dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to end DACA protections for young immigrants

WASHINGTON ( AP ) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump 's effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants , his second stunning election-season rebuke from the court in a week after Monday 's ruling that it 's illegal to fire people because they 're gay or transgender .
For now , the young immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States .
The 5-4 outcome , in which Chief Justice John Roberts and the four liberal justices were in the majority , seems certain to elevate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in 2016 and immigration restrictions his administration has imposed since then .
The justices rejected administration arguments that the 8-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program is illegal and that courts have no role to play in reviewing the decision to end DACA .
The program covers people who have been in the United States since they were children and are in the country illegally .
In some cases , they have no memory of any home other than the U.S. Trump did n't hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's work , hitting hard at a political angle .
`` These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives .
We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd Amendment & everything else .
Vote Trump 2020 ! ''
he wrote on Twitter , apparently including the LGBT ruling as well .
In a second tweet , he wrote , `` Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the court that the administration did not pursue the end of the program properly .
`` We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies , '' Roberts wrote .
`` We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action .
Here the agency failed to consider the conspicuous issues of whether to retain forbearance and what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients . ''
The Department of Homeland Security can try again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end the program , and the legal challenge it would provoke , would take months , if not longer , immigration experts said .
The court 's four conservative justices dissented .
Justice Clarence Thomas , in a dissent joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch , wrote that DACA was illegal from the moment it was created under the Obama administration in 2012 .
Thomas called the ruling `` an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision . ''
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted appropriately in trying to end the program .
DACA recipents were elated by the ruling .
`` We 'll keep living our lives in the meantime , '' said Cesar Espinosa , who leads the Houston immigration advocacy group FIEL .
`` We 're going to continue to work , continue to advocate . ''
Espinosa said he got little sleep overnight in anticipation of a possible decision Thursday .
In the minutes since the decision was posted , he said his group was `` flooded with calls with Dreamers , happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to at least be in this country for a while longer . ''
From the Senate floor , the Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said of the DACA decision , `` I cried tears of joy . ''
`` Wow , '' he went on , choking up .
`` These kids , these families , I feel for them , and I think all of America does .
The program grew out of an impasse over a comprehensive immigration bill between Congress and the Obama administration in 2012 .
President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while also allowing them to work legally in the U.S .
But Trump made tough talk on immigration a central part of his campaign and less than eight months after taking office , he announced in September 2017 that he would end DACA .
Immigrants , civil rights groups , universities and Democratic-led states quickly sued , and courts put the administration 's plan on hold .
The Department of Homeland Security has continued to process two-year DACA renewals so that hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients have protections stretching beyond the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court fight over DACA played out in a kind of legal slow motion .
The administration first wanted the justices to hear and decide the case by June 2018 .
The justices said no .
The Justice Department returned to the court later in 2018 , but the justices did nothing for more than seven months before agreeing a year ago to hear arguments .
Those took place in November and more than seven months elapsed before the court 's decision .
Thursday 's ruling was the second time in two years that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration for the way it went about a policy change .
Last year , the court forced the administration to back off a citizenship question on the 2020 census .
Associated Press writers Jessica Gresko , Lisa Mascaro and Nomaan Merchant in Houston contributed to this report .

Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to end DACA protections for young immigrants
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., center, celebrates with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and supporters in front of the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Washington. The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump's effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, a stunning rebuke to the president in the midst of his reelection campaign. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students gather in front of the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Washington. The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump's effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, a stunning rebuke to the president in the midst of his reelection campaign. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump's effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, his second stunning election-season rebuke from the court in a week after Monday's ruling that it's illegal to fire people because they're gay or transgender.
For now, the young immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States.
The 5-4 outcome, in which Chief Justice John Roberts and the four liberal justices were in the majority, seems certain to elevate the issue in Trump's campaign, given the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in 2016 and immigration restrictions his administration has imposed since then.
The justices rejected administration arguments that the 8-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program is illegal and that courts have no role to play in reviewing the decision to end DACA. The program covers people who have been in the United States since they were children and are in the country illegally. In some cases, they have no memory of any home other than the U.S.
Trump didn't hold back in his assessment of the court's work, hitting hard at a political angle.
"These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!" he wrote on Twitter, apparently including the LGBT ruling as well.
In a second tweet, he wrote, "Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesn't like me?"
Roberts wrote for the court that the administration did not pursue the end of the program properly.
"We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies," Roberts wrote. "We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action. Here the agency failed to consider the conspicuous issues of whether to retain forbearance and what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients."
The Department of Homeland Security can try again, he wrote. But any new order to end the program, and the legal challenge it would provoke, would take months, if not longer, immigration experts said.
The court's four conservative justices dissented. Justice Clarence Thomas, in a dissent joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, wrote that DACA was illegal from the moment it was created under the Obama administration in 2012. Thomas called the ruling "an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision."
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that he was satisfied that the administration acted appropriately in trying to end the program.
DACA recipents were elated by the ruling.
"We'll keep living our lives in the meantime," said Cesar Espinosa, who leads the Houston immigration advocacy group FIEL. "We're going to continue to work, continue to advocate."
Espinosa said he got little sleep overnight in anticipation of a possible decision Thursday. In the minutes since the decision was posted, he said his group was "flooded with calls with Dreamers, happy, with that hope that they're going to at least be in this country for a while longer."
From the Senate floor, the Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said of the DACA decision, "I cried tears of joy."
"Wow," he went on, choking up. "These kids, these families, I feel for them, and I think all of America does.
The program grew out of an impasse over a comprehensive immigration bill between Congress and the Obama administration in 2012. President Barack Obama decided to formally protect people from deportation while also allowing them to work legally in the U.S.
But Trump made tough talk on immigration a central part of his campaign and less than eight months after taking office, he announced in September 2017 that he would end DACA.
Immigrants, civil rights groups, universities and Democratic-led states quickly sued, and courts put the administration's plan on hold.
The Department of Homeland Security has continued to process two-year DACA renewals so that hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients have protections stretching beyond the election and even into 2022.
The Supreme Court fight over DACA played out in a kind of legal slow motion. The administration first wanted the justices to hear and decide the case by June 2018. The justices said no. The Justice Department returned to the court later in 2018, but the justices did nothing for more than seven months before agreeing a year ago to hear arguments. Those took place in November and more than seven months elapsed before the court's decision.
Thursday's ruling was the second time in two years that Roberts and the liberal justices faulted the administration for the way it went about a policy change. Last year, the court forced the administration to back off a citizenship question on the 2020 census.
------
Associated Press writers Jessica Gresko, Lisa Mascaro and Nomaan Merchant in Houston contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--Lombard cops investigating death of person found at St. Charles and Elizabeth

Lombard police are investigating the death of a person found early Thursday morning in a field at the northeast corner @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Street , authorities said in a Facebook post .
Police said they do not @ @ @ @ @ there is no threat to the public .
The cause of death is being investigated @ @ @ @ @ 's Office while police are working to notify next of kin .
Because it is @ @ @ @ @ said no additional information will be released at this time .

Lombard cops investigating death of person found at St. Charles and Elizabeth
Lombard police are investigating the death of a person found early Thursday morning in a field at the northeast corner of St. Charles Road and Elizabeth Street, authorities said in a Facebook post.
Police said they do not suspect foul play and believe there is no threat to the public.
The cause of death is being investigated by the DuPage County Coroner's Office while police are working to notify next of kin.
Because it is an active investigation, police said no additional information will be released at this time.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--Lightfoot denounces 'Scooby-Doo' meme posted by teachers union as 'clearly racist'

In the latest back and forth between two fierce political rivals , Mayor Lori Lightfoot expressed outrage Thursday over a @ @ @ @ @ Union that she called `` clearly racist '' and an example of a `` right-wing @ @ @ @ @ no love lost between the mayor and the union , which gave Lightfoot her first @ @ @ @ @ 11-day teachers strike last fall , just months after her election .
After months of @ @ @ @ @ Lightfoot 's school policies are racist , the tables turned as the mayor accused the @ @ @ @ @ meme .
The union tweet , posted Wednesday evening , is a play on the @ @ @ @ @ the mystery cartoon `` Scooby-Doo , '' when the characters on the show capture and @ @ @ @ @ this case , the meme reveals the villain is Lightfoot in a Chicago police officer @ @ @ @ @ tied up with a rope around her torso and surrounded by the show 's characters @ @ @ @ @ .

