dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Constable: Teacher finds joy in converting to 'shed-ucation'

Searching for ways to get the most out of her students during this pandemic , teacher Becky Hieber made a trip to the tool shed .
She did n't come back .
`` I call it shed-ucation , '' says Hieber , who teaches her class of fifth-grade students from the relative comfort of a makeshift classroom in the tool shed behind her Mount Prospect home .
`` I love the commute , '' Hieber says .
Instead of a 30-minute drive ( maybe an hour if it 's snowing ) to Highland Elementary School in Skokie , Hieber has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it 's snowing ) to her new digs .
But it 's more than a timesaver .
A teacher needs a classroom , Hieber says .
Carving out space in the home she shares with her husband , Clinton , a teacher at Streamwood High School , and their 4-year-old son , Carson , just would n't cut it .
`` We both were teaching in the basement , '' Hieber says of the last months of the 2019-20 school year .
Her last day of in-school teaching was March 13 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ district decided the rest of the year would be spent with online review sessions and videos .
`` This year is a regular school year where I am teaching every day , '' says Hieber , who is n't allowed to teach remotely from her usual classroom .
`` I said I wanted to be in the shed , so Clinton created a space for me . ''
They bought a countertop at a home supply store , and Clinton installed that as her desk .
`` Clinton 's very handy , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trench and ran electrical and a wire for the internet to the shed .
That 's basically all I need .
It was a place for all of Clinton 's tools and storage , but things have been moved around . ''
The electrical hookup feeds her computer and a lamp .
On cold days , it also powers a space heater and an electric blanket .
`` I dress rather casually , so I can put on a fleece or a hat , '' she says .
Curtains can be opened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows .
`` We put up another curtain to block the tools that are behind me , '' Hieber says .
She 's committed to being a `` shed-ucator '' for the rest of the winter or until whenever she is allowed to teach in person .
She describes her shed space as `` cozy . ''
Her students seem to like it .
`` It 's got its challenges , but the face-to-face interaction is needed to complete their work , '' Hieber says of her online classes with about 20 kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , so they do n't trust that I 'm the person I say I am .
It 's difficult online , but I think we 're making progress . ''
Without having to drive to school , she has more time to prepare for classes , more time to spend with her family , and more time to rest .
And anything she might need is probably just a quick walk away to her home .
`` This is such a great opportunity for me to have my own space to teach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a spot where I can leave my house but still have the comforts of home is perfectly ideal . ''

Constable: Teacher finds joy in converting to 'shed-ucation'
Searching for ways to get the most out of her students during this pandemic, teacher Becky Hieber made a trip to the tool shed. She didn't come back.
"I call it shed-ucation," says Hieber, who teaches her class of fifth-grade students from the relative comfort of a makeshift classroom in the tool shed behind her Mount Prospect home.
"I love the commute," Hieber says. Instead of a 30-minute drive (maybe an hour if it's snowing) to Highland Elementary School in Skokie, Hieber has a 15-second stroll (maybe 30 seconds if it's snowing) to her new digs. But it's more than a timesaver.
A teacher needs a classroom, Hieber says. Carving out space in the home she shares with her husband, Clinton, a teacher at Streamwood High School, and their 4-year-old son, Carson, just wouldn't cut it.
"We both were teaching in the basement," Hieber says of the last months of the 2019-20 school year. Her last day of in-school teaching was March 13. It took another three weeks before the district decided the rest of the year would be spent with online review sessions and videos.
"This year is a regular school year where I am teaching every day," says Hieber, who isn't allowed to teach remotely from her usual classroom. "I said I wanted to be in the shed, so Clinton created a space for me."
They bought a countertop at a home supply store, and Clinton installed that as her desk.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer With the pandemic keeping her out of school, fifth-grade teacher Becky Hieber has turned this shed behind her Mount Prospect home into a remote learning classroom.
"Clinton's very handy," Hieber says. "He dug a trench and ran electrical and a wire for the internet to the shed. That's basically all I need. It was a place for all of Clinton's tools and storage, but things have been moved around."
The electrical hookup feeds her computer and a lamp. On cold days, it also powers a space heater and an electric blanket.
"I dress rather casually, so I can put on a fleece or a hat," she says. Curtains can be opened to let in some natural light through the windows.
"We put up another curtain to block the tools that are behind me," Hieber says.
She's committed to being a "shed-ucator" for the rest of the winter or until whenever she is allowed to teach in person. She describes her shed space as "cozy." Her students seem to like it.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer With her school doing remote learning, teacher Becky Hieber said she still wanted a classroom for teaching fifth grade. So she and her husband, Clinton, converted their backyard tool shed into an improvised classroom.
"It's got its challenges, but the face-to-face interaction is needed to complete their work," Hieber says of her online classes with about 20 kids. "We've never met each other, so they don't trust that I'm the person I say I am. It's difficult online, but I think we're making progress."
Without having to drive to school, she has more time to prepare for classes, more time to spend with her family, and more time to rest. And anything she might need is probably just a quick walk away to her home.
"This is such a great opportunity for me to have my own space to teach," Hieber says. "To have a spot where I can leave my house but still have the comforts of home is perfectly ideal."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-28--Reports: Cubs trading Darvish, Caratini to Padres

When he replaced Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations in late November , Jed Hoyer was asked about the possibility of having to tear down the Cubs ' veteran roster and build it back up with young players .
`` In this job , you always have one eye on the present and one eye on the future , '' Hoyer said .
`` The truth is that , given the service-time realities , I think that eye might be a little bit more focused toward the future than usual .
But that does n't take away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the playoffs and give the organization a chance .
Given our resources and given our talent level , we should field a team that 's playoff-worthy every single year . ''
`` I do n't think anybody 's tearing anything down , '' Ricketts said .
The Cubs have made the playoffs five times in the last six years , but they 've lost their last three series while dropping 7 of 8 games .
Under Hoyer , they 're looking like a team that is in rebuild mode .
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatwood and Jose Quintana -- have left as free agents .
Two outfielders -- Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. -- are on the market after being non-tendered .
According to multiple reports on Monday , Yu Darvish is next in line to hit the exit door .
After going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA , striking out 93 in 76 innings and finishing second to Trevor Bauer in National League Cy Young Award voting last season , Darvish has been traded to the Padres .
Victor Caratini , Darvish 's personal catcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The deal wo n't be officially announced until medical records are squared away .
The Cubs are reportedly getting veteran starting pitcher Zach Davies and four prospects from the Padres -- shortstops Reginald Preciado and Yeison Santana and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie .
The 27-year-old Davies was 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA in 12 starts for San Diego last season .
Pitching for the Brewers from 2015-19 , the right-hander was 43-32 with a 3.91 ERA .
Davies made a prorated $ 5.25 million last season and is eligible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baseball America just completed rating 2021 prospects .
Preciado ranked No .
15 in the Padres system , Mena was No .
17 , Santana was No .
18 and Caissie was No .
20 .
The 34-year-old Darvish is under contract for three more seasons at a total cost of $ 59 million .
He carries a $ 22 million salary in 2021 .
Caratini had a $ 592,000 salary last year while batting .241/.333/.328 with 1 home run and 16 RBI in 44 games .
While the Cubs are definitely scaling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a World Series run .
Right before the Darvish news broke , San Diego acquired 2018 American League Cy Young winner Blake Snell in a trade with Tampa Bay .
The Padres are reportedly sending four prospects , Luis Patino , Blake Hunt , Cole Wilcox and Francisco Mejia , to the Rays .
San Diego is also close to signing Ha-seong Kim , a star infielder from the Korea Baseball Organization .

Reports: Cubs trading Darvish, Caratini to Padres
According to multiple reports, Yu Darvish is close to being traded to the San Diego Padres. The Chicago Cubs right-hander finished second in National League Cy Young voting last season after going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA. AP File Photo
When he replaced Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations in late November, Jed Hoyer was asked about the possibility of having to tear down the Cubs' veteran roster and build it back up with young players.
"In this job, you always have one eye on the present and one eye on the future," Hoyer said. "The truth is that, given the service-time realities, I think that eye might be a little bit more focused toward the future than usual. But that doesn't take away from the goal.
"The goal is always to make the playoffs and give the organization a chance. Given our resources and given our talent level, we should field a team that's playoff-worthy every single year."
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts echoed Hoyer.
"I don't think anybody's tearing anything down," Ricketts said.
The Cubs have made the playoffs five times in the last six years, but they've lost their last three series while dropping 7 of 8 games.
Under Hoyer, they're looking like a team that is in rebuild mode.
Three starting pitchers -- Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana -- have left as free agents.
Two outfielders -- Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. -- are on the market after being non-tendered.
According to multiple reports on Monday, Yu Darvish is next in line to hit the exit door.
After going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA, striking out 93 in 76 innings and finishing second to Trevor Bauer in National League Cy Young Award voting last season, Darvish has been traded to the Padres.
Victor Caratini, Darvish's personal catcher, is also going to San Diego.
The deal won't be officially announced until medical records are squared away.
The Cubs are reportedly getting veteran starting pitcher Zach Davies and four prospects from the Padres -- shortstops Reginald Preciado and Yeison Santana and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie.
The 27-year-old Davies was 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA in 12 starts for San Diego last season. Pitching for the Brewers from 2015-19, the right-hander was 43-32 with a 3.91 ERA.
Davies made a prorated $5.25 million last season and is eligible for salary arbitration the next two years.
Baseball America just completed rating 2021 prospects. Preciado ranked No. 15 in the Padres system, Mena was No. 17, Santana was No. 18 and Caissie was No. 20.
The 34-year-old Darvish is under contract for three more seasons at a total cost of $59 million. He carries a $22 million salary in 2021.
Caratini had a $592,000 salary last year while batting .241/.333/.328 with 1 home run and 16 RBI in 44 games.
While the Cubs are definitely scaling back, the Padres are loading up for a World Series run.
Right before the Darvish news broke, San Diego acquired 2018 American League Cy Young winner Blake Snell in a trade with Tampa Bay.
The Padres are reportedly sending four prospects, Luis Patino, Blake Hunt, Cole Wilcox and Francisco Mejia, to the Rays.
San Diego is also close to signing Ha-seong Kim, a star infielder from the Korea Baseball Organization.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Images: Remembering suburban leaders who passed away in a 2020

