Category: News
Today in History: Elizabeth Holmes convicted
Today is Saturday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2026. There are 362 days left in the year.
Today in history:
On Jan. 3, 2022, a jury in San Jose, California, convicted Elizabeth Holmes of duping investors into believing that her startup company Theranos had developed a revolutionary medical device that could detect diseases and conditions from a few drops of blood.
Also on this date:
In 1777, Gen. George Washington’s army routed British troops in the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, a key turning point in the Revolutionary War.
In 1861, more than two weeks before Georgia seceded from the Union, the state militia seized Fort Pulaski, in the coastal area east of Savannah, at the order of Gov. Joseph E. Brown.
In 1920, Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the contract of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, beginning a championship era for the Yankees and decades of heartache for Red Sox fans. (The Red Sox would ultimately break the “curse” in 2004, winning their first World Series in 86 years.)
In 1959, Alaska was officially admitted as the 49th U.S. state.
In 1977, Apple Computer, months after its founding, was incorporated in Cupertino, California, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Mike Markkula Jr.
In 1990, ousted Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces, 10 days after taking refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.
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In 2025, two bombs exploded in the Iranian city of Kerman, killing at least 84 people and wounding hundreds during a commemoration for Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force who was killed in a U.S. drone strike four years earlier; the Islamic State would claim responsibility for the bombings.
Today’s Birthdays: Musician Stephen Stills is 81. Musician John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) is 80. Actor and entrepreneur Victoria Principal is 76. Actor-director Mel Gibson is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller is 62. Singer and television personality Kimberley Locke is 48. Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning is 45. R&B singer Lloyd Polite Jr. is 40. Actor Florence Pugh is 30. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is 23.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/today-in-history-elizabeth-holmes-convicted/
Asking Eric: Can I take their leftovers?
Dear Eric: Often when I’m eating at a restaurant or cafe, I’ll notice other tables leaving half-finished food to be thrown out. In these situations, I’m tempted to either ask if I can have the remaining food, or to just pick it up from the empty table. I don’t like food waste and am completely unbothered by the thought of sharing food and germs.
Would this ever be acceptable? If so, in which situations or types of restaurants? Also, how could I go about asking for the food?
– You Gonna Finish That?
Dear Finish: I doubt there’s any restaurant that can facilitate this kind of exchange between customers because of potential liability. So, you may be on your own.
Even one-on-one, this is likely going to be a tough sell for some people, but if you’re unbothered by sharing food and germs, then potential social awkwardness should be a breeze. I don’t mean to sound flippant, but if you want the food, simply telling people that you’re trying to prevent food waste and you’d like to take their food home, may be the best path. If you’re experiencing food insecurity and it’s about meeting a need you have, you might also say that.
However, if your primary concern is food waste, there are ways that you can have a greater impact. For instance, Food Waste Prevention Week (foodwastepreventionweek.com) lists many entry points for addressing food waste at a neighborhood or community level and beyond. See if there are options that appeal to you. Tackling the problem from this angle may keep you healthy and maximize your influence.
Dear Eric: I have a truly wonderful husband with five older sisters, who all live out of state.
I have had “run-ins” in the past with one of my sisters-in-laws, I’ll call her Tanya.
Earlier this year, my wonderful mamma passed away from Alzheimer’s, and I was, and still am struggling, but I lean on my husband and my siblings for support.
On the morning my mamma passed away, I sent a text message to all my sisters-in-law, informing them of her passing. A couple of my sisters-in-law responded immediately to my text message and I acknowledged them.
However, Tanya decided to send me a separate email. I am not the best at reading email, and I had zero intention of reading any emails on that day.
When I couldn’t sleep later that night, I saw the first email Tanya sent. I responded to her right away. But then I saw a second email Tanya sent many hours later, it was very nasty and Tanya made it sound like I acknowledged her sisters and not her. I was flabbergasted as well as angry because Tanya made the absolute worst day in my life about her.
We will be with the sisters-in-law and their extended family for a large upcoming gathering. I am not sure how to handle this. I want to avoid her at all costs, but we all usually sit at the same table. Just thinking about it totally sickens me. I don’t want to even go.
My husband is aware of all of this and the past run-ins as well and he also avoids Tanya.
How do you think I should proceed?
– Tense Family Affair
Dear Family: As you likely already know, Tanya is completely in the wrong here. While I might normally suggest having a frank conversation about your grievance with her beforehand, it sounds like she’s not in an ideal space to be reasonable and so it might be a waste of your time.
But it would be a shame for her to chase you away from having a nice time with family. Depending on the size of the table, you might purposefully choose the seats farthest from her so as not to be pulled into conversation, or you could simply decide that there are at least four other people with whom you can interact instead. If Tanya tries to engage with you, calmly tell her, “there are some things that we need to talk about before we can move forward. Let’s enjoy ourselves tonight and I’ll reach out about a time to talk later.” You’re under no obligation to clear the air with Tanya, especially if she’s not taking the initiative. But you’re also under no obligation to cater to her either.
Dear Eric: As a 73-year-old with plenty of aches and pains, I have a suggestion for “The Cup is Half Full”, whose friend group was overtaken by medical complaints. My group of friends and family refer to this kind of talk with humor as the “Organ Recital.” We limit our Organ Recitals to 15 minutes per visit for the group and then move on to other topics.
– Achy Lady
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Dear Lady: The Organ Recital was a very popular suggestion. Love it.
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/03/asking-eric-can-i-take-their-leftovers/
No. 13 Nebraska remains unbeaten with 58-56 win over No. 9 Michigan State, extending streak to 18 games
LINCOLN, Neb. — Rienk Mast hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:51 left and finished with 19 points to lead No. 13 Nebraska to a 58-56 victory over No. 9 Michigan State on Friday night.
Fans rushed the court at the final buzzer as the Cornhuskers (14-0, 3-0 Big Ten) won their 18th straight game since last season, the longest streak in the nation.
It was the lowest-scoring game of the season for both teams in what was the first ranked-versus-ranked matchup in Lincoln since 1991. The game was hyped as a measuring stick for Nebraska, the only power-conference team never to have won an NCAA Tournament game. The Huskers met the moment.
What started as a slog quickly turned into a battle of bigs shooting 3-pointers. The 6-foot-10 Mast made five of his first seven from distance and finished 6 of 13. Michigan State’s 6-10 Jaxon Kohler made a career-high five on six attempts and finished with 19 points.
Pryce Sandfort had 13 points and Jamarques Lawrence added 12 for the Huskers. Jeremy Fears Jr. had 14 for the Spartans and Kur Teng, who started in place of Divine Ugochukwu (illness), added 12.
Michigan State was just 6 of 24 from the field in the second half, and its 19 turnovers were its most since it committed the same number against Nebraska four years ago.
Mast’s last 3 was his only field goal of the second half and gave the Huskers the lead for good.
The Spartans had a chance to tie when Carson Cooper was fouled with 0.7 seconds left. But his first free-throw attempt bounced off the rim, and the Huskers came up with the rebound when he intentionally missed the second.
The Huskers are among six undefeated teams in Division I.
Up next
Michigan State: Hosts No. 24 USC on Monday.
Nebraska: Visits Ohio State on Monday.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/nebraska-michigan-state-big-ten/
Ex-CIA Analyst: Neocons Prematurely Celebrate Over Protests In Iran
Ex-CIA Analyst: Neocons Prematurely Celebrate Over Protests In Iran
Authored by former CIA officer Larry Johnson
Western media, especially those outlets firmly aligned with the neoconservative view, are quick to jump on reports of protests in Iran as a sign that the Islamic Republic of Iran is about to implode. Events today in Iran provided another spurt of arousal among neocons longing to bring back the Shah and eliminate the mullahs.
Here’s a summary of the various news reports:
On December 30, 2025, protests in Iran entered their third day, spreading from initial economic grievances in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar to universities and multiple cities across the country. Triggered by the Iranian rial plunging to record lows (around 1.38–1.42 million to the USD) and inflation hitting 42.2–42.5%, demonstrations began with shopkeepers and merchants striking and closing businesses, evolving into broader anti-government chants.
Protests expanded beyond Tehran to cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Hamadan, Karaj, Qeshm, Malard, Kermanshah, and Yazd. University students joined on Tuesday, chanting slogans like “Death to the dictator” (referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), calls for freedom, and pro-monarchy references (e.g., “Long live the Shah” or “Rest in peace Reza Shah”).
President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged “legitimate demands,” instructed the interior ministry to dialogue with protest representatives, and pledged economic reforms. The central bank governor resigned, replaced by Abdolnasser Hemmati. Officials offered talks but warned against escalation or foreign exploitation.
Hmmm… What’s really going on? Turns out that Nima Alkorshid, the host of Dialogue Works, is on an extended family vacation in Tehran. It has been 12 years since he was last in Iran. I know one thing for certain… His mom is thrilled to have her son, his wife and her grandchildren in Tehran. Anyway, I called Nima and asked him what he was seeing.
