dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Leaders sharing police reform ideas for Naperville

A state representative who drew criticism and calls for her resignation last year after commenting on `` white supremacist policies '' in Naperville now is working with leaders of the DuPage NAACP and Unity Partnership to suggest ideas for police reform .
Anne Stava-Murray , a Naperville Democrat representing the 81st District , along with Michael Childress of the DuPage NAACP and Regina Brent of Unity Partnership , have suggested at least 10 ways the city can make its police department more accountable and transparent .
They met last week , in the wake of protests about the police killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Manager Doug Krieger , city council member Benny White and Mayor Steve Chirico to present their ideas , which include : • Improve the process of filing complaints against an officer .
• Increase the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners from five to nine members ; make it an elected office ; and schedule evening meetings in the city council chambers .
Have misconduct cases handled by the board instead of by arbitration .
• Reject officer candidates who show high likelihood on psychological tests of having a racially or sexually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon or excessive use of force .
• Keep more records from the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to improve transparency .
• Extend the probationary period for new officers to two or three years .
• Pay the costs of police misconduct lawsuits from the police department budget .
Chirico and White said they are open to discussing some of the ideas , but each shared hesitations about others .
Chirico said he wants to consider implementing body cameras and changing the complaint process .
White also said these are issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras would require an investment -- not only to buy the cameras , but also to pay for data storage and security , White said .
It 's an investment he said would be worthwhile .
The complaint process should be improved to assure people feel confident they will not face retaliation for speaking out , White said .
`` I want people to report when things are n't right ; they 've got to be able to do that , '' he said .
`` That 's one of the primary ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it is .
We have a great police department , but we 're always looking at ways to grow and get better . ''
Chirico defended the city 's hiring process as careful and thorough , and said some factors about the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners , such as its number of members and the fact they are appointed , are set by state statute .
White said he 's open to discussing whether the board should include more members , but he 's hesitant to support having them elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases is addressed in the union contract between the city and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42 , so there needs to be a balance between discipline and protections for officers .
None of the ideas brought forward by Stava-Murray , Childress and Brent include disbanding or abolishing the police department .
Childress said getting rid of police is `` a good slogan , a good bumper sticker , but it 's not a plan . ''
Brent , who has been working for at least four years with Unity Partnership to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said police should be funded `` well enough to do their job . ''
Chief Robert Marshall said disbanding the force would be irresponsible because it would leave no one to provide protection .
But he said he 's open to discussing ways to `` make policing better . ''
Laura Hois , a Republican candidate for state representative in the 81st District , said she supports efforts to review policies and find ways to improve .
`` However , the call to 'defund ' the police is not a good idea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger , '' Hois said in an email .
Police in Naperville have taken many steps to improve in the recent past , Chirico said .
For example , the department outlawed neck restraints and chokeholds `` years ago , '' Marshall said .
Officers also undergo training in crisis de-escalation , Mental Health First Aid and avoiding bias .
The department has earned accreditation nine times from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies , Inc. , making it an accredited agency since 1992 .

Leaders sharing police reform ideas for Naperville
A state representative who drew criticism and calls for her resignation last year after commenting on "white supremacist policies" in Naperville now is working with leaders of the DuPage NAACP and Unity Partnership to suggest ideas for police reform.
Anne Stava-Murray, a Naperville Democrat representing the 81st District, along with Michael Childress of the DuPage NAACP and Regina Brent of Unity Partnership, have suggested at least 10 ways the city can make its police department more accountable and transparent.
They met last week, in the wake of protests about the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, with City Manager Doug Krieger, city council member Benny White and Mayor Steve Chirico to present their ideas, which include:
• Require officers to wear body cameras with audio.
• Improve the process of filing complaints against an officer.
• Increase the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners from five to nine members; make it an elected office; and schedule evening meetings in the city council chambers. Have misconduct cases handled by the board instead of by arbitration.
• Reject officer candidates who show high likelihood on psychological tests of having a racially or sexually insensitive incident, improper discharge of a weapon or excessive use of force.
• Keep more records from the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to improve transparency.
• Extend the probationary period for new officers to two or three years.
• Pay the costs of police misconduct lawsuits from the police department budget.
Chirico and White said they are open to discussing some of the ideas, but each shared hesitations about others.
Chirico said he wants to consider implementing body cameras and changing the complaint process. White also said these are issues he wants to see addressed.
Body cameras would require an investment -- not only to buy the cameras, but also to pay for data storage and security, White said. It's an investment he said would be worthwhile.
The complaint process should be improved to assure people feel confident they will not face retaliation for speaking out, White said.
"I want people to report when things aren't right; they've got to be able to do that," he said. "That's one of the primary ways we make our police force even better than it is. We have a great police department, but we're always looking at ways to grow and get better."
Chirico defended the city's hiring process as careful and thorough, and said some factors about the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, such as its number of members and the fact they are appointed, are set by state statute. White said he's open to discussing whether the board should include more members, but he's hesitant to support having them elected.
Chirico said handling of police misconduct cases is addressed in the union contract between the city and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42, so there needs to be a balance between discipline and protections for officers.
None of the ideas brought forward by Stava-Murray, Childress and Brent include disbanding or abolishing the police department.
Childress said getting rid of police is "a good slogan, a good bumper sticker, but it's not a plan."
Brent, who has been working for at least four years with Unity Partnership to improve relationships between police and minority communities, said police should be funded "well enough to do their job."
Chief Robert Marshall said disbanding the force would be irresponsible because it would leave no one to provide protection. But he said he's open to discussing ways to "make policing better."
Laura Hois, a Republican candidate for state representative in the 81st District, said she supports efforts to review policies and find ways to improve.
"However, the call to 'defund' the police is not a good idea and is actually putting vulnerable communities in more danger," Hois said in an email.
Police in Naperville have taken many steps to improve in the recent past, Chirico said. For example, the department outlawed neck restraints and chokeholds "years ago," Marshall said. Officers also undergo training in crisis de-escalation, Mental Health First Aid and avoiding bias.
The department has earned accreditation nine times from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., making it an accredited agency since 1992.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Fire chief: Workers who fell in Wheeling water tower released from hospital

Wheeling Fire Chief Mike McGreal said Monday his department has been told that two workers critically injured by a fall inside a village water tower Friday had been released from the hospital on Sunday and likely are on their way back to their homes in Pennsylvania .
The two workers had been sandblasting and painting the inside the water tower Friday morning when a cable holding up their scaffolding snapped and caused them to fall , authorities said .
One worker fell 60 to 80 feet , while the other suffered facial injuries after the scaffolding swung and smashed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Friday .
Both were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville , which declined to provide an update on the workers ' condition Monday , citing patient privacy issues .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation , but by law has six months to complete it .
An OSHA spokesman Monday said that preliminary findings are unlikely to be released before the complete report .
The preliminary findings of the Wheeling Fire Department 's incident report Friday pointed toward equipment failure .
As many as 40 technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some from as far away as Hoffman Estates , responded to the Wheeling-owned water tank at 702 Wolf Court just after 9 a.m. Friday .
Those technical crews were nearby in Arlington Heights having their first training session since the COVID-19 lockdown , and came to the scene with all their gear , which sped the rescue work , McGreal said .
Rescue workers used ropes and harnesses to help both victims , in what was described as a `` very involved and technical rescue '' on the fire department report .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the top of the tank , reach the injured workers and give them emergency medical treatment , according to the report .
Both injured men were then put in harnesses , and ropes were used to lower them some 100 feet to safety , officials said .
The contractor , D & M Painting Corp. , based in Washington , Pennsylvania , did not respond to requests for comment Friday or Monday .
The company was hired by Wheeling officials in April to re-coat the elevated tank , which holds drinking water @ @ @ @ @

Fire chief: Workers who fell in Wheeling water tower released from hospital
Two workers critically injured by a fall inside a village water tower Friday were released from the hospital on Sunday and likely are on their way back to their homes in Pennsylvania, Wheeling Fire Chief Mike McGreal said Monday.
A manager with the painters' employer, Washington, Pennsylvania-based D & M Painting Corp., confirmed that Tuesday, saying one man suffered a concussion in the fall and the other sustained facial lacerations.
The two workers had been sandblasting and painting the inside the water tower Friday morning when a cable holding up their scaffolding snapped. One worker fell 60 to 80 feet, while the other suffered facial injuries after the scaffolding swung and smashed into the side of the tank, McGreal said Friday.
Both were taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation but by law has six months to complete it.
The preliminary findings of the Wheeling Fire Department's incident report Friday pointed toward equipment failure.
As many as 40 technical rescue firefighters from a dozen towns, some from as far away as Hoffman Estates, responded to the Wheeling-owned water tank at 702 Wolf Court just after 9 a.m. Friday.
Those technical crews were nearby in Arlington Heights having their first training session since the COVID-19 lockdown and came to the scene with all their gear, which sped the rescue work, McGreal said.
Rescue workers used ropes and harnesses to help both victims, in what was described as a "very involved and technical rescue" on the fire department report. It took rescuers about 12 minutes to ascend to the top of the tank, reach the injured workers and give them emergency treatment, according to the report.
Both injured men were then put in harnesses, and ropes were used to lower them some 100 feet to safety, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Justices rule LGBT people protected from job discrimination

