South Side Weekly
@southsideweekly.bsky.social
News, arts, and investigations by and for Chicago's South Side. southsideweekly.com
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End your week on a high note by reading about Sentidos, a roving pop-up event that hosts local musicians and DJs in Latino-owned businesses as an act of joyful, community-building defiance.
Sentido Builds Space for Latino Joy and Survival
The pop-up series partnered with Little Village’s Carnitas Uruapan for its fourteenth event
southsideweekly.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:13 PM
End your week on a high note by reading about Sentidos, a roving pop-up event that hosts local musicians and DJs in Latino-owned businesses as an act of joyful, community-building defiance.
Until December 31, you can double your impact with #Newsmatch, which will match any donation up to $15,000. Every donation, big or tiny (and especially recurring donations) help us do this work.
We're blessed to have @chicagoreader.com @thetriibe.com @southsideweekly.bsky.social @borderless.bsky.social @inthesetimes.com @thirdcoastrvw.bsky.social
People should give them money!
People should give them money!
I love stuff like @flaminghydra.com but I gotta be honest with you all: as an old alt-weekly alum I think the culture/essay type stuff is so much better and lands so much harder when it’s grounded in a geographic community
when it’s FOR a place that it loves
I miss the alts so bad
when it’s FOR a place that it loves
I miss the alts so bad
November 21, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Until December 31, you can double your impact with #Newsmatch, which will match any donation up to $15,000. Every donation, big or tiny (and especially recurring donations) help us do this work.
Several Chicago newsrooms spent two months collecting and analyzing evidence of ICE & Border Patrol's use of tear gas and pepper spray in Chicago.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
Feds Used Chemical Agents Dozens of Times in Chicago
An investigation by reporters from six newsrooms found that agents used chemical irritants nearly 50 times during Operation Midway Blitz.
southsideweekly.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Several Chicago newsrooms spent two months collecting and analyzing evidence of ICE & Border Patrol's use of tear gas and pepper spray in Chicago.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
Reposted by South Side Weekly
South Side Weekly’s reporting on the South Shore raid was featured on @maddow.bsky.social yesterday! (Story link in thread)
November 18, 2025 at 11:50 AM
South Side Weekly’s reporting on the South Shore raid was featured on @maddow.bsky.social yesterday! (Story link in thread)
Reposted by South Side Weekly
I’m grateful to share I received two awards from the Chicago Journalists Association this year: First Place in Immigration Coverage, & Second Place for the Dorothy Stork Award. Thank you to the Chicago Journalists Association and an amazing team @southsideweekly.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
I’m grateful to share I received two awards from the Chicago Journalists Association this year: First Place in Immigration Coverage, & Second Place for the Dorothy Stork Award. Thank you to the Chicago Journalists Association and an amazing team @southsideweekly.bsky.social
Mayor Johnson's proposed budget failed to advance from the Finance Committee on Monday by a vote of 25–10.
Key Council Committee Rejects Mayor’s Budget
On Monday, the Finance Committee voted the budget down by a margin of 25-10.
southsideweekly.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Mayor Johnson's proposed budget failed to advance from the Finance Committee on Monday by a vote of 25–10.
We're looking forward to tonight's CJA awards dinner, and we're thrilled that several South Side Weekly writers and editors are finalists in Chicago Journalism Association's Sarah Boyden Awards! Check out our finalists' stories below.
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CJA Reveals Finalists for 2025 Sarah Brown Boyden Awards - Chicago Journalists Association
CJA announces finalists for its 2025 Sarah Brown Boyden Awards, honoring the best journalism in Illinois and northern Indiana.
chicagojournalists.net
November 14, 2025 at 7:12 PM
We're looking forward to tonight's CJA awards dinner, and we're thrilled that several South Side Weekly writers and editors are finalists in Chicago Journalism Association's Sarah Boyden Awards! Check out our finalists' stories below.
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Reposted by South Side Weekly
#OtD 11 Nov 1887 4 of the Haymarket martyrs were executed in Chicago. They were anarchist labour organisers framed for a bombing because of their role in the fight for the 8-hour day. Learn more in this history of May Day, which commemorates them: shop.workingclasshistory.com/products/the...
November 11, 2025 at 5:25 AM
#OtD 11 Nov 1887 4 of the Haymarket martyrs were executed in Chicago. They were anarchist labour organisers framed for a bombing because of their role in the fight for the 8-hour day. Learn more in this history of May Day, which commemorates them: shop.workingclasshistory.com/products/the...
Between 2010–2013, Chicago's job growth rate was 66% above the national rate—despite having had a head tax.
“This employment data does not support the claim that the head tax was a ‘job killer,’” wrote Julie Dworkin, a member of the mayor's budget working group.
🖋️@leighgiangreco.bsky.social
“This employment data does not support the claim that the head tax was a ‘job killer,’” wrote Julie Dworkin, a member of the mayor's budget working group.
🖋️@leighgiangreco.bsky.social
Johnson’s Budget Fix Faces Stiff Headwinds
The mayor wants a corporate head tax to help fill a budget gap—but lacks support for it.
southsideweekly.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Between 2010–2013, Chicago's job growth rate was 66% above the national rate—despite having had a head tax.
