dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Breaking: Sanders found guilty of murder, home invasion in Hinsdale

A jury has found Dominic Sanders guilty of first-degree murder , home invasion and residential burglary in the slaying of Andrea Urban of Hinsdale in 2017 , and it called the murder especially brutal or heinous .
That means Sanders would be eligible for a natural life sentence .
The jurors believed the prosecutors ' argument , that Urban was killed in a vicious outburst of rage during a burglary of her home , and not the defense argument , that somebody else killed her later that day , after Sanders stole and sold two of Urban 's rings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brother and other friends and relatives were in the courtroom for the verdict .
During closing arguments Friday at his murder trial , prosecutors painted a picture of Sanders casing houses to burglarize the morning of May 4 , 2017 , entering Urban 's house because he thought no one was home , and then beating her and slashing her throat from behind , when she discovered him .
`` So the last moments of her life were spent in that degrading position on the kitchen floor , bleeding to death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the jury , showing them a photograph of Urban , face down , surrounded by blood , with her clothing cut , a breast exposed and her leggings around her knees .
DeLaMar repeated a statement made by Sanders when he was arrested and questioned by police 20 days after the slaying , in which he admitted stealing the rings but said he immediately wanted to go back and apologize , but feared Urban would call police .
`` That 's why he took that knife and slit her throat and hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she suffered skull fractures , DeLaMar said .
But senior public defender Teresa Rioux argued the timeline the state presented , with videos from a bank , parking lots and a house , indicate Sanders could n't have had the time to walk from where he parked , get to Urban 's house blocks away , burglarize and murder her and get back in the time presented .
She raised doubts about the storage of one of Sanders ' shoes , on which authorities say they found drops of Andrea Urban 's blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with other collected evidence .
The shoes were collected when Sanders was arrested .
She noted that aside from the large amount of blood on the kitchen floor , there were no bloody footprints , that Urban 's purse and wallet were still in the kitchen , and that of fingerprints suitable for testing , none belonged to Sanders .
The home , including the kitchen , appeared tidy , with the knife block from which the knife was taken neatly lined up with two other knife blocks on a counter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a struggle with a stranger , '' Rioux said .
She suggested Urban may have been wearing the rings that day , took them off to do some weeding and put them on a ledge inside the front door .
Urban 's son had testified only mail was put on that ledge , and her daughter testified the rings , which were family heirlooms , were stored in a dresser cabinet in Urban 's bedroom when they were n't being worn .
Sanders told police Urban 's front door was unlocked , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rings , leaned in and took them .
The jury of five women and seven men received the case shortly before 1:30 p.m. Friday .

Guilty verdict in murder, home invasion in Hinsdale; jury rules it especially brutal
A jury has found Dominic Sanders guilty of first-degree murder, home invasion and residential burglary in the slaying of Andrea Urban of Hinsdale in 2017, and it called the murder especially brutal or heinous.
That means Sanders would be eligible for a natural life sentence.
The jurors believed the prosecutors' argument, that Urban was killed in a vicious outburst of rage during a burglary of her home, and not the defense argument, that somebody else killed her later that day, after Sanders stole and sold two of Urban's rings.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin announced afterward that his office will indeed seek a life sentence for Sanders. He also confirmed that he never offered Sanders a plea deal.
Urban's daughter, son, mother, brother and other friends and relatives were in the courtroom for the verdict. Urban's son, Alexander "Sasha" Kuznetsov, gave a brief statement at a news conference.
"We are very grateful to the wonderful police officers on this case and to the prosecutors for the verdict they achieved on this case," he said. "It is a nice relief for our family right now."
Berlin credited the work of not just his prosecutorial team but of the police officers from Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove and other departments that investigated the case. Their work, he said, "gave my office a great deal of evidence," Berlin said. "DNA is very powerful evidence."
And he also credited the residents of Hinsdale who, when they learned of the murder that day, started calling police to say they had seen something suspicious that day about a man walking around the area.
"It shows how important community is," Berlin said.
Those calls led police to look for video surveillance cameras that might show the man. That ultimately led police to video of the man entering and leaving a parking lot, and a silver Dodge Charger entering and exiting that lot around the same times. A check of a nearby gasoline station showed a silver Dodge Charger and its driver buying gasoline.
A 40-year veteran Hinsdale police investigative aide knew there was a red-light camera system at Ogden Avenue and Wolf Road in Western Springs, and a check of that gave police a license plate. That led to finding out Sanders was the owner of the car, and a detective's hunch to run Sanders name through a database of pawnshop transaction reports led to the Melrose Park pawnshop where the rings were sold.
During closing arguments earlier Friday at his murder trial, prosecutors painted a picture of Sanders casing houses to burglarize the morning of May 4, 2017, entering Urban's house because he thought no one was home, and then beating her and slashing her throat from behind, when she discovered him.
"So the last moments of her life were spent in that degrading position on the kitchen floor, bleeding to death," Assistant State's Attorney Catherine DeLaMar told the jury, showing them a photograph of Urban, face down, surrounded by blood, with her clothing cut and her leggings around her knees.
DeLaMar repeated a statement made by Sanders when he was arrested and questioned by police 20 days after the slaying, in which he admitted stealing the rings but said he immediately wanted to go back and apologize, but feared Urban would call police.
"That's why he took that knife and slit her throat and hit her with the knife" so hard she suffered skull fractures, DeLaMar said.
But senior public defender Teresa Rioux argued the timeline the state presented, with videos from a bank, parking lots and a house, indicate Sanders couldn't have had the time to walk from where he parked, get to Urban's house blocks away, burglarize and murder her and get back in the time presented.
She raised doubts about the storage of one of Sanders' shoes, on which authorities say they found drops of Andrea Urban's blood, suggesting they may have come into contact with other collected evidence. The shoes were collected when Sanders was arrested.
She noted that aside from the large amount of blood on the kitchen floor, there were no bloody footprints, that Urban's purse and wallet were still in the kitchen, and that of fingerprints suitable for testing, none belonged to Sanders.
The home, including the kitchen, appeared tidy, with the knife block from which the knife was taken neatly lined up with two other knife blocks on a counter. "It doesn't appear there was a struggle with a stranger," Rioux said.
She suggested Urban may have been wearing the rings that day, took them off to do some weeding and put them on a ledge inside the front door. Urban's son had testified only mail was put on that ledge, and her daughter testified the rings, which were family heirlooms, were stored in a dresser cabinet in Urban's bedroom when they weren't being worn.
Sanders told police Urban's front door was unlocked, and that he opened the door, saw the rings, leaned in and took them.
The jury of five women and seven men received the case shortly before 1:30 p.m. Friday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Great Lakes naval base lockdown triggered by unauthorized vehicle entry

The Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago was locked down for roughly five hours Friday morning after a civilian employee of the base failed to follow a gate sentry 's directions when entering the facility .
The unidentified man passed through the gates in a black Toyota Camry just after 7 a.m. , according to Capt .
Ray Leung , Great Lakes ' commanding officer .
Per protocol in such instances , the base was immediately placed on lockdown and alerts were sent to personnel on the base to take shelter .
A spokesman reported the driver had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. '' Navy law enforcement officials are conducting an investigation of the incident , '' Leung said .
`` We can confirm the individual is an employee on the base with authorized access ; however , the cause of the unauthorized entry is still undetermined . ''
Security forces blocked off the area around the vehicle and performed a sweep of the vehicle and surrounding buildings , which took several hours to complete .
Several buildings required evacuation .
Nothing unusual was found during the sweep , officials said .
The base was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a base spokesman .
No one was harmed and the vehicle did not cause any damage .
Early reports that the vehicle had `` crashed '' through the gates was incorrect , Leung said .
`` I would like to emphasize , anyone who enters any Navy installation without heeding Naval Security Forces instructions or following our posted Naval regulations poses a potential security threat , until deemed otherwise , '' Leung said .
`` Our security personnel are vigilant , well-trained and ready to respond to changing and dynamic threats at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that morning was also delayed because of the lockdown .
Base officials reported a vehicle that had been driven to the base for the graduation caught fire during the lockdown but was extinguished .
The fire was unrelated to the gate runner , officials said .

Great Lakes naval base lockdown triggered by unauthorized vehicle entry
The Great Lakes Naval Station near North Chicago was locked down for roughly five hours Friday morning after a civilian employee of the base failed to follow a gate sentry's directions when entering the facility.
The unidentified man passed through the gates in a black Toyota Camry just after 7 a.m., according to Capt. Ray Leung, Great Lakes' commanding officer.
Per protocol in such instances, the base was immediately placed on lockdown and alerts were sent to personnel on the base to take shelter.
A spokesman reported the driver had been found and the car located about 9:30 a.m.
"Navy law enforcement officials are conducting an investigation of the incident," Leung said.
"We can confirm the individual is an employee on the base with authorized access; however, the cause of the unauthorized entry is still undetermined."
Security forces blocked off the area around the vehicle and performed a sweep of the vehicle and surrounding buildings, which took several hours to complete.
Several buildings required evacuation. Nothing unusual was found during the sweep, officials said.
The base was reopened fully about noon, according to a base spokesman.
No one was harmed, and the vehicle did not cause any damage.
Early reports that the vehicle had "crashed" through the gates was incorrect, Leung said.
"I would like to emphasize, anyone who enters any Navy installation without heeding Naval Security Forces instructions or following our posted Naval regulations poses a potential security threat, until deemed otherwise," Leung said. "
Our security personnel are vigilant, well-trained and ready to respond to changing and dynamic threats at all times."
A graduation ceremony planned for that morning was also delayed because of the lockdown.
Base officials reported a vehicle that had been driven to the base for the graduation caught fire during the lockdown but was extinguished.
The fire was unrelated to the gate runner, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Up to 5 inches of snow predicted for suburbs

Another round snowfall is expected in the suburbs this weekend , starting later tonight .
Forecasts from the National Weather @ @ @ @ @ 5 inches of snow in most parts of the suburbs and tapering to the east @ @ @ @ @ south below Interstate 80 .
Meteorologists also warned of pockets of snowfall could amount to @ @ @ @ @ .
Light rain and drizzle throughout much of today will give way in the evening @ @ @ @ @ 8 p.m. and lasting through Saturday morning .
A winter weather advisory , covering Chicago @ @ @ @ @ starts at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight Sunday .

