dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-22--Congress approves $900 billion COVID relief bill

WASHINGTON -- Congress passed a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Lawmakers tacked on a $ 1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year .
The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature , which is expected in the coming days .
The relief package , unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate in a matter of hours .
The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote , 359-53 .
The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question , a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked .
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $ 600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans , along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses , restaurants , and theaters and money for schools , health care providers and renters facing eviction .
The 5,593-page legislation -- by far the longest bill ever -- came together Sunday after months of battling , posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached .
Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the economy , even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall .
`` This deal is not everything I want -- not by a long shot , '' said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern , D-Mass.
, a longstanding voice in the party 's old-school liberal wing .
`` The choice before us is simple .
It 's about whether we help families or not .
It 's about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not .
It 's about whether we boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-hunger programs or not .
And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not .
To me , this is not a tough call . ''
The Senate , meanwhile , was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , a key negotiator , said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week .
Democrats promised more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach .
The measure would fund the government through September , wrapping a year 's worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate .
The legislation followed a tortured path .
Democrats played hardball up until Election Day , amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail .
Democrats denied that , but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump 's loss and as Biden made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than none .
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $ 1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July , a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , as way too little .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor .
He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key .
`` The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better place , '' McConnell told The Associated Press .
`` My view about what comes next is let 's take a look at it .
Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March . ''
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill .
`` The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them , '' she said .
On direct payments , the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 75,000 per year and $ 1,200 to couples making up to $ 150,000 , with payments phased out for higher incomes .
An additional $ 600 payment will be made per dependent child , similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring .
`` I expect we 'll get the money out by the beginning of next week -- $ 2,400 for a family of four , '' Mnuchin said .
`` So much needed relief just in time for the holidays . ''
The $ 300 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $ 1.8 billion CARES Act in March .
That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks .
The direct $ 600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment .
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring , but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands .
`` Anyone who thinks this bill is enough has n't heard the desperation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin , '' said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city 's transit systems , renters , theaters and restaurants .
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $ 908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress -- the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate -- used as the basis for their talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides to back off of hardline positions .
`` At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle did n't want to give , in order to give the other side a win , '' said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin , D-Mich. `` And it was gross to watch , frankly . ''
Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $ 284 billion , which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses .
Democrats won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sweeping bill also contains $ 25 billion in rental assistance , $ 15 billion for theaters and other live venues , $ 82 billion for local schools , colleges and universities , and $ 10 billion for child care .
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $ 1.4 billion installment for Trump 's U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature .
The Pentagon would receive $ 696 billion .
Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $ 12.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation .
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill 's unfinished business , including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $ 10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control , environmental and coastal protection projects .
Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks , such as one for craft brewers , wineries and distillers .
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans , $ 7 billion to increase access to broadband , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinate their people , $ 14 billion for cash-starved transit systems , $ 1 billion for Amtrak and $ 2 billion for airports and concessionaires .
Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15 % .
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 -- about one-half the size of Monday 's behemoth .

Congress approves $900 billion COVID relief bill
Dusk falls over the Capitol, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Washington. Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The bill goes to President Donald Trump for his signature, which is expected in the coming days.
The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question, a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.
The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
The 5,593-page legislation -- by far the longest bill ever -- came together Sunday after months of battling, posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached. Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited help to suffering people and a boost to the economy, even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall.
"This deal is not everything I want -- not by a long shot," said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a longstanding voice in the party's old-school liberal wing. "The choice before us is simple. It's about whether we help families or not. It's about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not. It's about whether we boost (food stamp) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not. And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not. To me, this is not a tough call."
The Senate, meanwhile, was also on track to pass a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key negotiator, said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week.
Democrats promised more aid to come once Biden takes office, but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach.
The measure would fund the government through September, wrapping a year's worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate.
The legislation followed a tortured path. Democrats played hardball up until Election Day, amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail. Democrats denied that, but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump's loss and as Biden made it clear that half a loaf was better than none.
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July, a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too little.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor. He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key.
"The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in moving both Pelosi and Schumer into a better place," McConnell told The Associated Press. "My view about what comes next is let's take a look at it. Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March."
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill. "The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them," she said.
On direct payments, the bill provides $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring.
"I expect we'll get the money out by the beginning of next week -- $2,400 for a family of four," Mnuchin said. "So much needed relief just in time for the holidays."
The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March. That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment.
The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring, but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands.
"Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn't heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city's transit systems, renters, theaters and restaurants.
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress -- the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate -- used as the basis for their talks. The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions.
"At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn't want to give, in order to give the other side a win," said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin, D-Mich. "And it was gross to watch, frankly."
Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minority communities.
The sweeping bill also contains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care.
The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump's U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 billion. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.
The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill's unfinished business, including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control, environmental and coastal protection projects. Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, such as one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.
It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for airports and concessionaires. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.
The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 -- about one-half the size of Monday's behemoth.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-22--Classic car enthusiast's life 'not bad for a guy from Buffalo'

A force and a character , my father-in-law , Paul TerHorst , died Friday at age 85 , with Daughter No .
1 ( Cheryl ) and Daughter No .
2 ( Karen ) holding his hands while Daughter No .
3 ( Laurie ) shared his last hours via FaceTime from her home in Colorado .
One of the first things I realized about Paul , back in 1984 when I started dating Daughter No .
1 , was how much he loved and supported his daughters .
He might not have voted as they did , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women drivers and such , but he and his late wife , Jean , a lifelong elementary schoolteacher in Buffalo Grove , produced three daughters who are smart , independent and kind .
Paul kept photos of those women in his life and of his seven grandchildren in his wallet , which was thicker than the phone book of his hometown of Buffalo , New York .
He collected classic cars and dedicated a majority of the plastic sleeves in his wallet to those machines that were a huge part of his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his office walls were covered with their business cards and phone numbers .
As founder of the Packards of Chicagoland club , editor of automobile newsletters , and a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and other clubs , Paul had an unbridled passion for those stylish cars from the 1930s and the 1940s .
`` Yours for longer hoods '' was how he closed his letters .
He often joked that after he was born , `` They broke the mold . ''
Paul knew whom to call when someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a ragtop for a 1936 Auburn or even a hood ornament for a 1939 Rolls-Royce .
He was a regular at swap meets from Chickasha , Oklahoma , to Hershey , Pennsylvania , where he 'd talk a guy selling a box of old parts for $ 60 down to $ 40 , and then pluck out the one valuable item in that collection and sell it to a guy across the aisle for $ 250 .
Daughter No .
3 made sure to plan her wedding around his annual pilgrimage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Paul never let anything go to waste .
When he moved from the family home in Buffalo Grove to a property in rural Lake County , he built two huge sheds ( he called them barns ) where he stored his cars , friends ' cars , and a plethora of parts for projects that might go on for years .
Paul , who started as a driver 's education teacher and spent most of his working career as a compliance officer with the Illinois State Board of Education , was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chicago Tribune , the Chicago Sun-Times and countless magazines dedicated to classic cars .
His magnificent 1935 Auburn roadster , with the rumble seat where his grandchildren loved to sit , was a staple at the annual Father 's Day Classic Car Show at Oakbrook Center , the Long Grove Strawberry Fest , and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in Auburn , Indiana .
A social guy who loved parties , Paul could spin a story about every car he ever owned , with histories and explanations of why it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide doors '' or some other feature that made them `` classy '' and unique , unlike the cookie-cutter cars of today .
In 1966 , he bought a 1937 Packard convertible that he named `` The General '' because it once belonged to Gen. George S. Patton .
When it suffered extensive damage after snow collapsed the roof of a Rolling Meadows facility where it was stored , his daughters remember seeing tears in their dad 's eyes .
He famously growled `` Murphy 's Law '' to explain misfortune .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulling a Buick from the ditch onto a flatbed truck , he practically howled with the story of the time he neglected to anchor a car because he was towing it only a short distance , and it rolled off the truck when a `` turkey '' cut him off .
After telling that tale of misery , he said not to bother anchoring the Buick because we were going only a short distance .
Paul did things his way and could be stubborn .
As a teenager , he and a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside every day for a year , even when it meant they had to clear 2 feet of snow .
But he was always there to help family and friends .
His intentions , even when they missed the mark , were good .
Labeling me a `` jock '' because I used to play sports , went to Cubs games and knew who was playing in the Super Bowl , Paul excitedly presented me with an Orlando Magic commemorative license plate he 'd picked up at a swap meet .
He loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandkids , his vast assortment of friends , and his cars .
He lived life to the fullest .
And although he never did write his autobiography , he lived up to his title : `` Not Bad for a Guy from Buffalo . ''

Classic car enthusiast's life 'not bad for a guy from Buffalo'
Paul TerHorst, second from left, loved his wife, Jean, and their seven grandchildren. He also loved classic cars and drove this one to an annual Father's Day Classic Car Show at Oakbrook Center in 2012. Courtesy of TerHorst family
Surrounded by his daughters Karen, left, Laurie, center, and Cheryl, Paul TerHorst wears the tape measure suspenders that allowed him to ask admirers if he measured up. Courtesy of TerHorst family
A force and a character, my father-in-law, Paul TerHorst, died Friday at age 85, with Daughter No. 1 (Cheryl) and Daughter No. 2 (Karen) holding his hands while Daughter No. 3 (Laurie) shared his last hours via FaceTime from her home in Colorado.
One of the first things I realized about Paul, back in 1984 when I started dating Daughter No. 1, was how much he loved and supported his daughters. He might not have voted as they did, and he might have laughed at sexist jokes about women drivers and such, but he and his late wife, Jean, a lifelong elementary schoolteacher in Buffalo Grove, produced three daughters who are smart, independent and kind.
Paul kept photos of those women in his life and of his seven grandchildren in his wallet, which was thicker than the phone book of his hometown of Buffalo, New York. He collected classic cars and dedicated a majority of the plastic sleeves in his wallet to those machines that were a huge part of his life. He also collected friends, and his office walls were covered with their business cards and phone numbers.
As founder of the Packards of Chicagoland club, editor of automobile newsletters, and a member of the Greater Illinois Region Classic Car Club of America, Antique Automobile Club of America and other clubs, Paul had an unbridled passion for those stylish cars from the 1930s and the 1940s. "Yours for longer hoods" was how he closed his letters. He often joked that after he was born, "They broke the mold."
Paul knew whom to call when someone needed a taillight for a 1931 Packard, a ragtop for a 1936 Auburn or even a hood ornament for a 1939 Rolls-Royce. He was a regular at swap meets from Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he'd talk a guy selling a box of old parts for $60 down to $40, and then pluck out the one valuable item in that collection and sell it to a guy across the aisle for $250. Daughter No. 3 made sure to plan her wedding around his annual pilgrimage to Hershey.
A child of the Depression, Paul never let anything go to waste. When he moved from the family home in Buffalo Grove to a property in rural Lake County, he built two huge sheds (he called them barns) where he stored his cars, friends' cars, and a plethora of parts for projects that might go on for years. Paul, who started as a driver's education teacher and spent most of his working career as a compliance officer with the Illinois State Board of Education, was the subject of articles in the Daily Herald, the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and countless magazines dedicated to classic cars. His magnificent 1935 Auburn roadster, with the rumble seat where his grandchildren loved to sit, was a staple at the annual Father's Day Classic Car Show at Oakbrook Center, the Long Grove Strawberry Fest, and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in Auburn, Indiana.
A social guy who loved parties, Paul could spin a story about every car he ever owned, with histories and explanations of why it had a "straight 8," "suicide doors" or some other feature that made them "classy" and unique, unlike the cookie-cutter cars of today.
In 1966, he bought a 1937 Packard convertible that he named "The General" because it once belonged to Gen. George S. Patton. When it suffered extensive damage after snow collapsed the roof of a Rolling Meadows facility where it was stored, his daughters remember seeing tears in their dad's eyes.
He famously growled "Murphy's Law" to explain misfortune. But he never lost his optimism. While pulling a Buick from the ditch onto a flatbed truck, he practically howled with the story of the time he neglected to anchor a car because he was towing it only a short distance, and it rolled off the truck when a "turkey" cut him off. After telling that tale of misery, he said not to bother anchoring the Buick because we were going only a short distance.
Paul did things his way and could be stubborn. As a teenager, he and a couple of buddies committed themselves to playing basketball outside every day for a year, even when it meant they had to clear 2 feet of snow. But he was always there to help family and friends.
His intentions, even when they missed the mark, were good. Labeling me a "jock" because I used to play sports, went to Cubs games and knew who was playing in the Super Bowl, Paul excitedly presented me with an Orlando Magic commemorative license plate he'd picked up at a swap meet.
He loved his wife, his daughters, his grandkids, his vast assortment of friends, and his cars. He lived life to the fullest. And although he never did write his autobiography, he lived up to his title: "Not Bad for a Guy from Buffalo."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Ex-Rolling Meadows cop subject of child porn investigation

Federal authorities have been investigating a onetime Rolling Meadows police officer on allegation he used a dating website to either @ @ @ @ @ or to sexually abuse girls , court records show .
The investigation does not appear @ @ @ @ @ criminal charges so far .
But an August 2019 affidavit from an FBI task force @ @ @ @ @ was unsealed last week in Chicago 's federal court .
The Chicago Sun-Times is not @ @ @ @ @ records show he has not been charged with a crime .
He resigned from the @ @ @ @ @ of the allegations , according to the affidavit .
He could not be reached for @ @

Ex-Rolling Meadows cop subject of child porn investigation
A search warrant unsealed in federal court shows a former Rolling Meadows police is under investigation related to child pornography and sexual exploitation. Daily Herald file photo
Federal authorities have been investigating a onetime Rolling Meadows police officer on allegation he used a dating website to either collect child pornography from minors or to sexually abuse girls, court records show.
The investigation does not appear to have led to any criminal charges so far. But an August 2019 affidavit from an FBI task force officer seeking a search warrant was unsealed last week in Chicago's federal court.
The Chicago Sun-Times is not naming the officer because court records show he has not been charged with a crime. He resigned from the Rolling Meadows Police Department because of the allegations, according to the affidavit. He could not be reached for comment.
• For the full story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Wheeling's new $97.4M budget includes money for fire station

Wheeling 's new $ 97.4 million annual budget includes cash for a fire station that 's already under construction , street improvements and other projects .
The village board unanimously approved the spending plan Monday night in a meeting held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The new fiscal year starts Jan. 1 .
The budget is about $ 2.8 million greater than the current year 's roughly $ 94.6 million plan , an increase of nearly 3 % .
Village Manager Jon Sfondilis attributed the increase to spending on capital projects and other factors .
• $ 3.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 780 S. Wheeling Road , a project with a $ 5.1 million total price tag .
• More than $ 2.1 million for street projects .
• More than $ 3 million for water main replacements throughout town .
On the other side of the ledger , officials predict they 'll collect about $ 89.7 million in revenue from property taxes , fees and other sources in the next fiscal year .
That 's nearly 4 % greater than the current year 's estimate of nearly $ 86.3 million .
As is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village 's general fund is expected to be lower than usual in 2021 because of how the COVID-19 crisis affected sales tax revenue , fees and other income streams , Sfondilis said .
But the pending opening of the village 's first cannabis dispensary should boost revenue , Sfondilis said .
That store is expected to open at 1500 E. Lake-Cook Road in early 2021 , and the anticipated tax revenue is n't included in the budget , Finance Director Michael Mondschain told the board .
Rising property values in the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in extra money , too , Sfondilis said , thanks to tax assessments on the relatively new Town Center development and other projects .
`` Tax increment financing fund revenue will increase substantially next year , '' Sfondilis said .
Still , officials expect the general fund will have a roughly $ 1.6 million deficit in 2021 , documents indicate .
Reserves will cover the difference , Sfondilis said .
All funds are balanced or relying on reserves as planned to cover assorted capital improvements or programs , documents indicate .
To help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff positions will remain unfilled , Sfondilis said .

