dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--State's COVID-19 infection rate continues to decline; 87 more dead

For the first time since the Illinois Department of Public Health began reporting COVID-19 testing figures , the state 's seven-day infection rate average is below 10 % .
That was aided by Thursday 's announcement that only 2,268 of the 29,307 tests returned in the past 24 hours were positive for a coronavirus infection .
This batch of tests was the most reported in one day by the state .
Over the past seven days , the state has averaged 22,855 tests results and 2,107 new infections daily , for an average positivity rate of 9.2 % for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rate was at 12.8 % for the previous seven-day period .
The percent positive indicates not only the scale of the disease but the amount of testing being done , both important factors in assessing the spread of the disease .
In the state 's Northeast region , which contains Chicago and the suburbs , IDPH is reporting an infection rate of 16.8 % .
IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike praised the vigilance of the state 's residents in complying with safety guidelines that helped reduce the infection rate over the past several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
`` We must use what we do know to help protect ourselves and stop additional spread , '' she said .
`` Social distancing works .
We know that wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the virus , and washing your hands can prevent not just coronavirus but so many additional viruses and pathogens , as well .
Let 's take it slowly as we go into ( the next phase ) as we continue to learn about the virus . ''
Illinois recorded 87 new deaths Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death toll to 4,607 .
The state 's total case count now stands at 102,686 .
The state did experience an uptick in COVID-related hospitalizations with nearly 200 new admissions between Tuesday and Wednesday , including 83 more COVID patients in intensive care than the day before , according to IDPH records .
There are now 4,107 people hospitalized with the virus , 1,088 of whom are in ICU beds .
Despite that increase , all four of the state 's recovery regions are on pace to move to a less restrictive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic reopening plan by the end of the month .
The infection rate needs to remain below 20 % for the region to move to the next phase .
Other metrics like hospital bed and ventilator availability are also being met as well as the region 's hospitalization rate , according to state reports .

State's COVID-19 infection rate continues to decline; 87 more dead
For the first time since the Illinois Department of Public Health began reporting COVID-19 testing figures, the state's seven-day infection rate average is below 10%.
That was aided by Thursday's announcement that only 2,268 of the 29,307 tests returned in the past 24 hours were positive for a coronavirus infection.
This batch of tests was the most reported in one day by the state.
Over the past seven days, the state has averaged 22,855 tests results and 2,107 new infections daily, for an average positivity rate of 9.2% for the week. Last Thursday, the average infection rate was at 12.8% for the previous seven-day period.
The percent positive indicates not only the scale of the disease but the amount of testing being done, both important factors in assessing the spread of the disease.
In the state's Northeast region, which contains Chicago and the suburbs, IDPH is reporting an infection rate of 16.8%.
IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike praised the vigilance of the state's residents in complying with safety guidelines that helped reduce the infection rate over the past several months. But she also urged continued care.
"We must use what we do know to help protect ourselves and stop additional spread," she said. "Social distancing works. We know that wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the virus, and washing your hands can prevent not just coronavirus but so many additional viruses and pathogens, as well. Let's take it slowly as we go into (the next phase) as we continue to learn about the virus."
Illinois recorded 87 new deaths Thursday from the virus, bringing the state's death toll to 4,607. The state's total case count now stands at 102,686.
The state did experience an uptick in COVID-related hospitalizations with nearly 200 new admissions between Tuesday and Wednesday, including 83 more COVID patients in intensive care than the day before, according to IDPH records. There are now 4,107 people hospitalized with the virus, 1,088 of whom are in ICU beds.
Despite that increase, all four of the state's recovery regions are on pace to move to a less restrictive phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's economic reopening plan by the end of the month.
The infection rate needs to remain below 20% for the region to move to the next phase. Other metrics like hospital bed and ventilator availability are also being met as well as the region's hospitalization rate, according to state reports.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Police: Father of three deliberately targeted by driver of SUV that plowed into Wheeling home

Wheeling police say the man struck and killed by an SUV moments before the vehicle crashed into a home Wednesday was deliberately targeted by the driver as part of an ongoing feud .
The victim was identified by police Thursday as Carlos Maciel Pulido , a 32-year-old father who recently moved into a nearby apartment complex with the mother of his three children .
Police said Thursday they are seeking Jose Fermin Zavala-Hernandez , 38 , of the 400 block of Pleasant Run Drive in Wheeling , in what they are calling a homicide investigation .
Zavala-Hernandez 's disagreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 17 , for which there 's a warrant for Zavala-Hernandez 's arrest , police said .
Zavala-Hernandez is accused of assaulting his wife , cutting off a Cook County-issued ankle monitor and fleeing .
Police did not provide details of Pulido 's involvement in that case .
Zavala-Hernandez was wearing the ankle monitor after being released from custody on pending charges of aggravated driving under the influence , possession of a controlled substance and obstructing/resisting a peace officer in Arlington Heights .
Police are seeking the public 's assistance in locating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wednesday 's crash to come forward if they may have surveillance footage , including from doorbell security systems .
Zavala-Hernandez is described as Hispanic , 5 feet , 8 inches tall and 200 pounds , with black hair and brown eyes .
Police said they believe he was behind the wheel of a Toyota SUV at about 7:37 a.m. Wednesday when it struck Pulido on the 700 block of Equestrian Drive , then crashed through the front entryway of a home .
Witnesses told police the driver fled after the crash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information about Zavala-Hernandez 's location can call Wheeling police at ( 847 ) 459-2632 .

Police: Father of three deliberately targeted by driver of SUV that plowed into Wheeling home
Wheeling police say the man struck and killed by an SUV moments before the vehicle crashed into a home Wednesday was deliberately targeted by the driver as part of an ongoing feud.
The victim was identified by police Thursday as Carlos Maciel Pulido, a 32-year-old father who recently moved into a nearby apartment complex with the mother of his three children.
Police said Thursday they are seeking Jose Fermin Zavala-Hernandez, 38, of the 400 block of Pleasant Run Drive in Wheeling, in what they are calling a homicide investigation.
Jose Fermin Zavala-Hernandez
Zavala-Hernandez's disagreement with Pulido stems from a domestic violence event on May 17, for which there's a warrant for Zavala-Hernandez's arrest, police said. Zavala-Hernandez is accused of assaulting his wife, cutting off a Cook County-issued ankle monitor and fleeing.
Police did not provide details of Pulido's involvement in that case.
Zavala-Hernandez was wearing the ankle monitor after being released from custody on pending charges of aggravated driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing/resisting a peace officer in Arlington Heights.
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating Zavala-Hernandez and asking anyone in the area of Wednesday's crash to come forward if they may have surveillance footage, including from doorbell security systems.
Zavala-Hernandez is described as Hispanic, 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Police said they believe he was behind the wheel of a Toyota SUV at about 7:37 a.m. Wednesday when it struck Pulido on the 700 block of Equestrian Drive, then crashed through the front entryway of a home. Witnesses told police the driver fled after the crash.
No one inside the home was injured.
Anyone with information about Zavala-Hernandez's location can call Wheeling police at (847) 459-2632.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Rolling Meadows COVID-19 testing site ready for Friday opening

School has been out since March , but Rolling Meadows High School 's parking lot is expected to become busy again beginning Friday with visitors seeking free COVID-19 testing in an effort headed by the Illinois National Guard .
The state 's newest drive-through testing facility will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. , while supplies last .
Anyone who believes they need a test can go to the school 's main lot at 2901 Central Road in Rolling Meadows .
Illinois National Guard Brigadier Gen. Richard Neely said Thursday that the facility could accommodate up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 10th such facility run by the National Guard in the state , he said .
`` What 's kind of the challenge in this testing environment is , when you open one of these up , you really do n't know what the turnout 's going to be , '' Neely said .
`` And so , across the state , we 've had different varying degrees of turnout . ''
Rolling Meadows Mayor Joe Gallo said the city did n't have a say in the COVID-19 testing site opening at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some residents after the operation was announced last week .
`` Residents were concerned because they were n't given a voice necessarily in this matter , . ''
he said .
`` There was a sense of shock when they first heard about it , whether or not this site should be erected at this particular location or that the influx of traffic might cause greater burden to those who live in the close proximity . ''
However , he said , the facility should be viewed from `` a place of optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that it will be crucial and convenient for many people .
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is encouraged to seek the free testing .
Symptoms include fever , cough , shortness of breath , difficulty breathing , chills , repeated shaking with chills , muscle pain , headache , sore throat and new loss of taste or smell .
Officials said additional accommodations will be made for health care workers , first responders , employees of correctional facilities , individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients and those in jobs at critical places , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , gas stations and public utilities .
Neely said Rolling Meadows ' large Latino population was among the reasons the city was selected .
Hispanics account for about 24 % of Rolling Meadows ' roughly 23,500 residents , according to the most recent U.S. Census data .
Northwest Suburban High District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said the district was approached about having Rolling Meadows become the first high school in the state with a testing site .
`` Our initial reaction when asked ... was 'absolutely , ' '' Schuler said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community and help our community become safe quicker , we 're all about as a school district and a school district community .
And this is going to benefit our students , our parents , their friends and neighbors . ''
Officials said the free test does not require a doctor 's referral , but visitors will be asked to show photo identification and , if applicable , health care employee or first responder identification .