Up to 5 inches of snow predicted for suburbs
A winter weather advisory calls for up to five inches of snow in most parts of the suburbs starting late Friday into Saturday. Daily Herald File Photo
Another round snowfall is expected in the suburbs this weekend, starting later tonight.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for up to 5 inches of snow in most parts of the suburbs and tapering to the east along the lake front and south below Interstate 80.
Meteorologists also warned of pockets of snowfall could amount to 6 inches in some areas.
Light rain and drizzle throughout much of today will give way in the evening to snow, beginning around 8 p.m. and lasting through Saturday morning.
A winter weather advisory, covering Chicago and the collar counties, starts at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight Sunday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Why Libertyville is considering lowering price for sports complex properties

Village officials will consider reducing the proposed sale price of the driving range and mini-golf portions of the Libertyville Sports Complex by $ 380,000 .
Under a change being recommended by staff , the price for those two properties would be reduced from $ 5.76 million to $ 5.38 million .
The suggested change would reflect increased costs identified by the purchaser during a review of the property at Route 45 and Peterson Road , according to information provided by the village .
A wetland mitigation credit also will reduce the price , according to Heather Rowe , the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price also acknowledges a shift in the way the site will be developed and added risk of getting it ready as a speculative venture before specific users are identified , she said .
The price modification will allow the development to move forward more quickly , according to Rowe .
The sale is set to close in the fourth quarter of 2020 .
The village board will consider the price change at its regular meeting at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the village hall , 118 W. Cook Ave. What are officially known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center never met expectations .
The properties were designated as surplus and have been available for sale for several years .
In Fall 2018 , the village entered into an agreement with what now is known as 45Peterson LLC to purchase the properties for a build-to-suit industrial and commercial project at the busy corner .
The indoor sports complex portion of the facility , which features two full-sized indoor soccer fields , multiple indoor courts , a climbing wall , fitness area and other features is not part of this sale and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would reduce a substantial outstanding debt , allow the redeveloped area to generate property and sales taxes , and create hundreds of jobs , according to the village .
Under the new arrangement , 45Peterson LLC will partner with Oak Brook-based Midwest Industrial Funds Inc. 45Peterson would develop the retail portion .
Midwest , which owns a number of projects in the area and has a strong reputation , would do the site improvements and develop the industrial portion , according to Rowe .
`` Having these two at this point join together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` We know our vacancy rate for industrial is very low for the area and people are looking , '' she added .
The Libertyville Sports Complex opened in 2002 .
Aside from the main building , it long has been a drain on finances .
For many years , the debt has been subsidized with general funds .
Proceeds from the sale would be used to reduce the roughly $ 13.8 million remaining debt incurred to buy the land and build the facilities .
Finance Director Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to proceed , including one that would have the property debt free in eight years .
The reduced sale price of $ 5.38 million is greater than 80 % of the appraised value of the property , according to the village .
Separate applications for zoning , engineering , building and other permits are pending .

Why Libertyville is considering lowering price for sports complex properties
Village officials will consider reducing the proposed sale price of the driving range and mini-golf portions of the Libertyville Sports Complex by $380,000.
Under a change being recommended by the village staff, the price for those two properties would be reduced to $5.38 million from $5.76 million.
The suggested change would reflect increased costs identified by the purchaser during a review of the property at Route 45 and Peterson Road, according to information provided by the village. A wetland mitigation credit also will reduce the price, according to Heather Rowe, the village's economic development coordinator.
Lowering the price also acknowledges a shift in the way the site will be developed and the added risk of getting it ready as a speculative venture before specific users are identified, she said.
The price modification will allow the development to move forward more quickly, according to Rowe. The sale is set to close in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The village board will consider the price change at its regular meeting at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.
What are officially known as the Family Entertainment Center and Golf Learning Center never met expectations. The properties were designated as surplus and have been available for sale for several years.
In the fall of 2018, the village entered into an agreement with what now is known as 45Peterson LLC to purchase the properties for a build-to-suit industrial and commercial project at the busy corner.
The indoor sports complex portion of the facility -- which features two full-sized indoor soccer fields, multiple indoor courts, a climbing wall, fitness area and other features -- is not part of this sale and will continue to operate.
Selling the property would reduce a substantial outstanding debt, allow the redeveloped area to generate property and sales taxes, and create hundreds of jobs, according to the village.
Under the new arrangement, 45Peterson LLC will partner with Oak Brook-based Midwest Industrial Funds Inc. 45Peterson would develop the retail portion. Midwest, which owns a number of projects in the area and has a strong reputation, would do the site improvements and develop the industrial portion, according to Rowe.
"Having these two at this point join together should make it a very strong project," she said. "We know our vacancy rate for industrial is very low for the area and people are looking," she added.
The Libertyville Sports Complex opened in 2002. Aside from the main building, it long has been a drain on finances. For many years, the debt has been subsidized with general funds.
Proceeds from the sale would be used to reduce the roughly $13.8 million remaining debt incurred to buy the land and build the facilities. Finance Director Nick Mostardo has presented three scenarios of how to proceed, including one that would have the property debt free in eight years.
The reduced sale price of $5.38 million is greater than 80% of the appraised value of the property, according to the village.
Separate applications for zoning, engineering, building and other permits are pending.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Rozner: After fine offseason, White Sox optimism off the charts

