Category: News
Pictures Of The “Democratic” Socialist Future
Pictures Of The “Democratic” Socialist Future
Authored by Mark Jeftovic via BombThrower.com,
This is Happening, This is Really Happening
On New Year’s Day, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of the financial capital of the world, with his hand on a copy of the Koran, and in his inauguration speech, he proclaimed:
“I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”
As a guy who normally tunes out political speeches (to this day, I haven’t a single speech by Trump, Trudeau, let alone Carney or Biden), this one got my attention to the point where I downloaded the transcript and read the entire thing.
It gave me some serious Pol Pot “This is Year Zero” vibes…
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously… to those who say the era of Big Government is over, hear me when I say this: no longer will city hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorker’s lives.”
Most people don’t know who that was. Except maybe the odd Cambodian.
The banger pull quote was this:
“We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”
…and the crowds, no doubt cheered.
A few years ago, before the pandemic, I re-released a version of the public domain work: Pictures of The Socialistic Future, from my foreword:
This remarkable little novella posits a fictional socialist sweep into power in Germany towards the end of the 19th century, anticipating the Bolshevik and Marxist revolutions of the subsequent decades. It follows the arc of a family as narrated by its patriarch as he initially enthuses over the socialist ascension to the seat of government.
Quickly, however, he progresses through various stages of disenfranchisement that inevitably ensue: first tempering his expectations, then ratcheting them downward, followed by grappling with cognitive dissonance brought about by the internal contradictions of the new system. When those conflicts are inescapable, he finally spirals into angst and despair as he comes to fully comprehend the horrors of socialism.
I released that around the same time we did the audiobook version of Dr. Kristian Niemietz’s “Socialism, The Failed Idea That Never Dies“, which has obviously not been read by many New Yorkers.
The historical pattern with all collectivist experiments is: honeymoon, underperformance, disenfranchisement, collapse.
NYC has entered the honeymoon phase, Mandami will be celebrated by Western, liberal intellectuals as a trailblazer and and bulwark against “Trumpism”, he plans to release inmates from jails, freeze rents, launch government run grocery stores and eliminate fares for public transit.
It remains to be seen what kind of radical reforms a mayor can make in one American city – where property rights could (theoretically) still be upheld at higher levels, and where those with much to lose have the ability to flee.
Over the weekend, a useful contrast emerged: Venezuela already ran this experiment. After their honeymoon came repeated hyperinflations, food shortages so extreme people were eating zoo animals, and Chávez’s successor turned the place into a dictatorial narco-state.
The nightmare finally ended when Maduro was removed by the U.S. military in a one-shot operation on January 3rd.
“Collectivism” means: the end of economic reality
In Eugen Richter’s parable – which invariably replays in every collectivist adventure, the first order of business is not “compassion.” It’s confiscation.
Mamdani’s platform specifies a new flat 2% income tax on all New Yorkers earning more than a million annually and boosts the corporate tax rate from 7.5% to 11.5%. My prediction is that after six to twelve months of policy failure, he’ll follow that up with a wealth tax. Bet on it.
Mamdani frames collectivism as “warmth,” but the actual content of his program is an expanding universe of guarantee: universal child care, rent freezes, “fast and free” buses, baby baskets. etc.
As a Canadian who’s lived my whole life under the yoke of “free health care,” I know how it actually collectivism works: anything the government gives everyone “for free” comes at a cost. And when it’s imposed through a state monopoly, that cost tends to exceed the returns, by a wide margin. (Which is why Canadians routinely die on waiting lists, or while sitting in the ER waiting for treatment.)
I’m frequently saying “Incentives are everything“, this is what collectivists don’t get…
The economic reality is that when you turn City Hall (or any government) into the allocation engine for entitlements, you turn erstwhile productive citizens into a doom loop of dependancy. Nobody in a collectivist paradise wants use their excess productive capacity only to have it redistributed to everybody else, so they simply won’t produce at anything above subsistence levels. There’s no point in doing so.
At the municipal level what we can expect then, this:
Rent freezes = housing shortages
Saving for an investment property is one of the more accessible avenues for improving one’s lot in life. When governments freeze rents, it squeezes out the small “mom-and-pop” landlord from being able to hold a cashflowing property, they get squeezed out. Developers won’t build or invest, because there’s no point if they can’t sell any units, and there’s no point investing in new units if you can’t at least break even operating them.
The result: fewer homes get built.
City run grocery stores = food shortages
We don’t need to look at Venezuela to see what happens here, this is already being tried in America and it’s a shit-show: empty shelves, rotting food, it’s almost as if when you try to force goods and services to price below their market clearing rates, the system simply breaks down as producers withhold their remaining labour and capital from a money-losing exercise.
Taxing the “wealthy” = capital flight
We’re already seeing the wealthy pull up stakes and leave – the highest earners did so even before the election, and after Mamdani secured victory, the next level: middle and higher-income earners, headed for the exits (most popular destination: Florida).
There is now an influx among low income earners – (defined as “under $200K annually!) headed to NYC, perhaps lured by the promise of free stuff, streets paved with gold, and a collectivist utopia.
We’ll see how long New York’s honeymoon phase with collectivism lasts.
What we’ll inevitably see play out instead is not theory, it’s been borne out in every collectivist experiment over the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Tyler Durden
Mon, 01/05/2026 – 19:15
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/pictures-democratic-socialist-future
Are the Chicago Bears playoff-ready? ‘We’re not far away’
The Chicago Bears didn’t look anything like a playoff team — on offense or defense — during Sunday’s 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions, but coach Ben Johnson is convinced his team will be ready when the playoffs begin.
The Bears appear to have a lot to fix before they host the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on Saturday (7 p.m., Prime Video and Fox-32), the nightcap of two wild-card games.
“It can all be addressed,” Johnson said via Zoom on Monday. “We’re not far away. You never are in this league.
“We’ve just got to clean up some of the mental errors we had. I think in the first 11 plays we counted six mentals as an offense. When you’re facing a good team you can’t do that. And so we’ll clean that up.”
On Sunday, the defense yielded 433 yards and spotted the Lions a 16-0 lead through the third quarter.
The offense punted on three of the first four possessions and didn’t crack the scoreboard until 14:20 left in the fourth quarter.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs gains some yards as Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat pursues in the second quarter of a game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Jan. 4, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
It didn’t help that the Lions dominated time of possession in the first half, 19:12 to 10:48.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff had his way in the intermediate areas with crossing routes and man-beaters, but Johnson refused to lay the bulk of the blame on the defense.
“The No. 1 thing is we’re looking to limit the opponent with their points,” Johnson said. “You left that game with a good offense and they only scored 19, 16 up until the last two minutes.
“I thought our defense played well enough for us to win the ballgame. I know we want to get off the field faster and we want to create more possessions for our offense. There’s ways to get that done.”
He reserved his sternest critique for the offense.
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“We’ll be a lot sharper here going forward,” Johnson said. “And so we’re going to be OK. But when you have eight possessions and three of them are three-and-outs it’s just not the recipe for good football.”
Johnson said his offensive players took his criticism well, but he’ll see how they respond with how well they perform in practice.
The Bears are scheduled to have a walk-through on Tuesday, practice Wednesday and Thursday, have another walk-through Friday and play the Packers on Saturday night.
Still, for a team that at times this season earned the nickname “Cardiac Bears,” they looked comatose for the majority of Sunday’s game.
At least one Bear, safety Jaquan Brisker, admitted, “We came off flat.”
Johnson didn’t see a need to chew them out or lift them up.
He said he trusts that he has a professional, prideful group.
“The role of the head coach is not to be a cheerleader,” Johnson said. “It’s to say it like it is. If something pops up and I feel like it needs to be said, then I say it.
“If I don’t, then we keep it moving.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/chicago-bears-green-bay-packers-playoff-ready/
Daily Horoscope for January 06, 2026
General Daily Insight for January 06, 2026
Our choices should have purpose. That purpose may be tough to identify as the expressive Moon squares unpredictable Uranus, but it isn’t impossible. We just have to slow down and ponder what we find meaningful. At 11:36 AM EST, the lively Sun conjoins romantic Venus, bringing our aims into focus. Once we know the “why,” the “how” should be much less intimidating. As the Moon moves into thoughtful Virgo, even small acts of service soothe nerves as we care for bodies, budgets, and spaces.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Aries, your steady effort draws real respect. The Sun teams up with harmonious Venus in your 10th House of Purpose, inviting you to showcase leadership through real proof. Explain the benefits of your idea, then offer a timeline that shows you considered all the little details involved. This could be professional or personal — either way, be patient when discussing the outcome. Calm follow-through wins more ground than pushing in the moment could dream of. Lead gently, because respect grows from steady care.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Hope abounds throughout the day! Your 9th House of Higher Learning marries the life-giving Sun with loving Venus, encouraging you to take an active role in widening your world. If travel feels unrealistic, look for opportunities to stretch your mind closer to home. Perhaps you’ll learn by teaching a peer or attending a free library class. This isn’t a sprint — you’re beginning a slower, steadier journey. Curiosity invites friendships with people whose ideas expand your perspective, and patience builds knowledge that matters.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
What would deeper trust change for you? Your bonds are strengthened by the Sun blending with Venus in your 8th House of Depth, as it encourages you to address everyone’s feelings with patience. You may need to discuss finances with a loved one, but as long as you prepare in advance, it shouldn’t be too stressful. If secrets are weighing on you, look for someone trustworthy who can help you talk through any issues. Speak plainly, letting honesty protect shared peace.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Figure out what you want to say before you say it — especially when talking to the people who matter most. Your 7th House of Loved Ones is blessed by today’s Sun-Venus embrace, supporting fair conversations across many kinds of connections. Be willing to talk about scary subjects in an effort to find agreements that work. Reaching out to see how someone feels or offering acts of service both demonstrate love without creating pressure. A warm hug can say more than countless vague statements.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Progress builds through calm, caring choices. The shimmering Sun unites with sweet Venus in your 6th House of Health, guiding you to streamline tasks while encouraging your peers and treating your body well. You might turn a tangled email thread into a clear note that calms a teammate and frees your schedule for more rewarding pursuits. Expressing warmth is a good thing! Don’t be afraid to praise good work — doing so sets a tone that turns routine collaboration into something people enjoy.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
When care meets joy today, creativity blossoms. You’re encouraged to play as the Sun conjoins affectionate Venus in your 5th House of Excitement, inviting you to express affection through words and attention. You could write a thank-you note that brightens someone’s day and shapes an ordinary moment into something memorable. Start with a small gesture if you feel shy, because sincere warmth matters more than grand displays. Your thoughtful attention can help someone feel genuinely seen. Share small joys to open many hearts!
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Home comforts can presently make a big difference. Your 4th House of Domestic Endeavours is the center of Venus and the Sun’s conjunction, inspiring you to make any house into a home. Renters and homeowners alike can benefit from this. Look at the small aspects of your living environment — something as small as replacing burned-out light bulbs can (literally) light up a room. For interpersonal issues, start with an acknowledgement of how much effort goes into home upkeep. Tend your nest to support peace.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Candid conversations are the name of today’s game. Truth strengthens as the Sun merges with sympathetic Venus in your 3rd House of Correspondence, gifting your speech with empathy and precision. You may knock on a neighbor’s door about an ongoing concern and resolve it kindly after you explain your needs and offer a compromise. There may be something deeper going on that you’ll need to tackle as a team. Staying focused on solutions is the key. Speak bravely, since truth clears fog and fear.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
Patience can strengthen your current confidence. Security grows as the Sun fuses with sweet Venus in your 2nd House of Manifestation, reinvigorating you to chase financial goals. Do your best to budget by comparing prices, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and only investing in meaningful goals. Of course, your time is also valuable — sometimes you need to buy a premade meal to free up your evening for other chores. You can set spending boundaries while allowing them to flex when necessary. Value your effort!
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Despite everything, it’s still you. Today is shaped by the Sun and Venus connecting in your sign, empowering your sense of self with warm confidence. The stars are showering you with extra charm, especially when it comes to first impressions. Be proud of yourself — you’ve earned it! If pressure builds, you know how to slow down and handle complications one at a time. Your reliability can create much more lasting trust than flaky grand speeches. Present yourself clearly, because consistency attracts strong, meaningful support.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Quiet reflection can unlock reassuring inner answers. Your 12th House of Closure receives both the Sun and Venus, encouraging gentle retreat through your preferred methods of relaxation. If going for a walk doesn’t appeal, taking an “everything shower” or long bath might do the trick. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll likely find more fulfillment in a less-noisy environment. Peace is genuinely possible when you simplify today’s agenda and forgive yourself for not solving everything immediately. Allow yourself at least a few moments of silence.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
What support would make your present dreams feel doable? Be willing to ask for it — especially once the Sun and Venus kiss within your 11th House of Community Engagement. You never know who might pop up to pitch in! You could also suggest a shared project night, where everyone brings something they’re working on so you’re all accountable to one another. Even a virtual check-in could mean a lot! Ask and offer in equal measure, because community grows through everyday reciprocity.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/daily-horoscope-for-january-06-2026/
Illinois Democrats criticize Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and look to block further engagement
On the same day that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug charges in a Manhattan courtroom, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Monday said he planned to introduce legislation in Washington that would block federal funds from being used for U.S. military occupation in the South American nation.
The chance of the legislation passing in the Republican-run U.S. House is highly remote for Krishnamoorthi, who is running in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. But his declaration comes as Krishnamoorthi and other Democratic candidates running for the Senate seat — including U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton — are toeing the party line and raising questions about President Donald Trump’s actions this past weekend in Venezuela in which U.S. military forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a raid without alerting Congress.
The declaration also comes as Congress returns to Washington, D.C., this week following the holiday break to consider the president’s war powers, work to avoid another federal government shutdown and consider an extension of insurance subsidies purchased through the Obamacare exchange.
Krishnamoorthi linked his opposition to Trump’s plans for Venezuela to the rising cost of living in the U.S.
“While families here at home are confronting these increases in health insurance, turn on the television and you’ll see what this administration is focused on instead: President Trump’s fixation on Venezuela and an open-ended military occupation abroad,” he said at a news conference in Chicago, again raising the alarm about the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits. “That is why today I’m announcing my intention to introduce legislation when I return to Washington to block any federal funds for a military occupation of Venezuela.”
While the measure’s prospects remain dim, some Senate Democrats have begun discussing ways to block further military action in Venezuela, either by limiting federal spending or by asserting congressional war powers through a resolution.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks at the Cook County Health Bronzeville Health Center on Jan. 5, 2026, to highlight the expiration of ACA tax credits. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Krishnamoorthi’s announcement came days after a similar news conference highlighted rising health insurance premiums following the end of a pandemic-era special tax credit. Millions of Americans who had their insurance costs subsidized through ACA marketplaces are already seeing premiums double.
“The American people do not want another endless war, and they do not want their tax dollars diverted overseas while health care … is being cut here at home and Medicaid is being shredded to pieces. The choice before Congress is clear: We can spend billions on another foreign conflict or we can protect health care here at home,” Krishnamoorthi said Monday at a Cook County Health clinic in Bronzeville, standing alongside Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
A House vote is scheduled this week on ACA credits, but Senate Republicans have opposed a simple extension. It is unclear, however, whether they have reached a compromise bill of their own.
Kelly on Saturday similarly condemned Trump’s attack on Venezuela in a statement, saying the president’s actions do “nothing to lower the cost of living for Americans and does everything to enrich himself and his billionaire oil-executive friends.”
The attack, Kelly’s statement said, “is shortsighted and drags the U.S. into a reckless conflict that could destabilize the entire region. I demand a vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop President Trump from launching further military action without Congressional approval.”
In a weekend social media post, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said the action was “yet another unconstitutional abuse of power, one that puts our troops directly in harm’s way. … His actions are endangering the American people and he must be held accountable.”
For his part, Durbin released a joint statement with Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa about the Trump administration’s decision to exclude the Senate Judiciary Committee from Monday evening’s Capitol Hill briefing on the arrest of Maduro, who was indicted for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy. Grassley is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Durbin is the ranking member.
“President Trump and Secretary Rubio have stated that this was a law enforcement operation that was made at the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Senate Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over DOJ, FBI and DEA, and all three agencies are led by individuals who our Committee vetted and processed. The Attorney General herself will be present at today’s briefing,” the joint statement said. “There is no legitimate basis for excluding the Senate Judiciary Committee from this briefing. The administration’s refusal to acknowledge our Committee’s indisputable jurisdiction in this matter is unacceptable and we are following up to ensure the Committee receives warranted information regarding Maduro’s arrest.”
Hilton Hotel Plunges Into PR Crisis Mode After “Coordinated Campaign” To Cancel ICE Agent Bookings
Hilton Hotel Plunges Into PR Crisis Mode After “Coordinated Campaign” To Cancel ICE Agent Bookings
Hilton Hotels is in damage-control mode after Homeland Security posted on X an email showing that a Hilton property in the Minneapolis area canceled a reservation for federal agents amid a large-scale operation to identify, arrest, and remove illegal alien criminals from Tim Walz’s state.
“NO ROOM AT THE INN!” DHS wrote on X, alleging that the hotel chain “launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.”
The agency continued, “When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.”
“This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?” DHS concluded in the post.
NO ROOM AT THE INN!@HiltonHotels has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement.
When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.
This is… pic.twitter.com/qKMKypGtzi
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 5, 2026
The hotel in question is the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville, located just off Interstate 35 in the southern Twin Cities suburbs, about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Hampton Inn is owned by Hilton.
DHS’ post went viral by early Monday afternoon, sparking outrage among America First supporters and prompting calls to cancel Hilton-branded credit cards and even future reservations.
