dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--How Biden chose Harris: Inside his search for a running mate

The Michigan governor had caught the interest of Joe Biden and his vice presidential vetting committee , who were drawn to her prominence in a crucial battleground state and her aggressive response to the coronavirus outbreak there .
But by late spring , the nation was in the midst of a reckoning over race and inequality following the death of George Floyd , a Black man who died after a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes .
Whitmer sent word to Biden 's team that while she was flattered , she no longer wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slot , according to a high-ranking Democrat familiar with the process .
She recommended Biden pick a Black woman .
But Biden still wanted Whitmer in the mix , and he personally called her in mid-June to ask if she would continue on to the second , more intensive round of vetting , according to the official .
Whitmer agreed .
But forces in the country , and within the Democratic Party , were indeed pushing Biden toward a history-making pick .
As protests over the death of Floyd and other Black Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an array of Democrats urged Biden to put a Black woman on the ticket -- a nod to this moment in the nation 's history , to the critical role Black voters played in Biden 's ascent to the Democratic nomination , and to their vital importance in his general election campaign against President Donald Trump .
On Tuesday , Biden tapped California Sen. Kamala Harris to be his running mate , making her the first Black woman to serve on a major party presidential ticket .
This account of how he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his political career , is based on interviews with 10 people with direct knowledge of the vetting and selection process .
Most spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private conversations and deliberations .
Biden , well aware of the potential pitfalls of being a 77-year-old white male standard-bearer of a party increasingly comprised of women , people of color and young voters , made clear even before he had clinched the Democratic nomination that his running mate would be a woman .
His initial list of contenders was sprawling : roughly 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other Democratic stalwarts .
They were young and old ; Black , Hispanic , white , Asian ; straight and gay .
Some , including Harris , had competed against him for the Democratic nomination .
From the start , some Biden advisers saw Harris as a logical choice .
She was among the party 's most popular figures , a deft debater and a fundraising juggernaut .
She had been thoroughly vetted during her own campaign and Biden 's team expected there would be few surprises if she was the pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Biden advisers .
Her record as a prosecutor in California was viewed skeptically by some younger Democrats during the primary and would face even more scrutiny against the backdrop of a national debate over inequality in the criminal justice system .
There were also nagging questions about Harris ' most high-profile moment of the primary campaign -- a harsh and deeply personal broadside against Biden over his position on school busing in the 1970s .
Though Biden would later brush the moment aside as campaign tactics , the attack was said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had considered his relationship with Harris strong .
It also raised concern among a small cadre of Biden advisers that Harris would be eyeing the Oval Office herself from the start , a particular worry given that Biden has not firmly committed to serving two terms .
And so , as spring turned to summer , several other Black women would take a turn in the spotlight as Biden weighed his options .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Florida Rep. Val Demings impressed Biden 's team with their leadership during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- including South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn , a Biden confidant -- advocated for Rep. Karen Bass , a Californian who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus .
Biden also took a strong interest in Susan Rice , with whom he worked closely when she served in the White House as President Barack Obama 's national security adviser .
The leading contenders , who also included Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth , submitted reams of financial records , texts of speeches and other personal information .
Biden 's selection team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party activists and interest groups to gather input , and also consulted with organizations that specialize in helping women get elected to prepare for the unique challenges that often face women in politics .
In meetings with the candidates , the vetting team ran through a uniform list of questions , from substantive to frankly political : What would you want your agenda to be as a vice president ?
What do you think Trump 's nickname for you would be ?
Biden , too , regularly discussed his potential pick with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He used Obama in particular as a sounding board , though confidants to both men say the former president was careful not to tip his hand in those conversations as to whom he preferred .
But in private , Obama suggested to others that he believed Harris was the favorite .
In one of Harris ' conversations with the vetting committee , Chris Dodd -- a longtime Biden friend who served alongside him in the Senate -- asked if she had remorse for her debate stage attack on his busing record .
Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brushed it aside as simply politics .
Dodd , a member of the running mate selection committee , was put off and let that be known .
The incident was first reported by Politico and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person with direct knowledge .
The public disclosure of Dodd 's comments angered some of the highest-ranking women on Biden 's campaign team .
Some of Harris ' allies also mobilized to defend her , including California Lt. Gov .
Eleni Kounalakis , who organized a call with Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assuage any doubts about whether the senator was the right choice for the ticket .
On the 45-minute call , Kounalakis and other statewide officials , labor and business leaders took turns sharing their personal histories with Harris and their impressions of her as a leader .
`` Speaking out as strongly as we did , collectively , helped them understand how supported she is and why , '' Kounalakis said on Tuesday .
The call ended with Biden 's vetting team telling the Harris supporters they had all recommended her as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pandemic had largely grounded Biden in his home state of Delaware through the summer , and also upended some of the ways he had expected to build a rapport with the running-mate contenders .
There were no joint rallies or carefully orchestrated , yet casual-looking , outings to local restaurants in battleground states .
Biden was also accepting few in-person visitors at his home .
But he did want to speak one-on-one with the women who had made it through the vetting process and interviews with his selection committee .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final nine days before he made his pick -- a mixture of in-person meetings and video teleconferences .
Whitmer was among those who flew to Delaware for an in-person audience .
She boarded a private plane in Lansing , Michigan , on Aug. 2 , spending just a few hours on the ground before returning to Michigan .
Rice , who had perhaps the closest personal relationship with Biden of all the contenders , spoke twice with him in recent days .
Duckworth also had a formal interview over the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was initially viewed as a leading contender for the job .
On Tuesday , in the hours before his campaign announced Harris as the pick , Biden would call each of those women to inform them that they had not been selected .
Warren , whose relationship with Biden has deepened in recent months through regular policy discussions , was also among those to receive a personal call from the former vice president .
In some of the conversations , Biden left open an opportunity .
Please consider joining me in another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eggert reported from Lansing , Michigan , and Ronayne from Sacramento , California .
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta , Will Weissert in Wilmington and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report .

How Biden chose Harris: Inside his search for a running mate
Then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, a California Democrat, listens as Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a Democratic presidential primary debate at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Biden has chosen Harris as his running mate. Associated Press/July 31, 2019
WASHINGTON -- Gretchen Whitmer wanted out.
The Michigan governor had caught the interest of Joe Biden and his vice presidential vetting committee, who were drawn to her prominence in a crucial battleground state and her aggressive response to the coronavirus outbreak there. But by late spring, the nation was in the midst of a reckoning over race and inequality following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes.
Whitmer sent word to Biden's team that while she was flattered, she no longer wanted to be considered for the running mate slot, according to a high-ranking Democrat familiar with the process. She recommended Biden pick a Black woman.
But Biden still wanted Whitmer in the mix, and he personally called her in mid-June to ask if she would continue on to the second, more intensive round of vetting, according to the official. Whitmer agreed.
But forces in the country, and within the Democratic Party, were indeed pushing Biden toward a history-making pick. As protests over the death of Floyd and other Black Americans filled the streets across the country, an array of Democrats urged Biden to put a Black woman on the ticket -- a nod to this moment in the nation's history, to the critical role Black voters played in Biden's ascent to the Democratic nomination, and to their vital importance in his general election campaign against President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Biden tapped California Sen. Kamala Harris to be his running mate, making her the first Black woman to serve on a major party presidential ticket. This account of how he made that decision, the most important of his political career, is based on interviews with 10 people with direct knowledge of the vetting and selection process. Most spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private conversations and deliberations.
Biden, well aware of the potential pitfalls of being a 77-year-old white male standard-bearer of a party increasingly comprised of women, people of color and young voters, made clear even before he had clinched the Democratic nomination that his running mate would be a woman.
His initial list of contenders was sprawling: roughly 20 governors, senators, congresswomen, mayors and other Democratic stalwarts. They were young and old; Black, Hispanic, white, Asian; straight and gay. Some, including Harris, had competed against him for the Democratic nomination.
From the start, some Biden advisers saw Harris as a logical choice. She was among the party's most popular figures, a deft debater and a fundraising juggernaut. She had been thoroughly vetted during her own campaign and Biden's team expected there would be few surprises if she was the pick.
Harris' potential downsides were well-known to Biden advisers. Her record as a prosecutor in California was viewed skeptically by some younger Democrats during the primary and would face even more scrutiny against the backdrop of a national debate over inequality in the criminal justice system.
There were also nagging questions about Harris' most high-profile moment of the primary campaign -- a harsh and deeply personal broadside against Biden over his position on school busing in the 1970s. Though Biden would later brush the moment aside as campaign tactics, the attack was said to have stunned the former vice president, who had considered his relationship with Harris strong. It also raised concern among a small cadre of Biden advisers that Harris would be eyeing the Oval Office herself from the start, a particular worry given that Biden has not firmly committed to serving two terms.
And so, as spring turned to summer, several other Black women would take a turn in the spotlight as Biden weighed his options. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Florida Rep. Val Demings impressed Biden's team with their leadership during the police brutality protests.
Some House Democrats -- including South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, a Biden confidant -- advocated for Rep. Karen Bass, a Californian who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. Biden also took a strong interest in Susan Rice, with whom he worked closely when she served in the White House as President Barack Obama's national security adviser.
The leading contenders, who also included Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, submitted reams of financial records, texts of speeches and other personal information. Biden's selection team spent more than 120 hours meeting with party activists and interest groups to gather input, and also consulted with organizations that specialize in helping women get elected to prepare for the unique challenges that often face women in politics.
In meetings with the candidates, the vetting team ran through a uniform list of questions, from substantive to frankly political: What would you want your agenda to be as a vice president? What do you think Trump's nickname for you would be?
Biden, too, regularly discussed his potential pick with his sprawling network of friends and advisers. He used Obama in particular as a sounding board, though confidants to both men say the former president was careful not to tip his hand in those conversations as to whom he preferred.
But in private, Obama suggested to others that he believed Harris was the favorite.
In one of Harris' conversations with the vetting committee, Chris Dodd -- a longtime Biden friend who served alongside him in the Senate -- asked if she had remorse for her debate stage attack on his busing record.
Harris, as she had previously done publicly, brushed it aside as simply politics. Dodd, a member of the running mate selection committee, was put off and let that be known. The incident was first reported by Politico and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person with direct knowledge.
The public disclosure of Dodd's comments angered some of the highest-ranking women on Biden's campaign team. Some of Harris' allies also mobilized to defend her, including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who organized a call with Biden's vetting team about two weeks ago to assuage any doubts about whether the senator was the right choice for the ticket.
On the 45-minute call, Kounalakis and other statewide officials, labor and business leaders took turns sharing their personal histories with Harris and their impressions of her as a leader.
"Speaking out as strongly as we did, collectively, helped them understand how supported she is and why," Kounalakis said on Tuesday.
The call ended with Biden's vetting team telling the Harris supporters they had all recommended her as one of the top candidates for the job.
The pandemic had largely grounded Biden in his home state of Delaware through the summer, and also upended some of the ways he had expected to build a rapport with the running-mate contenders. There were no joint rallies or carefully orchestrated, yet casual-looking, outings to local restaurants in battleground states. Biden was also accepting few in-person visitors at his home.
But he did want to speak one-on-one with the women who had made it through the vetting process and interviews with his selection committee. He would hold conversations with 11 women in the final nine days before he made his pick -- a mixture of in-person meetings and video teleconferences.
Whitmer was among those who flew to Delaware for an in-person audience. She boarded a private plane in Lansing, Michigan, on Aug. 2, spending just a few hours on the ground before returning to Michigan.
Rice, who had perhaps the closest personal relationship with Biden of all the contenders, spoke twice with him in recent days. Duckworth also had a formal interview over the weekend, as did Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams, who was initially viewed as a leading contender for the job.
On Tuesday, in the hours before his campaign announced Harris as the pick, Biden would call each of those women to inform them that they had not been selected. Warren, whose relationship with Biden has deepened in recent months through regular policy discussions, was also among those to receive a personal call from the former vice president.
In some of the conversations, Biden left open an opportunity. Please consider joining me in another role in the administration, he said.
Eggert reported from Lansing, Michigan, and Ronayne from Sacramento, California. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Will Weissert in Wilmington and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Defense: Victim in fatal 2017 Naperville crash at fault, not driver who had taken stimulant

