dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--GOP paints grim picture of a Biden presidency

WASHINGTON -- Two of the Republican Party 's rising stars , both people of color , offered an optimistic view of President Donald Trump 's leadership on Monday , closing the first day of the GOP 's scaled-back convention with a positive message at odds with the dark warnings that dominated much of the night .
While other Republicans predicted a national `` horror movie '' should Trump lose in November , South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former U.N .
Ambassador Nikki Haley tried to welcome new voters to the party to help broaden Trump 's appeal beyond his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brown girl in a black and white world , '' Haley said , noting that she faced discrimination but rejecting the idea that `` America is a racist country . ''
She also gave a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement , saying `` of course we know that every single Black life is valuable . ''
And Scott , the Republican Party 's only Black senator , leveled the kind of personal attack against Democratic nominee Joe Biden that Trump and his white allies could not .
`` Joe Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him , he was n't truly Black .
Joe Biden said Black people are a monolithic community , '' Scott said .
He acknowledged that African Americans have sometimes been victimized by police brutality , but later said : `` The truth is , our nation 's arc always bends back toward fairness .
We are not fully where we want to be ... but thank God we are not where we used to be . ''
Efforts to strike an optimistic tone were frequently overshadowed by dire talk that Biden would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overrun by violence .
Donald Trump Jr. painted his father 's opponent as part of a movement aimed at stripping the nation of its most basic freedoms .
`` In the past , both parties believed in the goodness of America , '' he said .
`` This time , the other party is attacking the very principles on which our nation was founded , '' citing freedom of thought , speech , religion and the rule of law .
`` It 's almost like this election is shaping up to be church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looting and vandalism , '' he said .
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida likened the prospect of Biden 's election to a horror movie .
`` They 'll disarm you , empty the prisons , lock you in your home , and invite MS-13 to live next door , '' Gaetz said .
The first speaker to take Monday 's prime-time podium was Charlie Kirk , a 26-year-old Wheeling native who leads the conservative student organization Turning Point USA .
Kirk began his remarks by warning his fellow young people that this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything that we love . ''
Calling President Donald Trump `` the bodyguard of Western civilization , '' Kirk said he was elected in 2016 to `` protect our families from the vengeful mob that seeks to destroy our way of life , our neighborhoods , schools , churches , and values . ''
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both were renominated early in the day .
Then Trump , who was not scheduled to deliver his main address until later in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day of the four-day convention .
And while the evening programming was carefully scripted , Trump was not .
`` The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election , '' Trump told hundreds of Republican delegates gathered in North Carolina , raising anew his unsupported concerns about Americans ' expected reliance on mail voting during the pandemic .
Experts say mail voting has proven remarkably secure .
Trump and a parade of fellow Republicans distorted Biden 's agenda through the evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defund police , ban oil fracking , take over health care , open borders and raise taxes on most Americans .
They tried to assign positions of the Democratic left to a middle-of-the-road candidate who explicitly rejected many of the party 's most liberal positions through the primaries .
Trump set the tone with unsupported claims about voting fraud and falsehoods about his own record in office .
The Republican convention comes as more than 177,000 Americans have been killed by the pandemic and millions more have been infected .
Coronavirus-related job losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his supporters on Monday night touted his response to the pandemic while standing alongside front-line workers in the White House , although he glossed over the mounting death toll , the most in the world , and his administration 's struggle to control the disease .
Organizers also repeatedly sought to cast Trump as an empathetic figure , borrowing a page from the Democrats ' convention playbook a week ago that effectively highlighted Biden 's personal connection to voters .
One of several African Americans on the schedule , former football star Herschel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who call him a racist .
`` It hurts my soul to hear the terrible names that people call Donald , '' Walker said .
`` The worst one is 'racist . '
I take it as a personal insult that people would think I would have a 37-year friendship with a racist . ''
Polling shows that Black Americans continue to be overwhelmingly negative in their assessments of the president 's performance , with his approval hovering around 1 in 10 over the course of his presidency , according to Gallup polling @

Ivanka Trump listens as President Donald Trump speaks at the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Monday morning. Associated press
Republican National Committee Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Associated press
President Donald Trump speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention Monday morning in Charlotte, N.C. Travis Dove/The New York Times via AP, Pool
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Associated press
WASHINGTON -- Two of the Republican Party's rising stars, both people of color, offered an optimistic view of President Donald Trump's leadership on Monday, closing the first day of the GOP's scaled-back convention with a positive message at odds with the dark warnings that dominated much of the night.
While other Republicans predicted a national "horror movie" should Trump lose in November, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley tried to welcome new voters to the party to help broaden Trump's appeal beyond his hard-core base.
"I was a brown girl in a black and white world," Haley said, noting that she faced discrimination but rejecting the idea that "America is a racist country." She also gave a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement, saying "of course we know that every single Black life is valuable."
And Scott, the Republican Party's only Black senator, leveled the kind of personal attack against Democratic nominee Joe Biden that Trump and his white allies could not.
"Joe Biden said if a Black man didn't vote for him, he wasn't truly Black. Joe Biden said Black people are a monolithic community," Scott said.
He acknowledged that African Americans have sometimes been victimized by police brutality, but later said: "The truth is, our nation's arc always bends back toward fairness. We are not fully where we want to be ... but thank God we are not where we used to be."
Efforts to strike an optimistic tone were frequently overshadowed by dire talk that Biden would destroy America, allowing communities to be overrun by violence.
Donald Trump Jr. painted his father's opponent as part of a movement aimed at stripping the nation of its most basic freedoms.
"In the past, both parties believed in the goodness of America," he said. "This time, the other party is attacking the very principles on which our nation was founded," citing freedom of thought, speech, religion and the rule of law.
"It's almost like this election is shaping up to be church, work and school versus rioting, looting and vandalism," he said.
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida likened the prospect of Biden's election to a horror movie.
"They'll disarm you, empty the prisons, lock you in your home, and invite MS-13 to live next door," Gaetz said.
In this image from video, Charlie Kirk speaks during the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday. - Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP
The first speaker to take Monday's prime-time podium was Charlie Kirk, a 26-year-old Wheeling native who leads the conservative student organization Turning Point USA. Kirk began his remarks by warning his fellow young people that this year's election is "a decision between preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything that we love."
Calling President Donald Trump "the bodyguard of Western civilization," Kirk said he was elected in 2016 to "protect our families from the vengeful mob that seeks to destroy our way of life, our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and values."
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both were renominated early in the day. Then Trump, who was not scheduled to deliver his main address until later in the week, made multiple public appearances throughout the first day of the four-day convention. And while the evening programming was carefully scripted, Trump was not.
"The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election," Trump told hundreds of Republican delegates gathered in North Carolina, raising anew his unsupported concerns about Americans' expected reliance on mail voting during the pandemic. Experts say mail voting has proven remarkably secure.
Trump and a parade of fellow Republicans distorted Biden's agenda through the evening, falsely accusing the Democrat of proposing to defund police, ban oil fracking, take over health care, open borders and raise taxes on most Americans. They tried to assign positions of the Democratic left to a middle-of-the-road candidate who explicitly rejected many of the party's most liberal positions through the primaries. Trump set the tone with unsupported claims about voting fraud and falsehoods about his own record in office.
The Republican convention comes as more than 177,000 Americans have been killed by the pandemic and millions more have been infected. Coronavirus-related job losses also reach into the millions
Trump and his supporters on Monday night touted his response to the pandemic while standing alongside front-line workers in the White House, although he glossed over the mounting death toll, the most in the world, and his administration's struggle to control the disease.
Organizers also repeatedly sought to cast Trump as an empathetic figure, borrowing a page from the Democrats' convention playbook a week ago that effectively highlighted Biden's personal connection to voters.
One of several African Americans on the schedule, former football star Herschel Walker, defended the president against those who call him a racist.
"It hurts my soul to hear the terrible names that people call Donald," Walker said. "The worst one is 'racist.' I take it as a personal insult that people would think I would have a 37-year friendship with a racist."
Polling shows that Black Americans continue to be overwhelmingly negative in their assessments of the president's performance, with his approval hovering around 1 in 10 over the course of his presidency, according to Gallup polling.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-25--Naperville Park District offering modified in-person programs this fall

With Naperville-area students set to begin remote learning next week , the park district has shifted its in-person programming to support virtual education and modified recreational opportunities amid the coronavirus crisis .
A new `` E-Learning Experience '' provides a supervised setting for kindergartners through fifth-graders to engage in their school 's online curriculum , while also allotting some time for crafts and activities , said Brad Wilson , director of recreation and facilities .
The program was developed in response to back-to-school plans adopted by Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 , both of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote instruction .
Recognizing the logistical challenges some families may face , Wilson said , the park district wanted to offer a safe space for elementary students to work on assignments and navigate their unusual school schedules .
`` It 's really available for any family looking for a different experience for their kids in order to complete e-learning , '' he said .
`` Seeing that as a need in the community , we thought , 'How can we provide something that supports our community and our youth and includes a recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what we do ? '
'' Students will be placed in pods of no more than 10 to adhere to social distancing guidelines , Wilson said .
Though homework help and tutoring services are n't included in the program , staff members will help kids stay on task and coordinate indoor and outdoor recreational activities during breaks in their schedules .
Following each school district 's calendar , the `` E-Learning Experience '' will begin Sept. 1 at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center for District 203 students and Sept. 3 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District 204 .
Families can register for a two-day program on Tuesdays and Thursdays , a three-day program on Monday , Wednesdays and Fridays , or for all five days .
The park district has set an enrollment limit of 30 students at each site , though officials could explore expanding the program to meet a higher demand if staffing levels and other resources are available , Wilson said .
In addition to offering the `` E-Learning Experience , '' the park district has modified its fall youth sports programs in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be operated as a typical league this year , Wilson said , but the programs can still conduct no-contact practices , training and intra-team scrimmages with parent consent .
Baseball , T-ball and softball programs , which are usually held in the spring and summer , will now offer a fall season where teams can participate in competitive games , he said .
`` We 've spent the past several months really looking at what were able to offer as a district and modifying many programs , '' Wilson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past . ''
More information about both the `` E-Learning Experience '' and the fall sports programs can be found on the park district 's website , napervilleparks.org

