dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--No. 2 Baylor beats Texas 69-53 for 58th straight Big 12 win

WACO , Texas -- Te ' a Cooper scored 20 points , fourth-year senior Lauren Cox had 17 and Big 12 champion Baylor extended its record winning streak to 58 regular-season conference games , with the No .
2 Lady Bears beating Texas 69-53 on Thursday night .
Baylor ( 28-1 , 17-0 Big 12 ) also won its 56th straight game at the Ferrell Center , where in two weeks it will host its NCAA Tournament opener .
Cox also had 12 rebounds for her 36th career double-double .
NaLyssa Smith also had a double-double with 13 points and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points for the Longhorns ( 18-11 , 10-7 ) , who had won three of their previous four games .
The win clinched at least a share of the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference championship for the Lady Bears ( 25-4 , 15-2 ) as well as the top seed into next week 's conference tournament .
Grace White led the Crusaders ( 16-12 , 8-9 ) with 18 points and Ella Ellenson added 12 .
LAS VEGAS -- Freshman Cailyn Crocker scored all 20 of her points in the second half , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left , and 12th-seeded California rallied to shock fifth-seeded Arizona State in the opening game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament .
Jaelyn Brown scored 15 of her 22 points in the second half for the Golden Bears ( 12-18 ) , who lost to the Sun Devils 77-54 the last week of the regular season and trailed by 15 points late in the first half and by 11 late in the third quarter .
Cal advances to play No .
13 and fourth-seeded Arizona in the first quarterfinal on Friday .
Reili Richardson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 20-11 ) , Robbi Ryan added 14 and Ja'Tavia Tapley scored 13 .
GREENVILLE , S.C. -- Alexis Tolefree scored 11 of her 30 points the second quarter , and Arkansas beat Auburn in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament .
Tolefree finished 7 of 15 from 3-point range and Chelsea Dungee was 5 of 8 and scored 23 points as Arkansas knocked down 17 of 42 .
Fifth-seeded Arkansas ( 23-7 ) will face 15th-ranked and No .
4 seed Texas A & M on Friday .
The Razorbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Jan. 2 .
Unique Thompson had 12 points and 15 rebounds , her 22nd double-double of the season for Auburn ( 11-18 ) .

No. 2 Baylor beats Texas 69-53 for 58th straight Big 12 win
Texas guard Lashann Higgs (10) drives the lane between Baylor guards Te'a Cooper (4) and Juicy Landrum (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Waco, Texas. Associated Press
WACO, Texas -- Te'a Cooper scored 20 points, fourth-year senior Lauren Cox had 17 and Big 12 champion Baylor extended its record winning streak to 58 regular-season conference games, with the No. 2 Lady Bears beating Texas 69-53 on Thursday night.
Baylor (28-1, 17-0 Big 12) also won its 56th straight game at the Ferrell Center, where in two weeks it will host its NCAA Tournament opener.
Cox also had 12 rebounds for her 36th career double-double. NaLyssa Smith also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Audrey Warren scored 10 points for the Longhorns (18-11, 10-7), who had won three of their previous four games.
NO. 14 OREGON STATE 82, WASHINGTON STATE 55
LAS VEGAS -- Kat Tudor scored 24 points and Mikayla Pivec scored 17 and Oregon State trounced Washington State in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference Tournament.
Oregon State (23-8), seeded sixth, advanced to play No. 3-seed and seventh-ranked Stanford on Friday. The Beavers have won four straight following a four-game skid.
Washington State (11-20) entered the tournament as the 11th seed. They end the season having lost eight straight.
Borislava Hristova led the Cougars with 19 points and Motuga and Chanelle Molina scored 10 each.
NO. 23 MISSOURI STATE 85, VALPARAISO 70
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Brice Calip and Alexa Willard scored 17 points apiece and Missouri State beat Valparaiso.
The win clinched at least a share of the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference championship for the Lady Bears (25-4, 15-2) as well as the top seed into next week's conference tournament.
Grace White led the Crusaders (16-12, 8-9) with 18 points and Ella Ellenson added 12.
CALIFORNIA 71, NO. 24 ARIZONA STATE 67
LAS VEGAS -- Freshman Cailyn Crocker scored all 20 of her points in the second half, including two clinching free throws with 1.6 seconds left, and 12th-seeded California rallied to shock fifth-seeded Arizona State in the opening game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament.
Jaelyn Brown scored 15 of her 22 points in the second half for the Golden Bears (12-18), who lost to the Sun Devils 77-54 the last week of the regular season and trailed by 15 points late in the first half and by 11 late in the third quarter.
Cal advances to play No. 13 and fourth-seeded Arizona in the first quarterfinal on Friday.
Reili Richardson had 20 points for the Sun Devils (20-11), Robbi Ryan added 14 and Ja'Tavia Tapley scored 13.
NO. 25 ARKANSAS 90, AUBURN 68
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Alexis Tolefree scored 11 of her 30 points the second quarter, and Arkansas beat Auburn in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Tolefree finished 7 of 15 from 3-point range and Chelsea Dungee was 5 of 8 and scored 23 points as Arkansas knocked down 17 of 42.
Fifth-seeded Arkansas (23-7) will face 15th-ranked and No. 4 seed Texas A&M on Friday. The Razorbacks lost the first meeting this season 84-77 on Jan. 2.
Unique Thompson had 12 points and 15 rebounds, her 22nd double-double of the season for Auburn (11-18).
___
More AP women's basketball: https://apnews.com/Womenscollegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Streaking Flyers beat Carolina 4-1 for 8th straight win

PHILADELPHIA -- The label has a nice ring to it around Philly : The first-place Flyers .
It 's a tie , for now , in the Metropolitan Division and it 's still March , but for a franchise that 15 months ago was nestled at the bottom of the standings and fired their coach , their GM , and ran through goalies like dirty laundry , the Flyers will enjoy their moment in the top spot .
`` It 's quite normal for everybody to be excited , '' coach Alain Vigneault said .
`` Players , coaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I mean , this is great hockey .
The competition is unreal and we 're play well , right now .
Everybody should be excited . ''
Carter Hart stopped 28 shots and four players scored to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to their eighth straight win , 4-1 over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night .
Ivan Provorov , Michael Raffl , Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Sean Couturier scored for the Flyers , who continued their scorching turnaround from last season and won their 24th home game ( 24-5-4 ) .
They won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitals 5-2 and have positioned themselves as a serious threat to make run in the Eastern Conference playoffs .
The Flyers moved into a tie for first place in the Metropolitan with the Capitals , who lost 6-5 in overtime to the New York Rangers .
The Flyers , who tied a franchise record with 10 wins in February , have been one of the best teams in the league the last three months and have fans in Philly excited about hockey again .
They have scored at least four goals in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They play right .
That 's how you win , '' Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said .
They suffered a bit of a blow with forward James van Riemsdyk expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken right hand , suffered blocking a shot Wednesday night .
He could be back in time for the playoffs .
Van Riemsdyk has 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points in 65 games this season .
He has been on the Flyers ' third line during their winning streak to vault them up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players , them understanding what it takes to go on the ice and play the winning way and going out there and executing and doing it , '' Vigneault said .
`` I believe that a lot of these guys want to prove that they can be successful , they can win .
And that 's what we 're all trying to do right now .
Every one of us is pushing in the same direction . ''
A night after veteran Brian Elliott stopped 25 shots , the 21-year-old Hart was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season .
Hart has been healthy and stabilized the position a season after the Flyers started eight goalies and missed the playoffs .
`` We 've used both our goaltenders in big , hard stretches and they 've both performed well for us , '' Vigneault said .
`` In Carter 's case , he 's progressed as any young player should .
In Brian , we 've got a veteran player that 's been through a lot that is good for our group .
He 's good for Carter but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Provorov made it 1-0 in the first when he shot a slapper from the circle into Alex Nedeljkovic 's stomach and swooped down glove side to knock in the rebound .
Raffl scored his eighth goal of the season in the second period off a nice give-and-go with Tyler Pitlick .
The Hurricanes sliced it to 2-1 on Justin Williams ' fourth goal of the season early in the third .
No worries these days for the Flyers ; Aube-Kubel and Couturier scored only 26 seconds apart to blow the game open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead or tied after two periods .
`` That 's huge to retaliate like that and respond , '' Hart said .
`` It just shows how dialed in everyone is right now .
Everybody is chipping in .
We have all four lines rolling and all three D pairs playing really good hockey right now . ''
NOTES : F Joel Farabee was recalled from the minors to replace van Riemsdyk .
... Hurricanes D Brett Pesce is recovering from right shoulder surgery that is expected to keep him out the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snider Youth Hockey Foundation , founded in 2005 by late Flyers founder Ed Snider , is set to honor 300 academic All-Stars from the program on Saturday .
Snider Hockey promotes life skills and hockey through after-school , recreational and other educational activities .
...
The Flyers did not commit a penalty in the game for just the seventh time in franchise history .
Carolina plays Saturday at the New York Islanders .