The Sept. 9 , 2017 , crash that killed motorcyclist Calabria Taber was a tragedy , defense attorney Adam Harris said Wednesday .
But , he told a DuPage County court , `` it is a tragedy of Cali Taber 's own making , due to her speeding up to drive through a yellow light . ''
Harris is defending Samuel Horvath , a 20-year-old Naperville man accused of causing the crash .
Horvath is charged with aggravated driving with a drug , substance or intoxicating substance in his breath , blood or urine , according to the indictment documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Choices .
The choices that the defendant made on Sept. 9 , 2017 , that brought us here today , '' Assistant State 's Attorney Nick Catizone said during opening arguments Wednesday .
He said Horvath , driving an SUV , was trying to make a left turn on the yellow light .
Harris acknowledged that Horvath tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine after the crash .
But , he said , it was because Horvath had taken a prescription Concerta pill about 12 hours earlier , to improve his ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The medication was not prescribed to Horvath ; a friend gave it to him , Harris said .
Horvath took the Concerta because he was recovering from a mononucleosis infection and was tired , Harris said .
He also argued that Horvath was not impaired by the drugs at the time of the crash .
The crash happened at 75th Street and Naperville/Plainfield Road shortly after 6 p.m. Harris said she was riding a sport bike , and had only been licensed to ride for two months .
Horvath was not injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to yield while turning left , but that charge was dropped due to the felony case being filed .
The prosecution is expected to show video of the crash , captured on security cameras of nearby gasoline stations .

Defense: Victim in fatal 2017 Naperville crash at fault, not driver who had taken stimulant
The Sept. 9, 2017, crash that killed motorcyclist Calabria Taber was a tragedy, defense attorney Adam Harris said Wednesday.
But, he told a DuPage County court, "it is a tragedy of Cali Taber's own making, due to her speeding up to drive through a yellow light."
Harris is defending Samuel Horvath, a 20-year-old Naperville man accused of causing the crash. Horvath is charged with aggravated driving with a drug, substance or intoxicating substance in his breath, blood or urine, according to the indictment documents -- specifically, methamphetamine and amphetamine.
"Choices. The choices that the defendant made on Sept. 9, 2017, that brought us here today," Assistant State's Attorney Nick Catizone said during opening arguments Wednesday. He said Horvath, driving an SUV, was trying to make a left turn on the yellow light.
Harris acknowledged that Horvath tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine after the crash. But, he said, it was because Horvath had taken a prescription Concerta pill about 12 hours earlier, to improve his ability to take an ACT college-entrance examination that morning.
The medication was not prescribed to Horvath; a friend gave it to him, Harris said. Horvath took the Concerta because he was recovering from a mononucleosis infection and was tired, Harris said.
Concerta is prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
He also argued that Horvath was not impaired by the drugs at the time of the crash.
The crash happened at 75th Street and Naperville/Plainfield Road shortly after 6 p.m.
Taber, 21, of Maple Park, was wearing a helmet.
Harris said she was riding a sport bike, and had only been licensed to ride for two months.
Horvath was not injured. He was originally charged with misdemeanor failure to yield while turning left, but that charge was dropped due to the felony case being filed.
The trial continues Wednesday afternoon.
The prosecution is expected to show video of the crash, captured on security cameras of nearby gasoline stations.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Elmhurst District 205 to start year with all-remote learning

Elmhurst Unit District 205 will begin the academic year with all-remote learning and delay plans for in-person classes until at least mid-September .
The district was one of the few area school systems still holding out for some in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic .
But it was struggling to launch a hybrid model with insufficient staffing .
All students now will start classes virtually from home on Aug. 24 .
The district tentatively has pushed back in-person learning plans until Sept. 14 , but administrators caution there 's no guarantee students will return to buildings next month amid ever-evolving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a staffing and scheduling puzzle .
`` We 're not closing schools because we do n't think it 's safe to run school , '' Superintendent David Moyer said .
`` We 're not opening on the 24th right now because we ca n't logistically staff it . ''
The teachers union has called for only-online instruction , citing lingering safety concerns , a rising number of COVID-19 infections among DuPage County children and the learning disruptions caused by positive cases in schools .
`` The teachers feel that remote learning is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school year , '' Elmhurst Teachers ' Council President Max Schoenberg said Wednesday .
At least 200 teachers have requested remote assignments based on their doctors ' advice and existing health conditions , Schoenberg said .
The union represents more than 700 licensed employees in the district .
`` The question of staffing a building is a very challenging one because these teachers have civil rights under federal law to request accommodations like that , '' Schoenberg said .
`` They 're every bit as committed to teaching as ever , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we have to respect the recommendations of their physicians . ''
In a written statement earlier this week , Schoenberg also said the council informed the district weeks ago that there were numerous teachers whose underlying conditions could result in requests for accommodations or leaves of absence .
`` Teachers who are pregnant , or are coping with cancer , heart disease , diabetes , or weakened immune systems do not lack dedication to serving Elmhurst students , '' Schoenberg wrote .
`` Their passion for teaching is every bit as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working on recruiting substitute teachers -- already in high demand before the pandemic -- and trying to fill supervision positions , Moyer said .
The district also needs certificated teachers to cover gaps in school buildings , Assistant Superintendent Luke Pavone said .
`` Giving the principals a little bit more time to plan for some of these complexities will also help us be able to figure out and identify exactly what it is that we do need in order to be successful when we go to more of a full implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marathon school board meeting Tuesday , several members were reluctant to alter reopening plans .
`` I can see the benefits of everyone starting remote , '' board President Kara Caforio said .
`` But I have a lot of concerns if we are n't really committed to trying to find ways to get kids in buildings . ''
About 15 % of district families had selected a digital-only option before Tuesday 's meeting .
About 85 % of surveyed families also indicated a preference for either in-person or hybrid learning .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of choice , '' said board member Chris Kocinski , who opposed the all-remote start .
`` And choice to me means an option for both in-person and remote for our families , so they can make a choice that is best for them and their personal situations . ''
Schoenberg , a York High School teacher , said the district should survey families again after they experience a few weeks of remote learning .
`` We 're committed to working as hard as possible to make remote learning effective and engaging as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a remote environment , '' he said .
Administrators also outlined remote learning improvements in contrast to the model used when schools scrambled to shut down in the spring .
Teachers previously used Google Meet as a platform for interactive web conferencing .
`` We 're going to be relying heavily on Zoom from home for the students to use when they have a scheduled class time , '' Assistant Superintendent Scott Grens said .
Each student will receive a district-issued technology device .
At the start of the school day , teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a common template to help build consistency .
The district also has built upward of 20 professional learning sessions for staff .
Daily attendance will be required , and grading will return to a traditional format .

