The Chicago Blackhawks had faced each team in the NHL going into Monday night except one: the San Jose Sharks.

That changed at the United Center as two young Canadian stars, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, squared off for the first time this season.

“(Bedard’s) a good friend and (we) grew up in the same area,” Celebrini said. “We like battling, and I don’t think either of us compare each other.”

No need to compare … but what’s wrong with a little fun? Bedard’s Hawks drew first blood against Celebrini’s Sharks on Monday.

The Hawks (22-25-9) defeated the Sharks 6-3 in the final home game before the NHL Olympic freeze. It was an urgent win for the home team, which snapped a five-game losing streak.

Bedard struck first on the power play at the 7-minute mark in the first period. The 20-year-old has scored a goal in three straight games and has five points in his last four, so he’s finding his rhythm before the break.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov during the first period at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Celebrini, who will skate for Team Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics, treated the spectators with a goal of his own at 15:11 in the second period. It was his 28th goal of the season, continuing an unreal sophomore campaign for the 19-year-old.

“We’re both focused on the right things and he handles himself very well,” Bedard said pregame of Celebrini, a fellow No. 1 draft pick. “He’s worried about his game and helping his team win, not thinking about the extracurricular stuff.”

There will be plenty of matchups for the pair in the future. Safe to say the league’s in good hands.

“I’ve been following what he’s doing this year, but to play against it live, he does a lot of the little things really well and his skill is obviously top tier,” Jason Dickinson said about Celebrini. “A guy that battles that hard and has the skill to match it, he’s going to be — and is — a very special player.”

The Sharks were focused on Bedard, but maybe they should have been on the four other Hawks who sent the puck into the net. It was a dream match for hockey fans, but a nightmare for the San Jose goaltenders.

“As a coach, you’d love to win 3-1 and all that stuff, but to score six matters,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “Guys feel better about themselves when that happens and I know how important confidence is.”

With Monday’s goal, Bedard now tops the Hawks’ under-age-21 point leaderboards. His 181 points (and counting, until his July birthday) passed Eddie Olczyk (180).

Photos: Chicago Blackhawks 6, San Jose Sharks 3

On a smaller scale, Bedard broke the Hawks’ 11-game power-play scoring drought. His goal was the first time the team scored on a man-advantage in 27 tries.

No. 98 was mic’d up for the game broadcast, and he was heard yelling “Finally!” after his goal. A breath of fresh air, indeed.

“Me and Vlasic were laughing, the power play scored three goals in a row on us this morning at the morning skate,” Connor Murphy said. “So after we scored, Vlasic looked at me and he goes, ‘We gave them some confidence this morning.’”

Five different players scored goals for the Hawks. Bedard’s goal in the first (21st of the season) and second period goals from Murphy, Ryan Donato, Sam Rinzel and Ilya Mikheyev forced a Sharks (27-23-4) goalie change.

“It was good, our line was clicking,” Dickinson said. “(Donato and Mikheyev), they were on a different level and I just kind of got to ride them.”

The Donato-Dickinson-Mikheyev line had the most fun for the Hawks. The veteran line combined for 10 points (four goals, six assists), boosted by Mikheyev’s second career four-point night (one goal, three assists).

Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

“They’re easy to play with, they’re so predictable,” Donato said. “(Dickinson’s) a great centerman, very reliable, and then (Mikheyev’s) a workhorse who always makes the right play.

“Those are the type of things you look for in players, and if you can help them be better, they help me be better. At the same time, we kind of work off each other (and) when you play like that, it’s fun.”

Donato, with two goals and two assists, showed his flashy moves on both of his horn sounds. The first spun defenseman Vincent Desharnais around before scoring on his snipe.

He slid into the wall hard during his celebration. It was a pretty goal, one that he paid for.

“I haven’t even watched it yet. I know I got buried after it, so it hurt a little bit.” Donato said. “It was lucky to go in and a lot of guys made a good play to make that happen.”

The forward is still looking for his offensive flair after he had a career-high 31 goals and 31 assists last season. He’s hoping his performance against the Sharks will give him some momentum coming back from the freeze.

“You have plenty of chances that should go in and don’t, and sometimes they don’t deserve to go in and they go in,” Donato said. “Hopefully that’s a good sign for the future, I’m going to continue to work to hopefully help the team win more games.”

