dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Elgin sees big increase in calls, tickets for fireworks

Elgin police responded to more than three times the amount of fireworks calls over the Fourth of July holiday compared to last year , but there were no reported injuries or fires , officials said .
`` More people are doing them and I think more people are getting lucky , '' Fire Chief Robb Cagann said , adding that firefighters/paramedics in Elgin generally do n't get many fireworks-related calls .
`` It was a pretty uneventful week for us related to that . ''
Not so much for the police department , which responded to 394 calls for service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 112 calls in the same three-day period in 2019 , according to police data .
Officers wrote 63 tickets for fireworks in the last three days , compared to 14 tickets in 2019 .
Starting June 22 , the police department assigned four extra officers per day to respond to fireworks calls , plus another six officers -- so a total of 10 additional officers -- on July 4 , police said .
That overtime payroll cost was not immediately available .
`` Due to the nationwide increase in fireworks complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in years past , '' Police Chief Ana Lalley said .
`` We strive to be as responsive as we can to our community .
For many years fireworks have been illegal in Illinois and they are disruptive to our neighborhoods . ''
From June 1 to Sunday , police responded to 1,025 fireworks calls -- more than five times the 199 calls in the same time frame last year -- and issued 116 tickets , including warnings , compared to 19 tickets last year .
The police department also confiscated dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , artillery shells and more .
The evidence will be turned over to the Kane County Sheriff 's Department 's bomb squad for destruction , police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton said .

Elgin sees big increase in calls, tickets for fireworks
A sample of illegal fireworks confiscated by Elgin police over the Fourth of July holiday. courtesy of Elgin Police Department
Elgin police responded to more than three times the amount of fireworks calls over the Fourth of July holiday compared to last year, but there were no reported injuries or fires, officials said.
"More people are doing them and I think more people are getting lucky," Fire Chief Robb Cagann said, adding that firefighters/paramedics in Elgin generally don't get many fireworks-related calls. "It was a pretty uneventful week for us related to that."
Not so much for the police department, which responded to 394 calls for service for fireworks from Friday through Sunday, compared to 112 calls in the same three-day period in 2019, according to police data.
Officers wrote 63 tickets for fireworks in the last three days, compared to 14 tickets in 2019.
Starting June 22, the police department assigned four extra officers per day to respond to fireworks calls, plus another six officers -- so a total of 10 additional officers -- on July 4, police said. That overtime payroll cost was not immediately available.
"Due to the nationwide increase in fireworks complaints, we initiated our directed enforcement earlier than in years past," Police Chief Ana Lalley said. "We strive to be as responsive as we can to our community. For many years fireworks have been illegal in Illinois and they are disruptive to our neighborhoods."
From June 1 to Sunday, police responded to 1,025 fireworks calls -- more than five times the 199 calls in the same time frame last year -- and issued 116 tickets, including warnings, compared to 19 tickets last year.
The police department also confiscated dozens of illegal fireworks, including mortar shells, artillery shells and more.
The evidence will be turned over to the Kane County Sheriff's Department's bomb squad for destruction, police spokeswoman Kristie Hilton said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--NHL, players' union announce plan to resume play on Aug. 1

The National Hockey League and NHL Players ' Association have reached a tentative agreement to return to play this season @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
The four-year extension of the CBA finalized Monday coupled with the sides ' @ @ @ @ @ camps and games paves the way for hockey to resume this summer .
Training camps @ @ @ @ @ games would resume Aug. 1 if approved by the league 's board of governors and @ @ @ @ @ full membership .
The NHL is going straight to the playoffs with 24 teams resuming @ @ @ @ @ travel to one of two 'hub' cities July 26 for exhibition games .
The qualifying @ @ @ @ @ .

NHL, players announce labor deal, plan to resume play Aug. 1
FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, crews cover the ice at American Airlines Center in Dallas, home of the Dallas Stars hockey team, after the NHL season was put on hold due to the coronavirus. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday, July 5, that the NHL and NHL Players' Association have agreed on protocols to resume the season. Daly said the sides are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement extension. A CBA extension is still crucial to the process. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File) Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2020, file photo, Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith warms up for the team's NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Edmonton, Alberta. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press on Sunday, July 5, that the NHL and NHL Players' Association have agreed on protocols to resume the season. Daly said the sides are still negotiating a collective bargaining agreement extension. A CBA extension is still crucial to the process. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP, File) Associated Press
The NHL is in position to resume playing in less than a month - with 24 teams in action, all in Canada - and could be on the verge of enjoying labor peace through 2026.
The National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association on Monday announced a tentative deal on a return-to-play format and a memorandum of understanding on a four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement.
Should both agreements be ratified, the NHL would proceed immediately to its expanded 24-team playoff format, with play beginning on Aug. 1. Under the plan, training camps would open July 13, with teams traveling to their respective hub cities for exhibition games on July 26.
The hub cities are Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta, for the qualifying round and at least first two playoff rounds, according to a person with direct knowledge of the agreements who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league and NHLPA have not released this information.
For the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Final, the person said, the league is being cautious and allowing itself site flexibility in the event of potential spikes in COVID-19 infections.
Extending the CBA, which was set to expire in September 2022, was considered a necessary step in restarting the season, which was placed on pause in March as a result of the pandemic. The extension covers numerous on- and off-ice issues, including the NHL's potential return to the Olympics, the person said.
If approved, players would be in a position to compete at the Beijing Olympics in 2022 and in Italy four years later. In order for that to happen, the NHL would first have to resolve marketing rights and health insurance, among otehr issues, with the International Olympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation.
The NHL, NHLPA and IIHF had what were called productive talks earlier this year. The NHL participated in five consecutive Olympics from 1998-2014 before skipping 2018 in South Korea.
Financially, the CBA extension would attempt to address the lost revenue stemming from the remainder of the regular season being wiped out and with empty arenas looming for the playoffs.
Players would defer 10% of salaries next season which owners would pay back over three consecutive seasons starting in 2022-23, a second person familiar with the proposed agreement told The AP. The salary cap will remain at $81.5 million for at least next season, the person said, also speaking only on the condition of anonymity because the details have not been released.
Escrow payments to owners to even out hockey-related revenue at 50/50 would be capped at 20% next season, with the cap decreasing throughout the deal, the second person said. If owners are still owed money from the players, the CBA would be extended for an additional season. Escrow has been one of the biggest complaints of players in the past several years.
The agreements need two-thirds approval by owners.
On the union side, the agreements must first be approved by a majority of the NHLPA's 31-member executive committee before going to a vote to the full membership. The executive committee is expected to make its recommendation by the end of day Tuesday; if approved, the players would be expected to complete their voting process by Friday.
Over the weekend, the league and players agreed to an extensive series of return-to-play protocols involving training camp and games. Players will be allowed to opt out of competing in the expanded playoffs, and will have three days to make their decision once the agreement is ratified.
Should the league push ahead, the matchups are already known: The top four teams in each conference (Boston, Tampa Bay, Washington and Philadelphia in the East and St. Louis, Colorado, Vegas and Dallas in the West) play a handful of round-robin games to determine seeding.
Those top seeds then face the winners of eight opening-round, best-of-five series: No. 5 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 12 Montreal Canadiens; No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 11 New York Rangers; No. 7 New York Islanders vs. No. 10 Florida Panthers; No. 8 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 9 Columbus Blue Jackets; No. 5 Edmonton Oilers vs. No. 12 Chicago Blackhawks; No. 6 Nashville Predators vs. No. 11 Arizona Coyotes; No. 7 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 10 Minnesota Wild; and the No. 8 Calgary Flames vs. No. 9 Winnipeg Jets.
___
For more AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Nick Foles or Cam Newton ... did the Bears get it right?

