NBC 5 survey: Local officials combat misinformation, anticipate secure election

CHICAGO – Election officials across Illinois and southern Wisconsin told NBC 5 Investigates they anticipate a relatively smooth and secure election process, but in a survey sent by NBC 5 Investigates, they also expressed concern about the safety of election workers and having to combat misinformation among the electorate in what has become a closely watched and contentious election season.

Over the past two weeks, NBC 5 Investigates reached out to more than 100 election officials across Illinois, southern Wisconsin and parts of northwest Indiana to ask local election officials about the upcoming election, their preparedness and their concerns.

Thirty-two election officials responded comprising the entire Chicago area, as well as downstate counties and three counties in Wisconsin. No one from a handful of Indiana counties replied.

While the overwhelming sentiment was that they anticipate a safe and secure Election Day, the majority of county election officials says they’ve worked harder this election cycle than in the past to combat misinformation among voters who’ve questioned whether their vote is safe and raised concerns over false claims the tabulators can change votes – among other bits of misinformation spread online.

Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they were concerned about the safety of their election workers and had communicated closely with law enforcement.

The results of the survey are below:

How secure are your voting machines?

72.4 percent of respondents said this election will be more secure than 2020.

27.6 percent said it will be as secure as 2020.

0 percent said it would be less secure.

Voting systems well-prepared from a cybersecurity perspective ahead of the Nov. 5^th election?

100 percent of respondents said yes.

Has your staff encountered voters who are misinformed about the election process?

80% of respondents said yes. Types of misinformation/ falsehoods being spread:

• They do not trust the technology
• Undocumented immigrants registering and voting; ballots not being read correctly
• Do not understand documents required to register to vote and how absentee ballots are processed
• Vote by mail isn’t secure
•  Rumors of people voting multiple times
•  Voting machines hooked up to the internet; undocumented immigrants able to vote
•  Security of voting machines
•  Belief that computer system will change their vote.
•  That tabulators can change votes
• Dead people are voting
• People can vote on their cell phones
• Human error indicates fraud
• Voting machines being hacked and votes flipped

Are you aware of any threats, or concerning communications, received by any of your local election officials, during the course of this election cycle?

93.8 percent of respondent said yes, with the Illinois State Board of Elections receiving a suspicious package this election cycle.

Are you worried about the safety of election workers in your jurisdiction?

69% of respondents said yes. NBC 5 Investigates also asked election officials to elaborate on their concerns about their election judges. Here are some of their responses:

• “The environment and heightened tension with elections, we are educating our local law enforcement agencies with polling place information.”
• “Trying to keep election officials’ names private and having law enforcement aware so they can help address.”
• “Increased presence of law enforcement.”
• “I am afraid the judges will have some electioneering in the polls with people wearing campaign clothing and not want to remove or leave and come back. We have seen that in our office.”
• “It’s a heated presidential election. It only takes one person to escalate to threaten the safety of people. We have been more proactive in our trainings but also in coordination and collaboration with law enforcement.”
• “ID cards for election judges have been changed to remove their names.”
• “Potential hostility from voters and poll watchers at voting locations.”
• “We are concerned about physical safety of election workers due to national rhetoric claiming elections are being “stolen.” Election workers have received safety and de-escalation training that we have never had to do before.”

Do you feel you have enough election workers to staff the Nov. 5^th election?

86.7% of respondents said yes.

If you have shortage of workers, what are the reasons?:

• “Many volunteers are older, not comfortable with technology.”
• “Long hours, safety concerns, certain party officials spreading misinformation.”
• “Low pay and harassment by voters.”
• “People are afraid to be an election judge; pay is not enough for such a long day.”

Do you anticipate a smooth election on Nov. 5?

93.3% of respondents said yes.

What do you think is the most important for voters to understand about your election process?:

Below are the respondents’ answers:

• “That whether they use electronic voting or paper ballot – they both count.”
• “All the safeguards are in place; and be careful where they are getting their information, check sources and go to their election officials and get accurate information.”
• “The poll workers are volunteers and your friends and neighbors. This is not something they do every day. Treat them with respect and grace.”
• “That our election process is secure and there are many checks and balances to assure this.”
• “Vote by mail is secure; early voting is secure. That we have an open and transparent process open to all.”
• “It’s fair and we pride ourselves on the work we do on elections.”
• “We run fair and honest elections.”
• “That we hold secure elections.”
• “The clerk’s office recognizes that one of the greatest threats to the integrity of our elections is the disinformation and misinformation circulating on websites and social media. For that reason, if voters have questions or concerns about the election process, we encourage them to go to a trusted election source for information.”

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Amtrak's new Chicago to Miami train begins next month. Here's how long it takes, and how much it costs

You can hitch a ride from Chicago to Miami on an Amtrak train beginning next month.

According to Amtrak, the “Floridian” line will start in Chicago and make stops in Cleveland, Washington D.C., Orlando and Tampa before hitting its final stop in Miami.

According to officials, the route was spearheaded by combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star lines.

The routes are being combined due to a massive rehabilitation project of the East River tunnel, with both tunnels needing repairs after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the Northeastern U.S. in 2012.

Here’s what to know ahead of the ride’s maiden voyage.

When does Amtrak’s Chicago to Miami service begin?

Trips are available beginning Nov. 10, according to Amtrak, and will be offered daily.

When can you purchase tickets?

According to a press release by Amtrak, customers are now able to purchase tickets on the “Floridian” line.

Chicago to Miami Amtrak schedule

The “Floridian” line will operate on a similar schedule to the Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington D.C., and will make stops between Washington, D.C. and Miami normally made by the Silver Star, according to Amtrak.

The trip on the Floridian will take nearly 48 hours to complete, according to Amtrak.

How much are tickets?

Coach seats start at just over $100 for the trip, with private rooms available starting at $700.

According to Amtrak, coach tickets include wide, reclining seats with legroom, no middle seat and windows.

