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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.
Federal authorities intensified their actions in Broadview, arresting a journalist and deploying chemical weapons against protesters after the mayor criticized ICE's tactics. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson urged the Department of Homeland Security to cease using chemical arms against residents, which she labeled as "making war" on the community. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
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.
A five-story apartment building has been approved for construction on the site of the former Stage 773 in Lakeview, which will feature 40 apartments and retail space. This development aims to revitalize a long-dormant property on Belmont Avenue that once served as a thriving theater.
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.
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.
Bruce Sagan, a prominent Hyde Park newspaperman and arts patron, died at 96 after a brief battle with cancer. He founded the Hyde Park Herald and played a key role in relocating the Joffrey Ballet to Chicago. Sagan received a National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden in 2024.
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.
Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) opposes a proposed 48-unit apartment building in Edgebrook, citing community concerns about traffic and neighborhood character. The project, presented by Drexel Properties, drew mixed reactions during a packed community meeting.
Starbucks plans to close about 1 percent of its North American stores, affecting several locations in Chicago and resulting in approximately 900 corporate layoffs. CEO Brian Niccol cited a company-wide review that identified unprofitable coffeehouses as the reason for the closures, which include the Wicker Park location that was revamped in 2017.