dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--State reports 90 more COVID-19 deaths, 8,691 new cases

New cases of COVID-19 reached 8,691 Monday with 90 more people dying from the respiratory disease , the Illinois Department @ @ @ @ @ The state 's virus test positivity rate is 10.3 % based on a seven-day average @ @ @ @ @ in Illinois hospitals with the virus came 5,190 as of Sunday night .
The total @ @ @ @ @ with 13,343 deaths since the pandemic began .
Tests processed in the last 24 hours @ @ @

Local hospitals ready 'to do whatever we can' as vaccine hubs
Workers at several suburban hospitals are rolling up their sleeves in anticipation of the arrival of Pfizer Inc. COVID-19 vaccines -- possibly this week -- which will then be dispersed around the region to vaccinate health care workers.
Ten hospitals in the suburbs and elsewhere in Illinois are designated as receiver hubs for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 10 hospitals were "identified prior to the pandemic as regional health centers that work with the Illinois Department of Public Health," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a Monday briefing. Chicago will handle vaccines separately.
Northshore-Highland Park Hospital is one of those locations and has high-tech freezers ready for the Pfizer vaccine that requires storage at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hospital is "anxiously waiting," NorthShore University Health System Vice President of Pharmacy Jeff Thiel said.
If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules in favor of the Pfizer vaccine, 109,000 initial doses will come to Illinois, with 23,000 allocated to Chicago and 86,000 to the rest of the state.
With many moving parts, "there is no perfect plan," IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said, noting the agency is working with stakeholders to resolve logistics.
As an example, NorthShore is expected to receive and safely store 27,300 doses that will be shared with other hospitals in the region. How the vaccine is divided will be up to the IDPH and public health departments in Cook and Lake counties, Thiel said.
Once allocations are decided, those doses will be transported to the recipient hospitals.
And that's just the beginning. "We are likely to see hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses coming to Illinois in December," Pritzker said.
Another hub hospital is Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, which is expecting 16,575 doses. Chief Clinical Officer Richard Freeman said the hospital is "still waiting on final details" and "that's not unusual. It's something we haven't done ... any of it. There are going to be things that are last minute. But we're prepared and willing to work with the state and the federal government to do whatever we can to make this work," he said.
Other hospital hubs are Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Rockford Memorial Hospital, OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Memorial Hospital in Belleville, SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Meanwhile, new COVID-19 infections are inching up in the aftermath of Thanksgiving, data trends showed.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 8,691 additional COVID-19 cases Monday with 90 more people dying from the respiratory disease.
But weekly tallies shows new virus infections Dec. 1 through Monday averaged 9,994 a day, a 13.4% increase compared to 8,812 cases from Nov. 24 through Nov. 30. Medical experts have warned of a possible virus spike related to Thanksgiving celebrations.
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 came to 5,190 as of Sunday night. "Three out of four of our staffed hospital beds are currently in use," Pritzker said. "That's not the kind of statistic anyone wants to hang their hat on."
Pritzker also announced LaSalle Veterans' Home Administrator Angela Mehlbrech had been fired after 32 residents had died of COVID-19, and 39 of 96 residents and 21 staff members had tested positive. "The independent investigation into the actions of leadership and staff will continue," Pritzker said, adding the state is working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure all veterans' homes meet health standards.
The FDA could approve Pfizer's vaccine as soon as Thursday, meaning inoculations could begin within days for health care workers in Illinois and across the U.S. Medical workers and residents in long-term care facilities will be the first to be vaccinated under federal guidelines.
NorthShore is prioritizing front-line workers who deal directly with COVID-19 patients to receive the first doses, Thiel said.
"There's general optimism, obviously, that this is going to help eventually resolve the pandemic but there are obviously questions about the vaccine itself, and people are looking for all the data that comes along with the approval," Thiel said.
The FDA is also expected to rule on a vaccine manufactured by Moderna Inc. the third week of December.
At Loyola University Medical Center, experts are troubleshooting.
"Giving the vaccine is straightforward, it's just giving an injection," said Freeman, a doctor.
But both Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines require two doses, weeks apart. "The effort is around making sure we can store it and making sure we can track it," Freeman said. "Because if you get either vaccine, we have to know which one you got, when -- and then be able to give you a second dose. The timing for the second dose is different for each vaccine."
Freeman also noted a survey of staff showed about 70% would take the vaccine. "We are not going to mandate it for our staff but 70% is a pretty high number," he said.
Statewide, average daily hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the last seven days were at 5,484 patients compared to 5,944 between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30.
The state's virus test positivity rate based on a seven-day average is 10.3%. Virus tests processed in the last 24 hours were at 77,569.
Total COVID-19 infections statewide stand at 796,264 with 13,343 deaths since the pandemic began. The majority of deaths are people aged 60 and older but a Kane County woman in her 20s also died, the IDPH reported Monday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Chicago White Sox legend Dick Allen dies at 78

Former White Sox first baseman Dick Allen died Monday at his home in Pennsylvania , his family announced on his Twitter account .
He was 78 .
`` With sadness in our hearts , we need to share that Dick passed away this afternoon at his home in Wampum , '' the tweet read .
Allen played 15 major-league seasons with the Phillies ( 1963-69 , 1975-76 ) , Cardinals ( 1970 ) , Dodgers ( 1971 ) , White Sox ( 1972-74 ) and Athletics ( 1977 ) .
A seven-time all-star , Allen was voted American League MVP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 home runs and 113 RBI while leading the Sox to an 87-67 record and second-place finish in the AL West .
Allen led the league in homers , RBI and OPS that season while becoming the second player in franchise history to garner MVP honors .
Nellie Fox was the White Sox 's first MVP , in 1959 .
Bill Melton was Allen 's Sox teammate for three years , and the two recently talked .
`` Thank God , I finally got a hold of him about a week ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a half-hour on the phone .
Dick , he chuckles a lot .
He never told me what was wrong with him .
I just heard from a writer who did his book , he was struggling in the hospital , you 've got to call Willa ( Allen 's wife ) .
`` Willa put me through to him right away .
Dick 's not going to talk to everybody , but it was nice we had a chance to talk .
We chuckled about some stories , and he never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just found out today that he passed from cancer .
He refused to take the chemo the second time around .
For me , it was typical Dick Allen , ' I 've had enough . '
And when he has enough , he moves on . ''
Allen finished his career .292 with 351 home runs and 1,119 RBI .
The right-handed slugger was the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year after batting .318 , hitting 29 homers and driving in 91 runs for Philadelphia .
Allen was expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Golden Days Committee this weekend , but the vote was pushed back to next December due to the coronavirus pandemic .
After hitting 204 of his career home runs with the Phillies , Allen would likely represent Philadelphia if he does make it to Cooperstown .
`` The Phillies are heartbroken over the passing today of our dear friend and co-worker , Dick Allen , '' the team said in a statement .
`` Dick will be remembered as not just one of the greatest and most popular players in our franchise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courageous warrior who had to overcome far too many obstacles to reach the level he did .
Dick 's iconic status will resonate for generations of baseball fans to come as one of the all-time greats to play America 's pastime . ''
Known for skipping batting practice and showing up 30 minutes before first pitch , smoking cigarettes in the dugout and swinging a bat as big as a tree stump , Allen was a larger-than-life character as well as a feared hitter .
`` When you watched him play , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Melton said .
`` He could 've stole 30 bases if he wanted .
He did n't want to .
He could 've hit more home runs .
He did n't want to .
The most excited he got is when he took a line drive with that 40¾-ounce bat and hit a one-hopper to the shortstop and knocked him into left field .
He would get on first base , and he would chuckle .
`` Dick did n't say a lot .
When he liked you , he 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit and that 'd be about it .
But he had a really unique way of setting positive things in your mind .
`` In the clubhouse , he was beloved by ( Pat ) Kelly , Carlos May , I could go on and on .
But I think we all enjoyed the three years we had with him .
We obviously learned a lot about baseball , how to play in tough situations .
Dick was just beloved by all of us . ''

Chicago White Sox legend Dick Allen dies at 78
Former White Sox slugger Dick Allen sits before a display of Allen memorabilia as he talks to reporters during a news conference on his return to town for a rare appearance promoting the 40th anniversary of his MVP season in June 2012. Associated Press
Former White Sox first baseman Dick Allen died Monday at his home in Pennsylvania, his family announced on his Twitter account. He was 78.
"With sadness in our hearts, we need to share that Dick passed away this afternoon at his home in Wampum," the tweet read.
Allen played 15 major-league seasons with the Phillies (1963-69, 1975-76), Cardinals (1970), Dodgers (1971), White Sox (1972-74) and Athletics (1977).
A seven-time all-star, Allen was voted American League MVP in 1972 when he batted .308/.420/.603 with 37 home runs and 113 RBI while leading the Sox to an 87-67 record and second-place finish in the AL West.
Allen led the league in homers, RBI and OPS that season while becoming the second player in franchise history to garner MVP honors. Nellie Fox was the White Sox's first MVP, in 1959.
Bill Melton was Allen's Sox teammate for three years, and the two recently talked.
"Thank God, I finally got a hold of him about a week ago," Melton said. "We spent about a half-hour on the phone. Dick, he chuckles a lot. He never told me what was wrong with him. I just heard from a writer who did his book, he was struggling in the hospital, you've got to call Willa (Allen's wife).
"Willa put me through to him right away. Dick's not going to talk to everybody, but it was nice we had a chance to talk. We chuckled about some stories, and he never uttered once about his condition. I just found out today that he passed from cancer. He refused to take the chemo the second time around. For me, it was typical Dick Allen, 'I've had enough.' And when he has enough, he moves on."
Allen finished his career .292 with 351 home runs and 1,119 RBI.
The right-handed slugger was the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year after batting .318, hitting 29 homers and driving in 91 runs for Philadelphia.
Allen was expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Golden Days Committee this weekend, but the vote was pushed back to next December due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After hitting 204 of his career home runs with the Phillies, Allen would likely represent Philadelphia if he does make it to Cooperstown.
"The Phillies are heartbroken over the passing today of our dear friend and co-worker, Dick Allen," the team said in a statement. "Dick will be remembered as not just one of the greatest and most popular players in our franchise's history, but also as a courageous warrior who had to overcome far too many obstacles to reach the level he did. Dick's iconic status will resonate for generations of baseball fans to come as one of the all-time greats to play America's pastime."
Known for skipping batting practice and showing up 30 minutes before first pitch, smoking cigarettes in the dugout and swinging a bat as big as a tree stump, Allen was a larger-than-life character as well as a feared hitter.
"When you watched him play, you couldn't believe what he could do," Melton said. "He could've stole 30 bases if he wanted. He didn't want to. He could've hit more home runs. He didn't want to. The most excited he got is when he took a line drive with that 40¾-ounce bat and hit a one-hopper to the shortstop and knocked him into left field. He would get on first base, and he would chuckle.
"Dick didn't say a lot. When he liked you, he'd come up and talk to you a little bit and that'd be about it. But he had a really unique way of setting positive things in your mind.
"In the clubhouse, he was beloved by (Pat) Kelly, Carlos May, I could go on and on. But I think we all enjoyed the three years we had with him. We obviously learned a lot about baseball, how to play in tough situations. Dick was just beloved by all of us."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--AP sources: Biden picks Lloyd Austin as secretary of defense

WASHINGTON -- President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense , according to four people familiar with the decision .
If confirmed by the Senate , Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon .
Biden selected Austin over the longtime front-runner candidate , Michele Flournoy , a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary .
Biden also had considered Jeh Johnson , a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defense .
The impending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with knowledge of the pick who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the selection had n't been formally announced .
As a career military officer , the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon .
Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military , only two -- George C. Marshall and James Mattis -- have been career officers .
Marshall also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mattis , Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary .
The laws were meant to preserve the civilian nature of the Department of Defense .
Austin is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served 41 years in uniform .
Biden has known Austin at least since the general 's years leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq while Biden was vice president .
Austin was commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2010 through 2011 .
Austin also served in 2012 as the first Black vice chief of staff of the Army , the service 's No .
2-ranking position .
A year later he assumed command of U.S. Central Command , where he fashioned and began implementing a U.S. military strategy for rolling back the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria .
Austin retired from the Army in 2016 , and he would need a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that a former member of the military be out of uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of defense .
That waiver has been granted only twice -- most recently in the case of Mattis , the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump 's first Pentagon chief .
The Mattis period at the Pentagon is now viewed by some as evidence of why a recently retired military officer should serve as defense secretary only in rare exceptions .
Although Mattis remains widely respected for his military prowess and intellect , critics say he tended to surround himself with military officers at the expense of a broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 in protest of Trump 's policies .
Austin has a reputation for strong leadership , integrity and a sharp intellect .
He would not be a prototypical defense secretary , not just because of his 41-year military career but also because he has shied from the public eye .
It would be an understatement to say he was a quiet general ; although he testified before Congress , he gave few interviews and preferred not to speak publicly about military operations .
When he did speak , Austin did not mince words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State army managed a year earlier to sweep across the Syrian border to grab control of large swaths of northern and western Iraq , Austin said the majority of Iraqi Sunnis simply refused to fight for their government .
`` They allowed -- and in some cases facilitated -- ISIS 's push through the country , '' Austin said .
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his work in Iraq and at Central Command , although he disagreed with Obama 's decision to pull out of Iraq entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Iraq War from start to finish .
He served as an assistant commander of the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and oversaw the withdrawal in 2011 .
When Austin retired in 2016 , Obama praised his `` character and competence , '' as well as his judgment and leadership .
Like many retired generals , Austin has served on corporate boards .
He is a member of the board of directors of Raytheon Technologies .

AP sources: Biden picks Lloyd Austin as secretary of defense
FILE -- In this Sept. 16, 2015, photo, U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin III, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense. That's according to three people familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn't been formally announced. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense, according to four people familiar with the decision. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon.
Biden selected Austin over the longtime front-runner candidate, Michele Flournoy, a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary. Biden also had considered Jeh Johnson, a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defense.
The impending nomination of Austin was confirmed by four people with knowledge of the pick who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the selection hadn't been formally announced.
As a career military officer, the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon. Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military, only two -- George C. Marshall and James Mattis -- have been career officers. Marshall also served as secretary of state.
Like Mattis, Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary. The laws were meant to preserve the civilian nature of the Department of Defense.
Austin is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served 41 years in uniform.
Biden has known Austin at least since the general's years leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq while Biden was vice president. Austin was commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president, and he returned to lead U.S. troops from 2010 through 2011.
Austin also served in 2012 as the first Black vice chief of staff of the Army, the service's No. 2-ranking position. A year later he assumed command of U.S. Central Command, where he fashioned and began implementing a U.S. military strategy for rolling back the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
Austin retired from the Army in 2016, and he would need a congressional waiver of the legal requirement that a former member of the military be out of uniform at least seven years before serving as secretary of defense. That waiver has been granted only twice -- most recently in the case of Mattis, the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump's first Pentagon chief.
The Mattis period at the Pentagon is now viewed by some as evidence of why a recently retired military officer should serve as defense secretary only in rare exceptions. Although Mattis remains widely respected for his military prowess and intellect, critics say he tended to surround himself with military officers at the expense of a broader civilian perspective. He resigned in December 2018 in protest of Trump's policies.
Austin has a reputation for strong leadership, integrity and a sharp intellect. He would not be a prototypical defense secretary, not just because of his 41-year military career but also because he has shied from the public eye. It would be an understatement to say he was a quiet general; although he testified before Congress, he gave few interviews and preferred not to speak publicly about military operations.
When he did speak, Austin did not mince words. In 2015, in describing how the Islamic State army managed a year earlier to sweep across the Syrian border to grab control of large swaths of northern and western Iraq, Austin said the majority of Iraqi Sunnis simply refused to fight for their government.
"They allowed -- and in some cases facilitated -- ISIS's push through the country," Austin said.
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his work in Iraq and at Central Command, although he disagreed with Obama's decision to pull out of Iraq entirely in December 2011.
Austin was involved in the Iraq War from start to finish. He served as an assistant commander of the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and oversaw the withdrawal in 2011. When Austin retired in 2016, Obama praised his "character and competence," as well as his judgment and leadership.
Like many retired generals, Austin has served on corporate boards. He is a member of the board of directors of Raytheon Technologies.
Politico first reported Biden's selection of Austin.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--O'Hare at the center of life or death vaccine logistics

The name of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was incorrect in earlier versions .
O'Hare International Airport is best known for reuniting people and connecting business travelers , but in the near future , it will command attention for helping deliver shipments of a very precious cargo .
And not only the nation 's busiest airport , but the region 's highways will be a crucial conduit in the supply chain involving billions of COVID-19 vaccines headed to Chicago , the suburbs and across the country .
`` Moving the vaccine through its complex supply chain at the desired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the special handling requirements , '' Northwestern University Transportation Center Director Hani S. Mahmassani said .
`` Any kind of major logistical plans for the U.S. are going to involve Chicago as a hub .
We already know that O'Hare is playing a critical role . ''
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule in the coming days on granting an emergency use for COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna Inc. That could mean inoculations coming to health care workers as soon as the third week of December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
United and American airlines are used to conveying flu vaccines .
But the COVID-19 specimens are high-maintenance , particularly Pfizer 's version that requires storage in temperatures of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit .
If the FDA grants approval , 20 million doses could be distributed in December , with 60 million in January and 100 million in February , officials with the federal government 's Operation Warp Speed said Thursday .
For months , airlines , trucking and freight companies , plus state , federal and local agencies , have strategized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna manufacturing plants to the U.S. '' If we woke up to the news of there being a viable vaccine earlier this month and just then decided we wanted to help distribute it around the world -- it would have been impossible , '' United officials stated .
In March , the carrier pivoted to run more cargo-only flights and has been troubleshooting with shipping container providers so it 's poised to offer more than 15 container options and `` can support a variety of temperature needs whether ambient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines in November began conducting trial flights on Boeing 777-200s between Miami and South America to test the durability of cooling containers for a COVID-19 vaccine .
Those include high-tech containers with temperature controls or standard ones that use dry ice .
One 777-200 aircraft has the capacity to hold more than 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine , a United spokeswoman said .
Transporting vaccines once an aircraft touches down is another moving part .
With COVID-19 vaccines , `` you 're moving a lot of product very fast , '' Mahmassani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on any old truck .
You have to be sure all the handoffs are taking place correctly . ''
FedEx is coordinating with the Operation Warp Speed vaccine team , spokeswoman Shannon Davis said .
`` For more than a decade we have shipped flu vaccines each flu season , '' she noted .
`` To complement our existing cold chain capabilities in support of the vaccine distribution , we have added ultracold freezers , and enhanced our freezer and refrigerator capacity . ''
Currently , a large shipment of vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC to give the word for distribution that will be based on federal guidelines , Mahmassani noted .
Complicating matters will be increased holiday deliveries and winter weather putting a strain on the transportation chain .
`` ( Vaccine distributors ) will mostly be relying on specialized refrigerated trucks -- and those who own those likely have agreements in place for the vaccine , '' Mahmassani said .
`` Overall the capacity is tight , as demand is high during this period of the year , but those carriers that have committed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time comes .
The vaccine will take priority over other products so delays may affect other types of less critical goods . ''
You should know The Illinois tollway is ending a program of reduced fines at midnight Dec. 30 .
The reductions were put in place in June as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Fines will increase from the temporary rate of $ 3 per missed toll back to $ 20 .
Drivers seeking to renew licenses and vehicle registrations will need to postpone in-person visits to the secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Jesse White announced last week because of the spike in cases .

O'Hare at the center of life or death vaccine logistics
A vial of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer is shown in Puurs, Belgium. Associated Press
Cold storage containers, which might accommodate COVID-19 vaccines soon, are loaded onto a United Airlines jet. Courtesy of United Airlines
A United Airlines employee checks a cold-storage container. The carrier will be transporting COVID-19 vaccines, which must be kept at extremely cold temperatures. Courtesy of United Airlines
The name of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was incorrect in earlier versions.
O'Hare International Airport is best known for reuniting people and connecting business travelers, but in the near future, it will command attention for helping deliver shipments of a very precious cargo.
And not only the nation's busiest airport, but the region's highways will be a crucial conduit in the supply chain involving billions of COVID-19 vaccines headed to Chicago, the suburbs and across the country.
"Moving the vaccine through its complex supply chain at the desired national and global scales poses unprecedented challenges due to the special handling requirements," Northwestern University Transportation Center Director Hani S. Mahmassani said.
"Any kind of major logistical plans for the U.S. are going to involve Chicago as a hub. We already know that O'Hare is playing a critical role."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule in the coming days on granting an emergency use for COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna Inc. That could mean inoculations coming to health care workers as soon as the third week of December, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday.
United and American airlines are used to conveying flu vaccines. But the COVID-19 specimens are high-maintenance, particularly Pfizer's version that requires storage in temperatures of minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the FDA grants approval, 20 million doses could be distributed in December, with 60 million in January and 100 million in February, officials with the federal government's Operation Warp Speed said Thursday.
For months, airlines, trucking and freight companies, plus state, federal and local agencies, have strategized the logistics of conveying massive shipments of temperamental vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna manufacturing plants to the U.S.
"If we woke up to the news of there being a viable vaccine earlier this month and just then decided we wanted to help distribute it around the world -- it would have been impossible," United officials stated.
In March, the carrier pivoted to run more cargo-only flights and has been troubleshooting with shipping container providers so it's poised to offer more than 15 container options and "can support a variety of temperature needs whether ambient, cool or frozen."
American Airlines in November began conducting trial flights on Boeing 777-200s between Miami and South America to test the durability of cooling containers for a COVID-19 vaccine. Those include high-tech containers with temperature controls or standard ones that use dry ice.
One 777-200 aircraft has the capacity to hold more than 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, a United spokeswoman said.
Transporting vaccines once an aircraft touches down is another moving part.
With COVID-19 vaccines, "you're moving a lot of product very fast," Mahmassani said. "You cannot put it on any old truck. You have to be sure all the handoffs are taking place correctly."
FedEx is coordinating with the Operation Warp Speed vaccine team, spokeswoman Shannon Davis said.
"For more than a decade we have shipped flu vaccines each flu season," she noted. "To complement our existing cold chain capabilities in support of the vaccine distribution, we have added ultracold freezers, and enhanced our freezer and refrigerator capacity."
Currently, a large shipment of vaccine is waiting in a Kenosha warehouse for the CDC to give the word for distribution that will be based on federal guidelines, Mahmassani noted.
Complicating matters will be increased holiday deliveries and winter weather putting a strain on the transportation chain.
"(Vaccine distributors) will mostly be relying on specialized refrigerated trucks -- and those who own those likely have agreements in place for the vaccine," Mahmassani said.
"Overall the capacity is tight, as demand is high during this period of the year, but those carriers that have committed the capacity will make it available when the time comes. The vaccine will take priority over other products so delays may affect other types of less critical goods."
You should know
The Illinois tollway is ending a program of reduced fines at midnight Dec. 30. The reductions were put in place in June as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fines will increase from the temporary rate of $3 per missed toll back to $20.
One more thing
Drivers seeking to renew licenses and vehicle registrations will need to postpone in-person visits to the secretary of state facilities until Jan. 5, Secretary of State Jesse White announced last week because of the spike in cases.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Families file lawsuit claiming crematory ashes mixed up; infant's remains missing

For nearly five months , Georgic Byrd displayed , mourned over and spoke to an urn she believed contained the ashes of her infant daughter .
Byrd said she later learned the ashes in her living room were the cremated remains of another man 's mother .
Compounding her shock was the realization that the woman 's son , David Hill , filed a police report alleging Byrd had stolen the ashes .
The pair resolved the misunderstanding shortly after but neither has heard from the funeral home since .
Now both Byrd , of Carpentersville , and Hill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home .
The Algonquin business is accused of mistakenly releasing 72-year-old Laura Lee Hill 's ashes and never returning the cremated remains belonging to Byrd 's 4-month-old daughter .
`` I just need justice right now because I still do n't have my daughter and I need her home , '' Byrd said .
Chicago attorney Robert Shelist filed the lawsuit Nov. 18 on behalf of Byrd and Hill .
The 25-page civil complaint seeks punitive and financial damages for alleged negligence and violations of the Illinois Crematory Regulatory Act and the Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` These two families entrusted the bodies of their dead relatives to a funeral home , '' Shelist said .
`` It 's a sacred trust and bond , and they were promised to be given the ashes of their loved ones and that trust in their services was completely violated . ''
Willow Funeral Home could not be reached for comment .
The business , located at 1415 W. Algonquin Road , had not hired an attorney as of Friday , court records show .
The funeral director at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to an obituary on the business ' website .
The situation began April 10 when the funeral home contacted Byrd and advised that her daughter 's ashes were ready for pickup , according to the lawsuit .
Byrd 's daughter , Taliyah Wright , was born prematurely by emergency C-section on Nov. 24 , 2019 .
A later MRI scan confirmed that Taliyah was suffering a type of newborn brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow .
For the next five months , Byrd and her four other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old , made trips to the intensive care unit to visit with Taliyah before her March 19 death .
Devastated , Byrd signed a release authorizing Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to transport Taliyah to Willow Funeral Home for cremation .
`` I 'm still hurt , and I still do n't have my daughter to this day , '' Byrd said .
Meanwhile , David Hill had entered into a contract with Willow Funeral Home for cremation services costing $ 1,947 , according to the lawsuit .
When he called to pick up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 'd been released to someone else .
`` I called ( the funeral home ) and said , 'Hey , I think we 're ready to do a homecoming service and we want to pick up the urn , ' and he was like , 'You already picked it up , ' '' Hill said .
`` I 'm like , 'What are you talking about ? '
`` Hill said a funeral home employee was adamant that Hill 's wife authorized a relative to pick up the ashes .
Reached by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she did no such thing .
When the funeral home showed Hill a receipt that included a copy of Byrd 's driver 's license , he filed a police report , afraid that someone might have stolen his mother 's ashes .
Byrd had a portion of what she believed were her daughter 's ashes encased in necklaces for her other children .
She also placed the urn among a memorial to Taliyah in their Carpentersville apartment , she said .
`` I thought I had her , '' Byrd said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That all changed Aug. 17 when Hill contacted Byrd and she learned about the police report filed against her .
`` I was like , 'Oh my God , am I going to go to jail ? '
`` Byrd said .
She and Hill met that day and exchanged the ashes .
They later went to the Algonquin Police Department together and withdrew the complaint against Byrd , Hill said .
For months , COVID-19 prevented Hill from visiting his mother in the nursing home where she died from complications from Alzheimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately hosted over Zoom were n't the closure he had hoped for , he said .
`` I was happy to have something , '' he said .
`` But it was n't what I wanted , what she deserved . ''
Byrd said she no longer can stand to look at the memorial she had set up in Taliyah 's honor .
`` Still when I come down and look at it , it just does n't feel right because I know I still do n't have my daughter at home with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Families file lawsuit claiming crematory ashes mixed up; infant's remains missing
For nearly five months, Georgic Byrd displayed, mourned over and spoke to an urn she believed contained the ashes of her infant daughter.
Byrd said she later learned the ashes in her living room were the cremated remains of another man's mother. Compounding her shock was the realization that the woman's son, David Hill, filed a police report alleging Byrd had stolen the ashes.
The pair resolved the misunderstanding shortly after but neither has heard from the funeral home since. Now both Byrd, of Carpentersville, and Hill, of McHenry, are suing Willow Funeral Home. The Algonquin business is accused of mistakenly releasing 72-year-old Laura Lee Hill's ashes and never returning the cremated remains belonging to Byrd's 4-month-old daughter.
"I just need justice right now because I still don't have my daughter and I need her home," Byrd said.
Chicago attorney Robert Shelist filed the lawsuit Nov. 18 on behalf of Byrd and Hill. The 25-page civil complaint seeks punitive and financial damages for alleged negligence and violations of the Illinois Crematory Regulatory Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
"These two families entrusted the bodies of their dead relatives to a funeral home," Shelist said. "It's a sacred trust and bond, and they were promised to be given the ashes of their loved ones and that trust in their services was completely violated."
Willow Funeral Home could not be reached for comment. The business, located at 1415 W. Algonquin Road, had not hired an attorney as of Friday, court records show. The funeral director at the time of the two deaths has since died, according to an obituary on the business' website.
The situation began April 10 when the funeral home contacted Byrd and advised that her daughter's ashes were ready for pickup, according to the lawsuit.
Byrd's daughter, Taliyah Wright, was born prematurely by emergency C-section on Nov. 24, 2019.
A later MRI scan confirmed that Taliyah was suffering a type of newborn brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow.
For the next five months, Byrd and her four other children, aged 2 to 6 years old, made trips to the intensive care unit to visit with Taliyah before her March 19 death. Devastated, Byrd signed a release authorizing Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to transport Taliyah to Willow Funeral Home for cremation.
"I'm still hurt, and I still don't have my daughter to this day," Byrd said.
Meanwhile, David Hill had entered into a contract with Willow Funeral Home for cremation services costing $1,947, according to the lawsuit. When he called to pick up the ashes in July, he learned they'd been released to someone else.
"I called (the funeral home) and said, 'Hey, I think we're ready to do a homecoming service and we want to pick up the urn,' and he was like, 'You already picked it up,'" Hill said. "I'm like, 'What are you talking about?' "
Hill said a funeral home employee was adamant that Hill's wife authorized a relative to pick up the ashes. Reached by phone Friday, Hill's wife said she did no such thing. When the funeral home showed Hill a receipt that included a copy of Byrd's driver's license, he filed a police report, afraid that someone might have stolen his mother's ashes.
Byrd had a portion of what she believed were her daughter's ashes encased in necklaces for her other children. She also placed the urn among a memorial to Taliyah in their Carpentersville apartment, she said.
"I thought I had her," Byrd said. "I had her on display."
That all changed Aug. 17 when Hill contacted Byrd and she learned about the police report filed against her.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, am I going to go to jail?' " Byrd said.
She and Hill met that day and exchanged the ashes. They later went to the Algonquin Police Department together and withdrew the complaint against Byrd, Hill said.
For months, COVID-19 prevented Hill from visiting his mother in the nursing home where she died from complications from Alzheimer's disease. The memorial services he ultimately hosted over Zoom weren't the closure he had hoped for, he said.
"I was happy to have something," he said. "But it wasn't what I wanted, what she deserved."
Byrd said she no longer can stand to look at the memorial she had set up in Taliyah's honor.
"Still when I come down and look at it, it just doesn't feel right because I know I still don't have my daughter at home with me right now," Byrd said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Four gold coins worth $2,700 found in Salvation Army kettles in suburbs