Glen Ekey lived what he preached .
As executive director of the Naperville Park District from 1981 to 1996 , @ @ @ @ @ personal life , loved ones say , blending his passion for recreation with his love @ @ @ @ @ He was the brains behind community initiatives -- including the popular Ribfest -- and the @ @ @ @ @ that stand strong to this day .
And he carried his vision and enthusiasm for @ @ @ @ @ suggestions and acting as a trusted mentor to leaders who followed in his footsteps .
@ @ @ @ @ 2020 from pancreatic cancer .
He was 79 .

Courtesy of Trish Mueller and David Ekey
Glen Ekey lived what he preached. As executive director of the Naperville Park District from 1981 to 1996, his work spilled into his personal life, loved ones say, blending his passion for recreation with his love of bringing people together. He was the brains behind community initiatives -- including the popular Ribfest -- and the driving force behind professional partnerships that stand strong to this day. And he carried his vision and enthusiasm for Naperville into retirement, offering suggestions and acting as a trusted mentor to leaders who followed in his footsteps. Ekey died Oct. 23, 2020 from pancreatic cancer. He was 79.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Only those who carry Bears' water could applaud more of this regime

Yep , this was the nightmare -- and you ca n't say you were n't warned .
It said right here a few weeks ago ( at 5-7 ) that this could happen , that with the Bears playing the dregs of the NFL , they could find a way to defeat the worst teams in the league -- with the worst defense -- and it would give the Bears a chance to make the playoffs .
Throw in the Cardinals and Rams falling apart with QB injuries , and here they are , the beloved likely headed for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And you know what that means for Ryan Pace , Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky .
The Pace apologists , the Nagy narcoleptics and the Trubisky truthers will be out in full force , demanding contract extensions for all of them .
While you 're at it , how about a significant pay raise for all of them ?
Thing is , ownership would much rather stick with a seventh year of Pace -- say that out loud , a seventh year of Pace -- a fourth year of Nagy and a fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than admitting a mistake or paying anyone to go away .
So here you are , clowns to left of you , jokers to the right , stuck in the middle with a three-headed Monster of the Middling .
Only those who have made a career out of carrying the Bears ' water could justify more of this regime , as if it takes seven years to build an NFL team , the rough equivalent of 15 in MLB .
Or takes four years for an NFL head coach to figure it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft needs five years to become a game manager and a poor man 's Rex Grossman -- without the arm .
Seriously , you applaud the Bears for this ?
That is some low bar .
You almost have to be on the payroll to forget that the Bears could have been 1-5 when they were 5-1 and that Nagy was forced to give up the play-calling duties because he was so very bad at it during a spectacular losing streak , not to mention much of the last two years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has the plums to suggest that everything is better because he is free to coach the whole team .
Sure , that 's why it 's better .
The truth is it 's working because the Bears have played terrible teams with terrible defenses and because the offense no longer relies on Trubisky to think .
They are finally running the football and they keep nearly every play a few yards in front of Trubisky 's face , where he does n't have to read or make decisions .
He stares at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
A giant tight end from Ashland University could make that play .
Anything more complicated becomes a throw into triple coverage and the ever-present possibility of interception .
In other words , they have tried to Trubisky-proof the offense .
He 's now a game manager who can make a 3-yard throw with the best of them .
What he ca n't do is make a presnap read , adjust after the ball is in his hands , stand in the pocket , find the right receiver and make an accurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pocket and make a short toss on the run .
Not exactly what you 'd hope for from the second pick in the draft .
But that 's what Pace wanted , so that 's what Nagy tried to do .
It has taken Nagy three years to figure out what John Fox figured out in three games , that if you want Trubisky to keep possession of the football , you have to keep it quiet and vanilla .
It 's worth remembering here that the Fox approach -- which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- is precisely why Pace fired Fox and blamed him for all of Pace 's mistakes .
You can present this any way you want , and no doubt the Bears will .
Look , that 's their job .
They are supposed to sell you the program and six years of grand progress and hope you forget that Ryan Pace has a 42-53 record when it should only take two years to build a football team in a wretched league .
That 's fine .
You ca n't expect Pace , Nagy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public because they 're all trying desperately to trick ownership into many more years of fabulous Bears football .
What 's stunning is that while Bears fans have caught on and are n't mesmerized by fool 's gold , the doormen continue to tip their caps and hope for a large gratuity come holiday season .
Those hoping for a pat on the back from Pace are n't going to remind you that he spent $ 18 million for a single victory from Mike Glennon , $ 29 million for a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million guaranteed for Nick Foles .
That 's $ 64 million for Glennon , Trubisky and Foles and -- so far -- one postseason game and no playoff victories .
If you can stand up in public and make a case for this regime to get more time , congratulations .

Only those who carry Bears' water could applaud more of this regime
Are you ready for a seventh year -- yes, seventh -- of Ryan Pace as general manager of the Bears? Daily Herald file photo
Yep, this was the nightmare -- and you can't say you weren't warned.
It said right here a few weeks ago (at 5-7) that this could happen, that with the Bears playing the dregs of the NFL, they could find a way to defeat the worst teams in the league -- with the worst defense -- and it would give the Bears a chance to make the playoffs.
Throw in the Cardinals and Rams falling apart with QB injuries, and here they are, the beloved likely headed for their second postseason game in 10 years.
And you know what that means for Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky. The Pace apologists, the Nagy narcoleptics and the Trubisky truthers will be out in full force, demanding contract extensions for all of them.
While you're at it, how about a significant pay raise for all of them?
Thing is, ownership would much rather stick with a seventh year of Pace -- say that out loud, a seventh year of Pace -- a fourth year of Nagy and a fifth year of Trubisky. It's easier than admitting a mistake or paying anyone to go away.
So here you are, clowns to left of you, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with a three-headed Monster of the Middling.
Only those who have made a career out of carrying the Bears' water could justify more of this regime, as if it takes seven years to build an NFL team, the rough equivalent of 15 in MLB.
Or takes four years for an NFL head coach to figure it out.
Or that the second pick in the draft needs five years to become a game manager and a poor man's Rex Grossman -- without the arm.
Seriously, you applaud the Bears for this? That is some low bar.
You almost have to be on the payroll to forget that the Bears could have been 1-5 when they were 5-1 and that Nagy was forced to give up the play-calling duties because he was so very bad at it during a spectacular losing streak, not to mention much of the last two years.
But now, Nagy is cheered when he has the plums to suggest that everything is better because he is free to coach the whole team. Sure, that's why it's better.
The truth is it's working because the Bears have played terrible teams with terrible defenses and because the offense no longer relies on Trubisky to think.
They are finally running the football and they keep nearly every play a few yards in front of Trubisky's face, where he doesn't have to read or make decisions. He stares at his receiver and then throws it to him.
A giant tight end from Ashland University could make that play.
Anything more complicated becomes a throw into triple coverage and the ever-present possibility of interception.
In other words, they have tried to Trubisky-proof the offense.
He's now a game manager who can make a 3-yard throw with the best of them. What he can't do is make a presnap read, adjust after the ball is in his hands, stand in the pocket, find the right receiver and make an accurate throw.
He can get out of the pocket and make a short toss on the run. Not exactly what you'd hope for from the second pick in the draft.
But that's what Pace wanted, so that's what Nagy tried to do. It has taken Nagy three years to figure out what John Fox figured out in three games, that if you want Trubisky to keep possession of the football, you have to keep it quiet and vanilla.
It's worth remembering here that the Fox approach -- which is the same as the current Nagy approach -- is precisely why Pace fired Fox and blamed him for all of Pace's mistakes.
You can present this any way you want, and no doubt the Bears will. Look, that's their job. They are supposed to sell you the program and six years of grand progress and hope you forget that Ryan Pace has a 42-53 record when it should only take two years to build a football team in a wretched league.
That's fine. You can't expect Pace, Nagy or Trubisky to admit what they are in public because they're all trying desperately to trick ownership into many more years of fabulous Bears football.
What's stunning is that while Bears fans have caught on and aren't mesmerized by fool's gold, the doormen continue to tip their caps and hope for a large gratuity come holiday season.
Those hoping for a pat on the back from Pace aren't going to remind you that he spent $18 million for a single victory from Mike Glennon, $29 million for a game manager -- Trubisky -- and $17 million guaranteed for Nick Foles.
That's $64 million for Glennon, Trubisky and Foles and -- so far -- one postseason game and no playoff victories.
If you can stand up in public and make a case for this regime to get more time, congratulations.
You're officially part of the team.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Help for family after deadly house fire

