dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--State lawmakers heading back to Springfield next week, with precautions

After weeks in recess because of COVID-19 , the Illinois General Assembly will return to work next week for a weighty session amid revenue freefalls and partisan disputes over guidelines for lifting stay-at-home restrictions .
The special session declared by Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon is scheduled for May 20-22 .
Officials must follow several precautions to avoid any spread of the respiratory disease .
Based on Illinois Department of Public Health requirements , legislators must wear masks , be tested before the session resumes , undergo touchless temperature checks , and travel alone .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durkin , Madigan said he is requiring his Democratic caucus to sign a pledge agreeing to follow the IDPH guidelines and he asked the Western Springs Republican to do the same with his caucus .
`` We are particularly interested in resuming normal operation of the House -- but we must also recognize that these are not normal times .
A pandemic is not swayed by our speeches , by our desire for normalcy , or by political expediency , '' Madigan wrote .
Republican leaders had been calling for the legislature to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months of inaction , it is about time we get back to the job we were elected to do , '' Durkin , of Western Springs , said in a statement .
Harmon said he had high hopes the Senate could work in a bipartisan fashion , because since recessing in March , `` from far-flung living rooms , kitchen tables and home offices , senators have been working together while apart to figure out what we can and need to do now . ''
GOP Senate Leader Bill Brady fired a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduated income tax in November spearheaded by Gov .
J.B. Pritzker that Republicans oppose .
`` It is vital the legislature be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to maintaining the public 's health , reopening our state , moving our economy forward and overcoming a graduated income tax that would negatively impact Illinois families , '' Brady said .
Pritzker said he was pleased lawmakers were assembling .
`` It 's very important to me that we pass a COVID relief package for families of the state , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` How will we pay for it ?
We have real challenges with the loss of revenue because of COVID-19 .
We need to rely on the federal government and its support for all states in order for us provide the services people need . ''
The House will meet in the Bank of Springfield Convention Center and the Senate will meet at the Capitol , officials said .
At the convention center , lawmakers or their staffs who have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 test .
Inside , representatives will sit at 6-feet-long tables spaced apart .
Along with the COVID-19 response , lawmakers will work to address the shortfall in the 2020 budget related to the pandemic and the 2021 budget ; the state 's fiscal year starts July 1 .
Millions of dollars are being lost in sales and other taxes with high unemployment and businesses closing as a result of the disease .

State lawmakers heading back to Springfield next week, with precautions
The General Assembly is expected to reconvene next week for a special session after a lengthy recess because of COVID-19. Associated Press
After weeks in recess because of COVID-19, the Illinois General Assembly will return to work next week for a weighty session amid revenue freefalls and partisan disputes over guidelines for lifting stay-at-home restrictions.
The special session declared by Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon is scheduled for May 20-22. Officials must follow several precautions to avoid any spread of the respiratory disease.
Based on Illinois Department of Public Health requirements, legislators must wear masks, be tested before the session resumes, undergo touchless temperature checks, and travel alone.
In a letter to House GOP Leader Jim Durkin, Madigan said he is requiring his Democratic caucus to sign a pledge agreeing to follow the IDPH guidelines and he asked the Western Springs Republican to do the same with his caucus.
"We are particularly interested in resuming normal operation of the House -- but we must also recognize that these are not normal times. A pandemic is not swayed by our speeches, by our desire for normalcy, or by political expediency," Madigan wrote.
Republican leaders had been calling for the legislature to reconvene for some weeks.
"After two months of inaction, it is about time we get back to the job we were elected to do," Durkin, of Western Springs, said in a statement.
Harmon said he had high hopes the Senate could work in a bipartisan fashion, because since recessing in March, "from far-flung living rooms, kitchen tables and home offices, senators have been working together while apart to figure out what we can and need to do now."
GOP Senate Leader Bill Brady fired a warning shot about a referendum on a graduated income tax in November spearheaded by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that Republicans oppose.
"It is vital the legislature be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to maintaining the public's health, reopening our state, moving our economy forward and overcoming a graduated income tax that would negatively impact Illinois families," Brady said.
Pritzker said he was pleased lawmakers were assembling.
"It's very important to me that we pass a COVID relief package for families of the state, for small towns and for the small businesses," he said. "How will we pay for it? We have real challenges with the loss of revenue because of COVID-19. We need to rely on the federal government and its support for all states in order for us provide the services people need."
The House will meet in the Bank of Springfield Convention Center and the Senate will meet at the Capitol, officials said.
At the convention center, lawmakers or their staffs who have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher must leave and will be required to take a COVID-19 test.
Inside, representatives will sit at 6-feet-long tables spaced apart.
Along with the COVID-19 response, lawmakers will work to address the shortfall in the 2020 budget related to the pandemic and the 2021 budget; the state's fiscal year starts July 1. Millions of dollars are being lost in sales and other taxes with high unemployment and businesses closing as a result of the disease.
Daily Herald Staff Writer Jake Griffin contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--As college decision deadline nears, schools plan for some on-campus classes

As college campuses prepare to reopen in some fashion this fall , a bigger question remains : How many students will decide to show up ?
Higher education is bracing for enrollment declines as students hold off on pursuing a degree during a pandemic economy that wreaks havoc on family finances .
Health concerns pose a dilemma for households reconsidering whether to bear the cost of tuition if a student 's college experience is reduced to a computer screen .
Many schools have given high school seniors an extra month to make a final decision .
That confirmation deadline is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solidify their plans , public and private colleges have announced efforts to restart on-campus classes for the fall semester .
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign could transition to a combination of face-to-face and online instruction , but Chancellor Robert Jones has said the school will make a formal announcement by the middle of June .
In the suburbs , Elmhurst College and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn also are developing a `` hybrid model . ''
`` When we announced our intent , the goal would be to offer in-person learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we start our first year as Elmhurst University , but of course we 're going to make sure we comply with the state reopening plans , '' Elmhurst President Troy VanAken said .
Elmhurst officially will drop `` college '' from its moniker in June , a name change approved nearly a year ago .
It remains a liberal arts school with smaller class sizes that could accommodate social distancing .
Hybrid learning might have some students on site and others watching a video feed of the same class , VanAken said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social distancing would have different people come to in-person class at different times , '' he said .
Before the pandemic , Elmhurst had seen three years of record enrollment .
The school also has had a 7 % increase in its first- to second-year retention rate over the past three years , VanAken said .
`` Elmhurst came into this in a fairly strong position , '' he said .
`` That does n't mean we can just ignore a 10 % or 15 % or 20 % reduction in overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 're really watching .
`` What 's our fall enrollment look like at Elmhurst ?
And we 're doing some scenario planning there , anywhere from 5 % to 15 % down because we think that 's just prudent at this juncture . ''
Another liberal arts school , Wheaton College , has extended its confirmation deadline to June 1 .
Many admitted applicants are working to finalize their plans for the fall , but more than 95 % of eligible returning students already have confirmed -- a number on par @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We intend to do everything in our power to welcome students to campus in August , '' Wheaton President Philip Ryken said in a statement .
`` Although we can not promise this , we are planning for it .
If significant health and safety risks of COVID-19 dictate , we will not hesitate to shift decisively to an alternate scenario . ''
Judson University in Elgin intends to have staff gradually return throughout the summer and begin in-person classes at the start of the new academic year in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least three contingency plans based on government guidelines .
North Central College in Naperville is focusing on an in-person launch to the fall semester , President Troy Hammond wrote in a letter to families .
But a task force also is planning for a possible delayed start , or beginning the fall term with remote instruction and then moving to the in-person model .
In Lisle , Benedictine University expects students to return for the fall .
The Catholic school is creating a plan for each phase of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening .
Regardless of what fall classes will look like , faculties will have to spend the summer working out the logistics of all the scenarios .
Schools also are determining how to eventually bring students back into dorms and how to increase financial aid .
`` We 're going to still try to meet the needs of the students that are coming to us , '' VanAken said .

