dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--South Elgin's Panton Mill Park nears completion

Construction is nearly complete on improvements to South Elgin 's Panton Mill Park .
`` We have basically completely transformed the area from what it was , '' Village Administrator Steve Super said .
Highlights include a large stage , 5,000-square-foot covered pavilion and a splash pad .
New sidewalks throughout help to divide the spaces and their uses , Super said .
The nearly $ 5 million project , paid for with tax-increment financing funds , was set to open in time for the annual Riverfest summer festival in August , a deadline the village could have made , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cancellation due to the pandemic , officials adjusted their timeline to complete work in the next couple of weeks .
The 62-nozzle splash pad is a centerpiece and sits where a roundabout utility payment box used to be .
It features a decorative seating wall and shade arbor .
The pad can be activated with a nearby button and motion sensor .
Limestone features prominently in the park design , an homage to the fact the city sits on a limestone shelf and has one of largest limestone mines in Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements were done with Riverfest in mind , but also to provide flexibility for other uses by the village and the public , Super said .
The new pavilion will replace the need for a large , expensive tent rental -- it costs $ 20,000 each year , he said -- during the festival and a space that could be rented out for private events such as weddings or family reunions , he said .
Everyday park users will appreciate the many electrical outlets and built-in USB chargers in the pavilion .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to save money in the future , '' said Kim Wascher , superintendent of parks and recreation .
`` The pavilion takes the place of the tent expense ever year , and the electricity keeps us from having to bring generators in . ''
The pavilion will also be well lit and will limit the need for extra lights .
`` Aside from the cost savings , limiting the noisy , smelly generators and need for safety fencing around them is going to make the user experience much , much better , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just south of the new stage , which will be similarly covered with a metal roof and tongue-in-groove wood ceiling .
The stage looks south toward the rest of the park and village hall .
`` This is the $ 64,000 view , or really $ 5 million view , '' Super joked .
`` Even with the construction equipment here , it 's a beautiful view .
This is really South Elgin . ''
Other improvements include added parking and a comfort station building that includes a concession stand , storage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overall revitalization of the area that Super said includes recent construction of senior condominiums , the recently opened Panton Mill Station apartments and affordable housing for the special needs community .
`` If you add it all up , it 's been about $ 72 million in private investment and about $ 7 million in public money , '' he said .
`` Bringing the people down to this area and all the private investment creates customers , creates atmosphere , it creates life and activity that will again spur more private @ @ @

South Elgin's Panton Mill Park nears completion
Construction is nearly complete on improvements to South Elgin's Panton Mill Park.
"We have basically completely transformed the area from what it was," Village Administrator Steve Super said.
Highlights include a large stage, 5,000-square-foot covered pavilion and a splash pad. New sidewalks throughout help to divide the spaces and their uses, Super said.
The nearly $5 million project, paid for with tax-increment financing funds, was set to open in time for the annual Riverfest summer festival in August, a deadline the village could have made, Super said. But with the event's cancellation due to the pandemic, officials adjusted their timeline to complete work in the next couple of weeks.
The 62-nozzle splash pad is a centerpiece and sits where a roundabout utility payment box used to be. It features a decorative seating wall and shade arbor. The pad can be activated with a nearby button and motion sensor.
- Rick West | Staff Photographer Workers install limestone caps on a seating wall for the splash pad Friday as part of a nearly $5 million improvement of Panton Mill Park along the Fox River.
Limestone features prominently in the park design, an homage to the fact the city sits on a limestone shelf and has one of largest limestone mines in Illinois, according to Super.
Many of the improvements were done with Riverfest in mind, but also to provide flexibility for other uses by the village and the public, Super said. The new pavilion will replace the need for a large, expensive tent rental -- it costs $20,000 each year, he said -- during the festival and a space that could be rented out for private events such as weddings or family reunions, he said.
Everyday park users will appreciate the many electrical outlets and built-in USB chargers in the pavilion.
"One of the goals with the project was to save money in the future," said Kim Wascher, superintendent of parks and recreation. "The pavilion takes the place of the tent expense ever year, and the electricity keeps us from having to bring generators in."
The pavilion will also be well lit and will limit the need for extra lights.
"Aside from the cost savings, limiting the noisy, smelly generators and need for safety fencing around them is going to make the user experience much, much better," Super said.
The pavilion is just south of the new stage, which will be similarly covered with a metal roof and tongue-in-groove wood ceiling. The stage looks south toward the rest of the park and village hall.
"This is the $64,000 view, or really $5 million view," Super joked. "Even with the construction equipment here, it's a beautiful view. This is really South Elgin."
- Rick West | Staff Photographer South Elgin Village Administrator Steve Super shows off some of the improvements at Panton Mill Park.
Other improvements include added parking and a comfort station building that includes a concession stand, storage and restrooms.
The park is part of an overall revitalization of the area that Super said includes recent construction of senior condominiums, the recently opened Panton Mill Station apartments and affordable housing for the special needs community.
"If you add it all up, it's been about $72 million in private investment and about $7 million in public money," he said.
"Bringing the people down to this area and all the private investment creates customers, creates atmosphere, it creates life and activity that will again spur more private investment."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Tentative December trial set for Andrew Freund as attorneys anticipate September resolution

The criminal case against the father of slain Crystal Lake boy AJ Freund could reach a conclusion Sept. 16 , when attorneys anticipate a potential plea deal .
During a brief court hearing Friday , McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt set a tentative December trial for 61-year-old Andrew T. Freund Sr. McHenry County Assistant State 's Attorney Randi Freese and Freund 's appointed attorney , Henry Sugden , do n't expect the case to go to trial , however .
`` I believe we will be able to resolve this on Sept. 16 , '' Freese told the judge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , it will begin Dec. 9 and could last about three days .
Sugden declined to comment on the details of any potential negotiated plea , which prosecutors had not yet formally offered as of Friday morning , he said .
`` I 'm still in discussions with the state , '' Sugden said .
Freund appeared in court Friday unshackled in an orange McHenry County Jail jumpsuit and a face mask .
More than a year has passed since his April 24 , 2019 , arrest , when police have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site where he allegedly buried AJ in a shallow grave .
Both Freund and AJ 's mother , 37-year-old JoAnn D. Cunningham , were charged with first-degree murder and a litany of felonies tied to their son 's death .
Investigators have said the parents forced AJ into a cold shower and beat him before putting him to bed naked , wet and cold the night of his April 15 , 2019 , death .
Days later , the parents falsely reported AJ missing , igniting a massive police and community search .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amended count of first-degree murder .
In July , Wilbrandt sentenced her to 35 years in prison .
The sentence came as a disappointment to the boy 's surviving family and McHenry County State 's Attorney Patrick Kenneally , who said they hoped Cunningham would receive the maximum 60-year sentence .
Freund remained at the McHenry County Jail Friday on a $ 5 million bond .

Tentative December trial set for Andrew Freund as attorneys anticipate September resolution
Andrew Freund is led out of McHenry County court Friday after a trial status appearance before Judge Robert Wilbrandt in Woodstock. Freund is accused in the April 2019 murder of son AJ Freund, 5. A tentative trial date is set for Dec. 9 but officials think the case could resolved in September. Matthew Apgar / Shaw Media, pool
Andrew Freund is led into McHenry County court in Woodstock on Friday for a trial status appearance before Judge Robert Wilbrandt. Freund faces multiple charges in the death of his 5-year-old son AJ Freund. A tentative trial date of Dec. 9 was set. Matthew Apgar / Shaw Media, pool
Andrew Freund is led out of court Friday after a trial status appearance before Judge Robert Wilbrandt at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock. Freund faces multiple charges in the April 2019 death of his son, AJ Freund, 5. A tentative trial date is set for Dec. 9. Matthew Apgar / Shaw Media, pool
The criminal case against the father of slain Crystal Lake boy AJ Freund could reach a conclusion Sept. 16, when attorneys anticipate a potential plea deal.
During a brief court hearing Friday, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt set a tentative December trial for 61-year-old Andrew T. Freund Sr.
McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Randi Freese and Freund's appointed attorney, Henry Sugden, don't expect the case to go to trial, however.
"I believe we will be able to resolve this on Sept. 16," Freese told the judge.
If the case does make it to trial, it will begin Dec. 9 and could last about three days.
Sugden declined to comment on the details of any potential negotiated plea, which prosecutors had not yet formally offered as of Friday morning, he said.
"I'm still in discussions with the state," Sugden said.
Freund appeared in court Friday unshackled in an orange McHenry County Jail jumpsuit and a face mask. More than a year has passed since his April 24, 2019, arrest, when police have said Freund led investigators to the rural Woodstock site where he allegedly buried AJ in a shallow grave.
Both Freund and AJ's mother, 37-year-old JoAnn D. Cunningham, were charged with first-degree murder and a litany of felonies tied to their son's death. Investigators have said the parents forced AJ into a cold shower and beat him before putting him to bed naked, wet and cold the night of his April 15, 2019, death. Days later, the parents falsely reported AJ missing, igniting a massive police and community search.
Cunningham pleaded guilty in December to an amended count of first-degree murder. In July, Wilbrandt sentenced her to 35 years in prison.
The sentence came as a disappointment to the boy's surviving family and McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally, who said they hoped Cunningham would receive the maximum 60-year sentence.
Freund remained at the McHenry County Jail Friday on a $5 million bond.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--3 arrested after Lake County police dog finds 5 pounds of meth during traffic stop

Lake County Sheriff 's Police have arrested three people on multiple drug charges after a police dog helped find a large cache of drugs in the trunk of a vehicle following a traffic stop , police said .
About 2 p.m. Tuesday , a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Wadsworth Road and Green Bay Road in Beach Park for a traffic infraction , police said in a news release .
Police had the dog , Duke , sniff the air around the vehicle , which indicated there was contraband in the trunk .
Sheriff 's deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds of methamphetamine , more than 700 grams of cocaine and over 20 grams of heroin , as well as a stolen firearm and a money counting machine , according to the news release .
Those arrested were the driver , Brandon Hidalgo-Flores , 23 , and passenger Efren Valadez , 38 , both of the 5000 block of South California Avenue , Chicago , and passenger Jose Lopez-Arellanes , 52 , who has no permanent address , police said .
The Lake County Sheriff 's Office Special Investigations Group then obtained information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1900 block of Drake Avenue , Chicago , and a search warrant was obtained , according to the release .
Working with Chicago police , sheriff 's detectives seized almost two more pounds of methamphetamine , more than 250 grams of heroin , more than 40 grams of cocaine , oxycodone pills , morphine pills , another firearm , and a device commonly used to divide drugs and repackage them in kilogram bricks , police said .
The three men are being held in the Lake County jail in lieu of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin , manufacturing of methamphetamine , possession of various drugs and obstructing justice .
He is due in court Sept. 1 .
Valadez faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin , manufacturing of methamphetamine , possession of various drugs and felon in possession of a stolen firearm .
He is due in court on Sept. 2 .
Hidalgo-Flores faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin , manufacturing of methamphetamine , and possession of various drugs .
He is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am extremely proud of our deputies and the members of our Special Investigations Group , '' Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said .

3 arrested after Lake County police dog finds 5 pounds of meth during traffic stop
Efren Valadez, 38, of Chicago faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, possession of various drugs and felon in possession of a stolen firearm.
Jose Lopez-Arellanes, 52, who has no permanent address, faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, possession of various drugs and obstructing justice.
Brandon Hidalgo-Flores, 23, of Chicago faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possession of various drugs.
It was Lake County Sheriff's police dog Duke sniffing air around a stopped vehicle that enabled sheriff's deputies to search the trunk, finding a large quantity of drugs as well as a stolen firearm and bill counter, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office
Lake County Sheriff's Police have arrested three people on multiple drug charges after a police dog helped find a large cache of drugs in the trunk of a vehicle following a traffic stop, police said.
About 2 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Wadsworth Road and Green Bay Road in Beach Park for a traffic infraction, police said in a news release. Police had the dog, Duke, sniff the air around the vehicle, which indicated there was contraband in the trunk.
Sheriff's deputies then searched the trunk and located five pounds of methamphetamine, more than 700 grams of cocaine and over 20 grams of heroin, as well as a stolen firearm and a money counting machine, according to the news release.
Those arrested were the driver, Brandon Hidalgo-Flores, 23, and passenger Efren Valadez, 38, both of the 5000 block of South California Avenue, Chicago, and passenger Jose Lopez-Arellanes, 52, who has no permanent address, police said.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group then obtained information indicating more drugs were at an apartment in the 1900 block of Drake Avenue, Chicago, and a search warrant was obtained, according to the release.
Working with Chicago police, sheriff's detectives seized almost two more pounds of methamphetamine, more than 250 grams of heroin, more than 40 grams of cocaine, oxycodone pills, morphine pills, another firearm, and a device commonly used to divide drugs and repackage them in kilogram bricks, police said.
The three men are being held in the Lake County jail in lieu of $500,000 bail each.
Lopez-Arellanes faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, possession of various drugs and obstructing justice. He is due in court Sept. 1.
Valadez faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, possession of various drugs and felon in possession of a stolen firearm. He is due in court on Sept. 2.
Hidalgo-Flores faces charges related to the manufacturing/delivery of cocaine and heroin, manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possession of various drugs. He is due in court on Aug. 31.
"I am extremely proud of our deputies and the members of our Special Investigations Group," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--Arlington Heights parking lot death ruled a suicide

Authorities confirmed Friday the death of a 41-year-old Buffalo Grove man found in an Arlington Heights office complex parking lot @ @ @ @ @ The Cook County medical examiner 's office ruled the death a suicide after an autopsy @ @ @ @ @ man dead in the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road at 8:24 a.m. after @ @ @ @ @ stemmed from an apparent domestic disturbance blocks away on the 2400 block of South Goebbert @ @ @ @ @ The victim was able to safely leave the Goebbert address and meet with officers at @ @ @ @ @ 8 a.m. , but the suspect fled in a vehicle and possibly was involved in @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
A short time later , first responders found the man beyond @ @ @ @ @ parking lot .
Police say they have not been able to contact the man 's @ @ @ @

Arlington Heights parking lot death ruled a suicide
Authorities confirmed Friday the death of a 41-year-old Buffalo Grove man found in an Arlington Heights office complex parking lot Thursday was a suicide.
The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled the death a suicide after an autopsy Friday.
Officers found the man dead in the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road at 8:24 a.m. after a sequence of events that stemmed from an apparent domestic disturbance blocks away on the 2400 block of South Goebbert Road, police said.
The victim was able to safely leave the Goebbert address and meet with officers at a safe location just after 8 a.m., but the suspect fled in a vehicle and possibly was involved in two minor hit-and-run traffic crashes, police said.
A short time later, first responders found the man beyond medical attention in the office parking lot.
Police say they have not been able to contact the man's next of kin.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-28--'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer at 43

LOS ANGELES -- Actor Chadwick Boseman , who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown with searing intensity before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe , died Friday of cancer , his representative said .
He was 43 .
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side , his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press .
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago , his family said in a statement .
`` A true fighter , Chadwick persevered through it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the films you have come to love so much , '' his family said .
`` From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods , August Wilson 's Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom and several more - all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy .
It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther . ''
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis .
He is survived by his wife and a parent and had no children , Fioravante said .
Born in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013 .
His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013 's `` 42 '' drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star .
Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day .
`` This is a crushing blow , '' actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter , one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media .
`` This broke me , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His T'Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016 's `` Captain America : Civil War , '' and his `` Wakanda Forever '' salute reverberated around the world after the release of `` Black Panther '' two years ago .
The film 's vision of Afrofuturism and the technologically advanced civilization of Wakanda resonated with audiences , some of whom wore African attire to showings and helped propel `` Black Panther '' to more than $ 1.3 billion in global box office .
It is the only Marvel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination .
The character was last seen standing silently dressed in a black suit at Tony Stark 's funeral in last year 's `` Avengers : Endgame . ''
A `` Black Panther '' sequel had been announced , and was one of the studio 's most anticipated upcoming films .
Even at the outset of his Hollywood career , Boseman was clear-eyed about -- and even skeptical of -- the industry in which he would become an international star .
`` You do n't have the same exact experience as a Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor .
You do n't have the same opportunities .
That 's evident and true , '' he told AP while promoting `` 42 . ''
`` The best way to put it is : How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story ... he has a spirituality .
He has an intellect .
It 's weird to say it , but it does n't happen that often . ''
In addition to Robinson and Brown , Boseman portrayed the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He humanized the larger-than-life historical figures with the same quiet dignity -- interrupted by flashes of sparkling wit -- that he would later bring to T'Challa .
He took on his first producing job in last year 's action thriller `` 21 Bridges , '' in which he also starred , and was last seen on-screen in Spike Lee 's film `` Da 5 Bloods '' as the leader of a group of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War .
It took some time for Boseman 's moment to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and writing plays as an undergrad at Howard .
Boseman had roles on TV shows like ABC Family 's `` Lincoln Heights '' and NBC 's `` Persons Unknown , '' but before `` 42 '' he had only acted in one film , 2008 's football drama `` The Express . ''
Boseman attracted notice , but missed out on big parts .
`` 2011 was a rough year , '' he said .
`` I was up for everything that was happening that year , really good roles .
I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would go to someone else . ''
Boseman completed one last performance , in an adaptation of August Wilson 's `` Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom . ''
The Netflix film , in which Boseman stars alongside Viola Davis , finished shooting last summer .
Asked about his own childhood heroes and icons , Boseman cited Black political leaders and musicians : Malcolm X , Martin Luther King Jr. , Bob Marley , Public Enemy , A Tribe Called Quest and Prince .
Deeply private and often guarded in his public appearances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he understood the significance of his work and its impact on the broader culture .
At the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards , `` Black Panther '' won best ensemble , electrifying the room .
Before an auditorium full of actors , Chadwick Boseman stepped to the microphone .
He quoted Nina Simone : `` To be young , gifted and black , '' then put the moment in context .
`` We know what it 's like to be told there is n't a screen for you to be featured on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
... We know what 's like to be beneath and not above .
And that is what we went to work with every day , '' said Boseman .
`` We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see .
We knew that we had something to give . ''

'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer at 43
In this Saturday, March 30, 2019 file photo, Chadwick Boseman poses in the press room with the award for outstanding actor in a motion picture for "Black Panther" at the 50th annual NAACP Image Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer. His representative says Boseman died Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 in Los Angeles after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43. Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown with searing intensity before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Associated Press.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," his family said. "From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more - all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis. He is survived by his wife and a parent and had no children, Fioravante said.
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013's "42" drew attention in Hollywood and made him a star.
Boseman died on a day that Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
"This is a crushing blow," actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media. "This broke me," said actor and writer Issa Rae.
His T'Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War," and his "Wakanda Forever" salute reverberated around the world after the release of "Black Panther" two years ago.
The film's vision of Afrofuturism and the technologically advanced civilization of Wakanda resonated with audiences, some of whom wore African attire to showings and helped propel "Black Panther" to more than $1.3 billion in global box office. It is the only Marvel Studios film to receive a best-picture Oscar nomination.
The character was last seen standing silently dressed in a black suit at Tony Stark's funeral in last year's "Avengers: Endgame." A "Black Panther" sequel had been announced, and was one of the studio's most anticipated upcoming films.
Even at the outset of his Hollywood career, Boseman was clear-eyed about -- and even skeptical of -- the industry in which he would become an international star.
"You don't have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor. You don't have the same opportunities. That's evident and true," he told AP while promoting "42." "The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story ... he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It's weird to say it, but it doesn't happen that often."
In addition to Robinson and Brown, Boseman portrayed the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017's "Marshall." He humanized the larger-than-life historical figures with the same quiet dignity -- interrupted by flashes of sparkling wit -- that he would later bring to T'Challa.
He took on his first producing job in last year's action thriller "21 Bridges," in which he also starred, and was last seen on-screen in Spike Lee's film "Da 5 Bloods" as the leader of a group of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War.
It took some time for Boseman's moment to come. He first got into theater, acting and writing plays as an undergrad at Howard. Boseman had roles on TV shows like ABC Family's "Lincoln Heights" and NBC's "Persons Unknown," but before "42" he had only acted in one film, 2008's football drama "The Express." Boseman attracted notice, but missed out on big parts.
"2011 was a rough year," he said. "I was up for everything that was happening that year, really good roles. I would get down to the end and then it would go to someone else."
Boseman completed one last performance, in an adaptation of August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." The Netflix film, in which Boseman stars alongside Viola Davis, finished shooting last summer.
Asked about his own childhood heroes and icons, Boseman cited Black political leaders and musicians: Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Marley, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest and Prince. Deeply private and often guarded in his public appearances and interviews, he made clear that he understood the significance of his work and its impact on the broader culture.
At the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, "Black Panther" won best ensemble, electrifying the room. Before an auditorium full of actors, Chadwick Boseman stepped to the microphone. He quoted Nina Simone: "To be young, gifted and black," then put the moment in context.
"We know what it's like to be told there isn't a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on. ... We know what's like to be beneath and not above. And that is what we went to work with every day," said Boseman. "We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see. We knew that we had something to give."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Cook County property owners delay paying $1.8 billion in taxes

Cook County 's two-month reprieve from delinquent property tax penalties has resulted in delayed payment of almost $ 1.8 billion .
Nearly 25 % of the property taxes owed in the second installment bills that were originally due Aug. 3 have yet to be paid , according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas ' office .
More than $ 1.1 billion still owed is from commercial property owners in the county .
`` The fact there 's so many unpaid commercial bills is maybe the beginning of the dam breaking for commercial real estate , '' Pappas said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying them ?
I think we 're on the verge of a commercial collapse , but I 'm just an independent observer . ''
The delay in imposing penalties , which is a monthly charge of 1.5 % of the amount of property taxes owed , ends Oct. 1 .
It was implemented as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to shutter and people lost their jobs .
Local governments , especially school districts , rely on property tax revenue to operate .
The loss of revenue could force the taxing bodies to borrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes .
Treasurers in each county regularly distribute property tax revenues to the taxing bodies throughout the year .
`` We 're about $ 9 million off from what we had received in property taxes last year at this time , '' said Diana McCluskey , chief business officer at Palatine Elementary District 15 .
`` There is sufficient ( reserves ) if we need to cover some of our monthly expenses .
We do not have to borrow at this point . ''
Among properties in Northwest Cook County , 30.1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Township have yet to be paid , the highest rate among the eight townships in the region .
That amounts to more than $ 62 million that has been delayed , according to figures from Pappas ' office .
`` District 214 real estate tax collections are down about 16.1 % from the same time last year , '' said Dave Beery , spokesman for Northwest Suburban High School District 214 .
`` The school board 's practice of maintaining a six-month cash reserve fund was adopted for events such as these .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ negatively impact interest revenues . ''
Barrington Township property owners still owe $ 16.3 million , or 29.2 % of the total due .
In Elk Grove Township , nearly $ 47.2 million has been delayed , which translates to 22.7 % of all taxes owed .
Property owners in Hanover Township still owe $ 20.7 million , which is 17.4 % of its total .
Nearly 8,300 Maine Township property owners still owe $ 52.7 million in delayed taxes , which is equal to 22.6 % of the total tax bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed paying $ 37 million , nearly 21 % of the total due .
Schaumburg Township property owners have yet to pay more than $ 55 million in taxes owed , which is 22.7 % of the total amount due .
And in Wheeling Township , property owners still owe $ 55.9 million , or 20 % of the total amount of taxes due in the second installment of bills .
Throughout the county 33 % of the taxes owed by commercial properties owners are still outstanding , while only 15.8 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When it comes to homeowners , they traditionally rush in to pay ahead of time , '' Pappas said .
`` Even before the due date , we had 80,000 ( tax bills ) paid . ''
Other suburban counties have also tried to help taxpayers .
In DuPage County , officials there allowed property owners a 90-day window on the first installment of taxes originally due June 1 to pay without penalties .
The second installment is due Tuesday .
Property owners who do n't pay the first installment by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalties tacked onto their tax bills , DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry said .
In Kane County , taxpayers were given an extra month to pay the first installment of property taxes , but they were not given any reprieve for the second installment due next month .
Lake County property owners who paid half of their tax bills on the original due dates of June 8 and Sept. 8 would be eligible to pay off the remaining amounts two months later .
McHenry County also waived penalties for the first installment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , if payment is n't received by Sept. 15 , property owners would have three months of penalties tacked onto their bills , as well .
McHenry County Treasurer Glenda Miller said property tax collections are only down 3.6 % from where they were last year at this point .
`` So that tells me people are paying , '' she said .
Will County taxpayers who paid half of the amount owed in each installment by the original due dates of June 3 and Sept. 3 could take an extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the treasurer 's website .

Cook County property owners delay paying $1.8 billion in taxes
More than 33% of the property taxes owed by commercial property owners throughout Cook County have yet to be paid as property owners struggle to retain or find tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily Herald FILE PHOTO/September 2010
By Jake Griffin
Cook County's two-month reprieve from delinquent property tax penalties has resulted in delayed payment of almost $1.8 billion.
Nearly 25% of the property taxes owed in the second installment bills that were originally due Aug. 3 have yet to be paid, according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas' office. More than $1.1 billion still owed is from commercial property owners in the county.
"The fact there's so many unpaid commercial bills is maybe the beginning of the dam breaking for commercial real estate," Pappas said. "How can they pay if nobody is paying them? I think we're on the verge of a commercial collapse, but I'm just an independent observer."
The delay in imposing penalties, which is a monthly charge of 1.5% of the amount of property taxes owed, ends Oct. 1. It was implemented as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to shutter and people lost their jobs.
Local governments, especially school districts, rely on property tax revenue to operate. The loss of revenue could force the taxing bodies to borrow, which could ultimately lead to higher taxes.
Treasurers in each county regularly distribute property tax revenues to the taxing bodies throughout the year.
"We're about $9 million off from what we had received in property taxes last year at this time," said Diana McCluskey, chief business officer at Palatine Elementary District 15. "There is sufficient (reserves) if we need to cover some of our monthly expenses. We do not have to borrow at this point."
Among properties in Northwest Cook County, 30.1% of the property taxes owed in Leyden Township have yet to be paid, the highest rate among the eight townships in the region. That amounts to more than $62 million that has been delayed, according to figures from Pappas' office.
"District 214 real estate tax collections are down about 16.1% from the same time last year," said Dave Beery, spokesman for Northwest Suburban High School District 214. "The school board's practice of maintaining a six-month cash reserve fund was adopted for events such as these. The delayed collections will, however, negatively impact interest revenues."
Barrington Township property owners still owe $16.3 million, or 29.2% of the total due. In Elk Grove Township, nearly $47.2 million has been delayed, which translates to 22.7% of all taxes owed. Property owners in Hanover Township still owe $20.7 million, which is 17.4% of its total. Nearly 8,300 Maine Township property owners still owe $52.7 million in delayed taxes, which is equal to 22.6% of the total tax bill.
In Palatine Township, property owners have delayed paying $37 million, nearly 21% of the total due. Schaumburg Township property owners have yet to pay more than $55 million in taxes owed, which is 22.7% of the total amount due. And in Wheeling Township, property owners still owe $55.9 million, or 20% of the total amount of taxes due in the second installment of bills.
Throughout the county 33% of the taxes owed by commercial properties owners are still outstanding, while only 15.8% of the residential property taxes are still due.
"When it comes to homeowners, they traditionally rush in to pay ahead of time," Pappas said. "Even before the due date, we had 80,000 (tax bills) paid."
Other suburban counties have also tried to help taxpayers. In DuPage County, officials there allowed property owners a 90-day window on the first installment of taxes originally due June 1 to pay without penalties. The second installment is due Tuesday. Property owners who don't pay the first installment by Tuesday could see three months worth of penalties tacked onto their tax bills, DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry said.
In Kane County, taxpayers were given an extra month to pay the first installment of property taxes, but they were not given any reprieve for the second installment due next month.
Lake County property owners who paid half of their tax bills on the original due dates of June 8 and Sept. 8 would be eligible to pay off the remaining amounts two months later.
McHenry County also waived penalties for the first installment of property taxes that were due June 15. However, if payment isn't received by Sept. 15, property owners would have three months of penalties tacked onto their bills, as well.
McHenry County Treasurer Glenda Miller said property tax collections are only down 3.6% from where they were last year at this point.
"So that tells me people are paying," she said.
Will County taxpayers who paid half of the amount owed in each installment by the original due dates of June 3 and Sept. 3 could take an extra two months to pay the remaining amount, according to the treasurer's website.
Got a tip?
Contact Jake at jgriffin@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4602.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--With removal imminent, Link resigns as Lake County Democratic Party chair

