Latest news with #teenTakeover
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Latest Naperville ‘teen takeover' results in multiple arrests
Good afternoon, Chicago. After Naperville police allegedly found a 14-year-old carrying a loaded, semiautomatic pistol at a downtown 'teen takeover' event last weekend, authorities are urging safety and, again, stressed they have zero tolerance for illicit behavior. 'While we encourage everyone to exercise their first amendment right and we encourage everyone to enjoy what the downtown provides, we need everyone to do that lawfully,' Naperville police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said. 'There's going to be zero tolerance for any sort of criminal behavior, from trespassing to disorderly conduct to fighting.' Since May 1, there have been seven planned teen takeover events in Naperville, each with varying degrees of participation, Krakow said. The latest, held Saturday, resulted in five arrests, including that of the 14-year-old, who was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, authorities said. Charges in other arrests included disorderly conduct and battery. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration never undertook a formalized national search for a new CTA president despite the mayor saying last month that his office had in fact done so, according to responses to public records requests made by the Tribune. Read more here. More top news stories: Aurora shares data on testing for 'unregulated contaminants' in water system Deerfield considering referendum for two new school buildings, renovations South Naperville townhouse/rowhouse proposal gains planning commission approval After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, includes a two-year renewal option. Read more here. More top business stories: Honda recalls more than 259,000 cars across the US due to brake pedal issue New train station is a first for NWI, state, seen as gateway to Michigan City's future Will County Board refuses to drop 143rd Street widening from transporation plan, but stalls passage The Chicago Sky lead the league in turnovers per game (18.7) and opponent points off turnovers (20.5). A staggering 23.4% of the Sky's offensive possessions result in a turnover. This weakness ballooned into a full-on crisis against the Mystics as the Sky hemorrhaged points, giving up 40 on 22 turnovers — 1.8 points per. Read more here. More top sports stories: Column: 11 observations to kick off a Chicago sports summer, including updating the 'Maddux' to the 'PCA' Chicago baseball report: Cubs bullpen is on a stellar streak — and White Sox call up a Fox Lake product Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They're trying to keep their minds on the Pacers. Watching MJ Lenderman at the Salt Shed yesterday was to be reminded of the curious power of exhaustion. It's a beautiful, humid, rickety sound. You can hear in it why the sighs of Neil Young became inextricable from Watergate-era malaise, and how Lenderman, 50 years later, sounds like both a throwback to strung-out singer-songwriters of the '70s and very much of his own time. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: 'Winging It' exhibit at Newberry Library shows humanity's relationship to birds — dead and alive Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at Kroger and Walmart Nezza's national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations, but became more widely observed after former President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday in 2021. It is recognized at least as an observance in every state, and nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C., have designated it as a permanent paid or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: President Donald Trump delays the TikTok ban once again Erick makes landfall in western Mexico state as a Category 3 storm
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Community groups to join in effort to prevent teen takeovers in Chicago
Over the weekend, Chicago -police warned of another possible teen takeover, but no such thing manifested like others we've seen — which have involved young people jumping on cars and crowding in the street downtown and in other areas. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago has launched a different approach to preventing such teen takeovers from happening. For the first time ever, city agencies are trying to partner with community groups to be on the scene as takeovers tart. CBS News Chicago on Monday got a sneak peek at how they are planning to map out their response. "The community-based organization element would be new," said Manuel Whitfield, director of violence prevention and community safety for the Mayor's Office of Community Safety. "We've never done it before." CBS News Chicago met with Whitfield in Streeterville, where two separate teen takeovers led to shootings back in March. On March 9, a 46-year-old woman and her son were caught up in a teen takeover near the AMC River East movie theater when the woman, a tourist, was shot in the arm. On March 28, a 15-year-old boy suffered a gunshot graze wound to the leg during a teen takeover in the same area, near Columbus Drive and Illinois Street. A 14-year-old boy has since been charged with shooting the 15-year-old. Ogden Plaza, a multi-level concrete space with trees and benches, is where teens often congregate. "Youth usually start gathering here on Illinois Street, and then they start moving," Whitfield said. "They usually end up here [at Ogden Plaza], and what happens is we already preplanned, have had CPD in all of these set areas." The city has tried fencing and community alerts. But the newest method is community organizations — with representatives who would walk alongside those of city agencies. The community organizations are now preparing by scoping out the scenes of the large gatherings. "What makes this approach different is we're actually all working together," said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood. As Gatewood explained, representatives of the groups would walk around and talk to kids. They would explain the curfew and offer resources, community involvement, and job opportunities. "Ultimately, having those conversations person-to-person, and that really helps drive down the anger and angst sometimes out," Gatweood said. "You have to be integrated, because look, there's sometimes hundreds of kids down here — and you have to be part of that work, and actually physically being out here." There is one group whose voices have not yet been part of the conversation — young adults who might attend a takeover. "Me as a young person, I just feel like people are describing us as wild animals — and that's not what we are," said Jaqueza Thomas of the Mayor's Youth Commission. "Young people like myself just want a safe space to have fun and enjoy themselves." The young adults can explain what they're looking for when they go downtown. "We don't want to come like down here, downtown, to destroy anything or cause chaos," Thomas said. "We just really want to enjoy our time as young people." The Chicago Police Department has also played a large role in planning with community groups and other city agencies — explaining how they would verify a possible takeover, reach out to the person posting about it, and make a resource plan for traffic control and curfew enforcement. This is all as they emphasize that the goal is not to arrest people who are downtown just to have a good time. All the stakeholders want to try this new approach and see how it goes.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago police warn Chicago Public Schools parents ahead of potential teen takeover at city beach
The video above is a related story from April 18: Streeterville tests new safety measures in Ogden Plaza to prevent teen takeovers as summer nears CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department sent a letter to parents of Chicago Public Schools students, warning them about large and often dangerous teen gatherings, including one expected to take place this weekend. A 46-year-old tourist and a 15-year-old boy were hit by gunfire at two different teen gatherings, also known as teen takeovers, earlier this year. 'To protect your children's safety, the Chicago Police Department strongly encourages parents to refrain from allowing youth to attend these events,' the department said. CPD also says it has been made aware of a potential gathering at one of Chicago's beaches this weekend, though the letter did not specify which beach or when the gathering is planned for. 'While beaches can be informal and relaxed places for young people to connect, it's important to remember that these spaces come with specific safety concerns and restrictions' CPD said. The department also reminded parents that Chicago beaches do not open until May 23. According to CPD, in the event of a teen takeover, officers will focus on de-escalation, but curfews will be enforced and if necessary, arrests will be made. In the City of Chicago, the curfew is 8:30 p.m. for minors under 12 years old, and 10 p.m. for those aged 12 and older. 'We want our young people to explore and enjoy the great city they live in. But large, unsupervised gatherings promoted on social media are not the best way to do that,' CPD said. Read CPD's full letter to parents below: To the Parents/Guardians of CPS Students: We know that as the school year draws to a close and the weather grows warmer, Chicago's young people will want to spend more time outside. Today, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is asking for your partnership to make sure our youth stay safe and supported as they enjoy their beautiful city. Over the past several months, we've seen an increase in large, unsupervised groups of teens and young adults from in and around Chicago. Last month, two shootings were associated with these gatherings. To protect your children's safety, the Chicago Police Department strongly encourages parents to refrain from allowing youth to attend these events. Through posts on social media, the Chicago Police Department has been made aware of a potential gathering at one of Chicago's beaches this weekend. While beaches can be informal and relaxed places for young people to connect, it's important to remember that these spaces come with specific safety concerns and restrictions — especially before the official start of summer. We urge you to review these important reminders about Chicago's beaches, and to go over them with your children: 1. Chicago's beaches do not officially open until Friday, May 23 2. No lifeguards are currently assigned to our city's beaches 3. Alcohol is prohibited on all Chicago beaches. 4. All beach visitors are subject to search. 5. Citywide curfew laws apply on the beach just as they do throughout Chicago. CPD's goal is to ensure public safety while maintaining peace. Therefore, in instances of large gatherings, we will use de-escalation and dispersal techniques to encourage our young people to comply with the law. This will be particularly important in situations where young people are walking in roadways and/or obstructing the public way. Individuals who fail to voluntarily comply with lawful police orders may be subject to arrest. As a reminder, curfew hours for the City of Chicago are 10 p.m. for minors 12 and older and 8:30 p.m. for minors younger than 12, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the curfew is 9 p.m. In all instances, curfew hours remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. the following day. As long as it is safe to do so, members of the CPD will make every attempt to educate young people on these rules and have them disperse voluntarily before enforcing curfew laws. Protective action will only be taken when a minor refuses to comply despite those efforts. We want our young people to explore and enjoy the great city they live in. But large, unsupervised gatherings promoted on social media are not the best way to do that. Instead, we urge families to explore the many offerings available through your children's schools, community and faith-based organizations, and city agencies like the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library. We thank you for your partnership as we work together to ensure our city's youth remain happy, engaged, and above all, safe. Sincerely, The Chicago Police Department Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- CBS News
CPS, CPD warn parents of possible teen takeover at a Chicago beach this weekend
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department sent a collaborative message to parents this week, warning about a possible "teen takeover" at an unspecified beach this weekend, based on posts found on social media. In a letter to parents, CPS and CPD reminded parents of restrictions in place at Chicago's beaches, along with safety concerns that come with large groups of teens on the beach after hours. Officials asked parents to go over some important reminders with their children, including the fact the official opening of Chicago beaches isn't until Memorial Day. The letter also reminds parents that no lifeguards are assigned to beaches until they officially open, that alcohol is not allowed at beaches at any time, and that any beach visitors are subject to being searched. Officials also reminded parents of the city's 10 p.m. curfew seven days a week for minors over the age of 12. A similar letter was sent to parents almost a month ago after social media posts implied a large gathering was happening in Millennium Park, but that gathering ended up not happening. The letters come after two large gatherings of teens in the Streeterville neighborhood ended in gunfire in March. Jahmal Cole – who runs youth violence preventions programs with My Block My, Hood, My City – said what kids in the community need are more programs instead of restrictions. "CPD is, like, saying what everyone is saying, 'Where are the parents? Where are the parents? Why aren't the parents doing this?' I feel like I want to say, 'Where are the programs? Where the social impact organizations? Where's the counselors? Where's the jobs? Where's the basketball hoops?'" he said. In that letter to parents, police said they will attempt to educate young people who gather at beaches on the rules in place, and have them disperse voluntarily before they enforce any curfew laws by issuing citations or making arrests.
