dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-03--Pete Alonso hits 2-run shot in 10th, Mets beat Yankees 9-7

NEW YORK -- Pete Alonso hit a two-run homer leading off the 10th inning Thursday night , lifting the New York Mets to a come-from-behind , 9-7 win over the Yankees in the final Subway Series game of the season between the teams .
The Mets came back from deficits of 4-0 and 7-4 at Citi Field to earn a split of the six-game season series , all of which was played over the last six days .
J.D .
Davis forced extra innings by homering off Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman one pitch after pinch-runner Billy Hamilton was thrown out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then hit the second pitch he saw from Albert Abreu ( 0-1 ) well into the left-field seats for his first walk-off homer .
Alonso raised his arms and looked towards the dugout as the Mets spilled out to celebrate a win on the afternoon they honored franchise icon Tom Seaver , whose death was announced Wednesday .
Edwin Diaz ( 2-1 ) tossed two innings and faced only two batters in the 10th .
Tyler Wade , who started the inning on second base as the automatic runner , was doubled up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was the third extra-inning game between the teams in the last four days .
The Yankees swept Sunday 's doubleheader with a pair of eight-inning victories .
The Mets paid tribute throughout the game to Seaver , who died Monday at the age of 75 due to complications from Lewy body dementia and the coronavirus .
The scoreboard sported 1969 graphics and highlights of his career were aired on the DiamondVision .
PITTSBURGH -- First-time father Bryan Reynolds hit a three-run homer in his return from paternity leave to lead Pittsburgh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with wife Blair welcomed son Reese on Monday , sent a drive off Alec Mills ( 3-3 ) into the seats in right field in the third inning to help Pittsburgh snap a four-game losing streak .
Reynolds also doubled leading off the second and celebrated by pretending to rock a baby to sleep .
Cole Tucker added two hits , including a flare to left field in the sixth off reliever Jason Adams to give Pittsburgh plenty of cushion and boost rookie JT Brubaker ( 1-0 ) to his first major league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five innings but avoided major damage , allowing one earned run on seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts .
Kyle Schwarber , Victor Caratini and Jason Kipnis had two hits apiece for the Cubs , but the NL Central leaders ended a 5-5 , 12-day trip with a thud .
Mills gave up four runs in five innings as his ERA crept up to 5.50 .
BOSTON -- Teoscar HernÃ¡ndez hit a go-ahead , three-run homer in the 10th inning after breaking up Boston 's no-hit bid with a leadoff single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past the Red Sox .
Toronto opened the five-game series at Fenway Park with its seventh win in 10 games .
Boston has lost four straight and seven of 10 .
HernÃ¡ndez launched an 0-1 changeup from Phillips Valdez into the Boston bullpen in right field .
With Derek Fisher on second base to open the 10th , Valdez ( 1-1 ) walked leadoff hitter Cavan Biggio and Randal Grichuk grounded out , bringing up HernÃ¡ndez .
Blue Jays reliever Rafael Dolis ( 2-1 ) struck out three in 1 1/3 innings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bohm hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning and Philadelphia beat Washington to complete a four-game sweep .
The Phillies have won nine of 10 to improve to three games over .500 .
The defending World Series champion Nationals have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall to 12-23 .
Trea Turner hit an inside-the-park homer and Michael Taylor went deep for Washington .
Didi Gregorius sacrificed J.T .
Realmuto to third to start the bottom of the 10th inning against Sean Doolittle ( 0-2 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he took second base on defensive indifference .
Pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin was then intentionally walked to load the bases .
Bohm hit a shallow fly to center field , with Realmuto sliding home well ahead of Victor Robles ' throw .
Blake Parker ( 3-0 ) pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the 10th for the win .
The Phillies retired Dick Allen 's No .
15 in a ceremony before the game .
The 78-year-old Allen was a seven-time All-Star , 1964 National League Rookie of the year and 1972 American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit a three-run homer and Michael Brantley added three RBIs , leading Zack Greinke and Houston over Texas .
Greinke ( 3-0 ) struck out a season-high nine in six innings , allowing three runs and six hits .
The 36-year-old Greinke leads the majors in career starts among active pitchers with 455 , one more than teammate Justin Verlander .
Texas starter Lance Lynn ( 4-2 ) had n't given up more than three earned runs in a game this season but was tagged for four runs in the first inning on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homer by DÃaz .
It was 5-3 in the sixth when MartÃn Maldonado connected off Lynn for an opposite field solo shot to the first row of the seats in right .
Shin-Soo Choo hit a solo homer and Nick Solak tied a career high with three hits for Texas .
The Rangers dropped their sixth straight series .
ANAHEIM , Calif. -- Andrew Heaney allowed only three hits over seven innings and Los Angeles beat San Diego , spoiling Mike Clevinger 's debut with the Padres .
With most of the attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a multiplayer deal with Cleveland before Monday 's trade deadline , it was Heaney ( 3-2 ) who ended up pitching a gem .
The right-hander struck out six and walked two while throwing a career-high 117 pitches .
Mike Mayers and Felix PeÃ±a each worked a scoreless inning in handing the Padres their second shutout this season .
San Diego had won 12 of its last 15 and entered the day leading the majors in runs .
It was PeÃ±a 's second career save and his first since 2016 .
Clevinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp outing against the Angels , who drafted him in 2011 before trading him to the Indians three years later .
Clevinger did n't retire the Angels in order until the sixth and allowed the leadoff batter aboard in each of the first four innings .
KANSAS CITY , Mo .
-- Luis Robert 's 458-foot home run capped a second five-run inning of the night for Chicago against Kansas City .
Edwin Encarnacion and Tim Anderson also homered for Chicago .
The White Sox pulled within a half-game of Cleveland for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dylan Cease ( 5-2 ) picked up the win .
He allowed three runs on four hits in five-plus innings .
Cease only had one 1-2-3 inning , but he kept the Royals at bay .
Danny Duffy ( 2-3 ) took the loss .

