dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--State Senate committees take on prison reform

SPRINGFIELD -- The state Senate Criminal law Committee and Special Committee on Public Safety held a joint hearing Tuesday , calling on experts to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing public safety and making prisons more equitable and humane .
`` Over 4 million Illinoisans have criminal records that prevent them from accessing jobs , housing , public benefits and other economic opportunities , '' Victor Dickson , president of the Safer Foundation , said in virtual testimony .
`` The most severe discrimination experienced by Black and brown people in our state with lifelong negative consequences comes from involvement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safer Foundation provides prerelease and post-release services for individuals in the prison system to successfully reenter society .
Dickson said Blacks and other minorities are more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts , and individuals who have been incarcerated are more likely to experience negative socioeconomic effects .
Those individuals are more likely to be homeless both before and after incarceration , have substance abuse disorders and higher chances of overdose , have mental health issues stemming from trauma and suffer from chronic health diseases .
They are also more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and violence .
`` So as you consider social justice reforms and social equity , please keep in mind that the inequities that exist in our state are harshest for people with records , '' he said .
During his testimony , Dickson said reducing recidivism , which refers to formerly incarcerated individuals committing new crimes that land them back in jail , is the best way to promote successful reentry into society .
According to Dickson , reconvicting an individual costs the state more than $ 118,000 per reconviction on average .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of which was creating a permanent early-release program for nonviolent felons based on one that has been enacted during the coronavirus pandemic in some regions to prevent outbreaks in the prison system .
He also called for funding for the creation of more community-based facilities that provide transition services for inmates so that those leaving the justice system have the resources to secure housing and employment .
Former inmates with access to those programs are more likely to contribute to society and produce economic benefits , he said .
Finally , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services for individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues .
Dickson said that is the most cost-effective way to address socioeconomic disparities without having to pay for incarcerating individuals .
Pamela Rodriguez , president of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities , discussed diversion and reentry programs the state could implement and improve upon .
Her organization currently works with law enforcement throughout the justice system to help find alternatives and diversions from incarceration and provide substance abuse services to individuals in or at risk of being involved with the justice system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are new to the state of Illinois .
...
The challenge for us in Illinois is implementation and bringing these things to scale , '' Rodriguez said .
Rodriguez provided five recommendations to the committee .
The first is expanding `` authorized deflection strategies '' throughout the state that provide intervention and substance abuse treatments for at-risk individuals even before there is an arrest , and holding counties and municipalities accountable for implementing such programs .
Another was reducing housing restrictions for formerly incarcerated individuals on registries .
According to Rodriguez , housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful reentry , as individuals on registries are zoned out of adequate housing and areas where they can find employment .
Housing restrictions have not been shown to significantly enhance public safety and disproportionately impact Black men from obtaining housing for life once they are on a registry , according to Rodriguez .
Other suggestions include increasing Medicaid enrollment assistance for individuals in the justice system to promote better health care outcomes , thus shifting the financial burden of care from the state to the federal government , making the state 's COVID-19-era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up reentry services to be statewide rather than regionally available .
Representatives of the John Howard Association and the Shriver Center on Poverty Law testified that the state 's parole system and mandatory supervised release program need to be overhauled and reformed to promote better outcomes and fewer negative interactions with the justice system .
Illinois Department of Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys said IDOC was in the process of improving its parole system to be based on the individual rather than the details of their conviction .
The hearing was the fifth Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda to end systemic racism in Illinois .
That agenda , which has four pillars related to criminal justice , economics , health care and education , is meant to drive legislation for the veto session that is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3 .
Criminal justice reform has been a major topic for the Black Caucus .
Black Illinoisans make up 55 percent of the state 's prison population despite only being 14 percent of the total population .
`` If there were any other circumstance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would call that a crisis , '' state Senator Elgie Sims Jr. , a Chicago Democrat and co-chair of the joint committee , said during the hearing .
In a press release after the hearing , Sims addressed other issues raised by witnesses .
`` Prison reform is crucial to ensure Illinoisans of all backgrounds are treated fairly .
We must stop monitoring individuals who have served their time and are not a threat to society .
I also do not subscribe to putting someone in prison as a means to address @ @ @ @

State Senate committees take on prison reform
SPRINGFIELD -- The state Senate Criminal law Committee and Special Committee on Public Safety held a joint hearing Tuesday, calling on experts to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing public safety and making prisons more equitable and humane.
"Over 4 million Illinoisans have criminal records that prevent them from accessing jobs, housing, public benefits and other economic opportunities," Victor Dickson, president of the Safer Foundation, said in virtual testimony. "The most severe discrimination experienced by Black and brown people in our state with lifelong negative consequences comes from involvement in our criminal justice system."
The Safer Foundation provides prerelease and post-release services for individuals in the prison system to successfully reenter society.
Dickson said Blacks and other minorities are more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts, and individuals who have been incarcerated are more likely to experience negative socioeconomic effects.
Those individuals are more likely to be homeless both before and after incarceration, have substance abuse disorders and higher chances of overdose, have mental health issues stemming from trauma and suffer from chronic health diseases. They are also more likely to suffer poverty, unemployment, crime and violence.
"So as you consider social justice reforms and social equity, please keep in mind that the inequities that exist in our state are harshest for people with records," he said.
During his testimony, Dickson said reducing recidivism, which refers to formerly incarcerated individuals committing new crimes that land them back in jail, is the best way to promote successful reentry into society. According to Dickson, reconvicting an individual costs the state more than $118,000 per reconviction on average.
Dickson gave three policy recommendations, the first of which was creating a permanent early-release program for nonviolent felons based on one that has been enacted during the coronavirus pandemic in some regions to prevent outbreaks in the prison system.
He also called for funding for the creation of more community-based facilities that provide transition services for inmates so that those leaving the justice system have the resources to secure housing and employment. Former inmates with access to those programs are more likely to contribute to society and produce economic benefits, he said.
Finally, he called for increased funding for post-release intervention services for individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues. Dickson said that is the most cost-effective way to address socioeconomic disparities without having to pay for incarcerating individuals.
Pamela Rodriguez, president of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, discussed diversion and reentry programs the state could implement and improve upon.
Her organization currently works with law enforcement throughout the justice system to help find alternatives and diversions from incarceration and provide substance abuse services to individuals in or at risk of being involved with the justice system.
"Neither diversion programs or reentry programs are new to the state of Illinois. ... The challenge for us in Illinois is implementation and bringing these things to scale," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez provided five recommendations to the committee. The first is expanding "authorized deflection strategies" throughout the state that provide intervention and substance abuse treatments for at-risk individuals even before there is an arrest, and holding counties and municipalities accountable for implementing such programs.
Another was reducing housing restrictions for formerly incarcerated individuals on registries. According to Rodriguez, housing restrictions have made it virtually impossible for successful reentry, as individuals on registries are zoned out of adequate housing and areas where they can find employment. Housing restrictions have not been shown to significantly enhance public safety and disproportionately impact Black men from obtaining housing for life once they are on a registry, according to Rodriguez.
Other suggestions include increasing Medicaid enrollment assistance for individuals in the justice system to promote better health care outcomes, thus shifting the financial burden of care from the state to the federal government, making the state's COVID-19-era telephone medical consultations permanent, and scaling up reentry services to be statewide rather than regionally available.
Representatives of the John Howard Association and the Shriver Center on Poverty Law testified that the state's parole system and mandatory supervised release program need to be overhauled and reformed to promote better outcomes and fewer negative interactions with the justice system.
Illinois Department of Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys said IDOC was in the process of improving its parole system to be based on the individual rather than the details of their conviction.
The hearing was the fifth Senate joint hearing on criminal justice prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda to end systemic racism in Illinois. That agenda, which has four pillars related to criminal justice, economics, health care and education, is meant to drive legislation for the veto session that is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.
Criminal justice reform has been a major topic for the Black Caucus. Black Illinoisans make up 55 percent of the state's prison population despite only being 14 percent of the total population.
"If there were any other circumstance where those types of numbers existed, we would call that a crisis," state Senator Elgie Sims Jr., a Chicago Democrat and co-chair of the joint committee, said during the hearing.
In a press release after the hearing, Sims addressed other issues raised by witnesses.
"Prison reform is crucial to ensure Illinoisans of all backgrounds are treated fairly. We must stop monitoring individuals who have served their time and are not a threat to society. I also do not subscribe to putting someone in prison as a means to address substance abuse."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Fremd psychology teacher shares passion for learning with students

