chauvin was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged .
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison updated the complaint against Chauvin to add a charge of unintentional second-degree murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also charged Thomas Lane , J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
The unintentional second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd 's death without intent while committing another felony offense , namely third-degree assault .
It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison , compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder .
The other officers face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting , if convicted .
Ellison was expected to talk about the new charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who represents Lane , told The Associated Press that he had n't seen the complaint or talked with his client .
He said Lane was not in custody .
Before news of the upgraded charges , an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time .
Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges .
Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was `` deeply gratified '' by Ellison 's action and called it `` a source of peace for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted .
Reached by phone , Crump declined to speak beyond the statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed .
Floyd 's family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin , who held his knee to Floyd 's neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't breathe , and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving .
Floyd , a black man , was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street .
`` He died because he was starving for air , '' Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday .
`` He needed a breath .
So we are demanding justice .
We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis , Minnesota , tomorrow . ''
Crump said the other officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleading for help and said he could n't breathe .
Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s .
Since being hired as a police officer in 2001 , he has been awarded two medals of valor : One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006 , and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008 .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach .
Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007 , frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit .
His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car .
Lane , 37 , and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys .
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security .
He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macy 's in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college .
Tou Thao , a native Hmong speaker , joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009 .
He was laid off later that year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 .
Gov .
Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination , in hopes of forcing widespread change .
Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison , Wisconsin , and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report .

4 Minneapolis cops now charged in George Floyd's death
Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd's neck with second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints. Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS -- Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd's neck with second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints.
The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer's actions were a "substantial causal factor" in Floyd's death.
"Officer Chauvin's restraint of Mr. Floyd in this manner for a prolonged period was a substantial causal factor in Mr. Floyd losing consciousness, constituting substantial bodily harm, and Mr. Floyd's death as well," the criminal complaint said.
The complaints against the other officers allege they aided and abetted in Chauvin's actions.
Widely seen bystander video showing Floyd's May 25 death has sparked protests nationwide and around the world against police brutality and discrimination. Chauvin was fired May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers involved were also fired but were not immediately charged.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison updated the complaint against Chauvin to add a charge of unintentional second-degree murder, in addition to the earlier charges. He also charged Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The unintentional second-degree murder charge alleges that Chauvin caused Floyd's death without intent while committing another felony offense, namely third-degree assault. It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder.
The other officers face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting, if convicted.
Ellison was expected to talk about the new charges on Wednesday afternoon.
Attorney Earl Gray, who represents Lane, told The Associated Press that he hadn't seen the complaint or talked with his client. He said Lane was not in custody. Before news of the upgraded charges, an attorney for Chauvin said he was not making any statements at this time. Attorneys for Thao and Kueng did not return messages seeking comment on the charges.
Attorney Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was "deeply gratified" by Ellison's action and called it "a source of peace for George's family in this difficult time." He said Ellison had told the family his office will continue to investigate and upgrade charges against Chauvin to first-degree murder if warranted. Reached by phone, Crump declined to speak beyond the statement or make clear when Ellison had spoken with the family and whether he had been informed directly that additional charges had been filed.
Floyd's family and protesters have repeatedly called for criminal charges against all four officers as well as more serious charges for Chauvin, who held his knee to Floyd's neck, despite his protests that he couldn't breathe, and stayed there even after Floyd stopped moving. Floyd, a black man, was in handcuffs when he died with his face pressed to the street.
"He died because he was starving for air," Crump said at a news conference earlier Wednesday. "He needed a breath. So we are demanding justice. We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, tomorrow."
Crump said the other officers failed to protect a man who was pleading for help and said he couldn't breathe.
Personnel records released by the city show Chauvin served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army in the late 1990s. Since being hired as a police officer in 2001, he has been awarded two medals of valor: One for being part of a group of officers who opened fire on a stabbing suspect after the man pointed a shotgun at them in 2006, and one for apprehending another man in a domestic incident in 2008. In the latter incident, Chauvin broke down a bathroom door and shot the man in the stomach.
Chauvin was reprimanded in 2008 for pulling a woman out of her car in 2007, frisking her and placing her in his squad car after he stopped her for speeding 10 miles per hour over the limit. His dashboard camera was not activated and a report said he could have interviewed the woman while standing outside her car.
Lane, 37, and Kueng both joined the department in February 2019 and neither have any complaints on their files.
Lane previously worked as a correctional officer at the Hennepin County juvenile jail and as a probation officer at a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys.
Kueng was a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota where he worked part-time on campus security. He also worked as a theft-prevention officer at Macy's in downtown Minneapolis while he was in college.
Tou Thao, a native Hmong speaker, joined the police force as a part-time community service officer in 2008 and was promoted to police officer in 2009. He was laid off later that year due to budget cuts and rehired in 2012.
Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Tuesday launched a civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department and its history of racial discrimination, in hopes of forcing widespread change.
Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Bernard Condon and Michael Sisak in New York contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Paper hearts promote Black Lives Matter movement, positivity in Naperville

Thousands of paper hearts with positive messages are covering the facades of businesses in downtown Naperville , two days after the area was hit by instigators who broke windows and stole from shops .
Naperville North High School graduate Rachel Hale and several of her friends organized the effort to tape up the colorful signs after some of them witnessed passersby tear down paper hearts reading `` Black Lives Matter '' and `` Spread Love '' on Tuesday as people descended on the area to clean up broken glass .
The episode was captured in a video that has circulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who saw the hearts being torn down from the boarded-up wall of the Apple Store on Jefferson Avenue , said the situation created some misunderstandings .
But it gave her and her friends the idea to post more hearts , with business owners ' permission , containing messages such as `` Black Lives Matter , '' `` Spread Love , '' `` Be the Change you Wish to See , '' or `` Spread Kindness . ''
`` It was a negative that has turned into something so much bigger and so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Apple Store , Lou Malnati 's , Anderson 's Bookshop and Sephora were among the shops participants decorated Wednesday .
Hale said spreading positivity and affirming the Black Lives Matter movement were important enough causes to organize Wednesday 's event , despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the public health recommendation not to gather in groups of more than 10 .
`` We had to take a stand , '' she said .
Mike Archer , CEO of Lou Malnati 's , said the store provided a safe space for participants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of free personal pan pizzas .
`` We want to be part of the solution , '' Archer said .
`` I could not be more proud of these young women in terms of the stance they 've taken and how they 're spreading a positive message ...
They told me that they 're spreading love and kindness and the belief that Black Lives Matter . ''
The event came as protests across the region and the nation continue to rally against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .

Paper hearts promote Black Lives Matter movement, positivity in Naperville
Thousands of paper hearts with positive messages are covering the facades of businesses in downtown Naperville, two days after the area was hit by instigators who broke windows and stole from shops.
Naperville North High School graduate Rachel Hale and several of her friends organized the effort to tape up the colorful signs after some of them witnessed passersby tear down paper hearts reading "Black Lives Matter" and "Spread Love" on Tuesday as people descended on the area to clean up broken glass.
The episode was captured in a video that has circulated widely on social media. Hale, who saw the hearts being torn down from the boarded-up wall of the Apple Store on Jefferson Avenue, said the situation created some misunderstandings. But it gave her and her friends the idea to post more hearts, with business owners' permission, containing messages such as "Black Lives Matter," "Spread Love," "Be the Change you Wish to See," or "Spread Kindness."
"It was a negative that has turned into something so much bigger and so much more positive," Hale said.
The Apple Store, Lou Malnati's, Anderson's Bookshop and Sephora were among the shops participants decorated Wednesday.
Hale said spreading positivity and affirming the Black Lives Matter movement were important enough causes to organize Wednesday's event, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the public health recommendation not to gather in groups of more than 10.
"We had to take a stand," she said.
Mike Archer, CEO of Lou Malnati's, said the store provided a safe space for participants to gather and post messages, along with hundreds of free personal pan pizzas.
"We want to be part of the solution," Archer said. "I could not be more proud of these young women in terms of the stance they've taken and how they're spreading a positive message ... They told me that they're spreading love and kindness and the belief that Black Lives Matter."
The event came as protests across the region and the nation continue to rally against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Arlington Alfresco to begin tonight, but no Mane Event or Taste this year

Portions of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street are shut down to make room for tables and chairs as part of downtown Arlington Heights ' outdoor dining zone set to launch Wednesday night .
Called Arlington Alfresco , the village 's coordinated plan of street closures facilitates an expansion of outdoor dining spaces to help restaurateurs ' bottom lines in the era of social distancing .
Village public works department crews spent Tuesday installing fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways down the middle of Vail and Campbell , along with associated barricades and signage , while about a dozen restaurants prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets and sidewalks .
Outdoor dining already began last Friday at some downtown Arlington Heights restaurants , in conjunction with the start of Phase 3 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
But that was only for restaurants that already had some dedicated outdoor patio space .
The village-led downtown outdoor dining program allows restaurants to further encroach on the public right of way amid the ban on indoor dining statewide .
But , `` we want to stress this is not a festival-type atmosphere , '' Village Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to walk around with alcohol in the pedestrian walkways or nearby Harmony Park .
Consumption is limited to individual outdoor restaurant spaces .
`` This is merely a way for us to facilitate helping out our businesses , '' Recklaus said .
Just as village officials were putting finishing touches on the outdoor dining plan , they announced the cancellation of two popular downtown summer festivals , the Mane Event and Taste of Arlington Heights .
Scheduled for Aug. 7-8 , the fests regularly attract thousands to the downtown streets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's Phase 5 , when a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment is widely available .
The Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce , which organizes the Taste specifically , concurred with the decision to cancel , as did the village board .
`` It 's unfortunate , but I just do n't see how it 's possible for us to be able to pull off an event of that magnitude , '' said Trustee John Scaletta , who voted with the other board members Monday night to authorize the cancellations .
`` Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that goes on that leads up to both of these events , but the streets are shoulder-to-shoulder , and this just is not possible at this point . ''
For Arlington Alfresco , officials recommend making reservations with the individual eateries .
For those who want to use curbside pickup , there are designated areas at the entrances of the outdoor dining zone , on the first floor of the Vail parking garage and in the parking lot south of the Metra station .
There 's also designated spots for deliveries for downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas will be open daily until 11 p.m .
The program is set to run through Labor Day weekend .

Arlington Alfresco to begin tonight, but no Mane Event or Taste this year
Portions of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street are shut down to make room for tables and chairs as part of downtown Arlington Heights' outdoor dining zone set to launch Wednesday night.
Called Arlington Alfresco, the village's coordinated plan of street closures facilitates an expansion of outdoor dining spaces to help restaurateurs' bottom lines in the era of social distancing.
Village public works department crews spent Tuesday installing fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways down the middle of Vail and Campbell, along with associated barricades and signage, while about a dozen restaurants prepared to set up their individual dining areas on the streets and sidewalks.
Outdoor dining already began last Friday at some downtown Arlington Heights restaurants, in conjunction with the start of Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan. But that was only for restaurants that already had some dedicated outdoor patio space.
The village-led downtown outdoor dining program allows restaurants to further encroach on the public right of way amid the ban on indoor dining statewide.
But, "we want to stress this is not a festival-type atmosphere," Village Manager Randy Recklaus said. Visitors won't be able to walk around with alcohol in the pedestrian walkways or nearby Harmony Park. Consumption is limited to individual outdoor restaurant spaces.
"This is merely a way for us to facilitate helping out our businesses," Recklaus said.
Just as village officials were putting finishing touches on the outdoor dining plan, they announced the cancellation of two popular downtown summer festivals, the Mane Event and Taste of Arlington Heights.
Scheduled for Aug. 7-8, the fests regularly attract thousands to the downtown streets. But large-scale festivals aren't permitted until the state's Phase 5, when a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment is widely available.
The Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the Taste specifically, concurred with the decision to cancel, as did the village board.
"It's unfortunate, but I just don't see how it's possible for us to be able to pull off an event of that magnitude," said Trustee John Scaletta, who voted with the other board members Monday night to authorize the cancellations. "Not only is there a lot of planning that goes on that leads up to both of these events, but the streets are shoulder-to-shoulder, and this just is not possible at this point."
For Arlington Alfresco, officials recommend making reservations with the individual eateries. For those who want to use curbside pickup, there are designated areas at the entrances of the outdoor dining zone, on the first floor of the Vail parking garage and in the parking lot south of the Metra station. There's also designated spots for deliveries for downtown businesses and residents.
The outdoor dining areas will be open daily until 11 p.m. The program is set to run through Labor Day weekend.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Illinois records 97 more COVID-19 deaths, another 982 infections

State health officials reported Wednesday that an additional 97 Illinois residents died from COVID-19 infections and another 982 are infected .
That brings the state 's death toll to 5,621 since the outbreak began in March , with 123,830 residents having tested positive for the disease .
Among those whose deaths were reported Wednesday are 56 residents of Cook County , three from DuPage County , six from Kane County , eight from Lake County , four from McHenry County and two Will County residents .
The state 's current seven-day rolling average infection rate is 6.1 % , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the past week , the state has averaged 22,172 test results each day with an average of 1,361 coming back positive .
At the start of the day Wednesday , 3,173 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized , an amount equivalent to 9.2 % of all the state 's hospital beds .
Of those hospitalized , 844 were being treated in intensive care units , according to the state .
Regionally , Chicago and the suburbs are experiencing a 12 % average positivity rate , the state is reporting .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase of reopening , the positivity rate needs to remain below 20 % and be stable or decline for 14 straight days .
In that phase , gatherings of 50 or fewer would be allowed as well as more businesses would be allowed to reopen to the public with capacity guidelines , like theaters and fitness centers .
Restaurants and bars could also start allowing indoor seating again , but with strict capacity limits .

Illinois records 97 more COVID-19 deaths, another 982 infections
State health officials reported Wednesday that an additional 97 Illinois residents died from COVID-19 infections and another 982 are infected.
That brings the state's death toll to 5,621 since the outbreak began in March, with 123,830 residents having tested positive for the disease.
Among those whose deaths were reported Wednesday are 56 residents of Cook County, three from DuPage County, six from Kane County, eight from Lake County, four from McHenry County and two Will County residents.
The state's current seven-day rolling average infection rate is 6.1%, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures.
Over the past week, the state has averaged 22,172 test results each day with an average of 1,361 coming back positive.
At the start of the day Wednesday, 3,173 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, an amount equivalent to 9.2% of all the state's hospital beds. Of those hospitalized, 844 were being treated in intensive care units, according to the state.
Regionally, Chicago and the suburbs are experiencing a 12% average positivity rate, the state is reporting.
In order to move to the next, less restrictive phase of reopening, the positivity rate needs to remain below 20% and be stable or decline for 14 straight days.
In that phase, gatherings of 50 or fewer would be allowed as well as more businesses would be allowed to reopen to the public with capacity guidelines, like theaters and fitness centers.
Restaurants and bars could also start allowing indoor seating again, but with strict capacity limits.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Protesters disperse after peaceful assembly in Wheaton

Protesters gathered peacefully in downtown Wheaton Wednesday to speak out against racial inequalities .
Demonstrators met at Adams Park downtown @ @ @ @ @ large group of mostly young people then rallied in front of city hall , reconvened @ @ @ @ @ the Wheaton Public Library and began dispersing shortly before 5 p.m .
The Downtown Wheaton @ @ @ @ @ closed until Friday morning as a precaution ahead of planned protests .
Police also have @ @ @ @ @ may remain open .
Before visiting , customers should call ahead to ensure the business @ @ @ @ @ hours .