Rolling Meadows COVID-19 testing site ready for Friday opening
School has been out since March, but Rolling Meadows High School's parking lot is expected to become busy again beginning Friday with visitors seeking free COVID-19 testing in an effort headed by the Illinois National Guard.
The state's newest drive-through testing facility will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., while supplies last. Anyone who believes they need a test can go to the school's main lot at 2901 Central Road in Rolling Meadows.
Illinois National Guard Brigadier Gen. Richard Neely said Thursday that the facility could accommodate up to 750 daily visitors. It'll be the 10th such facility run by the National Guard in the state, he said.
"What's kind of the challenge in this testing environment is, when you open one of these up, you really don't know what the turnout's going to be," Neely said. "And so, across the state, we've had different varying degrees of turnout."
Rolling Meadows Mayor Joe Gallo said the city didn't have a say in the COVID-19 testing site opening at the high school. He heard concerns from some residents after the operation was announced last week.
"Residents were concerned because they weren't given a voice necessarily in this matter,." he said. "There was a sense of shock when they first heard about it, whether or not this site should be erected at this particular location or that the influx of traffic might cause greater burden to those who live in the close proximity."
However, he said, the facility should be viewed from "a place of optimism and a place of security," adding that it will be crucial and convenient for many people.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is encouraged to seek the free testing. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
Officials said additional accommodations will be made for health care workers, first responders, employees of correctional facilities, individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients and those in jobs at critical places, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations and public utilities.
Neely said Rolling Meadows' large Latino population was among the reasons the city was selected. Hispanics account for about 24% of Rolling Meadows' roughly 23,500 residents, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
Northwest Suburban High District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said the district was approached about having Rolling Meadows become the first high school in the state with a testing site.
"Our initial reaction when asked ... was 'absolutely,'" Schuler said. "Whatever we can do to help our community and help our community become safe quicker, we're all about as a school district and a school district community. And this is going to benefit our students, our parents, their friends and neighbors."
Officials said the free test does not require a doctor's referral, but visitors will be asked to show photo identification and, if applicable, health care employee or first responder identification.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Despite economic slowdown, developer of Hoffman Estates 'metroburb' remains upbeat

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the market for office space , but one that could equally benefit the forthcoming Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates once tenants begin signing leases , its developer said .
Using its up-and-running namesake in Holmdel , New Jersey as a guide , Somerset Development President Ralph Zucker said the second Bell Works on the former AT & T campus likely will experience a softening of demand for large spaces but more demand for its suburban location , spacious common areas and lack of height .
`` Even if companies need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space like ours , '' Zucker said .
`` Overall , we 're feeling very positive about Bell Works .
We always were successful at creating the urban vibe in a suburban environment . ''
Somerset recently informed Hoffman Estates officials that it is tweaking its plans for the initial 32,462-square-foot phase of the project 's office space component .
While every part of it is being renovated , some may be marketed without a major upfront customization in order to get tenants in sooner and at a lower cost , Zucker said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for amenities and common areas , with a cafe and health club also expected in the initial phase .
`` We have to be more nimble and accommodate people quicker , '' Zucker said .
`` We 're seeing strong interest in every square foot in New Jersey . ''
Among what he considers the selling points of both Bell Works locations in the current environment is the lack of a long commute to a densely populated city and the avoidance public transit , parking garages with attendants who drive the vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While economic uncertainty is keeping potential tenants from signing leases this month , those who have expressed interest in Bell Works Chicagoland have n't walked away , Zucker said .
`` We 're really in a great situation , '' he said .
`` People are looking for a desk in the suburbs . ''
What permanent changes the pandemic leaves behind is anyone 's guess , Zucker admits .
Also less clear is how quickly the market will recover for the restaurants and retail businesses , both of which are planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the development 's office spaces will create some demand , Zucker said .
`` Restaurants are challenged everywhere , '' he added .
`` Our bread and butter is creating a great opportunity for our office tenants . ''
Somerset has also planned to sell some land adjacent to the main building to another developer for construction of 380 multifamily residential units and 170 townhouses .
Though the number of homes is allowed to vary by 8 % , the total number can not exceed 550 .

Despite economic slowdown, developer of Hoffman Estates 'metroburb' remains upbeat
While the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down the demand for office space across the country, developers of the Bell Works Chicagoland on the former AT&T corporate campus in Hoffman Estates believe they're well positioned for a rebound when conditions allow it. Courtesy of Somerset Development
One of the latest renderings of the central common area of the forthcoming Bell Works Chicagoland on the former AT&T corporate campus in Hoffman Estates. Courtesy of Somerset Development
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the market for office space, but it's one that could equally benefit the forthcoming Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates once tenants begin signing leases, its developer said.
Using its up-and-running namesake in Holmdel, New Jersey, as a guide, Somerset Development President Ralph Zucker said the second Bell Works on the former AT&T campus likely will experience a softening of demand for large spaces but more demand for its suburban location, spacious common areas and lack of height.
"Even if companies need less space, more companies will need space like ours," Zucker said. "Overall, we're feeling very positive about Bell Works. We always were successful at creating the urban vibe in a suburban environment."
Somerset recently informed Hoffman Estates officials that it is tweaking its plans for the initial 32,462-square-foot phase of the project's office space component. While every part of it is being renovated, some may be marketed without a major upfront customization in order to get tenants in sooner and at a lower cost, Zucker said.
There will be no changes to plans for amenities and common areas, with a cafe and health club also expected in the initial phase.
"We have to be more nimble and accommodate people quicker," Zucker said. "We're seeing strong interest in every square foot in New Jersey."
Among what he considers the selling points of both Bell Works locations in the current environment is the lack of a long commute to a densely populated city and avoiding public transit, parking garages with attendants who drive the vehicles and lines to enter crowded high-rise elevators.
While economic uncertainty is keeping potential tenants from signing leases this month, those who have expressed interest in Bell Works Chicagoland haven't walked away, Zucker said.
"We're really in a great situation," he said. "People are looking for a desk in the suburbs."
What permanent changes the pandemic leaves behind is anyone's guess, Zucker admits.
Also less clear is how quickly the market will recover for the restaurants and retail businesses, both of which are planned for the 1.6 million-square-foot development. Workers in the development's office spaces will create some demand, Zucker said.
"Restaurants are challenged everywhere," he said. "Our bread and butter is creating a great opportunity for our office tenants."
Somerset has also planned to sell some land adjacent to the main building to another developer for construction of 380 multifamily residential units and 170 townhouses. Though the number of homes is allowed to vary by 8%, the total number cannot exceed 550.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Tollway reaches deals with railroads on western access to O'Hare

After years of friction , Illinois tollway directors approved separate contracts with Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific railroads totaling $ 250 million Thursday , removing an obstacle to construction of I-490 .
The construction of the ring road on O'Hare International Airport 's west side is a game-changing project expected to alter commuting patterns in the region .
The $ 3.4 billion project will connect I-490 with the Jane Addams Tollway in Des Plaines and the Tri-State Tollway ( I-294 ) in Franklin Park .
It will also link with Route 390 , the former Elgin-O'Hare Expressway .
`` After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the I-490 tollway project can now achieve its goals of improving access to O'Hare International Airport , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker stated .
The tollway and two railroads are also swapping land as part of the deal , officials said .
Tollway officials have tried to resolve the impasse under three different governors , Republican and Democrat .
`` Negotiations for these long-sought agreements began in 2012 , and their complexity reflects the importance of the area to the railroads , as well as our own efforts to complete ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alvarez said in a statement .
One major hang-up involved CP-owned property , including a rail yard near Bensenville .
The tollway wanted the property for bridges supporting the future I-490 .
CP executives argued the project would severely limit its operations and sued in 2015 , but the action was dismissed .
Now , some CP tracks will be relocated south of the yard .
The new toll road also will cross UP 's tracks at several locations , including the future access to O'Hare and the interchange with I-294 .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a Democratic congressional delegation in the metro area have converged to pressure the two powerful railroads , although it is n't clear what broke the logjam .
`` Completing western access is a top priority for my constituents because of the thousands of jobs , increased tax revenue , and reduced traffic it will create for our region , '' said U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg .
The deal gives the tollway property rights that enable other projects like Cook County 's planned improvements to Touhy Avenue , which include replacement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pacific Railroad with a new bridge that will improve access to the north side of O'Hare , officials said .

Tollway reaches deals with railroads on western access to O'Hare
A deal has been reached with the Illinois tollway and CP Railroad, which owns a rail yard near the future I-490, as well as UP Railroad. Daily Herald File Photo
After years of friction, Illinois tollway directors approved separate contracts with Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific railroads totaling $250 million Thursday, removing an obstacle to construction of I-490.
The construction of the ring road on O'Hare International Airport's west side is a game-changing project expected to alter commuting patterns in the region.
The $3.4 billion project will connect I-490 with the Jane Addams Tollway in Des Plaines and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Franklin Park. It will also link with Route 390, the former Elgin-O'Hare Expressway.
"After years of false starts and unfulfilled plans, the I-490 tollway project can now achieve its goals of improving access to O'Hare International Airport," Gov. J.B. Pritzker stated.
The tollway and two railroads are also swapping land as part of the deal, officials said.
Tollway officials have tried to resolve the impasse under three different governors, Republican and Democrat.
"Negotiations for these long-sought agreements began in 2012, and their complexity reflects the importance of the area to the railroads, as well as our own efforts to complete (the project)," Executive Director José Alvarez said in a statement.
One major hang-up involved CP-owned property, including a rail yard near Bensenville. The tollway wanted the property for bridges supporting the future I-490.
CP executives argued the project would severely limit its operations and sued in 2015, but the action was dismissed. Now, some CP tracks will be relocated south of the yard.
The new toll road also will cross UP's tracks at several locations, including the future access to O'Hare and the interchange with I-294.
This is the first time a Democratic governor and a Democratic congressional delegation in the metro area have converged to pressure the two powerful railroads, although it isn't clear what broke the logjam.
"Completing western access is a top priority for my constituents because of the thousands of jobs, increased tax revenue, and reduced traffic it will create for our region," said U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg.
The deal gives the tollway property rights that enable other projects like Cook County's planned improvements to Touhy Avenue, which include replacement of the at-grade crossing at the Union Pacific Railroad with a new bridge that will improve access to the north side of O'Hare, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--In close vote, Cook County Board agrees to release COVID-19 patient addresses