Preparing young people for their futures and sharing part of that road with them is a dream come true for Fremd High School psychology teacher Jason Dvorak .
That passion for guiding students , he says , is what makes someone a teacher in their heart rather than simply through their certification and employment .
`` I think we all get into this because we 're passionate , '' Dvorak said .
`` The great thing about teaching is so much of your personality comes out . ''
Dvorak , 32 , always knew he wanted a job that involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for basketball while attending Westmont High School made him think that might be where his future lay .
But a serious football injury during his senior year made coaching the most realistic way to stay in the basketball world .
And so he did .
Despite discovering a passion for psychology after taking his first class for it in college , he first pursued his love for basketball , spending a year as assistant men 's basketball coach at North Dakota State College of Science .
While that year did n't disappoint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't compatible with the future he was planning with his fiancee .
`` I tried to find any way I could to find a teaching job , '' he said of his solution .
And for the past nine years , he 's been sharing his love for psychology with students .
`` This is one of our most popular electives , '' said Dvorak , who teaches both regular and Advanced Placement psychology courses .
`` I think the content is something kids can connect with .
...
I hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Psychology often is used as an introduction to AP classes for students that have n't previously taken one .
The main difference from the other psychology classes is the pace and the depth , Dvorak said , with the content dictated by the College Board .
Conducting classes entirely remotely this year has required new innovations in connecting with students and getting the content across .
`` This is the most time I 've spent just getting ready for the next day , '' he said .
But he sees problem-solving and flexibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are building up during the pandemic , despite the obvious downsides that come from the lack of regular classroom interaction .
And Dvorak has taken advantage of whatever opportunities it 's offered .
After students remotely watched a video on how easily the brain can be distracted from noticing changes in its environment by focusing on other details , he tested them on how long it took to notice he 'd put on a different shirt .
Two students who took Dvorak 's AP class last year attested to the value of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Dvorak distinct as a teacher is his avidness as a person , and as an educator as well , '' senior Miles Toriani said .
`` Mr. Dvorak is one of the kindest people I have ever met , and has a way of teaching that does n't make school feel like a burden .
Mr. Dvorak genuinely has a deep passion and appreciation for each and every one of his students , which shows , and can be felt by anyone that has had or currently has him as a teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to be more than ready for the AP test and teaching us about psychology , Mr. Dvorak fostered a learning environment that united our class as a team , '' she said .
`` Our class was lively while engaging with the curriculum , eager to learn and free of judgment .
Mr. Dvorak created a class that I could walk into with a smile everyday , knowing my participation , along with my peers ' , was valued . ''
Fremd High School Principal Kurt Tenopir said Dvorak 's value to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classroom .
`` Students love his class , both because of his expertise with the content area and because of his ability to create strong relationships with his students , '' Tenopir said .
`` Jason has always tried to take an active role in the school .
Besides teaching , he coaches boys basketball , and he has served as the sponsor for United Clubs of Fremd , the school 's 'pep club . '
'' Dvorak also has been active leading professional development efforts for the rest of the staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching others how to engage students through remote learning .
`` Jason is as involved as he is because he cares deeply about his students , his colleagues , and his school , '' Tenopir said .
`` It seems like he has a tireless approach to working at FHS , as he will do just about anything that will help others . ''

Fremd psychology teacher shares passion for learning with students
Preparing young people for their futures and sharing part of that road with them is a dream come true for Fremd High School psychology teacher Jason Dvorak.
That passion for guiding students, he says, is what makes someone a teacher in their heart rather than simply through their certification and employment.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Jason Dvorak discovered a new passion for psychology after taking his first class in college. He now teaches the subject at Fremd High School in Palatine, as well as coaching the boys basketball team.
"I think we all get into this because we're passionate," Dvorak said. "The great thing about teaching is so much of your personality comes out."
Dvorak, 32, always knew he wanted a job that involved a lot of interaction. His love for basketball while attending Westmont High School made him think that might be where his future lay. But a serious football injury during his senior year made coaching the most realistic way to stay in the basketball world.
And so he did.
Despite discovering a passion for psychology after taking his first class for it in college, he first pursued his love for basketball, spending a year as assistant men's basketball coach at North Dakota State College of Science.
While that year didn't disappoint, Dvorak knew the job's all-consuming lifestyle wasn't compatible with the future he was planning with his fiancee.
"I tried to find any way I could to find a teaching job," he said of his solution.
And for the past nine years, he's been sharing his love for psychology with students.
"This is one of our most popular electives," said Dvorak, who teaches both regular and Advanced Placement psychology courses. "I think the content is something kids can connect with. ... I hope that it teaches them empathy."
AP Psychology often is used as an introduction to AP classes for students that haven't previously taken one. The main difference from the other psychology classes is the pace and the depth, Dvorak said, with the content dictated by the College Board.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Jason Dvorak, an AP Psychology teacher at Fremd High School in Palatine, has innovated ways for himself and his colleagues to engage students in remote learning.
Conducting classes entirely remotely this year has required new innovations in connecting with students and getting the content across.
"This is the most time I've spent just getting ready for the next day," he said.
But he sees problem-solving and flexibility as the skills both students and teachers are building up during the pandemic, despite the obvious downsides that come from the lack of regular classroom interaction.
And Dvorak has taken advantage of whatever opportunities it's offered. After students remotely watched a video on how easily the brain can be distracted from noticing changes in its environment by focusing on other details, he tested them on how long it took to notice he'd put on a different shirt.
Two students who took Dvorak's AP class last year attested to the value of his approach to teaching.
"What makes Mr. Dvorak distinct as a teacher is his avidness as a person, and as an educator as well," senior Miles Toriani said. "Mr. Dvorak is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and has a way of teaching that doesn't make school feel like a burden. Mr. Dvorak genuinely has a deep passion and appreciation for each and every one of his students, which shows, and can be felt by anyone that has had or currently has him as a teacher."
Fellow senior Gianna Nuccio agreed.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Conducting classes entirely remotely this year has required new innovations in connecting with students and getting the content across, according to Jason Dvorak, an AP Psychology teacher at Fremd High School in Palatine.
"In addition to preparing us to be more than ready for the AP test and teaching us about psychology, Mr. Dvorak fostered a learning environment that united our class as a team," she said.
"Our class was lively while engaging with the curriculum, eager to learn and free of judgment. Mr. Dvorak created a class that I could walk into with a smile everyday, knowing my participation, along with my peers', was valued."
Fremd High School Principal Kurt Tenopir said Dvorak's value to the school and its students goes beyond the classroom.
"Students love his class, both because of his expertise with the content area and because of his ability to create strong relationships with his students," Tenopir said.
"Jason has always tried to take an active role in the school. Besides teaching, he coaches boys basketball, and he has served as the sponsor for United Clubs of Fremd, the school's 'pep club.'"
Dvorak also has been active leading professional development efforts for the rest of the staff, including becoming a key player in teaching others how to engage students through remote learning.
"Jason is as involved as he is because he cares deeply about his students, his colleagues, and his school," Tenopir said. "It seems like he has a tireless approach to working at FHS, as he will do just about anything that will help others."
• • •
Jason Dvorak, curriculum vitae
Experience:
• William Fremd High School, 2012-present: Teacher of AP Psychology, Psychology 1 & 2, U.S. History; freshman boys basketball coach, announcer.
• Zion-Benton High School, 2011-12.
• North Dakota State College of Science, 2010-11: NJCAA Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, sports information director.
Education:
• Governors State University, 2014-16: master of arts, Psychology.
• Northern Illinois University, 2006-10: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; history minor; teacher certification.
Family:
Wife, Meghan Dvorak, married 2011; children Lucas, 4, Jake, 3, & Allie, 1


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Roselle imposes new restrictions on short-term rentals

Roselle will impose new restrictions on short-term rentals in the village , including limiting the number of days someone can rent a property .
After nearly four months of discussion , the village board on Monday night unanimously approved an ordinance outlining the restrictions .
The changes take effect immediately .
`` I just want to make it clear that prior to us doing any of this , basically it was unregulated , '' Trustee Lee Trejo said .
Roselle 's definition of a short-term rental is an owner-occupied single-family residential home , including townhouses , condominiums and row houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners renting out their spaces will need to have title to the property , either be registered to vote at the address they are renting or be where the property owners pay all property taxes , and register with the village zoning administrator for a 12-month period to rent out their homes .
The rental period is no less than three days and can not exceed 30 days .
Consecutive short-term rental leases to the same renters within a six-month period are prohibited , and renting groups are limited to a maximum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to park on a short-term rental property , except where on-street parking is lawfully available .
Owners and renters violating the ordinance can face fines ranging from $ 70 to $ 1,000 , with additional penalties toward homeowners where more than two police officers are called to resolve a situation .
The issue of short-term rentals began on June 27 , one day after a shooting in the village at Picton Road that killed one and left six others injured .
The investigation is ongoing .
Trustee Wayne Domke acknowledges the village lacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it 's not a home rule community .
Village officials are planning to put a home rule question on the April ballot .
`` We ca n't stop someone from going on Airbnb and renting their house out , but by putting this ordinance in place , at least we have some sort of control , '' Trustee Bruce Berkshire said .
`` We can put more structure around it . ''