Protesters disperse after peaceful assembly in Wheaton
Protesters gathered peacefully in downtown Wheaton Wednesday to speak out against racial inequalities.
Demonstrators met at Adams Park downtown about 1 p.m. The large group of mostly young people then rallied in front of city hall, reconvened in the historic park beside the Wheaton Public Library and began dispersing shortly before 5 p.m.
The Downtown Wheaton Association has recommended businesses remain closed until Friday morning as a precaution ahead of planned protests. Police also have increased patrols.
Some businesses may remain open. Before visiting, customers should call ahead to ensure the business is open and confirm their hours.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Elgin to give out 300 yard signs supporting essential workers

The city of Elgin worked with local artists to create banners and yard signs in support of essential workers , and will be giving away 300 yard signs to the public .
Two banners depicting health care workers and saying , `` Not all heroes wear capes , '' were installed Wednesday morning outside Advocate Sherman Hospital and Amita Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin .
The banners were created by local artist Ivette De Santiago of West Dundee .
The yard signs , created by artist Adrian Mesino of Elgin , depict essential workers such as first responders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The yard signs are bilingual , with English on one side and Spanish on the other , and phrases like , `` Underneath it all there is hope . ''
The city 's cultural arts commission funded the project with $ 2,651 out of its city budget .
`` The idea was to leverage our amazing local artistic talent and show our essential workers that we are behind them , '' said Amanda Harris , assistant to the city manager for special projects and the arts .
`` The artists were very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft versions to staff within a week . ''
The city will be installing some of the yards signs on public property and the remainder will be available for Elgin residents and businesses to display .
The city is working with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin to arrange locations for pickup of yard signs , which have n't arrived yet .
To request a yard sign in advance , contact the Chamber at ( 847 ) 741-5660 or info @ elginchamber.com , or the DNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtownelgin.com .

Elgin to give out 300 yard signs supporting essential workers
The city of Elgin worked with local artists to create banners and yard signs in support of essential workers, and it will be giving away 300 of those yard signs to the public.
Two banners depicting health care workers and saying "Not all heroes wear capes" were installed Wednesday morning outside Advocate Sherman Hospital and Amita Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin. The banners were created by local artist Ivette De Santiago of West Dundee.
The yard signs, created by artist Adrian Mesino of Elgin, depict essential workers such as first responders, teachers, grocery store workers and more. The yard signs are bilingual, with English on one side and Spanish on the other, and phrases like "Underneath it all there is hope."
The city's cultural arts commission funded the project with $2,651 out of its city budget.
"The idea was to leverage our amazing local artistic talent and show our essential workers that we are behind them," said Amanda Harris, assistant to the city manager for special projects and the arts. "The artists were very eager to jump on board and had draft versions to staff within a week."
The city will be installing some of the yards signs on public property, and the remainder will be available for Elgin residents and businesses to display.
The city is working with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin to arrange locations for pickup of yard signs, which haven't arrived yet. To request a yard sign in advance, contact the Chamber at (847) 741-5660 or info@elginchamber.com, or the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or info@downtownelgin.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--355 reopened after propane fire on overturned truck

Interstate 355 reopened Wednesday afternoon near Butterfield Road after firefighters extinguished a propane-tank fire that started when a truck carrying @ @ @ @ @ 8:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes .
Authorities reported the tanker was carrying a full @ @ @ @ @ overturned and caught fire .
Video from the scene showed fire shooting out of the @ @ @ @ @ with water .
The truck overturned in the far left lane , after striking the @ @ @ @ @ been shooting out into the right lanes .
The driver was not injured , according @ @ @ @

355 reopened after propane fire on overturned truck
Interstate 355 was closed for hours Wednesday in both directions near Glen Ellyn as firefighters tried to contain a fire that started when a truck carrying a large propane tank overturned in the northbound lanes. ABC 7 Chicago
A box truck hauling a full propane tank overturned on Interstate 355 Wednesday morning, causing authorities to close traffic in both directions as firefighters battled the blaze. The road reopened in the afternoon. ABC 7 Chicago
Interstate 355 reopened Wednesday afternoon near Butterfield Road after firefighters extinguished a propane-tank fire that started when a truck carrying the tank tipped over around 8:45 a.m. in the northbound lanes.
Authorities reported the tanker was carrying a full load of propane when it overturned and caught fire.
Video from the scene showed fire shooting out of the tank and firefighters dousing it with water.
The truck overturned in the far left lane, after striking the left wall. Fire had been shooting out into the right lanes.
The driver was not injured, according to state police.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--DuPage officials looking for 'concrete actions' to improve race relations

DuPage officials say more needs to be done to improve race relations in the county following the protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
County board member Sadia Covert condemned the violence that happened earlier this week in Aurora and Naperville , saying the individuals who looted and vandalized businesses caused `` a distraction from the real issues '' raised by peaceful protesters .
But the Naperville Democrat said county officials should n't ignore the legitimate concerns of protesters .
`` People want to be heard , '' she said .
To that end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's asking the DuPage Complete Count Committee to reach out to minority groups .
The committee , which educates residents about the importance of the 2020 census , has a diverse membership , including representatives from the NAACP and Unity Partnership .
Covert serves as chairwoman of the panel .
In a letter dated Wednesday , Cronin told county board members he wants the committee `` to utilize the great expertise of its membership to devote one of its upcoming meetings ... to a dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion . ''
`` From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some suggestions for concrete actions our county , our businesses and municipal leadership can take to improve race relations and make every DuPage resident feel welcome and included , '' the Elmhurst Republican wrote .
Outcomes of the discussion could include recommendations to increase minority participation in job training and education programs .
There also could be suggestions on how to increase minority representation on public and private boards and commissions .
Cronin said DuPage has taken previous steps to increase diversity and inclusion , including by expanding its strategic plan and appointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local boards and commissions .
In addition , he said the county is a leader in law enforcement training .
`` DuPage County State 's Attorney Bob Berlin and Sheriff Jim Mendrick have made significant investments in training for crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques that result in calmer interactions and peaceful , positive conflict resolution , '' Cronin said .
But after the events of the past week , Cronin acknowledges `` we have more work to do . ''
Board member Dawn DeSart said what happened to Floyd on May 25 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen again .
`` I applaud the peaceful protesters who are making their voices heard for justice , '' the Aurora Democrat said .
Moving forward , DeSart said DuPage officials must do a better job of listening .
`` We must listen to people 's needs and allow all to join the conversation , '' she said .
Board member Elizabeth Chaplin said she wants county leaders to become `` allies in the fight against racism . ''
The Downers Grove Democrat says the board should work on legislation and do an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People want change , '' Chaplin said .
`` They want action . ''

DuPage officials looking for 'concrete actions' to improve race relations
DuPage officials say more needs to be done to improve race relations in the county following the protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
County board member Sadia Covert condemned the violence that happened earlier this week in Aurora and Naperville, saying the individuals who looted and vandalized businesses caused "a distraction from the real issues" raised by peaceful protesters.
But the Naperville Democrat said county officials shouldn't ignore the legitimate concerns of protesters.
"People want to be heard," she said.
To that end, county board Chairman Dan Cronin said he's asking the DuPage Complete Count Committee to reach out to minority groups.
The committee, which educates residents about the importance of the 2020 census, has a diverse membership, including representatives from the NAACP and Unity Partnership. Covert serves as chairwoman of the panel.
In a letter dated Wednesday, Cronin told county board members he wants the committee "to utilize the great expertise of its membership to devote one of its upcoming meetings ... to a dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion."
"From that dialogue, I hope to determine some suggestions for concrete actions our county, our businesses and municipal leadership can take to improve race relations and make every DuPage resident feel welcome and included," the Elmhurst Republican wrote.
Outcomes of the discussion could include recommendations to increase minority participation in job training and education programs. There also could be suggestions on how to increase minority representation on public and private boards and commissions.
Cronin said DuPage has taken previous steps to increase diversity and inclusion, including by expanding its strategic plan and appointing "qualified, diverse candidates" to local boards and commissions. In addition, he said the county is a leader in law enforcement training.
"DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin and Sheriff Jim Mendrick have made significant investments in training for crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques that result in calmer interactions and peaceful, positive conflict resolution," Cronin said.
But after the events of the past week, Cronin acknowledges "we have more work to do."
Board member Dawn DeSart said what happened to Floyd on May 25 was "an abomination" and should never happen again.
"I applaud the peaceful protesters who are making their voices heard for justice," the Aurora Democrat said.
Moving forward, DeSart said DuPage officials must do a better job of listening. "We must listen to people's needs and allow all to join the conversation," she said.
Board member Elizabeth Chaplin said she wants county leaders to become "allies in the fight against racism."
The Downers Grove Democrat says the board should work on legislation and do an examination of county policies and procedures.
"People want change," Chaplin said. "They want action."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Officials, residents praise Naperville police for protest response