As college decision deadline nears, schools plan for some on-campus classes
"We intend to do everything in our power to welcome students to campus in August," Wheaton College President Philip Ryken said in a statement. "Although we cannot promise this, we are planning for it." Daily Herald file photo
"Our intent is to be open, but if the situation changes, we're going to be prepared to pivot," Elmhurst College President Troy VanAken said of plans for the fall semester. Daily Herald file photo
As college campuses prepare to reopen in some fashion this fall, a bigger question remains: How many students will decide to show up?
Higher education is bracing for enrollment declines as students hold off on pursuing a degree during a pandemic economy that wreaks havoc on family finances. Health concerns pose a dilemma for households reconsidering whether to bear the cost of tuition if a student's college experience is reduced to a computer screen.
Many schools have given high school seniors an extra month to make a final decision. That confirmation deadline is now June 1.
To help them solidify their plans, public and private colleges have announced efforts to restart on-campus classes for the fall semester.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign could move to a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, but Chancellor Robert Jones has said the school will make a formal announcement by the middle of June. In the suburbs, Elmhurst College and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn also are developing a "hybrid model."
"When we announced our intent, the goal would be to offer in-person learning in the fall if at all possible as we start our first year as Elmhurst University, but of course we're going to make sure we comply with the state reopening plans," Elmhurst President Troy VanAken said.
Elmhurst officially will drop "college" from its moniker in June, a name change approved nearly a year ago. It remains a liberal arts school with smaller class sizes that could accommodate social distancing. Hybrid learning might have some students on site and others watching a video feed of the same class, VanAken said.
"So one way to practice the social distancing would have different people come to in-person class at different times," he said.
Before the pandemic, Elmhurst had seen three years of record enrollment. The school also has had a 7% increase in its first- to second-year retention rate over the past three years, VanAken said.
"Elmhurst came into this in a fairly strong position," he said. "That doesn't mean we can just ignore a 10% or 15% or 20% reduction in overall enrollment, but I think that's what we're really watching. ... We're doing some scenario planning there, anywhere from 5% to 15% down, because we think that's just prudent at this juncture."
Another liberal arts school, Wheaton College, has extended its confirmation deadline to June 1. Many admitted applicants are working to finalize their plans for the fall, but more than 95% of eligible returning students already have confirmed -- a number on par with last year's at this time, spokeswoman LaTonya Taylor said.
"We intend to do everything in our power to welcome students to campus in August," Wheaton President Philip Ryken said in a statement. "Although we cannot promise this, we are planning for it. If significant health and safety risks of COVID-19 dictate, we will not hesitate to shift decisively to an alternate scenario."
Judson University in Elgin intends to have staff members gradually return throughout the summer and begin in-person classes at the start of the new academic year in August. University leaders also are developing at least three contingency plans based on government guidelines.
North Central College in Naperville is focusing on an in-person launch to the fall semester, President Troy Hammond wrote in a letter to families. But a task force also is planning for a possible delayed start, or beginning the fall term with remote instruction and then moving to the in-person model.
In Lisle, Benedictine University expects students to return for the fall. The Catholic school is creating a plan for each phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" road map to reopening.
Regardless of what fall classes will look like, faculties will have to spend the summer working out the logistics of all the scenarios. Schools also are determining how to eventually bring students back into dorms and how to increase financial aid.
Elmhurst College recently raised $104,000 for a student emergency fund.
"We're going to still try to meet the needs of the students that are coming to us," VanAken said.
• Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Schaumburg approves town's first recreational pot dispensary, planned near Woodfield

Schaumburg trustees have approved the village 's first recreational marijuana dispensary , in a prominent outlot building on the north side of Woodfield Mall 's parking lot .
Floramedex LLC , operating under the name Sunnyside , expects to open in the late summer or fall in the easternmost 8,640-square-foot space of Woodfield Gatherings , 1739 E. Golf Road .
The 11,606-square-foot building also houses Mod Pizza .
The 5-1 vote approving the proposal followed a debate kicked off by Trustee George Dunham raising concerns about the site 's visibility and high traffic .
`` Golf Road is a premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and while a cannabis dispensary has a right to be somewhere , I do n't think it 's here , '' Dunham said .
`` I do n't want someone 's first impression of Schaumburg , coming west on Golf Road , to be a pot palace .
If my language is a little bit derogatory , I 'm sorry , but that 's what I think . ''
Others , while expressing sympathy for Dunham 's concerns , disagreed .
`` I think this area is actually a prime location for something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Better than having it down on a strip mall somewhere closer to neighborhoods and residents .
This is more of a touristy area where we have people come into town , stay at our hotels , go shopping .
...
The design of it is pretty upscale and I believe it would be an attraction and not a deterrent . ''
Trustee Frank Kozak said he 's heard nothing negative about dispensaries that have opened elsewhere in the Northwest suburbs or the clientele they 've attracted , though he admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not Woodstock all over again by any means , '' he said .
`` I do n't think it 's going to be detrimental to the town . ''
Trustee Marge Connelly said has concerns about the amount of parking at this site , but noted the village spent a lot of time last year deciding that retail locations like this were the right spots for dispensaries .
`` This is very far from any residential , '' she said .
`` And by all depictions of what it 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to know what that is . ''
Another proposed dispensary -- Windy City Cannabis -- is expected to seek the village board 's approval May 26 , along with the rezoning it needs to occupy the former Bar Louie building at the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads .
But because the two locations are less than 1,500 feet apart , only one of Sunnyside and Windy City will receive a license to operate , under state law .
The first of the two dispensaries ready for business would receive @ @ @

Schaumburg approves town's first recreational pot dispensary, planned near Woodfield
A rendering of how the newly approved Sunnyside cannabis dispensary would appear from along Golf Road in Woodfield Gatherings, near the northwest corner of the Woodfield Mall parking lot in Schaumburg. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
Schaumburg trustees have approved the village's first recreational marijuana dispensary, in a prominent outlot building on the north side of Woodfield Mall's parking lot.
Floramedex LLC, operating under the name Sunnyside, expects to open in the late summer or fall in the easternmost 8,640-square-foot space of Woodfield Gatherings, 1739 E. Golf Road. The 11,606-square-foot building also houses Mod Pizza.
The 5-1 vote approving the proposal followed a debate kicked off by Trustee George Dunham raising concerns about the site's visibility and high traffic.
"Golf Road is a premier corridor for the village of Schaumburg, and while a cannabis dispensary has a right to be somewhere, I don't think it's here," Dunham said. "I don't want someone's first impression of Schaumburg, coming west on Golf Road, to be a pot palace. If my language is a little bit derogatory, I'm sorry, but that's what I think."
Others, while expressing sympathy for Dunham's concerns, disagreed.
"I think this area is actually a prime location for something like this," Trustee Mark Madej said. "Better than having it down on a strip mall somewhere closer to neighborhoods and residents. This is more of a touristy area where we have people come into town, stay at our hotels, go shopping. ... The design of it is pretty upscale and I believe it would be an attraction and not a deterrent."
Trustee Frank Kozak said he's heard nothing negative about dispensaries that have opened elsewhere in the Northwest suburbs or the clientele they've attracted, though he admitted they can generate long lines.
"It's not Woodstock all over again by any means," he said. "I don't think it's going to be detrimental to the town."
Trustee Marge Connelly said has concerns about the amount of parking at this site, but noted the village spent a lot of time last year deciding that retail locations like this were the right spots for dispensaries.
"This is very far from any residential," she said. "And by all depictions of what it's going to look like, a kid's not going to know what that is."
Another proposed dispensary -- Windy City Cannabis -- is expected to seek the village board's approval May 26, along with the rezoning it needs to occupy the former Bar Louie building at the southeast corner of Golf and Meacham roads.
But because the two locations are less than 1,500 feet apart, only one of Sunnyside and Windy City will receive a license to operate, under state law. The first of the two dispensaries ready for business would receive the license.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Casey's Foods in Naperville temporarily closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19

A Naperville grocery store remained closed Wednesday for a deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ is helping with the daylong process of sanitizing the entire Casey 's Foods store , @ @ @ @ @ a Facebook post .
On Thursday , Casey 's Foods at 124 W. Gartner Road @ @ @ @ @ for curbside pickup of online orders .
`` We will increase capacity during that time @ @ @ @ @ A reopening of in-store shopping is set for 8 a.m. Monday .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ our increased sanitation practices and limited foot traffic , '' Visher wrote .
A year @ @ @ @ @ took the reins of the independent grocer from a second-generation owner .
She joined Casey @ @ @ @ @ business manager , human resources manager and accountant .

Casey's Foods in Naperville temporarily closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19
Independent grocer Casey's Food is set to reopen in-store shopping Monday after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. Courtesy of Casey's Foods
A Naperville grocery store remained closed Wednesday for a deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus.
A third-party industrial cleaning company is helping with the daylong process of sanitizing the entire Casey's Foods store, President Kris Visher said in a Facebook post.
On Thursday, Casey's Foods at 124 W. Gartner Road plans to be open only for curbside pickup of online orders.
"We will increase capacity during that time," Visher wrote.
A reopening of in-store shopping is set for 8 a.m. Monday.
"We will continue to be diligent with our increased sanitation practices and limited foot traffic," Visher wrote.
A year ago this June, Visher took the reins of the independent grocer from a second-generation owner. She joined Casey's Foods in 2005 as business manager, human resources manager and accountant.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--May 13 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 43,100 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs , a little more than half the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 1,929 deaths in the suburbs , about 50 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Here are cases per county and some towns .
Not every town with cases is included .
• As of Wednesday , suburban Cook County had 23,332 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,096 deaths , according to the IDPH 's coronavirus website ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner 's office listed 1,084 cases of COVID-19 and 58 deaths in Des Plaines , 401 cases and 4 deaths in Mount Prospect , 396 cases and nine deaths in Wheeling , 347 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview , 341 cases and 7 deaths in Streamwood , 325 cases and 6 deaths in Palatine , 281 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates , 281 cases and 7 deaths in Schaumburg , 265 cases and 7 deaths in Arlington Heights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge , 186 cases and 7 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 170 cases and five deaths in Elk Grove Village , 131 cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 56 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
• The Lake County Health Department listed 5,799 confirmed cases and 189 deaths as of Wednesday .
• Cases in some towns : 1,765 to 1,769 in Waukegan ; 235 to 239 in Mundelein ; 170 to 174 in Gurnee ; 120 to 124 in Round Lake ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 to 64 in Libertyville ; 75 to 79 each in Wauconda and Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) ; 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich ; 55 to 59 in Grayslake ; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa .
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,234 confirmed cases and 269 deaths on its coronavirus website Wednesday .
• Cases and deaths per suburb include 459 cases and five deaths in Addison , 430 cases and 1 death in West Chicago , 360 cases and three deaths in Glendale Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bensenville , 329 cases and 20 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 330 cases and 24 deaths in Carol Stream , 192 cases and 8 deaths in Lombard , 172 cases and 25 deaths in Elmhurst , 172 cases and 5 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 146 cases and 2 deaths in Villa Park , 143 cases and 13 deaths in Downers Grove , 141 cases and 14 deaths in Wheaton , 107 cases and 15 deaths in Willowbrook , and 98 cases and 2 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Department confirmed 3,839 cases with 98 deaths on its website Wednesday at kanehealth.com .
• Cases per town include 1,781 in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 844 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 336 in Carpentersville , 165 in South Elgin , 146 in St. Charles , 95 in Geneva , 80 in North Aurora , 62 in Batavia , and 29 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
• There have been 1,077 cases and 58 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,991 cases of COVID-19 and 220 deaths , according to the county health department 's website Wednesday .
• Cases per town include 241 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) , and 40 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

