Chicago Leaders Debate Teen Downtown Curfew Ahead of City Council Vote

Alderman Hopkins and Mayor Johnson remain at odds over an 8 p.m. curfew proposal, with negotiations ongoing before a potential vote on Wednesday.

Alderman Brian Hopkins is pushing for an 8 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied teens in downtown Chicago, citing recent violent incidents at youth gatherings.
Mayor Brandon Johnson opposes the downtown-only curfew, arguing it would displace the problem rather than addressing broader youth safety challenges.
Both Hopkins and Johnson have signaled openness to negotiating changes to the curfew ordinance, with discussions continuing ahead of a possible City Council vote on Wednesday.
Hopkins criticized Johnson's focus on 'investing in people,' calling it insufficient to address the immediate risks posed by teen violence downtown.
The city is also reviewing proposals for a new gunshot detection system after discontinuing the controversial ShotSpotter technology, with nine companies, including ShotSpotter's parent company, submitting bids.