dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--How full have suburban hospitals become?

More than a third of the state 's 171 short-term care and critical access hospitals have reported at least one week where 80 % or more of the hospital 's staffed inpatient adult beds were occupied .
That includes at least nine suburban hospitals , most of which reported several weeks where the average portion of those beds in use was above 80 % , according to a nationwide report released this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
The report tracks hospital occupancy and COVID-19 caseloads for 18 weeks between July 31 and Nov. 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds available , which in many cases is less than the total number of beds in the hospital .
Some hospitals did not have complete figures for all 18 weeks .
Illinois public health officials monitor hospital occupancy regionally to determine if COVID-19 mitigation restrictions should be implemented .
If hospital bed occupancy exceeds 80 % in a region , that could trigger those restrictions on business operations and social gathering sizes .
Aurora 's Rush Copley Medical Center reported 17 weeks where the hospital 's occupancy of adult inpatient beds exceeded 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edward Hospital in Naperville for 13 weeks and for 12 weeks at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan , according to the federal report .
While the numbers appear alarming , Edward Hospital President and CEO Joseph Dant said hospital administrators were ready to handle the current surge .
Edward has about 120 more beds that are n't consistently staffed even at the hospital 's peak occupancy , such as during the first week of November when administrators reported an average of nearly 95 % of the adult inpatient beds were occupied , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged 77 COVID-19 patients a day that week , less than a quarter of the hospital 's daily average of total patients for the week .
`` The other trigger we could have pulled before going into overflow space was slowing down or stopping our elective services , '' Dant said .
`` We 've refined our plan since the initial spring surge because we learned a few things that would help us get ready for the late fall/early winter surge . ''
Other suburban hospitals that reported weeks where adult inpatient bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GlenOaks in Glendale Heights , Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville , Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village , Elmhurst Hospital , Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan and St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates .
None of the hospitals -- except Lake Behavioral , which at times was treating all 60 patients for the virus -- reported a weekly average COVID-19 patient load of more than 45 % during the 18 weeks , according to the HHS report .
Among the 63 hospitals across Illinois where the average inpatient bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , 16 reported that was the case for more than half the 18-week period included in the HHS report .
Only five hospitals -- the University of Chicago Medical Center , Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood , MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn , Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park and St. John 's Hospital in Springfield -- reported all 18 weeks of averaging more than 80 % of adult inpatient beds in use .
State health officials also monitor capacity issues at each hospital 's intensive care units to determine if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep an eye on bed availability to make sure an entire region does n't run out of available ICU beds , which are much fewer than standard inpatient hospital beds .
`` There 's already an internal system , if you will , between hospitals where if there is a need to transfer to one provider , one doctor talks to a doctor at another hospital and arranges for a transfer , '' said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike .
`` So fortunately we have not gotten in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a region . ''
Six suburban hospitals reported weekly ICU capacity at or above 80 % at least twice during the 18-week span , according to the HHS report .
Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village reported the hospital 's ICU beds were occupied more than 80 % of the time in 12 of the 18 weeks .
However , Alexian Brothers also reported not all ICU beds were being staffed each day and administrators could add more ICU beds if the hospital experienced a surge of critical patients .
Adventist GlenOaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Alexius and Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora also reported average weekly ICU capacity at 80 % or more during that time frame .

How full have suburban hospitals become?
More than a third of the state's 171 short-term care and critical access hospitals have reported at least one week where 80% or more of the hospital's staffed inpatient adult beds were occupied.
That includes at least nine suburban hospitals, most of which reported several weeks where the average portion of those beds in use was above 80%, according to a nationwide report released this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The report tracks hospital occupancy and COVID-19 caseloads for 18 weeks between July 31 and Nov. 27. It tracks the number of staffed beds available, which in many cases is less than the total number of beds in the hospital. Some hospitals did not have complete figures for all 18 weeks.
Illinois public health officials monitor hospital occupancy regionally to determine if COVID-19 mitigation restrictions should be implemented. If hospital bed occupancy exceeds 80% in a region, that could trigger those restrictions on business operations and social gathering sizes.
Aurora's Rush Copley Medical Center reported 17 weeks where the hospital's occupancy of adult inpatient beds exceeded 80%. That was the case at Edward Hospital in Naperville for 13 weeks and for 12 weeks at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, according to the federal report.
While the numbers appear alarming, Edward Hospital President and CEO Joseph Dant said hospital administrators were ready to handle the current surge.
Edward has about 120 more beds that aren't consistently staffed even at the hospital's peak occupancy, such as during the first week of November when administrators reported an average of nearly 95% of the adult inpatient beds were occupied, according to the HHS report.
Edward averaged 77 COVID-19 patients a day that week, less than a quarter of the hospital's daily average of total patients for the week.
"The other trigger we could have pulled before going into overflow space was slowing down or stopping our elective services," Dant said. "We've refined our plan since the initial spring surge because we learned a few things that would help us get ready for the late fall/early winter surge."
Other suburban hospitals that reported weeks where adult inpatient bed occupancy rates exceeded 80% were Adventist GlenOaks in Glendale Heights, Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst Hospital, Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan and St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.
None of the hospitals -- except Lake Behavioral, which at times was treating all 60 patients for the virus -- reported a weekly average COVID-19 patient load of more than 45% during the 18 weeks, according to the HHS report.
Among the 63 hospitals across Illinois where the average inpatient bed occupancy rate exceeded 80% for the week, 16 reported that was the case for more than half the 18-week period included in the HHS report.
Only five hospitals -- the University of Chicago Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park and St. John's Hospital in Springfield -- reported all 18 weeks of averaging more than 80% of adult inpatient beds in use.
State health officials also monitor capacity issues at each hospital's intensive care units to determine if mitigation restrictions are necessary. And they keep an eye on bed availability to make sure an entire region doesn't run out of available ICU beds, which are much fewer than standard inpatient hospital beds.
"There's already an internal system, if you will, between hospitals where if there is a need to transfer to one provider, one doctor talks to a doctor at another hospital and arranges for a transfer," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "So fortunately we have not gotten in a situation where there are no beds available in a region."
Six suburban hospitals reported weekly ICU capacity at or above 80% at least twice during the 18-week span, according to the HHS report.
Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village reported the hospital's ICU beds were occupied more than 80% of the time in 12 of the 18 weeks. However, Alexian Brothers also reported not all ICU beds were being staffed each day and administrators could add more ICU beds if the hospital experienced a surge of critical patients.
Adventist GlenOaks, Advocate Condell, Rush Copley, St. Alexius and Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora also reported average weekly ICU capacity at 80% or more during that time frame.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Grammar Moses: A collection of goodies that won't give you a tummy ache

Do you have an Advent calendar at home with a door or window revealing a Bible verse or a puzzle or a tiny picture each day until Christmas ?
We had them when I was a kid , though I do n't remember if there was a theme .
I recall being envious of a friend whose Advent calendar was n't a sheet of cardboard but rather a heavy box that sat on a table .
Behind every door was a nook , and in every nook was a chocolate or a caramel or something , well , caloric and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to boot , and he would take advances on Christmas Day , always depleting his supply long before the celebration of Jesus ' birthday .
Santa did n't seem to care that he was naughty , either , because he was rewarded with a mini bike .
This column is my Johnny-come-lately version of an Advent calendar -- a bunch of nuggets you can consume all at once .
There wo n't be two dozen of them , because I do n't have room here .
Plus , I would n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do you know how important punctuation is ?
Consider : `` I 'm giving up drinking until Christmas . ''
Drop in a period , and you cast it in a slightly different light : `` I 'm giving up .
Drinking until Christmas . ''
• Consider this headline in a British newspaper : `` Manchester Arena 's bomber 's brother Hashem Abedi admits his role in plotting attack that killed 22 people for first time . ''
Putting aside the complexity and layered possession , reader Stan Zegel asks : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SECOND time ? ''
We ran a similarly misconstructed headline recently .
The solution : Use an introductory clause .
• An `` epithet '' is a nickname .
But more commonly today it is a derogatory nickname , given how often it 's paired with `` racial . ''
A safer word for a nickname would be `` sobriquet , '' which even sounds lovely .
Or you could be boring and just go with `` nickname . ''
• An `` epitaph '' is an inscription on a headstone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're probably watching a World 's Strongest Man competition .
• The most common usage of `` expletive '' is in describing a vulgarity .
But grammar nerds ( an epithet I embrace ) know , as linguist Bryan Garner says , that an `` expletive '' is also a word that serves no purpose in a sentence other than to fill a syntactic space .
For instance , in `` There will be repercussions , young man ! ''
the word `` there '' is an expletive .
I mentioned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krakens rivaled only the New Orleans Pelicans for worst sports team names .
`` I would consider the Toledo Mud Hens as beating those , '' wrote reader Gib Van Dyne .
The Mud Hens are a farm team for the Detroit Tigers .
Their mascots are Muddy and Muddona .
Added reader David Harding : `` Some years ago , one of your sports writers opined that Rockford IceHogs was the worst team name ever .
I told him then , and still believe , that the Shreveport-Bossier Mudbugs was a worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president/managing editor of the Daily Herald .
Write him at jbaumann @ dailyherald.com .
Put Grammar Moses in the subject line .
You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim .

Grammar Moses: A collection of goodies that won't give you a tummy ache
A Redbox machine in Palatine proclaims that new movies are back. But if they're "new," how could they be back? Courtesy of Gordon Speake
Do you have an Advent calendar at home with a door or window revealing a Bible verse or a puzzle or a tiny picture each day until Christmas?
We had them when I was a kid, though I don't remember if there was a theme. I recall being envious of a friend whose Advent calendar wasn't a sheet of cardboard but rather a heavy box that sat on a table. Behind every door was a nook, and in every nook was a chocolate or a caramel or something, well, caloric and desirable.
He was an only child, to boot, and he would take advances on Christmas Day, always depleting his supply long before the celebration of Jesus' birthday.
Santa didn't seem to care that he was naughty, either, because he was rewarded with a mini bike.
This column is my Johnny-come-lately version of an Advent calendar -- a bunch of nuggets you can consume all at once.
There won't be two dozen of them, because I don't have room here. Plus, I wouldn't want to give you a bellyache.
• Do you know how important punctuation is? Consider: "I'm giving up drinking until Christmas." Drop in a period, and you cast it in a slightly different light: "I'm giving up. Drinking until Christmas."
• Consider this headline in a British newspaper: "Manchester Arena's bomber's brother Hashem Abedi admits his role in plotting attack that killed 22 people for first time."
Putting aside the complexity and layered possession, reader Stan Zegel asks: "When were those 22 persons killed for the SECOND time?" We ran a similarly misconstructed headline recently. The solution: Use an introductory clause.
• An "epithet" is a nickname. But more commonly today it is a derogatory nickname, given how often it's paired with "racial." A safer word for a nickname would be "sobriquet," which even sounds lovely. Or you could be boring and just go with "nickname."
• An "epitaph" is an inscription on a headstone. If you witness someone hurling epitaphs, you're probably watching a World's Strongest Man competition.
• The most common usage of "expletive" is in describing a vulgarity.
But grammar nerds (an epithet I embrace) know, as linguist Bryan Garner says, that an "expletive" is also a word that serves no purpose in a sentence other than to fill a syntactic space. For instance, in "There will be repercussions, young man!" the word "there" is an expletive.
Muddying the waters
I mentioned in last week's column that the Seattle Krakens rivaled only the New Orleans Pelicans for worst sports team names.
"I would consider the Toledo Mud Hens as beating those," wrote reader Gib Van Dyne. The Mud Hens are a farm team for the Detroit Tigers. Their mascots are Muddy and Muddona.
Added reader David Harding: "Some years ago, one of your sports writers opined that Rockford IceHogs was the worst team name ever. I told him then, and still believe, that the Shreveport-Bossier Mudbugs was a worse name.
Write carefully!
• Jim Baumann is vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line. You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Chiefs clinch division despite 4 turnovers, beat Miami 33-27

