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The City Council approved plans for a community center and affordable housing in Little Village on Thursday. Erie Neighborhood House will build an 18,000-square-foot center, while The Resurrection Project will develop a 42-unit apartment building. Both projects aim to support the local community and address housing needs.
Butch McGuire’s family opens a new bar, Mary Jo McGuire’s, in Lincoln Park on October 17, 2025. The bar, named after the family matriarch, will be run by Connor and Patrick Stewart and aims to carry on the legacy of the original Butch McGuire’s, known for its welcoming atmosphere and cocktail innovations. The venue will feature live music and a menu of comfort food and drinks.
Four people were shot early Friday morning in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood when a gray Acura fired at them on North Dearborn Street. All victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were reported to be in stable condition. An investigation is ongoing, with local officials considering closing a nearby bar due to safety concerns.
Federal immigration agents detained approximately 15 people at the Swap-O-Rama Flea Market in Back of the Yards on Thursday, leaving vendors visibly shaken. Ald. Julia Ramirez criticized the operation, stating it targeted vulnerable individuals rather than criminals. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests were related to immigration law violations.
Chicagoans participated in various activities over the past two weeks, including protests against ICE and discussions about Mayor Johnson's new budget. The Block Club Chicago staff captured these moments in a photo series showcasing life in the city. This visual documentation highlights significant local events and community engagement.
Armed officers at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Calumet Park are in-house security, not immigration agents, Coast Guard officials confirmed. The deployment responds to threats and property destruction, despite local reports of federal activity. Mayor Brandon Johnson has prohibited city property for immigration enforcement.
Chicago City Council postponed resolutions aimed at investigating federal immigration enforcement actions after concerns raised by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The measures condemned federal misconduct and supported immigrant communities amid ongoing immigration operations. Council members struggled to address Raoul's suggested edits before the meeting ended.
A judge ordered the removal of a controversial fence at ICE's Broadview facility, but protests continue to face police opposition. On Friday, state police reportedly led protesters into the street before attacking them with billy clubs and making several arrests. Activists claim the police's actions hinder their First Amendment rights.
Businesses in Belmont Cragin and Hermosa face significant sales declines due to increased ICE and Border Patrol activity, with some owners fearing closure. Local restaurant and barbershop owners report drastic drops in foot traffic and sales, leading to layoffs and financial strain. Community leaders are organizing a fundraiser to support struggling small businesses.
The Brown Line will bypass the Western stop in Lincoln Square from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. Monday due to construction. A free bus shuttle will operate between the Western and Damen stations, while the nearby Rockwell stop is also available for commuters. This construction is part of ongoing renovations in the area, expected to last through 2025.