CEO Says “Samsung Is Back” In Rare Remark, Sparks Stock Surge

Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 07:45

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/ceo-says-samsung-back-rare-remark-sparks-stock-surge 

Good morning, Chicago.

In 2025, Cook County began the year with a new state’s attorney and ended it with a new chief judge, ushering in another era for one of the largest court systems in the country.

Upon taking office in December 2024, State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke implemented policy changes that were cheered and criticized, including ordering prosecutors to automatically seek pretrial detention in certain circumstances and allowing police officers to bypass the office’s felony review process in some low-level gun-related felony cases.

By the end of the year, former Chief Judge Tim Evans’ nearly quarter-century reign heading the Cook County judiciary was ended when Judge Charles Beach defeated him in a secret-ballot election.

Beach takes the reins at a time when the court system faces a number of challenges, with his office overseeing the often-troubled Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and absorbing oversight for all electronic monitoring defendants.

With changes underway, here are some cases and issues to watch for in 2026 from the Tribune’s Madeline Buckley.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including: what to know about trail upgrades at Starved Rock State Park, photos from Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Chicago and a look at who’s coming for concerts this summer.

Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History

The interior building where a fire broke out leaving people dead and injured, during New Year’s celebration, in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. (Police Cantonale Valaisanne via AP)

Here’s what to know about a deadly fire at a Swiss Alpine bar’s New Year celebration

Swiss investigators are probing what caused a fire in a bar at an Alpine ski resort that left around 40 people dead and another 115 injured during a New Year’s celebration. Here’s what we know about the deadly fire.

Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference after he signed two executive orders regarding the 2026 budget on Dec. 23, 2025, at Chicago City Hall. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)

City Hall hiring freezes, including under Mayor Brandon Johnson, have proved to be more of a chill

When Mayor Brandon Johnson faced a long-expected budget deficit this fall, he again turned to a government hiring freeze as a means to save money and show the public that City Hall was taking the problem seriously.

In practice, that “targeted” freeze has proved to be more of a chill, as hundreds of workers were nonetheless brought onto the payroll since the Johnson administration instituted the policy in August, according to city records.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, left, administers the oath of office to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, center, as his wife Rama Duwaji looks on, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Zohran Mamdani promises to govern ‘expansively and audaciously’ as NYC mayor

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City yesterday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics with a promise to transform government on behalf of the city’s striving, struggling working class.

Paris and Brooklyn Garcia look out on the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby on Dec. 19, 2025. (Troy Stolt for the Chicago Tribune)

Starved Rock, Illinois’ most popular state park, to get $18M trail upgrades in new year

The new year will bring long-overdue upgrades at Illinois’ most popular state park and one of its top tourist destinations outside Chicago.

Preliminary work already is underway at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County for an $18 million project that will include the first major improvements in three decades to a 13-mile trail system that winds through sandstone canyons and bluffs along the Illinois River.

Fireworks rise from the river at midnight during the “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” event on West Wacker Drive on, Jan. 1, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Chicago

Chance the Rapper led the New Year’s Eve festivities at the corner of Wacker and Franklin in the Loop as Chicago was featured for the first time in the national broadcast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Thousands braved the cold temperatures along the Chicago River for the entertainment and fireworks.

Cities around the world welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks and heightened security

Parents Shaniqua Jones and Brandon Antwon Whittington hold their newborn son, Brandon Alexander Whittington, on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago after he was born on New Year’s Day at 12:06 a.m. and 41 seconds. (Mount Sinai Hospital)

Meet Brandon Alexander Whittington: The first baby born in Chicago in 2026

Chicago saw in the new year with a number of events, including the city’s debut as part of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” where thousands gathered to usher in 2026.

Six minutes later and about 4 miles away, a quieter celebration took place at Mount Sinai Hospital, when Brandon Alexander Whittington entered the world as what is believed to be the first Chicago baby of 2026.

Packers quarterback Malik Willis rushes against Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. in the third quarter Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears by the numbers: Breaking down their potential 1st-round playoff scenarios

Sunday’s 42-38 shootout loss to the San Francisco 49ers marked the first time in 12 years that the Bears lost when scoring at least 38 points.

Here are the other numbers, stats and figures that stood out this week for the Bears.

5 things we learned from the Bears, including seeking to avenge humiliating Week 2 loss to Detroit Lions
Column: Bears are ‘moving on to Detroit’ — but they won’t go far in playoffs if defense doesn’t improve

Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) goes up for a reverse layup in the first half against the Pelicans at the United Center on Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Tre Jones provides a much-needed creative spark for injury-depleted Chicago Bulls: ‘That’s our recipe to win’

Tre Jones has never been flashy. He’s the type of player who can melt into a game.

