NEWBURYPORT (CBS) Three people were rescued Wednesday afternoon in the area of Plum Island after they were swimming off a sand bar in the Merrimack River.

The three adults were in an area they shouldnt have been swimming in when they became distressed, the harbormaster said.

A husband and wife went onto the sandbar at low tide to enjoy the view of the Merrimack meeting the ocean.

The danger is going out at low tide and then losing context of when the tides coming in, said Bill Hickey, of Newburyport.

The tidal shift swallows much of the sandbar, leaving people blocked in by the swift current, where a misstep can put someone in over their head.

Although at low tide it seems safe, its just simply not safe with the current, so its just not a place that you want to swim, said Jennifer Charos, of Plum Island.

Just before 3:30 p.m., 911 callers reported a couple struggling in the channel. A Good Samaritan who jumped in to help also ended up in distress. The harbormaster rescued two of the people and the Coast Guard saved the third.

The current will take you away, Hickey said.

The three were brought to the dock for medical evaluations, and one was transported to the hospital.

There were no lifeguards on duty because of COVID-19.

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3 Swimmers Rescued From Merrimack River Near Plum Island - CBS Boston

Some businesses in the North Shore Marketplace in Haleiwa, Hi., are boarded up and closed in anticipation of Hurricane Douglas on Sunday. AP photo

The Associated Press

HONOLULU Hurricane Douglas came within razor thin distance of the Hawaiian Islands but spared the state the worst of the strong winds, storm surge and flooding officials had warned about.

Meteorologists cautioned the hurricanes path could shift slightly and Douglas could still unload its destructive power on the islands of Oahu and Kauai.

Its still not out of the realm of possibilities. So we want people to really remain vigilant and stay prepared, at least for tonight, Eric Lau, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu said Sunday.

Late Sunday, Douglas was 65 miles northeast of Honolulu. It had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane.

Kalama Parks tennis courts are closed due to approaching Hurricane Douglas on Saturday afternoon in Kihei. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Heavy rain and wind gusts battered Maui during the morning, downing a small tree on the Hana Highway.

Gentle rain fell and blustery winds swayed trees on Oahu, home to the states biggest city, Honolulu. Sand and debris washed ashore on a two-lane coastal road.

Despite the dangers, surfers rode waves and residents took selfies at a lookout point next to the ocean.

Lau said Douglas would have been a lot worse had its track been 20 or 30 miles to the south.

One reason is that this path put Douglas to the north of the state and not directly over the islands. Another is that this path mostly put the island chain near the southwest quadrant of the storm, which is often less destructive than the northeast and the right side of a hurricanes eye, Lau said.

We were really playing with a really fine line, a razor thin line between what weve experienced today compared to what we could have experienced, he said.

Duke Stevens, who lives in Hana on Mauis eastern tip, said by early afternoon there was no longer any wind and the light rain that fell persistently through the night had subsided.

Ive seen a lot worse, said Stevens, who has lived on Maui since 1987.

Antonia Hall of Kihei said the storm avoided her area, although she and others were prepared for the worst.

Maui has skirted so many hurricanes, she said. This is just kind of something we go through here.

She brought her porch furniture inside, bought nonperishable food and filled her bathtub for an emergency water supply. Hall also made an early recording of her weekly podcast and gave it to a friend in case she was unable to broadcast from home.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell urged residents to take the threat seriously, saying Oahu has repeatedly gotten lucky in recent years as hurricanes bearing down on the island have ultimately fizzled out or veered away. But he cautioned that were not always going to be lucky.

Were going to be seeing strong winds and storm surge on parts of the island where roads are very close to the water, where homes are very close to the water. It could be a life threatening event, he said. We dont want to see anyone get hurt or worse.

About 300 people evacuated to the Hawaii Convention Center on the edge of Waikiki. On Maui, 22 people were at five shelters around the island.

Evacuees were told to bring masks and hand sanitizer along with the usual emergency supplies of food and water. People will have to wear face coverings to be admitted, and will have to wear them unless they are eating, drinking or sleeping.