Streaking Flyers beat Carolina 4-1 for 8th straight win
Philadelphia Flyers' Travis Konecny (11) cannot get the puck past Carolina Hurricanes' Alex Nedeljkovic (39) as Haydn Fleury (4) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Carolina Hurricanes' Brady Skjei (76) tries to keep away from Philadelphia Flyers' Claude Giroux (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Carolina Hurricanes' Jaccob Slavin, left, tries to keep away from Philadelphia Flyers' Sean Couturier during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Philadelphia Flyers' Michael Raffl, left, scores a goal against Carolina Hurricanes' Alex Nedeljkovic during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Philadelphia Flyers' Michael Raffl (12) skates past Carolina Hurricanes' Alex Nedeljkovic (39) after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Provorov celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- The label has a nice ring to it around Philly: The first-place Flyers.
It's a tie, for now, in the Metropolitan Division and it's still March, but for a franchise that 15 months ago was nestled at the bottom of the standings and fired their coach, their GM, and ran through goalies like dirty laundry, the Flyers will enjoy their moment in the top spot.
"It's quite normal for everybody to be excited," coach Alain Vigneault said. "Players, coaches, fans, Flyers fans, hockey fans. I mean, this is great hockey. The competition is unreal and we're play well, right now. Everybody should be excited."
Carter Hart stopped 28 shots and four players scored to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to their eighth straight win, 4-1 over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.
Ivan Provorov, Michael Raffl, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Sean Couturier scored for the Flyers, who continued their scorching turnaround from last season and won their 24th home game (24-5-4). They won on consecutive nights after beating the Washington Capitals 5-2 and have positioned themselves as a serious threat to make run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Flyers moved into a tie for first place in the Metropolitan with the Capitals, who lost 6-5 in overtime to the New York Rangers.
The Flyers, who tied a franchise record with 10 wins in February, have been one of the best teams in the league the last three months and have fans in Philly excited about hockey again. They have scored at least four goals in each game of their winning streak.
"They play right. That's how you win," Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said.
They suffered a bit of a blow with forward James van Riemsdyk expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken right hand, suffered blocking a shot Wednesday night. He could be back in time for the playoffs. Van Riemsdyk has 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points in 65 games this season. He has been on the Flyers' third line during their winning streak to vault them up the standings.
"Credit goes to the players, them understanding what it takes to go on the ice and play the winning way and going out there and executing and doing it," Vigneault said. "I believe that a lot of these guys want to prove that they can be successful, they can win. And that's what we're all trying to do right now. Every one of us is pushing in the same direction."
A night after veteran Brian Elliott stopped 25 shots, the 21-year-old Hart was sensational again and earned his 23rd win of the season. Hart has been healthy and stabilized the position a season after the Flyers started eight goalies and missed the playoffs.
"We've used both our goaltenders in big, hard stretches and they've both performed well for us," Vigneault said. "In Carter's case, he's progressed as any young player should. In Brian, we've got a veteran player that's been through a lot that is good for our group. He's good for Carter but he's good for our group."
Provorov made it 1-0 in the first when he shot a slapper from the circle into Alex Nedeljkovic's stomach and swooped down glove side to knock in the rebound. Raffl scored his eighth goal of the season in the second period off a nice give-and-go with Tyler Pitlick.
The Hurricanes sliced it to 2-1 on Justin Williams' fourth goal of the season early in the third. No worries these days for the Flyers; Aube-Kubel and Couturier scored only 26 seconds apart to blow the game open and the Flyers improved to 38-0-3 when ahead or tied after two periods.
"That's huge to retaliate like that and respond," Hart said. "It just shows how dialed in everyone is right now. Everybody is chipping in. We have all four lines rolling and all three D pairs playing really good hockey right now."
NOTES: F Joel Farabee was recalled from the minors to replace van Riemsdyk. ... Hurricanes D Brett Pesce is recovering from right shoulder surgery that is expected to keep him out the rest of the season. ... The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, founded in 2005 by late Flyers founder Ed Snider, is set to honor 300 academic All-Stars from the program on Saturday. Snider Hockey promotes life skills and hockey through after-school, recreational and other educational activities. ... The Flyers did not commit a penalty in the game for just the seventh time in franchise history.
UP NEXT
Carolina plays Saturday at the New York Islanders.
The Flyers host Buffalo on Saturday.
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--'More than 100' being monitored after exposure to coronavirus patients in Arlington Heights

More than 100 people are being monitored for signs of coronavirus infection after they had contact with a man treated at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights or his wife , who also contracted the disease .
Among those being monitored are health care workers and people who had community contacts with the couple , who are doing well , health authorities said .
`` All of those individuals are tracked , '' Cook County Department of Public Health Senior Medical Officer Kirin Joshi said at a briefing organized by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin , a Democrat from Springfield .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily contact with the individuals by email or phone .
He could not immediately say how many were self-quarantined .
Some of them live outside Cook County .
`` It 's a regional response , '' Joshi said , `` because some of these folks live in neighboring jurisdictions . ''
The couple , both in their 70s , had traveled to another state with evidence of community transmissions of the coronavirus , officials said .
The man became ill and his wife was infected from him .
The man was hospitalized over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had been released .
His wife did not require hospitalization but was recovering in isolation at home , where her husband has joined her .
There are five confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Illinois .
In addition to the Cook County husband and wife , another married couple contracted the disease in January and are doing well , authorities said .
A fifth case -- involving a Cook County man in his 20s who had traveled to Italy -- was released Friday from Rush University Medical Center after a day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working closely with public health officials and has determined that the patient is able to begin recovery under quarantine at home .
The patient still is showing symptoms but no longer requires hospitalization , '' a hospital statement said .
Before the briefing started , officials greeted each other smilingly by bumping elbows , instead of shaking hands , something Americans should adopt to avoid infection , advised Centers for Disease Control expert Jay Butler .
`` We have some suspicions the virus can survive for a short period of time on certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , so there 's an opportunity for hands to become contaminated , which is why we have so much emphasis on hand washing , '' said Butler , CDC deputy director for infectious diseases .
At the briefing held at the Illinois Medical District , Durbin said one positive was that Congress passed an $ 8 billion package to help combat the disease in a bipartisan manner .
Nearly $ 15 million will go to Illinois .
`` The bottom line is it 's a good start , '' Durbin said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be pessimistic , but be realistic and take it seriously . ''
`` Be prepared , do n't be scared , '' Butler said .
The death rate among people over age 80 is at 20 % , Butler said , while in the general population it 's currently estimated at about 1 % .
`` What we know about this virus is that it 's most likely transmitted by respiratory droplets , which means things projected when we cough or sneeze , '' Butler said .
Asked how uninsured or uninsured people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he asked Vice President Mike Pence , who heads a coronavirus task force .
The Trump administration `` wants to make the testing affordable to everyone , '' Durbin said , adding he did n't have any more details .
Easy precautions to reduce infection include : avoid shaking hands ; staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with people who are ill ; not touching your mouth , eyes and nose ; covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough with a tissue and throwing the tissue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are frequently touched in the house .

'More than 100' being monitored after exposure to coronavirus patients in Arlington Heights
A man in his 70s infected with coronavirus was a patient at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights earlier this week. Health authorities are monitoring more than 100 people who were in close contact with the man and his wife, who also tested positive. Daily Herald file photo
More than 100 people are being monitored for signs of coronavirus infection after they had contact with a man treated at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights or his wife, who also contracted the disease.
Among those being monitored are health care workers and people who had community contacts with the couple, who are doing well, health authorities said.
"All of those individuals are tracked," Cook County Department of Public Health Senior Medical Officer Kirin Joshi said at a briefing organized by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield.
He said the health department is in daily contact with the individuals by email or phone. He could not immediately say how many were self-quarantined. Some of them live outside Cook County.
"It's a regional response," Joshi said, "because some of these folks live in neighboring jurisdictions."
The couple, both in their 70s, had traveled to another state with evidence of community transmissions of the coronavirus, officials said. The man became ill and his wife was infected from him.
The man was hospitalized over the weekend and Northwest Community announced Thursday he had been released. His wife did not require hospitalization but was recovering in isolation at home, where her husband will join her.
There are six confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Illinois. In addition to the Cook County husband and wife, another married couple contracted the disease in January and are doing well, authorities said.
A fifth case -- involving a Cook County man in his 20s who traveled to Italy -- was released Friday from Rush University Medical Center after a day in hospital.
Rush "has been working closely with public health officials and has determined that the patient is able to begin recovery under quarantine at home. The patient still is showing symptoms but no longer requires hospitalization," a hospital statement said.
And Chicago officials as well as Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday afternoon announced a sixth case -- a Chicago woman in her 50s who was on the Grand Princess cruise ship now being held at bay off San Francisco. She is a special education classroom assistant at Vaughn Occupational High School in the city.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson said classes at Vaughn would be canceled next week as a precaution. CPS is asking staff that may have been exposed to the virus to self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
The Chicago Department of Public Health will be reaching out to students and their families individually, health officials said.
Before the earlier Friday briefing started, officials greeted each other by bumping elbows, instead of shaking hands, something Americans should adopt to avoid infection, advised Centers for Disease Control expert Jay Butler.
"We have some suspicions the virus can survive for a short period of time on certain surfaces, probably in the order of minutes, so there's an opportunity for hands to become contaminated, which is why we have so much emphasis on hand washing," said Butler, CDC deputy director for infectious diseases.
At the briefing held at the Illinois Medical District, Durbin said one positive was that Congress passed an $8 billion package to help combat the disease in a bipartisan manner. Nearly $15 million will go to Illinois.
"The bottom line is it's a good start," Durbin said.
"Don't panic, don't be pessimistic, but be realistic and take it seriously," Durbin said.
"Be prepared, don't be scared," Butler said.
The death rate among people over age 80 is at 20%, Butler said, while in the general population it's currently estimated at about 1%.
"What we know about this virus is that it's most likely transmitted by respiratory droplets, which means things projected when we cough or sneeze," Butler said.
Asked how uninsured or uninsured people can afford coronavirus care, Durbin said he asked Vice President Mike Pence, who heads a coronavirus task force.
The Trump administration "wants to make the testing affordable to everyone," Durbin said, adding he didn't have any more details.
Easy precautions to reduce infection include: avoid shaking hands; staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with people who are ill; not touching your mouth, eyes and nose; cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough with a tissue and throw the tissue in the garbage; clean objects that are frequently touched in the house.
• ABC 7 Chicago contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Rivers Casino sportsbook will take state's first legal sports bet on Monday

The BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines will open for business Monday , becoming the first sportsbook in Illinois to accept a legal bet , officials announced .
BetRivers will open at noon , following a 10 a.m. ceremony at the casino , 3000 S. River Road .
Chicago Blackhawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk is slated to make the first sports bet , casino spokesman Patrick Skarr said .
Gamblers at Rivers will be able to place bets on American professional and collegiate sporting events , as well as some international athletic contests , Skarr said .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betting on some Illinois collegiate teams will be restricted .
Gambling on horse racing wo n't be allowed at Illinois sportsbooks , either .
The Rivers sportsbook 's opening comes in time for the college basketball tournament season -- a popular event for sports bettors .
Conference tournaments are underway now and the NCAA tournament begins March 17 .
The BetRivers Sportsbook features a 4,840-square-foot sports bar with a 47-foot-wide video wall .
There will be five betting windows and 30 kiosks .
Televisions will be found throughout the lounge , too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BetRivers will launch the BetRivers.com site and mobile app later this year .
`` We 're excited to add this top-flight amenity to what is already a premier destination , '' said Bill Carstanjen , CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. , the company that co-owns Rivers .
Sports gambling was legalized last June when Illinois lawmakers approved the gambling expansion bill , which included new casinos , sports betting and other additions .
Under that bill , casinos , race tracks and sports facilities that seat more than 17,000 people -- such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also be eligible to buy sports betting licenses under the bill , making Illinois one of about a dozen states to legalize the practice after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed it .
Revenues raised from the new casinos , the selling of sports betting licenses , and a higher tax on video gambling machines would go toward funding the vertical components of a long-term capital infrastructure plan , such as state building renovations .
Sports betting licenses would range from $ 3.2 million to $ 20 million and be offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with taxes of 15 % .
Six casinos in Illinois have applied for sports betting licenses .
In the Chicago area , a sportsbook is under construction at Hollywood Casino Aurora , but an opening date has n't been announced , an employee said Friday .
The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin has been granted a temporary sports betting permit .
A representative could n't be reached Friday to discuss plans .

Rivers Casino sportsbook will take state's first legal sports bet on Monday
BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines will open for business Monday. Mark Welsh/Daily Herald file photo
The BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines will open for business Monday, becoming the first sportsbook in Illinois to accept a legal bet, officials announced.
BetRivers will open at noon, following a 10 a.m. ceremony at the casino, 3000 S. River Road.
Chicago Blackhawks TV analyst Eddie Olczyk is slated to make the first sports bet, casino spokesman Patrick Skarr said.
Gamblers at Rivers will be able to place bets on American professional and collegiate sporting events, as well as some international athletic contests, Skarr said.
Under the terms of the state law, betting on some Illinois collegiate teams will be restricted. Gambling on horse racing won't be allowed at Illinois sportsbooks, either.
The Rivers sportsbook's opening comes in time for the college basketball tournament season -- a popular event for sports bettors. Conference tournaments are underway now and the NCAA tournament begins March 17.
The BetRivers Sportsbook features a 4,840-square-foot sports bar with a 47-foot-wide video wall. There will be five betting windows and 30 kiosks.
Televisions will be found throughout the lounge, too, and a full-service bar will serve patrons.
BetRivers will launch the BetRivers.com site and mobile app later this year.
"We're excited to add this top-flight amenity to what is already a premier destination," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., the company that co-owns Rivers.
Sports gambling was legalized last June when Illinois lawmakers approved the gambling expansion bill, which included new casinos, sports betting and other additions.
Under that bill, casinos, race tracks and sports facilities that seat more than 17,000 people -- such as Wrigley Field or United Center -- would also be eligible to buy sports betting licenses under the bill, making Illinois one of about a dozen states to legalize the practice after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed it.
Revenues raised from the new casinos, the selling of sports betting licenses, and a higher tax on video gambling machines would go toward funding the vertical components of a long-term capital infrastructure plan, such as state building renovations. Sports betting licenses would range from $3.2 million to $20 million and be offered to brick-and-mortar facilities and to online operators, with taxes of 15%.
Six casinos in Illinois have applied for sports betting licenses.
In the Chicago area, a sportsbook is under construction at Hollywood Casino Aurora, but an opening date hasn't been announced, an employee said Friday.
The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin has been granted a temporary sports betting permit. A representative couldn't be reached Friday to discuss plans.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Glen Ellyn, Naperville pub owners opening new restaurant in Wheaton

After opening three pubs in the past eight years , brothers Kevin and Brian Hahn are putting a Mexican twist on the concept with their latest restaurant .
Hale Street Cantina is joining an emerging restaurant row in downtown Wheaton .
The new dining spot will fill the first floor of a former office building on Hale Street that recently was transformed by a dramatic facade renovation next to Wheaton Drama .
Set to open in mid-April , Hale Street Cantina will bring Mexican flavors to classic American bar food , a spin on the pub menu featured at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers .
The siblings opened Jackson Avenue Pub in downtown Naperville in 2012 , Main Street Pub in downtown Glen Ellyn in 2015 and Main Street Pub in downtown St. Charles in 2017 .
Chef Scott Fisher is a partner in the new Wheaton restaurant at 109 N. Hale .
He has trained with James Beard award-winner Paul Kahan at Publican on Fulton Market and Michelin award-winner Paul Virant at Vie in Western Springs , some of the area 's most high-profile chefs .
`` The trend of Mexican fare has become more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towns where our pubs are currently established , '' Kevin Hahn said in an email Friday .
`` We wanted to take a little of what we do now with the pubs and blend in Mexican American cuisine and influence . ''
Hale Street Cantina will have a rotating craft and Mexican draft beer selection .
One of Hahn 's favorite menu items ?
Coconut shrimp tacos , made with coconut fried shrimp , chopped greens , pineapple pico de gallo and a rum colada sauce .
As for sides , Mexican street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be among the options .
The patina-marked sign at the entrance ties into the `` rustic industrial feel '' of the interior , Hahn said .
More than 10 televisions around the roughly 2,750-square-foot restaurant will screen sporting events .
That vibe replicates the style of its Glen Ellyn and Naperville counterparts , masculine spaces with brick walls , reclaimed wood , Edison light bulbs and iron accents .
A Naperville native , Hahn started his career in the business managing restaurants in the city 's downtown .
`` Our main focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistency , and customer service , '' Hahn said .
`` We are very lucky to have such an excellent staff at each of our locations that work together to provide the best experience possible for our customers .
We are hoping to bring the same level of quality to downtown Wheaton with our new concept . ''
The 65-seat restaurant will join a growing dining scene on the same block as Gia Mia , Sogno , Ivy , The Burger Social and Altiro Latin Fusion .
`` Being born and raised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to frequent downtown Wheaton and see all of the new developments over the years , '' Hahn said .
`` With all of the additions and new restaurants , we thought our concept would be a great fit for the downtown area . ''