Naperville Park District offering modified in-person programs this fall
Girls' softball is one of the youth athletic programs being offered this fall by the Naperville Park District. Officials have been modifying their in-person recreational activities in response to the coronavirus crisis. Courtesy of the Naperville Park District
With Naperville-area students set to begin remote learning next week, the park district has shifted its in-person programming to support virtual education and modified recreational opportunities amid the coronavirus crisis.
A new "E-Learning Experience" provides a supervised setting for kindergartners through fifth-graders to engage in their school's online curriculum, while also allotting some time for crafts and activities, said Brad Wilson, director of recreation and facilities.
The program was developed in response to back-to-school plans adopted by Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204, both of which will begin the academic year with fully remote instruction. Recognizing the logistical challenges some families may face, Wilson said, the park district wanted to offer a safe space for elementary students to work on assignments and navigate their unusual school schedules.
"It's really available for any family looking for a different experience for their kids in order to complete e-learning," he said. "Seeing that as a need in the community, we thought, 'How can we provide something that supports our community and our youth and includes a recreational component, which is a big part of what we do?'"
Students will be placed in pods of no more than 10 to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Wilson said. Though homework help and tutoring services aren't included in the program, staff members will help kids stay on task and coordinate indoor and outdoor recreational activities during breaks in their schedules.
Following each school district's calendar, the "E-Learning Experience" will begin Sept. 1 at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center for District 203 students and Sept. 3 at the 95th Street Center for those in District 204. Families can register for a two-day program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a three-day program on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, or for all five days.
The park district has set an enrollment limit of 30 students at each site, though officials could explore expanding the program to meet a higher demand if staffing levels and other resources are available, Wilson said.
In addition to offering the "E-Learning Experience," the park district has modified its fall youth sports programs in response to coronavirus restrictions.
Soccer and flag football won't be operated as a typical league this year, Wilson said, but the programs can still conduct no-contact practices, training and intra-team scrimmages with parent consent.
Baseball, T-ball and softball programs, which are usually held in the spring and summer, will now offer a fall season where teams can participate in competitive games, he said.
"We've spent the past several months really looking at what were able to offer as a district and modifying many programs," Wilson said. "We're operating very differently than in the past."
More information about both the "E-Learning Experience" and the fall sports programs can be found on the park district's website, napervilleparks.org


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Empty Lake County nursing home could be used for fire training

Before it is demolished , the vacant Winchester House skilled nursing facility in Libertyville likely will become a public safety training ground .
`` We just want to take advantage of this '' opportunity , Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani said .
Because of the way the building is set up , hospital fire and evacuation drills and high-rise training are anticipated , Carani said .
The highly visible 5-story facility for generations was operated by Lake County on its government campus north and west of Milwaukee Avenue and Winchester Road .
But in July , the building 's 98 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-licensed facility called Thrive of Lake County on Route 45 southeast of Route 83 in Mundelein .
Winchester House demolition is possible next spring , but , in the interim , the empty structure presents potential security issues .
It also would be a unique environment not generally available for local training .
The Libertyville village board tonight will consider a memorandum of understanding with Lake County that would pave the way for the property to be used for training .
Due to the expense and inefficiency of heating the building through winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow the building to be vacant and to disconnect the utilities , fire alarm and sprinkler system , Carani informed the board in a memo .
The International Fire Code allows for the removal of fire protection systems under certain conditions , including a requirement the first floor be boarded up .
As an alternative , the county offered the building for public safety training to the Lake County sheriff 's office , Libertyville police and fire and Lake County emergency management , according to Carani .
Because training in a boarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols , the village and county are considering an agreement to provide appropriate security .
According to the agreement , the county would padlock and secure all first-floor doors and windows , provide the fire department with keys , and check daily for breaches .
Public access to the parking lot would be blocked and , if possible , a camera to be monitored by county dispatch would be installed , according to the proposal .
Any firefighting operations would be conducted from outside the building unless there were a known life hazard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin in mid-September pending approval of the agreement .
Winchester House demolition and site clearance is estimated at $ 2.5 million and is among the projects on the county 's proposed capital plan .
Whether the county would keep the cleared property for future expansion or sell or lease it has not been determined .

Empty Lake County nursing home could be used for fire training
Before it is demolished, the vacant Winchester House skilled nursing facility in Libertyville likely will become a public safety training ground.
"We just want to take advantage of this" opportunity, Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani said.
Because of the way the building is set up, hospital fire and evacuation drills and high-rise training are anticipated, Carani said.
The highly visible 5-story facility for generations was operated by Lake County on its government campus north and west of Milwaukee Avenue and Winchester Road.
But in July, the building's 98 residents were moved to a new, state-licensed facility called Thrive of Lake County on Route 45 southeast of Route 83 in Mundelein.
Winchester House demolition is possible next spring, but, in the interim, the empty structure presents potential security issues. It also would be a unique environment not generally available for local training.
The Libertyville village board tonight will consider a memorandum of understanding with Lake County that would pave the way for the property to be used for training.
Due to the expense and inefficiency of heating the building through winter, Lake County has asked the village to allow the building to be vacant and to disconnect the utilities, fire alarm and sprinkler system, Carani informed the board in a memo.
The International Fire Code allows for the removal of fire protection systems under certain conditions, including a requirement the first floor be boarded up.
As an alternative, the county offered the building for public safety training to the Lake County sheriff's office, Libertyville police and fire and Lake County emergency management, according to Carani.
Because training in a boarded -p building is a violation of safety protocols, the village and county are considering an agreement to provide appropriate security.
According to the agreement, the county would padlock and secure all first-floor doors and windows, provide the fire department with keys, and check daily for breaches.
Public access to the parking lot would be blocked and, if possible, a camera to be monitored by county dispatch would be installed, according to the proposal.
Any firefighting operations would be conducted from outside the building unless there were a known life hazard inside, Carani added.
Training would begin in mid-September pending approval of the agreement.
Winchester House demolition and site clearance is estimated at $2.5 million and is among the projects on the county's proposed capital plan.
Whether the county would keep the cleared property for future expansion or sell or lease it has not been determined.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-25--Constable: Are the End Times here? Well, no, says biblical scholar

A fridge-sized asteroid hurtles toward Earth as we cope with a pandemic , horrific storms , racial atrocities , wildfires , violence and political pandemonium .
`` We are at the end of time , '' warns a flyer left on our front porch .
It proclaims the Earth will come to an end in 2020 with chaos , war , famine , natural disasters and a presidential election `` like nothing you have ever witnessed before . ''
Granted , it does seem as if we 're headed in that direction .
But Lombard native Tom Meyer , 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career reciting Bible books by memory , is still booking gigs for 2021 .
`` Fake news ! ''
Meyer says with a chuckle as he labels the End Times flyer just another `` cuckoo '' idea in a world where we can find disasters lurking everywhere .
The 11,000 lightning strikes in a weekend that sparked hundreds of fires across Northern California , where Meyer lives with his wife , Sarah , and their children , Hosanna , 8 , Scarlett , 6 , Abigail , 4 , and Tommy , 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tales of Zeus tossing lightning bolts at his enemies .
But it 's not a sign of the End Times , Meyer says .
`` This is just what happens in our world , '' he says of disasters .
`` In no way shape or form is this the end .
You 'll know when it 's the end . ''
That `` the end is nigh '' philosophy has been with us since Jesus Christ and his disciples .
`` John , Paul , Peter -- the heavy hitters -- also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Meyer , who is comfortable using baseball analogies since he played catcher in a baseball league during his years in Israel .
`` Now , we are in what ?
The 20th inning ? ''
Meyer grew up in Lombard , the oldest of four children born to Thomas and Debbie Meyer .
He left his job with his family 's Meyer Paving business to attend Shasta Bible College in Redding , California , where he is now a professor .
He got master 's degrees at Jerusalem University College in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bethlehem on Christmas Eve , '' says Meyer , who got married in Jerusalem in 2011 .
He says he spends `` every single Sunday '' reciting the Bible at some church or event and speaks `` for 40 days and 40 nights '' every year at the Creation Museum in Petersburg , Kentucky , and its sister attraction , Ark Encounter .
But he also embraces science and disagrees with those people who shun masks in the belief Jesus will save them from COVID-19 .
`` Dude , that 's like saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my eyes closed , ' '' Meyer says .
He masks up and will teach online at Shasta Bible College if necessary to avoid the spread of the coronavirus .
Today 's trials and tribulations are `` not fulfillments of prophesies , '' Meyer says .
`` According to the Bible , you ai n't seen nothing yet . ''
First comes the Rapture , Meyer says , adding that Christians have been waiting for that for 2,000 years .
`` For the Lord himself will come down from heaven , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God , and the dead in Christ will rise first , '' a verse in First Thessalonians says .
`` Graves rip open all over the world .
It 's so fantastic .
That 's why they make movies about it , '' Meyer says .
After that comes seven years of chaos depicted in the book of Revelations , with atrocities everywhere you look during the Antichrist 's reign .
If the actual Antichrist were running as a presidential candidate in November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I 'm not a fan of his adding the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to the Supreme Court , '' voters would say .
`` But the stock market hates uncertainty , and this guy has a commitment to end creation , so that should help my 401 ( k ) . ''
You can forget about that asteroid that might arrive the day before Election Day .
NASA 's @ AsteroidWatch tweets , `` Asteroid 2018VP1 is very small , approx .
6.5 feet , and poses no threat to Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and future End of Days , Meyer urges people to spend their energy in the present .
`` It 's God 's clock , not mine , '' Meyer says .
`` It 's out of my control .
I just live my life the best I can .
Dude , I go to Disneyland . ''