“This employment data does not support the claim that the head tax was a ‘job killer,’” wrote Julie Dworkin, a member of the mayor's budget working group.
🖋️@leighgiangreco.bsky.social
“This employment data does not support the claim that the head tax was a ‘job killer,’” wrote Julie Dworkin, a member of the mayor's budget working group.
🖋️@leighgiangreco.bsky.social
"You have no rights in here."
Read the harrowing testimony given by people held at ICE's Broadview detention center. ✍️ @djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Read the harrowing testimony given by people held at ICE's Broadview detention center. ✍️ @djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Lawsuit over Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility in Federal Court
Federal authorities moved two plaintiffs in the suit out of state; a judge has ordered they be returned Monday.
southsideweekly.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:56 PM
"You have no rights in here."
Read the harrowing testimony given by people held at ICE's Broadview detention center. ✍️ @djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Read the harrowing testimony given by people held at ICE's Broadview detention center. ✍️ @djbyrnes1.bsky.social
Reposted by South Side Weekly
I’ve been tracking this contract since 2023, and last week, Cook County quietly renewed it. As ICE raids continue across Chicago, the board approved another $1M deal with a data broker tied to ICE. My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
Cook County Board Reapproves Contract with ICE-Linked Data Firm as Raids Sweep Chicago
Four years after first being warned that a contract risked exposing immigrant data to ICE, Cook County approved another renewal—this time with advocates commissioners voicing frustration that stronger...
southsideweekly.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:03 PM
I’ve been tracking this contract since 2023, and last week, Cook County quietly renewed it. As ICE raids continue across Chicago, the board approved another $1M deal with a data broker tied to ICE. My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
Last week, the Cook County Board re-upped a controversial contract with a crime-data broker that could expose immigrants' personal data to ICE. Advocates say the County could protect crime victims and immigrants alike by finding a new vendor. ✍️ @almacampos.bsky.social
Cook County Board Reapproves Contract with ICE-Linked Data Firm as Raids Sweep Chicago
Four years after first being warned that a contract risked exposing immigrant data to ICE, Cook County approved another renewal—this time with advocates commissioners voicing frustration that stronger...
southsideweekly.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Last week, the Cook County Board re-upped a controversial contract with a crime-data broker that could expose immigrants' personal data to ICE. Advocates say the County could protect crime victims and immigrants alike by finding a new vendor. ✍️ @almacampos.bsky.social
Reposted by South Side Weekly
Join the Invisible Institute and South Side Weekly on November 2 for an arts showcase honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Margaret T.G. Burroughs, featuring a special performance of “Tuesday” by Mud Theatre. Register here: invisible.institute/events
October 27, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Join the Invisible Institute and South Side Weekly on November 2 for an arts showcase honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Margaret T.G. Burroughs, featuring a special performance of “Tuesday” by Mud Theatre. Register here: invisible.institute/events
Congratulations to our immigration project editor @almacampos.bsky.social on being named a finalist for the CJA's prestigious Dorothy Storck award! Here's a thread of some of Alma's recent work. 🧵1/5
October 27, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Congratulations to our immigration project editor @almacampos.bsky.social on being named a finalist for the CJA's prestigious Dorothy Storck award! Here's a thread of some of Alma's recent work. 🧵1/5
Ten minutes later, that person called back, frantic for an update. “I was calling because my significant other had called me and dropped the phone,” they said. “He just said, ‘What am I being detained for?’ Then the call dropped.”
NEW: Residents called 911 as ICE agents raided a South Shore building in September; one complained agents had unit numbers and kicked their door in by mistake.
CBP also detained two U.S. citizens that night two miles from the raid & asked CPD to get them. It's unclear what happened to them.
CBP also detained two U.S. citizens that night two miles from the raid & asked CPD to get them. It's unclear what happened to them.
911 Calls Show South Shore Residents’ Panic During ICE Raid
CPD dispatch audio reveals Border Patrol also arrested two U.S. citizens that night in Steelworkers Park.
southsideweekly.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Ten minutes later, that person called back, frantic for an update. “I was calling because my significant other had called me and dropped the phone,” they said. “He just said, ‘What am I being detained for?’ Then the call dropped.”
Thanks to our friends at Cicero Independiente for republishing @almacampos.bsky.social's moving reporting on the last journey home for Silverio Villegas González, who ICE agents killed near Chicago in September.
A Tragic Homecoming — Cicero Independiente
After nearly two decades in Chicago, Silverio Villegas González returned to Michoacán in a coffin. His death at the hands of federal agents left two families divided by borders, shattered with grief, ...
www.ciceroindependiente.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Thanks to our friends at Cicero Independiente for republishing @almacampos.bsky.social's moving reporting on the last journey home for Silverio Villegas González, who ICE agents killed near Chicago in September.
Residents of Chicago's now-closed migrant shelters were arrested more often when police were called for domestic violence, despite having fewer incidents per capita than the citywide average. Overcrowding and other conditions in the shelters may have contributed to such altercations.
