dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-20--A COVID Christmas: Suburban churches keep traditions alive

Christmas car caravans .
Live nativities with masked volunteers performing to socially distanced audiences .
Virtual and drive-in religious services .
Suburban Christian congregations are adapting yuletide festivities this year due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on gatherings and traditional holiday activities .
Some churches are taking reservations for congregants to attend services in smaller groups .
Others are finding new ways to connect with their homebound faithful .
`` We 're doing a lot of things that are different , '' said the Rev .
John Trout , pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville .
The parish will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masses .
Trout will deliver the sermon from a specially constructed treehouse pulpit -- a large elevated structure in the parking lot with Plexiglass encompassing the altar .
The church follows stringent protocols set by the Archdiocese of Chicago for resuming Masses .
Its service will be broadcast over the radio while parishioners remain seated in their cars .
A priest wearing a face shield and mask will distribute communion to parishioners after both sanitize their hands .
`` Our priority is keeping everyone safe , '' Trout said .
`` Since we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , 28,000 people have ( had ) in-person worship at Mass without incident .
Our system has been copied and many diocese have got in touch with us . ''
St. Edna Parish in Arlington Heights is among several congregations taking reservations for Christmas Masses to limit crowds .
The church also is having earlier and multiple services , and will stream a prerecorded Mass on Christmas Eve .
This month , volunteer families manned tent stations in the church 's parking lot depicting Nativity scenes for Advent season .
Parishioners drove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepackaged candy canes and do-it-yourself ornaments .
`` They can return ( the ornaments ) to put on a designated tree outside the church , '' said Heather Daudelin , director of religious education .
`` That is going to be our parish community family tree for the holidays .
Our whole parish has been decorated in lights .
We are emphasizing the outside of our parish being a natural church this year .
Even though ( parishioners ) can not be with their personal families , they can be with their church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Faith Lutheran Church of Aurora hosted an outdoor live nativity performance Saturday similar to last year 's event , but socially distanced .
Aurora Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora hosted its annual outdoor live nativity Saturday featuring actors who were socially distant and masked .
The performance included a large cast of actors and animals , a choir , and scenery spread out across the church 's lawn .
Each scene was played by members of the same family grouped together for additional safety .
The event was livestreamed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipates Christmas services will be held online .
A team of volunteers will bake bread for communion gift bags that will be delivered to members ' homes on Christmas Eve .
It will include grape juice boxes , wafers , candles and devotionals for families to partake in during livestreamed services .
`` It 's really what Christmas is all about ... it 's been a challenge with COVID where people feel less connected and isolated , '' Douglas said .
`` Nothing can really replace that in-person experience of community , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adapt and be creative during this time . ''
The image of the lady at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines was moved for the first time in 30 years and placed inside a chapel to discourage the throngs of visitors who typically make a pilgrimage to the site in December .
The image of the lady at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines was moved for the first time in 30 years and placed inside a chapel to discourage the throngs of visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site in December .
Des Plaines At the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines , officials have been discouraging crowds from gathering by moving the image of the lady from its niche and placing it inside a chapel for the season .
The shrine -- a revered pilgrimage site for Catholics -- typically draws more than 200,000 visitors for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was canceled this year .
Instead , officials urged worshippers to submit photos of their prayer altars at home , which are displayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are going to be praying with them online , '' said the Rev .
Esequiel Sanchez , rector of the shrine .
For Christmas Eve , the shrine will hold a midnight Mass for a limited crowd and services will be livestreamed , he added .
Glenview Community Church , which has put on an elaborate Christmas pageant for 70 years , recorded and released it Sunday on its YouTube channel .
It features popular Christmas songs , costumes , and dancing by the church 's children and youth .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Eve services , which also will be livestreamed with the recording available for viewing afterward .
Seminarians studying at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary typically perform an annual Christmas concert for the public , but the performance will be virtual this year .
`` That is one of our more popular events , '' said Matt Paolelli , seminary spokesman .
`` People who come every year have been coming for decades . ''
Seminarians returned to parishes in their home dioceses after Thanksgiving to finish the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before leaving campus , socially distanced in the main chapel .
It features religious carols and is available on the seminary 's Facebook page .
`` A lot of churches and even the Archdiocese have canceled their Christmas concerts , so I think we are one of the only games in town , '' Paolelli said .
Maycee Masters , 2 , and her twin sister Taylor place luminaria candles with their dad , Carl Masters of St. Charles , at the Christmas Story Caravan at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles was among three Fox Valley churches that hosted a drive-through `` Christmas Story Caravan '' this month , handing out luminary kits and ornaments for a prayer tree .
`` We traditionally have a tree on our front lawn where we have members of our community write prayers on ornaments , '' Senior Pastor Mary Zajac said .
`` We 've got 100 ornaments on the tree right now .
It 's meant to be outreach ... ( a ) comfort for people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited congregants to submit videos of themselves singing `` Silent Night , '' which a student member will stitch together into a recording to be shared as part of a Facebook Live event on Christmas Eve .
`` 2020 has got enough challenge and sadness .
We need some joy , '' Zajac said .
`` We need some things that are cherished memories of these times , not just sad memories .
There are blessings in the midst of the pain and that is really the message of Christmas -- the blessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A COVID Christmas: Suburban churches keep traditions alive
Baker Memorial United Methodist Church Pastor Mary Zajac, left, speaks with parishioner Deanna Baker, of Barrington, during a Christmas Story Caravan event at the church in downtown St. Charles this month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants drove through the parking lots of three Fox Valley churches to experience the story of Christmas. Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald
Chris Stumpf, left, gives a giving card to Betsy and Toby Petrie of Geneva, during the Christmas Story Caravan event at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown St. Charles earlier this month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants were allowed to drive through the parking lots of three area churches to experience the story of Christmas. Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald
Pastor Mary Zajac hangs prayer ornaments on a Christmas tree outside Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown St. Charles during a Christmas Story Caravan event this month. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, church officials have modified Christmas activities to protect members of their congregations. Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald
Christmas car caravans. Live nativities with masked volunteers performing to socially distanced audiences. Virtual and drive-in religious services.
Suburban Christian congregations are adapting yuletide festivities this year due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on gatherings and traditional holiday activities. Some churches are taking reservations for congregants to attend services in smaller groups. Others are finding new ways to connect with their homebound faithful.
"We're doing a lot of things that are different," said the Rev. John Trout, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville.
The parish will have drive-in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. Trout will deliver the sermon from a specially constructed treehouse pulpit -- a large elevated structure in the parking lot with Plexiglass encompassing the altar.
The church follows stringent protocols set by the Archdiocese of Chicago for resuming Masses. Its service will be broadcast over the radio while parishioners remain seated in their cars. A priest wearing a face shield and mask will distribute communion to parishioners after both sanitize their hands.
"Our priority is keeping everyone safe," Trout said. "Since we were allowed to reopen (in June), 28,000 people have (had) in-person worship at Mass without incident. Our system has been copied and many diocese have got in touch with us."
Arlington Heights
St. Edna Parish in Arlington Heights is among several congregations taking reservations for Christmas Masses to limit crowds. The church also is having earlier and multiple services, and will stream a prerecorded Mass on Christmas Eve.
This month, volunteer families manned tent stations in the church's parking lot depicting Nativity scenes for Advent season. Parishioners drove through to view the displays and received prepackaged candy canes and do-it-yourself ornaments.
"They can return (the ornaments) to put on a designated tree outside the church," said Heather Daudelin, director of religious education. "That is going to be our parish community family tree for the holidays. Our whole parish has been decorated in lights. We are emphasizing the outside of our parish being a natural church this year. Even though (parishioners) cannot be with their personal families, they can be with their church families and enjoy the holidays that way."
Faith Lutheran Church of Aurora hosted an outdoor live nativity performance Saturday similar to last year's event, but socially distanced. - Courtesy of Faith Lutheran Church
Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora hosted its annual outdoor live nativity Saturday featuring actors who were socially distant and masked. The performance included a large cast of actors and animals, a choir, and scenery spread out across the church's lawn. Each scene was played by members of the same family grouped together for additional safety. The event was livestreamed on the church website.
Lead Pastor Rob Douglas anticipates Christmas services will be held online. A team of volunteers will bake bread for communion gift bags that will be delivered to members' homes on Christmas Eve. It will include grape juice boxes, wafers, candles and devotionals for families to partake in during livestreamed services.
"It's really what Christmas is all about ... it's been a challenge with COVID where people feel less connected and isolated," Douglas said. "Nothing can really replace that in-person experience of community, but all of us have figured out how to adapt and be creative during this time."
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer The image of the lady at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines was moved for the first time in 30 years and placed inside a chapel to discourage the throngs of visitors who typically make a pilgrimage to the site in December.
At the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, officials have been discouraging crowds from gathering by moving the image of the lady from its niche and placing it inside a chapel for the season.
The shrine -- a revered pilgrimage site for Catholics -- typically draws more than 200,000 visitors for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was canceled this year. Instead, officials urged worshippers to submit photos of their prayer altars at home, which are displayed on the shrine's Facebook page.
"We are going to be praying with them online," said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, rector of the shrine. For Christmas Eve, the shrine will hold a midnight Mass for a limited crowd and services will be livestreamed, he added.
Glenview
Glenview Community Church, which has put on an elaborate Christmas pageant for 70 years, recorded and released it Sunday on its YouTube channel. It features popular Christmas songs, costumes, and dancing by the church's children and youth.
The church will allow limited in-person seating for Christmas Eve services, which also will be livestreamed with the recording available for viewing afterward.
Mundelein
Seminarians studying at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary typically perform an annual Christmas concert for the public, but the performance will be virtual this year.
"That is one of our more popular events," said Matt Paolelli, seminary spokesman. "People who come every year have been coming for decades."
Seminarians returned to parishes in their home dioceses after Thanksgiving to finish the semester online. They recorded the concert before leaving campus, socially distanced in the main chapel. It features religious carols and is available on the seminary's Facebook page.
"A lot of churches and even the Archdiocese have canceled their Christmas concerts, so I think we are one of the only games in town," Paolelli said.
Maycee Masters, 2, and her twin sister Taylor place luminaria candles with their dad, Carl Masters of St. Charles, at the Christmas Story Caravan at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown St. Charles earlier this month. - Ryan Rayburn/for the Daily Herald
Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles was among three Fox Valley churches that hosted a drive-through "Christmas Story Caravan" this month, handing out luminary kits and ornaments for a prayer tree.
"We traditionally have a tree on our front lawn where we have members of our community write prayers on ornaments," Senior Pastor Mary Zajac said. "We've got 100 ornaments on the tree right now. It's meant to be outreach ... (a) comfort for people of any faith tradition."
The church invited congregants to submit videos of themselves singing "Silent Night," which a student member will stitch together into a recording to be shared as part of a Facebook Live event on Christmas Eve.
"2020 has got enough challenge and sadness. We need some joy," Zajac said. "We need some things that are cherished memories of these times, not just sad memories. There are blessings in the midst of the pain and that is really the message of Christmas -- the blessing in the midst of darkness."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--'It was my home here': A lifetime in formal wear ends for Libertyville tailor

Even when you 've known for months what 's coming , walking away from a 30-year business does n't begin to sink in until the space is empty and the keys are handed over .
`` On one hand , I 'm ready .
On the other hand , this is my life , '' Steve Strumberger mused last week while tending to final details in his little storefront shop facing Cook Park in downtown Libertyville .
At 85 , Strumberger was prepared to call it a career .
But he would n't have left if he did n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , '' he said .
Like other small businesses , Steve 's Formal Wear & Tailors was sunk by the unrelenting coronavirus pandemic .
`` There are no proms , no weddings .
People do n't go out anymore .
Since March , nothing , '' said Strumberger , whose life 's work has been making people look good for special events .
At one time , he 'd rent 100 tuxedos during prom season .
Weddings was its own market .
For Christmas , Strumberger said , he 'd rent about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The pandemic hit this type of business -- and many others -- at the worst possible time , '' said Jennifer Johnson , executive director of MainStreet Libertyville , a downtown revitalization/promotional group .
`` With proms and other formal events canceled or postponed since March , and restrictions on gatherings , the primary revenue stream disappeared instantly , '' she added .
Strumberger found his own slice of the American dream upon arrival in Chicago from the former Yugoslavia .
`` In 1956 , I came to the greatest country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything you want , '' he said , his native accent still evident .
His first job was as a tailor at the former Lytton 's menswear store in downtown Chicago .
At that time , customers came in wearing suits , ties and hats , he said .
He moved to other jobs and was clothing manager for Mark Shale in Northbrook Court mall when he decided to open his own tuxedo shop .
After two years in Mundelein , Strumberger moved to an 800-square-foot space at the prominent corner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When I came here , it was a ghost town , '' he recalled .
But the new MainStreet organization was gaining momentum and the community was growing .
He became well known around town , often spending down time on a bench in Cook Park or in front of his shop , conversing with passersby .
`` Steve 's a people person , '' said Mayor Terry Weppler , a lifelong resident who used Strumberger 's services for various functions over the years .
`` We 're going to miss him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we 'll see him in the park , '' Weppler said .
Besides the business , Strumberger was involved with soccer for 40 years .
A goalkeeper , he played on the Chicago Select international team among others , and coached the Libertyville Spirit team .
In 2006 , he was presented the Illinois State Soccer Association Hall of Fame 's Meritorious Service Award in recognition of outstanding achievement and service to the sport .
Strumberger also was a drummer in various incarnations of a Bavarian band playing old world music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve is one of a kind .
His band often played our Oktoberfest parties , '' said Brian Grano , owner of Mickey Finn 's Brewery , which has been in business downtown nearly as long as the tailor shop .
`` One of the friendliest and ( most ) positive people I know . ''
Strumberger had been paying rent out of his own pocket the past nine months and decided it was time to go .
His lease ended last week , but he was given time to dispense of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 pairs of dress shoes and a box of hats .
What could n't be sold was donated .
The tailor plans to stay in Libertyville .
`` I was active .
That 's why it 's going to be hard , '' he said of closing the shop .
`` When it comes time for fishing , I 'll be at Lake Minear . ''

'It was my home here': A lifetime in formal wear ends for Libertyville tailor
Even when you've known for months what's coming, walking away from a 30-year business doesn't begin to sink in until the space is empty and the keys are handed over.
"On one hand, I'm ready. On the other hand, this is my life," Steve Strumberger mused last week while tending to final details in his little storefront shop facing Cook Park in downtown Libertyville.
At 85, Strumberger was prepared to call it a career. But he wouldn't have left if he didn't have to.
"It was my home here," he said.
Like other small businesses, Steve's Formal Wear & Tailors was sunk by the unrelenting coronavirus pandemic.
"There are no proms, no weddings. People don't go out anymore. Since March, nothing," said Strumberger, whose life's work has been making people look good for special events.
At one time, he'd rent 100 tuxedos during prom season. Weddings was its own market. For Christmas, Strumberger said, he'd rent about 50 tuxedos. Not this year.
"The pandemic hit this type of business -- and many others -- at the worst possible time," said Jennifer Johnson, executive director of MainStreet Libertyville, a downtown revitalization/promotional group.
"With proms and other formal events canceled or postponed since March, and restrictions on gatherings, the primary revenue stream disappeared instantly," she added.
Strumberger found his own slice of the American dream upon arrival in Chicago from the former Yugoslavia.
"In 1956, I came to the greatest country in the world -- America. You can do anything you want," he said, his native accent still evident.
His first job was as a tailor at the former Lytton's menswear store in downtown Chicago. At that time, customers came in wearing suits, ties and hats, he said.
He moved to other jobs and was clothing manager for Mark Shale in Northbrook Court mall when he decided to open his own tuxedo shop. After two years in Mundelein, Strumberger moved to an 800-square-foot space at the prominent corner of Milwaukee and Cook avenues in Libertyville.
"When I came here, it was a ghost town," he recalled. But the new MainStreet organization was gaining momentum and the community was growing.
He became well known around town, often spending down time on a bench in Cook Park or in front of his shop, conversing with passersby.
"Steve's a people person," said Mayor Terry Weppler, a lifelong resident who used Strumberger's services for various functions over the years.
"We're going to miss him and he's going to miss us, but we'll see him in the park," Weppler said.
Besides the business, Strumberger was involved with soccer for 40 years. A goalkeeper, he played on the Chicago Select international team among others, and coached the Libertyville Spirit team.
In 2006, he was presented the Illinois State Soccer Association Hall of Fame's Meritorious Service Award in recognition of outstanding achievement and service to the sport.
Strumberger also was a drummer in various incarnations of a Bavarian band playing old world music at festivals and other events.
"Steve is one of a kind. His band often played our Oktoberfest parties," said Brian Grano, owner of Mickey Finn's Brewery, which has been in business downtown nearly as long as the tailor shop. "One of the friendliest and (most) positive people I know."
Strumberger had been paying rent out of his own pocket the past nine months and decided it was time to go.
His lease ended last week, but he was given time to dispense of the remaining inventory of about 80 tuxedos, 70 pairs of dress shoes and a box of hats. What couldn't be sold was donated.
The tailor plans to stay in Libertyville.
"I was active. That's why it's going to be hard," he said of closing the shop. "When it comes time for fishing, I'll be at Lake Minear."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-20--Opposition to West Chicago facility from St. Charles neighbors is growing

Opposition to a second waste transfer station on Powis Road in West Chicago is growing from both residents of the city and officials in neighboring St. Charles .
Those objections , however , could be premature .
As West Chicago City Administrator Michael Guttman points out , Lakeshore Recycling Systems has yet to submit its anticipated application for a station at the 27.8-acre facility .
In fact , it 's been 20 months since West Chicago approved a basic `` host community benefit agreement '' with Lakeshore that detailed the economic perks for the city if Lakeshore receives approval to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer station .
Local opposition began almost immediately , much of it coming from a group identifying itself as Protect West Chicago .
The opposition grew significantly last week when the St. Charles City Council , concerned about additional garbage truck traffic on its streets , unanimously passed a resolution challenging Lakeshore to show that a waste transfer station at 1655 Powis Road wo n't adversely impact its residents .
St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina and City Administrator Mark Koenen said at last Monday 's city council meeting they 'd been in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the station .
`` The intent here is not to in any way , shape or form disparage or say that West Chicago should not put a transfer station on the property in their corporate limits , '' Rogina said .
`` What we 're saying is we want to protect our residents with respect to environmental concerns , with respect to truck traffic , etcetera . ''
Guttman , while acknowledging communication , said there is little to discuss with St. Charles .
Until an application is submitted by Lakeshore , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Chicago officials are at a standstill with the issue .
`` I do n't know if there 's going to be an increase in traffic because we have n't gotten an application , '' Guttman said .
`` The application will hopefully lend some insight into that and the public hearings associated with it will do the same . ''
Members of Protect West Chicago expressed a number of concerns in a letter to West Chicago residents .
They also questioned why the application -- expected this fall -- was not filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity would mean increased odors , more litter and wear and tear on our roads while lowering our value of our homes . ''
said Nick Dzierzanowski , a West Chicago resident and a co-signer of the letter , in a release .
Lakeshore Managing Partner Josh Connell cited a fluid situation in the industry as a reason for the delay .
He also noted the complicated nature of the application that , according to Guttman , includes several binders of information .
Guttman said once the application is submitted , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be met , including that the facility is `` necessary to accommodate the waste needs of the area it is intended to serve . ''
At least one public hearing must be held before the West Chicago City Council decides the fate of the station .
According to the host agreement , the station would be limited to a maximum average of 1,500 tons of municipal solid waste a day and West Chicago would receive $ 2.45 per ton .
The city currently receives about $ 650,000 annually from the other waste transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated by Groot .
The Lakeshore facility in West Chicago currently operates a construction and demolition debris transfer station .
It also stores empty garbage trucks overnight that serve communities during the day , including St. Charles .
The waste transfer station would allow filled garbage trucks to temporarily dump refuse on the ground .
The refuse would be hauled away from the site by semi trucks to landfills , meaning no garbage would be stored at the West Chicago facility .
Even though garbage trucks already currently travel between St. Charles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the St. Charles City Council voiced concerns .
`` Although we might not be able to stop this from happening , as it is in West Chicago , I would think we might have some control over garbage truck traffic , '' said St. Charles Alderman Lora Vitek .
`` I bring this up , too , because I received some complaints recently from residents about the current garbage truck traffic , so I would assume this would compound it . ''
Other aldermen , though , questioned opposition to something that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand our concern , trust me , but we do n't even know what the plan is yet , '' said St. Charles Alderman Ron Silkaitis .
`` How can we object to something that we do n't even know what they are building ? ''
Until the application sparks the review process , Guttman said it would be irresponsible for West Chicago officials to take a stance .
`` We 'll need to judge it on its merits , '' Guttman said .
`` The city of West Chicago in these processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want it .
We ca n't prejudice the process and express an opinion at this time . ''

Opposition to West Chicago facility from St. Charles neighbors is growing
Opposition to a second waste transfer station on Powis Road in West Chicago is growing from both residents of the city and officials in neighboring St. Charles.
Those objections, however, could be premature. As West Chicago City Administrator Michael Guttman points out, Lakeshore Recycling Systems has yet to submit its anticipated application for a station at the 27.8-acre facility.
In fact, it's been 20 months since West Chicago approved a basic "host community benefit agreement" with Lakeshore that detailed the economic perks for the city if Lakeshore receives approval to expand its operations by adding a waste transfer station.
Local opposition began almost immediately, much of it coming from a group identifying itself as Protect West Chicago.
The opposition grew significantly last week when the St. Charles City Council, concerned about additional garbage truck traffic on its streets, unanimously passed a resolution challenging Lakeshore to show that a waste transfer station at 1655 Powis Road won't adversely impact its residents.
St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina and City Administrator Mark Koenen said at last Monday's city council meeting they'd been in contact with their respective West Chicago counterparts about the station.
"The intent here is not to in any way, shape or form disparage or say that West Chicago should not put a transfer station on the property in their corporate limits," Rogina said. "What we're saying is we want to protect our residents with respect to environmental concerns, with respect to truck traffic, etcetera."
Guttman, while acknowledging communication, said there is little to discuss with St. Charles. Until an application is submitted by Lakeshore, which then instigates a rigorous review process, West Chicago officials are at a standstill with the issue.
"I don't know if there's going to be an increase in traffic because we haven't gotten an application," Guttman said. "The application will hopefully lend some insight into that and the public hearings associated with it will do the same."
Members of Protect West Chicago expressed a number of concerns in a letter to West Chicago residents. They also questioned why the application -- expected this fall -- was not filed.
"This massive increase in garbage capacity would mean increased odors, more litter and wear and tear on our roads while lowering our value of our homes." said Nick Dzierzanowski, a West Chicago resident and a co-signer of the letter, in a release.
Lakeshore Managing Partner Josh Connell cited a fluid situation in the industry as a reason for the delay. He also noted the complicated nature of the application that, according to Guttman, includes several binders of information.
Guttman said once the application is submitted, there's a list of nine criteria that must be met, including that the facility is "necessary to accommodate the waste needs of the area it is intended to serve." At least one public hearing must be held before the West Chicago City Council decides the fate of the station.
According to the host agreement, the station would be limited to a maximum average of 1,500 tons of municipal solid waste a day and West Chicago would receive $2.45 per ton. The city currently receives about $650,000 annually from the other waste transfer station on Powis Road, which is operated by Groot.
The Lakeshore facility in West Chicago currently operates a construction and demolition debris transfer station. It also stores empty garbage trucks overnight that serve communities during the day, including St. Charles.
The waste transfer station would allow filled garbage trucks to temporarily dump refuse on the ground. The refuse would be hauled away from the site by semi trucks to landfills, meaning no garbage would be stored at the West Chicago facility.
Even though garbage trucks already currently travel between St. Charles and the Lakeshore facility in West Chicago, the St. Charles City Council voiced concerns.
"Although we might not be able to stop this from happening, as it is in West Chicago, I would think we might have some control over garbage truck traffic," said St. Charles Alderman Lora Vitek. "I bring this up, too, because I received some complaints recently from residents about the current garbage truck traffic, so I would assume this would compound it."
Other aldermen, though, questioned opposition to something that hasn't even been proposed.
"I understand our concern, trust me, but we don't even know what the plan is yet," said St. Charles Alderman Ron Silkaitis. "How can we object to something that we don't even know what they are building?"
Until the application sparks the review process, Guttman said it would be irresponsible for West Chicago officials to take a stance.
"We'll need to judge it on its merits," Guttman said. "The city of West Chicago in these processes can't just say we don't want it. We can't prejudice the process and express an opinion at this time."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Feder: Can MeTV hook Boomers with Bill Leff and a talking fish?