State Sen. Terry Link announced Saturday that he is resigning effective immediately as the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party after being at the helm since 1992 .
Facing a federal tax evasion charge , Link emailed the announcement after stating last week that he 'd be stepping down Sept. 15 .
But more than a dozen leading county Democrats had called on him to resign sooner , and party officials had called a meeting for Monday , where they planned to vote to remove him .
By resigning immediately , Link loses any say he might have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he resigns his Senate seat .
So far he has given no sign he will give up that post .
`` I take great pride in the 29 years I have served as chairman , '' Link , of Indian Creek , wrote in the email .
`` During these years I worked diligently to turn a red county blue . ''
As the first vice chair of the party in Lake County , Lauren Beth Gash -- a Democratic activist and former state representative from Highland Park -- automatically replaces Link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward keeping Lake County blue , '' Gash said .
`` We 've worked very hard for many years to turn Republican seats into Democratic seats , to elect people who share our values .
I served several years in Springfield as the only Democrat from Lake County in the House or the Senate , and have worked since then to turn seat by seat by seat blue .
We 've been very successful and we will continue to do so . ''
Representing the 30th Senate District , an area that includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a small portion of Cook County , since 1997 , Link rose to be an assistant majority leader in the Senate .
During his time as Lake County chairman the region slowly shifted from Republican to Democratic control .
Link , however , was charged two weeks ago with tax evasion in U.S. District Court in Chicago .
Federal prosecutors say Link falsified his income on his 2016 return .
`` Sen. Link has made the right decision , '' said state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake .
`` This is such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lake County Democratic Party has minimal distraction and leadership it can trust . ''
The tax charge came months after Link was identified in media reports as the unnamed senator who cooperated with the FBI in a federal bribery case against then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo of Chicago , who pleaded not guilty .
Link has denied being the FBI source despite federal documents indicating that the person who cooperated sought leniency from the FBI for falsifying tax returns .
`` While I would have liked to see a different ending to Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against him he made the right decision to step down immediately , '' said U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider , who represents the 10th Congressional District .
`` I believe the Lake County Democratic Party is definitely in a better position than it was when I took over , '' Link said in his email .
`` I have been a proud Democrat all of my adult life , and will continue to be a proud Democrat until I take my last breath . ''

Accused of tax evasion, state senator was likely to be removed from his post Monday
State Sen. Terry Link announced Saturday that he is resigning effective immediately as the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party after being at the helm since 1992.
Facing a federal tax evasion charge, Link emailed the announcement after stating last week that he'd be stepping down Sept. 15. But more than a dozen leading county Democrats had called on him to resign sooner, and party officials had called a meeting for Monday, where they planned to vote to remove him.
By resigning immediately, Link loses any say he might have had as party chair in naming his successor if he resigns his Senate seat. So far he has given no sign he will give up that post.
"I take great pride in the 29 years I have served as chairman," Link, of Indian Creek, wrote in the email. "During these years I worked diligently to turn a red county blue."
As the first vice chair of the party in Lake County, Lauren Beth Gash -- a Democratic activist and former state representative from Highland Park -- automatically replaces Link.
"I'm happy to work toward keeping Lake County blue," Gash said. "We've worked very hard for many years to turn Republican seats into Democratic seats, to elect people who share our values. I served several years in Springfield as the only Democrat from Lake County in the House or the Senate, and have worked since then to turn seat by seat by seat blue. We've been very successful and we will continue to do so."
Representing the 30th Senate District, an area that includes much of central and eastern Lake County and a small portion of Cook County, since 1997, Link rose to be an assistant majority leader in the Senate. During his time as Lake County chairman the region slowly shifted from Republican to Democratic control.
Link, however, was charged two weeks ago with tax evasion in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Federal prosecutors say Link falsified his income on his 2016 return.
"Sen. Link has made the right decision," said state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake. "This is such an important year and it matters that the Lake County Democratic Party has minimal distraction and leadership it can trust."
The tax charge came months after Link was identified in media reports as the unnamed senator who cooperated with the FBI in a federal bribery case against then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo of Chicago, who pleaded not guilty. Link has denied being the FBI source despite federal documents indicating that the person who cooperated sought leniency from the FBI for falsifying tax returns.
"While I would have liked to see a different ending to Sen. Link's story, given the charges against him he made the right decision to step down immediately," said U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, who represents the 10th Congressional District.
Link hasn't responded to interview requests.
"I believe the Lake County Democratic Party is definitely in a better position than it was when I took over," Link said in his email. "I have been a proud Democrat all of my adult life, and will continue to be a proud Democrat until I take my last breath."
Daily Herald staff writer Russell Lissau contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Community colleges start academic year with mostly virtual classes

As a nursing student , Jessica Shi is used to wearing gloves and masks while doing lab work at Harper College in Palatine .
But the college 's coronavirus pandemic precautions are much more stringent for all students and will require some adjustment for the limited numbers of people allowed on campus this fall for in-person classes .
Before the pandemic , more than 100 students would use the nursing lab throughout the day .
Now , due to social distancing , only 10 students are allowed at a time .
`` It 's definitely very different for us because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require masks , gloves , goggles and even face shields inside the lab , '' said Shi , 31 , of Wheeling , a peer tutor in the college 's nursing lab .
`` I feel safe , because I know what the ( nursing ) department is doing for us and also I know that I 'm doing everything that I can to protect myself . ''
More than 80 % of students at suburban community colleges began the fall semester this week in virtual classes while a limited number of students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for in-person instruction for courses requiring a more hands-on approach , mostly for lab work or career certification programs .
Colleges are reporting enrollment declines compared to last fall ranging from roughly 6 % at Harper College to 20 % at Elgin Community College .
Much like their K-12 peers , college-goers are navigating a learning environment fraught with challenges , including COVID-19-related health and safety protocols , such as temperature and symptom checks at the door , contact tracing , health screenings , various protective gear and social distancing .
To make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technological , financial and mental health supports .
For instance , Harper President Avis Proctor says the school is trying to help by , among other things , keeping tuition stable , waiving fees for distance learning and other campus activities and providing additional scholarship opportunities .
`` We awarded $ 1.2 million beyond our Promise Program , '' said Proctor of Harper 's Promise Scholarship offered to incoming high school graduates from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 , Northwest Suburban High School District 214 and Barrington Unit District 220 .
Harper 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising more than $ 300,000 to support nearly 700 students .
That 's aside from $ 2.7 million in federal CARES Act funding awarded to 4,400 students , she added .
`` One of the things we are launching this fall is tuition relief in high demand areas -- logistics , real estate , IT , cannabis pharmacology , substitute teaching .
We are looking at short-term career training programs , '' Proctor said .
`` More than $ 420,000 have been allocated to help ( with ) tuition costs . ''
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Skokie are anticipating an uptick in need for counseling services for the more than 6,800 students enrolled this fall -- an 11 % enrollment decline compared to fall 2019 .
The college 's wellness center is providing tele-therapy and some in-person counseling sessions by appointment for students without phone or internet access at home , said Oakton Student Care Coordinator Tania Boisson .
`` Our counselors are having to be creative as well , '' Boisson said .
`` This fall , they are doing a support group for our first-time college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to check-in and process the issues that come up . ''
The college will offer a weekly drop-in virtual support group for all students .
For students whose basic needs are n't being met or who are struggling with job loss or food insecurity , Oakton is providing financial help for non-tuition expenses through federal , institutional and Oakton Education Foundation funds .
Since the spring , the college has distributed more than $ 700,000 in aid .
Most colleges are using video conferencing for live classes and online learning platforms for self-guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace .
`` Some students just want to be in class because that 's how they learn best , '' said Martha Lally , psychology professor at the College of Lake County in Grayslake .
`` We also have flex classes for individuals who are working all-day .
The key is to provide as many options for our students as possible so that they can do what they think is best for them in this period . ''
Lally expects virtual classes will continue post-pandemic even after campuses fully reopen .
Aside from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing students the tools to access them , community colleges have flipped nearly all academic , financial and student support services to be provided virtually .
At Elgin Community College , that includes online tutoring and wellness services , plus 24/7 support for students using their learning management system , said Greg Robinson , associate vice president of student services and development .
Robinson added it 's likely courses will be delivered online even in the spring .
ECC 's total fall enrollment of more than 7,600 students is down 20 % or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall , mostly among English as a Second Language and adult services students .
However , its full-time student enrollment is up by about 10 % , officials said .
During a typical academic year , roughly 24,000 students tread the hallways of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn .
This fall , that number is down to about 1,000 students on campus on any given day spread out across buildings due to pandemic restrictions , college President Brian Caputo said .
The college has spent the summer training faculty members on delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has provided laptops and mobile hot spots to students who ca n't afford them , expanded wireless internet access to include campus parking lots , and increased scholarship grants and other financial supports for students .
Despite that , student enrollment is down about 10 % .
Some students are choosing to take a gap year to avoid paying for college costs and attending classes during a pandemic , but Caputo cautions against that .
`` That 's a terrible idea , '' Caputo said .
`` Although online instruction may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than losing a year .
They will fall behind . ''