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay , lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment , a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court .
The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex , among other reasons , encompasses bias against LGBT workers .
`` An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court .
`` Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision , exactly what Title VII forbids . ''
`` The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute , but that is preposterous , '' Alito wrote in the dissent .
`` Even as understood today , the concept of discrimination because of 'sex ' is different from discrimination because of 'sexual orientation ' or 'gender identity . '
'' Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include gender identity and sexual orientation , a job that belongs to Congress .
Still , Kavanaugh said the decision represents an `` important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans . ''
The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states do n't protect them from workplace discrimination .
An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S. , according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school .
But Monday 's decision is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights , Gorsuch noted .
Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes ' participation in school sporting events , and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms , a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October .
Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case , Gorsuch said .
`` But none of these other laws are before us ; we have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meaning of their terms , and we do not prejudge any such question today , '' he wrote .
The cases were the court 's first on LGBT rights since Justice Anthony Kennedy 's retirement and replacement by Kavanaugh .
Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the United States .
Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative .
The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration , which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama years , the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people .
The law prohibits discrimination because of sex , but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity .
In recent years , some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination , and thus prohibited by the federal law .
Efforts by Congress to change the law have so far failed .
The Supreme Court cases involved two gay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs .
Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had , at long last , `` decided to become the person that my mind already is . ''
Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation , she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati , Ohio , ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law .
Stephens died last month .
Donna Stephens , her wife of 20 years , said in a statement that she is `` grateful for this victory to honor the legacy of Aimee , and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity . ''
The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favor of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII did n't cover sexual orientation because `` legal doctrine evolves . ''
The court held that `` sexual orientation discrimination is motivated , at least in part , by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination . ''
That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda , who was fired in 2010 from a skydiving job in Central Islip , New York , that required him to strap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jump in tandem from an airplane .
He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay .
The school fired Zarda after the woman 's boyfriend called to complain .
Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014 .
In a case from Georgia , the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Gerald Bostock , a gay employee of Clayton County , in the Atlanta suburbs .
Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the results of an audit of funds he managed .
The 11th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock 's claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held `` discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII . ''
Associated Press writer Ed White contributed to this report from Detroit .

Justices rule LGBT people protected from job discrimination
The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court gather for a formal group portrait to include a new Associate Justice, top row, far right, at the Supreme Court Building in Washington. Seated from left: Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Associate Justice Samuel Alito Jr. Standing behind from left: Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Elena Kagan and Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. Associated Press/Nov. 30, 2018
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a landmark civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment, a resounding victory for LGBT rights from a conservative court.
The court decided by a 6-3 vote that a key provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 known as Title VII that bars job discrimination because of sex, among other reasons, encompasses bias against LGBT workers.
"An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court. "Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids."
Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas dissented.
"The Court tries to convince readers that it is merely enforcing the terms of the statute, but that is preposterous," Alito wrote in the dissent. "Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of 'sex' is different from discrimination because of 'sexual orientation' or 'gender identity.'"
Kavanaugh wrote in a separate dissent that the court was rewriting the law to include gender identity and sexual orientation, a job that belongs to Congress. Still, Kavanaugh said the decision represents an "important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans."
The outcome is expected to have a big impact for the estimated 8.1 million LGBT workers across the country because most states don't protect them from workplace discrimination. An estimated 11.3 million LGBT people live in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA law school.
But Monday's decision is not likely to be the court's last word on a host of issues revolving around LGBT rights, Gorsuch noted.
Lawsuits are pending over transgender athletes' participation in school sporting events, and courts also are dealing with cases about sex-segregated bathrooms and locker rooms, a subject that the justices seemed concerned about during arguments in October. Employers who have religious objections to employing LGBT people also might be able to raise those claims in a different case, Gorsuch said.
"But none of these other laws are before us; we have not had the benefit of adversarial testing about the meaning of their terms, and we do not prejudge any such question today," he wrote.
The cases were the court's first on LGBT rights since Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement and replacement by Kavanaugh. Kennedy was a voice for gay rights and the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the United States. Kavanaugh generally is regarded as more conservative.
The Trump administration had changed course from the Obama administration, which supported LGBT workers in their discrimination claims under Title VII.
During the Obama years, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had changed its longstanding interpretation of civil rights law to include discrimination against LGBT people. The law prohibits discrimination because of sex, but has no specific protection for sexual orientation or gender identity.
In recent years, some lower courts have held that discrimination against LGBT people is a subset of sex discrimination, and thus prohibited by the federal law.
Efforts by Congress to change the law have so far failed.
The Supreme Court cases involved two gay men and a transgender woman who sued for employment discrimination after they lost their jobs.
Aimee Stephens lost her job as a funeral director in the Detroit area after she revealed to her boss that she had struggled with gender most of her life and had, at long last, "decided to become the person that my mind already is." Stephens told funeral home owner Thomas Rost that following a vacation, she would report to work wearing a conservative skirt suit or dress that Rost required for women who worked at his three funeral homes. Rost fired Stephens.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, ruled that the firing constituted sex discrimination under federal law.
Stephens died last month. Donna Stephens, her wife of 20 years, said in a statement that she is "grateful for this victory to honor the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
The federal appeals court in New York ruled in favor of a gay skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired because of his sexual orientation. The full 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 that it was abandoning its earlier holding that Title VII didn't cover sexual orientation because "legal doctrine evolves." The court held that "sexual orientation discrimination is motivated, at least in part, by sex and is thus a subset of sex discrimination."
That ruling was a victory for the relatives of Donald Zarda, who was fired in 2010 from a skydiving job in Central Islip, New York, that required him to strap himself tightly to clients so they could jump in tandem from an airplane. He tried to put a woman with whom he was jumping at ease by explaining that he was gay. The school fired Zarda after the woman's boyfriend called to complain.
Zarda died in a wingsuit accident in Switzerland in 2014.
In a case from Georgia, the federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled against Gerald Bostock, a gay employee of Clayton County, in the Atlanta suburbs. Bostock claimed he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The county argues that Bostock was let go because of the results of an audit of funds he managed.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Bostock's claim in a three-page opinion that noted the court was bound by a 1979 decision that held "discharge for homosexuality is not prohibited by Title VII."
Associated Press writer Ed White contributed to this report from Detroit.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Authorities: Man stole more than $1,400 in merchandise from Mariano's, hit officer with car

A Woodstock man has been charged with stealing more than $ 1,400 of merchandise from the Wheaton Mariano 's and hitting a police officer with his car as he fled the grocery store , authorities said Monday .
Timothy J. Meijer , 32 , remains held in DuPage County Jail on $ 150,000 bail .
He would have to post 10 % to be released .
Meijer is charged with aggravated battery to a police officer , two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding and burglary .
Meijer entered the Mariano 's store near Main Street and Roosevelt Road on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steal alcohol , according to a police news release .
With more than $ 1,400 of unpaid merchandise in a shopping cart , he fled the store and was confronted by a Wheaton police officer , police said .
As Meijer tried to flee , he struck the officer with his car , police said .
The officer suffered abrasions to an elbow and is back to full duty , Deputy Chief P.J .
Youker said via email Monday .
Meijer fled from other police officers who tried to stop him , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the chase and Meijer escaped , according to the news release .
After an investigation , police took Meijer into custody June 12 .
His next court date is June 19 .

Authorities: Man stole more than $1,400 in merchandise from Mariano's, hit officer with car
A Woodstock man has been charged with stealing more than $1,400 of merchandise from the Wheaton Mariano's and hitting a police officer with his car as he fled the grocery store, authorities said Monday.
Timothy J. Meijer, 32, remains held in DuPage County Jail on $150,000 bail. He would have to post 10% to be released.
Meijer is charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding and burglary.
Meijer entered the Mariano's store near Main Street and Roosevelt Road on June 2, with the intention to steal alcohol, according to a police news release.
With more than $1,400 of unpaid merchandise in a shopping cart, he fled the store and was confronted by a Wheaton police officer, police said. As Meijer tried to flee, he struck the officer with his car, police said.
The officer suffered abrasions to an elbow and is back to full duty, Deputy Chief P.J. Youker said via email Monday.
Meijer fled from other police officers who tried to stop him, and after a brief pursuit, the officers ended the chase and Meijer escaped, according to the news release.
After an investigation, police took Meijer into custody June 12.
His next court date is June 19.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--'When does it stop?' Slain man's family makes tearful plea

ATLANTA -- Pleading through grief and tears Monday , the family of a black man killed by Atlanta police outside a fast-food drive-through called on protesters to refrain from violence and demanded changes in the criminal justice system to prevent such deaths .
An autopsy found that 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was shot twice in the back late Friday by an officer trying to arrest him for being intoxicated behind the wheel of his car .
Brooks tried to flee after wrestling with officers and grabbing a Taser from one of them .
`` Not only are we hurt , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brooks ' niece .
`` When does it stop ?
We 're not only pleading for justice .
We 're pleading for change . ''
About 20 of Brooks ' children , siblings , cousins and other family members sobbed openly at a news conference as more than 1,000 people gathered not far away for an NAACP-led protest outside the Georgia Capitol .
The killing has rekindled protests in Atlanta that erupted in the wake of George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis .
The Wendy 's restaurant where Brooks was shot was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was no reason for her uncle `` to be shot and killed like trash in the street for falling asleep in a drive-through . ''
`` Rayshard has a family who loves him who would have gladly come and got him so he would be here with us today , '' she said .
Relatives described Brooks as a loving father of three daughters and a stepson who had a bright smile , a big heart and loved to dance .
His oldest daughter learned her father was slain while celebrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wearing a special dress as she waited for Brooks to take her skating , said Justin Miller , an attorney for the family .
`` There 's no justice that can ever make me feel happy about what 's been done , '' said Tomika Miller , Brooks ' widow .
`` I can never get my husband back .
...
I can never tell my daughter he 's coming to take you skating or for swimming lessons . ''
She asked those demonstrating in the streets to `` keep the protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to keep his name positive and great . ''
The NAACP protest took place as lawmakers were returning to work after a three-month coronavirus shutdown .
Several Democratic lawmakers joined protesters and called for Georgia to pass a hate-crimes law as well as a slate of other reforms , including the repeal of the state 's citizen 's arrest and stand-your-ground laws .
Republican leaders pushed back against swift action .
Morgan Dudley , 18 , skipped work to join the Capitol demonstration after her job kept her from joining prior Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
As those protests started to die down , she said , she feared the message would be lost .
`` I was like , 'You know what , this is not a trend .
This is an actual problem that we 're facing , ' '' said Dudley , who is black .
`` So I called out of work to be here today . ''
Officer Garrett Rolfe , who fired the shots that killed Brooks , has been fired , and the other officer at the scene , Devin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty .
Police Chief Erika Shields resigned a day after the shooting .
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said he hopes to decide by midweek whether to charge either of the officers .
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was put in charge of the investigation .
Brooks was shot after police were called amid complaints that a car was blocking the drive-through lane .
An officer found Brooks asleep in the car .
Video from the two officers ' body cameras and dash-mounted cameras on their cruisers showed Brooks cooperating for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had had a couple of drinks while celebrating his daughter 's birthday and consenting to a breath test .
The video shows Brooks ' alcohol level at 0.108 percent -- higher than Georgia 's legal limit of 0.08 .
When one of the officers moves to handcuff him , Brooks tries to run and the officers take him to the ground .
Brooks grabs Brosnan 's Taser and starts running again .
Footage from a Wendy 's security camera showed Brooks turn and point an object at one of the officers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , he turned and started firing the Taser at me , '' Rolfe told a supervisor after the shooting in a videotaped conversation .
`` He definitely did shoot it at me at least once . ''
Georgia House Minority Leader Bob Trammell , a Democrat , said : `` For the General Assembly to turn a deaf ear to the cries that are occurring all over Georgia and throughout the country would be a tragic missed opportunity and a dereliction of responsibility . ''
Bynum reported from Savannah , Georgia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .

'When does it stop?' Slain man's family makes tearful plea
This screen grab taken from body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Garrett Rolfe late Friday in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta. Rolfe has been fired following the fatal shooting of Brooks and a second officer has been placed on administrative duty. Associated Press
ATLANTA -- Pleading through grief and tears Monday, the family of a black man killed by Atlanta police outside a fast-food drive-through called on protesters to refrain from violence and demanded changes in the criminal justice system to prevent such deaths.
An autopsy found that 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was shot twice in the back late Friday by an officer trying to arrest him for being intoxicated behind the wheel of his car. Brooks tried to flee after wrestling with officers and grabbing a Taser from one of them.
"Not only are we hurt, we are angry," said Chassidy Evans, Brooks' niece. "When does it stop? We're not only pleading for justice. We're pleading for change."
About 20 of Brooks' children, siblings, cousins and other family members sobbed openly at a news conference as more than 1,000 people gathered not far away for an NAACP-led protest outside the Georgia Capitol.
The killing has rekindled protests in Atlanta that erupted in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. The Wendy's restaurant where Brooks was shot was burned down over the weekend.
Evans said there was no reason for her uncle "to be shot and killed like trash in the street for falling asleep in a drive-through."
"Rayshard has a family who loves him who would have gladly come and got him so he would be here with us today," she said.
Relatives described Brooks as a loving father of three daughters and a stepson who had a bright smile, a big heart and loved to dance. His oldest daughter learned her father was slain while celebrating her eighth birthday with cupcakes and friends, wearing a special dress as she waited for Brooks to take her skating, said Justin Miller, an attorney for the family.
"There's no justice that can ever make me feel happy about what's been done," said Tomika Miller, Brooks' widow. "I can never get my husband back. ... I can never tell my daughter he's coming to take you skating or for swimming lessons."
She asked those demonstrating in the streets to "keep the protesting peaceful," saying: "We want to keep his name positive and great."
The NAACP protest took place as lawmakers were returning to work after a three-month coronavirus shutdown.
Several Democratic lawmakers joined protesters and called for Georgia to pass a hate-crimes law as well as a slate of other reforms, including the repeal of the state's citizen's arrest and stand-your-ground laws. Republican leaders pushed back against swift action.
Morgan Dudley, 18, skipped work to join the Capitol demonstration after her job kept her from joining prior Atlanta protests in the wake of Floyd's death. As those protests started to die down, she said, she feared the message would be lost.
"I was like, 'You know what, this is not a trend. This is an actual problem that we're facing,'" said Dudley, who is black. "So I called out of work to be here today."
Officer Garrett Rolfe, who fired the shots that killed Brooks, has been fired, and the other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, has been placed on administrative duty. Police Chief Erika Shields resigned a day after the shooting.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said he hopes to decide by midweek whether to charge either of the officers. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was put in charge of the investigation.
Brooks was shot after police were called amid complaints that a car was blocking the drive-through lane. An officer found Brooks asleep in the car.
Video from the two officers' body cameras and dash-mounted cameras on their cruisers showed Brooks cooperating for more than 40 minutes, telling them he had had a couple of drinks while celebrating his daughter's birthday and consenting to a breath test.
The video shows Brooks' alcohol level at 0.108 percent -- higher than Georgia's legal limit of 0.08. When one of the officers moves to handcuff him, Brooks tries to run and the officers take him to the ground. Brooks grabs Brosnan's Taser and starts running again.
Footage from a Wendy's security camera showed Brooks turn and point an object at one of the officers, who opens fire.
"As I pursued him, he turned and started firing the Taser at me," Rolfe told a supervisor after the shooting in a videotaped conversation. "He definitely did shoot it at me at least once."
Georgia House Minority Leader Bob Trammell, a Democrat, said: "For the General Assembly to turn a deaf ear to the cries that are occurring all over Georgia and throughout the country would be a tragic missed opportunity and a dereliction of responsibility."
Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. AP writer Ben Nadler in Atlanta contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Two men hurt in Schaumburg street fight Friday

Two Schaumburg men were injured Friday night during a fight that involved a number of other people at the intersection @ @ @ @ @ in Schaumburg .
Police Sgt .
Karen McCartney said officers are continuing to investigate what @ @ @ @ @ about 10 p.m. Friday .
Police are working to identify all the individuals involved , @ @ @ @ @ be older than 18 , McCartney said .
The condition of the two injured men @ @ @ @ @

Two men hurt in Schaumburg street fight Friday
Two Schaumburg men were injured Friday night during a fight that involved a number of other people at the intersection of Springinsguth and Wise roads in Schaumburg.
Police Sgt. Karen McCartney said officers are continuing to investigate what caused an argument to escalate about 10 p.m. Friday.
Police are working to identify all the individuals involved, and all are believed to be older than 18, McCartney said.
The condition of the two injured men was not available Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--New demand for grand jury investigation in Justus Howell case

An attorney representing the family of Justus Howell sent an open letter to Lake County State 's Attorney Michael Nerheim on Monday , urging a grand jury be convened in the Waukegan teen 's shooting .
Howell , who was black , was fatally shot twice in the back by Zion police officer Eric Hill , who is white , in April 2015 .
After an investigation by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force , Nerheim concluded that Hill was justified in his decision to use deadly force against Howell , who was 17 .
Howell 's family filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teen was unarmed and authorities lied to justify the killing .
A jury rejected the family 's claims in 2018 .
However , Howell 's family members still believe there was a police cover-up , according to their attorney , Jed Stone .
Neither Nerheim nor Zion Police Chief Kirk Henderson could be reached for comment Monday evening .
In 2015 , Nerheim said the task force investigation showed this chain of events : Howell met Tramond Peet , 18 , of Lindenhurst at the Salem Grocery Store in Zion for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two left the grocery store and walked to a nearby alley to make the sale .
Peet handed Howell a silver Kimber 9 mm handgun that was stolen from a home in Lake Villa .
The two began to struggle , and , at one point , Howell pointed the gun at Peet and threatened to shoot him .
The gun discharged , and five witnesses heard the shot .
Officers saw Howell fleeing the scene with a gun in his right hand .
Hill chased Howell across several yards .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2300 block of Galilee , Hill saw Howell lean forward and turn slightly to the right with the gun in his hand .
He said Howell refused repeated commands to drop the weapon during the pursuit .
Peet pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 24 months of probation , 150 hours of community service and 48 days in the Lake County jail for his role in the illegal gun sale .
In his letter Monday , Stone wrote that an autopsy by then-Coroner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the events , adding that the Lake County Major Crime Task Force has a `` sad history of error and deception . ''

New demand for grand jury investigation in Justus Howell case
Waukegan resident LaToya Howell, mother of Justus Howell, hugs her 12-year-old daughter, Jayla, at a protest after Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim concluded a Zion police officer was justified in fatally shooting her son. Daily Herald file photo, 2015
An attorney representing the family of Justus Howell sent an open letter to Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim on Monday, urging a grand jury be convened in the Waukegan teen's shooting.
Howell, who was black, was fatally shot twice in the back by Zion police officer Eric Hill, who is white, in April 2015.
After an investigation by the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, Nerheim concluded that Hill was justified in his decision to use deadly force against Howell, who was 17.
Howell's family filed a federal lawsuit in 2016, alleging the teen was unarmed and authorities lied to justify the killing. A jury rejected the family's claims in 2018.
However, Howell's family members still believe there was a police cover-up, according to their attorney, Jed Stone.
"Zion police fabricated a story to support Hill's cowardly act of murder," Stone wrote.
Neither Nerheim nor Zion Police Chief Kirk Henderson could be reached for comment Monday evening.
In 2015, Nerheim said the task force investigation showed this chain of events:
Howell met Tramond Peet, 18, of Lindenhurst at the Salem Grocery Store in Zion for a gun purchase just before the shooting.
The two left the grocery store and walked to a nearby alley to make the sale. Peet handed Howell a silver Kimber 9 mm handgun that was stolen from a home in Lake Villa.
The two began to struggle, and, at one point, Howell pointed the gun at Peet and threatened to shoot him. The gun discharged, and five witnesses heard the shot.
Officers saw Howell fleeing the scene with a gun in his right hand. Hill chased Howell across several yards. In the front yard of a home on the 2300 block of Galilee, Hill saw Howell lean forward and turn slightly to the right with the gun in his hand. He said Howell refused repeated commands to drop the weapon during the pursuit.
Peet pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 24 months of probation, 150 hours of community service and 48 days in the Lake County jail for his role in the illegal gun sale.
In his letter Monday, Stone wrote that an autopsy by then-Coroner Thomas Rudd disproved Hill's version of the events, adding that the Lake County Major Crime Task Force has a "sad history of error and deception."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Sheriff's office dog helps track two people in one night

Dax , the Lake County sheriff 's top dog , had a busy weekend , helping locate an Island Lake man who went missing after injuring himself as well as an Antioch-area woman accused of causing disturbances at several homes , authorities said .
Sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli said Dax and his partner , Deputy John Forlenza , were called into action Friday night after a 29-year-old man Island Lake man fled his residence .
Dax was able to pick up the man 's scent near his home and tracked him past several residences to a pickup truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cover .
Police spoke to the man for several minutes and were able to persuade him to leave the truck , go to a hospital to have his injuries treated and undergo a mental health evaluation , Covelli said .
Hours earlier , Dax and Forlenza were called to a home on the 26700 block of Woodland Avenue near Antioch where a intoxicated 21-year-old woman caused disturbances in several homes before fleeing , Covelli said .
Dax did n't have to track the woman very far -- she was found hiding in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covelli said .
Dax and Forlenza have received numerous commendations for their efforts tracking people and drugs over the years .
In October , the pair appeared on the `` Today '' show as part of a segment on the country 's top dogs .
Dax was chosen as the top dog in the law enforcement category .

Sheriff's office dog helps track two people in one night
Dax, the highly decorated Lake County sheriff's office police dog, helped officers track down two people in one night over the weekend. Courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office
Dax, the Lake County sheriff's top dog, had a busy weekend, helping locate an Island Lake man who went missing after injuring himself as well as an Antioch-area woman accused of causing disturbances at several homes, authorities said.
Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said Dax and his partner, Deputy John Forlenza, were called into action Friday night after a 29-year-old man Island Lake man fled his residence. Dax was able to pick up the man's scent near his home and tracked him past several residences to a pickup truck, where he was found hiding under a cover.
Police spoke to the man for several minutes and were able to persuade him to leave the truck, go to a hospital to have his injuries treated and undergo a mental health evaluation, Covelli said.
Hours earlier, Dax and Forlenza were called to a home on the 26700 block of Woodland Avenue near Antioch where a intoxicated 21-year-old woman caused disturbances in several homes before fleeing, Covelli said. Dax didn't have to track the woman very far -- she was found hiding in a detached garage on the property, Covelli said.
Dax and Forlenza have received numerous commendations for their efforts tracking people and drugs over the years. In October, the pair appeared on the "Today" show as part of a segment on the country's top dogs. Dax was chosen as the top dog in the law enforcement category.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Carpentersville's Masi's Pizza to close after 67 years

Masi 's Pizza and Catering has served as a staple of the Dundee-area community for 67 years .
It 's where families ordered dinner religiously , where local residents worked , where couples recall going on first dates decades ago .
So when owners announced the Carpentersville pizzeria would permanently close this month amid the coronavirus pandemic , personal stories and emotional messages began flooding in from customers devastated to see it go .
`` I 've had people break down and just start crying when they 've heard , '' said co-owner Bret Mathis , who took over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The responses we 've been getting online , the calls we 've been getting , the people that come in to say their last goodbyes has been overwhelming . ''
Amid life changes , Mathis and his business partner , Dana Cortese , put the restaurant up for sale in February , with plans to keep the doors open until new ownership could take the helm .
They had developed a strong connection with the community during the last several years , Mathis said , and business was doing well .
But catering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis hit , cutting off the restaurant 's primary revenue source .
Cookouts , graduation parties , festivals and other major events have been postponed or canceled , he said , and the pizzeria 's delivery and takeout services are not enough to make up the difference .
`` When you take 60 % of a person 's business away , how long are they going to be able to survive ? ''
Mathis said .
`` Trust me , I 'd love to keep it open .
But I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'When are we going to be able to start gathering again ? '
'' The pizzeria first opened in 1953 as part of a downtown West Dundee bowling alley owned by the Masi family , longtime residents of the area .
The business quickly became a community hot spot that the late Jim Masi -- known as `` Mr. Dundee '' -- would eventually call `` the Cheers of its time , '' referring to the popular '80s sitcom .
After the Masi family sold it in the 1980s , the business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed on as a silent partner , though he quickly became more visible within the company .
At that point , the pizzeria and catering company had moved to its current home within a Carpentersville strip mall at 222 N. Western Ave. Cortese joined the venture about nine years ago and has done `` an awesome job '' working with customers on the catering side , Mathis said .
Throughout the years , they have worked closely with churches and community organizations , participated in fundraisers , donated pizzas to special causes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Pizza is expected to close June 27 , Mathis said , though he hopes a new owner steps up to purchase it before then .
`` It 's very sad .
I did n't want it to close on my watch , '' he said .
`` We both got to know a lot of our customers very well .
... That 's the personal stuff you 're going to miss . ''

Carpentersville's Masi's Pizza to close after 67 years
Jim Masi bartends at his family's downtown West Dundee business, Masi's Pizza and Bowling Alley, in the 1950s. The pizzeria, which has since moved to Carpentersville, is now closing after 67 years in business. Courtesy of Annamaria Finzel
Masi's Pizza and Catering has served as a staple of the Dundee-area community for 67 years.
It's where families ordered dinner religiously, where local residents worked, where couples recall going on first dates decades ago.
So when owners announced the Carpentersville pizzeria would permanently close this month amid the coronavirus pandemic, personal stories and emotional messages began flooding in from customers devastated to see it go.
"I've had people break down and just start crying when they've heard," said co-owner Bret Mathis, who took over the business about 15 years ago. "The responses we've been getting online, the calls we've been getting, the people that come in to say their last goodbyes has been overwhelming."
Amid life changes, Mathis and his business partner, Dana Cortese, put the restaurant up for sale in February, with plans to keep the doors open until new ownership could take the helm. They had developed a strong connection with the community during the last several years, Mathis said, and business was doing well.
But catering operations came to a halt when the COVID-19 crisis hit, cutting off the restaurant's primary revenue source. Cookouts, graduation parties, festivals and other major events have been postponed or canceled, he said, and the pizzeria's delivery and takeout services are not enough to make up the difference.
"When you take 60% of a person's business away, how long are they going to be able to survive?" Mathis said. "Trust me, I'd love to keep it open. But I don't have the answers to the questions of, 'When are we going to be able to start gathering again?'"
The pizzeria first opened in 1953 as part of a downtown West Dundee bowling alley owned by the Masi family, longtime residents of the area. The business quickly became a community hot spot that the late Jim Masi -- known as "Mr. Dundee" -- would eventually call "the Cheers of its time," referring to the popular '80s sitcom.
After the Masi family sold it in the 1980s, the business changed hands two more times before Mathis signed on as a silent partner, though he quickly became more visible within the company. At that point, the pizzeria and catering company had moved to its current home within a Carpentersville strip mall at 222 N. Western Ave.
Cortese joined the venture about nine years ago and has done "an awesome job" working with customers on the catering side, Mathis said. Throughout the years, they have worked closely with churches and community organizations, participated in fundraisers, donated pizzas to special causes and formed personal connections with residents.
Masi's Pizza is expected to close June 27, Mathis said, though he hopes a new owner steps up to purchase it before then.
"It's very sad. I didn't want it to close on my watch," he said. "We both got to know a lot of our customers very well. ... That's the personal stuff you're going to miss."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Rolling Meadows man killed when SUV crashes into tree

A 22-year-old Rolling Meadows man was killed early Sunday when the SUV he was driving crashed into a tree in @ @ @ @ @ city 's north side , police said .
Christian J .
Flood was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ Arlington Heights at 7:15 a.m. Sunday , about 45 minutes after the crash was reported @ @ @ @ @ also of Rolling Meadows , suffered minor injuries and is expected to make a full @ @ @ @ @ Officers called to the crash scene in the 2300 block of St. James Street at @ @ @ @ @ 2008 black Jeep Commander that had struck a tree on the north side of the @ @ @ @ @ The crash scene was processed by the Major Crimes Assistance Team 's Serious Traffic Accident @ @ @ @ @ are pending , police said .

Rolling Meadows man killed when SUV crashes into tree
A 22-year-old Rolling Meadows man was killed early Sunday when the SUV he was driving crashed into a tree in a residential neighborhood on the city's north side, police said.
Christian J. Flood was pronounced dead at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights at 7:15 a.m. Sunday, about 45 minutes after the crash was reported.
A male passenger, also of Rolling Meadows, suffered minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.
Officers called to the crash scene in the 2300 block of St. James Street at 6:45 a.m. Sunday discovered a 2008 black Jeep Commander that had struck a tree on the north side of the street, police said.
The crash scene was processed by the Major Crimes Assistance Team's Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction unit and their findings are pending, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Rozner: Revisiting the Sammy Sosa years unappealing

The question is a familiar one .
`` Did n't you watch this already ? ''
says my wife or one of my girls .
Almost always , the answer is , `` Yes . ''
But it not always in query form .
Occasionally , it 's a statement along the lines of , `` You 're watching the same show again . ''
This precedes the question , `` Do you have brain damage ? ''
The answer to that is also generally , `` Yes , '' or the infrequent , `` Nolo contendere , your honor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this case the program on DVR was a Golf Channel special on the greatest U.S .
Opens .
The problem is there was a disturbance for an hour or two when my phone kept lighting up with texts from former teammates of Sammy Sosa , not to mention writers , broadcasters and assorted other MLB types .
I was aware of the ESPN `` 30-for-30 '' on the Great Home Derby of 1998 that saved the world from communism and humans from the Sweet Meteor of Death .
I just did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
I lived it .
I was there in the spring of 1992 when Sosa was traded to the Cubs from the White Sox and walked into the HoHoKam clubhouse weighing about 160 pounds .
And I was in the Wrigley Field clubhouse on the final day of the 2004 season when he walked out on his team and lied about it , while weighing 80 pounds more than in his 1992 entrance .
Mostly everything in between was a circus , a great athlete who arrived as a very likable young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-tool player and instead became a cartoon character propped up and promoted by all those who had an interest in making money off him .
There is not enough space on the internet to list all the bad that occurred in between and I 'd just as soon not re-litigate now .
If you love Sosa , you 're always going to love him , and if you dislike Sosa , you probably always will .
There are few stuck in the middle .
Suffice it to say that the 2009 New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for PEDs in a 2003 survey was a surprise to no one on either side , just as getting caught for corking his bat was like finding out Chicago is cold in the winter .
The best part of the Corky Park story is the way MLB security called the Cubs and told them they were driving down from Milwaukee and would be there in 90 minutes .
They said they wanted all of Sosa 's bats and -- wink-wink , nod-nod -- make sure all the bats are there when they arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Sosa 's examined bats had cork .
There are some moments that stick out , like standing by the batting cage on the final weekend of the 1997 season in St. Louis and watching Sosa marvel at the size of the building that was Mark McGwire -- who was on a home run tear -- as he blasted batting-practice balls into the highest reaches of Busch Stadium .
Sosa , who was already bulked up , came back in 1998 looking like the Incredible Hulk .
That last Saturday in St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Jim Riggleman the chance to pull Sosa into an office and read him the riot act for trying to pad his personal stats over the final weeks of the season as he tried desperately to reach 30 stolen bases again .
They asked him to come back in 1998 as a team player , something he was doing early in the season until the record June of '98 .
Once that happened , Sosa never again tried to play for the team .
It was all about the long ball .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a postgame dust-up after the Game 7 defeat to the Marlins in the 2003 NLCS , when Kenny Lofton called out Sosa for an at-bat in the eighth inning with the Cubs trailing by 3 runs .
With an exhausted Josh Beckett on the mound and with the pitcher having missed badly with the first 2 pitches , Sosa swung at ball three at eye level , trying to hit a home run and missing by a mile .
With Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez next up , the Cubs needed baserunners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mind .
Sosa whiffed at the next pitch and then struck out looking .
That was the essence of his time with the Cubs .
On Sept. 7 , 2004 , Dusty Baker caught Sosa in street clothes during an extra-inning game and sent him home , and on the final day of the season , Sosa showed up late and left early , a fitting end to his Cubs career .
Sosa claimed it did n't happen , but the Cubs had the security video and did n't hide their evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and feigned disbelief at the destruction he wrought .
The Cubs and commissioner Bud Selig had made scores of millions off Sosa and his many home runs , but his time was up and they pretended they had nothing to do with any of it .
So , no , in response to all of those text messages .
I did n't watch and do n't much care to see it .
There have been few times in sports history that something so corrupt has been so celebrated , a fraud so widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little reason to be subjected to it now .
If Sosa feels abandoned , he should , but the first lesson in American politics and economics is you will be loved and adored until you are not useful , at which point you will be thrown overboard without so much as an inner tube and all your faults will be exposed .
The trip to the top takes decades , but the fall is lightning fast .
Free speech and making your own choices is increasingly a thing of the past , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sosa if that makes you happy .
Conversely , if the phony drama of 1998 makes you ill and you prefer to celebrate genuine baseball drama , that is also a right you should engage .
I 'll not judge the `` 30-for-30 '' as I have no plan to view it , but if you 're searching for someone to celebrate , try Billy Williams .
The Sweet Swinger turned 82 on Monday , and a sweeter man you will never meet .
He was also one of the best hitters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball player .
Now , if it 's OK with everyone , can I get back to the Golf Channel ?

