dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-27--Reopening Friday? Suburban places of worship aren't in a rush

Religious services at many suburban congregations are n't likely to resume this weekend even as the state begins to ease restrictions on public gatherings .
Suburban Catholic churches wo n't be celebrating Masses just yet , but some parishes whose leaders have been trained and certified by the Archdiocese of Chicago will reopen in the coming weeks for sacraments , such as celebrating baptisms , weddings , funerals and reconciliations , re-establishing Eucharistic Adoration and private prayer with a 10-person limit , church leaders say .
`` If we ca n't have the safety of folks , then we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John Dearhammer , senior pastor at Misión San Juan Diego Catholic Church in Arlington Heights , which will reopen June 6 limiting groups to 10 people and requiring masks .
Having Sunday Mass with hundreds of celebrants is still a long way off for the all-Latino congregation of about 1,700 people .
The church normally has Masses daily and four times on Sunday with roughly 600 people attending each service .
`` How do we safely distance people while still respecting people 's right and privilege to come and worship on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials have marked off pews and floors with tape to space seating 6 feet apart in the main prayer hall and other open areas in anticipation of resuming in-person Masses .
Worshippers wo n't be allowed to shake hands or share a communion cup .
Officials also are recruiting volunteers to help sanitize every space and materials touched after each service .
Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington also wo n't be opening for in-person weekend worship services in the near future .
`` Our staff teams have been working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a multistep plan to reopen based on data , not dates , While our desire is to be together , we are placing the safety of our church family and neighboring communities at the top of our priority list , '' a church statement read .
Other religious centers have allowed limited worship to continue in small groups since the governor permitted gatherings of under 10 people .
The Sikh Religious Society Palatine Gurdwara has been allowing individuals and families to worship in pairs .
`` We do n't get more than five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Pardeep Singh Gill , president .
`` We have been conducting wedding ceremonies with less than 10 people . ''
Worshippers attending religious programs in-person must wear masks , check-in at the gurdwara 's front counter and answer a series of COVID-19 screening questions to determine whether they have symptoms or have been exposed .
Gill said nothing much will change as the governor 's reopening plan allows gatherings of only 10 people during phase three .
`` We are not going for all-out opening .
The desire is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation .
`` The Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines also is allowing on-site prayers for fewer than 10 people in compliance with social distancing mandates .
Typically , more than 1,000 people attend Friday congregational prayers and between 50 and 75 people attend each of the five daily prayers .
Officials anticipate resuming congregational prayers with 50 people at a time in later phases of reopening .
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is creating a task force to plan for safely reopening mosques , said Fazal Mahmood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us when we want to open , '' Mahmood said .
`` We will continue with this until we are safe and the vaccine is ( available ) .
`` For some churches , having Sunday services for only 10 people is n't practical .
`` Even when we do reopen our facilities ... it will not be what people are used to , at least not initially , '' said Jeff Frazier , lead pastor at Chapelstreet Church , whose 3,000 members worship at three campuses in Geneva and Batavia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 150 people -- about 30 percent of each church 's capacity -- can gather at a time with social distancing in place .
`` We have waited this long out of concern for safety and an abundance of caution .
What 's a few more weeks ?
It wo n't kill us , '' he said .

Reopening Friday? Suburban places of worship aren't in a rush
The Sikh Religious Society Palatine Gurdwara has allowed individuals and families to worship in pairs and never exceeds the governor's mandate of limiting gatherings to under 10 people. Courtesy of Palatine Public Library, 2017
Religious services at many suburban congregations aren't likely to resume this weekend even as the state begins to ease restrictions on public gatherings.
Suburban Catholic churches won't be celebrating Masses just yet, but some parishes whose leaders have been trained and certified by the Archdiocese of Chicago will reopen in the coming weeks for sacraments, such as celebrating baptisms, weddings, funerals and reconciliations, re-establishing Eucharistic Adoration and private prayer with a 10-person limit, church leaders say.
"If we can't have the safety of folks, then we can't open," said the Rev. John Dearhammer, senior pastor at Misión San Juan Diego Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, which will reopen June 6 limiting groups to 10 people and requiring masks.
Having Sunday Mass with hundreds of celebrants is still a long way off for the all-Latino congregation of about 1,700 people. The church normally has Masses daily and four times on Sunday with roughly 600 people attending each service.
"How do we safely distance people while still respecting people's right and privilege to come and worship on a Sunday?" Dearhammer asked.
For now, officials have marked off pews and floors with tape to space seating 6 feet apart in the main prayer hall and other open areas in anticipation of resuming in-person Masses. Worshippers won't be allowed to shake hands or share a communion cup. Officials also are recruiting volunteers to help sanitize every space and materials touched after each service.
Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington also won't be opening for in-person weekend worship services in the near future.
"Our staff teams have been working with local authorities and health officials to form a multistep plan to reopen based on data, not dates, While our desire is to be together, we are placing the safety of our church family and neighboring communities at the top of our priority list," a church statement read.
Other religious centers have allowed limited worship to continue in small groups since the governor permitted gatherings of under 10 people.
The Sikh Religious Society Palatine Gurdwara has been allowing individuals and families to worship in pairs. "We don't get more than five or six people (a) day," said Pardeep Singh Gill, president. "We have been conducting wedding ceremonies with less than 10 people."
Worshippers attending religious programs in-person must wear masks, check-in at the gurdwara's front counter and answer a series of COVID-19 screening questions to determine whether they have symptoms or have been exposed.
Gill said nothing much will change as the governor's reopening plan allows gatherings of only 10 people during phase three. "We are not going for all-out opening. The desire is there, but they understand the gravity of the situation."
The Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines also is allowing on-site prayers for fewer than 10 people in compliance with social distancing mandates.
Typically, more than 1,000 people attend Friday congregational prayers and between 50 and 75 people attend each of the five daily prayers. Officials anticipate resuming congregational prayers with 50 people at a time in later phases of reopening.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is creating a task force to plan for safely reopening mosques, said Fazal Mahmood, ICCD president.
"It's not up to us when we want to open," Mahmood said. "We will continue with this until we are safe and the vaccine is (available)."
For some churches, having Sunday services for only 10 people isn't practical.
"Even when we do reopen our facilities ... it will not be what people are used to, at least not initially," said Jeff Frazier, lead pastor at Chapelstreet Church, whose 3,000 members worship at three campuses in Geneva and Batavia.
Frazier said he would rather wait until about 150 people -- about 30 percent of each church's capacity -- can gather at a time with social distancing in place.
"We have waited this long out of concern for safety and an abundance of caution. What's a few more weeks? It won't kill us," he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-27--Constable: Hoping pet bird in sky isn't needle in a haystack

Losing a pet during normal times can be stressful .
Losing a pet cockatiel as the suburbs grapple with COVID-19 restrictions adds another degree of difficulty , with fewer people out and about , and not everybody willing to engage in conversations with a stranger looking for a bird .
But Jacob Fennell , 25 , of Rolling Meadows clings to the hope that he and his cockatiel will be reunited soon .
Named `` Digi '' after the didgeridoo wind instrument invented by the Aboriginal people of Australia , the small Australian parrot is outside on his own for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We love him very much and are extremely sad that he is missing ! ''
reads the posters Fennell has been attaching to light posts and handing to people when possible .
While Fennell , his mom and stepfather have been careful to always close the door when they leave the house , Digi 's escape was the result of bad timing as the stepfather was leaving the house about 5 p.m. Saturday .
`` He hopped on his shoulder as he was stepping outside , '' Fennell says of his pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside and close the door , Digi panicked and flew outside , says Fennell , who lives near the intersection of South Street and Oriole Lane , just east of Kimball Hill Park .
`` I sprinted outside and saw Digi in a tree , '' he says .
`` I hopped over a fence to get close to him .
We were whistling and calling his name .
He was chirping back at us .
At one point , he flew back toward us , but he seemed to have trouble flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coax him back into his cage with chips and goodies .
A couple of hours later , Fennell lost sight of his bird , and Digi no longer answered his whistles .
Fennell leaves the bird 's cage out with food and has reported his missing pet on Facebook and social media sites dedicated to lost pets .
`` It 's been pretty heartwarming , '' Fennell says of the reactions to his posts .
`` There are some avid bird-watchers in the neighborhood who have been keeping an eye out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the grayish-white bird sports a yellow crest and orange cheeks .
Fennell bought the bird nine years ago .
`` Growing up , I was always asking for dogs and cats , '' Fennell says , adding his mother nixed that idea because of her allergies .
She let him have a parakeet , which he named Chocobo , after the bird character from the Final Fantasy video game series .
After Chocobo died , Fennell wanted a cockatiel .
`` I found him on Craigslist , '' remembers Fennell , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Digi generally stays in a cage in Fennell 's bedroom .
`` But if I 'm home , he 's out , '' Fennell says .
`` He was totally free to fly around the house . ''
The bird is n't house-trained but generally sticks to a couple of areas , where Fennell would clean up the droppings .
`` You get used to it as a bird owner , '' he says .
`` He has his area . ''
As with most cockatiels , Digi likes to be in direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fennell 's shoulder .
`` It 's fun to have a little companion , '' Fennell says , explaining how he taught Digi to say a few words .
`` He does n't have a large vocabulary , but he knows how to say his name , 'Pretty Boy , ' 'Hello , ' and he did whistles , like the catcall whistle . ''
Fennell took time office from his job as a warehouse manager for Blue Apex in Palatine to look for his bird and hang posters .
.
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , '' Fennell says .
`` I had brought him outside in his cage on the patio .
While he liked it , he was also in an alert mode , looking out for predators . ''
It might seem like a longshot , but Fennell says he believes Digi fly home or someone will find the bird and return him .
`` The kicker , too , is Sunday was his birthday , '' Fennell says .
`` That 's an extra punch in the stomach . ''

Constable: Hoping pet bird in sky isn't needle in a haystack
Courtesy of Jacob FennellHaving free range in owner Jacob Fennell's home in Rolling Meadows for the past nine years, this cockatiel named Digi flew out the front door on Sunday. Fennell maintains hope that Digi will be returned to him unharmed.
About the size of a robin, the cockatiel named Digi has orange cheeks and a yellow crest. The beloved pet accidentally flew away from his home in Rolling Meadows on Saturday. Courtesy of Jacob Fennell
A faithful pet for the past nine years, this cockatiel named Digi can say his name and a couple of other phrases. He flew away Saturday, and owner Jacob Fennell of Rolling Meadows is searching the neighborhood, putting up posters and turning to social media in an attempt to find Digi. Courtesy of Jacob Fennell
Have you seen this bird? Owner Jacob Fennell has been hanging these posters around neighborhoods near his Rolling Meadows home after his 9-year-old cockatiel named Digi flew out his front door Saturday. Courtesy of Jacob Fennell
Having free range in owner Jacob Fennell's house in Rolling Meadows for the past nine years, this cockatiel named Digi flew out the front door Saturday. Fennell maintains hope Digi will be returned to him unharmed. Courtesy of Jacob Fennell
Losing a pet during normal times can be stressful. Losing a pet cockatiel as the suburbs grapple with COVID-19 restrictions adds another degree of difficulty, with fewer people out and about, and not everybody willing to engage in conversations with a stranger looking for a bird.
But Jacob Fennell, 25, of Rolling Meadows clings to the hope that he and his cockatiel will be reunited soon. Named "Digi" after the didgeridoo wind instrument invented by the Aboriginal people of Australia, the small Australian parrot is outside on his own for the first time in his life.
"We love him very much and are extremely sad that he is missing!" reads the posters Fennell has been attaching to light posts and handing to people when possible.
While Fennell, his mom and stepfather have been careful to always close the door when they leave the house, Digi's escape was the result of bad timing as the stepfather was leaving the house about 5 p.m. Saturday.
"He hopped on his shoulder as he was stepping outside," Fennell says of his pet.
While the stepfather tried to step inside and close the door, Digi panicked and flew outside, says Fennell, who lives near the intersection of South Street and Oriole Lane, just east of Kimball Hill Park.
"I sprinted outside and saw Digi in a tree," he says. "I hopped over a fence to get close to him. We were whistling and calling his name. He was chirping back at us. At one point, he flew back toward us, but he seemed to have trouble flying in the wind."
They tried to coax him back into his cage with chips and goodies. A couple of hours later, Fennell lost sight of his bird, and Digi no longer answered his whistles.
Fennell leaves the bird's cage out with food and has reported his missing pet on Facebook and social media sites dedicated to lost pets. "It's been pretty heartwarming," Fennell says of the reactions to his posts. "There are some avid bird-watchers in the neighborhood who have been keeping an eye out."
About the size of a robin, the grayish-white bird sports a yellow crest and orange cheeks. Fennell bought the bird nine years ago.
"Growing up, I was always asking for dogs and cats," Fennell says, adding his mother nixed that idea because of her allergies. She let him have a parakeet, which he named Chocobo, after the bird character from the Final Fantasy video game series. After Chocobo died, Fennell wanted a cockatiel.
"I found him on Craigslist," remembers Fennell, who bought the bird from a breeder.
Digi generally stays in a cage in Fennell's bedroom. "But if I'm home, he's out," Fennell says. "He was totally free to fly around the house."
The bird isn't house-trained but generally sticks to a couple of areas, where Fennell would clean up the droppings.
"You get used to it as a bird owner," he says. "He has his area."
As with most cockatiels, Digi likes to be in direct contact with humans, often perching on Fennell's shoulder.
"It's fun to have a little companion," Fennell says, explaining how he taught Digi to say a few words. "He doesn't have a large vocabulary, but he knows how to say his name, 'Pretty Boy,' 'Hello,' and he did whistles, like the catcall whistle."
Fennell took time office from his job as a warehouse manager for Blue Apex in Palatine to look for his bird and hang posters. .
"He's never had much interest in getting out," Fennell says. "I had brought him outside in his cage on the patio. While he liked it, he was also in an alert mode, looking out for predators."
It might seem like a longshot, but Fennell says he believes Digi fly home or someone will find the bird and return him.
"The kicker, too, is Sunday was his birthday," Fennell says. "That's an extra punch in the stomach."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-27--Streamwood teen to compete in Special Olympics gaming event

Sheila Davis said it has been awhile since she 's seen her 14-year-old son , EJ , this excited .
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for EJ , a Streamwood resident who has autism .
`` He 's OK being at home , '' Davis said .
`` He does n't want to go outside during the pandemic , so that 's where the anxiety comes in leaving the house . ''
Special Olympics is teaming with Microsoft to help .
EJ , who graduated from Margaret Mead Junior High in Elk Grove Village on Wednesday and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of four athletes who will represent Special Olympics Illinois on Saturday in the 2020 Special Olympics Xbox Virtual Gaming Event .
It 's the first time Illinois has fielded a team .
EJ , along with Jack Klawitter , 14 , of Frankfort , Leukiy Fawbush , 16 , of Homewood and Stephanie Lopez , 15 , of Oak Lawn , will compete against athletes from 11 other states .
The event , featuring Forza Motorsport 7 , will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday .
The livestreamed competition , which is intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat isolation , can be viewed on Mixer , Xbox YouTube or Twitch .
EJ said he 's never played a racing game , but he 's interested to see how the competition goes .
`` I 'm not much of a social person , but it is kind of nice to just chat with some other people digitally while trying to go fast in a tiny little car around a giant racetrack that you can barely control , '' EJ said .
Kelly O'Reilly is EJ 's Special Olympics coach .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was part of the unified champion schools activities programs at Margaret Mead that brings together kids with and without disabilities in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 .
They practiced sports , worked on community projects , served in a food pantry , created holiday-themed crafts and held fundraisers for the school .
O'Reilly said the e-gaming event is an excellent opportunity for EJ and his teammates .
`` It 's a very exciting opportunity for him to be part of that first team , '' O'Reilly said .
`` A lot of kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of our kids who struggle with social skills , they can use video games as a way to be appropriately social with their peers that otherwise may not come natural for them .
Esports is a way to get our athletes involved in a way that comes naturally to all kids .
It 's kind of channeling that into a competition , ( which ) I think is a really cool opportunity . ''

Streamwood teen to compete in Special Olympics gaming event
Sheila Davis said it has been awhile since she's seen her 14-year-old son, EJ, this excited.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for EJ, a Streamwood resident who has autism.
"He's OK being at home," Davis said. "He doesn't want to go outside during the pandemic, so that's where the anxiety comes in leaving the house."
Special Olympics is teaming with Microsoft to help. EJ, who graduated from Margaret Mead Junior High in Elk Grove Village on Wednesday and will attend Hoffman Estates High School, is one of four athletes who will represent Special Olympics Illinois on Saturday in the 2020 Special Olympics Xbox Virtual Gaming Event.
It's the first time Illinois has fielded a team.
EJ, along with Jack Klawitter, 14, of Frankfort, Leukiy Fawbush, 16, of Homewood and Stephanie Lopez, 15, of Oak Lawn, will compete against athletes from 11 other states.
The event, featuring Forza Motorsport 7, will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. The livestreamed competition, which is intended to celebrate Special Olympics athletes and help combat isolation, can be viewed on Mixer, Xbox YouTube or Twitch.
EJ said he's never played a racing game, but he's interested to see how the competition goes.
"I'm not much of a social person, but it is kind of nice to just chat with some other people digitally while trying to go fast in a tiny little car around a giant racetrack that you can barely control," EJ said.
Kelly O'Reilly is EJ's Special Olympics coach. She said that before the pandemic, EJ was part of the unified champion schools activities programs at Margaret Mead that brings together kids with and without disabilities in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54.
They practiced sports, worked on community projects, served in a food pantry, created holiday-themed crafts and held fundraisers for the school.
O'Reilly said the e-gaming event is an excellent opportunity for EJ and his teammates.
"It's a very exciting opportunity for him to be part of that first team," O'Reilly said. "A lot of kids are playing video games anyway. For some of our kids who struggle with social skills, they can use video games as a way to be appropriately social with their peers that otherwise may not come natural for them. Esports is a way to get our athletes involved in a way that comes naturally to all kids. It's kind of channeling that into a competition, (which) I think is a really cool opportunity."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-27--Dist. 54 virtual graduations posted on YouTube

Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 's virtual junior high school graduations were posted YouTube after the district 's website crashed @ @ @ @ @ IT department is looking into it , '' District 54 spokeswoman Terri McHugh said .
@ @ @ @ @ an answer as to why the website crashed , but the videos are all on @ @ @ @ @ full graduation videos for Lincoln Prairie , Mead , Keller , Frost , Addams and @ @ @ @ @ at www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0_HXLlBe ZDbb9dH-WS6UQ .

Dist. 54 virtual graduations posted on YouTube
Visit Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54's YouTube channel to see virtual graduation ceremonies from six schools.
Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54's virtual junior high school graduations were posted YouTube after the district's website crashed Wednesday evening.
"Our IT department is looking into it," District 54 spokeswoman Terri McHugh said. "I don't have an answer as to why the website crashed, but the videos are all on live on YouTube"
The full graduation videos for Lincoln Prairie, Mead, Keller, Frost, Addams and Eisenhower schools can be viewed at www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0_HXLlBe ZDbb9dH-WS6UQ.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--18-year-old shot to death outside store in Mundelein

A teenager was shot to death Thursday afternoon outside a Mundelein store , police said , apparently by someone he knew .
The 18-year-old man , whose name was n't immediately released , was fatally wounded about 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Walgreens , 345 N. Lake St .
The shooting stemmed from a disagreement between a small group of people who knew each other , police said .
They had gathered for an exchange that may have been drug-related , said Sgt .
Chris Covelli , a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooter , also male , had arrived as a passenger in an SUV and got out before the violence , police said .
After firing several shots with a pistol , he fled on foot , police said .
The SUV 's driver left in the vehicle , police said .
Officers responding to a 911 call about gunshots found the wounded teen .
He was taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and pronounced dead there , police said .
The shooter was at large as of Thursday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broader community is in danger .
Descriptions of the shooter , the driver and the SUV were not immediately available .
`` We are not releasing any details on the descriptions just yet , as investigators are working several active leads , '' Covelli said .
Investigators will review available surveillance video for evidence , Covelli said .
Police cars blocked normally busy eastbound Hawley Street at Lake Street for about four hours during the investigation .
A stretch of nearby Seymour Avenue also was cordoned off , as was the entrance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last homicide occurred in 2014 , Police Chief Eric Guenther said .
Anyone with information about Thursday 's shooting can call Mundelein police at ( 847 ) 968-4600 or Lake County Crime Stoppers at ( 847 ) 662-2222 .

18-year-old shot to death outside store in Mundelein
A teenager was shot to death Thursday afternoon outside a Mundelein store, police said, apparently by someone he knew.
The 18-year-old man, whose name wasn't released by police, was fatally wounded about 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Walgreens, 345 N. Lake St.
The shooting stemmed from a disagreement between a small group of people who knew each other, police said. They had gathered for an exchange that may have been drug-related, said Sgt. Chris Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, which is leading the investigation.
The shooter, also male, had arrived as a passenger in an SUV and got out before the violence, police said. After firing several shots with a pistol, he fled on foot, police said.
The SUV's driver left in the vehicle, police said.
Officers responding to a 911 call about gunshots found the wounded teen. He was taken by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and pronounced dead there, police said.
No other injuries were reported.
The shooter was at large as of Thursday night, but police don't believe the broader community is in danger.
Descriptions of the shooter, the driver and the SUV were not available.
"We are not releasing any details on the descriptions just yet, as investigators are working several active leads," Covelli said.
Investigators will review available surveillance video for evidence, Covelli said.
Police cars blocked normally busy eastbound Hawley Street at Lake Street for about four hours during the investigation. A stretch of nearby Seymour Avenue also was cordoned off, as was the entrance to a nearby shopping center.
Mundelein's last homicide occurred in 2014, Police Chief Eric Guenther said.
Anyone with information about Thursday's shooting can call Mundelein police at (847) 968-4600 or Lake County Crime Stoppers at (847) 662-2222.
• Daily Herald Staff Writer John Starks contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Pritzker says Illinois is a go for Phase 3 Friday, and starts thinking about Phase 4 in 4 weeks

Illinois meets all requirements to ease stay-at-home restrictions intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 Friday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said Thursday while dangling the possibility of a return to near-normalcy in four weeks .
The state also softened its approach to religious organizations after a few churches protested limits on the number of people who can attend indoor worship services .
The loosening restrictions comes as the number of COVID-19 deaths climbed by 104 in one day and cases rose by 1,527 , Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said .
On Friday , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase 3 of a five-phase , four-region reopening program , allowing outdoor dining at restaurants , barbershop and salon visits , and gatherings of 10 or fewer , among other changes from the March 21 stay-at-home order .
If the four regions follow health metrics , such as decreasing or stable hospitalizations , they collectively or separately could move into Phase 4 or `` revitalization '' as soon as June 26 .
That stage lifts many restrictions , for example letting schools reopen under health guidelines .
But it still imposes limits -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people or less .
`` The calendar starts tomorrow , '' Pritzker said Thursday .
`` June 26 is the earliest possible date and we will watch the metrics closely in hopes we move forward expeditiously '' to Phase 4 .
`` The goal is and always has been to keep people safe from coronavirus while restoring more of our normal activities , '' he said .
Amid lawsuits from some churches claiming their rights were being violated by the stay-at-home order , Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Public Health Thursday had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for all faith leaders to use to ensure the health and safety of all their congregants . ''
The guidance urges faith organizations to hold remote services or drive-in services outdoors as the safest way to worship .
It recommends indoor services of 10 or fewer people , but in cases `` where the 10-person limit can not be followed in places of worship , '' it offers advice such as sitting 6 feet apart or limits of 100 people .
Since the pandemic began , 5,186 Illinoisans have died from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases statewide .
Meanwhile , the seven-day positivity rate for COVID-19 tests is at 8.3 % , reflecting a downward trend .
For a region to move forward , it must have an infection rate of 20 % or lower over two weeks , hospital admissions for COVID-19 illnesses must stay level or decrease for 28 days , and at least 14 % of ICU , medical and surgery beds must be available .
Officials also will monitor to see if COVID-19 cases increase after businesses reopen .
Asked about the likelihood of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we have a spike and we need to quell that spike -- we might potentially have to move backward .
...
It 's not something anyone wants to do . ''
Schools have been closed since mid-March , but in Phase 3 summer camps and youth sports can operate with small groups , social distancing and masks .
`` The doctors have given instructions for counselors and coaches so summer programs can be restored with safety measures , '' Pritzker said .
Of the Illinoisans who died from COVID-19 , 44 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday filed emergency rules requiring nursing homes to develop comprehensive testing programs for residents and staff members .
Those who ignore the rules will be subject to penalties that include fines or actions against their licenses .

Pritzker says Illinois is a go for Phase 3 Friday, starts thinking about Phase 4 in late June
Illinois meets all requirements to ease COVID-19 restrictions Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday while dangling the possibility of a return to near-normalcy in four weeks.
The state also softened its approach to religious organizations after a few churches protested limits on the number of people who can attend indoor worship services.
The loosening restrictions comes as the number of COVID-19 deaths climbed by 104 in one day and cases rose by 1,527, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said.
On Friday, the state will enter "recovery," or Phase 3 of a five-phase, four-region reopening program, allowing outdoor dining at restaurants, barbershop and salon visits, and gatherings of 10 or fewer, among other changes from the March 21 stay-at-home order.
If the four regions follow health metrics, such as decreasing or stable hospitalizations, they collectively or separately could move into Phase 4, or "revitalization," as soon as June 26. That stage would let schools reopen under health guidelines. But it still would limit social gatherings to 50 people or fewer.
"The calendar starts tomorrow," Pritzker said Thursday. "June 26 is the earliest possible date and we will watch the metrics closely in hopes we move forward expeditiously" to Phase 4.
"The goal is and always has been to keep people safe from coronavirus while restoring more of our normal activities," he said.
Amid lawsuits from some churches claiming their rights were being violated by the stay-at-home order, Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Public Health had provided "guidance, not mandatory restrictions, for all faith leaders to use to ensure the health and safety of all their congregants."
The guidance urges faith organizations to hold remote services or drive-in services outdoors as the safest way to worship. It recommends indoor services of 10 or fewer people, but in cases "where the 10-person limit cannot be followed in places of worship," it offers advice such as sitting 6 feet apart or limits of 100 people.
Since the pandemic began, 5,186 Illinoisans have died from the respiratory disease, and there have been 115,833 cases statewide. Meanwhile, the seven-day positivity rate for COVID-19 tests is at 8.3%, reflecting a downward trend.
For a region to move forward, it must have an infection rate of 20% or lower over two weeks, hospital admissions for COVID-19 illnesses must stay level or decrease for 28 days, and at least 14% of ICU, medical and surgery beds must be available.
Officials also will monitor to see if COVID-19 cases increase after businesses reopen.
If we have a spike and we need to quell that spike -- we might potentially have to move backward," Pritzker said.
"It's not something anyone wants to do."
Schools have been closed since mid-March, but in Phase 3 summer camps and youth sports can operate with small groups, social distancing and masks.
"The doctors have given instructions for counselors and coaches so summer programs can be restored with safety measures," Pritzker said.
Of the Illinoisans who died from COVID-19, 44% were in long-term-care facilities.
The state health department on Thursday filed emergency rules requiring nursing homes to develop comprehensive testing programs for residents and staff members.
Those who ignore the rules will be subject to penalties that include fines or actions against their licenses.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Woodfield Mall to reopen Friday with limited hours, capacity

