Latest news with #Morita
Chicago Tribune
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Skokie man detained by ICE; local officials trying to get him released
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents seized and detained a man who has lived in Skokie for 25 years when he was walking in his neighborhood Saturday, local government officials said. Several officials quickly expressed concern, and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita said the man, originally from Mexico, does not have a criminal record, is in his 50s and lives with his family, including his grown children and grandkids. Morita, in a separate capacity from her commissioner role, also leads the Niles Township branch of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights Rapid Response team, which is assisting the Skokie man and his family. The Skokie man, whose name has not been released, was walking in the area of Cleveland Street and Kedvale Avenue on July 6, Morita said, when immigration agents seized him. Neighbors alerted village officials, who shared news of what they called possible federal immigration activity on the Skokie website. The news prompted words of support from the Skokie Village Board and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky's office. At Monday's Skokie Village Board meeting, Mayor Ann Tennes called the incident 'a difficult day in Skokie.' Rep. Schakowsky is personally leading an attempt to reunite the man with his family, said Alex Moore, her office's communications director. Morita said that in her role with ICIRR, she has been in contact with the Skokie immigrant's family, and they told her he was transported from Skokie to a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview. Because the Broadview facility is not a detention center, he awaits being transferred to a detention center, with the closest ones being in Wisconsin, Kentucky and Indiana, Morita said. To her knowledge, she said, the Skokie man is the first person to be detained by ICE in Niles Township, which includes Skokie, Lincolnwood and portions of Niles and Morton Grove. She acknowledged that an Evanston man was also detained by ICE weeks ago at a Starbucks, but did not have additional details. At the Congressional level, Schakowsky is in contact with ICE, Moore said. It is a common practice, he added, for a representative to call ICE to verify whether an individual was detained lawfully and ask why they were taken. 'Oftentimes, she's [Schakowsky'] been able to get people reunited with their families, and so we're doing everything we can to try and make sure that's the case,' Moore said. In order for Schakowsky to reunite the family, her office would need to get a Privacy Act Release form for the Skokie man, and Moore said Schakowsky is working on this personally on his behalf. What's not so common is the practice of how immigrants have been detained by federal authorities under the Trump administration, he said. 'I think that what we've seen is ICE has overstepped in communities all across the country, and so we don't agree with the process at all… And so, no, I wouldn't say that this is the typical process… and that's also a reason why the congresswoman is wanting to speak to ICE specifically.' Moore said the Skokie man is the first high profile case the representative's office is aware of of someone being detained by ICE in Illinois' 9th Congressional district, which stretches from the area around Rogers Park in Chicago through Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, and northwest to Crystal Lake. He acknowledged it is possible that other people could have been detained and deported without the office receiving notice from ICE. The village of Skokie posted a civic alert saying ICE did not reach out to the Skokie Police Department or the village of Skokie, as it is federal protocol to keep those detainments confidential. Under an Illinois law called the TRUST Act and village ordinance, the police department is barred from assisting federal immigration officers unless a criminal warrant is signed and approved by a federal judge. Tennes and village trustees at Monday's Village Board meeting expressed their support of the immigrant community and neighbors in the aftermath of the incident. 'The care and concern expressed by our neighbors throughout Skokie was heartwarming and not at all surprising,' Tennes said. 'What I believe is essential is that we as a community continue to live our values by educating ourselves and making sure that our neighbors also are well informed.' Trustees added their thoughts, with Trustee Keith Robinson saying, 'There is a rapid response team actively working with the family to make sure they are getting the help that they need. They are not alone and neither are you. 'If you feel called to engage and support during this time, do whatever you feel… whether it's through outreach, understanding the rapid response process, showing up for your neighbors or simply offering kindness. We all play a role in making sure that this community stays strong and united.' Trustees on the dais largely echoed Robinson's words, with Kimani Levy, an immigrant herself, adding her thoughts. 'As a naturalized citizen myself, it really hit home for me because this is what I lived,' Levy said. 'Going back and forth between U of I and downtown to do my interviews, taking the Constitution test several times… that was my life going back and forth… navigating a very long process towards citizenship,' she said. 'With Skokie being such a diverse community… I'm trying not to get emotional here,' Levy said as she began to choke up. 'It's just very unsettling… and to this entire panel, the village does support our neighbors and we don't like to see anything like this happen. 'I want to put it out there. Not all immigrants are bad people. Many of them, like myself, are your neighbors, coworkers, friends that we work with. We work hard and we contribute positively to this community… so this is what we call home and obviously we want to feel safe,' Levy said.
