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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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