Naperville officials are praising the city 's police department for everything that did n't happen late Monday when a protest about the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned destructive .
There were no deaths , gunshots , fires , overturned police vehicles or use of tear gas by Naperville police .
There were no reports of police injuring anyone .
And for that , many city council members and residents heaped thanks on officers .
`` I 'm very proud of them for doing exactly the kind of thing that is good police work -- being restrained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready but not overreacting , '' city council member Judith Brodhead said .
`` It was exactly that kind of police work that prevents events like the tragedy and the death of George Floyd . ''
Police Chief Robert Marshall said his department had 30 officers stationed near the downtown intersection of Washington Street and Chicago Avenue to control roughly 300 to 400 protesters .
It was difficult , he said , to secure the usual mutual aid from nearby departments because their officers were busy protecting their own residents and businesses from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said police made tactical decisions as things `` dramatically changed '' from a peaceful protest to a chaotic one around 9:30 p.m .
Even as instigators threw explosive devices at officers , causing eye and ear injuries to at least three of them , officers did not retaliate , Marshall said .
Police on Wednesday posted video of the device exploding at the feet of a line of officers , who backed up and regrouped .
Officers responded to reports of damage at businesses when the crowd began to scatter , and by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and federal agencies .
`` Our officers protected life , made arrests and kept the situation from escalating to a level we have seen across the country , '' Marshall said during Tuesday evening 's virtual city council meeting .
`` Our officers did exactly what they were supposed to do . ''
The response worked , Marshall said , because officers took into account the fact peaceful protesters remained even when instigators began to throw bricks , rocks or boards at store windows , then run inside and grab items .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eleven people were arrested and the investigation continues .
`` We do n't deploy blanket tactics like tear gas when only some individuals are becoming violent and committing criminal acts , '' he said .
City council member Benjamin White , the first black person elected to the council , said he was proud of the peaceful protesters and of the police department for putting to good use the training officers have received in avoiding implicit bias and de-escalating crisis situations .
`` The professionalism your department showed yesterday was remarkable , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , speaking out against online comments in which some people have called for a harsher police response .
`` It seems that far too many had an expectation that police should have immediately cleared streets of all activity including peaceful protesters , arrested everyone present and , as one person said , 'cracked some skulls , ' '' resident Tim Messer said .
`` Others claimed that the police 'did nothing and let people riot . '
'' Messer , instead , joined voices that called the police actions appropriate and positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I have tremendous pride in the professionalism and the bravery exhibited by our police force in these very , very trying times last night , '' Urda said Tuesday .
`` I want to thank specifically the police chief and the entire police force for , in fact , keeping us from the arsons , keeping us from the murders .
If it 's not appreciated by some , believe me , it 's appreciated . ''

Officials, residents praise Naperville police for protest response
Naperville officials are praising the city's police department for everything that didn't happen late Monday when a protest about the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned destructive.
There were no deaths, gunshots, fires, overturned police vehicles or use of tear gas by Naperville police. There were no reports of police injuring anyone. And for that, many city council members and residents heaped thanks on officers.
"I'm very proud of them for doing exactly the kind of thing that is good police work -- being restrained, using the techniques of de-escalation, being ready but not overreacting," city council member Judith Brodhead said. "It was exactly that kind of police work that prevents events like the tragedy and the death of George Floyd."
Police Chief Robert Marshall said his department had 30 officers stationed near the downtown intersection of Washington Street and Chicago Avenue to control roughly 300 to 400 protesters.
It was difficult, he said, to secure the usual mutual aid from nearby departments because their officers were busy protecting their own residents and businesses from threats of mob action. So Marshall said police made tactical decisions as things "dramatically changed" from a peaceful protest to a chaotic one around 9:30 p.m.
Even as instigators threw explosive devices at officers, causing eye and ear injuries to at least three of them, officers did not retaliate, Marshall said. Police on Wednesday posted video of the device exploding at the feet of a line of officers, who backed up and regrouped. Officers responded to reports of damage at businesses when the crowd began to scatter, and by 11 p.m., they received help from state and federal agencies.
"Our officers protected life, made arrests and kept the situation from escalating to a level we have seen across the country," Marshall said during Tuesday evening's virtual city council meeting. "Our officers did exactly what they were supposed to do."
The response worked, Marshall said, because officers took into account the fact peaceful protesters remained even when instigators began to throw bricks, rocks or boards at store windows, then run inside and grab items.
Roughly 30 downtown businesses were damaged. Eleven people were arrested and the investigation continues.
"We don't deploy blanket tactics like tear gas when only some individuals are becoming violent and committing criminal acts," he said.
City council member Benjamin White, the first black person elected to the council, said he was proud of the peaceful protesters and of the police department for putting to good use the training officers have received in avoiding implicit bias and de-escalating crisis situations.
"The professionalism your department showed yesterday was remarkable," White told Marshall.
Residents also chimed in, speaking out against online comments in which some people have called for a harsher police response.
"It seems that far too many had an expectation that police should have immediately cleared streets of all activity including peaceful protesters, arrested everyone present and, as one person said, 'cracked some skulls,'" resident Tim Messer said. "Others claimed that the police 'did nothing and let people riot.'"
Messer, instead, joined voices that called the police actions appropriate and positive. Resident Mark Urda shared similar sentiments.
"I have tremendous pride in the professionalism and the bravery exhibited by our police force in these very, very trying times last night," Urda said Tuesday. "I want to thank specifically the police chief and the entire police force for, in fact, keeping us from the arsons, keeping us from the murders. If it's not appreciated by some, believe me, it's appreciated."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Burglars set fire inside Downers Grove liquor store

Burglars stole cash and alcohol from a Downers Grove store early Wednesday morning and then apparently set a fire inside @ @ @ @ @ .
Firefighters responded at 1:50 a.m. to the Maple Food and Liquor store at 2265 @ @ @ @ @ by police indicates the suspects forced their way into the business , stole the money @ @ @ @ @ and then set the fire .
No arrests have been made and the case remains @ @ @

Burglars set fire inside Downers Grove liquor store
Burglars stole cash and alcohol from a Downers Grove store early Wednesday morning and then apparently set a fire inside the building, authorities said.
Firefighters responded at 1:50 a.m. to the Maple Food and Liquor store at 2265 Maple Ave. A preliminary investigation by police indicates the suspects forced their way into the business, stole the money and bottles of liquor, and then set the fire.
No arrests have been made and the case remains under investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--DuPage County courts to resume operations

Courts in the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County will resume hearing all court matters either in person or by @ @ @ @ @ Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin issued an administrative order on Wednesday outlining the procedures to @ @ @ @ @ and efficient resumption of court business .
Protocols have been implemented in an effort to @ @ @ @ @ of all persons using court facilities .
They include daily court calls being significantly reduced @ @ @ @ @ only .
Persons represented by a public defender or private attorney are not required to @ @ @ @ @ by a judge .
Temperature readings will be taken of all persons upon entry and @ @ @ @ @ within the public spaces and courtrooms of court facilities .
No criminal jury trials will @ @ @ @ @ and no civil jury trials before Aug. 24 .
For additional information on the 18th @ @ @ @ @ to : https : //www.dupaqeco.org/courts/ .