May 13 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Cook County's Department of Public Health has a website, shown here at the end of March, that breaks down cases of COVID-19 suburb by suburb.
Interactive map
Since the outbreak began, there have been 43,100 cases of COVID-19 in the suburbs, a little more than half the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 1,929 deaths in the suburbs, about 50% of all deaths in Illinois.
Here are cases per county and some towns. Not every town with cases is included.
Cook County
• As of Wednesday, suburban Cook County had 23,332 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,096 deaths, according to the IDPH's coronavirus website (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 33,074 cases and 1,493 fatalities.
• The Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner's office listed 1,084 cases of COVID-19 and 58 deaths in Des Plaines, 401 cases and 4 deaths in Mount Prospect, 396 cases and nine deaths in Wheeling, 347 cases and 26 deaths in Glenview, 341 cases and 7 deaths in Streamwood, 325 cases and 6 deaths in Palatine, 281 cases and five deaths in Hoffman Estates, 281 cases and 7 deaths in Schaumburg, 265 cases and 7 deaths in Arlington Heights, 216 cases and 26 deaths in Park Ridge, 186 cases and 7 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 170 cases and five deaths in Elk Grove Village, 131 cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 56 cases and nine deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
Lake County
• The Lake County Health Department listed 5,799 confirmed cases and 189 deaths as of Wednesday.
• Cases in some towns: 1,765 to 1,769 in Waukegan; 235 to 239 in Mundelein; 170 to 174 in Gurnee; 120 to 124 in Round Lake; 110 to 114 in Vernon Hills; 60 to 64 in Libertyville; 75 to 79 each in Wauconda and Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); 65 to 69 in Lake Zurich; 55 to 59 in Grayslake; and 25 to 29 in Lake Villa.
DuPage County
• The DuPage County Health Department reported 5,234 confirmed cases and 269 deaths on its coronavirus website Wednesday.
• Cases and deaths per suburb include 459 cases and five deaths in Addison, 430 cases and 1 death in West Chicago, 360 cases and three deaths in Glendale Heights, 353 cases and 7 deaths in Bensenville, 329 cases and 20 deaths in Naperville (DuPage portion), 330 cases and 24 deaths in Carol Stream, 192 cases and 8 deaths in Lombard, 172 cases and 25 deaths in Elmhurst, 172 cases and 5 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 146 cases and 2 deaths in Villa Park, 143 cases and 13 deaths in Downers Grove, 141 cases and 14 deaths in Wheaton, 107 cases and 15 deaths in Willowbrook, and 98 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn.
Kane County
• The Kane County Health Department confirmed 3,839 cases with 98 deaths on its website Wednesday at kanehealth.com.
• Cases per town include 1,781 in Aurora (Kane County portion), 844 in Elgin (Kane portion), 336 in Carpentersville, 165 in South Elgin, 146 in St. Charles, 95 in Geneva, 80 in North Aurora, 62 in Batavia, and 29 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County
• There have been 1,077 cases and 58 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department's website Wednesday.
Will County
• There have been 3,991 cases of COVID-19 and 220 deaths, according to the county health department's website Wednesday.
• Cases per town include 241 in Naperville (Will County portion), and 40 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Not a traditional graduation, but still a send-off to remember for Hoffman Estates seniors

The day before they were scheduled to be striding across a stage , receiving diplomas and applause , Hoffman Estates High School seniors instead marked their graduation Wednesday by driving slowly through their school parking lot , waving at masked and cheering teachers .
It was another unique experience in unprecedented circumstances for the Class of 2020 .
Principal Josh Schumacher said school leaders wanted to do something special for their 465 graduates .
`` We care a lot for our seniors , and in the current environment , we 've not been able to do a lot of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set one up where we could keep everyone safe but also still give them a celebration and some closure , '' he said .
And it worked for the staff as well .
`` Everybody 's missing each other , '' he said .
Some students drove themselves , but most came with their families .
Many rode in decorated cars , and some even wore caps and gowns .
`` I 'm excited to see all my kids , but it 's a very bittersweet day , '' said science teacher Suzanne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students with a cheer and a high kick .
`` My kids have worked so hard this year that it 's sad to see it end this way , but hopefully this can be a little bit of closure for them . ''
Math teacher Kyle Engles tried to look on the bright side .
`` My initial reaction was that I feel so bad for these seniors because they miss out on things like prom and graduation and stuff like that , but there 's still something to be said for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , '' he said .
`` Even though this is n't a traditional graduation , it is something they 'll remember for the rest of their lives . ''

Not a traditional graduation, but still a send-off to remember for Hoffman Estates seniors
The day before they were scheduled to be striding across a stage, receiving diplomas and applause, Hoffman Estates High School seniors instead marked their graduation Wednesday by driving slowly through their school parking lot, waving at masked and cheering teachers.
It was another unique experience in unprecedented circumstances for the Class of 2020.
Principal Josh Schumacher said school leaders wanted to do something special for their 465 graduates.
"We care a lot for our seniors, and in the current environment, we've not been able to do a lot of the traditional events, so we wanted to set one up where we could keep everyone safe but also still give them a celebration and some closure," he said.
And it worked for the staff as well.
"Everybody's missing each other," he said.
Some students drove themselves, but most came with their families. Many rode in decorated cars, and some even wore caps and gowns.
"I'm excited to see all my kids, but it's a very bittersweet day," said science teacher Suzanne Fetherling, who greeted each of her students with a cheer and a high kick. "My kids have worked so hard this year that it's sad to see it end this way, but hopefully this can be a little bit of closure for them."
Math teacher Kyle Engles tried to look on the bright side.
"My initial reaction was that I feel so bad for these seniors because they miss out on things like prom and graduation and stuff like that, but there's still something to be said for all these teachers coming out and wishing them well," he said. "Even though this isn't a traditional graduation, it is something they'll remember for the rest of their lives."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Animal Control calls deadly Ingleside attack by 55-pound French bulldog 'a unique isolated incident'

Lake County Animal Care and Control officials shared details Wednesday on the dog believed to have killed its owner Saturday in Ingleside .
The dog that attacked Lisa Urso , 52 , is a 55-pound French bulldog named Blue , according to Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Hannah Goering .
Contrary to some media reports , Goering said there is no evidence that Blue was ever involved in dog fighting or other mistreatment .
`` Typically dogs which have been trained to fight , whether as the aggressor or the victim , have visible scars or chewed-up ears , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very healthy-looking dog ; there were no signs of scarring .
There is no reason to believe that . ''
Goering said Blue , who has been showing signs of aggression while there , will likely be humanely euthanized .
If a member of Urso 's family expresses interest in adopting Blue , the matter could end up before a judge , and Goering said Animal Control officials would advocate against Blue 's being adopted .
Goering said animal control officials avoid labeling one breed of dog as `` safe '' and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should think of this attack as a unique isolated incident , '' Goering said .
`` I think people want to have closure over something this tragic and shocking , but we 're never necessarily going to know why this happened . ''
Officials believe the ultimately fatal attack on May 9 started when Blue bit Urso while she was alone at home .
Based on the state of the home , it appears Urso tried to flee through the back door .
Her mutilated body was found on her back porch Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office performed an autopsy Tuesday and determined Urso had been killed in a dog attack .
Blue first came to the attention of Animal Care and Control on April 13 when the dog bit someone .
Goering said because the bite happened inside Urso 's home , Blue was not taken into Animal Control possession .
Instead , Urso was instructed to keep Blue in the house and observe the dog for any signs he might have rabies .
There was no evidence Blue has or had rabies .
On April 21 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Care took the dog away from Urso , Goering said .
During the period Blue was with Animal Control and Care , the dog did not exhibit signs of being aggressive , Goering said .
Upon Urso 's request , Blue was returned to her on April 30 .
Goering said Blue and the other two dogs taken from Urso 's home after the attack Saturday will be held at the Animal Control facility in Libertyville until May 18 .
The other two dogs , a 1-year-old male French bulldog and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be offered to Urso 's family .
If no one takes the dogs , the animals will be sent to a shelter for adoption , Goering said .

