Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 2d

@blockclubchi.bsky.social, our nonprofit newsroom, is suing the federal government after 4 of our journalists were shot w/ pepper-spray bullets & tear-gassed by federal agents at Broadview.

Here's why we're defending our First Amendment right to report — and your right to know:

Block Club Chicago, News Organizations Sue Feds Over First Amendment Violations

Four of our journalists have been shot with pepper-spray bullets and tear-gassed while covering protests outside the Broadview ICE facility. A judge heard arguments at an emergency hearing Monday.

blockclubchicago.org

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · 3d

Students, parents and teachers at ChiArts, the only public arts-focused high school, are pressuring the administration for more transparency around the board’s decision not to renew its CPS contract. “They’re cutting us off at the knees,” one teacher said.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/06/c...

ChiArts Parents, Students Blindsided By Arts Board's Vote Not To Renew CPS Contract

Students, parents and teachers at the arts-focused high school are pressuring the administration for more transparency around the board’s decision. "They're cutting us off at the knees," one teacher s...

blockclubchicago.org

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 3d

JUST IN: Chicago journalistsa re suing DHS and ICE over force used against reporters:

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

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Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 3d

14 things to do outside in Chicago this October: blockclubchi.co/4gSkdnj

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Your Tiny Journalist Friend. @thewayoftheid.bsky.social · 6d

From @arielparrella.bsky.social:

Federal Agents Handcuff Chicago Alderperson At Hospital ER blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/03/f...

Federal Agents Handcuff Chicago Alderperson At Hospital ER

In another incident caught on video from Friday, federal agents inside a car threw smoke grenades into a street while people were outside nearby.

blockclubchicago.org

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 6d

“They don’t care about people’s constitutional rights," Ald. Jessie Fuentes told @blockclubchi.bsky.social. blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/03/f... More reporting on today’s federal immigration activity across Chicago, per @arielparrella.bsky.social & @themelodymercado.bsky.social.

Federal Agents Handcuff Chicago Alderperson At Hospital ER

In another incident caught on video from Friday, federal agents inside a car threw smoke grenades into a street while people were outside nearby.

blockclubchicago.org

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 9d

“ICE has to stop unprovoked, chemical arms attacks on peaceful protesters and on journalists. This behavior is not normal. This is not Putin’s Russia. This is the United States of America,” said Broadview Mayor Katrina Thomas. blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/30/f... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social

Feds Are Tear Gassing Police, First Responders In Broadview, Officials Say: 'This Is Not Putin's Russia'

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said the feds must do a better job of working with local officials.

blockclubchicago.org

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · 20d

Jailene Cepeda was a mother of two, a beloved sister and a devout Christian. Her family is raising money for her funeral and burial and hope justice will be served after she was fatally shot last weekend in Humboldt Park. blockclubchi.co/3IkiU3W

Humboldt Park Family Raising Money For Slain Daughter's Funeral

Jailene Cepeda's family is raising money for her funeral and burial. They hope justice will be served after she was fatally shot.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Harms Committed @harmscommitted.com · 20d

"Right now, everyone has the responsibility to protect their neighbors."

"These really are kidnappings."

"To ICE and Border Patrol, you are not welcome in our neighborhoods in Chicago. Leave now."
#Illinois #USA #Deportation #EthnicCleansing

NW Side Activists, Elected Officials Promise To Unite Against ICE As More People Taken Across Chicago

At least seven people have been detained by federal agents near Home Depot stores in the Southwest and Northwest sides this week, among a flurry of immigration agent sightings, organizers and local…

blockclubchicago.org

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Colin Boyle @colinbphoto.bsky.social · 22d

Logan Square Family Turns Run-Down Spot Under The 'L' Into A Community Garden

A local civil engineer hopes his guerrilla gardening inspires others to feel ownership of their neighborhoods.
via Lauren Dixon/ @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/17/l...

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 23d

Block Club's Block Party 2.0 is almost here!

📅 Saturday, Oct. 4.
📍 Half Acre Beer Co.
🎶 Live entertainment, local vendors + food + drinks
🤑 FREE

Get VIP tickets here: blockclubchi.co/4muFQf3

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Sep 9

I love when I get to write about people in our community doing impressive things, like this: A professional boxer and film editor, Olivia Curry is prepping for a big world title fight. She's excited to be elevating women’s boxing and even more thankful to represent Chicago. blockclubchi.co/46hypl3

Chicago's Olivia Curry Hopes To Be The Female Middleweight Boxing Champion Of The World

A professional boxer and film editor, Curry is excited to be elevating women's boxing and even more thankful to represent Chicago in her upcoming title fight.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · Sep 7

by @arielparrella.bsky.social. Thousands March Downtown To Protest Trump’s Deportation Threats blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/06/t... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social

Thousands March Downtown To Protest Trump's Deportation Threats

The peaceful protest stood in stark contrast to war-torn images evoked by a president who vowed earlier in the day to bring the military into Chicago.

blockclubchicago.org

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Sep 2

Bam Bam update: He's doing well and was treated like a celebrity at his Friday vet checkup. He's got a few more tests for his heart and stomach and is on a series of meds for his UTI and stomach pain, but you wouldn't know it by looking into his deep brown eyes.
blockclubchi.co/4lXrtPV

Bam Bam On The Mend After Health Scare, With Help From His Vet And Love From Chicago

The dog's owner, Angel Santiago, will use some of the money raised to address Bam Bam's medical issues and help other blind people.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · Aug 27

NEW: Some call it the "Death Hospital": Inside a Northwest Side medical center plagued by problems.

