Good afternoon, Chicago. ✶
In today’s newsletter, we’re looking into the debate over teen curfews, as one alderman pushes to turn away unaccompanied minors from downtown after 8 p.m.
“I think all one has to do is just Google ‘How effective are teen curfews?’ and you’ll find almost all the research indicates they are ineffective at controlling crime,” one South Loop resident told the Sun-Times.
Plus, we’ve got reporting on Buddy Guy’s retirement from the road, Calumet Fisheries’ return, nine ways to enjoy the weekend and more community news you need to know below. 👇
⏱️: A 7-minute read
— Matt Moore, newsletter reporter (@MattKenMoore)
TODAY’S TOP STORY
Another summer, another debate over teen curfews as downtown residents question their effectiveness
Reporting by Sophie Sherry
Debates continues: With summer ramping up, a downtown alderman has reignited conversations about youth curfews by calling for stricter limitations on teens. Meanwhile, some neighborhood and park groups continue to push back.
Curfew on the table: Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is proposing a new 8 p.m. curfew for minors downtown, following a violent attack in Streeterville. The proposed curfew would cut two hours from the 10 p.m. citywide curfew that already applies to those 17 and younger.
Efficacy in dispute: Jim Wales, president of South Loop Neighbors and a member of the Grant Park Advisory Board, said he understands the need to respond to “horrendous situations.” He also cautioned Council members against passing laws that “aren’t necessarily effective” in controlling crime.
What research shows: A 2016 report published by the nonprofit Campbell Collaboration analyzed thousands of studies on juvenile curfews nationwide. It determined that “evidence suggests that juvenile curfews are ineffective at reducing crime and victimization.” The report also found a slight increase in crime during curfew hours and no change in juvenile victimization.
What teens think: Downtown resident Rayne Phillips, 15, told the Sun-Times that young people should be allowed to enjoy the area just like everyone else. “People just want to come here to have fun,” Phillips said Thursday evening at Oak Street Beach. “Obviously, if someone is bothering people, that’s a problem, but if they’re not, people come downtown to have fun. Everyone should be able to do that, especially because it’s summer.”
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
- Racketeering indictment filed in soldier’s death: Two alleged members of the Milwaukee Kings street gang face a federal racketeering charge related to the July 2021 murder of an Illinois National Guard soldier. The same investigation led to a highly publicized FBI raid on West Farragut Avenue in Lincoln Square last month, authorities say.
- Man arrested after 2 found dead: A man has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting deaths of two brothers, who were found outside a burning house in suburban Highland Park on Wednesday.
- PPP fraud development: In several instances, Paycheck Protection Program fraud was fueled in part by brokers who took kickbacks — but escaped punishment, a Sun-Times investigation found.
- Red Stars turn the page: Under former owner Arnim Whisler and deposed coach Rory Dames, the team became an emblem for many of the worst problems with women’s soccer, but Saturday’s game at Wrigley Field could signal that the Red Stars are back on the right path, writes Brian Sandalow.
- Calumet Fisheries returns: The beloved Southeast Side seafood restaurant reopens Saturday with fresh renovations and the classic menu that Chicagoans have loved for generations.
- 4 stars for ‘Six’: Reimagined as pop icons, the wives of King Henry VIII turn the party and the pages of history into a show with endless appeal — whether you’re a Tudor scholar, a devotee of girl groups or some wondrous amalgamation of both, writes Catey Sullivan for the Sun-Times.
WEEKEND PLANS 🎉
🛍️ Urban Queer Art Show & Market
Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.
📍PrideArts, 4139 N. Broadway
A five-night market showcasing artwork and handmade goods from local creators.
Admission: $17
🇵🇷 Puerto Rican Fest
Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.
📍 Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division
Celebrate Puerto Rican culture with music and dance performances, carnival rides, food vendors, art installations and more. The festivities culminate with the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade, Saturday at 2 p.m., on Division from Western to Humboldt.
Admission: $10+
🇸🇪 Andersonville Midsommarfest
Friday, 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.
📍Clark Street, from Foster to Gregory
Celebrate Swedish culture and history with activities including a maypole dance, food and more. More than 50 music and entertainment acts perform on five stages; headliners include NNAMDI, Finom, Cecy Santana and Sixteen Candles.
Admission: $10 suggested donation
🇵🇭 The Great Baklaan
Saturday, 10 a.m.
📍18th Street Casa de Cultura, 2057 W. 18th St.
This Filipinx/a/o LGBTQ+ event showcases the talents and resources of community members with panel discussions, networking and performances.
Admission: $10+
🎨 Old Town art fairs
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.
The Old Town Art Fair features more than 200 artists, a garden walk, music, a food court and more; located at Old Town Triangle Center, 1763 N. North Park. The Wells Street Art Festival includes more than 175 artists, entertainment and food from local restaurants; located on Wells from North to Division.
Admission: $12 suggested donation (Old Town Art Fair); $10 (Wells Street Art Festival)
🇹🇭 Thai Festival Chicago
Saturday, 10 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.
📍Thorek Memorial Hospital parking lot, 851 W. Irving Park Road
Traditional performances, Muay Thai displays, Thai street food, vendors and more in store at this festival.
Admission: Free
🛼 Pride Skate Party
Saturday, 10:30 p.m.
📍Dr. MLK Jr. Roller Skating and Bowling Center, 1219 W. 76th St.
Hit the roller rink, dance, knock down a few pins and build community at this fun event.
Admission: Free
🙏 Shout Out! A Tribute to Gays in Gospel Music
Sunday, 3 p.m.
📍Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.
Singer, composer and bandleader Lucy Smith performs a powerful showcase of the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to the gospel.
Admission: $15
BRIGHT ONE ✨
Buddy Guy is retiring from the road — but will still ‘keep the blues alive’
Reporting by Selena Fragassi
In 2022, blues legend Buddy Guy announced the extensive Damn Right Farewell Tour, which will soon cap the incredible seven decades the nearly 88-year-old guitar virtuoso has dedicated to traversing the country, igniting audiences 130-plus times a year with his quick and nimble electric picking that, he says, has all been in an effort “to keep the blues alive.”
“When you get to a certain age — you know, I remember watching all the guys who I learned everything from, the older they got, they’d forget songs, and you’re not giving people what they paid for,” Guy says of his decision to wrap up his illustrious touring career.
But he cautions it won’t be the last time he graces a Chicago stage; his long-running January residencies at Legends, his South Loop club, will continue, and he may do festivals in the future, as health and time permit. It’s just a matter of quality over quantity at this point.
Guy will hit the stage Sunday night to close out this year’s Chicago Blues Festival, which runs all weekend at Millennium Park.
His performance will bring him back to the event where he has logged so many milestone moments, from the “Super Chicago Guitar Jam” in 1988 — where Guy huddled with Otis Rush, Son Seals Blues Band and Koko Taylor and her Blues Machine — to his tribute to B.B. King shortly after King’s passing in 2015.
“I promised all of the older guys who are no longer here with me that I’d always try [to keep the blues alive],” Guy says, referencing blues godfathers such as King, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️
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Editor: Esther Bergdahl
Newsletter reporter: Matt Moore
Copy editor: Chris Woldt