Donors have dropped four gold coins worth nearly $ 2,700 in Salvation Army red kettles in Crystal Lake and Huntley .
The donations `` will make a significant impact in a year of unprecedented need , '' a spokeswoman said .
Bell ringers discovered a 1-ounce gold South African Krugerrand , worth an estimated $ 2,000 , had been dropped into a kettle Friday outside Jewel-Osco on Village Green Drive in Huntley .
The same day , three coins were dropped in a kettle outside the Jewel-Osco at 6140 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake .
They were a 1/10 ounce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 225 , a 1/10 ounce 2013 American Gold Eagle coin worth an estimated $ 230 and a 1/10 ounce $ 5 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin worth an estimated $ 230 .
Last week , an anonymous donor dropped another Krugerrand into a Salvation Army red kettle outside Casey 's Foods at 124 W. Gartner Road in Naperville .
`` Seeing the gold coins in the kettles brings an excitement to the season as well as a sense of honor in knowing people in our community trust The Salvation Army to support their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Owen , corps officer for The Salvation Army of McHenry County .
`` The kindness of these benefactors helps to put food on the table and keep the lights on for our neighbors in need . ''
The Salvation Army 's red kettle campaign dates back to 1891 and for years some donors have slipped in valuable coins .
Last year , four gold coins valued at $ 5,700 were placed in the Salvation Army kettle at the same Crystal Lake Jewel-Osco , and two others appeared at the Mariano 's grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donations to the red kettle campaign are used to help those in need locally .
Some Salvation Army locations have seen a fivefold increase in requests for food and emergency assistance this year , Owen said in a news release .
All money donated to the red kettles stays local .
Donations , including the valuable gold coins , help fund programming year-round .
For more information and to donate online , see www.salarmychristmas.org .

Four gold coins worth $2,700 found in Salvation Army kettles in suburbs
A Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin worth an estimated $230 was dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle in Crystal Lake. Salvation Army
A gold South African Krugerrand, worth an estimated $2,000, was dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle in Huntley. Salvation Army
An Australian gold nugget worth an estimated $225 was dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle in Crystal Lake. Salvation Army
An American Gold Eagle coin worth an estimated $230 was dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle in Crystal Lake. Salvation Army
Donors have dropped four gold coins worth nearly $2,700 in Salvation Army red kettles in Crystal Lake and Huntley.
The donations "will make a significant impact in a year of unprecedented need," a spokeswoman said.
Bell ringers discovered a 1-ounce gold South African Krugerrand, worth an estimated $2,000, had been dropped into a kettle Friday outside Jewel-Osco on Village Green Drive in Huntley.
The same day, three coins were dropped in a kettle outside the Jewel-Osco at 6140 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake. They were a 1/10 ounce Australian gold nugget worth an estimated $225, a
1/10 ounce 2013 American Gold Eagle coin worth an estimated $230 and a 1/10 ounce $5 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin worth an estimated $230.
Last week, an anonymous donor dropped another Krugerrand into a Salvation Army red kettle outside Casey's Foods at 124 W. Gartner Road in Naperville.
"Seeing the gold coins in the kettles brings an excitement to the season as well as a sense of honor in knowing people in our community trust The Salvation Army to support their neighbors who are struggling," said Barbara Owen, corps officer for The Salvation Army of McHenry County. "The kindness of these benefactors helps to put food on the table and keep the lights on for our neighbors in need."
The Salvation Army's red kettle campaign dates back to 1891 and for years some donors have slipped in valuable coins.
Last year, four gold coins valued at $5,700 were placed in the Salvation Army kettle at the same Crystal Lake Jewel-Osco, and two others appeared at the Mariano's grocery store in Park Ridge.
Owen said donations to the red kettle campaign are used to help those in need locally. Some Salvation Army locations have seen a fivefold increase in requests for food and emergency assistance this year, Owen said in a news release.
All money donated to the red kettles stays local. Donations, including the valuable gold coins, help fund programming year-round. For more information and to donate online, see www.salarmychristmas.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Pearl Harbor dead remembered in ceremony shrunk by pandemic

HONOLULU ( AP ) -- U.S. servicemen and women and National Park Service officials gathered at Pearl Harbor on Monday to remember those killed in the attack -- but elderly survivors stayed home to pay their respects from afar to avoid health risks from the coronavirus pandemic .
The USS Arizona battleship bell rang at 7:55 a.m. , the minute the attack began 79 years ago , to start a moment of silence .
F-22 jets then flew overhead in missing man formation .
The Arizona today lies at the bottom of the harbor , where it sank shortly being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost 1,177 sailors and Marines , including more than 900 who remain entombed on board .
The U.S. military streamed the ceremony live online for survivors and others unable to attend in person .
`` I think what we see today here is the resolve , despite a pandemic , for us to be able to pay our respects , to thank the greatest generation , '' said Adm. John Aquilino , the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet , said in his keynote address .
`` It also is a reminder to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Marines performing a rifle salute wore black masks during the ceremony , which featured a smaller crowd than in typical years .
Aquilino highlighted the story of Doris Miller , a mess attendant on board the USS West Virginia , who carried wounded shipmates to safety and manned a 50-caliber gun returning fire until he ran out of ammunition .
He continued to pull wounded sailors to safety even after an order to abandon ship .
The Navy awarded Miller the Navy Cross for his heroism in 1942 .
Earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrier after him .
`` Today , a grateful nation reflects upon those who went above and beyond .
We honor their service .
We remember their sacrifice , and we pledge to continue striving for a better and safer world , '' Aquilino said .
Altogether more than 2,300 U.S. troops died in the attack .
Warren Upton , a 101-year-old who served on the USS Utah , understood why he could not attend in person this year .
`` I think it 's too bad , but it 's for safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in San Jose , California , before Monday 's ceremony Moments before the attack , Upton was getting ready to shave when he felt the first torpedo hit the Utah .
No one on board knew what made the ship shake .
Then , the second torpedo hit and the ship began to list and capsize .
Upton swam ashore to Ford Island , where he jumped in a trench to avoid Japanese plans strafing the area .
He stayed for about 30 minutes until a truck came and took him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind talking about that day .
What upsets him more is that he lost shipmates over the years .
He said only three crew members of the Utah are still alive , including himself .