Wheeling's new $97.4M budget includes money for fire station
Wheeling's new $97.4 million annual budget includes cash for a fire station that's already under construction, street improvements and other projects.
The village board unanimously approved the spending plan Monday night in a meeting held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new fiscal year starts Jan. 1.
The budget is about $2.8 million greater than the current year's roughly $94.6 million plan, an increase of nearly 3%.
Village Manager Jon Sfondilis attributed the increase to spending on capital projects and other factors.
The budget includes:
• $3.4 million for the new fire station at 780 S. Wheeling Road, a project with a $5.1 million total price tag.
• More than $2.1 million for street projects.
• More than $3 million for water main replacements throughout town.
On the other side of the ledger, officials predict they'll collect about $89.7 million in revenue from property taxes, fees and other sources in the next fiscal year. That's nearly 4% greater than the current year's estimate of nearly $86.3 million.
As is the case in many suburbs, revenue in the village's general fund is expected to be lower than usual in 2021 because of how the COVID-19 crisis affected sales tax revenue, fees and other income streams, Sfondilis said.
But the pending opening of the village's first cannabis dispensary should boost revenue, Sfondilis said. That store is expected to open at 1500 E. Lake-Cook Road in early 2021, and the anticipated tax revenue isn't included in the budget, Finance Director Michael Mondschain told the board.
Rising property values in the village's tax increment financing districts should bring in extra money, too, Sfondilis said, thanks to tax assessments on the relatively new Town Center development and other projects.
"Tax increment financing fund revenue will increase substantially next year," Sfondilis said.
Still, officials expect the general fund will have a roughly $1.6 million deficit in 2021, documents indicate. Reserves will cover the difference, Sfondilis said.
All funds are balanced or relying on reserves as planned to cover assorted capital improvements or programs, documents indicate.
To help offset that spending imbalance, some open staff positions will remain unfilled, Sfondilis said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Believe Project: $100 to woman caring for grandson after daughter's death

Today 's recipient of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Cathy Jackson of Wheeling .
Jackson wants @ @ @ @ @ a woman she knows .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' ( @ @ @ @ @ of her 18-month-old grandson due to the recent sudden death of her 24-year-old daughter .
@ @ @ @ @ to take care of the baby while the father finishes his time overseas in the @ @ @ @ @ working in order to make sure that the baby has the most stable and loving @ @ @ @ @ I think it would be nice for this grandma to have $ 100 to make @ @ @ @ @ her . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding $ 100 each day to a @ @ @ @ @ idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else @ @ @ @ @ the chance to help someone , submit your idea for consideration in 150 words or @ @ @ @

Believe Project: $100 to woman caring for grandson after daughter's death
Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Cathy Jackson of Wheeling.
Jackson wants to give the money to a woman she knows. Here is an excerpt of her story:
"(She) is taking care of her 18-month-old grandson due to the recent sudden death of her 24-year-old daughter. (She) has agreed to take care of the baby while the father finishes his time overseas in the military. She has stopped working in order to make sure that the baby has the most stable and loving home as possible.
"I think it would be nice for this grandma to have $100 to make the holidays less stressful for her."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day 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--2020-12-21--Four mayoral candidates in Des Plaines, three in Mount Prospect

Voters in some suburbs will have a plethora of choices on the April 6 ballot , such as four mayoral candidates in Des Plaines and three in Mount Prospect , while others will see the familiar names of longtime incumbents .
Municipal races across Cook County took shape Monday , the last day for candidates to file nominating papers for the consolidated election .
• In Des Plaines , former 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad and current 6th Ward Alderman Malcom Chester filed to run for mayor , joining 8th Ward Alderman Andrew Goczkowski and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bogusz from running again .
Two candidates , Justin Cochran and Jessica M. Mastalski , filed to run for city clerk .
Christopher Wozniczka and Patricia L. Smith are running for 7th Ward alderman .
Five candidates filed for the 3rd Ward : Eugene Fregetto , Shawn T. Killian , Norbert J. Paprocki , Sean Oskerka and Robert K. Suriano .
Incumbent Denise Rodd ca n't run again because of term limits .
Incumbent Mark Lysakowski filed for the 1st Ward post .
In the 5th Ward , Jennifer Nutley will challenge incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trustees Paul Hoefert , Colleen Saccotelli and William Grossi filed to run for mayor .
Incumbent Arlene Juracek is not running for reelection .
Trustee Eleni Hatzis and challengers Terri Gens , Peggy Pissarreck and Agostino `` Augie '' Filippone are running for three board seats .
• Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson , already the longest-tenured mayor in village history , is seeking a seventh term .
Longtime Trustees Pat Feichter , Chris Prochno and Jeff Franke also are running for reelection .
There are three open board seats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darch is seeking her fifth term in office .
Clerk Tony Ciganek and trustees Jennifer Wondrasek , Todd Sholeen and Mike Moran also are running for reelection in a race for three open board seats .
• No new candidates turned in signatures in Arlington Heights since the first day of filing a week ago , when Mayor Tom Hayes submitted papers seeking a third term .
A contested village board race will feature six candidates vying for four positions .
That includes incumbents Jim Tinaglia and Richard Baldino , and newcomers Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Nicolle Grasse .
• In Wheeling , Village President Patrick Horcher filed for reelection and will be challenged by newcomer Steven Mark Smith .
Six candidates filed for three board seats : incumbents Mary Papantos , Mary Krueger and Jim Ruffatto , and challengers Donald Lee Waller , Laura Alicia Rodriguez and Kimberly Anne Scanlon .
• In Buffalo Grove , incumbent trustees Andrew Stein , Lester Ottenheimer III and Joanne Johnson filed for reelection , along with former trustee Michael Terson and newcomer Gowri Magati .
Three board seats will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Kevin Wallace and Village Clerk Lorna Giless filed for reelection .
The race for three trustee seats with 4-year terms features incumbents Vince Carbonaro , Aaron Reinke and Stephanie Z. Gandsey , and challengers Theresa Materna and Daniel H. Gunsteen .
Trustee Renee Suwanski filed for a board seat with a 2-year term .
• Long Grove Village President Bill Jacob was the only person who filed for that post .
No one filed for clerk .
Incumbent trustees Rita O'Connor , Anne Kritzmire and Bobbie O'Reilly submitted petitions for 4-year seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohammed Jameel .
Trustee Jennifer Michaud was the only applicant for a 2-year term .
• In Streamwood , Village President Billie Roth filed for reelection , as did Clerk Kittie Kopitke and trustees Michael Baumer and Bill Harper .
They were joined by John D. Gallione , Mark L. Whipple and Razwanul Haque , who previously unsuccessfully ran for trustee twice .
They are seeking three open seats .
• Hanover Park Village President Rod Craig and Village Clerk Kristy Merrill filed for reelection .
Trustee incumbents Bob Prigge and Sharmin Shahjahan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hussaini and Yasmeen Bankole filed for three 4-year terms , and incumbent Liza Gutierrez for the one 2-year trustee term .
• In Rolling Meadows , newly appointed Ward 1 Alderman Karen McHale is challenged by two-time mayoral candidate Dave Whitney .
In Ward 4 , Alderman Jenifer Vinezeano will face Brad Judd , who held the seat for eight years until 2017 .
Incumbent Nick Budmats is running unopposed in Ward 2 , as is Mandy Reyez in Ward 6 , where longtime Alderman John D'Astice is stepping down due to term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Palatine , Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates .
That 's because those communities can hold primary elections in February if there is a large number of candidates .
• Daily Herald staff writers Russell Lissau , Christopher Placek , Eric Peterson and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report