DuPage County courts to resume operations
Courts in the 18th Judicial Circuit of DuPage County will resume hearing all court matters either in person or by remotely on June 8.
Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin issued an administrative order on Wednesday outlining the procedures to be followed for the safe and efficient resumption of court business.
Protocols have been implemented in an effort to protect the health and safety of all persons using court facilities.
They include daily court calls being significantly reduced or proceeding by remote means only.
Persons represented by a public defender or private attorney are not required to appear in court until ordered by a judge.
Temperature readings will be taken of all persons upon entry and face coverings will be required within the public spaces and courtrooms of court facilities.
No criminal jury trials will take place before July 20 and no civil jury trials before Aug. 24.
For additional information on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, go to: https://www.dupaqeco.org/courts/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Waukegan courthouse ramping back up virtually

Conducting business at the Waukegan courthouse remotely began Monday , and so far officials report it has been going well , albeit with a learning curve .
Beginning Monday , those scheduled to appear before a judge in family court , civil court , small claims court , criminal court or for matters concerning orders of protection have been able to do so over Zoom .
The courthouse largely closed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Bond court has been held as needed with guidelines for social distancing .
Court spokeswoman Kasey D. Morgan said the livestreams have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule has been light in the first week and will gradually increase until the work flow is back to normal .
`` We 've got a lot of moving parts and there 's a lot of people involved and there 's always going to be uncertainty in a new process , '' Morgan said .
`` We 're always accommodating as much as we can in the given circumstances we 're in . ''
In addition to teaching the new system , Morgan said some issues are outside the control of court staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a brief area Zoom outage .
Members of the public are able to watch live on YouTube , except for cases at branch court locations or in juvenile court .
One question heading into the remote court experiment was whether the Zoom court hearings would remain on YouTube to be viewed by the public after they happened .
Morgan said the court decided against the streams being archived .
`` We would n't normally allow recording in a courtroom without an extended media request , '' Morgan said .
`` We would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morgan said a new grand jury will be assembled next week but a task force is still deciding how to go about gathering regular trial juries .
While the majority of people needing to appear before a judge have done so using Zoom , through noon Wednesday 60 people have come to the courthouse in person to use one of the computer stations set up there , Morgan said .
About 20 computer stations have been set up throughout the court building for people going virtually before a judge who are unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new system is accessible by going to 19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us and clicking `` remote court hearings . ''
The effort has been a collaboration of the Lake County Bar Association , the circuit clerk 's office , the public defender office , the state 's attorney 's office and others .
Morgan said people with questions about the new system can call court administration at ( 847 ) 377-3600 .

Waukegan courthouse ramping back up virtually
The Lake County courthouse in Waukegan remains quiet, but matters of justice have resumed on Zoom. Daily Herald file photo, 2019
Conducting business at the Waukegan courthouse remotely began Monday, and so far officials report it has been going well, albeit with a learning curve.
Beginning Monday, those scheduled to appear before a judge in family court, civil court, small claims court, criminal court or for matters concerning orders of protection have been able to do so over Zoom.
The courthouse largely closed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bond court has been held as needed with guidelines for social distancing.
Court spokeswoman Kasey D. Morgan said the livestreams have worked so far. She said the schedule has been light in the first week and will gradually increase until the work flow is back to normal.
"We've got a lot of moving parts and there's a lot of people involved and there's always going to be uncertainty in a new process," Morgan said. "We're always accommodating as much as we can in the given circumstances we're in."
In addition to teaching the new system, Morgan said some issues are outside the control of court staff, such as on Wednesday when there was a brief area Zoom outage.
Members of the public are able to watch live on YouTube, except for cases at branch court locations or in juvenile court.
One question heading into the remote court experiment was whether the Zoom court hearings would remain on YouTube to be viewed by the public after they happened. Morgan said the court decided against the streams being archived.
"We wouldn't normally allow recording in a courtroom without an extended media request," Morgan said. "We would be breaking our own rules."
Morgan said a new grand jury will be assembled next week but a task force is still deciding how to go about gathering regular trial juries.
While the majority of people needing to appear before a judge have done so using Zoom, through noon Wednesday 60 people have come to the courthouse in person to use one of the computer stations set up there, Morgan said. About 20 computer stations have been set up throughout the court building for people going virtually before a judge who are unable to do so using their own technology.
The new system is accessible by going to 19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us and clicking "remote court hearings." The effort has been a collaboration of the Lake County Bar Association, the circuit clerk's office, the public defender office, the state's attorney's office and others.
Morgan said people with questions about the new system can call court administration at (847) 377-3600.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-04--'It's a new beginning': Diners fill the tables outside in downtown Arlington Heights

Wednesday night is what Danny Barbarigos , like many other downtown Arlington Heights restaurateurs , has been waiting for .
It was the first night of Arlington Alfresco , the outdoor dining zone on Vail Avenue and Campbell Street for which Barbarigos and owners of other closed downtown eateries lobbied , as a way to help their bottom lines .
`` I 'm fortunate enough to have something , '' Barbarigos said of the 13 tables set up outside his La Tasca Tapas restaurant on Vail .
`` Overall it 's a good feeling that we 're open , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new beginning . ''
With the village 's closure of the two main downtown thoroughfares on Tuesday , restaurants were able to expand their outdoor dining spaces onto the public rights of way while still allowing for social distancing per state guidelines .
Some establishments with dedicated patio space already were able to open last Friday , when Phase 3 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan took effect .
But Wednesday marked the beginning of the full-scale outdoor dining initiative in downtown Arlington Heights .
The plan was coordinated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signage and fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways down the middle of Vail and Campbell .
By the 6 p.m. dinner rush , most of the tables at La Tasca and the dozen or so other restaurants in the downtown were filled with diners who 've been eager to return for their favorite dishes and say hello again to familiar faces .
La Tasca regulars Tina and Frank Crigler were among the first to grab a table , joined by their son , his girlfriend and their in-laws for seafood and sangria on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been coming to the restaurant since it opened 22 years ago , and they say they 're probably up to once a week now .
It 's been host to some of their memorable celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays .
`` They 're like family here , '' Tina said .
`` We missed it . ''
`` Every day that it 's not raining , we 'll probably be here , '' added Frank .
The outdoor dining areas are open daily until 11 p.m. , and the program is set to @ @ @ @ @ @

Wednesday night is what Danny Barbarigos, like many other downtown Arlington Heights restaurateurs, has been waiting for.
It was the first night of Arlington Alfresco, the outdoor dining zone on Vail Avenue and Campbell Street for which Barbarigos and owners of other closed downtown eateries lobbied, as a way to help their bottom lines.
"I'm fortunate enough to have something," Barbarigos said of the 13 tables set up outside his La Tasca Tapas restaurant on Vail. "Overall it's a good feeling that we're open, people are out, and it's a new beginning."
With the village's closure of the two main downtown thoroughfares on Tuesday, restaurants were able to expand their outdoor dining spaces onto the public rights of way while still allowing for social distancing per state guidelines. Some establishments with dedicated patio space already were able to open last Friday, when Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan took effect.
But Wednesday marked the beginning of the full-scale outdoor dining initiative in downtown Arlington Heights. The plan was coordinated by the village, which provided barricades, signage and fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways down the middle of Vail and Campbell.
By the 6 p.m. dinner rush, most of the tables at La Tasca and the dozen or so other restaurants in the downtown were filled with diners who've been eager to return for their favorite dishes and say hello again to familiar faces.
La Tasca regulars Tina and Frank Crigler were among the first to grab a table, joined by their son, his girlfriend and their in-laws for seafood and sangria on Wednesday night.
The Arlington Heights couple have been coming to the restaurant since it opened 22 years ago, and they say they're probably up to once a week now. It's been host to some of their memorable celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays.
"They're like family here," Tina said. "We missed it."
"Every day that it's not raining, we'll probably be here," added Frank.
The outdoor dining areas are open daily until 11 p.m., and the program is set to run through Labor Day weekend.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-04--Constable: Reopening leaves confused dogs asking, where are you going?

