Category: News
EEUU excluye a otros eventos deportivos, además del Mundial y JJOO, de su restricción de visas
Por MATTHEW LEE
WASHINGTON (AP) — El gobierno del presidente Donald Trump ha identificado una serie de competiciones que considera como “eventos deportivos de relevancia” –aparte de la Copa Mundial de fútbol 2026 y los Juegos Olímpicos de 2028– para los que permitirá que deportistas y entrenadores viajen a Estados Unidos para participar, a pesar de una amplia prohibición de visas para casi 40 países.
En un cable enviado el miércoles a todas las embajadas y consulados de Estados Unidos, el Departamento de Estado indicó que los deportistas, entrenadores y personal de apoyo para la Copa Mundial, los Juegos Olímpicos y eventos respaldados y organizados por una larga lista de ligas y asociaciones deportivas colegiales y profesionales no estarán sujetos a las prohibiciones de viaje totales y parciales que se aplican a ciudadanos de 39 países y la Autoridad Palestina.
Sin embargo, el cable dejó en claro que los espectadores extranjeros, representantes de medios de comunicación y patrocinadores corporativos que planeen asistir a estos eventos seguirán siendo objeto de las restricciones a menos que sean elegibles para otro tipo de exención.
“Solo un pequeño subconjunto de viajeros para la Copa Mundial, los Juegos Olímpicos y Paralímpicos, y otros eventos deportivos importantes serán elegibles para la excepción”, destacó.
La Casa Blanca ha emitido una serie de prohibiciones de inmigración y viajes, así como otras restricciones de visas, como parte de sus esfuerzos continuos para endurecer los estándares de ingreso de extranjeros al país. Al mismo tiempo, el gobierno ha estado buscando la manera de garantizar que los deportistas, entrenadores y aficionados puedan asistir a eventos deportivos en Estados Unidos.
La proclamación de Trump del 16 de diciembre que prohíbe la emisión de visas a los 39 países y la Autoridad Palestina establecía una excepción para los deportistas y personal que participen en la Copa Mundial, los Juegos Olímpicos y otros eventos deportivos importantes. Delegó al secretario de Estado, Marco Rubio, la decisión sobre qué otros eventos deportivos estarían cubiertos.
El cable del miércoles enumera los eventos cubiertos, incluidas “todas las competiciones y eventos clasificatorios” para los Juegos Olímpicos, Juegos Paralímpicos, Juegos Panamericanos y Juegos Parapanamericanos; eventos organizados, sancionados o reconocidos por una federación deportiva nacional de Estados Unidos; todas las competiciones y eventos clasificatorios para las Olimpiadas Especiales; y eventos oficiales y competiciones organizadas o respaldadas por la FIFA o sus confederaciones.
La exención también abarcará eventos oficiales y competiciones organizadas por el Consejo Internacional del Deporte Militar, la Federación Internacional de Deportes Universitarios y la Asociación Nacional Atlética Colegial (NCAA), así como aquellos organizados o respaldados por ligas deportivas profesionales de Estados Unidos como la Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano (NFL), la Asociación Nacional de Baloncesto (NBA) y la Asociación Nacional de Baloncesto Femenino (WNBA), las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol (MLB) y las Ligas Pequeñas (LLWS), la Liga Nacional de Hockey (NHL), la Liga Profesional de Hockey Femenino (PWHL), NASCAR, Fórmula uno, la Asociación Profesional de Golf (PGA), la Asociación de Golf Profesional Femenino (LPGA), LIV Golf, la Major League Rugby, la Major League Soccer (MLS), la World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), la Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) y All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
El cable indicó que se podrían añadir otros eventos y ligas a la lista.
De los 39 países, se aplica una prohibición total de viaje a: Afganistán, Burkina Faso, Chad, República del Congo, Guinea Ecuatorial, Eritrea, Haití, Irán, Laos, Libia, Mali, Myanmar, Níger, Sierra Leona, Somalia, Sudán, Sudán del Sur, Siria, Yemen y personas con pasaportes emitidos por la Autoridad Palestina.
