Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino led a caravan of federal agents through Chicago and Evanston conducting immigration raids, detaining several individuals, and facing protests from local residents and officials, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who condemned the operations.
The mayor of Evanston, Illinois, announced investigations into federal agents' violent arrest of a man, which was captured on video, amid concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and local accountability.
Community members in Evanston confronted federal immigration agents after a car crash involving a CBP vehicle, leading to detentions, use of pepper spray, and violent tactics by agents, with some detainees released without charges amid ongoing investigations and community concern.
A Chicago suburb, Evanston, warned residents about potential federal immigration agent activity amid threats from President Trump to deploy federal forces and National Guard to Chicago, citing ongoing immigration enforcement crackdowns and recent political tensions.
Nina Kraus, a Northwestern University neurobiology professor, was reported missing and was last seen leaving her Evanston home. Police used drones to search the lakefront and natural areas around Evanston, and she was later found alive. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking public assistance.
A conservative activist group, Judicial Watch, has filed a class action lawsuit against Evanston, Illinois' reparations program, claiming it is unconstitutional for basing eligibility on race. The program, which began in 2021, aims to compensate Black residents affected by historical discriminatory zoning practices. Judicial Watch argues that the program violates the equal protection clause and seeks $25,000 in damages for non-Black plaintiffs who meet all criteria except race. Evanston officials plan to defend the program, which has already provided payments to eligible Black residents.
Northwestern University will build a temporary field at the Lanny and Sharon Martin athletics facility on its Evanston campus for football, soccer, and lacrosse games while Ryan Field is being rebuilt. The temporary structure, with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, will serve as the home venue for the football team for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as well as for the national title-winning lacrosse team and both women’s and men’s soccer teams. The facility aims to provide a stunning backdrop and reduce travel burdens for student-athletes and fans, while also benefiting the Evanston community.
A large fire in a mixed-use building on Greenleaf Street in Evanston destroyed several businesses, including a fitness store and a pottery shop, with heavy flames and thick smoke seen shooting up from the roof. The fire took about three and a half hours to get under control, and firefighters from nearby cities, including Chicago, were called in to assist. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
In an effort to address the academic achievement gap between Black, Latino, and white students, a school district in Evanston, Illinois, has introduced optional affinity classes that are separated by race. These classes, taught by teachers of color, aim to make students feel more comfortable and increase enrollment of Black and Latino students in Advanced Placement courses.
The Evanston Health and Human Services Department and Northwestern University are investigating a norovirus outbreak linked to a $1 burrito event at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos in Evanston. Students who consumed food at the restaurant on Saturday reported symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Norovirus is a highly contagious foodborne illness, and the department is urging anyone who dined at the restaurant to complete a questionnaire. The restaurant is cooperating with the investigation and implementing measures to address the outbreak. Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, and direct contact with infected individuals. Officials recommend thorough handwashing and avoiding food preparation if experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
A norovirus outbreak has been linked to a burrito special at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos in downtown Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern University students and Evanston residents reported symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating at the restaurant during an event on November 18. The Evanston Health and Human Services Department is investigating the outbreak, and Big Wig Tacos & Burritos has cooperated with the investigation. Norovirus, often referred to as the "stomach flu," can spread through contaminated food and surfaces. It typically lasts for one to three days and can cause dehydration, so hydration is important for those affected.
The Evanston Health and Human Services Department is investigating a norovirus outbreak linked to a "$1 Burrito for Northwestern Students" event at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos. Customers reported experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming food at the event. The restaurant is cooperating with the investigation and has implemented thorough cleaning and sanitizing measures. Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated food or liquids, and touching contaminated surfaces. Individuals who dined at the restaurant are encouraged to participate in a survey by the health department.
An 18-year-old girl from Evanston, who was held hostage by Hamas for almost two weeks in Israel, has returned to the Chicago area, according to the Israeli Consul General. Natalie Raanan and her mother were released into Red Cross custody on October 20th and received medical treatment in Israel before reuniting with family. The pair had been visiting relatives when Hamas attacked, kidnapping them and over 200 others. The Israeli consulate spokesperson could not confirm if Natalie's mother was also returning to Chicago. Family members of those still held by Hamas will travel to Chicago this week to call for their release.
Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Raanan, 17, who were held hostage by Hamas in Israel, have been released after almost two weeks. The mother and daughter were handed over to the Red Cross and their condition is currently unknown. Hamas released them for "humanitarian reasons" in an agreement reached with Qatari officials. This comes as a relief for their family and the community, but there are still hundreds of other hostages who need to be released. President Joe Biden expressed his joy at their release and called their ordeal a "terrible ordeal."
Natalie Raanan, 18, and her mother, Judith Raanan, 59, from Evanston, Illinois, who were visiting Israel, have been missing since Saturday and are feared to have been kidnapped by Hamas militants. The two U.S. citizens arrived in Israel in early September to celebrate the High Holidays and visit relatives. Family members are urging the U.S. government to secure their release. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Tammy Duckworth have contacted the State Department for assistance. President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. believes American citizens may be among those held hostage by Hamas, and efforts are underway to confirm this.