Did the Bears make a mistake by trading a fourth-round draft choice for Nick Foles and guaranteeing him $ 17 million rather than signing Cam Newton as a free agent who is guaranteed just over $ 1 million with a max deal of $ 7.5 million with the Patriots ?
No .
There is no reason to believe Foles is anything short of 100 percent healthy .
In late March ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported Newton had passed a physical coordinated by his agents and the Carolina Panthers , not exactly something one could expect the Bears to bet a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underwent a second surgery on his right throwing shoulder and then played just two games last season .
In December 2019 Newton had a separate surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury to his left foot .
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians , `` Lisfranc injuries are rare , complex and often misdiagnosed . ''
Newton 's left foot is the plant foot he drives into to throw , and complications in that foot could cause all kinds of issues .
Newton is a great athlete and a great football player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback .
Bill Belichick is the G.O.A.T .
because he can adjust any system to fit the talent he has to work with .
Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy want a quarterback to fit Nagy 's system , and it lives or dies with its quarterback .
While Newton is a former NFL MVP , he is not a quality NFL passer .
He has completed 60 % of his passes or more just three times in nine seasons , and has a career completion percentage of only 59.6 % -- practically a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 182-to-108 is mediocre , and his 2.7 % career interception percentage is actually worse than Trubisky 's 2.3 % and well behind Foles ' 2.1 % .
Newton has thrown more than 24 TD passes in a season just once with 35 in his 2015 MVP campaign in spite of playing at least 14 games every year but 2019 .
In nine seasons as a starter Newton and the Panthers had just three winning seasons , and he was 3-4 in the playoffs with an 87.7 passer rating .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8-2 in 2013 , 6-2 in 2014 , 2-1 in 2017 and 4-1 in 2018 plus 4-2 in the , '13 , '17 and '18 playoffs with a 98.8 rating .
The Bears were in search of competition for Trubisky .
In addition to uncertainty about Newton 's availability due to his health , consider what his former head coach Ron Rivera recently told 670 The SCORE about why he did n't bring him to Washington to compete with Dwayne Haskins .
`` We 've been in this tough situation because there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked , but we have to find out what we have in the young guy .
...
But until we get that opportunity to know what we have , it would have been very hard to bring in a guy who 's had such a solid career , who was league MVP at one time , and expect the young guy to get chances to grow . ''
To be clear Rivera spoke very highly of Newton and suggested he believes he is healthy , but the dilemma is still clear .
Foles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backup than a starter , so he brings none of the baggage to the competition Newton 's success would have .
Which brings us to the final point for now .
Foles has been revered as a leader and a teammate by everyone he 's played with , while Newton has not .
I am not saying Newton is a bad guy ; I have no reason to believe that .
But questions about his character including various off-the-field issues have followed him throughout his college and NFL career .
With their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Newton could have been a difficult fit at Halas Hall .
What of the extra $ 9.5 million-to- $ 16 million price tag ?
Hopefully for the Bears it will be a bargain if it 's the difference between a playoff run regardless of whether Trubisky or Foles ends up under center vs. another lost season .

Nick Foles or Cam Newton ... did the Bears get it right?
In this Sept. 13, 2019, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field following the Panthers 20-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Associated Press
Did the Bears make a mistake by trading a fourth-round draft choice for Nick Foles and guaranteeing him $17 million rather than signing Cam Newton as a free agent who is guaranteed just over $1 million with a max deal of $7.5 million with the Patriots?
No. There is no reason to believe Foles is anything short of 100 percent healthy.
In late March ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Newton had passed a physical coordinated by his agents and the Carolina Panthers, not exactly something one could expect the Bears to bet a season on.
In January 2019 Newton underwent a second surgery on his right throwing shoulder and then played just two games last season.
In December 2019 Newton had a separate surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Lisfranc injuries are rare, complex and often misdiagnosed."
Newton's left foot is the plant foot he drives into to throw, and complications in that foot could cause all kinds of issues.
Newton is a great athlete and a great football player, but he is not a great quarterback.
Bill Belichick is the G.O.A.T. because he can adjust any system to fit the talent he has to work with. Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy want a quarterback to fit Nagy's system, and it lives or dies with its quarterback.
While Newton is a former NFL MVP, he is not a quality NFL passer. He has completed 60% of his passes or more just three times in nine seasons, and has a career completion percentage of only 59.6% -- practically a non-starter in almost any offense. His career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 182-to-108 is mediocre, and his 2.7% career interception percentage is actually worse than Trubisky's 2.3% and well behind Foles' 2.1%. Newton has thrown more than 24 TD passes in a season just once with 35 in his 2015 MVP campaign in spite of playing at least 14 games every year but 2019. In nine seasons as a starter Newton and the Panthers had just three winning seasons, and he was 3-4 in the playoffs with an 87.7 passer rating.
As the starter in Philadelphia Foles was 8-2 in 2013, 6-2 in 2014, 2-1 in 2017 and 4-1 in 2018 plus 4-2 in the, '13, '17 and '18 playoffs with a 98.8 rating.
The Bears were in search of competition for Trubisky. In addition to uncertainty about Newton's availability due to his health, consider what his former head coach Ron Rivera recently told 670 The SCORE about why he didn't bring him to Washington to compete with Dwayne Haskins.
"We've been in this tough situation because there was a number of veteran guys that we liked, but we have to find out what we have in the young guy. ... But until we get that opportunity to know what we have, it would have been very hard to bring in a guy who's had such a solid career, who was league MVP at one time, and expect the young guy to get chances to grow."
To be clear Rivera spoke very highly of Newton and suggested he believes he is healthy, but the dilemma is still clear.
Foles has spent more of his career as a backup than a starter, so he brings none of the baggage to the competition Newton's success would have. Which brings us to the final point for now.
Foles has been revered as a leader and a teammate by everyone he's played with, while Newton has not.
I am not saying Newton is a bad guy; I have no reason to believe that. But questions about his character including various off-the-field issues have followed him throughout his college and NFL career.
With their hyper focus on "team culture," Newton could have been a difficult fit at Halas Hall.
What of the extra $9.5 million-to-$16 million price tag? Hopefully for the Bears it will be a bargain if it's the difference between a playoff run regardless of whether Trubisky or Foles ends up under center vs. another lost season.
• Twitter: @Hub_Arkush


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--Why the Chicago Dogs are playing baseball this summer while other teams stay home

COVID-19 led to the cancellation of July 4 fireworks , parades and festivals , but two other parts of the typical American summer -- baseball and hot dogs -- return to the suburbs Tuesday .
The Chicago Dogs , who play at Rosemont 's Impact Field , will welcome back spectators on Opening Night with limited seating capacity , required masks when walking around the concourse , social distancing measures and lots of hand sanitizer .
For now , the Dogs are the only baseball game in town , with all other area leagues canceling their seasons and the Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting their abbreviated schedules ( without spectators , at least to start , on July 24 ) .
The Frontier League , which includes the Schaumburg Boomers and Joliet Slammers , canceled its season , though the Slammers plan to host a four-team , 27-game City Of Champions Cup starting July 16 .
Minor League Baseball , of which the 30-year-old Kane County Cougars franchise is an affiliate , was also called off .
The Dogs play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball , in which half of its dozen teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of four stadiums .
The Dogs were to have played in the `` hub '' stadium hosted by the new Milwaukee Milkmen franchise in Franklin , Wisconsin , until the Dogs got permission from Illinois state officials late last month to be able to reopen in Rosemont .
The Dogs will play 30 home games .
`` It 's certainly been an interesting chapter , but it 's evolving in a great way , '' said Shawn Hunter , the Dogs ' owner .
`` We were very happy to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we could play our games at Impact Field and in front of fans .
We get to play ball , which is important for our players who are living a dream , and for our fans , who deserve a much-needed break . ''
While only half of the league 's teams will play this summer , Hunter said team owners relied on the hub city model and pinpointed stadiums in states that would allow spectators and had associated health guidelines .
In addition to Rosemont and Franklin , Wisconsin , games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Dakota , and Sioux Falls , South Dakota .
In contrast , officials from the larger 14-team Frontier League said they could not conduct a season under the various guidelines in their teams ' home markets , which include seven states and Canada .
League President Rich Sauget Sr. said the limitations on social gatherings , in addition to travel restrictions affecting the Canadian teams , precipitated the full season cancellation .
The Chicago Dogs had to submit an extensive safety plan to the state before getting the OK to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the 6,300-seat stadium on Balmoral Avenue , which is about 1,300 seats .
Seats are clustered and spaced out : groups of up to seven are allowed , but most other seats and rows are left vacant to maintain distancing .
By Monday morning , the team reported 95 % of seats for Opening Night were already sold out .
Fans will get their temperatures checked upon entry , and they 'll be asked to wear masks when not seated , Hunter said .
Markers will designate one-way traffic flow on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be placed throughout the stadium .
And to buy those signature hot dogs -- or any other food or beverage -- do n't expect to pay in cash .
The plan calls for cashless payments at concessions and the team store .
`` I think it 'll be a different experience , but it will be a very good one , '' Hunter said .