Bill Leff , the immensely talented Chicago broadcaster , stand-up comic and improv actor , gets top billing as the @ @ @ @ @ In With Me . ''
But the real star of the show may turn out @ @ @ @ @ puppet with oversized ambitions , Robert Feder writes .
Toony the Tuna , who calls @ @ @ @ @ sidekick , '' will join Leff and a cast of wacky characters both live and @ @ @ @ @ With Me '' debuts January 4 on MeTV , the Chicago-based network for nostalgic television @ @ @ @ @ 7 a.m. Monday through Friday , the show will feature live-action comedy sketches wrapped around @ @ @ @ @ Bros. Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes animated classics , including Bugs Bunny , Daffy Duck @ @ @ @ @ and Road Runner .
If Neal Sabin , the show 's creator and executive producer @ @ @ @ @ come next Christmastime `` there 'll be a Toony under every tree . ''
Get @ @ @ @ @ more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Can MeTV hook Boomers with Bill Leff and a talking fish?
Bill Leff, the immensely talented Chicago broadcaster, stand-up comic and improv actor, gets top billing as the amiable host of "Toon In With Me." But the real star of the show may turn out to be a wisecracking fish puppet with oversized ambitions, Robert Feder writes.
Toony the Tuna, who calls himself "your soon-to-be-famous saltwater sidekick," will join Leff and a cast of wacky characters both live and inanimate when "Toon In With Me" debuts January 4 on MeTV, the Chicago-based network for nostalgic television.
Airing from 6 to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, the show will feature live-action comedy sketches wrapped around the best of the Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes animated classics, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety and Road Runner.
If Neal Sabin, the show's creator and executive producer, has his way, come next Christmastime "there'll be a Toony under every tree."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-20--$100 to help woman caring for a relative with dementia

Today 's recipient of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Joanne Corcoran of Elgin .
Corcoran wants @ @ @ @ @ a woman she knows .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' ( @ @ @ @ @ oversee her sister , who has a form of early onset dementia and does n't @ @ @ @ @ has had to take over ( her sister 's ) bills , move her to @ @ @ @ @ oversee her medical care .
( She ) works two jobs and has had to @ @ @ @ @ her sister along with making heart-wrenching medical decisions . ''
• The Believe Project is @ @ @ @ @ to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to @ @ @ @ @ someone else .
If you 'd like the chance to help someone , submit your @ @ @ @ @ words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

$100 to help woman caring for a relative with dementia
Today's recipient of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Joanne Corcoran of Elgin.
Corcoran wants to give the money to a woman she knows. Here is an excerpt of her story:
"(She) has had to oversee her sister, who has a form of early onset dementia and doesn't know her anymore. She has had to take over (her sister's) bills, move her to a memory care facility and oversee her medical care. (She) works two jobs and has had to cover several bills incurred by her sister along with making heart-wrenching medical decisions."
• 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--2020-12-20--Montgomery, defense come up big in Bears' victory

For 57 minutes , David Montgomery was the slam-dunk MVP of the Bears ' pivotal 33-27 victory at Minnesota on Sunday .
The second-year tailback ran like a man possessed , barreling over would-be tacklers and cutting back against the grain for massive gains en route to a career-best 146 rushing yards on 32 carries .
But after Mitch Trubisky threw an interception in the end zone with 2:57 remaining , it appeared the Bears might blow a 10-point fourth-quarter lead .
The defense -- which was thoroughly gashed by Vikings RB Dalvin Cook -- needed to step up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what happened as four clutch plays allowed the Bears ( 7-7 ) to race out of Minnesota ( 6-8 ) with thoughts of playoffs dancing in their heads .
`` We 're excited , '' said Trubisky , who completed 15 of 21 passes for 202 yards and a TD .
`` I mean this is what you play for .
You play for an opportunity to get to the playoffs .
`` We had a bad streak going there , but we knew if we stuck together and battled as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run . ''
Trubisky took the blame for throwing that errant pass to a well-covered Allen Robinson on third-and-goal from the 6 .
Rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler snared the ball and put the Vikings in position to steal a game they 'd never led .
But the Bears ' defense stood strong , with Duke Shelley blasting Cook a yard short of a first down on second-and-7 , Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith stuffing Cook on third-and-1 , and Brent Urban harassing Kirk Cousins into an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1 .
After Cairo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Eddie Jackson tipped Cousins ' Hail Mary into the hands of Sherrick McManis to seal the deal .
`` Our defense made some big-time stops at crucial situations , '' said head coach Matt Nagy , whose team was without defensive backs Jaylon Johnson , Buster Skrine and Deon Bush .
`` They 're fighters and they care a lot .
We had a couple guys out today and the young guys came in and played well . ''
Montgomery , who has 906 rushing yards on the season , wrecked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains included : • A 19-yarder that began the first TD drive .
He earned the last 6 yards by plowing right through sixth-year safety Anthony Harris .
• A 16-yard reception on third-and-4 on the first possession of the third quarter .
• A 14-yard TD run where he bounced off Harris at the 5-yard line and then dragged Jeff Gladney into the end zone .
It gave the Bears a 27-17 lead with 5½ minutes remaining in the third quarter .
This was just the sixth time in 29 games Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also blew away his career high of 27 attempts , which came in a Week 7 loss to the Chargers last season .
When asked what his mindset is when he 's trusted with 30-plus touches , Montgomery said : `` Make it count .
Let 's not regret giving me that many carries .
Let me make sure that I show my O-line ( and wide receivers ) that I 'm giving them everything that I 've got .
... Let them know that they 've got all of me . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards ) and Darnell Mooney ( 4 catches , 49 yards ; 1 carry for 16 yards ) led the way for the receivers .
Mooney caught his fourth TD of the season to open the scoring on an 8-yard reception .
He now has 46 catches , which breaks Harlon Hill 's single-season franchise rookie record of 45 .
Cook finished with 159 all-purpose yards , 132 of which came on the ground on 24 carries .
So the Bears ' roller-coaster of a season -- one that left fans with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months -- will come down to the final two games .
Up next is what should be an easy victory over Jacksonville .
Then the playoffs could be on the line when Green Bay visits Soldier Field on January 3 .
Listening to Trubisky -- and seeing how this team is suddenly clicking -- you get the feeling they just may pull it off .
`` The guys are in the locker room are excited , '' Trubisky said .
`` There 's really good commaraderie right now ( and ) an intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see .
We 're in a good spot and we just have to keep that going . ''

Montgomery, defense come up big in Bears' victory
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney during the first half Sunday in Minneapolis. Montgomery had a career-best 146 rushing yards on 32 carries. Associated Press
For 57 minutes, David Montgomery was the slam-dunk MVP of the Bears' pivotal 33-27 victory at Minnesota on Sunday.
The second-year tailback ran like a man possessed, barreling over would-be tacklers and cutting back against the grain for massive gains en route to a career-best 146 rushing yards on 32 carries.
But after Mitch Trubisky threw an interception in the end zone with 2:57 remaining, it appeared the Bears might blow a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.
The defense -- which was thoroughly gashed by Vikings RB Dalvin Cook -- needed to step up in a big way.
And that's exactly what happened as four clutch plays allowed the Bears (7-7) to race out of Minnesota (6-8) with thoughts of playoffs dancing in their heads.
"We're excited," said Trubisky, who completed 15 of 21 passes for 202 yards and a TD. "I mean this is what you play for. You play for an opportunity to get to the playoffs.
"We had a bad streak going there, but we knew if we stuck together and battled as a family ... that we could make a run."
Trubisky took the blame for throwing that errant pass to a well-covered Allen Robinson on third-and-goal from the 6. Rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler snared the ball and put the Vikings in position to steal a game they'd never led.
But the Bears' defense stood strong, with Duke Shelley blasting Cook a yard short of a first down on second-and-7, Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith stuffing Cook on third-and-1, and Brent Urban harassing Kirk Cousins into an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1.
After Cairo Santos' fourth FG made it 33-27, Eddie Jackson tipped Cousins' Hail Mary into the hands of Sherrick McManis to seal the deal.
"Our defense made some big-time stops at crucial situations," said head coach Matt Nagy, whose team was without defensive backs Jaylon Johnson, Buster Skrine and Deon Bush. "They're fighters and they care a lot. We had a couple guys out today and the young guys came in and played well."
Montgomery, who has 906 rushing yards on the season, wrecked the Vikings all day. His most impressive gains included:
• A 19-yarder that began the first TD drive. He earned the last 6 yards by plowing right through sixth-year safety Anthony Harris.
• A 16-yard reception on third-and-4 on the first possession of the third quarter.
• A 14-yard TD run where he bounced off Harris at the 5-yard line and then dragged Jeff Gladney into the end zone. It gave the Bears a 27-17 lead with 5½ minutes remaining in the third quarter.
This was just the sixth time in 29 games Montgomery had more than 20 carries. It also blew away his career high of 27 attempts, which came in a Week 7 loss to the Chargers last season.
When asked what his mindset is when he's trusted with 30-plus touches, Montgomery said: "Make it count. Let's not regret giving me that many carries. Let me make sure that I show my O-line (and wide receivers) that I'm giving them everything that I've got. ... Let them know that they've got all of me."
Allen Robinson (4 catches, 83 yards) and Darnell Mooney (4 catches, 49 yards; 1 carry for 16 yards) led the way for the receivers.
Mooney caught his fourth TD of the season to open the scoring on an 8-yard reception. He now has 46 catches, which breaks Harlon Hill's single-season franchise rookie record of 45.
Cook finished with 159 all-purpose yards, 132 of which came on the ground on 24 carries.
So the Bears' roller-coaster of a season -- one that left fans with a pit in their stomach for nearly two months -- will come down to the final two games. Up next is what should be an easy victory over Jacksonville. Then the playoffs could be on the line when Green Bay visits Soldier Field on January 3.
Listening to Trubisky -- and seeing how this team is suddenly clicking -- you get the feeling they just may pull it off.
"The guys are in the locker room are excited," Trubisky said. "There's really good commaraderie right now (and) an intensity and a focus that I like to see. We're in a good spot and we just have to keep that going."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-20--Dolphins eliminate Patriots from the postseason with win