“First Class private rooms” will add a limited number of dining car meals. Some rooms offer two reclining seats that transform into beds at night, along with shower access, while others offer more space, an in-room restroom and a shower. Each room has bi-level windows, a sink and a “dedicated attendant who provides turndown service, assists with meals, helps with luggage and shares great stories of life on the rails.”

Is food included?

According to Amtrak, the dining car will include things like French toast, omelets, grilled cheese, burgers, vegan chili, steak, salmon, pasts and more, all of which is included in the private rooms tickets.

There’s also café service with snacks and beverages for sale.

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Chicago's mayor unveils details of proposed property tax hike as part of 2025 budget

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled details behind a proposed property tax increase in his 2025 budget address Wednesday, reversing on a key campaign promise as COVID relief funds dwindle.

The proposed $300 million tax hike, which could change based on property assessments for 2024, would mark a 4% increase in property tax bills for homeowners in the city, the mayor’s office said.

In his address to City Council Wednesday, Johnson, who campaigned on a promise he would not raise property taxes, acknowledged the cost such an increase would place on families. He noted, however, that it will also save jobs as his proposal includes no cuts for workers.

“This is tough, it is something that I grappled with for weeks and weeks. We did not take this move lightly. I directed my budget team to look at all options at closing this budget gap, and when it came down to either mass layoffs and curbing vital City services or an increase in property taxes, we chose to increase property taxes,” Johnson said.

Beyond the property tax hike, Johnson’s proposed budget includes plans to use tax increment financing money for Chicago Public Schools, $52 million for youth opportunity programs, $40 million for an initiative to address the city’s homeless and migrant situation, and $39 million for a small business support program.

Johnson noted that he plans to uphold the city’s pension obligations, a promise he said required him to change course on property taxes.

“I understand that today I am asking families to lean in and do a little bit more in order to make sure that their neighbors aren’t laid off and to make sure that we don’t have to cut vital City services,” Johnson said in his address. “I know that across this city working families make tough decisions everyday, whether it’s the cost of childcare or paying your utilities or even going grocery shopping and buying food for your families. I know adding to those tough choices is not easy, but this was the best option that allows our city to move forward in a sustainable way. This is the start of a multi-year process that will finally get Chicago’s finances back on track.”

In order for the budget to pass, Johnson needs 26 City Council votes by a Dec. 31 deadline. As of Wednesday, 14 aldermen signed onto a letter sharing their community’s demands and concerns and saying they would not support a budget that includes a tax hike, part of broader pushback that is expected against the budget.

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“We cannot support a budget that includes a property tax increase,” the letter read in part. “Period. The recently released poll shows that 90% of Chicagoans oppose increasing property taxes as an action the city could
take to raise revenue. Of those 90% of residents, 79% strongly oppose raising property taxes. This is a non-starter for us and our constituents.”

The Civic Federation, a non-partisan government research group, suggested the city look at other alternatives — like layoffs, furloughs, eliminating job vacancies or raising trash collection fees — before a property tax hike.

While Johnson did announce a hiring freeze last month, labor unions, which helped get Johnson elected, have pushed back against extensive cutbacks.

According to estimates, the city’s projected budget deficit for FY 2024 will clock in at approximately $222.9 million, which is still below previous estimates from earlier in the fiscal year.

With the expiration of COVID assistance and other factors taken into account, the budget deficit for FY 2025 is estimated to be $982.4 million, according to city Budget Director Annette Guzman’s office.

According to the city, budget hearings are set to begin next week.

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Car crashes into Billy Corgan's popular suburban tea store Madame ZuZu's, authorities say

A car crashed into Madame ZuZu’s, a famed suburban tea shop owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, on Wednesday, officials said.

The crash happened around 12 p.m. at 1876 First St. in Highland Park, authorities said in a public safety alert.

“Community members are asked to please avoid the block of First St. between Central Ave. & Elm Pl.,” the alert stated.

First responders were called to the scene and at least one person was injured.

Footage from the scene showed a vehicle half inside the store and half out.

The cause of the crash was not immediately released, but in a statement released on social media, Corgan’s wife Chloe Mendel Corgan, who also owns the shop, said the “circumstances remain under investigation.”

Corgan wrote that her mother, who had been dining with her son at the time, was injured when the car “drove over the curb and into Madame ZuZu’s, crashing through the window.”

“Our family is grateful for the swift assistance of the Highland Park and Deerfield first responders,” her statement read.

Madame ZuZu’s will be closed “until further notice,” she added.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

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What is the Electoral College? More on how the U.S. actually picks its president

The presidential election is less than a week away, but there is more than one step to choosing the country’s next leader thanks to the Electoral College.

While all other races are determined by popular vote, voters for president aren’t actually casting ballots directly for their chosen candidate.

That process involves several steps, culminating with the vote of the Electoral College and the certification of those votes by Congress.

Here’s how that process works.

What is the Electoral College?

As Americans likely know, voters are not casting ballots directly for a candidate for president when they go into the voting booth.

Rather, they are voting for a slate of “electors,” chosen by the presidential candidate’s political party, that will cast Electoral College votes on their behalf at a later date.  

Essentially, whatever “slate” receives the majority of support is then declared the winner, and will later cast the state’s Electoral College votes for their chosen candidate, according to the Library of Congress.

How are the number of electors in each state determined?

Under Electoral College rules, a state has as many electors as it does members of Congress. In the case of Illinois, the state has 17 members of the House and two senators, giving it 19 Electoral College votes.

Every state has a minimum of three Electoral College votes. The District of Columbia is also represented in the Electoral College, a change that was made with the passage of the 23^rd Amendment in 1961.

In total, there are 538 electors in each race, with 270 votes required to win the presidency.

Do all states use the “winner-take-all” system?

While 48 states and the District of Columbia are “winner-take-all” states, meaning that all of their Electoral College votes go to the winning candidate, two states take a slightly different approach.

Maine and Nebraska use what is called a “District System.” One of their electoral votes is given to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote in each Congressional district, while the other two votes are awarded to candidates receiving the most votes statewide.