🚨 JUST IN: Conservatives are demanding a boycott on Hilton after they launched a COORDINATED ANTI-ICE campaign in Minneapolis, outright refusing service to any DHS law enforcement
“We found immigration work connected with your name and are CANCELLING your reservation.” 😠
DHS:… pic.twitter.com/JYcHrBmwSm
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 5, 2026
Time to Bud Light Hilton!!! pic.twitter.com/Gs2MMVWZR3
— Right Side Out 1776 (@rso1776) January 5, 2026
Just canceled my Hilton Honors credit card… BYE! pic.twitter.com/sO7brnYAtH
— Corey Inganamort 🪚🌴🪚 (@TheBirdWords) January 5, 2026
I am a long time @HiltonHonors Diamond Member. I am asking Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton CEO, to reconsider this mistake and correct it immediately. @HarmeetKDhillon
— Matt Sweetwood (@MSweetwood) January 5, 2026
Hilton executives, facing what can easily be described as a potential “Bud Light moment,” were quick to clarify that the cancellation involved not the company as a whole but an “independently owned and operated” hotel.
BREAKING: This particular hotel, the Hampton Inn Lakeville outside Minneapolis was bought for $15 million last summer, according to news reports.
The LLC that was used to purchase the hotel is owned by four Indian partners—Parmjit Singh, Amanpreet Hundal, Karandeep Nagra, and… https://t.co/yZm0ymVs1h pic.twitter.com/2iU1l9mSdo
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) January 5, 2026
“Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. We are investigating this matter with the individual hotel, and can confirm that Hilton works with governments, law enforcement, and community leaders around the world to ensure our properties are open and inviting to everyone,” Hilton told Fox News reporter Bill Melugin.
BREAKING: Hilton statement to @FoxNews:
“Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values. We are investigating this matter with this individual hotel, and can confirm… https://t.co/e9UHjL4L1m
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 5, 2026
Hilton shares in New York were down about 1.5% by late afternoon trading. The swift response from Hilton underscores growing concern about boycott calls circulating on X.
Tyler Durden
Mon, 01/05/2026 – 18:50
CDC Narrows Vaccine Recommendations In Response To Trump Order
CDC Narrows Vaccine Recommendations In Response To Trump Order
Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times,
Health officials announced on Jan. 5 that they’re narrowing the number of vaccines recommended broadly for children in response to a recent order from President Donald Trump.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is moving forward with only broad recommendations for eight vaccines for children, down from 14.
Trump, in December 2025, directed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill to review vaccine schedules in the United States and peer countries and determine if the U.S. schedule should be updated.
He named three countries, including Denmark, that recommend fewer vaccines and fewer vaccine doses.
“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Kennedy said in a statement.
“After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”
Moving forward, the CDC will stop broadly recommending vaccines against influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A, and meningococcal disease. The CDC in 2025 already narrowed recommendations for hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccination based on advice from advisers selected by Kennedy. The agency is maintaining its recommendation that children whose mothers did not receive a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine receive an antibody, or passive immunization, against the virus.
The old schedule can be viewed here, and the new schedule can be viewed here.
The changes were recommended by Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg, acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who, during a recent presentation, commented favorably on Denmark’s vaccine schedule, and Martin Kulldorff, whom Kennedy appointed a senior adviser in 2025. Hoeg and Kulldorff said in a 34-page assessment that an update was needed because of falling trust in public health, decreases in vaccination rates, and evidence that some recommended vaccines had limited benefits.
A CDC official told reporters on a call on Jan. 5 that the agency consulted with officials in Denmark, Germany, and Japan, as well as vaccine scientists at the CDC and FDA.
Vaccine manufacturers were not consulted, another official said.
The administration says the update does not prevent children from accessing vaccines and that insurers will continue to cover them without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act.
The CDC still recommends some of those vaccines for certain populations, such as hepatitis B vaccination for children born to women who test positive for the virus. For others, it is focused on shared clinical decision-making or recommending that people consult doctors and consider factors such as the risk of illness when deciding whether to have their children vaccinated.
The CDC is keeping in place broad recommendations for vaccines against diphtheria; tetanus; acellular pertussis, or whooping cough; haemophilus influenzae type b; pneumococcal disease; polio; measles; mumps; rubella; varicella, also known as chickenpox; and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The new schedule lowers the number of recommended HPV doses from two to one, after some recent research indicated that one dose is as effective.
“Important vaccines … will be continued to be recommended for our children,” a Department of Health and Human Services official said on the call.
“This change is going to spark major pushback, but that reaction was inevitable,” Dr. Joel Warsh, a pediatrician based in California, told The Epoch Times in an email.
