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A federal judge in Chicago has temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and Illinois, citing concerns over civil unrest and questioning the legality of the federal actions. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court in San Francisco appears likely to overturn a similar order blocking troop deployment to Portland, Oregon. The legal battles highlight ongoing disputes over the president's authority to deploy military forces in domestic cities amid protests and violence, with decisions expected soon. Today's date & time: Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:53:58 +0100.
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President Trump has publicly questioned the safety of the 2026 World Cup in the US, specifically targeting Boston and Chicago. He suggested he could move the games due to local protests, unrest, and immigration enforcement issues, raising concerns about security and logistical plans for the tournament.
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A DHS social media post claiming drug cartels put a bounty on agents was found to be based on a misleading video with a different caption. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over DHS messaging, social media use, and immigration enforcement practices, with some officials and public figures criticizing the department's approach.
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A full-body impression in Chicago's Roscoe Village, initially thought to be a rat, is now believed to have been created by a squirrel or muskrat. The imprint, which gained viral fame after a photo was shared online, was removed in April 2024 due to neighborhood complaints. Researchers concluded the most probable cause is an Eastern gray squirrel, with the site now marked by a plaque.
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A polar front is bringing frigid Arctic air across the US, causing record low temperatures, heavy snow, and hazardous travel conditions. Florida faces unusually cold wind chills, while northern states see significant snowfall and dangerous roads. The cold persists through the week.
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Recent immigration enforcement actions in the US have led to arrests, protests, and public outrage. ICE raids targeted individuals with criminal records, but some families and communities claim innocent people are being caught up. Incidents in Portland, Milwaukee, and Chicago highlight ongoing tensions over immigration policies.
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Austin, Texas, has emerged as the most affordable U.S. city for renters, with rents declining 7% year-over-year and only 16.5% of income spent on rent. This shift follows increased housing supply and policy reforms after pandemic-driven migration, contrasting with other major metros where rent-to-income ratios remain high.
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A United Airlines plane at Chicago O’Hare clipped the tail of another United aircraft on the ground. No injuries occurred, and passengers disembarked after a delay. The incident raises concerns about airport safety amid recent aviation accidents in the US.
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A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Justice Department's request to pause a judge's order blocking the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland. The court supported Trump's authority to send troops in response to protests that damaged federal property and threatened ICE officers, amid ongoing legal challenges and judicial rulings questioning the legality of such actions. The case highlights tensions over federal military use in domestic unrest, with some judges opposing and others affirming Trump's actions. The story is evolving as courts continue to weigh the legality of deploying troops in US cities today, October 21, 2025.
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U.S. immigration enforcement agencies are undergoing significant personnel reassignments amid escalating threats against ICE officers, including death threats and bounties. The moves follow a series of internal leadership changes and reflect a push for more aggressive immigration tactics under the Trump administration, with concerns over safety and operational effectiveness growing.
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Federal immigration enforcement in Chicago has intensified with raids involving tear gas, zip-ties, and aggressive tactics. A judge ordered daily oversight of agents' use of force amid protests and allegations of misconduct. The operations are part of a broader Trump administration effort targeting cities with sanctuary policies, raising legal and community concerns.
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A 28-year-old Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was arrested after attacking two 17-year-old passengers with a fork on a flight from Chicago to Germany. The flight was diverted to Boston, where he was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He does not have lawful US immigration status.
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On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education finalized a rule restricting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, effective July 1, 2026. The rule narrows qualifying employers by excluding those engaged in activities deemed illegal by the administration, such as supporting undocumented immigration or providing gender-affirming care to minors. Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging the rule as politically motivated and unlawful.
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Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the US Education Department's new eligibility rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The rules aim to restrict benefits for organizations involved in activities like supporting illegal immigration, terrorism, and gender-affirming care for minors. Critics argue the rules overreach and violate legal standards, while the department defends them as necessary safeguards.
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Boeing's ongoing legal proceedings in Chicago focus on the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash, with most lawsuits settled out of court. Two cases remain, where a jury will decide compensation for victims Mercy Ndivo and Shikha Garg. Boeing has accepted responsibility but disputes liability for the crashes.
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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has completed six months in office. His approach is more reserved than Pope Francis, but he has begun addressing issues like immigration and international tensions, signaling a focus on dialogue and pastoral care amid ongoing global challenges.
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Despite low unemployment rates, many Americans face prolonged joblessness, with over a quarter unemployed for more than six months. Experts highlight emotional and economic tolls, as companies hesitate to hire amid economic uncertainty and layoffs increase. The situation signals a bifurcated labor market with lasting impacts.
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Protests outside a Chicago ICE facility led to 21 arrests amid clashes with law enforcement. Demonstrators oppose the crackdown, which has resulted in over 3,200 arrests since September. Tensions remain high with reports of violence and gunfire targeting agents, as legal challenges and public protests continue.
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The US military is reducing troop deployments in Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago, following a shift in domestic military strategy amid ongoing political tensions. The withdrawals are part of a broader reassessment of military presence in Democratic-led cities, with some troops remaining for training and federal facility protection.
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A cold front brought Arctic air to the southeastern US, shattering temperature records and causing iguanas to freeze and fall from trees. Snow and ice impacted roads across the Great Lakes and Appalachians, with forecasts predicting more snow and wind. The event marks an unusual early-season cold wave.
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Three stories highlight resilience across different life stages: a woman using her late husband's frozen sperm to become a single mother, an elderly woman with dementia reflecting on her life, and a grandmother celebrating her longevity and family. These stories explore themes of hope, aging, and family bonds. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:05:08 +0000.
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A Chicago court awarded $35.8 million to the family of Shikha Garg, a UN consultant killed in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash. Boeing accepted responsibility and will pay damages for grief and loss, amid ongoing legal and regulatory fallout from the 737 Max disasters.
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Local leaders in Charlotte and Chicago are preparing for potential federal immigration enforcement actions amid reports of planned operations. Community groups are training volunteers to protest and document actions, citing fears of invasion and racial profiling. No formal notifications have been received, but tensions are high as officials emphasize the city’s diverse immigrant populations.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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Recent articles highlight evolving holiday food trends, including regional pie preferences, innovative recipes like Martha Stewart's salted maple bourbon pie, and the viral return of Trader Joe's chocolate mascarpone. Meanwhile, unconventional food experiments and store-bought pies continue to spark debate and curiosity as the holiday season approaches.
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FEMA's acting administrator, David Richardson, resigned after six months amid criticism over disaster response and agency management. The move follows ongoing debates about FEMA's future, including potential reforms and leadership changes, with the agency's role under scrutiny during a busy hurricane season.
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On Nov 20-21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. violated constitutional limits on presidential authority and the district's self-governance. The ruling pauses troop deployment for 21 days to allow appeal. Similar legal challenges are ongoing in Memphis and other cities over military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
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Recent articles highlight a shift towards train travel in North America and the UK, driven by cost, convenience, scenic value, and disruptions in air travel. Personal experiences and comparisons reveal trains as a viable alternative, with record ridership and new routes announced.
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Jane Fonda, 87, discusses her views on aging, death, and living without regrets during a podcast interview. She shares her journey from early struggles to embracing her age with confidence, emphasizing health, intentionality, and forgiveness as key to a fulfilling life.
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In Chicago, ongoing immigration enforcement has caused widespread fear among immigrant communities, leading many to stay home. Despite the crackdown, some, like Herrera and Rafael, continue working, citing faith and routine as coping strategies during this tense period. The story highlights community resilience and the mental health impact of enforcement actions.
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Lawrence Reed, a convicted felon with 72 arrests, is charged with setting a woman on fire on a Chicago train. His repeated releases despite a violent history highlight systemic issues in pretrial detention laws, raising public safety concerns.
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President Trump pardoned turkeys Waddle and Gobble during a Thanksgiving event, but the ceremony was marked by political insults, jokes about crime, and attacks on Illinois Governor Pritzker. Trump claimed Biden's pardons were invalid and criticized Chicago's crime situation, continuing his combative tone.
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Bethany MaGee, 26, was set on fire on a Chicago train by Lawrence Reed, a repeat offender with 72 arrests. Reed faces terrorism charges. The incident has reignited debates over crime and justice policies in Chicago, with President Trump criticizing the city's safety and justice system.
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A U.S. judge criticized law enforcement's use of ChatGPT for report writing, citing inaccuracies and privacy concerns. Footage shows officers instructing AI to generate narratives from minimal input, raising questions about accuracy, professionalism, and data security amid limited policies.
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President Trump’s plans to expand the White House ballroom have led to internal conflicts, demolition of the East Wing, and debates over architectural integrity. The project is privately funded with major corporate donors, and faces legislative scrutiny over transparency and historic preservation.
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A technical outage at CyrusOne data centers caused a halt in CME Group trading for over 11 hours, affecting futures across stocks, commodities, and currencies. Trading resumed Friday morning, but the incident raised concerns about market reliability during a holiday week with low volumes.
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A significant winter storm is impacting the US, bringing snow, ice, and cold temperatures across multiple regions. The storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations and delays, and is forecast to continue through early December with heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions.
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The Trump administration has launched new immigration enforcement operations in New Orleans, targeting undocumented individuals with criminal histories. The effort follows similar actions in other cities, amid criticism over tactics and concerns about civil rights violations. Operations are ongoing, with plans for further deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops.