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Crews in Lincoln Square uncovered historic streetcar tracks dating back to 1895 during a construction project. Neighbors have expressed curiosity about the origins of the tracks, which were part of a streetcar system that served the area until 2017. The discovery highlights Chicago's extensive transit history and the transition from streetcars to buses.
Walter Redmond Burnett seeks to replace his father as alderman of Chicago's 27th Ward after his father's 30-year tenure. The 29-year-old aims to establish his own legacy while acknowledging concerns about nepotism, emphasizing his community involvement and professional background.
Aurelio’s Pizza launched the “Poperoni Pizza” to honor Chicago native Pope Leo XIV, who previously dined at the restaurant. The new pizza features a layer of “cup and crisp pepperoni” atop the traditional pepperoni pizza. Available at all locations, the pizza celebrates the Pope’s connection to the Chicago area.
Lovely Intentions, a candle and jewelry shop with a DIY workshop, opens Saturday in Wicker Park. Founders Jaslim Landaverde and Lisette Renova aim to foster creativity and community engagement through various workshops in their newly renovated space. The store will also offer a charm bar and rental options for artists.
Chicago high school student Carolina Carchi earned admission to Northwestern University after stepping up to teach her classmates during a teacher shortage. Her leadership and initiative garnered praise from former teachers and college admissions officials. Carchi plans to study engineering and become a teacher.
Local officials in Little Village urge the federal government to continue funding the Job Corps program after the Department of Labor announced plans to close 99 centers, including the Paul Simon Job Corps Center. City leaders emphasize the program's importance in providing vocational training and housing for low-income youth, amid concerns about career readiness gaps.
New businesses have opened in Bronzeville and the South Loop, including a dance studio and an outdoor sports park. DivaDance debuted at 4657 S. Drexel Blvd., offering a variety of dance classes, while Bridge Sports Chicago opened a facility featuring multiple sports courts at The 78.
Chicago police arrested 23-year-old Lontray Clark for allegedly setting a fire in Austin last month that killed four people. The victims included a 76-year-old newspaper founder and a 5-year-old boy. Clark faces multiple murder and arson charges and is scheduled for a detention hearing.
Chicago's Native American community blessed the site for a new seven-story affordable housing development aimed at Indigenous residents. The project, named Jigzibik, will include 45 affordable apartments and culturally sensitive amenities, addressing a longstanding housing issue for the local Indigenous population. Construction is expected to start once permits are secured, with the development potentially opening next year.
John Carruthers' Crust Fund Pizza has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities in five years, celebrating with a luxury pizza called “The Hundo” priced over $3,000. The pizza features dry-aged ribeye, caviar, and Italian beef, with proceeds supporting The Friendship Center, a local food pantry.