According to Nima, there is frustration with the government, i.e., Pezeshkian, over the high inflation and that is one impetus driving the protests. However, it is not directed at the Islamic regime despite Western press reports claiming otherwise. Nima also pointed out that about 25% of the population is quite conservative (these are the folks who supported Ahmadinejad) and they are angry with Pezeshkian because he is viewed as too accommodating of the West.
These folks, while miffed at the government, are staunch supporters of the Ayatollah Khameni.
There is video evidence corroborating Nima’s observations. In one clip an Iranian student protester explains the reasoning behind the demonstrations, stating that they are not opposed to the Islamic Republic, but rather to corruption among government officials who are worsening the economic crisis. He says:
This is the voice of an Iranian Basiji. I would sacrifice myself for this homeland. I would give my life for the Islamic Republic. Our protest is against people like Ali Ansari and other corrupt officials. Mr. Ejei [Chief of the Judiciary], where are you?
I was pleasantly surprised by Pezeshkian’s reaction to the protests… Instead of beating the hell out of the protestors and tossing them into prison, he acknowledged the legitimacy of their complaints and fired the central bank governor while promising economic reforms. Seems like a pretty reasonable response to me.
I believe that Russia and China — who have denounced and rejected Europe’s attempt to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran — are working on measures to boost the Iranian economy and get inflation under control. While there is no denying that Iran’s economy has been badly damaged because of Western sanctions — which both Russia and China supported in 2015 as part of the JCPOA — Iran, by virtue of is membership in BRICS and closer economic, political and military ties with Russia and China, is in a stronger position now to revive the economy.
Russia’s economic support focuses on strategic partnerships and trade, and is often intertwined with military cooperation. In January 2025, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, including provisions for economic cooperation. Russia also is providing advanced conventional weapons (e.g., fighter aircraft, attack helicopters) in exchange for Iranian drones, missiles, and ammunition, indirectly bolstering Iran’s economy through barter-like military trade.
Along with the economic cooperation, there have been five visits by four senior Iranian officials to Moscow since July 1, 2025, based on reported trips. These include political, military, and economic figures, with purposes ranging from nuclear discussions to military cooperation and strategic partnerships:
Ali Larijani (Supreme Leader Adviser, political) – July 20, 2025: Discussed nuclear negotiations and bilateral relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Brigadier General Aziz Nasir Zadeh (Defense Minister, military) – July 21, 2025: Met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to expand military cooperation, likely seeking assistance post-Israel-Iran conflict.
Abbas Araghchi (Foreign Minister, political) – August 2025: Sought Russian support in the aftermath of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian infrastructure following the ceasefire announcement. He made a second visit on December 17, 2025, to sign a foreign ministry cooperation plan for 2026-2028 and hail expanding partnerships.
Mohammad Reza Aref (First Vice President, political/economic) – November 17-18, 2025: Attended the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting and held bilateral talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on economic and political cooperation.
But that is not all… there is the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). There have been multiple bilateral and multilateral meetings/discussions between Russia and Iran (often including Azerbaijan) since July 1, 2025, focused on advancing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal trade route linking Russia, Iran, India, and beyond. Here are the key meetings in 2025:
October 2025: Trilateral talks in Baku (Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran) on expanding the western route of the INSTC, including infrastructure inspections and agreements on logistics/cross-border efficiency.
November 2025: Railway executives from Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum in Baku to enhance the western route’s competitiveness (e.g., fixed pricing, unified rates).
December 12, 2025: Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian discussed INSTC progress (including the Rasht-Astara railway) during a meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
December 16, 2025: High-level talks in Tehran between Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister for Transport Vitaly Savelyev, emphasizing fast-tracking the corridor and removing obstacles.
And then there is China. China offers more substantial economic lifelines, mainly through oil trade and pledged investments, positioning itself as Iran’s largest trading partner. China purchases 90% (or nearly all) of Iran’s exported oil at discounted prices (as low as $14 per barrel below market), providing crucial revenue—estimated at $67 billion for the Iranian year ending March 2025 (15% of GDP). This accounts for 13.6% of China’s oil imports and funds 45% of Iran’s 2025–2026 government budget. Under the 2021 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership (reaffirmed in September 2025), China pledged $400 billion in investments for sectors like oil/gas, infrastructure, banking, telecom, ports, railways, and tourism. Infrastructure initiatives include a new railway for overland oil shipments (opened May 2025 but halted by war) and the first freight train from Xi’an to Iran’s Aprin dry port in May 2025. Discussions on economic corridors via Central Asia (e.g., May 2025 railway officials meeting) aim to enhance transit.