Nebraska split its votes in the 2020 election, with former President Donald Trump receiving four of its possible five electors and President Joe Biden winning the vote of a Congressional district.

Nebraska mulled changing that policy for the 2024 election, but the effort was unsuccessful.

When does the Electoral College vote?

According to federal law, the Electoral College’s members cast ballots in their home states during meetings that occur on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday of December.

This year, that vote will occur on Dec. 17.

Do electors have to support their state’s chosen candidate?

Since political parties choose their slate of electors, it is expected that they will ultimately cast their electoral ballots for their candidate if they are victorious in the popular vote.

A majority of states do have laws that require electors to pledge their votes for their party’s nominees for president and vice president, but there are exceptions, according to the Library of Congress.

There have been a limited number of electors who have cast their ballots for a different candidate. The most noteworthy example occurred in 2016 when seven so-called “faithless” electors did not cast their ballots for either Trump or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Electoral College votes were cast for Colin Powell, Ron Paul, John Kasich, Bernie Sanders and Faith Spotted Eagle, with voters in Washington, Texas and Hawaii all defecting, according to 270toWin.

Several other “faithless electors” tried to cast ballots for other candidates, but were prevented from doing so by state law.

When are votes officially tallied?

While the Electoral College officially votes in December, those votes are certified during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6. The vice president, serving as the President of the Senate, oversees that certification, meaning that Vice President Kamala Harris will either certify her own victory, or that of her opponent former President Donald Trump.

What happens if there’s a tie?

Since there are 538 Electoral College votes, it is possible that there would be a tie. It is also possible for a third-party candidate to receive enough Electoral College votes to prevent a candidate from winning a majority of the votes in an election.

In either of those situations, the decision on who would become the next president would fall to the House of Representatives. That body’s members would not cast individual votes, but would instead cast one vote per state delegation, with the winner needing at least 26 votes to triumph.

The Senate would also be involved in the process, with senators voting on the next vice president, with each senator casting a ballot in that race. A minimum of 51 senators would be required for a VP to be elected.

Has there been any push to eliminate the Electoral College?

The popular vote and the Electoral College have largely agreed during the course of American history, but in recent years, there have been multiple instances of the winning presidential candidate not capturing the most popular votes.

That occurred in 2000 when former Vice President Al Gore won more popular votes than Texas Gov. George W. Bush, but Bush received more Electoral College votes. It happened again in 2016 when Trump defeated Clinton despite being outvoted by nearly three million votes.

Those results have resulted in amplified calls for the Electoral College to be eliminated, with a nationwide popular vote used instead.

Stanford Magazine published a story featuring opposing views on the abolition of the Electoral College. Professor Jack Rakove, advocating for the Electoral College to be eliminated, cites the “one person, one vote” principle enshrined in U.S. law, and also say that its elimination would remove so-called “Battleground States” from their dominant position in the presidential election, requiring candidates to campaign in more areas.

Professor Michael McConnell argues against dismantling the Electoral College, arguing that it “gives a slight edge to candidates with broad-based support over many states” instead of those who rack up majorities in a handful of large states.

He also cites reduced expenditures for campaigns, as they only have to focus on smaller-scale ad buys and operations by competing in battleground states.

Other critics of the Electoral College have pointed to the role of those seeking to protect the institution of slavery in crafting how it worked, with slave states originally shoring up their political representation thanks to the “Three-Fifths Compromise.”

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Boo! Some of Halloween's scariest movie characters are from Illinois and the Midwest

Halloween, Chucky, Nightmare on Elm Street, Candyman: there’s no shortage of scary movies out there during spooky season. But did you know some of the holiday’s most frightening — and iconic — characters have ties to Illinois and the Midwest?

You might also be surprised to learn that a handful of popular Halloween-time movies are set in Illinois.

As Oct. 31 approaches, here’s a look at some of Halloween’s scariest characters, and how they wound up connected to the Chicago area

Michael Myers/Halloween — “Haddonfield,” Illinois

The question comes about like clockwork during the spookiest time of year: where is Haddonfield, Illinois?

It’s the place where Michael Myers embarked on a reign of terror in the long-running horror franchise “Halloween,” more than a decade after killing his 15-year-old sister Judith Myers — when he was just six years old — on a chilly Halloween night in 1963.

Michael returned 15 years later, terrorizing the quaint community with numerous killings over decades.

Haddonfield, Illinois, isn’t a real place, though it possesses many features of “small town America” that can be found in other communities.

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Its name comes from another Haddonfield – Haddonfield, New Jersey, a borough in Camden County, where Halloween producer Debra Hill was born.

“Haddonfield was a place that I loved,” she told the Courier-Post newspaper in 1999. “It’s really a beautiful community…Basically, I used the name to pay homage to the town where I grew up.’

The fictional Illinois community was the setting for the vast majority of the films in the franchise, including the most recent installment, “Halloween Ends,” which premiered in 2022.

“We were looking for a mythical, small-town America where this whole drama could play out. So we invented Haddonfield, Illinois,” John Carpenter, who wrote and directed the 1978 film and has executive-produced the more recent films, said in an October 2022 by WGLT radio in Bloomington-Normal. “The name hit perfectly for us.”

Chucky / Child’s Play — Chicago, Illinois

Trigger warning for those who are afraid of dolls: Child’s Play stars Chucky, a serial killer trapped in the body of a “Good Guy” doll, but the story actually begins on the East Coast.

In the 1988 film, serial killer Charles Lee Ray, originally from New Jersey, was shot and injured in Chicago while being chased by police officers.

Ray, also known as the Lakeshore Strangler, goes on to hide in a toy store behind a box of “Good Guy” dolls. He then uses a voodoo ritual and the Heart of Damballa amulet to transfer the soul of his body into the nearest doll.

The doll then goes on to terrorize the Barclay family after being given to a mother as a gift for her son, Andy.

Several Chicago locations are used in the movie, including Playland Toys at 418 S. Wabash St., the Brewster Apartment Building at 2800 N. Pine Grove Ave., and Andy’s school, at 249 E. 37th St.