Community colleges start academic year with mostly virtual classes
Jessica Shi, a nursing student at Harper College in Palatine, practices lab procedures on a dummy. "It's definitely very different for us, because right now with this pandemic we require masks, gloves, goggles and even face shields inside the lab," said Shi, 31, of Wheeling, a peer tutor in the college's nursing lab. Courtesy of Harper College
Campus re-entry safety measures at Harper College in Palatine include limited access to buildings to students who need hands-on, in-person instruction, temperature checking stations at entrances, various protective gear, and keeping people six feet apart. Courtesy of Harper College
As a nursing student, Jessica Shi is used to wearing gloves and masks while doing lab work at Harper College in Palatine.
But the college's coronavirus pandemic precautions are much more stringent for all students and will require some adjustment for the limited numbers of people allowed on campus this fall for in-person classes.
Before the pandemic, more than 100 students would use the nursing lab throughout the day. Now, due to social distancing, only 10 students are allowed at a time.
"It's definitely very different for us because right now with this pandemic, we require masks, gloves, goggles and even face shields inside the lab," said Shi, 31, of Wheeling, a peer tutor in the college's nursing lab. "I feel safe, because I know what the (nursing) department is doing for us and also I know that I'm doing everything that I can to protect myself."
More than 80% of students at suburban community colleges began the fall semester this week in virtual classes while a limited number of students, like Shi, returned to campuses for in-person instruction for courses requiring a more hands-on approach, mostly for lab work or career certification programs. Colleges are reporting enrollment declines compared to last fall ranging from roughly 6% at Harper College to 20% at Elgin Community College.
Much like their K-12 peers, college-goers are navigating a learning environment fraught with challenges, including COVID-19-related health and safety protocols, such as temperature and symptom checks at the door, contact tracing, health screenings, various protective gear and social distancing.
To make the transition easier, colleges are increasing technological, financial and mental health supports. For instance, Harper President Avis Proctor says the school is trying to help by, among other things, keeping tuition stable, waiving fees for distance learning and other campus activities and providing additional scholarship opportunities.
"We awarded $1.2 million beyond our Promise Program," said Proctor of Harper's Promise Scholarship offered to incoming high school graduates from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 and Barrington Unit District 220.
Harper's Educational Foundation created an emergency relief fund raising more than $300,000 to support nearly 700 students. That's aside from $2.7 million in federal CARES Act funding awarded to 4,400 students, she added.
"One of the things we are launching this fall is tuition relief in high demand areas -- logistics, real estate, IT, cannabis pharmacology, substitute teaching. We are looking at short-term career training programs," Proctor said. "More than $420,000 have been allocated to help (with) tuition costs."
Officials at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines and Skokie are anticipating an uptick in need for counseling services for the more than 6,800 students enrolled this fall -- an 11% enrollment decline compared to fall 2019.
The college's wellness center is providing tele-therapy and some in-person counseling sessions by appointment for students without phone or internet access at home, said Oakton Student Care Coordinator Tania Boisson.
"Our counselors are having to be creative as well," Boisson said. "This fall, they are doing a support group for our first-time college students ... providing a space for them to check-in and process the issues that come up."
The college will offer a weekly drop-in virtual support group for all students. For students whose basic needs aren't being met or who are struggling with job loss or food insecurity, Oakton is providing financial help for non-tuition expenses through federal, institutional and Oakton Education Foundation funds. Since the spring, the college has distributed more than $700,000 in aid.
Most colleges are using video conferencing for live classes and online learning platforms for self-guided courses students can complete at their own pace.
"Some students just want to be in class because that's how they learn best," said Martha Lally, psychology professor at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. "We also have flex classes for individuals who are working all-day. The key is to provide as many options for our students as possible so that they can do what they think is best for them in this period."
Lally expects virtual classes will continue post-pandemic even after campuses fully reopen.
Aside from converting coursework to an online format and providing students the tools to access them, community colleges have flipped nearly all academic, financial and student support services to be provided virtually.
At Elgin Community College, that includes online tutoring and wellness services, plus 24/7 support for students using their learning management system, said Greg Robinson, associate vice president of student services and development.
Robinson added it's likely courses will be delivered online even in the spring.
ECC's total fall enrollment of more than 7,600 students is down 20% or roughly 2,000 students overall compared to last fall, mostly among English as a Second Language and adult services students. However, its full-time student enrollment is up by about 10%, officials said.
During a typical academic year, roughly 24,000 students tread the hallways of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. This fall, that number is down to about 1,000 students on campus on any given day spread out across buildings due to pandemic restrictions, college President Brian Caputo said.
The college has spent the summer training faculty members on delivering courses online. Like most colleges, it has provided laptops and mobile hot spots to students who can't afford them, expanded wireless internet access to include campus parking lots, and increased scholarship grants and other financial supports for students. Despite that, student enrollment is down about 10%.
Some students are choosing to take a gap year to avoid paying for college costs and attending classes during a pandemic, but Caputo cautions against that.
"That's a terrible idea," Caputo said. "Although online instruction may not be the optimal situation, it's better than losing a year. They will fall behind."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Kyle Rittenhouse, charged with killing 2 in Kenosha, was fixated on supporting police

