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Chicago offers a variety of vegan options for its traditional comfort foods, including deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. Establishments like Kitchen 17 and Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat provide plant-based alternatives that maintain the city's culinary heritage. This shift reflects a growing trend towards vegan-friendly cuisine in a city historically known for its meat dishes.
Riot Fest celebrated its 20th anniversary in Chicago with a lineup featuring Green Day, local bands, and a surprise proclamation from Mayor Brandon Johnson. The festival included unique attractions like a beer tent, karaoke bar, and a museum dedicated to its history. Notable performances included The Effigies, Smoking Popes, and a politically charged set by Green Day.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams led his team to a 31-14 victory over the Cowboys, throwing four touchdowns and earning fans free hot dogs from The Wieners Circle. The promotion, contingent on Williams' performance, offers free hot dogs to fans this Tuesday, a welcome treat for a struggling Bears fanbase.
Chicago River swimmers returned for the first time in nearly a century on September 21, 2025, marking a significant environmental turnaround. The event, hosted by nonprofit A Long Swim, featured 500 participants and aimed to raise funds for ALS research and youth swim education. Two-time Olympian Olivia Smoliga expressed joy at being part of this historic occasion.
John Stamos made a celebrated appearance at Riot Fest on Saturday, performing with The Beach Boys after fulfilling nine demands set by festival organizers. The event featured a lookalike contest, won by Chris Maimonis, who felt it was a "dream come true" to participate.
A CTA bus crashed into a Jefferson Park home Saturday night, displacing a family of six who were watching TV at the time. The bus driver suffered a head injury, while the car that caused the crash fled the scene. The family is now seeking temporary shelter and has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with their needs.
Riot Fest celebrated its 20th anniversary in Douglass Park, featuring a diverse lineup and unique attractions like a karaoke bar and “Riotoberfest.” The event kicked off with a mud-free Friday, although some attendees faced confusion over ticket redemption from Costco. Music highlights included performances by “Weird Al” Yankovic, Sparks, and locals Didjits.
Nine protesters were arrested during a standoff outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, where federal agents used tear gas and pepper spray against demonstrators. The protest was organized in opposition to immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration. All detained individuals received court summons and were later released.
The Christkindlmarket in Chicago will feature new collectible mugs and a Krampus plushie starting Nov. 21. The heart-shaped and gingerbread mugs will retail for $10 each, while the Krampus plush will cost $28. The market runs through Dec. 31 at Daley Plaza and Gallagher Way.
Federal agents detained demonstrators and used tear gas during protests outside an ICE facility in Broadview on Friday. Protesters accused agents of using excessive force, including unprovoked pepper spray and physical assaults. The protests were part of broader opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions.