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Nolan Hart, 32, was found dead from blunt force injuries in a Lakeview apartment stairwell on October 27. His family believes he was murdered and is seeking public assistance in the ongoing investigation, which has not yet identified any suspects. Hart's death has raised concerns among local residents about safety and communication from property management.
Wicker Park’s dog park will reopen this weekend following a $600,000 renovation that expanded its size by 25 percent. Enhancements include new fencing, seating, and a second entrance, alongside a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by local officials. The project was largely funded by community efforts and private donations.
Chicago officials support a proposed 606-style Crosstown Trail on the Far Northwest Side, aiming to connect several neighborhoods. Community leaders stress the need for anti-gentrification measures to prevent displacement, as seen with the Bloomingdale Trail's impact on housing prices.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis scheduled a trial for March 2 to determine if federal agents must limit their use of force during immigration operations in Chicago. This follows allegations that agents have used excessive force against journalists and peaceful protesters, despite a temporary restraining order issued by Ellis. The trial aims to solidify current restrictions on the use of riot-control weapons by immigration authorities.
Chicago businesses selling hemp-derived products face a crisis after a federal bill bans these items. The legislation closes a loophole that permitted THC concentration in hemp, forcing businesses to remove products within a year. Local entrepreneurs argue the ban threatens their livelihoods and could push the market underground.
The Chicago City Council approved $12 million in tax-increment financing to renovate Ogden Park's fieldhouse, a facility that has served the West Englewood community since 1904. The new two-story structure will include various amenities aimed at enhancing programs for local teens and older residents. Construction is set to begin in late 2026, with the facility expected to open in 2028.
Artist Anish Kapoor plans potential legal action against U.S. Border Patrol after agents posed for photos in front of his Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. Kapoor condemned the agents' actions as intimidating, drawing a parallel to Nazi troops, and expressed support for Mayor Brandon Johnson's denunciation of the incident.
Plans for the proposed Crosstown Trail, a 3.2-mile rail-to-trail project in Chicago, have garnered support from local officials. However, community leaders emphasize the need for anti-gentrification measures to prevent displacement of current residents.
Brown Line trains will bypass the Western stop in Lincoln Square from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday due to ongoing construction. Riders must transfer at Damen to continue their commute, while platform elevators will be temporarily out of service. The renovations are part of the Lincoln Square Master Plan aimed at improving infrastructure and aesthetics in the area.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has revised his proposed corporate head tax as part of a $16.6 billion budget plan for 2026, aiming for a vote next week. The head tax, now set at $21 per person for companies with over 200 employees, faces opposition from business groups but is viewed by some City Council members as essential for funding public safety programs.