In a narrow vote , Cook County commissioners Thursday agreed to release the addresses of confirmed COVID-19 patients to suburban 911 dispatchers , municipalities and police departments following a debate over how to balance protections for first responders with the privacy and civil rights of individuals .
The 9-7 decision , with one commissioner voting present , comes after a judge denied an earlier request from the Arlington Heights-based Northwest Central Dispatch System for names and addresses of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus .
The judge , however , encouraged the county board to pass a resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose District 14 includes many Northwest and North suburbs , sponsored the resolution that directs the Cook County Department of Public Health to release only addresses , following a lobbying effort by mayors , village managers , 911 dispatchers and police and fire chiefs .
They argue having the information ahead of time would allow first responders to take added safety precautions before arriving on an emergency call .
During the county board meeting held via video conference Thursday , Britton showed a picture of a Niles firefighter/paramedic donned head-to-toe in personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this on every single aspect of their jobs everyday -- and a lot of this PPE is not recyclable -- is a challenge that they can not meet , '' said Britton , of Glenview .
`` I think we have to defer at some point to the first responders who are on the front lines of this epidemic . ''
Opponents of the measure , including Board President Toni Preckwinkle and health department co-leader Dr. Rachel Rubin , argued providing the addresses would do little to increase responders ' safety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , they should assume everyone they come into contact with is positive , they said .
Preckwinkle , Rubin and some board members also argued providing the data to dispatchers could impact minority communities who have had negative encounters with law enforcement and could feel targeted if their addresses are known .
The measure also received written opposition from the ACLU of Illinois and Equality Illinois .
`` I do n't see , as anyone who understands racism in this country ... that this resolution is somehow going to be immune from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Preckwinkle did not get to vote on the matter , as the board president only votes in the case of a tie .
`` The ayes have it , '' she said in announcing the close tally Thursday afternoon .
`` I 'm profoundly disappointed . ''
The decision comes a day after a Lake County judge rejected Sheriff John Idleburg 's legal bid to force the county health department to provide information about COVID-19 patients .
McHenry County 's sheriff won a similar suit last month , while health departments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addresses of COVID-19 patients .
Britton said 35 states allow addresses to be shared , while 10 let individual names be released .
Under Britton 's resolution , Cook County health officials are directed to provide addresses daily to the Public Safety Answering Point dispatch system over the next 60 days , and the information must later be purged .
Preckwinkle told reporters after the meeting that the health department would comply with the board 's direction , though a precise rollout of the information is still being devised by health officials .

In close vote, Cook County Board agrees to release COVID-19 patient addresses
In a narrow vote, Cook County commissioners Thursday agreed to release the addresses of confirmed COVID-19 patients to suburban 911 dispatchers, municipalities and police departments following a debate over how to balance protections for first responders with the privacy and civil rights of individuals.
The 9-7 decision, with one commissioner voting present, comes after a judge denied an earlier request from the Arlington Heights-based Northwest Central Dispatch System for names and addresses of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus. The judge, however, encouraged the county board to pass a resolution to release addresses.
Commissioner Scott Britton, whose District 14 includes many Northwest and North suburbs, sponsored the resolution that directs the Cook County Department of Public Health to release only addresses, following a lobbying effort by mayors, village managers, 911 dispatchers and police and fire chiefs. They argue having the information ahead of time would allow first responders to take added safety precautions before arriving on an emergency call.
During the county board meeting held via video conference Thursday, Britton showed a picture of a Niles firefighter/paramedic donned head-to-toe in personal protective equipment.
"To suit up like this on every single aspect of their jobs everyday -- and a lot of this PPE is not recyclable -- is a challenge that they cannot meet," said Britton, of Glenview. "I think we have to defer at some point to the first responders who are on the front lines of this epidemic."
Opponents of the measure, including Board President Toni Preckwinkle and health department co-leader Dr. Rachel Rubin, argued providing the addresses would do little to increase responders' safety. Because of the nature of the novel coronavirus, they should assume everyone they come into contact with is positive, they said.
Preckwinkle, Rubin and some board members also argued providing the data to dispatchers could impact minority communities who have had negative encounters with law enforcement and could feel targeted if their addresses are known. The measure also received written opposition from the ACLU of Illinois and Equality Illinois.
"I don't see, as anyone who understands racism in this country ... that this resolution is somehow going to be immune from that endemic racism," Preckwinkle said.
Preckwinkle did not get to vote on the matter, as the board president only votes in the case of a tie.
"The ayes have it," she said in announcing the close tally Thursday afternoon. "I'm profoundly disappointed."
The decision comes a day after a Lake County judge rejected Sheriff John Idleburg's legal bid to force the county health department to provide information about COVID-19 patients. McHenry County's sheriff won a similar suit last month, while health departments in DuPage and Will counties are voluntarily providing addresses of COVID-19 patients.
Britton said 35 states allow addresses to be shared, while 10 let individual names be released.
Under Britton's resolution, Cook County health officials are directed to provide addresses daily to the Public Safety Answering Point dispatch system over the next 60 days, and the information must later be purged.
Preckwinkle told reporters after the meeting that the health department would comply with the board's direction, though a precise rollout of the information is still being devised by health officials.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Schaumburg man dies after crash in Chicago

A 63-year-old Schaumburg man pronounced dead after the car he was driving crashed into a tree in Chicago late Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ pulmonary thromboembolism , or blood clot , authorities said Thursday .
Chicago police said Ryszard @ @ @ @ @ of the car that was traveling south on the 0-100 block of West LaSalle Drive @ @ @ @ @ it struck the tree .
He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital , where he @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , according to the Cook County medical examiner 's office .
The crash remains @ @ @ @ @ .

Schaumburg man dies after crash in Chicago
A 63-year-old Schaumburg man pronounced dead after the car he was driving crashed into a tree in Chicago late Wednesday died as a result a pulmonary thromboembolism, or blood clot, authorities said Thursday.
Chicago police said Ryszard Kluz was the lone occupant of the car that was traveling south on the 0-100 block of West LaSalle Drive at about 11 p.m. when it struck the tree.
He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
The crash remains under investigation, authorities said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Authorities explore charging DCFS staff member in AJ case

Prosecutors are investigating whether they should charge a former Department of Children and Family Services worker with child endangerment related to his actions after a 2018 report of injury to Crystal Lake 's AJ Freund , who later was killed .
McHenry County State 's Attorney Investigator Robert Diviacchi filed a search warrant affidavit May 7 seeking the personnel file , training transcripts and employee evaluations of former DCFS supervisor Andrew Polovin .
Polovin , 47 , who was fired from DCFS in December , closed a 2018 investigation into a large bruise on AJ 's hip .
Only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 , and Andrew Freund Sr. , 61 , have been charged in AJ 's death .
Cunningham pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is scheduled for sentencing July 16 .
Freund is being held at McHenry County jail on $ 5 million bond .
He has been charged with charged with first-degree murder and several other felonies , including concealing a homicide .
AJ 's body was found in a shallow grave days after his parents reported him missing .
According to the affidavit , which also references former DCFS Child Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody of AJ to lapse before conducting a proper investigation .
He 's also accused of omitting a corresponding Crystal Lake police report , medical records and home safety checklist from AJ 's December 2018 file .
`` From the Inspector General 's report , it is indicated that Mr. Polovin 's lack of supervisory oversight was willful and ( wanton ) , given the nature of the injury , the explanations that had been given and rejected by police and unsupported by medical examination , '' Diviacchi wrote in his affidavit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to take several steps before allowing AJ to return home .
Those include examining AJ 's home environment , interviewing AJ 's father , obtaining and reviewing police reports and medical records , securing a second medical opinion , and documenting the decision to return custody to AJ 's parents .
Polovin could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday .
The DCFS investigation cited in Diviacchi 's affidavit took place about four months before police say AJ was killed in his Dole Avenue home .
He had been struck repeatedly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Shipbaugh originally reported the 2018 case to DCFS after she responded to a call at Freund and Cunningham 's home on Dec. 18 that year .
It was the third investigation involving Cunningham and her children .
Acosta met with AJ at the Crystal Lake Police Department that day and asked him about the large bruise on his hip .
According to Diviacchi 's affidavit , Acosta later described the injury `` by saying he had not seen bruising like it in his years as a child protection investigator . ''
Reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on Diviacchi 's affidavit , which he had not seen .
During their conversation , AJ told Acosta he got the bruise when the family dog , Lucy , pawed at him .
AJ was taken to the hospital shortly afterward , and Acosta sent a photo of the bruise to Polovin via text , according to Diviacchi 's affidavit .
`` Acosta texted his supervisor Mr. Polovin 'Kid says ( big dog ) 'put paw on me . '
I take that to mean a scratch . '
Mr. Polovin responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what the kid says , ' '' Diviacchi wrote .
Initially , AJ repeated the story about his dog to the doctor but later had the following conservation with her , according to Diviacchi .
Dr. : Has anyone ever spanked or hit you ?
Dr. : Is that what made this mark ?
Dr. : Who did it ?
AJ : Someone not in my family AJ continued by saying his mom did n't mean to hurt him , and then returned to the story about the dog injuring him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with AJ , the doctor eventually asked Acosta to send a professional interviewer to examine the bruise , Diviacchi wrote .
According to DCFS records , Acosta documented that discussion by stating the doctor could n't determine the cause of the injury , because she was not a forensic or child abuse specialist .
The doctor went on to say she and her staff did not believe it was safe for AJ to go home with his mother , but Acosta indicated he and Polovin determined the child would be safe under his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One nurse who observed AJ at the hospital made an additional DCFS call to report the alleged abuse .
In the wake of AJ 's death , the community scrutinized DCFS ' handling of the investigation and criticized the agency for not removing AJ from his parents ' home sooner .
Acosta at the time said he followed the agency 's policies .
As for not seeking a second medical opinion about AJ 's bruise , Acosta has previously said child abuse specialist pediatricians are a limited resource -- often reserved for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records , the bruise could have been caused by a football , a belt or the family dog .
Charging a child welfare employee in connection with a child death is uncommon , but it 's not unheard of .
Los Angeles County in 2016 filed criminal charges against the DCFS workers who allowed 7-year-old Gabriel Fernandez to remain in the home with his mother and her boyfriend , despite multiple investigations .
About six weeks after DCFS closed its case , Gabriel died as a result of child neglect and severe head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court dismissed the felony child abuse and falsifying public records charges in January .
Moreover , DCFS employees are granted certain civil and criminal immunity under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act .
Reached by phone Wednesday , McHenry County State 's Attorney Patrick Kenneally declined to comment on the matter while it was ongoing .

Authorities explore charging DCFS staff member in AJ case
Prosecutors are investigating whether they should charge a former Department of Children and Family Services worker with child endangerment related to his actions after a 2018 report of injury to Crystal Lake's AJ Freund, who later was killed.
McHenry County State's Attorney Investigator Robert Diviacchi filed a search warrant affidavit May 7 seeking the personnel file, training transcripts and employee evaluations of former DCFS supervisor Andrew Polovin.
Polovin, 47, who was fired from DCFS in December, closed a 2018 investigation into a large bruise on AJ's hip.
Only the boy's parents, JoAnn Cunningham, 37, and Andrew Freund Sr., 61, have been charged in AJ's death. Cunningham pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is scheduled for sentencing July 16.
Freund is being held at McHenry County jail on $5 million bond. He has been charged with charged with first-degree murder and several other felonies, including concealing a homicide. AJ's body was found in a shallow grave days after his parents reported him missing.
According to the affidavit, which also references former DCFS Child Protection Specialist Carlos Acosta, Polovin allowed protective custody of AJ to lapse before conducting a proper investigation. He's also accused of omitting a corresponding Crystal Lake police report, medical records and home safety checklist from AJ's December 2018 file.
"From the Inspector General's report, it is indicated that Mr. Polovin's lack of supervisory oversight was willful and (wanton), given the nature of the injury, the explanations that had been given and rejected by police and unsupported by medical examination," Diviacchi wrote in his affidavit.
Diviacchi said in his affidavit that Polovin failed to take several steps before allowing AJ to return home. Those include examining AJ's home environment, interviewing AJ's father, obtaining and reviewing police reports and medical records, securing a second medical opinion, and documenting the decision to return custody to AJ's parents.
Polovin could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
The DCFS investigation cited in Diviacchi's affidavit took place about four months before police say AJ was killed in his Dole Avenue home. He had been struck repeatedly in the head.
Crystal Lake police officer Kimberly Shipbaugh originally reported the 2018 case to DCFS after she responded to a call at Freund and Cunningham's home on Dec. 18 that year. It was the third investigation involving Cunningham and her children.
Acosta met with AJ at the Crystal Lake Police Department that day and asked him about the large bruise on his hip. According to Diviacchi's affidavit, Acosta later described the injury "by saying he had not seen bruising like it in his years as a child protection investigator."
Reached by phone Wednesday, Acosta declined to comment on Diviacchi's affidavit, which he had not seen.
During their conversation, AJ told Acosta he got the bruise when the family dog, Lucy, pawed at him. AJ was taken to the hospital shortly afterward, and Acosta sent a photo of the bruise to Polovin via text, according to Diviacchi's affidavit.
"Acosta texted his supervisor Mr. Polovin 'Kid says (big dog) 'put paw on me.' I take that to mean a scratch.' Mr. Polovin responded, 'That looks nasty but if that's what the kid says,'" Diviacchi wrote.
Initially, AJ repeated the story about his dog to the doctor but later had the following conservation with her, according to Diviacchi.
Dr.: Has anyone ever spanked or hit you?
AJ: Yes
Dr.: With what?
AJ: a belt
Dr.: Is that what made this mark?
AJ: Yes
Dr.: Who did it?
AJ: Someone not in my family
AJ continued by saying his mom didn't mean to hurt him, and then returned to the story about the dog injuring him, according to the affidavit. After speaking with AJ, the doctor eventually asked Acosta to send a professional interviewer to examine the bruise, Diviacchi wrote.
According to DCFS records, Acosta documented that discussion by stating the doctor couldn't determine the cause of the injury, because she was not a forensic or child abuse specialist. The doctor went on to say she and her staff did not believe it was safe for AJ to go home with his mother, but Acosta indicated he and Polovin determined the child would be safe under his father's supervision, Diviacchi wrote.
One nurse who observed AJ at the hospital made an additional DCFS call to report the alleged abuse.
In the wake of AJ's death, the community scrutinized DCFS' handling of the investigation and criticized the agency for not removing AJ from his parents' home sooner.
Acosta at the time said he followed the agency's policies. As for not seeking a second medical opinion about AJ's bruise, Acosta has previously said child abuse specialist pediatricians are a limited resource -- often reserved for more severe injuries.
According to Illinois DCFS records, the bruise could have been caused by a football, a belt or the family dog.
Charging a child welfare employee in connection with a child death is uncommon, but it's not unheard of.
Los Angeles County in 2016 filed criminal charges against the DCFS workers who allowed 7-year-old Gabriel Fernandez to remain in the home with his mother and her boyfriend, despite multiple investigations.
About six weeks after DCFS closed its case, Gabriel died as a result of child neglect and severe head trauma. However, a California appellate court dismissed the felony child abuse and falsifying public records charges in January.
Moreover, DCFS employees are granted certain civil and criminal immunity under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
Reached by phone Wednesday, McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally declined to comment on the matter while it was ongoing.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Lightfoot says city restaurants won't be ready for outdoor dining in May

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot threw cold water on hopes that the city 's restaurants might resume outdoor service later this month , a day after the governor said such service would be allowed under certain conditions as of May 29 .
Lightfoot said the coronavirus is still too much of a threat to the city and that June is a more likely target date for allowing any type of in-person service at restaurants .
She said there are many factors to consider , such as meeting public health metrics on coronavirus cases and making sure restaurants of all sizes have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to the possibility of closing certain streets to traffic so that restaurants would have additional space to operate .
`` The 'when ' question is going to be dependent on the public health data , '' she told reporters .
`` I need to understand and be certain that restaurants across the city ... have a means to protect their employees and members of the public that will patronize them . ''
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said outdoor dining will be allowed starting next week at restaurants that can place tables 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a slight loosening of previously-announced reopening plans that hinge on meeting certain metrics .
However , local governments such as Chicago can make their own determination .
The virus is still spreading in Illinois .
Public health officials on Thursday reported 2,268 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 87 more deaths statewide .
Overall , there have been 102,686 cases and 4,607 deaths in Illinois .
Lightfoot also announced $ 1.3 million in support for organizations that will address increased mental health concerns amid the pandemic .
Late Wednesday , Chicago officials fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , issuing $ 500 penalties to three churches : Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church , Philadelphia Romanian Church of God and Metro Praise International Church .
Businessman Willie Wilson , a former mayoral candidate and retired pastor , attended services at one of the churches and said he 'll pay the fines .
Meanwhile , the police department said Wednesday that the city has temporarily banned parking alongside certain establishments as a precaution to prevent planned large gatherings .

Lightfoot says city restaurants won't be ready for outdoor dining in May
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she's open to the possibility of closing city streets to allow restaurants the space to offer outdoor dining, but that likely wouldn't occur until June. Associated Press/April 10
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot threw cold water on hopes that the city's restaurants might resume outdoor service later this month, a day after the governor said such service would be allowed under certain conditions as of May 29.
Lightfoot said the coronavirus is still too much of a threat to the city and that June is a more likely target date for allowing any type of in-person service at restaurants.
She said there are many factors to consider, such as meeting public health metrics on coronavirus cases and making sure restaurants of all sizes have similar opportunities, but she would be open to the possibility of closing certain streets to traffic so that restaurants would have additional space to operate.
"The 'when' question is going to be dependent on the public health data," she told reporters. "I need to understand and be certain that restaurants across the city ... have a means to protect their employees and members of the public that will patronize them."
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said outdoor dining will be allowed starting next week at restaurants that can place tables 6 feet apart and observe other safety protocols, a slight loosening of previously-announced reopening plans that hinge on meeting certain metrics. However, local governments such as Chicago can make their own determination.
The virus is still spreading in Illinois. Public health officials on Thursday reported 2,268 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 87 more deaths statewide. Overall, there have been 102,686 cases and 4,607 deaths in Illinois.
Lightfoot also announced $1.3 million in support for organizations that will address increased mental health concerns amid the pandemic.
Late Wednesday, Chicago officials fined churches for defying coronavirus social distancing restrictions, issuing $500 penalties to three churches: Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church, Philadelphia Romanian Church of God and Metro Praise International Church. Businessman Willie Wilson, a former mayoral candidate and retired pastor, attended services at one of the churches and said he'll pay the fines.
Meanwhile, the police department said Wednesday that the city has temporarily banned parking alongside certain establishments as a precaution to prevent planned large gatherings.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Tent rental business waiting for parties to start as restictions ease

