dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--House approves measure to restrain Trump's actions on Iran

WASHINGTON -- Reigniting a debate over who has the power to declare war , the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday approved a resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran .
The war powers resolution is not binding on the president and would not require his signature .
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nonetheless insisted it `` has real teeth '' because `` it is a statement of the Congress of the United States . ''
The measure will `` protect American lives and values '' by limiting Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The administration must de-escalate and must prevent further violence . ''
The House passed the measure , 224-194 , with just three Republicans voting in support .
Eight Democrats opposed the measure .
A similar proposal by Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , faces an uphill fight in the GOP-run Senate .
Kaine 's efforts received a boost Thursday as Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana , an ex-Marine , said he might support the war powers measure .
Two other Republican senators said Wednesday they would back Kaine 's plan .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinct branch of government .
It is our duty not to take anyone 's word for things as we are dealing with matters of life and death , '' Young said , adding that he wished Trump administration officials had provided more intelligence information during a briefing Wednesday on a U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general .
Pelosi , in announcing the House vote , called the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani `` provocative and disproportionate . ''
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise , the No .
2 House Republican , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than `` a press release designed to attack President Trump , '' while House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California called it a `` meaningless vote '' on a measure that will never be sent to the president or `` limit his constitutional authority to defend the American people . ''
The House vote came a day after the Trump administration briefed lawmakers on its actions in Iran .
Democrats and several Republicans called the briefings inadequate , adding that officials did not provide enough details about why the attack was justified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani `` was traveling the region making plans to bring an attack against American personnel and American forces . ''
He said it was not possible to share full details of the intelligence with lawmakers .
`` When it comes to intelligence we have to protect sources and methods , there 's only certain amount we can share with every member of Congress , '' Pence said on ABC 's `` Good Morning America . ''
`` But those of us who have seen all the evidence know that there was a compelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Trump said Thursday that he `` had calls from numerous senators and numerous congressmen and women saying it was the greatest presentation they 've ever had . ''
Referring to criticism by GOP Sens .
Mike Lee and Rand Paul , Trump said : `` They want information that honestly I think is very hard to get .
...
It really had to do with sources and information that we had that really should remain at a very high level . ''
Lee , a conservative from Utah , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other officials was `` probably the worst briefing I 've seen , at least on a military issue , '' in the nine years he 's served in the Senate .
Paul , of Kentucky , said administration officials justified killing Soleimani based on the 2002 authorization of force in Iraq .
`` That is absurd .
That 's an insult , '' he said .
Pelosi scheduled the House vote after Iran retaliated for the Soleimani killing by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution says `` Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military '' unless Congress declares war on that country or enacts legislation authorizing use of force to prevent an attack on the U.S. and its forces .
The resolution 's sponsor , freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin , D-Mich. , said it is intended to `` make clear that if the president wants to take us to war , he must get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones are going to be sent to fight in a protracted war , `` the president owes the American people a public conversation about why , and for what ends , '' said Slotkin , a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served in Iraq .
Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to uphold in authorizing use of military force , Slotkin said , adding , `` We are owed concrete , specific details on strategy . ''
Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a notification explaining the rationale , but kept it classified .
Congress has allowed its war powers role to erode since the passage of Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001 to fight terrorism after the 9/11 attacks , and passage of another AUMF for the invasion of Iraq in 2002 .
Fallout from those votes deeply divided Congress and the nation , with many lawmakers , particularly Democrats , now saying they were mistakes .
Yet Congress has been paralyzed on the question of whether to repeal or change those authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest tests of his presidency , said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be `` standing down '' and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions `` until Iran changes its behavior . ''
The strikes by Iran had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world 's attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force .
Republicans have largely supported Trump 's actions , saying the president was well within his power to take out Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East .
The U.S. considered Soleimani a terrorist .
Democrats were unconvinced that the threat posed by Soleimani was imminent or that other alternatives to the killing were pursued in good faith .
By not disclosing many details of the threat , Trump was asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports he has often disparaged , Democrats said .
Young , in comments to reporters Thursday , said lawmakers `` need to ensure that Congress is involved in future decision-making so we end up exactly where the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the avoidance of a major ground war in the Middle East . ''
He called Kaine 's resolution a `` mechanism to force us to debate this . ''

House approves measure to restrain Trump's actions on Iran
President Donald Trump delivers remarks on proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, in Washington.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters following escalation of tensions this week between the U.S. and Iran, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
WASHINGTON -- Reigniting a debate over who has the power to declare war, the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday approved a resolution asserting that President Donald Trump must seek approval from Congress before engaging in further military action against Iran.
The war powers resolution is not binding on the president and would not require his signature. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nonetheless insisted it "has real teeth" because "it is a statement of the Congress of the United States."
The measure will "protect American lives and values" by limiting Trump's military actions, Pelosi said. "The administration must de-escalate and must prevent further violence."
The House passed the measure, 224-194, with just three Republicans voting in support. Eight Democrats opposed the measure.
A similar proposal by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., faces an uphill fight in the GOP-run Senate. Kaine's efforts received a boost Thursday as Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, an ex-Marine, said he might support the war powers measure. Two other Republican senators said Wednesday they would back Kaine's plan.
"We are members of a separate and distinct branch of government. It is our duty not to take anyone's word for things as we are dealing with matters of life and death," Young said, adding that he wished Trump administration officials had provided more intelligence information during a briefing Wednesday on a U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general.
Pelosi, in announcing the House vote, called the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani "provocative and disproportionate."
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, denounced the Democratic measure as little more than "a press release designed to attack President Trump," while House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California called it a "meaningless vote" on a measure that will never be sent to the president or "limit his constitutional authority to defend the American people."
The House vote came a day after the Trump administration briefed lawmakers on its actions in Iran. Democrats and several Republicans called the briefings inadequate, adding that officials did not provide enough details about why the attack was justified.
Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday that Soleimani "was traveling the region making plans to bring an attack against American personnel and American forces." He said it was not possible to share full details of the intelligence with lawmakers.
"When it comes to intelligence we have to protect sources and methods, there's only certain amount we can share with every member of Congress," Pence said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "But those of us who have seen all the evidence know that there was a compelling case of imminent threat against American personnel."
Trump said Thursday that he "had calls from numerous senators and numerous congressmen and women saying it was the greatest presentation they've ever had."
Referring to criticism by GOP Sens. Mike Lee and Rand Paul, Trump said: "They want information that honestly I think is very hard to get. ... It really had to do with sources and information that we had that really should remain at a very high level."
Lee, a conservative from Utah, said the briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials was "probably the worst briefing I've seen, at least on a military issue," in the nine years he's served in the Senate.
Paul, of Kentucky, said administration officials justified killing Soleimani based on the 2002 authorization of force in Iraq. "That is absurd. That's an insult," he said.
Pelosi scheduled the House vote after Iran retaliated for the Soleimani killing by launching missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops. No casualties were reported.
The five-page resolution says "Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran or any part of its government or military" unless Congress declares war on that country or enacts legislation authorizing use of force to prevent an attack on the U.S. and its forces.
The resolution's sponsor, freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said it is intended to "make clear that if the president wants to take us to war, he must get authorization from Congress."
If loved ones are going to be sent to fight in a protracted war, "the president owes the American people a public conversation about why, and for what ends," said Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who served in Iraq.
Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to uphold in authorizing use of military force, Slotkin said, adding, "We are owed concrete, specific details on strategy."
Trump did not consult with congressional leaders ahead of the attack that killed the Iranian general and afterward sent Congress a notification explaining the rationale, but kept it classified.
Congress has allowed its war powers role to erode since the passage of Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001 to fight terrorism after the 9/11 attacks, and passage of another AUMF for the invasion of Iraq in 2002.
Fallout from those votes deeply divided Congress and the nation, with many lawmakers, particularly Democrats, now saying they were mistakes. Yet Congress has been paralyzed on the question of whether to repeal or change those authorities.
Trump, facing one of the greatest tests of his presidency, said Wednesday that Iran appeared to be "standing down" and said the U.S. response would be to put in place new economic sanctions "until Iran changes its behavior."
The strikes by Iran had pushed Tehran and Washington perilously close to all-out conflict and put the world's attention on Trump as he weighed whether to respond with more military force.
Republicans have largely supported Trump's actions, saying the president was well within his power to take out Iran's architect of proxy operations against Americans in the Middle East. The U.S. considered Soleimani a terrorist.
Democrats were unconvinced that the threat posed by Soleimani was imminent or that other alternatives to the killing were pursued in good faith. By not disclosing many details of the threat, Trump was asking the American public to trust the very intelligence reports he has often disparaged, Democrats said.
Young, in comments to reporters Thursday, said lawmakers "need to ensure that Congress is involved in future decision-making so we end up exactly where the president wants to end up, which is the avoidance of a major ground war in the Middle East."
He called Kaine's resolution a "mechanism to force us to debate this."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--After 2 people are bitten by coyotes on same day, authorities advise how to avoid encounters

