West Town residents are calling on the city to do more to combat a recent surge in robberies.

Why it matters: Armed robberies are on the rise across the city, putting Chicago's new police superintendent to the test.

Driving the news: The Greater West Town Community Coalition has penned an open letter to the city suggesting new crime-fighting strategies and policies, from reviewing the current chase policy to evaluating police district boundaries.

• The letter also asks for more cameras and license plate readers and for the release of more crime data.

Meanwhile, police superintendent Larry Snelling presented a $2 billion budget to the Chicago City Council last week, asking for more officers and helicopters to help track robbery suspects.

By the numbers: Homicides may be down for 2023, but robberies are up since this time last year. There have been over 8,500 so far in 2023, compared to 5,400 in 2022.

Reality check: That's still fewer than the 9,500 robberies police logged in 2013.

Between the lines: Even though robbery sprees are shaking affluent North Side communities, the 2023 data shows the majority of armed robberies are still happening in predominantly Black neighborhoods on the South and West sides.

• "Obviously every victimization is a problem," the University of Chicago Crime Lab's Kim Smith tells Axios. "But it's not like this is once in a lifetime."

What they're saying: "We don't have tremendous insight about why there are more robberies while other types of gun violence are going down," Smith says. "It's a hard issue to understand, in part because clearances of robberies are so low. So it just makes it hard to understand the motives or even the individuals involved."

The big picture: Chicago stands out among other large cities like New York and Los Angeles, which have seen dramatic decreases in armed robberies, according to the Crime Lab.

• Smith says that's "likely due to police management."
• "Those police departments have invested a lot more than Chicago in data-driven management strategies, accountability mechanisms and increasing the capacity of their leaders to use data to inform decisions."

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Bears fans were hoping for a rare winning streak after last week, but the team flopped in primetime.

What happened: Tyson Bagent and the Bears lost to the Chargers, 30-13.

Tyson Bagent: The backup played like one, throwing for 233 yards and rushing for a touchdown.

• He also threw two interceptions.

MVP: When D.J. Moore was targeted, he made plays. He continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season.

• D'Onta Foreman, too.

LVP: Lucas Patrick and the offensive line. Penalties and poor play once again put the Bears behind early.

• Also, Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. dropped a touchdown.

Yes, but: The defense couldn't stop Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who connected 15 straight completions to start the game.

• They also didn't register a sack.

Of note: The officiating was suspect, with at least three questionable calls going against the Bears before the Chargers pulled away.

Six word review: Last week's good vibes are gone.

What's next: The Bears go to New Orleans to take on the Saints.

A gunman shot 15 people at a party early Sunday morning in North Lawndale after he was asked to leave, Chicago police said. Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement that the city's Community Safety Coordination Center will have resources for victims and survivors to address trauma from the shooting. (ABC 7 and mayor's office)

🔌 Libertyville-based EVBox unveiled a new fast-charging station for electric vehicles, and the company expects to make 110 units this year. An unreliable public charging network is one of the top concerns for EV expansion. (Tribune)

🍽 Fabio Viviani, a former contestant on "Top Chef" behind Bar Siena and Prime & Provisions restaurants, will open a new spot early next year in Lake Zurich. (Daily Herald)

👋 Hey it's Monica.

• I'm still trying to find the time and courage to stand in line for Kasama's Filipino breakfast sandwich made famous by "The Bear."
• But in the meantime, I've turned to a great alternative at Uncle Mike's Place about a mile south.

The bite: The bangus and tocino Filipino breakfast combo ($16.95) featuring perfectly fried milkfish, tender, juicy barbecued pork chunks, bright pico de gallo and eggs over rice.

• Those looking for a closer cousin to the Kasama sandwich can also try Mike's terrific breakfast sandwich paired with grilled longanisa links, a dish that comes with delicious chocolatey champorado ($8.95).

The bonus: Every meal here starts with a free bowl of ultra-comforting rice soup called lugaw.

The verdict: I love breakfast at this cozy 30-year old diner that added Filipino dishes to the menu in 2008.

• And while I don't know if it's better than Kasama's breakfast, I do know it's wonderful.

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Still a little early for rotting pumpkins but we love the dark artistry of this scene from Shirley R. in North Center.

📫 Reply to this email and let us know how long you leave up your Halloween decorations. 👻