Constable: Are the End Times here? Well, no, says biblical scholar
While many people read the Bible, those stories were meant to be heard, says Tom Meyer, a Lombard native who performs books of the Bible that he has memorized. Courtesy of Tom Meyer
In his career reciting Bible books by memory, Lombard native Tom Meyer, left, meets all kinds of people, including martial arts cult hero Chuck Norris. Courtesy of Tom Meyer
Lombard native Tom Meyer, a biblical scholar and professor, says while he's waiting for the End of Days, he tries to live a good life with his wife, Sarah, and their children, Hosanna, 8, Scarlett, 6, Abigail, 4, and 3-year-old Tommy. Courtesy of Tom Meyer
A biblical scholar and professor, Lombard native Tom Meyer knows every word of the apocalyptic book of Revelation by memory. As chaotic as the world seems today, Meyer says this isn't the End Times. Courtesy of Tom Meyer
A fridge-sized asteroid hurtles toward Earth as we cope with a pandemic, horrific storms, racial atrocities, wildfires, violence and political pandemonium. "We are at the end of time," warns a flyer left on our front porch. It proclaims the Earth will come to an end in 2020 with chaos, war, famine, natural disasters and a presidential election "like nothing you have ever witnessed before."
Granted, it does seem as if we're headed in that direction. But Lombard native Tom Meyer, 44, a biblical scholar who built a career reciting Bible books by memory, is still booking gigs for 2021.
"Fake news!" Meyer says with a chuckle as he labels the End Times flyer just another "cuckoo" idea in a world where we can find disasters lurking everywhere. The 11,000 lightning strikes in a weekend that sparked hundreds of fires across Northern California, where Meyer lives with his wife, Sarah, and their children, Hosanna, 8, Scarlett, 6, Abigail, 4, and Tommy, 3, might bring to mind Greek mythology tales of Zeus tossing lightning bolts at his enemies. But it's not a sign of the End Times, Meyer says.
"This is just what happens in our world," he says of disasters. "In no way shape or form is this the end. You'll know when it's the end."
That "the end is nigh" philosophy has been with us since Jesus Christ and his disciples.
"John, Paul, Peter -- the heavy hitters -- also thought they were in extra innings," says Meyer, who is comfortable using baseball analogies since he played catcher in a baseball league during his years in Israel. "Now, we are in what? The 20th inning?"
Meyer grew up in Lombard, the oldest of four children born to Thomas and Debbie Meyer. He left his job with his family's Meyer Paving business to attend Shasta Bible College in Redding, California, where he is now a professor.
He got master's degrees at Jerusalem University College in Israel.
"We got engaged in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve," says Meyer, who got married in Jerusalem in 2011. He says he spends "every single Sunday" reciting the Bible at some church or event and speaks "for 40 days and 40 nights" every year at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, and its sister attraction, Ark Encounter.
But he also embraces science and disagrees with those people who shun masks in the belief Jesus will save them from COVID-19. "Dude, that's like saying, 'I'm going to drive with my eyes closed,'" Meyer says. He masks up and will teach online at Shasta Bible College if necessary to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
Today's trials and tribulations are "not fulfillments of prophesies," Meyer says. "According to the Bible, you ain't seen nothing yet."
First comes the Rapture, Meyer says, adding that Christians have been waiting for that for 2,000 years.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first," a verse in First Thessalonians says.
"Graves rip open all over the world. It's so fantastic. That's why they make movies about it," Meyer says. After that comes seven years of chaos depicted in the book of Revelations, with atrocities everywhere you look during the Antichrist's reign.
If the actual Antichrist were running as a presidential candidate in November, he'd get votes.
"Well, I'm not a fan of his adding the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to the Supreme Court," voters would say. "But the stock market hates uncertainty, and this guy has a commitment to end creation, so that should help my 401(k)."
You can forget about that asteroid that might arrive the day before Election Day. NASA's @AsteroidWatch tweets, "Asteroid 2018VP1 is very small, approx. 6.5 feet, and poses no threat to Earth!"
Instead of focusing on catastrophes and future End of Days, Meyer urges people to spend their energy in the present.
"It's God's clock, not mine," Meyer says. "It's out of my control. I just live my life the best I can. Dude, I go to Disneyland."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-24--Round Lake Beach officer caught on camera punching restrained woman in the head

Community members are calling for a Round Lake Beach police officer to be removed from active duty after he was captured on camera Saturday punching a woman in the head three times while she was on a gurney surrounded by first responders .
Round Lake Beach police did not comment Monday but said Saturday in a statement posted to Facebook that the woman had bitten the officer 's leg .
Deputy Chief Wayne Wilde by email said Monday the department would release an update to the Saturday statement , which called the video `` disturbing . ''
The confrontation happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to a 911 call requesting assistance because a woman was experiencing a mental health crisis , the department 's statement said Saturday .
In the video , several first responders surround the woman , who is lying on a gurney .
Around 20 seconds in , a police officer standing near the woman 's head begins punching her in the head , getting off three blows within two seconds .
The officer later says to the camera the woman bit him .
`` Did you tape the part where she bit me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a second video taken by the same person .
`` See the bite mark ? ''
he says later , turning his leg and pointing near his knee , still covered by his uniform .
The video was shared widely on social media .
On Sunday , a group of community leaders went to the Round Lake Beach police station to call for the officer to be removed from public duty .
`` We want him to be disciplined .
It would show to this community that this type of behavior is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Our Lady of Suyapa Sanctuary Methodist Church in Wauconda .
`` He knew it was a 911 distress call for a mentally unstable individual who wanted to kill herself , yet he felt it was OK to hit her . ''
Contreras said she was appalled that a professional law enforcement officer would treat a person who suffers from mental health issues with violence .
The police department so far has defended the officer 's actions .
`` Striking a person who is actively biting an officer is within policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To ensure that all officers followed proper policies and procedures , the Round Lake Beach Police Department will look to have an external evaluation of the incident . ''
`` It is disappointing that he is putting out press releases where he is condoning violence , '' Contreras said , referring to Round Lake Beach Police Chief Gilbert Rivera .
`` It was unnecessary force .
...
He just needed to pull away from her .
She was not latched on to him , she did not rip his pants , she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said hopefully something positive comes from this .
`` Maybe now they will be trained and know how to handle mental health cases , '' Contreras said .

Round Lake Beach officer caught on camera punching restrained woman in the head
This portion of a frame of a video taken by a bystander shows a Round Lake Beach officer rearing his arm back to punch a woman on a gurney who he later said had bitten him in the leg on Saturday. Courtesy of Angela Heath
Community members are calling for a Round Lake Beach police officer to be removed from active duty after he was captured on camera Saturday punching a woman in the head three times while she was on a gurney surrounded by first responders.
Round Lake Beach police did not comment Monday but said Saturday in a statement posted to Facebook that the woman had bitten the officer's leg.
Deputy Chief Wayne Wilde by email said Monday the department would release an update to the Saturday statement, which called the video "disturbing."
The confrontation happened Saturday evening after Round Lake Beach police responded to a 911 call requesting assistance because a woman was experiencing a mental health crisis, the department's statement said Saturday.
In the video, several first responders surround the woman, who is lying on a gurney. Around 20 seconds in, a police officer standing near the woman's head begins punching her in the head, getting off three blows within two seconds.
The officer later says to the camera the woman bit him.
"Did you tape the part where she bit me in the leg?" he says in a second video taken by the same person. "See the bite mark?" he says later, turning his leg and pointing near his knee, still covered by his uniform.
The video was shared widely on social media. On Sunday, a group of community leaders went to the Round Lake Beach police station to call for the officer to be removed from public duty.
"We want him to be disciplined. It would show to this community that this type of behavior is unacceptable," said Pastor Julie Contreras, of Our Lady of Suyapa Sanctuary Methodist Church in Wauconda. "He knew it was a 911 distress call for a mentally unstable individual who wanted to kill herself, yet he felt it was OK to hit her."
Contreras said she was appalled that a professional law enforcement officer would treat a person who suffers from mental health issues with violence.
The police department so far has defended the officer's actions.
"Striking a person who is actively biting an officer is within policy," the Saturday statement reads. "To ensure that all officers followed proper policies and procedures, the Round Lake Beach Police Department will look to have an external evaluation of the incident."
"It is disappointing that he is putting out press releases where he is condoning violence," Contreras said, referring to Round Lake Beach Police Chief Gilbert Rivera. "It was unnecessary force. ... He just needed to pull away from her. She was not latched on to him, she did not rip his pants, she did not rip his skin."
Contreras said hopefully something positive comes from this.
"Maybe now they will be trained and know how to handle mental health cases," Contreras said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Process to send Antioch teen charged with murder across Wisconsin border begins Friday morning

Before Kyle Rittenhouse can face charges that accuse him of fatally shooting two people and wounding a third during a protest Tuesday night in Kenosha , Wisconsin officials will need permission to bring him across the state line .
That process begins at an extradition status hearing Friday morning when the 17-year-old Antioch man will appear virtually before a Lake County judge on the issue of whether another state can collect an Illinois resident accused of a crime .
Rittenhouse , who lives in Antioch , was taken into custody in the village on an arrest warrant issued Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-degree intentional homicide , first-degree reckless homicide , two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety , attempted first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 .
He is held on no bond at the Hulse Juvenile Justice Center near Vernon Hills .
Whether his transfer to Wisconsin takes place relatively quickly or plays out over several weeks depends on what happens Friday , according to Lee Filas , communications manager with the Lake County state 's attorney 's office .
• Waive his right to an extradition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement officers would have the authority to drive to Waukegan , take Rittenhouse into custody and transfer him to Kenosha County to face the charges , Filas said .
• Request more time from the judge to prepare for the extradition status hearing .
If granted , Filas said , Lake County authorities can hold Rittenhouse for up to 30 days while that happens .
• Elect to have an extradition hearing before a judge .
However , that hearing would n't happen right away .
The state 's attorney 's office may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Filas said .
Their preparations would include obtaining a Governor 's Warrant from Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers that he would first send to Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker .
Lake County prosecutors would present the warrant to the judge at the extradition hearing and the judge would make a ruling , Filas said .
The status hearing will be conducted on the Zoom platform at 9 a.m. Friday .
The hearing will be streamed live for the public on the YouTube page for courtroom T110 .
Video of the hearing will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Process to send Antioch teen charged with murder across Wisconsin border begins Friday morning
Kyle Rittenhouse, seen here Tuesday outside Reuther Central High School in Kenosha, Wis., was arrested Wednesday after two people were shot to death during protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
Before Kyle Rittenhouse can face charges that accuse him of fatally shooting two people and wounding a third during a protest Tuesday night in Kenosha, Wisconsin officials will need permission to bring him across the state line.
That process begins at an extradition status hearing Friday morning when the 17-year-old Antioch man will appear virtually before a Lake County judge on the issue of whether another state can collect an Illinois resident accused of a crime.
Rittenhouse, who lives in Antioch, was taken into custody in the village on an arrest warrant issued Wednesday morning by Kenosha County authorities charging him with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.
He is held on no bond at the Hulse Juvenile Justice Center near Vernon Hills.
Whether his transfer to Wisconsin takes place relatively quickly or plays out over several weeks depends on what happens Friday, according to Lee Filas, communications manager with the Lake County state's attorney's office.
Rittenhouse's lawyers could:
• Waive his right to an extradition hearing, at which point Wisconsin law enforcement officers would have the authority to drive to Waukegan, take Rittenhouse into custody and transfer him to Kenosha County to face the charges, Filas said.
• Request more time from the judge to prepare for the extradition status hearing. If granted, Filas said, Lake County authorities can hold Rittenhouse for up to 30 days while that happens.
• Elect to have an extradition hearing before a judge. However, that hearing wouldn't happen right away. The state's attorney's office may request up to 60 days to prepare, Filas said. Their preparations would include obtaining a Governor's Warrant from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers that he would first send to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Lake County prosecutors would present the warrant to the judge at the extradition hearing and the judge would make a ruling, Filas said.
The status hearing will be conducted on the Zoom platform at 9 a.m. Friday. The hearing will be streamed live for the public on the YouTube page for courtroom T110. Video of the hearing will be deleted once the proceedings are concluded.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Guns were turned in after Kenosha shooting, but Antioch police won't say who owned them

Two guns were turned into police when a 17-year-old Antioch man charged in the Kenosha shootings surrendered himself , police said , but officials are not saying who owned the guns and whether they had valid firearm owners identification cards .
Kyle Rittenhouse was accompanied by his mother when he went to the police department Wednesday , Antioch Interim Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said Thursday .
He faces multiple charges in Kenosha County , including first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide , in the deaths of two Wisconsin residents late Tuesday .
Cellphone video shows a young white man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street with a semi-automatic rifle in Kenosha , which has been the site of fiery protests after a police officer shot resident Jacob Blake seven times in the back Sunday .
It 's unclear who turned in the guns to Antioch police .
Guttschow said the guns were then given to the Kenosha Police Department and would n't comment further , citing the ongoing investigation .
Kenosha police did n't respond to a request for comment .
A court hearing regarding Rittenhouse 's extradition to Wisconsin is set for 9 a.m. Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reid , who is not involved in the case , said first-degree intentional homicide is a Class A felony that carries a minimum sentence of life in prison , although a judge can allow the possibility of parole at 25 years with qualifiers .
Video shows the shooter had what looks like an AR-15 rifle , said Richard Pearson , executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association .
Pearson condemned the shooter 's actions , pointing out there are also federal laws regarding crossing state lines with the intent to commit a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pearsons said .
`` He violated them . ''
Under Illinois law , it 's illegal for someone under 18 to possess `` any firearm of a size which may be concealed upon the person , '' which would seem to exclude a rifle .
Illinois State Police would not say whether Rittenhouse or his mother have a valid FOID card , saying state statute bars the agency from disclosing that .
In Illinois , minors under age 21 can apply for a FOID card as long as they have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guardian .
The sponsor does not have to have a FOID card , but must be eligible for one .
There is no minimum age for minors to have a FOID card and there are no FOID-related restrictions regarding what types of guns minors can carry , state police spokeswoman Beth Hundsdorfer said .
The parent or guardian must sign an affidavit giving consent for the minor to possess firearms and ammunition , and saying , `` ( I ) understand I shall be liable for any damages resulting from the minor applicant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the online form .
Parents in Illinois generally are n't held responsible for their children 's actions that result in legal liability -- unless there is negligent entrustment or negligent supervision , said attorney Linda J. Watson , chairwoman of the Illinois State Bar Association 's criminal justice section .
`` Because such a duty to a parent to supervise and/or control their child does not extend to a parent 's duty to do so continuously , I would think that such would be a tall order -- unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child was doing and/or did nothing ( to prevent the tort ) or assisted the minor child in obtaining a FOID wherein they knew they were not eligible for one , '' she said .
Wisconsin , which is an open-carry state , has `` really convoluted '' gun possession laws for people under 18 , attorney Grieve said .
That 's because possession of a gun by someone under 18 is a Class A misdemeanor , but there are also statutes that , for example , allow people under age 16 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions , but with no specific regulations for 17- and 18-year olds , Grieve said .
Meanwhile , Illinois lawmakers and others weighed in Thursday on the Kenosha shooting .
Democrat U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of the 14th Congressional District , which includes Antioch , called for a `` complete and transparent investigation . ''
`` That a 17-year-old from our community would have an assault weapon , travel to Kenosha , and allegedly commit grave violence toward protesters is an unspeakably horrific symptom of the toxic hate and division that permeate our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This instance is painfully close to home , and it is not reflective of the values we hold dear in northern Illinois : that weapons of war , racism , and hate have no place in our communities , and we should never seek to solve problems through violence . ''
Underwood called for the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act , a bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. House that bans chokeholds , eliminates qualified immunity for law enforcement and more .
Republican candidate Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November election , said he was `` deeply saddened by the violence '' and urged leaders in Wisconsin `` to get the situation under control '' in Kenosha , pointing out the White House offered federal aid .
`` What we are seeing in Kenosha is people who do not even live there coming into that community for the express purpose of destroying property and hurting people .
Sadly , many of these agitators are coming from Illinois , '' Oberweis said .
Rittenhouse `` should have never been in Kenosha in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` His recklessness has led directly to the deaths of two people . ''