State health department officials contacted each of the 625 people who were currently in isolation or quarantine as of Friday because they are either COVID-19 positive or have been in contact with someone who is. Every one of those indicated they would shelter-in-place and not seek refuge at a hurricane shelter.

Hawaii has some of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in the nation, but COVID-19 numbers have been rising in recent weeks. For three consecutive days through Saturday, Hawaii reported record highs of newly confirmed cases.

President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration for Hawaii because of the hurricane, directing federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts.

Hawaiian Airlines canceled all Sunday flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland and also between the islands.

Rainfall was expected to be between 5 to 15 inches.

Oahu and Kauai were all under a hurricane warning. A warning for Maui and a hurricane watch for the Big Island were canceled.

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Hurricane Douglas was within 'razor thin' distance of the islands | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News

At one point, the Island of Many Names earned the nickname Hog Island, as noted in Along Grand Traverse Shore, by M.E.C. Bates and M.K. Buck. Buck wrote, Years ago, because of the many hogs left there during the summer to be fattened on mast (the fruit of certain forest trees), it was called Hog Island, but I am glad to say that this was never anything but a nickname.

Cindee wrote that early residents claim it was first named Eagle Island after a pair of bald eagles who made their nest there. The island changed hands several times before it was conveyed to Frederick Hall in December 1872. Hall named it Marion Island after his only daughter. Marion Hall Fowler kept the island many years after the death of her father before selling it to Henry Ford for $100,000 (with the intention that it would be preserved and not exploited). The island was then called Ford Island for a short time.

The island changed hands several times again before landing with its present ownerGrand Traverse County. By the time Cindees article was published in 1981, the name had reverted back to Marion Island.

Today, we call it Power Island, and were thankful that some things havent changedlike the 200 wooded acres, 5 miles of trails and some of the best camping around.

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The Many Names of Grand Traverse Bay's Power Island - MyNorth.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- State officials continued their campaign against bars and restaurants violating coronavirus mandates Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a Wednesday press call.

In total, the state issued violations to 29 businesses -- three of which are on Staten Island, Cuomo said. A spokesman for the governors office said formal charges had not yet been filed against the Staten Island businesses, so they could not be identified.

Cuomo also said the state had issued 12 summary suspensions for licenses issued by the State Liquor Board Authority. Two Brooklyn businesses had their licenses suspended, along with one in the Bronx, three in Manhattan and six in Queens.

Since the start of the pandemic, 57 businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended -- none have been on Staten Island.

While New York states COVID-19 numbers continue to steadily decline, there are alarming increases in states across the country and now is not the time to let our guard down, Cuomo said.

Local governments need to do their job, but the state is supplementing their efforts in every way we can. Noncompliance will lead us right back where we were just a few months ago -- so we must continue to crack down on the bad actors who violate the law and risk everyones health and safety, he continued.

This week, the states multi-agency task force, led by the SLA and state police, has done 1,131 compliance checks, observing violations at 55 establishments, according to a media release from the governors office.

Businesses found to be in violation face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and those that receive suspensions can have those licenses permanently revoked.

SLA Chair Vincent Bradley said the rules put in place by the governor will continue to be aggressively enforced. Cuomo has pointed to social distancing shortcomings as cause for concern, along with rising rates around the country.

The health and safety of New Yorkers should be everyones priority, and we will continue to weed out those who are not taking this pandemic seriously, Bradley said.

Of the 62,276 tests conducted Tuesday, the state found an infection rate of 1.1%. Five New Yorkers died Tuesday with the virus, and 619 of the states residents remained hospitalized.

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State issues COVID violations to 29 additional businesses; 3 on Staten Island - silive.com

This is such ruff news.

A German shepherd in Staten Island who was the first dog to test positive for the coronavirus has died, the first fatality of its kind, according to a report on Wednesday.

Seven-year-old Buddy began experiencing issues with his breathing in mid-April, not long after his owner, Robert Mahoney, contracted COVID-19, National Geographic reported.