But Jones doesn’t need to change his style. There’s a reason his teammates look to him for guidance without hesitation. There’s a reason he’s edging out full-time starters for closing minutes. And there’s a reason Billy Donovan uses one word repeatedly — “winner” — to describe Jones.

Cardi B is coming to the United Center in 2026, Alejandro Fernández to the Allstate Arena and Ed Sheeran to Soldier Field. (Invision/AP/Getty)

Who’s coming for concerts this summer: 50 shows for 2026, from Rosalía to Guns N’ Roses

Announcements have begun for concert tours, music festivals and what’s playing in Chicago this coming summer. Expect more news in the weeks ahead.

A mid-career survey of Firelei Báez at the Museum of Contemporary Art includes “Man Without a Country (aka anthropophagist wading in the Artibonite River),” an installation of 225 collage-drawings on old book pages. (Oriol Tarridas photo)

Art exhibitions for winter 2026: Don’t miss these 10 at the MCA, Art Institute and in Elmhurst

Go see art in 2026. Can’t hurt, might help, and it’s absolutely better than binge-watching trash television, click-buying things no one needs, doomscrolling the apocalypse or feeling helpless in the face of fascism. Remember, commercial galleries and community art centers are gratis entry and most museums have free days for locals. (And those that don’t, should.)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/daywatch-cook-county-court-cases-to-watch-for-in-2026/ 

As Lithuania Preps For War, Some Fear They Are Intentionally Stoking It

Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 07:20

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/lithuania-preps-war-some-fear-they-are-intentionally-stoking-it 

Which men’s sherpa jackets are best?

Whether you’re taking a brisk walk in the cold or working outdoors, a sherpa jacket can provide a cozier and warmer alternative to your standard coat. The thick wool-like lining provides that crucial extra bit of insulation against the elements.

Sherpa jackets typically resemble wool or sheepskin without containing any actual animal products. However, don’t let the synthetic fleece fool you. Although they’re cheaper than genuine wool, they can provide just as much warmth.

If you’re looking for the warmest, most comfortable and trendy men’s sherpa jacket this winter, consider the Levi’s Men’s Sherpa Trucker Jacket.

What to know before you buy a men’s sherpa jacket

Range of motion

​​Unless you’re cold-plunge master Wim Hof or some other ice-born superhuman, you likely require a jacket to keep warm during the winter. However, if that thick jacket limits your range of motion, you’ll find yourself bundled up to the point of immobility.

Jackets with a bi-swing back allow a full range of motion and benefit those who wear sherpa jackets while working.

Cruelty-free

A vast majority of men’s sherpa jackets use sherpa made from synthetic or natural fibers, such as acrylic, polyester and cotton. These are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Although uncommon, some sherpa jackets incorporate authentic wool into their fabric blend.

Practicality and length

While more coverage increases protection from the elements, it can become a nuisance when working with tool belts. The most practical solution is a jacket that finishes near the waist and never drops below the beltline. This will enhance range of motion while keeping your core warm.

What to look for in a quality men’s sherpa jacket

Number of pockets

When worn at work or in freezing temperatures, the number of pockets and their location make a significant difference.

Although it’s not usually the first feature to come to mind, it’s beneficial to have interior pockets. They help in times when you’re out in freezing temperatures and have to remove your gloves to fumble around for your phone or wallet.

Most sherpa jackets come designed with waist pockets, but having additional welt pockets sewn on top of the coat comes in handy if you use your jacket at work to store small items.

Fabric

In addition to sherpa lining, these jackets feature outer shells made of materials such as denim, cotton duck or even corduroy. The overall weight varies depending on the material used for the outer shell.

The best men’s sherpa jackets apply double or triple stitches along the seam to ensure extra durability. If you find that your sherpa jacket feels stiff at first, give it some time to break in before throwing it away. To avoid stiff and uncomfortable jackets, look to see if it’s been prewashed.

Closure types

Most sherpa jackets use traditional or snap buttons. Traditional buttons give a timeless look, but snap buttons are easier to use, especially while wearing gloves in cold temperatures.

You can also find men’s sherpa jackets that use zippers or combine zippers under a button flap. Zippered jackets work best when they have a large slider. Small sliders can be challenging to open and close while wearing gloves.

How much you can expect to spend on men’s sherpa jackets

Depending on the brand, material and size, you can expect to spend between $50 to $165 on quality men’s sherpa jackets.