Bedard versus Celebrini overshadowed the return to the United Center for Sharks center Philipp Kurashev. The 26-year-old was drafted by the Hawks in 2018 and spent five seasons with the team.

He scored 130 points (48 goals, 82 assists) in 317 games with the Hawks. Kurashev, who had an assist Monday, signed a one-year, $1.2 million free-agent contract with the Sharks on July 1.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/chicago-blackhawks-connor-bedard-macklin-celebrini/ 

Junior guard Amani Meeks fills her role and runs the point dutifully for Kaneland, making sure that all of her teammates get involved somehow on the scoresheet.

Still, coach Brian Claesson has been hoping Meeks would start being a little more aggressive. During the long winter season, it’s ironic how circumstances can force something into action.

The Knights went 0-4 last week, losing three starters to injury. It meant Meeks had no choice now.

“It helped me kind of break out with my confidence, know what I can do and how much I can actually put up,” Meeks said of taking over. “It feels good to have some of my teammates’ backs.

“It’s hard having injuries, then having to step up. It feels good, but at the same time, it also stinks.”

Meeks took that attitude and cleaned up Monday night for the visiting Knights, putting up nine points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists in a 61-21 nonconference victory over Bartlett.

Kaneland’s Amani Meeks (3) pushes the ball up the court as Bartlett’s Jazzy Clark (4) gives chase during a nonconference game in Bartlett on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Grace Brunscheen led all scorers with 20 points as Kaneland (18-9) got back on track. Ansley Ruh added 10 points off the bench. Jazzy Clark paced Bartlett (7-21) with 11 points.

Claesson believes that Meeks, who’s in her third varsity season, has it in her to be a more dynamic scorer. He’s hoping that comes to the forefront now with the playoffs rapidly approaching.

“We’ve been telling her to be aggressive,” Claesson said. “She was forced to be aggressive because we lost three starters. I’m hoping that kind of mindset pays off.

“If she plays like that, I don’t think she realizes how good she can actually be.”

Kaneland’s Amani Meeks (3) and Bartlett’s Ella Kettinger (3) reach for a rebound during a nonconference game in Bartlett on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

The past two seasons, Meeks played in the shadow of backcourt standout Kendra Brown, one of the program’s all-time greats.

For this season, Claesson jump-started Meeks’ development by naming her a captain. Suddenly, she was in a starring, leading role on a team that was starting over with a bunch of new players.

“I have the mindset like, ‘Since she is gone, who is going to take more shots?’” Meeks said of replacing Brown. “Having that role being filled was a key to our team this year.

“I kind of watched and saw how the other captains have been. I’m just embracing the role and trying to be a leader to everyone on the team.”

Kaneland’s Amani Meeks (3) battles under the basket in a crowd against Bartlett during a nonconference game in Bartlett on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

As the season has gone on, Claesson noticed that Meeks took to her new role gradually.

“She always wants to make the right play,” Claesson said. “Sometimes, she needs to be a little bit selfish. That’s just not who she is. I think it’s a new role for her and she’s starting to embrace it.

“We’re starting to see it. Last week was a tough week and she has stepped up, keeping everyone encouraged. So super proud of her.”

Meeks’ energy is infectious and leads to aggressive play from the whole team. Bartlett coach Pat Ryan, Kaneland’s former football coach, noticed it right away Monday night.

“They’re exceptionally aggressive,” Ryan said. “At times, you could see how badly they wanted the basketball.”

Kaneland’s Amani Meeks (3) drives to the basket as Bartlett’s Jazzy Clark (4) defends during a nonconference game in Bartlett on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Meeks feels that approach grows from the defensive end of the floor.

“I think it’s just hustle, go after every rebound, push through being tired,” Meeks said. “I love playing defense, so I just have a defensive mindset all the time going into the game.”

People on the outside of the program may not have realized what the Knights had coming back. Losing a star like Brown usually points toward a rebuild. It hasn’t been the case for Kaneland.

