Afternoon Briefing: Community mourns students killed outside Benito Juarez high school

Good afternoon, Chicago.

Chicago residents yearning for a snowy white Christmas are likely to get more than they hoped for, as meteorologists are looking at a possible “near blizzard,” with snow and subfreezing winds that could remind residents of the 2011 Groundhog Day blizzard.

The National Weather Service’s Chicago office released today a forecast that predicted the strong possibility of snow, strong winds and cold air arriving ahead of Christmas.

What to know about the weather this week.

Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

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Community mourns students killed outside Benito Juarez high school, calls on officials to address violence in schools

Community members gathered in Pilsen Sunday night to grapple with the Benito Juarez Community Academy shooting that left two teens dead and two more wounded on Friday. Read more here.

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CTA, Metra to get $185 million in federal funding to make stations more accessible

Combined, Chicago will receive the second-largest bundle of grants, after New York City, under a provision in the massive $1 trillion bill that sets aside $1.75 billion for transit agencies to improve their stations’ accessibility. Read more here.

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• Snack food giant Mondelez to sell its gum business, including a Rockford facility and brands, including Trident

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‘Highlight reel’ Justin Fields draws more praise — but Chicago Bears lose 7th straight. Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the draft order, Cairo Santos and more.

10 thoughts after the Chicago Bears showed a little spunk and put up a fight against the Philadelphia Eagles, owners of the best record in the NFL, before falling short 25-20 Sunday at Soldier Field. Read more here.

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Review: Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue in Pullman is not only resilient, but resoundingly good

“To have brisket at a South Side Black-owned restaurant is so rare,” said Dominique Leach, chef and owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse and a rare Black woman pitmaster. “We are still introducing new people that come into the restaurant to brisket. Read more here.

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Jan. 6 panel unveils criminal referral against Donald Trump and associates

Among the crimes the panel cited are obstruction of an official proceeding, aiding in an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Read more here.

More top stories from around the world:

• Dozens hurt in Hawaii flight after severe turbulence, with 11 seriously injured

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