Animal Control calls deadly Ingleside attack by 55-pound bulldog mix 'a unique isolated incident'
Editor's note: This story updated to include new information on the breed of the dog, which is a French bulldog-bulldog mix.
Lake County Animal Care and Control officials shared details Wednesday on the dog believed to have killed its owner Saturday in Ingleside.
The dog that attacked Lisa Urso, 52, is a 55-pound French bulldog-bulldog mix named Blue, according to Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Hannah Goering. She said in early April Blue was first reported to Animal Control by Urso as a pure French bulldog but Animal Control officials later categorized the dog as a French bulldog-Bulldog mix.
Contrary to some media reports, Goering said there is no evidence that Blue was ever involved in dog fighting or other mistreatment.
"Typically dogs which have been trained to fight, whether as the aggressor or the victim, have visible scars or chewed-up ears," Goering said. "This was a very healthy-looking dog; there were no signs of scarring. There is no reason to believe that."
Goering said Blue, who has been showing signs of aggression while in animal control's custody, will likely be humanely euthanized. If a member of Urso's family expresses interest in adopting Blue, the matter could end up before a judge, and Goering said animal control officials would advocate against Blue's being adopted.
Goering said animal control officials avoid labeling one breed of dog as "safe" and another as "dangerous."
"People should think of this attack as a unique isolated incident," Goering said. "I think people want to have closure over something this tragic and shocking, but we're never necessarily going to know why this happened."
Officials believe the ultimately fatal attack on May 9 started when Blue bit Urso while she was alone at home. It appears Urso tried to flee through the back door. Her mutilated body was found on her back porch Saturday.
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper's office performed an autopsy Tuesday and determined Urso had been killed in a dog attack.
Blue first came to the attention of Animal Care and Control on April 13 after the dog bit someone. Goering said because the bite happened inside Urso's home, Blue was not taken into animal control possession. Instead, Urso was instructed to keep Blue in the house and observe the dog for any signs he might have rabies. There was no evidence Blue has or had rabies.
On April 21, Blue bit again, so Animal Control and Care took the dog away from Urso, Goering said. During the period Blue was with Animal Control and Care, the dog did not exhibit signs of being aggressive, Goering said. Upon Urso's request, Blue was returned to her on April 30.
Goering said Blue and the other two dogs taken from Urso's home after the attack Saturday will be held at the animal control facility in Libertyville until May 18.
The other two dogs, a 1-year-old male French bulldog and a 15-year-old border collie-Australian cattle dog mix, will be offered to Urso's family. If no one takes the dogs, the animals will be sent to a shelter for adoption.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Shutdown supporters take on constitutional-rights backers in final Kane County COVID-19 chat

Supporters of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's COVID-19 efforts showed up in large numbers for the first time in the final Kane County public video discussion with residents about how the virus is affecting them .
But distrust of government statistics and unsubstantiated beliefs were still rampant among the more than 30 participants in Tuesday night 's session .
The third video discussion between county residents and board Chairman Chris Lauzen saw a more even split among residents who support the stay-at-home order and those who want the economy to open sooner .
The first two discussions featured mostly residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks and ending the quarantine for people who are n't at the highest risk .
Many of those sentiments remained among the Tuesday night callers .
`` I 'm tired of being beat over the head with science , '' Mike Finneran said .
`` The scientists have been wrong from day one and over and over again .
I 'm begging you .
This has to be the opportunity of a lifetime for a politician to protect our constitutional rights . ''
For many , those rights include not wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they are going out without masks , are meeting with others and will not get a COVID-19 vaccine if one becomes available .
Four people said they believe cures exist for COVID-19 .
There is wide agreement among global health officials that there are treatments to assist recovery , but no cure .
Bogus belief in a cure and pledges to go without a mask fueled consternation from those who support being patient with science and the recommended prevention measures .
`` The idea of a shutdown , if we actually practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and takes responsibility for not contaminating others , you will see the economy recover much sooner , '' said Linda Robertson , who identified herself as a microbiologist .
`` I 'm pleading with you .
Watch the science .
Read scientific articles . ''
Lauzen told resident Deborah Fisher that Kane County is seeing 99.8 % of people who get the virus recover , meaning only 0.2 % die .
Statistics compiled by the Kane County Health Department show that as of Tuesday night , there had been 93 deaths out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death rate .
Fisher did n't take Lauzen 's figure as a sign to ease the prevention measures .
`` That says , 'Yay , Kane County is taking this seriously , ' '' Fisher told Lauzen .
`` People in Kane County are doing what needs to be done to keep us safe .
That accounts for the good statistics .
I hope we keep on doing it until we can get back to normal . ''
In what he described as an effort to address some of the mistrust of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the county board on whether Coroner Rob Russell should continue to have the ability to publish the numbers of COVID-19 deaths he 's compiling in the official county newsletter .
Russell 's stats are different from what the county health department reports .
His stats include all COVID-19 deaths in the county , not just those of county residents .
For example , the number of people from other counties who die in a Kane County hospital is marked with an asterisk in the reports .
Board members decided , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue publishing the numbers in the newsletter .
Supporters argued Russell 's stats are accurate and more detailed than what the health department makes available .

Shutdown supporters take on constitutional-rights backers in final Kane County COVID-19 chat
Supporters of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's COVID-19 efforts showed up in large numbers for the first time in the final Kane County public video discussion with residents about how the virus is affecting them.
But distrust of government statistics and unsubstantiated beliefs were still rampant among the more than 30 participants in Tuesday night's session.
The third video discussion between county residents and board Chairman Chris Lauzen saw a more even split among residents who support the stay-at-home order and those who want the economy to open sooner. The first two discussions featured mostly residents who supported opening local businesses, not wearing masks and ending the quarantine for people who aren't at the highest risk.
Many of those sentiments remained among the Tuesday night callers.
"I'm tired of being beat over the head with science," Mike Finneran said. "The scientists have been wrong from day one and over and over again. I'm begging you. This has to be the opportunity of a lifetime for a politician to protect our constitutional rights."
For many, those rights include not wearing a face mask in public. Several callers said they are going out without masks, are meeting with others and will not get a COVID-19 vaccine if one becomes available. Four people said they believe cures exist for COVID-19.
There is wide agreement among global health officials that there are treatments to assist recovery, but no cure.
Bogus belief in a cure and pledges to go without a mask fueled consternation from those who support being patient with science and the recommended prevention measures.
"The idea of a shutdown, if we actually practice it, where everybody wears a mask and takes responsibility for not contaminating others, you will see the economy recover much sooner," said Linda Robertson, who identified herself as a microbiologist. "I'm pleading with you. Watch the science. Read scientific articles."
Lauzen told resident Deborah Fisher that Kane County is seeing 99.8% of people who get the virus recover, meaning only 0.2% die. Statistics compiled by the Kane County Health Department show that as of Tuesday night, there had been 93 deaths out of 3,629 cases, or a 2.56% death rate.
Fisher didn't take Lauzen's figure as a sign to ease the prevention measures.
"That says, 'Yay, Kane County is taking this seriously,'" Fisher told Lauzen. "People in Kane County are doing what needs to be done to keep us safe. That accounts for the good statistics. I hope we keep on doing it until we can get back to normal."
In what he described as an effort to address some of the mistrust of government COVID-19 statistics, Lauzen pushed a vote by the county board on whether Coroner Rob Russell should continue to have the ability to publish the numbers of COVID-19 deaths he's compiling in the official county newsletter.
Russell's stats are different from what the county health department reports. His stats include all COVID-19 deaths in the county, not just those of county residents. For example, the number of people from other counties who die in a Kane County hospital is marked with an asterisk in the reports.
Board members decided, in a 12-11 vote, to allow Russell to continue publishing the numbers in the newsletter. Supporters argued Russell's stats are accurate and more detailed than what the health department makes available.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--RiverEdge Park cancels summer concert season due to COVID-19

The stage will remain silent this summer at Aurora 's RiverEdge Park .
Officials announced Wednesday that the outdoor concert venue 's entire 2020 summer concert season has been canceled because of the COVID-19 crisis .
In a statement , RiverEdge Park management said it ca n't offer the concert series while ensuring the health and safety of everyone at the facility at 360 N. Broadway St. in downtown Aurora .
`` It breaks our hearts to have to make this difficult decision , '' the statement reads .
`` The music and camaraderie at RiverEdge has become a part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suburbs during the summer -- but rest assured , music will fill the air next season . ''
The statement says RiverEdge was able to reschedule `` just about every artist '' to summer 2021 .
Tickets purchased for rescheduled performances will be automatically transferred to the new date in 2021 .
Patrons have until 60 days before the new date to let RiverEdge know if they ca n't make it .
If an event is n't rescheduled , ticketholders can request a credit , refund or donate their purchase .
As part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual Blues on the Fox Festival has been pushed back to June 18-19 , 2021 .
Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were supposed to be the headliners for this year 's festival .
Both have confirmed they will remain in the 2021 festival lineup .
Other performances that have been postponed are : • The Chicago Experience , a Chicago tribute band , has been rescheduled to perform on June 25 , 2021 .
• Satisfaction : The International Rolling Stones Tribute and the Aurora fireworks celebration has been rescheduled to July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These Nights , an Eagles tribute band , has been rescheduled to July 9 , 2021 .
• TUSK , a Fleetwood Mac tribute band , has been rescheduled to July 16 , 2021 .
• Stayin ' Alive , a Bee Gees tribute band , has been rescheduled to July 30 , 2021 .
• Hollywood Nights , a Bob Seger tribute band , has been rescheduled to Aug. 6 , 2021 .
• Get the Led Out , a Led Zeppelin tribute band , has been rescheduled to Aug. 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are trying to work out dates for Snoop Dogg , Poi Dog Pondering and Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform in 2021 .
Anyone with questions can call the box office 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at ( 630 ) 896-6666 .
For details , visit riveredgeaurora.com or follow @ RiverEdgeAurora on Facebook and Twitter .