Tokyo Reported
10-06-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Shibuya music producer suspected of smuggling Ecstasy, MDMA
KUMAMOTO (TR) – Authorities here last month arrested a 48-year-old music producer from Tokyo over the alleged smuggling of illegal drugs ketamine and MDMA, or Ecstasy, reports Fuji News Network (June 10). The suspect arrested on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act is music producer (48), who lives in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. On May 22, Masanori Morita, who lives in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, is suspected of importing the drugs MDMA and ketamine into Japan via Kumamoto Airport on a flight from Seoul, Korea. When customs officials at the airport inspected the suitcase Morita had checked in, powder-like substances in two vials was found in a trouser pocket, which after an examination was identified as being MDMA and ketamine. Kumamoto Prefectural Police arrested Morita after receiving a report from customs officials. Police have not revealed whether Morita has admitts to the charges, saying such information would be an impediment to the investigation. Nagazaki Customs officials found MDMA and ketamine in the luggage of a Shibuya music producer last month (X) Las Vegas According to the investigation so far, Morita is believed to have departed from Narita Airport on May 14 and stayed in Las Vegas, USA. He is believed to have come to Kumamoto Airport via Korea on May 22 for a music event. Nagasaki Customs also filed charges against Morita with the Kumamoto District Public Prosecutors Office on June 9 for allegedly violating the Customs Act. The bust represents the first seizure of ketamine and MDMA at Kumamoto Airport. Police are now investigating how Morita obtained the drugs.
Yomiuri Shimbun
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese Firefighter Who Worked in Quake-Hit Myanmar Hopes Others Will Help in Intl Relief Efforts
The Yomiuri Shimbun Daiji Morita speaks to reporters in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, on May 9. MITO — A firefighter crew chief from Ibaraki Prefecture who worked as part of relief efforts in quake-stricken Myanmar said he hopes those wishing to help others will take up the same challenge, despite the work being harder than expected. Daiji Morita, a 31-year-old firefighter from Tsuchiura was deployed as a member of a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) team to Mandalay in central Myanmar, near the epicenter of the massive quake that struck the country on March 28. He went with about 35 other medical team members, including Foreign Affairs Ministry officials and doctors, from April 12 for two weeks. Through the dispatch, Morita was able to contribute to the wider world, something he had long hoped to do, he said during a press conference in Tsuchiura on May 9. Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Damaged buildings are seen in Mandalay, Myanmar, on April 1. The Japan International Cooperation Agency dispatches JDR teams based on orders from the ministry. The teams are comprised of five groups, including a rescue squad and medical team. In Mandalay, the team set up tents in a parking lot in the center of the city to be used as examination and X-ray rooms, among other purposes. They treated about 900 cases of injuries and illnesses. Morita said many buildings had collapsed in the city that was filled with rubble. He added that the walls of their hotel also had cracks. Morita was responsible for the management of medical-related facilities and equipment. He checked whether the tents were in good condition, tested the water quality of water purifiers and managed generators. Since the temperature exceeded 40 C on some days, Morita said the work was 'much more challenging than I had imagined.' Team members checked in with each other over whether they properly ate and drank water. They also regularly monitored their heart rates for health purposes, and applied insect repellent to their clothing as well as their bodies since their sweat would wash it off. Morita said he could feel the severity of the disaster from the expressions of quake victims. But he was somehow able to put them at ease and make them smile as he introduced himself in Burmese after he learned how from an interpreter. One of locals gave the team fruit to express their gratitude, according to Morita. 'It was good to see their smiles. I also felt how hospitable the people in Myanmar were since they warmly welcomed us,' he said. Morita always had hoped to work for others as a JDR team member because he saw the devastation of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake when he was a high school student. One of his university professors who deployed to India as a medical team member also inspired him. While working as a paramedic handling things such as emergency transport, Morita decided to register with JDR's medical team last year. After completing his training, he was dispatched to his first country, Myanmar. Morita was the only firefighter from the prefecture to be dispatched to the country following the earthquake. The essence of his work — taking care of ill or injured people — is always the same whether he works in Japan or abroad. Determined to make the most of his experience in Myanmar, Morita said: 'There are only a few firefighters in the prefecture registered with the JDR. I hope more will step forward and take up the challenge.' Work experience and skills such as language necessary to apply for the medical team can be found on the JICA website.
Los Angeles Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
One of L.A.'s most exciting new Chinese restaurants lands in Mandarin Plaza
In Chinatown's newest restaurant, mapo tofu inspires steak tartare, pillowy gnudi are made with tofu (not ricotta) and medallions of table-side-sauced lamb saddle evoke Sichuan's cumin-spiced lamb skewers. Firstborn fills the long-empty former Pok Pok space in Mandarin Plaza with subtle Chinese touches, including jade-green tiles and a window to the kitchen reminiscent of what one might spot in a Beijing neighborhood hutong, or alley. Chef-owner Anthony Wang — who cooked at restaurants such as Destroyer, Auburn and Ink — is exploring the identity of Chinese American cuisine in a manner both true to history and to his own story. 'I've always wanted to explore Chinese cuisine, but I didn't realize how little I understood until I really started this project,' Wang said. 'For the first time in my career I can take a deep dive and look at the expansiveness and the history and culture of not just Chinese food [of mainland China], but also Chinese food in this country and how it's grown and developed over the past 100-plus years.' One of the first cuisines he began toexplore was Sichuan, traveling to Chengdu in 2018 and tracing the origins of its famous chiles and spice — and then researching even further, to a time before the spice trade reached the region. But Firstborn is just as much a reflection of Wang growing up first-generation in Georgia. His sweetbreads in pig trotter ragu evoke his memories of eating pork knuckle at his grandmother's house. The house-made chile crisp that tops the chef's signature fried chicken carries a smoky heat and fruity note via the secret ingredient of Morita chiles, marrying the fragrance of Sichuan and Mexican cuisines in a nod to L.A. His parents emigrated from Beijing in 1989 due to the protests and violence in Tiananmen Square. The family landed in Miami, then a desert of Chinese food and ingredients. Wang's mother began to get creative, substituting American items to whip up the modernized Chinese cuisine that Wang and his sister, Lulu, ate through their childhood: dishes like a kind of beef Bourguignon with Sichuan peppercorn and star anise. Wang thinks of it as 'new Chinese American cooking,' which also makes its way to the bar. Beverage director Kenzo Han (Steep LA, the Varnish) built an 'East meets West' menu that also lifts inspiration from the kitchen, with options such as an osmanthus and fermented rice sour, a sesame old-fashioned, a baiju-and-tea negroni, and a springy martini that involves house-made celery oil and carrot eau de vie. Nonalcoholic concoctions include hojicha orange milk punch and an adzuki swizzle. For dessert, pastry chef Jaime Craten (formerly of Vespertine, Destroyer and Meteora) balances sweet and savory with lighter options like almond tofu with citrus, jujubee and osmanthus, or chamomile custard that's topped with a refreshing apple-and-cucumber granita with a kinako shortbread cookie. Wang calls it an honor to debut his restaurant in Chinatown — adding to the legacy of the area's century of Chinese businesses — and to continue to explore what the cuisine means in the neighborhood, in the U.S. and in China. 'For me,' Wang said, 'It's a journey. This restaurant's open now, but this is something that I think we're just starting with, and it's something that I really want to continue exploring not just throughout this restaurant but throughout my entire life.' Firstborn is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. 978 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 537-0142, Beverly Hills' steak-centric Matu now has a westward sibling in Matu Kai, which follows up the 2021 restaurant with some of its greatest hits and a slew of new dishes. Like Matu, Brentwood's new Matu Kai specializes in Wagyu: Plancha-cooked filets, wood-fired rib-eyes, picanhas, New York strips and more are prepared in the semi-open kitchen, sparks and flames often flying. These steaks can be ordered a la carte or in a set menu, though many of the newer items can be found a la carte. Look for fresh Uovo maltagliati in a rib-eye ragu, Wagyu meatballs in pomodoro, crying tiger Wagyu tenderloin satay and more. Like its sibling restaurant, Matu Kai also offers the popular Wagyu cheesesteak sandwich, which is available only at the bar. Matu Kai is open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. 11777 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 134, Los Angeles, (310) 810-2501, A Chicago sandwich shop rife with cultural and familial inspiration recently debuted at the base of the Platform complex in Culver City, with panini-pressed stacks that can include tabouleh, chile crunch, harissa mayonnaise and more. Chef-owner Mitchell Jamra blends his Lebanese roots into some of the flavors of All Too Well, a quick-casual sandwich offshoot of his Mexican-Lebanese restaurant in Chicago, Evette's. All Too Well, while named for the Taylor Swift song, is inspired not by the singer-songwriter but Jamra's family and his long lineage of Chicago deli owners that traces back to the 1920s. The chef's first Los Angeles restaurant offers the Chicago location's most popular items such as the Bombay Chulet, which layers turkey, prosciutto garlic mayo, arugula, stracciatella, fried onion, chile crunch and fig jam, as well as the L.A.-only secret-menu Tunaverse, which tops tuna salad with a red pepper spread that blends ajvar with muhammara. All Too Well debuted as a one-year pop-up within Platform, but Jamra tells The Times that he has plans to stay in Los Angeles far beyond that. 'I'm bonded with the city now,' he said via email, 'and we are in for the long haul!' All Too Well is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8850 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 101, Culver City, The popular chicken-focused offshoot of Los Feliz mainstay Kismet can now be found in Pasadena. At the latest outpost of Kismet Rotisserie, which sits at the border of Altadena, the whole pasture-raised, non-GMO chickens spin slowly behind the counter, the seasonal vegetables come primarily sourced from local farmers markets, and everything is made in-house. Chef-owners Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer offer rotisserie-chicken plates with sides such as roasted vegetables in tahini; smashed cucumbers in caraway vinaigrette; schmaltzy roasted potatoes; and hummus with freshly baked pita, along with salads, fresh-squeezed juice, bone broth, kids' meals, cookies and pudding cups. Unique to the Pasadena menu is a new, collaborative monthly sandwich special, where proceeds benefit the local chapter of education nonprofit Families Forward. This month find a spicy Niçoise pita sandwich made with Fishwife; in June look for an Italian sandwich from local chef and 'The Bear' culinary producer Courtney Storer. Kismet Rotisserie's newest outpost offers catering, a quick-and-casual format, and indoor and outdoor seating. Kismet Rotisserie is open in Pasadena daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 1974 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, (323) 412-4400, Kristin Colazas Rodriguez began Colossus out of her home in 2018. Now she operates four outposts spread across San Pedro and Long Beach, and the latest features a full cafe menu, a bakery case flush with croissants and pastries, and an evening-only pizza program just off the San Pedro harbor. The newest Colossus recently debuted at the base of the Vivo Apartments complex, serving morning items such as the signature croissant breakfast sandwich with house-made sweet potato hot sauce, lunch and lighter bites like salad Lyonnaise with fresh croutons, and dinner such as meatballs in gravy, sourdough gnocchi and a range of daily pizzas (in Long Beach, the pizzas are available on weekends only). Whole loaves of bread and pantry goods such as tinned fish, dried heirloom beans and jars of jam are also on offer, and beer and wine are in the works. Colossus is open off of the San Pedro harbor Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 511 