Good afternoon, Chicago. ✶
On the day President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, he issued an executive order suspending refugee resettlement for at least 90 days.
Advocates say that for many refugees trying to bring close relatives to the U.S., the order will lead to family separations.
In today’s newsletter, we’re sharing reporting from my colleague Elvia Malagón, who looks into the impact of halting this program in Chicago.
Plus, we’ll fill you in on City Council pulling a vote on a settlement for the family of Dexter Reed, what you need to know about the worst flu outbreak in 15 years and more. 👇
⏱️: A 7-minute read
— Matt Moore, newsletter reporter
TODAY’S TOP STORY
Refugees in Chicago face family separation after Trump halts resettlement program
Reporting by Elvia Malagón
What the order says: President Trump’s executive order pauses refugee resettlement for at least 90 days while calling on government agencies to submit a report on whether the program is “in the best interests of the United States.”
Key context: The federal refugee resettlement program is a legal form of migration to the U.S. It’s for people from places of humanitarian concern or those who were persecuted due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
A dire cost: For refugees like David, 30, who were in the process of bringing close relatives to the United States, the order will lead to family separations, advocates say. David, who resettled from Zimbabwe in Chicago, agreed to be interviewed on the condition that he be identified only by his first name.
David’s story: When he was approved for refugee resettlement in the U.S., David felt like this was a place of opportunities and freedom. But two years later, he’s now feeling a sense of regret. Trump’s halt to refugee resettlement means David is unsure if he will get to see his wife in the next four years.
Key quote: “Why did I come here?” David said he asks himself. “Because what is happening here is like the things that we run away from. Even if you have forgotten what happened, things that you see on TV — how people are being arrested — they bring back all of those memories that we tried to bury.”
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
- Karina’s Bill: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a measure that requires law enforcement officers to promptly remove firearms from those accused of abuse into law Monday.
- Settlement vote pulled: Amid heavy opposition, a City Council committee on Monday did not vote on a controversial $1.25 million settlement that would have compensated the family of Dexter Reed, who was shot to death by police after Reed shot and wounded an officer during a traffic stop.
- A pardon for Blagojevich: President Trump was expected Monday to pardon former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who once appeared on ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ the Associated Press reports. Trump commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence for political corruption charges during his first term.
- Surgeries paused: Lurie Children’s Hospital is pausing gender-care surgeries for patients younger than 19 as President Trump threatens to cut federal funding from providers who offer it.
- 15 rescued from L: Firefighters using ladders rescued passengers trapped aboard a Green Line train that was at “high elevation” when one of its wheels left the track early Monday in Englewood, officials said.
- Electric fleets on the streets: The Chicago Transit Authority and Pace could soon double the size of their electric bus fleets, thanks to a $58 million state grant to pay for 57 additional battery-powered vehicles.
- Snow in the forecast: Chicago is set for its most significant snowfall of the season as a winter storm is expected to move in Wednesday afternoon and bring 4 to 7 inches of snow to the metro area.
HEALTH BEAT 🤧
Chicago grapples with country’s worst flu season in 15 years
Reporting by Mary Norkol
Flu spike: The Chicago area and the nation are facing a serious spike in flu cases. This flu season could be the most intense in 15 years, going by the percentage of doctors’ visits for flu-like symptoms, which can indicate the severity of the virus’s spread.
The numbers: National flu-related doctor visits last week hit their highest rate since since the 2009–2010 season, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Chicago, 22.6% of flu tests conducted this season were positive as of Feb. 1, according to city health department data — up from 14.5% at its peak last season.
This year’s different: Flu season started later than in years past, and the symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer than is typical, said Dr. Sindhu Aderson, of Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care.
Where to get vaccinated: As of Feb. 1, only 25% of Chicagoans had gotten a flu shot, according to the city. The flu vaccine is available at most pharmacies and doctors’ offices at no cost. Local health departments also offer clinics in the city and suburbs.
BRIGHT ONE ✨
Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade offers a feast for eyes, ears
Reporting by Emmanuel Camarillo
Celebrating together: Hundreds gathered in Chinatown Sunday for the neighborhood’s Lunar New Year parade along Wentworth Avenue, hosted by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation.
Key context: The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a centuries-old tradition marking the end of winter and a new year with the arrival of a new moon. This year, the 15-day celebration began Jan. 29, ringing in the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom.
Sunday sights: Traditional dragon- and lion-dancing teams, colorful floats and marching bands delighted the crowd. Dozens of red lanterns swayed in the wind over the parade route. Vendors on the sidewalk sold stuffed animals, including snakes and dragons.
Making memories: Five-year-old Phoenix McCoy marveled at the slithering dragons, and she bounced along to the drumbeats. It was Phoenix and her mother’s first time attending the neighborhood’s Lunar New Year Parade.
“My favorite part of the parade was the dragons” and the traditional dancers, Phoenix said.
YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️
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Written by: Matt Moore
Editor: Satchel Price
Copy editor: Esther Bergdahl