Roselle imposes new restrictions on short-term rentals
Roselle will impose new restrictions on short-term rentals in the village, including limiting the number of days someone can rent a property.
After nearly four months of discussion, the village board on Monday night unanimously approved an ordinance outlining the restrictions. The changes take effect immediately.
"I just want to make it clear that prior to us doing any of this, basically it was unregulated," Trustee Lee Trejo said.
Roselle's definition of a short-term rental is an owner-occupied single-family residential home, including townhouses, condominiums and row houses.
As part of the ordinance, owners renting out their spaces will need to have title to the property, either be registered to vote at the address they are renting or be where the property owners pay all property taxes, and register with the village zoning administrator for a 12-month period to rent out their homes.
The rental period is no less than three days and cannot exceed 30 days. Consecutive short-term rental leases to the same renters within a six-month period are prohibited, and renting groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Guests are only permitted to park on a short-term rental property, except where on-street parking is lawfully available.
Owners and renters violating the ordinance can face fines ranging from $70 to $1,000, with additional penalties toward homeowners where more than two police officers are called to resolve a situation.
The issue of short-term rentals began on June 27, one day after a shooting in the village at Picton Road that killed one and left six others injured. The investigation is ongoing.
Trustee Wayne Domke acknowledges the village lacks the authority to completely ban short-term rentals because it's not a home rule community. Village officials are planning to put a home rule question on the April ballot.
"We can't stop someone from going on Airbnb and renting their house out, but by putting this ordinance in place, at least we have some sort of control," Trustee Bruce Berkshire said. "We can put more structure around it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Alfresco dining in Rolling Meadows can continue in the cold

Rolling Meadows aldermen Tuesday extended the city 's allowance of outdoor dining indefinitely -- through the winter , and until there 's a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment -- amid the pending expiration of a temporary program on Nov. 1 .
During a meeting held virtually , the city council unanimously approved an ordinance to extend outdoor dining until the region that includes Rolling Meadows advances to Stage 5 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
The 7-0 vote was taken without debate after aldermen agreed to a request from City Manager Barry Krumstok to advance the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his staff would have more time to communicate new rules to businesses .
When the council approved an expansion of outdoor dining on June 3 , the ordinance came with a Nov. 1 expiration date .
`` We believe the extra time to notify the businesses in the city is beneficial , '' Krumstok said .
City officials say extending outdoor dining will help restaurateurs compensate for reduced indoor capacity and diminished income since the pandemic took hold in March .
But among the new conditions eateries must adhere to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withstanding average snow and wind loads through December as calculated by the National Weather Service .
Any structure that can not must be removed after the first 2-foot snowfall and ca n't be reinstalled until May , according to the city ordinance .
Any tents that are more than 400 square feet or include tent side walls must submit and receive an approved permit from city inspectors .
Free-standing , residential-style backyard tents are n't allowed .
Because tents with more than half of side walls down are considered indoor dining by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that such enclosed tents would n't be permitted if the region were to move back to Stage 3 from the current Stage 4 .
The city 's fire marshal will also be conducting inspections to ensure accessory heaters and equipment comply with international fire codes .

Alfresco dining in Rolling Meadows can continue in the cold
Rolling Meadows aldermen Tuesday extended the city's allowance of outdoor dining indefinitely -- through the winter, and until there's a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment -- amid the pending expiration of a temporary program on Nov. 1.
During a meeting held virtually, the city council unanimously approved an ordinance to extend outdoor dining until the region that includes Rolling Meadows advances to Stage 5 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan. The 7-0 vote was taken without debate after aldermen agreed to a request from City Manager Barry Krumstok to advance the measure to final second reading approval so he and his staff would have more time to communicate new rules to businesses.
When the council approved an expansion of outdoor dining on June 3, the ordinance came with a Nov. 1 expiration date.
"We believe the extra time to notify the businesses in the city is beneficial," Krumstok said.
City officials say extending outdoor dining will help restaurateurs compensate for reduced indoor capacity and diminished income since the pandemic took hold in March.
But among the new conditions eateries must adhere to, temporary outdoor shelters must be capable of withstanding average snow and wind loads through December as calculated by the National Weather Service.
Any structure that cannot must be removed after the first 2-foot snowfall and can't be reinstalled until May, according to the city ordinance.
Any tents that are more than 400 square feet or include tent side walls must submit and receive an approved permit from city inspectors. Free-standing, residential-style backyard tents aren't allowed.
Because tents with more than half of side walls down are considered indoor dining by the state, city officials presented a caveat that such enclosed tents wouldn't be permitted if the region were to move back to Stage 3 from the current Stage 4.
The city's fire marshal will also be conducting inspections to ensure accessory heaters and equipment comply with international fire codes.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-13--Not all on board with Dist. 303's hybrid model for high schoolers

Even as St. Charles High School students prepare to return to school next week as part of a limited hybrid learning model , many community members at Tuesday 's St. Charles Unit District 300 board meeting expressed frustration with the lack of progress in expanding in-person learning .
About 15 people took part in a `` Learning is better in person '' rally before the board meeting at Thompson Middle School .
Several spoke to the board to plea for more in-person learning .
While high school students have been fully remote since the school year began because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students have been learning in person .
Middle-school students have been learning in a hybrid model .
`` While I 'm not blaming anyone for this pandemic , I am , however , blaming you for your response to this pandemic , '' Emily Leonard , a 2020 graduate of St. Charles East , said to the board members .
`` I 'm crying out to you so that you do not treat the Class of 2021 the way that you 've treated the Class of 2020 . ''
After St. Charles East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person orientation this Thursday and Friday , they 'll begin the hybrid learning model next week .
Half the students will attend in-person two days a week and attend four of their eight periods each day .
The other half of the students will attend two other days for four periods a day , and the fifth day of a given week will be remote for all students .
The plan emerged from September 's Learning and Teaching Committee meeting , although it 's a limited version of the hybrid plan offered before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original plan , half the students would be in-person every other day and attend all their classes on those days .
District 303 parent Shannon Sullivan , who organized Tuesday 's rally and has two students at St. Charles North , is among the many disappointed in the upcoming hybrid model .
`` I would like to still push forward to get back to that full hybrid they were offering at the beginning of the school year , '' she said .
`` It 's like we 're getting a watered-down version .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday about future updates , District 303 Superintendent Jason Pearson pointed to November with an eye on planning for second semester .
Pearson said a recent survey indicated the number of District 303 families wanting in-person learning dropped from 87 percent to 77 percent compared to a previous survey .
He said the survey will be updated in early November .
`` There is an expectation that there might be a change in what 's happening with the virus over the next few weeks , in particular when flu season begins , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curious to see , number one , do we have any outbreaks at school ?
And , number two , are families having more reservations about sending students to school based on what 's happening . ''

Not all on board with Dist. 303's hybrid model for high schoolers
Even as St. Charles High School students prepare to return to school next week as part of a limited hybrid learning model, many community members at Tuesday's St. Charles Unit District 303 board meeting expressed frustration with the lack of progress in expanding in-person learning.
About 15 people took part in a "Learning is better in person" rally before the board meeting at Thompson Middle School. Several spoke to the board to plea for more in-person learning.
While high school students have been fully remote since the school year began because of the COVID-19 pandemic, District 303 elementary school students have been learning in person. Middle-school students have been learning in a hybrid model.
"While I'm not blaming anyone for this pandemic, I am, however, blaming you for your response to this pandemic," Emily Leonard, a 2020 graduate of St. Charles East, said to the board members. "I'm crying out to you so that you do not treat the Class of 2021 the way that you've treated the Class of 2020."
After St. Charles East and St. Charles North students participate in in-person orientation this Thursday and Friday, they'll begin the hybrid learning model next week.
Half the students will attend in-person two days a week and attend four of their eight periods each day. The other half of the students will attend two other days for four periods a day, and the fifth day of a given week will be remote for all students.
The plan emerged from September's Learning and Teaching Committee meeting, although it's a limited version of the hybrid plan offered before the school year began. In the original plan, half the students would be in-person every other day and attend all their classes on those days.
District 303 parent Shannon Sullivan, who organized Tuesday's rally and has two students at St. Charles North, is among the many disappointed in the upcoming hybrid model.
"I would like to still push forward to get back to that full hybrid they were offering at the beginning of the school year," she said. "It's like we're getting a watered-down version."
When asked by board members on Tuesday about future updates, District 303 Superintendent Jason Pearson pointed to November with an eye on planning for second semester.
Pearson said a recent survey indicated the number of District 303 families wanting in-person learning dropped from 87 percent to 77 percent compared to a previous survey. He said the survey will be updated in early November.
"There is an expectation that there might be a change in what's happening with the virus over the next few weeks, in particular when flu season begins," Pearson said. "We'll be curious to see, number one, do we have any outbreaks at school? And, number two, are families having more reservations about sending students to school based on what's happening."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Feder: With Cubs in hibernation, Marquee turns to 'Bear Essentials'

What does a baseball network show when there 's no baseball ?
In the case of Marquee Sports Network , @ @ @ @ @ Starting tonight , the new Chicago Cubs cable network will air `` Bear Essentials , @ @ @ @ @ highlights show hosted by Marquee studio host and sports reporter Cole Wright .
It will @ @ @ @ @ a two-hour `` director 's cut '' of the Bears ' most recent game .
@ @ @ @ @ will air at 7 p.m. , with a rerun of the October 8 Bears vs. @ @ @ @ @ 7:30 p.m. Former Bears Dan Hampton and Tom Thayer will rotate as guests on the @ @ @ @ @ general manager Mike McCarthy said .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media @ @ @ @ @