Pete Alonso hits 2-run shot in 10th, Mets beat Yankees 9-7
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Associated Press
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Andrew Heaney throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Associated Press
New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) leaps in vain for a home run by New York Mets' J.D. Davis in the ninth inning of a makeup baseball game at Citi Field, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Philadelphia Phillies' Alec Bohm, center, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walkoff sacrifice fly off Washington Nationals' Sean Doolittle during the 10th inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Philadelphia. Associated Press
Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws against the against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Houston. Associated Press
Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds (10) celebrates with Cole Tucker (3) in front of Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, after hitting a three-run home run off starting pitcher Alec Mills during the third inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Associated Press
Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds watches his three-run home run off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Alec Mills during the third inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Associated Press
A tribute to New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver, who died on Aug. 31, is displayed on the scoreboard before the start of a baseball game between the Mets and the New York Yankees at Citi Field, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a game-ending, two-run home run during the 10th inning of the team's baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in New York. Associated Press
Teammates douse New York Mets' Pete Alonso (20) after Alonso hit a walkoff two-run home run during the 10th inning of a makeup baseball game against the New York Yankees at Citi Field, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in New York. Mets' Brandon Nimmo, left, looks on. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Pete Alonso hit a two-run homer leading off the 10th inning Thursday night, lifting the New York Mets to a come-from-behind, 9-7 win over the Yankees in the final Subway Series game of the season between the teams.
The Mets came back from deficits of 4-0 and 7-4 at Citi Field to earn a split of the six-game season series, all of which was played over the last six days.
J.D. Davis forced extra innings by homering off Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman one pitch after pinch-runner Billy Hamilton was thrown out trying to steal third base. Alonso then hit the second pitch he saw from Albert Abreu (0-1) well into the left-field seats for his first walk-off homer.
Alonso raised his arms and looked towards the dugout as the Mets spilled out to celebrate a win on the afternoon they honored franchise icon Tom Seaver, whose death was announced Wednesday.
Edwin Diaz (2-1) tossed two innings and faced only two batters in the 10th. Tyler Wade, who started the inning on second base as the automatic runner, was doubled up on DJ LeMahieu's flyout to right.
It was the third extra-inning game between the teams in the last four days. The Yankees swept Sunday's doubleheader with a pair of eight-inning victories.
The Mets paid tribute throughout the game to Seaver, who died Monday at the age of 75 due to complications from Lewy body dementia and the coronavirus. The scoreboard sported 1969 graphics and highlights of his career were aired on the DiamondVision.
PIRATES 6, CUBS 2
PITTSBURGH -- First-time father Bryan Reynolds hit a three-run homer in his return from paternity leave to lead Pittsburgh past Chicago.
Reynolds, who along with wife Blair welcomed son Reese on Monday, sent a drive off Alec Mills (3-3) into the seats in right field in the third inning to help Pittsburgh snap a four-game losing streak. Reynolds also doubled leading off the second and celebrated by pretending to rock a baby to sleep.
Cole Tucker added two hits, including a flare to left field in the sixth off reliever Jason Adams to give Pittsburgh plenty of cushion and boost rookie JT Brubaker (1-0) to his first major league win. Brubaker navigated some traffic in five innings but avoided major damage, allowing one earned run on seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts.
Kyle Schwarber, Victor Caratini and Jason Kipnis had two hits apiece for the Cubs, but the NL Central leaders ended a 5-5, 12-day trip with a thud. Mills gave up four runs in five innings as his ERA crept up to 5.50.
BLUE JAYS 6, RED SOX 2, 10
BOSTON -- Teoscar Hernández hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the 10th inning after breaking up Boston's no-hit bid with a leadoff single in the seventh, and Toronto rallied past the Red Sox.
Toronto opened the five-game series at Fenway Park with its seventh win in 10 games. Boston has lost four straight and seven of 10.
Hernández launched an 0-1 changeup from Phillips Valdez into the Boston bullpen in right field. With Derek Fisher on second base to open the 10th, Valdez (1-1) walked leadoff hitter Cavan Biggio and Randal Grichuk grounded out, bringing up Hernández.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. added a two-out solo homer to cap Toronto's four-run 10th.
Blue Jays reliever Rafael Dolis (2-1) struck out three in 1 1/3 innings to earn the win.
PHILLIES 6, NATIONALS 5, 10 INNINGS
PHILADELPHIA -- Alec Bohm hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning and Philadelphia beat Washington to complete a four-game sweep.
The Phillies have won nine of 10 to improve to three games over .500. The defending World Series champion Nationals have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall to 12-23.
Trea Turner hit an inside-the-park homer and Michael Taylor went deep for Washington.
Didi Gregorius sacrificed J.T. Realmuto to third to start the bottom of the 10th inning against Sean Doolittle (0-2). After Jean Segura was intentionally walked, he took second base on defensive indifference. Pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin was then intentionally walked to load the bases. Bohm hit a shallow fly to center field, with Realmuto sliding home well ahead of Victor Robles' throw.
Blake Parker (3-0) pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the 10th for the win.
The Phillies retired Dick Allen's No. 15 in a ceremony before the game. The 78-year-old Allen was a seven-time All-Star, 1964 National League Rookie of the year and 1972 American League MVP.
DODGERS 5, DIAMONDBACKS 1
LOS ANGELES -- Clayton Kershaw reached two career strikeout milestones and held Arizona hitless into the sixth inning Thursday night, leading the Dodgers past the Diamondbacks for their fifth straight victory.
While racking up eight strikeouts over six scoreless innings, Kershaw (5-1) became the 39th pitcher in major league history with 2,500 strikeouts when he fanned Nick Ahmed in the second. The left-hander then caught and passed Christy Mathewson (2,502) for 38th place on baseball's career list by getting Carson Kelly and Tim Locastro in the third.
AJ Pollock had a pinch-hit homer and Mookie Betts added an RBI single in the seventh for the major league-leading Dodgers (29-10), who have won 18 of 21. Corey Seager had three hits for Los Angeles, which has also won 10 straight at Dodger Stadium after sweeping Arizona.
ASTROS 8, RANGERS 4
HOUSTON -- Aledmys Díaz hit a three-run homer and Michael Brantley added three RBIs, leading Zack Greinke and Houston over Texas.
Greinke (3-0) struck out a season-high nine in six innings, allowing three runs and six hits. The 36-year-old Greinke leads the majors in career starts among active pitchers with 455, one more than teammate Justin Verlander.
Texas starter Lance Lynn (4-2) hadn't given up more than three earned runs in a game this season but was tagged for four runs in the first inning on an RBI single by Brantley and the homer by Díaz.
It was 5-3 in the sixth when Martín Maldonado connected off Lynn for an opposite field solo shot to the first row of the seats in right. Shin-Soo Choo hit a solo homer and Nick Solak tied a career high with three hits for Texas. The Rangers dropped their sixth straight series.
ANGELS 2, PADRES 0
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Andrew Heaney allowed only three hits over seven innings and Los Angeles beat San Diego, spoiling Mike Clevinger's debut with the Padres.
With most of the attention focused on Clevinger, who was acquired in a multiplayer deal with Cleveland before Monday's trade deadline, it was Heaney (3-2) who ended up pitching a gem. The right-hander struck out six and walked two while throwing a career-high 117 pitches.
Mike Mayers and Felix Peña each worked a scoreless inning in handing the Padres their second shutout this season. San Diego had won 12 of its last 15 and entered the day leading the majors in runs. It was Peña's second career save and his first since 2016.
Clevinger (1-2) didn't have a sharp outing against the Angels, who drafted him in 2011 before trading him to the Indians three years later. Clevinger didn't retire the Angels in order until the sixth and allowed the leadoff batter aboard in each of the first four innings.
WHITE SOX 11, ROYALS 6
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Luis Robert's 458-foot home run capped a second five-run inning of the night for Chicago against Kansas City.
Edwin Encarnacion and Tim Anderson also homered for Chicago. The White Sox pulled within a half-game of Cleveland for the lead in the American League Central.
Dylan Cease (5-2) picked up the win. He allowed three runs on four hits in five-plus innings. Cease only had one 1-2-3 inning, but he kept the Royals at bay. Danny Duffy (2-3) took the loss.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Solo circus: Downers Grove acrobat performs for Alzheimer's patients in Burr Ridge

Evan Baird literally jumped at the chance to perform Thursday at a memory care center in Burr Ridge .
All the jumping was in Baird 's outdoor solo circus act .
The 22-year-old Downers Grove resident wore jumping springs and a mask while bopping through the air to Billy Porter 's song `` Love Yourself '' for a crowd of about 25 people at Harvester Place , which specializes in patients with dementia and Alzheimer 's disease .
`` I 've been looking for smaller gigs and shows like the one I 'm doing here , '' said Baird , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who competed on its gymnastics team .
`` I 've been practicing , putting together something that is COVID-friendly , as well as being a fun and safe performance for the audience . ''
Baird had originally planned to audition for a number of international circus troupes this summer after graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in kinesiology , the study of the mechanics of body movements .
Baird admits he chose to get his college degree in Normal so he could also be a part of ISU 's Gamma Phi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , dating back to 1929 .
But the coronavirus pandemic forced theaters and touring circuses to shut down in March .
There was little demand for Baird 's circus skills in jumping stilts , trampwall , teeterboard and Russian swing ( all documented on his Instagram page @ baird.evan ) .
`` Right now , even the best of the best do n't have jobs , '' Baird said .
In the meantime , Baird has been training and working as a coach at the Illinois Gymnastics Institute in Westmont .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep his skills up .
And that 's where Harvester Place community relations director Theresa Kenaga comes in .
Kenaga is a Baird family friend , and she thought Evan could be a great diversion for Harvester Place 's residents , who have been mostly shut indoors since the spring .
`` Engaging residents during the era of COVID-19 has been a challenge , '' said Kenaga about safely creating residents-only and socially distanced events .
`` Anything we do for residents on a larger scale -- other than bingo or trivia that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to be done outside in the parking lot . ''
Baird also has a personal connection to the venue , since his mother , Beverly , has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer 's .
`` My mom -- she started my whole passion for acrobatics and gymnastics and circus , '' Baird said .
`` She 's why I do what I do . ''
Baird also wants businesses holding events to also consider using local performers , including magicians and balloon artists , if they can be safely incorporated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting left out , '' Baird said .
`` Support your local artists is just the same as 'Support your local business . '
''

Solo circus: Downers Grove acrobat performs for Alzheimer's patients in Burr Ridge
Evan Baird literally jumped at the chance to perform Thursday at a memory care center in Burr Ridge.
All the jumping was in Baird's outdoor solo circus act.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Brave volunteer Carole Considine allowed Evan Baird of Downers Grove to spring over her as part of a circus act on Thursday at Harvester Place memory care center in Burr Ridge.
The 22-year-old Downers Grove resident wore jumping springs and a mask while bopping through the air to Billy Porter's song "Love Yourself" for a crowd of about 25 people at Harvester Place, which specializes in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
"I've been looking for smaller gigs and shows like the one I'm doing here," said Baird, a Downers Grove South High School alumnus who competed on its gymnastics team. "I've been practicing, putting together something that is COVID-friendly, as well as being a fun and safe performance for the audience."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer In addition to jumping stilts, Evan Baird of Downers Grove has circus skills in trampwall, teeterboard and Russian swing.
Baird had originally planned to audition for a number of international circus troupes this summer after graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in kinesiology, the study of the mechanics of body movements.
Baird admits he chose to get his college degree in Normal so he could also be a part of ISU's Gamma Phi Circus -- the oldest collegiate circus in the country, dating back to 1929.
But the coronavirus pandemic forced theaters and touring circuses to shut down in March. There was little demand for Baird's circus skills in jumping stilts, trampwall, teeterboard and Russian swing (all documented on his Instagram page @baird.evan).
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Downers Grove resident Evan Baird, 22, uses jumping stilts in a solo circus act to wow the crowd at Harvester place memory care center in Burr Ridge. Baird wanted to audition for circus troupes this summer, but COVID-19 interfered with his plans.
"Right now, even the best of the best don't have jobs," Baird said.
In the meantime, Baird has been training and working as a coach at the Illinois Gymnastics Institute in Westmont. It's one way for Baird to keep his skills up.
And that's where Harvester Place community relations director Theresa Kenaga comes in. Kenaga is a Baird family friend, and she thought Evan could be a great diversion for Harvester Place's residents, who have been mostly shut indoors since the spring.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Caregiver Cristina Alvarez, left, and nurse Jocelyn Beguzman make Downers Grove gymnast Evan Baird jump higher as they max out the rope he has to jump over as part of his show at Harvester Place in Burr Ridge.
"Engaging residents during the era of COVID-19 has been a challenge," said Kenaga about safely creating residents-only and socially distanced events. "Anything we do for residents on a larger scale -- other than bingo or trivia that occur inside the community -- is going to have to be done outside in the parking lot."
Baird also has a personal connection to the venue, since his mother, Beverly, has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's.
"My mom -- she started my whole passion for acrobatics and gymnastics and circus," Baird said. "She's why I do what I do."
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Downers Grove resident Evan Baird, 22, greets the socially distanced crowd from Harvester Place in Burr Ridge for his solo circus act on jumping springs.
Baird also wants businesses holding events to also consider using local performers, including magicians and balloon artists, if they can be safely incorporated with social distancing.
"They're getting left out," Baird said. "Support your local artists is just the same as 'Support your local business.'"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Report: Bears to name Trubisky as starting QB

