Tom Tassoni’s winter break has been filled with fevers, coughing, soup and Gatorade — times five.

Flu-like symptoms hit the Oak Lawn dad’s 4-year-old daughter about a week before Christmas and soon spread to him, his wife and their two toddlers. They’re just now starting to emerge from the fog of sickness.

“It was a rough Christmas,” Tassoni said. “We’ve just kind of been laid up.”

Across the Chicago area and the country, people have increasingly been coming down with the flu in recent weeks. Flu activity officially jumped to high levels in suburban Cook County, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations for the flu were high in Chicago for the week that ended Dec. 20, according to the county and city health departments.

Chicago-area hospitals say they’ve seen spikes in patients with the flu. Emergency room visits related to the flu nearly tripled in suburban Cook County during the week that ended Dec. 20, said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Cook County Department of Public Health chief operating officer.

Nationally, flu activity is high or very high in more than half of states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Illinois, flu activity was moderate for the week that ended Dec. 20, according to the state health department.

While it’s not unusual for flu cases to increase this time of year, hospitals say they’re seeing large numbers of patients sooner this year than last year. It’s not yet clear whether the illness is peaking earlier this year, or if this flu season is going to be worse than the last one, doctors say.

“Last year, we also experienced a severe flu season in Cook County,” Joshi said. “While back-to-back severe seasons are uncommon, they can happen, particularly when vaccination rates are low.”

In addition to the flu spreading during holiday gatherings, this year’s flu vaccine also isn’t as good a match as had been hoped for a variant of the flu that’s now circulating.

The new variant, known as subclade K, began spreading rapidly after scientists had already chosen which strains to include in this season’s flu vaccine.
Medical assistant Loreal Velastegui holds a flu vaccine to be administered at the Esperanza Health Centers’ Brighton Park North Clinic, Dec. 31, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

“We’re facing a significant flu season this year,” said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, infection control medical director for Endeavor Health Edward Hospital.

Last week, Endeavor saw about 900 patients with the flu in its emergency departments throughout the health system, Pinsky said. That means about 11% of visits to Endeavor’s emergency departments were for the flu, up from 1.5% about a month earlier, he said. An average of nearly 80 patients a day were hospitalized across Endeavor with the flu last week — numbers that Endeavor didn’t see last season until about February, Pinsky said.

Rush University System for Health is also seeing more patients with the flu than it did at this time last year, said Dr. David Nguyen, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Rush.

The illness can be particularly rough for young children. Throughout suburban Cook County, emergency department visits by kids for the flu are twice as high as they were at this time last year, Joshi said.

Throughout the Lurie Children’s Hospital system, about 350 children were diagnosed with the flu last week, up from about 90 two weeks earlier, said Dr. Larry Kociolek, an attending physician of pediatric infectious disease at Lurie.

Children younger than 5 are considered to be at higher risk for complications and severe cases of the flu, he said. As of Tuesday, 33 patients were hospitalized at Lurie with the flu or RSV, he said.

“I think people should be concerned. I don’t think influenza is ever something to scoff at,” Kociolek said. “I think people tend to think of the flu as something that’s just another cough and cold. Certainly, while most people won’t get that sick from influenza … the risk of hospitalization and complications is nontrivial.”

People should be vigilant about washing their hands, and those who are sick should try to stay home to avoid spreading the illness, doctors say.

Also, health care leaders say it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine.

Though the vaccine may not be a perfect match for subclade K, it may still help reduce the severity of the illness and cut the risk of hospitalization, doctors say. A study out of the United Kingdom, published in November, found the vaccine offered some protection against hospitalization and emergency department visits.

“There’s still an advantage even if you get it this late,” Nguyen said, “because the flu season will last for a few more months still.”

About 22% of Chicagoans had received flu vaccines as of Dec. 13, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Six-year-old Bentley Appling got his annual flu shot at Rush University Children’s Hospital on Wednesday. After being hospitalized for a few days because of asthma complications, he was feeling better and getting ready to head home.

“Of course, life is unpredictable, people are unpredictable, so it gives me a little relief knowing … he’s well protected, and it will give him a boost for this crazy season we’re experiencing,” said his mother, Melissa Borrero.