Feder: With Cubs in hibernation, Marquee turns to 'Bear Essentials'
What does a baseball network show when there's no baseball? In the case of Marquee Sports Network, the answer is football.
Starting tonight, the new Chicago Cubs cable network will air "Bear Essentials," a weekly Chicago Bears highlights show hosted by Marquee studio host and sports reporter Cole Wright.
It will be followed each week by a two-hour "director's cut" of the Bears' most recent game. Tonight "Bear Essentials" will air at 7 p.m., with a rerun of the October 8 Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup at 7:30 p.m.
Former Bears Dan Hampton and Tom Thayer will rotate as guests on the show among others, Marquee general manager Mike McCarthy said.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Prosecutors: 'Cheer' star from Naperville assaulted teen in a bathroom

Federal prosecutors say `` Cheer '' star Jerry Harris has `` exploited and violated '' at least 10 boys , @ @ @ @ @ of a serial child predator '' and should stay behind bars .
They also allege @ @ @ @ @ from Naperville , sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy in an unlocked public bathroom at a @ @ @ @ @ individuals coming and going '' -- suggesting either that he `` wanted to be caught @ @ @ @ @ control his impulses . ''
The claims appear in a nine-page memo filed Tuesday ahead @ @ @ @ @ Harris , who was arrested by the FBI nearly a month ago and charged with @ @ @ @ @ The memo also alleges Harris destroyed his cellphone upon learning of the investigation -- and @ @ @ @ @ minor boys '' with a new one .
Harris , 21 , is being held @ @ @ @ @ Center .
He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday

Prosecutors: 'Cheer' star from Naperville assaulted teen in a bathroom
"Cheer" star Jerry Harris, who has been charged with production of child pornography, talks with Greta Gerwig on the red carpet at the Oscars on Feb. 9 in Los Angeles. Harris is scheduled to appear in federal court Wednesday. Associated Press
Federal prosecutors say "Cheer" star Jerry Harris has "exploited and violated" at least 10 boys, "exhibits all the signs of a serial child predator" and should stay behind bars.
They also allege that Harris, who is from Naperville, sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy in an unlocked public bathroom at a cheer event "with other individuals coming and going" -- suggesting either that he "wanted to be caught or he simply cannot control his impulses."
The claims appear in a nine-page memo filed Tuesday ahead of a detention hearing for Harris, who was arrested by the FBI nearly a month ago and charged with production of child pornography. The memo also alleges Harris destroyed his cellphone upon learning of the investigation -- and then continued to "victimize minor boys" with a new one.
Harris, 21, is being held at the downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--2,862 new COVID-19 cases worry officials as they share holiday gathering guidelines

New cases of COVID-19 totaled 2,862 Wednesday and 49 new deaths were reported -- the highest since June -- as state officials warned of increasing infections and issued guidelines for Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays .
`` Unfortunately , all 11 ( public health ) regions have seen an increase in positivity compared to where we were at last week 's update ( Oct. 7 ) , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at a briefing in Chicago .
`` Statewide , our test positivity rate has grown by more than one full percentage point in the last week alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average on Wednesday is 4.6 % .
The seven-day average number of new cases stands at 2,852 , a 39 % increase from 2,052 from Oct. 1 to 7 .
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 was 1,974 as of Tuesday night , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported , also the highest since June 12 when hospitalizations hit 2,117 .
In most regions , that metric is creeping up , Pritzker said .
`` To date , Illinois has had relative success keeping the virus at bay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of our neighbors , but we ca n't let up -- and these numbers are indicating a concerning direction , '' he said .
Public health experts advised Illinoisans to take precautions this fall and rethink traditions such as Halloween , Dia de los Muertos , Diwali , Thanksgiving , Hanukkah , Kwanzaa , Christmas and New Year 's .
Pritzker said the coming weeks are a `` flurry of some of the biggest family gatherings in a multitude of cultures , '' and he quoted CDC Director Robert Redfield 's warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most prevalent ways that the virus is being transmitted . ''
It 's not an abstract issue , IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said .
`` We have too many personal celebrations that have ended up in tragedy where people have gotten sick '' because of not taking the virus seriously .
`` I know of a party , there were 20 guests -- 10 people ended up positive , one person is already hospitalized now , '' Ezike said .
`` There 's been funerals that ended up in additional funerals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downsizing gatherings , requiring guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking , seating people at small tables , opening windows and socializing outside .
Travel brings increased risks , but if you 're flying or driving , mask up and wash hands , officials said .
Those on road trips should eliminate unnecessary stops en route .
`` If you think it 's OK to let your guard down because some people seem fine after they got COVID-19 , I 'll remind you that many young people in their 20s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus : pulmonary issues , monthslong breathing and coughing issues , exhaustion , '' Pritzker said .
Cases statewide since the pandemic began stand at 327,605 , with deaths reaching 9,074 , the IDPH reported .
The highest number of deaths before Wednesday was 64 on June 24 .
`` While deaths have increased over the last four weeks , which is not good at all , we have seen the number of deaths in nursing homes decrease , '' Ezike said .
`` The rest of the population continues to be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Ezike was asked if any updated guidelines for winter youth sports , such as basketball , are forthcoming .
`` We will have that information released very shortly , '' she said .
Illinois labs reported 52,669 tests in the last 24 hours .
Twenty counties in southern Illinois ( Region 5 ) have an average test positivity rate of 7.7 % and could face restrictions , such as no indoor dining at restaurants and bars , if that reaches 8 % .
On Thursday , the IDPH will begin reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which use proteins to diagnose COVID-19 , in addition to widely used molecular tests that scan genetic material .
Until recently , results have reflected only molecular tests , but more rapid antigen tests are now being deployed from the federal government , Ezike said .
In addition , the IDPH website on Thursday will begin separating University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 's saliva test results from the rest of east-central Illinois ' Region 6 that includes Champaign County because the low number of positives on campus skews the area 's health @ @

2,862 new COVID-19 cases worry officials as they share holiday gathering guidelines
New cases of COVID-19 totaled 2,862 Wednesday and 49 new deaths were reported -- the highest since June -- as state officials warned of increasing infections and issued guidelines for Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays.
"Unfortunately, all 11 (public health) regions have seen an increase in positivity compared to where we were at last week's update (Oct. 7)," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a briefing in Chicago.
"Statewide, our test positivity rate has grown by more than one full percentage point in the last week alone," he said. The seven-day average on Wednesday is 4.6%.
The seven-day average number of new cases stands at 2,852, a 39% increase from 2,052 from Oct. 1 to 7.
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 was 1,974 as of Tuesday night, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported, also the highest since June 12 when hospitalizations hit 2,117. In most regions, that metric is creeping up, Pritzker said.
"To date, Illinois has had relative success keeping the virus at bay, and we're still doing better than many of our neighbors, but we can't let up -- and these numbers are indicating a concerning direction," he said.
Public health experts advised Illinoisans to take precautions this fall and rethink traditions such as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year's.
Pritzker said the coming weeks are a "flurry of some of the biggest family gatherings in a multitude of cultures," and he quoted CDC Director Robert Redfield's warning that "small family gatherings are one of the most prevalent ways that the virus is being transmitted."
It's not an abstract issue, IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said. "We have too many personal celebrations that have ended up in tragedy where people have gotten sick" because of not taking the virus seriously.
"I know of a party, there were 20 guests -- 10 people ended up positive, one person is already hospitalized now," Ezike said. "There's been funerals that ended up in additional funerals."
State recommendations for holidays include downsizing gatherings, requiring guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking, seating people at small tables, opening windows and socializing outside.
Travel brings increased risks, but if you're flying or driving, mask up and wash hands, officials said. Those on road trips should eliminate unnecessary stops en route.
"If you think it's OK to let your guard down because some people seem fine after they got COVID-19, I'll remind you that many young people in their 20s and 30s are experiencing long-haul symptoms of this virus: pulmonary issues, monthslong breathing and coughing issues, exhaustion," Pritzker said.
Cases statewide since the pandemic began stand at 327,605, with deaths reaching 9,074, the IDPH reported. The highest number of deaths before Wednesday was 64 on June 24.
"While deaths have increased over the last four weeks, which is not good at all, we have seen the number of deaths in nursing homes decrease," Ezike said. "The rest of the population continues to be at risk and we need to keep masking."
Ezike was asked if any updated guidelines for winter youth sports, such as basketball, are forthcoming. "We will have that information released very shortly," she said.
Illinois labs reported 52,669 tests in the last 24 hours.
Twenty counties in southern Illinois (Region 5) have an average test positivity rate of 7.7% and could face restrictions, such as no indoor dining at restaurants and bars, if that reaches 8%.
On Thursday, the IDPH will begin reporting results on its website for antigen tests, which use proteins to diagnose COVID-19, in addition to widely used molecular tests that scan genetic material. Until recently, results have reflected only molecular tests, but more rapid antigen tests are now being deployed from the federal government, Ezike said.
In addition, the IDPH website on Thursday will begin separating University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's saliva test results from the rest of east-central Illinois' Region 6 that includes Champaign County because the low number of positives on campus skews the area's health metrics.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Buffalo Grove cancer patient's story becomes part of Supreme Court confirmation hearing