From April 21 to May 15, the pooch continued to lose weight and became increasingly lethargic.

His owners took him toveterinarians who gave him medication, but were doubtful he had the virus.

He was finally tested May 15, a month after his symptoms emerged, at Bay Street Animal Hospital in Rosebank.

His test came back positive, and the results were later confirmed by the New York City Department of Health, according to the magazine.

Buddy died on July 11.

Medical records reviewed by the mag indicate that the pup likely also had lymphoma, a type of cancer.

According to National Geographic: Its unclear whether cancer made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, or if the virus made him ill, or if it was just a case of coincidental timing.

Buddy was one of fewer than 25 pets in the country who have tested positive for the virus.

You tell people that your dog was positive, and they look at you [as if you have] ten heads, one of his owners, Allison Mahoney, told the mag.

[Buddy] was the love of our lives.He brought joy to everybody. I cant wrap my head around it.

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Staten Island dog, first to test positive for COVID-19 in US, dies - New York Post

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) Crews were called to the scene of a fire at a beach home in Oak Island Tuesday afternoon.

The fire was located at a home in the 1600 block of E. Beach Drive. A neighbor says she called 911 at 3:56 p.m.

The area on E. Beach Drive was blocked off for several hours as crews worked to put the fire out.

Dozens of people on the beach and nearby neighbors watched as the home burned to the ground. One woman who was renting a house just one property over from the fire says the home went up in flames in a matter of minutes.

I was sitting on the corner and I looked over to the right front corner of the house and smoke was coming out of it and I thought, oh theyre doing their laundry but then I was like its black colors, Tina Belmaggio said. That doesnt make sense so i kept looking and then all of sudden i saw the first flame come up, i jumped up ran, got my phone and called 911.

Another neighbor says he was on the beach when they saw people pointing at something, and he turned around to see the house fully engulfed in flames.

Id say within probably 6 to 8 minutes, that house was gone, David Capilupo said. I was Id say 100 yards away and you could feel the heat. and it was intense.

Several bystanders say the wind blew the flames towards several other houses. The house where the fire appeared to start was destroyed, and three homes surrounding it also suffered damage.

Its a tragedy, neighbor Brian Smith said. It was in pretty close proximity to some other houses and so the fire damage was affecting some of the other areas.

Southport Fire Department posted online that they were assisting Oak Island Fire Department with three homes on fire. There were dozens of other fire and EMS crews assisting from all over Brunswick County, including Winnabow, Shallotte, Bolivia and Brunswick County EMS.

Neighbors who saw the home go up in flames say the windows were boarded up, and it appeared to be abandoned.

Theres no word yet what caused the fire, or whether there were any injuries.

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Fire crews respond to homes on fire in Oak Island - WWAY NewsChannel 3

GIGLIO ISLAND, Italy (AP) Stranded on a tiny Italian island, a cancer researcher grew increasingly alarmed to hear that one, and then three more visitors had fallen ill with COVID-19.

Paola Muti braced for a rapid spread of the coronavirus to the 800 closely-knit islanders, many of whom she knows well. Her mother was born on Giglio Island and she often stays at the family home with its charming view of the sea through the parlors windows.

But days passed and none of Giglios islanders developed any COVID-19 symptoms even though the conditions seemed favorable for the disease to spread like wildfire.

The Gigliesi, as the residents are known, socialize in the steep alleys near the port or on the granite steps that serve as narrow streets in the hilltop Castle neighborhood, with densely packed homes built against the remnants of a fortress erected centuries ago to protect against pirates.

More on the Global Outbreak:

Dr. Armando Schiaffino, the islands sole physician for around 40 years, shared Mutis worry that there would be a local outbreak.

Every time an ordinary childhood illness, like scarlet fever, measles or chicken pox strikes, within a very few days practically all get infected on Giglio, he said in an interview in his office near the port.

Muti, a breast cancer researcher at the University of Milan where she is an epidemiology professor, decided to try to find out why it wasnt happening this time.