RiverEdge Park cancels summer concert season due to COVID-19
Get the Led Out: A Celebration of "The Mighty Zep" is a among a list of acts that had their concerts at Aurora's RiverEdge Park pushed back to 2021. The band's performance has been rescheduled to Aug. 20, 2021. Courtesy of RiverEdge Park
The stage will remain silent this summer at Aurora's RiverEdge Park.
Officials announced Wednesday that the outdoor concert venue's entire 2020 summer concert season has been canceled because of the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement, RiverEdge Park management said it can't offer the concert series while ensuring the health and safety of everyone at the facility at 360 N. Broadway St. in downtown Aurora.
"It breaks our hearts to have to make this difficult decision," the statement reads. "The music and camaraderie at RiverEdge has become a part of the fabric of Aurora and the suburbs during the summer -- but rest assured, music will fill the air next season."
The statement says RiverEdge was able to reschedule "just about every artist" to summer 2021.
Tickets purchased for rescheduled performances will be automatically transferred to the new date in 2021. Patrons have until 60 days before the new date to let RiverEdge know if they can't make it.
If an event isn't rescheduled, ticketholders can request a credit, refund or donate their purchase.
As part of the revised schedule, the 24th annual Blues on the Fox Festival has been pushed back to June 18-19, 2021.
Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were supposed to be the headliners for this year's festival. Both have confirmed they will remain in the 2021 festival lineup.
Other performances that have been postponed are:
• The Chicago Experience, a Chicago tribute band, has been rescheduled to perform on June 25, 2021.
• Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute and the Aurora fireworks celebration has been rescheduled to July 2, 2021.
• One of These Nights, an Eagles tribute band, has been rescheduled to July 9, 2021.
• TUSK, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, has been rescheduled to July 16, 2021.
• Stayin' Alive, a Bee Gees tribute band, has been rescheduled to July 30, 2021.
• Hollywood Nights, a Bob Seger tribute band, has been rescheduled to Aug. 6, 2021.
• Get the Led Out, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, has been rescheduled to Aug. 20, 2021.
Meanwhile, RiverEdge officials said they are trying to work out dates for Snoop Dogg, Poi Dog Pondering and Tedeschi Trucks Band to perform in 2021.
Anyone with questions can call the box office 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at (630) 896-6666. For details, visit riveredgeaurora.com or follow @RiverEdgeAurora on Facebook and Twitter.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Volo Auto Museum mourns death of co-founder

Bill Grams , who with his brother turned a 20-acre farm property into the renowned Volo Auto Museum , has died .
Grams , 77 , of Volo , died of a heart attack Tuesday at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington after battling cancer , according to a news release .
In an indication of his hierarchy within the collectible automobiles market , Grams ' bidder number was 4 with the popular Mecum Auctions company .
`` The car industry is a little less full without him , '' Brian Grams , his nephew and the museum 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He was very well-known and liked by the car community , very much a staple in the collector car world . ''
Bill Grams and his younger brother , Greg , grew up on a nonoperating dairy farm northwest of routes 12 and 120 , and , as teenagers , they enjoyed renovating automobiles `` put out to pasture '' by area farmers , according to the museum website .
Their handiwork paid off when they sold a 1931 Chrysler CD-8 Roadster , which Greg Grams had restored , for $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Museum in 1960 .
It 's now a 35-acre family destination that includes various exhibits and a collection of 400 cars dating to the 1900s .
It also handles purchases and sales of collectible vehicles .
In recent decades , Bill Grams was dedicated to running the museum 's Antique Malls and pre-World War II collection .
Grams was a proponent for Volo 's incorporation in April 1993 and served on its first village board .
Greg Grams said his brother continued to attend car auctions until last winter , when his illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more the business-oriented brother of the operation , he appreciated the personal touch Bill Grams brought to auctions , business events and to the auto museum .
`` He was the one who always cheered me up , '' Greg Grams said .
`` I 'm going to miss my best friend . ''
Bill Grams also is survived by his wife of 56 years , Carolyn ; a daughter , Lisa ; a son-in-law , Keith Santiago ; a sister-in-law , Marilyn Miller ; a granddaughter , Mila ; and nephews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kandie ) .
Arrangements are being handled by Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations in Fox Lake .
Services and burial will be private , with a memorial reception on a later date .

Bill Grams, a co-founder of the Volo Auto Museum, died Tuesday at age 77. Courtesy of Volo Auto Museum
Bill Grams, who with his brother turned a 20-acre farm property into the renowned Volo Auto Museum, has died.
Grams, 77, of Volo, died of a heart attack Tuesday at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Lake Barrington after battling cancer, according to a news release.
In an indication of his hierarchy within the collectible automobiles market, Grams' bidder number was 4 with the popular Mecum Auctions company.
"The car industry is a little less full without him," Brian Grams, his nephew and the museum's director, said in the statement. "He was very well-known and liked by the car community, very much a staple in the collector car world."
Bill Grams and his younger brother, Greg, grew up on a nonoperating dairy farm northwest of routes 12 and 120, and, as teenagers, they enjoyed renovating automobiles "put out to pasture" by area farmers, according to the museum website. Their handiwork paid off when they sold a 1931 Chrysler CD-8 Roadster, which Greg Grams had restored, for $25,000.
The brothers co-founded the Volo Auto Museum in 1960. It's now a 35-acre family destination that includes various exhibits and a collection of 400 cars dating to the 1900s. It also handles purchases and sales of collectible vehicles. In recent decades, Bill Grams was dedicated to running the museum's Antique Malls and pre-World War II collection.
Grams was a proponent for Volo's incorporation in April 1993 and served on its first village board.
Greg Grams said his brother continued to attend car auctions until last winter, when his illness worsened. While Greg Grams tended to be more the business-oriented brother of the operation, he appreciated the personal touch Bill Grams brought to auctions, business events and to the auto museum.
"He was the one who always cheered me up," Greg Grams said. "I'm going to miss my best friend."
Bill Grams also is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn; a daughter, Lisa; a son-in-law, Keith Santiago; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller; a granddaughter, Mila; and nephews Brian (Lesa) and Jay (Kandie).
Arrangements are being handled by Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations in Fox Lake. Services and burial will be private, with a memorial reception on a later date.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Our two new Facebook groups, newsletters bring you school news, good news

We all know a teacher , and we all love good news , right ?
That 's why we 've created two new Facebook groups for you to join -- Suburban Teachers and Good News from the Suburbs .
If you are a teacher , or you know an amazing teacher you 'd like to recognize , we 'd love for you to join our group by clicking here .
We 'll share all sorts of education and teacher-related news , and we 'd love for you to do the same .
We also hope to highlight some of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other news and stories that are important to educators , parents and your community .
And we all need a daily dose of good news to lift our spirits , especially now .
That 's the goal of our Good News Facebook group , which you can join by clicking here .
Share positive and uplifting news from around the Chicago suburbs -- news about your neighbors , your schools , people in your community .
We want to hear about all of it .
We also offer Suburban Teachers and Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sent to your inbox once a week , full of news to keep you up to date on the latest education news and positive suburban stories .
Sign up for both by clicking here .