With Illinois moving into reopening phases , one segment of our population may not be looking forward to all those new freedoms .
Most dogs have had a pretty good time during COVID-19 .
`` That 's a big concern of ours at the shelter , '' says Samantha Cheatham , animal care manager at the Hinsdale Humane Society .
Dogs accustomed to owners being at home 24/7 may suffer some separation anxiety when people start to go back to work , eat at an outdoor cafe or even take a car ride without man 's best friend .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Whoa !
Where are you ? '
moment , '' Cheatham warns .
`` We all forget our dogs ' schedules and lives were changed just as much as ours were with the stay-at-home order , '' says Diana Stoll , practice manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital , with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts , who offered advice in her most recent On Pets column .
Dogs adapted pretty quickly to life under stay-at-home orders .
They enjoyed having owners around , and got used to the extra attention .
Those old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office '' vanished .
`` They might not remember when you went to work every day , '' says Kristin Tvrdik , veterinarian for the Hinsdale Humane Society .
In addition to old dogs having to learn , or relearn , the skill of keeping everything together when left alone , there is a whole new population of puppies and dogs that grew up in the dog days of COVID-19 with an abundance of attention .
`` We 've had all these amazing adoptions , '' Cheatham says , noting many shelters ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during recent months .
The Hinsdale facility expanded beyond their usual borders to take in a shipment of puppies Tuesday night from southern states , she says .
Dogs adopted since March have n't had the in-person training they might need , and have n't picked up the socialization skills that come from mingling with other humans and dogs .
`` It 's a hard time , too , because there 's not a lot of training available , '' Cheatham says .
`` There 's no puppy classes .
People are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's so important for puppies to get that socialization , so when the world opens up , it 's not like fireworks . ''
Owners can do things at home to prepare their pets for the `` new normal . ''
`` Normally , your dog would be seeing tall men , short men , men with beards , '' Cheatham says .
She recommends using some costume changes and even disguises at home to make your dog comfortable with a variety of people .
Do n't worry if you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fool your dog .
`` It 's not silly .
It 's a good idea , '' Tvrdik says .
The veterinarian also says occasionally speaking in a high squeaky voice and a deep booming voice can help your dog get ready for a world with other people .
Singing every part in Queen 's `` Bohemian Rhapsody '' might do the trick .
Even if you 're not back at work full-time , just leaving your dog alone in a separate area of the house can help .
So can taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pet , even if it 's just for a few minutes .
And do n't make a big production out of returning home .
Leaving a treat or a puzzle toy for them to play with also can help .
Just as people need to readjust to getting up earlier , taking showers and wearing pants as they adjust from working at home to rejoining the world , dogs need to get their schedules of feeding , walking and playing back on track .
It will take time for every owner and dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's just going to be a difficult time for everyone , '' Tvrdik says .
Except , maybe , for cats .
Famously independent , cats probably have been counting the days until their owners go back to work and leave them alone .
`` It 's anecdotal , '' Tvrdik says .
`` But I did hear that cats are actually having stress from their owners being home so much . ''

Constable: Reopening leaves confused dogs asking, where are you going?
A retriever mix, Ducky, got adopted from the Hinsdale Humane Society, which saw an increase in animal adoptions when the coronavirus restrictions began. Samantha Cheatham, animal care manager for Hinsdale Humane Society, says owners should start preparing pets for changes as those restrictions are lifted. Courtesy of Hinsdale Humane Society
COVID-19 has been a boom for shelter dogs such as Jules, a hound mix that was adopted this week. But dogs that have gotten used to all that togetherness during stay-at-home orders may have issues when life starts returning to normal, says Samantha Cheatham, animal care manager for Hinsdale Humane Society. Courtesy of Laura Dajoraite
With Illinois moving into reopening phases, one segment of our population may not be looking forward to all those new freedoms. Most dogs have had a pretty good time during COVID-19.
"That's a big concern of ours at the shelter," says Samantha Cheatham, animal care manager at the Hinsdale Humane Society. Dogs accustomed to owners being at home 24/7 may suffer some separation anxiety when people start to go back to work, eat at an outdoor cafe or even take a car ride without man's best friend.
"This is going to be such a 'Whoa! Where are you?' moment," Cheatham warns.
"We all forget our dogs' schedules and lives were changed just as much as ours were with the stay-at-home order," says Diana Stoll, practice manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital, with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts, who offered advice in her most recent On Pets column.
Dogs adapted pretty quickly to life under stay-at-home orders. They enjoyed having owners around, and got used to the extra attention. Those old memories of "long day at the office" vanished.
"They might not remember when you went to work every day," says Kristin Tvrdik, veterinarian for the Hinsdale Humane Society.
In addition to old dogs having to learn, or relearn, the skill of keeping everything together when left alone, there is a whole new population of puppies and dogs that grew up in the dog days of COVID-19 with an abundance of attention.
"We've had all these amazing adoptions," Cheatham says, noting many shelters ran out of dogs and cats to adopt during recent months. The Hinsdale facility expanded beyond their usual borders to take in a shipment of puppies Tuesday night from southern states, she says.
Dogs adopted since March haven't had the in-person training they might need, and haven't picked up the socialization skills that come from mingling with other humans and dogs. "It's a hard time, too, because there's not a lot of training available," Cheatham says. "There's no puppy classes. People aren't going for group walks with their puppies. It's so important for puppies to get that socialization, so when the world opens up, it's not like fireworks."
Owners can do things at home to prepare their pets for the "new normal."
"Normally, your dog would be seeing tall men, short men, men with beards," Cheatham says. She recommends using some costume changes and even disguises at home to make your dog comfortable with a variety of people.
Don't worry if you feel silly putting on a wig and beard to fool your dog.
"It's not silly. It's a good idea," Tvrdik says. The veterinarian also says occasionally speaking in a high squeaky voice and a deep booming voice can help your dog get ready for a world with other people. Singing every part in Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" might do the trick.
Even if you're not back at work full-time, just leaving your dog alone in a separate area of the house can help. So can taking a walk or a drive without your pet, even if it's just for a few minutes. And don't make a big production out of returning home. Leaving a treat or a puzzle toy for them to play with also can help.
Just as people need to readjust to getting up earlier, taking showers and wearing pants as they adjust from working at home to rejoining the world, dogs need to get their schedules of feeding, walking and playing back on track. It will take time for every owner and dog to get used to the new patterns.
"It's just going to be a difficult time for everyone," Tvrdik says.
Except, maybe, for cats. Famously independent, cats probably have been counting the days until their owners go back to work and leave them alone.
"It's anecdotal," Tvrdik says. "But I did hear that cats are actually having stress from their owners being home so much."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Get there early: 8-hour waits in Woodstock as driver services facilities reopen