Were residents perhaps infected but didnt show symptoms? Was it something genetic? Something else? Or just plain luck?

Dr. Schiaffino came to me and told me, Hey, look, Paola, this is incredible. In this full pandemic, with all the cases that came to the island, nobody is sick. So I said to myself: Right, here we can do a study, no? I am here, Muti said.

By then, Muti was trapped on the island by Italys strict lockdown rules. What was especially puzzling to her was that many of the islanders had had close contact with the visitors.

Giglios first known COVID-19 case was a man in his 60s who arrived on Feb. 18 a couple of days before Italys first native case would be diagnosed in the north. The man came to Giglio for a relatives funeral, and had been coughing all the way though the service, Muti said.

The virus is mainly spread through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. The man headed back on the ferry the same day to the mainland and died three weeks later in a hospital.

On March 5, four days before the national lockdown was declared, three more visitors came from the mainland and would test positive on the island. One of them was a German man from northern Italy, the initial epicenter of Europes outbreak. He socialized for several days with longtime friends in Giglio, including in public eateries. After a week, due to a bad cough, he was tested on the island and the result was positive. He self-isolated in a house on Giglio.

There were other known cases, including an islander who had lived in Australia for two years before slipping back onto Giglio in mid-March during lockdown to see his parents. Three days after arriving on Giglio, he developed a mild fever and tested positive, Muti said. He self-isolated at his parents home.

No other case has surfaced on Giglio, including since lockdown was lifted in early June, and tourists from throughout Italy have been arriving.

Giglio is part of Tuscany, and its health office quickly sent over kits to test for antibodies to see if others may have had COVID-19. In late April, just before the first lockdown travel restrictions would be eased, the islanders had their blood tested, lining up outside the islands school and doctors office.

Of the 800 or so year-round residents, 723 volunteered to be tested.

We all wanted to do it, to be tranquil about any possible infection, but also to help science, said Simone Madaro, who had been working at the cemetery while the infected man had gathered with fellow mourners.

The Rev. Lorenzo Pasquotti, the priest who conducted the service for around 50 mourners, and who himself was tested recalled: After the funeral, there were greetings, hugging and kissing, as is the custom. Then came the procession to the cemetery, where there were more hugs and kisses.

Of the islanders tested, only one was found to have antibodies, an elderly Gigliese man who had sailed on the same ferry to the island with the German visitor, Muti said.

Intrigued about why the virus didnt seem to interact with the islands native population, Muti hadnt reached any conclusions by the time she was preparing to leave the island this month. She plans to write up up her study for eventual publication.

Its possible, Muti guessed, that islanders werent exposed to enough COVID-19 to get infected.

That possibility was also voiced by Massimo Andreoni, head of infectious diseases at Romes Tor Vergata hospital. He noted some patients are simply less capable of spreading the disease for reasons that are still unclear.

Chance might have played a role, said Daniel Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London. It could be something more or less trivial nobody got infected because through good luck there was little contact, he said in an email exchange.

Or, Altmann also noted that it could be something important and exotic, such as a genetic variant common among the islands population.

With many of the Gigliesi intermarrying through generations, Muti would like to do a genetic study someday if she could obtain funding.

Giglio lies in pristine waters in a protected regional marine sanctuary, and the islanders voice relief that they live in a natural environment they like to think is good for health, whatever Mutis study might determine.

As an island, as the environment goes, were OK, no? said Domenico Pignatelli, as the elderly man kept company with friends in chairs placed on a stony street atop Giglio.

Continued here:

Luck? Genetics? Italian island spared from COVID outbreak - The Associated Press

To get to the remote Isle of Rum, visitors can hop on a scenic train ride, fly in via helicopter, or take a ferry ride.

The Scottish island is an ideal destination to escape. People can explore the isle's mountains, discover the Kinloch Castle, encounter wildlife, and cycle through winding paths.

For many, the Isle of Rum is a destination to add to a growing bucket list. For others, it could be a dream place to live.

