dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Legislature's fall veto session canceled in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- The fall veto session of the General Assembly that was scheduled to begin next week has been canceled amid a worsening COVID-19 pandemic , Democratic leaders announced this week , prompting Republicans to question the motives behind that decision .
House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon , both Democrats , said in a joint statement Monday that the decision was made out of concern for the safety of lawmakers , staff , their families and the general public , although they left open the possibility that it could be rescheduled if public health conditions improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday 's ) Springfield paper warns of a COVID 'tsunami ' sweeping the region and its health care system , '' Harmon , D-Oak Park , said .
`` This is not the time to physically bring together hundreds of people from all around the state .
Given what 's happening , it was an obvious decision .
It 's not safe or responsible to have a legislative session under these circumstances . ''
`` The health and safety of the people who work for and serve in the Illinois General Assembly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Madigan added .
`` We will continue to monitor the situation , consult medical experts and do intend to schedule additional session days so we can finish our important work . ''
Lawmakers typically hold a brief session in the fall to deal with any legislation from the regular session that was vetoed by the governor .
This year 's session was scheduled to run Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3 .
This year , however , there were no vetoes to deal with , largely because the regular session was severely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached its initial peak in April and early May .
The House and Senate held a brief , four-day special session in late May , under strict masking and social distancing requirements , after it appeared the pandemic was subsiding .
Since early October , however , cases throughout the state have been rising sharply to levels exceeding those of the early pandemic phase , particularly in Region 3 of central Illinois , which includes the capital city .
As of Nov. 7 , the most recent data available , the rolling seven-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood at 15.2 percent and had risen in eight of the previous 10 days .
The decision to call off the veto session came at virtually the same time that Sangamon County and the city of Springfield -- which had initially resisted Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's enhanced mitigation orders -- announced they would begin enforcing those orders on Friday , including closing bars and restaurants to indoor service .
Even though there were no pressing veto issues to deal with , the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus had hoped to use the veto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice and equity reforms across a wide range of issues -- an agenda that both Harmon and Madigan said they would support .
But Sen. Kimberly Lightford , a Maywood Democrat who is the Senate majority leader and chair of Black caucus , said those issues would have to wait until it is safe for the General Assembly to convene .
`` We are still in the midst of a pandemic , and COVID-19 cases are surging across the state , making the risk too high for the General Assembly to gather at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` While we will not be able to pass legislation as soon as we hoped , the urgency to bring an end to systemic racism remains .
The moment to put forth this critical agenda is now , and I know President Harmon and Speaker Madigan share our concerns and our commitment to making a difference . ''
The other significant issue pending before the General Assembly is the ongoing investigation into Madigan 's role in a bribery scheme involving utility giant ComEd .
In response to a petition by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was formed to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to commence disciplinary proceedings .
But that committee has only met twice , most recently on Sept. 29 .
After that meeting , the chair of the committee , Rep. Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch , a Hillside Democrat , announced the committee would not meet again until after the Nov. 3 general election .
He has since delayed proceedings indefinitely , saying the committee is waiting for ComEd officials to produce documents the panel has requested .
House rules still require that its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Republicans had hoped that the veto session would provide an opportunity for the Special Investigating Committee to resume its work .
But the cancellation of the veto session prompted some GOP lawmakers to question the Democratic leaders ' motives .
`` We were able to meet safely in May in an environment that included testing , mask mandates , regular use of hand sanitizer , and more than ample room to practice social distancing , '' Rep. Amy Grant , a Wheaton Republican , said in a statement .
`` No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff contracted COVID-19 during our session in May , so we know staff is capable of putting adequate safety precautions in place .
Congress is meeting and there 's no reason why we should n't be . ''
`` I ca n't help but wonder if the cancellation has more to do with political unrest within the House Democratic caucus than it has to do with health and safety , '' Rep. Steve Reick , a Woodstock Republican , said in a separate statement .
`` I certainly hope that 's not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great injustice if Speaker Madigan has placed his political problems ahead of our ability to do the people 's work during a scheduled veto session . ''
The 101st General Assembly officially comes to an end on Jan. 12 , the day before the next session begins and newly-elected and reelected lawmakers are sworn into office .
If the committee does not conclude its work before then , Republicans will have to petition again to form a new committee in the next General Assembly .
Pritzker , who had hoped to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant budget cuts in the wake of the failure of his proposed graduated income tax amendment on Election Day , also expressed disappointment over the cancellation .
`` There is so much work that needs to be done for the state , not just about the budget , but so many other matters , criminal justice reform being one example , '' he said at an event in Chicago Tuesday .
`` I 'm the impatient sort .
I want to get things done sooner rather than later .
I 've been assured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right at it as soon as we can in January . ''

Legislature's fall veto session canceled in Springfield
The state House held its spring session at the Bank of Springfield Center rather than the Capitol so members would have more space for social distancing. The fall veto session has been canceled because of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register, May 2020
SPRINGFIELD -- The fall veto session of the General Assembly that was scheduled to begin next week has been canceled amid a worsening COVID-19 pandemic, Democratic leaders announced this week, prompting Republicans to question the motives behind that decision.
House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon, both Democrats, said in a joint statement Monday that the decision was made out of concern for the safety of lawmakers, staff, their families and the general public, although they left open the possibility that it could be rescheduled if public health conditions improve.
"The front page in (Tuesday's) Springfield paper warns of a COVID 'tsunami' sweeping the region and its health care system," Harmon, D-Oak Park, said. "This is not the time to physically bring together hundreds of people from all around the state. Given what's happening, it was an obvious decision. It's not safe or responsible to have a legislative session under these circumstances."
"The health and safety of the people who work for and serve in the Illinois General Assembly, and their respective families, is paramount," Madigan added. "We will continue to monitor the situation, consult medical experts and do intend to schedule additional session days so we can finish our important work."
Lawmakers typically hold a brief session in the fall to deal with any legislation from the regular session that was vetoed by the governor. This year's session was scheduled to run Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.
This year, however, there were no vetoes to deal with, largely because the regular session was severely shortened due to the pandemic, which reached its initial peak in April and early May. The House and Senate held a brief, four-day special session in late May, under strict masking and social distancing requirements, after it appeared the pandemic was subsiding.
Since early October, however, cases throughout the state have been rising sharply to levels exceeding those of the early pandemic phase, particularly in Region 3 of central Illinois, which includes the capital city. As of Nov. 7, the most recent data available, the rolling seven-day average test positivity rate in Region 3 stood at 15.2 percent and had risen in eight of the previous 10 days.
The decision to call off the veto session came at virtually the same time that Sangamon County and the city of Springfield -- which had initially resisted Gov. J.B. Pritzker's enhanced mitigation orders -- announced they would begin enforcing those orders on Friday, including closing bars and restaurants to indoor service.
Even though there were no pressing veto issues to deal with, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus had hoped to use the veto session to advance its agenda of racial justice and equity reforms across a wide range of issues -- an agenda that both Harmon and Madigan said they would support.
But Sen. Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat who is the Senate majority leader and chair of Black caucus, said those issues would have to wait until it is safe for the General Assembly to convene.
"We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and COVID-19 cases are surging across the state, making the risk too high for the General Assembly to gather at this time," Lightford said in a statement. "While we will not be able to pass legislation as soon as we hoped, the urgency to bring an end to systemic racism remains. The moment to put forth this critical agenda is now, and I know President Harmon and Speaker Madigan share our concerns and our commitment to making a difference."
The other significant issue pending before the General Assembly is the ongoing investigation into Madigan's role in a bribery scheme involving utility giant ComEd. In response to a petition by House Republicans, a Special Investigating Committee was formed to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to commence disciplinary proceedings.
But that committee has only met twice, most recently on Sept. 29. After that meeting, the chair of the committee, Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, a Hillside Democrat, announced the committee would not meet again until after the Nov. 3 general election. He has since delayed proceedings indefinitely, saying the committee is waiting for ComEd officials to produce documents the panel has requested.
House rules still require that its committees meet and conduct business in person, and Republicans had hoped that the veto session would provide an opportunity for the Special Investigating Committee to resume its work. But the cancellation of the veto session prompted some GOP lawmakers to question the Democratic leaders' motives.
"We were able to meet safely in May in an environment that included testing, mask mandates, regular use of hand sanitizer, and more than ample room to practice social distancing," Rep. Amy Grant, a Wheaton Republican, said in a statement. "No one from the House, Senate or staff contracted COVID-19 during our session in May, so we know staff is capable of putting adequate safety precautions in place. Congress is meeting and there's no reason why we shouldn't be."
"I can't help but wonder if the cancellation has more to do with political unrest within the House Democratic caucus than it has to do with health and safety," Rep. Steve Reick, a Woodstock Republican, said in a separate statement. "I certainly hope that's not the case, because it would be a great injustice if Speaker Madigan has placed his political problems ahead of our ability to do the people's work during a scheduled veto session."
The 101st General Assembly officially comes to an end on Jan. 12, the day before the next session begins and newly-elected and reelected lawmakers are sworn into office. If the committee does not conclude its work before then, Republicans will have to petition again to form a new committee in the next General Assembly.
Pritzker, who had hoped to use the veto session to get legislative approval for significant budget cuts in the wake of the failure of his proposed graduated income tax amendment on Election Day, also expressed disappointment over the cancellation.
"There is so much work that needs to be done for the state, not just about the budget, but so many other matters, criminal justice reform being one example," he said at an event in Chicago Tuesday. "I'm the impatient sort. I want to get things done sooner rather than later. I've been assured by the leaders that we'll get right at it as soon as we can in January."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Lovell health care center mural a symbol of hope and healing for veterans