On the peace and standing up to evil front, President Trump is on pace to surpass the great Ronald Reagan.
A weakened Iran – a nation run by religious nazis – is due to President Trump’s efforts to isolate Iran economically and to use military force wisely. It is time to Make… https://t.co/MVi4Thb5d5
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 2, 2026
At least 3 senior Iranian officials (political and military) have visited China since July 1, 2025, based on publicly reported trips. These visits focused on multilateral summits (e.g., Shanghai Cooperation Organization events), bilateral cooperation, and post-conflict diplomacy following Iran’s tensions with Israel and the US:
Abbas Araghchi (Foreign Minister, political) — July 2025: Attended an SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Tianjin and held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on deepening ties and regional issues.
Masoud Pezeshkian (President, political) — September 1–2, 2025: Visited Beijing for the SCO Summit; met with President Xi Jinping to discuss comprehensive strategic partnership, trade, investment, and global governance.
Aziz Nasirzadeh (Defense Minister, military) — Late June 2025 (close to July threshold, often grouped in post-July reporting): Attended SCO defense ministers’ meeting in Qingdao; first reported foreign trip post-Israel conflict.
Iran’s efforts to resurrect a sound economy are being carried out under the shadow of renewed attacks by Israel and the United States. According to RT:
President Donald Trump warned the US could carry out further military strikes against Iran if it attempts to rebuild its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He made the remarks to journalists alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday.
“If it’s confirmed, they know the consequences, and the consequences will be very powerful, maybe more powerful than the last time,” Trump said on Monday. “We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.”
The US president indicated he would “absolutely” support Israeli military action against Iran’s missile program, saying the US would act “immediately” against any nuclear advances.
Rebuild ballistic missile programs? Looks like Donald Trump has not been informed that Iran’s ballistic missile programs were not destroyed during the 12-day war. Iran is not rebuilding… It is expanding and modernizing its ballistic missile force, which is safely stored below ground out of the reach of Israeli and US weapons. If Israel and Trump are foolish enough to attack Iran again, I think they will find Iran is a far more formidable and dangerous foe than the one they encountered in June 2025.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 23:25
Matas Buzelis’ big second half helps Chicago Bulls rally to beat Orlando Magic 121-114 for 7th win in 9 games
Matas Buzelis scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, Kevin Huerter added 20 points and the Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the Orlando Magic 121-114 on Friday night at the United Center for their seventh win in nine games.
Buzelis hit a pair of free throws with 22.8 seconds left to make 119-114, then pulled in his ninth rebound to send in Isaac Okoro for a game-sealing dunk with 4 seconds remaining. Buzelis also finished with a season-high seven assists.
Nikola Vučević added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Ayo Dosumnu had 17 points as the Bulls outscored the Magic 30-19 in the fourth quarter to climb back to .500. (17-17).
Photos: Chicago Bulls 121, Orlando Magic 114
Paolo Banchero scored 31 points and Anthony Black added 18 for the Magic in a game with 19 lead changes.
Jalen Suggs had 11 points for the Magic in his second game back after missing seven with a hip injury, but he left this one after landing hard on his right knee late in the third quarter. Desmond Bane added 14 and Wendell Carter Jr. had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Six players reached double figures for the Bulls, who played a second game without their top two scorers in Josh Giddey and Coby White, who were injured in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
The Magic have been without leading scorer Franz Wagner (22.7 point per game) since he suffered a high ankle sprain Dec. 7.
The Magic led 95-91 heading into the fourth quarter, but Bulls took a 105-102 lead on Buzelis’ 3-pointer 4:44 into the quarter.
The Bulls pulled into 59-all tie at halftime on Huerter’s cutting layup after falling behind by 10 early and trailing by as many as 13 in the first quarter after the Magic went on a 14-0 run.
Banchero hit his first four shots and five of six to score 11 of his 13 first-half points in the opening 7:16.
Up next
Bulls: Host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Magic: Host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/chicago-bulls-orlando-magic-matas-buzelis/
Photos: Chicago Bulls 121, Orlando Magic 114
Photos from the Chicago Bulls’ 121-114 win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center.