MIAMI GARDENS , Fla. -- Undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed and veteran Matt Breida combined for 208 yards rushing Sunday to lead the Miami Dolphins to a 22-12 victory over the New England Patriots , who were eliminated from playoff contention , ending their NFL-record run of 11 consecutive postseason appearances .
The Dolphins entered the game last in the league in yards per carry , and Ahmed became their first 100-yard rusher since 2018 , totaling 122 yards and scoring a 2-point conversion on a trick play .
Breida added 86 yards and the Dolphins totaled a season-high 250 against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 150 on the ground for the fifth time this year .
The Dolphins ( 9-5 ) bolstered their wild-card chances and are assured of a winning record for only the second time since 2008 .
The Patriots ( 6-8 ) will finish at .500 or worse for the first time since 2000 , the year they drafted Tom Brady .
They fall one year short of matching the Dallas Cowboys ' NFL record of 20 consecutive winning seasons .
ATLANTA -- Tom Brady did it again to the Atlanta Falcons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ need overtime .
Rallying Tampa Bay from a pair of 17-point deficits , Brady recreated his Super Bowl miracle by leading the Buccaneers on five straight scoring drives in the second half for a victory over the stunned Falcons .
The stakes were n't nearly as high and the deficit was n't quite as daunting , but Brady 's latest blow to Atlanta took the Bucs ( 9-5 ) to the brink of their first playoff berth since 2007 .
It sure did n't look that way when Atlanta raced to 17-0 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-10 ) restored their margin to 24-7 after Brady finally guided the Bucs to a touchdown on the first possession of the second half .
Turns out , the 43-year-old was just getting warmed up .
He certainly had plenty of experience to fall back on when it came to breaking Atlanta 's heart .
In the 2017 Super Bowl , Brady famously led the greatest comeback in championship game history , rallying New England from a 28-3 deficit late in the third quarter to a 34-28 overtime victory that secured his fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LANDOVER , Md .
-- Russell Wilson and the Seahawks built a big lead , and Seattle 's suddenly opportunistic defense held on to beat Washington and clinch a playoff spot .
Wilson threw for a touchdown , Carlos Hyde ran 50 yards for a score , and the Seahawks ( 10-4 ) picked off Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins twice .
Shaquill Griffin and D.J .
Reed each had an interception as the league 's worst passing defense played strong until the fourth quarter .
After a Haskins-led comeback from a 20-3 deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had its winning streak snapped at four with Alex Smith out because of a calf injury .
Haskins finished 38 of 55 for 295 yards , a TD pass and the two interceptions .
Wilson threw for 121 yards and a 10-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister and ran for 52 on six carries .
Hyde 's 50-yard TD run was Seattle 's longest rushing play of the season .
NEW ORLEANS -- Patrick Mahomes had his full repertoire of side-arm throws , basketball-style push passes and underhanded flips on display while passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kansas City extended its winning streak to nine games .
The Kansas City defense did its part to spoil Drew Brees ' return from rib fractures and a punctured lung that had kept the record-setting passer out four games .
While Brees passed for 234 yards and three TDs , he completed less than half of his passes and was intercepted for just the fourth time this season .
The victory kept the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs ( 13-1 ) in pole position to capture the AFC 's lone playoff bye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Saints ( 10-4 ) , meanwhile , missed a chance to clinch the NFC South for a second straight week and now are longshots to capture the NFC 's top seed .
Mahomes ' scoring passes went for 5 yards each to Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman , the latter coming as the Chiefs ' agile QB back-peddled toward the left sideline to avoid pressure and released a throw to the back corner of the end zone , where Hardman was able to snag it in traffic while narrowly getting two feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray threw for a career-high 406 yards , DeAndre Hopkins had 169 yards receiving and a stellar touchdown catch , and Arizona improved its position in the playoff race by beating Philadelphia .
Arizona ( 8-6 ) won its second straight game as it tries to make the postseason for the first time since 2015 .
The Cardinals are in third place in their division behind the Rams and Seahawks and would currently be the No .
7 and final seed in the NFC playoffs .
The Eagles ( 4-9-1 ) trailed 16-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tie the game at 26 in the third quarter after quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for a 7-yard touchdown .
Arizona responded with its go-ahead touchdown drive capped by Hopkins ' spectacular 20-yard grab .
Cornerback Michael Jacquet was playing tight defense on the play , but Hopkins wrestled the ball away and held on with one hand as he fell past the pylon into the end zone .
Murray completed 27 of 36 passes , with three touchdowns and one interception .
Hurts , making his second career start , completed 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three touchdowns .
He had a lot of good moments , but could n't lead the Eagles to any points on their last two offensive drives .
INGLEWOOD , Calif. -- Sam Darnold passed for 207 yards and New York finally earned the first victory of its miserable season , holding on for a win that erased the possibility of the third winless 16-game season in NFL history .
Frank Gore rushed for an early touchdown and made a decisive third-down reception with 2:05 left for the Jets ( 1-13 ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ franchise history with a strong start and a gritty finish at SoFi Stadium .
Embattled coach Adam Gase got his first win of the year only after New York blew most of a 17-point lead in the second half .
The Jets ' defense stopped the Rams on downs at midfield with 3:54 to play before Darnold hit Gore with a short pass over the middle to convert a third down that allowed the Jets to run out the clock .
New York might have ruined its chances at the No .
1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1-13 ) is likely to win a tiebreaker based on strength of schedule .
But possibly missing the chance to draft Trevor Lawrence meant nothing to the celebrating Jets , who were thrilled to avoid the ignominy of a winless year .
Darnold , the Jets ' embattled third-year quarterback , looked right at home in his first pro game in his native Southern California .
The former USC Trojans star went 22 of 31 with a touchdown pass and no interceptions .
New York had a 13-3 lead at halftime after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Jets led 20-3 midway through the third quarter .
Los Angeles chipped the deficit down to three points .
Of the nine teams in NFL history to start 0-13 , the Jets were the fourth to win in Week 15 .
Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee caught TD passes for the Rams ( 9-5 ) in the most humiliating loss of coach Sean McVay 's largely successful four seasons in charge .
Jared Goff passed for 209 yards for Los Angeles , which could have clinched a playoff berth with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an extra-long week of rest .
The Rams had won four of five to surge to the top of the NFC West , but their inconsistent offense was inept , while their elite defense was n't sharp , allowing the Jets to convert seven third downs .
The Rams still can win the division if they can beat the Seahawks in Seattle next week , but their task got exponentially harder .
INDIANAPOLIS -- Philip Rivers threw a late , tiebreaking touchdown to Zach Pascal and Indianapolis ' defense recovered a fumble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to seal a victory over Houston .
Indy ( 10-4 ) has won three straight to retain a share of the AFC South lead with Tennessee , winners over Detroit .
Houston ( 4-10 ) has lost three straight and five of six in this series .
The Colts won this one in similar fashion to the teams ' meeting two weeks ago .
The Texans had a chance to win that one in the final minute but Indy jumped on a bad snap to quarterback Deshaun Watson inside the red zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass in the flat , turned up the field and stretched his arms across the goal line while hitting the pylon to give Indy a 27-20 lead with 1:47 to go .
Rivers was 22 of 28 with 228 yards and two scores .
Jonathan Taylor had 16 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown .
Watson was 33 of 41 with 373 yards and two touchdowns .
Coutee had five catches for 53 yards and one score before the fumble , and David Johnson had 11 receptions for 106 yards .
NASHVILLE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two touchdowns and threw three more , and Derrick Henry ran for 147 yards and a score to move Tennessee closer to clinching its third playoff berth in four seasons as it routed Detroit .
The Titans ( 10-4 ) did their part with their second straight victory and fourth in five games to stay atop the AFC South .
With Indianapolis beating Houston 27-20 , the Titans still hold the tiebreaker in the division over the Colts with two games remaining .
The Lions ( 5-9 ) lost their second straight after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darrell Bevell even with quarterback Matthew Stafford shaking off a rib injury to start .
Stafford threw for 252 yards and a TD before being pulled for Chase Daniel after Tennessee went up 39-18 with 9:00 left .
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore built a 26-point halftime lead against helpless Jacksonville and rolled to a victory that boosted their playoff chances and extended the Jaguars ' losing streak to 13 games .
Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score to carry the Ravens ( 9-5 ) to their third straight win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching the postseason for the third year in a row , Baltimore is among several AFC teams vying for three wild-card spots .
After Jackson returned from a bout with cramps to deliver a thrilling 47-42 win in Cleveland on Monday night , the Ravens had no desire for any drama at home against Jacksonville ( 1-13 ) .
Baltimore got the desired result , taking a 26-0 lead in the second quarter before cruising to the finish .
Rookie J.K. Dobbins ran for 64 yards and a score , and 32-year-old receiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 late in the first half .
It added up to the kind of confidence-building blowout the Ravens were looking for as they head into the final two weeks of a harrowing season in which they 've fought through an outbreak of COVID-19 that forced two games to be rescheduled .
MINNEAPOLIS -- David Montgomery rushed for a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns and Chicago trampled Minnesota 's depleted defense and hung on for a victory to stay in the hunt for the expanded playoffs .
The Bears ( 7-7 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona for the new third wild-card spot in the NFC , never trailed in winning at Minnesota for a third straight year .
Coach Matt Nagy improved to 5-1 against the Vikings ( 6-8 ) , whose postseason chances all but vanished .
Chicago punted only once , on the opening possession .
It did just about whatever it wanted with the ball until Cameron Dantzler intercepted Mitch Trubisky 's third-and-goal pass into a crowd in the end zone with 2:57 left and a 30-27 lead .
But the Bears , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their second fourth-and-1 stop in Minnesota territory to get the ball right back for a field goal .
Dalvin Cook rushed for 132 yards and a score , but he was stuffed on third-and-1 before a pivotal incompletion by Kirk Cousins throwing off his back foot .
Cairo Santos , who converted all four of his kicks , stretched his streak to 22 straight field goals made .
The Bears then intercepted a last-snap heave by Cousins into the end zone to drop the Vikings to 3-5 at home this year .
ARLINGTON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two touchdowns with Ezekiel Elliott sidelined by an injury for the first time in the two-time rushing champion 's career , and Dallas beat San Francisco .
Four of the seven Dallas scores were set up by turnovers from the 49ers ( 5-9 ) , who guaranteed themselves becoming the second Super Bowl runner-up in the past 13 seasons to finish with a losing record the next year .
The Cowboys ( 5-9 ) kept faint playoff hopes alive in a matchup of longtime rivals with a rich playoff history that was moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting the day in last place in their divisions .
Andy Dalton threw for two touchdowns , and Greg Zuerlein kicked a tiebreaking field goal early in the fourth quarter after the second interception by Nick Mullens , who was replaced by C.J .
Beathard .
Beathard handled the last two possessions and threw a 49-yard touchdown to Kendrick Bourne on the final play on a desperation pass .
In East Rutherford , N.J. , Baker Mayfield led two 95-yard touchdown drives and Cleveland moved closer to ending its 17-year playoff drought .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Browns ( 10-4 ) bounce back from a 47-42 loss to Baltimore last Monday night .
The Cleveland quarterback finished 27 of 32 for 297 yards with scoring passes to Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper .
Nick Chubb had a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as the Browns became -the first team this season to have two 95-yard TD drives in a game .
Cleveland , vying for its first playoff spot since 2002 - the NFL 's longest drought - also matched its highest win total ( 10-6 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion rebirth .
Colt McCoy was 19 of 31 for 221 yards for the Giants , who are tied with Dallas a game behind Washington for first place in the NFC East .