The Bears open the season on the road Sept. 13 at the Detroit Lions .
Trubisky has been in an open competition with Nick Foles during training camp , which wrapped up Thursday at Halas Hall .
The Bears were off Friday and must finalize their 53-man roster Saturday .
Head coach Matt Nagy previously had said he expected to publicly announce a decision on the starting QB early next week and hinted Thursday that he would possibly tell his team Sunday .
Trubisky , the second-overall pick in the 2017 draft , is coming off a disappointing 2019 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 starts .
The Bears acquired Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March for a fourth-round pick .
In April , general manager Ryan Pace said the starting QB job would be decided with an `` open competition . ''
The team moved forward with those plans , but they were complicated when the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out all offseason activities and all four preseason games .
Trubisky and Foles split snaps throughout training camp , trading off which quarterback threw to the starters and which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It keeps it consistent , '' Nagy explained early in camp .
`` We 're trying to split up the reps as evenly as we can . ''
While Trubisky will get the start in Week 1 , it does n't mean the Bears ca n't turn to Foles if Trubisky struggles once again .
But this is an undeniably important season for the Bears and Trubisky .
The team declined to pick up his fifth-year option after the 2019 season , meaning he will be a free agent after the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bears also have , at least on paper , the type of defense to keep the team in contention this season .
Foles , a former Super Bowl MVP who knows Nagy 's system , could quickly find himself under center if Trubisky fails to seize the opportunity .

Report: Bears to name Trubisky as starting QB
Bears running back David Montgomery (32) takes a handoff from quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during training camp at Halas Hall. The Chicago Bears are expected to name Mitch Trubisky as the team's starting quarterback, according to reports. Associated Press
The Chicago Bears are expected to name Mitch Trubisky as the team's starting quarterback, ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported Friday evening.
The Bears open the season on the road Sept. 13 at the Detroit Lions.
Trubisky has been in an open competition with Nick Foles during training camp, which wrapped up Thursday at Halas Hall. The Bears were off Friday and must finalize their 53-man roster today.
Coach Matt Nagy previously had said he expected to publicly announce a decision on the starting QB early next week and hinted Thursday that he would possibly tell his team Sunday.
Trubisky, the second-overall pick in the 2017 draft, is coming off a disappointing 2019 season in which he threw for 3,138 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 starts.
The Bears acquired Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March for a fourth-round pick. In April, general manager Ryan Pace said the starting QB job would be decided with an "open competition."
The team moved forward with those plans, but they were complicated when the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out all offseason activities and all four preseason games.
Trubisky and Foles split snaps throughout training camp, trading off which quarterback threw to the starters and which worked with the No. 2s.
"It keeps it consistent," Nagy explained early in camp. "We're trying to split up the reps as evenly as we can."
While Trubisky will get the start in Week 1, it doesn't mean the Bears can't turn to Foles if Trubisky struggles once again.
But this is an undeniably important season for the Bears and Trubisky. The team declined to pick up his fifth-year option after the 2019 season, meaning he will be a free agent after the 2020 campaign.
Beyond the long-term implications, the Bears also have, at least on paper, the type of defense to keep the team in contention this season. Foles, a former Super Bowl MVP who knows Nagy's system, could quickly find himself under center if Trubisky fails to seize the opportunity.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Watching people opening trading cards online is actually big business

If watching online gamers on Twitch is a bridge too far from your childhood memories of playing Space Invaders on your Atari 2600 , then you may not be in to what 's happening in the sports trading card world .
A resurgence in trading cards is being fueled , in part , by an experience called `` group breaking , '' and Chris Keller , who owns Top Shelf Sports Cards in Elgin , has been in on the trend that started about a decade ago .
`` When we were growing up , we collected our sports cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of millions , '' Keller said .
`` You could go in a little shop and buy a hobby box for 20 to 30 bucks and you got 24 packs of cards . ''
Today , there are fewer licensed companies , and they 're making fewer cards .
And the boxes now cost hundreds of dollars but guarantee a certain number of autographed or memorabilia cards , which can contain embedded pieces of uniforms or player-used equipment .
`` Father and son are n't coming in here and buying two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's where group breaking comes in .
Five nights a week , Keller sits in the studio at his shop and broadcasts live to an audience that usually numbers 30 to 40 people .
Some breakers , as they 're referred to , get 10 times that many viewers .
Among those watching are 10 to 15 participants who have purchased shares of a box or boxes that will be opened live on camera .
Participants are numbered using a randomizing program , as are the sports teams represented in the box of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the breaker opens the box and sorts through the cards , showing the paying participants what they 've purchased .
`` Some of these cards are worth thousands , or tens of thousands , '' Keller said .
`` It 's exciting when I pull a big value card .
Last night , I pulled a Joe Burrow ( Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback and first overall draft pick ) autographed card , which was worth $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 . ''
Keller said he does n't make any money on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shares of the boxes to be opened .
He sells 50 to 75 boxes of varying sizes and prices every night .
That 's what makes group breaking such a lucrative sales technique for card shops .
If he sold them as boxes on his store shelves , `` each box could sit up there for weeks , '' he said .
He sells the boxes at the retail price , but now that 's divided among the 10 to 15 people involved in the break .
So a $ 600 box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the shelf , moves a lot easier .
Keller said participants can get in to a break for as little as $ 10 a spot to more than $ 500 a spot depending on the box , though his breaks average about $ 30 to 40 per spot .
Participants can buy multiple spots in a break .
He said he 'll do $ 2 million in sales this year just on the group breaking , which makes up 80 % of his business .
Keller , who has a background in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while opening the boxes .
`` Breakers are kind of like hosts or DJs , '' he said .
`` People sit there all night and watch , and join in with the chat room . ''
He starts his broadcasts at 7 p.m. and goes as long as the demand is up , sometimes until 2 or 3 a.m .
Most viewers are on YouTube , but he also broadcasts on Facebook and Twitch .
He 's been doing it for more than six years .
`` It 's really taken off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to say , 'Who would watch people play video games ? '
Well , that 's what this is right now , but in the early stages . ''

Watching people opening trading cards online is actually big business
Chris Keller of Top Shelf Sports Cards in Elgin opens a pack of cards during a group break and finds a Luis Robert card while broadcasting on his YouTube channel, topshelfbreaks.com, Thursday night. COURTESY OF TOPSHELFBREAKS.COM
If watching online gamers on Twitch is a bridge too far from your childhood memories of playing Space Invaders on your Atari 2600, then you may not be in to what's happening in the sports trading card world.
A resurgence in trading cards is being fueled, in part, by an experience called "group breaking," and Chris Keller, who owns Top Shelf Sports Cards in Elgin, has been in on the trend that started about a decade ago.
"When we were growing up, we collected our sports cards, and they made them by the tens of millions," Keller said. "You could go in a little shop and buy a hobby box for 20 to 30 bucks and you got 24 packs of cards."
Today, there are fewer licensed companies, and they're making fewer cards. And the boxes now cost hundreds of dollars but guarantee a certain number of autographed or memorabilia cards, which can contain embedded pieces of uniforms or player-used equipment.
"Father and son aren't coming in here and buying two of these," he said.
That's where group breaking comes in.
Five nights a week, Keller sits in the studio at his shop and broadcasts live to an audience that usually numbers 30 to 40 people. Some breakers, as they're referred to, get 10 times that many viewers.
Among those watching are 10 to 15 participants who have purchased shares of a box or boxes that will be opened live on camera. Participants are numbered using a randomizing program, as are the sports teams represented in the box of cards. The numbers are matched up, and the breaker opens the box and sorts through the cards, showing the paying participants what they've purchased.
"Some of these cards are worth thousands, or tens of thousands," Keller said. "It's exciting when I pull a big value card. Last night, I pulled a Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback and first overall draft pick) autographed card, which was worth $2,500 to $3,000."
Keller said he doesn't make any money on the actual broadcasting, just the sales of shares of the boxes to be opened. He sells 50 to 75 boxes of varying sizes and prices every night. That's what makes group breaking such a lucrative sales technique for card shops.
If he sold them as boxes on his store shelves, "each box could sit up there for weeks," he said.
He sells the boxes at the retail price, but now that's divided among the 10 to 15 people involved in the break. So a $600 box of cards, which could collect dust on the shelf, moves a lot easier.
Keller said participants can get in to a break for as little as $10 a spot to more than $500 a spot depending on the box, though his breaks average about $30 to 40 per spot. Participants can buy multiple spots in a break.
He said he'll do $2 million in sales this year just on the group breaking, which makes up 80% of his business.
Keller, who has a background in radio, said he tries to entertain while opening the boxes.
"Breakers are kind of like hosts or DJs," he said. "People sit there all night and watch, and join in with the chat room."
He starts his broadcasts at 7 p.m. and goes as long as the demand is up, sometimes until 2 or 3 a.m. Most viewers are on YouTube, but he also broadcasts on Facebook and Twitch. He's been doing it for more than six years.
"It's really taken off," Keller said. "People used to say, 'Who would watch people play video games?' Well, that's what this is right now, but in the early stages."
To check out Keller's group breaks, visit topshelfbreaks.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--When will U of I's saliva test see wider rollout?