MIAMI GARDENS , Fla. -- Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame a 30-yard sack , four turnovers and a 10-point deficit Sunday to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC West title by beating Miami 33-27 on Sunday .
Mahomes was picked off three times , his first multi-interception game in more than two years , but threw for 393 yards and two scores to help the Chiefs ( 12-1 ) earn their eighth consecutive victory .
Tyreek Hill ran through the Dolphins ' secondary and behind it , scoring on a 32-yard run and a 44-yard reception when Mahomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line .
Travis Kelce had eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown , Mecole Hardman scored untouched on a 67-yard punt return , and Kansas City 's defense was stout against Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins ' injury-riddled offense .
Chris Jones sacked the rookie for a safety for a 30-10 lead .
Kansas City reached 12 wins for the third consecutive season , the longest streak in club history , and has the best 13-game record in franchise history .
The Chiefs set a team record with their 10th road win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8-5 ) hurt their playoff prospects by losing for only the second time in the past nine games .
Tagovailoa passed for 316 yards and two scores to Mike Gesicki , but also threw his first career interception , which came on his 154th attempt on a long pass that deflected off receiver Jakeem Grant .
DETROIT -- Aaron Rodgers ran for a tiebreaking score in the third quarter and threw three touchdown passes and the Packers clinched the NFC North title .
The Packers ( 10-3 ) knocked Matthew Stafford out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth quarter and went on to win their third straight game and second straight division championship .
The Packers clinched the division with the win and Minnesota 's loss to Tampa Bay earlier in the day .
The Packers ' win combined with the Saints ' loss in Philadelphia gives Green Bay the top seed in the NFC .
The teams are both 10-3 , but the Packers beat the Saints earlier this season .
Detroit ( 5-8 ) scored first and pulled into a tie late in the second quarter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two-time MVP completed his first eight passes for 119 yards and two scores .
Rodgers finished 26 of 33 for 290 yards , three TDs and did not throw an interception for a third straight game .
He ran 6 yards , untouched , to put the Packers ahead 21-14 for his 30th career rushing TD to break Tobin Rote 's team record for a quarterback .
Green Bay receiver Davante Adams also broke a franchise record .
He extended his touchdown reception streak to eight games , turning a short pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter .
Adams broke the franchise record set by Hall of Famer Don Hutson , who had a pair of seven-game streaks in the 1940s .
He finished with seven catches for 115 yards and Green Bay tight end Robert Tonyan had his ninth TD reception of the season .
Stafford went toward the team 's locker room in the fourth , returned to the field to throw some passes , then retreated out of view again .
PHILADELPHIA -- Jalen Hurts ran for 106 yards and threw for 167 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards rushing and a pair of scores .
The Eagles ( 4-8-1 ) snapped a four-game losing streak and stayed within reach in the woeful NFC East .
The Saints ( 10-3 ) had won nine in a row and were 8-0 over the past two seasons without Drew Brees before running into the inspired Eagles .
The loss dropped the Saints to the No .
2 seed in the NFC behind Green Bay , but they already have secured a playoff berth .
Hurts was 17 of 30 in his first career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fumbled late in the fourth quarter .
The 2019 Heisman Trophy runner-up began the season as the third-string quarterback .
He was elevated to backup in Week 2 and took a few snaps each week until Wentz was benched during a 30-16 loss at Green Bay last Sunday .
Taysom Hill was 28 of 38 for 291 yards , two TDs , one interception and was sacked five times by Philly .
Sanders brook loose for an 82-yard TD run in the second quarter , giving the Eagles a 17-0 lead .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sanders has three runs of 70-plus yards since October .
He had a 74-yard TD run against Pittsburgh and a 74-yard run against Baltimore .
GLENDALE , Ariz. -- Rookies Chase Young and Kamren Curl scored defensive touchdowns and Washington grabbed sole possession of first place in the NFC East .
Washington ( 6-7 ) has won four straight games and is one game ahead of the New York Giants .
It is Washington 's first four-game winning streak since 2016 .
Washington can thank its young , impressive defense for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead at halftime after Young scooped up a fumble , shook off a tackle and ran 47 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown with 1:11 left in the second quarter .
It was Young 's first professional touchdown .
Even at 264 pounds , the No .
2 overall pick easily outran the San Francisco offense into the end zone , palming the football in his left hand as he cruised past the pylon .
Curl delivered Washington 's next huge moment on the final play of the third quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ran 76 yards the other way for a 23-7 advantage .
Curl was the team 's seventh-round pick this year .
Washington is the first team to get defensive touchdowns from two rookies in the same game since the Rams against the Texans in 2013 .
The game was in Arizona because of coronavirus restrictions in the 49ers ' home county of Santa Clara .
The 49ers ( 5-8 ) have lost five of their past six games .
LAS VEGAS -- T.Y .
Hilton caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 yards and two scores .
Rivers passed for 244 yards and Taylor had a key 62-yard TD run for the Colts ( 9-4 ) , who racked up 456 total yards while scoring on seven of their first eight drives in their fourth victory in five games .
Safety Khari Willis clinched the win with a 53-yard interception return for his first career touchdown with 5:22 to play .
Indianapolis stayed securely in one of the conference 's wild-card spots and remained atop the AFC South alongside Tennessee , which has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carr passed for 316 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Raiders ( 7-6 ) , who have lost three of four after a strong start to their relocation season .
Foster Moreau and Nelson Agholor made TD catches in the first half , but the offense could n't keep up while Indianapolis marched up and down the field to little resistance .
SEATTLE -- Russell Wilson threw four more touchdowns passes to give him a career-high with 36 for the season before finally resting in the fourth quarter .
Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped after last week 's surprisingly poor offensive performance in its loss to the New York Giants , and stayed even with the Los Angeles Rams on top of the NFC West .
Wilson threw touchdowns to Freddie Swain and DK Metcalf in the first half , and added TD tosses to Will Dissly and David Moore in the third quarter .
It was his fifth game this season with at least four TD passes .
Metcalf commandeered a TV broadcast camera as part of his TD celebration after catching a 5-yard TD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season .
Wilson finished 21 of 27 for 206 yards and checked out late in the third quarter , giving way to former Jets QB Geno Smith for his first action since joining Seattle last season .
For the Jets , it was another miserable day in their forgettable season .
Days after firing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams after the collapse at the end of last week 's loss to Las Vegas , the Jets ( 0-13 ) showed little resistance on defense and little excitement on offense as they lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fla. -- Tom Brady threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns .
Brady tossed TD passes of 48 yards to Scotty Miller and 2 yards to Rob Gronkowski to rebound from losing two straight home games entering Tampa Bay 's bye .
Ronald Jones had a 1-yard TD run and Ryan Succop kicked field goals of 18 and 48 yards .
The Bucs ( 8-5 ) lost three of four games to division title contenders leading into last week 's bye , including a pair of 27-24 losses at home to the Rams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They entered Sunday holding the sixth playoff spot in the NFC , with the Vikings ( 6-7 ) nipping at their heels after winning five of six following a 1-5 start .
Tampa Bay sacked Kirk Cousins six times , the last producing a fumble that ended any chance of a rally in the closing minutes .
Cousins finished 24 of 37 passing for 225 yards , one touchdown and no interceptions .
Dalvin Cook rushed for 102 yards on 22 carries , but Minnesota chances were undermined by another poor performance by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra point and three field goals .
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sat in the stands , wearing a face covering .
The Super Bowl will be held at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 .
EAST RUTHERFORD , N.J. -- Haason Reddick had a franchise-record five sacks and three forced fumbles as the Cardinals spoiled the return of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and moved back into an NFC playoff spot .
Kyler Murray added a touchdown pass as Arizona ( 7-6 ) snapped a three-game skid and ended a four-game winning streak that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the top of the NFC East .
Mike Nugent came off the practice squad and added his first four field goals in more than a year , and Kenyan Drake scored on a 1-yard dive as Arizona won for only the second time in six games .
The Cardinals finished with eight sacks .
Reddick broke the team mark of 4 1/2 by Curtis Greer on Dec. 18 , 1983 against the Eagles Murray went 24 of 35 for 244 yards and ran 13 times for 47 .
DeAndre Hopkins had nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenn. -- Derrick Henry ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns , his best performance in five trips to his hometown area , and the Titans handed the Jaguars a 12th consecutive loss .
It was Henry 's fourth game with at least 200 yards and two scores , setting an NFL record he previously shared with Hall of Famers Jim Brown , Barry Sanders and LaDainian Tomlinson .
Henry also topped the century mark for the ninth consecutive road game , leaving him one shy of the NFL mark set by Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enjoying a big performance about 25 miles from his hometown of Yulee was something new for Henry .
He had n't reached triple digits rushing in any of his four previous games in Jacksonville .
He managed just 13 yards as a rookie in 2016 , followed by outings of 92 , 57 and 44 yards in front of friends and family .
He did n't even need a full half to surpass all those outings Sunday against the Jaguars ( 1-12 ) .
Henry had 170 yards on 17 carries in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdown run .
He added a 47-yard scamper early in the third as the Titans ( 9-4 ) started to pull away .
Jaguars running back James Robinson became the first rookie in NFL history to top 1,000 yards in the first 14 weeks of a season .
He also became the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards rushing , joining Indianapolis ' Dominic Rhodes ( 1,104 in 2001 ) , Denver 's Phillip Lindsay ( 1,037 in 2018 ) and Tampa Bay 's LeGarrette Blount ( 1,007 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was good enough in his return to Cincinnati , tossing two touchdown passes .
Cincinnati greatly contributed to the cause of its longtime quarterback , who was playing in Paul Brown Stadium for the first time since he was cast aside by the team before the season .
The Bengals fumbled the ball away on their first three drives , one fumble returned for a touchdown , and leading to 17 first-half points by the Cowboys ( 4-9 ) .
That was all they needed .
Dalton was serviceable , going 16 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cowboys stayed in contention in the weak NFC East .
He threw an 11-yard , second-quarter touchdown to Amari Cooper , and hit Tony Pollard for a 7-yard score with 2:00 left in the game .
On the first Cincinnati drive , running back Giovani Bernard fumbled for the first time in 830 carries , leading to a Dallas field goal .
The Bengals were driving on the next series when running back Trayveon Williams ' fumble was recovered by linebacker Aldon Smith and returned 78 yards for a touchdown .
CHRLOTTE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards and a career-high four touchdowns , and Diontae Spencer returned a punt 83 yards for his first career score .
Lock connected on touchdown throws of 49 and 37 yards to rookie KJ Hamler and also threw scoring strikes to Nick Vannett and Tim Patrick to help the Broncos snap a two-game slide .
Hamler , the team 's second-round draft pick , twice beat veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas for touchdowns .
The Broncos ( 5-8 ) sacked Teddy Bridgewater four times , including one by Dre'Mont Jones on Carolina 's final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball on downs .
Bridgewater threw for 283 yards for the Panthers ( 4-9 ) , who have lost seven of their last eight .
CHICAGO -- Mitchell Trubisky threw three touchdown passes to outplay Deshaun Watson in their first meeting since they entered the NFL , and the Bears snapped a six-game losing streak .
David Montgomery ran for an 80-yard touchdown on Chicago 's first play from scrimmage , helping the Bears stopped their worst skid since the 2002 team dropped eight in a row to match a franchise record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watson seven times , including a safety by Khalil Mack , to tie a career high for the Texans quarterback .
General manager Ryan Pace 's decision to draft Trubisky with the No .
2 overall pick in 2017 when he could have gone with Watson or Patrick Mahomes drew even more attention than usual during the week .
But on Sunday at least , Chicago 's quarterback delivered .
Trubisky buried the Texans ( 4-9 ) in the first half , throwing for three TDs as the Bears grabbed a 30-7 lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst defenses , he completed 24 of 33 passes for 267 yards .
He had a 126.7 rating in his third start since returning to the lineup with Nick Foles ( hip and glute ) injured .
Montgomery tied the fourth-longest run in franchise history and finished with a season-high 113 yards on 11 carries .
Allen Robinson caught nine passes for 123 yards , matching a season high and giving him 1,027 for the season .
It 's the second straight year he has reached 1,000 yards .
INGLEWOOD , Calif -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as time expired .
Los Angeles got the ball on its 26 after Michael Davis picked off Matt Ryan 's pass intended for Calvin Ridley .
Justin Herbert 's completions of 15 yards to Hunter Henry and 25 yards to Tyron Johnson got LA into Badgley 's range .
Badgley split the uprights for the second winning kick of his career .
Herbert was 36 of 44 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and an interception .
Austin Ekeler had 146 scrimmage yards ( 79 rushing , 67 receiving ) as Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak .
Ryan completed 21 of 32 passes for 224 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions .
Ridley , who went over 1,000 receiving yards for the season , had eight receptions for 124 yards and a score .
The Falcons ( 4-9 ) were without four starters , including star wide receiver Julio Jones .

Chiefs clinch division despite 4 turnovers, beat Miami 33-27
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass the football, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Associated Press
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) greets Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Chiefs defeated the Dolphins 33-27. Associated Press
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame a 30-yard sack, four turnovers and a 10-point deficit Sunday to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC West title by beating Miami 33-27 on Sunday.
Mahomes was picked off three times, his first multi-interception game in more than two years, but threw for 393 yards and two scores to help the Chiefs (12-1) earn their eighth consecutive victory.
Tyreek Hill ran through the Dolphins' secondary and behind it, scoring on a 32-yard run and a 44-yard reception when Mahomes hit him in stride at the goal line.
Travis Kelce had eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, Mecole Hardman scored untouched on a 67-yard punt return, and Kansas City's defense was stout against Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' injury-riddled offense. Chris Jones sacked the rookie for a safety for a 30-10 lead.
Kansas City reached 12 wins for the third consecutive season, the longest streak in club history, and has the best 13-game record in franchise history. The Chiefs set a team record with their 10th road win in a row.
Pittsburgh earned a playoff berth with the Miami loss.
The Dolphins (8-5) hurt their playoff prospects by losing for only the second time in the past nine games. Tagovailoa passed for 316 yards and two scores to Mike Gesicki, but also threw his first career interception, which came on his 154th attempt on a long pass that deflected off receiver Jakeem Grant.
PACKERS 31, LIONS 24
DETROIT -- Aaron Rodgers ran for a tiebreaking score in the third quarter and threw three touchdown passes and the Packers clinched the NFC North title.
The Packers (10-3) knocked Matthew Stafford out of the game with a rib injury in the fourth quarter and went on to win their third straight game and second straight division championship. The Packers clinched the division with the win and Minnesota's loss to Tampa Bay earlier in the day.
The Packers' win combined with the Saints' loss in Philadelphia gives Green Bay the top seed in the NFC. The teams are both 10-3, but the Packers beat the Saints earlier this season.
Detroit (5-8) scored first and pulled into a tie late in the second quarter, but simply couldn't stop Rodgers. The two-time MVP completed his first eight passes for 119 yards and two scores. Rodgers finished 26 of 33 for 290 yards, three TDs and did not throw an interception for a third straight game. He ran 6 yards, untouched, to put the Packers ahead 21-14 for his 30th career rushing TD to break Tobin Rote's team record for a quarterback.
Green Bay receiver Davante Adams also broke a franchise record. He extended his touchdown reception streak to eight games, turning a short pass from Rodgers into a 56-yard TD in the first quarter. Adams broke the franchise record set by Hall of Famer Don Hutson, who had a pair of seven-game streaks in the 1940s. He finished with seven catches for 115 yards and Green Bay tight end Robert Tonyan had his ninth TD reception of the season.
Stafford went toward the team's locker room in the fourth, returned to the field to throw some passes, then retreated out of view again.
BILLS 26, STEELERS 15
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and safety Taron Johnson returned an interception 51 yards for a score to lead Buffalo.
The Bills won for the sixth time in seven outings, and inched closer to claiming their first AFC East title since 1995 and third playoff berth in four seasons. Buffalo can clinch both as early as Monday night if Baltimore loses to Cleveland.
The AFC North-leading Steelers (11-2) have lost consecutive games in six days following a 23-17 loss to Washington, and dropped a game behind the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs (12-1). Pittsburgh was still able to clinch its first playoff berth in three years before kickoff by virtue of the Miami Dolphins' 33-27 loss to Kansas City earlier in the day.
The Bills have won at least 10 of their first 13 games of a season for the first time since 1991.
Allen broke the game open by throwing touchdown passes 3:21 apart on Buffalo's first two drives of the second half to put Buffalo ahead 23-7.
EAGLES 24, SAINTS 21
PHILADELPHIA -- Jalen Hurts ran for 106 yards and threw for 167 and one touchdown, Miles Sanders had 115 yards rushing and a pair of scores. The Eagles (4-8-1) snapped a four-game losing streak and stayed within reach in the woeful NFC East.
The Saints (10-3) had won nine in a row and were 8-0 over the past two seasons without Drew Brees before running into the inspired Eagles. The loss dropped the Saints to the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind Green Bay, but they already have secured a playoff berth.
Hurts was 17 of 30 in his first career start after replacing Carson Wentz. He fumbled late in the fourth quarter. The 2019 Heisman Trophy runner-up began the season as the third-string quarterback. He was elevated to backup in Week 2 and took a few snaps each week until Wentz was benched during a 30-16 loss at Green Bay last Sunday.
Taysom Hill was 28 of 38 for 291 yards, two TDs, one interception and was sacked five times by Philly.
Sanders brook loose for an 82-yard TD run in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 17-0 lead. It was the fourth-longest run in franchise history. Sanders has three runs of 70-plus yards since October. He had a 74-yard TD run against Pittsburgh and a 74-yard run against Baltimore.
WASHINGTON 23, 49ERS 15
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Rookies Chase Young and Kamren Curl scored defensive touchdowns and Washington grabbed sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
Washington (6-7) has won four straight games and is one game ahead of the New York Giants. It is Washington's first four-game winning streak since 2016.
Washington can thank its young, impressive defense for this win. The team took a 13-7 lead at halftime after Young scooped up a fumble, shook off a tackle and ran 47 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown with 1:11 left in the second quarter. It was Young's first professional touchdown.
Even at 264 pounds, the No. 2 overall pick easily outran the San Francisco offense into the end zone, palming the football in his left hand as he cruised past the pylon.
Curl delivered Washington's next huge moment on the final play of the third quarter. He snagged a pass from Nick Mullens and ran 76 yards the other way for a 23-7 advantage. Curl was the team's seventh-round pick this year.
Washington is the first team to get defensive touchdowns from two rookies in the same game since the Rams against the Texans in 2013.
The game was in Arizona because of coronavirus restrictions in the 49ers' home county of Santa Clara. The 49ers (5-8) have lost five of their past six games.
COLTS 44, RAIDERS 27
LAS VEGAS -- T.Y. Hilton caught two touchdown passes from Philip Rivers and Jonathan Taylor rushed for a career-best 150 yards and two scores.
Rivers passed for 244 yards and Taylor had a key 62-yard TD run for the Colts (9-4), who racked up 456 total yards while scoring on seven of their first eight drives in their fourth victory in five games.
Safety Khari Willis clinched the win with a 53-yard interception return for his first career touchdown with 5:22 to play. Indianapolis stayed securely in one of the conference's wild-card spots and remained atop the AFC South alongside Tennessee, which has a better divisional record for now.
Derek Carr passed for 316 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Raiders (7-6), who have lost three of four after a strong start to their relocation season. Foster Moreau and Nelson Agholor made TD catches in the first half, but the offense couldn't keep up while Indianapolis marched up and down the field to little resistance.
SEAHAWKS 40, JETS 3
SEATTLE -- Russell Wilson threw four more touchdowns passes to give him a career-high with 36 for the season before finally resting in the fourth quarter.
Seattle (9-4) rebounded exactly as it hoped after last week's surprisingly poor offensive performance in its loss to the New York Giants, and stayed even with the Los Angeles Rams on top of the NFC West.
Wilson threw touchdowns to Freddie Swain and DK Metcalf in the first half, and added TD tosses to Will Dissly and David Moore in the third quarter. It was his fifth game this season with at least four TD passes. Metcalf commandeered a TV broadcast camera as part of his TD celebration after catching a 5-yard TD in the second quarter, his 10th of the season.
Wilson finished 21 of 27 for 206 yards and checked out late in the third quarter, giving way to former Jets QB Geno Smith for his first action since joining Seattle last season.
For the Jets, it was another miserable day in their forgettable season. Days after firing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams after the collapse at the end of last week's loss to Las Vegas, the Jets (0-13) showed little resistance on defense and little excitement on offense as they lost their franchise-record 13th straight.
BUCCANEERS 26, VIKINGS 14
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tom Brady threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Brady tossed TD passes of 48 yards to Scotty Miller and 2 yards to Rob Gronkowski to rebound from losing two straight home games entering Tampa Bay's bye. Ronald Jones had a 1-yard TD run and Ryan Succop kicked field goals of 18 and 48 yards.
The Bucs (8-5) lost three of four games to division title contenders leading into last week's bye, including a pair of 27-24 losses at home to the Rams and reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs. They entered Sunday holding the sixth playoff spot in the NFC, with the Vikings (6-7) nipping at their heels after winning five of six following a 1-5 start.
Tampa Bay sacked Kirk Cousins six times, the last producing a fumble that ended any chance of a rally in the closing minutes. Cousins finished 24 of 37 passing for 225 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Dalvin Cook rushed for 102 yards on 22 carries, but Minnesota chances were undermined by another poor performance by kicker Dan Bailey, who missed an extra point and three field goals.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sat in the stands, wearing a face covering. The Super Bowl will be held at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7.
CARDINALS 26, GIANTS 7
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Haason Reddick had a franchise-record five sacks and three forced fumbles as the Cardinals spoiled the return of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and moved back into an NFC playoff spot.
Kyler Murray added a touchdown pass as Arizona (7-6) snapped a three-game skid and ended a four-game winning streak that had moved the Giants (5-8) to the top of the NFC East.
Mike Nugent came off the practice squad and added his first four field goals in more than a year, and Kenyan Drake scored on a 1-yard dive as Arizona won for only the second time in six games.
The Cardinals finished with eight sacks. Reddick broke the team mark of 4 1/2 by Curtis Greer on Dec. 18, 1983 against the Eagles
Murray went 24 of 35 for 244 yards and ran 13 times for 47. DeAndre Hopkins had nine catches for 136 yards.
TITANS 31, JAGUARS 10
JACKSONVILLE, Tenn. -- Derrick Henry ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns, his best performance in five trips to his hometown area, and the Titans handed the Jaguars a 12th consecutive loss. It was Henry's fourth game with at least 200 yards and two scores, setting an NFL record he previously shared with Hall of Famers Jim Brown, Barry Sanders and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Henry also topped the century mark for the ninth consecutive road game, leaving him one shy of the NFL mark set by Sanders over the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
Enjoying a big performance about 25 miles from his hometown of Yulee was something new for Henry. He hadn't reached triple digits rushing in any of his four previous games in Jacksonville. He managed just 13 yards as a rookie in 2016, followed by outings of 92, 57 and 44 yards in front of friends and family.
He didn't even need a full half to surpass all those outings Sunday against the Jaguars (1-12).
Henry had 170 yards on 17 carries in the first 30 minutes, including a 36-yard touchdown run. He added a 47-yard scamper early in the third as the Titans (9-4) started to pull away.
Jaguars running back James Robinson became the first rookie in NFL history to top 1,000 yards in the first 14 weeks of a season. He also became the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards rushing, joining Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes (1,104 in 2001), Denver's Phillip Lindsay (1,037 in 2018) and Tampa Bay's LeGarrette Blount (1,007 in 2010).
COWBOYS 30, BENGALS 7
CINCINNATI -- Andy Dalton was good enough in his return to Cincinnati, tossing two touchdown passes. Cincinnati greatly contributed to the cause of its longtime quarterback, who was playing in Paul Brown Stadium for the first time since he was cast aside by the team before the season. The Bengals fumbled the ball away on their first three drives, one fumble returned for a touchdown, and leading to 17 first-half points by the Cowboys (4-9). That was all they needed.
Dalton was serviceable, going 16 for 23 for 185 yards, as the Cowboys stayed in contention in the weak NFC East. He threw an 11-yard, second-quarter touchdown to Amari Cooper, and hit Tony Pollard for a 7-yard score with 2:00 left in the game.
On the first Cincinnati drive, running back Giovani Bernard fumbled for the first time in 830 carries, leading to a Dallas field goal. The Bengals were driving on the next series when running back Trayveon Williams' fumble was recovered by linebacker Aldon Smith and returned 78 yards for a touchdown.
BRONCOS 32, PANTHERS 27
CHRLOTTE, N.C. -- Drew Lock threw for 280 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, and Diontae Spencer returned a punt 83 yards for his first career score.
Lock connected on touchdown throws of 49 and 37 yards to rookie KJ Hamler and also threw scoring strikes to Nick Vannett and Tim Patrick to help the Broncos snap a two-game slide. Hamler, the team's second-round draft pick, twice beat veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas for touchdowns.
The Broncos (5-8) sacked Teddy Bridgewater four times, including one by Dre'Mont Jones on Carolina's final possession in which the Panthers turned over the ball on downs.
Bridgewater threw for 283 yards for the Panthers (4-9), who have lost seven of their last eight.
BEARS 36, TEXANS 7
CHICAGO -- Mitchell Trubisky threw three touchdown passes to outplay Deshaun Watson in their first meeting since they entered the NFL, and the Bears snapped a six-game losing streak.
David Montgomery ran for an 80-yard touchdown on Chicago's first play from scrimmage, helping the Bears stopped their worst skid since the 2002 team dropped eight in a row to match a franchise record. The Bears (6-7) sacked Watson seven times, including a safety by Khalil Mack, to tie a career high for the Texans quarterback.
General manager Ryan Pace's decision to draft Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick in 2017 when he could have gone with Watson or Patrick Mahomes drew even more attention than usual during the week. But on Sunday at least, Chicago's quarterback delivered.
Trubisky buried the Texans (4-9) in the first half, throwing for three TDs as the Bears grabbed a 30-7 lead. Facing one of the NFL's worst defenses, he completed 24 of 33 passes for 267 yards. He had a 126.7 rating in his third start since returning to the lineup with Nick Foles (hip and glute) injured.
Montgomery tied the fourth-longest run in franchise history and finished with a season-high 113 yards on 11 carries.
Allen Robinson caught nine passes for 123 yards, matching a season high and giving him 1,027 for the season. It's the second straight year he has reached 1,000 yards.
CHARGERS 20, FALCONS 17
INGLEWOOD, Calif -- Michael Badgley hit a 43-yard field goal as time expired. Los Angeles got the ball on its 26 after Michael Davis picked off Matt Ryan's pass intended for Calvin Ridley. Justin Herbert's completions of 15 yards to Hunter Henry and 25 yards to Tyron Johnson got LA into Badgley's range. Badgley split the uprights for the second winning kick of his career.
Herbert was 36 of 44 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Austin Ekeler had 146 scrimmage yards (79 rushing, 67 receiving) as Los Angeles (4-9) snapped a two-game losing streak.
Ryan completed 21 of 32 passes for 224 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Ridley, who went over 1,000 receiving yards for the season, had eight receptions for 124 yards and a score. The Falcons (4-9) were without four starters, including star wide receiver Julio Jones.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Memphis to face Florida Atlantic in Montgomery Bowl

