Teen mobs swarm downtown in chaotic takeover—fights erupt, cars targeted before curfew crackdown hits (Chicago)

A large teen gathering in downtown Chicago descended into chaos Wednesday night—prompting a curfew enforcement order and intensifying the debate over how to stop repeat takeovers in the Loop. The activity centered on State and Lake streets, where witnesses described crowds of young people running through the area, climbing on vehicles and engaging in fights. Alderman Brian Hopkins said conditions escalated quickly before officials intervened. In a post on X, Hopkins said the situation was "out of control" before a curfew enforcement order was issued around 10 p.m. He said the crowd began to thin out within about 40 minutes,...