Glen Ellyn, Naperville pub owners opening new restaurant in Wheaton
The 65-seat Hale Street Cantina is opening next month in downtown Wheaton. Courtesy of Kevin Hahn
After opening three pubs in the past eight years, brothers Kevin and Brian Hahn are putting a Mexican twist on the concept with their latest restaurant.
Hale Street Cantina is joining an emerging restaurant row in downtown Wheaton. The new dining spot will fill the first floor of a former office building on Hale Street that recently was transformed by a dramatic facade renovation next to Wheaton Drama.
Set to open in mid-April, Hale Street Cantina will bring Mexican flavors to classic American bar food, a spin on the pub menu featured at the three other restaurants run by the Hahn brothers.
The siblings opened Jackson Avenue Pub in downtown Naperville in 2012, Main Street Pub in downtown Glen Ellyn in 2015 and Main Street Pub in downtown St. Charles in 2017.
Chef Scott Fisher is a partner in the new Wheaton restaurant at 109 N. Hale. He has trained with James Beard award-winner Paul Kahan at Publican on Fulton Market and Michelin award-winner Paul Virant at Vie in Western Springs, some of the area's most high-profile chefs.
"The trend of Mexican fare has become more sought after in and around the surrounding towns where our pubs are currently established," Kevin Hahn said in an email Friday. "We wanted to take a little of what we do now with the pubs and blend in Mexican American cuisine and influence."
Hale Street Cantina will have a rotating craft and Mexican draft beer selection.
One of Hahn's favorite menu items? Coconut shrimp tacos, made with coconut fried shrimp, chopped greens, pineapple pico de gallo and a rum colada sauce.
As for sides, Mexican street corn -- elote -- and Frito pie will be among the options.
The patina-marked sign at the entrance ties into the "rustic industrial feel" of the interior, Hahn said. More than 10 televisions around the roughly 2,750-square-foot restaurant will screen sporting events.
That vibe replicates the style of its Glen Ellyn and Naperville counterparts, masculine spaces with brick walls, reclaimed wood, Edison light bulbs and iron accents.
A Naperville native, Hahn started his career in the business managing restaurants in the city's downtown.
"Our main focus has always been on food quality, consistency, and customer service," Hahn said. "We are very lucky to have such an excellent staff at each of our locations that work together to provide the best experience possible for our customers. We are hoping to bring the same level of quality to downtown Wheaton with our new concept."
The 65-seat restaurant will join a growing dining scene on the same block as Gia Mia, Sogno, Ivy, The Burger Social and Altiro Latin Fusion.
"Being born and raised in Naperville, we have had the opportunity to frequent downtown Wheaton and see all of the new developments over the years," Hahn said. "With all of the additions and new restaurants, we thought our concept would be a great fit for the downtown area."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Watch: Emotional walkout ceremony sends Barrington fire chief into retirement

An emotional walkout ceremony capped Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie 's career as he headed into retirement Friday .
Suburban fire chiefs , Barrington Village President Karen Darch and many others gathered at the public safety building on Northwest Highway to bid farewell to Arie , 64 , who led the fire department since 2003 .
In one poignant moment , a visibly touched Arie conducted a final inspection of Barrington firefighters in their dress blues while a bagpiper played .
Waukegan Fire Chief George Bridges Jr. gave a `` last order '' to Arie that prompted a standing ovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief James Arie , with our thanks and appreciation , you are relieved of duty from the Barrington Fire Department , '' Bridges said .
Before the ceremony , Arie said the highlights of his time as fire chief varied from major calls to `` the special little experiences . ''
`` The fact that there are people in Barrington who are alive today as a direct result of the lifesaving efforts of Barrington firefighter/paramedics is special beyond words , '' he said .
`` I am so proud of our BFD personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients .
They make a difference in the lives of others every day , and they directly contribute to the quality of life in Barrington .
`` On a different level , it 's pretty gratifying to see the children waving at us in the parades .
When we have our annual open house in October , it 's a special experience to see the little ones get to use a fire hose , or get a hug or a high-five from Sparky the Fire Dog .
To see a child 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrington officials credited Arie for his leadership in public safety and promoting the need for a Northwest Highway underpass at the Canadian National Railway tracks near Lake Zurich Road .
He stressed how the underpass would eliminate train blockages for ambulances trying to reach Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital from Barrington 's southeast side .
Arie was the Frankfort Fire Protection District 's deputy chief when Barrington hired him for the top post in 2003 .
He started his career as a firefighter and paramedic in Urbana in 1976 .
He said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters not only get along while headquartered under one roof at the public safety building but also have a strong working relationship .
He pointed to ties developed with other fire departments , Barrington Area Unit District 220 and civic organizations .
Arie said a low point was when the village split with the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District in January 2014 .
After several years of working together to provide fire service for a 48-square-mile area , the divorce was caused by disagreements over the district wanting higher staffing levels and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern over rising pension obligations .
He 's still grateful for how the community turned out in mid-December after he asked to pack the downtown Barrington Metra station platform in a show of support for seriously ill children who passed through on Operation North Pole 's special `` Polar Express '' train .
`` The people in Barrington are special , '' Arie said .
Police Chief David Dorn is serving as acting fire chief .
Village Manager Scott Anderson said it 's hoped a new fire chief is in place by mid-June @

Watch: Emotional walkout ceremony sends Barrington fire chief into retirement
An emotional walkout ceremony capped Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie's career as he headed into retirement Friday.
Suburban fire chiefs, Barrington Village President Karen Darch and many others gathered at the public safety building on Northwest Highway to bid farewell to Arie, 64, who led the fire department since 2003.
In one poignant moment, a visibly touched Arie conducted a final inspection of Barrington firefighters in their dress blues while a bagpiper played. Waukegan Fire Chief George Bridges Jr. gave a "last order" to Arie that prompted a standing ovation from about 150 in attendance.
"Chief James Arie, with our thanks and appreciation, you are relieved of duty from the Barrington Fire Department," Bridges said.
Before the ceremony, Arie said the highlights of his time as fire chief varied from major calls to "the special little experiences."
"The fact that there are people in Barrington who are alive today as a direct result of the lifesaving efforts of Barrington firefighter/paramedics is special beyond words," he said. "I am so proud of our BFD personnel. They don't just take care of patients. They make a difference in the lives of others every day, and they directly contribute to the quality of life in Barrington.
"On a different level, it's pretty gratifying to see the children waving at us in the parades. When we have our annual open house in October, it's a special experience to see the little ones get to use a fire hose, or get a hug or a high-five from Sparky the Fire Dog. To see a child's face light up is unforgettable."
Barrington officials credited Arie for his leadership in public safety and promoting the need for a Northwest Highway underpass at the Canadian National Railway tracks near Lake Zurich Road. He stressed how the underpass would eliminate train blockages for ambulances trying to reach Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital from Barrington's southeast side.
Arie was the Frankfort Fire Protection District's deputy chief when Barrington hired him for the top post in 2003. He started his career as a firefighter and paramedic in Urbana in 1976.
He said he was proud of how the Barrington police and firefighters not only get along while headquartered under one roof at the public safety building but also have a strong working relationship. He pointed to ties developed with other fire departments, Barrington Area Unit District 220 and civic organizations.
Arie said a low point was when the village split with the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District in January 2014. After several years of working together to provide fire service for a 48-square-mile area, the divorce was caused by disagreements over the district wanting higher staffing levels and the village unwilling to go along because of concern over rising pension obligations.
He's still grateful for how the community turned out in mid-December after he asked to pack the downtown Barrington Metra station platform in a show of support for seriously ill children who passed through on Operation North Pole's special "Polar Express" train.
"The people in Barrington are special," Arie said.
Police Chief David Dorn is serving as acting fire chief. Village Manager Scott Anderson said it's hoped a new fire chief is in place by mid-June.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Grandma's remedy may not hurt, but here's what you really need to beat the coronavirus

Grandma 's signature herbal concoctions might offer some comfort when combating a cough , cold or malaise , but they 're not a cure for the coronavirus , experts warn .
An `` infodemic '' of unconventional treatments is circulating via social media , purporting to prevent or cure the COVID-19 illness that has infected more than 100,000 people and caused a few thousand deaths globally .
Turmeric curcumin , boiled fresh garlic water , and herbal therapies and teas are among the alternative remedies touted as miracle cures .
Scientists and suburban health experts have been debunking such claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Garlic is great for your immune system , but it 's not going to cure anything in particular , '' said Kathrine Alsop , a naturopathic doctor who teaches microbiology at College of DuPage and Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Heights .
Alsop said alternative therapies become attractive because they give people a sense of control over their health .
`` The biggest things that help your immune system are the things we already kind of know to do -- diet and exercise , eat your vegetables , fruits , lean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your immune system all of the tools that it needs to actually fight the fight , '' she said .
Other false cure claims health officials have rejected include chugging colloidal silver ( comprising silver particles suspended in liquid -- an ancient remedy for treating bacterial , viral and fungal infections ) , swallowing or gargling bleach ( a definite no-no ) , taking acetic acid or steroids , or using essential oils , salt water , ethanol or other substances .
`` There is no scientific evidence that any of these alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by this virus .
In fact , some of them may not be safe to consume , '' say scientists at the National Institutes of Health .
China , where COVID-19 was first detected , has dozens of running or pending clinical trials on potential treatments involving new pharmaceutical drugs and thousand-year-old traditional therapies .
Myriad herbal remedies , some scientifically supported , are used to treat cold and flu symptoms , but research on natural treatments for the coronavirus is n't yet available .
Herbs with active anti-viral properties , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been used against colds but are not effective in preventing or curing COVID-19 , said William Thor Conner , a naturopathic doctor based in Oakbrook Terrace .
The best defense against the coronavirus is being healthy when the infection hits , he said .
Conner emphasizes general hygiene and having `` a solid immune system '' to minimize the chances of catching COVID-19 and helping the body 's defenses shut down the virus quickly once infected .
For that , he recommends sleep , exercise and proper hydration .

Grandma's remedy may not hurt, but here's what you really need to beat the coronavirus
Grandma's signature herbal concoctions might offer some comfort when combating a cough, cold or malaise, but they're not a cure for the coronavirus, experts warn.
An "infodemic" of unconventional treatments is circulating via social media, purporting to prevent or cure the COVID-19 illness that has infected more than 100,000 people and caused a few thousand deaths globally.
Turmeric curcumin, boiled fresh garlic water, and herbal therapies and teas are among the alternative remedies touted as miracle cures. Scientists and suburban health experts have been debunking such claims as fears about the virus spread.
"Garlic is great for your immune system, but it's not going to cure anything in particular," said Kathrine Alsop, a naturopathic doctor who teaches microbiology at College of DuPage and Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Heights.
Alsop said alternative therapies become attractive because they give people a sense of control over their health.
"The biggest things that help your immune system are the things we already kind of know to do -- diet and exercise, eat your vegetables, fruits, lean protein, a nutrient-dense diet -- giving your immune system all of the tools that it needs to actually fight the fight," she said.
Other false cure claims health officials have rejected include chugging colloidal silver (comprising silver particles suspended in liquid -- an ancient remedy for treating bacterial, viral and fungal infections), swallowing or gargling bleach (a definite no-no), taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, salt water, ethanol or other substances.
"There is no scientific evidence that any of these alternative remedies can prevent or cure the illness caused by this virus. In fact, some of them may not be safe to consume," say scientists at the National Institutes of Health.
China, where COVID-19 was first detected, has dozens of running or pending clinical trials on potential treatments involving new pharmaceutical drugs and thousand-year-old traditional therapies.
Myriad herbal remedies, some scientifically supported, are used to treat cold and flu symptoms, but research on natural treatments for the coronavirus isn't yet available.
Herbs with active anti-viral properties, such as lemon balm and licorice, have been used against colds but are not effective in preventing or curing COVID-19, said William Thor Conner, a naturopathic doctor based in Oakbrook Terrace.
The best defense against the coronavirus is being healthy when the infection hits, he said.
Conner emphasizes general hygiene and having "a solid immune system" to minimize the chances of catching COVID-19 and helping the body's defenses shut down the virus quickly once infected. For that, he recommends sleep, exercise and proper hydration.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Lisle family sues school, saying son was sexually assaulted by baseball teammate

A boy 's parents are suing Lisle Unit District 202 , saying their son was sexually assaulted by a member of his Lisle High School baseball team last May while on a bus ride home from a game .
The lawsuit , filed last month in Will County circuit court , says the district took no action to stop bullying and abuse the student experienced before the attack .
It also says the district did nothing to prevent the assault or address it .
`` Through their actions and refusals to act , '' the lawsuit reads , `` District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , assaulting , harassing and/or retaliating against '' the student .
`` They have all these anti-bullying policies and procedures , and from my perspective , they were n't followed , '' said the family 's attorney , Jonathan J. Svitak , of the Chicago-based Shannon Law Group .
`` Lisle Community Unit School District 202 is not able to share additional information regarding the case at this time and will continue to follow its practice of not commenting on pending litigation , '' he wrote in an email .
The student , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the freshman basketball team in the fall of 2017 when teammates started hazing , abusing and bullying him , the lawsuit says .
The acts -- including name-calling , threats and deliberate exclusion from team activities -- `` were done with the knowledge of the basketball coaching staff and in the presence of coaching staff , '' according to the lawsuit .
The mistreatment continued in spring 2018 when the student was on the freshman baseball team .
According to the lawsuit , the team `` promoted , encouraged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hazing , bullying , abuse and assault . ''
When the student was a member of the sophomore baseball team in spring 2019 , two minors -- identified as Doe Player 1 and Doe Player 2 -- started verbally bullying and harassing him .
The lawsuit says coaches `` ignored and/or downplayed the harassment , describing Doe Player 1 and Plaintiff Doe as 'an old married couple . '
'' The lawsuit says the sexual assault occurred on May 3 , while the student was sleeping on the team bus as it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home from a game in Herscher in Kankakee County .
Doe Player 1 assaulted him with a baseball bat while Doe Player 2 recorded the attack on a smartphone and a third player observed , according to the lawsuit .
Coaches were present `` and did nothing to deter '' the assault , according to the lawsuit .
The attack was witnessed by multiple players , the suit says .
`` Following the sexual assault , Plaintiff Doe was in pain and feeling violated , humiliated and embarrassed , '' the suit reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assault or his well-being , the suit says .
The student told his mother what happened and his parents contacted the school 's resource officer , who notified Lisle police .
On the advice of police , the student was taken to a hospital emergency room .
District 202 was aware of the police investigation , according to the lawsuit .
A 15-year-old was charged with battery and sentenced to two years of court supervision , and another 15-year-old was charged with disorderly conduct and sentenced to one year of court supervision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will County state 's attorney 's office .
No players were disciplined or suspended from extracurricular activities , according to the lawsuit , and no disciplinary action was taken against the coaches .
District 202 did not provide the student with counseling or other medical or psychological services , according to the lawsuit .
The lawsuit says the boy `` continues to suffer severe mental and emotional distress , shame , embarrassment , fear , and anxiety that has resulted in permanent damage to his social and emotional well-being . ''
Although the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money is not the focus , Svitak said .
`` What we are focusing on is the school 's failure here to follow its own policies to protect its own students , '' he said .

Lisle family sues school, saying son was sexually assaulted by baseball teammate
A boy's parents are suing Lisle Unit District 202, saying their son was sexually assaulted by a member of his Lisle High School baseball team last May while on a bus ride home from a game.
The lawsuit, filed last month in Will County circuit court, says the district took no action to stop bullying and abuse the student experienced before the attack. It also says the district did nothing to prevent the assault or address it.
"Through their actions and refusals to act," the lawsuit reads, "District 202 ... perpetuated the practice of bullying, assaulting, harassing and/or retaliating against" the student.
"They have all these anti-bullying policies and procedures, and from my perspective, they weren't followed," said the family's attorney, Jonathan J. Svitak, of the Chicago-based Shannon Law Group.
District 202 Superintendent Keith Filipiak declined to address the allegations.
"Lisle Community Unit School District 202 is not able to share additional information regarding the case at this time and will continue to follow its practice of not commenting on pending litigation," he wrote in an email.
The student, identified only as John Doe, was a member of the freshman basketball team in the fall of 2017 when teammates started hazing, abusing and bullying him, the lawsuit says.
The acts -- including name-calling, threats and deliberate exclusion from team activities -- "were done with the knowledge of the basketball coaching staff and in the presence of coaching staff," according to the lawsuit.
The mistreatment continued in spring 2018 when the student was on the freshman baseball team.
According to the lawsuit, the team "promoted, encouraged, fostered and tacitly acknowledged a culture of hazing, bullying, abuse and assault."
When the student was a member of the sophomore baseball team in spring 2019, two minors -- identified as Doe Player 1 and Doe Player 2 -- started verbally bullying and harassing him.
The lawsuit says coaches "ignored and/or downplayed the harassment, describing Doe Player 1 and Plaintiff Doe as 'an old married couple.'"
The lawsuit says the sexual assault occurred on May 3, while the student was sleeping on the team bus as it was traveling through Will County during a trip home from a game in Herscher in Kankakee County.
Doe Player 1 assaulted him with a baseball bat while Doe Player 2 recorded the attack on a smartphone and a third player observed, according to the lawsuit.
Coaches were present "and did nothing to deter" the assault, according to the lawsuit. The attack was witnessed by multiple players, the suit says.
"Following the sexual assault, Plaintiff Doe was in pain and feeling violated, humiliated and embarrassed," the suit reads. Coaches didn't address him about the assault or his well-being, the suit says.
The student told his mother what happened and his parents contacted the school's resource officer, who notified Lisle police. On the advice of police, the student was taken to a hospital emergency room.
District 202 was aware of the police investigation, according to the lawsuit.
A 15-year-old was charged with battery and sentenced to two years of court supervision, and another 15-year-old was charged with disorderly conduct and sentenced to one year of court supervision, according to the spokesman for the Will County state's attorney's office.
No players were disciplined or suspended from extracurricular activities, according to the lawsuit, and no disciplinary action was taken against the coaches.
District 202 did not provide the student with counseling or other medical or psychological services, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit says the boy "continues to suffer severe mental and emotional distress, shame, embarrassment, fear, and anxiety that has resulted in permanent damage to his social and emotional well-being."
Although the lawsuit seeks $500,000 in damages, the money is not the focus, Svitak said.
"What we are focusing on is the school's failure here to follow its own policies to protect its own students," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--'She never met a stranger': Streamwood woman remembered for carefree spirit

A vivacious young Streamwood woman , whose love of life and infectious smile touched everyone she met , died unexpectedly last week .
Mallory `` Mal '' Joan Fritz passed away Feb. 28 in Hoffman Estates from complications related to her juvenile diabetes .
She was 24 .
`` She never met a stranger , she loved everyone , '' said her father , Glenn .
`` She just had this carefree spirit that could n't be contained . ''
In fact , her bedroom was decorated with butterflies and her favorite play was `` Peter Pan , '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fritz graduated from Streamwood High School in 2014 , where her classmates voted her homecoming queen her senior year .
Among her activities , she was involved with the school 's Key Club and developed a love of volunteering .
`` She was a rock star , '' said her brother , Ben .
Fritz continued her education at Elgin Community College , working toward a degree in social work .
She also was philanthropy chairwoman of the school 's honor society .
Underlying her involvement and drive to help others was her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family said .
After she was diagnosed at the age of 6 , Fritz and her family immersed themselves in learning about the disease , including managing her blood sugar , recognizing signs when she was too low or too high , and regulating her insulin .
As a family , they participated for several years in the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes at Busse Woods near Schaumburg , hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation .
Fritz also attended a camp for children with juvenile diabetes , where she spent time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Mostly , Fritz tried to keep her disease to herself , family members added , wanting to lead a normal life , devoted to uplifting others .
After her untimely passing , it was her warm , upbeat attitude that friends remembered and pledged to embody in their own lives .
Visitation for Fritz took place Tuesday at Michaels Funeral Home in Schaumburg and drew more than 700 people .
A funeral luncheon on Wednesday at Chandler 's Chophouse in Schaumburg drew 200 , including many of Fritz 's friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heartwarming to hear so many young girls tell such beautiful stories about Mal , '' said Fritz 's aunt , Kelly Smith of Elk Grove Village .
`` They shared how she had impacted their lives and how they would be more positive going forward . ''
Besides her father and brother , Fritz is survived by her mother , Veronica .
The family requested memorials be made in their daughter 's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation , www.jdrf.org .

'She never met a stranger': Streamwood woman remembered for carefree spirit
A vivacious young Streamwood woman, whose love of life and infectious smile touched everyone she met, died unexpectedly last week.
Mallory "Mal" Joan Fritz died Feb. 28 in Hoffman Estates from complications related to her Type 1 diabetes. She was 24.
"She never met a stranger, she loved everyone," said her father, Glenn. "She just had this carefree spirit that couldn't be contained."
In fact, her bedroom was decorated with butterflies, and her favorite play was "Peter Pan," about the boy who never grew up.
Fritz graduated from Streamwood High School in 2014, where her classmates voted her homecoming queen her senior year. Among her activities, she was involved with the school's Key Club and developed a love of volunteering.
"She was a rock star," said her brother, Ben.
Fritz continued her education at Elgin Community College, working toward a degree in social work. She also was philanthropy chairwoman of the school's honor society.
Underlying her drive to help others was her own quiet battle with diabetes, her family said.
After she was diagnosed at the age of 6, Fritz and her family immersed themselves in learning about the disease, including managing her blood sugar, recognizing signs when it was too low or too high, and regulating her insulin.
As a family, they participated for several years in the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes at Busse Woods near Elk Grove Village, hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Fritz also attended a camp for children with Type 1 diabetes, where she spent time with peers and learned more about managing the disease.
Mostly, Fritz tried to keep her disease to herself, family members added, and wanted to lead a normal life devoted to uplifting others.
After her untimely passing, it was her warm, upbeat attitude that friends remembered and pledged to embody in their own lives.
Visitation for Fritz took place Tuesday at Michaels Funeral Home in Schaumburg and drew more than 700 people. A funeral luncheon on Wednesday at Chandler's Chophouse in Schaumburg drew 200, including many of Fritz's friends and classmates.
"It was so heartwarming to hear so many young girls tell such beautiful stories about Mal," said Fritz's aunt, Kelly Smith of Elk Grove Village. "They shared how she had impacted their lives and how they would be more positive going forward."
Besides her father and brother, Fritz is survived by her mother, Veronica. The family requested memorials be made in their daughter's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Harper College baseball coach resigns after accusations of using inappropriate language on job

Longtime Harper College baseball head coach Cliff Brown has resigned amid accusations he used inappropriate and insensitive language on the job , officials at the Palatine school confirmed .
Brown 's departure came on the day of Harper 's season opener , a 12-3 home loss to Chicago Heights-based Prairie State College on March 1 .
He was hired by Harper in August 2009 after spending about three years with the Chicago White Sox Training Academy .
Harper spokeswoman Kimberly Pohl issued a statement regarding the accusations leveled against Brown , who could not be reached for comment Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attention that the head baseball coach allegedly used inappropriate , unprofessional and insensitive language in connection with his role as coach , '' the statement reads .
`` The college immediately commenced an investigation .
During the course of the investigation , the head coach submitted his letter of resignation .
`` Harper College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for its student-athletes and the entire campus community . ''
Pohl said Friday that Brown resigned March 1 and it became effective immediately .
She said `` the alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but could not provide specifics .
Jordan Bock is serving as interim head baseball coach .
Bock , a Sugar Grove resident , was supposed to be in his first year as Brown 's assistant but assumed the top spot for the opener against Prairie State .
Under Brown , the Hawks were a win away from reaching the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series in 2013 .
Harper 's success continued with a 24-win season in 2014 .
His resume includes working as an assistant baseball coach from 1996 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles .
Brown also was a recruiting coordinator in the eight years he was at California State .
Brown was pitching coach at Valparaiso University in Indiana in 2006 before moving on to the White Sox academy and then Harper .
Bock graduated from Kaneland High School in Maple Park in 2015 and pitched for the baseball team at Marian University in Fond du Lac , Wisconsin .

Harper College baseball coach resigns after accusations of using inappropriate language on job
Cliff Brown, the longtime Harper College baseball head coach, has resigned amid accusations he used inappropriate and insensitive language on the job, officials at the Palatine school confirmed.
Longtime Harper College baseball head coach Cliff Brown has resigned amid accusations he used inappropriate and insensitive language on the job, officials at the Palatine school confirmed.
Brown's departure came on the day of Harper's season opener, a 12-3 home loss to Chicago Heights-based Prairie State College on March 1. He was hired by Harper in August 2009 after spending about three years with the Chicago White Sox Training Academy.
Harper spokeswoman Kimberly Pohl issued a statement regarding the accusations leveled against Brown, who could not be reached for comment Friday.
"It was brought to Harper College's attention that the head baseball coach allegedly used inappropriate, unprofessional and insensitive language in connection with his role as coach," the statement reads. "The college immediately commenced an investigation. During the course of the investigation, the head coach submitted his letter of resignation.
"Harper College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for its student-athletes and the entire campus community."
Pohl said Friday that Brown resigned March 1 and it became effective immediately. She said "the alleged language took place several days earlier" but could not provide specifics.
Jordan Bock is serving as interim head baseball coach. Bock, a Sugar Grove resident, was supposed to be in his first year as Brown's assistant but assumed the top spot for the opener against Prairie State.
Under Brown, the Hawks were a win away from reaching the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series in 2013. Harper's success continued with a 24-win season in 2014.
His resume includes working as an assistant baseball coach from 1996 to 2004 at California State University in Los Angeles. Brown also was a recruiting coordinator in the eight years he was at California State.
Brown was pitching coach at Valparaiso University in Indiana in 2006 before moving on to the White Sox academy and then Harper.
Bock graduated from Kaneland High School in Maple Park in 2015 and pitched for the baseball team at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--How do you stop touching your face?

How do you stop touching your face?

So really , how do you stop touching your face , as so many advise to fend off the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus ?
A lot of ideas have been floated in the media : • Use tissues to tend to itches or eyeglass adjustments .
• Become aware of your compulsive behavior .
Even video yourself .
• Place notes around your desk not to touch your face .
Or set periodic device reminders .
• Practice with a scarf on your face , to see how often you touch it .
• Or wear gloves or tape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself could also carry germs ) .
• Sit on your hands during meetings .
• Occupy your hands with stressballs or other objects .
• Or , simply do n't think about touching your face .
Put another way , do n't worry about it so much .
`` My general advice would be that people should try to reduce their stress overall , as opposed to obsessively worrying about what they touch , '' Stew Shankman , a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University , told The New @ @ @

How do you stop touching your face?
Public officials are asking us to refrain from touching our faces in light of the coronavirus risk. Yet, they quickly exhibit such behavior. Washington Post video frame grab
So really, how do you stop touching your face, as so many advise to fend off the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus? A lot of ideas have been floated in the media:
• Use tissues to tend to itches or eyeglass adjustments.
• Become aware of your compulsive behavior. Even video yourself.
• Place notes around your desk not to touch your face. Or set periodic device reminders.
• Practice with a scarf on your face, to see how often you touch it.
• Or wear gloves or tape on your fingers (although a glove itself could also carry germs).
• Sit on your hands during meetings.
• Occupy your hands with stressballs or other objects.
• Or, simply don't think about touching your face. Put another way, don't worry about it so much. "My general advice would be that people should try to reduce their stress overall, as opposed to obsessively worrying about what they touch," Stew Shankman, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University, told The New York Times.
Sources: New York Times, today.com, NBC News, Huffington Post, Washington Post


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Spring ahead with daylight saving Sunday, and it's not the last time

SPRINGFIELD -- An effort in Illinois to prevent biannual clock changes -- such as the one Sunday moving time forward one hour -- is stalled .
The state Senate passed a bill in November by Bunker Hill Democrat Andy Manar that calls for setting clocks ahead one hour to daylight saving time on Sunday and leaving Illinois permanently on Central Daylight Time .
But that bill is in legislative limbo in the House .
Even if Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker were to sign such an initiative into law , it could not take effect unless approved by the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only states granted such waivers to abolish biannual time changes .
The tropical territories of Puerto Rico , Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands opted out of time changes , as well .
`` This does n't seek ( a waiver ) .
This just says one of two things should happen : There should be a national change or , if Congress were to begin to give states exemptions , that obviously would be a different conversation here on this floor , '' Manar said in November .
`` This does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Manar declined to comment on this story .
A spokesman for Amtrak said in November the current system of twice-yearly time shifts causes some inconvenience for the railroad , particularly in November when clocks are wound back one hour .
It forces trains running around 2 a.m. that Sunday to stop for one hour and allow clocks to catch up to the train schedule .
The idea for the initiative came to Manar from a Carlinville High School student , he said in a Twitter post .
Arizona State University history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October that the Grand Canyon State does not observe daylight saving time because of its brutally hot summer days .
Remaining on standard time in the summer means cooler temperatures when people get off work and children leave school .
Other than that , `` not having daylight saving is kind of a hassle , '' Schermerhorn said , `` because half the year we 're on the equivalent of Pacific Time and half the year we 're on Mountain time . ''
The measure is Senate Bill 533 .
Republican Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the House sponsor .
He said time changes should be eliminated because they disrupt sleep patterns .
`` There is no question that changing our clocks twice per year messes with our daily routines , '' he said in a statement .

Spring ahead with daylight saving Sunday, and it's not the last time
JOHN STARKS/jstarks@dailyherald.comWe'll get daylight again for evening commutes after the clocks move ahead one hour early Sunday. The sun won't set until 6:50 p.m. that day.
Most Americans will lose an hour of sleep this weekend, but gain an hour of evening light for months ahead, as daylight saving time returns. The time change officially starts at 2 a.m. Sunday. Associated Press/2016
SPRINGFIELD -- An effort in Illinois to prevent biannual clock changes -- such as the one Sunday moving time forward one hour -- is stalled.
The state Senate passed a bill in November by Bunker Hill Democrat Andy Manar that calls for setting clocks ahead one hour to daylight saving time on Sunday and leaving Illinois permanently on Central Daylight Time. But that bill is in legislative limbo in the House.
Even if Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker were to sign such an initiative into law, it could not take effect unless approved by the federal government.
Hawaii and Arizona are the only states granted such waivers to abolish biannual time changes. The tropical territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands opted out of time changes, as well.
"This doesn't seek (a waiver). This just says one of two things should happen: There should be a national change or, if Congress were to begin to give states exemptions, that obviously would be a different conversation here on this floor," Manar said in November. "This doesn't say that we should ignore federal law."
Manar declined to comment on this story.
A spokesman for Amtrak said in November the current system of twice-yearly time shifts causes some inconvenience for the railroad, particularly in November when clocks are wound back one hour. It forces trains running around 2 a.m. that Sunday to stop for one hour and allow clocks to catch up to the train schedule.
The idea for the initiative came to Manar from a Carlinville High School student, he said in a Twitter post.
Arizona State University history professor Calvin Schermerhorn said in an interview in October that the Grand Canyon State does not observe daylight saving time because of its brutally hot summer days. Remaining on standard time in the summer means cooler temperatures when people get off work and children leave school.
Other than that, "not having daylight saving is kind of a hassle," Schermerhorn said, "because half the year we're on the equivalent of Pacific Time and half the year we're on Mountain time."
The measure is Senate Bill 533. Republican Rep. Allen Skillicorn, from East Dundee, is the House sponsor. He said time changes should be eliminated because they disrupt sleep patterns.
"There is no question that changing our clocks twice per year messes with our daily routines," he said in a statement.
• Ben Orner contributed reporting


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Hotel, gas station and more proposed along Randall Road in Elgin

An Indianapolis company hopes to get approval from Elgin for a $ 70 million development along Randall Road that would include a hotel , a gas station , and buildings for commercial , office space and `` light industrial '' uses .
Scannell Properties ' plans for 53 acres at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road include the annexation of the northernmost 37 acres , which are outside Elgin 's city limits .
Busse Parkway would be extended to Randall Road , in alignment with Carrington Drive east of Randall Road , with the addition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing director for Scannell , said that although the company has n't started marketing the site , it already has received interest from retail , hotel and light industrial development .
The site is among the last , if not the last , large parcel open for such development near the Interstate 90 and Randall Road interchange , he said .
`` It 's kind of a strategic location and we like doing business with Elgin , '' Linville said .
`` You 're just outside Cook County so you have lower taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as going all the way out to Rockford or the other exits further west of Elgin . ''
The planning and zoning commission , at its meeting Monday , unanimously recommended approval of the plan .
Final approval will have to come from the Elgin City Council .
The plan has detractors , however , such as Rosalie Fallico , owner of Big Sammy 's Hot Dogs at 2490 Bushwood Parkway .
She and other nearby small business owners believe the new development will hurt them , she said .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people , but I think if we bring some large chain restaurants , some of us will go under , '' she said .
Resident William Graves , who lives near the proposed development , told the commission he 's worried about increased traffic along Randall Road .
The first phase of the project proposed by Scannell Properties would include extending Busse Parkway and building a 418,000- square foot , light-industrial building on the western portion of the site , and a 91,000-square foot , commercial/office/industrial building on the southwest corner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station and convenience store , a four-story hotel , commercial retail/service buildings , and another 48,000-square foot , commercial/office/industrial building would be built later .
Linville said that if everything moves forward smoothly , the company hopes to break ground in summer and finish the development by the end of 2021 .

Hotel, gas station and more proposed along Randall Road in Elgin
Scannell Properties is proposing a $70 million development at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road in Elgin. The plan got the OK from the planning and zoning commission this week and will need city council approval. Courtesy of City of Elgin
A hotel, gas station and buildings for commercial, office space and "light industrial" uses would be built at Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road in Elgin under a $70 million plan proposed by an Indianapolis-based company. This rendering show a potential configuration; another configuration would have two buildings, instead of a large one, on the western area. Courtesy of City of Elgin
An Indianapolis company hopes to get approval from Elgin for a $70 million development along Randall Road that would include a hotel, a gas station, and buildings for commercial, office space and "light industrial" uses.
Scannell Properties' plans for 53 acres at the southwest corner of Randall Road and Route 72/Higgins Road include the annexation of the northernmost 37 acres, which are outside Elgin's city limits.
Busse Parkway would be extended to Randall Road, in alignment with Carrington Drive east of Randall Road, with the addition of a traffic signal.
Bill Linville, managing director for Scannell, said that although the company hasn't started marketing the site, it already has received interest from retail, hotel and light industrial development. The site is among the last, if not the last, large parcel open for such development near the Interstate 90 and Randall Road interchange, he said.
"It's kind of a strategic location and we like doing business with Elgin," Linville said. "You're just outside Cook County so you have lower taxes, but you're not so far as going all the way out to Rockford or the other exits further west of Elgin."
The planning and zoning commission, at its meeting Monday, unanimously recommended approval of the plan. Final approval will have to come from the Elgin City Council.
The plan has detractors, however, such as Rosalie Fallico, owner of Big Sammy's Hot Dogs at 2490 Bushwood Parkway. She and other nearby small business owners believe the new development will hurt them, she said.
"We're all for bringing in the community and more people, but I think if we bring some large chain restaurants, some of us will go under," she said.
Resident William Graves, who lives near the proposed development, told the commission he's worried about increased traffic along Randall Road.
The first phase of the project proposed by Scannell Properties would include extending Busse Parkway and building a 418,000- square foot, light-industrial building on the western portion of the site, and a 91,000-square foot, commercial/office/industrial building on the southwest corner of Randall and Higgins roads.
A gas station and convenience store, a four-story hotel, commercial retail/service buildings, and another 48,000-square foot, commercial/office/industrial building would be built later.
Linville said that if everything moves forward smoothly, the company hopes to break ground in summer and finish the development by the end of 2021.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Cook County commissioner steps down months after FBI raid

A Cook County commissioner whose office and home were raided by FBI agents last fall and whose chief of staff was charged with federal bribery charges last month notified the president of the board on Friday that he 's resigning .
Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski , in a one-sentence letter , told Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle that he 's stepping down , effective March 31 .
He did not give a reason and he did not immediately return a call to his office for comment .
Tobolski has not been charged with any crime , but in September , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office in the village of McCook , where he 's mayor .
After that raid , he stopped attending meetings , prompting Preckwinkle to request that he step down from his committee leadership posts .
In November , Tobolski resigned from those posts for what he said in a letter to Preckwinkle were `` current health issues . ''
Last month , his chief of staff , Patrick Doherty , was indicted on three counts of bribery .
The indictment contends that Doherty , a sales agent for a red-light camera company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trustee in a suburban Chicago village approximately $ 4,000 to secure approval to install the company 's cameras .

