January 15, 2026 Edition

BEAR DOWN JANUARY 7–16 2025. Volume No. 25

E-NOTES Publisher Cheryl Mainor Norman

Editor-In-Chief

Kai El Zabar

Chief Content Officer Managing Editor

Laura Miller

Editorial Assistant Creative Direction Art Director Sales Manager Copy Editor Staff Writers

Columnists

Malachi Webster CNW Studio, LLC L.D. Hunter Michael Toliver Max Blaisdell Malachi Webster.

Candi McCrary Mila Marshall. PhD. Neffer Kerr Cabryl Breotti C.L. Blackburn Malachi Webster Ryan Willis Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson David Seaton

Intern & Illustrator

Elijah Lee

Cover Photography

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Birds of a Feather Kai El Zabar - Editor-In-Chief

“Like a bird up in the sky, I just want to fly away and soar the azure blue;

stretch my wings across the MilkyWay until I come back to you.”

A dream is a succession of images, dynamic Flying high in the sky allows us to look down upon scenes and situations, ideas, emotions, and our home—the Earth—and see it from an entirely sensations that usually occur involuntarily different perspective. From above, we see farther, in the mind during certain stages of sleep. across greater distance and scope.

Humans spend more than two hours dreaming each night, with individual We see how everything relates to everything else. dreams lasting roughly five to twenty And as if that shift in perspective weren’t enough, minutes. Go figure. freedom from being bound by gravity inspires us to want to take flight again and again.

In my dreams, I am a flyer. I always In flight, I feel weightless. That is what I recall from have been. As a child, my dreams each dream—no heaviness, nothing weighing me showed me walking—and then, down, like the astronauts drifting in space. without effort, stepping off the ground and continuing to walk in the air, each Taking flight is always about freeing ourselves from step lifting me higher and higher. human boundaries, if only temporarily. When we Often, I would cry out, “Look at me, literally fly—in a plane or on a hang glider—we I’m flying.” But I was always too high, escape gravity’s pull. Here, gravity represents the and no one could hear me. weight of thoughts, fears, bills, and responsibilities. As we open our minds and hearts, we release habitual As I grew older and began reflecting on those dreams, I came to believe that thought patterns and emotional blockages—the things that hold us down or back from flight. my walking on air and rising above represented elevation. As earthbound As we embrace our true nature, we free ourselves beings, humans have always been from identification with the temporary state of our fascinated by winged creatures of all physical forms. The more we spread our imaginary kinds. I understood that fascination, wings and master the art of letting go, the clearer it even though I had no wings and no becomes: clarity transforms into focus, revealing that pretense of them—no costume, no taking flight is a state of grace, reminding us of who cape, no superhero. The idea of we truly are. spontaneously lifting off from the earth and flying is so compelling that As we embrace our true nature, we free ourselves we invented airplanes, helicopters, and from identification with the temporary state of our countless other flying machines to physical forms. The more we spread our imaginary grant ourselves the gift of being wings and master the art of letting go, the clearer it airborne. becomes: clarity transforms into focus, revealing that You would also study birds of prey. In taking flight is a state of grace, reminding us of who addition to speed and strength, these we truly are. predators possess keen eyesight to detect prey from great distances, It was in this spirit that I wrote a play titled "Three strong feet with sharp talons for Hunters," in which the women were birds. "Birds of a grasping or killing, and powerful, Feather" was the theme song. I don’t believe that was curved beaks for tearing flesh— accidental—it feels more predictive. qualities that provide formidable selfprotection. Imagine them swooping So take flight—in your dreams or in meditation. down upon a lion, wounding it Spread your wings. And fly. repeatedly until it can no longer survive. Such attributes helped humans develop hunting techniques, military strategies, and more. We have always recognized flight as a powerful tool.

DEC 18 --- JAN 07, 2026 3

NATIONAL NEWS Cities Where Your Face Is Your Boarding Pass CANDI MCCRARY - CONTRIBUTING WRITER Everyday changes continue to signal how quickly technology is reshaping daily life—including how Americans travel. By 2026, major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, and Denver are set to expand the use of facial recognition technology at airports through TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a system that allows travelers to verify their identity using only their face.

The technology builds on systems already familiar to frequent flyers. Programs such as CLEAR have long used biometric identification—primarily iris scans— to expedite airport screening. TSA’s facial recognition approach expands this concept across a wider population, integrating it directly into the federal security process.

The rollout marks a significant shift in airport security, placing participating cities at the center of a broader effort to modernize air travel. Under the new system, passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck can move through security checkpoints without presenting a physical ID or boarding pass.

Instead, their identity is confirmed through a realtime facial scan matched against governmentissued identification on file, such as a passport photo.

Participation in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is voluntary. Travelers must enroll through their airline and consent to the use of biometric data. Once registered, their facial image is securely matched to existing government records at the checkpoint.

According to the TSA, images captured during the process are not stored long-term and are used solely for identity verification.

The initiative is part of a nationwide push to streamline air travel as passenger volumes continue to rise. In total, more than 40 U.S. airports already use some form of facial recognition technology, and the Transportation Security Administration plans to expand Touchless ID to approximately 50 airports by 2026. Officials say the technology is designed to reduce wait times, improve efficiency, and maintain security standards while easing congestion at checkpoints.

Transforming the Airport Security Experience

How the System Works

Officials emphasize that the goal is convenience without sacrificing security. By reducing manual document checks, the TSA says the system minimizes human error and allows officers to focus on other security functions.

As facial recognition becomes more common in transportation hubs, airports adopting the technology are offering a preview of what officials describe as the future of travel—one where identity verification is faster, touch-free, and increasingly digital.

A Surgeon’s Secret Life

National Crime, Local Ties: Inside the McKee Case

With Touchless ID, travelers approach a security CNW STAFF REPORT kiosk where a camera captures their image.

A Chicago-area vascular surgeon arrested in She system compares that image with pre-existing Rockford is now facing two counts of murder in government records to confirm identity, what investigators describe as a meticulously eliminating the need to juggle phones, boarding planned double homicide. Michael David McKee, passes, and physical identification. Once verified, 39, is accused of driving to Columbus, Ohio on passengers can proceed through security without December 29—a journey of roughly 400 miles— to execute his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her new further documentation checks. husband, dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe, in what the victims' family characterizes as a "tragic and senseless" act of violence.

The case has jarring implications for Chicago's professional community. McKee practiced medicine in the Rockford area, accepted by neighbors and colleagues who knew him as an accomplished physician. Court documents obtained by investigators show his vehicle arrived at the Tepe residence between 2 and 5 a.m. on December 30—"just prior to the homicides and left shortly after," according to detectives' statements.

The case has jarring implications for Chicago's professional community. McKee practiced medicine in the Rockford area, accepted by neighbors and colleagues who knew him as an accomplished physician. Court documents obtained by investigators show his vehicle arrived at the Tepe residence between 2 and 5 a.m. on December 30—"just prior to the homicides and left shortly after," according to detectives' statements.