Rosemont's Chicago Dogs will play ball while other suburban teams stay home
COVID-19 led to the cancellation of July 4 fireworks, parades and festivals, but two other parts of the typical American summer -- baseball and hot dogs -- return to the suburbs Tuesday.
The Chicago Dogs, who play at Rosemont's Impact Field, will welcome back spectators on Opening Night with limited seating capacity, required masks when walking around the concourse, social distancing measures and lots of hand sanitizer.
For now, the Dogs are the only baseball game in town, with all other area leagues canceling their seasons and the Cubs and White Sox still weeks away from starting their abbreviated schedules (without spectators, at least to start, on July 24).
The Frontier League, which includes the Schaumburg Boomers and Joliet Slammers, canceled its season, though the Slammers plan to host a four-team, 27-game City Of Champions Cup starting July 16. Minor League Baseball, of which the 30-year-old Kane County Cougars franchise is an affiliate, was also called off.
The Dogs play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, in which half of its dozen teams are playing a shortened 60-game season from a total of four stadiums. The Dogs were to have played in the "hub" stadium hosted by the new Milwaukee Milkmen franchise in Franklin, Wisconsin, until the Dogs got permission from Illinois state officials late last month to be able to reopen in Rosemont. The Dogs will play 30 home games.
"It's certainly been an interesting chapter, but it's evolving in a great way," said Shawn Hunter, the Dogs' owner. "We were very happy to be included in the Phase 4 reopening so that we could play our games at Impact Field and in front of fans. We get to play ball, which is important for our players who are living a dream, and for our fans, who deserve a much-needed break."
While only half of the league's teams will play this summer, Hunter said team owners relied on the hub city model and pinpointed stadiums in states that would allow spectators and had associated health guidelines. In addition to Rosemont and Franklin, Wisconsin, games are scheduled this summer in Fargo, North Dakota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In contrast, officials from the larger 14-team Frontier League said they could not conduct a season under the various guidelines in their teams' home markets, which include seven states and Canada.
League President Rich Sauget Sr. said the limitations on social gatherings, in addition to travel restrictions affecting the Canadian teams, precipitated the full season cancellation.
The Chicago Dogs had to submit an extensive safety plan to the state before getting the OK to reopen. That means a 20% capacity limit at the 6,300-seat stadium on Balmoral Avenue, which is about 1,300 seats. Seats are clustered and spaced out: groups of up to seven are allowed, but most other seats and rows are left vacant to maintain distancing.
By Monday morning, the team reported 95% of seats for Opening Night were already sold out.
Fans will get their temperatures checked upon entry, and they'll be asked to wear masks when not seated, Hunter said.
Markers will designate one-way traffic flow on the concourse, and hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the stadium. And to buy those signature hot dogs -- or any other food or beverage -- don't expect to pay in cash. The plan calls for cashless payments at concessions and the team store.
"I think it'll be a different experience, but it will be a very good one," Hunter said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Renovated Arcada Theatre could reopen by Labor Day

For 15 years , Ron Onesti has dreamed of creating a `` fantasy land '' in St. Charles .
Now , he says he 's on the verge of completing that dream with the transformation of the 94-year-old Arcada Theatre in St. Charles from an old-time rock n ' roll house into a more dynamic and diverse entertainment venue .
A choice of eateries , a themed hotel , new and improved bathrooms and better climate control are among the amenities customers can expect when the Arcada reopens in about two months .
The 900-seat theater , which debuted Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience , is midway through a total overhaul .
Workers are putting the finishing touches on a $ 3 million renovation project , said Onesti , president and CEO of The Onesti Entertainment Corp. , who manages the Arcada .
Construction on the project began in January , and the Arcada has been shut down since the coronavirus crisis struck in mid-March .
The lockdown , though , has just `` accelerated all my plans , '' Onesti said .
He and Arcada owners Curt and Conrad Hurst aim to create a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructing seven new venues -- four restaurants and three bars -- in the redesigned , repurposed theater building and the building next door , also purchased by the Hursts .
The Arcada and associated venues could reopen around Labor Day , Onesti said Upgrades include new sprinkler systems , energy-efficient electrical units and wiring , copper pipes to replace lead ones , touchless equipment in bathrooms and everywhere else , centralized hot water tanks , beer and soda distribution systems , walk-in coolers , and new paint and fixtures .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy environment , '' Onesti said .
The theater 's first floor will house Rock ' N Za wood-fired pizza on the west corner where a former Starbucks was located .
Arcada merchandise also will be sold there .
The former RockStock store will be the new Bar-Cada , with a larger entrance , full-service bar and video gambling machines .
The theater 's ticket counter has been retrofitted with a 1940s-style box office and hi-boy tables .
Among the new eateries is Rock ' N Ravioli , an outdoor Venetian-style cafe with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed brick pavers .
At the theater 's entrance will be a new main bar with a 1920s vibe .
The front theater floor where banquet-style chairs will be placed and stage have been refinished .
The second floor will house a large walk-in bar and an upscale , VIP event space designed like a country club .
Onesti Entertainment 's former corporate offices and the second floor of the former George 's Sporting Goods in the building east of the Arcada are being transformed into The Arcadian Suites -- nine hotel rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the '60s , '70s , '80s , Motown and Nashville experiences .
The Club Arcada Speakeasy on the third floor is getting new dance floors , a larger kitchen and server facilities .
`` It will be the most interesting venue in the country for sure , '' Onesti said .
`` I am thrilled that we can show our loyal customers and our beloved bands just how much we appreciate them with better facilities and equipment to make their experience here memorable . ''

Renovated Arcada Theatre could reopen by Labor Day
For 15 years, Ron Onesti has dreamed of creating a "fantasy land" in St. Charles.
Now, he says he's on the verge of completing that dream with the transformation of the 94-year-old Arcada Theatre in St. Charles from an old-time rock n' roll house into a more dynamic and diverse entertainment venue.
A choice of eateries, a themed hotel, new and improved bathrooms and better climate control are among the amenities customers can expect when the Arcada reopens in about two months.
The 900-seat theater, which debuted Sept. 6, 1926, to a vaudeville audience, is midway through a total overhaul. Workers are putting the finishing touches on a $3 million renovation project, said Onesti, president and CEO of The Onesti Entertainment Corp., who manages the Arcada.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Arcada Theatre in St. Charles is undergoing a $3 million renovation including new bathrooms, restaurants and bars, manager Ron Onesti said.
Construction on the project began in January, and the Arcada has been shut down since the coronavirus crisis struck in mid-March. The lockdown, though, has just "accelerated all my plans," Onesti said.
He and Arcada owners Curt and Conrad Hurst aim to create a unique entertainment and dining experience. They're constructing seven new venues -- four restaurants and three bars -- in the redesigned, repurposed theater building and the building next door, also purchased by the Hursts.
The Arcada and associated venues could reopen around Labor Day, Onesti said.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Arcada Theatre in St. Charles could reopen around Labor Day after a $3 million renovation. Workers are putting on the final touches with reopening planned around Labor Day.
Upgrades include new sprinkler systems, energy-efficient electrical units and wiring, copper pipes to replace lead ones, touchless equipment in bathrooms and everywhere else, centralized hot water tanks, beer and soda distribution systems, walk-in coolers, and new paint and fixtures.
"It's a much more comfortable, safe and healthy environment," Onesti said.
The theater's first floor will house Rock 'N Za wood-fired pizza on the west corner where a former Starbucks was located. Arcada merchandise also will be sold there. The former RockStock store will be the new Bar-Cada, with a larger entrance, full-service bar and video gambling machines. The theater's ticket counter has been retrofitted with a 1940s-style box office and hi-boy tables.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles is in the midst of a $3 million renovation.
Among the new eateries is Rock 'N Ravioli, an outdoor Venetian-style cafe with custom awnings, Italian lights and newly placed brick pavers. At the theater's entrance will be a new main bar with a 1920s vibe. The front theater floor where banquet-style chairs will be placed and stage have been refinished.
The second floor will house a large walk-in bar and an upscale, VIP event space designed like a country club. Onesti Entertainment's former corporate offices and the second floor of the former George's Sporting Goods in the building east of the Arcada are being transformed into The Arcadian Suites -- nine hotel rooms themed for Sinatra, Elvis, Zeppelin, the '60s, '70s, '80s, Motown and Nashville experiences. The Club Arcada Speakeasy on the third floor is getting new dance floors, a larger kitchen and server facilities.
- Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, shuttered since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, is undergoing a $3 million renovation. Manager Ron Onesti is aiming for a Labor Day reopening.
"It will be the most interesting venue in the country for sure," Onesti said. "I am thrilled that we can show our loyal customers and our beloved bands just how much we appreciate them with better facilities and equipment to make their experience here memorable."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Payroll Protection Program recipients include thousands in Illinois

