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· Nov 14
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From the editorial board: We don’t know whether filming delayed escape during the deadly Swiss fire tragedy at Le Constellation. But we do know that phones can distort judgment in moments when seconds matter.
Editorial: The deadly Swiss fire tragedy at Le Constellation should be a reminder to put the phone down
We don’t know whether filming delayed escape. But we do know that phones can distort judgment in moments when seconds matter.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM
From the editorial board: We don’t know whether filming delayed escape during the deadly Swiss fire tragedy at Le Constellation. But we do know that phones can distort judgment in moments when seconds matter.
Changes are underway to Kane County’s Ride in Kane program that are meant to streamline how the program is administered and ensure equal access to all eligible residents throughout the county.
Kane County modifying its dial-a-ride system, hoping to streamline process and expand access
As of Jan. 1, residents looking to register for the program will do so directly through the Pace suburban bus service, with the county providing customer service and support to users. The changes a…
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January 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Changes are underway to Kane County’s Ride in Kane program that are meant to streamline how the program is administered and ensure equal access to all eligible residents throughout the county.
As the Trump administration steadily hypes the benefits it sees from its monthslong immigration enforcement surge in Illinois, federal officials have been less eager to address the other side of the ledger: the fiscal cost of Operation Midway Blitz.
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
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January 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM
As the Trump administration steadily hypes the benefits it sees from its monthslong immigration enforcement surge in Illinois, federal officials have been less eager to address the other side of the ledger: the fiscal cost of Operation Midway Blitz.
From the Editorial Board: We’ve been heartened to see that a substantial number of alders has emerged from the recent city budget fracas to show resolve, self-discipline and real political chops.
Editorial: Lo and behold, Chicago. There’s a legitimate bench of political talent at City Hall.
The silver lining in the budget wars of the Johnson term is the emergence of legitimate political talent on the City Council.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
From the Editorial Board: We’ve been heartened to see that a substantial number of alders has emerged from the recent city budget fracas to show resolve, self-discipline and real political chops.
Venezuela’s oil industry is in disrepair after years of neglect and international sanctions, so it could take years and major investments before production can increase dramatically.
Trump’s plan to seize and revitalize Venezuela’s oil industry faces major hurdles
President Trump’s plan to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry and ask American companies to revitalize it after capturing President Nicolás Maduro isn’t likely to have an immediate impact on o…
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January 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Venezuela’s oil industry is in disrepair after years of neglect and international sanctions, so it could take years and major investments before production can increase dramatically.
Calumet Country Club has been at the center of a multiyear struggle over how the land should be used, with multiple attempts by the owner to develop the property for industrial use meeting resistance from local communities and governments.
Groups hope to save Calumet Country Club as a golf destination, though property owner says plan is impossible
The Chicago District Golf Association and the Donald Ross Society propose to revive the Calumet Country Club course in Hazel Crest.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Calumet Country Club has been at the center of a multiyear struggle over how the land should be used, with multiple attempts by the owner to develop the property for industrial use meeting resistance from local communities and governments.
A throng of Venezuelan expatriates, many draped in flags, gathered on the sidewalks outside a Brooklyn jail Saturday night to celebrate President Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
After capture and removal, Venezuela’s Maduro is being held at notorious Brooklyn jail
The Brooklyn jail holding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is a facility so troubled, some judges have refused to send people there even as it has housed music stars R. Kelly and Sean “Diddy” Co…
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM
A throng of Venezuelan expatriates, many draped in flags, gathered on the sidewalks outside a Brooklyn jail Saturday night to celebrate President Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
The 11-5 Chicago Bears will play the 8-8 Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in a Week 18 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (3:25 p.m., Fox-32).
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions: Everything you need to know about the Week 18 game before kickoff
The 11-5 Chicago Bears will play the 8-8 Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in a Week 18 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The 11-5 Chicago Bears will play the 8-8 Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in a Week 18 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (3:25 p.m., Fox-32).
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States to face criminal charges after being captured in a nighttime military operation.
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrives in US after operation that Trump says will let US ‘run’ Venezuela
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States to face criminal charges after being captured in an audacious nighttime military operation.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States to face criminal charges after being captured in a nighttime military operation.
The Tinley Park Village Board is considering six proposals to add rules on rental housing in an effort to better prioritize “community health over corporate wealth,” said Trustee Ken Shaw.
Tinley Park considers new fees, fines and inspections to deter absentee landlords
The Tinley Park Village Board is considering six proposals to add rules on rental housing and to combat absentee landlords.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The Tinley Park Village Board is considering six proposals to add rules on rental housing in an effort to better prioritize “community health over corporate wealth,” said Trustee Ken Shaw.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
Venus Williams will return to Australian Open 5 years after her last appearance — and 28 after her 1st
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams, 45, has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open beginning Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
5 things we learned from the Chicago Bears, including seeking to avenge humiliating Week 2 loss to Detroit Lions
5 things we learned from the Chicago Bears, including seeking to avenge humiliating Week 2 loss to Detroit Lions
The Chicago Bears are focused on locking up the NFC’s No. 2 seed on Sunday, but they’re also looking to redeem a humiliating 31-point loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
5 things we learned from the Chicago Bears, including seeking to avenge humiliating Week 2 loss to Detroit Lions
Preliminary work already is underway at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County for an $18 million project that will include the first major improvements in three decades to a 13-mile trail system that winds through sandstone canyons and bluffs along the Illinois River.
