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Roscoe Village and neighboring areas feature a vibrant array of independent shops perfect for holiday shopping. Block Club reporters highlight several unique stores, including Maison Pasquale and Lazy Dog Antiques, emphasizing their offerings of distinctive gifts and vintage finds. This guide encourages local shopping to support small businesses and discover hidden gems.
Texas National Guard members are returning home as the Department of Homeland Security has vacated its command center in Chicago. These developments signal the reduction of federal immigration enforcement operations in the area, following the departure of Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to redirect city funds to food banks and organizations combating food insecurity after changes to SNAP benefits. The order aims to support food assistance programs amid rising demand following the recent federal government shutdown. Johnson emphasized the need to ensure no Chicagoan goes hungry due to federal policy changes.
Fifteen-year-old John ‘Maj’ Thomas, a valedictorian from John M. Smyth Elementary, was shot and killed while biking in Little Italy on Halloween. His funeral revealed his vibrant personality and the deep love his family and friends had for him, as they remembered him as compassionate and fun-loving. Police continue to investigate the shooting, which was potentially linked to a robbery attempt.
The Chicago City Council approved $12 million in tax-increment financing to renovate Ogden Park's fieldhouse, a facility that has served the West Englewood community since 1904. The new two-story structure will include various amenities aimed at enhancing programs for local teens and older residents. Construction is set to begin in late 2026, with the facility expected to open in 2028.
Chicago businesses selling hemp-derived products face a crisis after a federal bill bans these items. The legislation closes a loophole that permitted THC concentration in hemp, forcing businesses to remove products within a year. Local entrepreneurs argue the ban threatens their livelihoods and could push the market underground.
Artist Anish Kapoor plans potential legal action against U.S. Border Patrol after agents posed for photos in front of his Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. Kapoor condemned the agents' actions as intimidating, drawing a parallel to Nazi troops, and expressed support for Mayor Brandon Johnson's denunciation of the incident.
Nolan Hart, 32, was found dead from blunt force injuries in a Lakeview apartment stairwell on October 27. His family believes he was murdered and is seeking public assistance in the ongoing investigation, which has not yet identified any suspects. Hart's death has raised concerns among local residents about safety and communication from property management.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has revised his proposed corporate head tax as part of a $16.6 billion budget plan for 2026, aiming for a vote next week. The head tax, now set at $21 per person for companies with over 200 employees, faces opposition from business groups but is viewed by some City Council members as essential for funding public safety programs.
Plans for the proposed Crosstown Trail, a 3.2-mile rail-to-trail project in Chicago, have garnered support from local officials. However, community leaders emphasize the need for anti-gentrification measures to prevent displacement of current residents.