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Community leaders in McKinley Park aim to save the historic Damen Silos from demolition, proposing to transform the site into public festival grounds. The abandoned silos, a local landmark since 1977, face imminent demolition by MAT Limited, the site’s new owner. Advocates have initiated a petition, garnering over 670 signatures to support their redevelopment plan.
The Taste of Chicago festival will return to Grant Park from September 5-7, featuring headliners Lupe Fiasco, JoJo, and Elvis Crespo. The event includes 45 food vendor booths, family-friendly activities, and monthly neighborhood pop-ups starting in Marquette Park. Admission is free and open to the public.
Chicago Fire management is meeting with a fan who was hog-tied and removed from Soldier Field by Monterrey Security guards after waving Palestinian flags. Witnesses reported that the fan, Dominic Osmund, appeared unconscious during the altercation, prompting calls for an ambulance. Fans express concern over Monterrey Security's aggressive tactics, citing a pattern of troubling behavior.
Common nighthawks, a bird species facing decline in North America, are being monitored by volunteers in Chicago. The Chicago Nighthawk Project aims to gather data on their local population amidst concerns of habitat loss and declining insect numbers. Preliminary findings suggest that some nighthawks continue to thrive in the city.
Constant Agitation Film Lab, a woman- and Latina-owned film lab, opens its first storefront in Logan Square, enhancing film photography accessibility. Owner Sophie Gomez aims to double film development output and foster community through events and collaborations. The new location signifies growth for the lab, which had previously operated from a basement.
Neighbors criticized the redevelopment process for the Morgan Shoal lakefront at a community meeting, expressing concerns over the project's budget and planning. The Army Corps of Engineers announced that a federal environmental review process will begin soon, allowing community members to submit comments.
Outspoken, a monthly LGBTQ+-centered storytelling series at Sidetrack in Chicago, has become a sanctuary for the community since its inception in 2014. Co-founder David Fink highlights the series' impact on visibility and empathy, fostering connections among attendees through shared narratives. The event consistently attracts a diverse audience eager to engage with personal stories.
The Field Museum in Chicago opened its “Reptiles Alive!” exhibit on June 20, showcasing various reptile species from local areas and beyond. Curator Sara Ruane emphasizes the importance of appreciating local wildlife, highlighting that visitors can see up to 50 reptile species without leaving Illinois. The exhibit features live animals, interactive displays, and notable figures like Chance the Snapper, a local alligator celebrity.
Chicago's inaugural "Spelling Bee For Adults" attracted hundreds to Wicker Park, allowing participants to relive childhood experiences. Local teachers organized the event after a TikTok post went viral, drawing significant community interest. Leah DeYoung won the contest by spelling "promiscuous," highlighting the event's fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Four people, including a child, died in a suspicious fire at an Austin apartment building early Thursday. The fire, which broke out around 2 a.m., led to rapid spread and significant damage, prompting a large emergency response. Investigators are treating the scene as a crime scene following reports of gunshots and an explosion prior to the fire.