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Aldi plans to open a new store in a 25,000-square-foot space at 30 W. Huron St. in River North, previously occupied by Whole Foods until its closure in 2022. The grocery chain's expansion in Chicago includes this location and another planned for the West Loop in 2026.
Groundswell Coffee Roasters will open a new cafe in Chicago's Fine Arts Building in August, marking the first cafe in the venue since 2019. The 1,000-square-foot space will feature an exclusive coffee roast and a menu of breakfast items, serving both artists and visitors to the historic site. Owner Jason Foster aims to create a unique atmosphere that reflects the building's character and history.
Birrieria Zaragoza in Archer Heights closed temporarily due to a stove fire that caused significant damage to the building. Firefighters extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes, and the restaurant reported no injuries. The owner expressed commitment to rebuilding and thanked the community for their support.
Wicker Park residents Joe Gutstadt and Michael Schorsch confront a severe rat infestation in Dean Park, causing public health concerns. Despite city efforts to bait the area with poison, rats continue to thrive, prompting Gutstadt to document the issue on social media. The ongoing problem raises alarms about health risks associated with rodent presence in public spaces.
Artist Mike Norton celebrates two significant milestones this June with the debut of the SyFy adaptation of his comic “Revival” and the release of “Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton.” Norton, known for his animal illustrations, particularly dogs, says he was immediately drawn to illustrating Krypto’s origin story. The series, which does not use dialogue, explores Krypto's beginnings on Krypton and his journey to Earth.
The LGBTQ+ community mourns Brendan Siddall, a 26-year-old performer with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, who died in a hit-and-run crash in Lakeview early Saturday. Siddall was struck by a white Honda Accord while crossing DuSable Lake Shore Drive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are searching for the driver, who fled the scene.
Construction will start this summer on safety upgrades to Pulaski Road in Archer Heights, a stretch known for traffic fatalities. The project includes curb extensions, raised crosswalks, and other measures to enhance pedestrian safety, following eight fatalities in the area since 2019.
Chicagoans can vote until Wednesday to name the Shedd Aquarium's newest otter, currently called Otter 937. The otter, rescued in June 2022, is thriving and interacting with other otters at the aquarium. A name reveal is scheduled for June 30.
Chef Arnold Shircliffe's 1926 cookbook "A Book Of Salads" transformed perceptions of salad in America, presenting it as a culinary art. The book, featuring hundreds of recipes and colorful illustrations, aimed to promote healthy eating habits among Americans. Shircliffe, who led the kitchen at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, argued for America's contribution to salad-making, claiming salads are inherently American.
A documentary titled “Beyond Closure,” which examines the impact of the 2013 closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools, will screen in Bronzeville and Englewood this week. Filmmaker Paola Aguirre aims to engage policymakers with the film as it highlights ongoing struggles related to the redevelopment of closed school sites. Following the Englewood screening, a panel discussion will delve into community-driven solutions for these challenges.