dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--ComEd pleads not guilty in influence-peddling case

Energy utility ComEd pleaded not guilty to bribery at an arraignment Wednesday despite previously admitting wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scheme that threatens to ensnare Illinois ' most powerful Democrat , state House Speaker Michael Madigan .
The plea during a hearing held by phone was largely a formality under a deferred prosecution agreement unsealed last month and does n't mean that ComEd is now saying it did nothing wrong .
The agreement requires that ComEd admit wrongdoing , pay a $ 200 million fine and cooperate with investigators in return for dismissal of the charge later .
In the written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to associates of Madigan -- the nation 's longest serving statehouse speaker -- from 2011 to 2019 in exchange for the speaker 's help in pushing through legislation favorable to the utility .
As Wednesday 's hearing began , it was n't clear if U.S. District Judge John Kness in Chicago would require ComEd to enter a plea .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Singh Bhachu said his office did n't believe one was necessary .
But Kness said that arraignments must include a plea .
`` I do n't want to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I also want to be careful to follow what the rules are , '' he said .
ComEd attorney Reid Schar entered the plea on the company 's behalf .
Court proceedings against ComEd are now on hold until 2023 , when prosecutors will assess whether it has fully complied with the terms of the deferred prosecution deal .
Madigan has not been charged and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing .

ComEd pleads not guilty in influence-peddling case
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing in the ComEd case. Associated Press file photo
Energy utility ComEd pleaded not guilty to bribery at an arraignment Wednesday despite previously admitting wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scheme that threatens to ensnare Illinois' most powerful Democrat, state House Speaker Michael Madigan.
The plea during a hearing held by phone was largely a formality under a deferred prosecution agreement unsealed last month and doesn't mean that ComEd is now saying it did nothing wrong. The agreement requires that ComEd admit wrongdoing, pay a $200 million fine and cooperate with investigators in return for dismissal of the charge later.
In the written agreement, ComEd admits to supplying benefits to associates of Madigan -- the nation's longest serving statehouse speaker -- from 2011 to 2019 in exchange for the speaker's help in pushing through legislation favorable to the utility.
As Wednesday's hearing began, it wasn't clear if U.S. District Judge John Kness in Chicago would require ComEd to enter a plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Singh Bhachu said his office didn't believe one was necessary.
But Kness said that arraignments must include a plea.
"I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I also want to be careful to follow what the rules are," he said.
ComEd attorney Reid Schar entered the plea on the company's behalf.
Court proceedings against ComEd are now on hold until 2023, when prosecutors will assess whether it has fully complied with the terms of the deferred prosecution deal.
Madigan has not been charged and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--How will riding the school bus be different in the age of COVID-19?

HARRISBURG , Pa. -- School districts nationwide puzzling over how to safely educate children during a pandemic have a more immediate challenge -- getting 26 million bus-riding students there in the first place .
Few challenges are proving to be more daunting than figuring out how to maintain social distance on school buses .
A wide array of strategies have emerged to reduce the health risks but nobody has found a silver bullet .
Should students with COVID-19 symptoms be isolated at the front of the school bus ?
Should bus seats be assigned ?
Should buses be loaded from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few students at a time ?
`` The transportation professionals are left with the issue of , OK , you 've got little Billy at the bus stop .
Mom 's not there and he 's got a temperature .
That 's a dilemma , '' said Steve Simmons , a bus safety expert who used to head pupil transportation for Columbus , Ohio , public schools .
`` We ca n't answer those kinds of questions .
I do n't think anybody can . ''
Simmons , president of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of team of industry and school officials who produced a 70-page report on ways to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission .
Many schools have been surveying parents to determine how many students will take the bus and how many will be privately driven to school .
Others are making decisions about bus capacity that involve a trade-off between safety and affordability .
The task force report warned that a 6-foot ( 2-meter ) social distancing regulation `` is not financially nor operationally feasible , '' and that `` current thinking '' is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 students , or more if family members sit together .
Some large districts will nonetheless `` jam 'em in '' the school bus , Simmons said , while other districts plan to stagger school start times or teach half the students in the morning and the rest in the afternoon , with two sets of bus runs .
School transportation plans are `` just one of the many ways we 're seeing inequities playing out in this pandemic , '' said Deborah Gordon Klehr , executive director of the Education Law Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that they will cut back on the number of students offered transportation , or expect more parents to drive their students to school , '' she said .
`` Students and families with fewer resources are going to be the ones hurt by this . ''
Kim Blodgett quit her job as a fourth-grade teacher this year in order to drive her 5-year-old son to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf , concerned the twice-daily , 45-minute bus ride from their home in Norman was too risky .
`` So many parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of this that 's happened , '' Blodgett said .
`` They have to work , they have to send their kids to school .
They have to put their kids on that bus .
It 's a horrible situation all the way around . ''
Simmons said most bus drivers are old enough to put them at heightened risk for severe illness if they catch the virus .
They will have to decide whether to continue driving -- a job that typically does not pay much -- or to stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could worsen a yearslong national school bus driver shortage .
Schools will have to decide what cleaning standards they want to set and whether to add sneeze guards or similar barriers among students and between students and bus drivers .
In Pennsylvania , the Transportation Department shot down a proposal to install plastic barriers around bus drivers , telling a school bus contractor there is not evidence it would make students or drivers safer .
In New York , hand sanitizer is n't even allowed on buses `` due to its combustible composition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district , '' according to guidance from the state 's school reopening task force .
The task force report said a survey of bus contractors found they were unanimously opposed to taking students ' temperatures , as some districts have considered .
The contractors said drivers and bus monitors do not want to have to interpret health data , among other objections .
Getting on and off the bus is considered a time of heightened risk .
Pennsylvania districts are considering assigned bus seating , making students fill empty buses from the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A suburban Philadelphia school district 's reopening plan states that students with symptoms should be placed in the front seat of the bus and brought to the school nurse .
Another mandates that no students with symptoms will be sent on a bus or brought to school .
Districts are designating rooms where sick or potentially sick children can be isolated until their parents can retrieve them .
Pottstown , Pennsylvania , schools have proposed keeping windows on its few buses open , a plan that will be difficult to carry out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for windows to remain cracked if the outside temperature is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit .
Public schools in Providence , Rhode Island , had considered making all students attend the schools that are located closest to their homes as a way to limit ridership , but officials withdrew that proposal after parents objected .
The Kentucky Education Department suggests schools institute `` walking school buses , '' a system used in at least two other states in which adults chaperone groups of students walking to and from school together , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky Education Department spokesperson Toni Konz Tatman said there has been no word yet of any districts giving the walking school buses a try .
Bus plans are expected to be tweaked over the first weeks and months of school , but if a major outbreak is linked to bus transportation , parents will have to decide whether to vote with their feet and go another route .

How will riding the school bus be different in the age of COVID-19?
In this April 27, 2020, file photo, a worker passes public school buses parked at a depot in Manchester, N.H. Reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic means putting children on school buses, and districts are working on plans to limit the risk. Associated Press
In this Friday, July 10, 2020, file photo, rows of school buses are parked at their terminal, in Zelienople, Pa. Reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic means putting children on school buses, and districts are working on plans to limit the risk. Associated Press
In this Thursday, July 16, 2020, file photo, Superintendent Keith Perrigan shows the new seating configuration on the school buses for the upcoming school year, in Bristol, Va., where a maximum of 22 students can be on the bus, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier via AP, File) Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- School districts nationwide puzzling over how to safely educate children during a pandemic have a more immediate challenge -- getting 26 million bus-riding students there in the first place.
Few challenges are proving to be more daunting than figuring out how to maintain social distance on school buses. A wide array of strategies have emerged to reduce the health risks but nobody has found a silver bullet.
Should students with COVID-19 symptoms be isolated at the front of the school bus? Should bus seats be assigned? Should buses be loaded from the back? Should buses only carry a few students at a time?
"The transportation professionals are left with the issue of, OK, you've got little Billy at the bus stop. Mom's not there and he's got a temperature. That's a dilemma," said Steve Simmons, a bus safety expert who used to head pupil transportation for Columbus, Ohio, public schools. "We can't answer those kinds of questions. I don't think anybody can."
Simmons, president of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, was part of team of industry and school officials who produced a 70-page report on ways to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Many schools have been surveying parents to determine how many students will take the bus and how many will be privately driven to school. Others are making decisions about bus capacity that involve a trade-off between safety and affordability.
The task force report warned that a 6-foot (2-meter) social distancing regulation "is not financially nor operationally feasible," and that "current thinking" is that a 72-student capacity bus can accommodate 24 students, or more if family members sit together.
Some large districts will nonetheless "jam 'em in" the school bus, Simmons said, while other districts plan to stagger school start times or teach half the students in the morning and the rest in the afternoon, with two sets of bus runs.
School transportation plans are "just one of the many ways we're seeing inequities playing out in this pandemic," said Deborah Gordon Klehr, executive director of the Education Law Center in Philadelphia.
"Some districts are saying that they will cut back on the number of students offered transportation, or expect more parents to drive their students to school," she said. "Students and families with fewer resources are going to be the ones hurt by this."
Kim Blodgett quit her job as a fourth-grade teacher this year in order to drive her 5-year-old son to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, concerned the twice-daily, 45-minute bus ride from their home in Norman was too risky.
"So many parents feel like they have no control over any of this that's happened," Blodgett said. "They have to work, they have to send their kids to school. They have to put their kids on that bus. It's a horrible situation all the way around."
Simmons said most bus drivers are old enough to put them at heightened risk for severe illness if they catch the virus. They will have to decide whether to continue driving -- a job that typically does not pay much -- or to stay home and prioritize their own safety, which could worsen a yearslong national school bus driver shortage.
Schools will have to decide what cleaning standards they want to set and whether to add sneeze guards or similar barriers among students and between students and bus drivers.
In Pennsylvania, the Transportation Department shot down a proposal to install plastic barriers around bus drivers, telling a school bus contractor there is not evidence it would make students or drivers safer. In New York, hand sanitizer isn't even allowed on buses "due to its combustible composition and potential liability to the carrier or district," according to guidance from the state's school reopening task force.
The task force report said a survey of bus contractors found they were unanimously opposed to taking students' temperatures, as some districts have considered. The contractors said drivers and bus monitors do not want to have to interpret health data, among other objections.
Getting on and off the bus is considered a time of heightened risk. Pennsylvania districts are considering assigned bus seating, making students fill empty buses from the back and emptying them from the front.
A suburban Philadelphia school district's reopening plan states that students with symptoms should be placed in the front seat of the bus and brought to the school nurse. Another mandates that no students with symptoms will be sent on a bus or brought to school. Districts are designating rooms where sick or potentially sick children can be isolated until their parents can retrieve them.
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, schools have proposed keeping windows on its few buses open, a plan that will be difficult to carry out in winter. New York's statewide recommendation is for windows to remain cracked if the outside temperature is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Public schools in Providence, Rhode Island, had considered making all students attend the schools that are located closest to their homes as a way to limit ridership, but officials withdrew that proposal after parents objected.
The Kentucky Education Department suggests schools institute "walking school buses," a system used in at least two other states in which adults chaperone groups of students walking to and from school together, with designated bus stops and pickup times. Kentucky Education Department spokesperson Toni Konz Tatman said there has been no word yet of any districts giving the walking school buses a try.
Bus plans are expected to be tweaked over the first weeks and months of school, but if a major outbreak is linked to bus transportation, parents will have to decide whether to vote with their feet and go another route.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--Second suspect charged in attempted terrorism case in Lombard

A woman has been charged with attempted terrorism , for allegedly providing the materials for a Molotov cocktail for a man accused of planning to bomb the Lombard municipal complex during a time of nationwide civil unrest June 1 .
Amanda R. Wolf , 23 , of the 1300 block of South Stewart Avenue in Lombard , was held on $ 750,000 bail Tuesday morning at the DuPage County jail .
Bail had initially been set at $ 1 million by the judge who signed her arrest warrant , but Judge Alexander McGimpsey reduced it at a hearing Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incendiary or explosive device .
Assistant State 's Attorney Lee Roupas told McGimpsey that the evening of May 31 and early June 1 , Wolf had been exchanging messages , via Facebook Messenger , with co-defendant Christian Frazee .
According to Roupas , Frazee told her he was going to go `` riot in Lombard RN ( right now ) .
Throws ( stuff ) at cop cars . ''
Wolf replied there was no rioting in Lombard , laughing , and that there was `` nothing but roadblocks and pigs ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supply him with rubbing alcohol and a glass bottle .
Wolf asked if hydrogen peroxide was flammable .
`` I also threw in some acetone .
I know that 's flammable , '' Wolf told Frazee , according to Roupas .
The acetone was in nail polish remover .
They met at her house , where Wolf gave Frazee the supplies .
Frazee was arrested at 12:27 a.m. June 1 when detectives on patrol saw him walking toward municipal buildings and village- and worker-owned vehicles .
They reported he had a Molotov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glass bottle , in one hand , and a lighter in the other .
He had other lighters , a flare and a knife in his backpack , according to Roupas and court records .
Roupas said Wolf told police she gave Frazee a red glass bottle , and that she had been in Chicago the night before when rioting took place .
Her attorney noted prosecutors have not said she was with Frazee at the municipal complex .
She faces the same charges as Frazee under the legal concept of accountability for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is free on $ 100,000 bond , which was posted by the Chicago Community Bond Fund .
The group advocates for the elimination of monetary bail .
Wolf 's attorney asked for bail of no more than $ 10,000 , saying her parents could only post $ 1,000 .
The terrorism charge is probationable .
The explosives charges are not ; if convicted , she could be sentenced to 6 to 30 years in prison .
`` The arrest of Ms. Wolf sends the message that while we fully support peaceful protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any criminal behavior perpetrated under the guise of such protests , '' DuPage County State 's Attorney Bob Berlin said .
`` Peaceful protests do not include Molotov cocktails , knives and a baseball bat .
There is nothing funny about planned criminal behavior , which if carried out , may have caused significant damage to property and the potential loss of human life .
Thanks to the outstanding work of the Lombard Police Department , Ms. Wolf is now facing extremely serious charges for her alleged involvement with Mr. Frazee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Attorney Lee Roupas for his efforts in securing today 's charges against Ms .
Wolf . ''

Second suspect charged in attempted terrorism case in Lombard
A woman has been charged with attempted terrorism, for allegedly providing the materials for a Molotov cocktail for a man accused of planning to bomb the Lombard municipal complex during a time of nationwide civil unrest June 1.
Amanda R. Wolf, 23, of the 1300 block of South Stewart Avenue in Lombard, was held on $750,000 bail Tuesday morning at the DuPage County jail. Bail had initially been set at $1 million by the judge who signed her arrest warrant, but Judge Alexander McGimpsey reduced it at a hearing Tuesday.
She also faces charges of possession of an incendiary or explosive device.
Assistant State's Attorney Lee Roupas told McGimpsey that the evening of May 31 and early June 1, Wolf had been exchanging messages, via Facebook Messenger, with co-defendant Christian Frazee.
According to Roupas, Frazee told her he was going to go "riot in Lombard RN (right now). Throws (stuff) at cop cars." Wolf replied there was no rioting in Lombard, laughing, and that there was "nothing but roadblocks and pigs (police.)"
Frazee asked her to supply him with rubbing alcohol and a glass bottle. Wolf asked if hydrogen peroxide was flammable. "I also threw in some acetone. I know that's flammable," Wolf told Frazee, according to Roupas. The acetone was in nail polish remover.
They met at her house, where Wolf gave Frazee the supplies.
Frazee was arrested at 12:27 a.m. June 1 when detectives on patrol saw him walking toward municipal buildings and village- and worker-owned vehicles. They reported he had a Molotov cocktail firebomb, built in a red glass bottle, in one hand, and a lighter in the other. He had other lighters, a flare and a knife in his backpack, according to Roupas and court records. Roupas said Wolf told police she gave Frazee a red glass bottle, and that she had been in Chicago the night before when rioting took place.
Her attorney noted prosecutors have not said she was with Frazee at the municipal complex.
She faces the same charges as Frazee under the legal concept of accountability for a crime she allegedly facilitated.
Frazee is free on $100,000 bond, which was posted by the Chicago Community Bond Fund. The group advocates for the elimination of monetary bail.
Wolf's attorney asked for bail of no more than $10,000, saying her parents could only post $1,000.
The terrorism charge is probationable. The explosives charges are not; if convicted, she could be sentenced to 6 to 30 years in prison.
"The arrest of Ms. Wolf sends the message that while we fully support peaceful protests in DuPage County, we have no tolerance for any criminal behavior perpetrated under the guise of such protests," DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin said. "Peaceful protests do not include Molotov cocktails, knives and a baseball bat. There is nothing funny about planned criminal behavior, which if carried out, may have caused significant damage to property and the potential loss of human life. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Lombard Police Department, Ms. Wolf is now facing extremely serious charges for her alleged involvement with Mr. Frazee. I would like to thank Assistant State's Attorney Lee Roupas for his efforts in securing today's charges against Ms. Wolf."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--As commissioner is investigated, Bloomingdale Township voters to decide on ending road district

With federal investigators still looking into the actions of Bloomingdale Township Highway Commissioner Robert Czernek , voters will determine this fall if they want the road district abolished and its duties taken over by the township .
Township officials said they put the binding question on the Nov. 3 ballot because the highway department is an independent unit of government with an elected highway commissioner who operates with little oversight from the township board .
`` We do n't think there is adequate board oversight of the road district because there is n't a separate board for the road district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday .
Contrary to popular belief , Hovde said , the highway commissioner and road district employees do n't report to the township board .
And while the township board votes on the road district 's annual budget and tax levy , its operations are separate .
`` Contracts entered into by the road district are not subject to review or approval by the township board of trustees and township supervisor , no matter what the dollar amount , '' Hovde said .
A state law took effect in January 2018 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absorb road districts into the rest of township government .
Bloomingdale Township officials were considering that option when FBI agents in January executed a search warrant at the road district office as part of a probe into Czernek 's financial dealings as highway commissioner .
At the time , township officials said the raid was related to `` conduct within the highway department and a handful of its vendors . ''
Czernek , in his second term as highway commissioner , has n't been charged with any wrongdoing .
But Hovde acknowledges the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the township board voted in June to put the consolidation question on the ballot .
`` This was something that we had already thought about looking at , '' he said .
`` Obviously , the action that happened in January made us take a closer look . ''
The road district is responsible for 51 centerline miles of roads .
It has a budget of $ 3.69 million for the current fiscal year , which ends March 31 .
The ballot question will ask voters , `` Shall the Road District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all the rights , powers , duties , assets , property , liabilities , obligations , and responsibilities being assumed by the Township of Bloomingdale ? ''
If the change is approved , it would take effect at the end of Czernek 's term in May 2021 .
Hovde says the geographic boundaries of the road district and the township are identical , and there would be no reduction in services .
`` We 're not planning on any cuts in services or doing anything dramatically different as far as day-to-day operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner position would no longer be an elected post .
It 's unclear how the township would fill the $ 108,243-a-year job .

As commissioner is investigated, Bloomingdale Township voters to decide on ending road district
Bloomingdale Township voters will decide in November if they want the Bloomingdale Township Highway Department abolished and its duties taken over by the township. Daily Herald file photo
With federal investigators still looking into the actions of Bloomingdale Township Highway Commissioner Robert Czernek, voters will determine this fall if they want the road district abolished and its duties taken over by the township.
Township officials said they put the binding question on the Nov. 3 ballot because the highway department is an independent unit of government with an elected highway commissioner who operates with little oversight from the township board.
"We don't think there is adequate board oversight of the road district because there isn't a separate board for the road district," Township Supervisor Michael Hovde Jr. said Wednesday.
Contrary to popular belief, Hovde said, the highway commissioner and road district employees don't report to the township board. And while the township board votes on the road district's annual budget and tax levy, its operations are separate.
"Contracts entered into by the road district are not subject to review or approval by the township board of trustees and township supervisor, no matter what the dollar amount," Hovde said.
A state law took effect in January 2018 that says townships can seek voter approval to absorb road districts into the rest of township government.
Bloomingdale Township officials were considering that option when FBI agents in January executed a search warrant at the road district office as part of a probe into Czernek's financial dealings as highway commissioner. At the time, township officials said the raid was related to "conduct within the highway department and a handful of its vendors."
Czernek, in his second term as highway commissioner, hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing.
But Hovde acknowledges the investigation is "one of the reasons" the township board voted in June to put the consolidation question on the ballot.
"This was something that we had already thought about looking at," he said. "Obviously, the action that happened in January made us take a closer look."
The road district is responsible for 51 centerline miles of roads. It has a budget of $3.69 million for the current fiscal year, which ends March 31.
The ballot question will ask voters, "Shall the Road District of the Township of Bloomingdale be abolished with all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, obligations, and responsibilities being assumed by the Township of Bloomingdale?"
If the change is approved, it would take effect at the end of Czernek's term in May 2021.
Hovde says the geographic boundaries of the road district and the township are identical, and there would be no reduction in services.
"We're not planning on any cuts in services or doing anything dramatically different as far as day-to-day operations," he said.
The highway commissioner position would no longer be an elected post. It's unclear how the township would fill the $108,243-a-year job.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--Hiroshima survivor who now lives in Chicago recalls nuclear attack 75 years later

Sachiko Masuoka can still envision waves of people running toward her , fleeing the epicenter of a massive nuclear explosion that devastated her Japanese hometown of Hiroshima .
Civilians burned and injured from the blast were lying on the ground .
Groans and cries of agony rang in her ears .
Some people wore clothing that had been scorched or torn ; some were wearing nothing at all .
At 18 years old , Masuoka had been at school the morning of Aug. 6 , 1945 -- 2 miles from the spot where the U.S. dropped the world 's first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Boy . ''
She had no idea the magnitude of the damage at the time , no concept of the severity of the nuclear attack from which an initial death toll of 70,000 would soon climb by the thousands due to lingering effects of the radiation .
But looking out at the thick , black cloud of smoke that rose above her city , she knew tragedy had stuck .
She sensed that her world had been altered .
And she feared that if World War II did n't end soon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's been 75 years , but the memories of that day remain seared in Masuoka 's mind .
Now 93 and living in Chicago , her emotions rise to the surface as she recounts the details of her experience , translated by her daughter , Linda .
For decades , Masuoka did n't speak of the scenes she witnessed in the aftermath of the explosion , the first of two atomic bombings in Japan that led to the country 's surrender , ending the war .
Her children were unaware of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , when she started speaking to Japanese classes at various universities , her daughter said .
Her account has since been translated and published in `` Voices of Chicago , '' a collection of first-person narratives compiled by the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society .
`` She has a message to get out , '' Linda said .
`` Her one request is to have peace around the world and for everybody to try hard to attain that without any war . ''
Masuoka is all too familiar with the repercussions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Hiroshima , Masuoka can recall a bright light , followed by a wave of heat .
The blast blew out the windows of her school , sending shards of glass flying through the air , she recounts in her `` Voices of Chicago '' journal entry .
Masuoka and her classmates were ordered to go home right away , she told the Daily Herald .
But her house was between where she stood at the school 's entrance and the epicenter of the explosion .
She knew it had been destroyed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear that more attacks were forthcoming , Masuoka recalled , but they never came .
So she began a long trek to her grandmother 's house just outside the city , where she arrived before dark and was greeted by a handful of relatives .
The next morning , Masuoka and her father set out to search for the rest of the family with little success .
Death was everywhere she looked : the river , the streets , among piles of debris .
People lying on the side of the road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the time she and her father returned that night .
Despite the horror she witnessed , Masuoka does n't remember an overwhelming feeling of fear or sadness .
She just kept thinking , `` This has to end . ''
She soon learned that her mother had survived , despite being near the epicenter .
But the blast killed her 14-year-old sister and 6-year-old brother .
For days , she said , the city seemed uncertain how to move forward , unsure of whether they 'd be bombed again .
So many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their lives .
Masuoka will never forget the relief she felt when Japan 's surrender was announced Aug. 15 , effectively ending the war .
Slowly , Hiroshima began to rebuild , first with barracks and huts , followed by more permanent housing and structures .
Jobs were created , peace was restored , and the city worked hard to get back on its feet , said Masuoka , who lived there until she got married and moved to Chicago in 1962 .
But many survivors still suffer from long-term injuries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masuoka was recently diagnosed with leukopenia , a reduction in the number of white blood cells , likely caused by radiation exposure , she said .
Masuoka has returned several times to Hiroshima , where some of her relatives still reside .
Sometimes she 'd travel with her husband or children ; other times , she would go alone .
Each visit , Masuoka would silently reflect on that day 75 years ago when tragedy struck her family , her community , her country as a whole .
And with an aching heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Hiroshima survivor who now lives in Chicago recalls nuclear attack 75 years later
In this Aug. 8, 1945, photo, the shell of a building stands amid acres of rubble in this view of the Japanese city of Hiroshima. On Aug. 6, 1945, a U.S. plane dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Mitsugi Kishida/Associated Press
Sachiko Masuoka can still envision waves of people running toward her, fleeing the epicenter of a massive nuclear explosion that devastated her Japanese hometown of Hiroshima.
Civilians burned and injured from the blast were lying on the ground. Groans and cries of agony rang in her ears. Some people wore clothing that had been scorched or torn; some were wearing nothing at all.
At 18 years old, Masuoka had been at school the morning of Aug. 6, 1945 -- 2 miles from the spot where the U.S. dropped the world's first deployed atomic bomb, known as "Little Boy."
She had no idea the magnitude of the damage at the time, no concept of the severity of the nuclear attack from which an initial death toll of 70,000 would soon climb by the thousands due to lingering effects of the radiation.
But looking out at the thick, black cloud of smoke that rose above her city, she knew tragedy had stuck. She sensed that her world had been altered. And she feared that if World War II didn't end soon, her entire country would be decimated.
It's been 75 years, but the memories of that day remain seared in Masuoka's mind. Now 93 and living in Chicago, her emotions rise to the surface as she recounts the details of her experience, translated by her daughter, Linda.
For decades, Masuoka didn't speak of the scenes she witnessed in the aftermath of the explosion, the first of two atomic bombings in Japan that led to the country's surrender, ending the war.
An unidentified man stands next to a tiled fireplace where a house once stood in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sept. 7, 1945. The vast ruin is a result of "Little Boy," the uranium atomic bomb detonated on Aug. 6 by the U.S., leading to the end of World War II. - Stanley Troutman/ Associated Press
Her children were unaware of her survival story until 10 to 15 years ago, when she started speaking to Japanese classes at various universities, her daughter said. Her account has since been translated and published in "Voices of Chicago," a collection of first-person narratives compiled by the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society.
"She has a message to get out," Linda said. "Her one request is to have peace around the world and for everybody to try hard to attain that without any war."
Masuoka is all too familiar with the repercussions of violence.
The moment the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Masuoka can recall a bright light, followed by a wave of heat. The blast blew out the windows of her school, sending shards of glass flying through the air, she recounts in her "Voices of Chicago" journal entry.
In this Aug. 6, 1945, photo released by the U.S. Army, a mushroom cloud billows about one hour after an atomic bomb was detonated above Hiroshima, Japan. - Associated Press
Masuoka and her classmates were ordered to go home right away, she told the Daily Herald. But her house was between where she stood at the school's entrance and the epicenter of the explosion. She knew it had been destroyed.
American fighter planes swarmed overhead, instilling fear that more attacks were forthcoming, Masuoka recalled, but they never came. So she began a long trek to her grandmother's house just outside the city, where she arrived before dark and was greeted by a handful of relatives.
The next morning, Masuoka and her father set out to search for the rest of the family with little success. Death was everywhere she looked: the river, the streets, among piles of debris. People lying on the side of the road, barely hanging onto life, were dead by the time she and her father returned that night.
Despite the horror she witnessed, Masuoka doesn't remember an overwhelming feeling of fear or sadness. She just kept thinking, "This has to end."
She soon learned that her mother had survived, despite being near the epicenter. But the blast killed her 14-year-old sister and 6-year-old brother.
For days, she said, the city seemed uncertain how to move forward, unsure of whether they'd be bombed again. So many people were grieving, suffering, fighting for their lives.
Masuoka will never forget the relief she felt when Japan's surrender was announced Aug. 15, effectively ending the war.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Hiroshima native Sachiko Masuoka recounts her experience surviving the Aug. 6, 1945, atomic bombing 75 years later at her home in Chicago.
Slowly, Hiroshima began to rebuild, first with barracks and huts, followed by more permanent housing and structures. Jobs were created, peace was restored, and the city worked hard to get back on its feet, said Masuoka, who lived there until she got married and moved to Chicago in 1962.
But many survivors still suffer from long-term injuries and health effects linked to the blast. Masuoka was recently diagnosed with leukopenia, a reduction in the number of white blood cells, likely caused by radiation exposure, she said.
Masuoka has returned several times to Hiroshima, where some of her relatives still reside. Sometimes she'd travel with her husband or children; other times, she would go alone.
Each visit, Masuoka would silently reflect on that day 75 years ago when tragedy struck her family, her community, her country as a whole.
And with an aching heart, she would long for universal peace.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--Award-winning Neuqua teacher's next challenge: Turning engineering curriculum remote