Cook County commissioner steps down months after FBI raid
A Cook County commissioner whose office and home were raided by FBI agents last fall and whose chief of staff was charged with federal bribery charges last month notified the president of the board on Friday that he's resigning.
Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski, in a one-sentence letter, told Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle that he's stepping down, effective March 31. He did not give a reason and he did not immediately return a call to his office for comment.
Tobolski has not been charged with any crime, but in September, FBI agents raided his home and his office in the village of McCook, where he's mayor. After that raid, he stopped attending meetings, prompting Preckwinkle to request that he step down from his committee leadership posts. In November, Tobolski resigned from those posts for what he said in a letter to Preckwinkle were "current health issues."
Last month, his chief of staff, Patrick Doherty, was indicted on three counts of bribery. The indictment contends that Doherty, a sales agent for a red-light camera company, conspired to pay a relative of a trustee in a suburban Chicago village approximately $4,000 to secure approval to install the company's cameras.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--Final decision on Kane County coroner facility will trigger debate on Fabyan Parkway sale

Kane County Board members are expected to approve plans Tuesday to build a $ 13.2 million facility for the coroner on the existing judicial center campus .
The approval will set the stage for a debate on whether the county should keep 40 acres on Fabyan Parkway or sell it for private development .
The fate of the Fabyan Parkway property , adjacent to the former Settler 's Hill landfill , stalled progress on the new building for more than a year .
Once open , the building will be the new home for the coroner , building maintenance services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built for the project as officials agreed the coroner needed a new facility to avoid more embarrassing equipment and storage space failures as well as provide modern safety and sanitary features to the coroner 's staff .
Board members initially thought vacating the rundown Fabyan Parkway structures would free it up for sale .
Some believed the property would net as much as $ 5 million to help pay for the new judicial center campus building .
But others on the board see it as valuable space that could either serve a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private use .
Geneva officials repeatedly have pushed the county to return the 40 acres to the city 's tax roll .
Board member Drew Frasz said that 's the fair decision to make .
`` Geneva took the whole landfill brunt for 30 years , '' Frasz said .
`` It was always promised that we would do a couple neat things over there .
One was the recreational use ( the opening of Settler 's Hill ) , and I think selling it provides the second use .
Mayor Burns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geneva wants . ''
Frasz expects the vote on the new judicial center building will go more smoothly than the upcoming debate on the Fabyan Property .
If approved , the funding for the building will come from a combination of borrowing , existing cash the county has in a public building fund and a $ 600,000 grant from the state .

Final decision on Kane County coroner facility will trigger debate on Fabyan Parkway sale
Drawings of the new Kane County facility show a modern building for use by the coroner, building maintenance and sheriff. COURTESY OF KANE COUNTY
Kane County Board members are expected to approve plans Tuesday to build a $13.2 million facility for the coroner on the existing judicial center campus.
The approval will set the stage for a debate on whether the county should keep 40 acres on Fabyan Parkway or sell it for private development.
The fate of the Fabyan Parkway property, adjacent to the former Settler's Hill landfill, stalled progress on the new building for more than a year. Once open, the building will be the new home for the coroner, building maintenance services and storage for the sheriff.
Momentum built for the project as officials agreed the coroner needed a new facility to avoid more embarrassing equipment and storage space failures as well as provide modern safety and sanitary features to the coroner's staff.
Board members initially thought vacating the rundown Fabyan Parkway structures would free it up for sale. Some believed the property would net as much as $5 million to help pay for the new judicial center campus building.
But others on the board see it as valuable space that could either serve a public function or be kept and leased to a private use.
Geneva officials repeatedly have pushed the county to return the 40 acres to the city's tax roll. Board member Drew Frasz said that's the fair decision to make.
"Geneva took the whole landfill brunt for 30 years," Frasz said. "It was always promised that we would do a couple neat things over there. One was the recreational use (the opening of Settler's Hill), and I think selling it provides the second use. Mayor Burns has made it clear that's what Geneva wants."
Frasz expects the vote on the new judicial center building will go more smoothly than the upcoming debate on the Fabyan Property.
If approved, the funding for the building will come from a combination of borrowing, existing cash the county has in a public building fund and a $600,000 grant from the state.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-03-06--There's little consensus on property tax reform, House committee chairman says

SPRINGFIELD -- The chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee said this week that a task force set up last year to provide proposals for reforming the state 's property tax system was unable reach a consensus .
`` We have a hodgepodge of ideas , what everyone thinks is the magic bullet to solve the problem , '' state Rep. Michael Zalewski , a Riverside Democrat , said in a podcast interview with Capitol News Illinois .
`` There 's no real one solution that I think is going to offer comprehensive , one-size-fits-all relief .
And as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like the Property Tax ( Relief ) Task Force where you have all these ideas that come together and no one can gain a majority to author a finalized report . ''
Zalewski was responding to criticism leveled earlier in the week by House Republicans who complained the task force never issued a final report , which was due Jan. 1 , and that Democratic leaders in the House wo n't allow hearings on related Republican-sponsored bills .
The formation of a task force was part of a package of legislation enacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proposed constitutional amendment to replace the state 's current `` flat '' income tax system .
That amendment would allow for a graduated income tax levying higher tax rates on higher levels of income .
It is a key priority for Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , but it 's vehemently opposed by most Republicans who argue it would make raising taxes easier in Illinois .
During a news conference on Tuesday , they argued Democrats never intended for it to accomplish anything .
`` The Democrats deliberately used it and hijacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other taxes , particularly the income tax , '' Rep. Deanne Mazzochi , an Elmhurst Republican , said during that press event .
`` I wish I could say I was surprised .
But frankly the Democrats ' approach to that task force was a farce from the very beginning .
And despite House Republican efforts to bring forth several of their ideas on property tax relief , our ideas were summarily dismissed by the Democrats who control the task force . ''
Pritzker and other Democrats have said the new money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated at more than $ 3 billion a year after it 's fully phased in -- could be used to increase the state 's share of funding for public schools , thereby reducing school districts ' reliance on local property taxes .
And Zalewski disputed the idea that Democrats were summarily rejecting GOP proposals .
`` There were some things that I saw out of that Republican press conference that are n't bad .
Use-it-or-lose-it is n't a bad idea , '' he said , referring to a proposal by Republican Rep. Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of money school districts can hold in reserve .
Zalewski said one other Republican-backed proposal he could support is expanding certain property tax exemptions for seniors and other homeowners that limit how much of their property value is subject to taxation .
One he said he would not favor , though , is imposing a property tax `` freeze '' on local governments .
`` I think it was proven to be not great , '' he said .
Zalewski said he is also interested in proposals to make school districts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consolidating elementary and high school districts into `` unit '' districts .
That could be hard to sell in many communities , including his hometown of Riverside , he added .
`` I live in Riverside School District 96 , elementary , and Riverside School District 208 , high school , '' he said .
`` And and I will say anecdotally , people complain about the property taxes around my neck of the woods .
But I also think they really want good schools .
People moved to Riverside for the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conundrum we face right now . ''

There's little consensus on property tax reform, House committee chairman says
Rep. Michael Zalewski, chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee, says Democrats have not been summarily rejecting Republican proposals for property tax reform. Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD -- The chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee said this week that a task force set up last year to provide proposals for reforming the state's property tax system was unable reach a consensus.
"We have a hodgepodge of ideas, what everyone thinks is the magic bullet to solve the problem," state Rep. Michael Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat, said in a podcast interview with Capitol News Illinois. "There's no real one solution that I think is going to offer comprehensive, one-size-fits-all relief. And as a result of that, you have things like the Property Tax (Relief) Task Force where you have all these ideas that come together and no one can gain a majority to author a finalized report."
Zalewski was responding to criticism leveled earlier in the week by House Republicans who complained the task force never issued a final report, which was due Jan. 1, and that Democratic leaders in the House won't allow hearings on related Republican-sponsored bills.
The formation of a task force was part of a package of legislation enacted last year that helped secure support for a proposed constitutional amendment to replace the state's current "flat" income tax system. That amendment would allow for a graduated income tax levying higher tax rates on higher levels of income.
It is a key priority for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, but it's vehemently opposed by most Republicans who argue it would make raising taxes easier in Illinois. During a news conference on Tuesday, they argued Democrats never intended for it to accomplish anything.
"The Democrats deliberately used it and hijacked it to press for the further expansion of other taxes, particularly the income tax," Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, an Elmhurst Republican, said during that press event. "I wish I could say I was surprised. But frankly the Democrats' approach to that task force was a farce from the very beginning. And despite House Republican efforts to bring forth several of their ideas on property tax relief, our ideas were summarily dismissed by the Democrats who control the task force."
Pritzker and other Democrats have said the new money generated through a graduated income tax -- estimated at more than $3 billion a year after it's fully phased in -- could be used to increase the state's share of funding for public schools, thereby reducing school districts' reliance on local property taxes.
And Zalewski disputed the idea that Democrats were summarily rejecting GOP proposals.
"There were some things that I saw out of that Republican press conference that aren't bad. Use-it-or-lose-it isn't a bad idea," he said, referring to a proposal by Republican Rep. Dan Ugaste, of Geneva, to cap the amount of money school districts can hold in reserve.
Zalewski said one other Republican-backed proposal he could support is expanding certain property tax exemptions for seniors and other homeowners that limit how much of their property value is subject to taxation.
One he said he would not favor, though, is imposing a property tax "freeze" on local governments.
"I think it was proven to be not great," he said.
Zalewski said he is also interested in proposals to make school districts more efficient, including the possibility of consolidating elementary and high school districts into "unit" districts. That could be hard to sell in many communities, including his hometown of Riverside, he added.
"I live in Riverside School District 96, elementary, and Riverside School District 208, high school," he said. "And and I will say anecdotally, people complain about the property taxes around my neck of the woods. But I also think they really want good schools. People moved to Riverside for the nature of the schools. So that's the conundrum we face right now."