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Community leaders in McKinley Park aim to save the historic Damen Silos from demolition, proposing to transform the site into public festival grounds. The abandoned silos, a local landmark since 1977, face imminent demolition by MAT Limited, the site’s new owner. Advocates have initiated a petition, garnering over 670 signatures to support their redevelopment plan.
Common nighthawks, a bird species facing decline in North America, are being monitored by volunteers in Chicago. The Chicago Nighthawk Project aims to gather data on their local population amidst concerns of habitat loss and declining insect numbers. Preliminary findings suggest that some nighthawks continue to thrive in the city.
Constant Agitation Film Lab, a woman- and Latina-owned film lab, opens its first storefront in Logan Square, enhancing film photography accessibility. Owner Sophie Gomez aims to double film development output and foster community through events and collaborations. The new location signifies growth for the lab, which had previously operated from a basement.
The Savannah Bananas sold out Sox Park for two nights, attracting over 182,000 ticket applicants for their unique brand of baseball known as "Banana Ball." The games feature unconventional rules and entertainment, drawing comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters and creating a buzz akin to Taylor Swift's concert demand.
Chicago Fire management is meeting with a fan who was hog-tied and removed from Soldier Field by Monterrey Security guards after waving Palestinian flags. Witnesses reported that the fan, Dominic Osmund, appeared unconscious during the altercation, prompting calls for an ambulance. Fans express concern over Monterrey Security's aggressive tactics, citing a pattern of troubling behavior.
Julia Campione, a tattoo artist and owner of Good Omen Tattoo, will host Chicago's first-ever Tattoo Lady Fest from September 5-7. The convention aims to empower female tattoo artists and support local nonprofits through a raffle and live events. Tickets go on sale July 1, with general admission priced at $20.
Four people, including a child, died in a suspicious fire at an Austin apartment building early Thursday. The fire, which broke out around 2 a.m., led to rapid spread and significant damage, prompting a large emergency response. Investigators are treating the scene as a crime scene following reports of gunshots and an explosion prior to the fire.
Owners Lydia Esparza and Nick Lessins have opened Great Lake, a new grocery and pizza shop in Andersonville, a decade after closing their previous establishment, Great Lake Pizza. The shop commenced operations quietly without a formal announcement and plans to sell unique grocery items alongside pizza. They aim for a long-term presence, signing a 10-year lease with aspirations to stay for 20 years.
Chicago's Pride Parade returns this weekend for its 54th year, emphasizing unity and safety amid national challenges. The event, themed "United in Pride," will take place on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lakeview, with city officials urging attendees to prioritize hydration and report any emergencies.
Trans and nonbinary individuals will gather at Montrose Beach in Chicago on Saturday for the inaugural “They Beach” event, organized by Gender F–ked Productions. This event aims to create a welcoming space for community connection amid rising attacks on trans rights across the country. Attendees express appreciation for the safe environment that fosters friendship and support.