Guns were turned in after Kenosha shooting, but Antioch police won't say who owned them
Kyle Rittenhouse of Antioch is seen running down the street Wednesday in Kenosha. He is accused of shooting three people, killing two of them. Video frame grab courtesy of Brendan Gutenschwager
Two guns were turned into police when a 17-year-old Antioch man charged in the Kenosha shootings surrendered himself, police said, but officials are not saying who owned the guns and whether they had valid firearm owners identification cards.
Kyle Rittenhouse was accompanied by his mother when he went to the police department Wednesday, Antioch Interim Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said Thursday. He faces multiple charges in Kenosha County, including first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide, in the deaths of two Wisconsin residents late Tuesday. Cellphone video shows a young white man, apparently Rittenhouse, opening fire in the street with a semi-automatic rifle in Kenosha, which has been the site of fiery protests after a police officer shot resident Jacob Blake seven times in the back Sunday.
It's unclear who turned in the guns to Antioch police. Guttschow said the guns were then given to the Kenosha Police Department and wouldn't comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. Kenosha police didn't respond to a request for comment.
A court hearing regarding Rittenhouse's extradition to Wisconsin is set for 9 a.m. Friday in Lake County.
Wisconsin attorney Tom Grieve, who is not involved in the case, said first-degree intentional homicide is a Class A felony that carries a minimum sentence of life in prison, although a judge can allow the possibility of parole at 25 years with qualifiers.
Video shows the shooter had what looks like an AR-15 rifle, said Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. Pearson condemned the shooter's actions, pointing out there are also federal laws regarding crossing state lines with the intent to commit a crime. "We have the laws," Pearsons said. "He violated them."
Under Illinois law, it's illegal for someone under 18 to possess "any firearm of a size which may be concealed upon the person," which would seem to exclude a rifle.
Illinois State Police would not say whether Rittenhouse or his mother have a valid FOID card, saying state statute bars the agency from disclosing that. In Illinois, minors under age 21 can apply for a FOID card as long as they have a sponsor who is a parent or legal guardian. The sponsor does not have to have a FOID card, but must be eligible for one.
There is no minimum age for minors to have a FOID card and there are no FOID-related restrictions regarding what types of guns minors can carry, state police spokeswoman Beth Hundsdorfer said.
The parent or guardian must sign an affidavit giving consent for the minor to possess firearms and ammunition, and saying, "(I) understand I shall be liable for any damages resulting from the minor applicant's use of firearms or firearm ammunition," according to the online form.
Wisconsin, which is an open-carry state, has "really convoluted" gun possession laws for people under 18, Grieve said. That's because possession of a gun by someone under 18 is a Class A misdemeanor, but there are also statutes that, for example, allow people under age 16 to have guns for hunting with certain safety provisions, but with no specific regulations for 17- and 18-year olds, Grieve said.
Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers and others weighed in Thursday on the Kenosha shooting.
Democrat U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood of the 14th Congressional District, which includes Antioch, called for a "complete and transparent investigation."
"That a 17-year-old from our community would have an assault weapon, travel to Kenosha, and allegedly commit grave violence toward protesters is an unspeakably horrific symptom of the toxic hate and division that permeate our country right now," she said. "This instance is painfully close to home, and it is not reflective of the values we hold dear in northern Illinois: that weapons of war, racism, and hate have no place in our communities, and we should never seek to solve problems through violence."
Underwood called for the U.S. Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. House that bans chokeholds, eliminates qualified immunity for law enforcement and more.
Republican candidate Jim Oberweis, who is challenging Underwood in the November election, said he was "deeply saddened by the violence" and urged leaders in Wisconsin "to get the situation under control" in Kenosha, pointing out the White House offered federal aid.
"What we are seeing in Kenosha is people who do not even live there coming into that community for the express purpose of destroying property and hurting people. Sadly, many of these agitators are coming from Illinois," Oberweis said.
Rittenhouse "should have never been in Kenosha in the first place," he said. "His recklessness has led directly to the deaths of two people."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Illinois reports most COVID-19 hospitalizations since July 1

Hospitals throughout Illinois are reporting the highest number of COVID-19 patients since July 1 .
According to Illinois Department of Public Health figures , 1,631 patients were hospitalized with the respiratory disease at the start of the day Thursday .
Over the past four days alone , hospitals statewide have added 182 new patients , an average of 46 new hospitalizations each day .
Of those hospitalized , 390 were being treated in intensive care units , taking up 10.2 % of all ICU beds in the state .
That 's the highest occupancy rate of ICU beds by coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to IDPH figures .
State health officials also reported another 24 deaths from COVID-19 and 1,707 new cases of the respiratory disease Thursday .
That brings the state 's death toll to 7,977 since the outbreak began , with 227,334 Illinois residents testing positive for the disease as well during that time .
Twelve of the deaths reported Thursday were in Chicago and the collar counties and 12 were downstate .
Positive results among tests performed are at a daily average of 4.1 % for the week .
IDPH tracks hospitalizations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suburbs making up five of those regions .
They are : Chicago ; suburban Cook County ; Lake and McHenry counties ; DuPage and Kane counties ; and Will and Kankakee counties .
Suburban Cook County is averaging 22 COVID-19 hospitalizations a day , as of Monday .
Hospitals in the region are reporting 31 % of all hospital beds are open .
IDPH does not report how many people are released from hospitals in each region daily .
The Will and Kankakee region is averaging 10 new COVID-19 admissions each day and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds are available , the lowest of any suburban region .
Illinois officials recently imposed restrictions such as no indoor dining and group size limits of 25 after the average daily test positivity rate surpassed 8 % for multiple days .
In Lake and McHenry counties , hospitals are averaging seven new admissions daily for COVID-19 .
The hospitals report 35 % of beds are open .
In DuPage and Kane counties , administrators are reporting 32 % bed availability and an average of 12 new COVID-19 patients daily .
Hospital officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus at ( Naperville 's ) Edward Hospital have slowly risen over the last two weeks , into the high teens , but today the number of inpatients was down to 13 , '' said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua , executive vice president and chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health .
`` Neither Edward Hospital nor Elmhurst Hospital have seen a significant uptick in COVID-19 admissions . ''
Chicago has the lowest rate of available hospital beds in any IDPH region , with just 25 % open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's hospitals are also averaging 22 new COVID-19 patients a day .

Illinois reports most COVID-19 hospitalizations since July 1
Hospitals throughout Illinois are reporting the highest number of COVID-19 patients since July 1.
According to Illinois Department of Public Health figures, 1,631 patients were hospitalized with the respiratory disease at the start of the day Thursday. Over the past four days alone, hospitals statewide have added 182 new patients, an average of 46 new hospitalizations each day.
Of those hospitalized, 390 were being treated in intensive care units, taking up 10.2% of all ICU beds in the state. That's the highest occupancy rate of ICU beds by coronavirus patients since the end of June, according to IDPH figures.
State health officials also reported another 24 deaths from COVID-19 and 1,707 new cases of the respiratory disease Thursday.
That brings the state's death toll to 7,977 since the outbreak began, with 227,334 Illinois residents testing positive for the disease as well during that time.
Twelve of the deaths reported Thursday were in Chicago and the collar counties and 12 were downstate.
Positive results among tests performed are at a daily average of 4.1% for the week.
IDPH tracks hospitalizations in 11 regions, with Chicago and the suburbs making up five of those regions. They are: Chicago; suburban Cook County; Lake and McHenry counties; DuPage and Kane counties; and Will and Kankakee counties.
Suburban Cook County is averaging 22 COVID-19 hospitalizations a day, as of Monday. Hospitals in the region are reporting 31% of all hospital beds are open. IDPH does not report how many people are released from hospitals in each region daily.
The Will and Kankakee region is averaging 10 new COVID-19 admissions each day and hospitals report only 28% of hospital beds are available, the lowest of any suburban region. Illinois officials recently imposed restrictions such as no indoor dining and group size limits of 25 after the average daily test positivity rate surpassed 8% for multiple days.
In Lake and McHenry counties, hospitals are averaging seven new admissions daily for COVID-19. The hospitals report 35% of beds are open.
In DuPage and Kane counties, administrators are reporting 32% bed availability and an average of 12 new COVID-19 patients daily.
Hospital officials say the caseloads are manageable.
"Admissions of patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus at (Naperville's) Edward Hospital have slowly risen over the last two weeks, into the high teens, but today the number of inpatients was down to 13," said Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua, executive vice president and chief physician executive at Edward-Elmhurst Health. "Neither Edward Hospital nor Elmhurst Hospital have seen a significant uptick in COVID-19 admissions."
Chicago has the lowest rate of available hospital beds in any IDPH region, with just 25% open, according to the IDPH report. The city's hospitals are also averaging 22 new COVID-19 patients a day.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--How Will County's COVID-19 restrictions are affecting some Naperville restaurants

Navigating the state 's changing coronavirus restrictions has been a roller coaster for Biaggi 's Ristorante Italiano in Naperville , with its most recent drop stemming from an indoor dining ban implemented in Will County .
A set of more stringent mitigation measures took effect Wednesday , leaving restaurant leaders scrambling to increase alfresco dining capacity , alleviate sales losses and keep their employees on the payroll , said Casey Gru , area director of operations for Biaggi 's .
The patio is only large enough to seat six tables under social distancing guidelines , she said , so dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A tent is expected to be installed in the parking lot to create additional seating .
But those weather-dependent accommodations might not be sustainable for long , she said .
`` It 's certainly frustrating , '' Gru said .
`` Every day it 's something different , and we 're trying to navigate the best we can . ''
The new restrictions , which also impact Kankakee County , were announced Monday after the region hit a COVID-19 positivity rate of 8 % for three days .
Changes include closing eateries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each party , and reducing the size of public gatherings , meetings and events to 25 people or 25 % of room capacity .
But in DuPage County , less than a mile north of Biaggi 's , establishments can proceed as usual under Phase 4 of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan , meaning limited indoor dining and groups of up to 50 people are allowed .
That puts restaurants and bars in the southern portion of Naperville at a competitive disadvantage for at least two weeks , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be taken if metrics do n't improve .
`` I do n't think it 's fair , '' said Filiz Sav , who owns EggCited Pancake House on Hassert Boulevard .
`` It 's affecting my staff .
It 's affecting us as a small business .
It 's a huge mess . ''
In the first day of the new restrictions , business dropped by 50 % , Sav said .
The restaurant 's outdoor seating area can hold about 10 tables , compared to 50 inside , she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 people to 10 .
Most establishments have already gone through the process of shrinking their workforce and rehiring employees as COVID-19 restrictions evolved , said Reba Osborne , director of governmental affairs for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce .
Those affected by the new mitigation efforts now face another level of unpredictability as they make future financial and staffing decisions .
`` The one thing businesses need to flourish is certainty , '' Osborne said .
`` The uncertainty is really just a monkey wrench ( thrown ) into a business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday also marked the first day of a stricter mask mandate for bar and restaurant patrons statewide , requiring customers to don face coverings during any interaction with servers and employees .
Though the rule is designed to protect workers , it also puts some added pressure on them to enforce compliance among their customers , Osborne said , `` and that 's where it becomes difficult . ''
Keeping up with the frequently changing guidelines -- and ensuring patrons are aware of them -- has been challenging for Paris Bistro , manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same Naperville Crossings shopping center as Biaggi 's , she said , she was concerned customers would react negatively to the new Will County restrictions , though most have been requesting to dine alfresco anyway .
With restaurants throughout Illinois and in several other states , Biaggi 's operators have been going `` above and beyond '' to adhere to the different COVID-19 restrictions at each location , Gru said .
Though the company is supportive of any decision to keep employees and customers safe , she said , the inconsistencies have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go with the flow as best we can , '' Gru said .
`` Everybody 's in this together .
We 're trying to be smart .
We want to do the right thing .
But we also have a business to run . ''