Una prohibición parcial está en vigor para ciudadanos de Angola, Antigua y Barbuda, Benín, Burundi, Cuba, Dominica, Gabón, Gambia, Costa de Marfil, Malaui, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Togo, Venezuela, Zambia y Zimbabue.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Waste Of The Day: California County May Have Made Illegal Gifts
Waste Of The Day: California County May Have Made Illegal Gifts
Authored by Jeremy Portnoy via RealClearInvestigations,
Topline: A Dec. 18 report from the California State Auditor claims that Mendocino County is “vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse” after spending thousands of dollars on steakhouse dinners, unapproved donations and more.
The annual dinners are a trademark of local District Attorney C. David Eyster, who earned $211,484 from taxpayers in 2024, according to Open the Books’ payroll records.
Key facts: Law enforcement agencies can earn revenue by seizing property from convicted criminals, such as stolen cash or cars used to transport illegal drugs. California law requires local governments to use 15% of this asset forfeiture money to combat drug abuse and gang activity, but there are few restrictions on the other 85%.
Mendocino County held $1.5 million in asset forfeiture funding as of June 2025, but the funds have been used for several purchases that state auditors “believe” to be illegal gifts in violation of the California Constitution.
In February 2025, the District Attorney’s office spent $3,600 on an “End of the Year Debriefing and Training” at a steakhouse, where dinner was served to employees and their spouses.
The office told auditors that spouses were invited to “foster a more inclusive and positive work environment.” The office also claimed that County CEO Darcie Antle approved the expense, but auditors found no evidence that was the case.
The District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office also used asset forfeiture funds to donate nearly $23,000 to 11 private groups “with little oversight or accountability,” the audit claimed. There were no requirements that the donations be used to benefit taxpayers.
One of the donations — $560 to the 11-99 Foundation, which supports the families of California highway patrol workers — was the exact amount needed to pay for dinner for eight people at the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. The audit “could not determine” whether county employees actually attended the dinner. But if they did receive food in exchange for a donation of public funds, legal concerns would likely be raised.
Two donations of $5,000 each went to St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School. Religious schools are banned from receiving direct subsidies under both the California Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, according to the audit.
State auditors reviewed a sample of 30 other payments Mendocino County made since 2020 — using tax revenue, not asset forfeiture — and found issues with 13 of them. These included missing signatures to approve $500 worth of seat cushions, missing receipts for $370 in travel costs, and a lack of written justification for buying a 75-inch television for $1,099.
Mendocino County has increased its spending by 30% over the last five years, according to the audit. Its tax revenue has remained “relatively unchanged,” leading to budget deficits for the last three years.
Search all federal, state and local salaries and vendor spending with the world’s largest government spending database at OpenTheBooks.com.
Summary: When a local government has an unbalanced budget three years in a row, lavish dinners for employees’ spouses should be the first expense to go.
The #WasteOfTheDay is brought to you by the forensic auditors at OpenTheBooks.com
Tyler Durden
Thu, 01/15/2026 – 19:15
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/waste-day-california-county-may-have-made-illegal-gifts
Unión Berlín rescata un empate en Augsburgo tras protesta de aficionados
AUGSBURGO, Alemania (AP) — Marin Ljubicic anotó en el tiempo de descuento y el Union de Berlín, pese a quedarse con 10 hombres, rescató el jueves un empate 1-1 frente al Augsburgo en un partido de la Bundesliga que fue interrumpido en la primera mitad por aficionados que lanzaron pelotas de juguete al campo.
El audaz disparo de larga distancia de Alexis Claude-Maurice justo antes del descanso había puesto al Augsburgo en camino a la victoria. El delantero francés golpeó el poste en otro intento en la segunda mitad.
Las esperanzas de remontada del Union parecían desvanecerse a los 89 minutos, cuando el defensor Derrick Köhn fue expulsado por golpear a Samuel Essende en un hombro con su bota mientras disputaba un balón alto.
Eso no impidió que Ljubicic enviara el balón a la red en tiempo de descuento, cuando el Augsburgo no logró despejar el balón.
Pelotas de juguete y otros objetos volaron al campo mientras los aficionados que protestaban por la programación de partidos de la Bundesliga forzaron una interrupción de cinco minutos en la primera mitad.