Before he took his rifle to confront the unrest Tuesday in Kenosha , Wisconsin , and was charged in a fatal shooting at the protests , Kyle Rittenhouse seemingly idolized one thing : the police .
Growing up in Chicago 's far northern suburbs , the 17-year-old shadowed local law enforcement as a cadet and filled his social media feeds with posts declaring that `` Blue Lives Matter . ''
There were videos from the front row of a Trump rally , and photos of himself posing with guns .
Rittenhouse attempted to join the Marine Corps in January , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his options with recruiters , said service spokeswoman Yvonne Carlock .
She declined to specify why he was disqualified , citing the service 's privacy guidelines .
Much else is still unknown about Rittenhouse .
He was charged Thursday with six counts -- including two homicide charges -- in a criminal complaint that accused him of killing two people and injuring a third during the Kenosha unrest on Tuesday night .
But brief accounts from neighbors and local institutions paint the picture of a high school dropout who viewed law enforcement officers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , when massive protests , looting and fires broke out in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday , he crossed state lines to offer his support to local policemen -- at times , speaking as if their duties were his , too .
`` People are getting injured , and our job is to protect this business , '' he told the Daily Caller on Tuesday night , hours before he would allegedly start shooting .
The following day , those officers he so lionized arrested him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17-year-old suspect is being held without bond in an Illinois juvenile detention facility about 45 minutes south of Kenosha as he awaits extradition back to Wisconsin .
Although self-declared militia members and armed counterprotesters have descended this week in Kenosha , authorities have not said whether Rittenhouse is a member of any of those groups .
Before the deadly shooting , Rittenhouse lived with his mother , Wendy Rittenhouse , a single mom and nurse 's assistant , in a quiet apartment complex beside a park in Antioch , a bedroom community that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to court records reviewed by the Chicago Tribune , Wendy Rittenhouse sought an order of protection from police in January 2017 , claiming that a classmate of her son 's had been threatening him and calling him `` dumb '' and `` stupid . ''
The Washington Post was unable to immediately reach her for comment .
According to court records , Rittenhouse had received a pair of traffic tickets in Kenosha County earlier this month .
The court filings show that on Aug. 4 , he received a citation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a freeway and another for operating without a valid license .
The records give the same Antioch address included on the police complaint filed there in connection with the deadly shooting this week .
That police complaint labels him a fugitive , saying Rittenhouse was charged with homicide in Wisconsin and fled to avoid prosecution .
Jim McKay , the superintendent for the school district that includes Antioch , said in a statement to The Post that Rittenhouse attended Lakes Community High School for a semester in the 2017-18 school year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school afterward .
Two unnamed neighbors told the Chicago Sun-Times that he had dropped out of Lakes .
Outside school , Rittenhouse participated in cadet programs with both the Antioch Fire Department and the Grayslake Police Department , according to department newsletters .
The police initiative offers participants from ages 14 to 21 `` the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement '' through ride-alongs with officers on patrol and firearms training , according to since-deleted pages on its website .
Philip L. Perlini , the Grayslake police chief , declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency was cooperating with an investigation by the FBI and Kenosha police .
More recently , Rittenhouse worked as a part-time lifeguard at a YMCA in Lindenhurst , the Tribune reported .
Man-Yan Lee , a representative for the organization 's metro Chicago branch , said in a statement to The Post that Rittenhouse was furloughed in March .
A few weeks earlier , he attended a Trump rally in Des Moines , sitting in the front row and posting a TikTok video from the Jan. 30 event , BuzzFeed News reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deleted , appeared to match C-SPAN footage of Rittenhouse standing just to the left of the lectern , according to the news site .
The Trump campaign distanced itself from Rittenhouse and his video late on Wednesday , with spokesman Tim Murtaugh telling The Post that the president had `` repeatedly and consistently condemned all forms of violence . ''
`` This individual had nothing to do with our campaign , '' Murtaugh said , `` and we fully support our fantastic law enforcement for their swift action in this case . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts on Rittenhouse 's Facebook are almost entirely dedicated to honoring police , with Blue Lives Matter graphics , photos of officers killed in the line of duty , and the `` thin blue line '' flag associated with support for law enforcement .
In December 2018 , he started a Facebook fundraiser for Humanizing the Badge , a nonprofit that Rittenhouse said looks to `` forge stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve . ''
His TikTok account , meanwhile , showed him in recent weeks assembling or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BuzzFeed News reported : an AR-15-style rifle as well as a firearm he identified as a 12-gauge shotgun .
On Tuesday , as Kenosha erupted into demonstrations following the police shooting of Blake , Rittenhouse showed up with a similar rifle at the scene .
The 17-year-old drove about 20 miles from Antioch to Kenosha , also toting a medical kit , to partake in what referred to as his `` job . ''
`` Part of my job also is to protect people , '' Rittenhouse told the Daily Caller moments before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone is hurt , I 'm running into harm 's way .
That 's why I have my rifle .
I 've got to protect myself , obviously . ''
Rittenhouse and the other armed civilians shown in videos with him were violating Kenosha 's 8 p.m. curfew , and at 17 , he is too young to openly carry a gun in Wisconsin , the Tribune reported .
But police did not challenge him on either front .
One livestream from the scene appears to show police in an armored vehicle throwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his group , telling them : `` We appreciate you guys .
We really do . ''
On Wednesday afternoon , Antioch police stationed vehicles inside the apartment complex where Rittenhouse has a listed home address , allowing only residents to enter the buildings and walk through the parking lot .
Tammy Blanton , 34 , who lives a four-minute walk away , said the arrest at the complex stunned her , particularly because Rittenhouse is about the same age as two of her children .
`` I was really surprised because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I never hear any bad news , it 's a very quiet town , '' she said .
`` We go to the park right here , down the street , and knowing there 's someone like that in the neighborhood -- I still want to know the full story of what happened -- but it 's pretty scary . ''
Local government officials in Antioch issued a curfew on Tuesday night , citing the potential for civil unrest .
Residents were asked to stay home , businesses shuttered , and both local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the district said on its website .
Standing with her son on the sidewalk across from Rittenhouse 's apartment complex , Blanton said Rittenhouse seemed to have crossed a line .
`` Maybe he thought he was doing the right thing , but you do n't kill somebody , '' she said .
`` That 's not your business to kill someone for messing with someone else 's business .
That 's for the cops to deal with . ''
The Washington Post 's Erin Chan Ding in Antioch and Mark Berman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report .

Kyle Rittenhouse, charged with killing 2 in Kenosha, was fixated on supporting police
Kyle Rittenhouse helps clean the exterior of Reuther Central High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. Rittenhouse, 17, was arrested Wednesday after two people were shot to death during protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Associated Press
Before he took his rifle to confront the unrest Tuesday in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and was charged in a fatal shooting at the protests, Kyle Rittenhouse seemingly idolized one thing: the police.
Growing up in Chicago's far northern suburbs, the 17-year-old shadowed local law enforcement as a cadet and filled his social media feeds with posts declaring that "Blue Lives Matter." There were videos from the front row of a Trump rally, and photos of himself posing with guns.
Rittenhouse attempted to join the Marine Corps in January, but was disqualified from serving after discussing his options with recruiters, said service spokeswoman Yvonne Carlock. She declined to specify why he was disqualified, citing the service's privacy guidelines.
Much else is still unknown about Rittenhouse. He was charged Thursday with six counts -- including two homicide charges -- in a criminal complaint that accused him of killing two people and injuring a third during the Kenosha unrest on Tuesday night. But brief accounts from neighbors and local institutions paint the picture of a high school dropout who viewed law enforcement officers as his personal heroes.
So much so that, when massive protests, looting and fires broke out in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday, he crossed state lines to offer his support to local policemen -- at times, speaking as if their duties were his, too.
"People are getting injured, and our job is to protect this business," he told the Daily Caller on Tuesday night, hours before he would allegedly start shooting.
The following day, those officers he so lionized arrested him in Antioch, where he lived.
The 17-year-old suspect is being held without bond in an Illinois juvenile detention facility about 45 minutes south of Kenosha as he awaits extradition back to Wisconsin. Although self-declared militia members and armed counterprotesters have descended this week in Kenosha, authorities have not said whether Rittenhouse is a member of any of those groups.
Before the deadly shooting, Rittenhouse lived with his mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, a single mom and nurse's assistant, in a quiet apartment complex beside a park in Antioch, a bedroom community that sits just south of the Wisconsin border.
According to court records reviewed by the Chicago Tribune, Wendy Rittenhouse sought an order of protection from police in January 2017, claiming that a classmate of her son's had been threatening him and calling him "dumb" and "stupid." The Washington Post was unable to immediately reach her for comment.
According to court records, Rittenhouse had received a pair of traffic tickets in Kenosha County earlier this month. The court filings show that on Aug. 4, he received a citation for driving 24 mph over the speed limit on a freeway and another for operating without a valid license. The records give the same Antioch address included on the police complaint filed there in connection with the deadly shooting this week. That police complaint labels him a fugitive, saying Rittenhouse was charged with homicide in Wisconsin and fled to avoid prosecution.
Jim McKay, the superintendent for the school district that includes Antioch, said in a statement to The Post that Rittenhouse attended Lakes Community High School for a semester in the 2017-18 school year and did not re-enroll in either local high school afterward. Two unnamed neighbors told the Chicago Sun-Times that he had dropped out of Lakes.
Outside school, Rittenhouse participated in cadet programs with both the Antioch Fire Department and the Grayslake Police Department, according to department newsletters. The police initiative offers participants from ages 14 to 21 "the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement" through ride-alongs with officers on patrol and firearms training, according to since-deleted pages on its website.
Philip L. Perlini, the Grayslake police chief, declined to comment to The Post but said his agency was cooperating with an investigation by the FBI and Kenosha police.
More recently, Rittenhouse worked as a part-time lifeguard at a YMCA in Lindenhurst, the Tribune reported. Man-Yan Lee, a representative for the organization's metro Chicago branch, said in a statement to The Post that Rittenhouse was furloughed in March.
A few weeks earlier, he attended a Trump rally in Des Moines, sitting in the front row and posting a TikTok video from the Jan. 30 event, BuzzFeed News reported. The video, which has since been deleted, appeared to match C-SPAN footage of Rittenhouse standing just to the left of the lectern, according to the news site.
The Trump campaign distanced itself from Rittenhouse and his video late on Wednesday, with spokesman Tim Murtaugh telling The Post that the president had "repeatedly and consistently condemned all forms of violence."
"This individual had nothing to do with our campaign," Murtaugh said, "and we fully support our fantastic law enforcement for their swift action in this case."
Besides the Trump rally, the public posts on Rittenhouse's Facebook are almost entirely dedicated to honoring police, with Blue Lives Matter graphics, photos of officers killed in the line of duty, and the "thin blue line" flag associated with support for law enforcement.
In December 2018, he started a Facebook fundraiser for Humanizing the Badge, a nonprofit that Rittenhouse said looks to "forge stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve."
His TikTok account, meanwhile, showed him in recent weeks assembling or firing two different types of guns, BuzzFeed News reported: an AR-15-style rifle as well as a firearm he identified as a 12-gauge shotgun.
On Tuesday, as Kenosha erupted into demonstrations following the police shooting of Blake, Rittenhouse showed up with a similar rifle at the scene. The 17-year-old drove about 20 miles from Antioch to Kenosha, also toting a medical kit, to partake in what referred to as his "job."
"Part of my job also is to protect people," Rittenhouse told the Daily Caller moments before he allegedly began shooting. "If someone is hurt, I'm running into harm's way. That's why I have my rifle. I've got to protect myself, obviously."
Rittenhouse and the other armed civilians shown in videos with him were violating Kenosha's 8 p.m. curfew, and at 17, he is too young to openly carry a gun in Wisconsin, the Tribune reported. But police did not challenge him on either front.
One livestream from the scene appears to show police in an armored vehicle throwing bottles of water to him and others in his group, telling them: "We appreciate you guys. We really do."
On Wednesday afternoon, Antioch police stationed vehicles inside the apartment complex where Rittenhouse has a listed home address, allowing only residents to enter the buildings and walk through the parking lot.
Tammy Blanton, 34, who lives a four-minute walk away, said the arrest at the complex stunned her, particularly because Rittenhouse is about the same age as two of her children.
"I was really surprised because I never see any cops around, I never hear any bad news, it's a very quiet town," she said. "We go to the park right here, down the street, and knowing there's someone like that in the neighborhood -- I still want to know the full story of what happened -- but it's pretty scary."
Local government officials in Antioch issued a curfew on Tuesday night, citing the potential for civil unrest. Residents were asked to stay home, businesses shuttered, and both local high schools were entirely closed into Wednesday, the district said on its website.
Standing with her son on the sidewalk across from Rittenhouse's apartment complex, Blanton said Rittenhouse seemed to have crossed a line.
"Maybe he thought he was doing the right thing, but you don't kill somebody," she said. "That's not your business to kill someone for messing with someone else's business. That's for the cops to deal with."
The Washington Post's Erin Chan Ding in Antioch and Mark Berman, Tim Craig, Jennifer Jenkins and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Illinois COVID-19 deaths cross 8,000 threshold Saturday