Our two new Facebook groups, newsletters bring you school news, good news
Our new Suburban Teachers Facebook group and newsletter will feature news and stories that are important to educators, parents and community members.
We all know a teacher, and we all love good news, right? That's why we've created two new Facebook groups for you to join -- Suburban Teachers and Good News from the Suburbs -- along with two new corresponding newsletters.
If you are a teacher, or you know an amazing teacher you'd like to recognize, we'd love for you to join our group by clicking here. We'll share all sorts of education and teacher-related news, and we'd love for you to do the same. We also hope to highlight some of your favorite teachers in this group, along with other news and stories that are important to educators, parents and your community.
Share positive and uplifting news from your community as part of our Good News from the Suburbs Facebook group. -
And we all need a daily dose of good news to lift our spirits, especially now. That's the goal of our Good News Facebook group, which you can join by clicking here. Share positive and uplifting news from around the Chicago suburbs -- news about your neighbors, your schools, people in your community. We want to hear about all of it.
We also offer Suburban Teachers and Good News Sunday newsletters. They are free and sent to your inbox once a week, full of news to keep you up to date on the latest education news and positive suburban stories. Sign up for both by clicking here.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-12--Plain White T's takes over Chicago Sound Check for livestream concert Friday

Like many Chicago-area musicians , the Plain White T 's are on something of a performance break .
The band 's U.K. tour was canceled , along with all the spring shows , so Tom Higgenson is focusing on the music right now .
`` We ca n't do much of anything else , '' he said , `` so I 've just been trying to kind of chip away at some song ideas . ''
Higgenson and Plain White T 's bandmate Tim Lopez will be taking over Chicago Sound Check 's Instagram Live account at 7 p.m. Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our weekly concert and interview series .
The show , sponsored by the Daily Herald , Mike 's Hard Lemonade and White Claw , will follow a different format from the last two weeks , which were more interview-based with songs sprinkled in .
This week 's streaming concert will start with a chat with Higgenson before letting the musicians fly on a set of songs , answering fan questions along the way .
On tap are some fan favorites , but Higgenson said they 're leaving space in the set for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1997 in DuPage County as a punk-leaning rock band , the Plain White T 's rose to fame in 2006 when the song `` Hey There Delilah '' hit the top of the Billboard charts .
The band went on to receive two Grammy nominations , and the album `` Every Second Counts '' went gold .
The Plain White T 's recently appeared on the pre-quarantine premiere of `` The Bachelor '' spinoff `` Listen To Your Heart , '' which allowed the band a nice trip to Los Angeles before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band also recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of the release of `` All That We Needed , '' with an expanded digital reissue of the album , including five acoustic sessions from 2005 .
But during quarantine , Higgenson said , he 's looking ahead at some new music for the band .
As one of the songwriters for the T 's , as well as his own side project Million Miler and Darren Vorel-fronted TLB , Higgenson is keeping busy with the pen at his Elmhurst home .
According to Higgenson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for upcoming releases .
With three albums in the works as well as managing his Humans Were Here record label , he has his hands full .
`` I 've been doing that , and I 've been trying to catch up on my movies , '' he said .
`` I had a goal to watch 30 movies in April , and I think I got to like nine . ''

Plain White T's takes over Chicago Sound Check for livestream concert Friday
Tim Lopez, left, and Tom Higgenson, of the Plain White T's will take over Chicago Sound Check's Instagram Live for a concert Friday, May 15. Courtesy of Colin Lane
Like many Chicago-area musicians, the Plain White T's are on something of a performance break. The band's U.K. tour was canceled, along with all the spring shows, so Tom Higgenson is focusing on the music right now.
"We can't do much of anything else," he said, "so I've just been trying to kind of chip away at some song ideas."
Higgenson and Plain White T's bandmate Tim Lopez will be taking over Chicago Sound Check's Instagram Live account at 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, as part of our weekly concert and interview series.
The show, sponsored by the Daily Herald, Mike's Hard Lemonade and White Claw, will follow a different format from the last two weeks, which were more interview-based with songs sprinkled in. This week's streaming concert will start with a chat with Higgenson before letting the musicians fly on a set of songs, answering fan questions along the way.
On tap are some fan favorites, but Higgenson said they're leaving space in the set for a request or two as well.
Started in 1997 in DuPage County as a punk-leaning rock band, the Plain White T's rose to fame in 2006 when the song "Hey There Delilah" hit the top of the Billboard charts. The band went on to receive two Grammy nominations, and the album "Every Second Counts" went gold.
The Plain White T's recently appeared on the pre-quarantine premiere of "The Bachelor" spinoff "Listen To Your Heart," which allowed the band a nice trip to Los Angeles before the country went into lockdown.
The band also recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of the release of "All That We Needed," with an expanded digital reissue of the album, including five acoustic sessions from 2005. But during quarantine, Higgenson said, he's looking ahead at some new music for the band.
As one of the songwriters for the T's, as well as his own side project Million Miler and Darren Vorel-fronted TLB, Higgenson is keeping busy with the pen at his Elmhurst home. According to Higgenson, all three projects are getting new music ready for upcoming releases. With three albums in the works as well as managing his Humans Were Here record label, he has his hands full.
"I've been doing that, and I've been trying to catch up on my movies," he said. "I had a goal to watch 30 movies in April, and I think I got to like nine."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Morning star Felicia Middlebrooks retiring from WBBM

Felicia Middlebrooks , the trailblazing broadcaster who 's been a star of morning-drive radio in Chicago for more than 35 @ @ @ @ @ 's leaving WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM , the No .
1-rated Entercom all-news powerhouse , Robert @ @ @ @ @ 62 , said her last day on the air will be May 29 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ has been the joy and honor of my life , the fulfillment of a dream @ @ @ @ @ for which I am deeply grateful , '' she wrote in an open letter to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm not retiring .
I 'm rewiring .
I 'm transitioning to @ @ @ @ @ platform , which will include documentaries and feature films , audiobooks and other projects , @ @ @ @ @ .
My first venture is a new podcast I 've created , called 'She Matters @ @ @ @ @ empowering women . ''
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , @ @ @

Morning star Felicia Middlebrooks retiring from WBBM
Felicia Middlebrooks, the trailblazing broadcaster who's been a star of morning-drive radio in Chicago for more than 35 years, announced today she's leaving WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM.
Felicia Middlebrooks, the trailblazing broadcaster who's been a star of morning-drive radio in Chicago for more than 35 years, announced today she's leaving WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM, the No. 1-rated Entercom all-news powerhouse, Robert Feder writes.
Middlebrooks, 62, said her last day on the air will be May 29.
"My career at Newsradio 780 has been the joy and honor of my life, the fulfillment of a dream, a wonderful remarkable journey for which I am deeply grateful," she wrote in an open letter to listeners, colleagues and friends.
"I'm not retiring. I'm rewiring. I'm transitioning to long-form storytelling on a multimedia platform, which will include documentaries and feature films, audiobooks and other projects, through my company Saltshaker Productions. My first venture is a new podcast I've created, called 'She Matters,' which focuses on empowering women."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--District 303 to celebrate graduates with video, yard signs amid coronavirus pandemic

They wo n't be walking across the stage this month to receive their diplomas .
They did n't get to dress up for prom with their friends .
They wo n't finish their spring athletic programs or attend their last award nights or say goodbye to their favorite teachers .
What is usually a celebratory time for high school seniors has been drastically disrupted by the coronavirus crisis , evoking frustration and disappointment among students , their families and even their educators , St. Charles Unit District 303 officials said .
Administrators have been trying to roll with the punches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Class of 2020 while still adhering to social distancing guidelines : video graduation ceremonies , yard signs , virtual honors nights , a senior raffle .
But some St. Charles North and East parents believe their kids deserve a larger-scale celebration -- parades , photo opportunities , drive-through ceremonies -- before moving into the next phase of their lives .
`` These hardworking students have been robbed of their last semester of school , '' said Katie Obernesser , whose son is graduating from St. Charles North .
`` This is an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet another loss . ''
Last month , the district secured July 25 as an alternative date for St. Charles North and East graduations , originally scheduled for May 21 at Northern Illinois University 's Convocation Center .
The venue has since announced it will not host events through July , prompting officials to push the ceremonies to Aug. 2 , district spokeswoman Carol Smith said .
But even a late summer graduation might not be feasible given the uncertainty of the pandemic and the fluidity of restrictions , she said .
Wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of this unique situation , '' Superintendent Jason Pearson said , the district has hired Herff Jones to produce a graduation video for each high school that includes speeches , footage of students and an individual slide for each graduate that can be personalized .
The videos , set to be released June 28 , are considered a first step in the district 's festivities , Pearson said .
Students can pick up their caps and gowns by May 26 to have their photos taken .
Parent-teacher organizations are placing signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and county guidelines change , he added , the district could organize additional in-person celebrations for later in the summer .
`` We know how important this is to families and graduates .
Our hearts break for them as well , '' Smith said .
`` We 'd like nothing better than to celebrate their accomplishments . ''
Several parents criticized the district 's plans during a school board meeting this week , suggesting that each high school instead hold a graduation procession in their vehicles or another way in which seniors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is of the essence , Obernesser said , pointing to students who are entering the military or leave for college early .
`` The only thing getting in the way of some sort of social distance graduation is the bureaucracy , '' she said .
`` We can not wait until August for a graduation . ''
Graduation plans are being sent out in letters from principals , as well as weekly newsletters from college and career counselors .
The district also is adding informational pages to each high school 's website , @ @ @