When the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the state 's daily COVID-19 testing data Monday , something odd was tucked in among the county figures .
It showed that of the 47,379 tests results returned that day , a full one-third of them -- 15,714 results -- came from Champaign County , which is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an FDA-approved COVID-19 testing program that could potentially turn the tide in the fight against the virus .
`` We 're routinely running 10,000 tests a day , '' said Marty Burke , a chemistry professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois ' COVID-19 saliva test project .
`` And you 're getting the results back in hours , not days . ''
The tests work much faster and are cheaper than the nasal swabs that are more commonly used .
By getting the results faster , the spread of the virus can be controlled better , Burke said .
`` We want to turn testing into a weapon to get rid of this because the whole goal is n't to monitor the disease , but to eradicate it , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , there 's less chance for that person to infect others . ''
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker touted this breakthrough test more than two weeks ago and announced plans to make it widespread throughout Illinois in the coming months .
But why does it take so long to implement if it 's so effective ?
Locations , personnel and equipment are the short answers .
Each lab that is set up to perform saliva testing needs to be certified by the FDA .
Not only does the certification process take time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel to lead and work in the lab is also time-consuming .
Burke and his research team converted the university 's veterinarian lab and relied heavily on campus volunteers to staff the testing sites .
And finally , while saliva testing does n't use as much equipment as nasal swabs , the equipment needed for the labs is still in short supply .
`` It 's kind of a bit of a race for which one of the locations can pull all the things together first , '' said Ron Watkins , associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gies College of Business and managing director of Shield Illinois .
`` The shortest amount of time you could possibly go is really an eight-week time frame , but it could take as much as 16 weeks to 20 weeks on the longer end . ''
Shield Illinois is responsible for deploying the university 's saliva test capabilities throughout the state .
`` Our hope is that we can have the first tests coming out of labs in October , '' Watkins said .
In the meantime , students , faculty and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are required to get tested twice a week by spitting into a cup .
`` Dribble , '' Burke corrected .
`` We say dribble , not spit .
Because spitting can aerosolize . ''
Initially , this constant testing helped drive the county 's infection rate down from 1.5 % at the beginning of July , when the saliva tests began , to as low as 0.3 % by mid-August .
But in the past few weeks , the campus has seen cases begin to rise again .
The seven-day average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 0.9 % , with 100 new cases diagnosed that day for the second time in a week .
`` Over these past few days , the irresponsible actions of a small number of students have created the very real possibility of ending an in-person semester for all of us , '' University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones wrote in a mass email sent Wednesday .
`` Their poor choices have led to a concerning and rapid increase in the number of new undergraduate COVID-19 positive cases . ''
Administrators threatened discipline for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , some have been critical of the university 's threats , arguing that an uptick in cases was inevitable with in-person attendance during a pandemic .
The university 's testing figures are also part of the state 's daily COVID-19 reports .
Champaign County is averaging 6,883 tests a day over the past week .
The sheer volume of tests from Champaign County has artificially decreased the state 's infection rate since so many people on the campus are getting tested and retested weekly .
The state 's daily average infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But when data from Champaign County is eliminated , the average infection rate becomes 5.2 % .
`` The data is the data , '' Burke argued .
`` We need to get the state and the rest of the country to as much as we are testing . ''
Burke and the state health department also stand by the results of the saliva tests .
Despite the number of tests performed , the resulting lower case counts do n't match what other counties have seen with traditional swab testing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position where our starting positivity rate was already low , '' Burke said .
State health officials said the confidence they have in the test stems from the FDA emergency approval of the testing protocols .
Burke also explained that when testing the validity of the saliva test initially , researchers at the university did comparative nasal swabs to rule out false positives and negatives .
Additionally , there 's the science part that makes them even more confident of the test 's accuracy .
`` The virus makes very unique molecules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , '' Burke explained .
`` The chances of the human body making all three of these molecules is infinitesimally small .
And when we see a positive , we run it again , just to be sure . ''

When will U of I's saliva test see wider rollout?
Faculty, staff and students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are required to take free, on-campus COVID-19 tests twice a week. Courtesy of the University of Illinois
When the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the state's daily COVID-19 testing data Monday, something odd was tucked in among the county figures.
It showed that of the 47,379 tests results returned that day, a full one-third of them -- 15,714 results -- came from Champaign County, which is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an FDA-approved COVID-19 testing program that could potentially turn the tide in the fight against the virus.
"We're routinely running 10,000 tests a day," said Marty Burke, a chemistry professor and lead researcher on the University of Illinois' COVID-19 saliva test project. "And you're getting the results back in hours, not days."
Fighting a war
The tests work much faster and are cheaper than the nasal swabs that are more commonly used. By getting the results faster, the spread of the virus can be controlled better, Burke said.
"We want to turn testing into a weapon to get rid of this because the whole goal isn't to monitor the disease, but to eradicate it," he said. "The sooner we know of a case, there's less chance for that person to infect others."
Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted this breakthrough test more than two weeks ago and announced plans to make it widespread throughout Illinois in the coming months.
But why does it take so long to implement if it's so effective?
Locations, personnel and equipment are the short answers. Each lab that is set up to perform saliva testing needs to be certified by the FDA.
Not only does the certification process take time, but converting that space and finding the personnel to lead and work in the lab is also time-consuming. Burke and his research team converted the university's veterinarian lab and relied heavily on campus volunteers to staff the testing sites.
And finally, while saliva testing doesn't use as much equipment as nasal swabs, the equipment needed for the labs is still in short supply.
"It's kind of a bit of a race for which one of the locations can pull all the things together first," said Ron Watkins, associate dean of the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business and managing director of Shield Illinois. "The shortest amount of time you could possibly go is really an eight-week time frame, but it could take as much as 16 weeks to 20 weeks on the longer end."
Shield Illinois is responsible for deploying the university's saliva test capabilities throughout the state.
"Our hope is that we can have the first tests coming out of labs in October," Watkins said.
Dealing with outcomes
In the meantime, students, faculty and staff on the campus, roughly 55,000 people, are required to get tested twice a week by spitting into a cup.
"Dribble," Burke corrected. "We say dribble, not spit. Because spitting can aerosolize."
Initially, this constant testing helped drive the county's infection rate down from 1.5% at the beginning of July, when the saliva tests began, to as low as 0.3% by mid-August. But in the past few weeks, the campus has seen cases begin to rise again. The seven-day average infection rate for the county by Thursday was 0.9%, with 100 new cases diagnosed that day for the second time in a week.
"Over these past few days, the irresponsible actions of a small number of students have created the very real possibility of ending an in-person semester for all of us," University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones wrote in a mass email sent Wednesday. "Their poor choices have led to a concerning and rapid increase in the number of new undergraduate COVID-19 positive cases."
Administrators threatened discipline for not complying with COVID-19 safety policies. However, some have been critical of the university's threats, arguing that an uptick in cases was inevitable with in-person attendance during a pandemic.
The university's testing figures are also part of the state's daily COVID-19 reports. Champaign County is averaging 6,883 tests a day over the past week. The sheer volume of tests from Champaign County has artificially decreased the state's infection rate since so many people on the campus are getting tested and retested weekly.
The state's daily average infection rate over the past week is 4.4%. But when data from Champaign County is eliminated, the average infection rate becomes 5.2%.
"The data is the data," Burke argued. "We need to get the state and the rest of the country to as much as we are testing."
Why it works
Burke and the state health department also stand by the results of the saliva tests. Despite the number of tests performed, the resulting lower case counts don't match what other counties have seen with traditional swab testing.
"We were fortunate to be in a position where our starting positivity rate was already low," Burke said.
State health officials said the confidence they have in the test stems from the FDA emergency approval of the testing protocols.
Burke also explained that when testing the validity of the saliva test initially, researchers at the university did comparative nasal swabs to rule out false positives and negatives.
Additionally, there's the science part that makes them even more confident of the test's accuracy.
"The virus makes very unique molecules, and we are looking for three of them," Burke explained. "The chances of the human body making all three of these molecules is infinitesimally small. And when we see a positive, we run it again, just to be sure."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Butterfield Road link in Vernon Hills viewed as a key to bigger path system

Lake County is proceeding with the design of a multiuse path on Butterfield Road from the EJ & E railroad crossing to Gregg 's Parkway in Vernon Hills .
The county board on Tuesday is expected to approve a $ 313,244 contract with TransSystems Corp. of Schaumburg for engineering services to design that connection .
The contract will also be to investigate the feasibility of a future path from Gregg 's Parkway north to Golf Road in Libertyville .
The Butterfield Road project is considered a priority gap in the Lake County Division of Transportation 's nonmotorized facilities along county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mile , the path to be located on the east side of road is considered an important connection for subdivisions and businesses along the busy road .
`` That project is definitely moving forward , '' LCDOT Director Shane Schneider told the county board 's public works , planning and transportation committee this week .
Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2021 and is contingent on project readiness and availability of funding , according to spokesman Alex Carr .
The project is supported by Vernon Hills , which has agreed to pay up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path .
The division of transportation is the lead agency .
`` It will be a really nice improvement for the loop of our bike path systems , '' said David Brown , village engineer/public works director .
Gregg 's Landing North , for example , has an extensive multimodal path system along Gregg 's Parkway and Huntington and Lakeview drives , he said .
The segment planned along Butterfield Road would connect Gregg 's Landing North with New Century Town to the south .
The village also has been pursuing other path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , runs from Butterfield Road east to Milwaukee Avenue , where there is a concentration of businesses and houses .
Planning and construction have occurred along Milwaukee Avenue to connect Gregg 's Landing North to areas south .
The village secured an order from the Illinois Commerce Commission to allow for a path to cross the CN tracks by September 2021 .
Also , a sidewalk system was extended south from the rail crossing to Ring Drive , which is the frontage road for Hawthorn Mall .
The village is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easements to continue south to connect with Route 60 , Brown said .
`` Once the crossing and mall paths are installed , one can ride their bike from Libertyville to Lincolnshire on this continuous multimodal path system , '' he added .

Butterfield Road link in Vernon Hills viewed as key to bigger path system
A bike path is planned on the east side of Butterfield Road from the EJ&E rail crossing north to Gregg's Parkway in Vernon Hills. Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
Lake County is proceeding with the design of a multiuse path on Butterfield Road from the EJ&E railroad crossing to Gregg's Parkway in Vernon Hills.
The county board on Tuesday is expected to approve a $313,244 contract with TransSystems Corp. of Schaumburg for engineering services to design that connection. The contract will also be to investigate the feasibility of a future path from Gregg's Parkway north to Golf Road in Libertyville.
The Butterfield Road project is considered a priority gap in the Lake County Division of Transportation's nonmotorized facilities along county highways. At just under two-thirds of a mile, the path to be located on the east side of road is considered an important connection for subdivisions and businesses along the busy road.
"That project is definitely moving forward," LCDOT Director Shane Schneider told the county board's public works, planning and transportation committee this week.
Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2021 and is contingent on project readiness and availability of funding, according to spokesman Alex Carr.
The project is supported by Vernon Hills, which has agreed to pay up to $150,000 toward the Butterfield Road path. The division of transportation is the lead agency.
"It will be a really nice improvement for the loop of our bike path systems," said David Brown, village engineer/public works director.
Gregg's Landing North, for example, has an extensive multimodal path system along Gregg's Parkway and Huntington and Lakeview drives, he said. The segment planned along Butterfield Road would connect Gregg's Landing North with New Century Town to the south.
The village also has been pursuing other path extensions. Gregg's Parkway, for example, runs from Butterfield Road east to Milwaukee Avenue, where there is a concentration of businesses and houses.
Planning and construction have occurred along Milwaukee Avenue to connect Gregg's Landing North to areas south. The village secured an order from the Illinois Commerce Commission to allow for a path to cross the CN tracks by September 2021.
Also, a sidewalk system was extended south from the rail crossing to Ring Drive, which is the frontage road for Hawthorn Mall.
The village is working with the mall and Denny's to secure easements to continue south to connect with Route 60, Brown said.
"Once the crossing and mall paths are installed, one can ride their bike from Libertyville to Lincolnshire on this continuous multimodal path system," he added.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--North Central College conducting weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing

North Central College has launched a weekly surveillance testing process for students , faculty and staff members as part of its ongoing strategy to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus on the Naperville campus .
Members of the college community are being selected at random for the testing , in which about 5 % of the general campus population and 10 % of students living in residence halls are tested , administrators said .
The process is `` off to a great start '' and will continue through the fall semester , said Kimberly Sluis , vice president for student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the surveillance testing are notified via email and asked to choose a 15-minute time slot on their designated testing day , according to communication from the college .
A similar random testing process is being implemented daily at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb .
North Central College also conducted an entry testing phase for specific student groups arriving to campus , administrators said , and ongoing testing procedures are in place for symptomatic students , as well as student athletes and athletic staff members participating in fall sports .
Twenty students have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eight of whom had not been on campus since the spring semester and were isolating at home , according to data on the college 's website , which includes self-reported tests and those reported through the college 's process .
Those who had arrived to campus this semester are quarantined , either at home or in designated on-campus housing .
No positive cases have been reported among faculty or staff members , the data shows .
Three out of 444 tests administered Aug. 10 and 16 came back positive , as did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 .
College testing data shows 258 tests were administered Wednesday , the results from which are expected to be released soon and will `` provide an important glimpse into the health of our broader campus community , '' Sluis said .
The college is well prepared to handle the challenges of the pandemic , she said , noting campus community members worked throughout the summer to develop plans and protocols for in-person fall instruction .
Students have been warned they could face serious consequences -- up to suspension or dismissal from North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comply with health and safety expectations through actions such as hosting unsafe gatherings or other `` egregious violations '' of guidelines , administrators said .
`` Our goal from the beginning has been that we will support a community where individuals hold each other accountable for healthy behavior , '' Sluis said .
`` That strategy is working well .
However , we have also been clear that individuals who put the community at risk will be held accountable . ''

North Central College conducting weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing
North Central College has launched a weekly surveillance testing process for students, faculty and staff members as part of its ongoing strategy to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus on the Naperville campus.
Members of the college community are being selected at random for the testing, in which about 5% of the general campus population and 10% of students living in residence halls are tested, administrators said.
The process is "off to a great start" and will continue through the fall semester, said Kimberly Sluis, vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives.
Individuals selected for the surveillance testing are notified via email and asked to choose a 15-minute time slot on their designated testing day, according to communication from the college. A similar random testing process is being implemented daily at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
North Central College also conducted an entry testing phase for specific student groups arriving to campus, administrators said, and ongoing testing procedures are in place for symptomatic students, as well as student athletes and athletic staff members participating in fall sports.
Twenty students have tested positive for the coronavirus since mid-August, eight of whom had not been on campus since the spring semester and were isolating at home, according to data on the college's website, which includes self-reported tests and those reported through the college's process. Those who had arrived to campus this semester are quarantined, either at home or in designated on-campus housing.
No positive cases have been reported among faculty or staff members, the data shows.
Three out of 444 tests administered Aug. 10 and 16 came back positive, as did four of the 360 tests conducted Aug. 25. College testing data shows 258 tests were administered Wednesday, the results from which are expected to be released soon and will "provide an important glimpse into the health of our broader campus community," Sluis said.
The college is well prepared to handle the challenges of the pandemic, she said, noting campus community members worked throughout the summer to develop plans and protocols for in-person fall instruction.
Students have been warned they could face serious consequences -- up to suspension or dismissal from North Central College -- if they fail to comply with health and safety expectations through actions such as hosting unsafe gatherings or other "egregious violations" of guidelines, administrators said.
"Our goal from the beginning has been that we will support a community where individuals hold each other accountable for healthy behavior," Sluis said. "That strategy is working well. However, we have also been clear that individuals who put the community at risk will be held accountable."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Another Bartlett deck fire caused by smoking materials

Bartlett Fire District crews late Thursday responded to their fourth call for a deck fire in the past month , @ @ @ @ @ to have been caused by improper disposal of smoking materials .
Firefighters received the call @ @ @ @ @ the 1100 block of Virginia Court in Bartlett at 11:18 p.m. Thursday and arrived three @ @ @ @ @ of the fire was found to be the rear deck of the house , where @ @ @ @ @ most of the flames .
Fire crews used hand tools to remove the house siding @ @ @ @ @ fire , while other crews searched the attic space for the same reason while looking @ @ @ @ @ The fire , which required the presence of 11 firefighters , three command officers and @ @ @ @ @ declared under control at 11:26 p.m .
The house remained habitable , but a damage @ @ @ @ @ .
The Bartlett Fire District reminded the public to properly dispose of smoking materials in @ @ @ @ @ residents to visit its website at bartlettfire.com for additional tips .

