As Jewish communities around the world celebrate Hanukkah, we are reminded once again of the evils of antisemitism. A peaceful holiday celebration in Australia was transformed into a scene of terror and death, resulting so far in 15 innocent lives lost and at least 40 people injured.

The most important lesson from this horrific attack is that governments cannot wait for an act of terror before they start taking anti-Jewish hate seriously. Advocacy groups have been raising the alarm for years about increasing antisemitism, and we need our leaders to act now to protect Jewish communities.

Here in Chicago, hate crimes against Jews are up 58% from 2023 to 2024. We know that because the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) report issued in July memorialized the increase. At the beginning of this September, CCHR held a public hearing on the alarming rise in anti-Jewish hate in Chicago, responding to a charge from the City Council giving CCHR 60 days to draft recommendations on how to keep Jewish Chicagoans safe. That deadline has passed, CCHR has not issued recommendations and the mayor has taken no action to address the precipitous rise in anti-Jewish crimes. 

Testimony from Jewish residents of Chicago at the public hearing was horrific and unsurprising. A Jewish Chicago Public Schools student testified to being attacked at school and having her hair cut in an act of anti-Jewish hate. Jewish residents of Hyde Park testified about multiple instances of threatening vandalism and graffiti targeting their community. And, for the first time telling his story publicly, the victim of last year’s antisemitic terrorist attack in the 50th Ward described being shot while walking to synagogue, his young children not with him only because they were too tired to go to synagogue that morning.

This level of hate is now common but cannot be accepted as normal.

If there is any hope to stymie the unacceptable trend of hate crimes against Jews, CCHR and Mayor Brandon Johnson must follow recommendations developed in partnership with mainstream Jewish organizations such as the Jewish United Fund, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and StandWithUs. These organizations have decades of experience fighting antisemitism and must be full partners in shaping the city’s response.

Jewish residents of Chicago demand a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to addressing anti-Jewish hate. The mayor must:

Establish a citywide task force on combating antisemitism leveraging law enforcement, educators, civil rights leaders and representatives from the mainstream Jewish community to track incidents, improve coordination and develop meaningful solutions. The task force’s recommendations would ensure city policy is informed, accountable and effective. Cities such as New York and Los Angeles already have dedicated frameworks in place to combat antisemitism. Chicago must as well.
Mandate antisemitism and anti-bias training for every law enforcement officer and city employee upon hiring and again every three years. It is essential to confronting hate that every city employee understands how to recognize and respond to hate crimes. These trainings should be designed and led by established Jewish institutions, such as those listed above, so they reflect real expertise and the lived experience of Chicago’s Jewish community. When every public servant knows how to identify hate, our city is safer for everyone.
Designate a corps of detectives dedicated solely to hate crime investigations. Bias-motivated crimes are complex and target entire communities, not just individuals. A specialized unit with proper training would ensure consistent, thorough investigations and help rebuild trust among law enforcement, victims and affected communities.
Use his influence to demand that CPS and the City Colleges of Chicago partner with mainstream Jewish organizations to develop curriculum and training that equips students and educators to recognize and confront modern antisemitism. Education is a critical tool against hate. While Illinois law rightly requires Holocaust education in public schools, students must also learn about contemporary antisemitism and how it manifests in social media, classrooms and public discourse today. They must also be able to distinguish between legitimate political expression and harassment based on Jewish identity. Every child in Chicago deserves to learn in an environment free from hate, and every teacher needs the tools to make that possible.

CCHR was created to protect all Chicagoans from hate and discrimination. Its upcoming report represents a critical opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward real, lasting solutions.

Antisemitism threatens not only Jewish Chicagoans but also the integrity of our city itself. Johnson has the power to act — by creating a task force, mandating training, dedicating detectives and demanding schools to teach about modern antisemitism.

The Jewish community is not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal protection and a city that stands firmly, and without hesitation, against hate.

The time to act is now.

Ald. Debra Silverstein represents Chicago’s 50th Ward. 

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/opinion-antisemitism-chicago-solutions/ 

With the holiday season coming to a close shortly, a gift guide to cooking treats and meals by some Chicago-based chefs might offer ideas for last-minute gifts.

Here’s a selection of five cookbooks that came out this year that could spark some inspiration in the kitchen.

“The Hoosier Mama Book of Breakfast Bakes: Biscuits, Scones, Muffins, and More” by Paula Haney

The cover of “The Hoosier Mama Book of Breakfast Bakes” by Paula Haney. (Agate Publishing)

Chicago-based chef Paula Haney, owner of Hoosier Mama Pie Company, is publishing her latest book, “The Hoosier Mama Book of Breakfast Bakes: Biscuits, Scones, Muffins and More,” on Dec. 16. The Indiana native showcases breakfast baked sweets and goodies with the help of Chicago-based photographer Laura Scherb. Before opening her own restaurant, which has become a staple in the pie business of Chicago, Haney spent time working with chefs Shawn McClain and Grant Achatz.

$35, Agate Publishing, agatepublishing.com

“Berries for Bloomingdale: The Serviceberry Cookbook” by Bonnie Tawse

The cover of “Berries for Bloomingdale: The Serviceberry Cookbook” by Bonnie Tawse. (Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail)

To celebrate a decade since the opening of the Bloomingdale Trail, author Bonnie Tawse composed a book titled “Berries for Bloomingdale: The Serviceberry Cookbook.” The book holds recipes from neighbors, serviceberry enthusiasts, local business owners and volunteers. It was released on May 22, a couple of weeks ahead of the anniversary of the trail’s grand opening on June 6, 2015. For those who may not be familiar, a serviceberry is a tree that produces white flowers and purple fruit. Sales of the cookbook will go to support the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail’s programming.

$15, Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail, bloomingdaletrail.org

Related Articles

“The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes” by Craig ‘Meathead’ Goldwyn

The cover of “The Meathead Method” by Meathead Goldwyn. (Harvest)

Chicago native Craig “Meathead” Goldwyn released his latest cookbook in May, “The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes.” Goldwyn’s book goes over the basics of barbecuing while discussing new methods that weren’t covered in his first book. The BBQ Hall of Famer is also a New York Times Best Seller for his previous book “Meathead: The Science of Great Barbeque and Living,” which earned its spot in the “100 Best Cookbooks of All Time” by Southern Living.

$32, Harvest, harpercollins.com

“Cheese Magic: Seasonal Recipes, Plates, and Pairings” by Erika Kubick

The cover of “Cheese Magic” by Erika Kubick. (Running Press Adult)

Chicagoan and former cheesemonger Erika Kubick published her second book, “Cheese Magic: Seasonal Recipes, Plates, and Pairings,” on Sept. 16. It features over 100 cheese dishes, all divided into eight sections inspired by the pagan Wheel of the Year. Recipes include lemon-poppyseed-goat-cheese scones, a Dutch baby with savory herbs and melted Comté and a cheese-stuffed pumpkin.

$28, Running Press Adult, hachettebookgroup.com

“Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love” by Samin Nosrat

The cover of “Good Things” by Samin Nosrat. (Random House)

Samin Nosrat — author of the James Beard Award-winning and New York Times Best Seller cookbook “Salt Fat Acid Heat” — released her second cookbook, “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love” in September. It comprises over 125 of her favorite recipes that she shares with her loved ones. Nosrat published her first highly acclaimed book in 2017 and has also spent time writing for The New York Times Magazine.

$45, Random House, penguinrandomhouse.com

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/cookbook-gift-guide-2025/ 

We’ve been known to give Indiana a hard time, and rightly so over harebrained ideas such as aiding a portion of downstate Illinois in an effort to redraw state lines. Not so today.

Instead, we’d like to applaud the independence and fortitude shown by so many state lawmakers who stood up last Thursday against threats and intimidation. It’s hard enough taking shots from your political opponents — it’s even tougher when the pressure is coming from the same side of the aisle. 

President Donald Trump has pressed GOP state lawmakers in states like Indiana as part of a mid-decade redistricting campaign. Texas listened. Indiana was supposed to fall in line. 

The prospect of a remap had been hanging over the Indiana legislature for months. After weeks of uncertainty, state lawmakers convened last week to confront the issue. The state Senate rejected the map proposal by a 31-19 vote, with 21 Republicans joining their Democrat peers in voting no. Having publicly said Illinois would feel pressure to follow suit if Indiana redrew its maps, Gov. JB Pritzker didn’t take that option off the table. But don’t expect any action on that front in Illinois.

