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Teen fashion designers will showcase their collections at the Queer Radical Fair on Thursday at Ping Tom Memorial Park, celebrating the Chicago Public Library's Radical Fit program. This year's event features 18 youth designers, the largest cohort in the program's history, highlighting themes of gender identity and self-expression.
Portage Park has implemented new safety measures on Long Avenue, including speed humps and painted bike lanes, following fatal incidents involving teen cyclists. The Chicago Department of Transportation aims to reduce traffic and enhance safety in the area, which ranks among the city's most dangerous streets for cyclists.
Tamar Manasseh, founder of Mothers Against Senseless Killings, plans to file a federal lawsuit against the city of Englewood to secure water access for her education center, the Peace Academy. The facility has lacked running water for years, forcing children and volunteers to rely on portable toilets and bottled water. Manasseh demands a response from the city within ten days.
Block Club Chicago highlights 29 back-to-school events providing free school supplies, backpacks, and food for families in the city. These events aim to support community members as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Organizers of the 53rd Fiesta del Sol festival in Pilsen urged federal immigration authorities to avoid the event, citing concerns over potential ICE enforcement actions. The festival, expected to attract over 1.2 million attendees, promotes community celebration and includes an immigration expo for legal aid and information.
Envoi Partners has halted plans for a nine-story addition to the Lubinski Furniture building in Wicker Park, citing legal constraints and community opposition. The developer's proposal aimed to create 75 apartments but faced significant pushback from local artists and residents concerned about preserving art spaces. The Lubinski building remains a focal point for ongoing discussions about redevelopment and community needs.
The Bloomingdale Trail, known as The 606, celebrated its 10th anniversary last month after attracting millions of users since its opening in 2015. The trail has significantly impacted local neighborhoods by boosting businesses and property values, but has also accelerated gentrification and displacement. To mark the occasion, the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail released a cookbook featuring recipes inspired by local serviceberries.
Budding DJs will celebrate their graduation with a daylong party at Miyagi Records in Washington Park on Saturday. The event showcases eight students from the most recent DJ cohort, featuring sets that highlight skills learned in their classes. The program, which teaches both technical and networking skills, will continue with additional sessions starting later this year.
A plaque honoring the Black Panther Party was unveiled Saturday at the site of its former headquarters in Chicago. This marks the beginning of the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail, which will include 12 plaques recognizing significant locations related to the organization. The initiative aims to honor the group's contributions and the injustices it faced, particularly after the assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton.
Lollapalooza kicks off in Grant Park, Chicago, this Thursday, featuring artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, The Creator. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and includes security screenings and specific entry requirements for attendees.