🖋️ Wendy Wei
🖋️ Wendy Wei
Migrant Shelter Residents Were Disproportionately Arrested for Domestic Violence
Despite having fewer reported incidents than the city average, migrant shelters saw more domestic violence arrests during the two years they operated.
southsideweekly.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Residents of Chicago's now-closed migrant shelters were arrested more often when police were called for domestic violence, despite having fewer incidents per capita than the citywide average. Overcrowding and other conditions in the shelters may have contributed to such altercations.
🖋️ Wendy Wei
🖋️ Wendy Wei
An estimated 250,000 people gathered in the Loop on Saturday to protest President Trump's dictatorial aspirations and ICE agents' ongoing campaign of brutality.
Hundreds of Thousands March Against Trump
Spurred by ICE agents’ recent brutality in Chicagoland, more than 200,000 flooded the Loop Saturday to protest.
southsideweekly.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:39 PM
An estimated 250,000 people gathered in the Loop on Saturday to protest President Trump's dictatorial aspirations and ICE agents' ongoing campaign of brutality.
Thank you to @blockclubchi.bsky.social for republishing @almacampos.bsky.social's moving reporting on the final journey of Silverio Villegas González, who was killed by federal agents last month in Franklin Park.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/20/a...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/20/a...
A Tragic Homecoming
After nearly two decades in Chicago, Silverio Villegas González returned to Michoacán in a coffin. His death at the hands of federal agents left two families divided by borders, shattered with grief, ...
blockclubchicago.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Thank you to @blockclubchi.bsky.social for republishing @almacampos.bsky.social's moving reporting on the final journey of Silverio Villegas González, who was killed by federal agents last month in Franklin Park.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/20/a...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/20/a...
Reposted by South Side Weekly
“On the floor, a broken fidget spinner, a ball, and a red matchbox car gave testament that a child had lived here. The child played here, slept here, and was startled awake with their parents when agents began battering the front door.”
My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
The Aftermath
An empty apartment. A solitary protester. A budding community: What remains after ICE abductions?
southsideweekly.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:39 PM
“On the floor, a broken fidget spinner, a ball, and a red matchbox car gave testament that a child had lived here. The child played here, slept here, and was startled awake with their parents when agents began battering the front door.”
My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
My latest for @southsideweekly.bsky.social
In "The Aftermath," @jimdaleywrites.bsky.social looked at what was left behind after ICE agents rampaged through three neighborhoods in Chicago in recent weeks.
The Aftermath
An empty apartment. A solitary protester. A budding community: What remains after ICE abductions?
southsideweekly.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:58 PM
In "The Aftermath," @jimdaleywrites.bsky.social looked at what was left behind after ICE agents rampaged through three neighborhoods in Chicago in recent weeks.
Reposted by South Side Weekly
The New York Times is embedding with the fascists who are kidnapping our neighbors
follow and support @thetriibe.com, @unraveledpress.com, @blockclubchi.bsky.social, @southsideweekly.bsky.social, and other local, independent media who love this city
follow and support @thetriibe.com, @unraveledpress.com, @blockclubchi.bsky.social, @southsideweekly.bsky.social, and other local, independent media who love this city
October 19, 2025 at 2:38 PM
The New York Times is embedding with the fascists who are kidnapping our neighbors
follow and support @thetriibe.com, @unraveledpress.com, @blockclubchi.bsky.social, @southsideweekly.bsky.social, and other local, independent media who love this city
follow and support @thetriibe.com, @unraveledpress.com, @blockclubchi.bsky.social, @southsideweekly.bsky.social, and other local, independent media who love this city
In her first interview since he was killed by federal agents, Silverio Villegas González's partner Blanca Mora talked about the impact his death has had on their family.
Be sure to read this moving piece by Alma Campos about Silverio's final journey back to Loma de Chupio, Michoacán.
Be sure to read this moving piece by Alma Campos about Silverio's final journey back to Loma de Chupio, Michoacán.
A Tragic Homecoming
The casket of Silverio Villegas González rests inside his family’s modest home in Michoacán.
southsideweekly.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
In her first interview since he was killed by federal agents, Silverio Villegas González's partner Blanca Mora talked about the impact his death has had on their family.
Be sure to read this moving piece by Alma Campos about Silverio's final journey back to Loma de Chupio, Michoacán.
Be sure to read this moving piece by Alma Campos about Silverio's final journey back to Loma de Chupio, Michoacán.
If you see ICE agents, Illinois State Police, or Chicago or suburban police engaging in immigration enforcement or misconduct this weekend, file a complaint with COPA, Cook County, or the IL Inspector General and let us know. If you have video, here's how you can share it with us:
Have you witnessed ICE activity in Chicagoland, or seen CPD or other local law enforcement assisting federal agents or engaging in misconduct?
LET US KNOW.
Upload video directly at tinyurl.com/chicagojourn... or email us at [email protected]
LET US KNOW.
Upload video directly at tinyurl.com/chicagojourn... or email us at [email protected]
October 17, 2025 at 5:25 PM
If you see ICE agents, Illinois State Police, or Chicago or suburban police engaging in immigration enforcement or misconduct this weekend, file a complaint with COPA, Cook County, or the IL Inspector General and let us know. If you have video, here's how you can share it with us: