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Ministerio salvadoreño confirma 107 casos de malaria importados, descarta contagios autóctonos

Associated Press

SAN SALVADOR (AP) — El Ministerio de Salud de El Salvador confirmó el viernes 107 casos de malaria en un grupo de 310 salvadoreños que retornaron de República Democrática del Congo, donde la enfermedad circula de forma activa.

Salud informó en las redes sociales que “hasta el momento no se reportan casos autóctonos” y que se ha activado un “protocolo de vigilancia” y seguimiento de los salvadoreños que volvieron del Congo y sus familias, además de hacerles pruebas para detectar algún posible nuevo caso.

También avisaron que se realizarán fumigaciones, destrucción de zancudos y búsqueda activa de casos en todo el país.

Desde 2021 El Salvador es reconocido por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud como un país libre de malaria y las autoridades dicen que siguen trabajando para mantener ese estatus.

La malaria o paludismo es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal causada por el parásito Plasmodium que es trasmitido por la picadura de un zancudo que habita en zonas tropicales.

Extraoficialmente se conoció que el grupo de salvadoreños viajó al Congo para trabajar en seguridad.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/ministerio-salvadoreo-confirma-107-casos-de-malaria-importados-descarta-contagios-autctonos/ 

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Estrellas del K-pop anuncian donaciones para apoyar a víctimas de incendio en Hong Kong

SEÚL, Corea del Sur (AP) — La banda de K-pop aespa y otras estrellas del pop surcoreano anunciaron una serie de donaciones para apoyar a las víctimas de un incendio en un conjunto de apartamentos en Hong Kong que cobró la vida de al menos 128 personas, en una de las tragedias más mortales de la ciudad.

El grupo femenino aespa afirmó que donará 500.000 dólares de Hong Kong (64.000 dólares estadounidenses) a la Cruz Roja de Hong Kong, según una publicación en su cuenta oficial de Weibo. “Expresamos nuestro más profundo pesar por esta desgarradora noticia”, escribió la banda.

Stray Kids prometió 1 millón de dólares de Hong Kong (129.000 dólares estadounidenses) a través de World Vision Hong Kong para dar alojamiento temporal y otro tipo de apoyo a los niños y residentes afectados. “Todos nos sentimos muy consternados al escuchar la desafortunada noticia de Hong Kong”, manifestó el grupo.

SM y JYP Entertainment, dos de las mayores compañías de entretenimiento de Corea del Sur, donaron un total de 3 millones de dólares de Hong Kong (385.000 dólares estadounidenses) para dar ayuda de emergencia y recuperación ante desastres.

Otros grupos de K-pop que también prometieron donaciones son las “boy bands” Riize, EXO-CBX y KickFlip, que contribuyeron con 100.000 dólares de Hong Kong (12.900 dólares estadounidenses) a través de World Vision Hong Kong.

Los organizadores de los MAMA AWARDS, una ceremonia anual de premios de K-pop de dos días programada para el viernes y sábado en Hong Kong, enfrentaron críticas en línea en Corea del Sur por no cancelar el evento a la luz de la tragedia provocada por el incendio.

La compañía de entretenimiento surcoreana CJ E&M canceló los eventos de alfombra roja de ambos días, pero afirmó que la ceremonia principal se llevaría a cabo.

“Expresamos nuestras más profundas condolencias a quienes perdieron la vida en el incendio en Hong Kong”, dijo CJ E&M en un comunicado. La compañía afirmó que los premios incluirían un mensaje de “Apoyo a Hong Kong” y dedicarían tiempo para el duelo. Los organizadores también prometieron donar 20 millones de dólares de Hong Kong (2,6 millones de dólares estadounidenses) al fondo de apoyo establecido por el gobierno del territorio.

“Creemos en el poder sanador y de solidaridad de la música”, se indica en el comunicado.

___

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/2025/11/28/estrellas-del-k-pop-anuncian-donaciones-para-apoyar-a-vctimas-de-incendio-en-hong-kong/ 

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C.J. Stroud de los Texans regresará contra Colts tras recuperarse de una conmoción

Por KRISTIE RIEKEN

HOUSTON (AP) — El quarterback de Houston, C.J. Stroud, regresará el domingo cuando los Texans visiten Indianápolis en un enfrentamiento clave de la AFC Sur, después de perderse los últimos tres juegos recuperándose de una conmoción.