Four mayoral candidates in Des Plaines, three in Mount Prospect
Editor's note: This story was updated to say that Kristy Merrill filed for village clerk.
Voters in some suburbs will have a plethora of choices on the April 6 ballot, such as four mayoral candidates in Des Plaines and three in Mount Prospect, while others will see the familiar names of longtime incumbents.
Municipal races across Cook County took shape Monday, the last day for candidates to file nominating papers for the consolidated election.
• In Des Plaines, former 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad and current 6th Ward Alderman Malcom Chester filed to run for mayor, joining 8th Ward Alderman Andrew Goczkowski and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael Charewicz. Term limits prevent incumbent Matthew Bogusz from running again.
Two candidates, Justin Cochran and Jessica M. Mastalski, filed to run for city clerk.
Christopher Wozniczka and Patricia L. Smith are running for 7th Ward alderman.
Five candidates filed for the 3rd Ward: Eugene Fregetto, Shawn T. Killian, Norbert J. Paprocki, Sean Oskerka and Robert K. Suriano. Incumbent Denise Rodd can't run again because of term limits.
Incumbent Mark Lysakowski filed for the 1st Ward post. In the 5th Ward, Jennifer Nutley will challenge incumbent Carla Brookman.
• In Mount Prospect, trustees Paul Hoefert, Colleen Saccotelli and William Grossi filed to run for mayor. Incumbent Arlene Juracek is not running for reelection. Trustee Eleni Hatzis and challengers Terri Gens, Peggy Pissarreck and Agostino "Augie" Filippone are running for three board seats.
• Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson, already the longest-tenured mayor in village history, is seeking a seventh term. Longtime Trustees Pat Feichter, Chris Prochno and Jeff Franke also are running for reelection. There are three open board seats.
• In Barrington, Village President Karen Darch is seeking her fifth term in office. Clerk Tony Ciganek and trustees Jennifer Wondrasek, Todd Sholeen and Mike Moran also are running for reelection in a race for three open board seats.
• No new candidates turned in signatures in Arlington Heights since the first day of filing a week ago, when Mayor Tom Hayes submitted papers seeking a third term. A contested village board race will feature six candidates vying for four positions. That includes incumbents Jim Tinaglia and Richard Baldino, and newcomers Jim Bertucci, Will Beiersdorf, Wendy Dunnington and Nicolle Grasse.
• In Wheeling, Village President Patrick Horcher filed for reelection and will be challenged by newcomer Steven Mark Smith.
Six candidates filed for three board seats: incumbents Mary Papantos, Mary Krueger and Jim Ruffatto, and challengers Donald Lee Waller, Laura Alicia Rodriguez and Kimberly Anne Scanlon.
Two village clerk candidates filed: Deborah L. Acevedo and Kathryn M. Brady. Clerk Elaine Simpson isn't seeking reelection.
• In Buffalo Grove, incumbent trustees Andrew Stein, Lester Ottenheimer III and Joanne Johnson filed for reelection, along with former trustee Michael Terson and newcomer Gowri Magati. Three board seats will be open.
• In Bartlett, Village President Kevin Wallace and Village Clerk Lorna Giless filed for reelection. The race for three trustee seats with 4-year terms features incumbents Vince Carbonaro, Aaron Reinke and Stephanie Z. Gandsey, and challengers Theresa Materna and Daniel H. Gunsteen. Trustee Renee Suwanski filed for a board seat with a 2-year term.
• Long Grove Village President Bill Jacob was the only person who filed for that post. No one filed for clerk.
Incumbent trustees Rita O'Connor, Anne Kritzmire and Bobbie O'Reilly submitted petitions for 4-year seats on the board, as did newcomer Mohammed Jameel. Trustee Jennifer Michaud was the only applicant for a 2-year term.
• In Streamwood, Village President Billie Roth filed for reelection, as did Clerk Kittie Kopitke and trustees Michael Baumer and Bill Harper. They were joined by John D. Gallione, Mark L. Whipple and Razwanul Haque, who previously unsuccessfully ran for trustee twice. They are seeking three open seats.
• Hanover Park Village President Rod Craig filed for reelection. Kristy Merrill filed for village clerk. Trustee incumbents Bob Prigge and Sharmin Shahjahan, and newcomers Tonya Frosheiser, Syed Hussaini and Yasmeen Bankole filed for three 4-year terms, and incumbent Liza Gutierrez for the one 2-year trustee term.
• In Rolling Meadows, newly appointed Ward 1 Alderman Karen McHale is challenged by two-time mayoral candidate Dave Whitney.
In Ward 4, Alderman Jenifer Vinezeano will face Brad Judd, who held the seat for eight years until 2017. Incumbent Nick Budmats is running unopposed in Ward 2, as is Mandy Reyez in Ward 6, where longtime Alderman John D'Astice is stepping down due to term limits.
Filing took place last month in Palatine, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. That's because those communities can hold primary elections in February if there is a large number of candidates.
• Daily Herald staff writers Russell Lissau, Christopher Placek, Eric Peterson and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Conference champion Spartans, Cardinals meet in Arizona Bowl

Ball State : Junior linebacker Brandon Martin was co-MAC Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 12 tackles .
Senior quarterback Drew Plitt has 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns , with six pickoffs .
San Jose State : Junior defensive lineman Cade Hall was named MWC Defensive Player of the Year after registering 10 sacks and a fumble recovery .
Senior quarterback Nick Starkel has thrown for 1,906 yards and 16 touchdowns , with four interceptions .
Ball State : The Cardinals won their first MAC championship since 1996 , the year before the title game originated , by beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried them to their first winning record since 2013 .
San Jose State : The Spartans are one of the biggest stories in college football this year after making an unbeaten run to the Mountain West Conference championship .
They were forced to play three straight games out of the state of California due to the coronavirus pandemic , including a 34-20 win over Boise State in the title game in Las Vegas .
The teams have never met .
Ball State : The Cardinals are looking for their first bowl victory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances .
They 're in their first bowl game since 2013 .
San Jose State : The Spartans are 4-0 in their last four bowl games dating to 1990 , the most recent in 2015 .
Overall , they 're 7-3 in the postseason .
This story has been updated to correct the kickoff time and San Jose State 's overall bowl record .

Conference champion Spartans, Cardinals meet in Arizona Bowl
San Jose State defensive lineman Cade Hall (92) sacks Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier (19) during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the Mountain West championship, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas. Associated Press
Ball State players run onto the field after the team defeated Buffalo during the Mid-American Conference championship NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 in Detroit. Associated Press
Ball State (6-1, Mid-American) vs. No. 19 San Jose State (7-0 Mountain West), Dec. 31, 2 p.m. EST
LOCATION: Tucson, Arizona
TOP PLAYERS
Ball State: Junior linebacker Brandon Martin was co-MAC Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 12 tackles. Senior quarterback Drew Plitt has 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, with six pickoffs.
San Jose State: Junior defensive lineman Cade Hall was named MWC Defensive Player of the Year after registering 10 sacks and a fumble recovery. Senior quarterback Nick Starkel has thrown for 1,906 yards and 16 touchdowns, with four interceptions.
NOTABLE
Ball State: The Cardinals won their first MAC championship since 1996, the year before the title game originated, by beating Buffalo 38-28. A six-game winning streak carried them to their first winning record since 2013.
San Jose State: The Spartans are one of the biggest stories in college football this year after making an unbeaten run to the Mountain West Conference championship. They were forced to play three straight games out of the state of California due to the coronavirus pandemic, including a 34-20 win over Boise State in the title game in Las Vegas.
LAST TIME
The teams have never met.
BOWL HISTORY
Ball State: The Cardinals are looking for their first bowl victory in school history after making eight previous postseason appearances. They're in their first bowl game since 2013.
San Jose State: The Spartans are 4-0 in their last four bowl games dating to 1990, the most recent in 2015. Overall, they're 7-3 in the postseason.
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More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and twitter.com/ap_top25
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This story has been updated to correct the kickoff time and San Jose State's overall bowl record.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-23--Can the vaccine give me COVID-19? Which vaccine should I take? We answer your questions.

More than 63,000 people outside Chicago have received the first doses of Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine a week into the state 's immunization effort .
As Moderna adds to the supply , here are answers from suburban experts to common questions about the vaccines .
Q .
Can the vaccine give me COVID-19 ?
A .
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines do not contain the virus itself .
The groundbreaking vaccines use messenger RNA , or mRNA , technology to deliver a piece of genetic material that instructs your cells to make the spike protein found on the surface of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Your body then produces antibodies to the spike protein to prevent the actual virus from binding to cells .
It 's not a novel strategy , said Dr. Paul Offit , a member of the Food and Drug Administration advisory committee that endorsed the leading vaccines .
`` This particular notion of using messenger RNA as a vaccine has been around for 20 years , '' Offit said during a panel discussion last week .
A .
Some possible side effects may include pain at the injection site , fever , fatigue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that the vaccine is triggering an immune response as intended .
In clinical trials , those reactions were more frequent after the second dose of the vaccine .
So far , Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield has had no reports of severe reactions , said Dr. Kevin Most , chief medical officer .
`` Actually , of the total that we 've done , which is a couple thousand now , we have n't had anybody that took a day off or needed to take a day off because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Q .
Will the vaccines protect against the new coronavirus variant circulating in the United Kingdom ?
A .
That 's under review by U.S. Army scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research .
`` The initial look is that it really wo n't impact the vaccine , and it 'll still be very effective , '' Most said .
Q .
Who 's next in line after health care workers and nursing home residents ?
A .
This week , an advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1b of the vaccine rollout prioritize people 75 and older and front-line essential workers .
About 49 million Americans fall into that category .
Then in Phase 1c -- targeting 129 million people -- vaccines should be offered to people 65 to 74 , people 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions , and other essential workers , the committee said .
Essential workers recommended for Phase 1c vaccination include those in the food service , finance , information technology , transportation and logistics , energy , media and legal industries .
Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move through the allocation phases ?
A. DuPage County public health authorities expect it may take several months before reaching Phase 1c .
A county health department spokeswoman said Tuesday officials are several weeks away from vaccinating the remainder of the estimated 43,000 health care personnel in DuPage in Phase 1a .
Q .
What will distribution look like for high-risk people ?
A .
It 's still unclear if doctors ' offices or pharmacies will help deliver vaccines as distribution ramps up .
Advocate Aurora Health currently has no plans to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin .
The DuPage health department is working with hospitals , health care providers , pharmacies and community leaders on `` flexible COVID-19 vaccination programs that can accommodate different vaccines and scenarios , '' the spokeswoman said .
`` Our goal is to make vaccine available through as many locations as possible . ''
If you 're part of Phase 1c because of a medical condition , you should consult your physician about vaccine plans , Most said .
Q .
Does it matter which vaccine I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would take either of the leading vaccines .
It 's a matter of availability .
As vaccines become more widely available and more data is collected , one type may work better for one subpopulation , but right now , take which one you can get , Most said .
Q .
Should pregnant or breastfeeding women get the vaccine ?
A .
Pregnant women were excluded from the vaccine clinical trials and should talk with their doctor about the potential risks and benefits .
`` The fact of the matter is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women , can infect them especially severely , '' Offit said , `` and so that 's the other side of not getting the vaccine . ''
Q .
What about people with allergies ?
A .
People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine should not receive it , the CDC has advised .
`` If you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies , you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported six cases of anaphylaxis , a severe allergic reaction , in people who got the COVID-19 vaccine .
Some physicians are `` kind of on the fence right now '' about what to do with patients who carry an EpiPen , or epinephrine injectors , Most said .
`` Really , it 's those with severe allergies to IV 's , severe allergies to any food preparations , where you need to carry that EpiPen to treat yourself .
Those are the ones we 're saying , 'Let 's hold off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit more information , ' '' Most said .
Q .
What precautions are in place for administering vaccines ?
A .
Those giving vaccines to people with a history of severe allergic reactions will ask them to wait for 30 minutes for observation , so if they do develop an allergic reaction , medical personnel could reverse it with a shot of epinephrine .
Everyone else should wait for 15 minutes .
Q .
If I get the vaccine , why do I still have to wear a mask ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly vaccinated can still transmit the virus , but there 's at least a theoretical risk , said Dr. Robert Citronberg , Advocate Aurora 's executive medical director of infectious disease and prevention .
You could still acquire the virus , it could live in your nose and you could spread it to other people , even though you 've been immunized and may not fall ill , Citronberg said during a virtual town hall .
Q .
How many people will need vaccinations to reach herd immunity ?
A. Herd immunity rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , Most said .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the country 's top immunologist , has said between 75 % and 85 % of the population would have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity .
For measles , by comparison , the threshold is 93 % to 95 % .
`` With 5 % population of the population being infected , we certainly have quite a ways to go before we are even talking about the possibility of complete herd immunity , '' Most said .

Can the vaccine give me COVID-19? Which vaccine should I take? We answer your questions.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, prepares to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool
More than 63,000 people outside Chicago have received the first doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine a week into the state's immunization effort.
As Moderna adds to the supply, here are answers from suburban experts to common questions about the vaccines.
How the vaccines work
Q. Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
A. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines do not contain the virus itself. The groundbreaking vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, technology to deliver a piece of genetic material that instructs your cells to make the spike protein found on the surface of the coronavirus, inducing an immune response. Your body then produces antibodies to the spike protein to prevent the actual virus from binding to cells.
It's not a novel strategy, said Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the Food and Drug Administration advisory committee that endorsed the leading vaccines.
"This particular notion of using messenger RNA as a vaccine has been around for 20 years," Offit said during a panel discussion last week.
Q. What side effects can I expect?
Dr. Kevin Most, chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, received his vaccine Thursday. - Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine
A. Some possible side effects may include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache or chills. Those are signs that the vaccine is triggering an immune response as intended.
In clinical trials, those reactions were more frequent after the second dose of the vaccine.
So far, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield has had no reports of severe reactions, said Dr. Kevin Most, chief medical officer.
"Actually, of the total that we've done, which is a couple thousand now, we haven't had anybody that took a day off or needed to take a day off because of side effects," Most said Monday.
Q. Will the vaccines protect against the new coronavirus variant circulating in the United Kingdom?
A. That's under review by U.S. Army scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. "The initial look is that it really won't impact the vaccine, and it'll still be very effective," Most said.
Distributing vaccines
Q. Who's next in line after health care workers and nursing home residents?
A. This week, an advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that the so-called Phase 1b of the vaccine rollout prioritize people 75 and older and front-line essential workers. About 49 million Americans fall into that category.
Then in Phase 1c -- targeting 129 million people -- vaccines should be offered to people 65 to 74, people 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers, the committee said.
Essential workers recommended for Phase 1c vaccination include those in the food service, finance, information technology, transportation and logistics, energy, media and legal industries.
Q. How long will it take to move through the allocation phases?
A. DuPage County public health authorities expect it may take several months before reaching Phase 1c. A county health department spokeswoman said Tuesday officials are several weeks away from vaccinating the remainder of the estimated 43,000 health care personnel in DuPage in Phase 1a.
Q. What will distribution look like for high-risk people?
A. It's still unclear if doctors' offices or pharmacies will help deliver vaccines as distribution ramps up.
Advocate Aurora Health currently has no plans to open drive-through vaccination sites. The system operates 26 hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin.
The DuPage health department is working with hospitals, health care providers, pharmacies and community leaders on "flexible COVID-19 vaccination programs that can accommodate different vaccines and scenarios," the spokeswoman said. "Our goal is to make vaccine available through as many locations as possible."
If you're part of Phase 1c because of a medical condition, you should consult your physician about vaccine plans, Most said.
Q. Does it matter which vaccine I get?
A. Medical experts say they would take either of the leading vaccines. It's a matter of availability. As vaccines become more widely available and more data is collected, one type may work better for one subpopulation, but right now, take which one you can get, Most said.
Vaccine safety
Q. Should pregnant or breastfeeding women get the vaccine?
A. Pregnant women were excluded from the vaccine clinical trials and should talk with their doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
"The fact of the matter is the SARS-CoV-2 virus, when it infects pregnant women, can infect them especially severely," Offit said, "and so that's the other side of not getting the vaccine."
Q. What about people with allergies?
A. People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine should not receive it, the CDC has advised.
"If you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine," the federal guidelines state.
The CDC has reported six cases of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, in people who got the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some physicians are "kind of on the fence right now" about what to do with patients who carry an EpiPen, or epinephrine injectors, Most said.
"Really, it's those with severe allergies to IV's, severe allergies to any food preparations, where you need to carry that EpiPen to treat yourself. Those are the ones we're saying, 'Let's hold off for a little bit until we get a little bit more information,'" Most said.
Q. What precautions are in place for administering vaccines?
A. Those giving vaccines to people with a history of severe allergic reactions will ask them to wait for 30 minutes for observation, so if they do develop an allergic reaction, medical personnel could reverse it with a shot of epinephrine. Everyone else should wait for 15 minutes.
Looking ahead
Q. If I get the vaccine, why do I still have to wear a mask?
Niles-based infectious disease specialist Dr. Robert Citronberg received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine Thursday from a nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. - Courtesy of JOHN MARTIN-EATINGER/Advocate Health
A. It's unclear if the newly vaccinated can still transmit the virus, but there's at least a theoretical risk, said Dr. Robert Citronberg, Advocate Aurora's executive medical director of infectious disease and prevention.
You could still acquire the virus, it could live in your nose and you could spread it to other people, even though you've been immunized and may not fall ill, Citronberg said during a virtual town hall.
Q. How many people will need vaccinations to reach herd immunity?
A. Herd immunity rates are based on how contagious a virus is, Most said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top immunologist, has said between 75% and 85% of the population would have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. For measles, by comparison, the threshold is 93% to 95%.
"With 5% population of the population being infected, we certainly have quite a ways to go before we are even talking about the possibility of complete herd immunity," Most said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-23--Illinois' COVID-19 metrics 'moving in the right direction,' surgeon general says

The U.S .
Surgeon General said Illinois ' COVID-19 metrics are `` moving in the right direction '' as new COVID-19 infections numbered 6,239 Tuesday and case averages dropped compared to November and December highs .
`` And we have the finish line in sight with these two vaccines '' by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. , Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams said during a visit to the state Tuesday .
A total of 234,450 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the two pharmaceutical companies are arriving this week for health care workers in the suburbs and elsewhere in Illinois .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The seven-day average for new cases is 6,755 -- 19 % less than the daily average of 8,384 for December and 34 % less than the 10,278 average in November -- two months that marked a surge in infections .
Patients in hospitals with the virus totaled 4,571 as of Monday night , compared to the week 's average of 4,611 .
With thousands still filling hospital wards , Adams cautioned that `` we have to stay the course .
We ca n't let fatigue cause us to make poor decisions this holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will swamp ICUs , and `` if you have a heart attack , there might not be room at the inn . ''
At a briefing with state and Chicago officials , Adams encouraged COVID-19 survivors to donate blood so plasma containing antibodies could be used in creating treatments for the virus .
And he acknowledged distrust in Black communities about the COVID-19 vaccine , caused partly by `` horrific '' situations like the government 's 40-year Tuskegee Study of Black men with syphilis who were never offered penicillin to treat their symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color do n't trust the government , '' said Adams , who is Black .
`` It comes from a real place , and we have to acknowledge that .
But we also have to sit down with people and help them understand there are protections in place to make sure something like that never happens again . ''
Asked about strains of the virus causing concerns in Great Britain , Adams said U.S. Centers for Disease Control experts told him `` there is no indication thus far that this new variant will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , 116 more people died of the respiratory disease , the Illinois Department of Public Health reported .
Total cases since the pandemic began stand at 911,308 .
A total of 15,414 people have died from COVID-19 statewide , and the daily average of fatalities in December is 144 .
More than 48 % of those who died from the virus were age 80 and older .
The state 's positivity rate for cases continues to decline and is now at 7.4 % based on a seven-day average , the lowest it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
The rate is calculated by dividing the number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed by the total tests processed .
The state 's positivity rate for tests is also trending down at 9.3 % based on a seven-day average .
The test rate is calculated by dividing the number of positive tests by the total tests processed , including people taking multiple tests .
As cases have surged , the state has imposed a series of restrictions that have shut down indoor dining , closed movie theaters and limited capacity at shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said he would not consider lifting the measures until after the holidays .
More than 5,000 restaurants have closed in Illinois because of COVID-19 , said Sam Toia , president of the Illinois Restaurant Association .
A pandemic relief package Congress just passed will help , but the industry needs a separate federal stimulus and help from the state .
`` We 're not saying 100 % capacity ( inside ) .
We can not survive out here without any indoor dining , '' Toia said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need a pragmatic path forward for indoor dining , '' Toia said .
Restaurants are highly regulated and `` we know how to do this right , '' he said about masking and social distancing .
State COVID-19 testing sites will be closed Christmas and New Year 's Day .
Labs reported 84,764 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours .
The IDPH also reported 1,257 probable deaths from COVID-19 .

Illinois' COVID-19 metrics 'moving in the right direction,' surgeon general says
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, left, elbow-bumps emergency room technician Demetrius Mcalister after Mcalister got the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago on Tuesday. Associated Press
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, center, is joined by Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, left, and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike during their visit at St. Anthony Hospital in Chicago on Tuesday. Associated Press
Aly Shull, a CT scan technician at Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital Elgin, looks on as she receives the COVID-19 vaccine. courtesy of Timothy Nelson, Amita Health
The U.S. Surgeon General said Illinois' COVID-19 metrics are "moving in the right direction" as new COVID-19 infections numbered 6,239 Tuesday and case averages dropped compared to November and December highs.
"And we have the finish line in sight with these two vaccines" by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc., Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams said during a visit to the state Tuesday.
A total of 234,450 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the two pharmaceutical companies are arriving this week for health care workers in the suburbs and elsewhere in Illinois. Chicago is getting a separate shipment.
The seven-day average for new cases is 6,755 -- 19% less than the daily average of 8,384 for December and 34% less than the 10,278 average in November -- two months that marked a surge in infections.
Patients in hospitals with the virus totaled 4,571 as of Monday night, compared to the week's average of 4,611.
With thousands still filling hospital wards, Adams cautioned that "we have to stay the course. We can't let fatigue cause us to make poor decisions this holiday season." He said COVID-19 patients will swamp ICUs, and "if you have a heart attack, there might not be room at the inn."
At a briefing with state and Chicago officials, Adams encouraged COVID-19 survivors to donate blood so plasma containing antibodies could be used in creating treatments for the virus.
And he acknowledged distrust in Black communities about the COVID-19 vaccine, caused partly by "horrific" situations like the government's 40-year Tuskegee Study of Black men with syphilis who were never offered penicillin to treat their symptoms.
"This is why people of color don't trust the government," said Adams, who is Black. "It comes from a real place, and we have to acknowledge that. But we also have to sit down with people and help them understand there are protections in place to make sure something like that never happens again."
Asked about strains of the virus causing concerns in Great Britain, Adams said U.S. Centers for Disease Control experts told him "there is no indication thus far that this new variant will be resistant to vaccines."
Also Tuesday, 116 more people died of the respiratory disease, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported.
Total cases since the pandemic began stand at 911,308. A total of 15,414 people have died from COVID-19 statewide, and the daily average of fatalities in December is 144. More than 48% of those who died from the virus were age 80 and older.
The state's positivity rate for cases continues to decline and is now at 7.4% based on a seven-day average, the lowest it's been since 7.3% on Oct. 30. The rate is calculated by dividing the number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed by the total tests processed.
The state's positivity rate for tests is also trending down at 9.3% based on a seven-day average. The test rate is calculated by dividing the number of positive tests by the total tests processed, including people taking multiple tests.
As cases have surged, the state has imposed a series of restrictions that have shut down indoor dining, closed movie theaters and limited capacity at shops. Despite the declining caseloads and positivity rates, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would not consider lifting the measures until after the holidays.
More than 5,000 restaurants have closed in Illinois because of COVID-19, said Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association. A pandemic relief package Congress just passed will help, but the industry needs a separate federal stimulus and help from the state.
"We're not saying 100% capacity (inside). We cannot survive out here without any indoor dining," Toia said.
With January and February coming, "we need a pragmatic path forward for indoor dining," Toia said. Restaurants are highly regulated and "we know how to do this right," he said about masking and social distancing.
State COVID-19 testing sites will be closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Labs reported 84,764 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours.
The IDPH also reported 1,257 probable deaths from COVID-19.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-22--Hot cocoa bombs are exploding in the suburbs. Goodness, why wouldn't they be?