Los objetos fueron lanzados desde las gradas a los 32 minutos, cuando el balón salió por detrás de la portería del Augsburgo. Jugadores, suplentes y personal se unieron para despejar el campo antes de que el encuentro pudiera reanudarse a los 37.
Los aficionados mostraron dos pancartas en las que protestaban por la decisión de programar un partido en jueves y pidieron que los encuentros se disputen en el tradicional horario de la tarde del sábado.
Con 18 equipos y una temporada de 34 partidos, los partidos entre semana son más inusuales en la Bundesliga que en otras grandes ligas europeas.
Jugar el jueves fue el resultado del contrato de transmisión televisiva de la liga, que comenzó esta temporada, requiriendo cinco horarios de inicio diferentes para cada fecha de partidos, informaron medios alemanes. Por este motivo en esta jornada hubo también paridos el martes y miércoles.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Lincolnwood Town Center mall sold and plans to “reimagine” it are underway, village leaders say
The Lincolnwood Town Center mall, an economic beacon in Lincolnwood for some 35 years, has been sold and village officials are looking to partner with the new owners to resuscitate the shopping center and “reimagine” its future.
In a news release posted on the village website, officials announced being notified Dec. 19 that the mall, located at Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard, was sold to a local development group that is affiliated with Prairie Ridge Development and Xroads Real Estate Advisors.
“Michael Nortman, a principal of Xroads Real Estate Advisors, and Brian Pawlik, his partner at Prairie Ridge Development, have extensive experience in the development and redevelopment of retail, mixed-use, and hospitality projects throughout the Chicagoland area,” the release states.
A plan to redevelop the mall, which has seen a sharp decrease in retailers over the past few years, is expected to be in the works “over the next several months” as Xroads Real Estate Advisors steps in to manage the property, the release explains. The mall currently operates daily with more than three dozen stores and service providers, along with several eateries.
Xroads is a Northbrook-based national property, asset management and advisory firm.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Village of Lincolnwood and community stakeholders to re-imagine what this site can become,” Michael Nortman stated in the release.
The mall has fallen on hard times since the COVID-19 pandemic when it went into foreclosure. While retailers like Kohl’s still have stores there, vacancies have increased in recent years and several potential buyers have walked away from deals. One of the most recent ones before this latest announcement left the table in 2025 after considering developing the site for a year-and-a-half, Lincolnwood mayor Jesal Patel said in his September “State of the Village” address.
There have been several ideas for what redevelopment of the mall would look like. The mayor expects that plans will include a mix of residential and retail – heavier on the residential.
In that September address, Patel told community stakeholders that the village’s primary goal is to develop the property and bring in stable tax revenue. At the time he made that speech, there were two anchor retailers at the site. Now, only one, Kohl’s, remains.
In August, the Lincolnwood Village Board directed village staff to look into the “possible exercise of eminent domain” of the mall property. However, exactly what that meant was never made clear.
“Eminent domain powers in Illinois are very broad and complex, and they can be used in a variety of ways and we’re exploring those ways,” Patel previously told Pioneer Press. “I can’t explain all of the detail, and I wouldn’t dare try.”
In the release, Nortman touted the importance of the mall, stating that, “it has the potential to evolve into a destination that better reflects today’s needs while creating longterm value for residents, businesses, and the Village as a whole.”
Those eyeing the 31-acre property also note its complement to the North Shore area. It is said that the residential density, daytime population and the current presence of national retailers in the mall’s vicinity add compelling appeal.
“Redevelopment of the Lincolnwood Town Center mall property has been a focus of the Village Board and Staff for several years,” Patel stated in the release. “We are excited for this next step of redevelopment, and we stand ready to offer assistance to ensure for a successful project.”
Efforts to create a pathway for the redevelopment of Lincolnwood Town Center started in 2021, according to the release. With this new sale, village representatives plan to work with Nortman and Pawlik, and their team, to assess the site and determine best uses for it.
“Village stakeholders have been helping reimagine this part of Lincolnwood for some time and we are all truly excited to embark on the next journey of the Lincolnwood Town Center site with Mike Nortman and his team. It is important for the community to know any redevelopment of the site will go through a public process,” Village Manager Anne Marie Gaura stated in the release.