Tony Tegtmeyer 's Project Lead the Way engineering classes at Neuqua Valley High School are built on hands-on exploration .
At least , in the classroom in a typical year , they are .
In a usual session of Tegtmeyer 's engineering design and development classes , students walk right in and start experimenting , working on things such as building a simple machine that can lift a 5-pound weight up 12 inches .
He takes attendance while they 're working .
`` They follow the engineering design process and learn about that , '' he said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But now during the COVID-19 outbreak , Tegtmeyer , an award-winning teacher recognized with the Engineering Teacher of the Year award from the Project Lead the Way program earlier this year , is looking for ways to bring his active curriculum into the online realm .
He 'll use the same problem-solving skills so valued in the engineering careers he previously held -- the same type of careers he 's helping students pursue .
`` I 'm confident we can get close if we get creative , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I like to either go through it , over it , around it or under it , but just figure out a way . ''
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has announced it plans to return to school in a remote format through at least Oct. 30 .
So Tegtmeyer and other teachers in District 204 -- as well as in the majority of other suburban school districts that are planning remote learning -- are looking for innovations to best bring learning into students ' homes .
For Tegtmeyer , that means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capstone for seniors in engineering design and development -- will have to find ways to deliver experimentation and collaboration without the lab .
Much of how this will work remains to-be-determined a month out from the proposed Sept. 3 start of the new year .
Tegtmeyer knows he 'll look to the Project Lead the Way organization , a nonprofit that provides `` a transformative learning experience '' in computer science , engineering and biomedical science by helping students explore-real world challenges .
The organization already offers a website Tegtmeyer describes as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make simulations and software available for certain exercises and lessons .
Tegtmeyer described early versions of these as `` very encouraging '' and `` helpful . ''
The teamwork of a typical Project Lead the Way class might be the hardest to recreate .
But the experiments should be doable , he said , by figuring out how students can access the software they 'll need .
`` Then it would be pretty easy to do some sort of drive-by or drop-off so they get the materials , '' he said .
Tegtmeyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his seventh year of teaching .
He got a bachelor 's degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University , then worked a couple of summer jobs in the U.S. space program .
But when his position was eliminated with a change in presidential administration , Tegtmeyer said , he went into the automotive industry instead as an engineering , sales and marketing executive for the next 20 years .
He liked the work , but he remembers complaining after one particularly bad day , then coming home from his son 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs to pursue a teaching certificate and change fields .
He credits his wife , Susan , a reading specialist in the Plainfield school district , not only with looking up graduate schools for him , but also with encouraging him to become a teacher .
He credits his enjoyment of substitute teaching with helping him take the final step toward his new career .
`` I figured if I like that , I 'd like the real thing , '' he said .
After the challenges of engineering , selling , changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's ready for the next problem to solve : turning his highly interactive courses into the best online learning they can be and still allowing his students to explore .
`` They do n't like to be told what to do , '' Tegtmeyer said .
`` They like some freedom , but within parameters . ''

Award-winning Neuqua teacher's next challenge: Turning engineering curriculum remote
Tony Tegtmeyer's Project Lead the Way engineering classes at Neuqua Valley High School are built on hands-on exploration.
At least, in the classroom in a typical year, they are.
In a usual session of Tegtmeyer's engineering design and development classes, students walk right in and start experimenting, working on things such as building a simple machine that can lift a 5-pound weight up 12 inches. He takes attendance while they're working.
"They follow the engineering design process and learn about that," he said. "They're having fun and they're learning."
But now during the COVID-19 outbreak, Tegtmeyer, an award-winning teacher recognized with the Engineering Teacher of the Year award from the Project Lead the Way program earlier this year, is looking for ways to bring his active curriculum into the online realm. He'll use the same problem-solving skills so valued in the engineering careers he previously held -- the same type of careers he's helping students pursue.
"I'm confident we can get close if we get creative," he said. "When I run into a barrier, I like to either go through it, over it, around it or under it, but just figure out a way."
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has announced it plans to return to school in a remote format through at least Oct. 30. So Tegtmeyer and other teachers in District 204 -- as well as in the majority of other suburban school districts that are planning remote learning -- are looking for innovations to best bring learning into students' homes.
For Tegtmeyer, that means his classes -- aerospace engineering and a capstone for seniors in engineering design and development -- will have to find ways to deliver experimentation and collaboration without the lab.
Much of how this will work remains to-be-determined a month out from the proposed Sept. 3 start of the new year.
Tegtmeyer knows he'll look to the Project Lead the Way organization, a nonprofit that provides "a transformative learning experience" in computer science, engineering and biomedical science by helping students explore-real world challenges. The organization already offers a website Tegtmeyer describes as an online workspace and is now working to make simulations and software available for certain exercises and lessons. Tegtmeyer described early versions of these as "very encouraging" and "helpful."
The teamwork of a typical Project Lead the Way class might be the hardest to recreate. But the experiments should be doable, he said, by figuring out how students can access the software they'll need.
"Then it would be pretty easy to do some sort of drive-by or drop-off so they get the materials," he said.
Tegtmeyer, of Plainfield, is a 53-year-old in his seventh year of teaching. He got a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University, then worked a couple of summer jobs in the U.S. space program. But when his position was eliminated with a change in presidential administration, Tegtmeyer said, he went into the automotive industry instead as an engineering, sales and marketing executive for the next 20 years.
He liked the work, but he remembers complaining after one particularly bad day, then coming home from his son's football practice to find printouts about graduate programs to pursue a teaching certificate and change fields.
He credits his wife, Susan, a reading specialist in the Plainfield school district, not only with looking up graduate schools for him, but also with encouraging him to become a teacher. He credits his enjoyment of substitute teaching with helping him take the final step toward his new career.
"I figured if I like that, I'd like the real thing," he said.
After the challenges of engineering, selling, changing careers and teaching, Tegtmeyer said, he's ready for the next problem to solve: turning his highly interactive courses into the best online learning they can be and still allowing his students to explore.
"They don't like to be told what to do," Tegtmeyer said. "They like some freedom, but within parameters."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--Journalist who chronicled Hiroshima devastation inspired naming of Arlington Heights high school

John Hersey , the former war correspondent turned novelist who chronicled the effects of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima , Japan , in a 1946 article for The New Yorker and later in book form , earned plenty of acclaim .
His awards included the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for his novel `` A Bell for Adano '' ; the Hillman Prize , recognizing writers and journalists ' pursuit of social justice , for his 1950 novel `` The Wall '' ; a Navy commendation for helping to evacuate wounded soldiers from Guadalcanal during World War II ; and several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came when John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights was named in his honor .
`` I can not think of any honor in all my fortunate life -- and I include the Pulitzer Prize and honorary degrees and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters -- that has had more meaning for me than this one , '' Hersey said during the school 's dedication on Nov. 10 , 1968 .
Born in China to Methodist missionaries , Hersey had no connection to the school or the Northwest suburbs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 214 educators admired the writer 's accomplishments and his compassion -- he donated the proceeds from the first reprint of his book `` Hiroshima '' to the Red Cross .
For years , `` Hiroshima '' was required reading for Hersey students , some of whom wrote to the author , who reportedly wrote back .
In 2005 , a retired Hersey English teacher received a note from the Pulitzer winner gently chiding the teacher for describing the novel as a `` historic novel '' and pointing out it was a report told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves . ''
First published in The New Yorker on Aug. 31 , 1946 , `` Hiroshima '' recounts the stories of six people -- a factory clerk , a widow , two doctors , a German priest and a Methodist pastor -- who survived the blast .
Hersey later returned to Hiroshima and on July 15 , 1985 -- 40 years after the bombing -- The New Yorker published a coda in which Hersey described what became of the survivors .

Journalist who chronicled Hiroshima devastation inspired naming of Arlington Heights high school
Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect a reference to a 2005 Daily Herald article that reported on a note John Hersey had sent a retired teacher before Hersey's death in 1993.
John Hersey, the former war correspondent turned novelist who chronicled the effects of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in a 1946 article for The New Yorker and later in book form, earned plenty of acclaim.
His awards included the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for his novel "A Bell for Adano"; the Hillman Prize, recognizing writers and journalists' pursuit of social justice, for his 1950 novel "The Wall"; a Navy commendation for helping to evacuate wounded soldiers from Guadalcanal during World War II; and several honorary degrees.
But his greatest recognition came when John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights was named in his honor.
"I cannot think of any honor in all my fortunate life -- and I include the Pulitzer Prize and honorary degrees and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters -- that has had more meaning for me than this one," Hersey said during the school's dedication on Nov. 10, 1968.
Born in China to Methodist missionaries, Hersey had no connection to the school or the Northwest suburbs. However, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 educators admired the writer's accomplishments and his compassion -- he donated the proceeds from the first reprint of his book "Hiroshima" to the Red Cross -- which they believed made him a worthy namesake.
For years, "Hiroshima" was required reading for Hersey students, some of whom wrote to the author, who reportedly wrote back. In a 2005 Daily Herald article, a retired Hersey English teacher recalled receiving a note from the Pulitzer winner gently chiding the teacher for describing the novel as a "historic novel" and pointing out it was a report told "by the tongues of the people themselves."
First published in The New Yorker on Aug. 31, 1946, "Hiroshima" recounts the stories of six people -- a factory clerk, a widow, two doctors, a German priest and a Methodist pastor -- who survived the blast. Hersey later returned to Hiroshima and on July 15, 1985 -- 40 years after the bombing -- The New Yorker published a coda in which Hersey described what became of the survivors.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-06--Hawks rally for furious 4-3 comeback to take 2-1 series lead over Oilers

Well , it was n't 2 goals in 17 seconds .
But the late 2 goals by Matthew Highmore and Jonathan Toews in just 4.5 minutes late in Game 3 Wednesday against the Oilers sent the biggest shock waves across Chicago since Bryan Bickell and Dave Bolland stunned Boston in the Stanley Cup Final seven years ago .
Highmore scored on a redirect off a Slater Koekkoek blast from the point with 5:48 remaining to tie the game at 3-3 , and Toews notched the game-winner with just 1:16 on the clock to give the Hawks a 4-3 victory and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We showed a lot of character to stick with it , '' said coach Jeremy Colliton .
`` We were pretty solid defensively , did a good job eliminating their transition , and we found a way to score some dirty goals .
A lot of people going to the net , getting traffic .
Proud of how the guys worked . ''
Corey Crawford stopped 25 shots and recorded his 50th postseason victory .
Kirby Dach ( 1 assist ) became the first Hawks rookie to record at least a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Eddie Olczyk scored in five straight in 1985 .
The Hawks figured to be the team facing elimination Friday as they failed on 5 of 6 power-play attempts , watched 5 shot attempts draw iron and were getting next to nothing out of Patrick Kane ( 2 SOG ) and Dominik Kubalik ( 1 SOG ) .
The Oilers took a 3-2 lead after getting second-period goals by Leon Draisaitl at 4:07 and Connor McDavid at 19:52 .
McDavid 's tally came on the power play and was his fifth of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led directly to the Oilers ' second goal , emerged as an unlikely hero when his deflection sailed past Mikko Koskinen .
Then -- just as the game appeared headed to overtime -- the Hawks won an offensive zone faceoff , cycled the puck to Connor Murphy and were suddenly leading after Murphy 's seemingly harmless floater hit Ethan Bear 's stick and deflected off Toews into the net .
`` A one-goal lead is a tough lead to hang onto for that long , '' said Toews , who also scored late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that situation , we can always simplify our game and put pucks down in their zone where they do n't want to play .
Eventually things develop with our work ethic .
... '' We stuck with it .
It was a great team effort .
Some great contributions from all over our lineup . ''
And especially from Koekkoek and Olli Maatta , the Hawks ' third defensive pair .
Maatta opened the scoring when his blast from the point found its way through a maze of players at 9:14 .
Maatta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had just 2 goals in his first 70 postseason appearances .
Koekkoek , meanwhile , assisted on Highmore 's goal and also scored in Game 2 .
`` Our forwards do a great job holding onto the puck , '' Maatta said .
`` That makes ( the Oilers ) collapse a little bit .
They do a good job of giving us the puck with a little more time . ''
Eight of the Hawks ' 25 shots on goal came from defensemen .
`` It has n't been only me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who went on to praise Murphy , Calvin de Haan , Duncan Keith and Adam Boqvist .
`` They 're getting pucks through and it feels like every time we get it to the net our forwards are in good position , battling for them , getting rebounds , getting tips .
It makes it tough for them . ''
Which is exactly what Game 4 figures to be .
`` We 've had some experience in the past knowing how to play , knowing how prepare for those big games , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals and needs one more to tie Steve Larmer for fifth all-time in Hawks annals .
`` It 's having that killer instinct but knowing that every game in this series has gotten tougher .
`` It 's going to be the toughest game coming up .
Their best players played well and capitalized for them , but we can expect a much better team game and for them to improve as we go along . ''

Hawks rally for furious 4-3 comeback to take 2-1 series lead over Oilers
Blackhawks' Kirby Dach (77), Olli Maatta (6), Slater Koekkoek (68) and Matthew Highmore (36) celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta. Associated Press
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen (19) makes a save against Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews (19) during the third period Wednesday, in Edmonton, Alberta. Associated Press
Well, it wasn't 2 goals in 17 seconds.
But the late 2 goals by Matthew Highmore and Jonathan Toews in just 4.5 minutes late in Game 3 Wednesday against the Oilers sent the biggest shock waves across Chicago since Bryan Bickell and Dave Bolland stunned Boston in the Stanley Cup Final seven years ago.
Highmore scored on a redirect off a Slater Koekkoek blast from the point with 5:48 remaining to tie the game at 3-3, and Toews notched the game-winner with just 1:16 on the clock to give the Hawks a 4-3 victory and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
"We showed a lot of character to stick with it," said coach Jeremy Colliton. "We were pretty solid defensively, did a good job eliminating their transition, and we found a way to score some dirty goals. A lot of people going to the net, getting traffic. Proud of how the guys worked."
Corey Crawford stopped 25 shots and recorded his 50th postseason victory. Kirby Dach (1 assist) became the first Hawks rookie to record at least a point in his first three playoff games since Eddie Olczyk scored in five straight in 1985.
Game 4 is Friday at 5:45 p.m.
The Hawks figured to be the team facing elimination Friday as they failed on 5 of 6 power-play attempts, watched 5 shot attempts draw iron and were getting next to nothing out of Patrick Kane (2 SOG) and Dominik Kubalik (1 SOG).
The Oilers took a 3-2 lead after getting second-period goals by Leon Draisaitl at 4:07 and Connor McDavid at 19:52. McDavid's tally came on the power play and was his fifth of the series.
Highmore, whose costly turnover led directly to the Oilers' second goal, emerged as an unlikely hero when his deflection sailed past Mikko Koskinen.
Then -- just as the game appeared headed to overtime -- the Hawks won an offensive zone faceoff, cycled the puck to Connor Murphy and were suddenly leading after Murphy's seemingly harmless floater hit Ethan Bear's stick and deflected off Toews into the net.
"A one-goal lead is a tough lead to hang onto for that long," said Toews, who also scored late in the first period. "In that situation, we can always simplify our game and put pucks down in their zone where they don't want to play. Eventually things develop with our work ethic. ...
"We stuck with it. It was a great team effort. Some great contributions from all over our lineup."
And especially from Koekkoek and Olli Maatta, the Hawks' third defensive pair.
Maatta opened the scoring when his blast from the point found its way through a maze of players at 9:14. Maatta, who also scored in Game 2, had just 2 goals in his first 70 postseason appearances.
Koekkoek, meanwhile, assisted on Highmore's goal and also scored in Game 2.
"Our forwards do a great job holding onto the puck," Maatta said. "That makes (the Oilers) collapse a little bit. They do a good job of giving us the puck with a little more time."
Eight of the Hawks' 25 shots on goal came from defensemen.
"It hasn't been only me and Kooks," said Maatta, who went on to praise Murphy, Calvin de Haan, Duncan Keith and Adam Boqvist. "They're getting pucks through and it feels like every time we get it to the net our forwards are in good position, battling for them, getting rebounds, getting tips. It makes it tough for them."
Which is exactly what Game 4 figures to be.
"We've had some experience in the past knowing how to play, knowing how prepare for those big games," said Toews, who has 44 playoff goals and needs one more to tie Steve Larmer for fifth all-time in Hawks annals. "It's having that killer instinct but knowing that every game in this series has gotten tougher.
"It's going to be the toughest game coming up. Their best players played well and capitalized for them, but we can expect a much better team game and for them to improve as we go along."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--Liberty theater owner seeks demolition decision