For a person who does n't like chocolate , self-described `` cottage baker '' Ashlei Nordmeyer chose for her specialty a surprising confection -- one that has generated millions of views for her on TikTok .
The South Elgin woman is among a growing contingent of bakers and candy makers who 've embraced the latest viral food trend : hot cocoa bombs .
They 're small chocolate orbs filled with cocoa mix , mini marshmallows and other sweet ingredients that break open when hot milk ( or a milk substitute ) is poured over them .
The treats are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media about where to find them .
`` I 'm not a fan of chocolate at all , but I 'll drink the hot cocoa , '' says Nordmeyer , whose TikTok video showing one of her cocoa creations racked up more than 4 million views , confirming that -- for chocolate lovers -- this treat is da bomb .
According to The Washington Post , an Idaho man named Eric Torres Garcia claims he created the first cocoa bomb .
In 2019 , he posted a video on TikTok showing him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which then broke open and released mini marshmallows .
Within 10 hours , 1.7 million people had viewed the video , according to Garcia , who trademarked `` cocoa bomb '' and set up cocoabombs.com to sell his concoctions .
Watching a `` how-to '' cocoa bomb video on social media several months ago , Nordmeyer thought , `` I can do that , '' and Ashlei 's Cocoa Creations was born .
The mom of three posted her creations on social media , and the response was immediate .
Her video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on `` The Today Show '' and `` Good Morning America . ''
Nordmeyer estimates she 's made 3,000 cocoa bombs since she began her venture in September .
Cocoa , caramel , peppermint and white chocolate versions are most popular .
But she also offers specialty bombs .
One tastes like a s'more ; others incorporate breakfast cereal , Oreo cookies and Reese 's Peanut Butter Cups .
`` It makes me feel great that I can offer something people really like , '' Nordmeyer said .
Anticipating post-holiday demand , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Easter-themed versions .
And she 's mulling over creating a bomb to pair with coffee and a `` boozy bomb '' for adults .
`` I 'm still thinking outside the box of what I can offer , '' she said Prices range from $ 4 for regular flavors to $ 6 each for specialty flavors with a minimum purchase of four .
Her creations are available at facebook.com/ashleiscc .
The cocoa bomb 's popularity does n't surprise Alicia Eisenmann , owner of Delish Cakes in Bloomingdale .
`` You know how that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks about it , everyone else has to have some , '' she said via email .
`` So now , here we are . ''
That so many people are at home and eager for something new to enjoy adds to the appeal , Eisenmann said .
She introduced a milk chocolate bomb before Thanksgiving .
She 's added more flavors since , with caramel latte and salted caramel versions to come .
But one of Eisenmann 's original creations is a milk chocolate bomb infused with 40 mg of cannabidiol distillate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not require a license to sell .
Prices range from $ 5 to $ 8.50 each .
At Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery in Buffalo Grove , hot cocoa bombs have been a hit since the shop debuted them 2½ weeks ago , said manager and head baker Arianna Romero .
`` They go out super fast , '' she said .
Some customers purchase them by the dozens .
`` At $ 5 each they definitely come in to stock up for their family , '' she said of Smallcakes ' spheres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charms , Chips Ahoy cookies and Kit-Kat bars .
For New Year 's Eve , Romero promises an adults-only option .
Cindy Brown , owner of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio in Schaumburg , compares hot cocoa bombs to a double shot of chocolate .
The explosion is part of their appeal , she said .
`` You 're not only getting the cocoa ; you 're getting the layers of chocolate , '' Brown said .
`` You 're putting the bomb in the milk , pouring in hot milk and watching things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of Sweet Occasions ' creations , which sell for $ 3.50 to $ 4.50 individually .
`` We have one we call The Unicorn , which is white chocolate with sprinkles and rainbow marshmallows inside , '' Brown said .
Like Nordmeyer , she anticipates the confections ' popularity will extend beyond the holidays .
`` It 's a nice gift , '' she said , `` and they 're not as perishable as cupcakes or cookies . ''

Hot cocoa bombs are exploding in the suburbs. Goodness, why wouldn't they be?
Employees at Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery in Buffalo Grove anticipate hot cocoa bombs, the latest food trend, will remain popular long after the holidays are over. Courtesy of Jassmine Flores
Like other suburban bakeries and sweet shops, Schaumburg's Sweet Occasions Cake Studio has been inundated with requests for the latest food craze, hot cocoa bombs. Courtesy of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio
Sweet Occasions Cake Studio owner Cindy Brown describes the hot cocoa bombs she sells at her Schaumburg shop as a kind of "comfort food." Courtesy of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio
Ashlei Nordmeyer, a home baker from South Elgin, puts a holiday spin on the latest food craze, hot cocoa bombs, a chocolate confection that turns warm milk into a sweet treat. Courtesy of Jaedin Echevarria
For a person who doesn't like chocolate, self-described "cottage baker" Ashlei Nordmeyer chose for her specialty a surprising confection -- one that has generated millions of views for her on TikTok.
The South Elgin woman is among a growing contingent of bakers and candy makers who've embraced the latest viral food trend: hot cocoa bombs.
They're small chocolate orbs filled with cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and other sweet ingredients that break open when hot milk (or a milk substitute) is poured over them. The treats are so popular they are sparking countless queries on social media about where to find them.
"I'm not a fan of chocolate at all, but I'll drink the hot cocoa," says Nordmeyer, whose TikTok video showing one of her cocoa creations racked up more than 4 million views, confirming that -- for chocolate lovers -- this treat is da bomb.
Self-described "cottage baker" Ashlei Nordmeyer, of South Elgin, estimates she has made 3,000 hot cocoa bombs since she established Cocoa Creations by Ashlei in September. And her TikTok video of them has drawn millions. - Courtesy of Jaedin Echevarria
According to The Washington Post, an Idaho man named Eric Torres Garcia claims he created the first cocoa bomb. In 2019, he posted a video on TikTok showing him pouring hot milk over a chocolate sphere, which then broke open and released mini marshmallows.
Within 10 hours, 1.7 million people had viewed the video, according to Garcia, who trademarked "cocoa bomb" and set up cocoabombs.com to sell his concoctions.
Watching a "how-to" cocoa bomb video on social media several months ago, Nordmeyer thought, "I can do that," and Ashlei's Cocoa Creations was born.
The mom of three posted her creations on social media, and the response was immediate. Her video went viral, and Nordmeyer subsequently appeared on "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America."
Nordmeyer estimates she's made 3,000 cocoa bombs since she began her venture in September. Cocoa, caramel, peppermint and white chocolate versions are most popular.
But she also offers specialty bombs. One tastes like a s'more; others incorporate breakfast cereal, Oreo cookies and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
"It makes me feel great that I can offer something people really like," Nordmeyer said.
Anticipating post-holiday demand, she's already contemplating Valentine's Day and Easter-themed versions. And she's mulling over creating a bomb to pair with coffee and a "boozy bomb" for adults.
"I'm still thinking outside the box of what I can offer," she said
Prices range from $4 for regular flavors to $6 each for specialty flavors with a minimum purchase of four. Her creations are available at facebook.com/ashleiscc.
The cocoa bomb's popularity doesn't surprise Alicia Eisenmann, owner of Delish Cakes in Bloomingdale.
"You know how that goes. Once someone tries it or talks about it, everyone else has to have some," she said via email. "So now, here we are."
That so many people are at home and eager for something new to enjoy adds to the appeal, Eisenmann said.
She introduced a milk chocolate bomb before Thanksgiving. She's added more flavors since, with caramel latte and salted caramel versions to come.
But one of Eisenmann's original creations is a milk chocolate bomb infused with 40 mg of cannabidiol distillate, which contains no THC and does not require a license to sell. Prices range from $5 to $8.50 each.
Hot cocoa bombs have been a huge hit at Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery in Buffalo Grove, which introduced the confection 2½ weeks ago. - Courtesy of Jassmine Flores
At Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery in Buffalo Grove, hot cocoa bombs have been a hit since the shop debuted them 2½ weeks ago, said manager and head baker Arianna Romero.
"They go out super fast," she said. Some customers purchase them by the dozens.
"At $5 each they definitely come in to stock up for their family," she said of Smallcakes' spheres, some of which are topped with Lucky Charms, Chips Ahoy cookies and Kit-Kat bars. For New Year's Eve, Romero promises an adults-only option.
Sweet Occasions Cake Studio in Schaumburg sells a variety of hot cocoa bombs, including milk chocolate, peanut butter, salted caramel and peppermint. - Courtesy of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio
Cindy Brown, owner of Sweet Occasions Cake Studio in Schaumburg, compares hot cocoa bombs to a double shot of chocolate. The explosion is part of their appeal, she said.
"You're not only getting the cocoa; you're getting the layers of chocolate," Brown said.
"You're putting the bomb in the milk, pouring in hot milk and watching things pop out of it," she said of Sweet Occasions' creations, which sell for $3.50 to $4.50 individually.
"We have one we call The Unicorn, which is white chocolate with sprinkles and rainbow marshmallows inside," Brown said.
Like Nordmeyer, she anticipates the confections' popularity will extend beyond the holidays.
"It's a nice gift," she said, "and they're not as perishable as cupcakes or cookies."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-22--High-speed chase in Lisle ends with fatal crash

A 30-year-old man was killed early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Lisle after leading police on a high-speed chase , authorities said .
The unidentified driver was pronounced dead at Edward Hospital in Naperville .
A 29-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries after the air bags deployed .
Lisle police said the pursuit began at 1:13 a.m. when an officer attempted to stop a 2020 Honda Accord for speeding on the 1700 block of Ogden Avenue .
After the vehicle pulled to the side of the road and the officer approached it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west on Ogden .
The speeding car was pursued by two Lisle police officers in separate vehicles , according to a news release .
It then traveled north onto Naper Boulevard .
Less than 5 minutes later , Lisle officers located the car on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-88 and determined it had been involved in a single-vehicle crash .
Police said the vehicle has been reported stolen in Chicago on Dec. 16 .
Lisle Deputy Police Chief Kevin Licko said the deceased driver was listed as a suspect in the Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver is pending after notification of next of kin .
No charges have been filed so far against the passenger , who also has not yet been identified .
The Lisle Police Department is being assisted in the investigation by the DuPage MERIT Public Integrity Team and Major Crash Reconstruction Team .
Still to be determined are the cause of the crash , the vehicle 's speed and if the occupants were wearing seat belts .

High-speed chase in Lisle ends with fatal crash
A 30-year-old man was killed early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Lisle after leading police on a high-speed chase, authorities said.
The unidentified driver was pronounced dead at Edward Hospital in Naperville. A 29-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries after the air bags deployed.
Lisle police said the pursuit began at 1:13 a.m. when an officer attempted to stop a 2020 Honda Accord for speeding on the 1700 block of Ogden Avenue. After the vehicle pulled to the side of the road and the officer approached it, police said, the car sped west on Ogden.
The speeding car was pursued by two Lisle police officers in separate vehicles, according to a news release. It then traveled north onto Naper Boulevard.
Less than 5 minutes later, Lisle officers located the car on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-88 and determined it had been involved in a single-vehicle crash.
Police said the vehicle has been reported stolen in Chicago on Dec. 16. Lisle Deputy Police Chief Kevin Licko said the deceased driver was listed as a suspect in the Chicago police report.
The identification of the driver is pending after notification of next of kin. No charges have been filed so far against the passenger, who also has not yet been identified.
The Lisle Police Department is being assisted in the investigation by the DuPage MERIT Public Integrity Team and Major Crash Reconstruction Team. Still to be determined are the cause of the crash, the vehicle's speed and if the occupants were wearing seat belts.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-23--Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demands

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump has threatened to torpedo Congress ' massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty , suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed .
Trump assailed the bipartisan $ 900 billion package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation .
He called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $ 600 to $ 2,000 for individuals and $ 4,000 for couples .
Railing against a range of provisions in the bill , including for foreign aid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill . ''
Trump did not specifically vow to veto the bill , and there may be enough support for the legislation in Congress to override him if he does .
But if Trump were to upend the sprawling legislation , the consequences would be severe , including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses , and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution .
In addition , because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government would shut down on Dec. 29 .
The relief package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $ 1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems , an increase in food stamp benefits and about $ 4 billion to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people .
Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds , even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country .
Democrats had pushed for higher payments to Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal to proceed .
Following Trump 's interjection , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all but dared Trump 's Republican allies in Congress to meet the president 's demand for far higher payments .
`` At last , the President has agreed to $ 2,000 .
Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent .
Let 's do it !
, '' Pelosi said in a tweet .
An aide said she would put the proposal forward Thursday for a vote .
Republicans have been reluctant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal .
And Sen. Chuck Schumer , the Senate Democratic leader , said that `` Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open , '' and Congress would step up for more aid after .
Trump 's call for changes to the legislation will test his sway with a Republican Party he has held tight control of throughout his presidency .
Several Senate Republicans , including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , have begun to gingerly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to President-elect Joe Biden , a step Trump has refused to take .
McConnell has also warned Republicans against disputing the election on Jan. 6 , when Congress must formally affirm the results .
Shortly after castigating the relief bill , Trump challenged McConnell and Sen. John Thune , the No .
2 Senate Republican who has also said any effort to overturn Biden 's victory would be futile .
Trump said he would back a primary challenge to Thune when he is up for reelection in 2022 .
Trump 's threats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicate matters for Republicans in Georgia , where two runoff races to determine control of the Senate will be held in January .
Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been running as ardent supporters of Trump and will now face questions about whether they will back his call for more money for Americans .
The relief package was brought forward Monday afternoon and sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours as lawmakers worked to close the books on the year .
While many lawmakers complained about being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , they overwhelmingly voted for it as local businesses and constituents seek economic relief from the pandemic The Senate cleared the huge relief package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved it by another lopsided vote , 359-53 .
Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Trump decide to take that step .
After months of partisanship and politicking about pandemic relief , the logjam broke after Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would establish a temporary $ 300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $ 600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans , along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses , restaurants and theaters and money for schools , health care providers and renters facing eviction .
Earlier in the day , Biden applauded lawmakers for their work .
He described the package as far from perfect , `` but it does provide vital relief at a critical time . ''
He also said more relief would be needed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first hint and glimpse of bipartisanship , '' Biden said .
`` In this election , the American people made it clear they want us to reach across the aisle and work together . ''

COVID relief bill morphs into a test of GOP loyalty to Trump
President Donald Trump, shown here in January 2020, assailed the bipartisan $900 billion package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation. Associated Press/Jan. 27, 2020
WASHINGTON -- Threatening to tank Congress' massive COVID relief and government funding package, President Donald Trump's demand for bigger aid checks for Americans confronts Republicans traditionally leery of such spending with an uncomfortable test of allegiance.
On Thursday, House Democrats who also favor $2,000 checks will all but dare Republicans to break with Trump, calling up his proposal for a Christmas Eve vote. The president's last-minute objection could gum up critical legislation amid a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty. His attacks risk a federal government shutdown by early next week.
"Just when you think you have seen it all," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote Wednesday in a letter to colleagues.
"The entire country knows that it is urgent for the President to sign this bill, both to provide the coronavirus relief and to keep government open."
Republicans led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have resisted $2,000 checks as too costly. They have not said if they will block the vote.
The president's last-minute objections are setting up a defining showdown with his own Republican Party in his final days in office.
Rather than take the victory of the sweeping aid package, among the biggest in history, Trump is lashing out at GOP leaders over the presidential election -- for acknowledging Joe Biden as president-elect and rebuffing his campaign to dispute the Electoral College results when they are tallied in Congress on Jan. 6.
The president's push to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples splits the party with a politically painful loyalty test, including for GOP senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, fighting to retain their seats in the Jan. 5 special election in Georgia.
Republican lawmakers traditionally balk at big spending and many never fully embraced Trump's populist approach. Their political DNA tells them to oppose a costlier relief package. But now they're being asked to stand with the president.
GOP leaders were silent Wednesday, with neither McConnell nor Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, responding to requests for comment.
Jon Ossoff, Perdue's Democratic opponent, tweeted simply on Tuesday night: "$2,000 checks now."
As Congress left town for the holidays, the year-end package was part of a hard-fought compromise, a massive 5,000-plus page bill that includes the COVID aid and $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and address other priorities.
The relief bill Trump is criticizing would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
Even though Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin represented the White House in negotiations, Trump assailed the bipartisan effort in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night, suggesting he may not sign the legislation.
Railing against a range of provisions in the broader government funding package, including foreign aid mainstays included each year, Trump called the bill a "disgrace."
Trump did not specifically vow to use his veto power, and there may be enough support in Congress to override him if he does. But the consequences would be severe if Trump upends the legislation, including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses, and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution. To top it off, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29.
The final text of the more than 5,000-page bill was still being prepared by Congress and was not expected to be sent to the White House for Trump's signature before Thursday or Friday, an aide said.
That complicates the schedule ahead. Under normal circumstances, a bill that has not been vetoed becomes law after 10 days. But it could face a "pocket veto" if Congress adjourns during that time, as it will be expected to do before the new Congress convenes Jan. 3.
A stopgap funding bill Congress approved while the paperwork was being compiled is keeping the government funded through midnight Monday, when its expiration risks a federal shutdown.
Pelosi and Democrats said they fought for the higher stipends during protracted negotiations only to settle on the lower number when Republicans refused.
Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds, even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country. Trump had pushed for higher payments to Americans -- drawing rare common ground with most liberals -- but Democrats ultimately compromised with reluctant Republicans to allow a deal to proceed.
Pelosi said she would offer the president's proposal under a procedure that allows just one lawmaker to object to its consideration. It will be pushed forward during a so-called pro forma session, with few lawmakers expected to attend.
"At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let's do it!," Pelosi said in an earlier tweet.
Republicans have been reluctant to spend more on pandemic relief and only agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said that "Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open," and Congress would step up for more aid after.
Shortly after castigating the relief bill, Trump criticized McConnell and Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, who has also said any effort to overturn Biden's victory would be futile.
Trump's threats to hold up the pandemic legislation could also complicate matters for Republicans in Georgia, where two runoff races to determine control of the Senate will be held in January. Sens.
The Senate cleared the huge relief package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved it by 359-53. Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Trump decide to take that step.
Biden applauded lawmakers for their work. He described the package as far from perfect, "but it does provide vital relief at a critical time."
He also said more relief would be needed in the months ahead.