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis celebrates a 121-114 win over the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls fans and players celebrate a dunk from forward Isaac Okoro for the final basket of the game in a 121-114 win over the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones heads to the locker room after a 121-114 win over the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Coby White, right, watches in street clothes in the fourth quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, center, is fouled by Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., center left, in the fourth quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Sky player Angel Reese, center, watches the fourth quarter of a Bulls-Magic game on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones releases the ball for two points as the shot clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls coach Billy Donovan yells to players in the fourth quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Jalen Smith, center right, and forward Matas Buzelis, right, jump into each other as Magic guard Desmond Bane passes the ball in the fourth quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls center Nikola Vučević (9) argues a foul call on forward Isaac Okoro, left, lying on the court, in the fourth quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Julian Phillips (15) gets a high-five from center Nikola Vučević after a dunk in the fourth quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Magic guard Tyus Jones (2) passes the ball while being chased by his brother, Bulls guard Tre Jones (30), in the fourth quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Jalen Smith dunks over Magic forward Paolo Banchero in the first quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Jalen Smith dunks over Magic forward Paolo Banchero in the first quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis goes up for a dunk over Magic guard Jalen Suggs in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis dunks over Magic guard Jalen Suggs in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis dunks over Magic guard Jalen Suggs in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) grabs the inbound pass in the third quarter against the Bulls on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Patrick Williams blocks a shot from Magic forward Paolo Banchero in the third quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Kevin Huerter releases a successful 3-pointer in front of Magic center Goga Bitadze in the third quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Kevin Huerter gestures after hitting a 3-pointer in the third quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) yells in pain after getting fouled by Bulls forward Jalen Smith, left, in the third quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis puts up a shot over Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. in the third quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Coby White, center, fist-bumps Ayo Dosunmu in the third quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Injured Bulls guard Josh Giddey, left, sits on the bench in street clothes in the first quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu lands on a videographer after a rebound attempt in the first quarter against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Sky forward Angel Reese watches from a courtside seat as Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. moves up the court in the first quarter against the Bulls on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones, center, is defended by Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) in the first quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. and coach Jamahl Mosley talk in the third quarter against the Bulls on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis goes up for a basket against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Jalen Smith, center, is defended by Magic guard Jalen Suggs, left, and center Wendell Carter Jr. in the first quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. moves through the Bulls defense for a basket in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Jalen Smith, right, bounces the ball out of bounds off Magic guard Anthony Black (0) in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Julian Phillips, right, gets a stiff-arm from Magic center Goga Bitadze in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) drives for a layup while drawing a foul on Magic guard Jalen Suggs in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Isaac Okoro, left, is congratulated by Matas Buzelis after drawing a foul on a basket in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu goes up for a layup against Magic guard Jase Richardson in the second quarter on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls center Nikola Vučević, center, warms up for a game against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
The Magic break a huddle outside the locker room before a game against the Bulls on Jan. 2, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis signs autographs after warming up for a game against the Magic on Jan. 2, 2026, Bulls forward Matas Buzelis signs autographs after warming up for a game against the Magic at the United Center on Jan. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/photos-chicago-bulls-orlando-magic-united-center/
Savannah Lynch levels up as St. Edward’s leader. ‘Grown her game.’ Plus, Aurora-Elgin girls basketball notes.
Junior guard Savannah Lynch has made an impact since day one for St. Edward.
As Lynch guides the Green Wave in her third varsity season, however, the difference in her demeanor is noticeable. She has fully embraced the leadership role as the years have flown by.
And this winter, she’s playing with an ease that shows on the court.
“From being a freshman to now, I’ve started to understand varsity basketball and play more calm and collected,” Lynch said. “Just knowing time and situation and knowing how I can help the team.
“How can I put us in a good position to succeed?”
Once again, Lynch has been the catalyst for St. Edward’s success. She captured MVP honors as the Green Wave (9-5) repeated as the champion of the Lisle Holiday Cage Classic.
St. Edward’s Savannah Lynch (2) drives into the lane against Chicago Christian in the second quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
And it’s not just the numbers on the stat sheet.
“Just her presence on and off the court, she brings a new level of leadership,” St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson said of Lynch. “You can tell how much she’s worked on improving not only her skills but her basketball knowledge.
“It’s been fun to watch her mature as a basketball player. She’s grown her game.”
While Lynch’s ability to knock down 3-pointers, take the ball to the basket or get the ball to her teammates has always been there, she’s mastering those skills this season.