Another Bartlett deck fire caused by smoking materials
Bartlett firefighters fought their fourth deck fire in a month, and the third to have been caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials, on Thursday night. Courtesy of Bartlett Fire District
Bartlett Fire District crews late Thursday responded to their fourth call for a deck fire in the past month, and the third of those to have been caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.
Firefighters received the call of a structure fire on the 1100 block of Virginia Court in Bartlett at 11:18 p.m. Thursday and arrived three minutes later.
The source of the fire was found to be the rear deck of the house, where the homeowner had already extinguished most of the flames.
Fire crews used hand tools to remove the house siding to look for any hidden fire, while other crews searched the attic space for the same reason while looking for any trapped occupants.
The fire, which required the presence of 11 firefighters, three command officers and a fire investigator, was declared under control at 11:26 p.m.
The house remained habitable, but a damage estimate was not available Friday.
The Bartlett Fire District reminded the public to properly dispose of smoking materials in an appropriate container and encouraged residents to visit its website at bartlettfire.com for additional tips.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Legislators to begin Madigan hearings next week

SPRINGFIELD -- A special investigative committee of the General Assembly will begin meeting at the Capitol next week to decide the fate of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan .
Madigan , a Chicago Democrat and the longest-serving legislative speaker in U.S. history , was implicated in a bribery scheme in July when officials from the utility giant ComEd admitted to federal prosecutors that , over a period of years , they awarded lobbying jobs and contracts to close associates of Madigan as part of a concerted effort to curry his support for legislation that would benefit the company .
Madigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has insisted that he did not engage in any wrongdoing .
But for Republicans in the House who called for the investigation , the fact that Madigan has not been formally charged is beside the point .
`` The federal bodies are investigating criminal and civil misconduct , '' said state Rep. Grant Wehrli , a Naperville Republican who will serve on the panel .
`` We as a legislature have to hold ourselves accountable to a high ethical and professional standard .
So we 're not looking for criminal violations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at the behavior of legislators in their official roles . ''
The Illinois Constitution gives each chamber of the General Assembly authority to determine its own rules , to `` judge the elections , returns and qualifications of its members '' and to name its officers .
Under Illinois House rules , disciplinary proceedings against a member can be commenced whenever three or more members sign a petition with the speaker and minority leader spelling out allegations which , if true , may subject the member to disciplinary action .
House Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , invoked that rule on Monday when he and two other Republicans , Reps. Ryan Spain and Andrew Chesney , filed such a petition .
Madigan immediately recused himself from the process and delegated the decision to House Majority Leader Gregory Harris , a Chicago Democrat .
In recusing himself , however , Madigan issued a blistering statement calling the request `` a political stunt only months away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes . ''
He also argued that there is no rule against legislators recommending people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking when it hired Madigan 's associates passed the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support .
The special investigative committee will be made up of six members , evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans .
It will have the authority to call witnesses and issue subpoenas for documents and testimony , and to determine whether `` reasonable grounds '' exist to authorize charges against Madigan that can result in discipline .
Besides Wehrli , the two other Republicans are Reps. Tom Demmer of Dixon , and Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst .
The Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Natalie Manley of Joliet , and Emanuel `` Chris '' Welch of Hillside , who will chair the committee .
A majority vote of the committee is needed to authorize charges , so at least one Democrat would be needed for this to occur .
Speaking in a separate interview , Welch said the first meeting of the panel will mainly be for organizational and scheduling purposes and to decide on how the process will unfold .
But he said it is uncertain whether the committee will hear testimony from Madigan himself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the right to call witnesses and issue subpoenas .
I anticipate talking about all of that with the committee next week when we organize , '' he said .
`` Speaker Madigan certainly will have that right ( to testify ) if he so chooses .
He certainly has a right to also have legal counsel , if he so chooses .
`` I can tell you what I 'm committed to : And that 's giving Speaker Madigan due process and a fair hearing , and the opportunity to participate if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules do not specify what constitutes a chargeable offense , something Wehrli said the General Assembly needs to address .
`` If you look at our rules , it 's basically 'conduct unbecoming ' and things like that .
It 's very vague and nebulous , which is once again another reason why we 've been pushing for ethics reforms is to highlight and make it crystal clear what goes beyond the pale when it comes to ethics , '' he said .
`` Ethics can be very personal to each individual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what we need to do is make sure that the public has set a standard for us to adhere to , which is why I think the ethics reform is probably one of the most pressing issues we can do in Springfield . ''
If the committee does recommend charges , then a second , 12-member select disciplinary committee would be formed to conduct what amounts to a trial on the charges .
If a majority of members on that panel finds Madigan at fault , it would then vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or expulsion from the House .
It could also recommend not to take any disciplinary action .
That committee 's report , including each charge and recommended action , would then be forwarded to the full House where a three-fifths majority , or 71 votes , would be needed for adoption .
In the last 20 years , Welch said , the process has only been used twice : in 2012 , when former Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith was expelled from the House after being indicted on bribery charges ; and in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicted on a charge of attempting to bribe an unnamed state senator .
Arroyo , a Chicago Democrat , resigned just hours before the special investigative committee in his case was about to meet .
`` And so this instance is very different in that Speaker Madigan has n't been indicted or charged with any criminal wrongdoing , '' Welch said .
`` However , three Republicans have invoked the rule and we have to go through our process .
This is a very solemn and serious process .
And I 'm going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of this committee .
And we 're going to give Speaker Madigan his due process , which he 's entitled to as any other member of the House is . ''
The first hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday .

Legislators to begin Madigan hearings next week
House Speaker Michael Madigan was implicated in the ComEd bribery scandal, but he denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged. Capitol News Illinois, November 2019
SPRINGFIELD -- A special investigative committee of the General Assembly will begin meeting at the Capitol next week to decide the fate of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Madigan, a Chicago Democrat and the longest-serving legislative speaker in U.S. history, was implicated in a bribery scheme in July when officials from the utility giant ComEd admitted to federal prosecutors that, over a period of years, they awarded lobbying jobs and contracts to close associates of Madigan as part of a concerted effort to curry his support for legislation that would benefit the company.
Madigan has not been charged with any crime and has insisted that he did not engage in any wrongdoing.
But for Republicans in the House who called for the investigation, the fact that Madigan has not been formally charged is beside the point.
"The federal bodies are investigating criminal and civil misconduct," said state Rep. Grant Wehrli, a Naperville Republican who will serve on the panel. "We as a legislature have to hold ourselves accountable to a high ethical and professional standard. So we're not looking for criminal violations of statute or federal code. We are looking at the behavior of legislators in their official roles."
The Illinois Constitution gives each chamber of the General Assembly authority to determine its own rules, to "judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its members" and to name its officers.
Under Illinois House rules, disciplinary proceedings against a member can be commenced whenever three or more members sign a petition with the speaker and minority leader spelling out allegations which, if true, may subject the member to disciplinary action.
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, invoked that rule on Monday when he and two other Republicans, Reps. Ryan Spain and Andrew Chesney, filed such a petition. Madigan immediately recused himself from the process and delegated the decision to House Majority Leader Gregory Harris, a Chicago Democrat.
In recusing himself, however, Madigan issued a blistering statement calling the request "a political stunt only months away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes." He also argued that there is no rule against legislators recommending people for jobs and that the legislation ComEd was seeking when it hired Madigan's associates passed the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support.
The special investigative committee will be made up of six members, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. It will have the authority to call witnesses and issue subpoenas for documents and testimony, and to determine whether "reasonable grounds" exist to authorize charges against Madigan that can result in discipline.
Besides Wehrli, the two other Republicans are Reps. Tom Demmer of Dixon, and Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst. The Democrats are Reps. Elizabeth Hernandez of Cicero, Natalie Manley of Joliet, and Emanuel "Chris" Welch of Hillside, who will chair the committee.
A majority vote of the committee is needed to authorize charges, so at least one Democrat would be needed for this to occur.
Speaking in a separate interview, Welch said the first meeting of the panel will mainly be for organizational and scheduling purposes and to decide on how the process will unfold. But he said it is uncertain whether the committee will hear testimony from Madigan himself.
"Under the rule, the committee has the right to call witnesses and issue subpoenas. I anticipate talking about all of that with the committee next week when we organize," he said. "Speaker Madigan certainly will have that right (to testify) if he so chooses. He certainly has a right to also have legal counsel, if he so chooses.
"I can tell you what I'm committed to: And that's giving Speaker Madigan due process and a fair hearing, and the opportunity to participate if he so chooses."
But the rules do not specify what constitutes a chargeable offense, something Wehrli said the General Assembly needs to address.
"If you look at our rules, it's basically 'conduct unbecoming' and things like that. It's very vague and nebulous, which is once again another reason why we've been pushing for ethics reforms is to highlight and make it crystal clear what goes beyond the pale when it comes to ethics," he said.
"Ethics can be very personal to each individual, and we can each interpret them differently. But what we need to do is make sure that the public has set a standard for us to adhere to, which is why I think the ethics reform is probably one of the most pressing issues we can do in Springfield."
If the committee does recommend charges, then a second, 12-member select disciplinary committee would be formed to conduct what amounts to a trial on the charges. If a majority of members on that panel finds Madigan at fault, it would then vote on whether to recommend a reprimand, censure or expulsion from the House. It could also recommend not to take any disciplinary action.
That committee's report, including each charge and recommended action, would then be forwarded to the full House where a three-fifths majority, or 71 votes, would be needed for adoption.
In the last 20 years, Welch said, the process has only been used twice: in 2012, when former Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith was expelled from the House after being indicted on bribery charges; and in 2019, after former Rep. Luis Arroyo was indicted on a charge of attempting to bribe an unnamed state senator. Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, resigned just hours before the special investigative committee in his case was about to meet.
"And so this instance is very different in that Speaker Madigan hasn't been indicted or charged with any criminal wrongdoing," Welch said. "However, three Republicans have invoked the rule and we have to go through our process. This is a very solemn and serious process. And I'm going to treat it as such as the chair of this committee. And we're going to give Speaker Madigan his due process, which he's entitled to as any other member of the House is."
The first hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Feder: WGN lets Conn, Digilio go

Feder: WGN lets Conn, Digilio go

WGN 720-AM , the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station , chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to @ @ @ @ @ 's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup .
Out -- effective immediately -- is @ @ @ @ @ whose contract runs through the end of the year .
He was notified after he @ @ @ @ @ that it was his last show .
Also out is overnight personality Nick Digilio , @ @ @ @ @ .
For more , read Robert Feder 's active blog at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Roe Conn, Nick Digilio out in WGN Radio shakeup
WGN 720-AM, the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to drop the bombshell that it's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup, reports Robert Feder.
Out -- effective immediately -- is afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose contract runs through the end of the year. He was notified after he got off the air Friday that it was his last show.
Also out is overnight personality Nick Digilio, who also was notified Friday.
For more, www.robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--State's wealthiest person gives $20 million to fight graduated tax

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois ' wealthiest man and frequent Republican political donor Ken Griffin has pledged $ 20 million to a group dedicated to defeating a graduated tax constitutional amendment .
Griffin , who is the founder of the hedge fund Citadel , has previously donated tens of millions of dollars to the campaign of Republican former Gov .
Bruce Rauner .
He 's also given millions to House and Senate Republican leadership in the state and donated to several individual lawmakers .
Forbes estimates his net worth at $ 15 billion .
His recent $ 20 million donation went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hike Amendment ballot initiative committee .
Prior to Griffin 's donation , the committee had received $ 950,000 in donations .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has already dropped more than $ 50 million of his own personal fortune , estimated at $ 3.4 billion , in support of his marquee legislative proposal .
His donation went to the Vote Yes for Fairness ballot initiative committee .
The constitutional amendment in question would scrap the state 's protection of a flat-rate income tax for a new structure allowing lawmakers to tax different levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive rate structure that would take effect if the amendment passes is expected to bring in more than $ 1 billion in additional state revenue this fiscal year and more than $ 3 billion annually when it is implemented for a full fiscal year .
It will be up to the voters in November as to whether the state gains authority to scrap the flat tax , which is currently 4.95 percent for every penny of taxable income for every taxpayer .
If more than half of those voting in the November election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot question , approve the measure , a graduated rate structure can take effect .
Lawmakers have already approved the rate structure that will become law should the measure pass .
Effective Jan. 1 , rates would remain flat or decrease for those earning $ 250,000 or less , while they would increase for those earning above that amount .
Individuals earning more than $ 750,000 and joint filers with incomes exceeding $ 1 million would see the largest tax increases .
A flat tax rate of 7.99 % on all income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For all other earners , each varying tax rate would apply to only one specific margin of income .
The rates are 4.75 % on taxable income from $ 0 to $ 10,000 ; 4.9 percent from $ 10,001 to $ 100,000 ; 4.95 % from $ 100,001 to $ 250,000 .
For joint filers , a 7.75 % rate would kick in on margins from $ 250,001 to $ 500,000 ; and 7.85 % from $ 500,001 to $ 1 million .
For single filers , the 7.75 % applies from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 7.85 % rate applies from $ 350,001 to $ 750,000 .
The measure also includes an increase in the property tax credit from 5 % to 6 % , and up to a $ 100 per-child tax credit for couples earning less than $ 100,000 and single persons earning less than $ 80,000 .
The corporate tax rate would go from 7 to 7.99 % , not including an existing corporate property replacement tax of 1.5 to 2.5 percent that is not changed by the bill .
Opponents of the graduated tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become law upon its passage , but they argue that the change does not put safeguards in place to prevent future adjustments to the rate structure that could impose higher taxes on lower levels of income .
The necessary threshold to raise taxes in the General Assembly would remain unchanged by the amendment , although opponents argue it would make the task politically easier by allowing lawmakers to raise taxes on different tax brackets at different times .
In light of receiving the big check from Griffin , the coalition said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who believes we must stop Springfield politicians from having new power to increase income taxes on every group of taxpayers , whenever they want . ''
`` The constitutional amendment sets no limit on the number of tax brackets that can be created and no limit on how high tax rates can be increased on groups of individual taxpayers -- including middle-income families , '' the statement added .
Earlier in the week , more than 125 labor unions organized by the Vote Yes for Fair Tax ballot initiative committee hosted a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure .
`` Yesterday -- the day that unions representing more than 1 million Illinois workers stood up to support Fair Tax reform -- the state 's richest billionaire Ken Griffin spent $ 20 million to protect the broken status quo , '' John Bouman , the chairman of the group , said in a news release .
`` Griffin took home $ 1.5 billion in 2019 alone , yet paid the same state income tax rate as teachers , nurses , grocery store clerks and other essential workers .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs the Fair Tax amendment . ''
In August , the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced opposition to the graduated tax as well , warning of the effects a tax hike could have on job creators .
Proponents , however , point out that small businesses owners operating as sole proprietors or pass-through entities such as S-corporations will see a tax reduction under the plan if they have less than $ 250,000 in annual income .

State's wealthiest person gives $20 million to fight graduated tax
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' wealthiest man and frequent Republican political donor Ken Griffin has pledged $20 million to a group dedicated to defeating a graduated tax constitutional amendment.
Griffin, who is the founder of the hedge fund Citadel, has previously donated tens of millions of dollars to the campaign of Republican former Gov. Bruce Rauner. He's also given millions to House and Senate Republican leadership in the state and donated to several individual lawmakers. Forbes estimates his net worth at $15 billion.
His recent $20 million donation went to the Coalition to Stop the Proposed Tax Hike Amendment ballot initiative committee. Prior to Griffin's donation, the committee had received $950,000 in donations.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already dropped more than $50 million of his own personal fortune, estimated at $3.4 billion, in support of his marquee legislative proposal. His donation went to the Vote Yes for Fairness ballot initiative committee.
The constitutional amendment in question would scrap the state's protection of a flat-rate income tax for a new structure allowing lawmakers to tax different levels of income at fluctuating tax rates. A progressive rate structure that would take effect if the amendment passes is expected to bring in more than $1 billion in additional state revenue this fiscal year and more than $3 billion annually when it is implemented for a full fiscal year.
It will be up to the voters in November as to whether the state gains authority to scrap the flat tax, which is currently 4.95 percent for every penny of taxable income for every taxpayer. If more than half of those voting in the November election, or three-fifths of those voting on the ballot question, approve the measure, a graduated rate structure can take effect.
Lawmakers have already approved the rate structure that will become law should the measure pass.
Effective Jan. 1, rates would remain flat or decrease for those earning $250,000 or less, while they would increase for those earning above that amount.
Individuals earning more than $750,000 and joint filers with incomes exceeding $1 million would see the largest tax increases. A flat tax rate of 7.99% on all income would apply to anyone exceeding those thresholds.
For all other earners, each varying tax rate would apply to only one specific margin of income.
The rates are 4.75% on taxable income from $0 to $10,000; 4.9 percent from $10,001 to $100,000; 4.95% from $100,001 to $250,000.
For joint filers, a 7.75% rate would kick in on margins from $250,001 to $500,000; and 7.85% from $500,001 to $1 million. For single filers, the 7.75% applies from $250,001 to $350,000, while the 7.85% rate applies from $350,001 to $750,000.
The measure also includes an increase in the property tax credit from 5% to 6%, and up to a $100 per-child tax credit for couples earning less than $100,000 and single persons earning less than $80,000.
The corporate tax rate would go from 7 to 7.99%, not including an existing corporate property replacement tax of 1.5 to 2.5 percent that is not changed by the bill.
Opponents of the graduated tax have not disputed the rates that will become law upon its passage, but they argue that the change does not put safeguards in place to prevent future adjustments to the rate structure that could impose higher taxes on lower levels of income.
The necessary threshold to raise taxes in the General Assembly would remain unchanged by the amendment, although opponents argue it would make the task politically easier by allowing lawmakers to raise taxes on different tax brackets at different times.
In light of receiving the big check from Griffin, the coalition said in a statement it "welcomes support from anyone who believes we must stop Springfield politicians from having new power to increase income taxes on every group of taxpayers, whenever they want."
"The constitutional amendment sets no limit on the number of tax brackets that can be created and no limit on how high tax rates can be increased on groups of individual taxpayers -- including middle-income families," the statement added.
Earlier in the week, more than 125 labor unions organized by the Vote Yes for Fair Tax ballot initiative committee hosted a virtual news conference to announce their support for the measure.
"Yesterday -- the day that unions representing more than 1 million Illinois workers stood up to support Fair Tax reform -- the state's richest billionaire Ken Griffin spent $20 million to protect the broken status quo," John Bouman, the chairman of the group, said in a news release. "Griffin took home $1.5 billion in 2019 alone, yet paid the same state income tax rate as teachers, nurses, grocery store clerks and other essential workers. That's wrong and it's exactly why Illinois needs the Fair Tax amendment."
In August, the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced opposition to the graduated tax as well, warning of the effects a tax hike could have on job creators.
Proponents, however, point out that small businesses owners operating as sole proprietors or pass-through entities such as S-corporations will see a tax reduction under the plan if they have less than $250,000 in annual income.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Candidates from House District 63, 64 square off in Daily Herald/Shaw Media editorial board meeting

Representatives of the Daily Herald and Shaw Media editorial boards on Friday interviewed candidates for the 63rd and 64th statehouse @ @ @ @ @ the two news operations will endorse .
The candidates included 63rd House incumbent Steve Reick @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic challenger Brian Sager of Woodstock ; and 64th House incumbent Tom Weber , @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic challenger Leslie Armstrong-McLeod of Fox Lake .
The news companies are working jointly @ @ @ @ @ the vast number of candidates , but endorsements , coming later this month in advance @ @ @ @ @ be done independently of one another .