The Cook County Department of Public Health continues to offer free flu vaccines in conjunction with Cook County Health and CountyCare at vaccination clinics most Saturdays at rotating locations, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Appointments are not necessary.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/01/flu-rising-hospitals-vaccine-chicago/ 

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 1, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

New Year’s Day in Chicago: The warmest, coldest, snowiest and wettest weather since 1872

Front page flashback: Jan. 1, 1941

With the United States on the sidelines of World War II — its entry was still about a year away — the Chicago Daily Tribune wished readers a “Happy New Year — In America” on Jan. 1, 1941. (Chicago Tribune)

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 61 degrees (1877)
Low temperature: Minus 8 degrees (2000)
Precipitation: 1.76 inches (1972)
Snowfall: 11.3 inches (1903)

The original Emancipation Proclamation is shown on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, Feb. 18, 2005. (Evan Vucci/AP)

1863: The Emancipation Proclamation took effect.

An exterior view shows an old water tank, circa 1870, that on Jan. 1, 1873, formally opened as the first home of the Chicago Public Library, which stood on a lot at the southeast corner of LaSalle and Adams streets. (Chicago Public Library)

1873: Chicago Public Library opened its doors at LaSalle and Adams streets in a circular water tank that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. A large donation of books was made by Queen Victoria.

Robert May, 67, outside his home at 9515 Avers Ave. in Skokie, with his Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Dec. 20, 1972. (William Yates/Chicago Tribune)

1947: The copyright for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was officially transferred from Montgomery Ward to its creator Robert May. This copyright was renewed in 1967, and the original 1939 version of the story is set to enter the public domain in 2034.

University of Illinois guard Alex Agase, who was named most valuable player in the Western Conference, now the Big Ten, for 1946. He was awarded the 1946 Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. (Chicago Tribune archive)

Also in 1947: Illinois — including All-American guard Alex Agase — shocked the unbeaten UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. The Illini won 45-14.

Northwestern fullback Art Murakowski (30), fumbles as he crosses the goal line from one yard out against California at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1, 1949. Northwestern won the New Year’s Day classic, 20-14. (AP)

1949: Bob Voigts, who played for coach Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf at Northwestern University, coached the Wildcats to a 20-14 Rose Bowl victory over Waldorf’s California Bears.

1964: Trailing at halftime, Illinois used second-half touchdowns by Jim Warren and Jim Grabowski to beat Washington 17-7 in the Rose Bowl. Illini star Dick Butkus, irked at reports suggesting the Big Ten champs were not in top physical shape, led his team on a postgame sprint around the field to show their fitness. Grabowski rushed for 125 yards and was voted the game’s MVP.

1993: Tribune Co.’s ChicagoLand Television News (CLTV) debuted as Chicago’s first all-news 24-hour cable channel. It shut down at the end of 2019.

Chicago Bears quarterback Steve Walsh celebrates during the Bears’ playoff victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan 1, 1995. (Jim Prisching/Chicago Tribune)

1995: The Chicago Bears scored an improbable road victory — 35-18 — over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL wild-card game after losing twice to them during the regular season.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Bears playoff appearances — including the ‘Sneakers Game,’ the ‘Fog Bowl’ and ‘Double Doink’

It was the Bears’ first playoff victory since Jan. 6, 1990, and first road playoff triumph since Dec. 30, 1984.

1996: Northwestern made its first Rose Bowl appearance in 47 years, but lost to USC 41-32.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/chicago-bears-head-coaches-history/

2018: The Bears fired coach John Fox after 3 seasons.

Jackie Ryan becomes the first customer on the first day of recreational marijuana sales as she receives her order from employee Brea Mooney on Jan. 1, 2020 at Sunnyside Lakeview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

2020: People in Illinois bought recreational marijuana legally for the first time.

Want more vintage Chicago?

Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/01/january-1-chicago-history/ 

Today is Thursday, Jan. 1, the first day of 2026. There are 364 days left in the year. This is New Year’s Day.