Lightfoot denounces 'Scooby-Doo' meme posted by teachers union as 'clearly racist'
A Chicago Teachers Union tweet labeled by Mayor Lori Lightfoot as "clearly racist" depicts her in a "Scooby-Doo" scene and calls for the defunding of police.
In the latest back and forth between two fierce political rivals, Mayor Lori Lightfoot expressed outrage Thursday over a tweet by the Chicago Teachers Union that she called "clearly racist" and an example of a "right-wing" tactic.
There's no love lost between the mayor and the union, which gave Lightfoot her first major political test with an 11-day teachers strike last fall, just months after her election.
After months of accusations by the union that Lightfoot's school policies are racist, the tables turned as the mayor accused the union of tweeting an offensive meme.
The union tweet, posted Wednesday evening, is a play on the ending of many episodes of the mystery cartoon "Scooby-Doo," when the characters on the show capture and unmask the villain. In this case, the meme reveals the villain is Lightfoot in a Chicago police officer's uniform. She is tied up with a rope around her torso and surrounded by the show's characters, who are all white.
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--New suburban restaurants adjust on the fly as they debut during pandemic

Danielle Kuhn thought she had planned for everything over the past five years when it came to opening her first restaurant .
Then with her grand opening just around the corner , the COVID-19 pandemic hit .
Her plans underwent a major adjustment -- one that will continue for the foreseeable future .
Kuhn opened Scratchboard Kitchen in downtown Arlington Heights at the end of April .
Initially , under state guidelines , only takeout was allowed , with outdoor dining getting the green light later .
Despite the unprecedented challenges , Kuhn said it 's going well .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was interesting because we had to shift our entire operation before we even opened , and in a couple weeks we had to shift again to service our patio dining , and then we will be shifting again when move into our full service model , '' Kuhn said .
`` Every day there 's a lot of little challenges and different things to tackle that you would n't have to tackle if not for an environment like this . ''
Kuhn is one of a handful of owners who have opened suburban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for eateries .
There 's also Smokin ' BBQ on 45 in Mundelein , Hale Street Cantina in Wheaton , Fresh Stack Burger Co. in Kildeer and Alter Brewing in St. Charles .
Hale Street is owned by brothers Kevin and Brian Hahn and chef Scott Fisher .
The Mexican restaurant is their fourth restaurant location along with Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville , Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn and Main Street Pub in St. Charles .
Suffice it to say , this opening has n't been anything like the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally scheduled to launch in April but did n't open until June 10 in part because the pandemic delayed permits and construction .
`` Opening a restaurant always has its challenges , but the new guidelines and limited seating do create additional obstacles , '' Kevin Hahn said .
To help with that seating challenge , Arlington Heights and other towns closed sections of streets to allow restaurants to expand outdoor dining .
That 's helped , says Scratchboard 's Kuhn .
`` The village has done us a huge favor by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to put our tables out in front of the restaurant , '' Kuhn said .
`` That has been an absolute game-changer .
Everyone that has been coming by the restaurant has been over the moon to sit outside and have some normalcy again .
From that standpoint it 's been absolutely wonderful . ''
Hahn likes the way Wheaton has helped as well .
`` Based on our timing , we are thrilled that outdoor seating is permitted and we were able to utilize our patio and sidewalk space , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been very helpful with providing the tents on Hale Street to allow for additional seating shared among the restaurants on our street .
Almost the entire front wall of our restaurant opens to the street , which allows for air flow and limited indoor seating . ''
Hahn thanked his staff for getting the new restaurant opened while navigating through all the difficulties brought on by the pandemic .
`` The obvious physical challenge of everyone wearing masks is something to get used to , '' Hahn said .
`` Teaching everyone the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them can be challenging at times , but our staff is doing a great job following all necessary protocol . ''
Also coping with safety protocols is Alter Brewing , which recently added a St. Charles location along with one in Downers Grove .
The new location is along the Fox River with a large patio space .
That , combined with the sidewalk on the west side of the building , allows Alter Brewing to currently operate at a 150-person capacity .
`` We are at an advantage as our patio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Buttell said .
`` We ca n't wait to open at full capacity to show the Fox Valley what we are all about . ''
Before opening to outdoor seating May 29 , Alter Brewing offered to-go orders -- as did Scratchboard .
Kuhn said as the pandemic worsened and Illinois issued its stay-at-home order , she and her team of culinary consultant Patrick Cloud and executive chef Grace Goudie discussed different options .
They decided to proceed with their April opening and pared-down the menu for curbside business .
It helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , during the wildfires , so she had experience juggling safety issues and community needs .
`` I definitely have a lot of great team players , '' Kuhn said .

New suburban restaurants adjust on the fly as they debut during pandemic
Scratchboard Kitchen in downtown Arlington Heights opened during the pandemic, offering to-go orders before expanding to outdoor dining. Courtesy of Scratchboard Kitchen
Danielle Kuhn thought she had planned for everything over the past five years when it came to opening her first restaurant.
Then with her grand opening just around the corner, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Her plans underwent a major adjustment -- one that will continue for the foreseeable future.
Kuhn opened Scratchboard Kitchen in downtown Arlington Heights at the end of April. Initially, under state guidelines, only takeout was allowed, with outdoor dining getting the green light later. Despite the unprecedented challenges, Kuhn said it's going well.
"Opening in the middle of a pandemic was interesting because we had to shift our entire operation before we even opened, and in a couple weeks we had to shift again to service our patio dining, and then we will be shifting again when move into our full service model," Kuhn said.
"Every day there's a lot of little challenges and different things to tackle that you wouldn't have to tackle if not for an environment like this."
Kuhn is one of a handful of owners who have opened suburban restaurants during the pandemic, a tough time for eateries.
There's also Smokin' BBQ on 45 in Mundelein, Hale Street Cantina in Wheaton, Fresh Stack Burger Co. in Kildeer and Alter Brewing in St. Charles.
Hale Street is owned by brothers Kevin and Brian Hahn and chef Scott Fisher. The Mexican restaurant is their fourth restaurant location along with Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville, Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn and Main Street Pub in St. Charles.
Suffice it to say, this opening hasn't been anything like the previous three. For starters, the restaurant was originally scheduled to launch in April but didn't open until June 10 in part because the pandemic delayed permits and construction.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Hale Street Cantina opened recently inside the renovated Innovator building at 109 N. Hale St. in Wheaton.
"Opening a restaurant always has its challenges, but the new guidelines and limited seating do create additional obstacles," Kevin Hahn said.
To help with that seating challenge, Arlington Heights and other towns closed sections of streets to allow restaurants to expand outdoor dining. That's helped, says Scratchboard's Kuhn.
"The village has done us a huge favor by setting up Arlington Al Fresco and being able to put our tables out in front of the restaurant," Kuhn said. "That has been an absolute game-changer. Everyone that has been coming by the restaurant has been over the moon to sit outside and have some normalcy again. From that standpoint it's been absolutely wonderful."
Hahn likes the way Wheaton has helped as well.
"Based on our timing, we are thrilled that outdoor seating is permitted and we were able to utilize our patio and sidewalk space," Hahn said. "Wheaton Township has been very helpful with providing the tents on Hale Street to allow for additional seating shared among the restaurants on our street. Almost the entire front wall of our restaurant opens to the street, which allows for air flow and limited indoor seating."
Hahn thanked his staff for getting the new restaurant opened while navigating through all the difficulties brought on by the pandemic.
"The obvious physical challenge of everyone wearing masks is something to get used to," Hahn said. "Teaching everyone the guidelines and keeping up with the changes to them can be challenging at times, but our staff is doing a great job following all necessary protocol."
Opening during the pandemic, Scratchboard Kitchen in Arlington Heights offered a pared-down menu that included Gourmet Grilled Cheese. - Courtesy of Scratchboard Kitchen
Also coping with safety protocols is Alter Brewing, which recently added a St. Charles location along with one in Downers Grove. The new location is along the Fox River with a large patio space. That, combined with the sidewalk on the west side of the building, allows Alter Brewing to currently operate at a 150-person capacity.
"We are at an advantage as our patio space is pretty significant," manager Nick Buttell said. "We can't wait to open at full capacity to show the Fox Valley what we are all about."
Before opening to outdoor seating May 29, Alter Brewing offered to-go orders -- as did Scratchboard.
Kuhn said as the pandemic worsened and Illinois issued its stay-at-home order, she and her team of culinary consultant Patrick Cloud and executive chef Grace Goudie discussed different options. They decided to proceed with their April opening and pared-down the menu for curbside business.
It helped that Goudie previously worked in Napa, California, during the wildfires, so she had experience juggling safety issues and community needs.
"I definitely have a lot of great team players," Kuhn said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--Demonstrators call for defunding Cook County jail

For a solid 40 minutes , a cacophony of car horns , drums , cowbells and trombones echoed along the @ @ @ @ @ the coiled razor wire glistening in the sunlight .
A few onlookers peered from turret-like @ @ @ @ @ of the wire-topped wall to see what all the noise was all about .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the protesters yelled at the onlookers .
For the Chicago police and the Cook County @ @ @ @ @ only scorn Thursday , as about 150 protesters on foot -- as well as hundreds @ @ @ @ @ the defunding of the Cook County jail .

