A federal immigration enforcement operation in Franklin Park, Illinois, ended in violence on Friday, leaving one suspect dead and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent hospitalized with severe injuries. The dramatic events unfolded less than 20 miles west of downtown Chicago and prompted school lockdowns and street closures in the area. According to officials, ICE agents were conducting targeted law enforcement activity in Franklin Park when they attempted to stop a veh

Chicago health officials have issued a public health alert following reports of multiple leptospirosis cases in the city, including one that resulted in death. The Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed that at least four recent infections have been identified, with all patients either directly or indirectly exposed to animal urine or droppings, most commonly from rats. The department stressed that residents should remain vigilant, particularly those involved in outdoor activities such

A Chicago business owner is speaking out about the challenges she faces as crime and violence continue to impact her livelihood. Jackie Jackson, the owner of Fatburger in Chatham, has shared her story of struggle, resilience, and determination to keep her restaurant open while giving back to the South Side neighborhood she calls home. Jackson opened the Fatburger location at 825 E. 87th Street in November of last year. Since then, she has invested in extensive safety measures to pro

A new twist on Chicago’s beloved deep dish pizza has arrived, and it comes with an unexpected ingredient: mustard. Giordano’s, the iconic name in Chicago style pizza, has partnered with Jim’s Original, the legendary Maxwell Street Polish sausage brand, to create a collaboration that brings together two of the city’s most recognizable food traditions. The result is the Jim’s Original Deep Dish Pizza, part of Giordano’s Chi Town Flavors series. The

Tensions are rising in Chicago as immigration advocates prepare for multiple protests against the Trump administration’s newly announced enforcement initiative, “Operation Midway Blitz.” The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation will target what it described as “criminal illegal aliens” in Chicago and across Illinois. The move has triggered demonstrations, community alerts, and sharp criticism from state and local officials. On Tuesday

The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new initiative called Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at stepping up immigration enforcement in the Chicago area with a specific focus on individuals it described as criminal illegal aliens. The announcement came only days after reports indicated that several federal agencies were preparing to surge manpower into the city. The operation was highlighted in a DHS social media post that cited the tragic case of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old woman

One of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions is back this weekend as the Taste of Chicago kicks off its 45th year. The popular food festival begins at 11 a.m. on Friday in Grant Park and runs through Sunday, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to sample a wide variety of dishes, desserts and drinks from dozens of vendors across the city. The event will be open daily until 9 p.m., giving attendees three full days to enjoy Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and a packed lineup of

The FBI is urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the capture of a serial bank robber who has targeted financial institutions across Chicago since early May. Authorities say the man, who remains unidentified, has carried out four successful robberies and attempted two others, all within a span of a few months. Investigators have labeled him armed and dangerous and are emphasizing the urgency of the search. According to officials, the pattern of crime

A lawsuit has been filed against the Chicago Park District and former lifeguard Charles Leto after a deadly shooting at the Douglass Park pool left one teenager dead and another permanently paralyzed. The incident, which took place on June 26, has shaken the West Side community and raised serious questions about hiring and oversight within the park district. According to the lawsuit, Leto, 55, is accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically injuring 14-year-o

A geomagnetic storm that began Monday evening across the Northern Hemisphere has raised the possibility of a rare sight in the skies over Chicago, with the northern lights potentially visible overnight. The storm was triggered by a Coronal Mass Ejection, or CME, that erupted from the sun over the weekend. This burst of solar particles reached Earth near 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, with the first signs detected at the L1 orbital point about one million miles away from Earth by monitoring satellites.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on Sunday that the Trump administration is moving forward with plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Chicago as well as other major American cities. Her comments came as residents and local officials gathered to denounce the administration’s latest immigration crackdown, underscoring the deepening tension between the federal government and city leaders who have declared Chicago

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday addressing the growing concern over federal immigration enforcement and President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard as part of an expanded crackdown on crime. This move follows reports from federal officials who say that ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies will soon send numerous agents and equipment to the city with the aim of increasing arrests of undocumented immigra

Chicago is preparing for an unusual and chilly end to the summer season as the unofficial last weekend of summer arrives. While Labor Day is typically associated with warm afternoons, backyard gatherings, and the final trips to Lake Michigan before fall begins, this year’s forecast has taken on a decidedly cooler tone. Meteorologists predict that Chicago could experience its coldest August day in nearly a decade, with temperatures struggling to climb out o

The ongoing political clash between federal power and state authority has intensified as President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy military troops in Chicago has sparked fierce opposition from Illinois leaders. Reports indicate that the Pentagon has been quietly preparing for weeks to mobilize thousands of National Guard troops, along with the possibility of active-duty military, to Chicago in September as part of the administration’s broader crackdow

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. In the United States, where over 5.4 million Indians live, the festival has become a vibrant cultural celebration. Families, temples, and community groups come together to perform rituals, organize cultural programs, and immerse idols in rivers or symbolic water tanks.

Three Illinois high schools have been ranked among the top 100 public high schools in the nation in a new report that evaluated more than 24,000 schools across the United States. The list considered state assessment scores, college readiness, and overall student performance, highlighting schools that consistently provide outstanding academic outcomes. All three Illinois schools to make the top 100 are located in Chicago, underscoring the city’s strong track record of deliver

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has officially begun construction on a major new concourse project aimed at easing air traffic congestion, improving passenger experiences, and preparing for the city’s future travel needs. Groundbreaking on Concourse D, a $1.3 billion expansion project located just south of Terminal 1, took place this week following what officials described as the busiest June in the airport’s history. With summer

Winter in Chicago has always been a subject of fascination and constant discussion for residents who are accustomed to dramatic seasonal changes. As predictions begin to emerge for the upcoming season, the Farmers Almanac has issued a bold outlook that paints a picture of a traditional winter with harsh conditions across the region. The publication has suggested that the Chicago area and much of the Midwest will experience what it calls a “classic winter w

Residents across the Chicago area spent Sunday in cleanup mode after a powerful storm system swept through late Saturday night, leaving widespread destruction in its path. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail battered communities across the suburbs, destroying homes, causing flooding, and knocking out power to tens of thousands of households. Among the hardest hit was a large condominium building in Mount Prospect, where dozens of residents were displaced after t

Authorities are investigating a string of burglaries that have specifically targeted elderly residents in several neighborhoods on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Five incidents were reported between August 5 and August 14 in the Brighton Park, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, and Armour Square neighborhoods. Police have issued a community alert warning residents to remain cautious and are actively searching for the suspects involved. Investigators say the burglaries followed a consiste