Elmhurst District 205 to start year with all-remote learning
Students at York High School in Elmhurst will start the new year with all-virtual classes on Aug. 24. Daily Herald file photo
Elmhurst Unit District 205 will begin the academic year with all-remote learning and delay plans for in-person classes until at least mid-September.
The district was one of the few area school systems still holding out for some in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
But it was struggling to launch a hybrid model with insufficient staffing. All students now will start classes virtually from home on Aug. 24.
The district tentatively has pushed back in-person learning plans until Sept. 14, but administrators caution there's no guarantee students will return to buildings next month amid ever-evolving state guidelines, worsening health data and a staffing and scheduling puzzle.
"We're not closing schools because we don't think it's safe to run school," Superintendent David Moyer said. "We're not opening on the 24th right now because we can't logistically staff it."
The teachers union has called for only-online instruction, citing lingering safety concerns, a rising number of COVID-19 infections among DuPage County children and the learning disruptions caused by positive cases in schools.
"The teachers feel that remote learning is the safest way that we can start the school year," Elmhurst Teachers' Council President Max Schoenberg said Wednesday.
At least 200 teachers have requested remote assignments based on their doctors' advice and existing health conditions, Schoenberg said. The union represents more than 700 licensed employees in the district.
"The question of staffing a building is a very challenging one because these teachers have civil rights under federal law to request accommodations like that," Schoenberg said. "They're every bit as committed to teaching as ever, but the medical exemptions are a very serious matter, and we have to respect the recommendations of their physicians."
In a written statement earlier this week, Schoenberg also said the council informed the district weeks ago that there were numerous teachers whose underlying conditions could result in requests for accommodations or leaves of absence.
"Teachers who are pregnant, or are coping with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems do not lack dedication to serving Elmhurst students," Schoenberg wrote. "Their passion for teaching is every bit as strong as ever."
The district is working on recruiting substitute teachers -- already in high demand before the pandemic -- and trying to fill supervision positions, Moyer said. The district also needs certificated teachers to cover gaps in school buildings, Assistant Superintendent Luke Pavone said.
"Giving the principals a little bit more time to plan for some of these complexities will also help us be able to figure out and identify exactly what it is that we do need in order to be successful when we go to more of a full implementation," Moyer said.
During a marathon school board meeting Tuesday, several members were reluctant to alter reopening plans.
"I can see the benefits of everyone starting remote," board President Kara Caforio said. "But I have a lot of concerns if we aren't really committed to trying to find ways to get kids in buildings."
About 15% of district families had selected a digital-only option before Tuesday's meeting. About 85% of surveyed families also indicated a preference for either in-person or hybrid learning.
"I feel very passionately about the concept of choice," said board member Chris Kocinski, who opposed the all-remote start. "And choice to me means an option for both in-person and remote for our families, so they can make a choice that is best for them and their personal situations."
Schoenberg, a York High School teacher, said the district should survey families again after they experience a few weeks of remote learning.
"We're committed to working as hard as possible to make remote learning effective and engaging as long as we have to be in a remote environment," he said.
Administrators also outlined remote learning improvements in contrast to the model used when schools scrambled to shut down in the spring.
Teachers previously used Google Meet as a platform for interactive web conferencing.
"We're going to be relying heavily on Zoom from home for the students to use when they have a scheduled class time," Assistant Superintendent Scott Grens said.
Each student will receive a district-issued technology device. At the start of the school day, teachers will provide directions for class activities using a common template to help build consistency.
The district also has built upward of 20 professional learning sessions for staff.
Daily attendance will be required, and grading will return to a traditional format.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Historic Libertyvlle theater to remain standing, but demolition push continues

A request to demolish the Liberty theater building , a fixture in downtown Libertyville since 1937 , has been denied by the village , but the owners plan to argue economic hardship as another way to get their wish .
Rhyan Holdings LLC , a family business that has owned the building at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave. for more than 50 years , contends the theater is not financially viable and the property would be more marketable with the building gone .
Rhyan has maintained that stance since it applied for permission to demolish the building a year ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was offered , and having only an open lot to consider in a designated historic district was among the reasons the village rejected the demolition request .
As expected , the village board on Tuesday night upheld the recommendation to deny the request from the advisory historic preservation committee .
`` I would like to see it preserved , '' said Trustee Rich Moras .
`` I also realize there would need to be a good economic reason to do so .
The challenge I see with what 's proposed here is we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
After two public hearings last fall , the committee found that while the building is n't an architectural gem , it has enough historical and cultural significance that demolition would be detrimental to the public interest .
Building owners in a historic district need to secure a certificate of appropriateness to change or demolish a structure .
The village board decision to follow the recommendation sets the stage for the next act for the old movie house .
Despite Tuesday 's decision , the board agreed demolition can be considered later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a certificate of economic hardship .
`` A certificate of economic hardship is justified , '' Rhyan 's attorney David Meeks told the board .
The green space would be a `` temporary hold '' while a buyer for the site is sought , he said .
`` The property is in such condition my client feels it prudent from an economic and structural standpoint to take the building down while he works through the process of finding somebody to bring something that will be very enjoyable to the community , '' Meeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be reviewed by the historic preservation commission , which would issue another recommendation to the village board .
Justification would include information such as real estate taxes , mortgage balance , appraisals , operating and maintenance expenses , and anything else needed to show whether the property can yield a reasonable return for current or future owners .
An alternate use for the property does not have to be presented , according to John Spoden , Libertyville 's community development director .
However , he noted , one of the reasons the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did n't know what would replace the theater .
The theater had operated in recent years as the Liberty 1 & 2 Theaters but closed in late January .
The building and 1.17-acre property is listed for $ 1.95 million .
Mayor Terry Weppler said a viable buyer was in hand but `` backed away '' at the last minute when the coronavirus pandemic struck .

Historic Libertyvlle theater to remain standing, but demolition push continues
A request to demolish the Liberty theater building, a fixture in downtown Libertyville since 1937, has been denied by the village, but the owners plan to argue economic hardship as another way to get their wish.
Rhyan Holdings LLC, a family business that has owned the building at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave. for more than 50 years, contends the theater is not financially viable and the property would be more marketable with the building gone.
Rhyan has maintained that stance since it applied for permission to demolish the building a year ago. But no proposal for a replacement structure was offered, and having only an open lot to consider in a designated historic district was among the reasons the village rejected the demolition request.
As expected, the village board on Tuesday night upheld the recommendation to deny the request from the advisory historic preservation committee.
"I would like to see it preserved," said Trustee Rich Moras. "I also realize there would need to be a good economic reason to do so. The challenge I see with what's proposed here is we're only looking at half the equation."
After two public hearings last fall, the committee found that while the building isn't an architectural gem, it has enough historical and cultural significance that demolition would be detrimental to the public interest.
Building owners in a historic district need to secure a certificate of appropriateness to change or demolish a structure.
The village board decision to follow the recommendation sets the stage for the next act for the old movie house. Despite Tuesday's decision, the board agreed demolition can be considered later in the context of an application for a certificate of economic hardship.
"A certificate of economic hardship is justified," Rhyan's attorney David Meeks told the board. The green space would be a "temporary hold" while a buyer for the site is sought, he said.
"The property is in such condition my client feels it prudent from an economic and structural standpoint to take the building down while he works through the process of finding somebody to bring something that will be very enjoyable to the community," Meeks said.
The certificate of economic hardship would be reviewed by the historic preservation commission, which would issue another recommendation to the village board. Justification would include information such as real estate taxes, mortgage balance, appraisals, operating and maintenance expenses, and anything else needed to show whether the property can yield a reasonable return for current or future owners.
An alternate use for the property does not have to be presented, according to John Spoden, Libertyville's community development director. However, he noted, one of the reasons the commission recommended denying the demolition request was it didn't know what would replace the theater.
The theater had operated in recent years as the Liberty 1 & 2 Theaters but closed in late January. The building and 1.17-acre property is listed for $1.95 million.
Mayor Terry Weppler said a viable buyer was in hand but "backed away" at the last minute when the coronavirus pandemic struck.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Lombard man's film fest allows artists to 'tell their stories the way they need to be told'

An African American-owned film festival is about to host its second annual showing as it aims to help filmmakers tell their own stories and get due credit for their work .
The Tylerman Film Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton , where festival producer Andrew Tyler of Lombard is grateful to be able to host socially distant groups of up to 100 masked viewers each day .
Last year 's inaugural event , also at Cantigny , drew roughly 300 people , Tyler said , but this year 's event is scaled back for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The theater and screening area that will be used for the fest each will allow up to 50 people inside , half of the typical capacity of 100 .
Tyler plans to screen more than 50 films during the event , which runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday .
Most of the films are shorts -- `` five minutes here , 10 minutes there , three minutes there , '' Tyler said .
And they come from all over : dozens from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four from Nigeria , three from Canada and two each from Australia , Bulgaria and India .
Tyler , a filmmaker himself , said he was moved to start the festival after watching TV some years ago with his daughter , Olivia Dru Tyler , now 7 , and not seeing much representation of people like her .
Even if the actors on the screen were Black , Tyler said , the talent behind the screen -- the writers , cinematographers , producers and directors -- were often white .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our culture telling our stories , '' Tyler said .
`` The Tylerman Film Festival is a social awareness film festival that allows for people to progress and tell their stories the way they need to be told . ''
Tyler 's idea for a film fest gained a space to become reality when he visited Cantigny Park as part of his involvement with Unity Partnership , a DuPage County-based group that aims to build relationships between police and diverse communities .
Matt LaFond , Cantigny 's executive director , met Tyler through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue , a 500-acre estate with a golf course , museums and gardens that formerly belonged to Col. Robert R. McCormick , the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune .
`` We saw this as an opportunity to help an independent , local filmmaker .
That 's why we really thought it 'd be a great partnership for him and us , '' LaFond said .
`` It will draw in a different audience that does n't usually come to Cantigny to show them all Cantigny has to offer . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pomaro came to Cantigny last year to see his first short film shown at the Tylerman fest .
Pomaro , 39 , had been obsessed with movies as a child and went to school for filmmaking .
But his life took a different turn ( he works as a Cook County probation officer ) and he was n't able to get into making films until recently , with the blessing of his wife and the acting help of his two daughters , Evelyn , 12 , and Mia , 8 .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process as well as they did , '' Pomaro said about his daughters , who also star in his second film , a 7-minute , 30-second short that will be shown at this year 's Tylerman festival .
`` But they really loved it and wanted to do it again . ''
This time around , Pomaro 's film is called `` They Grow Up So Fast . ''
It 's a horror film set in a post-apocalyptic world , in which the two girls are living at home with no adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing trouble .
`` It 's just cool to get into any festival .
It 's an honor , '' Pomaro said .
`` To see and hear strangers react to it is such a thrill and such a high that that is what I most look forward to . ''
Tickets to the festival are available at www.tylermanfilms.com or at the door for $ 15 .
Parking at Cantigny Park is a separate $ 5 charge , and attendees will have access to explore the grounds between screenings .

Lombard man's film fest allows artists to 'tell their stories the way they need to be told'
The film "Running on Faith" has received the Best Feature award from the Tylerman Film Festival and is set to be shown during the event this Saturday and Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Courtesy of Tylerman Film Festival
The short film "They Grow Up So Fast" has received the Tylerman Film Festival Choice Award. It is set to be shown Sunday during the second annual Tylerman Film Festival at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Courtesy of Michael Pomaro
Andrew Tyler, center, a filmmaker and festival producer of the Tylerman Film Festival, is getting ready to put on his second annual event this weekend at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Courtesy of Tylerman Film Festival
Andrew Tyler, a filmmaker and festival producer of the Tylerman Film Festival, is preparing for the event's second year this weekend at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Courtesy of Tylerman Films
An African American-owned film festival is about to host its second annual showing as it aims to help filmmakers tell their own stories and get due credit for their work.
The Tylerman Film Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, where festival producer Andrew Tyler of Lombard is grateful to be able to host socially distant groups of up to 100 masked viewers each day.
Last year's inaugural event, also at Cantigny, drew roughly 300 people, Tyler said, but this year's event is scaled back for health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater and screening area that will be used for the fest each will allow up to 50 people inside, half of the typical capacity of 100.
Tyler plans to screen more than 50 films during the event, which runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Most of the films are shorts -- "five minutes here, 10 minutes there, three minutes there," Tyler said. And they come from all over: dozens from the U.S. and also five from the United Kingdom, four from Nigeria, three from Canada and two each from Australia, Bulgaria and India.
Tyler, a filmmaker himself, said he was moved to start the festival after watching TV some years ago with his daughter, Olivia Dru Tyler, now 7, and not seeing much representation of people like her. Even if the actors on the screen were Black, Tyler said, the talent behind the screen -- the writers, cinematographers, producers and directors -- were often white.
"I got tired of other people from outside our culture telling our stories," Tyler said. "The Tylerman Film Festival is a social awareness film festival that allows for people to progress and tell their stories the way they need to be told."
Tyler's idea for a film fest gained a space to become reality when he visited Cantigny Park as part of his involvement with Unity Partnership, a DuPage County-based group that aims to build relationships between police and diverse communities.
Matt LaFond, Cantigny's executive director, met Tyler through Unity Partnership and offered use of the venue, a 500-acre estate with a golf course, museums and gardens that formerly belonged to Col. Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
"We saw this as an opportunity to help an independent, local filmmaker. That's why we really thought it'd be a great partnership for him and us," LaFond said. "It will draw in a different audience that doesn't usually come to Cantigny to show them all Cantigny has to offer."
Rolling Meadows resident and budding filmmaker Michael Pomaro came to Cantigny last year to see his first short film shown at the Tylerman fest. Pomaro, 39, had been obsessed with movies as a child and went to school for filmmaking.
But his life took a different turn (he works as a Cook County probation officer) and he wasn't able to get into making films until recently, with the blessing of his wife and the acting help of his two daughters, Evelyn, 12, and Mia, 8.
"I didn't expect them to take to the process as well as they did," Pomaro said about his daughters, who also star in his second film, a 7-minute, 30-second short that will be shown at this year's Tylerman festival. "But they really loved it and wanted to do it again."
This time around, Pomaro's film is called "They Grow Up So Fast." It's a horror film set in a post-apocalyptic world, in which the two girls are living at home with no adults, when a stranger comes knocking and bringing trouble.
"It's just cool to get into any festival. It's an honor," Pomaro said. "To see and hear strangers react to it is such a thrill and such a high that that is what I most look forward to."
Tickets to the festival are available at www.tylermanfilms.com or at the door for $15. Parking at Cantigny Park is a separate $5 charge, and attendees will have access to explore the grounds between screenings.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Zion man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in pregnant wife's death

A Zion man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter of a family member for what officials described as the accidental shooting of his pregnant wife in 2018 during an argument with another man in Round Lake .
Alvin L. Quinn Jr. , 32 , of the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue , accepted the terms of a plea deal Tuesday and was sentenced to seven years in prison .
Assistant Lake County District Attorney Danielle Pascucci said Quinn and his wife , Isha Windom , went to the home on the 600 block of Nippersink Road to reclaim property they left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After entering the home on Dec. 11 , 2018 , Quinn got into an argument with a man inside and pulled a handgun , Pascucci said .
`` There was a struggle over the gun , the defendant discharged the gun when he hit this individual , and that bullet went through a solid door where the victim was on the other side , '' Pascucci said .
`` That bullet struck her and subsequently killed her . ''
According to authorities at the time , Windom was shot in the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of her injuries .
Quinn received credit for the 609 days he has already spent in Lake County jail .
He could be eligible for release after serving 50 % of his sentence if he exhibits good behavior .
Under the terms of the plea agreement , he will serve two years of mandatory supervised release after leaving prison .

Zion man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in pregnant wife's death
A Zion man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter of a family member for what officials described as the accidental shooting of his pregnant wife in 2018 during an argument with another man in Round Lake.
Alvin L. Quinn Jr., 32, of the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue, accepted the terms of a plea deal Tuesday and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Assistant Lake County District Attorney Danielle Pascucci said Quinn and his wife, Isha Windom, went to the home on the 600 block of Nippersink Road to reclaim property they left behind when they lived there as renters. After entering the home on Dec. 11, 2018, Quinn got into an argument with a man inside and pulled a handgun, Pascucci said.
"There was a struggle over the gun, the defendant discharged the gun when he hit this individual, and that bullet went through a solid door where the victim was on the other side," Pascucci said. "That bullet struck her and subsequently killed her."
According to authorities at the time, Windom was shot in the head; she lost the baby and died as a result of her injuries.
Quinn received credit for the 609 days he has already spent in Lake County jail. He could be eligible for release after serving 50% of his sentence if he exhibits good behavior. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he will serve two years of mandatory supervised release after leaving prison.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Mount Prospect going to referendum on recreational pot sales

Mount Prospect voters will get their say on whether they want marijuana sold in the village for recreational use .
The village board by a 4-2 vote Tuesday agreed to place a nonbinding advisory referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot asking whether the village should permit such businesses in town .
`` We get direct input from the citizens when we do this , and I think this is an important enough question , '' said Trustee Paul Hoefert , who voted in favor of a referendum during Tuesday 's special meeting .
`` We all have our constituents that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very hard to say that we talked to enough people in the village to get a representative sample of where the entire community stands on this very question .
`` I 'm comfortable living with the results of the referendum , '' he added .
Village trustees voted in December to ban recreational marijuana sales in town , but since then have watched as neighboring communities like Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights either reversed similar bans or approved pot businesses .
Trustee Eleni Hatzis , who said she received negative comments about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana sales in December , backed the referendum proposal .
`` This is ( the taxpayers ' ) money , and I think that something so important and people feel so strongly about , I think we should let them decide , '' she said .
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli pointed out that the board ignored a 2018 Cook County advisory referendum in which a large majority of voters supported legalization of recreational marijuana `` so I 'm concerned that if we do another ( nonbinding ) referendum ... that the board wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trustees William Grossi and Richard Rogers voted against going to referendum , but did not comment on their votes .
Both voted for the ban in December .