El entrenador DeMeco Ryans confirmó el viernes que Stroud jugaría después de haber superado el protocolo de conmociones.

Stroud se lesionó al principio del segundo cuarto de la derrota ante Denver el 2 de noviembre. Corrió seis yardas y fue golpeado en el hombro por Kris Abrams-Draine cerca del final de su deslizamiento, y la parte posterior de su cabeza rebotó violentamente contra el suelo.

Regresó a los entrenamientos la semana pasada de manera limitada, pero Ryans comentó que la semana corta no dejó suficiente tiempo para que estuviera listo para regresar en ese partido del jueves contra los Bills.

El safety Jalen Pitre también jugará contra los Colts después de perderse los últimos tres juegos tras sufrir también una conmoción contra los Broncos.

Davis Mills fue titular los últimos tres juegos mientras los Texans (6-5) se han apoyado en su defensa de primer nivel para lograr un 3-0 y superar el .500 por primera vez esta temporada.

Los Colts lideran la división con 8-3 y este será el primero de dos encuentros esta temporada entre estos equipos, que también jugarán en el final de la temporada regular.

___

Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/c-j-stroud-de-los-texans-regresar-contra-colts-tras-recuperarse-de-una-conmocin/ 

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Worship news: Gift exchange and winter workshop

Crown Point

CrossPoint Church: 214 S. Court St. — CrossPoint Church will have a “Favorite Things” Women’s Christmas Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Attendees should bring three of the same item ($5 to $10 each) wrapped and ready to exchange. The gift should be a favorite item from the year. Register here: https://xpoint.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1080762.

St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church: 101 W. Burrell Drive — St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church will have a winter workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. The workshop will focus on holiday greenery and includes a 12” planter, assorted fresh cut greenery and assistance. The event will be held at Niemeyers Landscape Supply. For more information, call 219-663-2201.

Gary

Marquette Park United Methodist Church: 215 N. Grand Blvd. — All are welcome to worship at 11:15 a.m. Sundays at Marquette Park United Methodist Church. There will be refreshments afterward in the Fellowship Hall.

Hammond

Faith United Church of Christ: 3030 175th St. — Faith United Church of Christ holds its worship service at 10 a.m. on Sundays, followed by fellowship and coffee.

Saint Joseph Catholic Church: 5304 Hohman Ave. — Saint Joseph Catholic Church will have “Donut Sunday” on the last Sunday of every month after the 9 a.m. Mass. Free coffee and donuts are provided at the church hall.

Merrillville

Diocese of Gary Office: 9292 Broadway — The Diocese will be accepting donations hats, scarves and gloves for the Caps for Kids campaign at its Merrillville office through January. The Diocese is assisting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Gary, to collect new or handmade hats, scarves and gloves. Checks can also be mailed to “Caps for Kids,” c/o St. Vincent de Paul, 2714 169th St., Hammond, IN 46323. For more information, call (219) 769-9292, ext. 88251.

Our Lady of Queen of Martyrs – South Campus: 8303 Taft St. — Join Bishop Robert J. McClory in celebrating Simbang Gabi at 4 p.m. on December 20. Simbang Gabi is a Filipino Christmas tradition of nine days of Masses during the Christmas season. A reception will follow the Mass.

Munster

St. Thomas More Church: 8501 Calumet Ave. — Monsignor Weis Council 10596 Knights of Columbus will hold its annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale beginning Nov. 28. Hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Those who are interested can walk the tree lot to find their perfect tree, and treats are available for kids. Proceeds support local charities, and orders are cash or check only.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso Baptist Church: 612 Emmettsburg St. — Valparaiso Baptist Church will have a Nursing Home Ministry event from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Golden Living Center, 251 Sturdy Road. All are welcome to join as they minister to the seniors at Brickyard Healthcare. For more information, call 219-464-1443.

To submit worship news, email cnance@post-trib.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/worship-news-gift-exchange-and-winter-workshop/ 

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Porter County elections office cuts ribbon on new space, again

Dozens were on hand Tuesday afternoon to help Porter County’s Elections & Voter Registration Office celebrate a ribbon-cutting after its space was renovated – again.

The award-winning staff of eight has had a rough couple of years. In 2023, in a mass reorganization effort designed to give several departments more space, they moved from their former locale in the basement of the Administration Building to their current main floor location at 155 Franklin St.