The best part of Jacob Freitag 's eight-hour wait at the Woodstock Secretary of State Facility came about 9 a.m. Wednesday .
Tom Freitag , Jacob 's father , held his spot in line to take a driver 's test , while Jacob went to their vehicle for a Zoom conference with Huntley High School 's wide receivers .
Jacob , who will be a junior at Huntley this fall , started at defensive back for the Red Raiders last season .
`` We 're multi-tasking , '' Tom Freitag said .
`` It 's a lot [ to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , it 's only the second day they 're open , so I expected it . ''
The Freitags , who live in Algonquin , arrived at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday to get in line , armed , like many others , with a chair .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker shut down most businesses in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The state 's driving facilities were among the places closed , meaning a lot of young drivers could not finish their required behind-the-wheel hours , and forcing an almost three-month backlog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their tests .
`` We came here yesterday at 7:30 , but one of the cops just told us to go home because there were so many people , '' said Jacob Freitag , who now will be able to drive his truck that has been sitting in the driveway .
By shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday , workers at the Woodstock office had told people the same thing .
Adam Kehoe of Wauconda went to facilities in Lake Zurich and Woodstock on Tuesday and could not get his son , Carson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They arrived in Woodstock at 5 a.m. Wednesday and Carson finished his test at about 12:30 p.m. '' His buddies were in line ahead of him yesterday and they counted people and said , 'If you 're beyond this line , waiting to drive , you 're not going to be able to go , ' '' Kehoe said .
`` We tried to get in here and missed the cut .
We learned our lesson , we woke up at 4 and came here .
His cousin [ Jacob Baun ] is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited since his birthday on April 9 to get his license , but eventually it was worth it .
As he walked inside the facility with his instructor , he gave Adam a thumbs-up .
`` We did breakfast [ in line ] and now we 'll get a celebratory lunch , '' Adam Kehoe said .
Illinois Secretary of State spokesman Dave Drucker asks residents to be patient when they come in .
The facilities were closed for about 10 weeks , so it will be slow at first while they catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyberdriveillinois.com for whatever services they can .
License plate stickers and annual registrations can be done online .
`` We did almost 900,000 stickers online , '' Drucker said .
`` It 's very simple .
You can do that in the convenience of your home .
If you need a duplicate driver 's license , and have a safe driving record , you can do that online as well . ''
Drucker said facilities have expanded their hours , Woodstock 's office goes from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new drivers , expired licenses and vehicle transactions , although Drucker said people with expired licenses need not worry immediately .
`` Licenses , stickers and IDs do n't expire until Oct. 1 , '' Drucker said .
`` We would strongly encourage people to sit back a little bit and wait and see , hopefully the lines are going to get shorter and they 'll have an easier time at the facility .
We knew everything was going to be crowded . ''
Employees at the facilities are all wearing face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also wear shields .
Drucker stressed that the facilities are taking every precaution to remain safe .
Patricia Breseman , of Crystal Lake , needed to renew her license while her daughter , Maya , planned on getting her permit .
They still had a long wait ahead about 1 p.m. Wednesday .
`` I do n't know why they closed , '' Patricia Breseman said .
`` Why could n't they have kept it open and done the same safe practices everybody else did ? ''
Maya Breseman turned 15 in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting her license .
New drivers must have permits for nine months before they can take their test .
Patricia Breseman applied a little sunscreen on her face and prepared for the rest of the afternoon .
`` I had different plans for today and was like , ' I 'm not waiting for 5 hours , ' '' Patricia Breseman said , chuckling .
`` And here I am . ''

Get there early: 8-hour waits in Woodstock as driver services facilities reopen
Huntley High School junior-to-be Jacob Freitag, left, checks his phone Wednesday while waiting outside the Secretary of State facility in Woodstock. Joe Stevenson/Shaw Media
The best part of Jacob Freitag's eight-hour wait at the Woodstock Secretary of State Facility came about 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Tom Freitag, Jacob's father, held his spot in line to take a driver's test, while Jacob went to their vehicle for a Zoom conference with Huntley High School's wide receivers. Jacob, who will be a junior at Huntley this fall, started at defensive back for the Red Raiders last season.
"We're multi-tasking," Tom Freitag said. "It's a lot [to wait], but when you think about it, it's only the second day they're open, so I expected it."
The Freitags, who live in Algonquin, arrived at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday to get in line, armed, like many others, with a chair.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker shut down most businesses in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state's driving facilities were among the places closed, meaning a lot of young drivers could not finish their required behind-the-wheel hours, and forcing an almost three-month backlog of drivers who could already have taken their tests.
"We came here yesterday at 7:30, but one of the cops just told us to go home because there were so many people," said Jacob Freitag, who now will be able to drive his truck that has been sitting in the driveway.
By shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, workers at the Woodstock office had told people the same thing.
Adam Kehoe of Wauconda went to facilities in Lake Zurich and Woodstock on Tuesday and could not get his son, Carson, in for a driving test. They arrived in Woodstock at 5 a.m. Wednesday and Carson finished his test at about 12:30 p.m.
"His buddies were in line ahead of him yesterday and they counted people and said, 'If you're beyond this line, waiting to drive, you're not going to be able to go,'" Kehoe said. "We tried to get in here and missed the cut. We learned our lesson, we woke up at 4 and came here. His cousin [Jacob Baun] is here too."
Carson Kehoe had waited since his birthday on April 9 to get his license, but eventually it was worth it. As he walked inside the facility with his instructor, he gave Adam a thumbs-up.
"We did breakfast [in line] and now we'll get a celebratory lunch," Adam Kehoe said.
Illinois Secretary of State spokesman Dave Drucker asks residents to be patient when they come in. The facilities were closed for about 10 weeks, so it will be slow at first while they catch up. He urges people to use cyberdriveillinois.com for whatever services they can. License plate stickers and annual registrations can be done online.
"We did almost 900,000 stickers online," Drucker said. "It's very simple. You can do that in the convenience of your home. If you need a duplicate driver's license, and have a safe driving record, you can do that online as well."
Drucker said facilities have expanded their hours, Woodstock's office goes from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The facilities currently want to prioritize new drivers, expired licenses and vehicle transactions, although Drucker said people with expired licenses need not worry immediately.
"Licenses, stickers and IDs don't expire until Oct. 1," Drucker said. "We would strongly encourage people to sit back a little bit and wait and see, hopefully the lines are going to get shorter and they'll have an easier time at the facility. We knew everything was going to be crowded."
Employees at the facilities are all wearing face masks. Those giving the driver's tests also wear shields. Drucker stressed that the facilities are taking every precaution to remain safe.
Patricia Breseman, of Crystal Lake, needed to renew her license while her daughter, Maya, planned on getting her permit. They still had a long wait ahead about 1 p.m. Wednesday.
"I don't know why they closed," Patricia Breseman said. "Why couldn't they have kept it open and done the same safe practices everybody else did?"
Maya Breseman turned 15 in October and now will be a little later getting her license. New drivers must have permits for nine months before they can take their test.
Patricia Breseman applied a little sunscreen on her face and prepared for the rest of the afternoon.
"I had different plans for today and was like, 'I'm not waiting for 5 hours,'" Patricia Breseman said, chuckling. "And here I am."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-03--Arlington Heights looking into Facebook post threatening to run over protesters

Arlington Heights police are looking into a post that reportedly appeared on a local trucking firm 's Facebook page that threatens to run over protesters on roadways .
Screenshots of the posting have circulated online , purported to be from the Facebook page of CAT Express , Inc. , a transportation company with offices on the south side of Arlington Heights .
The post , as well as the company 's Facebook page , have since been taken down .
Company officials did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday .
`` The police department is aware of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been contacted , '' Village Manager Randy Recklaus said in an email .
`` The ( Facebook ) account has been closed . ''
Village Trustee Rich Baldino said he was `` appalled '' at the post and glad to see it was removed .
Baldino reached out to Recklaus , who assured him the police department would look into the issue .
`` I do n't believe they committed a crime , '' Baldino said .
`` I do believe that it was a hateful post .
To go on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commit murder is just wrong . ''
The post Baldino and others saw online is similar to a widely-shared social media posting originally attributed to Mark Staite , a driver who runs a trucking education group on Facebook and YouTube .
Staite 's original post and the one that was reportedly on the CAT Express page , said truckers would `` defend ourselves everytime , '' which could include using their 80,000-pound trucks to `` run you over . ''
The postings , which included profanities , also said cities where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped are `` hear-by put on notice . ''
`` Congregating in the roadway will only get you run over , '' according to a screenshot of the Facebook post Sunday night .
`` Having people standing and blocking the highway is a threat to our physical safety and we will respond appropriately to your attack .
Standing in the roadway is NOT a protest .
It is an attack on our safety .
`` Air horns will sound , steering wheels will be held tightly ; but those brakes will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will die .
80,000 pounds at 70mph will win every time .
STAY OUT OF THE ROADWAY . ''
In an interview with the financial website Business Insider , Staite said he believes truck drivers have the right to run over protesters as a means of self-defense , and his original post says , `` We do n't want to , but will if we have to , to save our own life . ''
His original post has since been edited and shared by other online sources .
The version reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been an edited version .