Rozner: Revisiting the Sammy Sosa years unappealing
Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa was caught with a corked bat -- one he said was meant for batting practice only -- in a June 3, 2003, game at Wrigley Field. Associated Press
The question is a familiar one.
"Didn't you watch this already?" says my wife or one of my girls.
Almost always, the answer is, "Yes."
But it not always in query form. Occasionally, it's a statement along the lines of, "You're watching the same show again." This precedes the question, "Do you have brain damage?"
The answer to that is also generally, "Yes," or the infrequent, "Nolo contendere, your honor."
It was Sunday night and in this case the program on DVR was a Golf Channel special on the greatest U.S. Opens.
The problem is there was a disturbance for an hour or two when my phone kept lighting up with texts from former teammates of Sammy Sosa, not to mention writers, broadcasters and assorted other MLB types.
I was aware of the ESPN "30-for-30" on the Great Home Derby of 1998 that saved the world from communism and humans from the Sweet Meteor of Death.
I just didn't watch it. I didn't have to. I lived it.
I was there in the spring of 1992 when Sosa was traded to the Cubs from the White Sox and walked into the HoHoKam clubhouse weighing about 160 pounds. And I was in the Wrigley Field clubhouse on the final day of the 2004 season when he walked out on his team and lied about it, while weighing 80 pounds more than in his 1992 entrance.
Mostly everything in between was a circus, a great athlete who arrived as a very likable young man, one who could have been a five-tool player and instead became a cartoon character propped up and promoted by all those who had an interest in making money off him.
There is not enough space on the internet to list all the bad that occurred in between and I'd just as soon not re-litigate now.
If you love Sosa, you're always going to love him, and if you dislike Sosa, you probably always will. There are few stuck in the middle.
Suffice it to say that the 2009 New York Times report that Sosa tested positive for PEDs in a 2003 survey was a surprise to no one on either side, just as getting caught for corking his bat was like finding out Chicago is cold in the winter.
The best part of the Corky Park story is the way MLB security called the Cubs and told them they were driving down from Milwaukee and would be there in 90 minutes.
They said they wanted all of Sosa's bats and -- wink-wink, nod-nod -- make sure all the bats are there when they arrive at Wrigley Field. Shockingly, not one of Sosa's examined bats had cork.
There are some moments that stick out, like standing by the batting cage on the final weekend of the 1997 season in St. Louis and watching Sosa marvel at the size of the building that was Mark McGwire -- who was on a home run tear -- as he blasted batting-practice balls into the highest reaches of Busch Stadium.
Sosa, who was already bulked up, came back in 1998 looking like the Incredible Hulk.
That last Saturday in St. Louis also gave GM Ed Lynch and manager Jim Riggleman the chance to pull Sosa into an office and read him the riot act for trying to pad his personal stats over the final weeks of the season as he tried desperately to reach 30 stolen bases again.
They asked him to come back in 1998 as a team player, something he was doing early in the season until the record June of '98. Once that happened, Sosa never again tried to play for the team. It was all about the long ball.
As defining as anything about his Cubs time was a postgame dust-up after the Game 7 defeat to the Marlins in the 2003 NLCS, when Kenny Lofton called out Sosa for an at-bat in the eighth inning with the Cubs trailing by 3 runs.
With an exhausted Josh Beckett on the mound and with the pitcher having missed badly with the first 2 pitches, Sosa swung at ball three at eye level, trying to hit a home run and missing by a mile. With Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez next up, the Cubs needed baserunners, but that was not on Sosa's mind.
Sosa whiffed at the next pitch and then struck out looking. That was the essence of his time with the Cubs.
On Sept. 7, 2004, Dusty Baker caught Sosa in street clothes during an extra-inning game and sent him home, and on the final day of the season, Sosa showed up late and left early, a fitting end to his Cubs career.
Sosa claimed it didn't happen, but the Cubs had the security video and didn't hide their evidence. They had created Frankenstein's monster and feigned disbelief at the destruction he wrought.
The Cubs and commissioner Bud Selig had made scores of millions off Sosa and his many home runs, but his time was up and they pretended they had nothing to do with any of it.
So, no, in response to all of those text messages. I didn't watch and don't much care to see it. There have been few times in sports history that something so corrupt has been so celebrated, a fraud so widely perpetrated and accepted, and there's little reason to be subjected to it now.
If Sosa feels abandoned, he should, but the first lesson in American politics and economics is you will be loved and adored until you are not useful, at which point you will be thrown overboard without so much as an inner tube and all your faults will be exposed.
The trip to the top takes decades, but the fall is lightning fast.
Free speech and making your own choices is increasingly a thing of the past, but I'm here to support your worship of Sosa if that makes you happy.
Conversely, if the phony drama of 1998 makes you ill and you prefer to celebrate genuine baseball drama, that is also a right you should engage.
I'll not judge the "30-for-30" as I have no plan to view it, but if you're searching for someone to celebrate, try Billy Williams.
The Sweet Swinger turned 82 on Monday, and a sweeter man you will never meet. He was also one of the best hitters of all time and a truly great baseball player.
Now, if it's OK with everyone, can I get back to the Golf Channel?


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Kane, Blackhawks discuss racial unrest; 'hopeful' for change

The tragic death of George Floyd at the hand of a Minneapolis police officer has sparked outrage and protests across the country for more than three weeks .
It has also lit a fire under several professional athletes , many of whom are finding their voice while also digging into their wallets to support causes they believe in .
One of the more impressive examples came on June 5 when Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane sent out a series of tweets , saying he wants to `` help in this fight for change . ''
In Kane 's third tweet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation to two organizations : My Block , My Hood , My City and the All Stars Project of Chicago .
During a video conference call last Thursday with reporters , Kane explained why he spoke up and provided financial assistance .
`` Sometimes you feel like maybe you should n't say anything because you 're uneducated and uninformed , and you do n't understand what is going on completely , '' Kane said .
`` But for me -- whether you like it or not -- there 's a big following out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message across from what I understood and gathered from the few days prior to me sending that tweet .
`` It seemed like it was a pretty good response .
If I can help one or two kids kind of understand the direction of this world or where we 're at in our society , that 's a win for me . ''
The subject of racism was repeatedly brought up during the two-hour conference call , which included Kane , Alex DeBrincat , Connor Murphy , coach Jeremy Colliton and GM Stan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be part of the solution , '' Bowman said .
`` The key thing is for us to realize the first step in trying to make anything better is to recognize that there 's a problem .
...
I think that 's where we 're at right now .
... '' The next step -- the important one -- is how can we make it better ?
I think we all want to be part of that .
I know I certainly do .
`` It 's been inspiring to see the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players .
I am hopeful that this can be a springboard to a better world where people treat each other better . ''
Murphy and Colliton expressed eloquent thoughts as well .
Colliton said everyone needs to have equal opportunity , `` regardless of their back ground or their race .
And obviously we 're not there yet . ''
Colliton then drew an analogy , saying the racial unrest in the country is n't much different than a sports team that has selfish athletes on it .
When too many of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves some teammates feeling left out .
`` On those teams there ends up being a lot of finger pointing and excuse making , '' Colliton said .
`` Hopefully what comes out of this is everyone feels a responsibility to make things better for everyone . ''

Kane, Blackhawks discuss racial unrest; 'hopeful' for change
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane sent a series of tweets earlier this month in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying he wants to "help in this fight for change." John Starks | Staff Photographer
The tragic death of George Floyd at the hand of a Minneapolis police officer has sparked outrage and protests across the country for more than three weeks.
It has also lit a fire under several professional athletes, many of whom are finding their voice while also digging into their wallets to support causes they believe in.
One of the more impressive examples came on June 5 when Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane sent out a series of tweets, saying he wants to "help in this fight for change." In Kane's third tweet, he said he'd be making a donation to two organizations: My Block, My Hood, My City and the All Stars Project of Chicago.
During a video conference call last Thursday with reporters, Kane explained why he spoke up and provided financial assistance.
"Sometimes you feel like maybe you shouldn't say anything because you're uneducated and uninformed, and you don't understand what is going on completely," Kane said. "But for me -- whether you like it or not -- there's a big following out there. Just tried to get a message across from what I understood and gathered from the few days prior to me sending that tweet.
"It seemed like it was a pretty good response. If I can help one or two kids kind of understand the direction of this world or where we're at in our society, that's a win for me."
The subject of racism was repeatedly brought up during the two-hour conference call, which included Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Connor Murphy, coach Jeremy Colliton and GM Stan Bowman.
"We all need to be part of the solution," Bowman said. "The key thing is for us to realize the first step in trying to make anything better is to recognize that there's a problem. ... I think that's where we're at right now. ...
"The next step -- the important one -- is how can we make it better? I think we all want to be part of that. I know I certainly do.
"It's been inspiring to see the comments from all athletes, not just Blackhawk players. I am hopeful that this can be a springboard to a better world where people treat each other better."
Murphy and Colliton expressed eloquent thoughts as well.
Colliton said everyone needs to have equal opportunity, "regardless of their back ground or their race. And obviously we're not there yet."
Colliton then drew an analogy, saying the racial unrest in the country isn't much different than a sports team that has selfish athletes on it. When too many of those exist, it poisons the culture and leaves some teammates feeling left out.
"On those teams there ends up being a lot of finger pointing and excuse making," Colliton said. "Hopefully what comes out of this is everyone feels a responsibility to make things better for everyone."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Amazon plans warehouse, package pickup site in Arlington Heights

In April , Arlington Heights officials announced plans for an undisclosed national firm to bring its short-term warehousing , sorting and distribution operation to a vacant building on the village 's far north side .
It turns out that national firm is the online retail giant Amazon , which , if its building sign variations approved by village trustees Monday are any indication , will be secret no more .
The Seattle-based e-commerce firm already got the support of board members in early April for a Cook County Class 6b property tax break , which will allow the vacant 215,000-square-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be assessed at lower levels over the course of a dozen years .
But at the time of the approval , nothing about Amazon was revealed publicly , since property owner Griffin Capital handled the necessary paperwork .
On Monday night , it was Amazon 's turn to formally go before the board -- during a meeting held by video conference -- to ask for variations to village sign code allowing three signs on the building and five directional ground signs scattered throughout the campus .
While the warehouse will serve as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the signage will be directing customers to an Amazon Hub customer service and package pickup/drop-off area .
Asher Cousin , an Amazon construction manager , told village trustees the area will allow customers to make returns using an online code they enter on a machine .
Likewise , they will be able to enter a code and the machine will open with a package that has been ordered .
The service will be available 24 hours a day , he said .
Word of Amazon 's new location in Arlington Heights comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to move into a 162,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution building under construction down the road in Palatine .
Also along the Route 53 corridor , the new Amazon site at 315 S. Hicks Road could be ready by this fall .
Amazon pulled a building permit in Arlington Heights last week to commence interior renovation work at the Shure Drive building , which has been vacant since Nokia Siemens left in December 2017 .
It 's one building in what was the sprawling 66-acre Motorola campus east of Route 53 and south of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will represent one of the last pieces in a full reoccupancy of the campus , along with United Airlines , HSBC and Northrop Grumman .
Amazon is planning $ 4.4 million in building upgrades , including interior demolition , building out office space , installation of dock equipment , expansion of the parking lot , and installation of new heating and cooling and alarm systems .
The business would have 181 delivery drivers , 130 part-time package handlers and 30 management employees , according to a project description .
As many as 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit the site on a daily basis .
Cousin said the facility should be open by September .
`` We 're excited to get started with construction , '' Cousin said .