Freelance reporter Jesse Wright contributed.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/15/lincolnwood-town-center-mall-in-lincolnwood-sold/
Grupo de gobernadores de Colombia se niega a aplicar la emergencia económica decretada por Petro
Associated Press
BOGOTÁ (AP) — Un grupo de gobernadores en Colombia se negó el jueves a aplicar en sus territorios el decreto de emergencia económica declarado por el presidente Gustavo Petro en diciembre que le permite establecer impuestos temporales sin el aval del Congreso.
La gobernadora del Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, indicó a la prensa que la decisión la tomaron 17 de los 32 gobernadores que tiene el país luego de una reunión de la Federación Nacional de Departamentos en la que concluyeron que estudiarán un instrumento jurídico para frenar lo dispuesto en el decreto.
La emergencia económica fue declarada por el presidente con el argumento de que buscaba evitar una “inminente crisis fiscal”, luego de que el Congreso hundiera una reforma tributaria que el gobierno necesitaba para la financiación del Estado en 2026.
El decreto aumentó los impuestos al patrimonio de los más adinerados y al sector financiero, así como a los licores y a los juegos de azar y por internet. El gobierno justificó que necesita más recursos para pagar subsidios eléctricos, cubrir pagos a aseguradoras de salud e invertir alrededor de 700 millones de dólares en infraestructura en contra de los drones que usan los grupos rebeldes.
El decreto ha generado resistencia tanto en los gobernadores como en los empresarios, que lo ven como una forma de eludir el control del Congreso a las finanzas públicas. La Corte Constitucional se encuentra revisando el decreto y en caso de no encontrarlo acorde a la ley lo dejaría sin efecto.
Toro aseguró que pretenden enviar un documento al tribunal para que “escuche a los gobernadores de los efectos negativos a las finanzas y a los derechos fundamentales que tiene la salud y la educación”.
El ministro del Interior, Armando Benedetti, rechazó la negativa de los gobernadores a acatar la emergencia económica. “Es un mal ejemplo que los gobernadores estén invitando a no acatar la ley. La Corte Constitucional es quien tiene esa función, si ellos dicen que no se acate la ley están usurpando las funciones de la Corte”, dijo en un video en la red social X.
Daily Horoscope for January 16, 2026
General Daily Insight for January 16, 2026
Conversations open doors we once kept shut. With chatty Mercury squaring tender Chiron at 1:20 AM EST, our words could accidentally brush old bruises. Explanations should come before assumptions that people already know something. We can still tell the truth while honoring raw feelings, because respect helps repairs begin. Later, as the emotional Moon shifts steady Capricorn, practical tasks become anchors that harbor us in any emotional storms. We’re strong enough to speak up when necessary without shouting down those with different points of view.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
When words poke old wounds, don’t bite back without good reason. Candid conversations can accidentally hit tender spots during Mercury and Chiron’s current spat. With Mercury in your sign, it’ll be all too easy to leap to conclusions about the intentions of other speakers. Hold on! You’re capable of leading these conversations toward a happier conclusion without pushing others around. Do your best to pause and collect your thoughts before continuing any inflammatory discussions, and try to step away if you can’t quickly calm down.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Take your time, Taurus. Mercury’s intellect combines with Chiron’s patience this morning, empowering you to look beyond the horizon, into the unknown. Something you’re about to learn could challenge a belief you prized, but this isn’t a personal attack. Ground yourself with simple facts before you react, because the details are vital to the big picture. If something shifts unexpectedly, adjust your schedule, then confirm costs and timing with a calm call or message. You should feel steadier once your plans fit your updated values.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
You have choices that need sympathetic handling. A casual chat could spark the process of repairing any damage to your bonds, even if the person you’re talking to isn’t the one involved in the original issue. You may want to jump into the deep end, but wait before taking the leap. Not every conversation is right for handling interpersonal problems! Pay attention to the discussion in the moment to learn whether or not it’s right to share at this time. Avoid unnecessary drama-sharing.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Gentle waves of feeling guide your plans. Messenger Mercury in your 7th House of Partnership squares therapeutic Chiron, inviting a brave talk with someone important in your daily life about needs and respect. Stay aware of your instincts, but don’t let them rule you. Perhaps you feel drawn to protect this person, but haven’t been defending yourself as of late (or vice versa). Suggest a boundary around shared responsibilities, and truly listen to their response. Emotional honesty strengthens bonds and protects tender souls.