WASHINGTON -- The government on Monday identified roughly 650,000 mostly small businesses and nonprofits that received taxpayer money from a federal program that probably softened job losses from the coronavirus but also benefited some politically connected firms .
The top tier of recipients of the Treasury Department 's Payroll Protection Program loans received $ 5 million to $ 10 millions , and hundreds of suburban- and Chicago-based companies , nonprofits and organizations were among them .
They include Ala Carte Entertainment in Schaumburg , the American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca , Blistex in Oak Brook , Oberweis Dairy based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salon and Spa in Palatine , Motorwerks of Barrington , Patrick Engineering in Lisle , Pinstripes in Northbrook , Plote Construction in Hoffman Estates , and Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington .
State Sen. Jim Oberweis , a Sugar Grove Republican who is running for Congress in the 14th District , is chairman of Oberweis Dairy .
He said in a statement Monday the loan was used to pay for salaries and benefits for employees .
`` PPP was passed by Congress and signed by the President to save the jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of unemployment or reduced employment because of the forced closure of the economy as a result of COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` Oberweis Dairy applied for and was granted PPP funding to save the jobs and paychecks of its employees during this unprecedented time . ''
The Treasury Department did not release the exact amount of the loan .
A spokesman for Oberweis ' campaign said it was between $ 5 million and $ 6 million .
A statement from the company , also released by Oberweis ' campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue operating all of its locations and keep employees working even though many stores saw `` swift and significant sales declines . ''
The statement says Oberweis Dairy has had no closures , layoffs , furloughs , cuts in compensation or forced reduction of hours .
Others in the top tier of loan recipients are the Chicago Horticultural Society in Glencoe , the Chicago Zoological Society in Brookfield , the Field Museum in Chicago , Journeycare in Glenview and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois in Des Plaines .
Carmel Catholic High School in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to $ 5 million , as did Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows , Lake Forest Academy , the Lincoln Park Zoological Society in Chicago , Little Friends in Naperville , Marklund Children 's Home in Geneva , Navy Pier in Chicago , the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago , the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago , the Morton Arboretum in Lisle , the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago , the Lisle-based Ray Gramam Association for People with Disabilities , Schaumburg Toyota , Sun-Times Media Productions in Chicago , Tyndale House Ministries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furniture in Itasca , Planned Parenthood of Illinois in Chicago , and Paddock Publications , the parent company of the Daily Herald , in Arlington Heights .
Michael J. Madigan Ltd. in Chicago received a loan $ 150,000 to $ 350,000 .
Caputo 's New Farm Produce Inc. borrowed $ 350,000 to $ 1 million , as did each of its Addison , Bloomingdale , Carol Stream , Hanover Park , Naperville and South Elgin subsidiaries , for a total of seven loans .
Recipients come from a broad swath of industries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , such as manufacturing and construction , received a greater proportion of the loans than the hard-hit restaurant and hotel industries .
Many law firms and private equity companies also obtained loans .
Businesses owned by politicians also borrowed from the program , including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio .
A large franchisee of Wendy 's , Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants , whose CEO is a major donor to President Donald Trump , received loans totaling $ 15 to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West 's clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy , Ice Cube 's professional basketball league , Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states and the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist , Americans for Tax Reform .
As of June 30 , the program had handed out $ 521 billion .
The Treasury Department identified just a fraction of the total borrowers Monday , naming only companies that got more than $ 150,000 .
Those firms made up less than 15 % of the nearly 5 million small companies and organizations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Marco Rubio , a Florida Republican and chairman of the Small Business Committee that crafted the program , said the release of the data provided `` much needed transparency . ''
He called the program `` a historic lifeline '' for small businesses during the pandemic .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the data release a `` good start '' but lamented that it took so long and `` so much pressure from Democrats '' to make the information public .
He said more transparency was needed `` to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- to the truly small and underbanked small businesses . ''
Economists generally credit the program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from being much worse .
Employers added 7.5 million jobs in May and June , a solid increase that was probably driven in part by the PPP .
The economy still has nearly 15 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic .
Research by the Federal Reserve found that companies with fewer than 50 workers before the pandemic saw their hiring rise 12 % in May , while jobs grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting PPP helped fuel rehiring .
But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic , which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact .
The Treasury Department initially required the loans to be spent within eight weeks of being received , though that was later extended to 24 weeks .
Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand , as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping , visiting gyms , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , New York and others states have reversed their reopenings , closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining .
`` The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help , '' said Adam Ozimek , chief economist at Upwork , a freelancing platform .
`` And now we 're dealing with a mid to long-term problem . ''
A survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that as of mid-June , 14 % of small businesses that borrowed from the PPP expected they would have to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
The program provided loans of up to $ 10 million for small businesses to help them recover from the government-ordered shutdowns and revenue losses caused by the virus .
The average loan amount for the entire program was $ 107,000 , the Treasury Department said in a broad summary of the program .
The loans can be forgiven if businesses mostly use the money to continue paying workers .
The program initially was set to expire June 30 but was extended last week to Aug. 8 , with $ 132 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people before the pandemic began , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said .
That amounts to about 85 % of all workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees .
The government will not know how many of these jobs were actually saved until companies apply to have the loans forgiven , a process that is just beginning .
A senior administration official said Monday that some small companies `` will need additional support '' in the coming months .
The public may never know the identity of more than 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the administration has refused to release details on loans under $ 150,000 .
That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press .
The Treasury Department has released only dollar ranges for the loan amounts , rather than exact figures .
Businesses owned by several politicians were listed among the recipients , including Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , a Republican .
DeWine Seeds-Silver Dollar Baseball received a loan of $ 150,000 to $ 350,000 , the government said .
The company owns the Asheville Tourists , a minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was purchased by the governor 's family in 2010 .
DeWine 's son , Brian DeWine , currently serves as president of the baseball team .
The minor league baseball season was canceled for 2020 .
Some major supporters of Trump also benefited .
Muy Brands Inc. , a San Antonio , Texas-based franchisee with more than 750 Wendy 's , Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants , received between $ 15 million and $ 30 million between three entities .
Muy Brands CEO James Bodenstedt is a major donor to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Trump Victory PAC since the start of this year , according to federal campaign finance records .
The hardest-hit restaurant-and-hotel industry lost nearly half of its pre-pandemic jobs in March and April .
It ranked fifth on a list of recipients .
Health care , professional and business services , construction and manufacturing received a greater share of loans .
And according to an analysis by Beth Ann Bovino , U.S. chief economist at Standard & Poor 's , some states with the smallest increases in unemployment from the pandemic got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It did n't reach the industries that needed it , and it looked like it did n't reach the states that were hardest hit , '' Bovino said .
Media companies , including Newsday and American Media , former owner of the National Enquirer , got loans of up to $ 5 million .
The data gave few details about loans to minority-owned businesses .
Companies were not required to supply demographic data on their applications , and many entries about race and gender contained `` unanswered . ''
However , many minority-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with few , if any , employees , so their loan amounts likely were under $ 150,000 and therefore not part of the data release .
Senior administration officials who briefed reporters before the release said they hoped to get more information when owners submit applications for loan forgiveness over the next few months .
• Associated Press writers Sara Burnett in Chicago , Farnoush Amiri in Columbus , Ohio , Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit and Holly Ramer in Concord , New Hampshire , contributed to this report .

Payroll Protection Program recipients include thousands in Illinois
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaking about his plans for the coming year during an interview at the Governor's Residence in Columbus, Ohio. The Treasury Department on released the names of more than 650,000 companies that received funds from the government's small business lending program, including a company owned by DeWine. Associated Press, Dec. 13, 2019
Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration, testifies during a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to examine implementation of Title I of the CARES Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Treasury Department on Monday released the names of more than 700,000 companies that received funds from the government's small business lending program, a massive effort intended to support the economy as states shut down in April to contain the viral outbreak. Associated Press, June 10
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testifies during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on the coronavirus response on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Treasury Department on Monday released names of more than 700,000 companies that received funds from the government's small business lending program, a massive effort intended to support the economy as states shut down in April to contain the viral outbreak. Associated Press, June 30
Michael J. Madigan Ltd. received a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan of $150,000 to $350,000, according to data released by the Small Business Association. Rich Saal/The State Journal-Register, 2018
State Sen. Jim Oberweis, a Sugar Grove Republican, wears a full face shield while on the floor of the Illinois Senate in May. Oberweis is chairman of North Aurora-based Oberweis Dairy, which received a loan of more than $5 million through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register
WASHINGTON -- The government on Monday identified roughly 650,000 mostly small businesses and nonprofits that received taxpayer money from a federal program that probably softened job losses from the coronavirus but also benefited some politically connected firms.
The top tier of recipients of the Treasury Department's Payroll Protection Program loans received $5 million to $10 million, and hundreds of suburban- and Chicago-based companies, nonprofits and organizations were among them. They include Ala Carte Entertainment in Schaumburg, the American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca, Blistex in Oak Brook, Oberweis Dairy based in North Aurora, Mario Tricoci Hair Salon and Spa in Palatine, Motorwerks of Barrington, Patrick Engineering in Lisle, Pinstripes in Northbrook, Plote Construction in Hoffman Estates, and Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.
State Sen. Jim Oberweis, a Sugar Grove Republican who is running for Congress in the 14th District, is chairman of Oberweis Dairy. He said in a statement Monday the loan was used to pay for salaries and benefits for employees.
"PPP was passed by Congress and signed by the President to save the jobs of millions of workers who were at risk of unemployment or reduced employment because of the forced closure of the economy as a result of COVID-19," he said. "Oberweis Dairy applied for and was granted PPP funding to save the jobs and paychecks of its employees during this unprecedented time."
The Treasury Department did not release the exact amount of the loan. A spokesman for Oberweis' campaign said it was between $5 million and $6 million.
A statement from the company, also released by Oberweis' campaign, said the loan enabled the business to continue operating all of its locations and keep employees working even though many stores saw "swift and significant sales declines." The statement says Oberweis Dairy has had no closures, layoffs, furloughs, cuts in compensation or forced reduction of hours.
Others in the top tier of loan recipients are the Chicago Horticultural Society in Glencoe, the Chicago Zoological Society in Brookfield, the Field Museum in Chicago, Journeycare in Glenview and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois in Des Plaines.
Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein received a loan of $2 million to $5 million, as did Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Lake Forest Academy, the Lincoln Park Zoological Society in Chicago, Little Friends in Naperville, Marklund Children's Home in Geneva, Navy Pier in Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the Lisle-based Ray Gramam Association for People with Disabilities, Schaumburg Toyota, Sun-Times Media Productions in Chicago, Tyndale House Ministries in Carol Stream, Walter E. Smithe Furniture in Itasca, Planned Parenthood of Illinois in Chicago, and Paddock Publications, the parent company of the Daily Herald, in Arlington Heights.
Michael J. Madigan Ltd. in Chicago received a loan $150,000 to $350,000.
Caputo's New Farm Produce Inc. borrowed $350,000 to $1 million, as did each of its Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Naperville and South Elgin subsidiaries, for a total of seven loans.
Recipients come from a broad swath of industries. Some that were less directly impacted by the pandemic, such as manufacturing and construction, received a greater proportion of the loans than the hard-hit restaurant and hotel industries. Many law firms and private equity companies also obtained loans.
Businesses owned by politicians also borrowed from the program, including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio. A large franchisee of Wendy's, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, whose CEO is a major donor to President Donald Trump, received loans totaling $15 to $30 million.
Other recipients included Kanye West's clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy, Ice Cube's professional basketball league, Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states and the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform.
As of June 30, the program had handed out $521 billion. The Treasury Department identified just a fraction of the total borrowers Monday, naming only companies that got more than $150,000. Those firms made up less than 15% of the nearly 5 million small companies and organizations that received loans.
In a statement, Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and chairman of the Small Business Committee that crafted the program, said the release of the data provided "much needed transparency." He called the program "a historic lifeline" for small businesses during the pandemic.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the data release a "good start" but lamented that it took so long and "so much pressure from Democrats" to make the information public. He said more transparency was needed "to ensure that these taxpayer dollars went where Congress intended -- to the truly small and underbanked small businesses."
Economists generally credit the program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from being much worse. Employers added 7.5 million jobs in May and June, a solid increase that was probably driven in part by the PPP. The economy still has nearly 15 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic.
Research by the Federal Reserve found that companies with fewer than 50 workers before the pandemic saw their hiring rise 12% in May, while jobs grew just 5% in larger firms, suggesting PPP helped fuel rehiring.
But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic, which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact. The Treasury Department initially required the loans to be spent within eight weeks of being received, though that was later extended to 24 weeks.
Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand, as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping, visiting gyms, or eating out. Texas, Florida, California, New York and others states have reversed their reopenings, closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining.
"The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help," said Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, a freelancing platform. "And now we're dealing with a mid to long-term problem."
A survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that as of mid-June, 14% of small businesses that borrowed from the PPP expected they would have to lay off some workers when their loan ran out.
The program provided loans of up to $10 million for small businesses to help them recover from the government-ordered shutdowns and revenue losses caused by the virus. The average loan amount for the entire program was $107,000, the Treasury Department said in a broad summary of the program.
The loans can be forgiven if businesses mostly use the money to continue paying workers. The program initially was set to expire June 30 but was extended last week to Aug. 8, with $132 billion still available.
The recipients employed 51 million people before the pandemic began, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. That amounts to about 85% of all workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees. The government will not know how many of these jobs were actually saved until companies apply to have the loans forgiven, a process that is just beginning.
A senior administration official said Monday that some small companies "will need additional support" in the coming months.
The public may never know the identity of more than 80% of the nearly 5 million beneficiaries to date because the administration has refused to release details on loans under $150,000. That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press.
The Treasury Department has released only dollar ranges for the loan amounts, rather than exact figures. Businesses owned by several politicians were listed among the recipients, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican.
DeWine Seeds-Silver Dollar Baseball received a loan of $150,000 to $350,000, the government said. The company owns the Asheville Tourists, a minor league baseball team in North Carolina, which was purchased by the governor's family in 2010. DeWine's son, Brian DeWine, currently serves as president of the baseball team. The minor league baseball season was canceled for 2020.
Some major supporters of Trump also benefited. Muy Brands Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based franchisee with more than 750 Wendy's, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, received between $15 million and $30 million between three entities. Muy Brands CEO James Bodenstedt is a major donor to the president. He has given $300,000 to the Trump Victory PAC since the start of this year, according to federal campaign finance records.
The hardest-hit restaurant-and-hotel industry lost nearly half of its pre-pandemic jobs in March and April. It ranked fifth on a list of recipients. Health care, professional and business services, construction and manufacturing received a greater share of loans.
And according to an analysis by Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. chief economist at Standard & Poor's, some states with the smallest increases in unemployment from the pandemic got more loans than harder-hit states.
"It didn't reach the industries that needed it, and it looked like it didn't reach the states that were hardest hit," Bovino said.
Media companies, including Newsday and American Media, former owner of the National Enquirer, got loans of up to $5 million.
The data gave few details about loans to minority-owned businesses. Companies were not required to supply demographic data on their applications, and many entries about race and gender contained "unanswered."
However, many minority-owned businesses are run by the owner, with few, if any, employees, so their loan amounts likely were under $150,000 and therefore not part of the data release. Senior administration officials who briefed reporters before the release said they hoped to get more information when owners submit applications for loan forgiveness over the next few months.
• Associated Press writers Sara Burnett in Chicago, Farnoush Amiri in Columbus, Ohio, Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--DuPage considering advisory question on reducing county board's size

DuPage County Board members have a month to determine if they want voters to weigh in on a proposal to eliminate one-third of the board 's seats .
Officials are discussing the possibility of reducing the size of the county board from 18 to 12 members .
If approved , the change would take effect by the 2022 election , when all board seats will be up because of redistricting after the 2020 Census .
But before the final decision is made , several board members are recommending an advisory referendum be placed on the November ballot .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said board member Elizabeth Chaplin , a Downers Grove Democrat .
`` Put it ( the board size question ) to a referendum and let our constituents decide . ''
If the county board wants to do an advisory referendum , the panel must act by its Aug. 11 board meeting , officials said .
In the meantime , a county working group is examining the issue .
The size of the board has remained unchanged since 2002 , when a state law capped the county to 18 members and required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve district .
Board member Mary FitzGerald Ozog says reducing the size of the board would be `` a major consolidation of government . ''
The Glen Ellyn Democrat said eliminating six board seats would save the county more than $ 312,000 in annual salaries .
Each board member is paid $ 52,102 annually and can receive health and dental insurance through the county .
In addition to saving money , Ozog said a smaller board would be `` more nimble and able to be more efficient in terms of handling constituent issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning whether it 's a good idea to have only two representatives for each of county 's six districts .
They say eliminating board seats wo n't reduce the amount of work that must be done , including fielding phone calls from residents .
Some argue the board could have more diverse viewpoints with 18 members .
In a public comment sent to the working group , Mike Johnson of the Addison Township Democratic Organization said he 's opposed reducing the number of county board seats .
`` I am in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wrote .
Last week , Ozog suggested that board members provide information about how much time they devote to county business .
`` We ca n't really talk about this unless we really know what the work is , '' she said .