Demonstrators call for defunding Cook County jail
About 150 protesters on foot -- as well as hundreds more in cars -- gathered outside the Cook County jail on Thursday. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
For a solid 40 minutes, a cacophony of car horns, drums, cowbells and trombones echoed along the strip of grass just beyond the coiled razor wire glistening in the sunlight.
A few onlookers peered from turret-like openings on the other side of the wire-topped wall to see what all the noise was all about.
"We love you!" the protesters yelled at the onlookers.
For the Chicago police and the Cook County sheriff's office there was only scorn Thursday, as about 150 protesters on foot -- as well as hundreds more in cars -- demanded the defunding of the Cook County jail.
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--How the DuPage County sheriff is turning to inmates for diversity training

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick says he wants to improve how his deputies relate with people of diverse backgrounds .
And to learn how to do that , he 's turning to a surprising source -- the people locked up in his jail .
`` What better perspective to get than someone who has been in the ( arrest ) process ? ''
said Justin Kmitch , communications director for the sheriff 's office .
Kmitch said detainees can provide useful information about their experiences with law enforcement .
The information gathered will be used by a task force Mendrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new training program he 's calling `` Policing In A Diverse Society . ''
Mendrick announced the new training program in a memo to his staff we obtained this week .
In the memo , Mendrick stressed that office policy already forbids deputies ' use of tactics that cut off a person 's air supply , including chokeholds .
And he reminds deputies that if they see a colleague doing something wrong , they are obligated to intercede .
`` Neither I nor any representative of this office have any tolerance for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil rights of another person or dishonor the badge of law enforcement , '' Mendrick wrote .
How diverse is the community Mendrick 's deputies serve ?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau 's Quick Facts website , DuPage 's residents are 66 % non-Hispanic white , 14.5 % Hispanic or Latino , 12.6 % Asian and 5.3 % black .
Twenty years ago , the white population was 79 % .
Mendrick wrote in his memo that he 's increasing efforts to recruit members of minority populations to work for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with significant minority enrollment , including Malcolm X College in Chicago , Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove and Triton Community College in River Grove .
And should those recruits take a job with the DuPage sheriff 's office , they will be expected to try to recruit their friends , according to the memo .
`` Tell a friend .
Help us out , '' Kmitch said .
The office does not track the race or ethnicity of its employees , he said .
In a timely decision with implications for police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court ruled Thursday that state law , and not collective bargaining agreements , should determine when records of police misconduct are destroyed .
The 6-1 ruling stems from litigation between the city of Chicago and its police officer union , Fraternal Order of Police , Chicago Lodge No .
7 .
At issue was a clause in the CBA since 1981 requiring that all disciplinary and investigation records of officers be destroyed five years after the date of the incident or the date on which the alleged violation was discovered , whichever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with several federal court orders requiring such records be preserved , as well as a 2015 request from the U.S. Department of Justice , when it opened an investigation into allegations of excessive force and discriminatory policing .
The litigation also revealed a conflict between the police contract and the state 's Local Records Act .
That law requires all public records to be preserved , unless a Local Records Commission reviews them and decides they `` have no administrative , legal , research or historical value and should be destroyed . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lloyd A. Karmeier wrote that state law takes precedence over the police contract .
`` While parties are generally free to make their own contracts , this court has long held that when a conflict exists between a contract provision and state law , as it clearly does in this case , state law prevails , '' he wrote .
Justice Thomas L. Kilbride was the lone dissenter , though he made it clear his opinion stemmed from a technical matter and not a desire to see police records shredded .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooted out , and I would vehemently oppose the indiscriminate destruction of police misconduct records , '' he wrote .
Being called a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area might seem an insult , but federal authorities ' decision to put that label on Lake County is a good thing , law enforcement leaders say .
It means the county will receive federal assistance -- coordination , equipment , technology , intelligence and other resources -- to combat drug production and dealing .
`` This designation is a real game changer for us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting the drug supply that has crippled areas of Lake County , while at the same time working to compassionately reduce demand by stressing education , treatment and harm reduction practices , '' Lake County State 's Attorney Michael Nerheim said .
The Lake County sheriff 's office 's Special Investigations Group seized $ 110,256 in heroin , $ 1.2 million in cocaine and 55 guns last year , and conducted 22 presentations educating the community on human , gun and drug trafficking , officials said .
`` With Lake County being positioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hub for drug trafficking , '' Sheriff John Idleburg said .
`` The Lake County community will see great benefits with the additional resources to target drug traffickers .
We expect to see an increase in the arrest of drug traffickers and a decrease in the number of overdose deaths afflicting our community . ''
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

How the DuPage County sheriff is turning to inmates for diversity training
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick says he wants to improve how his deputies relate with people of diverse backgrounds.
And to learn how to do that, he's turning to a surprising source -- the people locked up in his jail.
"What better perspective to get than someone who has been in the (arrest) process?" said Justin Kmitch, communications director for the sheriff's office.
Kmitch said detainees can provide useful information about their experiences with law enforcement. The information gathered will be used by a task force Mendrick has assembled to create a curriculum for a new training program he's calling "Policing In A Diverse Society."
Mendrick announced the new training program in a memo to his staff we obtained this week.
In the memo, Mendrick stressed that office policy already forbids deputies' use of tactics that cut off a person's air supply, including chokeholds. And he reminds deputies that if they see a colleague doing something wrong, they are obligated to intercede.
"Neither I nor any representative of this office have any tolerance for any law enforcement officer who would violate the civil rights of another person or dishonor the badge of law enforcement," Mendrick wrote.
Minority recruitment
How diverse is the community Mendrick's deputies serve? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quick Facts website, DuPage's residents are 66% non-Hispanic white, 14.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian and 5.3% black. Twenty years ago, the white population was 79%.
Mendrick wrote in his memo that he's increasing efforts to recruit members of minority populations to work for the office. That includes students at colleges with significant minority enrollment, including Malcolm X College in Chicago, Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove and Triton Community College in River Grove.
And should those recruits take a job with the DuPage sheriff's office, they will be expected to try to recruit their friends, according to the memo.
"Tell a friend. Help us out," Kmitch said.
The office does not track the race or ethnicity of its employees, he said.
High court says keep misconduct records
In a timely decision with implications for police departments in the suburbs, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that state law, and not collective bargaining agreements, should determine when records of police misconduct are destroyed.
The 6-1 ruling stems from litigation between the city of Chicago and its police officer union, Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge No. 7. At issue was a clause in the CBA since 1981 requiring that all disciplinary and investigation records of officers be destroyed five years after the date of the incident or the date on which the alleged violation was discovered, whichever is longer.
That was in conflict with several federal court orders requiring such records be preserved, as well as a 2015 request from the U.S. Department of Justice, when it opened an investigation into allegations of excessive force and discriminatory policing.
The litigation also revealed a conflict between the police contract and the state's Local Records Act. That law requires all public records to be preserved, unless a Local Records Commission reviews them and decides they "have no administrative, legal, research or historical value and should be destroyed."
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier wrote the opinion issued Thursday saying state law supersedes union contracts when it comes to preserving police misconduct records. - Courtesy of the Illinois Supreme Court
In Thursday's 25-page ruling, Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier wrote that state law takes precedence over the police contract.
"While parties are generally free to make their own contracts, this court has long held that when a conflict exists between a contract provision and state law, as it clearly does in this case, state law prevails," he wrote.
Justice Thomas L. Kilbride was the lone dissenter, though he made it clear his opinion stemmed from a technical matter and not a desire to see police records shredded.
"I firmly believe that police misconduct must be rooted out, and I would vehemently oppose the indiscriminate destruction of police misconduct records," he wrote.
Feds offer Lake County help
Being called a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area might seem an insult, but federal authorities' decision to put that label on Lake County is a good thing, law enforcement leaders say.
It means the county will receive federal assistance -- coordination, equipment, technology, intelligence and other resources -- to combat drug production and dealing.
"This designation is a real game changer for us and it will expand our strategy of aggressively targeting the drug supply that has crippled areas of Lake County, while at the same time working to compassionately reduce demand by stressing education, treatment and harm reduction practices," Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim said.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg
The Lake County sheriff's office's Special Investigations Group seized $110,256 in heroin, $1.2 million in cocaine and 55 guns last year, and conducted 22 presentations educating the community on human, gun and drug trafficking, officials said.
"With Lake County being positioned between Chicago and Milwaukee, it is a hub for drug trafficking," Sheriff John Idleburg said. "The Lake County community will see great benefits with the additional resources to target drug traffickers. We expect to see an increase in the arrest of drug traffickers and a decrease in the number of overdose deaths afflicting our community."
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--Driver's license office in Schaumburg closed until July 2

The Illinois secretary of state 's office announced Thursday that the driver 's license facility in Schaumburg will be closed @ @ @ @ @ an unspecified COVID-19 concern .
Describing the closure of the office at 1227 E. Golf @ @ @ @ @ measure , '' the announcement encouraged drivers to use facilities in Des Plaines , Elgin @ @ @ @ @ new drivers , customers with expired driver 's licenses and ID cards , and customers @ @ @ @ @ served .

Driver's license office in Schaumburg closed until July 2
The Illinois secretary of state's office announced Thursday that the driver's license facility in Schaumburg will be closed until July 2 because of an unspecified COVID-19 concern.
Describing the closure of the office at 1227 E. Golf Road as a "precautionary measure," the announcement encouraged drivers to use facilities in Des Plaines, Elgin and Lake Zurich. Only new drivers, customers with expired driver's licenses and ID cards, and customers with vehicle transactions will be served.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--What's happening where for Juneteenth in the suburbs

When : Cars gather at 6 p.m. Friday in parking lot of First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights , 1903 E. Euclid Ave. Where : Parade departs at 6:15 p.m. , going left on Euclid Avenue , left on Dunton Avenue , left on Sigwalt Street , left on Arlington Heights Road , right on Miner Street , left on Prindle Avenue to church .
Social distancing : Attendees are asked to remain in their cars as a safety measure for those at high-risk for COVID-19 .
Cost : Donations are welcome to Jack and Jill , Inc. Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 302 N. Dunton Ave. , west parking lot Who : Organized by the church Bring : Attendees are asked to wear masks in light of COVID-19 and bring chairs .
Limited seating will be provided .
Social distancing : Seats will be spaced apart .
Where : Parking lot on the north side of Carpenter Park , 275 Maple Ave. What : March to Triangle Park at Main and Washington streets ( behind Main Street Bicycles ) guided by the Carpentersville Police Department .
What : Young Emerging Activists , or YEA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between youths and leaders aiming to dismantle systemic racism Where : Starts at 24 Tyler Creek Plaza and will drive through neighborhoods in the city Who : Organized by Naperville Central High School students as part of a day of action planned by Movement For Black Lives What : A celebration of black culture and freedom , featuring speakers , performances , readings , visual art , film clips and personal stories Bring : A blanket , chairs , a picnic , signs/posters , and chalk to contribute artwork to a Peace Walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter shirts , Pan-African flag colors ( red , black and green ) or traditional Afrocentric garb .
Social distancing : Limit picnic groups to 10 people .
Wear a mask .
Allow 10 feet between picnic sites .
Hand sanitizer will be available .
Where : March from Waukegan High School Weiss Field , 100 N. Lewis Ave. , to Waukegan City Hall .

What's happening where for Juneteenth in the suburbs
The Elgin African Festival of Flags parade of cars starts at 6 p.m. Friday at 24 Tyler Creek Plaza and will drive through neighborhoods in the city. courtesy of Marcus Banner and Shirley Bassett
Arlington Heights Families for Black Lives Matter Car Parade
When: Cars gather at 6 p.m. Friday in parking lot of First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave.
Where: Parade departs at 6:15 p.m., going left on Euclid Avenue, left on Dunton Avenue, left on Sigwalt Street, left on Arlington Heights Road, right on Miner Street, left on Prindle Avenue to church.
Who: VOCAL of Arlington Heights
Bring: Decorated cars
Social distancing: Attendees are asked to remain in their cars as a safety measure for those at high-risk for COVID-19.
Cost: Donations are welcome to Jack and Jill, Inc.
Info: facebook.com/events/2716003945171013
Arlington Heights Juneteenth Remembrance Service
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., west parking lot
Who: Organized by the church
Bring: Attendees are asked to wear masks in light of COVID-19 and bring chairs. Limited seating will be provided.
Social distancing: Seats will be spaced apart.
Cost: Free
Info: facebook.com/events/949271152197210
Carpentersville Freedom Day Protest
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Parking lot on the north side of Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave.
Who: Organized by Juneteenth Freedom
What: March to Triangle Park at Main and Washington streets (behind Main Street Bicycles) guided by the Carpentersville Police Department.
Social distancing: Wear a face mask; maintain safe distance.
Cost: Free
Info: facebook.com/events/s/freedom-day-protest/185613189425690/?ti=as
Glendale Heights "Lift Ev'ry Voice: We Remember" Vigil
What: Young Emerging Activists, or YEA, holds vigil to build a relationship between youths and leaders aiming to dismantle systemic racism
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights
Cost: Free
Info: yea.carolstream@gmail.com
Elgin African Festival of Flags
What: Parade of cars displaying 54 African flags
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Starts at 24 Tyler Creek Plaza and will drive through neighborhoods in the city
Cost: Free
Info: facebook.com/events/259807208460887
Naperville Defend Black Lives Event
When: 3:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville
Who: Organized by Naperville Central High School students as part of a day of action planned by Movement For Black Lives
Cost: Free
Info: https://sixnineteen.com/ Click "Find an Event" and search "Naperville"
St. Charles "Celebrate Freedom" Juneteenth Event
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday
What: A celebration of black culture and freedom, featuring speakers, performances, readings, visual art, film clips and personal stories
Where: Pottawatomie Park Pavilion, 8 North Ave., St. Charles
Bring: A blanket, chairs, a picnic, signs/posters, and chalk to contribute artwork to a Peace Walk. Attendees are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter shirts, Pan-African flag colors (red, black and green) or traditional Afrocentric garb.
Social distancing: Limit picnic groups to 10 people. Wear a mask. Allow 10 feet between picnic sites. Hand sanitizer will be available.
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/events/251977849561302/
Waukegan Juneteenth Peaceful Solidarity Protest / March
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: March from Waukegan High School Weiss Field, 100 N. Lewis Ave., to Waukegan City Hall.
Bring: A mask, signs
Cost: Free
Info:www.facebook.com/groups/731183514357469/


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-18--SUV backs into front of jewelry store in Schaumburg

The driver of an SUV accidentally backed into the front window of Lester Starr Jewelers on Thursday afternoon in Schaumburg @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported , but the store , which is in the Town Square shopping @ @ @ @ @ .
At 4:05 p.m. Thursday , Schaumburg police responded to a report of a black @ @ @ @ @ into the storefront at 160 S. Roselle Road .
Sgt .
Karen McCartney said the @ @ @ @ @ a handicap parking tag on its rearview mirror , might have experienced a medical issue @ @ @ @ @ of the vehicle 's rear tires went through the brick facade below the destroyed store @ @ @ @ @ the store was limited to the front .
Still , McCartney said , the store @ @ @ @ @ occupancy .
McCartney did not know if the store was open at the time of @ @ @ @ @ cost estimate of the damage was not available .

SUV backs into front of jewelry store in Schaumburg
The driver of an SUV accidentally backed into the front of Lester Starr Jewelers on Thursday in Schaumburg's Town Square shopping center, police said. Courtesy of Frank Ciesla
The driver of an SUV accidentally backed into the front window of Lester Starr Jewelers on Thursday afternoon in Schaumburg, police said.
No injuries were reported, but the store, which is in the Town Square shopping center, sustained extensive damage.
At 4:05 p.m. Thursday, Schaumburg police responded to a report of a black Mazda Tribute SUV that backed into the storefront at 160 S. Roselle Road. Sgt. Karen McCartney said the driver, whose vehicle had a handicap parking tag on its rearview mirror, might have experienced a medical issue.
Because only the edge of the vehicle's rear tires went through the brick facade below the destroyed store window, the damage to the store was limited to the front. Still, McCartney said, the store is not deemed safe for occupancy.
McCartney did not know if the store was open at the time of the crash, and a cost estimate of the damage was not available.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--A song to make you smile: 'Sugar and Spice' by The Cyran' Shames

We 're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper ( and on dailyherald.com ) with a daily `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It 's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk .
@ @ @ @ @ Sugar and Spice '' by The Cryan ' Shames , released in 1966 .
Send @ @ @ @ @ .

A song to make you smile: 'Sugar and Spice' by The Cryan' Shames
Naperville's James Fairs was a member of The Cryan' Shames. Daily Herald file photo
We're trying to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.
Today's pick is "Sugar and Spice" by The Cryan' Shames, released in 1966. Send ideas to suggestions@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Great graduation speeches: Jimmy Fallon at Parkland, Florida, in 2018

To honor the class of 2020 , we 're showcasing some of the great graduation speeches from past years .
@ @ @ @ @ TV host Jimmy Fallon at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland , Florida , @ @ @

Great graduation speeches: Jimmy Fallon at Parkland, Florida, in 2018
Jimmy Fallon in 2017. Associated Press
To honor the class of 2020, we're showcasing some of the great graduation speeches from past years.
Today's speech is from TV host Jimmy Fallon at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Nearly 200 march down Route 83 in Buffalo Grove for Black Lives Matter

Nearly 200 protesters marched in hot conditions for about a mile on Friday along Route 83 in Buffalo Grove to condemn police brutality and support the Black Lives Matter movement .
`` I think it 's really nice that the whole community is coming together , especially the black community in general , to support the movement , '' said Segi Odongo , 16 , of Buffalo Grove .
`` I see the community coming together to support the movement to condemn all the police brutality that has been going on in this nation for hundreds of years and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The crowd marched from the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center over the pedestrian bridge to Willow Stream Park .
People , some holding signs reading `` Black Lives Matter , No Justice , No Peace , '' sat in the grass as various speakers , including U.S. Rep Brad Schneider , spoke of their hopes for a better future .
The event lasted two hours .
`` I think what we accomplished today was education of our nonblack community about the suffering and trifles that they ( people of color ) face everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Buffalo Grove , one of the organizers of the rally .

Nearly 200 march down Route 83 in Buffalo Grove for Black Lives Matter
Nearly 200 protesters marched in hot conditions for about a mile on Friday along Route 83 in Buffalo Grove to condemn police brutality and support the Black Lives Matter movement.
"I think it's really nice that the whole community is coming together, especially the black community in general, to support the movement," said Segi Odongo, 16, of Buffalo Grove. "I see the community coming together to support the movement to condemn all the police brutality that has been going on in this nation for hundreds of years and not just the last couple of years."
The crowd marched from the Buffalo Grove Fitness Center over the pedestrian bridge to Willow Stream Park. People, some holding signs reading "Black Lives Matter, No Justice, No Peace," sat in the grass as various speakers, including U.S. Rep Brad Schneider, spoke of their hopes for a better future. The event lasted two hours.
"I think what we accomplished today was education of our nonblack community about the suffering and trials that they (people of color) face everyday," said Jared Heichman, 17, of Buffalo Grove, one of the organizers of the rally.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Cases of COVID-19 top 135,000; outdoor visitation at nursing homes allowed with conditions

After weeks of separation , Illinois families will be able to see their loved ones in nursing homes under strict conditions intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
New rules on the Illinois Department of Public Health website allow two prescreened people at a time to visit residents outdoors using social distancing and facial masks .
However , an IDPH spokeswoman noted Friday `` it is up to each facility when or if they will implement outdoor visitations . ''
The news came as cases of coronavirus rose by 692 Friday , while deaths increased by 44 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Illinois to 135,470 , with the number of people perishing from the respiratory disease standing at 6,580 .
Nursing homes in Illinois have been hit hard by the pandemic , so reuniting families is priceless for residents at Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights , corporate communications director Rex Paisley said .
`` We know what a stressor it 's been , '' Paisley said .
Even though the smiles will be covered by a mask , `` it 's so important to be with the people you love , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like other facilities , just received the state guidance Friday and is still finalizing plans on where to locate outdoor visits and manage staffing and screening .
That process should be complete next week , but Lutheran Home will reach out to families by email and provide information on the website , he said .
IDPH rules dated Thursday require visitors to call ahead to schedule a get-together , be screened by phone using a U.S. Centers for Disease Control symptoms checklist , and undergo another screening and temperature check upon arrival to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reunions will be supervised by staff members to ensure families and friends are staying 6 feet apart .
Several COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred at nursing homes .
Infections at long-term care facilities comprise 16 % or 21,476 of the state 's total cases , but nursing home residents who have died from the virus total 3,649 , or 55 % of the state 's 6,580 fatalities .
Visits to nursing homes were restricted in mid-March .
On May 28 , the IDPH required testing of residents and staff members at those facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stay-at-home restrictions next week , positivity testing rates for COVID-19 remain at 3 % based on a seven-day average for Illinois , and at 5 % for Chicago and the suburbs .
June 26 marks the date Illinois is expected to shift into Phase 4 or Revitalization of a five-phase reopening plan that allows groups of 50 or less to gather , and would permit schools to offer in-class instruction and movie theaters to resume operations with restrictions .
Meanwhile , the 44 deaths reported Friday are lower than the June daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 99 people .
The case tally of 692 Friday is less than the June daily average of 788 and May 's average of 2,156 .
Also Friday , Lake County officials warned of scammers pretending to be contact tracers for COVID-19 who ask for personal information , such as bank account or Social Security numbers .
Bona fide contact tracers would never require those details and anyone receiving suspicious phone calls or emails should contact their local health department or police department .

Cases of COVID-19 top 135,000; outdoor visitation at nursing homes allowed with conditions
After weeks of separation, Illinois families will be able to see their loved ones in nursing homes under strict conditions intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
New rules on the Illinois Department of Public Health website allow two prescreened people at a time to visit residents outdoors using social distancing and facial masks.
However, an IDPH spokeswoman noted Friday "it is up to each facility when or if they will implement outdoor visitations."
The news came as cases of coronavirus rose by 692 Friday, while deaths increased by 44, the IDPH reported.
That brings the total cases in Illinois to 135,470, with the number of people perishing from the respiratory disease standing at 6,580.
Nursing homes in Illinois have been hit hard by the pandemic, so reuniting families is priceless for residents at Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, corporate communications director Rex Paisley said.
"We know what a stressor it's been," Paisley said.
Even though the smiles will be covered by a mask, "it's so important to be with the people you love," he said.
Paisley said Lutheran Home, like other facilities, just received the state guidance Friday and is still finalizing plans on where to locate outdoor visits and manage staffing and screening. That process should be complete next week, but Lutheran Home will reach out to families by email and provide information on the website, he said.
IDPH rules dated Thursday require visitors to call ahead to schedule a get-together, be screened by phone using a U.S. Centers for Disease Control symptoms checklist, and undergo another screening and temperature check upon arrival to ensure long-term care residents are not infected. Reunions will be supervised by staff members to ensure families and friends are staying 6 feet apart.
Several COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred at nursing homes. Infections at long-term care facilities comprise 16% or 21,476 of the state's total cases, but nursing home residents who have died from the virus total 3,649, or 55% of the state's 6,580 fatalities.
Visits to nursing homes were restricted in mid-March. On May 28, the IDPH required testing of residents and staff members at those facilities.
As the state moves toward relaxing more stay-at-home restrictions next week, positivity testing rates for COVID-19 remain at 3% based on a seven-day average for Illinois, and at 5% for Chicago and the suburbs.
June 26 marks the date Illinois is expected to shift into Phase 4 or Revitalization of a five-phase reopening plan that allows groups of 50 or less to gather, and would permit schools to offer in-class instruction and movie theaters to resume operations with restrictions.
Meanwhile, the 44 deaths reported Friday are lower than the June daily average of about 64 or May's average of 99 people. The case tally of 692 Friday is less than the June daily average of 788 and May's average of 2,156.
Also Friday, Lake County officials warned of scammers pretending to be contact tracers for COVID-19 who ask for personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers. Bona fide contact tracers would never require those details and anyone receiving suspicious phone calls or emails should contact their local health department or police department.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Charges against Naperville man now first-degree murder

Charges have been upgraded to first-degree murder for Alan Wang of Naperville , who is accused of beating his wife to death earlier this year .
On Thursday , Wang , 56 , of the 1100 block of North Mill Street , was indicted and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in addition to the existing count of aggravated domestic battery .
Wang is accused of repeatedly kicking his wife , Hongyan Yang , in their bedroom in the early evening of March 7 , according to Naperville police .
A relative of the couple called 911 the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing , police said .
Yang was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 5:54 p.m. '' The autopsy conducted by the DuPage County Coroner 's Office concluded Hongyan Yang died as a result of internal bleeding , '' said DuPage County State 's Attorney Robert B. Berlin .
`` With a cause of death now known , justice demands that the charges against Mr. Wang support the allegations that he is responsible for her death . ''
Wang 's next court appearance is scheduled for July 20 in front of Judge @ @ @ @ @

Charges against Naperville man now first-degree murder
Charges have been upgraded to first-degree murder for Alan Wang of Naperville, who is accused of beating his wife to death earlier this year.
On Thursday, Wang, 56, of the 1100 block of North Mill Street, was indicted and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in addition to the existing count of aggravated domestic battery.
Wang is accused of repeatedly kicking his wife, Hongyan Yang, in their bedroom in the early evening of March 7, according to Naperville police.
A relative of the couple called 911 the following day because it appeared Yang was not breathing, police said. Yang was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 5:54 p.m.
Autopsy findings led to the upgraded charges.
"The autopsy conducted by the DuPage County Coroner's Office concluded Hongyan Yang died as a result of internal bleeding," said DuPage County State's Attorney Robert B. Berlin. "With a cause of death now known, justice demands that the charges against Mr. Wang support the allegations that he is responsible for her death."
Wang's next court appearance is scheduled for July 20 in front of Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Palatine High School teacher under investigation rescinds retirement request

A Palatine High School teacher whose controversial Facebook post about recent Black Lives Matter protests sparked a school district investigation rescinded her letter of resignation Thursday afternoon , hours before board of education members were expected to act on it .
During an hourlong public comment session during the Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board meeting via Zoom Thursday night , board President Robert LeFevre Jr. read many submitted emails related to the teacher and her controversial Facebook post .
Several called for her to be fired rather than allowed to quietly retire .
Others , including some by family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher 's character and care for her students , though not specifically the words of her social media post .
Some specifically criticized the district for a lack of action on a matter of intolerance they argued even a student would have been disciplined for .
After the time for public comment had run out , no other specific mention was made of the teacher during the meeting , or the fact that she had rescinded the retirement letter submitted the week before .
The public comment hour also included numerous people weighing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person or remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic when school resumes in August .
At the end of the meeting , board members approved a number of retirement requests , but the teacher under investigation was not among them .
A district official clarified to the Daily Herald after the meeting that the letter of retirement had been rescinded , leaving the board nothing to act on Thursday .
The official declined to comment further , as it 's a personnel matter .
Earlier the official had indicated that the retirement would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social media post , made after the end of the school year , came to their attention in early June and an investigation was begun .
At that time , the district said : `` The posting has been removed .
...
The statements in the post do not reflect the values or principles of District 211 .
We are truly sorry for any harm or disrespect that this may have caused . ''
Though the original post was deleted , screenshots purporting to be the teacher 's remarks were being shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past week .
The recent investigation was sparked by a social media post made after George Floyd 's death in police custody and the nationwide protests that followed it .
But the same teacher was disciplined for a different matter last year .
On March 14 , 2019 , the board of education voted unanimously to suspend the teacher for four days without pay and issue a `` notice to remedy . ''
The meeting minutes of the vote do not describe the reason for the disciplinary action .

Palatine High School teacher under investigation rescinds retirement request
A Palatine High School teacher whose controversial Facebook post about recent Black Lives Matter protests sparked a school district investigation rescinded her letter of resignation Thursday afternoon, hours before board of education members were expected to act on it.
During an hourlong public comment session during the Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board meeting via Zoom Thursday night, board President Robert LeFevre Jr. read many submitted emails related to the teacher and her controversial Facebook post.
Several called for her to be fired rather than allowed to quietly retire. Others, including some by family members and longtime acquaintances, defended the teacher's character and care for her students, though not specifically the words of her social media post.
Some specifically criticized the district for a lack of action on a matter of intolerance they argued even a student would have been disciplined for.
After the time for public comment had run out, no other specific mention was made of the teacher during the meeting, or the fact that she had rescinded the retirement letter submitted the week before.
The public comment hour also included numerous people weighing in on whether classes should be conducted in person or remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic when school resumes in August.
At the end of the meeting, board members approved a number of retirement requests, but the teacher under investigation was not among them.
A district official clarified to the Daily Herald after the meeting that the letter of retirement had been rescinded, leaving the board nothing to act on Thursday. The official declined to comment further, as it's a personnel matter. Earlier the official had indicated that the retirement would end the investigation.
District officials said the social media post, made after the end of the school year, came to their attention in early June and an investigation was begun.
At that time, the district said: "The posting has been removed. ... The statements in the post do not reflect the values or principles of District 211. We are truly sorry for any harm or disrespect that this may have caused."
Though the original post was deleted, screenshots purporting to be the teacher's remarks were being shared on social media by others during the past week.
The recent investigation was sparked by a social media post made after George Floyd's death in police custody and the nationwide protests that followed it. But the same teacher was disciplined for a different matter last year.
On March 14, 2019, the board of education voted unanimously to suspend the teacher for four days without pay and issue a "notice to remedy." The meeting minutes of the vote do not describe the reason for the disciplinary action.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Hit it! Three 'Blues Brothers' suburban film locales to visit for its 40th anniversary

The musical odyssey of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues first hit movie theaters 40 years ago Saturday , and the now-beloved comedy was n't exactly an immediate success .
`` The Blues Brothers '' -- starring Dan Aykroyd and Wheaton 's John Belushi -- made just under $ 5 million its opening weekend at the box office against a $ 30 million budget .
A significant portion of that budget , which was unheard of at the time for a comedy , went toward the cost of filming on location in and around Chicago .
As Roger Ebert wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film in the Chicago Sun-Times , `` There can rarely have been a movie that made so free with its locations as this one . ''
From the opening moments at the intimidating Stateville Correctional Center outside Joliet to the climatic scene of crashing Chicago police cars under the L tracks in the Loop , `` The Blues Brothers '' revels in its glimpses of Chicago and suburbs .
In fact , the Northwest suburbs can boast at least three still-standing `` Blues Brothers '' locales where cameras once rolled .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the fictional Palace Hotel Ballroom , Jake and Elwood drive the Bluesmobile around the Chicago area promoting the gig with a gigantic rooftop speaker .
The brothers slowly roll by a strip of sand on the western shore of Bangs Lake in Wauconda .
The filmmakers removed a fence between two privately owned beaches -- Sunny Hill Beach and Phil 's Beach -- to get the shots they wanted .
Sunny Hill Beach is long gone , replaced by the Honey Hill townhouses .
The family that owned and operated Phil 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1990 because of rising insurance costs .
But the Wauconda Park District bought it in 2016 and embarked on a $ 3 million project to rehab it as a public park .
The work is finally done , so those who want to enjoy Phil 's Beach once again might need only wait until Phase 4 of reopening Illinois , according to Tim Staton , the director of recreation for the Wauconda Park District .
Staton said the beach will be familiar to film buffs , but changes have been made since `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1979 .
The district removed and replaced the existing buildings at Phil 's Beach , and the iconic slide that is seen in the movie launching a swimmer high into the air is no longer insurable .
Staton said the slide will be displayed on land so people can check it out and take photos .
After a spiritual experience in a church helmed by James Brown early in `` The Blues Brothers , '' Jake decides he and Elwood need to get the band back together .
The difficulty of that task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next scene as the two drive through Park Ridge and Elwood tells him that band members have gone their separate ways .
As the two bicker , Elwood rolls through a red light at the intersection of South Cumberland Avenue and West Talcott Road .
Two Illinois state troopers parked at the Shell Gas Station across the street from Nelson Funeral Home pull them over .
Both the funeral home and the Shell are still standing at the intersection and are largely unchanged 40 years later .
The cavalcade of celebrities to cameo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English model and actress Twiggy , also known as Dame Lesley Lawson .
Near the end of the film , Elwood flirts with the international beauty at a gas station .
Before Twiggy drives off in her convertible , Elwood tells her if her date does n't work out for any reason to meet him at a hotel at around midnight .
After performing that night , the brothers begin a mad dash to the Richard J. Daley Center in the Loop -- and viewers get a quick shot of an impatient Twiggy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Chicago .
The gas station has been torn down , but the motel still stands 40 years later .

Hit it! Three 'Blues Brothers' suburban film locales to visit for its 40th anniversary
The renovated Phil's Beach -- seen in "The Blues Brothers" -- could open in Phase 4. Courtesy of Wauconda Park District
The slide made famous by "The Blues Brothers" is no longer insurable and is not in the water at the new incarnation of Phil's Beach in Wauconda. Daily Herald File Photo, 2019
Mary Beth Jachec talks with actor John Belushi as "The Blues Brothers" movie was partly filmed in Wauconda in the summer of 1979. Both Phil's Beach and Honey Hill were the focus of the beach scenes. Courtesy of the Wauconda Historical Society/Provided by Neville Carr
The Bluesmobile makes its way down Phil's Beach in Wauconda during the filming of "The Blues Brothers" more than 40 years ago. Submitted Photo
Updated June 20 to correct the name of the prison.
The musical odyssey of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues first hit movie theaters 40 years ago Saturday, and the now-beloved comedy wasn't exactly an immediate success.
"The Blues Brothers" -- starring Dan Aykroyd and Wheaton's John Belushi -- made just under $5 million its opening weekend at the box office against a $30 million budget. A significant portion of that budget, which was unheard of at the time for a comedy, went toward the cost of filming on location in and around Chicago. As Roger Ebert wrote in his three-star review of the John Landis film in the Chicago Sun-Times, "There can rarely have been a movie that made so free with its locations as this one."
From the opening moments at the intimidating Joliet Correctional Center to the climatic scene of crashing Chicago police cars under the L tracks in the Loop, "The Blues Brothers" revels in its glimpses of Chicago and suburbs.
In fact, the Northwest suburbs can boast at least three still-standing "Blues Brothers" locales where cameras once rolled.
Phil's Beach in Wauconda
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer This intersection in Park Ridge was where Jake and Elwood ran a red light in "The Blues Brothers," which turns 40 this weekend.
As the film approaches the band's big performance at the fictional Palace Hotel Ballroom, Jake and Elwood drive the Bluesmobile around the Chicago area promoting the gig with a gigantic rooftop speaker. The brothers slowly roll by a strip of sand on the western shore of Bangs Lake in Wauconda. The filmmakers removed a fence between two privately owned beaches -- Sunny Hill Beach and Phil's Beach -- to get the shots they wanted.
Sunny Hill Beach is long gone, replaced by the Honey Hill townhouses. The family that owned and operated Phil's Beach closed it to the public in 1990 because of rising insurance costs. But the Wauconda Park District bought it in 2016 and embarked on a $3 million project to rehab it as a public park.
The work is finally done, so those who want to enjoy Phil's Beach once again might need only wait until Phase 4 of reopening Illinois, according to Tim Staton, the director of recreation for the Wauconda Park District.
Staton said the beach will be familiar to film buffs, but changes have been made since "The Blues Brothers" filmed there in 1979. The district removed and replaced the existing buildings at Phil's Beach, and the iconic slide that is seen in the movie launching a swimmer high into the air is no longer insurable. Staton said the slide will be displayed on land so people can check it out and take photos.
Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Nelson Funeral Home and the Shell station across the street in Park Ridge made appearances in "The Blues Brothers" in 1980.
After a spiritual experience in a church helmed by James Brown early in "The Blues Brothers," Jake decides he and Elwood need to get the band back together. The difficulty of that task begins to dawn on him in the next scene as the two drive through Park Ridge and Elwood tells him that band members have gone their separate ways.
As the two bicker, Elwood rolls through a red light at the intersection of South Cumberland Avenue and West Talcott Road. Two Illinois state troopers parked at the Shell Gas Station across the street from Nelson Funeral Home pull them over.
Both the funeral home and the Shell are still standing at the intersection and are largely unchanged 40 years later.
West Wind Motel in West Chicago
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer "The Blues Brothers" is turning 40. The West Wind Motel in West Chicago, where model and actress Twiggy is seen waiting for Elwood when he stands her up, is still there.
The cavalcade of celebrities to cameo in "The Blues Brothers" included English model and actress Twiggy, also known as Dame Lesley Lawson. Near the end of the film, Elwood flirts with the international beauty at a gas station.
Before Twiggy drives off in her convertible, Elwood tells her if her date doesn't work out for any reason to meet him at a hotel at around midnight.
After performing that night, the brothers begin a mad dash to the Richard J. Daley Center in the Loop -- and viewers get a quick shot of an impatient Twiggy waiting outside the West Wind Motel in West Chicago.
The gas station has been torn down, but the motel still stands 40 years later.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Police: Wheeling man accused in SUV death arrested in Indiana

A Wheeling man suspected of fatally striking a former friend with an SUV last month has been arrested after a police chase in northern Indiana , authorities announced Friday morning .
Jose Fermin Zavala-Hernandez , 38 , of the 400 block of Pleasant Run Drive , had been sought by police since the May 20 death of 32-year-old Carlos Maciel Pulido , also of Wheeling .
No charges relating to Pulido 's death have been filed , however .
Police have said Zavala-Hernandez was behind the wheel of a Toyota SUV that struck Pulido on the 700 block of Equestrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front of a house , carrying Pulido 's body with it .
Witnesses told police the driver fled after the crash .
No one inside the house was hurt .
Zavala-Hernandez had been friends with Pulido , but they had a disagreement stemming from a violent May 17 domestic confrontation , Deputy Police Chief Joseph Licari said .
Zavala-Hernandez attacked a woman , cut off a Cook County-issued ankle monitor and fled , police said .
Zavala-Hernandez was wearing the ankle monitor after an arrest earlier in May on multiple charges after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An arrest warrant on a domestic battery charge stemming from the May 17 Wheeling case was issued for Zavala-Hernandez .
Zavala-Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in LaPorte County , Indiana , after a reported road rage incident and police chase there that ended when tire deflation devices disabled the vehicle , Wheeling police said in a news release .
Zavala-Hernandez was driving a vehicle reported stolen in Indiana when he was apprehended , police said .
He gave police there a fake name , but they later determined his true identity , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone to Indiana to interview Zavala-Hernandez .
He remains in custody there as the investigation continues .

Police: Wheeling man accused in SUV death arrested in Indiana
A Wheeling man suspected of fatally striking a former friend with an SUV last month has been arrested after a police chase in northern Indiana, authorities announced Friday morning.
Jose Fermin Zavala-Hernandez, 38, of the 400 block of Pleasant Run Drive, had been sought by police since the May 20 death of 32-year-old Carlos Maciel Pulido, also of Wheeling. No charges relating to Pulido's death have been filed, however.
Police have said Zavala-Hernandez was behind the wheel of a Toyota SUV that struck Pulido on the 700 block of Equestrian Drive in Wheeling and then crashed through the front of a house, carrying Pulido's body with it. Witnesses told police the driver fled after the crash. No one inside the house was hurt.
Zavala-Hernandez had been friends with Pulido, but they had a disagreement stemming from a violent May 17 domestic confrontation, Deputy Police Chief Joseph Licari said. Zavala-Hernandez attacked a woman, cut off a Cook County-issued ankle monitor and fled, police said.
Zavala-Hernandez was wearing the ankle monitor after an arrest earlier in May on multiple charges after a crash in Arlington Heights.
An arrest warrant on a domestic battery charge stemming from the May 17 Wheeling case was issued for Zavala-Hernandez.
Zavala-Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in LaPorte County, Indiana, after a reported road rage incident and police chase there that ended when tire-deflation devices disabled the vehicle, Wheeling police said in a news release.
Zavala-Hernandez was driving a vehicle reported stolen in Indiana when he was apprehended, police said.
He gave police there a fake name, but they later determined his true identity, according to the news release.
Wheeling police detectives have gone to Indiana to interview Zavala-Hernandez. He remains in custody there as the investigation continues.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Aurora to publicize complaints about police officers on website

Aurora officials are inviting residents to attend forums next month to review the police department 's use-of-force policies and training programs .
In addition , the department now plans to publicize complaints against officers , and decisions made on those complaints , on its web page .
The two initiatives were announced Friday when Mayor Richard Irvin issued a proclamation promoting the celebration of Juneteenth .
The day marks the 155th anniversary of the day enslaved Black people in Galveston , Texas , were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation , which had been issued two years earlier .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHANGE Reform Initiative , announced two weeks ago to address complaints about racism in the police department .
Up to 50 residents can attend the forums ; others will be able to submit comments online .
There will be five forums on force policies and five that look at training .
Dates have not yet been announced , but registration begins Monday on the city 's website .
The forums will be moderated by 20 residents , 12 of whom are leaders in the city 's Black community .
Applications are still open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Friday include lawyer Sharonda Roberson .
Roberson organized a rally earlier this month at the Aurora Police Department to protest against police brutality , and started a 13-point petition that called for establishing a citizen review board that would be involved in disciplining officers , psychological evaluations throughout an officer 's career , and publishing complaints about officers .
City spokesman Clayton Muhammad said staff members are discussing the pros and cons of having a citizen review board .
They also are almost ready to send out a formal request for information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are due to report on both to the city council Aug. 11 , he said .
Irvin opened the event by explaining Juneteenth , then segued into the discrimination he faced as a Black resident growing up in Aurora , including unwarranted police stops and assumptions by court security that when he showed up in court , he was a defendant .
Irvin is a lawyer -- first as a prosecutor , then in private criminal defense .
While things have gotten better over the years , he said , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can we sing the words of that old spiritual 'We will overcome , someday . '
That day must be today , '' he said .

Aurora to publicize complaints about police officers on website
Aurora officials are inviting residents to attend forums next month to review the police department's use-of-force policies and training programs.
In addition, the department now plans to publicize complaints against officers, and decisions made on those complaints, on its web page.
The two initiatives were announced Friday when Mayor Richard Irvin issued a proclamation promoting the celebration of Juneteenth. The day marks the 155th anniversary of the day enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two years earlier.
The new steps are part of the city's CHANGE Reform Initiative, announced two weeks ago to address complaints about racism in the police department.
Up to 50 residents can attend the forums; others will be able to submit comments online. There will be five forums on force policies and five that look at training. Dates have not yet been announced, but registration begins Monday on the city's website.
The forums will be moderated by 20 residents, 12 of whom are leaders in the city's Black community. Applications are still open for the other eight positions.
Those named Friday include lawyer Sharonda Roberson. Roberson organized a rally earlier this month at the Aurora Police Department to protest against police brutality, and started a 13-point petition that called for establishing a citizen review board that would be involved in disciplining officers, psychological evaluations throughout an officer's career, and publishing complaints about officers.
City spokesman Clayton Muhammad said staff members are discussing the pros and cons of having a citizen review board. They also are almost ready to send out a formal request for information about purchasing body cameras for police. They are due to report on both to the city council Aug. 11, he said.
Irvin opened the event by explaining Juneteenth, then segued into the discrimination he faced as a Black resident growing up in Aurora, including unwarranted police stops and assumptions by court security that when he showed up in court, he was a defendant. Irvin is a lawyer -- first as a prosecutor, then in private criminal defense.
While things have gotten better over the years, he said, there's room for improvement.
"No longer can we sing the words of that old spiritual 'We will overcome, someday.' That day must be today," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Elgin 2nd in state to declare climate emergency; action comes next

A group of residents successfully pushed Elgin to become the second city in the state , after Chicago , to declare a climate emergency .
Now comes the practical work .
`` We need people to understand this is a real emergency , '' said Elgin resident Paul Berland , who led the charge after being involved in the Chicago effort .
`` If the city thinks this is an emergency and everybody else does n't , you 're not going to be able to get very far . ''
The sustainability commission will have a special meeting June 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a climate work group , said Tom Armstrong , incoming commission chairman .
`` There is already a bunch of people who volunteered so I am sure the group will be pretty active from the get-go , '' he said .
`` Approving a climate emergency resolution is a piece of paper with words on it , '' he added .
`` What really matters is action . ''
A majority of council members voted in late May for the resolution , which calls for an all-city staff meeting about climate science and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in discussions , initiating an effort to restore ecosystems within city limits , and ending greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 2030 .
`` The city of Elgin and its staff make decisions every day that include environmental considerations , '' Councilwoman Carol Rauschenberger said .
`` My hope , however , is that this citizen-initiated resolution will not only highlight our current sustainability action but to aspire to find other solutions and to , importantly , measure the impact of what we do . ''
Not all council members agreed .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you put in place this plan of action , '' said Councilman Toby Shaw , who also said he doubts `` some of the science . ''
He voted `` no '' along with Councilman Terry Gavin and Councilwoman Rose Martinez .
Mayor David Kaptain voted in favor but also cautioned that taking action would cost the city millions of dollars down the line .
Berland and Armstrong said there 's a lot that can be done at no to minimal cost , primarily by focusing on local education .
`` I really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody in the community , '' said Berland , who hopes to be part of the work group .
Elgin 's 2021 budget is expected to be tight due to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic , Armstrong said , but the city could look at re-examining its ordinances , entering into shared savings agreements with companies that finance energy projects , and acquiring more alternative-fuel vehicles as old ones are phased out .
The notion is to gradually work toward more complex initiatives that might seem more radical , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Berland said .
Some possibilities are banning plastic bags , installing motion-activated lighting and implementing a local tax on meat .
Studies show beef `` has a substantial impact on the climate , '' according to the World Economic Forum .
Advocates say 1,731 jurisdictions in 30 countries have declared a climate emergency .
In Elgin , Berland connected in early February with similarly minded members of the group Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice .
`` All of this came together despite the pandemic , '' said Kathleen Hamill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What we are hoping to do is interject into the policymaking of the city , on myriad issues , consideration of not only climate change but the importance , the emergency , the urgency that needs to be taken into account to keep the community safe and viable , '' she said .
`` One of the reasons I 'm really delighted is that it gives Elgin a chance to show leadership . ''
Elgin has eased the way for solar panel installations , made some areas pesticide-free and mow-free , offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows backyard chickens and beekeeping .
For information about climate change you can visit climate.nasa.gov .

Elgin 2nd in state to declare climate emergency; action comes next
A group of residents successfully pushed Elgin to become the second city in the state, after Chicago, to declare a climate emergency. Now comes the practical work.
"We need people to understand this is a real emergency," said Elgin resident Paul Berland, who led the charge after being involved in the Chicago effort. "If the city thinks this is an emergency and everybody else doesn't, you're not going to be able to get very far."
The sustainability commission will have a special meeting June 30, when it is expected to form a climate work group, said Tom Armstrong, incoming commission chairman. "There is already a bunch of people who volunteered so I am sure the group will be pretty active from the get-go," he said.
"Approving a climate emergency resolution is a piece of paper with words on it," he added. "What really matters is action."
A majority of council members voted in late May for the resolution, which calls for an all-city staff meeting about climate science and mobilization of resources, engaging the public in discussions, initiating an effort to restore ecosystems within city limits, and ending greenhouse gas emissions citywide by 2030.
"The city of Elgin and its staff make decisions every day that include environmental considerations," Councilwoman Carol Rauschenberger said. "My hope, however, is that this citizen-initiated resolution will not only highlight our current sustainability action but to aspire to find other solutions and to, importantly, measure the impact of what we do."
Not all council members agreed. "You will bankrupt the city of Elgin if you put in place this plan of action," said Councilman Toby Shaw, who also said he doubts "some of the science." He voted "no" along with Councilman Terry Gavin and Councilwoman Rose Martinez. Mayor David Kaptain voted in favor but also cautioned that taking action would cost the city millions of dollars down the line.
Berland and Armstrong said there's a lot that can be done at no to minimal cost, primarily by focusing on local education. "I really want to start the conversation and involve everybody in the community," said Berland, who hopes to be part of the work group.
Elgin's 2021 budget is expected to be tight due to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Armstrong said, but the city could look at re-examining its ordinances, entering into shared savings agreements with companies that finance energy projects, and acquiring more alternative-fuel vehicles as old ones are phased out.
The notion is to gradually work toward more complex initiatives that might seem more radical, but that ideally would get buy-in from the community, Berland said. Some possibilities are banning plastic bags, installing motion-activated lighting and implementing a local tax on meat. Studies show beef "has a substantial impact on the climate," according to the World Economic Forum.
Advocates say 1,731 jurisdictions in 30 countries have declared a climate emergency.
In Elgin, Berland connected in early February with similarly minded members of the group Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. "All of this came together despite the pandemic," said Kathleen Hamill, who lives in unincorporated Elgin Township.
"What we are hoping to do is interject into the policymaking of the city, on myriad issues, consideration of not only climate change but the importance, the emergency, the urgency that needs to be taken into account to keep the community safe and viable," she said. "One of the reasons I'm really delighted is that it gives Elgin a chance to show leadership."
Elgin has eased the way for solar panel installations, made some areas pesticide-free and mow-free, offers curbside composting and textile recycling, and allows backyard chickens and beekeeping.
For information about climate change you can visit climate.nasa.gov.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Schaumburg driver's license office closes after worker tests positive for COVID-19

Officials at the Illinois Secretary of State 's office say one employee at the Schaumburg driver 's license facility has tested positive for COVID-19 , causing the office to close until July 2 and putting at least 56 co-workers into self-quarantine for 14 days .
Dave Druker , a spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White , said only one of the employees at the office at 1227 E. Golf Road has tested positive so far .
Druker would not comment on the severity of the worker 's infection , citing privacy concerns .
He said there was little risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facility in recent days and they do not need to stay in isolation .
`` After consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health , there is no direct impact on the public , so no requirement to self-quarantine , '' Druker said .
Rick Kurnick , director of Driver Services Metro for White 's office , was at the facility Friday assisting customers who showed up unaware of the facility 's closure .
`` It 's important to be out here and take care of these people and let them know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
White 's office is directing those who might need services provided by the Schaumburg facility to seek assistance at similar facilities in Des Plaines , Elgin and Lake Zurich .
The offices are only serving new drivers , customers with expired licenses or IDs and those who are filing vehicle sales transactions .
It would be too difficult to move employees from those offices to temporarily staff the Schaumburg facility , Druker said .
`` We can not move employees to Schaumburg because the building needs to be cleaned thoroughly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , employees at other locations are very busy . ''
White 's office will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards for sanitizing the Schaumburg office , but no equipment or forms will have to be destroyed in the disinfection process .
The plan is to have the Schaumburg facility reopened July 2 when the staff 's quarantine will be over , officials said .

Schaumburg driver's license office closes after worker tests positive for COVID-19
Officials at the Illinois Secretary of State's office say one employee at the Schaumburg driver's license facility has tested positive for COVID-19, causing the office to close until July 2 and putting at least 56 co-workers into self-quarantine for 14 days.
Dave Druker, a spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White, said only one of the employees at the office at 1227 E. Golf Road has tested positive so far.
Druker would not comment on the severity of the worker's infection, citing privacy concerns.
He said there was little risk to the public who might have visited the facility in recent days and they do not need to stay in isolation.
"After consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, there is no direct impact on the public, so no requirement to self-quarantine," Druker said.
Rick Kurnick, director of Driver Services Metro for White's office, was at the facility Friday assisting customers who showed up unaware of the facility's closure.
"It's important to be out here and take care of these people and let them know what's going on," he said.
White's office is directing those who might need services provided by the Schaumburg facility to seek assistance at similar facilities in Des Plaines, Elgin and Lake Zurich. The offices are only serving new drivers, customers with expired licenses or IDs and those who are filing vehicle sales transactions.
It would be too difficult to move employees from those offices to temporarily staff the Schaumburg facility, Druker said.
"We cannot move employees to Schaumburg because the building needs to be cleaned thoroughly," he said. "And frankly, employees at other locations are very busy."
White's office will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards for sanitizing the Schaumburg office, but no equipment or forms will have to be destroyed in the disinfection process.
The plan is to have the Schaumburg facility reopened July 2 when the staff's quarantine will be over, officials said.
• Daily Herald staff writer Brian Hill contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Classic Cinemas aims to reopen next week

Classic Cinemas announced Friday that it plans to reopen its Illinois locations June 26 , provided that health metrics remain on track and the state enters Phase 4 of the coronavirus recovery plan .
The Downers Grove-based theater chain said that it would limit capacity to 50 % , in accordance with local and state health guidelines , and will block off rows in auditorium theaters to help maintain social distance .
Theaters will be disinfected after each showtime , the company said .
All theater employees will wear masks and gloves and must pass a temperature screening before each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasks like self-serve drinks and popcorn topping , the company said .
Theaters will require customers to wear masks until they are seated and asks that people stay home if they feel ill or have been around sick people .
The company also recommends that customers buy tickets online and use touch-free payment in the theater .
Guests should stay 6 feet apart from each other and follow posted signs , the company said .
Classic Cinemas has locations in Carpentersville , St. Charles , Elk Grove Village , Elmhurst , Downers Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showtimes and more information .

Classic Cinemas aims to reopen next week
Classic Cinemas plans to open its Elk Grove Village theater and other suburban locations on June 26, the Downers Grove-based company announced Friday. Miles Boone Photography
Classic Cinemas announced Friday that it plans to reopen its Illinois locations June 26, provided that health metrics remain on track and the state enters Phase 4 of the coronavirus recovery plan.
The Downers Grove-based theater chain said that it would limit capacity to 50%, in accordance with local and state health guidelines, and will block off rows in auditorium theaters to help maintain social distance. Theaters will be disinfected after each showtime, the company said.
All theater employees will wear masks and gloves and must pass a temperature screening before each shift. Workers will assist in high-touch tasks like self-serve drinks and popcorn topping, the company said.
Theaters will require customers to wear masks until they are seated and asks that people stay home if they feel ill or have been around sick people. The company also recommends that customers buy tickets online and use touch-free payment in the theater.
Guests should stay 6 feet apart from each other and follow posted signs, the company said.
Classic Cinemas has locations in Carpentersville, St. Charles, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Downers Grove and Fox Lake. Visit classiccinemas.com for showtimes and more information.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-19--Coming Sunday: A salute to the Class of 2020!

To the Class of 2020 , congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for success and happiness in the years ahead .
We hope our tribute section to the Class of 2020 can be a special keepsake to help mark and remember this important passage in your life .
When it became apparent that because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year 's graduates were not going to get to enjoy the traditional commencement ceremony that had been a benchmark in our lives , we asked ourselves what the newspaper could do to try to help replace some of that loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas that grew out of that and pulling it together has been a labor of love for all of us and especially for the editors who directed it , Deputy City Editor Charles Keeshan and Paul Valade , deputy director of visual journalism .
We have n't been alone in making special attempts to make this year 's graduations special .
That much is obvious with a drive around town to see all of the congratulatory signs that have popped up .
There are more than 90 suburban high schools in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gone out of its way to add a flourish to their virtual commencement events .
Certainly , this section would n't have been possible without the efforts of scores of principals and staff at our high schools .
We have been amazed at their efforts to support the project .
We 've also made an effort to provide a strong tribute online at dailyherald.com/graduations .
Among the features on that tribute is a commencement address by renowned comedian Sebastian Maniscalco , a graduate of Rolling Meadows High School before moving to Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank him greatly for that contribution .

Congratulations, Class of 2020!
To the Class of 2020, congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for success and happiness in the years ahead.
We hope our tribute section to the Class of 2020 can be a special keepsake to help mark and remember this important passage in your life.
When it became apparent that because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year's graduates were not going to get to enjoy the traditional commencement ceremony that had been a benchmark in our lives, we asked ourselves what the newspaper could do to try to help replace some of that loss.
This section is one of the ideas that grew out of that and pulling it together has been a labor of love for all of us and especially for the editors who directed it, Deputy City Editor Charles Keeshan and Paul Valade, deputy director of visual journalism.
• Northwest suburbs section
• DuPage County section
• Fox Valley section
We haven't been alone in making special attempts to make this year's graduations special.
That much is obvious with a drive around town to see all of the congratulatory signs that have popped up.
There are more than 90 suburban high schools in the area and almost without exception each of them has gone out of its way to add a flourish to their virtual commencement events.
Certainly, this section wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of scores of principals and staff at our high schools. We have been amazed at their efforts to support the project.
We've also made an effort to provide a strong tribute online at dailyherald.com/graduations.
Among the features on that tribute is a commencement address by renowned comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, a graduate of Rolling Meadows High School before moving to Los Angeles and becoming a star. We thank him greatly for that contribution.