What makes this case distinctly troubling is the narrative it reveals: a man of status and education whose personal life deteriorated into obsession.

McKee and Monique divorced in 2017, yet he maintained residences across multiple states— Virginia, Nevada, Illinois—appearing to track his exwife's movements. The couple's two young children, ages 1 and 4, were discovered unharmed inside the home, found by officers after a wellness check. No forced entry. No weapon recovered at the scene.

Court records detail an April 2025 emergency 911 call from the same residence—a domestic dispute that preceded the homicides by months. Investigators are now examining whether McKee had been maintaining surveillance or contact with his ex-wife.

His arrest represents a cautionary tale for Black Chicagoans and working professionals: the dangers lurking beneath respectable facades, the vulnerability of women in intimate partner situations, and how the city's connections to national crime extend far beyond news headlines.

JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026 3

NATIONAL NEWS

When The Algorithm Sells You Shortcuts Google's Search Decay and Why Black Communities Lose First MALACHI WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER A vascular surgeon arrested in Illinois. A quarterback leading a playoff push. A city fighting over its budget. These are the stories worth finding online. Yet a mounting body of evidence suggests Google's search algorithm is making truth harder to locate—intentionally or through negligence—to sell more advertisements.

Studies from academic researchers and consumer advocates reveal a troubling pattern: Google's organic search results have degraded significantly, with advertisements blending seamlessly into rankings. For product searches, Google's paid results dominate roughly 34 percent more visual space than two years ago. Importantly, this phenomenon disproportionately harms communities already marginalized by digital access disparities.

Research from USC's Safiya Noble documents how algorithms reinforce systemic racism by misrepresenting Black communities, women of color, and marginalized groups. When someone searching for "Black-owned dentist near me" or "Chicago community investment" encounters paid results first, organic results buried beneath advertising clutter, the algorithm is making a choice about whose information gets prioritized.

Internal Google studies revealed the company knew degrading search quality wouldn't significantly harm revenue. According to court documents, this immunity stems from Google's market dominance—they don't need to compete on quality, they can simply force users to refine searches repeatedly, generating more advertising impressions.

4 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

WalletHub research shows 63 percent of Americans believe Google's search results were better in previous years. Users encounter irrelevant international results and affiliate spam content designed to generate advertising revenue rather than answer questions.

For Black Chicagoans seeking accurate financial information, healthcare providers, or local resources, this degradation creates a two-tier information system: those who can navigate corporate obfuscation, and those left with search results optimized for profit rather than truth.

The federal court ruling against Google for violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act acknowledged the monopoly problem. But a monopoly that controls information access while degrading that access for financial gain represents something more dangerous than a business problem—it's a public health and equity issue.

COVER STORY

THE FOURTH QUARTER IS OURS CHICAGO'S RESURRECTION AND THE GHOSTS OF ‘86 MALACHI WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER

JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026 5

COVER STORY

“If you accept defeat, you’re going to be defeated. You can be gracious in defeat, butyou betterbe doing flip-flops inside. If you’re not churning, you’ll get your ass whooped, that’s all there is to it.” — Mike Ditka Nothing was supposed to happen at Soldier Field on Saturday night. The Chicago Bears trailed the Green Bay Packers 21-6 at halftime, and the predetermined narrative of their own destruction was already written. The city had seen this movie before: the team that can’t quite finish, that finds new ways to lose when it matters most, that proves once again that decades of disinvestment applyto the rosterjust as much as theydo totheneighborhoodsthatloveit.

Then they came back, and in doing so theyrefusedtoacceptthescript.

Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers’ Brandon McManus missed two field goals that might have ended the story before it began. But the statistics matter less than what unfolded in the fourth quarter: a 25point explosion that reminded everyone why this Bears team, this city, this moment carries weight beyond yards andpoints.

“We understand that it’s 60 minutes of football,” Williams said in the postgame interview, his voice steadywith the weight of somethinglarger. “We understand and know who we are. We understand what this means to the city. We understand what this means to the organization. We also understandwhat this means to us. So you keep going, keep going, keep fighting.”

For forty years, the 1985 Bears have cast a shadow over Chicago. They won Super Bowl XX with a 46-10 demolition of the New England Patriots, a defense that allowed just 12.4 points per game. They had Mike Singletary reading offenses like scripture, Richard Dent terrorizing quarterbacks with 17 sacks, and William “The Refrigerator” Perry rumbling into the end zone on runs that should never have been called but somehow worked anyway.

6 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

That team was built on defensive dominance—eight men in the box, the 46 scheme orchestrated by Buddy Ryan, a defense so overwhelming that when Dan Marino found the seams in Miami’s 38-24 victory (the only loss of 1985), it proved that the weakness always existed: with everyone blitzing, someone was uncovered.

The 2025 Bears operate in a different world entirely. This is Ben Johnson’s offense, not Mike Ditka’s defense-first philosophy. This is a quarterback-centric NFL, not the run-heavy game of 1985.

The rules that constrain defenders in 2025 would have seemed like science fiction in 1986. The Mel Blount Rule of 1978, which limited contact to five yards downfield? That was the beginning. But the 2004 emphasis on illegal contact and pass interference enforcement, the 2006 protection against below-the-knee hits, the 2009 expansion of defenseless-player rules—these didn’t just open up the passing game; they fundamentally rewiredhowfootballcouldbeplayed.

Where the ‘85 Bears generated fear through physical domination, the 2025 Bears generate it through execution under pressure. Caleb Williams has orchestrated an NFLrecord of six fourthquarter comebacks in a single season— now seven after the Packers win. That’s notastatisticalquirk;that’sasymptomofa teamdesignedtofinish,tostrikewhenthe defense wears down, to exploit the salary cap’s constraints that prevent teams from building four-quarter juggernauts anymore.

The roster composition tells the story.

Williams (No. 1 overall, 2024) surrounds himself with veterans and calculated acquisitions: D’Andre Swift at running back, operating in an outside zone scheme that averages 70 percent of the offensive calls. Rome Odunze and DJ Moore at receiver, the latter a pro since 2018,avetwhoknowshowtositdownon routes and create separation in clutch moments. Colston Loveland, a tight end taken in this year’s draft, already catching eight passes for 137 yards against Green Bayinhisfirstpostseasongame.

Every December, as the year begins to wind down, we start making promises to ourselves. Goals. Resolutions. Vision boards. Plans for the version of us we hope to meet in the new year. Some of those intentions stick. Some quietly fade bythethirdweekofJanuary.

The 1985 Bears had Walter Payton at running back—the man who’d become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. They had Jim McMahon at quarterback, a charismatic punk rock presence who threw 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 1985 before his season was cut short by injuries. These were Hall of Famers before they were household names. The 2025 Bears are building something different: a system where individual brilliance matters less than collectivetiming.