Dolphins eliminate Patriots from the postseason with win
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Atlanta. Associated Press
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 22-12. Associated Press
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) attempts to throw a pass, during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 22-12. Associated Press
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed and veteran Matt Breida combined for 208 yards rushing Sunday to lead the Miami Dolphins to a 22-12 victory over the New England Patriots, who were eliminated from playoff contention, ending their NFL-record run of 11 consecutive postseason appearances.
The Dolphins entered the game last in the league in yards per carry, and Ahmed became their first 100-yard rusher since 2018, totaling 122 yards and scoring a 2-point conversion on a trick play.
Breida added 86 yards and the Dolphins totaled a season-high 250 against the Patriots, who were gashed for more than 150 on the ground for the fifth time this year.
The Dolphins (9-5) bolstered their wild-card chances and are assured of a winning record for only the second time since 2008.
The Patriots (6-8) will finish at .500 or worse for the first time since 2000, the year they drafted Tom Brady. They fall one year short of matching the Dallas Cowboys' NFL record of 20 consecutive winning seasons.
Buffalo clinched the AFC East title with a win Saturday.
BUCCANEERS 31, FALCONS 27
ATLANTA -- Tom Brady did it again to the Atlanta Falcons.
This time, he didn't even need overtime.
Rallying Tampa Bay from a pair of 17-point deficits, Brady recreated his Super Bowl miracle by leading the Buccaneers on five straight scoring drives in the second half for a victory over the stunned Falcons.
The stakes weren't nearly as high and the deficit wasn't quite as daunting, but Brady's latest blow to Atlanta took the Bucs (9-5) to the brink of their first playoff berth since 2007.
It sure didn't look that way when Atlanta raced to 17-0 by halftime, or when the Falcons (4-10) restored their margin to 24-7 after Brady finally guided the Bucs to a touchdown on the first possession of the second half.
Turns out, the 43-year-old was just getting warmed up.
He certainly had plenty of experience to fall back on when it came to breaking Atlanta's heart.
In the 2017 Super Bowl, Brady famously led the greatest comeback in championship game history, rallying New England from a 28-3 deficit late in the third quarter to a 34-28 overtime victory that secured his fifth of six titles with the Patriots.
SEAHAWKS 20, WASHINGTON 15
LANDOVER, Md. -- Russell Wilson and the Seahawks built a big lead, and Seattle's suddenly opportunistic defense held on to beat Washington and clinch a playoff spot.
Wilson threw for a touchdown, Carlos Hyde ran 50 yards for a score, and the Seahawks (10-4) picked off Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins twice. Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Reed each had an interception as the league's worst passing defense played strong until the fourth quarter.
After a Haskins-led comeback from a 20-3 deficit fell short, Washington (6-8) had its winning streak snapped at four with Alex Smith out because of a calf injury. Haskins finished 38 of 55 for 295 yards, a TD pass and the two interceptions.
Wilson threw for 121 yards and a 10-yard TD pass to Jacob Hollister and ran for 52 on six carries. Hyde's 50-yard TD run was Seattle's longest rushing play of the season.
CHIEFS 32, SAINTS 29
NEW ORLEANS -- Patrick Mahomes had his full repertoire of side-arm throws, basketball-style push passes and underhanded flips on display while passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and Kansas City extended its winning streak to nine games.
The Kansas City defense did its part to spoil Drew Brees' return from rib fractures and a punctured lung that had kept the record-setting passer out four games.
While Brees passed for 234 yards and three TDs, he completed less than half of his passes and was intercepted for just the fourth time this season.
The victory kept the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-1) in pole position to capture the AFC's lone playoff bye as a No. 1 seed. The Saints (10-4), meanwhile, missed a chance to clinch the NFC South for a second straight week and now are longshots to capture the NFC's top seed.
Mahomes' scoring passes went for 5 yards each to Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, the latter coming as the Chiefs' agile QB back-peddled toward the left sideline to avoid pressure and released a throw to the back corner of the end zone, where Hardman was able to snag it in traffic while narrowly getting two feet inbounds.
CARDINALS 33, EAGLES 26
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Kyler Murray threw for a career-high 406 yards, DeAndre Hopkins had 169 yards receiving and a stellar touchdown catch, and Arizona improved its position in the playoff race by beating Philadelphia.
Arizona (8-6) won its second straight game as it tries to make the postseason for the first time since 2015. The Cardinals are in third place in their division behind the Rams and Seahawks and would currently be the No. 7 and final seed in the NFC playoffs.
The Eagles (4-9-1) trailed 16-0 in the first quarter, but rallied to tie the game at 26 in the third quarter after quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for a 7-yard touchdown.
Arizona responded with its go-ahead touchdown drive capped by Hopkins' spectacular 20-yard grab. Cornerback Michael Jacquet was playing tight defense on the play, but Hopkins wrestled the ball away and held on with one hand as he fell past the pylon into the end zone.
Murray completed 27 of 36 passes, with three touchdowns and one interception.
Hurts, making his second career start, completed 24 of 44 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He had a lot of good moments, but couldn't lead the Eagles to any points on their last two offensive drives.
JETS 23, RAMS 20
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Sam Darnold passed for 207 yards and New York finally earned the first victory of its miserable season, holding on for a win that erased the possibility of the third winless 16-game season in NFL history.
Frank Gore rushed for an early touchdown and made a decisive third-down reception with 2:05 left for the Jets (1-13), who also ended the longest losing streak in franchise history with a strong start and a gritty finish at SoFi Stadium.
Embattled coach Adam Gase got his first win of the year only after New York blew most of a 17-point lead in the second half. The Jets' defense stopped the Rams on downs at midfield with 3:54 to play before Darnold hit Gore with a short pass over the middle to convert a third down that allowed the Jets to run out the clock.
New York might have ruined its chances at the No. 1 overall pick in the draft because Jacksonville (1-13) is likely to win a tiebreaker based on strength of schedule. But possibly missing the chance to draft Trevor Lawrence meant nothing to the celebrating Jets, who were thrilled to avoid the ignominy of a winless year.
Darnold, the Jets' embattled third-year quarterback, looked right at home in his first pro game in his native Southern California. The former USC Trojans star went 22 of 31 with a touchdown pass and no interceptions.
New York had a 13-3 lead at halftime after holding the Rams to 97 yards, and the Jets led 20-3 midway through the third quarter. Los Angeles chipped the deficit down to three points.
Of the nine teams in NFL history to start 0-13, the Jets were the fourth to win in Week 15.
Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee caught TD passes for the Rams (9-5) in the most humiliating loss of coach Sean McVay's largely successful four seasons in charge.
Jared Goff passed for 209 yards for Los Angeles, which could have clinched a playoff berth with a victory over the NFL's worst team after an extra-long week of rest. The Rams had won four of five to surge to the top of the NFC West, but their inconsistent offense was inept, while their elite defense wasn't sharp, allowing the Jets to convert seven third downs.
The Rams still can win the division if they can beat the Seahawks in Seattle next week, but their task got exponentially harder.
COLTS 27, TEXANS 20
INDIANAPOLIS -- Philip Rivers threw a late, tiebreaking touchdown to Zach Pascal and Indianapolis' defense recovered a fumble in the end zone with 19 seconds left to seal a victory over Houston.
Indy (10-4) has won three straight to retain a share of the AFC South lead with Tennessee, winners over Detroit. Houston (4-10) has lost three straight and five of six in this series.
The Colts won this one in similar fashion to the teams' meeting two weeks ago. The Texans had a chance to win that one in the final minute but Indy jumped on a bad snap to quarterback Deshaun Watson inside the red zone.
This time, Pascal caught a pass in the flat, turned up the field and stretched his arms across the goal line while hitting the pylon to give Indy a 27-20 lead with 1:47 to go.
Rivers was 22 of 28 with 228 yards and two scores. Jonathan Taylor had 16 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Watson was 33 of 41 with 373 yards and two touchdowns. Coutee had five catches for 53 yards and one score before the fumble, and David Johnson had 11 receptions for 106 yards.
TITANS 46, LIONS 25
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Ryan Tannehill ran for two touchdowns and threw three more, and Derrick Henry ran for 147 yards and a score to move Tennessee closer to clinching its third playoff berth in four seasons as it routed Detroit.
The Titans (10-4) did their part with their second straight victory and fourth in five games to stay atop the AFC South. With Indianapolis beating Houston 27-20, the Titans still hold the tiebreaker in the division over the Colts with two games remaining.
The Lions (5-9) lost their second straight after winning their first game under interim coach Darrell Bevell even with quarterback Matthew Stafford shaking off a rib injury to start. Stafford threw for 252 yards and a TD before being pulled for Chase Daniel after Tennessee went up 39-18 with 9:00 left.
RAVENS 40, JAGUARS 14
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore built a 26-point halftime lead against helpless Jacksonville and rolled to a victory that boosted their playoff chances and extended the Jaguars' losing streak to 13 games.
Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score to carry the Ravens (9-5) to their third straight win following a three-game skid. Hopeful of reaching the postseason for the third year in a row, Baltimore is among several AFC teams vying for three wild-card spots.
After Jackson returned from a bout with cramps to deliver a thrilling 47-42 win in Cleveland on Monday night, the Ravens had no desire for any drama at home against Jacksonville (1-13). Baltimore got the desired result, taking a 26-0 lead in the second quarter before cruising to the finish.
Rookie J.K. Dobbins ran for 64 yards and a score, and 32-year-old receiver Dez Bryant celebrated his first touchdown since 2017 late in the first half. It added up to the kind of confidence-building blowout the Ravens were looking for as they head into the final two weeks of a harrowing season in which they've fought through an outbreak of COVID-19 that forced two games to be rescheduled.
BEARS 33, VIKINGS 27
MINNEAPOLIS -- David Montgomery rushed for a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns and Chicago trampled Minnesota's depleted defense and hung on for a victory to stay in the hunt for the expanded playoffs.
The Bears (7-7), who entered the afternoon one game behind Arizona for the new third wild-card spot in the NFC, never trailed in winning at Minnesota for a third straight year. Coach Matt Nagy improved to 5-1 against the Vikings (6-8), whose postseason chances all but vanished.
Chicago punted only once, on the opening possession. It did just about whatever it wanted with the ball until Cameron Dantzler intercepted Mitch Trubisky's third-and-goal pass into a crowd in the end zone with 2:57 left and a 30-27 lead.
But the Bears, who were plenty vulnerable on defense themselves, delivered their second fourth-and-1 stop in Minnesota territory to get the ball right back for a field goal.
Dalvin Cook rushed for 132 yards and a score, but he was stuffed on third-and-1 before a pivotal incompletion by Kirk Cousins throwing off his back foot. Cairo Santos, who converted all four of his kicks, stretched his streak to 22 straight field goals made.
The Bears then intercepted a last-snap heave by Cousins into the end zone to drop the Vikings to 3-5 at home this year.
COWBOYS 41, 49ERS 33
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Tony Pollard ran for two touchdowns with Ezekiel Elliott sidelined by an injury for the first time in the two-time rushing champion's career, and Dallas beat San Francisco.
Four of the seven Dallas scores were set up by turnovers from the 49ers (5-9), who guaranteed themselves becoming the second Super Bowl runner-up in the past 13 seasons to finish with a losing record the next year.
The Cowboys (5-9) kept faint playoff hopes alive in a matchup of longtime rivals with a rich playoff history that was moved out of prime time with both teams starting the day in last place in their divisions.
Andy Dalton threw for two touchdowns, and Greg Zuerlein kicked a tiebreaking field goal early in the fourth quarter after the second interception by Nick Mullens, who was replaced by C.J. Beathard.
Beathard handled the last two possessions and threw a 49-yard touchdown to Kendrick Bourne on the final play on a desperation pass.
BROWNS 20, GIANTS 6its
In East Rutherford, N.J., Baker Mayfield led two 95-yard touchdown drives and Cleveland moved closer to ending its 17-year playoff drought.
Mayfield was sharp all night, helping the Browns (10-4) bounce back from a 47-42 loss to Baltimore last Monday night. The Cleveland quarterback finished 27 of 32 for 297 yards with scoring passes to Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper.
Nick Chubb had a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as the Browns became -the first team this season to have two 95-yard TD drives in a game.
Cleveland, vying for its first playoff spot since 2002 - the NFL's longest drought - also matched its highest win total (10-6 in 2007) since the team's 1999 expansion rebirth.
Colt McCoy was 19 of 31 for 221 yards for the Giants, who are tied with Dallas a game behind Washington for first place in the NFC East.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--New COVID-19 cases drop to 4,699, with 98 more deaths and 174,000 Moderna doses coming

COVID-19 infections dropped again Monday with 4,699 new cases , the lowest since late October , as health departments and hospitals prepare for 174,000 doses of Moderna Inc. 's recently approved vaccine to arrive Wednesday and Thursday .
So far , 63,000 Illinois health care workers outside Chicago have received their first doses of the two-shot vaccine .
Chicago keeps a separate count .
And 60,450 more doses of the Pfizer vaccine should be delivered Tuesday and Wednesday , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's office announced .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 98 more deaths from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tallies are lower on Mondays because of delayed reporting over the weekend .
Following federal protocols , all vaccinations this week are intended for health care workers , but CVS and Walgreens officials are coordinating the logistics of giving shots to people in long-term care facilities starting Dec. 28 .
`` We will be reaching nearly 900 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Illinois , with the potential for 150,000 Illinois patients to access the vaccine , '' CVS spokesman Charlie Rice-Minoso said .
`` We will be facilitating roughly 2,700 on-site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' CVS is inoculating at nursing homes in other states this week and the vaccines are being well received , he said .
Illinois hospitals were treating 4,460 patients with the virus as of Sunday night .
That 's lower than the seven-day average of 4,667 and less than hospitalization highs in the 5,000s and 6,000s in November -- but it 's still a concerning level , experts said .
Last week , the IDPH and Chicago separately received about 109,000 doses of vaccines .
`` Later this week , DuPage County Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shipment of the Moderna vaccine , '' spokeswoman Stephanie Cavillo said .
`` We continue to work with local health systems to coordinate timely deliveries of their vaccine allotment . ''
The Moderna boost is welcome news after Pritzker on Wednesday announced the state would get just 50 % of its allotted vaccines from Pfizer this week .
Loyola University Medical Center is running three vaccine clinics and had used up about half of its allotment as of Monday , Regional Chief Clinical Officer Richard Freeman said .
`` We do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
After vaccinating medical staff , the hospital wants to start inoculating patients who have underlying medical conditions like cancer , Freeman said .
Initially , some vaccines were first delivered to a state warehouse in Peoria , but now doses will head directly to hospitals , Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said .
Despite the state operating under strict COVID-19 restrictions with closed movie theaters , banquet halls and no indoor dining , crowds packed indoor and outdoor malls Sunday snatching up gifts .
That poses a risk for contracting the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of Northwestern Medicine and Lake Forest Hospital .
But if you take that risk , mask up , be smart about social distancing and `` do n't stand in line , '' Bauer advised .
`` If inside a store , they 're only allowing 10 people , but outside there 's 50 people in line , and it 's like a typical line that 's not distanced .
I would not be waiting in that kind of line , '' he said .
The case positivity rate for COVID-19 cases is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average .
The number of Illinois COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began stands at 905,069 with 15,299 deaths .
Labs processed 86,454 tests in the last 24 hours .