Pearl Harbor dead remembered in ceremony shrunk by pandemic
A military color guard participates Monday in a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Officials gathered in Pearl Harbor to remember those killed in the 1941 Japanese attack, but public health measures adopted because of the coronavirus pandemic meant no survivors were present. The military broadcast video of the ceremony live online for survivors and members of the public to watch from afar. A moment of silence was held at 7:55 a.m., the same time the attack began 79 years ago. Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) -- U.S. servicemen and women and National Park Service officials gathered at Pearl Harbor on Monday to remember those killed in the attack -- but elderly survivors stayed home to pay their respects from afar to avoid health risks from the coronavirus pandemic.
The USS Arizona battleship bell rang at 7:55 a.m., the minute the attack began 79 years ago, to start a moment of silence. F-22 jets then flew overhead in missing man formation.
The Arizona today lies at the bottom of the harbor, where it sank shortly being hit by two bombs. The battleship lost 1,177 sailors and Marines, including more than 900 who remain entombed on board.
The U.S. military streamed the ceremony live online for survivors and others unable to attend in person.
"I think what we see today here is the resolve, despite a pandemic, for us to be able to pay our respects, to thank the greatest generation," said Adm. John Aquilino, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said in his keynote address. "It also is a reminder to all that nothing will stop us."
Marines performing a rifle salute wore black masks during the ceremony, which featured a smaller crowd than in typical years.
Aquilino highlighted the story of Doris Miller, a mess attendant on board the USS West Virginia, who carried wounded shipmates to safety and manned a 50-caliber gun returning fire until he ran out of ammunition.
He continued to pull wounded sailors to safety even after an order to abandon ship. The Navy awarded Miller the Navy Cross for his heroism in 1942. Earlier this year, the Navy named its newest aircraft carrier after him.
"Today, a grateful nation reflects upon those who went above and beyond. We honor their service. We remember their sacrifice, and we pledge to continue striving for a better and safer world," Aquilino said.
Altogether more than 2,300 U.S. troops died in the attack.
Warren Upton, a 101-year-old who served on the USS Utah, understood why he could not attend in person this year.
"I think it's too bad, but it's for safety reasons," Upton said from his home in San Jose, California, before Monday's ceremony
Moments before the attack, Upton was getting ready to shave when he felt the first torpedo hit the Utah. No one on board knew what made the ship shake. Then, the second torpedo hit and the ship began to list and capsize.
Upton swam ashore to Ford Island, where he jumped in a trench to avoid Japanese plans strafing the area. He stayed for about 30 minutes until a truck came and took him to safety.
Utpon said he doesn't mind talking about that day. What upsets him more is that he lost shipmates over the years. He said only three crew members of the Utah are still alive, including himself.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--US credit card balances fall, though overall borrowing rises

WASHINGTON -- U.S. consumers took out more auto and student loans in October , but cut back on credit card borrowing , a sign that they remain cautious about spending amid a spike in virus cases .
The Federal Reserve said Monday that consumer borrowing rose 2.1 % in October to $ 4.16 trillion , pushed higher by a 4.8 % jump in a category mostly made up of student and auto loans .
Credit card borrowing fell 6.7 % .
The figures suggest that consumers have n't fully recovered from the pandemic recession .
Overall borrowing is still 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balances on credit cards are still down nearly 11 % compared with their level in February , before the pandemic intensified .
The economy rebounded quickly in the July-September quarter from the spring business shutdowns , but growth has slowed in the fall .
Consumer spending rose in October , according to the Commerce Department , but that increase was the smallest since April , which was the peak of business closures .
Consumer confidence fell in November , according to a survey by the Conference Board , potentially discouraging spending in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowing patterns for signals of how willing households are to take on more debt to finance consumer spending , which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity .
There have been other signs of slower growth .
On Friday , the government said that hiring slowed in November to its weakest pace since the pandemic struck .
The unemployment rate fell to 6.7 % , from 6.9 % , but mostly because many Americans gave up on searching for work and were n't counted as unemployed .

US credit card balances fall, though overall borrowing rises
A long row of unsold 2020 Stelvio sports-utility vehicles sits at an Alfa Romeo dealership, Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Highlands Ranch, Colo. U.S. consumers took out more auto and student loans in October 2020, but cut back on credit card borrowing, a sign that they remain cautious about spending amid a spike in coronavirus cases. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- U.S. consumers took out more auto and student loans in October, but cut back on credit card borrowing, a sign that they remain cautious about spending amid a spike in virus cases.
The Federal Reserve said Monday that consumer borrowing rose 2.1% in October to $4.16 trillion, pushed higher by a 4.8% jump in a category mostly made up of student and auto loans. Credit card borrowing fell 6.7%.
The figures suggest that consumers haven't fully recovered from the pandemic recession. Overall borrowing is still 1% below its pre-pandemic level. Outstanding balances on credit cards are still down nearly 11% compared with their level in February, before the pandemic intensified.
The economy rebounded quickly in the July-September quarter from the spring business shutdowns, but growth has slowed in the fall. Consumer spending rose in October, according to the Commerce Department, but that increase was the smallest since April, which was the peak of business closures.
Consumer confidence fell in November, according to a survey by the Conference Board, potentially discouraging spending in the coming months.
Economists closely watch consumer borrowing patterns for signals of how willing households are to take on more debt to finance consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity.
There have been other signs of slower growth. On Friday, the government said that hiring slowed in November to its weakest pace since the pandemic struck. The unemployment rate fell to 6.7%, from 6.9%, but mostly because many Americans gave up on searching for work and weren't counted as unemployed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--NFL suspends Tart, Williams for stepping on opponents

NEW YORK -- The NFL on Monday suspended Titans defensive end Teair Tart and Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams for @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
Both have until mid-week to appeal their suspensions .
Jon Runyan , the @ @ @ @ @ football operations , issued the one-game suspensions without pay for violations Sunday of the NFL @ @ @ @ @ and unsportsmanlike conduct .
Tart 's violation occurred with 8:25 remaining in the second quarter @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland when he stepped on guard Wyatt Teller .
Williams ' infraction took place in @ @ @ @ @ first half of Cincinnati 's game at Miami on Sunday when he stepped on guard @ @ @ @ @ ejected following an ensuing fight .
Tart will miss Tennessee 's game against Jacksonville and @ @ @ @ @ ' game against Dallas next weekend .

NFL suspends Tart, Williams for stepping on opponents
Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams (36) is escorted off the field after he was disqualified following a fight during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Associated Press
NEW YORK -- The NFL on Monday suspended Titans defensive end Teair Tart and Bengals strong safety Shawn Williams for unnecessarily stepping on opponents last weekend.
Both have until mid-week to appeal their suspensions.
Jon Runyan, the league's vice president of football operations, issued the one-game suspensions without pay for violations Sunday of the NFL's rules regarding unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Tart's violation occurred with 8:25 remaining in the second quarter of Tennessee's game at Cleveland when he stepped on guard Wyatt Teller.
Williams' infraction took place in the final minute of the first half of Cincinnati's game at Miami on Sunday when he stepped on guard Solomon Kindley. Williams was ejected following an ensuing fight.
Tart will miss Tennessee's game against Jacksonville and Williams will miss the Bengals' game against Dallas next weekend.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Local hospitals ready 'to do whatever we can' as vaccine hubs

Workers at several suburban hospitals are rolling up their sleeves in anticipation of the arrival of Pfizer Inc. COVID-19 vaccines -- possibly this week -- which will then be dispersed around the region to vaccinate health care workers .
Ten hospitals in the suburbs and elsewhere in Illinois are designated as receiver hubs for the COVID-19 vaccine .
The 10 hospitals were `` identified prior to the pandemic as regional health centers that work with the Illinois Department of Public Health , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said at a Monday briefing .
Chicago will handle vaccines separately .
Northshore-Highland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has high-tech freezers ready for the Pfizer vaccine that requires storage at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit .
The hospital is `` anxiously waiting , '' NorthShore University Health System Vice President of Pharmacy Jeff Thiel said .
If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules in favor of the Pfizer vaccine , 109,000 initial doses will come to Illinois , with 23,000 allocated to Chicago and 86,000 to the rest of the state .
With many moving parts , `` there is no perfect plan , '' IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakeholders to resolve logistics .
As an example , NorthShore is expected to receive and safely store 27,300 doses that will be shared with other hospitals in the region .
How the vaccine is divided will be up to the IDPH and public health departments in Cook and Lake counties , Thiel said .
Once allocations are decided , those doses will be transported to the recipient hospitals .
And that 's just the beginning .
`` We are likely to see hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses coming to Illinois in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital is Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood , which is expecting 16,575 doses .
Chief Clinical Officer Richard Freeman said the hospital is `` still waiting on final details '' and `` that 's not unusual .
It 's something we have n't done ... any of it .
There are going to be things that are last minute .
But we 're prepared and willing to work with the state and the federal government to do whatever we can to make this work , '' he said .
Other hospital hubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn , Rockford Memorial Hospital , OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria , St. John 's Hospital in Springfield , Memorial Hospital in Belleville , SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana .
Meanwhile , new COVID-19 infections are inching up in the aftermath of Thanksgiving , data trends showed .
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 8,691 additional COVID-19 cases Monday with 90 more people dying from the respiratory disease .
But weekly tallies shows new virus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , a 13.4 % increase compared to 8,812 cases from Nov. 24 through Nov. 30 .
Medical experts have warned of a possible virus spike related to Thanksgiving celebrations .
The number of patients in Illinois hospitals with COVID-19 came to 5,190 as of Sunday night .
`` Three out of four of our staffed hospital beds are currently in use , '' Pritzker said .
`` That 's not the kind of statistic anyone wants to hang their hat on . ''
Pritzker also announced LaSalle Veterans ' Home Administrator Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had died of COVID-19 , and 39 of 96 residents and 21 staff members had tested positive .
`` The independent investigation into the actions of leadership and staff will continue , '' Pritzker said , adding the state is working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure all veterans ' homes meet health standards .
The FDA could approve Pfizer 's vaccine as soon as Thursday , meaning inoculations could begin within days for health care workers in Illinois and across the U.S. Medical workers and residents in long-term care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinated under federal guidelines .
NorthShore is prioritizing front-line workers who deal directly with COVID-19 patients to receive the first doses , Thiel said .
`` There 's general optimism , obviously , that this is going to help eventually resolve the pandemic but there are obviously questions about the vaccine itself , and people are looking for all the data that comes along with the approval , '' Thiel said .
The FDA is also expected to rule on a vaccine manufactured by Moderna Inc. the third week of December .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just giving an injection , '' said Freeman , a doctor .
But both Pfizer and Moderna 's vaccines require two doses , weeks apart .
`` The effort is around making sure we can store it and making sure we can track it , '' Freeman said .
`` Because if you get either vaccine , we have to know which one you got , when -- and then be able to give you a second dose .
The timing for the second dose is different for each vaccine . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed about 70 % would take the vaccine .
`` We are not going to mandate it for our staff but 70 % is a pretty high number , '' he said .
Statewide , average daily hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the last seven days were at 5,484 patients compared to 5,944 between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30 .
The state 's virus test positivity rate based on a seven-day average is 10.3 % .
Virus tests processed in the last 24 hours were at 77,569 .
Total COVID-19 infections statewide stand at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began .
The majority of deaths are people aged 60 and older but a Kane County woman in her 20s also died , the IDPH reported Monday .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Buffalo Grove holiday display drawing big crowds, and some neighbors' ire

A home on a small street in Buffalo Grove has become a magnet this holiday season for visitors in cars and on foot .
It is n't hard to see why .
Misha Storozhuk decked out his house on Woodhollow Lane with a resplendent display , replete with colorful , pulsating lights and a lawn filled with glowing candy canes and Christmas trees .
If that is n't enough , the 20,000-light display resounds with festive music that also is beamed out so that passing cars can play it over their radios .
As late as 9 p.m. Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along one side of the street -- they 're prohibited from the other -- to watch the spectacle .
`` It 's something for the kids , especially right now in these times , '' said Wheeling resident Isidro Delgado , who sat in his car and watched with his family , including daughters Ruby , 5 , and Eva , 1 .
`` ( And ) it 's interactive . ''
Dozens more watched from the sidewalk as the strains of `` Let It Snow '' streamed from the display .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We love it , '' she said .
But while the display is a crowd pleaser , not everyone in the surrounding neighborhood loves the crowds its drawing to their streets and sidewalks .
Deputy Buffalo Grove Village Manager Jennifer Maltas said the village has received complaints in emails and police reports about traffic , noise , bright lights and blocked driveways .
One complaint received over the weekend came from residents who said the noise made it difficult for their infant to sleep , Maltas said .
As a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to obtain a $ 50 special events permit .
And until he received the permit last Thursday , he was not allowed to run the display .
`` I mean , for what ? ''
Storozhuk said of the permit requirement .
`` ( For a ) Christmas show decoration on my private property ?
`` I 'm not doing food service .
I do n't have any evacuation plans .
I do n't have artists , '' he said .
The permit , good from Dec. 4 through Dec. 31 , states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may incur , including signage , police presence for traffic control or damage to the right of way .
The permit could be suspended if the display interferes with snowplow operations .
Maltas said the village is not opposed to the display .
`` The primary concern of the village is the ability to get emergency vehicles to homes , '' she said .
Storozhuk has put up displays throughout the year to mark Independence Day and Halloween .
It was his Halloween display that first put him on the village 's radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was blocked due to the number of people driving to see his home .
`` I was surprised why ( the village ) even asked for ( the ) permit , '' he said .
`` It 's free speech . ''

Buffalo Grove holiday display drawing big crowds, and some neighbors' ire
A home on a small street in Buffalo Grove has become a magnet this holiday season for visitors in cars and on foot.
It isn't hard to see why. Misha Storozhuk decked out his house on Woodhollow Lane with a resplendent display, replete with colorful, pulsating lights and a lawn filled with glowing candy canes and Christmas trees.
If that isn't enough, the 20,000-light display resounds with festive music that also is beamed out so that passing cars can play it over their radios.
As late as 9 p.m. Sunday night, onlookers were lined up in cars along one side of the street -- they're prohibited from the other -- to watch the spectacle.
"It's something for the kids, especially right now in these times," said Wheeling resident Isidro Delgado, who sat in his car and watched with his family, including daughters Ruby, 5, and Eva, 1. "(And) it's interactive."
Dozens more watched from the sidewalk as the strains of "Let It Snow" streamed from the display. Among them were area resident Mary Contarsy.
"We love it," she said.
But while the display is a crowd pleaser, not everyone in the surrounding neighborhood loves the crowds its drawing to their streets and sidewalks.
Deputy Buffalo Grove Village Manager Jennifer Maltas said the village has received complaints in emails and police reports about traffic, noise, bright lights and blocked driveways.
One complaint received over the weekend came from residents who said the noise made it difficult for their infant to sleep, Maltas said.
As a result of the crowds, the village required Storozhuk to obtain a $50 special events permit. And until he received the permit last Thursday, he was not allowed to run the display.
"I mean, for what?" Storozhuk said of the permit requirement. "(For a) Christmas show decoration on my private property?
"I'm not doing food service. I don't have any evacuation plans. I don't have artists," he said.
The permit, good from Dec. 4 through Dec. 31, states Storozhuk is liable for expenses the village may incur, including signage, police presence for traffic control or damage to the right of way. The permit could be suspended if the display interferes with snowplow operations.
Maltas said the village is not opposed to the display.
"The primary concern of the village is the ability to get emergency vehicles to homes," she said.
Storozhuk has put up displays throughout the year to mark Independence Day and Halloween. It was his Halloween display that first put him on the village's radar, because there were times the street was blocked due to the number of people driving to see his home.
"I was surprised why (the village) even asked for (the) permit," he said. "It's free speech."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--Wheeling's first recreational pot dispensary could open in early 2021

A plan to open Wheeling 's first cannabis dispensary got the thumbs-up from the village board Monday night .
A company called Mindful Illinois wants to open a store in the former TGI Fridays restaurant at 1500 E. Lake-Cook Road .
The store would cater to recreational users , not people with medical prescriptions for the drug .
The 5,800-square-foot , free-standing building is in the Schwind Crossings shopping center .
Mindful Illinois intends to renovate the interior and change the facade of the building before opening in early 2021 .
`` We plan to actually do ... a gut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board Monday via computer , as the meeting was held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis .
After asking Leff a few questions , trustees unanimously approved requests to change Wheeling 's zoning rules to allow cannabis dispensaries in the shopping center 's business district .
The board also granted the business a special-use permit .
Any architectural or cosmetic changes will need additional village approval down the road .
Mindful Illinois operates the Mindful pot shop in Addison .
Because of an identically named but distinct operation in Colorado , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company already is licensed to operate a second dispensary .
The village 's economic development department helped bring Mindful Illinois to the site , documents indicate .
Wheeling will collect a 3 % tax on any sales at the store .
Cannabis dispensaries operate in Arlington Heights , Buffalo Grove , Mount Prospect , Schaumburg , Mundelein and other suburbs .
Some , such as the ones in Buffalo Grove and Mount Prospect , serve only customers with medical prescriptions .

Wheeling's first recreational pot dispensary could open in early 2021
A plan to open Wheeling's first cannabis dispensary got the thumbs-up from the village board Monday night.
A company called Mindful Illinois wants to open a store in the former TGI Fridays restaurant at 1500 E. Lake-Cook Road. The store would cater to recreational users, not people with medical prescriptions for the drug.
The 5,800-square-foot, free-standing building is in the Schwind Crossings shopping center. Mindful Illinois intends to renovate the interior and change the facade of the building before opening in early 2021.
"We plan to actually do ... a gut renovation," partner Gary Leff told the board Monday via computer, as the meeting was held remotely because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Customers will find an "upscale, premium environment," Leff added.
After asking Leff a few questions, trustees unanimously approved requests to change Wheeling's zoning rules to allow cannabis dispensaries in the shopping center's business district. The board also granted the business a special-use permit.
Any architectural or cosmetic changes will need additional village approval down the road.
Mindful Illinois operates the Mindful pot shop in Addison. Because of an identically named but distinct operation in Colorado, the company will name both stores Hatch.
The company already is licensed to operate a second dispensary.
The village's economic development department helped bring Mindful Illinois to the site, documents indicate. Wheeling will collect a 3% tax on any sales at the store.
Cannabis dispensaries operate in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg, Mundelein and other suburbs. Some, such as the ones in Buffalo Grove and Mount Prospect, serve only customers with medical prescriptions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--Nearly $700K in makerspace upgrades approved for Arlington Heights library

Arlington Heights library trustees Monday approved nearly $ 700,000 worth of bids to get their long-awaited stand-alone makerspace building in working order .
The renovation project has been beset by construction delays amid the pandemic , and accumulated additional sewer , roof , electrical and plumbing costs since the library acquired the building at 112 N. Belmont Ave. from the village in the summer of 2019 .
And after initial bid prices came back higher than expected in July , officials went back to the drawing board to revise the project 's scope and bring it back under a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lower prices submitted by contractors during a public bid opening Nov. 24 , and on Monday night , the board approving bid packages worth $ 694,452 for a host of building upgrades expected to begin early next year .
`` I know we did have to cut back on some areas , '' board President Greg Zyck said during a meeting held virtually .
`` But we 're doing the right thing to get this thing really going , and we 're doing a very good job for the people of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building across the street from Recreation Park was the first stand-alone village library in 1952 , but was later used by the village and a church as a teen center .
In 2018 , library officials expressed interest in getting back the building to transform it into a do-it-yourself workspace concept housing 3-D printers , laser cutters , computers and a commercial kitchen .
The renovation costs represent about half of the $ 1.4 million budgeted for the makerspace project , with the other half earmarked for equipment .
Another $ 587,430 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lion 's share dedicated to salary and benefits , according to the library 's 2021 budget .
While much of the major renovation work has faced delays , the board in June did approve $ 151,360 to replace the building 's heating and cooling systems .
The library is funding the project through a mix of general funds , reserves , grants and donations .
That includes $ 150,000 in state grants for construction and accessibility improvements , and donations and equipment from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation and the Friends of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for opening next summer or fall .

