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ICE agents detained Ruben Torres, the father of terminally ill 16-year-old Ofelia Torres, shortly after his daughter returned home from chemotherapy. Torres’ attorney argues that his detention violates constitutional rights, as he has no criminal record and is a long-term resident of the U.S. A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Chicagoans celebrate Día de los Muertos with various events throughout the city from October 24 to November 2. Activities include community altars, a motorcycle run, markets, and cultural performances honoring deceased loved ones. The festivities aim to foster community engagement and cultural appreciation.
Jesse Íñiguez opened Back of the Yards Coffeehouse in March 2025 to create a community hub amid rising fears over federal immigration enforcement in Chicago. The cafe, which sold out on its first day, aims to support local residents through partnerships and community events. Íñiguez emphasizes the importance of representation in the neighborhood where he grew up.
State and city attorneys urged the U.S. Supreme Court to block the Trump administration’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago against local officials' wishes. The response follows a judge's temporary restraining order and questions the justification for federalizing the troops amid ongoing protests.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced new dual language and world language programs at several schools to enhance language education for students. The expansion, part of a contract with the Chicago Teachers Union, aims to provide more language options in response to the needs of a diverse student population. CPS currently operates 43 dual language programs and approximately 240 world language programs citywide.
Block Club Chicago launched a WhatsApp channel to deliver daily updates on immigration news, including ICE alerts, directly to residents' phones. This initiative aims to simplify complex immigration news during the ongoing Midway Blitz operation, particularly for the Hispanic community, which heavily uses WhatsApp.
Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security over new conditions for emergency funding that prohibit spending on diversity programs. The city risks losing $10 million in grants essential for emergency management and counterterrorism efforts. Chicago joins several other cities in challenging what they view as federal overreach in local governance.
A federal judge ordered Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino to testify in a lawsuit concerning the use of force against journalists and protesters by immigration agents. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis raised concerns over compliance with a temporary ban on riot-control weapons during recent incidents in Chicago. The ruling follows allegations of excessive force during immigration enforcement operations.
AMC Roosevelt Collection 16 in South Loop opened two new premium auditoriums featuring IMAX with Laser and Dolby Cinema on October 10. The enhancements promise sharper images and vibrant colors, catering to the growing demand for premium movie experiences. AMC plans to expand its Dolby Cinema offerings across the country in the coming years.
Matt Jonkman, a 52-year-old retiree, has lived on a 50-foot houseboat near Navy Pier since April and plans to return to Chicago in the spring after heading south for the winter. He enjoys the solitude and adventure of life on the water, citing cooking and the city view as highlights of his experience. Jonkman, who previously worked in cybersecurity, has embraced the challenges of living aboard, including weather-related repairs.