Local Latino lawmakers are vowing to protect Chicagoans who they believe may be targeted by immigration officers at upcoming cultural festivals.

Why it matters: The community is on high alert after more than 15 people who said they worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but showed no identification, arrived at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park on Tuesday.

• Staff say they used "gestapo-style intimidation" and refused to leave.

Between the lines: Museum officials say a staffer overheard someone they believe was a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer discuss targeting upcoming festivals at the museum for raids.

• This weekend, the museum will host its annual Barrio Arts Festival, followed by Colombian Fest July 18-20.

What they're saying: "We're not going to let ICE intimidate our families and instill fear in us," said Ald. Jessie Fuentes during a press conference yesterday at the museum.

The other side: DHS officials did not respond to Axios' request for comment but told the Tribune that its officers were at the museum for a narcotics briefing and part of a financial crimes unit.

Reality check: While Latino leaders promised to protect this weekend's festival attendees by denying entry to ICE officers and keeping immigration attorneys on hand, they acknowledged there are limits to what they can do in the face of armed agents.

What's next: Latino leaders urged the public to attend the Barrio Arts Festival this weekend to enjoy Puerto Rican food, music and artwork — but also to show solidarity at a time when the Latino community is under attack.

Go deeper

The Chicago White Sox are leaning into their nostalgia this weekend with a celebration of the 2005 World Series Championship team.

Flashback: The scrappy squad was the first Chicago baseball team to win a championship since 1917. The team, under second-year manager Ozzie Guillen, didn't have a bona fide superstar, instead relying on pitching and defense to cruise through the playoffs with an astounding 11-1 record.

State of play: The 20th anniversary weekend events and promotions at The Rate will feature everything from commemorative Hawaiian shirt night to the unveiling of a Mark Buehrle statue at the ballpark.

• The celebration will also be somber as All-Star closer Bobby Jenks died from stomach cancer last weekend. Jenks recorded the final out in the World Series.
• The Sox are honoring him with a patch on the current team's jersey and a graphic in the home on-deck circle of his iconic pose after the last strikeout.

Between the lines: The Sox are taking a page from other sports teams by playing into nostalgia. The Cubs welcomed back Sammy Sosa to Wrigley Field in June, while the Bulls welcomed Derrick Rose back to the United Center in January.

Zoom out

No need to head to rural Wisconsin. We've got fireflies right here in Chicago.

The big picture: Fireflies, or lightning bugs to many of us, are having a good year. In general, firefly populations have declined over the last 100 years, said Megan Abraham, division director and state entomologist at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

• Yes, but: Conditions were good for fireflies this year, and there are likely more of them lighting up night skies near you than in recent summers.

Fun facts: There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies, and they produce light in different ways.

State of play: Like many animals, fireflies have been impacted by humans.

• Light pollution confuses the mating process, making it harder for mating fireflies to see the blinking pattern that attracts them to each other.

How to help

🎮 Angel Reese is going to be on the cover of the new NBA 2K26: WNBA Edition. (Axios)

🚇 CTA is removing the "Commuter Carpet" at the Francisco Brown Line stop to make way for new public art. (Sun-Times)

🏠 Ald. and Vice Mayor Walter Burnett is stepping down later this month to lead the Chicago Housing Authority. (Block Club)

👋🏼 Hi, it's Carrie!

If you want a real indication of the economy, check the frozen pizza aisle.

The big picture: Since 2020, frozen pizza sales have surged, as a result of restaurants closing during the pandemic and economic uncertainty, Food and Wine reported in May.

Zoom in: Here are five local frozen pizza brands I love to help you decide which to grab on your next grocery trip.

Home Run Inn

The one and only!

• Recently, I learned that my hometown of Rockford claims its own pizza style with a softer, chewier crust. That may be why I love Home Run Inn so much, which opts for a little thicker, breadier base.

Connie's

This was almost as cracker-thin as Rosati's, which begs the question: Am I misremembering that during my childhood, United Center Connie's had a pan-like crust?

• The sauce was sweet, which combined with some giardiniera, gave me the saltiness I crave.

Tell us: Are you eating at home more?

Three more choices

We'll be at Green City Market with coffee and smiles 7am through 1pm Saturday to meet with our lovely readers, aka you!

• Look for the blue Axios Chicago tablecloth and even some swag for those who sign up as members.

👋🏼 Hi, it's Justin, and boy, do I need coffee this morning!

Lucky for me, I am still reviewing coffee shops!

This week: Froth Cafe (1515 W. Monroe St.)

The vibe: It's a coffee shop in a historic apartment building's lobby. Leather couches and remote work galore.

The coffee: The iced Ladybird ($7) is the winner here. It is espresso, sesame peanut butter, banana oleo saccharum, cocoa and your choice of milk. You really can't go wrong with any of the "Frothtails."

The service: Skilled. With these drinks more like cocktails, I was disappointed they didn't juggle bottles like Tom Cruise!

Six-word review: Great coffee cocktails inside historic digs.

25 more coffee shop reviews