Freddy Kruger / Nightmare on Elm Street — “Springwood,” Ohio

The iconic 1968 Wes Craven slasher film begins in the fictional town of Springwood, Ohio.

As the backstory goes, Freddy — later known as the Springwood Slasher — was born to Amanda Krueger, a nun working in a mental hospital. Freddy later became notorious for targeting children.

“The parents of the children tracked him down and found him in the boiler room where he took his victims,” according to fandom. “The parents poured gas into the room and set him on fire, which caused his melted-like facial features.”

Kruger goes on to become an urban legend in Springwood, hauntig the dreams of teenagers living on Elm Street. According to Potter’s Wax Museum, Kruger exacts his “revenge for his own death” by terrorizing teenagers in their nightmares.

“With his bladed glove and ability to manipulate the dream world, Freddy Krueger has become one of the most iconic and feared figures in the horror genre,” the site said.

Candyman — Chicago, Illinois

The 1992 film holds “particular resonance with Chicagoans,” Chicago Humanities said. “After all, it’s set in the city’s Cabrini-Green Homes, and drew inspiration from a real-life Chicago crime.”

The film follows Helen Lyle, a graduate student in Chicago, investigates the Candyman while writing a thesis on urban legends and folklore. Lyle’s research leads her to the legend of “Candyman,” a spirit who kills anyone that speaks his name five times before a mirror.

Lyle then learns of a recent murder at the Cabrini-Green Homes public housing projects, which locals attribute to Candyman. Lyle goes on to discredit the legend, which ultimately then leads to a series of bloody crimes.

5 other scary movies filmed or set in Illinois:

• Amityville Horror (2005): Filmed in Antioch, Illinois and Salem, Wisconsin
• The Rite (2011): Filmed in Blue Island, Illinois, Rome and Budapest
• The Relic (1997): Filmed and set in Chicago at the Field Museum
• Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995): Set in Chicago
• Silence of the Lambs (1991): Set partially in Illinois

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Teri Garr, offbeat comic actress of ‘Young Frankenstein' and ‘Tootsie,' dies at 79

Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” has died. She was 79.

Garr died Tuesday of multiple sclerosis “surrounded by family and friends,” said publicist Heidi Schaeffer. Garr, who battled other health problems in recent years, underwent an operation in January 2007 to repair an aneurysm.

The actor, who was sometimes credited as Terri, Terry or Terry Ann during her long career, seemed destined for show business from her childhood.

Her father was Eddie Garr, a well-known vaudeville comedian; her mother was Phyllis Lind, one of the original high-kicking Rockettes at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Their daughter began dance lessons at 6 and by 14 was dancing with the San Francisco and Los Angeles ballet companies.

She was 16 when she joined the road company of “West Side Story” in Los Angeles, and as early as 1963 she began appearing in bit parts in films.

She recalled in a 1988 interview how she won the “West Side Story” role. After being dropped from her first audition, she returned a day later in different clothes and was accepted.

From there, the blonde, statuesque Garr found steady work dancing in movies, and she appeared in the chorus of nine Presley films, including “Viva Las Vegas,” “Roustabout” and “Clambake.”

She also appeared on numerous television shows, including “Star Trek,” “Dr. Kildare” and “Batman,” and was a featured dancer on the rock ‘n’ roll music show “Shindig,” the rock concert performance T.A.M.I. and a cast member of “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.”

Her big film break came as Gene Hackman’s girlfriend in 1974’s Francis Ford Coppola thriller “The Conversation.” That led to an interview with Mel Brooks, who said he would hire her for the role of Gene Wilder’s German lab assistant in 1974’s “Young Frankenstein” — if she could speak with a German accent.

“Cher had this German woman, Renata, making wigs, so I got the accent from her,” Garr once recalled.

The film established her as a talented comedy performer, with New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael proclaiming her “the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen.”

Her big smile and off-center appeal helped land her roles in “Oh God!” opposite George Burns and John Denver, “Mr. Mom” (as Michael Keaton’s wife) and “Tootsie” in which she played the girlfriend who loses Dustin Hoffman to Jessica Lange and learns that he has dressed up as a woman to revive his career. (She also lost the supporting actress Oscar at that year’s Academy Awards to Lange.)

Although best known for comedy, Garr showed in such films as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “The Black Stallion” and “The Escape Artist” that she could handle drama equally well.

“I would like to play ‘Norma Rae’ and ‘Sophie’s Choice,’ but I never got the chance,” she once said, adding she had become typecast as a comic actress.

She had a flair for spontaneous humor, often playing David Letterman’s foil during guest appearances on NBC’s “Late Night With David Letterman” early in its run.

Her appearances became so frequent, and the pair’s good-natured bickering so convincing, that for a time rumors cropped up that they were romantically involved. Years later, Letterman credited those early appearances with helping make the show a hit.

It was also during those years that Garr began to feel “a little beeping or ticking” in her right leg. It began in 1983 and eventually spread to her right arm as well, but she felt she could live with it. By 1999 the symptoms had become so severe that she consulted a doctor. The diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

For three years Garr didn’t reveal her illness.

“I was afraid that I wouldn’t get work,” she explained in a 2003 interview. “People hear MS and think, ‘Oh, my God, the person has two days to live.’”

After going public, she became a spokeswoman for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, making humorous speeches to gatherings in the U.S. and Canada.

“You have to find your center and roll with the punches because that’s a hard thing to do: to have people pity you,” she commented in 2005. “Just trying to explain to people that I’m OK is tiresome.”

She also continued to act, appearing on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Greetings From Tucson,” “Life With Bonnie” and other TV shows. She also had a brief recurring role on “Friends” in the 1990s as Lisa Kudrow’s mother. After several failed romances, Garr married contractor John O’Neill in 1993. They adopted a daughter, Molly, before divorcing in 1996.

In her 2005 autobiography, “Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood,” Garr explained her decision not to discuss her age.