Today in history:

On Jan. 1, 1892, the Ellis Island Immigration Station in New York formally opened, processing nearly 700 immigrants on its first day; nearly 12 million immigrants would ultimately pass through the station before its closure in 1954.

Also on this date:

In 1804, Haiti declared itself independent from France, becoming the world’s first Black-majority republic.

In 1808, the federal law prohibiting the importation of enslaved people to the United States took effect.

In 1818, Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” was first published in London, when Shelley was 20 years old.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, declaring that all enslaved people in rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

In 1959, Fulgencio Batista resigned as Cuban president and fled the country, marking victory for Fidel Castro’s rebel troops and the Cuban Revolution.

In 2000, an anxious world held its breath as computers silently switched to the year 2000, but the dreaded “Y2K bug” caused few serious issues.

In 2013, thousands were trampled leaving a New Year’s fireworks display at a stadium in Ivory Coast, leaving at least 64 people dead amid the chaos.

In 2024, an earthquake rocked the west coast of Japan, collapsing homes, killing at least 260 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 others.

Related Articles

In 2025, a man driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group slammed into revelers during New Orleans’ raucous New Year’s celebration, killing 15 people. The man was shot dead by police and the attack was subsequently investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism.

Today’s Birthdays: Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman is 96. Actor Frank Langella is 88. Musician Country Joe McDonald is 84. Actor-comedian Don Novello is 83. DJ Grandmaster Flash is 68. Actor Dedee Pfeiffer is 62. Actor Morris Chestnut is 57. Olympic gold medalist ice dancer Meryl Davis is 39. Rapper Ice Spice is 26.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/01/today-in-history-ellis-island-opens/ 

Dear Eric: I am getting older. I have lived in my home more than half my life. I raised my children, educated myself, had a career and launched my kids while living here as a long-divorced person.

In the last few years, my body has changed. I now use a walker. My mind works just fine. Many confuse mobility issues with thinking issues.

Today, a neighbor’s son, visiting for the holidays, just started shoveling my walk without consulting me. I had already made snow removal arrangements with someone else. I asked if I could pay him. He said no. I told him that the person I made arrangements with was counting on the shoveling income.

I thanked the neighbor’s son for his kindness and he left. I can no longer do yard work or remove snow.

Please help me understand why most folks think I am incapable of taking care of my home and yard. I have been unmarried, successful and independent for a very long time.

Help me walk this fine line between kindness and intrusion.

– Unwarranted Help

Dear Help: Many people think of snow removal and yard work as onerous, and even dangerous, and therefore ideal ways to spread kindness to neighbors and loved ones. Try not to think of these acts as disempowering. It’s unlikely that anyone who clears a path for you thinks that you’re incapable of taking care of yourself. Isn’t it more likely that they’re thinking that having a clear sidewalk or driveway makes life easier and keeps you safer? This would be true for anyone, regardless of their physical ability.

I do want to acknowledge that you want to be consulted first, as is your right. Though your neighbor’s son didn’t do this, I’d suggest that it was an innocent oversight. Snow needs to be cleared, and he may have simply seen an opportunity. However, this doesn’t stop you from paying the other person if you’d already budgeted the funds and you know the other person needs the money. You received some kindness with nothing asked in return and you can pass it on, too.

Dear Eric: My daughter is getting married in October. The immediate family have rooms in the small inn at the venue.

For many reasons, both great and small, my husband and I no longer share a bedroom. On a busy wedding weekend, I especially need a good night’s sleep and the occasional quiet that comes with my own room.

My daughter wants me to give her friend my room. I said no. Am I being unreasonable? P.S. We’re paying for everything.

– Mother of the Bride

Dear Mother: Heavens no, you’re not being unreasonable. Is this room the only room in the town? Is the friend unable to stay down the street or around the corner? I understand that it’s your daughter’s special day and she may want things just so, but it’s not like you’re using the second room to store clothes. You have a need and you’re meeting that need. And it will help you show up better for your daughter. But, even if it was just because a good night’s sleep is what you need, that’s reason enough. There are plenty of other options here. Sleep well.

Dear Eric: This is in response to “Game Play”, a letter from someone whose friend was experiencing cognitive decline. The letter writer said that the decline was affecting the card game that the group regularly plays.

