Good afternoon, Chicago.
In a significant shift from prior policies under the Trump administration, the federal government is reversing the recent terminations of legal status for international students across the United States. This announcement comes after a series of court challenges raised by affected students, prompting a government lawyer to disclose the decision today.
Recently, records in the federal student database regulated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unexpectedly showed legal status cancellations for many students without prior notification to them or their educational institutions. As a result, over 1,200 students nationwide found themselves suddenly without legal status or with revoked visas, a troubling situation that has also affected students in Illinois. The abrupt changes left these students vulnerable to deportation, prompting some to leave the country, while others resorted to hiding or ceased attending classes altogether.
In parallel to the international student crisis, other significant developments are taking place in Chicago today.
The city is mourning the loss of Fire Captain David Meyer, whose tragic death has resulted in murder charges against an Austin man, believed to be responsible for a fire that led to Meyer’s demise. Meyer, a dedicated firefighter known as the “rock” of his family, is being remembered fondly as the community grapples with this heartbreaking news.
In more news, a Wisconsin judge has been arrested by the FBI on allegations of aiding a man in avoiding ICE enforcement.
Meanwhile, a Thornton woman is facing a murder charge related to a shooting incident that occurred in Lincoln Park, as Chicago’s police continue to investigate the case.
In legislative news, Indiana has passed a substantial $44 billion budget during the final voting session for 2025, marking a significant milestone for the state’s fiscal plans.
On the business front, a life sciences startup founded by researchers from Northwestern University has secured $30 million in funding. This capital will enable the company to establish a new laboratory in Fulton Market, where it plans to continue developing innovative drug solutions to fight cancer and other serious diseases.
The startup’s progress highlights the continuing growth and potential within Chicago’s biotech sector, signifying an exciting future for medical advancements.
In sports, Chicago Bears fans are looking forward to Day 2 of the NFL draft after the team made headlines by selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick in the first round. As attention shifts to the upcoming selections, fans are keenly following potential prospects that could enhance the Bears’ roster.
In other sports news, Adrian Peterson is facing a DWI charge following his arrest after an NFL draft party in Minnesota, adding to the athlete’s list of legal troubles.
Changing gears to entertainment, the Ghostlight Ensemble is presenting a world premiere of ‘Drink the Past Dry,’ a time travel narrative set against the backdrop of a Chicago bar. Written and directed by Maria Burnham, the play offers a unique twist, allowing patrons to traverse time by simply sitting in the right spot and placing an order for a specific drink.
As the city’s cultural scene flourishes, discussions about the film ‘Conclave’ have also emerged, with critics exploring its accuracy in depicting real-life conclaves.
Amid these events, Governor JB Pritzker has publicly endorsed his running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, for the U.S. Senate, signaling a powerful political move as the race for retiring Senator Dick Durbin’s seat heats up.
On a broader scale, Canadians are reportedly hesitating to visit the U.S. amidst concerns regarding Trump’s rhetoric and border enforcement actions.
Lastly, tributes are pouring in as approximately 250,000 mourners paid their last respects to Pope Francis over three days of public viewings, capturing the hearts of many around the globe.
For more updates on these stories and breaking news in Chicago, please visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and subscribe for alerts on your devices.
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