Sherpa jacket FAQ

What is sherpa material made from?

A. Although sherpa attempts to visually and texturally mimic wool, it’s made with synthetic material like polyester. Some men’s sherpa jackets use a synthetic and natural fiber combination. Sherpa jackets are an excellent option for those who want a traditional and rugged look without harming animals.

How can I keep my sherpa jacket soft?

A. Following the care instructions on the jacket is always the best way to keep your sherpa jacket soft and extend its use. Wash it on a gentle cycle using cool water with a fragrance-free detergent for additional care. Although some jackets are fine using a low-heat tumble dry, using a hanger to air-dry is the preferred method.

What are the best men’s sherpa jackets to buy?

Top men’s sherpa jacket

Levi’s Men’s Sherpa Trucker Jacket

What you need to know: Wear this snap-button-closure jacket from a time-tested company for a rugged and fashionable look.

What you’ll love: You can turn up your collar and keep warm in this sherpa-lined jacket. It features two front pockets on the chest appropriately sized to carry small items and two pockets for your hands. The versatile nature makes it perfect as a daily rugged-wear jacket and one you can use for any chilly season.

What you should consider: The sizing runs small and the material isn’t stretchy, so you might need to buy a size or two up to achieve a proper fit.

Top men’s sherpa jacket for the money

Wrangler Men’s Cowboy-Cut Sherpa-Lined Denim Jacket

What you need to know: This is a warm daily men’s sherpa jacket that’s both fashionable and functional.

What you’ll love: This jacket features a sherpa lining and is available in three styles. As a leading brand, you can expect this jacket to maintain its integrity regardless of the number of washes. The two front pockets on the chest have snap closures to keep your items safe.

What you should consider: Some customers said the material is more lightweight than they expected.

Worth checking out

Carhartt Men’s Relaxed-Fit Washed-Duck Sherpa-Lined Utility Jacket

What you need to know: Made of durable washed duck cloth, this bestselling jacket features an adjustable sherpa-lined hood to keep your head warm, too.

What you’ll love: This cozy jacket has a full-length zipper, snap closures and rib-knit cuffs to keep the cold out. It features a warm sherpa lining and interior and exterior pockets for your essentials. It’s available in five colors.

What you should consider: Some customers had issues with the zipper.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/stay-warm-with-the-best-mens-sherpa-jackets/ 

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — Swiss investigators are probing what caused a fire in a bar at an Alpine ski resort that left around 40 people dead and another 115 injured during a New Year’s celebration.

Most injuries, many of them serious, occurred when the blaze swept through the crowded bar less than two hours after midnight Thursday in southwestern Switzerland.

The Crans-Montana resort is best known as an international ski and golf venue. Overnight, its crowded Le Constellation bar morphed from a scene of revelry into the site of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies.

While officials said Thursday it was too early to determine the fire’s cause, investigators have already ruled out the possibility of an attack.

Crans-Montana is less than 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Sierre, Switzerland, where 28 people, including many children, were killed when a bus from Belgium crashed inside a Swiss tunnel in 2012.

Here’s what we know about the deadly fire:

A frantic attempt to escape

The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. Thursday during a holiday celebration inside the Le Constellation bar.

Two women told French broadcaster BFMTV they were inside when they saw a male bartender lifting a female bartender on his shoulders as she held a lit candle in a bottle. The flames spread, collapsing the wooden ceiling, they told the broadcaster.

People frantically tried to escape from the basement nightclub up a narrow flight of stairs and through a narrow door, causing a crowd surge, one of the women said.

A young man at the scene said people smashed windows to escape the fire, some gravely injured, reported BFMTV. He said he saw about 20 people scrambling to get out of the smoke and flames.

Gianni Campolo, a Swiss 19-year-old who was in Crans-Montana on holiday, rushed to the bar to help first responders after receiving a call from a friend who escaped the inferno.

“As we get closer, we see almost dismembered persons lying on the floor, in cardiac arrest. People were also inside trapped, laying on the ground. We saw their clothes melting onto their skin,” Campolo told TF1. “I have seen horror and I don’t know what else would be worse than this.”

The blaze triggered a flashover or backdraft

The Swiss officials called the blaze an “embrasement généralisé,” a French firefighting term describing how a blaze can trigger the release of combustible gases that can then ignite violently and cause what English-speaking firefighters would call a flashover or a backdraft.

The injured suffered from serious burns and smoke inhalation. Some were flown to specialist hospitals across the country.

Authorities urged people to show caution in the coming days to avoid any accidents that could require the already overwhelmed medical resources.

Italian and French nationals are among the missing

Thirteen of the wounded were Italian citizens, and another six Italians are unaccounted for, Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, told state-run RAI television.

One of the people missing was Giovanni Tamburi, whose mother Carla Masielli issued an appeal for any news about her son and asked the media to show his photo in hopes of identifying him.

“We have called all the hospitals but they don’t give me any news. We don’t know if he’s among the dead. We don’t know if he’s among the missing,” she wailed. “They don’t tell us anything!”

Three of the wounded were being transported from Switzerland to a Milan hospital, the Italian civil protection agency said.

France’s foreign ministry said eight French people are missing and another nine are among the injured. Top-flight French soccer team FC Metz said one of its trainee players, 19-year-old Tahirys Dos Santos, was badly burned and has been transferred by plane to Germany for treatment.

A top venue for the world’s best athletes

With high-altitude ski runs rising around 3,000 meters (nearly 9,850 feet) in the heart of the Valais region’s snowy peaks and pine forests, Crans-Montana is one of the top venues on the World Cup circuit.

The resort will host the best men’s and women’s downhill racers, including Lindsey Vonn, for their final events before the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

The town’s Crans-sur-Sierre golf club, down the street from the bar, stages the European Masters each August on a picturesque course.

Dazio reported from Berlin and Leicester reported from Paris. Geir Moulson in Berlin, Graham Dunbar in Geneva and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this report.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/what-to-know-deadly-fire-swiss-alpine-bar/ 

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign during the Christmas season in Aurora and Naperville and the Tri-Cities area again produced some disappointing results.

After the official collection ended on Dec. 24, representatives of local Salvation Army units contacted a few days later reported that financial goals were not met this year, a disturbing trend that is nearing nearly half a decade in length.

Salvation Army Major Corps Officer Joaquin Rangel, who oversees the Aurora Salvation Army center that serves the Naperville and Aurora areas, spoke the day after Christmas and said “other than coins all of the cash has been counted.”

“We’re short of our goal. The reason we can talk now is the bank counts our change but we count the bills and up to the 24th – that’s the last day of ringing – we have a total of $109,838 altogether,” Rangel said. “My guess is we’ll have about another $1,000 or so in change.”

Back in November, Rangel said the goal again this year was to raise $200,000, the same as 2024, adding that this was the fourth year the group has not met its goal.

Officials have tried to offer options for donating including a QR code at bell ringer stations for those not carrying cash, a strategy that, so far, hasn’t has the impact that was hoped for.

Meanwhile, at the Tri-City Salvation Army, which serves St. Charles, Batavia and Geneva, collections during the Red Kettle drive were likewise below last year’s totals as well as the budgeted amount officials hoped to receive this year.

“We made just about what we did last year. We’re sitting at $124,000. Last year, it was $127,000 so we’re looking at about 85% of our goal that we had set for this year which was $150,000,” said Joe Alvarez, a lieutenant at the Tri-City Salvation Army, on Monday. “We’re going to have to be extremely careful and budget wisely and avoid any unnecessary expenses and continue to be frugal.”

Alvarez emphasized that the Red Kettle effort “is our biggest fundraiser in terms of paying the bills here and keeping things open and to take care of the little staff that we do have.”

“If we need to purchase some food items, we’re fortunate as the food banks allow us to purchase food for pennies on the pound but we do incur other expenses as well,” he said.

Rangel said in light of the low donation totals for the Red Kettle drive, new options for fundraising need to be examined.

“We have to figure out another way in terms of our collection and getting donations and maybe look at doing a fundraiser during the summer or something,” Rangel said. “We need to do something but I don’t know what yet.”

Other than one weekend where the weather was bad, Rangel said the biggest factor for the low donation total during the Red Kettle drive this year centers “on the lack of bell ringers.”

“The last couple of weeks of our season we can see the generosity of people, so I would say even with the economy people want to support not just us but interests in their community,” he said. “In my case, we have a good 20 spots to ring and about 16 to 18 of them are two doors, so that means we could have over 30 workers, but we only have about a dozen workers, meaning that more than half the stations were empty.”

Alvarez likewise blamed not having enough help, noting that his region will have to continue to rely on more volunteers versus paid bell ringers.

“We do have a number of very loyal people that have been with us for years that are paid as bell ringers and we have every intention of bringing them back if they want to work in 2026,” Alvarez said. “We just don’t have enough sign-ups and there were plenty of days, plenty of shifts that remained open.

“One of the good things for us is that we do continue to receive donation checks throughout the year but this collection is still going to impact things here at our facility,” Alvarez said.

Rangel said he might look to “other groups in the community or maybe companies” to help out with volunteers next year.

“Maybe there can be a volunteer day with their company where the company will still pay them to go out and work somewhere and maybe they will choose us to do the bell ringing,” he said. “We need to promote the volunteer aspect in the community perhaps.

“Looking ahead, we’re going to have to again cut financial assistance when it comes to help with rents and other costs,” Rangel said. “Because of getting food at a decent price from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the food cost won’t have any effect but definitely the financial assistance with rent and utilities, those will be impacted.”

Alvarez said there will be more aggressive marketing of the Red Kettle campaign in 2026.

“Next year, we are going to focus on being more out there in the social media outlets and have more of a presence to generate more interest,” he said.

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/red-kettle-fundraising-campaign-a-disappointment-for-salvation-army-units-in-the-fox-valley/ 

The marathon is over. Sunday marks the end of the NFL regular season.

In recent years, Week 18 has signaled the end for the Chicago Bears. Not so this year. For the first time since 2020, the Bears are headed to the postseason. They have bigger goals on the horizon, starting with next week’s wild-card round of the playoffs.

But first, they have a matchup with the Detroit Lions. Sunday’s game has playoff implications. The simplest result is this: Win Sunday and they lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a matchup with the No. 7 Green Bay Packers. A loss complicates matters a little, but the Bears are at least guaranteed a home game as NFC North champions.

Bears coach Ben Johnson already has declared his team is “playing to win.” Lions coach Dan Campbell said his squad will be competing, despite the fact they have nothing left to play for.

The Bears (11-5) square off against the Lions (8-8) on Sunday at Soldier Field (3:25 p.m., Fox-32). Here are five things to watch ahead of Week 18 — plus the Tribune’s predictions for the game.

1. A lot has changed since Week 2.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) jumps over Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) in the second quarter at Ford Field on Sept. 14, 2025, in Detroit. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

The NFL season is a brutal, physical journey from the time training camp starts in July until the playoffs in January.

“This is a race,” Johnson said on the day training camp began in July. The Bears are nearly at the end of the race now, and it has been a marathon more than a sprint.

Just think about where the Bears and the Lions were nearly four months ago. In Week 2, the Lions cruised to a 52-21 win over the Bears at Ford Field. The Bears fell to 0-2, while the Lions looked like the team that won 15 games a year ago.

“It’s early in the season and you’re still getting to know your team a little bit,” Johnson said this week as he reflected on that game. “Being in that locker room after that game and how that felt — you don’t always remember exactly what was said or anything like that, but you always remember how you felt in those moments.”

The feeling was not good.

Much has changed in the 15 weeks since then. The Bears are gearing up for a playoff run, and the Lions will be watching the postseason from home. Things change rapidly in the NFL. After that loss in Detroit, the Bears won their next four games and nine of 10.

The Lions, on the other hand, started the season 7-4 and in a favorable position before losing four of the next five. A Christmas Day loss in Minnesota eliminated the Lions from postseason contention.

Campbell suggested the Lions will play their starters, but he left some gray area with regard to players battling injury, which includes top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tackle Penei Sewell.

“I think if it’s — we’re sitting there borderline, and the player, it could be hard (to play) or we think they’re setting themselves up for a long-term risk, then no, it’s not worth it,” Campbell told members of the Detroit media.

2. Player in the spotlight.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws against the Eagles in the second quarter Nov. 28, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Bears QB Caleb Williams

Williams needs 109 passing yards to break the Bears’ single-season record. Erik Kramer set the mark with 3,838 yards in 1995. Jay Cutler came close to topping it with 3,812 yards in 2014, but the record has stood for 30 years.

That could be about to change.

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams on 4,000 yards: ‘I was brought here for those types of things’

Williams has surpassed 109 passing yards in every game this season. Also in play is a 4,000-yard season, something no Bears quarterback has done. Ever. With 3,730 yards this season, Williams needs 270 to reach the milestone.

The primary goal remains to win the game. But Williams said this week that he believes he’s in Chicago to rewrite the record books at the quarterback position.

That’s a burden he embraces.

“In 100 or however many years, it has never been done,” Williams said. “So it symbolizes something.”

Williams has played some of his best football over the last three games. In wins against the Cleveland Browns and Packers and a road loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he has averaged 274 passing yards with six touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

“I’m playing better than I have,” Williams said. “These last three games, but even going back to some of the other games, some of the stats may not show it, but I feel that I’m playing better. I said it’s going to start showing here soon, and that’s a small sample of that. I’ve got to keep growing, keep getting better.”

3. Would the old Bears have rebounded?

Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson watches the video board in the final seconds of a 52-21 loss to the Lions at Ford Field on Sept. 14, 2025, in Detroit. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

About that Week 2 beatdown in Detroit …

That’s exactly the type of game that the old Bears would’ve let bleed into the next week. A year ago, this same franchise lost on a brutal Hail Mary at Washington and went on to lose 10 consecutive games. Losing became inevitable.

While the early-season loss in Detroit might have felt like a “here we go again” moment, Johnson has never let his team think too much about any one game.

“That can kind of go one or two ways after that, right?” linebacker T.J. Edwards said. “And I think that shows where we’re at right now … having that belief in one another. It’s rare to have in a team where everyone is on the same page and everyone is understanding what we’re trying to get done. When those things are going wrong, it allows us to come together and make sure that it doesn’t stay that way.”

Column: Chicago Bears are ‘moving on to Detroit’ — but they won’t go far in playoffs if defense doesn’t improve

It’s a pertinent message this week, when the Bears are looking to brush off Sunday night’s loss in San Francisco. The Bears have built all sorts of momentum this season. They’ve been, all things considered, relatively healthy. Although the defense struggled against the 49ers, the team has played well overall during the toughest part of the schedule down the stretch.

“It kind of just goes with Ben’s messaging every week,” Edwards said. “He’s been the same. He’s been consistent. So it’s easy for us to kind of follow. But it’s a week-to-week league, right? So after big wins, celebrate for a second and then you’ve got to get back to work, and after big losses it’s no different because there’s another one coming up.”

The Bears want to head into the postseason on a positive note. A win against the Lions would do that.

4. Keep an eye on …

The Eagles game.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will also kick off at 3:25 p.m. If the Bears lose Sunday and the Eagles win, the Eagles would jump the Bears for the No. 2 seed, dropping the Bears to No. 3.

The No. 2 seed will play the Packers, who are locked in at No. 7. The No. 3 seed will play someone from the NFC West, either the 49ers or Los Angeles Rams.

The Bears probably would rather take their chances against the Packers, a team they’ve played close twice already, winning once in dramatic fashion. The No. 2 seed also would play at home in the divisional round if it wins its first playoff game.

Reports out of Philadelphia have suggested the Eagles might sit their starters Sunday. That will be a situation to monitor. The Commanders, though, could start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson, so anything could happen even if the Eagles rest up for the playoffs.

Johnson has said the Bears are playing to win, but might that change if the Eagles are down by two touchdowns at halftime?

5. Injury updates: Will Rome Odunze play?

Injured Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze walks the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Odunze has missed four games with a foot injury. The Bears receiver hasn’t played since Nov. 28 in Philadelphia. Odunze has not participated in practice this week.

“We’ll see how this week goes,” Johnson said when asked about Odunze.

Rookie receiver Luther Burden III suffered a quad injury on the last play against the 49ers but has been back on the practice field this week. That’s a good sign for the Bears.

In Detroit, a number of key starters have been on the injury report, including linebacker Alex Anzalone (concussion), defensive tackle Alim McNeill (abdomen), Sewell (ankle), St. Brown (knee/ankle) and left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder/illness).

Both teams will release one more injury report Friday.

Predictions

Brad Biggs (12-4)

The Bears are looking to tighten things up defensively after a woeful showing in San Francisco and along come the Lions, who have some key injury concerns on offense involving wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and left tackle Taylor Decker, among others. Injuries also have rocked the Lions secondary, and opposing quarterbacks, with the exception of Minnesota Vikings undrafted rookie Max Brosmer last week, have lit up the Lions of late. The Bears have plenty of motivation with the No. 2 seed in the NFC there for the taking, even with reports that the Eagles, also in contention for that seed, are expected to rest key players for their finale against the Commanders.

Bears 35, Lions 24

Sean Hammond (13-3)

Week 18 is weird. But I’m going to take Johnson’s word when he says the Bears are playing to win. I’m not convinced the Lions truly are, no matter what they say. They have nothing to play for. Beyond Week 18 weirdness, though, the Bears have shown in the second half of the season that they’re the better team. I think they cap off a remarkable turnaround with win No. 12.

Bears 31, Lions 21

Phil Thompson (10-5)

The Lions are fizzling to a disappointing finish. The Bears have several incentives in this rematch: Secure the No. 2 seed, redeem the loss of a winnable game against the 49ers and avenge Week 2’s blowout loss in which the Lions ran up the score (don’t let anyone convince you otherwise). The Bears need to sharpen all phases heading into the playoffs, and the injury-riddled Lions look like sacrificial lambs.

