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The Chicago Department of Transportation will create a nearly 3-mile greenway on Grace Street, connecting the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. The project aims to provide a safer biking and walking route, reducing the speed limit to 20 mph and adding advisory bike lanes and speed bumps to enhance safety. Construction is expected to start this summer.
Charlie Sullivan's family honors his legacy through the Chucky Ar La Fest, a concert fundraiser that supports young musicians. The festival, organized by the Charlie Sullivan Foundation for Music and Social Justice, takes place Saturday at Martyr’s in North Park, featuring nine performers and raising funds for music groups. Sullivan, who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020, was deeply involved in music and community activism.
Two women were groped by a man at West Ridge Nature Park in Lincoln Square this week, prompting police to issue a warning to residents. The incidents occurred on Monday and Wednesday, with the assailant fleeing the scene both times. Authorities have increased security and surveillance in the area as investigations continue.
Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth reported rising concerns from constituents in Chicago's 48th Ward about homeless encampments along Lake Shore Drive. City officials struggle to provide a consistent response to the encampment crisis, leading to calls for a more effective strategy to address safety and sanitation issues.
Bocadillo Market reopened in West Town, offering coffee and lunch, with plans for a dinner series starting September 5. Chef James Martin aims to sustain his restaurant by sharing space with Gemma Foods, while Aya Pastry closes after facing ownership changes and bankruptcy. A new tasting menu restaurant, Atsumeru, will open in the former Temporis space, featuring seafood-forward dishes.
The Chicago Housing Authority plans to redevelop a historic vacant home in Pullman, sold for $15,000 to Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives. This initiative aims to address the affordable housing shortage in the area, with renovations expected to start this fall.
Nicole Makowski, known as the Sausage Queen of Chicago, will relocate her family business, Makowski’s Real Sausage Company, from Bridgeport to Lansing in November. The company produces over 100 sausage varieties and supplies several Chicago restaurants and grocery stores. Makowski aims to maintain her Chicago roots despite the move, emphasizing her commitment to the city and its culinary scene.
Ferris, a piping plover chick hatched at Montrose Beach, was killed by a red-tailed hawk on Saturday. The Chicago Piping Plovers group announced the loss, marking the first plover death in over a year amid efforts to restore the area’s piping plover population.
Claw It, a new claw machine arcade, opened in Chinatown with 40 machines offering various plush toys, including the sought-after Labubu doll. The store, which opened in June, aims to fill a gap in Chicago's entertainment scene, attracting visitors for casual fun rather than just the collectible dolls. Owner Jackie Xu imported all machines from China, responding to local demand for claw machine experiences.
Yeti has closed its flagship store in Wicker Park after six years, marking the end of its presence in a location once occupied by the iconic Double Door concert venue. The closure was confirmed by an employee and reflected on Google as "permanently closed." Yeti still sells its products through local retailers.