District 303 to celebrate graduates with video, yard signs amid coronavirus pandemic
St. Charles Unit District 303 officials are developing plans for celebrating high school seniors amid the coronavirus pandemic, but some parents say virtual ceremonies and yard signs are not enough. Daily Herald file photo
They won't be walking across the stage this month to receive their diplomas.
They didn't get to dress up for prom with their friends. They won't finish their spring athletic programs or attend their last award nights or say goodbye to their favorite teachers.
What is usually a celebratory time for high school seniors has been drastically disrupted by the coronavirus crisis, evoking frustration and disappointment among students, their families and even their educators, St. Charles Unit District 303 officials said.
Administrators have been trying to roll with the punches, developing creative ways to recognize the Class of 2020 while still adhering to social distancing guidelines: video graduation ceremonies, yard signs, virtual honors nights, a senior raffle.
But some St. Charles North and East parents believe their kids deserve a larger-scale celebration -- parades, photo opportunities, drive-through ceremonies -- before moving into the next phase of their lives.
"These hardworking students have been robbed of their last semester of school," said Katie Obernesser, whose son is graduating from St. Charles North. "This is an opportunity to not let our children suffer from yet another loss."
Last month, the district secured July 25 as an alternative date for St. Charles North and East graduations, originally scheduled for May 21 at Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center.
The venue has since announced it will not host events through July, prompting officials to push the ceremonies to Aug. 2, district spokeswoman Carol Smith said. But even a late summer graduation might not be feasible given the uncertainty of the pandemic and the fluidity of restrictions, she said.
Wanting to provide seniors with a memento "in light of this unique situation," Superintendent Jason Pearson said, the district has hired Herff Jones to produce a graduation video for each high school that includes speeches, footage of students and an individual slide for each graduate that can be personalized.
The videos, set to be released June 28, are considered a first step in the district's festivities, Pearson said. Students can pick up their caps and gowns by May 26 to have their photos taken. Parent-teacher organizations are placing signs in each graduate's yard.
If state and county guidelines change, he added, the district could organize additional in-person celebrations for later in the summer.
"We know how important this is to families and graduates. Our hearts break for them as well," Smith said. "We'd like nothing better than to celebrate their accomplishments."
Several parents criticized the district's plans during a school board meeting this week, suggesting that each high school instead hold a graduation procession in their vehicles or another way in which seniors could hear their names announced.
Time is of the essence, Obernesser said, pointing to students who are entering the military or leave for college early.
"The only thing getting in the way of some sort of social distance graduation is the bureaucracy," she said. "We cannot wait until August for a graduation."
Graduation plans are being sent out in letters from principals, as well as weekly newsletters from college and career counselors. The district also is adding informational pages to each high school's website, Smith said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Chicago, Rockford, Joliet dioceses: State OKs plan to start reopening churches as soon as May 23

Catholic churches could start reopening as soon as May 23 under a plan Chicago-area church leaders say is approved by the state .
Citing an agreement with the governor 's office , Cardinal Blase Cupich on Wednesday , in an open letter published on the Archdiocese of Chicago website , announced a plan for the gradual reopening of churches that would ultimately include ticketing or reservation systems and contact tracing .
`` The Plan has been developed by the bishops of the Chicago Province in consultation with and the approval of state and local public health officials and civil authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the Rockford and Joliet dioceses released identical summaries of the plan that presents a Phase I , Phase IA and Phase II .
Phase I involves `` Limited Sacramental Celebrations and Private Prayer . ''
It first establishes procedures parishes can use to reestablish baptisms , reconciliations , weddings and funerals for a limit of 10 people , excluding ministers and on-site staff .
It could begin as soon as Saturday , May 23 .
Phase IA involves steps to reopen for Eucharistic Adoration and private prayer with the 10-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , May 30 .
In Phase II , weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups could restart `` depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building . ''
The greater number of parish team members would be allowed `` if civil authorities permit an increase in the crowd size . ''
The dioceses did not put a time estimate on Phase II .
Their summaries said that during Phase I `` the resumption of public Mass , even with 10 or fewer attendees , would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex process , which requires the input of lessons that will be learned from Phase I . ''
But in his separate letter introducing the plan on Wednesday , Bishop David J. Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford wrote : `` Our goal at this point is to begin to celebrate Mass in the presence of the faithful , consistent with the guidelines for gatherings , on Monday , May 25 .
That will be subject to the ability of each parish to fulfill the necessary conditions . ''
Each parish must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each phase .
Each pastor is to recruit volunteers to implement the reopening plan ; they would undergo training by webinar the week of May 18 .
And the pastor must create a six-person leadership team to manage operations and supervise church cleaning , setup and greetings .
In Phase II , regarding daily and Sunday masses , the parish must implement a `` reservation/ticketing system to maintain order and facilitate possible contact tracing of infection . ''
The beginning of the dioceses ' summaries listed four `` guiding principles '' : to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable way , to be aware of a potential second wave of coronavirus infections , to establish trust for the safety of churchgoers , and to have churchgoers take personal responsibility for their own safety and common good .
Cupich said each stage of the plan will be reviewed through discussions with pastors , health professionals and civil authorities , and adjustments may be made based on data .
`` We expect this situation to continue for some weeks , and any plan for reopening our churches for public worship must include every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a second wave of contagion , thus squandering the gains made through our sacrifice in these days , '' he wrote .
The state did not provide any information on the agreement with the dioceses .
The Archdiocese of Chicago covers much of the Chicago suburbs , particularly in Lake and Cook counties .
The Diocese of Joliet reaches DuPage and Will counties , while the Diocese of Rockford reaches Kane and McHenry counties .

Chicago, Rockford, Joliet dioceses: State OKs plan to start reopening churches as soon as May 23
Catholic churches could start reopening as soon as May 23 under a plan Chicago-area church leaders say is approved by the state.
Citing an agreement with the governor's office, Cardinal Blase Cupich on Wednesday, in an open letter published on the Archdiocese of Chicago website, announced a plan for the gradual reopening of churches that would ultimately include ticketing or reservation systems and contact tracing.
"The Plan has been developed by the bishops of the Chicago Province in consultation with and the approval of state and local public health officials and civil authorities," he wrote.
The archdiocese as well as the Rockford and Joliet dioceses released identical summaries of the plan that presents a Phase I, Phase IA and Phase II.
Phase I involves "Limited Sacramental Celebrations and Private Prayer." It first establishes procedures parishes can use to reestablish baptisms, reconciliations, weddings and funerals for a limit of 10 people, excluding ministers and on-site staff. It could begin as soon as Saturday, May 23.
Phase IA involves steps to reopen for Eucharistic Adoration and private prayer with the 10-person limit. It could begin the following Saturday, May 30.
In Phase II, weekday and weekend Masses for larger groups could restart "depending on the guidelines from the state and the capacity of the church building." The greater number of parish team members would be allowed "if civil authorities permit an increase in the crowd size."
The dioceses did not put a time estimate on Phase II.
Their summaries said that during Phase I "the resumption of public Mass, even with 10 or fewer attendees, would not be allowed as it is a more complex process, which requires the input of lessons that will be learned from Phase I."
But in his separate letter introducing the plan on Wednesday, Bishop David J. Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford wrote: "Our goal at this point is to begin to celebrate Mass in the presence of the faithful, consistent with the guidelines for gatherings, on Monday, May 25. That will be subject to the ability of each parish to fulfill the necessary conditions."
Each parish must be certified by the archdiocese or diocese at each phase. Each pastor is to recruit volunteers to implement the reopening plan; they would undergo training by webinar the week of May 18. And the pastor must create a six-person leadership team to manage operations and supervise church cleaning, setup and greetings.
In Phase II, regarding daily and Sunday masses, the parish must implement a "reservation/ticketing system to maintain order and facilitate possible contact tracing of infection."
The beginning of the dioceses' summaries listed four "guiding principles": to provide church functions in a timely, reasonable way, to be aware of a potential second wave of coronavirus infections, to establish trust for the safety of churchgoers, and to have churchgoers take personal responsibility for their own safety and common good.
Cupich said each stage of the plan will be reviewed through discussions with pastors, health professionals and civil authorities, and adjustments may be made based on data.
"We expect this situation to continue for some weeks, and any plan for reopening our churches for public worship must include every precaution to ensure public gatherings do not create a second wave of contagion, thus squandering the gains made through our sacrifice in these days," he wrote.
The state did not provide any information on the agreement with the dioceses. The Archdiocese of Chicago covers much of the Chicago suburbs, particularly in Lake and Cook counties. The Diocese of Joliet reaches DuPage and Will counties, while the Diocese of Rockford reaches Kane and McHenry counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-13--Church members bring inspiration to residents of Wauconda Care

Some sat quietly and watched with tired eyes while others waved and touched their own hearts to show thankfulness .
One resident of Wauconda Care even tried to take a phone call from the strangers drawing flowers on her window .
Four dozen members of Alpine Chapel of Lake Zurich sang , prayed and wrote messages of inspiration on the windows of the residents Wednesday evening in Wauconda .
`` These little nursing facilities are the ones that are lacking , and so we want to show we care , '' said Donna Riemer , outreach director of Alpine Chapel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally has about 100 residents .
At last count , 61 residents and staff members have been infected with COVID-19 , and 14 have died .
`` They could sure use a big hug , '' said Riemer .
The event was part of the church 's `` Hope Month , '' when each weekend of May is dedicated to a service project .
The Wauconda Care facility was chosen because it was hit so hard by the virus .
The church also brought dinners for the staff and applied static-cling stickers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each window .
Lead Pastor Dave Mudd reminded those gathered in the parking lot to `` surround them with messages of hope '' as he prayed afterward .