The excitement surrounding the 2020 White Sox is understandable .
More than that , it was palpable Friday afternoon as SoxFest kicked off with huge crowds at McCormick Place .
The rebuild has gone well , actually about as well as one could possibly expect , aside from the inability to lure major free agents a year ago .
Now into Year 4 , this is about the time the Sox ought to be competing for a playoff spot , if not reaching the postseason .
And that 's probably something to keep in mind .
This team has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always be comparisons to the Cubs , who reached the NLCS in their fourth year , something not even the Cubs expected .
But it did set them up perfectly to win it all in Year 5 .
Are the Sox that far along ?
Again , the Cubs were a year early , but their young players arrived and performed so well as a group that by August of the fourth year the plan had gained speed and momentum that could not be stopped .
Keep in mind as well that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past and it worked so poorly that it 's not a phrase that 's very popular on the South Side .
So what 's crucial here is not as much 2020 as it is setting this up to work for an extended period .
And this is point GM Rick Hahn tried to make clear -- again -- as he tossed out the first pitch of the 2020 festival .
`` The entire purpose of this rebuild was to put ourselves in a multiyear position to win multiple championships , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we make in any given offseason has to be viewed , not just with what 's going to happen in that upcoming season , but what position that puts us in toward accomplishing that long-term goal . ''
That 's when Hahn said perhaps the most important thing he will say until it 's time to make another crucial deal .
`` We want to make sure we are well-positioned once that window opens to win as many championships as possible , '' Hahn said .
`` When that window opens ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Right , because predicting when young players are going to figure it out , or make adjustments and hit their stride is pretty much impossible , especially since they generally find it at different times .
It 's rare that they all arrive at the same moment , though it has happened for teams like the Cubs and the Astros .
Well , the Astros had some extra help .
The Royals are a better example of how long it can take .
`` The players think it 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Hahn said .
`` Whether we 're blessed with good health and continued progress from our young players , we 'll find out .
`` But we look at in the front office from a multiyear perspective .
The guys in uniform are going to do everything in their power to make it about now , which you have to appreciate . ''
There is no doubting the Sox are better than a year ago .
Yasmani Grandal is an upgrade at catcher .
Edwin Encarnacion is an upgrade at DH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right field .
Luis Robert is an upgrade in center field .
Nick Madrigal will be an upgrade at second base when he arrives .
Dallas Keuchel , Gio Gonzalez and Steve Cishek are upgrades to the pitching staff , even if they are n't the names you hoped for in free agency .
Imagine the rotation if Michael Kopech can return in a few months to join Lucas Giolito , Reynaldo Lopez , Dylan Cease and Keuchel .
Yoan Moncada took a huge step forward at third base in 2019 , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abreu returned on a very reasonable three-year deal .
Eloy Jimenez has n't even scratched the surface of his talent yet .
Yes , there is great reason to be excited , but a fair amount of patience and reasonable expectation ought to be mixed in somewhere .
`` We 've had a nice winter .
We 've had , in our opinion , a real nice three years since we started with the Chris Sale trade , '' Hahn said .
`` We think very bright days are ahead of us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But we have n't accomplished anything yet .
This whole process is about winning championships , about finishing with a parade at the end of October .
`` Until that happens , I do n't think any of us are really in a position to feel satisfied or feel like we 've accomplished anything . ''
The Vegas wins totals have Minnesota at 92½ , Cleveland at an overly optimistic 87½ and the Sox at 84½ , which seems like a fair number for a team coming off a 72-win season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs this season is not as important for the Sox as seeing growth in the players , and in a perfect world they would at least play in meaningful games in September if they do n't reach the postseason .
While not wanting to snow on the fans ' cavalcade , Hahn offered Thursday the quote that will be remembered until there 's White Sox confetti on Michigan Avenue .
Said Hahn , `` In terms of feeling like we 've accomplished something or feeling satisfied , ask me after the parade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Rozner: After fine offseason, White Sox optimism off the charts
The excitement surrounding the 2020 White Sox is understandable.
More than that, it was palpable Friday afternoon as SoxFest kicked off with huge crowds at McCormick Place.
The rebuild has gone well, actually about as well as one could possibly expect, aside from the inability to lure major free agents a year ago.
Now into Year 4, this is about the time the Sox ought to be competing for a playoff spot, if not reaching the postseason.
And that's probably something to keep in mind. This team hasn't competed for anything yet.
There will always be comparisons to the Cubs, who reached the NLCS in their fourth year, something not even the Cubs expected. But it did set them up perfectly to win it all in Year 5.
Are the Sox that far along?
Again, the Cubs were a year early, but their young players arrived and performed so well as a group that by August of the fourth year the plan had gained speed and momentum that could not be stopped.
Keep in mind as well that the Sox have "won the winter" in the past and it worked so poorly that it's not a phrase that's very popular on the South Side.
So what's crucial here is not as much 2020 as it is setting this up to work for an extended period.
And this is point GM Rick Hahn tried to make clear -- again -- as he tossed out the first pitch of the 2020 festival.
"The entire purpose of this rebuild was to put ourselves in a multiyear position to win multiple championships," Hahn said. "So the progress that we make in any given offseason has to be viewed, not just with what's going to happen in that upcoming season, but what position that puts us in toward accomplishing that long-term goal."
That's when Hahn said perhaps the most important thing he will say until it's time to make another crucial deal.
"We want to make sure we are well-positioned once that window opens to win as many championships as possible," Hahn said. "When that window opens? We're going to find out together."
Right, because predicting when young players are going to figure it out, or make adjustments and hit their stride is pretty much impossible, especially since they generally find it at different times.
It's rare that they all arrive at the same moment, though it has happened for teams like the Cubs and the Astros. Well, the Astros had some extra help. The Royals are a better example of how long it can take.
"The players think it's going to happen come Opening Day of this year," Hahn said. "Whether we're blessed with good health and continued progress from our young players, we'll find out.
"But we look at in the front office from a multiyear perspective. The guys in uniform are going to do everything in their power to make it about now, which you have to appreciate."
There is no doubting the Sox are better than a year ago.
Yasmani Grandal is an upgrade at catcher. Edwin Encarnacion is an upgrade at DH. Nomar Mazara is an upgrade in right field. Luis Robert is an upgrade in center field. Nick Madrigal will be an upgrade at second base when he arrives.
Dallas Keuchel, Gio Gonzalez and Steve Cishek are upgrades to the pitching staff, even if they aren't the names you hoped for in free agency.
Imagine the rotation if Michael Kopech can return in a few months to join Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Dylan Cease and Keuchel.
Yoan Moncada took a huge step forward at third base in 2019, as did Tim Anderson at short. Jose Abreu returned on a very reasonable three-year deal. Eloy Jimenez hasn't even scratched the surface of his talent yet.
Yes, there is great reason to be excited, but a fair amount of patience and reasonable expectation ought to be mixed in somewhere.
"We've had a nice winter. We've had, in our opinion, a real nice three years since we started with the Chris Sale trade," Hahn said. "We think very bright days are ahead of us and we look forward to enjoying them.
"But we haven't accomplished anything yet. This whole process is about winning championships, about finishing with a parade at the end of October.
"Until that happens, I don't think any of us are really in a position to feel satisfied or feel like we've accomplished anything."
The Vegas wins totals have Minnesota at 92½, Cleveland at an overly optimistic 87½ and the Sox at 84½, which seems like a fair number for a team coming off a 72-win season, despite all the upgrades.
Making the playoffs this season is not as important for the Sox as seeing growth in the players, and in a perfect world they would at least play in meaningful games in September if they don't reach the postseason.
While not wanting to snow on the fans' cavalcade, Hahn offered Thursday the quote that will be remembered until there's White Sox confetti on Michigan Avenue.
Said Hahn, "In terms of feeling like we've accomplished something or feeling satisfied, ask me after the parade."
That is precisely the right approach.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Former volleyball coach who hid camera in Carol Stream bathroom gets 7-year sentence

A former youth volleyball coach who installed a hidden camera to record videos of hundreds of children using a bathroom at a Carol Stream athletic training facility was sentenced Friday to six years and 11 months in federal prison .
The sentencing imposed by a federal judge on 35-year-old Michael Liedtke of Streamwood comes five months after Liedtke pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography , the Chicago Tribune reported .
Liedtke was arrested last January after police , responding to a report of unauthorized videotaping at the DuPage Training Academy , discovered a camera hidden above the ceiling tile in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was connected to a computer in Liedtke 's office .
According to DuPage Training Academy , Liedtke had rented space in the facility but had no affiliation with the facility .
Federal authorities conducting their own investigation discovered Liedtke possessed child pornography , Darrah said Because the federal charge carried a potentially longer prison sentence than the charges he faced in DuPage County , prosecutors there gave the case to federal prosecutors , according to DuPage County state 's attorney 's spokesman Paul Darrah .
But Darrah said as part of his plea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty to installing the camera in the training facility .

Former volleyball coach who hid camera in Carol Stream bathroom gets 7-year sentence
A former youth volleyball coach who installed a hidden camera to record videos of hundreds of children using a bathroom at a Carol Stream athletic training facility was sentenced Friday to six years and 11 months in federal prison.
The sentencing imposed by a federal judge on 35-year-old Michael Liedtke of Streamwood comes five months after Liedtke pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Liedtke was arrested last January after police, responding to a report of unauthorized videotaping at the DuPage Training Academy, discovered a camera hidden above the ceiling tile in the bathroom, and determined the camera was connected to a computer in Liedtke's office.
According to DuPage Training Academy, Liedtke had rented space in the facility but had no affiliation with the facility.
Federal authorities conducting their own investigation discovered Liedtke possessed child pornography, Darrah said
Because the federal charge carried a potentially longer prison sentence than the charges he faced in DuPage County, prosecutors there gave the case to federal prosecutors, according to DuPage County state's attorney's spokesman Paul Darrah. But Darrah said as part of his plea on the child pornography charge Liedtke also pleaded guilty to installing the camera in the training facility.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Watch Republican Senate candidates debate in their bids to replace Durbin

GOP Senate candidates Casey Chlebek , Mark Curran , Peggy Hubbard , Robert Marshall and Tom Tarter squared off in @ @ @ @ @ representatives of the Daily Herald Editorial Board .
Watch the full exchange in the Republican @ @ @ @ @ held by Democrat Dick Durbin .
Chlebek of Glenview , is president of the Illinois @ @ @ @ @ Congress ; Curran , the former sheriff of Lake County .
is from Libertyville ; @ @ @ @ @ analyst and a former U.S. Navy veteran and law enforcement officer , is from Belleville @ @ @ @ @ and former trustee for the village of Burr Ridge ; and urological oncologist Tom Tarter @ @ @ @

Watch Republican Senate candidates debate in their bids to replace Durbin
GOP Senate candidates Casey Chlebek, Mark Curran, Peggy Hubbard, Robert Marshall and Tom Tarter squared off in a joint interview Friday with representatives of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Watch the full exchange in the Republican primary for the seat now held by Democrat Dick Durbin.
Chlebek of Glenview, is president of the Illinois division of the Polish American Congress; Curran, the former sheriff of Lake County. is from Libertyville; Hubbard, a retired IRS analyst and a former U.S. Navy veteran and law enforcement officer, is from Belleville; Marshall is a physician and former trustee for the village of Burr Ridge; and urological oncologist Tom Tarter is from Springfield.
The election is March 17.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Authorities say man escaped squad car after arrest near Lake Villa

Lake County sheriff 's deputies and other law enforcement agencies are searching for a 26-year-old man who they say escaped from a squad car after an arrest on Friday afternoon .
Sheriff 's deputies arrested Nicholas A. Valentino , who has no permanent address , after they were sent to the 37400 block of North Cermona Avenue near Lake Villa for a drug investigation and learned he had two outstanding warrants .
Valentino was handcuffed and put in the back seat of a squad car about 1:35 p.m. , but he escaped after a deputy briefly returned to a residence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news release said .
Valentino was wanted in Lake County on a warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle and in DuPage County on warrant for a drug possession , authorities said .
Valentino is 6 foot , 2 inches tall and weights about 170 pounds .
He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt , black sweatpants and gym shoes .
Valentino , who has brown hair , brown eyes and a short beard , also had his hands cuffed behind his back when he escaped , authorities said .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ @

Man who escaped squad car after arrest near Lake Villa recaptured, authorities say
Lake County authorities have caught a 26-year-old man they say was arrested Friday but ran from a squad car while still handcuffed.
Sheriff's deputies first arrested Nicholas A. Valentino, who has no permanent address, after they were sent to the 37400 block of North Cermona Avenue near Lake Villa for a drug investigation and learned he had two outstanding warrants.
Valentino was handcuffed and put in the back seat of a squad car about 1:35 p.m., but he escaped after a deputy briefly returned to a residence on North Cermona to collect evidence, a news release said. His hands were cuffed behind him when he escaped.
Authorities found and rearrested Valentino without incident about 8:55 p.m. Friday near Columbus and West Isola avenues near Lake Villa. He was still wearing the handcuffs but had maneuvered them to be in front of his body, authorities said.
Valentino was wanted in Lake County on a warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle and in DuPage County on a warrant for a drug possession, authorities said.
Authorities are reviewing additional charges against Valentino in connection with Friday's case.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--New education center proposed for Primrose Farm in St. Charles

A lack of indoor programming space at Primrose Farm has limited the use of what park district officials say is an otherwise popular educational experience for the St. Charles community .
A new multipurpose agriculture lab planned for the scenic property at 5N726 Crane Road would enhance the opportunities offered there year-round , said Laura Rudow , superintendent of parks and planning .
The park district is seeking a $ 1 million grant through the Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction program to help cover project costs .
That would bring the district 's anticipated contribution to about $ 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of active farmland and 200 public garden plots , Primrose Farm is the site of school field trips , 4-H Club outings , summer camps , visits from Scout troops and various drop-in activities , Rudow said .
But without a temperature-controlled facility on site , all programs depend on weather and can be scheduled only from April through October .
Plans for the proposed 2,400-square-foot education center call for a multipurpose room , an agriculture lab , a small kitchen for farm-to-table experiments , curriculum-planning areas , and agriculture and textile exhibits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources , fine arts , history and other sciences , Rudow said .
`` There 's so much opportunity there , '' she said .
`` It 's one of the most beautiful sites in St .
Charles . ''
The fully accessible facility would have heating and air conditioning systems , as well as office space for staff members , who currently work out of the basement of a rented farmhouse , Rudow said .
It also would create two public restrooms with access from the outside -- a major improvement considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
Other features include a wind turbine to power a well for the building , solar panels and an Illinois Mound septic system .
Creating indoor programming space at Primrose Farm is identified as a top priority in the park district 's five-year master plan .
An existing barn on the property can be used for some seasonal events , such as a spring barn dance , Rudow said , but it 's not an ideal site for recreational activities .
If state funding is secured and all goes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district hopes to complete the new agriculture lab by 2021 .
Residents are being asked to weigh in on the proposed project during an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Pottawatomie Community Center , 8 North Ave. , St. Charles .
After the meeting , plans for the new facility will be on display for one week , with staff members available to answer questions and hear feedback .
Comments also can be submitted to scpd @ stcparks.org through Feb. 14 .

New education center proposed for Primrose Farm in St. Charles
A new multipurpose agriculture lab and education center could help enhance the educational opportunities offered at Primrose Farm, St. Charles Park District officials said. Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
A lack of indoor programming space at Primrose Farm has limited the use of what park district officials say is an otherwise popular educational experience for the St. Charles community.
A new multipurpose agriculture lab planned for the scenic property at 5N726 Crane Road would enhance the opportunities offered there year-round, said Laura Rudow, superintendent of parks and planning.
The park district is seeking a $1 million grant through the Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction program to help cover project costs. That would bring the district's anticipated contribution to about $500,000, Rudow said.
With 100 acres of active farmland and 200 public garden plots, Primrose Farm is the site of school field trips, 4-H Club outings, summer camps, visits from Scout troops and various drop-in activities, Rudow said. But without a temperature-controlled facility on site, all programs depend on weather and can be scheduled only from April through October.
Plans for the proposed 2,400-square-foot education center call for a multipurpose room, an agriculture lab, a small kitchen for farm-to-table experiments, curriculum-planning areas, and agriculture and textile exhibits. Potential programming could focus on food sources, fine arts, history and other sciences, Rudow said.
"There's so much opportunity there," she said. "It's one of the most beautiful sites in St. Charles."
The fully accessible facility would have heating and air conditioning systems, as well as office space for staff members, who currently work out of the basement of a rented farmhouse, Rudow said. It also would create two public restrooms with access from the outside -- a major improvement considering the property doesn't currently have plumbing, she said.
Other features include a wind turbine to power a well for the building, solar panels and an Illinois Mound septic system.
Creating indoor programming space at Primrose Farm is identified as a top priority in the park district's five-year master plan. An existing barn on the property can be used for some seasonal events, such as a spring barn dance, Rudow said, but it's not an ideal site for recreational activities.
If state funding is secured and all goes as planned, she said, the park district hopes to complete the new agriculture lab by 2021.
Residents are being asked to weigh in on the proposed project during an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. After the meeting, plans for the new facility will be on display for one week, with staff members available to answer questions and hear feedback.
Comments also can be submitted to scpd@stcparks.org through Feb. 14.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--O'Donnell: More spin around Arlington Park

NO WORDS HAD TO BE SPOKEN for it to be understood at last Tuesday 's monthly meeting of the flaccid Illinois Racing Board : When it comes to any aspect about the operation and future of Arlington Park , corporate parent Churchill Downs Inc. will do what it wants when it wants .
And some of the last people to know will be CDI 's AP managers , who carry all the influence of Nancy Pelosi pitch pups offering new school social thought to the Koch brothers .
But in a predictably unpredictable maneuver , champion trainer Larry Rivelli has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
Rivelli has requested that CDI/AP name its terms for his large operation to lease the track for training purposes beginning in mid-March .
That would be close to a full month before the 93-year-old Arlington has ever opened its backstretch to house trainers and horses for a new meet .
The well-resourced Rivelli -- who has easily won the oval 's last six training titles -- has his reasons .
The primary one is that with West suburban Hawthorne not racing this spring , he has `` gap time '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staff from southern tracks to Arlington .
With an estimated 100 horses currently in training , Rivelli could twiddle his spurs in the Confederacy .
Or , go through the costly task of relocating to Kentucky 's upscale Keeneland spring session for a few weeks until Arlington opens its rear quarters around April 10 to 17 .
AP is scheduled to host its first live program May 1 .
The pragmatic truth is that from CEO Bill Carstanjen on down , CDI/AP would be extraordinarily foolish not to consent to Rivelli 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oval would have discernible proof that it will be fading business as usual this summer .
And a compelling subtext would be that any `` contract impasse '' with president Mike Campbell and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen 's Association over daily purse structure would be nudged toward irrelevance .
But enough of his colleagues are .
And the precise dice of Carstanjen and his Louisville stickmen are once again positioned to come up `` E-O , 11 . ''
SUPER BOWL 54 WILL MARK the 50th anniversary of the last time the Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big glare .
That was the afternoon on CBS in January 1970 when , as 13-point underdogs , they trounced Minnesota 23-7 .
That was also the day when Steve Sabol , father Ed Sabol and their NFL Films had KC coach Hank Stram wired for sound and came away with some of the most memorable football footage ever photographed .
`` Pump it in there , baby ! ''
Stram famously intoned .
`` Just keep matriculating the ball down the field , boys ! ''
Steve Sabol -- who passed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer -- later said that they originally offered the chatty Stram $ 250 to wear the microphone .
`` That , '' Stram replied , `` Will not even pay the dry-cleaning bill of 'The Mentor . '
'' So they settled on $ 500 for `` The Mentor . ''
And the Chiefs ' `` 65 toss power trap '' -- a 5-yard touchdown run by Mike Garrett -- became another enduring part of the game 's back pages .
STREET-BEATIN ' : Not to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kofi Cockburn and the Fighting Illini , but , according to a golden program insider : `` Barring major injury , this not only is ( an NCAA ) tournament team , we also have to be concerned about being an eight or nine seed .
That 'd mean playing a No .
1 in the next round . ''
... Alan Griffin , the Illinois sophomore who drew a two-game suspension for stepping on Purdue 's Sasha Stefanovic , is the son of frequent Bulls visitor Adrian Griffin .
`` Pops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Raptors -- played through two turns for Scott Skiles and then returned as an assistant during Tom Thibodeau 's full five-year run ( 2010-15 ) .
... Bill Self-effacing : With more than two months to go in the 2019-20 college basketball season , close to 70 `` Top 25 '' men 's teams have been beaten by unranked squads .
Does that suggest new parity in the business or merely a whole lot of bad voters in both major polls ?
... Dan Roan and Jarrett Payton begin their nightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
J.P. will be reporting from SB 54 in Miami ; Nice fellows but the program is in tough ...
If the Marquee Sports Network is looking for some sharpness on the edge , the expansively talented Phil Rosenthal would make an eloquent and entertaining roving video essayist .
... No one on TNT 's platinum NBA panel -- Charles Barkey , Kenny Smith , Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson -- projected Zach LaVine as an All-Star reserve .
The second tier will be announced next Thursday , just about the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade to a Western Conference team .
... With an eye to SB 54 , the Weather Channel reported that unusually cool temperatures in southeast Florida were causing meandering iguanas to flip over and lay dormant for hours .
( Just like NASCAR TV viewers have been doing for years . )
... And back to Charles Barkley , who -- on the comparatively low public profile of Kenny Smith -- jabbed : `` If President Clinton was at a game , if he noticed me and Shaq , he would come say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he might say , 'Hey , can you bring me a hot dog ? '
'' • Jim O'Donnell 's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday .
Reach him at jimodonnelldh @ yahoo.com .

O'Donnell: More spin around Arlington Park -- Track may open earlier than ever for 'leased' training
Trainer Larry Rivelli would like to get an earlier start this season at Arlington Park. Courtesy of Larry Rivelli
NO WORDS HAD TO BE SPOKEN for it to be understood at last Tuesday's monthly meeting of the flaccid Illinois Racing Board:
When it comes to any aspect about the operation and future of Arlington Park, corporate parent Churchill Downs Inc. will do what it wants when it wants.
And some of the last people to know will be CDI's AP managers, who carry all the influence of Nancy Pelosi pitch pups offering new school social thought to the Koch brothers.
But in a predictably unpredictable maneuver, champion trainer Larry Rivelli has thrown yet another monkey whip into the works.
Rivelli has requested that CDI/AP name its terms for his large operation to lease the track for training purposes beginning in mid-March.
That would be close to a full month before the 93-year-old Arlington has ever opened its backstretch to house trainers and horses for a new meet.
The well-resourced Rivelli -- who has easily won the oval's last six training titles -- has his reasons.
The primary one is that with West suburban Hawthorne not racing this spring, he has "gap time" in March and April before shipping his stable and staff from southern tracks to Arlington.
With an estimated 100 horses currently in training, Rivelli could twiddle his spurs in the Confederacy.
Or, go through the costly task of relocating to Kentucky's upscale Keeneland spring session for a few weeks until Arlington opens its rear quarters around April 10 to 17.
AP is scheduled to host its first live program May 1.
The pragmatic truth is that from CEO Bill Carstanjen on down, CDI/AP would be extraordinarily foolish not to consent to Rivelli's request.
Remaining staff at the local oval would have discernible proof that it will be fading business as usual this summer.
And a compelling subtext would be that any "contract impasse" with president Mike Campbell and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association over daily purse structure would be nudged toward irrelevance.
Rivelli's not talking.
But enough of his colleagues are.
And the precise dice of Carstanjen and his Louisville stickmen are once again positioned to come up "E-O, 11."
SUPER BOWL 54 WILL MARK the 50th anniversary of the last time the Kansas City Chiefs were in the NFL's big glare.
That was the afternoon on CBS in January 1970 when, as 13-point underdogs, they trounced Minnesota 23-7.
That was also the day when Steve Sabol, father Ed Sabol and their NFL Films had KC coach Hank Stram wired for sound and came away with some of the most memorable football footage ever photographed.
"Pump it in there, baby!" Stram famously intoned.
"Just keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys!"
Steve Sabol -- who passed in 2012 and will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer -- later said that they originally offered the chatty Stram $250 to wear the microphone.
"That," Stram replied, "Will not even pay the dry-cleaning bill of 'The Mentor.'"
So they settled on $500 for "The Mentor."
And the Chiefs' "65 toss power trap" -- a 5-yard touchdown run by Mike Garrett -- became another enduring part of the game's back pages.
STREET-BEATIN': Not to say expectations continue to rise for Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn and the Fighting Illini, but, according to a golden program insider: "Barring major injury, this not only is (an NCAA) tournament team, we also have to be concerned about being an eight or nine seed. That'd mean playing a No. 1 in the next round." ...
Alan Griffin, the Illinois sophomore who drew a two-game suspension for stepping on Purdue's Sasha Stefanovic, is the son of frequent Bulls visitor Adrian Griffin. "Pops" Griffin -- now the lead assistant with the Raptors -- played through two turns for Scott Skiles and then returned as an assistant during Tom Thibodeau's full five-year run (2010-15). ...
Bill Self-effacing: With more than two months to go in the 2019-20 college basketball season, close to 70 "Top 25" men's teams have been beaten by unranked squads. Does that suggest new parity in the business or merely a whole lot of bad voters in both major polls? ...
Dan Roan and Jarrett Payton begin their nightly 10:30 p.m. sports show on WGN-Channel 9 Monday. J.P. will be reporting from SB 54 in Miami; Nice fellows but the program is in tough ...
If the Marquee Sports Network is looking for some sharpness on the edge, the expansively talented Phil Rosenthal would make an eloquent and entertaining roving video essayist. ...
No one on TNT's platinum NBA panel -- Charles Barkey, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson -- projected Zach LaVine as an All-Star reserve. The second tier will be announced next Thursday, just about the time John Paxson should be announcing LaVine's trade to a Western Conference team. ...
With an eye to SB 54, the Weather Channel reported that unusually cool temperatures in southeast Florida were causing meandering iguanas to flip over and lay dormant for hours. (Just like NASCAR TV viewers have been doing for years.) ...
And back to Charles Barkley, who -- on the comparatively low public profile of Kenny Smith -- jabbed: "If President Clinton was at a game, if he noticed me and Shaq, he would come say hello. You could walk by and he might say, 'Hey, can you bring me a hot dog?'"
• Jim O'Donnell's Sports & Media column appears Thursday and Sunday. Reach him at jimodonnelldh@yahoo.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Hanover Park man charged with sexually abusing children, head-butting sergeant

A Hanover Park man has been charged with sexually abusing three children and head-butting a police sergeant in the chest following his arrest .
Juan Garrafa-Salazar , 31 , was ordered held on $ 2 million bail Tuesday , according to a Cook County state 's attorney spokeswoman .
He 's charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse , attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse , indecent solicitation of a child , sexual exploitation of a child , grooming and misdemeanor domestic battery in addition to aggravated battery to a police officer .
The three children were 8 and 9 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeping over at another adult 's home when Garrafa-Salazar entered the bedroom and showed one of them a video of a couple engaged in a sex act , said Tandra Simonton , spokeswoman for the state 's attorney 's office .
The other children awoke , at which time Garrafa-Salazar sexually abused them , Simonton said .
One of the children told a friend , who in turn told her mother .
That woman told the mother of two of the children .
A judge issued a warrant for Garrafa-Salazar on Jan. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police responded to a call of a man head-butting his roommate in the face , Simonton said .
By the time police arrived , Garrafa-Salazar had fled , according to authorities .
Footprints led to a dumpster where police located and arrested him .
As officers attempted to place him in the police car , Garrafa-Salazar head-butted a uniformed sergeant in the chest , Simonton said .
Garrafa-Salazar next appears in court on Feb. 13 .

Hanover Park man charged with sexually abusing children, head-butting sergeant
A Hanover Park man has been charged with sexually abusing three children and head-butting a police sergeant in the chest following his arrest.
Juan Garrafa-Salazar, 31, was ordered held on $2 million bail Tuesday, according to a Cook County state's attorney spokeswoman.
He's charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, grooming and misdemeanor domestic battery in addition to aggravated battery to a police officer.
The three children were 8 and 9 years old in the spring of 2019 and were sleeping over at another adult's home when Garrafa-Salazar entered the bedroom and showed one of them a video of a couple engaged in a sex act, said Tandra Simonton, spokeswoman for the state's attorney's office.
The other children awoke, at which time Garrafa-Salazar sexually abused them, Simonton said.
One of the children told a friend, who in turn told her mother. That woman told the mother of two of the children. A judge issued a warrant for Garrafa-Salazar on Jan. 3.
On Jan. 18, Hanover Park police responded to a call of a man head-butting his roommate in the face, Simonton said. By the time police arrived, Garrafa-Salazar had fled, according to authorities. Footprints led to a dumpster where police located and arrested him. As officers attempted to place him in the police car, Garrafa-Salazar head-butted a uniformed sergeant in the chest, Simonton said.
Garrafa-Salazar next appears in court on Feb. 13.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Have gun, won't travel. So why is the TSA finding so many at security checks?

Have gun , wo n't travel is the law of the land when it comes to flying commercial .
So why did the Transportation Security Administration find a record 4,432 firearms -- 87 % of them loaded -- when they searched passengers ' carry-on bags last year when they 're not allowed in the passenger area of planes ?
Mostly because those travelers forgot the guns were there , an agency spokesman tells us .
`` The big take-away is pay attention to what 's in your bag , because it 's almost always a mistake , '' TSA spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , at that .
While the TSA does n't criminally prosecute weapons violations -- that 's up to the local authorities -- it will fine passengers on average $ 2,400 for a first offense , and hundreds more if the gun is loaded .
The 4,432 guns discovered last year -- an average 12.1 per day -- is 5 % more than in 2018 , and nearly four times as many as 10 years ago , when officers found 1,123 firearms .
The two main reasons , Howell told us , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owning guns .
The agency set its record of most screenings in a day three times last year , on March 24 , July 7 and Dec. 1 .
The good news ?
Chicago travelers seem to get it .
TSA agents found 51 guns last year at O'Hare International Airport and 33 at Midway .
Even combined , that would n't be enough to place them in the top 10 airports for gun discoveries last year .
Topping that list -- by far -- was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport , with 323 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 217 , followed by Denver International Airport with 140 .
Howell notes that flying with a gun is n't illegal -- just so long as its packed safely in checked luggage and declared to the airline you 're flying .
`` We just do n't want it accessible on a flight , '' he said .
And now the weird stuff Besides loads of guns , what else did TSA find last year ?
The agency 's annual list of Top 10 finds features some doozies , including a trio of samurai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air bag in Orlando , a power saw in Hartford , a snake in Newark , New Jersey ( whose owner left the poor thing behind ! )
, and our personal favorite : a sack of moose poop in ( where else ? )
Juneau , Alaska .
The sack 's owner -- who was allowed to keep the nuggets -- later used them during a protest outside the Alaska state capitol , according to local news reports .
You can watch the TSA 's video unveiling its top finds of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually seize the weapons it finds , Howell tells us .
Instead , they give the passenger an opportunity to `` abandon '' it or leave the airport with it .
Most choose the former , he said .
Are you fascinated by unsolved mysteries ?
Do cold case files warm your heart ?
Have we got the event for you .
CrimeCon -- think of it as a ComicCon for true-crime junkies -- is coming to Chicago Feb. 21-23 for a `` Crowdsolve , '' where amateur detectives will get together in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The case they 'll take on is the disappearance and death of Kurt Sova , a 17-year-old from the Cleveland suburbs .
Kurt left home Oct. 23 , 1981 , to attend a Halloween party with a friend and never returned .
His body was discovered six days later in a ravine about 500 yards from the house that hosted the party .
Investigators found no injuries , and authorities ultimately decided he died naturally or by accident .
But many , including members of Kurt 's family , continue to have doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons : Police could find Kurt 's right shoe , and his left shoe was found wedged in a pile of rocks nearby ; and Kurt 's father insisted he searched the ravine and found nothing two days before his son 's body was discovered .
To find out more about the case , and next month 's event , visit www.crimecon.com/crowdsolve-chicago .
Despite all the ads , the news coverage , the social media posts and even the deaths of three Illinois State Police troopers last year , some drivers still did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they see an emergency vehicle stopped alongside a road .
State police made sure they got it last week with an aggressive effort to enforce Scott 's Law -- also known as the Move Over Law -- in memory of a fallen colleague .
`` Operation Lambert , '' named after Trooper Christopher Lambert of Highland Park , saw troopers issue 281 Scott 's Law citations and 64 warnings during an aggressive enforcement campaign Jan. 12-18 , state police said .
Troopers also made 77 criminal arrests through 503 Scott 's Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The campaign launched on the anniversary of Lambert 's death Jan. 12 , 2019 , along I-294 near Willow Road in Northbrook .
The 34-year-old trooper was on his way home for the day when he pulled over to help drivers involved in a three-vehicle crash .
An SUV whose driver failed to move over struck him .
Scott 's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles , including highway maintenance vehicles , pulled over with their flashing lights turned on .
If changing lanes would be impossible or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle .
Effective Jan. 1 , the fine for a first-time offense rose to $ 250 , and a second offense could leave a driver on the hook for a $ 750 fine .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Have gun, won't travel. So why is the TSA finding so many at security checks?
This butcher knife was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Someone tried to bring a snake aboard a flight in Newark, New Jersey, then left it behind when it was found by TSA officers. It was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
This blow dart gun was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
These martial arts sais were among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Someone thought it was a good idea to bring a power saw aboard a commercial flight in Hartford. It was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
An air bag was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
These flares were among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Besides thousands of guns, TSA officers found hundreds of other prohibited items during passenger screenings last year, such as these grenades. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Ever wonder why the lines are so long to get through airport screening? Perhaps it's because so many of your fellow passengers are leaving things they shouldn't in their carry-ons. The Transportation Security Administrations says its officers found a record 4,432 firearms during passenger screenings at the nation's airports last year. Daily Herald File Photo
These gun/knife combo weapons were among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Have gun, won't travel is the law of the land when it comes to flying commercial.
So why did the Transportation Security Administration find a record 4,432 firearms -- 87% of them loaded -- when they searched passengers' carry-on bags last year when they're not allowed in the passenger area of planes?
Mostly because those travelers forgot the guns were there, an agency spokesman tells us.
"The big take-away is pay attention to what's in your bag, because it's almost always a mistake," TSA spokesman Mark Howell said.
And a costly one, at that. While the TSA doesn't criminally prosecute weapons violations -- that's up to the local authorities -- it will fine passengers on average $2,400 for a first offense, and hundreds more if the gun is loaded.
The 4,432 guns discovered last year -- an average 12.1 per day -- is 5% more than in 2018, and nearly four times as many as 10 years ago, when officers found 1,123 firearms.
The two main reasons, Howell told us, are more people flying, and more people owning guns. The agency set its record of most screenings in a day three times last year, on March 24, July 7 and Dec. 1.
The Transportation Security Administrations says its officers found a record 4,432 firearms during passenger screenings at the nation's airports last year. That's 5% more than in 2018 and almost four times as many as a decade ago. - Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
The good news? Chicago travelers seem to get it. TSA agents found 51 guns last year at O'Hare International Airport and 33 at Midway. Even combined, that wouldn't be enough to place them in the top 10 airports for gun discoveries last year.
Topping that list -- by far -- was Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with 323. Second was Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with 217, followed by Denver International Airport with 140.
Howell notes that flying with a gun isn't illegal -- just so long as its packed safely in checked luggage and declared to the airline you're flying.
"We just don't want it accessible on a flight," he said.
And now the weird stuff
These samurai swords were among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. - Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
Besides loads of guns, what else did TSA find last year?
The agency's annual list of Top 10 finds features some doozies, including a trio of samurai swords in San Jose, a car air bag in Orlando, a power saw in Hartford, a snake in Newark, New Jersey (whose owner left the poor thing behind!), and our personal favorite: a sack of moose poop in (where else?) Juneau, Alaska.
The sack's owner -- who was allowed to keep the nuggets -- later used them during a protest outside the Alaska state capitol, according to local news reports.
This bag of moose poop spotted in Juneau, Alaska was among the TSA's top 10 finds 2019. - Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Administration
You can watch the TSA's video unveiling its top finds of 2019 at tsa.gov/videos/tsas-top-10-finds-2019-0.
One more thing
The TSA doesn't actually seize the weapons it finds, Howell tells us. Instead, they give the passenger an opportunity to "abandon" it or leave the airport with it. Most choose the former, he said.
Cold case convention
Are you fascinated by unsolved mysteries? Do cold case files warm your heart?
Have we got the event for you.
CrimeCon -- think of it as a ComicCon for true-crime junkies -- is coming to Chicago Feb. 21-23 for a "Crowdsolve," where amateur detectives will get together in hopes of solving a decades-old mystery.
The case they'll take on is the disappearance and death of Kurt Sova, a 17-year-old from the Cleveland suburbs. Kurt left home Oct. 23, 1981, to attend a Halloween party with a friend and never returned. His body was discovered six days later in a ravine about 500 yards from the house that hosted the party.
Investigators found no injuries, and authorities ultimately decided he died naturally or by accident. But many, including members of Kurt's family, continue to have doubts nearly four decades later. Among their reasons: Police could find Kurt's right shoe, and his left shoe was found wedged in a pile of rocks nearby; and Kurt's father insisted he searched the ravine and found nothing two days before his son's body was discovered.
To find out more about the case, and next month's event, visit www.crimecon.com/crowdsolve-chicago.
Learning the hard way
Despite all the ads, the news coverage, the social media posts and even the deaths of three Illinois State Police troopers last year, some drivers still didn't get the message about moving over when they see an emergency vehicle stopped alongside a road.
State police made sure they got it last week with an aggressive effort to enforce Scott's Law -- also known as the Move Over Law -- in memory of a fallen colleague.
"Operation Lambert," named after Trooper Christopher Lambert of Highland Park, saw troopers issue 281 Scott's Law citations and 64 warnings during an aggressive enforcement campaign Jan. 12-18, state police said. Troopers also made 77 criminal arrests through 503 Scott's Law details statewide, according to the agency.
The campaign launched on the anniversary of Lambert's death Jan. 12, 2019, along I-294 near Willow Road in Northbrook. The 34-year-old trooper was on his way home for the day when he pulled over to help drivers involved in a three-vehicle crash. An SUV whose driver failed to move over struck him.
Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, pulled over with their flashing lights turned on. If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, drivers must slow down and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.
Effective Jan. 1, the fine for a first-time offense rose to $250, and a second offense could leave a driver on the hook for a $750 fine.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Watch live: House managers wrap up their impeachment case against President Trump

House managers will wrap up their case against President Donald Trump on Friday , completing three days of arguments in the Senate impeachment trial .
Trump 's lawyers are set to begin presenting his defense on Saturday .
Here are the latest developments : Trump 's lawyers are expected to spend about two hours on Saturday delivering their opening presentation in the president 's defense , according to an administration official .
A recording appears to show President Donald Trump saying he wanted Marie Yovanovitch removed as ambassador to Ukraine , ABC News reported without providing the audio .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice that appears to be Trump 's is heard saying on the recording , ABC reported .
`` Get her out tomorrow .
I do n't care .
Get her out tomorrow .
Take her out .
OK ?
Do it . ''
If accurate , the recording backs up testimony in the House impeachment hearings that Trump had Yovanovitch removed because she was viewed as an obstacle to his efforts to press Ukraine into investigating Democrat Joe Biden and his son .
She was recalled in May 2019 .
The president reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner at the Trump International Hotel in Washington , where Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman , associates of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani , were in attendance , ABC said .
The president 's comments appeared to be prompted by comments that the network attributed to Parnas , who said that `` we got ta get rid of the ambassador '' because she is telling people `` he 's gon na get impeached , just wait . ''
Trump has denied knowing Parnas beyond taking a few photographs at fundraising events .
Parnas has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani were approved by Trump .
Parnas and Fruman were indicted by federal prosecutors on campaign finance charges as part of an alleged scheme to circumvent laws against straw donations and funneling foreign contributions to political candidates .
The White House and Giuliani did n't immediately respond to requests for comment .
Trump Likely to Object If Mulvaney Called Trump probably would object to testimony from acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney on executive privilege grounds , the same as he would from former National Security Advisor John Bolton , White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is a lot of information , sensitive information , national security information , that they discuss and that 's something that should be protected , absolutely , for this country , and again for future presidencies , '' Grisham said on Fox News .
Mulvaney in October undercut the White House argument that there was `` no quid pro quo '' when he said that aid for Ukraine was tied to Trump 's demand for an investigation into the 2016 election .
`` We do that all the time with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
`` Get over it . ''
Grisham said Friday that Mulvaney was simply saying that corruption needed to be looked into before aid to Ukraine was released .
`` I do n't think he did say there was a quid pro quo , '' she said .
`` I think he was saying we wanted to look into corruption before we would release taxpayer money .
So if that 's the quid pro quo , that 's OK. '' Trump 's lawyers still plan to open their defense on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter said Friday , hours after the president tweeted that Saturday is the `` Death Valley '' of television .
`` After having been treated unbelievably unfairly in the House , and then having to endure hour after hour of lies , fraud & deception by Shifty Schiff , Cryin ' Chuck Schumer & their crew , looks like my lawyers will be forced to start on Saturday , which is called Death Valley in T.V.
, '' Trump tweeted .
President Donald Trump 's legal team will kick off their defense in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the Death Valley '' of T.V.
, Trump lamented in an early Friday morning tweet .
`` After having been treated unbelievably unfairly in the House , and then having to endure hour after hour of lies , fraud & deception by Shifty Schiff , Cryin ' Chuck Schumer & their crew , looks like my lawyers will be forced to start on Saturday , which is called Death Valley in T.V.
, '' Trump tweeted .
Trump 's lawyers have promised a vigorous defense against an investigation they have labeled as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the lawyers representing Trump , has said the response to the Democrats ' case would combine both a rebuttal of their arguments as well as a positive defense of the president 's actions .
Some Republicans earlier this week said they worried Democrats were trying to push GOP arguments into the weekend , when TV viewership is traditionally much less .
Senator Roy Blunt , one of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's top lieutenants , said Wednesday that Democrats ' efforts to force votes on all their amendments was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's defense out of the prime time slot .

Watch live: House managers wrap up their impeachment case against President Trump
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat, walk through the Capitol Rotunda Friday during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Associated Press
House managers will wrap up their case against President Donald Trump on Friday, completing three days of arguments in the Senate impeachment trial. Trump's lawyers are set to begin presenting his defense on Saturday.
Here are the latest developments:
Trump Lawyers to Begin Defense on Saturday
Trump's lawyers are expected to spend about two hours on Saturday delivering their opening presentation in the president's defense, according to an administration official.
ABC: Trump on Tape Sought Envoy's Ouster
A recording appears to show President Donald Trump saying he wanted Marie Yovanovitch removed as ambassador to Ukraine, ABC News reported without providing the audio.
"Get rid of her," a voice that appears to be Trump's is heard saying on the recording, ABC reported. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it."
If accurate, the recording backs up testimony in the House impeachment hearings that Trump had Yovanovitch removed because she was viewed as an obstacle to his efforts to press Ukraine into investigating Democrat Joe Biden and his son. She was recalled in May 2019.
The president reportedly made the remarks at an April 2018 dinner at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, where Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, were in attendance, ABC said.
The president's comments appeared to be prompted by comments that the network attributed to Parnas, who said that "we gotta get rid of the ambassador" because she is telling people "he's gonna get impeached, just wait."
Trump has denied knowing Parnas beyond taking a few photographs at fundraising events. Parnas has said that his activities in Ukraine with Giuliani were approved by Trump.
Parnas and Fruman were indicted by federal prosecutors on campaign finance charges as part of an alleged scheme to circumvent laws against straw donations and funneling foreign contributions to political candidates.
The White House and Giuliani didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump Likely to Object If Mulvaney Called
Trump probably would object to testimony from acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney on executive privilege grounds, the same as he would from former National Security Advisor John Bolton, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Friday.
"There is a lot of information, sensitive information, national security information, that they discuss and that's something that should be protected, absolutely, for this country, and again for future presidencies," Grisham said on Fox News.
Mulvaney in October undercut the White House argument that there was "no quid pro quo" when he said that aid for Ukraine was tied to Trump's demand for an investigation into the 2016 election. "We do that all the time with foreign policy," Mulvaney said at the time. "Get over it."
Grisham said Friday that Mulvaney was simply saying that corruption needed to be looked into before aid to Ukraine was released.
"I don't think he did say there was a quid pro quo," she said. "I think he was saying we wanted to look into corruption before we would release taxpayer money. So if that's the quid pro quo, that's OK."
Trump Lawyers Still Plan to Start Saturday
Trump's lawyers still plan to open their defense on Saturday, an administration official familiar with the matter said Friday, hours after the president tweeted that Saturday is the "Death Valley" of television.
"After having been treated unbelievably unfairly in the House, and then having to endure hour after hour of lies, fraud & deception by Shifty Schiff, Cryin' Chuck Schumer & their crew, looks like my lawyers will be forced to start on Saturday, which is called Death Valley in T.V.," Trump tweeted.
Trump Laments Defense Bumped From Prime Time
President Donald Trump's legal team will kick off their defense in his Senate impeachment trial on Saturday, "the Death Valley" of T.V., Trump lamented in an early Friday morning tweet.
"After having been treated unbelievably unfairly in the House, and then having to endure hour after hour of lies, fraud & deception by Shifty Schiff, Cryin' Chuck Schumer & their crew, looks like my lawyers will be forced to start on Saturday, which is called Death Valley in T.V.," Trump tweeted.
Trump's lawyers have promised a vigorous defense against an investigation they have labeled as rushed and biased. Jay Sekulow, one of the lawyers representing Trump, has said the response to the Democrats' case would combine both a rebuttal of their arguments as well as a positive defense of the president's actions.
Some Republicans earlier this week said they worried Democrats were trying to push GOP arguments into the weekend, when TV viewership is traditionally much less. Senator Roy Blunt, one of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's top lieutenants, said Wednesday that Democrats' efforts to force votes on all their amendments was a "cynical" ploy to push the president's defense out of the prime time slot.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-24--Chicago woman with coronavirus 'doing well' in isolation at Hoffman Estates hospital

A Chicago woman is the first Illinoisan to contract a dangerous virus that causes pneumonia , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday .
The woman , in her 60s , is the second American to be infected with a coronavirus originating in the Wuhan region of China .
The Chicago resident , who is `` clinically doing well , '' had traveled to Wuhan earlier in the month and her diagnosis was confirmed late Thursday , Chicago officials said at a news conference Friday .
The woman is being treated at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Timothy Nelson said .
ABC 7 Chicago reported that the Chicago woman is at this hospital because her regular doctor works there .
`` The patient is being monitored in isolation , in accordance with established infection control protocols , '' read part of a statement Friday from Nelson .
`` We have contacted the small number of patients and staff who may have come into contact with the patient . ''
`` Given the advanced information and training provided by the CDC , our staff was well-prepared to care for this patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health is `` working closely '' with the CDC as well as the state and Chicago health departments .
The general public is not at risk and the news should not cause alarm , Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said .
But `` we 're taking this very seriously as with any coronavirus . ''
She noted the city and state benefitted from lessons learned during the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014 when health and airport officials were on alert for potential cases in Illinois .
CDC workers began health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan area Thursday night at O'Hare International Airport .
O'Hare is one of five airports across the U.S. where screenings are occurring .
The woman arrived at O'Hare Jan. 13 and `` started developing symptoms three to four days later , '' said Arwady , a physician .
After visiting her doctor , the woman was hospitalized and is being kept in a special isolation unit .
The `` patient was never critically ill , at least at this point , '' Arwady said .
Experts believe the incubation period for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and people on the plane with her were not at risk .
Chicago health authorities are checking contacts she made after arrival but said the woman stayed mostly at home after returning to the U.S .
The people she did interact with are currently well , officials said .
Sixty-three Americans across 22 states are being monitored for the virus , authorities said .
U.S. Sens .
Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth said in a joint statement that CDC experts were talking with the patient and her family `` in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are in the earliest stages of measuring the impact of novel coronavirus , but it is being taken very seriously . ''
Meanwhile , Gov .
J.B. Pritzer advised residents to use precautions as they do during flu season -- washing hands and checking with a doctor if symptoms such as fever , coughing and shortness of breath occur .
Screening at O'Hare by federal health workers `` will impact a very limited group of travelers , and the broader traveling public and airport employees are not at risk , '' Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Travelers at O'Hare do not need to take special precautions and will not be affected unless their flights are departing to or arriving from the Wuhan region of China , officials said .
`` Travelers from Wuhan , China , will be escorted to an area of the airport set aside for screening , '' CDC spokesman Scott Pauley said .
Passengers will complete a brief questionnaire that asks about their travel history and health , and collects contact information .
`` CDC staff will observe these travelers for signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using noncontact thermometers , '' Pauley said .
Travelers with fever , cough or trouble breathing might undergo additional assessments .
The CDC also is screening passengers at San Francisco , Los Angeles , New York 's John F. Kennedy and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta international airports .
`` In coordination with the CDC , Customs and Border Protection has measures already in place to identify travelers with overt signs of illness at ports of entry who may be potentially infected with a communicable disease and to minimize the risk to the traveling public , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronaviruses are described as a `` family '' of viruses causing respiratory problems that include the common cold .
One coronavirus , however , was severe acute respiratory syndrome , or SARS , a respiratory infection that resulted in a global outbreak in 2003 , killing 774 people , according to the World Health Organization .
There 's a lot scientists do n't yet know about the new coronavirus .
`` While originally thought to be spreading from animal to person , there are growing indications that limited person-to-person spread is happening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is spreading between people , '' CDC officials said .
Chinese authorities estimate the virus , first detected in December , has infected about more than 1,200 people people in China and caused more than 40 deaths .
Other cases have been reported in Thailand , Japan and South Korea .
Those most susceptible are older people and those with health problems and compromised immune systems , preliminary information indicates .
Authorities noted that despite the fatalities , other patients have been treated and released .

Chicago woman with coronavirus 'doing well' in isolation at Hoffman Estates hospital
A Chicago woman is the first Illinoisan to contract a dangerous virus that causes pneumonia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
The woman, in her 60s, is the second American to be infected with a coronavirus originating in the Wuhan region of China.
The Chicago resident, who is "clinically doing well," had traveled to Wuhan earlier in the month and her diagnosis was confirmed late Thursday, Chicago officials said at a news conference Friday.
The woman is being treated at Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Amita Health spokesman Timothy Nelson said. ABC 7 Chicago reported that the Chicago woman is at this hospital because her regular doctor works there.
"The patient is being monitored in isolation, in accordance with established infection control protocols," read part of a statement Friday from Nelson. "We have contacted the small number of patients and staff who may have come into contact with the patient."
"Given the advanced information and training provided by the CDC, our staff was well-prepared to care for this patient," the statement said. Amita Health is "working closely" with the CDC as well as the state and Chicago health departments.
The general public is not at risk and the news should not cause alarm, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said. But "we're taking this very seriously as with any coronavirus."
She noted the city and state benefitted from lessons learned during the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014 when health and airport officials were on alert for potential cases in Illinois.
CDC workers began health screenings of people on flights from the Wuhan area Thursday night at O'Hare International Airport. O'Hare is one of five airports across the U.S. where screenings are occurring.
The woman arrived at O'Hare Jan. 13 and "started developing symptoms three to four days later," said Arwady, a physician.
After visiting her doctor, the woman was hospitalized and is being kept in a special isolation unit. The "patient was never critically ill, at least at this point," Arwady said.
Experts believe the incubation period for the coronavirus can be as long as 14 days, and people on the plane with her were not at risk.
Chicago health authorities are checking contacts she made after arrival but said the woman stayed mostly at home after returning to the U.S. The people she did interact with are currently well, officials said.
Sixty-three Americans across 22 states are being monitored for the virus, authorities said.
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth said in a joint statement that CDC experts were talking with the patient and her family "in order to quarantine any potential spread."
"We are in the earliest stages of measuring the impact of novel coronavirus, but it is being taken very seriously."
Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzer advised residents to use precautions as they do during flu season -- washing hands and checking with a doctor if symptoms such as fever, coughing and shortness of breath occur.
Screening at O'Hare by federal health workers "will impact a very limited group of travelers, and the broader traveling public and airport employees are not at risk," Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said this week.
Travelers at O'Hare do not need to take special precautions and will not be affected unless their flights are departing to or arriving from the Wuhan region of China, officials said.
"Travelers from Wuhan, China, will be escorted to an area of the airport set aside for screening," CDC spokesman Scott Pauley said.
Passengers will complete a brief questionnaire that asks about their travel history and health, and collects contact information.
"CDC staff will observe these travelers for signs of illness and take travelers' temperatures using noncontact thermometers," Pauley said.
Travelers with fever, cough or trouble breathing might undergo additional assessments.
The CDC also is screening passengers at San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York's John F. Kennedy and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta international airports.
"In coordination with the CDC, Customs and Border Protection has measures already in place to identify travelers with overt signs of illness at ports of entry who may be potentially infected with a communicable disease and to minimize the risk to the traveling public," CDC spokesman Steven Bansbach said.
Coronaviruses are described as a "family" of viruses causing respiratory problems that include the common cold.
One coronavirus, however, was severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, a respiratory infection that resulted in a global outbreak in 2003, killing 774 people, according to the World Health Organization.
There's a lot scientists don't yet know about the new coronavirus.
"While originally thought to be spreading from animal to person, there are growing indications that limited person-to-person spread is happening. It's unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people," CDC officials said.
Chinese authorities estimate the virus, first detected in December, has infected about more than 1,200 people people in China and caused more than 40 deaths. Other cases have been reported in Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
Those most susceptible are older people and those with health problems and compromised immune systems, preliminary information indicates.
Authorities noted that despite the fatalities, other patients have been treated and released.
• Daily Herald staff writer Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-25--Police report multiple victims in shooting at Lisle cigar lounge

A shooting at The Humidor cigar lounge in Lisle sent several people to the hospital Friday night , police said @ @ @ @ @ The post said police arrived at the lounge , 1600 Ogden Ave. , about 10:15 @ @ @ @ @ who required lifesaving aid .
The shooter was `` accounted for , '' police said @ @ @ @ @ further danger to the community .
No other details were available late Friday night .

Woman fatally shoots state trooper in Lisle cigar lounge, wounds 2 more, kills self
Editor's note: This story has been changed to include new information Sunday from acting Lisle Police Chief Ron Wilke that police have learned McMullan and the slain trooper did not attend the same high school in the 1980s, as authorities originally reported.
A 51-year-old woman shot and killed one retired state police officer and wounded two other troopers before taking her own life Friday night in a Lisle cigar lounge, police said.
Retired Trooper Gregory Rieves, 51, died after Lisa V. McMullan of Chicago suddenly pulled out a gun inside a room of the lounge and shot the three others at close range, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said at a Saturday morning news conference.
Retired Illinois State Police Trooper Gregory Rieves, 51, was killed in the shooting at a Lisle cigar lounge Friday night. - Courtesy of Illinois State Police
Off-duty Trooper Kaiton Bullock, 48, who has been with the force 22 years and is assigned to District Chicago, is hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Retired Special Agent Lloyd Graham, 55, suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized and stable, officials said.
"Obviously for the men and women who serve in the Illinois State Police, it's part and parcel of their job to have to deal with crime, violence and difficult circumstances on a regular basis," said Kelly, at the press briefing from the DuPage County coroner's office. "It is not always expected that while they're off duty that they may have to face that type of violence."
Kelly, flanked by DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen and DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin, addressed news of the retired trooper's death "with much sadness and a heavy heart," he said.
Rieves retired in March 2019 after a 25-year career with state police.
"I think he's someone who was well-loved by all those who worked with him," Kelly said. "He was known to be a great personality and many people thought very fondly of him."
Kelly asked the public to keep Graham and Bullock -- who are recovering at local hospitals with their loved ones -- in their prayers.
Lisle police officers responded about 10:13 p.m. to the Humidor of Lisle, 1600 Ogden Ave., for a report of a shooting in progress. They arrived one minute later.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer A retired state police officer was killed and two others wounded in a shooting Friday night in a Lisle cigar lounge, police said.
Responding officers found the woman dead at the scene and later identified her as McMullan, of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. She has no known criminal history and no known local contacts with Lisle police. Acting Lisle Police Chief Ron Wilke said Sunday that police have learned McMullan and the slain trooper did not attend the same high school in the 1980s, as authorities originally reported.
"They have also been known to frequent the humidor cigar lounge at the same time," police said in a statement Saturday night. "But we have not determined if their relationship was more than just acquaintances."
Lisa V. McMullan
McMullan had a valid Firearm Owners Identification card and a concealed carry license through the Illinois State Police.
A total of seven bullets were recovered by police, including the one McMullan used to take her life.
The three victims were taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and Edward Hospital in Naperville. Rieves died in the hospital.
Police said they would not interview the surviving victims until at least Monday to allow them to recover and rest from their surgeries.
"At that time any connection between the suspect and the victims will be looked into," police said in the statement.
Earlier Saturday, Wilke said the shooter knew the victims, but investigators were not yet sure of the extent of their relationship.
"We are continuing to investigate a possible motive, but we cannot provide one as of yet," Wilke said in an email.
- Christopher Placek | Staff Photographer Flags were flying at half-mast Saturday at Illinois State Police District 15 headquarters on Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove in honor of fallen retired Trooper Gregory Rieves.
The shooting was captured on a surveillance video and was reviewed by officers at the scene. It shows several people seated in a media room watching a big-screen television.
Without apparent provocation, a woman seated in a chair behind the victims stands up, draws a handgun and shoots the first male victim in the back of the head, police said in a news release. She then fires several rounds at two additional male victims, before fatally shooting herself in the head.
The shooting was contained to a single room within the building and no other people were injured or involved, police said.
The cigar lounge remained closed Saturday.
"We look at all our customers as family and we ask you to pray for the victim and the speedy healing of the injured," a Humidor Facebook post stated.
Several area police departments assisted with the response and investigation, including the DuPage Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigation Team, the DuPage County state's attorney's office and DuPage coroner's office, police said.
"The quick thinking, decisive action by Lisle PD Officers and all responding personnel in this case is to be commended," Lisle police said in the Saturday night statement. "They acted without regard for their own safety, and entered a chaotic and dangerous scene not knowing what they were going to encounter. Their courage is to be applauded!
"Our hearts are heavy for the loss and injuries to our ISP colleagues, and they remain in our thoughts as we conduct this investigation."
Lisle Trustee Sara Sadat said Saturday night that she learned about the shooting at the airport after returning from an overseas trip.
"It hurts my heart to have to address this act of senseless violence," she said in an emailed statement. "My husband and I are regulars at that lounge. ... My heart and thoughts are in Lisle with the families of the victims of this senseless crime."
The cigar lounge will remain closed Sunday, but a group of its regular patrons will hold a vigil for Rieves outside the business at 10 a.m., the Sun-Times reported.
• Daily Herald staff writers James Kane and Susan Sarkauskas contributed to this report.