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City officials will close the Kenwood and Midway homeless shelters instead of taking them over, citing budgetary pressures. The closures will displace over 1,600 residents amid a significant rise in homelessness in Chicago.
The Disney+ series "Ironheart," featuring Chicago's own superhero Riri Williams, premieres its first three episodes on Tuesday. Created by Chinaka Hodge, the show showcases iconic Chicago locations as Riri navigates personal challenges and a supernatural threat.
Cleanup of a contaminated 30-acre lot in Little Village begins this week to prepare for the Focal Point Community Campus and a new St. Anthony Hospital. The project, which aims to serve around half a million people, will include various facilities such as outpatient clinics, affordable housing, and a vocational school. Environmental tests revealed hazardous levels of contaminants, prompting a thorough remediation effort.
Chicago's water intake cribs, crucial for supplying water to five million residents, date back to the late 19th century. The structures, designed to draw water two miles offshore, were built to address public health crises linked to contaminated water. Today, only two of the original cribs remain active, continuing to serve the city.
Chicago's summer heat drives residents to indulge in ice cream, with over 100 local shops offering a variety of frozen treats. Block Club Chicago's guide includes hours and menu options, urging patrons to confirm details before visiting. The directory highlights both well-known and hidden gems across the city.
Over 100 protesters gathered in Chicago's Federal Plaza on Sunday to oppose the U.S. escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict amid extreme heat. The rally, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, featured speakers criticizing President Trump's foreign policy and drawing parallels to past military interventions. Protesters voiced their commitment to peace and justice while highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Two Northwest Side aldermen seek to withdraw their wards from the anti-gentrification housing ordinance, citing difficulties for longtime homeowners wanting to sell. Alds. Felix Cardona, Jr. and Gilbert Villegas argue that the ordinance's tenant protections create excessive red tape, hindering sales and complicating financing for older residents. They join critics who claim the pilot program worsens affordability and reduces housing supply.
Chicago's transportation department is enhancing Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale with new bike lanes and pedestrian safety features. The construction includes concrete bike barriers and pedestrian refuge islands, aiming to improve safety and visibility for all users. Work commenced in late May and will conclude later this summer.
Lake Michigan's water levels have dropped nearly 4 feet since 2020, providing more space at Chicago's beaches. This decrease follows a record high in 2020 and exposes more of the shoreline, affecting local topography and beach access. Experts are studying the implications of these changes amid fluctuating precipitation levels in the region.
A hairstylist from Chicago, Zahrie Walls, drowned in Lake Michigan over the weekend amid dangerous weather conditions that contributed to multiple water rescue incidents. Walls, 27, was pronounced dead after being found near Navy Pier, while a man remains missing after a pontoon boat incident. The fire department responded to over 20 distress calls during this busy weekend.