While the streetside address with big plate-glass windows adorned with large decals made it easier for the public to find and access the space, the converted restaurant left a lot to be desired on the inside.

A ruptured water heater flooded the space in February and caused considerable damage to voting machines as the leaking water seeped into the basement, where the equipment is stored.

“It just took a water heater blowing up so this place no longer feels like a restaurant,” said Porter County Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center.

“It still had the hood,” said Elections & Voter Office Director Sundae Schoon. “Grease would come and leak out of it when it would rain. It was gross.”

Porter County Elections &Voter Registration Office Director Sundae Schoon speaks at a ribbon-cutting of the renovated office Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Shelley Jones/for Post-Tribune)

She teared up when speaking to the crowd of her dedicated staff, amazed that they didn’t bail during the latest fiasco and nine months of upheaval. “They adapted and worked throughout all the chaos,” she said. “You guys shock me and make me proud every single day.”

Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, said he’s visited a lot of other county election offices in his travels. “There ain’t one that’s got a better voter registration than we’ve got,” he said.

The staff took up temporary quarters in the courthouse during the $1.5 million renovation. Perhaps the biggest difference, besides the more professional-looking finishes this time around, is the roomy storage space where the staff can now keep e-poll books and election supplies.

And in the strictest professionalism, the only political favoritism on display in the new space is a partisanship toward the pup with a gallery wall of canine candidates, since Schoon’s French bulldogs are known to run the place.

“We always strive for something new, to be more innovative, to push ourselves to the limit,” said Porter County Clerk Jessica Bailey, who oversees the office. Now, at least, they have the right digs to do it.

Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/porter-county-elections-office-cuts-ribbon-on-new-space-again/ 

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Sanctioned Russia-Bound Oil Tanker At Risk Of Sinking After Mine Strike

Sanctioned Russia-Bound Oil Tanker At Risk Of Sinking After Mine Strike

Two tankers which were traversing waters north of Turkey’s Black Sea coast are believed to have suffered damaged from sea mines placed in regional waters related to the Ukraine war.

A suezmax and an aframax tanker sanctioned by the West for trading in Russia both caught fire nearly simultaneously on Friday, according to Bloomberg and regional outlets. 

Smoke is seen near the Russia-bound tanker off the coast of Turkey, via DHA/Daily Sabah

At least one of the tankers is on fire after the apparent blasts occurred about 30 nautical miles north of Turkey’s Black Sea coast.

Crewmembers have been cited in maritime reports saying an “external impact” was observed, as related by Turkish authorities. 

Specifically a fire was observed aboard the Kairos tanker in the Black Sea near the Turkish coast. The vessel was reportedly en route to the Black Sea port of Novorssiysk when the incident occurred.

Turkey’s Daily Sabah said the blaze triggered a large-scale recue response, and all crew members are safe:

A fire broke out Thursday aboard a Russian-bound tanker off the coast of Kandıra district in Türkiye’s Kocaeli province, prompting an emergency rescue operation for the vessel’s 25 crew members, authorities said.

The tanker KAIROS, sailing empty toward Russia’s Novorossiysk port, reported a fire about 28 miles off Türkiye’s Black Sea shores, the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said in a statement. Officials noted the blaze was believed to have been triggered by an “external impact,” though the cause has not yet been confirmed.

“All 25 personnel onboard are in good condition,” the agency said, adding that rescue units were dispatched to evacuate the crew and monitor the situation.

The Kairos , which was sailing under the Gambian flag, is reportedly in danger of sinking – with Turkish coast guard vessels and tugboats currently assisting at the scene.

🇹🇷A tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet has exploded — right off the coast of Turkey

Judging by the video and the dramatic column of smoke, the blast was pretty powerful.

According to Bloomberg, the vessel in question is the Kairos. At the moment of the incident, it was located… pic.twitter.com/dINrNX9Z3b

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 28, 2025

While all initial reports have pointed to a sea mine explosion, there remains the possibility that a drone could have caused the explosion and damage. A rapid plume of smoke just after the strike could be observed all the way from eyewitnesses on the Turkish coast.

