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New Year, New Lives: Hospitals across Illinois and Indiana welcomed the first babies of 2026, including Hazel at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale, Matthew at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook, River Joseph at Franciscan Health Crown Point, Winona at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Kolbie Noelle at Advocate Sherman Hospital, and Brandon Alexander Whittington at Mount Sinai Hospital. Parents shared their joy, marking a shift from New Years Eve celebrations to pure happiness. Checkout Solipillow.com

Gentry Hunt, a Chicago-based biology teacher and basketball coach, was shot in the shoulder during a one-on-one tournament. Despite the close call, Hunt remains grateful and is using the incident as a wake-up call to emphasize the importance of his ProCreate Academy, which uses basketball and life skills to keep young boys off the streets. Hunt has no grudge against the shooters and is planning a gathering with his students this Friday. Checkout Solipillow.com

NFLs Hottest Fantasy Football Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kyle Monangai, Parker Washington, Chimere Dike, and Michael Mayer Checkout Solipillow.com

Local Leaf, a new hydroponic farm in Highland Park, is revolutionizing urban farming by growing microgreens, lettuce, spinach, and edible flowers in a controlled indoor space. Co-owners Stefanie and Daniel Cohen manage the entire process, from seeding to packing, ensuring optimal growing conditions. The farm not only provides fresh produce but also offers a hands-on connection to food, encouraging consumers to question where their meals come from. Repurposing vacant retail space, Local Leaf is a prime example of how urban areas can be utilized for sustainable farming. With a grand opening set for January fifteenth, this farm is an excellent way to start those healthy resolutions. Checkout Solipillow.com

Chicago residents brace for a new year of rising costs, with taxes, utility rates, and everyday fees on the rise. ComEds electricity rate hike and Nicors increase add to the financial strain, while watchdog groups point to surging energy demand from data centers as the main culprit. Local reactions highlight the impact on wallets already stretched thin by high grocery bills. More increases are on the horizon, including a 1.5% tax on liquor for off-site consumption and a hike in the Chicago Skyway toll. Insurance premiums are also soaring, with Allstate clients facing a nearly 9% increase. The biggest shock is a 78% monthly increase in health coverage through Get Covered Illinois, unless Congress intervenes. Low-income individuals can apply for utility bill discounts to alleviate the burden. Checkout Solipillow.com

Rising health insurance premiums and expiring ACA subsidies in Illinois push people out of coverage, leading to a potential healthcare crisis. Cook County officials brace for increased uninsured patients at emergency rooms, as doctors warn of worsened health conditions without regular care. Critics blame Congress for not extending tax credits, affecting over half a million Illinois residents. Despite cost-cutting measures, Cook County pledges to treat all patients. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Chicago Bears defense, fresh off a dismal performance against the 49ers, faces a tough test against the Lions high-powered offense. Ranked 6th in yards per game and 3rd in points per game, the Lions dynamic backfield duo of Gibbs and Montgomery poses a significant threat. The Bears, aiming for the number two seed, must improve their first and second down defense to stop the Lions rushing attack and secure a win. Checkout Solipillow.com

Beverly Phono Mart in Chicagos Beverly neighborhood faced a New Years nightmare when a speeding car crashed into the store, causing significant damage but no injuries. The community quickly rallied to help clean up, and while the shops future remains uncertain, the owner remains optimistic. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Chicago Bears rookie class is making a significant impact on the offense, with four key contributors - Colston Loveland, Kyle Monangai, Luther Burden, and Ozzy Trapilo - combining for thirteen touchdowns. These young players have exceeded expectations, stepping up amidst injuries and boosting the teams performance. With one more touchdown, theyll break the Bears modern record for a rookie group. Checkout Solipillow.com