Good afternoon, Chicago.
The 300 Illinois National Guard troops under Republican President Donald Trump’s control since early October — despite Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s objections — will remain federalized until mid-April, even though the Guard members have carried out no significant operational missions and have spent most of their time stationed at a northern Illinois base.
A spokesperson for the Pritzker administration and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth each told the Tribune that the Trump administration plans to keep the Illinois National Guard members federalized until April 15, and a Pentagon official said the troops would remain under federal control until that month. They were deployed to support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement personnel participating in the Republican president’s deportation efforts in the Chicago area.
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.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
A singer performs during a menorah-lighting ceremony hosted by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of the Loop and Gold Coast in Chicago’s Daley Plaza on Dec. 16, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
At menorah-lighting, Chicago’s Jewish community mourns Australia beach attack
Two days after an antisemitic assault killed 15 people at one of Australia’s most popular beaches, people packed into a corner of Daley Plaza to watch the public lighting of a towering menorah on the third night of Hanukkah. Read more here.
More top news stories:
Border Patrol Cmdr. Bovino praises local police assistance in enforcement, argues with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss
Pope Leo XIV to name Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks as next archbishop of New York: report
A new two-story bank location will open at 830 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago next fall. The first floor will be a Chase branch, and the second floor will house a new JPMorgan Financial Center, the first of its kind in Chicago. (JPMorganChase)
Chase to open new J.P. Morgan Financial Center for million-dollar customers on Michigan Avenue
The high-traffic retail location at 830 N. Michigan Ave. will feature a Chase branch at street level and a J.P. Morgan Financial Center on the second floor, a new concept being rolled out in select markets to serve affluent clients whose net worth exceeds $1 million. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Wisconsin developer Cal Akin was the buyer who paid $11 million for Georgian-style Lake Forest mansion
Kraft Heinz names former Kellogg CEO to helm Chicago packaged food giant ahead of planned split next year
Former Cubs player Pedro Strop lists Portage Park home for $900,000
Bulls guard Coby White brings the ball upcourt against the Hornets on Dec. 13, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Is it time for the Chicago Bulls to move Coby White? Is there still a market for Nikola Vučević?
With seven expiring contracts on the books, there’s plenty for vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas to work with as the Feb. 5 trade deadline nears. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Checking in on defenseman Sam Rinzel, who is finding his rhythm and ‘learning to adapt’ with Rockford IceHogs
Chicago Blackhawks can’t hold off Toronto Maple Leafs, who score 3 goals in 3rd period of 3-2 win
Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz, drummer Gustavo Cortiñas at the Jazz Showcase on Nov. 18, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz: In 2025, Gustavo Cortiñas’ drums sang
Gustavo Cortiñas doesn’t “do” absolute music — music for music’s sake. The Humboldt Park-based drummer’s work is always about something. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Review: Brat Summer is over. Welcome to Cameron Winter.
Rapper Rod Wave makes it personal on his ‘Redemption Experience’ at the United Center
President Donald Trump speaks during a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump is previewing his 2026 agenda in an address to the nation as his popularity wanes
President Donald Trump intends to preview his agenda for next year and beyond in a live speech from the White House tonight. His remarks are coming at a crucial time as he tries to rebuild his steadily eroding popularity. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in deaths of his parents
The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC
