Latest News in Chicago, IL

Wieners Circle Promised Free Hot Dogs If Bears Coach Ben Johnson Took Off His Shirt. He Did

The Wieners Circle in Lincoln Park offered free hot dogs after Bears Coach Ben Johnson took off his shirt during a post-game speech. Johnson, celebrating the Bears' 24-15 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, excitedly obliged, leading to a promised giveaway day on Tuesday. This follows a similar promotion in September when free hot dogs were given after quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes.

Chicago's Overnight Winter Parking Ban With 200 Violation Fines Returns Monday

Chicago's overnight parking ban resumes Monday, coinciding with a major snowstorm expected to bring over 10 inches of snow. The ban, enforced on 107 miles of main streets daily from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m., includes hefty fines for violators. City officials emphasize that this consistent rule improves snow removal operations.

ICE Takes Kurdish Asylum Seeker The Day Before His Wife Became A US Citizen 'I Cannot Do This Alone'

Eva Gurtovaia celebrated her U.S. citizenship on Wednesday while her husband, Enes Abak, remained detained by immigration agents just a day earlier. Abak, a Kurdish asylum seeker from Turkey, faces challenges due to his pending political asylum application and fears for his safety if returned to his home country. Local supporters rallied to express their concerns over his detention and advocate for his release.

Winter Storm Could Dump 10 Inches Of Snow On Chicago Saturday

Chicago is set to experience its first significant snowfall in nearly five years, with forecasts predicting over 6 inches and possibly more than 10 in some areas on Saturday. A winter storm warning has been issued from 3 a.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday, advising against travel during this period.

Immigrant Families Face Deepening Hunger Crisis As SNAP Cuts Meet Deportation Fears

Immigrant families in Illinois face increasing food insecurity as changes to SNAP benefits take effect. Corene Mendoza, a mother who lost her SNAP assistance, relies on a local food pantry to provide basic necessities for her daughter. Community organizations warn that these cuts, combined with heightened immigration enforcement, exacerbate the ongoing hunger crisis.

Chicagoans Are Posting Signs To Mark Where Their Neighbors Were Taken By ICE

Chicago residents have posted signs across the city to indicate where federal immigration agents have made arrests and used tear gas. The initiative follows an incident on October 25, when ICE agents deployed tear gas near children attending a Halloween parade, prompting community members to raise awareness about these actions. Activists aim to counter rapid news cycles and misinformation while encouraging local engagement against perceived government overreach.

Person Of Interest Identified In Fatal Downtown Shooting Of 14-Year-Old Boy

Chicago police released images of a man in a purple hoodie believed to be linked to a shooting that killed 14-year-old Armani Floyd Downtown. The shooting occurred after a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, leaving another 18-year-old man seriously injured. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.

Immigration Committee Launches Portal To Collect Reports Of ICE, Border Patrol Violating City Laws

Chicago's Immigration Committee launched a new portal for residents to report violations by ICE and Border Patrol of city laws. Ald. Andre Vasquez stated this "one-stop shop" aims to streamline incident reporting and support investigations into federal immigration agents.

Chicago School Board Members Warn Of Cuts At Schools If Mayors Budget Doesnt Pass

Chicago school board members and community advocates rallied to support Mayor Brandon Johnson's $16.6 billion budget, which allocates $552.4 million for Chicago Public Schools. Advocates warned that failure to pass the budget could lead to school cuts and increased taxes.

Fundraiser Launched For 'Caring, Intelligent' Woman Set On Fire On Blue Line Train

A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $216,000 for Bethany MaGee, a woman hospitalized with severe burns after being set on fire on the Blue Line in Chicago. The attack occurred on November 17 when Lawrence Reed allegedly poured flammable liquid on her and ignited it. Reed faces charges for a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system and is held in custody awaiting trial.