“My mother taught me that showbiz people never tell their real ages. She never revealed hers or my father’s,” she wrote. California voting registration records gave her date of birth as Dec. 11, 1947.

She said she was born in Los Angeles, although most reference books list Lakewood, Ohio. As her father’s career waned, the family, including Teri’s two older brothers, lived with relatives in the Midwest and East.

The Garrs eventually moved back to California, settling in the San Fernando Valley, where Teri was graduated from North Hollywood High School and studied speech and drama for two years at California State University, Northridge.

Garr recalled in 1988 what her father had told his children about pursuing a career in Hollywood.

“Don’t be in this business,” he told them. “It’s the lowest. It’s humiliating to people.”

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What do you need to vote in Illinois? What you can bring into the ballot box with you

Election Day for 2024 in Illinois is sooner than you think — but before you had to your polling place, do you know what to bring? And are you registered to vote?

Here are the rules in Illinois about what you need to bring with you to the ballot box while voting in the 2024 Election (friendly reminder that Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5).

Do you need to bring identification?

If a voter is already registered at their current home address, they will not need to bring identification. A photo ID can be helpful if any questions arise, however.

A voter will need a form of identification if election judges have reason to challenge their right to vote at a polling place, or if their voter registration form did not contain a driver’s license or state ID number, or a Social Security Number, according to the Board of Elections.

Can you bring in notes, or your phone?

Voters can bring notes into the voting booth to help them fill out their ballots, according to state officials.

Voters registering on the day of the election, or who need to make changes to their voter registration, can do so at select polling places, but they’ll need to bring two forms of identification in order to do so.  A full list of acceptable forms of identification can be found here.

Can you register to vote in-person at a polling place?

Same-day voter registration is indeed available in Illinois, as are opportunities to legally change addresses on a voter registration form or to update a person’s name on the voter rolls.

It is important to note that not all polling places will have same-day registration available, as election judges have to be properly trained in the process, but voters can find information on the Board of Elections’ website.

County clerk’s offices also can register voters on the day of the election.

Voters seeking to do so must bring two forms of identification, and their vote will be counted on a provisional basis until their right to register at the address they submit is verified.

Can I take a ballot selfie?

Taking photos with a ballot is prohibited by state law, according to experts. That prohibition stems from a law that prohibits marking ballots so that another individual can see how a voter voted.

However, state officials have told NBC Chicago in the past that it’s “unlikely” anyone would be prosecuted, but still recommend taking photos of an “I Voted” sticker in lieu of the ballot itself.

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Who is Tony Hinchcliffe? What to know about Trump rally comedian who insulted Puerto Rico

Of the nearly 30 speakers who recently warmed up the crowd for Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe got the most attention for racist remarks.

“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” he said, later including lewd and racist comments about Latinos, Jewish and Black people.

The comments have led to condemnation from Democrats and Puerto Rican celebrities, with Ricky Martin sharing a clip of Hinchcliffe’s set, captioned: “This is what they think of us.”

The Trump campaign took the rare step of distancing itself from Hinchcliffe. “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.

Here’s what to know about Hinchcliffe, his comedic styling and the response to his Madison Square Garden comments.

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Who is Tony Hinchcliffe?

Hinchcliffe, raised in Youngstown, Ohio, is a stand-up comedian who specializes in the roast style, in which comedians take the podium to needle a celebrity victim with personal and often tasteless jokes. He has written and appeared on eight Comedy Central Roasts, including ones for Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady.

Even fellow comedians aren’t immune. At the Snoop Dogg roast, Hichcliffe made a joke referencing comedian Luenell, who is Black, being on the Underground Railroad. Of the honoree, he said: “Snoop, you look like the California Raisin that got hooked on heroin.”

He had a Netflix special in 2016 — “Tony Hinchcliffe: One Shot” — which was filmed in one continuous take. But he’s perhaps most famous for hosting the Kill Tony podcast since 2013, which involves both professional and amateur comedians performing for a panel of judges for 60 seconds and then enduring their criticisms.

He began opening for comics like Joe Rogan, who did a three-hour interview with Trump on his podcast last week, and Jeff Ross and is credited with writing Martha Stewart’s raunchy zingers for a roast of Justin Bieber.

He has faced backlash before, especially after he used a racial slur in 2021 about fellow comedian and Asian American Peng Dang during a gig in Austin, Texas. Hinchcliffe was dropped by his talent agency, WME, and several of his scheduled gigs were canceled. He never apologized.

“I knew that what I had done was not wrong. It wasn’t even the worst thing I did that week,” he told Variety earlier this year. “It was so dumbfounding to me because it was a joke, and my stance is that comedians should never apologize for a joke, should never stop working if everyone comes after them and should never slow down.”

How have others responded to Hinchcliffe’s Trump rally routine?

Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz called Hinchcliffe a “jack-wad” and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat with Puerto Rican roots, called it “super-upsetting.”

Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott, up for reelection this year in a state heavily populated with Puerto Ricans, wrote on social media that the “joke bombed for a reason,” and “Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!”

What did Hinchcliffe respond this time?

Roast — or insult — comedians often argue that there are no lines in comedy and that everything, no matter how sensitive, is fair game. Hinchcliffe responded to his Madison Square Garden set with a variation on don’t expect an apology.

“These people have no sense of humor,” he complained on X. “Wild that a vice presidential candidate would take time out of his ‘busy schedule’ to analyze a joke taken out of context to make it seem racist. I love Puerto Rico and vacation there.”

Hinchcliffe has previously made controversial jokes about Sean “Diddy” Combs, George Floyd and the Baltimore Bridge collapse.

“I think people must realize that we are professionals. And yes, sure, we deal with the repercussions of what happens,” he told Variety.

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Israeli forces leave a trail of destruction after dayslong siege at one of Gaza's last hospitals

Israeli forces withdrew from one of northern Gaza’s last functioning medical facilities, leaving a trail of destruction after a dayslong siege and overnight airstrikes that killed dozens in in the city of Beit Lahia, NBC News reports.