DuPage considering advisory question on reducing county board's size
DuPage County Board members have a month to determine if they want voters to weigh in on a proposal to eliminate one-third of the board's seats.
Officials are discussing the possibility of reducing the size of the county board from 18 to 12 members. If approved, the change would take effect by the 2022 election, when all board seats will be up because of redistricting after the 2020 Census.
But before the final decision is made, several board members are recommending an advisory referendum be placed on the November ballot.
"I think we have a very well-informed constituency," said board member Elizabeth Chaplin, a Downers Grove Democrat. "Put it (the board size question) to a referendum and let our constituents decide."
If the county board wants to do an advisory referendum, the panel must act by its Aug. 11 board meeting, officials said.
In the meantime, a county working group is examining the issue.
The size of the board has remained unchanged since 2002, when a state law capped the county to 18 members and required a separate board to govern the forest preserve district.
Board member Mary FitzGerald Ozog says reducing the size of the board would be "a major consolidation of government."
The Glen Ellyn Democrat said eliminating six board seats would save the county more than $312,000 in annual salaries.
Each board member is paid $52,102 annually and can receive health and dental insurance through the county.
In addition to saving money, Ozog said a smaller board would be "more nimble and able to be more efficient in terms of handling constituent issues."
But several board members are questioning whether it's a good idea to have only two representatives for each of county's six districts.
They say eliminating board seats won't reduce the amount of work that must be done, including fielding phone calls from residents.
Some argue the board could have more diverse viewpoints with 18 members.
In a public comment sent to the working group, Mike Johnson of the Addison Township Democratic Organization said he's opposed reducing the number of county board seats. "I am in favor of more democracy, not less," he wrote.
Last week, Ozog suggested that board members provide information about how much time they devote to county business.
"We can't really talk about this unless we really know what the work is," she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--Feder: Maze Jackson, Todd Stroger quit morning show at WVON

Citing pressure from his bosses to ease off criticism of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot , WVON 1690-AM morning host Maze @ @ @ @ @ taking co-host Todd Stroger and producer Sonia Escobar with him , Robert Feder writes .
@ @ @ @ @ of it is I was censored by station management and told that I could no @ @ @ @ @ anything that could be connected with her , and to cut off any callers that @ @ @ @ @ '' Jackson told me .
`` I could not accept the censorship , so I @ @ @ @ @ Jackson and Stroger promptly turned up on time-brokered gospel station WBGX 1570-AM , where their @ @ @ @ @ 9 a.m. Monday through Friday ( and streams on Facebook and YouTube ) .
Get @ @ @ @ @ more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Maze Jackson, Todd Stroger quit morning show at WVON
Citing pressure from his bosses to ease off criticism of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, WVON 1690-AM morning host Maze Jackson resigned last week, taking co-host Todd Stroger and producer Sonia Escobar with him, Robert Feder writes.
"The long and short of it is I was censored by station management and told that I could no longer discuss the mayor, anything that could be connected with her, and to cut off any callers that were critical of her," Jackson told me. "I could not accept the censorship, so I chose to resign." Jackson and Stroger promptly turned up on time-brokered gospel station WBGX 1570-AM, where their show airs from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday (and streams on Facebook and YouTube).
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Two-year clock starts on contractor's plan for former Elk Grove Township HQ

Arlington Heights trustees narrowly agreed Monday to allow a heating , ventilation and air conditioning contractor to move into the former Elk Grove Township headquarters at the southern gateway to the village , but the approval expires in two years .
Paragon Mechanical , which operated for a decade at 11 N. Arlington Heights Road in the village 's downtown , purchased the 2.4-acre township property at 2400 S. Arlington Heights Road in a public bid process in 2018 .
Village officials say Paragon illegally parked its trucks at the township building in 2018 and 2019 and did n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last February , the company submitted a formal request for rezoning and land use variation that would allow it to operate there .
That 's what it finally got approved Monday night -- on a 5-3 vote of the village board -- but it came with the caveat that Paragon 's larger plans for expansion and redevelopment of the site be submitted to the village in two years .
After more than 90 minutes of debate during a virtual meeting , neither side seemed quite satisfied with the outcome .
Though the two-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise by the village 's community development department staff -- which initially recommended rejection of Paragon 's bare-bones phase one plans -- Mayor Tom Hayes suggested the village could be in a difficult legal situation in two years , with the prospect of having to sue a local business to stop operating .
Paragon owner Kevin Polka objected to signage restrictions that came along with the board 's approval .
No ground signs are allowed along the Jane Addams Tollway or on-ramp frontage .
`` You guys handcuffed me , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bert Rosenberg and Jim Tinaglia sided with the recommendation of village staffers , who said a contractor shop was n't the best fit for the strategic location , suggesting a hotel or restaurant instead .
But the majority of trustees sided with the plan commission 's 6-3 `` yes '' recommendation , saying they were sympathetic to helping a local business while imposing the two-year deadline to present expansion plans .
Paragon provided conceptual artist renderings that show a larger three-story building , tollway billboard sign and wind turbine , but not engineering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans call for reoccupying the vacant building with offices , a training area and storage space -- which Polka said would be less of an impact than the township 's use .
He added there would be no fabrication done there , and only two trucks parked in the rear of the site .
`` Right now , it 's the best thing that you have , '' he told trustees .
`` You can maybe roll the dice , but you know what ?
I 'm a for-sure thing .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes vacant ?
It gets distressed ?
Boarded up ? ''
Elk Grove Township officially completed the move to its new headquarters at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village in March .

Two-year clock starts on contractor's plan for former Elk Grove Township HQ
An artist's rendering shows the proposed phase two expansion plans of Paragon Mechanical at the former Elk Grove Township headquarters in Arlington Heights. But village officials want to see detailed plans within the next two years, or they say the company risks being allowed to continue operating there. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights trustees narrowly agreed Monday to allow a heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor to move into the former Elk Grove Township headquarters at the southern gateway to the village, but the approval expires in two years.
Paragon Mechanical, which operated for a decade at 11 N. Arlington Heights Road in the village's downtown, purchased the 2.4-acre township property at 2400 S. Arlington Heights Road in a public bid process in 2018.
Village officials say Paragon illegally parked its trucks at the township building in 2018 and 2019 and didn't have a business license for that address. Last February, the company submitted a formal request for rezoning and land use variation that would allow it to operate there.
That's what it finally got approved Monday night -- on a 5-3 vote of the village board -- but it came with the caveat that Paragon's larger plans for expansion and redevelopment of the site be submitted to the village in two years.
After more than 90 minutes of debate during a virtual meeting, neither side seemed quite satisfied with the outcome.
Though the two-year condition was offered as a sort of compromise by the village's community development department staff -- which initially recommended rejection of Paragon's bare-bones phase one plans -- Mayor Tom Hayes suggested the village could be in a difficult legal situation in two years, with the prospect of having to sue a local business to stop operating.
Paragon owner Kevin Polka objected to signage restrictions that came along with the board's approval. No ground signs are allowed along the Jane Addams Tollway or on-ramp frontage.
"You guys handcuffed me," he said after the vote.
Hayes and Trustees Bert Rosenberg and Jim Tinaglia sided with the recommendation of village staffers, who said a contractor shop wasn't the best fit for the strategic location, suggesting a hotel or restaurant instead.
But the majority of trustees sided with the plan commission's 6-3 "yes" recommendation, saying they were sympathetic to helping a local business while imposing the two-year deadline to present expansion plans. Paragon provided conceptual artist renderings that show a larger three-story building, tollway billboard sign and wind turbine, but not engineering or site plans.
Paragon's initial plans call for reoccupying the vacant building with offices, a training area and storage space -- which Polka said would be less of an impact than the township's use. He added there would be no fabrication done there, and only two trucks parked in the rear of the site.
"Right now, it's the best thing that you have," he told trustees. "You can maybe roll the dice, but you know what? I'm a for-sure thing. We can move in. Otherwise what? It goes vacant? It gets distressed? Boarded up?"
Elk Grove Township officially completed the move to its new headquarters at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village in March.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--Samsung projects 23% jump in 2Q profit on strong chip sales

SEOUL , South Korea -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23 % from the same period last year .
The growth was apparently driven by increasing demands for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the COVID-19 pandemic forces more people to work from home .
The South Korean technology giant , which will release more detailed information when it announces its finalized earnings later this month , projected its operating profit during the April-June period to come in at 8.1 trillion won ( $ 6.8 billion ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected to fall 7 % to 52 trillion won ( $ 43.6 billion ) .
After reporting a 3.4 % increase in operating profit for the first three months of the year , Samsung had said in April it expected its second-quarter profit to decline with the pandemic pushing down sales of smartphones , TVs and other products .
Analysts say Samsung , which is the world 's largest provider of semiconductors , is continuing to benefit from robust chip demand generated by PCs and servers .
It 's likely that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend less on marketing due to traveling restrictions .