If you fall into the latter category, you're in luck. The community is hoping to entice new permanent residents to move to the island.

The community "is looking for dynamic individuals or families who are keen to fit into the island way of life and help drive positive change for this young and growing community," according to the Isle of Rum Community Trust's website.

The trust states that two of the biggest fears people face when considering moving to the island are not being able to find a home or a job onthe island.

To entice prospective islanders, the trust is building foureco-friendly homes for future residents.

The construction of the homes is set to be complete in two months. However, the community is still looking for homeowners to settle on the island. The application for a home on the Isle of Rum closes on Friday, and the trust is hoping to price the rent at about $584 a month.

The trust stated that it'sprioritizing applicants who have either young children or skills not currently found in the community.

"With only one child in nursery and two in our primary school, we need more families to fill our school, as well as to be the next generation of islanders," Isle of Rum resident Lesley Watt told the local Scottish news outletSTV News.

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A Scottish island is aiming to boost its population of 30 people - Insider - INSIDER

Photos by Scott H. Shook | June and Tony DeLucia stand next to the banner honoring Tony at the Marco YMCA.

City Manager Mike McNees reads an official proclamation honoring Tony DeLucia.

Rarely has the departure of anindividual affected so many on the island.A literal Whos Who of Marco Island came by to say goodbye to TonyDeLucia, the popular Marco YMCA Community Engagement specialist and Marco Police Department Community Relations officer on July 22 in the Ys front parking lot.

It seems only fitting that the wordcommunityis part ofDeLuciastitle at both the YMCA and the City of Marco Island.Through a seemingly endless list of functions thatDeluciahas lent his trademark voice to, he has become affectionately known asThe Voice of Marco Island.

City Manager Mike McNees made a special trip to the Marco Y to presentDeLuciawith an officialproclamation honoring his many contributions to the island.

As McNees read the proclamation to the assembled crowd, the list of functionsDeLuciahas contributed his voice and considerable efforts to seemed almost endless.

TheProclamation to Commend AnthonyDeLuciafor Community Servicerecognized him as theVoice of the Island for charitable causes.

Theproclamation mentioned thatDeLuciahas served as organizer, announcer, and stage manager in events including Tour de Marco, Mutts & Martinis, the Marco Island Car Show,the Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival, theSouper Bowl fundraiser, Island Rocks Concert, the Fire Foundations Chili Cookoff, the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life, Taste of Marco and theCivitan Pizza Party for Camp Able.

Of course,DeLuciawas also a fixture at sporting events and school functionsislandwide.He was even the ring announcer for boxing events.Infact,itwould beaccurate to say that it was unusual to attend an event on the islandthatDeLuciawasnota part of.And more often than not,DeLuciavolunteered his efforts.

When news ofDeLuciasreturn to his Northeast Ohio roots circulated through the community, many received the news withdisbelief and sadness.A reaction ofWhat are we going to do? was common.

The person most affected byDeLuciasdeparture, the Marco Ys CEO Cindy Love,delivered aheartfelt goodbye to the person she counted on.

Tony DeLucia enjoys a humorous moment provided by .

Youve done anenormous amount of work for our whole community, Love toldDeLuciain front of the crowd gathered at the Y.Youreirreplaceable.I dont know what were going to do.I think we all feel that way.Youre the C in Community, as they say.Youre calm, collected, you never get riled outsidemaybe inside, but not outside.Youre just that person that we all go to for all kinds of stuff.To be a bus driver, whatever it might be.You just jump in.You never say no to anybody.Thats probably why you work a million hours a week.We just really, really, thank you.Youre going to be missed more than youll ever know.

Love also recognized Tonys wife, JuneDeLucia, for all she does in the background to support both Tony and the Y.

Several individuals were happy to go on record with their appreciation ofDeLucia.

Tony has been the voice of Marco Island, said GeorgeAbounader, former longtimePrincipal and CEO of the Marco IslandCharter Middle School.Hes always there when you need him.Anytime we needed someone to either be a DJ and bring some music or be an emcee at an event, he was there.A lot of people know him from the seafood festival, because hes the voice all weekend on the microphone, announcing everything and organizing the bands that come to the seafood festival.Hes just alegend here on the island.Were going to miss him.Our loss is Ohios gain.Ohios going to be blessed to have him back.