As for Indiana, Trump made it clear to lawmakers that if they didn’t change their maps to add more Republican seats, there would be consequences, including federal aid cuts. Trump allies at Heritage Action, the advocacy arm of the Heritage Foundation, crystallized these threats in a post on X Dec. 11, writing that if Indiana didn’t pass the new map, “Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop. These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame.” Now, the president has said he’ll back primary challenges to lawmakers who voted no.

People don’t take too kindly to that type of public bullying. Not even the president’s friends.

“You wouldn’t change minds by being mean. And the efforts were mean-spirited from the get-go,” said Indiana state Sen. Jean Leising, who voted for Trump three times. “If you were wanting to change votes, you would probably try to explain why we should be doing this, in a positive way. That never happened.”

Republican state Sen. Spencer Deery, who voted against the maps, said, “My opposition to mid-cycle gerrymandering is not in contrast with my conservative principles. My opposition is driven by them.”

Their bravery was met with an appalling escalation — Leising said her home was targeted with a pipe-bomb threat last month. Lawmakers knew physical threats were a possibility, and they stood their ground anyway.

You can only push people so far. 

Leising’s sentiments ring true to Midwestern sensibilities, and to a broader frustration with the increasingly coercive tone politicians adopt when determined to get their way. In this case, it was the threats coming from the president and his allies that Indiana lawmakers simply couldn’t stomach.

On top of that, they didn’t like being used as pawns, especially since it would’ve meant betraying their constituents and principles. Redrawing maps mid-cycle would only deepen cynicism about a process already viewed as overly political. With this question settled, the focus in Springfield and Indianapolis should return to governing, not manipulating the rules of the game. 

GOP lawmakers who run our neighboring state deserve credit for their courage and sticking to their principles.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/indiana-maps-redistricting-fair-maps-trump/ 

This past weekend, the world was rocked by two mass shootings. Two were killed and nine injured at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. On the same day, at least 16 were killed, including one of the perpetrators, at a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in the Sydney, Australia,  area. While police have yet to establish a motivation for the Brown shooting, the Bondi shooting is being investigated as a terrorist attack. These shootings reflect a troubling pattern of violence and hatred in the United States and the world.

While these shootings may seem far away, this is a dangerous misconception. As the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in his “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” we live in an interconnected global community, and hatred, violence and injustice will spread from one community to the next unless we take action.

In the past few years, incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia and race-based crimes have all increased. It is important to remember that no one group is solely responsible for or solely the victim of hatred. Anyone, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexuality can be a victim or a perpetrator of hate. This can be seen in the Bondi shooting. Those identified as the shooters and the bystander who intervened to stop one of the attackers are Muslim. No one group is solely responsible for spreading hatred or should be blamed for the actions of hateful individuals. The greatest weapon in the fight against hatred is unity.

There are few challenges facing the world today that are more pressing than this rise in hatred and divisiveness, and it is critical we act against it. The first step must come from those who are in power. Too often in this country, leaders espouse hatred rather than stand against it. We must ensure that the leaders we elect to office reflect the values of love and unity that we wish to establish, and we must hold leaders accountable when they fail to do so.

This is the first step in ensuring that the hatred that took the lives of families at Bondi and students at Brown will never reach our communities.

— Fayzaan Virk, Franklin, Wisconsin

Anti-Jewish hatred

This week, as Chicago’s Jewish families began celebrating Hanukkah, we woke to hear that 15 innocent people were murdered and dozens wounded at a Jewish holiday celebration in Australia. When do we say “enough”? The world, our country and, frankly, our city need to start acting on the fact that antisemitism is dangerously getting worse. It’s not acceptable to sound outraged after a tragic incident and then look the other way. Or single out the one Jewish nation as evil and then act surprised when people respond with anti-Jewish hate.

We know the facts; the statistics are in front of us. A young couple murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., a Holocaust survivor among those firebombed in Colorado, synagogues threatened, congregants harassed and armed guards required just so we can gather and pray. Jewish Americans make up the largest group targeted by religious hate in our country.

In Chicago, antisemitic hate crimes have risen dramatically. Jews make up 3% of the population, yet antisemitic incidents account for more than 35% of Chicago’s reported hate crimes. For those of us in mental health and education circles, this is sadly unsurprising. Social media posts in the name of anti-racism have created lists of “Zionist” providers to avoid.

Last year, a mayor-appointed Chicago Board of Education president resigned after being exposed for posting vile antisemitic content, and an alderwoman on social media asked for recommendations for an “anti Zionist pediatrician.” In public schools and universities, Jewish students have reported being shamed by teachers for genocide and have been harassed and unprotected.

What our leaders say and do matters. Yet, it’s primarily been Jewish groups that speak out. As a psychologist who has taught about bullying and hate and worked with government leaders to advocate for social-emotional learning in our schools, I have sought to be a voice for vulnerable children and communities. It’s painful to experience the lack of voices speaking out for the safety of my own minority community now.

Hanukkah is a holiday meant to remind Jews throughout the world that we have overcome forces much bigger than us. Still, we could use some outside help.

— Alana G. Baum, clinical psychologist, Chicago

Where is gun reform?

As the nation prepared to remember the 26 victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Connecticut on Sunday’s anniversary, a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday. At least two were killed and nine injured.

I’d like to know if the shooter planned the attack to occur the day before the anniversary of Sandy Hook. Or was it just a terrible coincidence? Either way, what happened this past weekend is another American tragedy fueled by hate or illness — or both. Once again, I urge the president to convene a Camp David gun summit, with representatives from the National Rifle Association, Second Amendment proponents, law enforcement and families of victims in attendance.

How many more times do we need to experience this madness before true gun reform legislation is enacted?

— Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach, California

Bombing campaign

President Donald Trump’s bombing campaign against suspected drug smugglers violates U.S. law, international law and our own military codes.

The Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual forbids attacking those who’ve been captured or incapacitated. It states that our troops must refuse to carry out orders that they know would be a war crime: “For example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.”

Law enforcement tries to capture criminal suspects alive. Not only is it required by law, but a living suspect is far more useful than a dead one. Someone arrested for drug smuggling could provide evidence that leads to more arrests and drug seizures.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized a boat with more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine after disabling its motor from the air, without killing anyone. In November, the Coast Guard reported that it seized a record 510,000 pounds of cocaine in fiscal year 2025.

In a recent letter to U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, the Coast Guard said it interdicted more than 200 boats suspected of drug smuggling without using lethal force, in the year before Trump’s bombing campaign.

News reports indicate that British intelligence stopped sharing information with the U.S. on drug smuggling in the Caribbean because the Brits don’t want to be involved in clear violations of international law.

The fight against drug smuggling requires international cooperation and the use of each arrest to gather more information. State-sanctioned murder at sea is the wrong approach.

— Mike Mosser, Chicago

A question for Trump

Recently, an American delegation was sent to Moscow to continue to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was front and center. What diplomatic experience does he actually have? Could it be that Trump is continually proposing deals that sell out the Ukrainians in exchange for Vladimir Putin’s implicitly agreeing post-peace to expand Trump Organization opportunities to do business with and in Russia? Could it be that Trump is so self-centered and money-grubbing that he is willing to sell out Ukraine in exchange for Trump Organization business opportunities?

What Trump needs to be asked soon is whether, if he gets this deal, he will rule out any efforts by the Trump Organization to do business with or in Russia.

After all is said and done, I approve of many of the things our self-centered, blowhard president has done. It is ultimately the policy that matters and not the person. But Trump needs to be asked that question.

— Neil Gaffney, Chicago

Note to readers: We’d like to know your hopes for the new year. Please send us a letter, of no more than 400 words, to letters@chicagotribune.com by Sunday, Dec. 28. Include your full name and city/town.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/letters-121625-brown-university-bondi-beach/ 

Porsche To Ferrari: The EVs Drawing The Most Attention Ahead Of 2026

Tyler Durden
Tue, 12/16/2025 – 05:45

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/porsche-ferrari-evs-drawing-most-attention-ahead-2026 

Por ELAINE KURTENBACH

China impondrá aranceles de hasta el 19,8% a las importaciones de carne de cerdo de la Unión Europea, muy lejos de una tasa inicial de hasta el 62,4%, anunció el martes su Ministerio de Comercio.

El anuncio siguió a la investigación abierta por Beijing sobre las importaciones de carne de cerdo del bloque comercial después de que la UE impusiera aranceles provisionales a los vehículos eléctricos fabricados en el gigante asiático.

Beijing decretó también medidas antidumping al brandy europeo, especialmente al coñac producido en Francia, aunque los principales productores de la bebida alcohólica recibieron exenciones. Las importaciones de productos lácteos desde la UE también estuvieron sujetas a investigaciones antidumping.

La UE tiene un enorme déficit comercial con China, que el año pasado superó los 300.000 millones de euros (348.000 millones de dólares). Sin embargo, el bloque comercial es un importante exportador de carne de cerdo y proveedor clave de subproductos como orejas, hocicos, patas y otros artículos considerados manjares en China.

En septiembre, China ordenó la imposición de aranceles antidumping preliminares en forma de depósitos de garantía, del 15,6% al 32,7% para las importaciones de carne de cerdo de empresas de la UE que colaboraron con la pesquisa y de hasta el 62,4% para todas las demás.

El Ministerio de Comercio chino concluyó que el bloque estaba realizando dumping en la carne de cerdo y en subproductos porcinos en China, vendiéndolos a precios por debajo de los costos de producción o de los precios del mercado interno, perjudicando así la industria nacional. Las tasas arancelarias definitivas, que van del 4,9% al 19,8%, entrarán en vigor a partir del miércoles y tendrán una vigencia de cinco años.

España, Holanda y Dinamarca serán los socios más afectados.

El Ministerio de Comercio dijo que el nuevo arancel se aplicará a todo tipo de productos de cerdo, frescos, refrigerados, congelados, secos, en escabeche, ahumados o salados.

Las autoridades chinas llegaron a sus conclusiones de manera “objetiva, justa e imparcial”, agregó.

Las exportaciones de productos porcinos de la UE a China alcanzaron su máximo —7.400 millones de euros (7.900 millones de dólares)— en 2020, cuando Beijing recurrió a las importaciones para satisfacer la demanda interna después de que sus granjas se vieran arrasadas por una enfermedad porcina. Desde entonces, ha reducido las importaciones a medida que reconstruía sus rebaños.

___

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/china-impone-arancel-antidumping-de-hasta-189-a-importaciones-de-cerdo-desde-la-ue/ 

After the 10th time listening to “Baby Shark” or 20 minutes of unboxing videos online, parents and caregivers will see the need for kids’ headphones. Made for smaller ears, kids’ headphones have built-in volume limiters. It’s crucial to select proper headphones for kids rather than letting them use adult models.

When searching for the best kids’ headphones, there are several features to keep in mind. LilGadgets Untangled Pro are among the best around for kids, with volume limiting and a wireless design.

What to know before you buy headphones for kids

Volume limiter

Although most children’s headphones have some kind of volume limiter, you shouldn’t necessarily rely on this alone to regulate the volume at which your child listens to their headphones. Depending on which source you rely on, the maximum safe volume for children to listen to headphones is between 75 and 85 decibels, but many kids’ headphones have higher maximum limits than that. It’s up to parents and caregivers to check the volume at which their kids listen with their headphones and make sure they don’t set them at total volume.

In-ear vs. over-ear

The vast majority of kids’ headphones on the market are over-ear models rather than in-ear headphones. The main reason for this is that kids tend to find over-ear headphones easier and more comfortable to wear. However, it’s also generally not recommended for young kids to wear earbuds as the sound is directly channeled down the ear canal and is more likely to damage the ears.

Comfort

Headphones for kids should be as comfortable as possible. Otherwise, children may refuse to wear them. Look for well-padded earpieces, as well as padding on the inside of the headband. This should be enough to keep children comfy.

What to look for in quality headphones for kids

Kid-friendly design

Many sets of headphones for children have lively kid-friendly designs. Not only is it a bonus for your kids if they like the look of their headphones, but the right style may sway children who are reluctant to wear headphones. Some kids’ headphones simply come in a range of bright colors, while others have more exciting design features, like light-up parts, ears or cartoon character designs.

Sound quality

Although children aren’t usually too fussy about sound quality, you should still aim to buy headphones for kids that sound decent. If the sound is too tinny or muddy, it’s more likely that users will turn the headphones up louder in an attempt to improve clarity. This won’t work, but it might damage your child’s hearing.

