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Transit leaders urged Illinois lawmakers to address a $202 million funding shortfall threatening the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. Without action, significant service cuts and layoffs could occur as soon as next summer, impacting thousands of workers and commuters.
Chicago school board members expressed urgent concerns over immigrant families living in fear due to increased federal immigration raids. They urged the district to consider virtual learning options for these students, emphasizing that the situation constitutes an emergency. District CEO Macquline King noted that attendance remains steady, but there are slight declines among Latino students and English learners.
The New Theatre Project is staging the play "Blackbird" in a Bowmanville factory, featuring a companion art exhibition by photographer George Hudson. The production, which explores complex themes of past trauma and relationships, runs from October 24 to November 16, with ticket prices set at $45. Hudson's exhibition, "Ghosts," opens on October 27 and runs through the weekend.
Chicago faced its coldest temperatures since May, with a frost advisory issued for overnight lows as low as 27 degrees. Meteorologist David King noted that Thursday's high of 52 degrees marked a significant drop from early October's near 90-degree weather. Slight warming is expected for Friday, but frost risks remain in the evening.
Immigration agents clashed with protesters in Little Village for the second consecutive day, detaining multiple individuals, including two students from Benito Juarez High School. Community leaders condemned the actions of federal agents, who deployed tear gas and pepper spray during the confrontation, causing injuries among protesters. Local officials are mobilizing support for affected families as tensions rise in the neighborhood.
Lollapalooza's 2025 festival generated a record $480 million in economic activity for Chicago, exceeding the previous year's total by $40 million. The festival attracted over 460,000 attendees, with 56% traveling from outside the city, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and transportation.
Corn Productions, which operates The Cornservatory Theater in North Center, seeks to raise $10,000 by November 1 to avoid closure after 25 years of operation. The nonprofit faces financial struggles due to a decline in ticket sales and the inability to secure grants, prompting a fundraiser that has already garnered nearly $8,300.
Chicago-area companies have received millions in federal contracts linked to Operation Midway Blitz, which focuses on immigration enforcement. Notably, Reliance Relocation Services and United Tactical Systems have benefited significantly, with contracts totaling over $8 million for relocating ICE agents and supplying tactical equipment. Local leaders have criticized these operations and called for boycotts against companies profiting from them.
Developers propose a 29-story apartment building with 397 units and 16,000 square feet of retail space at 1200 W. Carroll Ave. in Fulton Market. If approved, construction could begin early next year, with plans for 20% of the units to be affordable.
State and city attorneys urged the U.S. Supreme Court to block the Trump administration’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago against local officials' wishes. The response follows a judge's temporary restraining order and questions the justification for federalizing the troops amid ongoing protests.