An unexpected but welcome symbol of hope and healing for veterans stretches along a concrete block wall in the covered walkway system linking buildings at the expansive Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center .
The attention grabber and conversation piece is a large mural featuring a 6-foot-tall portrait the retired Navy captain and Apollo astronaut .
`` It makes me feel good , '' said Jairo Andrade , a Waukegan resident and one of 15 veterans who worked on the special project .
`` Instead of seeing just a gray wall , they see something else . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon , a bald eagle and a veteran being cared for by a provider honors Lovell 's service and also his namesake -- the only medical facility integrated between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense .
Unveiled virtually Oct. 29 to help celebrate the North Chicago center 's 10-year anniversary , the mural also is source of pride for the veterans who helped plan and paint it .
`` It was just cool to be a part of .
It definitely was therapeutic for me , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on active duty from 2001 to 2011 and 2013 to 2015 .
Andrade said painting the mural aligned with what he learned as a student at Lovell 's `` Pain University '' -- part of a whole health initiative offering options to manage chronic pain beyond medication .
The veterans worked with muralist David Motley , large format painter Everett Reynolds and the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve to design and paint the mural .
`` There were lots of anxieties and lots of challenges , but the end result is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
It 's a visionary project as far as I 'm concerned , '' Motley said .
Brushwood , in cooperation with Lovell , also offers whole health services through art and nature programs to military veterans and their families .
`` Everyone came together .
You could feel how the project was impacting everyone , '' said Catherine Game , Brushwood 's executive director .
The project had been cemented to include support from the McCormick Foundation and Illinois Department of Veterans ' Affairs when COVID-19 struck .
The collaboration proceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to determine the content and design , transfer the outlines to the wall of what is known as the tramway at Lovell , and fill it with color .
`` The process of creating during this crisis is part of what makes the story of this project so beautiful , '' Game said .
Elizabeth LaCombe , a creative arts therapist at Lovell and one of the project leaders , said the mural process meant even more for participants because of the pandemic .
`` This mural project is one small way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still here and our sense of community is still very strong , ' '' LaCombe said .
`` These kind of projects are really important for our veterans , '' she said .
`` It 's a different way of expressing themselves . ''
Game said challenges facing veterans , such as anxiety , depression , substance abuse and the impacts of isolation and other issues , have intensified as a result of the pandemic .
Since then , Lovell and Brushwood have increased their online offerings .
Brushwood created and filled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wellness .
Virtual piano and guitar lessons , concerts and other programs are in the works , Game said .

Lovell health care center mural a symbol of hope and healing for veterans
Navy veteran Jairo Andrade of Waukegan was one of about 15 veterans who painted a mural at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Courtesy of Jayna Legg/Lovell FHCC
An unexpected but welcome symbol of hope and healing for veterans stretches along a concrete block wall in the covered walkway system linking buildings at the expansive Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.
The attention grabber and conversation piece is a large mural featuring a 6-foot-tall portrait the retired Navy captain and Apollo astronaut.
Over several months, bare concrete walls in a covered connecting walkway at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago have been transformed into a large mural. - Courtesy of Jayna Legg/Lovell FHCC
"It makes me feel good," said Jairo Andrade, a Waukegan resident and one of 15 veterans who worked on the special project. "Instead of seeing just a gray wall, they see something else."
The portrait with other images including the moon, a bald eagle and a veteran being cared for by a provider honors Lovell's service and also his namesake -- the only medical facility integrated between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense.
Unveiled virtually Oct. 29 to help celebrate the North Chicago center's 10-year anniversary, the mural also is source of pride for the veterans who helped plan and paint it.
"It was just cool to be a part of. It definitely was therapeutic for me," said Andrade, a Navy veteran who served on active duty from 2001 to 2011 and 2013 to 2015.
Michelle Franklin paints the portrait of Captain James A. Lovell at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. - Courtesy of Michael Kardas
Andrade said painting the mural aligned with what he learned as a student at Lovell's "Pain University" -- part of a whole health initiative offering options to manage chronic pain beyond medication.
The veterans worked with muralist David Motley, large format painter Everett Reynolds and the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve to design and paint the mural.
"There were lots of anxieties and lots of challenges, but the end result is an amazing accomplishment for a lot of reasons. It's a visionary project as far as I'm concerned," Motley said.
Brushwood, in cooperation with Lovell, also offers whole health services through art and nature programs to military veterans and their families.
"Everyone came together. You could feel how the project was impacting everyone," said Catherine Game, Brushwood's executive director.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new mural at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago was recently held with, from left, Capt. James A. Lovell, facility director Dr. Robert Buckley, Master Chief Petty Officer Nick Noviello, Michelle Franklin, Sean Gartland and Gail Sturm. - Courtesy of Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
The project had been cemented to include support from the McCormick Foundation and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs when COVID-19 struck.
The collaboration proceeded via Zoom, social distancing and other measures to determine the content and design, transfer the outlines to the wall of what is known as the tramway at Lovell, and fill it with color.
"The process of creating during this crisis is part of what makes the story of this project so beautiful," Game said.
Elizabeth LaCombe, a creative arts therapist at Lovell and one of the project leaders, said the mural process meant even more for participants because of the pandemic.
"This mural project is one small way to say, 'You're support system is still here and our sense of community is still very strong,'" LaCombe said.
Elizabeth LaCombe, recreational therapist at Lovell FHCC, Leticia Knight and Lukan Ewing help paint the new mural at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. - Courtesy of Michael Kardas
"These kind of projects are really important for our veterans," she said. "It's a different way of expressing themselves."
Game said challenges facing veterans, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and the impacts of isolation and other issues, have intensified as a result of the pandemic.
Since then, Lovell and Brushwood have increased their online offerings. Brushwood created and filled the new position of director of music and wellness. Virtual piano and guitar lessons, concerts and other programs are in the works, Game said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Office building near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg meets its demise

The eight-story Schaumburg office building near the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads , on the outskirts of Woodfield @ @ @ @ @ this week .
There is no formal proposal for the future use of the site @ @ @ @ @ which is separately owned from the neighboring 3.7-acre restaurant campus that includes the former Panera @ @ @ @ @ buildings , as well as Bar Louie .
The restaurant campus was rezoned during the @ @ @ @ @ wider variety of redevelopment opportunities , including retail .
The previous zoning confined land uses @ @ @ @ @ Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly previously said that having two adjacent properties changing uses simultaneously presents @ @ @ @ @ continues to be no indication that their owners are collaborating .

Office building near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg meets its demise
The eight-story Schaumburg office building near the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads, on the outskirts of Woodfield Mall, is being demolished this week.
There is no formal proposal for the future use of the site at 1000 Plaza Drive, which is separately owned from the neighboring 3.7-acre restaurant campus that includes the former Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex buildings, as well as Bar Louie.
The restaurant campus was rezoned during the summer to allow for a wider variety of redevelopment opportunities, including retail. The previous zoning confined land uses to offices and restaurants.
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly previously said that having two adjacent properties changing uses simultaneously presents additional opportunities, but there continues to be no indication that their owners are collaborating.


US-Pres-Sum,100

Needed to win : 270 of the 538 electoral votes ( ev ) from the 50 states and the District @ @ @

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 72,057,511 - 47 percent
Has won 24 states with 217 ev.
Leads in 1 state with 15 ev.
Others 2,568,038 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--What do 'probable' COVID-19 cases mean to Illinois numbers?

When the state began reporting probable cases of COVID-19 in June , those figures were always separated from cases that had been confirmed using standard molecular tests that take days to get results .
That changed Friday when the Illinois Department of Public Health spread nearly 8,000 `` probable cases '' of COVID-19 among all the state 's county case totals , sending county infection rates soaring and raising eyebrows about how health officials were reporting data .
The `` probable '' label was just a way of identifying what type of test determined a new case , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike explained at Friday 's media briefing .
But it was n't the first time the state had used the term `` probable case . ''
Unlike cases and deaths that were labeled `` probable '' in the early stages of the pandemic -- where symptomatic patients were treated or died without being tested -- these new `` probable '' cases also cover someone who tests positive using the newer `` rapid-result '' antigen test .
These tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently reported .
`` In August , the national case definition was changed so that an antigen test alone would be considered a 'probable case , ' '' Ezike noted during the Friday news briefing .
`` With the increased use of antigen tests , we will get more probable cases and we want to make sure we capture all of those tests . ''
This change confused many who follow the state 's daily COVID-19 figures because the state had previously separated out probable cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests since Oct. 15 , it turns out IDPH had merely been counting the number of antigen tests taken , not the results of those tests .
Adding to the confusion , IDPH dumped `` all the probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic '' into Friday 's case totals , Ezike said .
That move amounted to an additional 7,673 cases lumped together with more than 10,000 new cases announced from standard test results , artificially inflating infection rates in every county of the state that day .
That action baffled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's average infection rate to help guide virus mitigation decisions .
`` There just needs to be justification for doing it that way , '' said Courtney M. Hughes , a data scientist and associate professor of public health at Northern Illinois University .
`` It 's important to have consistency in how these numbers are derived . ''
Hughes and others agree that spreading all the probable cases over the dates they were actually diagnosed or discovered would keep the state 's data more accurate .
State officials cite other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounting practices to include both confirmed and probable cases , but many of those states also provide separate daily tallies of both types of cases .
Illinois does not .

What do 'probable' COVID-19 cases mean to Illinois numbers?
When the state began reporting probable cases of COVID-19 in June, those figures were always separated from cases that had been confirmed using standard molecular tests that take days to get results.
That changed Friday when the Illinois Department of Public Health spread nearly 8,000 "probable cases" of COVID-19 among all the state's county case totals, sending county infection rates soaring and raising eyebrows about how health officials were reporting data.
The "probable" label was just a way of identifying what type of test determined a new case, and the state added those probable cases under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike explained at Friday's media briefing.
But it wasn't the first time the state had used the term "probable case."
Unlike cases and deaths that were labeled "probable" in the early stages of the pandemic -- where symptomatic patients were treated or died without being tested -- these new "probable" cases also cover someone who tests positive using the newer "rapid-result" antigen test. These tests are more susceptible to false positives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently reported.
"In August, the national case definition was changed so that an antigen test alone would be considered a 'probable case,'" Ezike noted during the Friday news briefing. "With the increased use of antigen tests, we will get more probable cases and we want to make sure we capture all of those tests."
This change confused many who follow the state's daily COVID-19 figures because the state had previously separated out probable cases.
And while IDPH had been counting antigen tests since Oct. 15, it turns out IDPH had merely been counting the number of antigen tests taken, not the results of those tests.
Adding to the confusion, IDPH dumped "all the probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic" into Friday's case totals, Ezike said. That move amounted to an additional 7,673 cases lumped together with more than 10,000 new cases announced from standard test results, artificially inflating infection rates in every county of the state that day.
That action baffled many observers since state health officials use the state's average infection rate to help guide virus mitigation decisions.
"There just needs to be justification for doing it that way," said Courtney M. Hughes, a data scientist and associate professor of public health at Northern Illinois University. "It's important to have consistency in how these numbers are derived."
Hughes and others agree that spreading all the probable cases over the dates they were actually diagnosed or discovered would keep the state's data more accurate.
State officials cite other state health departments that have also shifted accounting practices to include both confirmed and probable cases, but many of those states also provide separate daily tallies of both types of cases. Illinois does not.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Towing lot eyed for marijuana growing site in Rolling Meadows

A one-time concrete plant and existing towing yard on the north side of Rolling Meadows could soon become part of Illinois ' burgeoning recreational marijuana industry .
The city council has given local special use approval that would allow Cultivate Change , LLC to open an adult use cannabis craft grower , processing and infusing facility at 3650 Berdnick St. , should the company receive one of the coveted state licenses that could be doled out as soon as this month .
The company , headed by Chicago attorneys Tiffany Fordyce and Laura Luisi , has a long-term lease with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deal is conditioned on getting the state license .
Their plans call for a $ 4 million- $ 5 million redevelopment of the old industrial site , including construction of a 22,500-square-foot building that could double in size in later phases .
Inside , a staff of 15 to 20 employees would grow marijuana .
create concentrate products like wax and oil and make edible products .
They anticipate producing some 4,500 pounds of marijuana a year , to be sold to other growers , cultivation centers and dispensaries .
Deliveries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cargo vans .
Before a 6-1 vote to award the special use and other approvals Tuesday night , aldermen asked about any environmental impacts , pollution or odors .
Luisi said there would be none , with the eventual goal of going pesticide-free .
`` We 've designed appropriate HVAC systems to ensure that nobody would really know from the outside of the facility what was happening on the inside , '' Luisi said .
Similarly , there would't be any signs identifying what type of business it is , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fence , trees and shrubbery .
Alderman Nick Budmats was the lone `` no '' vote , saying he 's respecting the wishes of residents voiced objections to marijuana .
If approved by the state , the craft grower would join another marijuana business less than a mile away : Nature 's Care , a dispensary at 975 Rohlwing Road .
Both are in the industrial/commercial area south of the railroad tracks in Budmats ' Ward 2 .
Cultivate Change officials say site preparation would include removing an existing storage building , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
They 'd also move utilities underground and construct a stormwater system .
Final building plans would still be subject to council approval .

Towing lot eyed for marijuana growing site in Rolling Meadows
A one-time concrete plant and existing towing yard on the north side of Rolling Meadows could soon become part of Illinois' burgeoning recreational marijuana industry.
The city council has given local special use approval that would allow Cultivate Change, LLC to open an adult use cannabis craft grower, processing and infusing facility at 3650 Berdnick St., should the company receive one of the coveted state licenses that could be doled out as soon as this month.
The company, headed by Chicago attorneys Tiffany Fordyce and Laura Luisi, has a long-term lease with Hillside Towing for the 3.84-acre property. The deal is conditioned on getting the state license.
Their plans call for a $4 million-$5 million redevelopment of the old industrial site, including construction of a 22,500-square-foot building that could double in size in later phases. Inside, a staff of 15 to 20 employees would grow marijuana. create concentrate products like wax and oil and make edible products.
They anticipate producing some 4,500 pounds of marijuana a year, to be sold to other growers, cultivation centers and dispensaries. Deliveries and shipments would be handled once a week in cargo vans.
Before a 6-1 vote to award the special use and other approvals Tuesday night, aldermen asked about any environmental impacts, pollution or odors. Luisi said there would be none, with the eventual goal of going pesticide-free.
"We've designed appropriate HVAC systems to ensure that nobody would really know from the outside of the facility what was happening on the inside," Luisi said.
Similarly, there would't be any signs identifying what type of business it is, and the property would be enclosed by an 8-foot-tall fence, trees and shrubbery.
Alderman Nick Budmats was the lone "no" vote, saying he's respecting the wishes of residents voiced objections to marijuana.
If approved by the state, the craft grower would join another marijuana business less than a mile away: Nature's Care, a dispensary at 975 Rohlwing Road. Both are in the industrial/commercial area south of the railroad tracks in Budmats' Ward 2.
Cultivate Change officials say site preparation would include removing an existing storage building, two trailers and concrete blocks scattered throughout the property. They'd also move utilities underground and construct a stormwater system. Final building plans would still be subject to council approval.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Mount Prospect offering grants to struggling restaurants

Mount Prospect is launching a grant program to help restaurants struggling through the coronavirus pandemic .
Once finalized , the Mount Prospect COVID-19 Restaurant Assistance Grant Program is expected to provide thousands of dollars to help eligible establishments .
The program , first brought before the village 's Economic Development Commission last month , initially was intended to help a broader spectrum of businesses .
But with the recent tightening of restrictions on restaurants and bars , the village decided to narrow the focus .
`` The dining and restaurant industry is the only industry to deal with repeat closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prospect Senior Planner Jason Shallcross told the village board Tuesday , when trustees agreed to move forward with the program .
Shallcross said the village is following in the footsteps of other suburbs that are assisting local businesses through the pandemic , including Arlington Heights and Schaumburg .
The grants will come from a $ 250,000 fund generated through the potential reallocation of money from the village facade program , the village 's economic development program and savings from the reorganization of the Community Development Department .
Shallcross said 61 licensed restaurants would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online application will be posted on the village 's website .
Trustees agreed that the program is necessary .
`` This is something that I had hoped that we could do for a long , long time , '' Trustee Michael Zadel said , adding that it `` could be even more generous than what 's being proposed . ''
Trustee Paul Hoefert noted that the grant would support not only restaurant owners , but also their employees .
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli suggested allowing residents to contribute to the fund , while Trustee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer restaurants a sales tax rebate .
`` We 're in a situation where I do n't think $ 4,000 is going to help anybody stay afloat , '' Grossi said .
`` I wish we had a lot more funds available . ''

Mount Prospect offering grants to struggling restaurants
Mount Prospect is launching a grant program to help restaurants struggling through the coronavirus pandemic.
Once finalized, the Mount Prospect COVID-19 Restaurant Assistance Grant Program is expected to provide thousands of dollars to help eligible establishments.
The program, first brought before the village's Economic Development Commission last month, initially was intended to help a broader spectrum of businesses. But with the recent tightening of restrictions on restaurants and bars, the village decided to narrow the focus.
"The dining and restaurant industry is the only industry to deal with repeat closures and repeat executive orders," Mount Prospect Senior Planner Jason Shallcross told the village board Tuesday, when trustees agreed to move forward with the program.
Shallcross said the village is following in the footsteps of other suburbs that are assisting local businesses through the pandemic, including Arlington Heights and Schaumburg.
The grants will come from a $250,000 fund generated through the potential reallocation of money from the village facade program, the village's economic development program and savings from the reorganization of the Community Development Department.
Shallcross said 61 licensed restaurants would be eligible for the program. An online application will be posted on the village's website.
Trustees agreed that the program is necessary.
"This is something that I had hoped that we could do for a long, long time," Trustee Michael Zadel said, adding that it "could be even more generous than what's being proposed."
Trustee Paul Hoefert noted that the grant would support not only restaurant owners, but also their employees.
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli suggested allowing residents to contribute to the fund, while Trustee William Grossi said the village also could offer restaurants a sales tax rebate.
"We're in a situation where I don't think $4,000 is going to help anybody stay afloat," Grossi said. "I wish we had a lot more funds available."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove looking to expand

The owners of the historic Tivoli Theatre are seeking permission from Downers Grove to construct a more intimate theater next door .
`` The biggest thing it does is allows us flexibility , '' said Chris Johnson , a co-CEO of Classic Cinemas , which operates the Tivoli .
`` Instead of holding the same feature for three to four weeks in the big house , we 'll be able to move it to the smaller house and then open a newer movie . ''
The proposed theater is to be located to the west of the main entrance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to 1928 at 5021 Highland Ave .
The new theater will be built in a storefront that has been vacant since 2013 .
Johnson likens the Tivoli 's plans to Chicago 's Music Box Theatre , which built a smaller theater into an adjoining storefront back in the 1990s .
If built , the new theater will only have 32 seats , but Johnson said it will be equipped with heated recliners and state-of-the-art laser projection technology .
Johnson also hopes the new theater will allow the Tivoli the freedom to book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its main stage .
Jason Zawila , Downers Grove planning manager , on Tuesday made a brief presentation about the proposal to the village council .
Classic Cinemas needs to get a special use permit from the village to do the project .
Zawila said the proposal had previously won unanimous approval from the plan commission on Oct. 26 .
He also emphasized that the building 's exterior would n't be significantly altered and would adhere to the village 's downtown design guidelines .
Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett and the commissioners were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compliments to Johnson , who was in attendance at the meeting .
`` Thank you so much for continuing to invest here , '' Commissioner Nicole Walus said .
`` I ca n't imagine our town without the Tivoli . ''
`` It 's a great thing to see the Tivoli positioning for what 's to come , '' said Commissioner Cavanaugh L. Gray , highlighting how many theaters are closed due to the ongoing coronavirus .
Though other arts venues like the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Arcada Theatre in St. Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has forced their closure , Johnson said the Tivoli had planned its expansion long before the lockdown .
`` But it is a good time to do construction if we can make it work , '' said Johnson , declining to specify the project 's estimated cost .
An full village council meeting vote on the special use permit is scheduled for Tuesday , Nov. 17 .

Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove looking to expand
The owners of the historic Tivoli Theatre are seeking permission from Downers Grove to construct a more intimate theater next door.
"The biggest thing it does is allows us flexibility," said Chris Johnson, a co-CEO of Classic Cinemas, which operates the Tivoli. "Instead of holding the same feature for three to four weeks in the big house, we'll be able to move it to the smaller house and then open a newer movie."
The proposed theater is to be located to the west of the main entrance of the Tivoli, a 1,050-seat theater dating back to 1928 at 5021 Highland Ave. The new theater will be built in a storefront that has been vacant since 2013.
Johnson likens the Tivoli's plans to Chicago's Music Box Theatre, which built a smaller theater into an adjoining storefront back in the 1990s.
If built, the new theater will only have 32 seats, but Johnson said it will be equipped with heated recliners and state-of-the-art laser projection technology.
Johnson also hopes the new theater will allow the Tivoli the freedom to book more concerts and other live events on its main stage.
Jason Zawila, Downers Grove planning manager, on Tuesday made a brief presentation about the proposal to the village council. Classic Cinemas needs to get a special use permit from the village to do the project.
Zawila said the proposal had previously won unanimous approval from the plan commission on Oct. 26. He also emphasized that the building's exterior wouldn't be significantly altered and would adhere to the village's downtown design guidelines.
Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett and the commissioners were very receptive, and many paid direct compliments to Johnson, who was in attendance at the meeting.
"Thank you so much for continuing to invest here," Commissioner Nicole Walus said. "I can't imagine our town without the Tivoli."
"It's a great thing to see the Tivoli positioning for what's to come," said Commissioner Cavanaugh L. Gray, highlighting how many theaters are closed due to the ongoing coronavirus.
Though other arts venues like the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Arcada Theatre in St. Charles are doing substantial venue renovations while COVID-19 has forced their closure, Johnson said the Tivoli had planned its expansion long before the lockdown.
"But it is a good time to do construction if we can make it work," said Johnson, declining to specify the project's estimated cost.
An full village council meeting vote on the special use permit is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Feder: Marcus Betts to chair expanded Public Narrative board

Marcus Betts , assistant vice chancellor for external engagement at the University of Illinois at Chicago , has been named @ @ @ @ @ board of directors at Public Narrative .
He 'll lead board members Catherine Rabenstine , @ @ @ @ @ , Katie O'Malley , Paul O'Connor and Katanya Raby in advancing the Chicago-based nonprofit group @ @ @ @ @ literacy services through projects , partnerships and training series under president and executive director Jhmira @ @ @ @ @ evident that our collective efforts are needed , now more than ever , to defend @ @ @ @ @ threatened most , '' Betts said .
Founded in 1989 as Community Media Workshop , @ @ @ @ @ Studs Terkel Community Media Awards .

Feder: Marcus Betts to chair expanded Public Narrative board
Marcus Betts, assistant vice chancellor for external engagement at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has been named chair of a newly expanded board of directors at Public Narrative. He'll lead board members Catherine Rabenstine, Ryan Schermerhorn, Anita Banerji, Katie O'Malley, Paul O'Connor and Katanya Raby in advancing the Chicago-based nonprofit group's mission to provide media literacy services through projects, partnerships and training series under president and executive director Jhmira Alexander. "It is evident that our collective efforts are needed, now more than ever, to defend our democracy at the intersections threatened most," Betts said. Founded in 1989 as Community Media Workshop, the group also presents the Studs Terkel Community Media Awards.
Read more at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-11--$8 million hurdle to old fairgrounds site development eliminated

What had been considered an impediment to the potential development of the former Lake County Fairgrounds site in Grayslake has been dissolved .
The Lake County Board voted without comment Tuesday to terminate an agreement with the village that required millions in fees for road work near the long-vacant site at Route 45 and Route 120 .
Grayslake officials voted last week to end the agreement , originally struck in 2005 and amended in 2014 .
`` At this point , $ 8 million in fees the developer would have to have paid have been removed , '' said Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a concept for a mix of homes and retail uses on the 104-acre property recently was withdrawn .
`` We did have a developer that brought forth a preliminary sketch plan , '' Kryska said .
`` After gathering input from the ( planning and zoning ) commission , they decided not to proceed . ''
Mayor Rhett Taylor said the proposal envisioned single-family homes and townhouses on up to 75 % of the site .
`` We said that wo n't be acceptable at the village board , '' Taylor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to diversify the property tax base .
`` This essentially lifts a large burden from any potential developer .
I would hope that would spur interest . ''
The original pact set $ 20 million to offset the impact of a planned 807,000-square-foot-retail center that never materialized .
The Lake County Fair Association sold the property to a Cleveland-area real estate firm , which still owns it .
The buildings were demolished in 2018 .
County officials said many of the identified road improvements , such as widening Route 45 to Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement moot .
Also , county officials noted , the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to rebuild and widen about a mile of Route 120 from Ashford Lane west of the fairgrounds to Route 45 .
`` Our concerns just are n't the same anymore , '' Shane Schneider , director of the Lake County Division of Transporation said during a recent discussion .
`` We do n't think we need massive transportation improvements here today . ''
Lake County Board member John Wasik of Grayslake worked to get the agreement dissolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parcel developed in an environmentally responsible way that brings income into the village and does n't place a burden on the schools and other public services , '' he said .
Grayslake would have the authority to approve a development , but Lake County would have jurisdiction involving access to Center Street on the north side of the site .

$8 million hurdle to old fairgrounds site development eliminated
What had been considered an impediment to the potential development of the former Lake County Fairgrounds site in Grayslake has been dissolved.
The Lake County Board voted without comment Tuesday to terminate an agreement with the village that required millions in fees for road work near the long-vacant site at Route 45 and Route 120.
Grayslake officials voted last week to end the agreement, originally struck in 2005 and amended in 2014.
"At this point, $8 million in fees the developer would have to have paid have been removed," said Brett Kryska, assistant village manager.
Nonetheless, a concept for a mix of homes and retail uses on the 104-acre property recently was withdrawn.
"We did have a developer that brought forth a preliminary sketch plan," Kryska said. "After gathering input from the (planning and zoning) commission, they decided not to proceed."
Mayor Rhett Taylor said the proposal envisioned single-family homes and townhouses on up to 75% of the site.
"We said that won't be acceptable at the village board," Taylor said. "Our primary need in Grayslake is to diversify the property tax base.
"This essentially lifts a large burden from any potential developer. I would hope that would spur interest."
The original pact set $20 million to offset the impact of a planned 807,000-square-foot-retail center that never materialized.
The Lake County Fair Association sold the property to a Cleveland-area real estate firm, which still owns it. The buildings were demolished in 2018.
County officials said many of the identified road improvements, such as widening Route 45 to Route 120, have been completed, making the agreement moot. Also, county officials noted, the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to rebuild and widen about a mile of Route 120 from Ashford Lane west of the fairgrounds to Route 45.
"Our concerns just aren't the same anymore," Shane Schneider, director of the Lake County Division of Transporation said during a recent discussion. "We don't think we need massive transportation improvements here today."
Lake County Board member John Wasik of Grayslake worked to get the agreement dissolved.
"I look forward to seeing the parcel developed in an environmentally responsible way that brings income into the village and doesn't place a burden on the schools and other public services," he said.
Grayslake would have the authority to approve a development, but Lake County would have jurisdiction involving access to Center Street on the north side of the site.


US-Pres-Sum,100

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 72,308,420 - 47 percent
Has won 24 states with 217 ev.
Leads in 1 state with 15 ev.
Others 2,583,813 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Pritzker warns another statewide lockdown on the horizon

As the state 's COVID-19 infection rate climbs and hospitalizations from the virus continue their exponential growth , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker warned another statewide `` mandatory stay-at-home order '' becomes more probable .
`` The numbers do n't lie , '' Pritzker said Thursday .
`` If things do n't take a turn in the coming days , we will quickly reach the point when some form of a mandatory stay-at-home order is all that will be left .
`` With every fiber of my being I do n't want us to get there , but right now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The governor made the dire prediction hours after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a stay-at-home advisory for city residents that will go into effect Monday .
The mayor said if Chicagoans abided by the advisory , it would save an estimated 1,000 lives .
She is urging residents not to leave the house for anything nonessential until the advisory is lifted .
Pritzker praised Lightfoot 's initiative and urged more local officials around the state to follow her example .
`` While you are home , give your county board chair or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pritzker said .
`` Ask them what they are doing to enforce the doctor-recommended mitigations .
Ask them what they are doing to keep you and your loved ones safe . ''
Pritzker blasted municipal officials who have refused to enforce mitigation mandates .
He said not doing so is prolonging business interruptions and keeping infection rates high .
`` More people will get sick , more people will struggle to breathe and more people will die because you failed to do your job , '' he said .
`` When this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your constituents of who worked to keep the public safe and who just ignored the science . ''
The governor 's warning came as the state recorded 43 more COVID-19 deaths Thursday , while another 12,702 infections were diagnosed .
That brings the state 's death toll from the respiratory disease to 10,477 , with 536,542 residents who have tested positive , according to Illinois Department of Public Health records .
The state 's seven-day average infection rate of 12.6 % was a slight increase from the previous day 's .
Hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being treated for the virus .
`` That 's an all-time high , '' said Dr. Ngozi Ezike , IDPH 's director .
`` I am telling you , that number is only going to increase based on the number of cases we have identified for the past several weeks . ''
Of those hospitalized , 956 COVID-19 patients are being treated in intensive care units .
COVID-19 patients take up 25.4 % of all ICU beds in the state .
Despite the mitigation restrictions placed in every region of the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 regions saw average test positivity rates grow again .
No region has seen a decrease in those rates since at least Oct. 31 , according to IDPH records .

Pritzker warns another statewide lockdown on the horizon
As COVID-19 test lines grow at sites operated by the state and counties, many Illinois residents are turning to private labs to get tested quicker. Associated Press file photo/Oct. 21
As the state's COVID-19 infection rate climbs and hospitalizations from the virus continue their exponential growth, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned another statewide "mandatory stay-at-home order" becomes more probable.
"The numbers don't lie," Pritzker said Thursday. "If things don't take a turn in the coming days, we will quickly reach the point when some form of a mandatory stay-at-home order is all that will be left.
"With every fiber of my being I don't want us to get there, but right now that seems like where we are heading."
The governor made the dire prediction hours after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a stay-at-home advisory for city residents that will go into effect Monday. The mayor said if Chicagoans abided by the advisory, it would save an estimated 1,000 lives.
She is urging residents not to leave the house for anything nonessential until the advisory is lifted.
Pritzker praised Lightfoot's initiative and urged more local officials around the state to follow her example.
"While you are home, give your county board chair or your local mayor a call," Pritzker said. "Ask them what they are doing to enforce the doctor-recommended mitigations. Ask them what they are doing to keep you and your loved ones safe."
Pritzker blasted municipal officials who have refused to enforce mitigation mandates. He said not doing so is prolonging business interruptions and keeping infection rates high.
"More people will get sick, more people will struggle to breathe and more people will die because you failed to do your job," he said. "When this is over, there will be an accounting by your constituents of who worked to keep the public safe and who just ignored the science."
The governor's warning came as the state recorded 43 more COVID-19 deaths Thursday, while another 12,702 infections were diagnosed.
That brings the state's death toll from the respiratory disease to 10,477, with 536,542 residents who have tested positive, according to Illinois Department of Public Health records.
The state's seven-day average infection rate of 12.6% was a slight increase from the previous day's.
Hospitals across the state are reporting 5,258 people are being treated for the virus.
"That's an all-time high," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH's director. "I am telling you, that number is only going to increase based on the number of cases we have identified for the past several weeks."
Of those hospitalized, 956 COVID-19 patients are being treated in intensive care units. COVID-19 patients take up 25.4% of all ICU beds in the state.
Despite the mitigation restrictions placed in every region of the state currently, each of the state's 11 regions saw average test positivity rates grow again. No region has seen a decrease in those rates since at least Oct. 31, according to IDPH records.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--AP projects Underwood to win 14th District, but Oberweis vows to fight on

The Associated Press has projected incumbent U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood to be the winner over Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis in her tightly contested race for reelection to her 14th District seat .
The projection came just after 2 p.m. Thursday , with Underwood , a Democrat from Naperville , leading the contest 200,037 votes to 195,749 for Oberweis , a dairy magnate from Sugar Grove .
More votes were added to Lake County 's total later in the day , giving Underwood a 200,638 to 196,034 lead and 50.58 % of the total .
`` I am honored to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14th District in Congress , '' Underwood said in a statement released by her campaign .
`` This was a tough race under some very difficult circumstances , and I want to say thank you to my supporters , the voters , and our elections officials for their diligent work .
`` We face urgent challenges as a community and a country , '' she added .
`` I remain focused on getting results : protecting our families , ensuring a robust economic recovery , and lowering the cost of health care .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I pledge to represent every member of this community . ''
But the Oberweis campaign issued a statement saying the AP 's projection changes nothing in the race .
`` Illinois election law has provisions to allow parties in a closely contested race to seek a recount to ensure that all legal votes are counted and to ensure that the final outcome is the right outcome , '' campaign spokesman Travis Akin said .
`` There are still votes that have yet to be counted .
The totals at this point are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be certified .
We are committed to exploring all of the legal options at our disposal and will pursue these options that are afforded our campaign under law . ''
Oberweis led the race after Election Day counting and even declared victory in a video posted on social media a day after the election .
But as the tallying of vote-by-mail ballots proceeded , Underwood narrowed the gap and took the lead Saturday night .
She 's remained in front ever since , her lead growing with each update .
While there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counted , the AP believed the 4,228-vote edge for Underwood at the time of its declaration was insurmountable for Oberweis .
Ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive at election offices by Nov. 17 still will be counted , as will provisional ballots .
It 's also likely Oberweis will pursue a recount once all the ballots are processed .
Under state law , a candidate within 5 % of the winner can request what 's called a discovery recount , in which up to 25 % of a district 's precincts can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10 per precinct to the challenger .
The candidate can then take information learned from the recount before a judge to challenge the election results .
Despite the projected outcome , Oberweis has fared better in the race than many anticipated .
`` My read on the Oberweis race , and to a lesser extent ( 6th District U.S. Rep. Sean ) Casten 's , is that I overestimated the impact of the demographic/cultural change on the 6th and the 14th based in the 2018 results , '' said Kent Redfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Illinois at Springfield .
`` There is still a lot of Republican strength in those districts .
I also did not take into account that the impact of a presidential election and the president 's strength in his base had on turnout .
Both of those factors made Oberweis and ( Casten 's Republican challenger Jeanne ) Ives stronger candidates than I anticipated .
`` In retrospect , I am sure the national Republicans wish they had spent some of that money they used to bury ( Democrat Betsy ) Londrigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 14th instead , '' he said .
Underwood first won her seat in 2018 by beating Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren as part of the blue wave that swept Democrats into a House majority .

AP projects Underwood to win 14th District, but Oberweis vows to fight on
The Associated Press has projected incumbent U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood to be the winner over Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis in her tightly contested race for reelection to her 14th District seat.
The projection came just after 2 p.m. Thursday, with Underwood, a Democrat from Naperville, leading the contest 200,037 votes to 195,749 for Oberweis, a dairy magnate from Sugar Grove.
More votes were added to Lake County's total later in the day, giving Underwood a 200,638 to 196,034 lead and 50.58% of the total.
"I am honored to be reelected to represent Illinois' beautiful 14th District in Congress," Underwood said in a statement released by her campaign. "This was a tough race under some very difficult circumstances, and I want to say thank you to my supporters, the voters, and our elections officials for their diligent work.
"We face urgent challenges as a community and a country," she added. "I remain focused on getting results: protecting our families, ensuring a robust economic recovery, and lowering the cost of health care. Whether you voted for me or not, I pledge to represent every member of this community."
But the Oberweis campaign issued a statement saying the AP's projection changes nothing in the race.
"Illinois election law has provisions to allow parties in a closely contested race to seek a recount to ensure that all legal votes are counted and to ensure that the final outcome is the right outcome," campaign spokesman Travis Akin said. "There are still votes that have yet to be counted. The totals at this point are unofficial totals as the race has yet to be certified. We are committed to exploring all of the legal options at our disposal and will pursue these options that are afforded our campaign under law."
Oberweis led the race after Election Day counting and even declared victory in a video posted on social media a day after the election.
But as the tallying of vote-by-mail ballots proceeded, Underwood narrowed the gap and took the lead Saturday night. She's remained in front ever since, her lead growing with each update.
While there likely are some ballots left to be counted, the AP believed the 4,228-vote edge for Underwood at the time of its declaration was insurmountable for Oberweis.
Ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive at election offices by Nov. 17 still will be counted, as will provisional ballots.
It's also likely Oberweis will pursue a recount once all the ballots are processed. Under state law, a candidate within 5% of the winner can request what's called a discovery recount, in which up to 25% of a district's precincts can be reviewed, at a cost of $10 per precinct to the challenger. The candidate can then take information learned from the recount before a judge to challenge the election results.
Despite the projected outcome, Oberweis has fared better in the race than many anticipated.
"My read on the Oberweis race, and to a lesser extent (6th District U.S. Rep. Sean) Casten's, is that I overestimated the impact of the demographic/cultural change on the 6th and the 14th based in the 2018 results," said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield. "There is still a lot of Republican strength in those districts. I also did not take into account that the impact of a presidential election and the president's strength in his base had on turnout. Both of those factors made Oberweis and (Casten's Republican challenger Jeanne) Ives stronger candidates than I anticipated.
"In retrospect, I am sure the national Republicans wish they had spent some of that money they used to bury (Democrat Betsy) Londrigan in the 13th District in the 6th and 14th instead," he said.
Underwood first won her seat in 2018 by beating Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren as part of the blue wave that swept Democrats into a House majority.
• Daily Herald staff writer Russell Lissau contributed to this story


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Abreu wins American League MVP

Abreu wins American League MVP

While the White Sox moved into the playoffs with a lineup built around young talent , 33-year-old Jose Abreu stood above everyone and was named American League MVP on Thursday .
Abreu beat out Cleveland 's Jose Ramirez and Yankees infielder D.J .
LeMahieu .
Abreu received 21 first-place votes and Ramirez had 8 .
Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber finished fourth and Angels slugger Mike Trout was fifth .
Former MVP Josh Donaldson made the announcement on MLB Network .
Abreu is the fourth White Sox player to win MVP , joining Frank Thomas ( 1993 and '94 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox ( '59 ) .
He 's the third Cuban-born player to win MVP , joining Oakland 's Jose Canseco ( 1988 ) and Minnesota 's Zoilo Versalles ( 1965 ) .
Abreu hit .317 this season with 19 home runs and 60 RBI .
He led the American League in RBI , hits ( 76 ) , total bases ( 148 ) and slugging percentage ( .
617 ) .
He piled up 100 RBI in five of his first six seasons on the South Side , also leading the AL in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlight was hitting 6 home runs during a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Aug. 21-23 .
He had a 7 RBI game against Detroit on Sept. 12

'A very special moment for me:' Sox's Abreu wins American League MVP
White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was named American League MVP on Thursday. He's the fourth White Sox player to win the award. Associated Press
While the White Sox moved into the playoffs with a lineup built around young talent, 33-year-old Jose Abreu stood above everyone and was named American League MVP on Thursday.
Abreu beat out Cleveland's Jose Ramirez and Yankees infielder D.J. LeMahieu. Abreu received 21 first-place votes and Ramirez had eight. Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber finished fourth and Angels slugger Mike Trout was fifth. Former MVP Josh Donaldson made the announcement on MLB Network. Atlanta's Freddie Freeman was NL MVP.
White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson finished seventh, while pitcher Dallas Keuchel received one 10th-place vote.
Abreu is the fourth White Sox player to win MVP, joining Frank Thomas (1993 and '94), Dick Allen ('72) and Nellie Fox ('59).
He's the third Cuban-born player to win MVP, joining Oakland's Jose Canseco (1988) and Minnesota's Zoilo Versalles (1965).
When Abreu heard his name via Zoom call, he put his head on the table while several friends and family celebrated in the background.
"I was super excited to share that moment with my family, with the people that I love," Abreu said later on a conference call with reporters, with the help of translator Billy Russo. "And I'm grateful to be honored with this award. I think you have to enjoy what life gives you and that was a very special moment for me. To be able to share that moment with my family was very, very special and emotional for me."
When the MLB Network hosts asked who was in the room with him, Abreu turned and pointed to a picture of his grandmother. "She was my life," he said through tears.
Abreu also thanked the White Sox and all the Cuban players who came before him and paved the way.
Abreu defected from Cuba in 2013, riding in a crowded boat on a 12-hour journey to Haiti. A few weeks later, he took part in a showcase for major league teams in the Dominican Republic. The White Sox won the bidding with a six-year, $68-million offer.
"My mom always taught me to have respect for everybody and keep things simple," Abreu said. "For me, this year was about that -- take control of the things I could control and do the things I know that I can do."
Abreu hit .317 this season with 19 home runs and 60 RBI. He led the American League in RBI, hits (76), total bases (148) and slugging percentage (. 617).
His season highlight was hitting 6 home runs during a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Aug. 21-23. He also had a 7 RBI game against Detroit on Sept. 12.
Abreu was asked about the White Sox decision to fire manager Ricky Renteria in favor of longtime MLB manager Tony LaRussa.
"I cannot question if Tony is the right person for this team or not. That is not my call," Abreu said. "I can't say one thing or another just because people want me to say something. What I can say is Ricky was a great manager, he was a great person, he helped me a lot. I was honored to be part of a team he managed.
"At the same time, I'm really excited to have the chance to play for a manager like Tony LaRussa. I think we have to wait and see how this goes. I can't really say much about it, but I'm excited to have a manager with a history like Tony has."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Arlington Heights man dies after car struck by Metra train

An Arlington Heights man is dead after a Metra train struck his vehicle Thursday afternoon west of downtown Arlington Heights , officials said .
The inbound train struck the Mercedes sedan just after 2 p.m. where the tracks intersect with Euclid Avenue , according to Metra spokeswoman Katie Dahlstrom .
The train pushed the vehicle until stopping near the intersection with Ridge Avenue , she said .
The Cook County medical examiner 's office on Thursday evening identified the driver as Leonard Jennings Hauskey , 86 .
No one else was in the car , Dahlstrom said .
Metra police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Arlington Heights police , who managed traffic control near the scene .
Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows firefighters also were dispatched to the crash with entrapment .
At least 40 passengers were onboard Train No .
6444 , headed to downtown Chicago on the Union Pacific Northwest Line .
Among them were sisters Maddison and MacKenzie Miller of Denver , Colorado , who were sitting in one of the middle train cars when the conductor sounded the horn and hit the brakes , causing passengers to lunge forward .
`` When he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt that impact , I knew something was n't right , '' Maddison said .
The train was scheduled to stop at the Arlington Heights station at 2:09 p.m. and arrive at the Ogilvie Transportation Center at 3 p.m .
The train was stopped during the crash investigation , but by 4 p.m. , inbound and outbound trains were cleared to proceed through the area at restricted speeds , officials said .
Those trains operated with extensive delays throughout the afternoon .
Northwest Highway was closed between Euclid and Chestnut avenues during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Lewnard and Mark Welsh contributed to this report .

Arlington Heights man dies after car struck by Metra train
An Arlington Heights man is dead after a Metra train struck his vehicle Thursday afternoon west of downtown Arlington Heights, officials said.
The inbound train struck the Mercedes sedan just after 2 p.m. where the tracks intersect with Euclid Avenue, according to Metra spokeswoman Katie Dahlstrom. The train pushed the vehicle until stopping near the intersection with Ridge Avenue, she said.
The Cook County medical examiner's office on Thursday evening identified the driver as Leonard Jennings Hauskey, 86.
No one else was in the car, Dahlstrom said.
Metra police were leading the investigation, with support from Arlington Heights police, who managed traffic control near the scene. Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows firefighters also were dispatched to the crash with entrapment.
At least 40 passengers were onboard Train No. 6444, headed to downtown Chicago on the Union Pacific Northwest Line. Among them were sisters
Maddison and MacKenzie Miller of Denver, Colorado, who were sitting in one of the middle train cars when the conductor sounded the horn and hit the brakes, causing passengers to lunge forward.
"When he was blowing the horn and then we felt that impact, I knew something wasn't right," Maddison said.
The train was scheduled to stop at the Arlington Heights station at 2:09 p.m. and arrive at the Ogilvie Transportation Center at 3 p.m. The train was stopped during the crash investigation, but by 4 p.m., inbound and outbound trains were cleared to proceed through the area at restricted speeds, officials said. Those trains operated with extensive delays throughout the afternoon.
Northwest Highway was closed between Euclid and Chestnut avenues during the investigation.
• Daily Herald staff photographers Joe Lewnard and Mark Welsh contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--District 15 going virtual after Thanksgiving, plans to give staff at-home tests

Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 will have all-virtual learning the week after Thanksgiving to prevent a spike of COVID-19 , while officials continue to work on a plan to provide at-home saliva tests to school staff .
The district also is requesting that students who travel to COVID-19 hot spots quarantine for two weeks after they return , officials said at the school board meeting Wednesday night .
Given the resurgence of COVID-19 across the area , `` I think grandma and grandpa are more important than education right now , '' board member Michael Smolka said .
District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among students and staff since it reopened for in-person learning Sept. 21 , including 17 instances of potential in-school transmission , district spokeswoman Morgan Delack said .
Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School in Palatine is closed until Monday due to an outbreak , and Kimball Hill Elementary School in Rolling Meadows went on a two-week pause last month because of COVID-19 cases .
Overall , the average positivity rate within the district 's boundaries was 12.7 % , based on public health data by ZIP code .
The district is doing all it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , including extensive contract tracing , and is asking families and students to take precautions to curb the spread of the disease , Delack said .
`` We are seeing through our contact tracing that many of our families are not being responsible , '' she added , noting reports of sleepovers and large gatherings and that students attended parties when they should have been in quarantine .
Board President Lisa Szczupaj and board member Wenda Hunt said they , too , heard similar reports and saw photos of large student parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scale is going to tip and we are not going to be able to keep our doors open .
That 's my fear , '' Superintendent Laurie Heinz said .
`` So we 're putting out a strong plea . ''
Meanwhile , the district is working with California-based Ambry Genetics to provide tests for all its 2,000 staff members , Delack said .
Staff members would take a test only if they are symptomatic , and it would be overnighted to a lab with results expected within 24 hours .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our staff in schools , '' Delack said .
The district 's legal team is finalizing details with the hope of distributing the tests by next week , she added .
The tests would be free to the district , but it would pay a $ 10 service fee per test that 's sent to the lab .
`` Generally speaking , COVID-19 tests are covered in full by insurance if a person has symptoms , '' Delack said .
The district estimates 50 to 100 tests will be used per week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if COVID-19 continues for the rest of the school year , she said .
The money will come from federal CARES Act funding , she said .
Staff members who take a test will be provided another test to determine they are symptomatic again in the future , she added .

District 15 going virtual after Thanksgiving, plans to give staff at-home tests
Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 will hold classes virtually the week after Thanksgiving and is requesting that students who travel to COVID-19 hot spots quarantine for two weeks after their return, officials said during the school board meeting Wednesday night. Courtesy of Palatine Township Elementary School District 15
Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 will have all-virtual learning the week after Thanksgiving to prevent a spike of COVID-19, while officials continue to work on a plan to provide at-home saliva tests to school staff members.
The district also is requesting that students who travel to COVID-19 hot spots quarantine for two weeks after they return, officials said at the school board meeting Wednesday night.
Given the resurgence of COVID-19 across the area, "I think Grandma and Grandpa are more important than education right now," board member Michael Smolka said.
District 15 has had 111 cases of COVID-19 among students and staff since it reopened for in-person learning Sept. 21, including 17 instances of potential in-school transmission, district spokeswoman Morgan Delack said.
Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School in Palatine is closed until Monday due to an outbreak, and Kimball Hill Elementary School in Rolling Meadows went on a two-week pause last month because of COVID-19 cases.
Overall, the average positivity rate within the district's boundaries was 12.7%, based on public health data by ZIP code.
The district is doing all it can to keep students and staff members safe, including extensive contract tracing, and is asking families and students to take precautions to curb the spread of the disease, Delack said.
"We are seeing through our contact tracing that many of our families are not being responsible," she added, noting reports of sleepovers and large gatherings and that students attended parties when they should have been in quarantine.
Board President Lisa Szczupaj and board member Wenda Hunt said they, too, heard similar reports and saw photos of large student parties for Halloween.
"At some point the scale is going to tip and we are not going to be able to keep our doors open. That's my fear," Superintendent Laurie Heinz said. "So we're putting out a strong plea."
Meanwhile, the district is working with California-based Ambry Genetics to provide tests for all its 2,000 staff members, Delack said. Staff members would take a test only if they are symptomatic, and it would be overnighted to a lab with results expected within 24 hours.
"We are doing our best to keep our staff in schools," Delack said. The district's legal team is finalizing details with the hope of distributing the tests by next week, she added.
The tests would be free to the district, but it would pay a $10 service fee per test that's sent to the lab.
"Generally speaking, COVID-19 tests are covered in full by insurance if a person has symptoms," Delack said.
The district estimates 50 to 100 tests will be used per week, an expense of up to $20,000 if COVID-19 continues for the rest of the school year, she said. The money will come from federal CARES Act funding, she said.
Staff members who take a test will be provided another test to determine they are symptomatic again in the future, she added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Naperville District 203 to finish the semester in enhanced e-learning stage

Naperville Unit District 203 will remain in an enhanced e-learning stage for the rest of the semester , as COVID-19 positivity rates and youth cases continue to rise exponentially in DuPage County .
The earliest the district could move into a hybrid learning model is Jan. 25 , after winter break , Superintendent Dan Bridges said in a letter to families .
But that transition wo n't be possible unless the level of community transmission declines from `` substantial '' to `` moderate , '' or the district receives updated guidance from the DuPage County Health Department , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we might be returning more students to in-person instruction , unfortunately as we all see daily , the current state of the pandemic surging in our community and across the nation does not make it safe to do so , '' Bridges wrote .
Early childhood and elementary students were set to begin a hybrid schedule in phases last month .
But the day before schools started welcoming back their youngest learners , Bridges announced the district would be taking an `` adaptive pause '' in its Return to Learn plan due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the health department , DuPage recorded a weekly infection rate of 312 new cases per 100,000 people -- up from 152 two weeks ago -- and a 56 % increase in youth cases from a week prior .
The number of positive cases reported among District 203 community members also has been rising .
Metrics posted on the district 's website show 22 students and 15 employees tested positive for the virus as of Nov. 2 , compared to 12 students and eight staff members a week earlier .
Limiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time is a necessary mitigation strategy to curb the spread , Bridges said .
In the enhanced e-learning stage , students follow a set schedule while primarily participating in their classes online , he said .
Some will continue being invited into the schools for in-person instruction , including full-day preschoolers , students in specialized classrooms at all grade levels , students in the Connections program , and those who have been identified as needing extra support .
`` We hope that the decision to stay in enhanced e-learning trough winter break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us who want to return to in-person learning , at least offers a certainty that you can plan around during this tumultuous time , '' Bridges wrote .
District 203 also has decided to delay its basketball season until later in the school year , the letter says , duplicating an announcement made Tuesday by Indian Prairie Unit District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley .
State agencies have offered conflicting guidance on whether basketball should be held as a winter sport , both school leaders said .
After discussing the issue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the DuPage Valley Conference , they said , `` all are in agreement that due to liability concerns , we will postpone basketball at this time . ''

Naperville District 203 to finish the semester in enhanced e-learning stage
Naperville Unit District 203 will finish the semester in an enhanced e-learning phase amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in the area, Superintendent Dan Bridges announced. Daily Herald file photo
Naperville Unit District 203 will remain in an enhanced e-learning stage for the rest of the semester, as COVID-19 positivity rates and youth cases continue to rise exponentially in DuPage County.
The earliest the district could move into a hybrid learning model is Jan. 25, after winter break, Superintendent Dan Bridges said in a letter to families. But that transition won't be possible unless the level of community transmission declines from "substantial" to "moderate," or the district receives updated guidance from the DuPage County Health Department, he said.
"While I was hopeful that we might be returning more students to in-person instruction, unfortunately as we all see daily, the current state of the pandemic surging in our community and across the nation does not make it safe to do so," Bridges wrote.
Early childhood and elementary students were set to begin a hybrid schedule in phases last month. But the day before schools started welcoming back their youngest learners, Bridges announced the district would be taking an "adaptive pause" in its Return to Learn plan due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases.
According to the health department, DuPage recorded a weekly infection rate of 312 new cases per 100,000 people -- up from 152 two weeks ago -- and a 56% increase in youth cases from a week prior.
The number of positive cases reported among District 203 community members also has been rising. Metrics posted on the district's website show 22 students and 15 employees tested positive for the virus as of Nov. 2, compared to 12 students and eight staff members a week earlier.
Limiting the number of students in the buildings at a time is a necessary mitigation strategy to curb the spread, Bridges said.
In the enhanced e-learning stage, students follow a set schedule while primarily participating in their classes online, he said. Some will continue being invited into the schools for in-person instruction, including full-day preschoolers, students in specialized classrooms at all grade levels, students in the Connections program, and those who have been identified as needing extra support.
"We hope that the decision to stay in enhanced e-learning trough winter break, though not the best news for all of us who want to return to in-person learning, at least offers a certainty that you can plan around during this tumultuous time," Bridges wrote.
District 203 also has decided to delay its basketball season until later in the school year, the letter says, duplicating an announcement made Tuesday by Indian Prairie Unit District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley.
State agencies have offered conflicting guidance on whether basketball should be held as a winter sport, both school leaders said. After discussing the issue with attorneys, insurance companies and other superintendents in the DuPage Valley Conference, they said, "all are in agreement that due to liability concerns, we will postpone basketball at this time."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Pioneering McHenry County Board member dies at 63

McHenry County Board member Charles `` Chuck '' Wheeler , the first Black man to serve on the board , died overnight Wednesday to Thursday at the age of 63 .
Wheeler 's wife , Susan , and stepdaughter , Ashley Muller , confirmed his death in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon , adding that he `` will be missed dearly . ''
Susan Wheeler said that the family learned of his death Thursday morning but declined to comment further .
As a county board member , vice chairman of the McHenry County GOP and 14th Congressional District Trump delegate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong conservative values and always stood up for what he believed in , County Clerk Joe Tirio said in an interview Thursday afternoon .
Wheeler was a colleague and a `` good friend '' whose death `` came out of left field , '' Tirio said .
`` He was not afraid to fight for what he believed was right and was always a strong voice for the people , '' Tirio said .
`` It is sad to see him go , very sad .
...
He was n't your typical politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his community . ''
Wheeler was a McHenry County Chamber of Commerce member and the owner of a health insurance agency , according to a biography published by the McHenry County Republican Party .
Before moving to McHenry and running for the McHenry County Board , Wheeler served as a village trustee in Glendale Heights for eight years .
He has been a Republican precinct committeeman in McHenry and Bloomingdale townships .
Voters elected Wheeler to the county board in November 2013 .
Fellow board member Jeffrey Thorsen said he learned of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few texts he had sent to Wheeler 's cellphone Thursday morning .
`` He was a great man , he was a stellar member of our board and I am just beside myself , '' Thorsen said .
`` ( Wheeler ) was a rock , he was somebody you could depend on . ''