MONTGOMERY , Ala. -- Memphis and Florida Atlantic accepted bids Sunday to play in the Montgomery Bowl .
Being played @ @ @ @ @ canceled Fenway Bowl , the game is set for Wednesday , Dec. 23 at the @ @ @ @ @ ( 5-3 , 4-2 Conference USA ) beat the Tigers in the their lone matchup @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans Bowl .

Memphis to face Florida Atlantic in Montgomery Bowl
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Memphis and Florida Atlantic accepted bids Sunday to play in the Montgomery Bowl.
Being played as a substitute for the canceled Fenway Bowl, the game is set for Wednesday, Dec. 23 at the Cramton Bowl.
Memphis (7-3, 5-3 American Athletic) is making its record seventh consecutive bowl appearance.
Florida Atlantic (5-3, 4-2 Conference USA) beat the Tigers in the their lone matchup, 44-27 in the 2007 New Orleans Bowl.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Filling your tank won't break the bank in 2021, and pandemic's not the sole reason

One crumb of comfort amid the pandemic has been the drop in gas prices .
A gallon of regular could be bought for less than $ 2 Friday , compared to the regional average of $ 2.82 a year ago , according to AAA .
On the other hand , is n't cheap fuel a bittersweet benefit , given it 's directly related to COVID-19 requiring millions to work from home and cut back on travel ?
To some extent , yes , but there are other reasons for painless pumping in 2020 that will continue in 2021 , Argonne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Along with supply and demand , lower gas prices now `` are a result of a long-term effort on the part of the U.S. government to diversify our fuel sources , '' said Hillebrand , an automotive engineer and director of Argonne 's energy systems division .
Coronavirus stay-at-home orders slashed vehicle miles traveled in America by 26 % in the second quarter .
Overall in 2020 , driving is projected to drop by 14 % contrasted with 2019 , the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported .
The screeching brakes caught the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you have a surplus , the price has to drop because oil does n't stop flowing easily , '' Hillebrand said .
`` COVID-19 dropping the VMT by 25 % caused a short-term , perhaps even long-term , drop in demand that caused all this fuel to pile up someplace , ( creating ) a real need to get rid of it , '' he explained .
It 's not that fuel goes bad quickly .
`` It 's just that an ( oil ) tanker is a very large , expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring , tankers ended up anchored in harbors storing oil , not shipping it .
`` That 's a lot of lost money , a lot of lost investment , '' he said , and oil producers cut rates accordingly .
Assuming a vaccine shrinks the COVID-19 footprint later in 2021 and brings a return to driving norms in the U.S. , will the $ 2.82 or even $ 3 gallon return ?
Industry analysts expect an uptick in prices as cooped-up drivers hit the road .
But the new normal could include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Speaking for my own organization , we 've discovered how much we do n't need people in the office all the time , '' Hillebrand said .
Separate from the pandemic , the cumulative , incremental revolutions in the auto industry such as electric cars will continue to deflate gas prices .
Electric cars constitute about 2 % of all vehicles sold in the U.S. but `` are a very real threat to the price of oil . ''
said Hillebrand , a former Chrysler executive .
`` People in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price of oil is , the more it drives their customers to electric vehicles , and so they do n't dare run their prices like in the past .
People have options . ''
California 's governor this year ordered that all cars sold as of 2035 be zero-emission vehicles .
The United Kingdom issued a similar policy but for 2050 .
Nationwide , tough fuel economy standards agreed upon between automakers and President Barack Obama 's administration in 2011 prompted a plethora of cars with high miles per gallon .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very highly fuel-efficient car if they want to , '' Hillebrand said .
Other initiatives driving down gas prices are long-haul efforts such as biofuel mandates on ethanol , for example , and extracting oil through fracking or tar sands instead of traditional methods .
`` On the supply side , the amount of fuel we have available from internal and external sources is gigantic now , unlike 15 years ago , '' Hillebrand said .
Argonne researchers are leading the charge on batteries for electric vehicles that are safer , smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
`` Batteries improve by 3 % to 5 % a year either in cost or energy density , '' Hillebrand said .
Another line of research involves stabilizing batteries by using lithium electrolytes composed of solid ceramic or glass to increase dependability .
You should know Will COVID-19 nix the Chicago Auto Show ?
Not necessarily .
`` We are working with our partners at McCormick Place as well as state and city officials to develop a plan that allows us to open the 2021 Chicago Auto Show in a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade Association officials said .
`` State officials are currently reviewing our plan .
While our traditional February dates are unlikely , we are hopeful to be able to stage the show sometime in the spring . ''