Marco Island is going to miss Tony so much, said Linda Sandlin,President of the Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime.He has given his talents, his treasures, to you name it, to every good cause on this island.And we all know him for his incredible talents that weve enjoyed so much.He makes every event more fun, more exciting, more successful.I want to especially thank Tony, who worked with me to put together the Flags for Heroes, which is a joint project between theRotaryClub of Marco Island Noontime and the YMCA to sell sponsorships for 5 x 7 American flags to fly on the bigvacant property by the YMCA.This project honors the heroes in your life. The heroes on our island, of which we have so many today.The money for the sponsorship, which is just $50 for the sponsorship of a flag foryour hero, will all go back to serve our communitys critical needs.So many of which the YMCA addresses.So Tony wasmyhero in organizing this event.He is an expert in events.Sowere going to miss him.

Linda and Alan Sandlin at Tony DeLucias retirement party.

TonyDeLuciawas a mainstay, said Val Simon,Publisher of the Coastal Breeze News.He emceed all the events.Tonys voice is well known in these parts for always being upbeat and engaging.Every organization came to rely on him.He is going to be greatly missed in this community.Tony, were hoping you hurry up and grow wings and come back as a snowbird.And, thank you for all youve done!

We told Tony what we wanted to do in the community and right away he offered to be the president of the club,said Nery Kircher of the Civitan Club.Nery and her husband Bob are the founders of the Marco Civitan Club.He has been very dedicated to the plans and programs weve had since 2014.Hes surely going to be missed.

PeterSottong, the YsHead ofMaintenance,delivered a humorous salute toDeLucia, whose radio name is Steve Reynolds.The two names sometimes cause a bit of confusion around the island.

Anthony, Steve, or Steven, Tony.One is true, the otherphony.Reynolds,DeLucia, Tony, Steve.One is real, one ismake-believe.Is this a man who has lost direction or just someone who has gone into witness protection?Were sorry that youre moving so farwell miss you, man,whoever you are.

Sottongmay be more well known as an artist.He creates replicas of the Key Marco Cat and ancient Calusa masks that are available for sale at the Marco Island Historical Society.

Tony DeLucia with his proclamation from the City of Marco Island.

WhenDeLuciatook over the microphone, heimmediately recognized Cindy Love.

One person stands out in the crowd,DeLuciasaid, and thats Cindy LoveAbounader.She took a chance on me way back when.Other than my wife, shes the only other woman in my life I try not to disappoint.

DeLuciareflected on his time spent on Marco Island after the ceremony.

The Y gave me a nice thank you card, a nice goingaway present.I got some nice cards from people around the island.I wasrealsurprised to see bothpolice captains, the police chief, the fire chief, the head of the chamber.

Its been fun.I like to get involved in the community.My wife Junes got involved in theCivitan Club.She got involved in Relay for Life, Taste of Marco.

TheDeLuciasdecision to return home to Northeast Ohio, Youngstownspecifically, was a decision they wrestled with.

We had a lot of chats, June and I,DeLuciasaid.I miss myfamily;I miss my kids.My grandkids are getting bigger.

Im leaving on good terms.As simple as that.You do what you can, help out, have the best time of your life, make the most out of it and go on from there.Weve had a fun time here.Weve enjoyedourselves; weve enriched ourselves, made a lot of new friends, got involved inactivities and have some really nice memories. Its bittersweet.It really is.Were ready for the next chapter.Everybodys excited about us coming up north.The kids, the grandkids, my friends, Junes friends.

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Marco Honors "Voice of the Island" - coastalbreezenews.com

CHICAGO (CBS) Its birth place for tens of thousands of Chicagoans.

A building so famous, it was even home to a hit TV show. But now, the old Cook County Hospital has been repurposed as a hotel.