Foldability

Foldable headphones are easier to store and take up less room in a bag if you’re carrying them around with you. This is helpful when traveling or when you bring headphones to restaurants or other busy places to distract your kids.

Adjustability

Ideally, headphones for kids should be size adjustable since children’s heads can vary significantly in size depending on their age. If they aren’t adjustable, the same set of headphones that fits a 5-year-old won’t fit a 10-year-old.

How much you can expect to spend on headphones for kids

Headphones for kids are reasonably affordable. Most pairs cost somewhere from $10-$50.

Headphones for kids FAQ

Are headphones bad for children’s ears?

A. Listening to loud audio on headphones for long periods can cause hearing damage, so you must be cautious when allowing your child to use headphones. Luckily, ass quality headphones for kids will have a volume limiter, so they can’t listen to audio at volumes that will cause hearing damage. That said, it’s best to avoid letting your child use headphones too regularly or for long stretches. Stick to using them when not using headphones would disturb others, such as at restaurants or when the rest of the family is watching or listening to something else in the same room.

Are wireless headphones good for kids?

A. One of the easiest ways to break headphones is by accidentally pulling on the wire. Adults often do this, so you can’t expect kids to avoid it altogether. That’s why wireless headphones are an excellent choice for kids. Wireless headphones for kids will likely last significantly longer than wired models since there isn’t a wire to get tangled or yanked.

What are the best kids’ headphones to buy?

Top headphones for kids

LilGadgets Untangled Pro

What you need to know: These wireless Bluetooth headphones are perfect for serial breakers of wired headphones.

What you’ll love: The volume limits at 93 decibels, you have the option to use wired when out of battery and there is a share-port so kids can listen together. They also come in a wide range of color choices.

What you should consider: Some users report that faux leather covering on the padding starts to peel after a year or so of regular use.

Top kids’ headphones for the money

Noot Products Kids’ Headphones

What you need to know: This is a solid pair of affordable kids’ headphones for parents and caregivers on a budget.

What you’ll love: They’re easy to adjust. Foldable and have a durable braided cord. The volume limits at 93 decibels and the padded earpieces and headband are both comfortable.

What you should consider: They’re not the most hard-wearing headphones overall.

Worth checking out

Riwbox Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones

What you need to know: These stylish wireless headphones include a built-in mic that’s ideal for family video calls.

What you’ll love: The light-up earpieces appeal to kids, there’s a wireless and a wired option and it’s available in several colors. They’re also foldable and adjustable.

What you should consider: This option does not have a volume limiter, so you’ll need to monitor the volume while your child is listening.

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/2025/12/16/the-best-kids-headphones-for-learning-and-entertainment/ 

Get a better night’s sleep with these mattresses

A mattress is a long-term investment in your overall health and well-being. A quality night’s sleep provides myriad benefits to the body and mind, which all begin with the right mattress. The best mattresses may relieve aches and pains, control temperature and contour your body. In contrast, an incompatible mattress can leave you feeling sore and tired in the morning, even if you don’t remember waking up.

It’s crucial to find the mattress that matches your body type, lifestyle and sleeping habits. While buying a mattress is no simple task, our guide is here to help with everything you need to know to find the right one.

Key features of the best mattress

Mattresses are no small purchase, so you must look into a few critical items before shopping. This will point you in the best direction and keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

Mattress type

Innerspring: These models feature coils and springs to provide support. Typically inexpensive, they are ideal for those seeking pressure relief, along with individuals who prefer to sleep atop a mattress instead of within. The mattress’s effectiveness will vary with the quality and quantity of the springs and coils; individually-pocketed coils are ideal.
Foam: These options have exploded in popularity over the last 10 years. Foam mattresses are often slightly softer than innerspring options, cradling and conforming to the body to provide complete comfort. Various types of foam may be used, including memory foam that contours, pricier polyfoam that offers more longevity and breathability and luxury latex that champions responsiveness and cool sleep.
Hybrid: These most expensive options often triumph as the best type of mattress available, and we agree. They combine an innerspring base with one or more foam layers on top to create a versatile and adaptable bed that caters to all users. A hybrid is frequently the best mattress for combination sleepers and the best mattress choice for couples.

Sleeping position

Your sleeping position determines how soft or firm your mattress should be as it impacts the alignment of your neck and spine. Stomach sleepers should seek out something firm that prevents their stomach, and thus spine, from sinking too deep. The best mattress for side sleepers contours the body and gives a bit, typically around medium-soft. Back sleepers, already in the ideal position, will find comfort and support across the spectrum.

Size

There are six standard mattress sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. Twin and full options are best for teens or students, along with those with limited space, while most adults and couples should seek out the best queen or king mattress available. Keep in mind that as size increases, so does the price. You’ll also need appropriately-sized sheets and comforters.

Top-rated mattresses

Cooling technology

An increase in temperature or humidity can lead to excessive movement and discomfort during sleep, disturbing not only you but others in the bed. As such, most luxury mattress companies integrate cooling technology. Some foam options are infused with gel or graphite, particularly memory foam that tends to trap heat. Other brands use open-cell foam to increase airflow. Innerspring layers naturally allow for air circulation, though individually-pocketed springs provide maximum movement.

Motion isolation

For those sleeping with a partner, seek out mattresses that limit motion and isolate movement. This is particularly useful for two people on different sleep schedules, allowing one person to move around on their side without disturbing the other.

Edge support

For those who prefer softer mattresses, you may still want to seek out models that are firmer along the side. Some mattresses enhance support around the edge so that you can get into and out of bed easily, especially useful for those individuals who may suffer from chronic pain or need a bit more help.

How much you can expect to spend on a mattress

A quality hybrid queen mattress will cost $800-$1500 depending on how many layers are incorporated. Innerspring and foam models will typically run cheaper.

Mattress FAQ

How do I protect my mattress?

A. We recommend investing in a mattress protector to prevent dust, dirt and other particles from penetrating the surface. Most options also block liquids. If anything seeps in, it can accelerate the mattress’s deterioration and hurt its cooling or comfort features. Rotate your bed every few months to allow for even usage all around. Some users recommend sprinkling the mattress with baking soda and letting it air out for 24 hours to deodorize it as well.

What’s the ideal mattress thickness?

A. Most mattresses are 8-12 inches thick. A 10-inch mattress best serves the average-size person. Heavier individuals will want a thicker option, while slighter individuals can go thinner. A mattress that is too thin will wear out more quickly as coils may struggle over time, and foam may sag. Conversely, a thicker mattress may not provide the comfort features, with individuals resting atop instead of being conformed to by the mattress.

Which mattresses are best?

Top mattress

Dreamcloud Hybrid Mattress

What you need to know: With its comprehensive features, this mattress is designed to last for years. It’s perfect for those who like a blend of soft and firm.

What you’ll love: It has multiple layers of foam and coils to provide extra comfort. The top layer is cooling, and there is minimal weight transfer.

What you should consider: It’s not ideal for users who want a really firm mattress.

Top mattress for the money

Tuft & Needle Original

What you need to know: This is a comfortable and affordable foam mattress from a brand that champions simplicity and reliability.

What you’ll love: It’s a 10-inch mattress featuring two layers of high-quality foam, an open-cell design that promotes airflow and supports all sleeping positions.

What you should consider: It may be too thin and soft for some individuals.

Worth checking out

Casper Wave

What you need to know: An investment mattress packed with innovative technologies, this option provides support and comfort to all individuals.

What you’ll love: The top hybrid mattress from a luxury brand Features four layers of foam atop a spring foundation. Zoned memory foam, latex and polyfoam all promote airflow and sleep cool.

What you should consider: It’s on the pricier side and, at 13 inches thick, it’s not ideal for smaller individuals.

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

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/the-best-mattresses-to-help-you-wake-refreshed/ 

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 16, the 350th day of 2025. There are 15 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Dec. 16, 2024, a 15-year-old student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a fellow student and a teacher. The shooter also died.

Police chief says motive for Wisconsin school shooting was a ‘combination of factors’

Also on this date:

1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped more than 300 chests of tea overboard to protest tea taxes.

In 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, which came to be known as the “Great White Fleet,” set sail from Hampton Roads, Virginia, on a 14-month, round-the-world voyage to demonstrate American sea power.

In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg.