Illinois marked another grim milestone for COVID-19 this weekend as the number of deaths surpassed 8,000 .
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 11 additional confirmed deaths on Saturday out of the state 's 102 counties , bringing the number to 8,008 .
New confirmed positive cases of coronavirus disease in the state rose by 1,880 to 231,363 , the department announced Saturday .
Within the past 24 hours , laboratories have reported 48,784 tests for a total of 3,973,089 .
Though suburban Cook County announced no recorded deaths on Saturday , it did see a jump of 333 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 54,575 .
Due to the increase in positive case rates and deaths , suburban Cook County 's COVID-19 restrictions might tighten .
The Cook County Department of Public Health reported that suburban Cook County is currently at 112 positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people -- the third week the county has been above 90 cases per 100,000 people .
The target established by the state is 50 cases per 100,000 people .
`` Please work with us and follow the guidance .
These steps help protect you , your family , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rubin in a Cook County Department of Public Health statement .
`` We can beat this thing if we all work together . ''

Illinois COVID-19 deaths cross 8,000 threshold
Illinois marked another grim milestone for COVID-19 this weekend as the number of deaths surpassed 8,000.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 11 additional confirmed deaths on Saturday out of the state's 102 counties, bringing the number to 8,008. New confirmed positive cases of coronavirus disease in the state rose by 1,880 to 231,363, the department announced Saturday.
Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 48,784 tests for a total of 3,973,089.
Though suburban Cook County announced no recorded deaths on Saturday, it did see a jump of 333 positive COVID-19 cases for a cumulative total of 54,575.
Due to the increase in positive case rates and deaths, suburban Cook County's COVID-19 restrictions might tighten.
The Cook County Department of Public Health reported that suburban Cook County is currently at 112 positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people -- the third week the county has been above 90 cases per 100,000 people. The target established by the state is 50 cases per 100,000 people.
"Please work with us and follow the guidance. These steps help protect you, your family, and your community," said Dr. Rachel Rubin in a Cook County Department of Public Health statement. "We can beat this thing if we all work together."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Constable: Ex-football lineman now doctor on pandemic front line

As the new chairman of the department of medicine for NorthShore University HealthSystem , Dr. John P. Erwin III is on the front line in the frustrating fight against COVID-19 , as schools and professionals make decisions about whether it is safe to play football .
Erwin also knows what it is like to be on the front line trying to block a 300-pound defensive tackle .
`` When I went to college , I wanted to be a doctor or a Dallas Cowboy , '' says Erwin , 54 , who was a muscular offensive guard during his playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nacogdoches , Texas .
He got a free T-shirt and shorts , but no job offer , when he participated in an open tryout for the Dallas Cowboys .
Then he earned his medical degree from Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine , before completing his residency training and a cardiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minnesota .
Erwin 's new NorthShore University HealthSystem team includes Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview , Evanston Hospital , Highland Park Hospital , Skokie Hospital and Swedish Hospital on Chicago 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick to point out that she did not marry a doctor .
She married a football player , '' says Erwin , whose dog is named Witten , after Jason Witten , a perennial All-Pro tight end during his career with the Cowboys .
Erwin understands the thought process that led to the Big 10 , Mid-American Conference and some other major college football programs postponing their football seasons .
But he also understands the reasoning of officials , such as those with the powerhouse Southeastern Conference and the NFL , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementing new regulations designed to limit spread of the coronavirus .
`` I thought I learned so much on the field , '' Erwin says , adding football is a major part of who he is today .
If he were a college or pro player today , `` I 'd absolutely play , '' he says .
But he also supports the decision of the only medical doctor to play in the NFL , offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif of the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs , to opt out of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There are very intelligent people on both sides of the issues .
It 's pretty harrowing because we 're still trying to learn about this stuff , '' Erwin says .
`` My younger brother is a nurse practitioner , and he was really sick , '' Erwin says , explaining that his brother picked up the virus at work before all the protocols were in place and passed it on to their parents , John Jr. and Martha , who did n't get as sick .
All are fully recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
High schools , colleges and professional sports leagues are all looking for ways to play games and stay safe .
A recent Sports Illustrated poll of 146 doctors familiar with COVID-19 found about 90 % said they would play in the NBA or NHL , which have established arena `` bubbles , '' where players can be isolated for their games without fans and without having to travel .
But 62 % of doctors said they would not play in the NFL , which plans to allow some limited crowds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and organizations at all levels need to figure out their risk-tolerance with shared decision-making .
If colleges want to have a football season , they need to come up with strict protocols , and have an immediate plan of action if things do n't go as planned .
`` I think there 's a happy medium .
No doubt there 's a concern there , but the risk for healthy college-age kids is relatively low , '' he says , noting major programs have the resources to test and monitor their players .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outweighs the good things of having a season .
I worry about the kids in their home environment .
Kids not playing football are more likely to be at parties . ''
High schools pose another issue .
`` Do high schools have the resources if a kid gets COVID ? ''
Erwin wonders .
Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez had COVID-19 this year and then developed myocarditis , an inflammation of the heart , ending his season .
Some football players with the virus also have developed myocarditis .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to normal over time , '' says Erwin , who has treated athletes and others with that ailment , which also can be caused by lesser viruses .
`` Flu season kicks off a lot more heart disease , but COVID puts that on steroids . ''
Safety issues always have been a part of football .
`` My dad did n't let me play seventh-grade football .
He thought I was too young , '' Erwin says .
His doctor dad was the team physician .
As a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , Erwin played on the line for both offense and defense , and was recruited by colleges as a defensive lineman before becoming an offensive guard .
During his freshman year at Stephen F. Austin State University , a serious injury ended his season .
`` I broke both ankles on one play , '' Erwin says .
`` I was in a wheelchair for the first two months of college . ''
He also played during the era when doctors were concerned about HIV , and learning as they went along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people who were bleeding .
You just bled all over each other , '' Erwin remembers .
While his heart remains with his Cowboys , where he still has a season ticket he does n't know when or if he 'll be able to use , Erwin has a soft spot for the Bears .
`` I took care of the Bears ' one and only good quarterback , '' says Erwin , who had Sid Luckman as a patient long after the Bears ' legend had retired .
During his college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bear 's Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary , who went to nearby Baylor University .
At 6-foot-2 , Erwin made the effort to get up to 300 pounds in college .
After college , he ballooned up to 330 pounds , and even wrote a blog titled `` Confessions of a Fat Cardiologist . ''
Now , after gastric sleeve surgery and an improved lifestyle , Erwin weighs about 200 pounds , remains active with his blog and on Twitter , and advises coaches and athletic directors when it comes to football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning about this disease .
I could change my mind before the first kickoff occurs , '' Erwin says .
`` We 're seeing what science really is .
Science is not the truth .
It 's the search for the truth .
We 're still very deeply in the search right now . ''