Woodfield Mall will reopen to the public Friday on the first day of Phase 3 of the state 's reopening plan , officials said Thursday .
Simon Property Group announced the reopening in conjunction with a planned media tour at 9 a.m. Friday led by mall manager Laurie Van Dalen .
The Schaumburg shopping center will operate on limited business hours and follow Simon 's COVID-19 Exposure Mitigation Protocol , which includes required facial coverings , social distancing and reduced capacity limits .
`` From a practical standpoint , we 're excited the mall is going to reopen under safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schaumburg 's economic development director .
`` We 're optimistic that our shoppers will come back . ''
Other suburban shopping centers previously announced plans to reopen in the coming days , including Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills and Fox Valley Mall in Aurora , which are both set to open Monday .
Yorktown Center in Lombard plans to reopen sometime after Saturday but does n't yet have a precise date .
Other suburban malls , including Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont , Randhurst Village in Mount Prospect and Spring Hill Mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced reopening plans as of Thursday .
Indianapolis-based Simon , which also manages Gurnee Mills in Gurnee , has n't announced an opening date for that property .
But Friday marks the first day individual retailers across the state can reopen under guidelines of Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said he expects a slow comeback as people gradually overcome their fears but believes the lifting of the most severe restrictions is a step in the right direction .
`` I think it 's extremely important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting to move toward normalcy , '' Dailly said .
`` We can not stay locked down forever .
We ca n't hide forever in our houses . ''
Dailly said he believes that the allowed size of gatherings should already be raised from 10 to 50 people and that the state 's criteria for moving from one phase of reopening to the next should be a 14-day decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations rather than 28 .
`` Fourteen days is more than sufficient to show a decline , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hope and normalcy . ''
He also believes restaurants should be allowed to operate at half capacity .
In terms of what Friday 's reopening means for restaurants and stores at Woodfield , Frank said the expectation is that visitors will keep on the move and not sit or linger .
Restaurants , even in the upper-level dining pavilion , will be open only for carryout unless they have outdoor seating .
He added that the anchor department stores will be accessible only through exterior entrances , in order to better monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the reopening of Woodfield and other retail , Frank believes the next hardest-hit area of Schaumburg 's economy will remain its hotels , which have been affected more by the reduction in travel than state regulations that have kept stores and restaurants closed .

Woodfield Mall to reopen Friday with limited hours, capacity
Woodfield Mall will reopen to the public Friday on the first day of Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan, officials said Thursday.
Simon Property Group announced the reopening in conjunction with a planned media tour at 9 a.m. Friday led by mall manager Laurie Van Dalen. The Schaumburg shopping center will operate on limited business hours and follow Simon's COVID-19 Exposure Mitigation Protocol, which includes required facial coverings, social distancing and reduced capacity limits.
"From a practical standpoint, we're excited the mall is going to reopen under safety protocols," said Matt Frank, Schaumburg's economic development director. "We're optimistic that our shoppers will come back."
Other suburban shopping centers previously announced plans to reopen in the coming days, including Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills and Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, which are both set to open Monday. Yorktown Center in Lombard plans to reopen sometime after Saturday but doesn't yet have a precise date.
Other suburban malls, including Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, Randhurst Village in Mount Prospect and Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee, had not publicly announced reopening plans as of Thursday. Indianapolis-based Simon, which also manages Gurnee Mills in Gurnee, hasn't announced an opening date for that property.
But Friday marks the first day individual retailers across the state can reopen under guidelines of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said he expects a slow comeback as people gradually overcome their fears but believes the lifting of the most severe restrictions is a step in the right direction.
"I think it's extremely important and shows a sign that things are starting to move toward normalcy," Dailly said. "We cannot stay locked down forever. We can't hide forever in our houses."
Dailly said he believes that the allowed size of gatherings should already be raised from 10 to 50 people and that the state's criteria for moving from one phase of reopening to the next should be a 14-day decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations rather than 28.
"Fourteen days is more than sufficient to show a decline," he said. "Part of what people need right now is hope and normalcy."
He also believes restaurants should be allowed to operate at half capacity.
In terms of what Friday's reopening means for restaurants and stores at Woodfield, Frank said the expectation is that visitors will keep on the move and not sit or linger. Restaurants, even in the upper-level dining pavilion, will be open only for carryout unless they have outdoor seating.
He added that the anchor department stores will be accessible only through exterior entrances, in order to better monitor occupancy of all areas of the mall.
With the reopening of Woodfield and other retail, Frank believes the next hardest-hit area of Schaumburg's economy will remain its hotels, which have been affected more by the reduction in travel than state regulations that have kept stores and restaurants closed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Amazon finds Schaumburg grocery market favorable, but unlikely to dominate it

Schaumburg officials Thursday addressed why they believe Amazon chose the village to be among the first to showcase a new type of grocery store by the retail giant , as well as their expectations for it on the local competition .
Economic Development Director Matt Frank said attractive demographics and a diverse economy are among the factors that often put Schaumburg at the top of companies ' lists when they contemplate entering the Chicago market .
Mayor Tom Dailly said Schaumburg alone provides a vibrant community of 74,000 residents , while Hoffman Estates and its estimated 51,000 residents are immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , central location , '' Dailly said of the forthcoming Amazon store .
The nearly 43,000-square-foot grocery store with an 862-square-foot dining area will open sometime during the second half of 2020 on the former Babies R Us site at 16 E. Golf Road .
Amazon earlier this year sent signs they plan another grocery store in the suburbs , when the company applied for a license to sell liquor from a grocery store at 3116 S. Route 59 in Naperville .
In choosing those suburbs , Amazon was clearly choosing highly populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Bishop , partner for Brick Meets Click , a Barrington-based marketing firm specializing in grocery retail .
How Amazon plans to distinguish itself in the market beyond its initial novelty value remains to be seen , but the venture certainly was carefully deliberated , Bishop said .
`` They 've demonstrated a willingness to invest for the long term , '' he added .
`` If it is n't working , they 're going to make changes . ''
One thing that was clear about the grocery industry even before the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest focuses of consumer spending in the country and is likely to continue attracting more competitors , Bishop said .
`` I think , obviously , as competition increases that benefits the consumer in terms of options , prices and services , '' he said .
An Amazon spokesperson this week clarified that the Schaumburg location will not be part of the cashier-free Amazon Go line of stores , but will have a more traditional checkout experience .
While Amazon , as an online retailer , has an overall reputation for sometimes overwhelming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its grocery store will be only one option among many in Schaumburg .
That includes the Amazon-owned Whole Foods store at 750 N. Martingale Lane , near both Woodfield Mall and the Streets of Woodfield shopping center .
`` I think during the pandemic we found out how important our grocery stores are , '' Frank said .
With its bakery and organic focus , Whole Food generally aims for a different segment of the grocery market , Frank said .
That distinction , even within a single company , demonstrates the variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other competitors like Trader Joes , Jewel and many others try to cater to , Dailly said .
`` Everyone has a different design and way of being in that market , '' he added .
Neither Frank nor Dailly believe the new Amazon store would have an adverse impact on the future use of the former Dominick 's location in Town Square at 200 S. Roselle Road .
Vacant since 2013 and now owned by Tony 's Finer Foods , that former Dominick 's is being kept empty through a lingering lease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jewel-Osco .
Frank said a grocery store remains the village 's preferred use of the site , and that its distance from the Amazon store and proximity to homes -- including many new ones -- would provide sufficient demand .
Dailly said that even if the space were eventually divided up , the former Dominick 's building could easily provide space for a smaller , specialty grocery store such as KD Market-Krystyna 's Deli , which provides Polish cuisine just to the south at 1102 S. Roselle Road .

Amazon finds Schaumburg grocery market favorable, but unlikely to dominate it
Schaumburg officials Thursday addressed why they believe Amazon chose the village to be among the first to showcase a new type of grocery store by the retail giant, as well as their expectations for it on the local competition.
Economic Development Director Matt Frank said attractive demographics and a diverse economy are among the factors that often put Schaumburg at the top of companies' lists when they contemplate entering the Chicago market.
Mayor Tom Dailly said Schaumburg alone provides a vibrant community of 74,000 residents, while Hoffman Estates and its estimated 51,000 residents are immediately adjacent.
"They picked a nice, central location," Dailly said of the forthcoming Amazon store.
The nearly 43,000-square-foot grocery store with an 862-square-foot dining area will open sometime during the second half of 2020 on the former Babies R Us site at 16 E. Golf Road.
Amazon earlier this year sent signs they plan another grocery store in the suburbs, when the company applied for a license to sell liquor from a grocery store at 3116 S. Route 59 in Naperville.
In choosing those suburbs, Amazon was clearly choosing highly populated areas with robust local economies, said David Bishop, partner for Brick Meets Click, a Barrington-based marketing firm specializing in grocery retail.
How Amazon plans to distinguish itself in the market beyond its initial novelty value remains to be seen, but the venture certainly was carefully deliberated, Bishop said.
"They've demonstrated a willingness to invest for the long term," he added. "If it isn't working, they're going to make changes."
One thing that was clear about the grocery industry even before the pandemic is that it is one of the largest focuses of consumer spending in the country and is likely to continue attracting more competitors, Bishop said.
"I think, obviously, as competition increases that benefits the consumer in terms of options, prices and services," he said.
An Amazon spokesperson this week clarified that the Schaumburg location will not be part of the cashier-free Amazon Go line of stores, but will have a more traditional checkout experience.
While Amazon, as an online retailer, has an overall reputation for sometimes overwhelming its competition, Frank and Dailly believe its grocery store will be only one option among many in Schaumburg. That includes the Amazon-owned Whole Foods store at 750 N. Martingale Lane, near both Woodfield Mall and the Streets of Woodfield shopping center.
"I think during the pandemic we found out how important our grocery stores are," Frank said.
With its bakery and organic focus, Whole Food generally aims for a different segment of the grocery market, Frank said.
That distinction, even within a single company, demonstrates the variety of niches within the grocery industry that other competitors like Trader Joes, Jewel and many others try to cater to, Dailly said.
"Everyone has a different design and way of being in that market," he added.
Neither Frank nor Dailly believe the new Amazon store would have an adverse impact on the future use of the former Dominick's location in Town Square at 200 S. Roselle Road. Vacant since 2013 and now owned by Tony's Finer Foods, that former Dominick's is being kept empty through a lingering lease option by Albertsons, the parent company of Jewel-Osco.
Frank said a grocery store remains the village's preferred use of the site, and that its distance from the Amazon store and proximity to homes -- including many new ones -- would provide sufficient demand.
Dailly said that even if the space were eventually divided up, the former Dominick's building could easily provide space for a smaller, specialty grocery store such as KD Market-Krystyna's Deli, which provides Polish cuisine just to the south at 1102 S. Roselle Road.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Here's what you need to know about restaurants and bars reopening with outdoor service

Wearing a facial covering when not eating or drinking and being careful about congregating as a group are among the differences customers will need to get used to when sit-down restaurants and bars reopen Friday with outdoor service .
`` We encourage guests to be patient as restaurants adhere to the health and safety protocols in the guidelines , which were developed in collaboration with leading health and science organizations and experts , '' said Sam Toia , the Illinois Restaurant Association 's president and CEO .
Those who plan to return `` should wear face coverings over their nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ except while eating and drinking at a table , according to the state .
Exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a mask .
Tables will be limited to parties of six and must be at a social distance of 6 feet apart , preferably separated by Plexiglass .
Employees should wear cloth masks when within 6 feet of customers or others , per the state regulations .
Toia said guests should expect to find disposable serveware at some places , single-use or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting areas indicating a safe , 6-foot distance .
They 'll also need to make sure customers spread out when waiting for a table .
Restaurant owners say regular restrooms will be available , but patrons should refrain from crowding them .
Customers can expect to see hand sanitizer for their use in outdoor seating areas , and plenty of disinfecting and cleaning by employees .
Establishments are taking different approaches on reservations .
Hey Nonny in downtown Arlington Heights is selling tables for seatings spaced 1 hour 45 minutes apart for outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Moretti 's Ristorante and Pizzeria will welcome walk-ins .
Local governments have the ultimate authority on exactly how it plays out .
That 's a concern for Fred Hoffman , founder of Moretti 's parent company Ala Carte Entertainment .
Moretti 's expects to welcome back patrons Friday , including at outdoor dining areas in Bartlett , Schaumburg , Barrington , Lake in the Hills , Hoffman Estates , Rosemont and Mount Prospect .
Hoffmann would prefer that all towns follow state guidelines , but he said some have stricter requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And it does n't make any sense , '' he said .
`` We 're trying to accomplish something here , not tie our hands . ''
Arlington Heights eateries and bars will start in individual outdoor areas Friday .
That 'll be followed at some point by Arlington Alfresco , a village plan to close a portion of downtown to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen establishments on the public right of way .
Hey Nonny co-owners Chris Dungan and Chip Brooks are looking forward to reopening on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indoor area where windows can be raised for an open-air setting in compliance with state guidelines , along with outdoor space .
The business will close earlier than usual to conform with village rules , Brooks said .
`` There 's a lot of rules and guidance that we need to incorporate into our procedures to make sure that we 're , No .
1 , keeping our customers safe , and No .
2 , complying with the state rules for being open , '' Brooks said .
`` Everybody in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the right thing and we do it in the right way and that we keep people safe . ''
Wheaton will have a stretch of Hale Street closed in city 's downtown for outdoor dining , with a tent going up on Friday for a month .
Batavia and St. Charles officials are developing plans to close off public spaces in their downtowns exclusively for outdoor dining .
Libertyville village board members this week authorized waivers of parking , sidewalk signs and other requirements related to outdoor dining , and gave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants that need outdoor space Friday .
In Chicago , Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will not immediately allow sit-down eateries or taverns to reopen .
But Toia does n't expect Chicago to be too far behind the suburbs in reopening .
Hoffmann said it 's time for people to return to socialization , but he is not encouraging everyone to participate in the restaurant reopenings , such as those with health problems .
`` There 's no guarantees when you come out and get in the real world , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mick Zawislak , Lauren Rohr and Katlyn Smith contributed to this report .

Here's what you need to know about restaurants and bars reopening with outdoor service
Wearing a facial covering when not eating or drinking and being careful about congregating as a group are among the differences customers will need to get used to when sit-down restaurants and bars reopen Friday with outdoor service.
"We encourage guests to be patient as restaurants adhere to the health and safety protocols in the guidelines, which were developed in collaboration with leading health and science organizations and experts," said Sam Toia, the Illinois Restaurant Association's president and CEO.
Those who plan to return "should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while on premises," except while eating and drinking at a table, according to the state. Exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a mask.
Tables will be limited to parties of six and must be at a social distance of 6 feet apart, preferably separated by Plexiglass. Employees should wear cloth masks when within 6 feet of customers or others, per the state regulations.
Toia said guests should expect to find disposable serveware at some places, single-use or digital menus, and floor markers in waiting areas indicating a safe, 6-foot distance. They'll also need to make sure customers spread out when waiting for a table.
Restaurant owners say regular restrooms will be available, but patrons should refrain from crowding them. Customers can expect to see hand sanitizer for their use in outdoor seating areas, and plenty of disinfecting and cleaning by employees.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Marshall Hjertedt performs Wednesday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. It is among the restaurants that will be reopening with outdoor seating -- with some seating just inside this open window -- on Friday.
Establishments are taking different approaches on reservations. Hey Nonny in downtown Arlington Heights is selling tables for seatings spaced 1 hour 45 minutes apart for outdoor dining and entertainment from a solo musician, but Moretti's Ristorante and Pizzeria will welcome walk-ins.
Local governments have the ultimate authority on exactly how it plays out. That's a concern for Fred Hoffman, founder of Moretti's parent company Ala Carte Entertainment.
Moretti's expects to welcome back patrons Friday, including at outdoor dining areas in Bartlett, Schaumburg, Barrington, Lake in the Hills, Hoffman Estates, Rosemont and Mount Prospect.
Hoffmann would prefer that all towns follow state guidelines, but he said some have stricter requirements, such as reduced operating hours.
"And it doesn't make any sense," he said. "We're trying to accomplish something here, not tie our hands."
Arlington Heights eateries and bars will start in individual outdoor areas Friday. That'll be followed at some point by Arlington Alfresco, a village plan to close a portion of downtown to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen establishments on the public right of way.
- Joe Lewnard | Staff Photographer Marshall Hjertedt performs Wednesday at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. It is among the restaurants that will be reopening with outdoor seating Friday, with some open-air dining also allowed inside the window, too.
Hey Nonny co-owners Chris Dungan and Chip Brooks are looking forward to reopening on Friday. They'll get to use an indoor area where windows can be raised for an open-air setting in compliance with state guidelines, along with outdoor space. The business will close earlier than usual to conform with village rules, Brooks said.
"There's a lot of rules and guidance that we need to incorporate into our procedures to make sure that we're, No. 1, keeping our customers safe, and No. 2, complying with the state rules for being open," Brooks said. "Everybody in town wants to make sure that we do the right thing and we do it in the right way and that we keep people safe."
Wheaton will have a stretch of Hale Street closed in city's downtown for outdoor dining, with a tent going up on Friday for a month. Batavia and St. Charles officials are developing plans to close off public spaces in their downtowns exclusively for outdoor dining.
Libertyville village board members this week authorized waivers of parking, sidewalk signs and other requirements related to outdoor dining, and gave the village staff leeway to approve permits for restaurants that need outdoor space Friday.
In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will not immediately allow sit-down eateries or taverns to reopen. But Toia doesn't expect Chicago to be too far behind the suburbs in reopening.
Hoffmann said it's time for people to return to socialization, but he is not encouraging everyone to participate in the restaurant reopenings, such as those with health problems.
"There's no guarantees when you come out and get in the real world," he said.
• Daily Herald staff writers Mick Zawislak, Lauren Rohr and Katlyn Smith contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--May 28 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Since the outbreak began , there have been 59,456 cases in the suburbs , 51 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 2,606 deaths in the suburbs , more than 50 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Thursday , suburban Cook had 31,136 cases and 1,470 deaths , according to the state ( visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19 ) .
In Chicago : 44,170 cases and 2,049 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Des Plaines , 667 cases and 25 deaths in Wheeling , 548 cases and 13 deaths in Streamwood , 542 cases and 6 deaths in Mount Prospect , 524 cases and 9 deaths in Palatine , 464 cases and 35 deaths in Glenview , 430 cases and 11 deaths in Schaumburg , 402 cases and 24 deaths in Arlington Heights , 379 cases and 7 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 284 cases and 10 deaths in Rolling Meadows , 273 cases and 36 deaths in Park Ridge , 272 cases and 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 90 cases and 12 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) • Top counts : 710 cases and 6 deaths in Addison , 685 cases and 7 deaths in West Chicago , 555 cases and 4 deaths in Glendale Heights , 459 cases and 9 deaths in Bensenville , 450 cases and 30 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage portion ) , 439 cases and 26 deaths in Carol Stream , 317 cases and 13 deaths in Lombard , 275 cases and 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , 227 cases and 28 deaths in Elmhurst , 202 cases and 15 deaths in Downers Grove , 204 cases and 17 deaths in Wheaton , 195 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park , 135 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn , and 132 cases and 17 deaths in Willowbrook .
Lake County • The county listed 7,988 cases and 268 deaths as of Thursday .
• Top counts : 2,335 to 2,339 in Waukegan ; 475 to 479 in Round Lake Beach ; 320 to 324 in Mundelein ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 144 in Vernon Hills ; 120 to 124 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) ; 110 to 114 in Wauconda ; 80 to 84 in Lake Zurich ; 75 to 79 in Libertyville ; 75 to 79 in Grayslake ; and 35 to 39 in Lake Villa .
Kane County • The county confirmed 6,145 cases with 167 deaths on its website Thursday .
• Top counts : 2,800 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 1,431 in Elgin ( Kane portion ) , 599 in Carpentersville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Charles , 151 in North Aurora , 138 in Geneva , 91 in Batavia , and 38 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 1,506 cases and 73 deaths in McHenry County , according to the health department Thursday .
Will County • There have been 5,356 cases and 268 deaths in Will County , according to the health department 's website Thursday .
• Cases per town include 285 in Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 55 in Aurora ( Will portion ) .