I had a traumatic brain injury a number of years ago. It radically changed my life (not for the better). The friend may want to research brain injuries to learn more about what her friend is going through.

As a kindness to the friend, offer to go to the doctor with her and take notes about what the doctor says. It may be a struggle for the friend to understand and stressful to acknowledge that to the doctor.

Offer rides to places she needs to go. Also, if she is driving or somehow getting herself there, she may be arriving somewhat depleted and tired. As a group, figure out how to help by arranging rides or setting up a rideshare and maybe pay for it so she can safely get together with the group.

Please keep inviting her to the game. Social contact is critical for anyone, and it will help her also as she continues on her health journey.

– Been There

Dear Been There: These are great ways of thinking more expansively about how to show up for the friend. Continuing to include her in the games is great, but it’s also important to remember that as her life and capacity changes, the friendship will change, too.

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Dear Readers: Happy 2026! I’m grateful for the chance to spend another year with you.

(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/2026/01/01/asking-eric-people-think-i-am-incapable-of-taking-care-of-my-home/ 

2026: The Year Of Living Dangerously

Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/31/2025 – 23:30

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/2026-year-living-dangerously 

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes won’t be the school’s first back-to-back national champions, and the College Football Playoff still doesn’t have a winner from teams with the first-round byes.

No. 10 Miami held on for a 24-14 victory in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal Wednesday night, bouncing the No. 3 Buckeyes a year after they won four CFP games on the way to the title.

Ohio State (12-2) trailed 14-0 at halftime, but was within three at 17-14 after Smith’s 14-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-2 early in the fourth quarter.

Smith, the All-America receiver, ended up with 157 yards on seven catches, including a 59-yarder that didn’t lead to points in a scoreless first half for the Buckeyes.

The sluggish first half meant Smith’s shiny second half wasn’t enough as Ohio State finished the season with two losses following a 12-0 start. Top-ranked Indiana beat the Buckeyes 13-10 in the Big Ten championship game.

In the first year of the 12-team playoff last season, all four teams that got first-round byes lost in the quarterfinals. Now that record is 0-5, but this time it’s different. A year ago, two teams with first-round byes were lower seeds. This time, the top four seeds got the byes.

Miami’s Keionte Scott returned Julian Sayin’s interception 72 yards for a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Sayin’s second interception in the final minute sealed the win for the Hurricanes (12-2).

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/31/miami-ohio-state-cotton-bowl/ 

Are Fireworks Integral To New Year’s Eve?

Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/31/2025 – 22:45

https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/are-fireworks-integral-new-years-eve 

Are Fireworks Integral To New Year’s Eve?

Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/31/2025 – 22:45

https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/are-fireworks-integral-new-years-eve 

Are Fireworks Integral To New Year’s Eve?

Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/31/2025 – 22:45

https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/are-fireworks-integral-new-years-eve 

The Chicago Bulls beat the New Orleans Pelicans 134-118 at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Bulls forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) lofts a shot as Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (3) defends in the second half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) attempts a dunk against the Pelicans in the second half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) blocks a shot by Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) in the second half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls center Nikola Vučević (9) tosses the ball above the reach of Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the second half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls center Nikola Vučević (9) can’t believe a foul call in the second half of a game against the Pelicans at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) can’t believe a call in the second half of a game against the Pelicans at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. The Bulls won 134 – 118. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) pokes the ball away from Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) puts up a shot as Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) defends in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) battles Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) goes up for a reverse layup in the first half against the Pelicans at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) goes up for a reverse layup in the first half against the Pelicans at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) defends against Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) defends against Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (13) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) goes to the rim against Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) brings the ball up court against the Pelicans in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) drives on Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (13) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) and forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) defend against Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) puts up a shot as Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) and forward Trey Murphy III (25) defend in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) brings the ball up court against the Pelicans in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) walks the court during a pause in a game against the Bulls in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) puts up a shot as Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (25) defends in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) and forward/guard Isaac Okoro (35) defend against Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (13) puts up a shot as Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) defends in the first half at the United Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/31/photos-chicago-bulls-134-new-orleans-pelicans-118/