Local officials are advising people how to avoid encounters with coyotes after two people were bitten Wednesday in Chicago .
The Chicago Sun-Times reported a 32-year-old man walked into Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago Wednesday evening and told authorities he was walking in the 700 block of North Fairbanks Court when a coyote came from behind and bit him on the buttocks , Chicago police said .
Earlier that day , a 5-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote near the lakefront in Lincoln Park on Chicago 's North Side , according to the Sun-Times .
While coyotes are unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take precautions , said Cook County 's Animal and Rabies Control , adding that more than 1,500 coyotes are thought to live in Cook County .
• Do not leave food outdoors for your pet .
That can be a welcome invitation for coyotes .
• Walk dogs on a short leash and always be aware of your surroundings .
• If letting a dog out in the yard , especially a small dog , always supervise the animal .
Coyotes can easily climb a fence and snatch your pet in seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coyotes are smart and can learn your schedule .
If you always let your dog out or take him for a walk at a certain time , coyotes will learn that and be ready at that time .
• If you see a coyote , make loud noises , jump around and bang on garbage cans or whatever else is around .
It 's important that coyotes be wary of humans , for the safety of residents , pets and the coyotes .

After 2 people are bitten by coyotes on same day, authorities advise how to avoid encounters
Coyotes have become common sights in the suburbs, like this one spotted in Mundelein. Daily Herald File Photo
Local officials are advising people how to avoid encounters with coyotes after two people were bitten Wednesday in Chicago.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported a 32-year-old man walked into Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago Wednesday evening and told authorities he was walking in the 700 block of North Fairbanks Court when a coyote came from behind and bit him on the buttocks, Chicago police said.
Earlier that day, a 5-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote near the lakefront in Lincoln Park on Chicago's North Side, according to the Sun-Times.
While coyotes are unlikely to attack humans, it is important to take precautions, said Cook County's Animal and Rabies Control, adding that more than 1,500 coyotes are thought to live in Cook County.
Authorities recommend:
• Do not leave food outdoors for your pet. That can be a welcome invitation for coyotes.
• Walk dogs on a short leash and always be aware of your surroundings.
• If letting a dog out in the yard, especially a small dog, always supervise the animal. Coyotes can easily climb a fence and snatch your pet in seconds.
• Switch up your routine. Coyotes are smart and can learn your schedule. If you always let your dog out or take him for a walk at a certain time, coyotes will learn that and be ready at that time.
• If you see a coyote, make loud noises, jump around and bang on garbage cans or whatever else is around. It's important that coyotes be wary of humans, for the safety of residents, pets and the coyotes.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Route 60 near Mundelein back open after crash

A stretch of Route 60 near Mundelein was shut down in both directions for several hours Thursday afternoon after a @ @ @ @ @ pole and sent it falling into the roadway .
No one was injured in the @ @ @ @ @ 1:40 p.m. on Route 60 just south of Fremont Center Road .
A 74-year-old Palatine @ @ @ @ @ sedan was turning onto Route 60 from Fremont Center Road when he drove into a @ @ @ @ @ wire attached to a utility pole , Lake County sheriff 's Sgt .
Christopher Covelli @ @ @ @ @ , and part of it came down on the roadway .
`` There were live @ @ @ @ @ ground , '' Covelli said .
`` It was initially a very dangerous situation .
@ @ @ @ @ he drove into the ditch because he had misjudged the distance of an approaching vehicle @ @ @ @ @ ditch would be safer than a collision , Covelli said .
Route 60 was closed @ @ @ @ @ roads until late afternoon while utility repairs were completed .

Route 60 near Mundelein back open after crash
A motorist hit a guide wire attached to a utility pole near Mundelein on Thursday, breaking the pole and sending part of it onto the roadway. No one was hurt. Courtesy of Lake County sheriff's police
A stretch of Route 60 near Mundelein was shut down in both directions for several hours Thursday afternoon after a car crash broke a utility pole and sent it falling into the roadway.
No one was injured in the crash, which occurred about 1:40 p.m. on Route 60 just south of Fremont Center Road.
A 74-year-old Palatine man driving a 2016 Infiniti sedan was turning onto Route 60 from Fremont Center Road when he drove into a ditch and hit a guide wire attached to a utility pole, Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
The pole broke, and part of it came down on the roadway.
"There were live wires very close to the ground," Covelli said. "It was initially a very dangerous situation."
The motorist told police he drove into the ditch because he had misjudged the distance of an approaching vehicle and thought going into the ditch would be safer than a collision, Covelli said.
Route 60 was closed between Peterson and Fremont Center roads until late afternoon while utility repairs were completed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Best-selling author challenges Barrington audience on racism

Best-selling author Robin DiAngelo told a mostly white crowd of about 130 in Barrington that if she did her job properly , she would make it an uncomfortable evening .
DiAngelo , who wrote `` White Fragility : Why It 's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism , '' was about 10 minutes into her talk Wednesday night when she said none of the whites in the room knew anything about racism unless they 've devoted years of sustained study on the topic .
`` I have never met a white person who did n't have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said DiAngelo , a University of Washington professor whose best-seller gets into what white people can do to engage more constructively across race .
She also is a consultant and trainer on issues of racial and social justice .
DiAngelo 's presentation kicked off the second leg of `` A Year of Courageous Conversations '' in the packed third-floor ballroom at Barrington 's White House .
The program aims to bring together people with conflicting viewpoints to learn how to have discussions on issues surrounding race , bias and other difficult topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The status quo of this society is racism , '' said DiAngelo , who is white and grew up in poverty .
`` That is not an aberration .
That is the norm . ''
Jessica Swoyer Green of Barrington Hills and the Rev .
Zina Jacque , pastor of Community Church of Barrington , co-organized `` A Year of Courageous Conversations . ''
They 've received assistance from Claire Nelson , a former Barrington resident who founded the nonprofit Urban Consulate and now lives in New Orleans .
Green said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mindfulness in the series ' first half could use that knowledge in discussing the social issues addressed during the rest of the program .
`` I think the enthusiasm from the community and the fact that people are showing up and engaged and coming back has been really promising and inspiring to us , '' said Green , an active member of the Chicago-area philanthropic community and vice president of the Duchossois Family Foundation .
As part of her presentation , DiAngelo asked the mostly white attendees to consider questions such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where people of different races from them lived .
The crowd also broke up into a few one-on-one discussions on issues , including ways in which race shaped their lives .
DiAngelo also addressed what was headlined on a slide `` Dominant White Progressive Narratives , '' citing as examples those who say they are n't racists because they were taught to treat everyone the same or work in a diverse environment .
She said those are signs of a `` dangerous white person . ''
What white people should do , DiAngelo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get away from having limited , superficial and uninformed opinions .
The overwhelming number of white leaders in federal and state governments , the entertainment industry , media and elsewhere are part of `` something profoundly anti-black in this culture , '' she argued .
About 30 fellows from Barrington , Hoffman Estates , Mundelein , Chicago and elsewhere have committed to attending all `` A Year of Courageous Conversations '' sessions .
Jeanne Hanson , a fellow from Barrington , said it 's been good to listen intently , drop her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's perspective .
`` It does take a commitment to doing something different in a town that may not be comfortable with some of the conversations , '' Hanson said .
While not a fellow , Cynthia Armendariz-Maxwell said she 's attended all five gatherings .
It 's been refreshing to be part of face-to-face conversations that have been evolving in a professional , purposeful tone -- opposite of a frequently negative social media world , she said .
`` This type of experience is what people need to hear about , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , so many people that want to change that ( negative ) rhetoric and do n't believe in that type of behavior , '' said Armendariz-Maxwell , principal of Barrington Area Unit District 220 's Sunny Hill Elementary School in Carpentersville .

