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A shooting in Uptown killed an 18-year-old man and injured a 27-year-old woman late Friday night. This marks the second teen fatality in the neighborhood in less than two weeks, following the murder of a 17-year-old boy earlier this month. Police have not made any arrests in connection to either incident.
Forty Acres Fresh Market opened in Austin, addressing food access issues in a neighborhood previously lacking grocery options. The Black woman-owned store aims to combat "food apartheid" by providing fresh produce and essential goods. Local residents expressed excitement over the store's potential impact on their community.
Large groups of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents patrolled Downtown Chicago on Sunday, detaining a family at Millennium Park. Local officials condemned the militarized presence, with Mayor Brandon Johnson calling it a "brazen provocation" by the Trump administration. Witnesses reported armed officers intimidating residents as they marched through high-traffic areas.
Customs and Border Protection agents conducted a boat patrol on the Chicago River, drawing criticism from local officials who labeled it a “photo op.” Alderman Brendan Reilly and Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the operation, arguing it instills fear in immigrant communities and lacks coordination with local law enforcement.
Federal agents confronted protesters outside the Broadview ICE facility on Friday morning, employing rubber bullets and tear gas. Demonstrators opposed federal operations targeting undocumented individuals, with tensions escalating as agents used force against the crowd. As protests intensified, some participants reported injuries from less-lethal munitions.
Chicago Public Schools reported a 2.8 percent drop in enrollment this school year, totaling 316,224 students. This decline marks the first decrease in enrollment in three years and continues a trend of reduced student numbers over the past 15 years. Factors contributing to this decline include decreasing birth rates and immigration concerns affecting families in the city.
Tensions escalated outside an ICE facility in Chicago this week, coinciding with events like a historic river swim and Riot Fest. Block Club Chicago reporters captured these moments, highlighting the city's vibrant community engagement.
The Latina Comedy Festival returns to Logan Square from October 2-4, featuring 50 performers across 20 shows, including three performances in Spanish. Associate producer Jessi Realz emphasized the festival's role in attracting diverse audiences and uplifting Latina voices in comedy. Tickets are available online for approximately $24 each.
Block Club Chicago hosts its second annual block party on October 4, featuring local vendors, food, drinks, and a kids zone with activities like a bounce house. Families can enjoy live music from performers including the Wiggleworms and the Jesse White Tumblers throughout the day. VIP tickets are available for those interested in food, drink, and Block Club merchandise.
Neighbors in Back of the Yards rallied to support local tamale vendor Laura Murillo after her arrest by ICE agents. Organizers raised funds by selling her tamales, emphasizing community solidarity against federal immigration enforcement targeting undocumented individuals. Over 500 arrests have occurred in the Chicago area since the start of recent immigration operations.