dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--How the 'red mirage' gave Republicans false sense of election success

As votes were being counted on election night , congressional candidate Jim Oberweis was ebullient .
Oberweis , a Republican from Sugar Grove , was leading Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood for her 14th District seat .
And if he won , he 'd be moving from the state Senate to federal office -- something he 'd been unsuccessfully chasing since 2002 .
Not only that , but President Donald Trump 's reelection chances were looking good .
Oberweis has been a vocal Trump supporter , and Trump had endorsed Oberweis .
`` This could be a great , glorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was an illusion .
In the days that followed , Oberweis ' lead evaporated .
Underwood was in front by the weekend , and The Associated Press declared her the winner a few days later .
Underwood finished ahead by 5,377 votes , unofficial results showed -- about 1 % of the 400,908 total votes cast in the contest .
Oberweis , who intends to pursue a recount , was n't the only suburban Republican who led on election night but fell behind as votes cast by mail were added to tallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney Michael Nerheim , Lake County Board member Mike Rummel , Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak and DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan .
More than 2 million Illinoisans voted using mail-in ballots in this election , according to the Illinois State Board of Elections .
Nearly 2 million others voted early at in-person polling places .
The COVID-19 crisis was a factor in those totals .
It led to systems being created in Illinois and other states that encouraged voting by mail over in-person voting because it was considered safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this month 's election -- also resulted in anyone who voted in 2018 , 2019 or this year 's primary automatically being sent applications for mail-in voting .
For example , Lake County 's Democratic organization sent letters to registered voters detailing their options , including vote by mail , party Chair Lauren Beth Gash said .
They also called people to inform them of those options and to motivate them to vote .
Meanwhile , Trump and other Republicans groused about possible election fraud in voting by mail .
Relatively few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a messaging advantage , '' said Kent Redfield , professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield .
Election results have shown most people who vote by mail back Democratic candidates .
`` Vote by mail does have a Democratic lean , '' Redfield said .
`` New voters , particularly younger voters , find voting by mail very easy and low-cost in terms of time and effort . ''
On the flip side , Election Day tallies appear more Republican than the final totals .
For proof of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Underwood-Oberweis showdown .
In the Lake County portion of the 14th District , unofficial results showed Underwood received 13,323 votes by mail , more than double Oberweis ' share of such votes .
Conversely , Oberweis got 8,464 Election Day votes in Lake County -- nearly double Underwood 's haul that day .
Likewise , in McHenry County , Oberweis received nearly twice as many votes on Election Day as Underwood but less than half the mail-in votes .
In the end , Underwood 's total in the seven counties the 14th District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her campaign , the 203,195 votes she received were more votes than any congressional candidate in the district 's history -- and voting by mail was a big factor .
`` Our democracy is precious , and it requires participation , '' Underwood said in a news release .
`` I 'm grateful to every voter for making their voice heard . ''
The Cook County Board of Review 's Patlak was also on the other side of the red mirage .
The 1st District commissioner since 2010 , Patlak , of Wheeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Palos Heights despite being ahead on election night .
As he watched vote totals update after the polls closed , Patlak saw they were lower than the numbers from his last election in 2016 .
And considering how anti-Trump sentiment was expected to drive more people than usual to vote , the total of counted votes as of election night likely was far lower than the number that actually had been cast .
The next day , Patlak learned some 300,000 mail-in ballots from suburban Cook County had yet to be counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st District .
As those mail-in votes were tabulated , Patlak 's lead was whittled away .
Wendt eventually pulled out front .
Patlak , who is concerned about possible inconsistencies in the vote totals and has n't conceded , was n't surprised by the vote-by-mail numbers or their Democratic slant .
`` My mistake was that ( I thought ) they were being processed and would be counted on election night , '' he said .
To prevent these situations from reoccurring , Redfield suggested state legislatures make two changes .
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting by mail and early in-person voting .
Second , they should change when such ballots are counted and reported to the public by county clerks and other election authorities .
Under state law in Illinois , officials can process and tabulate vote-by-mail and early ballots as they come in -- staffers just are n't allowed to read or release the numbers before the polls close on election night .
Even so , not all process ballots that way .
In suburban Cook County , for example , all votes are counted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precinct by precinct .
But in Lake and McHenry counties , mail-in votes are counted after Election Day votes .
If states required election authorities to process -- but not reveal -- those votes as they come in , officials would be able to announce results from a much larger portion of the total ballots cast right after the polls close .
`` This would eliminate ( that ) dramatic shift , '' Redfield said .
In close races like the one between Underwood and Oberweis , however , candidates may still move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailed ballots can arrive after Election Day .
In such cases , if voting by mail continues favoring Democratic candidates , red mirages might occur .
`` There really is no fix for ( that ) situation , '' Redfield said .

How the 'red mirage' gave Republicans false sense of election success
Republican Jim Oberweis was leading the 14th Congressional District race on Election Day but lost once ballots cast by mail were counted, unofficial results showed. He's contesting the election results. Facebook Video Screenshot
As votes were being counted on election night, congressional candidate Jim Oberweis was ebullient.
Oberweis, a Republican from Sugar Grove, was leading Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood for her 14th District seat. And if he won, he'd be moving from the state Senate to federal office -- something he'd been unsuccessfully chasing since 2002.
Not only that, but President Donald Trump's reelection chances were looking good. Oberweis has been a vocal Trump supporter, and Trump had endorsed Oberweis.
"This could be a great, glorious night," Oberweis said.
But it was an illusion.
In the days that followed, Oberweis' lead evaporated. Underwood was in front by the weekend, and The Associated Press declared her the winner a few days later.
Underwood finished ahead by 5,377 votes, unofficial results showed -- about 1% of the 400,908 total votes cast in the contest.
Oberweis, who intends to pursue a recount, wasn't the only suburban Republican who led on election night but fell behind as votes cast by mail were added to tallies.
So did Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, Lake County Board member Mike Rummel, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak and DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan.
Election watchers called the phenomena "the red mirage."
The COVID factor
More than 2 million Illinoisans voted using mail-in ballots in this election, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. Nearly 2 million others voted early at in-person polling places.
The COVID-19 crisis was a factor in those totals. It led to systems being created in Illinois and other states that encouraged voting by mail over in-person voting because it was considered safer.
Illinois' legislation -- good only for this month's election -- also resulted in anyone who voted in 2018, 2019 or this year's primary automatically being sent applications for mail-in voting.
Savvy Democratic organizations then actively promoted voting by mail.
For example, Lake County's Democratic organization sent letters to registered voters detailing their options, including vote by mail, party Chair Lauren Beth Gash said. They also called people to inform them of those options and to motivate them to vote.
Meanwhile, Trump and other Republicans groused about possible election fraud in voting by mail. Relatively few promoted it.
"The Democrats had a messaging advantage," said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
'A Democratic lean'
Election results have shown most people who vote by mail back Democratic candidates.
"Vote by mail does have a Democratic lean," Redfield said. "New voters, particularly younger voters, find voting by mail very easy and low-cost in terms of time and effort."
On the flip side, Election Day tallies appear more Republican than the final totals.
For proof of this partisan split, look at the Underwood-Oberweis showdown.
In the Lake County portion of the 14th District, unofficial results showed Underwood received 13,323 votes by mail, more than double Oberweis' share of such votes.
Conversely, Oberweis got 8,464 Election Day votes in Lake County -- nearly double Underwood's haul that day.
Likewise, in McHenry County, Oberweis received nearly twice as many votes on Election Day as Underwood but less than half the mail-in votes.
In the end, Underwood's total in the seven counties the 14th District reaches exceeded Oberweis'. According to her campaign, the 203,195 votes she received were more votes than any congressional candidate in the district's history -- and voting by mail was a big factor.
"Our democracy is precious, and it requires participation," Underwood said in a news release. "I'm grateful to every voter for making their voice heard."
The Cook County Board of Review's Patlak was also on the other side of the red mirage.
The 1st District commissioner since 2010, Patlak, of Wheeling, lost to Democratic challenger Tammy Wendt of Palos Heights despite being ahead on election night.
As he watched vote totals update after the polls closed, Patlak saw they were lower than the numbers from his last election in 2016. And considering how anti-Trump sentiment was expected to drive more people than usual to vote, the total of counted votes as of election night likely was far lower than the number that actually had been cast.
The next day, Patlak learned some 300,000 mail-in ballots from suburban Cook County had yet to be counted -- including tens of thousands from the 1st District.
As those mail-in votes were tabulated, Patlak's lead was whittled away. Wendt eventually pulled out front.
Patlak, who is concerned about possible inconsistencies in the vote totals and hasn't conceded, wasn't surprised by the vote-by-mail numbers or their Democratic slant.
"My mistake was that (I thought) they were being processed and would be counted on election night," he said.
What's the solution?
To prevent these situations from reoccurring, Redfield suggested state legislatures make two changes.
First, they should create long periods for voting by mail and early in-person voting. Second, they should change when such ballots are counted and reported to the public by county clerks and other election authorities.
Under state law in Illinois, officials can process and tabulate vote-by-mail and early ballots as they come in -- staffers just aren't allowed to read or release the numbers before the polls close on election night.
Even so, not all process ballots that way.
In suburban Cook County, for example, all votes are counted at the same time on election night, precinct by precinct. But in Lake and McHenry counties, mail-in votes are counted after Election Day votes.
If states required election authorities to process -- but not reveal -- those votes as they come in, officials would be able to announce results from a much larger portion of the total ballots cast right after the polls close.
"This would eliminate (that) dramatic shift," Redfield said.
In close races like the one between Underwood and Oberweis, however, candidates may still move in and out of the lead because mailed ballots can arrive after Election Day.
In such cases, if voting by mail continues favoring Democratic candidates, red mirages might occur.
"There really is no fix for (that) situation," Redfield said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Constable: Ho, ho, hold on a sec, as 'Pandemic Santas' ponder COVID holidays

Probably .
Maybe .
But you might not recognize him at first .
Pandemic Santa might wear a mask , maybe a plastic face shield , and he 'll keep kids off his lap and a safe distance away , possibly behind plexiglass .
All while the paranoid side of you might be wondering if Rudolph the reindeer 's red nose might be a symptom of the coronavirus .
`` It would be difficult if you had a Santa and he had to wear a mask and do social distancing , '' says Paul Eggert , a 70-year-old father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long white beard and a twinkle in his eyes .
In the nearly three decades that he has assumed the persona of the jolly old elf , Eggert has learned how to make personal connections with children .
Timid and scared children during their first visit to Santa became comfortable in future years .
`` I had several kids who got to know Santa , '' Eggert says .
`` I had a lot of them who would run up and hug me . ''
Even if they saw him drive up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CR-V -- `` and it 's red , well , maroon '' -- children figured he 'd come from the North Pole because he looked exactly as they thought Santa looked .
`` I got the suit when my son was in Cubs Scouts and he 's 35 now , '' says Eggert , who started out using an old Santa suit owned by his church .
`` I was at a garage sale and I saw a suit .
I asked how much and they said , 'If you 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' '' remembers Eggert , who still wears that suit every Christmas Eve for his family and also at private parties , church events , community gatherings and charity programs .
`` In most cases , I do n't like the gigs that pay anymore , '' Eggert says .
`` I 'm doing this for the excitement of the season and the joy of the kids .
The sparkle in the eyes of the kids seeing Santa Claus is worth a million dollars . ''
He 'll still be Santa for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 12 grandchildren all know it 's `` Santa Papa . ''
But last December 's schedule wo n't be this December 's schedule .
He usually plays Santa for an event at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove .
But he 's not sure if and how that would go this year .
`` A drive-by Santa ? ''
he says with a chuckle .
Jim and Deb Van Antwerp , who are known as Santa and Mrs. Claus of Rolling Meadows , know the pain of the present pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree lighting .
The park district has canceled their Breakfast With Santa , '' Jim Van Antwerp says .
An event for a home association in Lake Barrington most likely will exchange the traditional lap experience for more of a Santa parade , he says .
`` There 's no sitting on his lap or whispering in his ear , '' Santa 's better half says .
The white-bearded Jim Van Antwerp , 61 , has been portraying Santa since he and his wife took their kids to Randhurst Mall in Mount Prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye of a Santa who was looking for some backup help .
`` My kids thought Santa hand-picked their dad to help , '' Deb Van Antwerp remembers .
`` He looks like Santa Claus .
In July , people come to our table at restaurants and say they 've been good . ''
Eggert , who also sports a long white beard of his own , says his beard always got a workout when he did his Christmas in July gig ( but not this year because of COVID-19 ) at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kids pulled on his beard `` almost constantly '' to see if it was a fake .
One particularly skeptical boy was a problem .
`` Before he sat down , he kicked me in the shin , '' Eggert says .
Then he yanked Eggert 's beard .
`` You should have seen his face when he pulled my beard and my chin came down with it , '' Eggert says .
`` He had the most astonished look on his face .
He told his mom and dad , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
'' Kids want to believe .
Even though my best friend in first grade insisted Santa was make-believe , I remained a staunch believer .
As a symbol of goodness and generosity , Santa has the power to influence young lives .
So maybe a Santa wearing a mask is a good thing , says Eggert , who notes kids , and their parents , might figure , `` 'Hey , if Santa wears a mask , maybe I better wear one , too . '
''

Constable: Ho, ho, hold on a sec, as 'Pandemic Santas' ponder COVID holidays
Jim and Deb Van Antwerp generally play Santa and Mrs. Claus this time of year. But his beard is real, so kids sometimes come up to the couple to let Santa know they've been good. Courtesy of Jim and Deb Van Antwerp
As Santa Claus before the coronavirus, Paul Eggert posed for a selfie with a mom and son during one of his annual appearances at the Banana Split ice cream parlor in Aurora to help raise funds and toys for the Aurora Salvation Army. COURTESY OF AL BENSON
For decades, Jim Van Antwerp of Rolling Meadows has donned his gay apparel and given children a chance to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. This year, the pandemic is changing everything. Daily Herald File Photo
Every July, Paul Eggert of Aurora played Santa for the "Christmas in July" charity fundraiser at Banana Split ice cream parlor in Aurora. The pandemic canceled the event this year. Courtesy of Al Benson
Pressing up to the plexiglass to visit Santa might replace the traditional lap visit this year because of the pandemic. Associated Press
As longtime Santa and Mrs. Claus in Rolling Meadows, Jim and Deb Van Antwerp have years of touching moments with children. But this year requires a new approach. Daily Herald File Photo
Santa Claus is coming to town.
Probably. Maybe. But you might not recognize him at first. Pandemic Santa might wear a mask, maybe a plastic face shield, and he'll keep kids off his lap and a safe distance away, possibly behind plexiglass. All while the paranoid side of you might be wondering if Rudolph the reindeer's red nose might be a symptom of the coronavirus.
"It would be difficult if you had a Santa and he had to wear a mask and do social distancing," says Paul Eggert, a 70-year-old father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Aurora who has a long white beard and a twinkle in his eyes. In the nearly three decades that he has assumed the persona of the jolly old elf, Eggert has learned how to make personal connections with children.
Timid and scared children during their first visit to Santa became comfortable in future years. "I had several kids who got to know Santa," Eggert says. "I had a lot of them who would run up and hug me."
Even if they saw him drive up not in his sleigh but a Honda CR-V -- "and it's red, well, maroon" -- children figured he'd come from the North Pole because he looked exactly as they thought Santa looked.
"I got the suit when my son was in Cubs Scouts and he's 35 now," says Eggert, who started out using an old Santa suit owned by his church.
"I was at a garage sale and I saw a suit. I asked how much and they said, 'If you're going to use it, you can have it,'" remembers Eggert, who still wears that suit every Christmas Eve for his family and also at private parties, church events, community gatherings and charity programs.
"In most cases, I don't like the gigs that pay anymore," Eggert says. "I'm doing this for the excitement of the season and the joy of the kids. The sparkle in the eyes of the kids seeing Santa Claus is worth a million dollars."
He'll still be Santa for his family this year, even if his 12 grandchildren all know it's "Santa Papa." But last December's schedule won't be this December's schedule. He usually plays Santa for an event at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove. But he's not sure if and how that would go this year.
"A drive-by Santa?" he says with a chuckle.
Jim and Deb Van Antwerp, who are known as Santa and Mrs. Claus of Rolling Meadows, know the pain of the present pandemic.
"The city has canceled the tree lighting. The park district has canceled their Breakfast With Santa," Jim Van Antwerp says. An event for a home association in Lake Barrington most likely will exchange the traditional lap experience for more of a Santa parade, he says.
"There's no sitting on his lap or whispering in his ear," Santa's better half says. The white-bearded Jim Van Antwerp, 61, has been portraying Santa since he and his wife took their kids to Randhurst Mall in Mount Prospect years ago and his look caught the eye of a Santa who was looking for some backup help.
"My kids thought Santa hand-picked their dad to help," Deb Van Antwerp remembers. "He looks like Santa Claus. In July, people come to our table at restaurants and say they've been good."
Eggert, who also sports a long white beard of his own, says his beard always got a workout when he did his Christmas in July gig (but not this year because of COVID-19) at the Banana Split ice cream shop in Aurora. Kids pulled on his beard "almost constantly" to see if it was a fake.
One particularly skeptical boy was a problem. "Before he sat down, he kicked me in the shin," Eggert says. Then he yanked Eggert's beard.
"You should have seen his face when he pulled my beard and my chin came down with it," Eggert says. "He had the most astonished look on his face. He told his mom and dad, 'I think that's the real Santa.'"
Kids want to believe. Even though my best friend in first grade insisted Santa was make-believe, I remained a staunch believer. As a symbol of goodness and generosity, Santa has the power to influence young lives.
So maybe a Santa wearing a mask is a good thing, says Eggert, who notes kids, and their parents, might figure, "'Hey, if Santa wears a mask, maybe I better wear one, too.'"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--McHenry woman dies after tollway crash in Elgin

A 26-year-old McHenry woman was killed in a one-vehicle crash Friday on westbound I-90 in Elgin , Illinois State Police @ @ @ @ @ state police , Megan M. Sergeant was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt in the right @ @ @ @ @ when , for reasons that have not been determined , it veered to the left @ @ @ @ @ traffic and drove onto the left shoulder .
The front of the car struck the @ @ @ @ @ left side of the roadway and the vehicle then continued along the left shoulder until @ @ @ @ @ to Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates , where she was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner 's office .

McHenry woman dies after tollway crash in Elgin
A 26-year-old McHenry woman was killed in a one-vehicle crash Friday on westbound I-90 in Elgin, Illinois State Police reported Sunday.
According to state police, Megan M. Sergeant was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt in the right lane at 4:56 p.m. Friday when, for reasons that have not been determined, it veered to the left, crossed all lanes of traffic and drove onto the left shoulder.
The front of the car struck the concrete median barrier on the left side of the roadway and the vehicle then continued along the left shoulder until stopping.
Sergeant was taken to Amita St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, where she was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Hersey student with Down syndrome starts dog treat company, sells out of them in 2 hours

The dogs seem to like it , too .
Nelson , a 15-year-old freshman at Hersey High School with Down syndrome and autism , took some of his favorite ingredients , combined his love of cooking with his love of dogs , and started his own business , a dog treat company called Wyatt 's Dog Company .
`` Peanut butter and bacon , '' Nelson , who sometimes has difficulty communicating his thoughts , shyly confirmed as his favorite flavor through his mother , Deborah .
Wyatt makes the treats , which are similar to cookies and shaped like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , through mail orders and from a small display in the back of the Sunflower Boutique in Arlington Heights .
All the profits go to special needs therapies and charities .
On Saturday , Wyatt , his mother and Mary Schaefer , the owner of Sunflower Boutique , were on hand at the boutique to hold an outdoor meet-and-greet and special holiday sale .
The treats sold out in less than two hours .
`` Wyatt is going to be on a career and life skills track , and we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he gets older and we were going through his favorite things , things that come naturally to him , and the top two were dogs and cooking , '' Deborah Nelson said .
`` We foster dogs and Wyatt has a penchant for special needs dogs .
He spends a lot of time with a dog named Elmo with three legs .
`` In October , Wyatt said that he wanted to make trick-or-treats for dogs , and I said , 'Oh , perfect time to launch your business . '
'' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born .
From there , Wyatt and his mother researched dog foods as well as the things that dogs like and the things that are n't healthy for dogs .
The family came up with all kinds of natural ingredients that Wyatt mixes himself .
The cookies are baked and then brushed with some duck fat or bacon drippings to give them added flavor .
Flavors included in the holiday sale on Saturday included Turkducken , Sweet Potato , Peanut Butter-Bacon , and Thanksgiving Turkey and Mashed Potato .
Wyatt beamed at Sunflower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popularity .
`` Today was a culmination of everything , '' Deborah Nelson said .
`` He prepared a fresh batch yesterday and packaged them and practiced a speech that he said today at the meet-and-greet .
... We had about 15 dogs and 50 people come out today .
This has been great for him . ''
Schaefer , the owner of Sunflower , spent a career as a special-education teacher in Des Plaines before retiring and purchasing the boutique earlier this year .
Owning a business `` gives him more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on right now in schools because of hybrid learning , and it gets him more acclimated in the community that he is going to be a part of ( as an adult ) and it gives him confidence , '' Schaefer said .
`` Folks are coming in here and going directly to Wyatt 's little corner ( display ) , and they love it and they love his story .
It 's so touching . ''
To purchase the treats , visit Sunflower at 620 W. Arthur in Arlington Heights , or @ @ @ @

Hersey student with Down syndrome starts dog treat company, sells out of them in 2 hours
Cards list the ingredients in dog treats made by Wyatt Nelson, a freshman at Hersey High School, for his business, Wyatt's Dog Company. Courtesy of Deborah Nelson
Wyatt Nelson, a freshman at Hersey High School with Down syndrome and autism, bakes these dog treats for his business, Wyatt's Dog Company. Courtesy of Deborah Nelson
Wyatt Nelson, a freshman at Hersey High School with Down syndrome and autism, bakes these dog treats for his business, Wyatt's Dog Company. Courtesy of Deborah Nelson
Wyatt Nelson, a freshman at Hersey High School with Down syndrome and autism, took some of his favorite ingredients, combined his love of cooking with his love of dogs, and started his own business, a dog treat company called Wyatt's Dog Company. Courtesy of Deborah Nelson
Peanut butter and bacon is Wyatt Nelson's favorite flavor.
The dogs seem to like it, too.
Nelson, a 15-year-old freshman at Hersey High School with Down syndrome and autism, took some of his favorite ingredients, combined his love of cooking with his love of dogs, and started his own business, a dog treat company called Wyatt's Dog Company.
"Peanut butter and bacon," Nelson, who sometimes has difficulty communicating his thoughts, shyly confirmed as his favorite flavor through his mother, Deborah.
Wyatt makes the treats, which are similar to cookies and shaped like bones, at home and sells them on Facebook, through mail orders and from a small display in the back of the Sunflower Boutique in Arlington Heights.
All the profits go to special needs therapies and charities.
On Saturday, Wyatt, his mother and Mary Schaefer, the owner of Sunflower Boutique, were on hand at the boutique to hold an outdoor meet-and-greet and special holiday sale. The treats sold out in less than two hours.
"Wyatt is going to be on a career and life skills track, and we were talking about what he wants to do when he gets older and we were going through his favorite things, things that come naturally to him, and the top two were dogs and cooking," Deborah Nelson said. "We foster dogs and Wyatt has a penchant for special needs dogs. He spends a lot of time with a dog named Elmo with three legs.
"In October, Wyatt said that he wanted to make trick-or-treats for dogs, and I said, 'Oh, perfect time to launch your business.'"
And so Wyatt's Dog Company was born. From there, Wyatt and his mother researched dog foods as well as the things that dogs like and the things that aren't healthy for dogs.
The family came up with all kinds of natural ingredients that Wyatt mixes himself. The cookies are baked and then brushed with some duck fat or bacon drippings to give them added flavor.
Flavors included in the holiday sale on Saturday included Turkducken, Sweet Potato, Peanut Butter-Bacon, and Thanksgiving Turkey and Mashed Potato.
Wyatt beamed at Sunflower while watching his treats catch on in popularity.
"Today was a culmination of everything," Deborah Nelson said. "He prepared a fresh batch yesterday and packaged them and practiced a speech that he said today at the meet-and-greet. ... We had about 15 dogs and 50 people come out today. This has been great for him."
Schaefer, the owner of Sunflower, spent a career as a special-education teacher in Des Plaines before retiring and purchasing the boutique earlier this year.
Owning a business "gives him more of the hands-on teaching that is not going on right now in schools because of hybrid learning, and it gets him more acclimated in the community that he is going to be a part of (as an adult) and it gives him confidence," Schaefer said. "Folks are coming in here and going directly to Wyatt's little corner (display), and they love it and they love his story. It's so touching."
To purchase the treats, visit Sunflower at 620 W. Arthur in Arlington Heights, or go to facebook.com/wyattdogcompany.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Pedestrian seriously injured when struck by vehicle in Hoffman Estates

A 49-year-old Schaumburg man was hospitalized with serious injuries after he was struck by a vehicle Saturday while pushing a @ @ @ @ @ in Hoffman Estates , police said .
Police said the man was in stable condition @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in Park Ridge .
The crash occurred at 6:27 p.m. Saturday at Barrington and @ @ @ @ @ .
It remains under investigation by the Hoffman Estates Police Department 's traffic division and @ @ @ @ @ ( STAR ) Team .
Police said neither alcohol or drugs appear to have contributed @ @ @ @

Pedestrian seriously injured when struck by vehicle in Hoffman Estates
A 49-year-old Schaumburg man was hospitalized with serious injuries after he was struck by a vehicle Saturday while pushing a disabled vehicle from a roadway in Hoffman Estates, police said.
Police said the man was in stable condition Sunday at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
The crash occurred at 6:27 p.m. Saturday at Barrington and Bode roads, police said. It remains under investigation by the Hoffman Estates Police Department's traffic division and the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team.
Police said neither alcohol or drugs appear to have contributed to the crash.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Aurora police investigating two shootings Saturday

Aurora police are investigating two shootings that occurred Saturday , both of which left victims hospitalized with injuries .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ 1:30 a.m. in the alley of the 1700 block of Ravine Park Lane , where @ @ @ @ @ gunshot wounds .
He was taken to an area hospital and later airlifted to a @ @ @ @ @ stable condition , according to the Aurora Police Department .
The police department 's Division @ @ @ @ @ .
The second shooting was reported at 12:45 p.m. at a motel in the 1000 @ @ @ @ @ , where officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds , police said .
The @ @ @ @ @ area hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries , according to police The police department 's Division of @ @ @ @ @ but detectives believe the shooting was n't random and there is no threat to the @ @ @ @ @ about either shooting is asked to call APD Investigations Division at ( 630 ) 256-5500 @ @ @ @ @ at ( 630 ) -892-1000 or email tips @ apd.aurora.il.us .

Aurora police investigating two shootings Saturday
Aurora police are investigating two shootings that occurred Saturday, both of which left victims hospitalized with injuries.
Officers responded to the first at 1:30 a.m. in the alley of the 1700 block of Ravine Park Lane, where they found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital and later airlifted to a Chicago hospital in critical but stable condition, according to the Aurora Police Department.
The police department's Division of Investigative Services is investigating.
The second shooting was reported at 12:45 p.m. at a motel in the 1000 block of East Benton Street, where officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds, police said. The man was taken to an area hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries, according to police
The police department's Division of Investigative Services is investigating, but detectives believe the shooting wasn't random and there is no threat to the community.
Anyone with information about either shooting is asked to call APD Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500, Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) -892-1000 or email tips@apd.aurora.il.us.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--AP source: Cavaliers acquire McGee, 2026 pick from Lakers

CLEVEAND -- Looking to replace Tristan Thompson , the Cavaliers have acquired center JaVale McGee and a future draft pick from the Los Angeles Lakers for forwards Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell , a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday night .
The Cavs will get a second-round pick in 2026 from the Lakers , said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the swap .
On Saturday , Thompson , who played nine seasons with the Cavs and helped them win a championship in 2016 , agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Boston Celtics .
The 32-year-old McGee spent the past two seasons with Los Angeles after two with Golden State .
The 7-footer averaged 6.6 points , 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the NBA champions this past season .
The Lakers needed to move McGee in order to open up salary space after getting Marc Gasol to agree to a two-year contract .
McGee will likely serve as a backup to Cleveland center Andre Drummond , who picked up his $ 28 million player option last week to stay with the Cavs @

AP source: Cavaliers acquire McGee, 2026 pick from Lakers
FILE - In this Sept. 4, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers' JaVale McGee passes the ball during the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Looking to replace Tristan Thompson, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired McGee and a future draft pick from the Lakers for forwards Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. Associated Press
CLEVEAND -- Looking to replace Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers have acquired center JaVale McGee and a future draft pick from the Los Angeles Lakers for forwards Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday night.
The Cavs will get a second-round pick in 2026 from the Lakers, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the swap.
On Saturday, Thompson, who played nine seasons with the Cavs and helped them win a championship in 2016, agreed to a two-year, free-agent deal with the Boston Celtics.
The 32-year-old McGee spent the past two seasons with Los Angeles after two with Golden State. The 7-footer averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the NBA champions this past season.
The Lakers needed to move McGee in order to open up salary space after getting Marc Gasol to agree to a two-year contract.
McGee will likely serve as a backup to Cleveland center Andre Drummond, who picked up his $28 million player option last week to stay with the Cavs.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Set a place for Zoom: Many suburbanites will forgo traditional Thanksgiving trips this year

Traditionally , this is the week Curt Alliaume packs his family into the car and steers toward Washington , D.C. , for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings -- including a house packed with relatives .
`` We would have to self-quarantine for two weeks if we traveled there .
We 'll have a Zoom Thanksgiving instead , '' the Naperville resident said .
Typically , `` the Thanksgiving meal is hosted by our brother-in-law 's parents , and it 's amazing .
But this year , we 've all agreed to follow the rules , '' Alliaume said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would applaud that plan and warned last week that travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 -- as does a lengthy meal with others outside your immediate circle .
If he did drive east , Alliaume would pass from Illinois , where the seven-day average test positivity rate is 12 % , to Indiana -- 12.5 % , Ohio -- 12.7 % , and Pennsylvania , where it 's 24.6 % , according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center .
The state with the lowest test positivity rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest is South Dakota with 52.5 % , according to Johns Hopkins .
Illinois ' neighbors are all in double digits : Iowa is at 48.6 % ; Missouri is at 23.5 % ; Wisconsin is at 16 % ; Michigan is 11.7 % ; and Kentucky is 10.2 % .
A Daily Herald Facebook survey of readers showed many changed long-standing travel plans to feast at home but set a place for Zoom to link them with loved ones .
Those decisions reflect AAA 's projections of an almost 15 % drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2019 .
Diane Pedersen 's adult sons wo n't be driving from Nashville or flying from Los Angeles this year .
`` My in-laws normally host a small dinner ( under 10 ) with an open house after '' for other relatives , Pedersen said .
`` This year , it will be just my husband and me at our house .
Our dinner will still be good , as my husband likes cooking , but there will be too many leftovers . ''
It 's the tough but safe choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a salesman , so ca n't pre-isolate .
The Los Angeles son could pre-isolate , but could easily be infected during the long plane trip .
The in-laws live in a nearby retirement community ; they 're not fully isolated from other residents and staff .
If we get infected while grocery-shopping , we could infect them , '' she explained .
`` We ca n't figure out a way to guarantee to keep everyone safe , especially with the positivity skyrocketing , '' the Naperville resident said .
Suzanne Chalifoux-Grochecki of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visiting other family members in the region , but `` plans changed , '' she said .
`` Only our family of four , due to COVID-19 .
We are being very cautious , especially with the grandparents . ''
How do you feel about pandemic travel ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
You should know Metra officials threw the dice when approving their 2021 budget recently and blamed the pandemic for decreasing ridership by 90 % .
The fiscal plan estimates a $ 70 million shortfall that leaders hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Congress has yet to agree on another COVID-19 relief package .
The total operating budget is $ 700 million , reflecting the decline in fares , although sales tax revenues show signs of reviving , the financial staff said .
Metra is not increasing fares next year but may need to cut train service if no federal help materializes .
The agency 's $ 386.4 million capital projects budget is in better shape thanks to a gas tax increase in 2019 .
These days , it 's hard to be an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuter Jason Kart of Glenview wrote .
`` UP closed the front and back cars for the one conductor on the train , so there is less room for passengers , '' he said .
`` I 've ( sometimes ) witnessed people with no masks , bikes in the aisle , threatening other passengers , smoking weed , ( and ) playing music -- since the conductors wo n't walk the train .
Then , we all bunch up at Ogilvie Transportation Center because that 's where they check tickets .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years riding the train prior to the pandemic . ''
Good news on the Edens Expressway : The Illinois tollway is wrapping up a $ 109 million improvement project on the Edens Spur and last week opened all lanes to the 57,000 vehicles that use it daily .
Work included fixing bridges at Pfingsten and Waukegan roads , building a median , new lighting , and replacing asphalt .
IDOT is taking public comments on improvements to two high-crash interchanges on I-55 in southern Will County : Route 129 and Lorenzo Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the public can offer opinions through Dec. 14 .
The project cost is estimated at $ 148 million and would reconstruct both interchanges and add more connecting lanes on I-55 .
IDOT will also take questions at ( 847 ) 705-4569 .

Set a place for Zoom: Many suburbanites will forgo traditional Thanksgiving trips this year
O'Hare International Airport will see less traffic this Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAA predicts a nearly 10% drop in holiday travel nationwide. Daily Herald File Photo
Karen Trimble Alliaume of Naperville enjoys a reunion with her brother, Paul Trimble, at Thanksgiving 2016 in a Washington, D.C. suburb. The Alliaumes will forgo their traditional D.C. trip this year because of the pandemic. Courtesy of Curt Alliaume
The extended Pedersen family celebrates Thanksgiving 2017 in Addison with a traditional get-together. This year, Diane Pedersen and her husband will dine solo following the advice of experts to prevent infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Diane Pedersen
There won't be as many reunions at O'Hare International Airport this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAA predicts overall travel will be down by nearly 15% in Illinois. Daily Herald File Photo
Experts advise staying home this year for Thanksgiving. Travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. Getty Images
Traditionally, this is the week Curt Alliaume packs his family into the car and steers toward Washington, D.C., for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings -- including a house packed with relatives.
But in a COVID-19 world, he's staying home.
"We would have to self-quarantine for two weeks if we traveled there. We'll have a Zoom Thanksgiving instead," the Naperville resident said.
Typically, "the Thanksgiving meal is hosted by our brother-in-law's parents, and it's amazing. But this year, we've all agreed to follow the rules," Alliaume said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control would applaud that plan and warned last week that travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 -- as does a lengthy meal with others outside your immediate circle.
If he did drive east, Alliaume would pass from Illinois, where the seven-day average test positivity rate is 12%, to Indiana -- 12.5%, Ohio -- 12.7%, and Pennsylvania, where it's 24.6%, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
The state with the lowest test positivity rate is Maine with 2.1%, while the highest is South Dakota with 52.5%, according to Johns Hopkins. Illinois' neighbors are all in double digits: Iowa is at 48.6%; Missouri is at 23.5%; Wisconsin is at 16%; Michigan is 11.7%; and Kentucky is 10.2%.
A Daily Herald Facebook survey of readers showed many changed long-standing travel plans to feast at home but set a place for Zoom to link them with loved ones. Those decisions reflect AAA's projections of an almost 15% drop in 2020 Thanksgiving trips in Illinois compared to 2019.
Diane Pedersen's adult sons won't be driving from Nashville or flying from Los Angeles this year.
"My in-laws normally host a small dinner (under 10) with an open house after" for other relatives, Pedersen said. "This year, it will be just my husband and me at our house. Our dinner will still be good, as my husband likes cooking, but there will be too many leftovers."
It's the tough but safe choice, Pedersen explained. "The Nashville son is a salesman, so can't pre-isolate. The Los Angeles son could pre-isolate, but could easily be infected during the long plane trip. The in-laws live in a nearby retirement community; they're not fully isolated from other residents and staff. If we get infected while grocery-shopping, we could infect them," she explained.
"We can't figure out a way to guarantee to keep everyone safe, especially with the positivity skyrocketing," the Naperville resident said.
Suzanne Chalifoux-Grochecki of Fox River Grove usually spends the holiday visiting other family members in the region, but "plans changed," she said. "Only our family of four, due to COVID-19. We are being very cautious, especially with the grandparents."
How do you feel about pandemic travel? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
You should know
Metra officials threw the dice when approving their 2021 budget recently and blamed the pandemic for decreasing ridership by 90%.
The fiscal plan estimates a $70 million shortfall that leaders hope will be offset by federal aid, although Congress has yet to agree on another COVID-19 relief package.
The total operating budget is $700 million, reflecting the decline in fares, although sales tax revenues show signs of reviving, the financial staff said. Metra is not increasing fares next year but may need to cut train service if no federal help materializes.
The agency's $386.4 million capital projects budget is in better shape thanks to a gas tax increase in 2019.
Your voice
These days, it's hard to be an easy rider, Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line commuter Jason Kart of Glenview wrote. "UP closed the front and back cars for the one conductor on the train, so there is less room for passengers," he said. "I've (sometimes) witnessed people with no masks, bikes in the aisle, threatening other passengers, smoking weed, (and) playing music -- since the conductors won't walk the train. Then, we all bunch up at Ogilvie Transportation Center because that's where they check tickets. This is a stark contrast compared to my four years riding the train prior to the pandemic."
Gridlock alert
Good news on the Edens Expressway: The Illinois tollway is wrapping up a $109 million improvement project on the Edens Spur and last week opened all lanes to the 57,000 vehicles that use it daily. Work included fixing bridges at Pfingsten and Waukegan roads, building a median, new lighting, and replacing asphalt.
Reducing I-55 crashes
IDOT is taking public comments on improvements to two high-crash interchanges on I-55 in southern Will County: Route 129 and Lorenzo Road. Information is available online at i55lorenzoil129outreach.org, and the public can offer opinions through Dec. 14. The project cost is estimated at $148 million and would reconstruct both interchanges and add more connecting lanes on I-55. IDOT will also take questions at (847) 705-4569.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Barrington students rave about new 3D technology in anatomy class

Students at Barrington High School have a new , fancy tool to study anatomy and physiology : a high-tech `` virtual cadaver '' that allows for an up-close , in-depth view of the human body .
The Anatomage Table is similar to an operating table , but with a life-size touch screen with 3D images of the body -- skeleton , musculature , organs , blood vessels , tissue and everything else -- that can be examined and dissected in all sorts of interactive ways .
`` Students have the ability to analyze the anatomy and physiology at whatever level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laura Turngren said .
`` They can pick and choose what to look at -- what systems , what organs , what vessels , what ligaments ... down to the nitty-gritty detail .
You can see every angle , every side . ''
`` This is a great tool to have in the classroom because it gives you a better perspective of a 3D model , as well as allowing a student to focus on a particular part of the system or organ , which I do n't think is something a paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` Being able to be more hands-on in the classroom is always great . ''
The overall tab came to about $ 100,000 -- with about $ 70,000 spent on the actual Anatomage Table and the rest on classroom modifications to make room for it -- funded by the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation .
The money was raised during a golf outing in June 2019 , followed by targeted fundraising among the medical community , said foundation executive director Mary Dale .
`` We are grateful to all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` We hope that this table will spark the learning and creativity for medicine and health . ''
District administrators work with the foundation on a list of priorities for new projects they hope can get funded .
Barrington High Principal Steve McWilliams said the school had been studying the possibility of getting the Anatomage Table for a couple of years , including having staff members view models at educational conferences and a local university .
More than 250 high schools and more than 500 universities across country utilize an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative .
Locally , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has one , McWilliams said .
`` We tried smaller examples before , with some virtual gear to try to mimic that , '' he said , `` but it just did n't have the same level of sophistication and detail that Anatomage has . ''
The Anatomage Table also comes with a virtual library of individual case studies showing abnormalities like hernias , cancers and much more .
The school owns the Table 7 model and has a contract with Anatomage for regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They ( students ) can use it for assessment , or they can use it just for instruction or exploration , '' Turngren said .
`` It 's very versatile in how a teacher might choose to use it . ''
Barrington High students typically get a chance to view cadavers during a yearly field trip to the human anatomy lab at Rush University in Chicago -- but only if they are seriously interested in such studies and lucky enough to be picked in a lottery , due to limited group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anatomage Table is even better than a cadaver , said Vanessa Fennig , who teaches honors human biology at the high school .
`` You can see the heart beating , you can see the blood flowing through the vessels .
You can turn on all these features .
A cadaver does n't allow you to do that .
Physiologically there are no moving parts in a cadaver , '' she said .
`` It 's really an awesome piece of technology that can really transform the experience of the class for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , students at Barrington High have had little chance to use the Anatomage Table so far this year .
Once school resumes normally , however , the table will be available for widespread use , including possibly for classes like introduction to health care and student clubs like the Future Healthcare Professionals of America , she said .
Honor human biology student Nick Bordenet , 17 , a junior , used the table for the first time recently to dissect the heart .
The table makes learning better and more fun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just look at the different parts inside the heart , and see how they are connected and how they are intertwined , '' he said .
`` It 's very realistic .
I felt like I was almost doing it . ''

Barrington students rave about new 3D technology in anatomy class
Students at Barrington High School have a new, fancy tool to study anatomy and physiology: a high-tech "virtual cadaver" that allows for an up-close, in-depth view of the human body.
The Anatomage Table is similar to an operating table, but with a life-size touch screen with 3D images of the body -- skeleton, musculature, organs, blood vessels, tissue and everything else -- that can be examined and dissected in all sorts of interactive ways.
Teachers and students gave it rave reviews.
"Students have the ability to analyze the anatomy and physiology at whatever level they want," AP biology teacher Laura Turngren said. "They can pick and choose what to look at -- what systems, what organs, what vessels, what ligaments ... down to the nitty-gritty detail. You can see every angle, every side."
Junior Ingrid Riepe called it "a super cool experience."
"This is a great tool to have in the classroom because it gives you a better perspective of a 3D model, as well as allowing a student to focus on a particular part of the system or organ, which I don't think is something a paper model is as effective with," she said. "Being able to be more hands-on in the classroom is always great."
The overall tab came to about $100,000 -- with about $70,000 spent on the actual Anatomage Table and the rest on classroom modifications to make room for it -- funded by the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation. The money was raised during a golf outing in June 2019, followed by targeted fundraising among the medical community, said foundation executive director Mary Dale.
"We are grateful to all of our donors who made this possible," she said. "We hope that this table will spark the learning and creativity for medicine and health."
District administrators work with the foundation on a list of priorities for new projects they hope can get funded. Barrington High Principal Steve McWilliams said the school had been studying the possibility of getting the Anatomage Table for a couple of years, including having staff members view models at educational conferences and a local university.
More than 250 high schools and more than 500 universities across country utilize an Anatomage Table, according to a company representative. Locally, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has one, McWilliams said.
"We tried smaller examples before, with some virtual gear to try to mimic that," he said, "but it just didn't have the same level of sophistication and detail that Anatomage has."
The Anatomage Table also comes with a virtual library of individual case studies showing abnormalities like hernias, cancers and much more. The school owns the Table 7 model and has a contract with Anatomage for regular updates to the software and operating system.
"They (students) can use it for assessment, or they can use it just for instruction or exploration," Turngren said. "It's very versatile in how a teacher might choose to use it."
Barrington High students typically get a chance to view cadavers during a yearly field trip to the human anatomy lab at Rush University in Chicago -- but only if they are seriously interested in such studies and lucky enough to be picked in a lottery, due to limited group size.
In some ways, the Anatomage Table is even better than a cadaver, said Vanessa Fennig, who teaches honors human biology at the high school.
"You can see the heart beating, you can see the blood flowing through the vessels. You can turn on all these features. A cadaver doesn't allow you to do that. Physiologically there are no moving parts in a cadaver," she said.
"It's really an awesome piece of technology that can really transform the experience of the class for the student."
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Barrington High have had little chance to use the Anatomage Table so far this year. Once school resumes normally, however, the table will be available for widespread use, including possibly for classes like introduction to health care and student clubs like the Future Healthcare Professionals of America, she said.
Honor human biology student Nick Bordenet, 17, a junior, used the table for the first time recently to dissect the heart. The table makes learning better and more fun, he said.
"I used it to just look at the different parts inside the heart, and see how they are connected and how they are intertwined," he said. "It's very realistic. I felt like I was almost doing it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--7 tips for a meaningful virtual Thanksgiving

With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and gatherings , many families will be navigating Thanksgiving celebrations virtually this year .
Public health officials urge limiting festivities to household family members to mitigate the virus ' spread .
They suggest connecting with extended family and friends through myriad social networking apps .
To help , Zoom is lifting its 40-minute limit for meetings on Thanksgiving so family gatherings are n't cut short .
To make the most of this experience , the Daily Herald has talked to experts and curated some of the best advice available online for having a successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are seven tips : All parties need planning .
They also require a host to keep the event running smoothly .
Designate a person who also is tech savvy to take charge , welcome guests and help guide the conversation .
Have different family members take turns hosting parts of the event .
Not all family members might be familiar with video conferencing , so have a practice session ahead of the day .
Limit background noises and use the mute button as needed .
Check out TechRepublic 's Zoom 101 guidebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving , ask guests to write down a favorite family recipe .
Draw names so each person gets a different recipe to make , then share how it turned out on the video call .
Also , check out the 100 best Thanksgiving recipes at Delish , delish.com , and Good Housekeeping , goodhousekeeping.com .
Cooking together can be just as fun as eating the Thanksgiving meal .
Schedule a call for cooking tutorials or during meal prep .
Set up a laptop in the kitchen , play music , share a drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the process .
The annual Macy 's Thanksgiving Day Parade still will be broadcast on TV this year , with modifications .
4 .
Watch live sports or parade Traditions like watching live sporting events or the Macy 's Thanksgiving Day Parade together can be managed virtually .
Keep a Zoom chat room open for friends and family to engage in sports banter , share real-time reactions to gameplay and catch up during intermission .
Social isolation and missing out on holiday traditions can bring people down in an already depressing lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of community health for the Kane County Health Department , suggests making Thanksgiving a day to celebrate and learn about one 's own family history and share personal stories and memories .
`` Take this time to talk to aunts and uncles over Zoom or over the telephone , '' he said .
`` Talk to grandparents and hear family stories .
Relive fun memories that people have had .
Just really try to get that social connection that 's so much harder for us all right now in these times that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot more people are going to be at home , so checking in with distant family members , checking in with friends you have n't seen for a while ... that social connectedness is so important for our mental health . ''
Families who are miles apart still can play games together via the Houseparty app .
6 .
Play games Playing games and activities online is one way families can come together .
Isaacson said his family uses the Houseparty app that allows participants to draw on the screen kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all connected via audio so you can laugh at everybody else 's horrible drawings as you try and figure out what they are .
It 's really a fun way to stay connected when you have to be apart , '' he said .
Some of the best video conferencing games include bingo , Yahtzee !
, chess , Scattergories , charades , Pictionary and scavenger hunts .
StoryCorps urges people of all ages to create an oral history as part of `` The Great Thanksgiving Listen . ''
7 .
Record history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving by participating in StoryCorps ' `` The Great Thanksgiving Listen . ''
The movement urges people of all ages to create an oral history of their lives by recording interviews with an elder , mentor , friend or someone they admire .
Interviews will become part of the StoryCorps Archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress .
For details , visit storycorps.org .

7 tips for a meaningful virtual Thanksgiving
With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and gatherings, many families will be navigating Thanksgiving celebrations virtually this year.
Public health officials urge limiting festivities to household family members to mitigate the virus' spread. They suggest connecting with extended family and friends through myriad social networking apps. To help, Zoom is lifting its 40-minute limit for meetings on Thanksgiving so family gatherings aren't cut short.
To make the most of this experience, the Daily Herald has talked to experts and curated some of the best advice available online for having a successful, socially distanced virtual Thanksgiving celebration.
Here are seven tips:
1. Designate a party host
All parties need planning. They also require a host to keep the event running smoothly. Designate a person who also is tech savvy to take charge, welcome guests and help guide the conversation. Have different family members take turns hosting parts of the event. Not all family members might be familiar with video conferencing, so have a practice session ahead of the day. Limit background noises and use the mute button as needed. Check out TechRepublic's Zoom 101 guidebook at techrepublic.com.
2. Recipe swap
A few days before Thanksgiving, ask guests to write down a favorite family recipe. Draw names so each person gets a different recipe to make, then share how it turned out on the video call. Also, check out the 100 best Thanksgiving recipes at Delish, delish.com, and Good Housekeeping, goodhousekeeping.com.
3. Cook together
Cooking together can be just as fun as eating the Thanksgiving meal. Schedule a call for cooking tutorials or during meal prep. Set up a laptop in the kitchen, play music, share a drink and allow family members to be part of the process.
The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade still will be broadcast on TV this year, with modifications. - Associated Press, 2019
Traditions like watching live sporting events or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade together can be managed virtually. Keep a Zoom chat room open for friends and family to engage in sports banter, share real-time reactions to gameplay and catch up during intermission.
5. Share stories
Social isolation and missing out on holiday traditions can bring people down in an already depressing lockdown environment.
Michael Isaacson, assistant director of community health for the Kane County Health Department, suggests making Thanksgiving a day to celebrate and learn about one's own family history and share personal stories and memories.
"Take this time to talk to aunts and uncles over Zoom or over the telephone," he said. "Talk to grandparents and hear family stories. Relive fun memories that people have had. Just really try to get that social connection that's so much harder for us all right now in these times that we're being asked to stay apart. A lot more people are going to be at home, so checking in with distant family members, checking in with friends you haven't seen for a while ... that social connectedness is so important for our mental health."
Families who are miles apart still can play games together via the Houseparty app. -
Playing games and activities online is one way families can come together.
Isaacson said his family uses the Houseparty app that allows participants to draw on the screen kind of like Pictionary.
"And you're all connected via audio so you can laugh at everybody else's horrible drawings as you try and figure out what they are. It's really a fun way to stay connected when you have to be apart," he said.
Some of the best video conferencing games include bingo, Yahtzee!, chess, Scattergories, charades, Pictionary and scavenger hunts.
StoryCorps urges people of all ages to create an oral history as part of "The Great Thanksgiving Listen." - Getty Images
Become a part of American history this Thanksgiving by participating in StoryCorps' "The Great Thanksgiving Listen." The movement urges people of all ages to create an oral history of their lives by recording interviews with an elder, mentor, friend or someone they admire. Interviews will become part of the StoryCorps Archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. For details, visit storycorps.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--What you don't see is key to Adler grounds initiative in Libertyville

In a serene wooded area north and east of the historic David Adler home in Libertyville , what you do n't see is significant to those pursuing a grand vision for the former country estate .
Since last year , Landscape Concepts Management has donated many hours and provided contracted labor to remove invasive buckthorn , fallen trees , dead limbs , and hunks of concrete and debris to transform the area .
The Grayslake company also planted native shrubs along wood chip paths installed by students from Carmel and Libertyville high schools .
Interpretive signs to describe the native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are pending .
For the first time in years , the namesake Adler Park School is visible from the historic home , which operates as the nonprofit Adler Arts Center at 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave. '' It 's been so neglected and so overgrown , '' said Amy Williams , the Adler Center 's executive director .
`` Just cleaning it up has been remarkable . ''
Families have been enjoying the cleared space , and photo shoots for holiday cards or other purposes have become common .
But it 's the potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers working to unlock the possibilities .
`` We see cool things like a sculpture garden , interactive nature classes -- how we can look at the world as art , '' Ellen Williams , Adler program and marketing director said during a recent walk on the trail .
`` It 's truly epic , actually . ''
Education also is the mission of the Lake County Audubon Society , which has supplied funding , plants and labor toward a joint initiative with Adler known as the Birdscaping Path that began a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
`` People are paying attention , '' said Paul Geiselhart , chairman of Audubon 's birdscaping committee .
`` I think people want more things locally , and this will be a great place to go . ''
Volunteers are waiting for snow to sow native plant seeds , he added .
`` It 's an evolving process , '' Geiselhart said .
`` It 's 11 acres , and we 're working on a small part of it . ''
Mike Graham , vice president of Landscape Concepts , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly on a volunteer basis as an extension of an Eagle Scout project .
Graham , the son of the late Mike Graham , longtime Libertyville Township supervisor and open space pioneer , has lent his time and expertise to several projects in the area over the years .
`` It 's not work , '' he said .
`` These are the things that really bring joy to my heart . ''
Graham also is attracted by the history of the 240-acre Adler estate , which had been meticulously landscaped with expansive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as neat rows of towering Norway spruce planted long ago .
`` As we got further into the project , we kept uncovering more of the original grounds , '' he said .
Finds included remnants of old irrigation systems and marble columns , a period farm implement and stretches of original periwinkle groundcover that blooms in a sea of blue .
Adler lived on the site from 1918 until his death in 1949 .
He gifted the land and 23-room farmhouse to the village on the condition the house and grounds be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recreation center .
Adler Park and pool and Adler Park School were created on the property .
The village maintains the park and home but the house and 11 surrounding acres are operated by the nonprofit .
`` There are three other sections ( of the grounds ) that are completely overrun by invasives , '' Graham said .
Buckthorn is a bane to the natural environment because it leafs out first and stays green longer than other plants , suffocating everything near it .
To tackle that , Graham said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stewardship '' will provide special equipment to remove buckthorn , likely in January .
`` Everything we did in two months , they 'll be able to do in three days , '' he said .
Amy Williams said the goal is to get others to buy in to the effort .
`` I do n't know how you could n't be excited , '' she said .
`` This is all part of the park and all part of our community . ''

What you don't see is key to Adler grounds initiative in Libertyville
This reflective pool was refurbished as part of an initiative to improve the grounds at the Adler Arts Center in Libertyville. Courtesy of Lake County Audubon Society
Ken Weik prepares a spot for a marginal wood fern as part of an initiative to clear invasives and install native plants on the grounds of the Adler Arts Center in Libertyville. Courtesy of Lake County Audubon Society
Amy Williams, executive director, from left, and Ellen Williams, program and marketing director of the Adler Arts Center in Libertyville, are with Chris Geiselhart of the Lake County Audubon Society. Courtesy of Lake County Audubon Society
This is an aerial view of the David Adler estate in Libertyville in 1955. The historic home is left center in the photo. Norway spruce now a century old form an aisle, lower center. The area to the right is now the Adler Park School. Courtesy of Adler Arts Center
A "birdscaping" trail was installed recently as part of an initiative to clear and improve the grounds at the Adler Arts Center in Libertyville. Courtesy of Adler Arts Center
In a serene wooded area north and east of the historic David Adler home in Libertyville, what you don't see is significant to those pursuing a grand vision for the former country estate.
Since last year, Landscape Concepts Management has donated many hours and provided contracted labor to remove invasive buckthorn, fallen trees, dead limbs, and hunks of concrete and debris to transform the area.
The Grayslake company also planted native shrubs along wood chip paths installed by students from Carmel and Libertyville high schools. Interpretive signs to describe the native plants in 14 pods along the paths are pending.
For the first time in years, the namesake Adler Park School is visible from the historic home, which operates as the nonprofit Adler Arts Center at 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave.
"It's been so neglected and so overgrown," said Amy Williams, the Adler Center's executive director. "Just cleaning it up has been remarkable."
Families have been enjoying the cleared space, and photo shoots for holiday cards or other purposes have become common.
But it's the potential that excites a partnership of staff and volunteers working to unlock the possibilities.
"We see cool things like a sculpture garden, interactive nature classes -- how we can look at the world as art," Ellen Williams, Adler program and marketing director said during a recent walk on the trail. "It's truly epic, actually."
Education also is the mission of the Lake County Audubon Society, which has supplied funding, plants and labor toward a joint initiative with Adler known as the Birdscaping Path that began a few years ago and is now showing tangible results.
"People are paying attention," said Paul Geiselhart, chairman of Audubon's birdscaping committee. "I think people want more things locally, and this will be a great place to go."
Volunteers are waiting for snow to sow native plant seeds, he added.
"It's an evolving process," Geiselhart said. "It's 11 acres, and we're working on a small part of it."
Mike Graham, vice president of Landscape Concepts, has done much of the heavy lifting, mostly on a volunteer basis as an extension of an Eagle Scout project.
Graham, the son of the late Mike Graham, longtime Libertyville Township supervisor and open space pioneer, has lent his time and expertise to several projects in the area over the years.
"It's not work," he said. "These are the things that really bring joy to my heart."
Graham also is attracted by the history of the 240-acre Adler estate, which had been meticulously landscaped with expansive formal gardens and other elements, such as neat rows of towering Norway spruce planted long ago.
"As we got further into the project, we kept uncovering more of the original grounds," he said. Finds included remnants of old irrigation systems and marble columns, a period farm implement and stretches of original periwinkle groundcover that blooms in a sea of blue.
Adler lived on the site from 1918 until his death in 1949. He gifted the land and 23-room farmhouse to the village on the condition the house and grounds be maintained and developed as a community cultural and recreation center.
Adler Park and pool and Adler Park School were created on the property. The village maintains the park and home but the house and 11 surrounding acres are operated by the nonprofit.
More work is planned.
"There are three other sections (of the grounds) that are completely overrun by invasives," Graham said.
Buckthorn is a bane to the natural environment because it leafs out first and stays green longer than other plants, suffocating everything near it.
To tackle that, Graham said, "a local corporation dedicated to environmental stewardship" will provide special equipment to remove buckthorn, likely in January.
"Everything we did in two months, they'll be able to do in three days," he said.
Amy Williams said the goal is to get others to buy in to the effort.
"I don't know how you couldn't be excited," she said. "This is all part of the park and all part of our community."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Prospect Hts. park leaders consider what they would do if land were swapped

Prospect Heights Park District commissioners are considering potential designs for a reconfiguration of John Muir Park but have yet to discuss in detail a proposed land swap that would enable it .
Lexington Homes has made an offer to trade 0.62 acres from the former Jolly Fun House Academy site for an equal amount of park land , along with a $ 500,000 payment to the park district .
That would allow construction of a controversial 69-unit townhouse development north of the park at 999 Oak Ave .
The townhouse proposal received preliminary approval in a 3-2 vote from Prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from surrounding property owners .
Without the land swap , Lexington Homes would resort to a backup plan for only 61 townhouses on a 5.23-acre site .
The company has not formally sought city approval for that proposal .
At city meetings on the development , neighbors have strongly criticized the proposed development .
And at last week 's park district meeting , three residents voiced their opposition to a land swap , Executive Director Christina Ferraro said .
John Muir Park has a total of 4.5 acres .
The usable land -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baseball diamond , a soccer field and open space .
Though the usable space would remain the same after a land swap , the site 's reconfigured shape would allow for different opportunities , as demonstrated by two conceptual drawings submitted by JSD Inc. Park Board President Tim Jones said the destination should justify the journey the park district is being asked to make at Muir Park .
`` It needs to be more than it is today , '' he said of the park .
One concept is dominated by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stage , but it also would feature a variety of games like table tennis , bean bags and Connect Four .
The other concept would retain a baseball diamond as a central feature along with a sculpture walk and a stage with an outdoor movie screen .
Both concepts share a shelter , pickleball courts and fitness stations along a path .
Commissioners are being asked to share their favorite features from both concepts to be combined into a third version that would be presented at the Dec. 17 meeting .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed a negative opinion of the dog park , Ferraro said .
Discussion of the land swap will require a separate meeting that might not be scheduled until January .
While many factors still need to be considered , a land swap is expected to put a new detention pond to improve stormwater drainage within the jurisdiction of the townhouse development 's homeowners association , Jones said .
The swap also would allow the park district greater control over parking at Muir Park .
The lot that serves the park at its north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site and a different development might require that land , Jones said .
`` If they go back to 61 units , where are we going to put our parking lot ? ''
he said of Lexington Homes ' proposal .

Prospect Hts. park leaders consider what they would do if land were swapped
Prospect Heights Park District commissioners are considering potential designs for a reconfiguration of John Muir Park but have yet to discuss in detail a proposed land swap that would enable it.
Lexington Homes has made an offer to trade 0.62 acres from the former Jolly Fun House Academy site for an equal amount of park land, along with a $500,000 payment to the park district. That would allow construction of a controversial 69-unit townhouse development north of the park at 999 Oak Ave.
The townhouse proposal received preliminary approval in a 3-2 vote from Prospect Heights aldermen this month, despite opposition from surrounding property owners.
Without the land swap, Lexington Homes would resort to a backup plan for only 61 townhouses on a 5.23-acre site. The company has not formally sought city approval for that proposal.
At city meetings on the development, neighbors have strongly criticized the proposed development. And at last week's park district meeting, three residents voiced their opposition to a land swap, Executive Director Christina Ferraro said.
John Muir Park has a total of 4.5 acres. The usable land -- some 2½ to 3 acres -- features a baseball diamond, a soccer field and open space.
Though the usable space would remain the same after a land swap, the site's reconfigured shape would allow for different opportunities, as demonstrated by two conceptual drawings submitted by JSD Inc.
Park Board President Tim Jones said the destination should justify the journey the park district is being asked to make at Muir Park.
"It needs to be more than it is today," he said of the park.
One concept is dominated by a dog park and a great lawn with a stage, but it also would feature a variety of games like table tennis, bean bags and Connect Four. The other concept would retain a baseball diamond as a central feature along with a sculpture walk and a stage with an outdoor movie screen.
Both concepts share a shelter, pickleball courts and fitness stations along a path.
Commissioners are being asked to share their favorite features from both concepts to be combined into a third version that would be presented at the Dec. 17 meeting.
One resident at this week's meeting already expressed a negative opinion of the dog park, Ferraro said.
Discussion of the land swap will require a separate meeting that might not be scheduled until January.
While many factors still need to be considered, a land swap is expected to put a new detention pond to improve stormwater drainage within the jurisdiction of the townhouse development's homeowners association, Jones said.
The swap also would allow the park district greater control over parking at Muir Park. The lot that serves the park at its north end belongs to the Jolly Fun House site and a different development might require that land, Jones said.
"If they go back to 61 units, where are we going to put our parking lot?" he said of Lexington Homes' proposal.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-22--Naperville council divided on whether proposed ethics rule would improve transparency

Should elected officials in Naperville be required to disclose campaign contributions of more than $ 500 if the donor later becomes involved in an issue brought before the city council ?
A proposed ethics code amendment addressing that question has divided the city council , which held its first reading on the topic last week .
Though many council members support its purpose of increasing transparency , some expressed uncertainty over whether the measure would have the intended effect .
Among the most vocal critics of Councilwoman Theresa Sullivan 's idea is Mayor Steve Chirico , who called the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he fears the rule would suppress the participation of voters and community members and lead to undue political pressure .
`` It 's not fair , it 's not open , and it 's certainly not a way of being inclusive of the election process , '' he said .
`` We 're voted ( into office ) to vote and to make these decisions .
To make that more difficult and play this game , I think , is going to create an unethical situation . ''
The intent is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from making or accepting a donation , but rather to mitigate the influence of campaign contributions on future council decisions , said Sullivan , who introduced the concept during a meeting in September .
State law already requires candidates to report their campaign finances .
The proposed code amendment , Sullivan said , would simply ensure the public is aware of any prior financial support given to a council member by a donor who later becomes involved in city business as a petitioner , opponent , development partner or other interested party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're missing , '' she said .
The rule would take effect after the next municipal election and would apply only to campaign contributions over $ 500 that were accepted during the most recent election cycle .
The measure will be back before the council Dec. 15 , along with a proposal to make campaign contributions reported to the state accessible on the city 's website .
Sullivan initially proposed mandating that elected officials recuse themselves from matters involving a donor , a concept she later realized would `` open the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had thought about or anticipated , '' she said .
The revised version still would allow elected officials to weigh in on discussions and cast a vote as intended , Sullivan said .
And , as always , it would be up to them to decide whether the situation at hand is a conflict of interest .
Council members who backed Sullivan 's proposal said disclosing campaign information before a vote or discussion would be a positive step toward gaining public trust .
`` To me , it 's a common-sense effort ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground up for other layers of government , '' Councilman Patrick Kelly said .
`` I think it 's really meant to be a pretty easy and straightforward proposal here , so hopefully it can be handled that way . ''
But others said they believe following and enforcing the rule would become a logistical headache .
Councilman Kevin Coyne called the measure a `` political gotcha '' and questioned how officials can be expected to remember each donor and the amount they contributed .
And regardless of intent , how would they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclose that information before a vote or discussion ?
Chirico said he disagreed `` with the entire premise of why we 're doing this . ''
`` I look at this as a classic example of a solution in search of a problem , '' he said .

Should elected officials in Naperville be required to disclose campaign contributions of more than $500 if the donor later becomes involved in an issue brought before the city council?
A proposed ethics code amendment addressing that question has divided the city council, which held its first reading on the topic last week. Though many council members support its purpose of increasing transparency, some expressed uncertainty over whether the measure would have the intended effect.
Among the most vocal critics of Councilwoman Theresa Sullivan's idea is Mayor Steve Chirico, who called the proposal "riddled with problems." He said he fears the rule would suppress the participation of voters and community members and lead to undue political pressure.
"It's not fair, it's not open, and it's certainly not a way of being inclusive of the election process," he said. "We're voted (into office) to vote and to make these decisions. To make that more difficult and play this game, I think, is going to create an unethical situation."
The intent is not to punish, shame or discourage anyone from making or accepting a donation, but rather to mitigate the influence of campaign contributions on future council decisions, said Sullivan, who introduced the concept during a meeting in September.
State law already requires candidates to report their campaign finances. The proposed code amendment, Sullivan said, would simply ensure the public is aware of any prior financial support given to a council member by a donor who later becomes involved in city business as a petitioner, opponent, development partner or other interested party.
"That's a level of transparency we're missing," she said.
The rule would take effect after the next municipal election and would apply only to campaign contributions over $500 that were accepted during the most recent election cycle. The measure will be back before the council Dec. 15, along with a proposal to make campaign contributions reported to the state accessible on the city's website.
Sullivan initially proposed mandating that elected officials recuse themselves from matters involving a donor, a concept she later realized would "open the door to way more unintended consequences than I had thought about or anticipated," she said.
The revised version still would allow elected officials to weigh in on discussions and cast a vote as intended, Sullivan said. And, as always, it would be up to them to decide whether the situation at hand is a conflict of interest.
Council members who backed Sullivan's proposal said disclosing campaign information before a vote or discussion would be a positive step toward gaining public trust.
"To me, it's a common-sense effort ... to show a good example from the ground up for other layers of government," Councilman Patrick Kelly said. "I think it's really meant to be a pretty easy and straightforward proposal here, so hopefully it can be handled that way."
But others said they believe following and enforcing the rule would become a logistical headache.
Councilman Kevin Coyne called the measure a "political gotcha" and questioned how officials can be expected to remember each donor and the amount they contributed. And regardless of intent, how would they be held accountable if they fail to disclose that information before a vote or discussion?
Chirico said he disagreed "with the entire premise of why we're doing this."
"I look at this as a classic example of a solution in search of a problem," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Feder: ABC 7's Cheryl Scott forecasts Great Lakes in peril

ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 is teaming with National Geographic to produce a five-part series on the fight to save the Great @ @ @ @ @ .
ABC 7 meteorologist Cheryl Scott and scientists from National Geographic will present `` So @ @ @ @ @ on successive Tuesdays , starting this week .
Episodes will stream live on ABC 7 @ @ @ @ @ Amazon Fire TV , Android TV , Apple TV and Roku .
`` Whether for @ @ @ @ @ , Chicagoans know the value of the Great Lakes , but may be unaware of @ @ @ @ @ Scott said .
`` In our series with National Geographic , we get the chance @ @ @ @ @ from climate change to pollution , revealing the impact on one of our greatest natural @ @ @ @ @ how we can work together to protect , save and keep our lakes great .
@ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: ABC 7's Cheryl Scott forecasts Great Lakes in peril
ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 is teaming with National Geographic to produce a five-part series on the fight to save the Great Lakes, Robert Feder writes.
ABC 7 meteorologist Cheryl Scott and scientists from National Geographic will present "So Great, So Fragile" on successive Tuesdays, starting this week.
Episodes will stream live on ABC 7's connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.
"Whether for recreational use or drinking water, Chicagoans know the value of the Great Lakes, but may be unaware of factors threatening them," Scott said. "In our series with National Geographic, we get the chance to dig deeper on everything from climate change to pollution, revealing the impact on one of our greatest natural resources. We also show how we can work together to protect, save and keep our lakes great."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


US-Pres-Sum,100

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

US-Pres-Sum,100
Trump 73,794,975 - 47 percent
Has won 25 states with 232 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Others 2,675,503 - 2 percent
Has won 0 states with 0 ev.
Leads in 0 states with 0 ev.
Needed to win: 270 of the 538 electoral votes (ev) from
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Speedboat taking migrants to Greece partially sinks; 1 dead

ATHENS , Greece -- A speedboat that appeared to have been smuggling migrants to the Greek island of Rhodes from @ @ @ @ @ reaching land , leaving one person dead , Greece 's coast guard said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ it received information about the speedboat near the northwestern coast of Rhodes on Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ been on board were found safe on the nearby shore , while the body of @ @ @ @ @ The survivors told authorities that a total of 14 people had been on board the @ @ @ @ @ guard patrol boats were searching the area in case of others who might have been @ @ @ @ @ one of the most popular routes into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and @ @ @ @ @ and the Middle East .

Speedboat taking migrants to Greece partially sinks; 1 dead
Firefighters retrieve the body of a migrant from the beach after a shipwreck on the island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Greece's coast guard says a speedboat that appeared to have been smuggling migrants to the island of Rhodes from nearby Turkey partially sank before reaching land Monday, leaving one person dead. (Argyris Mantikos/Eurokinissi via AP) Associated Press
ATHENS, Greece -- A speedboat that appeared to have been smuggling migrants to the Greek island of Rhodes from nearby Turkey partially sank before reaching land, leaving one person dead, Greece's coast guard said Monday.
The coast guard said it received information about the speedboat near the northwestern coast of Rhodes on Monday morning. Thirteen people who had been on board were found safe on the nearby shore, while the body of one man was recovered.
The survivors told authorities that 14 people had been on the speedboat. However, coast guard patrol boats were searching the area in case more people might have been on board.
Greece remains one of the most popular routes into the 27-nation European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-11-23--Tim Melia shuts out San Jose in shootout for Sporting KC

KANSAS CITY , Kan. -- Tim Melia stopped all three of San Jose 's shootout attempts and Sporting Kansas City converted all of its tries to beat the Earthquakes on Sunday after they finished overtime tied at 3 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs .
Gianluca Busio scored in the first minute of stoppage time to give Sporting Kansas City a 3-2 lead , but Chris Wondolowski scored about six minutes later , heading home a high cross to the far post by Cristian Espinoza to force extra time .
In the shootout , Johnny Russell opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped Oswaldo AlanÃs , and Ilie SÃ¡nchez connected for Sporting .
Jackson Yueill was stopped , Khiry Shelton scored , and Melia stopped Espinoza to end it .
The 34-year old Melia is 6-0 in shootouts .
Kansas City 's Roger Espinoza opened the scoring in the fourth minute .
Carlos Fierro answered in the 22nd , and Shea Salinas scored in the 34th minute to give the Earthquakes a 2-1 lead .
SÃ¡nchez tied it off a corner kick in the 47th .
ST. PAUL , Minn. -- Kevin Molino scored two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota beat Colorado for its first playoff victory in franchise history .
Fourth-seeded Minnesota is unbeaten in its last nine games .
Molino also scored twice in Minnesota 's 3-0 victory over Dallas in the regular-season finale .

Tim Melia shuts out San Jose in shootout for Sporting KC
Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after winning an MLS soccer match against the San Jose Earthquakes with a penalty kick in overtime Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Kansas City, Kan. Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Tim Melia stopped all three of San Jose's shootout attempts and Sporting Kansas City converted all of its tries to beat the Earthquakes on Sunday after they finished overtime tied at 3 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Top-seeded Sporting advanced to face No. 4 Minnesota.
Gianluca Busio scored in the first minute of stoppage time to give Sporting Kansas City a 3-2 lead, but Chris Wondolowski scored about six minutes later, heading home a high cross to the far post by Cristian Espinoza to force extra time.
In the shootout, Johnny Russell opened the tiebreaker with a goal, Melia stopped Oswaldo Alanís, and Ilie Sánchez connected for Sporting. Jackson Yueill was stopped, Khiry Shelton scored, and Melia stopped Espinoza to end it. The 34-year old Melia is 6-0 in shootouts.
Kansas City's Roger Espinoza opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Carlos Fierro answered in the 22nd, and Shea Salinas scored in the 34th minute to give the Earthquakes a 2-1 lead. Sánchez tied it off a corner kick in the 47th.
FC DALLAS 1, TIMBERS 1 (FC DALLAS ADVANCES 8-7 ON PENALTIES)
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Jimmy Maurer saved Jorge Villafana's shootout attempt and FC Dallas advanced 8-7 on penalty kicks after a draw with Portland.
Dallas will face the winner of Tuesday night's match between the defending champion Seattle Sounders and LAFC in the Western Conference semifinals.
Villafana scored in the 81st minute to give Portland the lead, but 17-year-old Ricardo Pepi's goal three minutes into stoppage time sent the match to extra time.
Diego Valeri nearly scored at the end of extra time for the Timbers, but his shot hit the far post. Valeri got his 100th assist across all competitions on Villafana's goal.
MINNESOTA UNITED 3, RAPIDS 0
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Kevin Molino scored two goals, Robin Lod added another and Minnesota beat Colorado for its first playoff victory in franchise history.
Fourth-seeded Minnesota is unbeaten in its last nine games.
Molino also scored twice in Minnesota's 3-0 victory over Dallas in the regular-season finale.
___
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