St. Edward’s Savannah Lynch (2) brings the ball up the court against Pecatonica during a Class 1A state semifinal game at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)
“She’s able to make a lot of adjustments based on the other team’s defense,” Dawson said of Lynch. “We were able to post her up against smaller guards in this tournament.
“She’s just so versatile because of her skill level and her understanding of the game. She’s been able to take things to the next level.”
Colleges are starting to take notice, too. She confirmed she’s early in the recruiting process.
“This summer I’ll get into it more,” Lynch said. “I’m so excited. I’m just ready to see what happens and where this takes me. I love this sport and I’m excited to see what happens.”
St. Edward’s Savannah Lynch (2) directs a play against Willows Academy in the second quarter of the Class 1A Harvest Christian Supersectional in Elgin on Monday, March 3, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
More on the Green Wave
Lynch has played with Dawson’s daughters, Layne and Taylor, and Sarah Gurley since seventh grade. Layne Dawson is a couple weeks away from returning from injury.
Jordin Sauls and Ginger Younger have also been mainstays for the Green Wave. Adding in Larkin transfer Sanaii McPherson, who scored her 1,000th career point this week, has gone smoothly.
“I think that helps,” Lynch said. “Being friends on and off the court, that helps us trust each other more. If someone is down, we know how to pick each other up.”
St. Edward’s Jordin Sauls (30) drives to the basket against Pecatonica during a Class 1A state semifinal game at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)
Walk in the park for Parkview
One of the unexpected storylines in the first half of the season has been the rise of Parkview Christian (14-1). The only loss for the Falcons so far is to Timothy Christian.
Their roster of nine features four sophomores and two freshmen.
“I knew we were going to be good, but I’m pleasantly surprised,” Parkview coach Kayla Linden said. “Our freshmen have really stepped into the system and our juniors have come alive.”
The headliner has been 6-foot freshman forward Rhen Staudacher, who leads the team by averaging 15.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots.
“She has a high IQ and some moves that she’s worked on,” Linden said. “She can rebound when she’s not hitting. We can play the inside-out game, which is old school but I’m old school.
“I saw it in the summer. I knew she had some potential.”
The Falcons are in their third season returning to play under the Illinois High School Association banner. Now, they’re firmly in the mix in Class 1A.
“I’m excited for the postseason,” Linden said. “We just have to keep playing Parkview basketball. I’m not trying to change things up, just trust the process of what we already have established.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/savannah-lynch-st-edward-ihsa-girls-basketball-notes/
Beijing Wants Babies: Condoms, Contraceptive Drugs Hit With Double-Digit Tax To Boost Birth Rate
Beijing Wants Babies: Condoms, Contraceptive Drugs Hit With Double-Digit Tax To Boost Birth Rate
In an effort to reverse China’s sagging birth rate, Beijing has removed a three-decade tax exemption on contraceptives starting Jan. 1, when condoms and contraceptive pills will now incur a value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.
The move comes after 2024 data marked the third consecutive year that birth rates have dropped – something experts have warned is likely to continue. Last year, China introduced an annual childcare subsidy, and exempted such subsidies from personal income tax amid a series of “fertility-friendly” measures implemented in 2024 – such as urging colleges and universities to provide “love education” to portray marriage, love, fertility and family in a positive light, Reuters reports.
Meanwhile, CCP leadership pledged in December at the annual Central Economic Work Conference to promote “positive marriage and childbearing attitudes.”
The country’s birth rates have been falling for decades as a result of Beijing’s one-child policy implemented from 1980 – 2015, along with rapid urbanization.
High childcare and education costs along with job uncertainty and a slowing economy has also dissuaded young Chinese from getting married and starting a family.
Low birth rates will end civilization https://t.co/KPxBor9lAJ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 22, 2025
As Thomas Kolbe noted two weeks ago:
China is expected to lose about 20 percent of its population over the next 30 years.
There is no doubt this will have consequences for the global economy. Societies react reflexively to such developments. China responds with aggressive subsidies for its export engine to counter these domestic distortions, which primarily manifest economically as deflationary pressures.
China’s attempt to course-correct comes as global fertility rates continue to plummet. Fertility rates (the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime) are different from birthrates (the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population over a given period), although the terms are related and often used interchangeably.
Meanwhile, look at who has the highest fertility rates: Somalia, Chad, Niger, DRC, and other African nations. Only about 4 percent of the world’s population reside in a country with a high fertility rate – more than five children per woman – and all of those nations are in Africa, the Census Bureau noted. Even in those countries, fertility rates are generally lower than they once were.
The fertility rate in India, the world’s most populous country, has steadily declined over the past six decades. In June, the UN Population Fund reported that India’s fertility rate stood at 1.9 children per woman, down from five or six children in 1960.
In 1990, China’s fertility rate was 2.51, despite its one child policy. By 2023, it had dropped to less than one birth per woman, according to the United Nation’s population division.
In the United States, fertility has undergone a persistent decline. It fell below the replacement level in 1972 and reached 1.62 in 2023, a historic low.
Asian and European countries have the lowest fertility rates in the world, and South Korea (0.72), Singapore (0.97), Ukraine (0.977), and China (0.999) all have rates below one.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 23:00
Russia Expands Biometric ID System… Again
Russia Expands Biometric ID System… Again
Authored by Riley Waggaman via Off-Guardian.org,
The commercial enterprise that controls Russians’ biometric data has introduced new ways to use your face as a form of ID, resulting in unprecedented levels of safety and convenience in the Russian Federation.
Russians young and old are already reaping the benefits of their country’s “digital transformation”—including very, very young Russians.
The Russian government is working on amending federal legislation to allow schools across the country to monitor and identify students using biometrics, Kommersant reported on December 3. Plans for a standardized “biometric turnstile system” for Russian schools are already being tested in Tatarstan.
source: Kommersant.ru
Authorities have stressed that schools will be able to choose whether or not to switch to biometric identification, adding that parents must first consent before their childrens’ faces are scanned and entered into Russia’s Unified Biometric System (UBS).
A Russian schoolboy faces his completely voluntary future (source: Kommersant.ru)
Conservative-patriotic media outlets in Russia responded positively to this completely voluntary and very safe and convenient initiative.
source: Katyusha.org
Concentration camp? A bit dramatic, no? These so-called Russian patriots could learn a thing or two from disaffected westerners who read RT and understand the delicate nuances of the Russian government’s Plan, which must be trusted at all times.
Here is an unrelated excerpt from Kommersant’s recent article on the subject:
The Ministry of Education told Kommersant that the biometric school entry system is already being tested in 20 schools in Tatarstan, where “special attention is paid to security”: the school grounds are fenced, cameras are installed along the perimeter, and entry is through checkpoints.
Perfect for learning.
As this blog reported, at the end of August, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chief of Staff of the Government Executive Office Dmitry Grigorenko deployed familiar language when describing the advantages of using biometrics to identify schoolchildren:
Entry to school ‘by face’ is not only convenient, but also very safe. Because it is always clear who is entering, who is exiting, who is in school… After all, this is where our children spend their lives.
But underage children aren’t the only Russians basking in the safety and convenience of biometric identification (although they are very obviously the primary targets of the country’s “digital transformation”; dehumanization must start at a young age so as to seem “normal”): Russians of all ages can now leave their unsafe and inconvenient paper IDs at home.
The Center for Biometric Technologies, the joint stock company that stores and manages Russians’ biometric data, recently unveiled a new platform for providing biometric services, “Migom” (Мигом, which can be translated as “instantly” or “in an instant”).
On December 11, the company posted a photo collage demonstrating how Migom will be incorporated into everyday life in Russia.
source: The official Telegram channel of Joint Stock Company (JSC) Center for Biometric Technologies
The accompanying caption:
[W]e want to show you how these [biometric] services look in real life. These photos show how easy it is now to access familiar services: order documents at the MFC [government services portal], check into a hotel, verify your age when purchasing age-restricted goods [including energy drinks; no, not a joke] at vending machines and self-checkouts, and soon, undergo pre-flight security checks.
Let’s have a closer look at these inspiring photographs.
A lady with nice long hair checkmates George Soros by using her FACE, and not her NATO-ENDORSED PAPER ID, to prove that she is a responsible taxpayer, and not a terrorist-biohazard!
Respectable suit-wearing man receives facial recognition-permission to buy something from a vending machine. VERY MULTIPOLAR, INDEED.
Energy drink enjoyers in Russia can now prove they are old enough (18+) to drink their favorite drink using their FACES. Davos trembles.
The End.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 22:35
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/russia-expands-biometric-id-system-again
Philadelphia Eagles — in a battle with Chicago Bears for NFC’s No. 2 seed — to rest key starters in finale
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles are so concerned about clinching the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, so mindful of potentially earning at least one extra home game in their pursuit of a second straight Super Bowl title that they are, well — they are treating the regular-season finale like a preseason game.
