Hundreds of people and vehicles packed the northbound lanes and sidewalks of Michigan Avenue Friday night to kick off a weekend of Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

The line of cars, trucks and other vehicles — some with the Mexican flag draped over their hoods and others with people hanging out the windows — stretched from just south of East Jackson Boulevard up to East Wacker Drive, many beeping their horns in celebration.

People danced on the curb of Michigan Avenue and some in the street when the light was red, all waving variations of the Mexican flag with a few Palestinian and American flags mixed in.

About 11:30 p.m., after some large fireworks were set off near East Monroe Street, police began blocking off the northbound lanes of Michigan Avenue and diverting traffic into the southbound lanes toward I-90 while officers on foot cleared out some rowdier corners of the street.

Last year 86 people were arrested during the celebrations downtown, creating calls from some City Council members for a dedicated celebration for the holiday weekend.

Chicago police and Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) didn’t immediately respond to requests for information and comment.

This weekend’s festivities for Mexican Independence Day, which is Monday, will be the first time in more than a decade a sanctioned celebration will take place in the Loop. City officials hoped the event would help curb car caravans and deter unsanctioned demonstrations.

El Grito Chicago will run from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Grant Park’s Butler Field, with organizers promising musical performances from local and touring groups such as Banda Los Sebastianes and Selena the Show, food and beverages and an artisan market. Tickets range from $10 to $175 per person.

There’s also a Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade and an El Grito event in Pilsen, among other smaller events.

Contributing: Araceli Gomez-Aldana

Jacksonville State football will take its second road trip of the season today, traveling to face off with Eastern Michigan.

The Gamecocks are trying to get the season back on the right track, after their first 0-2 start since 2009, when as an FCS program they faced two ACC programs to kick off that year. The Gamecocks were blown out by Coastal Carolina to start the year and then made some strides in Week 2. But a road trip to Louisville didn’t have the improvements show up on the scoreboard.

The game kicks off at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Watch Jax State vs. Eastern Michigan on ESPN+

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Here’s how to watch the Jacksonville State vs. Eastern Michigan game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Jacksonville State vs Eastern Michigan on today?

TV Channel: none

Livestream: ESPN+ (subscriber only).

Jacksonville State’s matchup with Eastern Michigan will only be available via a streaming service, ESPN+.

Jacksonville State vs. Eastern Michigan time today

• Date:  Saturday, September 14
• Start time: 6 p.m. CT

The Jacksonville State vs. Eastern Michigan game will start at 6 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Jacksonville State vs Eastern Michigan predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday

Jax State 28, Eastern Michigan 14: The Gamecocks offense made big strides last week, even if it didn’t show up on the scoreboard and it should pay off this week. With the QB situation looking a little settled with Tyler Huff being listed as the only starter, it should be favorable for the Gamecocks – Maxwell Donaldson, The Gadsden Times

Spreadline: Eastern Michigan -1

Moneyline: Jax State -105/Eastern Michigan -115

O/U: 54.5 points

Jacksonville State football schedule 2024

• August 29: 55-28 loss to Coastal Carolina
• Sept. 7: 42-14 loss to Louisville
• Sept. 14 at Eastern Michigan
• Sept. 21 vs. Southern Miss
• Sept. 28 – idle
• Oct. 4 at Kennesaw State
• Oct. 9 vs. Middle Tennessee State
• Oct. 16 – idle
• Oct. 23 vs New Mexico State
• Oct. 30 at Liberty
• Nov. 9 at Louisiana Tech
• Nov. 16 vs. FIU
• Nov. 23 vs. Sam Houston
• Nov. 30 at Western Kentucky
• Record: 0-2

Eastern Michigan football schedule 2024

• August 31: 28-14 win vs. UMass
• Sept. 7: 30-9 loss to Washington
• Sept. 14 vs. Jax State
• Sept. 21 vs. Saint Francis (PA)
• Sept. 28 at Kent State
• Oct. 12 vs. Miami (OH)
• Oct. 19 vs. Central Michigan
• Oct. 26 at Akron
• Nov. 2 vs. Toledo
• Nov. 13 at Ohio
• Nov. 20 vs. Buffalo
• Nov. 30 at Western Michigan
• Record: 1-1

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Week 3 high school football action for the 2024 season provided some great games. Here are scores from around Michigan on Friday, Sep. 13, 2024.

Search the database below to see your favorite team’s results. The scores will be updated throughout the night, so check back if you don’t see your team at first.