Summer is the busiest time of year for party supply rentals , but as June approaches Party Plus Events in Palatine is closed and waiting for COVID-19 restrictions to ease .
Graduations , weddings , baptisms and corporate parties are normally core events for a business that rents big tents , tables and chairs , place settings , moon walks and karaoke machines .
But those events have been canceled or postponed because of the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings .
Michael and Tracey Armenakis are the owners of Party Plus Events , which started in 1980 as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his late father , Thomas .
Originally in Wheeling , it rented tools and equipment , as well as party supplies .
Two moves and 40 years later , Party Plus Events now rents party supplies exclusively .
The business stopped renting tools and equipment nearly two decades ago and amicably ended its franchise with Taylor Rental , which is part of True Value Hardware , in 2018. Business had been good until recently , Michael said , and rentals have been mostly limited to tents for COVID-19 testing sites .
Tracey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How are we going to cover the bills and the real estate taxes and all the things that are coming up without the cash flow that we need , '' she said .
`` I mean , we 're fine for now .
We have the PPP loan , which is helping , but it has to be paid back in a short time and it 's only for eight weeks .
That 's difficult . ''
In addition to the owners , Party Plus Events has 10 year-round workers , and employs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company received the PPP loan in late April and the couple hopes to get employees back to work soon to fulfill the loan requirements .
They are looking forward to restrictions easing May 29 with the phased reopening under the Restore Illinois plan .
Michael said they are working with customers who are postponing events until later in the summer and fall in hope restrictions will ease even more so they can host 50 people , and possibly more , if the guest list is split or a party can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know of a suburban small business with a compelling story to tell about working through the pandemic ?
Send photo director Jeff Knox a detailed email with LIFE 'S WORK in the subject line at jknox @ dailyherald.com , and we 'll consider it .

Tent rental business waiting for parties to start as restictions ease
Summer is the busiest time of year for party supply rentals, but as June approaches Party Plus Events in Palatine is closed and waiting for COVID-19 restrictions to ease.
Graduations, weddings, baptisms and corporate parties are normally core events for a business that rents big tents, tables and chairs, place settings, moon walks and karaoke machines. But those events have been canceled or postponed because of the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings.
Michael and Tracey Armenakis are the owners of Party Plus Events, which started in 1980 as a Taylor Rental franchise run by Michael and his late father, Thomas. Originally in Wheeling, it rented tools and equipment, as well as party supplies.
Two moves and 40 years later, Party Plus Events now rents party supplies exclusively. The business stopped renting tools and equipment nearly two decades ago and amicably ended its franchise with Taylor Rental, which is part of True Value Hardware, in 2018.
Business had been good until recently, Michael said, and rentals have been mostly limited to tents for COVID-19 testing sites.
Tracey said recent financial concerns are troubling.
"How are we going to cover the bills and the real estate taxes and all the things that are coming up without the cash flow that we need," she said. "I mean, we're fine for now. We have the PPP loan, which is helping, but it has to be paid back in a short time and it's only for eight weeks. That's difficult."
In addition to the owners, Party Plus Events has 10 year-round workers, and employs 40 people during the busy summer months. The company received the PPP loan in late April and the couple hopes to get employees back to work soon to fulfill the loan requirements.
They are looking forward to restrictions easing May 29 with the phased reopening under the Restore Illinois plan.
Michael said they are working with customers who are postponing events until later in the summer and fall in hope restrictions will ease even more so they can host 50 people, and possibly more, if the guest list is split or a party can be held over two days.
• Do you know of a suburban small business with a compelling story to tell about working through the pandemic? Send photo director Jeff Knox a detailed email with LIFE'S WORK in the subject line at jknox@dailyherald.com, and we'll consider it.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--'Frozen' musical's Chicago run rescheduled for 2021

The Chicago run of `` Frozen , '' the musical adaptation of Disney 's blockbuster 2013 animated film , has @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 , through Jan. 23 , 2022 , Broadway in Chicago announced Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ to play an extended run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre beginning this October , was @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
Current ticket holders will be moved to the new performance weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ representatives at the point of purchase .
Theatergoers who purchased tickets through Broadway in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ about refunds .
Season subscribers should email subscriptions @ broadwayinchicago.com and anyone who purchased tickets @ @ @ @ @ groupsales @ broadwayinchicago.com .

'Frozen' musical's Chicago run rescheduled for 2021
The musical adaptation of "Frozen," seen here in its Broadway production, is now scheduled to arrive in Chicago in November of 2021. Courtesy of Disney
The Chicago run of "Frozen," the musical adaptation of Disney's blockbuster 2013 animated film, has been rescheduled for Nov. 18, 2021, through Jan. 23, 2022, Broadway in Chicago announced Thursday.
The musical, originally scheduled to play an extended run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre beginning this October, was postponed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current ticket holders will be moved to the new performance weeks.
Ticketholders with questions should contact representatives at the point of purchase.
Theatergoers who purchased tickets through Broadway in Chicago should email customerservice@broadwayinchicago.com about refunds.
Season subscribers should email subscriptions@broadwayinchicago.com and anyone who purchased tickets through group sales should email groupsales@broadwayinchicago.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Vote-by-mail expansion ready for House floor vote

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House will consider expanding voting by mail for the fall election using federal pandemic-relief funds , despite Republican criticism that it could increase errors and electoral fraud .
The Democratic-controlled Executive Committee approved the plan Thursday on an 8-5 partisan vote .
Rep. Kelly Burke 's proposal would encourage mail-in ballots by sending applications to anyone who voted by mail in 2018 , 2019 or in this year 's primary .
The Evergreen Park Democrat said it would provide a simpler and safer way to vote during the COVID-19 outbreak .
It would apply only to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful , it would help Democrats push the idea into future years .
Invitations to apply for vote-by-mail would be sent by county clerks and other election authorities .
`` The intent is to make sure that they 've got funding to implement some of these things and make voting easier and safer for all the residents , '' Burke said .
The cost was not immediately known .
Republicans generally oppose making it easier to vote because those who are least likely to vote under normal circumstances often lean Democrat .
Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` chase '' program because state government is pursuing voters and pushing them to sign up .
But they raise practical points too .
Making voter registration and casting ballots easier can increase the chance for fraud or errors , as has been the case with automatic voter registration .
President Donald Trump opposes the idea and recently has threatened to withhold federal funds from Michigan after vote-by-mail was expanded there .
The program would be widely publicized .
It would be advertised on the Illinois State Board of Election 's on-line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be required to be told .
The secretary of state would explain the program in mailings already required to distribute information about constitutional amendments on the ballot .
And those past mail-in voters who do n't respond to initial invitations to sign up again would be sent reminders in September and October .
A school holiday would be declared on Election Day so that schools could safely be used as polling places .

Vote-by-mail expansion ready for House floor vote
Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey left, wears a mask as he walks through the Bank of Springfield Center before Thursday's legislative session. Bailey was removed from the floor the day before for not complying with the rule on face coverings. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House will consider expanding voting by mail for the fall election using federal pandemic-relief funds, despite Republican criticism that it could increase errors and electoral fraud.
The Democratic-controlled Executive Committee approved the plan Thursday on an 8-5 partisan vote. Rep. Kelly Burke's proposal would encourage mail-in ballots by sending applications to anyone who voted by mail in 2018, 2019 or in this year's primary. The Evergreen Park Democrat said it would provide a simpler and safer way to vote during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It would apply only to the Nov. 3 election. But if successful, it would help Democrats push the idea into future years.
Invitations to apply for vote-by-mail would be sent by county clerks and other election authorities.
"The intent is to make sure that they've got funding to implement some of these things and make voting easier and safer for all the residents," Burke said.
The cost was not immediately known.
Republicans generally oppose making it easier to vote because those who are least likely to vote under normal circumstances often lean Democrat. Republican Rep. Ryan Spain of Peoria calls it a "chase" program because state government is pursuing voters and pushing them to sign up.
But they raise practical points too. Making voter registration and casting ballots easier can increase the chance for fraud or errors, as has been the case with automatic voter registration.
President Donald Trump opposes the idea and recently has threatened to withhold federal funds from Michigan after vote-by-mail was expanded there.
The program would be widely publicized. It would be advertised on the Illinois State Board of Election's on-line voting registration site. Newly registered voters would be required to be told. The secretary of state would explain the program in mailings already required to distribute information about constitutional amendments on the ballot.
And those past mail-in voters who don't respond to initial invitations to sign up again would be sent reminders in September and October.
A school holiday would be declared on Election Day so that schools could safely be used as polling places.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Burglary suspect who has COVID-19 is on home detention, instead of in DuPage jail

An earlier version contained incorrect information , supplied to the Daily Herald , about the detainee being housed in a quarantine unit at the Cook County jail .
A Chicago man who tested positive for COVID-19 after spending three months in the Cook County jail , is recuperating at home , rather than being placed in the DuPage County jail on another case .
A DuPage judge agreed with Sheriff James Mendrick , prosecutors and the DuPage County Health Department that the benefits of keeping the jail COVID-19 free outweighed the risk of letting a man charged with a nonviolent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sheriff 's office announced the measure Sunday to detainees and workers , and in a news release , '' I did not want people to be afraid , '' Mendrick said .
The 21-year-old man , who was not named in the release , was charged Jan. 24 with burglarizing a house and car in Naperville .
Before he could be arrested on that charge , he was arrested in Cook County on a Feb. 7 burglary charge .
He was taken to Cook County jail and bail was set at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities told Naperville police they had the man in custody .
Naperville police notified DuPage prosecutors , who arranged an April 28 bond hearing .
The hearing took place by video while the man remained at the Cook jail .
Associate Judge Kavita Athanikar set cash bail at $ 150,000 and ordered the DuPage jail to receive the man .
But on April 27 , a Cook County judge changed the man 's Cook bail to a personal-recognizance bond , with electronic home monitoring .
The Cook sheriff could not put the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the outstanding DuPage warrant , the sheriff 's spokesman , Matthew Walberg , said .
On May 12 , the Cook judge removed the EHM condition .
Cook authorities then notified Mendrick and Naperville the man was ready for transfer .
Two DuPage deputies , wearing protective gear , picked the man up May 14 .
The detainee also wore protective gear .
The man was tested , then placed in an isolation cell , separate from the main jail .
Mendrick said he has been doing that for any detainees coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
Test results came back positive the morning of May 16 and Mendrick then called the health department .
`` Every minute counts , '' he said , in dealing with the virus .
They discussed the matter with prosecutors .
The hearing was held late Saturday afternoon .
.
Athanikar agreed to convert the cash bond to a recognizance bond , and to have the man wear a GPS monitor .
The health department sent the man home by ambulance , to avoid having him use public transportation .
The deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man did not show any symptoms of COVID-19 while at the jails .
`` Our relationship with Cook County is very excellent , '' he said .
He acknowledged that Cook faces a much bigger problem with COVID-19 because it typically has more than 5,000 inmates instead of the 500 or so housed in DuPage .
He sees last week 's event as evidence the steps he has taken , beginning in January , are working .
Mendrick said the jail has no COVID-19 cases .
Measures have included having people clean the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibiting employees from working second jobs , to reduce the chance of bringing the virus in .
The air flow in the isolation cells was changed , to keep air from those cells from getting into the rest of the jail .
`` If you are prepared for these things , you can handle this , '' Mendrick said .

Burglary suspect who has COVID-19 is on home detention, instead of in DuPage jail
An earlier version contained incorrect information, supplied to the Daily Herald, about the detainee being housed in a quarantine unit at the Cook County jail.
A Chicago man who tested positive for COVID-19 after spending three months in the Cook County jail, is recuperating at home, rather than being placed in the DuPage County jail on another case.
A DuPage judge agreed with Sheriff James Mendrick, prosecutors and the DuPage County Health Department that the benefits of keeping the jail COVID-19 free outweighed the risk of letting a man charged with a nonviolent property crime await trial at home.
The sheriff's office announced the measure Sunday to detainees and workers, and in a news release,
"I did not want people to be afraid," Mendrick said.
The 21-year-old man, who was not named in the release, was charged Jan. 24 with burglarizing a house and car in Naperville. Before he could be arrested on that charge, he was arrested in Cook County on a Feb. 7 burglary charge. He was taken to Cook County jail and bail was set at $100,000.
In late April, Cook authorities told Naperville police they had the man in custody. Naperville police notified DuPage prosecutors, who arranged an April 28 bond hearing.
The hearing took place by video while the man remained at the Cook jail. Associate Judge Kavita Athanikar set cash bail at $150,000 and ordered the DuPage jail to receive the man.
But on April 27, a Cook County judge changed the man's Cook bail to a personal-recognizance bond, with electronic home monitoring.
The Cook sheriff could not put the man on home monitoring, however, because of the outstanding DuPage warrant, the sheriff's spokesman, Matthew Walberg, said. On May 12, the Cook judge removed the EHM condition.
Cook authorities then notified Mendrick and Naperville the man was ready for transfer.
Two DuPage deputies, wearing protective gear, picked the man up May 14. The detainee also wore protective gear.
The man was tested, then placed in an isolation cell, separate from the main jail. Mendrick said he has been doing that for any detainees coming from other jails, prisons or group-living facilities.
Test results came back positive the morning of May 16 and Mendrick then called the health department. "Every minute counts," he said, in dealing with the virus.
They discussed the matter with prosecutors. The hearing was held late Saturday afternoon. .
Athanikar agreed to convert the cash bond to a recognizance bond, and to have the man wear a GPS monitor. The health department sent the man home by ambulance, to avoid having him use public transportation.
The deputies were placed on 14-day quarantine.
The man did not show any symptoms of COVID-19 while at the jails.
Mendrick praised Cook County's handling of the matter.
"Our relationship with Cook County is very excellent," he said. He acknowledged that Cook faces a much bigger problem with COVID-19 because it typically has more than 5,000 inmates instead of the 500 or so housed in DuPage.
He sees last week's event as evidence the steps he has taken, beginning in January, are working. Mendrick said the jail has no COVID-19 cases.
Measures have included having people clean the bottoms of their shoes with ammonia and prohibiting employees from working second jobs, to reduce the chance of bringing the virus in. The air flow in the isolation cells was changed, to keep air from those cells from getting into the rest of the jail.
"If you are prepared for these things, you can handle this," Mendrick said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Constable: It's her job to tell people they have COVID-19, which elicits tears and fears

Almost everybody who gets a phone call from Elizabeth Thorn of the NorthShore University HealthSystem 's COVID-19 hotline has the same initial reaction .
`` A sharp intake of breath , '' the 36-year-old Lincolnshire woman says of the response when she introduces herself and explains why she is calling .
What Thorn usually says next elicits a greater response .
`` You have tested positive for COVID-19 , so you do have the virus , '' says Thorn , a former physical therapist and care transformation manager who is trained to handle whatever happens next .
`` Many are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some are devastated , '' Thorn says .
`` I 've done thousands of calls .
Each phone call is as unique as the person on the other line . ''
Part of her job is to calmly explain what to do .
Sometimes people are so upset , they say , `` I just need a minute .
Can I call you back ? '
'' Thorn says .
`` People do seem to think this is a death sentence .
They ask , 'Am I going to die ? '
'Should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
'' Most people who test positive are n't going to die and do n't even need to go to the hospital .
But there have been a couple of times when Thorn has needed to call 911 on behalf of the person she called .
`` They 're gasping for air , or do n't seem like they 're doing well , '' Thorn says .
She remembers telling one person that her test had come back positive , and the woman simply said , `` My father died last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news to one man in his 80s whose wife already was in the hospital being treated for COVID-19 .
`` He was as gracious as he could be , '' Thorn says .
`` I was more upset than he was . ''
Many of the people get tested because some relative , co-worker or friend has tested positive or is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms .
`` A fair amount of people ( who test positive ) do not have symptoms , '' Thorn says .
The infection control triage line at ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken a COVID-19 test .
The ( 847 ) HEALTH9 ( 432-5849 ) number is for people with more general questions .
`` Some people can be a little flippant , '' Thorn says about those who do n't believe they tested positive for the virus and balk at taking precautions .
She has made calls about positive COVID-19 results on behalf of patients in all walks of life , from infants to people in their 90s .
`` It 's definitely an equal-opportunity virus -- all ages , backgrounds , everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle 40 to 50 calls a day , with some lasting less than a minute and others taking 25 minutes .
`` It 's really listening to their stories and going through the resources to figure things out , '' Thorn says .
She 's broken the news to people at home , in their cars , in the middle of shopping trips and at work .
`` OK , as soon as we 're done with this call , please find your manager and let them know you need to go home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You 've tested positive . ''
Thorn says people generally `` get it '' and want to know how they can keep from spreading the virus to anyone else .
`` I really have to applaud people 's sense of duty , '' Thorn says .
`` They ask , 'How do I help protect others ? '
'' With her wife , Denise , and their three young sons at home , Thorn shares those concerns .
`` Their last day of school was my first day on the triage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys , ages 2 to 5 .
While the three or four hotline operators are spaced apart and `` wash our hands vigorously , '' Thorn still cleans her phone , changes her clothes and takes a shower before she greets her family .
She usually does n't find out how things turn out for those people she calls .
But every once in a while she 'll get a return call that brightens her day .
`` They call us back , '' Thorn says , `` and say , 'Hey , @ @ @ @ @ @