Yet the defense mirrors 1985 in one haunting way. Kevin Byard III, Tremaine Edmunds, and Nahshon Wright each have at least four interceptions through the first 10 games—the first Bears team since 1985 to have three different players with that many INTs in such a span. The 2025defenseallows26.4pointspergame, nowhere near the 12.4 of 1985, but they’re forcing takeaways at a historic pace.

Twenty-two takeaways through 10 games, more than any team in the NFL. It’s as if the system has evolved: instead of preventing yards with overwhelming pressure, this team prevents points throughballsecurity.

This matters for Black Chicago in ways thatstatisticscannotcapture.

David Wilson, a South Shore resident who stood at Soldier Field watching the draft party, spoke about the moment that changed his life as a Bears fan. “The first play of the game, Devin Hester takes it to the house,” he said, recalling Super Bowl XLI in 2007. “I’m on my way to my friend’shouseandIgotitontheradio.SoI don’t get out the car until I hear that he’s scored, then I run in the house andwatch it. I just knew we were gonna win the game.”

That sense of belief, that willingness to bet everything on hope despite historical evidence,runsthroughBlackChicagolike a current. Lemuel Hogue, a 49-year-old Pullman resident who brought his two sons—ages 18 and 22—to the Bears draft party, translated it into something clearer: “Iwould saybeing a Bears fan is like heart, sweat and tears. I mean, we live for the Bears, you know. It might not be good all the time, but we still root for them, so it applies to everyday life. Things might not gothewaywewantthemtogo,butwestill push. They might not have the prettiest things, but they work with what they got and theystill playhard, and that’swhatwe do.That’sourmentalityhereinthiscity.”

Pullman sits on Chicago’s South Side, a neighborhood built on resilience, on making do, on families that watched the steel mills close and learned to survive anyway. The Bears play at Soldier Field, and 57 percent of Chicago-area residents identify as fans. But for Black Chicagoans —particularly on the South and West Sides—the team represents something closerto amirror.When the Bears fail, the cityfeels it.When theyrise, especiallywith a young Black quarterback leading them, somethingshifts.

In 2007, Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy became the first Black head coaches to faceeachotherinaSuperBowl.TheColts won 29-17, and Dungy himself would laterreflectonthemoment:“Atthetime,I thought it was going to be a breakthrough… For some reason, with those guys, that doesn’t get momentum.”

Eighteen years later, Williams isn’t operating under that weight. He’s not the first—BryceYoung in Carolina, CJ Stroud in Houston, Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City have all proven that Black quarterbacks can operate at the sport’s highest levels. But in Chicago, in a city where Michael Jordan transcendedbasketballandWalterPayton transcended football to become something closer to a civic religion, a youngBlackquarterbackwinningplayoff games in January feels like the thing that was supposed to happen all along finally arriving.

COVER STORY The Vegas math reflects uncertainty disguised as odds. The Bears entered playoff weekend at +2200 to win the Super Bowl before facing Green Bay. The Packers opened as 1.5-point favorites at home despite being a lower seed. After the 31-27 comeback, the Bears’ odds shifted to +1400—still trailing the Seahawks and Rams and Eagles, teams Vegas thinks are more imposing. But one bettor placed $50,000 at 66-1 odds on the Bears to win Super Bowl LX after a late-season win over Philadelphia. If Chicago finishes the job, that ticket pays $3.3 million.

Deonte Jones, an Austin resident who stood in line for two hours with his brother to get an autograph from Bears star wide receiver DJ Moore, spoke to what this team represents in the present moment. “He’s a go-getter, man, I love how he plays. He plays with tenacity. He plays with spirit. He plays with energy. I love that,” Jones said about Moore’s presence on the roster. That spirit—the refusal to accept the predetermined outcome—is what separates this version of the Bears from the ones that came before.

Ben Johnson has orchestrated an offense that leads the NFL in pass block win rate at 74.1 percent, giving Williams the longest average time to throw at 3.31 seconds. Where Ditka relied on Buddy Ryan’s revolutionary 46 defense—six players on the line of scrimmage, both guards and the center covered, forcing offenses into impossible choices—Johnson has built something more modest and more practical: a system where the running game (second-best in the NFL by season’s end) sets up play action, where motion and formation variety dress up fundamental zone schemes, where patience matters more than explosiveness.

The bookmakers don’t know what to do with this team because this team doesn’t behave the way modern football has trained it to. Modern teams are either dynasties or disasters. They’re either built to dominate all four quarters or they collapse. The 2025 Bears are something else: they’re built to finish, and they’ve become virtuosos at it.

Jerry Young, a die-hard fan from Ashburn who’d never been inside Soldier Field before attending the draft party with his 11year-old son, summed up what the team means to the city with clarity that cut through all the noise: “This is home. You know what I’m saying? This is home.”

The question now is whether fourth-quarter execution can translate to 60 minutes of dominance when the stage grows larger. The 1985 Bears had the answer: dominate all 60, let the defense create the story. The 2025 Bears must answer a different question: can we execute at this level when everyone in the building knows exactly what we’re trying to do?

Caleb Williams will have to operate in a pass-first world that finally, grudgingly, allows quarterbacks like him to exist at the sport’s center. The rules have changed, yes, but so has the conversation.

Fifty years of rule modifications designed to protect quarterback safety have created a league where Black quarterbacks can thrive because the game itself has been fundamentally restructured around what they do best: create in chaos, process information at speed, extend plays with their legs.

We Got We Got Social Social

We asked Chicago Bears fans how they were feeling about Saturday’s Game, this is what they told us.

B. Houston “We spent too long in those trenches, and we got the Pope.”

T. Ricochet “The Rams have been a different team over the last month of the season, and they’re coming to play in frigid Chicago.

I like our chances!

🐻⬇️

K. Anthony “Taking the over on Caleb’s touchdowns. Win or Lose - we beat the Packers! BEAR DOWN

The 1985 Bears proved that defense could carry a city. The 2025 Bears are proving that a quarterback can lead a resurrection.

S. No “I’m just happy to be here.”

For South Side residents, for Pullman natives, for Black Chicagoans who’ve watched their city endure waves of disinvestment and still find reasons to believe, this moment is different. It’s not abstract. Mike Ditka could bark and Buddy Ryan could innovate, and the Bears could win with brutality.

Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams are winning with something closer to grace—execution so clean that it looks inevitable, right up until the moment it doesn’t. The fourth quarter is theirs now, and they’ve proven they know how to close. Whether that extends to February remains to be seen, but I’ve watched this city long enough to know resilience when I see it. This team has it. You can quote me on that.

D. Hill “It’s going to be interesting. Stafford is used to playing in Soldier Field, but the Rams are going to have to run the ball. I’ve got the Bears going to the NFC Championship Game, of course.

If this is a Cinderella year for one of these teams, let it be the Bears winning it all.”

8 DEC 4 ---DEC 10, 2025

JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026 7

CITY NEWS Then the Council Says No MALACHI WEBSTER - STAFF WRITER

In a historic power shift, the Chicago City Council passed a 16.6 billion dollar budget over Mayor Brandon Johnson's objections on December 22—the first time in decades that aldermen sidelined a mayor to control the budget process.

The political realignment has immediate implications for South and West Side communities who depend on city services.

Johnson's proposed corporate "head tax" (33 dollars monthly per employee for businesses over 500 workers) was rejected entirely. Instead, aldermen approved a constellation of smaller revenue measures: increased plastic bag taxes, video gambling legalization, cloud computing taxes, and asset sales totaling 89.6 million dollars.

Johnson's rhetoric framed the opposition as undermining working-class Chicagoans.

Aldermen countered that a corporate tax would accelerate business flight from a city already hemorrhaging investment. With Chicago projecting a 1.15 billion dollar budget deficit and aldermen facing internal divisions about the path forward, the 30-18 vote represented genuine disagreement about whom to tax and how aggressively.

For Black Chicagoans watching the debate unfold, the stakes involve questions about whose interests get centered: corporations threatened by new taxation, or working families dependent on city services already stretched thin? The council's alternative relied on one-time revenue sources and assumed efficiencies—financial mechanisms that typically strain budgets in subsequent years.

Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to sign or veto the budget, allowing it to pass on December 23. He filed executive orders on police overtime, city debt sales, and fee collection, preserving some control but conceding the larger battle. What emerges is unclear: whether the council's budget approach proves fiscally sustainable, or whether Chicago's structural deficit problem simply defers crisis to future budget seasons.

The mayor’s comments come as the Chicago Department of Public Health reports significant progress in reducing overdose deaths across the city. Since 2023, Chicago has seen a 37% reduction in overdose-related deaths, the largest decline among comparable U.S. cities.

Health officials attribute the decrease to data-driven strategies, including door-todoor distribution of naloxone, expanded access to the overdose-reversal drug Narcan through vending machines and newsstands, and increased harm reduction training in neighborhoods most affected by opioid use.

Chicago officials criticize federal cuts to mental health, addiction services CNW STAFF REPORT Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to cut $2 billion in federal funding for mental health and addiction services, warning the move could cost lives and destabilize communities.

“My older brother Leon was a caring father who was taken from us far too soon because he did not get the help he desperately needed. Our family lost Leon to untreated trauma and addiction. Ensuring that our communities have the resources that they need to save lives and prevent overdose deaths should not be a partisan issue,” Johnson said. “The President’s decision to senselessly cut billions in funding from addiction and mental health will cost lives and destabilize communities. Every overdose death and suicide is a preventable tragedy. In the name of all of those who have lost loved ones to addiction and mental illness, I am calling on the President to immediately reverse this callous and dangerous decision.”

““We know that strong mental-health systems build safer, more productive communities, that’s why they’re a top priority for our city,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige. “Under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, the Chicago Department of Public Health has expanded access to mental health services in historically underserved neighborhoods, through our Mental Health Expansion Initiative, serving more than 100,000 people over the last few years.”

Ige also pointed to Chicago’s opioid response efforts, calling the city a national leader in overdose prevention.

“On opioid abuse prevention, Chicago now leads the nation: our city has the most robust, data-driven overdose response system in the country,” she said.

“Since expanding access to free naloxone through public libraries, newsstands and community outreach, overdose-related EMS responses and deaths have declined dramatically.”

City officials urged federal leaders to restore funding, saying continued investment is necessary to maintain progress in mental health care and overdose prevention.

Child care workers rally in Chicago over federal funding freeze CNW STAFF REPORT

Child care workers, parents and advocates rallied Thursday outside Trump Tower in downtown Chicago to protest a federal freeze on child care funding that they say threatens access to affordable care for thousands of Illinois families.

Speakers at the rally emphasized that child care is essential for parents to maintain employment and financial stability. Without federal assistance, they said, families could face higher costs while workers could lose jobs.

According to WBEZ, the rally was organized in response to the Trump administration’s decision to pause billions of dollars in federal funding for child care and other social service programs. Protesters warned the move could force child care providers to cut services or shut down entirely.

The funding freeze has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge after Illinois and other states filed lawsuits challenging the action. WBEZ noted that state officials argue the freeze is unlawful and would cause immediate harm to families who rely on child care subsidies.

Organizers said they plan to continue Illinois could lose nearly $1 billion in federal demonstrations and advocacy efforts until child care funding, money that helps the funding is fully restored. working families pay for care through programs such as the Child Care and Development Fund, WBEZ reported.

Advocates said many providers are already struggling with staffing shortages and rising costs

8 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

EMPOWERMENT Writing the Next Chapter with Clarity, Courage, and Calm Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson - Columnist

There is something sacred about standing at the edge of a new year — especially after a season that demanded more from us than we expected. As we step into 2026, many of us are not entering with fireworks and fanfare, but with a quieter posture: reflective, wiser, and more intentional.

And maybe that’s exactly how this year is meant to begin. After a year marked by transition, uncertainty, political tension, personal reinvention, and faith fatigue, 2026 doesn’t ask us to sprint. It invites us to step forward differently.

How, by not carrying everything, neither providing anything or pretending we’re untouched. But stepping in “grounded”. This new year is not a reset button that erases what happened. It’s a continuation, your next chapter that builds on everything you survived, learned, released, so ready to begin again!

Leaving Survival Mode Behind One of the most important shifts as we enter 2026 is moving out of survival mode. Survival kept us going when clarity was scarce. It helped us endure unpredictable seasons, shifting landscapes, and emotional weight. But survival was never meant to be permanent.

Survival says, “Just get through today.”

In 2026 it’s asked, “How do you want to live now?”

For entrepreneurs, that might mean choosing sustainability over constant hustle. For leaders, it may mean redefining success beyond visibility or approval. For everyday people, it could look like reclaiming peace, rest, and joy without guilt. This is the year to stop dragging every lesson forward as a burden and begin carrying them as wisdom.

Clarity Over Control If the last year taught us anything, it’s that control is an illusion but clarity is a gift. Clarity doesn’t mean knowing every step. It means knowing why you’re moving. It means understanding what no longer fits. It means recognizing when it’s time to pause, pivot, or shift — without panic. s you step into 2026, clarity may come quietly: through reflection rather than resolution through discernment rather than decision through alignment rather than urgency This is the year to ask better questions instead of chasing faster answers.

Courage That Looks Different Now Courage in 2026 doesn’t look like pushing harder but choosing wisely.

Because it take courage to: say no without explanation trust timing instead of forcing outcomes step away from noise to protect your peace believe your experience still matters, especially now set boundaries where you once overextended

This year invites you to write with intention: intention in how you work intention in how you rest intention in how you believe intention in how you lead intention in how you live Crossing the Threshold As we cross into 2026, let this be the year you stop bracing for impact and start building with wisdom.

Not louder faith — deeper faith.

Not bigger plans — clearer ones.

