Black leaders are split on President Trump's threat to deploy the National Guard to fight crime in Chicago.

The big picture: Trump doubled down on his rhetoric Tuesday at a cabinet meeting, stating that Chicago is a "hellhole" and that Black residents are begging him to intervene.

Why it matters: Chicago's crime is disproportionately centered in impoverished Black neighborhoods on Chicago's South and West sides.

Zoom in: Several local Black leaders have stood by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in pushing back against federalizing National Guard troops here.

• A rally is being held today in Daley Plaza, featuring a coalition of Black community organizations decrying what they call racist threats from the White House.
• Latino leaders rallied yesterday.

What they're saying: "Trump's agenda of starving our communities of resources in order to enrich his billionaire friends is already having disastrous consequences on Chicago's Black, Brown and working class communities," activist Rich Wallace said in a statement.

• "Adding military occupation and threats to withhold more resources only creates more instability and makes us less safe."

The other side: Not all Black leaders are condemning Trump's suggestions.

• "Chicago should be open to the federal government support to tackle crime," former mayoral candidate and activist Ja'Mal Green tells Axios.
• Green says the National Guard may not be the answer because of tensions it could create between law enforcement and communities, but he would support troops on the CTA.
• "I stay on the South Side of Chicago. I'm living the experience," Chicago Flips Red founder Danielle Carter-Walters told the Sun-Times. "You can't sit in your car without worrying about being robbed, mugged, shot, carjacked."

More reaction

President Trump's National Guard threats are fueling a battle on social media.

Locals are countering one of the President's go-to attacks on Chicago as a "hellhole" with online love letters to the city.

• Pritzker posted a video Monday with runners and walkers along glistening Lake Michigan and sunny skies behind a north-facing shot of the skyline, sarcastically remarking, "Doesn't feel like a hellhole. In fact, everybody's having a great time."

The other side: Detractors say downtown is not the Chicago they're criticizing. They say neighborhoods on the South and West sides are where Trump's intervention is needed.

• Public Affairs blog Chicago Contrarian posted a Nest camera video that appears to capture a shooting in Austin on the West Side, where Johnson lives.

Reality check: The majority of crimes are reported in police districts covering neighborhoods on the South and West sides, but these videos miss the larger story of disinvestment that's common in those communities.

• Chicago artist and booster Vic Mensa addressed that by talking about youth employment, investment in the Black community, and maybe the best ad for Johnson in a while.
• Chicago comedian Joey Villagomez, aka Joey da Clown, swatted back at neighborhood attacks with a video through the largely Mexican Little Village on a Sunday, showing people just living their lives.

What we're watching

🌊 The White House may be eyeing the Great Lakes Naval Base to house ICE officers and National Guard troops during a potential Chicago deployment, a leaked memo suggests. (Sun-Times)

🇨🇳 Some of President Trump's strongest followers are fuming over his announcement to allow 600,000 new Chinese students into the U.S., doubling the current number. (Axios)

🍃 Lincoln Square's Merz Apothecary celebrates 150 years of natural remedies this summer. (Block Club)

The 2025/2026 college football season begins this weekend with encouraging news: The Illini are ranked #12 in the preseason polls and are likely to compete for the Big Ten crown.

Why it matters: Even though Northwestern calls itself "Chicago's Big Ten team," the city is home to thousands of Illini alumni.

Driving the news: Coach Bret Bielema has turned around the Illinois football program since he took over in 2021 and is returning 16 starters from last year's 10-3 season, including quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Illini games to watch: At Indiana (Sept. 20) and home against Ohio State (Oct. 11).

Northwestern isn't expected to compete for a Big Ten title, but it has been busy this offseason reshaping its roster. The team, led by defensive-minded coach David Braun, overhauled its offense with a transfer quarterback and an entirely new offensive line, aiming to improve on last year's dismal 4-8 record and secure a bowl game invitation.

Northwestern games to watch: At home vs. Oregon (Sept. 13), at Penn State (Oct. 11) and at Wrigley Field vs. Michigan (Nov. 14).

Go deeper

We are down to the final two uniforms in our weeklong challenge to pick the best in Chicago sports.

State of play: Yesterday, the Blackhawks' home jersey defeated the iconic White Sox jersey, while the Cubs pinstripes squeaked by the Bears' blue and orange.

• It's Blackhawks vs. Cubs for the W.

Vote here! We'll keep the polls open until 4pm.

👋 Hi, it's Justin! Pumpkin Spice season is upon us (early enough, eh?).

Flashback: The pumpkin spice craze was born 22 years ago, when Starbucks debuted its Pumpkin Spice Latte — PSL, for short — in 2003.

Between the lines: Pumpkin spice isn't just a flavor — it's big business, made clear by the fact that Starbucks has now made a tradition of relaunching the autumnal drink in August.

Yes, but: If you want the best, go to West Town.

The place: Move Along Coffee (1223 W. Grand Ave.)

The vibe: It's a walk-up window in an old barbershop. But watch out, the line can wrap around the block.

The coffee: A Pumpkin Pie Latte ($6), which swaps the PSL syrup for actual pumpkin pie filling. It takes the spiced edge off and balances the drink perfectly.

The service: It's one person back there in the little booth. She's excellent. She's a full-service barista, which is rare.

☕️ Eight-word review: Forget the chains, get your pumpkin spice local.

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