Bears 31, Lions 20

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/chicago-bears-detroit-lions-week-18-predictions/ 

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — When Indiana met Oregon in October, the game served as the best test yet of whether the Hoosiers were a one-year wonder or a program that was here to stay.

They met that challenge with a double-digit win that snapped Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak. Next week comes a rematch with a trip to the national title game at stake.

A pair of Big Ten blowouts in Thursday’s quarterfinals — Indiana 38, Alabama 3 and Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0 — set up Oregon-Indiana Part II in the national semifinals at the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 in Atlanta.

“Why would it be too big for them? Because the name’s ‘Indiana’?” Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti said after his team passed its latest big-time test and also became the first of seven teams with first-round byes in the two-year history of the playoff to win its quarterfinal.

The other semifinal will feature Miami against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday. It will be a matchup between Hurricanes QB Carson Beck and the Rebels, who are 2-0 since the abrupt departure of coach Lane Kiffin. The sixth-seeded Rebels (13-1) rallied from nine points down at halftime to beat Georgia 39-34 Thursday in the Sugar Bowl.

No. 1 Indiana (14-0) opened as a four-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, in their rematch with No. 5 Oregon (13-1). The Ducks closed as 7.5-point favorites in the October meeting that Indiana won 30-20. This blowout win over the Crimson Tide might have been Indiana’s most impressive performance since the win at Oregon.

In that one, Ducks defensive back Brandon Finney, who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery against Texas Tech, returned an interception for a touchdown to tie the game at 20 early in the fourth quarter. But Indiana answered with a touchdown drive, an interception and a field goal for a double-digit win over the previous season’s Big Ten champion.

The most intriguing matchup in this game isn’t hard to find.

Quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Dante Moore of Oregon are projected as the top two picks on many 2026 draft boards. Mendoza is trying to join a rarified list of quarterbacks (among them, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton and Matt Leinart) who have won the Heisman and the national title in the same season.

“It’s going to be a great matchup, and all respect to them,” Mendoza said of the Ducks. “I’ve got to get the game plan and got to get to watching film now.”

Oregon is coming off a defensive domination of Texas Tech. The Ducks created four turnovers that led to 13 points. Moore, meanwhile, was held in relative check, throwing for 234 yards and no scores.

“We go back look at this game, say ‘What did we do really well?’” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “Let’s go to the doctor, let’s figure out what kind of medicine we have to take for the next game. That’s always the best indicator of what you have to do when you start to analyze what you have in front of you.”

Mississippi and Miami meet for first time since 1951

No. 10 Miami, who beat No. 2 Ohio State on New Year’s Eve, hasn’t faced Mississippi since 1951. But this is a matchup steeped in the modern-day realities of college football.

Beck, the Miami quarterback, played at Georgia last season, but an injury in the SEC title game ended his season and sent his draft stock plummeting.

Looking for a change of scenery, Beck bolted for Miami and the reported $4 million NIL deal it offered. It was the first seismic move in the 2025 transfer portal.

Over in Oxford, the drama of Kiffin’s departure for a job at SEC-rival LSU overshadowed the best season in program history, but didn’t stop the chase for for a title.

“We’ve got a great group of people in the building,” said coach Pete Golding, who took over for Kiffin. “We’ve got a lot of guys going through a lot of things but they’ve been here for the kids all the time and it’s a special group of kids.”

Going against Beck will be Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, who led Division II Ferris State to the national title last year. He is now two wins away from taking the Rebels to a Division I crown.

“Our grit,” he said when asked how Ole Miss has overcome its obstacles this year. “We just want to win, play football and have fun with our brothers. Ever since fall, this was our goal.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/indiana-oregon-cfp-semifinal-rematch/ 

Is 2026 Shaping Up To Be A Lost Year For Lululemon In America

Tyler Durden
Fri, 01/02/2026 – 06:55

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/2026-shaping-be-lost-year-lululemon-america 

Announcements have begun for concert tours, music festivals and what’s playing in Chicago this coming summer. Expect more news in the weeks ahead. Lollapalooza typically releases its lineup in mid-March; Ravinia will announce its season on March 12; Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash has not yet posted dates for 2026. And for our critic’s picks of upcoming live music, Bob Gendron will have his top 10 for winter 2026 in the Tribune next week.

March

Cardi B at the United Center on March 21; unitedcenter.com

FKA Twigs at Wintrust Arena on March 26; wintrustarena.com

TWICE with “This is For” tour at the United Center April 6-7; unitedcenter.com

April

Jackson Wang with “Magicman 2” tour at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on April 8; rosemont.com

RAYE at the Auditorium Theatre on April 10; ticketmaster.com

Florence + the Machine with the “Everybody Scream Tour” at Allstate Arena in Rosemont April 10-11; rosemont.com

BoDeans with the 40th anniversary of “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams” at Paramount Theatre on April 11; paramountaurora.com

Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on April 24; casino.hardrock.com

Zoé at Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont on April 25-26; rosemont.com

Lewis Capaldi at the United Center on April 25; unitedcenter.com

May

Demi Lovato “It’s Not That Deep Tour” at the United Center on May 1; unitedcenter.com

Demi Lovato performs during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on at STAPLES Center on Jan. 26, 2020. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Alejandro Fernández with “De Rey a Rey Tour” at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on May 9; rosemont.com

Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Chicago Theatre on May 13; msg.com

Triumph with “The Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded” at Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont on May 13; rosemont.com

Twin Peaks with “A Week of Peaks” residency at Thalia Hall May 14-21; thaliahallchicago.com

Khalid with the “It’s Always Summer Somewhere Tour” at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on May 20; livenation.com

Sueños Festival with headliners including Fuerza Regida in Grant Park May 23-24; suenosmusicfestival.com

Belle & Sebastian at Salt Shed May 28-29; saltshedchicago.com

Rilo Kiley at the Chicago Theatre on May 29; msg.com

Cody Johnson at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on May 30; rosemont.com

Rosalía performs during the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards on Nov. 16, 2023, in Seville, Spain. (Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images)

June

Megan Moroney with “The Cloud 9 Tour” at the United Center June 2-3; unitedcenter.com

Beyond Wonderland at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island June 6-7; chicago.beyondwonderland.com

Morgan Wallen at Soldier Field June 19-20; soldierfield.com

Rosalía with “Lux Tour 2026” at the United Center on June 20; unitedcenter.com

Martin Garrix “Americas Tour” at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island June 25-27; livenation.com

Josh Groban with Jennifer Hudson at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on June 27; rosemont.com

Ed Sheeran with “LOOP Tour” at Soldier Field on June 27; soldierfield.com

Alex Warren with “Little Orphan Alex Live” at the United Center on June 29; unitedcenter.com

July

Louis Tomlinson with “How Did We Get Here?” tour at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on July 3; rosemont.com

Evanescence at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on July 8; livenation.com

Windy City Smokeout with headliners including Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Hootie & the Blowfish and Treaty Oak Revival outside the United Center July 8-12; windycitysmokeout.com

Jack Johnson with “SURFILMUSIC Tour” at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on July 11; livenation.com

Tyler Childers with Jon Batiste for “Snipe Hunt” at Wrigley Field on July 12; mlb.com

Meghan Trainor with “Get In Girl Tour” at the United Center on July 15; unitedcenter.com

Rush at the United Center July 16, 18, 20 and 22; unitedcenter.com

Sen Dog of Cypress Hill performs during Riot Fest at Douglas Park on Sept. 14, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Summer of ’99 and Beyond with headliners including Creed, Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park July 18-19; livenation.com

Guns N’ Roses at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on July 29; livenation.com

Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on July 30; livenation.com

Lollapalooza in Grant Park July 30 to Aug. 2; lollapalooza.com

August

Chicago and Styx at Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Aug. 1; rosemont.com

Ariana Grande with “Eternal Sunshine” tour at the United Center Aug. 3, 5 and 6; unitedcenter.com

Train with “Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in The Atmosphere Tour” at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 7; livenation.com

The Foo Fighters take the stage at Riot Fest in Chicago’s Douglass Park on Sept. 15, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Foo Fighters with Queens of the Stone Age at Soldier Field on Aug. 8; soldierfield.com

Lynyrd Skynyrd with Loverboy at Credit 1 Union Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 15; livenation.com

Mötley Crüe with “The Return of The Carnival of Sins” at Credit 1 Union Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 22; livenation.com

September

Arc Music Festival in Union Park Sept. 4-6; arcmusicfestival.com

North Coast Music Festival at Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview Sept. 4-6; northcoastfestival.com

O.A.R. with “Three Decades Tour” at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Sept. 6; livenation.com

Riot Festival in Douglass Park Sept. 18-20; riotfest.org

Iron Maiden with “Run For Your Lives World Tour” at Credit 1 Union Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Sept. 22; livenation.com

dgeorge@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/02/chicago-concerts-summer/