CBS 2s Vince Gerasole got a first look inside.

How many people can proudly say they were born at Cook County Hospital? Thousands. The building was falling apart. Its roof famously leaking, squatters broke in. Today, its impressive on the inside, but its on the outside where it really shines.

Its nickname was Chicagos Ellis Island, providing medical care often to citizens without means, but by the early 2000s Cook County Hospital was a historic, but empty, aging structure.

From the street its easy to see how the elegant 106-year-old Beau Arts building now shines in its rebirth, part of a $1 billion multi phase project that opened Tuesday with a 210-room Hyatt Hotel.

We have preserved a lot of the work on the building, said General Manager Milesh Pandey.

The gentile terracotta flourishes were decaying, but today they look majestically out on the street below.

We had to recreate the terracotta, Pandey said.

Over 4,000 pieces in all, restored and recommissioned. Combined with preserving the wooden framed windows, that price tag alone was $18 million. Step through what were once emergency doors and youll be surrounded by a towering lobby. Its gleaming stone terrazzo floors dating back to 1914 continue throughout the hotel.

The hallways are about 11 feet wide for a reason.

The hallways are super wide because they were meant to have hospital beds move through it, Pandey said.

The facade famously served as an inspiration for the television drama ER. Not all of the hotel space has been restored. The top floor surgical theater where thousands of med students observed procedures over the years, remains marred by taggers.

But from the polished marble staircases, to the clubby second floor lounge a storied hospital and historic landmark seems to have recovered.

It may seem like a difficult time to open a hotel, but the primary market for clients is the surrounding medical district and hospitals, which in normal times, attracts about 50,000 visitors daily.

Theres about 342,000 square-feet being redeveloped. The Hyatt Hotel is only a portion of that. A food court, daycare, hospital museum and Cook County health offices are also about to debut.

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From Chicagos Ellis Island To Stylish Hotel: The Rebirth Of The Old Cook County Hospital - CBS Chicago

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The following is a roundup of obituaries published onSILive.com. Viewing times and guestbooks can be foundhere.

Marie Delpriore, a Port Richmond High School graduate who had a decades-long career working as a legal secretary working on high profile cases, has died.

Henry F. Keoughan, 88, a devout Christian who said the Rosary every day and served as an usher at mass for many years, and was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, died July 22, 2020.

Dorothy McCormack (nee Polowitz), 86, of Meiers Corners, a retired New York City intermediate school teacher who led school productions such as Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma, died July 26, 2020.

Marie Mercogliano, 84, whose vigor for civic engagement led to her serving as a State Committee Woman and a run for NYS Assembly in 1973, died April 13, 2020.

YESTERDAYS OBITUARIES:

Robert Louis Bocignone, 88, a native Staten Islander who was a Korean War veteran and a retired FDNY firefighter, died July 13, 2020.

Carl J. Waite, 74, a NYPD officer from 1973 to 1997, who later retired from the District Attorneys Office in St. George, where he assisted with investigations, died July 25, 2020.

Link:

Staten Island obituaries for July 29, 2020 - SILive.com

Eric Ginnard file photo eginnard@shawmedia.com

Caption

Metra is adding express trains in response to growing ridership and expectations of riders returning to its Rock Island Line.

The new express services are set to begin Monday, according to a news release.

On the Rock Island Line, Metra will add two inbound and two outbound express trains to its weekday schedule. The lines travels through Joliet, New Lenox and Mokena to the LaSalle Street stop in Chicago.

Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in the release that the disruption in commuter travel brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic gave the agency an opportunity to rethink its schedules.

This means looking for opportunities to provide new express services or change stopping patterns to better meet demand, Derwinski said in the release. Its our hope that these changes as well as other changes weve made to respond to the pandemic will provide a level of confidence and convenience that bring riders to our trains.

Metra has worked to make riding safer amid the pandemic. The agency is asking its passengers to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, and not crowd the aisle or vestibules.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit metrarail.com.

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Metra to add express service to Rock Island line - The Herald-News