dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--3rd major COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective and cheaper

LONDON -- Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective , buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap , easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world .
The results are based on an interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca .
No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine .
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage data for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic that has pummeled the world economy and led to 1.4 million deaths .
But unlike the others , the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine does n't have to be stored at freezer temperatures , making it potentially easier to distribute , especially in developing countries .
`` I think these are really exciting results , '' Dr. Andrew Pollard , chief investigator for the trial , said at a news conference .
`` Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures , it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere , I think we 've actually managed to do that . ''
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was 90 % effective in preventing COVID-19 in one of the dosing regimens tested ; it was less effective in another .
Earlier this month , rival drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95 % effective .
While the AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at 2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius ( 36 degrees to 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna products must be stored at freezer temperatures .
In Pfizer 's case , it must be kept at the ultra-cold temperature of around minus-70 degrees Celsius ( minus-94 Fahrenheit ) .
The AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper .
AstraZeneca , which has pledged it wo n't make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic , has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $ 2.50 a dose .
Pfizer 's vaccine costs about $ 20 , while Moderna 's is $ 15 to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government .
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed .
Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed they were n't competing with other projects and said multiple vaccines would be needed to reach enough of the world 's population to end the pandemic .
`` We need to be able to make a lot of vaccine for the world quickly , and it 's best if we can do it with different technologies so that if one technology runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got alternatives , we 've got diversity , '' professor Sarah Gilbert , a leader of the Oxford team , told The Associated Press .
`` Diversity is going to be good here , but also in terms of manufacturing , we do n't want to run out of raw materials . ''
AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible , and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization , so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dosing regimens .
A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90 % effective .
Another approach , giving patients two full doses one month apart , was 62 % effective .
That means that , overall , when both ways of dosing are considered , the vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 70 % .
Gilbert said researchers are n't sure why giving a half-dose followed by a larger dose was more effective , and they plan to investigate further .
But the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right amount of vaccine to get the best response , she said .
`` It 's the Goldilocks amount that you want , I think , not too little and not too much .
Too much could give you a poor quality response as well ... , '' she said .
`` I 'm glad that we looked at more than one dose because it turns out to be really important . ''
The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
After vaccination , the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body .
Peter Openshaw , professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London , said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated with a given supply of the vaccine .
`` The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs , we expect that higher doses have bigger effects , and more side-effects , '' he said .
`` But the immune system does not work like that . ''
The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people .
Of those , 11,636 people received the vaccine -- while the rest got a placebo .
Overall , there were 131 cases of COVID-19 .
Details on how many people in the various groups became ill were n't released Monday , but researchers said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours .
Late-stage trials of the vaccine are also underway in the U.S. , Japan , Russia , South Africa , Kenya and Latin America , with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries .
Researchers said they expect to add the half dose-full dose regimen to the U.S. trial in a `` matter of weeks . ''
Before doing so they must discuss the changes with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
The AstraZeneca trials were paused earlier this year after a participant in the U.K. study reported a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were quickly restarted in most countries after investigators determined the condition was n't related to the vaccine , the FDA delayed the U.S. study for more than a month before it was allowed to resume .
AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity , so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January , Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month .
Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine 's simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca 's commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to people around the world .
`` This vaccine 's efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency , '' Soriot said .
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt `` a great sense of relief '' at the news from AstraZeneca .
Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine , and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by November we would have three vaccines , all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for , '' Hancock said .
From the beginning of their collaboration with AstraZeneca , Oxford scientists have demanded that the vaccine be made available equitably to everyone in the world so rich countries ca n't corner the market as has happened during previous pandemics .
Leaders of the world 's most powerful nations on Sunday agreed to work together to ensure `` affordable and equitable access '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If we do n't have the vaccine available in many , many countries , and we just protect a small number of them , then we ca n't go back to normal because the virus is going to keep coming back and causing problems again , '' Gilbert said .
`` No one is safe until we 're all safe . ''
This story has been updated to correct that the Moderna vaccine needs to be stored at freezer temperatures , but not the ultra-cold temperatures required for the Pfizer one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this story .

3rd major COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective and cheaper
AstraZeneca says late-stage trials of its COVID-19 vaccine were "highly effective" in preventing disease. A vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford prevented 70% of people from developing the coronavirus in late-stage trials, the team reported Monday. Associated Press/June 24, 2020
LONDON -- Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap, easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world.
The results are based on an interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. No hospitalizations or severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in those receiving the vaccine.
AstraZeneca is the third major drug company to report late-stage data for a potential COVID-19 vaccine as the world waits for scientific breakthroughs that will end a pandemic that has pummeled the world economy and led to 1.4 million deaths. But unlike the others, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine doesn't have to be stored at freezer temperatures, making it potentially easier to distribute, especially in developing countries.
"I think these are really exciting results," Dr. Andrew Pollard, chief investigator for the trial, said at a news conference. "Because the vaccine can be stored at fridge temperatures, it can be distributed around the world using the normal immunization distribution system. And so our goal … to make sure that we have a vaccine that was accessible everywhere, I think we've actually managed to do that."
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in one of the dosing regimens tested; it was less effective in another. Earlier this month, rival drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials showing their vaccines were almost 95% effective.
While the AstraZeneca vaccine can be stored at 2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), the Pfizer and Moderna products must be stored at freezer temperatures. In Pfizer's case, it must be kept at the ultra-cold temperature of around minus-70 degrees Celsius (minus-94 Fahrenheit).
The AstraZeneca vaccine is also cheaper.
AstraZeneca, which has pledged it won't make a profit on the vaccine during the pandemic, has reached agreements with governments and international health organizations that put its cost at about $2.50 a dose. Pfizer's vaccine costs about $20, while Moderna's is $15 to $25, based on agreements the companies have struck to supply their vaccines to the U.S. government.
All three vaccines must be approved by regulators before they can be widely distributed.
Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca stressed they weren't competing with other projects and said multiple vaccines would be needed to reach enough of the world's population to end the pandemic.
"We need to be able to make a lot of vaccine for the world quickly, and it's best if we can do it with different technologies so that if one technology runs into a roadblock, then we've got alternatives, we've got diversity,'' professor Sarah Gilbert, a leader of the Oxford team, told The Associated Press. "Diversity is going to be good here, but also in terms of manufacturing, we don't want to run out of raw materials."
AstraZeneca said it will immediately apply for early approval of the vaccine where possible, and it will seek an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization, so it can make the vaccine available in low-income countries.
The AstraZeneca trial looked at two different dosing regimens. A half-dose of the vaccine followed by a full dose at least one month later was 90% effective. Another approach, giving patients two full doses one month apart, was 62% effective.
That means that, overall, when both ways of dosing are considered, the vaccine showed an efficacy rate of 70%.
Gilbert said researchers aren't sure why giving a half-dose followed by a larger dose was more effective, and they plan to investigate further. But the answer is probably related to providing exactly the right amount of vaccine to get the best response, she said.
"It's the Goldilocks amount that you want, I think, not too little and not too much. Too much could give you a poor quality response as well ...,'' she said. "I'm glad that we looked at more than one dose because it turns out to be really important."
The vaccine uses a weakened version of a common cold virus that is combined with genetic material for the characteristic spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19. After vaccination, the spike protein primes the immune system to attack the virus if it later infects the body.
Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said the finding that a smaller initial dose is more effective than a larger one is good news because it may reduce costs and mean more people can be vaccinated with a given supply of the vaccine.
"The report that an initial half-dose is better than a full dose seems counterintuitive for those of us thinking of vaccines as normal drugs: With drugs, we expect that higher doses have bigger effects, and more side-effects," he said. "But the immune system does not work like that."
The results reported Monday come from trials in the U.K. and Brazil that involved 23,000 people. Of those, 11,636 people received the vaccine -- while the rest got a placebo.
Overall, there were 131 cases of COVID-19. Details on how many people in the various groups became ill weren't released Monday, but researchers said they will be published in the next 24 hours.
Late-stage trials of the vaccine are also underway in the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Africa, Kenya and Latin America, with further trials planned for other European and Asian countries.
Researchers said they expect to add the half dose-full dose regimen to the U.S. trial in a "matter of weeks.'' Before doing so they must discuss the changes with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The AstraZeneca trials were paused earlier this year after a participant in the U.K. study reported a rare neurological illness. While the trials were quickly restarted in most countries after investigators determined the condition wasn't related to the vaccine, the FDA delayed the U.S. study for more than a month before it was allowed to resume.
AstraZeneca has been ramping up manufacturing capacity, so it can supply hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine starting in January, Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said earlier this month.
Soriot said Monday that the Oxford vaccine's simpler supply chain and AstraZeneca's commitment to provide it on a nonprofit basis during the pandemic mean it will be affordable and available to people around the world.
"This vaccine's efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,'' Soriot said.
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt "a great sense of relief" at the news from AstraZeneca.
Britain has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine, and the government says several million doses can be produced before the end of the year if it is approved by regulators.
Just months ago, "the idea that by November we would have three vaccines, all of which have got high effectiveness … I would have given my eye teeth for," Hancock said.
From the beginning of their collaboration with AstraZeneca, Oxford scientists have demanded that the vaccine be made available equitably to everyone in the world so rich countries can't corner the market as has happened during previous pandemics.
Leaders of the world's most powerful nations on Sunday agreed to work together to ensure "affordable and equitable access" to COVID-19 drugs, tests and vaccines.
"If we don't have the vaccine available in many, many countries, and we just protect a small number of them, then we can't go back to normal because the virus is going to keep coming back and causing problems again," Gilbert said. "No one is safe until we're all safe."
This story has been updated to correct that the Moderna vaccine needs to be stored at freezer temperatures, but not the ultra-cold temperatures required for the Pfizer one.
Associated Press writer Jill Lawless contributed to this story.
Follow AP's coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Developer scales back plans for massive downtown Arlington Heights project