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, (213) 444-0077, A weeklong celebration of Latin cuisine kicked off Tuesday with hundreds of participating restaurants — and many offering special items and set menus. Dine Latino Restaurant Week, an initiative spearheaded by the national Latino Restaurant Assn., runs through May 18 and includes more than 200 restaurants spread from Camarillo through L.A. County, as far east as San Bernardino and Riverside, and as far south as Costa Mesa; even a few San Diego restaurants are joining the event, as is one operation in San Jose. The event aims to support Latino-owned restaurants reflecting a range of nationalities and cuisines, including Mexican, Brazilian, Ecuadorian, Colombian, Salvadoran, Peruvian and beyond. Find a map of participating restaurants here, with more businesses to be added.
Time Out
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Say hola to Melbourne's vibrant new Latin American cantina with its own specialty grocer
Collingwood just got even cooler, thanks to a lively new haven on Smith Street for all things Latin American and tasty. Holy Guacamole is a relaxed cantina founded by cousins Laurent Linares and Leidy Avila, who together share a vision to shine a light on authentic Mexican and Colombian cuisine in Melbourne. The star of the show, of course, is the signature guacamole – handmade at your table in a molcajete (Mexican stone tool) with red onion, lime, jalapeños, garlic and Morita chilli pepper oil. The rest of the menu covers handcrafted street-style tacos, arepa chip nachos, housemade salsas, cassava fries and South American classics like burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas – all made fresh, and served up in style with authentic mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails, spirits and beers. Ingredients are hand-picked from the Footscray Market by Linares herself, who shares: 'We've poured our hearts into creating a space that truly reflects the flavours and traditions we grew up with. From the way we prepare each dish to the warm, lively atmosphere, Holy Guacamole is all about sharing the best of Latin America with Melbourne." An impressive drawcard for aspiring home cooks, Il Mercadito is the venue's in-house specialty grocer, where you can stock up on Colombian coffee, premium tequila, rare snacks, spices, sauces, condiments and a diverse array of quality imports. Here, you'll also find an acai bar serving up organic bowls on-site, so you can indulge in your fave Amazonian treat with toppings like kiwi, mango, chia seeds, peanut butter, toasted muesli and more. 'We wanted to create something special and a place that feels like home, where people can share incredible food, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and pick up authentic Latin ingredients all in one spot,' shares Avila. Before moving to Australia to embark on a hospitality career, Avila grew up in Bogota, Colombia, helping her grandparents in their restaurant. Linares started out studying medical biotechnology instead, but knew deep down that she shared a similar level of passion as her cousin for food and community. 'What was missing for me was always the kitchen, that's where I felt most at home, so I moved to Australia to pursue a career in hospitality," shares Linares. "From the moment I stepped back into the kitchen, everything just clicked. Leidy and I dove deep into our Latin roots and she fell in love with traditional Mexican pozole, while I kept refining my signature guacamole and fast forward to today, we've bought our shared passion and heritage to open Holy Guacamole.' So whether it's a round of Micheladas or Margaritas and charred corn ribs you're after, you're keen to try the new spot's birria mushroom tacos in your ongoing hunt for Melbourne's best or you simply want to pick up some new ingredients to play with at home, pop this one on your list. Open from noon daily (except Monday), Holy Guacamole is located at 320 Smith Street, Collingwood. Both inside and outside dining options are available.