The owner of the Liberty theater , a fixture in downtown Libertyville since 1937 , wants a decision from village officials on a long-sought request for a demolition permit .
Rhyan Holdings LLC , a family business that has owned the building for more than 50 years , wants its request addressed at the regular village board meeting beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday .
`` I think we 'll take some action , '' Mayor Terry Weppler said .
`` I just do n't know what that action will be . ''
Residents were advised of the virtual meeting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public comments can be made in advance via email to vol @ libertyville.com or dropped off in writing at village hall , 118 W. Cook Ave. Weppler on Wednesday said an email blast also will be sent .
`` We want to let everybody know it 's coming up and we have to take some action , '' he said .
Discussion by the village board on whether to allow the permit process to proceed had been scheduled for March 10 but was deferred at the owner 's request to a to-be-determined date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the theater , which has been frequented by generations of residents , village officials had hoped to be able to consider the request at an in-person public meeting .
But because of the coronavirus , board meetings continue to be held virtually .
The theater at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave. , across the street from the Metra commuter station , had operated in recent years as the Liberty 1 & 2 Theaters .
Despite investments in technology by the former operator and three rent cuts , business continued to decline and the theaters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1.17-acre property is listed for $ 1.95 million .
The property is zoned for commercial use and has been on the market for about four years .
In August 2019 , Rhyan Holdings `` with great regret '' applied for permission to tear down the building for green space .
Because it is in a designated historic district , the village 's historic preservation commission is required to review requests involving changes to buildings .
The advisory group then makes a recommendation to the village board whether the requested change -- in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` certificate of appropriateness . ''
After considering the demolition request on Sept. 16 and Oct. 28 , the commission unanimously recommended it be denied , saying the structure was of such historic and cultural significance that its demolition would be detrimental to the public interest .
At the first meeting , owner Jeff Rhyan said he did n't want to tear down the building if there was another option .
But that was not forthcoming , and because the theater was no longer viable as a business , the building needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others worked to find a buyer for the building , to no avail .
`` They have property rights , but I 'd also like to save the theater , '' Weppler said .
In February , there was said to be interest in repurposing the building as an entertainment venue , but the deal fell through .
No other proposals have been submitted to the village .
On Tuesday , the village board will decide whether to accept the historic preservation 's recommendation to deny the request .

Liberty theater owner seeks demolition decision
The owner of the Liberty theater, a fixture in downtown Libertyville since 1937, wants a decision from village officials on a long-sought request for a demolition permit.
Rhyan Holdings LLC, a family business that has owned the building for more than 50 years, wants its request addressed at the regular village board meeting beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
"I think we'll take some action," Mayor Terry Weppler said. "I just don't know what that action will be."
Residents were advised of the virtual meeting in an electronic newsletter July 31 and told public comments can be made in advance via email to vol@libertyville.com or dropped off in writing at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.
Weppler on Wednesday said an email blast also will be sent.
"We want to let everybody know it's coming up and we have to take some action," he said.
Discussion by the village board on whether to allow the permit process to proceed had been scheduled for March 10 but was deferred at the owner's request to a to-be-determined date.
Given the expected local interest in the theater, which has been frequented by generations of residents, village officials had hoped to be able to consider the request at an in-person public meeting. But because of the coronavirus, board meetings continue to be held virtually.
The theater at 708 N. Milwaukee Ave., across the street from the Metra commuter station, had operated in recent years as the Liberty 1 & 2 Theaters.
Despite investments in technology by the former operator and three rent cuts, business continued to decline and the theaters closed in late January. The building and 1.17-acre property is listed for $1.95 million.
The property is zoned for commercial use and has been on the market for about four years. In August 2019, Rhyan Holdings "with great regret" applied for permission to tear down the building for green space.
Because it is in a designated historic district, the village's historic preservation commission is required to review requests involving changes to buildings. The advisory group then makes a recommendation to the village board whether the requested change -- in this case demolition -- merits a required "certificate of appropriateness."
After considering the demolition request on Sept. 16 and Oct. 28, the commission unanimously recommended it be denied, saying the structure was of such historic and cultural significance that its demolition would be detrimental to the public interest.
At the first meeting, owner Jeff Rhyan said he didn't want to tear down the building if there was another option. But that was not forthcoming, and because the theater was no longer viable as a business, the building needed to be demolished, he said.
Weppler and others worked to find a buyer for the building, to no avail.
"They have property rights, but I'd also like to save the theater," Weppler said.
In February, there was said to be interest in repurposing the building as an entertainment venue, but the deal fell through.
No other proposals have been submitted to the village.
On Tuesday, the village board will decide whether to accept the historic preservation's recommendation to deny the request.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-06--Feder: WGN Radio checking out Landecker as new evening star

When Radio Hall of Famer John Records Landecker fills in next week for morning host Bob Sirott on WGN 720-AM @ @ @ @ @ lot riding on it for both Landecker and the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station , @ @ @ @ @ all goes well , insiders said , Landecker could be in line to host Monday @ @ @ @ @ as Sirott 's regular substitute in mornings , starting this fall .
The two Chicago @ @ @ @ @ since they worked together at WLS 890-AM during its Top 40 heyday in the 1970s @ @ @ @ @ to discover that John 's middle name truly is 'talk , ' '' Sirott joked @ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: WGN Radio checking out Landecker as new evening star
When Radio Hall of Famer John Records Landecker fills in next week for morning host Bob Sirott on WGN 720-AM, there may be a lot riding on it for both Landecker and the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, Robert Feder writes.
If all goes well, insiders said, Landecker could be in line to host Monday through Friday evenings and serve as Sirott's regular substitute in mornings, starting this fall.
The two Chicago radio legends have been friends since they worked together at WLS 890-AM during its Top 40 heyday in the 1970s.
"Listeners are going to discover that John's middle name truly is 'talk,'" Sirott joked.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-05--LEADING OFF: Hitters slumping, cutdown day, Scherzer's exit

A look at what 's happening around the majors on Thursday : Star hitters Christian Yelich , Gary Sanchez , Hunter Pence and others are slumping badly in a season where hitters across the majors are struggling to find base hits .
The league-wide batting average entering Wednesday 's games was .232 , down from .252 last year .
It 's the lowest mark ever , below the .237 average posted in 1968 , despite the addition of the designated hitter to the NL .
Cuts are coming for players around the majors as teams trim their active rosters from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to by MLB and the union before the start of this virus-shortened 60-game season .
The sides decided Tuesday that rosters will remain at 28 through the World Series , instead of dropping to 26 on Aug. 20 as initially planned .
The Nationals will see how Max Scherzer is feeling , a day after the three-time Cy Young Award winner exited a start after just one inning because of trouble with his right hamstring .
Scherzer threw 27 pitches against the Mets and labored , his fastball in the low 90s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first showed up a week ago , went away , then showed up again Tuesday when he was sprinting .
The Nationals already are missing World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg , who has a nerve issue in his pitching hand .
Guess which team is tied for the best winning percentage in the majors ?
The Miami Marlins , that 's who .
The undermanned Marlins swept a seven-inning doubleheader Wednesday in Baltimore by scores of 1-0 and 2-1 to improve to 5-1 this season .
They 've won three straight against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that left them with a roster filled with call-ups , free agents and rookies .
Miami allowed a total of one run and 10 hits in those three games at Camden Yards .
Pretty impressive for a club that was inactive for eight days after 18 players tested positive for COVID-19 .
Miami , which lost 105 games last year , will try to keep it going against Baltimore as Don Mattingly looks for his 282nd win as Marlins manager , which would break a tie with Jack McKeon for the most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1.64 ERA ) will try to remain unbeaten since being traded from the Dodgers to Minnesota in the offseason .
The 32-year-old right-hander has helped the Twins open up quick this year .
He pitches at PNC Park , with Pirates rookie JT Brubaker making his first major league start .
Minnesota has won six in a row to match the best start in franchise history at 10-2 .
Pittsburgh has lost seven straight and owns the worst record in the majors at 2-10 .
The Cardinals expect to have another workout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume their virus-interrupted season .
St. Louis has n't played since June 29 -- at 2-3 , its next game is scheduled for Friday night at home against the Cubs .
Quarantined in Milwaukee earlier this week after 13 positive COVID-19 tests in their traveling party -- All-Stars Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong among them -- the Cardinals returned to St. Louis on Wednesday and held a light workout .

LEADING OFF: Hitters slumping, cutdown day, Scherzer's exit
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kenta Maeda throws to the Cleveland Indians in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug 1, 2020, in Minneapolis. Associated Press
Miami Marlins shortstop Jonathan Villar (2) and center fielder Monte Harrison, right, celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in the second game of a doubleheader, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in Baltimore. Marlins' Corey Dickerson, left, looks on. Associated Press
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Associated Press
Milwaukee Brewers' Christian Yelich reacts after striking out during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, in Milwaukee. Associated Press
A look at what's happening around the majors on Thursday:
OFF BASE
Star hitters Christian Yelich, Gary Sanchez, Hunter Pence and others are slumping badly in a season where hitters across the majors are struggling to find base hits. The league-wide batting average entering Wednesday's games was .232, down from .252 last year. It's the lowest mark ever, below the .237 average posted in 1968, despite the addition of the designated hitter to the NL.
CUTDOWN DAY
Cuts are coming for players around the majors as teams trim their active rosters from 30 players to 28, per plans agreed to by MLB and the union before the start of this virus-shortened 60-game season. The sides decided Tuesday that rosters will remain at 28 through the World Series, instead of dropping to 26 on Aug. 20 as initially planned.
SCHERZER AILING
The Nationals will see how Max Scherzer is feeling, a day after the three-time Cy Young Award winner exited a start after just one inning because of trouble with his right hamstring.
Scherzer threw 27 pitches against the Mets and labored, his fastball in the low 90s mph. He said his hamstring problem first showed up a week ago, went away, then showed up again Tuesday when he was sprinting.
The Nationals already are missing World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, who has a nerve issue in his pitching hand.
NOBODY BETTER
Guess which team is tied for the best winning percentage in the majors? The Miami Marlins, that's who. The undermanned Marlins swept a seven-inning doubleheader Wednesday in Baltimore by scores of 1-0 and 2-1 to improve to 5-1 this season. They've won three straight against the Orioles since emerging from a coronavirus layoff that left them with a roster filled with call-ups, free agents and rookies. Miami allowed a total of one run and 10 hits in those three games at Camden Yards. Pretty impressive for a club that was inactive for eight days after 18 players tested positive for COVID-19. Miami, which lost 105 games last year, will try to keep it going against Baltimore as Don Mattingly looks for his 282nd win as Marlins manager, which would break a tie with Jack McKeon for the most in franchise history.
NICE START
Kenta Maeda (2-0, 1.64 ERA) will try to remain unbeaten since being traded from the Dodgers to Minnesota in the offseason. The 32-year-old right-hander has helped the Twins open up quick this year. He pitches at PNC Park, with Pirates rookie JT Brubaker making his first major league start. Minnesota has won six in a row to match the best start in franchise history at 10-2. Pittsburgh has lost seven straight and owns the worst record in the majors at 2-10.
CATCH-UP CARDS
The Cardinals expect to have another workout at Busch Stadium while getting ready to resume their virus-interrupted season. St. Louis hasn't played since June 29 -- at 2-3, its next game is scheduled for Friday night at home against the Cubs.
Quarantined in Milwaukee earlier this week after 13 positive COVID-19 tests in their traveling party -- All-Stars Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong among them -- the Cardinals returned to St. Louis on Wednesday and held a light workout.
___
More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-06--University of Illinois rolls out new test as state reports almost 2,000 more COVID-19 infections

New cases of COVID-19 rose by 1,953 Thursday , the highest daily tally since May 24 , officials said , as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists ramp up a saliva test to detect the virus they hope will be game-changing .
Twenty-one more residents have died from the respiratory disease , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
That puts fatalities statewide at 7,594 and total infections at 188,424 .
The state 's COVID-19 test positivity rate increased to 4 % based on a seven-day average .
There have been 2.93 million virus tests performed so far .
Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily positivity rate of 4.7 % .
That rate has bounced around this week , including a 3.5 % rate Tuesday .
Amid concerns about a rising tide of cases , the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is providing some optimism as the campus pioneers a test that 's noninvasive and provides a quick turnaround , researchers said .
Up to 40 testing stations , typically in large outdoor tents , have been erected to accommodate a projected 10,000 students ( plus faculty and staff members ) per day for saliva tests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus , but a massive ramp-up is planned for Aug. 24 when fall classes resume .
The plan is to test everyone on campus twice a week .
`` It 's free , they scan their ID card , get a tube and drool a small amount of saliva into the tube , '' said U of I chemistry Professor Paul J. Hergenrother , one of the scientists who developed the test .
Saliva samples are heated , and subjected to a molecular chain reaction ( PCR ) test that shows the presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available in five to six hours .
The virus is mainly spread through droplets when people cough , sneeze or speak , so `` it makes sense to test the fluid which is responsible for lots of infections , '' Hergenrother said .
The news comes amid frustrations over lengthy delays in getting back COVID-19 test results nationwide .
The vast majority of COVID-19 tests in Illinois involve sticking a nasal swab into both nostrils , then sending the swab to a laboratory for processing .
The sample is transported in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals to isolate a cellular acid known as RNA that identifies viruses .
Supply shortages and logistics , depending where the lab is located , have resulted in some people waiting days and weeks for results .
`` This bypasses the supply chain bottleneck , '' Hergenrother said .
`` We built out our own on-campus testing facility , which is key to enabling reporting results back very quickly . ''
Comparisons of saliva tests with nasal swab tests have been promising , with both methods detecting the same positive tests out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings .
The cost , about $ 10 a test , is cheaper than the standard swab test , which is $ 100 , according to Science magazine , which highlighted the U of I findings .
A fast test that 's easy to repeat could be a huge break for schools and workplaces seeking to reduce virus exposure .
The state offers free nasal swab tests at 11 locations and at mobile sites , which generally produce results in three to seven days or faster , an IDPH spokesperson said .
Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to private clinics , and the labs used to process samples may be local or located elsewhere in the U.S. `` We have heard everything from two to three days at local commercial labs ( for test turnarounds ) and up to eight to 14 days at larger national laboratories , '' the IDPH said .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday the state is `` talking to the University of Illinois about how we might provide that ( test ) across the state to other locations . ''
Given that U of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June , it 's been a fast-paced summer , Hergenrother said .
`` We 're not declaring victory yet , '' he said .
`` We set out to make a difference and help our own institution .
We 're really , really hopeful this will be adopted by others . ''
A total of 1,517 patients were in Illinois hospitals with the virus as of Wednesday night , 73 more than the seven-day average of 1,444 .
Hospitalizations and positivity rates are two important metrics health experts watch .
If sustained spikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the state will clamp down on activities where people come together ranging from indoor dining to group gatherings , Pritzker has warned .
On May 24 , the IDPH reported 2,508 COVID-19 new infections , but those numbers began to taper off in June and fell into the hundreds per day .
Easing restrictions , such as allowing movie theaters to open , began June 26 , and daily caseloads have gradually increased .
The seven-day daily average of new cases stands at 1,646 , compared to 1,424 for the period of @ @ @ @ @ @

University of Illinois rolls out new test as state reports almost 2,000 more COVID-19 infections
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students take part in the free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing sites. The sites administer an innovative saliva-based test, a process developed by the university's COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team. Unlike conventional nasal testing, saliva samples are collected non-invasively, without requiring skilled health care workers. Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students take part in the free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing sites. The sites administer an innovative saliva-based test, a process developed by the university's COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team. Unlike conventional nasal testing, saliva samples are collected non-invasively, without requiring skilled health care workers. Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students take part in the free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing sites. The sites administer an innovative saliva-based test, a process developed by the university's COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team. Unlike conventional nasal testing, saliva samples are collected non-invasively, without requiring skilled health care workers. Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students take part in the free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing sites. The sites administer an innovative saliva-based test, a process developed by the university's COVID-19 SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team. Unlike conventional nasal testing, saliva samples are collected non-invasively, without requiring skilled health care workers. Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois
New cases of COVID-19 rose by 1,953 Thursday, the highest daily tally since May 24, officials said, as University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists ramp up a saliva test to detect the virus they hope will be game-changing.
Twenty-one more residents have died from the respiratory disease, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported. That puts fatalities statewide at 7,594 and total infections at 188,424.
The state's COVID-19 test positivity rate increased to 4% based on a seven-day average. There have been 2.93 million virus tests performed so far.
Daily tests reported Thursday reached 41,686 for a daily positivity rate of 4.7%. That rate has bounced around this week, including a 3.5% rate Tuesday.
Amid concerns about a rising tide of cases, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is providing some optimism as the campus pioneers a test that's noninvasive and provides a quick turnaround, researchers said.
Up to 40 testing stations, typically in large outdoor tents, have been erected to accommodate a projected 10,000 students (plus faculty and staff members) per day for saliva tests.
Walk-up tests are already being administered on campus, but a massive ramp-up is planned for Aug. 24 when fall classes resume. The plan is to test everyone on campus twice a week.
"It's free, they scan their ID card, get a tube and drool a small amount of saliva into the tube," said U of I chemistry Professor Paul J. Hergenrother, one of the scientists who developed the test. Saliva samples are heated, and subjected to a molecular chain reaction (PCR) test that shows the presence of COVID-19 genes, and results usually are available in five to six hours.
The virus is mainly spread through droplets when people cough, sneeze or speak, so "it makes sense to test the fluid which is responsible for lots of infections," Hergenrother said.
The news comes amid frustrations over lengthy delays in getting back COVID-19 test results nationwide.
The vast majority of COVID-19 tests in Illinois involve sticking a nasal swab into both nostrils, then sending the swab to a laboratory for processing. The sample is transported in a special liquid, and lab technicians use chemicals to isolate a cellular acid known as RNA that identifies viruses.
Supply shortages and logistics, depending where the lab is located, have resulted in some people waiting days and weeks for results.
"This bypasses the supply chain bottleneck," Hergenrother said. "We built out our own on-campus testing facility, which is key to enabling reporting results back very quickly."
Comparisons of saliva tests with nasal swab tests have been promising, with both methods detecting the same positive tests out of 100 samples, researchers reported in preliminary findings. The cost, about $10 a test, is cheaper than the standard swab test, which is $100, according to Science magazine, which highlighted the U of I findings.
A fast test that's easy to repeat could be a huge break for schools and workplaces seeking to reduce virus exposure.
The state offers free nasal swab tests at 11 locations and at mobile sites, which generally produce results in three to seven days or faster, an IDPH spokesperson said.
Test sites in Illinois range from public centers to private clinics, and the labs used to process samples may be local or located elsewhere in the U.S. "We have heard everything from two to three days at local commercial labs (for test turnarounds) and up to eight to 14 days at larger national laboratories," the IDPH said.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday the state is "talking to the University of Illinois about how we might provide that (test) across the state to other locations."
Given that U of I researchers first published their findings in June, it's been a fast-paced summer, Hergenrother said. "We're not declaring victory yet," he said. "We set out to make a difference and help our own institution. We're really, really hopeful this will be adopted by others."
A total of 1,517 patients were in Illinois hospitals with the virus as of Wednesday night, 73 more than the seven-day average of 1,444.
Hospitalizations and positivity rates are two important metrics health experts watch. If sustained spikes occur in any of 11 state regions, the state will clamp down on activities where people come together ranging from indoor dining to group gatherings, Pritzker has warned.
On May 24, the IDPH reported 2,508 COVID-19 new infections, but those numbers began to taper off in June and fell into the hundreds per day.
Easing restrictions, such as allowing movie theaters to open, began June 26, and daily caseloads have gradually increased.
The seven-day daily average of new cases stands at 1,646, compared to 1,424 for the period of July 24 to July 30.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-06--Coronavirus wreaks havoc on Illinois' state revenues, but pot is a bright spot

On paper , Illinois ' fiscal year that began last month looks to be off to a terrific start , taking in more than $ 5.5 billion .
However , a closer look reveals just how much damage the global COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic crisis is having on the state 's finances .
Much of the tax gains last month are due to a three-month delay in the filing deadline for income tax returns from April 15 to July 15 .
The state received $ 2.9 billion in personal income tax revenue last month , according to Illinois Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability analysis of tax revenues shows that a little more than $ 1 billion of that is due to the tax filing delay .
`` Those gains were entirely related to timing and serve to temporarily mask the underpinning negative effects that COVID-19 is having on the economy , '' the analysts wrote in the report released this week .
State officials covered the loss of tax revenue in April with transfers from other funds that will now be replenished using the late income tax revenue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains over July 2019 were those with tax rates that had increased since last year .
The motor fuel tax doubled since July 2019 , but revenues from the tax in July 2020 were only 61.7 % higher , according to revenue department figures .
Taxes from cigarettes , private vehicle sales and corporate income were the only other categories to see increases above July 2019 .
Cigarette and private vehicle sales tax rates were both increased in the last year .
Corporate income tax filings were also delayed three months .
Sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million from the previous July , usually one of the state 's stronger months .
Liquor taxes had their worst July in at least the past five years , according IDOR reports .
Liquor tax revenue was reported at $ 29.6 million last month .
That 's down $ 3.4 million from the previous July .
Because casinos and race tracks had been shuttered since the pandemic began , gambling revenue has been essentially nonexistent for months outside of the lottery .
Gambling reopened July 1 , but the revenues from last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability analysts also lamented the lack of federal funding in July .
`` Federal sources began the new fiscal year in an unimpressive fashion , falling $ 49 million , '' analysts reported .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker noted in Wednesday 's news conference about the state 's ongoing battle against the spread of COVID-19 that deep cuts to state and local government operations were inevitable without federal financial assistance .
`` None of us want to have to lay off public safety officials , people who keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lay off the people who provide services that so many across the state need , human services , '' Pritzker said .
`` But sure , if the Republicans continue to take the stand they 've taken , including Republicans in the Illinois delegation , against local and state government , then we 're going to have to make drastic cuts . ''
Congressional leaders are currently locked in a stalemate over the next round of relief funding .
The one bright spot in the state 's budget continues to be recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
June marijuana tax and marijuana sales tax revenues -- which are reported for July -- were a combined $ 14 million from $ 47.6 million in sales that month .
The marijuana taxes were reported at $ 9.3 million for June 's sales and the associated sales taxes were $ 4.7 million .
Marijuana-related taxes are expected to balloon again next month after the state reported record recreational pot sales of nearly $ 61 million in July .
The state taxes marijuana based on its potency , ranging from 10 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers .
The state 's general fund gets 35 % , a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25 % , while 20 % goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10 % goes toward the state 's bill backlog .
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8 % , and 2 % goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization .
The additional sales tax revenue from marijuana sales goes into the state 's @ @ @ @

Coronavirus wreaks havoc on Illinois' state revenues, but pot is a bright spot
On paper, Illinois' fiscal year that began last month looks to be off to a terrific start, taking in more than $5.5 billion.
However, a closer look reveals just how much damage the global COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic crisis is having on the state's finances.
Much of the tax gains last month are due to a three-month delay in the filing deadline for income tax returns from April 15 to July 15.
The state received $2.9 billion in personal income tax revenue last month, according to Illinois Department of Revenue reports. But the legislature's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability analysis of tax revenues shows that a little more than $1 billion of that is due to the tax filing delay.
"Those gains were entirely related to timing and serve to temporarily mask the underpinning negative effects that COVID-19 is having on the economy," the analysts wrote in the report released this week.
State officials covered the loss of tax revenue in April with transfers from other funds that will now be replenished using the late income tax revenue.
The only tax revenue categories that experienced gains over July 2019 were those with tax rates that had increased since last year.
The motor fuel tax doubled since July 2019, but revenues from the tax in July 2020 were only 61.7% higher, according to revenue department figures.
Taxes from cigarettes, private vehicle sales and corporate income were the only other categories to see increases above July 2019. Cigarette and private vehicle sales tax rates were both increased in the last year. Corporate income tax filings were also delayed three months.
Sales tax revenues were down almost $100 million from the previous July, usually one of the state's stronger months.
Liquor taxes had their worst July in at least the past five years, according IDOR reports. Liquor tax revenue was reported at $29.6 million last month. That's down $3.4 million from the previous July.
Because casinos and race tracks had been shuttered since the pandemic began, gambling revenue has been essentially nonexistent for months outside of the lottery. Gambling reopened July 1, but the revenues from last month won't be known until September.
Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability analysts also lamented the lack of federal funding in July.
"Federal sources began the new fiscal year in an unimpressive fashion, falling $49 million," analysts reported.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker noted in Wednesday's news conference about the state's ongoing battle against the spread of COVID-19 that deep cuts to state and local government operations were inevitable without federal financial assistance.
"None of us want to have to lay off public safety officials, people who keep us safe, and no one wants to lay off the people who provide services that so many across the state need, human services," Pritzker said. "But sure, if the Republicans continue to take the stand they've taken, including Republicans in the Illinois delegation, against local and state government, then we're going to have to make drastic cuts."
Congressional leaders are currently locked in a stalemate over the next round of relief funding.
The one bright spot in the state's budget continues to be recreational marijuana tax and associated sales tax revenues. June marijuana tax and marijuana sales tax revenues -- which are reported for July -- were a combined $14 million from $47.6 million in sales that month. The marijuana taxes were reported at $9.3 million for June's sales and the associated sales taxes were $4.7 million.
Marijuana-related taxes are expected to balloon again next month after the state reported record recreational pot sales of nearly $61 million in July.
The state taxes marijuana based on its potency, ranging from 10% to 25%. Money generated from the state's marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers.
The state's general fund gets 35%, a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25%, while 20% goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10% goes toward the state's bill backlog.
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8%, and 2% goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization.
The additional sales tax revenue from marijuana sales goes into the state's general revenue fund.