dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Democratic chairman delays further hearings in Madigan probe until after election

SPRINGFIELD -- The chairman of the Special Investigating Committee probing whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan played a role in a ComEd bribery scheme said Tuesday that he will delay any further meetings of that panel until after the Nov. 3 general election .
`` The committee will meet again in person on Nov. 5 in Springfield -- without the backdrop of a political campaign , '' Rep. Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch , a Hillside Democrat , said in a statement .
That statement , which came exactly four weeks before the Nov. 3 general election , infuriated Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stonewalling the investigation to protect the powerful Democratic speaker .
`` Chairman Welch 's decision is an utter insult to the people of Illinois who want and deserve the truth , '' Rep. Deanne Mazzochi , an Elmhurst Republican , said during a virtual news conference later in the day .
`` Chairman Welch has now become Chairman Squelch . ''
Madigan , a Chicago Democrat who has served as speaker of the House for all but two years since 1983 , was implicated in a bribery scheme in July when officials at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utility , admitted to federal prosecutors that over a period of nine years , they handed out no-work jobs and lobbying contracts to close associates of Madigan as part of a concerted effort to curry his favor for legislation that benefitted the company .
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing , saying that all he did was recommend people for jobs .
Regardless , Republicans in the House , led by Minority Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs , filed a petition to launch a disciplinary process on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` conduct unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust . ''
Under House rules , that charge could lead to disciplinary action , up to and including expulsion from the House .
The special committee last met on Sept. 29 and heard testimony from ComEd Executive Vice President of Compliance and Audit David Glockner , who said he could not specifically confirm whether the company 's actions had , in fact , influenced Madigan or whether Madigan was even aware of its intent to influence him .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel sought to issue subpoenas to multiple other potential witnesses who had declined requests to testify voluntarily , including Madigan .
Welch , however , ruled that request out of order , calling it `` premature . ''
Since then , Democrats and Republicans have engaged in back-and-forth criticism of one another , with Welch accusing Republicans of trying to use the hearings for `` political theater , '' while Republicans have accused Welch of stonewalling the process in order to protect the speaker politically .
`` At every step of this process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proviso that we will not allow this committee to be used as a stage for political theater -- an admonishment our Republican colleagues appear to have taken more as a challenge than as a reflection of this committee 's serious work , '' Welch said in a statement .
Asked via email how he distinguishes between political theater and a legitimate request for relevant information , Welch replied : `` The ( Special Investigating Committee ) convening on Nov. 5 , 2020 in the Capitol , after the election , removes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where two members of the committee are in the middle of contested political campaigns . ''
That was a reference to two of the GOP committee members , Mazzochi and Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville .
Earlier Tuesday , Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon , the ranking Republican on the special committee , released a statement noting that Welch , in lieu of issuing subpoenas for testimony , had sent a letter to ComEd seeking what Demmer called a `` data dump '' of all communications over the last decade between ComEd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any staff member , employee , contractor , or consultant '' of former Govs .
Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner , current Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , former Senate President John Cullerton , current Senate President Don Harmon , Speaker Madigan and other current and former Republican state lawmakers .
`` This request involves hundreds of people and could take months for ComEd to respond , '' Demmer said in the statement .

Democratic chairman delays further hearings in Madigan probe until after election
House Speaker Michael Madigan has been implicated in the ComEd bribery scheme but has not been criminally charged. He denies any wrongdoing. Capitol News Illinois file photo
SPRINGFIELD -- The chairman of the Special Investigating Committee probing whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan played a role in a ComEd bribery scheme said Tuesday that he will delay any further meetings of that panel until after the Nov. 3 general election.
"The committee will meet again in person on Nov. 5 in Springfield -- without the backdrop of a political campaign," Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, a Hillside Democrat, said in a statement.
That statement, which came exactly four weeks before the Nov. 3 general election, infuriated Republicans on the panel who accused Welch of stonewalling the investigation to protect the powerful Democratic speaker.
"Chairman Welch's decision is an utter insult to the people of Illinois who want and deserve the truth," Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, an Elmhurst Republican, said during a virtual news conference later in the day. "Chairman Welch has now become Chairman Squelch."
Madigan, a Chicago Democrat who has served as speaker of the House for all but two years since 1983, was implicated in a bribery scheme in July when officials at ComEd, the state's largest electric utility, admitted to federal prosecutors that over a period of nine years, they handed out no-work jobs and lobbying contracts to close associates of Madigan as part of a concerted effort to curry his favor for legislation that benefitted the company.
Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing, saying that all he did was recommend people for jobs.
Regardless, Republicans in the House, led by Minority Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, filed a petition to launch a disciplinary process on the grounds that Madigan may have engaged in "conduct unbecoming to a legislator or which constitutes a breach of public trust." Under House rules, that charge could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the House.
The special committee last met on Sept. 29 and heard testimony from ComEd Executive Vice President of Compliance and Audit David Glockner, who said he could not specifically confirm whether the company's actions had, in fact, influenced Madigan or whether Madigan was even aware of its intent to influence him.
Also during that meeting, Republicans on the panel sought to issue subpoenas to multiple other potential witnesses who had declined requests to testify voluntarily, including Madigan. Welch, however, ruled that request out of order, calling it "premature."
Since then, Democrats and Republicans have engaged in back-and-forth criticism of one another, with Welch accusing Republicans of trying to use the hearings for "political theater," while Republicans have accused Welch of stonewalling the process in order to protect the speaker politically.
"At every step of this process, our cooperation has been accompanied with the proviso that we will not allow this committee to be used as a stage for political theater -- an admonishment our Republican colleagues appear to have taken more as a challenge than as a reflection of this committee's serious work," Welch said in a statement.
Asked via email how he distinguishes between political theater and a legitimate request for relevant information, Welch replied: "The (Special Investigating Committee) convening on Nov. 5, 2020 in the Capitol, after the election, removes this process from the backdrop of an election where two members of the committee are in the middle of contested political campaigns."
That was a reference to two of the GOP committee members, Mazzochi and Rep. Grant Wehrli of Naperville.
Earlier Tuesday, Rep. Tom Demmer of Dixon, the ranking Republican on the special committee, released a statement noting that Welch, in lieu of issuing subpoenas for testimony, had sent a letter to ComEd seeking what Demmer called a "data dump" of all communications over the last decade between ComEd, its parent company Exelon, "and any staff member, employee, contractor, or consultant" of former Govs. Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner, current Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former Senate President John Cullerton, current Senate President Don Harmon, Speaker Madigan and other current and former Republican state lawmakers.
"This request involves hundreds of people and could take months for ComEd to respond," Demmer said in the statement.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Think tank's lawsuit takes aim at graduated tax ballot language

SPRINGFIELD -- A think tank once tied to Republican former Gov .
Bruce Rauner is suing the Illinois State Board of Elections and secretary of state , charging that graduated tax constitutional amendment language is `` misleading '' as it appears on the General Election ballot and in a pamphlet sent to voters .
The Illinois Policy Institute , which describes itself as a libertarian-leaning think tank and has been a leading organization in opposition the amendment , is joined by three retirees in the lawsuit which asks a judge to force election authorities to send `` a corrective notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional amendment .
That amendment -- which is a marquee policy initiative of Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , who has given more than $ 50 million to groups lobbying for its passage -- would change the state 's constitution to allow lawmakers to impose different tax rates on varying levels of income .
Currently , the state must level a flat rate income tax on every penny of a taxpayer 's income .
On the ballot , voters are asked to vote `` yes '' or `` no '' after reading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grants the State authority to impose higher income tax rates on higher income levels , which is how the federal government and a majority of other states do it .
The amendment would remove the portion of the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution that is sometimes referred to as the 'flat tax , ' that requires all taxes on income to be at the same rate .
The amendment does not itself change tax rates .
It gives the State the ability to impose higher tax rates on those with higher income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with middle or lower income levels .
You are asked to decide whether the proposed amendment should become a part of the Illinois Constitution . ''
The Illinois Policy Institute 's lawyers argue in the court document that the amendment would `` eliminate important structural safeguards that deter legislators in the General Assembly from imposing new taxes on retirement income and deter legislators from imposing higher taxes on individuals with middle or low incomes . ''
Many of the arguments in the lawsuit filed in Cook County circuit court mirror those that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amendment 's passage in public advertisements , opinion pieces and campaigns .
The basis of the lawsuit is the language of the question and the arguments in favor of the proposal that were distributed to voters .
The phrasing of the ballot question and pamphlet was approved on a partisan roll call in the General Assembly earlier this year .
But the lawsuit claims the `` misleading statements in the ballot explanation deny voters their rights to a free and equal election in violation of the Free and Equal Elections Clause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
The lawsuit objects to the language that says the amendment allows the state to `` impose higher income tax rates on higher income levels , '' and suggests it be changed in a corrective notice to be sent to voters to read `` different income tax rates on different income levels . ''
It also seeks an added sentence noting , `` The General Assembly would continue to have the authority to establish income tax rates . ''
When the language passed , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting the language in the question was similar to language used in arguments supporting the measure .
The lawsuit also argues that the absence of the actual amendment language in the pamphlet and on the ballot is also a violation of voters ' U.S. and state constitutional rights .
The lawsuit seeks to have that information included in the corrective notice they are asking a judge to require .
Specifically , Article 9 , Section 3 of the Illinois Constitution would be amended if the ballot question passes .
The new language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall provide by law for the rate or rates of any tax on or measured by income imposed by the State .
In any such tax imposed upon corporations the highest rate shall not exceed the highest rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5 . ''
That would replace the current language , which states : `` A tax on or measured by income shall be at a non-graduated rate .
At any one time there may be no more than one such tax imposed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one such tax so imposed on corporations .
In any such tax imposed upon corporations the rate shall not exceed the rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5 . ''
Under current law , lawmakers already have the authority to tax retirement income -- it is not an added power granted by the amendment .
While lawmakers could tax retirement income currently , it would have to be at the same flat rate of any other income tax levied and it would have to apply to every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removes the flat tax requirement , however , it would open the door to taxing some levels of retirement income without taxing every retiree 's income .
Opponents argue this makes raising or creating such a tax politically easier .
Pritzker has frequently said he opposes any tax on retirement income , and a rate structure already approved by the General Assembly in separate legislation that will become law in January if voters approve the amendment does not provide for retirement income taxation .
That structure would raise taxes on those earning more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level or lowering them slightly for those earning less than that amount .
But the lawsuit argues those rates are subject to change and a retirement income tax could be instituted by a future General Assembly .
The number of votes required to raise income taxes in the General Assembly -- a simple majority -- is unchanged by the amendment .
The lawsuit argues , however , that a pamphlet sent by Secretary of State Jesse White 's office to voters which states `` This amendment does not tax retirement income '' could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voting in favor of the ( graduated tax ) amendment is specifically a vote against the imposition of a tax on retirement income , '' when it in fact is not .
The lawsuit cites a June comment from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs , a Democrat who has no role in setting tax rates , as an indicator that retirement taxes are being considered by state lawmakers .
`` Specifically , the Illinois State Treasurer , Michael Frerichs is reported as stating at a Chamber of Commerce event that ' [ o @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is make clear you can have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income , and , I think that 's something that 's worth discussion ' or words to that effect , '' according to the lawsuit .
Frerichs had scheduled a news conference for Tuesday morning to `` condemn misleading statements '' about taxing retirement income , but he canceled it about 10 minutes before the event .
Instead , he issued a statement in favor of a graduated tax and said , `` I oppose creating a retirement tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly , and governor . ''
John Tillman , who is the chairman and CEO of Illinois Policy Institute , is not a stranger to suing the state .
In August , a Sangamon County judge declined to hear a lawsuit filed by Tillman as a private citizen challenging the constitutionality of two of the state 's general obligation bond issuances .
Rauner 's family foundation had given at least $ 500,000 to Illinois Policy Institute before he was governor , according to the Chicago Tribune , and several staffers went from IPI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high level positions in 2017 before the ex-governor vowed not to give any more money to the organization .

Think tank's lawsuit takes aim at graduated tax ballot language
SPRINGFIELD -- A think tank once tied to Republican former Gov. Bruce Rauner is suing the Illinois State Board of Elections and secretary of state, charging that graduated tax constitutional amendment language is "misleading" as it appears on the General Election ballot and in a pamphlet sent to voters.
The Illinois Policy Institute, which describes itself as a libertarian-leaning think tank and has been a leading organization in opposition the amendment, is joined by three retirees in the lawsuit which asks a judge to force election authorities to send "a corrective notice" to voters regarding the graduated tax constitutional amendment.
That amendment -- which is a marquee policy initiative of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has given more than $50 million to groups lobbying for its passage -- would change the state's constitution to allow lawmakers to impose different tax rates on varying levels of income. Currently, the state must level a flat rate income tax on every penny of a taxpayer's income.
On the ballot, voters are asked to vote "yes" or "no" after reading the following language:
"The proposed amendment grants the State authority to impose higher income tax rates on higher income levels, which is how the federal government and a majority of other states do it. The amendment would remove the portion of the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution that is sometimes referred to as the 'flat tax,' that requires all taxes on income to be at the same rate. The amendment does not itself change tax rates. It gives the State the ability to impose higher tax rates on those with higher income levels and lower income tax rates on those with middle or lower income levels. You are asked to decide whether the proposed amendment should become a part of the Illinois Constitution."
The lawsuit
The Illinois Policy Institute's lawyers argue in the court document that the amendment would "eliminate important structural safeguards that deter legislators in the General Assembly from imposing new taxes on retirement income and deter legislators from imposing higher taxes on individuals with middle or low incomes."
Many of the arguments in the lawsuit filed in Cook County circuit court mirror those that conservative groups have used to argue against the amendment's passage in public advertisements, opinion pieces and campaigns.
The basis of the lawsuit is the language of the question and the arguments in favor of the proposal that were distributed to voters.
The phrasing of the ballot question and pamphlet was approved on a partisan roll call in the General Assembly earlier this year. But the lawsuit claims the "misleading statements in the ballot explanation deny voters their rights to a free and equal election in violation of the Free and Equal Elections Clause of the Illinois Constitution," as well as the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The lawsuit objects to the language that says the amendment allows the state to "impose higher income tax rates on higher income levels," and suggests it be changed in a corrective notice to be sent to voters to read "different income tax rates on different income levels." It also seeks an added sentence noting, "The General Assembly would continue to have the authority to establish income tax rates."
When the language passed, Republicans in the General Assembly issued similar concerns, noting the language in the question was similar to language used in arguments supporting the measure.
The lawsuit also argues that the absence of the actual amendment language in the pamphlet and on the ballot is also a violation of voters' U.S. and state constitutional rights. The lawsuit seeks to have that information included in the corrective notice they are asking a judge to require.
The amendment
Specifically, Article 9, Section 3 of the Illinois Constitution would be amended if the ballot question passes. The new language would read: "The General Assembly shall provide by law for the rate or rates of any tax on or measured by income imposed by the State. In any such tax imposed upon corporations the highest rate shall not exceed the highest rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5."
That would replace the current language, which states: "A tax on or measured by income shall be at a non-graduated rate. At any one time there may be no more than one such tax imposed by the State for State purposes on individuals and one such tax so imposed on corporations. In any such tax imposed upon corporations the rate shall not exceed the rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5."
Under current law, lawmakers already have the authority to tax retirement income -- it is not an added power granted by the amendment. While lawmakers could tax retirement income currently, it would have to be at the same flat rate of any other income tax levied and it would have to apply to every retirement earner equally.
Because the amendment removes the flat tax requirement, however, it would open the door to taxing some levels of retirement income without taxing every retiree's income. Opponents argue this makes raising or creating such a tax politically easier.
Pritzker has frequently said he opposes any tax on retirement income, and a rate structure already approved by the General Assembly in separate legislation that will become law in January if voters approve the amendment does not provide for retirement income taxation. That structure would raise taxes on those earning more than $250,000 annually while keeping taxes level or lowering them slightly for those earning less than that amount.
But the lawsuit argues those rates are subject to change and a retirement income tax could be instituted by a future General Assembly.
The number of votes required to raise income taxes in the General Assembly -- a simple majority -- is unchanged by the amendment.
The lawsuit argues, however, that a pamphlet sent by Secretary of State Jesse White's office to voters which states "This amendment does not tax retirement income" could be interpreted by voters "to mean that voting in favor of the (graduated tax) amendment is specifically a vote against the imposition of a tax on retirement income," when it in fact is not.
Treasurer comments
The lawsuit cites a June comment from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, a Democrat who has no role in setting tax rates, as an indicator that retirement taxes are being considered by state lawmakers.
"Specifically, the Illinois State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs is reported as stating at a Chamber of Commerce event that '[o]ne thing a progressive tax would do is make clear you can have graduated rates when you are taxing retirement income, and, I think that's something that's worth discussion' or words to that effect," according to the lawsuit.
Frerichs had scheduled a news conference for Tuesday morning to "condemn misleading statements" about taxing retirement income, but he canceled it about 10 minutes before the event. Instead, he issued a statement in favor of a graduated tax and said, "I oppose creating a retirement tax in Illinois, along with the General Assembly, and governor."
John Tillman, who is the chairman and CEO of Illinois Policy Institute, is not a stranger to suing the state. In August, a Sangamon County judge declined to hear a lawsuit filed by Tillman as a private citizen challenging the constitutionality of two of the state's general obligation bond issuances.
Rauner's family foundation had given at least $500,000 to Illinois Policy Institute before he was governor, according to the Chicago Tribune, and several staffers went from IPI to serve briefly on Rauner's staff in high level positions in 2017 before the ex-governor vowed not to give any more money to the organization.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-05--Upgraded tollway interchange presents opportunities, consultants tell Hoffman Estates

The recent upgrade to a full interchange at the I-90 tollway at Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates , which includes a Pace bus terminal , has increased the land value and development opportunities for the area around it , consultants reported to village officials Monday .
The mayor and trustees heard a preliminary report from Chicago-based Farr Associates based on a yearlong study as well as additional public input received late last week .
`` Infrastructure changes have changed the market in this area , '' said Bridget Lane , an associate of the study .
However , she conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made for a `` cloudy crystal ball '' in comparison to the market analysis she can usually provide .
For instance , companies ' pursuit of suburban locations rather than in Chicago is a sharp contrast from a year ago , Lane said .
The demand for more space per worker -- reducing the parking ratio on commercial properties -- is also a new development , she added .
While a transportation hub like the new Pace terminal can create a focal point in a community , it 's usually not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Farr Associates Principal Doug Farr said .
Opportunities for improvement are often enabled by forms of public leverage -- of which the study itself is an example -- that can include zoning and regulation changes , the consultants said .
Farr suggested that finding ways to improve pedestrian access in the area , including to and from the Pace terminal , could create more demand .
He added that the current 40 % vacancy in the Northwest Corporate Centre office campus at 2500 W. Higgins Road could create an opportunity for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties aimed at young workers .
But a letter from the 4.2-acre U-Haul Moving & Storage facility at 2475 Pembroke Ave. stated the company 's opposition to the pending plan encouraging its relocation .
Farr told village officials a written draft of his company 's plan would be before them in about a month for potential approval in December .
The village board hired Farr Associates for the study a year ago at a cost of $ 91,615 .

Upgraded tollway interchange presents opportunities, consultants tell Hoffman Estates
The recent upgrade to a full interchange at the I-90 tollway at Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates, which includes a Pace bus terminal, has increased the land value and development opportunities for the area around it, consultants reported to village officials Monday.
The mayor and trustees heard a preliminary report from Chicago-based Farr Associates based on a yearlong study as well as additional public input received late last week.
"Infrastructure changes have changed the market in this area," said Bridget Lane, an associate of the study.
However, she conceded that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made for a "cloudy crystal ball" in comparison to the market analysis she can usually provide.
For instance, companies' pursuit of suburban locations rather than in Chicago is a sharp contrast from a year ago, Lane said. The demand for more space per worker -- reducing the parking ratio on commercial properties -- is also a new development, she added.
While a transportation hub like the new Pace terminal can create a focal point in a community, it's usually not the only thing of interest going on there, Farr Associates Principal Doug Farr said.
Opportunities for improvement are often enabled by forms of public leverage -- of which the study itself is an example -- that can include zoning and regulation changes, the consultants said.
Farr suggested that finding ways to improve pedestrian access in the area, including to and from the Pace terminal, could create more demand.
He added that the current 40% vacancy in the Northwest Corporate Centre office campus at 2500 W. Higgins Road could create an opportunity for the current surge in the residential market for properties aimed at young workers.
But a letter from the 4.2-acre U-Haul Moving & Storage facility at 2475 Pembroke Ave. stated the company's opposition to the pending plan encouraging its relocation.
Farr told village officials a written draft of his company's plan would be before them in about a month for potential approval in December.
The village board hired Farr Associates for the study a year ago at a cost of $91,615.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Metra won't raise fares but needs to cover $70 million gap

Even with running trains on reduced schedules , Metra faces a $ 70 million shortfall next year , officials said Tuesday before releasing a preliminary 2021 budget of $ 700 million .
With ridership down about 89 % because of the COVID-19 pandemic , agency leaders are n't touching a fare increase , but service cuts are possible .
Cutting about 10 % of expenses or financial aid from the federal government are two options to close the gap .
Metra received $ 479 million through the CARES Act passed by Congress this spring and has used $ 146 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run out mid-2021 , Chief Financial Officer Tom Farmer said at a virtual board meeting .
`` Metra must either secure $ 70 million in revenue from other sources , most likely another federal relief bill ; further trim its expenses by $ 70 million ; or identify new revenue and cuts totaling $ 70 million , '' spokesman Michael Gillis said .
Later Tuesday , President Donald Trump ordered aides to pull out of talks with House Democratic leaders on a relief package .
`` CARES gives us breathing room , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farmer said .
`` We ca n't let it run out until we 've restructured ourselves .
We will do what it takes because we have to make sure we become self-sustaining again .
We need to survive this . ''
Officials did not discuss how they would cut costs Tuesday .
For 2020 , Metra had forecast collecting $ 363 million from passengers , but now just $ 113 million is anticipated .
`` As you can see , they 're down .
Way down , '' Farmer said of fares .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration is a $ 7 unlimited ride pass good on Saturdays or Sundays .
Meanwhile , Metra is embarked on an ad campaign to rebuild ridership , which has plummeted by about 89 % , that focuses on sanitizing cars and reassuring passengers the trains are free of germs .
However , rider Jennifer Brown of Woodstock urged the railroad to enforce rules about wearing masks in railcars , saying she sometimes retreats to the vestibule because other commuters remove face coverings .
`` This makes me feel less than safe , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metra staff during the meeting .
Chief of Staff Janice Thomas said conductors report rule breakers daily and `` currently we have a high rate of compliance with mask wearing . ''
Metra officials also notified passengers to update their Ventra apps to continue purchasing tickets on the application by Friday .
Metra will hold an online hearing on the budget from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 .
Information on participating is available at metrarail.com .

Metra won't raise fares but needs to cover $70 million gap
With ridership "way down" because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Metra leaders aren't touching a fare increase, but service cuts are possible. Daily Herald File Photo
Even with running trains on reduced schedules, Metra faces a $70 million shortfall next year, officials said Tuesday before releasing a preliminary 2021 budget of $700 million.
With ridership down about 89% because of the COVID-19 pandemic, agency leaders aren't touching a fare increase, but service cuts are possible. Cutting about 10% of expenses or financial aid from the federal government are two options to close the gap.
Metra received $479 million through the CARES Act passed by Congress this spring and has used $146 million so far. But that money will run out mid-2021, Chief Financial Officer Tom Farmer said at a virtual board meeting.
"Metra must either secure $70 million in revenue from other sources, most likely another federal relief bill; further trim its expenses by $70 million; or identify new revenue and cuts totaling $70 million," spokesman Michael Gillis said.
Later Tuesday, President Donald Trump ordered aides to pull out of talks with House Democratic leaders on a relief package.
"CARES gives us breathing room, but it's not permanent fix," Farmer said. "We can't let it run out until we've restructured ourselves. We will do what it takes because we have to make sure we become self-sustaining again. We need to survive this."
Officials did not discuss how they would cut costs Tuesday.
For 2020, Metra had forecast collecting $363 million from passengers, but now just $113 million is anticipated.
"As you can see, they're down. Way down," Farmer said of fares.
One new revenue idea introduced Tuesday under consideration is a $7 unlimited ride pass good on Saturdays or Sundays.
Meanwhile, Metra is embarked on an ad campaign to rebuild ridership, which has plummeted by about 89%, that focuses on sanitizing cars and reassuring passengers the trains are free of germs.
However, rider Jennifer Brown of Woodstock urged the railroad to enforce rules about wearing masks in railcars, saying she sometimes retreats to the vestibule because other commuters remove face coverings.
"This makes me feel less than safe," Brown said in comments read aloud by Metra staff during the meeting.
Chief of Staff Janice Thomas said conductors report rule breakers daily and "currently we have a high rate of compliance with mask wearing."
Metra officials also notified passengers to update their Ventra apps to continue purchasing tickets on the application by Friday.
Metra will hold an online hearing on the budget from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5. Information on participating is available at metrarail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Facebook to removes pages 'representing' QAnon conspiracy theory

OAKLAND , Calif. -- Facebook is tightening its policy against QAnon , the baseless conspiracy theory that paints President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and `` deep state '' government officials .
The company said Tuesday that it will remove Facebook pages , groups and Instagram accounts for `` representing QAnon '' -- even if they do n't promote violence .
Facebook did not immediately explain what it means for Facebook groups to `` represent '' QAnon .
Less than two months ago , Facebook said it would stop promoting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faltered with spotty enforcement .
It said it would only remove QAnon groups if they promote violence .
That is no longer the case .
The company said it is starting to enforce the policy as of Tuesday but cautioned that it `` will take time and will continue in the coming days and weeks . ''
The QAnon phenomenon has sprawled across a patchwork of secret Facebook groups , Twitter accounts and YouTube videos in recent years .
QAnon has been linked to real-world violence such as criminal reports of kidnapping and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoax .
But the conspiracy theory has also seeped into mainstream politics .
Several Republican running for Congress this year are QAnon-friendly .
By the time Facebook and other social media companies began enforcing -- however limited -- policies against QAnon , critics said it was largely too late .
Reddit , which began banning QAnon groups in 2018 , was well ahead , and to date it has largely avoided having a notable QAnon presence on its platform .
Twitter did not immediately respond to a message for comment on Tuesday .

Facebook to removes pages 'representing' QAnon conspiracy theory
In this Aug. 2, 2018, file photo, a protester holding a Q sign waits in line with others to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Candidates engaging with the QAnon conspiracy theory are running for seats in state legislatures this year, breathing more oxygen into a once-obscure conspiracy movement that has grown in prominence since adherents won Republican congressional primaries this year. Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Facebook is tightening its policy against QAnon, the baseless conspiracy theory that paints President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and "deep state" government officials.
The company said Tuesday that it will remove Facebook pages, groups and Instagram accounts for "representing QAnon" -- even if they don't promote violence. Facebook did not immediately explain what it means for Facebook groups to "represent" QAnon.
Less than two months ago, Facebook said it would stop promoting the group and its adherents, although it faltered with spotty enforcement. It said it would only remove QAnon groups if they promote violence. That is no longer the case.
The company said it is starting to enforce the policy as of Tuesday but cautioned that it "will take time and will continue in the coming days and weeks."
The QAnon phenomenon has sprawled across a patchwork of secret Facebook groups, Twitter accounts and YouTube videos in recent years. QAnon has been linked to real-world violence such as criminal reports of kidnapping and dangerous claims that the coronavirus is a hoax.
But the conspiracy theory has also seeped into mainstream politics. Several Republican running for Congress this year are QAnon-friendly.
By the time Facebook and other social media companies began enforcing -- however limited -- policies against QAnon, critics said it was largely too late. Reddit, which began banning QAnon groups in 2018, was well ahead, and to date it has largely avoided having a notable QAnon presence on its platform.
Twitter did not immediately respond to a message for comment on Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Illinois sees 1,617 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 32 deaths

SPRINGFIELD , Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced 1,617 more people were confirmed to carry @ @ @ @ @ by the public health officials were the result of 49,513 tests , which kept the @ @ @ @ @ positivity rate at 3.4 % .
Overall , nearly 6 million COVID-19 tests have been @ @ @ @ @ more than 305,000 have tested positive since March .
Health officials also attributed 32 more @ @ @ @ @ , raising the pandemic death toll to 8,836 .
Illinois hospitals were treating 1,673 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , with 384 receiving intensive care and 159 using ventilators .

Illinois sees 1,617 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 32 deaths
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced 1,617 more people were confirmed to carry COVID-19.
The numbers announced by the public health officials were the result of 49,513 tests, which kept the state's seven-day average testing positivity rate at 3.4%. Overall, nearly 6 million COVID-19 tests have been administered in Illinois, and more than 305,000 have tested positive since March.
Health officials also attributed 32 more Illinois deaths to the virus, raising the pandemic death toll to 8,836.
Illinois hospitals were treating 1,673 coronavirus patients as of late Monday, with 384 receiving intensive care and 159 using ventilators.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Boys golf roundup: Geneva, St. Charles East move on

Williams , a Geneva senior , said he followed his eagle on hole No .
16 at the Class 3A South Elgin Regional on Tuesday at Bartlett Hills with a hearty fist pump .
Williams and the Vikings went on and cruised to the regional title -- Geneva 's fifth in the last sixth seasons -- by six shots over runner-up St. Charles East .
`` It 's a par 5 and I hit a seven-iron on the green , '' Williams said of his eagle .
`` And , then [ I ] sunk the putt , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotionally , I felt a big momentum shift . ''
Williams and Geneva teammate Joe Adams each turned in 76s , matching St. Charles East 's Chris Petri for a three-way tie for second individually .
St. Charles East senior Jake Daeschler parred the 18th hole to secure medalist honors with a 75 .
The top two teams , Geneva and St. Charles East , and top four individuals off non-qualifying teams advance to next Tuesday 's sectional meet at Blackberry Oaks Golf Course in Bristol .
St. Charles North and Batavia tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The North Stars will advance Alex Lilly ( 80 ) and Mason Siegfried ( 81 ) as individuals to sectionals .
The Bulldogs will send sophomore Gavin Newkirk ( 77 ) .
Bartlett 's Francis Resurreccion ( 77 ) also advanced .
At Mundelein , Carson Kowalski 's 78 led Mundelein to second place and advancement to the sectional round with a 333 .
Crystal Lake Central , led by Eric Klutke 's 68 , won the tournament with a 320 .
... At Deerfield , Stevenson advanced , finishing second with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Udoni had 77s for the Patriots and Conan Pan a 78 .
Libertyville 's Alexs Slesers advanced with a 76 .
... At Elk Grove , Maine South won the title with a 299 , led by Myles Lahart 's 73 .
York also advanced with a 315 .
... At Glenbard East , Hinsdale Central ( 295 ) and Glenbard West ( 304 ) were the advancing teams .
Michael Spitzer 's 69 led the Red Devils .
Ryan Park had a 75 for Glenbard West .
... Andrew Maul 's 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own regional crown .
Neuqua Valley also advanced with a 311 , led by Ryan Coan 's 77 .
Waubonsie Valley 's Salil Khandvja was medalist with a 69 .
Grayslake Central won its own regional with a 332 .
Vernon Hills also advanced with a 333 .
Gianni Lucchesi led GC with a 79 , the same score Vernon Hills ' AJ Kapresy posted .
Carmel 's Clint Bailes was medalist with a 76 .
... Kaneland won its regional with a 300 , while Marmion also advanced with a 325 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot 73s for Kaneland .
Matt Lawton had a 76 for Marmion .
... At Marengo , Will Stewart 's 73 led Crystal Lake South to the title with a 314 .
... Benet ( 322 ) finished second to Providence ( 321 ) at the Benet regional .
Ryan Farago had a 78 to lead Benet .
Hinsdale South 's Billy Gneiser of Hinsdale South was the medalist with a 71 .
... Sam Dykema shot a 73 to lead Wheaton Academy to the title at Montini .
St. Francis also advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 323 , led by a 79 from Jonathan Vogt .
... IC Catholic advanced from its own regional with a 76 , led by Jann Atendido 's 76 .
Correction : In Tuesday 's editions of the Daily Herald , St. Viator 's Jill Doherty 's name appeared as Jull Doherty .
Jill is her correct name .
Editor 's note : The IHSA website was experiencing technical difficulties Tuesday , thus all individual advancers were not available .

Boys golf roundup: Geneva, St. Charles East move on
Carter Williams felt his momentum-shifting moment.
Williams, a Geneva senior, said he followed his eagle on hole No. 16 at the Class 3A South Elgin Regional on Tuesday at Bartlett Hills with a hearty fist pump.
Williams and the Vikings went on and cruised to the regional title -- Geneva's fifth in the last sixth seasons -- by six shots over runner-up St. Charles East.
Geneva posted a 310 to St. Charles East's 316.
"It's a par 5 and I hit a seven-iron on the green," Williams said of his eagle. "And, then [I] sunk the putt, which was a massive boost for me ... just emotionally, I felt a big momentum shift."
Williams and Geneva teammate Joe Adams each turned in 76s, matching St. Charles East's Chris Petri for a three-way tie for second individually. St. Charles East senior Jake Daeschler parred the 18th hole to secure medalist honors with a 75.
The top two teams, Geneva and St. Charles East, and top four individuals off non-qualifying teams advance to next Tuesday's sectional meet at Blackberry Oaks Golf Course in Bristol.
St. Charles North and Batavia tied for third with a 331 team score.
The North Stars will advance Alex Lilly (80) and Mason Siegfried (81) as individuals to sectionals. The Bulldogs will send sophomore Gavin Newkirk (77). Bartlett's Francis Resurreccion (77) also advanced.
-- Jacob Bartleson, Shaw Media Illinois
Class 3A roundup:
At Mundelein, Carson Kowalski's 78 led Mundelein to second place and advancement to the sectional round with a 333. Crystal Lake Central, led by Eric Klutke's 68, won the tournament with a 320. ... At Deerfield, Stevenson advanced, finishing second with a 311. Maadhav Muralidharan and Nick Udoni had 77s for the Patriots and Conan Pan a 78. Libertyville's Alexs Slesers advanced with a 76. ... At Elk Grove, Maine South won the title with a 299, led by Myles Lahart's 73. York also advanced with a 315. ... At Glenbard East, Hinsdale Central (295) and Glenbard West (304) were the advancing teams. Michael Spitzer's 69 led the Red Devils. Ryan Park had a 75 for Glenbard West. ... Andrew Maul's 73 led Naperville Central (309) to its own regional crown. Neuqua Valley also advanced with a 311, led by Ryan Coan's 77. Waubonsie Valley's Salil Khandvja was medalist with a 69.
Class 2A roundup:
Grayslake Central won its own regional with a 332. Vernon Hills also advanced with a 333. Gianni Lucchesi led GC with a 79, the same score Vernon Hills' AJ Kapresy posted. Carmel's Clint Bailes was medalist with a 76. ... Kaneland won its regional with a 300, while Marmion also advanced with a 325. Cody Ganzon and Ryan Milton each shot 73s for Kaneland. Matt Lawton had a 76 for Marmion. ... At Marengo, Will Stewart's 73 led Crystal Lake South to the title with a 314. ... Benet (322) finished second to Providence (321) at the Benet regional. Ryan Farago had a 78 to lead Benet. Hinsdale South's Billy Gneiser of Hinsdale South was the medalist with a 71. ... Sam Dykema shot a 73 to lead Wheaton Academy to the title at Montini. St. Francis also advanced.
Class 1A roundup:
Elgin Academy won the Byron regional with a 323, led by a 79 from Jonathan Vogt. ... IC Catholic advanced from its own regional with a 76, led by Jann Atendido's 76.
Girls golf
Correction: In Tuesday's editions of the Daily Herald, St. Viator's Jill Doherty's name appeared as Jull Doherty. Jill is her correct name.
Editor's note: The IHSA website was experiencing technical difficulties Tuesday, thus all individual advancers were not available.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Bears film study: Why was the offense so awful against the Colts?

No , it was n't a pleasant experience , but the film study needed to be done .
Here 's the long list of what went wrong in the Bears ' Week 4 loss to the Colts : 1 .
Why was the offense so awful ?
The simple answer is twofold : No one was open and there was no room to run .
Let 's start with the passing game .
If you read our film review of the 2019 offense , you know this is an old issue .
Whether it 's a lack of speed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble getting open .
When that 's the case , they usually resort to two options , dumping it short or just throwing a jump ball to Allen Robinson , since he 's pretty good at making contested catches .
I 'll suggest a third option : Look for Anthony Miller more often .
He 's the best they have when it comes to the speed/route combo , and he was frustratingly open during a lot of Nick Foles ' incompletes .
Miller ended up with 3 catches for 16 yards on 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson 10 , Darnell Mooney 9 , David Montgomery 6 , Jimmy Graham 5 , Miller 5 .
The Colts offered a couple examples in how to get guys open creatively .
They ran a rub route for their only touchdown .
While tight end Mo Alie-Cox crossed over the middle with Kyle Fuller in pursuit , WR Zach Pascal came across from the other side and threw a block on LB Danny Trevathan .
The goal was to create an obstacle for Fuller to avoid .
Alie-Cox got a couple steps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards out .
The Colts set up the TD with a 36-yard pass to Pascal .
Philip Rivers took a deep drop , allowing Pascal to change direction three times on CB Jaylon Johnson , and Rivers dropped a perfect pass over the top .
2 .
How much of this was Foles ' fault ?
Definitely some of it .
Looking at the early part of the third quarter when the Bears trailed 13-3 , Foles missed a couple of chances to get the Bears back in it .
The Bears ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a sack .
On 2nd-and-18 , Foles went deep and missed Mooney .
This play was a big miss .
Foles could have gone to Miller , who was wide open near the first-down line .
Then Mooney had inside leverage on the cornerback , so if Foles threw to Mooney 's inside shoulder , this play might have been a touchdown , because there was no safety help .
Instead , it went well over Mooney 's outside shoulder with no chance of a completion .
On their second drive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a couple first downs , but on 3rd-and-4 near midfield , Foles rolled out and had Demetrius Harris wide open over the middle for an easy first down .
Instead he went deeper and toward the sideline for Mooney , who was also open , but the throw sailed wide , no chance for a catch .
3 .
What about the run game ?
This was really ugly .
Remember when Montgomery was averaging 5 yards per carry on the season ?
Against the Colts , he had one run of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished with 28 rushing yards on 16 carries , which obviously is awful .
The first two runs of the game were all you needed to watch .
The Bears offensive line typically slants one way or the other , hoping to open some cutback lanes .
So on the opening snap , Montgomery looked for the cutback , which could have been open .
But Graham tried to put a lazy roll block on Colts DE Justin Houston .
It accomplished nothing and Houston swallowed Montgomery for 2 yards .
The next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video one second after the handoff and it looks like this play might go for a touchdown .
The Bears have a blocker on every Colts defender in the box and there 's plenty of green grass in the distance .
What happened in the next second was Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner literally threw Germain Ifedi to the ground and dropped Patterson for a 2-yard gain .
Simply put , the Bears offensive line was manhandled by the Colts ' front seven .
The Bears ' O-line held its own in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a different kind of matchup .
Plenty to choose from , but let 's go with the first play of the fourth quarter , a 3rd-and-1 at the Bears ' 26 .
They trail 16-3 at the time , so a touchdown puts them back in the game .
Before the snap , Foles motions a receiver three different times , first Mooney , then Miller , then Mooney again .
Were they trying to make the Colts nervous about a jet sweep ?
It did n't work .
Patterson took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of blockers Cody Whitehair and James Daniels , who had been pushed into the backfield , with two linebackers behind them closing in .
Loss of one , punt .
LB Roquan Smith finished with 11 solo tackles .
Not much to complain about with the defense unless you were counting on more than 1 tackle every two weeks from free-agent addition Robert Quinn .

Bears film study: Why was the offense so awful against the Colts?
No, it wasn't a pleasant experience, but the film study needed to be done. Here's the long list of what went wrong in the Bears' Week 4 loss to the Colts:
1. Why was the offense so awful?
The simple answer is twofold: No one was open and there was no room to run.
Let's start with the passing game. If you read our film review of the 2019 offense, you know this is an old issue. Whether it's a lack of speed or moves, the Bears receivers often have trouble getting open.
When that's the case, they usually resort to two options, dumping it short or just throwing a jump ball to Allen Robinson, since he's pretty good at making contested catches.
I'll suggest a third option: Look for Anthony Miller more often. He's the best they have when it comes to the speed/route combo, and he was frustratingly open during a lot of Nick Foles' incompletes. Miller ended up with 3 catches for 16 yards on 5 targets. The full target list was Robinson 10, Darnell Mooney 9, David Montgomery 6, Jimmy Graham 5, Miller 5.
The Colts offered a couple examples in how to get guys open creatively. They ran a rub route for their only touchdown. While tight end Mo Alie-Cox crossed over the middle with Kyle Fuller in pursuit, WR Zach Pascal came across from the other side and threw a block on LB Danny Trevathan. The goal was to create an obstacle for Fuller to avoid. Alie-Cox got a couple steps, made the catch and scored from 13 yards out.
The Colts set up the TD with a 36-yard pass to Pascal. Philip Rivers took a deep drop, allowing Pascal to change direction three times on CB Jaylon Johnson, and Rivers dropped a perfect pass over the top.
2. How much of this was Foles' fault?
Definitely some of it. Looking at the early part of the third quarter when the Bears trailed 13-3, Foles missed a couple of chances to get the Bears back in it.
The Bears' first offensive play of the third quarter was a sack. On 2nd-and-18, Foles went deep and missed Mooney. This play was a big miss. Foles could have gone to Miller, who was wide open near the first-down line. Then Mooney had inside leverage on the cornerback, so if Foles threw to Mooney's inside shoulder, this play might have been a touchdown, because there was no safety help. Instead, it went well over Mooney's outside shoulder with no chance of a completion.
On their second drive of the third quarter, the Bears picked up a couple first downs, but on 3rd-and-4 near midfield, Foles rolled out and had Demetrius Harris wide open over the middle for an easy first down. Instead he went deeper and toward the sideline for Mooney, who was also open, but the throw sailed wide, no chance for a catch.
3. What about the run game?
This was really ugly. Remember when Montgomery was averaging 5 yards per carry on the season? Against the Colts, he had one run of more than 5 yards. The Bears finished with 28 rushing yards on 16 carries, which obviously is awful.
The first two runs of the game were all you needed to watch. The Bears offensive line typically slants one way or the other, hoping to open some cutback lanes. So on the opening snap, Montgomery looked for the cutback, which could have been open. But Graham tried to put a lazy roll block on Colts DE Justin Houston. It accomplished nothing and Houston swallowed Montgomery for 2 yards.
The next run went to Cordarrelle Patterson. Stop the video one second after the handoff and it looks like this play might go for a touchdown. The Bears have a blocker on every Colts defender in the box and there's plenty of green grass in the distance.
What happened in the next second was Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner literally threw Germain Ifedi to the ground and dropped Patterson for a 2-yard gain.
Simply put, the Bears offensive line was manhandled by the Colts' front seven. The Bears' O-line held its own in the first three games, but this was a different kind of matchup.
Bad play of the game:
Plenty to choose from, but let's go with the first play of the fourth quarter, a 3rd-and-1 at the Bears' 26. They trail 16-3 at the time, so a touchdown puts them back in the game.
Before the snap, Foles motions a receiver three different times, first Mooney, then Miller, then Mooney again. Were they trying to make the Colts nervous about a jet sweep? It didn't work. Patterson took the handoff and ran straight into the backs of blockers Cody Whitehair and James Daniels, who had been pushed into the backfield, with two linebackers behind them closing in. Loss of one, punt.
Bright spot:
LB Roquan Smith finished with 11 solo tackles. Not much to complain about with the defense unless you were counting on more than 1 tackle every two weeks from free-agent addition Robert Quinn.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Why it could take days or weeks to know election results

The phones at the Lake County clerk 's office were ringing off the hook after the first presidential debate in which President Donald Trump repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud and issues related to mail-in ballots .
The dissemination of misinformation is confusing for voters , especially during a time of heightened emotion and concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic , Chief Deputy County Clerk Todd Govain said .
Suburban election authorities have been doing their best to debunk falsehoods and clarify Illinois voting laws as they prepare for an election unlike any other .
But one point raised during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclaimer from some local county clerk 's offices : Do not expect definitive results on election night .
A record number of vote-by-mail requests wo n't necessarily alter day-of procedures , officials say , but it does mean a possible influx of ballots on or after Election Day .
More than 2 million Illinois voters have applied for mailed ballots , and more than 107,000 people already have cast early votes statewide .
While it likely wo n't take months to record tallies , as suggested by Trump , it could be weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure whether they 've won .
`` This is going to be higher turnout , probably , than any election we 've seen historically .
Where we 're going to find that turnout -- whether at the polling place or at the mailbox -- is hard to predict , '' McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said .
`` The outcome of that is really what tells us how much information we 're going to have on election night . ''
Once polls close Nov. 3 in suburban Cook and the collar counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will the mail-in ballots that have already been received and processed by Election Day .
Those ballots will be reflected in the results posted online that night .
Election authorities urge voters to apply for and return their mailed ballots promptly if they want their votes included in the election night results .
`` Election night sort of has that magic to it .
Everyone wants their vote to count , '' said Edmund Michalowski , deputy clerk of elections in suburban Cook County .
`` We should be able to maintain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to have cleared most of the ballots that come in pre-Election Day so they will count and be tallied ( when polls close ) . ''
County clerks also are bracing for the number of outstanding ballots not yet received by Election Day .
Though it must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3 , any valid vote-by-mail ballot that arrives within the next 14 days must be counted in final tallies .
`` That 's where people are going to be sweating , '' Tirio said .
To handle the surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk 's offices have hired additional personnel , installed new equipment and secured extra space to increase the speed and efficiency at which mail-in ballots can be processed while adhering to social distancing .
In DuPage County , 181,422 registered voters have requested to vote by mail .
Election officials are using an entire auditorium in the county government complex in Wheaton instead of just a portion of it for scanning mailed ballots .
They 're also using more space in a basement for vote-by-mail verification and sorting .
`` We will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said .
As more mail-in ballots roll in after Nov. 3 , Michalowski said , Cook County expects to update tallies at least daily before the 14-day limit , at which point the results must be certified .
But other agencies anticipate providing less frequent updates .
Lake County plans to wait until the 14th day to update the totals , in order to ensure voter privacy , Govain said , though a seven-day update might be considered if the influx of mail-in and provisional ballots recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those votes could very well change the outcome of a race , as has happened in previous elections , he said .
`` We value accuracy over speed , '' Kaczmarek said .
`` With the expansion of vote-by-mail nationwide , the public must realize that results in some close races could flip during the 14-day certification period following Election Day . ''
Mailed ballots that voters have started to return to election authorities take longer to process than in-person ballots .
Teams of election judges will verify signatures on outer envelopes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a mail sorter .
Images of signatures are shown on large monitors .
Any ballot envelopes with issues are set to one side for notification to voters to remedy .
Then , the approved ballots are opened and sorted on the second pass through the mail sorter , Kaczmarek said .
An election judge removes the ballot from the envelope in the presence of another judge , and the ballot is quickly inspected to make sure it can be read by the scanner .
Ballots are sealed and securely stored in batches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later time .
Representatives of both political parties are present during that process .
Illinois was one of many states to expand its vote-by-mail program because of the coronavirus pandemic .
County clerks have turned the mailing of ballots into photo ops to reassure voters worried about security issues and the U.S .
Postal Service 's ability to handle the surge .
`` To show my confidence , I 'm going to be voting by mail , '' Tirio said .
`` In Illinois , we have a pretty good process for making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claims of widespread voter fraud in mail-in voting have been unfounded , local officials said .
`` Misinformation is rampant , '' Michalowski said .
`` When you 're looking for advice on election matters , we 're really asking people to turn to their election authority as a trusted source . ''
Counties started sending out mail-in ballots Sept. 24 .
Voters should apply now and return their ballots right away , Kaczmarek said .
The post office has delivered the first 150,000-plus ballots in a `` timely way '' to DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means everything is working , '' she said .
`` Ballots returned through the mail in the first three weeks of October should be delivered to us in plenty of time . ''
Voters also can bring ballots to a secure drop box .
Or those who prefer to cast their ballots in person can avoid Election Day crowds by voting early , though some counties already have seen long lines .
Chuck Pelkie , chief of staff to Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry , said last week roughly 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far are those who changed their minds and opted to vote in person instead of by mail .
`` We will divert resources if necessary to enable voters to move quickly through the process , '' he said .
The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges .

Why it could take days or weeks to know election results
The phones at the Lake County clerk's office were ringing off the hook after the first presidential debate in which President Donald Trump repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud and issues related to mail-in ballots.
The dissemination of misinformation is confusing for voters, especially during a time of heightened emotion and concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Deputy County Clerk Todd Govain said. Suburban election authorities have been doing their best to debunk falsehoods and clarify Illinois voting laws as they prepare for an election unlike any other.
But one point raised during the debate rings true and has solicited a disclaimer from some local county clerk's offices: Do not expect definitive results on election night.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Election workers sanitize and clean areas Friday as early voters complete their ballots at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
A record number of vote-by-mail requests won't necessarily alter day-of procedures, officials say, but it does mean a possible influx of ballots on or after Election Day. More than 2 million Illinois voters have applied for mailed ballots, and more than 107,000 people already have cast early votes statewide.
While it likely won't take months to record tallies, as suggested by Trump, it could be weeks before candidates in tight races know for sure whether they've won.
"This is going to be higher turnout, probably, than any election we've seen historically. Where we're going to find that turnout -- whether at the polling place or at the mailbox -- is hard to predict," McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio said. "The outcome of that is really what tells us how much information we're going to have on election night."
Election results
Once polls close Nov. 3 in suburban Cook and the collar counties, early votes will be tabulated, as will the mail-in ballots that have already been received and processed by Election Day. Those ballots will be reflected in the results posted online that night.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Early voting and vote-by-mail ballots that arrive by the morning of Nov. 3 will be reflected first in the results posted online election night.
Election authorities urge voters to apply for and return their mailed ballots promptly if they want their votes included in the election night results.
"Election night sort of has that magic to it. Everyone wants their vote to count," said Edmund Michalowski, deputy clerk of elections in suburban Cook County. "We should be able to maintain a heavy processing load, so we're hoping to have cleared most of the ballots that come in pre-Election Day so they will count and be tallied (when polls close)."
County clerks also are bracing for the number of outstanding ballots not yet received by Election Day. Though it must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3, any valid vote-by-mail ballot that arrives within the next 14 days must be counted in final tallies.
"That's where people are going to be sweating," Tirio said.
To handle the surge before and after the election, county clerk's offices have hired additional personnel, installed new equipment and secured extra space to increase the speed and efficiency at which mail-in ballots can be processed while adhering to social distancing.
- Jeff Knox | Staff Photographer Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham, right, on Tuesday talks about the automation he brought in to the clerk's office to process mail-in ballots. Supervisor of Elections Fabian Franco, left, demonstrates a sorting machine that checks signatures as mail-in ballots go through.
In DuPage County, 181,422 registered voters have requested to vote by mail. Election officials are using an entire auditorium in the county government complex in Wheaton instead of just a portion of it for scanning mailed ballots. They're also using more space in a basement for vote-by-mail verification and sorting.
"We will be re-evaluating our space as the election progresses," County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said.
As more mail-in ballots roll in after Nov. 3, Michalowski said, Cook County expects to update tallies at least daily before the 14-day limit, at which point the results must be certified. But other agencies anticipate providing less frequent updates.
Lake County plans to wait until the 14th day to update the totals, in order to ensure voter privacy, Govain said, though a seven-day update might be considered if the influx of mail-in and provisional ballots recorded after Election Day is large enough. Those votes could very well change the outcome of a race, as has happened in previous elections, he said.
"We value accuracy over speed," Kaczmarek said. "With the expansion of vote-by-mail nationwide, the public must realize that results in some close races could flip during the 14-day certification period following Election Day."
Mail-in vote process
Mailed ballots that voters have started to return to election authorities take longer to process than in-person ballots.
Teams of election judges will verify signatures on outer envelopes against those on record on the first pass through a mail sorter. Images of signatures are shown on large monitors. Any ballot envelopes with issues are set to one side for notification to voters to remedy.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Early voters cast their ballots Friday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
Then, the approved ballots are opened and sorted on the second pass through the mail sorter, Kaczmarek said. An election judge removes the ballot from the envelope in the presence of another judge, and the ballot is quickly inspected to make sure it can be read by the scanner.
Ballots are sealed and securely stored in batches and fed into a scanner at a later time. Representatives of both political parties are present during that process.
Confidence in mail
Illinois was one of many states to expand its vote-by-mail program because of the coronavirus pandemic. County clerks have turned the mailing of ballots into photo ops to reassure voters worried about security issues and the U.S. Postal Service's ability to handle the surge.
"To show my confidence, I'm going to be voting by mail," Tirio said. "In Illinois, we have a pretty good process for making sure it's done right."
Claims of widespread voter fraud in mail-in voting have been unfounded, local officials said.
"Misinformation is rampant," Michalowski said. "When you're looking for advice on election matters, we're really asking people to turn to their election authority as a trusted source."
Counties started sending out mail-in ballots Sept. 24. Voters should apply now and return their ballots right away, Kaczmarek said.
The post office has delivered the first 150,000-plus ballots in a "timely way" to DuPage voters, she said.
"So that means everything is working," she said. "Ballots returned through the mail in the first three weeks of October should be delivered to us in plenty of time."
Voters also can bring ballots to a secure drop box. Or those who prefer to cast their ballots in person can avoid Election Day crowds by voting early, though some counties already have seen long lines.
Chuck Pelkie, chief of staff to Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry, said last week roughly 20% to 25% of early voters so far are those who changed their minds and opted to vote in person instead of by mail.
"We will divert resources if necessary to enable voters to move quickly through the process," he said.
The best way to vote in person if you requested a mailed ballot is to bring it with you to a polling place and surrender it to election judges.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--Suburban Cook County early voting starts today at courthouses

Early voting in suburban Cook County starts today at five courthouses , including in Rolling Meadows and Skokie , and expanded beginning Oct. 19 to more than a dozen other sites in the Northwest suburbs .
The other three suburban Cook County courthouses opening are in Bridgeview , Markham and Maywood .
Voters who go to courthouse voting sites will have to go through metal detectors , as do others who head into the courthouse , said Frank Herrera , communications coordinator for the Cook County clerk 's office .
Early voting sites opening Oct. 19 include the village halls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elk Grove Village , Glenview , Hoffman Estates , Mount Prospect , Niles , Northbrook and Streamwood ; city hall in Park Ridge ; the former village hall in Palatine ; the public libraries in Des Plaines and Wheeling ; and Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg .
The full list , including hours , is posted at cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations .
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic , all polling places will require social distancing and all election judges will be provided with full personal protective equipment , including face shields , masks , gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Touch surfaces and voting equipment will be cleaned frequently , including between each voter , he said .
The clerk 's office also will provide masks and hand sanitizer for voters , he said .
Voters are `` highly encouraged '' to wear masks , but the clerk 's office can not turn away voters who refuse to wear them , Herrera said .
Maskless voters will be directed to voting booths for away from others , he said .
The clerk 's office has been strongly encouraging people to vote by mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds on Election Day , Herrera said .
The office so far has received more than 450,000 applications for votes by mail , he said .
`` Early voting locations will have the mail ballot drop box located near the entrance so that voters dropping off their completed mail ballots can do so without waiting in line , '' he said .
The clerk 's office has enough staffing for early voting sites but is always on the lookout for election judges who speak one of the new languages on the ballot this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korean , Gujarati , Urdu , Arabic , Tagalog , Ukrainian , Russian and Polish .
Votes by mail and early votes will be counted on Election Day after the polls close , Herrera said .
But mailed-in votes , which must be postmarked by Election Day , can be received up to two weeks after Election Day and will be counted as they arrive .

Suburban Cook County early voting starts today at courthouses
Early voting in suburban Cook County starts today at five courthouses, including in Rolling Meadows and Skokie, and expanded beginning Oct. 19 to more than a dozen other sites in the Northwest suburbs.
The other three suburban Cook County courthouses opening are in Bridgeview, Markham and Maywood. Voters who go to courthouse voting sites will have to go through metal detectors, as do others who head into the courthouse, said Frank Herrera, communications coordinator for the Cook County clerk's office.
Early voting sites opening Oct. 19 include the village halls in Arlington Heights, Barrington Hills, Elk Grove Village, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook and Streamwood; city hall in Park Ridge; the former village hall in Palatine; the public libraries in Des Plaines and Wheeling; and Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg.
The full list, including hours, is posted at cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all polling places will require social distancing and all election judges will be provided with full personal protective equipment, including face shields, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, Herrera said. Touch surfaces and voting equipment will be cleaned frequently, including between each voter, he said.
The clerk's office also will provide masks and hand sanitizer for voters, he said.
Voters are "highly encouraged" to wear masks, but the clerk's office cannot turn away voters who refuse to wear them, Herrera said. Maskless voters will be directed to voting booths for away from others, he said.
The clerk's office has been strongly encouraging people to vote by mail and to vote early to avoid large crowds on Election Day, Herrera said. The office so far has received more than 450,000 applications for votes by mail, he said.
"Early voting locations will have the mail ballot drop box located near the entrance so that voters dropping off their completed mail ballots can do so without waiting in line," he said.
The clerk's office has enough staffing for early voting sites but is always on the lookout for election judges who speak one of the new languages on the ballot this year, Herrera said. Those are Korean, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish.
Votes by mail and early votes will be counted on Election Day after the polls close, Herrera said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--When to fill out the affidavit of delivery on mail-in ballots

You fill out your mail-in ballot from the comfort of your home , sign and seal the certification envelope , and then you notice a blank space on the back titled `` affidavit of delivery . ''
While navigating an already daunting list of vote-by-mail instructions , some suburban voters have expressed confusion over when and why this section would need to be completed .
If you 're planning to drop your ballot in the mailbox , you can leave the affidavit blank .
The section is relevant only if someone other than you or the U.S .
Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jean Kaczmarek said .
The friend or relative submitting a ballot on behalf of another voter would become the `` authorized delivery agent , '' in which case the chain of custody needs to be disclosed on the back of the envelope and signed by both parties .
In some counties , including Lake and McHenry , this applies primarily to ballots dropped off in person at the clerk 's office , where the delivery agent 's ID and signature will be checked , officials said .
In suburban Cook County , staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites to ensure ballots are being delivered by the voter or authorized agent .
You do not need to fill out the affidavit if you are dropping off your own ballot .
If you received a mail-in ballot but decide to vote in person , you have to bring the ballot to the polling place and surrender it to election judges .
Voters who misplace or forget their mailed ballots will be allowed to vote provisionally .

When to fill out the affidavit of delivery on mail-in ballots
You fill out your mail-in ballot from the comfort of your home, sign and seal the certification envelope, and then you notice a blank space on the back titled "affidavit of delivery."
While navigating an already daunting list of vote-by-mail instructions, some suburban voters have expressed confusion over when and why this section would need to be completed.
If you're planning to drop your ballot in the mailbox, you can leave the affidavit blank. The section is relevant only if someone other than you or the U.S. Postal Service delivers your ballot, DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek said.
The friend or relative submitting a ballot on behalf of another voter would become the "authorized delivery agent," in which case the chain of custody needs to be disclosed on the back of the envelope and signed by both parties.
In some counties, including Lake and McHenry, this applies primarily to ballots dropped off in person at the clerk's office, where the delivery agent's ID and signature will be checked, officials said. In suburban Cook County, staff members will be checking secure drop box sites to ensure ballots are being delivered by the voter or authorized agent.
You do not need to fill out the affidavit if you are dropping off your own ballot.
If you received a mail-in ballot but decide to vote in person, you have to bring the ballot to the polling place and surrender it to election judges. Voters who misplace or forget their mailed ballots will be allowed to vote provisionally.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Elgin's David C Cook building closer to landmark status, against company's wishes

For the first time , the Elgin Heritage Commission has recommended landmarking a building against the owner 's wishes .
The future of the 119-year-old David C Cook building at 850 Grove Ave. now rests with the Elgin City Council , which has final vote on the issue .
The issue is scheduled to be in front of the council Oct. 28 , according to Scott Day , attorney representing David C Cook .
The commission voted unanimously in favor of the designation , which would be a major obstacle to demolition unless the David C Cook company can show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an economic hardship to keep the structure intact .
The company reports spending more than $ 500,000 in the past few years to keep the office building boarded up and secure after `` overwhelming '' damage to the building when a city water main burst in 2016 , causing flooding of the office for more than 36 hours .
There are 11 criteria for Elgin landmarks .
To be designated a landmark the site in question must meet at least six of the criteria .
The city hired an architectural history professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who previously testified he believes the property meets nine of the 11 criteria .
In a statement provided to the Daily Herald , Cris Doornbos , CEO of David C Cook , said that `` if the city takes away our ministry 's property rights , it will set a precedent that could easily happen to any Elgin property owner in the future .
`` Forcing us to divert millions of dollars from missional programs , to 'landmark ' our property , against our will , is wrong .
Today it 's David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home or business . ''
David C Cook 's own estimate is that it will cost up to $ 2.6 million to demolish the building .
The company is asking for a minimum of $ 4 million to sell the building , the same amount it estimates would be needed to rehab it into something usable .
The 24,000-square-foot office building has been vacant since 1994 , when the Christian publishing company moved its headquarters to Colorado .
David C Cook was at one point the second-largest employer in Elgin and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publisher of Sunday school literature in the world .
The building sits on an 8-acre property that includes a 200,000-square-foot warehouse in back , where the company still conducts publishing and distribution operations .
Before the final vote , several commission members sympathized with the company 's economic position .
`` The economic question , while we 're compassionate about it , it goes to the council , '' Scott Savel said .
`` I do n't think we can consider the economic ramifications .
Our job is to tell the city council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landmark designation ) , '' he said .
`` It 's the city council 's choice .
We 're not making landmark status here .
`` It 's a pretty simple decision that we 're making right now . ''

Elgin's David C Cook building closer to landmark status, against company's wishes
For the first time, the Elgin Heritage Commission has recommended landmarking a building against the owner's wishes.
The future of the 119-year-old David C Cook building at 850 Grove Ave. now rests with the Elgin City Council, which has final vote on the issue. The issue is scheduled to be in front of the council Oct. 28, according to Scott Day, attorney representing David C Cook.
The commission voted unanimously in favor of the designation, which would be a major obstacle to demolition unless the David C Cook company can show the city council there is too much of an economic hardship to keep the structure intact.
The company reports spending more than $500,000 in the past few years to keep the office building boarded up and secure after "overwhelming" damage to the building when a city water main burst in 2016, causing flooding of the office for more than 36 hours.
There are 11 criteria for Elgin landmarks. To be designated a landmark the site in question must meet at least six of the criteria. The city hired an architectural history professor at the School of the Art Institute who previously testified he believes the property meets nine of the 11 criteria.
In a statement provided to the Daily Herald, Cris Doornbos, CEO of David C Cook, said that "if the city takes away our ministry's property rights, it will set a precedent that could easily happen to any Elgin property owner in the future.
"Forcing us to divert millions of dollars from missional programs, to 'landmark' our property, against our will, is wrong. Today it's David C Cook, tomorrow it could be your home or business."
David C Cook's own estimate is that it will cost up to $2.6 million to demolish the building. The company is asking for a minimum of $4 million to sell the building, the same amount it estimates would be needed to rehab it into something usable.
The 24,000-square-foot office building has been vacant since 1994, when the Christian publishing company moved its headquarters to Colorado. David C Cook was at one point the second-largest employer in Elgin and was, for a time, the largest publisher of Sunday school literature in the world.
The building sits on an 8-acre property that includes a 200,000-square-foot warehouse in back, where the company still conducts publishing and distribution operations.
Before the final vote, several commission members sympathized with the company's economic position.
"The economic question, while we're compassionate about it, it goes to the council," Scott Savel said. "I don't think we can consider the economic ramifications. Our job is to tell the city council whether this meets that criteria (for landmark designation)," he said. "It's the city council's choice. We're not making landmark status here.
"It's a pretty simple decision that we're making right now."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-06--In-person learning approved for District 128 schools

Students in Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools will be given the option of returning to the classroom this month .
The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board approved in-person learning by a 4-3 vote Monday and set Oct. 29 as opening day .
The hybrid model will be made available to the 3,400 students at the two schools .
Families will be given more complete details of the schedule and surveyed Wednesday regarding their preference of having students attend in person or remain in remote learning .
In-person hybrid students will be divided into two groups with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have four days per week of in-person instruction .
Remote learners will be connected to teachers and in-person learners via livestream , according to the district .
The board was split over health and safety concerns related to in-person learning .
`` We are trying very hard as a board to look at all sides based on information and science , '' board President Pat Groody said during the meeting .
He was later joined in the majority to proceed with in-person learning by board members Karin Lundstedt , Kevin Huber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lisa Hessel and Don Carmichael voted against .
The split vote was a reflection of public sentiment on both sides of the issue .
Board members said they have received extensive public input on the matter in recent weeks .
A petition signed by 329 people asking that remote learning be extended at least until the end of the first semester , Jan. 13 , was presented to the school board before the vote Monday .
However , anxious parents , students and supporters attended a Sept. 29 rally in downtown Libertyville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for In-Person School .
The school board on July 22 decided to start the school year solely with remote learning based on the uncertainty surrounding the health risks of the coronavirus .
But as in other school districts , there has been a call to relax the guidelines and allow students back in classrooms .
Kristen Christensen , who founded the in-person school group , said she appreciated the board taking the time to consider all factors and was `` very pleased '' with the opportunity to choose what 's best for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 800 members on my site seem pleased that they are moving forward with this option , '' she said .
`` I do feel like the board heard us and responded by working on this hybrid model for the students who choose to go back . ''
Other elements of the hybrid model , shared with parents Tuesday by Superintendent Prentiss Lea , said health risks will be reduced by eliminating large-group , in-person lunch .
Instructional minutes per class per week will be increased slightly , according to the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings before , after and during school also will be provided .

In-person learning approved for District 128 schools
Students in Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools will be given the option of returning to the classroom this month.
The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board approved in-person learning by a 4-3 vote Monday and set Oct. 29 as opening day.
The hybrid model will be made available to the 3,400 students at the two schools. Families will be given more complete details of the schedule and surveyed Wednesday regarding their preference of having students attend in person or remain in remote learning.
In-person hybrid students will be divided into two groups with alternating morning and afternoon attendance, and will have four days per week of in-person instruction.
Remote learners will be connected to teachers and in-person learners via livestream, according to the district.
The board was split over health and safety concerns related to in-person learning.
"We are trying very hard as a board to look at all sides based on information and science," board President Pat Groody said during the meeting.
He was later joined in the majority to proceed with in-person learning by board members Karin Lundstedt, Kevin Huber and Casey Rooney. Board members Jim Batson, Lisa Hessel and Don Carmichael voted against.
The split vote was a reflection of public sentiment on both sides of the issue. Board members said they have received extensive public input on the matter in recent weeks.
A petition signed by 329 people asking that remote learning be extended at least until the end of the first semester, Jan. 13, was presented to the school board before the vote Monday.
However, anxious parents, students and supporters attended a Sept. 29 rally in downtown Libertyville organized by a group called Libertyville/Vernon Hills for In-Person School.
The school board on July 22 decided to start the school year solely with remote learning based on the uncertainty surrounding the health risks of the coronavirus. But as in other school districts, there has been a call to relax the guidelines and allow students back in classrooms.
Kristen Christensen, who founded the in-person school group, said she appreciated the board taking the time to consider all factors and was "very pleased" with the opportunity to choose what's best for her son.
"I believe that majority of the 800 members on my site seem pleased that they are moving forward with this option," she said. "I do feel like the board heard us and responded by working on this hybrid model for the students who choose to go back."
Other elements of the hybrid model, shared with parents Tuesday by Superintendent Prentiss Lea, said health risks will be reduced by eliminating large-group, in-person lunch.
Instructional minutes per class per week will be increased slightly, according to the district. Flexible office hours for scheduling student meetings before, after and during school also will be provided.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-07--Woman who died after Harper College motorcycle class crash remembered as kind, fun-loving

A 66-year-old woman who died after a crash during a motorcycle class in Palatine was remembered as kind and fun-loving by her family and employer .
Carol Counelis lived in Woodridge with her spouse , Gwendelynn Clark , and getting a motorcycle license had been on her `` bucket list , '' said attorney Jonathan Svitak of Chicago , who was retained by Clark .
A report from the Cook County medical examiner 's office said Counelis lived in Winfield , but the couple had moved to Woodridge , Svitak said .
Counelis , who also had two sisters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` She had a huge heart -- a heart of gold .
She loved her family and loved her friends , '' he said , adding she was an avid reader and at one point was diagnosed with cancer .
`` She 's going to be missed very much . ''
Counelis had worked since January in guest services at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield , hospital spokeswoman Kim Waterman said .
`` Carol was hardworking , fun-loving and a kind soul .
She will be missed . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , three-wheel basic rider motorcycle course at Harper College in Palatine .
She was one of eight students in the class , all of whom were wearing helmets , college spokeswoman Kim Pohl said .
Counelis hit a curb and was thrown from the motorcycle , Pohl said .
She was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights , where she was pronounced dead .
Harper police , with assistance from Palatine police , were conducting an investigation and had no plans to issue arrests or citations , Pohl said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As of right now , we do n't have any reports or anything from the Palatine police or the police from Harper College , '' Svitak said .
`` We are going to look into it , see if we can figure out what happened , and then go from there . ''
The motorcycle course is part of the cycle rider safety training program coordinated by the Illinois Department of Transportation and hosted and managed by colleges statewide .
Harper College administers all the program 's courses in northern Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remainder of the motorcycle safety training season at all its sites out of respect for Counelis ' family .
Harper has been running the program for six years , and this is the first time an injury resulted in a fatality , Pohl said .
The three-wheel basic rider class Saturday featured two instructors and an aide who helped set up the cones and motorcycles , as is standard for such classes , Pohl said .
The instructors and aides are hired by the college , and the instructors are certified by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counelis used a training program motorcycle , Pohl said .
`` The three-wheel motorcycles used as part of the training are on loan to the college from area dealerships .
Maintenance is performed by the dealerships , '' she said .
This is believed to be the first fatality of IDOT 's cycle rider safety training program , and the agency is cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation , agency spokesman Guy Tridgell said .
The program `` has been a cornerstone of IDOT 's safety efforts for almost 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of riders throughout the state .
Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this weekend 's tragic incident , '' Tridgell said in a statement .

Woman who died after Harper College motorcycle class crash remembered as kind, fun-loving
Carol Counelis, 66, died Saturday after a crash while she was taking a motorcycle course at Harper College in Palatine. Courtesy of Gwendelynn Clark
A 66-year-old woman who died after a crash during a motorcycle class in Palatine was remembered as kind and fun-loving by her family and employer.
Carol Counelis lived in Woodridge with her spouse, Gwendelynn Clark, and getting a motorcycle license had been on her "bucket list," said attorney Jonathan Svitak of Chicago, who was retained by Clark. A report from the Cook County medical examiner's office said Counelis lived in Winfield, but the couple had moved to Woodridge, Svitak said.
Counelis, who also had two sisters, was very kind and loving, he said.
"She had a huge heart -- a heart of gold. She loved her family and loved her friends," he said, adding she was an avid reader and at one point was diagnosed with cancer. "She's going to be missed very much."
Counelis had worked since January in guest services at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, hospital spokeswoman Kim Waterman said. "Carol was hardworking, fun-loving and a kind soul. She will be missed."
Counelis was participating Saturday in a three day, three-wheel basic rider motorcycle course at Harper College in Palatine. She was one of eight students in the class, all of whom were wearing helmets, college spokeswoman Kim Pohl said.
Counelis hit a curb and was thrown from the motorcycle, Pohl said. She was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, where she was pronounced dead.
Harper police, with assistance from Palatine police, were conducting an investigation and had no plans to issue arrests or citations, Pohl said. Palatine police referred questions to the college.
"As of right now, we don't have any reports or anything from the Palatine police or the police from Harper College," Svitak said. "We are going to look into it, see if we can figure out what happened, and then go from there."
The motorcycle course is part of the cycle rider safety training program coordinated by the Illinois Department of Transportation and hosted and managed by colleges statewide. Harper College administers all the program's courses in northern Illinois. The college said it canceled the remainder of the motorcycle safety training season at all its sites out of respect for Counelis' family.
Harper has been running the program for six years, and this is the first time an injury resulted in a fatality, Pohl said. The three-wheel basic rider class Saturday featured two instructors and an aide who helped set up the cones and motorcycles, as is standard for such classes, Pohl said. The instructors and aides are hired by the college, and the instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, she said.
Counelis used a training program motorcycle, Pohl said. "The three-wheel motorcycles used as part of the training are on loan to the college from area dealerships. Maintenance is performed by the dealerships," she said.
This is believed to be the first fatality of IDOT's cycle rider safety training program, and the agency is cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation, agency spokesman Guy Tridgell said.
The program "has been a cornerstone of IDOT's safety efforts for almost 50 years, providing invaluable training to thousands of riders throughout the state. Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this weekend's tragic incident," Tridgell said in a statement.