Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Five individuals face federal charges following protests outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, where clashes occurred with law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros pledged to act against those who assault officers or cross the line from peaceful demonstration to violence. Local officials and advocates argue that federal agents provoked the unrest with excessive force.
The Lake Street bridge in Chicago will close to car and pedestrian traffic for two years starting October 6 due to reconstruction. The Chicago Transit Authority's Green and Pink line services will continue, aside from two planned outages in 2026 and 2027. Detours will be established, and the bridge work coincides with the reconstruction of the Chicago Avenue bridge.
Broadview police are investigating an alleged unprovoked assault on CBS Chicago reporter Asal Rezaei by an ICE agent, who fired a pepper ball at her truck while she was reporting at the facility. Rezaei reported experiencing chemical exposure and was left feeling ill after the incident. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security denied the attack occurred, despite evidence presented by Rezaei.
Chicago's draft Central Area Plan envisions significant changes in Downtown over the next 20 years, aiming to add tens of thousands of housing units and create new jobs. The plan incorporates public feedback from over 10,000 residents and outlines 250 policy suggestions focused on enhancing quality of life, transit, and green spaces. A 30-day public comment period has begun before the plan is presented to the Plan Commission in November.
The Walk In cocktail bar in Logan Square closed for renovations after nearly a decade. Owner Esam Hani announced the bar will reopen in about six weeks with a refreshed atmosphere and an updated drink menu. The bar will continue to allow patrons to order food from a nearby restaurant, The Harding Tavern.
Adam Pollack transformed his summer internship experience into a thriving business, Closed Loop Farms, which delivers over 200 produce orders weekly across Chicago. The farm specializes in microgreens and edible flowers, contributing to the local dining scene and even appearing in the TV show "The Bear." Pollack's innovative approach and sustainable practices have allowed the farm to adapt and grow, especially during the pandemic.
Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Illinois National Guard may be deployed to assist the Department of Homeland Security in protecting ICE personnel and facilities. The memo from Homeland Security claims that ICE agents face threats from violent groups, prompting the request for 100 military troops. State officials, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, are prepared to take legal action against any military deployment.
Pilsen residents and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez urge the city to deny Midwest Generation's request for demolition permits for parts of the Fisk Generating Station, citing environmental and health concerns. The city has yet to approve the permits, as neighbors demand better protections due to the area's history of pollution.
Ald. Matt Martin approved a zoning change to allow Honore Properties to build a five-story apartment building with 78 units on the former Our Lady of Lourdes church campus in Uptown. The plan includes 16 affordable units and sustainability features, pending further approvals from the city.
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.