Mount Prospect going to referendum on recreational pot sales
Mount Prospect voters will get their say on whether they want marijuana sold in the village for recreational use.
The village board by a 4-2 vote Tuesday agreed to place a nonbinding advisory referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot asking whether the village should permit such businesses in town.
"We get direct input from the citizens when we do this, and I think this is an important enough question," said Trustee Paul Hoefert, who voted in favor of a referendum during Tuesday's special meeting. "We all have our constituents that we talk to, but it would be very hard to say that we talked to enough people in the village to get a representative sample of where the entire community stands on this very question.
"I'm comfortable living with the results of the referendum," he added.
Village trustees voted in December to ban recreational marijuana sales in town, but since then have watched as neighboring communities like Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights either reversed similar bans or approved pot businesses.
Trustee Eleni Hatzis, who said she received negative comments about her family after she voted against recreational marijuana sales in December, backed the referendum proposal.
"This is (the taxpayers') money, and I think that something so important and people feel so strongly about, I think we should let them decide," she said.
Trustee Colleen Saccotelli pointed out that the board ignored a 2018 Cook County advisory referendum in which a large majority of voters supported legalization of recreational marijuana "so I'm concerned that if we do another (nonbinding) referendum ... that the board won't take those results into consideration."
Trustees William Grossi and Richard Rogers voted against going to referendum, but did not comment on their votes. Both voted for the ban in December.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Jazz Showcase owner Joe Segal dies

Jazz Showcase owner Joe Segal dies

Joe Segal , the Chicago impresario who promoted jazz for more than seven decades , died Monday at 94 , @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Segal , whose love affair with jazz saw him bring the greats and @ @ @ @ @ Chicago venues before settling into his latest club , the Jazz Showcase 's current home @ @ @ @ @ South Loop , had been in failing health .
He died listening to his idol @ @ @ @ @ Bird '' Parker , according to his son Wayne Segal , who operates the club @ @ @ @ @ St. Joseph Hospital .

Jazz Showcase owner Joe Segal dies
Joe Segal at the current Dearborn Station location of the Jazz Showcase in 2014. Richard A. Chapman/Chicago Sun-Times
Joe Segal, the Chicago impresario who promoted jazz for more than seven decades, died Monday at 94, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.
Mr. Segal, whose love affair with jazz saw him bring the greats and up-and-comers alike to dozens of Chicago venues before settling into his latest club, the Jazz Showcase's current home at Dearborn Station in the South Loop, had been in failing health.
He died listening to his idol, saxophone legend Charlie "Bird" Parker, according to his son Wayne Segal, who operates the club and was with him at St. Joseph Hospital.
Full report at chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Higher costs expected for April election, DuPage clerk warns

Spring municipal elections are usually less expensive for DuPage County than presidential elections in the fall because of lower voter turnout .
But the COVID-19 pandemic has DuPage election officials expecting higher-than-normal costs for the April 2021 election .
So while County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek plans to reduce spending in next the fiscal year , she says her election division still will need a budget of $ 5.07 million .
The request is roughly $ 1.4 million more than what was budgeted for the election division in fiscal 2019 , the last time there was a consolidated election .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a budget year like no other , due to uncertainty related to the degree that election administration requirements will continue to be impacted by COVID-19 along with the availability , or lack thereof , of additional funding from the state and federal governments , '' Kaczmarek told county board members this week .
While consolidated elections are less expensive than presidential elections because of lower turnout , Kaczmarek said `` it seems likely that COVID-19 mitigation will require additional costs above and beyond those required under normal circumstances . ''
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division `` reflects this reality '' and offers `` our best current estimate of what the costs might be . ''
But she acknowledges `` circumstances have changed dramatically over the past six months and will likely continue to change in the coming months . ''
County board members are meeting with elected officials and department heads to work on DuPage 's next budget that takes effect Dec. 1 .
Kaczmarek also wants roughly $ 1.1 million in fiscal 2021 to fund the traditional part of the clerk 's office , which sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as birth certificates , marriage licenses and death certificates .
That amount is slightly more than it is receiving this year .
No decision was made on Kaczmarek 's spending request .
Kaczmarek pointed out that her budget proposal does n't include a request for money to replace the county 's voting system .
`` We believe that the purchase of a new voting system should be considered as a possible purchase using federal funds , '' she said , `` whether from the county 's existing CARES Act allocation or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the currently ongoing negotiations in Washington . ''
If funding becomes available , Kaczmarek said she would like to meet with county board members to discuss options on how to upgrade DuPage 's voting equipment .
`` Meanwhile , our office will continue moving forward on both the administration of the ongoing election as well as the fulfillment of the county clerk 's many other statutory duties , '' she said .
Chairman Dan Cronin is scheduled to present his proposed county budget to the board in September .
He will consider information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall spending plan .
County board members have until Nov. 30 to approve a budget for the 2021 fiscal year .

Higher costs expected for April election, DuPage clerk warns
Spring municipal elections are usually less expensive for DuPage County than presidential elections in the fall because of lower voter turnout.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has DuPage election officials expecting higher-than-normal costs for the April 2021 election.
So while County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek plans to reduce spending in next the fiscal year, she says her election division still will need a budget of $5.07 million. The request is roughly $1.4 million more than what was budgeted for the election division in fiscal 2019, the last time there was a consolidated election.
"In the election realm specifically, this is a budget year like no other, due to uncertainty related to the degree that election administration requirements will continue to be impacted by COVID-19 along with the availability, or lack thereof, of additional funding from the state and federal governments," Kaczmarek told county board members this week.
While consolidated elections are less expensive than presidential elections because of lower turnout, Kaczmarek said "it seems likely that COVID-19 mitigation will require additional costs above and beyond those required under normal circumstances."
She said the 2021 budget request for the election division "reflects this reality" and offers "our best current estimate of what the costs might be." But she acknowledges "circumstances have changed dramatically over the past six months and will likely continue to change in the coming months."
County board members are meeting with elected officials and department heads to work on DuPage's next budget that takes effect Dec. 1.
Kaczmarek also wants roughly $1.1 million in fiscal 2021 to fund the traditional part of the clerk's office, which sends out property tax bills and handles documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates. That amount is slightly more than it is receiving this year.
No decision was made on Kaczmarek's spending request.
Kaczmarek pointed out that her budget proposal doesn't include a request for money to replace the county's voting system.
"We believe that the purchase of a new voting system should be considered as a possible purchase using federal funds," she said, "whether from the county's existing CARES Act allocation or any additional money that may come out of the currently ongoing negotiations in Washington."
If funding becomes available, Kaczmarek said she would like to meet with county board members to discuss options on how to upgrade DuPage's voting equipment.
"Meanwhile, our office will continue moving forward on both the administration of the ongoing election as well as the fulfillment of the county clerk's many other statutory duties," she said.
Chairman Dan Cronin is scheduled to present his proposed county budget to the board in September. He will consider information from the budget discussions when drafting the overall spending plan.
County board members have until Nov. 30 to approve a budget for the 2021 fiscal year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Prosecutors charge 3 with threatening women in R. Kelly case

NEW YORK -- Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R & B singer R. Kelly of abuse , including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida .
A longtime friend of the indicted singer offered to pay a victim $ 500,000 to keep her from cooperating in Kelly 's prosecution , authorities said , while a manager and adviser of Kelly threatened to release sexually explicit photographs of a woman who sued Kelly .
A Kelly defense attorney said he had `` no involvement whatsoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He has n't attempted to intimidate anyone , or encouraged anyone else to do so , '' attorney Steve Greenberg said on Twitter .
The Grammy-award winning musician has pleaded not guilty to dozens of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois , Minnesota and New York .
The charges range from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls .
Kelly also is accused of having unprotected sex with a minor in 2015 without disclosing he had herpes .
Prosecutors described a third man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a former Kelly publicist .
They said Michael Williams , 37 , of Valdosta , Georgia , traveled to Florida in June and set fire to an SUV parked outside a residence where one of Kelly 's victims was staying .
Williams also conducted internet searches for `` the detonation properties of fertilizer and diesel fuel , witness intimidation and witness tampering and countries that do not have extradition with the United States , '' authorities said in a news release .
A message was sent to Williams ' attorney seeking comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shown that there is no line they will not cross to help Kelly avoid the consequences of his alleged crimes -- even if it means re-victimizing his accusers , '' Peter Fitzhugh , special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New York , said in a statement .
Also charged were two Illinois men with ties to Kelly .
His longtime friend , Richard Arline Jr. , 31 , is accused of offering to pay off a woman he believed had `` too much '' incriminating information against Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiretap and recorded a call in which Arline claimed he had spoken with Kelly behind bars during a three-way call .
Donnell Russell , 45 , of Chicago , is charged with harassing a Kelly victim and her mother after the unidentified woman filed a lawsuit against Kelly .
Authorities said Russell , a manager and adviser to Kelly , sent a letter to the woman 's lawyer with cropped nude photographs of her and later sent her a text warning her : `` Pull the plug or you will be exposed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russell and Arline had attorneys who could comment on the charges .

Prosecutors charge 3 with threatening women in R. Kelly case
Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R. Kelly, shown here in 2019, of abuse, including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida. Associated Press/June 26, 2019
NEW YORK -- Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R&B singer R. Kelly of abuse, including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida.
A longtime friend of the indicted singer offered to pay a victim $500,000 to keep her from cooperating in Kelly's prosecution, authorities said, while a manager and adviser of Kelly threatened to release sexually explicit photographs of a woman who sued Kelly.
A Kelly defense attorney said he had "no involvement whatsoever" in any attempt to silence witnesses.
"He hasn't attempted to intimidate anyone, or encouraged anyone else to do so," attorney Steve Greenberg said on Twitter.
The Grammy-award winning musician has pleaded not guilty to dozens of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York.
The charges range from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls. Kelly also is accused of having unprotected sex with a minor in 2015 without disclosing he had herpes.
Prosecutors described a third man accused of intimidating witnesses as being related to a former Kelly publicist. They said Michael Williams, 37, of Valdosta, Georgia, traveled to Florida in June and set fire to an SUV parked outside a residence where one of Kelly's victims was staying.
Williams also conducted internet searches for "the detonation properties of fertilizer and diesel fuel, witness intimidation and witness tampering and countries that do not have extradition with the United States," authorities said in a news release.
A message was sent to Williams' attorney seeking comment.
"The men charged today allegedly have shown that there is no line they will not cross to help Kelly avoid the consequences of his alleged crimes -- even if it means re-victimizing his accusers," Peter Fitzhugh, special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New York, said in a statement.
Also charged were two Illinois men with ties to Kelly. His longtime friend, Richard Arline Jr., 31, is accused of offering to pay off a woman he believed had "too much" incriminating information against Kelly.
Authorities said they set up a wiretap and recorded a call in which Arline claimed he had spoken with Kelly behind bars during a three-way call.
Donnell Russell, 45, of Chicago, is charged with harassing a Kelly victim and her mother after the unidentified woman filed a lawsuit against Kelly. Authorities said Russell, a manager and adviser to Kelly, sent a letter to the woman's lawyer with cropped nude photographs of her and later sent her a text warning her: "Pull the plug or you will be exposed."
It was not immediately clear whether Russell and Arline had attorneys who could comment on the charges.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Join our challenge: Annual Cook of the Week competition looks a little different this year

It 's that time of year again : We 're looking for home cooks who are confident in their cooking prowess and want to join the Daily Herald Cook of the Week Challenge 2020 .
If you love to cook , try new ingredients and are up for a challenge , this is the contest for you .
For those who have followed the contest before , there is one crucial change this year as we take precautions against spreading COVID-19 : The finale will be a livestreamed event where we name the Cook of the Year .
On Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour to prepare a plate for on-site celebrity judges to taste .
That much stays the same , and there will be raffles and cooking demonstrations .
Fans , however , will have to cheer on the cooks from home instead of watching the action in person as they 've done in the past .
But , let 's back up a bit .
First , cooks should apply online at events.dailyherald.com/cotw by the end of the day Aug. 26 .
Eight home cooks will be chosen to compete , and then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition are elimination rounds , and with that , nothing has changed .
Cooks do all their creating at home , and our judges will score each cook 's recipes .
Each week one cook is eliminated with the remaining cooks moving on to the next challenge .
Over six weeks , cooks will face take-home challenges using ingredients dreamed up by our editors and some supplied by the challenge sponsors .
Cooks can pore over the internet for inspiration at home , scan cookbooks , test out entries , and then send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plated dishes .
Easy .
Judges will evaluate recipes on creativity , use of ingredients , presentation and perceived taste .
So this is where recipe-writing skills are vital .
It 's fast and furious , but it 's a great way to strengthen your cooking chops .
Along the way , cooks will partake in short interviews to introduce them to our readers .
Contestants can use social media outlets to spread the word about the recipes they are working on , and what they think of specific ingredients .
Sharing photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online has been a big hit in years past .
One past winner and one team of four contestants were asked to apply for television cooking show tryouts after producers keyed into the contest online .
The prize packages , while different each year , are a traditional draw .
In years past , the Cook of the Year has gone home with kitchen appliances , gadgets and other prizes of more than $ 1,500 .
So , Week 1 : Eight cooks compete , and our judges will eliminate one person .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Week 3 : Six cooks remain and so on until just four cooks are left and heading for the finale .
But first , you 've got to fill out an application .
• Contact Food Editor Susan Stark at sstark @ dailyherald.com or ( 847 ) 427-4586 .
Be her friend on Facebook.com/SusanStarkDailyHerald or follow her on Twitter .

Join our challenge: Annual Cook of the Week competition looks a little different this year
A crowd gathers around Leslie Meredith of Arlington Heights as she cooks her way to being selected as the Daily Herald Cook of the Week Challenge winner for 2019 at the Westin in Itasca. Daily Herald file photo, 2019
It's that time of year again: We're looking for home cooks who are confident in their cooking prowess and want to join the Daily Herald Cook of the Week Challenge 2020.
If you love to cook, try new ingredients and are up for a challenge, this is the contest for you.
For those who have followed the contest before, there is one crucial change this year as we take precautions against spreading COVID-19: The finale will be a livestreamed event where we name the Cook of the Year.
On Nov. 9, four finalists will have one hour to prepare a plate for on-site celebrity judges to taste. That much stays the same, and there will be raffles and cooking demonstrations. Fans, however, will have to cheer on the cooks from home instead of watching the action in person as they've done in the past.
But, let's back up a bit. First, cooks should apply online at events.dailyherald.com/cotw by the end of the day Aug. 26. Eight home cooks will be chosen to compete, and then the fun begins.
The first weeks of competition are elimination rounds, and with that, nothing has changed. Cooks do all their creating at home, and our judges will score each cook's recipes. Each week one cook is eliminated with the remaining cooks moving on to the next challenge.
Over six weeks, cooks will face take-home challenges using ingredients dreamed up by our editors and some supplied by the challenge sponsors. Cooks can pore over the internet for inspiration at home, scan cookbooks, test out entries, and then send us the recipe and smartphone snaps of plated dishes. Easy.
Judges will evaluate recipes on creativity, use of ingredients, presentation and perceived taste. So this is where recipe-writing skills are vital.
It's fast and furious, but it's a great way to strengthen your cooking chops.
Along the way, cooks will partake in short interviews to introduce them to our readers. Contestants can use social media outlets to spread the word about the recipes they are working on, and what they think of specific ingredients.
Leslie Meredith of Arlington Heights reacts after her name is called as the Daily Herald Cook of the Week Challenge winner for 2019. This year the finale will be a livestreaming event. From left are finalists Lulu Chapa of Volo, Lisa Eberhahn of Mount Prospect, Meredith, and Ann Wayne of Barrington. - Daily Herald file photo, 2019
Sharing photos of themselves cooking or their finished dishes online has been a big hit in years past.
One past winner and one team of four contestants were asked to apply for television cooking show tryouts after producers keyed into the contest online.
The prize packages, while different each year, are a traditional draw. In years past, the Cook of the Year has gone home with kitchen appliances, gadgets and other prizes of more than $1,500.
So, Week 1: Eight cooks compete, and our judges will eliminate one person. Week 2: Seven cooks face off. Week 3: Six cooks remain and so on until just four cooks are left and heading for the finale.
But first, you've got to fill out an application.
Interested? Apply online at events.dailyherald.com/cotw.
• Contact Food Editor Susan Stark at sstark@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4586. Be her friend on Facebook.com/SusanStarkDailyHerald or follow her on Twitter.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Chicago White Sox's Foster off to stellar start as rookie reliever