Candidates from House District 63, 64 square off in Daily Herald/Shaw Media editorial board meeting
Representatives of the Daily Herald and Shaw Media editorial boards on Friday interviewed candidates for the 63rd and 64th statehouse districts to help determine who the two news operations will endorse.
The candidates included 63rd House incumbent Steve Reick, a Woodstock Republican, and Democratic challenger Brian Sager of Woodstock; and 64th House incumbent Tom Weber, a Lake Villa Republican, and Democratic challenger Leslie Armstrong-McLeod of Fox Lake.
The news companies are working jointly in some cases to interview the vast number of candidates, but endorsements, coming later this month in advance of mail-in voting, will be done independently of one another.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Lake County Jail tests 600 inmates, employees -- three have COVID-19

Lake County Jail officials tested about 600 inmates , employees and contractors as part of their largest COVID-19 screening effort to date , and just three tested positive , officials announced Friday .
An inmate , a correctional officer and a contractual employee tested positive in screenings conducted last week , according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff 's Office .
All three were asymptomatic .
The inmate who tested positive is being held in the jail 's 14-day quarantine pod , which is separate from the general jail population .
Next week , the entire jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had close contact with the inmate who tested positive will be tested again .
The 28 inmates have already been placed into quarantine .
The correctional officer and contractual employee are isolating at home .
Sheriff John Idleburg credited the low number to the jail 's mitigation policy and hard work .
`` It is an absolute priority of mine to keep our employees and jail inmates safe , '' Idleburg said .
`` We continue doing everything we can to keep COVID-19 out of our jail . ''
So far , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , one contractor and one correctional administrative assistant have tested positive since the pandemic hit .
The sheriff 's office collaborated with the Lake County Health Department to develop a mitigation plan in the spring .
Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said identifying only three cases among 600 people demonstrates the effectiveness of that plan .
`` Our next step is increasing education efforts for staff and contractors at the jail to reinforce the message that even interactions with your most trusted friends , co-workers and family members can lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That can have serious ramifications when providing services in a congregate facility . ''
The current jail population is about 530 inmates ; the jail has the capacity for 740 people .

Lake County Jail tests 600 inmates, employees -- three have COVID-19
Lake County jail officials tested about 600 inmates, employees and contractors as part of their largest COVID-19 screening effort to date, and three tested positive, officials announced Friday.
An inmate, a correctional officer and a contractual employee tested positive in screenings conducted last week, according to a news release. All were asymptomatic.
The inmate who tested positive is being held in the jail's 14-day quarantine pod.
Next week, the entire jail staff as well as 28 inmates who had close contact with the inmate who tested positive will be tested again. The 28 inmates have already been placed into quarantine.
The correctional officer and contractual employee are isolating at home.
Sheriff John Idleburg credited the low number to the jail's mitigation policy and hard work.
"It is an absolute priority of mine to keep our employees and jail inmates safe," Idleburg said. "We continue doing everything we can to keep COVID-19 out of our jail."
So far, a total of seven inmates, 10 correctional officers, one contractor and one correctional administrative assistant have tested positive since the pandemic hit.
The sheriff's office collaborated with the county health department to develop a mitigation plan in the spring. Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said identifying only three cases among 600 people demonstrates the plan's effectiveness.
"Our next step is increasing education efforts for staff and contractors at the jail to reinforce the message that even interactions with your most trusted friends, co-workers and family members can lead to COVID-19 infection," Pfister said.
The current jail population is about 530 inmates; the jail has the capacity for 740.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Lawyers want inmate who confessed to attacking R. Kelly to testify

R. Kelly 's lawyers want to put the inmate who identified himself this week as the singer 's jailhouse attacker @ @ @ @ @ a hearing to determine whether anyone at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center played a role @ @ @ @ @ Kelly 's lawyers made their request to Friday , one day after the Chicago Sun-Times @ @ @ @ @ Farmer had claimed in court records to be the inmate who attacked Kelly .
`` @ @ @ @ @ attorney Mike Leonard wrote .
`` Now , the allegations are that ... those housing @ @ @ @ @ involved in putting him at risk of death or physical harm . ''

Lawyers want inmate who confessed to attacking R. Kelly to testify
Singer R. Kelly's lawyers have been trying for months to get him out of the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center while he awaits trial on federal sex abuse and child pornography charges. Associated Press/June 6, 2019
R. Kelly's lawyers want to put the inmate who identified himself this week as the singer's jailhouse attacker on the witness stand in a hearing to determine whether anyone at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center played a role in Kelly's assault.
Kelly's lawyers made their request to Friday, one day after the Chicago Sun-Times first reported that Jeremiah Shane Farmer had claimed in court records to be the inmate who attacked Kelly.
"Enough is enough," attorney Mike Leonard wrote. "Now, the allegations are that ... those housing (Kelly) may be involved in putting him at risk of death or physical harm."
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Feder: Suddenly silenced by Big 95.5, Lisa Dent thankful to her 'diehard fans'

Lisa Dent , who 's been synonymous with country music radio in Chicago for nearly two decades , never got @ @ @ @ @ fans .
As midday personality at WEBG 95.5-FM , Dent was among the casualties when @ @ @ @ @ the station 's country format Thursday and switched to rock , reports Robert Feder .
@ @ @ @ @ `` Rock 95 Five . ''

Feder: Suddenly silenced by Big 95.5, Lisa Dent thankful to her 'diehard fans'
Lisa Dent, who's been synonymous with country music radio in Chicago for nearly two decades, never got to say goodbye to her fans.
As midday personality at WEBG 95.5-FM, Dent was among the casualties when iHeartMedia pulled the plug on the station's country format Thursday and switched to rock, reports Robert Feder. It's now branded as "Rock 95 Five."
Read the full story here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Brawl among teens breaks out at Gurnee Mills

A brawl involving a group of teenagers broke out at Gurnee Mills Friday night as the mall was closing .
The group moved to a nearby McDonald 's and then started heading toward Menard 's before tensions died down after 8 p.m. , according to a witness who took pictures and posted a Facebook video of the incident .
Zion resident Latrisha Cole said that around 7 p.m. , hundreds of teens were gathered , several of them engaged in fights , while police were shouting at the youths to go home .
Police dogs were also on the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kids were mouthing off , so ( officers ) started snatching the kids up and slamming them up against cars , '' she said .
About 20 police cars blocked off the mall area , she said .
Cole said she drove several of the teens home in her van .
`` It was mostly just a lot of kids getting out of control , '' said Cole , who posted on Facebook urging parents to get their children .
She said she was at the McDonald 's about 6:50 p.m. when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not respond to multiple requests for comment Friday night .

Brawl among teens breaks out at Gurnee Mills
A brawl involving a group of teenagers broke out at Gurnee Mills Friday night as the mall was closing.
The group moved to a nearby McDonald's and then started heading toward Menard's before tensions died down after 8 p.m., according to a witness who took pictures and posted a Facebook video of the incident.
Zion resident Latrisha Cole said that around 7 p.m., hundreds of teens were gathered, several of them engaged in fights, while police were shouting at the youths to go home. Police dogs were also on the scene, she said.
"Some of the kids were mouthing off, so (officers) started snatching the kids up and slamming them up against cars," she said.
About 20 police cars blocked off the mall area, she said.
Cole said she drove several of the teens home in her van.
"It was mostly just a lot of kids getting out of control," said Cole, who posted on Facebook urging parents to get their children.
She said she was at the McDonald's about 6:50 p.m. when she spotted the gathering.
Gurnee police did not respond to multiple requests for comment Friday night.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-04--Former ComEd executive indicted

Former ComEd executive indicted

A former high-ranking ComEd official was charged with doling out money , jobs and contracts to benefit and curry influence @ @ @ @ @ Michael Madigan , according to a court document filed late Friday .
Fidel Marquez , @ @ @ @ @ vice president of governmental and external affairs from March 2012 to September 2019 , was @ @ @ @ @ , which indicates he intends to plead guilty .
Marquez is alleged to have funneled @ @ @ @ @ for the benefit of associates of Madigan .
Marquez could not immediately be reached for @ @ @ @ @ listed for him in Chicago was disconnected .
Madigan has said publicly and repeatedly that @ @ @ @ @ .
legislative decision with improper motives and has engaged in no wrongdoing here .
Any @ @ @ @ @ unfounded . ''

Former ComEd executive indicted
A former high-ranking ComEd official was charged with doling out money, jobs and contracts to benefit and curry influence with embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, according to a court document filed late Friday.
Fidel Marquez, who was ComEd's senior vice president of governmental and external affairs from March 2012 to September 2019, was charged in a criminal information, which indicates he intends to plead guilty.
Marquez is alleged to have funneled $37,500 to a company for the benefit of associates of Madigan.
Marquez could not immediately be reached for comment. A phone number listed for him in Chicago was disconnected.
Madigan has said publicly and repeatedly that he has done nothing wrong. legislative decision with improper motives and has engaged in no wrongdoing here. Any claim to the contrary is unfounded."
For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.