Arlington Heights looking into Facebook post threatening to run over protesters
Arlington Heights police are looking into a post that reportedly appeared on a local trucking firm's Facebook page that threatens to run over protesters on roadways.
Screenshots of the posting have circulated online, purported to be from the Facebook page of CAT Express, Inc., a transportation company with offices on the south side of Arlington Heights.
The post, as well as the company's Facebook page, have since been taken down. Company officials did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.
"The police department is aware of the situation and have investigated and the business has been contacted," Village Manager Randy Recklaus said in an email. "The (Facebook) account has been closed."
Village Trustee Rich Baldino said he was "appalled" at the post and glad to see it was removed. Baldino reached out to Recklaus, who assured him the police department would look into the issue.
"I don't believe they committed a crime," Baldino said. "I do believe that it was a hateful post. To go on social media and say that you're going to commit murder is just wrong."
The post Baldino and others saw online is similar to a widely-shared social media posting originally attributed to Mark Staite, a driver who runs a trucking education group on Facebook and YouTube.
Staite's original post and the one that was reportedly on the CAT Express page, said truckers would "defend ourselves everytime," which could include using their 80,000-pound trucks to "run you over."
The postings, which included profanities, also said cities where there is looting, rioting and trucks being stopped are "hear-by put on notice."
"Congregating in the roadway will only get you run over," according to a screenshot of the Facebook post Sunday night. "Having people standing and blocking the highway is a threat to our physical safety and we will respond appropriately to your attack. Standing in the roadway is NOT a protest. It is an attack on our safety.
"Air horns will sound, steering wheels will be held tightly; but those brakes will not be touched. You will move, or you will die. 80,000 pounds at 70mph will win every time. STAY OUT OF THE ROADWAY."
In an interview with the financial website Business Insider, Staite said he believes truck drivers have the right to run over protesters as a means of self-defense, and his original post says, "We don't want to, but will if we have to, to save our own life."
His original post has since been edited and shared by other online sources. The version reportedly posted on the CAT Express page appeared to have been an edited version.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-04--Messi concern after missed practice ahead of La Liga return

MADRID -- One missed practice was enough to raise concerns about Lionel Messi .
Messi 's presence in next week 's return of the Spanish league was put in doubt by some Barcelona media after he trained separately from the group on Wednesday .
Even though Barcelona said there was no reason to worry about Messi , and that he simply underwent an alternative training program in the gym , some reports said there could be more to it .
Catalan channel TV3 said Messi has a minor thigh muscle problem that could keep him from being ready to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mallorca , the team 's first since the league was halted nearly three months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic .
TV3 said late Wednesday that Messi underwent tests to determine the real extent of the injury .
Barcelona did not confirm Messi had to be tested .
Thursday was a scheduled rest day for the club , with the squad returning on Friday to continue its preparations .
Messi missed nearly two months at the beginning of the season after hurting a calf muscle in the first preseason training .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five more than Real Madrid 's Karim Benzema .
Messi also has the most assists , with 12 .
Defender ClÃ©ment Lenglet is set to miss the trip to Mallorca because of an accumulation of yellow cards , but striker Luis SuÃ¡rez , who underwent right knee surgery in January and was expected to miss the season before the pandemic , has been practicing normally and is expected to be back in action in Mallorca .
Ousmane DembelÃ© is not likely to return as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid with 11 rounds remaining .
Madrid resumes on June 14 against Eibar at Alfredo Di StÃ©fano Stadium in the club 's training center .
Santiago BernabÃ©u Stadium is undergoing renovation work for the rest of the season .
The league 's first game will be the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis .

Messi concern after missed practice ahead of La Liga return
In this photo provided by FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi trains in Barcelona, Spain, on Friday May 8, 2020. Soccer players in Spain returned to train for the first time since the country entered a lockdown nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via AP) Associated Press
In this photo provided by FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi walks wearing a protective face mask at the club's training ground in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday May 6, 2020. Soccer players in Spain returned to their team's training camps Wednesday for the first time since the country entered a lockdown nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. Players for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and other clubs started preparing for the return to training this week, and they were all expected to be tested for COVID-19 and should be cleared to practice once the results are back. (Miguel Ruiz / FC Barcelona via AP) Associated Press
MADRID -- One missed practice was enough to raise concerns about Lionel Messi.
Messi's presence in next week's return of the Spanish league was put in doubt by some Barcelona media after he trained separately from the group on Wednesday.
Even though Barcelona said there was no reason to worry about Messi, and that he simply underwent an alternative training program in the gym, some reports said there could be more to it.
Catalan channel TV3 said Messi has a minor thigh muscle problem that could keep him from being ready to play in Barcelona's June 13 match at Mallorca, the team's first since the league was halted nearly three months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.
TV3 said late Wednesday that Messi underwent tests to determine the real extent of the injury. Barcelona did not confirm Messi had to be tested.
Thursday was a scheduled rest day for the club, with the squad returning on Friday to continue its preparations.
Messi missed nearly two months at the beginning of the season after hurting a calf muscle in the first preseason training.
He is the league leading scorer with 19, five more than Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. Messi also has the most assists, with 12.
Defender Clément Lenglet is set to miss the trip to Mallorca because of an accumulation of yellow cards, but striker Luis Suárez, who underwent right knee surgery in January and was expected to miss the season before the pandemic, has been practicing normally and is expected to be back in action in Mallorca.
Ousmane Dembelé is not likely to return as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem.
Barcelona has a two-point lead over Real Madrid with 11 rounds remaining.
Madrid resumes on June 14 against Eibar at Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium in the club's training center. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is undergoing renovation work for the rest of the season.
The league's first game will be the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis.
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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-04--Police: Teen hurt in gunfire at rapper YFN Lucci video shoot

ATLANTA -- A teenager was injured Wednesday night after gunfire rang out during the filming of a music video in @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Rapper YFN Lucci , whose real name is Rayshawn Bennet , was @ @ @ @ @ an apartment complex in the southeastern part of the city , Atlanta police told WGCL-TV @ @ @ @ @ boy 's thumb was grazed after some 21 bullets were fired , with at least @ @ @ @ @ Bentley .
The teen was not identified and it was not immediately known if he @ @ @ @ @ Lucci left the apartment complex without his luxury car before authorities arrived at the scene @ @ @ @ @ are searching for suspects in the shooting .

Police: Teen hurt in gunfire at rapper YFN Lucci video shoot
FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2019 file photo, rapper YFN Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, attends the world premiere of the final season of Starz TV's "Power" in New York. Police say a 15-year-old boy was injured after gunfire rang out during the filming of YFN Lucci's music video in Atlanta. Atlanta police told WGCL-TV that the rapper was filming the music video in an apartment complex in the southeastern part of the city. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Associated Press
ATLANTA -- A teenager was injured Wednesday night after gunfire rang out during the filming of a music video in Atlanta, the city's police said.
Rapper YFN Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, was filming the music video in an apartment complex in the southeastern part of the city, Atlanta police told WGCL-TV.
Police said the 15-year-old boy's thumb was grazed after some 21 bullets were fired, with at least one striking YFN Lucci's Bentley. The teen was not identified and it was not immediately known if he has been hospitalized.
YFN Lucci left the apartment complex without his luxury car before authorities arrived at the scene, police said. Police are searching for suspects in the shooting.