Added to the White Sox 's 40-man roster in late November , Matt Foster reported to spring training in Arizona three months later both hopeful and realistic .
`` A guy can dream , right ? ''
Foster said .
`` I was hoping for that small chance of maybe even breaking with the team , but I knew it probably was n't going to happen , I was probably going to go back to ( Class AAA ) Charlotte .
`` I just wanted to get there and work hard , continue to work hard so that I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big leagues and pitch . ''
Everything changed March 12 when the coronavirus pandemic shut down major-league baseball , but Foster did wind up getting a chance to pitch out of the Sox 's bullpen when play resumed in July .
Drafted on the 20th round in 2016 , the 25-year-old reliever is making the most of his chance .
Foster has not only opened his major-league career with 7⅔ scoreless innings , he 's struck out 13 of the 26 batter he 's faced .
`` It 's been a whirlwind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foster , who has added an effective changeup to go with his fastball .
`` Every day I just go out there expecting if I get in the game , I 'm going to go do the best I can and try to give my team the best shot to win the ballgame . ''
He still is looking to pitch deeper into games , but Dylan Cease did take some positives out of Wednesday 's start at Detroit .
`` Unfortunately , I did let those unearned runs score , '' Cease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 hits over 6 innings .
`` But at the end of the day , I was able to come back , threw strikes , did n't give up any free passes and kept us in the ballgame and they picked me up .
Happy with that . ''
Striking out five and issuing no walks , Cease was hurt by James McCann 's passed ball in the fourth inning that came on strike three to the Tigers ' Victor Reyes .
Cease blamed himself for causing the cross-up that led to 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Thursday and scheduled to open a three-game home series against St. Louis on Friday night .
The Cardinals have n't played since July 29 due to a COVID-19 outbreak , but recent tests have been encouraging and they should be back on the field by Saturday at the latest .
`` Honestly , I have n't really thought about that too much , '' Sox manager Rick Renteria said .
`` We 're anticipating playing and we 'll deal with any situation that arises that might take us away from that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with the times when you 're down .
Hopefully for us it wo n't be and we 'll just continue to play , but we 'll cross that bridge when we get to it , if it even happens . ''

Chicago White Sox's Foster off to stellar start as rookie reliever
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Matt Foster throws the ball against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020.
Added to the White Sox's 40-man roster in late November, Matt Foster reported to spring training in Arizona three months later both hopeful and realistic.
"A guy can dream, right?" Foster said. "I was hoping for that small chance of maybe even breaking with the team, but I knew it probably wasn't going to happen, I was probably going to go back to (Class AAA) Charlotte.
"I just wanted to get there and work hard, continue to work hard so that I could get an opportunity to get to the big leagues and pitch."
Everything changed March 12 when the coronavirus pandemic shut down major-league baseball, but Foster did wind up getting a chance to pitch out of the Sox's bullpen when play resumed in July.
Drafted on the 20th round in 2016, the 25-year-old reliever is making the most of his chance.
Foster has not only opened his major-league career with 7⅔ scoreless innings, he's struck out 13 of the 26 batter he's faced.
"It's been a whirlwind, a lot of emotions," said Foster, who has added an effective changeup to go with his fastball. "Every day I just go out there expecting if I get in the game, I'm going to go do the best I can and try to give my team the best shot to win the ballgame."
Cease satisfied:
He still is looking to pitch deeper into games, but Dylan Cease did take some positives out of Wednesday's start at Detroit.
"Unfortunately, I did let those unearned runs score," Cease said after allowing 1 earned run on 7 hits over 6 innings. "But at the end of the day, I was able to come back, threw strikes, didn't give up any free passes and kept us in the ballgame and they picked me up. Happy with that."
Striking out five and issuing no walks, Cease was hurt by James McCann's passed ball in the fourth inning that came on strike three to the Tigers' Victor Reyes.
Cease blamed himself for causing the cross-up that led to 3 unearned runs.
Waiting on Cardinals:
The White Sox are off Thursday and scheduled to open a three-game home series against St. Louis on Friday night.
The Cardinals haven't played since July 29 due to a COVID-19 outbreak, but recent tests have been encouraging and they should be back on the field by Saturday at the latest.
"Honestly, I haven't really thought about that too much," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "We're anticipating playing and we'll deal with any situation that arises that might take us away from that. I think everyone has enough practice in dealing with the times when you're down. Hopefully for us it won't be and we'll just continue to play, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, if it even happens."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Anderson leads and Chicago White Sox follow

Good teams have multiple leaders , so the White Sox are in pretty good shape on that front .
In his seventh season , Jose Abreu has long been the classic `` good things come to those who put the work in '' example .
Newcomer Dallas Keuchel brings a winning attitude to the Sox , and the veteran starting pitcher just showed it comes with an edge when he called out his teammates Monday night following an uninspired performance .
Lucas Giolito is a rising voice in the White Sox 's clubhouse , and it 's probably impossible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualities than Yasmani Grandal and James McCann .
`` We 've talked about him enough where you just have to allow an understanding of the experience of what he 's gone through and the things that he 's built up over the course of the last two or three years that have given him the confidence and the ability to do what he 's doing , '' Sox manager Rick Renteria said .
Anderson has evolved into one of the top hitters in the game , and the 27-year-old shortstop was front and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Tigers .
After leading off the game with a home run that he stood and admired before circling the bases , Anderson tripled in the third inning and singled in the fifth .
That left the defending American League batting champion two more cracks at hitting for the cycle .
He came up short , although Anderson did single again in the sixth inning before striking out in the eighth .
`` It is really important for us to have T.A .
back with us in the lineup , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Sox to their second straight win with a 3-run double in the fifth inning .
`` He 's an excellent leadoff ( hitter ) .
Just the energy that he provides in the dugout , on the field , it 's important .
It 's definitely a plus for us to have him back , and I 'm happy to have him back . ''
Anderson was out for 10 days with a strained groin before rejoining the Sox on Tuesday .
Losers of five of six while scoring only 11 runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White Sox have won two straight and scored 15 runs with Anderson back .
`` The energizer bunny , baby , '' Anderson said .
`` Just my presence , being in that lineup definitely made the guys go .
Make the other team scared .
Just being in the lineup , and you saw it ( Tuesday ) , I did n't do much yesterday , but the guys came out and were ready to bang .
We were able to get the win . ''
He 's an unquestioned leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Anderson always seems to find something to keep himself motivated .
When he was on the injured list , Robert was having some great early success batting first .
There was speculation Anderson would be dropped in the order when he returned , but it did n't happen .
Just the mention of it was enough for Anderson .
`` A lot of doubters out there , '' he said .
`` They motivated me like , 'Who 's going to be the leadoff guy ? '
You know , nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , man .
Come on . ''
That is a confident leader talking , but Anderson rarely becomes overly serious .
He was asked about not getting a double in his final 2 at-bats to become the first Sox hitter to get the cycle since Abreu in 2017 .
`` I do n't know , it 's a good question , '' Anderson said .
`` I had to give a little bit to get some .
I do n't know why .
I do n't know .
I tried , though .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Anderson leads and Chicago White Sox follow
Chicago White Sox's Tim Anderson gestures as he rounds the bases after a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Detroit.
Good teams have multiple leaders, so the White Sox are in pretty good shape on that front.
In his seventh season, Jose Abreu has long been the classic "good things come to those who put the work in" example.
Newcomer Dallas Keuchel brings a winning attitude to the Sox, and the veteran starting pitcher just showed it comes with an edge when he called out his teammates Monday night following an uninspired performance.
Lucas Giolito is a rising voice in the White Sox's clubhouse, and it's probably impossible to find a catching duo with better leadership qualities than Yasmani Grandal and James McCann.
Then there's Tim Anderson.
"We've talked about him enough where you just have to allow an understanding of the experience of what he's gone through and the things that he's built up over the course of the last two or three years that have given him the confidence and the ability to do what he's doing," Sox manager Rick Renteria said.
Anderson has evolved into one of the top hitters in the game, and the 27-year-old shortstop was front and center in Wednesday afternoon's 7-5 victory over the Tigers.
After leading off the game with a home run that he stood and admired before circling the bases, Anderson tripled in the third inning and singled in the fifth.
That left the defending American League batting champion two more cracks at hitting for the cycle.
He came up short, although Anderson did single again in the sixth inning before striking out in the eighth.
"It is really important for us to have T.A. back with us in the lineup," said Luis Robert, who also sparked the White Sox to their second straight win with a 3-run double in the fifth inning. "He's an excellent leadoff (hitter). Just the energy that he provides in the dugout, on the field, it's important. It's definitely a plus for us to have him back, and I'm happy to have him back."
Anderson was out for 10 days with a strained groin before rejoining the Sox on Tuesday.
Losers of five of six while scoring only 11 runs after Monday's loss at Detroit, the White Sox have won two straight and scored 15 runs with Anderson back.
"The energizer bunny, baby," Anderson said. "Just my presence, being in that lineup definitely made the guys go. Make the other team scared. Just being in the lineup, and you saw it (Tuesday), I didn't do much yesterday, but the guys came out and were ready to bang. We were able to get the win."
He's an unquestioned leader with the energy and confidence he brings, and Anderson always seems to find something to keep himself motivated.
When he was on the injured list, Robert was having some great early success batting first. There was speculation Anderson would be dropped in the order when he returned, but it didn't happen.
Just the mention of it was enough for Anderson.
"A lot of doubters out there," he said. "They motivated me like, 'Who's going to be the leadoff guy?' You know, nothing against Luis Robert, but come on, man. Come on."
That is a confident leader talking, but Anderson rarely becomes overly serious.
He was asked about not getting a double in his final 2 at-bats to become the first Sox hitter to get the cycle since Abreu in 2017.
"I don't know, it's a good question," Anderson said. "I had to give a little bit to get some. I don't know why. I don't know. I tried, though. I definitely gave it a try."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Court officials increase online security after 'Zoom bombing' incidents