Help for family after deadly house fire

Today 's recipient of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Laurel Dubowski of Carol Stream .
She @ @ @ @ @ to a family who suffered unimaginable losses in a recent fire .
Here is an @ @ @ @ @ '' Her house was destroyed by a fire a couple days ago .
Her husband @ @ @ @ @ who live with her escaped .
She was rescued and taken to the hospital in @ @ @ @ @ two daughters , ages 5 and 8 , died in the fire .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ lost one daughter to a school shooting and can not imagine losing two daughters like @ @ @ @ @ out to her whole family . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good @ @ @ @ @ If you 'd like the chance to help someone , submit your idea for consideration @ @ @ @ @ at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

Help for family after deadly house fire
Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Laurel Dubowski of Carol Stream. She intends to give the money to a family who suffered unimaginable losses in a recent fire.
Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Her house was destroyed by a fire a couple days ago. Her husband, son and her parents who live with her escaped. She was rescued and taken to the hospital in critical condition. But her two daughters, ages 5 and 8, died in the fire.
"This tragedy is unthinkable. We lost one daughter to a school shooting and cannot imagine losing two daughters like this. Our heart goes out to her whole family."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Feder: A look back at Chicago media luminaries who left us in 2020

News anchor Joel Daly and journalist and author Jeannie Morris were among the Chicago media luminaries who left us in @ @ @ @ @ .
for the complete list of notable deaths in 2020 .

Feder: A look back at Chicago media luminaries who left us in 2020
Joel Daly


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Best Bets: 'Santa's Rock N Lights' extends in Grayslake

There 's more time to marvel at all the illuminated drive-by displays as part of Santa 's Rock N Lights .
The light show has extended at the Lake County Fairgrounds , 1060 E. Peterson Road , Grayslake .
$ 19.99- $ 34.99 ( $ 5 per additional passenger over 6 ) .
( 224 ) 757-5425 or santasrocknlights.com .
Timed entries from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Sunday , Jan. 10 See members of Congo Square Theatre Company get in touch with their funny side with the online sketch show `` Hit 'Em on the Blackside . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more are slated in the coming months .
Free , but donations appreciated .
( 773 ) 296-1108 or congosquaretheatre.org .
Available now See 28 local artists interpret 22 of the hits of `` Old Blue Eyes '' with the streaming concert `` Frank Sinatra 105th Birthday Celebration '' filmed at the Arcada Theatre , 105 E. Main St. , St. Charles .
$ 20 .
( 630 ) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com .
On demand Friday , Jan. 1 Spend some time outside with food trucks , live music , cold beer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alpine Fest this weekend at Buffalo Creek Brewing , 360 Historical Lane , Long Grove .
No admission charge .
( 847 ) 821-6140 or buffalocreekbrewing.com .
Noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday , Jan. 1 and 2 Get out of the house for Guided Tours of Volo Bog this weekend and next starting at the Volo Bog State Natural Area , 28478 W. Brandenburg Road , Ingleside .
Free , but advance registration required and group size limited to 10 people .
( 815 ) 344-1294 or www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/VoloBog.aspx .
11 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 23 There 's going to be more of the Winter Refuge `` Pop Up '' Edition of the Hideaway Brew Garden since it has just been extended to Jan. 30 .
So bundle up to get your fill of craft beers , signature drinks , tacos and more outdoors at the Now Arena , 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway , Hoffman Estates .
$ 10 fee per table Friday and Saturday ; inclement weather may affect operating hours .
( 847 ) 649-2222 or hideawaybrewgarden.com .
6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday ; through Jan. 30 The New Philharmonic is bringing back its taped concert from College of DuPage 's Lakeside Pavilion , `` The Music of John Williams , '' for another period of online streaming starting Monday .
$ 46.50 per household .
( 630 ) 942-3008 or atthemac.org .
7:30 to 11:55 p.m. Monday , Jan. 4 , through Sunday , Feb. 28 Introduce kids to classical music with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra online programs `` My Magic Breath '' and `` The Music in George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Both feature activities that can be downloaded in advance .
Free , but donations appreciated .
( 312 ) 294-3000 or cso.org/csotv .
Available online now

Best Bets: 'Santa's Rock N Lights' extends in Grayslake
Kirk Muspratt conducts the New Philharmonic in "The Music of John Williams," which returns to streaming starting Monday, Jan. 4. Courtesy of John Cebula
"Santa's Rock N Lights" has been extended at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake through Sunday, Jan. 10. Courtesy of Peter Starykowicz
Drive-by displays
There's more time to marvel at all the illuminated drive-by displays as part of Santa's Rock N Lights. The light show has extended at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $19.99-$34.99 ($5 per additional passenger over 6). (224) 757-5425 or santasrocknlights.com. Timed entries from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Sunday, Jan. 10
Online sketches
See members of Congo Square Theatre Company get in touch with their funny side with the online sketch show "Hit 'Em on the Blackside." The first episode is available online, and more are slated in the coming months. Free, but donations appreciated. (773) 296-1108 or congosquaretheatre.org. Available now
Old Blue Eyes
See 28 local artists interpret 22 of the hits of "Old Blue Eyes" with the streaming concert "Frank Sinatra 105th Birthday Celebration" filmed at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. On demand Friday, Jan. 1
Chill libations
Spend some time outside with food trucks, live music, cold beer and toasty fires as part of the Alpine Fest this weekend at Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove. No admission charge. (847) 821-6140 or buffalocreekbrewing.com. Noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 1 and 2
Outdoor excursion
Get out of the house for Guided Tours of Volo Bog this weekend and next starting at the Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Free, but advance registration required and group size limited to 10 people. (815) 344-1294 or www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/VoloBog.aspx. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Jan. 23
Beer and more
There's going to be more of the Winter Refuge "Pop Up" Edition of the Hideaway Brew Garden since it has just been extended to Jan. 30. So bundle up to get your fill of craft beers, signature drinks, tacos and more outdoors at the Now Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $10 fee per table Friday and Saturday; inclement weather may affect operating hours. (847) 649-2222 or hideawaybrewgarden.com. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (closed New Year's Day); 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday; through Jan. 30
Famous film music
The New Philharmonic is bringing back its taped concert from College of DuPage's Lakeside Pavilion, "The Music of John Williams," for another period of online streaming starting Monday. $46.50 per household. (630) 942-3008 or atthemac.org. 7:30 to 11:55 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Feb. 28
Classical for kids
Introduce kids to classical music with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra online programs "My Magic Breath" and "The Music in George's Head" (featuring Kurt Elling). Both feature activities that can be downloaded in advance. Free, but donations appreciated. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org/csotv. Available online now


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-28--Man charged in Rockford bowling alley shooting that killed 3