Filling your tank won't break the bank in 2021, and pandemic's not the sole reason
Argonne scientists research how electric vehicles respond to extreme cold and heat at the lab's Advanced Powertrain Research Facility. Even when a COVID-19 vaccine helps bring travel closer to its pre-pandemic levels, experts say improvements in electric vehicle technology will help keep fuel prices low. Courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory
One crumb of comfort amid the pandemic has been the drop in gas prices. A gallon of regular could be bought for less than $2 Friday, compared to the regional average of $2.82 a year ago, according to AAA.
On the other hand, isn't cheap fuel a bittersweet benefit, given it's directly related to COVID-19 requiring millions to work from home and cut back on travel?
To some extent, yes, but there are other reasons for painless pumping in 2020 that will continue in 2021, Argonne National Lab transportation expert Don Hillebrand explained.
Along with supply and demand, lower gas prices now "are a result of a long-term effort on the part of the U.S. government to diversify our fuel sources," said Hillebrand, an automotive engineer and director of Argonne's energy systems division.
Coronavirus stay-at-home orders slashed vehicle miles traveled in America by 26% in the second quarter. Overall in 2020, driving is projected to drop by 14% contrasted with 2019, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported.
The screeching brakes caught the petroleum industry off-guard this spring. "When you have a surplus, the price has to drop because oil doesn't stop flowing easily," Hillebrand said.
"COVID-19 dropping the VMT by 25% caused a short-term, perhaps even long-term, drop in demand that caused all this fuel to pile up someplace, (creating) a real need to get rid of it," he explained.
It's not that fuel goes bad quickly. "It's just that an (oil) tanker is a very large, expensive asset," Hillebrand said. This spring, tankers ended up anchored in harbors storing oil, not shipping it.
"That's a lot of lost money, a lot of lost investment," he said, and oil producers cut rates accordingly.
Assuming a vaccine shrinks the COVID-19 footprint later in 2021 and brings a return to driving norms in the U.S., will the $2.82 or even $3 gallon return?
Industry analysts expect an uptick in prices as cooped-up drivers hit the road. But the new normal could include a lot more people working from home.
"Speaking for my own organization, we've discovered how much we don't need people in the office all the time," Hillebrand said.
Separate from the pandemic, the cumulative, incremental revolutions in the auto industry such as electric cars will continue to deflate gas prices.
Electric cars constitute about 2% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. but "are a very real threat to the price of oil." said Hillebrand, a former Chrysler executive. "People in the oil business know that the higher the price of oil is, the more it drives their customers to electric vehicles, and so they don't dare run their prices like in the past. People have options."
California's governor this year ordered that all cars sold as of 2035 be zero-emission vehicles. The United Kingdom issued a similar policy but for 2050.
Nationwide, tough fuel economy standards agreed upon between automakers and President Barack Obama's administration in 2011 prompted a plethora of cars with high miles per gallon.
As a result, "everybody now can chose a very highly fuel-efficient car if they want to," Hillebrand said.
Other initiatives driving down gas prices are long-haul efforts such as biofuel mandates on ethanol, for example, and extracting oil through fracking or tar sands instead of traditional methods.
"On the supply side, the amount of fuel we have available from internal and external sources is gigantic now, unlike 15 years ago," Hillebrand said.
One more thing
Argonne researchers are leading the charge on batteries for electric vehicles that are safer, smaller and less expensive than the behemoths used now.
"Batteries improve by 3% to 5% a year either in cost or energy density," Hillebrand said. Another line of research involves stabilizing batteries by using lithium electrolytes composed of solid ceramic or glass to increase dependability.
You should know
Will COVID-19 nix the Chicago Auto Show? Not necessarily. "We are working with our partners at McCormick Place as well as state and city officials to develop a plan that allows us to open the 2021 Chicago Auto Show in a safe and responsible manner," Chicago Automobile Trade Association officials said. "State officials are currently reviewing our plan. While our traditional February dates are unlikely, we are hopeful to be able to stage the show sometime in the spring."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Aurora officials believe civilian review board is a major step

In late June , Mayor Richard Irvin promised Aurorans the city was going to improve relations between them and the police .
Six months later , Irvin and other city officials are proud a civilian review board has been created ; that police plan to wear body cameras ; and that it is now easier for people to see data about complaints against police officers .
But critics say the review board will be useless as it is toothless .
The purchase of cameras is behind schedule , and complaint information is limited .
All are part of the CHANGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helping Aurora 's Necessary Growth and Empowerment .
It came after Aurora residents , disgusted by the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis , protested here , saying there was police brutality in their city , too .
At the time , Irvin said Aurora would join a national initiative to review its use-of-force policies .
It would also study buying body-worn cameras , review its training policies and examine having civilians review complaints about police officers .
`` In six months we 've done some major progress .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's communications director , Clayton Muhammad .
The city was supposed to start testing two different body cameras in November .
But the equipment arrived several weeks later than expected .
Twenty officers are expected to finish the testing by Tuesday .
The city created a data portal in July , with information on more than 480 complaints going back three years .
It contains information about when a complaint was filed ; what type ; the employee 's position , sex and race ; a civilian complainant 's race and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and if the officer was suspended .
What it does not have is the officer 's name , or details about what is alleged to have happened .
Those are n't being listed in an effort to protect the privacy of the complainants and the officers , police spokesman Paris Lewbel said .
Lewbel said the city modeled its data portal after those in other cities .
He also said more information about incidents can be obtained by filing Freedom of Information Act requests .
The biggest item checked off a list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation of the review board .
The city council approved the plan Nov. 24 .
People can apply through Dec. 22 at www.aurora-il.org/2223/Civilian-Review-Board .
Irvin plans to present a list of finalists to a council committee Jan. 19 .
As of noon Thursday , nearly 80 people had applied .
It will have nine members .
A department employee will be a liaison .
The board will refer complaints to the police department 's Office of Professional Standards to investigate ; review the findings of the investigation , and the disciplinary recommendation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then recommend discipline to the police chief .
The chief can suspend officers ; the city 's human resources director can fire them .
It will also help recruit police officers from `` underrepresented '' populations , including Blacks , Latinos and women .
Alderman Judd Lofchie , who is running for mayor against Irvin , said some slots should have been reserved for representatives from the city 's Hispanic Heritage and African-American advisory commissions .
Some residents have questioned why the board wo n't be independent of the city , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discipline officers .
`` We want ( the board to be ) independent .
We do n't want any police involvement on the civilian review board , '' resident Edward Ash told the council .
He said the panel should be created by residents , not elected officials .
`` The wealth , growth , progress , the culture of policing and quality of life for the citizens of Aurora are serious matters which require the people to get involved and make change , not be given false hope and a pacifier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ash said .
The lack of authority bothered resident Andrew Tripp .
`` This is not nearly enough .
By giving the board no power , then you are not going to gain the trust of the community .
...
This is just another way to deny the people a voice , '' he told the council .
Others asked why criminal defense lawyers wo n't be allowed on the board .
Some ex-offenders will be able to serve on the board , but not people convicted of forcible felonies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from some state and federal databases , officials said .
`` I think the majority of the points raised by the public were answered , and most of the answers are , 'We legally ca n't do it , ' '' said Alderman Emanuel Llamas , who worked on the proposal .
The police union contract also governs how officers can be disciplined .
Alderman Sherman Jenkins urged the public to give the review board a chance .
`` Just because it does n't go your way , do n't sit back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get involved with it because it 's a waste of my time , ' '' he said .

Aurora officials believe civilian review board is a major step
In late June, Mayor Richard Irvin promised Aurorans the city was going to improve relations between them and the police.
Six months later, Irvin and other city officials are proud a civilian review board has been created; that police plan to wear body cameras; and that it is now easier for people to see data about complaints against police officers.
But critics say the review board will be useless as it is toothless. The purchase of cameras is behind schedule, and complaint information is limited.
All are part of the CHANGE Reform initiative. CHANGE stands for Community Helping Aurora's Necessary Growth and Empowerment.
It came after Aurora residents, disgusted by the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, protested here, saying there was police brutality in their city, too.
At the time, Irvin said Aurora would join a national initiative to review its use-of-force policies. It would also study buying body-worn cameras, review its training policies and examine having civilians review complaints about police officers.
"In six months we've done some major progress. Is it perfect? No," said the city's communications director, Clayton Muhammad.
Body cameras
The city was supposed to start testing two different body cameras in November. But the equipment arrived several weeks later than expected. Twenty officers are expected to finish the testing by Tuesday.
Complaints
The city created a data portal in July, with information on more than 480 complaints going back three years. It contains information about when a complaint was filed; what type; the employee's position, sex and race; a civilian complainant's race and sex; the outcome of the investigation; and if the officer was suspended.
What it does not have is the officer's name, or details about what is alleged to have happened. Those aren't being listed in an effort to protect the privacy of the complainants and the officers, police spokesman Paris Lewbel said. Lewbel said the city modeled its data portal after those in other cities. He also said more information about incidents can be obtained by filing Freedom of Information Act requests.
Milestone reached
The biggest item checked off a list of 60 suggestions from residents is the creation of the review board. The city council approved the plan Nov. 24. People can apply through Dec. 22 at www.aurora-il.org/2223/Civilian-Review-Board. Irvin plans to present a list of finalists to a council committee Jan. 19.
As of noon Thursday, nearly 80 people had applied.
It will have nine members. A department employee will be a liaison.
The board will refer complaints to the police department's Office of Professional Standards to investigate; review the findings of the investigation, and the disciplinary recommendation of the department's Employee Review Board; and then recommend discipline to the police chief. The chief can suspend officers; the city's human resources director can fire them.
It will also help recruit police officers from "underrepresented" populations, including Blacks, Latinos and women.
Alderman Judd Lofchie, who is running for mayor against Irvin, said some slots should have been reserved for representatives from the city's Hispanic Heritage and African-American advisory commissions.
Some residents have questioned why the board won't be independent of the city, and why it won't be able to discipline officers.
"We want (the board to be) independent. We don't want any police involvement on the civilian review board," resident Edward Ash told the council.
He said the panel should be created by residents, not elected officials.
"The wealth, growth, progress, the culture of policing and quality of life for the citizens of Aurora are serious matters which require the people to get involved and make change, not be given false hope and a pacifier, which is what the current proposal suggests," Ash said.
The lack of authority bothered resident Andrew Tripp. "This is not nearly enough. By giving the board no power, then you are not going to gain the trust of the community. ... This is just another way to deny the people a voice," he told the council.
Others asked why criminal defense lawyers won't be allowed on the board.
Some ex-offenders will be able to serve on the board, but not people convicted of forcible felonies, as they are prohibited from seeing information from some state and federal databases, officials said.
"I think the majority of the points raised by the public were answered, and most of the answers are, 'We legally can't do it,'" said Alderman Emanuel Llamas, who worked on the proposal. The police union contract also governs how officers can be disciplined.
Alderman Sherman Jenkins urged the public to give the review board a chance.
"Just because it doesn't go your way, don't sit back and say, 'I'm not going to get involved with it because it's a waste of my time,'" he said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Cook County commissioners propose rules to protect suburban renters

A pair of North and Northwest suburban Cook County commissioners have proposed an ordinance aimed at safeguarding an estimated 245,000 apartment dwellers in the suburbs -- new rules they say are a long time coming .
But they face pushback from groups representing landlords who fear the regulations would stifle the housing market and cause rents to rise .
The proposed legislation -- called the Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance -- would limit late rent fees and security deposits , allow renters to withhold rent payments when repairs are n't made or working utilities are n't supplied , and stiffen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The measure is up for a vote Tuesday by the county board 's zoning and building committee , before the full board considers it Thursday .
It would n't apply to owner-occupied buildings of six or fewer units .
Many of the rules mirror a Chicago ordinance that went into effect in 1986 .
`` The point of this ordinance is to address what is to me a glaring need for help for Cook County renters , '' said Commissioner Scott Britton of Glenview , who is a chief sponsor with Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ninety-nine percent of landlords are great .
I have friends who own residential buildings .
They do a good job .
But there are some bad apples , like in every business . ''
The freshmen Cook County commissioners have been working on the ordinance since being elected to the board in 2018 , but they say they 've accelerated their efforts in recent months to deal with a situation heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Critics in the real estate industry argue the proponents are capitalizing on the pandemic to pass their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landlords ' revenues have plummeted and their costs have increased .
Jeff Weinberg , a landlord and board member of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance , argues the ordinance would punish landlords for small , unintentional technical mistakes , with the potential of racking up thousands of dollars in fines and attorneys fees .
He says those costs eventually would be passed along to renters in the form of higher rents .
`` I 'm not saying there should n't be an ordinance .
There 's bad actors out there .
Tenants need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Where I 'm coming from is that all landlords are not bad , evil people .
Those days are long gone . ''
Under the county proposal , late fees would be limited to $ 10 a month for the first $ 1,500 in rent , plus 5 % per month for anything above that level .
Security deposits could not be more than 1.5 times a month 's rent , or be disguised as `` move-in '' fees .
Landlords who lock out their tenants -- an action already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fined up to $ 500 a day .
Weinberg 's group , which includes some 600 landlords of smaller apartment buildings , has joined with the Chicagoland Apartment Association , which represents larger property managers , and Illinois Realtors in opposing the ordinance .
Britton said ongoing negotiations with those groups have led to 20 revisions of the proposal since July .
But their key request -- to give judges discretion when determining penalties and fines -- appears to have been shot down .
`` If you do n't have an enforcement mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are going to be enforcing this for the tenants are not going to take these cases , '' Britton said .
`` We have to have some kind of mechanism by which these people can be represented in court . ''
Besides Chicago , similar ordinances are on the books in Mount Prospect and Evanston .
The proposed county regulations would n't apply to towns with their own versions .
If approved , the ordinance would take effect in June , though an anti-lockout provision would apply immediately .

Cook County commissioners propose rules to protect suburban renters
A pair of North and Northwest suburban Cook County commissioners have proposed an ordinance aimed at safeguarding an estimated 245,000 apartment dwellers in the suburbs -- new rules they say are a long time coming.
But they face pushback from groups representing landlords who fear the regulations would stifle the housing market and cause rents to rise.
The proposed legislation -- called the Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance -- would limit late rent fees and security deposits, allow renters to withhold rent payments when repairs aren't made or working utilities aren't supplied, and stiffen penalties for lockouts, among other provisions.
The measure is up for a vote Tuesday by the county board's zoning and building committee, before the full board considers it Thursday. It wouldn't apply to owner-occupied buildings of six or fewer units.
Many of the rules mirror a Chicago ordinance that went into effect in 1986.
"The point of this ordinance is to address what is to me a glaring need for help for Cook County renters," said Commissioner Scott Britton of Glenview, who is a chief sponsor with Commissioner Kevin Morrison of Mount Prospect. "Ninety-nine percent of landlords are great. I have friends who own residential buildings. They do a good job. But there are some bad apples, like in every business."
The freshmen Cook County commissioners have been working on the ordinance since being elected to the board in 2018, but they say they've accelerated their efforts in recent months to deal with a situation heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics in the real estate industry argue the proponents are capitalizing on the pandemic to pass their legislative wish list, at a time landlords' revenues have plummeted and their costs have increased.
Jeff Weinberg, a landlord and board member of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, argues the ordinance would punish landlords for small, unintentional technical mistakes, with the potential of racking up thousands of dollars in fines and attorneys fees. He says those costs eventually would be passed along to renters in the form of higher rents.
"I'm not saying there shouldn't be an ordinance. There's bad actors out there. Tenants need to have some protections," Weinberg said. "Where I'm coming from is that all landlords are not bad, evil people. Those days are long gone."
Under the county proposal, late fees would be limited to $10 a month for the first $1,500 in rent, plus 5% per month for anything above that level. Security deposits could not be more than 1.5 times a month's rent, or be disguised as "move-in" fees. Landlords who lock out their tenants -- an action already illegal under state law -- can be fined up to $500 a day.
Weinberg's group, which includes some 600 landlords of smaller apartment buildings, has joined with the Chicagoland Apartment Association, which represents larger property managers, and Illinois Realtors in opposing the ordinance.
Britton said ongoing negotiations with those groups have led to 20 revisions of the proposal since July. But their key request -- to give judges discretion when determining penalties and fines -- appears to have been shot down.
"If you don't have an enforcement mechanism with some teeth to it, lawyers who are going to be enforcing this for the tenants are not going to take these cases," Britton said. "We have to have some kind of mechanism by which these people can be represented in court."
Besides Chicago, similar ordinances are on the books in Mount Prospect and Evanston. The proposed county regulations wouldn't apply to towns with their own versions.
If approved, the ordinance would take effect in June, though an anti-lockout provision would apply immediately.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Naperville panel to discuss CityGate West plans again Wednesday

A public hearing is scheduled to continue this week on a proposed $ 200 million art-inspired destination in Naperville , touted by developers as an economic engine that could serve as the city 's northwest gateway .
Project leaders intend to address the potential timing and phasing of CityGate West `` as best we can '' during Wednesday 's planning and zoning commission meeting in hopes of advancing development plans to the city council , spokesman James Prescott said .
The information was requested last month by members of the advisory panel , who also expressed concerns over a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of zoning variances sought by Inter-Continental Real Estate and Development .
Adjustments have since been made to certain aspects of the project , including the residential density , said Prescott , who stressed that `` every use as proposed '' is consistent with the city 's land-use plan .
CityGate West aims to create a `` live , work , play '' environment at the I-88 and Route 59 interchange , blending entertainment , retail , residential , dining , offices , recreation and hospitality , the development team says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be incorporated into the 100-acre campus , as would the shuttered Odyssey Fun World building , which would be repurposed into a music and event venue , according to the proposal .
The concept received preliminary acclaim from some planning and zoning commissioners , including Chairman Bruce Hanson , at their last meeting .
But they asked that several `` unanswered questions '' be addressed before deciding whether to recommend the developer 's petition , which includes rezoning the property from industrial to an office , commercial and institutional district .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , CityGate West 's top priority was to seek a resolution with Indian Prairie Unit District 204 , which has publicly opposed the development .
Though the campus is not age restricted , developers say they expect the apartments to target young professionals and empty nesters , rather than families with school-age children .
But despite `` multiple attempts '' to obtain the district 's student generation data and reach an agreement , project leaders `` have been met with silence and repeated refusals to work with us , '' attorney Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commissioners .
School officials have met with CityGate West representatives `` on numerous occasions , '' Jay Strang , the district 's chief business official , said Thursday .
He pointed to demographic studies completed in 2012 and 2017 , saying the district never anticipated additional students stemming from the development area due to its current zoning .
`` This was not factored into our student enrollment projections , '' Strang said .
`` School capacity issues on the north end of the district are a concern and will necessitate school attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Naperville Convention and Visitors Bureau also have expressed opposition to two key components of the project : two hotels with 208 total rooms and two apartment buildings , which had 410 total units in initial plans .
CityGate West is seeking variances from the city 's full-service hotel requirements , including square footage , an on-site restaurant and a banquet facility that seats at least 500 people .
Those features are satisfied by the combination of uses throughout the campus , Prescott said , adding that `` some level of relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in town .
But Naperville Development Partnership President Christine Jeffries said the city has made great strides over the last several years to increase `` demand generators '' and deter new limited-service hotels , a category under which she says CityGate West 's facilities fall .
`` To pull the plug on the definition of a full-service hotel would be devastating , '' she said .
`` Because it is so much easier and cheaper to build a limited service hotel , it will be a race to the bottom .
Everybody will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeffries also objected to adding apartments along I-88 , a corporate corridor that she says is intended for commercial , business and some entertainment uses .
`` We play the long game .
When Naperville is at build-out , which is n't that far away , you need a balance between residential and commercial , '' she said .
`` We think 400 apartments there is inappropriate .
There are plenty of other places residential should go . ''
The buildings would contain more than just residential units , Prescott said , pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail , restaurant and office space planned for the lower levels .
CityGate West plans also call for several retail and restaurant sites , a medical office building , 19 acres of open space , improved pedestrian connectivity to the campus , and public artwork realized through a partnership with the Naperville Century Walk .

Naperville panel to discuss CityGate West plans again Wednesday
A $200 million art-inspired campus containing residential, retail, restaurant, office, hospitality and entertainment uses is the subject of a public hearing that continues Wednesday at the planning and zoning commission meeting. Courtesy of CityGate West
A public hearing is scheduled to continue this week on a proposed $200 million art-inspired destination in Naperville, touted by developers as an economic engine that could serve as the city's northwest gateway.
Project leaders intend to address the potential timing and phasing of CityGate West "as best we can" during Wednesday's planning and zoning commission meeting in hopes of advancing development plans to the city council, spokesman James Prescott said.
The information was requested last month by members of the advisory panel, who also expressed concerns over a lack of support from some community stakeholders and a number of zoning variances sought by Inter-Continental Real Estate and Development. Adjustments have since been made to certain aspects of the project, including the residential density, said Prescott, who stressed that "every use as proposed" is consistent with the city's land-use plan.
CityGate West aims to create a "live, work, play" environment at the I-88 and Route 59 interchange, blending entertainment, retail, residential, dining, offices, recreation and hospitality, the development team says. Existing Topgolf and WhirlyBall game centers would be incorporated into the 100-acre campus, as would the shuttered Odyssey Fun World building, which would be repurposed into a music and event venue, according to the proposal.
The concept received preliminary acclaim from some planning and zoning commissioners, including Chairman Bruce Hanson, at their last meeting. But they asked that several "unanswered questions" be addressed before deciding whether to recommend the developer's petition, which includes rezoning the property from industrial to an office, commercial and institutional district.
In addition to providing a phasing plan, Prescott said, CityGate West's top priority was to seek a resolution with Indian Prairie Unit District 204, which has publicly opposed the development.
Though the campus is not age restricted, developers say they expect the apartments to target young professionals and empty nesters, rather than families with school-age children. But despite "multiple attempts" to obtain the district's student generation data and reach an agreement, project leaders "have been met with silence and repeated refusals to work with us," attorney Robert Schillerstrom said in a Dec. 8 letter to commissioners.
School officials have met with CityGate West representatives "on numerous occasions," Jay Strang, the district's chief business official, said Thursday. He pointed to demographic studies completed in 2012 and 2017, saying the district never anticipated additional students stemming from the development area due to its current zoning.
"This was not factored into our student enrollment projections," Strang said. "School capacity issues on the north end of the district are a concern and will necessitate school attendance adjustments."
The Naperville Development Partnership and the Naperville Convention and Visitors Bureau also have expressed opposition to two key components of the project: two hotels with 208 total rooms and two apartment buildings, which had 410 total units in initial plans.
CityGate West is seeking variances from the city's full-service hotel requirements, including square footage, an on-site restaurant and a banquet facility that seats at least 500 people. Those features are satisfied by the combination of uses throughout the campus, Prescott said, adding that "some level of relief" has been granted to other hotels in town.
But Naperville Development Partnership President Christine Jeffries said the city has made great strides over the last several years to increase "demand generators" and deter new limited-service hotels, a category under which she says CityGate West's facilities fall.
"To pull the plug on the definition of a full-service hotel would be devastating," she said. "Because it is so much easier and cheaper to build a limited service hotel, it will be a race to the bottom. Everybody will be driving down their rates."
Jeffries also objected to adding apartments along I-88, a corporate corridor that she says is intended for commercial, business and some entertainment uses.
"We play the long game. When Naperville is at build-out, which isn't that far away, you need a balance between residential and commercial," she said. "We think 400 apartments there is inappropriate. There are plenty of other places residential should go."
The buildings would contain more than just residential units, Prescott said, pointing to a combined 68,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space planned for the lower levels.
CityGate West plans also call for several retail and restaurant sites, a medical office building, 19 acres of open space, improved pedestrian connectivity to the campus, and public artwork realized through a partnership with the Naperville Century Walk.
Wednesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. via Zoom.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-13--Believe Project: $100 to help mental health agency

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Mary Dziagwa of Prospect Heights .
Here @ @ @ @ @ story : '' Let 's give nonprofit NAMI-CCNS ( National Alliance on Mental Illness Cook @ @ @ @ @ Believe Project gift !
NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of not only those @ @ @ @ @ their families and others who care about them . ''
• The Believe Project is @ @ @ @ @ in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the @ @ @ @ @ deed for someone else .
Submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ @

Believe Project: $100 to help mental health agency
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Mary Dziagwa of Prospect Heights.
Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Let's give nonprofit NAMI-CCNS (National Alliance on Mental Illness Cook County North Suburban) a Believe Project gift! NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of not only those experiencing mental illness but also their families and others who care about them."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. Submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Feder: New guy' Bruce St. James launches morning show at WLS 890 AM today

For Bruce St. James it 's only about a block 's walk from his Streeterville apartment to the studios of Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM at NBC Tower .
But when he takes the predawn stroll there today he 'll be making the biggest move of his career .
Airing from 5:30 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday on the once-glorious 50,000-watt powerhouse , `` The Bruce St. James Show '' will mark the pinnacle of a radio odyssey that began on an overnight shift in Tucson , where St. James attended the University of Arizona .
The Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erich Mancow Muller , who took his leave after two years at WLS , declaring : `` Much of the enjoyment I had left doing radio has been sucked out of it . ''
That 's hardly the case for St. James , who told me Sunday he was eager to get started .
`` I 've spent the last 10 years doing talk radio differently , and I 'm bringing that style with me , '' he said .
`` I approach each show as a conversation , not a lecture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the audience , we all learn something , hear varying viewpoints and hopefully have a little fun along the way . ''
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: New guy' Bruce St. James launches morning show at WLS 890 AM today
For Bruce St. James it's only about a block's walk from his Streeterville apartment to the studios of Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM at NBC Tower.
But when he takes the predawn stroll there today he'll be making the biggest move of his career.
Airing from 5:30 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday on the once-glorious 50,000-watt powerhouse, "The Bruce St. James Show" will mark the pinnacle of a radio odyssey that began on an overnight shift in Tucson, where St. James attended the University of Arizona.
The Washington, D.C., native succeeds Chicago radio veteran Erich Mancow Muller, who took his leave after two years at WLS, declaring: "Much of the enjoyment I had left doing radio has been sucked out of it."
That's hardly the case for St. James, who told me Sunday he was eager to get started.
"I've spent the last 10 years doing talk radio differently, and I'm bringing that style with me," he said. "I approach each show as a conversation, not a lecture. By talking with the team, guests and the audience, we all learn something, hear varying viewpoints and hopefully have a little fun along the way."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.