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Afternoon Briefing

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Good afternoon, Chicago.

A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia yesterday sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.

The declaration issued last Thursday called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria, or the distress when someone’s gender expression doesn’t match their sex assigned at birth. It also warned doctors that they could be excluded from federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid if they provide those types of care.

Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

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news
A CTA Red Line train travels through the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway south of the Chicago skyline, Dec. 15, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Ready, set, soon? Trump admin’s funding freeze threatens Red Line Extension.

In October, the Trump administration froze the Red Line grant dollars, citing the transit agency’s diversity requirements for contractors. Since then, the CTA has not been able to receive federal reimbursements for work on the project.

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business
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) makes a reception during the first quarter on Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears player Colston Loveland paid $1.3M for a Long Grove home over the summer

Built in 1984, Colston Loveland’s new contemporary-style house has 5½ bathrooms, a floating staircase, wood and metal finishes and a living room with a two-story cathedral ceiling and exposed beams.

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sports
Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers players argue during the third period at the United Center on Dec. 23, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Blackhawks handed a 6th consecutive loss by the Philadelphia Flyers heading into Christmas break

The Hawks wanted a win for Christmas. They got more coal instead, with a sixth-straight loss in regulation, this time a 3-1 contest to the Flyers.

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eat. watch. do.
Prosecco at Osteria Via Stato. (Anjali M. Pinto/Lettuce Entertain You)

Chicago-area restaurant specials and drink packages to ring in the New Year

Restaurants throughout Chicago are celebrating New Year’s Eve by hosting dinners filled with luxurious items like seafood, steak and caviar.

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nation & world
A makeshift memorial of flags, flowers and other items is seen, Nov. 30, 2025, outside of Farragut West Station, near the site where two National Guard members were shot in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Suspect in National Guard shooting faces new federal charges that allow death penalty discussions

A man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House has been charged in a complaint with federal firearms charges in connection with the ambush on Nov. 26 that fatally wounded one of the West Virginia National Guard members and seriously injured the second.

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