If there is one thing that has kept me hopeful throughout this past year of chaos and uncertainty, it has been the faithful delivery of my Chicago Tribune newspaper at my front door. It’s a daily reminder that a free press still thrives and stands up for the freedom of speech.
It wasn’t too long ago that I feared my beloved Tribune would fold to the economic pressure that has overtaken 3,000 newspapers since 2005. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ended its physical newspaper in December after 157 years, making Atlanta the largest U.S. metro area without a printed daily newspaper. The Star-Ledger, once New Jersey’s highest-selling newspaper, discontinued its print edition in February.
I can hear younger people and those who permanently gravitated to digital media wondering why I’m concerned. Since the dawn of the internet and the ubiquity of digital media and smartphones, our greatest challenge has become distractions. We may be reading and seeing more online. But are we comprehending more? Are we learning more?
While conducted primarily on young people, research has shown that people retain information better when they read from printed materials. A University of Valencia study found that print reading over a long time could lead to a boost in understanding and retention skills by six to eight times in comparison with digital reading. Another study clarified this by showing that readers of print media exhibit more selective and intentional reading behavior.
If there was a time in recent history when we needed a well-informed public, able to think critically about what affects the future, it’s now. From pamphlets to periodicals to local newspapers, the printed news created this country.
Here’s a suggestion. Don’t toss your Tribune after you read it this year. Find a neighborhood or a teacher who can’t afford a subscription and share it with them. Let’s begin spreading the news in the best possible format.
In my opinion, there is no better source for news and quality journalism than the Chicago Tribune. I have been a loyal subscriber since moving here in 1991 and will continue to be until one of us is gone.
— Linda Finley Belan, Chicago
Everyone bears a gift
I have not always been kind to an elderly woman in my building. I am annoyed with her slowness in getting on and off the elevators. I have to strain to understand her broken English. Her constant chattering in corridors and common areas seems a total waste of time, and for the life of me, I can’t begin to fathom why others seem to enjoy it.
Just before Christmas, her sister made her an extraordinary necklace, which she was ecstatic to show me. This piece of jewelry, not made with any precious gems, has to be one of the most beautiful necklaces I have ever seen. I praised it to the heavens, and my “friend” was just delighted.
On Christmas Eve, I heard a soft knock on my door just as I was getting ready for bed. It was none other than my chatty friend. With a huge smile, she held out the necklace to me and said, “Please take this. It’s my Christmas present to you.” She was not about to take no for an answer.
After I thanked my visitor with a sincere hug and gently closed my door, it became abundantly clear what my New Year’s resolution had to be: Get a grip on the virtue of patience and treat everyone with the respect they deserve.
Everyone, absolutely everyone, bears a gift of some kind.
— Kathleen Melia, Niles
A chance for Congress
‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions that may include pledges to change our diets and commitments to spend less time on social media. We make promises to lose weight — while at the same time searching media services for Dunkin’ Donuts coupons.
Research tells us that New Year’s resolutions, a popular noncontractual commitment, began over 3,000 years ago in Babylonian culture and shortly after in other cultures as a way, in general, to atone for questionable practices and/or debt. Many thought they would receive special blessings from the gods for positive adjustments in their behavior.
The practice of making resolutions in modern times is simply a personal commitment to do better or improve upon our perceived or assumed weaknesses.
I have decided for 2026 to participate in the resolution tradition by sharing my own personal desire. I am hoping that all of Congress and those who sit in the seats of power will support and make available affordable health care for the 4 million to 5 million people who are at risk of losing their health insurance if Congress does not act soon. What a great beginning for a new year if health insurance issues could be resolved!
Let’s pray that this resolution will become a centerpiece in the hearts of members of Congress and that they will embrace the words of Oprah Winfrey: “Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right.”
— George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana
The tenets of my faith
In his Jan. 1 op-ed (“Faith and compassion can see us through 2026”), Willie Wilson writes: “Faith is trust in God even though you cannot see or trace him.” He then concludes his piece with “I write this commentary to make those comfortable with lacking faith, hope and love uncomfortable.” Should I be uncomfortable with my lack of faith in God?
I understand and respect that many people believe in a god (most religions have their own version of a supreme being), and I appreciate that these people naturally want to share their faith with others so that they, too, may see the “light.” I also recognize that while religion can be a force for good, history tells us that a religious faith can be used to vilify those who have a different faith or none at all. I would argue that Wilson’s remark about discomfort with lacking faith may not reflect positive values and could conflict with the inclusive views of many religions.
While I do not have faith in a god, I try to follow the universal teachings of various religions such as the golden rule. I do have faith in the general goodness of others, our Constitution and our collective ability to overcome whatever natural or human-made difficulties we may face.
I hope that Wilson will respect my faith as much as I respect his.
— Richard Badger, Chicago
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