Samsung projects 23% jump in 2Q profit on strong chip sales
FILE - In this April 28, 2020, file photo, employees walk past a logo of the Samsung Electronics Co. at its office in Seoul, South Korea. Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday, July 7, its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year. Associated Press
The logo of the Samsung Electronics Co. is seen at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home. Associated Press
People pass by advertisement posters of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition smartphone at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home. Associated Press
People pass by an advertisement of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip smartphones at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home. Associated Press
Visitors try out Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Flip smartphones at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home. Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday its operating profit for the last quarter likely rose 23% from the same period last year, helped by robust demand for memory chips used in personal computers and servers as the coronavirus pandemic has more people working from home.
The South Korean technology giant will release more detailed information when it announces its finalized earnings later this month. It projected its operating profit during the April-June period will be 8.1 trillion won ($6.8 billion). The company's revenue for the quarter is forecast to fall 7% to 52 trillion won ($43.6 billion).
After reporting a 3.4% increase in operating profit in the first three months of the year, Samsung said in April it expected its second-quarter profit to decline with the pandemic pushing down sales of smartphones, TVs and other products.
Analysts say Samsung, which is the world's largest provider of semiconductors, is continuing to benefit from robust chip demand generated by PCs and servers. It's likely that the pandemic is also forcing the company to spend less on marketing due to traveling restrictions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-06--NHL, players announce labor deal, plan to resume play Aug. 1


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--37 more dead from COVID-19 as Pritzker announces new federal aid for hospitals

State health officials announced Tuesday that 37 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 and 587 more were infected .
That brings the state 's death toll to 7,063 and the number of people infected since the outbreak began to 148,452 .
While the state reported just 6 deaths from the respiratory disease on each of the past two days , the rise Tuesday is largely attributed to the fact coroners throughout the state are catching up with cases that occurred last weekend , most county coroner offices were closed .
The state 's seven-day average infection rate dipped slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is averaging 29,553 test results per day during the past week , with 752 showing new cases each day .
Only 3.9 % of all hospital beds in the state are currently occupied by COVID-19 patients , including 320 in intensive care , according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced the state had received $ 250 million in additional federal aid for hospitals Tuesday .
The money is intended to `` build upon efforts to provide quality health care to communities across Illinois that have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a news release from the governor 's office .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the nation 's critical need for more equitable health care access and delivery , particularly in Black and Brown communities and for those who are uninsured or underinsured , '' the release said .
As part of the programs signed into law by Pritzker , $ 81.4 million will be distributed to 24 `` safety net hospitals '' that serve lower-income residents , and $ 14 million will be divided among 51 qualifying `` critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the state .
The state 's 30 `` high Medicaid hospitals '' will see an additional $ 86 million in distributed funding .
Sixty-nine `` general acute hospitals '' will divide $ 62.1 million .
Ten `` psych hospitals '' will share $ 2.4 million , six `` long-term acute care hospitals '' will split $ 1.2 million , and four `` rehab hospitals '' will receive $ 2.3 million to share .
In Illinois , Black and Hispanic residents have seen higher rates of COVID-19 deaths and infections per capita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are bringing in significant and vital new funding to safety net hospitals and others that serve high percentages of Medicaid members , '' said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson .
`` This is crucial , especially in historically underserved communities of color throughout our state . ''

37 more dead from COVID-19 as Pritzker announces new federal aid for hospitals
Health care workers at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County cheer as they watch the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron fly over on May 12 in Chicago. Associated Press
State health officials announced Tuesday that 37 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 and 587 more were infected.
That brings the state's death toll to 7,063 and the number of people infected since the outbreak began to 148,452.
While the state reported just 6 deaths from the respiratory disease on each of the past two days, the rise Tuesday is largely attributed to the fact coroners throughout the state are catching up with cases that occurred last weekend, most county coroner offices were closed.
The state's seven-day average infection rate dipped slightly Tuesday to 2.5%. The state is averaging 29,553 test results per day during the past week, with 752 showing new cases each day.
Only 3.9% of all hospital beds in the state are currently occupied by COVID-19 patients, including 320 in intensive care, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the state had received $250 million in additional federal aid for hospitals Tuesday. The money is intended to "build upon efforts to provide quality health care to communities across Illinois that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic," according to a news release from the governor's office.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the nation's critical need for more equitable health care access and delivery, particularly in Black and Brown communities and for those who are uninsured or underinsured," the release said.
As part of the programs signed into law by Pritzker, $81.4 million will be distributed to 24 "safety net hospitals" that serve lower-income residents, and $14 million will be divided among 51 qualifying "critical access hospitals," which serve rural parts of the state.
The state's 30 "high Medicaid hospitals" will see an additional $86 million in distributed funding. Sixty-nine "general acute hospitals" will divide $62.1 million. Ten "psych hospitals" will share $2.4 million, six "long-term acute care hospitals" will split $1.2 million, and four "rehab hospitals" will receive $2.3 million to share.
In Illinois, Black and Hispanic residents have seen higher rates of COVID-19 deaths and infections per capita, according to state figures.
"We are bringing in significant and vital new funding to safety net hospitals and others that serve high percentages of Medicaid members," said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson. "This is crucial, especially in historically underserved communities of color throughout our state."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--DiCianni: I won't apologize for standing up for cops

Amid continuing fallout from his actions during a recent pro-police rally in Elmhurst , DuPage County Board member Pete DiCianni says he has no intention of stepping down from office .
More than 1,400 people have signed a change.org petition calling for the Elmhurst Republican to resign .
The online petition was started by a Hinsdale group supporting Black Lives Matter .
In addition , at least two county board Democrats want DiCianni censured for the way he confronted counterprotesters during the `` Back the Blue '' event on June 27 outside the Elmhurst police station .
And nearly 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DiCianni during next week 's county board meeting .
On Tuesday morning , DiCianni briefly addressed the controversy during a meeting of the county 's health and human services committee .
DeCianni , who is chairman of the committee , spoke after written comments from seven critics -- two of whom do not live in DuPage County -- were read aloud .
`` My passion got to me , I apologize for that , '' DiCianni said .
`` But I do not apologize for standing up for the men and women in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the meeting , DiCianni said he has no plans to resign and has received phone calls and messages of support from roughly 1,000 people .
He also questioned whether county board rules allow for a censure , which is essentially a public admonishment .
`` There are no rules to do that , '' he said .
Board members Elizabeth Chaplin of Downers Grove and Mary FitzGerald Ozog of Glen Ellyn are pushing for the censure .
Chaplin said DiCianni showed a lack of respect for the safety of others by `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask during a pandemic .
In one video from the event , DiCianni is seen holding a homemade `` We back police '' sign and talking in defense of the Elmhurst Police Department .
`` We 've got a great PD , '' he says on the video .
`` We respect everybody .
We love this town .
We love our cops . ''
He says `` God bless '' and walks away .
In another video clip , DiCianni is seen going up to a woman who is holding a megaphone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is disgraceful that he yelled directly into a young woman 's ear without a mask , recklessly endangering her health simply because she disagrees with DiCianni , '' Elmhurst resident Sheila Evans wrote in a comment to the health and human services committee .
`` If Mr. DiCianni is unable to show proper judgment and does n't have the stable temperament required for the job , I recommend he resigns . ''
DiCianni said he was wearing a mask at the start of the `` Back the Blue '' event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started using megaphones and cowbells .
`` I took it ( the mask ) off so I could be heard , '' he said .
He said counterprotesters were trying to disrupt a peaceful gathering of law enforcement families .
He said he became emotional because the counterprotesters were using obscenities and insulting the police .
`` That 's not tolerable , '' he said .
`` That 's wrong . ''
DiCianni , who has been a county board member since 2012 , served as Elmhurst mayor from 2009 to 2012 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , DiCianni said he regrets his crude response to an email from a resident demanding his resignation .
`` It was a lapse of judgment in how I responded to the email , '' he said .

DiCianni: I won't apologize for standing up for cops
Amid continuing fallout from his actions during a recent pro-police rally in Elmhurst, DuPage County Board member Pete DiCianni says he has no intention of stepping down from office.
More than 1,400 people have signed a change.org petition calling for the Elmhurst Republican to resign. The online petition was started by a Hinsdale group supporting Black Lives Matter.
In addition, at least two county board Democrats want DiCianni censured for the way he confronted counterprotesters during the "Back the Blue" event on June 27 outside the Elmhurst police station. And nearly 250 people want to participate in public comment about DiCianni during next week's county board meeting.
On Tuesday morning, DiCianni briefly addressed the controversy during a meeting of the county's health and human services committee. DeCianni, who is chairman of the committee, spoke after written comments from seven critics -- two of whom do not live in DuPage County -- were read aloud.
"My passion got to me, I apologize for that," DiCianni said. "But I do not apologize for standing up for the men and women in blue that protect our community."
After the meeting, DiCianni said he has no plans to resign and has received phone calls and messages of support from roughly 1,000 people. He also questioned whether county board rules allow for a censure, which is essentially a public admonishment.
"There are no rules to do that," he said.
Board members Elizabeth Chaplin of Downers Grove and Mary FitzGerald Ozog of Glen Ellyn are pushing for the censure.
Chaplin said DiCianni showed a lack of respect for the safety of others by "yelling" at counterprotesters without wearing a mask during a pandemic.
In one video from the event, DiCianni is seen holding a homemade "We back police" sign and talking in defense of the Elmhurst Police Department.
"We've got a great PD," he says on the video. "We respect everybody. We love this town. We love our cops."
He says "God bless" and walks away.
In another video clip, DiCianni is seen going up to a woman who is holding a megaphone and saying something close to her face.
"It is disgraceful that he yelled directly into a young woman's ear without a mask, recklessly endangering her health simply because she disagrees with DiCianni," Elmhurst resident Sheila Evans wrote in a comment to the health and human services committee. "If Mr. DiCianni is unable to show proper judgment and doesn't have the stable temperament required for the job, I recommend he resign."
DiCianni said he was wearing a mask at the start of the "Back the Blue" event but took it off when counterprotesters started using megaphones and cowbells.
"I took it (the mask) off so I could be heard," he said.
He said counterprotesters were trying to disrupt a peaceful gathering of law enforcement families. He said he became emotional because the counterprotesters were using obscenities and insulting the police.
"That's not tolerable," he said. "That's wrong."
DiCianni, who has been a county board member since 2012, served as Elmhurst mayor from 2009 to 2012.
While he won't apologize for defending police, DiCianni said he regrets his crude response to an email from a resident demanding his resignation.
"It was a lapse of judgment in how I responded to the email," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--June was the best month yet for Illinois marijuana dispensaries