How Will County's COVID-19 restrictions are affecting some Naperville restaurants
Navigating the state's changing coronavirus restrictions has been a roller coaster for Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano in Naperville, with its most recent drop stemming from an indoor dining ban implemented in Will County.
A set of more stringent mitigation measures took effect Wednesday, leaving restaurant leaders scrambling to increase alfresco dining capacity, alleviate sales losses and keep their employees on the payroll, said Casey Gru, area director of operations for Biaggi's.
- Lauren Rohr | Staff Photographer Paris Bistro in the southern portion of Naperville can no longer offer indoor dining under a new set of COVID-19 restrictions implemented in Will and Kankakee counties, but manager Gabriela Trejo said most patrons prefer eating on the restaurant's patio anyway.
The patio is only large enough to seat six tables under social distancing guidelines, she said, so dining furniture was added along the sidewalks. A tent is expected to be installed in the parking lot to create additional seating.
But those weather-dependent accommodations might not be sustainable for long, she said.
"It's certainly frustrating," Gru said. "Every day it's something different, and we're trying to navigate the best we can."
The new restrictions, which also impact Kankakee County, were announced Monday after the region hit a COVID-19 positivity rate of 8% for three days. Changes include closing eateries and bars by 11 p.m., requiring reservations for each party, and reducing the size of public gatherings, meetings and events to 25 people or 25% of room capacity.
But in DuPage County, less than a mile north of Biaggi's, establishments can proceed as usual under Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan, meaning limited indoor dining and groups of up to 50 people are allowed.
That puts restaurants and bars in the southern portion of Naperville at a competitive disadvantage for at least two weeks, though state health officials have warned additional action will be taken if metrics don't improve.
"I don't think it's fair," said Filiz Sav, who owns EggCited Pancake House on Hassert Boulevard. "It's affecting my staff. It's affecting us as a small business. It's a huge mess."
In the first day of the new restrictions, business dropped by 50%, Sav said. The restaurant's outdoor seating area can hold about 10 tables, compared to 50 inside, she said, and her staff has been cut from 35 people to 10.
- Lauren Rohr | Staff Photographer Inconsistent COVID-19 restrictions from state to state, or even region to region, have been difficult to navigate for operators of the Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, which has locations throughout Illinois and in several other states.
Most establishments have already gone through the process of shrinking their workforce and rehiring employees as COVID-19 restrictions evolved, said Reba Osborne, director of governmental affairs for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. Those affected by the new mitigation efforts now face another level of unpredictability as they make future financial and staffing decisions.
"The one thing businesses need to flourish is certainty," Osborne said. "The uncertainty is really just a monkey wrench (thrown) into a business being able to maintain itself."
Wednesday also marked the first day of a stricter mask mandate for bar and restaurant patrons statewide, requiring customers to don face coverings during any interaction with servers and employees. Though the rule is designed to protect workers, it also puts some added pressure on them to enforce compliance among their customers, Osborne said, "and that's where it becomes difficult."
Keeping up with the frequently changing guidelines -- and ensuring patrons are aware of them -- has been challenging for Paris Bistro, manager Gabriela Trejo said. Located in the same Naperville Crossings shopping center as Biaggi's, she said, she was concerned customers would react negatively to the new Will County restrictions, though most have been requesting to dine alfresco anyway.
With restaurants throughout Illinois and in several other states, Biaggi's operators have been going "above and beyond" to adhere to the different COVID-19 restrictions at each location, Gru said. Though the company is supportive of any decision to keep employees and customers safe, she said, the inconsistencies have been challenging.
"We're just trying to go with the flow as best we can," Gru said. "Everybody's in this together. We're trying to be smart. We want to do the right thing. But we also have a business to run."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Cubs say they followed Heyward's lead with decision to play Wednesday

Not long before first pitch of the Cubs-Tigers game in Detroit on Wednesday , news of the NBA players canceling three playoff games had spread , and the Cubs hurriedly tried to settle on the best plan of action .
Ultimately , they listened to Jason Heyward .
He planned to sit out , but wanted his teammates to play the game .
`` There was discussions .
There were multiple guys saying they were n't comfortable going out there and playing if I was n't going to go out there , '' Heyward said after the Cubs ' 7-6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave me hanging .
`` I let them know , encouraged them , 'Go play the game .
I do n't think the game should be canceled , but I think I have to do what I have to do . '
That 's another reason I was out there in the dugout supporting them , because they support me every single day through this .
I 'm right there with them fighting the fight . ''
Heyward said he did n't have to approach David Ross to discuss the situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ office first .
`` Before I could even get myself together to talk to our manager , he called me in his office and opened the floor to me and said , 'Hey , I 'm starting to see how this is playing out .
I want to help you make a decision .
What do you feel like we need to do ?
Whatever it is , we support you , ' '' Heyward said .
`` After having that conversation with Rossy , I knew I was feeling I needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
We made these statements together as a players alliance .
If we just went out there and played tonight and ignored what the NBA is doing , and ignored what is happening right now , then I feel like that would be going back on our word . ''
Ross said he was fine with whatever the players decided to do .
Three MLB games were not played in protest of the recent police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wis. -- Brewers-Reds , Padres-Mariners and Giants-Dodgers .
Heyward suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting happened in the Brewers ' home state and the West Coast teams had more time to think .
Ross said he did not have any contact with Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire before the game , but got close to a point where he was ready to track down the cell phone number .
`` There 's no handbook , '' Ross said .
`` I literally told the guys , ' I do n't know .
I will stand by all you guys with whatever we decide and supporting Jason is No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to play , so that 's what we did .
`` He has been such a leader for us in so many ways .
I wanted to get him in here and let him speak freely .
It was an emotional conversation , as real as it gets . ''
After the game , Anthony Rizzo delivered some strong comments about the state of the nation .
He is still angry and frustrated about the lack of meaningful response to the shooting at his alma mater , Stoneman Douglas High School in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've gone through a lot with my high school and ( stuff ) does n't change , '' Rizzo said with anger in his voice .
`` It 's just the fact of the matter .
Politicians do n't really give a ( expletive ) about us , all they care about is their own agenda .
This is just the way it is and it 's upsetting and I 'm sorry to use that language and go off , but it 's upsetting . ''
Rizzo did have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Just have some common sense in the world , '' he said .
`` It just feels like we 've lost all common sense .
It 's so extreme one way or the other .
No matter which way you go .
Put yourself in someone else 's shoes for a second and just see the other side one time .
`` Whatever side you 're on , it does n't matter .
Just have some common sense .
There 's common ground everywhere .
The American people , that 's what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've seen it get away .
It 's sad .
It 's sad what 's going on in our country right now . ''
The Cubs left Detroit after losing two of three to the Tigers .
They are off Thursday , then have four games scheduled this weekend in Cincinnati .
Is it possible one of those games could be canceled ?
`` I ca n't see anything , '' Heyward said .
`` I could n't see this coming today . ''
Added Ross , `` This is not the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Like Jason said , we 'll navigate tomorrow . ''