Tyler Durden
Fri, 11/28/2025 – 15:00

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/sanctioned-russia-bound-oil-tanker-risk-sinking-after-mine-strike 

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Rescatan a nueve mineros secuestrados por disidencias en el suroccidente de Colombia

Associated Press

BOGOTÁ (AP) — Nueve mineros fueron rescatados por elementos del ejército tras permanecer secuestrados más de un mes por una estructura ilegal armada en una zona rural del suroccidente de Colombia, informó una autoridad castrense el viernes.

En la operación de rescarte realizada en el municipio La Plata, departamento del Huila, fueron detenidas tres personas, indicó en declaraciones a la prensa el general José Soto, comandante de la quinta división del ejército colombiano. “Se encontraron nueve personas que estaban encadenadas y que llegan nuevamente a la libertad”, destacó.

Los rescatados, procedentes de Antioquia en el noroccidente del país, habían llegado a la zona para explorar una mina de oro, pero el 17 de octubre fueron secuestradas por la estructura Hernando González Acosta, de las disidencias de las extintas Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) —que no firmaron al acuerdo de paz en 2016–, precisó en un comunicado la institución.

Por su liberación los captores exigían 5.000 millones de pesos (más de un millón de dólares), mencionó a la prensa el coronel Carlos Tellez, comandante de la policía de Huila.

“Las víctimas habían sido engañadas con un falso negocio de explotación minera”, señaló.

Uno de los detenidos fue identificado como “alias Richard”, a quien las autoridades señalan como autor material de un atentado en La Plata en abril. Los otros dos eran encargados de vigilar a los secuestrados, uno de ellos es menor de edad.

De rodillas, con las manos en alto y entre lágrimas, los mineros rescatados daban gracias por su rescate, según se observó en videos divulgados por el Ejército, que señaló que en el sitio se incautaron pistolas, municiones, un artefacto explosivo improvisado, entre otros artículos.

El hecho ocurre pocos días después del aniversario de la firma del histórico acuerdo de paz entre el Estado colombiano y las ex FARC, pero sus disidencias, como la implicada en el secuestro, siguen delinquiendo en zonas urbanas y rurales.

La presidenta del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR), Mirjana Spoljaric, señaló el viernes al finalizar su visita de tres días en Colombia que el país vive una intensificación de hostilidades y “fuerte deterioro de la situación humanitaria”. Pidió a las autoridades “redoblar esfuerzos” para proteger a la población civil.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/rescatan-a-nueve-mineros-secuestrados-por-disidencias-en-el-suroccidente-de-colombia/ 

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Deportan a estudiante universitaria al regresar a casa por Acción de Gracias

Por HOLLY RAMER

Concord, Nueva Hampshire, EE.UU. (AP) — Una estudiante universitaria de primer año que intentaba volar de Boston a Texas para sorprender a su familia en Acción de Gracias fue deportada a Honduras en violación de una orden judicial, según su abogado.

Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, de 19 años, ya había pasado por los dispositivos de seguridad del Aeropuerto Internacional Logan de Boston el 20 de noviembre cuando le informaron que había un problema con su pase de abordaje, afirmó el abogado Todd Pomerleau. La estudiante de Babson College fue detenida por agentes de inmigración y, en el plazo de dos días, fue enviada a Texas y luego a Honduras, el país que dejó a los siete años.

“Está absolutamente desolada”, dijo Pomerleau. “Su sueño universitario acaba de hacerse añicos”.

Según el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés), un juez de inmigración ordenó la deportación de Lopez Belloza en 2015. Sin embargo, Pomerleau dijo que ella no estaba al tanto de ninguna orden de deportación, y el único registro que ha encontrado indica que su caso se cerró en 2017.

“La están responsabilizando por algo que, afirman, ocurrió hace una década, de lo cual ella no tiene conocimiento alguno y no están mostrando ninguna prueba”, comentó el abogado.

El día después de que Lopez Belloza fue arrestada, un juez federal emitió una orden de emergencia que prohibía que el gobierno la trasladara fuera de Massachusetts o de Estados Unidos por al menos 72 horas. El ICE no respondió a un correo electrónico enviado el viernes por The Associated Press para solicitar comentarios sobre la violación de esa orden. Babson College tampoco respondió a un correo electrónico en busca de comentarios.

Lopez Belloza, quien se encuentra con sus abuelos en Honduras, dijo al Boston Globe que esperaba con ansia contarles a sus padres y hermanas menores sobre su primer semestre estudiando negocios.

