'Midway Blitz' one month in

Judge Blocks National Guard from Chicago

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, saying they would add “fuel to the fire.” U.S. District Judge April Perry initially said she was granting the restraining order in part, but a written ruling should come today. [Hey Chicago 💻]

• Related: A judge also ruled the feds can't tear-gas journalists. [Block Club]

Troops in Chicago, the Transit Crisis, and Bears’ Rematch

In addition to the recent ruling on the National Guard, a federal judge ruled against ICE’s arrest tactics. We’re breaking all of it down on today’s podcast along with The Triibe’s Corli Jay. Also discussed: transit woes, da Bears, and a new wine bar on 75th Street. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago Cultural Commissioner Leaves Post

Chicago’s cultural commissioner Clinée Hedspeth has resigned from her post at City Hall after 18 months. An ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, her tenure was marked by accusations of bullying. Last spring, more than 140 artists called on Johnson to address it. [Sun-Times]

This Week’s Must-Read

Did you know Illinois was the first state to ban book bans? Still, as America reckons with new forms of censorship, Chicagoland writers observe Banned Books Week. Here, some recall the banned books from their own youths. Famous titles include “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” “Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Captain Underpants,” and “The Bluest Eye.” [Third-Coast Review]

• Love these books? Peruse Chicagoland’s best indie bookstores. [Hey Chicago 💻]

Increased ICE activity has defined the last month in Chicago — all while other local stories keep breaking. Were you paying attention?