Church members bring inspiration to residents of Wauconda Care
Some sat quietly and watched with tired eyes while others waved and touched their own hearts to show thankfulness.
One resident of Wauconda Care even tried to take a phone call from the strangers drawing flowers on her window. Four dozen members of Alpine Chapel of Lake Zurich sang, prayed and wrote messages of inspiration on the windows of the residents Wednesday evening in Wauconda.
"These little nursing facilities are the ones that are lacking, and so we want to show we care," said Donna Riemer, outreach director of Alpine Chapel, a nondenominational church.
Wauconda Care normally has about 100 residents. At last count, 61 residents and staff members have been infected with COVID-19, and 14 have died.
"They could sure use a big hug," said Riemer.
The event was part of the church's "Hope Month," when each weekend of May is dedicated to a service project.
The Wauconda Care facility was chosen because it was hit so hard by the virus.
The church also brought dinners for the staff and applied static-cling stickers that spelled out "Hope is Yours" to each window.
Lead Pastor Dave Mudd reminded those gathered in the parking lot to "surround them with messages of hope" as he prayed afterward.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-14--Constable: Being the 'youngest ever' is old hat to 17-year-old college grad

The first time he took the ACTs required by many colleges , Niam Abeysiriwardena scored a 28 , which ranked him in the top 10 % of high school seniors .
He was 10 years old and simply offering proof that he was ready for high school .
Now the 17-year-old Northbrook resident , who graduated from Glenbrook South High School at age 13 , is believed to be the youngest Lake Forest College graduate in the school 's 163-year history .
`` It was a big deal for about two seconds , '' Niam says of the age difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He arrived on campus at age 13 and quickly made friends and formed academic bonds .
`` I made some good friends in college , '' he says , adding that even though he lived at home he went to some college parties .
`` The major difference was a lot of them were drinking .
I was n't . ''
He had to complete his driver 's training class to graduate high school , but he still does n't have his license .
In academia , however , his age is nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of achievements .
Niam , listed as first author , and classmate Sam Gascoigne had their paper , `` Algal Bloom Expansion Increases Cyanotoxin Risk in Food , '' published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine .
`` It was a cool topic .
I got to work on it for three years , from the neuroscience , biology and computer science perspectives , '' says Niam , who worked with Robert Holliday , a mathematics and computer science professor in the Lake Forest computer science program .
`` Math and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Realizing the teen had interests beyond the scope of Lake Forest College , professors reached out to professor Mitra Hartmann at Northwestern University , where Niam began conducting biomedical engineering research .
At 16 , Niam received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship and did research in the 2019 Parkinson 's Foundation-American Parkinson Disease Association Summer Student Fellowship Program .
He received the Phi Beta Kappa key and other honors for his academic accomplishments , which he started compiling at an early age .
`` One thing I 'm not the youngest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest , '' says Niam , who has a younger brother , Anish , 14 , and an 11-year-old sister , Nishela .
Their parents , Angela Anandappa and Nish Abeysiriwardena , are Sri Lankan immigrants who came to the United States to attend the University of Kentucky and have worked in the U.S. ever since .
Niam 's dad has a doctoral degree in electrical engineering , and his mom has a doctoral degree and works as a food scientist .
Born when his parents had jobs in San Luis Obispo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family moved to Huntsville , Alabama .
At 3 , he drew the attention of his Montessori teachers .
When he started kindergarten at a public magnet school , teachers had him take kindergarten and first grade at the same time .
`` I remember just moving across the hall a few times a day , '' Niam says .
As a second-grader , he went to the third-grade math class , and he went to fifth-grade math as a third-grader .
`` My dad has a spreadsheet to keep track of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family to Lexington , Kentucky , where Niam became a top student at Rosa Parks Elementary School .
When the family moved back to Huntsville , Niam took classes from an online high school until the 10-year-old became a standout student at New Century of Technology High School .
`` It was n't really that tough , '' Niam says of always being the new kid who was years younger than his classmates .
`` I kind of had it better than most kids in that situation .
I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' With his family now living in Northbrook , 12-year-old Niam started his senior year walking the halls at Glenbrook South High School , where he was on the math team .
He did go to prom , but that was years later , when he went with his younger brother , who also graduated early and just finished his freshman year at Lake Forest College at age 14 .
Grad school and a Ph.D. and maybe an M.D .
are in the plans , `` but it 's kind of hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young age , '' Niam says .
For now , he is working remotely doing research for Northwestern .
`` I appreciate what research can do , but I also want to apply it , '' Niam says .
`` I also like making mathematical models , especially ones that help humans live better lives . ''
The way he looks at it , by graduating college at 17 instead of 22 , he 's already invented a time machine of sorts .
`` The thing I appreciate the most , '' Niam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five more years that I 've earned back . ''

Constable: Being the 'youngest ever' is old hat to 17-year-old college grad
Compiling scholarships and academic honors throughout his career, 17-year-old Niam Abeysiriwardena of Northbrook received Phi Beta Kappa honors while becoming the youngest graduate in the 163-year history of Lake Forest College. Courtesy of Niam Abeysiriwardena
Four years ago, at age 13, Niam Abeysiriwardena graduated from Glenbrook South High School. Now 17, Abeysiriwardena is believed to be the youngest graduate in the 163-year history of Lake Forest College. Courtesy of Niam Abeysiriwardena
The first time he took the ACTs required by many colleges, Niam Abeysiriwardena scored a 28, which ranked him in the top 10% of high school seniors. He was 10 years old and simply offering proof that he was ready for high school.
Now the 17-year-old Northbrook resident, who graduated from Glenbrook South High School at age 13, is believed to be the youngest Lake Forest College graduate in the school's 163-year history.
"It was a big deal for about two seconds," Niam says of the age difference between him and his college peers. He arrived on campus at age 13 and quickly made friends and formed academic bonds.
"I made some good friends in college," he says, adding that even though he lived at home he went to some college parties. "The major difference was a lot of them were drinking. I wasn't."
He had to complete his driver's training class to graduate high school, but he still doesn't have his license. In academia, however, his age is nothing more than a footnote on his list of achievements.
Niam, listed as first author, and classmate Sam Gascoigne had their paper, "Algal Bloom Expansion Increases Cyanotoxin Risk in Food," published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.
"It was a cool topic. I got to work on it for three years, from the neuroscience, biology and computer science perspectives," says Niam, who worked with Robert Holliday, a mathematics and computer science professor in the Lake Forest computer science program. "Math and modeling are pretty cool things for me."
Four years ago, at age 13, Niam Abeysiriwardena graduated from Glenbrook South High School. Now 17, Abeysiriwardena is believed to be the youngest graduate in the 163-year history of Lake Forest College. - Courtesy of Niam Abeysiriwardena
Realizing the teen had interests beyond the scope of Lake Forest College, professors reached out to professor Mitra Hartmann at Northwestern University, where Niam began conducting biomedical engineering research. At 16, Niam received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship and did research in the 2019 Parkinson's Foundation-American Parkinson Disease Association Summer Student Fellowship Program. He received the Phi Beta Kappa key and other honors for his academic accomplishments, which he started compiling at an early age.
"One thing I'm not the youngest in is home, where I'm the oldest," says Niam, who has a younger brother, Anish, 14, and an 11-year-old sister, Nishela. Their parents, Angela Anandappa and Nish Abeysiriwardena, are Sri Lankan immigrants who came to the United States to attend the University of Kentucky and have worked in the U.S. ever since. Niam's dad has a doctoral degree in electrical engineering, and his mom has a doctoral degree and works as a food scientist.
Niam Abeysiriwardena, standing at left with his family, father Nish Abeysiriwardena, mother Angela Anandappa, brother Anish and sister Nishela. - Courtesy of Niam Abeysiriwardena
Born when his parents had jobs in San Luis Obispo, California, Niam started school after his family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. At 3, he drew the attention of his Montessori teachers. When he started kindergarten at a public magnet school, teachers had him take kindergarten and first grade at the same time.
"I remember just moving across the hall a few times a day," Niam says. As a second-grader, he went to the third-grade math class, and he went to fifth-grade math as a third-grader.
"My dad has a spreadsheet to keep track of this," Niam says.
Jobs moved the family to Lexington, Kentucky, where Niam became a top student at Rosa Parks Elementary School. When the family moved back to Huntsville, Niam took classes from an online high school until the 10-year-old became a standout student at New Century of Technology High School.
"It wasn't really that tough," Niam says of always being the new kid who was years younger than his classmates. "I kind of had it better than most kids in that situation. I don't think I was ever made fun of."
Even as a toddler, Niam Abeysiriwardena was showing academic prowess beyond his years. After graduating from Glenbrook South High School at age 13, the Northbrook resident just became the youngest graduate of Lake Forest College at age 17. - Courtesy of Niam Abeysiriwardena
With his family now living in Northbrook, 12-year-old Niam started his senior year walking the halls at Glenbrook South High School, where he was on the math team. He did go to prom, but that was years later, when he went with his younger brother, who also graduated early and just finished his freshman year at Lake Forest College at age 14.
Grad school and a Ph.D. and maybe an M.D. are in the plans, "but it's kind of hard to get into a program at such a young age," Niam says. For now, he is working remotely doing research for Northwestern.
"I appreciate what research can do, but I also want to apply it," Niam says. "I also like making mathematical models, especially ones that help humans live better lives."
The way he looks at it, by graduating college at 17 instead of 22, he's already invented a time machine of sorts. "The thing I appreciate the most," Niam says, "is that I have five more years that I've earned back."