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Jane Goodall, now 91, reflects on her journey from a young girl in England to a leading conservationist, inspired by her experiences in the forests of Gombe, Tanzania. After a significant conference at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in the 1980s, her focus shifted towards global activism for conservation and endangered species. Goodall continues to inspire future generations through her Roots & Shoots program.
A dead rat and a note labeling immigrants as “vermin” were found at Ald. Andre Vasquez's Lincoln Square office. Vasquez, who chairs the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, condemned the act and stated that the office will continue to support the immigrant community amidst ongoing investigations.
The Chicago Plan Commission approved the construction of the first nationally branded hotel in Pullman, a $30 million Hampton by Hilton, set to break ground this fall. The four-story hotel will feature 101 rooms and is expected to create 25 jobs, marking a significant development for the Far South Side after 40 years without a major hotel.
Candelite Chicago celebrates 75 years in business with a 1950s-themed anniversary party featuring an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and live entertainment. Known for its iconic neon marquee and tavern-style pizza, the pizzeria has become a cherished spot for locals celebrating special occasions. Co-owner Pat Fowler highlights the restaurant's historical significance and the importance of its loyal staff.
La Casa Playroom, a multicultural and bilingual play space for children, opened in Brighton Park, Chicago, catering to families with children aged 6 and younger. Founded by Angie Maciel-Wright and Jeremy Wright, the facility offers a variety of educational and recreational activities while prioritizing affordability for local families.
Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago remained subdued due to heightened immigration enforcement by ICE, with fewer participants than in previous years. Police increased their presence downtown, leading many to avoid the festivities out of fear of encounters with law enforcement. Despite some late-night revelry, the overall atmosphere was significantly quieter than in past celebrations.
Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo celebrated his retirement at Wrigley Field, where he threw the first pitch and gave out free beer cards to fans. Known for his charisma, Rizzo participated in various ballpark traditions and received a signed baseball with a $100 bill from former teammate Ian Happ. Rizzo's retirement marks the end of a notable 14-year MLB career, highlighted by a World Series championship with the Cubs.
Seven individuals face murder charges following a smash-and-grab at the Louis Vuitton store on Chicago's Magnificent Mile that resulted in a fatal car crash. The incident occurred early Thursday, leading to the death of 40-year-old Mark Arceta, who was on his way to work when his vehicle was struck by a fleeing suspect. Authorities report nearly $700,000 in stolen merchandise was taken during the burglary.
Thousands attended the 54th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village on Sunday, defying federal immigration enforcement efforts. The event featured vibrant celebrations, including floats and live music, and served as a demonstration of community solidarity against ICE actions.
Chicago's economic landscape is shifting as significant companies like Amazon and Starbucks make notable changes. Amazon opens a distribution center in Bridgeport, creating 150 jobs, while Starbucks plans to close multiple stores and lay off 900 workers across the city. These developments highlight the fluctuating job market and ongoing challenges in the local economy.