May 28 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Workers instruct people on how to collect their own nasopharyngeal swab samples to test for the coronavirus at a drive-through testing site organized by the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) at Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy in Chicago. Associated Press File Photo/May 18, 2020
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion
Since the outbreak began, there have been 59,456 cases in the suburbs, 51% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 2,606 deaths in the suburbs, more than 50% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County • As of Thursday, suburban Cook had 31,136 cases and 1,470 deaths, according to the state (visit bit.ly/dhIDPHcovid19). In Chicago: 44,170 cases and 2,049 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the Cook County Department of Public Health and medical examiner's office: 1,406 cases and 72 deaths in Des Plaines, 667 cases and 25 deaths in Wheeling, 548 cases and 13 deaths in Streamwood, 542 cases and 6 deaths in Mount Prospect, 524 cases and 9 deaths in Palatine, 464 cases and 35 deaths in Glenview, 430 cases and 11 deaths in Schaumburg, 402 cases and 24 deaths in Arlington Heights, 379 cases and 7 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 284 cases and 10 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 273 cases and 36 deaths in Park Ridge, 272 cases and 17 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 215 cases and 3 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 90 cases and 12 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion)
DuPage County• The county reported 7,479 cases and 351 deaths Thursday.
• Top counts: 710 cases and 6 deaths in Addison, 685 cases and 7 deaths in West Chicago, 555 cases and 4 deaths in Glendale Heights, 459 cases and 9 deaths in Bensenville, 450 cases and 30 deaths in Naperville (DuPage portion), 439 cases and 26 deaths in Carol Stream, 317 cases and 13 deaths in Lombard, 275 cases and 7 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 227 cases and 28 deaths in Elmhurst, 202 cases and 15 deaths in Downers Grove, 204 cases and 17 deaths in Wheaton, 195 cases and 3 deaths in Villa Park, 135 cases and 2 deaths in Glen Ellyn, and 132 cases and 17 deaths in Willowbrook.
Lake County• The county listed 7,988 cases and 268 deaths as of Thursday.
• Top counts: 2,335 to 2,339 in Waukegan; 475 to 479 in Round Lake Beach; 320 to 324 in Mundelein; 245 to 249 in Gurnee; 140 to 144 in Vernon Hills; 120 to 124 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion); 110 to 114 in Wauconda; 80 to 84 in Lake Zurich; 75 to 79 in Libertyville; 75 to 79 in Grayslake; and 35 to 39 in Lake Villa.
Kane County• The county confirmed 6,145 cases with 167 deaths on its website Thursday.
• Top counts: 2,800 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 1,431 in Elgin (Kane portion), 599 in Carpentersville, 234 in South Elgin, 218 in St. Charles, 151 in North Aurora, 138 in Geneva, 91 in Batavia, and 38 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 1,506 cases and 73 deaths in McHenry County, according to the health department Thursday.
Will County• There have been 5,356 cases and 268 deaths in Will County, according to the health department's website Thursday.
• Cases per town include 285 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 55 in Aurora (Will portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Trump signs executive order against social media companies, escalating war on Twitter

WASHINGTON ( AP ) -- President Donald Trump escalated his war on social media companies Thursday , signing an executive order challenging the liability protections that have served as a bedrock for unfettered speech on the internet .
Still , the move appears to be more about politics than substance , as the president aims to rally supporters after he lashed out at Twitter for applying fact checks to two of his tweets .
Trump said the fact checks were `` editorial decisions '' by Twitter and amounted to political activism .
He said it should cost those companies their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their platforms .
Trump , who personally relies heavily on Twitter to verbally flog his foes , has long accused the tech giants in liberal-leaning Silicon Valley of targeting conservatives by fact-checking them or removing their posts .
`` We 're fed up with it , '' Trump said , claiming the order would uphold freedom of speech .
It directs executive branch agencies to ask independent rule-making agencies including the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to study whether they can place new regulations on the companies -- though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without an act of Congress .
Companies like Twitter and Facebook are granted liability protection under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act because they are treated as `` platforms , '' rather than `` publishers , '' which can face lawsuits over content .
A similar executive order was previously considered by the administration but shelved over concerns it could n't pass legal muster and that it violated conservative principles on deregulation and free speech .
`` They 've had unchecked power to censor , restrict , edit , shape , hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between private citizens or large public audiences , '' Trump said of social media companies as he prepared to sign the order .
`` There is no precedent in American history for so small a number of corporations to control so large a sphere of human interaction . ''
Trump and his campaign reacted after Twitter added a warning phrase to two Trump tweets that called mail-in ballots `` fraudulent '' and predicted `` mail boxes will be robbed . ''
Under the tweets , there 's now a link reading `` Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guides users to a page with fact checks and news stories about Trump 's unsubstantiated claims .
Trump accused Twitter of interfering in the 2020 presidential election '' and declared `` as president , I will not allow this to happen . ''
His campaign manager , Brad Parscale , said Twitter 's `` clear political bias '' had led the campaign to pull `` all our advertising from Twitter months ago . ''
In fact , Twitter has banned political advertising since last November .
Late Wednesday , Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point out incorrect or disputed information about elections globally . ''
Dorsey added : `` This does not make us an 'arbiter of truth . '
Our intention is to connect the dots of conflicting statements and show the information in dispute so people can judge for themselves . ''
On the other hand , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Fox News his platform has `` a different policy , I think , than Twitter on this . ''
`` I just believe strongly that Facebook should n't be the arbiter of truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
The president 's critics , meanwhile , scolded the platforms for allowing him to put forth false or misleading information that could confuse voters .
`` Donald Trump 's order is plainly illegal , '' said Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden , a Democrat and advocate for internet freedoms .
He is `` desperately trying to steal for himself the power of the courts and Congress .
... All for the ability to spread unfiltered lies . ''
Trump 's proposal has multiple , serious legal problems and is unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Schruers , president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association , a Washington-based organization that represents computer and internet companies .
It would also seem to be an assault on the same online freedom that enabled social media platforms to flourish in the first place -- and made them such an effective microphone for Trump and other politicians .
`` The irony that is lost here is that if these protections were to go away social media services would be far more aggressive in moderating content and terminating accounts , '' Schruers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of discussion would devolve into nothing more than preapproved soundbites . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was `` outrageous '' that while Twitter had put a fact-check tag on Trump 's tweets asserting massive mail-in election fraud , it had not removed his tweets suggesting without evidence that a TV news host had murdered an aide years ago .
`` Their business model is to make money at the expense of the truth and the facts that they know , '' she said of social media giants , also mentioning Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid taxes `` and they do n't want to be regulated , so they pander to the White House . ''
The president and fellow conservatives have been claiming , for years , that Silicon Valley tech companies are biased against them .
But there is no evidence for this -- and while the executives and many employees of Twitter , Facebook and Google may lean liberal , the companies have stressed they have no business interest in favoring on political party over the other .
The trouble began in 2016 , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` trending , '' using human editors to curate popular news stories .
Zuckerberg met with prominent right-wing leaders at the time in an attempt at damage control , and in 2018 , Facebook shut down the `` trending '' section , .
In August 2018 , Trump accused Google of biased searches and warned the company to `` be careful . ''
Google pushed back sharply , saying Trump 's claim simply was n't so , and experts suggested his comments showed a misunderstanding of how search engines work .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Facebook banned a slew of extremist figures including conspiracy peddler Alex Jones from its site and from Instagram .
Meanwhile , the companies are gearing up to combat misinformation around the November elections .
Twitter and Facebook have begun rolling out dozens of new rules to avoid a repeat of the false postings about the candidates and the voting process that marred the 2016 election .
The coronavirus pandemic has further escalated the platforms ' response , leading them to take actions against politicians -- a move they 've long resisted -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last month , Twitter began a `` Get the Facts '' label to direct social media users to news articles from trusted outlets next to tweets containing misleading or disputed information about the virus .
Even as he and his supporters complain of bias on the platform , Trump has used Twitter to build a potent and vocal online following .
The president 's account currently has more than 80 million followers .
Trump 's success on social media suggests that his proposal may be more about politics than an actual interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media professor John Pavlik , who studies the impact of technology on society and government .
Pavlik said that by trying to intimidate the platforms now , he 's seeking to control how the 2020 campaign plays out online and `` about appealing to his base . ''

Trump signs executive order against social media companies, escalating war on Twitter
FILE - In this Oct. 11, 2017, file photo, MSNBC television anchor Joe Scarborough takes questions from an audience at forum at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, on the campus of Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass. The husband of a woman who died accidentally in an office of then-GOP Rep. Joe Scarborough two decades ago is demanding that Twitter remove President Donald Trump's tweets suggesting Scarborough murdered her.
President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during an event on protecting seniors with diabetes in the Rose Garden White House, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Washington.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 28, 2020.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany speaks during a briefing at the White House, Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Washington.
President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order aimed at curbing protections for social media giants, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Washington.
President Donald Trump holds up a copy of the New York Post as speaks before signing an executive order aimed at curbing protections for social media giants, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Washington.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump escalated his war on social media companies Thursday, signing an executive order challenging the liability protections that have served as a bedrock for unfettered speech on the internet.
Still, the move appears to be more about politics than substance, as the president aims to rally supporters after he lashed out at Twitter for applying fact checks to two of his tweets.
Trump said the fact checks were "editorial decisions" by Twitter and amounted to political activism. He said it should cost those companies their protection from lawsuits for what is posted on their platforms.
Trump, who personally relies heavily on Twitter to verbally flog his foes, has long accused the tech giants in liberal-leaning Silicon Valley of targeting conservatives by fact-checking them or removing their posts.
"We're fed up with it," Trump said, claiming the order would uphold freedom of speech.
It directs executive branch agencies to ask independent rule-making agencies including the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to study whether they can place new regulations on the companies -- though experts express doubts much can be done without an act of Congress.
Companies like Twitter and Facebook are granted liability protection under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act because they are treated as "platforms," rather than "publishers," which can face lawsuits over content.
A similar executive order was previously considered by the administration but shelved over concerns it couldn't pass legal muster and that it violated conservative principles on deregulation and free speech.
"They've had unchecked power to censor, restrict, edit, shape, hide, alter virtually any form of communication between private citizens or large public audiences," Trump said of social media companies as he prepared to sign the order. "There is no precedent in American history for so small a number of corporations to control so large a sphere of human interaction."
Trump and his campaign reacted after Twitter added a warning phrase to two Trump tweets that called mail-in ballots "fraudulent" and predicted "mail boxes will be robbed." Under the tweets, there's now a link reading "Get the facts about mail-in ballots" that guides users to a page with fact checks and news stories about Trump's unsubstantiated claims.
Trump accused Twitter of interfering in the 2020 presidential election" and declared "as president, I will not allow this to happen." His campaign manager, Brad Parscale, said Twitter's "clear political bias" had led the campaign to pull "all our advertising from Twitter months ago." In fact, Twitter has banned political advertising since last November.
Late Wednesday, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted, "We'll continue to point out incorrect or disputed information about elections globally."
Dorsey added: "This does not make us an 'arbiter of truth.' Our intention is to connect the dots of conflicting statements and show the information in dispute so people can judge for themselves."
On the other hand, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Fox News his platform has "a different policy, I think, than Twitter on this."
"I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online," he said.
The president's critics, meanwhile, scolded the platforms for allowing him to put forth false or misleading information that could confuse voters.
"Donald Trump's order is plainly illegal," said Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat and advocate for internet freedoms. He is "desperately trying to steal for himself the power of the courts and Congress. ... All for the ability to spread unfiltered lies."
Trump's proposal has multiple, serious legal problems and is unlikely to survive a challenge, according to Matt Schruers, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, a Washington-based organization that represents computer and internet companies.
It would also seem to be an assault on the same online freedom that enabled social media platforms to flourish in the first place -- and made them such an effective microphone for Trump and other politicians.
"The irony that is lost here is that if these protections were to go away social media services would be far more aggressive in moderating content and terminating accounts," Schruers said. "Our vibrant public sphere of discussion would devolve into nothing more than preapproved soundbites."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was "outrageous" that while Twitter had put a fact-check tag on Trump's tweets asserting massive mail-in election fraud, it had not removed his tweets suggesting without evidence that a TV news host had murdered an aide years ago.
"Their business model is to make money at the expense of the truth and the facts that they know," she said of social media giants, also mentioning Facebook. She said their goal is to avoid taxes "and they don't want to be regulated, so they pander to the White House."
The president and fellow conservatives have been claiming, for years, that Silicon Valley tech companies are biased against them. But there is no evidence for this -- and while the executives and many employees of Twitter, Facebook and Google may lean liberal, the companies have stressed they have no business interest in favoring on political party over the other.
The trouble began in 2016, two years after Facebook launched a section called "trending," using human editors to curate popular news stories. Zuckerberg met with prominent right-wing leaders at the time in an attempt at damage control, and in 2018, Facebook shut down the "trending" section,.
In August 2018, Trump accused Google of biased searches and warned the company to "be careful." Google pushed back sharply, saying Trump's claim simply wasn't so, and experts suggested his comments showed a misunderstanding of how search engines work.
Last year, Trump again blasted social media companies after Facebook banned a slew of extremist figures including conspiracy peddler Alex Jones from its site and from Instagram.
Meanwhile, the companies are gearing up to combat misinformation around the November elections. Twitter and Facebook have begun rolling out dozens of new rules to avoid a repeat of the false postings about the candidates and the voting process that marred the 2016 election.
The coronavirus pandemic has further escalated the platforms' response, leading them to take actions against politicians -- a move they've long resisted -- who make misleading claims about the virus.
Last month, Twitter began a "Get the Facts" label to direct social media users to news articles from trusted outlets next to tweets containing misleading or disputed information about the virus.
Even as he and his supporters complain of bias on the platform, Trump has used Twitter to build a potent and vocal online following. The president's account currently has more than 80 million followers.
Trump's success on social media suggests that his proposal may be more about politics than an actual interest in regulation, according to Rutgers University media professor John Pavlik, who studies the impact of technology on society and government.
Pavlik said that by trying to intimidate the platforms now, he's seeking to control how the 2020 campaign plays out online and "about appealing to his base."
AP writers Amanda Seitz, Barbara Ortutay and David Klepper contributed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--West Chicago woman's body found in river

A body found in the West Branch of the DuPage River has been identified as that of a West Chicago woman .
Anna DeJong , 18 , was identified after an autopsy Thursday .
Coroner Richard Jorgensen said the preliminary cause of death was drowning .
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County police recovered DeJong 's body Wednesday morning from the West Branch of the DuPage River south of Mack Road in West Chicago .
The discovery came 12 days after she was swept away by the flooded river while she was walking her two dogs at Winfield Mounds Forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooded pedestrian bridge near Geneva and Winfield roads shortly before 6 p.m. on May 15 .
She got swept away by the current as she walked through waist-high water on the bridge , authorities said .
Searchers rescued one dog May 15 , forest preserve officials said .
The body of the second dog was recovered May 21 in the river at Winfield Mounds .
Forest preserve officials said more than 100 search and rescue personnel and volunteers scoured the river from Winfield to Warrenville on May 15 and 16 in search of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infrared-equipped underwater drones were used during the search .
DeJong 's body was found Wednesday by two officers searching the waterway by kayak at Blackwell Forest Preserve , officials said .
The location is roughly 5.5 miles south of Winfield Mounds .
West Chicago and Warrenville fire departments assisted with the recovery , officials said .
`` On behalf of the forest preserve district , I would like to send our sincere condolences to her family and friends , '' Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson said .
`` All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , and our appreciation goes to all of the first responders and volunteers who worked so tirelessly to find her . ''
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help DeJong 's family .
The page at www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-annas-family has raised more than $ 66,000 .

West Chicago woman's body found in river
A body found in the West Branch of the DuPage River has been identified as that of a West Chicago woman.
Anna DeJong, 18, was identified after an autopsy Thursday. Coroner Richard Jorgensen said the preliminary cause of death was drowning.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County police recovered DeJong's body Wednesday morning from the West Branch of the DuPage River south of Mack Road in West Chicago. The discovery came 12 days after she was swept away by the flooded river while she was walking her two dogs at Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve.
DeJong tried to cross a flooded pedestrian bridge near Geneva and Winfield roads shortly before 6 p.m. on May 15. She got swept away by the current as she walked through waist-high water on the bridge, authorities said.
Searchers rescued one dog May 15, forest preserve officials said. The body of the second dog was recovered May 21 in the river at Winfield Mounds.
Forest preserve officials said more than 100 search and rescue personnel and volunteers scoured the river from Winfield to Warrenville on May 15 and 16 in search of the woman. Boats equipped with sonar and infrared-equipped underwater drones were used during the search.
DeJong's body was found Wednesday by two officers searching the waterway by kayak at Blackwell Forest Preserve, officials said. The location is roughly 5.5 miles south of Winfield Mounds.
West Chicago and Warrenville fire departments assisted with the recovery, officials said.
"On behalf of the forest preserve district, I would like to send our sincere condolences to her family and friends," Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson said. "All of us are truly saddened by today's news, and our appreciation goes to all of the first responders and volunteers who worked so tirelessly to find her."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help DeJong's family. The page at www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-annas-family has raised more than $66,000.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--As Arlington Heights prepares for outdoor dining, Fausto's Italian Kitchen is closing

While a select number of downtown Arlington Heights restaurants will be open Friday for alfresco dining , the village 's full-scale coordinated shutdown of streets to expand outdoor dining spaces is set to begin Wednesday , June 3 .
At the same time , one longtime downtown eatery confirmed Thursday that it wo n't make it that long and is closing up shop .
Fausto 's Italian Kitchen , at 16 S. Evergreen Ave. , will close its doors after service on Saturday .
According to a post on the eatery 's Facebook page , the lease is coming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be best not to renew `` due to this difficult time . ''
But a representative at the restaurant on Thursday indicated talks are still ongoing about having a different owner come in and take over the business .
She declined to provide additional details .
Fausto 's is among the Arlington Heights restaurants that would have been eligible to set up tables in parking lots to comply with social distancing measures .
That program , available to restaurants villagewide , is coupled with the Arlington Alfresco downtown outdoor dining initiative , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Campbell Street to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen eateries to encroach on the public right of way .
The street closures , along with installation of fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways and associated barricades and signage , will occur by next Wednesday evening , village officials said .
Until then , restaurants like Peggy Kinnane 's , Cortland 's Garage , Javier 's and Salsa 17 -- which have varying levels of dedicated outdoor patio space -- are able to open as soon as Friday .
Some , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started taking reservations .

As Arlington Heights prepares for outdoor dining, Fausto's Italian Kitchen is closing
While a select number of downtown Arlington Heights restaurants will be open Friday for alfresco dining, the village's full-scale coordinated shutdown of streets to expand outdoor dining spaces is set to begin Wednesday, June 3.
At the same time, one longtime downtown eatery confirmed Thursday that it won't make it that long and is closing up shop.
Fausto's Italian Kitchen, at 16 S. Evergreen Ave., will close its doors after service on Saturday. According to a post on the eatery's Facebook page, the lease is coming to an end and owners decided it would be best not to renew "due to this difficult time."
But a representative at the restaurant on Thursday indicated talks are still ongoing about having a different owner come in and take over the business. She declined to provide additional details.
Fausto's is among the Arlington Heights restaurants that would have been eligible to set up tables in parking lots to comply with social distancing measures. That program, available to restaurants villagewide, is coupled with the Arlington Alfresco downtown outdoor dining initiative, which calls for the closure of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen eateries to encroach on the public right of way.
The street closures, along with installation of fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways and associated barricades and signage, will occur by next Wednesday evening, village officials said.
Until then, restaurants like Peggy Kinnane's, Cortland's Garage, Javier's and Salsa 17 -- which have varying levels of dedicated outdoor patio space -- are able to open as soon as Friday. Some, like Hey Nonny and Passero, have started taking reservations.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Illinois' annual PGA Tour event canceled

Illinois wo n't have its longest-standing PGA Tour stop this year .
The John Deere Classic was canceled Thursday .
The JDC , the only PGA Tour event held annually in the state , was to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a July 6 to 12 playing of the $ 6.2 million championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis near the Quad Cities .
It was to be the first PGA Tour event to allow spectators since tournament play was stopped March 12 after the first round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra , Fla .
Tournament play will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth , Texas .
Concerns over the coronavirus pandemic had led to the immediate cancellations of the next six tournaments on the schedule after The Players .
The Schwab Challenge was moved from May 21 .
`` Because of the ongoing health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic the difficult decision was made to cancel , '' said Clair Peterson , the JDC tournament director .
`` While we considered several alternatives , this was the choice that made the most sense for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cities community at large . ''
`` We know this announcement will come as a disappointment to the Quad Cities area and to the broader golf community , '' said Mara Downing , John Deere 's vice president of global brand and communications .
She said the tourney 's 50th anniversary will be celebrated in 2021 .
The JDC has proved a successful fundraiser with its Birdies for Charity program that has benefitted a variety of organizations .
Last year 's tournament raised $ 13.8 million for 543 local and regional charities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 120 million since its first playing in 1971 .
Ninety-one percent of the charity money raised has come since John Deere assumed title sponsorship of the event in 1998 .
Peterson said the participating organizations will receive a 5 percent bonus over what they raised for this year 's event .
`` Thanks to John Deere 's ongoing support , we are able to promise a bonus , even though we are not having the tournament , '' Peterson said .
One PGA Tour event in Illinois , the BMW Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FedEx Cup Playoff event is Aug. 27 to 30 at Olympia Fields Country Club .
The JDC cancellation was the first since PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced a greatly revised schedule to finish out 2020 .
Now the Memorial tournament , July 16 to 19 at Ohio 's Muirfield Village course , figures to be the first PGA Tour event to welcome spectators since the pandemic began .
The Memorial also was postponed earlier and moved into the July dates after the British Open was canceled .
The PGA Tour 's alternate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopens play June 11 on the Dye Course in Ponte Vedra .
That tour has two Illinois tournaments -- the Lincoln Land Classic Sept. 3 to 6 at Panther Creek in Springfield , and the Evans Scholars Invitational the following week at a Chicago area course to be determined .
The Evans Scholars event , put on by the Western Golf Association , was originally May 21 to 24 at The Glen Club in Glenview , before being postponed .
The Glen Club has schedule conflicts with the September dates , forcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Illinois' annual PGA Tour event canceled
Dylan Frittelli makes his putt on 18 in the final round to win last year's John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. Associated Press
Illinois won't have its longest-standing PGA Tour stop this year. The John Deere Classic was canceled Thursday.
The JDC, the only PGA Tour event held annually in the state, was to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a July 6 to 12 playing of the $6.2 million championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis near the Quad Cities. It was to be the first PGA Tour event to allow spectators since tournament play was stopped March 12 after the first round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra, Fla.
Tournament play will resume June 11 with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
Concerns over the coronavirus pandemic had led to the immediate cancellations of the next six tournaments on the schedule after The Players. The Schwab Challenge was moved from May 21.
"Because of the ongoing health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic the difficult decision was made to cancel," said Clair Peterson, the JDC tournament director. "While we considered several alternatives, this was the choice that made the most sense for our guests, the players and the Quad Cities community at large."
"We know this announcement will come as a disappointment to the Quad Cities area and to the broader golf community," said Mara Downing, John Deere's vice president of global brand and communications.
She said the tourney's 50th anniversary will be celebrated in 2021.
The JDC has proved a successful fundraiser with its Birdies for Charity program that has benefitted a variety of organizations. Last year's tournament raised $13.8 million for 543 local and regional charities. That brought the tourney's all-time total to $120 million since its first playing in 1971.
Ninety-one percent of the charity money raised has come since John Deere assumed title sponsorship of the event in 1998. Peterson said the participating organizations will receive a 5 percent bonus over what they raised for this year's event.
"Thanks to John Deere's ongoing support, we are able to promise a bonus, even though we are not having the tournament," Peterson said.
One PGA Tour event in Illinois, the BMW Championship, remains on the schedule. The FedEx Cup Playoff event is Aug. 27 to 30 at Olympia Fields Country Club.
The JDC cancellation was the first since PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced a greatly revised schedule to finish out 2020.
Now the Memorial tournament, July 16 to 19 at Ohio's Muirfield Village course, figures to be the first PGA Tour event to welcome spectators since the pandemic began. The Memorial also was postponed earlier and moved into the July dates after the British Open was canceled.
The PGA Tour's alternate circuit, the Korn Ferry Tour, reopens play June 11 on the Dye Course in Ponte Vedra. That tour has two Illinois tournaments -- the Lincoln Land Classic Sept. 3 to 6 at Panther Creek in Springfield, and the Evans Scholars Invitational the following week at a Chicago area course to be determined.
The Evans Scholars event, put on by the Western Golf Association, was originally May 21 to 24 at The Glen Club in Glenview, before being postponed. The Glen Club has schedule conflicts with the September dates, forcing the tourney to find a new home course.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-28--Rosemont's Don now dons face mask

Rosemont's Don now dons face mask

Rosemont 's Donald E. Stephens statue has started donning a face mask to promote public health guidelines during the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ mask , which features the village 's rose logo , was outfitted this week on @ @ @ @ @ town 's late founder and mayor .
Two public works department employees used a lift @ @ @ @ @ the 8-foot , 1,500-pound bronze-cast statue , which was unveiled in 2016 outside of village @ @ @ @ @ Ave. Stephens died in 2007 after serving more than five decades as the village 's @ @ @

Rosemont's Don now dons face mask
Two Rosemont public works department employees outfit the Donald E. Stephens statue outside village hall with a large face mask. Courtesy of Village of Rosemont
The 8-foot, 1,500-pound bronze-cast statue of Rosemont founder Donald E. Stephens now sports a face mask. Courtesy of Village of Rosemont
Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens statue has started donning a face mask to promote public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The oversized face mask, which features the village's rose logo, was outfitted this week on the larger-than-life likeness of the town's late founder and mayor.
Two public works department employees used a lift to reach the top of the 8-foot, 1,500-pound bronze-cast statue, which was unveiled in 2016 outside of village hall, 9501 W. Devon Ave.
Stephens died in 2007 after serving more than five decades as the village's first mayor.