Cubs say they followed Heyward's lead with decision to play Wednesday
After losing to the Tigers on Wednesday, the Cubs talked about a hurried and difficult decision on whether or not to play the game. Ultimately, outfielder Jason Heyward said he would sit, but wanted the game to go on. Associated Press
Not long before first pitch of the Cubs-Tigers game in Detroit on Wednesday, news of the NBA players canceling three playoff games had spread, and the Cubs hurriedly tried to settle on the best plan of action.
Ultimately, they listened to Jason Heyward. He planned to sit out, but wanted his teammates to play the game.
"There was discussions. There were multiple guys saying they weren't comfortable going out there and playing if I wasn't going to go out there," Heyward said after the Cubs' 7-6 loss. "They didn't want to leave me hanging.
"I let them know, encouraged them, 'Go play the game. I don't think the game should be canceled, but I think I have to do what I have to do.' That's another reason I was out there in the dugout supporting them, because they support me every single day through this. I'm right there with them fighting the fight."
Heyward said he didn't have to approach David Ross to discuss the situation. Ross invited him into the manager's office first.
"Before I could even get myself together to talk to our manager, he called me in his office and opened the floor to me and said, 'Hey, I'm starting to see how this is playing out. I want to help you make a decision. What do you feel like we need to do? Whatever it is, we support you,'" Heyward said.
"After having that conversation with Rossy, I knew I was feeling I needed to be a part of what's going on. We made these statements together as a players alliance. If we just went out there and played tonight and ignored what the NBA is doing, and ignored what is happening right now, then I feel like that would be going back on our word."
Ross said he was fine with whatever the players decided to do. Three MLB games were not played in protest of the recent police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. -- Brewers-Reds, Padres-Mariners and Giants-Dodgers.
Heyward suggested those were easier calls, since the shooting happened in the Brewers' home state and the West Coast teams had more time to think.
Ross said he did not have any contact with Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire before the game, but got close to a point where he was ready to track down the cell phone number.
"There's no handbook," Ross said. "I literally told the guys, 'I don't know. I will stand by all you guys with whatever we decide and supporting Jason is No. 1.' And he wanted us to play, so that's what we did.
"He has been such a leader for us in so many ways. I wanted to get him in here and let him speak freely. It was an emotional conversation, as real as it gets."
After the game, Anthony Rizzo delivered some strong comments about the state of the nation. He is still angry and frustrated about the lack of meaningful response to the shooting at his alma mater, Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which killed 17.
"I've gone through a lot with my high school and (stuff) doesn't change," Rizzo said with anger in his voice. "It's just the fact of the matter. Politicians don't really give a (expletive) about us, all they care about is their own agenda. This is just the way it is and it's upsetting and I'm sorry to use that language and go off, but it's upsetting."
Rizzo did have a suggestion for how things could improve.
"Just have some common sense in the world," he said. "It just feels like we've lost all common sense. It's so extreme one way or the other. No matter which way you go. Put yourself in someone else's shoes for a second and just see the other side one time.
"Whatever side you're on, it doesn't matter. Just have some common sense. There's common ground everywhere. The American people, that's what we've been built on and you've seen it get away. It's sad. It's sad what's going on in our country right now."
The Cubs left Detroit after losing two of three to the Tigers. They are off Thursday, then have four games scheduled this weekend in Cincinnati. Is it possible one of those games could be canceled?
"I can't see anything," Heyward said. "I couldn't see this coming today."
Added Ross, "This is not the end of the conversation, I would say. Like Jason said, we'll navigate tomorrow."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-26--We're having a heat wave (through Friday at least)

If you like scorching temperatures , you 're going to love the next few days .
The heat wave will continue for a few days more , with temperatures remaining in the high 90s through Friday , according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rafal Ogorek , who confirms that , overall , summer 2020 has been the hottest since 2012 .
Rain has offered little relief .
The region experienced less than an inch of rain this month , said Ogorek , `` which is pretty low considering August is typically the month we see the most precipitation '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman said smart grid improvements -- including smart switches that reroute power around potential problem areas -- have resulted in improved reliability for customers year-round and providing relief during this sweltering season .
Fortunately , the extreme weather has n't overloaded the system , which means the agency has n't had to cut back on services .
`` ComEd has run three Peak Time Savings ( PTS ) events this summer , however none were in relation to system overloads , '' ComEd spokeswoman Cristina Meesenburg said .
To save energy and money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these tips : • Manage temperature settings .
Turning the thermostat up 7-10 degrees when away from home saves users up to 10 % , according to Department of Energy estimates .
• Block out heat .
Keeping shades , blinds and curtains closed helps keep your home cool .
• Use fans .
A fan can provide sufficient comfort while using less energy .
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use .

We're having a heat wave (through Friday at least)
If you like scorching temperatures, you're going to love the next few days.
The heat wave will continue for a few days more, with temperatures remaining in the high 90s through Friday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rafal Ogorek, who confirms that, overall, summer 2020 has been the hottest since 2012.
Rain has offered little relief. The region experienced less than an inch of rain this month, said Ogorek, "which is pretty low considering August is typically the month we see the most precipitation" with 4.9 inches on average.
A ComEd spokeswoman said smart grid improvements -- including smart switches that reroute power around potential problem areas -- have resulted in improved reliability for customers year-round and providing relief during this sweltering season.
Fortunately, the extreme weather hasn't overloaded the system, which means the agency hasn't had to cut back on services.
"ComEd has run three Peak Time Savings (PTS) events this summer, however none were in relation to system overloads," ComEd spokeswoman Cristina Meesenburg said.
To save energy and money during the heat wave, ComEd offers these tips:
• Manage temperature settings. Turning the thermostat up 7-10 degrees when away from home saves users up to 10%, according to Department of Energy estimates.
• Block out heat. Keeping shades, blinds and curtains closed helps keep your home cool.
• Use fans. A fan can provide sufficient comfort while using less energy.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Laura carves destructive path through Louisiana; 4 dead

LAKE CHARLES , La .
-- One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. pounded the Gulf Coast on Thursday , shearing off roofs and killing a least four people , as Laura barreled across Louisiana and maintained ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland .
A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system was likely to take days .
But initial reports offered hope that Laura , despite leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and more than 875,000 people without power , was not the annihilating menace that forecasters had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did not sustain and suffer the absolute , catastrophic damage that we thought was likely , '' Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards said .
`` But we have sustained a tremendous amount of damage , '' he said .
He called it the most powerful hurricane to strike Louisiana , meaning it surpassed even Katrina , which was a Category 3 storm when it hit in 2005 .
The hurricane 's top wind speed of 150 mph ( 241 kph ) put it among the most powerful systems on record in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landfall did Laura finally weaken into a tropical storm as it plowed north and thrashed Arkansas with powerful winds and heavy rain .
The storm came ashore in low-lying Louisiana and clobbered Lake Charles , an industrial and casino city of 80,000 people .
On Broad Street , many buildings had partially collapsed , and those did n't were missing chunks .
Windows were blown out , awnings ripped away and trees split in half in eerily misshapen ways .
Police spotted a floating casino that came unmoored and hit a bridge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through here .
It 's just destruction everywhere , '' said Brett Geymann , who rode out the storm with three family members in Moss Bluff , near Lake Charles .
He described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine around 2 a.m. '' There are houses that are totally gone .
They were there yesterday , but now gone , '' he said .
Not long after daybreak offered the first glimpse of the destruction , a massive plume of smoke visible for miles began rising from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leak was at a facility run by Biolab , which manufactures chemicals used in household cleaners such as Comet bleach scrub and chlorine powder for pools .
Nearby residents were told to close their doors and windows and turn off air conditioners .
The fatalities included a 14-year-old girl and a 68-year-old man died when trees fell on their homes in Louisiana , authorities said .
No deaths had been confirmed in Texas , which Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott said would amount to `` a miracle . ''
President Donald Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend to tour the damage .
More than 580,000 coastal residents were ordered to join the largest evacuation since the pandemic began and many did , filling hotels and sleeping in cars .
Although not everyone fled from the coast , officials credited those who did leave for minimizing the loss of life .
More than 700,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the Texas and Louisiana , according to the website PowerOutage.Us , which tracks utility reports .
Forecasters had warned that the storm surge of 15 to 20 feet would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 miles inland .
Edwards said the storm surge wound up being measured in the range of 9 feet to 12 feet -- still bad , but far from the worst forecast .
He was hopeful that damaged homes could quickly be made habitable .
The priority , Edwards said , was search and rescue , followed by efforts to find hotel or motel rooms for those their homes .
Officials in Texas and Louisiana have both sought to avoid traditional mass shelters for evacuees over fears of spreading COVID-19 , and Edwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus testing at a time when schools and universities are reopening .
Bucky Millet , 78 , of Lake Arthur , Louisiana , considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm with family due to concerns about the coronavirus .
He said a small tornado blew the cover off the bed of his pickup and made him think the roof on his house was next .
`` You 'd hear a crack and a boom and everything shaking , '' he said .
The storm was so powerful that it could regain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic Ocean , potentially threatening the densely populated Northeast .
Laura hit the U.S. after killing nearly two dozen people on the island of Hispaniola , including 20 in Haiti and three in the Dominican Republic , where it knocked out power and caused intense flooding .
It was the seventh named storm to strike the U.S. this year , setting a record for U.S. landfalls by the end of August .
The old record was six in 1886 and 1916 , according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth most powerful U.S. hurricane , behind the 1935 's Labor Day storm , 1969 's Camille , 1992 's Andrew and 2004 's Charley , Klotzbach said .
Deslatte reported from Baton Rouge , Louisiana , and Plaisance from Stephensville , Louisiana .
Associated Press contributors include Jeff Martin in Marietta , Georgia ; John L. Mone in Port Arthur , Texas ; Paul J. Weber in Austin , Texas ; Seth Borenstein in Kensington , Maryland ; Juan A. Lozano in Houston ; Jake Bleiberg in Dallas ; Jay Reeves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Rock , Arkansas ; and Sophia Tulp in Atlanta .