ROCKFORD -- A U.S. Army special forces sergeant based in Florida has been charged in an apparently random shooting at an Illinois bowling alley that left three people dead and three wounded , authorities said Sunday .
Winnebago County State 's Attorney J. Hanley said Duke Webb , 37 , has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder in the shooting at Don Carter Lanes , in Rockford , on Saturday evening .
While no bowling is currently allowed due to state-imposed coronavirus restrictions , a bar linked to the business was legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after the shooting at around 7 p.m. , Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea said at a news conference Sunday morning .
`` I am very confident the officers that were on the scene in the building were able to stop further violence , '' O'Shea said .
He said the three who died were all men , aged 73 , 65 and 69 , but did not provide names .
Additionally , he said , a 14-year-old boy was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital in Madison in stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot in the shoulder was treated at a hospital and released .
A 62-year-old man underwent surgery overnight after suffering multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition , the chief said .
The suspect has no known ties to the victims , O'Shea said .
`` We believe this was a completely random act , and there is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case , '' O'Shea said .
He did not provide information on what led up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Webb is a Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion , 7th Special Forces Group ( Airborne ) , located at Camp Bull Simons , Eglin Air Force Base , Florida .
He joined the Army in 2008 and was on leave Saturday .
`` We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded , '' Col. John W. Sannes , commander of 7th Special Forces Group , said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 1st Special Forces Command ( Airborne ) , said in a statement Sunday night that Webb 's alleged actions were `` abhorrent '' and not representative of the Special Forces Regiment .
He said actions described in reports were `` shocking '' and `` completely out of character '' with Webb 's 12 years of honorable service .
The bowling alley was closed at the time of the shooting , in accordance with restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , O'Shea said .
But a bar upstairs was open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has double doors that open to the outside , ensuring the bar is in compliance with Illinois ' COVID-19 mitigation guidance .
Up to 25 people were at Don Carter Lanes when the shooting happened , but most of them escaped or hid , O'Shea said .
He declined to say whether the shootings happened in the bar or elsewhere in the building , saying those details would come out in court .
The teens who were wounded were picking up food at the carryout section of the bowling alley , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceal his weapons before his arrest , and that he was apprehended without officers firing a shot .
`` Most of the incident was captured on surveillance video from inside the business , '' O'Shea said , adding that investigators are studying captured images .
O'Shea said investigators are in touch with the Army .
He did n't explain why the Florida man was in Illinois .
The Army said it will provide full assistance in the police investigation .
The Rockford Register Star reported that 2020 has been the deadliest year on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 170,000 .
Thirty-five people have been killed in the city this year , breaking the previous record of 31 in 1996 .
`` As we come to the end of this most difficult year and we look ahead at this New Year upon us , we know that this type of violence needs to stop , '' Mayor Tom McNamara said.
`` ... And today , with the eyes of the country upon us , we need to show as Rockfordians how we respond to an incident such as this , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Man charged in Rockford bowling alley shooting that killed 3
Authorities say Duke Webb, a U.S. serviceman from Florida, has been charged in the deaths of three people and the wounding of three more in a shooting Saturday at a Rockford bowling alley. Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley said Sunday that Webb has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder in the shooting at Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. Associated Press
ROCKFORD -- A U.S. Army special forces sergeant based in Florida has been charged in an apparently random shooting at an Illinois bowling alley that left three people dead and three wounded, authorities said Sunday.
Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley said Duke Webb, 37, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder in the shooting at Don Carter Lanes, in Rockford, on Saturday evening. While no bowling is currently allowed due to state-imposed coronavirus restrictions, a bar linked to the business was legally open.
Webb was taken into custody shortly after the shooting at around 7 p.m., Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea said at a news conference Sunday morning.
"I am very confident the officers that were on the scene in the building were able to stop further violence," O'Shea said.
He said the three who died were all men, aged 73, 65 and 69, but did not provide names.
Additionally, he said, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital in Madison in stable condition, and a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the shoulder was treated at a hospital and released. A 62-year-old man underwent surgery overnight after suffering multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition, the chief said.
The suspect has no known ties to the victims, O'Shea said.
"We believe this was a completely random act, and there is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case," O'Shea said. He did not provide information on what led up to the shooting.
The U.S. Army said Webb is a Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), located at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He joined the Army in 2008 and was on leave Saturday.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded," Col. John W. Sannes, commander of 7th Special Forces Group, said in a statement.
Maj. Gen. John Brennan, commander of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), said in a statement Sunday night that Webb's alleged actions were "abhorrent" and not representative of the Special Forces Regiment. He said actions described in reports were "shocking" and "completely out of character" with Webb's 12 years of honorable service.
The bowling alley was closed at the time of the shooting, in accordance with restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, O'Shea said. But a bar upstairs was open. The chief said the upstairs venue has double doors that open to the outside, ensuring the bar is in compliance with Illinois' COVID-19 mitigation guidance.
Up to 25 people were at Don Carter Lanes when the shooting happened, but most of them escaped or hid, O'Shea said. He declined to say whether the shootings happened in the bar or elsewhere in the building, saying those details would come out in court. The teens who were wounded were picking up food at the carryout section of the bowling alley, he said.
He said the suspect tried to conceal his weapons before his arrest, and that he was apprehended without officers firing a shot.
"Most of the incident was captured on surveillance video from inside the business," O'Shea said, adding that investigators are studying captured images.
O'Shea said investigators are in touch with the Army. He didn't explain why the Florida man was in Illinois. The Army said it will provide full assistance in the police investigation.
The Rockford Register Star reported that 2020 has been the deadliest year on record for homicides in the city of about 170,000. Thirty-five people have been killed in the city this year, breaking the previous record of 31 in 1996.
"As we come to the end of this most difficult year and we look ahead at this New Year upon us, we know that this type of violence needs to stop," Mayor Tom McNamara said. " ... And today, with the eyes of the country upon us, we need to show as Rockfordians how we respond to an incident such as this, as one Rockford, supporting one another."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Snow quickly blankets suburbs with up to 9 inches expected, plus ice overnight

At least a couple of inches were seen in Northwest suburbs and reported in DuPage County and Fox Valley suburbs .
The snow is part of a winter storm that the National Weather Service warned could bring up to 9 inches of snow in some suburbs up north as well as dangerous ice and winds overnight .
ABC 7 Chicago reported that Westmont had 2.5 inches and St. Charles had 2 inches as of 6 p.m. ABC meteorologists said snow will be moderate to heavy at times , falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
The National Weather Service had expanded its winter storm warning for Tuesday afternoon and evening , adding northern Cook County .
In the Northwest suburbs , the weather service warned of heavy mixed precipitation , with snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches , `` locally higher , '' and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth or two-tenths of an inch .
Wind gusts of up to 35 mph also are predicted .
`` Plan on slippery road conditions and periods of sharply reduced visibility early to mid evening , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also warned `` some power outages are possible due to the combined effects of wet snow accumulation , some icing , and wind gusts . ''
Heavy , wet snow may be difficult to shovel , too , the service said In McHenry , Lake and Kane counties , the weather service is warning of up to 9 inches of snow .
`` Plan on snow or slush and ice covered roads and periods of sharply reduced visibility , especially late this afternoon into this evening , '' the service said .
DuPage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moderately affected by the storm , which could turn to freezing rain overnight .
Warmer weather is expected to move into the area Wednesday morning , diminishing the threat of icy roads throughout the day .
At Chicago 's airports , average delays were running under 15 minutes as of 6 p.m. , ABC 7 reported .
More than 140 flights have been canceled at O'Hare and 72 flights have been canceled at Midway .
At the Hinsdale Oasis along the Illinois Tollway , heavy snow prompted many truckers to pull over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visibility is getting worse by the minute , ABC 7 reported .
`` We have our full complement of crews out there preparing , doing last-minute checks of the snowplows , making sure they 're all ready to go , '' said Maria Castaneda , spokesperson for Illinois Department of Transportation .
`` We have over 125,000 tons of salt in reserve .
So we 're definitely ready to be out there right now . ''
`` This is probably the first major storm in a while , so even seasoned drivers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's time to be familiarizing yourself , getting used to that braking distance , '' Castaneda added .
`` One of the main things that we always tell people is , you know , and especially in the height of a snowstorm , if you do n't need to be out there , then do n't . ''
Road crews in Barrington were quickly deployed , salting and clearing the streets with an emphasis on the village 's main arteries , ABC 7 reported .
Barrington has about 12 trucks in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said their crews were ready for this months ago .
`` Prior to winter even starting -- back in October , November -- we start checking all our machines , making sure everything is ready to be deployed , '' Lukowicz told ABC 7 .
`` Having this occur overnight allows us to hopefully get everything clean before they have to head out the next morning . ''

Snow, freezing rain creates icy conditions early Wednesday
Snow quickly covered the suburbs Tuesday evening before freezing rain moved in to create ice danger on roads overnight.
At least a couple of inches were seen in Northwest suburbs and reported in DuPage County and Fox Valley suburbs.
The snow is part of a winter storm that the National Weather Service had warned could bring up to 9 inches of snow in some suburbs up north as well as dangerous ice and winds overnight.
ABC 7 Chicago reported the following snow totals at 10:15 p.m.:
• Carol Stream, 4.5 inches
• Elburn, 4.2 inches
• Batavia, 3.6 inches
• Elk Grove Village, 3.0 inches
The National Weather Service then warned of icy conditions overnight resulting from freezing rain moving into the area as temperatures slowly rose.
ABC meteorologists said earlier snow would be moderate to heavy at times, falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
And the National Weather Service had expanded its winter storm warning to northern Cook County.
In the Northwest suburbs, the weather service warned of heavy mixed precipitation, with snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches, "locally higher," and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth or two-tenths of an inch.
Wind gusts of up to 35 mph were also predicted.
"Plan on slippery road conditions and periods of sharply reduced visibility early to mid evening," the weather service warning said. It also warned "some power outages are possible due to the combined effects of wet snow accumulation, some icing, and wind gusts."
Heavy, wet snow may be difficult to shovel, too, the service said.
In McHenry, Lake and Kane counties, the weather service warned of up to 9 inches of snow.
"Plan on snow or slush and ice covered roads and periods of sharply reduced visibility, especially late this afternoon into this evening," the service said.
DuPage and Will counties were expected to be moderately affected by the storm, which could turn to freezing rain overnight.
Warmer weather is expected to move into the area Wednesday morning, diminishing the threat of icy roads throughout the day.
At the Hinsdale Oasis along the Illinois Tollway, heavy snow prompted many truckers to pull over and wait out the storm, with visibility getting worse by the minute in the late afternoon, ABC 7 reported.
"We have our full complement of crews out there preparing, doing last-minute checks of the snowplows, making sure they're all ready to go," said Maria Castaneda, spokesperson for Illinois Department of Transportation. "We have over 125,000 tons of salt in reserve. So we're definitely ready to be out there right now."
"This is probably the first major storm in a while, so even seasoned drivers who have been through many Chicago storms, it's time to be familiarizing yourself, getting used to that braking distance," Castaneda added. "One of the main things that we always tell people is, you know, and especially in the height of a snowstorm, if you don't need to be out there, then don't."
Road crews in Barrington were quickly deployed Tuesday afternoon, salting and clearing the streets with an emphasis on the village's main arteries, ABC 7 reported. Barrington has about 12 trucks in its fleet.
Public Works Director Jeremie Lukowicz said their crews were ready for this months ago.
"Prior to winter even starting -- back in October, November -- we start checking all our machines, making sure everything is ready to be deployed," Lukowicz told ABC 7. "Having this occur overnight allows us to hopefully get everything clean before they have to head out the next morning."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--COVID relief check might be in your account tonight -- but it won't be $2,000

WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that some of the $ 600 COVID-19 relief payments might be sent by direct deposit to Americans ' bank accounts as early as Tuesday night , and tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out today .
Americans earning up to $ 75,000 will qualify for the direct $ 600 payments , which are phased out at higher income levels , and there 's an additional $ 600 payment per dependent child .
But President Donald Trump 's push for bigger $ 2,000 checks stalled out in the Senate as Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House .
The roadblock mounted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not be sustainable as pressure mounts .
Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $ 600 for millions of Americans .
A growing number of Republicans , including two senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5 in Georgia , have said they will support the larger amount .
But most GOP senators oppose more spending , even if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senators will be back at it today as McConnell is devising a way out of the political bind , but the outcome is highly uncertain .
`` There 's one question left today : Do Senate Republicans join with the rest of America in supporting $ 2,000 checks ? ''
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to vote .
The showdown over the checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority -- overturning Trump 's veto on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years .
Saying little , McConnell signaled an alternative approach to Trump 's checks that may not divide his party so badly , but may result in no action at all .
The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president 's demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities -- repealing protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect Joe Biden .
`` The Senate will begin a process , '' the GOP leader said .
He said little more , only that he would bring the president 's demand for the $ 2,000 checks and other remaining issues `` into focus . ''
The president 's last-minute push for bigger checks leaves Republicans deeply split between those who align with Trump 's populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending .
Congress had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a compromise over the big , year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law .
Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump 's demand for $ 2,000 for most Americans .
`` The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s , '' Sanders said as he also tried to force a vote on the relief checks .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But McConnell objected a second time .
The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands .
The two GOP senators from Georgia , David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler , announced Tuesday they support Trump 's plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate .
`` I 'm delighted to support the president , '' said Perdue on Fox News .
Loeffler said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backs the boosted relief checks .
Trump repeated his demand in a tweet ahead of Tuesday 's Senate session : `` $ 2000 for our great people , not $ 600 ! ''
Following Trump 's lead , Republican Sens .
Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida , among the party 's potential 2024 presidential hopefuls , are pushing the party in the president 's direction .
Other Republicans panned the bigger checks saying the nearly $ 400 billion price tag was too high , the relief is not targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid .
`` We 've spent $ 4 trillion on this problem , '' said Sen. John Cornyn , a Texas Republican .
Biden supports the $ 2,000 checks and said Tuesday the aid package is merely a `` down payment '' on what he plans to deliver once in office .
Economists said a $ 600 check will help , but that it 's a far cry from the spending power that a $ 2,000 check would provide for the economy .
`` It will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 versus $ 2,000 , '' said Ryan Sweet , an economist with Moody 's .

COVID relief check might be in your account tonight -- but it won't be $2,000
Followed by a staffer, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right, leaves the Capitol for the day, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that some of the $600 COVID-19 relief payments might be sent by direct deposit to Americans' bank accounts as early as Tuesday night, and tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out today.
Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there's an additional $600 payment per dependent child.
But President Donald Trump's push for bigger $2,000 checks stalled out in the Senate as Republicans blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House.
The roadblock mounted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not be sustainable as pressure mounts. Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $600 for millions of Americans. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5 in Georgia, have said they will support the larger amount. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.
Senators will be back at it today as McConnell is devising a way out of the political bind, but the outcome is highly uncertain.
"There's one question left today: Do Senate Republicans join with the rest of America in supporting $2,000 checks?" Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to vote.
The showdown over the checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It's preventing action on another priority -- overturning Trump's veto on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.
Saying little, McConnell signaled an alternative approach to Trump's checks that may not divide his party so badly, but may result in no action at all.
The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president's demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities -- repealing protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives, as well the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect Joe Biden.
"The Senate will begin a process," the GOP leader said. He said little more, only that he would bring the president's demand for the $2,000 checks and other remaining issues "into focus."
The president's last-minute push for bigger checks leaves Republicans deeply split between those who align with Trump's populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending. Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.
Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump's demand for $2,000 for most Americans.
"The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s," Sanders said as he also tried to force a vote on the relief checks. "Working families need help now." But McConnell objected a second time.
The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands.
The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump's plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.
"I'm delighted to support the president," said Perdue on Fox News. Loeffler said in an interview on Fox that she, too, backs the boosted relief checks.
Trump repeated his demand in a tweet ahead of Tuesday's Senate session: "$2000 for our great people, not $600!"
Following Trump's lead, Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party's potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, are pushing the party in the president's direction.
"We've got the votes. Let's vote today," Hawley tweeted.
Other Republicans panned the bigger checks saying the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.
"We've spent $4 trillion on this problem," said Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican.
Biden supports the $2,000 checks and said Tuesday the aid package is merely a "down payment" on what he plans to deliver once in office.
Economists said a $600 check will help, but that it's a far cry from the spending power that a $2,000 check would provide for the economy.
"It will make a big difference whether it's $600 versus $2,000," said Ryan Sweet, an economist with Moody's.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--State's COVID-19 positivity rate, hospitalizations climb again

The state 's seven-day average COVID-19 case positivity rate increased for the second day in a row Tuesday , the first time that 's happened since the beginning of the month .
The statewide rate now stands at 7.4 % .
COVID-19 hospitalizations also are climbing across the state , after significant declines on Christmas and Christmas Eve , according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures .
IDPH officials reported 4,313 COVID-19 patients were being treated in Illinois hospitals Monday .
Of those hospitalized , 904 were in intensive care units .
IDPH officials also reported Tuesday that 106 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the state 's death toll from the respiratory disease to 16,179 .
Another 5,644 new cases were diagnosed in Illinois residents , IDPH officials said Tuesday .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , 948,006 Illinoisans have been infected .
That means at least 7.5 % of the state 's population has tested positive for the virus .
Of those who 've contracted it , 1.7 % have died .
While a third of those who have contracted the disease in Illinois are 29 years old or younger , only 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from it .
Almost half the state 's death toll from the virus has been among residents who are 80 years old and older , according to IDPH data .
IDPH officials also reported that half the state 's deaths have been individuals living in long-term care facilities .
Residents and workers at those locations , such as nursing homes and assisted living centers , began receiving the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has n't given an update on the state 's battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he announced more than 100,000 vaccinations had been administered to health care and hospital workers .
Tuesday , state officials released new vaccination figures , noting the state had received 108,225 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 161,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine .
Through Monday , the records indicated 126,211 shots had been administered .
The state 's figures do n't include vaccine doses shipped directly to Chicago .
The state expects more shipments of the vaccine on Wednesday , Thursday and Monday .
But medical experts warn the vaccination process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been expected nationwide .
To achieve herd immunity , as much as 80 % of the population needs to be inoculated with the vaccine , experts say .
`` If we want to get there within six months , we need to be doing 3½ million vaccinations a day , not a million a week , '' Dr. Leana Wen , a public health professor at George Washington University , told CNN Tuesday .
Nationally , the country is averaging nearly 180,000 new COVID-19 cases a day over the past week , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention data .
Illinois is responsible for more than 5,300 of them each day .
While the number of new cases is slightly declining , the U.S. recorded the most COVID-19 hospitalizations ever Monday with 121,235 people being treated for the virus .
States in the southern and western parts of the country are contributing most to the hospitalization spike , according to CDC data .
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 40 % of all hospital patients nationwide were being treated for the virus last week compared to 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California are using gift shops , conference rooms and other nonmedical spaces to treat patients .
Others are turning patients away because of problems supplying oxygen to some patient rooms .

