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The Trump administration's immigration policy changes have created a backlog of 3.4 million cases in immigration courts, with Chicago's courts alone holding over 222,000 backlogged cases. Immigration attorneys report a more aggressive stance from prosecutors, making it harder for immigrants to secure legal protections. These shifts have led to increased ICE arrests and heightened fears within immigrant communities.
The owner of Weiss Memorial Hospital, Dr. Manoj Prasad, calls for federal assistance to reopen the facility after its closure due to the loss of Medicare and Medicaid contracts. Critics attribute the closure to Prasad's management style, while he claims funding challenges and compliance issues led to the hospital's downfall.
A Pilsen woman, Danielle Wasserman, faces felony hate crime charges for assaulting two neighbors and vandalizing a pro-Palestinian mural. The incidents occurred on May 9 and June 13, leading to multiple assault-related charges against Wasserman, who turned herself in to police. Human rights advocates view her arrest as a critical step toward justice for victims of violence against marginalized communities.
The 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade celebrated Chicago's Black culture while marking the back-to-school season. Attendees experienced a vibrant display of unity, with events including free hairstyling and health screenings. Parade-goer Carlette Bracey described it as a "Black holiday," emphasizing its significance in the community.
A woman was killed and 10 others wounded in three shootings following a large unsanctioned street party in Austin early Sunday. The violence erupted within an hour of each other, prompting neighbors to call for action from local officials and criticizing the party's organizer, TikTok star JRoy. No suspects are in custody as detectives investigate the incidents.
Chicago's 16-inch softball players frequently suffer hand injuries, with many players like Mickey Balestri showcasing their deformed fingers as badges of honor. Hand specialists report a significant increase in these injuries each season, with unique risks attributed to the larger ball and lack of gloves. Dr. David Kalainov humorously noted the prevalence of such injuries as an "epidemic" among players.
President Trump’s housing department dropped two significant civil rights cases linked to environmental justice and affordable housing in Chicago. The cases, which activists viewed as crucial for addressing systemic racism in city policies, were previously supported by the Biden administration but will no longer be investigated. Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration aims to continue reform efforts independently, despite the federal withdrawal.
The Chicago Cubs invited 72-year-old Cesario Moya, a lifelong fan with terminal brain cancer, to Wrigley Field after his granddaughters shared their family's touching story in a viral video. Moya, who immigrated from Mexico in the 1970s, bonded with his family through their shared love for the team. The invitation from Cubs players followed an outpouring of support from fans across the nation.
Chef Darnell Reed opened Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Albany Park this week, featuring a new brunch menu. The restaurant, now located at 4114 N. Kedzie Ave., allows Reed to spend more time with family after previously operating in Lincoln Square. The new menu includes Southern-inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
A group in Pilsen seeks to raise $50,000 to establish Tesseract Cinema, an independent movie theater and café. The venue aims to foster community engagement through film screenings and events, with plans for affordable tickets and local vendor partnerships. If successful, the theater could open by next spring.