In the heat of Operation Midway Blitz, officials at the Department of Homeland Security made several statements that were later disputed or disproven by video evidence and federal courts as recently as last week.

Why it matters: People often only remember the initial claims, not later refutations that emerge piecemeal, making them difficult to track.

The big picture: We've compiled 12 of the biggest disputed allegations by DHS officials and the evidence or court actions that overturned them.

1. ICE continues to characterize its immigration operation as being focused on arresting the "worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens."

• But the latest TRAC Report data shows that only 26% of those detained by ICE/CBP as of November had any criminal convictions. Another 26% had pending charges, and nearly half (48%) had no criminal charges at all.

2. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino publicly stated, and repeated under oath, that he threw tear gas at a crowd in Little Village after he was hit or nearly hit with a rock.

• When presented with video evidence contradicting this, Bovino eventually conceded the truth.

3. DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin claimed on X that an October video of a teen being tackled by a DHS agent in Hoffman Estates was actually a Chicago police officer tackling a burglar.

• CPD has no jurisdiction in Hoffman Estates, where the scene clearly takes place based on street signs and a Hoffman Estates squad car in the background.

4. The DHS press office asserts that Broadview protesters in September were being violent and shooting "artillery shell type fireworks" at DHS agents.

• But federal judge Sara Ellis' written order states that DHS' helicopter and body cam footage show the explosions were caused by DHS agents' flashbang grenades, not protester fireworks.

More claims disputed

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Chicago homes lost value in the past year, according to Zillow, up from just 5% last year.

• That's a brighter picture than the national average of more than half (53%) of home sales losing value in 2025.

Why it matters: That's the most since 2012 — but the vast majority of homeowners still "have plenty to feel good about," the real estate site reports.

The big picture: It's a homebuyer's market right now, if you can afford it. Persistently high mortgage rates and prices have sidelined many.

• Nationwide, home sellers outnumber buyers by a record 37%, Redfin estimates.

The bottom line

💰 Mayor Brandon Johnson isn't compromising on his 2026 budget proposal, which could lead to a shutdown if it isn't passed by Dec. 31. Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) suggested alders could get enough votes for their alternative budget proposal to sidestep the mayor.

• Johnson wants a corporate head tax, while alders want to increase garbage and other city fees to plug the massive deficit. (Tribune)

🚨 The Federal Transit Agency sent Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Johnson a letter threatening to withhold funds if violent crime isn't cleaned up on the CTA. (NBC 5)

🛑 The award-winning West Loop restaurant Proxi is closing at the end of the month after almost 20 years on Randolph Street. Chef Andrew Zimmerman is also stepping down as executive chef at sister restaurant Sepia, a position he's held since 2009.

🏆 "The Bear" received five Golden Globe nominations, while Steppenwolf ensemble member Carrie Coon was recognized for her work on "The White Lotus." Chicago native Amy Madigan was nominated for her supporting role in "Weapons." (AP)

The "most wonderful time of the year" can also be the most stressful time of the year and we're not the only ones feeling anxious.

The big picture: With disrupted schedules, out-of-town guests and extra travel, our pets can pick up on the added stress of the holidays.

State of play: Lovet Pet Health Care, which has a clinic in Fulton Market, instructs pet owners to look out for these signs of stress.

• Shivering, trembling, or shaking off — Dogs shiver when afraid.
• Excessive barking, whimpering, and whining — Prolonged and intense barking is one way dogs try to express their worry and respond to what they perceive as a threat.

Zoom in: Veterinarian W. Chris Hummel offers these tips to help your best bud with seasonal stress.

• Make time for them alone — Just like the humans in our life, pets need our time and attention to feel loved, and avoid feelings of abandonment. Sneak in enough walks and exercise time for them to burn off energy.

More signs and tips

The CTA recently announced it's teamed up with Chance the Rapper to record a few holiday announcements to broadcast at stations.

State of play: While Chance is a perfect choice, he seems to be hogging all the celebrity opportunities in town, from hosting New Year's Eve countdowns to now telling passengers not to litter and to turn down their radios.

• We would love to give the CTA a few other local celebrity options:

💭 Justin's choice: Billy Corgan, but only if he sings the announcements in that high-pitched screech like he does on "Tonight, Tonight." "Toniiiiiight ... this train runs express to 95ttthhhhh ... Toniiiighht!"

• Or go old school and get any celeb to mumble through an overmodulated, broken speaker. "Attention riders, gbur burrrrr slpappp rrruruuu weeee Wellington."

💭 Monica's choice: Instead of playing that scratchy, useless delay announcement, truly calm us down with "What a Difference a Day Makes" by Bronzeville's finest, the late, great Dinah Washington.

💭 Carrie's choice: Former President Barack Obama. That oratorical master with the booming voice and halting cadence telling us: "Yes, we can … get you to your destination in time," would really inspire me each day.

💭 Moyo's choice: Oprah Winfrey. Think "you get a car, you get a car" but more like "doors closing, you gotta get off!"

📧 Reply with who you want to hear!