State's COVID-19 positivity rate, hospitalizations climb again
COVID-19 hospitalizations increased again in Illinois on Tuesday and are at their highest point since the outset of the pandemic nationally, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Daily Herald File Photo
The state's seven-day average COVID-19 case positivity rate increased for the second day in a row Tuesday, the first time that's happened since the beginning of the month.
The statewide rate now stands at 7.4%.
COVID-19 hospitalizations also are climbing across the state, after significant declines on Christmas and Christmas Eve, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures.
IDPH officials reported 4,313 COVID-19 patients were being treated in Illinois hospitals Monday. Of those hospitalized, 904 were in intensive care units.
IDPH officials also reported Tuesday that 106 more Illinois residents had died from COVID-19, bringing the state's death toll from the respiratory disease to 16,179.
Another 5,644 new cases were diagnosed in Illinois residents, IDPH officials said Tuesday. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 948,006 Illinoisans have been infected.
That means at least 7.5% of the state's population has tested positive for the virus. Of those who've contracted it, 1.7% have died.
While a third of those who have contracted the disease in Illinois are 29 years old or younger, only 63 people in that age group have died from it.
Almost half the state's death toll from the virus has been among residents who are 80 years old and older, according to IDPH data.
IDPH officials also reported that half the state's deaths have been individuals living in long-term care facilities. Residents and workers at those locations, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, began receiving the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker hasn't given an update on the state's battle against the virus since Dec. 23, when he announced more than 100,000 vaccinations had been administered to health care and hospital workers.
Tuesday, state officials released new vaccination figures, noting the state had received 108,225 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 161,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Through Monday, the records indicated 126,211 shots had been administered.
The state's figures don't include vaccine doses shipped directly to Chicago. The state expects more shipments of the vaccine on Wednesday, Thursday and Monday.
But medical experts warn the vaccination process isn't going as quickly as had been expected nationwide. To achieve herd immunity, as much as 80% of the population needs to be inoculated with the vaccine, experts say.
"If we want to get there within six months, we need to be doing 3½ million vaccinations a day, not a million a week," Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, told CNN Tuesday.
Nationally, the country is averaging nearly 180,000 new COVID-19 cases a day over the past week, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Illinois is responsible for more than 5,300 of them each day.
While the number of new cases is slightly declining, the U.S. recorded the most COVID-19 hospitalizations ever Monday with 121,235 people being treated for the virus. States in the southern and western parts of the country are contributing most to the hospitalization spike, according to CDC data.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 40% of all hospital patients nationwide were being treated for the virus last week compared to 16% in September.
Some hospitals in California are using gift shops, conference rooms and other nonmedical spaces to treat patients. Others are turning patients away because of problems supplying oxygen to some patient rooms.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Rozner: Toews' absence leaves massive hole for Blackhawks

One can easily imagine the conversation Jonathan Toews was having with those closest to him as they tried to convince him to step away from hockey for a few weeks or months .
It was probably similar to the time he played through a concussion for weeks in 2012 , before missing two months , refusing to give in to symptoms that would leave a normal person sitting alone quietly in a dark room , far from competing at hockey 's highest level .
And if these were n't serious health issues , they might even chuckle about how stubborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the essence of Toews , the desire to compete , possessed by the need to give his all on every shift , regardless of the score , the calendar or the way some Blackhawks teammates might play .
He will skate 200 feet , he will block shots and he will always err on the side of caution , leaning defensively instead of cheating offensively .
Others can have the headlines .
Toews wants to win .
That has been Toews ' entire career , underappreciated and frequently underrated .
Crazy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanley Cup champ is underrated .
We do n't live in a world where hard work is appreciated and good work is admired .
Effort is mocked while empty calories are celebrated , the epitome of flash over substance .
Headlines and clicks over deeds and staples , evil and cynicism ruling the day .
This is sports -- and life -- in 2020 .
Jonathan Toews is everything that 's right about sports and especially a game like hockey that requires as its chief tenet a team-first approach at all times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter punchline as he has gotten older and the players around him have gotten worse .
Fanatics move on quickly once they 've stripped all they can from the carcass .
Toews , however , is the definition of , `` You never know what you have until it 's gone , '' and his announced -- and indefinite -- departure Tuesday for medical reasons leaves a giant hole for a rebuilding team , on and off the ice .
`` I 've been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I can better understand my condition , '' Toews said in a statement .
`` Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team , I will not be joining the Blackhawks for training camp .
I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team . ''
This makes the task much more difficult for head coach Jeremy Colliton , as all coaches would prefer leadership and discipline come from inside the room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toews held players accountable and now with no chance for the playoffs , players who do n't check themselves could become selfish and build bad habits without Toews there to set the tone .
That leadership is invaluable , especially when Toews matches his effort to his words , a trait that is derided until he has a huge game , and then the narrative quickly shifts back to big-game Toews , the guy who loves the big stage .
The play he made in Game 4 of the playoff series-clinching win against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up Dominik Kubalik for the game-winner , is a play he makes so often that it 's rarely noticed anymore .
The puck battles and races won , especially in his own end , are just as crucial , but they do n't make highlight films .
His 7 points in 4 games against the Oilers got him some good press , but he has had many great games when his name was n't on the score sheet , and no media asked to speak to him after a game .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has respect in the room , '' said Brandon Saad after the Hawks ' 3-2 victory that eliminated the Oilers .
`` The biggest thing is you can talk the talk , but when you 're going out there and leading by example with his work ethic , everyone buys in . ''
Toews does n't care about garnering headlines .
He just wants to win .
He just wants to play hard .
He wants more ice time .
He wants to do his job .
Hopefully for his sake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , but until then perhaps his absence will be apparent to those who have stopped paying attention , who do n't appreciate that the 32-year-old , future Hall of Famer is still a massive contributor even if he is n't the player he was 10 years ago .
Understand it or do n't , but hockey is not a better game without him .

Rozner: Toews' absence leaves massive hole for Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews stepping away from hockey to sort out his health problems is bad news for Toews, the Blackhawks and hockey. Associated Press
One can easily imagine the conversation Jonathan Toews was having with those closest to him as they tried to convince him to step away from hockey for a few weeks or months.
It was probably similar to the time he played through a concussion for weeks in 2012, before missing two months, refusing to give in to symptoms that would leave a normal person sitting alone quietly in a dark room, far from competing at hockey's highest level.
And if these weren't serious health issues, they might even chuckle about how stubborn he is about his craft.
That is the essence of Toews, the desire to compete, possessed by the need to give his all on every shift, regardless of the score, the calendar or the way some Blackhawks teammates might play.
He will skate 200 feet, he will block shots and he will always err on the side of caution, leaning defensively instead of cheating offensively. Others can have the headlines. Toews wants to win.
That has been Toews' entire career, underappreciated and frequently underrated. Crazy, right? The captain of a three-time Stanley Cup champ is underrated.
But it's true.
We don't live in a world where hard work is appreciated and good work is admired. Effort is mocked while empty calories are celebrated, the epitome of flash over substance. Headlines and clicks over deeds and staples, evil and cynicism ruling the day.
This is sports -- and life -- in 2020.
Jonathan Toews is everything that's right about sports and especially a game like hockey that requires as its chief tenet a team-first approach at all times. For this, Toews has become a Twitter punchline as he has gotten older and the players around him have gotten worse.
Fanatics move on quickly once they've stripped all they can from the carcass.
Toews, however, is the definition of, "You never know what you have until it's gone," and his announced -- and indefinite -- departure Tuesday for medical reasons leaves a giant hole for a rebuilding team, on and off the ice.
"I've been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic. I am working with doctors so I can better understand my condition," Toews said in a statement. "Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team, I will not be joining the Blackhawks for training camp. I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team."
This makes the task much more difficult for head coach Jeremy Colliton, as all coaches would prefer leadership and discipline come from inside the room instead of from behind the bench.
Toews held players accountable and now with no chance for the playoffs, players who don't check themselves could become selfish and build bad habits without Toews there to set the tone.
That leadership is invaluable, especially when Toews matches his effort to his words, a trait that is derided until he has a huge game, and then the narrative quickly shifts back to big-game Toews, the guy who loves the big stage.
It's utter nonsense.
The play he made in Game 4 of the playoff series-clinching win against Edmonton, to steal a puck and set up Dominik Kubalik for the game-winner, is a play he makes so often that it's rarely noticed anymore. The puck battles and races won, especially in his own end, are just as crucial, but they don't make highlight films.
His 7 points in 4 games against the Oilers got him some good press, but he has had many great games when his name wasn't on the score sheet, and no media asked to speak to him after a game.
And that's fine with Toews.
"He has respect in the room," said Brandon Saad after the Hawks' 3-2 victory that eliminated the Oilers. "The biggest thing is you can talk the talk, but when you're going out there and leading by example with his work ethic, everyone buys in."
Toews doesn't care about garnering headlines. He just wants to win. He just wants to play hard. He wants more ice time. He wants to do his job.
Hopefully for his sake, he'll get that chance sometime in 2021, but until then perhaps his absence will be apparent to those who have stopped paying attention, who don't appreciate that the 32-year-old, future Hall of Famer is still a massive contributor even if he isn't the player he was 10 years ago.
Understand it or don't, but hockey is not a better game without him.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Resident, firefighter injured in Rolling Meaodws condo fire

A woman was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and a firefighter suffered a leg injury during an early morning fire Tuesday at a condominium building in Rolling Meadows .
Though flames from the fire were confined to a single , two-level unit of the building on the 2400 block of West Algonquin Road , all 18 units were left uninhabitable because of smoke and water damage , Rolling Meadows Deputy Fire Chief Rick Acosta said .
The building consists of single-level units on the first floor and two-level units that make up the second and third floors , he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
As firefighters were en route , they received information that heavy fire was spotted coming from windows on both floors of the unit where the blaze started .
A family of three lived in that unit , including the woman who suffered smoke inhalation , officials said .
Both she and the injured firefighter were taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment .
Acosta did not have an update on the woman 's condition late Tuesday morning , but said the injured firefighter was in stable condition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause of the fire , but it appears to have started in the living room area of the unit , Acosta said .
The social services division of the Rolling Meadows Police Department has reached out to help find temporary accommodation for displaced residents , and so far four families have taken them up on it , he added .

