dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Comptroller to lawmakers: No more pay for time not worked

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois ' chief fiscal officer announced a plan this week to remedy the `` ridiculous '' law that allows legislators to be paid for days they did not hold office .
Representatives and senators are paid in 12 equal disbursements on the last working day of each month .
Current law allows lawmakers to receive a full salary as long as they hold office at least one day in each pay period .
Comptroller Susana Mendoza proposed prorating legislators ' pay , ensuring they are only paid for only the days they hold office .
She also wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same as it is for other state officials and employees -- twice monthly .
Her legislative partner on the initiative , Elgin Democratic Sen. Cristina Castro , said the change would bring the legislative branch in line with the private sector .
`` This is a glaring loophole that has been exploited far too many times at the taxpayers ' expense , and I 'm sick of it .
It needs to be closed , '' Castro said in a news release .
The bill appears to have bipartisan support .
Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed a near-identical measure 12 months ago .
The initiatives differ in one respect -- when they take effect .
Murphy 's bill would become enforceable immediately ; the Democrats ' plan would begin at the start of the 102nd General Assembly in January 2021 .
Altering lawmakers ' pay during terms for which they are elected is unconstitutional , a spokesperson for Mendoza said , which is why the measure 's effective date is later .
Murphy said he sent a letter to Mendoza and Castro asking for their support on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative , in whatever form , is successful this legislative session .
The `` bottom line , '' Murphy said , `` is let 's just get this done , '' no matter whose name is on the final version .
`` We have got to do whatever we can to get the trust back of the people , and we have to earn it , '' he added .
`` Bills like this show that we 're serious about doing the right thing . ''
A representative for Mendoza said the resignations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arroyo both `` egregious examples , '' indicate the need for a statutory change .
Sandoval , a Chicago Democrat whose Capitol office and home were raided by federal agents , announced on Nov. 27 he would resign his position to avoid `` distraction to the important work that needs to be accomplished . ''
His last day as a state lawmaker was Jan. 1 .
Arroyo , also a Chicago Democrat , was arrested on federal bribery charges in late October but waited until Nov. 1 -- the same day a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expel him from the chamber -- to officially resign .
Because both former legislators held office for one day , they were paid the full month 's salary in accordance with state law , according to the comptroller 's office .
In some instances , a legislator 's replacement would get paid for the same full month 's work as the retired or resigned official .
`` That 's ridiculous .
I can think of no other enterprise that pays for an ex-employee for work they never performed , '' Mendoza said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these lawmakers left under a cloud but stayed just long enough -- the first of the month -- to collect an 'exit bonus ' from state taxpayers for a month 's pay for no work . ''
The initiative is one Castro said the newly-formed ethics reform commission will consider as part of its recommended ethics overhaul legislative package .
In an interview in November , Murphy said his bill was one of about 30 proposed by Republicans and not addressed by the General Assembly during the fall veto session .
His measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight co-sponsors , all Republicans .
Castro 's measure will be Senate Bill 2456 when it is formally read into the record .

Comptroller to lawmakers: No more pay for time not worked
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' chief fiscal officer announced a plan this week to remedy the "ridiculous" law that allows legislators to be paid for days they did not hold office.
Representatives and senators are paid in 12 equal disbursements on the last working day of each month. Current law allows lawmakers to receive a full salary as long as they hold office at least one day in each pay period.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza proposed prorating legislators' pay, ensuring they are only paid for only the days they hold office. She also wants to shift their salary schedule to be the same as it is for other state officials and employees -- twice monthly.
Her legislative partner on the initiative, Elgin Democratic Sen. Cristina Castro, said the change would bring the legislative branch in line with the private sector.
"This is a glaring loophole that has been exploited far too many times at the taxpayers' expense, and I'm sick of it. It needs to be closed," Castro said in a news release.
The bill appears to have bipartisan support. Republican Rep. Mike Murphy, of Springfield, proposed a near-identical measure 12 months ago. The initiatives differ in one respect -- when they take effect. Murphy's bill would become enforceable immediately; the Democrats' plan would begin at the start of the 102nd General Assembly in January 2021.
Altering lawmakers' pay during terms for which they are elected is unconstitutional, a spokesperson for Mendoza said, which is why the measure's effective date is later.
Murphy said he sent a letter to Mendoza and Castro asking for their support on his bill and offering to help ensure the initiative, in whatever form, is successful this legislative session.
The "bottom line," Murphy said, "is let's just get this done," no matter whose name is on the final version.
"We have got to do whatever we can to get the trust back of the people, and we have to earn it," he added. "Bills like this show that we're serious about doing the right thing."
A representative for Mendoza said the resignations of Sen. Martin Sandoval and Rep. Luis Arroyo both "egregious examples," indicate the need for a statutory change.
Sandoval, a Chicago Democrat whose Capitol office and home were raided by federal agents, announced on Nov. 27 he would resign his position to avoid "distraction to the important work that needs to be accomplished." His last day as a state lawmaker was Jan. 1.
Arroyo, also a Chicago Democrat, was arrested on federal bribery charges in late October but waited until Nov. 1 -- the same day a special investigative panel was to consider whether to expel him from the chamber -- to officially resign.
Because both former legislators held office for one day, they were paid the full month's salary in accordance with state law, according to the comptroller's office.
In some instances, a legislator's replacement would get paid for the same full month's work as the retired or resigned official.
"That's ridiculous. I can think of no other enterprise that pays for an ex-employee for work they never performed," Mendoza said in a news release. "Each of these lawmakers left under a cloud but stayed just long enough -- the first of the month -- to collect an 'exit bonus' from state taxpayers for a month's pay for no work."
The initiative is one Castro said the newly-formed ethics reform commission will consider as part of its recommended ethics overhaul legislative package.
In an interview in November, Murphy said his bill was one of about 30 proposed by Republicans and not addressed by the General Assembly during the fall veto session.
His measure is House Bill 818 -- it has eight co-sponsors, all Republicans. Castro's measure will be Senate Bill 2456 when it is formally read into the record.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Freund hearing routine, but media cameras recording it a first in McHenry County

An otherwise routine proceeding Tuesday in the case of Andrew Freund Sr. , charged with first-degree murder in the death of 5-year-old son AJ , was noteworthy as the first time media cameras were allowed in a McHenry County courtroom .
Still and video cameras captured images of Freund wearing orange prison clothes as he was escorted through a door to the right of Judge Robert Wilbrandt and led to the bench for a status hearing .
Freund , 61 , was unshackled and uncuffed for the first public images -- besides his jail mug shot -- since he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 , were taken into custody April 24 and charged in the boy 's beating death .
The arrests came after AJ 's body was recovered from a shallow grave in rural Woodstock six days after he was reported missing .
That report unleashed an extensive search and generated national attention , putting Freund Sr. , and Cunningham in the spotlight .
Cunningham pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to one count of first-degree murder for her part in AJ 's death .
She faces a maximum of 60 years in prison and must serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been scheduled .
At Freund 's status hearing Tuesday , Assistant McHenry County State 's Attorney Rita Gara asked for and was granted protective orders keeping private certain medical information received in the case against Cunningham .
The records are for treatment Cunningham received March 29 , 2018 through discharge at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago ; on July 16 , 2018 through discharge at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago ; and July 23 through discharge at Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Des Plaines .
Gara said she intends to share the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court-appointed attorney .
Freund 's case was continued to Feb. 27 .
Prosecutors have not offered Freund a plea deal , Gara said .
`` We 're not in a position to expect a plea at this point , '' she added .
Wilbrandt began Freund 's hearing by noting this was the first instance of what is known as `` extended media coverage '' in a McHenry County courtroom The program was approved by the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2016 and is allowed in 20 of the state 's 24 judicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which call for media requests to be received at least 14 days before a proceeding to allow both parties in a case to be notified , object and have a judge review and rule .
That deadline was missed in Freund 's case , but Wilbrandt from the bench allowed it to proceed after asking and receiving no objections from Gara or Sugden .
Wilbrandt also ordered that the media access be allowed for all subsequent proceedings involving Freund until the end of the case .
While there was a lot of behind-the-scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said James `` Dan '' Wallis , trial court administrator and media liaison for the 22nd Judicial Circuit .
`` In any new endeavor there will be hiccups and snags , '' he said .
`` We 'll determine , '' any issues and `` figure out what went right and what went wrong and make it more seamless , '' he added .

Freund hearing routine, but media cameras recording it a first in McHenry County
Andrew Freund enters court Tuesday for a status hearing on charges he murdered his 5-year-old son, AJ, in April 2019. The hearing was the first time media cameras have been allowed in a McHenry County courtroom. Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune / Pool
Andrew Freund enters court Tuesday for a status hearing on charges he murdered his 5-year-old son, AJ, in April 2019. The hearing was the first time media cameras have been allowed in a McHenry County courtroom. Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune / Pool
Defense attorney Hank Sugden, center, speaks with his client Andrew Freund during a court appearance Tuesday. The hearing was the first time media cameras have been allowed in a McHenry County courtroom. Stacey Wescott, Chicago Tribune / Pool
Andrew Freund, center, and defense lawyer Henry Sugden, left, appear in court Tuesday for a status hearing before McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt. Matthew Apgar, Shaw Media / Pool
Andrew Freund, left, speaks with defense attorney Henry Sugden during a status hearing Tuesday in front of McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt. . The hearing was the first time media cameras have been allowed in a McHenry County courtroom. Matthew Apgar, Shaw Media / Pool
Andrew Freund enters court Tuesday for a status hearing before Judge Robert Wilbrandt. The hearing was the first time media cameras have been allowed in a McHenry County courtroom. Matthew Apgar, Shaw Media / Pool
An otherwise routine proceeding Tuesday in the case of Andrew Freund Sr., charged with first-degree murder in the death of 5-year-old son AJ, was noteworthy as the first time media cameras were allowed in a McHenry County courtroom.
Still and video cameras captured images of Freund wearing orange prison clothes as he was escorted through a door to the right of Judge Robert Wilbrandt and led to the bench for a status hearing.
Freund, 61, was unshackled and uncuffed for the first public images -- besides his jail mug shot -- since he and AJ's mother, JoAnn Cunningham, 36, were taken into custody April 24 and charged in the boy's beating death.
The arrests came after AJ's body was recovered from a shallow grave in rural Woodstock six days after he was reported missing. That report unleashed an extensive search and generated national attention, putting Freund Sr. and Cunningham in the spotlight.
Cunningham pleaded guilty Dec. 5 to one count of first-degree murder for her part in AJ's death. She faces a maximum of 60 years in prison and must serve the entire sentence. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.
At Freund's status hearing Tuesday, Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Rita Gara asked for and was granted protective orders keeping private certain medical information received in the case against Cunningham.
The records are for treatment Cunningham received at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago and at Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Des Plaines.
Gara said she intends to share the information with Henry Sugden, Freund's court-appointed attorney. Freund's case was continued to Feb. 27.
Prosecutors have not offered Freund a plea deal, Gara said.
"We're not in a position to expect a plea at this point," she added.
Wilbrandt began Freund's hearing by noting this was the first instance of what is known as "extended media coverage" in a McHenry County courtroom The program was approved by the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2016 and is allowed in 20 of the state's 24 judicial circuits.
Wilbrandt outlined the rules, which call for media requests to be received at least 14 days before a proceeding to allow both parties in a case to be notified, object and have a judge review and rule.
That deadline was missed in Freund's case, but Wilbrandt from the bench allowed it to proceed after asking and receiving no objections from Gara or Sugden. Wilbrandt also ordered that the media access be allowed for all subsequent proceedings involving Freund until the end of the case.
While there was a lot of behind-the-scenes planning, Tuesday's proceeding went smoothly said James "Dan" Wallis, trial court administrator and media liaison for the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
"In any new endeavor there will be hiccups and snags," he said.
"We'll determine (any issues and) figure out what went right and what went wrong and make it more seamless," he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Holiday Inn Express could be coming to Huntley business park

A roughly 100-room Holiday Inn Express hotel is proposed for nearly six acres in Huntley 's Regency Square business park .
Village officials recently authorized negotiations for a business development agreement with local land owner Henry Patel to allow construction of the four-story hotel at the southeast corner of Kreutzer Road and Regency Parkway .
Patel owns several properties in town , including a new multi-tenant center with a Starbucks at Reed 's Corner .
He has secured a three-year license granting franchise rights to build a Holiday Inn Express in the Huntley market , and is ready to contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said .
A hotel would be a special use within Regency Square , which is zoned as a business park .
Building a hotel in town has long been a goal and part of the village 's strategic plan vision .
Patel is seeking financial help for the project , estimated to cost $ 11.5 million .
The business development agreement would provide for a property tax abatement and rebate of hotel/motel taxes , documents show .
If the agreement and site plans are approved by the village board , construction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with opening in summer 2021 .

Holiday Inn Express could be coming to Huntley business park
A proposed Holiday Inn Express hotel with roughly 95 to 100 rooms is targeted for a site in Huntley's Regency Square. Courtesy of Village of Huntley
A rendering of a proposed Hampton Inn Express hotel targeted for a nearly six-acre site in Huntley's Regency Square. Courtesy of Henry Patel
A roughly 100-room Holiday Inn Express hotel is proposed for nearly six acres in Huntley's Regency Square business park.
Village officials recently authorized negotiations for a business development agreement with local land owner Henry Patel to allow construction of the four-story hotel at the southeast corner of Kreutzer Road and Regency Parkway.
Patel owns several properties in town, including a new multi-tenant center with a Starbucks at Reed's Corner. He has secured a three-year license granting franchise rights to build a Holiday Inn Express in the Huntley market, and is ready to contract with an architect, Village Manager Dave Johnson said.
A hotel would be a special use within Regency Square, which is zoned as a business park. Building a hotel in town has long been a goal and part of the village's strategic plan vision.
Patel is seeking financial help for the project, estimated to cost $11.5 million. The business development agreement would provide for a property tax abatement and rebate of hotel/motel taxes, documents show.
If the agreement and site plans are approved by the village board, construction of the hotel could begin this summer, with opening in summer 2021.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Student shot at Texas high school; suspect still at large

A student was shot Tuesday at a high school in Texas and a suspect remained at large , local officials @ @ @ @ @ seen performing CPR as the student was carried on a stretcher to an ambulance outside @ @ @ @ @ reports .
The city , a suburb south west of Houston , confirmed on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ and said the suspect is still at large .
It advised resident to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ remain in their homes .
Police and school officials could not be immediately reached for @ @

Student fatally shot at Texas high school; suspect arrested
A Houston Independent School District Police K-9 unit responds to a shooting, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, at Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas. (Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP) Associated Press
Students watch from across the street as authorities respond to a shooting at Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. (Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP) Associated Press
People wait outside Bellaire High School after a shooting, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Bellaire, Texas. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP) Associated Press
Police officers respond to a shooting at Bellaire High School, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Bellaire, Texas. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP) Associated Press
BELLAIRE, Texas -- A 16-year-old student was shot to death Tuesday at a Texas high school, and a suspect was arrested hours later, officials said.
Grenita Lathan, interim superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, confirmed the shooting victim at Bellaire High School had died. She gave no other information and took no questions.
A suspect and another person police said was connected to the case were arrested about 3 1/2 hours after the shooting Tuesday night, according to statements from the school district and Bellaire police. They said no other information would be released for now, including further details about where the shooting occurred in the school complex, whether the suspect was a student or what led to the arrest.
The district announced classes had been canceled Wednesday, after Latham originally said they were going on as scheduled.
Emergency crews were seen performing CPR as the student was carried on a stretcher to an ambulance outside the school, KPRC-TV reported. There were conflicting media reports about whether the shooting happened inside or outside the school.
The city, a suburb south west of Houston, confirmed on Twitter that there was a shooting and said the suspect is still at large. It advised resident to avoid the area around the school or remain in their homes. Officials gave no update on the suspect's status later at a news conference.
Television footage from the school showed students gathered outside and police cars and an ambulance with their lights blazing.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that the superintendent's last name is Lathan, not Latham.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Jennings, not Naperville's 'Jeopardy James,' is game show's GOAT

He 'll always be `` Jeopardy James '' Holzhauer , but he 's not the game show 's Greatest of All Time .
That title went to Ken Jennings Tuesday in the fourth and final episode of `` Jeopardy !
The Greatest of All Time '' on ABC .
Jennings ' Shakespeare knowledge edged him past Holzhauer , who could have won the match and tied the overall standings at two matches apiece if he 'd known the character who has the most speeches of any nontitle character in a Shakespeare tragedy .
Holzhauer guessed Horatio , but by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , audiences everywhere during the prime-time show already knew Jennings had gotten it right .
The answer was Iago .
It has been 15 years since Jennings ' famous `` Jeopardy '' run , host Alex Trebek said , and Tuesday , Jennings was able to prove he `` is as good as he appeared to be . ''
Rutter , Holzhauer and Jennings made it to the `` Greatest of All Time '' feature by earning the three highest amounts in show history -- Rutter with $ 4.6 million , Jennings with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.7 million .
All three added to their earnings in the show that aired Tuesday , with Jennings gaining $ 1 million and the runners-up getting $ 250,000 each .
Holzhauer 's run on the show also resulted in roughly $ 2,000 in charitable donations by viewers at downtown Naperville watch parties , hosted in the town where the famed contestant grew up and graduated from high school .
Donors gave to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research , in honor both of Trebek 's battle against the disease and Holzhauer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as to DuPage PADS .
As quickly as Jennings was crowned champion , the hourlong show was over .
It faded to credits atop a shot of Holzhauer and Rutter holding up Jennings , who himself hoisted his `` Greatest of All Time '' trophy .
Rutter answered the Final Jeopardy question with `` You 're the best , Alex , '' and Trebek thanked him for it .
`` So long , everybody , '' Trebek said to close the show .

Jennings, not Naperville's 'Jeopardy James,' is game show's GOAT
"Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" concluded after Tuesday's episode with Ken Jennings, center, claiming the title and $1 million prize. Naperville native James Holzhauer, left, and Brad Rutter each won $250,000. Eric McCandless/ABC via AP
He'll always be "Jeopardy James" Holzhauer, but he's not the game show's Greatest of All Time.
That title went to Ken Jennings Tuesday in the fourth and final episode of "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" on ABC.
Jennings' Shakespeare knowledge edged him past Holzhauer, who could have won the match and tied the overall standings at two matches apiece if he'd known the character who has the most speeches of any nontitle character in a Shakespeare tragedy.
Holzhauer guessed Horatio, but by the time his answer was revealed as wrong, audiences everywhere during the prime-time show already knew Jennings had gotten it right. The answer was Iago.
It has been 15 years since Jennings' famous "Jeopardy" run, host Alex Trebek said, and Tuesday, Jennings was able to prove he "is as good as he appeared to be."
Rutter, Holzhauer and Jennings made it to the "Greatest of All Time" feature by earning the three highest amounts in show history -- Rutter with $4.6 million, Jennings with $3.3 million and Holzhauer with $2.7 million. All three added to their earnings in the show that aired Tuesday, with Jennings gaining $1 million and the runners-up getting $250,000 each.
Holzhauer's run on the show also resulted in roughly $2,000 in charitable donations by viewers at downtown Naperville watch parties, hosted in the town where the famed contestant grew up and graduated from high school.
Donors gave to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research, in honor both of Trebek's battle against the disease and Holzhauer's past support of the cause, as well as to DuPage PADS.
As quickly as Jennings was crowned champion, the hourlong show was over. It faded to credits atop a shot of Holzhauer and Rutter holding up Jennings, who himself hoisted his "Greatest of All Time" trophy.
Rutter answered the Final Jeopardy question with "You're the best, Alex," and Trebek thanked him for it.
"So long, everybody," Trebek said to close the show.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Ahead of Naperville appearance, Peter Asher shares his long and winding road with The Beatles

Peter Asher always was the exception to a hard-and-fast rule : If you spent any time with The Beatles , you had to write a book .
Groupies , roadies , nearly everyone associated with the band has written about the Fab Four .
Asher is just as much a Beatles insider , with an overlapping career that has taken him here , there and everywhere .
He had hit records in the 1960s as half of the pop duo Peter and Gordon .
He lived with Paul McCartney in the early days when Paul was dating Asher 's sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asher shied away from book offers until a publisher approached him with an idea inspired by his weekly hosting gig on the Beatles channel for SiriusXM radio .
The result is Asher 's `` The Beatles From A to Zed : An Alphabetical Mystery Tour . ''
It is n't a memoir , but a guide using letters of the alphabet as jumping-off points into the Beatles universe .
`` I 'm writing about music as much as I am , or more in fact , than I am about people and places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Asher said .
On Wednesday , he 'll be in Naperville to talk about the book at 7 p.m. at Anderson 's Bookshop .
Before the visit , Asher spoke with the Daily Herald about his memories of John , Paul , George and Ringo .
Q : What was Beatlemania like from your perspective ?
A : Peter and Gordon certainly experienced a mini version of it as we all did because , particularly in America , the British Invasion became sort of conflated as one big thing .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beatles and 10 % the rest of us put together in the sense that the Beatles opened the door -- not to diminish the contribution of terrific bands like The Kinks and the Stones and the genuinely important bands of the British Invasion .
Q : You got to know McCartney through your sister , Jane , an actress and his muse .
He spent so much time at your parents ' house , they let him use the guest room for a couple of years as his London residence .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A : There was a time that the fan buildup outside the house got a bit much , and my father , who 's a brilliant and quite eccentric man , enjoyed the challenge of finding a way for Paul to get out of the house ... And there was a way over two roofs and out through a neighbor 's house who collaborated in the scheme .
Q : You co-owned the Indica art gallery where John Lennon and Yoko Ono met in 1966 .
Do you get blamed for that from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get blamed .
We 're on the road now doing shows , and a couple of nights in Cleveland , when I told that story ... somebody in the audience did in fact yell out , `` It 's you !
You broke up the Beatles ! ''
I had to explain that I politely rejected that theory .
Q : At Apple Records , the label founded by the Beatles , you discovered James Taylor and signed him to his first record deal .
What was it like for him to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me his tape , and I went crazy and told him how wonderful I thought it was and explained that I got this new job as head of A & R for Apple and I could sign people and `` would you like a record deal ? ''
And he said , `` Yes please , I 'd love one , '' and I did n't really think through how odd it must be because there were probably a lot of Americans jumping on planes , going , `` I 'm going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Oh sure you are .
In James ' case , that was n't even the reason for the trip , but within days I had him in the office meeting them and playing a couple of songs for George and Paul , I think .
In the song , 'Carolina In My Mind , ' there 's a reference to a `` a holy host of others standin ' around me , '' and that is a reference to The Beatles .
Q : Taylor wrote `` Something in the Way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Something '' has the same line .
Was Taylor bothered by that ?
A : Obviously , there 's a point where you may initially kind of go , `` Oh look , he stole a bit of a song . ''
But he certainly was n't upset and , in a way , was flattered that George had fallen in love with the song enough that the lyric stuck in George 's head .
Q : As a producer and manager , what were your fondest memories when you were trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you nailed it ?
A : I think those moments would actually be sort of the hits .
`` You 're No Good '' with Linda Ronstadt , when Andrew Gold , who was a genius musician , and I came up with the final arrangement idea for that song .
We felt very good about it ... '' Fire and Rain , '' another hit , same thing .
We were working on the drum fills with Russ Kunkel , which he worked out at my house .
We played them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud with sticks .
It would have gotten in the way of the fact that we were rehearsing with just a piano and neighbors and all that .
And the brushes sounded so good , we tried it in the studio , and other than the brilliance of the song , and James ' singing of course , I think those drum fills are one of the things that make that particular arrangement so clever .
Q : An enduring Beatles question : What 's going on in `` Norwegian Wood ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is arson .
I keep getting people going , `` No , no he 's just going to light a fire in the fireplace or have a cigarette or smoke a joint '' or all kinds of explanations .
No .
The idea is that he 's ( angry ) and he 's going to set fire to this woman 's house .
`` Norwegian Wood , '' Paul says , is a reference to paneling I put in my bedroom , but I ca n't remember putting up paneling .
I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white pine ...
It 's a John song mostly , anyway , but I think Paul contributed the wood factor and John probably contributed the arson .
Q : What were their personalities really like ?
A : The cliché Beatles descriptions , of course , like all cliches , are based in reality .
Paul is the friendly , diplomatic one .
George was the quiet one .
John did n't brook disagreement .
Ringo was the one everyone 's kids and mothers loved and was the funniest .
...
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances , like the perfect storm , formed a group with personalities that provide someone for everybody to be in love with , and everybody was .

Ahead of Naperville appearance, Peter Asher shares his long and winding road with The Beatles
Peter Asher's new book, "The Beatles From A to Zed," is an outgrowth of his radio show, "From Me To You," on SiriusXM's The Beatles Channel. Asher doesn't profess to be a band expert. "What I am is a Beatles fan," he says. "I'm a musician who loves their music and who got to know them a bit and be present at some of their events in their life where our careers kind of overlapped." Courtesy of Keith Putney Productions
Paul McCartney and Peter Asher around the time the Beatles were planning to create Apple Records. Courtesy of Keith Putney Productions
John Lennon, George Harrison, Peter Asher and George Martin in Studio Two at EMI Studios. Asher is coming to Naperville Wednesday night to talk about his new book, "The Beatles From A to Zed: An Alphabetical Mystery Tour." Courtesy of Keith Putney Productions
Peter Asher always was the exception to a hard-and-fast rule: If you spent any time with The Beatles, you had to write a book.
Groupies, roadies, nearly everyone associated with the band has written about the Fab Four.
Asher is just as much a Beatles insider, with an overlapping career that has taken him here, there and everywhere. He had hit records in the 1960s as half of the pop duo Peter and Gordon. He lived with Paul McCartney in the early days when Paul was dating Asher's sister and helped start Apple Records.
But Asher shied away from book offers until a publisher approached him with an idea inspired by his weekly hosting gig on the Beatles channel for SiriusXM radio.
The result is Asher's "The Beatles From A to Zed: An Alphabetical Mystery Tour." It isn't a memoir, but a guide using letters of the alphabet as jumping-off points into the Beatles universe.
"I'm writing about music as much as I am, or more in fact, than I am about people and places and things, and I enjoy that," Asher said.
On Wednesday, he'll be in Naperville to talk about the book at 7 p.m. at Anderson's Bookshop. Before the visit, Asher spoke with the Daily Herald about his memories of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Q: What was Beatlemania like from your perspective?
A: Peter and Gordon certainly experienced a mini version of it as we all did because, particularly in America, the British Invasion became sort of conflated as one big thing. I think in reality it was 90% the Beatles and 10% the rest of us put together in the sense that the Beatles opened the door -- not to diminish the contribution of terrific bands like The Kinks and the Stones and the genuinely important bands of the British Invasion.
Q: You got to know McCartney through your sister, Jane, an actress and his muse. He spent so much time at your parents' house, they let him use the guest room for a couple of years as his London residence. How did your parents deal with fans?
A: There was a time that the fan buildup outside the house got a bit much, and my father, who's a brilliant and quite eccentric man, enjoyed the challenge of finding a way for Paul to get out of the house ... And there was a way over two roofs and out through a neighbor's house who collaborated in the scheme.
Q: You co-owned the Indica art gallery where John Lennon and Yoko Ono met in 1966. Do you get blamed for that from Beatles fans?
A: I do get blamed. We're on the road now doing shows, and a couple of nights in Cleveland, when I told that story ... somebody in the audience did in fact yell out, "It's you! You broke up the Beatles!" I had to explain that I politely rejected that theory.
Q: At Apple Records, the label founded by the Beatles, you discovered James Taylor and signed him to his first record deal. What was it like for him to meet the band?
A. He played me his tape, and I went crazy and told him how wonderful I thought it was and explained that I got this new job as head of A & R for Apple and I could sign people and "would you like a record deal?" And he said, "Yes please, I'd love one," and I didn't really think through how odd it must be because there were probably a lot of Americans jumping on planes, going, "I'm going to go to London and meet The Beatles." Oh sure you are.
In James' case, that wasn't even the reason for the trip, but within days I had him in the office meeting them and playing a couple of songs for George and Paul, I think.
In the song, 'Carolina In My Mind,' there's a reference to a "a holy host of others standin' around me," and that is a reference to The Beatles.
Q: Taylor wrote "Something in the Way She Moves." George Harrison's "Something" has the same line. Was Taylor bothered by that?
A: Obviously, there's a point where you may initially kind of go, "Oh look, he stole a bit of a song." But he certainly wasn't upset and, in a way, was flattered that George had fallen in love with the song enough that the lyric stuck in George's head.
Q: As a producer and manager, what were your fondest memories when you were trying to find the right arrangement, and you nailed it?
A: I think those moments would actually be sort of the hits. "You're No Good" with Linda Ronstadt, when Andrew Gold, who was a genius musician, and I came up with the final arrangement idea for that song. We felt very good about it ..."Fire and Rain," another hit, same thing.
We were working on the drum fills with Russ Kunkel, which he worked out at my house. We played them with brushes partly because it would be too loud with sticks. It would have gotten in the way of the fact that we were rehearsing with just a piano and neighbors and all that.
And the brushes sounded so good, we tried it in the studio, and other than the brilliance of the song, and James' singing of course, I think those drum fills are one of the things that make that particular arrangement so clever.
Q: An enduring Beatles question: What's going on in "Norwegian Wood?"
A: The end of the song is arson. I keep getting people going, "No, no he's just going to light a fire in the fireplace or have a cigarette or smoke a joint" or all kinds of explanations. No. The idea is that he's (angry) and he's going to set fire to this woman's house.
"Norwegian Wood," Paul says, is a reference to paneling I put in my bedroom, but I can't remember putting up paneling. I did put some shelves up that were sort of white pine ... It's a John song mostly, anyway, but I think Paul contributed the wood factor and John probably contributed the arson.
Q: What were their personalities really like?
A: The cliché Beatles descriptions, of course, like all cliches, are based in reality. Paul is the friendly, diplomatic one. George was the quiet one. John didn't brook disagreement. Ringo was the one everyone's kids and mothers loved and was the funniest.
... The Beatles, through some magical confluence of circumstances, like the perfect storm, formed a group with personalities that provide someone for everybody to be in love with, and everybody was.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-15--Freezing rain, drizzle possible for your morning commute

Freezing rain and drizzle are in the forecast for this morning , according to the National Weather Service .
A @ @ @ @ @ in effect for 8 a.m. until noon today for Cook , DuPage , Kane , @ @ @ @ @ The freezing drizzle could lead to ice on sidewalks , roads and bridges .
Areas @ @ @ @ @ this morning .
Drivers should be on alert for slick conditions and expect longer than @ @ @ @

Freezing rain, drizzle possible for your morning commute
Freezing rain and drizzle are in the forecast for Wednesday morning's commute, according to the National Weather Service. Daily Herald File Photo
Freezing rain and drizzle are in the forecast for this morning, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter weather advisory will be in effect for 8 a.m. until noon today for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
The freezing drizzle could lead to ice on sidewalks, roads and bridges.
Areas of fog are also possible this morning.
Drivers should be on alert for slick conditions and expect longer than average commute times.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Mishler steps down at Rolling Meadows

Mishler steps down at Rolling Meadows

It was always about 100 percent for Rolling Meadows football coach Matt Mishler .
Like most coaches , Mishler demanded 100 percent from his players .
In return , Mishler made sure he gave 100 percent back to them .
He always told himself that when the day came he could n't give back what he was asking for , he would step away .
That day came Tuesday , when Mishler submitted his resignation as head coach at Rolling Meadows .
He met with his players and coaches to inform them about his decision .
`` It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make , '' said Mishler , who is 42 and will stay on at Rolling Meadows and continue to teach math .
`` In the end it became clear to me that I could not give 100 percent to this .
There is nothing negative that is making me step away .
I have always asked 100 percent out of our players and coaches .
I have been doing this for 18 years and it does take a toll .
My kids are getting older and my family is getting older .
Knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I have come to that realization to step away . ''
Mishler said his family , who was always on sidelines to greet him after a game , was supportive of his decision .
`` They loved that I loved being at Rolling Meadows , '' Mishler said .
`` It was certainly something that I came to on my own .
I missed a lot of things in 18 years of coaching football . ''
Mishler took the Mustangs to the playoffs in each of his 9 years as head coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams won the Mid-Suburban East seven times during his tenure , including the past two seasons .
Meadows had its best season in school history this past fall , winning a school record 12 games .
The Mustangs also had their deepest playoff run , going to the semifinals in the Class 7A playoffs before losing to Nazareth Academy to finish 12-1 .
Mishler was the offensive coordinator at Rolling Meadows for one season after coming over from Wheeling , where he held the same position for eight previous seasons .
He joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers and Meadows graduate Jimmy Garoppolo 's final high school season .
Rolling Meadows assistant principal Lisa DaRocha , who Mishler submitted his resignation to , said Mishler leaves the football program in a good place .
`` So important is the life lessons he taught our athletes , '' DaRocha said .
`` They are better young men leaving football and our program .
It is a testament to what he has done with these kids on daily basis .
He preaches brotherhood and a family atmosphere and that is truly what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nate Pedraza , who played for Mishler on the varsity for four years and will play at Ball State next season , was surprised .
`` I was shocked , '' Pedraza said .
`` He is Rolling Meadows to me .
Every conversation we had , I would be able to use it in life or on the football field .
It is an end of an era here . ''
Mishler said that is has always been all about the kids .
`` I am always going to talk about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I loved coaching them .
We had really good , solid high school football players at Meadows .
Our staff , from the ground on up , those guys are amazing .
They were a big part of the success we had .
The community has been awesome .
They have welcomed us with open arms and been very supportive . ''

Mishler steps down at Rolling Meadows
It was always about 100 percent for Rolling Meadows football coach Matt Mishler.
Like most coaches, Mishler demanded 100 percent from his players. In return, Mishler made sure he gave 100 percent back to them. He always told himself that when the day came he couldn't give back what he was asking for, he would step away.
That day came Tuesday, when Mishler submitted his resignation as head coach at Rolling Meadows. He met with his players and coaches to inform them about his decision.
"It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make," said Mishler, who is 42 and will stay on at Rolling Meadows and continue to teach math.
"In the end it became clear to me that I could not give 100 percent to this. There is nothing negative that is making me step away. I have always asked 100 percent out of our players and coaches. I have been doing this for 18 years and it does take a toll. My kids are getting older and my family is getting older. Knowing that I can't give it everything, I have come to that realization to step away."
Mishler said his family, who was always on sidelines to greet him after a game, was supportive of his decision.
"They loved that I loved being at Rolling Meadows," Mishler said. "It was certainly something that I came to on my own. I missed a lot of things in 18 years of coaching football."
Mishler took the Mustangs to the playoffs in each of his 9 years as head coach while compiling a 72-25 record. His teams won the Mid-Suburban East seven times during his tenure, including the past two seasons.
Meadows had its best season in school history this past fall, winning a school record 12 games. The Mustangs also had their deepest playoff run, going to the semifinals in the Class 7A playoffs before losing to Nazareth Academy to finish 12-1.
Mishler was the offensive coordinator at Rolling Meadows for one season after coming over from Wheeling, where he held the same position for eight previous seasons. He joined the Mustangs the season after San Francisco 49ers and Meadows graduate Jimmy Garoppolo's final high school season.
Rolling Meadows assistant principal Lisa DaRocha, who Mishler submitted his resignation to, said Mishler leaves the football program in a good place.
"So important is the life lessons he taught our athletes," DaRocha said. "They are better young men leaving football and our program. It is a testament to what he has done with these kids on daily basis. He preaches brotherhood and a family atmosphere and that is truly what he believes."
Rolling Meadows senior Nate Pedraza, who played for Mishler on the varsity for four years and will play at Ball State next season, was surprised.
"I was shocked," Pedraza said. "He is Rolling Meadows to me. Every conversation we had, I would be able to use it in life or on the football field. It is an end of an era here."
Mishler said that is has always been all about the kids.
"I am always going to talk about the kids," Mishler said. "I loved coaching them. We had really good, solid high school football players at Meadows. Our staff, from the ground on up, those guys are amazing. They were a big part of the success we had. The community has been awesome. They have welcomed us with open arms and been very supportive."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--New Dist. 204 superintendent to focus on relevance, rigor, relationships

It did n't take long for Adrian Talley to notice he had slipped into the possessive form of speech .
The new Indian Prairie Unit District 204 superintendent wo n't officially start work until July 1 , but on Tuesday found himself using `` we '' and `` our '' when meeting with members of his future school community .
The longtime administrator found himself saying things like `` are we teaching children with relevance ? ''
and talking about how to `` get the work done based upon our vision . ''
Talley , 55 , is leaving his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Georges County Public Schools in the Washington , D.C. , suburbs to become District 204 's superintendent upon the retirement of Karen Sullivan this June .
He said he was drawn by the district 's size , engaged stakeholders and focus on equity .
Coming from a district with 136,000 students among 206 schools , Talley said , he will find District 204 's roughly 28,000 students at 33 schools a more manageable population .
The school board chose Talley from among a national candidate pool identified by the search firm Ray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract Monday , giving him a $ 255,000 salary .
Board President Mike Raczak said Talley was clearly the best candidate , as he impressed groups of constituents and showed all the leadership qualities the district wanted to see .
`` You look at those credentials and they blow you away , '' Raczak said .
The district will have the same expectations it did for former superintendents Kathy Birkett and Sullivan -- both of whom rose through the ranks -- as it does for Talley coming from the East Coast .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of educational equity , about which Talley has taught at the graduate level .
While it would be easy to hope Talley , who is black , would help the district attract more diverse teachers to reflect its students , Raczak said , he wants to caution against assuming that will be the case .
`` I worry about unrealistic expectations that are placed on him , that he 's able to do more or less because of the color of his skin , '' Raczak said .
The district has 42.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 % Hispanic , 8.9 % black , 4.3 % two or more races , 0.2 % American Indian and 0.1 % Pacific islander .
But its teachers are 88.6 % white , 3.7 % Asian , 3.9 % Hispanic , 2.8 % black , 0.6 % two or more races , 0.3 % American Indian and 0.2 % Pacific islander .
In terms of equity , Talley said , it 's important to examine not only racial or ethnic diversity , but how differences play out among students in socioeconomic status , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not about equal , '' he said .
`` It 's about giving children what they need so they can achieve the level highest for them . ''
Talley said he aims to do that by bringing a focus on the `` three Rs '' of education : relevance , rigor and relationships .
`` We have to teach so students understand the importance of what they 're being taught and how it will support them in their work , '' he said , describing the importance of relevance .
The key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How do we ensure that what the students are learning is as rigorous as they can learn and prepares them for the future . ''
Relationships , Talley said , connect all the dots and help everyone find their place .
`` The social-emotional learning , that 's as important -- if not even more important -- than the academics , '' he said .
`` We want children , we want staff , to be well socially and emotionally .
If staff are well in that way , then they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , and if students are well , then they are ready for learning . ''
Talley said he always has loved learning and felt at home in schools .
So instead of pursuing a career as a corporate lawyer ( what he originally wanted to be when he grew up ) , Talley worked in education -- and on his education -- until he received a doctoral degree from George Washington University .
He began his career as a teacher in Virginia and a principal of two schools in two districts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland , then with the Department of Defense Education Agency in Alexandria .
The experiences taught Talley not to come in thinking he knows everything , but to surround himself with the best minds in the district .
`` I am one of those people who likes divergent thinking , '' he said .
`` I do n't want 'yes people ' around me .
I want honest discussions . ''

New Dist. 204 superintendent to focus on relevance, rigor, relationships
It didn't take long for Adrian Talley to notice he had slipped into the possessive form of speech.
The new Indian Prairie Unit District 204 superintendent won't officially start work until July 1, but on Tuesday found himself using "we" and "our" when meeting with members of his future school community.
The longtime administrator found himself saying things like "are we teaching children with relevance?" and talking about how to "get the work done based upon our vision."
Talley, 55, is leaving his position as director of community schools for Prince Georges County Public Schools in the Washington, D.C., suburbs to become District 204's superintendent upon the retirement of Karen Sullivan this June.
He said he was drawn by the district's size, engaged stakeholders and focus on equity. Coming from a district with 136,000 students among 206 schools, Talley said, he will find District 204's roughly 28,000 students at 33 schools a more manageable population.
The school board chose Talley from among a national candidate pool identified by the search firm Ray and Associates. Board members approved his contract Monday, giving him a $255,000 salary.
Board President Mike Raczak said Talley was clearly the best candidate, as he impressed groups of constituents and showed all the leadership qualities the district wanted to see.
"You look at those credentials and they blow you away," Raczak said.
The district will have the same expectations it did for former superintendents Kathy Birkett and Sullivan -- both of whom rose through the ranks -- as it does for Talley coming from the East Coast.
That even applies to work in the area of educational equity, about which Talley has taught at the graduate level. While it would be easy to hope Talley, who is black, would help the district attract more diverse teachers to reflect its students, Raczak said, he wants to caution against assuming that will be the case.
"I worry about unrealistic expectations that are placed on him, that he's able to do more or less because of the color of his skin," Raczak said.
The district has 42.4% white students, 32.1% Asian, 12% Hispanic, 8.9% black, 4.3% two or more races, 0.2% American Indian and 0.1% Pacific islander. But its teachers are 88.6% white, 3.7% Asian, 3.9% Hispanic, 2.8% black, 0.6% two or more races, 0.3% American Indian and 0.2% Pacific islander.
In terms of equity, Talley said, it's important to examine not only racial or ethnic diversity, but how differences play out among students in socioeconomic status, language and special needs.
"Equity is not about equal," he said. "It's about giving children what they need so they can achieve the level highest for them."
Talley said he aims to do that by bringing a focus on the "three Rs" of education: relevance, rigor and relationships.
"We have to teach so students understand the importance of what they're being taught and how it will support them in their work," he said, describing the importance of relevance.
The key question, he said, is: "How do we ensure that what the students are learning is as rigorous as they can learn and prepares them for the future."
Relationships, Talley said, connect all the dots and help everyone find their place.
"The social-emotional learning, that's as important -- if not even more important -- than the academics," he said. "We want children, we want staff, to be well socially and emotionally. If staff are well in that way, then they can teach, they can work in our schools, and if students are well, then they are ready for learning."
Talley said he always has loved learning and felt at home in schools. So instead of pursuing a career as a corporate lawyer (what he originally wanted to be when he grew up), Talley worked in education -- and on his education -- until he received a doctoral degree from George Washington University.
He began his career as a teacher in Virginia and a principal of two schools in two districts. Then he worked in district administration -- first with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, then with the Department of Defense Education Agency in Alexandria.
The experiences taught Talley not to come in thinking he knows everything, but to surround himself with the best minds in the district.
"I am one of those people who likes divergent thinking," he said. "I don't want 'yes people' around me. I want honest discussions."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--District 220 won't contest dismissal of lawsuit

Barrington Unit District 220 wo n't challenge a Cook County circuit court judge 's decision last month to dismiss a lawsuit the school system filed against Hoffman Estates and developers of the stalled Plum Farms proposal at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72 .
Hoffman Estates ' development agreement limits Plum Farms to 1,250 homes of various types .
The most recent plan submitted by a development partnership calls for 1,035 .
But the last indication of progress on Plum Farms was interrupted by the filing of a lawsuit in July 2017 by residents of the nearby Regency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
District 220 intervened in the complaint on the side of the residents , with the developer and village named as defendants .
The density of the proposed development and the potential for additional students ' costs to exceed the increase in tax revenue were at the heart of the school district 's concerns .
While the residents ' original lawsuit was settled last summer , District 220 kept its part of the case active until it was dismissed in December .
School board President Penny Kazmier announced at a meeting Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any further legal action in the case .
District 220 could have asked the judge to reconsider the dismissal or filed a motion to appeal .
Officials did not immediately have an estimate on the district 's legal expenses in the case .
`` I think that we 've been at it for a while and , unfortunately , the judge 's ruling was not encouraging to us and , in conversation with out counsel , that 's what led us to our decision , '' Kazmier said after the meeting .
Citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs .
Village of Sugar Grove , the judge found District 220 did not and could not plead a `` direct , substantial and adverse effect '' from the Plum Farms proposal .
As proposed , Plum Farms would include single-family homes on 145 acres previously disconnected from Barrington Hills at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72 .
The remainder of the land would combine multifamily housing and commercial development .
`` The board is committed to continue monitoring this development very closely and will continue to attempt to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit of both government bodies , '' Kazmier said .

District 220 won't contest dismissal of lawsuit
This is an artist's rendering of one of the seven apartment buildings planned for the Plum Farms development at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72. A Cook County judge last month dismissed a lawsuit Barrington Unit District 220 filed over the proposal. Courtesy of Hoffman Estates
Barrington Unit District 220 won't challenge a Cook County circuit court judge's decision last month to dismiss a lawsuit the school system filed against Hoffman Estates and developers of the stalled Plum Farms proposal at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72.
Hoffman Estates' development agreement limits Plum Farms to 1,250 homes of various types. The most recent plan submitted by a development partnership calls for 1,035.
But the last indication of progress on Plum Farms was interrupted by the filing of a lawsuit in July 2017 by residents of the nearby Regency at the Woods of South Barrington retirement community.
District 220 intervened in the complaint on the side of the residents, with the developer and village named as defendants. The density of the proposed development and the potential for additional students' costs to exceed the increase in tax revenue were at the heart of the school district's concerns.
While the residents' original lawsuit was settled last summer, District 220 kept its part of the case active until it was dismissed in December. School board President Penny Kazmier announced at a meeting Tuesday night that the district will not pursue any further legal action in the case.
District 220 could have asked the judge to reconsider the dismissal or filed a motion to appeal.
Officials did not immediately have an estimate on the district's legal expenses in the case.
"I think that we've been at it for a while and, unfortunately, the judge's ruling was not encouraging to us and, in conversation with our counsel, that's what led us to our decision," Kazmier said after the meeting.
Citing the case of Hinckley-Big Rock School District vs. Village of Sugar Grove, the judge found District 220 did not and could not plead a "direct, substantial and adverse effect" from the Plum Farms proposal.
As proposed, Plum Farms would include single-family homes on 145 acres previously disconnected from Barrington Hills at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72. The remainder of the land would combine multifamily housing and commercial development.
"The board is committed to continue monitoring this development very closely and will continue to attempt to work with the village of Hoffman Estates to the benefit of both government bodies," Kazmier said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Trial begins for Round Lake Park officer accused of paddling 5-year-old girl

The case against a veteran Round Lake Park police officer accused of paddling and injuring his girlfriend 's daughter comes down to the word of a then 5-year-old girl , lawyers said during opening arguments Tuesday .
Waymon G. Vela , 55 , of the 21600 block of West Grass Lake Road near Antioch , is charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery .
Early reports spelled his name as Wayman Vela .
Based on what the girl said to officials , Assistant State 's Attorney Ruth Lofthouse told the jury that Vela struck the child six times with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking in her room one night in April 2019 .
Lofthouse showed the jury a photo taken of welts and bruises on the girl 's lower back .
`` Instead of talking to her sternly , taking a toy away or even spanking her with his hand , he instead took a wooden paddle to a defenseless 5-year-old girl , '' Lofthouse said .
Vela 's defense attorney Eric Rinehart told the jury during opening statements that the bruises were caused by the girl 's mother , not Vela .
Rinehart cautioned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hear from prosecution witnesses was being offered to help get to the truth or whether it was designed to `` tug on heartstrings . ''
Vela , a 19-year veteran of the Round Lake Park Police Department , was placed on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest .
A call to the department to see if he was still employed there was not returned .
Lofthouse called two witnesses Tuesday , a school speech pathologist who first saw the bruises and the Department of Children and Family Services official who interviewed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she saw part of the bruises when the girl leaned over during a lesson .
Fiser said when she asked the 5-year-old what happened , the girl said that her daddy had hit her because she would n't stop talking .
Fiser said the girl said more , including something about her mom , but was unclear .
Fiser reported what she 'd heard to school administrators and social workers , who then reported it to DCFS .
Rebecca Garduno , a child protection specialist for DCFS , testified that the girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a paddle six times .
On cross examination , Rinehart asked Fiser why she did n't get more information about what the girl was saying about her mom 's role .
Fiser said at that point she had heard enough to report what she 'd learned and it was not her responsibility to get the full story .
Rinehart asked Garduno why she did not ask the girl when the paddling happened .
`` Do n't you think it is important with a 5-year-old to clarify what date or time it happened @ @ @ @ @

Trial begins for Round Lake Park officer accused of paddling 5-year-old girl
Editor's note: This story was updated to correct Vela's age.
The case against a veteran Round Lake Park police officer accused of paddling and injuring his girlfriend's daughter comes down to the word of a then 5-year-old girl, lawyers said during opening arguments Tuesday.
Waymon G. Vela, 56, of the 21600 block of West Grass Lake Road near Antioch, is charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. Early reports spelled his name as Wayman Vela.
Based on what the girl said to officials, Assistant State's Attorney Ruth Lofthouse told the jury that Vela struck the child six times with a paddle because she wouldn't stop talking in her room one night in April 2019.
Lofthouse showed the jury a photo taken of welts and bruises on the girl's lower back.
"Instead of talking to her sternly, taking a toy away or even spanking her with his hand, he instead took a wooden paddle to a defenseless 5-year-old girl," Lofthouse said.
Vela's defense attorney Eric Rinehart told the jury during opening statements that the bruises were caused by the girl's mother, not Vela.
Rinehart cautioned the jury to question whether the testimony they would hear from prosecution witnesses was being offered to help get to the truth or whether it was designed to "tug on heartstrings."
Vela, a 19-year veteran of the Round Lake Park Police Department, was placed on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest.
Lofthouse called two witnesses Tuesday, a school speech pathologist who first saw the bruises and the Department of Children and Family Services official who interviewed the girl.
Speech pathologist Kaley Fiser testified that she saw part of the bruises when the girl leaned over during a lesson. Fiser said when she asked the 5-year-old what happened, the girl said that her daddy had hit her because she wouldn't stop talking.
Fiser said the girl said more, including something about her mom, but was unclear.
Fiser reported what she'd heard to school administrators and social workers, who then reported it to DCFS.
Rebecca Garduno, a child protection specialist for DCFS, testified that the girl told her that Vela had spanked her with a paddle six times.
On cross examination, Rinehart asked Fiser why she didn't get more information about what the girl was saying about her mom's role. Fiser said at that point she had heard enough to report what she'd learned and it was not her responsibility to get the full story.
Rinehart asked Garduno why she did not ask the girl when the paddling happened.
"Don't you think it is important with a 5-year-old to clarify what date or time it happened?" Rinehart asked.
Garduno agreed it was important.
The trial will resume today.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Feder: iHeartMedia lays off three Chicago disc jockeys

Three evening personalities in Chicago were among an unspecified number of full-time employees laid off Tuesday in a massive restructuring @ @ @ @ @ The Chicago hosts affected are Chris Michaels of urban adult-contemporary WVAZ FM 102.7 , DJ @ @ @ @ @ is Michael Muniz ) of urban contemporary WGCI FM 107.5 , and Trace Hamilton of @ @ @ @ @ here for the full column .

Feder: iHeartMedia lays off three Chicago disc jockeys
Three evening personalities in Chicago were among an unspecified number of full-time employees laid off Tuesday in a massive restructuring of iHeartMedia stations nationwide.
The Chicago hosts affected are Chris Michaels of urban adult-contemporary WVAZ FM 102.7, DJ MoonDawg (whose real name is Michael Muniz) of urban contemporary WGCI FM 107.5, and Trace Hamilton of country WEBG 95.5-FM.
Click here for the full column.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--AP FACT CHECK: Trump distorts data, Dems cut some corners

WASHINGTON -- Rallying in swing-state Wisconsin , President Donald Trump used misleading economic data to claim he 's created a `` blue collar boom '' while Democrats vying to replace him cut some corners on the facts in their latest presidential debate .
Here 's a look at some statements from both stages , in Milwaukee and Des Moines , Iowa : TRUMP : `` More than 300,000 people under Obama , 300,000 people , left the workforce .
Under just three years of my administration , 3.5 million people have joined the workforce . ''
THE FACTS : Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 5 million people joined the U.S. labor force during Obama 's presidency , according to Labor Department figures .
These gains reflect the recovery from the Great Recession as well as population growth .
But Trump does have reason to celebrate as well .
More than 4.8 million people have joined the labor force in just three years of his presidency .
TRUMP : `` Mexico 's paying for the wall .
... You know that .
It 's all worked out . ''
Trump has argued that the updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for the wall because of economic benefits he predicts will come from the deal .
Nothing in the trade agreement would cover or refund the construction cost or require a payment from Mexico .
Instead , he is assuming a wide variety of economic benefits that ca n't be quantified or counted on .
For example , he has said the deal will dissuade some U.S. companies from moving operations to Mexico and he credits that possibility as a payment by Mexico .
The agreement preserves the existing liberalized environment of low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico and Canada , with certain improvements for each country .
Although his 2016 campaign left open the possibility that Mexico might somehow contribute to the cost indirectly , Trump repeatedly roused his crowds with the straight-ahead promise : `` I will have Mexico pay for that wall . ''
JOE BIDEN : `` I was a single parent too .
When my wife and daughter were killed , my two boys I had to raise .
I was a senator -- a young senator -- I just had n't been sworn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year .
I commuted every single solitary day to Wilmington , Delaware -- over 500 miles a day , excuse me , 250 miles a day -- because I could not afford ... child care .
It was beyond my reach . ''
THE FACTS : Child care costs are burdensome for most working U.S. parents , but the former vice president was n't quite as broke as claimed when suggesting he took the train back to Delaware because child care costs were too high .
A $ 42,000 salary might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senate records show it was actually $ 42,500 .
But Biden joined the Senate after winning his seat in 1972 .
Adjusted for inflation , he was earning more than $ 256,000 in today 's dollars .
That is more than four times the median household income .
BERNIE SANDERS : `` Medicare for all ... will cost substantially less than the status quo . ''
THE FACTS : There 's no guarantee that `` Medicare for All '' will cost less .
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-payer system like Sanders is calling for `` might be higher or lower than under the current system depending on the key features of the new system . ''
Those features have to do with the design of the system , questions like payment rates for hospitals and doctors , and whether patients are required to pay part of the cost of their care .
The Vermont senator says his plan would require no cost-sharing from patients , no copays and no deductibles .
But completely free care could trigger a surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other countries that provide coverage for all do use cost-sharing to help keep spending in check .
A research report last year by the nonprofit Rand think tank estimated that Medicare for All would modestly raise total U.S. health spending .
The study modeled a hypothetical scenario with a plan similar to Sanders ' legislation .
It found that total U.S. health care spending would be about $ 3.9 trillion under Medicare for All in 2019 , compared with about $ 3.8 trillion under the status quo .
BIDEN : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that war , which I did .
I led that effort . ''
THE FACTS : Biden is roughly right about bringing troops home , but he did n't mention that the U.S. had to send some back .
President Barack Obama did designate Biden to take the lead in pulling U.S. forces out of Iraq and coordinating efforts to maintain stability in Baghdad .
His results were mixed .
Biden and Obama failed to win agreement from the Iraqi government to keep a limited number of U.S. troops there after December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complete U.S. pullout under a deal negotiated by the Bush administration in late 2008 .
Biden was still vice president when Obama was compelled to return American troops to Iraq in 2014 after the rise of the Islamic State extremist group .
TRUMP : `` Under the Trump economy , the lowest-paid earners are reaping the biggest , fastest and largest gains .
... Earnings for the bottom 10 % are rising faster than earnings for the top 10 % , proportionally . ''
THE FACTS : Trump 's claim that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor is misleading .
The top 10 % of earners saw the biggest raises of any income bracket over the past year .
Their usual weekly earnings jumped 8 % -- or $ 168 -- from a year ago , according to the Labor Department .
The bottom 10 % did fare reasonably well , likely reflecting some of the gains from minimum wage hikes .
Their usual weekly incomes grew 7 % , or $ 30 .
When the Labor Department looked at the gains by quartile , weekly earnings grew at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom 25 % .
TRUMP : `` We 've created 7 million jobs since the election including more than 1 million manufacturing and construction jobs .
Nobody thought that was possible . ''
THE FACTS : Those numbers are less impressive than Trump claims .
Government figures do back the president 's statements .
But the job gains under Trump over the past three years were lower than during the final three years of Barack Obama 's presidency .
More than 8 million jobs were added during that period under Obama , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction .
What these figures suggest is that much of the job growth under Trump reflects the momentum from a recovery that officially began in the middle of 2009 .
TRUMP : `` Our military has been totally rebuilt . ''
It 's true that his administration has accelerated a sharp buildup in defense spending , including a respite from what the U.S. military considered to be crippling spending limits under budget sequestration .
But a number of new Pentagon weapons programs , such as the F-35 fighter jet , were started years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take years for freshly ordered tanks , planes and other weapons to be built , delivered and put to use .
The Air Force 's Minuteman 3 missiles , a key part of the U.S. nuclear force , for instance , have been operating since the early 1970s and the modernization was begun under the Obama administration .
They are due to be replaced with a new version , but not until later this decade .
ELIZABETH WARREN : `` The only person on this stage who has beaten an incumbent Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is me . ''
SANDERS : `` Just to set the record straight , I defeated a Republican incumbent running for Congress . ''
WARREN : `` I said , I was the only one who 's beaten an incumbent Republican in 30 years . ''
THE FACTS : Sanders wins this argument -- one of the stranger disputes of the night -- by a matter of months .
In November 1990 , Sanders beat Republican incumbent Peter Smith to take Vermont 's only House seat .
That was 29 years and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technically , slips in the 30-year window .
• Associated Press writers Robert Burns , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Deb Riechmann , Jill Colvin , Colleen Long , Kevin Freking , Amanda Seitz and Hope Yen contributed to this report .

AP FACT CHECK: Trump distorts data, Dems cut some corners
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
President Donald Trump arrives at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena to speak at a campaign rally, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Milwaukee.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, left, watches as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., answers a question Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., second from left, speaks as fellow candidates businessman Tom Steyer, left, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., right, listen, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
From left, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg look to answer a question Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
WASHINGTON -- Rallying in swing-state Wisconsin, President Donald Trump used misleading economic data to claim he's created a "blue collar boom" while Democrats vying to replace him cut some corners on the facts in their latest presidential debate.
Here's a look at some statements from both stages, in Milwaukee and Des Moines, Iowa:
TRUMP: "More than 300,000 people under Obama, 300,000 people, left the workforce. Under just three years of my administration, 3.5 million people have joined the workforce."
THE FACTS: Trump is wrong about Barack Obama's record.
More than 5 million people joined the U.S. labor force during Obama's presidency, according to Labor Department figures. These gains reflect the recovery from the Great Recession as well as population growth. But Trump does have reason to celebrate as well. More than 4.8 million people have joined the labor force in just three years of his presidency.
TRUMP: "Mexico's paying for the wall. ... You know that. It's all worked out."
THE FACTS: Mexico isn't paying for Trump's long-promised border wall.
Trump has argued that the updated trade agreement with Canada and Mexico will pay for the wall because of economic benefits he predicts will come from the deal. Nothing in the trade agreement would cover or refund the construction cost or require a payment from Mexico.
Instead, he is assuming a wide variety of economic benefits that can't be quantified or counted on. For example, he has said the deal will dissuade some U.S. companies from moving operations to Mexico and he credits that possibility as a payment by Mexico.
The agreement preserves the existing liberalized environment of low or no tariffs among the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with certain improvements for each country.
Although his 2016 campaign left open the possibility that Mexico might somehow contribute to the cost indirectly, Trump repeatedly roused his crowds with the straight-ahead promise: "I will have Mexico pay for that wall."
JOE BIDEN: "I was a single parent too. When my wife and daughter were killed, my two boys I had to raise. I was a senator -- a young senator -- I just hadn't been sworn in yet. I was making $42,000 a year. I commuted every single solitary day to Wilmington, Delaware -- over 500 miles a day, excuse me, 250 miles a day -- because I could not afford ... child care. It was beyond my reach."
THE FACTS: Child care costs are burdensome for most working U.S. parents, but the former vice president wasn't quite as broke as claimed when suggesting he took the train back to Delaware because child care costs were too high.
A $42,000 salary might not sound like much today. In fact, Senate records show it was actually $42,500. But Biden joined the Senate after winning his seat in 1972. Adjusted for inflation, he was earning more than $256,000 in today's dollars. That is more than four times the median household income.
BERNIE SANDERS: "Medicare for all ... will cost substantially less than the status quo."
THE FACTS: There's no guarantee that "Medicare for All" will cost less.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a report last year that total spending under a single-payer system like Sanders is calling for "might be higher or lower than under the current system depending on the key features of the new system."
Those features have to do with the design of the system, questions like payment rates for hospitals and doctors, and whether patients are required to pay part of the cost of their care. The Vermont senator says his plan would require no cost-sharing from patients, no copays and no deductibles. But completely free care could trigger a surge in demand for medical services, raising costs. Other countries that provide coverage for all do use cost-sharing to help keep spending in check.
A research report last year by the nonprofit Rand think tank estimated that Medicare for All would modestly raise total U.S. health spending.
The study modeled a hypothetical scenario with a plan similar to Sanders' legislation. It found that total U.S. health care spending would be about $3.9 trillion under Medicare for All in 2019, compared with about $3.8 trillion under the status quo.
BIDEN: "I was asked to bring 156,000 troops home from that war, which I did. I led that effort."
THE FACTS: Biden is roughly right about bringing troops home, but he didn't mention that the U.S. had to send some back.
President Barack Obama did designate Biden to take the lead in pulling U.S. forces out of Iraq and coordinating efforts to maintain stability in Baghdad. His results were mixed. Biden and Obama failed to win agreement from the Iraqi government to keep a limited number of U.S. troops there after December 2011. That was the deadline for a complete U.S. pullout under a deal negotiated by the Bush administration in late 2008. Biden was still vice president when Obama was compelled to return American troops to Iraq in 2014 after the rise of the Islamic State extremist group.
TRUMP: "Under the Trump economy, the lowest-paid earners are reaping the biggest, fastest and largest gains. ... Earnings for the bottom 10% are rising faster than earnings for the top 10%, proportionally."
THE FACTS: Trump's claim that the biggest pay hikes are going to the poor is misleading. The top 10% of earners saw the biggest raises of any income bracket over the past year. Their usual weekly earnings jumped 8% -- or $168 -- from a year ago, according to the Labor Department.
The bottom 10% did fare reasonably well, likely reflecting some of the gains from minimum wage hikes. Their usual weekly incomes grew 7%, or $30. When the Labor Department looked at the gains by quartile, weekly earnings grew at faster rates at the top levels than the bottom 25%.
TRUMP: "We've created 7 million jobs since the election including more than 1 million manufacturing and construction jobs. Nobody thought that was possible."
THE FACTS: Those numbers are less impressive than Trump claims.
Government figures do back the president's statements. But the job gains under Trump over the past three years were lower than during the final three years of Barack Obama's presidency. More than 8 million jobs were added during that period under Obama, including 1.2 million combined in manufacturing and construction. What these figures suggest is that much of the job growth under Trump reflects the momentum from a recovery that officially began in the middle of 2009.
TRUMP: "Our military has been totally rebuilt."
THE FACTS: It hasn't.
It's true that his administration has accelerated a sharp buildup in defense spending, including a respite from what the U.S. military considered to be crippling spending limits under budget sequestration.
But a number of new Pentagon weapons programs, such as the F-35 fighter jet, were started years before the Trump administration. And it will take years for freshly ordered tanks, planes and other weapons to be built, delivered and put to use.
The Air Force's Minuteman 3 missiles, a key part of the U.S. nuclear force, for instance, have been operating since the early 1970s and the modernization was begun under the Obama administration. They are due to be replaced with a new version, but not until later this decade.
ELIZABETH WARREN: "The only person on this stage who has beaten an incumbent Republican any time in the past 30 years is me."
SANDERS: "Just to set the record straight, I defeated a Republican incumbent running for Congress."
WARREN: "I said, I was the only one who's beaten an incumbent Republican in 30 years."
THE FACTS: Sanders wins this argument -- one of the stranger disputes of the night -- by a matter of months. In November 1990, Sanders beat Republican incumbent Peter Smith to take Vermont's only House seat. That was 29 years and two months ago. Sanders' win, technically, slips in the 30-year window.
• Associated Press writers Robert Burns, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Deb Riechmann, Jill Colvin, Colleen Long, Kevin Freking, Amanda Seitz and Hope Yen contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-14--Warren, Sanders spar over whether he said woman can't win

DES MOINES , Iowa -- Elizabeth Warren made a forceful case for a female president and stood behind her accusation suggesting sexism by progressive rival Bernie Sanders Tuesday night in a Democratic debate that raised gender as a key issue in the sprint to Iowa 's presidential caucuses .
Sanders vehemently denied Warren 's accusation that he said a woman could n't win , which threatened to split the Democratic Party 's left flank -- as well as the senators ' longtime liberal alliance -- at a critical moment less than three weeks before voting begins .
`` Look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have lost 10 elections , '' Warren exclaimed .
`` The only people on this stage who have won every single election that they 've been in are the women . ''
An incredulous Sanders responded : `` Does anybody in their right mind think a woman ca n't be elected president ? ''
he asked .
`` Of course a woman can win . ''
There was a final moment of tension between Sanders and Warren after the debate ended .
Having shaken the hands of her other competitors , Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders ' extended hand .
With the Democratic field tightly bunched among four leading candidates , the debate offered an opportunity for separation .
But none of the six candidates on stage had the kind of moment likely to reshape the race in the final weeks before voting starts .
Instead , the debate was generally marked by a focus on weighty issues of foreign policy , climate change and how to provide health care for all Americans .
Even when disputes emerged , most candidates quickly pivoted to note their larger differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , Trump spent Tuesday night campaigning in Wisconsin , a state that is critical to his reelection effort .
He tried to encourage the feud between Sanders and Warren from afar .
`` She said that Bernie stated strongly that a woman ca n't win , '' Trump said .
`` I do n't believe that Bernie said that , I really do n't .
It 's not the kind of thing Bernie would say . ''
Despite such prodding , the debate stage drama was far from the explosion some Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of topics , disagreeing with each other but generally avoiding personal attacks .
Sanders did step up his attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden over his past support of the Iraq War and broad free-trade agreements .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , who was mired in the middle of the pack , seized on Warren 's shifting positions on health care .
Billionaire Tom Steyer acknowledged making money from investments in the fossil fuel industry , but highlighted his decade-long fight to combat climate change , an issue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , sometimes struggled for attention in a debate that often featured points of conflict between his rivals .
Perhaps his strongest moment came when he described how , as a military veteran who is vocal about his faith , he could stand up to Trump in a general election .
`` I 'm ready to take on Donald Trump because when he gets to the tough talk and the chest thumping , he 'll have to stand next to an American war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spurs made him ineligible to serve , '' Buttigieg said .
`` And if a guy like Donald Trump keeps trying to use religion to somehow recruit Christianity into the GOP , I will be standing there not afraid to talk about a different way to answer the call of faith and insist that God does not belong to a political party . ''
Questions surrounding war and foreign policy dominated early on .
Sanders drew a sharp contrast with Biden by noting his own opposition to a 2002 measure authorizing military action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invasion `` the worst foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country . ''
`` I did everything I could to prevent that war , '' Sanders said .
`` Joe saw it differently . ''
Biden acknowledged that his 2002 vote to authorize military action was `` a mistake , '' but highlighted his role in the Obama administration helping to draw down the U.S. military presence in the region .
Several candidates condemned Trump 's recent move to kill Iran 's top general and his decision to keep U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to get combat troops out , '' declared Warren , who also called for reducing the military budget .
Others , including Buttigieg , Biden and Klobuchar , said they favored maintaining a small military presence in the Middle East .
`` I bring a different perspective , '' said Buttigieg .
`` We can continue to remain engaged without having an endless commitment to ground troops . ''
The debate featured just six candidates , the fewest of any such forum this cycle after escalating party rules prevented other candidates from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a single candidate of color appeared on stage .
Every candidate was white , and four were men .
That was a stark contrast from the earlier days of the 2020 contest , which featured the most diverse field of candidates in history .
The party is trying to navigate broader debates over how to reflect and embrace the crucial role women and minority voters will play in 2020 .
To defeat Trump this fall , Democrats need to ensure black , Latino and suburban voters are excited to vote for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked one of the final moments the senators in the race will participate in a campaign-related event before returning to Washington to sit as jurors in Trump 's impeachment trial .
Those proceedings are likely to begin by the end of the week , making it difficult for senators running for president to spend time with voters Iowa in the contest 's final days .
`` Some things are more important than politics , '' Warren said .
`` I will be there because it is my responsibility . ''
• Peoples and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Bill Barrow in Des Moines contributed to this report .

Warren, Sanders spar over whether he said woman can't win
A plane carrying a banner flies over Drake University, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, before a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
From left, Democratic presidential candidates businessman Tom Steyer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., stand on stage, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, before a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., from left, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on stage, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, left, watches as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., answers a question Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, during a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., left and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., appear to have a tense exchange Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, after a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register in Des Moines, Iowa.
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Elizabeth Warren made a forceful case for a female president and stood behind her accusation suggesting sexism by progressive rival Bernie Sanders Tuesday night in a Democratic debate that raised gender as a key issue in the sprint to Iowa's presidential caucuses.
Sanders vehemently denied Warren's accusation that he said a woman couldn't win, which threatened to split the Democratic Party's left flank -- as well as the senators' longtime liberal alliance -- at a critical moment less than three weeks before voting begins.
"Look at the men on this stage. Collectively they have lost 10 elections," Warren exclaimed. "The only people on this stage who have won every single election that they've been in are the women."
An incredulous Sanders responded: "Does anybody in their right mind think a woman can't be elected president?" he asked. "Of course a woman can win."
There was a final moment of tension between Sanders and Warren after the debate ended. Having shaken the hands of her other competitors, Warren was shown in video declining to shake Sanders' extended hand.
With the Democratic field tightly bunched among four leading candidates, the debate offered an opportunity for separation. But none of the six candidates on stage had the kind of moment likely to reshape the race in the final weeks before voting starts. Instead, the debate was generally marked by a focus on weighty issues of foreign policy, climate change and how to provide health care for all Americans. Even when disputes emerged, most candidates quickly pivoted to note their larger differences with President Donald Trump.
For his part, Trump spent Tuesday night campaigning in Wisconsin, a state that is critical to his reelection effort. He tried to encourage the feud between Sanders and Warren from afar.
"She said that Bernie stated strongly that a woman can't win," Trump said. "I don't believe that Bernie said that, I really don't. It's not the kind of thing Bernie would say."
Despite such prodding, the debate stage drama was far from the explosion some Democrats feared. Candidates moved with ease through a variety of topics, disagreeing with each other but generally avoiding personal attacks.
Sanders did step up his attacks on former Vice President Joe Biden over his past support of the Iraq War and broad free-trade agreements. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who was mired in the middle of the pack, seized on Warren's shifting positions on health care. Billionaire Tom Steyer acknowledged making money from investments in the fossil fuel industry, but highlighted his decade-long fight to combat climate change, an issue that came up repeatedly throughout the night.
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, sometimes struggled for attention in a debate that often featured points of conflict between his rivals. Perhaps his strongest moment came when he described how, as a military veteran who is vocal about his faith, he could stand up to Trump in a general election.
"I'm ready to take on Donald Trump because when he gets to the tough talk and the chest thumping, he'll have to stand next to an American war veteran and explain how he pretended bone spurs made him ineligible to serve," Buttigieg said. "And if a guy like Donald Trump keeps trying to use religion to somehow recruit Christianity into the GOP, I will be standing there not afraid to talk about a different way to answer the call of faith and insist that God does not belong to a political party."
Questions surrounding war and foreign policy dominated early on. Sanders drew a sharp contrast with Biden by noting his own opposition to a 2002 measure authorizing military action against Iraq.
Sanders called the Iraq invasion "the worst foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country."
"I did everything I could to prevent that war," Sanders said. "Joe saw it differently."
Biden acknowledged that his 2002 vote to authorize military action was "a mistake," but highlighted his role in the Obama administration helping to draw down the U.S. military presence in the region.
Several candidates condemned Trump's recent move to kill Iran's top general and his decision to keep U.S. troops in the region.
"We have to get combat troops out," declared Warren, who also called for reducing the military budget.
Others, including Buttigieg, Biden and Klobuchar, said they favored maintaining a small military presence in the Middle East.
"I bring a different perspective," said Buttigieg. "We can continue to remain engaged without having an endless commitment to ground troops."
The debate featured just six candidates, the fewest of any such forum this cycle after escalating party rules prevented other candidates from participating. For the first time, not a single candidate of color appeared on stage. Every candidate was white, and four were men.
That was a stark contrast from the earlier days of the 2020 contest, which featured the most diverse field of candidates in history. The party is trying to navigate broader debates over how to reflect and embrace the crucial role women and minority voters will play in 2020. To defeat Trump this fall, Democrats need to ensure black, Latino and suburban voters are excited to vote for them against the Republican president.
The debate marked one of the final moments the senators in the race will participate in a campaign-related event before returning to Washington to sit as jurors in Trump's impeachment trial. Those proceedings are likely to begin by the end of the week, making it difficult for senators running for president to spend time with voters Iowa in the contest's final days.
"Some things are more important than politics," Warren said. "I will be there because it is my responsibility."
• Peoples and Superville reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Des Moines contributed to this report.