“Eso era mi sueño”, manifestó. “Lo estoy perdiendo todo”.

___

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/2025/11/28/deportan-a-estudiante-universitaria-al-regresar-a-casa-por-accin-de-gracias/ 

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Steve Millar’s top 5 girls wrestling teams and 25 girls wrestlers to watch in Southland for 2025-26 season

State runner-up Lockport returns bunch of talent, including two-time state champ Claudia Heeney.

Top 5 Teams

1. Lockport

The Porters were state runners-up in 2023-24 and placed fifth last season. They should be near the top again with senior Claudia Heeney (135 pounds), a two-time defending state champion, leading the way. Senior Sophie Kelner (190) and juniors Rebekah Ramirez (235) and Veronica Skibicki (110) are returning state qualifiers, with Skibicki coming one win shy of placing. Freshman Alaina Churnovic (105) could make an immediate impact for new coach Amier Khamis. Watch for senior Mayra Vicencio-Ramos (170) and junior Bella Romando (120).

2. Lincoln-Way co-op

Lincoln-Way’s depth made it a dominant dual team last season as it went 19-0 and won the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s girls dual team state championship. Lincoln-Way tied for 12th at the Illinois High School Association state finals. Senior Zoe Dempsey (115) returns after a third-place finish. Sophomore Sadie Sparks (120) lost in the blood round at state, falling one win short of the podium. Junior Ella Giertuga (140) was also a state qualifier. Junior Riley DePolo (170) is one to watch.

3. Andrew co-op

The District 230 team, which also includes wrestlers from Sandburg and Stagg, won the IHSA state championship last season. A decorated senior class graduated from that team, but the cupboard is certainly not bare. Sophomore Jade Hardee (100) returns after a third-place finish. Junior Tatum De La Vega (105) is a returning state qualifier, while sophomore Piper Booe (130) finished one win short of state, falling in the blood round at sectionals.

4. Oak Forest

Senior Alex Sebek (105) hopes to stay healthy and chase a state title after finishing as a runner-up her freshman year but then missing the last two postseasons with injuries. Freshman Rain Scott (125) had national success at the youth level and has dreams of being a four-time state champion. Senior Iyobosa Odiase (145) is a returning state qualifier. The Bengals will be dangerous if they can continue to develop their depth.

5. Homewood-Flossmoor

The Vikings have had at least one state medalist in three of the four years the IHSA has held a girls wrestling tournament. Senior London Gandy (110) is back after a sixth-place finish last season. Junior Amara Nwoye (135) fell one win short of state, losing in the sectional blood round. Juniors Na’imah LaMon (140) and Madelynn McClements (145) are returning sectional qualifiers looking to take the next step this season.

Lincoln-Way Central’s Zoe Dempsey, right, battles Glenbard West’s Khloe Perez at 110 pounds during the third-place match of the girls wrestling state meet in Bloomington on Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)

The 25 Girls Wrestlers to Watch

Tatum De La Vega, Andrew co-op, junior, 105 pounds.
Zoe Dempsey, Lincoln-Way co-op, senior, 115.
Lily Fish, Reavis, senior, 155.
Sam Fontaine, Marist, senior, 190.
London Gandy, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, 110.
Ella Giertuga, Lincoln-Way co-op, junior, 140.
Jade Hardee, Andrew co-op, sophomore, 100.
Elena Haugh, Ag Science, sophomore, 190.
Claudia Heeney, Lockport, senior, 135.
Carmen Jackson, Ag Science, senior, 110.
Dakodia Kelly, T.F. South, junior, 110.
Sophie Kelner, Lockport, senior, 190.
Izzy Locascio, Marist, senior, 135.
Jayden Melendez, Tinley Park, junior, 110.
Felix Morales, Oak Lawn, senior, 105.
Molly O’Connor, Lemont, senior, 125.
Iyobosa Odiase, Oak Forest, senior, 145.
Abby Parker, Marist, junior, 235.
Rebekah Ramirez, Lockport, junior, 235.
Mila Rocush, Shepard, junior, 130.
Rain Scott, Oak Forest, freshman, 125.
Alex Sebek, Oak Forest, senior, 105.
Veronica Skibicki, Lockport, junior, 110.
Sadie Sparks, Lincoln-Way co-op, sophomore, 120.
Ariel Woodfin, Thornton, senior, 100.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/steve-millar-top-5-girls-wrestling-teams-25-girls-wrestlers-to-watch-southland-2025-26/ 

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In search of Black Friday deals, shoppers hit Chicago Streets despite chilly temperatures, inflation worries

Thousands of eager shoppers braved Chicago’s chilly temperatures to take advantage of Black Friday sales and take in the sights downtown.