Amazon plans warehouse, package pickup site in Arlington Heights
A sketch shows one of Amazon's new building signs that will be installed at its new distribution center on the north side of Arlington Heights. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
In April, Arlington Heights officials announced plans for an undisclosed national firm to bring its short-term warehousing, sorting and distribution operation to a vacant building on the village's far north side.
It turns out that national firm is the online retail giant Amazon, which, if its building sign variations approved by village trustees Monday are any indication, will be secret no more.
The Seattle-based e-commerce firm already got the support of board members in early April for a Cook County Class 6b property tax break, which will allow the vacant 215,000-square-foot building at 1455 W. Shure Drive to be assessed at lower levels over the course of a dozen years. But at the time of the approval, nothing about Amazon was revealed publicly, since property owner Griffin Capital handled the necessary paperwork.
On Monday night, it was Amazon's turn to formally go before the board -- during a meeting held by video conference -- to ask for variations to village sign code allowing three signs on the building and five directional ground signs scattered throughout the campus.
While the warehouse will serve as a general package delivery distribution center, much of the signage will be directing customers to an Amazon Hub customer service and package pickup/drop-off area.
Asher Cousin, an Amazon construction manager, told village trustees the area will allow customers to make returns using an online code they enter on a machine. Likewise, they will be able to enter a code and the machine will open with a package that has been ordered. The service will be available 24 hours a day, he said.
Word of Amazon's new location in Arlington Heights comes a month after the online retailer revealed plans to move into a 162,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution building under construction down the road in Palatine. Also along the Route 53 corridor, the new Amazon site at 315 S. Hicks Road could be ready by this fall.
Amazon pulled a building permit in Arlington Heights last week to commence interior renovation work at the Shure Drive building, which has been vacant since Nokia Siemens left in December 2017.
It's one building in what was the sprawling 66-acre Motorola campus east of Route 53 and south of Dundee Road. But Amazon's opening will represent one of the last pieces in a full reoccupancy of the campus, along with United Airlines, HSBC and Northrop Grumman.
Amazon is planning $4.4 million in building upgrades, including interior demolition, building out office space, installation of dock equipment, expansion of the parking lot, and installation of new heating and cooling and alarm systems.
The business would have 181 delivery drivers, 130 part-time package handlers and 30 management employees, according to a project description.
As many as 200 cars and 260 trucks could enter and exit the site on a daily basis.
Cousin said the facility should be open by September.
"We're excited to get started with construction," Cousin said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-16--COVID-19 cases continue to decrease; UIC to test vaccine

The number of cases of COVID-19 rose by 473 Monday , continuing a downward trend , while deaths increased by 19 , the Illinois Department of Public Health announced .
That 's the lowest daily case count since March 30 , when 461 daily cases were reported , and below the 14-day average of 842 .
The state 's total infections stand at 133,016 , and fatalities from the respiratory disease are at 6,326 .
Testing results showed a positivity rate of 3 % , based on the seven-day average .
The news came as the University of Illinois at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for COVID-19 starting July 9 .
UIC scientists will enroll 1,000 individuals in the clinical trial at first but hope to expand to 30,000 .
Researchers will screen participants to ensure that 40 % or more are 65 years or older , lead investigator and physician Richard Novak said .
`` We want to see if the vaccine will prevent people from getting COVID-19 or if it will prevent people from experiencing severe illness if they do get the disease , '' Novak said in a statement .
The vaccine was developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Massachusetts .
Meanwhile , the state 's recovery rate increased from 92 % last week to 93 % .
Elmhurst Hospital physician Phillip Cozzi , a pulmonary medicine specialist , said `` it 's not a cause for celebration but a suggestion that , perhaps , we are starting to turn in the right direction . ''
The trend of improvement is caused by multiple factors , Cozzi said .
`` You could potentially be testing a greater number of patients who are less ill and have less likelihood of dying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medical systems have made significant improvements in the supportive care as well as disease-specific management of COVID-19 . ''
An example includes being proactive by offering medication to prevent blood clots traveling from the legs to the lungs to patients at heightened risk , Cozzi explained .
COVID-19 has been linked with causing blood clots .
More than 85 % of people dying from COVID-19 are age 60 and older , and the largest group -- 45 % -- to succumb to the virus are seniors age 80 and older .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But numbers typically rebound during the week .
For example , the Monday , June 1 , total of 23 deaths was followed by 112 deaths reported the following day .
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continued on a declining trend with 1,961 patients being treated in a hospital as of Sunday , compared to 3,238 June 1 .
The IDPH also updated probable cases of the disease totaling 861 since the pandemic began and listed probable deaths at 181 people .
Probable cases typically lack a confirmed laboratory test but may meet `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control .

COVID-19 cases continue to decrease; UIC to test vaccine
Wayne Taylor hands over his COVID-19 testing kit to an Illinois National Guard soldier at a Waukegan testing facility. Associated Press
The number of cases of COVID-19 rose by 473 Monday, continuing a downward trend, while deaths increased by 19, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced.
That's the lowest daily case count since March 30, when 461 daily cases were reported, and below the 14-day average of 842.
The state's total infections stand at 133,016, and fatalities from the respiratory disease are at 6,326.
Testing results showed a positivity rate of 3%, based on the seven-day average.
The news came as the University of Illinois at Chicago announced it will be testing a vaccine for COVID-19 starting July 9.
UIC scientists will enroll 1,000 individuals in the clinical trial at first but hope to expand to 30,000.
Researchers will screen participants to ensure that 40% or more are 65 years or older, lead investigator and physician Richard Novak said.
"We want to see if the vaccine will prevent people from getting COVID-19 or if it will prevent people from experiencing severe illness if they do get the disease," Novak said in a statement.
The vaccine was developed by biotech company Moderna Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, the state's recovery rate increased from 92% last week to 93%.
Elmhurst Hospital physician Phillip Cozzi, a pulmonary medicine specialist, said "it's not a cause for celebration but a suggestion that, perhaps, we are starting to turn in the right direction."
The trend of improvement is caused by multiple factors, Cozzi said.
"You could potentially be testing a greater number of patients who are less ill and have less likelihood of dying.
"But also, I believe hospitals and medical systems have made significant improvements in the supportive care as well as disease-specific management of COVID-19."
An example includes being proactive by offering medication to prevent blood clots traveling from the legs to the lungs to patients at heightened risk, Cozzi explained. COVID-19 has been linked with causing blood clots.
More than 85% of people dying from COVID-19 are age 60 and older, and the largest group -- 45% -- to succumb to the virus are seniors age 80 and older.
The 19 deaths equal the number reported Sunday. But numbers typically rebound during the week. For example, the Monday, June 1, total of 23 deaths was followed by 112 deaths reported the following day.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continued on a declining trend with 1,961 patients being treated in a hospital as of Sunday, compared to 3,238 June 1.
The IDPH also updated probable cases of the disease totaling 861 since the pandemic began and listed probable deaths at 181 people.
Probable cases typically lack a confirmed laboratory test but may meet "clinical criteria and epidemiologic evidence," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Nikko's, a longtime hangout for Hersey High School students, has closed for good

A mom-and-pop greasy spoon known for its Chicago-style specialties and as a regular hangout for students from nearby John Hersey High School has served its last gyro .
Nikko 's , in business for more than three decades at 1421 Rand Road on the Prospect Heights-Arlington Heights border , closed this month not only due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic , but also the owner 's desire to retire .
`` My restaurant was good .
People , they love it , and I had many customers , '' said Young Song , who ran Nikko 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm sorry I had to close down permanently , but I hope the new owner can do much better than me . ''
Song recently closed on the sale of the 3,825-square-foot restaurant to a group connected to proprietors of Ttowa Korean Bistro in downtown Arlington Heights .
They plan to open an upscale Korean barbecue restaurant in the old Nikko 's by September , according to Brad Bullington , a broker with GC Realty & Development , who represented both buyer and seller in the transaction .
Plans are for major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar and conversion of the outdoor drive-in ordering area to a dining patio , Bullington said .
Song was the third owner of Nikko 's , purchasing the restaurant from someone who owned it for a short time , after the original owner ran it for nearly 20 years .
Song said business was `` OK '' before the state-ordered closure of restaurants in March , and then things came to a halt .
But with retirement already on his mind , Song says he does n't have plans to serve burgers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm 62 years old , '' he said .
`` I think it 's time to get out of the business . ''

Nikko's, a longtime hangout for Hersey High School students, has closed for good
A mom-and-pop greasy spoon known for its Chicago-style specialties and as a regular hangout for students from nearby John Hersey High School has served its last gyro.
Nikko's, in business for more than three decades at 1421 Rand Road on the Prospect Heights-Arlington Heights border, closed this month not only due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but also the owner's desire to retire.
"My restaurant was good. People, they love it, and I had many customers," said Young Song, who ran Nikko's for the last 15 years. "I'm sorry I had to close down permanently, but I hope the new owner can do much better than me."
Song recently closed on the sale of the 3,825-square-foot restaurant to a group connected to proprietors of Ttowa Korean Bistro in downtown Arlington Heights. They plan to open an upscale Korean barbecue restaurant in the old Nikko's by September, according to Brad Bullington, a broker with GC Realty & Development, who represented both buyer and seller in the transaction.
Plans are for major renovations, including the addition of a bar and conversion of the outdoor drive-in ordering area to a dining patio, Bullington said.
Song was the third owner of Nikko's, purchasing the restaurant from someone who owned it for a short time, after the original owner ran it for nearly 20 years.
Song said business was "OK" before the state-ordered closure of restaurants in March, and then things came to a halt. But with retirement already on his mind, Song says he doesn't have plans to serve burgers and hot dogs anywhere else.
"I'm 62 years old," he said. "I think it's time to get out of the business."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-06-15--Homeless Elgin man who blogged about his life is presumed dead

Doug Henke , an Elgin homeless man who wrote a blog that fascinated people with his eloquent musings and tales of living in the woods , is presumed to have died .
Henke , whose 58th birthday would have been June 12 , had a Facebook blog called , `` Arthur : Notes from the edge , '' where his last entry was May 23 .
A body was found by Elgin police around noon June 11 on the floor by the bed in Henke 's dwelling in the woods along the 700 block of Big Timber Road after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henke 's welfare , police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton said .
Police reached Henke 's family and asked them to contact Kane County Coroner Rob Russell and a police investigation remains open , Hilton said .
Russell said his office is working on identifying the body .
A preliminary autopsy is pending the results of the toxicology report , and there were `` no overt , outward signs of homicide , '' Russell said .
Henke maintained he chose his life , calling himself `` houseless , not homeless . ''
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of existence , a lot of challenges .
But they are not different from any other challenges , '' he told the Daily Herald in 2018 .
`` The biggest difference is that the challenges out there are challenges that I choose .
Not challenges that are forced on me . ''
Henke said he was estranged from his family .
Kane County court records show his mother 's estate was disbursed April 23 among him and his three half-siblings , who could n't be reached for comment .
Henke said he grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a teenager and served in the U.S. Navy for a little over a year in his 20s .
He worked in accounting but either quit or lost jobs over time .
He earned a bachelor 's degree in business administration in 2012 from Columbia College Missouri , which has a remote campus at Elgin Community College .
He was candid about suffering from alcoholism and bipolar disorder , and sometimes having difficulties in taking direction and getting along with others .
He was also HIV-positive .
Henke moved in April 2017 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encampment on city property in the woods along the Fox River .
Two years later , he moved to another location , also in the woods in Elgin , saying he sought more solitude after tension with some residents of Tent City .
After being told he was trespassing on Fox River Water Reclamation District land , he moved to his last abode in January .
Henke painstakingly built his dwellings with a frame of wood beams and layers of heavy blankets , tarp and plastic .
Inside he had a bed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm with candles and a propane-fueled heater , enough for him even during deep winter freezes .
He enjoyed listening to the birds and being immersed in nature while sipping his morning coffee .
He ate at soup kitchens and visited food pantries in Elgin .
He was a regular at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin and liked to keep informed about news and community happenings , attending meetings of the city council and initiatives for the homeless .
`` He was an intellectual , '' said Tammy Wheatley , who met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a leader for an emergency winter shelter in Elgin .
`` Good conversationalist .
Opinionated .
Good sense of humor . ''
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the habitual gatherings and routines of the homeless community and likely contributed to Henke 's absence not being noticed sooner , Wheatley said .
Also , he periodically ran into conflict with others due to his bipolar disorder and would end up isolating for a time , mostly by choice , she said .
Henke went by Arthur in his blog and called his second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British King Arthur .
His last dwelling along Big Timber Road , where the body was found , was called Aerthindell , a play on Arthur and Rivendell , the fictional valley in the `` Lord of the Rings '' book series .
He had a black cat Mayhem , who had full freedom to roam and followed him there , much to his great joy .
`` Freedom , it 's very subjective , '' he told the Daily Herald in January .
`` I feel I have freedom out here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anybody .
I still have obligations .
I have to go and do stuff -- I have to make doctor 's appointments , I have to pick up prescriptions .
There 's still responsibilities , but they are the ones I choose .
Not the ones that are chosen for me . ''

Homeless Elgin man who blogged about his life is presumed dead
Doug Henke, an Elgin homeless man who wrote a blog that fascinated people with his eloquent musings and tales of living in the woods, is presumed to have died.
Henke, whose 58th birthday would have been June 12, had a Facebook blog called, "Arthur: Notes from the edge," where his last entry was May 23.
A body was found by Elgin police around noon June 11 on the floor by the bed in Henke's dwelling in the woods along the 700 block of Big Timber Road after the Daily Herald contacted the police department about Henke's welfare, police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton said.
Police reached Henke's family and asked them to contact Kane County Coroner Rob Russell and a police investigation remains open, Hilton said. Russell said his office is working on identifying the body. A preliminary autopsy is pending the results of the toxicology report, and there were "no overt, outward signs of homicide," Russell said.
Henke maintained he chose his life, calling himself "houseless, not homeless."
"It's true there's challenges in this kind of existence, a lot of challenges. But they are not different from any other challenges," he told the Daily Herald in 2018. "The biggest difference is that the challenges out there are challenges that I choose. Not challenges that are forced on me."
Henke said he was estranged from his family. Kane County court records show his mother's estate was disbursed April 23 among him and his three half-siblings, who couldn't be reached for comment.
Henke said he grew up in South Elgin, left home as a teenager and served in the U.S. Navy for a little over a year in his 20s. He worked in accounting but either quit or lost jobs over time. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2012 from Columbia College Missouri, which has a remote campus at Elgin Community College.
He was candid about suffering from alcoholism and bipolar disorder, and sometimes having difficulties in taking direction and getting along with others. He was also HIV-positive.
Henke moved in April 2017 to Tent City, Elgin's outdoor homeless encampment on city property in the woods along the Fox River. Two years later, he moved to another location, also in the woods in Elgin, saying he sought more solitude after tension with some residents of Tent City. After being told he was trespassing on Fox River Water Reclamation District land, he moved to his last abode in January.
Henke painstakingly built his dwellings with a frame of wood beams and layers of heavy blankets, tarp and plastic. Inside he had a bed, clothes and various possessions, and kept warm with candles and a propane-fueled heater, enough for him even during deep winter freezes. He enjoyed listening to the birds and being immersed in nature while sipping his morning coffee.
He ate at soup kitchens and visited food pantries in Elgin. He was a regular at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin and liked to keep informed about news and community happenings, attending meetings of the city council and initiatives for the homeless.
"He was an intellectual," said Tammy Wheatley, who met Henke about four years ago when she was a leader for an emergency winter shelter in Elgin. "Good conversationalist. Opinionated. Good sense of humor."
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the habitual gatherings and routines of the homeless community and likely contributed to Henke's absence not being noticed sooner, Wheatley said. Also, he periodically ran into conflict with others due to his bipolar disorder and would end up isolating for a time, mostly by choice, she said.
Henke went by Arthur in his blog and called his second home Camelot after the legendary castle of British King Arthur.
His last dwelling along Big Timber Road, where the body was found, was called Aerthindell, a play on Arthur and Rivendell, the fictional valley in the "Lord of the Rings" book series. He had a black cat Mayhem, who had full freedom to roam and followed him there, much to his great joy.
"Freedom, it's very subjective," he told the Daily Herald in January. "I feel I have freedom out here in a way that I don't report to anybody. I still have obligations. I have to go and do stuff -- I have to make doctor's appointments, I have to pick up prescriptions. There's still responsibilities, but they are the ones I choose. Not the ones that are chosen for me."
• Daily Herald staff writer Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.