Developers of the massive proposed Arlington 425 development in downtown Arlington Heights -- which has stalled to this point -- are scaling down their plans to make the project more economically feasible , officials said .
The latest version of the three-building residential and commercial campus on a long-vacant block calls for fewer housing units and less retail space , among other changes .
Attorney Mike Firsel , who represents Norwood Builders , pointed to the high costs of construction , lack of available financing , potential of no return on investment , and no governmental assistance or incentives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ move forward with a project for this site , but modifications will have to be made to make it economically viable , '' Firsel wrote in a letter to village officials .
The revisions come after months of consulting with contractors , architects , financing sources and marketing professionals , Firsel wrote , `` and taking into account the potential long-term economic and life-style consequences of the current pandemic environment . ''
The $ 150 million project -- which would be the largest development in some two decades in Arlington Heights -- earned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board in May 2019 , after an extensive review process involving the plan , design and housing commissions .
The board last August already agreed , at Norwood Builders ' request , to extend zoning approvals on the site until June 2021 , as the developer worked to secure financing .
The amended plan is now subject to another formal review by those panels and the village staff , before the village board has final say .
The first step in that process occurred last week , when the developer presented preliminary plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a subset of the plan commission .
Among the notable changes , a 13-story , 125-unit apartment building on Highland Avenue that included six stories of parking is being replaced with a five-story parking garage .
A nine-story , 182-unit apartment building with commercial space on the bottom two floors on Campbell Street is proposed to grow a story taller with 26 more residences , while retail/offices on the second floor would be replaced with 26 other residences .
Firsel also proposed that ground-level retail on the west side be optional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales taxes beyond the building 's east side `` are extremely limited , or may be nonexistent altogether . ''
A four-story , 54-unit residential building facing Chestnut Avenue would add one level and 34 units .
In total throughout the nearly 3-acre site , the number of residences would be reduced from 361 to 322 , while commercial space would be cut from 43,800 square feet to 7,500 square feet .
Village staff members who reviewed the preliminary revisions said they generally support the plan so far .
They 're also requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business owners , as well as a traffic and parking study .
Charles Witherington-Perkins , the village 's director of planning and community development , said he anticipates the review process to take place over the winter months and be complete before the current approvals are scheduled to lapse in the summer .
`` It 's a very important site downtown , '' he said .
`` The village is very supportive on seeing this site developed in a good way that helps downtown to continue to grow . ''

Developer scales back plans for massive downtown Arlington Heights project
This sketch shows the latest revisions to the proposed Arlington 425 development on the west side of downtown Arlington Heights. Plans call for fewer residential units and less commercial space, in light of the pandemic-stricken economy. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
Developers of the massive proposed Arlington 425 development in downtown Arlington Heights -- which has stalled to this point -- are scaling down their plans to make the project more economically feasible, officials said.
The latest version of the three-building residential and commercial campus on a long-vacant block calls for fewer housing units and less retail space, among other changes.
Attorney Mike Firsel, who represents Norwood Builders, pointed to the high costs of construction, lack of available financing, potential of no return on investment, and no governmental assistance or incentives.
"Petitioner has a strong desire to move forward with a project for this site, but modifications will have to be made to make it economically viable," Firsel wrote in a letter to village officials.
The revisions come after months of consulting with contractors, architects, financing sources and marketing professionals, Firsel wrote, "and taking into account the potential long-term economic and life-style consequences of the current pandemic environment."
The $150 million project -- which would be the largest development in some two decades in Arlington Heights -- earned a stamp of approval from the village board in May 2019, after an extensive review process involving the plan, design and housing commissions.
The board last August already agreed, at Norwood Builders' request, to extend zoning approvals on the site until June 2021, as the developer worked to secure financing.
The amended plan is now subject to another formal review by those panels and the village staff, before the village board has final say. The first step in that process occurred last week, when the developer presented preliminary plans to the conceptual plan review committee, which is a subset of the plan commission.
Among the notable changes, a 13-story, 125-unit apartment building on Highland Avenue that included six stories of parking is being replaced with a five-story parking garage.
A nine-story, 182-unit apartment building with commercial space on the bottom two floors on Campbell Street is proposed to grow a story taller with 26 more residences, while retail/offices on the second floor would be replaced with 26 other residences. Firsel also proposed that ground-level retail on the west side be optional, saying retail opportunities that would generate sales taxes beyond the building's east side "are extremely limited, or may be nonexistent altogether."
A four-story, 54-unit residential building facing Chestnut Avenue would add one level and 34 units.
In total throughout the nearly 3-acre site, the number of residences would be reduced from 361 to 322, while commercial space would be cut from 43,800 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
Village staff members who reviewed the preliminary revisions said they generally support the plan so far. They're also requiring a virtual neighborhood meeting with residents and business owners, as well as a traffic and parking study.
Charles Witherington-Perkins, the village's director of planning and community development, said he anticipates the review process to take place over the winter months and be complete before the current approvals are scheduled to lapse in the summer.
"It's a very important site downtown," he said.
"The village is very supportive on seeing this site developed in a good way that helps downtown to continue to grow."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-24--Downers Grove approves plan to expand Tivoli Theatre

The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove is on track to open a new intimate screening room as early as January or February .
Classic Cinemas , which operates the Tivoli , last week received a special use permit from Downers Grove to build a 32-seat theater in the historic 1928 building .
The state-of-the-art screening room will be built into an adjacent storefront to the west of the Tivoli 's main entrance at 5021 Highland Ave. '' We 're all pretty excited and wish the Tivoli enterprise the best of luck , '' Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett said before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 17 council meeting .
Chris Johnson , a co-CEO of Classic Cinemas , expects construction permits to be issued this week and for work to last about eight weeks .
Johnson is pushing ahead with the project , even though most theaters are shuttered due to another spike of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations across the nation .
`` The uncertainty is only in weeks and months -- not years , '' said Johnson , citing encouraging news of COVID-19 vaccines and distribution on the horizon .
`` We 're looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Debbie Venezia of the After Hours Film Society , which has been renting the Tivoli on select Monday evenings since 1999 to screen foreign and art house films .
`` Hopefully , it will give the Tivoli extra flexibility with bookings . ''
Though Johnson declined to share the cost of the new theater , he did boast that it will feature `` the latest and greatest technology . ''
This includes an eight-channel digital surround sound system , laser projection and a special matte white screen .
As for the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the interior decorations are inspired by the Tivoli 's 1,050-seat main theater .
Johnson said the exterior will look similar to a storefront space on the Tivoli 's north side that was converted into an expanded women 's restroom in 2002 .
The new auditorium also will feature heated recliners similar to ones installed in the renovated Classic Cinemas in Beloit , Wisconsin .
`` We 're not just shoehorning in a dinky little theater next to a big theater , '' Johnson said .
`` People will really enjoy the experience @ @