Not more pressure — more presence.

Courage now is quieter, deeper, and This is not the year you prove your worth, but the year your more rooted. It’s not about starting LIVE IT! The pages have turned. And the pen is in your hand and your story is still unfolding. over; it’s about starting from truth.

Calm as a Strategy Calm is not passive, but strategic. In a world that thrives on urgency, outrage, and constant reaction, calm becomes a leadership stance. A faith practices, a business advantages or a personal commitment.

Calm allows you to hear God clearly.

Calm sharpens discernment.

Calm helps you respond instead of react.

As you enter 2026, calm becomes a compass guiding decisions, relationships, finances, faith, and focus.

Writing the Next Chapter This new year holds chapters you haven’t imagined yet not because you lack vision, but because growth often outpaces expectation. Understand that you are not behind, nor to late or even finished. Your next chapters are not empty they are full of possibility, shaped by everything you’ve walked through and everything you refused to quit.

JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026 9

SPECIAL FEATURE

BLUEPRINT OVER HYPE How David Carson Is Training Chicago’s Youth for Life, Not Just Sports RYAN WILLIS - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

10 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

SPECIAL FEATURE

Chicago doesn’t lack talent. It lacks structure.

That belief sits at the core of 24 Life Training & Fitness, founded by David Carson, a former Division I basketball player whose journey into training was shaped as much by loss and recovery as by athletics.

Before the gym, before the brand, Carson saw himself as one thing: a basketball player. Raised in Gary, Indiana, an only child close to his parents, basketball became his identity, his discipline, and his way forward. It kept him focused, pushed him academically, and framed how he imagined making an impact—through camps, mentorship, and eventually the NBA. But life interrupted that plan.

Shortly after college, as Carson was preparing to pursue a professional career, he was struck head-on by a driver who intentionally ended her life. The crash left Carson with severe injuries— broken bones, dislocations, and trauma that went far beyond the physical. More than anything, it stripped away the one identity he had always known.

“I wasn’t David Carson the basketball player anymore,” he says. “And that question—who am I without that?—put me in a really dark place.”

Recovery forced stillness. It forced patience. And in that stillness, Carson began to confront something he hadn’t before: what actually brought him joy.

The answer wasn’t applause or performance. It was helping people— especially those who didn’t yet see themselves as capable.

That realization changed everything.

Carson’s philosophy today is rooted in what he calls the *24 Blueprint*

—a belief that training isn’t about workouts, aesthetics, or intensity for its own sake. It’s about structure. It’s about principles that hold when motivation fades and life gets hard.

“Every day you’re not going to feel like doing it,” Carson explains. “So when motivation disappears, you fall back on your structure.”

That belief crystallized when he began training his mother, helping her lose more than 150 pounds. Unlike elite athletes, she didn’t walk in with built-in confidence or years of conditioning.

What worked wasn’t pushing harder—it was teaching why movements mattered, tracking progress, and building consistency. Carson realized the gap between elite athletes and everyday people wasn’t ability—it was clarity and structure.

That same thinking now shapes how he trains youth.

Carson is quick to challenge one of the most common mistakes parents make: treating sports as a guaranteed pathway to professional success.

“In our community, because there’s so much money in sports, we lose sight of why sports matter,” he says. “They teach discipline, teamwork, leadership—but there are no guarantees.”

He contrasts that with experiences he’s seen in other communities, where youth sports are valued not for scholarships or pro careers, but for character development. In one moment that stuck with him, a parent explained that their child’s training wasn’t about basketball at all—it was about preparing him to one day lead a company.

“That shifted everything for me,” Carson says. “We’re not just raising athletes.

We’re raising leaders.”

Environment, he believes, plays a massive role in performance. Many Black children are forced to mature early —taking on adult responsibilities long before they’re ready. Without consistent mentorship and safe spaces, they’re pushed into independence without guidance.

“I just kept showing up. Everything else followed.”

That’s why Carson believes youth development must go beyond sport. Rec centers, mentorship programs, and daily points of engagement matter—not popups, but permanent structures. Places that give young people something to look forward to, something to build toward.

“Hope is powerful,” he says. “When kids can’t see past today, bad decisions feel easier.

Training, structure, and mentorship give them a future to prepare for.”

In an era dominated by social media trainers, Carson also draws a clear line between performance and service.

While others focus on optics, he emphasizes education, empathy, and experience.

“Training is a service industry,” he says. “If I can’t meet you where you are, none of this works.”

Legacy, for Carson, has nothing to do with producing professional athletes. It’s about impact—former clients who become business leaders, fathers, and community builders.

“The real goal of training isn’t strength or speed,” he says. “It’s self-discovery.”

And for any young athlete reading, his message is simple: you don’t have to have everything figured out. With patience, discipline, and consistency, the world opens up in ways you could never predict.

“I didn’t even know some of these opportunities existed,” Carson says.

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COMMENTARY

Keeping the Bears in Chicago Is Also a Public Safety Issue Chicago’s stadium debate is often framed as a fight over money. As someone who works every day at the intersection of public safety, accountability and community stability, I see it differently.

This is also a conversation about jobs, dignity and violence prevention.

I serve on Chicago’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. The data is clear: Communities with access to stable, dignified income experience dramatically lower levels of violence. Employment is not a silver bullet, but it is one of the most reliable tools we have to reduce harm before police, courts or emergency rooms ever get involved.

That’s why the possibility of the Chicago Bears leaving the city, or even the state, should concern more than football fans. A modern stadium project represents thousands of construction jobs, apprenticeships, union positions and longterm operations work. It creates pathways for young people to earn, learn and build careers.

When those opportunities disappear, the ripple effects land hardest in neighborhoods already struggling for investment.

At the same time, Chicagoans are right to reject the idea that public safety or social services should be sacrificed to subsidize a stadium. This does not need to be an either-or choice.

What has been missing from the public conversation is a modern financing approach that protects taxpayers while keeping these economic opportunities in Chicago.

To date, discussions have largely focused on infrastructure assistance, property tax treatment and site selection. There has been little sustained public exploration of revenue-backed, independent ownership structures that are commonly used to finance large-scale infrastructure without burdening public balance sheets.

Under such a model, a new stadium and surrounding entertainment district would be financed by its own revenues — leases, events, naming rights and adjacent development. The Bears would operate the facility, control events and benefit economically from the project, with a clear contractual path to full ownership over time. The city’s role would be limited to land-use coordination and transit, not issuing debt or guaranteeing returns.

This approach matters because it keeps the economic engine here. Construction jobs stay in Chicago.

Operations jobs stay in Chicago. Apprenticeships, minority contracting and workforce pipelines can be written into the project from the start.

Public safety is not just about enforcement.

Marquinn McDonald, District Councilman, Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (Known to many Chicagoans as “The Sensei of Chicago”)

Public safety is not just about enforcement. It is about opportunity. If we allow major economic anchors to leave because we fail to modernize how we structure deals, we undermine our own violence-prevention goals.

Keeping the Bears in Chicago isn’t just about tradition. It’s about choosing investment over abandonment — and doing it responsibly.

Illustration by Eli

12 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

CNW MENTIONS

'The Warriors: SIB’S Breakfast Club Names Its Class of 2026 Game Changers CNW STAFF REPORT

SIB’S Breakfast Club has announced the honorees for its 13th Annual Game Changers celebration, recognizing an extraordinary group of professionals known collectively as “The Warriors – The Class of 2026.” Photo Credit: Forty Photography According to SIB’S Breakfast Club founder and former Chicago News Weekly Cover Star Sibyl Holloway, this year’s class represents resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence during one of the most challenging periods for business leaders and professionals.

“These professionals didn’t just survive the last few years,” Holloway said. “They weathered the storm. They evolved.

They pivoted. They prevailed—no matter what was thrown their way.”

The 2026 class spans a wide range of industries, including culinary arts, real estate, journalism, television news, medicine, nonprofit leadership, insurance, marketing, higher education, and corporate leadership. Together, the honorees reflect the breadth of Black excellence shaping Chicago’s business and professional landscape.

“As Black professionals and entrepreneurs, we work harder than most to succeed through constant challenges,” Holloway added. “Yet despite every obstacle, these individuals continue to make significant impact in their industries and within their communities.”

This year’s honorees include: Marki Lemons Ryhal, Marki Lemons Unlimited, Inc. Chef Ken L. Polk, Batter & Berries Scott Itiona, Essie Marie's Hampton Simmons, Hampton Simmons: Allstate Insurance and LuxeStream Jasper Hagen, Full Court Marketing Tonya Francisco, WGN-TV Aisha Robinson, Post-Secondary Educator and Makeup Artist Debra Vines, The Answer Inc. Front Row Honorees and CNW Leadership Among those seated in the front row was Laura Miller, Managing Editor and Chief Content Officer of Chicago News Weekly, who was also named a member of the Class of 2026.

Additional front row honorees included: Dr. LaToya Glass, Miracles Revealed Chiropractic Dr. Cordia Clark White, Women's Progressive Health Care Keiana Barrett, The Business Leadership Council Eddie Winters, Vanguard Security Holloway said the collective strength of this year’s honorees underscores why the “Warriors” designation is fitting.

“I salute them,” she said. “They are The Warriors — Class of 2026.”

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HEALTHY LIVING Five Wellness Trends That Actually Matter in 2026 What science says about staying healthy, focused, and resilient LAURA MILLER MANAGING EDITOR For many of us, wellness today is less about chasing trends and more about protecting health, energy, and longevity. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s sustainability.

After years of flashy wellness promises, 2026 is bringing a quieter but more meaningful shift. The trends that endure are rooted in evidence, practicality, and long-term payoff.

Here are five wellness trends that truly hold up—and why they matter now.

1. Sleep Is a Health Investment, Not a Luxury Sleep has moved from an afterthought to a pillar of preventive health. Poor sleep is linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline—conditions that already disproportionately affect African American adults.

Data callout: Adults sleeping fewer than 6 hours per night have a significantly higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease compared to those getting 7–8 hours.

What’s working isn’t fancy tech—it’s basics: Consistent bedtimes Reduced late-night screen exposure Treating sleep as recovery, not lost productivity

The shift: Rest is now seen as a performance strategy, not weakness.

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2. Consistent Movement Beats Extreme Fitness The fitness conversation has matured.

Instead of punishing workouts, the focus is now on daily, realistic movement that fits real lives.

Data callout: Studies show that adding just 5 minutes of moderate physical activity per day and reducing sitting time can significantly lower mortality risk.

Walking, light strength training, mobility work, and regular movement breaks all support: Heart healthJoint longevity Blood sugar control Bottom line: What you do consistently matters more than what you do intensely.

3. Gut Health Through Food, Not Fads Gut health remains a major wellness topic, but the science points away from miracle drinks and toward nutrition fundamentals.

What consistently shows benefit: Fiber-rich foods (beans, greens, whole grains) Diverse, minimally processed meals Moderate fermented foods Data callout: Higher dietary fiber intake is associated with lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Data callout: Higher dietary fiber intake is associated with lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

4. Stress Management Is Preventive Medicine Chronic stress is no longer viewed as just a mental issue—it’s recognized as a whole-body health risk.

Data callout: Long-term stress is associated with increased inflammation, weakened immune response, and higher cardiometabolic risk.

Effective stress regulation today looks like: Breathwork and mindfulness practices Therapy and emotional support without stigma Intentional rest without guilt New mindset: Calm isn’t complacency—it’s capacity.

5. Preventive, Personalized Health Is the New Power Move One of the most important shifts in wellness is moving from crisis care to early awareness.

More adults are: Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose earlier Paying attention to family health history

Making lifestyle changes before problems escalate

Data callout: Preventive lifestyle interventions can delay or reduce the severity of chronic diseases that disproportionately affect Black communities.

The goal: Stay ahead of illness instead of reacting to it.

The Takeaway Wellness in 2026 isn’t about trends that impress—it’s about habits that endure. The approaches that work share three traits: They’re evidence-based They fit real lives They build health quietly, over time In our next issue, we’ll take a closer look at the other side of the wellness boom—the popular trends that don’t hold up, and why discernment matters more than ever.

Because real wellness isn’t loud—it lasts.

a.I The Answer Is..

In short: sedition is the act or In today’s social and political Incendiary Ideological: radical, revolutionary offense; seditious describes climate, certain words appear Definition: Intentionally Strategic: subversive, incendiary repeatedly in news coverage and speech or behavior connected to provocative or inflammatory, Legal: seditious, treasonable that act. everyday conversation. To especially speech that stirs unrest.

Behavioral: rebellious, engage in meaningful discussion, Connection: Incendiary rhetoric insurrectionary it’s essential to understand what Core Related Terms can fuel seditious movements. those words actually mean.

Government vs. Historical Usage Subversive Without shared definitions, Incendiary language is often a Definition: Intended to debate becomes noise. tool of sedition.

The same terms are often used undermine or weaken an very differently Ideological and Movementestablished system or authority.

Recently, Senator Kelly urged Seditious Oriented Terms Connection Sedition is often members of the military to overt; subversion can be covert. disregard orders that would Government: A criminal threat Revolutionary require them to disobey the law, Insurrectionary Definition: Advocating or engaging to public order. while President Trump accused Historians: A legal label used to Definition: Relating to or in radical political or social change.

North of sedition. So what does suppress dissent. encouraging an organized this back-and-forth actually uprising against authority.

Connection: Revolutionary ideas are mean?

Governments punish sedition; often labeled seditious by those in Seditious and sedition are historians study it.

Connection: Seditious speech power. closely related terms, most can lead to insurrectionary often used in political and legal action. Sedition is frequently a Sedition is a legal label; revolution is Subversive contexts. precursor to insurrection. a historical or ideological frame. .Seditious (adjective): Government: Covert Rebellious Radical destabilization requiring Describes speech, actions, or Definition: Showing defiance Definition: Seeking fundamental or containment. ideas that encourage rebellion, or resistance to authority. extreme change to existing systems. Historians: Grassroots or reformresistance, or unrest against an Connection: Rebellious Connection: Radical ideas may oriented organizing. established government or behavior can be personal or cross into sedition when they authority. informal, while sedition is directly challenge state authority.

What governments call political and collective. subversion, historians may call Example: “The government Radicalism is a spectrum; sedition mobilization. claimed the pamphlet contained Rebellion is often the is a legal threshold. seditious language.”

behavioral outcome of seditious ideas.

How These Terms Interconnect Sedition (noun): The act or crime of inciting These words often describe stages Legal and Political Adjacent rebellion, disorder, or resistance of opposition to authority: against lawful authority, especially Terms Treasonable a government.

Radical ideas Subversive Example: “He was charged with Definition: Involving betrayal of influence Seditious speech one’s country, especially by aiding its Rebellious action Insurrection sedition for urging people to enemies. overthrow the state.”

(Possibly) Treason Connection: Sedition challenges internal authority; treason betrays They also reflect different the state itself. perspectives:

→

→

→

→

Rebellious Government: Unlawful disorder.

Historians: A response to injustice or systemic failure.

Revolutionary Government: Dangerous and destabilizing.

Historians: Transformative and foundational.

Treasonable Government: The ultimate betrayal.

Historians: Often reassessed after regime change.

Treason is permanent in law, but temporary in history.

The Bottom Line Perspective matters.

Governments ask whether an action threatens stability.

Historians ask why people challenged authority and what changed as a result.

That’s why the same individual may be remembered as both a seditious agitator in court records and a revolutionary leader in history books.

Understanding that distinction makes for better conversations—and better citizens.

→ Insurrectionary

Government: An immediate threat to sovereignty.

Historians: A phase of political escalation.

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The Stay The Stay Ready Ready Playbook Playbook is is BACK BACK If you haven't subscribed to the Stay Ready Playbook, now's the time! Our next 6-week series begins Tuesday and is essential for staying updated on trends and tips to remain recession-proof, healthy, and prepared for the next level.

16 JAN 07 --- JAN 16, 2026

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP When Other People’s Marriages Become Public Property LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR

“Hey strangers who follow me,” the subtext reads, “I’m sorry my marriage didn’t work out. Please accept my apology, even though I don’t know you and even though the most affected person is standing right beside me.”

That apology wasn’t just about remorse—it was about obligation. About performance. About the unspoken agreement that when you profit from visibility, you owe the audience emotional closure when the illusion breaks.

And that’s where things become deeply distorted.

This piece is not an attempt to examine what went wrong between people I barely know. It’s an attempt to highlight how quickly humanity is stripped away once someone becomes a public-facing product. Content creators are encouraged—often rewarded—for sharing their lives.

Audiences are conditioned to consume those lives. And somewhere along the way, visibility gets confused with ownership.

I’ve been writing about love and relationships since I was 27—well over a decade now and just shy of 15 years. Over time, I’ve paid attention to the gurus and experts, the many theories associated with relationship science, worked directly with couples therapists, and accumulated my own lived experience along the way. I’m observant, curious, admittedly nosey—and most importantly, I’ve heard it all.

Which is why, in recent days, something on social media has struck me as particularly strange.

A content couple—the Scotts—have reportedly filed for divorce, and suddenly they are everywhere. Think pieces, reaction videos, speculative commentary. We, the viewing public, have no real idea what actually happened inside their marriage.

What we do know—at least according to circulating narratives—is that the husband may have been unfaithful toward the very end of the relationship.

What makes this moment odd isn’t the divorce itself. It’s the illusion of access.

We know what they cook for each other. We know how they shop. We’ve seen behind-the-scenes footage of their daily routines. We know how long they’ve been together, how they joke, how they flirt, how they present themselves to the world.

And yet, when the marriage ends, the statements are vague, the details are minimal, and suddenly people feel… unsatisfied.

If you’re reading this, you might think I sound entitled to someone else’s business. If you’re not thinking that— if part of you expected more information—then you, too, may want to sit with why that expectation exists in the first place.

Because here’s the truth: It is completely OK that we don’t have the details of the end of their marriage. It is not our marriage.

So then we have to ask the real question: Why is this news at all?

Is the fate of the world resting on the longevity of the Scotts’ relationship? Is immigration enforcement suddenly going to shift because their marriage didn’t survive? Are they holding the winning numbers for today’s lottery?

Of course not.

And that’s where things become deeply distorted.

This piece is not an attempt to examine what went wrong between people I barely know. It’s an attempt to highlight how quickly humanity is stripped away once someone becomes a public-facing product. Content creators are encouraged—often rewarded—for sharing their lives.

Audiences are conditioned to consume those lives. And somewhere along the way, visibility gets confused with ownership.

For many—especially within conversations about Black love —these relationships become Let’s be honest: This behavior isn’t limited to social media proof. Evidence. Something to comment sections. We are deeply in the business of other point to in a society full of first- people’s lives every day. We just sneak around when we world problems and truly do it. Secret screenshots. Quietly recording conversations. catastrophic ones alike. We Group chats dissecting someone else’s relationship. believe in what we are shown, Endless distractions so we can feel, if only briefly, a little and we hope it continues— better about how our own lives are going. often not for the couple’s sake, Let’s be honest: This behavior isn’t limited to social media but for our own reassurance comment sections. We are deeply in the business of other and entertainment. people’s lives every day. We just sneak around when we And when that image do it. Secret screenshots. Quietly recording conversations. fractures, we don’t just feel Group chats dissecting someone else’s relationship. disappointed—we feel Endless distractions so we can feel, if only briefly, a little entitled to an explanation. better about how our own lives are going.

Which brings me to another And no, it’s not just a small group of internet trolls. Even detail that makes this moment especially revealing: the self-proclaimed academics participate. Analysis The husband issued a public masquerades as concern. Critique disguises itself as apology—not just to his wife, intellectual curiosity. All while we exploit what is exploitable—for content, for validation, for personal but to us. satisfaction, and sometimes just because we can.

Let that sit for a moment.

A man felt compelled to Content creators are not exempt from responsibility here. apologize to strangers for the Neither is the audience. This is a shared transaction. One We’ve seen public-facing divorces failure of his marriage. To side offers access; the other consumes it. But neither side before. Infidelity. Income disparities.

Commentary on personality, beauty, people he has never met. To an should confuse that exchange with entitlement to someone’s most painful moments. gender roles, likability. None of this is audience that did not participate in his vows, his new. What is revealing is how much conflicts, or his private So today, I’m asking both groups—the people who make emotional and symbolic weight we assign to certain couples—particularly decisions. “I’m sorry,” he said— the content and the people who consume it—to pause. publicly—about a relationship Think about these couples the way you would think those whose relationships have been that was never ours to manage about yourself. Imagine your worst season becoming packaged as aspirational. Publicsomeone else’s think piece. Imagine having to apologize facing relationships allow us to believe or mourn.

Can you imagine having to do to strangers for a chapter of your life they were never that the unblemished perfection of a that? meant to own. Just for a moment. carefully curated image is the thing Then you can keep scrolling. that gives hope to the world.

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FOOD & WINE Chilli Beef Stew MARE EVANS - STAFF WRITER

The reality is that the holidays are over, and truth be told that’s the one thing about winter that’s fun unless you love going to outdoor football games, ice skating, snow mobiling, sleigh ridingand skiing. But who wants to rack up more bills just yet? So, you’ve got to get creative and dig deep for fun things to do.

So what ab out Winter Food adventures that involve creating cozy, hearty meals for indoor fun (like themed bake-offs or fondue nights) and packing nutrient-dense, easy-to-prepare options for outdoor activities (like hot soups, trail mix, and slow-cooked stews) to stay warm and energized, focusing on slowburning carbs, fats, and proteins for sustained energy. All these involve friends, family and twosome whenever you arrange it.

Indoor & Cozy Winter Food Adventures Themed Baking & Cooking: Host a cookie bake-off, make homemade marshmallows, or try new holiday recipes like spiced apple cider or gingerbread.

Winter Potluck: Have friends bring their favorite warm dishes like chili, stew, or a hearty casserole.

DIY Fondue Night: A classic for cold nights, served with bread, fruit, and meat for dipping.

Slow Cooker Feasts: Prepare dishes like pulled pork tacos or Moroccan chicken that cook while you're enjoying winter activities.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up toppings like cinnamon, whipped cream, and sprinkles for custom drinks.

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Outdoor Winter Adventure Fuel High-Energy Snacks: Pack nuts, cheese, jerky, energy bars, and dehydrated fruits for quick fuel.

Warm Meals on the Go: Use a camp stove for quinoa skillet meals or trail mix oatmeal for a hot breakfast.

Easy-Prep Lunches: Tortillas can be warmed near the body, and cheese, peanut butter, and honey are great for wraps, says this YouTube video.

Hydration: Warm drinks like spiced cider or hot cocoa are essential; avoid liquids in containers that can freeze and burst, like some sodas.

Slow-Cooked Meals: Make a large batch of stew or chili at home and reheat it easily outdoors for a hearty dinner, suggests Guiding Stars.

Tips for Winter Fueling Combine Energy Sources: Mix quick carbs with slow-burning fats and proteins (nuts, cheese, meat) to avoid energy crashes.

Graze, Don't Overeat: Frequent small snacks keep you warmer and energized better than one big, cold meal.

Prep Smart: Store ingredients in plastic totes to protect from critters and moisture

Beefy Chili Stew Recipe

Instructions 1.Dice the onion into a small Beefy Chili Stew is a winter winner when it dice. Add the cooking oil or comes to comfort food stacked with ground butter to a deep pot, add the beef, tomatoes, diced potatoes, and a onions, and sauté until soft delicious blend of seasonings. All of this is and slightly golden brown. simmered into a delicious bowl of goodness. 2.Add the ground beef and cook with the onions, crumbling it Ingredients up as you go. If you like, break 3 lbs. of Ground Beef it up into a fine crumble. Use 1 large Sweet Onion the 85/15 mix of beef to 2 packets of Sazon Seasoning *pictured eliminate the need to drain it. in post before the recipe card If you want to drain, do it now.

2 packets of McCormick Original Chili 3.Add the dry seasonings Seasoning Mix *pictured in post before including the packets of Sazon the recipe card and the chili seasoning 2 cans of Diced Tomatoes with Green packets. Sauté for 10 minutes.

Chilis (14.5 ounces each) 4.Add the diced tomatoes, green 2 cans of Diced Potatoes (15 ounces chilis, ketchup, and water. each) Bring to a simmer and 1 can of Diced Green Chilis (4 ounces) simmer for 15 minutes.

3 cups of Water 5.Drain and add the canned 1/4 cup of Ketchup potatoes and the water, bring 1 tablespoon of Onion Powder to a boil again, reduce heat to a 1 tablespoon of Garlic Powder low simmer and simmer for 2 teaspoons of Black Pepper one hour. Stir this occasionally, 1 teaspoon of Salt but do not cover it. Alternative 2 tablespoons of Cooking Oil or Butter is to put this all in a slow cooker at this point and cook low and HERE YOU GO! slow 6 hours.

6.Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for 15 minutes before serving.

7.Top with cheese, onions, and sour cream.

FASHION

YITTY Lifestyle Wear Is All About Acceptance CL BLACKBURN- STAFF WRITER

Every woman wants to entice and excite the focus of her romantic yearnings—and that can look many different ways, depending on the woman. Most would agree, however, that the first requirement is being in love with oneself.

That begins with self-acceptance.

Accepting yourself as you are doesn’t mean abandoning growth. If you’re not satisfied, set a plan in motion to achieve your goals. In the meantime, love the body you’re in. Being comfortable with yourself includes feeling good about how you look in workout attire, undergarments, and lingerie. Those are the first steps. Just ask Lizzo.

Known not only for her musical talent but also for her bold—sometimes outlandish—fashion choices, Lizzo has always brought confidence, regardless of size. In 2022, Fabletics, Inc., the parent company of YITTY, launched the shapewear brand co-founded by the Grammy-winning artist. Lizzo has been deeply involved in the brand from the start.

“I have been very involved in the design of every style,” she said. “I see every fabric, I pick every color, and I’ve tried on every piece a ton of times.”

Since its launch, YITTY has amassed a major following, featuring campaigns for swimwear, shapewear, and more—proving that size often matters more in the mind than anywhere else.

The brand’s latest campaign stars singer Chlöe Bailey, modeling pieces from YITTY’s Nearly Naked collection.

At its core, YITTY delivers feel-good intimates and shapewear designed to support wearers emotionally, physically, and stylistically. The brand’s mission is clear: “We believe in celebrating every body—not reshaping it to fit anyone’s standards but your own. Our bold, expressive pieces come in sizes XS–6X and are made for every mood, moment, and mindset. With unapologetic style and curve-loving fits, YITTY helps you feel confident from the first layer out.”

In March 2025, Lizzo shared a personal milestone that surprised many. While she didn’t disclose her weight, she revealed that she had lost 16% of her body fat and lowered her BMI by 10.5 points since beginning her health journey in January 2024. She emphasized that her transformation was about health and wellbeing—not chasing the aesthetic ideal of being “skinny.”

Lizzo wants people to feel “good as hell” in shapewear. The 33-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter behind empowerment anthems like “Truth Hurts” and “Batches & Cookies” brings that same message of confidence and self-love to YITTY.

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