It's totally calm right now in the north-east loop.

There's heightened police presence on streets in the loop, in office buildings, at hotels, etc.

I haven't even seen any protestors...and neither have people I know who worked in the loop.

It really seems as though the media etc. were overreacting.

Take Public Transit, do not walk in the direction of smoke, fire, screaming, or tear gas, all will be well.