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Afternoon Briefing

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Good afternoon, Chicago.

A report released today by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul urges the city to consider shifting its O’Hare rebuild plans around to prevent “sharp reductions” in flight activity at the busy airport during construction.

In recent bond documents, the city said it was hoping to do just that.

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
Faith leaders and volunteers chose to depict the Holy Family protesting an ICE detention center as this year's Nativity set outside of Lake Street Church in Evanston. Associate Minister Jillian Westerfield said Jesus' birth story is very similar to present-day tensions on immigration enforcement in Chicago and around the nation. (Jillian Westerfield)
Faith leaders and volunteers chose to depict the Holy Family protesting an ICE detention center as this year 's Nativity set outside of Lake Street Church in Evanston. Associate Minister Jillian Westerfield said Jesus' birth story is very similar to present-day tensions on immigration enforcement in Chicago and around the nation. (Jillian Westerfield)

Evanston church’s Nativity depicts baby Jesus zip-tied by ICE agents

Mother Mary wearing a respirator mask to protect herself from tear gas. Baby Jesus with zip-tied hands, wrapped in a thin blanket that looks like aluminum foil. Masked centurions with sunglasses and green vests labeled “ICE.” This is how the Lake Street Church of Evanston chose to assemble its Nativity scene for the Christmas season.

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business
Ryan Craig, executive chef for Levy at Soldier Field, speaks Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, as the Bears showcase food offerings before the season opener. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago-based Levy to provide food service at new $750 million Fire stadium

The shovels have yet to hit the ground at the Chicago Fire’s new privately funded $750 million soccer stadium in the South Loop, but we already know who will be serving up food and beverage.

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sports
Morgan Park’s Nasir Rankin (7) picks up some extra yards after a reception against Kenwood during a Chicago Public Metro game at Gately Stadium in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Daily Southtown)

College football signing day: Which recruits are headed to Notre Dame, Illinois and Northwestern?

Here’s a look at the committed players for Notre Dame, Illinois and Northwestern entering today, according to 247Sports.com.

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eat. watch. do.
Christopher Borrelli's 2025 top 10 books. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Christopher Borrelli's 2025 top 10 books. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The 10 best books of 2025: Censorship, crime and compassion

From “Clam Down” to “Murderland,” these are the 10 books out of Christopher Borrelli’s tall stack of best books of the year that he couldn’t get out of his mind.

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nation & world
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Pete Hegseth faces deepening scrutiny from Congress over boat strikes

In what may be his most career-defining moment yet, Pete Hegseth is confronting questions about the use of military force after a special operations team reportedly attacked survivors of a strike on an alleged drug boat off the coast of Venezuela.

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