“I think people didn’t expect us to come out as on fire as we did,” Meeks said. “I think it’s good to show that we’re still good without her.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/amani-meeks-kaneland-girls-basketball/ 

Photos of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) celebrates with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier (46) after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (33) during the third period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) falls towards the ice after being pushed by San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) during the third period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks players celebrate after defeating the San Jose Sharks, 6-3, at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) adjusts his helmet during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) guards Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) during the second period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) guards San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) while he tries to score a goal past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during the second period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) during the second period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks center Will Smith (2) scores a goal past Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier (46) and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during the second period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) and San Jose Sharks center Tyler Toffoli (73) chase after the puck during the second period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks center Will Smith (2) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) takes a shot during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren (37) guards Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) while he handles the puck during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates after scoring a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates after scoring a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) pushes Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) onto the ice during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais (5) falls on the ice during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) stands on the ice during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) falls on the ice during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Oliver Moore (11) falls on the ice during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks right wing Collin Graf (51) and Chicago Blackhawks left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) chase after the puck during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates after scoring a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) during the first period at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) walks to the ice for warm-ups before the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson (16) walks to the ice for warm-ups before the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (33) skates on the ice during warm-ups before the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) walks to the ice for warm-ups before the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) walks to ice for warm-ups before the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) tosses a puck into the stands before the first period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Fans get a puck from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) before the Chicago Blackhawks play the San Jose Sharks at the United Center Monday Feb. 2, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/03/photos-chicago-blackhawks-6-san-jose-sharks-3/ 

Dear Eric: Like many people, my weight yo-yos. Over the decades, I have joined many weight-loss programs and got to my target weight on each (with 100 pounds being the most loss at one time). I stick to each program 99 percent of the time, finding the weekly weigh-ins to be very motivating.

I’ve picked up good habits from each (exercising five-to-six times a week, greatly increasing my vegetable intake, et cetera) but I still overeat after my goal weight is reached and I’m no longer participating in weekly public weigh-ins.

I still weigh myself at home but for some reason don’t find it motivating to pare down my eating. Is there anything I can do to get the same weight-loss reduction motivation without yet again paying for a program that is just basically a weekly public weigh-in?

– Want Inner Motivation

Dear Motivation: It sounds like you’d really benefit from an accountability buddy. Maybe it’s someone who is also trying to change their eating or their relationship to their body, or maybe it’s a friend or loved one who is simply in your corner and rooting for you. It may even be an online community – an established group or a cohort you cultivate yourself.

From what you’ve written, it seems that the habit of weighing in and then reporting back to others who know what your goals are is really motivating. It also sounds like these are processes that, crucially, involve clear expectations but not shame. You can create the same dynamic by telling others what your goals are, what you expect of yourself, and asking them simply to witness your journey. They can cheer you on when you achieve a goal and can give you encouragement when you don’t.

Dear Eric: I get a holiday card from a family consisting of a mom, dad and daughter. They also have a son that died in infancy several years ago. They still put his name on the card. I think this is a little weird. Your thoughts?

– Card Question

Dear Card Question: I don’t think it’s weird. But respectfully, it doesn’t matter what I or you think about it at all. This is how this family is processing a profound loss. And, while it wouldn’t be some people’s choice, by putting their son’s name on their holiday card, they are sharing a part of their lives and their emotional journey that’s meaningful. I see this vulnerability as a gift.

While it’s perfectly fine to put a simple greeting on a holiday card, or any card, when we reach out to family and friends in this way, we’re inviting them into our lives as those lives change and challenge us. I would guess that by putting their son’s name on their card, they’re inviting the recipients to see their full family, as they see it – bonded not by life, but by love. Suffice it to say, their son is still their son and still important to them.

It’s fine if it’s not to your taste. Perhaps don’t put it on your fridge or mantel. But next year, try to see it as an invitation into their lives. You don’t have to accept said invitation but consider being grateful that they trust you enough to make the offer.

Dear Eric: I’m deaf, gradually lost my hearing and got a cochlear implant in December 1994. I wanted to respond to “Hearing Jokes”, a person with hearing loss whose hearing-impaired siblings staged an intervention because the letter writer didn’t want to get a hearing aid.

I would recommend that “Hearing Jokes” join the Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA) and attend some meetings either in person or online. I also recommend joining the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and attending meetings in person or online. Most of these members (by far the majority) do not identify as deaf but work to find peace of mind first with themselves and then with others.

It is a process to find ways to cope with hearing loss itself and to cope with the feelings of shame and negativity. These people can share their stories with “Hearing Loss” and help the letter writer to find a place of peace within.