Downers Grove approves plan to expand Tivoli Theatre
Classic Cinemas officials say the exterior of a planned 32-seat theater at the Tivoli Theatre will look similar to the 2002 conversion of an empty storefront that became an expanded women's restroom. Courtesy of Chris Johnson/Classic Cinemas
Heated recliners, as pictured here at Classic Cinemas in Beloit, Wisconsin, are to be installed in a new Tivoli Theatre screening room in Downers Grove. Courtesy of Chris Johnson/Classic Cinemas
The Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove recently received permission to build a 32-seat theater in an empty storefront to the west of its main entrance. Daily Herald File Photo
The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove is on track to open a new intimate screening room as early as January or February.
Classic Cinemas, which operates the Tivoli, last week received a special use permit from Downers Grove to build a 32-seat theater in the historic 1928 building. The state-of-the-art screening room will be built into an adjacent storefront to the west of the Tivoli's main entrance at 5021 Highland Ave.
"We're all pretty excited and wish the Tivoli enterprise the best of luck," Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett said before a unanimous vote of approval at the Nov. 17 council meeting.
Chris Johnson, a co-CEO of Classic Cinemas, expects construction permits to be issued this week and for work to last about eight weeks.
Johnson is pushing ahead with the project, even though most theaters are shuttered due to another spike of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations across the nation.
"The uncertainty is only in weeks and months -- not years," said Johnson, citing encouraging news of COVID-19 vaccines and distribution on the horizon.
"We're looking forward to (the new theater)," said Debbie Venezia of the After Hours Film Society, which has been renting the Tivoli on select Monday evenings since 1999 to screen foreign and art house films. "Hopefully, it will give the Tivoli extra flexibility with bookings."
Though Johnson declined to share the cost of the new theater, he did boast that it will feature "the latest and greatest technology." This includes an eight-channel digital surround sound system, laser projection and a special matte white screen.
As for the new theater's aesthetics, Johnson said some of the interior decorations are inspired by the Tivoli's 1,050-seat main theater. Johnson said the exterior will look similar to a storefront space on the Tivoli's north side that was converted into an expanded women's restroom in 2002.
The new auditorium also will feature heated recliners similar to ones installed in the renovated Classic Cinemas in Beloit, Wisconsin.
"We're not just shoehorning in a dinky little theater next to a big theater," Johnson said. "People will really enjoy the experience."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Interpretive signs, Little Free Libraries to be removed from 3 Lake County preserves

A nature-themed program at three Lake County forest preserves will end , and with it will go the associated Little Free Libraries .
Introduced in 2014 , Trail Tales transforms nature-related books -- in bilingual text -- onto a series of seven panels along half-mile trails at the Ryerson Woods , Nippersink and Green Belt forest preserves .
Little Free Libraries are installed near the last panel of each trail and visitors can take a book as a way to encourage reading .
The story unfolds on the panels and each lists a related activity to interact with the setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include original artwork , must be removed because publishers ' permission to use the books are expiring .
`` We do n't have permission to use the books in that way -- there 's a sunset with the publisher , '' said Nan Buckardt , director of education for the Lake County Forest Preserve District .
Little Free Libraries are wooden boxes with hinged doors .
Initially stocked with a selection of nature-related books , the libraries operate on an honor system in which patrons take a book to read or keep or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panels are removed , the little free libraries will be out of context , Buckardt said .
Each of them also has needed major repairs at least once due to vandalism , she said , and their height would have to be lowered to meet accessibility standards .
Trail Tales was meant to engage families with young children , Buckardt said , with `` Miss Maple 's Seeds '' and `` Winter is Coming '' portrayed on the panels .
`` It took us a couple of years to get permission for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came along later , '' she said .
The program added another interaction with the landscape and was worthwhile , Buckardt said .
But the number and popularity of Little Free Libraries has grown since Trail Tales began and , all things considered , it 's time to move on , she said .
Trail Tales was launched in cooperation with Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods , a nonprofit organization that operates through a license agreement with the forest preserve district .
Brushwood will be allowed to use any books remaining and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forest preserve .
It will be adapted to ADA standards and installed in front of the Brushwood Center , 21850 N. Riverwoods Road , in the spring , said Catherine Game , executive director .
The removal of the panels and libraries should n't deter visitors , Buckardt said .
`` Even without the panels , there 's still a lot to see , '' she said .

Interpretive signs, Little Free Libraries to be removed from 3 Lake County preserves
A series of interpretive panels, the main element in the Trail Tales program at three Lake County forest preserves, will be removed and the program ended. Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
Little Free Library structures complemented the Trail Tales program in three Lake County forest preserves but will be removed and the program ended. Courtesy of Bob Callebert
A nature-themed program at three Lake County forest preserves will end, and with it will go the associated Little Free Libraries.
Introduced in 2014, Trail Tales transforms nature-related books -- in bilingual text -- onto a series of seven panels along half-mile trails at the Ryerson Woods, Nippersink and Green Belt forest preserves.
Little Free Libraries are installed near the last panel of each trail and visitors can take a book as a way to encourage reading. The story unfolds on the panels and each lists a related activity to interact with the setting nearby.
But the panels, which include original artwork, must be removed because publishers' permission to use the books are expiring.
"We don't have permission to use the books in that way -- there's a sunset with the publisher," said Nan Buckardt, director of education for the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Little Free Libraries are wooden boxes with hinged doors. Initially stocked with a selection of nature-related books, the libraries operate on an honor system in which patrons take a book to read or keep or contribute a book.
But after the panels are removed, the little free libraries will be out of context, Buckardt said.
Each of them also has needed major repairs at least once due to vandalism, she said, and their height would have to be lowered to meet accessibility standards.
Trail Tales was meant to engage families with young children, Buckardt said, with "Miss Maple's Seeds" and "Winter is Coming" portrayed on the panels.
"It took us a couple of years to get permission for the first book and the second book that came along later," she said.
The program added another interaction with the landscape and was worthwhile, Buckardt said. But the number and popularity of Little Free Libraries has grown since Trail Tales began and, all things considered, it's time to move on, she said.
Trail Tales was launched in cooperation with Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, a nonprofit organization that operates through a license agreement with the forest preserve district. Brushwood will be allowed to use any books remaining and will buy the Little Free Library box at the forest preserve.
It will be adapted to ADA standards and installed in front of the Brushwood Center, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, in the spring, said Catherine Game, executive director.
The removal of the panels and libraries shouldn't deter visitors, Buckardt said.
"Even without the panels, there's still a lot to see," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Chief judge orders Cook County cases to be held by videoconference

Criminal and civil cases pending in Cook County will be held by videoconference except in `` extraordinary or compelling circumstances '' in response to the statewide surge of COVID-19 cases , according to an order issued late Monday by Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans .
Effective immediately , the order continues until further notice , according to a court spokeswoman .
Evans ordered no criminal bench trials and no jury trials of any kind be held until further order of the court .
Jury trials were suspended during the pandemic , but bench trials continued .
The order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to procedures outlined in the order .
Except for those performing essential duties , judges and other court employees will work remotely .
Temperature checks , masks and physical distancing are required in courtrooms and throughout courthouses .
`` These actions are needed to protect public health , as we continue to monitor this pandemic , '' Evans said in a prepared statement , adding the courts have `` continued to hear all necessary and urgent matters , and today 's order does not change that .
I commend everybody in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this unprecedented period . ''
Marriages will be performed by videoconference , by appointment .
Cases involving traffic tickets or misdemeanor charges will be heard via videoconference , and parties will be notified by mail of their next court date .
For more information , call ( 312 ) 603-5030 or visit cookcountyclerkofcourt.org .

