O'Hare is hitting record traffic levels, triggering the city to reevaluate its ongoing renovation project.

The big picture: A new report, published by the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University, points out that O'Hare had the most growth of any U.S. airport in 2024.

• It could see up to 30% more passenger traffic by 2033, which the report says would be difficult to accommodate following the current renovation schedule.

Why it matters: The city is listening. Planners want to reshuffle the terminal construction timeline, deprioritizing the renovation of Terminal 2 to become the new global terminal.

• The report suggests the city can't afford to focus on the sleek new terminal, designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, because it will offer fewer gates than before.
• Instead, the city wants to focus on the two satellite concourses, which would be finished by 2029, and focus on the global terminal last.

Context: The city and the airport's two major airlines struck a deal earlier this year to finance renovations through 2033 after several delays due to pandemic-related costs. The project was originally supposed to be completed by 2026.

What they're saying: "O'Hare has suddenly become the country's hottest airport in terms of traffic growth, and this creates new challenges for terminal expansion," DePaul professor and report co-author Joe Schwieterman tells Axios.

• "So much has changed since the current plan for terminal construction was hatched."

By the numbers: The report suggests the traffic increases are a good thing for the airport after a post-pandemic lull. There has been record growth at the airport in 2025, including a 5.1% increase in passenger traffic.

Yes, but: As passenger traffic expanded, so did the airlines' use of the airport. United and American Airlines flights out of O'Hare are up almost 19% since 2023.

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In perhaps the least surprising news for Chicago drivers, we just surpassed New York City as the most congested city in the U.S.

But, wait, there's more. We're No. 3 in the world, right behind Istanbul and Mexico City, according to the 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard by INRIX.

By the numbers: Commuters lost 112 hours to congestion this year, which cost each driver about $2,000.

Reality check: We know what you're thinking. "The 🤬 Kennedy!"

• Yes, but: According to the report, the busiest corridor is actually I-55 from Archer Avenue to South Lawler Avenue.

The Northalsted neighborhood is finally bringing back the colorful LGBTQ+ crosswalks.

The latest: Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews have been busy repainting select crosswalks around the North Side neighborhood after removing the older ones for a road repair and resurfacing project in September.

Flashback: The original crosswalks were installed in 2019.

Between the lines: The timing of the construction project led some to be concerned that the beloved crosswalks were being removed permanently.

• The Trump administration and conservative state lawmakers have either removed LGBTQ+ street art projects or attempted to outlaw them, deeming them too political.

Case in point: Rainbow crosswalks were recently removed in St. Petersburg.

Reality check: Chicago is not Florida. CDOT fixed Halsted Street, and crews have started repainting 11 crosswalks.

• And the Northalsted Business Alliance is doubling down on representation, even painting one crosswalk with the transgender pride flag.

What they're saying: "We're fortunate to have a local government so committed to protecting and respecting our community, especially as we're seeing other areas of the country dismantling and paving over these physical representations of LGBTQ+ pride, love and strength," Northalsted Business Alliance executive director Kevin Barbeau tells Axios.

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💰 This week, 26 alders presented a counter budget proposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan, leaning on increased garbage fees and expanded rideshare fees.

• The counter plan also relies on efficiencies (including operation consolidation, reduced benefits and more aggressive debt collection) to make up for excluding a corporate head tax that they oppose.

🥶 Advocate for the homeless worry that bone-chilling temps will hurt unhoused Chicagoans amid federal cuts to services. (Sun-Times)

🏛️ The feds dropped charges against Laugh Factory manager Nathan Griffin, accused in October of assaulting an immigration officer. (WTTW)

🏀 Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue will undergo shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of his rookie season. (NBA)

December's full Moon arrives this week with extra oomph and an appropriately frosty name — the Cold Supermoon — to match the season.

• Moon watching is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a celestial event — no telescope or expertise required.

This week's supermoon will sit about 221,965 miles from Earth when it hits peak illumination on Thursday.

• At perigee, the closest point in the Moon's elliptical orbit around Earth, a supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it's at apogee, according to NASA.
• It will look especially dramatic just after the Moon's rise thanks to the Moon illusion phenomenon — the visual quirk that makes the Moon appear huge when it's low on the horizon.

The Old Farmer's Almanac traces the name "Cold Moon" to Mohawk tradition. Other Native American tribes used "Long Night Moon," a nod to December's long stretch of darkness.

Tell a stargazer

We are down to the final two activities in our weeklong tournament to find the best holiday tradition in town.

• Will it be the Macy's (Marshall Field's) window displays and Walnut Room? Or will the Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights extravaganza take the cake?

Vote here! We'll keep the polls open until 5pm.