Troops stormed the hospital last week as the Israel Defense Forces continued its deadly offensive in the north, labelled one of the conflict’s “darkest moments” by the United Nation’s human rights chief, Volker Turk.

Footage filmed inside Kamal Adwan Hospital by NBC News’ crew in Gaza showed equipment, blankets, medical supplies and ceiling panels scattered across the floor, and fallen furniture blocking doors and walkways.

For Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician who had tended to hundreds as the hospital’s director, the siege has become painfully personal. After Israeli forces retreated on Saturday, he walked to a nearby cemetery to bury his own young son, Ibrahim, who was killed in the recent strikes.

A damaged ambulance outside Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia on Saturday (AFP – Getty Images)

NBC News crew joined Abu Safiya standing side by side with relatives, patients and displaced people, as he said a tearful, final prayer to his son. They hug and console him.

“We’re all your children,” one said, before they returned to work in a building wrecked by conflict.

Te IDF said it was operating in the area based on intelligence “regarding the presence of terrorist infrastructure,” and that it had facilitated the evacuation of patients from the area.

Gaza’s health ministry said hundreds of patients, medical staff and displaced Palestinians who had sought shelter at Kamal Adwan Hospital had been detained by Israeli forces, and that only three doctors were working at the hospital on Saturday.

Doctors Without Borders said Saturday that it was “deeply concerned” for the safety and whereabouts of one of its staff, Dr. Mohammed Obeid, an orthopedic surgeon who was sheltering and working in Kamal Adwan.

The director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called the situation “catastrophic,” with so few staff remaining to take care of “nearly 200 patients.”

“Reports of the health facilities and medical supplies being damaged or destroyed during the siege are deplorable,” he added.

Kamal Adwan is one of just three hospitals struggling to operate in the area. The IDF did not comment on the detention of health workers.

Outside it continued the assault. Local authorities reported Israeli airstrikes killed at least 30 people and demolished several houses including in Beit Lahia’s Al-Khazan neighborhood.

Dr. Munir Abdullah Al-Bursh, Director-General of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, said Sunday’s strikes on residential building in Beit Lahia buried “large numbers of people,” accusing the IDF of shooting at rescue crews as they approached the area. NBC News has asked the IDF for comment on the accusation.

Al-Bursh said residents were left digging for survivors with their bare hands. “We have asked them to transport any injured to the nearest hospital by any means available, whether on a cart, a tuk-tuk, or any other accessible means,” he said.

The IDF called the overnight bombings in Beit Lahia “a precise strike using precise munitions,” targeting Hamas infrastructure and militants. NBC is not able to independently verify the information, and the IDF did not provide details about these targets.

The local Health Ministry said last week that at least 87 people were killed by Israeli strikes on residential buildings in Beit Lahia.

The latest attacks follow weeks of intense bombardment of northern Gaza, as the IDF has surrounded hospitals and refugee camps, forcing tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee and fueling fears of a targeted starvation campaign.

Joyce Msuya, U.N. Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said “the entire population of northern Gaza is at risk of dying.”

Nearly 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza and nearly 100,000 injured since Israel launched its offensive after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, where some 1,200 were killed and another 250 kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023.

Last week, Jordan, one of the United States’ closest allies in the Middle East, confronted Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in London.

The nation’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Blinken that Israel was ethnically cleansing Palestinians from Gaza. “It has got to stop,” he told the American delegation in front of journalists.

On Sunday, the directors of the CIA and Israel’s Mossad, will meet Qatar’s new prime minister in Doha to start renewed negotiations for a short-term cease-fire deal in Gaza that would see the release of some hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.  More from NBC News:

• What Netanyahu’s threat of Gaza-like destruction signals about Israel’s goals in Lebanon
• In stampeding hungry crowd, children wait in vain for bread
• One dead and dozens injured after ‘truck-ramming’ at bus stop near Tel Aviv

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Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will play vs. Bears Sunday

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be active and start against Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Daniels, who had been dealing with a rib injury, will suit up in a game that will pit the top two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft against one another on Sunday.

The Washington quarterback suffered a rib injury in a Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. After sitting out two practices this week, Daniels was able to participate in limited fashion on Friday, and optimism continued to grow that he would be able to suit up and play against Chicago.

Now, the highly anticipated matchup between the top-two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft will occur, as Williams and Daniels battle it out in a game that will kick off at 3:25 p.m.

For the Bears, Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon had already been ruled out due to injury for the game. Running back Khalil Herbert will not suit up for the game, nor will defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who was activated from injured reserve this week.

Offensive lineman Nate Davis is also a healthy scratch for the Bears.

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Will Chicago's Halloween forecast scare or delight kids this year?

Last year’s Halloween was a snowy one for many Chicago-area residents, but will the weather cooperate a bit more in 2024?

In the days leading up to Halloween, the forecast is anything but scary, and is in fact poised to potentially set records. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, Monday’s forecast will be quite pleasant, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s, but the mercury will continue rising on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, the record high temperature for Oct. 29 in Chicago is 78 degrees, and thanks to an aggressive wind out of the south, temperatures could potentially soar up to 80 degrees on Tuesday.

The warmth will continue into Wednesday, but changes will occur in the forecast that will make the Halloween holiday a bit more fall-like.

As a cold front pushes through the area late Wednesday and into Thursday morning, temperatures will drop from the 70s at midnight on Halloween into the mid-50s near Chicago and even into the upper-40s away from the city, and rain is expected to hammer the area early in the day.

Fortunately for those who are going to be out trick-or-treating, it appears the rain will end before children don their costumes, but the wind won’t be calm, with gusts upwards of 20 miles per hour possible through the evening hours.

It will also be nicer than the 2023 edition of Halloween, where the city of Chicago reported 0.9 inches of snow in its first recorded snowfall of the season.

Temperatures are expected to rebound a bit heading into the weekend, with readings in the low-60s possible by Saturday, according to forecast models.

As always, model guidance can change, and we encourage you to stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all of the latest information.

