ICE agents to crash in the burbs

A So-Called 'Death Hospital' in Portage Park

Community First Medical Center, a for-profit safety-net hospital, struggles with structural damage, flooding, broken elevators, and supply shortages — despite receiving tens of millions in taxpayer-funded grants. Recently, one woman died in the waiting room with no staff checking on her. Neighbors have nicknamed Community First “the Death Hospital.” [Block Club]

• In other hospital news: Weiss Hospital in Uptown closed its doors this summer. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

North Chicago Naval Base Will House ICE Agents — And Maybe National Guard

Federal immigration agents, and possibly National Guard troops, may operate out of a suburban naval base as soon as Sept. 2, a Navy captain has revealed. He said the operations will be “similar to what occurred in Los Angeles earlier this summer.” [Sun-Times]

How Chicagoans Are Tracking ICE

With the threat of the National Guard looming, it’s important to remember immigration raids are still happening across Chicagoland. On today’s podcast, Diego Morales with the Pilsen Rapid Response Network talks about how organizers are responding and what Chicagoans should do if they encounter ICE. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Johnson Issues Disaster Proclamation For Summer Storms

Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued a disaster proclamation as thousands of Chicagoans recover from August storms and flooding. The proclamation allows the city to pursue “all available resources” for help. Earlier this month, another proclamation was issued for July storms. [Tribune 🔒]

Every week, we highlight Neighborhood Shoutouts from City Cast Chicago Neighbors. Become a member today to plug your favorite spots or nonprofits!

• This week, Jill D. is shouting out Smack Dab in Rogers Park: “Smack Dab is more than just an amazing restaurant, it’s a member of the neighborhood. Their community dinners are just one of the ways they constantly give back to the community. I wish all local businesses had this same commitment to giving back.”

☝️ I’d also like to shout out Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square, which is celebrating 150 years in business!