Marybel Gonzalez
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Bilingual Correspondent @CNN |4X Emmy-Award Winner | Story idea? marybel.gonzalez@cnn.com
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Articles by Marybel Gonzalez
Anti-Defamation League raises alarm over planned DNC protests; pro-Palestinian group rejects claims
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Concern is growing from some over a planned protest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month. The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group, is taking issue with a planned pro-Palestinian protest and what it claims are the tactics of the groups involved. "These groups have a history of fanning the flames of hate, and inspiring acts of harassment, vandalism, and violence," said David Goldenberg, regional director of the ADL Midwest.
Lawsuit accuses security guards at Chicago Home Depot of beating, mistreating migrant laborers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Tensons have been rising between migrants looking for work and security at some Home Depot stores across Chicago—and at one store, those tensions have even led to a lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed this week by five recently-arrived migrants—Alfonzo Gabriel Arias, Betuel Castro Camacho, Willian Alberto Gimenez Gonzalez, Luis Adrian Gomez, and Juan Carlos Montano—against Home Depot employees and security guards contracted by the company.
Police, communities come together around Chicago for National Night Out
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Tuesday marked National Night Out in Chicago and across the country—with the goal of connecting people with the law enforcement officers sworn to keep them safe. Roadblocks were set up on State Street between Lake and Randolph streets and many other stretches of pavement throughout the city and suburbs. But the roadblocks were not meant to keep people out—quite the opposite, they were meant to invite people in.
Residents of Chicago's Little Village: Settlement checks for botched smokestack implosion were also botched
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Many residents of the Little Village neighborhood were supposed to get settlement checks from a lawsuit over a botched coal power plant smokestack demolition—but it isn't going as planned. So the residents reached out to CBS News Chicago for help. The smokestack at the shuttered Crawford power plant at 35th and Pulaski was imploded on April 11, 2020—at the early height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surrounding neighborhood was left coated in a massive cloud of dust and debris.
Chicago Police to announce charges in shooting that killed off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy
Vigil held for Cook County Sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed CHICAGO (CBS) -- Charges will be announced Thursday in the shooting that killed a Cook County sheriff's deputy while he was off duty this week. Meanwhile, a vigil was held Wednesday night for the deputy, Rafael Wordlaw, who was just days shy of what would have been his 32nd birthday when his life was taken. The vigil made clear that Wordlaw was loved by many.
1 killed, 1 wounded in road rage shooting in Chicago's western suburbs
SCHILLER PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- A driver was killed, and his passenger was wounded, in a road rage shooting in west suburban Schiller Park early Tuesday evening. At 5:30 p.m., Schiller Park police were called to the 10000 block of Irving Park Road for a road rage incident in which shots had been fired. Two cars were involved. A man and woman had been in a Nissan Sentra, while another man and woman—and three younger people of unspecified ages—were in a Chevrolet Traverse, police said.
Residents of south Chicago suburb say they're drowning in record property taxes
Calumet City, Illinois residents vexed by record property taxes CALUMET CITY, Ill. (CBS) -- It was a packed house at a townhall in Calumet City Monday night as residents complained about a record increase in their property taxes. "I used to pay $3,500, now I have $9,000 due," one man said. "You tell me, who's going to help me to pay this bill." A woman said the consequences of the tax spike she'd experienced could be dire. "We're on the verge of losing our house by the end of this year," she said.
Some residents of Chicago neighborhood have power back, but some don't, after severe storms
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After nearly 48 hours in the dark following severe storms, some residents of the Calumet Heights neighborhood were anxiously waiting for the power to come back on Wednesday night. "It's been a little difficult," said Deborah Terry. "Our power went out about 9:45 Monday." That was when severe, tornado-spawning storms struck down trees and several power lines in the neighborhood. In Deborah Terry's backyard, crews were working for hours.
Missing boaters' bodies found a week after jumping in Lake Michigan near Whiting, Indiana
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The bodies of two boaters who had been missing since jumping into Lake Michigan one week ago were found Friday afternoon in the water in northwest Indiana. Eduardo Rivera Jr., 45, and Salvador Lopez, 32, both of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, were last seen on July 5 when both jumped off a boat in Lake Michigan near Whiting, Indiana.
Boater's family holds vigil as he and second man remain missing in Lake Michigan off Indiana shore
2 boaters still missing in Lake Michigan after 3 days WHITING, Ind. (CBS) -- It had been three days Monday since three boaters went into the water in Northwest Indiana. They were spending a day on Lake Michigan when conditions took a turn this past Friday afternoon. One man was rescued, but two were still missing as of Monday night. Rescue crews and family members have been focusing their search in the Whiting and Hammond areas. Meanwhile, the missing men's loved ones continue to keep vigil.
"Incident" prompts police response, closure of Chicago area mall
NORTH RIVERSIDE, Ill. (CBS) – Police responded to an "incident" at a mall in the western suburbs on Wednesday afternoon, causing the mall to close. Police and fire responded to the incident at the North Riverside Park Mall, according to the Village of North Riverside's Facebook page, although the post did not specify the nature of the incident or if anyone was hurt.
Travelers from Jamaica land in Chicago hours before Hurricane Beryl makes landfall
CHICAGO (CBS) – As Hurricane Beryl tore through the Caribbean Tuesday, several Chicagoans with loved ones in Jamaica worried about their safety. CBS News Chicago spoke with people landing in the city Tuesday evening to escape the powerful storm. The last flight of the night from Montego Bay was a full one. Some passengers said they changed their plans to escape the potential storm.
Boating this Fourth of July? Here's how Operation Dry Water could affect your plans
MIAMI - Thousands of people will be hitting the water this holiday and officials want to make sure that everyone is following the rules. George Reynard with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a message for all boaters who will be out on the water this Fourth of July. "Stay safe, stay sober, and enjoy your time out in the water responsibly," said Reynard.
Fans celebrate Mexican heritage at sold-out White Sox game
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A White Sox game has not exactly been the hottest ticket in town this season, but on Wednesday night, the game at Guaranteed Rate Field was sold out—and not just because the Sox were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Outside, it may have looked like any other summertime baseball game in the city—with vendors lined up outside the ballpark, and fans grilling in the parking lot beforehand.
Migrant arrivals have slowed in Chicago, but new shelter opens as need continues
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As the arrivals of asylum seekers has slowed down in recent months in Chicago, the city has shut down some of imts shelters. But while the number of arrivals has slowed, it has not stopped. The city has received more than 43,000 asylum seekers since August 2022. At the beginning of 2024, there were 28 city shelters housing migrants. Now, that number is down to 17. Now, a shelter at St. Bartholomew Church, 3601 N. Lavergne Ave.
Wanted people seen running from police after crash on Chicago's Northwest Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Ring camera captured several suspects running away after a car crash in the Northwest Side's Portage Park neighborhood Tuesday night. Neighbors near Lavergne and Cornelia avenues said the wanted people were trying to get away from police after crashing into several parked cars. According to police dispatch reports, the car that crashed had been involved in a shooting on Lawndale Avenue near Fullerton Avenue in Logan Square.
Board votes to close only bilingual school in north suburban Chicago district
EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) -- School district leaders in the northern suburbs on Monday voted to close a bilingual school, despite protests from parents. Families left in ears Monday night as the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 board voted to close the Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, at 3701 Davis St. in Skokie. Bessie Rhodes is the district's only fully bilingual K-8 school.
Blues Festival, Andersonville Midsommarfest, Old Town Art Fair among events kicking off summer in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Friday night marked the first night of the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park. Blues musicians Corey Harris and "The Mississippi Blues Child" Mr. Sipp each took the stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, along with a h host of musicians who honored what would have been the 100th birthday of Chicago blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player Jimmy Rogers. On Sunday night, Buddy Guy will be the headliner in what will be one of his final performances.
As crime concerns mount in Chicago's West Town community, neighbors call for reopening of police station
CHICAGO (CBS) -- People living in Chicago's West Town neighborhood are pleading with the City of Chicago to prioritize their safety. They are calling for the reopening of a police station that has been closed since 2012 – and not for the first time. The demand comes in the wake of several headline-grabbing armed robberies of businesses in the area, and even an incident in which a 12-year-old was held up at gunpoint last year.
Group walks for safety on crash-plagued stretch of Pulaski Road on Chicago's Southwest Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- People living on Chicago's Southwest Side say they are fed up with dangerous crashes in their area. The crashes plague Pulaski Road in the West Elsdon and West Lawn communities. A beloved Chicago Public Schools educator was killed in a hit-and-run on that stretch of Pulaski Road earlier this year. Residents walked along Pulaski Road to halt unsafe traffic Wednesday night.
