Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Rush University Medical Center has paused gender-affirming treatments for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, due to pressure from the Trump administration. Current patients may continue treatment only if stopping would cause harm. This policy, effective July 1, affects multiple facilities in the Chicago area.
Two aldermen proposed an amendment to exclude their wards from the anti-gentrification Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance, citing real estate market concerns. The amendment passed a City Council committee and awaits a full vote. Ald. Villegas criticized the ordinance for excluding key stakeholders and causing complications for homeowners.
A former Chicago Park District lifeguard, Charles Leto, faces murder charges for a shooting that killed one teen and injured another during a dispute over a bicycle. An internal review revealed Leto had a history of confrontations with patrons, prompting the Park District to implement reforms for better security and staff training.
Chicago's City Council zoning committee advanced a plan to allow additional dwelling units (ADUs) citywide, despite some opposition. The measure, proposed by Ald. Bennett Lawson, aims to address the city's affordable housing shortage by permitting the construction of units like coach houses and basement apartments without requiring a zoning change. The full City Council will vote on the ordinance Wednesday.
Traffic congestion in Chicago's Northwest Side worsens due to ongoing construction on the Kennedy Expressway. Residents report severe backups on local streets, with some experiencing delays of 15-20 minutes for just two blocks. State officials are implementing measures to alleviate the situation, but concerns about safety and convenience persist.
Chicago's LGBTQ+ history is spotlighted in "City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago," an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibit features works from over 30 local artists, showcasing how creativity has historically intertwined with activism, particularly during the AIDS crisis. It runs through May 26.
Lyfe Cannabis Dispensary plans to open Humboldt Park's first cannabis store at a long-vacant building on North Avenue. The proposal includes building renovations and a commitment to community engagement through a public meeting hosted by Ald. Jessie Fuentes. Both the dispensary and a nearby church-to-apartments project require zoning changes to proceed.
Food Network star Lauren Covas will host a book signing for her new cookbook “Little Portugal” at Cadinho Bakery in McKinley Park on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. The event features a limited-time menu inspired by Covas' recipes, including traditional Portuguese dishes and desserts.
Chicago's Home Repair program received 6,818 applications during its registration period, but only 250-300 homeowners will be served this year. The city halted the Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors program, which previously aided older homeowners, raising concerns about accessibility for low-income residents. Officials acknowledge the gap in resources and are prioritizing long-term homeowners for assistance.
The family of Nathaniel “Nate” Fejerang demands the prosecution of the Chicago police officer who fatally shot him during an arrest on May 29. Footage released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability shows confusion around the initial gunfire that led to Fejerang's death, raising questions about the circumstances of the police intervention. A protest held by Fejerang's family and supporters highlighted their grief and calls for justice.