Chief judge orders Cook County cases to be held by videoconference
Cook County criminal and civil cases, including those pending at Rolling Meadows courthouse, will be held by video conference until further notice by order of Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. Daily Herald file photo
Criminal and civil cases pending in Cook County will be held by videoconference except in "extraordinary or compelling circumstances" in response to the statewide surge of COVID-19 cases, according to an order issued late Monday by Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.
Effective immediately, the order continues until further notice, according to a court spokeswoman.
Evans ordered no criminal bench trials and no jury trials of any kind be held until further order of the court. Jury trials were suspended during the pandemic, but bench trials continued. The order allows for plea hearings in criminal matters, according to procedures outlined in the order.
Except for those performing essential duties, judges and other court employees will work remotely.
Temperature checks, masks and physical distancing are required in courtrooms and throughout courthouses.
"These actions are needed to protect public health, as we continue to monitor this pandemic," Evans said in a prepared statement, adding the courts have "continued to hear all necessary and urgent matters, and today's order does not change that. I commend everybody in the justice system for their flexibility during this unprecedented period."
Marriages will be performed by videoconference, by appointment. Cases involving traffic tickets or misdemeanor charges will be heard via videoconference, and parties will be notified by mail of their next court date.
For more information, call (312) 603-5030 or visit cookcountyclerkofcourt.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-24--Feder: Another clean sweep for V103 in Chicago radio ratings

WVAZ 102.7-FM , the iHeartMedia R & B powerhouse , widened its first-place lead overall and held onto the top @ @ @ @ @ , afternoons and evenings in the latest Nielsen Audio survey , Robert Feder writes .
@ @ @ @ @ 's weekday lineup of Steve Harvey , Bioncé Foxx , Joe Soto and Keith Sweat @ @ @ @ @ Chicago radio listeners .
The run-up to the November 3 presidential election proved a boon @ @ @ @ @ WBEZ 91.5-FM , which boosted its overall share nearly 25 percent and finished second in @ @ @ @ @ period ran through November 4 -- two days before iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM flipped @ @ @ @ @ 20th straight year .
If history holds , 93.9 Lite FM will likely dominate the @ @ @ @ @ the year .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at @ @

Feder: Another clean sweep for V103 in Chicago radio ratings
WVAZ 102.7-FM, the iHeartMedia R&B powerhouse, widened its first-place lead overall and held onto the top spots in mornings, middays, afternoons and evenings in the latest Nielsen Audio survey, Robert Feder writes.
Ratings released Monday showed V103's weekday lineup of Steve Harvey, Bioncé Foxx, Joe Soto and Keith Sweat as popular as ever among Chicago radio listeners.
The run-up to the November 3 presidential election proved a boon to Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ 91.5-FM, which boosted its overall share nearly 25 percent and finished second in mornings.
The latest survey period ran through November 4 -- two days before iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT 93.9-FM flipped to all-Christmas music for the 20th straight year. If history holds, 93.9 Lite FM will likely dominate the market through the end of the year.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


US-Pres-Sum,100

Needed to win : 270 of the 538 electoral votes ( ev ) from the 50 states and the District @ @ @

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 73,815,488 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,676,271 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--155 more COVID-19 deaths, 11,378 new cases

New COVID-19 cases totaled 11,378 Wednesday , the highest since Saturday , and 155 more people died from the respiratory disease , as Illinois moved to borrow $ 2 billion to offset plunging revenues and rising pandemic expenses .
The number of people hospitalized with the virus came to 6,133 as of Tuesday night , reflecting a week 's worth of the highest hospitalizations since the pandemic began .
However , patient numbers have notched down since Sunday 's count of 6,171 , according to Illinois Department of Public Health records .
Fatalities reached the second-highest mark since the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day average of deaths is 117.7 compared to 118 people a day from May 10 to May 16 .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced the state will borrow $ 2 billion as a short-term loan from the Federal Reserve to cover a shortfall incurred by the pandemic .
Lost sales tax revenues and increased expenses for items such as masks and ventilators have cost the state more than $ 5 billion , Pritzker said .
`` Our collective intention is to repay this as early as possible , '' through stimulus funding if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviving when a vaccine is offered widely , he said , adding Wednesday was the deadline to apply .
The state borrowed $ 1.2 billion earlier this year .
Asked about putting a graduated income tax referendum on the ballot again after the initiative failed in the Nov. 3 election , Pritzker said `` that 's not something I 'm considering right now . ''
McHenry County State 's Attorney Patrick Kenneally announced Wednesday he would not enforce the state 's indoor dining ban that has closed multiple bars and restaurants , drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hope that officers of the court would follow the laws of the state and do the right thing , '' Pritzker said .
`` Other jurisdictions are following the law and prosecuting these fines . ''
Businesses like bars that open are `` spreading the virus willy-nilly at a time when we 're undergoing a terrible second wave . ''
Illinois labs processed 114,233 tests in the last 24 hours , bringing the state 's total past 10 million .
The state 's virus positivity rate was 10.6 % based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday 's 10.4 % .
Total infections in Illinois are at 685,467 , with deaths at 11,832 .
Pritzker noted `` this is not the year to have everybody over at Grandma 's house .
`` I know this is n't what anybody wants to hear , but we also know this crisis may come to end in just a few months , '' he said , referring to several vaccines awaiting federal approval .
`` Every day we throw caution to the wind , even if it 's a holiday , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 've made for our health care workers , many of whom do n't get to see their families on holidays . ''
That would include Elmhurst Hospital food service worker Angie Dillard , who will work a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift delivering meals on Thanksgiving .
`` Every patient room I go into , my goal is to make them feel good and give them the extra touch , '' Dillard said .
She recalled the COVID-19 surge of the spring , `` when the emergency room was packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Her advice now is : `` Wash your hands .
Wear your mask . ''
`` This is serious , '' she said .
`` I hope everybody abides by the rules .
I 'm praying a lot . ''

155 more COVID-19 deaths, 11,378 new cases
New COVID-19 cases totaled 11,378 Wednesday, the highest since Saturday, and 155 more people died from the respiratory disease, as Illinois moved to borrow $2 billion to offset plunging revenues and rising pandemic expenses.
The number of people hospitalized with the virus came to 6,133 as of Tuesday night, reflecting a week's worth of the highest hospitalizations since the pandemic began. However, patient numbers have notched down since Sunday's count of 6,171, according to Illinois Department of Public Health records.
Fatalities reached the second-highest mark since the state's first surge in May. The seven-day average of deaths is 117.7 compared to 118 people a day from May 10 to May 16.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the state will borrow $2 billion as a short-term loan from the Federal Reserve to cover a shortfall incurred by the pandemic.
Lost sales tax revenues and increased expenses for items such as masks and ventilators have cost the state more than $5 billion, Pritzker said.
"Our collective intention is to repay this as early as possible," through stimulus funding if passed through Congress or by state revenues reviving when a vaccine is offered widely, he said, adding Wednesday was the deadline to apply. The state borrowed $1.2 billion earlier this year.
Asked about putting a graduated income tax referendum on the ballot again after the initiative failed in the Nov. 3 election, Pritzker said "that's not something I'm considering right now."
McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally announced Wednesday he would not enforce the state's indoor dining ban that has closed multiple bars and restaurants, drawing criticism from the governor.
"I would hope that officers of the court would follow the laws of the state and do the right thing," Pritzker said. "Other jurisdictions are following the law and prosecuting these fines." Businesses like bars that open are "spreading the virus willy-nilly at a time when we're undergoing a terrible second wave."
Illinois labs processed 114,233 tests in the last 24 hours, bringing the state's total past 10 million.
The state's virus positivity rate was 10.6% based on a seven-day average, moving up slightly from Tuesday's 10.4%.
Total infections in Illinois are at 685,467, with deaths at 11,832.
Pritzker noted "this is not the year to have everybody over at Grandma's house.
"I know this isn't what anybody wants to hear, but we also know this crisis may come to end in just a few months," he said, referring to several vaccines awaiting federal approval.
"Every day we throw caution to the wind, even if it's a holiday, is a day we backtrack on any progress that we've made for our health care workers, many of whom don't get to see their families on holidays."
That would include Elmhurst Hospital food service worker Angie Dillard, who will work a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift delivering meals on Thanksgiving.
"Every patient room I go into, my goal is to make them feel good and give them the extra touch," Dillard said.
She recalled the COVID-19 surge of the spring, "when the emergency room was packed and nobody knew what was going on."
Her advice now is: "Wash your hands. Wear your mask."
"This is serious," she said. "I hope everybody abides by the rules. I'm praying a lot."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-24--Cook County, Elk Grove agree on project to add turn lanes on Arlington Heights Road