Students sue Northwestern University, claim failure to address "severe antisemitism" on campus
Lawsuit claims Northwestern University failed to protect students from antisemitism EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) -- The pro-Palestinian tent encampment at Northwestern University came down weeks ago when protesters and the university came to an agreement – but up against the now-quiet backdrop of the Evanston campus, the controversy continues.
Antisemitic flyers placed on cars again, this time in Chicago's West Ridge community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Neighbors in another Chicago community woke up to antisemitic messages on their cars Monday morning – this time in the form of cardboard flyers. Similar situations have occurred in other parts of town recently. But this was the first time it had happened in the 50th Ward – and in a predominantly Jewish community in West Ridge. The community was quick to respond, with new flyers set down where the antisemitic notes were left.
Restaurant is second to be burglarized recently on same strip on Chicago's Northwest Side
Burglars target another restaurant on Chicago's Northwest Side CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Northwest Side restaurant was raided by burglars in the middle of the night in a crime caught on camera – and business owners said such crimes are out of control. The most recent target, Mima's Taste of Cuba, was one of two restaurants located just blocks away from each other that were each burglarized in a similar fashion – just weeks apart. Mima's Taste of Cuba is located at 2925 W.
Yet another crash on one strip of Chicago roadway brings demand for safety improvements
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A car crashed right into an auto shop this week on a dangerous stretch of Pulaski Road on the Southwest Side that has already made the news for several other crashes. Neighbors have been taking street safety into their own hands. Pulaski Road between 51st and 71st streets—in the West Elsdon and West Lawn communities—is known as a busy area. To many residents, it is also dangerous. "There's always high speed," said Jaime Groth Searle, a founder of The Southwest Collective.
Activists from multiple Chicago communities call for 48 hours of peace this weekend
Chicago activists make plea for 48 hours of peace this weekend CHICAGO (CBS) -- Activists based in Pilsen on the city's West Side and Greater Grand Crossing on the city's South Side stood together Friday – issuing a plea to put down the guns this Cinco de Mayo. Community leaders in Pilsen issued a call to action ahead of the celebratory weekend.
Chicago area Palestinian Christians pray for peace ahead of Orthodox Easter
Solemn mass for Palestinian Christians ahead of Orthodox Easter CICERO, Ill. (CBS) -- International pressure is growing pressure for Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire agreement, with health officials in Gaza reporting the death toll has reached more than 34,000. Hamas said they are sending a delegation to Egypt to continue negotiations. But questions remain as to whether Israel will accept an end to the war without fulfilling its promise to destroy Hamas.
No injuries after roof collapses at building in Lincoln Park during thunderstorm
Partial roof collapse at building in Lincoln Park CHICAGO (CBS) -- Part of the roof of a building that houses a swimming school collapsed Thursday afternoon in Lincoln Park, but no classes were happening at the time, and no one was hurt. Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief Scott Shawaluk said crews responded to reports of a building collapse shortly after 3 p.m. at a one-story building near Medill and Ashland Avenues.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at University of Chicago, DePaul meet with school administrations
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pro-Palestinian encampments have grown at the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. On Wednesday, student activists at the U of C were joined by Chicago Public Schools students—who marched and held a protest of their own. On the third day of the demonstration on the Main Quad at UChicago, A protester said a small group of university students met with the administration.
Pro-Palestinian tent encampments expand at University of Chicago, DePaul
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson came out Tuesday to support a growing pro-Palestinian tent encampment at the University of Chicago. Tuesday marked the second day of the protest on the Main Quad at the U of C's Hyde Park campus. Tents were first set up Monday just to the north of Swift Hall. The students are part of a nationwide movement calling for immediate divestment from countries profiting from Israeli business amid the war in Gaza. Students were also seen banding together for the event.
Neighbors report tires being slashed repeatedly on Chicago's Lower West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Neighbors in Pilsen are being subjected to a big headache – having woken up to their tires slashed in multiple incidents caught on camera. Such crimes are more than a nuisance. A slashed tire is an expensive problem to fix. Time and time again, a person dressed all in black has apparently slashed the tires of a sport-utility vehicle and a van parked in a private driveway in Pilsen.
