Chicago is stepping up its police presence leading up to this weekend's NATO Summit.
On Michigan Avenue overnight, squad cars and vans from several police districts were seen on nearly every corner. It's not clear whether the vehicles were present for a drill or show of numbers, but the department's media relations department either couldn't or wouldn't comment.
Ahead of the May 20-21 meeting, the United States Postal Service also began removing all mail boxes along planned protest routes between Grant Park and McCormick Place, as well as boxes around the convention center itself where world leaders will convene beginning Sunday.
Among other changes ahead of the summit, NATO flags were hoisted over the Chicago River, and parking restrictions began this weekend around McCormick Place. Cars are no longer allowed to park on either side of South Indiana Avenue between Cermak Road and 24th Place.
Another protest is expected Monday morning, this one by the Catholic Worker movement outside of President Barack Obama's 2012 headquarters. The group plans to protest NATO's occupation of Afghanistan.
Occupy Chicago also has a rally scheduled Monday afternoon in support of education and more public school funding.
