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Chicago experiences unseasonably cool temperatures this week, with highs only reaching the low-to-mid 70s and overnight lows dipping near 46 degrees. This weather marks a significant drop from the typical August averages, following a notably hot summer.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law prohibiting law enforcement from ticketing students at schools, addressing racial disparities in disciplinary actions. The law requires schools to establish agreements with local police by 2026, detailing the role of school resource officers and data collection on student referrals to law enforcement.
Ford City Mall faces redevelopment into an industrial park, prompting community backlash. Local residents fear pollution and traffic issues, leading to a petition against the plan, which has gathered 645 signatures. The mall, once thriving, now struggles with a 54% vacancy rate.
Riot Fest founder Mike Petryshyn secured John Stamos’ participation in the festival by getting a tattoo of the actor's name and a melting stick of butter on his leg. Stamos will perform with the Beach Boys at the event, which runs from September 19-21, 2025. Other demands from Stamos include hosting a lookalike contest and creating a Greek-style pizza named after him.
Illinois transportation officials proposed five redesign plans to enhance safety and connectivity at the 111th Street interchange on Interstate 94 in Pullman and South Deering. The proposals aim to address significant safety concerns, with nearly 1,500 crashes reported between 2018 and 2022. Input from the community is encouraged to refine these plans before the study concludes in late 2027.
Several hundred Cubs fans gathered at Wrigley Field to honor Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg, who passed away from metastatic prostate cancer at 65. The service, held at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, featured memorabilia and emotional tributes highlighting Sandberg's impact on the game and the community.
City leaders issued a cease-and-desist order to TikTok promoter JRoy after a West Side street party resulted in the fatal shootings of two young people. Officials emphasized the need for accountability while balancing the right to gather and public safety in the community.
President Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, prompting Mayor Brandon Johnson to call the move illegal and unnecessary. Johnson emphasized that Chicago is experiencing its lowest crime rate in 30 years and criticized Trump's crime strategy as uncoordinated. The mayor asserted that investing in community safety and housing is more effective than military presence.
Jon Silver's independent comedy "The Premiere" screens Monday and Tuesday at Mary Bartelme Park as part of Chicago Onscreen's local film series. The film follows a local filmmaker facing multiple challenges before the premiere of his first feature at the Music Box Theatre. Silver aims to highlight Chicago's vibrant film community and the hurdles of movie exhibition.
A gas station in Humboldt Park sold a Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $400,000, but the winner has not yet claimed their prize. The ticket was purchased at Division Mobil, and the store manager expressed hope that the winner is a regular customer. The winner has one year to claim the prize by making an appointment with the Illinois Lottery.