Jalen Hurts and the bulk of the starting lineup are taking the day off.
The Eagles will sit some starters against the Washington Commanders. Some will be limited, and others will be dressed but won’t play as the team needs to meet the league minimum of available players.
Coach Nick Sirianni is playing the long game with his decision to essentially treat Sunday’s home game against the Commanders — unbelievably in retrospect, the matchup was last season’s NFC title game — like a bye week. Sirianni would rather give his regulars more time to rest, heal up from nagging injuries and start preparing for potential playoff opponents than risk injury to Hurts and others with only seeding at stake.
The Eagles (11-5) would earn the No. 2 seed and could be in line to play two home games if they beat the Commanders (4-12) on Sunday and the Chicago Bears lose to the Detroit Lions.
If not, the Eagles are the No. 3 seed and are guaranteed only to host during wild-card weekend.
Even with backup quarterback Tanner McKee getting the starting nod in place of Hurts, the Eagles remain the betting favorites to win and sweep the season series. The Eagles clinched the NFC East two weeks ago with a 29-18 win over the Commanders — who, with Jayden Daniels shut down and Marcus Mariota dealing with a leg injury, will start 39-year-old third-stringer Josh Johnson.
Making his 10th career start and first since 2021, Johnson went 15-for-23 for 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
“This game doesn’t have the magnitude that we hoped it would have when the schedule came out,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said.
Sirianni isn’t shy about benching star players in the short term if the greater good of a championship is within reach.
Saquon Barkley lost his shot at breaking Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record when he was a healthy scratch in last season’s finale against the New York Giants. Barkley finished the season with 2,005 yards rushing, 101 shy of breaking Dickerson’s record of 2,105.
“Your seeding’s not locked down yet, but you are thinking, ‘Hey, can I put ourselves in the best position seeding wise?’ But also, you’re thinking to yourself how important byes are and creating them if you don’t earn the right for the first-round bye,” Sirianni said. “Those are all things you’ve got to think through and go through because I think a lot of guys would say, last year, that that was a big deal of being able to have a bye last year to set us up for what we ultimately did last year.”
Eagles don’t mind playing on the road
One reason Sirianni might be fine with settling for the No. 3 seed: The Eagles are beasts on the road.
They lead the NFL in road winning percentage (.667, 30-15) since 2021, including playoffs. The Eagles own an 11-4 record (.733) over their last 15 away games.
The Eagles won last week at cold, rainy Buffalo — a Super Bowl contender — even as Hurts failed to complete a pass in the second half for the second time this season.
“Another thing about having the road record that we do, I think that’s a product of really good players and good coaches, and so it’s everything that goes into that, but good mental toughness,” Sirianni said. “I think that really signifies your mental toughness too.”
McKee gets another start
With Hurts holding a clipboard, McKee is excited to get another shot at starting a game.
A sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, McKee has thrown for 356 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in limited action over the last two seasons. He was 27 of 41 for 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his Week 18 start last season against the Giants.
“Each week leading up, I’ve been preparing like I’m going to play, in case I do,” McKee said. “Preparation’s been pretty similar. It’s nice to get more reps in practice.”
McKee, 25, has taken limited snaps in mop-up duty in three blowout victories this season. He completed all three passes for 33 yards in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I feel like I have a good feel, can play fast,” McKee said. “As a quarterback it’s really big to be able to play and just react to the game instead of trying to think of, ‘What’s my job? What’s my footwork? What’s everybody else doing?’ You can just play and react. So I feel like I’ve gotten to that point and I feel comfortable doing that.”
Sirianni doesn’t expect repeat of brawl
The Eagles clinched their second straight NFC title in a win two weeks ago at Washington in a rivalry game that had three players ejected after a fight broke out among several members of both teams in the aftermath of Barkley’s 2-point conversion that increased the Eagles’ lead to 19 points with about 4½ minutes left.
Two Commanders players — defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and safety Quan Martin — and one Eagles player — offensive lineman Tyler Steen — were disqualified after being flagged for unnecessary roughness during the brawl.
There was some punching, a ton of pushing and shoving and a lot of jawing, too, as the scrum spread across the grass.
Sirianni wasn’t expecting tempers to flare in Philly.
“No, because I know the referees do a great job of controlling that, and I have the utmost respect for Coach Quinn,” he said. “I know myself, too, is like, we want to go out there and have an opportunity to play football.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/philadelphia-eagles-chicago-bears-playoff-seeding/