Patients & staff have reported filthy rooms, broken supplies & a flooded ER at Community First — despite the hospital getting tens of millions in taxpayer grants. blockclubchi.co/3JASNG4

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Manny Ramos @mannyramos.bsky.social · Aug 27

There is a lot going on in the world, but I am popping back in this space to share a yearlong investigation we published today about a hospital on Chicago's Northwest Side that some call the "Death Hospital."

Here's why:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/27/s...

Some Call It 'Death Hospital': Inside The Northwest Side Medical Center Plagued By Problems

Patients and staff have reported filthy rooms, broken supplies and a flooded ER at Community First in Portage Park despite the tens of millions in taxpayer grants sent to the for-profit safety-net hos...

blockclubchicago.org

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 22

A final Bam Bam update for now: The sweet pup is ready to relax and watch TV after being away from home for more than 2 months. He now faces some medical issues after his rescue, but funds raised by the community will help with his health bills. It was a joy to meet him!
blockclubchi.co/3HLy2a3

Bam Bam Facing Medical Challenges After Rescue, But Donations Will Help Fund Recovery

Money raised for the service dog's search will now go toward his unexpected medical expenses, a new bed and toys, and a private investigator and home security system for Angel Santiago.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Mike Quigley @quigley.house.gov · Aug 20

Welcome home, Bam Bam!

Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 20

GOOD NEWS: Bam Bam has been found and is safely back home with Angel. He was turned into the 16th district station last night by two people who refused to answer questions by officers and quickly left. I hope to get more info soon.
blockclubchi.co/4msFbvh

Stolen Dog Bam Bam Reunited With Ecstatic Owner: 'The Entire City Has Been Searching For This Dog'

Bam Bam, a service and emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united the city. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Jessica Hart @jessicahart728.bsky.social · Aug 20

More news like this please!

Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 20

GOOD NEWS: Bam Bam has been found and is safely back home with Angel. He was turned into the 16th district station last night by two people who refused to answer questions by officers and quickly left. I hope to get more info soon.
blockclubchi.co/4msFbvh

Stolen Dog Bam Bam Reunited With Ecstatic Owner: 'The Entire City Has Been Searching For This Dog'

Bam Bam, a service and emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united the city. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · Aug 20

Bam Bam, an emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united Chicago. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station. Great news from @arielparrella.bsky.social blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/20/s...

Stolen Dog Bam Bam Reunited With Ecstatic Owner: 'The Entire City Has Been Searching For This Dog'

Bam Bam, a service and emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united the city. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station.

blockclubchicago.org

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

✨🤎fur wallet🤎✨ @abra-cadouglas.bsky.social · Aug 20

OMGGGGGGG they found bam bam!!!!!!!!!!!

Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 20

GOOD NEWS: Bam Bam has been found and is safely back home with Angel. He was turned into the 16th district station last night by two people who refused to answer questions by officers and quickly left. I hope to get more info soon.
blockclubchi.co/4msFbvh

Stolen Dog Bam Bam Reunited With Ecstatic Owner: 'The Entire City Has Been Searching For This Dog'

Bam Bam, a service and emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united the city. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station.

blockclubchi.co

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Reposted by Ariel Parrella

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · Aug 20

Bam Bam, the dog who was stolen from his blind owner, is home safe: "The entire city has been searching for this dog." blockclubchi.co/4msFbvh

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 20

GOOD NEWS: Bam Bam has been found and is safely back home with Angel. He was turned into the 16th district station last night by two people who refused to answer questions by officers and quickly left. I hope to get more info soon.
blockclubchi.co/4msFbvh

Stolen Dog Bam Bam Reunited With Ecstatic Owner: 'The Entire City Has Been Searching For This Dog'

Bam Bam, a service and emotional support dog to a blind man, is back home after a search that united the city. The dog was dropped off Tuesday night at a Northwest Side police station.

blockclubchi.co

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 15

While Bam Bam has still not been found, a team of neighbors and animal lovers have created a digital support network and more flyers to help Santiago. Two flyering events take place 12 p.m. tomorrow in Logan Square+Lincoln Park that neighbors can join. blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/15/c...

Chicagoans Unite To Expand Search For Bam Bam, The Service Dog Stolen From A Blind Man

Two flyer distribution events are taking place Saturday to expand the search and bring more attention to Bam Bam. There's also a $5,000 reward for his safe return — no questions asked.

blockclubchicago.org

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Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · Aug 12

This is also my 1,000th story with Block Club. Wows.

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