For the second consecutive day , a suburban family has become part of the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett .
And once again , Sen. Dick Durbin was the man shining the spotlight , using the story of Buffalo Grove resident Jared Ray to illustrate the importance of the Affordable Care Act -- a law many people believe the Supreme Court soon could strike down .
Durbin , a Springfield Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , spoke of how Ray , 20 , was able to get treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversial health care program .
Ray was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches earlier this year , Durbin said during the session .
Ray underwent surgery and then a six-week radiation treatment .
He 's now undergoing chemotherapy at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children 's Hospital of Chicago .
The total cost of Ray 's medical treatments has exceeded $ 700,000 so far before insurance payments , Durbin said during Wednesday 's session .
The Affordable Care Act 's elimination of lifetime coverage limits helps patients like Ray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain covered by his mother 's employer-based insurance until he 's 26 , among other benefits , Durbin said .
The problem now , Durbin continued , is that Republicans `` are doing everything they can to take away this protection . ''
`` They could n't repeal the Affordable Care Act in Congress , '' Durbin told Barrett , who sat quietly as she listened .
`` Now they 've taken it to the Supreme Court . ''
Durbin went on to say that Trump has wanted a nominee for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law .
`` It is a cloud over your nomination , '' Durbin told Barrett .
Barrett tried to assure Durbin that she has no `` hostility '' toward the law .
Ray watched the televised hearing with his parents , Mike and Mary Ray .
`` I think we 're all still processing what happened this morning , '' Mary Ray said afterward .
`` This is a very important issue -- not only for Jared , but millions of Americans . ''
The Rays ' story made it to Durbin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We appreciate the opportunity to bring attention and create awareness on this topic , '' Mary Ray said .
During Tuesday 's hearing , Durbin highlighted the medical struggles experienced by Les and Cathy Williams of Naperville and their four sons , who depend on the health insurance and specialized care offered to people with preexisting conditions under the 2010 health care law .

Buffalo Grove cancer patient's story becomes part of Supreme Court confirmation hearing
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., speaks during a confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Michael Reynolds/Pool via AP)
Buffalo Grove resident Jared Ray, far right, and his family. Courtesy of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin
For the second consecutive day, a suburban family has become part of the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
And once again, Sen. Dick Durbin was the man shining the spotlight, using the story of Buffalo Grove resident Jared Ray to illustrate the importance of the Affordable Care Act -- a law many people believe the Supreme Court soon could strike down.
Durbin, a Springfield Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke of how Ray, 20, was able to get treatment for brain cancer through the provisions of the controversial health care program.
Ray was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches earlier this year, Durbin said during the session. Ray underwent surgery and then a six-week radiation treatment. He's now undergoing chemotherapy at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
The total cost of Ray's medical treatments has exceeded $700,000 so far before insurance payments, Durbin said during Wednesday's session. The Affordable Care Act's elimination of lifetime coverage limits helps patients like Ray, he said. It also allows Ray to remain covered by his mother's employer-based insurance until he's 26, among other benefits, Durbin said.
The problem now, Durbin continued, is that Republicans "are doing everything they can to take away this protection."
"They couldn't repeal the Affordable Care Act in Congress," Durbin told Barrett, who sat quietly as she listened. "Now they've taken it to the Supreme Court."
Durbin went on to say that Trump has wanted a nominee for the Supreme Court who would help strike down the law.
"It is a cloud over your nomination," Durbin told Barrett. Barrett tried to assure Durbin that she has no "hostility" toward the law.
Ray watched the televised hearing with his parents, Mike and Mary Ray.
"I think we're all still processing what happened this morning," Mary Ray said afterward. "This is a very important issue -- not only for Jared, but millions of Americans."
The Rays' story made it to Durbin through the Lurie Hospital staff.
"We appreciate the opportunity to bring attention and create awareness on this topic," Mary Ray said.
During Tuesday's hearing, Durbin highlighted the medical struggles experienced by Les and Cathy Williams of Naperville and their four sons, who depend on the health insurance and specialized care offered to people with preexisting conditions under the 2010 health care law.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Wheaton police foil burglary attempt at Chick-fil-A

Police were called about 4 a.m. to an activated alarm at the restaurant near Butterfield and East Loop roads .
@ @ @ @ @ ended up interrupting a burglary in progress , Deputy Police Chief P.J .
Youker said @ @ @ @ @ into custody without incident .
Police expect to release the names of the individuals along @ @ @ @ @ their investigation is complete .
No individuals or officers were hurt , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ city put out a notification alerting residents to an increased police presence near the Chick-fil-A @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday morning while police conducted the investigation .

Wheaton police foil burglary attempt at Chick-fil-A
Wheaton police officers thwarted a burglary attempt early Wednesday morning at a Chick-fil-A in a Danada shopping center.
Police were called about 4 a.m. to an activated alarm at the restaurant near Butterfield and East Loop roads.
During their investigation, officers ended up interrupting a burglary in progress, Deputy Police Chief P.J. Youker said.
Officers took two suspects into custody without incident. Police expect to release the names of the individuals along with possible criminal charges once their investigation is complete.
No individuals or officers were hurt, police said.
At 5:39 a.m., the city put out a notification alerting residents to an increased police presence near the Chick-fil-A. The restaurant was closed Wednesday morning while police conducted the investigation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--The state's tips for a safe Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings this fall

Here are some ideas to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 during any upcoming holiday gatherings , courtesy of @ @ @ @ @ Health .
• Do n't stuff your house .
Try to limit the size of @ @ @ @ @ when possible .
• Try to seat people at individual tables instead of one large @ @ @ @ @ not eating or drinking .
Open windows .
• When serving food , avoid buffet-style @ @ @ @ @ one person in charge of filling the plates .
• Plan ahead with guests to @ @ @ @ @ a get-together in order to reduce exposure to germs .
• When traveling , wear @ @ @ @ @ lines at airports .
When driving , try to limit unnecessary stops on the way @ @ @ @ @ .

The state's tips for a safe Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings this fall
State officials are warning against a single large table at Thanksgiving as well as buffet-style setups, in light of the risk of COVID-19. Courtesy of Texas de Brazil/Benjamin Gibson, 2015
Here are some ideas to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 during any upcoming holiday gatherings, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Don't stuff your house. Try to limit the size of gatherings and hold activities outside when possible.
• Try to seat people at individual tables instead of one large one. Wear masks when not eating or drinking. Open windows.
• When serving food, avoid buffet-style meals. Try to have one person in charge of filling the plates.
• Plan ahead with guests to limit activities two weeks before a get-together in order to reduce exposure to germs.
• Shop after-hours and order items online.
• When traveling, wear masks and prepare for long lines at airports. When driving, try to limit unnecessary stops on the way and bring snacks or water.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Graduated tax opponents say small business will suffer

An online panel discussion hosted by the Lincoln Forum about the proposed constitutional change to the state 's income tax law focused largely on the effects to business owners and workers .
Opponents of the graduated income tax proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot believe small business owners would be hardest hit if the initiative is approved by voters .
The effects might push owners to relocate across state lines , they warned Wednesday .
`` Illinois will see a very high corporate rate and crushing rate on smaller businesses like farmers , '' said Greg Baise , treasurer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosperity .
`` The reality is the burden is going to be on job creators . ''
But supporters of the income tax rate change plan contend Illinois ' current flat income tax rate puts a greater burden on the working class now than wealthier residents will feel if voters favor the proposal .
`` Our tax system is tilted in favor of the very wealthy and against the middle class and working poor , '' said Daniel Biss , a Democratic former state senator from Evanston .
`` What we have in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 years of error to take a situation where we are an outlier and bring ourselves in line with the overwhelming majority of other states . ''
The graduated income tax plan would allow for increasing tax rates on various levels of income as opposed to the blanket 4.95 % income tax rate imposed on earnings in the state now .
Of the states with an income tax , 32 have some form of graduated rates , as does the federal government .
Currently , the Illinois constitution prohibits any type of income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rates were approved by the state legislature last year .
The initiative was part of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's campaign platform .
He estimates 97 % of taxpayers will see a reduction in the amount of income taxes owed or they will pay the same amount .
Meanwhile , the top 3 % will pay an additional $ 3.5 billion in income taxes .
Opponents of the graduated income tax plan say the constitutional change is a Trojan Horse that will allow legislators greater flexibility in imposing tax hikes on smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can pick and choose the income brackets to raise taxes in and this way it does n't make everyone angry at once , '' said state Sen. Sue Rezin , a Republican from Morris .
`` We want to make sure we do n't give more power to Springfield and continue to protect taxpayers . ''
If the measure passes , those whose individual or joint income exceeds $ 250,000 would have some of their income taxed at a rate higher than the current 4.95 % flat income tax rate .
Individuals who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couples filing jointly with incomes over $ 1 million a year , would pay a flat 7.99 % .
The corporate rate would also be 7.99 % , but that would only apply to a small number of businesses .
Most small business owners claim the profits of their business operations in their individual income taxes .
Any small business owner whose personal annual income exceeds $ 250,000 would likely pay more under the graduated income tax plan than what they pay now .
Both sides agree the structural rate change wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woes , but supporters argue the state ca n't afford to wait until there 's a complete solution to act .
`` We ca n't continue to sit on our hands because something is n't perfect , '' said Quentin Fulks , chairman of the Vote Yes For Fairness campaign .
`` The notion that this wo n't help because it does n't solve everything at once just does n't make sense . ''

Graduated tax opponents say small business will suffer
A panel discussion about the merits of the proposed graduated income tax ballot initiative featured clockwise from upper left, Coalition for Jobs, Growth & Prosperity Treasurer Greg Baise, Republican state Sen. Sue Rezin, Democratic former state Sen. Daniel Biss, Vote Yes For Fairness Chairman Quentin Fulks and moderator Ed Wehmer. Courtesy of Lincoln Forum
An online panel discussion hosted by the Lincoln Forum about the proposed constitutional change to the state's income tax law focused largely on the effects to business owners and workers.
Opponents of the graduated income tax proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot believe small business owners would be hardest hit if the initiative is approved by voters. The effects might push owners to relocate across state lines, they warned Wednesday.
"Illinois will see a very high corporate rate and crushing rate on smaller businesses like farmers," said Greg Baise, treasurer of the Coalition for Jobs, Growth & Prosperity. "The reality is the burden is going to be on job creators."
But supporters of the income tax rate change plan contend Illinois' current flat income tax rate puts a greater burden on the working class now than wealthier residents will feel if voters favor the proposal.
"Our tax system is tilted in favor of the very wealthy and against the middle class and working poor," said Daniel Biss, a Democratic former state senator from Evanston. "What we have in front of us is an opportunity after 50 years of error to take a situation where we are an outlier and bring ourselves in line with the overwhelming majority of other states."
The graduated income tax plan would allow for increasing tax rates on various levels of income as opposed to the blanket 4.95% income tax rate imposed on earnings in the state now. Of the states with an income tax, 32 have some form of graduated rates, as does the federal government. Currently, the Illinois constitution prohibits any type of income tax rate other than a flat rate.
Rates were approved by the state legislature last year. The initiative was part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's campaign platform. He estimates 97% of taxpayers will see a reduction in the amount of income taxes owed or they will pay the same amount. Meanwhile, the top 3% will pay an additional $3.5 billion in income taxes.
Opponents of the graduated income tax plan say the constitutional change is a Trojan Horse that will allow legislators greater flexibility in imposing tax hikes on smaller segments of the population.
"They can pick and choose the income brackets to raise taxes in and this way it doesn't make everyone angry at once," said state Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican from Morris. "We want to make sure we don't give more power to Springfield and continue to protect taxpayers."
If the measure passes, those whose individual or joint income exceeds $250,000 would have some of their income taxed at a rate higher than the current 4.95% flat income tax rate. Individuals who make more than $750,000, or couples filing jointly with incomes over $1 million a year, would pay a flat 7.99%.
The corporate rate would also be 7.99%, but that would only apply to a small number of businesses. Most small business owners claim the profits of their business operations in their individual income taxes. Any small business owner whose personal annual income exceeds $250,000 would likely pay more under the graduated income tax plan than what they pay now.
Both sides agree the structural rate change won't fix all of the state's financial woes, but supporters argue the state can't afford to wait until there's a complete solution to act.
"We can't continue to sit on our hands because something isn't perfect," said Quentin Fulks, chairman of the Vote Yes For Fairness campaign. "The notion that this won't help because it doesn't solve everything at once just doesn't make sense."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Naperville police searching for missing teen

Naperville police are asking for help locating a 15-year-old girl who has been missing since Sunday .
Mallory Glass of @ @ @ @ @ midnight in the city 's downtown area wearing a black T-shirt , black pants and @ @ @ @ @ a news release .
Police were contacted about 8:15 p.m. Sunday by two Naperville families @ @ @ @ @ daughters had run away , officials said .
One of the girls was found Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ .
Mallory was still missing as of Wednesday morning and is believed to be with @ @ @ @ @ said .
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to immediately call Naperville police @ @ @ @ @ and ask for the Investigations Division .

Naperville police searching for missing teen
Naperville police are asking for help locating a 15-year-old girl who has been missing since Sunday.
Mallory Glass of Naperville was last seen around midnight in the city's downtown area wearing a black T-shirt, black pants and tennis shoes, according to a news release.
Police were contacted about 8:15 p.m. Sunday by two Naperville families who reported that their juvenile daughters had run away, officials said. One of the girls was found Tuesday and returned to her family.
Mallory was still missing as of Wednesday morning and is believed to be with an unknown man, police said.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to immediately call Naperville police at (630) 420-6666 and ask for the Investigations Division.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Barrett tells doubtful Democrats she'd keep open mind on court

WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett presented herself Wednesday in her final round of Senate confirmation questioning as a judge with a conservative approach and deeply held personal and religious beliefs but committed to keeping an open mind in rulings on the court .
Senate Republicans are championing President Donald Trump 's pick , an originalist who adheres to a strict reading of the Constitution .
Doubtful Democrats are digging deeper into the judge 's approach to health care , abortion , racial equity and voting rights , but they are running out of time to stop her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonin Scalia was considered a mentor of Barrett 's , but she is her own judge , she said .
`` When I said that Justice Scalia 's philosophy is mine , too , I certainly did n't mean to say that every sentence that came out of Justice Scalia 's mouth or every sentence that he wrote is one that I would agree with , '' Barrett told the Senate Judiciary Committee , The judge was responding to Sen. Dianne Feinstein , the top Democrat on the panel , who asked whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil rights era Voting Rights Act was a `` perpetuation of racial entitlement . ''
Barrett said Scalia 's approach -- `` originalism and textualism '' -- is hers as well .
But without discussing the specifics of that case , she called the Voting Rights Act a `` triumph in the civil rights movement . ''
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , opened the final day of her testimony praising President Donald Trump 's nominee as an `` unashamedly pro-life '' conservative who is making history as a role model for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has ground other legislative business to a halt as Republicans excited by the prospect of locking in a 6-3 conservative court majority race to confirm her over Democratic objections before Election Day .
`` She 's going to the court , '' Graham said .
`` This is the first time in American history that we 've nominated a woman who 's unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology . ''
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois agreed Barrett is making history -- but as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election , tapped to fulfill the president 's public quest to install a ninth justice in time to undo the Affordable Care Act in a case heading to the court Nov. 10 .
Durbin called Trump 's intent to dismantle the health care law a cloud -- `` an orange cloud '' -- over her nomination , a political slam at the president 's tan .
`` They need that ninth justice , that 's why it has to be hurried , '' Durbin said .
Barrett 's nomination has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by COVID-19 protocols .
The health care debate has been central to the week 's hearings , as Americans struggle during the pandemic , drawing a sharp exchange among senators at one point Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas , scoffed that few Democratic senators attended the hearing .
Durbin retorted that health risks left many senators monitoring from their offices rather than convening as a group .
Two GOP senators who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Barrett 's nomination at the White House now say they are symptom free and attending in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views , Durbin asked if her strict adherence to originalism means a president could not `` unilaterally deny the right to vote '' based on race , noting restrictions on mail-in ballots being erected in several states before Nov. 3 .
She agreed there are `` many laws '' that protect the right to vote , including the 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution , but stopped short of a blanket statement : `` I really ca n't say anything more . ''
Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , asked what she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can pardon himself .
Barrett said a president 's ability to pardon himself has never been tested in court and the question calls out for `` legal analysis . ''
She said , `` It 's not one that I can offer a view . ''
During Tuesday 's long and lively session , she declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving the heated race between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Along with trying to undo the health care law , Trump has publicly stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputes arising from the election , and particularly the surge of mail-in ballots expected during the pandemic , as voters prefer to vote by mail .
Barrett testified she has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases , but skipped past Democrats ' pressing questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation , both set in federal law , and the peaceful transfer of presidential power .
She declined to commit to recusing herself from any postelection cases without first consulting the other justices .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recusal without short-circuiting that entire process , '' she said during the nearly 12-hour session .
On health care , she has repeatedly said her past criticisms of Chief Justice John Roberts ' ruling allowing health care law to stand was an academic pursuit , and does not delve into the specific legal issues involved in the case coming before the court .
`` I 'm not hostile to the ACA , '' Barrett told the senators .
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views in often colloquial language , aligned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mentor for whom she also clerked after law school .
`` I would of course keep an open mind , '' she told Leahy as he pressed on voting access for Black Americans .
On Tuesday , Barrett declined to characterize the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as a `` super-precedent '' that must not be overturned .
Democrats had no such reticence .
`` Let 's not make any mistake about it , '' said California Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , appearing remotely due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill the seat with Barrett `` poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country , '' Harris said .
Underscoring the Republicans ' confidence , Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday , the last day of hearings , which would allow final approval by the full Senate by the end of the month .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Matthew Daly and Jessica Gresko in Washington , and Elana Schor in New York contributed to this report .

Barrett tells doubtful Democrats she'd keep open mind on court
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett speaks Wednesday during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett presented herself Wednesday in her final round of Senate confirmation questioning as a judge with a conservative approach and deeply held personal and religious beliefs but committed to keeping an open mind in rulings on the court.
Senate Republicans are championing President Donald Trump's pick, an originalist who adheres to a strict reading of the Constitution. Doubtful Democrats are digging deeper into the judge's approach to health care, abortion, racial equity and voting rights, but they are running out of time to stop her quick confirmation.
The conservative late Justice Antonin Scalia was considered a mentor of Barrett's, but she is her own judge, she said.
"When I said that Justice Scalia's philosophy is mine, too, I certainly didn't mean to say that every sentence that came out of Justice Scalia's mouth or every sentence that he wrote is one that I would agree with," Barrett told the Senate Judiciary Committee,
The judge was responding to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the panel, who asked whether she agreed with Scalia's view that the civil rights era Voting Rights Act was a "perpetuation of racial entitlement." Barrett said Scalia's approach -- "originalism and textualism" -- is hers as well. But without discussing the specifics of that case, she called the Voting Rights Act a "triumph in the civil rights movement."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., opened the final day of her testimony praising President Donald Trump's nominee as an "unashamedly pro-life" conservative who is making history as a role model for other women.
Her nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has ground other legislative business to a halt as Republicans excited by the prospect of locking in a 6-3 conservative court majority race to confirm her over Democratic objections before Election Day.
"She's going to the court," Graham said. "This is the first time in American history that we've nominated a woman who's unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology."
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois agreed Barrett is making history -- but as the first nominee considered so close to a presidential election, tapped to fulfill the president's public quest to install a ninth justice in time to undo the Affordable Care Act in a case heading to the court Nov. 10.
Durbin called Trump's intent to dismantle the health care law a cloud -- "an orange cloud" -- over her nomination, a political slam at the president's tan.
"They need that ninth justice, that's why it has to be hurried," Durbin said.
Barrett's nomination has been the focus at a Capitol mostly shut down by COVID-19 protocols. The health care debate has been central to the week's hearings, as Americans struggle during the pandemic, drawing a sharp exchange among senators at one point
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, scoffed that few Democratic senators attended the hearing. Durbin retorted that health risks left many senators monitoring from their offices rather than convening as a group. Two GOP senators who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending Barrett's nomination at the White House now say they are symptom free and attending in person.
As Democrats probed Barrett's views, Durbin asked if her strict adherence to originalism means a president could not "unilaterally deny the right to vote" based on race, noting restrictions on mail-in ballots being erected in several states before Nov. 3.
She agreed there are "many laws" that protect the right to vote, including the 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution, but stopped short of a blanket statement: "I really can't say anything more."
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., asked what she thinks of Trump's view that he can pardon himself.
Barrett said a president's ability to pardon himself has never been tested in court and the question calls out for "legal analysis." She said, "It's not one that I can offer a view."
During Tuesday's long and lively session, she declined to say whether she would recuse herself from any election-related cases involving the heated race between Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Along with trying to undo the health care law, Trump has publicly stated he wants a justice seated for any disputes arising from the election, and particularly the surge of mail-in ballots expected during the pandemic, as voters prefer to vote by mail.
Barrett testified she has not spoken to Trump or his team about election cases, but skipped past Democrats' pressing questions about ensuring the date of the election or preventing voter intimidation, both set in federal law, and the peaceful transfer of presidential power. She declined to commit to recusing herself from any postelection cases without first consulting the other justices.
"I can't offer an opinion on recusal without short-circuiting that entire process," she said during the nearly 12-hour session.
On health care, she has repeatedly said her past criticisms of Chief Justice John Roberts' ruling allowing health care law to stand was an academic pursuit, and does not delve into the specific legal issues involved in the case coming before the court.
"I'm not hostile to the ACA," Barrett told the senators.
The 48-year-old appellate court judge declared her conservative views in often colloquial language, aligned with the late Justice Antonin Scalia, a mentor for whom she also clerked after law school.
"I would of course keep an open mind," she told Leahy as he pressed on voting access for Black Americans.
On Tuesday, Barrett declined to characterize the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as a "super-precedent" that must not be overturned.
Democrats had no such reticence.
"Let's not make any mistake about it," said California Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, appearing remotely due to COVID concerns. Allowing Trump to fill the seat with Barrett "poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country," Harris said.
Underscoring the Republicans' confidence, Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday, the last day of hearings, which would allow final approval by the full Senate by the end of the month.
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Matthew Daly and Jessica Gresko in Washington, and Elana Schor in New York contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Not all on board with Dist. 303's hybrid model for high schoolers

Even as St. Charles High School students prepare to return to school next week as part of a limited hybrid learning model , many community members at Tuesday 's St. Charles Unit District 303 board meeting expressed frustration with the lack of progress in expanding in-person learning .
About 15 people took part in a `` Learning is better in person '' rally before the board meeting at Thompson Middle School .
Several spoke to the board to plea for more in-person learning .
While high school students have been fully remote since the school year began because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students have been learning in person .
Middle-school students have been learning in a hybrid model .
`` While I 'm not blaming anyone for this pandemic , I am , however , blaming you for your response to this pandemic , '' Emily Leonard , a 2020 graduate of St. Charles East , said to the board members .
`` I 'm crying out to you so that you do not treat the Class of 2021 the way that you 've treated the Class of 2020 . ''
After St. Charles East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person orientation this Thursday and Friday , they 'll begin the hybrid learning model next week .
Half the students will attend in-person two days a week and attend four of their eight periods each day .
The other half of the students will attend two other days for four periods a day , and the fifth day of a given week will be remote for all students .
The plan emerged from September 's Learning and Teaching Committee meeting , although it 's a limited version of the hybrid plan offered before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original plan , half the students would be in-person every other day and attend all their classes on those days .
District 303 parent Shannon Sullivan , who organized Tuesday 's rally and has two students at St. Charles North , is among the many disappointed in the upcoming hybrid model .
`` I would like to still push forward to get back to that full hybrid they were offering at the beginning of the school year , '' she said .
`` It 's like we 're getting a watered-down version .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday about future updates , District 303 Superintendent Jason Pearson pointed to November with an eye on planning for second semester .
Pearson said a recent survey indicated the number of District 303 families wanting in-person learning dropped from 87 percent to 77 percent compared to a previous survey .
He said the survey will be updated in early November .
`` There is an expectation that there might be a change in what 's happening with the virus over the next few weeks , in particular when flu season begins , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curious to see , number one , do we have any outbreaks at school ?
And , number two , are families having more reservations about sending students to school based on what 's happening . ''


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Judge says she'll rule quickly on request to release 'Cheer' star from jail

The mother of two boys alleged to have been targeted for sexual advances by `` Cheer '' star Jerry Harris @ @ @ @ @ to keep Harris behind bars to `` send a message that the allegations made by @ @ @ @ @ taken very seriously . ''
But U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather McShain also heard during a @ @ @ @ @ who promised to monitor Harris should he be released from jail .
One told McShain @ @ @ @ @ star , who is from Naperville , does n't follow the rules , `` we @ @ @ @ @ side '' -- prompting Harris to nod approvingly from his seat nearby .
McShain then @ @ @ @ @ '' on whether Harris should be released from Chicago 's downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center , @ @ @ @ @ since his arrest by the FBI last month on a production of child pornography charge..

Judge says she'll rule quickly on request to release 'Cheer' star from jail
"Cheer" star Jerry Harris, shown talking to Greta Gerwig on the red carpet at the Oscars in February, is being held Chicago's downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center on a production of child pornography charge. Harris is from Naperville. Associated Press
The mother of two boys alleged to have been targeted for sexual advances by "Cheer" star Jerry Harris asked a federal judge Wednesday to keep Harris behind bars to "send a message that the allegations made by my sons … are being taken very seriously."
But U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather McShain also heard during a lengthy hearing from four women who promised to monitor Harris should he be released from jail. One told McShain that if the Netflix docuseries star, who is from Naperville, doesn't follow the rules, "we will not stand by his side" -- prompting Harris to nod approvingly from his seat nearby.
McShain then promised to rule "quickly" on whether Harris should be released from Chicago's downtown Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he has been held since his arrest by the FBI last month on a production of child pornography charge..
For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--Metra sues Union Pacific, wants conductors back walking trains

Metra and Union Pacific Railroad are on a collision course , with the commuter agency asking the courts to order the freight giant to have conductors resume collecting fares , walking through trains and selling tickets .
Metra filed a lawsuit in Cook County court Wednesday , claiming UP has breached its contract by acting capriciously and has damaged Metra 's bottom line and reputation amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We strongly disagree with how Union Pacific Railroad has been operating commuter service , '' Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement .
`` We have given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary level of service as on our other lines , but they have refused to address these issues in any meaningful way and have left us no recourse but to seek relief through the courts . ''
But Union Pacific `` is unwilling to put fare collection ahead of employee and commuter health and safety during a global pandemic , and we are prepared to vigorously defend ourselves in court , '' Senior Director of Corporate Communications Kristen South said .
`` We want Chicago commuters to feel safe and confident as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees must feel the same , '' South added , noting two UP ticket agents have died during the pandemic .
Union Pacific operates the North , Northwest and West lines on Metra , the second-busiest service next to the BNSF .
UP is seeking to extricate itself from operating Metra trains , but Metra contends federal law requires the freight hauler to stay in place .
The dispute has ended up in federal court .
Union Pacific leaders said its conductors are on hand when passengers board and exit trains , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They contend Metra police should handle safety issues .
Metra , UP and BNSF suspended collecting fares during Illinois ' stay-at-home order in mid-March .
But in June , BNSF and Metra conductors resumed collecting fares and walking cars while UP abstained .
Typically , Metra trains have two or three conductors at rush hour .

Metra sues Union Pacific, wants conductors back walking trains
Metra is suing Union Pacific to require its conductors to collect fares and walk railcars. Daily Herald File Photo
Metra and Union Pacific Railroad are on a collision course, with the commuter agency asking the courts to order the freight giant to have conductors resume collecting fares, walking through trains and selling tickets.
Metra filed a lawsuit in Cook County court Wednesday, claiming UP has breached its contract by acting capriciously and has damaged Metra's bottom line and reputation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We strongly disagree with how Union Pacific Railroad has been operating commuter service," Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement. "We have given UP management numerous opportunities to provide the necessary level of service as on our other lines, but they have refused to address these issues in any meaningful way and have left us no recourse but to seek relief through the courts."
But Union Pacific "is unwilling to put fare collection ahead of employee and commuter health and safety during a global pandemic, and we are prepared to vigorously defend ourselves in court," Senior Director of Corporate Communications Kristen South said.
"We want Chicago commuters to feel safe and confident as they return to riding trains, and our employees must feel the same," South added, noting two UP ticket agents have died during the pandemic.
Union Pacific operates the North, Northwest and West lines on Metra, the second-busiest service next to the BNSF.
UP is seeking to extricate itself from operating Metra trains, but Metra contends federal law requires the freight hauler to stay in place. The dispute has ended up in federal court.
Metra's contract with Union Pacific expires Dec. 31.
Union Pacific leaders said its conductors are on hand when passengers board and exit trains, to operate doors and help riders with disabilities. They contend Metra police should handle safety issues.
Union Pacific workers did recently begin checking fares at Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Metra, UP and BNSF suspended collecting fares during Illinois' stay-at-home order in mid-March. But in June, BNSF and Metra conductors resumed collecting fares and walking cars while UP abstained.
UP's actions cost Metra about $1 million a month.
Typically, Metra trains have two or three conductors at rush hour.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-14--United loses $1.8 billion, aims to shift focus to recovery

United Airlines financial hole grew deeper over the summer as a modest recovery in air travel slowed down , pushing the carrier to a loss of $ 1.84 billion in the typically strong third quarter .
The airline said Wednesday that revenue plummeted 78 % from a year earlier .
The loss was worse than analysts had expected .
The results from United , and those issued a day earlier by Delta Air Lines , reinforced the damage that the pandemic is doing to a major industry .
Seven months into the worst of the coronavirus impact in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a year ago .
The decline in lucrative business travel is even deeper .
United executives believe investors are less interested in current losses and more interested in what the airline plans to do to improve its competitive position when travel recovers .
CEO Scott Kirby said the airline has `` successfully executed our initial crisis strategy '' and is ready to move on .
`` Even though the negative impact of COVID-19 will persist in the near term , we are now focused on positioning the airline for a strong recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed employees back to work and emerge as the global leader in aviation , '' Kirby said in a statement .
United declined to make officials available to discuss the results before a call with analysts on Thursday .
Chicago-based United began furloughing 13,000 workers on Oct. 1 , and several thousand other employees took severance packages to leave voluntarily .
More than 2,500 non-union employees have left or been laid off , and those white-collar staff cuts are expected to be permanent , according to a report in Crain 's Chicago Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline said it had `` restructured and significantly reduced our management and administrative functions .
These reductions are expected to be largely permanent , even as demand recovers . ''
The airline has cut flights more aggressively than some of its closest competitors in a bid to align costs with dramatically lower ticket sales .
And United is borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government and private lenders to outlast the pandemic .
The airline ended September with $ 19.4 billion in liquidity .
United met a goal it set in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million a day , down from $ 40 million a day in the second quarter , and roughly in line with Delta , which reported a $ 5.4 billion quarterly loss on Tuesday .
At current revenue , United has enough cash to last nearly 21 months -- longer than American Airlines but not as long as Southwest or Delta -- according to calculations by Raymond James analysts .
United , Delta and American rely on business and international travelers for much of their revenue .
Those high-fare customers , however , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelers booking trips closer to home .
The airline industry is pushing governments to test travelers for COVID-19 instead of closing borders or imposing long quarantine requirements on international travelers .
Airlines also are trying to lure passengers by requiring face masks , stepping up their cleaning of plane cabins , and citing industry claims that transmission of the new coronavirus on flights is rare .
Some , like Delta and Southwest , leave middle seats open to put more space between passengers .
United and American do not .
United 's third-quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 billion .
Excluding what the company considers unusual items , the loss was $ 8.16 per share , worse than the $ 7.53 per share loss that analysts expected , according to a FactSet survey .
Revenue plunged to $ 2.49 billion , roughly in line with analysts ' forecast .
Cargo was a rare bright spot , with revenue up 50 % .

United loses $1.8 billion, aims to shift focus to recovery
A TSA staff wears mask as he walks past flight information screens show flight status information at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. United Airlines, which furloughed 13,000 employees this month, is expected to report a large third-quarter loss as the coronavirus pandemic continues to batter air travel.
A traveler wears a mask as he checks his flight status information at United Airlines self ticket counter at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. United Airlines, which furloughed 13,000 employees this month, is expected to report a large third-quarter loss as the coronavirus pandemic continues to batter air travel.
A passenger wears a mask as she waits for a helper at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. United Airlines, which furloughed 13,000 employees this month, is expected to report a large third-quarter loss as the coronavirus pandemic continues to batter air travel.
Empty ticketing counters are seen in Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. United Airlines, which furloughed 13,000 employees this month, is expected to report a large third-quarter loss as the coronavirus pandemic continues to batter air travel.
United Airlines financial hole grew deeper over the summer as a modest recovery in air travel slowed down, pushing the carrier to a loss of $1.84 billion in the typically strong third quarter.
The airline said Wednesday that revenue plummeted 78% from a year earlier. The loss was worse than analysts had expected.
The results from United, and those issued a day earlier by Delta Air Lines, reinforced the damage that the pandemic is doing to a major industry. Seven months into the worst of the coronavirus impact in the U.S., air travel remains down 65% from a year ago. The decline in lucrative business travel is even deeper.
United executives believe investors are less interested in current losses and more interested in what the airline plans to do to improve its competitive position when travel recovers.
CEO Scott Kirby said the airline has "successfully executed our initial crisis strategy" and is ready to move on.
"Even though the negative impact of COVID-19 will persist in the near term, we are now focused on positioning the airline for a strong recovery that will allow United to bring our furloughed employees back to work and emerge as the global leader in aviation," Kirby said in a statement. United declined to make officials available to discuss the results before a call with analysts on Thursday.
Chicago-based United began furloughing 13,000 workers on Oct. 1, and several thousand other employees took severance packages to leave voluntarily.
More than 2,500 non-union employees have left or been laid off, and those white-collar staff cuts are expected to be permanent, according to a report in Crain's Chicago Business.
In a news release, the airline said it had "restructured and significantly reduced our management and administrative functions. These reductions are expected to be largely permanent, even as demand recovers."
The airline has cut flights more aggressively than some of its closest competitors in a bid to align costs with dramatically lower ticket sales. And United is borrowing billions of dollars from the federal government and private lenders to outlast the pandemic. The airline ended September with $19.4 billion in liquidity.
United met a goal it set in July to reduce cash losses to $25 million a day, down from $40 million a day in the second quarter, and roughly in line with Delta, which reported a $5.4 billion quarterly loss on Tuesday.
At current revenue, United has enough cash to last nearly 21 months -- longer than American Airlines but not as long as Southwest or Delta -- according to calculations by Raymond James analysts.
United, Delta and American rely on business and international travelers for much of their revenue. Those high-fare customers, however, are expected to return more slowly than leisure travelers booking trips closer to home. The airline industry is pushing governments to test travelers for COVID-19 instead of closing borders or imposing long quarantine requirements on international travelers.
Airlines also are trying to lure passengers by requiring face masks, stepping up their cleaning of plane cabins, and citing industry claims that transmission of the new coronavirus on flights is rare. Some, like Delta and Southwest, leave middle seats open to put more space between passengers. United and American do not.
United's third-quarter loss compared with a year-ago profit of $1 billion. Excluding what the company considers unusual items, the loss was $8.16 per share, worse than the $7.53 per share loss that analysts expected, according to a FactSet survey.
Revenue plunged to $2.49 billion, roughly in line with analysts' forecast. Cargo was a rare bright spot, with revenue up 50%.