Constable: Ex-football lineman now doctor on pandemic front line
In college, John Erwin wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy, or a doctor. Now he is a football-loving chair of medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem, who says the decision about whether to play football during this pandemic is complicated. Courtesy of Dr. John Erwin
By Burt Constable
bconstable@dailyherald.com
As the new chairman of the department of medicine for NorthShore University HealthSystem, Dr. John P. Erwin III is on the front line in the frustrating fight against COVID-19, as schools and professionals make decisions about whether it is safe to play football. Erwin also knows what it is like to be on the front line trying to block a 300-pound defensive tackle.
"When I went to college, I wanted to be a doctor or a Dallas Cowboy," says Erwin, 54, who was a muscular offensive guard during his playing days at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He got a free T-shirt and shorts, but no job offer, when he participated in an open tryout for the Dallas Cowboys. Then he earned his medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, before completing his residency training and a cardiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Erwin's new NorthShore University HealthSystem team includes Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Evanston Hospital, Highland Park Hospital, Skokie Hospital and Swedish Hospital on Chicago's North Side.
"My wife is quick to point out that she did not marry a doctor. She married a football player," says Erwin, whose dog is named Witten, after Jason Witten, a perennial All-Pro tight end during his career with the Cowboys.
As a Texan playing football for the Hillsboro High School Eagles, John Erwin was recruited by colleges. When he finished his college career, he went to medical school and now is the chair of medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem. - Courtesy of Dr. John Erwin
Erwin understands the thought process that led to the Big 10, Mid-American Conference and some other major college football programs postponing their football seasons. But he also understands the reasoning of officials, such as those with the powerhouse Southeastern Conference and the NFL, who have committed to playing a modified season after implementing new regulations designed to limit spread of the coronavirus.
"I thought I learned so much on the field," Erwin says, adding football is a major part of who he is today. If he were a college or pro player today, "I'd absolutely play," he says.
But he also supports the decision of the only medical doctor to play in the NFL, offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif of the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs, to opt out of the 2020 seasons due to his concerns about COVID-19.
"There are very intelligent people on both sides of the issues. It's pretty harrowing because we're still trying to learn about this stuff," Erwin says.
"My younger brother is a nurse practitioner, and he was really sick," Erwin says, explaining that his brother picked up the virus at work before all the protocols were in place and passed it on to their parents, John Jr. and Martha, who didn't get as sick. All are fully recovered now and have the antibodies, Erwin says.
High schools, colleges and professional sports leagues are all looking for ways to play games and stay safe. A recent Sports Illustrated poll of 146 doctors familiar with COVID-19 found about 90% said they would play in the NBA or NHL, which have established arena "bubbles," where players can be isolated for their games without fans and without having to travel. But 62% of doctors said they would not play in the NFL, which plans to allow some limited crowds and lets players travel.
Erwin says players and organizations at all levels need to figure out their risk-tolerance with shared decision-making. If colleges want to have a football season, they need to come up with strict protocols, and have an immediate plan of action if things don't go as planned.
"I think there's a happy medium. No doubt there's a concern there, but the risk for healthy college-age kids is relatively low," he says, noting major programs have the resources to test and monitor their players. "I don't think the risk outweighs the good things of having a season. I worry about the kids in their home environment. Kids not playing football are more likely to be at parties."
Wearing his Louise W Coon Chair Medal as the new chairman of the department of medicine at NorthShore University HealthSystem, Dr. John Erwin understands the difficult decisions faced by people pondering whether to have football seasons during this pandemic. He loved his career as a college football player. - Courtesy of Jon Hillenbrand
High schools pose another issue. "Do high schools have the resources if a kid gets COVID?" Erwin wonders.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez had COVID-19 this year and then developed myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, ending his season. Some football players with the virus also have developed myocarditis.
"It's a concern. But they can return to normal over time," says Erwin, who has treated athletes and others with that ailment, which also can be caused by lesser viruses. "Flu season kicks off a lot more heart disease, but COVID puts that on steroids."
Safety issues always have been a part of football.
"My dad didn't let me play seventh-grade football. He thought I was too young," Erwin says. His doctor dad was the team physician.
As a member of the Hillsboro High School Eagles football team in Texas, Erwin played on the line for both offense and defense, and was recruited by colleges as a defensive lineman before becoming an offensive guard.
During his freshman year at Stephen F. Austin State University, a serious injury ended his season. "I broke both ankles on one play," Erwin says. "I was in a wheelchair for the first two months of college."
He also played during the era when doctors were concerned about HIV, and learning as they went along.
"They didn't stop plays for people who were bleeding. You just bled all over each other," Erwin remembers.
Dr. John Erwin, shown here with his mother, Martha, during his college football career, says he knows the benefits that come from team sports, and the risks posed by COVID-19. - Courtesy of Dr. John Erwin
While his heart remains with his Cowboys, where he still has a season ticket he doesn't know when or if he'll be able to use, Erwin has a soft spot for the Bears.
"I took care of the Bears' one and only good quarterback," says Erwin, who had Sid Luckman as a patient long after the Bears' legend had retired. During his college years, Erwin also played racquetball with Bear's Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, who went to nearby Baylor University.
At 6-foot-2, Erwin made the effort to get up to 300 pounds in college. After college, he ballooned up to 330 pounds, and even wrote a blog titled "Confessions of a Fat Cardiologist." Now, after gastric sleeve surgery and an improved lifestyle, Erwin weighs about 200 pounds, remains active with his blog and on Twitter, and advises coaches and athletic directors when it comes to football and COVID-19.
"We're still learning about this disease. I could change my mind before the first kickoff occurs," Erwin says. "We're seeing what science really is. Science is not the truth. It's the search for the truth. We're still very deeply in the search right now."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Police: Aurora man battered, burned children

Aurora Police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Aurora man following a child abuse investigation that indicated he caused injuries , some serious , to two young children in his care , officials said Friday on the department 's Facebook page .
Ross Hunt , of the 2000 block of West Illinois Avenue , faces three felony charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under 13 , and two misdemeanor charges each of domestic battery which causes bodily harm , makes physical contact and causes a child to be endangered .
Earlier this year , Aurora police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Family Services regarding possible child abuse .
The children are under the age of 10 , and one has special needs due to a serious medical condition .
Police said several witnesses were key to the abuse investigation .
Investigators found that on one occasion , Hunt became angry after the child with special needs vomited .
Hunt then battered and caused injury to this child while in the presence of a younger child , police said .
Detectives learned Hunt then instructed the younger child to punch the child with special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the younger child refused , Hunt held parts of his body under hot water , causing burns , police said .
The children were removed by from Hunt 's care as soon as the investigation began , police said .

Police: Aurora man battered, burned children
Aurora Police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Aurora man following a child abuse investigation that indicated he caused injuries, some serious, to two young children in his care, officials said Friday on the department's Facebook page.
Ross Hunt, of the 2000 block of West Illinois Avenue, faces three felony charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under 13, and two misdemeanor charges each of domestic battery which causes bodily harm, makes physical contact and causes a child to be endangered.
Earlier this year, Aurora police were contacted by the Department of Children and Family Services regarding possible child abuse. The children are under the age of 10, and one has special needs due to a serious medical condition. Police said several witnesses were key to the abuse investigation.
Investigators found that on one occasion, Hunt became angry after the child with special needs vomited. Hunt then battered and caused injury to this child while in the presence of a younger child, police said. Detectives learned Hunt then instructed the younger child to punch the child with special needs in the head for vomiting. When the younger child refused, Hunt held parts of his body under hot water, causing burns, police said.
The children were removed by from Hunt's care as soon as the investigation began, police said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-29--Waukegan teen dies in shooting

Waukegan teen dies in shooting

A 15-year-old boy from Waukegan is dead after a shooting Friday , according to a release from the Waukegan Police @ @ @ @ @ officer was near the 700 block of North Green Bay Road at about 9:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ a scream and gunshots .
The unidentified victim died at the scene .
The police @ @ @ @ @ the shooting and no suspects are in custody .
Nearby witnesses reported a dark-colored SUV @ @ @ @ @ after the shots were fired , but the police do n't know if the SUV @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the SUV is encouraged to call the @ @ @ @ @ line at 847-360-9001 .

Waukegan teen dies in shooting
The Waukegan Police Department is searching for a dark-colored SUV that might have been involved in the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old male on Friday. Courtesy of the Waukegan Police Department
A 15-year-old boy from Waukegan is dead after a shooting Friday, according to a release from the Waukegan Police Department.
A Waukegan police officer was near the 700 block of North Green Bay Road at about 9:45 p.m. Friday when the officer heard a scream and gunshots. The unidentified victim died at the scene.
The police department has no motive for the shooting and no suspects are in custody. Nearby witnesses reported a dark-colored SUV speeding away from the area after the shots were fired, but the police don't know if the SUV is connected with the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the SUV is encouraged to call the Waukegan Police Department's tip line at 847-360-9001.