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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A CTA Red Line train travels through the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway south of the Chicago skyline on 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. Read more here.
More top news stories:
Man critically wounded in shooting outside Brighton Park bank
1 dead, 3 wounded in Englewood shooting
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. Read more here.
More top business stories:
US stocks drift to more records on a holiday-shortened day of trading
NIPSCO bill credits from data center could begin in 2027
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. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Bears playoff appearances — including the ‘Sneakers Game,’ the ‘Fog Bowl’ and ‘Double Doink’
Josh Giddey and Coby White help the Chicago Bulls rally from a late 10-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Hawks
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. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s boat is being reassembled in public at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Pat Finn, Evanston-born actor from ‘The Middle’ and ‘Seinfeld,’ dies
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, D.C.. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
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. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system
’60 Minutes’ segment on Trump immigration policy accidentally airs online