– Community and Hope

Related Articles

Dear Community: Thank you for these great resources. Sometimes friends and loved ones won’t do what they need to do to fix a problem, medical, emotional, psychological, or other. While it’s important to support and sometimes coax them, it’s also crucial to remember that everyone has autonomy. We can’t be forced into doing what’s right for us. What I appreciate about your suggestions is that they offer the letter writer tools to change his or her own mind and to overcome the internal blocks that have impeded addressing the hearing loss in the first place.

(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/2026/02/03/asking-eric-this-family-is-processing-a-profound-loss/ 

Por ISABEL DEBRE

PARQUE NACIONAL LOS ALERCES, Argentina (AP) — Estos días, las majestuosas y boscosas laderas de la Patagonia argentina parecen una zona de guerra.

Nubes de humo en forma de hongo se elevan como si fueran el resultado de ataques con misiles. Grandes llamas iluminan el cielo nocturno, tiñendo la luna de un color mango-naranja y transformando las gloriosas vistas que generaciones de escritores y aventureros han impreso en la psique global en algo fantasmal.

Vastas extensiones del Parque Nacional Los Alerces, un sitio del Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO hogar de árboles de 2.600 años de antigüedad, están ahora en llamas.

Los incendios forestales, entre los peores en décadas que han azotado una región de la Patagonia afectada por la sequía, han devastado más de 45.000 hectáreas (más de 110.000 acres) de bosques nativos de Argentina en el último mes y medio, obligando a evacuar a miles de residentes y turistas. El lunes, el incendio seguía extendiéndose.

La crisis, con la mayor parte de la temporada de incendios de Argentina aún por delante, ha reavivado la ira hacia el presidente libertario radical del país, Javier Milei, cuya dura política de austeridad en los últimos dos años ha recortado el gasto en programas y agencias que no sólo trabajan para combatir incendios, sino también para proteger parques y prevenir que los incendios se inicien y se propaguen.

“Hay una voluntad política del gobierno actual en Argentina de desmantelar a las instituciones de combate a incendios”, afirmó Luis Schinelli, uno de los 16 guardaparques que cubren las 259.000 hectáreas (642.000 acres) del Parque Nacional Los Alerces. “Nos están llevando más allá de nuestros límites”.

Después de asumir el cargo con una campaña para rescatar la economía de Argentina de décadas de enorme deuda, Milei recortó el gasto en el Servicio Nacional de Manejo del Fuego en un 80% en 2024 en comparación con el año anterior, desmantelando la agencia responsable de desplegar brigadas, mantener aviones cisterna, comprar equipo adicional y rastrear peligros.

El servicio enfrenta otra reducción del 71% en fondos este año, según un análisis del presupuesto de 2026 por la Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, o FARN, un grupo argentino de investigación y defensa ambiental.

El retroceso llega en un momento en que el cambio climático está haciendo que el clima extremo sea más frecuente y severo, aumentando el riesgo de incendios forestales.

“Dicen que el cambio climático en vivo no existe, pero lo vivimos igual”, expresó el bombero Hernán Mondino, con el rostro manchado de sudor y hollín después de un agotador día combatiendo incendios en el Parque Nacional Los Alerces. “Hasta ahora no vemos ninguna señal de que al gobierno le preocupe nuestra situación”.

El Ministerio de Seguridad, que asumió la supervisión de los esfuerzos de lucha contra incendios después de que Milei degradara el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, no respondió a una solicitud de comentarios.

Milei y Trump llevan motosierras al estado

Los profundos recortes de gastos de Milei han estabilizado la economía en crisis de Argentina y han reducido la inflación anual del 117% en 2024 al 31% el año pasado, la tasa más baja en ocho años.

Sus batallas contra el exceso gubernamental y la cultura que percibe como demasiado progresista le han ayudado a acercarse al presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, cuya propia guerra contra la burocracia federal ha tenido efectos similares en la investigación científica y los programas de respuesta a desastres.

Después de que Trump anunciara el año pasado que Estados Unidos dejaría el acuerdo climático de París, Milei amenazó con hacer lo mismo. Boicoteó la cumbre climática de la ONU y se refirió al cambio climático causado por el hombre como una “mentira socialista”, enfureciendo a los argentinos que entienden que el calor y la sequedad récord, sintomáticos de un planeta en calentamiento, están alimentando los incendios en la Patagonia.

“Hay mucha ira acumulándose. La gente aquí está muy incómoda con la política de nuestro país”, dijo Lucas Panak, de 41 años, quien se subió a una camioneta con sus amigos el jueves pasado para combatir los incendios que envolvían el pequeño pueblo de Cholila después de que las brigadas municipales de bomberos fueran enviadas a otros lugares.

Gestión de desastres en medio de la austeridad

Cuando un rayo inició un pequeño incendio junto a un lago en los márgenes del norte de Los Alerces a principios de diciembre, los bomberos lucharon por responder, limitados por la ubicación remota y la falta de aviones para transportar equipos y apagar las colinas.

El retraso inicial forzó la renuncia de la administración del parque y llevó a los residentes a acusarlos de negligencia en una denuncia penal mientras las llamas saltaban a través de las antiguas montañas.

Pero algunos expertos argumentan que el problema no fue la inacción después de que comenzara el incendio, sino mucho antes.

“El fuego no solamente se ataca cuando existe, sino de manera previa. Todo el trabajo de prevención que son muy importantes hacerlo durante todo el año”, dijo Andrés Nápoli, director de FARN. “Y eso hoy en día se ha eliminado o se ha quitado”.

Además de sus recortes al Servicio Nacional de Manejo del Fuego, el gobierno de Milei eliminó decenas de millones de dólares de la Administración de Parques Nacionales el año pasado, lo que llevó al despido o renuncia de cientos de guardaparques, bomberos y trabajadores administrativos.

A medida que más turistas acuden cada año en los parques de Argentina, los guardaparques forestales dicen que los recortes y las medidas de desregulación también dificultan monitorear los peligros de incendio, despejar senderos y educar a los visitantes sobre el cuidado del parque. En marzo pasado, el gobierno eliminó un requisito para que actividades turísticas riesgosas como caminatas en glaciares y escaladas en roca fueran supervisadas por guías con licencia.

“Cuando baja el personal de guardaparque o técnicos y profesionales, (lo que) baja en la zona es una posibilidad de control”, dijo Alejo Fardjoume, un representante sindical de los trabajadores de parques nacionales. “El impacto de estas decisiones probablemente lo vayamos viendo con el tiempo; no es inmediato, pero es acumulativo”.

Bomberos se esfuerzan por mantenerse al día

Un informe de 2023 de la Administración de Parques Nacionales recomienda un despliegue mínimo de 700 bomberos para cubrir la tierra bajo su jurisdicción. La agencia emplea ahora a 391, habiendo perdido el 10% del personal como resultado de despidos y renuncias en los últimos dos años bajo Milei.

Los recortes presupuestarios al Servicio Nacional de Manejo del Fuego han reducido la capacidad de entrenamiento y disminuido el equipo disponible, dicen los bomberos, de modo que muchos dependen de ropa de segunda mano y donaciones.

Las autoridades en Los Alerces insistieron este fin de semana en que el programa de choque fiscal no tuvo impacto en los esfuerzos de los bomberos para combatir el incendio en curso.

“No podés meter mucha gente en terrenos peligrosos, con herramientas de corte, en lugares escarpados y de difícil acceso”, dijo Ariel Rodríguez, el superintendente interino del parque.

Pero los bomberos nacionales llevados al límite de la extenuación dijeron que sus filas se están reduciendo constantemente, si no debido a despidos, entonces a renuncias por salarios a nivel de pobreza que no han seguido el ritmo de la inflación.

El bombero promedio en los parques de la Patagonia gana 600 dólares al mes. En provincias con costos de vida más bajos, el salario mensual cae a poco más de 400 dólares. Un número creciente de bomberos dice que se han visto obligados a tomar trabajos adicionales como jardineros y peones agrícolas.

“Desde afuera parece que todo sigue funcionando, pero el costo lo ponemos, el cuerpo, nosotros, nosotros hacemos esfuerzo para que funcione”, dijo Mondino. “Si falta un compañero, nosotros tenemos que gastar más peso, más trabajo, mas tareas, dormimos menos”.

Un baile inoportuno

Durante un mes mientras los bosques ardían, Milei apenas dijo nada sobre los incendios y continuó como de costumbre. La semana pasada, mientras los gobernadores provinciales le suplicaban que declarara un estado de emergencia para liberar fondos federales, bailó en el escenario con su exnovia al ritmo de baladas de rock argentino.

La imagen de pantalla dividida proporcionó a sus críticos una poderosa munición política. El legislador centrista Maximiliano Ferraro criticó que el presidente estuviera celebrando mientras “la Patagonia arde”. Los partidos de oposición de izquierda organizaron protestas en todas las provincias.

El jueves, Milei cedió, decretando un estado de emergencia que desbloqueó 70 millones de dólares para bomberos voluntarios y anunciando “una lucha histórica contra el fuego” en redes sociales.

En el campamento base donde los bomberos con los ojos cansados se recuperan, algunos expresaron esperanza este fin de semana de que más ayuda estaba en camino. Aun así, no pudieron evitar pensar en lo que ya se había perdido.

“Duele porque no es solamente un paisaje lindo, vivimos acá”, dijo Mariana Rivas, una voluntaria que organiza masajes improvisados y chequeos médicos para los bomberos exhaustos. “Hay enojo por lo que se podría haber evitado, y porque cada año es peor”.

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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/2026/02/02/incendios-en-argentina-arrasan-bosques-de-la-patagonia-y-avivan-crticas-a-la-austeridad-de-milei/ 

The season debut for Jamson Coulter arrived about three months later than anyone at Rich Township would have wanted. But Coulter’s teammates and coaches were delighted that it happened at all.

And amazed at what transpired in his comeback game.

Coulter was the second-leading scorer on a Raptors team that finished fourth in the state last winter in Class 4A. The senior guard, however, had missed all of this season while dealing with a medical issue.

His return performance Monday night seemed to be out of a movie script. He scored 25 points over the final three quarters and had Lou Adams, his coach, fighting back tears postgame.

“Going through what he went through and to bounce back and perform like that on a big stage, it speaks volumes about him,” Adams said of Coulter. “He’s pretty good, man.

“I’ve seen everybody. I’ve seen a lot of great players. He’s special.”

Rich Township coach Lou Adams reaches out to hug Jamson Coulter (30) in the final seconds of a Southland Athletic Conference game against Bloom in Richton Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Coulter’s big night was special and necessary as the host Raptors held off a furious Bloom comeback and pulled out a 73-66 Southland Athletic Conference win in Richton Park.

Kavon Ammons scored 16 points, including a 3-pointer with 1:45 to go that put Rich Township (13-11, 6-3) ahead for good. TJ Eaton added 15 points. Dyron Watson pulled down seven rebounds.

Freshman guard Kaden McClellan poured in 21 points for Bloom (12-11, 4-5). Keiwon Gulley and Troy Garner added 12 points apiece, with Garner grabbed seven rebounds. Demetrius Boswell tallied nine points.

But the night belonged to Coulter.

Rich Township’s Jamson Coulter (30) gets past Bloom’s Troy Garner (13) for a layup during a Southland Athletic Conference game at Rich South in Richton Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Coulter, who was not available for an interview after the game, did not play in the first quarter but entered a minute into the second quarter to a standing ovation.

“Seeing Jamson back on the court was amazing,” Ammons said. “It felt good having him back. We’ve been missing him.”

The start was a bit rough for Coulter, who committed a turnover and airballed a 3-pointer on his first two touches. But he got going soon after, scoring seven points before halftime.

The Raptors led 51-41 after three quarters before Bloom stormed back to tie the game four times in the final four minutes.

Rich Township’s Jamson Coulter (30) looks up on a pair of free throws against Bloom during a Southland Athletic Conference game at Rich South in Richton Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Coulter, though, was unstoppable down the stretch. He scored 14 points in the fourth, consistently getting to the basket even when the Blazing Trojans threw double and triple teams at him.

“That’s Jamson,” Ammons said. “I wasn’t surprised. I’m used to it. He doesn’t want to lose. He’s always been like that.”

The first three times Bloom tied the game, Coulter had immediate answers, scoring on two drives and knocking down a 3-pointer.

“He was just being Jamson Coulter,” Eaton said. “We’re a way better team with him. He was like the piece we were missing.”

Ammons, who struggled with his shot most of the night, knocked down his biggest with a 3-pointer that broke a 63-63 tie with 1:45 to go. He added three free throws to seal the win.

“It was just trusting the work,” Ammons said. “Trust that I’ve put in reps, put in the work and trust that when I put up the next shot, it’s going to go in.”

Rich Township’s Jamson Coulter (30) signals after making a key 3-pointer against Bloom during a Southland Athletic Conference game at Rich South in Richton Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

It all added up to a special night for the Raptors, who were emotional after the game.

“Words can’t even explain it,” Eaton said. “It was just a good team win and I’m glad to have my boy back.”

After Ammons was fouled with one second left and the win wrapped up, Adams substituted for Coulter to allow him to get one more round of applause from the crowd.

Coulter walked to the sideline and got a huge hug from Adams.

“Earlier in the day, Jamson told me, ‘Coach, I’m a little nervous,’” Adams said. “Then he went out there and he put on a performance that proves he’s one of the best players in the state.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/jamson-coulter-rich-township-basketball/ 

Evergreen Park and T.F. North enter rankings topped by Bloom, Mother McAuley and Providence.

Top 10

With records through Monday and previous rankings in parentheses.

1. Bloom 20-2 (1)

Shania Jackson and Blazing Trojans finish off eight-day break, dive back into conference action.

2. Mother McAuley 20-5 (2)

Nia Amala and the Mighty Macs sweat out a 53-52 overtime win Friday night over Marist.

3. Providence 25-3 (3)

Is a rematch with McAuley in the works for Eilish Raines and Celtics in the GCAC semifinals?

4. Marist 21-7 (4)

Caroline Flynn and RedHawks hope to avenge 56-33 conference loss to Nazareth in rematch.

5. T.F. South 24-2 (5)

Asia Haynes and Red Wolves sense game vs. T.F. North will determine South Suburban Blue title.

6. Hillcrest 21-6 (6)

Angel Taylor scores 18 points and hauls down 17 rebounds in 55-51 loss in OT to T.F. South.

7. Homewood-Flossmoor 17-9 (7)

Could injured sophomore guard Zoey Ratliff return from injury and make season debut in playoffs?

8. St. Laurence 18-9 (8)

Elle Rice and the Vikings are in GCAC quarterfinals after 63-60 win Monday over Fenwick.

9. Evergreen Park 20-6 (NR)

Veteran coach George Shimko enters this week for the Mustangs with 199 career wins.

10. T.F. North 17-7 (NR)

Natalie McGhee and Meteors earn big wins, beating Oak Lawn 67-30, and Lemont 64-24.

Player of the Week

Senior guard Bianca Fleitas scores 13 points for Oak Lawn in a 61-37 over Argo and breaks the program record with 42 points in a 74-37 win over Richards.

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/jeff-vorva-girls-basketball-rankings-southtown/ 

Por JOSH BOAK, AAMER MADHANI y RAJESH ROY

WASHINGTON (AP) — El presidente estadounidense Donald Trump dijo el lunes que planea reducir los aranceles sobre los productos de India al 18% desde el 25%, luego de que el primer ministro indio Narendra Modi acordara dejar de comprar petróleo ruso.

El mandatario tomó la medida después de meses de presionar para que Nueva Delhi reduzca su dependencia del crudo ruso barato. India ha aprovechado los precios reducidos del petróleo ruso luego de que diversos países han intentado aislar a Moscú por su invasión de Ucrania en febrero de 2022.

Trump manifestó que India también comenzaría a reducir a cero sus impuestos de importación sobre productos de Estados Unidos y compraría productos estadounidenses por valor de 500.000 millones de dólares.

“¡Esto ayudará a terminar la guerra en Ucrania, que está ocurriendo ahora mismo, en la que miles de personas mueren cada semana!”, expresó Trump en su plataforma Truth Social al anunciar la reducción de aranceles a India.

Por su parte, Modi publicó en la red social X que está “encantado” con la reducción de aranceles anunciada y que el “liderazgo de Trump es vital para la paz, estabilidad y prosperidad global”.

“Espero trabajar estrechamente con él para llevar nuestra asociación a alturas sin precedentes”, comentó Modi.

Desde hace tiempo Trump ha llevado una relación cordial con Modi. Recientemente se complicó debido a la guerra en Ucrania y disputas comerciales.

El mandatario estadounidense ha tenido dificultades para cumplir su promesa de campaña de poner fin rápidamente a la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania, y desde que volvió a la presidencia se ha mostrado reacio a presionar al presidente ruso Vladímir Putin. Al mismo tiempo, ha impuesto aranceles sin someterlos al visto bueno del Congreso para lograr sus objetivos económicos y de política exterior.

