😱 The scariest stuff in Chicago

What the Government Shutdown Means for Chicago

Normally, during a government shutdown, federal employees are furloughed. But this time we can expect some layoffs. Prior to Department of Government Efficiency cuts, there were 153,000 federal employees in Illinois. Now, they face more potential firings, particularly in programs “not consistent with the President’s priorities.” [Sun-Times]

The ICE Facility’s Strain on Broadview

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview has been a site of conflict, protest, and tear gas for weeks now. The village has opened three criminal investigations into ICE while the mayor demands ICE stop “making war” on the community. She says it’s running a “disinformation campaign that would even make Russia blush.” [WTTW]

Quantum Shore Project Breaks Ground on Southeast Side

Developers broke ground on the first phase of a Quantum park at the former U.S. Steel South Works site in South Shore. Gov. JB Pritzker says it will create jobs and spur billions in private investment. Local groups hope the Southeast Side will see real returns on the investment though some oppose the development altogether. [Block Club]

Jane Goodall's Chicago Connection

Jane Goodall died yesterday at 91. Last month, she visited Lincoln Park Zoo and said the institution changed her life. Attending a conference there inspired her to pivot from field research to conservation in the 1980s. [Block Club]

The Ultimate Spooky Chicago Bracket

Spooky season is officially here. On today's podcast, we’re getting into the spirit by talking about the scariest things in Chicago: haunted hotels, thrilling intersections, lower Wacker … Disagree with our picks? Vote in the first round and prove us wrong. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Come on: What’s the spookiest thing in Chicago? Cast your vote! 👻

City Cast Chicago Neighbors can submit Neighborhood Shoutouts — just another perk that brings us all a little closer. Want to submit your own?

This week, Neighbor Andrea P. is shouting out Cafe Tola: “All the Cafe Tola locations, but especially the one on California! We’ve been going pretty much every Saturday for years and there is no better way to start a Saturday than with a couple of empanadas hot out the fryer from Tola.”