A long-awaited road project to add left-turn lanes to a large portion of Arlington Heights Road through Elk Grove Village has secured $ 5.5 million in county and local funds .
Cook County has appropriated $ 4.4 million in motor fuel tax dollars for upgrades on the 1.4-mile stretch of Arlington Heights Road , from Turner Avenue to Brantwood Avenue .
Elk Grove Village will pick up the remaining $ 1.1 million .
The project is aimed at alleviating congestion along the busy four-lane road , where drivers turning onto side streets can cause traffic backups and sometimes accidents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half-dozen intersections , road widening in certain areas to handle the new lanes , and street resurfacing .
For instance , he pointed to the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Boardwalk Street , near a popular strip mall that includes Tapalpa Mexican restaurant , Curves and other small businesses .
`` ( There 's ) a lot of accidents there .
We need a left-turn lane big time at that location , '' Johnson said .
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison , whose district includes Elk Grove Village , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by village officials during his first meeting with them after the 2018 election .
`` I 'm happy to see it come to fruition -- it 's a shining example of Cook County working directly with the village to address an important issue , '' Morrison said .
Left-turn lanes are in place at some of the major intersections where there are also stop lights , including Biesterfield Road , Elk Grove Boulevard , Landmeier Road , Oakton Street and Higgins Road .
The county-village funding partnership comes after officials were in frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots in the spring in an effort to limit crowds and enforce social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19 .
`` Us working together with the Forest Preserve and Cook County , and them working with us on Arlington Heights Road -- that 's good government and that 's a win-win for everyone involved , '' Johnson said .
Engineering studies already are underway in hopes of starting construction next summer , though the project could be pushed to 2022 .

Cook County, Elk Grove agree on project to add turn lanes on Arlington Heights Road
Following an earlier road resurfacing project along Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village in 2013, the portion of the road south of Salt Creek is scheduled for upgrades next summer. The $5.5 million project will add left-turn lanes at about a half-dozen intersections. Daily Herald File Photo, 2013
A long-awaited road project to add left-turn lanes to a large portion of Arlington Heights Road through Elk Grove Village has secured $5.5 million in county and local funds.
Cook County has appropriated $4.4 million in motor fuel tax dollars for upgrades on the 1.4-mile stretch of Arlington Heights Road, from Turner Avenue to Brantwood Avenue. Elk Grove Village will pick up the remaining $1.1 million.
The project is aimed at alleviating congestion along the busy four-lane road, where drivers turning onto side streets can cause traffic backups and sometimes accidents. Plans call for left-turn lanes at about a half-dozen intersections, road widening in certain areas to handle the new lanes, and street resurfacing.
Mayor Craig Johnson called the proposed work "a big project we've needed for a long time."
For instance, he pointed to the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Boardwalk Street, near a popular strip mall that includes Tapalpa Mexican restaurant, Curves and other small businesses.
"(There's) a lot of accidents there. We need a left-turn lane big time at that location," Johnson said.
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, whose district includes Elk Grove Village, said the project was among the top priorities mentioned by village officials during his first meeting with them after the 2018 election.
"I'm happy to see it come to fruition -- it's a shining example of Cook County working directly with the village to address an important issue," Morrison said.
Left-turn lanes are in place at some of the major intersections where there are also stop lights, including Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Boulevard, Landmeier Road, Oakton Street and Higgins Road.
The county-village funding partnership comes after officials were in frequent communication during the closure of Busse Woods parking lots in the spring in an effort to limit crowds and enforce social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19.
"Us working together with the Forest Preserve and Cook County, and them working with us on Arlington Heights Road -- that's good government and that's a win-win for everyone involved," Johnson said.
Engineering studies already are underway in hopes of starting construction next summer, though the project could be pushed to 2022.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--O'Hare traffic lighter on eve of Thanksgiving holiday

O'Hare International Airport 's traditional Thanksgiving travel blockbuster was relatively tame Wednesday , reflecting a 60 % drop in passengers across the U.S. compared with 2019 amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
At the nation 's busiest airport , lines appeared nonexistent , at least on the morning before the holiday , as many heeded federal and state warnings to eschew flying and large gatherings this Thanksgiving .
Chicagoans Jessica Jimenez and Gina Ibarra were catching a flight to Cancun , where they could socially distance themselves in a hotel after their family get-together was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , then we can be at the same hotel in Cancun together , '' Jimenez said .
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration reported a 62.5 % decrease in people at airport security checkpoints Tuesday -- 912,090 travelers in contrast with 2.4 million a year ago -- and a 59 % decline on Monday .
At a Wednesday briefing , Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike threw further cold water on holiday revels .
`` We do n't want anybody 's Thanksgiving dinner to turn into a COVID-19 super-spreader event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to protect and not infect those that we love and care for .
My fear is that two weeks from now , we 'll start seeing a new spike in cases or hospitalizations because people from various households gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving . ''
Still , as of Saturday , nearly 3.9 million Americans had passed through checkpoints , the TSA recorded .
The Chicago Department of Aviation typically issues a news release Thanksgiving week projecting passenger volume and identifying the busiest day at O'Hare and Midway International Airport .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules about face masks and social distancing , plus updates on plexiglass shields for workers , enhanced sanitation and ventilation .
The city has enlisted employees to monitor compliance , handing out more than 5,200 masks so far .
`` In these unique times , travelers also need to understand they have a role to play , and are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at the airports , '' Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said in a statement .

O'Hare traffic lighter on eve of Thanksgiving holiday
O'Hare International Airport's traditional Thanksgiving travel blockbuster was relatively tame Wednesday, reflecting a 60% drop in passengers across the U.S. compared with 2019 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the nation's busiest airport, lines appeared nonexistent, at least on the morning before the holiday, as many heeded federal and state warnings to eschew flying and large gatherings this Thanksgiving.
Chicagoans Jessica Jimenez and Gina Ibarra were catching a flight to Cancun, where they could socially distance themselves in a hotel after their family get-together was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"If you can't be with family, then we can be at the same hotel in Cancun together," Jimenez said.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration reported a 62.5% decrease in people at airport security checkpoints Tuesday -- 912,090 travelers in contrast with 2.4 million a year ago -- and a 59% decline on Monday.
At a Wednesday briefing, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike threw further cold water on holiday revels.
"We don't want anybody's Thanksgiving dinner to turn into a COVID-19 super-spreader event," Ngozi said. "Our goal is to protect and not infect those that we love and care for. My fear is that two weeks from now, we'll start seeing a new spike in cases or hospitalizations because people from various households gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving."
Still, as of Saturday, nearly 3.9 million Americans had passed through checkpoints, the TSA recorded.
The Chicago Department of Aviation typically issues a news release Thanksgiving week projecting passenger volume and identifying the busiest day at O'Hare and Midway International Airport.
This year, the agency's announcement centered on rules about face masks and social distancing, plus updates on plexiglass shields for workers, enhanced sanitation and ventilation. The city has enlisted employees to monitor compliance, handing out more than 5,200 masks so far.
"In these unique times, travelers also need to understand they have a role to play, and are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at the airports," Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said in a statement.
• Daily Herald reporter Brian Hill contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-24--Corvette raffle to raise money for Naperville autism foundation