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Look for things that lift your pride without dimming others. Your 6th House of Fitness has priority with this Mercury-Chiron square, though your curious 9th house is also involved. On your journey to strengthen your mind, don’t forget about the practical details! It’s tough to learn anything when you’re hungry, tired, or cold. If frustration strikes, take a moment to make sure you’ve rested and eaten in the last few hours. You wouldn’t drive a car without fuel, so don’t exert your mind without fueling your body.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Progress arrives through precise, caring words. Mercury’s square with defensive Chiron means that your words have the power to heal — it just might be the sort of healing that hurts, the way cleaning a wound can sting at first. If someone asks for honest feedback, don’t be brutal. State what worked first, then suggest one change that would strengthen their work. Being both truthful and compassionate is a delicate balance. Thankfully, though, delight should arrive as your thoughtful edits blossom into shared success.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Diplomatic calm helps everything feel lighter. Chatty Mercury squares aching Chiron over your 4th House of Family History and your 7th House of Interpersonal Alignments. Watch out for touchy memories or awkwardly shared spaces! Thankfully, you’re definitely able to avoid thorny topics. If others aren’t so eloquent, though, you may need to guide others through the thicket. Make sure everyone knows their feelings are heard, then focus on anything that needs to change to ensure everyone is satisfied. Harmony blossoms when everyone feels understood.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Pressure can’t break you — it’s just forging you into a stronger version of yourself. When Mercury and Chiron tangle across your communication zone and your reasonable 6th house, you may need to be someone’s anchor while discussing a complicated or intense topic. You could cut through excess noise by asking a direct question and ensuring they know you won’t judge their answer. If a text thread spirals, consider asking to call or even meeting in person. Active listening lays the groundwork for valuable conversations.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
You can currently turn truth into momentum. A money talk may pop up without warning as cerebral Mercury squares moody Chiron, putting your income zone and your distraction sector at odds with one another. Avoid temptation — if you know you’ll overspend at the grocery store, try ordering your groceries for pick-up instead. If coffee is your constant companion, make a point of making it at home. Set your budget goal, then stick to it! Choose future freedom over current indulgences.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
This afternoon favors a grounded self-check. Intellectual Mercury in your sign squares tender Chiron, spotlighting your sense of identity and how you speak about yourself, especially with people who influence your path. Practice an introduction for potential mentors that names your strengths without downplaying them, then share a recent result you feel proud of. While past faults could tug at your mind, the truth is that you’ve overcome them and are ready to move forward. Own your power — your successes speak for themselves.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Clarity forms as you reframe a story from your past. Your 12th House of Karma and your busy 3rd house are both under fire during Mercury and Chiron’s sparring session. Anxieties could make it tough to get the rest you need. There’s only so much you can do to prepare for the future, and nothing you do can change the past. Before sleeping tonight, consider writing down tomorrow’s tasks — that way, you don’t have to try and remember them all night long.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Getting what you want may look different when you’re part of a team. You may need to get involved in a group project today, one that tests your ability to collaborate. When you have multiple people working together, compromising will probably be necessary sooner or later. Try to set your intentions in advance by acknowledging what you need to feel successful, then figuring out a few things you’re willing to work around. Clear rules of engagement should make the process of teamwork less complicated.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/15/daily-horoscope-for-january-16-2026/
Chicago Plan Commission approves new vision for mixed-use community on former Lincoln Yards site
The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved a plan to transform the northern half of the former Lincoln Yards development site into a mixed-use community with more than 3,000 residences, new riverfront parks and a central plaza open to all neighborhood residents.
The 31-acre riverfront site, now called Foundry Park and sandwiched between Lincoln Park and Bucktown, will include a mixture of apartments, townhomes, condos, affordable housing and neighborhood retail, including a 520-foot tower.
The proposal by developer JDL Development still needs a green light from the full City Council.
If launched on schedule this fall, the construction of Foundry Park would be a remarkable turnaround for the vacant site, once home to A. Finkl & Sons Steel, a now-demolished steel plant, and many other industrial businesses.
