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.

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At menorah-lighting, Chicago’s Jewish community mourns Australia beach attack

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President Donald Trump speaks during a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump is previewing his 2026 agenda in an address to the nation as his popularity wanes

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