A tumultuous year has forced the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation to shift gears while navigating financial and operational implications of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Known for its hands-on , interpersonal training , the Naperville-based organization first had to pivot to a remote setting and certify its clinicians in telehealth services , Executive Director Carrie Provenzale said .
Then the group 's largest annual fundraising push in April -- World Autism Month -- ground to a halt amid the stay-at-home order .
When hybrid in-person programs could finally resume , she said , Turning Pointe invested in outdoor tents , personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their employees and roughly 60 students safe .
Nonprofit leaders now are hoping a lavish but socially distanced fundraiser will help bridge funding gaps to maintain those services .
Turning Pointe is raffling off a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray , valued at $ 79,790 and donated by Chevy of Naperville through a connection with the foundation 's founders , Randy and Kim Wolf , Provenzale said .
Up to 2,000 tickets will be sold for $ 100 each , with proceeds going toward the organization 's operating and capital expenses .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Dec. 3 drawing at the Turning Pointe headquarters , 1500 W. Ogden Ave .
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter .
If all tickets are sold , the $ 200,000 profit will make up for the revenue lost from canceled fundraising events , while also covering the costs of building out an eighth and final classroom , Provenzale said .
The construction project began last week and is expected to be completed in January , she said , at which point the organization will be better equipped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` COVID has stopped us from a lot of things , '' Provenzale said , `` but it has not stopped kids from being diagnosed with autism , and it has not stopped kids from needing a school like ours . ''
Students ages 7 to 22 are referred by school districts across the suburbs to attend Turning Pointe 's day school , created to meet the specific and unique needs of kids and young adults with autism , organization leaders say .
In addition to strengthening academic and life skills , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication and practice socially appropriate behaviors .
The nonprofit also offers employment programs and other services for adults , Provenzale said , adding that volunteers , donors , school districts and employment partners are crucial for its operations .
The facility is temporarily closed for in-person instruction but plans to reopen for hybrid learning Dec. 8 , offering a nearly two-week buffer after Thanksgiving , she said .
Though the organization ramped up personal delivery care packages and online resources during the pandemic , its core services often require close , face-to-face interactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been following state health and education guidelines to ensure they can safely and adequately meet students ' needs , she said .
`` Our work is so human , it 's really hard to do it remotely , '' she said .
`` What we 've been able to do has been pretty remarkable . ''
To purchase a raffle ticket , visit the Turning Pointe website at turningpointeautismfoundation.org/corvette-raffle .

Corvette raffle to raise money for Naperville autism foundation
The Naperville-based Turning Pointe Autism Foundation offers educational and interpersonal support to children and adults with autism. The organization has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a unique fundraising opportunity in which a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be raffled off Dec. 3. Courtesy of the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
Chevy of Naperville has donated a 2020 Corvette Stingray to be raffled off as a fundraiser for the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Tickets cost $100 each, and a winner will be selected at random Dec. 3. Courtesy of the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
A tumultuous year has forced the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation to shift gears while navigating financial and operational implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Known for its hands-on, interpersonal training, the Naperville-based organization first had to pivot to a remote setting and certify its clinicians in telehealth services, Executive Director Carrie Provenzale said. Then the group's largest annual fundraising push in April -- World Autism Month -- ground to a halt amid the stay-at-home order.
When hybrid in-person programs could finally resume, she said, Turning Pointe invested in outdoor tents, personal protective equipment and other health protocols to keep their employees and roughly 60 students safe.
Nonprofit leaders now are hoping a lavish but socially distanced fundraiser will help bridge funding gaps to maintain those services.
Turning Pointe is raffling off a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, valued at $79,790 and donated by Chevy of Naperville through a connection with the foundation's founders, Randy and Kim Wolf, Provenzale said. Up to 2,000 tickets will be sold for $100 each, with proceeds going toward the organization's operating and capital expenses.
The winner will be selected at random during a Dec. 3 drawing at the Turning Pointe headquarters, 1500 W. Ogden Ave. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter.
If all tickets are sold, the $200,000 profit will make up for the revenue lost from canceled fundraising events, while also covering the costs of building out an eighth and final classroom, Provenzale said. The construction project began last week and is expected to be completed in January, she said, at which point the organization will be better equipped to accommodate an increased number of referrals.
"COVID has stopped us from a lot of things," Provenzale said, "but it has not stopped kids from being diagnosed with autism, and it has not stopped kids from needing a school like ours."
Students ages 7 to 22 are referred by school districts across the suburbs to attend Turning Pointe's day school, created to meet the specific and unique needs of kids and young adults with autism, organization leaders say. In addition to strengthening academic and life skills, the program focuses on increasing independence, improving communication and practice socially appropriate behaviors.
The nonprofit also offers employment programs and other services for adults, Provenzale said, adding that volunteers, donors, school districts and employment partners are crucial for its operations.
The facility is temporarily closed for in-person instruction but plans to reopen for hybrid learning Dec. 8, offering a nearly two-week buffer after Thanksgiving, she said.
Though the organization ramped up personal delivery care packages and online resources during the pandemic, its core services often require close, face-to-face interactions, Provenzale said. Turning Pointe has been following state health and education guidelines to ensure they can safely and adequately meet students' needs, she said.
"Our work is so human, it's really hard to do it remotely," she said. "What we've been able to do has been pretty remarkable."
To purchase a raffle ticket, visit the Turning Pointe website at turningpointeautismfoundation.org/corvette-raffle.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--Little Traveler shuts doors temporarily, as part of fight against COVID-19

A nearly century-old Geneva store has decided to go online-only for this year 's holiday season , to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Little Traveler , at 404 S. Third St. , will close its doors starting Friday , owner Michael Simon said Tuesday .
Simon said the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois , particularly the number of people being admitted to Northwestern Medicine Delnor and Central DuPage hospitals , prompted his decision .
`` I do not want to do anything that will contribute to it ( the increase ) , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is encouraging people to avoid nonessential trips outside the home .
`` We 're not essential , '' he said .
The store features 36 rooms of merchandise , plus a cafe , in a large Italianate Victorian house .
It is credited with starting the conversion of Third Street from residential to a district lined with boutiques and restaurants .
Simon said that with pandemic capacity limits , subtracting out employees and backroom spaces , he figured the store could still host about 80 people at a time .
Typically on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the store 's shoppers are families hosting out-of-town visitors , he said .
Encouraging a crowd did n't seem smart in the time of a pandemic , he explained .
`` This is kind of anti-Black Friday , '' he said of the closure .
The 98-year-old store will instead use modern technology to meet needs .
Last week , a former Genevan who now lives in Dallas asked if she could shop by Zoom or FaceTime .
The answer was `` yes , '' and the woman bought $ 600 worth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much in the way of online shopping until the pandemic hit in the spring .
Now , it sells more than 1,000 products online .
A new feature is gift bundles that workers are assembling .
There will be live shows on Facebook , and the store 's personal shoppers will also be available .
`` This is the heart of our Plan B '' for the holiday season , Simon said .
He is not sure when he will reopen the doors .
It depends on the COVID-19 trends , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one way or the other , in the spring , '' Simon said .

Little Traveler shuts doors temporarily, as part of fight against COVID-19
A nearly century-old Geneva store has decided to go online-only for this year's holiday season, to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Little Traveler, at 404 S. Third St., will close its doors starting Friday, owner Michael Simon said Tuesday.
Simon said the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois, particularly the number of people being admitted to Northwestern Medicine Delnor and Central DuPage hospitals, prompted his decision.
"I do not want to do anything that will contribute to it (the increase)," he said.
Simon said the governor is encouraging people to avoid nonessential trips outside the home.
"We're not essential," he said.
The store features 36 rooms of merchandise, plus a cafe, in a large Italianate Victorian house. It is credited with starting the conversion of Third Street from residential to a district lined with boutiques and restaurants.
Simon said that with pandemic capacity limits, subtracting out employees and backroom spaces, he figured the store could still host about 80 people at a time.
Typically on the weekend after Thanksgiving, a lot of the store's shoppers are families hosting out-of-town visitors, he said. Encouraging a crowd didn't seem smart in the time of a pandemic, he explained.
"This is kind of anti-Black Friday," he said of the closure.
The 98-year-old store will instead use modern technology to meet needs.
Last week, a former Genevan who now lives in Dallas asked if she could shop by Zoom or FaceTime. The answer was "yes," and the woman bought $600 worth of items.
The store did not do much in the way of online shopping until the pandemic hit in the spring. Now, it sells more than 1,000 products online.
A new feature is gift bundles that workers are assembling. There will be live shows on Facebook, and the store's personal shoppers will also be available.
"This is the heart of our Plan B" for the holiday season, Simon said.
He is not sure when he will reopen the doors. It depends on the COVID-19 trends, he said.
"We will be here, one way or the other, in the spring," Simon said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--Bears running back Montgomery 'ready to go' after concussion

Bears running back David Montgomery has passed through concussion protocol and is `` ready to go , '' he said Wednesday .
Montgomery suffered a concussion Nov. 8 against the Tennessee Titans .
Montgomery missed the final six minutes of that game , then sat out the entire contest against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 16 .
With the Bears on a bye last weekend , he had an additional week to recover .
Montgomery returned to the field for practice Monday , when the Bears had a light practice with no pads at Halas Hall in Lake Forest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ concussion ) this severe , '' Montgomery said .
`` It was definitely different , but I 'm fine now .
We went through the protocol .
The training staff has been great with me , being sure that I come back when I 'm ready . ''
Having Montgomery back in the starting lineup will be a boon for the Bears ' offense .
The Bears did n't have a true lead back without Montgomery against the Vikings .
Converted receiver Cordarrelle Patterson led the Bears with a career-high 12 carries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artavis Pierce saw three carries and third-year back Ryan Nall had one .
Veteran Lamar Miller , playing for the first time since 2018 after suffering an ACL tear last year , caught two passes out of the backfield .
Without Montgomery , the Bears rushed for just 41 yards in the game .
Montgomery found it hard to sit at home and watch his team struggle in a 19-13 loss to the Vikings .
But the 2019 third-round draft pick thought it was important for his long-term health that he take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have forced myself to play or not communicate it , it could affect me long-term in my life for when I have my children , when I have my family , '' Montgomery said .
`` That 's one thing that I do n't ever want to do and that I do n't want to ever regret doing is taking an injury and not communicating because I want to be a tough guy .
I know how tough I am , but to sum it up , you 've got to communicate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of yourself . ''
Montgomery said the No .
1 thing he learned from the experience was how hard it is to sit at home and watch his teammates on TV .
Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Monday that having Montgomery back would mean more than simply returning another playmaker into the lineup .
`` He 's a leader in that huddle and he does it ( with ) a quiet manner , '' Nagy said .
`` This guy , he 's a fighter , and I know it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I think being able to have him get back , just that level of confidence and that toughness that he brings to the huddle and every time he touches the football , I know that he 's a complete team player . ''
The Bears are the worst run team in the NFL right now , averaging 78.2 rush yards per game .
Much of that is not Montgomery 's fault .
The offensive line has been spotty in front of him .
At 5-5 , the Bears enter a pivotal final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday night at Lambeau Field .
Having the team 's top running back will help .
`` I 'm never one to lose hope or ever lose faith in the process , '' Montgomery said .
`` You just keep coming out here every week , going to work and focus on what you can control . ''

Bears running back Montgomery 'ready to go' after concussion
Bears running back David Montgomery is expected to play Sunday against the Packers after clearing concussion protocol. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bears running back David Montgomery has cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Packers Sunday night. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bears running back David Montgomery has passed through concussion protocol and is "ready to go," he said Wednesday.
Montgomery suffered a concussion Nov. 8 against the Tennessee Titans. Montgomery missed the final six minutes of that game, then sat out the entire contest against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 16. With the Bears on a bye last weekend, he had an additional week to recover.
Montgomery returned to the field for practice Monday, when the Bears had a light practice with no pads at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
"I've never had (a concussion) this severe," Montgomery said. "It was definitely different, but I'm fine now. We went through the protocol. The training staff has been great with me, being sure that I come back when I'm ready."
Having Montgomery back in the starting lineup will be a boon for the Bears' offense. The Bears didn't have a true lead back without Montgomery against the Vikings. Converted receiver Cordarrelle Patterson led the Bears with a career-high 12 carries, which went for 30 yards.
Rookie Artavis Pierce saw three carries and third-year back Ryan Nall had one. Veteran Lamar Miller, playing for the first time since 2018 after suffering an ACL tear last year, caught two passes out of the backfield.
Without Montgomery, the Bears rushed for just 41 yards in the game.
Montgomery found it hard to sit at home and watch his team struggle in a 19-13 loss to the Vikings. But the 2019 third-round draft pick thought it was important for his long-term health that he take the concussion seriously.
"If I would have forced myself to play or not communicate it, it could affect me long-term in my life for when I have my children, when I have my family," Montgomery said. "That's one thing that I don't ever want to do and that I don't want to ever regret doing is taking an injury and not communicating because I want to be a tough guy. I know how tough I am, but to sum it up, you've got to communicate with (the training staff), take care of yourself."
Montgomery said the No. 1 thing he learned from the experience was how hard it is to sit at home and watch his teammates on TV.
Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Monday that having Montgomery back would mean more than simply returning another playmaker into the lineup.
"He's a leader in that huddle and he does it (with) a quiet manner," Nagy said. "This guy, he's a fighter, and I know it just killed him to miss that game. But I think being able to have him get back, just that level of confidence and that toughness that he brings to the huddle and every time he touches the football, I know that he's a complete team player."
The Bears are the worst run team in the NFL right now, averaging 78.2 rush yards per game. Much of that is not Montgomery's fault. The offensive line has been spotty in front of him.
At 5-5, the Bears enter a pivotal final stretch, which begins with the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Having the team's top running back will help.
"I'm never one to lose hope or ever lose faith in the process," Montgomery said. "You just keep coming out here every week, going to work and focus on what you can control."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--Trump pardons Flynn, taking direct aim at Russia probe

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Wednesday , taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political bias .
`` It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon , '' Trump tweeted .
`` Congratulations to @ GenFlynn and his wonderful family , I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving ! ''
Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia probe to be granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sentence of longtime confidant Roger Stone just days before he was to report to prison .
It is part of a broader effort to undo the results of an investigation that for years has shadowed his administration and yielded criminal charges against a half dozen associates .
The action voids the criminal case against Flynn just as a federal judge was weighing , skeptically , whether to grant a Justice Department request to dismiss the prosecution despite Flynn 's own guilty plea to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down his single term , is likely to energize supporters who have taken up the case as a cause celebre and rallied around the retired Army lieutenant general as the victim of what they assert is an unfair prosecution .
Trump himself has repeatedly spoken warmly about Flynn , even though special counsel Robert Mueller 's prosecutors once praised him as a model cooperator in their probe into ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign .
The pardon is the final step in a case defined by twists and turns over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to dismiss the case , insisting that Flynn should have never been interviewed by the FBI in the first place , only to have U.S. District Justice Emmet Sullivan refuse the request and appoint a former judge to argue against the federal government 's position .
In the months since , a three-judge panel 's decision ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case was overturned by the full appeals court , which sent the matter back to Sullivan .
At a hearing in September , Flynn lawyer Sidney Powell told the judge that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump but also said she did not want a pardon -- presumably because she wanted him to be vindicated in the courts .
Powell emerged separately in recent weeks as a public face of the Trump 's efforts to overturn the results of his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden , but the Trump legal team ultimately distanced itself from her after she advanced a series of uncorroborated conspiracy claims .
The pardon spares Flynn the possibility of any prison sentence , which Sullivan could potentially have imposed had he ultimately decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That request was made in May after a review of the case by a federal prosecutor from St. Louis who had been specially appointed by Attorney General William Barr .
Flynn acknowledged lying during the FBI interview by saying he had not discussed with the then-Russian ambassador , Sergey Kislyak , sanctions that had just been imposed on Russia for election interference by the outgoing Obama administration .
During that conversation , Flynn urged Kislyak for Russia to be `` even-keeled '' in response to the punitive measures , and assured him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' about relations between the two countries after Trump became president .
The conversation alarmed the FBI , which at the time was investigating whether the Trump campaign and Russia had coordinated to sway the election 's outcome .
In addition , White House officials were stating publicly that Flynn and Kislyak had not discussed sanctions .
But last May , the Justice Department abruptly reversed its position in the case .
It said the FBI had no basis to interview Flynn about Kislyak , then the Russian ambassador to the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made were not relevant to the FBI 's broader counterintelligence probe .
It cited internal FBI notes showing that agents had planned to close out their investigation into Flynn weeks earlier .
Flynn was ousted from his position in February 2017 after news broke that he had indeed discussed sanctions with Kislyak , and that former Obama administration administration officials had warned the White House that he could be vulnerable to blackmail .
Flynn was among the first of the president 's aides to admit guilt in Mueller 's investigation and cooperated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive cooperation that prosecutors did not recommend any prison time and suggested that they would be fine with probation .
But on the morning he was to have been sentenced , after a stern rebuke about his behavior from Sullivan , Flynn asked for the hearing to be cut short so that he could continue cooperating and earn credit toward a more lenient sentence .
After that , though , he hired new attorneys -- including Powell , a conservative commentator and outspoken critic of Mueller 's investigation -- who took a far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lawyers accused prosecutors of withholding documents and evidence they said was favorable to the case and repeatedly noted that one of the two agents who interviewed Flynn was fired from the FBI for having sent derogatory text messages about Trump during the 2016 campaign .

Trump pardons Flynn, taking direct aim at Russia probe
President Donald Trump walks out to speak in the Brady Briefing Room in the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in Washington, with Vice President Mike Pence. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Wednesday, taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political bias.
"It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon," Trump tweeted. "Congratulations to @GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!"
Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia probe to be granted clemency by the president. Trump commuted the sentence of longtime confidant Roger Stone just days before he was to report to prison. It is part of a broader effort to undo the results of an investigation that for years has shadowed his administration and yielded criminal charges against a half dozen associates.
The action voids the criminal case against Flynn just as a federal judge was weighing, skeptically, whether to grant a Justice Department request to dismiss the prosecution despite Flynn's own guilty plea to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts.
The move, coming as Trump winds down his single term, is likely to energize supporters who have taken up the case as a cause celebre and rallied around the retired Army lieutenant general as the victim of what they assert is an unfair prosecution. Trump himself has repeatedly spoken warmly about Flynn, even though special counsel Robert Mueller's prosecutors once praised him as a model cooperator in their probe into ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.
The pardon is the final step in a case defined by twists and turns over the last year after the Justice Department abruptly move to dismiss the case, insisting that Flynn should have never been interviewed by the FBI in the first place, only to have U.S. District Justice Emmet Sullivan refuse the request and appoint a former judge to argue against the federal government's position.
In the months since, a three-judge panel's decision ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case was overturned by the full appeals court, which sent the matter back to Sullivan. At a hearing in September, Flynn lawyer Sidney Powell told the judge that she had discussed the Flynn case with Trump but also said she did not want a pardon -- presumably because she wanted him to be vindicated in the courts.
Powell emerged separately in recent weeks as a public face of the Trump's efforts to overturn the results of his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden, but the Trump legal team ultimately distanced itself from her after she advanced a series of uncorroborated conspiracy claims.
The pardon spares Flynn the possibility of any prison sentence, which Sullivan could potentially have imposed had he ultimately decided to reject the Justice Department's dismissal request. That request was made in May after a review of the case by a federal prosecutor from St. Louis who had been specially appointed by Attorney General William Barr.
Flynn acknowledged lying during the FBI interview by saying he had not discussed with the then-Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, sanctions that had just been imposed on Russia for election interference by the outgoing Obama administration. During that conversation, Flynn urged Kislyak for Russia to be "even-keeled" in response to the punitive measures, and assured him "we can have a better conversation" about relations between the two countries after Trump became president.
The conversation alarmed the FBI, which at the time was investigating whether the Trump campaign and Russia had coordinated to sway the election's outcome. In addition, White House officials were stating publicly that Flynn and Kislyak had not discussed sanctions.
But last May, the Justice Department abruptly reversed its position in the case. It said the FBI had no basis to interview Flynn about Kislyak, then the Russian ambassador to the United States, and that any statements he may have made were not relevant to the FBI's broader counterintelligence probe. It cited internal FBI notes showing that agents had planned to close out their investigation into Flynn weeks earlier.
Flynn was ousted from his position in February 2017 after news broke that he had indeed discussed sanctions with Kislyak, and that former Obama administration administration officials had warned the White House that he could be vulnerable to blackmail.
Flynn was among the first of the president's aides to admit guilt in Mueller's investigation and cooperated extensively for months. He provided such extensive cooperation that prosecutors did not recommend any prison time and suggested that they would be fine with probation.
But on the morning he was to have been sentenced, after a stern rebuke about his behavior from Sullivan, Flynn asked for the hearing to be cut short so that he could continue cooperating and earn credit toward a more lenient sentence.
After that, though, he hired new attorneys -- including Powell, a conservative commentator and outspoken critic of Mueller's investigation -- who took a far more confrontational stance to the government.
The lawyers accused prosecutors of withholding documents and evidence they said was favorable to the case and repeatedly noted that one of the two agents who interviewed Flynn was fired from the FBI for having sent derogatory text messages about Trump during the 2016 campaign.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-25--Elgin's Festival of Lights to brighten up holidays

After being unable to hold its annual tree lighting , the city of Elgin is trying to brighten the holidays with the Festival of Lights .
Lights will be on display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. at Festival Park at 132 S. Grove Ave. starting Saturday , Dec. 5 , through Sunday , Dec. 27 .
An enhanced show will take place Thursdays through Sundays , when three holiday-themed songs will play on the half-hour from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with lights dancing and twinkling to the music .
Lights will remain on until 9 p.m. '' We could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , '' said Special Events and Community Engagement Manager Kate O'Leary .
`` While unable to host our traditional tree lighting ceremony , we 've found a way to create a safe , outdoor space filled with holiday magic for the community to enjoy . ''
People are encouraged to wear a mask if they view the Festival of Lights from the sidewalks of the park .
It can also be viewed from a vehicle on Grove Avenue .
The city also announced it is an official mail stop for the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 11. Letters can be dropped off at a `` Santa Mail : box near the entrance at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin , 100 Symphony Way .
Letters must be dropped off by 5 p.m. Dec. 11 to guarantee a reply from Santa .
Letters must include a return address , but no postage is required .

Elgin's Festival of Lights to brighten up holidays
After being unable to hold its annual tree lighting, the city of Elgin is trying to brighten the holidays with the Festival of Lights.
Lights will be on display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. at Festival Park at 132 S. Grove Ave. starting Saturday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 27.
An enhanced show will take place Thursdays through Sundays, when three holiday-themed songs will play on the half-hour from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with lights dancing and twinkling to the music. Lights will remain on until 9 p.m.
"We could all use a little extra joy this year," said Special Events and Community Engagement Manager Kate O'Leary. "While unable to host our traditional tree lighting ceremony, we've found a way to create a safe, outdoor space filled with holiday magic for the community to enjoy."
People are encouraged to wear a mask if they view the Festival of Lights from the sidewalks of the park. It can also be viewed from a vehicle on Grove Avenue.
The city also announced it is an official mail stop for the North Pole, accepting letters to Santa through Dec. 11. Letters can be dropped off at a "Santa Mail: box near the entrance at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.
Letters must be dropped off by 5 p.m. Dec. 11 to guarantee a reply from Santa. Letters must include a return address, but no postage is required.