Laura carves destructive path through Louisiana; 4 dead
Buildings and homes are flooded Thursday in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura in Cameron, Louisiana. Associated Press
LAKE CHARLES, La. -- One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. pounded the Gulf Coast on Thursday, shearing off roofs and killing a least four people, as Laura barreled across Louisiana and maintained ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland.
A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system was likely to take days. But initial reports offered hope that Laura, despite leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and more than 875,000 people without power, was not the annihilating menace that forecasters had feared.
"It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute, catastrophic damage that we thought was likely," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "But we have sustained a tremendous amount of damage," he said.
He called it the most powerful hurricane to strike Louisiana, meaning it surpassed even Katrina, which was a Category 3 storm when it hit in 2005.
The hurricane's top wind speed of 150 mph (241 kph) put it among the most powerful systems on record in the U.S. Not until 11 hours after landfall did Laura finally weaken into a tropical storm as it plowed north and thrashed Arkansas with powerful winds and heavy rain.
The storm came ashore in low-lying Louisiana and clobbered Lake Charles, an industrial and casino city of 80,000 people. On Broad Street, many buildings had partially collapsed, and those didn't were missing chunks. Windows were blown out, awnings ripped away and trees split in half in eerily misshapen ways. Police spotted a floating casino that came unmoored and hit a bridge.
"It looks like 1,000 tornadoes went through here. It's just destruction everywhere," said Brett Geymann, who rode out the storm with three family members in Moss Bluff, near Lake Charles. He described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine around 2 a.m.
"There are houses that are totally gone. They were there yesterday, but now gone," he said.
Not long after daybreak offered the first glimpse of the destruction, a massive plume of smoke visible for miles began rising from a chemical plant. Police said the leak was at a facility run by Biolab, which manufactures chemicals used in household cleaners such as Comet bleach scrub and chlorine powder for pools.
Nearby residents were told to close their doors and windows and turn off air conditioners.
The fatalities included a 14-year-old girl and a 68-year-old man died when trees fell on their homes in Louisiana, authorities said. No deaths had been confirmed in Texas, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said would amount to "a miracle." President Donald Trump said he would visit the Gulf Coast this weekend to tour the damage.
More than 580,000 coastal residents were ordered to join the largest evacuation since the pandemic began and many did, filling hotels and sleeping in cars. Although not everyone fled from the coast, officials credited those who did leave for minimizing the loss of life.
More than 700,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the Texas and Louisiana, according to the website PowerOutage.Us, which tracks utility reports.
Forecasters had warned that the storm surge of 15 to 20 feet would be "unsurvivable" and could push 40 miles inland. Edwards said the storm surge wound up being measured in the range of 9 feet to 12 feet -- still bad, but far from the worst forecast. He was hopeful that damaged homes could quickly be made habitable.
The priority, Edwards said, was search and rescue, followed by efforts to find hotel or motel rooms for those their homes. Officials in Texas and Louisiana have both sought to avoid traditional mass shelters for evacuees over fears of spreading COVID-19, and Edwards was concerned that the storm would inhibit coronavirus testing at a time when schools and universities are reopening.
Bucky Millet, 78, of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm with family due to concerns about the coronavirus. He said a small tornado blew the cover off the bed of his pickup and made him think the roof on his house was next.
"You'd hear a crack and a boom and everything shaking," he said.
The storm was so powerful that it could regain strength after turning east and reaching the Atlantic Ocean, potentially threatening the densely populated Northeast.
Laura hit the U.S. after killing nearly two dozen people on the island of Hispaniola, including 20 in Haiti and three in the Dominican Republic, where it knocked out power and caused intense flooding.
It was the seventh named storm to strike the U.S. this year, setting a record for U.S. landfalls by the end of August. The old record was six in 1886 and 1916, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.
Laura was tied with five other storms for fifth most powerful U.S. hurricane, behind the 1935's Labor Day storm, 1969's Camille, 1992's Andrew and 2004's Charley, Klotzbach said.
Deslatte reported from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Plaisance from Stephensville, Louisiana. Associated Press contributors include Jeff Martin in Marietta, Georgia; John L. Mone in Port Arthur, Texas; Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas; Seth Borenstein in Kensington, Maryland; Juan A. Lozano in Houston; Jake Bleiberg in Dallas; Jay Reeves in Birmingham, Alabama; Jill Bleed in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Sophia Tulp in Atlanta.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Antioch emergency curfew lifted

Antioch emergency curfew lifted

Less than 24 hours after announcing an emergency curfew , the Village of Antioch has lifted it , according to a news release posted Thursday on its Facebook page .
`` The Antioch Police Department extends our thanks to the entire community for their overwhelming show of support and the level of cooperation exhibited during last night 's emergency curfew , issued by Mayor ( Lawrence ) Hanson , '' the statement said .
`` As most can understand , decisions that affect people 's lives can be some of the most difficult to make .
One must carefully balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best for the safety of the entire community . ''
On Wednesday , the Village issued a news release saying it was identified as a potential target for a large-scale social unrest event .
That led to Hanson 's decision to impose the emergency curfew .
`` The Department continues to monitor all available information and current trends in an attempt identify and evaluate potential risks , '' Thursday 's release said .
`` We ask the community to understand that situations such as these are often extremely fluid , and as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reversal should a new need for an emergency curfew arise .
Although the curfew is lifted , we want to reassure our community that the Department continues to respond appropriately in order to keep Antioch safe .
We encourage our residents , businesses , and guests to remain vigilant in remaining aware of suspicious activity . ''

Antioch emergency curfew lifted
Less than 24 hours after announcing an emergency curfew, the Village of Antioch has lifted it, according to a news release posted Thursday on its Facebook page.
"The Antioch Police Department extends our thanks to the entire community for their overwhelming show of support and the level of cooperation exhibited during last night's emergency curfew, issued by Mayor (Lawrence) Hanson," the statement said. "As most can understand, decisions that affect people's lives can be some of the most difficult to make. One must carefully balance the impact to individuals with what is best for the safety of the entire community."
On Wednesday, the Village issued a news release saying it was identified as a potential target for a large-scale social unrest event. That led to Hanson's decision to impose the emergency curfew.
"The Department continues to monitor all available information and current trends in an attempt identify and evaluate potential risks," Thursday's release said. "We ask the community to understand that situations such as these are often extremely fluid, and as a result, this decision is subject to reversal should a new need for an emergency curfew arise. Although the curfew is lifted, we want to reassure our community that the Department continues to respond appropriately in order to keep Antioch safe. We encourage our residents, businesses, and guests to remain vigilant in remaining aware of suspicious activity."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-27--Arlington Park gets permission to host up to 300 fans a day

Arlington International Racecourse on Thursday received permission to host up to 300 spectators per live racing day , beginning as soon as a week from now .
That 's less than the 500 to 800 fans the Arlington Heights-based track had requested for daily races , or the 2,000 sought for Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday , Sept. 5 .
Earlier proposals called for 3,000 or 4,000 spectators within the grandstand , which can seat 34,000 .
But the joint approval Thursday by the Illinois Department of Public Health , Cook County Department of Public Health and Arlington Heights Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner's-circle victory of sorts for the local oval 's officials , who have lobbied for live racing with spectators even before the shortened 30-day season started July 23 .
`` Wearing masks and social distancing behaviors that have been adopted by the public , along with additional measures incorporated into our plan for spectators , allows us to have a safe environment for everyone in our outdoor grandstand facility , '' Arlington President Tony Petrillo said in a statement .
`` We are confident that we will operate our grandstand facility as safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trackside ( off-track betting ) facilities over the past few months .
We are thankful for the cooperation and assistance of local and state officials who helped develop and approve our plan . ''
As many as 300 tickets per racing day will be available for purchase at arlingtonpark.com/tickets starting at noon Tuesday , Sept. 1 .
Tickets will be sold in sets of four to obtain a reserved table along the half-mile-long outdoor stretch .
All tickets must be pre-purchased online at least a day in advance and are limited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 120 for a table of four , though range from $ 250 to $ 300 on Derby Day .
The cost includes admission , parking and a program .
The first day fans will be able to return is Thursday , Sept. 3 , which is two days before Derby Day .
The track hosts live racing Thursdays , Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26 .
Among the new rules , guests will be required to wear face masks at all times , unless they are consuming food or beverages in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or beverages will be allowed , officials said .
And , each set of ticket holders will be issued staggered entry and arrival times to limit people waiting in long lines and help maintain social distancing .

Arlington Park gets permission to host up to 300 fans a day
Up to 300 fans per day will be allowed at Arlington International Racecourse beginning Thursday, Sept. 3, under a reopening plan approved Thursday by state and local regulators. Daily Herald File Photo, August 2019
Arlington International Racecourse on Thursday received permission to host up to 300 spectators per live racing day, beginning as soon as a week from now.
That's less than the 500 to 800 fans the Arlington Heights-based track had requested for daily races, or the 2,000 sought for Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday, Sept. 5. Earlier proposals called for 3,000 or 4,000 spectators within the grandstand, which can seat 34,000.
But the joint approval Thursday by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Cook County Department of Public Health and Arlington Heights Department of Health and Human Services is a winner's-circle victory of sorts for the local oval's officials, who have lobbied for live racing with spectators even before the shortened 30-day season started July 23.
"Wearing masks and social distancing behaviors that have been adopted by the public, along with additional measures incorporated into our plan for spectators, allows us to have a safe environment for everyone in our outdoor grandstand facility," Arlington President Tony Petrillo said in a statement. "We are confident that we will operate our grandstand facility as safely as we have operated in our backstretch and Trackside (off-track betting) facilities over the past few months. We are thankful for the cooperation and assistance of local and state officials who helped develop and approve our plan."
As many as 300 tickets per racing day will be available for purchase at arlingtonpark.com/tickets starting at noon Tuesday, Sept. 1. Tickets will be sold in sets of four to obtain a reserved table along the half-mile-long outdoor stretch. All tickets must be pre-purchased online at least a day in advance and are limited to adults 18 and older.
Prices average $120 for a table of four, though range from $250 to $300 on Derby Day. The cost includes admission, parking and a program.
The first day fans will be able to return is Thursday, Sept. 3, which is two days before Derby Day. The track hosts live racing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26.
Among the new rules, guests will be required to wear face masks at all times, unless they are consuming food or beverages in their seats. No coolers or outdoor food or beverages will be allowed, officials said.
And, each set of ticket holders will be issued staggered entry and arrival times to limit people waiting in long lines and help maintain social distancing.