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Volumes Bookcafe, a Wicker Park independent bookstore and coffee shop, will close permanently in January after nearly a decade in business. Co-owner Rebecca George attributed the decision to declining sales, impacted by the opening of a competing Barnes & Noble nearby, which has led to a 20-30% drop in revenue. The store will operate normally through the holidays and begin liquidating inventory after Christmas.
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.
Grace Manor Apartments opened in North Lawndale, providing 65 affordable housing units on a former police parking lot. The $40 million development aims to uplift the community by offering luxury affordable housing and job training programs. City leaders hope this project will inspire further investments in the area.
Chicago police district council members demand a public hearing to investigate local police interactions with federal immigration agents amid recent raids. They seek to evaluate potential violations of the city's Welcoming City Ordinance and document any coordination during immigration enforcement activities.
Farm Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant in Lakeview, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month with a weeklong event featuring beloved menu items. Co-owners T.J. Callahan and Ferdia Doherty attribute their success to strong community support and a commitment to simple, high-quality food.
"Hamilton" returns to Chicago for a limited engagement from March 6 to April 24 at the CIBC Theatre. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, priced between $40 and $159, with a lottery for 40 $10 seats available for each performance. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical is based on the biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton.
Two Far North Side business groups, alongside a city task force and an immigrant rights organization, launched the "Chicago Loves Local: 77 Reasons To Shop Small" campaign to boost local business during the holiday season. The initiative encourages residents to shop at small businesses in their neighborhoods, offering promotions and social media engagement to amplify local voices.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino invited Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to join agents in Little Village, but Bovino failed to appear amid community protests against immigration enforcement. Pritzker, alongside local officials and residents, rallied in solidarity against the perceived threats, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of federal enforcement actions.
A stop sign was installed at the intersection of Belmont and Karlov avenues in Irving Park after years of complaints from local residents. Business owners reported frequent accidents, including a recent crash that narrowly avoided injuries. The new traffic measure aims to improve safety in the area.
A federal judge limited the use of force by immigration agents in Chicago, prompting an appeal from the Trump administration. The government argues the ruling threatens officer safety and oversteps judicial boundaries. The case stems from allegations of excessive force against protesters and journalists.