Despite concerns about inflation, shoppers turned out en masse for a day of shopping that, for some, is just as much about finding good deals as it is about holiday traditions in downtown Chicago. A long line of customers stretched around the Richard J. Daley Center waiting to get into a packed Christkindlmarket.

Jen Villa and her husband Joe Villa typically visit Chicago-area family on Thanksgiving and hit some of the city’s best known stores on Black Friday. The pair were taking a rest in Macy’s flagship store on State Street after a busy morning, and were about to get some of the store’s world-famous Frango candies.

“We have two teenagers and another son and this is our tradition every year,” said Jen Villa, a preschool teacher from the Detroit area. “We have to get Frangos every year.”

They still planned to visit Water Tower Place and other outlets on Michigan Avenue, before going ice skating and attending the The Sound of Music sing-a-long at Chicago’s Music Box Theater.

“We love doing that,” Jen Villa said. “It’s a girls outing.”

Joe Villa, who works for General Motors, said they don’t purchase many items on Black Friday. The trip is mostly about spending time with family on an extended holiday weekend. He does have some concerns about persistent inflation, but gave each of his three children, aged 17, 18 and 21, about $100 to spend.

“It’s a great way for them to learn about inflation, by spending their own money,” Villa said. “We don’t have the Magnificent Mile in Detroit. We have a lot of stores, but it’s just not the same.”

Many Chicago-area consumers are worrying about inflation this Christmas season, and those worries could cause many to cut back on spending.

Deloitte’s 2025 Chicago Holiday Retail Survey found local shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,553 for the holidays, down 11% from last year. More than three-quarters of Chicago shoppers surveyed said they expect to see higher prices, and nearly 90% said they would be on the hunt for deals.

Not everyone is worried. Older shoppers are likely to spend roughly the same amounts or a little more than they did last year, while those under 44 report they may make significant cutbacks, according to Deloitte’s national shopping survey. Generation Z, those aged 18 to 28, are the most anxious about their holiday finances, and plan to cut spending by 34%. Generation X, those between the ages of 44 and 61, plan to boost their spending to $1,980, a 3% increase, Deloitte found.

The city’s thrift stores were a popular destination Friday for shoppers looking for more economic, guilt-free purchases. The Salvation Army offered 50% off on clothing, a deal that the dozens of shoppers who crisscrossed the aisles at the Lincoln Park store took advantage of Friday morning.

Pamela Trout, 32, was searching for a new outfit for an upcoming trip to Mexico, specifically a black denim jacket. It can get pricey buying new clothes, so the Salvation Army deal felt like a perfect compromise, she said.

“I feel better about the dopamine hit of getting something new,” Trout, a Lincoln Park resident, said. “I did some online shopping at Aritzia, and I bought three things, and it was like $400. That versus here I can get a lot more stuff and it’s more unique.”

She also picked up a black and white striped shirt for work for less than $5.

Giuliana Martinez bought sweaters and bilingual books for her three nephews. The 40-year-old West Loop resident tries to keep Spanish alive in her family and said the Lincoln Park store has a robust selection of secondhand books. She also loves finding surprises in thrift stores.

“I really enjoy the hunt of thrifting,” Martinez said. “I’m not really looking for anything specific, so if I find a good treat, great. If I don’t find anything I’m not disappointed. When I go to the mall. I’m very targeted, because it’s too busy.”

Keith Beyar, 57, said his family agreed to make this Christmas a “thrifting Christmas” so as not to put pressure on anyone financially. He shopped Friday with his wife and two children.

“It’s like make a list, see if you can find a version of it at a thrift store or upcycle, recycle,” the Old Town resident said.

His 22-year-old daughter, Nadya Beyar, said it doesn’t seem like there’s many good discounts at shops anyway, so 50% off comparatively seems like “a real Black Friday sale.” She found Levi jeans and athletic wear.

“Those are always the hidden gems in thrift stores,” she said.

.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/28/black-friday-chicago/