Developer Sterling Bay won approval for a far more ambitious plan in 2019. The developer bought up dozens of acres along the Chicago River, and wanted to build up to 14 million square feet, including towers more than 600 feet high, offices and a high-tech science hub. It lost control of the site last year after failing to raise sufficient funds.
Jim Letchinger, president of JDL Development, told commission members that the company and its partner Kayne Anderson Real Estate already have enough financing to break ground on the first phase this October.
“We are ready to build this, we have enough capital,” he said. “I can look at you and say, we’re building.”
JDL Development purchased Lincoln Yards’ northern half last year. The company is best known for building the Gold Coast’s No. 9 Walton luxury condominium building and more recently completed the 2.2 million-square-foot One Chicago in the River North neighborhood.
Chicago developer Novak Construction struck a deal late last year to buy the southern portion of Lincoln Yards and is putting together its own development plans.
Letchinger said the $800 million first phase will create more than 700 units on a triangular patch bounded by Kingsbury Street, Cortland Avenue and Southport Avenue. A small boutique hotel is also planned, along with a central plaza and more than 700 underground parking spots.
“It was critical that the first phase would not have a parking podium at all, it’s all underground,” Letchinger said.
The central plaza will include a pavilion, great lawn and gardens. Pedestrian walkways and a reconstructed street grid will connect Foundry Park to the surrounding neighborhoods, and eventually to riverfront parks featuring natural wildlife habitats, walkways and a beach.
“No gates,” Letchinger said. “Not only are we not gating the community, we’re inviting the community in.”
Several local community organizations supported Sterling Bay’s mammoth 2019 proposal, and it was approved during the final months of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration.
But the developer struggled to secure financing after the pandemic, and encountered opposition from Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who said she was skeptical about Lincoln Yards’ long-term prospects. Other community groups opposed funding the project with a city tax financing district, while Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said the project was out-of-scale with the surrounding neighborhood.
JDL Development has won Plan Commission approval for a new development on the former Lincoln Yards site in Chicago. JDL purchased Lincoln Yards’ northern half last year. (JDL)
Jonathan Snyder, executive director of North Branch Works, a nonprofit advocate for economic development along the Chicago River, told commission members that he opposed Lincoln Yards seven years ago. But he said Foundry Park’s smaller scale will help ensure the neighborhood’s remaining industrial businesses, including concrete supplier Ozinga and Horween Leather Co., which manufactures NFL game balls, can stay in the area.
“With all due respect, they’re not going anywhere,” he said. “They’re investing in their properties and are creating hundreds of great new jobs. (Foundry Park) is less overwhelming to the neighborhood. It’s not a Loop 2.0.”
Chicago resident Jon Feld lives near the site and said he agreed Foundry Park was a better fit than Lincoln Yards.
“It feels more compatible with the neighborhood,” he said. “I look forward to using the riverfront with my family.”
Others at Thursday’s hearing said they opposed a quick approval.
Members of Unite Here Local 1, a hospitality and restaurant workers union, said the city should do more to ensure the jobs created by the planned hotel are well paying and provide good benefits, especially if funds from a city tax increment financing district are used.
“There is no commitment to provide good hospitality jobs for people like me, that’s wrong,” said Lucas Oates, a 32nd Ward resident and doorman at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel. “If Foundry Park uses any TIF dollars it needs to create the world-class jobs our city deserves.”
Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, whose ward used to encompass much of Lincoln Yards, asked commission members to defer a final vote. He praised Sterling Bay for cleaning up and envisioning a new use for Lincoln Park’s riverfront, and JDL Development for carrying it forward.
But the massive transportation upgrades called for in the original 2019 plan, including reconstructed bridges, a realignment of Elston Avenue, and a renovation of the nearby Metra station, might still be needed, even for JDL’s slimmed-down version, he said.
“(The Metra station) is one of the most dilapidated in the system,” he said. “I don’t understand how we can so easily walk away from the promises that were made seven years ago.”
Chicago Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright said the Plan Commission could only approve site plans, not the financing mechanisms needed for any future infrastructure improvements. Foundry Park’s full build-out will take years, and city planners, the CTA, JDL and the City Council will likely revise the original infrastructure proposal and look for ways to fund it.
“It should look different, because the (Foundry Park) plan is different,” she said. “It’s one thing to have a great plan, but it’s another thing to have a great plan that can move forward.”
Waguespack said he strongly supported Foundry Park. And although the developer promised to build new signaled intersections and provide residents with free shuttle service to the nearby Metra and CTA stations, he agreed much of the local infrastructure is in terrible shape, and badly needs an upgrade.
“You can put your hand through some of that (bridge) steel as you go up and down Ashland,” he said. “This is a huge issue that is not going to go away anytime soon.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/15/lincoln-yards-chicago-plan-commission/
US Eyes Private Security Contractors To Protect Oil Assets In Venezuela
US Eyes Private Security Contractors To Protect Oil Assets In Venezuela
A top White House priority for Venezuela in the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro is restarting and ramping up the country’s oil production. But that’s a tall order given many years of decaying and neglected infrastructure. Despite that Maduro’s VP, now acting President Delcy Rodriguez, is currently running the country, there are still fears there could be a power vacuum if hostile forces challenge Caracas.
There’s not just the question of a political challenge, or even military insurgency which could further destabilize the country, but the role of the cartels. All of this political and security uncertainty surrounds the question of rebooting the ailing oil industry – which though sitting atop the world’s biggest proven oil reserves, has a derelict and largely defunct infrastructure for getting it out of the ground and refining.
Major oil companies are now being courted by the administration, which must convince them they can operate in enough safety to be successful, not just for the coming months, but for years down the line.
President Trump, however, is reportedly wary of placing American boots on the ground for what will be seen at home as another indefinite foreign occupation.
CNN reports Thursday that one administration plan being mulled right now is tapping military contractors, or mercenaries, to protect Venezuela’s oil industry as American companies move in.
“Discussions about how to secure those assets remain in the early stages, sources said. Still, multiple private security companies are already jockeying to get involved in the US presence in Venezuela, according to a person familiar with the matter,” the report describes. “Interest is high given the potential payday; during the Iraq War, the US spent some $138 billion on private security, logistics and reconstruction contractors.”
CNN continues, “Last week, the Department of Defense put out a Request for Information to contractors about their ability to support possible US military operations in Venezuela, the person said.” And already, “Contractors are also in touch with the State Department’s overseas building operations office to cite interest in providing security if and when the US embassy in Venezuela re-opens.”
One military firm founder highlighted that going private is another aspect of “investment” in conquering and subjugating a foreign country Venezuela’s energy industry “coming back” to the American people:
“Foreign investment comes back, and when it does, it brings a bunch of Navy SEAL dudes and Green Beret dudes and ninjas to keep them alive and safe,” Stern said. “It’ll look a lot like that in Venezuela.”
Turning to private contractors is certain to invite scrutiny. Over the past two decades, the US has relied heavily at times on private contractors, especially during the height of the Iraq War. But they were marred in controversy, from killing Iraqi civilians to allegations of war profiteering
Indeed, it’s never a good look when Washington’s talk of “liberating” a people from a “tyrant” quickly results in trigger-happy foreign mercenaries rolling into your local neighborhood barking orders backed by endless firepower – all for a cool hundreds of dollars per hour.
US oil companies are up against significant risk, with few “guarantees” given the billions what will need to be invested…
Reality check Venezuelan oil: Geologists who have worked the area know that most of the 300 billion barrels of oil “reserves” touted for Venezuela are in the Faja – the Orinoco tar belt – where heavy, high sulfur crude has an API of 8.5 (if you are lucky). This heavy and extra… pic.twitter.com/dnx2ZFpVLA
— Jack Prandelli (@jackprandelli) January 11, 2026
But at the very least, US oil majors which get deeper in extracting Venezuela’s oil will be hiring their own security, at least on some level. Whether the Trump administration gets directly involved in writing major contracts for mercenary firms remains to be seen. Usually Erik Prince is circling the Pentagon right about now.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 01/15/2026 – 18:50
EEUU da aprobación inicial a venta de equipos y servicios para base principal de la Armada de Perú
Associated Press
LIMA (AP) — Estados Unidos aprobó el jueves la venta de equipamiento militar a Perú que servirá para diseñar y construir una nueva base de la Marina de Guerra peruana en el puerto del Callao, en el Pacífico sur, junto con otros elementos logísticos por unos 1.500 millones de dólares.
La aprobación del Departamento de Estado se produjo luego de que en diciembre el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump informó a la Comisión de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado su intención de designar a Perú como aliado principal no Miembro de la OTAN, integrada por 21 países —entre ellos Argentina, Brasil y Colombia— lo que otorga ventajas en la compra de armamento y asesoría técnica preferencial, según la cancillería peruana.
En la antigua Base Naval del Callao, construida en la década de 1930, atracan las embarcaciones militares de Perú, hay un astillero para reparar diversas naves y hubo una cárcel para los jefes del grupo terrorista Sendero Luminoso, narcotraficantes y el exjefe de espías del fallecido expresidente Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000). Cerca está el puerto comercial del Callao, desde donde se envían exportaciones a Estados Unidos y Europa.
De acuerdo con el comunicado de la Agencia de Cooperación de Seguridad de Defensa de Estados Unidos, Perú solicitó comprar equipos y servicios para respaldar la adquisición de instalaciones marítimas y terrestres en la nueva sede principal de la Armada, cercana a la desembocadura del río Rímac en el océano Pacífico.
La venta propuesta ahora pasará al Congreso de Estados Unidos. Los legisladores suelen intervenir en estas ventas y, en algunos casos, pueden bloquearlas.
El gobierno de Perú no respondió de inmediato a una solicitud de comentarios.
El canciller peruano Hugo de Zela informó en diciembre a la prensa internacional en Lima que ingenieros militares estadounidenses estaban colaborando con la Marina de Guerra de Perú en trasladar su antigua sede central a otro punto cercano para permitir la ampliación del puerto comercial del Callao.
Adrien Rabiot ayuda al Milan a vencer 3-1 a Como para acercarse a la cima de la Serie A
Por DANIELLA MATAR
MILÁN (AP) — El Milan no permitió que su rival de la misma ciudad Inter ampliara su ventaja en la cima de la Serie A, y remontó para imponerse el jueves 3-1 a un competitivo Como, en un duelo en que Adrien Rabiot consiguió que le cometieran un penal y marcó un par de goles
Inter se había adelantado seis puntos sobre el Milan y el Napoli al imponerse el miércoles 1-0 sobre el Lecce. En tanto, Napoli se había frustrado con un empate ante Parma.
La victoria del Milan vio a los Rossoneri reducir la brecha a tres puntos. Sin embargo, el encuentro no comenzó tan bien para el equipo de Massimiliano Allegri.
El Como, que está sexto en la Serie A, tuvo un comienzo perfecto cuando cobró un corner en corto y luego elevó el balón para que Marc-Oliver Kempf cabeceara y pusiera a los anfitriones al frente a los 10 minutos.
La escuadra local dominó, pero el Milan igualó al filo del descanso cuando se le otorgó un penal después de que Kempf derribó a Rabiot. El tiro desde el punto por parte de Christopher Nkunku se coló bajo el cuerpo de Jean Butez.
El Milan dio la vuelta al partido a los 10 minutos del segundo tiempo. Rafael Leão controló un centro y recortó hacia dentro antes de levantar el balón para que Rabiot lo bajara con el pecho y lo enviara de volea al rincón inferior derecho.
Y Rabiot sentenció el resultado poco antes del final, cuando Niclas Füllkrug cabeceó un balón de regreso al mediocampista francés, quien disparó fuerte y abajo.
Racha negativa terminada
El Bologna puso fin a una miserable racha al remontar para imponerse 3-2 al Hellas Verona, amenazado por el descenso, en un partido lleno de goles espectaculares.
El Rosoblú no había ganado desde noviembre y tuvo un mal comienzo cuando regaló el balón en el área de penal del adversario. Antoine Bernède corrió casi de área a área antes de pasarle el balón a Gift Orban para que rematara a gol.
Riccardo Orsolini empató con un tiro curvado tras un inteligente tiro libre. Goles igualmente impresionantes de Jens Odgaard y del argentino Santiago Castro pusieron al Bologna 3-1 arriba al descanso.
El mediocampista del Bologna, Remo Marco Freuler, accidentalmente envió un centro a su propia red a los 71.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