Illinois marijuana dispensaries sold more than $ 47.6 million worth of products in June , according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation .
During that time , 994,545 items were sold , averaging almost $ 48 per purchase , not including taxes .
Tax figures will be released later this month by the Illinois Department of Revenue .
The state most recently received $ 12.5 million in marijuana taxes and associated sales taxes in May , according to IDOR .
That brings the state 's tax collections from marijuana legalization to $ 52.7 million for the five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the $ 28 million estimated in this year 's budget , which ended June 30 .
Towns and counties that allow marijuana sales began adding their own taxes at the beginning of this month for the first time , which will generally increase the purchase price between 3 % and 3.75 % .
Since legalization began at the start of January , dispensaries have sold $ 239.1 million in marijuana products .
On the first day of sales , lines wrapped around blocks as buyers clamored to make purchases .
June sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispensaries in Illinois .
Illinois residents spent $ 35.2 million on adult-use recreational marijuana , while $ 12.4 million came from out-of-state buyers .
Those sales figures will likely lead to another record in tax revenue for the state , as well .
The state taxes marijuana based on its potency , ranging from 10 % to 25 % .
Money generated from the state 's marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers .
The state 's general fund gets 35 % , a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 20 % goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10 % goes toward the state 's bill backlog .
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8 % , and 2 % goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization .
The additional sales tax revenue goes into the state 's general revenue fund .
Legalization of adult-use marijuana has been a boon for the state , which has otherwise seen its revenues dwindle during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Compared to the 2019 fiscal year , sales taxes are off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel taxes are down $ 64 million this fiscal year and automobile taxes are off by nearly $ 7 million , according to IDOR .
Public utility taxes are also off by nearly $ 64 million this year .
Personal and business income taxes are off by a combined $ 1.4 billion , but much of that is because the filing period was extended into this month .
While motor fuel taxes are up nearly $ 1 billion over last year , that 's largely due to a doubling of the tax rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motor fuel taxes starting in March .
In the months prior to the COVID-19 outbreak , the state was averaging $ 215 million a month in motor fuel taxes in the four months since then it averaged less than $ 172 million a month .
Liquor taxes are also up $ 5.5 million from last year .
All told , the state revenues are currently $ 660 million short of last fiscal year 's totals and that 's with a number of tax and fee hikes implemented in the last year .

June was the best month yet for Illinois marijuana dispensaries
Illinois marijuana dispensaries sold more than $47.6 million worth of products in June, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
During that time, 994,545 items were sold, averaging almost $48 per purchase, not including taxes. Tax figures will be released later this month by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
The state most recently received $12.5 million in marijuana taxes and associated sales taxes in May, according to IDOR. That brings the state's tax collections from marijuana legalization to $52.7 million for the five months of operation. That's well above the $28 million estimated in this year's budget, which ended June 30.
Towns and counties that allow marijuana sales began adding their own taxes at the beginning of this month for the first time, which will generally increase the purchase price between 3% and 3.75%.
Since legalization began at the start of January, dispensaries have sold $239.1 million in marijuana products. On the first day of sales, lines wrapped around blocks as buyers clamored to make purchases.
June sales set a record for the nearly 60 dispensaries in Illinois. Illinois residents spent $35.2 million on adult-use recreational marijuana, while $12.4 million came from out-of-state buyers.
Those sales figures will likely lead to another record in tax revenue for the state, as well.
The state taxes marijuana based on its potency, ranging from 10% to 25%. Money generated from the state's marijuana tax will go into multiple coffers.
The state's general fund gets 35%, a community development revitalization program for areas affected by the criminalization of marijuana gets 25%, while 20% goes to substance abuse and mental health programs and 10% goes toward the state's bill backlog.
Local government law enforcement agencies receive 8%, and 2% goes to public education and analysis of marijuana legalization.
The additional sales tax revenue goes into the state's general revenue fund.
Legalization of adult-use marijuana has been a boon for the state, which has otherwise seen its revenues dwindle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Compared to the 2019 fiscal year, sales taxes are off by more than $181 million, hotel taxes are down $64 million this fiscal year and automobile taxes are off by nearly $7 million, according to IDOR.
Public utility taxes are also off by nearly $64 million this year.
Personal and business income taxes are off by a combined $1.4 billion, but much of that is because the filing period was extended into this month.
While motor fuel taxes are up nearly $1 billion over last year, that's largely due to a doubling of the tax rate. The state saw sharp declines in motor fuel taxes starting in March. In the months prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the state was averaging $215 million a month in motor fuel taxes in the four months since then it averaged less than $172 million a month.
Liquor taxes are also up $5.5 million from last year.
All told, the state revenues are currently $660 million short of last fiscal year's totals and that's with a number of tax and fee hikes implemented in the last year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-07-07--Meineke Pool in Schaumburg reopening with restrictions Friday

The Schaumburg Park District 's Meineke Pool will reopen for public swimming on Friday , with strict safety protocols in place to help protect patrons from the spread of COVID-19 .
Among the new measures that will be in place at the pool , 220 E. Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg , are admissions restricted to 90 minute at a time , with 30-minute disinfection periods by staff in between .
Other restrictions include a mask requirement when entering and exiting the facility , the need for patrons to bring their own deck chairs if they want to sit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ splash pad , showers and lockers .
The locker room will be available only for changing , not for storage .
Patrons can not bring pool toys , but Coast Guard-approved flotation devices may be used .
The pool will not be making life jackets available to rent .
Anyone feeling sick is asked not to enter any Schaumburg Park District facility and Meineke Pool visitors are requested to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between themselves and nonfamily members .
Admission is $ 5 per person for access to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 people for a 90-minute time slot .
Another admission option is $ 40 for group access to one of four roped-off areas that only a family and up to 10 guests will be able to use for 90 minutes .
Patrons may make reservations up to two days in advance either online or by calling ( 847 ) 985-2143 .
Public swim hours will be noon to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday , and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday .
Meineke Pool also will be open for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 11 a.m. to noon , Monday through Friday , at a cost of $ 8 per person .
Online reservations must be made a day in advance .
For day-of reservations , call ( 847 ) 985-2143 .
Though Meineke Pool is being reopened , the Schaumburg Park District 's Bock Pool and Atcher Island will remain closed in 2020 .

Meineke Pool in Schaumburg reopening with restrictions Friday
The Schaumburg Park District's Meineke Pool will reopen Friday for public swim, but strict COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District
The Schaumburg Park District's Meineke Pool will reopen for public swimming on Friday, with strict safety protocols in place to help protect patrons from the spread of COVID-19.
Among the new measures that will be in place at the pool, 220 E. Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg, are admissions restricted to 90 minutes at a time, with 30-minute disinfection periods by the staff in between.
Other restrictions include a mask requirement when entering and exiting the facility, the need for patrons to bring their own deck chairs if they want to sit, and the closure of diving boards, the splash pad, showers and lockers.
The locker room will be available only for changing, not for storage.
Patrons cannot bring pool toys, but Coast Guard-approved flotation devices may be used. The pool will not be making life jackets available to rent.
Anyone feeling sick is asked not to enter any Schaumburg Park District facility, and Meineke Pool visitors are requested to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between themselves and nonfamily members.
Admission, which is available for purchase only by park district residents, is $5 per person for access to a roped-off swim area that will be limited to 50 people for a 90-minute time slot.
Another admission option for residents is $40 for group access to one of four roped-off areas that only a family and guests, with a max of 10 people, will be able to use for 90 minutes.
Patrons may make reservations up to two days in advance either online or by calling (847) 985-2143.
Public swim hours will be noon to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Meineke Pool also will be open for lap swim from 6 to 8 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays, at a cost of $8 per person. Online reservations must be made a day in advance at https://apm.activecommunities.com/schaumburg/Reserve_Options.
For day-of reservations, call (847) 985-2143.
Though Meineke Pool is being reopened, the Schaumburg Park District's Bock Pool and Atcher Island will remain closed in 2020.