Chicago Faces Turmoil Amid Large-Scale Immigration Raids

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway continues to boost its investment in Occidental Petroleum, acquiring an additional 763,017 shares valued at approximately $35.7 million on February 7. This move raises Berkshire's stake in the Houston-based oil and gas company to 28.3%, positioning it as Occidental's largest shareholder, according to Investors Business Daily. Occidental's stock has experienced a significant downturn, plummeting nearly 32% since its peak in April 2023, largely due to declining oil prices that have affected the entire energy sector. Despite the challenges, Buffett remains optimistic, having previously increased his holdings by 8.9 million shares during market dips in December. Berkshire's investment in Occidental is also strategic, as it includes vital contributions to the company’s $55 billion acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum in 2019. As of February 12, Occidental’s shares were priced at $47.83, with increasing focus on debt reduction and advancements in carbon capture technology. Buffett's sustained investment signals confidence in the company's long-term prospects, even as it navigates current market volatility.

Recent deportation policies under President Donald Trump have intensified fear among Latino migrants in the United States, creating heightened anxieties within their communities. According to reports, the administration's goal is to execute what it calls "the largest deportation in history," with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem referring to undocumented individuals derogatorily as “trash.” Communities are witnessing the erosion of protections previously afforded to schools, hospitals, and churches from anti-immigrant raids. Many Hispanic migrants, fearful of being targeted based on appearance or language, are now considering emergency plans should they face detention. Over 11 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the U.S.; however, with recent increases in immigration, estimates suggest the number could exceed 13 million. Civil rights organizations are urging families to prepare for the possibility of separation by assigning guardianship to trusted individuals, optimizing care for children in case of deportation. These developments reflect a broader trend of xenophobia and discrimination against Latino communities, prompting widespread discussions about the implications of the administration's actions.

A senior delegation from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration will commence negotiations in Saudi Arabia with representatives from Russia and Ukraine aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S. officials announced on February 16, 2025. The team will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, among others. This initiative follows Trump’s recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to explore ceasefire discussions. Although the dates for the meetings remain undisclosed, Rubio's visit to Saudi Arabia was part of a broader Middle East tour that already included a stop in Israel. During a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Rubio reiterated Trump's commitment to resolving the conflict. Tensions have risen among Kyiv and its allies, who fear being sidelined in these negotiations following a significant escalation of hostilities reminiscent of World War II. The urgency of the discussions signals a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations and wartime diplomacy.