New COVID-19 cases drop to 4,699 as state reports 98 more deaths
Nurse Luisa Penepacker receives the Pfizer vaccine to prevent COVID-19 at Glenbrook Hospital. Courtesy OF Northshore University Health System
COVID-19 infections dropped again Monday with 4,699 new cases, the lowest since late October, as health departments and hospitals prepare for 174,000 doses of Moderna Inc.'s recently approved vaccine to arrive Wednesday and Thursday.
So far, 63,000 Illinois health care workers outside Chicago have received their first doses of the two-shot vaccine. Chicago keeps a separate count.
And 60,450 more doses of the Pfizer vaccine should be delivered Tuesday and Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office announced.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 98 more deaths from the respiratory disease.
Typically, new case tallies are lower on Mondays because of delayed reporting over the weekend.
Following federal protocols, all vaccinations this week are intended for health care workers, but CVS and Walgreens officials are coordinating the logistics of giving shots to people in long-term care facilities starting Dec. 28.
"We will be reaching nearly 900 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Illinois, with the potential for 150,000 Illinois patients to access the vaccine," CVS spokesman Charlie Rice-Minoso said. "We will be facilitating roughly 2,700 on-site clinics over the next 12 weeks."
CVS is inoculating at nursing homes in other states this week and the vaccines are being well received, he said.
Illinois hospitals were treating 4,460 patients with the virus as of Sunday night. That's lower than the seven-day average of 4,667 and less than hospitalization highs in the 5,000s and 6,000s in November -- but it's still a concerning level, experts said.
Last week, the IDPH and Chicago separately received about 109,000 doses of vaccines.
"Later this week, DuPage County Health Department is expected to receive the first shipment of the Moderna vaccine," spokeswoman Stephanie Cavillo said. "We continue to work with local health systems to coordinate timely deliveries of their vaccine allotment."
The Moderna boost is welcome news after Pritzker on Wednesday announced the state would get just 50% of its allotted vaccines from Pfizer this week.
Loyola University Medical Center is running three vaccine clinics and had used up about half of its allotment as of Monday, Regional Chief Clinical Officer Richard Freeman said.
"We don't want to lose any momentum," he said. After vaccinating medical staff, the hospital wants to start inoculating patients who have underlying medical conditions like cancer, Freeman said.
Initially, some vaccines were first delivered to a state warehouse in Peoria, but now doses will head directly to hospitals, Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said.
Despite the state operating under strict COVID-19 restrictions with closed movie theaters, banquet halls and no indoor dining, crowds packed indoor and outdoor malls Sunday snatching up gifts.
That poses a risk for contracting the virus, said pediatrician Michael Bauer, medical director of Northwestern Medicine and Lake Forest Hospital.
But if you take that risk, mask up, be smart about social distancing and "don't stand in line," Bauer advised.
"If inside a store, they're only allowing 10 people, but outside there's 50 people in line, and it's like a typical line that's not distanced. I would not be waiting in that kind of line," he said.
The case positivity rate for COVID-19 cases is at 7.5% based on a seven-day average.
The number of Illinois COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began stands at 905,069 with 15,299 deaths.
Labs processed 86,454 tests in the last 24 hours.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-21--Congress rushes toward vote on $900 billion COVID relief bill

WASHINGTON -- After months of Washington gridlock , Congress is set to vote on a $ 900 billion pandemic relief package , finally delivering long-sought cash to businesses and individuals as well as resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Lawmakers tacked on thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a burst of legislation as Capitol Hill is set to close down for the year .
The relief package , agreed to on Sunday and finally released in bill form Monday afternoon , remained on track for votes in Congress on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 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 and money for schools , health care providers and renters facing eviction .
The 5,593-page legislation -- the longest bill in memory and probably 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 .
President-elect Joe Biden was eager for a deal to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost to the economy , even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall .
Biden praised the bipartisan spirit that produced the measure , which he called `` just the beginning . ''
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 acknowledged it was n't as robust a relief package as they initially sought -- or , they say , the country needs .
House Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden takes office .
`` It is a first step , '' she said .
`` We have to do more . ''
The final agreement would be the largest spending measure yet .
It combined $ 900 billion for COVID-19 relief with a $ 1.4 trillion governmentwide funding plan and lots of other unrelated measures on taxes , health , infrastructure and education .
The governmentwide funding would keep the government open through September .
Passage neared as coronavirus cases and deaths spiked and evidence piled up that the economy was struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by months of dysfunction and bad faith .
But talks turned serious in recent days as lawmakers on both sides finally faced the deadline of acting before leaving Washington for Christmas .
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $ 1 trillion summertime package put together by Senate Republican leaders , which failed to excite many GOP senators .
As talks stalemated , Republicans pulled back to a smaller , $ 500 billion position that omitted direct payments , supplemental unemployment benefits and food aid , among other priorities .
Negotiations only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no longer an option and as time was running out .
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 .
The $ 300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $ 1.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks .
The direct $ 600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment , subject to the same income limits in which an individual 's payment phases out after $ 75,000 .
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 .
Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $ 908 billion plan that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 hard line positions .
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 .
After the announcement , Schumer and Pelosi , D-Calif. , announced additional details , including $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , $ 7 billion to increase access to broadband , $ 4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people , $ 14 billion for cash-starved transit systems , Amtrak and airports .
Democrats failed in a monthslong battle to deliver direct fiscal relief to states and local governments , but they successfully pressed for $ 22 billion to help states and local governments with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The end-of-session rush also promised relief for victims of shockingly steep surprise medical bills , a phenomenon that often occurs when providers drop out of insurance company networks .

Congress rushes toward vote on $900 billion COVID relief bill
U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is seen at the U.S. Capitol Sunday after negotiators sealed a deal for COVID relief. Top Capitol Hill negotiators sealed a deal Sunday on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package, finally delivering long-overdue help to businesses and individuals and providing money to deliver vaccines to a nation eager for them. Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- After months of Washington gridlock, Congress is set to vote on a $900 billion pandemic relief package, finally delivering long-sought cash to businesses and individuals as well as resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Lawmakers tacked on thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a burst of legislation as Capitol Hill is set to close down for the year.
The relief package, agreed to on Sunday and finally released in bill form Monday afternoon, remained on track for votes in Congress on Monday. 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 and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.
The 5,593-page legislation -- the longest bill in memory and probably 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. President-elect Joe 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.
Biden praised the bipartisan spirit that produced the measure, which he called "just the beginning."
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 acknowledged it wasn't as robust a relief package as they initially sought -- or, they say, the country needs. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed more to come once Biden takes office.
"It is a first step," she said. "We have to do more."
The final agreement would be the largest spending measure yet. It combined $900 billion for COVID-19 relief with a $1.4 trillion governmentwide funding plan and lots of other unrelated measures on taxes, health, infrastructure and education. The governmentwide funding would keep the government open through September.
Passage neared as coronavirus cases and deaths spiked and evidence piled up that the economy was struggling. The legislation had been held up by months of dysfunction and bad faith. But talks turned serious in recent days as lawmakers on both sides finally faced the deadline of acting before leaving Washington for Christmas.
The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion summertime package put together by Senate Republican leaders, which failed to excite many GOP senators. As talks stalemated, Republicans pulled back to a smaller, $500 billion position that omitted direct payments, supplemental unemployment benefits and food aid, among other priorities.
Negotiations only turned serious in recent weeks as failure was no longer an option and as time was running out.
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.
The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment, subject to the same income limits in which an individual's payment phases out after $75,000.
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.
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 hard line positions.
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.
After the announcement, Schumer and Pelosi, D-Calif., announced additional details, including $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 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, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, Amtrak and airports.
Democrats failed in a monthslong battle to deliver direct fiscal relief to states and local governments, but they successfully pressed for $22 billion to help states and local governments with COVID-19-related health expenses like testing and vaccines.
The end-of-session rush also promised relief for victims of shockingly steep surprise medical bills, a phenomenon that often occurs when providers drop out of insurance company networks.