Nearly $700K in makerspace upgrades approved for Arlington Heights library
A two-story, 8,000-square-foot building on Belmont Avenue in Arlington Heights that once served as the first stand-alone library is being transformed into the library's proposed state-of-the-art makerspace. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Memorial Library
A sketch shows the proposed main makerspace area within the 8,000-square-foot building on Belmont Avenue the Arlington Heights Memorial Library plans to renovate. Courtesy of Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Arlington Heights library trustees Monday approved nearly $700,000 worth of bids to get their long-awaited stand-alone makerspace building in working order.
The renovation project has been beset by construction delays amid the pandemic, and accumulated additional sewer, roof, electrical and plumbing costs since the library acquired the building at 112 N. Belmont Ave. from the village in the summer of 2019.
And after initial bid prices came back higher than expected in July, officials went back to the drawing board to revise the project's scope and bring it back under a $724,000 budget.
That led to new, lower prices submitted by contractors during a public bid opening Nov. 24, and on Monday night, the board approving bid packages worth $694,452 for a host of building upgrades expected to begin early next year.
"I know we did have to cut back on some areas," board President Greg Zyck said during a meeting held virtually. "But we're doing the right thing to get this thing really going, and we're doing a very good job for the people of the village."
The two-story, 8,000-square-foot building across the street from Recreation Park was the first stand-alone village library in 1952, but was later used by the village and a church as a teen center. In 2018, library officials expressed interest in getting back the building to transform it into a do-it-yourself workspace concept housing 3-D printers, laser cutters, computers and a commercial kitchen.
The renovation costs represent about half of the $1.4 million budgeted for the makerspace project, with the other half earmarked for equipment. Another $587,430 is budgeted for general operations, with the lion's share dedicated to salary and benefits, according to the library's 2021 budget.
While much of the major renovation work has faced delays, the board in June did approve $151,360 to replace the building's heating and cooling systems.
The library is funding the project through a mix of general funds, reserves, grants and donations. That includes $150,000 in state grants for construction and accessibility improvements, and donations and equipment from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library.
The building is planned for opening next summer or fall.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--Elgin's historic David C Cook mansion closer to becoming a home again

While the David C Cook office building on Grove Avenue continues to sit vacant , the mansion once occupied by the company 's founder may be on the verge of becoming one of the most occupied single-family homes in the city .
Elgin planning and zoning commissioners voted 4-2 on Monday to recommend approval of plans to convert the full 16,000-square-foot , 12-room home into living space for the current owners , Sam and Ramona Jones , and their six sons along with their extended families .
The city council must next vote to approve the plan before action is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years ago .
It most recently operated as the Bowes Retirement Home but sat vacant from 2010 until the Jones family moved in .
The family does n't plan any major changes to the exterior of the property other than the removal of the chain-link fence and boarded up windows .
That spikes any need for a historic preservation review even though the property , at 105-115 N. Gifford St. , is within the city 's historic district .
The family is living in a building along the north property line at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so while renovating the mansion .
The city staff praised the plan , but it did n't pave the way for a unanimous approval recommendation .
`` We do believe this is a very good reuse of what was constructed as a single-family home back into a single-family use , '' said Damir Latinovic , a senior planner with the city .
`` This is essentially a deconversion of a nursing home into a large , single-family home .
If restored properly , it can be a significant positive for this immediate area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the number of people possibly living on the property as well as the number of vehicles those people might have to park in the paved but mostly open areas of the site .
There is no garage at the property .
That 's a deviation from city rules about single-family homes the city council would have to eventually approve for the Jones ' plans to move forward .
`` The occupancy of potentially seven families , and potentially , at a minimum , 14 vehicles because most families have at least two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Commissioner Loretta Revesz asked , Ramona Jones said there is .
`` But that 's a plan that we have further down the line , '' Jones said .
`` That 's just a wish that we have .
Right now it 's three of our boys living with us with a daughter-in-law and the two grandbabies .
So all of the boys are not living with us at this time . ''
Latinovic told the commission the property has a unique amount of land that vehicles could park on .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential parking needs to be a concern .
Other commissioners expressed surprise that there were no comments for or against the plans from any neighbors .
Commissioner Karin Jones suggested that may be because neighbors already made their feelings known when the Jones family bought the property .
`` The Gifford Park Association , where this is located , is a very active community , '' Jones said .
`` They would certainly be heard if there was opposition , but when this was initially purchased they did come out in support of @ @ @ @

Elgin's historic David C Cook mansion closer to becoming a home again
While the David C Cook office building on Grove Avenue continues to sit vacant, the mansion once occupied by the company's founder may be on the verge of becoming one of the most occupied single-family homes in the city.
Elgin planning and zoning commissioners voted 4-2 on Monday to recommend approval of plans to convert the full 16,000-square-foot, 12-room home into living space for the current owners, Sam and Ramona Jones, and their six sons along with their extended families. The city council must next vote to approve the plan before action is final.
The couple purchased the property two years ago. It most recently operated as the Bowes Retirement Home but sat vacant from 2010 until the Jones family moved in.
The family doesn't plan any major changes to the exterior of the property other than the removal of the chain-link fence and boarded up windows. That spikes any need for a historic preservation review even though the property, at 105-115 N. Gifford St., is within the city's historic district.
The family is living in a building along the north property line at the site and will continue to do so while renovating the mansion. The city staff praised the plan, but it didn't pave the way for a unanimous approval recommendation.
"We do believe this is a very good reuse of what was constructed as a single-family home back into a single-family use," said Damir Latinovic, a senior planner with the city. "This is essentially a deconversion of a nursing home into a large, single-family home. If restored properly, it can be a significant positive for this immediate area."
But some commissioners had concerns about the number of people possibly living on the property as well as the number of vehicles those people might have to park in the paved but mostly open areas of the site. There is no garage at the property. That's a deviation from city rules about single-family homes the city council would have to eventually approve for the Jones' plans to move forward.
"The occupancy of potentially seven families, and potentially, at a minimum, 14 vehicles because most families have at least two vehicles -- is there enough space?" Commissioner Loretta Revesz asked,
Ramona Jones said there is.
"But that's a plan that we have further down the line," Jones said. "That's just a wish that we have. Right now it's three of our boys living with us with a daughter-in-law and the two grandbabies. So all of the boys are not living with us at this time."
Latinovic told the commission the property has a unique amount of land that vehicles could park on. The city staff doesn't consider the future potential parking needs to be a concern.
Other commissioners expressed surprise that there were no comments for or against the plans from any neighbors. Commissioner Karin Jones suggested that may be because neighbors already made their feelings known when the Jones family bought the property.
"The Gifford Park Association, where this is located, is a very active community," Jones said. "They would certainly be heard if there was opposition, but when this was initially purchased they did come out in support of the redevelopment."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--Feder: WGN's Paul Konrad suspends social media as 'healthy personal decision'

It 's been more than two weeks since Paul Konrad surprised fans by announcing he was `` taking the rest @ @ @ @ @ social media . ''
No Facebook .
No Twitter .
No Instagram .
No Snark @ @ @ @ @ growing in my conviction that social media is taking me away from things that are @ @ @ @ @ It distracts me and does n't help me be my best , '' Konrad declared @ @ @ @ @ the year on November 22 .
`` See you in 2021 . ''
The nine-time @ @ @ @ @ WGN-Channel 9 's top-rated morning show said he never discussed his decision with bosses of @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think highly of them and appreciate that they consistently want my best @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` It is my sense that they see it is a healthy personal @ @ @ @ @ full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: WGN's Paul Konrad suspends social media as 'healthy personal decision'
It's been more than two weeks since Paul Konrad surprised fans by announcing he was "taking the rest of the year off of social media." No Facebook. No Twitter. No Instagram. No Snark.
"I have been growing in my conviction that social media is taking me away from things that are really important to me. It distracts me and doesn't help me be my best," Konrad declared in his final post of the year on November 22. "See you in 2021."
The nine-time Emmy Award-winning weather anchor on WGN-Channel 9's top-rated morning show said he never discussed his decision with bosses of the Nexstar Media Group station.
"I think highly of them and appreciate that they consistently want my best," Konrad told me Monday. "It is my sense that they see it is a healthy personal decision."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--$100 to help couple with medical expenses

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Brad Heath of Buffalo Grove .
Heath @ @ @ @ @ to a person he knows .
Here is an excerpt of his story : '' @ @ @ @ @ girlfriend just lost his unborn daughter .
Now he has COVID and is off work @ @ @ @ @ funeral expenses .
I know $ 100 is n't much , but every bit helps @ @ @ @ @ Project is awarding $ 100 each day in December to a different person with a @ @ @ @ @ use the money to do a good deed for someone else .
If you 'd @ @ @ @ @ someone , submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

$100 to help couple with medical expenses
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Brad Heath of Buffalo Grove.
Heath wants to give the money to a person he knows. Here is an excerpt of his story:
"(He) and his girlfriend just lost his unborn daughter. Now he has COVID and is off work, unpaid with medical and funeral expenses. I know $100 isn't much, but every bit helps."
• 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. If you'd like the chance to help someone, submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-07--Volunteers give meals, pandemic supplies at Elgin drive-through

Staffing a table stacked with giveaway bags and dodging passing cars , volunteers set up shop Monday in front of the Salvation Army in Elgin to pass out food and pandemic supplies .
The drive-through event , sponsored by Meridian Health and organized by the Salvation Army Elgin Corps and state Sen. Christina Castro 's office , provided 800 bags for local people in need .
Each bag contained a precooked meal for two consisting of vegetable soup and apple crisp in addition to 10 disposable face masks , antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer .
`` I was born and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I understand a lot of people in this community are the ones who need help the most . ''
Castro said her office was approached by Meridian , which offered to sponsor the event by paying for the catered food and supplying the masks and sanitizers .
She then engaged the help of the Salvation Army for the organization 's ability to reach people in need and for its Douglas Avenue location .
`` If you look at some of the other events in these trying times , you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who are hungry , '' Castro said .
`` We have 800 meals for two , so we 're feeding 1,600 people .
Every little bit helps for people who need help . ''
Terrance Wright , community relations manager for Meridian , said the company has been holding similar events in Chicago and the surrounding area for the past few weeks and will be expanding them throughout Illinois .
`` People are financially struggling and many times trying to make the decision between food and PPE , so we feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to an underserved community when they need it most , '' Wright said .
Salvation Army Elgin Corps Capt .
Rich Forney said this event was different because the food was already cooked and ready to heat , unlike the Salvation Army Saturday food giveaways , which consist of grocery items .
`` This is great for seniors and any of our neighbors in need , '' Forney said .
`` We 're glad to help provide . ''

Volunteers give meals, pandemic supplies at Elgin drive-through
Staffing a table stacked with giveaway bags and dodging passing cars, volunteers set up shop Monday in front of the Salvation Army in Elgin to pass out food and pandemic supplies.
The drive-through event, sponsored by Meridian Health and organized by the Salvation Army Elgin Corps and state Sen. Christina Castro's office, provided 800 bags for local people in need. Each bag contained a precooked meal for two consisting of vegetable soup and apple crisp in addition to 10 disposable face masks, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer.
"I was born and raised in this neighborhood," Castro said. "I understand a lot of people in this community are the ones who need help the most."
Castro said her office was approached by Meridian, which offered to sponsor the event by paying for the catered food and supplying the masks and sanitizers. She then engaged the help of the Salvation Army for the organization's ability to reach people in need and for its Douglas Avenue location.
"If you look at some of the other events in these trying times, you see parking lots full of cars lined up with people who are hungry," Castro said. "We have 800 meals for two, so we're feeding 1,600 people. Every little bit helps for people who need help."
Terrance Wright, community relations manager for Meridian, said the company has been holding similar events in Chicago and the surrounding area for the past few weeks and will be expanding them throughout Illinois.
"People are financially struggling and many times trying to make the decision between food and PPE, so we feel this is a good way to give back to an underserved community when they need it most," Wright said.
Salvation Army Elgin Corps Capt. Rich Forney said this event was different because the food was already cooked and ready to heat, unlike the Salvation Army Saturday food giveaways, which consist of grocery items.
"This is great for seniors and any of our neighbors in need," Forney said. "We're glad to help provide."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-08--COVID-19 infection rate dips below 10% for first time since Nov. 6

Illinois ' COVID-19 seven-day average infection rate dipped below 10 % Tuesday for the first time in more than a month as state health officials tried to allay fears about getting vaccinated .
`` Illinois will only distribute a vaccine that is deemed safe , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
`` Our team is poring over the analysis released by the FDA on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine this morning .
Additional sets of eyes on evidence can only be helpful . ''
The push by state officials is necessary to ensure the vaccine 's success , they said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one type of vaccine could be ready to deploy within the next two weeks , they said .
FDA approval of the vaccine could come this week , with vaccine deliveries beginning shortly after that .
Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are prioritized .
Meanwhile , Illinois Department of Public Health officials reported Tuesday another 145 Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 and another 7,910 new cases of the disease were diagnosed .
That brings the state 's death toll from the virus to 13,487 , with 804,174 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state 's seven-day average infection rate now stands at 9.9 % , the first time it has dipped below 10 % since Nov. 6 .
Nov. 6 was also the first day the state started including the results of `` rapid-result '' antigen tests in the state 's daily case counts , which caused a noticeable spike in the infection rate .
The seven-day average infection rate , also referred to as a case positivity rate , is the percentage of new cases each day among the number of test results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine when to enact or lift mitigation restrictions on businesses and gatherings .
In the suburbs Tuesday , many counties saw the seven-day average infection rates shrink or stay the same .
Will County reported an infection rate below 14 % for the first time since Nov. 5 .
The only county that did n't see a decrease in the infection rate was Kane County , which climbed from Monday 's rate of 13.9 % to 14.3 % Tuesday .
IDPH also reported 5,199 people were hospitalized statewide Monday for treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive day .
Hospitalizations remain a concern , health officials said , particularly in areas with higher minority populations , which have been hit harder by the virus .
Pritzker and IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said they were hoping to assuage concerns about the vaccine , particularly among minority communities .
`` There 's a lot of work to be done there , and there are very valid reasons why that skepticism exists , '' Ezike said , mentioning some notoriously unethical medical trials on Black Americans in the past .
`` Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities of color . ''
While it will be months before vaccines are widely available to the public , state health officials need significant buy-in from the vast majority of residents for the vaccine to be effective .
Ezike said IDPH is planning outreach activities with community organizations throughout the state to help dispel any rumors and myths about the vaccine .
During Tuesday 's media briefing , Pritzker invited 68-year-old Bonnie Blue of Chicago to talk about her experience after volunteering for the Moderna vaccine trial several months ago .
Blue said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care worker who felt it was her duty to participate in the trial .
She does n't believe she got a placebo because she experienced similar side effects reported by others who received the vaccine -- headaches and fatigue .
`` For me to take part in this trial was a huge risk , a risk my family and friends were not happy I was taking , '' she said .
`` But I 'm here .
I am fine . ''

COVID-19 infection rate dips below 10% for first time since Nov. 6
Illinois' COVID-19 seven-day average infection rate dipped below 10% Tuesday for the first time in more than a month as state health officials tried to allay fears about getting vaccinated.
"Illinois will only distribute a vaccine that is deemed safe," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. "Our team is poring over the analysis released by the FDA on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine this morning. Additional sets of eyes on evidence can only be helpful."
The push by state officials is necessary to ensure the vaccine's success, they said. A limited supply of the first batch of one type of vaccine could be ready to deploy within the next two weeks, they said.
FDA approval of the vaccine could come this week, with vaccine deliveries beginning shortly after that. Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are prioritized.
Meanwhile, Illinois Department of Public Health officials reported Tuesday another 145 Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 and another 7,910 new cases of the disease were diagnosed.
That brings the state's death toll from the virus to 13,487, with 804,174 residents infected since the outbreak began.
Promising news for Illinois as the COVID-19 7-day infection rate dips below 10%, though it';s not improving that well in all suburban counties, as this @DHJakeGriffin
graph shows https://t.co/jrx5tF5Qk2 pic.twitter.com/OoaZPz2j4B — Daily Herald (@dailyherald) December 9, 2020
The state's seven-day average infection rate now stands at 9.9%, the first time it has dipped below 10% since Nov. 6.
Nov. 6 was also the first day the state started including the results of "rapid-result" antigen tests in the state's daily case counts, which caused a noticeable spike in the infection rate.
The seven-day average infection rate, also referred to as a case positivity rate, is the percentage of new cases each day among the number of test results. It is a metric health officials use to determine when to enact or lift mitigation restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
In the suburbs Tuesday, many counties saw the seven-day average infection rates shrink or stay the same. Will County reported an infection rate below 14% for the first time since Nov. 5. The only county that didn't see a decrease in the infection rate was Kane County, which climbed from Monday's rate of 13.9% to 14.3% Tuesday.
IDPH also reported 5,199 people were hospitalized statewide Monday for treatment of COVID-19, up slightly for the second consecutive day.
Hospitalizations remain a concern, health officials said, particularly in areas with higher minority populations, which have been hit harder by the virus.
Pritzker and IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said they were hoping to assuage concerns about the vaccine, particularly among minority communities.
"There's a lot of work to be done there, and there are very valid reasons why that skepticism exists," Ezike said, mentioning some notoriously unethical medical trials on Black Americans in the past. "Public health has not always done right by communities of color."
While it will be months before vaccines are widely available to the public, state health officials need significant buy-in from the vast majority of residents for the vaccine to be effective. Ezike said IDPH is planning outreach activities with community organizations throughout the state to help dispel any rumors and myths about the vaccine.
During Tuesday's media briefing, Pritzker invited 68-year-old Bonnie Blue of Chicago to talk about her experience after volunteering for the Moderna vaccine trial several months ago.
Blue said she is a lifetime asthma sufferer and health care worker who felt it was her duty to participate in the trial. She doesn't believe she got a placebo because she experienced similar side effects reported by others who received the vaccine -- headaches and fatigue.
"For me to take part in this trial was a huge risk, a risk my family and friends were not happy I was taking," she said. "But I'm here. I am fine."