Pioneering McHenry County Board member dies at 63
McHenry County Board member Charles "Chuck" Wheeler, the first Black man to serve on the board, died overnight Wednesday to Thursday at the age of 63.
Wheeler's wife, Susan, and stepdaughter, Ashley Muller, confirmed his death in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon, adding that he "will be missed dearly."
Susan Wheeler said that the family learned of his death Thursday morning but declined to comment further.
As a county board member, vice chairman of the McHenry County GOP and 14th Congressional District Trump delegate candidate, Wheeler was someone who held strong conservative values and always stood up for what he believed in, County Clerk Joe Tirio said in an interview Thursday afternoon.
Wheeler was a colleague and a "good friend" whose death "came out of left field," Tirio said.
"He was not afraid to fight for what he believed was right and was always a strong voice for the people," Tirio said. "It is sad to see him go, very sad. ... He wasn't your typical politician, he really enjoyed serving people in his community."
Wheeler was a McHenry County Chamber of Commerce member and the owner of a health insurance agency, according to a biography published by the McHenry County Republican Party.
Before moving to McHenry and running for the McHenry County Board, Wheeler served as a village trustee in Glendale Heights for eight years. He has been a Republican precinct committeeman in McHenry and Bloomingdale townships.
Voters elected Wheeler to the county board in November 2013.
Fellow board member Jeffrey Thorsen said he learned of the news when Wheeler's wife responded to a few texts he had sent to Wheeler's cellphone Thursday morning.
"He was a great man, he was a stellar member of our board and I am just beside myself," Thorsen said. "(Wheeler) was a rock, he was somebody you could depend on."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Algonquin murder suspect to remain in Colorado for now

The woman suspected in the murder of an Algonquin couple will remain in Colorado for now to allow her attorneys more time to consult with their client .
Arin M. Fox , 40 , made her first court appearance Thursday in Douglas County , Colorado .
She faces four counts of first-degree murder , two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle , and additional charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery in connection with the slaying of Leonard J. Gilard , 73 , and Noreen S. Gilard , 69 , whose bodies were found Sunday evening during a well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled to Colorado in the couple 's vehicle and was captured there in the early morning hours on Monday .
On Thursday , she appeared in front of Judge Theresa Slade of Colorado 's 18th Judicial District via Webex video from the Douglas County sheriff 's office detention facility , south of Denver , where she 's been held since being apprehended .
Daniel Cunny , Fox 's public defender , asked Slade for more time to consult with Fox regarding matters including extradition back to Illinois .
Slade agreed and set the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markham , deputy chief of the Algonquin Police Department , said officers sent to Colorado to escort Fox back to McHenry County returned Wednesday night to Illinois .
The McHenry County coroner 's office scheduled autopsies Tuesday afternoon for the Gilards but the coroner 's office said Thursday that no results were ready to be released .

Algonquin murder suspect to remain in Colorado for now
The woman suspected in the murder of an Algonquin couple will remain in Colorado for now to allow her attorneys more time to consult with their client.
Arin M. Fox, 40, made her first court appearance Thursday in Douglas County, Colorado. She faces four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, and additional charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery in connection with the slaying of Leonard J. Gilard, 73, and Noreen S. Gilard, 69, whose bodies were found Sunday evening during a well-being check by officers in Algonquin.
Fox fled to Colorado in the couple's vehicle and was captured there in the early morning hours on Monday. On Thursday, she appeared in front of Judge Theresa Slade of Colorado's 18th Judicial District via Webex video from the Douglas County sheriff's office detention facility, south of Denver, where she's been held since being apprehended.
Daniel Cunny, Fox's public defender, asked Slade for more time to consult with Fox regarding matters including extradition back to Illinois. Slade agreed and set the next hearing for Nov. 23.
Ryan Markham, deputy chief of the Algonquin Police Department, said officers sent to Colorado to escort Fox back to McHenry County returned Wednesday night to Illinois.
The McHenry County coroner's office scheduled autopsies Tuesday afternoon for the Gilards but the coroner's office said Thursday that no results were ready to be released.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Bloomingdale won't give tax money to Stratford Square owners until improvements are made

Bloomingdale is refusing to give the owner of Stratford Square Mall money from a 1 % sales tax on all purchases at the shopping center .
Village officials say Namdar Realty Group wo n't receive monthly payments from the business district where the sales tax is collected until tangible improvements are made to the struggling mall .
`` In order for this public-private partnership to work , we need to know what the plans are , '' Mayor Franco Coladipietro said .
`` I have no assurance of when this is going to happen or what is going to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping centers throughout Illinois were affected by COVID-19 restrictions .
There have been a growing number of stores closing inside the mall at the southeast corner of Gary Avenue and Schick Road .
Stratford 's previous owner -- StreetMac LLC -- was planning to spend more than $ 42 million to improve the mall .
The company was hoping to attract new retail , entertainment and restaurants to fill the empty spaces .
To recoup some of its investment , StreetMac was receiving payments from the Stratford Business District , which is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax is collected .
But in October 2019 , the mall was acquired by Namdar Realty -- a commercial real estate investment firm based in Long Island , New York .
Namdar Realty has asked the village to transfer the monthly payments to its company .
But Bloomingdale officials say they wo n't approve the transfer until the village receives a plan from Namdar .
To date , the total amount is roughly $ 386,000 .
`` This is taxpayer money , and it should not be given to them without a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite challenges caused by COVID-19 , Bloomingdale officials are n't completely convinced the pandemic has made Namdar 's decision making regarding the process more difficult .
`` We understand that the pandemic is an issue that is affecting real estate , but the pandemic does n't prevent you from providing a road of where this is going into the future , '' Coladipietro said .
`` We believe that they have the village 's best interests at heart but this is a results business . ''

Bloomingdale won't give tax money to Stratford Square owners until improvements are made
Bloomingdale officials say they want to know how the owner of Stratford Square Mall plans to turn around the struggling shopping center. Daily Herald file photo
Bloomingdale is refusing to give the owner of Stratford Square Mall money from a 1% sales tax on all purchases at the shopping center.
Village officials say Namdar Realty Group won't receive monthly payments from the business district where the sales tax is collected until tangible improvements are made to the struggling mall.
"In order for this public-private partnership to work, we need to know what the plans are," Mayor Franco Coladipietro said. "I have no assurance of when this is going to happen or what is going to happen."
Stratford was ailing long before shopping centers throughout Illinois were affected by COVID-19 restrictions. There have been a growing number of stores closing inside the mall at the southeast corner of Gary Avenue and Schick Road.
Stratford's previous owner -- StreetMac LLC -- was planning to spend more than $42 million to improve the mall. The company was hoping to attract new retail, entertainment and restaurants to fill the empty spaces.
To recoup some of its investment, StreetMac was receiving payments from the Stratford Business District, which is the area where the extra 1% sales tax is collected.
But in October 2019, the mall was acquired by Namdar Realty -- a commercial real estate investment firm based in Long Island, New York.
Namdar Realty has asked the village to transfer the monthly payments to its company. But Bloomingdale officials say they won't approve the transfer until the village receives a plan from Namdar. To date, the total amount is roughly $386,000.
"This is taxpayer money, and it should not be given to them without a plan," Village Administrator Peter Scalera said.
Despite challenges caused by COVID-19, Bloomingdale officials aren't completely convinced the pandemic has made Namdar's decision making regarding the process more difficult.
"We understand that the pandemic is an issue that is affecting real estate, but the pandemic doesn't prevent you from providing a road of where this is going into the future," Coladipietro said. "We believe that they have the village's best interests at heart but this is a results business."
A representative for Namdar declined to comment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-12--Duckworth's memoir coming out March 30

Duckworth's memoir coming out March 30

Sen. Tammy Duckworth has written a memoir , `` Every Day Is a Gift , '' which comes out March 30 .
Twelve , a Hachette Book Group imprint , announced the deal with Duckworth , a Hoffman Estates Democrat , on Thursday , the 16th anniversary of the day she was shot down in a helicopter while serving in Iraq and lost both of her legs .
`` I am grateful to be able to tell my personal American story with the help of Sean and Twelve , '' Duckworth said in a statement , referring to Twelve publisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been filled with unexpected challenges and painful experiences , but also with the rewards that come with service and perseverance . ''
The 52-year-old Duckworth will tell of her life from her childhood in Southeast Asia and Hawaii to her 23 years in the Army to her time in public service .
She was elected in 2016 to the U.S. Senate , where she became the first sitting senator to give birth .
Over the past year , she was mentioned as a possible running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not disclosed .
She was represented by Robert Barnett , the Washington attorney who also has worked on deals for Biden , now president-elect , and for former President Barack Obama .

Duckworth's memoir coming out March 30
This cover image released by Twelve shows "Every Day Is a Gift," a memoir by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, coming out on March 30. The 52-year-old Duckworth will tell of her life from her childhood in Southeast Asia and Hawaii to her 23 years in the Army to her time in public service. Twelve via Associated Press
Sen. Tammy Duckworth has written a memoir, "Every Day Is a Gift," which comes out March 30.
Twelve, a Hachette Book Group imprint, announced the deal with Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, on Thursday, the 16th anniversary of the day she was shot down in a helicopter while serving in Iraq and lost both of her legs.
"I am grateful to be able to tell my personal American story with the help of Sean and Twelve," Duckworth said in a statement, referring to Twelve publisher Sean Desmond. "My life has been filled with unexpected challenges and painful experiences, but also with the rewards that come with service and perseverance."
The 52-year-old Duckworth will tell of her life from her childhood in Southeast Asia and Hawaii to her 23 years in the Army to her time in public service. She was elected in 2016 to the U.S. Senate, where she became the first sitting senator to give birth. Over the past year, she was mentioned as a possible running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
Financial terms for Duckworth's book were not disclosed. She was represented by Robert Barnett, the Washington attorney who also has worked on deals for Biden, now president-elect, and for former President Barack Obama.