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The Chicago Plan Commission approved the new Central Area Plan, a strategy for Downtown's growth through 2045. The plan, developed from public feedback, includes initiatives like a new Pink Line station and a nighttime engagement office. It aims to enhance economic development and quality of life for the area's 184,000 residents.
The Chicago City Council rejected Mayor's proposed head tax, impacting the city's financial strategy. Little Village experiences a resurgence, showcasing community resilience as Thanksgiving approaches. Block Club Chicago captures these neighborhood stories in their latest coverage.
Thieves burglarized three Bronzeville businesses overnight, prompting local entrepreneur Early Walker to rally community support. Walker will host giveaways, including free ice cream for the first 100 customers at Shawn Michelle’s on Sunday, to encourage patronage of the affected businesses.
The Siebel Institute of Technology, the U.S.'s first brewing school, will relocate from Chicago to Montreal on January 1 due to rising operational costs and new student visa restrictions. The move follows financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic, making it challenging for international students to attend classes in the U.S.
Chicago educators face escalating fears among students due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, prompting them to implement support systems. Teachers report declines in attendance and focus, as students worry about their parents' safety. Community responses include creating safe escorting systems and in-school resources for affected families.
Chicago artist Charlie Dean offers a free postal service where he delivers and reads messages to recipients. Residents can drop notes in a wooden post box, and Dean aims to facilitate face-to-face communication, embracing the awkwardness of unexpected encounters. Since launching, he has received over 20 messages, including humorous notes and love letters.
A federal judge ordered Lawrence Reed to be detained on terrorism charges after he allegedly set a woman on fire on the CTA Blue Line. Reed, who has a long criminal history, opted to represent himself and expressed concerns about his food while in custody. The woman remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Chicago will experience a significant temperature drop next week, shifting from mild 50-degree weather to the 30s as winter approaches. National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Kluber noted that a persistent winter pattern is likely to set in, following a brief warm spell.
Immigration advocates in Chicago express concern that the Trump administration is using court delays to pressure detainees into signing voluntary departure agreements. The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund has launched a fundraising campaign to assist over 400 individuals detained by ICE, aiming to reunite them with their families.
Kitchen 17, a vegan bakery and restaurant in Avondale, will close after 13 years due to rising costs and safety concerns for staff. Owner Jennie Plasterer cited increased hostility and a recent assault on an employee as key factors in the decision. The restaurant will celebrate its closure with a farewell event on November 25.