dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--More Lake County school districts to keep buildings closed when classes resume

More Lake County school districts are changing course and will keep buildings closed to students when the 2020-21 term starts next month because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Administrators with Mundelein High School District 120 , Mundelein-based Fremont School District 79 and Gurnee-based Woodland School District 50 plan to educate students remotely using laptop or tablet computers when classes begin next month .
The Woodland school board voiced support for a remote-learning proposal there Thursday night and will finalize it with a vote on July 30 , a spokeswoman said .
Fremont officials had been so confident they were going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-school learning for students at its four schools , they posted that plan on the District 79 website and sent it to parents Monday .
But after hearing from concerned employees and parents , the administrators changed their minds mid-week .
`` Out of an abundance of caution , ( the district ) has made the difficult decision to alter its plans for the 2020-2021 school year , '' Fremont spokesman Nick Brilowski said .
`` ( Remote ) learning is the safest option for everyone . ''
Woodland officials were set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-campus classes at its four buildings , too .
But in making those preparations , they were spending more time planning for people getting sick than planning for the educational experience , Superintendent Lori Casey said Friday in an email to parents .
`` We could not check the safety boxes that needed to be checked , and that realization stopped us in our tracks , '' Casey wrote .
Woodland , Fremont and Mundelein High students will have live , synchronous lessons with teachers and their classmates when classes begin .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning plans were implemented this past spring after schools were ordered closed because of the health crisis .
Instead , students generally worked independently after receiving direction from teachers .
Additionally , Woodland , Fremont and Mundelein High students will follow daily class schedules , and attendance and grading practices will be more strenuous , officials said .
`` ( This ) plan will give us the best chance to create an instructional environment that will offer students a consistent , high quality learning experience and the best social experience under the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kroll said in a news release .
More information about Woodlands ' plan can be found at dist50.net .
More information about Fremont 's plan can be found at fsd79.org.More information about Mundelein High 's plan can be found at d120.org .
Other districts planning for remote learning include Gurnee-based Warren Township High School District 121 , Lincolnshire-based Stevenson High School District 125 , Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 and Round Lake Area Unit District 116 .
Grayslake High School District 127 officials are planning for remote learning too , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the proposal .
That could happen July 30 .
Predictions for how long at-home education will last vary from district to district .
Some officials hope they 'll be back to on-campus classes as soon as November , while others expect it 'll be at least January before students return .

More Lake County school districts to keep buildings closed when classes resume
Several Lake County school districts are changing course and will keep buildings closed to students when the 2020-21 term starts next month because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administrators with Mundelein High School District 120, Mundelein-based Fremont School District 79 and Gurnee-based Woodland School District 50 plan to educate students remotely using laptop or tablet computers when classes begin next month.
They join the state's second largest school district, Elgin Area Unit District 46, which announced earlier this week it has backed away from a planned hybrid model in favor of online only learning for at least the first part of the school year.
Fremont officials had been so confident they were going to hold a combination of remote and in-school learning for students at its four schools that they posted the plan for it on the District 79 website and sent it to parents Monday. But after hearing from concerned employees and parents, the administrators changed their minds mid-week.
"Out of an abundance of caution, (the district) has made the difficult decision to alter its plans for the 2020-2021 school year," Fremont spokesman Nick Brilowski said. "(Remote) learning is the safest option for everyone."
The Woodland school board voiced support for a remote-learning proposal there Thursday night and will finalize it with a vote on July 30, a spokeswoman said.
Woodland officials were set to offer a combination of remote learning and on-campus classes at its four buildings, too. But in making those preparations, they were spending more time planning for people getting sick than planning for the educational experience, Superintendent Lori Casey said Friday in an email to parents.
"We could not check the safety boxes that needed to be checked, and that realization stopped us in our tracks," Casey wrote.
Woodland, Fremont and Mundelein High students will have live, synchronous lessons with teachers and their classmates when classes begin. That wasn't the case when emergency remote learning plans were implemented this past spring after schools were ordered closed because of the health crisis. Instead, students generally worked independently after receiving direction from teachers.
Additionally, Woodland, Fremont and Mundelein High students will follow daily class schedules, and attendance and grading practices will be more strenuous, officials said.
"(This) plan will give us the best chance to create an instructional environment that will offer students a consistent, high quality learning experience and the best social experience under the current circumstances," Mundelein High Principal Anthony Kroll said in a news release.
Start dates vary from school to school.
More information about Woodlands' plan can be found at dist50.net. More information about Fremont's plan can be found at fsd79.org. More information about Mundelein High's plan can be found at d120.org.
Other districts planning for remote learning include Gurnee-based Warren Township High School District 121, Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128, Lincolnshire-based Stevenson High School District 125 and Round Lake Area Unit District 116.
Grayslake High School District 127 officials are planning for remote learning too, but the school board hasn't yet voted on the proposal. That could happen July 30.
Predictions for how long at-home education will last vary from district to district. Some officials hope they'll be back to on-campus classes as soon as November, while others expect it'll be at least January before students return.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--Finding weapons to fight spread of COVID-19

With health officials warning that COVID-19 could remain a danger for years , even after a vaccine is approved , researchers around the globe are looking into ways to keep the virus at bay .
The research involves looking into new techniques or modifying existing methods that have shown success in the past at neutralizing viral threats and sterilizing spaces .
This war is being waged on multiple fronts .
Researchers continue finding ways to make the world a safer place , while some are working on medical treatments and still others ultimately on a vaccine that will eradicate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , one of the greatest concerns was a lack of personal protective equipment for health care workers .
A national stockpile had been depleted and states bid against one another -- and the federal government -- to purchase all types of equipment necessary to keep doctors , nurses and other emergency workers and hospital staff safe from infection .
`` It 's a continuing concern , '' said Peter Eng , a research professor at the University of Chicago 's Center for Advanced Radiation Sources .
`` I started working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a way to disinfect N95 masks , which was unusual because these masks are intended to be disposable . ''
Eng 's work focused on using ultraviolet light , specifically UVC rays , to kill bacteria and viruses that may have attached to the masks .
`` We have a specialized device we built that cleans masks and can disinfect them in under a minute , '' Eng explained .
`` You could do this 100 times because it does n't degrade the material . ''
The masks are disinfected and returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
His machine can clean up to six masks simultaneously .
Eng hopes to create a larger version to handle more equipment .
But the device is built specifically to irradiate every surface point on the masks to ensure total disinfection .
That 's part of the reason UVC exposure would n't work in a wider setting , such as a restaurant or bar .
The other reason , Eng said , is because UVC is the most dangerous type of ultraviolet light to humans .
`` You 're going to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said about deploying UVC lights in open spaces .
There are UVC lights that can be installed in ventilation systems that work very well at eliminating bacteria and other germs that travel through those systems .
However , Eng noted there 's no indication all airborne COVID-19 droplets would be filtered through an indoor space 's ventilation system , which means the air movement from heating and cooling systems could simply push the virus through a room without ever being filtered .
When it comes to sterilizing a room , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common disinfectant for many businesses .
The non-toxic compound can kill bacteria and germs almost upon contact .
The reason you may not have heard of hypochlorous acid before is because you ca n't buy it in stores .
You have to make it and it requires specific chemistry and equipment .
The half-life of hypochlorous acid is so short it essentially becomes useless after two weeks .
Companies , such as Force of Nature , offer at-home appliances and `` activator capsules '' of water , vinegar and salt to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the capsules , creating hypochlorous acid .
`` It 's as effective as bleach , but without the harm like bleach , '' said Force of Nature co-founder and chief marketing officer Melissa Lush .
`` Really , as soon as the pandemic started , we saw a huge increase in demand from regular household users and businesses too . ''
Airlines , restaurants , surgery centers and dentist offices have been using the disinfectant .
Rolling Meadows dentist Michael Errico explained why it 's more effective than traditional manufactured disinfectants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
`` Germ surfaces carry a negative electrical charge , which results in a repulsion of the negatively charged hypchlorite ion ( bleach ) to the area of the germ surfaces , '' Errico wrote .
`` The hypochlorous acid ( carries no electrical charge and ) moves quickly , able to oxidize the bacteria in a matter of seconds while the hypochlorite ion might take up to a half hour to do the same . ''
The human body actually produces hypochlorous acid in blood cells , but not in enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thus the need for a vaccine .
Health officials have said it could be years before an effective vaccine was approved for use against COVID-19 .
However , the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday it had agreed to pay U.S. drug-maker Pfizer and a German biotech company called BioNTech nearly $ 2 billion for 100 million doses of a vaccine now in the second stage of trials .
Those doses could be available as earlier as December , according to media reports .
But vaccines can be tricky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to ensure they work .
Trials of vaccines happen in stages .
`` This is like a molecular puzzle you 're trying to figure out , '' said Dr. Emily Landon , head of the University of Chicago 's infectious disease prevention and control program .
`` You need to go slow and steady because you do n't want the vaccine to accidentally harm people . ''
Rushing through an unproven vaccine can wind up doing more harm than good .
It 's happened before , Landon said .
`` You want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure it is working , '' she said .
`` It takes a long time to come up with a vaccine for anything , and that 's for safety . ''

Finding weapons to fight spread of COVID-19
Peter Eng, a research professor at the University of Chicago's Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, right, and engineer Mike Proskey, with prototypes of a device that uses ultraviolet light to disinfect N95 masks so they can be reused. Photo Courtesy Peter Eng
With health officials warning that COVID-19 could remain a danger for years, even after a vaccine is approved, researchers around the globe are looking into ways to keep the virus at bay.
The research involves looking into new techniques or modifying existing methods that have shown success in the past at neutralizing viral threats and sterilizing spaces.
This war is being waged on multiple fronts. Researchers continue finding ways to make the world a safer place, while some are working on medical treatments and still others ultimately on a vaccine that will eradicate the threat.
At the earliest stages of the pandemic, one of the greatest concerns was a lack of personal protective equipment for health care workers. A national stockpile had been depleted and states bid against one another -- and the federal government -- to purchase all types of equipment necessary to keep doctors, nurses and other emergency workers and hospital staff safe from infection.
"It's a continuing concern," said Peter Eng, a research professor at the University of Chicago's Center for Advanced Radiation Sources. "I started working with the University of Chicago Medical Center to find a way to disinfect N95 masks, which was unusual because these masks are intended to be disposable."
Eng's work focused on using ultraviolet light, specifically UVC rays, to kill bacteria and viruses that may have attached to the masks.
"We have a specialized device we built that cleans masks and can disinfect them in under a minute," Eng explained. "You could do this 100 times because it doesn't degrade the material."
The masks are disinfected and returned to the staff member who originally wore it. His machine can clean up to six masks simultaneously. Eng hopes to create a larger version to handle more equipment.
But the device is built specifically to irradiate every surface point on the masks to ensure total disinfection. That's part of the reason UVC exposure wouldn't work in a wider setting, such as a restaurant or bar. The other reason, Eng said, is because UVC is the most dangerous type of ultraviolet light to humans.
"You're going to give everybody a really bad sunburn," he said about deploying UVC lights in open spaces.
There are UVC lights that can be installed in ventilation systems that work very well at eliminating bacteria and other germs that travel through those systems. However, Eng noted there's no indication all airborne COVID-19 droplets would be filtered through an indoor space's ventilation system, which means the air movement from heating and cooling systems could simply push the virus through a room without ever being filtered.
When it comes to sterilizing a room, though, hypochlorous acid is becoming a far more common disinfectant for many businesses.
The non-toxic compound can kill bacteria and germs almost upon contact. The reason you may not have heard of hypochlorous acid before is because you can't buy it in stores. You have to make it and it requires specific chemistry and equipment.
The half-life of hypochlorous acid is so short it essentially becomes useless after two weeks.
Companies, such as Force of Nature, offer at-home appliances and "activator capsules" of water, vinegar and salt to make the compound. The appliance electrifies the ingredients of the capsules, creating hypochlorous acid.
"It's as effective as bleach, but without the harm like bleach," said Force of Nature co-founder and chief marketing officer Melissa Lush. "Really, as soon as the pandemic started, we saw a huge increase in demand from regular household users and businesses too."
Airlines, restaurants, surgery centers and dentist offices have been using the disinfectant.
Rolling Meadows dentist Michael Errico explained why it's more effective than traditional manufactured disinfectants in a blog post on his practice's website.
"Germ surfaces carry a negative electrical charge, which results in a repulsion of the negatively charged hypchlorite ion (bleach) to the area of the germ surfaces," Errico wrote. "The hypochlorous acid (carries no electrical charge and) moves quickly, able to oxidize the bacteria in a matter of seconds while the hypochlorite ion might take up to a half hour to do the same."
The human body actually produces hypochlorous acid in blood cells, but not in enough abundance to neutralize the COVID-19 virus. Thus the need for a vaccine.
Health officials have said it could be years before an effective vaccine was approved for use against COVID-19. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday it had agreed to pay U.S. drug-maker Pfizer and a German biotech company called BioNTech nearly $2 billion for 100 million doses of a vaccine now in the second stage of trials.
Those doses could be available as earlier as December, according to media reports.
But vaccines can be tricky. And that's why it takes some time to ensure they work. Trials of vaccines happen in stages.
"This is like a molecular puzzle you're trying to figure out," said Dr. Emily Landon, head of the University of Chicago's infectious disease prevention and control program. "You need to go slow and steady because you don't want the vaccine to accidentally harm people."
Rushing through an unproven vaccine can wind up doing more harm than good. It's happened before, Landon said.
"You want researchers to take every step to make sure it is working," she said. "It takes a long time to come up with a vaccine for anything, and that's for safety."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--Mecca Center cancels prayer services after COVID-19 outbreak

A DuPage County mosque is canceling on-site weekly congregational prayer services for the next two Fridays after 15 members tested positive for COVID-19 .
It also has canceled services planned for a major festival , Eid Al-Adha , which starts July 30 .
The Mecca Center in Willowbrook announced the decision Friday morning .
Eid Al-Adha is an annual celebration commemorating the faith Ibrahim , a prophet and messenger of God , showed when asked by God to sacrifice his son Ishmael .
Pleased with Ibrahim 's obedience , God provided a ram at the last minute for the sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious holidays observed worldwide .
Besides the prayer services , it is a time for charity , for feasting with friends and relatives , and for gift-giving .
Millions of Muslims often make their required pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca at this time .
He said none of the center 's staff has the virus and he does n't believe people caught the virus while in the center .
The center has been strictly adhering to safety protocols , including spacing people apart for prayers , having people bring their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave immediately after services rather than gathering for conversation , he said .
The center also shortened the time of services , he said .
People had to sign up to attend Jummah services , the center closed its restrooms , and people had to put their shoes in plastic bags rather than on the shoe rack typically used .
`` Our faith teaches us that prevention is better than treatment , '' he said .
But , he said , he 's noticed people gathering closely outside the building in the parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even going to parties .
He reminded them that Islam requires them to think of the good of others , not just themselves .
`` We as Muslims believe that we have responsibility toward each other and everyone , '' he said , reciting a portion of a religious text that says that Muslims must treat others ' lives and properties as a `` sacred trust , '' as they would the sacred city .
The leaders considered having Eid Al-Adha services outdoors , he said , but determined that would not work @

Mecca Center cancels prayer services after COVID-19 outbreak
A DuPage County mosque is canceling on-site weekly congregational prayer services for the next two Fridays after 15 members tested positive for COVID-19.
It also has canceled services planned for a major festival, Eid Al-Adha, which starts July 30.
The Mecca Center in Willowbrook announced the decision Friday morning.
Daily prayer services will continue, with additional restrictions.
Eid Al-Adha is an annual celebration commemorating the faith Ibrahim, a prophet and messenger of God, showed when asked by God to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Pleased with Ibrahim's obedience, God provided a ram at the last minute for the sacrifice.
It is one of two Islamic religious holidays observed worldwide. Besides the prayer services, it is a time for charity, for feasting with friends and relatives, and for gift-giving. Millions of Muslims often make their required pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca at this time.
Sheikh Hassan Aly, the center's imam, addressed members in a Facebook Live video Friday afternoon.
He said none of the center's staff has the virus and he doesn't believe people caught the virus while in the center. The center has been strictly adhering to safety protocols, including spacing people apart for prayers, having people bring their own prayer rugs, and asking them to leave immediately after services rather than gathering for conversation, he said. The center also shortened the time of services, he said.
People had to sign up to attend Jummah services, the center closed its restrooms, and people had to put their shoes in plastic bags rather than on the shoe rack typically used.
"Our faith teaches us that prevention is better than treatment," he said.
But, he said, he's noticed people gathering closely outside the building in the parking lot, at local restaurants, and even going to parties.
He reminded them that Islam requires them to think of the good of others, not just themselves.
"We as Muslims believe that we have responsibility toward each other and everyone," he said, reciting a portion of a religious text that says that Muslims must treat others' lives and properties as a "sacred trust," as they would the sacred city.
The leaders considered having Eid Al-Adha services outdoors, he said, but determined that would not work.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--FDA says at least 75 brands of hand sanitizers may be toxic

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators have recalled dozens of hand sanitizers - many widely available through Walmart and other national retailers - because they contain dangerous and potentially fatal levels of wood alcohol .
Hand sanitizer demand has skyrocketed during the pandemic as Americans were urged to wash their hands often to guard against the coronavirus .
That 's sparked a slew of new brands to rush into the market .
But the Food and Drug Administration has identified at least 77 brands that say they contain ethanol ( also known as ethyl alcohol ) on their labels but later shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin , the agency said in an advisory , and can cause blindness .
It can be lethal if ingested .
Because the products are mislabeled , consumers would n't be able to tell which hand sanitizers actually contain methanol .
The FDA keeps a running tally of the recalled products on its website .
The recalled products are manufactured by various companies , all in Mexico , and have been carried by such retailers as BJ 's Wholesale Club , Costco and Walmart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blumen brand hand sanitizer on the recall list and said an import alert was attached to them earlier this month to prevent them from entering the country .
At the onset of the U.S. outbreak , Americans loaded up on hand sanitizers , disinfectants and other household cleaning supplies to combat the virus .
In turn , many companies shifted their production efforts to meet the heightened demand , including distilleries that pivoted to making hand sanitizer instead of alcoholic beverages .
But the run on hand sanitizer also attracted new manufacturers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since May , at least seven people have died and dozens have been hospitalized in Arizona and New Mexico after ingesting hand sanitizer containing methanol , according to state health officials .
At least some of the cases were related to alcoholism , officials have said .
Though hand sanitizer should not be consumed , some people have been drawn to its high alcohol content .
The FDA also advises Americans to be wary of products that claim to be `` FDA-approved , '' as none exist , or say they provide protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The agency encourages health professionals and consumers to report adverse affects or product quality issues with hand sanitizers on its website .
Public health professionals have called frequent hand-washing as a key defense against covid-19 .
If soap and water are not readily available , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethanol .

FDA says at least 75 brands of hand sanitizers may be toxic
WASHINGTON - Federal regulators have recalled dozens of hand sanitizers - many widely available through Walmart and other national retailers - because they contain dangerous and potentially fatal levels of wood alcohol.
Hand sanitizer demand has skyrocketed during the pandemic as Americans were urged to wash their hands often to guard against the coronavirus. That's sparked a slew of new brands to rush into the market. But the Food and Drug Administration has identified at least 77 brands that say they contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) on their labels but later shown to contain methanol, or wood alcohol.
Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin, the agency said in an advisory, and can cause blindness. It can be lethal if ingested.
Because the products are mislabeled, consumers wouldn't be able to tell which hand sanitizers actually contain methanol. The FDA keeps a running tally of the recalled products on its website.
The recalled products are manufactured by various companies, all in Mexico, and have been carried by such retailers as BJ's Wholesale Club, Costco and Walmart. The FDA included several types of Blumen brand hand sanitizer on the recall list and said an import alert was attached to them earlier this month to prevent them from entering the country.
At the onset of the U.S. outbreak, Americans loaded up on hand sanitizers, disinfectants and other household cleaning supplies to combat the virus. In turn, many companies shifted their production efforts to meet the heightened demand, including distilleries that pivoted to making hand sanitizer instead of alcoholic beverages. But the run on hand sanitizer also attracted new manufacturers that failed to ensure rigorous product quality.
Since May, at least seven people have died and dozens have been hospitalized in Arizona and New Mexico after ingesting hand sanitizer containing methanol, according to state health officials. At least some of the cases were related to alcoholism, officials have said. Though hand sanitizer should not be consumed, some people have been drawn to its high alcohol content.
The FDA also advises Americans to be wary of products that claim to be "FDA-approved," as none exist, or say they provide protection for "up to 24 hours."
The agency encourages health professionals and consumers to report adverse affects or product quality issues with hand sanitizers on its website.
Public health professionals have called frequent hand-washing as a key defense against covid-19. If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethanol.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--ESO cancels fall season due to COVID-19

ESO cancels fall season due to COVID-19

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has canceled its previously announced concerts through December because of ongoing health and safety concerns tied to COVID-19 .
`` This is difficult news for us as an organization , '' said ESO executive director Erik Malmquist in a statement .
The ESO joins other major arts organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra , the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet that have already canceled the first halves of their 2020-21 seasons .
The ESO faced the prospect of closed concert halls , or reduced capacity performances before audiences of no more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to have featured Beethoven 's 9th Symphony , the pops concert `` The Music of Journey & Queen '' and an annual Holiday Concert .
In addition to its main venue at Elgin 's Hemmens Cultural Center , the ESO had planned some performances at Crystal Lake 's Raue Center for the Arts and Skokie 's North Shore Center for the Performing Arts .
`` We hope to use these intervening two months between the cancellation and what was to have been Beethoven 9 to work on safer , smaller-scale events that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elgin Symphony playing in a safe and responsible way , '' Malmquist said .
Two announced ESO concerts so far are at Goebbert 's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove on Friday , Sept. 11 , and on Saturday , Sept. 12 , at the Haight in Elgin .
In-person and online streaming tickets to these concerts go on sale soon .
For more information on ticket refunds or donations , call ( 847 ) 888-4000 or visit elginsymphony.org .

ESO cancels fall season due to COVID-19
Elgin Symphony Orchestra music director Andrew Grams is stepping down from his conductor position at the end of the 2020-21 season. Due to COVID-19, the ESO has canceled previously announced concerts through the end of December. Courtesy of MusicVine
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has canceled its previously announced concerts through December because of ongoing health and safety concerns tied to COVID-19.
"This is difficult news for us as an organization," said ESO executive director Erik Malmquist in a statement.
The ESO joins other major arts organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet that have already canceled the first halves of their 2020-21 seasons. The ESO faced the prospect of closed concert halls, or reduced capacity performances before audiences of no more than 50.
The ESO's fall season was to have featured Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the pops concert "The Music of Journey & Queen" and an annual Holiday Concert. In addition to its main venue at Elgin's Hemmens Cultural Center, the ESO had planned some performances at Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts and Skokie's North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.
"We hope to use these intervening two months between the cancellation and what was to have been Beethoven 9 to work on safer, smaller-scale events that will keep our audiences engaged and the Elgin Symphony playing in a safe and responsible way," Malmquist said.
Two announced ESO concerts so far are at Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove on Friday, Sept. 11, and on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Haight in Elgin. In-person and online streaming tickets to these concerts go on sale soon.
For more information on ticket refunds or donations, call (847) 888-4000 or visit elginsymphony.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-24--Searbook expects to be ready for next season but will not go to Edmonton

Twelve days after the Blackhawks reconvened and began preparing to face the Edmonton Oilers , Brent Seabrook finally sat down and conducted a Zoom interview with reporters after practice Friday .
The veteran defenseman was as open , honest and forthright as we 've ever seen him during a career that has spanned 15 years with the Hawks .
The No .
1 takeaway is that Seabrook -- who will not be accompany his teammates to Edmonton on Sunday -- expects to be ready for the 2020-21 season .
And not only that , but the 35-year-old expects to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
`` I want to come back and be not just be a good player for the Blackhawks , but a great player in the league , '' said Seabrook , who underwent three surgeries in five weeks early this year .
`` I 'm very capable of doing that . ''
Seabrook opened his 19-minute Q & A by telling us he did n't want to talk until `` I had some answers '' about how he felt on the ice .
Seabrook had skated 12 times before camp began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first drill he said he was `` probably the most nervous I 've been since I was 18 years old at a training camp . ''
The decision to stay in Chicago came during a conversation with GM Stan Bowman on Thursday .
`` My understanding of the way the whole thing works is there are 31 players and they all need to be playing , '' Seabrook said .
`` The longer we go in the playoffs , you never know what 's going to happen .
We could lose 10 guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seabrook 's taking up a spot and ca n't play . ''
Seabrook scored 3 goals , had 1 assist and averaged a career-low 18 minutes , 9 seconds in 32 games this season .
He was also a healthy scratch three times , the third one coming against Colorado Dec. 18 .
The next afternoon , the Hawks announced Seabrook did not travel to Winnipeg and that he was undergoing further medical evaluation .
Eight days later , Seabrook was deemed out for the season , and he would later undergo surgeries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have n't been able to throw a baseball or a football for a long time , '' said Seabrook , who originally injured the shoulder when he was 18 .
`` Sleeping on it has been tough .
We did an MRI and there were definitely some issues that Dr. ( Michael ) Terry could see .
`` The alarming thing to me was there were two separate issues ( that ) he could n't tell me if they needed to be fixed until he was in my shoulder . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made , Seabrook asked Terry to help alleviate the back pain he 'd been experiencing for years .
Things got so bad that he was having a difficult time sitting , playing with his kids on the floor and even tying his shoes .
`` When he looked at the hips he figured out there was some stuff we could do to alleviate a lot of that pressure and that stress , '' Seabrook said .
So how does he feel now ?
`` I feel incredible , '' Seabrook said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie their shoes has been nice ; tie my own shoes has been nice .
Put on a sock .
Things like that .
`` I 'm very happy with the decisions that I made .
Could n't have asked for a better surgeon and the help he 's given me through this .
It 's been great . ''
Now , what about next season ?
While the Hawks ' blue line is getting more crowded , it would obviously benefit them if Seabrook -- whose contract carries a massive $ 6.875 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again play at a high level .
While admitting those three healthy scratches stung -- and that he does n't feel they were deserved -- Seabrook left no doubt what he expects of himself next season .
`` I still think that I 'm one of the best defensemen in this locker room , and if given the chance and the opportunities that some guys get then I would definitely be able to live up to those expectations and exceed them , '' Seabrook said .
`` I 've done it my whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to make a lot of my contract and my age , ( but ) if given the opportunity … you 'll get everything I 've got .
I 've got lots left .
`` So I 'm excited to get healthy and feel the best that I can feel , and I 'm looking forward to camp next year . ''
Murphy update : Defenseman Connor Murphy said he tweaked his groin last week , but expects to be ready to face Edmonton when the Hawks begin a best-of-five play-in series vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not practice with the team Friday , but was able to work with a secondary group of players on the Fifth Third Arena 's alternate rink .

Searbook expects to be ready for next season but will not go to Edmonton
Brent Seabrook won't travel with the Blackhawks to Edmonton, but he says he'll be ready for next season Associated Press
Twelve days after the Blackhawks reconvened and began preparing to face the Edmonton Oilers, Brent Seabrook finally sat down and conducted a Zoom interview with reporters after practice Friday.
The veteran defenseman was as open, honest and forthright as we've ever seen him during a career that has spanned 15 years with the Hawks.
The No. 1 takeaway is that Seabrook -- who will not be accompany his teammates to Edmonton on Sunday -- expects to be ready for the 2020-21 season.
And not only that, but the 35-year-old expects to play and to contribute at an extremely high level.
"I want to come back and be not just be a good player for the Blackhawks, but a great player in the league," said Seabrook, who underwent three surgeries in five weeks early this year. "I'm very capable of doing that."
Seabrook opened his 19-minute Q&A by telling us he didn't want to talk until "I had some answers" about how he felt on the ice. Seabrook had skated 12 times before camp began, but when the whistle blew for that first drill he said he was "probably the most nervous I've been since I was 18 years old at a training camp."
The decision to stay in Chicago came during a conversation with GM Stan Bowman on Thursday.
"My understanding of the way the whole thing works is there are 31 players and they all need to be playing," Seabrook said. "The longer we go in the playoffs, you never know what's going to happen. We could lose 10 guys in the first game, then Brent Seabrook's taking up a spot and can't play."
Seabrook scored 3 goals, had 1 assist and averaged a career-low 18 minutes, 9 seconds in 32 games this season. He was also a healthy scratch three times, the third one coming against Colorado Dec. 18.
The next afternoon, the Hawks announced Seabrook did not travel to Winnipeg and that he was undergoing further medical evaluation. Eight days later, Seabrook was deemed out for the season, and he would later undergo surgeries on his shoulder and both hips.
"I haven't been able to throw a baseball or a football for a long time," said Seabrook, who originally injured the shoulder when he was 18. "Sleeping on it has been tough. We did an MRI and there were definitely some issues that Dr. (Michael) Terry could see.
"The alarming thing to me was there were two separate issues (that) he couldn't tell me if they needed to be fixed until he was in my shoulder."
Once the decision to fix the shoulder was made, Seabrook asked Terry to help alleviate the back pain he'd been experiencing for years. Things got so bad that he was having a difficult time sitting, playing with his kids on the floor and even tying his shoes.
"When he looked at the hips he figured out there was some stuff we could do to alleviate a lot of that pressure and that stress," Seabrook said.
So how does he feel now?
"I feel incredible," Seabrook said. "Getting down and helping my kids tie their shoes has been nice; tie my own shoes has been nice. Put on a sock. Things like that.
"I'm very happy with the decisions that I made. Couldn't have asked for a better surgeon and the help he's given me through this. It's been great."
Now, what about next season? While the Hawks' blue line is getting more crowded, it would obviously benefit them if Seabrook -- whose contract carries a massive $6.875 million cap hit until 2023-2024 -- could again play at a high level.
While admitting those three healthy scratches stung -- and that he doesn't feel they were deserved -- Seabrook left no doubt what he expects of himself next season.
"I still think that I'm one of the best defensemen in this locker room, and if given the chance and the opportunities that some guys get then I would definitely be able to live up to those expectations and exceed them," Seabrook said. "I've done it my whole career.
"A lot of people want to make a lot of my contract and my age, (but) if given the opportunity … you'll get everything I've got. I've got lots left.
"So I'm excited to get healthy and feel the best that I can feel, and I'm looking forward to camp next year."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--1,231 new COVID-19 cases; normalcy 'six-plus months' off, Pritzker says

Cases of COVID-19 in Illinois increased by 1,231 Monday and deaths from the respiratory disease grew by 18 , officials said , as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker estimated a return to relative normalcy is `` six-plus months '' off .
The state 's positivity rate from COVID-19 tests climbed to 3.8 % based on a seven-day average , representative of a gradual uptick that began last week , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
That brings the statewide tally to 172,655 , and the number of Illinoisans perishing from COVID-19 to 7,416 , the IDPH said Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like wearing masks while visiting Quincy in downstate Adams County , where the average positivity rate is 5 % .
`` We do n't have to do this forever , '' Pritzker said .
`` We 're seeing there 's progress on vaccines and treatments ( but ) we 're not there yet .
We 're not there yet .
`` And frankly , we 're not going to be there until 2021 , in my humble opinion .
We 're not going to be able to take off the mask and go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , Pritzker said , estimating it could take `` six-plus months '' to reach that stage .
`` So let 's all work together , '' he added at a news briefing live-streamed by Quincy TV station WGEM .
The state 's daily positivity rate is 4 % , based on 30,567 tests .
Patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 reached 1,417 as of Sunday night , which is lower than the seven-day average of 1,445 .
The last seven-day average ( July 13 to 19 ) was 1,409 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions being imposed in regions , such as reducing the size of public gatherings .
Meanwhile , the average daily number of new virus cases is 1,038 based on tallies since June 26 , when the state transitioned to Phase 4 of a five-stage reopening plan .
Phase 4 allowed public gatherings of 50 or less , and indoor dining with capacity limits , for example .
During the more restrictive Phase 3 that lasted May 29 through June 25 , average daily cases came to 835 .
The state is divided into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Metro East region near St. Louis measured a 7.3 % positivity rate as of Friday .
An 8 % positivity rate for three days can trigger restrictions .
Pritzker warned authorities to be vigilant about sources of COVID-19 infections , such as crowds of people socializing , or it could `` drive the entire region back to closed bars and restaurants and there will be greater job losses or even another stay at home order . ''
The governor also said virus hot-spots in states like Florida , Texas , California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes to get test results from federal laboratories .
Illinois enhanced its state laboratory capacity by partnering with hospitals and universities this spring , and also is working with commercial laboratories .
But many tests still are processed at federal facilities .
`` I am concerned with lab capacity , '' Pritzker said .
National labs `` are overrun now there are spikes in other states .
Now there 's a bigger waiting list and a longer lag time . ''

1,231 new COVID-19 cases; normalcy 'six-plus months' off, Pritzker says
Cases of COVID-19 in Illinois increased by 1,231 Monday and deaths from the respiratory disease grew by 18, officials said, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker estimated a return to relative normalcy is "six-plus months" off.
The state's positivity rate from COVID-19 tests climbed to 3.8% based on a seven-day average, representative of a gradual uptick that began last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
That brings the statewide tally to 172,655, and the number of Illinoisans perishing from COVID-19 to 7,416, the IDPH said Monday.
Pritzker urged Illinoisans to use common-sense precautions like wearing masks while visiting Quincy in downstate Adams County, where the average positivity rate is 5%.
"We don't have to do this forever," Pritzker said. "We're seeing there's progress on vaccines and treatments (but) we're not there yet. We're not there yet.
"And frankly, we're not going to be there until 2021, in my humble opinion. We're not going to be able to take off the mask and go about everything we were doing" before the pandemic, Pritzker said, estimating it could take "six-plus months" to reach that stage.
"So let's all work together," he added at a news briefing live-streamed by Quincy TV station WGEM.
The state's daily positivity rate is 4%, based on 30,567 tests.
Patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 reached 1,417 as of Sunday night, which is lower than the seven-day average of 1,445. The last seven-day average (July 13 to 19) was 1,409.
A sustained increase in hospitalizations could result in restrictions being imposed in regions, such as reducing the size of public gatherings.
Meanwhile, the average daily number of new virus cases is 1,038 based on tallies since June 26, when the state transitioned to Phase 4 of a five-stage reopening plan. Phase 4 allowed public gatherings of 50 or less, and indoor dining with capacity limits, for example.
During the more restrictive Phase 3 that lasted May 29 through June 25, average daily cases came to 835.
The state is divided into 11 regions being monitored for COVID-19 conditions and the Metro East region near St. Louis measured a 7.3% positivity rate as of Friday. An 8% positivity rate for three days can trigger restrictions.
Pritzker warned authorities to be vigilant about sources of COVID-19 infections, such as crowds of people socializing, or it could "drive the entire region back to closed bars and restaurants and there will be greater job losses or even another stay at home order."
The governor also said virus hot-spots in states like Florida, Texas, California, Alabama might be affecting how long it takes to get test results from federal laboratories.
Illinois enhanced its state laboratory capacity by partnering with hospitals and universities this spring, and also is working with commercial laboratories. But many tests still are processed at federal facilities.
"I am concerned with lab capacity," Pritzker said. National labs "are overrun now there are spikes in other states. Now there's a bigger waiting list and a longer lag time."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Rack House Kitchen and Tavern closes in Arlington Heights

Rack House Kitchen and Tavern in Arlington Heights closed for good over the weekend because of the impact of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ The barbecue restaurant opened in March 2013 at 222 E. Algonquin Road , offering a @ @ @ @ @ drink list that included whiskeys , bourbons and craft beers .
It replaced a Boston @ @ @ @ @ doors in 2010 .
Waiters at Rack House already were telling patrons on Saturday that @ @ @ @ @ in business .
Owners made it official on their Facebook page after dining service Saturday @ @ @ @ @ all of our amazing customers that got us this far , and all of our @ @ @ @ @ us until the end , '' they wrote .
`` It has been a great @ @ @ @ @ past 8 years while creating memories that will last a lifetime . ''
The closure @ @ @ @ @ on the village 's south side vacant , in an area Arlington Heights officials and @ @ @ @ @ for redevelopment .

Rack House Kitchen and Tavern closes in Arlington Heights
Rack House Kitchen and Tavern in Arlington Heights closed for good over the weekend because of the impact of COVID-19, its owners said.
The barbecue restaurant opened in March 2013 at 222 E. Algonquin Road, offering a menu of smokehouse items and drink list that included whiskeys, bourbons and craft beers. It replaced a Boston Blackie's that shut its doors in 2010.
Waiters at Rack House already were telling patrons on Saturday that it was their last day in business. Owners made it official on their Facebook page after dining service Saturday night.
"We appreciate all of our amazing customers that got us this far, and all of our loyal staff for sticking with us until the end," they wrote. "It has been a great pleasure serving you for the past 8 years while creating memories that will last a lifetime."
The closure leaves a 10,000-square-foot restaurant space on the village's south side vacant, in an area Arlington Heights officials and local developers have been priming for redevelopment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--73 COVID-19 cases traced to a few Fourth of July parties in Lake Zurich

Health department officials said 73 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 as part of the Lake Zurich-area outbreak that led to the cancellation of sports camps at Lake Zurich High School earlier this month .
Health department spokeswoman Hannah Goering said Monday it appears the cases are linked together by a number of social gatherings leading up to the Fourth of July .
That determination was made after a department investigation and contact tracing .
Goering said the 73 people include students and residents from Lake Zurich as well as some people from surrounding villages .
`` This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , '' Goering said .
`` We 're looking at smaller social gatherings as the culprit . ''
Dr. Sana Ahmed , medical epidemiologist at the Lake County Health Department , said it was substantial that so many cases can be traced back to just a few social gatherings .
`` This outbreak highlights the importance and necessity of simple precautions like masking and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community , '' Ahmed said .
Goering advised people who intend to meet up at even small gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure everyone in attendance plans to wear masks and keep their distance .
`` If you 're seeing friends and not taking precautions it has the potential to grow rapidly , '' Goering said .
`` Thinking ahead is important . ''
Health department officials have stressed that people of any age can get COVID-19 .
Younger people typically have fewer , if any , symptoms , but they can easily spread the virus to someone who is higher risk .
Lake Zurich High officials opened and then closed summer sports camps the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning that some students had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The number of positive tests has grown since then , but Goering said the exposures most likely occurred before the camps began .
Health department officials hosted two free COVID-19 mobile testing events in the Lake Zurich area .

73 COVID-19 cases traced to a few Fourth of July parties in Lake Zurich
Health department officials said 73 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 as part of the Lake Zurich-area outbreak that led to the cancellation of sports camps at Lake Zurich High School earlier this month.
Health department spokeswoman Hannah Goering said Monday it appears the cases are linked together by a number of social gatherings leading up to the Fourth of July. That determination was made after a department investigation and contact tracing.
Goering said the 73 people include students and residents from Lake Zurich as well as some people from surrounding villages.
"This wasn't just from one rager of a party," Goering said. "We're looking at smaller social gatherings as the culprit."
Dr. Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist at the Lake County Health Department, said it was substantial that so many cases can be traced back to just a few social gatherings.
"This outbreak highlights the importance and necessity of simple precautions like masking and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community," Ahmed said.
Goering advised people who intend to meet up at even small gatherings to check ahead of time and make sure everyone in attendance plans to wear masks and keep their distance.
"If you're seeing friends and not taking precautions it has the potential to grow rapidly," Goering said. "Thinking ahead is important."
Health department officials have stressed that people of any age can get COVID-19. Younger people typically have fewer, if any, symptoms, but they can easily spread the virus to someone who is higher risk.
Lake Zurich High officials opened and then closed summer sports camps the week after the Fourth of July after learning that some students had tested positive for COVID-19. The number of positive tests has grown since then, but Goering said the exposures most likely occurred before the camps began.
Health department officials hosted two free COVID-19 mobile testing events in the Lake Zurich area .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Tollway bungled construction contracts, state regulator says

A state regulator has ruled the Illinois tollway acted illegally in its handling of unsuccessful bids from two construction companies on separate projects , a move that caused delays and contrasts with agency goals of strengthening procurement policies .
In March , Walsh Construction Co. and Lorig Construction Co. filed protests with Illinois ' Chief Procurement Officer for General Services after losing contracts cumulatively worth more than $ 70 million .
The firms contended they were n't properly notified about decisions , which were related to tollway diversity goals .
Tollway leaders argue both contractors were kept in the loop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the contractors , concluding they were n't properly notified that their bids fell short , which caused them to lose out on a chance for reconsideration .
The tollway committed an `` illegal act that undermines the integrity of the procurement process , '' Daley concluded in two separate reports dated July 6 and obtained by the Daily Herald through a Freedom of Information Act request .
Tollway leaders downplayed the CPO 's conclusion , saying it was `` in reference to a small procedural issue . ''
Daley said , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of communicating effectively .
`` Neither the procurement system in general nor ( diversity ) inclusion efforts in particular are well-served by keeping bidders ignorant when they fail to measure up , '' she said .
But she noted , `` I do not think the tollway acted in bad faith by not notifying Walsh/Lorig of its determination . ''
Meanwhile , two important projects are in limbo as the construction season dwindles and Illinois ' unemployment rate stands at 14.6 % .
`` The industry is very concerned whenever the integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this case undermined , '' Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association President Michael Sturino said .
After the tollway administration changed hands in 2019 following concerns about nepotism , Executive Director Jose Alvarez recruited a number of colleagues from his previous job at the Chicago Housing Authority to create a gold-standard procurement department .
Bids for a I-55/I-294 bridge project Lorig sought were opened in December .
Bids for a construction project on I-490 that Walsh desired were opened in January .
Work should have started in May .
Typically , construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Lorig and Walsh did not secure enough minority subcontractors to reach the tollway 's 30 % -range diversity goal , documents show .
The agency is deeply committed to diversity `` to ensure it reflects the communities it serves , '' a spokesman said .
And , , `` being the lowest bidder does not ensure receipt of a contract award .
A bidder must , among other things , satisfy the goals included in the solicitation and show good faith efforts to do so . ''
The two firms are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals previously and currently on other projects .
A tollway provision allowed unsuccessful bidders to seek reconsideration from the agency 's diversity chief .
Lorig and Walsh both claim they worked to find more qualified minority firms and did n't receive notice of a decision until it was too late to appeal .
The tollway board awarded the two contracts to the lowest responsive bidders on March 26 .
The difference in cost was about $ 1.27 million combined .
Tollway officials state they `` provided verbal notification of non-responsiveness to both bidders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prove proper procedures were followed , and weeks passed until the firms learned their bids were officially rejected , Daley said .
`` Silence is not a notification , it is an absence of a notification , '' she said .
State Sen. Laura Murphy has asked Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Ram Villivalam to hold a hearing on the bid protests , saying she found the CPO 's findings `` very concerning . ''
The tollway has a `` responsibility to ensure the bid is fair , meets the procurement guidelines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Des Plaines Democrat said , noting that for the CPO to have to intervene in what should have been a routine procurement issue seems needless .
Tollway officials said , `` we 're stunned the senator believes that holding our ground against contractors who fail to meet diversity goals will cost more and is 'needless , ' especially given the CPO stated our agency acted in good faith within the low-bid process . ''
Murphy said she supports diversity goals - the concern is `` the procurement process should work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly seems to have been a snag . ''
Tollway board Director and former state Sen. Karen McConnaughay of St. Charles was troubled by Daley 's report .
`` Any time , the state 's CPO rules against the tollway on a procurement matter , it needs to be taken seriously and requires close examination '' of procedures , she said .
What 's next ?
`` To date , there have been no contract awards , '' tollway officials said , noting Walsh and Lorig now will get administrative reconsideration , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Drop an email to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
Expect some painful commutes on Route 31 as IDOT resurfaces a stretch from West Road to Strom Drive in Elgin and West Dundee .
The work requires lane closures and will last until summer 2021 .
O'Hare International Airport maintains its title as the nation 's busiest airport but new Federal Aviation Administration data shows that the impact of COVID-19 on travel has reduced flights by 37 % from Jan. 1 through June 30 .
Operations dropped from 441,090 to 277,342 .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airport with 267,572 flights through June .

Tollway bungled construction contracts, state regulator says
A state regulator has ruled the Illinois tollway acted illegally in its handling of unsuccessful bids from two construction companies on separate projects, a move that caused delays and contrasts with agency goals of strengthening procurement policies.
In March, Walsh Construction Co. and Lorig Construction Co. filed protests with Illinois' Chief Procurement Officer for General Services after losing contracts cumulatively worth more than $70 million.
The firms contended they weren't properly notified about decisions, which were related to tollway diversity goals.
Tollway leaders argue both contractors were kept in the loop.
Chief Procurement Officer Ellen Daley sided with the contractors, concluding they weren't properly notified that their bids fell short, which caused them to lose out on a chance for reconsideration. The tollway committed an "illegal act that undermines the integrity of the procurement process," Daley concluded in two separate reports dated July 6 and obtained by the Daily Herald through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Tollway leaders downplayed the CPO's conclusion, saying it was "in reference to a small procedural issue."
Daley said, however, the agency dropped the ball in terms of communicating effectively.
"Neither the procurement system in general nor (diversity) inclusion efforts in particular are well-served by keeping bidders ignorant when they fail to measure up," she said. But she noted, "I do not think the tollway acted in bad faith by not notifying Walsh/Lorig of its determination."
Meanwhile, two important projects are in limbo as the construction season dwindles and Illinois' unemployment rate stands at 14.6%.
"The industry is very concerned whenever the integrity of the procurement process is threatened or in this case undermined," Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association President Michael Sturino said.
After the tollway administration changed hands in 2019 following concerns about nepotism, Executive Director Jose Alvarez recruited a number of colleagues from his previous job at the Chicago Housing Authority to create a gold-standard procurement department.
Bids for a I-55/I-294 bridge project Lorig sought were opened in December. Bids for a construction project on I-490 that Walsh desired were opened in January. Work should have started in May.
Typically, construction contracts go to the lowest qualified bidder, but Lorig and Walsh did not secure enough minority subcontractors to reach the tollway's 30%-range diversity goal, documents show.
The agency is deeply committed to diversity "to ensure it reflects the communities it serves," a spokesman said.
And,, "being the lowest bidder does not ensure receipt of a contract award. A bidder must, among other things, satisfy the goals included in the solicitation and show good faith efforts to do so."
The two firms are long-time tollway contractors that have met diversity goals previously and currently on other projects.
A tollway provision allowed unsuccessful bidders to seek reconsideration from the agency's diversity chief. Lorig and Walsh both claim they worked to find more qualified minority firms and didn't receive notice of a decision until it was too late to appeal.
The tollway board awarded the two contracts to the lowest responsive bidders on March 26. The difference in cost was about $1.27 million combined.
Tollway officials state they "provided verbal notification of non-responsiveness to both bidders."
But there are no records to prove proper procedures were followed, and weeks passed until the firms learned their bids were officially rejected, Daley said.
"Silence is not a notification, it is an absence of a notification," she said.
State Sen. Laura Murphy has asked Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Ram Villivalam to hold a hearing on the bid protests, saying she found the CPO's findings "very concerning."
The tollway has a "responsibility to ensure the bid is fair, meets the procurement guidelines and provides the most cost-efficient bid for taxpayers," the Des Plaines Democrat said, noting that for the CPO to have to intervene in what should have been a routine procurement issue seems needless.
Tollway officials said, "we're stunned the senator believes that holding our ground against contractors who fail to meet diversity goals will cost more and is 'needless,' especially given the CPO stated our agency acted in good faith within the low-bid process."
Murphy said she supports diversity goals - the concern is "the procurement process should work like clockwork, (but) there certainly seems to have been a snag."
Tollway board Director and former state Sen. Karen McConnaughay of St. Charles was troubled by Daley's report. "Any time, the state's CPO rules against the tollway on a procurement matter, it needs to be taken seriously and requires close examination" of procedures, she said.
What's next? "To date, there have been no contract awards," tollway officials said, noting Walsh and Lorig now will get administrative reconsideration, as the CPO directed.
Got an opinion? Drop an email to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
Gridlock alert
Expect some painful commutes on Route 31 as IDOT resurfaces a stretch from West Road to Strom Drive in Elgin and West Dundee. The work requires lane closures and will last until summer 2021.
O'Hare traffic down by 37%
O'Hare International Airport maintains its title as the nation's busiest airport but new Federal Aviation Administration data shows that the impact of COVID-19 on travel has reduced flights by 37% from Jan. 1 through June 30. Operations dropped from 441,090 to 277,342. That's still busier than rival Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with 267,572 flights through June.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--'My post was in poor taste' -- Democrat drops out of DuPage County Board race

The Democratic nominee for a District 4 seat on the DuPage County Board is dropping out of the race and apologizing for an `` irresponsible '' tweet she posted about protests in Portland , Oregon .
Hadiya Afzal , a recent college graduate from DePaul University , confirmed Monday morning she is ending her campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Tim Elliott , a Glen Ellyn attorney , in the November election .
DuPage Democrats are preparing to slate another candidate to replace Afzal on the ballot , party Chairwoman Cynthia Borbas said .
In a span of 10 hours Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid because her tweet had become a distraction after she initially defended herself on Facebook .
Her tweet drew criticism from both sides of the aisle .
`` As a young activist , I made the decision to run for office in DuPage County Board District 4 to bring progressive policy changes for the community I grew up in and care deeply for , '' Afzal wrote in a withdrawal letter .
`` Early Sunday morning , I posted a personal Tweet regarding the protests in Portland , Oregon .
My post was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the values I was raised with and hold dear .
I do not support or condone violence in any form .
I appreciate and support the role that law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe . ''
Afzal 's post surfaced after conservative social media personality Andy Ngo shared a screenshot to his Twitter followers Sunday .
Afzal has made her Twitter account private .
The screenshot shows Afzal wrote that she was repeatedly watching a video of a clash between protesters and officers and `` laughing every single time . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal officer throwing a projectile over a barricade , and then a projectile hitting the same officer in the head .
Protesters demonstrating against police brutality and racism have resisted the presence of federal agents deployed to Portland .
Before dropping out , Afzal wrote earlier Sunday on her Facebook page that `` right-wing activists '' had launched a `` bad-faith smear campaign '' against her and that she was targeted by a `` wave of coordinated racist , sexist and Islamophobic harassment . ''
`` The comment , taken out of context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` I do not condone violence in any form , and indeed have been one of many voices calling for policy changes to our policing problems today . ''
Afzal did not immediately return a request for further comment .
Afzal narrowly won a five-way primary race to become the Democratic nominee .
Afzal had 4,447 votes , or 28.23 % of those cast , followed by Lynn LaPlante , a Glen Ellyn violist , with 4,399 votes , or 27.92 % .
Democrats are seeking legal counsel regarding the slating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's understanding that precinct committee persons in District 4 have until mid-August to select another candidate , Borbas said .
`` I 'm sure that they will obviously consider Lynn as she was in that tight race , '' Borbas said .
It was ultimately Afzal 's decision to drop out of the general election race and shows `` decisive action , '' the party chairwoman said .
`` I think that really we will reframe the conversation , that we all agree that violence is never the answer and then refocus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Herald .
She also issued a formal statement on behalf of the party .
`` We want to be absolutely clear that we do not support violence of any sort , '' the statement read in part .
`` While tensions may run high on a national or local level , we must always push for peaceful change and solutions . ''

'My post was in poor taste' -- Democrat drops out of DuPage County Board race
The Democratic nominee for a District 4 seat on the DuPage County Board is dropping out of the race and apologizing for an "irresponsible" tweet she posted about protests in Portland, Oregon.
Hadiya Afzal, a recent college graduate from DePaul University, confirmed Monday morning she is ending her campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Tim Elliott, a Glen Ellyn attorney, in the November election.
DuPage Democrats are preparing to slate another candidate to replace Afzal on the ballot, party Chairwoman Cynthia Borbas said.
In a span of 10 hours Sunday, Afzal announced she was withdrawing her bid because her tweet had become a distraction after she initially defended herself on Facebook. Her tweet drew criticism from both sides of the aisle.
"As a young activist, I made the decision to run for office in DuPage County Board District 4 to bring progressive policy changes for the community I grew up in and care deeply for," Afzal wrote in a withdrawal letter. "Early Sunday morning, I posted a personal Tweet regarding the protests in Portland, Oregon. My post was in poor taste and doesn't reflect the values I was raised with and hold dear. I do not support or condone violence in any form. I appreciate and support the role that law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe."
Afzal's post surfaced after conservative social media personality Andy Ngo shared a screenshot to his Twitter followers Sunday. Afzal has made her Twitter account private.
The screenshot shows Afzal wrote that she was repeatedly watching a video of a clash between protesters and officers and "laughing every single time." The brief clip appears to show a federal officer throwing a projectile over a barricade, and then a projectile hitting the same officer in the head.
Protesters demonstrating against police brutality and racism have resisted the presence of federal agents deployed to Portland.
Before dropping out, Afzal wrote earlier Sunday on her Facebook page that "right-wing activists" had launched a "bad-faith smear campaign" against her and that she was targeted by a "wave of coordinated racist, sexist and Islamophobic harassment."
"The comment, taken out of context, is extremely disappointing," Afzal wrote. "I do not condone violence in any form, and indeed have been one of many voices calling for policy changes to our policing problems today."
Afzal did not immediately return a request for further comment.
Afzal narrowly won a five-way primary race to become the Democratic nominee. Afzal had 4,447 votes, or 28.23% of those cast, followed by Lynn LaPlante, a Glen Ellyn violist, with 4,399 votes, or 27.92%.
Democrats are seeking legal counsel regarding the slating process, but it's the party's understanding that precinct committee persons in District 4 have until mid-August to select another candidate, Borbas said.
"I'm sure that they will obviously consider Lynn as she was in that tight race," Borbas said.
It was ultimately Afzal's decision to drop out of the general election race and shows "decisive action," the party chairwoman said.
"I think that really we will reframe the conversation, that we all agree that violence is never the answer and then refocus on the issues," Borbas told the Daily Herald.
She also issued a formal statement on behalf of the party.
"We want to be absolutely clear that we do not support violence of any sort," the statement read in part. "While tensions may run high on a national or local level, we must always push for peaceful change and solutions."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--2 MLB games postponed as Marlins deal with virus outbreak

MIAMI -- Two major league games scheduled for Monday night were postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia .
The Marlins ' home opener against Baltimore was called off , as was the New York Yankees ' game at Philadelphia .
The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend .
Nine Marlins players and five staff members received positive results in tests conducted Friday , a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results had n't been publicly disclosed .
The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia for now , and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there , the person said .
The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies .
Major League Baseball announced the postponement of both games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch , and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted .
`` The members of the Marlins ' traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The Marlins ' outbreak raised anew doubts about MLB 's ability to finish a 60-game season barely underway amid a pandemic .
`` The health of our players and staff has been and will continue to be our primary focus as we navigate through these unchartered waters , '' Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement .
`` Postponing tonight 's home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation . ''
Miami pitcher Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sunday 's game , and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday .
No reasons were given for the moves .
It 's unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results .
Some players texted each other about the team 's health issues before Sunday 's game , but there was no talk of declining to play , shortstop Miguel Rojas said .
`` That was never our mentality , '' Rojas said .
`` We knew this could happen at some point .
We came to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Don Mattingly : `` It 's fair to say guys are concerned about things .
They want how they 're feeling about the situation to be heard .
I think it 's fair .
We 're talking about health . ''
The Marlins played exhibition games at Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves , who have since been without their top two catchers , Tyler Flowers and Travis d'Arnaud , after both players showed symptoms of COVID-19 .
Mattingly declined to say whether he thought the Marlins ' health issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami is a hot spot for the pandemic , but on Sunday , Mattingly said he feels safer there .
`` You feel safe at the ballpark ; I feel safe with my surroundings going home , '' he said .
`` It 's a lot scarier on the road . ''

2 MLB games postponed as Marlins deal with virus outbreak
Miami Marlins' manager Don Mattingly looks out from the dugout Saturday during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia. Associated Press
MIAMI -- Two major league games scheduled for Monday night were postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia.
The Marlins' home opener against Baltimore was called off, as was the New York Yankees' game at Philadelphia. The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend.
Nine Marlins players and five staff members received positive results in tests conducted Friday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the results hadn't been publicly disclosed.
The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia for now, and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there, the person said.
The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies.
Major League Baseball announced the postponement of both games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch, and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted.
"The members of the Marlins' traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results," MLB said in a statement.
The Marlins' outbreak raised anew doubts about MLB's ability to finish a 60-game season barely underway amid a pandemic.
"The health of our players and staff has been and will continue to be our primary focus as we navigate through these unchartered waters," Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement. "Postponing tonight's home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation."
Miami pitcher Jose Urena was scratched from his scheduled start in Sunday's game, and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday. No reasons were given for the moves.
It's unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results. Some players texted each other about the team's health issues before Sunday's game, but there was no talk of declining to play, shortstop Miguel Rojas said.
"That was never our mentality," Rojas said. "We knew this could happen at some point. We came to the ballpark ready to play."
Said manager Don Mattingly: "It's fair to say guys are concerned about things. They want how they're feeling about the situation to be heard. I think it's fair. We're talking about health."
The Marlins played exhibition games at Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves, who have since been without their top two catchers, Tyler Flowers and Travis d'Arnaud, after both players showed symptoms of COVID-19. Mattingly declined to say whether he thought the Marlins' health issues were related to the Atlanta stop.
Miami is a hot spot for the pandemic, but on Sunday, Mattingly said he feels safer there.
"You feel safe at the ballpark; I feel safe with my surroundings going home," he said. "It's a lot scarier on the road."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Lawsuit dismissed after sex offenders living at Aurora ministry find new homes

Sex offenders who sued to stay at the Wayside Cross Ministries halfway house in downtown Aurora after a judge ruled it is too close to a playground have dropped their litigation after all of them found alternative housing .
The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed Friday , according to Kane County court records and their attorney , Adele Nicholas , who credited the Kane County state 's attorney 's office with giving the 17 men time to move instead of arresting and essentially evicting them .
In spring 2019 , the city of Aurora notified Wayside that sex offenders in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. were violating the state 's sex offender laws , which prohibit them from living less than 500 feet from a playground -- in this case , McCarty Park and its signature splash pad .
Nicholas said there was no legal path forward after the state 's Supreme Court declined to consider the issue .
`` All of them have moved out , '' she said Monday .
`` From a practical standpoint , they ( the Kane County state 's attorney 's office ) were n't looking to bring the hammer down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong . ''
Nicholas had argued on behalf of the men , saying they were n't allowed near a park or playground anyway , and the Wayside halfway house had security and other protocols in place to ensure they were n't a danger .
`` If our legislators were n't such cowards , they would pass laws that actually promote public safety , '' she added .
`` It 's not the city ( of Aurora 's ) fault they were given the terrible law by the state . ''
Wayside Cross Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men found new housing and jobs in the suburbs .
One person had to move downstate .
All were compliant with the state 's sex offender laws and not homeless , he said .
Citing privacy reasons , Lukose declined to specify the towns the men moved to .
`` It was a good ending in the sense that every one of them found housing and employment , '' he said , crediting Kane County State 's Attorney Joe McMahon for giving them 90 days to make other arrangements instead of arresting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halfway house .
`` Basically , we asked for three months time .
( McMahon ) was very generous , '' Lukose said Monday .
`` A law is the law unless the state is willing to do the hard work and change the law .
Until then , this is the reality . ''
Lukose said the men in the halfway house made up a very small portion of Wayside 's overall ministries , and their overall mission is not affected .
McMahon 's office did not respond to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Richard Irvin was not returned Monday .

Lawsuit dismissed after sex offenders living at Aurora ministry find new homes
Eighteen sex offenders have moved out of the Wayside Cross Ministry halfway house, 215 E. New York St., and dropped their lawsuit to stay. A judge this year ruled the halfway house was within 500 feet of McCarty Park and the men living there were in violation of sex offender registration laws. Daily Herald file photo
Sex offenders who sued to stay at the Wayside Cross Ministries halfway house in downtown Aurora after a judge ruled it is too close to a playground have dropped their litigation after all of them found alternative housing.
The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed Friday, according to Kane County court records and their attorney, Adele Nicholas, who credited the Kane County state's attorney's office with giving the 18 men time to move instead of arresting and essentially evicting them.
In spring 2019, the city of Aurora notified Wayside that sex offenders in the halfway house at 215 E. New York St. were violating the state's sex offender laws, which prohibit them from living less than 500 feet from a playground -- in this case, McCarty Park and its signature splash pad.
Aurora police spokesman Paris Lewbel said the city had no choice but to report the violation.
"As the city maintained from the onset of the controversy that preceded this litigation, once it recognized that McCarty Park met the statutory definition of a playground, it had the duty to report the situation to the state's attorney so that the state's attorney could determine how to
proceed, including whether and when to bring a criminal prosecution," he said in a statement issued Monday night. "These were decisions that the state's attorney, and only the state's
attorney, could make."
Nicholas said there was no legal path forward after the state's Supreme Court declined to consider the issue.
"All of them have moved out," she said Monday. "From a practical standpoint, they (the Kane County state's attorney's office) weren't looking to bring the hammer down on anyone who didn't do anything wrong."
Nicholas had argued on behalf of the men, saying they weren't allowed near a park or playground anyway, and the Wayside halfway house had security and other protocols in place to ensure they weren't a danger.
"If our legislators weren't such cowards, they would pass laws that actually promote public safety," she added. "It's not the city (of Aurora's) fault they were given the terrible law by the state."
Wayside Cross Executive Director James Lukose said most of the men found new housing and jobs in the suburbs. One person had to move downstate. All were compliant with the state's sex offender laws and not homeless, he said.
Citing privacy reasons, Lukose declined to specify the towns the men moved to.
"It was a good ending in the sense that every one of them found housing and employment," he said, crediting Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon for giving them 90 days to make other arrangements instead of arresting, charging and evicting the men at the halfway house.
"Basically, we asked for three months time. (McMahon) was very generous," Lukose said Monday. "A law is the law unless the state is willing to do the hard work and change the law. Until then, this is the reality."
Lukose said the men in the halfway house made up a very small portion of Wayside's overall ministries, and their overall mission is not affected.
McMahon's office did not respond to a request for comment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Gunshots that hit Palatine home came from gang-related exchange, police say

An exchange of gunshots over the weekend at a Palatine apartment complex was gang related , police said Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ but a car and a nearby coach house were hit by bullets .
The gunfire @ @ @ @ @ Saturday on the 700 block of East Rand Grove Village in the Rand Grove Village @ @ @ @ @ exchanged shots , Deputy Police Chief Bill Nord said .
Some of the shots hit @ @ @ @ @ neighboring Whispering Oaks complex .
Michelle Johnson , a resident of the building that was @ @ @ @ @ the shots but thought they were firecrackers .
She was shaken up the next morning @ @ @ @ @ hit her neighbor 's unit .
In response to the violence , police officers patrolled @ @ @ @ @ and will continue to do so this week , Nord said .
No arrests had @ @ @ @ @ , and the shooting remains under investigation .
If you have information about the shooting @ @ @ @ @ at ( 847 ) 359-9000 .

Gunshots that hit Palatine home came from gang-related exchange, police say
Several gunshots struck this coach house property in Palatine early Saturday, a resident of the building said. Police say the shots came from an exchange of gunfire between gang members. Courtesy of Michelle Johnson
An exchange of gunshots over the weekend at a Palatine apartment complex was gang related, police said Monday.
No one was injured, but a car and a nearby coach house were hit by bullets.
The gunfire began shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday on the 700 block of East Rand Grove Village in the Rand Grove Village apartment complex. Two groups exchanged shots, Deputy Police Chief Bill Nord said.
Some of the shots hit a coach house in the neighboring Whispering Oaks complex. Michelle Johnson, a resident of the building that was hit, said she heard the shots but thought they were firecrackers.
She was shaken up the next morning when she learned gunshots had hit her neighbor's unit.
"I don't feel safe anymore," Johnson said.
In response to the violence, police officers patrolled the area over the weekend and will continue to do so this week, Nord said.
No arrests had been made as of Monday, and the shooting remains under investigation.
If you have information about the shooting, you can call police at (847) 359-9000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Sheriff: Deer Park woman attacked boyfriend with machete

A 39-year-old Deer Park woman faces multiple charges after authorities say she struck her boyfriend in the head with a machete Sunday night after he urinated in bed .
Bophanary Om , of the 22500 block of West Lake-Cook Road , is charged with aggravated domestic battery , aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from the attack , Lake County Sheriff 's police said Monday .
According to the sheriff 's office , deputies were called to the couple 's home about 9:30 p.m. on a report of a domestic battery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 39-year-old male resident with a serious wound to his head , officials said .
A preliminary investigation showed that the man 's girlfriend , identified as Om , got upset after he urinated in bed and assaulted him with a machete , sheriff 's police said .
The man was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover , authorities said .
Om was arrested and taken to the Lake County jail , where she remained held Monday on $ 30,000 bail .
She is scheduled to appear in court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three to seven years in prison if convicted of aggravated domestic battery , though probation also would be possible .

Sheriff: Deer Park woman attacked boyfriend with machete
A 39-year-old Deer Park woman faces multiple charges after authorities say she struck her boyfriend in the head with a machete Sunday night after he urinated in bed.
Bophanary Om, of the 22500 block of West Lake-Cook Road, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from the attack, Lake County Sheriff's police said Monday.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies were called to the couple's home about 9:30 p.m. on a report of a domestic battery in progress. They arrived to find a 39-year-old male resident with a serious wound to his head, officials said.
A preliminary investigation showed that the man's girlfriend, identified as Om, got upset after he urinated in bed and assaulted him with a machete, sheriff's police said.
The man was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, authorities said.
Om was arrested and taken to the Lake County jail, where she remained held Monday on $30,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 25 and faces a maximum of three to seven years in prison if convicted of aggravated domestic battery, though probation also would be possible.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Wahlburger's to open Tuesday in St. Charles

The Wahlburger 's Restaurant in St. Charles will open Tuesday , the company announced Monday morning .
The location at @ @ @ @ @ be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily .
`` St. Charles holds a @ @ @ @ @ heart , '' co-owner , Donnie Wahlberg , who has lived in town for several @ @ @ @ @ news release .
`` Like so many in our industry , we 've faced a @ @ @ @ @ the impact of COVID-19 , but we are determined to deliver on my promise to @ @ @ @ @ and unique dining experience to the Fox Valley . ''
Actor Wahlberg and two of @ @ @ @ @ and chef Paul - own the restaurant .

Wahlburgers to open today in St. Charles
The Wahlburgers Restaurant in St. Charles will open today, the company announced Monday morning.
The location at 825 S. Randall Road will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
"St. Charles holds a very special place in my heart," co-owner, Donnie Wahlberg, who has lived in town for several years, said in a news release. "Like so many in our industry, we've faced a lot of setbacks due to the impact of COVID-19, but we are determined to deliver on my promise to bring a safe, exciting and unique dining experience to the Fox Valley."
Actor Wahlberg and two of his brothers - actor Mark and chef Paul - own the restaurant.
It joins 44 other Wahlburgers restaurants.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--July 27 COVID-19 cases by county

July 27 COVID-19 cases by county

Since the outbreak began , there have been 85,716 cases in the suburbs as of Monday , 49.6 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,776 deaths in the suburbs , representing 51 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Monday , suburban Cook County had 43,605 cases and 2,086 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 59,403 cases and 2,756 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner 's office : 1,914 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 900 cases and 63 deaths in Wheeling , 844 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 748 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 735 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 708 cases and 49 deaths in Glenview , 699 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg , 674 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 578 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 542 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 408 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 405 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 401 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook , 292 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 137 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 10,941 cases and 507 deaths as of Monday .
• Top counts : 895 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 853 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 738 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights , 671 cases and 36 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County portion ) , 611 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 516 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard , 498 cases and 39 deaths in Elmhurst , 433 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 372 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 304 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 285 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) , 269 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn .
Lake County • The county reported 11,529 cases and 426 deaths , as of Monday .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waukegan , 670 to 674 in Round Lake Beach , 435 to 439 in Mundelein , 375 to 379 in Gurnee , 290 to 294 in Round Lake , 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 235 to 239 in Lake Zurich , 210 to 214 in Vernon Hills , 180 to 184 in Wauconda , 175 to 179 in Libertyville , 140 to 144 in Grayslake .
Kane County • The county confirmed 8,853 cases with 294 deaths on its website Monday .
• Top counts : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portion ) , 2,087 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 828 in Carpentersville , 445 in St. Charles , 381 in South Elgin , 243 in Geneva , 243 in North Aurora , 188 in Batavia , and 69 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 2,708 cases and 111 deaths , according to the health department Monday .
Will County • 8,148 cases and 338 deaths , as of Monday .
• Cases per town include 356 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 105 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

July 27 COVID-19 cases by county
Since the outbreak began, there have been 85,716 cases in the suburbs as of Monday, 49.6% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 3,776 deaths in the suburbs, representing 51% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County
• As of Monday, suburban Cook County had 43,605 cases and 2,086 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 59,403 cases and 2,756 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,914 cases and 101 deaths in Des Plaines, 900 cases and 63 deaths in Wheeling, 844 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 748 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 735 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 708 cases and 49 deaths in Glenview, 699 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg, 674 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 578 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 542 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 408 cases and 12 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 405 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 401 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 292 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 137 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County
• The county reported 10,941 cases and 507 deaths as of Monday.
• Top counts: 895 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 853 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 738 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 671 cases and 36 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 611 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 590 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 516 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard, 498 cases and 39 deaths in Elmhurst, 433 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 372 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 304 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 285 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion), 269 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Lake County
• The county reported 11,529 cases and 426 deaths, as of Monday.
• Top counts: 2,990 to 2,994 in Waukegan, 670 to 674 in Round Lake Beach, 435 to 439 in Mundelein, 375 to 379 in Gurnee, 290 to 294 in Round Lake, 220 to 224 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 235 to 239 in Lake Zurich, 210 to 214 in Vernon Hills, 180 to 184 in Wauconda, 175 to 179 in Libertyville, 140 to 144 in Grayslake.
Kane County
• The county confirmed 8,853 cases with 294 deaths on its website Monday.
• Top counts: 3,645 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,087 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 828 in Carpentersville, 445 in St. Charles, 381 in South Elgin, 243 in Geneva, 243 in North Aurora, 188 in Batavia, and 69 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• 2,708 cases and 111 deaths, according to the health department Monday.
Will County
• 8,148 cases and 338 deaths, as of Monday.
• Cases per town include 356 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 105 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-27--Wisconsin being added to city's quarantine list

Wisconsin will become the 19th state on Chicago 's 14-day quarantine list , and Indiana is being closely watched , @ @ @ @ @ .
One week after Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady warned Wisconsin was `` getting very @ @ @ @ @ dubious list , Lightfoot said Wisconsin has arrived there .
That order that now applies @ @ @ @ @ from 18 states is not being strictly enforced .
Compliance is voluntary .
The mayor @ @ @ @ @ about a group of physicians urging another national shutdown .
She said she `` understands @ @ @ @ @ chilling recommendation .

Wisconsin being added to city's quarantine list
Adam Gallus, left, works the window at Merrimac Ferry Landing Concessions on earlier this month in Merrimac, Wis. Gallus, 37, is having a banner year as traffic is up on Lake Wisconsin and people are taking drives to get out of the house and to ride the Merrimac Ferry. John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Wisconsin will become the 19th state on Chicago's 14-day quarantine list, and Indiana is being closely watched, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.
One week after Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady warned Wisconsin was "getting very close to" joining the dubious list, Lightfoot said Wisconsin has arrived there.
That order that now applies to anyone arriving in Chicago from 18 states is not being strictly enforced. Compliance is voluntary.
The mayor made the disclosure when asked about a group of physicians urging another national shutdown. She said she "understands the sentiment" behind that chilling recommendation.
For the complete story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.