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Arson suspect arrested after fire at suburban Target damages $1.5M in items

A Nevada man was charged with arson in connection with a fire at a suburban Rosemont Target store that damaged at least $1.5 million in merchandise, authorities said.

Denny Ellis, 56, of Nevada, was charged with aggravated arson – a Class X felony – for Thursday’s fire at Target, 7000 Mannheim Rd., police stated.

First responders were called at around noon that day and located a fire near the store’s diaper aisle, Rosemont police said in a news release. Multiple sprinkler heads activated, and employees attempted to extinguish the fire before first responders arrived, according to authorities.

All shoppers and employees exited the building in time, and no injuries were reported.

According to police, smoke damage “extended beyond the area of the fire and included most of the store.” Estimates indicate a merchandise loss of at least $1.5 million, officials said.

Following the fire, investigators quickly identified a suspect and located his vehicle in suburban Elk Grove Village through the use of license plate readers. Ellis was arrested and lodged at the Cook County Jail.

Additional information regarding the fire, including a potential cause, hasn’t been released.

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Toys ‘R' Us opens standalone store at suburban Chicago shopping mall

Toys ‘R’ Us marked the grand opening of it first standalone location in the Chicago area with much fanfare on Saturday.

Shoppers packed Harlem Irving Plaza in suburban Norridge, hoping to be one of the first 50 guests to receive a swag bag. The 10,000 square-foot store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony complete with an appearance from Geoffrey the Giraffe, face painting, balloon twisting and more.

The store, which officially opened at 10 a.m. Saturday, is located at 4104 North Harlem Ave. in Norridge.

The new location is a “modern retail concept” with an immersive shopping experience featuring popular toys and brands like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf, Paw Patrol and more, according to a news release.

The opening follows a tumultuous past several years for the chain that included bankruptcy in 2018 and the arrival of Macy’s pop-ups nationwide in 2022.

Toys “R” Us plans to open up to 24 flagship standalone stores under current plans.

In addition to pop-ups inside Macys, the new store joins a Toys “R” Us at Mall of America, a store in New Jersey at American Dream megamall, and a store inside the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.

Earlier this year, children’s’ clothing and gear store Babies “R”‘ Us, which also went out of business in 2018, announced it would open 200 stores across the country inside Kohl’s Department stores.

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When does Six Flags Great America close for the season? Here's what to know

With Halloween just days away and temperatures getting cooler, the season is beginning to wind down at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, with the spooky Fright Fest having just a few more days of operation.

Though daily operations at the park have been closed since mid-August, thrill-seekers have still been able to get some rides in on weekends thanks to Fright Fest.

The annual event, in which the park is typically open on weekends and Thursday and Friday evenings in addition to Halloween, with spooky, immersive theming throughout every inch of one of the Midwest’s premier theme parks.

While those cherished weekend hours will remain in effect for a few more weeks, time is running out if you’re hoping to ride many of the region’s renowned thrill rides ahead of the park’s closure for the winter.

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Despite the park’s seasonal closing arriving soon, guests will have a few extra days after Halloween to enjoy the Gurnee park before it shuts its gates for 2024.

Here are the remaining dates and hours of operation for Six Flags Great America this year:

• Sat. Oct. 26: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
• Sun. Oct. 27: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Thurs., Oct. 31: 6-11 p.m.
• Fri., Nov. 1: 6-11 p.m.
• Sat., Nov. 2: 12-11 p.m.
• Sun., Nov. 3: 12-9 p.m.

In addition to Fright Fest, the park is also hosting its Oktoberfest Food Festival, featuring craft and seasonal brews with German-inspired dishes on the Yukon BBQ Pit patio on select days through the end of the season.

The park’s eventual 2025 opening will be highly anticipated, with Wrath of Rakshasa, the park’s first new roller coaster in six years, expected to open in the early summer.

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Grateful Dead founding bassist Phil Lesh dies at 84

Phil Lesh, founding bassist for the Grateful Dead, died Friday morning at 84, according to a post on his official Instagram account.

The cause of his death was not immediately clear.

Lesh, along with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron McKernan and Bill Kreutzmann, formed the Grateful Dead in Palo Alto in 1965, and the band had a devoted following known as “Deadheads.”

In addition to playing bass, Lesh also sang high harmonies for the band and provided the occasional lead vocal, according to the New York Times. He also co-wrote some of the band’s most noteworthy songs, including “St. Stephen,” “Dark Star,” “Cumberland Blues,” “Truckin'” and “Box of Rain,” the Times reported.

The Instagram post Friday morning read as follows: “Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning. He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love. We request that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”

It was not clear who wrote the post.

Philip Chapman Lesh was born in Berkeley, California, on March 15, 1940.

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Tips on how to lower your gas bill ahead of the winter months

Though it’s mostly been an unusually warm fall in the Chicago area, colder temperatures are inevitably on the way as winter and the end of the calendar year approach.

The change in temperatures often leads to high gas bills for homeowners heating their homes with frigid temperatures outside, though there are some ways to help trim the necessary expense.

In recognition of “Energy Awareness Month” in October, suburban utility provider Nicor Gas released tips that may be helpful for customers already bracing for sky-high energy costs come wintertime.

• Use a programable or smart thermostat – Setting a programmable thermostat to a lower setting when away from home can help reduce energy costs by approximately 10%. Smart thermostats can automatically learn household daily schedules and adjust accordingly during the day or night to maximize energy savings.
• Caulk air leaks – Sealing cracks and openings in homes help keep warm air in and cold air out. Weatherizing with insulation and duct sealing can help with year-round comfort and maximize energy efficiency.
• Get equipment tune-ups – HVAC systems and water heaters should be inspected annually to help prevent mechanical issues and ensure efficient operations, as well as peace of mind.

Nicor also offers free energy-saving kits to customers, including water-saving and weatherization kits.

The water-saving kit includes a high-efficiency showerhead, bathroom faucet aerator, a dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator, a shower timer and plumber’s tape.

Customers requesting the weatherization kit will receive outlet and switch foam gaskets, closed cell foam tape weatherstripping, V-seal type weatherstripping, self-adhesive door sweep and rope caulk.

More information on Nicor’s offerings can be found here.

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How to watch Illinois-Oregon game this weekend: Timing, TV channel and more

Illinois will take on top-ranked Oregon this weekend in a highly anticipated matchup, considered one of its biggest challenges this college football season.

But how can you watch the game and when?

Here’s what to know:

What time is the Illinois-Oregon game?

The game is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m. PT, or 2:30 p.m. CT.

What channel is the game on?

The game will be broadcast on CBS. 

What is Oregon ranked?

Oregon is ranked No. 1 in NCAA DI football, boasting a 7-0 overall record and 4-0 in Big 10 play.

The Ducks are coming from a dominant 35-0 win over Purdue in Week 8 play. Dillon Gabriel had an impressive showing, competing  21 of 25 passes for 290 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

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What is Illinois ranked?

Illinois is ranked No. 20 with a 6-1 overall record and 3-1 in conference play.

The Fighting Illini are also coming into the matchup with momentum following an impressive Week 8 win over No. 24 Michigan. The victory marked Illini’s first victory against the Wolverines since 2009 and their third against a squad that has been ranked in the top 25.

Who is Oregon’s starting quarterback?

Dillon Gabriel is Oregon’s starting QB. He is in his sixth season of college football and attended two other schools prior to Oregon.

He started his career at the University of Central Florida, where he played for three years before heading to Oklahoma to play for the Sooners. 

With one year of eligibility left, Gabriel transferred to the Pacific Northwest to represent the Ducks. 

Who is Illinois’ starting quarterback?

Luke Altmyer is Illinois’ starting quarterback. He started the team’s first eight games in 2023 and posted a 3-5 record.

His season came to a quick end after suffering a head injury against Minnesota in the ninth game of the season. 

Before transferring to Illinois, Altmyer was a signal caller for Ole Miss.

Where is the Oregon football stadium?

Oregon will host Illinois at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

The last time the squads faced off was in Eugene in 1995. Oregon took the victory 34-31.

 What else to know about the game

This will mark the fourth showdown between the two teams (with Oregon leading the series 2-1) and Illinois’ first game against a No. 1 ranked opponent since 2007. Back in 2007, Illinois defeated Ohio State 28-21 to secure a berth in the Rose Bowl.

Since 1950, however, Illinois has a 3-9 record against the top-ranked team in the country.

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When are kids allowed to stay home alone? Here's what the law is in Illinois

Parents of children in need of running a quick errand may often dream of opting out of battling with their kids for a short trip to the store, but how old do kids legally need to be in order to stay home alone?

While most states leave the decision up to the parents’ discretion, Illinois is one of a few states with an established legal guideline regarding the issue.

“Illinois law defines a neglected minor, in part, as ‘any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor,’” according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The states defines an “unreasonable” period of time with different variables, a spokesperson from Illinois’ DCFS, told TODAY.com

“Is the caregiver leaving them alone for two hours or five days? Who else is the child also responsible for taking care of, if anyone?” said the spokesperson. “Does the child have adequate food and shelter and are they in a safe environment? Do they know how to contact medical personnel if needed? Do they know what to do in case of emergency?”

Neighboring Indiana offers no specific age regarding the issue legally.

“A parent is ultimately responsible for supervision of their child until the child reaches the age of 18,” states the Indiana State Government. “Often parents leave their children unattended at an earlier age or allow children younger than age 18 to provide childcare for other children. Under the age of 18, the law gives parents discretion to make these decisions based on the perceived risk and weighing such factors as maturity of the child, physical environmental risks, etc.”

When is it OK to leave kids home alone?

Generally, 12 and older is “a pretty acceptable age,” family therapist Sheryl Ziegler tells TODAY.com, echoing the recommended range from the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Ziegler, tweens have usually experienced slices of independence like walking to a friend’s house or to the bus stop.

Of course, it depends on your kid. Parents need to think about a child’s comfort level, maturity, emotional and physical health, environment, access to support and whether older or younger siblings will be present.

If you want to take the leap, learn your state law — and all its nuances — to avoid accidentally committing child neglect.

“Many states’ child protection laws classify ‘failing to provide adequate supervision of a child’ as child neglect,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “But in most cases, States do not define what is considered ‘adequate supervision.’”

Then, ask these questions before taking what Ziegler calls “a thoughtful, calculated risk.”

Is my child emotionally ready?

Even if you trust your child, they may not be prepared for this milestone. Check whether they’re comfortable and interested in a daytime experiment that Ziegler says shouldn’t exceed 30 to 45 minutes.

“You could say, ‘Your brother is so busy with sports and I know you hate tagging along. You’re starting to show signs that I can trust you to stay home alone for a short period of time,’” says Ziegler, author of “The Crucial Years: The essential guide to mental health and modern puberty in middle childhood (ages 6-12).”

She adds, “Some kids are excited and others are scared, in which case, this isn’t an issue you want to push.”

You should feel confident that your kid follows rules and respects boundaries — even if you plop them down in front of a device, they still might snoop through people’s bedrooms, access adult content online or play with matches, says Ziegler, recommending that parents keep alcohol, tobacco and weapons securely locked.

Is my child a problem-solver?

“Can your kid do basic things for themself?” asks Ziegler.

Before staying home alone, kids should be self-sufficient to a certain degree, able to prepare a meal, use the bathroom independently and clean a cut and apply a bandaid, says Ziegler.

Do kids understand not to open the door for anyone, be it delivery people, solicitors or people they know? Do they know to stay inside the home and not leave? If your child can’t answer these questions correctly, teach them the rules.

Does my child have support?

Your child should memorize your phone number, their home address and any access codes to the building, along with how and when to call 911.

While you’re out of the house, “Check in with your child mid-way through, but don’t overdo it or they won’t feel trusted,” says Ziegler. Or, ask a neighbor to drop by, provided your child knows who to expect.

Also, charge all electronic devices are so your child has a line to the outside world.

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