While robberies overall are spread out across dozens of community areas in the city, these blitzes were far more concentrated. Since February, more than half — 81 of 156 — have occurred in just five communities: Humboldt Park, West Town, South Lawndale, Lower West Side and Logan Square.

Before passing the resolution, some alderpeople said it would show Chicagoans no one is getting left behind as the city works to provide shelter and services to recently arrived migrants. “It is to show the country, to show the city, to show the right-wing politicians and organizers that their tactics of instilling fear and sowing division between Black and Brown, or between undocumented communities and migrant communities, will not work,” Ald. Jessie Fuentes said.

The state sold the Thompson Center — which once housed thousands of state workers — in March 2022 to The Prime Group after the building fell into more than $300 million worth of disrepair. Google announced in July 2022 that it intended to buy the building “upon future renovations.”

A source said the victim’s vehicle was a rental, and he was unloading groceries when the carjacking occurred. Investigators believe the hijackers went on to use the Camry during the commission of an armed robbery spree later that night.

They grab cellphones and demand pass codes to banking apps like Zelle and Venmo. A Chicago architect who lost more than $2,000 that way says: “Don’t have any banking apps on your phone.”

“The opportunity to be bold and smart exists in full form. We can create a public-private partnership on the lakefront that works. We can be cutting-edge when it comes to the carbon footprint of a new stadium, by building a low-carbon, eco-designed stadium. We also have a chance to use this as an opportunity to finally connect our lakefront and our people through public transit solutions.”

The city has filed 55 lawsuits since it implemented new rules about when and where buses can arrive in mid-November, the Law Department said. The lawsuits address 77 total buses accused of violating the rules, and public records show at least some cases are seeking fines against the bus companies. The mayor’s office is now seeking the ability to impound buses that don’t follow the rules and fine owners up to $3,000.

Chicago has already fined several buses $5,000 for violating migrant drop off regulations, but the city is now taking steps to get a lot tougher. “The ordinance we’re considering today would allow those buses if they’re not in compliance, to be impounded by the city,” said Ald. Daniel La Spata.

Here is how it would work – those who experience what they feel is a “hate incident” can call 311, use city’s 311 the mobile app, or report it online. “We want to make reporting as easy as possible, ensuring that victims and witnesses have a direct line to share their experiences 24/7 and 365 days a year,” Ald. Debra Silverstein said.

“Whatever we do for the migrants, I want the same services for our people here in Chicago who have been homeless for a very long time,” Hunter said. “And whatever we do for the migrants, any disaster plan must be holistic and transparent.” She further wants the migrants to be vetted and find jobs for them throughout the state where there is a worker shortage.

First activated in Illinois four years ago, this project allows residents and business owners to rely on solar for their energy needs without installing expensive and large solar panels by paying a monthly subscription to a group that manages a solar farm. The program is also only available to lower income individuals who make 80% or less of area median income.

According to the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago, suburbs including Riverside, Western Springs and Broadview have seen their Latino populations grow by 60% to 80% in just 10 years. “I think it’s just that kind of immigrant family, work-hard sort of vibe,” he said. “If no one else is going to do it, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’ll step up and do it.’ ” This entrepreneurial spirit is why Latinos are one of the fastest growing entrepreneur groups in the country.

“…State Street, which has some 35,000 theater seats within a block or two and is the main thoroughfare of Chicago’s recovering entertainment district, is enjoying the benefits of the pendulum swinging back to the Loop from once-ritzier North Michigan Avenue… If retail smash and grab is the main problem on Michigan Avenue, State Street now has to worry more about Chicagoans and suburbanites being afraid of walking back to the train, especially late at night.”

Other key priorities for the Central Area Plan are to improve economic growth and public safety, protect natural resources and build more green spaces. The area is only 3 percent of Chicago’s geography, but it accounts for 53 percent of the city’s private sector jobs and 45 percent of the tax base, according to the city’s report.

“Neighbors are feeling terrorized. They’re fearful. They’re scared,” said resident Steve Jensen. “I personally would like to see stricter consequences for crimes so that when the idea pops in peoples’ minds, they think twice.” Other neighbors echoed his point, arguing that loose sentencing and the rapid release of criminals or individuals charged with crimes was a major factor in the recent burglary spree.

Members of the public would have to make reservations and show government-issued identification to sit in the main, second-floor gallery in the Council Chambers during meetings of the Chicago City Council under revised rules designed to limit access. The 70 seats in the third-floor gallery would be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Peoples Gas claims that in pausing around $265 million of work spread over several years, the ICC stopped the company from conducting critical infrastructure work that is beyond the scope of the program that is under investigation. Peoples Gas is now seeking an additional $9.1 million in annual revenue on top of the $303 million increase that regulators approved in November.

The city of Chicago is adding impoundment to its list of penalties on buses carrying migrants into the city that don’t obey set rules on where and when to drop them off.

University of Chicago students staged a sit-in at the admissions office last month, demanding transparency around the university’s investments and its complete divestment from companies that send weapons to Israel. After several hours, twenty-six students and two faculty members were arrested. Student Jenin Alharithi said that UIC has one of the largest Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab student populations in the U.S., and she feels a particular responsibility to mobilize against the university’s investment, calling it “vital to the national student movement.”

There were nearly 4,900 robberies between July 1 and Nov. 26, an increase of more than 55% compared to the total for the previous five months. Humboldt Park, West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park saw the highest robbery rates in the city during the July-to-November surge, with essentially one robbery reported for every 200 residents in those communities during those five months

David Greising, of the Better Government Association: “Chicago mayors when they first get elected understandably believe they’re in charge of their city and its future. Quite quickly, the smart ones learn differently.”