Starved Rock, Illinois’ most popular state park, to get $18M trail upgrades in new year
The new year will bring long-overdue upgrades at Illinois’ most popular state park, and one of its top tourist destinations outside Chicago.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Preliminary work already is underway at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County for an $18 million project that will include the first major improvements in three decades to a 13-mile trail system that winds through sandstone canyons and bluffs along the Illinois River.
In 2025, Cook County began the year with a new state’s attorney and ended it with a new chief judge, ushering in another era for one of the largest court systems in the country.
After a year of change, Cook County court cases to watch for in 2026
With changes underway, here are some cases and issues to watch for in 2026.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM
In 2025, Cook County began the year with a new state’s attorney and ended it with a new chief judge, ushering in another era for one of the largest court systems in the country.
Elgin has a lot to look forward to in 2026, with development activity happening throughout the city, officials say.
2025 was a busy development year for Elgin, and the new year promises more
Elgin has a lot to look forward to in 2026, with development activity happening throughout the city, officials say.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Elgin has a lot to look forward to in 2026, with development activity happening throughout the city, officials say.
Letter to the Editor: My hope for the new year is a return to civility and for a nation where people can discuss opposing viewpoints without angry rhetoric and repeated lies, one that accepts all people regardless of race, religion, sexuality or income.
Letters: Letter writers share their hopes for the new year
For our world, I hope for sustained peace deals. I hope for a healthier political climate. I hope for better general behaviors.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Letter to the Editor: My hope for the new year is a return to civility and for a nation where people can discuss opposing viewpoints without angry rhetoric and repeated lies, one that accepts all people regardless of race, religion, sexuality or income.
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chips deal that he concluded threatened U.S. security interests if the current owner, HieFo Corp., remained in control of the technology.
Donald Trump orders divestment in $2.9 million chips deal to protect US security interests
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chips deal that he concluded threatened U.S. security interests if the current owner, HieFo Corp., remained in con…
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 12:31 PM
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chips deal that he concluded threatened U.S. security interests if the current owner, HieFo Corp., remained in control of the technology.
The front page of today's Chicago Tribune. Read the e-edition here: trib.al/bybJKmh
January 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
The front page of today's Chicago Tribune. Read the e-edition here: trib.al/bybJKmh
Today in Chicago History: Fox’s WFLD-Ch. 32 begins broadcasting
Today in Chicago History: Fox’s WFLD-Ch. 32 begins broadcasting
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 4, according to the Tribune’s archives.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Today in Chicago History: Fox’s WFLD-Ch. 32 begins broadcasting
Asking Eric: Why should I go to my 50th high school reunion?
Asking Eric: Why should I go to my 50th high school reunion?
Dear Eric: During my high school years, I was not treated well by some of the students. I definitely did not like my high school years. If I wasn’t bullied, I definitely wouldn’t have b…
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Asking Eric: Why should I go to my 50th high school reunion?
Today in History: Burj Khalifa opens
Today in History: Burj Khalifa opens
On Jan. 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world at 2,717 feet tall, opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Today in History: Burj Khalifa opens
Who will the Chicago Bears play in the wild-card round? Breaking down their potential playoff scenarios.
Who will the Chicago Bears play in the wild-card round? Breaking down their potential playoff scenarios.
The simplest scenario for the Chicago Bears is to win Sunday, earn the No. 2 seed and face the Green Bay Packers. If they lose, it gets more complicated.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Who will the Chicago Bears play in the wild-card round? Breaking down their potential playoff scenarios.
Column: Chicago Bears are ‘moving on to Detroit’ — but they won’t go far in playoffs if defense doesn’t improve
Column: Chicago Bears are ‘moving on to Detroit’ — but they won’t go far in playoffs if defense doesn’t improve
There’s a feeling the Chicago Bears offense really showed something in Sunday’s loss, proof they can hang with the NFL’s best. It will be hard to do that if the defense doesn̵…
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Column: Chicago Bears are ‘moving on to Detroit’ — but they won’t go far in playoffs if defense doesn’t improve
City Hall hiring freezes, including under Mayor Brandon Johnson, have proved to be more of a chill
City Hall hiring freezes, including under Mayor Brandon Johnson, have proved to be more of a chill
Hundreds of workers were brought on to the payroll since Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration instituted the hiring freeze in August, according to city records.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 5:36 AM
City Hall hiring freezes, including under Mayor Brandon Johnson, have proved to be more of a chill
Letter to the Editor: I found the lengthy Sunday article to have a surprisingly biased angle, even relative to the prior coverage of Operation Midway Blitz.
Letters: Sunday report about Operation Midway Blitz has a biased tone
This article makes a moderate such as me who voted against Trump wonder whether I can trust the Tribune newsroom.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Letter to the Editor: I found the lengthy Sunday article to have a surprisingly biased angle, even relative to the prior coverage of Operation Midway Blitz.