Resident, firefighter injured in Rolling Meaodws condo fire
A woman was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and a firefighter suffered a leg injury during an early morning fire Tuesday at a condominium building in Rolling Meadows.
Though flames from the fire were confined to a single, two-level unit of the building on the 2400 block of West Algonquin Road, all 18 units were left uninhabitable because of smoke and water damage, Rolling Meadows Deputy Fire Chief Rick Acosta said.
The building consists of single-level units on the first floor and two-level units that make up the second and third floors, he added.
The fire was reported at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday. As firefighters were en route, they received information that heavy fire was spotted coming from windows on both floors of the unit where the blaze started.
A family of three lived in that unit, including the woman who suffered smoke inhalation, officials said. Both she and the injured firefighter were taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for treatment.
Acosta did not have an update on the woman's condition late Tuesday morning, but said the injured firefighter was in stable condition.
An investigation has not yet determined the cause of the fire, but it appears to have started in the living room area of the unit, Acosta said.
The social services division of the Rolling Meadows Police Department has reached out to help find temporary accommodation for displaced residents, and so far four families have taken them up on it, he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--With Darvish deal all but done, here's a look at the prospects Cubs will get in return

After the Cubs went down quietly in the opening round of the playoffs against the Marlins , president of baseball operations Theo Epstein stepped down .
Starters Jon Lester , Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana became free agents , as did relief pitchers Jeremy Jeffress and Andrew Chafin , second baseman Jason Kipnis and outfielders Cameron Maybin and Billy Hamilton .
Outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. were non-tendered and are also free agents .
Even Len Kasper bailed , leaving the Cubs ' TV booth to call White Sox games on radio .
Starter Yu Darvish and catcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Padres -- the deal is still not official -- and USA Today 's Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday the Cubs are `` extensively shopping '' all-star catcher Willson Contreras .
Add it all up , and the Cubs are undoubtedly slashing payroll and behaving like a team that is launching a full-blown rebuild .
As for additions , San Diego is expected to send veteran starter Zach Davies to the Cubs , along with four prospects : shortstops Reginald Preciado and Yeison Santana and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie .
Here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the haul of young players : Rated the Padres ' No .
15 top prospect , Preciado is 17 years old and was Panama 's top prospect in 2019 before signing with San Diego for $ 1.3 million .
He has yet to play a professional game .
`` Preciado grew an inch since signing and now stands 6-foot-5 with a skinny , projectable frame , '' Baseball America wrote .
`` He is n't overly twitchy , but he has a knack for being on time at the plate .
A switch-hitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of an elliptical path and his right-handed swing is a more compact stroke .
They 're different swings , but he 's shown the ability to drive the ball from both sides and has room to grow into power as he fills out .
`` Preciado is a fringe-average runner , but his advanced instincts and polished defensive skills allow him to handle shortstop for now .
His above-average arm strength should improve as he gets stronger . ''
Rated the Padres ' No .
17 prospect , Mena is 18 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletic players in the 2019 international class , he signed with the Padres for $ 2.2 million , the largest bonus the club awarded that year , '' Baseball America wrote .
`` His professional debut was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic , but he put on 7-10 pounds of good weight and stood out during instructional league .
`` Mena is a lean , sleek center fielder with plus-plus speed in the outfield and on the bases .
He 's a slashing hitter who sprays the ball around with a whippy swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's added strength and leverage and has started to drive the ball in the air . ''
Rated the Padres ' No .
18 prospect , Santana is 20 years old .
`` Santana is the lone prospect the Cubs acquired to have played a professional game , and what he 's shown so far has been promising , '' Baseball America wrote .
`` Signed for $ 300,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2017 , Santana quickly added strength and emerged as one of the top players in the Rookie-level Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finishing fourth in batting average ( .346 ) and sixth in on-base percentage ( .429 ) .
`` Santana is an aggressive hitter who swings hard but has the hand-eye coordination and barrel awareness to make consistent contact .
He lines the ball to all fields , especially up the middle and the opposite way , and shows a keen eye for the strike zone . ''
Rated the Padres ' No .
20 prospect , Caissie is 18 years old .
`` Caissie starred as the top power hitter on Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the spring when he hit a home run off the batter 's eye at the Blue Jays ' spring training stadium , '' Baseball America wrote .
`` The Padres drafted him 45th overall in June and signed him for just over $ 1.2 million to forgo a Michigan commitment .
Caissie briefly played at the alternate training site after signing but was hit by a pitch on the right elbow early in instructional league and suffered a hairline fracture that kept him out most of the fall .
`` Caissie is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and room to add even more strength .
He posts some of the top exit velocities and longest home run distances in every environment he plays .
Caissie 's swing can get long and he is prone to striking out , but when he gets a fastball over the plate he crushes it . ''

What did the Cubs get for Yu Darvish? Here's a look at the prospects.
Starter Yu Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini have reportedly been traded to the Padres -- the deal is still not official -- and USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday the Cubs are "extensively shopping" all-star catcher Willson Contreras. Associated Press
So many subtractions.
After the Cubs went down quietly in the opening round of the playoffs against the Marlins, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein stepped down.
Starters Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana became free agents, as did relief pitchers Jeremy Jeffress and Andrew Chafin, second baseman Jason Kipnis and outfielders Cameron Maybin and Billy Hamilton.
Outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. were non-tendered and are also free agents.
Even Len Kasper bailed, leaving the Cubs' TV booth to call White Sox games on radio.
Starter Yu Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini have been traded to the Padres and USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday the Cubs are "extensively shopping" all-star catcher Willson Contreras.
Add it all up, and the Cubs are undoubtedly slashing payroll and behaving like a team that is launching a full-blown rebuild.
As for additions, San Diego is expected to send veteran starter Zach Davies to the Cubs, along with four prospects: shortstops Reginald Preciado and Yeison Santana and outfielders Ismael Mena and Owen Caissie.
Here's what Baseball America has to say about the haul of young players:
Reginald Preciado:
Rated the Padres' No. 15 top prospect, Preciado is 17 years old and was Panama's top prospect in 2019 before signing with San Diego for $1.3 million. He has yet to play a professional game.
"Preciado grew an inch since signing and now stands 6-foot-5 with a skinny, projectable frame," Baseball America wrote. "He isn't overly twitchy, but he has a knack for being on time at the plate. A switch-hitter, Preciado's left-handed swing has a bit of an elliptical path and his right-handed swing is a more compact stroke. They're different swings, but he's shown the ability to drive the ball from both sides and has room to grow into power as he fills out.
"Preciado is a fringe-average runner, but his advanced instincts and polished defensive skills allow him to handle shortstop for now. His above-average arm strength should improve as he gets stronger."
Ismael Mena
Rated the Padres' No. 17 prospect, Mena is 18 years old.
"One of the most athletic players in the 2019 international class, he signed with the Padres for $2.2 million, the largest bonus the club awarded that year," Baseball America wrote. "His professional debut was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, but he put on 7-10 pounds of good weight and stood out during instructional league.
"Mena is a lean, sleek center fielder with plus-plus speed in the outfield and on the bases. He's a slashing hitter who sprays the ball around with a whippy swing from the left side, although he's added strength and leverage and has started to drive the ball in the air."
Yeison Santana
Rated the Padres' No. 18 prospect, Santana is 20 years old.
"Santana is the lone prospect the Cubs acquired to have played a professional game, and what he's shown so far has been promising," Baseball America wrote. "Signed for $300,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2017, Santana quickly added strength and emerged as one of the top players in the Rookie-level Arizona League in his stateside debut in 2019, finishing fourth in batting average (.346) and sixth in on-base percentage (.429).
"Santana is an aggressive hitter who swings hard but has the hand-eye coordination and barrel awareness to make consistent contact. He lines the ball to all fields, especially up the middle and the opposite way, and shows a keen eye for the strike zone."
Owen Caissie
Rated the Padres' No. 20 prospect, Caissie is 18 years old.
"Caissie starred as the top power hitter on Canada's junior national team and generated buzz in the spring when he hit a home run off the batter's eye at the Blue Jays' spring training stadium," Baseball America wrote. "The Padres drafted him 45th overall in June and signed him for just over $1.2 million to forgo a Michigan commitment. Caissie briefly played at the alternate training site after signing but was hit by a pitch on the right elbow early in instructional league and suffered a hairline fracture that kept him out most of the fall.
"Caissie is a big left-handed hitter with plus raw power and room to add even more strength. He posts some of the top exit velocities and longest home run distances in every environment he plays. Caissie's swing can get long and he is prone to striking out, but when he gets a fastball over the plate he crushes it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--Former DuPage County auditor wants full recount after losing by 75 votes

Former DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan , who lost his reelection bid by 75 votes , is seeking a full recount .
Grogan , a Republican from Downers Grove , was defeated by Democrat William `` Bill '' White when the final ballots were counted in the Nov. 3 election .
White of Downers Grove received 233,121 votes to Grogan 's 233,046 .
White was sworn in as county auditor on Dec , 1 .
On Thursday , Grogan filed a petition in DuPage against White and county Clerk Jean Kaczmarek that asks the court to order a full recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the validity of the proclamation issued by '' Kaczmarek .
The petition also asks the court to invalidate the results proclaimed by Kaczmarek and to enter an order declaring that Grogan won the race .
An alternative , according to the petition , would be for the judge to declare the auditor race invalid and to order a new election in April .
`` I 'm not advocating for that , '' Grogan said of a new election .
Grogan , who had served as county auditor since 2008 , said a discovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irregularities '' that he believes a full recount is merited .
`` This is not to say there is some sort of massive conspiracy , '' Grogan said .
The official election canvass issued Nov. 24 by Kaczmarek stated that Grogan lost by 75 votes .
In the petition , Grogan says 436 paper ballots cast Election Day in three precincts are invalid because election judges were required to initial the paper ballots , but did not do so .
All the precincts voted at a polling place at First Christian Church in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examination of those ballots in December shows 259 votes were for White and 177 votes for Grogan .
If all those votes were tossed , Grogan would be the winner , according to the petition .
It also alleges that election judges failed to initial 240 vote-by-mail paper ballots -- 148 for White and 92 for Grogan .
The petition also states there were an unexplained additional 1,626 ballots cast , compared to the number of people that voted ; and that electronic voting machines favored White .
The machines were available for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including visual and hearing impairments .
The petition alleges the machines highlighted White 's name , leading people to vote for him .
Republicans pointed out the issue with the machines during the early-voting period .
The petition says the machines would first highlight the office being voted .
But if the voter did n't select a candidate within 10 seconds , the machine would then highlight the first candidate listed , which were Democrats .
The clerk agreed to put stickers on the machines warning people , but by then approximately 120,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the petition .
`` I 'm confident that I will prevail in the litigation , '' said White , adding that Grogan was pursuing `` technicalities '' to invalidate votes .
During the discovery recount , ballots from 286 of the county 's 930 precincts were recounted .
Pat Bond , the county 's election attorney , said the disputed ballots in the three precincts in Downers Grove were initialed electronically in the poll book .
Judges were instructed to sign there and on the ballot .
he said , because state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a news release Monday , Kaczmarek said the discovery recount found nothing that would change the outcome .
`` I am confident of the results of the recounts , just as I am confident of the results that were certified last month , '' Kaczmarek said .
The case 's first court date is scheduled for March 23 .

Former DuPage County auditor wants full recount after losing by 75 votes
Former DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan, who lost his reelection bid by 75 votes, is seeking a full recount.
Grogan, a Republican from Downers Grove, was defeated by Democrat William "Bill" White when the final ballots were counted in the Nov. 3 election. White of Downers Grove received 233,121 votes to Grogan's 233,046.
White was sworn in as county auditor on Dec, 1.
On Thursday, Grogan filed a petition in DuPage against White and county Clerk Jean Kaczmarek that asks the court to order a full recount of all the precincts "to determine the validity of the proclamation issued by" Kaczmarek.
The petition also asks the court to invalidate the results proclaimed by Kaczmarek and to enter an order declaring that Grogan won the race.
An alternative, according to the petition, would be for the judge to declare the auditor race invalid and to order a new election in April. "I'm not advocating for that," Grogan said of a new election.
Grogan, who had served as county auditor since 2008, said a discovery recount conducted in December uncovered "enough irregularities" that he believes a full recount is merited.
"This is not to say there is some sort of massive conspiracy," Grogan said.
The official election canvass issued Nov. 24 by Kaczmarek stated that Grogan lost by 75 votes.
In the petition, Grogan says 436 paper ballots cast Election Day in three precincts are invalid because election judges were required to initial the paper ballots, but did not do so. All the precincts voted at a polling place at First Christian Church in Downers Grove.
The petition says an examination of those ballots in December shows 259 votes were for White and 177 votes for Grogan. If all those votes were tossed, Grogan would be the winner, according to the petition.
It also alleges that election judges failed to initial 240 vote-by-mail paper ballots -- 148 for White and 92 for Grogan.
The petition also states there were an unexplained additional 1,626 ballots cast, compared to the number of people that voted; and that electronic voting machines favored White.
The machines were available for use by people who had disabilities, including visual and hearing impairments. The petition alleges the machines highlighted White's name, leading people to vote for him. Republicans pointed out the issue with the machines during the early-voting period.
The petition says the machines would first highlight the office being voted. But if the voter didn't select a candidate within 10 seconds, the machine would then highlight the first candidate listed, which were Democrats. The clerk agreed to put stickers on the machines warning people, but by then approximately 120,000 people had voted by machine, according to the petition.
"I'm confident that I will prevail in the litigation," said White, adding that Grogan was pursuing "technicalities" to invalidate votes.
During the discovery recount, ballots from 286 of the county's 930 precincts were recounted.
Pat Bond, the county's election attorney, said the disputed ballots in the three precincts in Downers Grove were initialed electronically in the poll book. Judges were instructed to sign there and on the ballot. he said, because state law only refers to paper ballots.
In a news release Monday, Kaczmarek said the discovery recount found nothing that would change the outcome.
"I am confident of the results of the recounts, just as I am confident of the results that were certified last month," Kaczmarek said.
The case's first court date is scheduled for March 23.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-29--More charges for couple accused of enslaving two girls in Aurora

More charges have been filed against a couple accused of using two girls from Guatemala as slaves in Aurora .
Santos Teodoro Ac-Salazar , 24 , and Olga Choc Laj , 31 , are charged with conspiracy to conceal , harbor and shield from detection both children , who were 10 and 15 years old when they entered the U.S. in 2019 , according to a federal indictment announced Tuesday .
They are also charged with forced labor regarding the younger victim .
A forced-labor charge concerning the older victim was filed earlier this year .
Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be arraigned Wednesday .
Federal authorities say the couple forced the children to provide labor and services for the couple 's private financial gain .
The older girl was made to work as a roofer , then in a factory , authorities say , and had to give all the money she earned to the couple .
She and the younger girl also had to do household chores and take care of the couple 's baby , authorities say .
Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj are Guatemalan citizens .
Authorities say they each chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. unlawfully , so they would be released immediately if detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents .
The duo used smugglers and other people to locate the victims in Guatemala .
They entered the U.S. in El Paso , Texas .
After the couple moved to Aurora , they failed to enroll the older girl in school , prohibited them from leaving the residence except in limited circumstances , and told them to provide false information to other people , including law enforcement authorities , the news release said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger girl told a babysitter that she was being physically abused by the couple .
The babysitter eventually called Aurora police .

More charges for couple accused of enslaving two girls in Aurora
More charges have been filed against a couple accused of using two girls from Guatemala as slaves in Aurora.
Santos Teodoro Ac-Salazar, 24, and Olga Choc Laj, 31, are charged with conspiracy to conceal, harbor and shield from detection both children, who were 10 and 15 years old when they entered the U.S. in 2019, according to a federal indictment announced Tuesday.
They are also charged with forced labor regarding the younger victim. A forced-labor charge concerning the older victim was filed earlier this year.
Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj are in custody and are due to be arraigned Wednesday.
Federal authorities say the couple forced the children to provide labor and services for the couple's private financial gain.
The older girl was made to work as a roofer, then in a factory, authorities say, and had to give all the money she earned to the couple. She and the younger girl also had to do household chores and take care of the couple's baby, authorities say.
Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj are Guatemalan citizens. Authorities say they each chose to travel with a girl to enter the U.S. unlawfully, so they would be released immediately if detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents.
The duo used smugglers and other people to locate the victims in Guatemala. They entered the U.S. in El Paso, Texas.
After the couple moved to Aurora, they failed to enroll the older girl in school, prohibited them from leaving the residence except in limited circumstances, and told them to provide false information to other people, including law enforcement authorities, the news release said.
According to a federal affidavit, the younger girl told a babysitter that she was being physically abused by the couple. The babysitter eventually called Aurora police.