Constable: It's her job to tell people they have COVID-19, which elicits tears and fears
Making dozens of calls a day to people who have tested positive for COVID 19, hotline operator Elizabeth Thorn of the NorthShore University HealthSystem has dealt with shock and fear. But most people also want to know how they can protect others. COURTESY OF JON HILLENBRAND, NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM
Almost everybody who gets a phone call from Elizabeth Thorn of the NorthShore University HealthSystem's COVID-19 hotline has the same initial reaction.
"A sharp intake of breath," the 36-year-old Lincolnshire woman says of the response when she introduces herself and explains why she is calling. What Thorn usually says next elicits a greater response.
"You have tested positive for COVID-19, so you do have the virus," says Thorn, a former physical therapist and care transformation manager who is trained to handle whatever happens next.
"Many are shocked. Some are in tears. Some are devastated," Thorn says. "I've done thousands of calls. Each phone call is as unique as the person on the other line."
Part of her job is to calmly explain what to do. Sometimes people are so upset, they say, "I just need a minute. Can I call you back?'" Thorn says. "People do seem to think this is a death sentence. They ask, 'Am I going to die?' 'Should I go to the hospital right now?'"
Most people who test positive aren't going to die and don't even need to go to the hospital. But there have been a couple of times when Thorn has needed to call 911 on behalf of the person she called. "They're gasping for air, or don't seem like they're doing well," Thorn says.
She remembers telling one person that her test had come back positive, and the woman simply said, "My father died last night."
Thorn had to break the news to one man in his 80s whose wife already was in the hospital being treated for COVID-19. "He was as gracious as he could be," Thorn says. "I was more upset than he was."
Many of the people get tested because some relative, co-worker or friend has tested positive or is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. "A fair amount of people (who test positive) do not have symptoms," Thorn says.
The infection control triage line at (847) 570-2002 concentrates on people who have taken a COVID-19 test. The (847) HEALTH9 (432-5849) number is for people with more general questions.
"Some people can be a little flippant," Thorn says about those who don't believe they tested positive for the virus and balk at taking precautions. She has made calls about positive COVID-19 results on behalf of patients in all walks of life, from infants to people in their 90s.
"It's definitely an equal-opportunity virus -- all ages, backgrounds, everybody," Thorn says. She'll handle 40 to 50 calls a day, with some lasting less than a minute and others taking 25 minutes.
"It's really listening to their stories and going through the resources to figure things out," Thorn says. She's broken the news to people at home, in their cars, in the middle of shopping trips and at work.
"OK, as soon as we're done with this call, please find your manager and let them know you need to go home," Thorn tells those at work. "You've tested positive."
Thorn says people generally "get it" and want to know how they can keep from spreading the virus to anyone else.
"I really have to applaud people's sense of duty," Thorn says. "They ask, 'How do I help protect others?'"
With her wife, Denise, and their three young sons at home, Thorn shares those concerns. "Their last day of school was my first day on the triage line," Thorn says of the boys, ages 2 to 5. While the three or four hotline operators are spaced apart and "wash our hands vigorously," Thorn still cleans her phone, changes her clothes and takes a shower before she greets her family.
She usually doesn't find out how things turn out for those people she calls. But every once in a while she'll get a return call that brightens her day.
"They call us back," Thorn says, "and say, 'Hey, I'm better.'"


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

A new model from Columbia University estimates that at least 36,000 lives could have been saved if the United States had started locking down cities one week earlier in March .
And if the measures had started on March 1 , about 83 percent of deaths could have been avoided .
The New York Times explores these new estimates .
Bad news : Six feet of social distance probably is n't enough to avoid COVID-19 outside Here 's something to keep in mind now that the weather is warming up and we are heading outside .
A new study finds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause droplets from a cough to travel 20 feet in less than 2 seconds .
Fast Company breaks down the study .
Public health officials say the stagnant plumbing in office buildings that have been closed for two months could be a breeding ground for bacteria , especially Legionella pneumophila , which causes Legionnaires ' disease .
The New York Times talks to researchers about the potential problem .
'How Could the CDC Make That Mistake ? '
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that it is mixing the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting .
The Atlantic explains how this practice makes it harder to interpret testing data and measure the U.S. response to the pandemic .
8 ways to go out and stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic Stick to the outdoors .
Wear a mask .
Avoid crowded settings .
Vox asked experts what people can do to minimize the harm to themselves and others when they choose to go out .
Read their answers here .

What others are writing about COVID-19
A girl gazes at Mickey Mouse balloons at Disney Springs in Orlando on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World's sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business with 44 establishments welcoming the public during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
Lockdown Delays Cost at Least 36,000 Lives, Data Show
A new model from Columbia University estimates that at least 36,000 lives could have been saved if the United States had started locking down cities one week earlier in March. And if the measures had started on March 1, about 83 percent of deaths could have been avoided. The New York Times explores these new estimates.
Bad news: Six feet of social distance probably isn't enough to avoid COVID-19 outside
Here's something to keep in mind now that the weather is warming up and we are heading outside. A new study finds that wind speed of 10 mph can cause droplets from a cough to travel 20 feet in less than 2 seconds. Fast Company breaks down the study.
After Coronavirus, Office Workers Might Face Unexpected Health Threats
Public health officials say the stagnant plumbing in office buildings that have been closed for two months could be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires' disease. The New York Times talks to researchers about the potential problem.
'How Could the CDC Make That Mistake?'
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that it is mixing the results of viral and antibody tests in its public reporting. The Atlantic explains how this practice makes it harder to interpret testing data and measure the U.S. response to the pandemic.
8 ways to go out and stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic
Stick to the outdoors. Wear a mask. Avoid crowded settings. Vox asked experts what people can do to minimize the harm to themselves and others when they choose to go out. Read their answers here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Help! Popular festival bands, and their fans, on the outs with no dates to play

A hard day 's night ?
Tell them about it .
Under COVID-19 restrictions , the bands that entertain audiences at summer festivals , nightclubs , casinos , corporate outings and weddings face a dearth of bookings , if not a total wash. '' Our June dissolved pretty much , and our July dissolved right before my eyes , '' said Eric Michaels , who portrays Paul McCartney in the long-running Beatles tribute band , American English .
When the Countryside resident says `` pretty much , '' that translates to being whittled down to a June 5-7 run in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first time the famed four will perform since playing Ballydoyle in Aurora on March 7 , before stay-at-home entered the lexicon .
For full-time musicians who depend on gate receipts , merchandise sales and payments from now canceled private gatherings , it can make a guitar gently weep .
`` It 's insane , for lack of a better word .
That 's where we make all our money , or most of it , '' said James Paul Lynch of Lake in the Hills , American English 's George Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Beatles retrospective , the Chicago-based band has played internationally numerous times .
Still , about 70 % of its bookings are local , Lynch said , with `` probably 80 % '' of its revenue coming from May through September .
`` Obviously we have no choice but to follow government directives , and we want everybody to be safe , '' he said .
`` Not to be corny , but that 's foremost on our mind .
But we need to make a living . ''
Keith Semple , leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with another metropolitan staple , 7th Heaven , sings a similar refrain .
`` It almost seems selfish '' to lament lost bookings when thousands of Americans have perished due to COVID-19 , he said .
The four-piece rock outfit 's last genre-busting performance of original and cover songs was a March 14 fundraiser for the Forever U youth development organization .
All dates since -- including at Mundelein Community Days -- have been canceled .
`` This is probably the longest I 've ever gone that I have n't been on stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Naperville-Plainfield border .
`` It 's very weird to go from something you 've done your whole life to not doing it at all . ''
Taking what they 're given 'cause they 're working for a living , Semple band now performs full concerts each Monday on Facebook Live .
Band members socially distance themselves in Semple 's home studio or play remotely .
Semple also plays solo shows each Wednesday .
Often more than 6,000 fans watch .
In both cases `` tip jars '' can be filled via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Without our fans tuning in and sending us money , we would be in much more dire straits than we are now , '' Semple said .
`` Every tip we get is paying our mortgage or feeding our family . ''
There are many mouths to feed in Boy Band Review , a seven-piece tribute to acts such as NSYNC , the Jonas Brothers and One Direction .
In demand throughout the Midwest with festival appearances like Lisle 's Eyes to the Skies , Boy Band Review 's next gig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That remains tentative , and their summer slate has been dashed or pushed back until late summer , fall or 2021 .
`` The challenging thing is all the different states have different protocols to get back to some sort of normalcy , '' said Brian Bender , your Joey Fatone from NSYNC .
`` Illinois changes every day in what they 're doing .
Indiana and Iowa seem less strict , so they 're experimenting with things , but the challenging thing is capacity issues . ''
`` When you restrict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as big as it was , and you 're actually losing money , '' Bender said .
The band and its members have filed for grants , unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance , Bender said .
It 's also added masks to its line of merchandise .
Members have offered lessons and have produced or edited videos for other bands such as Chicago 's Sixteen Candles .
`` We 're like a little musical family , and we 'll stay positive and go through our little lows and our highs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We just do n't know when , '' Bender said .

Help! Popular festival bands, and their fans, on the outs with no dates to play
The four-piece Semple band was scheduled to perform at Mundelein Community Days in June until that festival was canceled due to spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Ethan Alex Photography/SEMPLE band
The members of the seven-member Boy Band Review haven't seen each other since playing at the Fire Bar in Crystal Lake on March 14. Courtesy of Morgan Gilreath
This story has been updated to correct the credit on the photo of Boy Band Review.
A hard day's night? Tell them about it.
Under COVID-19 restrictions, the bands that entertain audiences at summer festivals, nightclubs, casinos, corporate outings and weddings face a dearth of bookings, if not a total wash.
"Our June dissolved pretty much, and our July dissolved right before my eyes," said Eric Michaels, who portrays Paul McCartney in the long-running Beatles tribute band, American English.
When the Countryside resident says "pretty much," that translates to being whittled down to a June 5-7 run in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
That will be the first time the famed four will perform since playing Ballydoyle in Aurora on March 7, before stay-at-home entered the lexicon.
For full-time musicians who depend on gate receipts, merchandise sales and payments from now canceled private gatherings, it can make a guitar gently weep.
Popular bands like American English have fallen on challenging times as gigs have dried up because of COVID-19 restrictions. "Our June dissolved pretty much, and our July dissolved right before my eyes," says Eric Michaels, who portrays Paul McCartney. - Courtesy of American English
"It's insane, for lack of a better word. That's where we make all our money, or most of it," said James Paul Lynch of Lake in the Hills, American English's George Harrison.
In more than two decades performing its Beatles retrospective, the Chicago-based band has played internationally numerous times.
Still, about 70% of its bookings are local, Lynch said, with "probably 80%" of its revenue coming from May through September.
"Obviously we have no choice but to follow government directives, and we want everybody to be safe," he said. "Not to be corny, but that's foremost on our mind. But we need to make a living."
Keith Semple, leader of the popular Semple band and formerly with another metropolitan staple, 7th Heaven, sings a similar refrain.
"It almost seems selfish" to lament lost bookings when thousands of Americans have perished due to COVID-19, he said.
"This is probably the longest I've ever gone that I haven't been on stage," says Keith Semple, leader of the Semple band. - Courtesy of Ethan Alex Photography/SEMPLE band
The four-piece rock outfit's last genre-busting performance of original and cover songs was a March 14 fundraiser for the Forever U youth development organization.
All dates since -- including at Mundelein Community Days -- have been canceled.
"This is probably the longest I've ever gone that I haven't been on stage," said Semple, who lives on the Naperville-Plainfield border. "It's very weird to go from something you've done your whole life to not doing it at all."
Taking what they're given 'cause they're working for a living, Semple band now performs full concerts each Monday on Facebook Live.
Band members socially distance themselves in Semple's home studio or play remotely. Semple also plays solo shows each Wednesday. Often more than 6,000 fans watch.
In both cases "tip jars" can be filled via Venmo, Zelle or PayPal online services.
"Without our fans tuning in and sending us money, we would be in much more dire straits than we are now," Semple said. "Every tip we get is paying our mortgage or feeding our family."
There are many mouths to feed in Boy Band Review, a seven-piece tribute to acts such as NSYNC, the Jonas Brothers and One Direction.
In demand throughout the Midwest with festival appearances like Lisle's Eyes to the Skies, Boy Band Review's next gig is July 11 in Marion, Iowa.
That remains tentative, and their summer slate has been dashed or pushed back until late summer, fall or 2021.
"The challenging thing is all the different states have different protocols to get back to some sort of normalcy," said Brian Bender, your Joey Fatone from NSYNC.
"Illinois changes every day in what they're doing. Indiana and Iowa seem less strict, so they're experimenting with things, but the challenging thing is capacity issues."
"When you restrict the capacity, the profit margin is not as big as it was, and you're actually losing money," Bender said.
The band and its members have filed for grants, unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Bender said.
It's also added masks to its line of merchandise. Members have offered lessons and have produced or edited videos for other bands such as Chicago's Sixteen Candles.
"We're like a little musical family, and we'll stay positive and go through our little lows and our highs, and we'll get back at it. We just don't know when," Bender said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-21--Are the wide open roads during the pandemic leading to more reckless driving?

The wide-open highways and traffic-free commutes may seem like a slight silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic , but is all that clear roadway ahead making our time behind the wheel more dangerous ?
A spike in crash fatality rates during the early weeks of the health crisis , along with growing reports of reckless driving across the country , has safety advocates and police concerned that the drop in traffic is leading to a rise in risky behavior .
`` Excessive speeds and reckless driving have become more prevalent across the nation due to less vehicles on the roadways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pretkelis told us Thursday .
A report released Wednesday by the Itasca-based National Safety Council seems to back that up .
According to the study , the rate of crash fatalities was up 14 % in the U.S. and 11 % in Illinois in March 2020 when compared to March 2019 .
The study measures deaths per 100 million miles driven .
Those figures upend what had been a trend of declining crash-related deaths during the past two years , according to the council .
`` A big part of this is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis , '' said Ken Kolosh , director of the council 's statistical reporting and statistical estimating systems .
`` Some drivers are seeing the open roads as opportunity to speed and engage in other risky driving behavior . ''
Kolosh notes that while crash-related deaths nationally were down 8 % in March compared to that month last year , the decline failed to keep pace with the 18 % reduction in miles driven .
What police are doing With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and a potential lifting of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepping up efforts to get reckless drivers off the roads .
Bartlett police are teaming with departments in Elgin , Streamwood and Hanover Park , as well as the Illinois State Police , to launch a traffic enforcement and education campaign .
It will focus on speeding , driving under the influence , distracted driving and other behaviors that lead to crashes , especially along busy thoroughfares such as Route 59 and Route 20 .
`` We 're trying to make sure the public can travel safely and focus on dangerous driving behaviors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
And if the threat of a costly ticket or thoughts of your own safety do n't get you to ease up on the gas pedal , how about an appeal to the greater good ?
Staying out of crashes allows health care workers to focus on treating COVID-19 patients , Kolosh points out .
`` It 's one way we can all do our part -- stay safe and stay out of the hospital , '' he said .
DuPage County authorities are awaiting toxicology results to determine if the March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was caused by her husband , Alan , kicking her repeatedly in the leg the day before , a prosecutor told Judge Ann Celine O'Halloran Walsh Wednesday .
So far , Alan Wang , 55 , is charged with aggravated domestic battery , but prosecutors could upgrade the charge .
Wang has asked for an independent autopsy of his wife , with special attention given to incisions from a recent plastic surgery .
The news came during a hearing about letting Wang speak on the telephone with his 8-year-old son , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecutors say the boy told police he heard thumps on March 7 and his mother screaming on March 8 .
The boy is now living with relatives in Arizona .
Walsh agreed to let Wang call the boy , but only if the calls are supervised by a representative of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services .
And Wang is to speak only in English , unless the DCFS rep knows the Chinese dialect Wang also speaks .
The judge denied Wang 's motion to get back three computers , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35,000 cash Naperville police seized from his home .
Illinois is back in the top 10 states to be a cop , according to an annual survey by the personal finance website WalletHub .
According to the site 's formula ranking life and work factors in five categories , the Land of Lincoln ranks 10th when it comes to wearing the badge , up from 11th last year .
What makes Illinois appealing ?
Follow the money .
According to the survey , the median income for law enforcement officers ranks third in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks on the job .
The state placed 27th in police deaths per 1,000 officers .
The best states , according to the site , are Connecticut , North Dakota and New York .
Bringing up the rear are Arkansas , Louisiana and Alaska .
• Have a question , tip or comment ?
Email us at copsandcrime @ dailyherald.com .

Are the wide open roads during the pandemic leading to more reckless driving?
With schools closed, shops and restaurants shuttered and many working from home, the roads are far less crowded than usual these days. Police and safety advocates worry that's leading to more speeding and reckless driving. AP Photo/Michael Probst
By Chuck Keeshan and Susan Sarkauskas
The wide-open highways and traffic-free commutes may seem like a slight silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is all that clear roadway ahead making our time behind the wheel more dangerous?
A spike in crash fatality rates during the early weeks of the health crisis, along with growing reports of reckless driving across the country, has safety advocates and police concerned that the drop in traffic is leading to a rise in risky behavior.
"Excessive speeds and reckless driving have become more prevalent across the nation due to less vehicles on the roadways," Bartlett police Deputy Chief Geoffrey Pretkelis told us Thursday.
A report released Wednesday by the Itasca-based National Safety Council seems to back that up. According to the study, the rate of crash fatalities was up 14% in the U.S. and 11% in Illinois in March 2020 when compared to March 2019. The study measures deaths per 100 million miles driven.
Those figures upend what had been a trend of declining crash-related deaths during the past two years, according to the council.
"A big part of this is likely an increase in risky driving during the COVID-19 crisis," said Ken Kolosh, director of the council's statistical reporting and statistical estimating systems. "Some drivers are seeing the open roads as opportunity to speed and engage in other risky driving behavior."
Kolosh notes that while crash-related deaths nationally were down 8% in March compared to that month last year, the decline failed to keep pace with the 18% reduction in miles driven.
What police are doing
With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and a potential lifting of some stay-at-home restrictions next week, police are stepping up efforts to get reckless drivers off the roads.
Bartlett police are teaming with departments in Elgin, Streamwood and Hanover Park, as well as the Illinois State Police, to launch a traffic enforcement and education campaign. It will focus on speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving and other behaviors that lead to crashes, especially along busy thoroughfares such as Route 59 and Route 20.
"We're trying to make sure the public can travel safely and focus on dangerous driving behaviors that result in injuries," Pretkelis said.
And if the threat of a costly ticket or thoughts of your own safety don't get you to ease up on the gas pedal, how about an appeal to the greater good? Staying out of crashes allows health care workers to focus on treating COVID-19 patients, Kolosh points out.
"It's one way we can all do our part -- stay safe and stay out of the hospital," he said.
The wait continues
DuPage County authorities are awaiting toxicology results to determine if the March 8 death of Hongyan Yang, 35, was caused by her husband, Alan, kicking her repeatedly in the leg the day before, a prosecutor told Judge Ann Celine O'Halloran Walsh Wednesday.
Alan Wang of Naperville
So far, Alan Wang, 55, is charged with aggravated domestic battery, but prosecutors could upgrade the charge. Wang has asked for an independent autopsy of his wife, with special attention given to incisions from a recent plastic surgery.
The news came during a hearing about letting Wang speak on the telephone with his 8-year-old son, who may be called as a witness. Prosecutors say the boy told police he heard thumps on March 7 and his mother screaming on March 8. The boy is now living with relatives in Arizona.
Walsh agreed to let Wang call the boy, but only if the calls are supervised by a representative of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. And Wang is to speak only in English, unless the DCFS rep knows the Chinese dialect Wang also speaks.
The judge denied Wang's motion to get back three computers, two USB drives, several cellphones and $35,000 cash Naperville police seized from his home.
Top 10 list
Illinois is back in the top 10 states to be a cop, according to an annual survey by the personal finance website WalletHub.
According to the site's formula ranking life and work factors in five categories, the Land of Lincoln ranks 10th when it comes to wearing the badge, up from 11th last year.
What makes Illinois appealing? Follow the money. According to the survey, the median income for law enforcement officers ranks third in the nation. Not so great are the risks on the job. The state placed 27th in police deaths per 1,000 officers.
The best states, according to the site, are Connecticut, North Dakota and New York. Bringing up the rear are Arkansas, Louisiana and Alaska.
• Have a question, tip or comment? Email us at copsandcrime@dailyherald.com.