Best-selling author challenges Barrington audience on racism
Best-selling author Robin DiAngelo told a mostly white crowd of about 130 in Barrington that if she did her job properly, she would make it an uncomfortable evening.
DiAngelo, who wrote "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism," was about 10 minutes into her talk Wednesday night when she said none of the whites in the room knew anything about racism unless they've devoted years of sustained study on the topic.
"I have never met a white person who didn't have an opinion on racism. Have you?" said DiAngelo, a University of Washington professor whose best-seller gets into what white people can do to engage more constructively across race. She also is a consultant and trainer on issues of racial and social justice.
DiAngelo's presentation kicked off the second leg of "A Year of Courageous Conversations" in the packed third-floor ballroom at Barrington's White House. The program aims to bring together people with conflicting viewpoints to learn how to have discussions on issues surrounding race, bias and other difficult topics.
Even if that makes people uncomfortable.
"The status quo of this society is racism," said DiAngelo, who is white and grew up in poverty. "That is not an aberration. That is the norm."
Jessica Swoyer Green of Barrington Hills and the Rev. Zina Jacque, pastor of Community Church of Barrington, co-organized "A Year of Courageous Conversations." They've received assistance from Claire Nelson, a former Barrington resident who founded the nonprofit Urban Consulate and now lives in New Orleans.
Green said participants who learned about exploring biases and mindfulness in the series' first half could use that knowledge in discussing the social issues addressed during the rest of the program.
"I think the enthusiasm from the community and the fact that people are showing up and engaged and coming back has been really promising and inspiring to us," said Green, an active member of the Chicago-area philanthropic community and vice president of the Duchossois Family Foundation.
As part of her presentation, DiAngelo asked the mostly white attendees to consider questions such as the diversity of their neighborhoods growing up and where people of different races from them lived. The crowd also broke up into a few one-on-one discussions on issues, including ways in which race shaped their lives.
DiAngelo also addressed what was headlined on a slide "Dominant White Progressive Narratives," citing as examples those who say they aren't racists because they were taught to treat everyone the same or work in a diverse environment. She said those are signs of a "dangerous white person."
What white people should do, DiAngelo said, is educate themselves about racism and get away from having limited, superficial and uninformed opinions. The overwhelming number of white leaders in federal and state governments, the entertainment industry, media and elsewhere are part of "something profoundly anti-black in this culture," she argued.
About 30 fellows from Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Mundelein, Chicago and elsewhere have committed to attending all "A Year of Courageous Conversations" sessions. Jeanne Hanson, a fellow from Barrington, said it's been good to listen intently, drop her defenses and be curious about someone else's perspective.
"It does take a commitment to doing something different in a town that may not be comfortable with some of the conversations," Hanson said.
While not a fellow, Cynthia Armendariz-Maxwell said she's attended all five gatherings. It's been refreshing to be part of face-to-face conversations that have been evolving in a professional, purposeful tone -- opposite of a frequently negative social media world, she said.
"This type of experience is what people need to hear about, because there are so many good people in the world, so many people that want to change that (negative) rhetoric and don't believe in that type of behavior," said Armendariz-Maxwell, principal of Barrington Area Unit District 220's Sunny Hill Elementary School in Carpentersville.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Taste and tour: Where to find craft distilleries in the suburbs

While the suburbs benefitted mightily from the craft brewery boom , they 've also been home to a number of craft distilleries .
In 2004 , North Shore Distillery became the first established in the state since prohibition .
But , unlike today , patrons were n't allowed to visit and sample spirits on-site .
Sonja Kassenbaum , who owns North Shore along with her husband , Derek , said their tasting room opened a few years later after state laws changed .
The last decade has brought more distilleries to the area , and North Shore has grown along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have always tried to play nice with everyone -- the breweries , distilleries and wineries , '' Kassenbaum said .
`` We think it 's best to work together . ''
In Lake County , the tourism board created the Libation Trail , a community of more than 20 breweries , wineries and distilleries .
North Shore is one of five craft distilleries on the trail with a tasting room and regular tours .
And there are suburban distilleries in Geneva , Harvard , Plainfield and other places .
North Shore boasts one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said four years ago they moved from Lake Bluff into a space in Green Oaks that was initially a custom kitchen gallery space , which they retrofitted .
`` It 's really fancy , '' Kassenbaum said .
`` The area behind the bar has extremely expensive woodwork that we never would have been able to put in if it was n't there already . ''
Most of the distilleries offer tours for patrons to learn about the process and try their products .
Here 's a look at a few in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vodka and rum either straight or in flavors such as vanilla , apple or lavender .
Tours run between 2 and 6 p.m. Friday and between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday .
Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich produces small-batch bourbon and other spirits .
Copper Fiddle Distillery What : The distillery crafts a bourbon whiskey , two kinds of gin and two varieties of rum .
Tours at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday .
What : Visitors can choose from three kinds of gin and three whiskeys including one bourbon and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 2 and 6 p.m. Friday ; 1 , 3:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday ; and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday .
What : Fox River sells a vodka , a gin and a citrus-flavored vodka under the Herrington brand name .
Distillers also make Rev .
Mike 's White Lightning Moonshine and Bennett Mill Bourbon Whiskey .
Tours are available by reservation .
Tours at Fox River Distilling in Geneva include a look at the production area .
North Shore Distillery What : The distillery offers four varieties of gin , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one infused with citrus and another with vanilla beans .
Tours are at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday or by appointment .
Cocktail tours are also offered .
What : Rush Creek offers two varieties of whiskey as well as vodka and gin .
Tours are 7 p.m. Friday ; 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday ; and 1 p.m. Sunday .
From Monday through Wednesday , tours can be scheduled by appointment for groups of 20 or more .
Private tours are available upon request .
What : 28 Mile 's signature vodka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Highwood tasting room .
Tours are available by appointment .
What : Whiskey Acres creates rye whiskey , bourbon whiskey and vodka .
Tours are at 2 , 4 and 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday .

Taste and tour: Where to find craft distilleries in the suburbs
North Shore Distillery was started by Sonja and Derek Kassebaum. Four years ago, they opened a tasting room in Green Oaks. Courtesy of North Shore Distillery
While the suburbs benefitted mightily from the craft brewery boom, they've also been home to a number of craft distilleries.
In 2004, North Shore Distillery became the first established in the state since prohibition. But, unlike today, patrons weren't allowed to visit and sample spirits on-site.
Sonja Kassenbaum, who owns North Shore along with her husband, Derek, said their tasting room opened a few years later after state laws changed. The last decade has brought more distilleries to the area, and North Shore has grown along with other local producers.
"We have always tried to play nice with everyone -- the breweries, distilleries and wineries," Kassenbaum said. "We think it's best to work together."
In Lake County, the tourism board created the Libation Trail, a community of more than 20 breweries, wineries and distilleries. North Shore is one of five craft distilleries on the trail with a tasting room and regular tours. And there are suburban distilleries in Geneva, Harvard, Plainfield and other places.
North Shore boasts one of the more unique spaces. Kassenbaum said four years ago they moved from Lake Bluff into a space in Green Oaks that was initially a custom kitchen gallery space, which they retrofitted.
"It's really fancy," Kassenbaum said. "The area behind the bar has extremely expensive woodwork that we never would have been able to put in if it wasn't there already."
Most of the distilleries offer tours for patrons to learn about the process and try their products. Here's a look at a few in the suburbs:
Black Dog Distillery
Where: 10038 Clow Creek Road, Unit B, Plainfield
What: Black Dog offers vodka and rum either straight or in flavors such as vanilla, apple or lavender. Tours run between 2 and 6 p.m. Friday and between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Website: blackdogdistillery.com
Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich produces small-batch bourbon and other spirits. - Daily Herald file photo
Where: 532 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich
What: The distillery crafts a bourbon whiskey, two kinds of gin and two varieties of rum. Tours at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Website: copperfiddledistillery.com
FEW Spirits
Where: 918 Chicago Ave., Evanston
What: Visitors can choose from three kinds of gin and three whiskeys including one bourbon and one rye. Tours are 6 p.m. Thursday; 2 and 6 p.m. Friday; 1, 3:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Website: fewspirits.com
Fox River Distilling Company
Where: 204 Dearborn Court, Geneva
What: Fox River sells a vodka, a gin and a citrus-flavored vodka under the Herrington brand name. Distillers also make Rev. Mike's White Lightning Moonshine and Bennett Mill Bourbon Whiskey. Tours are available by reservation.
Website: foxriverdistilling.com
Tours at Fox River Distilling in Geneva include a look at the production area. - Courtesy of Fox River Distilling Company
Where: 13990 Rockland Road, Green Oaks
What: The distillery offers four varieties of gin, two rums and three kinds of vodka including one infused with citrus and another with vanilla beans. Tours are at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday or by appointment. Cocktail tours are also offered.
Website: northshoredistillery.com
Rush Creek Distilling
Where: 1501 W. Diggins St., Harvard
What: Rush Creek offers two varieties of whiskey as well as vodka and gin. Tours are 7 p.m. Friday; 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. Sunday. From Monday through Wednesday, tours can be scheduled by appointment for groups of 20 or more. Private tours are available upon request.
Website: rushcreekdistilling.com
28 Mile Vodka & Distillery
Where: 454 Sheridan Road, Highwood
What: 28 Mile's signature vodka is mixed into a variety of cocktails in the Highwood tasting room. Tours are available by appointment.
Website: 28milevodka.com
Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.
Where: 11504 Keslinger Road, DeKalb
What: Whiskey Acres creates rye whiskey, bourbon whiskey and vodka. Tours are at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday.
Website: whiskeyacres.com


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Madigan says no to House-led investigation of 'rape in Champaign' email

SPRINGFIELD -- House Speaker Michael Madigan said Thursday he will not initiate a House-led inquiry into a recently unearthed 2012 email written by a state government insider that alluded to a possible cover-up of a `` rape in Champaign '' and other criminal activity .
The email was uncovered in an open records request by WBEZ-FM in Chicago .
The email was sent by Michael McClain -- a former lobbyist for the public utility ComEd and a close Madigan confidant -- to two high-ranking members of then-Gov .
Pat Quinn 's staff seeking leniency for a state employee facing disciplinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth shut on Jones ' ghost workers , the rape in Champaign and other items .
He is loyal to the administration , '' McClain said of the employee in the email obtained by WBEZ , which was unable to uncover any other information regarding the allegations .
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin , of Western Springs , sent Madigan a letter Thursday requesting a House committee be given full subpoena authority to launch an investigation .
`` It is a relatively routine practice for standing or special committees of the Illinois House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations of misconduct related to state governance , so I respectfully request the State Government Administration Committee ... be immediately convened to investigate the allegations from the WBEZ report , '' Durkin wrote in the letter .
`` I spoke with the governor , and he confirmed the matter was referred to the appropriate authorities , '' Madigan wrote .
`` Recognizing the sensitivity of the matter for any potential survivors , any investigation should be handled by the appropriate investigative entities without interference by the General Assembly . ''
In response , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` continue to fight to investigate this disturbing revelation and will do everything we can to restore pride in state government . ''
Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Thursday the matter was forwarded to the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General for investigation .
`` I think all of us want to know , what are they referring to , because I do n't think it 's clear yet what circumstances are being referred to in this email , '' he said .
`` In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ta do an investigation , we 've got ta figure out what the real facts are ... and then we 've got ta hold those accountable who are responsible for perpetrating either the crime , the cover-up or the threats that are associated in that email . ''
While Pritzker said he had n't talked to former Quinn or Madigan as of Thursday morning , the speaker 's Thursday afternoon letter referred to a conversation with the governor that occurred later in the day .
`` I do n't have investigatory capability in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an OEIG , '' Pritzker said .
`` That is exactly what an OEIG is there for .
It is to refer so that they can , because they have this investigative capability that we just do n't have .
It 's not a function that belongs or exists in the governor 's office . ''
When asked if Madigan should resign , at least as Illinois Democratic Party chairman , Pritzker did not directly answer but again pointed to the lack of facts and the ongoing investigation .
He said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emails than what was released publicly .
Aside from the letter to Durkin , Madigan 's office released only a three-sentence statement on the matter Wednesday .
It said , `` These are extremely serious and troubling allegations .
I had no knowledge of the incident referenced in the story and only learned of this today .
I encourage those with any information to come forward . ''
On Twitter , state Rep. Kelly Cassidy , a Chicago Democrat who has challenged Madigan on the culture his administration has created in Springfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It should come as no surprise that ( Madigan ) did n't know .
Every single thing that 's been revealed has gotten the same response .
Not knowing is foundational and fundamental to the entire design of the organization , '' she wrote .
In a phone call Thursday , Cassidy said anyone calling for resignations or political moves in response to the email should `` take a breath and be mindful of the fact that we 're talking about an act of violence against a human . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more we talk about everything else around it , the more we dehumanize that person , '' she said .
`` And so , first and foremost , what I want to see happen is the appropriate authority take on the effort to determine if in fact this happened , if this person wants justice , and separately , look at these questions of cover-up .
`` You know , whether or not there is a sexual assault to be prosecuted , what we do have in these emails are three very powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover-up of some pretty serious crimes . ''
Cassidy said she was n't sure which investigative authority should take the lead on the matter , but finding the right answer to that question should be a top priority .
`` Were these emails generated out of Sangamon County , can the Sangamon County state 's attorney do anything ?
Can the attorney general do anything ?
You know , I think that 's where we need to really focus our attention first and foremost , '' she said .
She said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local Champaign authority , where the cover-up was alleged to have taken place .
The News-Gazette in Champaign reported Thursday that Champaign County State 's Attorney Julia Rietz would not be launching an investigation into the case .
`` Certainly , if a victim comes forward to local law enforcement to report a crime , we will absolutely be willing and interested in addressing it , '' she told the newspaper .
`` At this point , we have absolutely no information about who , what , where or when anything happened .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat who chairs the House State Government Administration Committee Durkin said should investigate the matter , said she agreed that a committee investigation could interfere with other investigations .
She said she spoke with Rietz on Thursday afternoon , hours after the News-Gazette article was published , and was assured the state 's attorney would do `` due diligence '' on the matter , `` which includes going back to 2012 , and seeing if there were any reported rapes or any situation such as that . ''
`` She has to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path going forward , '' Kifowit said .
Rietz 's office said her team was in a staff meeting late Thursday afternoon and unable to take a phone call to verify details of the call with Kifowit .
A voicemail from Capitol News Illinois was not returned as of 5 p.m. Thursday .
Late Thursday , Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady , of Bloomington , sent a letter to Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly requesting he initiate a criminal investigation .
`` You are the lead law enforcement officer in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Illinois , the victim , and the seriousness of this issue demands that your agency conduct a full and thorough investigation .
Illinois residents deserve to know that justice will prevail no matter how connected or powerful the wrongdoers , '' he said in the letter .
Emails to a Madigan spokesperson were not returned Wednesday or Thursday .

Madigan says no to House-led investigation of 'rape in Champaign' email
SPRINGFIELD -- House Speaker Michael Madigan said Thursday he will not initiate a House-led inquiry into a recently unearthed 2012 email written by a state government insider that alluded to a possible cover-up of a "rape in Champaign" and other criminal activity.
The email was uncovered in an open records request by WBEZ-FM in Chicago. The email was sent by Michael McClain -- a former lobbyist for the public utility ComEd and a close Madigan confidant -- to two high-ranking members of then-Gov. Pat Quinn's staff seeking leniency for a state employee facing disciplinary action.
"He has kept his mouth shut on Jones' ghost workers, the rape in Champaign and other items. He is loyal to the administration," McClain said of the employee in the email obtained by WBEZ, which was unable to uncover any other information regarding the allegations.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, sent Madigan a letter Thursday requesting a House committee be given full subpoena authority to launch an investigation.
"It is a relatively routine practice for standing or special committees of the Illinois House to be convened to dig deep into allegations of misconduct related to state governance, so I respectfully request the State Government Administration Committee ... be immediately convened to investigate the allegations from the WBEZ report," Durkin wrote in the letter.
Madigan denied the request in a response letter.
"I spoke with the governor, and he confirmed the matter was referred to the appropriate authorities," Madigan wrote. "Recognizing the sensitivity of the matter for any potential survivors, any investigation should be handled by the appropriate investigative entities without interference by the General Assembly."
In response, Durkin said the House Republican caucus will "continue to fight to investigate this disturbing revelation and will do everything we can to restore pride in state government."
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Thursday the matter was forwarded to the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General for investigation.
"I think all of us want to know, what are they referring to, because I don't think it's clear yet what circumstances are being referred to in this email," he said.
"In order to get the answers, we've gotta do an investigation, we've gotta figure out what the real facts are ... and then we've gotta hold those accountable who are responsible for perpetrating either the crime, the cover-up or the threats that are associated in that email."
While Pritzker said he hadn't talked to former Quinn or Madigan as of Thursday morning, the speaker's Thursday afternoon letter referred to a conversation with the governor that occurred later in the day.
"I don't have investigatory capability in the governor's office except that there is an OEIG," Pritzker said. "That is exactly what an OEIG is there for. It is to refer so that they can, because they have this investigative capability that we just don't have. It's not a function that belongs or exists in the governor's office."
When asked if Madigan should resign, at least as Illinois Democratic Party chairman, Pritzker did not directly answer but again pointed to the lack of facts and the ongoing investigation. He said his office has no further evidence regarding the emails than what was released publicly.
Aside from the letter to Durkin, Madigan's office released only a three-sentence statement on the matter Wednesday. It said, "These are extremely serious and troubling allegations. I had no knowledge of the incident referenced in the story and only learned of this today. I encourage those with any information to come forward."
On Twitter, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who has challenged Madigan on the culture his administration has created in Springfield, was critical of the speaker's statement.
"It should come as no surprise that (Madigan) didn't know. Every single thing that's been revealed has gotten the same response. Not knowing is foundational and fundamental to the entire design of the organization," she wrote.
In a phone call Thursday, Cassidy said anyone calling for resignations or political moves in response to the email should "take a breath and be mindful of the fact that we're talking about an act of violence against a human."
"As we talk about this, the more we talk about everything else around it, the more we dehumanize that person," she said. "And so, first and foremost, what I want to see happen is the appropriate authority take on the effort to determine if in fact this happened, if this person wants justice, and separately, look at these questions of cover-up.
"You know, whether or not there is a sexual assault to be prosecuted, what we do have in these emails are three very powerful men appearing to be complicit in the cover-up of some pretty serious crimes."
Cassidy said she wasn't sure which investigative authority should take the lead on the matter, but finding the right answer to that question should be a top priority.
"Were these emails generated out of Sangamon County, can the Sangamon County state's attorney do anything? Can the attorney general do anything? You know, I think that's where we need to really focus our attention first and foremost," she said.
She said she was disappointed in the reported response of a local Champaign authority, where the cover-up was alleged to have taken place. The News-Gazette in Champaign reported Thursday that Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz would not be launching an investigation into the case.
"Certainly, if a victim comes forward to local law enforcement to report a crime, we will absolutely be willing and interested in addressing it," she told the newspaper. "At this point, we have absolutely no information about who, what, where or when anything happened."
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat who chairs the House State Government Administration Committee Durkin said should investigate the matter, said she agreed that a committee investigation could interfere with other investigations.
She said she spoke with Rietz on Thursday afternoon, hours after the News-Gazette article was published, and was assured the state's attorney would do "due diligence" on the matter, "which includes going back to 2012, and seeing if there were any reported rapes or any situation such as that."
"She has to work with local law enforcement to chart a path going forward," Kifowit said.
Rietz's office said her team was in a staff meeting late Thursday afternoon and unable to take a phone call to verify details of the call with Kifowit. A voicemail from Capitol News Illinois was not returned as of 5 p.m. Thursday.
Late Thursday, Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady, of Bloomington, sent a letter to Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly requesting he initiate a criminal investigation.
"You are the lead law enforcement officer in the state of Illinois, and I believe the people of Illinois, the victim, and the seriousness of this issue demands that your agency conduct a full and thorough investigation. Illinois residents deserve to know that justice will prevail no matter how connected or powerful the wrongdoers," he said in the letter.
Emails to a Madigan spokesperson were not returned Wednesday or Thursday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--Illinois Medicaid now covering transgender therapy, procedures

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Medicaid program now covers medical procedures for people transitioning from one gender to another .
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services , the state 's primary Medicaid agency , published new administrative rules that spell out the types of `` gender-affirming '' services covered and the conditions under which the program will reimburse providers for those services .
The rules became effective Dec. 23 .
The department announced in April that it would develop such a policy .
Previously , Illinois specifically excluded what had been referred to as `` transsexual surgery '' from Medicaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , not a privilege , and I 'm committed to ensuring our LGBTQ community and all Illinoisans have access to that right , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said in a statement at the time .
`` Expanding Medicaid to cover gender affirming surgeries is cost effective , helps avoid long-term health consequences , and most importantly is the right thing to do .
With continued attacks coming from Washington , this administration will always stand with our transgender community and their right to lead safe and healthy lives . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender dysphoria , a recognized condition in which people experience distress or discomfort because the gender they were assigned at birth does not match the gender with which they identify .
Researchers say it occurs in only a small percentage of all individuals .
Under Illinois ' new policy , coverage is available to people over age 21 , although it can be provided to some people younger than 21 if it 's determined to be medically necessary .
Procedures covered include genital surgery as well as breast or chest surgery .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must submit letters from two qualified medical practitioners , including the patient 's primary care provider , who have each examined the patient independently .
Non-genital surgery requires only one letter from the primary care provider or a gender-related care physician .
To qualify for genital surgery , patients first must undergo hormone therapy , unless they are medically unable to do so .
They also must have lived for at least the past 12 months in the gender role to which they are transitioning .
According to the advocacy group Movement Advancement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the District of Columbia now cover gender affirmation procedures in their Medicaid programs .
Nine states explicitly exclude that coverage .
The others have no specific policy .

Illinois Medicaid now covering transgender therapy, procedures
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Medicaid program now covers medical procedures for people transitioning from one gender to another.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the state's primary Medicaid agency, published new administrative rules that spell out the types of "gender-affirming" services covered and the conditions under which the program will reimburse providers for those services. The rules became effective Dec. 23.
The department announced in April that it would develop such a policy. Previously, Illinois specifically excluded what had been referred to as "transsexual surgery" from Medicaid coverage.
"Health care is a right, not a privilege, and I'm committed to ensuring our LGBTQ community and all Illinoisans have access to that right," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement at the time. "Expanding Medicaid to cover gender affirming surgeries is cost effective, helps avoid long-term health consequences, and most importantly is the right thing to do. With continued attacks coming from Washington, this administration will always stand with our transgender community and their right to lead safe and healthy lives."
The procedures are available to people diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a recognized condition in which people experience distress or discomfort because the gender they were assigned at birth does not match the gender with which they identify. Researchers say it occurs in only a small percentage of all individuals.
Under Illinois' new policy, coverage is available to people over age 21, although it can be provided to some people younger than 21 if it's determined to be medically necessary.
Procedures covered include genital surgery as well as breast or chest surgery. To qualify for genital surgery, a patient must submit letters from two qualified medical practitioners, including the patient's primary care provider, who have each examined the patient independently. Non-genital surgery requires only one letter from the primary care provider or a gender-related care physician.
To qualify for genital surgery, patients first must undergo hormone therapy, unless they are medically unable to do so. They also must have lived for at least the past 12 months in the gender role to which they are transitioning.
According to the advocacy group Movement Advancement Project, 20 states, including Illinois, and the District of Columbia now cover gender affirmation procedures in their Medicaid programs. Nine states explicitly exclude that coverage. The others have no specific policy.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--'We waited and found our guy': Hampshire hires first administrator in 5 years

With a desire to return to city management after 30 years in the private sector , Jay Hedges weighed his options .
He could work for a large , established community in the Chicago area with lots of political discourse and the potential to refine his conflict resolution skills .
Or he could try his luck in Hampshire , a much smaller town that has n't had a village administrator in five years but is ripe with development opportunities .
He chose the latter .
Even before his initial interview , Hedges fell in love with Hampshire the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during what turned out to be a rainy but spirited homecoming weekend .
Then , he sat in on a couple of village board meetings and was intrigued by the take-action approach of trustees , most of whom he described as forward-thinking and young in tenure .
`` What I saw was a board that really wanted to get things done and a community that has all the tools , '' Hedges said .
`` They know where they want to go .
They just want someone to help them get there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huntley , started his career in municipal government and eventually ran what was then called the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs .
The past few decades , he served as a leader for various manufacturing corporations , but he promised himself he 'd return to public service one day .
One of 21 applicants for the village administrator position , Hedges had the `` perfect mix '' of government and private sector experience to help Hampshire tackle projects , attract new businesses and responsibly manage growth , Village President Jeff Magnussen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 with a starting annual salary of $ 124,800 .
It had been more than five years since the village hired its previous administrator , whose tenure lasted no more than a week .
Rather than go through the recruitment process again so soon , `` the board decided to save the money and wait for the right time , '' Magnussen said .
`` We waited and found our guy . ''
Hedges ' first priority has been to push forward a number of developments that had stalled at the village level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads but none who specialize in economic development .
His next goal is working with the business development commission to increase outreach efforts and prepare the village for new prospects .
When a new project is on the table , Hedges said , village officials should be able to provide developers with a tentative timeline and anticipated costs for all steps in the process , such as obtaining permits , applying for zoning changes or getting plans approved .
`` We have a lot of momentum here , '' he said , pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial developers .
`` We just need to be able to manage it well and have a development process that is easy and understandable and does n't inhibit growth . ''
Hampshire now is experiencing a similar energy that was evident decades ago in Hoffman Estates , where Hedges started his career , he said .
He also worked in Skokie and Mount Prospect before he was hired as then-Gov .
Jim Thompson 's assistant for local government affairs .
In 1986 , Hedges was appointed the director of commerce and community affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sears headquarters in Illinois and coordinated the relocation of other businesses to the state .
He spent the past 30 years in manufacturing , with his most recent job landing him in the East Coast , before returning to Chicago last May .