“Reducing universal recommendations doesn’t mean vaccines are being banned or declared unsafe—it means the CDC is finally acknowledging that not every vaccine has the same risk-benefit profile for every child.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics said it opposed the changes.
“At a time when parents, pediatricians, and the public are looking for clear guidance and accurate information, this ill-considered decision will sow further chaos and confusion and erode confidence in immunizations,” Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the group, which partners with vaccine companies, said in a statement.
“This is no way to make our country healthier.”
President Trump took his social media account to explain…
Tyler Durden
Mon, 01/05/2026 – 18:25
https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/cdc-narrows-vaccine-recommendations-response-trump-order
Hopeful Chicago Bears will have 2 practices to see if CB Kyler Gordon is ready to return for playoffs
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said he’s hopeful Kyler Gordon will return to practice this week, meaning it’s a virtual lock the nickel cornerback will be designated to return from injured reserve for the second time this season.
Less clear is how Gordon would perform if he’s able to play Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card playoff game at Soldier Field.
Asked Monday if Gordon would be back at practice this week, Johnson said: “That’s the hope.”
Gordon has missed the last four games on IR with a groin injury and has missed 14 in all this season — as well as all of the preseason and the bulk of training camp — with soft-tissue injuries that also include hamstring and calf issues.
Week 18 photos: Detroit Lions 19, Chicago Bears 16
The Bears are pressed to get Gordon back after his replacement, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, was knocked out of Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions with a concussion. Gordon has been working out and running on side fields under the supervision of athletic training staff members, but what he might look like with the Bears practicing twice before Saturday is anyone’s best guess.
You can count on two hands the number of practices Gordon has participated in since he left the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints with an injury. The total is nine, and while he had consecutive weeks in which he was a full participant, the groin issue flared up in warmups before the Week 14 game in Green Bay and he has been on the shelf since.
Gardner-Johnson’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme made him a quick and natural fit as Gordon’s injury woes wore on. Gardner-Johnson has two interceptions and three sacks and has had a regular role in the pressure packages, but he also has been targeted regularly by opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks and was in coverage on a touchdown pass in both previous games against the Packers.
Nick McCloud has served as a reserve nickel cornerback, but he missed Sunday’s game with an illness and that forced Jaylon Jones into action. Now the Bears are cautiously optimistic that Gordon, who has played only 117 snaps all season, can return seamlessly and make a difference.
The team will conduct a walk-through Tuesday before practices Wednesday and Thursday, by which time the coaches and front office should know if Gordon is ready for yet another comeback from a problem that first appeared five months ago in training camp.
The Bears are carrying 52 players on the active roster, so Gordon could rejoin the group without a corresponding transaction.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/chicago-bears-kyler-gordon-playoffs/
Libertyville couple’s baby girl first born at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital in 2026
Olivia and Jeff Messing were ringing in the New Year at home in Libertyville with their daughter, Melanie, when their plans took an unexpected turn.
As the couple prepared to put their 2-year-old to bed on the night of Dec. 31, Olivia’s water broke, sending the family scrambling toward Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital — about a 15-minute drive away — in anticipation of their second child.
“It was not the calm evening we had planned,” deadpanned Jeff Messing, a patent litigation attorney.
Maisy Grace Messing was the first baby born at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital in 2026. (Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital)
Roughly nine hours later, at 4:57 a.m. on Jan. 1, Maisy Grace Messing was born, becoming the first baby delivered at the hospital in 2026.
The timing came as a surprise. The Messings had been scheduled to arrive at the hospital on Jan. 2 to induce labor, but Maisy had other ideas.
“She wanted to make her appearance early,” Olivia Messing said.
Delivered by Dr. Stuart Slaw, Maisy weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Both mother and daughter were healthy following the delivery.
The couple said they weren’t thinking about having the first baby of the year, though hospital staff mentioned it was a possibility when they checked in. With other mothers already in labor, they assumed someone else would beat them to the milestone.
That changed when hospital personnel arrived with a collection of gifts while taking Maisy’s measurements.
“I was really excited,” Olivia said. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s making her entrance early in a big way.’”
Added Jeff, “It’s very exciting. It’s a great honor.”
The gift basket included items such as a rattle, books, swaddles, and a blanket, along with other essentials for new parents.
“They will come in handy,” Jeff said.
The couple chose the name Maisy to complement big sister Melanie, keeping with the family’s “M” theme.
Looking ahead, Olivia — a marketing manager — said she hopes Maisy and her sister grow up to be close friends.
The family returned home Jan. 3 and plans to make good use of a double stroller designed for two young children.
A hospital spokeswoman said 1,623 babies were delivered at Lake Forest Hospital in 2025.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/baby-girl-first-born-lake-forest-hospital/
Centrus Energy Soars After DOE Awards $2.7 Billion For Uranium Enrichment
Centrus Energy Soars After DOE Awards $2.7 Billion For Uranium Enrichment
The Department of Energy (DOE) has finally awarded the billions of dollars for uranium enrichment announced back in 2024. The contracts span the full range of uranium enrichment from low-enriched uranium (LEU) used by the current global reactor fleet, through high-assay LEU (HALEU) which is planned to be used by multiple advanced reactor designs. Yet while three companies were chosen for huge awards, peaking at almost 900 million each, a few were notably left out.
— U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) January 5, 2026
Centers Energy was awarded $900 million to support the expansion of their currently-operating 900 kg/yr HALEU production capacity and toward the development of next-generation reactor fuel. We covered their recent announcement about finally starting the production of new centrifuge units for LEU production. Centrus now has US government supply on the HALEU side and Korean government support on the LEU side.
Centrus shares rose as much as 9.2% in New York, and closed up almost 25% in the past two days, one of its biggest gains in the past year.
“President Trump is catalyzing a resurgence in the nation’s nuclear energy sector to strengthen American security and prosperity,” said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Today’s awards show that this Administration is committed to restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today and the advanced reactors of tomorrow.”
General Matter, started by Founders Fund’s Scott Nolan, was awarded $900 million for HALEU capacity development at their future facility in Kentucky. General Matter has been tight-lipped about the enrichment technology they plan to utilize at their new facility, but will submit an application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the facility planned at Paducah this calendar year.
Orano, a French enrichment company majority owned by the French government, was awarded $900 million for developing and constructing their planned LEU enrichment facility in Tennessee. They have vaguely discussed their intended plant size, but have remarked it will have a capacity in the “millions of SWU”. Separate Work Unit (SWU) is the measurement of uranium enrichment production capacity, with Russian imports currently clocking in at roughly 3-4 million SWU/yr.
Senator Tom Cotton last month argued that companies, such as Orano, which coordinate with China’s nuclear program should be barred from receiving US taxpayer dollars.
Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), a company co-owned by Silex and Cameco, was awarded $28 million to continue the advancement of their novel laser enrichment technology. They currently have an enrichment facility application under review with the NRC for their Kentucky facility, and are currently producing hundreds of kg of LEU at their North Carolina test center.
Notably left out of the list of award recipients was Nano Nuclear’s partner LIS Technologies, a company also developing a novel uranium laser enrichment method. While they have been busy pounding the table for months that their laser technology is the only US-origin technology, so far the US government seems to be uninterested.
Also left off the list is the only enrichment company producing commercial quantities of product in the US, Urenco. Their facility in New Mexico has been operating for years, and recently received permission from the NRC to increase their enrichment levels. Owned by a combination of UK, Dutch, and German government and private entities, the company failed to secure an award for this round.
This is likely only the first of many awards and contracts to come with companies in the domestic nuclear fuel chain, as we discussed at length last week. Many more such announcements are likely over the coming weeks.
Tyler Durden
Mon, 01/05/2026 – 18:00
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/centrus-energy-soars-after-doe-awards-27-billion-uranium-enrichment
Column: Ben Johnson crafting an offensive plan to clean up errors and face the Green Bay Packers a 3rd time
Ben Johnson’s greatest frustration Sunday night stemmed from another uneven and at times wobbly offensive effort that forced the Chicago Bears to play catch-up most of the game.
The 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale was concerning, with the Green Bay Packers up next Saturday at Soldier Field in the wild-card round.
The Lions were just the latest offense to march right through the defense. The Bears have surrendered 1,313 yards and 82 first downs in the last three games, including the Week 16 win over the Packers. Since the Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a once stout third-down defense has been hit hard. The last seven opponents are 43 for 87 (49.4%).
Lions quarterback Jared Goff carved up the Bears in whatever coverage they played. Some say they cannot play man coverage with their current personnel. Goff completed 17 of 30 passes for 228 yards (7.6 yards per attempt) versus man coverage. Against zone, he was 10 of 12 for 103 yards (8.6 ypa), although free safety Kevin Byard III’s interception came on a zone drop. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t, right?
Those numbers and a middling (on good days) pass rush are cause for concern while preparing for Jordan Love and the Packers. But at the end of the game Sunday, the Lions had only 19 points and there was a clear opportunity — again — for the Bears to steal a victory.
