Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Nepalese-Indian restaurant Vajra will introduce a cafe and takeout service in Wicker Park after closing in-person dining last month. Meanwhile, Italian steakhouse Dēliz and a new bagel shop are set to open nearby. This shift reflects a growing trend in the local dining scene.
Mr. Submarine, a Chicago sandwich chain, celebrates its 50th anniversary by offering 99-cent classic Italian subs and releasing 50 new commercials featuring local celebrities. Operations manager Dan Tzoumas emphasizes the nostalgic appeal of their sandwiches, which have remained simple yet beloved by customers.
Former New York City schools chief Meisha Ross Porter is a finalist for the CEO position at Chicago Public Schools. Porter, who previously led NYC Public Schools for ten months, will interview with the Chicago Board of Education and the mayor next week. The selection process follows the departure of interim CEO Macquline King and aims to fill the leadership role in the nation’s fourth largest school district.
Federal agents deployed tear gas against protesters in Little Village, Chicago, after shots were fired at them during an immigration enforcement operation. Local officials and community members accused the agents of causing violence and disruption, while a family reported being affected by pepper spray in a separate incident. No injuries were reported, but at least nine protesters were taken into custody.
Chicago faces its first significant winter storm of the season, with the potential for eight inches of snow overnight Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service warns of treacherous driving conditions on Monday morning as snowfall rates could reach two to three inches per hour. Areas near the lakefront may see totals exceeding eight inches due to lake-effect snow.
Federal officials clarified that a directive banning religious gatherings only applies to federal property at Broadview's immigration processing facility. Assistant Secretary Tricia McGlaughlin stated that access restrictions do not extend to non-federal property, addressing concerns raised by faith leaders and local officials. Religious practices can continue in designated free speech zones outside the facility.
Federal authorities prohibited prayer outside the Broadview ICE facility, baffling local leaders and raising constitutional concerns. The directive followed repeated denials of entry for faith leaders seeking to provide pastoral care to detainees. Protesters argue this ban infringes on First Amendment rights.
The 12th annual Lit and Luz Festival will take place this weekend, featuring artists from Mexico and Chicago. The festival, themed "Repair/Reparar," aims to foster reflection and healing within the community amid current immigration tensions. Events include poetry readings, artist talks, and collaborative performances, with all but one event free to the public.
Border Control chief Greg Bovino told agents in Los Angeles, “It’s our f—ing city,” while encouraging aggressive arrests during a body-camera recording. The footage emerged amid a lawsuit that limits federal immigration enforcement's use of force in the Chicago area. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis has extended restrictions on immigration agents, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Attendance at Mather High School in Chicago dropped by 4 percentage points amid fears surrounding Operation Midway Blitz, the Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign. Many students are avoiding school due to concerns about ICE agents, with similar trends observed in immigrant communities across the city. CPS officials report that attendance rates among English language learners also fell during the first nine weeks of the school year.