'We waited and found our guy': Hampshire hires first administrator in 5 years
Jay Hedges of Huntley has been hired as Hampshire's first village administrator in five years. Courtesy of Jay Hedges
With a desire to return to city management after 30 years in the private sector, Jay Hedges weighed his options.
He could work for a large, established community in the Chicago area with lots of political discourse and the potential to refine his conflict resolution skills. Or he could try his luck in Hampshire, a much smaller town that hasn't had a village administrator in five years but is ripe with development opportunities.
He chose the latter.
Even before his initial interview, Hedges fell in love with Hampshire the first time he took a drive around town, during what turned out to be a rainy but spirited homecoming weekend. Then, he sat in on a couple of village board meetings and was intrigued by the take-action approach of trustees, most of whom he described as forward-thinking and young in tenure.
"What I saw was a board that really wanted to get things done and a community that has all the tools," Hedges said. "They know where they want to go. They just want someone to help them get there."
Hedges, who recently moved to Huntley, started his career in municipal government and eventually ran what was then called the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The past few decades, he served as a leader for various manufacturing corporations, but he promised himself he'd return to public service one day.
One of 21 applicants for the village administrator position, Hedges had the "perfect mix" of government and private sector experience to help Hampshire tackle projects, attract new businesses and responsibly manage growth, Village President Jeff Magnussen said. He started the position Dec. 2 with a starting annual salary of $124,800.
It had been more than five years since the village hired its previous administrator, whose tenure lasted no more than a week. Rather than go through the recruitment process again so soon, "the board decided to save the money and wait for the right time," Magnussen said. "We waited and found our guy."
Hedges' first priority has been to push forward a number of developments that had stalled at the village level. The village has four other department heads but none who specialize in economic development.
His next goal is working with the business development commission to increase outreach efforts and prepare the village for new prospects.
When a new project is on the table, Hedges said, village officials should be able to provide developers with a tentative timeline and anticipated costs for all steps in the process, such as obtaining permits, applying for zoning changes or getting plans approved.
"We have a lot of momentum here," he said, pointing to inquiries from residential, commercial and industrial developers. "We just need to be able to manage it well and have a development process that is easy and understandable and doesn't inhibit growth."
Hampshire now is experiencing a similar energy that was evident decades ago in Hoffman Estates, where Hedges started his career, he said. He also worked in Skokie and Mount Prospect before he was hired as then-Gov. Jim Thompson's assistant for local government affairs.
In 1986, Hedges was appointed the director of commerce and community affairs, where he led efforts to retain the Sears headquarters in Illinois and coordinated the relocation of other businesses to the state. He spent the past 30 years in manufacturing, with his most recent job landing him in the East Coast, before returning to Chicago last May.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--State lawmakers say new FDA policy on vaping doesn't go far enough

SPRINGFIELD -- Some Illinois lawmakers say a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy responding to a growing trend of youth e-cigarette use does not go far enough .
The federal public health watchdog announced in a memo last week it would crack down on the `` manufacture , distribution , and sale '' of fruit- and mint-flavored electronic smoking cartridges for cigars , hookahs and cigarettes , among others .
The guidance excludes menthol and tobacco flavors .
But that addresses only part of the problem , say health advocates and legislators who sponsor related bills .
Even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for menthol -- over a decade ago , menthol is still popular among youth .
A 2016 study found more than half of those smokers use menthol-flavored cigarettes , compared to roughly one-third of adult smokers .
Vicki Vasconcellos , president of The Smoke Free Alternatives Coalition of Illinois , does not dispute that youth are `` abusing '' flavored products .
She argues , though , lawmakers ' priority should be enforcement of the Tobacco 21 statute which prohibits the sale of products containing nicotine to those under the age of 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2019 amendment to the Federal Food , Drug , and Cosmetic Act .
The FDA , in its memo , explained the policy change as prioritizing enforcement against companies that market to customers without actively taking steps to prevent minors from accessing their products .
It also considers the potential risks created by extended availability of new tobacco products without scientific review , according to the document .
Deerfield Democratic Sen. Julie Morrison said she is `` glad they went as far as they did , '' but a loophole remains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The FDA was ruling only on the pods , and one of the other sources obviously is the large containers that are sold so you can fill your own , '' she said .
`` I think that should be subject to the same restrictions . ''
Her legislation , proposed in late October , would prohibit all flavors of those goods -- bottled liquid users need to fill cartridges themselves -- and other nicotine devices .
Chicago Democratic Sen. Mattie Hunter agreed .
She said fully `` addressing the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shana Crews , government relations director for the American Cancer Society 's Cancer Action Network , said the administration 's action `` does n't preempt any strong , comprehensive state or local policies on tobacco , so Illinois can go forward and put a public health strategy in place to prevent kids [ from ] becoming addicted to e-cigarettes and other tobacco products . ''
Morrison 's bill is similar to one introduced by Rep. Deb Conroy , a Democrat from Villa Park .
Sen. Jim Oberweis , a Republican from Sugar Grove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican from Naperville , both proposed measures that would allow the sale of menthol , mint and tobacco flavors .
None of the three returned a request for an interview .
Legislative efforts to regulate flavored electronic smoking devices during the fall veto session were unsuccessful , Morrison said , due to the `` short period of time '' the General Assembly had to consider the initiative .
She added attempts were further slowed because `` big tobacco is a huge interest . ''
Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's `` top priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people , that 's why he supports banning flavored vaping products that entice our youth , '' a spokeswoman said in an email , though she did not say definitively if he agrees further state action is necessary .
The federal administration 's policy `` should have a minimal impact '' on vape shops , according to its memo .
Vasconcellos , who owns several such stores , said her `` knee-jerk '' reaction is small business owners will not shutter as they `` likely '' would if a more restrictive state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the products Illinois shops sell , she estimated , are flavored .
`` We are breathing a sigh of relief that we can continue to feed our families and pay our mortgages , '' she said .
Vasconcellos added , `` We 're not tobacco .
We 're anti-tobacco . ''
The FDA has authority to regulate e-cigarettes and vapes , for example , through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act .
In August 2016 , it reinterpreted the legal definition of a tobacco product to include all electronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to apply for authorization before marketing their products as a `` modified tobacco '' device .
That process `` ( ensures ) that FDA has the necessary information to exercise adequate , timely oversight over these relatively novel and potentially harmful products , '' according to the new policy .
Because no electronic nicotine delivery systems have been authorized `` to date , '' all such products are `` considered illegally marketed , '' according to the administration .
The FDA 's guidance is not binding , which means it can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog deems necessary .
A representative of the Illinois Department of Public Health said the agency is `` ready to review any legislation from the General Assembly . ''
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said in a news release , `` I believe that ( last week 's ) announcement is a positive step , but it is far from a comprehensive one . ''

State lawmakers say new FDA policy on vaping doesn't go far enough
The Food and Drug Administration last week announced it would crack down on the "manufacture, distribution, and sale" of fruit- and mint-flavored electronic smoking cartridges. Associated Press file photo
SPRINGFIELD -- Some Illinois lawmakers say a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy responding to a growing trend of youth e-cigarette use does not go far enough.
The federal public health watchdog announced in a memo last week it would crack down on the "manufacture, distribution, and sale" of fruit- and mint-flavored electronic smoking cartridges for cigars, hookahs and cigarettes, among others. The guidance excludes menthol and tobacco flavors.
But that addresses only part of the problem, say health advocates and legislators who sponsor related bills.
Even though Congress banned all flavored cigarettes -- except for menthol -- over a decade ago, menthol is still popular among youth. A 2016 study found more than half of those smokers use menthol-flavored cigarettes, compared to roughly one-third of adult smokers.
Vicki Vasconcellos, president of The Smoke Free Alternatives Coalition of Illinois, does not dispute that youth are "abusing" flavored products. She argues, though, lawmakers' priority should be enforcement of the Tobacco 21 statute which prohibits the sale of products containing nicotine to those under the age of 21.
That provision is also included in a 2019 amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA, in its memo, explained the policy change as prioritizing enforcement against companies that market to customers without actively taking steps to prevent minors from accessing their products. It also considers the potential risks created by extended availability of new tobacco products without scientific review, according to the document.
Deerfield Democratic Sen. Julie Morrison said she is "glad they went as far as they did," but a loophole remains in curbing youth's access to flavored products.
"The FDA was ruling only on the pods, and one of the other sources obviously is the large containers that are sold so you can fill your own," she said. "I think that should be subject to the same restrictions."
Her legislation, proposed in late October, would prohibit all flavors of those goods -- bottled liquid users need to fill cartridges themselves -- and other nicotine devices.
Chicago Democratic Sen. Mattie Hunter agreed. She said fully "addressing the issue calls for a complete ban."
Shana Crews, government relations director for the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network, said the administration's action "doesn't preempt any strong, comprehensive state or local policies on tobacco, so Illinois can go forward and put a public health strategy in place to prevent kids [from] becoming addicted to e-cigarettes and other tobacco products."
Morrison's bill is similar to one introduced by Rep. Deb Conroy, a Democrat from Villa Park. Sen. Jim Oberweis, a Republican from Sugar Grove, and Rep. Grant Wehrli, a Republican from Naperville, both proposed measures that would allow the sale of menthol, mint and tobacco flavors.
None of the three returned a request for an interview.
Legislative efforts to regulate flavored electronic smoking devices during the fall veto session were unsuccessful, Morrison said, due to the "short period of time" the General Assembly had to consider the initiative. She added attempts were further slowed because "big tobacco is a huge interest."
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker's "top priority is the health and safety of our young people, that's why he supports banning flavored vaping products that entice our youth," a spokeswoman said in an email, though she did not say definitively if he agrees further state action is necessary.
The federal administration's policy "should have a minimal impact" on vape shops, according to its memo. Vasconcellos, who owns several such stores, said her "knee-jerk" reaction is small business owners will not shutter as they "likely" would if a more restrictive state law is passed. At least 85 percent of the products Illinois shops sell, she estimated, are flavored.
"We are breathing a sigh of relief that we can continue to feed our families and pay our mortgages," she said.
Vasconcellos added, "We're not tobacco. We're anti-tobacco."
The FDA has authority to regulate e-cigarettes and vapes, for example, through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. In August 2016, it reinterpreted the legal definition of a tobacco product to include all electronic smoking devices.
Manufacturers of e-cigarettes are required to apply for authorization before marketing their products as a "modified tobacco" device.
That process "(ensures) that FDA has the necessary information to exercise adequate, timely oversight over these relatively novel and potentially harmful products," according to the new policy.
Because no electronic nicotine delivery systems have been authorized "to date," all such products are "considered illegally marketed," according to the administration.
The FDA's guidance is not binding, which means it can be changed at any time the public health watchdog deems necessary.
A representative of the Illinois Department of Public Health said the agency is "ready to review any legislation from the General Assembly."
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said in a news release, "I believe that (last week's) announcement is a positive step, but it is far from a comprehensive one."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--You can now make $100,000 working at Taco Bell

The six-figure sum is not being offered at a haute cuisine location with culinary accolades , but at fast-food chain Taco Bell .
Amid an increasingly tough U.S. labor market , the company is betting a higher salary will help it attract workers and keep them on the team .
The Yum Brands Inc.-owned chain will test the higher salary in select restaurants in the Midwest and Northeast , and will also try a new role for employees who want leadership experience but do n't want to be in the management position .
It 's another example of how stubbornly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast food , which for decades has been seen as the quintessential low-wage job .
Restaurants including Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants and Shake Shack have recently called out labor inflation that 's hurting margins .
In November , the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 % , matching the lowest since 1969 , while average hourly earnings climbed and exceeded projections .
Taco Bell on Thursday also announced plans to make all of its customer packaging recyclable , compostable or reusable by 2025 .
Amid the growth of plant-based meat imitations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegetarian menu items for customers such as the black bean crunchwrap .

You can now make $100,000 working at Taco Bell -- that's not a typo
Taco Bell is betting a higher salary will help it attract workers and keep them on the team. Bloomberg
Wanted: Restaurant manager. Competitive salary: $100,000.
The six-figure sum is not being offered at a haute cuisine location with culinary accolades, but at fast-food chain Taco Bell. Amid an increasingly tough U.S. labor market, the company is betting a higher salary will help it attract workers and keep them on the team.
The Yum Brands Inc.-owned chain will test the higher salary in select restaurants in the Midwest and Northeast, and will also try a new role for employees who want leadership experience but don't want to be in the management position.
It's another example of how stubbornly low unemployment is changing the face of fast food, which for decades has been seen as the quintessential low-wage job. Restaurants including Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants and Shake Shack have recently called out labor inflation that's hurting margins.
In November, the unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, matching the lowest since 1969, while average hourly earnings climbed and exceeded projections.
Taco Bell on Thursday also announced plans to make all of its customer packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025. Amid the growth of plant-based meat imitations, the chain added it wants to continue providing vegetarian menu items for customers such as the black bean crunchwrap.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-09--With 'Megxit,' Harry and Meghan aim to control media image

The relationship between Britain 's royals and the media is awkward , mistrustful -- and seemingly inescapable .
But now Meghan and Harry want out .
After years of growing tension with the press , the prince and his wife have announced plans to quit their senior royal duties , move part-time to North America , seek financial independence and withdraw from regular media scrutiny .
The couple -- who have complained of intrusive media coverage and accused some British media commentators of racism -- slammed the country 's long-standing arrangements for royal media coverage , saying they prefer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
The British press was stung by the snub , reacting Thursday with articles , columns and editorials that ranged from disappointment to fury .
The Daily Mirror said in an editorial that the couple 's failure to tell Harry 's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II about their plans `` shows shocking disregard for a woman whose entire life has been ruled by a sense of public duty and honor . ''
The Times of London accused Harry of `` petulance and hot-headedness , '' while the Daily Mail said the couple wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royals but the privacy and freedom of being private citizens . ''
The Sun and the New York Post both described the departure as `` Megxit , '' a play on Brexit , Britain 's impending departure from the European Union .
The 93-year-old monarch moved Thursday to take control of the situation .
Britain 's national news agency , Press Association , reported that the queen had ordered officials representing the monarch , Charles , Prince William , and Harry and Meghan to meet and find `` workable solutions '' within `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan 's shock announcement drew comparisons to the abdication of the queen 's uncle King Edward VIII , who gave up the throne in 1936 so he could marry divorced American Wallis Simpson .
Once again , waspish commentators noted , an American woman has caused a ruction in the British royal family .
But the relationship between royals and the media has changed dramatically in the intervening decades .
Before the abdication , the romance between Edward and Simpson was headline news in the United States but went largely unreported by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II and the social revolution of the 1960 's demolished that tradition of deference to royalty .
For decades , the U.K. media has proclaimed its reverence for the queen while treating the travails of her family as fair game , from the divorces of three of her four children to second son Prince Andrew 's troubling friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
After Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 , the media charted every twist in the marriage : the births of sons William and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , the slow public crumbling of the relationship .
Charles and Diana both used the media as a weapon as their marriage foundered , giving TV interviews to present themselves in a sympathetic light .
But Diana -- a global megastar , followed by paparazzi wherever she went -- was never fully in control of the media attention .
She was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by photographers .
Diana 's death provoked a crisis for the monarchy -- which was portrayed as remote and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- and for the media , accused of hounding a vulnerable woman .
In the wake of Diana 's death , the palace and the press reached an uneasy truce .
The British media left young William and Harry alone in exchange for carefully staged interviews and photo opportunities as they grew up .
That practice has continued with the three young children of William and his wife Kate .
Harry , however , still blames the media for his mother 's death , and since meeting his wife -- the former actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to play the game .
In 2017 , the prince accused the media of directing `` a wave of abuse and harassment '' at the biracial Markle , including `` racial undertones '' in articles .
Last year the couple launched a lawsuit against the Mail on Sunday newspaper over its publication of a letter written by Meghan .
Harry said he feared `` history repeating itself .
… I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
Yet using the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Meghan 's strategy , just as it was for Diana .
When they wanted to make their unhappiness public , the couple gave an interview to a sympathetic journalist from broadcaster ITV .
In that interview , Meghan said that `` very naively , '' she had been unprepared for the intense media scrutiny she would receive once she married into the British royal family .
`` I never thought that this would be easy , but I thought it would be fair , '' she said .
Harry and Meghan now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own terms , dropping out of the `` royal rota , '' a pool system that organizes media coverage of the royal family 's public events .
On a newly launched website , they said the system hampered their ability to `` personally share moments in their lives directly with members of the public '' via social media .
They said in the future they would `` engage with grassroots media organizations and young , up-and-coming journalists . ''
They also slammed the `` misconception '' that the British media 's royal correspondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Freddy Mayhew , editor of the Press Gazette , a newspaper industry trade publication , said the royal couple was aiming for a `` much more controlled , much more private '' approach to the media , drawing on Meghan 's experience as a U.S. television star .
`` I think they are perhaps seizing an opportunity with the decline of print media to break away , '' he said .
`` That 's something they could n't have done before , when papers were at their full strength .
But now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online , there 's the ability for people like Harry and Meghan to take control of what they put out there . ''
Harry , 35 , is Elizabeth 's grandson and sixth in line to the British throne , behind his father , brother and his brother 's three children .
With his ginger hair and beard , he is one of the royal family 's most recognizable and popular members and has spent his entire life in the public eye .
Before marrying the prince in a wedding watched around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a star of the TV legal drama `` Suits . ''
The couple 's son Archie was born in May 2019 .
Less than two years after that fairy tale wedding , the couple was enmeshed in an uproar that began Wednesday with a statement from Buckingham Palace , described as `` a personal message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex . ''
It said Harry and Meghan intend to become financially independent and to `` balance '' their time between the U.K. and North America .
In a subsequent statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difference of opinion was laid bare .
The palace said many issues still had to be worked out before the couple 's plan could be realized and discussions with the couple `` were at an early stage . ''
That communique suggested that Harry and Meghan 's statement had caught the royal household by surprise .
`` We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through , '' it read .
The announcement left a slew of questions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live , and how will they earn private income without tarnishing the royal image ?
At the moment , they are largely funded by Harry 's father , Prince Charles , through income from his vast Duchy of Cornwall estate .
The move dominated the news in Britain , and divided opinion .
Some blamed Meghan for the troubles .
A social media storm compared her to Yoko Ono , the widow of Beatles singer John Lennon , who was blamed for the breakup of the famous band .
Madame Tussauds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple out of the royal section , where they had previously stood next to the monarch and Prince Philip .
Others offered sympathy for the queen , who remains a revered figure .
`` We do n't mind them having an ordinary life .
What we do n't like is the queen not being informed about nothing , '' said royal super-fan John Loughrey , adding that the British public did not want to see the royal couple `` isolated '' abroad .
`` It is a crisis , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Seriously . ''
Associated Press reporter Gregory Katz contributed to this report .

With 'Megxit,' Harry and Meghan aim to control media image
FILE -- In this Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 file photo, front from left, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Rear From left, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Price William, Meghan Markle, and her fiancee Prince Harry, following the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, file)
FILE -- In this Tuesday, July 10, 2018 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE -- In this Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 file photo Prince Harry and his then girlfriend Meghan Markle attend a wheelchair tennis event at the Invictus Games in Toronto. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP, FILE)
FILE -- In this Tuesday, June 26, 2018 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a group photo at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (John Stillwell/Pool Photo via AP, File)
FILE -- In this Monday Nov. 27, 2017 file photo Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk away after posing for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
FILE -- In this Tuesday, July 10, 2018 file photo Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and from left, Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE -- In this Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex attend the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file)
FILE -- In this file photo Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive at Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. In a stunning declaration, Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they are planning "to step back" as senior members of the royal family and "work to become financially independent." A statement issued by the couple Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 also said they intend to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
The relationship between Britain's royals and the media is awkward, mistrustful -- and seemingly inescapable. But now Meghan and Harry want out.
After years of growing tension with the press, the prince and his wife have announced plans to quit their senior royal duties, move part-time to North America, seek financial independence and withdraw from regular media scrutiny.
The couple -- who have complained of intrusive media coverage and accused some British media commentators of racism -- slammed the country's long-standing arrangements for royal media coverage, saying they prefer to communicate directly with the public through social media.
The British press was stung by the snub, reacting Thursday with articles, columns and editorials that ranged from disappointment to fury.
The Daily Mirror said in an editorial that the couple's failure to tell Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II about their plans "shows shocking disregard for a woman whose entire life has been ruled by a sense of public duty and honor." The Times of London accused Harry of "petulance and hot-headedness," while the Daily Mail said the couple wanted "the status of being 'senior' royals but the privacy and freedom of being private citizens."
The Sun and the New York Post both described the departure as "Megxit," a play on Brexit, Britain's impending departure from the European Union.
The 93-year-old monarch moved Thursday to take control of the situation. Britain's national news agency, Press Association, reported that the queen had ordered officials representing the monarch, Charles, Prince William, and Harry and Meghan to meet and find "workable solutions" within "days not weeks."
Harry and Meghan's shock announcement drew comparisons to the abdication of the queen's uncle King Edward VIII, who gave up the throne in 1936 so he could marry divorced American Wallis Simpson. Once again, waspish commentators noted, an American woman has caused a ruction in the British royal family.
But the relationship between royals and the media has changed dramatically in the intervening decades. Before the abdication, the romance between Edward and Simpson was headline news in the United States but went largely unreported by a deferential British press.
The trauma of World War II and the social revolution of the 1960's demolished that tradition of deference to royalty. For decades, the U.K. media has proclaimed its reverence for the queen while treating the travails of her family as fair game, from the divorces of three of her four children to second son Prince Andrew's troubling friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
After Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, the media charted every twist in the marriage: the births of sons William and Harry, Diana's glamour and charity work, the slow public crumbling of the relationship.
Charles and Diana both used the media as a weapon as their marriage foundered, giving TV interviews to present themselves in a sympathetic light. But Diana -- a global megastar, followed by paparazzi wherever she went -- was never fully in control of the media attention. She was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by photographers.
Diana's death provoked a crisis for the monarchy -- which was portrayed as remote and cold at a time of national grief -- and for the media, accused of hounding a vulnerable woman.
In the wake of Diana's death, the palace and the press reached an uneasy truce. The British media left young William and Harry alone in exchange for carefully staged interviews and photo opportunities as they grew up. That practice has continued with the three young children of William and his wife Kate.
Harry, however, still blames the media for his mother's death, and since meeting his wife -- the former actress Meghan Markle -- he has become less willing to play the game.
In 2017, the prince accused the media of directing "a wave of abuse and harassment" at the biracial Markle, including "racial undertones" in articles. Last year the couple launched a lawsuit against the Mail on Sunday newspaper over its publication of a letter written by Meghan. Harry said he feared "history repeating itself. … I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces."
Yet using the media has been a key part of Harry and Meghan's strategy, just as it was for Diana. When they wanted to make their unhappiness public, the couple gave an interview to a sympathetic journalist from broadcaster ITV.
In that interview, Meghan said that "very naively," she had been unprepared for the intense media scrutiny she would receive once she married into the British royal family.
"I never thought that this would be easy, but I thought it would be fair," she said.
Harry and Meghan now want to use the media on their own terms, dropping out of the "royal rota," a pool system that organizes media coverage of the royal family's public events. On a newly launched website, they said the system hampered their ability to "personally share moments in their lives directly with members of the public" via social media.
They said in the future they would "engage with grassroots media organizations and young, up-and-coming journalists." They also slammed the "misconception" that the British media's royal correspondents were "credible sources" of information.
Freddy Mayhew, editor of the Press Gazette, a newspaper industry trade publication, said the royal couple was aiming for a "much more controlled, much more private" approach to the media, drawing on Meghan's experience as a U.S. television star.
"I think they are perhaps seizing an opportunity with the decline of print media to break away," he said. "That's something they couldn't have done before, when papers were at their full strength. But now that a lot of it is moving online, there's the ability for people like Harry and Meghan to take control of what they put out there."
Harry, 35, is Elizabeth's grandson and sixth in line to the British throne, behind his father, brother and his brother's three children. With his ginger hair and beard, he is one of the royal family's most recognizable and popular members and has spent his entire life in the public eye.
Before marrying the prince in a wedding watched around the world in 2018, the 38-year-old Meghan was a star of the TV legal drama "Suits." The couple's son Archie was born in May 2019.
Less than two years after that fairy tale wedding, the couple was enmeshed in an uproar that began Wednesday with a statement from Buckingham Palace, described as "a personal message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex." It said Harry and Meghan intend to become financially independent and to "balance" their time between the U.K. and North America.
In a subsequent statement just 90 minutes later, though, a difference of opinion was laid bare. The palace said many issues still had to be worked out before the couple's plan could be realized and discussions with the couple "were at an early stage."
That communique suggested that Harry and Meghan's statement had caught the royal household by surprise.
"We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,'' it read.
The announcement left a slew of questions: Where exactly do Meghan and Harry plan to live, and how will they earn private income without tarnishing the royal image? At the moment, they are largely funded by Harry's father, Prince Charles, through income from his vast Duchy of Cornwall estate.
The move dominated the news in Britain, and divided opinion. Some blamed Meghan for the troubles. A social media storm compared her to Yoko Ono, the widow of Beatles singer John Lennon, who was blamed for the breakup of the famous band.
Madame Tussauds, the famed London waxwork attraction, moved the couple out of the royal section, where they had previously stood next to the monarch and Prince Philip.
Others offered sympathy for the queen, who remains a revered figure.
"We don't mind them having an ordinary life. What we don't like is the queen not being informed about nothing," said royal super-fan John Loughrey, adding that the British public did not want to see the royal couple "isolated" abroad.
"It is a crisis,'' he said. "We have got a crisis here. Seriously."
Associated Press reporter Gregory Katz contributed to this report.
Follow full AP coverage at https://www.apnews.com/PrinceHarry