After a rash of `` Zoom bombing '' by one or more people last week , Lake County court officials have stopped broadcasting most virtual courtrooms to YouTube pending an investigation .
Over two days last week , 10 different virtual courtrooms were disrupted by one or more uninvited people , according to court officials .
Once in meetings on the Zoom online platform , the person or people would display offensive materials , make loud noises and otherwise make the court hearings impossible to continue .
`` They were people who came into the Zoom meetings to cause disruptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In a normal courtroom , a person doing that would be held in contempt of court . ''
Morgan said in one instance serious threats were made against a Lake County judge and the judge 's family .
`` The family and personal information was released about that person in a public open setting of the Zoom call , '' said Morgan , who declined to comment more because of the ongoing investigation .
Officials in other suburban courthouses did not report similar disruptions to their virtual court proceedings .
Kane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the county has not experienced `` Zoom bombing , '' officials did have to disable the public 's ability to comment on the YouTube livestream of court hearings after a few weeks of allowing it .
`` Often the commentary mocked the judges and the criminal defendants , especially if they were on the morning or afternoon bond call , '' Naughton said .
Mary Wisniewski , director of communications at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows , said there have been issues with livestreaming related to violations of Illinois Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings .
As a result , the court is doing audio-only livestreams for all pretrial matters .
Clint Hull , a former prosecutor who is now chief judge in Kane County , said there has n't been an instance of someone `` Zoom bombing '' a court hearing but officials are aware of the possibility .
Hull said any instance would be dealt with very seriously .
`` We would view it as if someone was interfering with our ability to hold court , '' he said .
When Lake County court officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late May so legal proceedings could continue safely during the COVID-19 global pandemic , the idea was for Zoom calls to include the judge , lawyers for both sides , the person whose case was up and other court officials such as a court reporter .
Those Zoom calls would be broadcast live on YouTube so members of the public could watch along , similar to how the public can sit in on court hearings .
Morgan said last week one person or a group of people discovered that setting the Zoom user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something similar would allow access to online court hearings without being invited by court officials .
Once inside , the person was free to do all kinds of things .
Morgan said in some cases the people changed their user names again , such as to that of the judge or another official , and would write messages in the zoom chat .
Others would unmute themselves and `` cause chaos . ''
Morgan said that while she ca n't say publicly what security solutions have been or will be put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been working hard .
`` This is still court .
We expect the best out of everybody , '' Morgan said .
`` Court is still court even though it 's through Zoom . ''
And progress is already being made -- on Tuesday and Wednesday the court proceedings of Lake County Judge Patricia Fix were conducted in a Zoom call that was livestreamed on YouTube .
• Daily Herald legal affairs writers Harry Hitzeman , Susan Sarkauskas and Barbara Vitello contributed to this report .

Court officials increase online security after 'Zoom bombing' incidents
Officials at the Lake County courthouse have been working to increase the security of their virtual courtrooms after at least one person was able to gain access to hearings conducted over Zoom. Daily Herald File Photo
After a rash of "Zoom bombing" by one or more people last week, Lake County court officials have stopped broadcasting most virtual courtrooms to YouTube pending an investigation.
Over two days last week, 10 different virtual courtrooms were disrupted by one or more uninvited people, according to court officials. Once in meetings on the Zoom online platform, the person or people would display offensive materials, make loud noises and otherwise make the court hearings impossible to continue.
"They were people who came into the Zoom meetings to cause disruptions," said court spokeswoman Kasey Morgan. "In a normal courtroom, a person doing that would be held in contempt of court."
Morgan said in one instance serious threats were made against a Lake County judge and the judge's family.
"The family and personal information was released about that person in a public open setting of the Zoom call," said Morgan, who declined to comment more because of the ongoing investigation.
Officials in other suburban courthouses did not report similar disruptions to their virtual court proceedings.
Kane County Court administrator Doug Naughton said that while the county has not experienced "Zoom bombing," officials did have to disable the public's ability to comment on the YouTube livestream of court hearings after a few weeks of allowing it.
"Often the commentary mocked the judges and the criminal defendants, especially if they were on the morning or afternoon bond call," Naughton said.
Mary Wisniewski, director of communications at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows, said there have been issues with livestreaming related to violations of Illinois Supreme Court rules prohibiting recording or photographing judicial proceedings.
As a result, the court is doing audio-only livestreams for all pretrial matters.
Clint Hull, a former prosecutor who is now chief judge in Kane County, said there hasn't been an instance of someone "Zoom bombing" a court hearing but officials are aware of the possibility.
Hull said any instance would be dealt with very seriously.
"We would view it as if someone was interfering with our ability to hold court," he said.
When Lake County court officials set up the virtual court system in late May so legal proceedings could continue safely during the COVID-19 global pandemic, the idea was for Zoom calls to include the judge, lawyers for both sides, the person whose case was up and other court officials such as a court reporter.
Those Zoom calls would be broadcast live on YouTube so members of the public could watch along, similar to how the public can sit in on court hearings.
Morgan said last week one person or a group of people discovered that setting the Zoom user name to "court reporter" or something similar would allow access to online court hearings without being invited by court officials.
Once inside, the person was free to do all kinds of things. Morgan said in some cases the people changed their user names again, such as to that of the judge or another official, and would write messages in the zoom chat. Others would unmute themselves and "cause chaos."
Morgan said that while she can't say publicly what security solutions have been or will be put in place to avoid future distractions, court officials have been working hard.
"This is still court. We expect the best out of everybody," Morgan said.
"Court is still court even though it's through Zoom."
And progress is already being made -- on Tuesday and Wednesday the court proceedings of Lake County Judge Patricia Fix were conducted in a Zoom call that was livestreamed on YouTube.
• Daily Herald legal affairs writers Harry Hitzeman, Susan Sarkauskas and Barbara Vitello contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-12--Schaumburg panel recommends 149-home development on District 211 site

Schaumburg zoning board members Wednesday voted 6-1 to recommend approval of a proposed development of 149 single-family homes on a 62-acre site being sold by Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 .
The property -- which would see the largest development of single-family homes in the village since the 1990s -- is bordered by Summit Drive to the west , Plum Grove Road to the east , Wise Road to the south and existing houses extending from Weathersfield Way to the north .
District 211 purchased the land about 50 years ago for a future school that ultimately was n't needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider final approval of the project at its Aug. 25 meeting .
Though all zoning board members praised the design of the homes proposed by Nitti Development LLC of Glendale Heights , a few expressed some concerns about aspects of the project .
But only zoning board member Elizabeth Veatch voted against the recommendation .
Veatch said the development 's lot sizes were smaller than she would like .
She added that she agreed with a member of the public who said last week that it 's Schaumburg residents who will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoning board member Robert Morreale said he shared that concern , Chairman Harry Raimondi said the real estate market has seen a gradual reduction in lot sizes over the past 40 years as people have lost interest in maintenance .
Zoning board member James Dolbeare said the new homes would be unusual for having their backyards facing Summit Drive , and he asked that the developer and the village staff not lose focus on buffer landscaping there .
The developer 's general plan is to start building from the west and complete 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the village staff .

Schaumburg panel recommends 149-home development on District 211 site
A rendering of some of the architectural styles Glendale Heights-based Nitti Development LLC is proposing for its 149-home development on 62 acres in Schaumburg it's contracted to buy from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
This is a rendering of some of the architectural styles Glendale Heights-based Nitti Development LLC is proposing for a 149-home development in Schaumburg on 62 acres it has contracted to buy from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
Schaumburg zoning board members Wednesday voted 6-1 to recommend approval of a proposed development of 149 single-family homes on a 62-acre site being sold by Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211.
The property -- which would see the largest development of single-family homes in the village since the 1990s -- is bordered by Summit Drive to the west, Plum Grove Road to the east, Wise Road to the south and existing houses extending from Weathersfield Way to the north.
District 211 purchased the land about 50 years ago for a future school that ultimately wasn't needed.
The village board is scheduled to consider final approval of the project at its Aug. 25 meeting.
Though all zoning board members praised the design of the homes proposed by Nitti Development LLC of Glendale Heights, a few expressed some concerns about aspects of the project. But only zoning board member Elizabeth Veatch voted against the recommendation.
Veatch said the development's lot sizes were smaller than she would like. She added that she agreed with a member of the public who said last week that it's Schaumburg residents who will have to live with the completed development.
While zoning board member Robert Morreale said he shared that concern, Chairman Harry Raimondi said the real estate market has seen a gradual reduction in lot sizes over the past 40 years as people have lost interest in maintenance.
Zoning board member James Dolbeare said the new homes would be unusual for having their backyards facing Summit Drive, and he asked that the developer and the village staff not lose focus on buffer landscaping there.
The developer's general plan is to start building from the west and complete 30 to 40 homes per year, according to the village staff.
Nitti Development bid $17.7 million for the land.