The city is preparing for what has become not just a joyous weekend celebration of Mexican Independence Day, but a mass caravan that causes extreme gridlock downtown.

Why it matters: In recent years, residents, workers and tourists have been stranded by the city's surprise downtown closures of streets and expressway ramps due to thousands of revelers converging to celebrate the holiday.

Driving the news: After last year's meltdown that saw employees denied entrance to downtown hospitals, the city has made preemptive moves to dissuade caravans, including allowing the Grito Festival to return to Grant Park, where 12,000 attendees are expected each day this weekend.

The intrigue: In 2013, then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel ended a similar festival because of unruly crowds, which led to more makeshift celebrations involving thousands of cars decorated with Mexican flags honking while causing gridlock along downtown streets like Michigan Avenue.

Yes, but: It remains unclear if reinstating the festival will deter caravans.

What they're saying: "There will be zero tolerance for any caravanning," Chicago Police commander David Harris said at a recent community meeting.

Zoom in: It's unclear what zero tolerance means, since thousands of cars participate. Chicago's Office of Emergency Management says they will close streets "if necessary" to control traffic.

• Last year, authorities said they wouldn't shut down streets and then reversed course, abruptly shutting down expressway ramps along the Kennedy from Division Street to 18th Street. The backups and delays prompted fierce backlash from alders.

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Thousands of Illinois Democrats are volunteering in swing states to influence November races.

Why it matters: The presidential race between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is extremely close and could be determined by voters in nearby states like Wisconsin and Michigan, where local Democrats are traveling to campaign.

Between the lines: With Illinois being a solid blue state, the programs offer an outlet for Democrats who want to have an impact.

What they're saying: "I love canvassing in Kenosha," Chicago volunteer Regan Burke tells Axios. "People offer you lawn chairs to rest, water, and [a place to] use the bathroom."

Here are a few of the programs local Democrats are participating in:

Operation Swing State mobilizes volunteers to knock on doors, make phone calls, write postcards, and support Democratic candidates in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Q Force Midwest Action Groups organizes members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to work on pivotal races and is hosting a South and West Side outreach event Sept. 21 at Bronzeville Winery.

Organize or Else partners with the "Pod Save America" podcast to provide volunteers with three high-impact things they can do each week to influence the election.

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The Chicago area saw 12 severe weather warnings in 2023, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

• Downstate St. Claire County led the way with 17 warnings.
• Cook County has had 244 severe weather warnings (thunderstorm or tornado) since 2004.
• 2023 was a record-breaking year for Illinois tornadoes, with 58.

Yes, but: This doesn't include 2024 and the big storms in July that produced 32 tornadoes in Northeastern Illinois alone.

👩‍⚖️ Opening statements began in the corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza. (Tribune)

👨‍🏫 The University of Illinois system has set a school record for enrollment during the 2024 fall semester. (Sun-Times)

🍕 The iconic Candlelite Pizzeria in West Ridge is opening a second location inside the improv club iO in Lincoln Park. (Block Club)

👋 Hi, it's Carrie!

After a week-long renovation, Music Box Theatre unveiled its new, more comfy seats last week.

Zoom in: I checked them out during a weekday matinee (I know, tough job) to see if the historic movie house could be comfortable and maintain its charming quirkiness.

Catch up quick: As part of its 95th birthday celebration, the Lakeview theater added cushions to all 700 seats in the main theater, plus cup holders and improved lighting.

Details: The new seats will be a welcome change for film lovers who attend one of Music Box's 24-hour marathons, without feeling like they're in one of those leather recliners at a chain movie house, theater manager Matt Carr tells Axios.

The verdict: The same old, great Music Box but with no lower back pain! Win-win!

• Plus, I loved the cup holder for the can of seltzer I absolutely did not bring from home.

If you go: Try out the new seats at Friday's "Friday the 13th" marathon or Saturday's Chicago International Film Festival Presents: BIG ART FILMS.

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In honor of National Chocolate Milkshake Day, we asked our readers to share their top picks for these sweet creamy drinks.

Monica took Larry G.'s advice to try the chocolate milkshake ($8) at DMK Burger in Lakeview.

The shake: Holy cocoa, Batman! This hand-dipped drink feels more like a big hot fudge sundae than a milkshake, but I'm not complaining.

• For an extra $6 DMK can inject it with booze or for an extra $1 you can make it a chocolate banana, s'mores or peanut butter shake.

Justin jumped on Leslie B.'s recommendation and headed to Forest Park's Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor and Creamery. The cute old-timey parlor prides itself on making its own ice cream.

The shake/malt: Lynn A. told me to go with the malt, so I followed her orders. The chocolate malt ($9.99) was tasty, while the cookie dough milkshake ($9.99) that my kid devoured was also a treat.

Carrie went with Steph A-B.'s recommendation of the Mexicana milkshake at Medici on 57th Street ($5).

The shake: A frozen Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon and sugar chunks swirled into not overly sweet chocolate ice cream.

• There's also a boozy version, the Mexicana Veracruz ($10.25) with vanilla ice cream, Mexican cinnamon chocolate and coffee rum.

More milkshake suggestions