In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City.

In 2000, President-elect George W. Bush nominated Colin Powell to become secretary of state; Powell was confirmed by the Senate and became the first African-American to hold the position.

Related Articles

In 2020, a French court convicted 14 people accused of being accomplices in the 2015 Islamic State terror attacks in Paris against the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a kosher supermarket. The attacks, claimed jointly by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, left 17 people dead along with three gunmen.

Today’s Birthdays: Artist Edward Ruscha is 88. Actor Liv Ullmann is 87. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 84. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 79. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 76. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 62. Filmmaker James Mangold is 62. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 60. Actor Miranda Otto is 58. Astrophysicist Adam Reiss is 56. Actor Krysten Ritter is 44. Singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno is 44. Actor Theo James is 41. Actor Anna Popplewell is 37. Actor Stephan James is 32. Pop singer Zara Larsson is 28.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/today-in-history-teen-opens-fire-at-wisconsin-school-killing-student-and-teacher/ 

Por ILLIA NOVIKOV

KIEV (AP) — El presidente de Ucrania, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, afirmó que las propuestas negociadas con funcionarios de Estados Unidos sobre un acuerdo de paz para poner fin a los casi cuatro años de guerra de su país con Rusia podrían finalizarse en cuestión de días, tras lo cual los enviados estadounidenses las presentarán al Kremlin antes de posibles reuniones adicionales en Estados Unidos el próximo fin de semana.

Zelenskyy dijo a los periodistas el lunes por la noche que el borrador del plan de paz tratado con Estados Unidos durante las conversaciones en Berlín ese día es “muy viable”. Sin embargo, advirtió que algunos temas clave, especialmente lo que sucede con el territorio ucraniano ocupado por las fuerzas invasoras rusas, siguen sin resolverse.

Los esfuerzos de paz liderados por Estados Unidos parecen estar ganando impulso. Pero el presidente ruso, Vladímir Putin, podría resistirse a algunas de las propuestas elaboradas por funcionarios de Washington, Kiev y Europa Occidental, incluidas las garantías de seguridad para Ucrania en el período posterior a la guerra.

Funcionarios estadounidenses dijeron el lunes que hay consenso de Ucrania y Europa sobre aproximadamente el 90% del plan de paz redactado por Estados Unidos. El presidente estadounidense, Donald Trump, dijo que “creo que estamos más cerca ahora que nunca” de un acuerdo de paz.

Sin embargo, quedan muchos posibles obstáculos.

Zelenskyy reiteró que Kiev descarta reconocer el control de Moscú sobre cualquier parte del Donbás, una región de importancia económica en el este de Ucrania compuesta por Luhansk y Donetsk. El ejército ruso no controla por completo ninguna de las dos.

“Los estadounidenses están tratando de encontrar un compromiso”, dijo Zelenskyy, antes de visitar Holanda el martes. “Proponen una ‘zona económica libre’ (en el Donbás). Y quiero recalcar una vez más: una ‘zona económica libre’ no significa bajo el control de la Federación Rusa”.

El tema territorial sigue siendo uno de los obstáculos más difíciles para un acuerdo integral.

Putin quiere que todas las áreas en cuatro regiones clave que sus fuerzas han tomado, así como la península de Crimea, que Moscú se anexionó ilegalmente en 2014, sean reconocidas como territorio ruso.

Zelenskyy advirtió que si Putin rechaza los esfuerzos diplomáticos, Ucrania espera una mayor presión occidental sobre Moscú, incluidas sanciones más duras y apoyo militar adicional para la defensa. Kiev buscaría sistemas de defensa antiaérea mejorados y armas de largo alcance si la diplomacia fracasa, dijo.

Ucrania y Estados Unidos están preparando hasta cinco documentos relacionados con el marco de paz, varios de ellos centrados en la seguridad, dijo Zelenskyy.

Se mostró optimista sobre el progreso en las conversaciones de Berlín.

“En general, hubo una demostración de unidad”, afirmó Zelenskyy. “Fue verdaderamente positivo en el sentido de que reflejó la unidad de Estados Unidos, Europa y Ucrania.”

___

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/zelenskyy-las-propuestas-para-acabar-con-la-guerra-en-ucrania-podran-enviarse-a-rusia-en-das/