“The No. 1 thing is we’re looking to limit the opponent with their points,” Johnson said. “You left that game with a good offense and they only scored 19, 16 up until the last two minutes. I thought our defense played well enough for us to win the ballgame.
“I know we want to get off the field faster and we want to create more possessions for our offense. There’s ways to get that done. At the end of the day, the No. 1 objective is to limit their points. I’m going to keep that the main thing with our defense.”
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland leaps over Detroit Lions cornerback Avonte Maddox as Maddox makes a tackle in the fourth quarter of a game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Jan. 4, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
What kind of offensive plan will Johnson and staff draw up for the third meeting with the Packers in six weeks will be fascinating for a variety of reasons.
• Wide receiver Rome Odunze, who returned to practice on Friday, could be on track to play for the first time since the Nov. 28 game at Philadelphia.
• The offense leaned into the tight ends in a major way against the Lions. The Bears had 30 snaps with 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers), 11 plays in 13 personnel (one RB, 3 TE, 1 WR) and only 10 in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR).
• Olamide Zaccheaus went from playing 164 snaps over the previous three games to getting just six against Detroit.
• Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo could potentially return after missing Week 18 with a right knee/quad injury. He worked out on the field before the game but wasn’t moving efficiently.
Looking back on the two prior meetings with the Packers, the Bears fought their way back into the Week 14 game at Lambeau Field when they changed the tone with their rushing offense. They ran for 150 yards in the rematch in Week 16 and that was a week before the Baltimore Ravens ran roughshod over the Packers for 308 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-24 blowout.
It’s on to the NFL playoffs: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts after Chicago Bears backed into the No. 2 seed
Coaches always want to present a different plan, look or both on a weekly basis. But it’s worth wondering if Johnson will want to continue to lean into his tight ends to help with the running game. Plus, Colston Loveland made 10 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. Cole Kmet provided a couple of really big plays when he started out blocking against defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and then got into the pattern, including on the second two-point conversion.
I wondered if the Bears went heavy with tight ends against the Lions in a bid to keep Hutchinson off quarterback Caleb Williams, especially with Theo Benedet replacing Trapilo at left tackle.
“I think more than anything it was just to be multiple,” tight end Durham Smythe said of the uptick in personnel groupings for the position. “We had a lot of run/pass options and when you have two tight ends in the game, you can kind of run all of the run game if you need to. So, I think it probably came down to that but, yeah, when they have ends like that, specifically (Hutchinson), it helps to have some extra eyes and bodies on him.”
Williams has to be better, too. The interception he threw to Avonte Maddox, when he went for the big play to DJ Moore, was similar to the concept used on Moore’s game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Packers. But Smythe was completely uncovered and would have gained a huge chunk of yardage — he might have even scored.
Williams never looked off the alert — Moore — and when he released the ball, the Lions had a triangle over Moore with Maddox and two cornerbacks. On the first down throw to Luther Burden III before the punt with 1:55 remaining, the wide receiver had a nice lane for run-after-catch but Williams’ throw was high and was a fastball when a touch throw pass was required.
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After the game, Johnson said he let the offense know he was disappointed with a disjointed effort that didn’t produce a score until the fourth quarter.
“They know,” the coach said. “I didn’t tell them anything that they didn’t already know. We’re capable of a lot on offense. The standard is very high and when we as a unit feel like we’ve fallen short, we call it out, we address it and we get better from it.”
Johnson talked about small details and noted that coaches, after film review, counted six mental mistakes in the first 11 snaps. The Bears chose a “simpler” game plan with less pre-snap motion and fewer shifts in an effort to play faster. That they failed in that objective has to be irksome.
The Bears have started slowly on offense too often near the end of the season. In the two games against the Packers and the losses to the 49ers and Lions, the offense converted only 3 of 19 third downs in the first half with five three-and-punts. That’s led directly to struggles by the defense and halftime deficits.
They can fix it and advance to the divisional round, or head into the offseason wondering how things went off the tracks. The Bears have to be more sound defensively and if they’re not going to force turnovers in bunches, the bend-don’t-break model that stands tall in the red zone can’t be hit for all sorts of explosive plays.
Johnson seems intent on ratcheting things up on offense, and for as hyperfocused as everyone is on where the Bears hit speed bumps on that side of the ball, remember the Packers are doing their own scramble drill in an effort to address their defense.
“We’re not far away,” Johnson said. “You never are in this league. We’ve just got to clean up some of the mental errors. We’ll be a lot sharper here going forward and we’re going to be OK.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/chicago-bears-ben-johnson-crafts-offense/
