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The Chicago City Council approved a zoning change for a cannabis dispensary near Wrigley Field, clearing the way for Entourage Holdings to open at 3650 N. Clark St. The dispensary, which will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., will implement security measures and contribute to veteran organizations as part of its community engagement.
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.
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.
The Chicago City Council approved a zoning change for a new five-story apartment building in Andersonville, featuring 26 units and 14 parking spaces, with six units designated as affordable housing. Ald. Andre Vasquez supported the project, noting community feedback praised the increased density and affordable housing benefits.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino left Chicago for Charlotte, North Carolina, amid reports of increased immigration enforcement. His controversial tenure included multiple incidents involving the use of force against protesters and undocumented immigrants. Questions regarding his relocation and the future of immigration operations in Chicago remain unanswered.
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.
Several new businesses have opened in Gladstone Park's Milwaukee Avenue corridor, including Chiquita Scoops, which offers Puerto Rican and Mexican-inspired snacks. Corral House Bar & Grill and Antioch Pizza Shop also joined the local food scene, enhancing dining options in the area. Stefani’s Bottega Italiana announced a pause in its restaurant service amid these developments.
Block Club Chicago has expanded its nonprofit newsroom by adding Crystal Paul as an investigative editor, Christine Schmidt as a partnerships associate, and Ella Durchin as an assistant account executive. Paul, a former state investigative editor, aims to enhance community-based investigations, while Schmidt focuses on philanthropic development. Durchin joins the sales team, emphasizing storytelling and community engagement.
A new immigration rule threatens the work permits of thousands of immigrants by eliminating automatic extensions during renewal processing. Legal experts warn that long processing times may leave many unable to work legally, impacting their access to benefits tied to employment authorization.
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.