El anuncio del acuerdo con India llega en un momento en que se prevé que su enviado especial, Steve Witkoff, y su yerno Jared Kushner sostengan otra ronda de conversaciones tripartitas con funcionarios rusos y ucranianos en Abu Dabi esta semana, con el objetivo de hallar una manera de detener la guerra, según un funcionario de la Casa Blanca que solicitó guardar el anonimato para poder describir la próxima reunión.

Trump ha expresado que cree que apuntar a los ingresos petroleros de Rusia es la mejor manera de lograr que Moscú ponga fin a su guerra de casi cuatro años contra Ucrania, una opinión que coincide con su preferencia por los aranceles.

En junio, Trump anunció que Washington impondría un arancel del 25% sobre los productos de India después de que su gobierno sintiera que el país asiático había hecho muy poco para reducir su superávit comercial con Estados Unidos y abrir sus mercados a los productos estadounidenses. En agosto, Trump impuso impuestos adicionales de importación del 25% sobre productos indios debido a sus adquisiciones de petróleo ruso, lo que elevó el aumento combinado de la tasa al 50%.

Con el compromiso de dejar de comprar petróleo ruso y la tasa más baja, la tasa de aranceles sobre los productos indios podría caer al 18%, que está cerca de la tasa del 15% que se cobra a los productos de la Unión Europea y Japón, entre otras naciones.

Históricamente, la relación de India con Rusia gira más en torno a la defensa que a la energía. El Kremlin sólo proporciona una pequeña fracción del petróleo de India, pero la mayoría de su equipo militar.

Sin embargo, tras la invasión rusa, Nueva Delhi aprovechó el momento para comprar petróleo ruso con descuento, lo que le permitió incrementar sus suministros de energía mientras Moscú intentaba concretar acuerdos para impulsar su economía debilitada y seguir financiando su brutal guerra.

La reducción de aranceles anunciada llega días después de que India y la Unión Europea alcanzaran un acuerdo de libre comercio que podría tener efectos sobre incluso 2.000 millones de personas después de casi dos décadas de negociaciones. Ese acuerdo permitiría el libre comercio de casi todos los productos entre los 27 miembros de la UE y el país asiático, cubriendo desde textiles hasta medicamentos, y reduciendo los altos impuestos de importación para el vino y los automóviles europeos.

El acuerdo entre dos de los mayores mercados del mundo también reflejó un deseo de reducir la dependencia en Estados Unidos después de que los incrementos en los impuestos de importación ordenados por Trump interrumpieran los flujos comerciales establecidos. Si bien el costo de los aranceles de Trump ha sido soportado en gran medida por las empresas y consumidores estadounidenses, los impuestos pueden reducir los volúmenes de comercio entre países.

En los últimos meses, India ha acelerado un impulso para finalizar varios acuerdos comerciales. Firmó un acuerdo con Omán en diciembre, y concluyó conversaciones para un acuerdo con Nueva Zelanda.

Trump pareció insinuar que sostuvo una conversación positiva con Modi el lunes por la mañana, publicando en redes sociales una foto de ambos en la portada de una revista.

Cuando ambos se reunieron en febrero pasado, el presidente de Estados Unidos dijo que India comenzaría a comprar petróleo y gas natural estadounidenses. Pero las conversaciones resultaron frustrantes, y los aranceles impuestos por Trump el año pasado hicieron poco en un principio para cambiar las objeciones de India.

Mientras que Washington ha estado intentando tener mayor acceso al mercado y cero aranceles en casi todas sus exportaciones, India ha expresado reservas sobre abrir sectores como la agricultura y los productos lácteos, en los que trabaja gran parte de la población del país para su sustento, señalaron funcionarios indios.

La Oficina del Censo reportó que Estados Unidos tuvo un desequilibrio comercial de 53.500 millones de dólares en bienes con India durante los primeros 11 meses del año pasado, lo que significa que importó más de lo que exportó.

Con una población que supera los 1.400 millones de personas, India es el país más poblado del mundo, y muchos funcionarios gubernamentales y líderes empresariales lo consideran un contrapeso geopolítico y económico a China.

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Roy informó desde Nueva Delhi.

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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/2026/02/02/trump-planea-reducir-aranceles-a-india-despus-de-que-modi-acordara-dejar-de-comprar-crudo-ruso/