Gunfire places south suburban Chicago school on lockdown during basketball game
RICHTON PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- Gunfire outside an elementary school in south suburban Richton Park forced students and parents to go on lockdown. Around 5:55 p.m., Neil A. Armstrong Elementary School got a call from its principal about a shooting outside. The school was having an after-school basketball game at the time, according to Elementary School District 159. The school was placed on lockdown. School officials said police arrested the gunman and recovered a gun.
Cameras catch Northwest Side Chicago restaurant being burglarized for second time
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A restaurant in the Irving Park neighborhood has been broken into several times – and the thieves have been caught in action on camera. In the wake of the burglaries, the business owners called on the City of Chicago do more to prevent such crimes. The burglary happened on Sunday at Big League Burgers, 3734 W. Irving Park Rd. By Wednesday, it was back to business as usual there – but the damage left behind was still visible, with a board on the door.
Chicago, suburbs work to fight robberies, burglaries, fencing operations
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Police said they plan to lean into technology like license plate readers and POD cameras to catch those behind a big uptick in robberies and burglaries. The announcement by police officials Friday came just hours after several early-morning thefts, including a smash-and-grab robbery at a Lululemon store at 944 W. North Ave. But the problem isn't just in Chicago. The Cook County Sheriff's office is also trying to make a dent.
Thieves caught on camera ripping ATM from its bolts, stealing it at Chicago gas station
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Surveillance camera captured brazen thieves stealing an entire ATM overnight at a West Town gas station. The incident happened around 3 a.m. Thursday. The video shows a white car pulling up right in front of the entrance to the Citgo gas station convenience store at Ashland and Grand avenues, which also houses a Dunkin' Donuts. A masked person dressed in all black walks in, looks around, and then walks out. Another person then gets out of the car and holds the door open.
Former Chicago Mayor Lightfoot agrees to investigate mayor of suburban Dolton
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday agreed to investigate Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard amid claims that Henyard misused public funds. Lightfoot released the following statement Monday evening: "I am honored that the Village of Dolton Board of Trustees has placed their confidence in me to conduct a thorough and timely independent investigation into the matters outlined in the resolution regarding Mayor Tiffany Henyard and her administration.
Woman randomly attacked while walking in Chicago, mirroring disturbing trend in New York
CHICAGO (CBS) -- What appears to be a dangerous trend reported among several women in New York City could also now be happening in Chicago. Several women have reported being physically assaulted while simply walking down the street minding their own business. One woman reported being a victim of such an attack while walking near State Street and Chicago Avenue on the Near North Side this past Saturday evening. The intersection is a busy one – with a high-traffic Red Line stop beneath it.
Chicago area residents safe, but shaken after being caught in Taiwan earthquake
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Roads cut off by landslides have complicated rescue efforts in Taiwan, after a powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake. The earthquake hit during the height of rush hour Wednesday – rattling buildings and nerves, and sending people scrambling for safety. At least nine people were confirmed dead as of Wednesday night Chicago time, and dozens more were missing – possibly trapped in collapsed buildings and highway tunnels.
After hit-and-run kills CPS staffer, safety concerns about road in Chicago intensify
Deadly hit-and-run spurs road safety concerns on Chicago's Southwest Side CHICAGO (CBS) -- Concerns have been growing about a stretch of road in a West Lawn neighborhood where a beloved Chicago Public Schools staffer was struck and killed in a hit-and-run this past weekend. Charlie Mills, 56, was a special education classroom assistant at Jones College Prep in the South Loop. With 23 years on the job, he was loved by many.
Volunteers prepare for Way of the Cross procession in Chicago's Pilsen community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- This was Holy Thursday for Christians, before the Easter weekend, and a day later, a somber event in Pilsen will mark Good Friday in Pilsen. The tradition draws thousands to the neighborhood – delivering music, costumes, and props. But most importantly, the event draws hope. For the 47th year Friday, the Pilsen Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, will take over the streets in the neighborhood.
High school sex abuse claims expected to come up at suburban Chicago village meeting
Suburban Chicago high school students to speak out on scandal at village meeting BENSENVILLE, Ill. (CBS) -- A high school divided by scandal and controversy may be the focus of a Bensenville Village Board meeting Tuesday night. At the center of the allegations is an ex-staff member at Fenton High School accused of having inappropriate relationships with students dating back over a decade.
Video shows brazen smash-and-grab at Chicago area jewelry store
Police probe smash-and-grab robbery at northwest suburban Chicago jewelry store NORRIDGE, Ill. (CBS) -- A brazen smash-and-grab robbery was caught on camera at the Harlem Irving Plaza in northwest suburban Norridge this past weekend – and some of the thieves didn't even try to cover their faces. Norridge police Chief Brian Goss said although theft does happen at the shopping mall, the violent and bold manner in which the smash-and-grab was conducted is not at all common for the area.
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia survives primary challenge from Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez, AP projects
Rep. Chuy Garcia accuses primary opponent, Ald. Raymond Lopez, of giving cash to election judges CHICAGO (CBS) – U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia defeated a Democratic primary challenge from Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) in the race to represent the 4th Congressional District in Tuesday's election, the Associated Press projected.
Chicago mom wants justice, stronger safety measures after her teen son was killed riding his bike
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Northwest Side mother is fighting to bring to trial the driver who hit and killed her teenage son while the boy was riding his bike. She is also working to make the roads safer for bicyclists. A ghost bike has been set up at the corner of Long and Waveland avenues in the Portage Park neighborhood, where Joshua Anleu was struck and killed on his bike back on Oct. 4 of last year.
Angry over Gaza, Chicago Palestinian leaders refuse to meet with White House officials
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of Palestinian leaders and businesspeople has refused to meet with senior White House officials in Chicago, over concerns about the Israel-Hamas War. This is not the first time activists have refused such a meeting. A similar protest took place in Southeast Michigan – which, like the Chicago area, has a significant Arab-American population. "Can you at least stop the killing of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, and then we can meet?
Residents to hold peace march amid rash of violence in Chicago's Little Village community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Residents of the Little Village neighborhood are fighting back against violence with peace. This weekend, the residents are set to hold a march to stand up against crime they say is taking a toll on their community. The organizers are seeking to take back their neighborhood. Amid the vibrancy of the 26th Street business corridor in Little Village, a memorial of devotional candles and flowers stands as a dark reminder of the violence the residents say they face.
While newly-arrived migrants can obtain work permits, some of the long-undocumented feel forgotten
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A renewed push has been issued to allow more migrants to get jobs – the fight over expanding access to work permits is happening in Chicago and in other cities across the country. But as more newly-arrived migrants continue coming to Chicago, and are processed at places such as the landing zone where buses arrive in the West Loop, some long-undocumented immigrants and their families say they feel forgotten.
Some local experts urge caution as CDC relaxes COVID isolation guidelines
Some experts urge caution with new COVID-19 isolation guidelines CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for COVID-19 – under which the virus that essentially shut down the world four years ago will be treated more like the flu. The new guidelines end guidance for Americans to stay home for five days after testing positive for COVID.
Shortage at shelters has diapers being rationed, migrants say
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In a new wrinkle in the migrant crisis, some who are staying in city-run shelters report there are not enough supplies – and a solution has been to ration diapers. Parents are understandably very concerned. At one of the largest migrant shelters in Chicago, at 2241 S. Halsted St. in Pilsen, a migrant father said there are not enough diapers and wipes for their children. He said he gets two diapers for his 2-year-old daughter – who typically requires five diaper changes a day.
Search on for Jeep that hit bicyclist, took off on Chicago's Northwest Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A search was under way Monday night for a driver who hit and seriously injured a teenage bicyclist. It happened in Portage Park on the city's Northwest Side, and people said the site where the hit-and-run happened is a dangerous spot for cyclists. Police late Monday were searching for a black Jeep Wrangler, which they say is responsible for hitting an 18-year-old bicyclist this past Friday afternoon in the 38000 block of North Long Avenue – near Grace Street.
Volunteer doctors say City of Chicago is set to give them access to migrant shelters
CHICAGO (CBS) -- CBS 2 has learned the City of Chicago is working on a new plan to provide medical care for migrants living in shelters. The plan includes volunteer doctors who say they have been trying to get access for months. For months and months, volunteers had been asking the city for access to migrant shelters to provide basic health care to asylum seekers living in them. That call became even louder when a 5-year-old migrant child staying at a shelter in Pilsen died in September.
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